The Black and White February 2013

February, 2013

Dear Valentine,

I know it’s been two weeks since Valentine’s Day, but love is still in the air. I cannot decide if Valentine’s Day should be everyday or is it another overrated holiday? You decide...

Love,

Your secret admirer

See pg. 11 to read more on whether Valentine’s Day should be everyday or if it is overrated.

the black and white. jan. 2013. volume 21 issue 7. 5152780449. 6501 NW 62nd ave. johnston, ia

Game of the year

Social media policies

Johnston wins game of the year for Johnston vs. Urbandale game.

Teacher to student communication policy is cleared of confusion.

pg. 6/7

t

Find us on Twitter! follow us @jhsnewspaper

pg. 8

f

Carbon monoxide

Jackie Sapp survives carbon monoxide poisoning.

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

pg. 9

www.jhsblackandwhite.com

index

the b&w in this issue

Rumor Busters

8

5

New logo

Plans for the new district logo start up

editorial

- Joining silver cord - IHaveAPlan Iowa - Privatising busing

9

Game of the year The inside story of the Johnston vs. Urbandale football game that won the Game of the Year award

Social media policy New policy limits interactions between teachers and students and causes confusion

Carbon Monoxide Jackie Sapp recounts her experience of carbon monoxide poisoning, along with ways to protect your home

opinion

Brian Carico presents suicide prevention bill to state legislation

6 7

sports

4

Suicide prevention bill

Sneak peaks at some new photo collections that are on the B&W online

backpage

3

Photo Essay

feature

news

[ february2013] 10

11 12

It is not dumb to be smart Being ashamed of being smart is dumb

The ups and downs of Valentine’s Day Two different stances on the nation’s most heartand chocolate-filled holiday

What’s the word?

The popular iPad game with a new spin

meet the staff

Editorial board

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

Staff writers

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

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

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

photo essay

the b&w p.3

1.

Senior Zach Robinson tries to pin Charles Weaver from Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson. Robinson participated at the state tournament Feb. 14-16. Sophomores Henry Pohlmeyer, Travis Price and senior Logan Walkup were all 2013 state qualifiers.

February

1.

in photos

words Courtney Mithelman

layout Kenzie Foldes

Provided/Laura Schwartz

2.

At the FCA (Fellowship ofChristian Athletes) meeting Feb. 19, junior Addy Evans and sophomore Brady Harper compete in a hoop game.

Evans, as well as seniors Karsen Kramer, Jessie Tindall and sophomore Hezekiah Applegate shared their testimonies with the group.

2.

3.

Team Gibson and the Rainbow Gang participated in the dodgeball intramural Feb. 10.

“I have no idea how we got that [name], we didn’t know what to name the team so I just took whatever name someone gave me,” team member Nick Young, sophomre, said. There were 12 participating teams, and each student had to pay $5 to play.

Courtney Mithelman/BW

4.

3.

Senior Olivia Guns, sophomore Meredith Toebben and senior Hailey Kromminga warm up for the 2013 Masterworks Concert. The concert featured Women’s Choir, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Concert Band and Wind Symphony. The concert took place Feb. 14.

Courtney Mithelman/BW

4.

Paige Cramer/BW

news

the b&w p.4

Suicide awareness bill proposed RUMOR

BUSTERS

words & layout Paige Cramer

Middle School principal Brian Carico sat down

with State Senator Janet Petersen in February at

You got ‘em. We bust ‘em.

Panera on Merle Hay Road to discuss the possibility

of a new piece of legislation for Iowa. A few hours

words & layout Kevin Wu

later Senator Petersen sent the proposed bill, Sen-

CONFIRMED

ate File 216, to the state legislature through a webbased program.

Currently, certified teachers need to be trained in

STUDENTS CAN JOIN SILVER CORD ANYTIME

OSHA regulations (Occupational Safety and Health),

Students are able to join the volunteer program, Silver

Blood Borne Pathogens and Mandatory Reporting

Cord, at any time in the year. “I’m not going to tell students

for Child Abuse. Senate File 216 would add suicide

they can’t volunteer,” Silver Cord coordinator Chris Be-

prevention and trauma care training for all teachers.

The training would be two hours long and teachers

would receive the training every five years. “We’re teaching teachers what to look for,” Carico said.

Senate File 216 was introduced to the Senate

and the Education Committee Director on Feb. 18.

The bill passed out of subcommittee on Feb. 25 and

guhn said. Regardless of when students join, they have to Brian Carico holds up this mug found on his desk that has the Gatekeeper Acronym for warning signs of suicide. Part of informing the staff of what to look for will be based on this acronym.

Senator Petersen encourages students and staff

will move forward if lawmakers support it. The bill

to support this bill because of what the community

House. Governor Terry Branstad must then sign in it

meeting after both of the completed suicides, and

then has to be approved by both the Senate and the for the bill to be made law.

Carico started working with the Iowa Health As-

has been through. “I went to the Johnston parent as a former student of Johnston, the students within

the Johnston community have a chance to reach

meet the minimum 150 hours by the time they graduate.

Silver Cord emails regarding volunteering opportunities

and other pertinent information sent out by Beguhn are directed at students who joined at the beginning, and might not apply to those who join later.

CONFIRMED

EVERYONE HAS TO COMPLETE I HAVE A PLAN Johnston is required by state law to have all students

out and make Iowa a better place. I’m really hoping

complete the program. There has never been a student

classmates.”

do not are subject to penalties or punishments, although

men, Spenser a sophomore.

Facebook and the Johnston Community School Dis-

may face.“I don’t get why we have to do it,” junior Michael

“Gatekeeper rule” for teachers to recognize signs of

port the bill. Carico has also been encouraging an

dents tend to dislike completing I Have a Plan, but it of-

on what to do when dealing with this topic.

inventories.

sociation to learn how to help teachers deal with

suicide, depression and other mental health issues after the deaths of his son Cameron Carico and

Spenser Nelson last January. Cameron was a freshThe 8/9 building has been implementing the

suicide. The rule follows the acronym, “Is The Path Warm?” (pictured on top right). Carico then decided

to take another step toward making sure teachers

they’ll reach out as an honor and a tribute to their

who did not complete I Have a Plan Those students that

Carico has worked on getting the word out through

the state has not yet specified what penalties students

trict website, and has encouraged lobbyists to sup-

Goss said. “It takes forever and it doesn’t help at all.” Stu-

app called A Friend Asks which has answers and tips

fers many services, including personality tests and skill

For Carico, a big part of getting the bill passed is

and school employees were well prepared in suicide

giving people information on what to do when sui-

Petersen and the two of them started working on the

discuss it, it will cause people to do it,” Carico said.

prevention and trauma care. He contacted Senator bill.

The exact training program for teachers will be

decided if and when the bill passes. The bill will have

help from the Department of Public Health and Department of Education to pick which training is best.

For the bill to be passed, community support is

needed, particularly in the form of individuals con-

tacting their senators and voicing their opinions. “If legislators don’t hear from people saying they want it to pass, it won’t move forward,” Senator Petersen

said. “I’m hopeful we can pass it, but it’s going to require students and people from all around the state to reach out to their state legislators.”

cide comes up. “A lot of the times people think if you “That’s not the case. We want to train them on how to identify it.”

To directly help this proposed bill, the webpage

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/Legislators/find.aspx

is

available for contacting local senators that could support this legislation. The bill needs to make it out of committee by March 8 in order to continue

on this session. “I would encourage people to contact as many legislators as they can - starting with

legislators on the education committee. Sharing a personal story about why the bill is important to you is one of the most effective ways to help a bill along the process,” Senator Petersen said.

CONFIRMED CONFIRMED:

LOOKING INTO PRIVATE BUSING

The school is considering using

private busing as an alternative to

the school’s current transportation

services. “We are looking at operations, and one happens to be transportations,”

superintendent

Clay Guthmiller said. The district currently spends over $2 million

a year on transportation, and is

looking at ways to reduce the cost.

Furthermore, there would be fewer

complications with personnel and operating costs.

news

the b&w p.5

New dragon planned

layout Kenzie Foldes words Laura Scieszinski

Redesigning The look of the Dragon is about to change.

Who the Dragon affects The new Dragon will be used for all depart-

of (c)3 Marketing Andrea James Iverson said.

marketing coordinator, is leading the redesign

academics. The colors will remain purple and

this (meeting) is our way of asking more ques-

Laura Dillavou, the district communications and process.

“We’re working really hard to standardize

how all the teams are branded so we do have a stronger identity going out there,” Dillavou said.

The district is working with (c)3 Marketing, the non-profit branch of Love Scott, who has created

Meals from Heartland marketing designs and the new Valley Tigers designs.

The survey The first step involved all middle and high

ments of the district, including sports, music and gold. A systematic logo including the Fiery J and

Dragon would allow pieces to be used singularly,

logo of the two together, and all would be recog-

smaller group will meet with the company more

nized as the Johnston logo. However, nothing has been finalized.

“The timing was really good when you look at

the 100 year anniversary of the schools (in 2014),”

principal Brent Reissen said. “If we can get a new

Dragon images. Participants rated each one on

inside the building. And as you look around our

tional comment box. Over 500 people answered

Dragons. It would be nice if there was a little more

by email. The survey consisted of 20 different

newer logo as part of the artwork that goes on

a scale of one to five. Each example had an op-

district we’ve got eight, nine different renditions of

the survey.

consistency with it.”

The company used the samples to get an

ing creative director Adam Jensen’s additions. “I

The process The next step is setting up a meeting with

just tried to pick different styles of things,” Jenfigure out what people like or don’t like.”

good opportunity for back and forth,” president

The Valley “V” The traditional Valley V continues to be an identifying mark of Valley High School.

to get more feedback. “In that meeting there’s a

Piecing it together

than once, to give feedback as the final designs

are being worked through. After each session of feedback, the Dragon will be adjusted and brought to the next session for more feedback.

The final Dragon is planned to be complete

by April or May.

History of the Dragon The name “Dragons” was adopted in 1946

after a contest for a school name/mascot. Only

school beforehand. The old spiral winged Dragon was created in 1950. It is found on the cover of the

1950 yearbook, although the book is still named

“The Beaconite”. The yearbook transferred to “The Dragon” in 1966. The athletic uniforms did not incorporate the Dragon until 1958.

Before the

Dragon The past for Johnston High School.

The Prowling Tiger The Tiger can be used alone or emerging from the V. Both are recongized as a symbol of the school.

The Tiger Paw The tiger paw is used as a secondary mark to the Tiger to represent the elementaries.

The paw is a less imtimidating symbol for Valley’s primary schools.

keting will create two Dragon design options. A

Johnston or the letter “J” was used to identify the

student and faculty representatives and parents

sen said. “Just to get that kind of feedback to

The meeting will allow the company to form

a better idea of what to create. Then, (c)3 Mar-

just the Fiery J, just the Dragon or the systematic

high school built it would be great to have this

Dillavou compiled the survey with (c)3 Market-

tions.”

or all together. For example, a t-shirt could have

school students and teachers taking a survey

idea of what the general group of people want.

“Where a survey is just a set of answers given,

The revised logos of Valley High School were created as a system by (c)3 Marketing. The systematic design and design process of the Tiger, V and paw is an inspiration for the development of the future Johnston Dragon.

Johnston did not have a mascot until 1948. The Beacon was a “symbol of the school”, not a mascot.

Adriana Ansley, a junior in 1946, entered a school contest to determine a new school name/mascot.

Ansley won the contest with the idea of a Dragon and the following year the football team became the first “Dragon” team. The spiraled Dragon currently used was first on the yearbook cover of 1950.

U

Down with

Johnston wins Game of the Year words Anne Rogers layout Kenzie Foldes & Carly Kinning

A game to

game of the year

february 2013

the b&w p.6&7

Remember

Students reminisce about the 2012 Game of the Year.

Karsen Kramer, superfan, senior

Hezekiah Applegate, player, sophomore

“It was cool when all of the ninth graders came over into our section for overtime and we could barely fit.”

The most memorable moment (for me) was blocking the PAT and helping us get into overtime.

Jordan Weddington, player, sophomore

Justin Atterberg, superfan, senior

“Johnston hasn’t made it past the first round in a long time, and to do it against our rivals was just a great thing.”

“I had so much adrenaline I stood on the trash can and started the ‘I Believe’ cheer. Like we did it.”

Johnston beat Urbandale 58-55 in a first round playoff game in double

put in such hard work over the season, and that’s where I wanted to get.”

overtime Oct. 24. Central Iowa Sports

Woodley agrees with the intensity of

Awards (CISA) chose the high-scoring

the game. “I tell people I honestly think I

thriller as its 2012 Game of the Year.

aged 10 years in the last five minutes of

The

CISA

has

been

presenting

that game,” he said. “I think the whole

awards for four years. There are four

team felt accomplished of winning that

other awards given within the high

playoff game because it was sudden re-

school category. These include Male

lief once we won, and there was a lot of

and Female Athlete of the Year, Game

excitement.”

of the Year, and Event of the Year. “The

The ceremony for all the finalists was

CISA was created to honor athletes for

held at the Iowa Hall of Pride. “It (the

their achievements in central Iowa,” Ka-

ceremony) brought back memories of

tie Fencl, the Sports Project Manager at

the game, and it was very flattering that

Des Moines Area Sports Commission

they thought that much of it,” Woodley

(DMASC), said.

said.

“Johnston/Urbandale is a well known

Quarterback Michael Kinning, a se-

rivalry,” senior Marcus Montgomery

nior, also enjoyed reliving those mem-

said. “The fight that both teams showed

ories. “When we won, that was awe-

and the desire to win is why we were

some,” Kinning said. “I handed the ball

nominated.” The other two finalists were

off and literally saw a parting in the way

the Iowa City West vs. Ankeny state

while Marcus ran into the end zone, I

basketball game and the Pride of Iowa

just went nuts.”

Conference senior All Star game.

For Kinning, the game is something

“There is a CISA Honors Commit-

he will never forget. “Seeing everyone

tee made up of individuals in the sports

from the sidelines running into the end

community who help facilitate nomina-

zone after the final touchdown in over-

tions,” Fencl said. The winners of each

time was definitely an image that went

category were announced Feb. 20.

through my mind.”

Montgomery

and

head

football

Montgomery felt confident the game

coach Brian Woodley represented John-

would be win. “Honestly, I knew we

ston at the ceremony Jan. 28. “They

would win because the game was so

went through each category, so we got

amazing,” Montgomery said. “Both

to see who else was nominated and who

teams going back and forth trying to

we’re going against in our category,”

come out on top in order to advance to

Montgomery said. “It was definitely an

the playoffs, as well as it being a cross

experience.”

town rivalry, made the victory even

Woodley found out about the nomi-

sweeter.”

nation by email. “They (CISA) wanted

Winning the award has helped the

myself and a representative from the

players, coaches, and fans realize how

team to come down, have a dinner, and

much the football program has grown.

be recognized,” Woodley said. “They

“At the beginning it felt like a lot of peo-

actually asked for Marcus to come be-

ple wrote us off, but the work and im-

cause he was the one who scored the

provements we made led us to be apart

winning touchdown in the double over-

of a game of the year performance,”

time.”

Kinning said. “It says that this team may

For Montgomery, the touchtime was

have not been the biggest, most talent-

exhilarating. “When I scored that last

ed, or most athletic, but we had chem-

touchdown, there was just this feeling of

istry and put the work in to become a

accomplishment,” Montgomery said. “I

scary team.”

Senior Marcus Montgomery and senior Michael Kinning celebrate with the team in the end zone after Montgomery ran the ball in to win against Urbandale. The team went on to the second round in play offs to compete against Valley High School for a loss at Valley.

Senior Marcus M o n t g o m e r y receives the ball from senior Michael Kinning, running it for a gain in yards. Montgomery finished his senior season with a total of 275 rushing and recieving yards.

Senior Michael Kinning sets up his motion to pass the ball for a touchdown attempt.

Kinning finished the season totaling 1,162 passing yards with a longest touchdown throw of 51 yards.

feature

the b&w p.8

New policy causes nfusion o c A portion of the new technology policy has a few people riled up words&layout Hannah Soyer A new social media policy was passed by the Board

The policy, even with the email from the JEA, has still caused

of Education as a part of the technology policy that

displeasure. ELP and AP Psychology teacher Sue Cline said that be-

mester. This policy was meant to clear up the

so Facebook was one of the main ways she would contact students

went along with the 1:1 iPad initiative this seboundaries between teacher and student

communication. However, it would ap-

fore everyone had their iPads, no one would check their email, and outside of school.

Cline also takes students on field trips. In these cases, she feels

pear that the main thing it is has done is

that having her students’ phone numbers and allowing them to have

“I guess I characterize it as a sort of

where being able to contact students through their phone is helpful.

caused confusion.

commonsense policy,” Vice President of the

Board, Greg Dockum said. “Social media has be-

come a much more bigger issue and is used much

more nowadays than it was a few years ago.”

The policy itself states that employees of the dis-

hers is necessary in case cars get separated. There are other cases

“I know I have had the argument given to me that I could send an email from the iPad to the kids on their phones or their iPads,” Cline said. “But when all I’m trying to do is to get people on the bus, I don’t understand what the problem is with texting.”

Coaches also often keep their players’ phone numbers in order to

trict “must maintain professional relationships with

get a hold of them for games or practices. Baseball coach Michael

to the policy, this includes not becoming “friends” with

way, be unprofessional,” he said. “But at the same time that is the

current students enrolled in the District.” According

students through social media sites such as Facebook

or Twitter and refraining from contacting them through

electronic messaging. The policy never states what

“electronic messaging” refers to, although many teachers have taken

it to mean texting. The policy also states that employees should refrain from “providing personal contact information to students currently enrolled in the District” and that while employees can use classroom web pages or social networking tools that are approved by the District and

used solely for school-related purposes, they must first notify parents of students with their intentions.

Following the unhappiness of a majority of the staff, the Johnston

Barta is one of these. “I understand how texting can, if done a certain one thing that kids are constantly on that I can make contact with

them that I know they’ll see. The only other way to do it that works

really well is Twitter but they’ve pretty much put the kibosh on Twitter

too.” Barta has compromised by putting up a schedule of practices in the weight room. “It’s really hard because you constantly have

changes: weight room closes one day or I’m sick one day and have to move things to tomorrow,” he said. “It’s tough to constantly do that

because it takes me two seconds to send a text to all the team and it takes 20 minutes or an half hour to type up a schedule and put it up outside of the room.”

Principal Brent Riessen said that because each

Education Association and Technology Department sent out an email

circumstance is going to be different, different con-

email, it said that “The policy references the word ‘refrain’ in regard to

really bad or another thing that’s really minor, but they all

attempting to clarify what employees could and could not do. In this social media and for personal contact information. These are guide-

lines with the intent to protect you, the employee. The district is not saying you can or cannot utilize these modes of social media. However, employees need to be aware if something were to occur, that

discipline or other adverse consequences may result.” According to the policy, these “adverse consequences” can include discharge.

Because staff had to sign the policy, many of them are choosing to

follow it. However, confusion over what is in fact allowed is still abundant. Girls’ cross country coach Chris Siewert has found a program

sequences will apply. “It might be one thing that’s

need to be addressed,” he said. He does, however, agree that it is confusing. “There is always gray area,” he said.

“For instance, myself with a son in high school - does that mean I shouldn’t be face-booking with him or texting him? Well obviously not. As a parent I have full right

to do that, but it’s really a fuzzy area in a lot of different

circumstances which makes it really hard to say that it’s black-and-white and done deal.”

While most employees see the reasoning behind the

called XC Stats through which he is able to send players’ stats to

policy, they are unsure about the way the issue is being

school’s things which takes me out of it so I feel more comfortable,”

Cline said. “Banning people from being able to communicate

their iPad or phone through his school computer. “It’s all through the he said. However, he believes that the policy actually means texting students is “status quo.”

handled. “Communication should never be a bad thing,”

with students through those different kinds of media is just asking for kids to not have information they need.”

feature

the b&w p.9

The Silent Killer

Health teacher Jackie Sapp survives carbon monoxide poisoning words & layout Monica Gagne emergency respondents immediately. “I live in a small

versus natural gas is the fact that it is both colorless

450 people in the US

town so an ambulance, EMT’s, sheriff and local fire de-

and odorless,” National Media Consultant for MidAm-

are killed from car-

partment all showed up at my house,” Sapp said.

erican Energy Tina Pothoff said.

Every year about

Sapp was most worried about her father as the am-

There are many ways to prevent CO poisoning.

Health

bulances took them to Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames.

Having furnaces and heating systems checked annu-

teacher Jackie Sapp

The doctors drew blood from them both to test gas

ally can help prevent CO poisoning. “We recommend

survived.

levels to see how much CO affected them. Normally

everyone has a fire alarm and CO detector in each

CO level should be at or below 1%, however Sapp was

house,” Tim Wickam, Community Health Consultant

at a level of 31% and her father at 35%.

for the Iowa Department of Public Health, said. “If you

bon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Sapp woke up Feb. 1 to a terrible headache. Ignoring

The doctors thought it best that the Sapps be trans-

it, she continued on

ferred, so the ambulance took Sapp and her father to

with her morning. “I

Mercy Hospital where they were put in a hyperbaric

In 2012 the Iowa Department for Public Health re-

couldn’t even stand in the shower,” Sapp said. “I was

chamber. The device is used for blood gas levels be-

ceived one report for death by carbon monoxide and

weak and having trouble breathing.” When Sapp got

cause it is infused with 100% oxygen to help flush out

69 reports of exposure to CO. Pothoff reported that

out of the bathroom she could barely walk and was

the CO in the red blood cells. “My dad went in first and

they receive several dozen reports of CO or natural gas

forced to crawl up the stairs to the main level. “I was

was in for 90 minutes and then it was my turn,” Sapp

poisoning every year.

calling out to my dad to tell him to get my inhaler and

said. Due to her head cold, the pressure on her ears

Wickam recommended the first action in a possible

help me out,” Sapp said.

from the oxygen was too much and Sapp had to be

CO situation would be to leave the building or house

removed and given oxygen through a mask in bed.

immediately and call 911. Most of the time MidAmeri-

Her father, Elwood Sapp, woke to similar problems

don’t already have a CO detector you can get one very cheap to have in the house.”

and could not reach his daughter before passing out.

After a few days of recuperating, both Sapp and

can will be contacted by the fire department immedi-

“I woke up when Jackie was calling out to me to get

her father returned home. “Turns out that the gas leak

ately after the emergency call has been made to test

something for her,” Elwood said. “I got out of bed and

came from a pipe connected to our furnace that heats

the scene. “We work hand-in-hand with the fire depart-

walked to the kitchen, feeling fine at first, and then I had

the house,” Sapp said. The furnace had been leaking

ment,” Pothoff said. “Usually they’ll call us but we end

to sit down in the living room because I was so dizzy.

lightly and unnoticed for years, but when the Sapp’s

up calling them a lot too.”

I couldn’t even get her a glass of water.” This is all El-

started construction on their bathroom and the con-

Pothoff explained that MidAmerican works hard to

wood even remembers, according to Sapp he passed

struction worker removed a pipe, the CO overflowed

educate their customers on the dangers of natural gas

out and was unresponsive.

and filled the whole house. Without a CO detector in

and CO poisoning and how they can prevent it in their

“I crawled to my bag and grabbed my phone then

their home the gas poisoned the family and their dog

home. “We can’t push it enough that our customers

dragged myself to the door, opened it, and called 911,”

while they all slept. Luckily the dog, after a few hours

have a CO detector on every level,” Pothoff said.

Sapp said. When the operator picked up Sapp immedi-

of down time was okay. “I asked the police officers to

Since the incident Sapp has taken the initiative to

ately told them she had an 85 year old man who was in

bring the dog to our neighbors, which they did, while

have a CO detector installed on every level, protecting

and out of consciousness and that they both were very

we were gone,” Sapp said. “The neighbors told me that

her and her family from this silent killer. “I just wish I had

weak, dizzy and having trouble breathing. The operator

she was really different and quiet, almost lethargic for a

paid more attention to this issue before and gone out

concluded it was carbon monoxide leakage and sent

while but after some time was her normal self.”

and bought the detector before this happened,” Sapp

“One of the most dangerous components of CO

Protect Yourself First Alert Combo -$59.99 -CO, Gas, and Smoke detector -Target

said.

Stores offer numerous brands of CO detectors ranging from very cheap to semi-pricey

First Alert CO detector -$19.99 -CO detector -Target

First Alert 3 in 1 Alarm -$39.99 -Talking fire alarm, CO and natural gas detector -Target

editorial

the b&w p.10

A’ not okay

‘

words Niki Ferguson layout Sarah Ross

When senior Karsen Kramer gained the title of

just wanting to fit in and be with the crowd,” school

also the fact that there are people making them feel

ioned stereotypes that came along with it. “One per-

good thing if the crowd that you’re joining doesn’t view

enough. “I think part of it is jealousy or envy over

homecoming queen, she also gained the old fashson said, because I had already taken pre-calc last

year, ‘Oh wow, you’ve already taken pre-calc and

psychologist Kelly Petersma said. “That can be not a education as important.”

There is no sense in putting who to sit with at lunch

like they need to change, or that they are not good

peoples’ success and not wanting others to do better than you,” psychology teacher Jesse Dowell said. “It’s

you’re actually smart!’ and I was just like ‘I don’t know,

ahead of being successful in school. It is good to have

queen is usually portrayed as the ditzy popular girl

people as they are. If people are constantly worrying

life. By not trying on tests or purposefully not prepar-

going to be happy and relaxed.

future jobs.

I guess?’” Kramer said. In movies the homecoming who barely knows one plus one.

Whether it’s dumbing yourself down to become

more popular, or making up a fake grade when asked

a group of friends, but it should be one that accepts about saying or doing the ‘cool’ thing, they are never

“When you’re in high school there is so much pres-

a way to kind of keep everyone down at your level.”

Honestly, high school is four years of a person’s

ing to get worse grades will transfer into college and

“This is such a short period in your life and there

what you got on a test, students are ashamed to be

sure to fit in that it can be hard to navigate the appro-

could be some really long term ramifications for play-

This is no surprise, considering that humans fol-

have to be confident in yourself and know yourself,

cause that can affect college or getting the job you

intelligent.

low examples. Take movies. Specifically Mean Girls.

Cady, the main character, fails her math tests just to

priate avenue to do that,” Petersma said. “You really and not really worry about what others think of you.”

Easier said than done, right? People are natu-

ing the slacker role or dumbing yourself down, bewant, or meeting up with the people you really want to surround yourself with,” Petersma said. “That will be

fit in with the popular girls. Throughout the movie her

rally going to surround themselves with others that

is not the right thing to do. So why do kids still do it?

of people that, for whatever reason, are not going to

tions aside, the main thing is happiness. “You’ll never

and all people want to be liked, unless you’re a hermit.

you’re actually passionate about or that you’re good

unhappiness grows, as she realizes dumbing down

Students should not be afraid to succeed, let alone score well on a test.

Being ashamed of your intelligence is, with no pun

intended, stupid. “When kids try out different roles, different cliques, different things like that, part of that is

they feel comfortable with. “There’s always a group

accept others,” Petersma said. “All teenagers worry, Most people want to be liked and do things that other people think of as good.”

It’s not just the person who changes to fit in, it’s

I can’t believe how hard that test was! I know I failed for sure!

Later that night...

Me too!

the most beneficial to you in the long run.”

But putting all the report cards down and applica-

say that it was worth if you were hiding something that at, it’s never worth hiding it no matter who you want

to be friends with,” Kramer said. “I’m really glad that

who I’m friends with are accepting of what I like to do.”

opinion Hearts away on Valentine’s Day

the b&w p.11 Dear Valentine Skeptics, How often do you show the people

in your life that you love and appreciate them? This is something that should,

but unfortunately does not, happen every day of the year.

If I had it my way Valentine’s Day

would be every day. This is because my image of Valentine’s Day is not just

two people that love each other trying to show it through chocolate, flowers,

or stuffed animals. It could also be two

been given for Valentine’s Day, ranging from Diet Coke to Twilight movies.

Some of my favorite memories from elementary school were the Valentine’s

Day parties and decorating boxes to Whether I got a gift from a boyfriend, a secret admirer, or my mom, I knew that someone cared enough to think

of me on a day other than my birthday.

Valentine’s Day is junior Kelsey

best friends, a family, or an entire class.

Acheson’s favorite holiday. Every year

year when people take the time to make

and cookies for all of her friends. On

Valentine’s day is one more day of the someone else feel special.

There is no right or wrong way to

show someone that you love them.

Valentine’s Day she saw the new movie, Safe Haven, with her friends.

“I get even better presents for Val-

entine’s Day than I do for my

Although chocolate and flowers get a

mom gets little presents at

bad rap for not being original, they still have the right idea. A more personal

gift could be something that your valentine really wants but does not need,

birthday.” Acheson said. “My Hallmark every year and

sends them to all of her college friends.”

This day gives people one more

like their favorite movie. You could take

holiday to come together and celebrate

favorite dish at home. Money is not a

buy someone something they want but

them out to dinner, or make them their waste if it makes someone’s day. Don’t

buy something just to seem like you care. If a gift is from the heart, the price is not what really matters.

Of course, I do recognize that not

everyone is a fan of Valentine’s Day.

Maybe it is too commercialized for your taste, or maybe you are slightly bitter

due to your lack of a relationship status.

If that is the case, I challenge you to

take a whole new perspective on Feb.

14. I remember every gift I have ever

layout Kenzie Foldes

Acheson buys Valentine’s Day cards

You could open your heart to someone in person, or through a simple note.

The candy wrappers have been thrown away and the teddy bears stuffed in the closet now that Valentine’s Day has passed. These two opinions argue whether this holiday of love should continue year long, or be cut out from the calander. words Katelyn Lunders & Mollie Greenwood

hold all of my Valentine’s day cards.

love. A day to eat chocolate guilt free or

do not need. A chance to be more spontaneous, or tell someone how you really

feel. I urge you to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the people you love and care about. Take this day to make someone else’s day, because someday in the future someone else will make yours.

XOXO,

Katelyn Lunders

Dear Hopeless Romantic When

you

buy

the

overpriced

chocolate and teddy bear for your spe-

be celebrated on June 2. “No red, no

hearts, no nothing,” Bradley said. “It’s just an appreciation day,”

On Valentine’s Day, Bradley tends to

cial someone, you are contributing to

wear black and watch movies starring

Americans on Valentine’s Day gifts,

like another day. With Bradley Cooper.”

fact that the average person

lating to Valentine’s Day is the movie

entine’s Day is ridiculous.

Bradley Cooper in it. “He turned out

may taste good, but it will

Bradley said. “ I got some weird looks

around $17.02 billion total spent by

actor Bradley Cooper. “I think it’s just

according to Time magazine. The

One of the few things Bradley likes re-

spends around $126 for Val-

“Valentine’s Day”, which of course has

The chocolate and candy

to be gay, and I yelled in the theater,”

be gone within five minutes and

your significant other will have poured

there.”

Some may argue that Valentine’s

valuable money down the drain in an

day brings people closer together

Valentine’s Day began as a cel-

ing things for each other shows that

believed that Valentine’s Day began in

about each other,” Assistant manager

Claudius II outlawed marriages. A priest

Aird said.

marriages and was caught and sent to

entine’s day fanatic, and you will go

with the jailor’s daughter and sent her a

be sensible. Write a thoughtful note to

Now, people feel obligated to give

one at home or make dinner for them.

Someone’s mere presence in our lives

these things require little to no money.

about someone, you should show your

someone requires holes in your pocket,

overpriced candy item.

since it is centered around love. “Buy-

ebration of love for one another. It is

they love each other and that they care

Ancient Rome when an emperor named

of Hallmark at Jordan Creek Mall Amy

named Valentine continued performing

If you are an absolute die-hard Val-

prison. Valentine allegedly fell in love

into convulsions without celebrating it,

love note signed “From Your Valentine”.

someone. Spend time with your loved

expensive gifts for Valentine’s Day.

Tell someone you love them.

should be enough. If you truly care

Do not just pull out your wallet. If dating

affections toward them daily.

reconsider the relationship.

All of

Junior Megan Bradley feels as

though people are forced to get each

always thought it was stupid,” Brad-

Sincerely,

holiday to replace Valentine’s Day that

Mollie Greenwood

other gifts on Valentine’s Day. “I’ve ley said. Bradley came up with a new

is called “Us Day”. She said it should

backpage

the b&w p.12

What’s the Word?

New trending game on the iPad

words Katelyn Lunders

layout Monica Gagne

For answers go to jhsblackandwhite.com

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Q D A H I C P N S T A X

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K I R H U L T G S L N A

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