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3405 - Sports
EMERALD RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL.12405 184TH ST E SOUTH HILL, WA 98374
volumeSEVEN.issueTWO.november 2006
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t h e s o u n d o four people, four cds,
Robin – The vocals are really crisp and I do like that about the artists, but I don’t understand what she is so angry and upset about all the time. I don’t know when I would ever be in the mood to listen to this. The vocals are nice, but I think it is a little heavy on the power chords and that is not my favorite style.
Chase – Ahh Evanescence! What a horrible, classic junior high school band! Every last one of their songs sounds exactly the same. These guys need to just go away. As I was listening to the CD my soul spoke these words to the void: “My heart is black as I cry into my open wounds. I’m alone… so cold… so cold…”
Chelsea – I don’t think the songs are very good, the musicianship is terrible with guitar that is too heavy and drumbeats that drown everything out, and her voice is really whiny. I would prefer to never listen to this ever again; in fact, I would prefer it get turned off right now.
Julia Serva-Delmonte
The Art of Teaching
12 >> The Fired Line
JagWire takes an in depth look at the teaching standards set in place, and the ability of educators to meet them
Chelsea – I think this band is genius musically, doing things I haven’t heard before. The experimentation with the instruments and vocals just blows my mind. This definitely isn’t for everyone, especially if you like hooks and tempo, but I hope they make music forever and ever.
Chase Wagner
Julia – Kill me, please. I’m told this band takes some time getting used to, but I don’t know how much time that would require. I don’t really like the lead singer’s voice. It’s like he’s singing karaoke, or rather talking karaoke. The guitar is decent, but it’s being masked by that irritating noise coming out of the lead singer. Robin – This band is very experimental. And although I love experiments in music, some of these experiments have a bad odor when put together. When I listen attentively to the lyrics, I get the feeling that this band has a slight case of ADHD. All in all, I applaud the use of different ideas, but I don’t think it all blended.
Robin – This is one of my favorite CDs because I am convinced this band can’t make a bad song. It is truly brilliant; the musicians use stringed instruments one song, horns the next and even chimes, but they add to the music, while not making it cluttered. My favorite thing about this band is the lyrics and great vocals, so when I listen to this CD I never skip a track and sing to every song.
The Format “Dog Problems”
10
Rate Your Teacher
mewithoutYou “Brother, Sister”
Chase – Rock ‘n’ roll has been majorly disappointing the last couple of years, but these guys are definitely still satisfying me. They have been blessed with a slightly autistic lead singer that doesn’t really sing, but more so yells his poetry over the music. After listening to this band I usually feel like climbing a mountain.
11 >>
Evanescence “The Open Door”
Julia – I’ve been in love with lead singer Amy Lee’s voice ever since Evanescence’s album “Fallen” came out in 2003. Even though I don’t normally listen to gothic rock, Evanescence is an exception. With their ripping guitar solos, Amy’s amazing vocal abilities, and piano mixed in, Evanescence has been one of my favorite mainstream bands for years.
Chelsea – I have always, currently, and will forever love The Format. They can do no wrong musically in my book. The light mood this music creates has me smiling the whole CD through. Honestly, when the CD is finished, I start it over again.
Chase – This band did what music is supposed to do: hit my emotional side. They sound a lot like The Arcade Fire, and the record is rather Beatle-esque. Julia – The first couple of songs remind me of music from the French film “Amelie.” I was surprised with how different the songs were from each other. I don’t think I could listen to this of my own free will, but it sounds like good background music for indie films. It has that nice upbeat tempo and a pretty decent tenor singer.
Robin Stoyles
Struggling throughout the season, the volleyball season ended without the usual success
04 Speeding Cushion
Keep a sharp eye out for police officers enforcing the new speeding campaign “Slow Down or Pay Up”
20
Chase – Everyone seems to be in love with this guy lately. He reminds me a lot of Bright Eyes. This is the kind of music indie kids would listen to in order to feel sophisticated, but this guy does have some awesome melodies and fun guitar parts. I definitely enjoyed it.
Jags Hit the Net
a flawless balance 22 With of comedic timing and
Running With controversial topics, this Scissors movie is a must see
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Julia – This guy reminds me of James Blunt. I like the soft acoustic and the mellow feel Sufjan has. His voice is light and I like the lyrics. It’s relaxing; I would listen to this on a rainy day while looking out my window pondering life or something.
Sufjan Stevens “Seven Swans”
Chelsea – Good voice. Good lyrics. Good guitar. It’s just good, and that’s all that needs to be said. Buy the CD.
Robin – Smooth– the first word that came to mind listening to this. I understand what Chelsea was talking about when she said all the tracks are good. If you like soft, lyrical rock, then Sufjan is the guy for you. I like the use of different instruments that he throws into the mixture of sounds.
Chelsea Harris
see what happens when they come to the roundtable
11/1/2006 10:21:45 PM
NEWS
A&E
Fabulous fire-roasted Farelli’s BY
CHELSEA HARRIS
REPORTER
I had heard it was the best pizza I would ever have, that it would change my life. People couldn’t believe I hadn’t been there, so when I was debating about where to go for dinner, Farrelli’s Pizza seemed like a natural choice. I was not disappointed. With professionally dressed servers and a stone fire place, the décor is a far cry from your average local pizza place’s street-sign covered walls. The hardwood floors don’t echo with shouts of teenagers out to eat on a Saturday night; instead, the quiet
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conversations of adults and families there to spend time together fill the room. Dim lighting enhances the mood, causing you to look forward to gourmet food. My friend and I discussed salads, deciding on Mom’s Tossed Salad ($10.49). I thought the price was high, but after the first bite I understood why we paid the extra few dollars. The blended house dressing puts ranch
Student car flips after taking off-campus shortcut BY
to shame, and the moist, grilled chicken was delicious. The variety of choices from delicious appetizers to delectable pizzas made it difficult to decide. The Chicken Alfredo Pizza, the Great Greek Pizza and the Veggie Deluxe are signature pizzas and all sound so amazing. Farrelli’s also offers pizza by the slice, lasagna and stuffed mushrooms, depending on what you are in the mood for. Scanning the menu, we settled on the Fawaiian pizza (12-inch: $12.99, 16-inch: $19.99), the classic Hawaiian – Farrelli’s claim to fame – and we added black olives. It was one of the best pizzas I have ever
had in my life. Farrelli’s pizza is fire roasted as opposed to baked in a regular oven leads to flawlessly melted cheese, perfectly cooked crust and delectable toppings, never burned and never undercooked. It was perfection. Though the prices were a little higher than expected, the quality of food was more than worth it. If you ever want more than just an average pizza more than greasy pepperoni atop poorly made crust -- I definitely encourage everyone to go to Farrelli’s, if not for the atmosphere then just to experience a grown up pizza.
Three students narrowly escaped serious injury when their car flipped just off the school campus after the driver lost control coming out of the private dirt road off of 184th Street East on Tuesday after school. The three juniors – the male driver, a male passenger and a female passenger – took the shortcut through the private road in order to avoid after-school traffic. But when they came around a corner, another car coming the opposite direction caused the driver to swerve and lose control of the car. The car went off the road, through some nearby bushes, and eventually settled on its roof about 10 feet from the road. All three students – who were wearing their seatbelts – sustained minor injuries; the male passenger was taken to the hospital immediately to receive a CAT scan and checkup. According to Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Rich Hecht, the responding officer, the accident could have been worse than it was. “All of them could be dead,” he said. “Based on the accident and how the car was upside down, they should have serious
Without a doubt, ‘Running with Scissors’ makes the cut MOVIE REVIEW SUMMER YATES
EDITORIAL BOARD
After many of the movies scheduled to be shown last weekend in the greater Pierce County area fell through, I began to swear silently to myself. What would be reviewed for JagWire? How will the readers know the paper’s opinion of a movie? Will JagWire cease to leave a space open for the movie review? What will become of the A&E section? What is happening to the world, people. Luckily, the grey skies cleared, and a ray of sunshine burst through. I once again braced the indefinite, intricate lengths of the highway in the passenger seat with literally the worst driver ever to the bright horizon of the Lakewood Theater in a death-defying journey to bear witness to the most rage-invoking film of my life thus far: “Running With Scissors.” I don’t consider this a movie review; I consider this a direct mandate with any and all power that has been invested in me by the state of Washington and the succession of Matthew Click – go see this movie. It’s an emotional rollercoaster with a surprise roundhouse-kick-to-the-face kind of feel. I couldn’t have been angrier with this film. It was fabulous. For those who have read the memoir, the movie is based on this New York Times bestseller of Augusten Burroughs, who remained an important part of the creative team while
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shooting. In the film, we follow the adolescence of Augusten (played by a much more grown-up Joseph Cross than the one we saw as young Charlie in “Jack Frost”) as he relates the trials and misfortunes of living with his mother’s shrink. His mother, the fame-hungry and drugged Deirdre Burroughs (Annette Bening of “American Beauty”) at the advice of her therapist and idol, Dr. Finch (Brian Cox), sends her son to live with him and his unconventional family. Augusten must some how survive as he is thrown into the life of an eccentric family to be analyze, scrutinized, criticized and any other sizes that come into play. His only allies are Natalie Finch (Evan Rachel Wood from “Thirteen”), electro-shock therapy expert and his 35-year-old boyfriend Neil Bookman (Joseph Fiennes), another patient of the doctor. Along his journey, Augusten, as well as the audience, learns of a brilliant and beautiful peace that is found in the mentally unstable. “Running With Scissors” is kind of like “Ahhhhhh!” but in a good way. Where most of what Hollywood dishes out is the same,
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repetitive story (villain, hero, love triangle, speedy car chase, passionate kiss followed by a song list to evoke the desired reaction), this dark comedy brilliantly uses the absence of music to connect you with to the feelings of the character: the pounding of hearts, the silence of a whisper, and the screams of the annoyed. The film is executed as an original and soon-to-be cult favorite. Desperately trying to keep up with the motives and intentions of the characters, the film takes you on a round-about, cat-and-mouse chase that will make you want to laugh at the inappropriate, cry at the fictional, and scream at the top of your lungs right along with the actors. Word to the wise: some material may not suitable for the immature or innocent. The movie does have an R-rating, and for good reason. It exposes some very real, very controversial topics with just a dash of comedic timing that provides a flawless balance. I do not recommend that the underage should be exposed to the definition of “masturbatorium” or the intimate details of a pedophile relationship (I myself watched a few scenes through filtered eyes.) Whether you leave the theater in shambles at a broken mother/son relationship, in notches from the laughing that ensued, or in an angry fury at your confusion of the purpose, “Running With Scissors” is a must-see. Not only does the movie provide a much need comedic sense to theaters today, it also presents a metaphor for the madness and dysfunction which is, at some level, evident in every family.
22,03.indd 2-3
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A CUT BRONZE & BODY PIERCING
volumeSEVEN.issueTWO
injuries. Someone should have a broken neck. It’s lucky they were wearing their seatbelts. Someone was watching over them.” Hecht said that there were no brake marks on the road, but that could mean anything from brake failure to a panicked jam on the gas at the same time as brakes were applied. The students reported they were going 35 mph, a speed Hecht said was sufficient to cause the accident. “There are no skid marks to measure how fast they were going,” Hecht said. “It’s very possible (that the students were Three juniors escaped serious injury in this one-car accident just off campus. All three were wearing their seatbelts during the accident. going that speed). Thirty-five mph moan.” went to get help. was fast enough to make what happened, She said she was initially unsuccessful in “When we stopped, I struggled with my happen.” seat belt and scrambled out of the window.” trying to get help from fellow students. The female passenger said the whole “I started yelling and trying to flag people she said. “I was so scared and shaking as I incident was scary. tried to undo the seat belt. (The driver) came down. Five or six cars passed me before one “It felt like it wasn’t real,” she said. to and kept asking me if I was OK; he really finally stopped,” she said. “When we hit, I just watched the ground No charges are being filed for reckless wanted to make sure I wasn’t hurt. He was come closer and closer to my face, and by the patting around to make sure I wasn’t bleed- driving or use of the private road. However, a time we stopped, it was about two feet away, ing or had broken anything. Then, when he $101 ticket was written for a violation of the and the entire windshield had cracked.” knew I was OK, he said the same thing to intermediate driver’s license. The passengers She crawled out through her window and (the other passenger), but all (he) did was were not fined.
Suspensions for intoxication
Photo by Nate Dumlao
BY
ALEXA BROCKCAMP
REPORTER
Homecoming is wonderful; everyone is dressed up, most people are with someone they like, and everybody expects to have fun. This year, however, there were a few unpleasant surprises. Several students were suspended for 90 days for coming to the Homecoming dance intoxicated. Their names cannot be released by administrative staff because of privacy laws. According to a student who was suspended, their group first went to the liquor store to have someone buy alcohol for them. When they had succeeded, they left to go to dinner. According to the student, the two-hour wait to be seated was unbearable. “Everyone decided to have a few drinks because we were bored and we didn’t want to end up just waiting to be seated,” said the student, “I didn’t drink anything, though, because I knew I would be driving and we wanted to be at least a little bit responsible.” According to the student, one member of their group in particular was very rowdy at the dance, and was called in to talk to security guards and administrators. The student said that the person in question was threat-
ened with suspension if names were not given up when a breathalyzer test was failed. The 90-day suspension for each student will be reduced to 10 days upon completion of an alcohol intervention program. The students in question might have received a light punishment. According to the alcohol policy in the student planner, “the use and or possession of alcoholic beverages … by minors is prohibited by law. Law enforcement may be notified of violations, which may result in criminal or other legal proceedings. Students should be aware that under the State of Washington’s Minor in Possession Law if a minor is convicted of the use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages … their driver’s license may be suspended (RCW 66.44.270).” Neither the driver nor the other members of this group who failed to pass the breathalyzer test were given these repercussions. Of course, it was not completely unexpected by the ad-
ministrators that some students would be drunk or otherwise intoxicated. Assistant Principal Jeannine Medvedich handled the problem at the dance. “We are always concerned about drugs and alcohol at school,” Medvedich said, but the large amount of security guards and law enforcement “was only because of the large number of attendees, and we always try to hope for the best from students.” Although homecoming was not what they expected, Medvedich’s words best sum up the situation. “Good kids make poor decisions, but they always learn and move on from their mistakes,” Medvedich said.
03 volumeSEVEN.issueTWO 11/2/2006 9:04:37 AM
A&E
NEWS
PRIDE helps everyone read BY
ELAINE RAYMOND
EDITORIAL BOARD
In an attempt to provide reading material for students during Everybody Reads, PRIDE, along with administrators, is starting a book drive. The inspiration for the drive came from “just going to advisories and students saying they didn’t have anything to read,” assistant principal Troy Hodge said. The purpose behind the book drive is to provide reading material that students will enjoy reading, encompassing everything from novels to magazines. “A lot of the kids aren’t reading because they don’t have something that interests them,” said Jodi Scott, co-president of PRIDE, a parent-teacher volunteer organization dedicated to improving the school.
The books have yet to be distributed, but will become available as more reading material is collected. How the books will be distributed has yet to be decided. “As soon as we get a decent amount of books we will have something at lunch where students can come and pick out books,” Scott said. The book drive committee is brainstorming other distribution stratagies, one of which includes distribution through advisory. Although PRIDE believes that most of the donations will be made by parents, anyone is welcome to deposit reading material in bins located in the main office. “Stop and think about how many people have books just sitting at home,” Scott said. Hodge agrees, admitting to be guilty of just that.
“I’ve got all kinds of books lying around collecting dust,” Hodge said. “If we can get people to donate we’ll be providing reading material and helping them get rid of clutter.” The books will be available for students to take as they please, but the hope is that they will be returned so others can enjoy them. “We won’t make it so difficult as a check-out system,” Scott said. “We’ll have an honor system. We’re hoping that they’ll bring it back and take something else, but if they don’t that means they are reading, and that’s OK with me.” Although there is not a specific goal for the ideal number of books collected, both Hodge and Scott hope to collect as much as possible. “We have 1,500 students,” Scott said. “I would love to give each one of them a book if they need it.”
‘Slow Down or Pay Up’ ends tolerance on the road BY
BRITTANY ESPINOZA
REPORTER
Due to a recent increase in collisions caused by lack of enforced speeding laws, all police agencies in Washington, including the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, have launched a speed emphasis campaign called “Slow Down or Pay Up.” The money that is given to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, a tax-based organization, is typically split up between detective work, homicidal investigations, etc. This time, the department was given grant money from the government that specifically allows it to put more officers on patrol with an emphasis on violations of speeding laws.
“Pierce County received $1,500 to do more patrolling, with an emphasis on speeding,” Deputy Andrew Finley said. Now, up to 20 officers are working overtime and patrolling bounded areas from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. They are doing this to enforce speeding laws more strictly. The four boundaries are the north by State Route 512, the south by 176th St. E., the west by Pacific Avenue, and the east by Meridian. Senior Kaila Allen, a victim of the campaign, was given a $91 fine for speeding down the Wildwood hill. “She was really nice about it, telling me how she needed to go home and carve her pumpkins,” Allen said. “She said I was go-
ing 56 in a 35, but I have no idea how she thought that when I know for a fact my car barely even makes it up the hill. So she wrote me up as going 40 instead.” Drivers often feel they can acceptably drive slightly over the speed limit and not worry about a ticket. Police were always allowed to pull drivers over for that, but they usually didn’t. During “Slow Down or Pay Up,” driving at all over the posted limit is not acceptable. Officers are no longer settling for verbal warnings – they will ticket the offenders. “The signs that people see on the sides of the roads are a warning to not speed,” Finley said. “Police are likely to pull people over for going just 1 mph over the speed limit.” Police are not only cracking down on
speeding, but also aggressive driving and following too closely. Some students believe the speeding emphasis is necessary, but think some of the changes are not worth it, such as the increase of officers from different counties, not only Pierce, who are more likely to pull you over now. “I think they’re just doing their job,” senior Jessica Edwards said. “But I still think it’s stupid that a cop can pull you over now even if they are from a different county.” Senior Diana Rushton thinks it is an unnecessary move and an inconvenience. “I used to speed all the time,” Rushton said. “But now I can’t. Even if I’m late for work I want to speed, but I don’t want to get a ticket.”
Man found a new best friend: ‘Marley and Me’ This unruly canine is sure to be loved by book and dog lovers alike BY
MARISSA MOODENBAUGH
COPY MANAGER
Full
Service
Have you ever been in a pet store and out of the corner of your eye watched the dogs and their owners in the obedience class? There is always that one dog that is dragging its master across the floor just to “greet” a dog on the other side of the class. You smirk and go about your life, maybe feeling slightly sorry for the unruly dog’s owner and glad your dog isn’t like that. Well, that owner took his experiences with his maniac mutt and turned it into a best-selling book. Philadelphia Inquirer columnist John Grogan’s “Marley and Me” is a non-fiction book that proves that while the world’s worst dog can be a nuisance, he is still man’s best friend. Grogan and his wife Jenny were newlyweds looking for that “perfect” dog that would prepare them for parenthood. Grogan, who as a child did have such an amazing dog, had high hopes and expectations. But from the first moment his paws hit the floor, Marley set about teaching his new masters a thing or two. From failing obedience school to destroying parts of their house, Marley proved fully able to keep Jenny and John on their toes and onlookers watching in
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volumeSEVEN.issueTWO
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A Head of Times A
BOOK REVIEW amazement. Then, as if things aren’t already difficult enough, add being parents and raising a family to the list. But as years passed with job changes and multiple moves, Marley remained an ever-loyal companion and guardian of the family. Though age dimmed his destructive behaviors, it was unable to diminish his exuberant spirit. It was only after his passing that the Grogans would fully understand that while Marley wasn’t perfect in many ways, he had impacted their lives and the lives of those who knew him. Unlike many blasé novels pertaining to real life experiences, “Marley and Me” is flavored with more than kibble and treats. The characters are more alive and brilliant than I have seen in many novels because of its realistic and poignant emotions. Grogan’s intuitive perspective as a journalist is conveyed eloquently, combining all the right elements of anger, laughter, and life to create a novel of substance and understanding. His attention to detail brings the novel to life. You can see Marley’s golden fur as he runs wildly past with part of the audio speaker hanging from his drool-filled mouth, Jenny and John in pursuit. While not all the readers have had had a dog like Marley, Grogan proves that almost all dogs have a little bit of Marley in them. There’s the dog that tears up the garbage, eating things you know just can’t be good for them, or no matter how long or how loud you call, just won’t come. But that same dog is your most loyal friend and confidant, and life just wouldn’t be the same without them. “Marley and Me” is an enjoyable novel that not only makes the reader smile while imagining the “Marley Mambo,” but also renders heartfelt emotions that have many reaching for that Kleenex box that’s never at hand. As a new personal favorite, I give “Marley and Me” three stars and a box of Milk Bones.
10
top ten...
things to do on a Friday night
by Nate Dumlao
Do you find it hard to think of something to do on a Friday night? Have you ever just sat at home, bored, chillin’ with your homies or alone watching re-runs of “America’s Next Top Model?” Do you get home and fall victim to myspace.com until you’re pressing refresh every four seconds? If you find yourself answering yes to these questions, then maybe these suggestions could be of help. 10. Make a Strike: Rocknbowl at Daffodil Bowling Alley is always a fun place to be. With lights flashing, loud music, affordable food and boisterous friends, Rocknbowl promises to be a good time with lots of laughs. It’s also an amusing place to have a friendly competition if you enjoy being competitive or laughed at for having on goofy shoes. 9. Me, Myself and I: It’s always about everyone else. Your teachers are always telling you to get this and that done, your parents tell you to do your chores and you’re supposed to hang out with your friends. Forget about everyone else for awhile and spend some time all to yourself. Take a bubble bath, read a book, or just sleep. Get some needed rest that most likely won’t present itself for the rest of the week. 8. Spend Time With Your Special Someone: Friday night rolls along and you find yourself extra lonely. What do you do? Arrange a date with your boyfriend/girlfriend or special someone and go out to the waterfront. Enjoy a nice dinner, moonlit stroll, and a goodnight kiss. 7. Family Time: If you’ve been feeling guilty about not spending time with your family lately, then take one day out of your week to do so. A Friday night is a perfect time to just sit down, open up that ageold game of Monopoly and spend some time family bonding and creating more family memories. 6. Attend a Sporting Event: Show your Jaguar pride by attending an intense game. Watch the Jags dominate any opponent (or at least try). Put on some green pants, face paint, and get prepared to have a good time. Support your school, show some spirit, spend time with your friends, and you might possibly see a win. 5. See a Show: Go online and check out shows that are on venues’ sites. Pick out concerts going on this weekend, and head down to the event. The Showbox would be a great place to go and see a show. You can even walk through Pike Place Market while you’re there. The White River Amphitheater is another great place to go to and see an outstanding Broadway-like play. 4. Food Run: Hungry? Then go out to eat with some friends at Red Robin, get a big burger and share the unlimited fries. If you’re lacking money, like most teens are, then go to a Denny’s and order a Cherry Bling with extra cherries and a plastic sword. (Free refills!) 3. Weekend Get Away: School is over and you and your friends jump into your already packed car and head out for a weekend trip to Portland or some other exciting spot. You spend your time meeting locals and seeing some fun shows or just relaxing. Come back home on Sunday with just enough time to do your homework and a good nights rest. 2. Build a Fort: Get home, stack some tables, grab a blanket and make a fort. (Only after first making sure your parents are OK with it, all right?) Make sure to build it with access to your TV and snacks to last a few hours. Don’t forget to bring your flashlight. 1. Movie Meltdown: School is finished and you’re wondering what you should do for the rest of the night. Call up some friends and have a movie night. Try sitting down with a steaming bowl of popcorn, a bag of M&M’s, and watch Adam Sandler’s new big hit “Click” or the classic “The Lion King.”
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21 volumeSEVEN.issueTWO 11/1/2006 9:55:44 PM
OP/ED
SPORTS
Volleyball team disappoints Teach some equality The Jags finish the season with a losing record and without qualifying for districts, falling short of expectations BY
STASIE HENSON
REPORTER
Senior captain Meagan Wyngarden blocks in the victorious game vs. Puyallup.
The volleyball team struggled through most of this season with a record of 4-10. The Jags showed some improvement in the last month, however, still struggled during their final games. “We’re a really strong practice team but at games we just give up and fall apart,” junior Brittany Rusler said. It seems the girls’ spirit and focus slowly shifts throughout the games. The team recently won its match against Puyallup, 3-1, but the next night was defeated by Rogers, 3-0.
The team had spirit and great defense against the Vikings, which is unlike many matches the team has played this year, including the Rogers match. “It was the mind-set, we were excited for both,” senior captain Cami Medlock said. “At Puyallup we were focused, but at Rogers we lost it. We knew they were tough, but we expected to play better.” The team played well against Rogers but seemed to lack communication. One girl would call out “mine,” then someone else would jump in front of her and they would both miss the ball, giving Rogers the point. The team placed third in state last year, but this year didn’t make it to districts, as its loss to Curtis ended postseason possibilities. At the game against Curtis, the team was off to a bad start and never really recovered. “Literally, we fell apart and had
Here at Emerald Ridge, the first of our four main goals is that “Every student will be well-known, both personally and academically, by at least one adult staff member.” There is a constant emphasis on the student-teacher relationship. Walk through the halls during Jag Time and you are sure to find students in the classroom of their favorite teacher. But maybe it is going too far. Maybe these special student-teacher relationships are leading to favoritism in such a way that they are receiving preferred treatment. The question isn’t if it’s happening; the question is why is no one taking action? Perhaps the answer is why would anybody? Why would anyone complain about the special privileges teachers grant? How many students can lose their blue slip, show up a few minutes tardy or turn-in an assignment late without repercussions? As harmless as favoritism may seem, for those of us who are viewing this preferential treatment on the outside, it often seems like we are in fact disliked because he/she doesn’t turn their cheek when we walk into class late. When some students are punished and others are not, it appears to the student to be a personal matter; a matter of like and dislike, whether or not the occasion warrants it. What teachers may feel is a harmless favor to a student they have built trust with, other students may see as unjust and unbalanced. Putting aside human nature, something needs to be said. A student shouldn’t feel that they need a friendship with every teacher to feel secure in the fact they’re receiving the same education as their peers. Although teachers are going to get along better with certain
already given up,” senior Meagan Wyngarden said. “It’s the hard truth.” The team is upset by its performance this year, but has learned valuable lessons. “It’s hard every year making it to state except my senior year, but it was the most fun year,” Wyngarden said. “We bonded this year more than the past years.” Learning to work together and recover from losing nine seniors, including state player of the year Kylie Marshall, has taken a bigger toll on the team’s performance than expected. “Emerald Ridge is known for its volleyball accomplishments,” junior Erin Craven said. “The volleyball team has more awards on the wall than most sports here; it’s cool to have that. You can’t just expect to have that legacy move on. You have to earn it.”
BY
ALI GRABER
REPORTER
Dear Editor: I am writing concerning a factual error in the latest edition of your newsmagazine. The article “New ASB budget causes increase in prices at ER” is one of many articles that I have noticed in the past few years that make sweeping claims about ASB and its budget. The article has many accurate facts about soda machines and the tightening down on budget, but it says that in order to meet the void these constrictions created, ASB raised
Emerald Ridge High School 12405 184th St. E. South Hill, WA 98374 253-435-6300
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the price of parking passes and instituted a user fee for all athletic transportation. Yes, ASB did need to raise the price of parking passes in order to have sound club and athletic programs, for instance the JagWire. But the user fee came from the district office in order to help fund the cost of transportation for sports, because of the hike in gas prices. The article is condescending toward ASB and the Executive Board. I feel the article
THE FINE PRINT
20
Photo by Julia Serva-Delmonte
The boys water polo team finished off their losing streak with another loss to their biggest rival, Rogers, on Oct. 17. Playing the Rams for the second time, the team lost 17-6. The Jaguars were ahead by three in the first quarter, but the second one rolled around and it all went downhill. Last year the team had a record of 5-11. This year, it’s nothing like that. This year’s overall record is only 2-8. There could be plenty of reasons for the change. The Jags have a new coach and they’ve lost 13 seniors. “It’s definitely senior loss. We lost 13,” player Zach Turner said. “My (senior) brother last year scored 55 goals in one season.
We suck this year because we lost those seniors.” The Jags started out the Rogers game with a bang, scoring the first two goals, but at the end of the first quarter, the Jags allowed the Rams to come back into the game, only leading by a goal. After that, the Jags got pummeled as Rogers scored four unanswered goals. In the fourth quarter, senior leader and captain Nick Humlick had to sit out the rest of the game due to his four ejections (fouls). The game prior to Rogers was just as bad. The Oct. 10 game against Curtis was lost 30-8. The Vikings defeated them on Oct. 19, too. The game ended with a 16-7 score, and the Jags continued to lose. “It sucks to keep losing, but we try our best,” Turner said. Despite their losses, the Jags have kept up their spirit. “We try to be always happy,” said player Trevor Hayden. Unlike last year, the Jags are not going to state. “We got sixth place out of six,” Hayden said sarcastically.
Editorials are composed by, and are the opinion of, the JagWire editorial board
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Last place finish for water polo With the graduation of key players, the boys water polo team suffers and is unable to maintain the high standard set by last year’s team
students or find it easier to deal with some students, teachers need to take more effort to treat students equally. When a due date is set, it should be set for everyone. When the tardy bell rings, it should be heard by everyone. When time and effort is put into grading one student’s assignment, it should be equal for all. We all have our fair share of “teacher’s pet” stories, and when preferred treatment is displayed in front of the classroom, it limits the effort of other students to reach their potential. Maybe we’re wrong. Perhaps our inbox will be flooded with letters to the editor of how incorrect we really are. And maybe we’re even ruining things for ourselves (seeing as how every member of the editorial board can name our fair share of unfair teachers we know). The fact is, teachers need to step it up and treat students equally. You have a duty as an educator to give students the best learning environment. We understand that teachers and administration are only human and they may not realize this happens, but they need to take more steps to treat students equally because it affects all of the students in some way or another. And students, if you are one of the ones who are always stopped, take your own measures to prove them wrong. If they think you may be up to trouble – don’t be. That is how you can make change … with liberty and Tuesday schools for all.
As an open forum, JagWire exercises student free expression rights to their fullest extent. We pursue an unbiased truth while maintaining the highest journalistic integrity. Our top priority is to raise awareness while covering a wide variety of issues that impact our readership. By exploring different angles to make sure
is rather biased and unjust due to the fact that none of the members of the Executive Board, to my knowledge, were contacted for statements or an interview regarding these changes. We raised the price of parking passes because driving to school is an option and a privilege. If a student can afford a car and its costs (gas, insurance, etc.) another $5 is not going to break the bank. Patrick Hoey
our coverage is fair, balanced and accurate, we seek to continue the publication’s tradition of excellence through self-reflection and improvement.
LETTERS POLICY JagWire will accept unsolicited copy from students, staff and community members. Only signed and dated letters with address and phone number from community members, or grade level from students, will be accepted. Letters should be limited to 300 words and will be published as space is available. All letters are the sole opinion of the writers, and the staff reserves the right to edit any letter for space and/or clarity. We will not publish material that may substantially
STAFF EDITORIAL BOARD ..................................ELAINE RAYMOND ..................................................................................... ROBIN STOYLES ................................................................................. ASHLEY VINCENT ....................................................................................JENN WHITHAM ....................................................................................... SUMMER YATES COPY EDITOR ............................. MARISSA MOODENBAUGH PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR .................... BRITTANY GENTILE DESIGN MANAGER ...................................DANNY CANHAM BUSINESS MANAGER ............................. ANDY DICKERSON CIRCULATION MANAGER ............................ NIKKI SEADER REPORTERS ...............................................ALEXA BROCKCAMP ...................................................................................... SARA CARSON ..........................................................................................DAVID CHISA ............................................................................................DEMI CRAIG ....................................................................................... CARLO CREEK ............................................................................................ JOEY CREEK ....................................................................................ALIESHA DRIVAS ......................................................................................NATE DUMLAO ..........................................................................BRITTANY ESPINOZA ................................................................................MORGAN T. GARD .................................................................................LAUREN GONICK ............................................................................ HEATHER GORMAN .............................................................................................ALI GRABER ............................................................................................ ALI GRUVER .................................................................................. CHELSEA HARRIS .................................................................................... STASIE HENSON .............................................................................................JOSH JOYCE .................................................................................. GERRY LECONTE ...................................................................................... ALEX MESSNER ..................................................................................LINDSAY NOLAN ............................................................................ ASHLEE PITIGLIANO ....................................................................JULIA SERVA-DELMONTE ..............................................................................................MIMI SISON ......................................................................................LAUREN SMITH ................................................................................... CHASE WAGNER .................................................................................. RACHEL WEBBER ...............................................................................DALLAS M. WELKER ...................................................................................... SHAY WILHELM ADVISER........................................................................ JEFF NUSSER AFFILIATES
JEA, NSPA, SPJ, WJEA, WSJA
CORRECTIONS In Issue 1, the story “New ASB budget causes increase in prices at ER” contained one inaccuracy. The transportation fee for students involved in sports actually was instituted by the district, not ASB. Also the “Volleyball suffers after graduation of key players” story should have said that the team played the Graham-Kapowsin Eagles for a second time. JagWire regrets these errors.
disrupt the school process. Letters to the editor may be submitted by mailing them to JagWire c/o Emerald Ridge High School, or by e-mailing them to jdnusser@puyallup.k12.wa.us
ADVERTISING MISSION The JagWire publication staff accepts advertisements for most products and services available to the public. However, the staff reserves the right to reject, edit or cancel any advertisement that the staff deems offensive in light of normal public standards. Ads identifying students as athletes by photo or text (WIAA 18.20.0 and 18.20.1) also will not be accepted. The staff will not accept advertising that is racist, sexist or illegal for high school students.
05 volumeSEVEN.issueTWO 11/2/2006 8:39:42 AM
“I decided that I wanted to do something out of the box. I wanted to do something that I could look back on in the future and be proud of just trying and I don’t want to have regrets in the future.”
“Daffodil is a community thing and it represents Emerald Ridge. It’s something I am passionate about and it seems like a good experience and a good way to represent how much I love Emerald Ridge.”
JOEY CREEK
“To just have fun. I wanted to do something drastic for my senior year and this is out of my normal comfort zone.”
“This is an experience that I wouldn’t want to miss. It’s a great way to build up lifetime things and relationships.”
“I want to represent the student body and be involved in the community.”
“To represent Emerald Ridge and the community the best way I know and to be a good example.”
How do you plan on using the title if you win?
“It will allow me to be more socially conscious and will motivate me to continue to step out of what I normally do.”
“It’s a chance to reach out to more than just Puyallup and show how great our community is.”
Summer Yates
The ERHS girls’ soccer team has won the playoffs. The girls played against Kentridge at Curtis’ field on Nov. 1 and the girls won 1-0 . The team has changed its record to a final 8-5-4, more than doubling their wins. In the past couple of weeks, the girls started off great with three shutouts. The girls beat Bethel by a score of 11-0 on Oct. 3. Two days later, the soccer team faced Spanaway Lake and beat The Sentinels by the same score of 11-0. The squad won again, on Oct. 7, by yet another shutout, 5-0. Having said that, the last three games the girls played before the end of the season resulted in ties. Senior captain Jill Jensen tried her best to see the bright side of things. “At first, we got a little frustrated,” Jensen said before
“A princess that represents Emerald Ridge would be one with a good balance of fun and intelligence, that’s into challenges and is witty, and I think I measure up to those qualities.”
“Because I never saw an African American participate before.”
“It’s something I always wanted to do. I look up to several former Daffodil Princesses.”
“I wanted to try something new, get involved in the community and represent the school in a good way.”
What inspired you to run for Daffodil Princess?
“I want to become closer with the other girls. I can also take the experiences and use them in the future, whether it is in college or my career.”
“To become a better public speaker, be more confident in groups, to meet new people and to just have fun, even if I don’t win.”
What do you hope to get out of this experience?
“To become more punctual and stop saying ‘like’ all the time. It is also an eye-opener to try new things.”
“It’s a good experience to meet new people, have fun and understand the whole Daffodil shindig.”
“Doing what is expected, being a leader and representing Emerald Ridge in the best way.”
“I would look for scholarship opportunities and represent the community in a good way.”
How do you plan on using the title if you win?
“I want to represent Emerald Ridge in the best way and to set a good example to other princesses.”
“I plead the Fifth ...”
volumeSEVEN.issueTWO
A special thanks to studio art student Nona Bergren.
06
the squad’s last two games, “But it makes us want to play better and hopefully win more games.” The girls have been defying all odds, and in record time. In the past month, the girls lost three games. Now, with their final record of more wins than losses, their spirits are up. Jenna Malinen, junior captain and defender, reflected on Captain junior Jenna Malinen races downfield with the ball against Puyallup High School on Oct. 19. their finishing record of 8-5-4. “I really thought we could’ve done better,” she said. With all of the games in this season concluded, the girls “There were games that we lost that we should’ve tied, games will continue to hold their heads high, proudly, and act that we tied that we should’ve won.” professionally all the way into next year’s season.
Boys tennis has a great year with true leadership BY
DALLAS M. WELKER
REPORTER
The boys tennis team finished the season 7-7, fourth place in the league. Last year, they ended fourth in the league as well. Competing at sub-districts proved to be successful. Sub-districts consist of three rounds. Coveted league spots are awarded in the end of the competition. “Five of the six teams made it to the second round and Erik Olson gained a spot in league,” said senior captain Patrick Hoey, who ended his season with slight disappointment. “I lost in the second round after being seeded seventh in the district and being predicted to win that match.” Olson ended his season with a loss to Daniel Lee of Curtis in quarterfinals.
Lakia Arceneaux
What do you hope to get out of this experience?
Jessica Mussie
“To have a good experience, meet new girls and learn more about developing character.”
Kelsey Goff
“I want to become stronger, make a difference in the school, and be a good representative.”
06,19.indd 2-3
BY
Photo by Gerry LeConte
What inspired you to run for Daffodil Princess?
Jennifer Newkirk
“I have admired the girls who ran in the past and it seemed like a fun opportunity. Also, my neighbors have been involved in the festival, so I figured it would be interesting.”
Playoff victory REPORTER
Jennifer Humphries
“After talking to (former Daffodil Princess) Holly Eads, it seemed like an amazing experience and a good thing to get involved with.”
Erin James
Caitlin Halligan
t a s h l t i l d l a o f z f d z a n D a Ja
In spring 2007, the Grand Floral Street Parade will celebrate its 74th year. This annual event runs during the month of April, and travels through Puyallup, Tacoma, Sumner, and Orting all in one day, rain or shine. The theme this year will be “Daffodils and all that Jazz.”
Coach Theresa Gotter is a veteran player. She has spent 16 years coaching and started coaching boys this season. In two months, she has seen dramatic improvements. “It is amazing to see how the younger players have improved after playing every day for eight weeks,” Gotter said. The Jags will miss the leadership of the seniors who showed consistency and support. “I am proud of the positive senior leadership of Erik Olson and Patrick Hoey,” Gotter said. “They have led the team through some tough times the last three years with coaching changes and player changes. Erik Olson has to be the strongest asset. He is a great leader, a calm and dedicated player. He ‘walks his talk’ and helps the more inexperienced players with strokes and strategy.” Leaving the team after four years of play is a bittersweet symphony to some.
“I plan on keeping tennis as a lifetime sport, but this might be the last year I play it competitively,” Hoey said. But, surely, Hoey will not leave without some friendly advice for next years seniors. “Work harder during practice and in the off season,” Hoey said.
The team is filled with remarkable athletes and attitudes, such as Hoey and Olson, who represent what a tennis player should be. “I have guys who display sportsmanship and are great competitors,” Gotter said. “I am proud the boys on the tennis team have their priorities in the right order.”
19 volumeSEVEN.issueTWO 11/1/2006 10:01:08 PM
SPORTS
FEATURE
Drug testing a slim possibility for extracurriculars BY
ALIESHA DRIVAS
REPORTER
Athletes and students participating in extracurricular activities might be subject to random drug testing in the future because drug usage among students active in school is becoming more of a concern. Is drug testing even relevant at Emerald Ridge? Athletics Director Dell Dittus thinks so. “I know for a fact that there have been athletes that used steroids,” Dittus said. “My sources are confidential but reliable.” Although drug use in athletes is an issue at Emerald Ridge, there is little possibility that there will be action taken against it. Urine tests that analyze narcotics and steroids can cost $150-200 per examination. The only way the Puyallup School District would allow random drug testing is if the government funds the project. “There’s a very small possibility that this will happen,” Dittus said. To attempt to prevent the use of steroids, students and parents are invited to a pre-season meeting where the dan-
gers of using drugs and steroids are explained. If a student is caught during the season with drugs or steroids, he or she is unable to participate in the activity for the rest of the season, or for 60 days, depending on how far into the season it is. Drug or steroid usage outside of the season results in the athlete missing 15 days of the next season. There has been talk of testing any student involved in school activities. According to Dittus, another problem arises: If the district singles out one person, it could lead to legal problems the district has no wish to deal with. Even though random drug testing has a slim chance of appearing on campus, multiple people here support the idea. “I’d have to say that I would be in favor of it,” assistant football coach Doug Stull said. “The only drawback for me is that if we start testing athletes and students involved in activities, why not the student body at large? I mean, I’m sure that there are multiple students outside of these activities who do drugs. I think that it’s a good idea because we need to help these kids.” Statistically, students involved in extracurricular activities are less likely to do drugs than students who are not.
break to the beat...
“It should be acceptable,” varsity football player Braedan Binkiewicz said. “There are so many more kids who do drugs than we think. At least 40 percent of the male athletes probably do drugs. I get asked if I do a lot, since I’m bigger than most high school kids. It’s pathetic. It’s dangerous, is what it is. It’s unfair to the athletes who actually work hard.” So far, the only state that randomly drug tests athletes is New Jersey. However, parents and students are opposing the policy because they say that it is illegal under the state constitution. They claim that without evidence that the particular student has done something wrong or without the government saying the state has a great need of the testing, they can’t make the students yield to the random tests. Parents also are questioning the role of educators in this situation. They feel educators should look after students’ welfare and safety at school, but not in home life. There has been some debate as to whether random drug testing is constitutional. U.S. citizens are only subject search and seizures if there is reasonable evidence, and the Supreme Court ruled there is no difference between search and seizure and random drug testing, according to Law Reporter.
BY
It’s assembly day, and the boys feel the pounding of their hearts and the sweat build up as they pull the bands over their palms. The Jags go wild. With every pose the boys hold, the crowd falls more in love. The crowd enjoys every minute and can’t get enough. The adrenaline ignites their bodies, and the group tears up the gym floor as the music bumps. They hold their last pose as the music stops. The stands fill with shouts of exhilaration and cheers for the underdogs. They walk out with a sense of pride and power. Started by Jeremy Bautista’s brother John and two of his friends, the Urban Dance Club has become a way of life for some in the group. The intense team of B-Boys and a couple of B-Girls try to keep the break dancing alive with their passion and dedication to the activity. “Breaking keeps us out of trouble,” Bautista said, laughing at Jed Sarmiento, friend and fellow B-Boy of the Urban Dance Club. Breaking is their form of expression, which keeps them away from drugs and crime that teens sometimes are pressured into. The club feels that breaking is misunderstood and is disrespected as a form of art. The breakers also do not feel accepted by the administration. “Pretty much any new art form is disrespected,” said Will Mires, an original B-Boy of the Urban Dance Club. Persisting to express themselves at assemblies and battles, the Urban Dance Club continues to shine as underdog of the school. Even though they are currently receiving no funds from the school, the club is continually requested to perform at school assem-
Swim takes a dive at districts BY
ASHLEE PITIGLIANO
REPORTER
The girls swim and dive team ended its season with a rough record of 3-4, finishing with a win against Spanaway Lake, while still losing to Rogers and Graham-Kapowsin. The Jaguars had their work cut out for them this season, swimming and diving against larger teams with better records. JV districts were held on Oct. 20, in which 21 girls competed. Twelve represented Emerald Ridge at the league meet on Oct.
26 at Rogers. Lindsay Nolan finished in first place in the 100-yard freestyle and second in the 50-yard freestyle. In the 100-yard butterfly, Marissa Davis finished seventh while Jennifer Humphries placed 15th. Davis also finished 11th in the 200-yard individual medley, and Humphries eighth in the 100yard backstroke. “The girls did well at the meet,” assistant coach Lorri Stoyles said. “They all did their best and a few had personal bests.” The top 18 finishers at league went on to districts, on Oct. 28. Humphries, Davis, and
Nolan continued on and competed in individually at districts. None of them made it to state, however Nolan missed the allocation by only one place on Saturday. “It was disappointing to miss it by one place,” Nolan said. “But there is always next year.” Though the record shows that the season did not go well, most of the girls feel that it was a good learning experience in which they all improved greatly and grew together. “It was pleasing to see the work ethic that the girls have,” Belleza said. “They worked
ALI GRUVER
REPORTER
extremely hard this season and I was happy to see that many girls made it to league.” In August, each team member was asked to set personal goals for the season. For many, this included making the league meet time for their event. Sophomore Kristen Steenbeeke worked especially hard throughout the entire season and reached this goal. “We started off slow, and the meet against Curtis was hard, but in the end we pulled it together and made it through,” Steenbeeke said.
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Urban Dance Club
blies. They have to fill out forms and so they can receive funding as an official club of the school. The forms take time and effort, and the club is only trying to earn a small amount of money for thing like badges. The badges will hopefully make it easier to find rooms to practice in. Almost every day, the group has to take its things and find a completely different place to practice. “On average, I get kicked out of a place for dancing three times a week,” Sarmiento said as he grabbed his things to find another place to dance. With fear of the club ceasing after this year, the seniors of the club are trying to encourage the rest of the team to carry on the passion. The club welcomes fresh faces with the desire to dance. Although anyone is welcome, if the newcomers don’t work and just stand around, the Urban Dance Club doesn’t consider them a part of the club. The club is about creativity, a form of art. “We can only teach you the basics, the rest is up to you,” Sarmiento said as he Senior Will Mires, one of the founders of Urban Dance Club, pulls an air chair at practice. started to break. The Urban Dance Club is much more than a non-funded ac- of the group, is their only source of exercise, so they do it tivity; the club also battles and breaks during the summer. as much as they can. “One-year battles usually give cash prizes of $1,000To this team of talented, amazing people, break dancing $2,000 for first place,” Bautista said, “but we mostly do is a way of life. battles for fundraising.” For some, they’ll carry on and break forever. To others A battle is where a large number of break dancing groups it is the perfect way to pass the time, meet new people, get together and compete by breaking. Two groups share the enjoy being a teen and hopefully learn the skills of working dance floor, and compete head to head. The winner is the as a team. group that creates the most excitement in the crowd. Even if the club does end this year, it’ll The breakers enjoy doing battles to show always be remembered for its poweroff their skills, grow as break dancers, and ful routines and passion. to possibly learn more moves to present to “It’s our thing, dawg.” the school at assemblies. Breaking, for most Bautista said as he smiled.
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Photo by Gerry LeConte
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07volumeSEVEN.issueTWO 11/1/2006 10:09:43 PM
FEATURE
Faculty baby boom! Teachers at ER are expecting new additions to their families sometime this school year BY
BRITTANY GENTILE
PHOTO MANAGER
Believe it or not, teachers are people too. They have lives where they find love, get married and eventually have children. A surprisingly large number of teachers at Emerald Ridge have found that love and are now expecting to have their first little baby girl or boy sometime this school year. “We’re real excited, but there’s that little bit of nervousness too,” anatomy and sports medicine teacher Carrie Swanson said. S w a ns o n a nd her husband, American Studies and U.S. history teacher Erik Swanson, are expecting their daughter on Nov. 25. “It’s something I wanted my whole life,” Carrie Swanson is expecting her boy on Nov. 25. Erik Swanson
said. “It was the perfect time. As nervous as I am, I am even more excited.” Teaching academy and dance team coach, Jennifer Muehlenbruch, shares the joy of pregnancy. “I’m excited for him to actually get here, now that I’m seven months along,” Muehlenbruch said. “I want to see what he looks like, what his mannerisms are, and those sorts of things. This is going to be the first grandchild on both sides, so I’m sure he will be spoiled rotten.” Muehlenbruch and her husband, social studies teacher Ben Muehlenbruch, are anxiously awaiting the birth of their baby boy on Jan. 1. Jeff Nusser, journalism and American Studies teacher, and his wife, Sarah, also are expecting their first child. After a recent sonogram, Nusser announced that it was going to be a boy with a huge smile on his face. “I’m extremely excited,” said Nusser, whose baby is due on March 30. “All I really wanted to be in my life is a dad. I’m excited to start a family of my own. It makes me smile, I can’t wait.” Spanish teacher Mark Miller also shares in the excitement, as his wife, Leslie, is due to have their baby on March 15. “I think I’ll be more excited when the baby’s here,” Miller said. “Not that I’m not excited.” Unlike the other expecting parents, the Millers don’t want to know the sex of their baby until it’s born. Additionally, Assistant Principal Jeanine Medvedich, is expecting her little boy on Feb. 7, while American Studies and English teacher Brandi Groce delivered her little girl, Mia, on Oct. 14. “When she was born it was wonderful,” Groce said. “It was a great day.” Strange food cravings, such as fish sticks, burritos, and deep fried foods, are a big part of the pregnancies. “Sometimes you crave strange things,” Swanson said. “But that was just in the beginning. Now, I’m eating anything and everything, it doesn’t matter.” Her husband says other wise.
Caitie McKenzie Athlete of the Month
“After school on the way home, we’ve had to stop at McDonald’s for a cheeseburger and a Diet Coke,” Swanson said. “I got the Diet Coke.” Muehlenbruch can relate to these strange cravings. “One night we did have fish sticks,” Muehlenbruch said. “Now thinking back, I think it’s disgusting.” Name choosing for the newborns is also a very important event to the expecting parents. “We have a couple of (names) that we narrowed down to,” said Swanson.“But we’re going to wait until we see her, to decide for sure.” Like Swanson, Nusser wants to keep the names of the baby private. “We’re not sharing,” Nusser said. “We’ve shared names with a few people, and we’ve Jennifer Muehlenbruch is due on Jan. 1. found that everyone has their own opinion and we like our names.” Planning for a baby does not always work exactly how you want it. “We were at the beginning stages of planning so it just happened faster than I thought it would,” Ben Muehlenbruch said.
Vital Stats Height: 5 feet 6 inches Weight: 120 pounds Shoe Size: 7.5 Best score on a single dive: 8 out of 10 points Best overall score: 256 points over 11 dives Personal awards: Voted “Most Improved” sophomore year HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DIVING? Three years, only for Emerald Ridge. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE A DIVER? I’m a terrible swimmer. WHAT ARE THE BEST AND WORST PARTS OF BEING A DIVER? It’s a sport where improvement is obvious, and I have an amazing coach. What I don’t like is how everyone is quiet when I dive, and that it hurts and is embarrassing when I mess up.
AP Music Theory hits high note LAUREN GONICK
REPORTER
adding AP Music Theory as a class. “We have been trying to get Music Theory as a class here for a few years so when we had the chance to make it AP and give students the opportunity to earn college credit, we took the chance,” Lowney said. When Lowney told Dennis that AP Music Theory would be offered, his face lit up with anticipation. “Most people would think that the AP Music Theory would be an easy class, but in fact it’s a challenging and very demanding academic class,” Dennis said.
There are only 11 students currently enrolled in AP Music Theory because many students didn’t know about the class. Those who heard about it were informed by word of mouth or by the music department who told certain students planning to major in music. There are no prerequisites to be in this class, but the district is working on it. Not knowing whether there will be enough student interest to offer the class next year, or if the class will be available at other high schools in the district, are some of the questions the district is considering.
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HOW MANY DIFFERENT DIVES DO YOU PERFORM, AND WHAT IS YOUR BEST? I know 15, and my best consists of one summersault plus one freestyle twist. WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Making it to districts this year. Photo by Heather Gorman
When listening to music with your friends, have you ever paused to analyze what you were listening to? Advanced Placement Music Theory is a new class offered this year for students who wish to gain further analytical understanding to enhance their musical performance and experience. “By taking this class it will help me in the future because I will be able to write my own music and be able to know what I am
listening to,” junior Jose Lopez said. Throughout the school year, the curriculum will cover what makes music sound the way it does, teach students how to write their own music and how to write down what they hear. Students will be learning about music from the 1600s to the 1850s throughout the year. In addition to this study of music, students will be given a sheet of music and will have to be able to sing a piece of music without any help. Principal Brain Lowney approached music teacher Rob Dennis last year with an idea of
Photos by Lauren Smith
BY
17
WHO IS YOUR INSPIRATION? Kate Ertman, because she was a very graceful diver and I really admired her.
11/1/2006 10:13:06 PM
FEATURE
SPORTS
Boys golf ends in the rough BY
CARLO CREEK
REPORTER
The boys golf team finished the season 2-8, as they lost a good match, 59-45, to Bethel at Lipoma Firs on Oct. 11. However, there were two Jags, juniors Riley Kain and Andrew Martonik, who were able to qualify for districts. “The first day was the best day for both of us,” Kain said, “but the second day was almost the complete opposite.” Even though Kain and Martonik had made it to the district tournament, both were unsuccessful in their attempt to make it to the state tournament. On the first day of
districts, Kain and Martonik shot 81 and 82, but the second and final day of the qualifiers, both scored highly with 98 and 95. “I had never been to the second day of districts, so going that far shows how I’ve improved,” Martonik said. As the season started, the Jags felt confident about having a winning season. “We should’ve been at least 6-4 or 5-5, maybe even 7-3, but that’s not how it went,” Kain said. “If we played a team like Bethel, who routinely shoot mid-50’s, we would play to their level, and score in the mid to high-40’s.” Two successful matches for the boys were against Graham-Kapowsin, 62-61, and
Spanaway Lake, 48-47. Tough losses included Curtis, 79-58, Beamer, 63-47, and Rogers, 81-61. “Seeing how this year turned out,” coach Doug Hovde said, “we have a lot to work on for next year to hopefully put more ‘W’s’ in the win column.” The Jags’ first win was a close win. “We almost lost that one,” captain Tony Chung said. “I’m surprised we had the win by the 18th hole.” Their second and final win wouldn’t come until the fifth match of the season, when the team’s record was already dismal at 1-3. It was another “almost loss” with a close score of 48-47.
everyone has a story
“You win some, and you lose some,” Hovde said. “We played a good season, but that just wasn’t enough,” The official standings show the Jags in sixth place in the SPSL South 4A division. The two teams below ER are the G-K Eagles and the Spanaway Lake Sentinels with identical 1-7 records. Curtis, once again, has claimed first place by being undefeated, 11-0. Last year, Curtis also was undefeated with a record of 12-0. Puyallup has retained second at 5-5. Rogers, who had placed second last year, dropped down to third, 4-6, and Bethel has kept its fourth place spot with a record of 3-5.
Shelby Wickett: daughter of dance BY
Don’t let her blonde hair, position on the dance team, or pleasant personality mislead you – sophomore Shelby Wickett is not your run-of-the-mill Type A personality. Wickett is well aware of her status as a perceived perfectionist, but that doesn’t stop her. “I think it’s a good and a bad thing,” Wickett said. “Because it’s good, but also, some people don’t like you right off the bat (because of it). I’m not always the little perfectionist; I can be crazy too.” In a darkened gym, surrounded by her teammates, Wickett shakes her shoulders and wriggles her hips in rhythm to the music, acting a little crazy, performing for the school. The older of two kids in a family of four, Wickett is passionate about her dancing, her family and her religion. Though she has danced for over eight years – the majority of the time with the Elite School of Dance in
Runners end season showing self-improvement BY
JULIA SERVA-DELMONTE
REPORTER
Senior captain Austin Getchell placed 73rd out of 121 at the district meet on Oct. 28.
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Photo by Ashley Vincent
This season was successful for the Jags, and as cross country moved into the post-season, the girls team walked away with pride and confidence. The boys cross country team continued to impress with a 6-1 record overall, while the girls team improved througout the season and ended with a 2-5 record. In the sub-district meet on Oct. 21, the boys pulled through in second place behind Puyallup, while the girls finished in sixth. The main objective for the boys was to get into the top five at the league meet, and they were enthused when they met their goal. “It was a great race,” junior and varsity runner Jean Paul Strozewski said. “We ran hard and fast.” Even though the girls team didn’t make it to districts this year, the girls still are supportive of their male teammates. “Everyone is really proud of them,” senior captain Erin James said. At the district meet on Oct. 28, the Jags finished in 16th place, and none of the boys qualified for the state meet. Two possibilities for this result could have been the absence of No. 4 runner Strozewski, who was unable to secure transportation to the meet, and the fact that other teams were much faster then the Jags anticipated. “The times at districts were very fast,” coach Gary Osborne said. Although the Jags didn’t place as high as they
predicted, they still put up a fight. “They tried and pushed hard,” Osborne said. This seems apparent, since Kevin Thomson – a sophomore runner – finished first place for the Jags, out-running even senior runners Nathan Loveland and Austin Getchell. This gives high hopes for next year, since the two senior boys are leaving the team. The Jags finished out the season with their heads held high. “The boys varsity had a great season overall,” Osborne said. As far as the girls go, they did well individually this season. “It was more about our personal best this year,” James said. “We set our goal really high and we strived to do the best we could.” Even though the girls didn’t win many meets this year, it didn’t dampen their morale. “Everyone’s motivated each other to do well,” Osborne said. “A lot of girls who never thought they’d get on varsity are.” As the season came to a close, it was time to think about next years’ objectives. “We’ll continue our goal for varsity boys to win league next year, for girls to move up on (the) standings, and for everyone to improve individually,” Osborne said. Osborne believes that the team finished the season in good standing. “Over half the team improved,” Osborne said. “That’s really good.” The team seeks even more self-improvement in the coming years. “The people who come out for cross country all have a passion for working hard and persevering,” James said. “They will do well next year, and they will go far.”
Puyallup – Wickett currently dances exclusively with the ER dance team. “I started dancing when I was really little,” Wickett said. “I wanted to do ballet. (Dancing with Elite) was kind of not going anywhere, so I decided to try out for the dance team at school.” Wickett started on the dance team for a change of pace, not a surprising move for a girl many would consider an overachiever. The ambitious Wickett plans to excel, and with role models such as her parents to look up to, anything else would be unacceptable. “I’m interested in my career and things; I think about that a lot,” Wickett said. “(My role models are) anyone that’s been successful in working through high school and college and doing what they ended up wanting to do. Both of my parents, I’d have to say, are good role models of that.” Not only are Wickett’s parents prominent in her life, but she shares a close relationship with her younger brother as well. “He’s 13 years old, so he’s in eighth grade,” Wickett said. “He’s cool, me and him are close. He likes skateboarding and goes to Ferrucci.” Like most students, Wickett still isn’t sure what career path she wants to follow after her high school graduation, but she has an idea of what she may want her future career to be. “I have a lot of different choices,” Wickett said. “Like sometimes I think I want to be a doctor and other times I think I want to be a teacher. It kind of depends.” Enrolled in honors classes and enjoying being active in community service, Wickett is well on her way, regardless of what she chooses. From an early age, Wickett has been interested in serving the community. At the age of 10 ,
she grew her hair out and donated it to the Locks of Love organization, a program where people can donate hair to make wigs for children with long-term medical hairloss. At 12, she and a friend collected yogurt lids for the Yoplait: Save Lids to Save Lives program, which supports the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Wickett hopes to fulfill her Culminating Project community experience requirements, but she has yet to find a program that interests her. While being a sister and a daughter, a student and a humanitarian, Wickett maintains a powerful passion (for dance) and the work ethic of an entrepreneur.
Wickett shows off her own unique style of dance. Photo by Mimi Sison
Despite disappointing results at districts, the cross country team is pleased with progress made this season
DANNY CANHAM
DESIGN MANAGER
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SPORTS
Football seeks consistency BY
LAUREN SMITH
REPORTER
Since its first complete SPSL season in 2001, the football program has struggled to find consistent success. The Jags have finished over .500 in only two of the six full seasons of play, and this past season, they finished with an overall record of 0-9. Coach Kelly Susee believes that this no-win season was mostly a matter of luck. “We haven’t gotten the breaks that we needed this season,” Susee said. “We lost five of the games by eight or less. We just didn’t quite fight enough to secure the wins.” Lack of intensity early in the game and minimal scoring in the first half this season landed the Jags a spot at the bottom of the SPSL standings. The program did not contend initially, as the inability to form a strong team led to a 4-24 overall record in the first three years. In 2004, however, the Jags unexpectedly rose to a respectable position in the SPSL by posting back-to-back 6-4 seasons. But the no-win season this year plunged them back to the bottom of the league. The 16-41 overall record for the program since 2001 has led to the rise of one question: Why has the program not been able to be a consistent competitor in the SPSL? According to linebackers coach and defensive coordinator Matt Mueller, part of the Jags’ misfortune is due to a lack of interest in the program. “Looking in terms of bodies, a lot of athletes walk our halls, but our best athletes aren’t playing football,” Mueller said. “Other schools do have their best athletes playing football. Those schools are stronger and faster than us, and that’s part of what’s hurting us.” Mueller and the coaching staff make consistent attempts to recruit these athletes, but don’t always get results. Junior Kevin Espino is a student that elects not to play. “I disagree with what (the coaches) are doing this year,” Espino said. “At the first day of practice they said that the goal is to be the best we can be. I don’t agree, I think our
real goal is to win.” However, there is no doubt in Mueller’s mind that the athletes that are turning out are pushing themselves extra hard to find success. “Our boys give more effort than a lot of schools that have more physical ability,” Mueller said. “But when you don’t have your best athletes turning out, it’s more difficult to succeed.” Mueller believes that today, athletes are focusing on one sport to take them places, and that sport isn’t football. “There used to be the days of the three-sport athlete,” Junior Gabe Webber spins off of a defender in a game against Graham-Kapowsin on Oct. 26. Mueller said. “Back in those days, kids would participate in multiple sports, to try and impact on the team’s success than they actually do. get a scholarship. But now, kids are relying on one sport “Our job is to prepare the players for the season,” Susee to take them to college, when in reality, they’re looking for said. “Everything we do as a staff is part of it, but we can’t good students who are involved a lot in their school.” play for them.” Senior offensive and defensive lineman Ryan Kusche The coaching staff is preparing the team for next fall. believes that the contined losses are partially the fault of “We mostly need to work on our strength and our speed,” the coaching staff. Mueller said. “We need the whole team to get in the weight “You can have a really talented team, but without solid room as a unit here at school. It would be great to have more direction, it’s hard to succeed,” Kusche said. “The coach- athletes in the weight training and conditioning program so ing quality determines the attitude and motivation of the they can stay fit in the off season. There is really something players.” to say for bonding when lifting as a team.” However, Athletics Director Dell Dittus believes that the As far as next season is concerned, the staff is set on staff and program are on the right track. making solid improvements. “I like the coaching staff we have,” Dittus said. “Given “We will continue to encourage our players to play other what they have to work with, they are doing a good job.” sports throughout the year and stay physically fit,” Mueller Susee believes that blame is falling upon the coaching said. “We want them to gain speed and strength to make staff because critics believe that the coaches have more for a strong program next year.”
Girls golf’s shot at SPSL title taken away by PHS BY
RACHEL WEBBER
REPORTER
k
Photo by Lauren Smith
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Students see their teachers everday at school, but how much do students really know about the job teachers do? From getting hired to getting fired, JagWire takes a look at what it really takes to be a teacher.
The girls golf team finished the season with outstanding performance and success. The team finished the season 6-1, beating every team except Puyallup. Though the team played well, its one loss to Puyallup took away the players’ chance at defending the SPSL South title they claimed last year. This year’s team performed exceptionally well despite the loss of a few outstanding players from last year’s team.
“The team did pretty well for losing former players and the team’s expectations turned out well,” junior Katie Bryant said. Bryant, a five-time medalist this season, beat her goal of 90 with a personal best of 87. Junior Whitney Hobbs was also a medalist this season. The team improved significantly when it came to scoring points. “Even though we did not win as many matches as last year, we scored more points and placed higher in league the league tournament,” coach Jim Meyerhoff said. On Oct. 18 and 19, the girls traveled to
Gold Mountain Golf Course in Bremerton, where they played against other teams in the league tournament. The entire team plays golf on the first day, then the top 40 from that day qualify for the second day. Megan Cook, Sarah Rasmussen, Katie Bryant and Whitney Hobbs were all eligible to compete the second day. “I thought it was really great that three juniors made it to the second day,” Meyerhoff said. The top 17 from the second round qualified for the state tournament. Hobbs came
in 14th and qualified for state. Bryant, who came in 22nd, almost qualified for state. “The team had a lot of positive growth and was a lot stronger this year,” Bryant said. “Our best match was definitely against Curtis, because that is when we broke the Lipoma Firs course record with an 81.” The girls faced the Rogers Rams on Oct. 3 at Lipoma Firs, where Emerald Ridge won 68-62. It was close match in which the team was victorious. On Oct. 5, the girls took on Spanaway Lake, winning 76-30.
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Think back. Don’t ask why; call it a ers are being forced to personal favor. Just th teach us all how to wr ink back, as far ques ite and answer as you can, of the best tions in the exact same teacher you ever had. way so that we can pro Whether literate en it’s your first grade tea ve we’re ough to survive in th cher, your seventh gra e modern work force. de gym coach, your current Can you see the proble advisor … it doesn’t ms I am finding with matter. Think about why you this? So, what better way to liked them as a teach tea ch us all how to answer er--their in the exac quirks, their niceties, questions t same way than to en their originality of sty for ce tea le. ch ers to Then come back to me in teach us th e exact same way? , the now, November 20 06, and realize that accordi Th e text of the NCLBA us ng to the government, es the term “scientifi none research” over of those qualities me cally-based 110 times. Now, “scien ant a hill of beans for tifi ca ma lly kin -b g th as em ed isn research” go ’t od teachers. too hard to grasp as a MORGAN T. GARD concept: the governm en It’ to t s is trying ge ha t teachers to instruct us rsh, I know, but it COMMENTARY is one of the many in ways proven to be the epiphanies that have fec mo tiv st efe. Unfortunately, it’s been brought to the better in theory than attention of the people in in practice. Th e gu ide lin es th for e the “scientifically-bas wake of the No Child Behind Act (NCLBA). ed research” that Left the governmen t is pushing for are so str The big problem that ict that only eight stu die s have been approved I have – a big frustr by the group that ha ation many in charg teachers and student s been put e to enforce said guide s alike share – is th at it attempts to no lines. In addition to th regulate teaching sty gra at, ethphic studies – studies le according to what that include difference the government cla feels is necessary. An in ss, social location, etc. – are ex d if there is one thing cluded. the government consistently gets wron So, with the standardiza g, it’s assuming it kn tion of testing comes ows the will of a iza group of people well the standardtion of teaching and enough to regulate th lea rning. Obviously, not eir job s. By “regulate,” I am ref lea everybody rns the same, so the idea erring to two of the as itself is flawed. pects of the NCLBA that affect what Pre sident Bush once famou teachers teach the mo sly asked, “Is our child st: the unfunded ing mandate of standard ren learn?” Irony aside, his po ized testing (infamou int was that there wa sly provided in wr our parts by the WASL s so mething on g with the education ), and the providing system in this county of “scientifically- rig based research” to tea – an ht, d he’s there was. And arguably chers in order to help , there still is. But what them decide how is to teach. And by “help is no ne t new laws and restricti eded them decide,” they of ons on teaching and course mean it’s mo “force.” graduation: re and better teachers , more and better sch But how does all of th more and better fundin ools, and is affect you, the stude g. nt? After all, so long as the teacher All the NCLBA does is pre gets the point along vent the good teachers just fine and you ing learn something, no pro from dotheir jobs properly. A blem, right? go od teacher is one who ca Keep on following me up n come wi th a new and exciting on this one, because way to teach their stu there’s a rab- they bit-hole of bureaucrac de nt s what ne ed to know, not to pa y to go tumbling throu ss a test, but to become gh. “Teaching to the test” pe rso a better n. A good teacher is one is a term very frequen that the student feels tly used by able go anti-standardized tes co mf orting to not just to lea t advocates. It mean rn, but to talk with. s that, since now you have to pass the Perhaps most of all, WASL to graduate hig though, a good teach h school, teachers have to teach you acco er is one who comes to school, day rding explicitly to wh after day, dealing ev at the test wants th you to know how to do ery thing that is row n at them – frustrating stu – boring writing style dents, criminally low pa and all. So the message being no w y, and res trictions on their teach sent is a whiplash of ing methods – in the confusion. We of str are all exciting, indivi gre atest ide . dual little snowflakes, but our teachSo, who’s your favorite teacher?
BY
NIKKI SEADER
y m Rate r e h Teac REPORTER
R a te my te a c he r. c o m We b s it e is a “Our history de s ig ne d to g iv e constructiv over the pro teacher in eighth grad e criticism e blems and or po ti v e fe e d the benefits introduced the site to Sometimes, back on tea sius and we w o f the site,” ju the comme chers, ent nior Nick G nts are con One Emerald principals, riswold said st ructive and Ridge teach assis- firs . b s e e r s t, n re e but she is e ficial. ceived this tant princip expre xtremely nic review: “Am als, but o t s co t a u e w zi n n and funny! orthwhile. selors, or p ng! Intimid de rofesShe actuall She makes ating at sionals wh ws stu o the class no y helps you l On the oth o directly l a e t e t a i to st r ff o s h u n e st d a c ly fun t n e re n d b a n t’ , gthen your s education some comm the purpose We According to education.” , . ents are no o f specifically th th e e si si te te t as useful a . , Ratemytea designed to “Oh gosh … parents, an nd do not cher.com w be an impo EVIL! That’ d teachers. serve a s in becomin rt a n s t It A so a m ll a urce for stu llows stude e I ri h c g better if a a v n e S to ig n d sa n e ts L n y, a ts th a n ” n , g e sa d pa uage teach of looking instructor is id another more of he at the com er Jessica S r students willing to ta rents to aid a teacher ments left talker would comment. w are eager to o k u e ld th ra “I e te t fo courageous would confi r their bett her on the find it help improve th step add rm some th erment and Web site. ful if eir educati To use the itional info o students/p u on. g h ts site, enter th a rm t a te re a ti n a o ts c n h ,” e school (ev a school na rs have and Stalker said The comme en those n me and a li provide som . “It can be nts contain o longer th st of every alphabetica e c onstructive n u w m h b e e n e r of ratings re) appears teacher at the last tim l order. g ossip.” the popu and respon on the com e the teac This site le la se h puter scree rity, and ov er was rate s, their ea ts the stud n in d, the hands and There are so erall quality of the te siness, helpfulness, c allows them ent or active parent larity, and a m c h e in te g take educa a to publicly p c an instructo ro h ers that do cedure. cal. tion into th post their r’s teaching n’t find the reaction – eir technique. a beneficia si te appropriate “T g o o me it would od or bad l nature. Comments or practi– to Hofs n’t be a ve must be ap “I think tha tr ry p a ro n useful tool, d said. “Th priate and t student o ere are just ” mathema of it as c Sign Langu pinions are tics teache omic relief. too many q age teache very telling r Jayne ” u e r Mitch Noll st a ions. Altho b to be bette o u t te O a n c e sa h ugh, I mig problem re ers,” Ameri id. “I think r.” ht use m c a it a n in c s: o uld motiva students are Noll has go the site is te a teache not widely not aware r have left fo ne to the Web page o u f the site. sed. Many “I’ve never and observ r him. teachers an heard of (r ed the com d B a “It just ma te ri tt m n y e ta m y c ents stude D h a e v r. de me thin is c o sa m id. ), but it co nts k about ho said. “The The site ca uld be usefu truth is ha nnot be ac l,” junior rd to take so w I come across to m c o Some teach m “I m f o y te d m st a e a ti u ti c d n h m e g e e n e rs rs if ts s. a ” ,” it a c re active o tually look is not bein Noll help about it. n the site g used. at the site, ful, it could and commu a b n e d u students pu se fu l, nicate with ” Griswold Some stude t tips that said. students nts look at can be it as a wast “I wouldn’t e of time a waste my sp n d them,” jun energy. are time lo ior Nick Kra oking up te use said. achers and commentin g
Teachers Wanted Teacher shortage possible in the future...
Reaching Full Potential When the final bell rings signaling the end of another school year and the start of summer, not everyone gets to go home and enjoy their vacation. Many teachers spend their time over summer break furthering their education in order to become better equipped to educate their students the subsequent fall. Here are some things of the things teachers do to become the very best teachers they can... Attend Conferences This is typical of AP teachers, but others may attend, too. These conferences are designed to teach educators the latest techniques and up-to-date curriculum. National Board Certification Teachers can apply through a rigorous process of evaluation, classes and portfolio submission. If accomplished, teachers are officially up-to-par with the national standard. Professional Certification Teachers must apply by their third year of teaching to make sure they are up-to-par with the state standard. Department Meetings At Emerald Ridge, teachers from the same department (e.g. math, English, etc.) meet regularly to collaborate on curriculum and lessons. Mentors Some teachers say that the best thing that they can do is observe another teacher that they admire.
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BY
SHAY WILHELM
REPORTER
In the past, teacher shortages have caused officials to hire unqualified staff in schools. Now, schools are exploring the possibility that this may be happening again. According to the National Center for Education Information, more than 40 percent of public school teachers plan to be out of the profession by 2010. Although the last shortage was in 2001, according to the National Conference of State Legislature, many worry that we will see a problem within the next few years. With all of these teachers gone, there will be a lack of experience throughout the system, which could have a substantial effect on student learning. Previously, the desperate need for professionals has even required schools around the nation to employ teachers that have not finished their degrees. In Washington, changes have been made so that a teacher can start teaching
without a bachelor’s degree as long as their credentials are completed within a the time specified by their employer. According to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, if an employer cannot find enough teachers with the right certification, they are able to hire teachers with a conditional certificate. Teachers with a conditional certificate do not have all of the qualifications of a normal teacher, but are still allowed to work without them for up to two years. So far, Emerald Ridge has not been hit with a teacher shortage. In 2001, the school was too new to be affected, and now the chances seem unlikely. Although shortages are a probable threat around the nation, administration at Emerald Ridge does not seem to be concerned. “We have a young staff,” said Principal Brian Lowney. “There will be some (teachers) eligible to retire but I don’t think very many will.”
11/1/2006 10:12:11 PM
why are they still teaching?
cher regular s to be a Tea rtificate. The What it Take a teaching ce quired to hold erequisites:
BY
r Freedoms Teache liberity in the classroom
Evaluations: who really makes Teacher BY GERRY LECONTE ER vE PaOlRuTaE tR 1 . P r o Teachers fe ion must hassional Prepara ve tio
EDITORIAL BOARD
!
ent m e t a t s s i s e missing th In teachers’ classrooms, there are require-
are re um pr ington State tests to minim hools in Wash sc ment which at te cu do iva l pr cia d fi an of ic an bl is pu in c.) et rs g screened Teache sidency, ints and bein ficate (e.g. Re ining fingerpr ta ob teaching certi s de clu in ars old check which •Age. 18 ye A background I. I. FB ter & Fitness. e ac th ar d Ch al an ity or •M State Patrol ally accredited college/univers regionally accredited collegea/ on gt in h as a W on d e gi at th re m a th ra m og bo pr fro by to teach), an ion gree dology (how her preparat bachelor’s de teach) metho approved teac •Degree. A to et at ha st A (w . t m en . n Progra include cont rsement test •Preparatio rams typically ). ent) an endo required. Prog or practicum sic ch endorsem p, ba ea hi a ns or ss er (f pa nt d t university is (i an us nce sm skills test hing experie te, applicant t pass a basic student teac ency certifica g. Teachers mus in te for a resid ta st Te f-s r t-o he ou ac m •Te ying fro rary permit. rsement area s Test. If appl r first tempo in each endo •Basic Skill l receiving thei test (WEST-E) t of s en th em on rs quirement. Al m re do en thin 12 to meet this s must pass an s th nt skills test wi on ica m pl Ap 12 to t Test. may take up •Endorsemen s of experience ly. with 3 year te rs ia he ed ac m Te . BY ALI GRABER desired quirement im meet this re REPORTER others must
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JENN WHITHAM
ict ion
Wi th in th e Pu ya llu p Tw ice a ye ar, te ac Sc ho ol Di st ric t, it he rs show a signifi is the are evaluat cant amount ed by a school of responsibility of the improvement. If this Certi- administrato does r to assess their no fied Teaching Staff to t occur, then at the ensure abilities in end the classroom. of that students are eq the probationary pe uipped These evalu riod ations include te with the tools they achers are given notic need the se ve n cr e of ite ria es ta b- proba to learn. The majo ble cause not to renew rity of lished by th , e district, which an the time, teachers d a hearing is set up do the are professio . nal preparation job expected of them “The idea is not to , but an d sc ho la rs hi p, kn ow l- fire sometimes teachers lac teachers,” Sera said. k the ed ge of su “We bj ec t ma tt er, wa ability to make the gra nt to help people to de. instructional skill, cla imThough teachers are ssroom prove, not terminate them. ex- management, the handling We pro pected to meet certa vide as much help and in cri- of student discipline and res teria in order to keep ources as possible their attendant pr such oblems, inter- as jobs, they are rarely workshops and addit fired est in teachin ional g pupils, and ment or placed on probatio or teachers.” n due effort towa rd improvement to qu es tio na bl e te ac hi ng when need The need for a proed. ability. bationary period on If ly apan unsatisfactory evalOnce given a continu plies in the case of te ing uation is given ac hers , conferences with co nt ra ct , a te ac he continuing contracts. r mu st are planned to discuss strat- Te be pu t th ro ug h a achers on provisional fo rmal egies for im and provement. probationary process re pl acement contracts before If it is determined do a co nt ra ct ca n be that not require a te rm i- a te ac he r’s probationary pr ob le ms or perio na te d. Fo rmal prob d before they can at io ns inadequacies be as an educa- fired rarely occur, as the . At the completion district tor go beyo of nd what can be th prefers to handle pro e school year they blems resolved in can formally within be informally. the school, the distri “Fortunately probat ct can Teachers who have ions place a teache r on a 60-day secu do not happen very red a continuing co often,” probation. nThis process is tra As sis ta nt Su pe rinte ct rarely get job-th ndent put in place reatto make sure ening of Human Resource trouble due to their s Lerry te ac he rs are me et ing all Sera said. “In fact, lack of skill as an ed since I seven req ucator. uirements listed took this job in April The system is set up 2003, within their to hanevaluation cri- dle no one has been pla problems with teache ced on te ria and rs are co nduc ting by formal probation. We aiding improvement. try to themselves This in an appropri- ca work out everything n allow teachers who on an ate way. may informal level with not have the proper in the Wi ab th ili in a 60-day period ty school.” continue to be en te ac he rs are ex pe ct trusted ed to with educat ion.
td
NATE DU BYMAS
gre a
BY
O EY VINCENT R E P O R T E ER D ILAHL TORIAL BOARD
w a y we they teach. The only thing is that now to m ments to be met, such as what curriculu s,” vitie acti se choo om don’t get to pick and cover. However, teachers have some freed m York said. in how they teach and how their classroo WASL is a large consideration for sophooperates during the process. more math. In 10th grade math, science, and Ameri“The WASL is considered for math classes e grad can Studies (Emerald Ridge’s 10th after that d on such as Geometry and below but English class), the curriculum is base to know need ents stud ions we look at what do state-mandated grade level expectat nt chair rtme depa math ” for for college and life, (GLEs) designed to prepare students . Tracie Shepard said the WASL. As such, junior and senior level courses be ld “(GLEs) are specific things we shou mented. nd in all departments are not so regi teaching in class. Some of them we expa courses ish Engl e grad For 11th and 12th nce through in 11th and 12th grade,” scie hers teac nt, eme Plac - that are not Advanced department chair Doug Reis said. “The prob rict dist the by oved appr have an anthology lem with that is the state has only set them also They of. out gs thin that they can pull through the 10th grade level.” refer to a 21st century novel list, compiled help For American Studies, the GLEs se at least but by the district, where they choo dictate what needs to be covered, . year each r s two books to cove there is a variety of curriculum material For AP, the curriculum is created by the to – ls available – such as different nove ing College Board. aid teachers in their approach of writ “College Board tells us what we need and reading skills. an audit is to cover and then we go through The 10th grade biology curriculum have to I and e Groc ndi) in which Mrs. (Bra very similar, with assignments going hand have to they and m iculu her show them our curr in hand for every class. Biology teac then and s dard stan AP less approve that it fits April York believes that though there is ish Engl AP,” s clas the ng y we get to keep calli space for creativity, teachers still can appl . said e Suse y Moll department co-chair their own styles. For junior and senior math classes – alof lot le “Obviously there’s not a who curriculum the gebra II through calculus – the room, but teachers can still manipulate
general n teaching and Scholarsh ip skills 2. Know ledge of Teachers Subject must be Matter comfort able wit h the su bject th Teachers 3. Instruction at they al Skills must be teach able to commun icate ma terial ef Teachers 4. Classroom fectively manage must m m aintain a well-ment anaged and org Teachers 5. Handling o anized c f must ex lassroom ecute coStudent Discip line and nsistent At and fair disciplin tendance Prob Teachers 6. Commitme lems e nt must be committ ed to th e subjec t and st Teachers 7. Knowledge udents t of Quali must be hat they ties aware o teach f their s trengths and wea knesses
great
obser
vatio
ting their syllabi sta ation, m o ro s s la submit c administr ers have to e looked over by . In other b acceptable ies that is e olicies to id p c e hat they d trict polic cise than most of w t for school and dis sh. li ,” g ls n nd choose il E is more pre k s in f hy o excep rparts can pick a oms. , rc s te rs ra n rd e u o h ie o c w h c a e t ir te v a d, irec the eir classro abus, at you h e enforce such a d pply in th y clear th n to step must b a “There’s tt e syll to re t p n a ’s . “It ve the sam g in the ing o they w id a v a s h o s le ll m a ru rd a re to p fo e in She ’ be ’t hav d up com te step ‘A “They don rt they en aid. ch a u p s to comple t s s o g m in ing Lowney s ut for the nsiders th ‘B.’ ” ble in help y iology co al standards, and b e,” Principal Brian a b n o t s s a a p re e n sam Scienc e rules are ment, the nts, natio long as th ducational environ requireme s t A ic tr l is a d n e as a good the Natio . at it s such as tbooks to maintain . g in textbooks th t and said th g a d k x k e c o a te w b o lo d ll e n n a n a a ta re do “We c le has to ssociation round,” science a I have never turne “Every ru eacher A a . “ T id e rk a c s o n w y ie e c n S to OK,” Low framework Reis said. their class- wasn’t ducation.” g create a u o D ir nt cha hers run back to e departme how teac gh teachu o h T . y a As far as w t more lee ere is a lo rooms, th
ns
on i t a u t punc
es?
pl exam
Like almost any employed person in the United States, teachers are evaluated on their ability to effectively do their job. The real question is, are teacher evaluations taken seriously, or simply regarded as mere procedure? All teachers get evaluated once a year. According to a copy of the evaluation criteria provided by the Puyallup School District Web site, these evaluations are intended to create a positive attitude towards the improvement and development of district teachers and staff. Further, evaluations are not to be used as a disciplinary tool. Disciplinary issues may be addressed in evaluations; however, the main goal is to encourage the teacher to improve by showing them what their strengths and weaknesses are. Teachers are given a copy of the evaluation form and criteria at the beginning of the school year. By Sept. 30
BY
GERRY LECONTE
REPORTER
of each school year, every teacher will be informed on who will be evaluating them that year. By the rules of Puyallup School District criteria, the evaluator cannot be changed unless there is good cause. The principal or designee (usually an assistant principal) is responsible for carrying out evaluations. Each teacher is evaluated once a year, except firstyear teachers, who are evaluated twice. For each evaluation, there are two observations. Each observation is at least 30 minutes long. The entire evaluation must be over 60 minutes long. Additional observations can be made if the evaluator deems it necessary. The criterion given to the teachers at the beginning of the year consists of seven articles. Each teacher should meet expectations on each section of the evaluation. Meeting these expectations during the evaluation would prove that the teacher is competent in his or her ability to teach effectively, as far as the district is concerned. Teachers have to know and effectively demonstrate a vast amount of skills and abilities. To begin with, a teacher must show that they know all the current methods of teaching. Then they have to know how to effectively teach their specific subject. They have to demonstrate the ability to build clear and effective assignments.
the grade The observer has to see that the teacher can keep a class organized and under control. Finally, they must prove that they are dedicated to their commitment as a teacher. It really seems like teachers have a lot to accomplish in order to please the district. That said, can all this really be covered in about 60 minutes? “It depends in what kind of observation your doing, but it’s always good to have more time. It’s amazing what you can catch in a snap shot,” Assistant Principal Jeannine Medvedich said. Also, it seems possible that the best evaluation of a teacher could be given by those being taught. Medvedich told of when she was a teacher herself. She would hold confidential student evaluations. These evaluations would be anonymous and were used to help Medvedich become a better teacher. In her opinion, the student evaluations were more beneficial than the official ones. “I just wish that I could spend more time in the classroom, observing the teacher, rather than spending so much time on paperwork,” Hodge said. Both Medvedich and Assistant Principal Troy Hodge agree that teacher evaluations are one of the most important responsibilities their job entails. According to Hodge, the district is currently working on a universal rubric that principals throughout the district can agree on. This is important, since it completely change how teachers are evaluated, as well as what teachers are evaluated on.
11/1/2006 10:07:30 PM
why are they still teaching?
cher regular s to be a Tea rtificate. The What it Take a teaching ce quired to hold erequisites:
BY
r Freedoms Teache liberity in the classroom
Evaluations: who really makes Teacher BY GERRY LECONTE ER vE PaOlRuTaE tR 1 . P r o Teachers fe ion must hassional Prepara ve tio
EDITORIAL BOARD
!
ent m e t a t s s i s e missing th In teachers’ classrooms, there are require-
are re um pr ington State tests to minim hools in Wash sc ment which at te cu do iva l pr cia d fi an of ic an bl is pu in c.) et rs g screened Teache sidency, ints and bein ficate (e.g. Re ining fingerpr ta ob teaching certi s de clu in ars old check which •Age. 18 ye A background I. I. FB ter & Fitness. e ac th ar d Ch al an ity or •M State Patrol ally accredited college/univers regionally accredited collegea/ on gt in h as a W on d e gi at th re m a th ra m og bo pr fro by to teach), an ion gree dology (how her preparat bachelor’s de teach) metho approved teac •Degree. A to et at ha st A (w . t m en . n Progra include cont rsement test •Preparatio rams typically ). ent) an endo required. Prog or practicum sic ch endorsem p, ba ea hi a ns or ss er (f pa nt d t university is (i an us nce sm skills test hing experie te, applicant t pass a basic student teac ency certifica g. Teachers mus in te for a resid ta st Te f-s r t-o he ou ac m •Te ying fro rary permit. rsement area s Test. If appl r first tempo in each endo •Basic Skill l receiving thei test (WEST-E) t of s en th em on rs quirement. Al m re do en thin 12 to meet this s must pass an s th nt skills test wi on ica m pl Ap 12 to t Test. may take up •Endorsemen s of experience ly. with 3 year te rs ia he ed ac m Te . BY ALI GRABER desired quirement im meet this re REPORTER others must
12,13.indd 2-3
JENN WHITHAM
ict ion
Wi th in th e Pu ya llu p Tw ice a ye ar, te ac Sc ho ol Di st ric t, it he rs show a signifi is the are evaluat cant amount ed by a school of responsibility of the improvement. If this Certi- administrato does r to assess their no fied Teaching Staff to t occur, then at the ensure abilities in end the classroom. of that students are eq the probationary pe uipped These evalu riod ations include te with the tools they achers are given notic need the se ve n cr e of ite ria es ta b- proba to learn. The majo ble cause not to renew rity of lished by th , e district, which an the time, teachers d a hearing is set up do the are professio . nal preparation job expected of them “The idea is not to , but an d sc ho la rs hi p, kn ow l- fire sometimes teachers lac teachers,” Sera said. k the ed ge of su “We bj ec t ma tt er, wa ability to make the gra nt to help people to de. instructional skill, cla imThough teachers are ssroom prove, not terminate them. ex- management, the handling We pro pected to meet certa vide as much help and in cri- of student discipline and res teria in order to keep ources as possible their attendant pr such oblems, inter- as jobs, they are rarely workshops and addit fired est in teachin ional g pupils, and ment or placed on probatio or teachers.” n due effort towa rd improvement to qu es tio na bl e te ac hi ng when need The need for a proed. ability. bationary period on If ly apan unsatisfactory evalOnce given a continu plies in the case of te ing uation is given ac hers , conferences with co nt ra ct , a te ac he continuing contracts. r mu st are planned to discuss strat- Te be pu t th ro ug h a achers on provisional fo rmal egies for im and provement. probationary process re pl acement contracts before If it is determined do a co nt ra ct ca n be that not require a te rm i- a te ac he r’s probationary pr ob le ms or perio na te d. Fo rmal prob d before they can at io ns inadequacies be as an educa- fired rarely occur, as the . At the completion district tor go beyo of nd what can be th prefers to handle pro e school year they blems resolved in can formally within be informally. the school, the distri “Fortunately probat ct can Teachers who have ions place a teache r on a 60-day secu do not happen very red a continuing co often,” probation. nThis process is tra As sis ta nt Su pe rinte ct rarely get job-th ndent put in place reatto make sure ening of Human Resource trouble due to their s Lerry te ac he rs are me et ing all Sera said. “In fact, lack of skill as an ed since I seven req ucator. uirements listed took this job in April The system is set up 2003, within their to hanevaluation cri- dle no one has been pla problems with teache ced on te ria and rs are co nduc ting by formal probation. We aiding improvement. try to themselves This in an appropri- ca work out everything n allow teachers who on an ate way. may informal level with not have the proper in the Wi ab th ili in a 60-day period ty school.” continue to be en te ac he rs are ex pe ct trusted ed to with educat ion.
td
NATE DU BYMAS
gre a
BY
O EY VINCENT R E P O R T E ER D ILAHL TORIAL BOARD
w a y we they teach. The only thing is that now to m ments to be met, such as what curriculu s,” vitie acti se choo om don’t get to pick and cover. However, teachers have some freed m York said. in how they teach and how their classroo WASL is a large consideration for sophooperates during the process. more math. In 10th grade math, science, and Ameri“The WASL is considered for math classes e grad can Studies (Emerald Ridge’s 10th after that d on such as Geometry and below but English class), the curriculum is base to know need ents stud ions we look at what do state-mandated grade level expectat nt chair rtme depa math ” for for college and life, (GLEs) designed to prepare students . Tracie Shepard said the WASL. As such, junior and senior level courses be ld “(GLEs) are specific things we shou mented. nd in all departments are not so regi teaching in class. Some of them we expa courses ish Engl e grad For 11th and 12th nce through in 11th and 12th grade,” scie hers teac nt, eme Plac - that are not Advanced department chair Doug Reis said. “The prob rict dist the by oved appr have an anthology lem with that is the state has only set them also They of. out gs thin that they can pull through the 10th grade level.” refer to a 21st century novel list, compiled help For American Studies, the GLEs se at least but by the district, where they choo dictate what needs to be covered, . year each r s two books to cove there is a variety of curriculum material For AP, the curriculum is created by the to – ls available – such as different nove ing College Board. aid teachers in their approach of writ “College Board tells us what we need and reading skills. an audit is to cover and then we go through The 10th grade biology curriculum have to I and e Groc ndi) in which Mrs. (Bra very similar, with assignments going hand have to they and m iculu her show them our curr in hand for every class. Biology teac then and s dard stan AP less approve that it fits April York believes that though there is ish Engl AP,” s clas the ng y we get to keep calli space for creativity, teachers still can appl . said e Suse y Moll department co-chair their own styles. For junior and senior math classes – alof lot le “Obviously there’s not a who curriculum the gebra II through calculus – the room, but teachers can still manipulate
general n teaching and Scholarsh ip skills 2. Know ledge of Teachers Subject must be Matter comfort able wit h the su bject th Teachers 3. Instruction at they al Skills must be teach able to commun icate ma terial ef Teachers 4. Classroom fectively manage must m m aintain a well-ment anaged and org Teachers 5. Handling o anized c f must ex lassroom ecute coStudent Discip line and nsistent At and fair disciplin tendance Prob Teachers 6. Commitme lems e nt must be committ ed to th e subjec t and st Teachers 7. Knowledge udents t of Quali must be hat they ties aware o teach f their s trengths and wea knesses
great
obser
vatio
ting their syllabi sta ation, m o ro s s la submit c administr ers have to e looked over by . In other b acceptable ies that is e olicies to id p c e hat they d trict polic cise than most of w t for school and dis sh. li ,” g ls n nd choose il E is more pre k s in f hy o excep rparts can pick a oms. , rc s te rs ra n rd e u o h ie o c w h c a e t ir te v a d, irec the eir classro abus, at you h e enforce such a d pply in th y clear th n to step must b a “There’s tt e syll to re t p n a ’s . “It ve the sam g in the ing o they w id a v a s h o s le ll m a ru rd a re to p fo e in She ’ be ’t hav d up com te step ‘A “They don rt they en aid. ch a u p s to comple t s s o g m in ing Lowney s ut for the nsiders th ‘B.’ ” ble in help y iology co al standards, and b e,” Principal Brian a b n o t s s a a p re e n sam Scienc e rules are ment, the nts, natio long as th ducational environ requireme s t A ic tr l is a d n e as a good the Natio . at it s such as tbooks to maintain . g in textbooks th t and said th g a d k x k e c o a te w b o lo d ll e n n a n a a ta re do “We c le has to ssociation round,” science a I have never turne “Every ru eacher A a . “ T id e rk a c s o n w y ie e c n S to OK,” Low framework Reis said. their class- wasn’t ducation.” g create a u o D ir nt cha hers run back to e departme how teac gh teachu o h T . y a As far as w t more lee ere is a lo rooms, th
ns
on i t a u t punc
es?
pl exam
Like almost any employed person in the United States, teachers are evaluated on their ability to effectively do their job. The real question is, are teacher evaluations taken seriously, or simply regarded as mere procedure? All teachers get evaluated once a year. According to a copy of the evaluation criteria provided by the Puyallup School District Web site, these evaluations are intended to create a positive attitude towards the improvement and development of district teachers and staff. Further, evaluations are not to be used as a disciplinary tool. Disciplinary issues may be addressed in evaluations; however, the main goal is to encourage the teacher to improve by showing them what their strengths and weaknesses are. Teachers are given a copy of the evaluation form and criteria at the beginning of the school year. By Sept. 30
BY
GERRY LECONTE
REPORTER
of each school year, every teacher will be informed on who will be evaluating them that year. By the rules of Puyallup School District criteria, the evaluator cannot be changed unless there is good cause. The principal or designee (usually an assistant principal) is responsible for carrying out evaluations. Each teacher is evaluated once a year, except firstyear teachers, who are evaluated twice. For each evaluation, there are two observations. Each observation is at least 30 minutes long. The entire evaluation must be over 60 minutes long. Additional observations can be made if the evaluator deems it necessary. The criterion given to the teachers at the beginning of the year consists of seven articles. Each teacher should meet expectations on each section of the evaluation. Meeting these expectations during the evaluation would prove that the teacher is competent in his or her ability to teach effectively, as far as the district is concerned. Teachers have to know and effectively demonstrate a vast amount of skills and abilities. To begin with, a teacher must show that they know all the current methods of teaching. Then they have to know how to effectively teach their specific subject. They have to demonstrate the ability to build clear and effective assignments.
the grade The observer has to see that the teacher can keep a class organized and under control. Finally, they must prove that they are dedicated to their commitment as a teacher. It really seems like teachers have a lot to accomplish in order to please the district. That said, can all this really be covered in about 60 minutes? “It depends in what kind of observation your doing, but it’s always good to have more time. It’s amazing what you can catch in a snap shot,” Assistant Principal Jeannine Medvedich said. Also, it seems possible that the best evaluation of a teacher could be given by those being taught. Medvedich told of when she was a teacher herself. She would hold confidential student evaluations. These evaluations would be anonymous and were used to help Medvedich become a better teacher. In her opinion, the student evaluations were more beneficial than the official ones. “I just wish that I could spend more time in the classroom, observing the teacher, rather than spending so much time on paperwork,” Hodge said. Both Medvedich and Assistant Principal Troy Hodge agree that teacher evaluations are one of the most important responsibilities their job entails. According to Hodge, the district is currently working on a universal rubric that principals throughout the district can agree on. This is important, since it completely change how teachers are evaluated, as well as what teachers are evaluated on.
11/1/2006 10:07:30 PM
Think back. Don’t ask why; call it a ers are being forced to personal favor. Just th teach us all how to wr ink back, as far ques ite and answer as you can, of the best tions in the exact same teacher you ever had. way so that we can pro Whether literate en it’s your first grade tea ve we’re ough to survive in th cher, your seventh gra e modern work force. de gym coach, your current Can you see the proble advisor … it doesn’t ms I am finding with matter. Think about why you this? So, what better way to liked them as a teach tea ch us all how to answer er--their in the exac quirks, their niceties, questions t same way than to en their originality of sty for ce tea le. ch ers to Then come back to me in teach us th e exact same way? , the now, November 20 06, and realize that accordi Th e text of the NCLBA us ng to the government, es the term “scientifi none research” over of those qualities me cally-based 110 times. Now, “scien ant a hill of beans for tifi ca ma lly kin -b g th as em ed isn research” go ’t od teachers. too hard to grasp as a MORGAN T. GARD concept: the governm en It’ to t s is trying ge ha t teachers to instruct us rsh, I know, but it COMMENTARY is one of the many in ways proven to be the epiphanies that have fec mo tiv st efe. Unfortunately, it’s been brought to the better in theory than attention of the people in in practice. Th e gu ide lin es th for e the “scientifically-bas wake of the No Child Behind Act (NCLBA). ed research” that Left the governmen t is pushing for are so str The big problem that ict that only eight stu die s have been approved I have – a big frustr by the group that ha ation many in charg teachers and student s been put e to enforce said guide s alike share – is th at it attempts to no lines. In addition to th regulate teaching sty gra at, ethphic studies – studies le according to what that include difference the government cla feels is necessary. An in ss, social location, etc. – are ex d if there is one thing cluded. the government consistently gets wron So, with the standardiza g, it’s assuming it kn tion of testing comes ows the will of a iza group of people well the standardtion of teaching and enough to regulate th lea rning. Obviously, not eir job s. By “regulate,” I am ref lea everybody rns the same, so the idea erring to two of the as itself is flawed. pects of the NCLBA that affect what Pre sident Bush once famou teachers teach the mo sly asked, “Is our child st: the unfunded ing mandate of standard ren learn?” Irony aside, his po ized testing (infamou int was that there wa sly provided in wr our parts by the WASL s so mething on g with the education ), and the providing system in this county of “scientifically- rig based research” to tea – an ht, d he’s there was. And arguably chers in order to help , there still is. But what them decide how is to teach. And by “help is no ne t new laws and restricti eded them decide,” they of ons on teaching and course mean it’s mo “force.” graduation: re and better teachers , more and better sch But how does all of th more and better fundin ools, and is affect you, the stude g. nt? After all, so long as the teacher All the NCLBA does is pre gets the point along vent the good teachers just fine and you ing learn something, no pro from dotheir jobs properly. A blem, right? go od teacher is one who ca Keep on following me up n come wi th a new and exciting on this one, because way to teach their stu there’s a rab- they bit-hole of bureaucrac de nt s what ne ed to know, not to pa y to go tumbling throu ss a test, but to become gh. “Teaching to the test” pe rso a better n. A good teacher is one is a term very frequen that the student feels tly used by able go anti-standardized tes co mf orting to not just to lea t advocates. It mean rn, but to talk with. s that, since now you have to pass the Perhaps most of all, WASL to graduate hig though, a good teach h school, teachers have to teach you acco er is one who comes to school, day rding explicitly to wh after day, dealing ev at the test wants th you to know how to do ery thing that is row n at them – frustrating stu – boring writing style dents, criminally low pa and all. So the message being no w y, and res trictions on their teach sent is a whiplash of ing methods – in the confusion. We of str are all exciting, indivi gre atest ide . dual little snowflakes, but our teachSo, who’s your favorite teacher?
BY
NIKKI SEADER
y m Rate r e h Teac REPORTER
R a te my te a c he r. c o m We b s it e is a “Our history de s ig ne d to g iv e constructiv over the pro teacher in eighth grad e criticism e blems and or po ti v e fe e d the benefits introduced the site to Sometimes, back on tea sius and we w o f the site,” ju the comme chers, ent nior Nick G nts are con One Emerald principals, riswold said st ructive and Ridge teach assis- firs . b s e e r s t, n re e but she is e ficial. ceived this tant princip expre xtremely nic review: “Am als, but o t s co t a u e w zi n n and funny! orthwhile. selors, or p ng! Intimid de rofesShe actuall She makes ating at sionals wh ws stu o the class no y helps you l On the oth o directly l a e t e t a i to st r ff o s h u n e st d a c ly fun t n e re n d b a n t’ , gthen your s education some comm the purpose We According to education.” , . ents are no o f specifically th th e e si si te te t as useful a . , Ratemytea designed to “Oh gosh … parents, an nd do not cher.com w be an impo EVIL! That’ d teachers. serve a s in becomin rt a n s t It A so a m ll a urce for stu llows stude e I ri h c g better if a a v n e S to ig n d sa n e ts L n y, a ts th a n ” n , g e sa d pa uage teach of looking instructor is id another more of he at the com er Jessica S r students willing to ta rents to aid a teacher ments left talker would comment. w are eager to o k u e ld th ra “I e te t fo courageous would confi r their bett her on the find it help improve th step add rm some th erment and Web site. ful if eir educati To use the itional info o students/p u on. g h ts site, enter th a rm t a te re a ti n a o ts c n h ,” e school (ev a school na rs have and Stalker said The comme en those n me and a li provide som . “It can be nts contain o longer th st of every alphabetica e c onstructive n u w m h b e e n e r of ratings re) appears teacher at the last tim l order. g ossip.” the popu and respon on the com e the teac This site le la se h puter scree rity, and ov er was rate s, their ea ts the stud n in d, the hands and There are so erall quality of the te siness, helpfulness, c allows them ent or active parent larity, and a m c h e in te g take educa a to publicly p c an instructo ro h ers that do cedure. cal. tion into th post their r’s teaching n’t find the reaction – eir technique. a beneficia si te appropriate “T g o o me it would od or bad l nature. Comments or practi– to Hofs n’t be a ve must be ap “I think tha tr ry p a ro n useful tool, d said. “Th priate and t student o ere are just ” mathema of it as c Sign Langu pinions are tics teache omic relief. too many q age teache very telling r Jayne ” u e r Mitch Noll st a ions. Altho b to be bette o u t te O a n c e sa h ugh, I mig problem re ers,” Ameri id. “I think r.” ht use m c a it a n in c s: o uld motiva students are Noll has go the site is te a teache not widely not aware r have left fo ne to the Web page o u f the site. sed. Many “I’ve never and observ r him. teachers an heard of (r ed the com d B a “It just ma te ri tt m n y e ta m y c ents stude D h a e v r. de me thin is c o sa m id. ), but it co nts k about ho said. “The The site ca uld be usefu truth is ha nnot be ac l,” junior rd to take so w I come across to m c o Some teach m “I m f o y te d m st a e a ti u ti c d n h m e g e e n e rs rs if ts s. a ” ,” it a c re active o tually look is not bein Noll help about it. n the site g used. at the site, ful, it could and commu a b n e d u students pu se fu l, nicate with ” Griswold Some stude t tips that said. students nts look at can be it as a wast “I wouldn’t e of time a waste my sp n d them,” jun energy. are time lo ior Nick Kra oking up te use said. achers and commentin g
Teachers Wanted Teacher shortage possible in the future...
Reaching Full Potential When the final bell rings signaling the end of another school year and the start of summer, not everyone gets to go home and enjoy their vacation. Many teachers spend their time over summer break furthering their education in order to become better equipped to educate their students the subsequent fall. Here are some things of the things teachers do to become the very best teachers they can... Attend Conferences This is typical of AP teachers, but others may attend, too. These conferences are designed to teach educators the latest techniques and up-to-date curriculum. National Board Certification Teachers can apply through a rigorous process of evaluation, classes and portfolio submission. If accomplished, teachers are officially up-to-par with the national standard. Professional Certification Teachers must apply by their third year of teaching to make sure they are up-to-par with the state standard. Department Meetings At Emerald Ridge, teachers from the same department (e.g. math, English, etc.) meet regularly to collaborate on curriculum and lessons. Mentors Some teachers say that the best thing that they can do is observe another teacher that they admire.
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BY
SHAY WILHELM
REPORTER
In the past, teacher shortages have caused officials to hire unqualified staff in schools. Now, schools are exploring the possibility that this may be happening again. According to the National Center for Education Information, more than 40 percent of public school teachers plan to be out of the profession by 2010. Although the last shortage was in 2001, according to the National Conference of State Legislature, many worry that we will see a problem within the next few years. With all of these teachers gone, there will be a lack of experience throughout the system, which could have a substantial effect on student learning. Previously, the desperate need for professionals has even required schools around the nation to employ teachers that have not finished their degrees. In Washington, changes have been made so that a teacher can start teaching
without a bachelor’s degree as long as their credentials are completed within a the time specified by their employer. According to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, if an employer cannot find enough teachers with the right certification, they are able to hire teachers with a conditional certificate. Teachers with a conditional certificate do not have all of the qualifications of a normal teacher, but are still allowed to work without them for up to two years. So far, Emerald Ridge has not been hit with a teacher shortage. In 2001, the school was too new to be affected, and now the chances seem unlikely. Although shortages are a probable threat around the nation, administration at Emerald Ridge does not seem to be concerned. “We have a young staff,” said Principal Brian Lowney. “There will be some (teachers) eligible to retire but I don’t think very many will.”
11/1/2006 10:12:11 PM
SPORTS
Football seeks consistency BY
LAUREN SMITH
REPORTER
Since its first complete SPSL season in 2001, the football program has struggled to find consistent success. The Jags have finished over .500 in only two of the six full seasons of play, and this past season, they finished with an overall record of 0-9. Coach Kelly Susee believes that this no-win season was mostly a matter of luck. “We haven’t gotten the breaks that we needed this season,” Susee said. “We lost five of the games by eight or less. We just didn’t quite fight enough to secure the wins.” Lack of intensity early in the game and minimal scoring in the first half this season landed the Jags a spot at the bottom of the SPSL standings. The program did not contend initially, as the inability to form a strong team led to a 4-24 overall record in the first three years. In 2004, however, the Jags unexpectedly rose to a respectable position in the SPSL by posting back-to-back 6-4 seasons. But the no-win season this year plunged them back to the bottom of the league. The 16-41 overall record for the program since 2001 has led to the rise of one question: Why has the program not been able to be a consistent competitor in the SPSL? According to linebackers coach and defensive coordinator Matt Mueller, part of the Jags’ misfortune is due to a lack of interest in the program. “Looking in terms of bodies, a lot of athletes walk our halls, but our best athletes aren’t playing football,” Mueller said. “Other schools do have their best athletes playing football. Those schools are stronger and faster than us, and that’s part of what’s hurting us.” Mueller and the coaching staff make consistent attempts to recruit these athletes, but don’t always get results. Junior Kevin Espino is a student that elects not to play. “I disagree with what (the coaches) are doing this year,” Espino said. “At the first day of practice they said that the goal is to be the best we can be. I don’t agree, I think our
real goal is to win.” However, there is no doubt in Mueller’s mind that the athletes that are turning out are pushing themselves extra hard to find success. “Our boys give more effort than a lot of schools that have more physical ability,” Mueller said. “But when you don’t have your best athletes turning out, it’s more difficult to succeed.” Mueller believes that today, athletes are focusing on one sport to take them places, and that sport isn’t football. “There used to be the days of the three-sport athlete,” Junior Gabe Webber spins off of a defender in a game against Graham-Kapowsin on Oct. 26. Mueller said. “Back in those days, kids would participate in multiple sports, to try and impact on the team’s success than they actually do. get a scholarship. But now, kids are relying on one sport “Our job is to prepare the players for the season,” Susee to take them to college, when in reality, they’re looking for said. “Everything we do as a staff is part of it, but we can’t good students who are involved a lot in their school.” play for them.” Senior offensive and defensive lineman Ryan Kusche The coaching staff is preparing the team for next fall. believes that the contined losses are partially the fault of “We mostly need to work on our strength and our speed,” the coaching staff. Mueller said. “We need the whole team to get in the weight “You can have a really talented team, but without solid room as a unit here at school. It would be great to have more direction, it’s hard to succeed,” Kusche said. “The coach- athletes in the weight training and conditioning program so ing quality determines the attitude and motivation of the they can stay fit in the off season. There is really something players.” to say for bonding when lifting as a team.” However, Athletics Director Dell Dittus believes that the As far as next season is concerned, the staff is set on staff and program are on the right track. making solid improvements. “I like the coaching staff we have,” Dittus said. “Given “We will continue to encourage our players to play other what they have to work with, they are doing a good job.” sports throughout the year and stay physically fit,” Mueller Susee believes that blame is falling upon the coaching said. “We want them to gain speed and strength to make staff because critics believe that the coaches have more for a strong program next year.”
Girls golf’s shot at SPSL title taken away by PHS BY
RACHEL WEBBER
REPORTER
k
Photo by Lauren Smith
10,15.indd 2-3
Students see their teachers everday at school, but how much do students really know about the job teachers do? From getting hired to getting fired, JagWire takes a look at what it really takes to be a teacher.
The girls golf team finished the season with outstanding performance and success. The team finished the season 6-1, beating every team except Puyallup. Though the team played well, its one loss to Puyallup took away the players’ chance at defending the SPSL South title they claimed last year. This year’s team performed exceptionally well despite the loss of a few outstanding players from last year’s team.
“The team did pretty well for losing former players and the team’s expectations turned out well,” junior Katie Bryant said. Bryant, a five-time medalist this season, beat her goal of 90 with a personal best of 87. Junior Whitney Hobbs was also a medalist this season. The team improved significantly when it came to scoring points. “Even though we did not win as many matches as last year, we scored more points and placed higher in league the league tournament,” coach Jim Meyerhoff said. On Oct. 18 and 19, the girls traveled to
Gold Mountain Golf Course in Bremerton, where they played against other teams in the league tournament. The entire team plays golf on the first day, then the top 40 from that day qualify for the second day. Megan Cook, Sarah Rasmussen, Katie Bryant and Whitney Hobbs were all eligible to compete the second day. “I thought it was really great that three juniors made it to the second day,” Meyerhoff said. The top 17 from the second round qualified for the state tournament. Hobbs came
in 14th and qualified for state. Bryant, who came in 22nd, almost qualified for state. “The team had a lot of positive growth and was a lot stronger this year,” Bryant said. “Our best match was definitely against Curtis, because that is when we broke the Lipoma Firs course record with an 81.” The girls faced the Rogers Rams on Oct. 3 at Lipoma Firs, where Emerald Ridge won 68-62. It was close match in which the team was victorious. On Oct. 5, the girls took on Spanaway Lake, winning 76-30.
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FEATURE
SPORTS
Boys golf ends in the rough BY
CARLO CREEK
REPORTER
The boys golf team finished the season 2-8, as they lost a good match, 59-45, to Bethel at Lipoma Firs on Oct. 11. However, there were two Jags, juniors Riley Kain and Andrew Martonik, who were able to qualify for districts. “The first day was the best day for both of us,” Kain said, “but the second day was almost the complete opposite.” Even though Kain and Martonik had made it to the district tournament, both were unsuccessful in their attempt to make it to the state tournament. On the first day of
districts, Kain and Martonik shot 81 and 82, but the second and final day of the qualifiers, both scored highly with 98 and 95. “I had never been to the second day of districts, so going that far shows how I’ve improved,” Martonik said. As the season started, the Jags felt confident about having a winning season. “We should’ve been at least 6-4 or 5-5, maybe even 7-3, but that’s not how it went,” Kain said. “If we played a team like Bethel, who routinely shoot mid-50’s, we would play to their level, and score in the mid to high-40’s.” Two successful matches for the boys were against Graham-Kapowsin, 62-61, and
Spanaway Lake, 48-47. Tough losses included Curtis, 79-58, Beamer, 63-47, and Rogers, 81-61. “Seeing how this year turned out,” coach Doug Hovde said, “we have a lot to work on for next year to hopefully put more ‘W’s’ in the win column.” The Jags’ first win was a close win. “We almost lost that one,” captain Tony Chung said. “I’m surprised we had the win by the 18th hole.” Their second and final win wouldn’t come until the fifth match of the season, when the team’s record was already dismal at 1-3. It was another “almost loss” with a close score of 48-47.
everyone has a story
“You win some, and you lose some,” Hovde said. “We played a good season, but that just wasn’t enough,” The official standings show the Jags in sixth place in the SPSL South 4A division. The two teams below ER are the G-K Eagles and the Spanaway Lake Sentinels with identical 1-7 records. Curtis, once again, has claimed first place by being undefeated, 11-0. Last year, Curtis also was undefeated with a record of 12-0. Puyallup has retained second at 5-5. Rogers, who had placed second last year, dropped down to third, 4-6, and Bethel has kept its fourth place spot with a record of 3-5.
Shelby Wickett: daughter of dance BY
Don’t let her blonde hair, position on the dance team, or pleasant personality mislead you – sophomore Shelby Wickett is not your run-of-the-mill Type A personality. Wickett is well aware of her status as a perceived perfectionist, but that doesn’t stop her. “I think it’s a good and a bad thing,” Wickett said. “Because it’s good, but also, some people don’t like you right off the bat (because of it). I’m not always the little perfectionist; I can be crazy too.” In a darkened gym, surrounded by her teammates, Wickett shakes her shoulders and wriggles her hips in rhythm to the music, acting a little crazy, performing for the school. The older of two kids in a family of four, Wickett is passionate about her dancing, her family and her religion. Though she has danced for over eight years – the majority of the time with the Elite School of Dance in
Runners end season showing self-improvement BY
JULIA SERVA-DELMONTE
REPORTER
Senior captain Austin Getchell placed 73rd out of 121 at the district meet on Oct. 28.
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Photo by Ashley Vincent
This season was successful for the Jags, and as cross country moved into the post-season, the girls team walked away with pride and confidence. The boys cross country team continued to impress with a 6-1 record overall, while the girls team improved througout the season and ended with a 2-5 record. In the sub-district meet on Oct. 21, the boys pulled through in second place behind Puyallup, while the girls finished in sixth. The main objective for the boys was to get into the top five at the league meet, and they were enthused when they met their goal. “It was a great race,” junior and varsity runner Jean Paul Strozewski said. “We ran hard and fast.” Even though the girls team didn’t make it to districts this year, the girls still are supportive of their male teammates. “Everyone is really proud of them,” senior captain Erin James said. At the district meet on Oct. 28, the Jags finished in 16th place, and none of the boys qualified for the state meet. Two possibilities for this result could have been the absence of No. 4 runner Strozewski, who was unable to secure transportation to the meet, and the fact that other teams were much faster then the Jags anticipated. “The times at districts were very fast,” coach Gary Osborne said. Although the Jags didn’t place as high as they
predicted, they still put up a fight. “They tried and pushed hard,” Osborne said. This seems apparent, since Kevin Thomson – a sophomore runner – finished first place for the Jags, out-running even senior runners Nathan Loveland and Austin Getchell. This gives high hopes for next year, since the two senior boys are leaving the team. The Jags finished out the season with their heads held high. “The boys varsity had a great season overall,” Osborne said. As far as the girls go, they did well individually this season. “It was more about our personal best this year,” James said. “We set our goal really high and we strived to do the best we could.” Even though the girls didn’t win many meets this year, it didn’t dampen their morale. “Everyone’s motivated each other to do well,” Osborne said. “A lot of girls who never thought they’d get on varsity are.” As the season came to a close, it was time to think about next years’ objectives. “We’ll continue our goal for varsity boys to win league next year, for girls to move up on (the) standings, and for everyone to improve individually,” Osborne said. Osborne believes that the team finished the season in good standing. “Over half the team improved,” Osborne said. “That’s really good.” The team seeks even more self-improvement in the coming years. “The people who come out for cross country all have a passion for working hard and persevering,” James said. “They will do well next year, and they will go far.”
Puyallup – Wickett currently dances exclusively with the ER dance team. “I started dancing when I was really little,” Wickett said. “I wanted to do ballet. (Dancing with Elite) was kind of not going anywhere, so I decided to try out for the dance team at school.” Wickett started on the dance team for a change of pace, not a surprising move for a girl many would consider an overachiever. The ambitious Wickett plans to excel, and with role models such as her parents to look up to, anything else would be unacceptable. “I’m interested in my career and things; I think about that a lot,” Wickett said. “(My role models are) anyone that’s been successful in working through high school and college and doing what they ended up wanting to do. Both of my parents, I’d have to say, are good role models of that.” Not only are Wickett’s parents prominent in her life, but she shares a close relationship with her younger brother as well. “He’s 13 years old, so he’s in eighth grade,” Wickett said. “He’s cool, me and him are close. He likes skateboarding and goes to Ferrucci.” Like most students, Wickett still isn’t sure what career path she wants to follow after her high school graduation, but she has an idea of what she may want her future career to be. “I have a lot of different choices,” Wickett said. “Like sometimes I think I want to be a doctor and other times I think I want to be a teacher. It kind of depends.” Enrolled in honors classes and enjoying being active in community service, Wickett is well on her way, regardless of what she chooses. From an early age, Wickett has been interested in serving the community. At the age of 10 ,
she grew her hair out and donated it to the Locks of Love organization, a program where people can donate hair to make wigs for children with long-term medical hairloss. At 12, she and a friend collected yogurt lids for the Yoplait: Save Lids to Save Lives program, which supports the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Wickett hopes to fulfill her Culminating Project community experience requirements, but she has yet to find a program that interests her. While being a sister and a daughter, a student and a humanitarian, Wickett maintains a powerful passion (for dance) and the work ethic of an entrepreneur.
Wickett shows off her own unique style of dance. Photo by Mimi Sison
Despite disappointing results at districts, the cross country team is pleased with progress made this season
DANNY CANHAM
DESIGN MANAGER
09 volumeSEVEN.issueTWO 11/1/2006 10:08:45 PM
FEATURE
Faculty baby boom! Teachers at ER are expecting new additions to their families sometime this school year BY
BRITTANY GENTILE
PHOTO MANAGER
Believe it or not, teachers are people too. They have lives where they find love, get married and eventually have children. A surprisingly large number of teachers at Emerald Ridge have found that love and are now expecting to have their first little baby girl or boy sometime this school year. “We’re real excited, but there’s that little bit of nervousness too,” anatomy and sports medicine teacher Carrie Swanson said. S w a ns o n a nd her husband, American Studies and U.S. history teacher Erik Swanson, are expecting their daughter on Nov. 25. “It’s something I wanted my whole life,” Carrie Swanson is expecting her boy on Nov. 25. Erik Swanson
said. “It was the perfect time. As nervous as I am, I am even more excited.” Teaching academy and dance team coach, Jennifer Muehlenbruch, shares the joy of pregnancy. “I’m excited for him to actually get here, now that I’m seven months along,” Muehlenbruch said. “I want to see what he looks like, what his mannerisms are, and those sorts of things. This is going to be the first grandchild on both sides, so I’m sure he will be spoiled rotten.” Muehlenbruch and her husband, social studies teacher Ben Muehlenbruch, are anxiously awaiting the birth of their baby boy on Jan. 1. Jeff Nusser, journalism and American Studies teacher, and his wife, Sarah, also are expecting their first child. After a recent sonogram, Nusser announced that it was going to be a boy with a huge smile on his face. “I’m extremely excited,” said Nusser, whose baby is due on March 30. “All I really wanted to be in my life is a dad. I’m excited to start a family of my own. It makes me smile, I can’t wait.” Spanish teacher Mark Miller also shares in the excitement, as his wife, Leslie, is due to have their baby on March 15. “I think I’ll be more excited when the baby’s here,” Miller said. “Not that I’m not excited.” Unlike the other expecting parents, the Millers don’t want to know the sex of their baby until it’s born. Additionally, Assistant Principal Jeanine Medvedich, is expecting her little boy on Feb. 7, while American Studies and English teacher Brandi Groce delivered her little girl, Mia, on Oct. 14. “When she was born it was wonderful,” Groce said. “It was a great day.” Strange food cravings, such as fish sticks, burritos, and deep fried foods, are a big part of the pregnancies. “Sometimes you crave strange things,” Swanson said. “But that was just in the beginning. Now, I’m eating anything and everything, it doesn’t matter.” Her husband says other wise.
Caitie McKenzie Athlete of the Month
“After school on the way home, we’ve had to stop at McDonald’s for a cheeseburger and a Diet Coke,” Swanson said. “I got the Diet Coke.” Muehlenbruch can relate to these strange cravings. “One night we did have fish sticks,” Muehlenbruch said. “Now thinking back, I think it’s disgusting.” Name choosing for the newborns is also a very important event to the expecting parents. “We have a couple of (names) that we narrowed down to,” said Swanson.“But we’re going to wait until we see her, to decide for sure.” Like Swanson, Nusser wants to keep the names of the baby private. “We’re not sharing,” Nusser said. “We’ve shared names with a few people, and we’ve Jennifer Muehlenbruch is due on Jan. 1. found that everyone has their own opinion and we like our names.” Planning for a baby does not always work exactly how you want it. “We were at the beginning stages of planning so it just happened faster than I thought it would,” Ben Muehlenbruch said.
Vital Stats Height: 5 feet 6 inches Weight: 120 pounds Shoe Size: 7.5 Best score on a single dive: 8 out of 10 points Best overall score: 256 points over 11 dives Personal awards: Voted “Most Improved” sophomore year HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DIVING? Three years, only for Emerald Ridge. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE A DIVER? I’m a terrible swimmer. WHAT ARE THE BEST AND WORST PARTS OF BEING A DIVER? It’s a sport where improvement is obvious, and I have an amazing coach. What I don’t like is how everyone is quiet when I dive, and that it hurts and is embarrassing when I mess up.
AP Music Theory hits high note LAUREN GONICK
REPORTER
adding AP Music Theory as a class. “We have been trying to get Music Theory as a class here for a few years so when we had the chance to make it AP and give students the opportunity to earn college credit, we took the chance,” Lowney said. When Lowney told Dennis that AP Music Theory would be offered, his face lit up with anticipation. “Most people would think that the AP Music Theory would be an easy class, but in fact it’s a challenging and very demanding academic class,” Dennis said.
There are only 11 students currently enrolled in AP Music Theory because many students didn’t know about the class. Those who heard about it were informed by word of mouth or by the music department who told certain students planning to major in music. There are no prerequisites to be in this class, but the district is working on it. Not knowing whether there will be enough student interest to offer the class next year, or if the class will be available at other high schools in the district, are some of the questions the district is considering.
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HOW MANY DIFFERENT DIVES DO YOU PERFORM, AND WHAT IS YOUR BEST? I know 15, and my best consists of one summersault plus one freestyle twist. WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Making it to districts this year. Photo by Heather Gorman
When listening to music with your friends, have you ever paused to analyze what you were listening to? Advanced Placement Music Theory is a new class offered this year for students who wish to gain further analytical understanding to enhance their musical performance and experience. “By taking this class it will help me in the future because I will be able to write my own music and be able to know what I am
listening to,” junior Jose Lopez said. Throughout the school year, the curriculum will cover what makes music sound the way it does, teach students how to write their own music and how to write down what they hear. Students will be learning about music from the 1600s to the 1850s throughout the year. In addition to this study of music, students will be given a sheet of music and will have to be able to sing a piece of music without any help. Principal Brain Lowney approached music teacher Rob Dennis last year with an idea of
Photos by Lauren Smith
BY
17
WHO IS YOUR INSPIRATION? Kate Ertman, because she was a very graceful diver and I really admired her.
11/1/2006 10:13:06 PM
SPORTS
FEATURE
Drug testing a slim possibility for extracurriculars BY
ALIESHA DRIVAS
REPORTER
Athletes and students participating in extracurricular activities might be subject to random drug testing in the future because drug usage among students active in school is becoming more of a concern. Is drug testing even relevant at Emerald Ridge? Athletics Director Dell Dittus thinks so. “I know for a fact that there have been athletes that used steroids,” Dittus said. “My sources are confidential but reliable.” Although drug use in athletes is an issue at Emerald Ridge, there is little possibility that there will be action taken against it. Urine tests that analyze narcotics and steroids can cost $150-200 per examination. The only way the Puyallup School District would allow random drug testing is if the government funds the project. “There’s a very small possibility that this will happen,” Dittus said. To attempt to prevent the use of steroids, students and parents are invited to a pre-season meeting where the dan-
gers of using drugs and steroids are explained. If a student is caught during the season with drugs or steroids, he or she is unable to participate in the activity for the rest of the season, or for 60 days, depending on how far into the season it is. Drug or steroid usage outside of the season results in the athlete missing 15 days of the next season. There has been talk of testing any student involved in school activities. According to Dittus, another problem arises: If the district singles out one person, it could lead to legal problems the district has no wish to deal with. Even though random drug testing has a slim chance of appearing on campus, multiple people here support the idea. “I’d have to say that I would be in favor of it,” assistant football coach Doug Stull said. “The only drawback for me is that if we start testing athletes and students involved in activities, why not the student body at large? I mean, I’m sure that there are multiple students outside of these activities who do drugs. I think that it’s a good idea because we need to help these kids.” Statistically, students involved in extracurricular activities are less likely to do drugs than students who are not.
break to the beat...
“It should be acceptable,” varsity football player Braedan Binkiewicz said. “There are so many more kids who do drugs than we think. At least 40 percent of the male athletes probably do drugs. I get asked if I do a lot, since I’m bigger than most high school kids. It’s pathetic. It’s dangerous, is what it is. It’s unfair to the athletes who actually work hard.” So far, the only state that randomly drug tests athletes is New Jersey. However, parents and students are opposing the policy because they say that it is illegal under the state constitution. They claim that without evidence that the particular student has done something wrong or without the government saying the state has a great need of the testing, they can’t make the students yield to the random tests. Parents also are questioning the role of educators in this situation. They feel educators should look after students’ welfare and safety at school, but not in home life. There has been some debate as to whether random drug testing is constitutional. U.S. citizens are only subject search and seizures if there is reasonable evidence, and the Supreme Court ruled there is no difference between search and seizure and random drug testing, according to Law Reporter.
BY
It’s assembly day, and the boys feel the pounding of their hearts and the sweat build up as they pull the bands over their palms. The Jags go wild. With every pose the boys hold, the crowd falls more in love. The crowd enjoys every minute and can’t get enough. The adrenaline ignites their bodies, and the group tears up the gym floor as the music bumps. They hold their last pose as the music stops. The stands fill with shouts of exhilaration and cheers for the underdogs. They walk out with a sense of pride and power. Started by Jeremy Bautista’s brother John and two of his friends, the Urban Dance Club has become a way of life for some in the group. The intense team of B-Boys and a couple of B-Girls try to keep the break dancing alive with their passion and dedication to the activity. “Breaking keeps us out of trouble,” Bautista said, laughing at Jed Sarmiento, friend and fellow B-Boy of the Urban Dance Club. Breaking is their form of expression, which keeps them away from drugs and crime that teens sometimes are pressured into. The club feels that breaking is misunderstood and is disrespected as a form of art. The breakers also do not feel accepted by the administration. “Pretty much any new art form is disrespected,” said Will Mires, an original B-Boy of the Urban Dance Club. Persisting to express themselves at assemblies and battles, the Urban Dance Club continues to shine as underdog of the school. Even though they are currently receiving no funds from the school, the club is continually requested to perform at school assem-
Swim takes a dive at districts BY
ASHLEE PITIGLIANO
REPORTER
The girls swim and dive team ended its season with a rough record of 3-4, finishing with a win against Spanaway Lake, while still losing to Rogers and Graham-Kapowsin. The Jaguars had their work cut out for them this season, swimming and diving against larger teams with better records. JV districts were held on Oct. 20, in which 21 girls competed. Twelve represented Emerald Ridge at the league meet on Oct.
26 at Rogers. Lindsay Nolan finished in first place in the 100-yard freestyle and second in the 50-yard freestyle. In the 100-yard butterfly, Marissa Davis finished seventh while Jennifer Humphries placed 15th. Davis also finished 11th in the 200-yard individual medley, and Humphries eighth in the 100yard backstroke. “The girls did well at the meet,” assistant coach Lorri Stoyles said. “They all did their best and a few had personal bests.” The top 18 finishers at league went on to districts, on Oct. 28. Humphries, Davis, and
Nolan continued on and competed in individually at districts. None of them made it to state, however Nolan missed the allocation by only one place on Saturday. “It was disappointing to miss it by one place,” Nolan said. “But there is always next year.” Though the record shows that the season did not go well, most of the girls feel that it was a good learning experience in which they all improved greatly and grew together. “It was pleasing to see the work ethic that the girls have,” Belleza said. “They worked
ALI GRUVER
REPORTER
extremely hard this season and I was happy to see that many girls made it to league.” In August, each team member was asked to set personal goals for the season. For many, this included making the league meet time for their event. Sophomore Kristen Steenbeeke worked especially hard throughout the entire season and reached this goal. “We started off slow, and the meet against Curtis was hard, but in the end we pulled it together and made it through,” Steenbeeke said.
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Free 16 oz Latte - with purchase of $5.00 or more! Located in the big blue glass buildings.
Urban Dance Club
blies. They have to fill out forms and so they can receive funding as an official club of the school. The forms take time and effort, and the club is only trying to earn a small amount of money for thing like badges. The badges will hopefully make it easier to find rooms to practice in. Almost every day, the group has to take its things and find a completely different place to practice. “On average, I get kicked out of a place for dancing three times a week,” Sarmiento said as he grabbed his things to find another place to dance. With fear of the club ceasing after this year, the seniors of the club are trying to encourage the rest of the team to carry on the passion. The club welcomes fresh faces with the desire to dance. Although anyone is welcome, if the newcomers don’t work and just stand around, the Urban Dance Club doesn’t consider them a part of the club. The club is about creativity, a form of art. “We can only teach you the basics, the rest is up to you,” Sarmiento said as he Senior Will Mires, one of the founders of Urban Dance Club, pulls an air chair at practice. started to break. The Urban Dance Club is much more than a non-funded ac- of the group, is their only source of exercise, so they do it tivity; the club also battles and breaks during the summer. as much as they can. “One-year battles usually give cash prizes of $1,000To this team of talented, amazing people, break dancing $2,000 for first place,” Bautista said, “but we mostly do is a way of life. battles for fundraising.” For some, they’ll carry on and break forever. To others A battle is where a large number of break dancing groups it is the perfect way to pass the time, meet new people, get together and compete by breaking. Two groups share the enjoy being a teen and hopefully learn the skills of working dance floor, and compete head to head. The winner is the as a team. group that creates the most excitement in the crowd. Even if the club does end this year, it’ll The breakers enjoy doing battles to show always be remembered for its poweroff their skills, grow as break dancers, and ful routines and passion. to possibly learn more moves to present to “It’s our thing, dawg.” the school at assemblies. Breaking, for most Bautista said as he smiled.
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“I decided that I wanted to do something out of the box. I wanted to do something that I could look back on in the future and be proud of just trying and I don’t want to have regrets in the future.”
“Daffodil is a community thing and it represents Emerald Ridge. It’s something I am passionate about and it seems like a good experience and a good way to represent how much I love Emerald Ridge.”
JOEY CREEK
“To just have fun. I wanted to do something drastic for my senior year and this is out of my normal comfort zone.”
“This is an experience that I wouldn’t want to miss. It’s a great way to build up lifetime things and relationships.”
“I want to represent the student body and be involved in the community.”
“To represent Emerald Ridge and the community the best way I know and to be a good example.”
How do you plan on using the title if you win?
“It will allow me to be more socially conscious and will motivate me to continue to step out of what I normally do.”
“It’s a chance to reach out to more than just Puyallup and show how great our community is.”
Summer Yates
The ERHS girls’ soccer team has won the playoffs. The girls played against Kentridge at Curtis’ field on Nov. 1 and the girls won 1-0 . The team has changed its record to a final 8-5-4, more than doubling their wins. In the past couple of weeks, the girls started off great with three shutouts. The girls beat Bethel by a score of 11-0 on Oct. 3. Two days later, the soccer team faced Spanaway Lake and beat The Sentinels by the same score of 11-0. The squad won again, on Oct. 7, by yet another shutout, 5-0. Having said that, the last three games the girls played before the end of the season resulted in ties. Senior captain Jill Jensen tried her best to see the bright side of things. “At first, we got a little frustrated,” Jensen said before
“A princess that represents Emerald Ridge would be one with a good balance of fun and intelligence, that’s into challenges and is witty, and I think I measure up to those qualities.”
“Because I never saw an African American participate before.”
“It’s something I always wanted to do. I look up to several former Daffodil Princesses.”
“I wanted to try something new, get involved in the community and represent the school in a good way.”
What inspired you to run for Daffodil Princess?
“I want to become closer with the other girls. I can also take the experiences and use them in the future, whether it is in college or my career.”
“To become a better public speaker, be more confident in groups, to meet new people and to just have fun, even if I don’t win.”
What do you hope to get out of this experience?
“To become more punctual and stop saying ‘like’ all the time. It is also an eye-opener to try new things.”
“It’s a good experience to meet new people, have fun and understand the whole Daffodil shindig.”
“Doing what is expected, being a leader and representing Emerald Ridge in the best way.”
“I would look for scholarship opportunities and represent the community in a good way.”
How do you plan on using the title if you win?
“I want to represent Emerald Ridge in the best way and to set a good example to other princesses.”
“I plead the Fifth ...”
volumeSEVEN.issueTWO
A special thanks to studio art student Nona Bergren.
06
the squad’s last two games, “But it makes us want to play better and hopefully win more games.” The girls have been defying all odds, and in record time. In the past month, the girls lost three games. Now, with their final record of more wins than losses, their spirits are up. Jenna Malinen, junior captain and defender, reflected on Captain junior Jenna Malinen races downfield with the ball against Puyallup High School on Oct. 19. their finishing record of 8-5-4. “I really thought we could’ve done better,” she said. With all of the games in this season concluded, the girls “There were games that we lost that we should’ve tied, games will continue to hold their heads high, proudly, and act that we tied that we should’ve won.” professionally all the way into next year’s season.
Boys tennis has a great year with true leadership BY
DALLAS M. WELKER
REPORTER
The boys tennis team finished the season 7-7, fourth place in the league. Last year, they ended fourth in the league as well. Competing at sub-districts proved to be successful. Sub-districts consist of three rounds. Coveted league spots are awarded in the end of the competition. “Five of the six teams made it to the second round and Erik Olson gained a spot in league,” said senior captain Patrick Hoey, who ended his season with slight disappointment. “I lost in the second round after being seeded seventh in the district and being predicted to win that match.” Olson ended his season with a loss to Daniel Lee of Curtis in quarterfinals.
Lakia Arceneaux
What do you hope to get out of this experience?
Jessica Mussie
“To have a good experience, meet new girls and learn more about developing character.”
Kelsey Goff
“I want to become stronger, make a difference in the school, and be a good representative.”
06,19.indd 2-3
BY
Photo by Gerry LeConte
What inspired you to run for Daffodil Princess?
Jennifer Newkirk
“I have admired the girls who ran in the past and it seemed like a fun opportunity. Also, my neighbors have been involved in the festival, so I figured it would be interesting.”
Playoff victory REPORTER
Jennifer Humphries
“After talking to (former Daffodil Princess) Holly Eads, it seemed like an amazing experience and a good thing to get involved with.”
Erin James
Caitlin Halligan
t a s h l t i l d l a o f z f d z a n D a Ja
In spring 2007, the Grand Floral Street Parade will celebrate its 74th year. This annual event runs during the month of April, and travels through Puyallup, Tacoma, Sumner, and Orting all in one day, rain or shine. The theme this year will be “Daffodils and all that Jazz.”
Coach Theresa Gotter is a veteran player. She has spent 16 years coaching and started coaching boys this season. In two months, she has seen dramatic improvements. “It is amazing to see how the younger players have improved after playing every day for eight weeks,” Gotter said. The Jags will miss the leadership of the seniors who showed consistency and support. “I am proud of the positive senior leadership of Erik Olson and Patrick Hoey,” Gotter said. “They have led the team through some tough times the last three years with coaching changes and player changes. Erik Olson has to be the strongest asset. He is a great leader, a calm and dedicated player. He ‘walks his talk’ and helps the more inexperienced players with strokes and strategy.” Leaving the team after four years of play is a bittersweet symphony to some.
“I plan on keeping tennis as a lifetime sport, but this might be the last year I play it competitively,” Hoey said. But, surely, Hoey will not leave without some friendly advice for next years seniors. “Work harder during practice and in the off season,” Hoey said.
The team is filled with remarkable athletes and attitudes, such as Hoey and Olson, who represent what a tennis player should be. “I have guys who display sportsmanship and are great competitors,” Gotter said. “I am proud the boys on the tennis team have their priorities in the right order.”
19 volumeSEVEN.issueTWO 11/1/2006 10:01:08 PM
OP/ED
SPORTS
Volleyball team disappoints Teach some equality The Jags finish the season with a losing record and without qualifying for districts, falling short of expectations BY
STASIE HENSON
REPORTER
Senior captain Meagan Wyngarden blocks in the victorious game vs. Puyallup.
The volleyball team struggled through most of this season with a record of 4-10. The Jags showed some improvement in the last month, however, still struggled during their final games. “We’re a really strong practice team but at games we just give up and fall apart,” junior Brittany Rusler said. It seems the girls’ spirit and focus slowly shifts throughout the games. The team recently won its match against Puyallup, 3-1, but the next night was defeated by Rogers, 3-0.
The team had spirit and great defense against the Vikings, which is unlike many matches the team has played this year, including the Rogers match. “It was the mind-set, we were excited for both,” senior captain Cami Medlock said. “At Puyallup we were focused, but at Rogers we lost it. We knew they were tough, but we expected to play better.” The team played well against Rogers but seemed to lack communication. One girl would call out “mine,” then someone else would jump in front of her and they would both miss the ball, giving Rogers the point. The team placed third in state last year, but this year didn’t make it to districts, as its loss to Curtis ended postseason possibilities. At the game against Curtis, the team was off to a bad start and never really recovered. “Literally, we fell apart and had
Here at Emerald Ridge, the first of our four main goals is that “Every student will be well-known, both personally and academically, by at least one adult staff member.” There is a constant emphasis on the student-teacher relationship. Walk through the halls during Jag Time and you are sure to find students in the classroom of their favorite teacher. But maybe it is going too far. Maybe these special student-teacher relationships are leading to favoritism in such a way that they are receiving preferred treatment. The question isn’t if it’s happening; the question is why is no one taking action? Perhaps the answer is why would anybody? Why would anyone complain about the special privileges teachers grant? How many students can lose their blue slip, show up a few minutes tardy or turn-in an assignment late without repercussions? As harmless as favoritism may seem, for those of us who are viewing this preferential treatment on the outside, it often seems like we are in fact disliked because he/she doesn’t turn their cheek when we walk into class late. When some students are punished and others are not, it appears to the student to be a personal matter; a matter of like and dislike, whether or not the occasion warrants it. What teachers may feel is a harmless favor to a student they have built trust with, other students may see as unjust and unbalanced. Putting aside human nature, something needs to be said. A student shouldn’t feel that they need a friendship with every teacher to feel secure in the fact they’re receiving the same education as their peers. Although teachers are going to get along better with certain
already given up,” senior Meagan Wyngarden said. “It’s the hard truth.” The team is upset by its performance this year, but has learned valuable lessons. “It’s hard every year making it to state except my senior year, but it was the most fun year,” Wyngarden said. “We bonded this year more than the past years.” Learning to work together and recover from losing nine seniors, including state player of the year Kylie Marshall, has taken a bigger toll on the team’s performance than expected. “Emerald Ridge is known for its volleyball accomplishments,” junior Erin Craven said. “The volleyball team has more awards on the wall than most sports here; it’s cool to have that. You can’t just expect to have that legacy move on. You have to earn it.”
BY
ALI GRABER
REPORTER
Dear Editor: I am writing concerning a factual error in the latest edition of your newsmagazine. The article “New ASB budget causes increase in prices at ER” is one of many articles that I have noticed in the past few years that make sweeping claims about ASB and its budget. The article has many accurate facts about soda machines and the tightening down on budget, but it says that in order to meet the void these constrictions created, ASB raised
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the price of parking passes and instituted a user fee for all athletic transportation. Yes, ASB did need to raise the price of parking passes in order to have sound club and athletic programs, for instance the JagWire. But the user fee came from the district office in order to help fund the cost of transportation for sports, because of the hike in gas prices. The article is condescending toward ASB and the Executive Board. I feel the article
THE FINE PRINT
20
Photo by Julia Serva-Delmonte
The boys water polo team finished off their losing streak with another loss to their biggest rival, Rogers, on Oct. 17. Playing the Rams for the second time, the team lost 17-6. The Jaguars were ahead by three in the first quarter, but the second one rolled around and it all went downhill. Last year the team had a record of 5-11. This year, it’s nothing like that. This year’s overall record is only 2-8. There could be plenty of reasons for the change. The Jags have a new coach and they’ve lost 13 seniors. “It’s definitely senior loss. We lost 13,” player Zach Turner said. “My (senior) brother last year scored 55 goals in one season.
We suck this year because we lost those seniors.” The Jags started out the Rogers game with a bang, scoring the first two goals, but at the end of the first quarter, the Jags allowed the Rams to come back into the game, only leading by a goal. After that, the Jags got pummeled as Rogers scored four unanswered goals. In the fourth quarter, senior leader and captain Nick Humlick had to sit out the rest of the game due to his four ejections (fouls). The game prior to Rogers was just as bad. The Oct. 10 game against Curtis was lost 30-8. The Vikings defeated them on Oct. 19, too. The game ended with a 16-7 score, and the Jags continued to lose. “It sucks to keep losing, but we try our best,” Turner said. Despite their losses, the Jags have kept up their spirit. “We try to be always happy,” said player Trevor Hayden. Unlike last year, the Jags are not going to state. “We got sixth place out of six,” Hayden said sarcastically.
Editorials are composed by, and are the opinion of, the JagWire editorial board
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Last place finish for water polo With the graduation of key players, the boys water polo team suffers and is unable to maintain the high standard set by last year’s team
students or find it easier to deal with some students, teachers need to take more effort to treat students equally. When a due date is set, it should be set for everyone. When the tardy bell rings, it should be heard by everyone. When time and effort is put into grading one student’s assignment, it should be equal for all. We all have our fair share of “teacher’s pet” stories, and when preferred treatment is displayed in front of the classroom, it limits the effort of other students to reach their potential. Maybe we’re wrong. Perhaps our inbox will be flooded with letters to the editor of how incorrect we really are. And maybe we’re even ruining things for ourselves (seeing as how every member of the editorial board can name our fair share of unfair teachers we know). The fact is, teachers need to step it up and treat students equally. You have a duty as an educator to give students the best learning environment. We understand that teachers and administration are only human and they may not realize this happens, but they need to take more steps to treat students equally because it affects all of the students in some way or another. And students, if you are one of the ones who are always stopped, take your own measures to prove them wrong. If they think you may be up to trouble – don’t be. That is how you can make change … with liberty and Tuesday schools for all.
As an open forum, JagWire exercises student free expression rights to their fullest extent. We pursue an unbiased truth while maintaining the highest journalistic integrity. Our top priority is to raise awareness while covering a wide variety of issues that impact our readership. By exploring different angles to make sure
is rather biased and unjust due to the fact that none of the members of the Executive Board, to my knowledge, were contacted for statements or an interview regarding these changes. We raised the price of parking passes because driving to school is an option and a privilege. If a student can afford a car and its costs (gas, insurance, etc.) another $5 is not going to break the bank. Patrick Hoey
our coverage is fair, balanced and accurate, we seek to continue the publication’s tradition of excellence through self-reflection and improvement.
LETTERS POLICY JagWire will accept unsolicited copy from students, staff and community members. Only signed and dated letters with address and phone number from community members, or grade level from students, will be accepted. Letters should be limited to 300 words and will be published as space is available. All letters are the sole opinion of the writers, and the staff reserves the right to edit any letter for space and/or clarity. We will not publish material that may substantially
STAFF EDITORIAL BOARD ..................................ELAINE RAYMOND ..................................................................................... ROBIN STOYLES ................................................................................. ASHLEY VINCENT ....................................................................................JENN WHITHAM ....................................................................................... SUMMER YATES COPY EDITOR ............................. MARISSA MOODENBAUGH PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR .................... BRITTANY GENTILE DESIGN MANAGER ...................................DANNY CANHAM BUSINESS MANAGER ............................. ANDY DICKERSON CIRCULATION MANAGER ............................ NIKKI SEADER REPORTERS ...............................................ALEXA BROCKCAMP ...................................................................................... SARA CARSON ..........................................................................................DAVID CHISA ............................................................................................DEMI CRAIG ....................................................................................... CARLO CREEK ............................................................................................ JOEY CREEK ....................................................................................ALIESHA DRIVAS ......................................................................................NATE DUMLAO ..........................................................................BRITTANY ESPINOZA ................................................................................MORGAN T. GARD .................................................................................LAUREN GONICK ............................................................................ HEATHER GORMAN .............................................................................................ALI GRABER ............................................................................................ ALI GRUVER .................................................................................. CHELSEA HARRIS .................................................................................... STASIE HENSON .............................................................................................JOSH JOYCE .................................................................................. GERRY LECONTE ...................................................................................... ALEX MESSNER ..................................................................................LINDSAY NOLAN ............................................................................ ASHLEE PITIGLIANO ....................................................................JULIA SERVA-DELMONTE ..............................................................................................MIMI SISON ......................................................................................LAUREN SMITH ................................................................................... CHASE WAGNER .................................................................................. RACHEL WEBBER ...............................................................................DALLAS M. WELKER ...................................................................................... SHAY WILHELM ADVISER........................................................................ JEFF NUSSER AFFILIATES
JEA, NSPA, SPJ, WJEA, WSJA
CORRECTIONS In Issue 1, the story “New ASB budget causes increase in prices at ER” contained one inaccuracy. The transportation fee for students involved in sports actually was instituted by the district, not ASB. Also the “Volleyball suffers after graduation of key players” story should have said that the team played the Graham-Kapowsin Eagles for a second time. JagWire regrets these errors.
disrupt the school process. Letters to the editor may be submitted by mailing them to JagWire c/o Emerald Ridge High School, or by e-mailing them to jdnusser@puyallup.k12.wa.us
ADVERTISING MISSION The JagWire publication staff accepts advertisements for most products and services available to the public. However, the staff reserves the right to reject, edit or cancel any advertisement that the staff deems offensive in light of normal public standards. Ads identifying students as athletes by photo or text (WIAA 18.20.0 and 18.20.1) also will not be accepted. The staff will not accept advertising that is racist, sexist or illegal for high school students.
05 volumeSEVEN.issueTWO 11/2/2006 8:39:42 AM
A&E
NEWS
PRIDE helps everyone read BY
ELAINE RAYMOND
EDITORIAL BOARD
In an attempt to provide reading material for students during Everybody Reads, PRIDE, along with administrators, is starting a book drive. The inspiration for the drive came from “just going to advisories and students saying they didn’t have anything to read,” assistant principal Troy Hodge said. The purpose behind the book drive is to provide reading material that students will enjoy reading, encompassing everything from novels to magazines. “A lot of the kids aren’t reading because they don’t have something that interests them,” said Jodi Scott, co-president of PRIDE, a parent-teacher volunteer organization dedicated to improving the school.
The books have yet to be distributed, but will become available as more reading material is collected. How the books will be distributed has yet to be decided. “As soon as we get a decent amount of books we will have something at lunch where students can come and pick out books,” Scott said. The book drive committee is brainstorming other distribution stratagies, one of which includes distribution through advisory. Although PRIDE believes that most of the donations will be made by parents, anyone is welcome to deposit reading material in bins located in the main office. “Stop and think about how many people have books just sitting at home,” Scott said. Hodge agrees, admitting to be guilty of just that.
“I’ve got all kinds of books lying around collecting dust,” Hodge said. “If we can get people to donate we’ll be providing reading material and helping them get rid of clutter.” The books will be available for students to take as they please, but the hope is that they will be returned so others can enjoy them. “We won’t make it so difficult as a check-out system,” Scott said. “We’ll have an honor system. We’re hoping that they’ll bring it back and take something else, but if they don’t that means they are reading, and that’s OK with me.” Although there is not a specific goal for the ideal number of books collected, both Hodge and Scott hope to collect as much as possible. “We have 1,500 students,” Scott said. “I would love to give each one of them a book if they need it.”
‘Slow Down or Pay Up’ ends tolerance on the road BY
BRITTANY ESPINOZA
REPORTER
Due to a recent increase in collisions caused by lack of enforced speeding laws, all police agencies in Washington, including the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, have launched a speed emphasis campaign called “Slow Down or Pay Up.” The money that is given to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, a tax-based organization, is typically split up between detective work, homicidal investigations, etc. This time, the department was given grant money from the government that specifically allows it to put more officers on patrol with an emphasis on violations of speeding laws.
“Pierce County received $1,500 to do more patrolling, with an emphasis on speeding,” Deputy Andrew Finley said. Now, up to 20 officers are working overtime and patrolling bounded areas from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. They are doing this to enforce speeding laws more strictly. The four boundaries are the north by State Route 512, the south by 176th St. E., the west by Pacific Avenue, and the east by Meridian. Senior Kaila Allen, a victim of the campaign, was given a $91 fine for speeding down the Wildwood hill. “She was really nice about it, telling me how she needed to go home and carve her pumpkins,” Allen said. “She said I was go-
ing 56 in a 35, but I have no idea how she thought that when I know for a fact my car barely even makes it up the hill. So she wrote me up as going 40 instead.” Drivers often feel they can acceptably drive slightly over the speed limit and not worry about a ticket. Police were always allowed to pull drivers over for that, but they usually didn’t. During “Slow Down or Pay Up,” driving at all over the posted limit is not acceptable. Officers are no longer settling for verbal warnings – they will ticket the offenders. “The signs that people see on the sides of the roads are a warning to not speed,” Finley said. “Police are likely to pull people over for going just 1 mph over the speed limit.” Police are not only cracking down on
speeding, but also aggressive driving and following too closely. Some students believe the speeding emphasis is necessary, but think some of the changes are not worth it, such as the increase of officers from different counties, not only Pierce, who are more likely to pull you over now. “I think they’re just doing their job,” senior Jessica Edwards said. “But I still think it’s stupid that a cop can pull you over now even if they are from a different county.” Senior Diana Rushton thinks it is an unnecessary move and an inconvenience. “I used to speed all the time,” Rushton said. “But now I can’t. Even if I’m late for work I want to speed, but I don’t want to get a ticket.”
Man found a new best friend: ‘Marley and Me’ This unruly canine is sure to be loved by book and dog lovers alike BY
MARISSA MOODENBAUGH
COPY MANAGER
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Service
Have you ever been in a pet store and out of the corner of your eye watched the dogs and their owners in the obedience class? There is always that one dog that is dragging its master across the floor just to “greet” a dog on the other side of the class. You smirk and go about your life, maybe feeling slightly sorry for the unruly dog’s owner and glad your dog isn’t like that. Well, that owner took his experiences with his maniac mutt and turned it into a best-selling book. Philadelphia Inquirer columnist John Grogan’s “Marley and Me” is a non-fiction book that proves that while the world’s worst dog can be a nuisance, he is still man’s best friend. Grogan and his wife Jenny were newlyweds looking for that “perfect” dog that would prepare them for parenthood. Grogan, who as a child did have such an amazing dog, had high hopes and expectations. But from the first moment his paws hit the floor, Marley set about teaching his new masters a thing or two. From failing obedience school to destroying parts of their house, Marley proved fully able to keep Jenny and John on their toes and onlookers watching in
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volumeSEVEN.issueTWO
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04
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one star - poor | two stars - average | three stars - good | four stars - great
A Head of Times A
BOOK REVIEW amazement. Then, as if things aren’t already difficult enough, add being parents and raising a family to the list. But as years passed with job changes and multiple moves, Marley remained an ever-loyal companion and guardian of the family. Though age dimmed his destructive behaviors, it was unable to diminish his exuberant spirit. It was only after his passing that the Grogans would fully understand that while Marley wasn’t perfect in many ways, he had impacted their lives and the lives of those who knew him. Unlike many blasé novels pertaining to real life experiences, “Marley and Me” is flavored with more than kibble and treats. The characters are more alive and brilliant than I have seen in many novels because of its realistic and poignant emotions. Grogan’s intuitive perspective as a journalist is conveyed eloquently, combining all the right elements of anger, laughter, and life to create a novel of substance and understanding. His attention to detail brings the novel to life. You can see Marley’s golden fur as he runs wildly past with part of the audio speaker hanging from his drool-filled mouth, Jenny and John in pursuit. While not all the readers have had had a dog like Marley, Grogan proves that almost all dogs have a little bit of Marley in them. There’s the dog that tears up the garbage, eating things you know just can’t be good for them, or no matter how long or how loud you call, just won’t come. But that same dog is your most loyal friend and confidant, and life just wouldn’t be the same without them. “Marley and Me” is an enjoyable novel that not only makes the reader smile while imagining the “Marley Mambo,” but also renders heartfelt emotions that have many reaching for that Kleenex box that’s never at hand. As a new personal favorite, I give “Marley and Me” three stars and a box of Milk Bones.
10
top ten...
things to do on a Friday night
by Nate Dumlao
Do you find it hard to think of something to do on a Friday night? Have you ever just sat at home, bored, chillin’ with your homies or alone watching re-runs of “America’s Next Top Model?” Do you get home and fall victim to myspace.com until you’re pressing refresh every four seconds? If you find yourself answering yes to these questions, then maybe these suggestions could be of help. 10. Make a Strike: Rocknbowl at Daffodil Bowling Alley is always a fun place to be. With lights flashing, loud music, affordable food and boisterous friends, Rocknbowl promises to be a good time with lots of laughs. It’s also an amusing place to have a friendly competition if you enjoy being competitive or laughed at for having on goofy shoes. 9. Me, Myself and I: It’s always about everyone else. Your teachers are always telling you to get this and that done, your parents tell you to do your chores and you’re supposed to hang out with your friends. Forget about everyone else for awhile and spend some time all to yourself. Take a bubble bath, read a book, or just sleep. Get some needed rest that most likely won’t present itself for the rest of the week. 8. Spend Time With Your Special Someone: Friday night rolls along and you find yourself extra lonely. What do you do? Arrange a date with your boyfriend/girlfriend or special someone and go out to the waterfront. Enjoy a nice dinner, moonlit stroll, and a goodnight kiss. 7. Family Time: If you’ve been feeling guilty about not spending time with your family lately, then take one day out of your week to do so. A Friday night is a perfect time to just sit down, open up that ageold game of Monopoly and spend some time family bonding and creating more family memories. 6. Attend a Sporting Event: Show your Jaguar pride by attending an intense game. Watch the Jags dominate any opponent (or at least try). Put on some green pants, face paint, and get prepared to have a good time. Support your school, show some spirit, spend time with your friends, and you might possibly see a win. 5. See a Show: Go online and check out shows that are on venues’ sites. Pick out concerts going on this weekend, and head down to the event. The Showbox would be a great place to go and see a show. You can even walk through Pike Place Market while you’re there. The White River Amphitheater is another great place to go to and see an outstanding Broadway-like play. 4. Food Run: Hungry? Then go out to eat with some friends at Red Robin, get a big burger and share the unlimited fries. If you’re lacking money, like most teens are, then go to a Denny’s and order a Cherry Bling with extra cherries and a plastic sword. (Free refills!) 3. Weekend Get Away: School is over and you and your friends jump into your already packed car and head out for a weekend trip to Portland or some other exciting spot. You spend your time meeting locals and seeing some fun shows or just relaxing. Come back home on Sunday with just enough time to do your homework and a good nights rest. 2. Build a Fort: Get home, stack some tables, grab a blanket and make a fort. (Only after first making sure your parents are OK with it, all right?) Make sure to build it with access to your TV and snacks to last a few hours. Don’t forget to bring your flashlight. 1. Movie Meltdown: School is finished and you’re wondering what you should do for the rest of the night. Call up some friends and have a movie night. Try sitting down with a steaming bowl of popcorn, a bag of M&M’s, and watch Adam Sandler’s new big hit “Click” or the classic “The Lion King.”
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21 volumeSEVEN.issueTWO 11/1/2006 9:55:44 PM
NEWS
A&E
Fabulous fire-roasted Farelli’s BY
CHELSEA HARRIS
REPORTER
I had heard it was the best pizza I would ever have, that it would change my life. People couldn’t believe I hadn’t been there, so when I was debating about where to go for dinner, Farrelli’s Pizza seemed like a natural choice. I was not disappointed. With professionally dressed servers and a stone fire place, the décor is a far cry from your average local pizza place’s street-sign covered walls. The hardwood floors don’t echo with shouts of teenagers out to eat on a Saturday night; instead, the quiet
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conversations of adults and families there to spend time together fill the room. Dim lighting enhances the mood, causing you to look forward to gourmet food. My friend and I discussed salads, deciding on Mom’s Tossed Salad ($10.49). I thought the price was high, but after the first bite I understood why we paid the extra few dollars. The blended house dressing puts ranch
Student car flips after taking off-campus shortcut BY
to shame, and the moist, grilled chicken was delicious. The variety of choices from delicious appetizers to delectable pizzas made it difficult to decide. The Chicken Alfredo Pizza, the Great Greek Pizza and the Veggie Deluxe are signature pizzas and all sound so amazing. Farrelli’s also offers pizza by the slice, lasagna and stuffed mushrooms, depending on what you are in the mood for. Scanning the menu, we settled on the Fawaiian pizza (12-inch: $12.99, 16-inch: $19.99), the classic Hawaiian – Farrelli’s claim to fame – and we added black olives. It was one of the best pizzas I have ever
had in my life. Farrelli’s pizza is fire roasted as opposed to baked in a regular oven leads to flawlessly melted cheese, perfectly cooked crust and delectable toppings, never burned and never undercooked. It was perfection. Though the prices were a little higher than expected, the quality of food was more than worth it. If you ever want more than just an average pizza more than greasy pepperoni atop poorly made crust -- I definitely encourage everyone to go to Farrelli’s, if not for the atmosphere then just to experience a grown up pizza.
Three students narrowly escaped serious injury when their car flipped just off the school campus after the driver lost control coming out of the private dirt road off of 184th Street East on Tuesday after school. The three juniors – the male driver, a male passenger and a female passenger – took the shortcut through the private road in order to avoid after-school traffic. But when they came around a corner, another car coming the opposite direction caused the driver to swerve and lose control of the car. The car went off the road, through some nearby bushes, and eventually settled on its roof about 10 feet from the road. All three students – who were wearing their seatbelts – sustained minor injuries; the male passenger was taken to the hospital immediately to receive a CAT scan and checkup. According to Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Rich Hecht, the responding officer, the accident could have been worse than it was. “All of them could be dead,” he said. “Based on the accident and how the car was upside down, they should have serious
Without a doubt, ‘Running with Scissors’ makes the cut MOVIE REVIEW SUMMER YATES
EDITORIAL BOARD
After many of the movies scheduled to be shown last weekend in the greater Pierce County area fell through, I began to swear silently to myself. What would be reviewed for JagWire? How will the readers know the paper’s opinion of a movie? Will JagWire cease to leave a space open for the movie review? What will become of the A&E section? What is happening to the world, people. Luckily, the grey skies cleared, and a ray of sunshine burst through. I once again braced the indefinite, intricate lengths of the highway in the passenger seat with literally the worst driver ever to the bright horizon of the Lakewood Theater in a death-defying journey to bear witness to the most rage-invoking film of my life thus far: “Running With Scissors.” I don’t consider this a movie review; I consider this a direct mandate with any and all power that has been invested in me by the state of Washington and the succession of Matthew Click – go see this movie. It’s an emotional rollercoaster with a surprise roundhouse-kick-to-the-face kind of feel. I couldn’t have been angrier with this film. It was fabulous. For those who have read the memoir, the movie is based on this New York Times bestseller of Augusten Burroughs, who remained an important part of the creative team while
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shooting. In the film, we follow the adolescence of Augusten (played by a much more grown-up Joseph Cross than the one we saw as young Charlie in “Jack Frost”) as he relates the trials and misfortunes of living with his mother’s shrink. His mother, the fame-hungry and drugged Deirdre Burroughs (Annette Bening of “American Beauty”) at the advice of her therapist and idol, Dr. Finch (Brian Cox), sends her son to live with him and his unconventional family. Augusten must some how survive as he is thrown into the life of an eccentric family to be analyze, scrutinized, criticized and any other sizes that come into play. His only allies are Natalie Finch (Evan Rachel Wood from “Thirteen”), electro-shock therapy expert and his 35-year-old boyfriend Neil Bookman (Joseph Fiennes), another patient of the doctor. Along his journey, Augusten, as well as the audience, learns of a brilliant and beautiful peace that is found in the mentally unstable. “Running With Scissors” is kind of like “Ahhhhhh!” but in a good way. Where most of what Hollywood dishes out is the same,
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repetitive story (villain, hero, love triangle, speedy car chase, passionate kiss followed by a song list to evoke the desired reaction), this dark comedy brilliantly uses the absence of music to connect you with to the feelings of the character: the pounding of hearts, the silence of a whisper, and the screams of the annoyed. The film is executed as an original and soon-to-be cult favorite. Desperately trying to keep up with the motives and intentions of the characters, the film takes you on a round-about, cat-and-mouse chase that will make you want to laugh at the inappropriate, cry at the fictional, and scream at the top of your lungs right along with the actors. Word to the wise: some material may not suitable for the immature or innocent. The movie does have an R-rating, and for good reason. It exposes some very real, very controversial topics with just a dash of comedic timing that provides a flawless balance. I do not recommend that the underage should be exposed to the definition of “masturbatorium” or the intimate details of a pedophile relationship (I myself watched a few scenes through filtered eyes.) Whether you leave the theater in shambles at a broken mother/son relationship, in notches from the laughing that ensued, or in an angry fury at your confusion of the purpose, “Running With Scissors” is a must-see. Not only does the movie provide a much need comedic sense to theaters today, it also presents a metaphor for the madness and dysfunction which is, at some level, evident in every family.
22,03.indd 2-3
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22
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REPORTER
A CUT BRONZE & BODY PIERCING
volumeSEVEN.issueTWO
injuries. Someone should have a broken neck. It’s lucky they were wearing their seatbelts. Someone was watching over them.” Hecht said that there were no brake marks on the road, but that could mean anything from brake failure to a panicked jam on the gas at the same time as brakes were applied. The students reported they were going 35 mph, a speed Hecht said was sufficient to cause the accident. “There are no skid marks to measure how fast they were going,” Hecht said. “It’s very possible (that the students were Three juniors escaped serious injury in this one-car accident just off campus. All three were wearing their seatbelts during the accident. going that speed). Thirty-five mph moan.” went to get help. was fast enough to make what happened, She said she was initially unsuccessful in “When we stopped, I struggled with my happen.” seat belt and scrambled out of the window.” trying to get help from fellow students. The female passenger said the whole “I started yelling and trying to flag people she said. “I was so scared and shaking as I incident was scary. tried to undo the seat belt. (The driver) came down. Five or six cars passed me before one “It felt like it wasn’t real,” she said. to and kept asking me if I was OK; he really finally stopped,” she said. “When we hit, I just watched the ground No charges are being filed for reckless wanted to make sure I wasn’t hurt. He was come closer and closer to my face, and by the patting around to make sure I wasn’t bleed- driving or use of the private road. However, a time we stopped, it was about two feet away, ing or had broken anything. Then, when he $101 ticket was written for a violation of the and the entire windshield had cracked.” knew I was OK, he said the same thing to intermediate driver’s license. The passengers She crawled out through her window and (the other passenger), but all (he) did was were not fined.
Suspensions for intoxication
Photo by Nate Dumlao
BY
ALEXA BROCKCAMP
REPORTER
Homecoming is wonderful; everyone is dressed up, most people are with someone they like, and everybody expects to have fun. This year, however, there were a few unpleasant surprises. Several students were suspended for 90 days for coming to the Homecoming dance intoxicated. Their names cannot be released by administrative staff because of privacy laws. According to a student who was suspended, their group first went to the liquor store to have someone buy alcohol for them. When they had succeeded, they left to go to dinner. According to the student, the two-hour wait to be seated was unbearable. “Everyone decided to have a few drinks because we were bored and we didn’t want to end up just waiting to be seated,” said the student, “I didn’t drink anything, though, because I knew I would be driving and we wanted to be at least a little bit responsible.” According to the student, one member of their group in particular was very rowdy at the dance, and was called in to talk to security guards and administrators. The student said that the person in question was threat-
ened with suspension if names were not given up when a breathalyzer test was failed. The 90-day suspension for each student will be reduced to 10 days upon completion of an alcohol intervention program. The students in question might have received a light punishment. According to the alcohol policy in the student planner, “the use and or possession of alcoholic beverages … by minors is prohibited by law. Law enforcement may be notified of violations, which may result in criminal or other legal proceedings. Students should be aware that under the State of Washington’s Minor in Possession Law if a minor is convicted of the use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages … their driver’s license may be suspended (RCW 66.44.270).” Neither the driver nor the other members of this group who failed to pass the breathalyzer test were given these repercussions. Of course, it was not completely unexpected by the ad-
ministrators that some students would be drunk or otherwise intoxicated. Assistant Principal Jeannine Medvedich handled the problem at the dance. “We are always concerned about drugs and alcohol at school,” Medvedich said, but the large amount of security guards and law enforcement “was only because of the large number of attendees, and we always try to hope for the best from students.” Although homecoming was not what they expected, Medvedich’s words best sum up the situation. “Good kids make poor decisions, but they always learn and move on from their mistakes,” Medvedich said.
03 volumeSEVEN.issueTWO 11/2/2006 9:04:37 AM
t h e s o u n d o four people, four cds,
Robin – The vocals are really crisp and I do like that about the artists, but I don’t understand what she is so angry and upset about all the time. I don’t know when I would ever be in the mood to listen to this. The vocals are nice, but I think it is a little heavy on the power chords and that is not my favorite style.
Chase – Ahh Evanescence! What a horrible, classic junior high school band! Every last one of their songs sounds exactly the same. These guys need to just go away. As I was listening to the CD my soul spoke these words to the void: “My heart is black as I cry into my open wounds. I’m alone… so cold… so cold…”
Chelsea – I don’t think the songs are very good, the musicianship is terrible with guitar that is too heavy and drumbeats that drown everything out, and her voice is really whiny. I would prefer to never listen to this ever again; in fact, I would prefer it get turned off right now.
Julia Serva-Delmonte
The Art of Teaching
12 >> The Fired Line
JagWire takes an in depth look at the teaching standards set in place, and the ability of educators to meet them
Chelsea – I think this band is genius musically, doing things I haven’t heard before. The experimentation with the instruments and vocals just blows my mind. This definitely isn’t for everyone, especially if you like hooks and tempo, but I hope they make music forever and ever.
Chase Wagner
Julia – Kill me, please. I’m told this band takes some time getting used to, but I don’t know how much time that would require. I don’t really like the lead singer’s voice. It’s like he’s singing karaoke, or rather talking karaoke. The guitar is decent, but it’s being masked by that irritating noise coming out of the lead singer. Robin – This band is very experimental. And although I love experiments in music, some of these experiments have a bad odor when put together. When I listen attentively to the lyrics, I get the feeling that this band has a slight case of ADHD. All in all, I applaud the use of different ideas, but I don’t think it all blended.
Robin – This is one of my favorite CDs because I am convinced this band can’t make a bad song. It is truly brilliant; the musicians use stringed instruments one song, horns the next and even chimes, but they add to the music, while not making it cluttered. My favorite thing about this band is the lyrics and great vocals, so when I listen to this CD I never skip a track and sing to every song.
The Format “Dog Problems”
10
Rate Your Teacher
mewithoutYou “Brother, Sister”
Chase – Rock ‘n’ roll has been majorly disappointing the last couple of years, but these guys are definitely still satisfying me. They have been blessed with a slightly autistic lead singer that doesn’t really sing, but more so yells his poetry over the music. After listening to this band I usually feel like climbing a mountain.
11 >>
Evanescence “The Open Door”
Julia – I’ve been in love with lead singer Amy Lee’s voice ever since Evanescence’s album “Fallen” came out in 2003. Even though I don’t normally listen to gothic rock, Evanescence is an exception. With their ripping guitar solos, Amy’s amazing vocal abilities, and piano mixed in, Evanescence has been one of my favorite mainstream bands for years.
Chelsea – I have always, currently, and will forever love The Format. They can do no wrong musically in my book. The light mood this music creates has me smiling the whole CD through. Honestly, when the CD is finished, I start it over again.
Chase – This band did what music is supposed to do: hit my emotional side. They sound a lot like The Arcade Fire, and the record is rather Beatle-esque. Julia – The first couple of songs remind me of music from the French film “Amelie.” I was surprised with how different the songs were from each other. I don’t think I could listen to this of my own free will, but it sounds like good background music for indie films. It has that nice upbeat tempo and a pretty decent tenor singer.
Robin Stoyles
Struggling throughout the season, the volleyball season ended without the usual success
04 Speeding Cushion
Keep a sharp eye out for police officers enforcing the new speeding campaign “Slow Down or Pay Up”
20
Chase – Everyone seems to be in love with this guy lately. He reminds me a lot of Bright Eyes. This is the kind of music indie kids would listen to in order to feel sophisticated, but this guy does have some awesome melodies and fun guitar parts. I definitely enjoyed it.
Jags Hit the Net
a flawless balance 22 With of comedic timing and
Running With controversial topics, this Scissors movie is a must see
23
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Julia – This guy reminds me of James Blunt. I like the soft acoustic and the mellow feel Sufjan has. His voice is light and I like the lyrics. It’s relaxing; I would listen to this on a rainy day while looking out my window pondering life or something.
Sufjan Stevens “Seven Swans”
Chelsea – Good voice. Good lyrics. Good guitar. It’s just good, and that’s all that needs to be said. Buy the CD.
Robin – Smooth– the first word that came to mind listening to this. I understand what Chelsea was talking about when she said all the tracks are good. If you like soft, lyrical rock, then Sufjan is the guy for you. I like the use of different instruments that he throws into the mixture of sounds.
Chelsea Harris
see what happens when they come to the roundtable
11/1/2006 10:21:45 PM
the beat giving you the low down on the South Sound
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volumeSEVEN.issueTWO.november 2006
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