April 2013

Thoroughly Modern

Millie

See pictures from the JHS musical

April, 2013

pg. 3

the black and white. april 2013. volume 21 issue 8. 5152780449. 6501 NW 62nd ave. johnston, ia

Carico leaves JMS

The deal with Drake Relays

JMS principal Brian Carico will leave the district next year

t

pg. 4

Find us on Twitter! follow us @jhsnewspaper

Why Drake Relays competition trumps the state track meet

f

pg. 13

Sports practice changes How early dismissals and a new rule will affect practices next year

Find us on Facebook! Friend and like us on Facebook Jhs Black and White

pg. 15

www.jhsblackandwhite.com

index

the b&w in this issue

Carico goes to Indianola Brian Carico announces his decision to leave the district

6

JHS Ambassadors

Design II art class poster taken down due to its message

A program for new students starts up to make them feel more comfortable at school

opinion editorial

- New grinding policies - GSA club up and running

5

Sub talk All you ever wanted to know about the substitute teachers

10

Rumor busters

Poster controversy

8 9

health opinion

4

See a dress-rehersal of the the musical “Thorougly Modern Millie�

Two students are accepted into two of the Ivy League schools in the country

Animal science

11

Be happy

12

Do not pass up the pope

The state track meet does not show athletic ability like the Drake Relays do

14 Wisdom teeth

The process of getting wisdom teeth pulled and what one should expect

next year New football regulations and early out Wednesdays affect practice schedules

Things to smile about as the school year ends and life seems sad

The pope stands not only as a leader of faith, but also a moral role model

13

Drake vs.State

15 Athletics change for

Advanced Life Science: Animals is filled with animals provided by Kyla Burns

backpage

3

7 Prestigous students

Photo essay

feature

news

[ april 2013]

16 Study tips

Helpful hints on how to ace your next test

meet the staff

Editorial board

editors in chief Hannah Soyer Laura Scieszinski Paige Cramer design editor Kenzie Foldes sub-editors Sarah Margolin- Copy Anne Rogers- Sports Sarah Ross- Feature Mallorie Goodale- News

Staff writers

Austin Busch Zoe Wilson Clare Farrell Jeremy Caracci Niki Ferguson Kevin Wu Monica Gagne Senad Besic Aaron Gray Daisha McAvaddy Mollie Greenwood Ellen Bennett Myles Glandorf Amra Devedzic Taylor Joens Medina Jusufovic Katelyn Lunders Carly Kinning Ethan Marshall Ashleigh Edwards Courtney Mithelman

PHILOSOPHY The Black and White is published solely by the Johnston High School newspaper staff. Its goal is to inform, enlighten and entertain Johnston students. It is an open forum. In accordance with Iowa law and board policy, students assign and edit material and make all decisions of content. The paper is published ten times per school year. The paper will avoid material that is libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. The law does not require parental permission to use student quotes. Ethically, we believe students can speak for themselves. Staff editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the editorial board. Editorial and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the adviser, school officials or the district. Letters to the editor must be signed. Like all material, letters may not be libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. Bring letters to room 413 within one week after publication to be considered for the next issue.

The Black and White strives to report accurate and timely information. If you believe that an error has been printed, please contact the editors at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com. The Black and White is a member of CSPA, NSPA, Quill & Scroll, and IHSPA. Recent issues of the paper earned these honors: Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist, National Scholastic Press Association First Class rating, Quill & Scroll Gallup Award, IHSPA state placings and sixth in the National Best of Show.

photo essay

the b&w p.3

in photos

Thoroughly Modern Millie

3

words & photos Katelyn Lunders

1

4

5

2 “Thoroughly Modern Millie” was performed April 19 at 7:30 p.m., April 20 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m., and April 21 at 2:00 p.m.

1

Junior Drew Grill dips freshman Greta Hammond in a musical number.

The two actors appear in several scenes as members of the chorus.

2

Trevor Graydon, played by junior Craig O’Keefe, searches for more of his beverage at the bottom of his cup. Graydon was stood up by another character, Miss Dorothy Brown, and is using alcohol to drown his sorrows.

Members of the chorus, from left to right, senior Joscey Miner, sophomore Autumn Askew, and junior Morgan Jensen are passed out in jail. The cast was arrested at a party and are waiting to be bailed out of jail.

3

4

Millie Dillmount and Jimmy Smith, are played by seniors Laura Smalley and Alex Kaptain. The two are dancing on the edge of a building. Both Smalley and Kaptain were in The Wizard of Oz, last year.

senior Amelia Ham5 mond, kidnaps Muzzy, Mrs. Meers, played by

played by senior Melia Black. Muzzy pretends to be an orphan in the hopes of finding Miss Dorothy Brown, who is an orphan that Mrs. Meers kidnapped.

news

the b&w p.4

Carico leaves district Middle school principal Brian Carico prepares for his new job as principal in Indianola words & layout Courtney Mithelman Current middle school principal Brian Cari-

co has accepted the offer of Indianola High

However, Congo line and dances like it are allowed even though

“The school is great, the kids are great, the

they are face to back. “We want people to feel comfortable and

community is great.”

have a good time,” principal Brent Riessen said. “Some kids

Even though he loves Johnston, he feels

follow along because they don’t know what to do. They grind

that it is best for him to leave for personal rea-

because they don’t want to feel dif-

sons.

ferent,” Riessen said.

“I see every 15 year-old boy as a 15 year

Specific movements strictly pro-

-old boy and I don’t get to see the growth,” he

hibited include bending over with

said. “I don’t get to watch them move to the

hands and knees on the ground,

next stage of their life. I need to be able to see

leg and hip riding, pelvic thrusting,

the growth, and continue watching kids grow.”

forcefully pressing against each

Carico’s favorite part about Johnston is the

Brian Carico is excited to accept his new job at Indianola.

job. And to see some of the kids that have been

at Indianola. “A new chance, a new start. I’ve

them as much, so that’s going to be hard.”

training for mental health awareness.”

He is also looking forward to the high school

activities.

there just as much as the students in John-

told him about it, so he eventually applied on-

ing a good role model with a positive attitude,”

Skype. “The sound didn’t work, so I had to

Caffrey said. “He is a man with great character and only good in his heart.”

any sexually suggestive act.

already got some things lined up to do some

co is leaving Johnston, but she knows that the

ston do. “Mr. Carico has inspired me by be-

Grinding

other, inappropriate grabbing or

most, Carico said, “Probably the kids. That’s

students at Indianola will enjoy having Carico

GRINDING AT A PROM RESULTS IN A WARNING FROM CHAPERONES Face-to-face dancing is the only kind of dancing now allowed.

he knows it’s best. “I love it here,” Carico said.

Sophomore Kelsey Caffrey is sad that Cari-

BUSTED

out. No reimbursment or refund.

It is hard for Carico to leave Johnston, but

really, really close to me, I won’t be able to see

words & layout Ethan Marshall

starting with prom. No warnings. People grinding will be thrown

school year. He officially starts July 1.

why you get into this, that’s why you do this

You got ‘em. We bust ‘em.

Administration says no grinding of any kind will be allowed

School principal starting in the 2013-2014

students. When asked what he will miss the

RUMOR BUSTERS

The job offer was posted, and some people

line. Then he had a screen interview through call, while I was Skyping!” Carico said.

CONFIRMED GSA (GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE) IS ACTIVE GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) is a club that engages in support

The district interviewed three people, and

groups, discussions, and posters to stop using words with nega-

lasting from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Carico inter-

make a lot of difference being there for someone,” junior and

Principal Brent Riessen also thinks that he

they went to Indianola for a full-day interview,

tive connotation towards people of all sexual orientations. “It can

will do a great job in his new position,” he said.

viewed with district administration, building ad-

presdient of GSA Jack Kapustka said.

students. He also observed a teacher giving a

Thursday. Kapustka revived the club after winter break. The first

back to the teacher in a conference.

said. “Everyone is really excited and nice to each other.”

will like his future job. “I am excited for him. He

Carico is also very comfortable with John-

ston. “I know exactly where everything is, it just feels comfortable here. With that being down

there [Indianola], I didn’t even know where to park the first day.”

Even though Carico will miss some things

at Johnston, he is looking forward to working

ministration, certified staff, classified staff, and

lesson in the classroom and then gave feed“I really am kind of torn about leaving, but

it’s just best, personally, for me to go and do something different for a while,” he said.

GSA meets in Mr. Walker’s room, room 504, every other

meeting was Thursday, February 7th. “It’s fun to be in,” Kapustka

news

the b&w p.5

Poster taken down due to controversy

words & layout Paige Cramer & Daisha McAvaddy

The school’s administration took down a con-

reotypical labels off a person. “That was the hardest

ple,” he said. “I run it by the counselors, I’ll run it by

lunchroom earlier this semester. Senior Sara Thim-

are against stereotypes, but you have to stereo-

to other people and say ‘Hey, what do you think?’

troversial poster on display in the art case by the mesch created the poster in the Design II art class.

The Design II teacher Daniel Weiss assigned

the project to create a piece that reflected a specific message. “You wanted to disorient the viewer and grab their attention, and raise awareness about

type to make the project.” Thimmesch strategically

chose each picture she used from the Internet. “I tried to pick people who looked self-determined and you would be shocked if someone actually called

our other administrators and in some cases I’ll talk

Because I’ve got my set of opinions, I’ve got my set

of views and I know sometimes that might not be what other people think.”

Most items posted in the school need to be ap-

them that.”

proved by the administration and hung in desig-

idea to the class, but then [Mr.

might hear someone say around the school, be-

case, the administrative staff allows teachers to use

sketches and made

one were to call them that, if they wanted to offend

an issue,” Thimmesch said. “I actually wasn’t going to show that

part, choosing which pictures to use because you

Weiss] saw one of my me show it to them.”

The poster’s mes-

sage was about lifting stereotypical labels. Thimmesch associated

de-

grading labels with

pictures

of

everyday

people.

“I

presented my ideas to

the

c l a s s

and then I

sent

around

a list of words I might want to use,” Thimmesch said. The names

or labels were de-

grading by race, ori-

Thimmesch wanted to use words that students

cause the words would have more impact. “If somethem, they wouldn’t say ‘hey you’re an n-word.’”

However, Thimmesh did realize that these words might offend some people. “I was really understanding about it because it’s a public building and those are really bad words. We have rules against that in school, so I knew it would be taken down.”

Lifting the word flap

was meant to symbolize

the act of lifting the ste-

Thimmesch said. After it was taken down, she put it up on the Internet so that people would still be able

to see it. “I put it on Facebook; everyone responded positively,” she said.

Not every item that might offend someone would

of Christian Athletes sign come down would not be

class or the school,” principal Brent Riessen said.

“In no way, shape or form did she do anything wrong and I wouldn’t want it to be portrayed that way.”

Riessen said he must balance different perspec-

fensive,” Riessen said. “To have every Fellowship something we would do because that’s a school-

sponsored club. Now if they put something on there that was over the top, we would deal with that.”

The intent of an item that is to be posted would

tives held by students, parents, staff and others.

also be measured. “If the desire is to it up in the

who aren’t large in number,” he said. “You think

with them ahead of time to make sure it meets the

“What you have to do is think about those people about what most people look like around here at

Johnston, what their views are ... the majority is always well represented so we always try to put on

the lens of others and see how it’s going to be received by this group or that group,” he said.

Riessen explained that because the poster was

the message. “I think you always run the risk of that

to reveal the pictures

up, I said it was going to get taken down right away,”

don’t want to have any bad reflection on her, the

staff felt that the poster should be taken down. “I

Cutout letters of the

words revealed parts of

posted. “When Mr. Weiss said he was going to put it

be taken down. “Let’s say you find Christians of-

housed in an enclosed case, students were not able

the pictures.

their own discretion as to whether an item should be

There were many reasons the administrative

entation, lifestyle or

mental health status.

nated areas. For certain items, like the art display

to “lift the labels,” and some might not understand when putting up something without an explanation,”

building, then it would be my desire that we work requirements,” Riessen said. “If the desire is just to do a project, then we don’t need to do that.”

Reissen found no fault with Timmesch doing the

assignment. “I think what I’m pleased about is that

she had an assignment, she did the assignment, did a great job on the assignment and that’s great.”

Everyone involved in the decision agreed this

was the best option for the school. Weiss had no comment on the issue.

“When it comes to specific classes,” Riessen

Riessen said. “When something goes up without

said, “I talk to the teacher, I talk to the student and

be received? That’s kind of the test that we use.”

done that and we’re in a good spot. I think every-

dialogue, without a conversation, how’s it going to Riessen sought input before deciding the poster

should come down. “Typically I run it by a lot of peo-

work through that, and I would say in this we’ve

body understands, everybody’s is comfortable with that.”

news

the b&w p.6

JHS adopts an ambassador program words Ellen Bennett layout Sarah Ross

New students will no longer be alone during their

first days at the high school. Next year, the school is

Ambassador Responsibilities

implementing a new program, the JHS Ambassadors.

Ambassadors will help students new to the high school feel welcome.

1

Giving school tours

2

Assisting with sophomore orientation

3

Helping new students during their first days of school

4

Available to help all students with questions

“The goal is to facilitate or make easier for new stu-

dents at the high school,” guidance department secretary Sarah Marckmann said.

Marckmann has felt a need for the program since

her start at Johnston. She never knew whose responsibility it was but one day things just clicked.

“I have seen too many brand new students sitting

in the library because they are afraid of the cafeteria,” Marckmann said. “It just breaks my heart.”

She knows how these students feel. She moved ev-

ery three years growing up because her father was in the military.

Looking back, Marckmann said that she would not

always be true to herself because she just wanted to blend into groups.

“I want the new kids to be able to find a connection

and feel comfortable here as quickly as possible,” she

Anne Rogers/BW

Caporelli works on school work while eating lunch in the commons.

She no longer eats alone and sits with two other friends.

mediately and promote Johnston by being aware of

Sophomore Sarah Caporelli, a new student this year,

dors because she does not want their responsibilities

said.

said that she sat alone in the commons for lunch on her

mores and juniors encouraging them to apply for the

ing high school because everyone has already made

Marckmann sent an email to all of the current sopho-

first day. She agrees that it is hard when you move dur-

program. Applications for this year were due April 19.

friends.

Johnston and really have a heart for helping other stu-

“It’s a scary experience.”

”Ambassadors should be those that care about

dents,” Marckmann said.

Those selected to be ambassadors will help provide

a positive representation of Johnston and also assist new students to feel comfortable during the transition.

“I want the new kids to be able to find a connec-

tion and feel comfortable here as quickly as possible,” Marckmann said.

“Everyone is shy when they are new,” Caporelli said.

Caporelli also said that it is difficult because most

people do not know whether a student is new or not, and that a little bit of kindness goes a long way.

Ambassadors would assist new students in becom-

ing a part of the community. Each ambassador would be assigned several students who they would help get

to and from classes, navigate the lunch scene, and in-

Several metro schools have a similar program in-

form them about Johnston for the first several days.

Marckmann looked to other schools for inspiration of

ing the year, ambassadors would help whenever new

ance counselor Tracy Edwards leads the ambassador

“We will have families that come to me and say we

cluding Urbandale, Southeast Polk, Valley and Dowling.

Because new students come at different times dur-

how to form the JHS Ambassadors. High school guid-

students arrived.

program at Urbandale.

are enrolling today,” Marckmann said

was at,” Edwards said. “Many other schools had am-

prospective families on tours. Marckmann sees sev-

at Urbandale.”

a school.”

“I found the idea for the program at a conference I

Other ambassador duties would include taking

bassadors and I thought it was something we needed

eral cases of families who say they are “shopping for

Next year will be the Urbandale program’s fifth year.

In these cases, ambassadors would give a tour im-

sport teams, clubs and the community.

Marckmann was looking for about 20-25 ambassa-

to become a burden. Ambassadors will be juniors and seniors and also will provide help to sophomores.

Caporelli thinks this will be successful because one-

on-one attention makes her feel more welcome than

being placed into a large group of people she does not know.

The application process included filling out the ap-

plication and typing a response as to why the applicant

would make a good ambassador. Marckmann plans to

interview the applicants to make sure that they are personable because they will be talking to new students and their families. She also hopes that ambassadors are involved in a variety of activities.

Many students have applied. Sophomore Zach

Walker is one of them. “New students can trust me to be someone they can go to for anything,” Walker said. He

wants to become a student ambassador because it will give him the ability to better assist those who are new.

Caporelli has also applied to be an ambassador next

year because she said it sounded interesting.

“I know how they will feel in the beginning,” Caporelli

said. “I want to change the bad things and make the good things better.”

news

the b&w p.7

Students go to Ivy Leagues words

Katelyn Lunders

layout

Hannah Soyer

Huang heads to Harvard

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in

the world. Senior Jiahui Huang will be attending there next fall.

Harvard is a group of eight private institutuions of higher

education in the northeastern United States caled the Ivy League. Approximately 30,000 student apply to the school each year.

Ivy League schools release their acceptance notifi-

cations March 28, so Huang knew it was coming. She received acceptance or waitlisting emails from several

med programs,” Huang said. “My decision [of which college to attend] was actually pretty easy because Harvard was my first choice.”

Huang does not believe that her acceptance to Harvard University

was based solely on grades or test scores. “The thing that got me in would probably be my essay and my activities,” Huang said. She participates in debate, speech, mock trial and yearbook.

Huang believes students should apply to several schools if they want

to get into the Ivy League or other top 10 or 15 colleges. “I mean if you get

accepted to all of them then you must be a genius,” she said. “But most likely you’ll get wait listed at some and rejected to some.”

Harvard interviews potential students as part of the selection process.

schools, including Cornell. Yale University rejected her.

Huang interviewed at the Urbandale Public Library. Her interview was

going to Cornell’ because I didn’t think I would get re-

get into Harvard and a lot of people are qualified, but because Harvard

“After I got my rejection letter from Yale I thought ‘I’m jected from Yale and still have a chance at Harvard,” Huang said.

But when she opened her email from Harvard

University at home, it said, “Congratulations,” she

about an hour long. “The interviewer told me that tons of people want to

will only accept 2,000 people from the 30,000 candidates, they have to

pick and choose,” Huang said, “No one really knows what Harvard looks for so you can only hope for the best.”

Huang is both excited and scared for next year. “I’m kind of nervous

screamed. “I was screaming at the top of my lungs

about the kind of people that are going to Harvard because I joined a

read the letter several times just to make sure it was

saying, “I want to become president’,” Huang said. “He’s serious; he’s

and I was jumping up and down,” Huang said. “I

real.” When she received the actual, concrete package in the mail from Harvard it finally began to sink in.

“I want to go into medicine and Harvard has one of the best pre-

Facebook group for the Harvard class of 2017 and one of the guys was

not just like a little kid saying I want to become president, so I’m just very interested to see what kind of people are going to make up the class of 2017 at Harvard.”

attending

wait listed

accepted

did not apply

rejected

Harvard

Princeton

California Berkeley

Pennsylvania

Yale

rejected

rejected

accepted

attending

accepted

California Los Angeles

rejected

accepted

Wu picks Penn

Senior Vivian Wu was accepted by her first choice for a college, the for, along with intense application processes. “I wanted to quit,” she said, “but University of Pennsylvania’s famous Wharton school of business. Penn- then looking back I think it was a good experience because it really sylvania is also a part of the Ivy League. challenged me to work hard and get everything done on time.”

In her applications Wu focused on academics, community service and

When applying to prestigeous colleges, Wu believes you

extracurricular activities, such as music which she is passionate about. need to have it all. The people applying to the schools are ex“A lot of people try to enter into a ton of clubs like all over the place, but I cellent in every category so a student has to show that they can think it’s better to focus on one thing and stick with it,” Wu said. “It shows keep up with her academics and at the same time excel in dedication and passion and drive towards something that you know you other activities. “If you get accepted you should know want.”

that everyone that got accepted is probably smarter Wu learned that she was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania than you so you have to try really hard and harder March 28. “I freaked out and started jumping around my house,” Wu said, than you think it takes to get in,” Wu said.

“Then I called my dad because he was out of town and we were really happy over the phone.”

Although Wu was accepted into many colleges

she still recognizes her rejections and understands Wu’s father, Guisi Wu, is proud. “My first reaction was ‘I knew I had them. “There’s nothing you can actually do to make good genes.’ But in all seriousness, it was the best outcome we could’ve sure you get in,” Wu said. “When somebody reads hoped for because Wharton is such a great place to study business,” your application they might like it but another perhe said. “I was really excited and relieved when I found out she was ac- son at the same school might read it and think

cepted. And then I thought ‘Wow more than 60 grand a year, I’m never that another person is better.” She believes that the going to retire.” review process is subjective. “It’s really what the perWu had to do several interviews for the multiple colleges she applied son thinks about your application.”

the b&w p.8&9

subs

april 2013

Billy Jean

Jackson-Stone Substitute teacher Billy Jean Jackson Stone views her job as chance to

connect with students in a better way than her teachers connected with her and her classmates when she was in high school. “When I was in school

all the teachers, I thought, were really mean to certain students,” Stone said. “As I was sitting back in the third grade I thought gee-wiz I want that

SubTalk A look into the behind-the-scenes of Johnston subs words & layout Sarah Ross Amra Devedzic Medina Jusufovic

person’s job but I don’t want to be mean. I want to be a kind, free-spirited

Kelly Boon

Stone was born in 1950 in Des Moines, Iowa. She attended St. Joseph’s

Academy, an all-girls Catholic school. “The all-girls school gave me my zest, my energy,” Stone said. she graduated and attended Centerville College, teaching degree.

Growing up during the Civil Rights Movement was not easy for Stone. “In

my schools they tried not to be racist, but they were extremely,” Stone said.

“When it came time to do things I always ended up at the back of the line.”

Most students know her for her bright red foam nose. Others simply refer to her as “the clown

lady.” For substitute teacher Kelly Boon, it is all a part of her mission to make people smile. “I was raised with, ‘if you can’t laugh at yourself, we’re going to have to do it for you,’” she said.

For Boon, living “happy” is a choice. “There is a good story just waiting to happen, even if it

Stone said that she was not allowed to go in certain restaurants growing

doesn’t seem so at the time,” she said.

American. “It was something we knew we had to do, we couldn’t buck the

several businesses. When her fifth period seminar class signed up for dodgeball, the team named itself Boon’s

Stone started teaching in the Des Moines Public School District in 1972

In addition to subbing, she started a business called CHAOS, a company centered around making the

up, and had to sit in the balcony at some theatres because she was African system,” Stone said.

and taught there for 33 years. After nine years of teaching, she had the

impression that teachers were still being mean to students. She decided to become an administrator. “I’d crack the whip, I put some fire in somebody’s belly and I get rid of those teachers or put them in a program where they can be more sensitive,” Stone said.

Outside of subbing, Stone enjoys playing games, watching movies, and

talking with her daughter and husband. “This is a cold and cruel world and I want to make sure inside my family there are as many hugs and high-fives,” Stone said.

Although Stone has nothing she dislikes about subbing, she thinks it is

difficult. “There is always one student in there that wants to challenge you

and the bottom ground I say for subs is to stand your ground,” Stone said.

“Be open, be honest and be good. Move around a lot. Establish who’s in

Boon is long term subbing for Katie Black, the art teacher at the middle school. She also clowns and owns

Loons. She provided them with clown noses.

world a more happy place. “By inviting a little chaos into your life, you can reduce stress, be more productive

and purposeful and become healthier and happier,” Boon said. “I teach people how to laugh, be more creative

and choose to live happily ever after.” When she speaks to large groups as a CHAOS coach, she introduces wearing a red nose.”

Before starting CHAOS, Boon founded the non-profit pARTners Unlimited. “This was a statewide program

employing performance and visual artists to provide long-term arts residencies in prisons, detention and alter-

native school programs,” Boon said. “The arts utilize all learning styles and intelligences, engaging students in an environment where they are scarcely aware they are learning.”

Her current venture is called The PEARL Project [People Engaging in the Arts Rejoicing in Life]. “We project

my paintings onto the sides of mountains and skyscrapers accompanied by 1st Nations drummers (Native

Americans) from all over the continent with the focus on uniting cultures while honoring 1st Nation’s people in bringing world peace,” she said.

She has worked as a professional artist for over 25 years and has a studio downtown in the Fitch building.

charge. Ask permission that you’re in charge for the day from the students.”

She describes her paintings as large and colorful, some as large as 10 feet. Boon’s art is very colorful and

guished personality. Senior Monica Caporelli, who had Jackson for AP Lit-

“Yeah. she’s a pretty cool teacher no doubt. She illustrates children’s books and her sketches are out of this

Students and teachers who have met Jackson agree she has a distin-

erature said, “Her attitude is so infectious, she just brightens the room.”

Sophomore Alec Kuehn said Jackson brings her “southern sass” to the

table as a sub. “She seems like a very energetic and positivie women.”

If Stone wants students to understand that she knows what she is talking

about. “I want them to take away that I am intelligent, I know my material.”

Also she wants students to understand that all minorities are not the same.

“As a teacher I don’t want to be pigeon-holed,” she said. “I don’t want to be like everyone else. This is my mission in life. Everything comes in different packages. Respect people.”

While subbing for AP Literature and Composition teacher Sarah Wessling, sub-

stitute teacher Jake Ernd told his class that if they got their work done, he would let them in on how to get an A on a college paper. “It was the first story I’ve ever

heard him tell,” senior Stephanie Phillips said. “I thought I was going to get the key to college success but instead I just heard about him passing out and it was just

person.”

Parsons College, and later Dubuque College where she graduated with a

Jake Ernd

abstract. You can view her art at www.whitefeatherart.com. world,” senior Casey Halder said.

Boon hopes her motivational speaking takes people to better places in life. “Wherever I go, a trail of gover-

nors, presidential candidates, accountants, attorneys, correctional staff and inmates, administrators, doctors,

professors, race-car drivers, ministers and other respectable people have been seen wearing bright, red clown noses,” Boon said.

funny.”

Ernd started subbing for the district last fall. He tries to relate to students by

telling them stories.

“It’s my reward process,” Ernd said. “If you do what I ask you to do I’ll tell you a

little something about me.”

One thing many students may not know about Ernd is that he was once a

boxing champion. In Chicago they have a tournament every year for boxing, for

amateurs and professionals, Ernd was in the amateur division. Ernd’s father also competed in the tournament when he was 18 years old. “I wanted to be a champion too and I thought it’d be cool to have our names kind of identical or posted somewhere, so I went into boxing when I was about 16,” Ernd said.

After two years of boxing, Ernd was able to enter the tournament. The tour-

nament can be compared to college basketball’s March Madness which has 64 teams in the bracket. In the Golden Glove tournament there are about 32 com-

petitors. Ernd ended up coming up on top. “I beat [my opponent] in 12 rounds, he knocked me out once and I knocked him out twice,” Ernd said. “The last one was the final; it was a one-two combination - that’s what I knocked him out with.”

Before Ernd moved to Iowa he lived in Indiana where he played college base-

ball for Ball State. After moving to Waterloo, Iowa so he could work at his uncle’s golf course and pay for the rest of college. Ernd decided he was not happy in

medical school. Ernd attended Hawkeye Tech and recently finished his education and English at UNI.

After Ernd graduated with a major in English and Education he completed his

student teaching in Waterloo. When he was finished, he decided to move to Des Moines. “I didn’t want to be stuck in Waterloo, I felt like there was a little more

out there, and I really love Iowa because I’m new to it still.” Ernd said. “I wanted to stay in Iowa so I figured lets go to the capitol, let’s move to to a place where there’s a little more people.” He first filed his paperwork out in Johnston to be-

come a substitute, but later on got the job for the new ninth grade English teacher.

Ernd will be taking ninth grade English teacher, Kate Leo’s spot and Leo will be

taking eigth grade english teacher Lisa Boge’s class. Boge will be heading on to

be one of the new counslers. Ernd is also the new assistant tennis coach for girls and boys tennis here at Johnston.

feature

the b&w p.10 words Laura Scieszinski layout Kenzie Foldes

Senior Jordan Galle sprays Abe the bearded dragon after feeding him lettuce for the Friday feeding day in animal science.

Burns shares her animals Laura Scieszinski/BW

Animal science overview Kyla Burns handed in her Advanced Life Sciences:

Animals proposal after two years in the Johnston district.

Tarantula trauma

Animal science is a one semester class that counts as

While Burns was presenting all the ani-

a .5 credit of science. “We do count it for science credit,”

Rosie. Burns continued to explain the tarantula

are some four-year colleges that may not count it as a sci-

mals to the class, she pulled out her tarantula,

guidance counselor Sue Baker said. “Occasionally there

as Rosie started to walk across her hand. Sud-

ence credit but consider it more of an elective.”

her,” Burns said. “She walked out of my hand.”

ered in animal science. “A lot of it is mostly evolution of

“I didn’t tell the class right away that I knew she

environment so I think it’s good to know since I want to

make them sad the first week of school that I

student Sarah Birkett said. The class starts with simpler

was too high for her and that she was going to

mals. “Learning about the worms threw me off,” former

the current tarantula, Charlotte.

said. “I just didn’t know we were going to learn about all

Worms, corals, reptiles, mammals and more are cov-

denly, Rosie hit the floor and died. “Well I blame One week after, Burns confessed to her class.

animals and we kind of look at how animals live and their

was going to die,” Burns said. “I didn’t want to

go into veterinarian (schooling),” junior animal science

killed one of the animals but I knew that fall

animals, such as worms, and works its way up to mam-

die.” That same month, Rosie was replaced by

student and service credit of Burns, senior Taner Burns these different types of worms.”

Laura Scieszinski/BW

Animal science teacher Kyla Burns attempt to feed Abe the bearded dragon mealworms while senior Paige Dixson and sophomore Kristen Stucker watch.

Burns has a total of 30 animals in her classroom in-

cluding snakes and a hedgehog. She also has 13 animals at home.

A unique feature of the animal science class is the

visit to an elementary school. Each semester, every class

divides into groups and one to two students feed and

Burns’ hamster obsession Burns first pet was a white fish she named “Cupcake”.

class presents the animals to elementary classes.

The number of animals in Burn’s care has fluctuated

through the years. Burns estimates the maximum number

“My first real pet-pet that I could snuggle with was a ham-

of animals she owned was 35.

grade.” Burns would receive hamsters without her par-

Burns said. “If someone happens to offer something re-

Burns said, “because I kept acquiring them from different

we can’t resist.”

ster,” she said “and I got obsessed with them in like third

ents permission. “My parents got kind of upset with me,” places like a friends mom said ‘you can take so-and-so.”

Now, Burns daughter owns a white hampster as her first pet, that stays in the classroom during the year, which her daughter named “Cupcake”.

Laura Scieszinski/BW

research an animal. After their research is finished, the

Senior Simmone Doswell tries to feed Sunny the gecko mealworms as animal science teacher Kyla Burns holds him in place.

“I think I’m at a good spot right now (with animals),”

ally cool I’m sure [my husband and I will] take it because

editorial

the b&w p.11

Turn that frown upside down!

It has been raining for days on end, homework is not getting any easier, and the end of the school year seems ages away, even though it is less than five weeks out. Here are some things to make you happy

equality

yummy food

online news

The administration will support

The Dragon Cafe on Wed. morn-

any same-sex couple wishing to

ings allow us to sleep in and eat

attend prom. At this school at

pictures are in color. Go see baby

a great breakfast.

pictures of your teachers.

least, gay students do not have

The newspaper is online. Our

to file lawsuits in order to be treated equally.

musicals The music department is on its third musical. People get to sing and dance, and others get to watch people sing and dance.

short days We only have to go to school for half of a day Wed. April 24. Do not use this time to do homework, use it to hug your friends

foreign friends French students are gracing our presence this week. Make sure to say “bonjour”.

and family.

after prom

ice cream

Lazer tag is happening at after

VanDees is open! There is a new

prom. On top of all the other fun

owner. The time is now to grab

for 50 cents everyday. Use the

activities like karaoke, inflatables,

your friends and head on over to

money you saved from their am-

the money walk and the hypno-

devour some ice cream.

nesty week that sets you free of

tist.

cheap drinks Librarians give coffee and tea

any library debt to pay for a cup.

big give

cool art

Running shoes: $100

Student council’s Big Give was

Art teacher Daniel Weiss takes

Water bottle: $15

able to give $3,500 to the Part-

one day out of his year to take

Protein shake: $5

nership Place. Pat on the back

students to Minneapolis to

T-shirt: $20

to everyone who helped and

view art. Fun, friends and pretty

Our fitness center: priceless

participated.

things.

fitness center

opinion

the b&w p.12

Habemus Papam:

Latin for “We have a pope” The election of the new pope is more important than most realize words & layout Mallorie Goodale Sitting in advisory, the KCCI app on my iPad alerted

me that there was white smoke coming out of the chimney above the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Most people would

laugh to know that this mere fact had me jumping up and

down, tweeting and texting my family members that there was white smoke.

After the College of Cardinals vote on the pope, they

burn the ballots. The smoke comes out of the chimney above the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The smoke alerts the people outside the outcome of the vote. If the smoke is

black, a two-thirds vote was not reached. If there is white smoke, there was a two-thirds vote and a new pope.

This was a big deal for me because I grew up Catholic

and knew that this was something that would only hap-

Mallorie Goodale/BW

pen a few times in my life. I found a website that was live

lives than we realize. Pope Francis is the leader of the

out to those less fortunate.”

could watch the new pope appear. All through class it was

Catholic church. Maggie Schopp, youth director at Saint

students today, did not realize the importance of the pope.

you are not Catholic, Pope Francis is still a leader.

Leech said. “Looking back I can see more how things had

streaming the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica where I very hard to contain my joy when the world found out who the new pope was.

For freshman Megan Crotts, this was an exciting day

1.2 billion Catholics around the world who are apart of the Mary of Nazareth Catholic church, explained that even if

“The Catholic church is the universal church which

During his teenage years, Leach, like many high school

“When I was in high school I didn’t see direct connections,”

that big picture that maybe I didn’t see right in front of my

as well. “It’s not like electing a new president where it hap-

means it’s the church for everyone,” Schopp said. “So

year, it could happen in one year it could happen in 30. So

of all people.”

miles away and it is hard to feel a connection with a 76

While I was beyond excited for the new pope, not every

first pope and said that Peter was the rock that the church

followers may make Pope Francis seem like a celebrity,

Junior Ethan Moran, who is Catholic as well, was one of

back to Peter and the pope today is still considered the

pens every four years,” Crotts said. “It could happen every it’s something really beautiful for the faith to experience.”

Catholic shared my enthusiasm.

those who did not find the election of the new pope special.

“I wasn’t very excited about the new pope,” Moran said. “It

even if people aren’t Catholic he’s still the spiritual leader According to the Bible, Jesus appointed Peter as the

was built on. The line of popes can be traced all the way rock of the church.

“It’s kind of like Jesus was handing the reins over to

is cool how Pope Benedict XVI was the first to resign in a

Peter,” Schopp said. “So Peter is now, in a sense, like the

mote the Catholic church very well.”

who is like Christ to us, in a sense. He is the spiritual leader

long time. I think Pope Francis will do a great job and proWhen I could not find someone Catholic to share my

excitement with, I told anyone who would listen. A response I received from a Christian friend of mine was, “I’m

pope is a figure of faith; however, his messages can apply

to anyone. Pope Francis has given speeches about complaining, world peace and helping the poor.

Schopp said Pope Francis will not change anything

out and he serves some of the different kinds of people,”

holiness and doesn’t waiver.”

There are many ways to keep up with Pope Francis.

fingertips. There is an app called The Pope App where you

gions have more similarities than differences. There is a

but more people like to keep up with the Kardashians. The

that brings the truth and brings an example of virtue and

Catholic traditions. If not, then there seems to be no need However as Christians, Catholic and Protestant reli-

year-old man from Argentina. Having more than 1.2 billion

as far as what we believe, but in the way we live out our

On the official Vatican website, all his sermons, speeches,

to care about the election of a new pope.

I get it, the pope is in Rome, which is more than 4,200

Christ on earth for us to see. Now, we have Pope Francis

not Catholic so I don’t really care.” Most people feel that if you believe in the Catholic faith, you should celebrate the

face when I was younger.”

messages, prayers and much more are available at your

faith. “The media has been pointing out how much he goes Schopp said. “In that sense he is an example to us. He is so pastoral and in his ministry he just cares about people a

lot and I think through that example he will be a light to give us strength and courage.”

The day the pope was elected, made me realize how

can live stream Mass and other speeches he has given.

many people did not see this day as very important. The

Father Greg Leach, priest at Saint Mary of Nazareth,

all people,” Schopp said. “He’s not just some irrelevant old

Pope Francis even has a Twitter account.

pope should be a big deal for everyone. “He’s the pope for

general unity among the churches’ views such as abortion,

sees Pope Francis and his message as a challenge to

that Jesus came from Heaven and died for our sins.

less fortunate has been part of his life and ministry prior

ter your religion. He serves as a model for all of us. He will

from some of those gifts and by that example of reaching

of faith, charity and so much more.

gay marriage and peace. There is also the common belief

The pope may not seem to have much of an effect on

high school students, but he has a bigger impact on our

Catholics. “The way he has reached out to people and the

to being elected pope,” Leach said. “Maybe we can learn

man.”

I encourage you to get in touch with our pope, no mat-

become more than that guy in Rome. He can be a model

opinion

the b&w p.13

State track not living up to Drake’s standards The Drake Relays are bigger and better than the State track meet words & layout Jeremy Caracci It is the final game of the season, what everyone

ly by time. They take the fastest times from the very

and for many sports this would be some sort of state

often very stressful because you can literally see how

Jordan Weddington

All the times are posted on quikstatsiowa.com. Matt

I like State.

It’s more of a chance to become a champion.

For State we’re going for a title and at Drake it’s just good to be there.

has been waiting for. You build up everything for this

competition. Whether it is the playoffs or just a qualifying game to get into the tournament, most sports strive to compete at the state level.

In track there is something different. For me, there

is something that is bigger and better than the state

meet. It is a meet that you work toward the whole season. It is the Drake Relays.

The state meet and the Drake Relays are very

similar in the way the meet is run. Each is three days

first meet to the cut-off date, no exceptions. This is good you are compared to everyone else in the state.

Jaschen, boys’ distance coach, explains how stressful it can be. “When you get down to those last couple of meets things get dicey.” Jaschen said. “We’re looking

online all the time making sure we don’t get bumped

out.” The track team is feeling that pressure now with the cutoff being 11:59 on the 18th of April.

Which do you prefer?

long with different events each day, and they are both

extremely hard. The main difference between the two is the competition.

Bryon Christensen

What makes the competition so much better at

Drake is that there are no classes. 4A, 3A, 2A, and 1A

Drake has more competition because it’s every class, not just 4A. You also get to run on the same track as the college and pro athletes. But I got more nervous at State with it being the last meet and all.

do not exist and it truly is the best runners in the entire

state running at the same time. The races are also much more limited. The 400 hurdles for example only

allow the top eight runners in the state to compete at Drake. At the state meet the top 24 runners from each class compete, plus there are four winners instead of one.

Girls’ track head coach Chris Siewert explained

how for them, State is the important meet for the sea-

son. “Drake isn’t the focus, it’s great if we make it, those girls have earned that spot,” Siewert said. “But when it comes down to the end the focus is the state

meet. It’s the best of the best at that time. I would hope

everybody is peaking and focusing on that last meet.”

Pat Mattingly, boys’ track head coach, has a dif-

ferent view. “Our focus at the beginning of the season

is Drake because it comes first,” Mattingly said. “But if you qualify for Drake you usually qualify for State so the focus transfers right after Drake.”

For me Drake was unlike any other meet I had ever

experienced. I ran at State my freshman year and got the opportunity to run at both Drake and State my sophomore year. Don’t get me wrong, running at state is an awesome experience, but it’s nothing compared to Drake. The atmosphere is crazy.

The one thing that is better at State than at Drake is

the anticipation. The way you qualify for Drake is strict-

Photo by Jeremy Caracci

Sophomore Jack Bergstrom runs the anchor leg of the boys’ varsity 4x400 meter relay. The team placed 1st in the event with a time of 3:25:72.

That time current puts the team at 1st place in the state and the highest seed at Drake according to quickstatsiowa.

Senior Ben Garlock runs the open 200 meter run. Garlock placed 4th with a time of 23:52. Garlock also ran the 4x100 and 4x200 meter relay.

Photo by Jeremy Caracci

health

the b&w p.14

WISE TEETH

GET

ABOUT

WISD M

THE REALIZATION

“[The

ciating pain in my lower in the beginning when

roots]

were

touching the nerve so

2

jaw, way in the very back,

they said that there was a chance that I could lose

they were first coming

feeling in my lip if I didn’t

nalee Anderson.

Carlyn Waetke said.

get them out,” sophomore

through,” sophomore An-

RIGHT AFTER SURGERY

DAY BEFORE

“When I came out I just

kept bawling my eyes out.

Everyone was trying to take pictures of me and

“I was really scared

that I wouldn’t go com-

4

pletely unconscious and wake up in the middle of

I just got really mad at

Wilkinson.

Carlo said.

A COUPLE HOURS LATER

THE NEXT FEW DAYS

“The swelling didn’t

6

hurt; the worst part of the swelling was the ice was really cold and

A COUPLE MONTHS LATER

really listen to the warning about the hot stuff, be-

cause I’m addicted to tea,” junior Laura Schwartz.

Burger King and I’d have to smash it all the way mina Amidzic said.

more Zach Walker.

“I had really bad pain

“The first actual food I

ate was a french fry from

down,” sophomore Jas-

uncomfortable,” sopho-

for a while after. I didn’t

3

it,” sophomore Samantha

them,” senior Rachel De-

5

words Niki Ferguson words & layout Zoe Wilson

THE CONSULTATION

“I felt a lot of excru-

1

A breakdown of the process of the removal of wisdom teeth

8

ONE WEEK LATER “I didn’t have to rinse

(my teeth) but I still did. I

had lost two of the stitches and still had the other

two,” senior Jake Randall.

7

sports

the b&w p.15

Time

Time changes for the next year causes student athletes and coaches to rethink practice schedules

h c n u Cr

Wed. late start to be changed to early outs Replacing late starts with early outs poses conflicts for practices The decision to change late starts to

early outs was made by the Board of Education on Feb. 25. These early dismissals next year will affect practices after school.

“I don’t like it,” sophomore Keely Larkin,

member of the volleyball and track team, said. “It’s going to be a hassle to go home and come back.”

The change was based partially on a

survey that was sent to teachers and parents across the district to vote for either

early out or late start. The results favored early outs, and the change made is the faculty meetings held every Wed. will now

be scheduled after school at 1:50 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. versus 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

The schedule change will affect most

after school practices and extracurricular

activities. “Anytime we talk about anything that has time factored into the day we always take into account the extracurricular activities,” Board of Education member Jill Morrill said. “Part of the discussion at the board table was that there would be some

type of supervision provided for those students who would be participating in activities after school.” The schedule change

will result in the high school students being dismissed at 1:50 p.m. Athletic Director Gary Ross believes it will be the younger

age groups who will struggle with this ad-

practices are still being looked into, while

could get a start on my homework and

said. Other coaches are following suit and

ments in order to schedule around a later

Boge, a member of the boys cross coun-

in order to accommodate for the athletes’

change does not pose much of a concern.

with practice most Wednesday nights I

day afternoons) isn’t going to change,”

church. When I’m done, I don’t get home

“Instead of starting at 3:00 we will start at

Jaschen plans on having practice be-

to be working on their school work dur-

feels the same about the time change. The

session. “I may have the captains take at-

time in the evening,” Jashen said. Student

7:00 a.m., so the schedule change will not

there we can start right away,” Jaschen

high school practices are making adjust-

not stay up late doing it,” junior Jordan

starting time. For some, the schedule

try and track team. “By the time I get done

“Much of what we already do (Wednes-

go home, I shower, I eat then go to the

head volleyball coach Rick Brooks said.

until 9:30 at night.”

3:45.” Head football coach Brian Woodley

gin while the faculty meetings are still in

football team lifts Wed. at 6:15 a.m. until

tendance and start at 3:45 so when I get

schedule change is the 7th, 8th and even

9th graders who don’t have the mobility,” said Ross. “The first year we are looking

into having a supervised study hall for stu-

dents to do their homework and then go to practice.” The option of canceling practices for 7th graders on Wed. is a possibility.

A 30-minute addition to practice through-

out the week is a way to accommodate for this. Finalization for younger age group

making adjustments to the time change

religious as well as academic life. Brooks hope to see the fitness center open for stu-

dents to lift during free time before practice can begin after the faculty meetings.

“We are going to expect the athletes

ing that time if they are going to have less

athletes will have to practice time management in order to adjust to the new sched-

affect that portion of practice.

“I like to lift as a team Wednesdays so

it should be good,” Woodley said. “I won’t

feel as bad sending them home and making them come back in the morning.”

Most practices will begin around 4:00

p.m. resulting in a later finishing point. This raises concerns for students who take part in church youth groups. Head boys cross

country coach Matt Jaschen finds the time

“

change troublesome. “I personally believe

Wednesday nights are church nights and if practices are pushed back, so are student’s ability to attend religious classes or youth groups. That’s not cool.

Matt Jaschen Head Boys Cross Country Coach

justment the most.

“The biggest thing concerning the

words & layout Kenzie Foldes

New three-hour practice regulations to start in August Adaptations to football practice being discussed A new regulation made by the Iowa

High School Athletic Association sets re-

strictions for all high school football teams in the state of Iowa.

Main components of this regulation in-

clude restricting practices to three hours in

length, no pads the first two days of prac-

tice and no full contact until the sixth day of practice.

As a part of the football players’ weight

training, the regulation does not consider their time lifting to be a part the three-hour

long practice. “As long as you are open-

ing [the weight room] in the morning, for all sports and non-sports to lift, it’s okay,” athletic director and member of the Board

that having early outs is not beneficial to

students who participate in after school

activities,” Jaschen said. “Wednesday

nights are church nights and if practices are pushed back, so are student’s ability to attend religious classes or youth groups.

That’s not cool.”

Some students athletes who attend

youth groups also agree with Jaschen’s

point of view. “I liked getting done with

practice early Wednesday nights so I

of Control Gary Ross said. Head football

coach Brian Woodley plans on having

players continue their morning weight lifting session on Wednesday at 6:15 a.m. as a team.

The Board of Control approved this on

March 8 and will take effect in the upcom-

ing football season. The regulation was made to prevent injuries induced by the heat, and such changes will affect practice times as well as how practice is held.

“The regulations were adopted because

of new scientific information related the acclimatization and heat-related illnesses,”

Assistant Executive Director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association Alan

Beste said. Each year new adaptations are made to prevent any heat related injuries

or deaths according to a consensus statement written by medical and environmental organizations.

The regulation for the most part did not

have a big affect on football practices. “The changes that have occurred are really no different than what we already do,” Ross

said. “The (no) contact until day six (of practice) did affect us to a degree, because

typically on day three they would actually hit.”

Woodley plans to adapt football prac-

tices to the standards set by the new reg-

ulation. Previous practices consisted of two hour two-a-day practices, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Football practices will begin Aug. 12 for three

hours each. Woodley plans on structuring practices to begin with in-class lessons,

weight lifting, and finally the players will hit the field for the three hours with breaks when needed.

“What we need to do is focus and de-

cide each day what we want to accomplish

in three hours,” Woodley said. “You just have to balance your time wisely.”

backpage

the b&w p.16

Studytricks to help you tips &

Succeed

With finals just around the corner, here are some basic study habit tips to help you get the most out of your studying. layout Kenzie Foldes and Hannah Soyer

words Mollie Greenwood

chunking

memorize things in groups of 3’s

Ex: If you’re trying to remember the phone number to order pizza, remember the phone number in 3 chunks.

mnemonic devices

silly sayings to remember words

Ex: King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk- way to remember the units of measurement

“

An hour before you go to bed is a really good time to study. As you go

throughout the day, things you learn later in the day can interfere with

things that you learned earlier in the

day. So its good to learn about an hour before bed in and then don’t learn any-

image associations

it’s easier to remember a picture than words

then it sticks in your brain.

Ex: If you’re trying to remember a fact about Lincoln, think about the image of a penny also. Chances are, when you about the penny, you’ll remember the fact.

Jesse Dowell

AP Psychology teacher

personal connections

come up with your own examples

“

“Another part about studying too is if you can talk about it with friends,

the material you could both read the same paragraph, and your friends

are going to pick up something differently than you. Face to face conversations are good.”

Michael A. Couvillon, Ph.D. Associate Professor

”

Ex: If you’re learning about stressors in psychology, think about the thinks that make you stress out. Then, the learning will have a deeper and personal connection.

recreate the situation

mentally go to the place you were studying

Ex: If you study at a desk in your room, think of your desk before and during your test.

”

thing new after that. Go to bed and