RHS Register

RHS

Register April 13, 2016 |

Richmond High School

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RHSRegister.com |

Issue 7 Volume 107

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Dat

Richmond, IN

ing it u ain’t w sed h to b at e

na n a e r B d n a Isaac

Eli an d Tay lor

Austin and Cassidy

2 - Register

April 13, 2016

Sports

To be or not to be: drug testing athletes There is a high-school athlete, who goes from a star to an enemy by many around him, all because of one little test. So why is it that people, teenagers specifically, look at drug tests and get nervous or shaky? Maybe this is because performance enhancing drugs have increased the past three years from 5 to 11 percent, according to www.usnews.com. So the question to all schools in recent years is should they test their student-athletes or not? I believe our student athletes should be drug tested.

It has been an era of performance enhancements for all ages, middle school to professional sports.

Casey Pohlenz, varsity girls basketball team coach, shared how he would feel if they were to implement drug-testing in RHS. “I don’t know if it would really bother me, but I do think it would make more work for the IHSAA,” Pohlenz said. “Our kids know right and wrong and should know what they should and shouldn’t do.”

A big issue for most high school athletes is that they don’t know what consequences come from some of their actions.

Pohlenz believes that drug testing could bring some needed education for the athletes.

“I feel the first penalty they should have for a positive test should be counseling or a treatment program,” Pohlenz said. “On the second have some sort of suspension. Then after that start making the drug tests an every couple [of] weeks thing.”

For most tests in schools in Indiana, the Athletic Director or the head coach may choose

athletes or the head coach may choose the athletes.

“I feel the athletes should be chosen at random or do everyone, every single athlete,” Pohlenz said.

IHSAA has the rule that athletes who are tobacco users may be suspended for up to seven games or matches in their particular season.

“I think that testing for tobacco if you have an 18 year old kid who can legally buy cigarettes and can smoke on their own off time off campus, or dip or chew, and you come in and get tested positive for something that doesn’t have

Krista Nicholson, managing editor register.nicholson@gmail.com They’re good on the field, they’re good on the court, they’re good when they’re it comes playing the sport. But when happening down to what’s game, are outside the being good? they Athlete drug testing is a pretty controversial topic. I believe athletes should not be drug tested to play a sport.

Drug tests are not cheap. If we decided to start drug testing our athletes, it would probably not just be a one time thing. Depending on how often it was decided to give the drug tests, the cost would quickly rack up. This would take a lot of money that our school system might not have to spend. “[Drug] testing ranges on average from $15-$35 per person,” athletic director Frank Carr said. “If we chose to test 400 athletes at an average of $25, the cost is $10,000.”

Not only would drug testing the athletes be expensive, but it would also be discriminatory. If we decided we needed to drug test our athletes, we would need to drug test all other extracurricular activities too.

“There are guidelines and policies that vary from school to school,” assistant athletic director/ English teacher Jeremy Hill said. “I don’t know of any schools that just test athletes. If they test, it is random. All extracurriculars are included.”

Drug testing our athletes could be risk a students opportunity to play that sport in college. If they were doing drugs because they believed it enhances their performance, all of their hard work would be for nothing. The possibility of being caught or Graphic by Jacob Church

John Cheatwood, reporter register.cheatwood@gmail.com

anything to do with school time and doesn’t affect your athletic performance, then it should not matter,” Pohlenz said.

This situation that some schools are having to deal with may come to Richmond, be prepared.

the possibility of a fatal occurance is high. Athletes should not use it for their enhancment of the sport, but if they’re choosing to do it, it should be up to them.

Athletes should be trusted to do the right thing.

Forcing them into drug tests may push them away from playing the sport which could easily impact their future.

“Drugs are a societal issue,” Hill said. “We see the results of drug abuse in the media daily. The presentation from the Wayne County Drug Task Force made it clear that drugs don’t discriminate, anyone can be a victim.”

If the athletes aren’t causing a noticeable problem with the team or out on the field, I don’t think we should make a problem out of it.

“I prefer to be reactive rather than proactive,” Hill said. “I think we have a much better chance of long term success using our current methods.”

If our school decided to start drug testing the athletes, it might backfire on our athletic program.

The drug tests may risk the athletes to quit the sport rather than quit the drug, putting a dent in the number and quality of our student athletes.

“Questions exist as to the effectiveness of drug testing in high school,” Carr said. “Studies show that there is some effect in deterring drug use but not as large an effect as one might think.”

The athletes are already held to high standards.

Beginning to drug test might add on to the stress they’re already feeling at school.

“Our student athletes’ current average GPA is, and has historically been, well above a 3.0,” Hill said. “They also continue to have great success in college and the workforce while contributing to their community.”

When it comes to doing drugs, we shouldn’t only be concerned with the athletes. The effects of drugs can be extreme and cause any person, student or adult, to alter their entire life.

“I’m concerned with any of our students doing drugs,” Carr said. “The consequences are life changing and often times life ending.”

234 South 5th Street Richmond, IN 47374 Office Hours: 8-5 M-F Office: (765) 939-3161 9-1 Sat. Closed Sunday Cell: (765) 967-1750 Email: Lori@robinson-homes.com Lori Christian

April 13, 2016

Feature

Register - 3

Legalization of weed - it’s 4:20 somewhere Jessica Mohler, reporter register.mohler@gmail.com It’s 4:20 as she walks down the street with a freshly rolled joint between her fingers. Her heart begins to race as she spots a cop on the opposite side of the road, but her shoulders relax as he passes with a nod. It was in that moment it registered in her brain that the recreational use of marijuana was legal in her state, and she was free to smoke as she pleased.

Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have all passed laws legalizing marijuana in some way. Four states and D.C. have legalized marijuana for recreational use. While none of these states are Indiana, the possibility of nationwide legalization of marijuana has been proposed to Congress multiple times.

The conflicting opinions are not just restricted to big cities and government offices.

“I believe that [those states] have done the right thing, and their economies show that,” freshman Simon Hillyer-Carter said. “If it was legal nationwide, our country would change for the better, as state economies and our overall economy would increase. We would also see a large drop in people being convicted for drug offenses, as a majority of drug offenses, whether dealing or usage, are due to marijuana.”

Carter isn’t the only one concerned with incarceration due to

marijuana.

“I think [legalization] would change the U.S. for the better due to the fact that plenty of innocent people are put into cells for holding and distributing such a ‘drug’,” junior Autumn Wilson said.

While it is true an altered law would decrease arrests, not everyone is convinced.

“Just because people aren’t being arrested for it doesn’t necessarily mean that crime has gone down,” English teacher Clayton Smith said. “It’s objective on what you determine to be a crime and if you take these laws off the books, then yes it’s not a crime. So of course, crime will go down because there’s no longer that law. That still doesn’t make it morally right.”

Smith sees a bleak future if states continue to legalize recreational marijuana.

“I think it is going to lead to the demoralization of America,” Smith said. “Already, I see a lot of morals of our country starting to disintegrate and I feel like we need to take a tougher stand to teach our children the right ways to become adults. There is much data that still supports that marijuana is a dangerous drug.”

It’s dependency and the possible dangers of marijuana is what causes some to be opposed.

“Marijuana should not be legalized because it is a gateway drug to all other drugs,” freshman Benjamin May said.

Others feel differently.

“Marijuana isn’t a bad drug,” sophomore Taj’ae Wheeler said.

“There is no harm in it.”

Marijuana isn’t just for recreational use, it also has medicinal uses.

“Marijuana has been shown to be very helpful medicinally, and has helped people afflicted with severe pain, such as cancer patients, deal with this debilitation,” Carter said.

Even someone against the nationwide legalization agrees it has medical benefits.

“I think it should only be safely used for cancer patients or those in need medically,” May said.

That doesn’t mean everyone agrees.

“I don’t recognize the benefits and the main reason is because the Food and Drug Administration has a plethora of drugs that are already in existence that do, if not the same thing, a better job than what medical marijuana can do and there’s really no reason to add marijuana into that group because we already have the drugs that can treat those things,” Smith said.

Whether in support or opposed to the legalization of marijuana, both sides recognize the need of restrictions if new laws are passed.

“I believe, just like smoking, it should be restricted to 18+ because, just like smoking and drinking, it comes with risks,” Wilson said.

iue.edu

Fulfilling the Promise to

INSPIRE YOU.

April 13, 2016

4 - Register

Feature

Lack of sleep leads to classroom distractions It’s second period, the teacher is explaining something on the board and most of the students are half asleep. It’s time for the next period and the students look like zombies walking towards their class. Even though there’s plenty of time to have a goodnight sleep, students just don’t get the right amount of hours needed to stay awake for the whole day.

“Sleeping affects me immensely because if I don’t get a decent amount, I’m unfocused in class and don’t put in as much effort as I would with better sleep,” junior Kaitlyn Boatman said.

Being well rested the day before school is important when participating in the class.

“When I get a good night sleep I’m interactive in class and I do my work with no problems and I’m fully focused,” Boatman said.

When not having enough sleep it’s one more obstacle during a day of school.

“When I don’t have enough sleep I get agitated and fuss about the work and typically fall asleep in one of my classes,” she said.

Ways to stay awake

Having a good night’s sleep not only affects you in school but it also affects student’s moods and emotions.

“I pay more attention in class when I get enough sleep because my body is basically fully charged and is ready to go,” she said. “I have no thoughts of going to sleep or feel like it, and I typically am happy and energetic when I have enough sleep.”

There’s so many reasons for not going to sleep on time and one of them is the amount of homework and other after school activities.

“I typically get between five and six hours of sleep due to chamber choir in the morning at 7:00, and up doing homework night before,” Boatman said.

There are effects for not receiving sufficient hours of rest Boatman further explains.

“I only fall asleep in class when I don’t have enough sleep; typically it’s only in one class because I’m forced to interact in the others,” she said. “I try to force myself to not shut my eyes but my mind just tells me to sleep.”

Feeling entirely attentive in class is the product of having a good rest.

“Sleeping enough will help me do better in school because I’m fully awake and aware and ready to tackle the day, my brain has rested enough to take on this new day of learning and it helps me interact in class and be focused fully,” Boatman said.

There are many more students that feel the same way.“I can’t pay attention in class if I don’t have enough sleep,” sophomore Tylyn Jackson said.

The key to being better at school is having a good rest.

“When I get a good night sleep I do a lot better in school and I’m more focused, [when I don’t get a good night sleep] I tend to daze off and get distracted easily and don’t really pay attention,” Jackson said.

Getting the proper amount of sleep helps students not get worried about being tired.

•eat a snack •drink water

•talk to your teacher

•shower before school

Info Graphic By: Yuridia Lopez &Jacob Church

Erika Santiago, reporter register.santiagojulian@gmail.com

“I’m better rested when I get enough sleep and I’m not worried about other things,” Jackson said.

There are benefits in getting the proper amount of sleep.

“I normally sleep for about 9 hours each night,” she said “Sleeping enough helps me because I can stay focused and awake.”

Some students are faced with extra difficulties or responsibilities that adds on to the reasons many have sleepless nights.

“My daughter keeps me up at night, “ Jackson said.

Some students have found ways to manage their schedules so they can sleep at night.

“I usually sleep good 4 or 5 days out of the week,” Jackson said.

Sleeping also affects other students and their ability to have a normal day.

“Sleeping affects school greatly for me,” sophomore Shiloh Frame said. “I need sleep in order to go through a normal day.”

Having a good rest the night before school affects how efficiently students work.

“I focus a lot more, I am quicker to write things down and I finish more within the class,” Frame said.

When there’s not enough sleep for the students there’s less participation.

“When I don’t have enough sleep I don’t get a lot done in time, and I daydream more,” Frame said. “I don’t write things down.”

It also keeps students more awake during the day.

“Getting enough rest will provide you to feel more refreshed and not being really cranky and stressed out,” she said.

Homework can be an interference between sleeping early and late.

“I do not get enough sleep because all of the homework I get on a daily basis,” Frame said. “On average I get a good night sleep around two nights a week.”

Participation has an important role in how much a student sleeps.

“Sleeping affects you at school by having less participation,” junior Aynslie Pennington said.

Not having the correct amount of sleep affects one’s performance in school a variety of ways.

“I feel like I pay more attention in class when I get a good enough sleep, because when I don’t get enough sleep I’ll sleep in class,” Pennington said.

ISTEP makes comeback but not for long Amaryse Martinez, reporter register.martinez@gmail.com “Go to bed early,” “Eat a good breakfast,” are things that you’ve probably heard a lot the past few weeks in order to prepare for all of the testing.

This year, the Indiana Department of Education decided to add the ISTEP for grade 10.

The ISTEP+ test replaces the End of Course Assessments in Algebra 1 and English 10. According to www.doe.in.gov the purpose for the ISTEP+ program is to measure student achievement in the subject

areas of English/Language Arts, Mathematics and Science. In particular, ISTEP reports student achievement levels according to the Indiana Academic Standards that were adopted by the Indiana State Board of Education. But are standardized tests really fair to student’s? Many people would agree that no they are not. Standardized tests do not allow students to think deeply and creatively. “I think tests are one piece of the puzzle but I don’t think kids should be measured based on one test score,” said math teacher Annette Jetmore. “I think there should be multiple opportunities for

kids to be able to demonstrate what they can do.”

Although tests do not reveal all student’s ability, they are helpful for teachers. “ [Tests] give me information about where I should start my instruction. So teachers can use it as a formative piece of information to say here’s something just to see where kids are at,” said Jetmore.

Beginning April 18, 2016 until May 6, 2016 the window for the ISTEP+ Part 2. Algebra 1 and English 10 ECAs will start April 25, 2016. You must pass both of these tests in order to graduate.

Jessica Crane, editor in chief register.crane@gmail.com Governor Mike Pence recently signed a bill into place that eliminates the ISTEP testing that takes place around the state.

The 2017 school year will be the last year that ISTEP is given.

Many students hated the tests, appreciating the fact that it has been abolished.

Pence said in the Indianapolis Star, “We’re going to have accountability in our testing, but we’re going to find a better way. We’re going to look to our

teachers and we’re going to look to our administrators … and we’re going to ask how can we do a better job?”

Over the years, the hatred for the testing has grown more and more, as more questions arose concerning the authenticity of them. In the 2014-2015 school year, the tests had a scoring glitch and this year a flaw was discovered in one of the questions that could mess up the scoring, just like the year before.

April 13, 2016

Opinion

Register - 5

Hearing loss: not just for senior citizens Everyone hates the moment when you hit the wrong button on the TV remote and the subtitles pop up on the screen and block the view. They hurry up and switch them off, then turn the volume up, while ignoring the future relationship they could have with subtitles because of hearing loss.

Many students prefer to carry earbuds on them at all times rather than carrying a set of over-the-ear headphones, probably because earbuds are much more convenient to carry, though earbuds are the main reason that hearing loss is so common for this generation.

When earbuds are paired with loud, sudden noises in music with a large volume, hearing loss can occur in under two hours, and when someone does that day after day, they will most likely be somewhat, if not completely, deaf by the middle of their life.

“I listen to my music loud through earbuds at school, but not at home,” sophomore Rachel Shuminoff said. “I do this so I don’t have to listen to people talk and I can focus on one thing without the distraction of others.”

Many students follow the same kind of trend when it comes to thoughts about

earbuds at school, but teachers have a different mindset.

“I tried allowing phones/iPods in my classroom last year and had much lower performance from my students,” Honors Pre Calculus/AP Calculus teacher Kay Koger said. “Students in my classroom were not able to concentrate [because] the electronic devices were a distraction.”

Many students despise rules such as Koger’s, but in reality, these rules are put into place to help, and not only when it comes to learning. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 50% of young adults are exposed to unsafe levels of decibels from their personal devices, and this is 30% higher than it was in the 1980s. Considering that, and the fact that students use headphones a lot in class to drown out the noise around them, they are possibly in a lot of trouble

if any of them want to keep good hearing for very much longer.

There are a lot of things that students and young adults around the country can do to lower our risk for hearing loss. Things such as leaving our comfort zone and buying over-

the-ear headphones or following the 60/60 rule. This generation has adopted the mindset of not caring about something like hearing, but there is high hope that in the future, we become more aware to this deafening disaster.

Advice to Keep your Hearing -Buy the newer ear buds that offer a tighter fit to block out more background noise, allowing you to listen at a lower volume.

-Invest in “custom” ear buds made according to an impression taken of your ear canal. These block out the most noise, letting you listen at very low levels. They also provide the best sound quality.

-Educate your friends. Most have no idea that hearing doesn’t come back once it’s gone.

60/60 Rule

Infographic by Taylor Brown

Keep your volume below 60%, and limit your listening to under 60 minutes per day.

Infographic by Jacob Church and Taylor Brown

Jessica Crane, editor in chief register.crane@gmail.com

6 - Register

April 13, 2016 - 7

Feature

Today’s relationships more complicated than in years past ion?

out of fash d e n io sh fa ld o Is

y. from places they go to toda pizza es were ice cream parlors, “The most popular plac rd reco and ses hou ee coff alleys, parlors, drive-ins, bowling . said bat ne. Her shops,” Som inside ” pops up on Jane’s pho , they would rather stay “Hey you wanna go out?

For many, like Graham there’s one problem. She but out, her d . aske crush finally and do something else . ys be in person, not over a text seeing a movie would alwa wanted to be asked out “Going out to eat and watch er for teenagers to easi and a was pizz it or s, out day ole’ take d r orde Back in the goo fun but I would rather just . ch a movie,” Graham said date each other. education a whole series on Netflix or wat ial spec s,” note te wro h on someone it was crus a e hav ld wou “Back in the day, we e p eon a grou When som . “We would meet up as s they were taking. teacher Jama Crowe said e or we common to do things like take a clas movie, meet up at a gam the to was taking,” Hittson go she out, g that han ses e and “I took the same clas school groups at least onc by d sore spon that I ended up in ces on dan reas the also had said. “[That’s] probably end because I out a month.” a text or Calculus and Physics, but it worked in the w one another through major in college.” h Today, teens get to kno mat and nce scie a ended up with there’s a big group of friends. e even changed. Today or text The stages of dating hav I would probaby message ne) stage, the pho the r “To get to know a guy to (ove r them othe te goes on I would invi the getting to know each dating them first and then as time ll Graham stage, and then finally the p of friends,” junior Ade awkward stage, the flirting hang out with a big grou stage. said. over the ker rather than it used to. it’s easier to ask one out The dating life moves quic For many people today, e, the slightly comfortable stag d war awk face. “[There’s] the tin phone rather than face-toask to er easi it able stage,” junior Dus e fort mad e com media hav stage, [and then the] “Cell phones and social get you if s, “Plu . said Ken Hittson Collins said. they people out,” math teacher complicated today, than -to-face.”

Relationships are more e turned down it isn’t face nag Tee le artic the in bat, Som dy Win According to s differ used to be. places teens went on date Dating, in the 1950s the

manager Bri Gardner, business om ail.c gm er@ rdn r.ga registe

pared to in and Terry Gibson pre Sophomores Tate McCla enjoy Homecoming.

Smiling bri Haggert ghtly, sophom o y revvin g up to re Sydney Moo enjoy H re and ju omecom nior Ste ing. ven

Hugging, sophomore couple Hannah Sluis and Lucas Harrod enjoy each others com pany.

Lines more blurry than Ro bin Thicke’s

Macey Thornburg, repo rter register.thornburg@gma il.com

the line the between cheat ing and flirting real name ), being one of the few is crossed? Most believe open if someone has gay couples at this school, there a significant other then they ’s no such She takes his phone to take shouldn’t thing as “just a selfie. He be flirting flirting”. Both girls claim that with anyone except for perso likes her but he knows if she n cheating and flirtin saw the photos they’re dating. Sometimes flirting g is not different. on his phone he would be happens in big trouble. and peopl McCracken believes that e realize that a line has His girlfriend told him not there is no been blurred line to talk to other crossed. between cheating and flirtin girls, but he thinks that g. a little flirting “There is no such thing as “As soon as obvious interest never hurts, and continues ‘just flirting’,” in the other to do so. After person she said. “I feel like there is is shown [they’ve crossed the she’s done taking her latest no line between line],’’ it.” picture, he Bowersock said. nonchalantly takes his phon e back, wiping If an obvious interest in the As far as the blurred line the sweat off his brow as he other person between does so. is shown, most people agree In a relationship, some say it then becomes flirting and cheating goes all these couples there is a fine cheating seem to think that there is and can lead to turmoil and line that separates cheat no invisi strain ble line ing and flirting. in a relationship. If a person’s In some cases, there is no significant that separates cheating and flirting. Junior line and couples other is caught flirting with other Kyleigh Carr and Senior Tann would prefer that their signif people, er Coyle are icant other not who are you supposed to get mad talk to people. at, the dating. Carr doesn’t like cheating or flirting boyfriend/girlfriend or just “There is no difference the other person? and most of time doesn’t like when girls text [between “I don’t get mad at the signif cheating and flirting],” junio icant other. or flirt with Coyle. r Desiree Reyes I get mad at the person doing it,” Bullo said.

“I think that flirting is cheat ck ing,” Carr said. said.

Reyes is dating Senior Aqib Mohammed, In relationship a key factor and he believes that there Carr and Coyle do allow each is trust.

If the is a difference trust is other to broke n then so is the relationship. have friends of the between flirting and positivity. opposite gender and For Bullock and Bowersock “There is a difference betwe , trusting the trust that there will be no probl en being other not to ems with go flirt with someone else kind to someone and flirtin is any type of flirting. They believe that texts g,” he said. high.

Flirting can sometimes lead are okay but just from close to cheating, friends. Carr “I trust that the other would and it isn’t unusual for coup n’t flirt doesn’t get mad if Coyle texts les not to like back, but his closer I don’t know if they’d stop when people hit on their the friends,but it’s a different story boyfriend or flirting becau when it se they usually don’t realize girlfriend. comes to strangers. it’s happening,” Bullock said.

“I don’t think [it’s considered “[I don’t get mad] if it’s cheating] If only coup a close les do flirt or cheat, they tend unless the significant other to friend,”Carr said. starts flirting get mad at the other person involved back,” senior Grant Bowe but For Coyle things are different rsock said. not at their because he significant other. For Junio Bowersock is dating senior r doesn’t care at all if guys are Katylin Bullock. MaKenna texting Carr.

West (not her real name In a relationship how do we ) and “It doesn’t bother me know when Junior Emily unless it’s McCracken (also not her something [more] than [just] friends.”

PDA: Personal Display is Annoying Taylor Brown, reporter register.tbrown@gmail. com He gently strokes her hair and kisses her cheek as she nuzzles her face into his jacket. They look into each other’s eyes and engage in a passionate kiss. This may sound like a scene from the latest romance movie, but it is actually an everyday occurrence in the hallways.

Although, some keep this action to a minimum, others take it a little too far.

“PDA is acceptable when controlled in a mature way, nothing touchy and if so out of the public eye,” sophomore Peyton Ogden said.

Other students disagree.

“I think it’s acceptable in all situations,” junior Emma Williams said.

Some students struggle to see when

PDA is appropriate or inappropriate.

“Inappropriate PDA is any PDA that you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see,” Ogden said. “If you have to question going about something with your sweetheart, you’re already too far.”

Freshman Maria Aquino provides examples of appropriate PDA. “Hugging is okay, and I think platonic PDA is okay too,” Aquino said. “Hand holding can get annoying. I can tolerate it, but I don’t like it.”

Most students feel PDA should be allowed in school.

“PDA should be allowed, however only to a certain extent,” Ogden said.

“I’m not saying we should allow make out sessions and groping, but if you desire to have a quick kiss before your next period, so be it.”

PDA can be seen as a touchy subject, leaving students to wonder whether or not teachers really want to be involved with breaking it up.

“I hear [teachers] complain about it and share stories of how they see students get steamy,” Aquino said. “I think they almost see high school love as a joke.”

Ogden thinks teachers do try to intervene.

“Definitely,” Ogden said. “Teachers have made attempts to stop PDA undoubtedly, whether it be something witty or a punishment, they’re certainly making an effort.”

Many students have different opinions on PDA and can get annoyed by it.

“I’m not annoyed or bothered by PDA in the slightest bit,” Ogden said.

“Although it is revolting to

see a couple sucking each others faces as I walk to my next period, it’s nothing that will hurt me on a personal level.”

Williams has a slightly different opinion. “[PDA] only [bothers me] when it is drastic and drawn out,” Williams said.

Aquino feels differently about PDA. “I just really don’t care that two people like each other,” Aquino said. “I see people always hugging and kissing and texting their significant other. I don’t care for it, so I want it to stop. Do it in private, or just not around me.”

“Inappropriate PDA is any PDA that you wouldn’t want yo ur grandmother to see,” -- Peyton Ogden, 10

8 - Register

April 13, 2016

Feature

Rolling away the gender roles “[Gender roles are] just rude to me,” junior Jacob Buckner said. “When you put people in their place, you don’t tell a person how it is.”

While there are solutions to this problem such as feminism, there are smaller ways to start helping it.

“I think everybody should be equal,” Moore said. “If somebody is trying to make you feel like somebody is better than you just because of their gender, you should stand up for yourself. It would [also] definitely help if people would stop using ‘you’re such a girl’ as an insult.”

As a school staff member, Ronne believes schools should respect people and how they express themselves.

“Schools in particular have to make sure people are safe to express themselves, that includes staff members being respectful of their students,” Ronne said. “People who are already brave enough to be themselves regardless then they are already doing what I would say is the right thing: to just be themselves. I would encourage to try stepping outside the box, even if a little bit at a time and just testing out what’s comfortable.”

While everybody is thinking about general solutions, Buckner began to think about personal solutions.

“The whole gender role thing, that’s up to you, that’s a personal decision to me,” Buckner said. “I think a good thing to do would just let people choose how they want to dress, let people choose what they want to do and let people act the way they want without any compromise because that’s who they want to be. You want to be you, I want to be me.”

Photo obtained by Google Images

Jessie Vargas, Reporter register.jvargas@gmail.com Tweety bird is actually a boy and Blue from ‘Blue’s Clues’ is actually a girl. Surprised by these facts? One should be.

There was a point in time when girls were shown through the color pink and boys blue; where girls were seen with high pitched voices and men with low pitched voices. These are major and simple examples of gender roles. Times are changing and the roles of each gender are slowly deteriorating. Though it is changing, it’s still resurfacing in the small acts that many people do.

“I’ve noticed that if a teacher needs help moving something, they’ll ask for ‘strong boys’ when I’m plenty capable,” sophomore Sydney Moore said. “[They’re] way less strict about boys’ dress code compared to girls. A boy can sag his pants to his butt and wear a hat all day, but if my skirt is just barely shorter than my fingers, I have to change.”

Teachers too have seen gender roles across the school. Social studies teacher Tre Ronne has seen many roles, one specifically going against guys.

“One rule that guys grow up with is the rule that they’re not supposed to show emotion,” Ronne said. “If guys show emotion it’s quietly, it’s in the background. It’s behind closed doors. In reality they’re probably torn up.”

While people think about how good or bad the roles are, not many stop to think about how it makes others feel.

“It makes me feel like people think I can’t do as much just because I’m a girl,” Moore said.

Not just girls are bothered by gender roles.

“Let people choose how they want to dress, let people choose what they want to do and let people act the way they want without any compromise because that’s who they want to be. You want to be you, I want to be me.”

- Jacob Buckner, 10

@WestEndBank

westendbank.com

April 13, 2016

Feature

Register - 9

Catcalling-another form of

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

“D*mn, that a** girl,” and “Hey beautiful, come here.” These are things not only heard around schools, but worldwide daily. Most commonly known to be said by men, catcalling or making inappropriate and sexualized comments is not a new topic to most women.

“Girls can catcall, but you hear it more from the male demographic,” sophomore Jessica Vargas said. “I believe that catcalling is a double standard because some people think it’s fine for a guy to do it, but not a girl.”

Females usually tend to be uncomfortable and feel insulted when they are called at by random strangers.

“It makes me feel uncomfortable and I just usually walk away,” Vargas said. “You normally hear guys saying stuff like, ‘Hey sexy,’or something kind of insulting. Women seem to be more annoyed and aggravated when they are catcalled, but men however seem to just shrug it off.”

The question as to how catcalling affects people’s views and treatment of women is constantly being raised.

“Women are known to be the ‘weaker sex’, and some use that as an advantage,” freshman Jesse Moore said.

Catcalling has been popularly considered as a way for guys to further sexualize a woman’s body, as society already has through the media, ads, television etc. It is not uncommon to see a commercial nowadays with a woman dressed in a skimpy outfit to sell a hamburger, and catcalling has been known to further feed the fuel in objectifying women’s bodies.

“I feel like catcalling objectifies women because it’s like a sign of dominance from the other gender,” Vargas said. “It’s portrayed in several areas such as in movies and shows so it’s kind of become a social norm.”

Moore agrees.

“I feel like catcalling objectifies both men and women,” she said.

Not only has it been known to degrade the status of women, but it has also affected many aspects of society. Because of the uncomfortable feeling many get when they are called at, some girls have even gone as far as covering

Photo illustration by Maria VandeVord

Maria VandeVord, reporter register.vandevord@gmail.com

themselves up when around males.

“I’ve covered myself up around groups of boys because I don’t exactly feel safe in those situations.” Vargas said.

One could say that changing people’s appearances because of the sexualization of (mostly) women and men has found its way into schools as well. The dress code states that no student is allowed to show their shoulders, girls aren’t allowed to wear shorts, skirts or dresses that come above their fingertips and although many break this rule, leggings are not permitted because it is categorized as overly tight fitting clothing. Girls are also not supposed to show any midriff, as with crop tops, or any kind of skin around the midsection (including cleavage) is deemed inappropriate. This can be considered yet another example of how the sexualization of women’s bodies has wound its way through society, and catcalling is just an effect of it.

“I don’t mind that people catcall me because I always have something smart to come back with and I know I can usually handle the situation.” Moore said.

Some girls and boys have become desensitized to these types of remarks or used to them, so that it doesn’t really bother them to much extent. There are also those that confuse

a creepy catcall from a compliment.

“The difference between a catcall and a compliment is that a compliment is nice and to the face of someone, and a catcall is usually inappropriate and usually sexual,” Moore said.

Vargas also agrees.

“A compliment is something you say kindly about a girl’s appearance, and catcalling I see as more of trying to pick up a girl,” she said.

Some people would rather hear something else, compared to the usual degrading comments that get thrown in their face, while others would rather hear nothing at all.

“I would rather someone compliment me because it reminds me that there are still nice people in the world,” Moore said.

Vargas wouldn’t mind both.

“I’d rather have either of the options really, anything but catcalling,” she said.

There are other things one can say to someone in place of a catcall.

“A more appropriate phrase would be, ‘ You look nice in that,’ not just catcalling the girl about the feature of her body you like,” Moore said.

Vargas claims another way one can say it is by telling a person, “You look nice today.”

“I feel like catcalling objectifies women because it’s like a sign of dominance from the other gender.”

-Jessica Vargas, 10

April 13, 2016

10 - Register

Feature

How to pass AP exam with flying colors

[Editorial Policy]

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help you memorize and learn the material.

“I try to avoid cramming weeks before the exam,” Mack said.

Studying with others may help some students.

“Make a group of friends to study with weekly,” Mack said.

A basic but very important rule to remember is to listen in class. Listening and giving your full attention in class is a pretty obvious rule and just by following that rule you can get a good score on the exam.

“I payed attention in class,” senior Justin Campbell said.

Following the directions and just doing the work will help pass your exam. Doing everything in your class and just being there everyday participating and being involved can help you learn and get a good grade.

“I did my work and followed the instructions,” Campbell said.

Editor in Chief Jessica Crane Managing Editor Krista Nicholson Copy Editors Maria VandeVord Krista Nicholson Business Manager Bri Gardner

Online Editor Becca Pheanis Reporters Taylor Brown John Cheatwood Jacob Church Gricelda Cruz Angel Larsh Yuridia Lopez Amaryse Martinez Jessica Mohler Erika Santiago Photo illustration by Becca Pheanis

The number three seems small to many people, but for an AP student a three can mean whether they get college credit or not, affecting their school life.

“Don’t wait until the last minute [to study],” AP biology teacher Brandon Hilbert said.

Even studying for a couple of minutes each day can help you prepare for the exam.

“It can be done 10-15 minutes every night,” Hilbert said.

There are a lot of valuable sources that students are open to using on their own time.

“Visit collegeboard.org to research the requirements for the exam,” Hilbert said.

Students should set time aside to study not just at school, but out of school as well. Studying outside of school for some time can be very beneficial to students.

“Review the material provided by the AP teacher at home,” Hilbert said.

Studying more actively can help students better understand the content by assisting them in learning and memorizing more information.

“Don’t just read the notes, but highlight and ask questions as you read and study,” Hilbert said.

Pacing and knowing how you will be scored is important, that way people don’t take too long on certain questions.

“Know your test and know how long it will take for you to answer the questions,” Hilbert said.

A very important role in preparing for the exam is to know how you are going to be graded. Taking some time to look at the rubrics online can be helpful.

“Students should learn how they will be assessed and scored,” AP Spanish teacher Tess Scheiben said.

Knowing how to prepare and what’s going to be on the exam is important.

Looking online at the rubrics and asking your teacher can help students know and better prepare for the exam.

“Students should spend sometime looking at the rubrics provided by the college board,” Scheiben said.

Being involved in multiple ways is important. Students can use different methods of studying to get more involved with their homework.

“They need to go beyond the homework assignments,” Scheiben said.

Participation in class is also an easy way to get to know the material you are studying for. Asking questions and participating in class can help students learn.

“Students should actively participate as much as possible during class,” Scheiben said.

Paying attention and actively participating in class, such as asking questions, can help students prepare.

“Paying attention in class the whole year,” senior Morgan Mack said.

Something students should not do is to study at the last minute.

Studying everyday for at least 10-20 minutes in different ways can

STAFF

Gricelda Cruz, reporter register.santiagocruz@gmail.com

Macey Thornburg Jessie Vargas Principal Rae Woolpy Adviser Jeff Gabbard

April 13, 2016

Feature

Register - 11

Science using DNA to fight disease Human Genome Project offers medical options in prevention

2003- Human Genome Projects ends

1990Human Genome Project begins

June 1997: Scientists precisely identify a gene abnormality that causes some cases of Parkinsonʼs disease.

May 1997: Scientists show alterations in the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are associated with an increased risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers.

May 2000: Scientists report they unraveled the genetic code of human chromosome 21, involved with Down syndrome, Alzheimerʼs disease, Usher syndrome and Lou Gehrigʼs disease.

December 1997: Researchers identify an altered gene that causes Pendred Syndrome, an inherited form of deafness.

March 2001: Scientists find a new tumor suppressor gene involved in breast, prostate and other cancers on human chromosome 7.

March 11, 2004: Scientists find variants in a gene that may predispose people to type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease.

July 26, 2004: Scientists and researchers from 11 universities and institutions discover a possible inherited component for lung cancer, a disease normally associated with external causes, such as cigarette smoking.

March 29, 2009: National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers have identified a gene that suppresses tumor growth in melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

September 4, 2013: The National Human Genome Research Institute and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development announce awards for pilot projects to explore the use of genomic sequencing in newborn healthcare.

Infographic by Angel Larsh/Graphic by Jacob Church

The parents walk into the appointment with the doctor and approach a screen. They decide on blond hair, blue eyes, and a baby that will be good with sports and school. This is called a designer baby. This is what most people think of when they hear the words Human Genome Project.

However, the reality is much different. It does work with genes, but in a different way.

“Some of the fear that people have from the Human Genome Project is that it will be used to create designer babies,” honors biology teacher Stephanie Stout said. “You know, you can pick and choose the traits that you want in your kids.”

This idea is not possible, even with today’s technology, and it is also illegal. There are laws in place that make sure that if we did get the technology one day, it would be illegal to create and have “designer babies”.

The Human Genome Project was government funded, took a while to do, and was started with good intentions. “The Human Genome Project was started in 1990 and actually ended in 2003 and it was a cooperative project to map the human DNA and to figure out where exactly on what gene on what chromosome all of our genes were and all of our DNA was,” Stout said. “The hope is now that they have things mapped and they know which gene lies on which chromosome that they can use that to help better treat and potentially come up with cures for diseases and disorders.”

In November of 1996, scientists found the first gene associated with Parkinson’s disease and a major gene linked to prostate cancer. Although the project ended in 2003, scientists are still using it for that very reason: trying to come up with better treatment and cures for diseases and disorders. Since the project was a success, scientists now have a useful blueprint of the human genes and what they are as well as what they do.

However, the project is not all about treating and curing diseases and disorders. It’s also about making genetically modified foods that can resist certain pests, diseases and environmental conditions.

To some teachers, such as Stout, the Human Genome Project is nothing but good. “The curing of diseases a n d disorders is 100% a benefit.

I honestly don’t see a downfall. I just see it as beneficial.”

However, some teachers like biology teacher Ryan Halloran have some worries. “[Some] benefits [are that] you could p o s s i b l y eliminate genetic disorders,” H a l l o r a n said. “Downfalls [are that] you always worry about taking it a step too far. Creating something you create didn’t need to [and] it causing a problem.”

The Human Genome Project is beneficial in the fields of science and agriculture but some people have misleading ideas about what it is.

The Human Genome Project is just a project that mapped out the genes. It is neither good nor bad, but how it’s used can help a person decide if it’s one or the other.

Graphic by Jacob Church

Angel Larsh, reporter register.larsh@gmail.com

April 13, 2016

12 - Register

Feature

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that attacks one’s lungs, organs and digestive system. Normally, mucus is slippery and thin, but in CF patients, it’s thick and sticky, making it hard for the body to rid itself of it.

An individual is born with the disease and all because of the genetics from their parents. There are many different mutations of CF. If both parents are shown to have the gene in their DNA, their offspring is 25% likely to acquire the disease. If only one parent has the gene, their offspring will have the gene, but not the disease.

According to www.cff.org, there are about 30,000 people living with CF in the United States, and 70,000 people in the world. Approximately 1,000 people are diagnosed with it yearly.

Sweating is a normal part of life, it releases salt and helps to keep the body cool, and not much is really admitted out of their body. However, with Cystic Fibrosis, the individual admits a lot more, it is potent and strong. This is one way of discovering if they have the disease. According to www.m.webmd.com/children/sweat-test, sweat tests measure the amount of salt chemicals (sodium and chloride) in sweat.

It is done to help diagnose CF. Normally, sweat on the skin surface contains very little sodium and chloride. People with CF have two to five times the normal amount of sodium and chloride in their sweat.

With CF patients, depending on the severity, they can be in the hospital for days or even weeks depending on what is going on. For those facing a harder time with the disease, the option of a double-lung transplant is there. The transplant does not cure the person of the disease, but helps them to live a longer life.

The life span for one with this disease has steadily increased because of medication and treatments, but still is only in the late 30’s early 40’s. In 1989, the genetic code and gene was discovered. Since then, doctors and scientists have been working to find a way to prolong life expectancy and discover a cure.

In July 2015, the FDA approved of a drug that targets the lungs and helps to clear out their system of the mucus. It is called Orkambi and is a therapy drug given to those 12 and older with CF. It targets those with the genetic mutation F508 Delta, the most common mutation for CF, by correcting the misfolded gene according to cysticfibrosisnewstoday. com. Unfortunately, the drug costs about $259,000 per year, coming to a total annual cost of nearly $100 million, but insurance companies are working hard to help the patients afford it.

Scientists and doctors are working hard to find the root cause of Cystic Fibrosis and cure it for individuals and their loved ones. photo obtained from Google.com

Becca Pheanis, online editor register.pheanis@gmail.com

Photo obtained from fightcf.cff.org

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic Fibrosis 5K Keep calendars open for Richmond’s Second Annual Cystic Fibrosis 5K!

-When: May 7th -Where: Natural Springs Resort -Registration is at 9am and the 5K starts at 10am.

-Walking is FREE and donations are welcomed. Proceeds go to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!

-Join for snacks, face painting and much more!

“Official Pizza of the Red Devils”

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