Vol. 80 Issue 2
815 E. 13th St. Des Moines, IA. 50316
Des Moines Independent Community School District
September 22, 2011
East High Scroll “For the Service of Humanity”
‘Get Energized’ with rewards & recognition Facts &
Info
Aaron Hosman News Editor
H
ow would you like to see Nikki Minaj as our celebrity principal for a day? Thanks to two new programs being implemented by East High administrator, that could be possible. Rewarding and recognizing good behavior could be essential in turning around East’s low attendance and test scores. This is the hope for Smaller Learning Communities Coordinator Kris Byam and Principal Steve Johns. “We know that what gets recognized and rewarded gets repeated. What we want to do is reward and recognize the behavior we want,” said Johns. Byam was put in charge of the new East program, ‘Get Energized’ and the nationwide program ‘Get Schooled’ program that works in conjunction with MTV. The goal of linking the two programs is to motivate students with Kris Byam gives junior Shyann Lowery her reward for perfect attendence; Lowery received a water rewards and recognition to attend class and bottle and bowling pass. Photo by Aaron Hosman. do well in school overall. inspire them to be good students. Rewards can even be given out just for “It’s a program that rewards students for “A lot of the time we focus on the negadoing a good deed. This will also include doing what they are supposeD to be doing; tive…we forget to pay attention to the kids rewards for high or improved GPA and imwe’ve encompassed a lot of different things who are doing what they are supposed to proved ITED scores. like attendance, good behavior, and academic be doing. We want to reward the good stu100 schools nationwide are competing in achievement,” said Byam. dents and hope that others realize they can the program and East is the only school in The main objective of the program is to be rewarded for doing the right thing too,” Iowa. Byam hopes to raise $15,000 dollars to raise attendance by at least two percent. Cursaid Johns. fund the program. Donations have already rently, East has an average daily student atIf East can improve enough to beat the come in from corporations like Copper Creek tendance of 88%. The reasoning behind raisother 99 schools, there is the possibility of C i n e m a , ing attendance being placed in the national spotlight. Last Target and is that more stuWe win in softball, we win in years ‘Get Schooled’ winner was Collins Subway. Fudents will be in Academy from Chicago, Il. Their reward: ture prizes the classroom, basketball, why can’t we win in Nikki Minaj as principal for the day, a concert, could conwhich then imthe classroom? and scholarships for as much as 1,000 dollars sist of gas proves testing for a few students. cards and scores. - Kris Byam “We win in softball, we win in basketball, even iPods. “We know that why can’t we win in the classroom?” said Byam high performing Byam.. would also like to have student input by creatschools have high student attendance, most This year’s celebrity principal has not been ing a student leadership group that will begin of the schools have 95% attendance,” said announced. If you would like to learn more meeting Wednesday mornings at seven in the Johns. about ‘Get Energized’ meet with Byam or main office. But, how will attendance be raised? That’s stop in on a Student Leadership meeting. Student surveys will be used for students where the “Scarlet Energized’ program comes Wednesday mornings, 7 a.m in the main to voice their opinions on East. There is also into play. Each week students will be reoffice. an opportunity to nominate teachers who warded for being on time and coming to class.
“
”
HOW TO... ...GET REWARDED
- Arrive to school/class on time
- Improve or maintain a high GPA
- Improve or recieve a high ITED score
- Do a good deed
...GET INVOLVED
- Join in on a Student
leadership meeting, Wednesday mornings at 7a.m. in the Main Office
...DONATE
- Personal and
monitary donations are welcome and can be made out to East HighSchool or brought to the main office.
What celebrity would you like to see as principal for the day?
Junior Lizzie Burgett
Junior Angelo Arreola
Senior Summer Ferguson
“Miley Cyrus. It’s obvious, she’s amazing.”
“I’d be crazy not to say Jennifer Lopez!”
“Brad Pitt, cause’ he’s sexy.”
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Top picks for Fall entertainment
Y
Reporter
MOVIE
t’s nearing the end of September already, and soon, we will only have three months until 2012. If you are anything like me when it comes to movies, then I know what you’re thinking: “I have no idea what the Oscars are going to be doing this year, because there hasn’t really been any ‘Oscar Bait Movies’.” Have no fear, Movie Lovers, because I have found something that may tickle your fancy. Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump), Sandra Bullock (The Blindside), and Viola Davis (Traffic) are all stars in this film that is said to be widely released in America on January 20, 2012. The cast itself is Oscar worthy; I really don’t even feel the need to explain the plot to you. This movie is about a ten year old boy, Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn), who loses his father (Hanks) in the terrorist attacks on September 11th. Through-out the movie, Schell goes on a journey to New York in order to find a locked box his father left him a key to many years ago. Based off the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, and directed by Stephan Daldry (The Reader), I feel this movie is definitely a must-see for the 2011 Oscar Year.
Two East High sisters injured in car accident on SE 14th Lindsey Smith Co-Editor-in-Chief
O
n Sept. 2, a two car accident killed one Lincoln High School student and put two East High girls and another person in the hospital. Victims in the accident included senior Jenny Garcia of Lincoln, who died at the scene. EHS sisters junior Alejandra and freshman Irania Cordova, were all severely injured and taken to the hospital. Alejandra’s boyfriend, Alejandro Garcia, was also injured in the accident. The group of four was coming home from a family gathering when their car was hit by another car that ran a red light at roughly 80mph, according to the police report. Garcia’s car caught on fire soon after the impact. They were only about a mile away from home. Alejandra now suffers from a broken shoulder, six broken ribs, a broken arm, and a bruised right lung. She is homebound for one month. Irania suffered a broken pelvis, arm, and shoulder. She also had internal bleeding at the scene. She will be homebound for two months in a wheelchair and will have to go through intense physical therapy. Oscar Meza, a community liaison at EHS, has been visiting the girls in the hospital since the accident. “Hopefully [Irania] will not have any long term disabilities from the accident,” he said. Alejandro suffered facial injuries; he has two or three bones broken.
TV SHOW
es, it’s finally here. After many years of dealing with American Idol and America’s Got Talent, America is finally following their former Mother Country and brining over yet another show out to find new, rich talent this country has to offer. The X Factor, originally a British talent show that started back in 2004, is setting sail to land on the docks of your very own television on September 21, 2011. For the past seven years, this show has dominated the UK audience, being the number one program and racking up an unbelievable 21 million audience members for its finale in 2010. The X Factor has helped artists sell over 100 million records, including 90 number one hit singles and albums, and 150 Top Ten records. The show has also received numerous awards worldwide. Along with every other talent show on television, this too has judges. For this show, there will be Nicole Scherzinger from The Pussy Cat Dolls, L.A. Reid, former Chairman of Island Deaf Jam Music Group, Paula Abdul from American Idol, and, of course, the man we all love to hate, Simon Cowell himself, who also judged the UK version of the show. If you have seen the UK version of this show, you will know that, unlike American Idol, the judges put a lot of focus into not only the actual singing
Hailey Galloway
I
Entertainment
September 22, 2011 / Page Editor : Lindsey Smith
ability, but performance ability as well. This would be the perfect show for anyone who loves to watch people perform and compete for what they are most passionate about. It’s got a very different feel from any other talent show currently on television, and, let’s face it, American Idol is boring without Simon. It’s time for a change-up, and The X Factor is definitely it.
MUSIC
H
ere they come again, trying to rule the world with their latest album set to be released on October 24, 2011. Mylo Xyloto will be Coldplay’s fifth album. Chris Martin, the lead singer of the band, was quoted to say the album is “based on a love story with a happy ending.” Coldplay has quoted numerous times that they want their next studio album to be “more acoustic” and “more intimate” than previous albums such as “Viva la Vida” and “Death and His Friends.” Currently, there are two singles out from Mylo Xyloto. “Every Tear Drop is a Waterfall” was the first single to be released off the album, and made its debut on BBC Radio 1. The song made it to number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100’s in the United States, selling over 85,000 copies in its first week. Since then, it has climbed to number 14, and has sold 1,772,000 copies worldwide.
The Scarlet Briefs What are the East High groups up to?
[ Find out the who, what, when, where, and why’s about how YOU can get involved. ] Student Government:
S.G. members have been busy sicne the beginning of the year planning for Homecoming. It’s not too late to join and all grade levels are welcome. Meetings are every Tuesday at 7:10 a.m. in Mr. ElBaroudi’s room, 3059N.
IHSSA:
On Oct. 4 there will be a meeting in Mrs. Johnson’s room 3059M. They will be disscussing fundraisers such as Entertainment books that are due Sept. 26.
Zoology (Frommelt):
Drama:
Mr. Allan, the drama teacher, is putting on his second play at EHS since his arrival last semester. This years play is Grease. The cast has already been picked and they have started practices. The play will show this December.
Students can look forward to BUG COLLECTING this long weekend. Collections are due Sept. 29. Also, students get to raise a tiny tobacco hornworm from larva to adulthood. Good parenting skills required...
French (Crowe):
Tuesday Sept. 27 -- anyone interested in the french language or culture, join the first French Club meeting for all students. Room 1043M after school.
National Council on Youth Leadership:
20 East High seniors attendend a two day conference at Drake University along with nearly 240 other seniors from high schools in Des Moines and surrounding areas. The conference was about leadership and how to be a good leader in your school and community. The NCYL board picks a student from every school to receive a scholarship based on their character, volunteering and academic success. This year the EHS scholarship winner was Brennan Lawrence.
Opinions
Issue 2 / Page Editor : Courtney Custard
Fast food: Obesity at East a problem
Chris Johnson Reporter
W
ith the number of fast food chains, gas stations, convenience stores, and restaurants in the United States, it’s not surprising that we’re the most obese country on the planet. Here in Iowa, the situation is no different. A McDonald’s, a Dairy Queen, multiple stores, and the Oasis are all within walking distance of East High. It’s basically a miracle if the salads in the lunchroom even get touched. The options offered to East High students aren’t exactly healthy, but it’s not stopping them in the slightest. Shops are packed full and we’re buying all sorts of greasy junk. Bosco sticks, Takis, and fried goods make up half
our intake, the rest consisting of soda. If you think about it though, these foods CAN be worked into a healthy diet. I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t admit that my own lunch isn’t a salad and milk. On average, I eat McDonalds every single day I have school. Why am I not a blimp? I know how to manage my eating. The problem isn’t just the food; it’s the amount of it. What kids don’t seem to understand is that they have a limit of calories. The usual rule is around 2,000 calories a day. Staying roughly close to this number allows one’s body to function without packing on unneeded pounds. How much is in a 32 oz soda? Coke and Dr. Pepper average out at 400 calories. In a large McDon-
ald’s drink, you’re getting a fifth of your day’s calories and nearly two days worth of sugar. How about a single McChicken? 360 calories. Bosco sticks? 460 calories in a pack of two. A Big Mac alone sets you back 580 calories, and nearly 1,300 with medium fry and drink. They might be sides, but they’re just as jam-packed with calories as the burger you ordered. It’s all about quantity. Smaller meals means less calories, skinnier waists, and slimmer stomachs. Ordered a Double Whopper value meal? Try the sandwich and a small drink instead. Two McChickens and a chocolate shake? Drop one sandwich, or better yet the shake. If you really want to lose weight, most restaurants have healthy options displayed just for you. Gaining weight isn’t hard to avoid. It just takes a bit of observation. Take a look at those nutrition boxes on the back of your goods for once. If there are too many calories, just drop it. Less is more in the world of weight loss. Remember that and you can look however you like.
What is East ordering for lunch? ~Junior Hunter Hall, is having two McChickens, a small fry, and a small drink... for 1,050 total calories. ~Senior Jesse Ryan will be having the Oreo McFlurry... for 560 total calories. ~Junior Mackenzie Drew, orders the 20-piece Chicken Nuggets... for 1,030 total calories.
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Temporary ID proves to be a scam
Brianna Boner Literacy Editor
F
rom ATM charges to fines for a school ID, the world is basically too harsh. ATM charges are ridiculous. You want us to go to your bank Wells Fargo, so change your prices. I, for one, do not want to have to dish out two fifty just to check my account or make a withdrawal. It is outrageous just like the new ID policy; our dear East High has developed We are forced to pay one dollar for a temporary ID our teachers will probably never ask us for, five dollars for a permanent ID that you
will not use next year or any other year? If you do not have money to pay for it they put it on your school account. Now why would they do this to the students who cannot even afford their lunch? The school just wants our money. I thought people who worked here could not make money off their students. It is a shame that the people we thought were our good school allies are actually scamming us. Both the administration and teachers say it is so we get used to working with an ID. HELLO! If you wanted that you wouldn’t have made it so we can’t even get into a classroom without an ID so we can learn that education you are trying to shove on us all the time. East High is not a bad school, until those in power start messing with our normal climate. So I ask you please get rid of the stupid policy of ID’s.
How do you feel about paying for a temporary I.D? “I think that is wrong if you have to pay for it if it gets lost or stolen,” said senior Danny Shoafstall.
~East serves fried chicken and ice cream. Everyday.
EAST HIGH SCROLL
The Scroll is published every three weeks during the school year except holidays for the DM Independent Community School District by the students in the journalism program at East High School. Subscriptions are $5 per year and address changes should be sent to East High Publications, 815 E. 13th, Des Moines, Iowa, 50316. The paper is printed by Wilcox Printing in Madrid, Iowa. Ads are $4 per column inch and are available by calling (515) 242-7729 on school days from 7-3 p.m. The Scroll reserves the right to reject ads deemed not in the best interest of East students. The Scroll welcomes letters but reserves the right to edit for space as required. All contents are the product of the EHS newspaper production staff. Occasional stories are contributions from the journalism intern program. Outside contributions are subject to the usual restrictions of libel and obscenity and must conform to general paper policy, which is available upon request. Unsigned letters can not be printed. Signed commentaries represent personal opinions, not views of the staff.
District Educational
Equity Statement
The Des Moines Public Schools prohibits discrimination in educational and employment programs and activities based on age, race, creed, color, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. In addition, the District prohibits acts of intolerance or harassment toward employees or students that are not related to the individual’s employment or education.
Staff:
Editors-in-chief / Katelyn Worple & Lindsey Smith Head Copy Editor / Riley Bacon Section Editors/ Brianna Boner, Taylor Bougher, Courtney Custard, Stephenie Gabriel, Aaron Hosman, Julie Khanthavongsa
“It sucks because a lot of people do not have the dollar to pay for it,” said junior Andi Hiatt.
Writers & Designers / Erika Kommavongsa, Jazmine Heard, Kara VanDeo,Chris Johnson, Karla Hernandez, Jackie Khamma, Lucero Vasquez, Hailey Galloway Adviser / Ben Graeber Principal / Steve Johns
Letters To The Editor
Care to write to us? Deliver your letter/concern to Mr. Graeber’s box in the office or drop it off at room 207W. Letters can also be mailed to: EHS Publications, 815 E. 13th, Des Moines, IA, 50316. Letters should include the writer’s full name and contact phone number (cell is fine).
“Its overpriced, it should be a $1.50 for a (per manent) replacement,” said junior Ashley Kimbely.
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East Village
September 22, 2011
Stephenie Gabriel Community Editor
Name: Zombie Burger Hours: Mon.-Thurs.; 11-2p.m & 4:30-Midnight Fri.&Sat.; 4:30-3a.m. Address: 300 E. Grand Ave.
Opinions Editor
Name: RAYGUN Hours: 11 - 7p.m. Monday - Saturday Address: 400 E. Locust St., Suite 12 It all began when Mike Draper started selling his custom made t-shirts out of the back of his van in Pennsylvania. The idea to make shirts that are special to the city/state residents caught on, and Draper moved back to Iowa to start a business. RAYGUN makes sarcastically funny shirts about Iowa ($19) including one of their most popular shirts stating, “Des Moines: Hell Yes.” “We don’t do anything by the book, we created our own book,” said John, an employee at the store. RAYGUN employees say the work environment is creative, fun and they love coming to work every morning in East Village, but more importantly RAYGUN.
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From t-shirts to tattoos, the East Village offers something for every customer Jazmine Heard
Erika Kommavongsa
Reporter
Reporter
Name: Lasting Impressions Hours: Tues.- Thurs.; 1-8p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 1-10p.m. Address: 333 E. Grand Ave. Suite 101
Name: Colores Hours: Tues.-Fri.; 115:30p.m. Sat.; 10-5 Address: 412 E. 5th St.
A“Trailer Trash Zombie,” with fried pickles, chicken fried bacon and cheese curds is not the typical thing you would think to order at a restaurant. However, when you step into the recently opened restaurant, Zombie Burger, in Des Moines’ East Village you will soon realize that bizarre choices are all you have to choose from. The unusual name and the unique menu seems to be what is attracting customers to the restaurant. “People will be dying to get in,” Marty, our waiter, said to us as we ate there this month. Customers truly are “dying” to get in, with the line out the door at the beginning of lunch hour and still there an hour later. With a modern-hip atmosphere, Zombie Burger is the newest restaurant that everyone is buzzing about.
Courtney Custard
Issue 2 / Page Editor : Katelyn Worple
Colores is a great name for this bright little gift shop. Colores is filled with a large variety of affordable gifts; jewelry, paintings, crafts, tye-dyed clothing, and etc. Most gifts are hand made by Midwestern artists. Colores originated when Anita Allen was introduced to procion dyes, which is a better quality of dye for clothing and crafts. She started selling tye-die shirts to friends and families and from there the word spread. Nita’s inventory grew, in the fall of 2004, she moved to a little spot in the East Village. Stepping through the glass doors of Lasting Impressions in East Village provides a very diverse environment. Modern furnishings and inspirational artwork influences you to obtain a piece of body art, whether it is a tattoo or piercing. “Lasting Impressions is the largest known tattoo shop in Iowa,” said Beau Davidson. The business originated in Fort Dodge and has opened many other shops located in Ames, Carroll and in 2007 Des Moines’ East Village. The somewhat new building gives a modern feel on body art along with intriguing employees. “Treat your body art like it’s a baby,” said Janessa Mckissack, a new piercer who joined their team as an apprentice. Mckis-
sack’s words of wisdom are not to touch a freshly done tattoo or piercing, simply because it has to heal on its own. Mckissack believes that being able to manipulate the human body instead of having what you had originally is one of the greatest freedoms, because it allows you to control your body how you want to. “I consider body art plastic surgery, tattoos or anything that relates to changing your body to how you want it,” said Mckissack. Lasting Impressions accepts walk-ins and appointments on a daily basis. On every Tuesday and Thursday piercings are $15 dollars a piece. You can contact any of the staff via Facebook, or email them at lastingimpressionstattoo@ gmail.com.
Riley Bacon
Copy Editor / Sports Editor
Name: Liberty Gifts Hours: Mon.-Thurs.; 11-6:30p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 10-8p.m. Address: 333 E. Grand Ave. Suite 105 One of the newer shops (five years in business) in East Village is Liberty Gifts. Liberty Gifts is located down the street from Zombie Burger, and within steps of Raygun. “Liberty Gifts is committed to serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. We have cards, jewelry, December diamonds, dolls, games, flags, t-shirts, and lots of items with rainbow,” said the owner of the shop via cityvoter. com. Liberty Gifts also sells interesting items for non-homosexual patrons. Hemp necklaces, earrings/naval rings, tobacco pipes and bongs, and adult merchandise would catch the eye of anyone browsing the store.
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fEATURE
September 22, 2011 / Page Editor : Taylor Bougher
A night full of thrills Taylor Bougher Features Editor
z
ombies, werewolves, ghosts, oh my! This year, homecoming is unlike any other year. Instead of just an ordinary theme like the past, this year, it is all about the spirit. Or better yet, the spirits. The theme this year is “Haunted Homecoming”. The theme was selected by students and voted on by Student Government. Samy El Baroudi said, “Anyone who is unhappy with it should get involved and be a part of planning these events.” The suggested attire is semiformal, but you can wear a costume if you want. If you do choose to wear costumes, they need to be school appropriate, and you are not allowed to wear masks or face coverings. Samy El Baroudi said, “No masks or anything else that obscures your appearance,” will be allowed at all.
To go along with the “haunted” theme, the song for homecoming is “Zombie” by Natalia Kills. Junior Jacob Baccam said that the theme “makes it creative.” One of the goals of the dance is to stay away from Halloween and cheesy decorations. Student government is trying to make it a different experience and let the students have fun. As for the music, the DJ we have for Homecoming this year is Jake Feldman with BC Productions. That company has been our DJ for a number of years. Student Government raises money through the ticket sales to pay for the things that are needed. All the dance costs are covered with the money that was raised. None of the money was taken from the school budget to pay for the dance costs. Student Government meets every Tuesday in room 3059 N. Get involved. Get out there, and help out your fellow students.
The facts: 2011-12 Homecoming • Theme: Haunted Homecoming • Date: October 1, 2011 • Time : 7:30-10:30 p.m • Ticket price: $15 • How to purchase tickets: Sales start today in room 3059M (before or after school & during lunches) • Colors: Purple and silver • Song: “Zombie” by Natalia Kills • Tickets must be purchased in advance; no sales will be allowed at the door.
Are you wanting to bring a non- East student? --Pick up a form from the Vice Principal’s office for the non-East student to fill out. --Purchase the ticket for the East High student from Student Government. --Bring student’s ticket, filled out form, and money to purchase the ticket to the Vice Principal’s Office. --Ticket will be issued there. --One one guest per student.
Spirit Week brings life to Homecoming week -Monday, September 26: ‘ER’ Day (dress as something that ends with ‘ER’) -Tuesday, September 27: Decade Day (dress in a costume or outfit from a specific decade) -Wednesday, September 28: Wacky Wednesday (dress in something goofy) -Thursday, September 29: Thriller Thursday (dress up as monsters, zombies, and other thrillers) -Friday, September 30: Spirit Day (dress in red and black to show your school spirit) Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Monday
‘ER’ Day (Baker) ~Banker ~Lawyer ~Singer ~Teacher ~Traveler ~Truck Driver
Decade Day (Hippie)
~Flapper from the ‘20s ~Prep from the ‘80s ~Rockstar from the ‘80s ~Boy bands from the ‘90s
Wacky Wednesday (Wacky)
~Mismatched socks ~Mismatched shoes ~Crazy makeup ~Weird hairstyles
Thriller Thursday (Zombie)
~Makeup ~More makeup ~Old clothes
Spirit Day (Spirit)
~Red ~Black ~State Championship tshirts
scroll staff
September 22, 2011 / Page Editor : Stephenie Gabriel
Who would be your dream date to Homecoming?
Meet the new and returning Scroll staff members “Ryan Reynolds!”
“Charlie Sheen.”
-Lindsey Smith Co-Editor-in-Chief
-Chris Johnson Reporter
“Cristiano Ronaldo! <3” -Katelyn Worple Co-Editor-in-Chief
“Kim Kardashian, because her booty is PHAT.” -Riley Bacon Head Copy/Sports Editor
“Of course, I already got him! <3 ya, Brandon Long.” -Courtney Custard Opinions Editor
“Tyl er Posey, hopefully there’s no full moon (Teen Wolf).” Erika Kommavongsa Reporter
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“Chris Brown for sure. That man knows how to dance.” -Stephenie Gabriel Reporter
“Kayne West, because I love his style and he’d treat me like a princess!” -Jazmine Heard Reporter
“Will Smith. I can fulfill my dream from when I was eight.”
“Betty White, of course! She can get down.” -Aaron Hosman News Editor
“Hm... I’d say Channing Tatum!”
-Taylor Bougher Features Editor
“Johnny Depp, or Taylor Momsen.” :) -Karla Hernandez Reporter
“I would take Devon Bostick because he is drop dead gorgeous!” -Brianna Boner Reporter
-Kara VanDeo Reporter
“Jackie Boupha.” -Julie Khanthavongsa Reporter
“Louis Theroux.” -Jackie Khamma Reporter
“Jesse Eisenburg.” -Hailey Galloway Reporter
Senior photos are due on Oct. 28th! Turn them in to 201 Walker or 207 Walker.
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September 22, 2011 / Page Editor : Jackie Khamma
Culture
Three students adapt to life in America and at EHS
If students think that adjusting to a new school is hard, imagine attending a high school in a different country. Each year about 30,000 exchange students come to experience the American lifestyle. East High School has three exchange students; all of them come from different countries in Europe.
Serbian flag. Look for a photo of Markovic on our website: www.easthighpublications.wordpress.com
Grade: 11 Age: 17 From: Serbia (see map below)
Grade: 11 Age: 16 From: Germany (see map below)
Grade: 11 Age: 16 From: Russia (see map below)
Nebosja Markovic learned English in his school in Serbia as well as watching television programs. His school does not require IDs, classes generally do not last as long like East’s, no cafeteria, and no school buses. Morkavic claims it isn’t hard understanding people it’s just people speak too fast. He also said it isn’t difficult but a bit harder when it comes to making friends because the teenage mentality is different in America. Like the other students he was surprised of how big East is, though he does like the west entrance because it reminds him of Greece . He’s only been in Iowa for a month but already enjoys his stay, his host family, host brother, and East High.
Its Caroline Kasper’s first time in America. Kasper originally wanted to go to Japan; however, her mom refused, saying America would be the better choice to practice her English. Being from a small school of only 200 students, of course she would be surprised of the large student body at East. In Germany school is strictly for classes only, there are no sports teams, less events, everyone is stuck with the students in their grades, and students do not have the option of choosing classes they want until they’re a junior or a senior. Kasper is very happy to come to America and would like to practice her English along with making new friends at the school. “I like how the Americans prepare their meat.”
Zufar Gatiyatov was one of the 15 out of 1500 students who passed the Russian tests to come to America for free. The tests involved English grammar, new society skills, and social adaption. Gatiyatov began to learn English in second grade but began speaking when he finally came to the US. In his school he was required to wear a uniform so when he came to East he found it a bit different to see the students wear their own clothing. He claims it is difficult making new friends due to being a foreign exchange student but he still likes America’s living condition, hist host family, and his host brother Neb, who is also an exchange student at East.
“ I like a nice cheeseburger.”
Fast facts on Germany: * 81 million people * Has the largest economy in Europe * Vo l k s wa g e n m e a n s “people’s car” in German.
Fast facts on Russia: *143 million people *Russia covers one-eighth of the world’s land area; it is the largest country in the world.
Fast facts on Serbia: *7.2 million people *Belgrade is the capitol. *They celebrate Christmas on January 7.
“Of course it took some time to understand the topics of the lessons because it’s English.”