Volume 11, Issue 6

the

JagW ire

JW

Vol. 11, Issue 6 March 10, 2011

Dancing around the issue An in-depth look at the dance policy and how it’s affecting the school dances Pages 10-11

Mill Valley High School 5900 Monticello Road, Shawnee, KS 66226

2

March 10, 2011

{briefs}

InThisIssue News: page 4

Motivational speaker

Feature: page 9 IFI outreach program

JUNIOR SIERRA MILES signs the r-word banner, a pledge to eliminate inappropriate use of the r-word, on Wednesday, March 2, during lunch. Photo by Courtney Cooke

Students come together to stop misuse of the word ‘retard(ed)’ hanna torline {reporter}

Opinion: page 12 Clubs disappearing

Sports: page 15 Game announcers

A&E: page 18 Destination: Kansas

JagPRIDE began a campaign on Monday, Feb. 28 dedicated to ending the use of the word ‘retard(ed)’ in an offensive context.

The week’s activities included having students sign a banner in the lunchroom, pledging to eliminate their use of the r-word.

JagPRIDE sponsor Debbie Gudenkauf was pleased with all of the pledges.

“Students were invited to sign the pledge banner, but no one was forced to, nor did they receive any external rewards for doing so,” Gudenkauf said.

A survey went out the week before the campaign in order to ask students and teachers about the use of the r-word. The results of this survey and a post

Success at state

Snow day plans

sarah gonzales {reporter}

lisa joerling {reporter}

Senior trombone player Robert Larson earned third chair out of the entire state orchestra.

Band state was Feb. 24-26 in Wichita.

“We rehearsed eight to nine hours a day,” Larson said. “Then on that Saturday we put on a performance.”

Band director Debra Steiner has a few students try out every year for state.

“I have around six to 10 students audition every year,” Steiner said. “It’s pretty good and most high schools go to state.”

Band state differs from other state competitions.

“It’s not really a competition,” Larson said. “It’s more of students who are making one big band to perform. It is basically all of the metro schools and a few rural ones that participate.”

With all the schools that came together the experience made it enjoyable for all the players.

“It was fun,” Larson said. “It was a really cool experience to experience it with other good players.”

District officials are still deciding if students are going to make up the six inclement weather days used in January and February. The district built four days into the school calendar and has planned to make up one on Monday, April 25.

Teachers had to condense and move lessons to fit everything in due to the missed time.

“It basically pushed things back.

We had to spend more time reviewing things which made it difficult to wrap up the quarter,” science teacher Kale Mann said.

As of now, the decision will be postponed until the risk of winter weather ends.

“District officials will wait to see what the weather may hold in the coming weeks to determine the amount of time that will need to be made up,” director of administrative services and community relations Alvie Cater said via email.

Mann is not worried about making up his lessons.

“Fortunately, I had some flex days built in,” Mann said. “ It’s not going to be a problem.”

UpcomingEvents: Cover illustration by Ali Judy

survey will be posted by jagPRIDE after spring break.

Senior Iniki Juarez-Haden thought the campaign could have encompassed a variety of offensive words in order to have more of an impact.

“The [r-word] isn’t said very often at our school,” Juarez-Haden said.

“It could have been more effective if it had targeted more hurtful words.”

On the other hand, Gudenkauf has seen a good response to the week.

“I have been told that students have felt more comfortable confronting each other when they hear the r-word used,” Gudenkauf said. “This tells me that we have heightened student awareness.”

SOPHOMORE BRENNA ISKRA works diligently on a broadcast project on Thursday, Feb. 24. Iskra and fellow sophomore Josie Hanson won first place in the Student Television Network’s “Here to Help Contest.” Photo by Austin Gude

Broadcast students win award maya sudduth {reporter}

Sophomores Brenna Iskra and Josie Hanson won first place in the national “Here to Help Contest” sponsored by the Student Television Network.

The video submitted was about the annual StuCo blood drive, which fit the theme of the contest: giving back to the community.

It showed students that giving blood wasn’t as scary as some may think and also encouraged more students to donate blood.

“I knew the video was of decent quality because we knew what we were doing but I had no idea [the video] would do so good,” Hanson said.

For their hard efforts the girls were awarded a Flip video camera for the broadcast program.

“We don’t have anything like that here at the school and Brenna and I have first dibs on it,” Hanson said. “It’s really cool.”

The annual Shawnee St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns on Sunday, March 13 at 1 p.m. The parade begins at the intersection of Johnson Dr. and Monrovia.

At the Uptown Theater on Sunday, March 13, Irish punk band Flogging Molly will perform at 7:30 p.m., with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

On Friday, March 25, comedian Lewis Black will continue his “In God We Rust” stand up comedy tour at 8 p.m. at the Midland Theatre.

www.mvnews.org

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March 10, 2011

{news}

ABOVE: ON WEDNESDAY, FEB. 23 Scharenbroich conducts students in the gymnasium to chant, “boomba hey” in order to demonstrate unity and vulnerability. Photo by Taylor Young RIGHT: MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER MARK Scharenbroich visited Wednesday, Feb. 23, to advise students to live freely. “Have some dreams, have something to wake up for,” Scharenbroich said. Photo by Courtney Cooke

Inspiration gained by laughs hanna torline{reporter}

Students receive a message to live their lives to the fullest

ABOVE: SCHARENBROICH SINGLES OUT senior Adam Farnow during the assembly Wednesday, Feb. 23. Scharenbroich tells the school, “Don’t wait [until graduation] to connect with people, take ownership of your life and live freely,” Scharenbroich told Farnow. Photo by Courtney Cooke

Internationally recognized motivational speaker Mark Scharenbroich visited on Wednesday, Feb. 23 to speak to students during seminar.

Scharenbroich is an Emmy award winner, has been inducted into the National Speakers’ Association Hall of Fame and has been featured in many films including the award winning “The Greatest Days of Your Life...(So Far),” released in 1981.

His website, www.nicebike.com, gained it’s name from the 100th anniversary of Harley-Davidson, where Scharenbroich noticed the one phrase that seemed to bring the tough bikers together was “nice bike.”

“I believe that it’s very important to be connected,” Scharenbroich said. “This means we need to leave the campsite better than we found it.”

Scharenbroich emphasized this point during his presentation, which was received well by students.

Sophomore Kristen Blair liked that he was casual and kept students laughing the whole time.

“I thought it was fun,” Blair said. “I think people respond more when they think it’s funny and not serious.”

Using laughter to bring the students together, Scharenbroich demonstrated

his signature “boomba hey” chant, which could be heard between both students and teachers even after the presentation was over.

His simple reminders to “live freely” and “love a lot” also exemplify how he used short phrases that stick in people’s memories to get a point across.

However, because of Scharenbroich’s simplicity and casualty, math teacher Alex Houlton thought that the speaker may have failed to completely get his message across.

“I think his message may have been a little lost in his presentation,” Houlton said. “He didn’t really emphasize his message.”

Even though the speech was funny and at times even seemed a little off topic, Scharenbroich seemed to tie in subjects such as elementary romance and “The Exorcist” into his ideas of responsibility and respect.

After his presentation, junior Hannah Brinker felt like she gained something from hearing Scharenbroich speak.

“He’s been the best [motivational speaker] we’ve had because he made me feel happier,” Brinker said. “I don’t feel I’ve really gotten that before.”

During his speech Scharenbroich challenged students to motivate themselves.

“I’m not really a motivational speak-

er,” Scharenbroich said. “If you can’t motivate yourself, what makes you think that I can?”

Houlton hopes that Scharenbroich’s words of wisdom will stick with the students for a while.

“Hopefully this is something small that will turn into something larger,” Houlton said. “It’s a good reminder of the things we should be doing.”

Blair agrees that it would be great if students took the presentation to heart, but she doesn’t think that it will stay with students for long.

“I think most people agreed with what he said,” Blair said. “But I don’t think that people will actually follow his advice after the day is over.”

Even though he hopes that he can make a difference at every school he visits, Scharenbroich recognizes that one speech can’t be the only change.

“One speech won’t turn a school or a person around,” Scharenbroich said. “One assembly is just part of the experience.”

Although Scharenbroich has spoken to students in more than 3,000 school districts, he especially enjoyed the experience here.

“This audience was a 10,” Scharenbroich said. “They were just outstanding. It’s still a relatively new school that has a really good heart.”

YouSaidIt What did you take away from listening to the motivational speaker?

“You get one chance to go through high school and make it count.” {freshman Lyndsey Painter}

“I learned to live life to the fullest.” {sophomore Kain Niday}

“His [ideas] were a good reminder, but the facts and information were nothing new.” {junior Olivia Cain}

“Other than a couple laughs, he told me not to take life too seriously.” {senior Jacob Weiwel}

www.mvnews.org

{news}

YouSaidIt

5

What do clubs mean to you? {senior Iniki JuarezHaden}

“Clubs help build a family outside home. You can always talk to them.”

LEFT: DIVERSITY CLUB MEETS on Friday, March 4 to discuss future events. Despite their small numbers, they continue to thrive and sponsor events throughout the school year. ABOVE: SENIOR ELISE MCELLHINEY, previously an Art Club member, still finds time to pursue her love for drawing through her AP Studio Art class on Monday, March 7. Photos by Kat Rainey

{UNICEF sponsor Kristen Crosbie}

“A club needs to be fun or meaningful for students to show up.”

Decrease in clubs affects students josh duden {reporter}

{junior Lauren Shurley}

lisa joerling {reporter}

Drastic loss in clubs has possible repercussions for the student body Within the last decade, the number of clubs has fluctuated. But in just one year, the number of clubs has dwindled from 19 to nine non-application based clubs. The questions many are asking are what is the cause and what can clubs do to succeed?

What is the cause?

From a lack of strong leadership to just having too much to do, students may experience negative repercussions from the decrease in a strong club base. Some clubs remain, such as: Club Operation, jagPRIDE, Club 121, UNICEF, Diversity Club, GSA, JAGS, Blue Crew and Robotics. Three main factors causing clubs to disappear are the lack of seminar time, leadership and advertising.

Seminar club meetings can only occur on Mondays and Fridays during seminar, and in that time frame, there is only a 30 minute window to meet.

With only two days available per week, multiple clubs are forced to meet on the same day, reducing the number of members possible by inadvertently limiting the number of possible clubs a student can be a member of.

Assistant principal Matt Fedde explains the reasoning behind limiting meeting days.

“We only allow meetings on Mondays and Fridays because the rest is reserved for academic things,” Fedde said. “Seminar scheduling is difficult and everyone is extremely busy.”

Another issue is the leadership within the clubs. Counselor and past Friends of Rachel sponsor Patricia Chandler believes clubs should be student led, and the lack of student leadership is the reason Friends of Rachel did not last.

“There has to be a student interest. Students are the ones that have to take it in a direction,” Chandler said. “Seniors were very active in the club, we didn’t have very many underclassmen to keep it going.”

Junior Brayton Young believes the same. Having wanted to be a part of Ping Pong Club previously but lacking time in his schedule, he was disappointed when the club dissolved.

“I always wanted to be a part of Ping Pong Club but can’t now that it’s gone,” Young said.

Students seem to have directly impacted the Crosbie said. “UNICEF started with 25 members status of clubs, but Fedde speculates that sponsor and now we have about five that regularly come.” leadership could have an impact on club success UNICEF exemplifies the importance of sucas well. cess in the number of members that come to each “Turnover is occurring. When a staff member meeting, but many other factors are important to leaves, the students don’t necessarily know what’s make a club stable. going on,” Fedde said. “It’s easy for a club to die Robotics and Quiz Bowl sponsor Mary Beth quickly.”

Mattingly believes many things contribute to beWithout a strong club system, the school could ing a strong, active club. suffer negative effects. According to Fedde, re“Good team chemistry and camaraderie are duced number of clubs could impact the students important,” Mattingly said. “Its important for and their surroundings. the kids involved to get along and that they have “I believe the less [students] are involved in a coach they are comfortable with and can trust, the school, the less they are involved in the com- and a little bit of success through winning is immunity,” Fedde said. “Students could feel like high portant too.” school is more Junior Amy Shook, a current member of an instituof JagPRIDE, shares her belief in a comtion rather mon goal for a club.

“The less [students] are than a com“I think clubs with a goal succeed a bit involved in the school, munity and more than clubs that are just a bunch of the less they are we don’t want random things thrown together,” Shook involved in the that.” said. “It gives the group one major thing to Adver tis focus on.” community,” assistant ing plays an Young thinks unity is an important facprincipal Matt Fedde important tor of a club. said. role in the “I really think our school as a whole health of a needs unity,” Young said. “We all have our club. Freshopinion of clubs, but if everyone at least tried to get along we would be better off.” man Nathan Brinker believes one of the problems Chandler agrees. is the lack of advertising.

“It’s harder for students to get involved with“I don’t see any advertising at all really,” Brinker said. “Banners are advertising rules for out clubs, there is always a fine line between havthe school and things but nothing about clubs ing too many and too few clubs,” Chandler said.

Sophomore and former Fellowship of Chrisfor new people. There are only meetings and mestian Athletes member Lexi Riddle believes strong sages that are for current members.”

Chandler agrees this is an issue and suggests leadership is an important aspect in the success some potential advertisement opportunities. of a club.

“Clubs putting up more signs and posters could “If we had willing parent, student, and teacher bring about new members,” Chandler said. “The representation at our school we could have more club fair for Freshman Orientation is a good time clubs that represent the skills and interests for to advertise, but it would be good to open it up to the students,” Riddle said. everyone, because student interests change.”

From dedicated members to strong leadership within the club many things are necessary for a What makes a club successful? club to prosper. Riddle encourages students to beOf the nine that remain, some still struggle. gin new clubs and activities.

“We need to start new clubs to make not only According to UNICEF sponsor Kristen Crosbie the club has experienced a reduction in the number of new activities at our school but also new friends,” Riddle said. “We will be truly a unified school if we members attending meetings.

“It takes dedicated members [to have a club],” had more clubs.

“I made my friends from clubs. Without them, people could lose that.” *Only including non-application based clubs

9

clubs still actively meeting

> UNICEF > jagPRIDE > Diversity Club > GSA > Club Operation > Club 121 > JAGS > Blue Crew > Robotics/Quiz Bowl

ClubDecline Clubs last year Clubs this year

19 9

52%

decrease

Last year 19 clubs were actively meeting. This year, the number of clubs actively meeting is 9.

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March 10, 2011

{news}

Increase in class sizes anticipated sarah darby {news editor}

Administration and staff members deal with general increase in class sizes in future years As the general trend for class sizes increases for next year, many teachers and students are somewhat concerned, while building principals remain positive in the district’s efforts to keep class sizes manageable.

This year, according to the core department chairs, English classes average about 26 students per class, science classes average in the upper 20s, social studies average around 23 per class and math class average 22 to 24. All core department chairs see class sizes going up in the future.

Social studies teacher Chris Dunback has seen his class sizes rise from the mid 20s to the upper 20s in the last five years. Dunback’s classes range from 21 students to his largest class of 28 students, which is one of the largest core classes in the school.

“Teachers are required to teach all students and some students require accommodations,” Dunback said. “It’s not unusual for one-third of the students to need more help, one-third to need less help and one-third to be okay. The larger the class, the more diverse needs there are.”

De Soto High School principal David Morford said teacher adaptability influences their ability to handle larger class sizes.

“We have good teachers who are going to give effort whatever class size is,” Morford said.

Next year, Mill Valley High School will hire at least one new teacher in the drafting department and possibly one teacher in the social studies department. Morford has also requested additional teachers at DHS. District director of administrative services and community relations Alvie Cater said teachers are having to be maximized in the district.

“Public schools must find ways to be more efficient and at the same time continue offering outstanding educational opportunities for students,” Cater said via e-mail. “As such, we have to find new ways to maximize our staffing patterns across all grade levels. Obviously, one area to research is class size and how best to use our talented teachers and support staff.”

Even with up to two new teachers at MVHS, next year presents unique challenges, including a large incoming freshman class.

Principal Tobie Waldeck said he is not concerned at this time about class sizes and cannot predict class trends or numbers.

“I’m positive because we always try to do what’s right for

CORE CLASS SIZES are growing. Twenty-five students are in Silver 4 Algebra II, filling all but one chair on Thursday, March 3. Photo by Courtney Cooke

kids,” Waldeck said. “I do feel like if we’re going to have a problem, we have to get the numbers, see the problem, and work through what we need to do from there.”

Art teacher Jodi Ellis, is concerned about class sizes as art teachers like Jerry Howard teach non-art department classes next year. She sees class sizes of around 25.

Even this year, in Ellis’ Painting classes, easels can no longer be used due to overcrowding.

“It’s just a challenge I think in giving enough attention to each student,” Ellis said. “When classes were smaller, I wasn’t quite as exhausted at the end of the day.”

Junior Emily Adams, who is in Ellis’ Blue 4 Painting class, says they don’t use easels in class but she doesn’t notice too much of a change, except in Ellis’ reaction to the increase in class sizes.

“We did a still life with Tempera paints and we all had to use the personal boards you clip things into,” Adams said. “She’s pretty good at handling it, she gets a little more stressed out than she did before though.”

Small Blue 1 AP Government

Districts across the state are all being affected as the state budget allotted for education continues to drop, many are even in a hiring freeze. The De Soto school district has cut $4 million in budget since March 2009 and has had to add two to three additional students per class but is not in a hiring freeze.

“We are bracing for additional reductions in funding from the state of Kansas,” Cater said. “We want to protect class size as much as possible, but will have to look at all grade levels and see if there are additional ways for us to be more efficient.”

Despite decreasing budget, growth could benefit the district.

“The big thing we’re having going for us has been the growth,” Morford said. “New students don’t necessarily mean new money or an increase in money but they can make up some of the difference in what money has been lost.”

Although the general trend is increasing, not all classes will rise and not all staff and students are concerned. Principals remain confident in future numbers and the scheduling process.

“I haven’t really seen a big negative impact,” Morford said.

“We hire good teachers. A good teacher is adaptable.”

Large Blue 3 AP Government

VS. SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER Jeff Strickland’s Blue 1 AP Government class is abnormally small, with only 10 students, compared to the average social studies class size of 23. Photo by Courtney Cooke

“If we’re doing some kind of project we have to change stuff a lot for planning purposes.”

{social studies teacher Jeff Strickland}

> 10 students in Strickland’s Blue 1 class.

> 23 students on average in

social studies classes in the

2011 school year.

STRICKLAND’S BLUE 3 AP Government class is three times larger than his Blue 1 class. With 30 students in that block, every single desk is filled. Photo by Courtney Cooke

“It’s physically a little tight, but I don’t teach it any differently.”

{social studies teacher Jeff Strickland}

> 30 students in Strickland’s Blue 3 class.

> English classes average 26, science averages upper

20s and math averages 22 to 24.

www.mvnews.org

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Reaching goals

e f i l g n i c n a Enh

March 10, 2011

s s e c c u s g n i c u d o r P Learn Granting opportunities

the ACCESS House Impat acting lives Creating futures

Achieving

ing

e Finding hop

jill applegate{features editor}

District program works to ensure students’ success The dishwasher ran in a spotless kitchen, filling the room with the smell of soap and hot water. Tarah Follmer laid place mats down on the table, walking by a wall covered in a poster of a giant food pyramid covered in pictures of various foods.

This kitchen, one of the many rooms at the district’s new ACCESS house (Adult Cooperative Community Education Services and Support), is a classroom where Follmer and six others are students.

According to Belinda De Schrijver, director of the ACCESS house, the program is for students with special needs 18 to 21 years old who aren’t quite ready to go on to the next stage of their lives.

“It’s a transitional program between high school and adulthood,” De Schrijver said.

The Transition Coalition of Kansas ensures that every special education student ages 18 to 21 who needs posthigh school education gets it. The district ACCESS program is one of many programs in Kansas that offers this opportunity for students.

“The goal of the program is for [the student] to live as independently as possible based on their abilities,” De Shrijver said.

This year the ACCESS program has been relocated to the district’s former technology building in downtown De Soto, creating new opportunities for

inexgpesrikenilcels ImprGoaivning

the students. This year, the program has one teacher and three paraprofessionals, along with De Schrijver. In the past, the ACCESS program was based at Mill Valley, which often created problems for the students and teachers.

“It was very limited,” ACCESS teacher Sherry Meyer said. “But this [new location] is really ideal because it takes them out of that environment. It was hard for [the kids] to understand why they were still at the high school after they graduated. That’s why this building is such a blessing for us.”

The new building includes a sitting room, exercise room, conference room, kitchen, television room, bedroom and work room. The various rooms are used to work with students on what it will be like to live independently. One of student TyAaron Wilson’s favorite rooms is the living room.

“We can read magazines, watch movies and play the Wii,” Wilson said.

“My favorite game is Mario Kart.”

Throughout the year, the program focuses on key skill areas such as daily

living, employability, nutrition, fitness and social skills. The students each have jobs they travel to and from throughout the week.

“I work at Curves,” student Kelly Evans said. “I clean machines, run the vacuum and I dust and then I clean the sinks.

I work at the library next door too.”

Along with their jobs, the students make, package and sell dog treats to members of the community. They also take CLEAR (College Learning Experiences, Activities and Resources) classes at Johnson County Community College.

“It’s important that they get to take classes with their peers, people their own age,” De Schrijver said.

Throughout the student’s experience at the ACCESS house, the staff often sees the biggest change in their independence level.

“It’s a real different frame of mind,” De Shrijver said. “It’s really just them becoming independent responsible adults.”

De Schrijver sees this progress as one of the rewards of her job.

“It’s the little bitty things that you see change in a student,” De Schrijver said.

KELLY EVANS, TARAH Follmer and paraprofessional Meg Johnson sit down to play “Easy Livin’” on Monday, Feb. 28. The game is designed to help the students learn manners, healthy eating habits and other valuable life skills. Photo by Nichole Kennelly

ATreatyCause

Paving a p ath

FAR ABOVE: TARAH FOLLMER PRACTICES for the Job Olympics. She is entered in an event to bus tables. ABOVE: TyAaron Wilson discusses their focus of the day with Belinda De Schrijver on Monday, Feb. 28. Photos by Ali Judy

ACCESS students run homemade dog treat business

> The ACCESS students make

> Sizes include small and large > Contact them at

> In your order, include money along

> Choices include chicken and

> Can buy four for $1

> Leave money with secretary Edie

them, package them and deliver them to help improve skills

peanut butter flavor

dogtreats@yahoo.com

> Set up a day to have them delivered to the school

with your school and what flavor and amount you would like

Waye in the office with first and last name

www.mvnews.org

{feature}

9

Lansing Correctional Facility offers a program that allows inmates to

Reach out BARBED WIRE FENCING lines the perimeter of the Lansing Correctional Facility as a precaution. Inmates have an option to participate in the InnerChange Freedom Innitiative to make reentering society easier. Photo by Courtney Cooke

kristina milewski {features editor}

Prison offers program to mate Kyle Hodges said. “They don’t people [in prison].”

“Kids need to be careful with the ease transition into society just teach you job skills. IFI teaches

MeetIFIParticipant

Coiled barbed wire surrounds the 2,538 acres of the Lansing Correctional Facility. Inmates fill the courtyard, working out on the exercise equipment and socializing with others. Among the 2,489 inmates, 287 men made the decision to be a part of The InnerChange Freedom Initiative program (IFI), a faith-based program that provides services to voluntary prisoners to help prepare them for reentry into society.

Lansing Correctional Facility IFI director Don Raymond works with the men in this program to provide classes and services to the inmates 18 to 24 months before their release.

“When most inmates get out of prison, they get $100 and one outfit.

After that, they’re on their own,” Raymond said. “[The inmates] don’t have a job, no mode of transportation, we work with IFI members to make the transition easier.”

IFI helps inmates get a house, a job, clothes and any other necessity to help them get acclimated into society.

“It’s all about the relationships that you make,” IFI member and in-

Lansing Correctional Facility inmate Kyle Hodges participates in the IFI program.

Hodges is expected to be released in 2015.

restoration, and how to build relationships with one another.”

Hodges is a minimum security inmate and has been incarcerated since 2004, his expected release is 2015.

Selected IFI members are able to visit schools and churches to talk about their experiences in prison.

“We talk to students about decisions made in high school that will affect their lives,” Hodges said. “It’s so easy to make a wrong decision that affects the rest of your life.”

Last year, Hodges visited Christ Lutheran Church and spoke to a few students.

“It’s good for our kids to see and hear what those early choices can lead to,” IFI mentor Tom Pomarico said.

“And it starts with a single bad choice that can lead to more bad choices that you can’t recover from.”

When talking to people about their experiences, IFI targets youth audiences.

“Kids are the next generation. You would be amazed how many kids are here because of their families,” Raymond said. “If we can get them to start thinking about their choices in advance, I know there would be less

DailySchedule

choices that they make,” Pomarico said. “Many kids don’t realize that it only takes one mistake to change their lives.”

Members of the IFI program take quarterly classes every Monday and Thursday. Classes include computer labs, Bible studies, general education classes and numerous rehabilitation services.

“The guys in the program spend a lot of their time together,” Raymond said. “They live and eat together, and some of them become very close.”

IFI has two phases. Phase one consists of the inmate’s personal spiritual development. Phase two tests the prisoner’s value system in real life situations which involves offsite prison work programs.

“We try to break it down for the guys [in IFI], we ask ‘why do you do what you do?’ We try to figure out their process of behavior throughout this program.” Raymond said.

A member of IFI since 2006, Hodges has been able to rebuild his life despite the choices he made.

“Being a member of IFI doesn’t stop at those doors,” Hodges said.

“It’s a lifestyle.”

IFI program daily routine >

12 p.m.

Roll is taken, inmates go to second class.

Personal time and community meeting.

>

5 p.m.

Inmates have free time and then eat dinner.

8 a.m.

Roll is taken, inmates proceed to first class.

>

7 p.m.

Evening classes begin after dinner.

11 a.m.

Inmates eat lunch and have free time.

>

10 p.m.

Personal lights out.

>

5 a.m.

Wake up, get ready and eat breakfast.

>

7 a.m.

> >

time

and

MeetIFIDirector Director of IFI for many years, Don Raymond directs all aspects of the program.

Raymond keeps in touch with many previous inmates.

10 {feature}

March 10, 2011

Superintende

The JagWire brought together students and staff to discuss the stronger enforcement of the dance policy

>

Junior Robbie Weber

>

Counselor Erin Hayes

JagWire: How did you perceive previous years’ dances?

RW: I’d definitely say not as well enforced, I don’t remember seeing radios or people in bleachers last year.

PH: I think people still complained last year though, protested music. It stunk so we all sat down.

TW: All I can tell you is what I have heard.

This is coming from parents. I received numerous emails and phone calls telling me the dances were completely inappropriate and they wanted to know what I was going to do to fix that. And so as time went on, I got a little bit nervous about that. And so we did what we could do to make sure the kids danced appropriately.

JW: What happened with Homecoming?

RW: To be honest, I didn’t like them really but I did sign the dance conduct thing so I think they had every right to step it up a bit.

PH: I didn’t like it. I think everyone was so mad because it was shocking that they were actually enforcing it.

>

Principal Tobie Waldeck

>

Assistant Principal Marilyn Chrisler

>

Senior Tori Couts

>

MC: Do you [students] think you stressed out more? Or over-analyzed before you got there or tried to go in? I mean, some kids didn’t even go into the dance.

TC: I think it was all word of mouth, just how everyone carried it out.

TW: Everything that went on went through me, period. And was it over the top? Probably. But the bottom line is this policy wasn’t something that was invented by me. It wasn’t something I was going to relinquish... This is one of those places that we are all obligated to be decent.

MC: You’ve got to understand that there are 1,100 kids in our school, and we have to follow the rules for everyone. There were some people that were very inappropriate.

EH: I just think it’s a very awkward thing to try and enforce. How would you guys have enforced it differently? Coming as an adult, I am very uncomfomfortable walking up to you. How do you handle that without coming across as “No touching,” which obviously isn’t going to happen. How could it have gone differently and been okay?

What’s your opinion on the dance?

We asked students their opinions on this year’s dance enforcement What was your perception of this year’s homecoming dance?

2% said it was great 3% said it was pretty good 12% said it was okay How would you de83% said it was lame scribe the administration’s enforcement of the dance policy? How have the dances this year have affected school 2% said it was spirit? too lenient 62% said it killed school spirit 29% said it sort of affected it 16% said it was 2% said it improved spirit pretty fair 7% said it had no effect 82% said it was survey of 298 students

> > > > > > > >

too strict

Infographic by Jill Applegate

Junior Paige kaitlyn butko {editor-in-chief} Hillebert

Photo from The De Soto

JagWire: What do yo the dance policy?

Dr. Doug Sumner: I’ve policy, it’s pretty generic.

JW: What’s your perso josh duden {reporter}

We sho TC: I felt like going into this dance all the supervisors already thought it was going to be mass chaos and so bad, like last year’s and previous years’ [dances] were terrible. But from my eyes, I didn’t see any of that at any of the dances. There were the occasional few people that were inappropriate but it wasn’t masses of people being outrageous. I never saw anything like that, maybe you guys thought it was going to be terrible. I thought it was a lot of supervision.

EH: So it went from one extreme to the other.

TW: It did. Absolutely it did. You’ve got to give me a little bit of leeway here, in the fact that I never, in all the things I heard about the dances, not one time did I hear a positive thing. Before I even set foot in the building. So yes, I was expecting the worst.

So was it over the top? Yes... No one felt worse than I did.

JW: Should the policy be updated, and if so, how?

EH: I think it needs to come from the students first. I feel like you guys should be the ones to revise it. It’s your dance.

TC: I honestly don’t think the way that we used to dance was inappropriate. I thought it was fine the way I danced at dances. I think there were probably some people, I never pulled up my skirt up to my butt, I never did that. I didn’t see a problem [with my dancing].

TW: The grinding thing, somebody’s going to have to convince me that that’s decent, and I don’t feel like I’m being old-fashioned.

RW: I think it could definitely be appropriate. There’s always going to be people who pull up their skirts or three-point stance, but in my honest opinion I believe that most grinding that goes on at the dances is appropriate.

TW: [Those contacting me have]talked about face to genital area, they’ve talked aboutPH: I have NEVER seen that.

TC: Yeah I have never seen that.

TW: Multiple, multiple, multiple reports

from before I even set one foot in this building. I’ve heard the same thing from students. Ninety percent of the communication I received from parents and kids calling me after the dance were thanking me. Of course I know I’ve got a lot of kids aren’t very happy with me. [WPA] same thing, lot of people telling me this was a very good dance.

JW: What should students dance like?

MC: Like you did at [WPA].

TW: Can I just say that I don’t think I should have to go into detail? Can’t I just say to young men and young women that you are expected to dance appropriately? In other words, nothing sexually explicit.

MC: Probably not back to front.

TW: Nobody said you can’t dance, and you can’t be close. That never even entered my mind, not one time.

JW: Do you believe there is such thing as appropriate grinding?

MC: What if we just don’t? What if we just don’t grind? What if we dance face to face and all together like you did [at WPA]?

What is it with the grinding thing? I just don’t get it.

RW: It’s just what our generation does, I guess. It’s what we do.

PH: They’re usually not dancing alone, so it’s not as embarrassing as where you’re dancing facing someone. They have to look at you dancing, they can see if you’re being embarrassing.

TC: I guess for the face to face thing, the group of people that were at [WPA] were a group of people that were willing to change, a group of people that understand that we have to make this better, and that’s not everyone in this school. Unless the dances are now all the people that came to [WPA], then I don’t think that it will change.

TW: I’m willing to listen and willing to come up with ideas, otherwise I wouldn’t even be here. I want to hear what you have to say, but the one thing that I will not negotiate with will be decency. I cannot negotiate on decency.

kaitlin rounds {report

The JagWire staff had t dents from Olathe South their school dances, wher

What is y

{feature} 11

www.mvnews.org

ent-elect Dr. Doug Sumner discusses the dance policy and the possibility of compromise in the future

o Explorer

ou know about seen a copy of the

onal opinion?

DS: I am for dancing. Here’s the thing for me; I’m a person that tries not to overreact or under react. I think far too often when we are faced with a situation liked this we go from one extreme to the other. I know Mr. Waldeck will do his very best to find the right response. I haven’t seen the dancing myself so I can’t tell you what’s going on. I hear its MTV-esque, and it was a little too much. I’m aware enough to know what dancing looks like today. My response is I have to trust people to do their jobs. The problem here is the difference in perception between what the students believe is appropriate and what the staff thinks is appropriate. Part of me is surprised that the students are surprised that this response is occurring. It’s a time and place thing. We are looking for the common ground.

JW: Do you think we could find com-

mon ground that would leave both parties happier?

DS: I would say there is absolutely a need to have a conversation with students. I will be the first to stay I don’t understand as much as we need to about what the dancing is. Is there room for compromise in this? Yes, as long as everyone is willing to be reasonable. But the final product has to look good at the end. There has to genuine compromise.

JW: Students are fairly worried about Prom. Do you think it’s possible to work it out?

DS: This absolutely has to be worked out before Prom. I can’t imagine that the standards put in place are that strict. But I would be surprised if I’m wrong. My view of what would be appropriate and not appropriate would never be so high that it would stop

people from having a good time. That’s why it’s important to me that this gets worked out before Prom occurs.

JW: Do you think there is a level of grinding that could be acceptable?

DS: There are categories? Bending is where it goes wrong. The positioning is the hard part; you have to remember the thing that initiated all of this was, from what I’m told, parent complaints. We are in a tough position here. I would be very comfortable with some decent form of grinding, but people might think it’s too much.

JW: How can it be worked out?

DS: We need students to step up and endorse the understanding. You guys need to be able to walk away and want to sell it. Then it’s our burden to walk away and make sure our agreement stays in place.

JW: How possible is a clean decent

ould learn to take cues from neighboring school

ter}

the opportunity to meet with stuto ask them how they felt about re “grinding” is not an accepted

practice.

The OSHS students all make the best of their dances and have fun despite the limitations. A playlist of appropriate songs is played and students basically just jump around in a circle dancing the whole time. Everyone enjoys themselves and no one tries to dance inappropriately.

Students do not seem to be bothered by the fact that they are not allowed to “grind” at school dances.

“That’s not what we go there for,” OSHS sophomore Emily Cook said.

The students at OSHS seem to have a pretty consistent view of what’s appropriate and what’s not at their dances.

“It’s not a club and it’s not a club setting, you’re at a school,” OSHS senior Kara Tompkins said.

For students who feel the need to dance in a way the school does not allow, there is a party available afterwards

compromise for Prom?

DS: Not only do I think it’s possible, I think it’s essential. If the kids we are talking about are decent and responsible. We, on the district side, have to give Mr. Waldeck permission to work things out. Because the talk he got was probably pretty serious. I think compromise is completely achievable, I would be shocked if it’s not. I don’t think you need my help, but I would be happy to lend the district’s perspective to the discussion, but there are a lot of reasonable people here. Dancing is a beautiful thing. For me to think that kids would be missing out is hard for me. But there is a way to have great expression without having offensive behavior.

The issue is to get people to be willing to look beyond their personal views and opinions.

I want everyone comfortable enough to be able to attend and enjoy a dance.

> Where’s the line?

where a dancing policy is not enforced.

“I know I have friends that hit up those parties and then they’re fine coming to the dance and jumping up and down,” Cook said.

The willingness of the students at OSHS to follow their school’s expectations and have fun with the environment they’re provided is something that the students here should follow. It’s not as if all the students at OSHS are completely happy with the rules enforced at their dances, but they have a good time none the less.

Students shouldn’t work against the school and completely boycott the dances because that will only cause tension between the school and students. The administration has made it quite clear they will not let up on the dance policy and now the best the students can do is have fun with the given circumstances.

your opinion on the increased enforcement at dances?

“I believe kids should have a way to express themselves through dance, but the policy should still be enforced.”

>Parent Miriam Hampton

“I think it was a good change to enforce the pledges. At the beginning it was too intense, but by Prom it should be fine.”

>Math teacher Jessica DeWild

”The administration is overreacting and ruining the high school experience. It’s time to join the 21st century.”

joel hodgdon {reporter/ads}

The JagWire demonstrates what the current dance policy allows for

< < <

>Senior JJ Bebel

“I think it makes sense. It comes down to decency. Something that is way beyond what is allowed in the hallways shouldn’t be tolerated at a dance.”

>Assistant principal Matt Fedde

< <

The Charleston or “Grandpa Approves.” A simpler dance from a simpler time.

Kids these days.

Get off my lawn.

Swing dance or the “Let’s Just Be Friends.” A ye olde classic move. Let the Puritans rejoice.

The PG-13 or “Middle School Mixer.” A violation of the rumored “two feet rule,” still good clean fun.

The Shawty or “It’s your birthday.” A little racy but oh yeah. Cue the Barry White.

The Three Point or “The Doggy Shuffle.” C’mon people. Save it for the club or Jersey Shore.

Photos by Ali Judy

12

March 10, 2011

{opinion} StaffEditorial

Club numbers drastically drop, affecting students Students need to step up and of their leadership abilities. Fighting to keep the clubs they enjoy around and take responsibility for clubs

thriving is just one way to do this.

Teachers also need to be more willing The options high school offers, from to support their students’ interests. sports to new classes to clubs, gives stuWhile it is up to the students to do most dents opportunities to find exactly what they are passionate about and a chance to of the work for their clubs, a teacher sponsor is needed to be involved and define themselves among their peers. invested in the students’ interests. While But when one of these opportunities it does take time to sponsor clubs, the is taken away the student body starts to become less defined. With the number of time is relatively small compared to what the students will our clubs dropping get out of the club. from 19 to nine in The satisfaction the last year, many “There’s not just one of giving students students are no lonparty to blame for the another opporger given the chance disappearance of our tunity to further to make the most school’s clubs.” themselves either of their high school mentally or socareer. cially should be There’s not just reward enough one party to blame for helping for the disappearance of our school’s them start or clubs. It comes from a combination of further a club. lack of motivation from students, teachThe lack of funding for our clubs is ers unwilling to sponsor, and a lack of another reason their number has diminfunding coming from the school. ished so greatly in the last year. The clubs Students need to realize that they are don’t require much money to keep themthe ones most responsible for whether selves running, but they do require some, or not they have a pleasant and producand the school is not providing that to tive high school appearance. Therefore, them. Clubs should be able to sustain students need to step up and show some

themselves once they are up and running and have reached a level of success, but they need money to reach that point.

Just a simple $50 per new club to start could be enough to get them set up.

Obviously clubs are a way to build up a college application, there are many students who are just in clubs for solely that reason but, to many students, the outlet clubs provide gives them a chance not to become the stereotypical bland high school student solely focused on school work. Not everyone can be amazing at sports or academics, and, with the threat of a total disappearance of our clubs, it seems like those will soon become the only aspects of high school students will be given a chance to excel in.

In addition, clubs provide students a chance to become leaders in the school, not because of leadership positions each individual club offers, but because of the confidence provided by being respected and part of a club can give someone. A student respected by his or her peers is also one that can be respected by teachers and administration alike.

The disappearance of clubs should not be allowed to continue and it will take a combined effort from all parts of the school to make sure it doesn’t.

Cartoon by Asia Yates

Isolationism is best option for United States foreign policy With our status as a world power declining, it is time for a change emily johnson {reporter/photographer}

With all of the unrest over seas, the U.S. is finally taking a step toward nonintervention in foreign affairs, the wisest choice our government has made recently.

All over our country, people are talking about the latest international news: the rioting in Egypt. Throughout the ordeal, the U.S. government maintained a mostly neutral stance, waiting for the situation to resolve itself. This course of action received mixed responses from the American public.

Some would have preferred the U.S. to step in and mediate the situation, promoting our democratic beliefs, while others would have rather

2011JagWire

we choose to become involved, but historically, ignored the crisis altogether. With other counwe have not had much success in mediating tries following in the Egyptians’ footsteps, we international disputes. Take Tibet, Taiwan, will soon face a similar decision. Should the North Korea and Iraq for example, all of which U.S. take the lead to quiet social and political we attempted to aid and failed, leaving the citiunrest overseas? The answer is no. zens with an anti-American sentiment. All of There was a time in our history when this these conflicts have yet nation was strong enough to be resolved despite our to back up any cause military, economic and which we wished to pur“The time has come for political support. sue; however, times have the U.S. to revert to the Iraq, our most current changed. When smaller isolationistic foreign intervention, began as decountries would fall into policy that our historic fensive action against a murderous revolutions, figures outlined for us.” terrorist threat and our nation was always ended as an attempt the first to respond, but to help them orgathis policy cannot be susnize their fledgeling tained due to our declining international stademocratic governtus. As China breathes down our neck in miliment. It was a source of national resentment tary prowess and national wealth, the U.S. sits toward a president and an extremely divisive on the cusp of a fallout and must be cautious issue among the American public. The Korean when picking our battles.

War, a battle in the early 1950s for control over Not only does the future look grim should

the Korean peninsula, was devastating to the native people and, since a peaceful resolution was never reached, is still a source of instability and unrest in the region.

Some would say that it is America’s duty as a world power to help find resolutions to the world’s issues, but our status is declining and our influence is waning. It could also be said that we have an obligation to promote freedom and democracy overseas. And this is true, but Americans cannot say that we stand for independence while invading another country and forcing them to convert to our political, social and economic systems.

The time has come for the U.S. to revert to the isolationistic foreign policy that our historic figures outlined for us. Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, all of whom advocated a strictly non-interventionist policy, would roll over in their graves if they could see how entangled our nation has become in international affairs.

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{opinion} 13

www.mvnews.org

Unsportsmanlike conduct takes place of school spirit

A government for the people, by the people is necessary

Students gain a negative reputation and jean shorts to stereotype Bonner. While our from poor basketball game conduct cheerleaders received only mild applause, Bon-

The government that represented our ideals once, has gone astray

sarah fulton {sports editor}

Despite all the talk about our school’s lack of spirit, we do have school spirit just not the right kind. When I attended the Bonner Springs basketball game I was overjoyed to see the student section packed with students, many of whom were dressed up.

I was not overjoyed when principal Tobie Waldeck called a StuCo meeting the next week to discuss the parent emails he had received over the unsportsmanlike conduct at the game.

Parents were upset at everything from the students storming the court after the game to the Queen and King of Winter Sports candidates’ bios.

I was angry at Waldeck and the parents for complaining about the largest display of school spirit I had seen this year. However, when it was discussed at the StuCo-only meeting the next day, the consensus was that the spirit displayed at the Bonner game was largely negative and disrespectful.

Instead of supporting our school, the crowd simply made fun of another school. Instead of painting our faces and hair blue to support the home team, boys wore mullets, white t-shirts

ner’s cheerleaders were loudly booed.

The disaster that was the Bonner game shaped how the school is viewed, not only by Bonner residents, but by our own teachers, parents and community. Instead of being considered spirited, our reputation now seems to be that of cruel individuals. It may not be obvious at all times but the reputation of the school is also the reputation of the students as individuals. A switch to more positive school spirit would not only prevent our students from offending more people; it would allow us to better our reputation inside and outside of our school.

josh duden {reporter}

“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union…”- U.S. Constitution.

This famous line from the preamble of the U.S Constitution mentions the idea of a perfect union. But what is a perfect union? It is the ideal perfection of the government. But, per-

Cartoon by Asia Yates

fection isn’t possible when the leaders we elected have gone astray.

The original intention of the U.S was never to have its leaders be so divided; today, it seems as though the House and Senate are no longer loyal to “We the people…” The healthcare bill, with a little revision, could do so much good for our country. With 46 million Americans without health insurance because they cannot afford it, 65 percent of Congress still opposes the bill to protect them from private healthcare firms, thus taking advantage of them. The fact that legislators won’t agree on any revisions, or to implement any new legislation to protect the people exemplifies the point that they are not united for the interests of the public.

We need to stand united as a country that is strong in its values, not just focused on making money for ourselves. Democrats often receive more money from businesses to compromise on their stances than the Republicans, but that’s not saying that the Republicans are not ever bought off as well. The fact that the president is Democrat and the House of Representatives is predominantly Republican, it shouldn’t matter. The people need to be in the government’s mind, not the chance to put a personal agenda into action.

Abraham Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” and this still rings true for America today. We have to take these words of wisdom, andw apply them again by expecting our leaders to stand together and to once more cease to be divided.

Consider alternate ways of helping others besides TOMS TOMS movement not best choice for giving back to those in need alyne roemerman {reporter}

TOMS shoes have become a major trend , and it’s easy to see why.

For every pair purchased, founder Blake Mycoskie gives a pair to a child who would otherwise go barefoot in an impoverished country.

They seem like a good way to give back to others, but first impressions can be misleading. One of the company’s goals is to put an end to soil-borne diseases.

The most prevalent danger of walking bare- $27,000. It costs around $54 for a pair of foot in those countries is hookworm, a parasite TOMS, but since you’re really paying for two that resides in our digestive tracts and enters pairs, it’s about $27 for each pair. These shoes the skin underneath the foot. Hookworm af- are made of canvas, suede, and twill, with foam or rubber soles. These fects brain development children walk over rough and can cause the develterrain everyday and peropment of cognitive abil“TOMS shoes are like form heavy labor in fields. ity to regress. The money putting a Band-Aid on a TOMS will last maybe two spent giving TOMS to a cut that requires stitchyears before ripping and child would be much betes; it doesn’t solve the falling apart. ter spent building proper bigger problem.”

It would cost latrines so that children’s $27,000 to protect the schoolyards aren’t riddled feet of 1,000 children with fecal matter full of for two years, while hookwarm larvae. it would cost ap According to Peace Corps volunteer Zac Mason’s website, to give TOMS to 1,000 children proximately $2,000 to build a row of concrete in say, Ethiopia, it would cost approximately latrines that will last for around 25 years. That

same $27,000 would allow non-profit organizations to build 13 latrines at 13 schools and benefit thousands of kids for decades, not just for two years.

Besides the lack of cost-effectiveness in the TOMS One-to-One movement, the influx of thousands of shoes into local economies can be extremely damaging. Local shoe salesmen are deprived of customers, and can be put out of business. If TOMS would sell shoes for a low price in these countries, versus giving them away, it would boost the local economy and create new jobs.

It’s important to consider alternative ways of giving back to those in need, ways that are more beneficial and cost-effective. TOMS shoes are like putting a Band-Aid on a cut that requires stitches; it doesn’t solve the bigger problem.

YouSaidIt How do you feel about the crisis in Egypt?

“Honestly, I feel like it’s always dumb to take a violent approach.” {freshman Sarah Matthews}

“I think it’s good that they are revolting and trying to get what they want regarding the government.” {sophomore Jason Hogard}

“This could inspire a lot of other oppressed countries to do the same.” {junior Josh Johnston}

“It’s sad that it had to come like this, that a violent revolution is the wrong way to go about it.” {senior Colin Hilk}

14

{sports}

Health affects entire team

March 10, 2011

Out for the

season

joel hodgdon {reporter/ads}

The spring sports season is here and athletes are taking to the field to prepare for fast upcoming meets and games. With high school athletes in America accounting for 2 million injuries, 500,000 doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations annually, there is a definite risk to playing sports. Not all sports injuries are equal. Concussions, hernias and ACL tears are among the three most common injuries to occur in student athletes. joel hodgdon {reporter/ads}

>

Preventable injuries can cost a team its potential victories

Diagnosis- CT scan, professional assessment

>

Symptoms- loss of consciousness, altered state of consciousness, confusion, headache, superficial pain, dizziness

>

Treatment- ice right after injury, Tylenol, bed rest, fluids

>

Prevention- wearing proper safety gear, like a helmet or mouth guard, when playing sports, correct technique, like tackling or checking correctly, in contact sports

While I have been fortunate to avoid major sports injuries myself, I have seen first-hand the impact they can have on a team. A game or even a season can be ruined when an injury strikes a player.

Moral can even suffer if a benchwarmer suffers a dehibilitating injury. For a team to win, a strong sense of camaraderie is a must and if any cog in that machine fails, so does the entire machine.

It seemed like every football game brought a player limping to the sidelines and even if they were not the star linebacker, momentum took a definite downswing. One moral shift can win or lose a game.

Teams this year have been plagued by costly injuries and all the injured players have been treated by physical trainer Clint McAllister. His view on sports injuries is unique as he has the opportunity to counsel athletes through this difficult time.

Q: What is the most common injury you see in high school sports? The most frequent thing we have is ankle sprains. In track it’s shin splints and hamstrings.

Q: What is the most common mistake athletes tend to make in treating injuries? Non-compliance. Not following through with their routine, their rehab. When athletes don’t do what I tell them to do to get better.

Q: Give some good advice for preventing injuries. Exercise. Staying in shape, working your core, posterior.

Training in the off season and staying in shape is important. Do it all, resistance training too.

Q: What sport do you think tends to produce the most injuries and why?

The most actual injuries in football, other sports come in for maintenance stuff.

This is because of the nature of football it is classified as a collision sport where as other sports like basketball or soccer are just contact sports.

Q: What things can you do diet wise to avoid injury? A healthy diet contributes to a healthy body.

Q: How may people do you treat a day right now?

At the beginning of any season it’s busy.

Just today, March 7, I’ve seen over 21 kids and the day is not even over yet. As the season goes on I don’t see as many kids, and 15 to 20 kids is a busy day. Late in the season I see more kids because of problems that result from overuse.

Hernias In some athletes, a hidden danger is present in their bodies from the day they are born. While hernias are usually triggered by athletic activity, they can be the result of a congenital birth defeat. Senior former football player Tanner Minshew believes he was bound to have hernia problems eventually.

“My hernias just built up to rupturing, the holes just kept tearing wider till one day I had a real problem,” Minshew said.

With Minshew’s and the average recovery process from a hernia injury and subsequent surgery taking around six months, this injury can ruin an entire season.

“I missed my sophomore football season and after my injury I had to build my strength back up,” Minshew said.

No matter how long their recovery process, Minshew stressed that athletes should focus on not re injuring themselves.

“I feel like I’ll always have to be careful because I’m more likely to hurt myself again,” Minshew said. “You need to know your limits.”

> >

> >

Diagnosed- MRI or X-Rays Symptoms- swelling, feeling or hearing a ligament break or tear, pain on the outside and back of the knee and limited range of motion of knee Treatment- surgery with pain medication after surgery Prevention- includes stretching and strengthening of leg muscles surrounding the knees like quadriceps or hamstrings, safe technique when playing contact sports, and avoiding twisiting or intense contact

Concussions An athlete in a sport known for its injuries, junior football player Devin Rudicel stands out as a recipient of a broken hand, a labrum tear and two serious concussions.

“I’ve been playing football for 11 years and there is a certain amount of technique you can use to help avoid injury, but technique had nothing to do with my concussions,” Rudicel said.

Suffering a grade three concussion his freshman year and a grade one concussion his sophomore year, Rudicel is now familiar with injuries. “(Getting injured) wasn’t something I thought about a lot before these happened,” Rudicel said. “And even after I got hurt, you can’t play football scared, you have to go all out.”

Concussions are a serious injury because they are potentially life threatening and also can have long term and even permanent effects.

“I still have memory problems and I have headaches that come and go.

Two concussions can’t not mess with your brain,” Rudicel said.

> > > >

Diagnosis- physical exam Symptoms- pain or swlling in the lower abdomen, or a bulge in the affected area Treatment- surgery with pain medication after surgery Prevention- includes correcting lifting technique and avoiding smoking and rapid weight change

ACL Tears Senior former soccer player Logan Vincent is the recipient of not just one serious sports injury but two. In her high school soccer career she has torn her ACL or anterior cruciate ligament twice in the same knee.

“Before the first time I tore my ACL, I had never sprained, broken or hurt anything,” Vincent said. “It was a shock that I hurt something this bad.”

ACL injuries can occur in any sport because of the intense stress that swiftly turning, pivoting or shifting weight places on the ligaments in the knee.

Once sustained, an ACL tear must be fixed surgically and after an arduous four or five month recovery process, are susceptible to re-injury.

“After two surgeries, I know I can re-tear it more easily,” Vincent said. “I’m more aware of how my body feels, I don’t push myself as far as I used to.”

Vincent attributes both tears to a combination of being physically overworked and contact during a practice or a game.

“It was the last game in a long tournament, we were playing a team way above our level and I was really tired,” Vincent said. “A girl slide tackled me in the knee and I heard and felt a pop.”

While ACL injuries usually heal completely if the proper recovery regimen is followed, it can cause knee problems for years to come.

“Sports wise, it’s hard to do any kind of shifting or cutting moves,” Vincent said. “It’s hard for me to rest on or kneel on my knee but it’s getting better.”

Photos by Kat Rainey

Information from Lance Miller M.D. and www.cdc.org

www.mvnews.org

{sports}

Calling the action, Issac Hodges is

the voice

Review >

Boys Basketball

Ending its season with a 12-9 record after a first round sub-state loss to Bishop Miege, head coach Justin Bogart was impressed with the team’s unity.

“Their strength was their camaraderie,” Bogart said.

“It is a large part of winning.”

of the game >

sarah fulton {sports editor}

After three years, announcing has become second nature It all began with a sarcastic comment.

Three years ago a fellow teacher at Riverview Elementary jokingly told P.E. teacher Isaac Hodges that he had a good voice and should be the new basketball announcer at the high school.

“It is a pretty simple story,” Hodges said.

“I emailed to inquire about the announcing position and they gave it to me. I had not really considered being an announcer at any point before that.”

According to building activities coordinator Matt Fedde, who schedules the announcers, finding an announcer is very “unscientific;” when a position is open, he simply tries to fill it.

“I am not really sure how we found Hodges. All I know is that when I ask him to be at a game, I can count on him to be there,” Fedde said. “He is always on time and knows exactly what he has to do.”

Hodges’ typical game duties include reading the Kaw Valley League sportsmanship disclaimer and announcing the national anthem, half-time performances and game play.

MTMS science teacher Roger Bruns, who runs the game clock, says that Hodges does what he needs to do without much fuss.

“He is a very steady guy, he knows what he is doing,” Bruns said. “One time the sportsmanship disclaimer script wasn’t there and he just rattled if off from memory. He is very thorough and prepared.”

Despite preparing for games by asking both the opposing and home coaches how to pronounce player names, Hodges is not immune to mistakes. “[The worst thing I have ever done] was announcing the wrong starters, I actually did that a couple of times this season,” Hodges said.

“The very first varsity girls game, I announced a starter wrong and Coach McFall shot me the most confused look.”

Despite the possibility for mistake, Hodges says DURING THE BOYS basketball game on Friday, Feb. 11, sports announcer Isaac that he stays calm while an- Hodges announces players, fouls and points scored. Photo by Nichole Kennelly nouncing. very involved in the game.”

“It is a very relaxing job. There is not much According to Hodges, outside of trying to be enthustress involved,” Hodges said. “I work with el- siastic, he does not have a personal announcing style ementary school kids all day, so it is just nice or catch phrase. to be around older kids.”

“I try to have things written down that I think Hodges tries to get the crowd more in- might be good to say,” Hodges said. “Outside of that I volved in the game. think it is good to listen to other announcers because “I have a goal to do more than just inform. they always have different ways of announcing a game I always give the home team a little more en- that I can draw from.” thusiasm,” Hodges said. “After a big shot my Junior guard Drew Smith believes that the way enthusiasm over the speaker can pump up a Hodges announces the games is perfect. crowd.”

“He is on just the right level. He doesn’t try to do Carol Bebel, who attends games to watch too much,” Smith said. her son, senior varsity guard J.J. Bebel, says Bruns agrees with Smith. that she enjoys Hodges’ enthusiasm.

“He is just a good guy with a good personality,” “I think he is very good,” Carol said. “He is Bruns said. “He comes and gets the job done.”

TheVoiceOf:

Football Justin Bogart

Soccer Leah Vomhof

Bogart has been the announcer for varsity boys football since the opening of the school

Vomhof has been announcing both girls and boys soccer for four years How did you begin announcing?

How did you begin announcing?

> “I was the spot announcer for the DHS football team

>

announcer. One night he had a conflict, I filled in and did well enough not to embarrass myself. When this opened I asked Dr. Novak if I could announce and he said absolutely.”

“I was sitting at lunch one day and the athletic director at the time was desperately looking for someone to announce that night’s game. Nobody would help so I said ‘If you really need me, I will.’ After that I agreed to help out permanently.”

What has been your most embarrassing moment? What is the main thing you do to prepare? > “There was one year when we had a bad microphone

that wouldn’t turn off all the time. I knew that but the guy keeping score didn’t. A player threw a lousy pass and the score keeper yelled, ‘Who the hell was that to?’

Most people thought it was me.”

>

“ I have to change clothes otherwise it is uncomfortable to get up into the press box. I grab a bottle of water and a snack. The most challenging part of the game is to announce players’ names correctly so I check with the opposing coach.”

15

Girls Basketball

The team ended its season in a first round sub-state loss to Blue Valley Southwest and a 17-4 record. Head coach John McFall was proud of the team’s effort.

“We obviously want to build on this,” McFall said.

“They came so far this year.” >

Wrestling

The team ended the regular season with 10 state qualifiers. Three went on to place: junior Zach Callahan, 285, and seniors Leo Beck, 215, and Landon Scott ,103, took third, fourth and fifth in their respective weight classes.

Player spotlight

Senior Jessica Lopez: Basketball

What is your position?

I play forward and post.

How did you get into basketball?

In 8th grade my best friend Katie played so I decided to join the team.

Do you plan on playing after high school?

No, not really, just in intramurals.

How has the team changed this season?

We had a new coach and we didn’t know how it was going to go. Now we have got it and we all have an understanding of our roles.

What is your role on the team?

I think all seniors have a leadership role.

16

March 10, 2011

{a&e} With one for one charities on the rise, the JagWire takes a look at these charities, specifically

T

MS

mackenzie hampton {managing editor}

A unique charity cause draws both student participation and inspiration

ABOVE: VASILIOS TRYPHONAS, MANAGER at Ride4Ever Sports, explains his opinion about TOMS on Friday, March 4. “[TOMS] are marketing very well and broadening their selling,” Tryphonas said. BELOW RIGHT: FRESHMAN ALEXIS RIEDEL shows the various colors and styles of TOMS shoes on Monday, March 7. Photos by Taylor Young

DayWithoutShoes

> What is it?

A day, sponsored by TOMS, to be aware of the importance of wearing shoes by not wearing shoes for a chosen amount of time. The experiences that participants gain will make them more aware of what they’re walking on and where they’re walking. It makes people think about people who are forced to go without shoes everyday. The day is Tuesday, April 5 if students wish to participate.

If they haven’t made themselves known by now, TOMS shoes are the new trend that have recently been slipped on the feet of many. Available in several different styles including, the classics, women’s glitters, vegans, cardones and tiny TOMS, they are easily recognized by their fashionable yet original look. TOMS aren’t just any ordinary shoe either; they have an interesting story and purpose behind them.

In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie developed friendships with children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet.

Mycoskie wanted to make a difference so he created TOMS shoes. This company matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need.

TOMS shoes sparked freshman Alexis Riedel’s interest through a friend she met at church camp.

“At first I noticed his shoes because they were extremely worn out and ratty looking. Quite frankly I thought they resembled a potato bag,” Riedel said.

Riedel found out the story behind these potato bag-looking shoes and immediately fell in love with the cause.

“When I got back home I was very relieved to find out that there were more stylish pairs than the ones he owned,” Riedel said.

She now owns five pairs of TOMS that she bought online. Riedel thinks people should look into the cause of TOMS because of the great feeling she gets of being able to change someone’s life.

Senior Jake Rohrer owns two pairs of TOMS that were given to him as a gift and likes how TOMS have taken a completely different way of helping out.

“I always hear about people needing food and help with other things but it makes sense that they would need shoes too,” Rohrer said.

Rohrer thinks TOMS are a win-win situation.

“If you like the look and have no idea of the cause you’re still helping out, but it doesn’t hurt to spread the word and buy a pair every once in awhile to help out,” Rohrer said.

Riedel found her own way of giving back to people in need through purchasing TOMS. “My church has been very active in Africa and I have always wanted to find a way to help out,” Riedel said. “I loved the way TOMS gave people an opportunity to easily get involved in making a difference over there.”

Vasilios Tryphonas II, head manager of Ride4Ever Sports in the Shawnee Mission All American Sports complex, views TOMS from a marketing and retail point of view and has seen increases in TOMS shoe sales.

“We have seen an increase in sales specifically online. TOMS design was pretty narrow when they first came out but now they have broadened their marketing and the overall design is great,” Tryphonas said.

Tryphonas believes that the reason why TOMS have become popular is because people know they’re not buying just to buy.

“People know they’re helping someone out but they justify their spending because of the good cause behind the shoe,” Tryphonas said.

Tryphonas has his own pair of TOMS and shared some of his personal knowledge and opinions about the shoes.

“They’re some of the most comfortable shoes you’ll wear. They have so much character and are just a great long lasting shoe to cruise around in,” Tryphonas said. “You help somebody out when you purchase a pair and it’s really just a win-win situation.”

Besides TOMS, other corporations are also taking a similar stance in helping people in need.

Some examples would be the Pampers Corporation and Tide, both of which participate in one for one movements. Pampers, for newborn vaccinations; Tide, to provide clean clothes for victims of natural disasters.

Photos by Austin Gude

> Want to help?

You can help out the cause by purchasing your own pair of TOMS at any of the following retailers: > Ride4Ever Sports 8875 Rosehill Rd. Shawnee Mission, KS 66215

> Taylor Shoes Oak Park Mall > Nordstrom Oak Park Mall > www.TOMS.com

{ads} 17

www.mvnews.org

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mvnews.org

It’s On...

18

March 10, 2011

{a&e}

With the economy slump, many students are staying home over spring break. The JagWire checked out some fun activities within driving distance of home for those students

staying in town for

lauren proctor {a&e editor} alyne roemerman {reporter}

spring break

Kansas City Zoo Kansas City, Missouri www.kansascityzoo.org

Many people think the Kansas City Zoo is boring and only for small children, but as we discovered, it can actually be a great experience for people of all ages. When touring the zoo we found that, while the zoo is cool when you are younger, you appreciate what it has to offer much more when you are older and more mature. When we got there the first exhibit we saw was the polar bear exhibit, and we were lucky enough to catch the polar bears during feeding time. Watching them dive under the water and swim back to the surface was an experience we will never forget. The way their hair moves when they swim is beyond majestic.

The next thing that was rather striking to us was how interactive the monkeys were. There were two monkeys that caught our attention, because they seemed to be communicating with us. We put our hands on the glass and started talking to them, and they responded by making their own noises and placing

their hands over ours on the other side of the glass.

However, nothing quite prepared us for the experience in the Australia section of the zoo. When we first entered we were startled from the sight of a rather large kangaroo just hanging out in the middle of the path. We thought it must have escaped and were unsure of what to do until we looked around and saw numerous other kangaroos that were loose. It was scary at first, but as we grew more comfortable with these 175-pound creatures hopping around, it became amazing to be able to be so close to them.

We were slightly put off that the zoo’s Africa section was closed due to construction, but were glad that the zoo offset the closing with a lower admission rate. However, even without Africa being open, a trip to the zoo is still worth it because of the wide variety of animals still available for viewing, especially the polar bears.

Named after a Russian polar bear researcher, Nikita swims in her habitat on Friday, March 4, and is now a new addition to the KC Zoo. Three-anda-half-year old Nikita weighs over 700 pounds and can reach 1,000 pounds when fully grown. Photo by Kristina Milewski

For every

price range

$50 & up Town Center Plaza shopping Leawood, Kansas

Zona Rosa is an urban environment shopping center located in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo from thinkonekc.com

Zona Rosa Kansas City, Missouri www.zonarosa.com Entering Zona Rosa is like entering a whole new city. There are many different dining, shopping, and entertainment options. We would definitely highly recommend Abuelo’s, which isn’t a chain restaurant that can be found around Shawnee. While the service at Abuelo’s is sometimes lacking, their enchiladas are to die for.

If the enchiladas are not your thing, then there are plenty of other options, like Tomfooleries for burgers and Bravo! for Italian.

To work up an appetite, one could visit one of the many stores Zona Rosa offers. It has a sprawling Forever 21, Express, Charming Charlie and Charlotte Russe. Zona Rosa also has a store that sells items similar in style and price to Buckle, Apricot Lane Boutique.

When you are ready to take a break from shopping, you can choose any of Zona Rosa’s entertainment spots, most notably The Kansas City Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theatre. This particular comedy club is usually priced under $20 per person and hosts both locally and nationally-known comedians.

Zona Rosa is a perfect place to spend a sunny day walking around with your friends- if you can get it all in within a day that is.

Rock climbers climb at Ibex on Saturday, March 5. Ibex offers rock climbing for beginners and expects of any age. Photo by Kristina Milewski

Ibex

Blue Springs, Missouri www.climbibex.com

If you are feeling adventurous over spring break you may want to try Ibex Climbing Gym. While the 32-foot advanced climbing wall may seem daunting when you walk in the door, if you walk around the gym you will find a beginner wall and a child’s wall that seem much more approachable.

A day at the gym is a little under $30, but there are memberships and punch cards at discounted rates for those who enjoy rock climbing enough to visit regularly. Classes on safety are offered for beginners for $25 as well.

If you are planning on visiting, you may want to check their website for hours, because they are inconsistent and vary from day to day.

Venturing out to Ibex is quite a journey, which is not for people who do not take well to highway driving. The drive, with minimal traffic, is around 45 to 50 minutes each way, so leave yourself plenty of time to climb the rock wall and to make the trip worth it.

We found the staff extremely kind and helpful, so if you are not confident in your ability to not embarrass yourself, have no worries because the climbers and staff will not judge you. If you are not afraid of heights, Ibex is definitely worth a try.

La Bodega Tapas Bar Kansas City, Missouri

AMC Mainstreet 6 Fork & Screen Kansas City, Missouri

Under $50 Orlando’s Teen Nights Olathe, Kansas

Advanced Laser Tag Olathe, Kansas

Princess Diana Exhibit

Union Station- Kansas City, Missouri

Free Shawnee Mission Park Shawnee, Kansas

Nelson-Atkins Museum Kansas City, Missouri

Cave Spring Historic Site Kansas City, Missouri

www.mvnews.org Reviewing theaters from

kaitlyn butko {editor-in-chief} emily johnson {reporter/photographer}

prices to popcorn

{a&e} 19

Westglen 18

AMC Studio 30

While approaching the modern ticket counters to acquire our $10.00 tickets, we were impressed with overall atmosphere of the large complex. Walking into the lobby area, we encountered a unique concessions experience,where you choose all of your food before checking out at one of the many registers. It was equipped with both healthy and classic snack options such as fruit, Naked Juice, assorted candy and a large popcorn at $7.75 a bag.

The huge screen and comfy but firm seats provided for a fantastic trip to the movies. The bathrooms were both sleek and clean with modern equipment and, for the ladies, various floor length mirrors and a sitting area. AMC was our top pick for theaters in the area and is definitely worth the extra drive.

Legends 14 Only a 15 minute drive away, Legends offers an enticing deal. Tickets are slightly pricey at $9.50 a piece, but upon seeing the grand staircase in the entrance area, you understand why. Although there is only once concession stand, it has the second largest variety of snacks that includes pretzel bites, several coffee options and large popcorn priced at $6.75.

The theater seats were both relaxing and comfortable with reclining seat backs, adjustable arm rests and an adjoining cushion.

On our way out, we were pleased with the high quality bathrooms which were well-decorated and fairly clean. Legends was a decent option if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re willing to make the drive.

Cinemark 20 10 short miles down Johnson Drive, Cinemark greeted us with a surprisingly friendly atmosphere. After purchasing tickets for $6.00 each, we were pleased to find a coffeeshop that brews Starbucks and multiple concession stands with a wide variety of options such as a large popcorn for $6.75 and a large drink for $4.75.

The colorful decor gave the place a classic movie theater vibe and the cleanliness was refreshing. Additionally, the seats were much more comfortable than expected, with a slightly reclining back and adjustable armrests.

However, the biggest flaw was the awful popcorn that tasted similar to the Styrofoam courtesy cups. Despite that, Cinemark is worth the drive.

Despite being the closest theater at 4.5 miles, Westglen was our worst experience. At $7.75 per ticket, we expected a much higher quality of snacks, seats and viewing experience. But with only one small, limited concession stand and uncomfortable seats with fixed armrests, there werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t many positives.

The popcorn was of decent quality, but it was not worth the $6.50, when you could have better at home. The biggest perk for Westglen is how short a drive it is to get there. This would be the place to catch a last minute movie.

Rio Theatre

After making the 25 minute drive to Overland Park and buying tickets for $8.50 each at the classic outdoor box office, we were greeted with green and pink neon lights of The Rio Theatre in the tiny entrance area that doubled as a concesssions location. The Rio offers the basic spread of candies and popcorn, but in a vintage format with larger servings.

Prices were reasonable, with a large popcorn being only $5.50 and a large drink being $4.25. The staff was extremely friendly and accomodating, providing customers with free refils on large popcorn.

The one and only theater was previously used as a stage for performing arts, so the screen is located on a stage, decorated with curtains and classic stage lights. Before the film starts, the curtains are drawn back, and you are greeted with classic theater previews. The overall effect left us feeling as though we had walked straight into history.

Cartoons by Asia Yates

Photos by Emily Johnson

20

March 10, 2011

{photo essay}

Improving the sense of community

JOINED BY STUDENTS in ACCESS programs from around the state, the Community Service students form a train while dancing during the Valentine’s Day dance at a local gym near the ACCESS House on Monday, Feb. 14. Photo by

maya sudduth {reporter}

Students helping the world around them through Community Service

ABOVE: SENIOR KAYLA DEBERG gets TyAaron Wilson to participate in a line dance at the Valentine’s Day dance at the ACCESS House on Monday, Feb. 14. Photo by Ali Judy RIGHT: ON MONDAY, FEB. 14 Community Service students make a train with students from the ACCESS House during their Valentine’s Day dance.

Photo by Taylor Young

FAR ABOVE: SENIOR SHANNON NEILL helps lead a group of children through the “Body Venture” at Prairie Ridge Elementry on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

Photo by Nichole Kennelly ABOVE: SENIORS EMILY ALTMAN and Jordan Ross help at the final station of the “Body Venture” on Feb. 15. Photo by Taylor Young

There is an old saying “give and you shall receive.”

Students enrolled in the Sociology of Community Service class are giving a little bit of their time while receiving a grade for it.

The class was designed for students to serve the community, but also to have students think about why they are doing it.

“We look at the class like, ‘why is there a need to help out people?’” Community Service teacher Cory Wurtz said.

To receive an “A” in the class students must complete up to 30 hours of community service every quarter. The grade received for the class also depends on projects and participation.

“I don’t really do a lot of community service on my own time,” senior Shannon Neill said. “Since you have a certain amount of hours you have to get each quarter, it makes sure you really get out into the community and help out.”

The class allows students freedom to choose how they want to give back to the community instead of being assigned to a task.

“I feel that when doing community service you have to be passionate about what you are doing so they can do what they like,” Wurtz said.

In the class, students have volunteer at the Food Kitchen, Special Olympics and at the Valentines dance held for the students at the ACCESS house.

“It was cool getting to hang out with them and stuff at the Valentine’s dance,” senior Adam Farnow said.

Neill offers advice to anyone planning on taking community service next year.

“Community service is not difficult unless you’re lazy. Lazy people don’t like to do community service,” Neill said. “If you enjoy what you’re doing, it’s not that difficult.”