Decemeber

B&W

the black and white. dec. 2013. volume 22 issue 5. 5152780449. 6501 NW 62nd ave. johnston, ia

t he black and white december, 2013

35 of the 11th graders at Johnston have used prescription drugs for non-medicinal purposes in the past month Find more stats like this in

War on Drugs

pg. 5/6

*According to the Iowa Youth Survey

Being placed with a group of random students isn’t always productive

Current generation’s dance styles are better alternatives to other activities done after the dance

Group work doesn’t always work pg. 8

Era of dance less of a threat than alternatives

t

Find us on Twitter! follow us @jhsnewspaper

f

pg. 9

A nonathlete’s perspective on the challenges of wrestling

Winter sports uncovered: wrestling edition pg. 7

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

www.jhsblackandwhite.com

index

the b&w p.2

layout Eileen Lagerblade

Photo Essay: Varsity boys basketball starts off at home View photos from the first home game to kick off the season

3

War on Drugs

A look into the war on drugs and the connections to Iowa and Johnston

6/7 Speak up against crime

Chase Thomas shares his story of traveling across Spain

4

Group work doesn’t always work Read the newspaper staff’s opinion on the amount of group work being pushed in class, and if it is productive or not

8

Winter sports uncovered

Do the right thing and report crimes

4 Things: Roundabout tips for the winter

Traveling 600 miles in six weeks

The advantages of getting ahead Students take classes at DMACC to earn credits for college and explore career options

5

11

Online Peview Socializing: an evolving form of interaction

The art of socializing has been around as long as humans. Actually, scratch that; its been around since long before that, before we even hit the monkey stages of our evolution (sorry, theists). The interaction between two or more people as a means of communication predates any form of ancient history, and the simple act has gone through many progressives such as written language or letter compositions. Evolving with our technology, humans engage in the act of socializing every day of their lives. Whether it be hanging out in the commons with your friends, getting into angry Twitter fights, or just a simple awkward “Hi” when passing someone in the hallways, it happens without much thought, at least on a cognizant level. But how are we doing it today in the digital age?

Visit jhsblackandwhite.com to read more

Mollie Greenwood

Online Editors in Chief Jeremy Caracci Mallorie Goodale Anne Rogers

Design Editor Kenzie Foldes

9

A nonathlete’s perspective on the challenges of wrestling

10

Print Editor in Chief

Sports Editor

Filling water bottles made easy

Background on the hydration stations and how they’ve affected the students

Head Editor in Chief Laura Scieszinski

Guest Opinion: Era of dance less of a threat than alternatives

Current generation’s dance styles are better alternatives to other activities done after the dance

Staff

12

Sub Design Editors

Sarah Ross Zoe Wilson

Sub Editor

Carly Kinning

Staff Writers

Ellen Bennett Senad Besic Carly Campbell Sarah Caporelli Clare Farrell Myles Glandorf Aaron Gray Meredith Gwennap Medina Jusufovic

B&WPhilosophy

Eileen Lagerblade Natalie Larimer Anna Larson Sarah Margolin Daisha McAvaddy Courtney Mithelman Elizabeth Schraeger Evan Trainer Kevin Wu

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.

For more photos from the Black and White newspaper and the Dragon yearbook, follow us at @JHSpress on Instagram

photo essay

the b&w p.3

Varsity boys basketball

1

Elizabeth Schraeger/BW

starts off

at home

The boys’ first home varsity basketball game was played against Waukee on Dec. 10. The boys lost 4556. words & layout Carly Kinning

1

Number 34, junior Derek Jones, defends his territory against a Waukee player. The Dragons have a record of 1-2 (as of Dec. 10), with Urbandale being the first win of the season, and the first win at home.

2

Number 22, junior Nick Neumann drives past a Waukee player on his way to the basket. Neumann was one of four juniors on the Dragon’s starting line-up for the game.

3

Number 30, senior Joe McGinn jumps above two Waukee players to score a basket. Dragon fans cheered on McGinn as he went for the shot.

4 5

Number 40, junior Regen Siems shoots a lay-up while a Waukee player attempts to block the shot. Siems led the scoring of the whole night with a grand total of 15 points.

Number 10, senior Nick Stitzell dribbles the ball as he looks for an open teammate to make a pass. Stitzell has been an essential part of the team his four years as a high school student athlete.

Check out jhsblackandwhite. com for more photos of the girls and boys basketball season.

2

3

Elizabeth Schraeger/BW

4

Elizabeth Schraeger/BW

Elizabeth Schraeger/BW

5

Elizabeth Schraeger/BW

feature

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Traveling 600 miles in six weeks

After watching the movie “The Way” senior Chase Thomas decides to walk the Camino de Santiago words & layout Clare Farrell When senior Chase Thomas’ mother, Susie

Spain Thomas and Berregaard took the route called the French Way across the Camino de Santiago. He started on the southern border of France in the city of St. Jean de Pied Port and ended on the northwestern border of Spain in the city of Santiago de Compestela.

1 St. Jean de Pied Port 2 Pamplona 3 Logrono 4 Burgos 5 Sahagun 6 Leon 7 Ponferrada 8 Sarria 9 Santiago de Compestela

week to prepare themselves for their journey.

the culture.”

end, he had no idea that it would change his out-

poorly fitting equipment wasn't something I

Santiago was unexpected as they witnessed

the Camino de Santiago, and they grew inspired

regaard said.

they had just completed, weeping with gratitude

Berregaard, brought home a movie one week-

look on life. Within minutes they learned about to accomplish the journey together.

“We watched (The Way) and I thought “wow

that would be really cool,” Thomas said. “(My

mom) is kind of adventurous so it was a pretty mutual thing.”

“Blistered feet or sore backs from new or

wanted to have to deal with on the walk,” BerOnce they finally arrived, they began to walk.

“We saw Spain in the midst of everyday life for

32 days on our feet, at the speed of walk,” Berregaard said.

Thomas and Berregaard began on the border

St. James, Santiago in Spanish, was the

of France in the city of St. Jean Pied de Port

After his execution in Jerusalem 44 AD, popular

Spain in the city of Compostela de Santiago.

Apostle who carried Christ's doctrine to Spain. belief depicts that his followers took his body

to Spain. Later, in the year 813, a man named Pelayo rediscovered the tomb and the town

has been the journey's end for pilgrims ever

since, the journey being named the Camino de Santiago.

“Actually our decision to walk the Camino

happened quite by accident,” Berregaard said.

around 600 miles. Thomas and Berregaard began their journey around 6 a.m. every morning and ended around 2 p.m.

“It was amazing the ability of the body to

a dozen miles in the beginning seemed dauntdifficult to stop walking as we neared the end of the journey.”

Thomas recalls a memorable moment that

that a short trip and staying in hotels wouldn't

actual name), cherry trees surrounded the pair.

They bought plane tickets six months in ad-

vance and started researching. “I’m not sure that we had any real idea what adventure continued

Over the course of the next few weeks, they

to be needed for the trip. They also gradually

began walking longer distances a couple times a

good, and because it was a great adventure that put to meaningful use what he had learned from studies at JHS.”

‘Buen Camino’, was the greeting shared be-

tween pilgrims many times every day. It meant ‘good journey’.

“I think for Chase and I, our Camino was very

much a ‘good journey’, physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” Berregaard said.

They found the most common question was

the one asking why each person was walking.

“Life is so short,” Berregaard said. “This trip

good when it is, and be grateful that we have the

cherry off of a tree, a large branch of the tree crashed down into the street.

“I had no idea what to do so I shoved it to the

They passed through a few large cities. They

gathered the items they thought were going

sions, Chase and I were walking because we

When Thomas reached up and tried to pick a

in the dark, put on our shoes, and walk on.” The trip, in order to break them in before they left.

“Although many were going to work out

reinforced that we must make the most out of

side of the road and took off before I could get in

two purchased backpacks and shoes before the

Thomas and Berregaard both aspire to return

were walking along Road of Death (the street’s

to lay ahead of us,” Berregaard said. “Each day

we would get up before daylight, pack our packs

Thomas said.

could,” Berregaard said. “Because life for us was

10 to 20 miles per day, with the total walk being

occurred on his journey. One day, while they

provide in such depth,” Berregaard said.

to do with my life, what is my next big move,”

grims before them. They walked anywhere from

normal tourist. “It looked like a great opportunity

to really experience the Spanish culture in a way

home now; it was like I’m done what am I going

issues, to get answers, to make important deci-

the same stars that had guided millions of pil-

ing, it was nothing as time went on, and it was

Thomas and Berregaard were looking for

“The feeling wasn’t like I’m done, I can go

They breathed the same air and walked under

Camino, including the decision to go do it in the

something unique to do other than just being the

and many just from exhaustion.

to walk the Camino again.

adapt to the routine,” Berregaard said. “Where

first place, is probably not an accident.”

pilgrims on their knees, grateful for the journey

France and ended on the northwest coast of

“Although it is clear after the experience of the journey that anything having to do with the

The emotion of arriving at the Cathedral in

trouble,” Thomas said.

attended a bullfight in Burgos, walked through

Gothic cathedrals, and stood in buildings thousands of years old.

“I thought (the bullfight) was like torture, but

(a) very cool and a neat experience to see,”

Thomas said. “It was a good way to learn about

the time we have, that we need to let life be

freedoms we do as part of the wealthiest nation

on earth to explore the world in ways that others may never find possible.”

Check out jhsblackandwhite.com for photos from Thomas’ journey.

feature

the b&w p.5

The advantages of getting ahead DMACC Career Advantage gives an opportunity to earn college credits in high school

Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Health Occupations, Ma-

the Health Occupations classes and plans to become a

easier.

words & layout

nursing she could go into.

dating,” Jaeger said. “A lot of people think it’s like college

Sarah Ross and Mallorie Goodale

DMACC Career Advantage courses are an opportu-

nity for high school students to earn college credits during

their junior or senior year. This gives students a chance to

gain experience in their area of interest and explore their future career options before going on to college.

In order for students to take these courses at DMACC

requirements must be met.

“According to the school board they have to show pro-

ficiency on their Iowa Assessments in reading, math and

science and they have to be on track with credits because they are gone for half of the day,” guidance counselor

Sue Baker said. “The first criteria we look at is ‘are they on track academically’ because if not we can’t send them off campus.”

There are nine classes that students at Johnston can

take through the Ankeny DMACC campus. Those classes are: Auto Collision, Auto Tech, Business Administration,

chine Operations/Tool and Die, Visual Communications (Graphic Design/Web) and Diesel.

be harder because they are college level classes but that has not been the case for Hart and Jaeger.

“I was expecting it to be one of my harder classes but

Most students decide to take the Career Advantage

my Johnston classes are harder than my DMACC classes,”

pursue in college. Senior Ashley Jaeger currently takes

For Jaeger, the nursing classes started out hard but got

courses because the subject is something they want to

nurse. The class has showed her the different types of “It has opened my interest to different types of ca-

reers,” Jaeger said. “I think I want to be a pediatric nurse

Hart said.

“The orientation that we had in August was really intimi-

and going to be super difficult but it’s not that hard at all.”

Senior Monica Gagne who is enrolled in the Business

but I’m not 100% sure yet.”

Administration program agrees.

courses because she thought graphic design was some-

and made the transition from high school to college easier

thing she wanted to do after high school.

cause most of the kids had taken accounting going into it.”

Senior Meghan Hart took the Visual Communications

thing she wanted to pursue but realized it wasn’t some“I might do something minor with it but it definitely

“The teachers were really understanding at DMACC

for us,” Gagne said. “I was worried about accounting beGagne decided to take the business program because

won’t be my major,” Hart said. “I’m glad I took this be-

it seemed like a nice break from the high school. The only

sign and it kind of helped me make up my mind.”

coursework was compared to high school.

cause I was leaning towards something with graphic deWhile most students take the Career Advantage

classes with the intent of continuing on with the subject in

college, junior Lydia Graber took the culinary classes to learn how to cook.

“I thought knowing how to cook would be a good skill

to have,” Graber said. “I didn’t really cook before but it has really helped me out.”

The expectation of the DMACC classes is that they will

thing Gagne had a tough time with was how rigorous the “It forced me to time manage really well, and forced me

not to procrastinate because the assignments take time to do,” Gagne said.

With participating in the Career Advantage Program stu-

dents are able to get a head start on college.

“Since I’m a senior I thought it would be cool to get some

college classes out of the way,” Hart said. “I know that we get credits for it, so it will look good for college.”

Which route to the DMACC Ankeny Campus is the best?

1

2

Route

Route

7.2 miles, 16 minutes

10.9 miles, 16 minutes

the backroads

the interstate

info according to maps.google.com

the b&w p.6&7

crime

december 2013

A look into the war on drugs and the connections to Iowa and Johnston.

words Daisha McAvaddy & Sarah Margolin

16,000 adolescents in Iowa used marijuana in the last month. www.inspirationsyouth.com

South Dakota had the second highest percent of DUI’s based on population in 2012 (Alaska being the first) Iowa has the lowest illicit, and marhttp://www.statisticbrain.com ijuana use in the country. (3.4% of Iowans) http://www.iowa.gov

}

}

In Washington 2012 voters approved an initiative to tax and regulate marijuana for adults over 21 www.drugpolicy.org

}

}

layout Sarah Ross

}

}

}

$600 billion spent annually in costs related to drug crimes http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics

Deleware has the lowest percent of DUI’s based on population (2012) http://www.statisticbrain.com

} Apply it to your class: If there are

5

}

}

}

The first recreational marijuana shops in Colorado will open their doors for the first time in U.S. history on Jan. 1, 2014. huffingtonpost.com

}

}

}

1,825 meth lab meth incidents, including labs, “dumpsites” or “chemical and glassware” seizures. (2012) http://www.bullfax.com

41.82% of people in Mississippi think smoking marijuana is a huge risk (2010) http://www.businessinsider.com

adults will be arrested for a drug charge

3

24

students in your class...

will have used alcohol in the past month.

will have engaged in binge drinking.

2

will have smoked marijuana.

have used an illicit drug (other than 1 will marijuana).

1 in 99

www.inspirationsyouth.com http://www.drugpolicy.org

There is a drug arrest every 19 seconds in the United States. http://stopthedrugwar.org

2,000 males needed treatment but did not receive it for pastyear drug problems www.inspirationsyouth. com 200,000 students have lost financial aid due to a drug addiction. http://www.inspirationsyouth.com

14% of all youth in treatment started using drugs or alcohol before the age of 13. http://www.inspirationsyouth.com

Who: Richard Nixon What: War on drugs begins When: June 1971 Where: USA and Mexico Why: Drugs were a symbol of youth rebellion during the 1960’s.

Sources: drugpolicy.org/

2

527

15

4,000 females needed, but did not receive treatment for past-year drug problems. http://www.inspirationsyouth.com

19 24

2011-2012

2010-2011

2009-2010

SRO Officer Jessica Jensen

1980-90s

Present day

Who: Ronald Reagan How: Blocked syringe-access programs, used “Just say no” slogan, and established the D.A.R.E. program Other Info: Nonviolent drug law offenses increased from 50,000 in 1980’s to over 400,000 in 1997.

Who: Barack Obama When: April 2013 What: National Drug Control Strategy Why: Reduce drug use and its consequences.

http://www.politico.com

2013-date

2012-2013

11

is the number of drug offenses in Johnston for the past five years Police department

The War on Drugs 1971

People caught with illegal substances at JHS

whitehouse.gov

editorial

the b&w p.8

Group work doesn’t always work When junior Aryaa Regmi hears one of her teach-

ers say, “I’ve put you in groups of three or four for this

project,” she groans. Regmi knows that if she gets into a ‘bad’ group, one where students refuse to work, she will probably do the entire project. She will still earn

the same grade as the other members who did not do

anything. “I really don’t like group work, especially with people I don’t know or work well with,” Regmi said. “I’d rather just do my own stuff and learn on my own.”

Lately, administration has been pushing group work

into our classrooms. “I’m not sure group work has

always been productive, or that there’s been a product produced at the end of it, or that it’s been used as an important part of instruction,” principal Brent Riessen said.

This is exactly true. Unless it is gone about in

the right way, group work has no benefit for anyone.

Teachers try their best to incorporate group work into their class content. However, when they put random students together, or invent something for a group

to do that may or may not be beneficial for the class,

group work just does not work. Unfortunately, teachers along with administration keep trying to force group work in every class.

“The ideal productive group work task is one that

has the need for everyone to be involved,” Riessen

said. “That is where everyone is responsible for one

thing. This makes it real-world, and makes everyone accountable.”

Problems arise with accountability, however. Not ev-

eryone is accountable, no matter how much teachers

try to make students work. In some classes, teachers have one group of students read part of a section in

the textbook while another group reads the other part.

They then are expected to teach their part of the sec-

tion to the other group. “Half the time I don’t trust what other students are telling us because not everyone is actually going to read the textbook and find the real, thought out answer,” Regmi said.

Teachers tend to struggle with the same problem.

World Studies and AP Psychology teacher Jesse Dowell still feels the need to cover content when students work in a groups. “I feel this way especially if I see a

group talking about topic A, and I’m sitting at my desk

thinking they totally butchered all of that,” Dowell said.

“I feel the need to get up and talk about it so they know the correct content. I then ask myself was it easier just to get up and teach it in the first place?”

One of the main goals of productive group work

is to teach life skills to students. “The true result we

Illustration/Carly Kinning

want to see is to have students have the ownership of

Teachers should try to relate topics they are talking

Riessen said. However, students want to be taught

discussions of the content.

their learning, to have the heavy lifting of the learning,” content by a teacher, not by a peer who may or may

about in class to the real world and have large group Administration needs to stop pushing and forcing

not know the content themselves.

group work in classes where it does not work. Group

some students slack, others decide that in order to

these classes, people must work together in order to

Another reason group work does not work is when

receive a better grade, they’ll cover for the unaccountable ones. Teachers then struggle with how to grade

the work. “If I had a fool-proof solution to that, I would write a book and become a millionaire,” Dowell said.

“One thing they’ve thrown out there is to give individual

grades rather than a group grade. I agree with that, but I think we’re still kind of working out the kinks.”

In order to teach accountability and other life skills

that administration hopes to produce with group work,

work works in some classes, like music or culinary. In make something happen. For example, Madrigal just took place. Without the help of other people working together, the night would not have happened. “Mad-

rigal would just not work if you didn’t have that mass

of people,” junior and Cantus Chamber choir member

Erica Thacker said. When you have a bunch of people working together everything goes a lot faster and smoother.”

In some classes, however, for example ILA or gov-

we should focus on group work in classes students

ernment, students are forced into groups with people

a better chance of them being more committed to the

ent study habits, and different learning skills.

choose to be in, like electives. That way there will be class and their peers.

Group work can be beneficial, however it must be

presented in the right way as well as the right class. “I think there’s definitely a place for group work, it’s well

suited when there is a problem to be solved, some kind of simulation,” Dowell said. “I like group work when it’s about discussing ideas and getting other opinions.”

Group work should not be one student telling

who earn different grades, have different goals, differ“Some classes are very content driven, and trusting

that content to students, if they need to know it in a

very specific manner, is challenging from a teacher’s

perspective because you want your students to be as successful as possible,” Dowell said. “So you want to

make sure they’re getting the best possible information from their peers.”

Until teachers and students have a conversation

another exactly what to write down to ensure an A

with administration about when group work does and

and something that the whole class can participate in.

how much force is put on it.

on the assignment. Group work should be interesting

does not work, group work will not succeed no matter

The editorial is an opinion held by the editorial board of the newspaper. It needs a simple majority to pass. This month’s vote was 10-0.

guest opinion

the b&w p.9

Era of dance less of a threat than alternatives Guidelines to JHS school dances should be changed to help prevent possible illegal activity

words & layout Carmen Vajgrt I can see the headlines now. “Students

killed in car crash after being removed from school dance,” or how about this one,

“Community holds school accountable for deaths after dance.”

My group went in ahead of me and my

date. By the time we reached the dance floor, my group was being kicked out and Johnston High School Associate Principal

Randy Klein was telling my date and myself to join them. We hadn’t even gotten the

chance to dance and we were guilty by association.

The parting words we got from an un-

named administrator were, “Go, have fun tonight.”

With encouragement like that, there isn’t

No. None of these awful situations hap-

much of an excuse for the irresponsibility

these headlines were to have been plas-

vironment limits the alcohol and drug use

days following the homecoming dance, I

Senior Kenzie Erwine shared a similar

pened, but they very well could have. If

administration felt. Being in a controlled en-

tered all over the Des Moines Register the

teenagers can easily get their hands on.

am sure Principal Brent Riessen would be

story about her homecoming experience.

change the administration’s policy of kick-

being there is supposed to be for fun. We

what the schools deems “provocative.”

we are at a school event with our friends

country are trying to put a stop to student’s

The parents’ perspective

twerking and moshing have old administra-

choose to do after the dance. “What stu-

school dances.

ways of concern,” he said “I’m always very

banning grinding. The fact of the matter is

everyone is safe and everyone is OK. That

were kicked out of the dance, Riessen re-

The question now arises, “do parents

thing were to happen to students after be-

feeling more pressure than he already is to

“We aren’t harming anyone by dancing, us

ing students out of the dance for dancing

could be out doing other things but instead

A Halloween costume party was held by senior Addy Evens at the Lions Club.

Students sophomore through senior year were invited and paid a $10 fee in advance.

trying to have fun,” she said.

ment they walked into the dance. While

It is no secret that schools around the

most recent dancing trends. Grinding,

Riessen is aware of what some students

tors and conservative parents cringing at

dents choose to do after the dance is al-

This is not a matter of supporting or

relieved to find out the next morning that

that the Johnston administration was irre-

is continually a challenge.

out students for “inappropriate dancing” at

have the right to know that their child was

sponsible with how they went about kicking homecoming.

Johnston Homecoming

just kicked out of the dance?”

Parents feel like they need to know

With feedback like this, something is go-

some groups were kicked out within sec-

ing to have to give. My junior year, I went

for about 45 minutes,” sophomore Mallorie

The rules were pretty simple, everyone got

onds, others were not. “My group was there Myers said, “and we were grinding for about 10-15 minutes before we got kicked out.”

When asked about how many students

sponded saying, “I don’t know.” If some-

to Dowling Catholic High School’s prom. to the dance at a certain time, blew into a breathalyzer and couldn’t leave the dance

until it was over around 11 p.m. Surprisingly, no one was getting kicked out although mostly everyone was grinding.

While some students saw the lock-in

ing kicked out of a dance, “I don’t know”

rule as a punishment, I thought it was awe-

would take lightly.

dance floor all at once and it was definitely

would not be a response the community

The solution

some. About 400 prom-goers were on the

The horror stories arose within minutes

where their kids are. After talking to my

blew up and I was still sitting around the

you went to Dowling’s prom, I knew that’s

ture school dances?

from dance-goers who were actually get-

leave the after prom early, I got a phone call

and if I cancel senior prom based on the ac-

ing to happen. Adults, no matter how hard

heard the threats throughout the week and

an OK thing.”

kids that are doing it the right way,” Riessen

how students act and something that has

not changed from recent dances. No one

send your kids out, you expect there to be

people asking, “Why did administration

to not be going on.” That may be exactly

I decided to keep a positive attitude and

to be at the schools dance. If they are being

had bought a dress and went through the

should take on the responsibility of call-

Walking across the boardwalk into Summit,

on the responsibility of choosing who gets

of the homecoming dance starting. Twitter

mother, Marie Vajgrt she said, “When

dinner table at the restaurant. I read tweets

where you were and when you wanted to

ting kicked out of the dance. Everyone

at two in the morning making sure that was

read the guidelines, but the guidelines had

Riessen agreed. “As a parent, when you

So what does all of this mean for the fu“You only get one shot at a senior prom

tions of a minority, that’s not really fair to the said. “Dances are a right, not a privilege

and its something we choose to do and is

a party. It felt how a prom should feel- as

many students as possible getting together to dance and have some fun.

Banning grinding all together is not go-

they try, are not going to be able change

been ingrained into their culture. Youth

don’t have another fad of dance to turn to

had ever gotten kicked out then. This had

certain things going on and certain things

choose this dance to lay down the law?”

the point. Parents are expecting their kids

their own opportunity for a prom.

see what the dance had to offer, after all, I

kicked out earlier than expected, the school

(an anti-prom),” Erwine said. “It would be

administration’s conduct was to be set in

trouble of finding a date like most students.

ing their parents, if they are going to take

buy your tickets and show your ID. There

much more willing to support our school

I was amazed. I mean, the Student Coun-

thrown out and who doesn’t.

was a different story.

targeted by administrators from the mo-

cil made a boardwalk! When I walked in, it

It was apparent that certain groups were

a tradition.”

Students may be planning on creating “I am definitely planning on planning one

like prom is here, you’d come to the door, would be security to make sure nothing bad

was happening and people would be able to dance but they wouldn’t be getting kicked out unless there was extreme behavior.”

at this point in time. “Students shouldn’t be

kicked out for dancing how our generation dances,” Erwine said.

If something comparable to Dowling

place, I’m sure many students would be

dance. Until then, administration might as well get used to the idea of having the ma-

jority of students supporting an anti-prom or anti-homecoming in the future.

opinion

the b&w p.10 BLINKERS: Always turn your blinker light on if you are going around the roundabout. Be considerate about others safety, especially with slick roads.

1

4

2

THINK OF OTHERS: “Remember to yield to cars that are already in the roundabout,” Public Works Director Dave Cubit said.

roundabout tips

3

4

for the winter

Shou

ld I te

eone ll ?

som

I don ’ want t t o be

tattle a tale. -

Id want on’t invo to get

lved

.

words Ellen Bennett layout Kenzie Foldes In high school, students define

get that strange feeling again that the

dancer, singer, drama kid, loner, artist,

stereotype is still hanging above your

students need to be reported. But that

would be to leave the party because I would not want to be around illegal

activity and would not feel comfortable.

Based on my article, I am saying that

head, haunting your decision.

I should report this crime, but I think

have to be known, the tattletale.

to do. Whether or not what you saw

after getting away, call the police.

and community by students, but noth-

crime go by is not right. If you do report

have to involve being at the site of a

committing future crimes.

friends and check my Twitter, I notice a

Crime happens in the high school

ing is done about it. Students do not

Text “PPCS” + (crime you wish to report) to CRIMES (274-637).

Or call Polk County Crime Stoppers at 223-1400.

For information, visit PolkCountyCrimeStoppers.org.

After you have walked away you

each other with words or stereotypes

one that ceases to exist but does not

How can you remain anonymous if you wish to report a crime?

words & layout Courtney Mithelman

Many students don’t report crimes they see for numerous reasons, like fear of being called a tattletale. Reporting crime can make the community a better and safer place.

gamer or band geek. There also is the

report a crime

LET THEM IN: Be courteous to cars yielding on the side of the roundabout.

They are trying to get to school just like you.

Speak up against crime

based on what they do. The jock, nerd,

How you can

Snow? GO SLOW: Leave earlier so you are not in a rush when the roads are slick. “Go slow, the roundabouts are way safer than the stop signs were,” senior Tyler Fenton said.

speak up because of the stereotypes.

Nobody wants to be known by their

Reporting a crime is the right thing

was actually illegal, letting a potential

the crime, it could help the student from To report a crime, one can either call

peers as the “rat”.

the police, leave a tip to the Polk County

are walking out to your car in the high

in a tip to their number with a descrip-

Imagine this circumstance: You

school parking lot and notice a few

students lurking around by the football

stadium. An exchange occurs between the students with money and a pack-

Crime Stoppers on their website, or text tion of the potential crime that was wit-

nessed. All of these can be done while remaining anonymous.

Trying to say what I would do in this

age. Immediately your mind concludes

situation is not easy because I have

Your mind wanders between needing to

crime. I like to think that I would report a

that you just witnessed a drug deal.

report it and thinking it might not have

been a drug deal. The conclusion is to

report it just to be on the safe side, then something stops you. The voices in

your head are worried about becoming the tattletale and possibly ruining that student’s life. Your final decision is to

just act like nothing happened because it was probably just nothing.

never been in a situation involving

that I would just leave and hopefully Another situation does not always

crime. I imagine I am hanging out with picture that a student posted. Looking at the picture, I see that the student is drinking from a beer bottle with other

students too. For this situation, I would have no clue when the picture was

taken and if the crime is worth reporting. The right decision is to report it

and let the police investigate because

letting it go will only keep the students from not repeating their behavior.

I think we should not be afraid of

crime, but while in the moment, I am not

becoming a “rat” and just do the right

to the pressure. Here is a situation that

have been illegal. Students should not

sure if my reaction would change due

I could imagine happening if I were at

a party; I am there with my friends and

am having a good time, but then alcohol comes out. Students are committing crimes by drinking underage right in front of me. My immediate reaction

thing. Report what you see if it might

keep witnessing illegal activities by their classmates without reporting them. It might seem rough reporting it if you

know the student or know they are on a sports team or are a club president, but it is not right decision is to let it slide.

sports opinion

the b&w p.11

WINTER S P O R T S

UNCOVERED

I realized I would not be able to participate in a wres-

Wrestling Edition

A non-athlete tells what wrestling practice really contains, and where it stands compared to other winter sports words Laura Scieszinski

After brief individual work, partner work starts. Part-

going to be in a good mood when you’re cutting weight.

gether with their arms in a hugging motion, not touching

needing to drop weight. At the same time, as a coach you

tling practice the first time I saw a Wednesday practice.

ners “pummel” each other by slamming their chests to-

sweating and “feeling good” because matches typically are

their hands to their partner’s back. The wrestlers partner

Each day differs by focus. Wednesday practice focuses on

Thursday and Saturday. Wrestlers must weigh a certain amount to be with the right competition for the match.

exercise a few different ways and then move to groups.

Groups break up into partner wrestling. “[Live wres-

The wrestlers, however, never looked like they felt

tling is] pretty much a non-stop cardio work out where

hour practice. “Wrestling practices are much more intense

the same time, have to constantly use your brain to think

good. Honestly, they look like they hated life for the twoand tiring than football practices,” junior Jon Dolan said. “I feel like I get more out of a wrestling practice.”

you also have to constantly use all of your muscles and at ‘what am I going to do next,’” Dolan said.

Varsity boys are held at high standards and expected

I planned on joining a wrestling practice, but after watch-

to mentor the younger wrestlers. With the match the next

simply watch and comment. It’s a little too much body con-

wrestle them in different starting positions called out by

ing a Monday and Wednesday practice, I decided I would tact and conditioning for me.

Wrestlers constantly have to move. The warm-up starts

day, the older boys gave tips on what it will be like and the coach.

ups and sit-ups, or sprints.”

A Week of Wrestling

experience or skill level.”

Then, another jog. They have to sweat and make

weight.

“[Cutting weight is] hard,” Tecklenburg said. “You’re not

Aaron Tecklenburg, head wrestling coach, shares the basic training schedule wrestling athletes follow.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Situational wrestling

Hard, labor days

“We’ll take situations that we observe in competition Saturday.

Friday we’ll take situations we see in competition on Thursday and we’ll correct those,” Tecklenburg said.

Usually includes two workouts in one day; one in the morning and one in the afternoon

Easy practice, weight loss focused

Mon. & Fri.

Group corrections period During those periods, coaches will approach individuals to talk to them individually about particular situations.

Wrestlers perform live wrestling, practicing techniques and strategies with one another

to ensure they are keeping their energy up and following state guidelines.

“All eight of our coaches have been through [cutting

weight] ourselves,” Tecklenburg said. “We’ve experienced it so it’s always an advantage to know what some of these guys are going through.”

Having eight coaches gives more opportunities to con-

nect with a coach, rather than a sport like basketball with only one head coach and one assistant coach.

“Some kids will connect better with one coach than

unique way of their own. So what’s nice is that the kid

put him with someone who doesn’t have quite the same

Dolan said. “And if you aren’t, you’re probably doing push-

go about weight loss.” The coaches monitor the wrestlers

try to match a guy with some experience behind him and

sprint, cartwheel and do various stretches. They individu“In wrestling, you are almost always doing something,”

expect that guys are going to be healthy about how they

another coach,” Tecklenburg said. “But all the coaches

situations,” head coach Aaron Tecklenburg said. “So we’ll

ally practice some wrestling moves on the floor.

I’ve met very few wrestlers who in a good mood when

“We’re teaching technique by going through various

out with running mixed with sprints and somersaults. They briefly rest and stretch, and then, across the floor they

layout Kenzie Foldes

Easier practices that are focused on weight loss Focused on making athletes feel good “We go lighter [on Wednesdays] and focus on light drilling and cardio to get a little bit of the water weight off so they can compete on Thursday,” Tecklenburg said.

Thursday Competitions The Johnston Athletic website contains all the dates for wrestling competitions Go to http://www. johnston.k12.ia.us/ athletics/ to view the wrestling schedule

are sending the same message, but maybe in a different,

can really gravitate toward one or two coaches that can inspire them or just has a different way of teaching them.”

But inspiring them can be difficult, especially when

wrestling practice looks like what I imagine Satan would make me do in Hell.

“As motivational techniques, we’ll show them inspi-

rational matches; we’ll tell them inspirational stories,” Tecklenburg said. “But, for the most part it’s them seeing

the value and the result of the hard work in competition.

Winning always seems to be a great motivator A lot of the wrestlers are self-motivated so they do a pretty good job of getting themselves ready to go each day.”

In conclusion, if you want a really hard work out that

pushes you farther than possibly any high school sport practice, join wrestling.

“I think most of the kids in the room know that wrestling

is a pretty demanding sport, and that if you’re going to get better and improve, you’re just going to have to work extremely hard,” Tecklenburg said. “And so some of them come in with the mind-set that is just going to be difficult work and it is a grind everyday.”

Check out jhsblackandwhite.com in January for more Winter Sport practice overviews

backpage

the b&w p.12

The Hydration Stations allow students to easily refill water bottles throughout the day. words Meredith Gwennap layout Kenzie Foldes

Filling water bottles made easy

Former student council

member, Junior

Zach Walker wanted to find a way to leave

er into the hydration stations.

mann said. “Not all of them were realistic with

the campuses. In recent years, Walker took

The student council narrowed down their

Walker noticed hydration stations throughout

the time and money we had.”

into consideration the lines that form around

ideas until they agreed on hydration stations.

get completely full. Walker believed adding hy-

but the overall majority wanted the water bottle

water fountains, when the water bottles did not dration stations would not only leave the long impact he hoped to have on others, but also

“The student council had a pretty split decision

Placement of the stations was carefully

considered by student council based on where

surplus of money at the end of the year from

on six locations including the commons, gym

fundraising on items such as t-shirts. With this

money, student council planned to choose a

Weight Room

0 0 0 0 9 5 2 6

fillers to happen,” Walker said.

solve a growing issue.

At the same time student council had a

W

hich hydration station is more frequently used

“We started with 40 to 50 ideas,” Marck-

an impact on others. While visiting colleges

most students would use them. They decided

foyer, weight room, cafeteria, by the upstairs bathrooms and by the accounting office.

Commons

0 0 0 0 8 5 9 8

Accounting office

0 0 0 0 7 8 0 6 0 0 0 0 5 8 1 3

on Johnston High School students. “We were

positive impact on students and staff,” Walker

Up stairs bathroom

ects, or one big project,” former student body

er, quicker, and more efficient.”

Cafeteria

0 0 0 0 4 9 0 1

Big gym foyer

0 0 0 0 3 5 7 2

project that would have a long lasting impact

open to doing multiple smaller lower cost projpresident Katie Marckmann said.

“I do believe adding them have has had a

said. “It has made filling up water bottles easiStudents have seen improvement made by

After Walker received the idea, he went

the hydration stations. “Hydration stations have

a logical idea. Riessen informed Walker that

sophomore Tori Wells said. “You don’t have to

through principal Brent Riessen to see if it was he would talk to the custodians and look deep-

Hydration Stations

at other locations Dowling Catholic High School Valley High School Dallas Center Grimes High School Ankeny Cenntennial High School

made filling up water bottles much easier,” tip your water bottle and risk the water spilling.”

Statistics as of Dec. 14

The Real Deal

Hydration stations are a step up from traditional water fountains

Integrated Silver Agion Anti-microbial protects against mold and mildew growth Fill rate is 1.1-1.5 gpm; 3 times faster than a traditional drinking fountain The electronic sensor provides touchless, sanitary operation; just place and fill Innovative Green TickerTM counts the quantity of bottles saved from land fills

Information provided by http://www.elkayusa.com