Central Focus September 2011

focus central { } francis howell central high school | volume fifteen | issue two | 9.9.2011

delve 3-8 | sweat 9-13 | in focus 14-19 | the scene 21-26 | be heard 27-30 | interact 31 | aperture 32

FIVE {bully pulpit} Tina Meier visited with faculty to address the growing issue of cyberbullying amongst teens and what teachers can do to help stop the problem.

TEN {new system} As it delves into the 2011 season, the varsity football team hopes to add explosiveness to its offense by adding a third “option� in the backfield.

FOURTEEN {sb54 reaction}

24

jesse hauser

Senate Bill 54 put the spotlight on social media use by educators. The Central Focus takes a look at the controversial law and unpacks the good and the bad.

TWENTY-SIX {app-licable} Get ready to use the new wireless and download the ten best school-related apps for your smart phone. From translators to note-taking apps, we've got you covered.

THIRTY-ONE {interact} jack webb

2}

11

calli fletcher

opening shots | september 9, 2011

6

Are you design savvy? Check out page 31, our interaction page, to see how you can design a t-shirt for the Central Focus that will be won in contests later in the year!

{delve}

Stuffed lunches, empty stomachs Change to three lunches leaves cafeteria packed, students hungry photo by kelci photo by davis kelci davis

By Maddie Newton staff reporter

L

ast school year, changes to the schedule were announced and put in place this year. Instead of having five lunches, there are only three with an addition of five minutes.These five minutes were added to the beginning of the school day.

The lunch schedules were

changed to eliminate split class periods with lunch in the middle of the class. Before, there were three regular lunches and two split lunches. Guidance Counselor Trevor Wolfe explained the lunches were changed to help the teachers.

“We would be avoiding split classes which would help with the academics of those classes.

It helps because as opposed to stopping in the middle of the

class, they have continuous learning,” said Wolfe.

There are a few downfalls of only having three lunches.

Sophomore Emilie Harty, along with many other students, is having trouble having enough time to eat and finding tables to sit at.

“The new lunches are crazy. It takes forever to get your food and finding a seat in all the chaos is the worst part,” said Harty.

Another change that was made is the addition of five minutes to the beginning of the school day.

District high schools start at 7:20 and end at 2:20. This time was added to the lunches, but students are still having trouble finishing all of their food.

“I have seen a lot of half-eaten plates thrown away, but I don’t know if there is anything we can do about that,” said cafeteria worker Ronda Johnson.

In addition to the time and lunch changes, many of the students’ schedules switch completely at semester break.

This is because administration switched computer grade and schedule programs.

The schedules of many students change completely because the new computer system allows administrators please read more: LUNCH, PAGE 8

fhctoday.com | delve

}3

Director Moll returns for second act Theatre director Michelle Moll returns in hopes of continuing to make an impact Claire Henderson delve editor

Members of the theatre department returned in the fall of 2008 to find that their beloved director, Steve Kimball, was no longer there to greet them for another season.

The first semester of that school year choir director John Varwig temporarily filled the position, followed by Jennifer Ritter who finished out the year then left the department. The following year the position was filled by Shannon Latzke, who also only stayed for one year.

Theatre director Michelle Moll has refused to follow this pattern.

After graduating from University of Central Missouri in December 2009 and subbing at Fort Zumwalt West for a semester, Ms. Moll was hired to take over the entire theatre department in August 2010.

Ms. Moll admits her first year was difficult, but there was something more important pushing her through to the end.

“If you wake up and know that you get to spend the entire day with people that genuinely appreciate what you are doing,

you don’t want to do anything else,” said Ms. Moll.

Ms. Moll attributes her motivation to do her best to the students who she came to teach in the first place.

“To be honest, if it weren’t for my students and the kids in the theatre department, I really don’t think I would’ve made it,” Ms. Moll said. “They pushed me to be a better educator, but more importantly, a better person.”

Senior Melissa Mossinghoff thinks Moll is the perfect fit for the department.

“She sees where we all come from and understands all that goes on in our lives — in and outside of theatre,” Mossinghoff said. “She is so relatable and her personality just fits with all of ours. She loves what she does and it shows.”

Mossinghoff recognized that being a first-year teacher in a department centered around tradition and routine was difficult, but commended her strong will to press on.

“I think what helped her most was that she stuck with how she felt and what she believed and

didn’t let her beliefs collapse when others were trying to say and do otherwise,” Mossinghoff said.

Ms. Moll’s vision for the department has become a big part of her motivation to keep on pushing through her obstacles to be the first theatre teacher in three years to come back for a second year of teaching.

“While at FHC I hope I can help the school and community value what amazing talent we have at this school,” said Ms. Moll.

“I also want all students to feel like their dreams are important.

In my opinion, people just want someone to love and support them. As an educator and head of this department, that is my goal.”

Her students aren’t quite sure what to expect from her in her second year, but according to Mossinghoff, there are a few things they do not expect to change.

“Just as she is still figuring us out, we are discovering more about her as well,” said Mossinghoff. “I still expect to see someone that will work her butt off and someone that will give her all into our productions. I don’t think that will ever change about her.”

Allison Comfort

Senior Dalton Clark attends to a customer at the Mid River’s Mall Dairy Queen. Clark got her job at the mall at the end of her junior year.

Students strain schedules for cash 4}

delve | spetember 9, 2011

photo by kelci davis

Staff Reporter

Working and doing an extracurricular activity, not to mention homework, can be a strain on anyone’s schedule.

Senior Dalton Clark knows this firsthand. She participated in a softball and held a job successfully for two years, but this year, she had to leave softball behind in favor of her job.

“I chose the job,” Clark said. “It helps more, and it’s nice to have my own money. But I definitely miss playing.”

Students may work out work schedules differently, so they can balance school and work more easily. For example, senior Rachel Mains works mainly on the weekends, with the occasional shift during the week.

“I started working to buy a car. I needed the money, but I struggled at first, and I had to miss events, like friend’s birthdays,” Mains said. However, even through

Moll is thankful for the lessons she has learned and hopes to continue learning from her experiences and from her students.

“I would be lying if I said it wasn’t the hardest year of my life. This first year has taught me that being an educator means giving up so much of yourself, however, if you are making a difference in a child’s life, that’s all that matters. And for me, that’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”

moll’s

repertoire {2010-2011} Barefoot in the Park One Acts 2010 Seussical the Musical Not-so-Dinner Theatre

{upcoming shows} The Crucible How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying the struggle to balance keeping friends and keeping her job, she doesn’t think it was unnecessary.

“It was something I had to do,” Mains said. “It’s just a part of growing up.”

Senior Jessica Besancenez, who is on the student work program, knows the difficulties and joys of balancing working and schoolwork.

“It’s hard to balance friends and school, but the hours are good. I like my job,” Besancenez said.

Bezancenez doesn’t mind working, but she wishes she had more time for friends, as do other students. However, she believes that it is not too much to ask of students.

“It’s just enough [responsibility],” Besancenez said.

Junior Kelsey Singleton, who has just gotten a job, also participates in FHC Theatre.

Fortunately for her, nothing at all

has been affected--yet.

“Everyone’s happy [at my job]. They’re really flexible with school, because they have so many students and they’re used to that kind of thing,” Singleton said.

Money, however, is always the main motivation for the job.

Whether paying for car insurance, gas, or even a used car, students often pay these and other expenses all on their own. So, money becomes an issue. Senior Mary Bindbeutel is grateful for her job in that respect.

“I like spending my own money better than spending my parent’s,” Bindbeutel said.

“Having my own money is definitely nice.”

However, one may wonder if it is too much to ask of students to take a stressful job and throw school in the mix. It is a lot of responsibility and stress.

“It’s stressful, but it teaches priorities,” Bindbeutel said.

Mother of victim speaks out

By Alli Keisker

print executive editor

QR

code want to see more?

scan the code above and learn more about the Megan Meier Foundation and see a video podcast.

or visit

fhctoday.com/ ifocus

Staring at her computer screen, a teenage girl waits for a response, a response that would cause her good day to go on a downhill turn for the worse.

Little does she know the face on the other side of the screen was not who they said they were, but actually was a familiar face, one just down the street.

This was the life of a young girl, where rumors about her spread like wildfire across the Internet, rumors that she felt the only way of ending was to end her own life.

Because of this, the Megan Meier Foundation was created in December of 2007 by that girl’s mother, Tina Meier, with the hopes no child would have to suffer the way her daughter did.

The foundation goes to a lot of different events in the community.

Meier also go across the country to speak with middle and high school students, and faculty and parents, about cyberbullying and to give them tips and things they can do to prevent this.

“My daughter, Megan [Meier], took her own life at 13 years old,” Meier said.

“The reason I [started the Megan Meier Foundation], truly, was because if I can share Megan’s story, then maybe that story sticking with [people] can help others realize the things they do or say to another person, or the things that other people are saying to them, are wrong.”

The administration wanted teachers to become more aware with what is going on in their students’ lives, so on Aug. 18 Meier gave an hour-long presentation in the auditorium that faculty and staff were required to attend.

“Cyberbullying is like regular bullying which is usually intentional and to threaten or harass a person, but through technology, it can be extremely hurtful and extremely isolating,” Meier said. “It can happen in a split second where you think you’ve got everything handled, everything’s good, and then all of a sudden it happens to you and you feel like the entire world is falling apart.”

Sometimes people do not realize the effects of cyberbullying, or that they

are even doing it. Most do not realize how often it happens to children either.

Typically cyberbullying happens to at least two out of every five children, according to Meier. Because of Meier’s first hand experiences with bullying and cyberbullying, Meier hopes students will realize the truth about it so that other lives will not be lost.

Meier also cautions students to think before they speak because whether bullies are aware of it, their actions and words not only affect whomever they are saying these things to, but their families and friends too.

“The devastation of the loss of Megan not only just hit me, or her close family, but it was communities.

Those things never repair. My life will never be repaired from what happened to Megan,” said Meier. “I hope that they [see] this story and realize that we don’t want any more loss. I hope they’ll think before they speak, think before they click and be that better person. Listen to their heart and let it guide them verses listening to their friends telling them that they’re funny.”

photo by amber roth

photo by amber roth

Tina Meier brings awareness of cyberbullying to faculty, staff

Teachers clap as Tina Meier ends her presentation on cyberbullying. The presentation was held on Aug. 18 in the auditorium.

“

It can be extremely hurtful and extremely isolating. It can happen in a split second where you think you’ve got everything’s good, and then all of a sudden it happens to you and you feel like the entire world is falling apart.

Tina Meier

fhctoday.com | delve

}5

“

The beautiful thing about these people, though, was that although they don’t have much, they were the happiest and most genuinely caring people I have ever met ... They continuously were serving me and teaching me so much about life and about love.

During her last few days in Roatan, Fletcher spends time with her friend Eddie Miranda.

The two had a conversation on Fletcher’s final night in Honduras about God.

photo courtesy of calli fletcher

photo courtesy of calli fletcher

Calli Fletcher {senior

Fletcher and a little girl sing songs from VBS on the soccer field together.

The men on the trip spent the week fixing up a soccer field for the kids.

Helping hands go to Honduras

By Alli Keisker

print executive editor

Outside of a Honduran elementary school, the pitter-patter of footsteps can be heard in the distance. Senior Calli Fletcher turns back to find a seven-year-old girl, with tears in her eyes, scrambling to reach her for just one last hug.

After their final hug, the little girl stands waving to her with a beaming smile; the face of this little girl forever etched in Fletcher’s memory because of the unconditional love the girl had for her.

From July 23-30, Fletcher was in Roatan, Honduras with 53 students, including senior Sean Carroll, sophomores Jessica

6}

delve | september 9, 2011

Mugler, Maddie Newton, and junior Kelsey Mason, and alumni Logan Miller, Audrey Jostes, Jordan Alsobrook, and Chelsea Carroll, and adult leaders from The Realm praising God and teaching the Hondurans all that He has done for them, according to Fletcher.

The Realm is the youth group at the First Baptist Church of Harvester.

Prior to the mission trip, Fletcher knew this trip was going to impact her life, but she did not realize the extent of it until she was actually there — one week was all it took.

“The Bible calls us as Christians to go and make God’s name known and help make disciples. The focus of our trip was just to love

the Hondurans as God has loved us and leave with them eagerly wanting a relationship with God,” Fletcher said.

Because of this, they held Vacation Bible School (VBS) twice a day at a school with elementary kids. They sang songs, did crafts and other activities, but most importantly they just spent time with the Hondurans and helped them to see God’s love for them, Fletcher said.

“We had Vacation Bible School at a school every morning, teaching the children stories from the Bible and talking with them about God’s love for them and our purpose for coming to Honduras. We then had Vacation Bible School in the afternoon for even

more kids, and then just spent the rest of the day playing soccer, having good conversations, and loving them,” Fletcher said. “We taught them more about God and what becoming a Christian means. We helped them see how much we love them, although they live in a different country and culture completely different than our own. I hope we left a lasting desire in their hearts to know God more and helped them see the hope and reassurance that God’s promises bring.”

Fletcher met many different people of Roatan and everyone had their own story that touched her.

Three kids she met that touched her heart the most were Claudia,

Eddie and Michael.

Claudia only spoke Spanish, but despite their language barrier, she showed Fletcher so much love and patience.

Eddie is 18 years old and just recently had became a Christian; Fletcher spent her last night in Roatan talking with him about how God has changed their lives and she learned Eddie had decided to leave his life of drugs and alcohol to pursue his love for God. Michael the oldest child being raised by a working, single mother.

He put the lives of his younger siblings before his own and his humbleness made Fletcher realize how great it was serving others.

“

Their love and generosity never ceased to amaze me. I fell in love with Honduras and the people there and I am counting down the days until I can go back and see them again.

Four children clap their hands with the beat of the worship music with the mission team at Footsteps Orphanage in Santa Barbara.

Some missionaries stayed with the children for up to five weeks.

“[Claudia] was constantly hugging me and telling me how happy she was that I was there. On my last day there, I told her that I had to leave in the morning to go back to the United States and that I was very sad to leave, but I would be back next summer to see her.

“She began to cry, and it completely broke my heart. Her teacher came over to her desk and asked her what was wrong and all she would say is ‘I am so sad’ and ‘I am going to miss her,’” Fletcher said.

“As I left the school that day, she kept running towards me every time I would walk away for one last hug, and I kept telling her that she was too pretty to cry and that I wanted

photo courtesy of calli fletcher photo courtesy of chelsea carroll

Senior Calli Fletcher plays London Bridge with her friend, Gia, at recess.

Fletcher met a lot of different children while she was in Honduras.

photo courtesy of chelsea carroll

photo courtesy of chelsea carroll

photo courtesy of calli fletcher

Calli Fletcher {senior

A young, orphaned child stares into the eyes of the missionaries.

The children spent their days learning about God from the missionaries from the Realm.

her to smile.

“As I walked away she was waving and smiling, and I will forever keep that picture in my mind. The relationship I built with this little girl in a only a week amazed me, and I would have done anything to have stayed longer and spent more time with her. Her love for Christ at such a young age was encouraging and I can’t wait to visit her again next summer.”

After being on this trip, Fletcher feels her life is completely different.

She realized all of the many things she and Americans take for granted each and every day such as good food, clean water, houses and a public education system.

Despite the Hondurans lack of

these things, they were some of the nicest people she has ever met, Fletcher said.

“It’s hard to comprehend just how blessed we are until you see a country like Honduras that has so much less than us. The beautiful thing about these people, though, was that although they don’t have much, they were the happiest and most genuinely caring people I have ever met,” said Fletcher. “It still amazes me that even though I was in their country to serve them, they continuously were serving me and teaching me so much about life and about love.”

Because of the amazing experience she had, Fletcher says she will be serving God on many

Fletcher and Claudia sit together as they tell each other about the many ways God has affected their lives.

Claudia had a really big heart, according to Fletcher.

The children lay on the floor as they play heads up seven up. They played a lot of games with the missionaries while they were there.

more mission trips across the world in the future. She also will be returning to Honduras again next summer for at least a week because she loves the people of Honduras so much.

“It is such a rewarding experience to see how other cultures live and learn to love their country and people so much,” said Fletcher. “The whole world needs to know God, and I am called to go and make disciples. I want to be able to help the world know God’s love through my love and service towards them.”

Whether it was spending time with the kids at Vacation Bible School, playing soccer or simply just walking down the street and talking to

whoever she encountered, Fletcher says that every memory of Roatan will remain in her memory forever because it impacted her so much.

“I have so many memories from this trip that I could not just pick one as my favorite, but all of the memories that stand out the most to me involve the people there.

Their love and generosity never ceased to amaze me. I fell in love with Honduras and the people there and I am counting down the days until I can go back and see them again,” Fletcher said. “These were not just people that I met, but they became friends, and I am so eager to see how God uses them in this next year as I wait to go back.”

fhctoday.com | delve

}7

jump from page 3: LUNCH

to make changes to schedules when necessary.

In past years, students could not always get their number one pick of single semester elective courses, but this new system allows students to switch full-year classes to different class periods in order to give them their top class choices.

“It gave us the ability to give students their first choices of classes. They were able to keep the same teacher and get their first choices at a higher percentage,” said Mr. Wolfe.

QR

code

Some of the students are upset about having to switch their classes second semester because they will have to find different friends in their classes and different routes around the school.

“It’s going to be confusing because I don’t know when to go to my locker and bring books to classes. It just messes up my whole rhythm,” said senior Andrew Heuvelman.

With all of the schedule changes at semester break, many potential problems could occur with confused students about schedule changes, according to Mr. Wolfe.

“We don’t expect any problems at this point. We are trying to stay positive. Ask me 10 days into second semester and there might be a different story,” said Mr. Wolfe.

want to see more?

scan the code above and see more student reaction to the changes made to lunch schedules this year.

District-issued email coming later in year

By Mary Niebur staff reporter

The newest school policy that has gotten students talking is the new school issued emails, which each student will be receiving this year, according to Chief Technology Officer Ray Eernisse.

These new school issued emails are meant to help the district as a whole to communicate more efficiently.

There have been requests in the past for student emails from teachers, according to Mr. Eernisse. The school lacked proper funds for the emails, The Microsoft @ Live.edu was discovered and will allow students to communicate any time, anywhere for no cost.

“Student email will provide for a method of student and

teacher communication. It will also provide a way for students to communicate with other students in the district or other districts for projects and the exchange of information. Currently, students have to use their personal email addresses,” Eernisse said.

For teachers, such as Mrs. Jill Schaffer, this news changes the way she communicates with her students.

Where as before she would just go onto Facebook and send out messages or chats to her DECA students, now with the click of a button an email is sent and people get the information.

“Yes, I think [school-issued emails are] a great idea. I need to communicate with students all the time about DECA field

trips and assignments,” said Schaffer. “I used to do that through Facebook, but not everyone is on Facebook when I need to talk to them, and with these new emails it helps.”

Although these emails have not been issued to the students yet, junior Josh Dickey is already on board with the idea.

“I think these emails will benefit the teachers more then the students, but nonetheless, the emails are definitely not hurting anyone and having them is better then not,” Dickey said. “I think the emails will make it easier to ask questions on work when I’m not at school and make it easier to understand what I’m supposed to do on my homework. It’s like a having tutor at all times”

“I think the emails will make it easier to ask questions on work when I’m not at school and make it easier to understand what I’m supposed to do on my homework.

It’s like having a tutor at all times.” { Josh Dickey } junior The district is planning to roll out emails for every high school student in the district later in the school year. The thinking is this will make communication between students and teachers easier when a student has a question about classwork or a coach or club sponsor needs to get out information in a timely manner.

“After graduating high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. SCC gave me the time to figure it out before transferring to a four-year university.” ~ DJ Shocklee SCC alum Francis Howell Central alum

Find SCC on : Ask your counselor how to get started at St. Charles Community College. Call 636-922-8000 or visit stchas.edu.

8}

delve | september 9, 2011

{sweat} Opting for offensive option Football team sticks with its three season old offensive plan for player types

photo by ellen hinze

By Blake Beck

D

staff reporter

espite a 4-6 2010 football season, the Spartans have opted to stick with their current offensive system.

This system is described as a multiple-formation option attack similar to Georgia Tech’s offense.

In the eyes of Coach Todd

Berck, this offense is a perfect fit for the team because of the amount of athletes they possess.

“We feel this offense gives us the best opportunity to compete,” Coach Berck said.

The team has made some minor changes to its game plan this year. Instead of their twoback formation used in the past,

an additional running back has been added, giving the offense more threats in the back field.

“It gives us more options at running back and forces the defense to balance up,” Coach Berck said.

With three running backs, its no surprise this offense stresses the running game. Last year’s statistics prove it, as alumnus

Kaleb Cooper rushed for 568 yards on 78 attempts, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.This year’s backfield has run for a total of 270 yards in its first two games against Troy and CBC, according to STLtoday.com According to Coach Berck, the run-heavy offense will play an integral role in the team’s success.

“It allows us to control the clock,” Coach Berck said. “It also gives us the opportunity for a big pass play by forcing the defense to move up and defend the run.”

There are a few weaknesses to this offense, according to Coach Berck. It dampers the passing attack, evident by please read more: OFFENSE, PAGE 10

fhctoday.com | sweat

}9

jump from page 9: OFFENSE

^(

quarterback Chip Miller’s 2010 statistics, as he only attempted 113 passes the entire season.

Senior wide receiver Jayden Lumpa still believes in this offense despite playing a role in the passing game.

team.

While the wide receiver position may not see a whole lot of action, the offensive line position has a heavy workload as they try to open up holes for a big play by the running back.

This role is something that junior center Joe McDevitt loves to play.

“Running the option is a lot fun because it is a lot more intense blocking the run,” McDevitt said. “I think its a perfect style because we have a really good offensive line,

X

X

(^

sweat | september 9, 2011

O

(^

10}

X

X

OO O OO X X X^ (X X X X X

O

(^

^(

O

O

OO

(^

The option is a play that allows the quarter back to choose what he wants to do with the ball. The quarter back for the Spartans, senior Chip Miller, can either run the ball or pass it to the running back. This year, with two running backs, the offense has more back field threats.

This forces the team’s opponent to cover more area which allows the offense to succeed more.

coaches, but most importantly the players, are confident in this year’s offense.

“I believe our offense is going to do better this year,” McDevitt said. “We have a lot of returning seniors and we have worked a lot harder this year.”

Coach Berck is especially excited about this year’s football team.

“Kids have worked really hard and are focused on their goals,” Coach Berck said. “It’s been a joy working with them and we just have to go out and execute.”

X

{the option}

which is a key for a successful running game.”

Even with the skilled offensive line, the option is already difficult on defenses.

With three potential threats on the ground, the defense must play mistake free football.

“I feel like its the best for our team because its tough for defense to cover with the multiple running backs,” Lumpa said.

The locker room morale is certainly high as the season gets underway. Not only are the

X

^(

“Obviously, as a receiver, I like the pass more, but our running game is pretty strong,” Lumpa said.

Another issue that may arise from the new offensive plan is the possibility of falling behind in games.

“If you fall behind by three or four touchdowns its hard to come back,” Coach Berck said.

In addition, the option offense is repetitive, which may lead to an opposing defense picking up on the tendencies of the

^(

Passion defines choices

Sophomore Jack Webb sacrifices football for a successful cross country career

“

By Matthew Lundberg Staff Reporter

Runners slouch at the line, arms hanging limp, waiting anxiously for the gun—the gun fires, signalling the start of the first race of the season. The boys cross country team is poised for the beginning of the 2011 season, each athelete prepared.

Jack Webb, a hopeful sophomore has come onto the scene and joined the team and Coach Michelle Breuer for a hopeful state charge.

Webb, a former football player, left the football team in order to run cross country for the boys team in an effort to improve his endurance for wrestling. Webb not only runs to improve his chances in wrestling, he also runs because he likes running.

“I really enjoy running,” Webb said, “I run whenever I can.”

Unlike football, cross country is an individual based sport and each athlete is more responsible for his success.

“I have to work hard to carry my end of the stick or I let my team

down,” said Webb.

As a sophomore and first-year runner, this burden to carry his own weight becomes even heavier.

As a varsity runner, Webb will be competing against older, more experienced competition each meet and will be maturing more each time off the starting line.

Webb is no stranger to excelling in athletics. When football Coach Jim Greco was informed of Webb’s decision to run instead of play football, he was disappointed. “[Coach Greco] was excited to coach me again and was disappointed I wasn’t playing football,” Webb said. “He thinks I am a football player, not a runner.”

Football and cross country have different demands for an athlete. As a football player, physical strength was a key aspect of Webb’s performance.

As a runner, however, endurance and mental toughness are necessary in order to fight through the physical pain that comes with long-distance running, according to Coach Breuer.

“Jack’s strength in mind and his athletic ability will help him succeed this season,” Coach Breuer said.

Webb’s physical strength will also benefit him for the demanding cross country season. Having a strong body will help him to combat the exhausting season and will serve to

make him a stronger runner for years to come, according to Coach Breuer.

“Jack doesn’t look like the typical distance runner; [he’s] lean and he stands out because of his broader build,” said Coach Breuer. “This could serve him well, though, through pure strength.”

Webb’s main goal for this season is to qualify for the state cross country meet and to assist the boys team in earning a spot to compete for the state title. To accomplish this goal, Webb has aspirations to focus on how running can benefit him in the future, and to perservere through whatever obstales stand in his way.

“I have to stay focused on the long run and where my successes can take me,” Webb said.

Webb, like other athletes, can play a role in his own success by working out to strengthen himself for the demands of a long season.

“Jack is a hard worker and a positive motivator for the team,” Coach Breuer said.

Webb’s hard work pushed him into the varsity line-up for the first varsity race of the 2011 season.

Standing at the line amongst the varsity runners is sophomore Jack Webb, calm and as determined as ever. The gun fires and Webb springs to life, his new found sport has begun. photos by margaret borgmeyer and kelci davis

Jack doesn’t look like the typical distance runner; [he’s] lean and he stands out because of his broader build. . .

This could serve him well, though, through pure strength.

Michelle Bruer {cross country coach

fhctoday.com | sweat

}11

Football captian Dalton Daies walks to the sidelines during the home game against Troy. The Spartans defeat the Trogans 21-20.

Before their game starts, players of the JV soccer team attempt to stay cool. Many games and practices have been cancelled due to the heat.

Athletes unfazed by heat wave Soaring temperatures,tough workouts force athletes to fight through practices

August weather info

By Cody Jones

Highest temperatures 103 degrees: Aug. 31 102 degrees: Aug. 2 100 degrees: Aug. 1 & 24 Average temperature for August: 91.4 degrees St. Louis County Health Department health tips: • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.

• Drink plenty of cool beverages, especially those without sugar or caffeine.

• Take regular breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned room.

Summer days are known for their intense heats, and while you might be swimming and staying inside, sports teams are outside having practice. Recent temperatures have been soaring towards the 100’s, making players wonder how the heat is affecting their play.

“I don’t think that I play 100 percent when it’s hotter than usual,” said junior Andy Wagner, junior defensive end on the varsity football team. “We tend to get tired by the heat faster, so physically, we are unable to go as hard as usual,” he added.

“But most of the time I try to just

Source: National Weather Service

12}

staff reporter

sweat | september 9, 2011

suck it up and fight through it. If its hot and the coaches notice the players are struggling, we usually get a few breaks.” said Wagner.

Players understand coaches look out for them, but they also come prepared to deal with the heat.

“I always wear a white shirt, and just do whatever I can to stay cool,” said junior Jake Adkins, junior defender on the soccer team.

Players stay cool in a variety of ways, including staying in shaded areas and drenching their heads in freezing water every time they are permitted to get a drink.

Coaches are required to offer water to players throughout the practices, but players think water breaks could

The JV soccer team practices outside despite the extreme heat.

The coaches were sure to keep the players hydrated to avoid injury.

come more frequently.

“They could give us more water breaks, but we understand they want to get as much work done as possible,” said Adkins.

Wagner added his theory on why the coaches don’t offer as much water as players think they should.

“Coaches are reluctant to give players water because it is not like the players are going to really suffer without it for a while,” Wagner said.

Cross country seems to be fine with its water situation, as runners hydrate often before and during practice.

"Water is the most important thing in our sport," said junior Michael Van

Horn. His coach, Michelle Breuer, keeps a truck of water for runners to hydrate with. "We can run through fountains depending on where we're running," Breuer said.

Despite the heat, athletes are determined to improve their skills.

Van Horn, Wagner, and Adkins all stated when the heat makes practice tough, they simply suck it up.

"In the long run, it improves my endurance, so I deal with it," Van Horn said.

Wagner sees that same mentality in himself and his team. He believes the heat is actually making himself and the team tougher.

"It helps me play harder so practice goes by quicker," Wagner said.

By Matthew Cochran staff reporter

Over the summer, the board of education approved the replacement of the tennis courts here and Francis Howell North, with the addition of two courts at North so that all the high schools will have eight tennis courts to play on.

Both high schools are getting the courts replaced by the Vee Jay Cement and were expecting them to be done by late July, but due to the weather, the project was postponed.

Central’s courts are now expected to be finished in early September.

The courts will still be open to the public under the same rules and regulations that they are available after school when not in use.

The tennis courts needed to be replaced due to the fact they were outdated and were starting to crack.

According to Activities Director Scott Harris, the 14-year-old courts were becoming unsafe for use. The new courts are going to be built using post-tension technology compared to the asphalt the school had originally.

Post-tension courts have four inches of concrete with half-inch sheath tension cables centered in the concrete.

“Student safety is our top priority,” said Mr. Harris. “The courts [were] starting to crack, surface was wearing away and the surface is becoming slick.”

The tennis courts at all of the FHSD schools have been replaced. Howell got its courts replaced when they got their new building.

North have never had their courts replaced, only resurfaced in the past, according to Chief Financial Officer Kevin Supple.

“As part of the new construction at Francis Howell High School, new tennis courts were built. The prior courts were original and had been resurfaced a number of times, but never replaced,” said Mr. Supple. “This is also true for North . The tennis courts that were recently replaced had been resurfaced on occasion, but had never been fully replaced.”

The funds used to pay for the tennis courts to be replaced is from the construction part of the budget, called capital projects. This is different from the funds used to pay teachers, which is from special revenue; the money in the capital project cannot be put into special revenue for teacher salaries. The only place where money can be pulled from to help fund other parts of the budget is the general section.

“The money used to pay for teachers comes

photo by Matthew Cochran

Weathered courts get makeover

The tennis court renovations have been in progress since June. The original plan was for the courts to be finished by July, but plans were thrown off due to the weather.

from a different fund than the money used to pay for tennis courts,” said Mr. Supple. “The replacement of the tennis courts at school and FHN was identified by the Facilities Committee as a priority item for several years.

There were funds budgeted last schooll year to resurface the tennis courts.”

The girls tennis team is currently practicing at McNair Park until the courts are complete and ready to use. This is costing the team

time it would normally spend practicing because they have to now travel after school to the park. The upperclassmen are having to drive the underclassmen and who ever can not drive to the park for practice.

“We have to find our own ride. Juniors and seniors usually give [underclassmen] rides,” said junior Alex Wilson. “Practice is now 3:30 to 5:30 instead of 2:30 to 5:30. It is lots of time to lose.”

fhctoday.com | sweat

}1 3

54

What you need to know about...

Senate Bill In response to unappropriate behavior between teachers and their students, the Missouri senate created Senate Bill 54 (SB54). This bill has caused controversial opinions.

Here, section 162.069 is broken down. This section shows the requirements for the school policy.

other social network

communication between

teachers and students. The only site that fits this description

is edmodo. Read more on this topic on page 18.

{terms to know...}

1. promulgate (prom·ul·gate) verb - to make known by open declaration; publish; proclaim formally or put into operation.

2. social networking - the development of social and professional contacts; sharing information and services among people with a common interest.

3. stringent (strin·gent) adjective - rigorously binding or exacting; strict; severe: stringent laws.

4. explicit (ex·plic·it) adjective - fully and clearly expressed or demonstrated; leaving nothing merely implied.

5. sexual abuse (sex·u·al abuse) noun - a: the infliction of sexual contact upon a person by forcible compulsion b: the engaging in sexual contact with a person who is incapable of giving consent because of age or mental or physical incapacity.

14 }

Both clauses describe the approved student teacher relationship. While one states approprite electronic media is allowed, the other states work-related internet sites are not allowed unless they can be supervised by the school administrators and the child’s legal custodian.

..^ ..... .. .. .. .....

1. Every school district shall, by January 1, 2012, promulgate1 a written policy concerning teacher-student communication SCS SB and employee-student communication. Such policy shall contain at least the following elements: (1) Appropriate oral and nonverbal personal

communication, which may be combined with or included in any policy on sexual harassment; and (2) Appropriate use of electronic media such as text messaging and internet sites for both instructional and personal purposes, with an element concerning use of social networking2 sites no less stringent3 than the provisions of

subsections 2, 3, and 4 of this section.

2. As used in this section, the following terms shall mean: (1) “Exclusive access”, the information on the website is available only to the owner (teacher) and user (student) by mutual explicit consent and where third parties have no access to the information on the website absent an explicit4 consent agreement with the owner (teacher); (2) “Former student”, any person who was at one time a student at the school at which the teacher is employed and who is eighteen years of age or less and who has not graduated; (3) “Nonwork-related internet site”, any internet website or web page used by a teacher primarily for personal purposes and not for educational purposes; (4) “Work-related internet site”, any internet website or web pages used by a teacher for educational purposes.

}

This clause prohibits the use

of Facebook, Twitter and any

*

3. No teacher shall establish, maintain, or use a workrelated internet site unless such site is available to school administrators and the child’s legal custodian, physical custodian, or legal guardian.

{

4. No teacher shall establish, maintain, or use a nonwork-related internet site which allows exclusive access with a current or former student. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as prohibiting a teacher from establishing a nonwork related internet site, provided the site is used in accordance with this section.

5. Every school district shall, by July 1, 2012, include

in its teacher and employee training, a component that provides up-to-date and reliable information on identifying signs of sexual abuse5 in children and danger signals of potentially abusive relationships between children and adults. The training shall emphasize the importance of mandatory reporting of abuse under section 210.115 including the obligation of mandated reporters to report suspected abuse by other mandated reporters, and how to establish an atmosphere of trust so that students feel their school has concerned adults with whom they feel comfortable discussing matters related to abuse.

This clause sets

a time frame on

when school

districts will need

to have a policy

on the

requirements

stated in section

162.069.

*This is not he full text of SB54. It is an internet copy from www.senate.mo.gov

in focus | september 9, 2011

The

Revisions

S AY W H AT ?

Because SB54 started controversy, the bill was revised in certin places.

162.069 was one that was revised to clarify misunderstood clauses. Some clauses in 162.069 were vague and could be interpreted in multiple ways which caused conflict and the need to clarify.

The Missouri State Teachers Association challenged the bill on Aug. 28 due to its questionable constitiutionality. ov n

et

rn

ot

sn

i his

*T

he

fu

ll t

t ex

of

5

SB

t is

I 4.

an

e int

y op

m

fro

.se ww

w

c

g

o.

.m

e at

of

(5) Forcible rape under section 566.030; 34

(6) Forcible sodomy under section 566.060; 35 (7) Burglary in the first degree under section 569.160; 36 (8) Burglary in the second degree under section 569.170; (9) Robbery in the first degree under section 569.020; (10) Distribution of drugs under section 195.211; (11) Distribution of drugs to a minor under section 195.212; (12) Arson in the first degree under section 569.040; (13) Voluntary manslaughter under section 565.023; (14) Involuntary manslaughter under section 565.024; (15) Second degree assault under section 565.060;

misconduct in all forms violates the sanctity of the human body, mind, and/or spirit, and includes any sexual penetration intercourse, any intentional sexual touching, disrobing or exposure to another by a man or woman without effective consent, sexual exploitation and/or sexual harassment.

{

Forcible Rape: The carnal knowledge of a person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (or because of his/her youth).

(16) Sexual assault under section 566.040;

(17) Felonious restraint under section 565.120; (18) Property damage in the first degree under section 569.100; (19) The possession of a weapon under chapter 571;

(20) Child molestation in the first degree pursuant to section 566.067; (21) Deviate sexual assault pursuant to section 566.070; (22) Sexual misconduct involving a child pursuant to section 566.083; (23) Sexual abuse pursuant to section 566.100;

}

Sexual Misconduct: Sexual

SB54

The policy shall require school administrators to report acts of school violence to all teachers at the attendance center and, in addition, to other school district employees with a need to know. The policy shall at a minimum require school administrators to report, as soon as reasonably practical, to the appropriate law enforcement agency any of the following crimes, or any act which if committed by an adult would be one of the following crimes: (1) First degree murder under section 565.020; 30 (2) Second degree murder under section 565.021; 31 (3) Kidnapping under section 565.110; 32 (4) First degree assault under section 565.050; 33

(24) Harassment under section 565.090; or (25) Stalking under section 565.225; committed on school property.

(11) If a student reports alleged sexual misconduct on the part of a teacher or other school employee to a person employed in a school facility who is required to report such misconduct to the children’s division under section 210.115, such person and the superintendent of the school district shall forward the allegation to the children’s division within twenty-four hours of receiving the information.

13. If, after an initial investigation, the superintendent of schools or the president of the school board finds that the report involves an alleged incident of child abuse other than the administration of a spanking by certificated school personnel or the use of reasonable force to protect persons or property when administered by school personnel pursuant to a written policy of discipline or that the report was made for the sole purpose of harassing a public school employee, the superintendent of schools or the president of the school board shall immediately refer the matter back to the children’s division and take no further action.

rise a s lem b o r re p e h w

?

One of the issues with any bill is the ability for definitions to vary depending on the perspective of those defining it. What one person considers sexual misconduct, others may find acceptable. While extreme situations are typically agreed upon, borderline issues, like communication outside of school, often cause issues and disagreements. fhctoday.com | in focus

}15

1.5.11

A brief history Missouri Senate Bill 54 is introduced by Sen. Jane Cunningham (R-Chesterfield).

Senate Bill 54 overrid

Administration plans to change district policy due

2.20.12 8.28.11 8.26.11 8.22.11 8.19.11

8.8.11 7.30.11 7.14.11

By Karley Canova

16 }

Bill proceeds through Missouri Senate and House, passing 97-52 in the House and unanimously in the Senate.

Bill is signed on July 14 by Gov. Jay Nixon.

First coverage of SB54 hits internet on Mashable, a social media website, and other Missouri media outlets.

National media outlets, including CBS News, MSNBC, The Today Show and many others cover the Missouri “Facebook law.”

Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA) requests Cole County Circuit Court determine the constitutionality of portions of SB54, citing First Amendment. concerns.

Christina Thomas, a teacher in Ladue, files suit against the Ladue School District and the Missouri State School Board for restraining her speech as a result of SB54.

Injunction issued by Cole County circuit court judge Jon Beetum, stating portions of SB54 would have a “chilling effect” on speech.

Date SB54 was scheduled to take effect. Judge Jon Beetum approves the Missouri State Teachers Association’s request for an injunction of section 162.069 of SB 54.

Date injunction issued by Judge Beetum expires.

in focus | september 9, 2011

staff reporter

According to section 162.069 of the Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), every school district must develop a written policy concerning teacher - student communication, and employee - student communication by Jan. 1, 2012. This policy was set to go into effect for the Francis Howell School District on Sept. 1, 2011.

“Each policy must include appropriate oral and nonverbal personal communication, which may be combined with sexual harassment policies, and appropriate use of electronic media as described in the act, including social networking sites,” said Dr. Steven Griggs.

The establishment, use or maintenance of a work-related website is prohibited unless it is accessible to school administrators and the child’s legal custodian, physical custodian or legal guardian. Teachers are also not allowed to have non-work-related sites that allows exclusive access with a current or former student. The law defines “former student” as any person who was at one time a student at the school at which the teacher is employed and who is eighteen years of age or younger and who has not graduated.

Teachers and employees will be required to participate in training to learn to detect signs of sexual abuse or potentially abusive relationships between children and adults. This training emphasizes mandatory reporting. This training component must be in effect by January 1, 2012.

“It is the responsibility of the employee to immediately report to their supervisor any inappropriate electronic communication, whether initiated by the student or someone else,” according to the school website.

The district policy instructs the school to refrain from communication through social media or any electronic communication between student and teacher or employee, except those who are related.

{

“The new law is somewhat more restrictive than our current policy, in that our policy excludes relatives from the restrictions, where the law does not specifically exclude relatives,” said Dr. Griggs.

The law and the district policy were created in order to give guidance to school staff members. According to Dr. Griggs, there were ongoing concerns about the inappropriate communication between students and teachers, not in Francis Howell, but other places in Missouri. The guidelines will cause the loss of many benefits to electronic communication.

“It will limit some legitimate uses that teachers [and students] now have. But it could serve to protect them as well,” said Dr. Griggs.

According to Dr. Griggs, the new policy will be seen as too restrictive in many cases, by both students and teachers. However, he believes that it will make teachers think about the way they communicate with students.

English teacher Ms. Laurie Fay is one of the teachers who is affected by this policy.

According to Ms. Fay, a positive aspect of the policy is that it is bringing awareness to the cyber world. However, she believes it is lumping everyone together.

“Just because one person writes a bad letter, doesn’t mean we ban pens,” said Ms. Fay. “One bad person should not ruin it for all the

want to see more? scan the code to the left and read more on the injunction of Senate Bill 54. Read the opinions of Judge Jon Beetum and representatives for the Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA).

or visit fhctoday.com/delve

others. It would be wrong to c that way, so it would be wro teachers that way.”

For the school year 2010 - 2 a Facebook discussion group fo This provided help to students

des district policy

e to the fact Senate Bill 54 countermands it

categorize students rong to categorize

2011, Ms. Fay had or her AP students. for when they had

questions outside of class. However, due to the policy, the group is obsolete.

“I won’t be using it this year just to prevent any type of misunderstandings,” said Ms. Fay. “[The policy] won’t affect [students] greatly in my class, but it affects the level of communication that

“

students are used to.”

Ms. Fay believes the law is too vague. Due to the fact that it is left open for districts to toy with, it is left open for too much interpretation.

“That’s why most people are upset because they don’t understand. It’s not clean cut,” said Ms. Fay.

I am mixed [about Senate Bill 54.] I think it’s good to protect kids. It affects the ability to contact kids through social networking websites. But it violates the first amendment, so it’s also unclear.

Mr. Kris Miller {guidance counselor

The idea [of Senate Bill 54] is good, but not the right way to go about it. Students need to communicate with their teachers, but the new law will make it difficult.

Mrs. Laura Heidenreich {secretary

This gives everyone time to debate and discuss the issue to come to a proper resolution rather than rushing to piece together language that doesn’t resolve the concerns of educators or allow time for teacher input.

Mrs. Gail McCray {MSTA legal counsel

[FHSD] will still be required to develop a social media policy as defined in [Senate Bill 54].

It is very possible that changes to our current [policy] will be made.

Dr. Steven Griggs {chief human resource officer

Even if a complete ban on certain forms of communication between certian individuals could be construed as content neutral and one a reasonable restriction on ‘time, place and manner,’ the breadth of the prohibition is staggering. The coutry finds that the public interest is best served by allowing a trial and ruling on the merits before the statute is implemented.

Cole County circuit judge Joe Beetum {judge

The only reason [State Bill 54]is good is because it protects teachers from any miscommunication between them and students. Misunderstandings between them could potentially get teachers in trouble.

Mrs. Katie Lozano {foreign language teacher

fhctoday.com | in focus

}17

Finding alternative ways around bill

By Alli Keisker

print executive editor

With the new state bill being enacted, but not yet put into effect, teachers and students are no longer able to be friends with each other on social networking websites such as Facebook or Twitter.

In the past, teachers were able to post reminders for tests and due dates and students could ask questions about homework assignments. Despite the new law, teachers are finding alternative routes, such as Edmodo, to be connected with their students.

Teachers, such as Mrs. Katie Lozano and Dr. Jennifer Miller, decided to use Edmodo this year because it is easy for students to access to find reminders and homework help. Mrs. Lozano’s classroom also features a poster with a QR code to her Edmodo classroom for those who have smart phones.

“I send out alerts the night before tests and major due dates—these go straight to the students’ email or are sent as texts. I post a discussion question every week so that the people who don’t like to to talk in class can still get participation points,” Dr. Miller said. “Once they are on, their calendar will show them assignments from every teacher they have that uses it,

1 8}

in focus | september 9, 2011

that generates a so it can help keep them special code to give to organized, too.”

“I showed [my their students so the Edmodo is an online student can create an social networking website students] how to set Edmodo account and that allows teachers to be up their notifications, join the classroom. friends with their students, whether they want Parents can have a but in a legal manner. It is them by text or email personal code to view similar to Facebook, but and what things they their student’s progress more secure for teachers in the class and view and students to use, want to be notified due dates, but they according to both Mrs. about. I uploaded cannot do anything on Lozano and Dr. Miller. The links to other websites the website other than website allows students to the class uses, that. The website will get mobile updates to their along with notes and also allow teachers to phones with homework block others who are and test reminders on it. assignments. All that not in her classes, Mrs. “I can post assignments, is in one place now.

Lozano said. speaking exercises, a Edmodo changed my “[Parents] have their calendar and everything life! ” own code so that they else I did on my old can log on and observe website, except that I can { Dr. Jennifer Miller } what’s going on [in also respond to questions Spanish teacher class],” Dr. Miller said. & have discussions for “I can send messages class,” Dr. Miller said. “I Due to Senate Bill 54, teachers and students are no longer allowed to be friends on social just to parents, too.” started using it last year, networking websites such as Facebook or Twitter. Because of this, teachers are forced to Edmodo is new because it’s so much find alternative ways to communicate with their to most students easier than the website students online. Edmodo is one of the alternatives that teachers, such as Dr. Jennifer Miller, have this year, but Mrs. platforms that are out begun using in their classrooms.

Lozano is still making there for teachers.” it a requirement for her Teachers who use Edmodo must create an online classroom classes to use because she will be posting

calendar reminders, homework help and PDF’s of documents on it for students to use.

“Edmodo is required for my classes,” Mrs. Lozano said. “I use Edmodo because it will be used as my class website that my students can use for assignments and blogs.”

But, not all teachers are making it a requirement. Dr. Miller opened her Edmodo account last year, but is not requiring it for her classes.

“I strongly suggest [my students to use Edmodo], but I don’t force anyone to use it,” Dr. Miller said. “Some people don’t have Internet access at home and some people just don’t use technology all that much.”

Overall, teachers are finding Edmodo to be a helpful resource for them to use due to the simplicity of it. Dr. Miller says it took her only 15 minutes to show her classes how to log in and join her class group.

“I showed [my students] how to set up their notifications, whether they want them by text or email and what things they want to be notified about,” Dr. Miller said. “I uploaded links to other websites the class uses, along with notes and assignments.

All of that is in one place now. Edmodo changed my life!”

positive THE

side SB54 of

Sexual misconduct is now on the list of offenses for which a teachers’ license or certificate may be revoked.

While the spotlight has largely been focused on the section of Senate Bill 54 that attempts to prohibit student-teacher mis-

conduct, there are many other clauses in the document that will change the way Missouri schools function. The bill is a lengthy, verbose document, so we have singled out a few of the positive effects SB 54 will have on schools in the coming months.

SB 54 creates the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children, in a clause known as “Erin’s Law.” Districts are responsible for including in their employee training curriculum that provides information on identifying signs of sexual abuse in children.

SB 54 promotes accountability for teachers that are convicted of sexual misconduct by requiring reports of misconduct to be released to a teacher’s future employers.

Sex offenders are no longer allowed to be on school boards.

SB 54 requires more in-depth background checks for teachers and bus drivers at charter companies.

The state of Missouri has now adopted a mandatory reporting stance for allegations of sexual abuse.

It is now a requirement that prosecution of cases involving sexual offenses against a person 18 years of age or younger must be commenced within 30 years after the victim reaches the age of 18.

SB 54 protects school district employees who report alleged sexual misconduct in good faith.

fhctoday.com | in focus

}19

Yearbook

ARE YOU

Ad Space

YET?

New this year Participate in our school-wide documentary, the week of Homecoming! n Interact with us on Facebook. n Links to online work from the pages of the yearbook. n Write your own senior superlative. n Contests during spirit days n

Reserve your copy of the 2011-12 yearbook at registration.

Cost of the book is $55 until Dec. 1.

Order form for the 2011-12 yearbook

know: All of the dates listed below are firm. No exceptions will be made.

Cookie dough pickup: 9/20/11 Senior photos taken at Prestige Portraits (314.963.1414 for an appointment): 11/18/11

Name: _________________________________________ Grade: ____ Cash: ____

Date:________

Check#_____

Mugshot #:_____ (Odyssey staff use only)

All checks must be made payable to FHC Publications

The price of the yearbook will be $55 until Friday, Dec. 2, 2011.

On that date, the price will rise to $65.

Staff signature: ____________________

20}

dates to

advertisements | september 9, 2011

Yearbook price increases: 12/02/11 Senior ad forms due: 12/16/11 Questions? matthew.schott@ fhsdschools.org 636.851.5636

{the scene}

Flippin’ feathers form fad The addition of feathers to students hair becomes the next ‘big thing’ photo by margaret borgmeyer

By Caitlan Good

I

staff reporter

t seems that today in school everywhere a person looks they will see feathers. It’s the latest trend, and even though it is common, every feather is unique in its own way.

From different colors and shapes, to different materials each extension shows the personality of the person wearing it. Feather extensions are very

versatile; they can be blowdried, straightened, curled and washed. They can be treated like normal hair and can withstand heat up to 400 degrees.

Each extension can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on how well they are cared for. Once they fall out, they can be put back in for about five dollars, according to the Page Boy Salon website.

Feathers are made from fly

fishing lures. The lures can be made from rooster feathers, peacock feathers and can even be synthetic.

Prices for feathers are soaring because the demand is so high and the feathers are difficult to come across. Some people may think getting the feathers put in would be a difficult process, but it only takes about ten minutes.

To attach, you take a strand of hair and thread it though a

bead that is placed on top of the feather, or alternate material, and a clamp is used to lock the bead in place, and it’s done. It’s a simple process, that really lasts.

Sophomore Jessica Reid got her feathers when she was on vacation.

“My cousins invited me to go get them when we were in Alabama on vacation, and I had no idea how popular they had gotten until I got back to school,”

said Reid.

She enjoys her feathers because she can have more color, without permanently dying it, “It’s really cute, but it’s not in the way. It gives my hair color, but can be easily removed whenever I want.”

Although Reid finds feathers cute, she does not plan on getting them put back in once please read more: FEATHERS, 25

fhctoday.com | the scene

}21

playlist

“songs to soothe” It is pretty common that I find myself stressed out over the routine AP test, parental disorder or a severe chemical imbalance due to teenage angst. I made this playlist to counterbalance these daily affairs.

So, plug in your headphones and block out the world for a little while.

by kelci davis

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

“White Balloons” by Sick Puppies This song is extremely strong lyrically, and one of my favorite songs ever. I have always been a fan of Sick Puppies, and as soon as I found this song I loved it.

“The Tide Began to Rise” by Demon Hunter While the lyrics are a bit depressing, the relaxed tones paired with Ryan Clark’s raspy voice are very soothing.

The song brings a bit of a catharsis after a long day.

{

BURGERS

Which burger do you prefer?

The lyrics of this song strike a deep chord within me, and the acoustic rendition of this song is much more calming to me than the normal rock version.

Christy’s: 57%

“Watch Over You” by Alter Bridge Watching this music video for the first time gave me chills, and ever since, this song has cooled my nerves and helped me to relax.

It’s A Better Burger: 43%

It’s a more classy environment and the burgers taste a whole lot better.

When I first heard this song, I was amazed it was by Pearl Jam. I love the simple style of the song: it emphasizes both the lyrics and comforting tone.

“Oh Star” by Paramore

Paramore may be known for their alternative-rock sound, but their softer acoustic songs are just as brilliant. This song is older, but as good as new.

French fries or onion rings?

A thin, yet juicy patty with a large diameter, cooked over natural charcoal.

I believe the chorus of this song, “call me a sinner, call me a saint...”, rings true with everyone at one point or another. You won’t regret listening to this song.

“Oil and Water” by Incubus

Incubus is a great band to go to when you need chill out, and this song is one of their better songs for relaxing. I’ve been addicted to it for a while now.

Despite being the last song, “The Freshmen” is one song I always find myself singing to after a long day. It’s a song that has made me cry and smile all at once.

22}

the scene | september 9, 2011

James Hurley {sophomore

Describe your perfect burger:

“Call Me” by Shinedown

“The Freshmen” by The Verve Pipe

Jeremy Karp {junior

What sets apart the sit-down burger joints from the rest?

“Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam

When I was first found this song, I almost ignored it because of the band’s name. I was happily surprised to find a band with depth, inspiration and great songs.

“ “ “

What’s the weirdest burger you’ve ever had?

Whatever burgers this school serves.

“Everchanging (Acoustic)” by Rise Against

“Crawl” by Superchick

}

BATTLE of the

Big Mac Whopper 67% 33%

American cheese

27%

Pepper jack cheese

21% Cheddar cheese

“

What’s the best burger you’ve ever had?

Fries: 56% Onion rings: 44%

What’s your favorite cheese to put on a burger?

34%

Devin Enochs {freshman

18%

Other types of cheese

The surf ‘n’ turf burger from Joe’s Crab Shack.

Jasmine Chandler {junior

{Top ten summer trends}

By Lizzi Holland the scene editor

PLANKING

Ever pretend to be a two-by-four plank of wood? Do you enjoy laying completely still for hours at a time?

Then planking might be the activity for you! The goal is to lay like a board in the strangest places you can find. Have fun.

FEATHERS

Have you ever wanted a pop of a bright color in your hair without the damaging effects of hair dye? Then, you may want to consider getting a feather extension. Each feather is secured in your hair with crimping, locking beads, no glue needed, and they last up to six months depending on how well you take care of them. Feathers are all in all, a cheap and easy way to personalize your look. For more information on feathers jump to page 26.

OVERALLS Just a mere year or so ago wearing overalls would make you appear as if you were attempting to be a farmer. Times have quickly changed and now overalls are making a comeback. Basic jean short overalls paired with a floral shirt will make you stand out from the crowd, but in a good way.

TUMBLR Tumblr is a new social networking site that has grabbed the attention of millions. It’s a blogging site, where you can post photos, quotes, screenshots, links, audio, video or text — each with your own personal touch. This is the perfect site for all of those Facebook fans that post a million and one things a day. On Tumblr, that is expected.

BRAIDED HEADBANDS Some days, you just don’t feel like going the extra mile styling your hair for school. This is why many people have turned to using braided headbands. They safely secure any loose fly-aways, but also give you the look of being put together and stylish. You can match them to any outfit and they easily switch your hairdo from drab to fab.

PASTEL SHORTS This season bright colors have been popping up all over the place, from the runway to department stores. So, a simple way to bring that fashion to your closet is by buying a pair of pastel, jean shorts.

They’re cute and comfortable and quickly perk up any outfit.

NAIL CRACKLE These days, one nail polish color is not enough. This is why crackle has become so popular amongst hand fashion. Crackle lets you to choose one color as a base color, the sort of peek-a-boo color, and another to create the crackle effect. This lets you not only express yourself in different ways, but also lets you add more variety to your nails.

POTTERMORE It’s suddenly hip to be a nerd. Harry Potter obsession has become not only accepted, but encouraged. So go buy some merchandise, and sit down with some friends for a movie marathon — popcorn not included.

STATEMENT BRACELETS Do you have important things to say? Do you have any special causes or bands that you want to support? Then you should go pick up a few statement bracelets. They’re a fun way to advertise your cause while still making a fashion statement.

CHUNKY HIGHLIGHTS If you want to update your hair, but don’t want to deal with the constant hassle of roots, perhaps you should invest in the trend of chunky, peak-a-boo, highlights. They add a pop of color to your hair, but because of the fact that they’re under the top layer of your hair you don’t have to waste your time or money on touch-ups every six weeks.

fhctoday.com | the scene

}23

photos by savannah mceachern

Senior Brad Parks plays his guitar by hand while the crowd cheered him on. The band categorized itself in the pop/punk genre since it was first started.

Seniors Brad Parks and Jesse Hauser jam to their band's music.

They started Gateway Getaway last summer with alumni Mike Martinez, Tony Hebal and Jeremy Spillers.

Alumni Mike Martinez strums his guitar strings with the beat of the song. He has been the band’s guitarist since it first started.

Alumni Tony Hebal sings back-up vocols while playing bass at the same time. Hebal graduated from FHC in 2010.

Alumni Jeremy Spillers sings into the microphone with passion. He was singing in front of a crowd at Cicero's on Aug. 11.

Local band given opportunity to play at Pointfest

By Lizzi Holland the scene editor

Throughout high school, many music-adoring teenagers take it upon themselves to form a band with other like minded peers. Creating a band is not a new art form, nor is it uncommon.

What is uncommon, however, is creating a band with real talentcreating a band that will shoot for performing at main stage events.

This is what senior Jesse Hauser, and his band Gateway Getaway, have accomplished.

For Hauser, music has always been

24}

a major role in his life. He started playing drums in elementary school, third grade to be exact, and never lost the passion for it.

“One day, Mike [Martinez] and I were jamming and took it back to my house. We called up Tony [Hebal], Jeremy [Spillers], and Brad [Parks], and just started a band. I guess the rest is history,” said Hauser.

This all happened around June and since then much has changed. This group of friends, calling themselves Gateway Getaway, now practices once or twice a week for four hours,

the scene | september 9, 2011

not including the days they just hang out as pals. It is from this dedication Gateway Getaway has received the honor of playing at Pointfest tomorrow.

The opportunity to play at Pointfest came about with an unexpected win. The band registered to play at the show, “Battle for Poinfest,” and surprised everyone, including themselves, when they came out as winners.

“I was in shock because our genre isn’t alternative, so we went into the show with a mind set of ‘lets put on an entertaining show,’” said Hauser.

The band was alerted of its win by

reading about it in a news article on the show’s web page.

“I could have not been anymore excited, Tony was ecstatic, Mike was pretty chill, like always, and Jeremy was proud,” said Parks.

Gateway Getaway hopes the opportunity to play at Pointfest will bring more supporters due to being exposed to countless new ears.

“We are all super stoked for Pointfest. It’s the biggest show I think we have gotten the opportunity to play,” said Martinez. “It will be a great time. We all hope that Pointfest could be our golden ticket.”

don’t get your

jump from page 21: FEATHERS

they fall out because she feels that she will get sick of them after so long.

There is no doubt that feathers are the new fad, but some people are looking for more unique ways to stand out.

Junior Kellie Grezinger has a tinsel extension. Much like the feather, it was put in using a silicon bead that was threaded through her hair and clamped in.

Grezinger was offered the tinsel when a family friend was doing her hair, they can cost from ten to fifteen dollars, and last just as long as feathers do.

“I love my extension because it looks really cool and its very unique. I’ve only seen one other person who has it,” said Grezinger.

Grezinger said she isn’t a fan of the feathers because she thinks that girls who had them look crazy with random feathers in their head. Her favorite part of the extension is that it can be styled with her hair, but sometimes it can be a pain to get to cooperate.

Lauren Eckman, a senior, works at Belleza Salon, and got her feather as a promotional piece, and because she wanted something new and different. At the salon the feathers cost $15 a piece, but they can cost as low as $5 for one.

They come in many colors, from bright to pastel, blues, purples, pinks, reds, natural colors and many more. Each style is unique, they can be thin, fat, long, or short. A person can create any combination they want, to give it their own personal touch.

“

I love my extension because it looks really cool and it’s very unique.

Kellie Grezinger {junior

feathers ruffled

what you need:

feathers crimp beads

bobby pin pliers clip mirror comb

{what to do next}

1 2 3 4 5 6

Find out where you want to put it, try beneath other layers of hair so that the bead is hidden.

Thread a small section of your hair, in the spot where you want the extension, through the bead.

Use the bobby pin to pull your hair completely through the bead.

Put the feathers securely into the bead, be sure to keep the feather sticking out the top.

Clamp the bead down with pliers, make sure it’s as flat as possible so the feather stays in place.

Now you’re done, it’s as simple as that!

photo by margeret borgemeyer

fhctoday.com | the scene

}25

Top 10 iPod apps for students

By Jessica Mugler staff reporter

Every teenager who owns an iPhone or Smartphone has an abundance of knowledge about apps. They know which games are the most fun, which social networking sites all their friends use, and how to take the best pictures. Apps can be more than just fun, they can also be very useful. If you want information fast, your Smartphone’s internet browser is the place to go. There are even apps to help with school work. So many resources are in the palm of your hand, all you have to do is utilize them. Here is a list of 10 free apps that are the most helpful for students: 1. inClass: This app is everything a student could ever want. It keeps track of your schedule, lets you take notes, gives you reminders when an assignment is due, and lets you give a priority setting to each task.

To change a late paper into an A+, this is the app you need.

4. Flashcardsplus: For those dreaded foreign language vocabulary lists, flashcards on your phone can be more accessible and easier to make than old-fashioned note cards. According to Mrs. Ashley Wager, electronic flashcards are now accepted for a grade in Spanish class.

5. Google Translate: Any tough words in foreign languages will be a cinch with this app. Translate words or phrases from 58 different languages to understand what your homework says.

Cottleville 5205 Hwy. N 636.441.7755

7. Bing: This search engine organizes information for you so you can find what you need faster. Search for the history event you are researching, and receive just what you are looking for.

8. Edmodo: Teachers can use this app to form groups with students and communicate assignments, upcoming events, or homework grades with them. Basically a social networking site, this can be used for educational purposes as well.

9. Evernote: Take notes about a class, or just write notes to yourself to keep yourself organized and informed. Then send it to yourself or others via email, Facebook or Twitter. Never forget your thoughts or lose a note with Evernote.

26}

the scene | septmber 9, 2011

want to see more? scan the code above to see all of these apps in action through a video podcast.

or visit

fhctoday.com/ ifocus

10. Ypmobile: You and your study buddy can find the best places to work on homework with this handy app. The Yellow Pages has information about anything you could possibly want to find.

Flint Hill 5023 Hwy. P 636.332.3212

www.manninosmarket.com

code

6. Converter+: Convert currency, measurements, or weights for school work, or, for your own purposes, calculate dog years, swim paces, tips, or even basketball scores. This app has math, science, and everything in between.

2. Dictionary.com: Don’t know a word? Need a synonym? This app will change your English paper from boring to brilliant.

3. Pandora: A homework essential, music blocks all other noise out so that homework is the only thing to concentrate on. Pandora will find music selective to you for free, so that you are free to be productive.

QR

Your senior yearbook photo session is free!

329 Mid Rivers Mall Drive St. Peters, MO 63376 314-963-1414 prestigeportraits.com

Seniors must have their senior photo for the yearbook taken at Prestige Portraits. The deadline is Friday, Nov. 18

{be heard} District lacks protection to group

Student angered by the absence of protection in zero tolerance policy

S

tudents at this school are supposed to be protected from bullying.

Our school’s so-called ‘zero tolerance’ policy on violence and bullying go unnoticed by most of the student body.

After all, they’re not supposed to worry; they’re protected from discrimination related to race, sex or country

By Allison of origin. So why Comfort keep it in mind? staff reporter Those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning have to.

When checking on the status of these students under district policy, there’s not a single word mentioned about these individuals. There is zero protection, not zero tolerance, for these people, either by students or teachers. Violent hate crimes and discrimination are the norm in this community across the world, and this school is no exception.

Students here at FHC are very much capable of violent acts or unrestrained discrimination.

How could students be capable of such things? After all, students wouldn’t expect their friends to partake in such behavior.

In all actuality, people are far more capable of violence and discrimination when given the environment. Anyone who’s ever been in high school can provide evidence to that claim. Ours is a world where peer pressure and popularity play a much larger role than justice.

The school isn’t exactly known for its crimes, however. The peace in the school’s LGBTQ community might be maintained simply because the metaphysical closet has an iron lock. No one would want to come out in a place where they feel unsafe.

photo illustration by kelci davis

please read more: CONDUCT, PAGE 30

fhctoday.com | be heard

}27

Students in 4c lunch show faces of devistation over the chaotic new lunch situation.

Some students have found alternative routes to eating lunch such as bringing their own or just not eating at all.

photo by kelci davis

Eagles’ ego is soaring too high

Cafe breaks senior’s heart Last year, the time of day I looked forward to most was the time when I didn’t have to worry about being persistently by

By Ellen Hinze pestered multimedia teachers who executive editor think their class is the most important thing in my life: lunch time.

The time of day where it is socially acceptable to stuff your face and belch out loud. Maybe not the latter for everyone, but for me it is.

See, I’m one of those girls who loves to eat, does it often, and never gains weight, so lunch time — for me anyway — was the best part of my day.

Those fried, unhealthy chicken fingers that clogged students’ arteries made Tuesdays wonderful.

No matter how many calories they were jam-packed full of, the taste and glory they brought to my day was worth it.

28}

You can imagine my disappointment when the first Tuesday of my senior year came around and my precious chicken fingers and golden fries were no longer.

Sure, the school still has chicken finger Tuesdays, but they aren’t the same as last year. They aren’t fried, and neither are the french fries.

This prohibition of fried foods is not okay, but it is just the beginning of unfortunate changes.

Even if I wanted to waste my parents hard-earned cash on the “fantastic” food, the lines formed to buy this food are so thick that if I zoned out, I might think I’m at Six Flags waiting to ride the Batman.

Then I remember the cafe doesn’t have fried food, and my dream for chicken fingers and a funnel cake drifts away.

If I don’t run at full speed from my class, I would have to wait my entire lunch period to get food I would never pay for outside of school. Then, when I pay a small fortune, I realize I have about seven minutes to stuff my face full of the

be heard | september 9, 2011

“delicious” five-star quality food.

(Side note the portions that I am served reminds me of those fivestar restaurants that give you about a mouth full of food. This food just doesn’t taste nearly that good.)

I run from my class to lunch, so I won’t get stuck at the end of the line.

Sadly I’m not on cross county, so I wait 18 minutes in line. I pay $3.25 for food I don’t even really want. I stuff my face for two minutes and lunch is over.

Then my education is disrupted by my grumpling stomach and its unbearable pain. Should I have to think about lunch issues during class, or should I actually be listening to the persistently pestering teachers who think their class is the most important?

Me being the brilliant person I am, I thought of a simple solution.

The brown bag. Why not bring my lunch everyday, avoid the lunch lines, over priced nasty foods and barely any time to eat?

That may solve most problems, but I still want my chicken fingers and golden fries.

wide I would like “Desean Jackson-esque” to congratulate receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins. That the Philadelphia list is laughable at best.

To me, the real question is with Eagles for winning Super Nnamdi Asomugha. He is a top tier cornerback in the league, so Bowl 46!

It was a long, naturally, the popular opinion is that grueling season, he will be excellent. I too would but the Eagles have thought this had this signing

By Cody were able to happened two years ago.

Jones The problem now is big name free accomplish the staff reporter agents have been given a bad rep ultimate goal.

Oh wait ... the in my book, thanks to the biggest Eagles didn’t win the Super Bowl? waste of $100 million in sports, Is it really still the preseason? Then Albert Haynesworth. Remember why is it that what seems like half how sure fire this pickup was? the nation is claiming the Eagles Washington received high praise for getting Haynesworth signed to a have won the Super Bowl?

Easy, really. The average NFL 7-year, $100 million dollar deal. He fan loves teams who spend displayed lackluster effort for the money. People always drool over team, and was traded two years later. the offseason’s big I have trouble spenders.

Teams believing Asomugha like the Washington “It happens will be the type of Redskins and the Dallas every year, and player he was in Cowboys always get this year it could Oakland.

Every high praise for the happen to the year, a big name moves they make in free agent will falter, free agency in March, Eagles. They yet those teams are still have a lot to Haynesworth being the latest example. never in contention for improve to me He might not drop the Super Bowl come before I put them down to the level January. among the ranks Haynesworth was The teams at the top have a different way of the elite teams on, but nonetheless, his production could of going about their in the league.” decline. business.

However, I have The Steelers, Colts, to give credit where Patriots and the Packers build their teams through credit is due. Wide receiver Steve the draft, focusing their free agency Smith will be impactful when period on acquiring depth, rather healthy, and cornerback Dominique then signing big name players who Rodgers Cromartie is a young stud. more often then not, are slightly Plus Nnamdi Asomugha could overrated. Their reward? Oodles of prove me wrong, just by the type of player he is.

Super Bowls.

There is nothing wrong with This year’s big spender was the Philadelphia Eagles. Vince Young's fans making the prediction that self-proclaimed "Dream Team" the Eagles are favorites for the made it a point to sign as many Lombardi, but do not give them the trophy just yet. boom or bust players as possible.

The Eagles gave away a lot of Their list included the team cancer Vince Young, who texted money, and the production might his way out of Tennessee, the oft- not be what they expected. It injured Ronnie Brown, with one happens every year, and this year season of good production, the six- it could happen to the Eagles. They year-draft bust Jason Babin, who still have a lot to prove to me before did nothing for the Eagles in his first I put them among the ranks of the stint in 2009, and the unproductive elite teams in the league.

what’s allowed what’s banned over-exposed

Many girls have been seen wearing excessively short shorts with tank tops. The pockets hang out of the bottom of the shorts and their bras can be seen from a mile away. Teachers and administrators alike turn a blind eye to this disgraceful, but common, outfit.

tastefully clothed

While it’s considered inappropriate by the code of conduct, cute, strapless dresses and covering tanks are a modest, but fashionable way to show off your style. A girl will get in trouble for exposing her shoulders in a shirt like this, while a girl with her buttocks hanging out of her short shorts is getting away.

Too much revealed

Lack of dress code enforcement allows student’s to wear inappropriate clothing Short-shorts, cleavage enhancing v-necks, lowrider skinny jeans and yoga pants that show off every part of a girl’s body.

Girls walk around at school revealing every possible inch of skin and get away

By Maggie with it.

At the beginning of each Borgmeyer school year, we receive Be Heard Editor a student handbook that tells us the dress code; throughout the entire school year, girls get away with breaking every rule.

It is hard to see the point of even having a dress code if it will not be consistently

enforced. The school dress code is there to keep emphasis on learning and off other people.

Not only is inappropriate dress distracting, it is disgusting. There are some things people could just do without seeing—your body is one of them. You may have a nice body, but that can be made notable without actually showing skin.

During passing period, you may see a girl wearing a modest, spaghetti strap dress be told by a principal to put a jacket on. Within the same passing period, you will see fifty girls walking past that very principal with their bra and buttock showing. I can not bring myself to believe that the faculty does not notice.

According to the dress code handout that

every student received in the first week of school, there are seven “B’s” that should not be seen or exposed at school.

The “Seven B’s” include backs, boxers, breasts, bedroom wear, belly, bra and buttocks — I witness each of the seven on a daily basis. If these rules are not going to be truly put into effect, then maybe the dress code should just be removed so the school can save paper.

So, where did we go wrong? The school takes the time to write up dress codes, print them out, have them signed; why is it that somewhere along the lines the code gets fuzzy?

The Francis Howell Central ‘Student Code of Dress’ states that “acceptable and

unacceptable dress will be determined by the high school administration.”

Clearly, the administration has not come to a clear consensus as to what is and what is not acceptable. No, I do not want to have a school uniform — I am all for the freedom of self-expression, but I am also completely against public nudity.

The administration is not the only group responsible for holding the dress code at Central; every staff member should be somewhat responsible for ensuring that all school rules and policies are followed. Until the administration sits down and comes to an overall understanding of it, there will forever be an inconsistency in the enforcement of the dress code.

fhctoday.com | be heard

}29

meet the bloggers CALLED TO COLLEGE Savannah will be using her blog as both an outlet to stress her frustrations with her journey to college as well as a reference for those unsure about their first steps outside of high school.

jump from page 27: CONDUCT

And this is not the safest place for the community. Missouri is a conservative state, St. Charles is a conservative town. There aren’t local pride parades, no public advertising of local support groups, and god help whoever would want to start either of these things.

So the school district might not like conservative parents, outraged that the community gets special protection, beating down their door.

But these students need protection. There’s no reason that discrimination or crimes, if they haven’t already taken place, wouldn’t happen here.

The thought that FHC students may be capable of that kind of terror might not have occurred to many of us.

And teachers, too, might not be totally unbiased when it comes to openly gay or transgender students.

Even though a student can go to a guidance counsellor if there’s a problem, when the judge isn’t guaranteed to be impartial, then all bets are off.

So, the question is: Will the district be willing to make a change in policy, at the risk of miffed parents, to protect the lives of students and make their school days a little less painful?

savannah mc eachern MY LIFE AS LIZZI Do you enjoy sarcastic, witty banter? Do you hate the world? Then, ‘My Life as Lizzi’ might be the blog for you. Join Lizzi as she rants about life, how she sees it.

lizzi holland BLAH, BLAH BLOG Sean will be documenting the fascinations of his life. Music, movies and lifestyles that stike him as “the cat’s pajamas” are all fair game.

sean gundersen FASHION GAL Some people say there is no fashion in St. Charles - they’re right. Margaret will bring new light to small town fashion through tutorials, how-to’s and video blogs; all with inspiration from the big city scene.

margaret borgmeyer LYRICALLY INCLINED Karley will be analyzing selected lyrics from a song each week. The genres of the songs will range all the way from country to metal.

karley canova

fhctoday.com/beheard/blogs

the box

{

we won a football game between a long march to the stadium and a thrilling game, FHC single-handedly rewrote the Trojan War. #winning

staff editorial SB54 inhibits learning in forum students love

In this day in time, social networking websites are becoming prominent in our daily lives. Teenagers are constantly checking their Facebook and Twitter feeds which are filled with posts from friends, family and sometimes even teachers, until now.

Due to the State Bill 54, teachers and students are no longer allowed to be friends on social networking websites.

Although the law will be frozen until Feb. 20, 2012, teachers are still avoiding using social networking websites.

Teachers and students are having a hard time figuring out the purpose of the bill because it is just causing them to communicate on other websites such as Edmodo.

These alternatives are not the same though. It is much simpler for students to be able to use a website they are familiar with, one they already use on a daily basis.

Though teenagers spend hours on Facebook and Twitter, these social networking sites can be a place for learning; therefore, they should remain a resource for teachers and students to use.

Students need to be able to communicate with teachers on a

the VMA'S

a Kanye West uninterrupted VMA's is a good VMA's; enough said.

regular basis, within a forum that is easily accessible.

The district is currently creating student email accounts which will

“Facebook should no longer simply be a social networking site, but a place where education and socialization can flourish ... Facebook is a part of this generations lifestyle, so it should be used as a learning tool as well.”

be the only form of communication between teachers and students allowed online.

To ask students to create new accounts or use new e-mails is expecting more from students than is plausible.

Facebook should no longer simply be a social networking site, but a place where education and socialization can flourish.

Though the law is being created for security purposes, which is understandable, we believe

they should still allow teachers and students to be friends on social networking websites.

We do not want to be friends with our teachers for fun or social purposes, but for school purposes.

Why create this, of all things, a restriction to our education?

Facebook is a part of the new generation’s life style, so it should be used as a learning tool as well.

Some things teachers can do with social networking sites simply cannot be done in a classroom. The law is causing teachers to think of new ways to implement technology and students to create extraneous web accounts, both which are absurd.

The websites are helpful for classes because they would allow teachers to post online discussions, homework reminders or provide homework help to those who need it. If a student gets home and realizes they have a question, they can ask it while they are doing their homework.

These websites allow us to get responses quickly. But, with the law being passed, this will no longer be an option.

new bell schedule

}

oh.. how time flies when you start school five minutes earlier...

LOVE LIKE LEAVE

lookbook.nu

website designed for users to post their own personal street fashion photography to have it judged by the masses. all in all, a website dedicated to h!p youth culture.

30}

be heard | september 9, 2011

Amy & Adele

the moving Amy Winhouse tribute and passionate vocal performance from Adele (where she didn't sing "Rolling In The Deep").

Steve Jobs resigns

the CEO of Apple resigns following the release of his latest invention: the iQuit.

design?

Do you have an eye for

The Central Focus is looking for all the design-savvy students to submit t-shirt designs. The t-shirts will be made and sold around the school. If your design is chosen, you’ll recieve the first t-shirt free of charge!

Please submit all designs to admin@fhctoday.com

interact with us fhctoday.com | facebook.com/fhctoday.com | twitter.com/fhctoday to see our editorial or letters policy, please visit fhctoday.com/

Alli Keisker - Print Executive Editor Kelci Davis - Visuals Executive Editor Ellen Hinze - Multimedia Executive Editor Claire Henderson - Delve Editor The staff at the Central Focus is composed of 21 student journalist from the Francis Howell Central Lizzi Holland - The Scene Editor community. Staff members work in multiple areas, Margaret Borgmeyer - Be Heard Editor including reporting, photography, design and multimedia work. The staff is under the guidance Maddie Wilson - Design Editor of Mr. Matthew Schott, who advises the staff and Sean Gundersen - Communications Editor editors throughout the process of running the Sean Carroll - iFocus Editor newsmagazine, website and podcast.

Savannah McEachern - Galleries Manager Blake Beck - Reporter

our staff

Francis Howell Central High School 5199 Highway N St. Charles, Mo., 63304 Phone: 636.851.5636 Fax: 636.851.41

Karley Canova - Reporter Matthew Cochran - Reporter Allison Comfort - Reporter Caitlan Good - Reporter Cody Jones - Reporter Matt Lundberg - Reporter Jessica Mugler - Reporter Maddie Newton - Reporter Mary Niebur - Reporter Ben Sandfort - Reporter Matthew Schott - Adviser

why do we do what we do?

the central focus, along with fhctoday.com, are student-run publications which look to serve the francis howell central community through relevant, reliable journalism. the newsmagazine is meant to be have analytical outlook on topics and stories which matter to our readers. we are always looking to improve, and feedback is always appreciated. fhctoday.com | interact

}31

DIVING IN to the swimming season

Senior Kurt Carlson waits for the buzzer to swim in the backstroke event. Carlson registered a time of 1 minute and 9.84 seconds in the 100-meter backstroke.

Senior Andrew Smith participates in the breaststroke event. Smith has a record of 1:02 in the breaststroke. Smith has registered one of the best times in St. Louis so far this season.

Sophomore Eric Macy rises into the air in preparation for a dive. Macy has earned a total of 194.9 points in his competitions thus far this season.

With the season starting off fast, the boys swim team dove right into their meet against Timberland on Aug. 31 and walked away with a first place ranking. photos by brittany thompsen

After competing, junior Zach Rogers takes deep breaths to cool himself down.

Rogers is one of the top swimmers on the team in the 500-meter.

32}

aperture | september 9, 2011

Team managers, sophomore Haley Lechner and senior Grant Koehler keep track of the swimmer's times.

Koehler acted as a time keeper when he wasn't swimming.

Freshman Owen Calrson downs some of his Gatorade after competing. This was Carlson's first meet as a high school swimmer.