January 2017

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Red & Black Newspaper 01.10.17 • Volume 86 • Issue 5 Jefferson City High School Jefferson City, MO

Two high schools?

An explanation of how having two high schools in Jefferson City would affect the community p. 10-13

CONTENTS 01.10.17 4

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NEWS #Hey Admin: How successful has technology integration been here at JCHS? What happens from election to inaguration

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What about roundabouts?

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JCHS has festive fun at winter assembly

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Holiday spirit in the Capitol rotunda

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Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.

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Jefferson City goes skating with Santa

IN-DEPTH

would 10-13 What happen if we had

two high schools?

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SPORTS 14

Finding motivation in the winter

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Is it a sport?

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Red & Black super bowl predictions

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Lady Jays basketball puts in work

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Pre/post workout foods

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Signing off to another chapter Featured Athlete: Kade Franks

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Track and Field off season training

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Editorial: Does JCHS take attendance too seriously?

H2H: Group vs individual projects

City thinks 26 Jefferson manners matter your 27 What’s Valentine’s Day budget?

Valentine’s Day 27 DIY gifts

FEATURES

evolution of 20 The teachers

OPINION

A&E 28

Recap of New Year’s Day

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Tools for the disorganized student

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DIY party snacks

SAD truth about 22 The seasonal depression

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Winter drinks

skies create the 22 Dark brightest stars

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Reviews: Box water, Collateral Beauty, Passengers

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Recovering from the holiday season

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The student under all those feathers

Predicted fashion trends of 2017 Read All Over - #4

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Missouri weather can’t make up its mind New Year’s Resolutions

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athletics, construction, and education work? We’ve talked to professionals and gotten the information, but we’ve also asked for your opinions!

As we kick off the new year, I could not be more excited to continue work on the Red & Black. Over the years, it’s become really special to me, and I’m ecstatic about all the new changes and progress we’ve made with our format, our website, and even the diversity and creativity of our stories. I truly do have the best reporters and editors to work with.

As always, thank you for picking up a paper, and I’m proud to present this issue of Red & Black to all of you in the JC community.

- Madi Baughman

FROM THE EDITOR

Hello again JCHS, and welcome back to school! I know we’ve all gotten used to sleeping in and relaxing over break (or at least, I have), but it’s time to get back into the swing of things with the beginning of the new semester. Now we’ve got new classes, new teachers, and most of all, the new year itself!

This month, we’ve decided to do something a little differently.

Instead of having a separate In-Depth and Spotlight like usual, we’ve combined these two sections to create a four-page special In-Depth!

Our topic this month is one that’s been debated for quite a while here in Jefferson City: what would it be like if we had two high schools instead of one? How would

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January 10, 2017 Volume 86, Issue 5

Red & Black is a student led newspaper that serves as a public forum for the school and the community. Opinions expressed in the paper are not necessarily those of JCHS nor the faculty, staff or administrators.

Editors: Madi Baughman Abbi Gierer Brooklynne Propes Gillian Burks Kaylee Klosterman Makenzie Baldwin Veronica Townsend

WEB EXCLUSIVES • A closer look at the JCHS Math Squad • Reviews: Hairspray Live, Pokemon Sun/Moon • Photo Gallery: Sports at Simonsen Ninth Grade Center

Check out all of these stories and stories from past issues exclusively at jcredblack.com!

• Photo Gallery: Students playing dodgeball for a good cause • How Red & Black is made • Are snow days really a good thing?

Corrections: • In our Dec. 13 issue on page 11, we misspelled Heaven Chavez’s name as Chavz • On page 21, we misspelled Hannah Kempker’s name as Kemper

Staff Reporters: Kelsie Backues Maddy Bergstrom Ali Beza Megan Cassels Sidney Johnson Matt LeCure Devan Palmero Emily Rush Salem Sanfilippo Solindas Adviser: Timothy Maylander Jefferson City High School 609 Union Street Jefferson City, MO 65101 (573) 659-3050 redblack.jchs@gmail.com

@jcredblack

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NEWS

On the road to #HeyAdmin Trump’s inaguration

Got any questions for administration? Tweet them to us @jcredblack with the hashtag #HeyAdmin and your question just might get answered! Here’s our question to the principals:

“How successful has technology integration been here at JCHS? If you (as an administrator) could go back in time and do something differently when it comes to technology here, what would it be?”

Shanna Schwarzer Jefferson City Public Schools grades 9-12 are one-to-one when it comes to devices, with iPads as the district-selected device.

Providing students and teachers with technology to expand the possibilities of instruction and assessments is crucial as our world demands technology in an average person’s everyday life and career field.

Technology integration is a process embedded in instruction and curriculum designs. JCHS students and staff have several supports in place to enhance their use and to assist in times of need.

Staff are supported through monthly technology professional development and clear expectations of requirements, like using Google Classroom. Students and staff have the librarians and the Tech Center students and staff to assist them with anything from troubleshooting to expanding their use of technology while learning and teaching.

A struggle that we had as students and staff was when not all students had the devices. If we were to go back and do anything differently, we would not have had the transitional year where there was a cohort of Sophomores with devices, and two grades without. It is easier when the expectations and methods are universal for all students and staff.

The progress that we have made in regards to the technology integration is positive and we have a lot more work to do as technology is never fully mastered. We are in a good place.

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01.10.17//NEWS

Abbi Gierer

What about those roundabouts?

Megan Cassels

As the picture shows, there are 32 conflict points associated with traditional intersection, 8 merging, 8 dividing, and 16 crossing. With a roundabout there are only 8 conflict points, 4 merging and 4 dividing.

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he world is changing from stoplights to roundabouts.

Roundabouts are designed to get a multitude of traffic through an intersection while decreasing the amount of stopping being done by the vehicles.

Using a roundabout is simple. When approaching one, there will be a white dashed line at each entry point. Slow down, signal and look for oncoming cars, pedestrians and bicyclists. When it is safe and there is enough space to drive, enter the roundabout. Follow along the circle until you reach the desired street, take a right and exit the roundabout. Some roundabouts may have two lanes, so these steps may vary.

Most roundabouts come with a truck apron to help large trucks or school busses get around easier. A large number of roundabouts may be shaped as an oval rather than a circle, but how one may get around is the same way.

Roundabouts are also cost effective, being cheaper than alternatives. They do not require operating expenses or utility fees like stoplights do, and some even believe they are better looking.

“I think they are helpful, that they help divert traffic, and I think that it helps speed up the process of coming to school,” senior Jackson Schwartz said.

Employees at MoDOT admit that

more and more roundabouts are going to replace stoplights in Jefferson City.

Not only are roundabouts less demanding in cost, they are also safer than traditional intersections. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety claims that collisions are reduced of all types by 39 percent, injury collisions by 76 percent, and fatal and incapacitating injuries are reduced by 89 percent.

Pedestrians are safer too; it is a little known fact that people are 50 percent more safe when crossing the road when there is a corresponding roundabout.

This being said, many students

at Jefferson City High School are not aware of the large number of advantages roundabouts give them.

“I feel that roundabouts are pointless. They are supposed to help make driving through traffic easier, but I feel that all they do is complicate a situation that could be done a lot simpler,” senior Noah Flaspohler said. “I’ve seen several accidents occur in them just as you would at an intersection. People understand intersections more than roundabouts, so I still believe that they are unnecessary.”

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JCHS has festive fun at winter assembly Brooklynne Propes Madi Baughman

Top Left: Senior Jackson Meyer smashes a pie into Chemistry teacher Patrick Castle’s face for the “Pies for Pets” fundraiser.

Bottom Left: Base players in the JCHS orchestra focus hard on playing their part.

Top Right: Step team member Janeva Johnson smiles as she performs with the rest of her team.

Center Right: Trumpet player Mary Groner performs with the JCHS band.

Bottom Right: Early graduate Brady McGrail gives a speech as Santa to spread holiday cheer.

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01.10.17//NEWS

[photo by Madi Baughman]

[photo by Madi Baughman]

[photo by Madi Baughman]

[photo by Madi Baughman]

Top Left: Freshmen Riley Bohanan, Abby Baughman, and Michelle Grant watch the performers together.

Top Right:Even before the performance started, the Capitol rotunda was packed with people from all over Missouri who come to indulge in the festivities.

Bottom Left: Members of the JCHS chorale and concert choir line the staircase to sing in the Capitol rotunda.

Bottom Right: Senior Rachel Ulm of the JCHS symphonic orchestra plays the cello as her part in Capitol Caroling.

Holiday spirit in the Capitol rotunda Maddy Bergstrom

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s the community of Jefferson City entered its’ Capitol building on Dec. 13, they were greeted by the sound of holiday joy. Gathering inside the rotunda, they enjoyed musical selections performed by Jefferson City High School’s symphonic orchestra, chorale, concert choir, and symphonic band.

This past December was the 79th annual Capitol Caroling, a Jefferson City tradition that will be sure to continue for many more years to come.

For those who have gone as long as they can remember, or those who attended the event for the first time, none were disappointed as music filled

the dome, the feeling of holiday spirit intertwined with each note. “[My favorite thing about Capitol Caroling is] seeing the community come together as one to listen to the musical stylings of Jefferson City High School,” cello player Kurtis Boucher said.

A performer for the JCHS concert choir, Juan Rubio believes Capitol Caroling not only to be a great opportunity for the community to come together, but also a time to show them how hard the music programs at the school work and how important it is to students and the community alike.

Choir began rehearsing their selections long in advance in order to prepare for

the performance and the hard work definitely paid off.

“I think my favorite [song] was Christmastide,” Boucher said. “It was one of the songs that had all band, choir, and orchestra.”

Jefferson City has always been proud of its traditions, whether it be in the school or throughout the community. Capitol Caroling is no exception as people come together to share in a little holiday spirit.

“It’s something that everyone can get involved with, not just students but parents too,” Rubio said. “It brings us all together for one special night each year.”

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Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights Megan Cassels

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n the United States, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third week of January of every year. This holiday is dedicated to the man himself, Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister who used nonviolent protests as a way to reshape discriminatory laws in the United States. He is often considered the leader of the civil rights movement.

King took part in the Montgomery Bus Boycott after Rosa Parks had been arrested for not going to the back of the bus when the bus driver told her she couldn’t sit at the front.

Many people also know King for taking part in the march on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963. At the end of the march, he gave his now-famous “I have a dream” speech. It inspired the crowd and all who would later listen to march with him using nonviolence. Sadly, King was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

As King once said, “when evil men plot, good men must plan.

When evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind.

When evil men shout ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the gloried of love.”

Starting off, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was not accepted by all 50 states. Ronald Reagan signed it into law in 1983, and it was eventually officially adopted in the year 2000. Martin Luther King Jr. Day corresponds to civil rights struggles. In particular, it’s mainly related to the struggles of the AfricanAmerican community, but is also known as a holiday that unites people in the U.S. For most people, what King fought for and the fact that he didn’t use violence are equally important.

“Martin Luther King Jr. day reminds me that one person can do so much and make a difference,” senior Kelsay Prenger said.

“Never give up on something you feel strongly about and great things can happen.”

Some ways the U.S. celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day is teaching it in schools, or giving state workers the day off. This holiday is also celebrated in Toronto, Canada and Hiroshima, Japan, where it is just as significant as it is in the U.S.

[photo credit to biography.com]

WWW.JEFFERSON-BANK.COM | 573-634-0800 Mobile carrier data rates may apply.

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Jefferson City goes skating with Santa Brooklynne Propes

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Room for Two? Devan Palmero

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ith crowded halls and outdated architecture, Jefferson City High School has met a plateau for improvement. The additions of iPads and academies has only so much to offer before the foundation of our education is solely reliant on the learning environment.

Nearly four years ago, the proposal for a second public high school was brought up to the Board of Education, suggesting an academy-based design with multiple buildings acting as separate wings, in which smaller communities of students could learn in.

When the academies were tested with the freshman class of 2015, these plans were scrutinized and eventually thrown out entirely. The basis of separating the student body failed miserably, so plans for a new high school were dropped.

In September of 2016, superintendent Larry Linthacum and the Long Range Planning Committee brought the issue to the Board once again.

New plans are being pulled from both Board members’ suggestions and the public opinion as to the design of the second high school and what should be added onto the current high school.

There are no official blueprints for either building yet, but this is a work in progress. The Board is in agreement that actions should be taken towards the construction of a second high school, but this is only the first step.

Property has been purchased off Highway 179. In order to start construction, the Board of Education must first work out all of the costs. The current estimate for total costs is about $116,441,000, covering the renovation of the current high school, construction of the new school, and extra funding for updating our school textbooks. After these costs are finalized, the board will issue for a bond deal, which is essentially the government investing money into the project through either a raise in taxes or budget cuts in other areas. Since this bond issue will affect

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Plans announced for second high school in Jefferson City

the citizens of Jefferson City, it will have to win 4/7 of the popular vote during the public ballot in April. If the bond deal is passed, construction will begin as soon as fall of 2017, and the new high school would be completed by 2020.

The Architects Alliance has been hired by the BOE to design the plans for a new school and add-ons to the old school. The architects take suggestions from the BOE and the faculty of JCHS and give them design options which meet those needs. The process is narrowed down with each design until a final product is agreed upon. Cary Gampher, Principal Architect and co-director of the project, explains the process further.

John Ruth, Board of Education member

“We’ll take what they like about each one [design options], and then we’ll come back to the drawing board and do another one that incorporates what they liked and gets rid of what they didn’t like,” Gampher said, “The pretty picture is the last thing you do.”

In a Board meeting held on Dec. 12, the topic was discussed in detail. John Ruth, president of the school board, agrees with the motion for a second high school.

“We’ve got a nicer prison than we do a high school,” Ruth says, referring to the renovations recently done to the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

If there is a second building for students to go to, the stress of the

01.10.17//IN-DEPTH

student body will be distributed more efficiently. Simonsen will most likely be decommissioned, either being repurposed or demolished completely.

Students from Thomas Jefferson Middle School will go to the current high school, while students from Lewis & Clark Middle School would attend the new high school. Some teachers from JCHS will be transferred to the new building, but there will still need to be an increase in staff. Renovations for the current school include a new gymnasium and locker rooms and a connected segment between the JCHS building and the Nichol’s Career Center building. Maintenance and refurbishing will also be included in the expenses.

Larry Linthacum believes a new high school is in the near future of Jefferson City.

“We are out of space, we want to increase opportunities, and I think we can all agree that a smaller learning environment can be beneficial,” Linthacum said.

He stresses that there will be more opportunities for extracurriculars and one-to-one communication with teachers. There is still some skepticism in the community about having two teams for each sport and having competition between high schools.

Linthacum believes that separating the student body will no more bring us apart than to have an overcrowded facility.

“The time is now to invest in our education,” Attorney Jacob Westen said.

Construction prices are on the rise and population isn’t diminishing. The Long Range Planning Committee and the BOE are all in agreement that we must jumpstart our educational system, and an obvious first step is giving the students of Jefferson City a safe, comfortable and practical learning environment.

Superintendent tell all: Q&A

By Ali Beza We reached out to our superintendent, Larry Linthacum, hoping to find answers to our questions about the possibility of a new high school.

Q: What does it take for a new high school?

A: “For that to happen, you have to have voter approval in an April Election, and you have to have the community support that in 4/7 of the vote.”

Q: What would this do to the athletics?

A: “They would compete against each other, they would compete against Helias, they would compete against surrounding communities.”

Q:Where would this be and what?

A: "There is land that has been purchased on 179. It will look traditional, not like the 2013 design and nothing is final."

Q: What is the need for another high school?

A: “The high school is low on space and it is the largest high school in the state of Missouri. We want to give students more learning opportunities in smaller learning environments.”

Q: What effects could this have on the educational system?

A: “It will have an affect on Nichols. All of the classes we have at NCC that are just used for JC, NCC will have opportunities to expand some of the programs. It will allow twice as many people to be a part of foot ball or student council. There will also be close to $40 million in renovations to the current high school.”

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New high school, new problems for activities Maddy Bergstrom

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s voting for the proposed second high school for Jefferson City school district approaches in April of 2017, there are many factors the board and community members must take into account. Along with matters concerning tax raises and building cost, they also have to think about the feelings of students and staff here at the already existing school.

There are 1,882 students at Jefferson City High School (not counting Simonsen 9th Grade Center) and many of them are involved in various sports, clubs, and activities that they have bonded over with fellow students.

When asking students about the dynamic within their involved organization, many will say the same as football player Dennis Barnes, that the friends they’ve made are more like a second family, one they are not willing to give up.

“Splitting up our team would hurt us as a whole,” Barnes said. “We would lose some key athletes due to the change of schools.”

It would be a difficult transition for those attending JCHS. The students who attended Lewis and Clark would most likely still attend the current school and those who attended Thomas Jefferson are likely to go to the new high school. With this split there would be two football teams, two

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marching bands, two debate teams, and so on, and they are likely to compete against one another. Coach Lerone Briggs believes the second high school would not only to hurt his team, but also the community as a whole.

“These guys grow up playing against each other, and when you finally get to high school, it’s special because you’re playing together finally,” Briggs said. “I am [also] concerned with how we are going to pay for two schools when we can barely afford the school we have now.

More is not always better.”

These transitions will be difficult at first, many will agree, but the community of Jefferson City must also be looking ahead. Perhaps JCHS has the means of educating students now, but the student body will keep growing and in a few years this building may not be sufficient. Activities Director Mark Caballero believes the students here will go on to succeed, no matter the size of the building; however, it is still about educating students in the best environment and giving them the most opportunities to succeed no matter the cost.

“Our orchestra room, our band room, our choir room, they are so overcrowded, there’s not enough space for them. But that hasn’t stopped our orchestra from being a great orchestra

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or our band from being a great band or our choir from being a great choir,” Caballero said. “But sooner or later we’re going to have to get to that point where we build. We want to give our kids better opportunities to be able to learn in an environment that is cutting edge and beneficial.”

All great communities have great schools with programs and activities that prepare students for the world they will be entering in four years.

At JCHS we have organizations including student council, dance team, marching band, football, wrestling, key club, thespian society, softball, show choir, cheerleading, and many more that students are encouraged to join and love participating in. However, for many of these only a certain number of students can join, which leads to tryouts and cuts. Drama teacher Zachary McKinney wants to see more students get involved in school activities, but also recognizes that our facilities may not allow for it.

“I think a second high school will be excellent to have,” McKinney said, “It gives kids more opportunities for a leading role.”

All of this needs to be taken into account as the board members and the community decide if the benefits outweigh the cost of a second high school.

Jays’ opinion on a second school

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I think it’s a great idea! I’m a person who embraces change and I think two different high schools would give students more oppurtunites to be involved in music.

-Choir teacher Jarrod Hendricks

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I don’t really think it will have much of an affect, but I don’t see the point of building another high school.

”

-Junior Brendan Drury

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I think a second high school would split up the organizations and you wouldn’t be as connected with your peers.

You wouldn’t be as united.

-Junior Alexa DeSha

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SPORTS

Finding motivation in the winter Sidney Johnson

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or some, staying in shape can be challenging year-round; however, others may only find it challenging to become motivated in the winter. During the winter, not all ways of staying physically active are possible. Swimming and running are two activites few people want to do outdoors when the temperature drops below freezing. With cold weather comes complications, but some think there are ways to overcome and strive during these times.

Senior Jackson Schwartz, a runner for both Jefferson City High School’s cross country and track teams, finds it more difficult to stay motivated in between these seasons. He sticks to short and fast strength building with more of an individual mindset during the cold weather season. However, Schwartz thinks someone’s attitude can determine their success.

“Make the most out of every

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workout,” Schwartz said. ”Stay faithful and rely on the training you have.”

Some find it hard to keep up with both workout sessions and school work.

Sophomore Hope Angelica worries about being too tired to attend work and other activities or perform well on tests. She also struggles with the temptations of skipping a workout to hang out friends or eating unhealthy foods. However, Angelica does believe in the purpose of working out.

“Remember your end goal because it will pay off for whatever goal you have,” Angelica said. “Surround yourself with motivating people, and stay active because you need it more than you realize.”

Angelica thinks even with temptation, overcoming and pushing forward is possible and very beneficial.

Junior Victoria Arcobasso feels differently about working out. She believes that winter is a great time

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to become even more motivated and doesn’t feel any hesitation at all.

Arcobasso plays softball in the fall and runs track in the spring. For Arcobasso, this is a time to work hard in between seasons.

“Instead of running, biking, and swimming outside, in the winter I go to the YMCA a lot more,” Arcobasso said.

She also feels there is a lot to work on during this time and not working out could potentially ruin the progress made during the summer time.

“I constantly have something to work for,” Arcobasso said.

For the two cold months out of the whole entire year, it may be a task staying in shape for some. Routines may have to be adjusted, but most think that a positive and open mind can overall set someone up for a successful workout schedule.

Who do you think will win the Super Bowl?

Makenzie Baldwin

Off-season training: Track and Field J

Emily Rush

efferson City High School’s track and field season will be starting up in March. Even though this is a few months away, the team started preparing early. Off-season training for any sport can be very crucial to an athlete’s upcoming season. This type of training can potentially be very hard, considering the athlete has to motivate themselves to do the workouts. Self-motivation is definitely one thing that an athlete will have to overcome if they are interested in getting their body in shape for track.

“Last year, I went to state and placed sixth,”junior Brianna Holley said. “This year I want to get a jump-start on weights and hopefully it can help me do better in season and up my rankings.”

Track has open weights on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. These

began on the Monday after Thanksgiving break, Nov. 28. Having weights in the morning is a great opportunity for those who are interested in off-season training.

“I go to weights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings and I also will start doing short sprints and workouts in my free time,” Holley said.

In the off-season of track, weights are not required. It is the athlete’s decision if he or she would like to stay in shape for the approaching season. But during the season, weights are required two times a week. Many athletes participate in this training for themselves. It can potentially affect how your season will play out.

“I weight lift three times a week, run four days a week, and do yoga once a week,” senior Carson Ridgeway said.

Ridgeway also says that his motivation

to do off season training is “to set a good example for the rest of the team on how to work hard and to bring a state title for JC.” Even though students participating in track are not required to do off-season training, “it is recommended because it trains your body to be used to the strain put on it,” Ridgeway said.

There are a variety of different exercises an athlete can do to strengthen themselves for track season.

“As a hurdler, [I] mostly work on leg workouts like squats so I can have strong legs,” Holley said.

Off-season training can be very difficult and most likely not feel the best at times, but in order to stay in shape for the season it is recommended.

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Lady Jays basketball ranked #1 in Missouri

[photo submitted by Lexy Haug] The Lady Jays have been working hard and it is paying off. They currently have a record of 10-0. The Lady Jays recently brought home a win at the State Fram Tournament on Jan. 28-30, and became the top-ranked team in the state shortly thereafter.

[photo by Brooklynne Propes] Sophmore Nina Matfield dribbles as senior Sydney Crockett defends her at practice.

[photo by Brooklynne Propes] Sophmore Caitlin Anderson and senior Lexy Haug (the MVPs of the tournament) pose for a photo.

[photo by Brooklynne Propes] Senior Lexy Haug and Coach Jen Bowan casually discuss the events of practice.

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Signing off to another chapter

[photo submitted by Hayden Hirshvogel]

Sidney Johnson

O

n Wednesday, Nov. 9, three quarters of the starters on the Jefferson City High School baseball team came together and signed away the next four years of their lives. The six seniors that signed with colleges that night are Gaven Strobel, Hayden Hirschvogel, Jacob Weirich, Kade Franks, Grant Wood, and Brandon Williams. These boys have been playing together for eight years and have formed a bond that cannot been broken.

Most of these young men first met on the baseball field in the fourth grade to play for a team named “The Mid-MO Magic.” At the time, the boys were only 9 years old. Hirschvogel, a first baseman, remembers the nervous feelings of being on his second competitive team.

“I didn’t really know what to expect,” Hirschvogel said. “We were a brand new team just starting out.”

The Mid-MO Magic started playing tournaments in Columbia and became so successful they began using the run rule in many of their games.

When the team began to grow and win tournaments, they began competing in larger and more competitive tournaments. Together, the team grew and learned how to play better

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with each other. During the first year playing together, the team went to the Elite World Series in Florida, which included 30 teams in the nation. The Mid-MO Magic was able to place ninth in the tournament. This marked the beginning of a dynasty for the young players.

In less than a year, all six of these seniors will be going to different colleges and will be split up after being at each others sides for more than half of their lives. Strobel, who catches for the JCHS baseball team, will be attending the University of Central Missouri. He is excited for this transition, but is struggling with the realization of leaving his friends behind.

“It’s going to be fun, but I’m really going to miss these guys”, said Strobel.

“We have been playing together since the fourth grade, so it’s going to be a lot different playing with another team.”

Wood, who plays shortstop for JCHS, will be attending Murray State. Wood was not sure if he wanted to attend Murray State at first since he had his heart set on going to Mizzou. Wood said he was very interested in going to Mizzou, but when presented with the opportunity, Murray State was the second best offer so he had to make a

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decision.

“I’m happy to experience new things that I wouldn’t get to experience if I stayed close to home”, said Wood.

As for Wood’s teammates, Williams and Hirschvogel did not have the same issue. Hirschvogel was offered a scholarship from Missouri S&T and Williams was offered a scholarship from Jefferson College. Both decided to accept the offers.

Franks, who plays third base, signed with Fort Hays State. Unlike his other teammates, Franks is not feeling as nervous and is more excited for the change.

Weirich, like Wood, was also interested in going to Mizzou, but decided Southern Mississippi was the best option for him.

With six seniors from the JCHS baseball team signed this year, it felt more like a family than a team at times. Over the eight years these boys have been playing together, they have developed a stronger bond and enhanced their ability to play ball. As they transition to the next chapter of their life, they are looking forward to playing this season together one last time.

FEATURED ATHLETE

Kade Franks Sport: Baseball Grade: 12 Years on team: 3 Background: “Both of my cousins played college baseball. I fell in love with it when I started playing it.”

Favorite part: “Every at bat.”

Role model: “My father because now I know what not to do with my life based off of him.”

Favorite memory: “Playing in the State Championship last year.”

Least favorite part: “The time you have put in to succeed.”

Interesting fact: “Believe it or not, I used to be good but now I’m trash.”

Awards: “First team all district, second team all state.”

Best game: “District Championship game because I went 3 for 4 and helped the team win our first district title in a while.”

Future: “Play baseball at Fort Hays State and major in Political Science.”

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FEATURES

Missouri weather can’t make up its mind Madi Baughman

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s everyone that lives in Missouri probably knows by now, the weather here is always unpredictable. It can be 70 degrees in November, storming while the sun is out, and can even seem to go through all four seasons in the span of just a few hours. Combine that with the fact that we’re right in the middle of Tornado Alley and right along one of the biggest fault lines on the continent, and weather patterns can get very complicated.

“It’s really crazy, because one day it feels like it’s 80 degrees, and the next it feels like it’s -5,” freshman Michelle Grant said.

For most people, the unpredictable weather here is just part of everyday life, but there are some moments

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that stand out more than others - for example, the blizzard of 2011, where mid-Missouri got over 20 inches of snow, or the EF5-rated, multiple-vortex Joplin tornado, which was the deadliest tornado in the US since 1950. “[The most memorable thing for me was] whenever we had that really big blizzard and didn’t have school for a week,” Grant said.

Even in Jefferson City, we’ve seen our fair share of crazy forecasts.

Check your weather app, and you’re guaranteed to find at least one surprising result for the week. There’s a reason why we had to learn so many different kinds of drills - anything can happen here, at any time.

“I remember when I was trying to go to my cousin’s house, but I couldn’t

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leave school because of a tornado,” freshman Abby Baughman said.

“Missouri weather can never make up its mind.”

Overall, though our weather can be a handful, most students know that it could be a lot worse. After all, we do get a little taste of everything, so there’s a lot of good to it as well. As the old saying about Missouri goes, “if you don’t like the weather now, just wait a couple of hours.”

“I think it’s too cold in the winter, too humid in the summer, and leaves weathermen guessing,” senior Adam Arand said. “But if you don’t like the weather one day, wait a week, and it will be drastically different.”

New Year’s Resolutions for 2017 Ali Beza

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ew Year’s traditions in the U.S. date back all to way to 1907, which was the first year the ball was dropped in New York City’s Times Square. Although the holiday didn’t originate here in America, we Americans have made a few of our own traditions. Of course, there is the ball drop, but many others exist such as New Year’s Eve parties and New Year’s resolutions.

People all over the country think of some really sane and insane resolutions they hope to achieve in the new year.

Some folks actually accomplish these tricky goals, while others set the same ones year after year. Sometimes people even wait to start moving towards a goal they had in mind until the new year, giving them a fresh start.

The new year is motivation for a lot

of people; it can really make a person feel like they are getting a do-over.

While sticking to these goals can be tough, sophomore Maleek Jackson is up for the challenge.

“My New Year’s resolution is to run 10.9 seconds in the 100 meter dash,” Jackson said.

Jefferson City High School’s Track and Field events start up quickly after the new year, so Jackson will be put to the test very early on in 2017.

Not everyone will know right away whether they have reached their goal or not. It takes months for others, and some spend the whole next year working until they reach their goal.

Tiana Thomas, who graduated from JCHS this past December, has set a high but attainable goal for herself.

“My goal is to save enough money up

to buy a car,” Thomas said.

Sometimes the mission you set out on for the new year requires the help and cooperation of friends and family. Things like meeting new people, kicking old habits, or spending more time with the people that matter will take quite a bit of outside help. Senior Trenton Lindsay might see what that’s like as he tackles his resolution.

“I want to move out of my parent’s house by the end of April,” Lindsay said.

These three will use a lot of hard work and dedication as they set out on their quest to complete these goals.

Although it’s not January 1st anymore, there is still time for make a plan for the rest of your year. It’s never too late to accomplish something great.

www.jcredblack.com 01.10.17//FEATURES

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The SAD truth about seasonal depression Megan Cassels

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’was the season to be jolly.

Christmas lights went up, the ham was thawed out, families flew out to spend time with each other.

While all of the joy is spread around, a small group of people are suffering.

Seasonal Affective Depression, also known as SAD, attacks 14 percent of Americans.

SAD typically starts anywhere around late September to early October and carries through the winter months.

A small portion of people that suffer from seasonal depression start in late March or early April and it doesn’t end until fall starts.

Experts don’t know the real cause of SAD, but they think it may be because of the lack of daylight from Daylight Savings. Lack of daylight may upset one’s biological clock which controls the sleep-wake pattern and may also cause problems with serotonin levels.

Some symptoms of SAD are moodiness, overall sadness, grumpiness or anxiety, sleepiness, increase in appetite, memory loss or having trouble concentrating on one thing.

To tell the difference between SAD and general depression, your doctor will ask if you’ve have been depressed around the same time each year for at least two years in a row. They may ask if the symptoms match with the symptoms of SAD, if a close relative suffers from SAD, or you may also be given a mental health assessment to give yourself an idea of how well you’re able to think, reason and remember things.

To avoid SAD, prepare yourself before the winter months hit. You can do this by light therapy, exercise, and keeping a regular routine.

“If you keep a routine, you keep your mind more stable,” Pathways caseworker Brandy Ball said. “If you have an unstable routine, there leaves more room for your mind to be void and lead to depression.”

Light therapy helps with the lack of daylight. Different types of light therapy include a light box, where one takes a fluorescent light box and directs it towards them while they eat breakfast, read a book or work

on a computer or phone. Another form of light therapy is called a dawn simulation. Dawn simulations are where a dim light goes on while a person sleeps, and gradually gets brighter as time goes by, kind of like a sunrise.

“I’ve suffered with [SAD] for about three years now. I’ve been medicated, tried the light boxes, I’ve tried it all.

Think of it like this: depression and I are old friends, but I don’t appreciate it’s company,” a student said who prefers to stay anonymous said. “It lives in my body, and I’m fighting to survive when my mind feels like it’s dying. There are days it’s so bad that my medicine doesn’t work anymore.

I just hold on to spring. When that season hits, it’s all over.”

Dark skies create the brightest stars Veronica Townsend

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his year has been both successful and challenging for senior Sydney Crockett.

She and the Lady Jays Basketball team started their season undefeated, which included a win against the number one team in the state, Kickapoo High School. Even with the team’s success causing the community to pay attention, Crockett misses the support she recieved from her mother.

“My mom dying this past April made me into a stronger and a more motivated person,” Crockett said. “Even if she’s not here, I want to make her proud.”

Through this tough time, Crockett says the support of her teammates keeps her in a positive mood. One friend and teammate, senior Shaina Anderson, has known Crockett since she was a toddler. Anderson thinks

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of Crockett as a funny friend and also believes that Crockett is a strong basketball player and a fast track runner.

“My favorite memory with Sydney is having sleepovers at her house because they were always so fun,” Anderson said.

Sophomore Micah Linthacum hosted one of the team’s sleepovers with Crockett and the Lady Jays basketball team. She remembers staying up with Crockett and googling actors who were tall. Linthacum says Crockett is a great encourager.

“Giving someone encouragement does not necessarily have to be all vocal, and Sydney shows that though her actions,” Linthacum said. “[When] she smiles at me or squeezes my hand, it always seems to give me a sense of encouragement.”

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Another friend, senior Hannah Sullivan, says her favorite memory is spending time with Crockett at Turkey Hill where they worshipped together.

“We’ve always been super wild together, to the point that when we were little, our parents could hardly stand to take us anywhere together,” Sullivan said.

Even with the thought of losing her mother in the back of her mind, Crockett is looking forward to the future with running track in the spring and going to college in the fall. Crockett does not plan on playing sports in college and is waiting for responses from the colleges she has applied for.

“As far as college goes, I am just chillin,” Crockett said. “I hope to remember all the new friends and memories I’ll make when I go to college.”

Recovery from Christmas Matt LeCure

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hen the holiday season comes to an end, it can be difficult transitioning back into the normal everyday lifestyle. There’s stuff to clean, money lost on gifts and the second semester of school.

High school is the point in life where a person gradually learns the aspects of adulthood, such as housekeeping lessons. After Christmas, the lessons come like an avalanche. The transition is a mess. It’s easy to make, but not as entertaining to clean.

Cleaning up the house varies in difficulty depending on a few things: amount of decoration, presents, and kids. Many times, this is a large group effort, as seen with junior Christa Kiesling.

“We start by taking down our decorations, which is a whole family job,” Kiesling said. “Then we have to say goodbye to our relatives that had come to visit.”

Just like Kiesling, many students have relatives that visit during the holiday season. Once Christmas is over, they leave. While it was nice getting to see them, it sometimes doesn’t feel

satisfactory with the small amount of time. The simplest way to get over those sorts of things it to just wait and get back in the flow of things.

Even after Dec. 25, Christmas festivities are still taking place. Songs, sales and decorations still stay. It can be annoying, but it won’t be a bother if you just avoid it.

“I always try to be involved in holiday activities,” junior Aeryona Dixon said. “Sometimes, I feel as though I don’t want or I just don’t like them. So I just avoid all the activities all together.”

Going back to school is a huge aspect of the transition from Christmas to everyday life. Since Jefferson City High School gives its students their second semester, procrastination and awkwardness erupts. There are new schedules, and some students have over-break homework.

Christmas is a holiday so big, festivities and entertainment are everywhere. Once the season is over, the mess must be cleaned. Tons of hours were spent preparing for Dec. 25, and after that, it’s back to normal. It

[illustration by Matt LeCure] may seem like a nuisance at first, just know that every JCHS member goes through it. With a new year comes a new life.

JCHS is a school full of celebrations.

And with the rest of 2017 ahead, it’s time to forget about the past. The holidays are behind us. As Jays, we hold the past close, and face transitions strong. Although Christmas time was eventful, moving back into traditional school life can be boring. But in the end, it will all be over in a flash.

The student under all those feathers Kelsie Backues

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unior Lauren Bergstrom is the golden girl behind the big red bird.

She poses with you at football games, hypes you up at assemblies, and shows off her moves with the cheerleaders. Proclaiming her Jay Pride behind the feathered mask, she spreads school spirit without needing to be recognized as anyone other than Jasper.

“I wanted to be the Jaybird because it sounded really fun and I wanted to show my Jay pride,” Bergstrom said. “I love going to school events and seeing everyone’s school spirit so I wanted to share mine.”

Although tryouts for Jasper might not be very competitive, it’s not as easy as one might think. It takes more than having a good personality and being comfortable with putting yourself out there.

“I had to try out to become Jasper,”

Bergstrom said, “I had to write a short paragraph on why I wanted be Jasper and what Jay pride meant to me, then I went to tryouts and got the position.”

Plastered all over our hallways, classrooms, and social media is #JayPride. Sports teams, StuCo, and school officials are constantly encouraging students to show their #JayPride with themed nights at sports games, participating in cheers in the student section, purchasing Jay wear, or simply just showing up to any school sponsored event and supporting our fellow jaybirds.

“It really helps to see and hear people cheering us on in the student section no matter if we’re winning or losing,” Lady Jays point guard Caitlin Anderson said. “It helps to know people are supporting us no matter what.”

That’s just what Jasper is here to do - visually represent the Jays in a

positive manner and encourage you to do the same. Although Jasper might not be at choir concerts, band concerts, speech and debate tournaments, or other sports games, just showing up and having others come along with you is just enough to show your pride in your school. Not only that, you might get to see friends you maybe don’t get to see everyday, or cheer on your friends participating in the activity.

“I really enjoy being the Jaybird,” Bergstrom said, “It’s a lot of fun just to be a part of the school spirit for [Jefferson City High School].”

The next time you see Jasper, make sure you ask for a high five, or take a silly photo. After all, you probably won’t find a school that takes as much pride in their athletics and activities like JC does.

www.jcredblack.com 01.10.17//FEATURES

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OPINION

The Red and Black Editorial:

Does JCHS take attendance too seriously?

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othing stays the same for long at Jefferson City High School. As new staff is welcomed into the JCHS family, new thoughts and ideas are brought up in order to make our school better. Many students at JCHS believe that attendance is taken way too seriously. However, many students are also not aware of the way attendance impacts our school.

There are numerous reasons why attendance is important to public schools. Many of those are too complex for students to understand, which is not necessarily the students’ fault.

Students are never told the importance of attendance in a way that engages them and speaks to them. Thankfully, associate principal Joe Lauchstaedt is here to enlighten us on some of the factors that attendance impacts.

“The main reason [attendance is important] is academic achievement.

You have to be here in order to learn. It’s very difficult to learn what we are trying to teach if you are not in the building,” Lauchstaedt said. “There are other factors in terms of how the school is rated, the APR (Annual Performance Report), funding and other reasons, but the main reason is academic achievement.”

Of course academic achievement is very important, but another reason that really sticks out is funding. Most students do not realize that public schools receive funding through attendance. In other words, schools lose money when students do not attend school. This is especially important at public schools simply because students (or their parents/ guardians) do not pay to attend the school.

JCHS’s school rating comes from the state along with other things impacted by attendance. Every state sets their own requirements based on their own needs.

“The state expects us to have 90 percent of our students attending schools 90 percent of the time,” Lauchstaedt

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said. “When we get below that 90 percent threshold we begin losing points on how we are rated as a school.”

As of Dec. 16 2016, 77.5 percent of students were attending school 90 percent of the time. Although it could be worse, this statistic is not something JCHS should be proud of and the student body could improve it very easily.

You may be wondering how the administration disciplines the students who continue to be absent. With no surprise, there are plenty of disciplinary actions in place as well as new regulations coming into play.

“We discipline those who continue to be absent by focusing on conferencing all the way through in-school suspension if necessary. In some cases, we will refer a student to truancy court,” Lauchstaedt said. “We also have suspension from activities, which is where the dance portion comes into play and we are looking to possibly expand that in the future years.”

The absences that count against going to school dances include unexcused and non-documented absences. Unexcused absences are when a parent does not call in and a doctor’s note is not turned into the attendance office. Non-documented absences are when a parent does call in, but a doctor’s note is not turned into the attendance office. Absences that do not count against going to school dances include documented absences and school activities. School activities are when a teacher, coach or advisor has communicated with the attendance office regarding a school event that will take place during school hours.

Now that you know the facts, you might be wondering how the students at JCHS feel about the attendance policy.

Unlike many students, senior Addison Brown believes that attendance is a serious problem.

“JC doesn’t take attendance too serious. Our attendance is really bad and

01.10.17//OPINION

the school loses a lot of funding just for that,” Brown said. “They are only crazy about it because it’s a real problem.”

Every student looks at their own attendance differently. While some students simply do not care about school or their academics, others cannot bear to miss a single day. Many student athletes push through school with no sick days because they feel that’s what they have to do. Senior Sarah Hirst understands what it is like to worry about attendance as a student athlete.

“As a student athlete, I feel as though I can never miss school because it is important to the team that you are at every practice and game,” Hirst said.

“In order to be able to practice or play in a game you must attend a full day of school.”

It is understandable that a student may feel as though the attendance requirements are hard to meet, but not everything in life will be easy. Brady McGrail, early graduate of the class of 2017, understands why making it to school on time can be a hassle.

“I kind of do, [find the attendance requirements hard to meet] but kind of don’t. Many students have jobs and go straight to work after school. Then they get off around nine or ten at night and have to stay up late to do homework,” McGrail said. “However, this is preparing them for when they have a family and have to stay up late with the kids and then go to work early in the morning.”

The importance of attendance is not going to change. The administration is going to continue buckling down with new rules and policies. Think about it for a minute. Is it really going to hurt you to go to school? Believe it or not, the answer is no. That doesn’t mean come to school if you are legitimately sick. If you are sick, then by all means stay home and get better. However, if you are just being lazy, then stop being such a bum and start coming to school.

Head TO Head Group vs Individual Projects

Group projects improve mental health Salem Sanfilippo Solindas

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s someone with basically every kind of anxiety doctors will diagnose, I have always been pretty split on the value of group projects. On one hand, they are important in developing important social skills. On the other, they are just so stressful. However, group projects surprisingly help improve mental health. Stay with me on this one.

If you are like me and struggle with social anxiety, talking with strangers long enough to make some product together can be hard, to say the least. However, the truth is it only gets worse from here.

Almost every job available to you will have group work listed as a regular task, and in the workforce your chances of getting grouped with your friends are incredibly slim. Many employers look specifically for people who are skilled in group work; therefore, cooperation is a valuable quality to have. According to Carnegie Mellon University, “Group projects can help students develop a host of skills that are increasingly important in the professional world.”

While it would be wonderful if the world gave introverts or socially anxious people fair treatment, unfortunately, it doesn’t. However, with what our school system has, teachers do just about the best they can. Group projects prepare us for the lifetime of collaboration we will have to trudge through. Getting used to these emotional demands early on can soften the blow later in life.

Another big factor in many manifestations of anxiety is the fear to fail.

For many, this can be the main reason they do not feel comfortable doing group projects. According to World Wide Learn, group projects allow students to “learn how to succeed or fail together.” They go on to explain that success earned with others makes the reward feel much better and at the same time, failure hurts significantly less. Being able to take loss in stride and feel proud of your work greatly improves self-esteem and decreases many symptoms of anxiety.

The bottom line is, for most of us group projects are the worst just because of those paired with us who do nothing to help. For many of those guilty of sitting back and complaining, the only reason nothing gets done is because they too hate group projects.

Refusing to work only makes it worse for others and the vicious cycle will continue until we all get over it and work together.

Individual projects have less conflict

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Matt LeCure

lass projects can be fun. They are a different way of learning and they really give the course an entertaining twist. However, with other classmates holding you behind, it can be absolute torture.

Some people feel uncomfortable working with others because they aren’t as social as their classmates. This is mostly shown when students get to choose their groupmates. A common situation I get into is having the teacher partner me up with a random person because I’m too shy. These kind of things can lead to new levels of awkward.

When you are working alone, you don’t have any partners dragging you behind. You can decide how the project will be made and nobody will try to stop you.

“An individual project allows a student to show what they can do,” Latin teacher Betsy Toft said. “Often, group projects end up being the work of one or just a couple students in the group.”

Group projects do not show the teacher what one person is capable of.

Individual projects push the student to use their own potential and not to rely on a partner. They help build independence, a vital aspect of adulthood.

Despite this, communication is still important. Working together builds social skills, if done correctly.

The problem is, a partner may not plan on actually working, so they just lay back as their partner works away.

With individual [photo by Kaylee Klosterman] projects, there are no disagreements. Well, if you have Multiple Personality Disorder, that may not be true.

But other than that, you get to do things your way. You are on your own.

“I think individual projects give the person a goal,” junior Abigail Kiesling said. “Maybe to set a time limit or have some sort of responsibility for something. Group projects pose that possibility as well, though with the individual, you are all on your own. Many people don’t like working with others because they don’t do their work or share for the end result. Individual projects aren’t as big of a hassle as having to rely on someone else.”

Individual projects are a great way to show who you are and create a final product from your mind. They put you in the spotlight, testing your independent creativity and intelligence.

www.jcredblack.com 01.10.17//OPINION

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Jefferson City thinks manners matter Ali Beza

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anners and respect are things we are all hopefully taught at home. For most, we learned to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as soon as we said our first words and we were reprimanded when talking back to our parents. But for some, the first encounter with these rules and basic uses of politeness isn’t introduced until elementay school.. Even then, they are only exposed to these rules at school and not at home. So, is this something we should spend more time on in Jefferson City Public Schools? Some teachers, principals and parents within the district would agree.

Throughout each level of education that JCPS offers, there are tools and fundamentals in place that the staff are required to put into action. Some are on a day-to-day basis, while others are based upon each specific situation. The policies are also different depending on what age group you are dealing with.

Jennifer Faherty, a fifth grade teacher at Lawson Elementary, believes it is appropriate to focus on manners and respect in kindergarten.

“Some students come not knowing social appropriateness and behavior expectations,” Faherty said. “At Lawson we have a building wide PBIS (positive behavior intervention system) that we use to teach all kids, K-5, appropriate social skills and behaviors in a variety of settings.”

Ben Meldrum, principal at Simonsen Ninth Grade Center, believes manners should be taught throughout the entirety of a student’s time in school.

“We started several years ago the Character Ed Initiative and to me, that’s not an initiative,” Meldrum said.

“We should be doing that everyday in

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everything that we do because we want kids to not only be academically smart, but socially smart.”

According to the Character Education Network, “Character Education should be infused into the climate and daily routine of schools.” JCPS does this by working to establish, ripen and expand students character by assigning each month a different trait they believe is imperative and will hold significance in the students lives.

Helping students of all ages to become socially smart takes the work of parents, grandparents and guardians.

Brenda Engelbrecht, grandmother to four students in the district and three who will be soon, believes parents now don’t teach manners and respect like prior generations of parents did.

“Kids are too busy; not enough time is spent as family to learn how to treat each other, therefore they don’t know how to treat others,” Engelbrecht said.

There have been many things introduced in this generation and

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the up-and-coming ones that have influenced the lack of respect children and young adults have for others - technology being the main one.

However, taking time at a younger age to instill simple manners can go a long way, regardless of what new invention comes along.

“Manners need to be taught at a young age so kids can carry them throughout their lives,” Engelbrecht said. “Respect with parents is where it needs to start.”

Sometimes there are things that come up in a student’s life that blurs the disrespect they may give off to others. Transitioning between grades and getting jobs can be tough to do smoothly, but in the end seem to help the overall maturity of a student.

“There’s not a whole lot of difference between 9th grade and middle school,” Meldrum said. “Often times it’s a growing up thing. They start to realize that now they’ve more responsibilities and they’re exposed to more things.”

The same seems true for the transition between primary and middle school, where students struggle to handle conflicts that come along with the stress and responsibilities they have added to their plate.

“With some students there is a big difference in the amount of disrespect they show their teachers and peers between 4th and 5th grades,” Faherty said. “They’re kind of stuck in that age where they’re too old for some things and still too young for others, and that’s really hard for some kids to deal with.”

If we all just spend a little more time together as family, manners and respect probably wouldn’t be hard to come by.

It’s pretty simple, really. Say please, thank you, excuse me, and the rest will come naturally.

What’s your Valentine’s Day budget?

Emily Rush

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n Feb. 14, the holiday known as Valentine’s Day is celebrated. Many people enjoy going all out for their significant other on this day, but how much do they end up actually spending? This amount most likely varies on many different factors, such as how long the relationship has lasted and what type of things your significant other enjoys. Junior Hanna Watson agrees that you should take some things into consideration when purchasing a gift.

“You should take into account how long you have been together and how serious the relationship is,” Watson said. “But no matter what, you can’t put a dollar amount on thoughtfulness.”

On the other hand, junior Garrett Parker will buy anything in order to make his significant other happy.

“Personally, I want to get everything I possibly can get to

make my girlfriend happy,” Parker said. “Price isn’t anything but a number.”

Also, there are different views on if the cash amount of the gift is what really matters. After all, it’s the thought that counts, right?

“Any gift, no matter the actual price, that shows your significant other cares about you and put thought into giving you something they know you’ll love is priceless,” Watson said.

Some people do not think that Valentine’s Day is an important holiday. However, it is all a matter of opinion. Depending on if you are in a relationship or not, you may not celebrate this holiday every year. The people who celebrate this holiday varies every year when February comes around because people fall in and out of relationships very often.

“If I’m in a relationship it’s

important because it’s another time to celebrate love with someone,” Watson said. “If I’m not in a relationship, it just makes me sad.”

People may struggle on what to purchase for their significant other on Valentine’s Day, but there is a wide variety of gifts you could get.

Whatever it is - a very stereotypical gift or a very random gift - it should mean a lot to the person who is receiving it. If you are stuck in a rut and do not know what to get someone, you can always make a gift. Do-it-yourself gifts can be very creative and sentimental.

You and your significant other also need to keep in mind that gifts are not the most important thing on Valentine’s Day. Spending time together and cherishing the moments you get to share with one another is the most important part of all.

Emily Rush

www.jcredblack.com 01.10.17//OPINION

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Arts &Entertainment

Check out more Red & Black staff suggestions on our website at www.jcredblack.com

Sidney Johnson

Organizational tools for the disorganized Maddy Bergstrom

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ith everyone at Jefferson City High school reverting to the use of iPads, some might say the art of organization is easier now than it ever was before. However, iPads can get just as disorganized as much as a teen’s threering binder with thousands of papers stuffed into it. These are a few app suggestions to help in avoiding that problem.

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01.10.17//ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Kaylee Klosterman

Gillian Burks

www.jcredblack.com 01.10.17//ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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REVIEWS

Did you see a good movie? Read an interesting book? Hear a great song that’s stuck in your head?

Stop by room 141 with your suggestion.

Madi Baughman

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oing into the theater to see Collateral Beauty, I had high expectations. I’d started tearing up just from seeing the preview, so the movie was bound to be good. It went above and beyond my expectations.

The movie is mainly about Will Smith’s character, Howard, the co-founder of a successful business who lost his six-year-old daughter to cancer two years prior. Howard still struggles to cope with her death, which is starting to affect his business. The only thing that helps him is writing letters to concepts - love, time, and

death. Three of his closest friends take it upon themselves to find a way to help him by “introducing him” to these concepts, and the story carries from there. Throughout the whole movie, I got really invested in all the characters, not just Howard, and even cried multiple times - and I don’t cry at movies. This movie really made me rethink a lot of things about life and consider how lucky I am. While critics haven’t treated it as favorably, this movie really touched me, and that’s what made me give it five stars.

Salem Sanflippo Solindas

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hile opening my first ever carton of Just Water, I was apprehensive, to say the least. Convinced that the mysterious drink would taste like milk or vitamins or something, I nearly skipped the opportunity to try it. But after around twenty cartons and several ‘I told you so’s from my mom, it’s practically the only thing I’ll ever drink. Though it doesn’t taste any different from regular water, Just Water is special because of its packaging. Made with

82% renewable resources, including a shoulder and cap made of sugar cane, Just Water is astronomically better than bottled water If you’re like me and refill your drinks for convenience sake, don’t worry! Just Water cartons don’t get soggy or gross like other cardboard products might. In many stores, Just Water is even less expensive than regular water. Overall, Just Water is definitely a product for the future, and it made an easy five stars.

Devan Palmero

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hris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence star as passengers aboard a giant ship trekking through the galaxy in order to colonize another planet. In the movie, Jim (Pratt) wakes up 30 years into a 120-year journey, whilst everyone else is still asleep. He is all alone and subject to the ship’s artificial intelligence. After a year of debilitating loneliness and internal conflict, Jim gives in to loneliness and “wakes up”

Arora, Lawrence’s character.

With stunning visuals, a twisting plot, and creative use of resources, Passengers wins the audience over with a story of hopeless love. Some graphic scenes and a few jump-scares; viewer be warned. Great cinematic experience overall and a must-watch for Jennifer Lawrence fans.

Check out our web exclusive reviews of Pokemon Sun/Moon and Hairspray Live! Go to www.jcredblack.com.

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01.10.17//ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Students at Jefferson City High School were asked what fashion trends they thought would be popular in 2017. Some ideas are taken from last year, while others are still on the rise.

What did you do for New Years, Jasper?

R ead all over No. 04

Predicted fashion trends for 2017 Makenzie Baldwin

“Booties, flannels and jeans are the most popular, so I feel like they will stay around.”

-Ellie Horn

“I feel like sweatshirts with t-shirts over them will for sure still be a thing, ripped jeans, and sweatshirts with flannels over them.”

-Maddi Stone

Awe! Did you kiss her?

Devan Palmero

“I honestly feel like chokers will stay in style. Some of the new shoes that recently came out, like Hauraches, will become popular.”

-Cici Jameson

I watched the fireworks with my girlfriend.

No! It was only the first date!

www.jcredblack.com 01.10.17//ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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