Spotlight issue 1 2015-2016

Francis Howell High 7001 S. Hwy 94 St. Charles, MO 63304 Vol. 45, Issue 1 September 2015 www.fhhstoday.com @fhhstoday Index: Pg. 2 - Opinion Pg. 3 - Sports Pg. 4 - Backpage

In Brief Newspaper changes: Congratulations to the 2015-2016 DECA board members! This year the board is made up of over 60 members which is the highest participation to date.

DECA Board Announced: Congratulations to the 2015-2016 DECA board members! This year the board is made up of over 60 members which is the highest participation to date.

Soccer Win: After an overtime goal made by senior Ryan Zile, Vikings beat FHC 2-1 in sudden death Sept. 3.

First Responders Honored: At the Sept. 11 football game, record crowds attended as Howell honored emergency responders and military.

A special delivery of the game ball was made by helicopter.

Upcoming Sept 18 No school

spotlight Various cuts now in question

Proposition Y fails, 66 to 34 Shelby Odle editor elect On August 5, district voters headed to the ballot and rejected, 66 to 34 percent a 90 cent tax levy increase.

“We were sad and disappointed,” FHEA president Anita Kuehner said. “All of our high schools are nationally ranked by US News and World Report and we don’t want that to slip away. Continued student success is why we worked so hard to pass the levy.”

At the May 21 Board of Education meeting, he board voted to place a 90-cent operating increase on the August 4 ballot. A tax levy is the tax rate used to calculate the amount of property tax revenue the school district will receive. The rate coincides with the assessed value of property, so for every $100 dollars of estimated value, the district would have received an additional 90 cents. The levy would have cost the average taxpayer less than a dollar a day.

In 2004 voters approved the district’s request for a temporary 10-year 89 cent tax increase. In 2008 a specialty provision of 20 cents was voted to extend another five years. This means those tax levies expired, leaving the district falling short of the budget. Because of this, the district placed the proposal on the August ballot in an attempt to start providing funds to the 2015-2016 school since having the proposition on the November or April ballot would not appropriate funds until the 2016-2017 school year.

“It is unfortunate that Prop Y did not pass this August, but I believe it is important to look forward,” English teacher Jessie Altman said. “Now, we need to work together to find

Sept 24 Fall Breakfast Sept 30 Senior panoramic picture

Oct. 1 Powderpuff at 7 p.m Oct. 2 Homecoming game Vikings vs FHC at 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 Homecoming Dance The Commons 6:30-10 p.m.

Oct. 8 Parent/Teacher conferences, 3:30-7 p.m.

Oct. 9-19 Fall Break

Need to Know

• proposed a 90 cent tax property increase • needed a simple majority to pass • last tax increase was in 2004 • money would’ve gone towards keeping facilities, technology, and education up to date meets Thursday, Sept. 15 to decide.

“I volunteered working the phone banks which entailed spending a few hours calling voters in the district and giving them information about Prop Y and asking for their support,” English teacher Kim Linneman said. “I thought that this was important to do not only because of my job as a teacher, but also a parent.”

Linneman has two small children and moved into the district specifically for them to attend FHSD schools.

“I believe it is the best possible education they could have here in St. Charles County, and I want to do anything that I can to support this district as it continues to maintain high standards for achievement,” she added.

At this time the board has made no decisions to put another levy on the ballot

Missouri law requires posters hung in all bathrooms

Kayla Peterson staff writer

Sept 21 Picture retakes

Sept 30 Homecoming festival 5 p.m.

solutions that ensure Francis Howell students continue to receive an outstanding education.”

Opponents argued the district has spent money recklessly. Board officials say revenue has decreased because of stagnant local property values and a drop in state funding.

“I thought very little of the proposition,” senior Peter Allman said. “Tax increases are unnecessary and Francis Howell is in in debt merely due to poor financial decisions.”

The district has made approximately $4.2 million in staffing reductions and over four million of non-personnel cuts for the 2015-2016 school year; however, with over 17,000 students in the district, operating expenses are high and continue to grow. The district estimates a $20 million dollar shortfall in 2015-2016 and over $27 million in the next 10 years.

According to Superintendent Pam Sloan, in a report on the 2015-2016 budget, the district is heading to deficit spending, which is when the district dips into reserves and spends more than it has. Prior to the proposal’s failure, CFO Kevin Supple presented a tiered report of cuts, which included loss of freshmen sports teams, a four day week, and over 200 staff cuts. The board

“If someone has hurt you, it’s ok to tell.”

This phrase is on posters in restrooms all across the Francis Howell school district.

Public, as well as charter schools, must hang a poster in all school bathrooms because of the new Missouri Law. The

New administrators arrive

Alyssa Juris staff writer “There is no such thing as an average day,” Resource Officer Ron Neupert said.

“Each day consists of its own surprises.”

Joining the faculty are Ron Neupert, Assistant Principal Jessica Dipaolo, and Dean Tom Gotsch.

“I love the bigger challenge up here.

It’s much busier with having to deal with the parking lot,” Neupert said. He recently moved here from Francis Howell Middle. While not patrolling the parking lot, he spends his free

time with his family and dogs, and tries to win the lottery so he can take his wife to Tahiti.

Since the transfer of Principal Gaugh to Union, Principal Dipaolo stepped in his position. Dipaolo was the former Principal at Hillsboro High.

“My dream is to come to school one morning by jetpack,” Dipaolo said. While she’s not dreaming of her jetpack rides, she enjoys taking care of her garden, and spending time with her husband.

Drawn to the location to be back full time with his family, Gotsch took over the dean of students, after former Dean Langhans departure to Grafton, Illinois. His career path began in 1985.

“My lifetime goal is to make an impact on students for the rest of their lives,” Gotsch said.

While not at school, he loves the outdoors. “Sept. 1 dove season begins, better see you out there,” Gotsch said.

act addresses several areas relating to the protection of vulnerable people.

These posters contain a brief message, as well as a hotline number and are in both English and Spanish. This law is designed to give students the

opportunity to reach out and receive help.

“By giving opportunity for help, this can only make people feel more safe,” Principal Dave Wedlock said.

Wedlock believes that the location of these posters provides a safe place to get the

number in private and provides an opportunity to call for help.

“I think they’re a good way to give someone a resource,” senior Jordan Thomas said.

What do you think about getting a new resource officer?

“He’s very caring towards the students.”

–sophomore Shelby Fisher

“I’ve known him since middle school because he was the officer there.

He’s always cared about students and it shows.”

–senior Shannon Rera

“He’s a nice guy. He really symbolizes justice to me.”

–junior Anweshan Das

“I don’t know Officer Neupert very well, but I hear he is pretty cool.”

–junior Owen Gallagher Resource Officer Ron Neupert

Cartoon by: Nathan Shaefer

OPINION

Francis Howell High School http://www.fhhstoday.com Vol. 45, Issue 1 September 2015

Code of Conduct

First day review bores students First hour on the first day of the school year. The dreaded reading of the code of conduct begins and follows students around all seven hours; a chore that quickly becomes repetitive and redundant. When senior year rolls around, most are quick to scroll through their phones instead of listening.

According to Assistant Principal Brian Thompson, the district requires teachers to read over the code of conduct with students. It is time consuming and overall not needed. Students are literate and are capable of reading over the code of conduct if necessary.

A problem teachers face when trying to engage their students is attempting to get all Staff Editorial

Spotlight Mission

“Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...”

––The First Amendment The Francis Howell Spotlight is the official student newspaper at Francis Howell High School. The Spotlight began as a Francis Howell publication in 1971. The Spotlight believes it is essential to preserve the freedom of the press in order to preserve a free society and its purpose is to inform, interpret, and entertain through accurate and factual reports.

Therefore, this school newspaper will serve the best interest of the students of Francis Howell and keep itself free from any other obligation; the staff of the school newspaper will accept guidance from its adviser, but will make its own editorial decision; only the editorial board may veto any material intended for publication, judged to be in violation of the FHHS Publications media editorial policy; and this school newspaper will vigorously resist all attempts at censorship, particularly prepublication censorship; the school newspaper will serve as an educational laboratory experience for those on staff; the school newspaper will run as a designated public forum; the goal of the school newspaper is to cover the total school population as effectively and the staff will strive to be impartial and responsible in its coverage of issues. The full media policy is available at fhhstoday.com.

Advertising

All ads must be approved. Ad rate schedules and policies are available by calling 636-851-4820 or going to www. fhhstoday.com

Letter Policies

All letters to the editor should be sent to Mrs. Dunaway in room D118.

All letters must be signed, be under 400 words, and contain appropriate material. Material will not be printed if content is obscene, or if it invades others’ privacy, or if it encourages physical disruption of school activities and/or if it implies libel. The editorial board has the right to have letters edited for length, grammar, punctuation, clarity, etc. The school newspaper will only publish one letter per author per issue and all letters become the property of the school newspaper upon receipt and will not be returned.

STAFF MEMBERS

We are one converged staff, with a publication class hour, who publish two isues of the Spotlight newspaper, Spotlight magazine, FHHSToday.com, the Viking Report broadcast, and the 320-page Howelltonian yearbook. We serve 1,955 students and 135 staff by distributing a free paper during homeroom. The publication or adviser is a member of JEA, CSPA, NSPA, MIPA and SSP. Staff: Lexi Farran and Maddie Villeneuve, FHHS Publications co-editors in chief; Shelby Odle, editor elect (year two); Kristen Landon, print editor (year two); Alison Bacon, photo editor (year three); Shannon Kelly, website editor (year three); Lilly Socha, social media editor (year two); Olivia Biele, staff writer (year two); Ezekiel Dallah, staff writer (year one); Gabi Gable, staff writer (year two); Ryan Galbierz, staff writer (year one); Jamesia Henderson, staff writer (year one); Faith Jackson, staff writer (year one); Jessica Johnson, staff writer (year two); Madison Jones, staff writer (year two); Alyssa Juris, staff writer (year one); Kane Katubig, staff writer (year one); Anna Kidalova, staff writer (year one); Sara Metzger, staff writer (year one); Jordan Mutert, staff writer (year two); Shelby Odle, staff writer (year two); Kayla Peterson, staff writer (year one); Kristina Pratt, staff writer (year two); Nathan Schaefer, staff writer (year one); Autumn Schrameyer, staff writer (year two); Annie Sudhakaran, staff writer (year one); Kaitlin Truong, staff writer (year one); Brooke Watkins, staff writer (year one); Quentin White, staff writer (year two); Michele Dunaway, MJE, adviser (year 13).

students to follow along on the Smartboard.

Previous years, the code of conduct was printed out for all students so they had a copy to use.

Now, trying to read the Smartboard, especially from far away, while keeping up with the teacher’s pace, can be nearly impossible.

Administration and students have recently created videos about the code of conduct to watch during Howell time as an attempt to engage students. A recent video included review over basic school rules, such as dress code, as well as administration dance moves to keep the students interested. This is a more efficient way to review the rules and regulations.

Although taking 20 minutes of class time the first day may not seem like a big deal, this time

Face in the Crowd

What are your thoughts on the Code of Conduct Review?

It gets redundant and boring, but it’s an easy way to start the first day of school.

–senior Maddie Boyle

By junior year, teachers kind of stop going over it because we know the rules.

–junior Rachel Lesinski

It’s a waste of time. The rules don’t change each year.

–senior Jake Taylor

It’s pointless because teachers just skim through it.

–sophomore Cole Lucas

Hits

Misses

[a quick Howell about the good and bad]

Football Jamboree Student section was packed with more attendees than any home game last year.

Updated Code of Conduct Video Dancing teachers and funny skits made the yearly video more entertaining.

What are Those Wednesday Students went all out in crazy footwear. Crocs are making a comeback!

Topic of feminism sparks debate Lilly Socha and Brooke Watkins staff writers hashtag #idontneedfeminism Feminism. A In My trended and featured teenage prominent topic Opinion girls holding signs that called in today’s society; feminists “idiots” for playing unfortunately, “the victim” against men. In nobody seems addition, most signs included to be treating it that way. The derogatory stereotypes towards original concept of feminism feminists and their positions is simple: equality. Women on rape and sex. Besides the wanted to be equal to men obvious rudeness of these in the workplace, media, and home. However, in recent years, posts, the real problem lays within the ignorance of these this target has begun to drift girls. These girls have taken a away. Magazines, celebrities, stance on this issue without even Twitter accounts are even fully understanding what turning this desire for equality it is; which demonstrates our into a trend, a fad, and a joke. society’s tendency to form What needs to be done is biased opinions rather than simple: society needs to stop learning the facts. viewing feminism as anything As much harm as anti­ more than it is: a request for feminists and the media are equality. doing to the motion, feminists For instance, look at the themselves can actually be to anti­feminists who are bent blame for a lot of the jokes. on the idea that feminism For some reason, some women is a motive for women to have decided that any and all become superior to men. help or support from men Recently on social media the

could be used for more productive activities.

Teachers could begin actually teaching their class sooner, allowing students a longer period to learn new material. This, in the long run, gives students more time before final exams, and a possibility of improved grades.

Though reading over the code of conduct with every student is a good review, teachers can’t expect every student to pay attention or listen.

Because of this, it would be most beneficial for students to receive and review either a printed or online copy on their own time. This certainly would help all students, save time, and make the first day of school start on an upbeat note, rather than an exercise in drudgery.

cannot be tolerated in order for feminism to truly prevail. Even old school chivalry is frowned upon, such as a man holding open a door for a woman, because that might make the woman seem weak. They believe that any act of kindness directed at them from a man is an act of pity, and not simply out of the kindness of their hearts. For obvious reasons, this is highly stereotypical. As feminists are aiming to break the stereotypes of helpless women, they are building on other stereotypes about men being arrogant and sexist.

Feminism is not intended to segregate men and women in any way, which some people seem to be heading towards.

Things should be equal and fair: no gender is better than the other. And the sooner both feminists and anti­feminists realize this, the better.

Q

Parking Lot Traffic Parking passes sold out this year. This has been causing even more before and after school traffic.

Crowded Hallways Backup on stairwells and in the hallways are making it hard for students to avoid tardies.

Three day Labor Day Weekend A three day weekend instead of the usual four day weekend is making vacations shorter.

A with senior Lexi Edelstein

Q:

Q:

What is your opinion on feminism?

What is your definition of feminism?

Feminism promotes gender equality and makes women and men feel empowered.

Feminism to me is political, social, and economic equality of the sexes.

A:

Q:

Do you believe feminism has been taken to the extreme?

A:

People shouldn’t let a few radical feminists affect how they perceive a whole movement.

A:

Q:

What do you want the student body to know about feminism?

A:

Feminism isn’t just angry women hating men. If you believe in equal rights for both genders, then you’re a feminist.

Francis Howell High School http://www.fhhstoday.com Vol. 45, Issue 1 September 2015

SPORTS

Jamborees become traditions

3

Three fall sports play in jamborees featuring schools outside of the GAC to kick off their seasons Quentin White staff writer and Kristen Landon print editor

The athletic department has adopted the phrase past two years, but hosted its first jamboree, Aug. 8.

“Tradition Lives Here.” One tradition is the jamboree. The “We drew a decent crowd, so we were excited to play in football began its in 2007, Coach Brian Koch’s first year. front of so many fans,” senior Ryan Zile said. “Having it at “The jamboree is absolutely a tradition for us,” Koch home was a confidence booster going into the scrimmage. said. “It is a great way to raise funds for our community It’s just fun to get out there and play without any real members in need, donate food to our local food pantries, pressure before the real season begins.” and see a glimpse of our football program.”

Howell rode that confidence boost to two 1-0 victories Players and coaches are also there to improve before over Rockwood Summit and Marquette. the regular season officially begins.

“Considering we won both our scrimmages, I Howell lost in two of its three 20 minute scrimmages, definitely think we should continue to have the jamboree at losing 12-6 to McCluer North and 12-0 to CBC, while our place,” Zile said. defeating Ladue 6-0.

Softball experienced the same success as it played in “Our players and coaches get to see where we are Playing Pattonville Aug. 14, junior Kayla Peterson, senior Kristen Landon, junior its first jamboree. The ladies beat Trinity 10-0, St. Charles and what we need to work on to be ready for the first game,” Elaina Blondin, junior Sydney Ackerman, and senior Darby Joerling celebrate an outWest 13-0, and Pattonville 8-0, all in three innings.

Koch said. “It is absolutely beneficial to our team in the long by joining at the mound. The team defeated Pattonville 8-0. (Photo by Alison Bacon) “It was a great learning experience, to take part in before run.” the official start of the season,” senior Mikala Cessac said. “It was good for everyone, even those who don’t usually get play, to get some action in a real, game setting on the While football has hosted a home jamboree for nine years, soccer and softball are varsity level. It’s definitely something we are looking to continue to do as a program.” newer to the hosting process. Boys soccer played in Rockwood Summit’s jamboree the

Athletes to watch this fall sports season

As of Sept. 14

Boys Cross Country Junior Nic Schultz Contributed to Forest Park championship

Boys Soccer Senior Ryan Zile Scored game winning goal over FHC, Sept. 3

Boys Swim and Dive Junior Mason Hart Contributed to overall 3-2 record

Senior Justin Perkins In top 25 for total tackles at 43

Football

Girls Cross Country Sophomore Lizzy Payne Finished 7th in 3200m run, Sept. 10

Girls Golf Junior Bridget Schulte Medalist in three straight matches

Girls Tennis Junior Cameron Lashley Contributed to second place doubles title

Girls Volleyball Senior Courtney Radle Led kills in game against Ft. Zumwalt West

Athletic office buys signs Sara Metzger staff writer The athletic office hung signs around the commons. The sign to the left features drumline, football, cheer, and the Golden Girls, while the signs to the right are labeled with the new activities office slogan. (photo by Nathan Schaefer)

All across campus, walls display new signs with content ranging from sports achievements to team pictures, all serving a common purpose.

“We wanted to start branding of what’s truly important to Francis Howell,” Activities Director Sean Erwin said. “The banners are meant to be representative of the school and celebrate the success we’ve had.”

The photos in the signs come from the yearbook staff as well as photographer Mike Keithly, and feature a variety of the school’s activities.

“The banners that you see revolve around the activities department and its core values,” Erwin said.

The signs were first introduced as means of both promotion of school values and decoration of the previously blank walls. Erwin said that the signs have been successful, receiving positive feedback from students, parents, and staff members alike.

“They definitely some of the added color,” he said.

The signs are displayed at various locations around campus, including the commons, gym, and outdoor concession stand.

Looking for the Fall Sports Preview?

See fhhstoday.com

Softball Sophomore Whitney Boschert Holding a .423 batting average

25th Annual ST. CHARLES REGIONAL

Representatives from nearly 100 colleges will be on hand!

THANKS TO ST. CHARLES COMMUNITY COLLEGE, YOUR SEARCH FOR THE NEXT STEP JUST GOT A LOT EASIER.

For more information, call 636-922-8226 or email mgrimm@stchas.edu.

6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 30 College Center | SCC Campus stchas.edu/collegefair

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Francis Howell High School http://www.fhhstoday.com Twitter: @FHHStoday Vol. 45, Issue 1 September 2015

Around the World in 80 Days Where did you travel over the summer?

I went ziplining in Colorado on vacation. It was crazy.

– freshman Kirk Brewster Silver Thorn, Colorado

Bentonville, Arkansas

San Diego, California

I have friends that live down there.

It was good to be able to see them.

-sophomore Gaby Colberg

I visited my sister. We tried to see everything like Sea World and Disneyland.

-senior Michaela Sanchez

My friends and family swam with dolphins at the beach in southern Cancun.

-junior Colin Bradley

What’s Trending

8/21/15, 7:28 AM

HowellSuperFans @HowellSuperFans

Key West, Florida Cancun, Mexico

Senior Chase Beiter tells how he runs the Howell Super Fan twitter account

Q: Why did you start the account?

A: It was a tradition passed

8/28/15, 11:04 PM

down from the seniors, 2015, but now it’s at a whole new level.

HowellSuperFans @HowellSuperFans

Q: What sort of reactions have you gotten?

A: Everyone seems to love it.

Q: What have you done differently?

A: The account itself has

Friday’s theme is USA. Break out your red, white and blue and same some noise 9/8/15, 6:07 PM

grown a lot. The school is more involved than in years past.

HowellSuperFans @HowellSuperFans Tomorrow is a big day! @fhhsgirlsvball vs. FZW at 6 & @howellsoccer vs. FZW at 7!

BE THERE AND GET ROWDY

8/25/15, 4:48 PM

Q: What are your future plans?

A: I hope to pass it down to

the upcoming seniors, if they deserve it.

9/9/15, 8:04 PM

Entertainment wrap up What summer song, concert, or movie did you like best?

My family and I went on a week-long vacation to San Juan.

We’ve been going there since I was eleven.

-senior Daryn Walker San Juan, Puerto Rico

Let’s get a huge crowd at the game tonight. It’s a blackout.

Tailgating starts at 6:15 by the tennis courts. Be there.

8/21/15, 10:15 PM

Great turn out against Webster Friday night. Let’s get a great crowd against Nixa at home #vikingpride

We spent our vacation in Key West. My favorite part was when we went kayaking.

-freshman Ethan Duke

HowellSuperFans @HowellSuperFans

We were insane tonight.

HowellSuperFans @HowellSuperFans

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Super Fans create excitement through social media

HowellSuperFans @HowellSuperFans That was too hype #Blue&Gold

I went to my sister’s high school graduation. She lives on the naval base there with my dad.

-sophomore Megan Collins

“I went up to Chicago to see Jake Miller. It was the best ending to the summer.”

–Paris Lewis senior

“Warped Tour was super fun. The best concert was Memphis May Fire.”

–Mikayla Henderson senior

“I really like “My Way” by Fetty Wap. It’s a really catchy song, even the clean version.”

–Andre Newton freshman

“‘Budapest” by George Ezra is a nice song to listen to.”

–Carly Gibson sophomore

“‘Inside Out” was really good.

It shows kids how emotions work in a cute way.”

–Trevor Bennett senior

“I saw “Paper Towns.” I was surprised the movie was as good as the book.”

–Shannon Ford senior