April 2010

Black&White PREPARE FOR SUN

the black and white. april 2010. volume 19 issue 8. 5152780449. 6501 NW 62nd ave. johnston. iowa one copy free

ON THE COVER designed by kallen kramer check us out online www.theblackandwhiteonline.com

NEWS 3

Expulsion

4

news briefs Scheduling considered

What does it take?

Students and administration consider change

stuco updates

EDITORIAL 5

Energy efficiency Inconveniences pay off

OPINION Safety first

School excels in keeping students safe

7

Hu cares More alternate classes

Possibility of a larger variety of classes offered opposite P.E. need to be looked at

DMACC: quality option

8

Wessling warfare

Searching for facts and arguing constructively

18

While engaging, often frustrates audiences

ENTERTAINMENT

What mag do you read?

10 11

Longboarding

19 20

DOUBLE TRUCK

Legislation that affects us Read about a few new laws that matter

16

Deaf can

Get your vitamin D

Michael Kinning

21

Money matters

22

4xfat

High school atheletes are willing to pay Field atheletes run for fun

Boys volleyball league

Junior Rachel Beierschmitt

Junior Faisal Alabsi recruits

Remembering Casey

23

Senior Casey Aschan-Cox leaves her mark Senior Dan Berry breaks language barriers

Outdoor pursuits

17

Catch rays, be healthy

SPORTS

FEATURE

Random spotlight

Try these eco-friendly ideas

DUNGEON

Know the basics of this summer activity

14 15

Natural beauty

HEALTH

Specialized magazines for everyone

12/13

i

FASHION

3-D pros and cons

index

6

REVIEW 9

p14

p16

p18

Narrowed down

Students specialize in one sport

BACKPAGE 24

A P.E. worth taking

Boy in the wild

AUTO-graphing What’s your car’s name?

Fishing stories from senior Brad Kruse

p15

p22

STAFF JM KK

EDITORS IN CHIEF Julia Manning

Kallen Kramer layout

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. The paper is published nine 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 editor at jmanning867@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.

p24

p9

SUB-EDITORS

CC PM EO KM KM LG

Catherine Caracci news

BW KK MK DL KS YQ

Brennan Winget lifestyle

Philip Mortens

Kelsey Kruse

Eric Oatts

Matt Knoedel

opinion

entertainment

Kelly McGowan fashion

Kiera Morrill photo

Lauren Gehrke managing

feature

sports

Dwight Lykins online

Kyle Soyer photo

Yiming Qin illustrator

STAFF WRITERS Jon

Houp

Blake Schlawin

Michael Knoedel Ryan Smaha Chris Caracci

Zach Winjum

Mike Shi

Kevin Hu

Kristine Hayes

Evan Culbert

Lauren Coffey

Michael Carlson

Andy Halterman

Spencer Vasey

Scott Monroe

Liz Waller

Ethan Meng

Alyssa Czapla

Monisha Kumar

Ian Dunshee

news

April 10

p3

Recent board meeting enforces the

expulsion policy

on your permanent record

words & layout Dwight Lykins For the first time since Clay Guth-

photo illustration/Ethan Meng

In a case in which a student is a

writes a recommendation for expul-

discipline issues in the past, expul-

Once Guthmiller receives the rec-

miller has been Johnston’s super-

repeat offender or has had several

closed meeting to discuss a possible

sion is an option. Associate Princi-

ommendation he gathers detailed

as, “no academic help or assistance

what happened. He also makes sure

intendent, the school board held a expulsion. The meeting was held on Monday, April 12 following the public

meeting. Although the outcome of this meeting has not been released,

The “Black and White” felt the expul-

pal Jerry Stratton defined expulsion from Johnston Community School District.”

Guthmiller described it this way.

sion that then moves to Guthmiller.

accounts from several sources on

an obligation to get every student a

warrants an expulsion he would then

tion before expulsion. It’s used as a

school board who would meet and

ishment is decided based upon the degree of the offense. Each case is reviewed individually and a decision

education, and we will try every oplast resort.”

Guthmiller said that during his

Metro, Four Oaks, or DMACC.

If Guthmiller thinks that the case

pass the recommendation on to the discuss the case. Throughout the

whole process the student and the

on punishment is decided on by a

time at Johnston he has not used

like whether a student has been in

three times in his previous district in

stage of voting on the expulsion dur-

The process starts at a individual

family are given the opportunity to

case-to-case basis. Circumstances trouble before and whether the event

was a slip in judgement are consid-

NB

ered. The punishment may not be as bad as if it was a third offense.

the expulsion power, but he did so Kansas.

building when administration meets

and reviews a student case and then

student’s family are involved.

If the case progresses to the

ing the board meeting, the student/

plead their case and justify means to not be expelled.

Students of the Year

Ben Jacobson, Katie Upton and Ryan Fran-

cois are the three finalists for the Student of

news briefs

the Year award. They received their award at the JCSD banquet April 16 at Summit.

Ben Jacobson

Jacobson credits much of his academic success to the teachers that spent time to help

him in elementary school. “I was in a program

called reading recovery in elementary school,”

words & layout Zach Winjum

he said. “Teachers worked with me, and they were very patient and kind and helped me get to where I am now.” He is currently the captain

of the cross country team and also is in SAIL and a member of Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS).

Katie Upton

“Music is my forte,” Upton said. She is involved

Jacobson

Upton

Francois

write a recommendation based on offence

Superintendent Clay Guthmiller

reviews reccomendation and gathers detailed accouns of what happened

yond being in the building such as

enforces what he calls progressive discipline, meaning that each pun-

Building Administration

explored. Other options do exist be-

“Expulsion means we give up the responsibility to educate you. We have

HOW IT WORKS

every option for placement has been

sion process needed explanation.

Superintendent Clay Guthmiller

FAST FACTS ABOUT THE DISTRICT’S POLICY

in multiple instrumental music programs and

plays nine instruments, but is most often found

Johnston Board of Education

Meets and discuss recommendation votes for or against expulsion

DEFINITION

no academic help or assitance from JCSD, that means no help at the building or placement in Four Oaks or DMACC.

LENGTH of expulsion Typically lasts for a year, then you must have a hearing to be re-enrolled. (applys to all districts) Generally, other schools do not enroll students who have been expelled from another school.

playing the French horn and trumpet. Up-

Jazz Syndicate wins State

program at Johnston. “Johnston has a well

Jazz Syndicate won state for the

student participation,” Upton said. “Faculty

at the Civic Center on April 13. Fif-

District puts into music is fortunate.”

had a 20 minute time limit to perform

Francois takes part in many activities in-

“We had a lot of seniors in the band

Jacobson. “What draws me to engineering

nior Chris Oatts said. “A lot of people

academically to come up with solutions to

majors in college.”

world.” Francois plans on attending Iowa

nent in previous competitions, how-

also runs cross country and plays tennis.

“It felt really good to get the last

getting good grades,” Francois said. “It is

Schmidt said.

ton is grateful for the quality of the music developed music program with such great

first time ever. The event took place

and dedication of what the Johnston School

teen bands competed. Each band

Ryan Francois

their set.

cluding the same engineering program as

and we had been there before,” se-

is that I can use the things that I’ve learned

(in the band) are going to be music

help other people and solve problems in the

Waukee had been a close oppo-

State University to study engineering. He

ever Johnston prevailed at state.

“There is more than hitting the books and

laugh against Waukee,” senior Leah

an honor and a humbling experience.”

news

April 10

p4

District considers scheduling changes words & layout Alyssa Czapla The school board, subcommittees of the board and the

Student Advisory Team

science department have been discussing possible changes to the high school schedule.

The Student Advisory Team (SAT), which consists of

students, administrators and a school board member, have been brainstorming different ideas. “So far, they are just ideas being thrown around,” senior Caleb Wagner said.

“We have talked about a later start to the day to optimize

sleep and performance; with that, we also discussed having an option of deciding to start late or go early and get out later.”

SAT focused more on ‘time-management’ changes than

schedule changes.

The early start classes have been unofficially declared

the “early-bird schedule.” With this schedule, students would have the option of starting around 7:30 a.m. and still be able to get out early, around 2:25 p.m. The school day

would still consist of eight classes, but students would have an option of taking a nine-period day. The ninth class would

be taken at 7:25 a.m., on the “early-bird schedule.”We’ve also talked about the possibility of having the high school

Andrew Boge Ben Smith Brian Carico Caleb Wagner Carly Crist Chanice Williams Chase Kramer Clay Guthmiller Dayna Jansen Elvis Dizdarevic Gary Ross Jerry Stratton Jill Morrill Julia Manning Karly Palmer Morgan Foldes Randy Klein Ronnoja Ayers Scott Syroka Victoria Orrante

grade 8 sophomore principal senior freshman junior freshman superintendent senior senior athletic director assistant principal school board member senior freshman senior assistant principal grade 8 sophomore junior

start time closer to the elementary current time and vice

Illustration/Yiming Qin

versa,” sophomore Scott Syroka said. “There is [research]

the 2011-2012 school year. Blocked science classes will

to support [that high school students would perform better

finish everything. Also, blocked classes sharing equipment

still be offered next year because students were not given

with a later start].”

is difficult, since classes are only in a chapter for about a

Another change being discussed is the possibility of first

the heads up when signing up for classes in December.

“This is all hypothetical, and I don’t know when this

curriculum and how teachers can best deliver instruction to

While school start times are being discussed, so is how

Amendt said.

week, while yearlong classes span over three weeks.

“At the PLC (late start) meetings we’ve [looked over] the

semester ending before winter break.

students.” Executive Director of Academic Services Bruce

would start,” Wagner said.

long classes would become. The science department is

The new curriculum would work better with the yearlong

the students.”

Other reasons for removing blocked classes include

hoping to take away all blocked classes within the subject.

format, so as a whole, the department decided to wait a

years,” science teacher Chris Beguhn said. “And we de-

“We want to go to year-long because we think it’s what’s

“We’ve talked about [going to year-long classes] for

year for the class adoptions.

cided to have it roll with the new curriculum.”

best for the kids,” Beguhn said. “It gives them more time

new curriculum fall of 2010, but due to budget cuts, the new

more: more material, more labs.”

classes are also going to be placed on the back burner until

to get through; in a blocked format, it would be difficult to

Every science class was originally planned to have a

to process, more time to practice and more time to just do

curriculum will tenatively be rolled out fall of 2011. Yearlong

The Iowa Core has also added a unit for biology students

student council recent results.

Blood drive 110 people participated in the April 6 drive. We collected 75 units of whole blood and 20 units of double red cells. This means that the 95 products collected will help save up to 285 lives.

“Science concepts take longer to understand,” Amendt

said. “The teachers agree that yearlong would be best for

flexibility, the ability to differentiate, an inquiry teaching

method, project based learning and being able to push a more common curriculum.

No schedule or “time-management” changes have been

made yet because all decisions must go through administration and the school board. The science department

hopes to have all yearlong classes start fall 2011. As for the high school time changes, everything is still in the brainstorming phase.

updates

upcoming events.

in-progress.

Senior challenge

School supply drive

May 5 in the gym. T-shirt colors and teams accepted will be announced soon

As you are cleaning out your locker the last week of school, drop off old supplies in the bins that will be around the school. Supplies will go to those who are in need.

editorial

April 10

ENERGY

p5

What we did to save energy: When the school is unoccupied the temperature decreases from 68 degrees to 60 We recycle 90-95 percent of the light bulbs and other hardware we no longer use Lighting that ran all night now shuts off at 11:30 p.m. and turns on between 5:00 and 6:00 am The staff shuts down their computers at night

What we will do to save energy:

EFFICIENCY While warm drinking water and cold sinks are nuisances,

and Knoxville. Though they do not currently employ this

ergy, but also set the bar for other schools to be successful.

“Schools are typically not very energy efficient, so there

they are worth it. Our school not only saved money and en-

program, Urbandale has also used them.

Johnston Community School District received the Energy

are lots of opportunities for energy cost avoidance,” Guth-

EPA compared the district to other, similar districts nation-

cess of $3 million dollars in energy cost during the next six

Star award from the Environmental Protection Agency. The

wide. We showed higher savings than other schools and

were put into the top percentages. The eco-friendly com-

miller said. “Our district estimates that it will avoid in exyears.”

Beason worked closely with the building and grounds di-

pany, Energy Education Incorporated, also recognized the

rectors, custodians, teachers and students to achieve these

the company average.

to visit various schools at any time of the day or night he

district because we operated and conserved energy above

Our district applied for the company average of 24 per-

cent savings achieved within 14 months. The district’s En-

district-wide accomplishments. His occupation allows him chooses.

“His time commitment to this program is above and be-

ergy Manager, Dave Beason, monitors energy efficiency.

yond, probably more than anybody expected, even the En-

Guthmiller, who knew about the eco-friendly company from

said.

They were introduced to the district by Superintendent Clay previous use in other school districts.

“In my previous districts in Kansas, we had avoided sev-

eral million dollars worth of energy costs by implementing

the concepts of Energy Education. As superintendent, it

has always been a goal of mine to try and maximize every

dollar possible and make every attempt to get more money to the classroom level,” Guthmiller, said.

Other schools employing this company are S.E. Polk

ergy Company,” Buildings and grounds director Tim Kline

Beason used a software program known as Energy Cap,

to manage the information he collected on the district’s energy usage. The program puts data into the computer and gives more data back as feedback.

Thank you Johnston Community School District and ev-

ery teacher, custodian, staff worker, and student. Your time

and efforts are being recognized, and enthusiasm for going green is spreading.

This summer, the gymnasium lighting will be replaced by hi-bate lighting.

They produce 40-60 percent better energy and lighting level because they shut off and turn back on immediately. Our current lighting uses excessive energy to ramp on and off.

District buildings

Energy performance compared to schools nationwide

Beaver Creek Horizon High School Wallace Lawson Middle School Timber Ridge Summit ARC

94% 93% 91% 89% 88% 84% 81% 78% 68%

opinion

April 10

p7

Tranquility during troubled times Saying thanks for such dedication to students’ safety words & layout Philip Mortens Murder. Turn on the news, and the odds are good that

you will be bombarded with video and pictures of all sorts of

different killers and their alleged acts. In all of these crimes, there seems to be an emerging trend. The criminals on

screen seem to be getting younger and younger. But this trend is not exclusive to just the criminals. The victim’s age seems to be decreasing as well.

With the eleventh anniversary of the shooting at Colum-

bine High School passing, it just serves as a reminder to all of us that we need to say thank you to those who are responsible for keeping us safe.

We have been very fortunate here at Johnston, being

Yiming Qin/BW

able to maintain the level of safety that both our school and

a law enforcement officer, and our small city is this school

the administration does to help keeping our school and its’

to.”

student body expect. Much of this is due to the hard work students safe.

“What’s really comforting as a student is you have a

campus monitor that has a great deal of experience dealing with police matters,” Associate Principal Jerry Stratton said. “(Jan Bjurstrom) was a former law enforcement

INTRUDER ALERT

and the middle school, so that’s where I provide the help When a potentially dangerous situation does occur, the

In the event of an intruder...

administration knows how to keep things under control. In

Barricade the doors

acted accordingly.

Break the rules

2004, such a situation did occur, and the administration “That was a scary time for kids and staff because we just

even if it only saves seconds, it could save lives

your personal safety is more important than school’s property, so put your safety first

person herself. You have Officer Agan, who is here and

didn’t know,” Stratton said. “The district was very proactive

handle the situation.”

being checked when they came in, we had police officers

keep your head clear, follow instructions and dont overreact

halls.”

regarding student safety that we have been as fortunate

able to avoid an issue.

happen. So I say thank you for your devotion to students’

trained; we talked about the what and how we are going to Student Resource Officer Kenny Agan is here to pro-

vide for our protection.

“I provide law enforcement support to the school and

the students that are here,” Agan said. “We are equivalent to a small city, and in a small city you would generally have

and so were local law enforcement agencies; we had cars

outside the doors, we had police officers inside walking the With these prevention methods in place, the school was It is due to the administration’s level of commitment

Stay alert

as we are. Without their hard work, who knows what could well-being; it is much appreciated.

The curse of being the minority in America

cares

HU

?

words Kevin Hu

I pride myself on my race. Sure, it

Chinese, speaking random gibberish and

other ethnicity than being Chinese. How-

ing. “Ching chong ching” does not mean

sounds bad, but I wouldn’t want to be any ever, being a minority also results in a variety of drawbacks and reactions from peers

asking if it is Chinese is twice as annoyanything. Stop asking.

3) America’s intolerance for commu-

that are less than flattering. You might

nists is poorly placed. Just because my

you’re making a mockery of yourself.

not reflect anything about our character.

think you’re funny or clever, but frankly, Here is a list of things that peeve me off

because of my race. I will list them in no particular order:

1) People who ask me to speak some-

family lived in a communistic society does So get over it and stop acting like com-

related to me, isn’t.

another form of government.

heaven on earth. We need them back

munism is the bubonic plague; it’s just 4) If you ask two Asians if they are

thing in Chinese. I don’t want to speak

siblings, you better have a better reason

crowds. Leave us alone.

ing last names, or frequent carpooling.

Chinese outside of context, or to impress 2) In addition to asking us to speak

Yiming Qin/BW

5) The frosted animal crackers were

ASAP.

If you don’t want to lose respect or your

other than they look alike. Maybe match-

dignity, I suggest avoiding these topics. As

Chances are, any person you think is

every night before going to bed.

for the animal crackers, I think about them

opinion

April 10

Study hall changes needed words & layout Andy Halterman

these “casual classes”.

“In a school this size, logistically it

Study hall. It rings in the ears of students

couldn’t work,” guidance counselor Curt

like the crying of a baby. But what if there

Larkin said. “We would love to have more

was another option? What if our bodies did

options for students, but for right now its

not have to be exposed to the utter bore-

just not realistic.”

dom of mandatory study halls on days op-

However, the possibility does still exist.

posite of P.E., an alternative that students

Students would only be able to choose cer-

would want to take? That is what there

tain alternative classes dependant on which

should be.

(if any) during their open time slot.

There are many students who every

Unfortunately, not everyone would be

other day are forced to go into a study hall

able to have a class instead of a study hall.

because they have P.E. and are not taking

chorus or have a service credit. Most stu-

Andy Halterman/BW

dents would rather fill their time with some-

Junior Jacob Bennett completes his hang clean during a Track 4 PE class while fellow junior Anthony Frei spots him from behind.

already have their work done.

ested in classes other than study hall.”

thing other than a study hall, since many

“I would say about 50 percent of stu-

dents are doing something productive (in

study hall),” science teacher Dustin Mead

said. Mead chose to host a study hall when given the option between that or lunch duty.

“I think that there would be teachers inter-

p7

It would be better for students, and

teachers, if there were casual, non-graded classes available as an alternative to

a study halls. These classes would offer

material provided by the teacher and could cover several different subjects, such as

sports, current events, or technology.

However, this is not to say that the im-

plementation of these courses would be an easy one. The majority of these problems

would most likely stem from the requirement of staff to be able to host the study

halls and the amount of time available for

This is not to say implementation would be flawless. “It’s not a simple piece of the puzzle that fits in,” Larkin said.

There are a number of students who

would be in support of this idea who feel

they would get more benefit from entertaining, engaging and interesting alternate classes instead of study hall. Because let’s be honest, sitting in a room doing nothing

isn’t exactly how you want to spend 44 minutes of your day.

Community college offers benefits; options words & layout Scott Monroe For many students, college is right

around the corner. Growing up, I was al-

ways set on spending those four crazy years at Iowa State. That’s where my dad got his masters, it was close to home, and I was just a huge fan.

Community college was never an op-

tion, never even considered, until I started looking at colleges about a year or two ago.

Many of the people I talked to convinced

me that it was not a idea at all, and in reality, it is a very good one.

Although I am still undecided at this

point as to which college I will be attending, a school like DMACC is a very real option.

The benefits to starting out in a commu-

nity college honestly seem to outweigh the cons. For one, the tuition is a fraction of the

cost of a four-year state school, even Iowa State or Iowa. The national average for

public university tuition is $4,694 per year, while the average for community college is

$2,076 per year. The location is also a plus,

as students are able to live at home or stay in low-cost facilities on campus.

Class sizes are much smaller in com-

munity colleges as opposed to public uni-

versities. The average class at DMACC is approximately 30 students, similar to a high school setting. Average four-year college

class sizes range between 150-300 students. Class schedules are also extremely

flexible at community colleges, because

more than 80 percent of students work part or full-time jobs.

Another perk is the attention students

receive from professors. At large universities, professors tend to be distracted by research or publishing they are currently

involved in. At community colleges, they

are more tuned in. These professors spend more time in the classroom that any other section of higher education.

One of the biggest pros to community

college is the multitude of options avail-

able for experimentation in subject fields.

Students are able to move from program to

program much more freely and conveniently than while enrolled at larger universities.

This allows for the best results if the student plans to continue his or her education

at a four-year college after one of two years at a community college.

The facts are obviously there, and so is

the support. Many advisors are beginning

to not only suggest the idea of community

college, but recommend it. School counsel-

or Sue Baker believes that the community college route is one of the best.

“It provides students with a great op-

portunity to get a good education, while

simultaneously easing them into a college

SPORTS

BENEFITS

Education is always the number one priority, but at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), sports isn’t far behind. The baseball team on the Boone campus is currently 33-6, and ranked eleventh in the country. “It’s great preparation for players planning to transfer after two,” Ryan Torgerson, former Johnston player said. “And it’s a lot of fun.”

A look at other DMACC sports and how they are doing:

BASEBALL

33-6

advantages and few disadvantages.”

MEN’S BASKETBALL

stressful parts of anyone’s high school ca-

22-7

WMN’S BASKETBALL

considering all options, one is inhibiting

20-10

VOLLEYBALL

44-9

atmosphere,” Baker said. “There are many Picking a college can be one of the most

reer. Sorry to add to the stress, but by not their chances of success. It’s only where you will be living next year... no pressure.

opinion

April 10

p8

Sensitivity not shown over e-mail Not all responses to Dutcher’s e-mail concerning teacher of the year have been appropriate

words & layout Kyle Soyer At this juncture, the raucous over school

being forwarded was Guthmiller sending it to Hukee.

Words are Powerful

I had Wessling first semester for AP

board member John Dutcher’s e-mail about

English. I believe she is more than worthy

Teacher of the Year and nominee for Na-

Year.

English teacher Sarah Wessling, State tional Teacher of the Year, seems to have

of being awarded National Teacher of the Unfortunately, I was unable to join the

died down.

protest at the March 29 school board meet-

one keeps writing about it, it’s going to stay

Hilary Mintz’s report on ABC 5. There was

“It’s at a point where as long as some-

in the public focus,” Principal Bruce Hukee said. He is right. However, there are some

aspects of this issue that need to be addressed.

First, a few facts to hopefully clear up

some rumors.

The Story

The e-mail in question was sent on Jan.

13 to Superintendent Clay Guthmiller. Board

ing due to a prior commitment. I did see

one image in particular that caught my attention: several students holding signs before the meeting.

Some of these signs had the appropriate

message of “Support Sarah Wessling.” But

there were also a few that moved slightly away from supporting Wessling and towards attacking Dutcher.

It seems awfully hypocritical to protest

President Tracy Orman, Executive Director

what has been labeled as a personal attack

Hukee were copied in. Dutcher said that

so would be to stoop to the same level that

of Academic Services Bruce Amendt, and

the tone of his e-mail was one of addressing problems before celebrating another accomplishment.

with a personal attack of one’s own. To do

one is criticizing. It does nothing for one’s argument or one’s credibility.

I can only hope that whatever was said

On March 22, Dutcher received a call

at the board meeting was said with dignity,

the Des Moines Register, asking about his

ing was inadvertently representing anyone

and e-mail from Todd Erzen, reporter for e-mail. Dutcher admitted to the existence

of this e-mail and gave Erzen a copy. He felt he had nothing to hide and believed that

especially since every student at that meetwho supported Wessling but could not attend.

Wessling said that we need to remem-

even if he did not hand it over, Erzen would

ber that in any issue we are dealing with

cord laws.

sensitive,” she said. Unfortunately, not ev-

gain access to the e-mail through open reAlthough Wessling had been made

aware a week or two before spring break

that a parent had a concern, she did not

humans. “It is incredibly important to be eryone has. In the blogs and responses

to Erzen’s article on the Register’s Web

Kallen Kramer/BW

Junior Leah Bowman speaks at the Mar. 29 board meeting. Senior Caleb Wagner stands to her right.

site, one finds snide remarks ranging from

ing, said. Wagner feels that acting like this

grade” to suggestions that Dutcher should

Dutcher’s daughters, Charlotte, senior,

that we do not hurt with them as well.”

What Now?

“looks like someone’s child isn’t making the

can bring down an entire cause.

leave Iowa.

and her sister Cathleen, sophomore, have

is at rest or not. “This is a distraction from

moved because they violate the terms of

a message from another student over Fa-

said. “It is not the speedy resolution of a

tive.

and activities for her father.

calls.

a real name, or with something derogatory

tive. If you have something to say that you

derstand that he “would never spread this

If you aren’t willing show who you are, then

one’s face, keep it to yourself. Certainly

“It degrades not only John Dutcher, it

If there is one thing that can be learned

know that Dutcher was that parent until Er-

zen called her and read the e-mail to her over the phone. She has never seen it.

The Tip

Dutcher said that Erzen told him that

his editor, Melissa Myers, received a tip by phone the week of March 8. Erzen declined comment. Myers has not returned phone Dutcher said that it is important to un-

Some comments have even been re-

not escaped unscathed. Cathleen received

service. That is definitely not being sensi-

cebook accusing her of spying on clubs

These comments are often left without

This is also definitely not being sensi-

such as “thedutcheroven.” That is cowardly.

wouldn’t be comfortable saying to some-

The question now remains if this issue

the work we have volunteered for,” Dutcher classroom I had hoped for back in January.”

These sentiments are echoed by others.

“We really need to move forward,” Or-

man said. “We really need to focus on the work we need to try to get done.”

“I want this district, students, and parents

keep your opinions to yourself.

don’t write it down anywhere.

to be able to work in the best possible edu-

Register came to be tipped off, nor does

degrades the person who’s saying it,” se-

from this, it is that we need to choose our

that probably takes some time to mend and

mail. The only known instance of the e-mail

protest and a speaker at the board meet-

Wessling said. “We need to be cautious

around.”

He has no concrete idea of how the

Wessling and the four recipients of the e-

nior Caleb Wagner, organizer of the student

words with care. “Words are powerful,”

cation environment,” Wessling said. “I think heal and to learn from this.”

For more on this story, visit theblackandwhiteonline.com.

review

April 10

The dimensions of words & layout

Ethan Meng and Evan Culbert

The Good.

3-D

p9

The nice thing about 3D is that it is still a new thing. Not until this year have we seen

a huge influx of 3-D movies, which gives the whole experience an edge to traditional

2D flicks. One thing that sets 3D above 2D is that it has a more realistic experience which gives the viewer the feeling that they are actually there in the story. “3D brings

a whole new perspective to any movie,” sophomore Andy Smith said. “Normal movies just are not the same, I wouldn’t be the man I am today without them (3D movies).” 3D is used to provide depth to the effects of a movie, in hopes of providing depth to the

plot. 3D gives moviegoers a new way to view their entertainment, with the same plot and content, with the addition of an enhanced visual experience.

If movies are actually filmed in 3D, it improves the movie and makes it more en-

joyable,” Sophomore Grant McDonald said. “If they decide to make a 3D movie eight weeks before the release, like “Clash of the Titans,” 3D can just be a gimmick.”

The Bad.

COMING

After a while, one may get sick of the countless objects “flying” out of the screen at a

3D movie. Another may be upset because of how light their wallet feels as they exit the

SOON

theater, after spending $12.50 on a pair of useless glasses and a headache. Some won’t

even notice the effects of 3D after the first few minutes of the showing, while others feel the effects take away from the plot of a movie.

From a medical standpoint, 3D is viewed in a negative light. Optometrists have found

that 3D can further damage the eyes of spectators with pre-existing conditions, even with problems as common as nearsightedness and farsightedness. In an article published by the Orlando Sentinel, optometrist Jeffrey Anshel described how 3D may effect viewers

while not using prescribed lenses. “The problem is the result of vision fatigue, caused

when the technology used in 3D forces the eyes to constantly adjust so they can focus on images both near and far away,” Anshel said. This can lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea. 3D movies require depth perception, so for those with poor eyesight, watching a 3D movie is not really an option, unless blurry objects and eye damage are desired. 3D needs more time to fix flaws and develop before it takes over the movie industry.

Shrek Forever After.......................................

Toy Story 3....................................................

Despicable Me..............................................

Step Up 3D...................................................

Legend of the Guardians..............................

May 21 June 18 July 9 Aug. 7 Sept. 24 Megamind..................................................... Nov. 5 Tangled.......................................................... Nov. 12 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows...........

Nov. 19 Yogi Bear....................................................... Dec. 17

The Future?

With the release of Avatar, the hype surrounding 3D has exploded, as the movie lineup

for 2010 has more 3D releases than ever. “RealD” technology has made it possible for any theater to display 3D motion pictures. The increase in these movies has begun paving the

way for a surge in 3D entertainment, starting with the brand new high definition 3D televisions, priced around $2,000.

Movie theaters that play RealD movies now use a special screen to reflect the polar-

ized lights from the projector onto the screen and then back to the audience. The glasses then distribute light to each eye making the image on the screen appear in 3 dimensions.

The LCD and plasma screen TV’s that will have 3-D capabilities will use new technology

called “active eye-wear,” as opposed to the polarized method used in movie theaters.

These new glasses use battery power to rapidly open and close the lenses, preventing

headaches and eye-strain. At the same time the LCD or plasma will be working twice as fast by flashing more images for the glasses to use to create the final 3-D effect. “3D has a lot of promise but it just isn’t ready yet,” junior Ben Stensrud said. “I don’t like that you have to wear 3D glasses, especially for those of us who wear glasses.”

MAGAZINES April 10

entertainment

p10

what do you read?

words Liz Waller & Monisha Kumar layout Julia Manning

for the

for the

TECHIE

I’m really into cars and I like knowing the statistics of the new exotic cars that are out or coming out.

-JETMIR BUNGU ‘12

SPORTS FANATIC

”

“It gives me new ideas for how to do my hair and new tips on daily conversations” -ELISE ‘11 KRETZINGER

{ “I really like how it helps me pick out the best equipment to use.”

SASHA MARKLAND ‘10

for the

for your

RANDOM INTERESTS

{

“

FASHION OBSESSED

“It’s an indie rock magazine for the area. It’s distributed at music stores and promotes local artists.

I like that you hear of bigger local bands like Here's My Chance that you would have otherwise not heard of.”

EMILY WELCH ‘11 “I would recommend reading this magazine because it is always giving you the last news on choreographers, professional dancers, and different events going on.”

KENZIE MCCLURE ‘11

April 10

entertainment

Longboarding: a riding revolution

p11

words & layout Eric Oatts

Riding around on a wooden board screwed onto wheels has been a springtime and

summertime favorite activity for decades. Back in the day, longboards where made us-

ing cheap, heavy woods. Now boards are made out of bamboo, fiberglass, and durable plied maple, and are nearly indestructible. Companies such as Loaded, Arbor, and Never Summer have recently began experimenting with new types of materials to build boards with to make them more flexible, stronger, faster, and lighter.

Longboarding is a great activity for anyone who is looking for a fun time and cheap

transportation, especially during a beautiful summer day, If one is interested in longboarding, there are five major aspects of longboarding “basics”.

Carving

“I always bomb hills as fast

erally referred to as “sidewalk surfing”, carving using riders’ momentum

by a car at the bottom of a

components in materials that will make for a better-carving board, such as

ing way too fast to stop ”

This is the aspect of longboarding that really lures people into riding. Gen-

as I can. One time I got hit

to weave back and forth in an ongoing “S”-pattern. There are different

hill in Urbandale, I was go-

the board’s flexibility, length, width, and setup.

-Blake Johnson ‘10

Bombing

Arguably the most dangerous and exhilarating part of longboarding is riding as fast as possible downhill, often referred to as “bombing”. Due to the size of longboards’ wheels and bearings, longboards are easily capable

of going up to speeds surpassing 40-50 mph on any moderately steep, paved hill. Obviously, wearing a helmet and pads is advised for this.

“I’ve been boarding for

about two years and its a

pretty fun activity. I’m more

Sliding

of a commuter-type because

ence. Since longboards are larger than the average skateboard, usual

-Jacob Wood ‘10

Sliding is yet another difficult and dangerous part of the longboard experitricks such as kick flips and shove-its are not as easy to do, but sliding

I don’t know a whole lot of tricks”

tricks are. Sliding involves getting a board up to speed (at least 15 mph)

and then quickly turning the board in a fashion that causes the wheels to stop turning and start sliding perpendicular to the ground.

“My favorite part about

Commuting

boarding is carving down

cause of their compact size and lightweight design. One could go to any

a snowboard on fresh pow-

Longboards are extremely convenient for a means for transportation becollege anywhere in the world, and odds are there are at least a few people who use longboards for their main transportation advice. For example, in

California it would be safe to assume that more college students use long-

steep hills, because it

compares with carving on dered snow.”

-Blake Hartsook ‘10

boards than own cars, and the backs of classrooms are filled with stacked

longboards (in a sense the back of these rooms are longboard parking lots.). In a nut-shell, longboards are what hip college students ride.

Dancing

This requires a large, sturdy longboard, insane balance, and a lot of prac-

tice to pull of. Dancing is the practice of gracefully walking around on a longboard while the board is in motion. There aren’t many people who can

truly pull off dancing while making it look good with style. Longboards over 40 inches generally are needed to truly succeed in dancing.

“I like carving down hills. I was going about 40 mph

once and wiped out off the

back of someone’s car, but I’ve only fallen two times”

-Zach Stitz ‘11

double-truck

April 10

p12/13

HEALTH CARE REFORM

Experts talk about the laws:

Immediate effects (within first year)

House representative- Erik Helland “I don’t think (the texting ban) is enforcable. I think it is an invation of privacy and freedom.

The state cannot pass a law that enforces common sense. I would rather see a bill against distracted driving in general”

-Young adults can stay on parents plan until the age of 26, plans typically drop dependents from coverage once they turn 19 or finish college.

you should care about

-Restaurants with over 20 locations will be required to show calorie content next to each item on their standard menus. While a date is not set yet for this requirement, it is already beginning to be implemented. Panera Bread announced that it would voluntarily be displaying this information on its menus by the end of 2010.

Normally, when new bills get passed into law, they have little to no effect on us teenagers. However, these 4 new laws, dealing with texting, tanning, student loans and health care, are ones to care about.

ican college representative- Brittania Morey Q:Do you think many kids will take advantage of the fact that loans are forgiven when public service jobs are taken?

A: “It depends on a student’s path. This is a new program, it’s too early to tell if students will take advantage of it. I encourage students to look into the programs but to also explore scholarship opportunities. Money plays a big role in going to college and students should consider all their options and only borrow as a last resort.”

-Health plans cannot drop people once they get sick.

The use of any electronic devices intended for communication or entertainment while driving will be banned for citizens with an intermediate license as of July 1, 2010.

Governor Chet Culver signed the bill on Thursday, April 1, 2010.

The law does not limit those with a full license to talk on a cell phone, but only prohibits them from texting while operating a motor vehicle.

Although the law was signed April 1, there is a grace period between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. Police officers will only be able to issue warnings to those violating the new law between these dates.

tanning tax As part of the Health Care Bill, there will be a new tax on indoor tanning services implemented this summer. It will consist of a 10 percent tax for customers. This tax applies to electric tanning products that use one or more ultraviolet lamps.

This part of the bill is expected to generate 2.7 billion dollars over the next ten years.

The tax goes into effect July 1. The healthier sunless tanning options will not be affected.

The tax replaced a planned 5% cosmetic surgery tax. The planned tax would have covered elective surgeries such as Botox.

words Mike Shi & Zach Winjum layout Kelly McGowan

student loans The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility act of 2009 will be cutting out the middleman in student loans; banks.

It is a change from the current system, federally-guaranteed student loan program to the new Direct loan program.

Federal loans will be easier to repay. The cap on monthly payments will be reduced to 10 percent of their discretionary income for new borrowers after 2014. The current cap is 15 percent If after 20 years, ten years if one has a career in public service, and the student has paid monthly payments on time, the remaining balance will be forgiven. Before the act, it was after 25 years.

2014 effects

Police Chief- Bill Vaughn

-Insurers cannot charge a higher premium based upon sex or health status

“I think [The texting ban] is a good concept; in order to drive, you have to concentrate and most people can’t multitask like texting and driving. Officers will be looking for careless drivers, swerving and looking down.”

-Health insurance coverage cannot be denied based upon previous health conditions -All new plans must offer a minimum package of benefits including some measures for preventative care and immunizations. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force will recommend these preventative services.

-No abortion coverage will be required. States can choose to opt out of offering abortion coverage by passing legislation.

-Everyone must have health insurance or face a fine of $95 or 1 percent of income in 2014, raised to $695 or 2.5 percent of income in 2016.

what do you think?

textingin the car

“I don’t understand why people over 18 can talk on the phone but people under 18 can’t”

“I don’t think it is fair how they are targeting the only age group that cannot vote with the highest restrictions. Once you turn eighteen it doesn’t make you a better multitasker.”

“I don’t think taxing will cause me to not tan. People who do it will continue to do it no matter the tax.”

Brandon Carey ‘11

Emilie Githens ‘12

Mikhala Stutzman ‘11

“As opinionated as I am, I don’t have much to say other than our current system is stagnant and unreliable. Whether or not this is the right thing will have to be seen in the future.”

Tanner Gardiner ‘10

feature

April 10

p14

Get to Know Rachel Beierschmitt

& her best friend

words & layout Kelsey Kruse

Blac

k&W

With over 1,300+ students attending the school, it’s impossible to know everybody. Each month the B&W will randomly select a student from a class list we have and use a calculator to generate a random number, coinciding with a student. This month’s student was junior Rachel Bierschmitt; get to know her!

Outside the air is filled with the sound of laughter and

joyous screeches as every first grader at Beaver Creek

Elementary jumps, climbs, and runs on the playground.

rienced “separation anxiety.” Beierschmitt said, “When I didn’t have her, I felt like a part of me was missing.”

“That’s so sentimental, Ew!” Mentzer said with a laugh.

“We fought over lipstick and had to stay in for re-

“The first thing Emily did when she got home was come

cess,” Beierschmitt said. The girls then exchanged notes professing their hate for one another and how they each wished to no longer be friends.

Their wish did not come true. The girls, now juniors,

are currently best friends, and have been for about three years. “When people think of one of us they think of the other person,” Beierschmitt said.

Beierschmitt’s biggest fear is being alone and not hav-

ing anyone. “I am dependent on other people, which works

out well because Emily is like that, too,” Beierschmitt said.

“I feed on people.”

This summer, the girls will be spending a majority of

Despite Mentzer’s comment, she did miss Beierschmitt.

to my house, she didn’t even stop at hers,” Beierschmitt said.

Being apart was also difficult for Beierschmitt because

Mentzer wasn’t around to make every-day decisions for

her. “I can’t make decisions so (Mentzer) makes them for me,” Beierschmitt said.

For example when ordering dinner, Mentzer always goes

first. After the waiter takes Mentzer’s order, Beierschmitt chimes in with an “I’ll have the same.” Mentzer even chose what Beierschmitt ordered at prom.

Beierschmitt may be dependent on Mentzer for deci-

sions, but Mentzer relies on Beierschmitt for other things.

their time together, and getting paid for it. “Emily and I are

When Beierschmitt was on her phone, Mentzer whispered

ent family, but since the kids are good friends their time will

When Beierschmitt got off the phone Mentzer handed

nannying,” Beierschmitt said. Each girl will nanny a differ-

“watch this.”

be spent relaxing at the Clive pool while the kids play.

her a quarter and said “Will you get me a gumball?”

lieve it or not they have been apart. Mentzer left the Thurs-

made a whipping sound. When she returned, Mentzer told

It may seem like these two are always together, but be-

day before spring break to spend five days in Atlanta.

Quiz

When she was gone, Mentzer said Beierschmitt expe-

Every first grader except two: ex best friends Rachel Beierschmitt and Emily Mentzer.

hite

“Ok,” Beierschmitt said. As she walked away, Mentzer

her what she had done, and Beierschmitt just laughed.

Provided/Mentzer family

April 10

feature

Remembering Casey

words Catherine Caracci layout Kallen Kramer

April 8, 1992- March 18, 2010

provided/KT Menke

The Dragon/Andi Holdsworth

Associate principal Jerry Stratton and counselor Curt Larkin pose with senior Casey Aschan-Cox after her graduation ceremony March 16.

Junior Trevor Fisch and senior Casey Aschan-Cox act in the fall play “Moon Child.” Senior Nate Jorgensen rewrote the play so Aschan-Cox could share the part with Fisch.

provided/Jeannie Claussen

Casey Aschan-Cox’s senior picture

p15

Casey’s character and personality Kind. Compassionate. Full of life.

These are words used by family and friends to describe

completely grasp and understand.”

Memories

Aschan-Cox’s mother, Cherie Aschan Ritchie, remem-

“We were all wondering what it would be like to ride on the back of her chair, so we hopped on the back. She started

senior Casey Aschan-Cox, who passed away due to com-

bers her daughter as someone who “loved her friends and

battle against muscular dystrophy (MD).

thing to try and make someone feel better if they were feel-

“Me and her were at a movie, and she was hungry and

had a smile on her face.”

so she had me do it. I felt weird, and she started to laugh

plications from pneumonia on March 18 after a lifelong

Throughout her life, Aschan-Cox touched the lives of

many, including senior Jill Von Fumetti. “I’ve known Casey

since we were freshmen,” Von Fumetti said. “I had a con-

family with everything she had, and would do about anying down. No matter how bad she felt, she almost always

Menke remembers Aschan-Cox’s strengths as a stu-

nection with her because she was the only general ed stu-

dent and as a person. “Casey was the type of student to

went to football games together. She was always a great

her from doing what she desired.”

dent besides me with a significant physical disability. We

fan ... wearing purple hair and screaming at the ‘hot’ foot-

always think outside of the box and never let anything stop Through the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA),

ball players!”

Aschan-Cox got the chance to do many things she normal-

friendship firsthand. “Each day I went to work, I knew Jill

to a special jail for fun. “I had to earn my own bond to get

KT Menke, Von Fumetti’s associate, witnessed their

and Casey would interact, chat, catch up, update, vent, support and all around be there for each other. It was

amazing to see how the two of them relied on each other

Dreams

for the support that only the two of them would be able to

ly could not, including sending her aunt, Christine Ritchie, out of jail,” Ritchie said. “I was in MDA jail, so all money went to MDA.”

A memorial for Aschan-Cox will be held on April 25 at 1

p.m. in the auditorium.

“One of Casey’s goals was to graduate and to go to college. She had been accepted into Kirkwood Community College’s Web Technologies program for Fall 2010. Her graduating high school was just more thing they said she would probably never accomplish; she proved them wrong again. We were at the hospital when Casey graduated. It never was quite how I imagined it would be when she graduated, but I was so very proud of her and always will be.”

-Cherie Aschan Ritchie, Casey’s mom “One of her biggest dreams was to be able to walk. She was always told that she never could do that because of the MD (muscular dystrophy), but she fought her hardest to try to prove them wrong for that as well. She was also told that she might not graduate high school, and she did. That was one night that there was not a dry eye in the whole room.”

-Christine Ritchie, Casey’s aunt

to go, and she sped up, and I fell off.”

she needed help from someone to put food in her mouth, at me.”

-Senior Dylan Perkins

“She was willing to express her individuality. A month or

so ago, she got her eyebrow pierced. At school that day,

she would repeatedly come up to me saying ‘Hi,’ trying to get me to notice it. It took awhile to realize what she she was trying to point out to me. The eyebrow piercing was

Casey’s way of expressing herself when so much of her

life had to be dictated by the care she was given by other people.”

-Senior Jill Von Fumetti

How to grieve

What to do when helping someone who is grieving: -be available to listen to them -communicate your concern for them -remember the importance of anniversaries and birthdays -be sensitive -be patient

What not to do: -withdraw -suggest positive outcomes from the loss -mention that the death could have been prevented -compare their grief to another’s grief -try to talk them out of their feelings

April 10

feature

l ve sign of As Marlene Berger and Don Kautzky sit

on their couch watching a basketball game, a strobe light begins to flash. They see they

are getting a phone call from their grandson, senior Dan Berry. As they hit accept an interpreter comes onto the television screen and the two can see themselves

Marlene and Don completely support

in the corner of the screen. The interpreter telling the interpreter through a telephone.

said. “If I would spell out a word, she would

his grandparents is because they are both

next time.”

starts telling Don and Marlene what Dan is

plays the biggest part in me learning,” Dan

The reason that Dan cannot simply call

show me a sign for it so I could use that

Marlene, Don and Dan all believe that

Don and Marlene both lost their hearing

sign language is valuable to learn. Dan

meningitis and a case of German measles,

a server for deaf customers. Marlene vol-

ingitis. Spinal meningitis causes the body

people lose the ability to talk, they use non-

the eardrums to burst. Marlene was sent to

mother was on her deathbed, she could not

old, while Don was sent to the same school

language to communicate,” Marlene said.

communicate with anyone,” Don said. “At

young age when they are more receptive to

for all children with disabilities, not just deaf

sign for ‘more’ or ‘food’ before they can ac-

(as opposed to learning sign language) but

communicate with their parents.”

at the age of two. Don lost his due to spinal

has used sign language while working as

while Marlene also lost hers to spinal men-

unteers at the hospice and sees that once

to have a very high fever, which can cause

verbal communication instead. “When my

the Iowa School for the Deaf at five years

speak, but thankfully she could use sign

at the age of ten. “Up until then I could not

Don believes that children should learn at a

Smouse’s (his former school, which was

retain information. “Toddlers will learn the

students) they tried to teach me to read lips

tually speak,” Don said. “That way they can

that was too hard.”

Dan Berry learns sign language for grandparents

words & layout Lauren Coffey

him wanting to learn more. “My grandma

deaf.

p16

Marlene and Dan joke around

The family wants to convey a motto that

Marlene and Don met shortly after Don

is very important to them, “deaf can.” Both

love ever since and recently celebrated

to by doing what a hearing person could do

three daughters, all whom are all certified

own wedding cake decorating company for

language, Dan feels that he is not as good

stery company. This, in addition to being

and aunts are all really good (at sign lan-

deaf, resulted in their induction to the Iowa

out.’” Dan hopes to become better at sign

time Achievement Award in 2008.

it in college.

most colleges who offer sign language

arrived at the school. They have been in

Marlene and Don have exceeded this mot-

their 50 wedding anniversary. They have

and more. Marlene started and owned her

interpreters. While the family knows sign

24 years, while Don started his own uphol-

as other family members. “My mom, sister

involved in several organizations for the

guage),” Dan said. “I’m kind of the ‘odd one

School for the Deaf Hall of Fame for a Life-

language, and is even planning to minor in

To learn sign language, you can go to

courses, or you can also take private les-

sons, which Marlene used to teach. “You never know when you’re going to need it,” Marlene said. “Nonverbal communication is used everywhere and everyday.”

Marlene and Don sign the phrase “deaf can” Lauren Coffey/BW

April 10

p17

feature

Discovering

Outdoor Pursuits words & layout

Ian Dunshee

When you look at physical education,

one might find that it’s a lot like everything else these days; the options are endless.

However the new and wide selection of P.E. classes, along with the concept of block classes, isn’t that old.

In fact, it wasn’t until 1997 when these

two new ideas merged and Dave Beason

provided/ Ian Dunshee

created “Outdoor Pursuits” with hopeful

Senior Matt Merrick and instructor Dave Beason armed with a compass and map determine which direction to go. Orienteering is the class’s most recent activity this month.

least have a chance at appreciating “What’s

the sun, wind, and just being out of school

teering day.

Beason points out historical spots along

fresh air, students are assigned to find a

showing the class a fox den in an aban-

around them that consists of woods, and an

thoughts that the youth of today might at right in their back yard,” Beason says. Liv-

ing in a community as rural as Iowa, it isn’t hard for students to look right past what is

around them every single day: the great outdoors.

“At that time, living here in Johnston,

we had Saylorville Lake three miles away, and none of these kids had ever been there.

None of them had ever even been fishing,” Beason says. It was under this cause that Outdoor Pursuits was born, encouraging

students to get out and appreciate the natural world around them.

But what IS the class really about?

This block class which occurs every other day begins when you climb onto the bus

that will take the class out to Saylorville, as

seems to put a lighter skip in your step.

the way, telling hunting stories, and even

doned house before the bus arrives at it’s destination.

From there, the generally small class

ranging in numbers from eight to 15 individuals rides out to a forested area. According

to Beason, the class is like any other; “An

Armed with maps, compasses, and the

empty freshly paved road. Out here, as the

searching for that was only hundreds of

plants that scratch at your legs cause most to complain, senior Matt Merrick, an Eagle

yards away to begin with. Picking up the

plastic Planter’s jar, Merrick raises it to the

air victoriously, and everyone turns back for the bus, and a relaxing game of hackie

Scout, is right at home.

sack.

“There is a lot of great things about

(do) whatever you want.” But another side

and even Canoeing. But today, it is orien-

coveted object that everyone has been

group trudges through the forest, where the

than your average P.E. agenda, which inTying, Fishing, Disc Golf, Rock Climbing,

As the day ends, and after an hour of

searching, the group emerges upon the

the class,” says Merrick, “In fact, there’s not

cludes Hiking, Cross Country Skiing, Fly

don’t let the students roam free.”

plastic Planter’s Peanuts jar in the area

opportunity for students to learn.” Though

the itinerary of the class consists of more

you’re off campus, but that’s not true; I just

With nothing but the great outdoors sur-

a thing wrong with it. You can basically just

rounding us, there is no doubt within the

exists according to Beason, “It’s a fun class

day should get out and experience it. “I’m

to teach because of the freedom we have, but a myth that kids have about this class is that you can do what you want because

mind of Dave Beason why the youth of to-

just passionate about the outdoors,” says Beason, “and I’m doing everything in my power to share it.”

Wild Stories from the Boy in the Wild “Episode of the broken motor”

“Episode of the biggest fish yet”

Senior Matt Merrick just got a new boat so we

My dad and I went on a fishing trip to Georgia

decided to hit up the boundary waters. We got to

over Spring Break to a trophy stream. I wasn’t sure

our destination on the lake when his battery dies.

what to expect, my luck till this point had not been

I knew right away that this night was going to be

good. Little did i know I was about to catch my

a rough one.

biggest fish to date.

Stranded, we had to paddle the boat back

It was a 25 incher, Icasted my rod over him a

ourselves. Bad luck followed us the rest of the

few times and he exploded onto my hook. The

night when Merrick’s nice pole fell into the water.

fight started and the fish didn’t seem too strong at first. It was about a 25 minute battle, and I could feel the fish wearing out. Even though it was in deeper waters, I didn’t care. I flew ontop of the fish and brandished my net, not stopping till I had it in my grasps. Twenty-five inch rainbow trout.

words & layout Kevin Hu

provided/Brad Kruse

Boy in the Wild, a.k.a senior Brad Kruse, with the biggest fish yet, along a trophy stream in Georgia.

The dedicated fisherman he is, he dove into the

water to retrieve it. Soaked from head to toe, we finally paddled back to the docks, cold, soaked, and beat. We ended up catching no fish at all.

But that’s what happens in the wild.

fashion

April 10

p18

earth.

good for the Harmful things

Better Aternatives

Hair dyes are composed

Only works on brunette

ammonia, which are bad

in sink and pour cooled

hair

of chemicals, notably

for the earth when sent

down the shower drain.

Coffee stains the hair, giving it a darker and

healthy skin

richer color.

hair. Place a large bowl coffee over hair. Repeat several times, reusing

rinse in hair for at least 15 minutes. Rinse with clear water.

Mix together strawber-

chemicals in most body

a small bowl. Massage

scrubs from going down the drain. Strawberries contain a natural fruit

acid that aids in exfoliation. The salt works to

Coffee

the coffee. Leave final

The use of natural

ingredients prevents the

Good stuff

ries, olive oil, and salt in mixture into hands, feet,

8-10 strawberries

and any other rough or

dry areas of skin. Rinse with water and pat dry.

2 tablespoons

remove any dead skin

olive oil

cells and the oil leaves the skin soft.

Senior Claire Ottley models eco-friendly clothes. She tries to bring environmentally friendly practices into her everyday life. “Saving the earth can be as easy as putting on your makeup or tying your shoes,� Ottley said.

eco-clothes & shoes

1teaspoon coarse salt

About 25 percent of the

Brands like Simple,

world come from the

clothing that are good for

insecticides used in the

growth of cotton. Organically grown cotton does

not use insecticides and other harmful chemicals during the growing pro-

cess, resulting in a less polluted planet.

Prana provide shoes and the earth. Back Country Outfitters in Beaver-

dale, carries several

eco-friendly brands and websites like planetshoes.com.

Simple brand shoes

words Spencer Vasey layout Kelly McGowan

health

April 10

p19

GET SOME

SUN

the safe way

All we hear these days are the harmful effects the sun and its’ rays can

have on us, but if consumed in the right way, the sun and the awesome

vitamin D it helps our bodies produce can actually be one of the best things for you! Follow these simple steps to ensure you’re getting the most (and best) of the sun!

SPREAD BY JULIA MANNING PHOTO BY KALLEN KRAMER

choosing the right sunscreen...

1.

MUST BE AT LEAST SPF 15 anything less is pointless

1.

2.

2.

3.

MUST BLOCK UVA + UVB rays find the words “broad spectrum protection” on the label

3.

KEEP PORES CLEAR

screen’s that say “nonacnegenic” or “noncomedogenic” on the label will help to do so

increase protection when...

1.

YOU’RE TAKING MEDS some medications increase your sensitivity to sun

2.

IN SUN @ 10 a.m-4p.m

this is when the sun is the strongest, make sure to reapply frequently!

don’t forget about your...

1.

EYES

protecting your eyes by wearing 100% UV protected sunglasses (not usually true of cheap “hip” glasses) but worth the investment!

2.

LIPS

make sure to invest in some UV protected lip gloss to save yourself from those nasty lip blisters.

3.

SWEATING/SWIMMING

engaging in activities that would make your work up a sweat, or anything around water that would cause your sunscreen to come off calls for reapplying ever 2-3 hours.

(Even if the bottle says it’s “sweat and waterproof”)

3.

HYDRATION

drink water! this is very important to remember when out in the sun for long periods of time. helps to aviod heat stroke, sun stroke, a heat rash, and other sun-related sicknesses that are no fun!

VITAMIN D BENEFITS---

supports bone growth boosts immunity

keeps nervous system functioning

helps contribute to lowering risk of cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and high blood pressure

dungeon

April 10

The start of a

NEW LEGACY

p20

Freshman Michael Kinning starts his favorite season, baseball, hoping to excel like he did in basketball and football.

Q+A

What sports to you play and at what positions?

Baseball- infield and pitching

Sophomore basketball- point guard Sophomore football- quarterback

How is playing at the high school different than middle school?

“There’s more expected of you, you have

to compete more and there’s a bigger challenge.”

What his coaches say...

How does he work with the older kids?

“That’s our #1 concern, but if we need to

fill the spot and if they can perform on that

level, that’s great. They will earn respect

and if they’re mature enough, but there is extra pressure.

We want the best team on the field and

if it is a freshman, then that’s what we’re going to do.

Is there more pressure because you’re younger?

The kid deserves to be there, and

he’s got a good attitude.”

Varsity baseball Posegate

“When you play with your grade, you have

already proved yourself, but you have reprove yourself and perform (with older

What is your best sport and why do you think that? cousins play. I started playing when I was four or five.”

Do you miss playing with your friends?

“Sometimes, and you get crap since you’re not on their team any more, but it hasn’t really effected our relationships. They’re

pretty good about (me playing up) but I

Bret

What did you think about Michael practicing with upperclassmen?

kids.)”

“Baseball, my whole family plays and my

coach

“From day one he was very

good. He was quiet but lead

by example and he does every-

thing well. He’d played baseball up a grade

and was friends with these people so they had no problem accepting him. It was an easy transition.

He’ll have an opportunity to play with

the varsity. He put himself in a position to play.”

Sophomore football coach Tony Kruse

want to play as high as I can.”

How do you think Michael will do next year?

Are you going to play all of these sports through high school?

for major contribution and (he) be in con-

“Yes, and hopefully baseball in college and maybe basketball too.”

“He’s a main guy. We’ll be looking to him

sideration. He’ll get a lot of minutes on the

court. He plays well and we could count on him.”

Sophomore basketball coach Randy Barrick

Michael’s goal for this year To make pitching on varsity.

words & layout Lauren Gehrke

C S

April 10

ost of

sports

p21

E xpensive Equipment Eric Welter

Chris Coble

Alex Schultz

“I spent $800 on my

“I spent $170 on

“I bought a $1,300

times you have to

seems worth it when

The high price end-

set of irons. Some-

my paint-ball gun. It

fork over the money

Cleats

Shin guards Socks

Soccer

Total

$80-200

some students are willing to pay.

it because I got on varsity.

ports

words & layout Michael Knoedel

the sport. Here are what

ed up being worth

when I loose.”

necessary to win!”

price if they want to play

tennis-ball machine.

I win but not worth it

to get the equipment

Students must pay the

Jack Nielson: hockey player

“I spent $400 on my new skates and, oh yeah, they were on sale.”

1 Shin guards

7

$40

2 Breezers

$20 + $10

$100

3 Hockey stick

$110-230

$120

8 Active ankles Spandex Shoes

Volleyball

Total

Iron set Shoes

Jester season pass

Golf

Total

Glove Bat

Baseball

Helmet Total

Cleats

Jersey Socks

Football

Total

Jumpsuit

Compression shorts

Basketball

Shoes Total

Racket Shoes Bag

Tennis

Total

4 Shoulder pads

$60 $20

4

+$70-110 + more

$70

5 Elbow pads

6

$215-255

$30

6 Neck guard

$600-800

$70-120 + $135 + more

$1715-2055

$20

11

7 Helmet

$80

8 Mouth guard

5

$100-150

$12

9

$150-250 + $45 + more

9 Under armor

$60

$430-580

10 Skates

$400

$70-130

11 Gloves

$180

$60

+ $10

$260-320

$985

3

total

$100 $30

+$80-130 + more

2

$285-335

10

$80-150

$70-120 + $40 + more

$195-320

1

Prices are for new, good quality equip-

ment that will be necessary for a student to buy for school sports. Prices are estimates..

sports

April 10

4xfat

p22

Track event allows throwers to run in meets words & layout Chris Caracci

As you watch what you think is a 4x100m relay, you

notice that it does not look like a regular race. Instead of

seeing runners with muscular legs, you see runners with larger arms and chest muscles. Their running form is questionable, the race seems to take longer; it is not what you

Chris Caracci/BW

would expect to see in a high school track meet. It is like

Throwers senior Chad Weirich, sophomore Marcus McKay, junior Gunnar Johnson, junior Nick Pierotti, senior Ben Freese, senior Riley Johnson, and sophomore Chris Sexton compose the 4xfat, an event where throwers run a 4x100m relay.

jumping out of the gate, you watch as a mix of muscular

running the 4xfat. “I like the 4xfat because we get to partici-

athletic and well-conditioned. This gives us a good edge

chance to show people that we can all run too, even though

but have not really put it together yet this season.

going to the Kentucky Derby, and instead of thoroughbreds bulls lumber down the track. It is the weight man’s 4x100 relay, but everyone on the team playfully calls it the 4xfat.

According to Urbandictionary.com, the 4xfat is a heat of

the 4x100 that is run by the throwers on the track team. The 4xfat is a race designed to give the guys who do discus and

shot put a chance to run and be involved in the track aspect of a meet. Field event coach Brian Woodley believes that

this is important. “We wanted to make sure our students

had a chance to be a part of the team and to feel more

involved,” Woodley said. Even though the throwers are involved by running the weight man’s 4x100, the race does

not go towards the scoring. “It’s just for fun, and the run-

ners get a kick out of watching these guys run,” Woodley said.

Sophomore Chris Sexton likes to joke around about

pate in the meet a little bit more, and it gives the throwers a it may take us twice as long,” Sexton said.

over most teams.” Last year the team qualified for state, The funniest things that happen with the 4xfat almost

Other members of the 4xfat take the race more seri-

always seem to involve someone falling or tripping. Once,

really hard on it,” he said. “We take about a month to prac-

fell over and rolled into the turf. “It was classic,” Sexton said.

ously. Senior Ben Freese takes it very seriously. “We work tice baton exchanges. We also stay about 20 minutes later than the sprinters and we do the sprinters’ workout.”

Even though it is technically called the weight man’s

4x100, many teams place non-throwers in a supposedly

throwers-only race. However, this does not stop the team.

“I feel like I dominate the rest of the teams that run in it because I’m usually one of the fastest people out there,” 4xfat runner Chad Weirich said. “I would also say we’re better

than other teams mainly because our big guys are pretty

another runner ran into sophomore Adam Shaver and he

Another time, Freese was trying to hand off the baton to the

next runner and ended up tripping. The funniest moment could have been when Freese threw the baton to the next

runner as a hand off because he tripped. Freese has a dif-

ferent idea of the funniest thing that has happened. Instead

of falling over himself, it was when a kid from Norwalk got ploughed over. Another 4xfat participant was running, and the guy he was passing the baton to never started running, so he just took him out.

Student strives for boys’ volleyball words & layout Matt Knoedel Junior Faisal Alabsi sets the ball

as his teammate spikes it down on the

hoping to set up the same thing here in Des Moines except it would be a boys league.

To gauge interest, Alabsi looked for stu-

How to start a:

Volleyball Team

Advertise for players

other team, or at least that is what he did

dents who would be interested at the vol-

loves volleyball, Alabsi can’t play at John-

Andrew McCrea were interested in playing.

Hold tryouts and select players

and there’s a lot of interest for it,” McCrea

Raise membership fees

when he was at his old school. Although he ston, not just because he has a broken foot, but because there is not a boys’ volleyball

league in the metro area. “I was bummed

leyball intramural. Students such as senior “It’s (volleyball) good exercise, a lot of fun,

Hold an informational meeting

said.

Train your team

ball here,” Alabsi said.

set up a boys league. He has to find stu-

Create uniforms and a name

classmates from Johnston and students

ed. The coaches would host a tryout where

out when I found out there was no volley-

Because of that, Alabsi is talking to

from other metro schools about forming a men’s high school volleyball league.

Junior Faisal Alabsi wants to start a boys volleyball league in the Des Moines area.

league and got that started, and Alabsi is

He got the idea from Michelle Goodall,

who started a volleyball league in Cedar Rapids. Goodall wanted a co-ed volleyball

Alabsi has a long road in front of him to

dents and coaches who would be interest-

Be involved! Join tournaments

they would select players for the team.

and expand from there.

schedule of play.

ple on the west coast and people on the

to start out with a boys high school league

said. “I’m hoping to bring that here.”

Finally, the teams would have to create a

If all that succeeds, then Alabsi wants

“Volleyball was big in my old town; peo-

east coast play. It’s big everywhere!” Alabsi

sports

April 10

SPECIALIZED

p23 words Michael Carlson layout Kallen Kramer

high school athletes make the decision to stick to one sport to improve Sitting around the dinner table enjoying

a nice family meal, then seventh grader (now senior) Ashley Quick began to be in-

terrogated by her family about the sport she would choose to specialize in. Quick had been playing club soccer for the past three

years, but her first school track season was

NICOLE PIRIE ‘11

fast approaching. “My brothers were egging me on, saying that soccer had a lot of injuries compared to track,” Quick said. In

CODY BRENNER ‘12

Meredith Batz/The Dragon

ASHLEY QUICK ‘10

Kara Anderson/The Dragon

the end, she picked track. “My whole family had a huge impact on me specializing

in track, because we have a long standing family history of participating in the sport.

The most difficult task is how to keep an

athlete’s mind satisfied with their achieve-

ments and for them not to lose interest in their selected sport.

During high school, many athletes must

make the difficult choice of what sport to

specialize in. The decision is usually based on what sport they feel is most important,

DREW JACKSON ‘11

the sport they can perform best and the

sport they enjoy the most. This year sopho-

more Brian Ross decided he needed to make his choice between soccer and swimming. “I chose to do swimming,” Ross said.

“Because I liked it, and it is hard to do other

sports and get to a certain level in swimming.”

There are many benefits of specializing

in a sport before you graduate high school.

Brittany Trow/The Dragon

P.E. teacher Brian Lutter realizes these

benefits. “The specializing in sports has it’s advantages, with being able to learn more of the technique of the sports,” Lutter said.

The more time spent on the sport, the more

Emily Welch/The Dragon

time the athletes have to focus on the sport at hand and improve in it.

Matthey Courtney/Dragon

time working specifically on skills of their

selected sport. “I believe (that the right age)

to specialize is from 14-16,” former Menace

BRIAN ROSS ‘12

MERIDITH FREESE ‘10

In addition, the younger an athlete spe-

cializes, the sooner they get to spend more

Faisal Alabsi/The Dragon

Soccer Academy head coach, Casey Mann said.

Many sports have generalized work outs,

rather than just practicing skills pertaining solely to the sport. This type of variety helps to keep athletes interested and gives them

a good mix of skills. “In the PDL (Player Development League) team, the Menace, we would sometimes go swimming to change

up the workout and to still get the same effects out of it,” Mann said. Variety is important because it spices up the workout.

On the other hand, if an athlete chooses

to specialize, they have to focus on how to improve upon themselves in only one specific skill set. For example, swimming requires certain workouts and a certain skill set.

Another problem faced by athletes who

specialize is that there is a ceiling, that, once reached, makes it difficult for the athlete to improve and can be frustrating. In

swimming, the better a swimmer becomes, the harder it becomes to shave time off of

their record. A slower swimmer will improve

their own times more throughout the season, but they won’t be as good as a specialized swimmer. Swim coach Shari Walling realizes this: “(Brian Ross’s) caliber of

swimmers have to be satisfied with 1/10th of a second improvement,” Walling said.

Focus is important if a specialized ath-

lete wants to be successful. “The athletes

have to make sure that they don’t mentally,

or psychologically burn out,” Lutter said.

While focusing on large goals, with short goals to be met in between, the specialized

athlete also has to be able to deal with the psychological effects of doing one sport year-round. This is an important factor in

making the decision to specialize: can the athlete stay focused on year-long goals?

As for Quick, she believes specializing

was the right choice, even after several injuries during the track, season. “My fresh-

man year I pulled my hamstring,” Quick said. She was able to work hard and push

through the difficulties. “My junior year was

probably the best but I had some knee

problems, but it was a very great, successful season.” This year Quick has gotten a stress fracture in her left leg.

“My dad thought it was from going from

cross country to training for track but, overall, I have been very happy with doing only track,” Quick said.

backpage

April 10

p24

Cars with character Students share the story behind the names of their cars words Kristine Hayes layout Eric Oatts Vin Diesel named his car in “The Fast and Furious.” Nicolas Cage named the cars in “Gone

in 60 Seconds.” Naming inanimante objects like cars and boats has been a part of culture

as long as either of them have been around. Sometimes people spend so much time in their

cars that it prompts them to name the car. The reasons people name their cars are endless.

Whether it be where the car was made, who gave it to them, or a memory associated with the

car, its name tells just as much about the owner as it does itself.

Different autos, different names: Julia Henning ‘11

“It’s name is Big Mama, my sister actually

named it because its big purple mini van and

we’ve been calling it that since my sister had it.”

Angela Koob (Spanish teacher)

“A friend of mine named it Sally after a goofy

adult we knew because my car was acting up.”

Tim Gates ‘11

“My cars name is Frances she’s named after

the daughter of my idol, Kurt Cobain, his daughter is a model and I think my car is pretty hot.”

Molly Ward ‘11

'I named it Fred because it’s a stick shift so its had to be a boy and it’s red and I always liked the name Fred is red.”

Shay Miller ‘10

“I named my car Oscar because I felt like it

needed a name, we name everything else, why

not a car. He’s a Volvo and that’s a European car and Oscar just sounds European.”

Cathernia Ochoa ‘12

Alicia Garside ‘12

“When we got my car, as we were leaving the dealership the GPS in my parents car was

named Lola and I got a Corola. They rhymed and we started calling it Lola the Corola”

Kirsten Waite ‘11

“I named my car Enrique which started out as a

“Me and my best friend Alex Hawks decided

their cars. It was the first name to come to mind.

name them, but they had to be similar names,

joke between friends because everyone named

when we got our first cars we were going to

It is also my dad and brother’s middle name.

so she named hers Samantha and I named

Elaine Kremme ‘12

“It was my grandparents’ car originally, and they live in Texas, and I wanted a “Texas name” for it since that’s where it came from and Sadie was the first one my mom suggested.”

mine Sam.”

Skyler Waddell ‘10

“I named it The Blackest Wings after the song lyrics from “Through the Fire and Flames” by Dragonforce. Later I found out that the lyrics were actually the blackest waves but I didn’t want to change it.”