Volume 14, Issue 2

JAGWIRE MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 2 | OCTOBER 17, 2013 | MVNEWS.ORG

1,290

689

Mill Valley

De Soto

CROWD CONTROL on pages 8-9

NEWS 3

Common Core

FEATURE 6

Future careers

SPORTS 12

Dig Pink

A&E 14

City Market

PHOTO ESSAY 16

Community Service

NEWSinBRIEF

MATH TEACHER NOMINATED Natasha Cox could win prestigious Horizon Award

BY NICK BOOTH

jagwire.nickbooth@gmail.com

M

ABOVE: Math teacher Natasha Cox helps sophomore Artemio Leal with a homework during her Blue 4 Integrated Math I class on Wednesday, Oct. 9. “(Cox) is a great teacher. Even if she’s busy, she stops what she’s doing to help,” Leal said. Photo by Adri Talavera

NEW BUDGET CHANGES

BY RYAN FULLERTON jagwire.ryanfullerton.com

he district’s Local Option Budget, which supplies money for the district’s day-to-day activities, was increased from 30 percent to 31 percent starting this year.

This change comes after voters approved the adjustment in April to prevent the district from losing $3 million when a decrease in student growth caused the district to lose funding.

This made the district eligible for Cost of Living funding, which is available to districts in high-cost areas, such as Johnson County. This funding helps offset the loss, causing the district to operate at a loss of just $85,000.

To balance this, each department in the district has been asked to decrease expenses by 10 percent, director of finance Ken Larsen said.

“This strategic move is helping the district offset the reduction in operating dollars,” Larsen said via email. “Individual departments and

winter break.

If Cox wins, she will go to a statewide conference with other winners in Topeka. The winners will join the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network, or KEEN. Cox appreciates the nomination from her fellow teachers and administrators.

“It was very nice for everyone to nominate me,” Cox said.

KEEN is an organization that gives its members an opportunity to network with other exemplary educators around the state and participate in professional developmental programs.

Science teacher Alyssa Meyer won the award and joined KEEN’s network last year.

Cox is grateful for the chance to be a part of this prestigious network.

“It’s an honor,” Cox said. “It’s nice to be recognized for all of your hard work.”

ROAD CONSTRUCTION DONE

BY NICK BOOTH

District increases the Local Option Budget

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ath teacher Natasha Cox has been nominated for the prestigious Horizon award.

The Horizon award is an award for first-year teachers who have shown exceptional performance in their inaugural year.

Teachers are nominated by their peers or by administrators following their first year of teaching. This is Cox’s second year teaching, and she was nominated for her excellence last year.

Cox is glad for the opportunity that she’s been given.

“I’m very grateful to the people that nominated me,” Cox said. “I’m [so] honored.”

Cox teaches Integrated Math One and Integrated Math One Enrichment.

The award is a regional competition between the state of Kansas’ four congressional districts. A total of 32 teacher across the state are nominated.

The winners will be announced sometime around

jagwire.nickbooth@gmail.com

schools continue to scrutinize all expenses in an effort to stretch and maximize resources.”

Larsen said that the district’s greatest attempt to reduce expenses in the district is through conservation of energy. In 2012, the district entered into an agreement with Cenergistic, a company that aids schools and other corporations in energy conservation, and hired energy specialist Dwight Stoppel to monitor the district’s energy usage.

“Together with Cenergistic, USD 232 has built a customized and sustainable energy conservation program that reduces consumption of electricity, natural gas and water through changes in organizational and human behavior,” Larsen said. “Our effort will continue into the future because taxpayers, faculty, parents and students deserve to see every dollar possible sent to the classroom.”

Roundabout added to Monticello Road

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onstruction on Monticello Road, which began in July, has finished and now includes a new roundabout, widened roads and medians.

The new changes were made in an attempt to make driving on Monticello Road easier.

The roundabout was intended to help incoming cars from surrounding neighborhoods flow more effectively.

The construction was specifically designed to help ease the flow of morning traffic caused by the proximity of the nearby shools.

Junior Valerie Nguyen has mixed feelings about the new construction.

“It hasn’t really affected my driving since it finished, other than the roundabout, which I hate,” Nguyen said. “Roundabouts deter important traffic flow and often shut down local businesses.”

The roundabout was intended to improve the flow of traffic by allowing vehicles from surrounding neighborhoods to enter the road more easily.

Speech teacher Jeanette Hardesty doesn’t think the roundabout has fulfilled its purpose.

It makes driving down Monticello Road very difficult,” Hardesty said. Instead of driving in a straight line, you have to dodge cars.”

Nguyen also had difficulty driving while the construction was still being done.

“I had to leave ten minutes earlier to get to my destination,” Nguyen said. “It was inconvenient, and I hated it.

Hardesty also thinks the construction should have started earlier.

“The highway department should consider timing when [starting] new construction,” Hardesty said.

TRENDING TOPICS

#GOVERNMENT The U.S government is currently shut down due to disagreements in Congress on health care.

2 BRIEFS

Design by Erika Kringen

#WORLDSERIES The MLB post-season began on Oct. 1. Currently St. Louis, Los Angeles, Boston and Detriot are competing for a spot in the World Series.

#THEMILEYMOVEMENT The Miley Movement is a documentary on Miley’s constantly changing life. For specific air times, go to www.mtv.com.

#HEARTBREAKER

#STOWAWAY A nine- year-old boy who managed to get on a plane to Las Vegas without a boarding pass or parents earlier this month got home safely on Saturday, Oct. 12.

Justin Bieber’s new single “Heartbreaker” is currently on the iTunes top 10 list. His song is inspired by his recent breakup with Selena Gomez.

Cover by Alana Flinn and Ryan Fullerton Trending Topics photos from MCT Campus

CORE CONVERSION CORE QUESTIONS

Common Core standards bring new concepts to high school curriculum

Could you define what Common Core is?

C

24.8%

37.6%

Yes Sort of

37.6%

No

How has Common Core affected you at school?

A lot 17.9% 18.1% 32% 36% 7.7% 21.6%

34.7% 24%

Somewhat Not much Not at all I don’t know what Common Core is

Do you think Common Core benefits students?

22.1% 36% 37%

32% 35%

24%

Survey of 375 Students Photos by Kelly Gothard

Yes In some areas No I don’t know what Common Core is

BY JUSTIN CURTO

jagwire.justincurto@gmail.com

BY ERIKA KRINGEN

jagwire.erikakringen@gmail.com

ommon Core standards have recently been adopted in the state of Kansas, thus changing the curriculum at Mill Valley.

Common Core is a set of goals created to prepare students for college and their future career.

The standards are more rigorous than previous curriculum, and specifically aim to increase skills in math and English language arts (ELA). According to a recent survey by the JagWire, 24.8 percent of students could define Common Core.

Kansas adopted the standards in August 2010.

The Kansas state legislature attempted to block the standards on multiple occasions, but failed.

Despite this, schools across the state have been changing their curriculum to comply with the standards.

Communication arts teacher Ashley Agre said the standards have prompted her to make additions to her lessons.

“Right now, the biggest change I’ve made is adding more nonfiction,” Agre said. “I’ve added in units that are based around nonfiction and classified readings.”

Math teacher Amy Welzenbach said the standards allow for more student participation.

“Common Core lends itself to more opportunities for students to work together and for the teacher to step back,” Welzenbach said.

The most visible changes so far have been to the math program. This year, most freshmen are taking Integrated Math I, which combines Algebra and Geometry concepts. Next year, Integrated Math II will be added, followed by Integrated Math III for the 2015-2016 school year.

Freshman Kathy Nguyen thinks the class is an improvement over previous math courses.

“It’s better than other math classes I’ve taken,” Nguyen said. “Before it was random numbers, but in Integrated Math it’s situations you could imagine yourself in.”

Welzenbach also prefers the new course.

“I like [Integrated Math] because it allows us to explore concepts more deeply and allows students to process at higher levels of thinking,” Welzenbach said.

Math is not the only subject that has been affected. All classes are now required to incorporate reading, writing, speaking and listening into daily activities as a part of new initiatives for ELA standards.

Social studies teacher Dustin Stinnett said the initiatives are a good addition to classes.

“I think it’s effective education in its truest form,” Stinnett said. “Any teacher who’s going to be successful in reaching students should require reading, writing, speaking and listening.”

However, junior Benjamin Kelm thinks these initiatives are somewhat unnecessary.

“I think they’re nice to have there but I don’t need every teacher to tell me what we’re reading or writing,” Kelm said.

For some classes, it has been difficult to comply with these initiatives every day. This has been especially true for fine arts classes, such as those of art teacher Erica Crist.

“The biggest challenge is having quality things for students to read,” Crist said. “Resources as far as reading are the hardest.”

Stinnett also thinks that the standards have their difficulties.

“I think there are growing pains with any transitions,” Stinnett said. “Students have had certain expectations, and now they’re seeing [the ELA initiatives] in all of their courses. There’s some pushback, but it will ultimately benefit students in the long run.”

Overall, opinions on the new standards are varied. According to a recent survey by the JagWire, 37 percent of students do not think the standards benefit students. Sophomore Megan Feurborn agrees.

“I think it’s a bad idea because it is hard to get kids to learn on the same level,” Feurborn said.

“Some are behind and some are ahead.”

However, Kelm thinks the standards could have strong long-term benefits for students.

“Most people could probably end up on the A/B honor roll if they actually tried,” Kelm said.

“I think Common Core might give them that push to try.”

TEACHING TIMELINE AUGUST 2010 Common Core standards are implemented in Kansas

SUMMER OF 2013 The Kansas state legislature makes multiple attempts to remove the standards

2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR Integrated Math I is introduced to Mill Valley, replacing Geomtry for freshmen English language arts initiatives are also fully implemented, requiring all teachers to include reading, writing, speaking and listening in their classes

FOLLOWING YEARS Integrated Math II and Integrated Math III will eventually be implemented, replacing other math classes for future students Design by Katherine White

NEWS 3

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WOULDN’T YOU LIKE TO KN OW...

FALATHE SERVICE DOG Freshman counselor Polly Vader explains how Fala affects her students

BY KATHERINE WHITE

jagwire.katherinewhite@gmail.com

Who is Fala?

Ms. Fala is a fully-trained service dog who comes to school with me everyday to service our students here at Mill Valley and also at Mill Creek Middle School. Her first purpose is to service persons with disabilities. [Another is to be] an emotional support to students, parents and staff. This is her fourth school year [working].

Who can see Fala and when?

She’s here with me in the office all the time so anytime a student comes down to the counseling office to talk to me about anything, they have access to hang out with Fala. Fala’s here Monday and Wednesday and every other full Friday.

If you’re on passing period and you drop by and say hello, absolutely I encourage that. After school or before school [also work], she’s always here. I would love that. Usually during the day students can’t be missing a lot of class, [so during that time] it really is just to focus on student needs.

What is Fala’s training like?

[From] about a year old to two years old they go through ... puppy college. The first semester they refine and work on basic commands and then the second semester they’re doing higher-thinking type commands. [The dogs] also work on not getting distracted.

What are some tricks that Fala knows?

She was taught about fifty-five commands. Some of them are really subtle and you wouldn’t notice that she’s doing it, but a lot of them are to service somebody with a disability. She’s able to open doors, shut doors, pick things up, carry anything up to five pounds, and she can turn on and off light switches ... Here, the commands she uses a lot are sit, down, and she does a ‘lap’ command, which is when she puts her two paws over your lap. That one’s used a lot because then the student’s able to cuddle and snuggle and say hi to the pup.

Do you have any interesting or funny Fala stories?

One of my favorite stories is of one time when I was working with a student who was pretty upset.

I was trying to talk to them, trying to help them out. They needed to talk but just didn’t want to.

Fala knows how to respond to emotions and ...

she sat down next to the student and she looked at the student and [makes] the loudest human burp you’ve ever heard. I kept apologizing to the student ... and the student just busted out laughing. From that moment on, we were able to work through what they were going through. It was like she knew we needed an icebreaker. It was hilarious the way she decided to go about it. That is one of the funniest Fala stories. There’s a lot of things she’s done to help people and help people calm down which are all really touching, awesome stories.

Where does Fala go when not at work?

She comes home with me. She still has rules at home. She’s not allowed treats ... she’s been taught to work for praise and love because [otherwise she’d] only work for food. [Also,] I’m required to keep her at a certain weight because working dogs are a lot harder on their hips and backs. Once you take off your jacket and go home she’ll play frisbee, she likes to run around with a bone in her mouth, she’s still a dog.

What is your relationship with Fala?

Our relationship really started as a professional, working [one] because we worked together and that’s really the only way I knew her. But now, she’s a part of my family. She’s basically my firstborn daughter. She comes home with me every single night, we’re together all day at work, all night over the summers. She’s my best friend, and she is pretty good at it.

How did Fala get her name?

The company gives the host family a letter for every litter that is born. Fala ... was from the F litter.

Also, she’s named after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s dog, so Fala’s actually officially Fala II. She didn’t have a middle name so [I gave her one]. K-State ... their original mascot ... was a black lab named Bosco. So now her name’s Fala Bosco Vader. And it’s not after the bosco sticks in the lunchroom which is what most of the Mill Creek students think cause they love bosco sticks. I’m like, no, I didn’t name her after a cheese stick, but those are really good.

How does Fala assist in counseling?

A large part of our job as counselors that students don’t always see is that we work really closely with parents as well. I had a parent that was pretty

upset one day and in my office. Fala notices that the parent is upset and walks around into the middle of the chairs and sits down and puts her little head right on the parent’s lap. You could just see [the parent take] a deep breath and relax.

[They] started to talk about their dog and show me pictures of their dog. The ability to open that line of communications and to calm them down ... it just made the whole conversation the rest of the afternoon just [better].

Does the company have any requirements for Fala?

They fly back here every year and check up on her. They come and make sure she still knows her commands, she has to pass a test every year. I have to send in her vet reports, and they check on her weight and health and all that ... They really take pride in making sure their placements are effective which I think is phenomenal.

What do you enjoy about being able to work with Fala?

I just enjoy seeing other people’s reactions with Fala, how she’s able to make such an impact in students’ lives but also staff members’.

Even if she just meets a student once, it’s like they forever remember her. Which I really think is the coolest thing ‘cause don’t we all kind of want to have that impact on people, to impact somebody so positively that they forever remember you? And she can do that with almost everyone. It just blows my mind.

What does Fala enjoy doing outside of work?

ABOVE: Fala is a service dog who works with freshman counselor Polly Vader to help students and parents. Photo by Karissa Schmidt

For further coverage: http://www.mvnews.org

She loves going to the lake, it’s her favorite place.

We go to Lake of the Ozarks and she loves the swim area and she loves to go on the boat. She has a life jacket. She likes her little ears to fly in the wind. They have this restaurant on the water that lets you take your dog in and give them a big bowl of water and she thinks it’s awesome. It is one of her favorite things. That, and frisbee.

Design by Karissa Schmidt

FEATURE 5

Working for their

FUTURE

Students give advice for those seeking a career

Jordon Grundy

Photo by Hunter Bessey

Madison Labarge

Senior pursues career as an exotic veterinarian

Senior takes the necessary steps to becoming a nurse Photo by Ashley Kitchen

BY ELLEN MERRILL

jagwire.ellenmerrill@gmail.com

T

o prepare for her future career as an exotic veterinarian, senior Jordon Grundy works at Family Pet Hospital, Primp My Pup and also pet sits. Grundy’s mom, who used to work at Family Pet Hospital, now owns Primp My Pup which provides numerous opportunities for Grundy to get experience.

Grundy hopes to become an exotic veterinarian because she finds exotic animals to be more interesting than domestic pets.

“I think it would be cool to work with lions and tigers,” Grundy said. “I just think that domestic pets that you see everyday can get boring.”

At Family Pet Hospital, Grundy’s job can range from office work to advanced surgeries. She also assists with dentals and fills prescriptions.

For college, Grundy is planning on going to Johnson County Community College for her veterinarian prerequisites. From there, she hopes to go to Kansas State University to major in Veterinary Medicine.

One of the things Grundy is doing to prepare for her future career is taking several science

classes at the high school level, such as Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology, Physics and Zoology.

Grundy feels that jump-starting her experience has prepared her for college.

“I have worked with animals for four to five years, [and taking these classes] proves that I have experience,” Grundy said.

Although she acknowledges the years of medical schooling will take awhile to complete, Grundy has her mind set on this career and has not considered another occupation.

“I know it is a difficult thing to get into, but I am determined,” Grundy said. “If I have to, I can be a regular vet and then move on to exotic.”

Grundy offers some advice for students who want to gain an advantage in their future career field.

“You have to start early because that is what colleges look at. They will choose the person that has years of experience over someone that doesn’t have any,” Grundy said. “Getting involved also helps assure yourself that this is really what you want to do.”

What do you think about the value of experience over education in a classroom?

Photo by Hunter Bessey

Counselor Randy Burwell explains Ed-Tech benefits

BY JACK LOPEZ

jagwire.jacklopez@gmail.com

6 FEATURE

[Students in Eudora Ed-Tech] are still getting education in a classroom but the experience factor just brings it home and makes it more real. Sometimes you’ll hear students in math say, “Why am I taking this?” because they don’t see the application and in these classes, they might not always appreciate the book work but once they get into the experience end of things, they see the connection, they understand it, and it makes more sense. So I

Design by Jillian Leiby

think it rounds that educational piece, those components of what that career might envision, and gives them a clear indication that, “Yes, this is a career area that I truly want to pursue,” or, “Maybe this is just an interest area that I kind of want to do on the side or do as a hobby,” or, “This isn’t for me at all.” It just helps students be more clear about what it is they want to do, because they’ve not just had the education component of it, but have also had the experience component and they’ve been in the field doing the work.

BY JACK LOPEZ

jagwire.jacklopez@gmail.com

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hecking on residents at the end of her shift, senior Madison Labarge prepares to leave from Villa St. Francis, a nursing home in Olathe where she has worked as a paid certified nurse’s assistant (CNA) since the beginning of the school year.

Labarge received her CNA certification last year through the Eudora EdTech program, an accomplishment that she says will be invaluable as she pursues a career in the medical field.

“For any nursing career you need your CNA, so working as a CNA now will put me at a step above everyone else,” Labarge said. “Normally, you get it as you’re going into nursing school.”

This year through the Eudora EdTech program, Labarge and other students are required by Ed-Tech to work a minimum of 10 hours a week as a CNA. Labarge believes that working at Villa St. Francis gives her not only a good

What would you suggest to someone who knows what they want to do but doesn’t know where to start?

Mrs. Caves teaches a career and life planning class here at Mill Valley ... that I wish was a graduation requirement for all students because it really does help students ... to kind of know what matchups would be good opportunities for them. In that class, students do job shadow experiences.

While not every student will have that chance to be in that career and life planning class, they can still set up that job

experience, but valuable relationships as well.

“Since I’ve been there a couple months, I’ve developed some good relationships with the staff and with the residents,” Labarge said.

As part of her training, she and her classmates were required to take weekly online quizzes and do clinicals three times a week, during which they work in the Eudora Medical Lodge nursing home.

As well as providing an opportunity for relationships, Labarge stressed the value of using the program as a learning tool over simply being in a classroom.

“I think that this program is really good because you get to actually go and do clinicals and learn firsthand how being a CNA works,” Labarge said. “It’s better because you get to experience [nursing] and not just learn about it.”

shadow experience. I think that is really that critical piece for people. It’s important for people to follow their passion.

We spend more time as adults in our jobs than we do with our family and friends, so if you aren’t happy in your workplace, chances are that spills over into your personal life and the relationships you have outside of work. It’s important for people to make sure that what they’re wanting to do is a good fit, that it’s something that they will like and know that if you get into something that you don’t like that you always have options.

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BEHIND THE BOUN

CAPACITY REACHED A look at past and projected enrollment

BY JUSTIN CURTO

jagwire.justincurto@gmail.com

Mill Valley

ABOVE: Shortly after the bell rings, the main staircase fills up with students trying to get out the door. “[The main staircase] is annoying and people need to get out of the way,” junior Hannah Phipps said. Photo by Madeline Lamons

jagwire.jillianleiby@gmail.com

2000

1,500

CAPACITY

830

1,233

2012-2013

681

1,290

2013-2014

689

1,435

2014-2015

683

1,554

2015-2016

676

1,604

2016-2017

718

Information from usd232.org and KSHSAA.org

Mill Valley High School opens

Boundaries change as new schools open

2002

2004

Riverview Elementary opens

2007

2010

Prairie Ridge Elementary opens

Horizon Elementary opens

Belmont Elementary opens

Woodsonia Elementary closes

Mill Creek Middle School opens

Mill Valley expansion begins Information from usd232.org

It’s [changed] so gradually that I haven’t noticed it as much. The physical footprint of this building has grown so much; we’ve had three additions and one was when the building was only five years old.

I really got to know the students individually [and] it was easier to communicate ... knowing the faculty better was advantageous. The faculty was more supportive of each other because we knew we were all we had.

How is crowding currently affecting What are some of the current benefits of teaching at a larger school?

Since you’ve been teaching at Mill Mill Valley?

You can find your own group and It’s causing us to look at the need for Valley, how has your student load make friends within the faculty. Some more teachers and class offerings.

It’s changed?

I had 25 students in 2000 and [Mill causing students to find alternative Valley] was 8-12 grade; now I have routes to class.

59 students and it’s only 9-12.

8 FEATURE

Design by Alana Flinn

people like the anonymity. We have much nicer facilities. You can collaborate with others teachers of the same subject, too.

Why did you want to join the boundary committee?

MB: My family [used to be] part of the demographic of people w had to keep moving schools. [I joined] to learn the process, lear why it happens and try to make more stable.

SH: I wanted to hear the patron’ point of view firsthand because going to be one of the people vo

Boundary committee faces challenges as Some district buildings near capacity, committee to help jagwire.ryanfullerton.com

District veteran Carmen Shelly Over the years, how has Mill Valley What were some of the benefits of discusses overcrowding changed? teaching at a smaller school?

Junior Callahan Eckardt

CROWD

BY RYAN FULLERTON

A PAST PERSPECTIVE

jagwire.sarahmyers@gmail.com

De Soto

ADJUSTING THE LINES

BY JILLIAN LEIBY

BY SARAH MYERS

A

s a result of current and projected overcrowding in some district schools, a boundary committee has been formed to decide how to restructure boundaries in a manner that maximizes all district facilities.

In its meetings, the committee will discuss topics such as duration of boundaries, the impact of changes on students and fiscal implications. After several public forums, the committee will then make a recommendation to the Board of Education, which has the final say on any boundary changes.

In 2012, the district hired RSP and Associates to conduct an enrollment study. The results showed that some schools in the district are nearing capacity or have already surpassed it.

At the high school level, Mill Valley High School currently has 1,290

students, according to the Kansas Sta High School Activities Association. Th study found that this population wi increase to 1,554 students in two year which is above the 1,500 student capa ity. The population is projected to con tinue increasing in the future.

De Soto High School, which has capacity of 830 students, has 689 st dents, and the study projected it wi decrease until the 2016-17 school year.

DHS principal Mark Meyer b lieves his school is maximized in th classroom, but he also recognizes th it could take in a larger student body.

“I think it’s maximized in the sen that every classroom we have is ful utilized, and we even have one teach who has to travel,” Meyer said. “Th one place we could grow is the cla [size] averages, and that’s where w could absorb more.”

At the middle school level, Mont cello Trails Middle School, which has capacity of 756 students, currently h 758 students. Meanwhile, Lexingto Trails Middle School has a populatio

NDARIES

t who

rn it

’s I’m ot-

Four members of the boundary committee discuss overcrowding and the committee

Parent Gretchen Ceule

Junior Maddie Butterfield

Board member Scott Hancock

use curriculum effectively.

What do you think needs to be considered when deciding the new SH: There are a lot of financial issues involved, too. Taxpayers have boundaries?

ing on a decision.

What brought about the need for new boundaries?

CE: Mill Valley and Monticello Trails are projected to keep growing and exceed capacity while Lexington Trails and De Soto High School are going to decline [in population] over the next couple years.

CE: They need to keep us in mind.

It seems asinine for me to have to go that far [to DHS] when I have an option so close.

MB: I also think the quality of education that you’re getting [should be considered]. The capacity of a school can really hinder its ability to

D CONTROL

invested in the area. They have a financial investment and an emotional investment in the area. Their kids have gone to school together.

That’s a real thing we have to consider, in my opinion.

How will students currently in high school be affected by these changes?

SH: The process has just started, and I don’t think any decisions have been made yet on whether there will be any grandfathering or whether anybody will have to move ... There has to be some change made. Whether it’s building new

classes, whether it’s restructuring curriculum to gain great capacity, or whether it does end up being a boundary change.

CE: I know [there’s a possibility that] I’ll end up having my senior year at DHS where everything’s different than what you’re used to and you’re just having to cope with all of that new stuff. Socially, you’d have to rebuild.

How is the process of making the decision going to work?

MB: Throughout this, they’re having specific boundary committees, and then they’re going back to the community a couple times.

It really comes back to the public, so if there’s any questions or any input, then at those meetings we can take it before we actually go to the Board itself and present any solutions to the Board.

SH: The process is designed to get everyone involved that can possibly be involved. That includes committee members that hopefully will be bringing all sorts of ideas.

What challenges does possibly changing the boundaries present

to the committee?

CE: Keeping in mind all of the people it will affect and just dealing with all the different ideas and finding the one that will fit the district best.

GC: I think the biggest problem is not making a ton of people mad but also having to combine that with the financial aspect, and a lot of people aren’t going to see that and really understand it.

How are you going to include input from the people you represent?

MB: If anyone has questions, we’re supposed to bring those questions to meetings or try to answer them and get feedback.

GC: I think talking to a lot of people about it and making sure they are thinking about it. Some of these out-of-the-box ideas will come from this school. We need to make [this issue] public knowledge.

SH: Come to me with something reasonable. You don’t get change without a sacrifice. Hopefully the sacrifice is minimal, but there is going to be one made in order to

s building populations approach capacity

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a tuill . behe hat . nse lly her he ass we

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of 297 students, which is below its capacity of 720 students.

The district’s goal through forming the committee is to solve this problem in an effort to fully utilize all facilities.

“If you’re a school district, you want to maximize your facility as long as possible,” director of administrative services and community relations Alvie Cater said. “You want to try to maximize a building. You want to do your best to get as close to capacity as long as you can.”

However, some students have since become concerned about the effects a change could have on their own lives.

Junior committee member Callahan Eckardt knows overcrowding is a mounting issue, but he also has concerns about what a change could mean for him and other students.

“It affects a lot of your life,” Eckardt said. “High school right now is 90 percent of what I do. Right now, that’s what my life is, what it’s centered around. It’d be almost like changing your job as an adult. Everything

changes around it.”

Both MVHS and DHS would have to make adjustments if a boundary change caused a significant change in population. Meyer said DHS has become comfortable with its 4A status and would have to grow more accustomed to a larger student body.

“When you’ve been a 4A school for as long as De Soto has, you get comfortable with your surroundings, you know your people and who you’re competing against [in activities],” Meyer said. “[When there’s a change], you certainly have to find your place within that new configuration.”

Board and boundary committee member Scott Hancock understands these concerns but hopes the committee considers the district’s best interests.

“There is a real issue with population going through the school system,” Hancock said. “... We shouldn’t be thinking about what’s best for us as individuals. We should be thinking about what would be best suited for the ABOVE: Science teacher Betsy Meeks’ freshman Pre-AP biology class is one of the many classes that experiences problems with overcrowding. “[Classdistrict.” room overcrowding] makes it harder to focus and get around the classroom,” freshman Jessica Mitchell said. Photo by Miranda Miller

FEATURE 9

STAFF EDITORIAL

OPEN LETTER TO COMMITTEE As boundary committee meets, it needs to consider what is best for students

CURRENT EVENTS INTEREST LACKING AMONG STUDENTS Students have no excuse for ignorance of current events

BY ALANA FLINN

jagwire.alanaflinn@gmail.com

I

Cartoon by Madeline Lamons

N

ow that the boundary committee has been formed and started meeting, the JagWire staff would like them to keep a few things in mind: First and foremost, students who are currently in high school should not be required to change schools. These students have already adjusted to life at their respective high schools, and it would not be logical for students to have to repeat this process. It would be better to make any new boundaries a requirement for future high school students that have not been exposed to a specific school and allow current high school students to finish out their high school career where they are now.

The committee also needs to consider the proximity of students to the high schools they attend or will attend. An MVNews poll revealed that

58 percent of Mill Valley students believe this is the most important issue for committee members to keep in mind. Students who live near Mill Valley should not be sent to De Soto.

Along with this, the committee should think about the fact that some families moved to the Mill Valley area several years ago with the intent that their children would attend Mill Valley.

Sports and other extracurricular activities could be negatively affected by a boundary change that makes a large school too small. If Mill Valley were to experience a significant population decrease, its extracurricular programs would become less competitive among 5A schools. Mill Valley has experienced considerable extracurricular success in part because of its population, and we would prefer for this to continue.

Finally, the committee should consider the effects that changes could have on the sense of community developed within and around high schools.

Students in the Mill Valley and De Soto boundaries would essentially be fish-out-of-water in each other’s areas; they have already grown and developed socially in their own communities. Removing students from where they feel like they belong would be detrimental to both the schools and their students.

Above all, committee members and the Board need to make sure they do what is best for the district rather than what fulfills personal desires. It’s important to remember that the goal of this district is to provide the best possible school experience. If this idea guides the committee, then it will allow them to make the best decision.

STAFF VOTE Agree

23 Disagree

0 Absent

0

was in my Political Participation class the first day of the government shutdown. Before the bell even rang, I heard someone ask, “Wait, what do you mean the government shut down?” In that moment, I realized students need to work a lot harder on keeping up with current events.

Being well-versed in what is happening locally, nationally and internationally will give students an in-depth knowledge of what is affecting their every day lives. With 24-7 news outlets both online and on TV, it is nearly impossible to ignore current issues. You could even scroll through your Twitter feed to see both ignorant and thoughtful comments on all things current.

It is not difficult to take five minutes out of your day to read CNN online or watch the news while getting ready for school. Keeping up with current issues will not only help students be informed of political and newsworthy occurrences, but it will also educate them on the reasoning and dynamics behind them.

It is time for students to take the initiative to keep up with the events affecting their lives daily.

You’re upset that gas is up an entire 20 cents? You are stressed that you can’t get a passport for your family vacation coming up? If you kept up with current events, you wouldn’t be as surprised when it costs you $4 per gallon or that passports are not being issued until the government gets their act together.

Luckily, almost all forms of news have become easily accessible. Once students understand that current events affect all of us every day, perhaps the value placed on keeping up with them will increase.

YOU SAID IT WHAT DO YOU WANT THE BOUNDARY COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER WHEN MAKING ITS DECISION?

“Just keep it how it is. People have friends at school that they don’t want to have to move away from.”

FRESHMAN KELSEY POJE

10 OPINION

Design by Nick Booth

“I think we need to make the Mill Valley boundary larger. We need to be a 6A school.”

SOPHOMORE NOAH CALLAHAN

“If they’re going to change the boundaries, they’re going to have to get the people grandfathered in.”

JUNIOR ALEX RALSTON

“I think they really need to keep the people close to Mill Valley going to Mill Valley.”

SENIOR JOE GUNTER

ENGLISH CLASSES NEED TO FOCUS ON GRAMMAR MORE THAN LITERATURE Students not taught about their own language in English classes

BY RYAN FULLERTON

jagwire.ryanfullerton@gmail.com

I

n my time in high school, I have noticed a profound problem as both a newspaper editor and a student in English classes: a large portion of the student body is incapable of consistently writing in a manner that is grammatically correct.

I have also noticed this: we spend a very large portion of our English classes reading and analyzing literature, sacrificing time that could be spent educating us about our own language.

Independent clauses, dependent clauses, comma splices, split infinitives, fragments and, my personal favorite, comma usage, are sacrificed all too often on the altar of literature, and the student body’s abilities to write and communicate are suffering for it.

As a person who loves books, I understand

the value of reading and literature, and I understand how we can use it to relate to other subjects.

However, I also understand the value of communication and the ability to correctly write. Forming a correct sentence is more than just writing down what you think; there are established grammatical rules which we use to prevent a breakdown in communication. Our English classes focus so much on literature that learning grammar becomes lost in a medley of allegories, irony, foreshadowing, etc.

One of my English teachers once told me that they use our writing assignments to teach us grammar. This makes sense to me, except we do very few full writing assignments throughout the year in which the teacher focuses on correcting our grammar and establishing good writing skills. Students aren’t given enough opportunities to develop these abilities; anything they learn from one writing assignment can be without being cemented in through practice.

If a student is going to receive a well-rounded education on the English language and its importance, then our English classes need to find a balance between literature and the grammar that builds it.

INTERACTION NEEDED IN CLASSES Students would benefit greatly from hands-on learning experiences

BY SARAH MYERS

jagwire.sarahmyers@gmail.com

N

ot all of us were blessed with photographic memory. As nice as it would be to copy notes from a PowerPoint and remember it all later, it’s not realistic for most of us. By adding hands-on activities to classes, teachers would be able to educate their students more effectively.

Although notes remain essential, demonstrations, visual aids and other hands-on activities immerse students in the material, while verbal and written learning often go in one ear and out the other. Personally, I’ve found that I’m able to understand information more effectively when I learn through interactive activities. Additionally, they allow me to remember the material for much longer, as opposed to curriculum learned through notes and lectures.

Math classes would benefit greatly from an increase in interactive learning. In math, America is lagging behind the rest of the world. In these classes, students sometimes sit for an hour, listening and taking notes. Most of the time, students aren’t even able to fully process what they’re writing because they’re too focused on copying notes.

With interactive learning, students become more engaged. They’re able to make connections and understand concepts more clearly. A study from the University of Illinois showed 80 percent of teaching is delivered verbally, while only 10 percent of students prefer learning by listening.

On the contrary, 40 percent of students are visual learners and 50 percent learn best when they’re involved in movement. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development stated that movement, the learning style dominantly favored by students, is proven to increase memory and retrieval. Coincidentally, the part of your brain that processes movement, the cerebellum, also involves attention, something teenagers tend to lack.

It only makes sense to incorporate more interaction into classes. Doing so allows teachers to better accommodate all students, rather than just a small portion of the class.

DRIVERS NEED TO HONOR ETIQUETTE OF THE NEW ROUNDABOUT It doesn’t take a genius or a rocket scientist to drive through a roundabout safely, concerning the fact that it is actually an extremely simple task

BY HUNTER BESSEY

jagwire.hunterbessey@gmail.com

W

ith the roundabout recently being put in, it has made me realize that people in the city of Shawnee need to look over the driver’s ed handbook.

It seems as if people do not know how to go about driving through them.

Even though it may seem like rocket science, driving in a circle really isn’t that hard.

The yield sign is the most important, yet most misunderstood, sign in a roundabout. If you are approaching a yield sign, it means yield, not fly through it. Trust me, there is not some hidden meaning behind the sign; it simply means to keep an eye out so you can safely continue to your destination. The signs are placed there for a reason, not just for looks.

You need to use your turn signals whenever possible. Just because it’s a roundabout, you cant disregard signaling your intentions. By you doing this, it lets other drivers know that they can safely pull out, and continue driving. This is much easier than waiting to actually see the car turn. It helps you safely turn, and helps other drivers

know that you are turning.

If you are questioning whether you can go safely through the roundabout before an oncoming car reaches you, don’t go. Even if you are feeling extra generous and let someone go, you’re just going to tick other drivers off. You only need to yield when there is a car coming, not just because you feel like being nice.

Also, when some foolish middle school kid decides to run through the middle of the street into the roundabout, the yield signs help with that, too. I understand that some students have to walk home, but have some common sense. I’m sorry, but you are really dumb if you decide to sprint through the middle of the street dur-

ing school rush hour traffic.

The crosswalks are literally 100 feet away, and there are three north and south of the roundabout, so it won’t hurt to move your legs a little and go to the actual crossing. But I mean, if you really want to risk the chance of getting run over, go for it.

Another thing: speed limits are in place in order to keep traffic going at a steady pace. There is always that one driver who decides it is a good idea to go less than 5 mph around the roundabout.

If a high school student is walking faster than you are driving, you should probably pick up the pace. For the sake of everyone, don’t be that driver.

For all the people who think their

car can handle anything, going over the curb onto the roundabout in order to avoid going in a circle is probably not the best idea.

Trust me, blowing your tires out on a curb is not the most fun thing, especially when it comes to paying to replace the tires.

Yield when necessary, and do not yield when you don’t have to. Go the speed limit in order to keep everything running smoothly. If you are walking home, use your brain and don’t run out in front of a car.

And although your car’s tires may be able to handle going over the curb, you better not chance it. So, when it comes to tackling the roundabouts, follow the rules and be cautious.

JAGWIRE INFORMATION JAGWIRE STAFF Editors-in-chief Alana Flinn Ryan Fullerton Managing editor Jack Lopez Photo editor Ashley Kitchen Copy editors Sydney Wilson Jack Lopez Ads manager Miranda Miller

News editor Katherine White Feature editors Jillian Leiby Karissa Schmidt Opinion editor Nick Booth Sports editor Tori Aerni A&E editor Sydney Wilson

Briefs editor Erika Kringen Web editors Justin Curto Amber Nguyen

Staff Hunter Bessey Annie Crouch Kelly Gothard Madeline Lamons Callee Linton Ellen Merrill Sarah Myers Jena Smith Adri Talavera

JAGWIRE OFFICE 5900 Monticello Road Shawnee, KS 66226 Phone: (913) 422-4351 Fax: (913) 422-4039 jagwirenewspaper@gmail.com Adviser: Kathy Habiger khabiger@usd232.org JagWire, a monthly publication of Mill Valley High School, is printed by the Sedalia Democrat.

MEMBERS OF Kansas Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association Journalism Education Association The 2013 JagWire was named an All-American newspaper by the NSPA

and earned an All-Kansas rating from KSPA. The Mill Valley News website was named a Pacemaker finalist by the NSPA in 2013.

CENSORSHIP POLICY Kansas Senate Bill 62 guarantees the same rights for student journalists as are guaranteed for professional journalists. These rights include, but are not limited to, all First Amendment rights, including the rights of freedom of speech and the press, insofar as published items may not contain libelous, slanderous or obscene statements, may not incite or promote illegal conduct and may not cause a substantial disruption to normal school activity.

EDITORIAL POLICY We value your opinions. If you wish to submit a column or a letter to the editor for the JagWire, you can do so by handing it in to a member of the staff or to the print journalism room (C101). Additionally, you may email any member of the staff with opinions, as well as tweet us at @millvalleynews. Anonymous content will not be accepted. Please understand that we have the right to edit all copy that runs in this publication.

SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @millvalleynews Facebook: Mill Valley News Instagram: @millvalleynews

OPINION 11

DPINKG

BY TORI AERNI

jagwire.toriaerni@gmail.com

BY ELLEN MERRILL

jagwire.ellenmerrill@gmail.com

Volleyball team raises money for breast cancer research The Jaguar volleyball team hosted the Dig Pink volleyball tournament against the De Soto High School Wildcats on Thursday, Oct. 10 to raise money for breast cancer awareness and research for the Susan G. Komen foundation.

The Jaguars won the match 3-0.

For the past five years, Mill Valley and De Soto High School have alternated hosting the annual Dig Pink volleyball matches.

The teams donated around $230 to the Komen foundation through admissions and t-shirt sales this year. Both teams also wore pink attire to show their support.

Senior outside hitter Molly Oshinski said that she feels this game is meaningful for women everywhere. “[It is important] because we are all women, and breast cancer is a disease that

SPORTS STATS FOOTBALL

LAST GAME: BEAT PIPER 21-14 RECORD: 6-0* NEXT GAME: PINK OUT GAME VS. SCHLAGLE, FRIDAY, OCT. 18

VOLLEYBALL

ABOVE: Senior middle hitter Taylor Cowan goes up for a block during the Dig Pink volleyball game on Thursday, Oct. 10. “It was fun, it’s always been a fun game [between the two teams] and it’s a great tradition,” Cowan said. Photo by Jena Smith BELOW: Senior right hitter Alexis Crispin serves at the Dig Pink volleyball game on Thursday, Oct. 10. Photo by Ashley Kitchen

can affect [all of] us,” Oshinski said.

The annual tradition was started by former head coach Kimberly Service.

Along with volleyball, the cheerleading, soccer and football teams are all participating in Dig Pink week during October.

The cheerleading squad replaced their normal poms, shoelaces and bows with pink ones at the football games.

Some soccer team members have been sporting pink laces and wristbands, and senior goalkeeper Nate Bross wears a pink jersey at games.

Sophomore Christian Howe said that Dig Pink is a fun way to support breast cancer awareness.

“It feels good knowing you’re supporting a cause through something you enjoy doing,” Howe said.

The football team will have its annual Pink Out game and last home game of the season against the Schlagle High School Stallions on Friday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.

LAST GAME: BEAT DE SOTO IN DIG PINK GAME, OCT. 11 RECORD: 22-4* NEXT GAME: TOURNAMENT AT ONW, SATURDAY, OCT. 19

BOYS SOCCER

LAST GAME: BEAT BISHOP MIEGE, OCT. 10, 2-0 RECORD: 9-1-2* NEXT GAME: HOME VS. LAWRENCE FREE STATE MONDAY, OCT. 21

GIRLS TENNIS LAST MATCH: REGIONALS, OCT. 12 RECORD: 45-54*

CROSS COUNTRY

LAST MEET: BOYS 1ST & GIRLS 7TH AT THE CAT CLASSIC, OCT. 10 RECORD: BOYS UNDEFEATED* NEXT MEET: KVL LEAGUE AT KEN BERNARD PARK TODAY

GIRLS GOLF

LAST TOURNAMENT: REGIONAL TOURNAMENT, OCT. 14 RECORD: 3 1ST PLACE FINISHES* NEXT TOURNAMENT: STATE- MONDAY, OCT. 21 ABOVE: Senior middle hitter Gabby Fangman and sophomore middle hitter Alicia Pickett jump to block a ball hit by senior middle hitter Taylor Cowan during warmups. All three of the middle hitters played in Mill Valley’s Dig Pink game on Thursday Oct. 10. Photo by Jena Smith

12 SPORTS

Design by Tori Aerni

ABOVE:The varsity volleyball girls huddle for a final pep talk from their coach before the Dig Pink game. Photo by Jena Smith

*as of Oct. 14

IN A

RAISED BARN

Sisters sophomore Grace Boyle and senior Riley Boyle ride horses for more than just fun

BY SYDNEY WILSON

jagwire.sydneywilson@gmail.com

BY KARISSA SCHMIDT

jagwire.karissaschmidt@gmail.com

F

or a typical suburban teenager, one would consider the phrase ‘raised in a barn’ an insult, but to sophomore Grace Boyle and senior Riley Boyle, it’s a compliment.

“My kids were raised in a barn. They are definitely different than other kids,” the girl’s mom, Heather Boyle-Townsend, said.

The Boyle sisters have been equestrian horseback riders for as long as they can remember. They travel to shows about once a month, which requires most of their spare time to be spent with their horses.

The training requires a lot of late nights and early mornings. The girls often have to complete their homework while traveling 45 minutes to and from the barn. This commitment is needed because they are competing at the highest level possible.

Equestrian horseback riding is a series of multiple events, up to 130 different classes in one show.

The events include horsemanship, showmanship and saddle equitation.

According to Riley, it is important to be well trained, because one mistake could cost the rider points. “[Equestrian is] competitive horseback riding.

There’s groundwork and also riding,” Riley said. “We don’t do tricks.”

The girls recently competed in the East Novice Championship in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Oct. 1-5.

Both girls placed in the top 20. Grace was ranked 121 in her class, while Riley ranked 78 in her class.

Unlike other sports, equestrian requires a strong emotional connection to their horse.

“You need to have a good relationship with the horse. You have to think about what you want them to do, and if you are good enough, they will do it,” Grace said.

Two trainers, who live on site at the Shafer TrainABOVE: The Boyle sisters mount their horses together and are always there for each other. “It’s nice riding with your sibling because she goes through the same pain you do when you lose, and supports you when you win,” Grace said.

EQUESTRIAN VOCABULARY Horsemanship

Judges the skills of the rider.

Showmanship

Leading the horse in patterns around the ring.

ABOVE: Senior Riley Boyle massages her horse, Ella. “We have to loosen up the horses so they aren’t as tense, and they will work with you not against you. It makes [the horse] a lot easier to ride,” Riley said.

ing Stables in Cleveland, Mo., work with the girls and their horses to improve their equestrian skills. The girls together own a total of 18 Quarter horses. However, for shows they each have one particular horse that they perform with.

“My horse’s name is Gator, and Riley’s horse is Ella. They have show names too [which are used in shows] but we use shorter names when we are at the barn,” Grace said. “Gator’s show name is So Good I Ache, and Ella’s show name is Things Hoped For.” After many years of training and performing, the girls have learned about themselves as a rider, as well as a person.

“You learn about the ups and downs, because some weeks you’re on top of the world placing first, second, and third and have these huge shows, and then you lose in a little show in a town you never heard of,” Riley said.

Riley and Grace both have a strong passion for equestrian. They plan to continue riding for the rest of their lives.

“I love everything about it. It’s so cool to get to do what I do,” Riley said.

Photos by Karissa Schmidt and Adri Talavera

Saddle Equitation

The position of the rider and the ability to ride correctly.

Design by Tori Aerni

SPORTS 13

A DAY AT THE

CITY MARKET

BY ALANA FLINN

jagwire.alanaflinn@gmail.com

Bloom Baking Co. offers bread and sweet treats

B

loom Baking Company, a bakery on the North side of the City Market, does not limit itself to just sweets. Selling a variety of baked goods such as breads, pastries and other confectionery treats, Bloom Baking Company has to be a priority destination for anyone with a sweet-tooth.

After watching the baking process through the full-length windows, customers will be greeted by

SIGHTS & SOUNDS A look at things at the City Market in downtown Kansas City

BY CALLEE LINTON

jagwire.calleelinton@gmail.com

workers that are just as sweet as the baked goods. As a family owned business, the workers strive to create and business that is warm welcoming and have one of the best tasting sweets in the River Market District.

The macarons are all-natural and preservative-free and are the perfect blend of sugar and spice. Most recommended is the pumpkin, white chocolate with raspberry and the caramel with sea salt. This family friendly bakery is the perfect place for a moderately priced piece of sugar heaven.

Lollicup Tea Zone makes more than just iced teas

O

ne of the most delicious drinks a person could ever have is from Lollicup, a tea and smoothie shop nestled in the heart of the City Market. With the bright painted walls, the shop gives of a feeling of excitement and energy. The vibrant walls really brings you into the shop.

The mint chocolate chip smoothie has the silky texture and sweetness of ice cream, but without any of the sugar or gluten. The green tea

foundation of the smoothie is not too herbal and lets the mint and chocolate shine through. The downto-earth cafe also offers a wide variety of loose leaf teas that can be made on the spot into smoothies or purchased and brought home.

The only downfall of the cafe is the lack of a seating area for you to sit and enjoy your drink. However, the friendly help makes the experience an all-around great destination and an essential stop on your way through the market for a quick pickme-up.

FAR ABOVE: Customers purchase tea from Lollicup Tea Zone at the City Market on Saturday, Oct. 5. ABOVE: A street performer lays on a bed of nails as shoppers look on. The performer laid on the bed of nails and had a volunteer stand on his chest. Photos by Jack Lopez

Vietnamese Restaurant is tasty at the cost of time

H

ABOVE: An employee at a Middle Eastern spices shop serves customers on Saturday, Oct. 5th. The City Market farmer’s market is open every weekend and offers produce and foods from around the world. ABOVE RIGHT: An Amish woman sells pies at the City Market on Saturday, Oct. 5th. Photos by Jack Lopez

14 A&E

Design by Sydney Wilson

ien Vuong is a great restaurant for an authentic and delicious Vietnamese experience if you have plenty of time to sit and wait for your meal.

Although there are less than 10 tables to sit at, it takes approximately an hour from when you begin service to when your bill is paid.

The time is well used by the cooks, though, as the food comes out steaming and delicious. The spring

rolls offer a refreshing taste of cilantro that is balanced by the carrots and shrimp to create an overall crisp and light snack.

A recommended dish is the shrimp with mushrooms and vegetable plate. The large proportions of seasonal vegetables covered in plum sauce compliment the wellcooked shrimp to construct an overall hearty dish. For fresh, authentic and great tasting Vietnamese food, the prices are affordable and the food will leave you feeling satisfied and full.

ABOVE: A man playing a saxophone performs near the entrance to the City Market. Many artists perform at the City Market on the weekends to earn extra money. Photo by Jack Lopez

Design by Sydney Wilson

unior Samantha Meyers and her mother, Inger Meyers, started participating in the Kansas City Renaissance Festival this year.

At the festival, Samantha’s character is the Lord Mayor’s oldest daughter. She plays a sixteen-yearold and is in the royal court. According to Samantha, her character is a “loud, obnoxious brat.” Unlike the characters lower than her, she has the privilege of being able to joke in public.

“I can make fun of others in public since I am in the royal court,” Samantha said. “In Canteburry, the only people higher than I are my parents basically. My moms’ character can’t do that though; getting caught joking about others could cost her her head.”

Inger plays a Romani, which are what most people in the U.S. would call “gypsies.” She is part of Heartsfire, a Romani dance group.

“Travelers are considered outsiders,” Inger said. “So basically, I am slightly lower than dirt.”

To prepare for the festival, they went through months of training to perfect their characters’ roles. Inger began dance classes for the Romani at the end of January. Her training lasted from January to two weeks before the festival. At the festival, she dances about seven times a day.

J

Student and mother both work at Renaissance Fest

Samantha attended classes three times a week to prepare for the season and her role. She is part of the scenario scenes, which is the story throughout the day that goes on in Canteburry. She also acts in the introduction at the front gate, the royal court dance and sing, the pub sing and the last hizzah.

“You put on the costume and the brain after a while just switches modes,” Samantha said.

They have to make anyone they interact with feel good.

“We need to entertain them, make them feel good about themselves or educate them about something that has to do with that time period,” Inger said. “Preferably all three.”

Samantha has grown individually from the experience.

“My favorite thing is how much it has changed how I look at myself and who I am,” Samantha said. “It pushes me to new limits.”

Samantha said one of the best parts has been the friends they have made.

“The people I perform with make it so much fun,” Samantha said, “Even in the cold and rain.”

Inger agrees.

“It’s like a big family,” Inger said. “... Most of the time it’s people who are there to encourage you, to help you do what you’re there to do and help you do it better than what you thought you could.”

FESTIVAL FAMILY

ABOVE: At the opening of the Renaissance Festival, the King, Queen, and Samantha Meyers character’s parents begin the festivities on Sunday, Oct. 6. RIGHT: Junior Samantha Meyers acts in the opening sequence before the Festival’s gates open. Photos by: Madeline Lamons

Your sideways view of all things Renaissance

u vext: sick/angry

ow that the Renaissance Festival’s season is over, one must turn to other options, such as movies, in order to enjoy the colorful atmosphere

N

“Anonymous” has good atmosphere but lacks plot

of 1400-1600 Europe. “Anonymous” (2011), directed by Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, 2012), takes place in the Renaissance era at the height of Shakespeare’s fame. The movie questions whether or not he deserved his fame, not because of the plays’ quality, but because of the question of their true author. The movie is a combination of interesting Renaissance feel and confusing plotlines, making it a good watch for some reasons but a bad watch for others.

The movie sets up the Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere (played by Rhys Ifans), as the true author of Shakespeare’s plays. Writing poetry and prose is seen as a taboo and sinful hobby that only poor people partake in, so to maintain his reputation, de Vere pays off another playwright and eventually Shakespeare to release the plays under their names instead of his own. The drama of Queen Elizabeth I of England’s (played by Vanessa Redgrave) succession unfolds at the same time, connected to de Vere’s storyline by a romantic subplot and the portrayal of his plays as subliminally political.

What this movie does well is creating a good atmosphere. During the theatre scenes, one can imagine what it would be like to be in the energetic crowd. The settings are historically accurate and the Oscar-nominated costumes add to the Renaissance feel.

Plot-wise, the Shakespeare-is-a-fraud conjecture is interesting but not interesting enough to overcome the boring historical drama. The succession-andrebellion scenes were tiring to watch, and remembering the names of and relations between all the royal characters was a struggle. Instead of being surprising and interesting, the twist ending was actually really gross and ruined the last bit of the movie.

The pacing also has some issues.

Time skips are used often and add to the confusion of the audience. While the was wonderful, the cinematography made the film feel more like a TV show or made-for-TV movie.

Overall, this movie is a good flick to watch if what you’re looking for is a Renaissance-like atmosphere with some historical elements to it, but if confusing plot lines steer you away from a movie, avoid it.

u countenance: apperance

u gadzooks: wow

u bawdly: dirty

u fair thee well: goodbye

u privy: restroom

u grammerly: thank you

u right varely or as you wish: okay

u insooth: in truth

Learn to speak the language of the 16th century

YE OLDE LINGO

jagwire.anniecrouch@gmail.com

BY ANNIE CROUCH

jagwire.sarahmyers@gmail.com

BY SARAH MYERS

jagwire.katherinewhite@gmail.com

BY KATHERINE WHITE

RENAISSANCE REVIEW

FLIPSIDE

THE A&E 15

LENDING A HAND

Seniors participate in community service activities outside of school ABOVE: Seniors Micah Clarke and Coltyn Gatton help wash dishes at Wilhelmina Gills Service Center on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Photo by Ashley Kitchen RIGHT: Senior Marissa Bernal prepares salad at Wilhemina Gill Service Center on Tuesday, Oct. 8 to serve to those in need of a meal. “It felt good to give back to the community and see how happy they are to have a meal when they cannot afford it,” Bernal said. “It is important to give back to the community because we often get caught up in our own life and forget about other people.”

Photo by Amber Nguyen

ABOVE: Senior Stephanie Hudleston adds the final touch to a child’s scarecrow by pinning the clothes together at the Scarecrow Festival on Oct. 5 in front of the Shawnee City Hall. “It was a lot of fun to see the kids play in the huge piles of hay and pick out clothes for their scarecrows and I was also glad to help out the community,” Hudleston said. Photo

by Miranda Miller LEFT: Senior Elizabeth Burris helps an elementary student at Prairie Ridge Elementary on Friday Oct. 11. “I love working with the kids and they always have something to say to make me laugh. They just brighten my day,’’ Burris said. Photo by Jena Smith LEFT: Seniors Coltyn Gatton, Henry Midyett and Micah Clarke volunteer at Wilhelmina Gill Service Center on Tuesday, Oct. 8, preparing and serving food to those who cannot afford it. “It feels nice to give back to the community that gives so much to me,” Midyett said. “It’s non-troubling for me and it feels great to give back to those less fortunate.” Photo

by Amber Nguyen

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16 PHOTO ESSAY

Design by Ashley Kitchen