One Copy Free
The Black & White
Johnston High School Student Paper
February ‘06
Vol 16 No. 6
Club approval prolonged by changes Gay-Straight Alliance awaits go-ahead from school board after policy revision BY KARI DOCKUM MANAGING EDITOR Changes made to the policy regarding the formation of student organizations have lengthened the process of approval for the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). The new policy, which was approved by the school board on Nov. 27, 2006, requires groups to submit a constitution, bylaws and a list of officers to district administration. Under the old procedure, groups completed club applications for the principal, who then relayed requests to the superintendent. The modification to policy was made to establish a
structure for club approval. “The purpose of the new policy is to create guidelines,” superintendent Clay Guthmiller said. Unaware of the new policy, senior Josh Merritt submitted a mission statement and proposal for the formation of a GSA in late November. According to Merritt, he learned of the new requirements in early January, two days after winter break. “I was called down to (guidance counselor Stephanie) Guthrie’s office, and she told me that (the GSA) had to write a constitution,” Merritt said. “We had to include a mission statement, meeting times, officers and what the group is about.” Merritt submitted the constitution to the school board
in January after returning from winter break. “We thought that everything would be good to go because the next board meeting was on Monday (Jan. 22), and we thought it would be on the agenda and be approved,” Merritt said. “However, I was told on Tuesday that it hadn’t been on the agenda, so we Merritt weren’t approved.” Merritt met with Guthmiller and principal Bruce Hukee the following day. “(We) had a meeting to find out why (the GSA) hadn’t been on the agenda, and
see CONSTITUTION page 3
SWIM TEAM SURFACES IN CIML
Dan Haight/BW
Swimming for the finish, Waukee senior Rob Bany competes in a butterfly event at the Johnston Invitational. The JohnstonUrbandale-Waukee swim team placed first in the dual meet. See page 13 for further coverage of the team.
In this issue...
Seniors work for creation of Disability History Week Page 2 Schools choose to enforce CIML rules differently Page 4 Junior Chelsea Kumbera’s hobby turns into business Page 12 Ice arena provides boarders with snow
Page 14
Music ordinance raises curfew BY JORDAN VAN ESSEN STAFF WRITER The Des Moines City Council recently decided to pass a new music regulation after several citizens expressed their wishes for changes to city music ordinances. This new regulation will allow 16to 21-year-olds to remain in designated music venues until 11:30 p.m. According to the mayor of Des Moines Frank Cownie, the new ordinance states that, “Designated music venues must meet certain criteria: They must book at least 150 live performances per year . . . minors under 16 may not stay in the venue past 9:00 p.m. . . . they must demand photo id at the door.” While these requirements may seem harsh, according to the Des Moines City Council and Mayor Cownie, the goals of
the ordinance are intended to benefit the music venues and patrons of Des Moines, not hinder them. According to Thomas Vlassis, a member of the Des Moines City Council, the ordinance will benefit young people. “This will provide greater opportunities for young people to expand their own horizons, mix and mingle with the many cultures that call Des Moines their home and be a formative part of the communities in which they live,” Vlassis said. J.C. Wilson is the owner of The House of Bricks, a music venue and bar in Des Moines. He is also optimistic about the new ordinance. “More people will be able to attend more shows,” Wilson said. “We’ll also be able to arrange better shows. This will be more convenient to live music lovers who
see CURFEW page 3
Jordan Van Essen/BW
Ash Veneer plays at The House of Bricks on Feb. 3. A new ordinance will raise the curfew for minors.