January 2015

black& white the

January, 2015

WELCOME NEW AGE

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jan. 2015

index

p.2

january 2015 6

current events

3

What in the world, current events quiz

photo essay

4/5 6

January in photos

Protest on protest

feature

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Start date debate Officer answers call of duty Pope Francis takes a liberal viewpoint

b&w philosophy

Cover: Photo illustration by Zoe Wilson

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Tolerance

17

The right side of the bed

Two in 1500

health

double truck

10/11

Getting the grade

sports

editorial

13

Helping hands benefit students

opinion

14 15

Current cafeteria emergency plan fails Back to Besic

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 advisor, 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, Quil & 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.

Religion must allow diversity

Head editor-in-chief Anne Rogers Print editor-in-chief Clare Farrell Online editor-in-chief Carly Kinning Design editor Zoe Wilson Online sub-editor Natalie Larimer Print sub-editor Sarah Caporelli Sports editor Carly Campbell Opinion editor Senad Besic

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Welcome to the new age Player scores big on U.S. national team Smeared eyeliner

backpage

20

Around the world with one dollar

meet the staff Staff writers Matthew Berry Erin Bockenstedt Meredith Campidilli Grace Coleman Hannah Crooks Max Culbert Jake Dalbey Brianna Erickson Esmeralda Flores Brooke Ginsberg Myles Glandorf Kennedy Graeser Meredith Gwennap Kathryn Ikeda Medina Jusufovic

Allison Klein Michelle Kumar Eileen Lagerblade Anna Larson Kate Lichter Allexis Mahanna Kitarrah Mangra-Dutcher Carissa Metcalf Lizzy Orr Will Reiher Bryce Schulte Lindsay Soards Staff Illustrator Olivia White

current events

p.3

jan. 2015

compiled | Zoe Wilson Interested in writing a Letter to the Editor? Email us at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com or talk to us in person in room 413.

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

Current

1

events quiz

How many people were killed by Ebola in 2014?

a

State of the

union Students share their voice Do you agree with President Obama’s proposal for free community college?

b c

President Barack Obama delivered his

sixth State of the Union address on Jan. 20. Obama addressed issues such as

child-care tax credit, paid family leave and free community college.

He plans on making community college

free to those students who maintain decent

grades. Obama has also called to Congress for a law that ensures that men and women will be paid equally with a minimum wage.

He also stated that he still wishes to raise the minimum wage.

a

“I don’t like it. If community college is free then more people will go and completing college will mean less.”

Jon Dolan, senior

b c

“I like it because it will help enhance Americas future work force.”

“I think it is kind of dumb.

It will lead to a big tax increase. It’s not actually going to be free.”

What in the world?

January 19

Swansea, Wales A women from Wales

3

claims to have seen the face of Jesus in her pet dog’s ear while giving

cerebral palsy wrote a

60,000 word novel with just her left foot.

Guardians of the Galaxy

b c January 22

Melbourne, Austrailia The crowd at a cricket match cheered as a

seagull hit by a cricket ball revived and returned to the pitch.

6 a

b c

What was the most streamed song of 2014?

Fancy by Iggy Azalea

b

a

of 2014?

Mockingjay - Part 1

4 a

What was the top grossing movie

The Fault in Our Stars

Rather Be by Clean Bandit Drunk In Love by Beyonce

5

Anhui province, China A young woman with

name of 2014?

Emma

c

January 27

What was the most popular girl

Carly

a

Shana Hudson, senior

5,223

Sophia

b c Emily Larson, senior

him a bath.

4,877

2 President Barack Obama delivers the State of the Union address on January 20.

3,846

What was the most downloaded paid app of 2014?

Minecraft - Pocket Edition Afterlight Heads Up!

What was the most popular dog breed of 2014?

Labrador retriever German shepherd Yorkshire terrier

answers found on jhsblackandwhite.com

jan. 2015

p.4

January inPhotos

photo essay

2.

words | Anne Rogers & Brianna Erickson layout | Carly Kinning

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Junior Hannah Miedena and sophomore Will Kaptain sing Synergy’s ballad, “Brave,” during the student preview show Jan. 15. Synergy, the JV show choir, has won first and fourth place at their two competitions so far.

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Carly Kinning/BW

Junior Jared Erickson swings his ball back to bowl. He preceded to bowl a spare. The boys bowling team won against Des Moines Lincoln Jan. 22.

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Junior Zach Smith swims the breatstroke during the varsity home meet against Mason City Jan. 19. The next meet is the district meet Feb. 7.

Junior Gavin Mumm sings the ballad, “Roads,” during varsity show choir Innovation’s performance at the student show Jan. 15. Innovation has been back to back grand champions at their two competitions this year at Cedar Rapids Prarie and Waukee.

Junior Rachel Hinders waits for the rebound after an Ankeny shot during the varsity home game Jan. 20. The Dragons beat the Hawks 55-33. Sophomore Taryn Knuth scored a team high of 18 points and seven rebounds.

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Carly Kinning/BW

jan. 2015

photo essay

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Esmeralda Flores/BW

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Brianna Erickson/BW

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Junior Ethan Ksiazek pins down his Valley opponent Noah Hughes-Reilly on Jan. 23, being one of the wrestlers to pick up a win for Johnston against the Tigers. Johnston ended the night with a score of 32-34. Johnston will be attending the wrestling varsity invitational at Southeast Polk high school Jan. 30 at 4:00 p.m.

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Esmeralda Flores/BW

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Freshman Katelyn Kenpkes pulls out her arrows after her partner marked down her score during the archery tournament. The shoot was on Jan. 17 in Madrid. The archery team meets every morning at 7 a.m. in order to practice and is coached by P.E teacher Dave Beason.

Sophomore Jeran Proctor jumps to shoot a lay-up during the varsity home game against Cedar Rapids Kennedy on Jan. 20. The Dragons won 77-64.

The next game is at Urbandale Jan. 30. The boys’ team played at Indianola on Jan. 27, winning 55-49. They have won five games out of the 14 they have played this season.

9.

Brianna Erickson/BW

During biology class, sophomores Avery Gathercole and Kara Gerke, along with the rest of their dissection group, examine the frog they were dissecting closely. All of the biology classes dissected frogs Jan. 13; during the process the students examine and label the different organs of the frogs. The classes dissected the frogs because it is easier to find and pick out their different organs than in other animals.

Esmeralda Flores/BW

10.

Junior Aubrey Soderlund examines the cat she was dissecting in anatomy class on Jan. 20. Every year the anatomy classes progressively dissect the cats as they complete the units that go along with the cat dissection.

jan. 2015

photo essay

p.6

Protest on protest words & layout | Anne Rogers

1.

2.

The Westboro Baptist Church came to Des Moines to picket outside the Capitol Monday Jan. 26. Westboro’s presence in Iowa was spurred by a federal judge’s decision in December to strike down state laws forbidding desecration of the American flag, according to an article in “The Des Moines Register.” The church has drawn criticism for its pickets at funerals and beliefs on homosexuality. They also had planned to protest East High School, because “the youth have no hope, no future.” They failed to arrive, however, despite hundreds of counter-protesters, including many students from Des Moines area schools. “Being a part of the LGBTQ community, you hear about all of the bad things Westboro has done,” senior Brandy Hayen said. “I thought it was a wonderful idea to counter-protest with love and peace.”

Carly Kinning/BW

Provided/Dragon

1.

Junior Krystal Towne cheers with junior Carissa Metcalf and senior Brandy Hayen at East High School Jan. 26.

The students went to protest Westboro’s beliefs on homosexuality.

3.

5.

2.

A Westboro Baptist Church member walks in front of the capital during the church’s protest. Westboro arrived in objection to laws regarding the American flag.

3.

Juniors Krystal Towne and Carissa Metcalf, along with senior Brandy Hayen counter-protest at East High School. The church failed to show up after they protested at the Capitol.

Provided/Dragon

4.

4.

A member of Westboro Baptist Church walks with flags on his feet in protest of the Iowa laws forbidding descration of the American flag. Hundreds of people showed up to counter-protest.

5.

One of Westboro’s members holds a sign in front of the capitol and in front of counter-protesters. The church was met with hundreds of protesters who challenged Westboro’s beliefs.

Carly Kinning/BW

Carly Kinning/BW

jan. 2015

news

p.7

Start

date debate words & layout | Kate Lichter &

Kathryn Ikeda If the school calendar is pushed back to start Sept. 1, then the baseball team, along with the softball team, would have more time to relax during summer break instead of only about a week after state.

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Like most high school students, junior Macey Kramer has a summer job, whether it be

for clothes, food or gas money. However Kramer’s job conflicted with her studies, specifi-

from an educational standpoint, should not affect a student’s ability to learn.

Another reason is the district’s calendar committee tries to align the calendar with area

cally chemistry, this year. “The very first day of my junior year I didn’t get to meet my teacher

colleges. More than 500 students who take the courses might not have enough time to

Fair from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Kramer missed about three consecutive days due to her shift

The other reason states that those who take AP tests will be affected as well. The tests

for chemistry,” Kramer said. Her shift took place at the Spin Zone booth at the Iowa State

and the crucial moment to make a good first-day impression. But this coming year, Kramer and others might have the chance to work without school worries.

“

A majority of the school board and high school teachers would like the district to request

a waiver and start on Aug. 13, similar to years in the past.

The Department of Education and others hold another point of

view on the issue. On July 1, 2014, districts had the option to base

calendars off 180 days or 1080 hours. The Department of Education recently announced new criteria for waivers to start school

the week of Sept.1. According to Department of Education director Brad Buck’s letter about the revised law, the school district will have

to give the department a list of major negative impacts on the students in order to receive a waiver, criteria for the waivers became

taken in May are nationally set dates, meaning if semesters were to be shifted many students might not get the proper review needed. According to Dockum, AP classes would have three to four weeks less study time for students.

The teachers at Johnston have a much better feel for what’s best for our students and our families than what state legislatures or our governor do.

available Jan. 21. School board member Greg Dockum wrote a response to Buck’s letter stating the board’s reasons and why some

finish with the right knowledge to complete the course with a later start.

of the points given were irrelevant to the school district as a whole.

“

-Greg Dockum

According to an article from the Des Moines Register, Dockum

received the following statement back from Governor Terry Branstad’s office: “Starting un-

The board’s last reason is how fall finals will also be pushed

past break and into the next year, making some students feel like they will lack in preparation.

“[Finals after break] would probably throw me off a little bit be-

cause it would kind of be this awkward break between classes and having finals,” junior Hannah Miedema said. She thinks the

‘normal’ schedule gives her the chance to take the semester tests

before winter break without interruption in between to distract from learning.

Not only will this potentially cause the district to disregard trying

to obtain the waiver, but hurt the summer and next school year’s calendar. “It appears that the bar has been set very high and may preclude us from applying.” Dockum said.

The committee was upset at the announcement of the potential change due to the

necessarily early does nothing to improve the quality of education, but has resulted in grow-

amount of work it will bring. “The timing of this decision does not give the school districts

miss class to participate in 4-H, FFA, and other Iowa State Fair activities.”

mittee and school board member Jill Morrill said. Though the 2015-2016 calendar was

ing frustration because this interferes with families’ summer plans and students having to Buck states in the beginning of his letter that the Department of Education has had

various complaints from parents about the waivers. “We [the school board] believe that the calendar should be a local decision; not a decision that’s made by the state or governor.”

much time to change their calendars if they have already approved one,” calendar comalready approved and catered to academic and community needs, they will have to meet again to discuss the adjustment.

The school board continues to hold onto the fact that the school start date should be a

Dockum said.

community decision. “It’s about doing what’s best for the students at Johnston, and in my

2015-16 school year. “I don’t believe tourism or the state fair should be deciding education

better feel for what’s best for our students and our families than what state legislatures or

The school board has four main reasons on why the district should be issued a waiver

issues,” Dockum said. The school board believes that tourism is important to the state but

opinion the school board and administration and the teachers at Johnston have a much our governor do.” Dockum said.

jan. 2015

feature

p.8

Officer answers call of duty Student resource officer Jessica Jensen does more for students than some realize words & layout | Meredith Campidilli On a typical day, you won’t find officer Jessica Jensen

out roaming around the halls of the school trying to find bad

things students are doing. “Officer Lowe and I are here, yes to enforce laws, but in all honesty I don’t think that’s

the primary focus,” student resource officer (SRO) Jessica Jensen said. “I mean we’re not out hunting for things to write kids on. If something gets brought to me, that’s fine.

But myself nor Officer Lowe go out looking for crimes or laws being broken.”

In fact, on a typical day you will probably find Officer

Jensen teaching, writing reports, and counseling with students. “My job here encompasses all of those,” Officer Jensen said. “I would say maybe, depending on the month, about a third of what I do is reports.”

Jensen is part of a national program called the SRO pro-

gram, which has a three-pronged approach to the aspects of the job. The SRO triad includes teaching, counseling

and law enforcement. “The legal or the law enforcement aspect includes educating students, staff, and parents on laws,” Officer Jensen said. “It’s also taking care of laws

that are broken, things that need to be charged or brought

to court, things that you would normally think of when you

Provided/Sydney Genkins

Officer Jessica Jensen laughs while interacting with members of the community during Showzam, Johnston’s show choir invitational over the weekend of Jan. 25-26. As part of her job as the high school’s SRO, Officer Jensen has to monitor many school activities including athletic events.

think of what a police officer does.”

SRO, and I’m interested to see who the new one will be.”

see that I teach Mrs. Sapp’s health class,” Officer Jensen

students. She works more with helping students and their

Then, there is the teaching aspect. “A lot of times you’ll

A large part of Jensen’s daily job is just interacting with

said. “I’ll teach on internet safety, drugs, alcohol, traffic;

parents than one might think. “A lot of what I do is work

The final, and what Jensen finds to be the most reward-

have kids that they are concerned about,” Officer Jensen

SRO program. “We’re here to be another resource that is

who they think is having some troubles at home, running

selor,” Jensen said. “We’re going to look at things a little

kid who’s struggling, they may ask me to step in and talk

ground are typically a little different than teachers or coun-

Officer Jensen to talk with their child about any concerns

just general life lessons.”

with the counselors and associate principals when they

ing part, of Jensen’s job is the counseling aspect of the

said. “And that could be kids that aren’t coming to school,

probably a little different than your typical teacher or coun-

away, you name it. If there’s concern that there may be a

differently. Our experiences in life, our education and back-

with parents.” Sometimes, parents may also call in and ask

selors. We’re there to help provide resources for students,

they may have.

staff, and parents.”

Associate principal Randy Klein often works with stu-

Klein says Jensen’s job is positive for students and par-

ents alike. “Their (the SRO) role is to be around students,

dents and Jensen in his daily job. “If Officer Jensen were

to allow students to see them in a positive light,” Klein said.

eryday, I would work with her every day,” Klein said. “She’s

tive rather than ‘Hey I’m here to help you’.”

school, so she spends time at both places. Whenever we

dents, and she’s not intimidating as some might think. “It

Junior Adam Friesth sees the school’s SRO as very im-

this school,” Jensen said. “I think it’s hysterical, and some-

force any laws, he knows that she does what she has to

they don’t know me. My job isn’t here to intimidate or make

forces what she needs to.” Friesth said. “I think we need an

hang out and chat.”

here every day and there was a need to work with her ev-

“I think a lot of people look at police officers as being nega-

a shared employee between the high school and middle

Officer Jensen says she is always there to help stu-

need her, she’s just a phone call away.”

baffles me to no end, but there is a strong fear of me in

portant. Although he has never actually seen Jensen en-

body asked me once why and I said it’s probably because

do in regards to the law. “She’s always there and she en-

anybody fearful. I’m actually really laid back and I’d love to

the teaching

-instructs health class on topics including drugs, alcohol, & internet safety

SRO triad

counseling

-talks with students having issues, including suicidal thoughts and depresssion

law enforcement

-takes care of laws that are broken, such as theft or harassment & files reports

Although school resource officers have shown nation-

ally to be more harm than good, there is nothing to show Jensen has hurt anyone or anything in Johnston. Officer Jensen is always willing to spend time with students and

give them advice, something most other police officers don’t make a priority to do. “And that’s what I’m here for, to

show students and their parents the real side of police officers,” Officer Jensen said. “We’re not just a uniform, we’re

very much like everybody else below it. And the person behind the uniform, that’s not something most people get to experience.”

jan. 2015

feature

p.9

Pope Francis takes a stance words | Sarah Caporelli layout | Zoe Wilson

Sophomore

Alaina Baldner Lutheran Do you like the Pope?

“With gay marriage and so ideas, I mean it doesn’t both-

er me, so I’m fine with that,” Baldner said.

How would you describe the Pope in one sentence?

this is a sin against the Creator: against God the Creator.”

them because that’s not what they believe in.”

Gay Marriage

“It’s good that he’s exploring new stuff and expanding

Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Jeon Han)

the Catholic religion,” Baldner said.

Junior

Senior

the hungry and with the youth,” Goodale said.

How would you describe the Pope in one sentence?

“Pope Francis has done a really nice job of standing firm

in what the Catholic beliefs are and not getting twisted up

Katherine Claes Agnostic Do you like the Pope?

“I don’t know as much as a Catholic would. I know he’s

made a lot of reform in the Catholic Church and that he’s super chill,” Claes said. “He’s very hands on with people.”

How would you describe the Pope in one sentence?

“I think the Pope definitely has a more positive follow-

in the way the media twists his words sometimes,” Goodale

ing,” Claes said. “I think people like him a lot more and he

What is your favorite thing that the Pope has done?

What is your favorite thing that the Pope has done?

cause he’ll tweet the same thing in four different languag-

okay to be gay but he has alluded to the fact that were

see how he’s so connected with everyone,” Goodale said.

think it’s really cool that (Pope Francis) said if aliens were

actly what he’s doing.”

Catholic church.”

said.

“I follow him on Twitter and I think that’s really cool be-

seems to be more involved with the people of his religion.”

“I like how (Pope Francis) hasn’t exactly stated that it’s

es, so I get all of them and I think that’s really awesome to

all God’s kids and He loves all of us,” Claes said. “I just

“He’s in a totally different country than me but I know ex-

to come to earth he would be cool with them joining the

Senior

Lucas Davis Evangelical Do you like the Pope?

“Pope Francis is different than any other Pope he’s

more simple,” Davis said. “Pope Francis is more of a human character.”

“We’re are living in a time of experimentation with life.

said. “My youth pastor’s gay cousin got married and they

What is your favorite thing that the Pope has done?

“Yeah, I think he has done a great job with the poor and

Abortion

“The big thing is the gay marriage stuff, they don’t allow

asked if he would be the pastor and he had to say no to

Do you like the new Pope?

Controversial topics But a bad experiment… (we’re) playing with life,” the Pope

it in my religion and they’re still loose on the rules.” Baldner

Olivia Goodale Catholic

Pope Francis was elected as the new pope of the Catholic Church in 2013. Since then, he has introduced new topics and issues that might be considered controversial in the religious world. “The Black and White” took a look at these issues and the different religions associated with them

How would you describe the Pope in one sentence?

said to the “Catholic News Agency.” “Be careful, because

“When I meet a gay person, I have to distinguish be-

tween their being gay and being part of a lobby. If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalized. The tendency

[to homosexuality] is not the problem,” the Pope said, in the “National Catholic Register.”

Evolution “When we read in Genesis the account of Creation, we

risk imagining that God was a magician, with such a magic wand as to be able to do everything,” the Pope in “Newsweek.com.” “However, it was not like that. He created beings and left them to develop according to the internal laws that He gave each one, so that they would develop, and reach their fullness.”

12% said unfavorable

U.S. Catholic approval rating of Pope Francis

“Heading in the right direction,” Davis said.

What is your favorite thing that the Pope has done?

“I do agree with him of being more accepting, whether

88% said favorable

you follow God or not we’re all sinners and to not love upon

the sinners its all the same, we need to accept them,” Davis said.

SAINT LEO, Fla., Dec. 16, 2014 / PRNewswire/ -- According to Saint Leo University Polling Institute.

grading

jan. 2015 p.10&11

Getting the grade words | Clare Farrell, Allison Klein & Will Reiher

Provided/Sydney Ginkens

already been full of other required courses, one being P.E. According to the law, in order for a

A look into student and teacher views on the different grading policies

student to graduate from a high school in Iowa, it

is required that they have one full credit of P.E. (a minimum of one eighth credits each semester).

“I think you should be able to opt out if you

want to take a class instead,” Thompson said.

The expectation of Iowa state law is that a

layout | Clare Farrell

student must be enrolled in P.E. However, on

occasion Johnston will allow students to suspend P.E. for one semester per year in order to take a

Students being graded on participation in class

full academic load of classes.

In spite of the state law many other schools in

Opting out of finals

the metro area also allow students to be excused

Teachers rounding grades at the end of the semester

from P.E. for one semester at a time.

“Valley (High School) offers P.E. waivers if a

The four-point grading system vs. standards based grading

student has a full schedule, however we approve

The Iowa state law on P.E.

said.

these on a case by case basis,” Katie Stegall

Some students would like to have the option

of being excused from P.E. all together, but only under certain circumstances.

Participation

On Jan. 5, during a teacher professional develop-

ment day, Tim Westerberg a School Improvement

“I think students should have the option of be-

ing excused from P.E. for the semester in which tant and we should get some credit for that.”

Senior Payton Thompson thinks participation

Coach came to Johnston High School to discuss cer-

grades are a good thing due to the fact that they act

One thing that was discussed in this seminar was

"In Spanish I am not very good at participating,

tain things regarding grading policies in the district.

as a cushion for students’ grades.

whether or not students should be graded off of par-

but I like it because it comforts my grade," Thompson

ticipation. AP Psychology teacher Jesse Dowell bas-

said.

to go about defining it.

“Some teachers believe that the district needs to

create policies that get students out of the mindset of

collecting points getting a grade merely just for showing up to class, but actually learning,” Dowell said.

Dowell's reasoning for grading participation would

be that sometimes, students need a little bit of encouragement to share their ideas. Also, he believes that if a few students can do that, it opens it up for the rest of them.

“When you get 30 students in a room nobody wants

to be the first one to talk, if you get a couple people going it makes discussion better,” Dowell said.

Junior Bernardo Duarte agrees with being graded

based on participation, but only to a certain extent.

“I think our grades should include a little bit of par-

ticipation but not be half participation and half knowledge,” Duarte said. “We go to school to learn, but at

the same time participating and showing up is impor-

Rounding grades

Some students know the feeling of ending their

class with an 89.9 %. Some teachers know the feeling

of having five kids come in the last day of the semester begging and crying to move the grade up. Certain

teachers adhere to the begging, some teachers do not. The school has created a grading committee that

comes up with ideas and theories on our grading system. Dowell is on this committee and says that rounding grades is a topic they often discuss.

“There should be a consistent rounding policy,”

Dowell said. “If one teacher does it every teacher should, at least within each department.”

This means that all the math classes will have

the same policy, while the whole English department would have the same policy but differs from the policy

of the math classes. Senior Amy Twickler agrees with Dowell.

“If I have a B the whole semester, but then my final

Valley High School is one metro school that allows

said. “One test shouldn’t ruin your grade.”

opting out of finals at the end of the semester.

wards a unified grading policy.

semester seniors,” Valley High School guidance

pecially when you have 100 different teachers who all

better in a class, they can opt out of that final. If they

Dowell belives his committee is progressing to-

“We have a semester test opt-out for second

“We are working on it, but it’s a slow process es-

counselor, Katie Stegall said. “If a student has a B or

have different beliefs,” Dowell said. “It’s hard to get

met this requirement in all their classes and had B or

“

100 people all moving in the same direction.

es a small portion of his students grade off of in-class

participation. One difficulty he finds with that is how

knocks me down to a 79.9% I want my B,” Twickler

No two teachers use the same methods of evaluating students and determining grades.

Teachers use the system of grading that is most appropriate for the subject area ...

“

They should indicate the comparative proficiency of students.

-Johnston Grading Policy

A majority of the schools in the metro area allow

their students to opt out of their finals under certain

circumstances. Yet, at Johnston, this is not an option for students.

As well as that, P.E. will apply to a student’s

GPA like any other class would.

“Although you don’t have to be smart to get an

53%

of students think that there should be a set grading policy for all teachers to follow

93%

of students think that they should be graded on participation

67%

of students think that all teachers should round grades at the end of the semester

70%

of students would like to have the option to opt out of their finals

A in P.E., you have to be responsible and dress out and not skip, so in a way it’s good that it counts for our GPA,” Duarte said.

4 point grading system vs. standards based grading

better in all of them, they could opt out of all of them.”

Some students find that finals week is very stress-

ful and would like the opportunity to opt out.

“This (opting out) would make students work

harder throughout the semester to get their grade to

GPA Some students have questioned the importance of

be at an A,” Duarte said. “The amount of stress we

their GPA beyond high school.

up is huge and it’s extremely unhealthy for us.”

poses,” Payton Thompson said.

believe that finals are beneficial.

ing system, which is known as the four-point grading

really improve your grade, so you’re basically just try-

traditional grading scale, also known as the 12-point

have at the end of each semester to get our grades As well as Duarte, senior Ben Poss does not “Finals are kind of like survival, because you can’t

ing to survive and not get lower,” Poss said.

pg. 20 School Services and Academic Affairs section T

Opting out of finals

they have a sport,” Duarte said.

“The Black and White” conducted a survey asking random students about their opinions of the current grading policies

P.E.

When Thompson was signing up for her senior

year schedule in the spring of 2014, she wanted to sign up to take the newly added Clay II class. Due

to the Iowa state law regarding physical education,

she was unable to take it because her schedule had

“I think GPA really only matters for scholarship purMany students are not in favor of our current grad-

scale. Some believe Johnston should switch to the grading scale.

"There is a huge difference between an A- and an

A and a B- and a B+," senior Ben Perman said.

Senior Amy Twickler agrees.

“I think since every other school uses the pluses

and minus’ we should too,” Twickler said. “Kids are getting by with a good GPA when they get an 80% in

a class but really it looks like they got an 89% and in college it’s going to be a wake up call for all of us.”

Four-point grading system

D R A

Simple letter grades

Assessments based on teacher-defined criteria

C T R

A single overall grade per student based on a combination of related and unrelated assessments of skills, knowledge, performance and conduct over a period of

O P E

time

Standards based grading

R

Rubrics with meaningful labels

Assessments based on specific state, district or school-wide standards Multiple grades per student: one for each standard that reflects the student’s ability related to the standard at a certain moment in time http://help.blackboard.com

jan. 2015

feature

p.12

Eilidh Chowanec words & layout | Michelle Kumar

Junior Eilidh Chowanec’s passion for horses started

Like any sport, equestrianism racks up quite the bill be-

when she was 3-years-old after riding one for the first time.

tween Chowanec and her two sisters. But Eilidh believes

daughters got the love for the sport from her. “I took Eilidh

our own horses and all three girls are responsible for their

Her mother Isobel Chowanec claims her Eilidh and other to an open day at a stable in North Yorkshire, England, and

she had a ride on a pony,” Isobel said. “She was hooked and she started lessons as soon as she turned three.”

Chowanec’s passion for equestrianism became a huge

the benefits it provides far outweigh any price tag. “We own daily care and management,” Isobel said. “Equestrianism provides opportunities which educate, challenge and build confidence in young people.”

Eilidh and her little sister’s success in training their own

part of her life and she got her first horse at 13. “I just like

horses led them to start a horse training business. The

one of those things you can just go and practice for, be-

for competition, and then lease or sell them at higher value.

horses and there’s a lot to learn to about them and it’s not cause there’s always something you can learn about the horse and training or grooming them,” Eilidh said.

Everyday of the week besides Thursdays, Eilidh is out

at her barn after school. The Chowanec’s currently own

four horses. “There’s my horse, Kitty, and my sisters’ hors-

premise being that the sisters would buy horses, train them “We’re training Misty to hopefully be a small pony hunter in

Michelle Kumar/BW

she will compete in thirteen and under or eight and under

Eilidh Chowanec grooms her horse in the stable before taking her out to the rink for a ride.

Even though their business is a temporary idea, Eilidh

to progress to the hunter Derbys,” Eilidh said. “I also hope

the future,” Eilidh said. “As she will be for a younger child, categories.”

2 1500

es: Jess and Bashful,” Eilidh said. “(Then) there’s Misty, the pony we’re training too.”

hopes that her interactions with horses is not. “I do see

myself still owning and competing in the future and I hope

in

to be producing a lot of my own horses, by buying horses off of the track and re-training them.”

made by Zoe Wilson

On a list of all students in the school, from sophomore to senior, two students were randomly chosen to tell their story

Madeline MacGregor words & layout | Grace Coleman & Brooke Ginsberg Her glitter bow reflecting off of the stadium lights, a se-

quin dress illuminating the stage and black asphalt stain-

spect goes both ways. She gives tough love.”

The new year for MacGregor was kick started by the

ing her fingertips. Multiple activities and sports have trans-

win of the Johnston show choirs in Cedar Rapids. “It is so

course of her high school career.

the hours and devotion [Innovation] put into it; 35 hours a

formed senior Madeline MacGregor’s character over the Through cheerleading, show choir and track, Mac-

Gregor has had experiences and coaches that left a strong impact on the success she has acquired over her high school career.

Promenading onto the varsity football field since her

sophomore year, MacGregor has continued a cheerleading tradition by leading the squad this year as team captain.

Being coached as a side-base by coach Lexi Shafer has

played a major role in the development of MacGregor’s personality. “Her passion for cheer showed on the sidelines and was infectious among her squad members,” Sha-

[rewarding] when we achieve something. I remember all of week is lot.” MacGregor said. “I got so frustrated last year and I think it pushed me harder this year because I wanted to succeed.”

Johnston Innovation was crowned the grand champion

at the Prairie Premiere Invite over their rival, Waukee Millenium, who had previously won nine consecutive competitions.

Around the time MacGregor’s show choir season

comes to a close, she begins training for track season in the spring.

Defeating the effects of anxiety that go hand-in-hand

fer said. “She had an incredible work ethic at practice and

with MacGregor’s competing, track coach Jodi Buchan

things became difficult.”

ticipation. “She’s always been the one to calm me down,

always strived to perform her best at games, even when MacGregor has thrived from learning different leader-

ship tactics from Shafer. “[Shafer] can keep up with [her athletes], but she means business,” MacGregor said. “Re-

Provided/Mark and Melissa Macgregor

has aided her in overcoming these feelings of uneasy anI wouldn’t have made it through track without her,” MacGregor said.

Regardless of MacGregor’s nervousness, she remained

Madeline MacGregor leads the varsity cheer squad in a chant during a varsity football game. successful as a runner. “The [daily] demands of balancing

everything and doing so at such a high level sometimes

took it’s toll on Maddie and made her feel anxious or doubt

her ability,” Buchan said, “I encouraged her to keep perspective and appreciate each moment.”

jan. 2015

editorial

p.13

Helping Hands benefit students

Walking into the hectic middle school cafeteria knowing

absolutely no one as an eighth grader made junior Bernardo Duarte feel inferior to everyone around him. This was

one of the reasons Duarte became an ambassador. “Even though everyone was new to the building, it was especially

hard for me because I didn’t speak the language,” Duarte said. “I don’t want anyone to feel like that.”

The ambassador program that guidance secretary

Provided/Sydney Ginkens

Sarah Marckmann created two years ago has helped the guidance office, administration and most importantly, new students, immensely.

Senior Peter Hobart, who was new this year to John-

ston, had junior Helen Wang as his ambassador. “She was

able to help me and showed me around the first two days, so she made it so much easier,” he said. “She kept sending

me messages asking if I was doing okay. She just made it easier for me to transition.”

Hobart said he would recommend an ambassador pro-

gram to any school who does not have one. “They (the ambassadors) make it easier from the beginning,” he said.

“They make students feel like someone actually wants you to know what is going on, (to) make you aware, (to) make you feel comfortable. It made coming here so much easier.”

Marckmann created the program because she saw how

broken the system was for new students. “I’m responsible

for the new students that come, coordinating their enrollment schedule, and what I saw for the three years before the program was they would walk in, we would give them a schedule, and just throw them on their way,” she said.

The tipping point was lunchtime one day, when Marck-

mann walked into the library to see a new student sitting by

herself. After confronting the student, Marckmann learned

that she did not have anywhere to sit in the cafeteria. She walked the student into the lunchroom and introduced her to a group of students who Marckmann knew she could

trust. “I just realized that we’re such a big school, there has

to be some way to get new students connected or at least have one person who’s looking out for them,” Marckmann said.

So she created the ambassador program, and it has

been a huge success. “For me it was seeing the look on

kids’ faces on the first day of school,” Marckmann said. “I could be real welcoming, but I couldn’t really do anything

about those looks. I just felt helpless, while now I can pair those new kids up with an ambassador, and I’m not so helpless anymore.”

Of course it is not without its flaws, such as ambassa-

dors abandoning their student after the two days that they

are required to walk them around, or ambassadors not

following up with their student a couple weeks after settling into the semester. “It would be nice to like email [your student] asking if everything is going alright,” Duarte said.

“That’s something everyone should do more.”

These flaws, however, far outweigh the benefits, the

most important one being the fact that ambassadors make new students feel like they are not alone. This is a mindset

that all students should adopt- make your peers feel welcome. “It’s not going to change the world for everyone, but it might calm down one or two people,” Marckmann said.

Or more than one or two people. The ambassadors

do not just help new students, they are there for sophomores as well. “If they have a problem, instead of going

Ambassador program by the

numbers

First semester new students: 68

Second semester new students: 12 Ambassadors: 35 Guidance counselors: 4

to guidance and have more people there, they can come

to us and we can help them out,” Duarte said. “Because you know with schedule changes everything is so hectic

welcoming to anyone who comes into our district.”

is something that all upperclassmen should do- embrace

thanks to the hard work of Marckmann and all of the am-

We are lucky to have Marckmann who put the idea into

schools, I say that there will be a person who will walk you

down there, having ambassadors really helps them.” This the underclassmen. Make them feel welcome.

motion and the ambassadors who take the time to help

the new students learn the ways of this school. “Sarah

(Marckmann) took [the program] upon herself and ran with it, and it was something we desperately needed in our of-

fice,” guidance counselor Stephanie Guthrie said. “If she

Johnston has a reputation for the ambassador program

bassadors. “When parents and students are looking for

to classes the first couple of days,” Marckmann said. “Especially when those kids are from smaller schools, you can

see they’re just afraid. It’s good to have that program to help them get adjusted.”

Accept that reputation and welcome your peers. One

sees an area that we’re deficit in or an area that we need to

does not have to have a neon orange or neon yellow shirt

or something we can do differently in our office. She’s very

face.

improve in, she immediately thinks of ways we can improve

the first two days of the semester in order to be a friendly

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 8-0.

jan. 2015

opinion

p.14

Current cafeteria emergency plan fails Communication and plans must be up to par to ensure the safety of students and staff words & layout | Carly Kinning The fire alarms start ringing,

Illustration/Carly Kinning

you’re in the middle of a busy lunch

tionwide third party organizations. School based scholar-

while trying to keep everybody

ships usually give a lot, like $10,000. National scholarships

calm. No one knows where to go,

usually give less, ranging as low as a couple dollars to a

no one knows if they’re supposed

couple thousand.

to leave the building or stay seated

School scholarships are the best because they are prac-

and everybody is distressed since

tically guaranteed to students as long as they fit the crite-

they do not know what to do.

ria. If I go to Iowa State, I can get a total of $28,000 over

A similar situation took place on

four years solely from scholarships that they offer me for

Nov. 12 of last semester at the high

my academic achievement. If I were to live on campus and

school, where there was terrible

go there for four years, that would almost entirely cover my

communiction between students

expenses. This amount of money is attainable as long as

and teachers. This should not hap-

Group one will exit door seven, then proceed to the south side of ministrators owe it to us to keep us the tennis courts. Group two will exit door five, then go to the grass south of the softball field. Group three will exit windows ‘A’ and ‘B’, safe while we are in school. As stuthen follow to the grass north of the tennis courts. Group four will dents, we look up to them, so how exit door six and go to the north side of the tennis court. pen, because our teachers and ad-

do if they do not? We need to practice emergency drills

cause it causes problems with scheduling, and takes away

one of the busiest times of the school day.

through that whole process it would be anywhere from a

were Nov. 12. It was a good example of our unpreparedness, in the instance of a building evactuation.

“The two hardest emergencies to handle in the lunch

from class time. “We have plans for it all, if we were to run

half hour to two hours,” Riessen said. There are other options though, such as to block out a morning to practice,

talk through the plan in advisory, or make a presentation to show during lunch hours.

Though there are over 400 people in each lunch hour,

room are fire and intruder drills,” principal Brent Riessen

Riessen does not see an issue with students having enough

will do no good if this plan is not known by everybody.

a very busy lunch hour, I do see a reason as to why more

said. Administration has a plan of what to do, however, it We must practice so we know what it is like to have or-

ganized chaos in a situation that could potentially be very

hectic and dangerous. “That’s something we need to re-

view with kids and every semester might be a good time to

ways to evacuate the lunchroom, however, as a student in exits to quickly evacuate would be beneficial and add to

our safety. The cafeteria needs to have two windows that are able to be opened in emergencies.

With this addition, it will be easier for students to evacu-

do that,” Riessen said.

ate the building. The lunchroom should also be divided into

ation was on this day, because he was in the lunch hour

signed to exit a certain door or window that is closest to

Sophomore Jack Gruening noticed how hectic the situ-

when the fire alarms went off. “It was really chaotic,” he

said. However, he does not think that we should be prac-

four sections, and each area of the lunchroom will be aswhere they are sitting.

We must take care of ourselves, and we must not

ticing these drills more. “We need time to eat and just be

undermine our safety because it does not work with the

Riessen said it would not work to practice the drills dur-

verifying who’s in and who’s out doesn’t work [too] well in

social with people.”

ing lunch, because students would not be able to eat.

The reason we have not gone over these drills is be-

money to assist them in paying for some of these options

may be from the school they will be attending or from na-

ing to organize the cafeteria, also

All staff and students must be better prepared than we

time jobs or whatever, most seniors will want scholarship

quire, students apply for scholarships. These scholarships

are confused, and teachers are try-

What if there was an intuder or a fire in our lunchroom?

As we finish high school and begin to move onto our

four-year universities, two-year universities, military, full-

To remedy this massive debt most college students ac-

around you. Your fellow students

during lunch so that we can stay as safe as possible during

National scholarships are a waste words & layout | Senad Besic of time

since not everyone can pull $150,000* out of their butt.

hour, and there’s over 400 people

are we supposed to know what to

kcaB 2 Besic

schedules when there are other options. “Our process of the cafeteria,” Riessen said. “In the cafeteria I think we can do a much better job.”

you get good grades and an above average ACT score.

To monetarily cover what a college doesn’t, I could either

pay for it out of pocket, or apply to national scholarships.

Honestly, it would almost be easier to pay out of pocket than to apply for national scholarships.

Not only are the criteria for these scholarships extremely

picky, but don’t forget that you are up against high schoolers from all over the United States. That is potentially another couple million candidates you are running against for a single scholarship! Yet, only a fraction of those couple

million will fit the criteria so there’s probably only a hundred

thousand potential candidates. Even so, to play devil’s ad-

vocate, out of the hundred thousand other applicants, there is probably someone out there that is better than you, which

means they will have a more appealing application, so they will probably get the money. So you end up wasting your

time filling out tons of applications, writing essays, and narcissistically pitching yourself in a sort of “hey please look

at me!!” way just so you can have a fraction of a chance to make a couple hundred bucks.

Now, I’m a bit of a realist (not like Iggy Azalea), so some

things I’ve noticed while applying to all these scholarships is

that someone will always be more active in their community, or be better at athletics, or have a higher GPA than you.

Now, it is possible that you will occasionally be that person, which is great, please enjoy your free money! But 718 out

of 735 times you won’t be, which makes applying to these

scholarships almost pointless. Yet, spend that time focusing on academics or getting a good ACT score, which will get you more money from colleges.

*Results may vary

jan. 2015

opinion

p.15

Religion must allow diversity

Some people of faith believe that an individual must be straight to be accepted by a religion and their religious peers, but that is not the case words & layout | Bryce Schulte Recently, the television network TLC (The Learning

Channel) aired a special showing of a show named “My Husband’s Not Gay.” It featured four Mormon men who do

not identify as gay despite being attracted to other men.

They do not act upon their true feelings because their

church does not allow it. The church of Latter-Day Saints, another name for the Mormon church, does not view being homosexual as a sin, but they do consider acting on it a sin according to their official website.

While not believing homosexuality is okay and disagree-

ing with it is okay, it is not okay to tell homosexual people

that they must be straight to be of their faith. The special TLC aired seemed to glorify the concept of exactly what I

am against. “In my church, there’ve been sermons about [homosexuality],” Catalyst co-founder, senior, Nick Lee

said. “While the Bible does not promote homosexuality, it’s a ‘hate the sin, love the sinner’ thing.”

Being different does not justify discrimination. It does

Carly Kinning/BW

not matter what their skin color is, what their sexual orien-

People gather at the captiol in downtown Des Moines to counter-protest the Westboro Baptist Church Jan. 26. The Westboro Baptist Church is infamous for its hatred towards LGBT+ people.

able to expect to be treated with compassion and dignity regardless of whether or not another Christian and I can

LGBT Adults in Different Religions

Erik Christensen said.

50%

tation is, anything. “As a baptized child of God I should be

agree on every point of faith and doctrine,” openly gay Rev. Christensen is a pastor at the Evangelical Lutheran

Church based out of Chicago, Illinois. He does not think that his sexuality has any conflict with his beliefs, nor does he think it should have to for himself or anyone.

Being atheist or agnostic is a popular belief amongst

people in the LGBT+ community, but that is not much of a shock. The odds of people joining a religion that claims

they will be sent to hell for being themselves is probably

slim to none. “I grew up around a lot of people who are (re-

48%

40%

30% 20%

27% 14%

10% Protestant

Catholic

1%

Mormon

2% Jewish

Information according to huffingtonpost.com

8% Other

Atheist/ Agnostic

That woman was no criminal. She had a wife and two

decrease. There will come a day where it will not matter

identity is. The idea that you can’t be religious just because

church was her sexual orientation, and it is simply degrad-

“There have always been LGBT+ people in the church, the

Being part of a faith is not just going to church. Religious

accurately represent the values that the Bible puts forth,”

Somewhere in the week of Jan. 4–10, a lesbian woman,

posite of violence, love.”

ligious),” openly lesbian sophomore Jett Stovall said. “God should be open and accepting no matter what your sexual

kids. But all it took for her to be wrongfully treated by her

you’re gay, or LGBT+, is a little close-minded.”

ing to all LGBT+ people. “Those types of churches do not

affairs carry into death. For example, funerals.

Lee said. “Christianity is all about being and doing the op-

named Vanessa Collier, had a funeral at New Hope Min-

No matter what, we are all people. Whether you are

istries in Lakewood, CO. In a short slideshow the family

gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans or anything that falls under the

proposing to her then girlfriend, now wife.

basic rights. One of those rights, according to the Bill of

bian, told the family that the funeral was cancelled and they

First Amendment.

the street. The church openly admitted to denying the fu-

gion’s views on LGBT+ people. With time and effort, the

someone’s background, but only their desire to worship.

synagogue, the mosque,” Christensen said. “There have

always been people of every faith in the LGBT+ communities. Once people of faith really get to know someone who

is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, they realize that we have far more in common.”

Religions have learned to respect people of color, and

made for the woman’s funeral, there was a photo of her

LGBT+ spectrum, you are a human and you deserve your

the next step is to learn to respect people of different sex-

The church, upon discovering the dead woman was les-

Rights, is the freedom of religion. In fact, it is part of the

in due time, but we have the power to make the clock tick

would have to finish the ceremony at the mortuary across

Unfortunately, it is impossible to change an entire reli-

neral just because the woman was lesbian.

current stigma towards LGBT+ in the chuch can certainly

ual orientation, not to mention gender identity. It all comes

faster. “There’s a stigma around being religious and be-

ing gay because usually, religion isn’t very nice to LGBT+ people,” Stovall said. “But times have changed and they will continue to change.”

jan. 2015

opinion

p.16

er n e =mc

2

words & layout | Carly Campbell

People need to be tolerant of the fact that a person’s religion does not dictate the morality or compassion of that person

I was in seventh grade the first time someone told

grow about 10 sizes and just look at you like you are

a place where people can talk about things like this, and

shocked that someone would openly say that- like he

ding?” or “you’re kidding right?” But the reactions I was

out of the church.

me they were an atheist. I remember feeling absolutely was committing to murder or something. The word atheist always had a negative connotation to me growing up.

crazy. A lot of people just responded with “are you kidnot expecting was from people I would consider friends.

A few people said, “But you aren’t an atheist.” They

Today, however, I can openly and confidently call myself

did not ask it like it was a question; it was more of an in-

I want to make it very clear that I am not an atheist

going to have white boys picketing your club.” I’m not

an atheist.

because “I hate God,” or because “I am not educated on the faith.” I am in fact very educated on Christianity. I was born and raised in a Christian house. We went to church on Sundays and I went to youth group on Wednesdays.

I was baptized and confirmed. I participated in retreats

and mission work every year. I know plenty about “the

formative statement. My personal favorite was “You are

become more educated about things happening in and Many kids have questions on religion and should have

a place to speak freely about it. Being able to discuss topics like this with a group who is on the same page as you is a good thing.

I think the most common misconception about athe-

sure why everyone is so surprised that I am an atheist

ism is that they worship Satan. I have no clue where any-

and mine is no different. I think the reason people are so

among friends and faculty members. Just because I am

and that I am starting a club. Other religions get clubs, against atheism is because they are uneducated on what atheists actually believe, or rather, not believe.

In the most simple of terms, atheists do not believe

one gets that idea, but it seems to be a common concern an atheist, does not mean I am a Satanist. They are two complete, and separate, identities.

People think just because I am an atheist I am im-

faith.” I was an active Christian, which led to my discov-

in anything. They do not believe in gods, sin, heaven or

moral, unethical and not compassionate. However, good

As I grew older and continued to go to church-related

spectrum. I, for example, do not believe in a god, but I

morals because immoral things are considered a sin. Re-

ery of atheism.

activities, I began questioning it, like anyone could. I, unfortunately, was one of the few people in my youth group who was confident enough to ask these questions. The

more questions I asked, the more I had. Most of the time

hell. But what people don’t realize is that atheism is a

am still relatively spiritual. I believe that everything happens for a reason. Other atheists believe that life ends at death; I am unsure where I stand on life after death.

Just like there are different denominations under the

morals are not a result of religion. Religion supports good

ligious people do good things because it will get them into heaven and it is ‘what Jesus would do.’ Atheists do

good things because it is the right thing to do, not because they are afraid of some place with smoke and fire

they would just work around the question and never re-

Christian belief, atheism has other branches as well.

to believe.” I am a person who likes facts. And the fact

from agnosticism to just blatantly not being affiliated

for religion, especially in America. The majority of Ameri-

Simply stated, agnostics could be defined as people

in the majority, it is not unlikely to feel targeted. Things

ally give me an answer. Or they would say, “you just have of the matter is, there is not a lot of evidence to support

Christian beliefs. So I came to the realization that I was an atheist. It was not until two years later when I could

admit it to myself and two more years until I told my parents.

Being an atheist is not a crime and young people

should not be afraid to consider themselves such. If I had

so much trouble calling myself an atheist, then other kids must too. In fact, when I talked to an atheist high school student, they requested to be kept anonymous in fear of

They are not as abundant however, basically ranging with religion due to ignorance on the topic or laziness. who neither believe nor disbelieve in the existence of God. They usually look at the whole issue in a more

factual way. They see no support behind the existence

or non-existence of God. However, if worthwhile and le-

gitimate evidence for an almighty being were presented, they might ponder the idea of having faith in this Godly being, and vice versa.

That’s the reason atheists need a club. It will become

judgement by their peers. “Being raised, I thought atheism was a bad word and was something you did not want

Religions of the United States

to be,” that student said. “Once you actually look into it, it’s completely not what you are thought it is.”

We need to have tolerance when it comes to all reli- 80 78.4%

where they will “rot” for eternity.

There is no denying that there is a double standard

cans consider themselves Christians, for those of us not

like youth group are considered good things to list as actives on applications but I am sure listing president of the atheist club will not have the same effect. One religion

is not better than another and should not be viewed any

differently. A person’s religious orientation does not dictate who they are as a human being. Christian or atheist,

Jewish or Muslim, Buddhist or Hindu, it does not matter what you believe in. All that matters is who you are.

50

gions, especially when attending a public school.

I am a firm believer of the separation of church and

state and do not believe that religious clubs belong in a 60

40

lyst, a Christian club that meets periodically, have been

30

public high school. But since other clubs such as Catastarted, I decided to start an Atheist club.

40

20

people I talked to, the more I realized it had to be done.

I knew it would not get the same support as a Christian 20 not quite prepared for some of the reactions I received.

I expected the enlarged eye effect, when people’s eyes

51.3%

23.9%

I was very hesitant to start this club, but the more

club, especially in such a conservative school, but I was

Forms of Christianity

60

4.7%

16.1% 0.7%

0.6%

0.4%

Christian Jewish Buddhist Muslim Hindu Unaffiliated

10

1.7%

0.7%

.07%

0.3%

Protestant Catholic Mormon Jehovah’s Orthodox Other Witness

health

p.17

jan. 2015

The right side of the bed Students share their stories of sleep, while “The Black and White” investigates how sleep works Average amount of sleep needed Newborn-two months

12-18 hours of sleep

Three months-one year

14-15 hours of sleep

One year-three years

12-14 hours of sleep

Three-Five years

11-13 hours of sleep

Five-12 years

10-11 hours of sleep

12 years-18 years

8.5-10 hours of sleep

Adults (18+)

7.5-9 hours of sleep

*Information from National Sleep Foundation

Sleep Cycles REM

NREM-1 4-5% of sleep

Eyes are closed, easy to wake up, lasts 5-10 minutes, between awake and falling asleep

16-21% of sleep

rapid eye movement; happens 90 minutes after you fall asleep, heart rate and breathing become faster; stage in which you dream, eyes dart and move around, brain is active, body becomes immobile and muscles are paralyzed

NREM-2

45-55% of sleep

Theta brain waves

Sleep Spindles

a burst of synchronous alpha waves that occurs during light sleep.

Delta brain waves

Light sleep, heart rate slows, body temp decreases, begin having sleep spindles (bursts of rapid, rhythmic brainwave activity), lasts about 20 minutes

*Information from Web MD

Deep sleep, hard to wake up, muscles become relaxed, tissue growth and repair occurs, energy is restored

NREM-3 20-25% of sleep

“ “ “ “

“I get about 7 or 8 hours of sleep a night,” Clothier said.

“I never really sleep in on the weekends because I’m so used to my schedule so I usually just get up at the same time as during the week.”

“Last summer I slept for 16 hours while on a bus,” Conlan said. “When I woke up some of the people on the bus said my head had been banging on the seat in front of me the entire time but I never woke up.”

This is considered a power nap.

It is good for boosting energy and increasing alertness. By limiting the length to 10-20 you prevent entering REM sleep, making getting up easier. *Information from Web MD

Can cause inertia, a groggy like feeling for up to 30 minutes after waking up. Benefits become apparent after the 30 minute period is over.

Name: Bailey Clothier Grade: Senior

Name: Aubrey Sesker Grade: Junior

Name: Morgan Conlan Grade: Junior

“When I was five I slept walked outside and jumped in the pool,” Clarkson said. “Usually when I get home from school I take a quick nap from like four-six.”

How the body is benefited from different lengths of naps 30 Minutes

“ “ “ “

“One time I woke up in a recliner in my basement and I had slept walked from my bedroom, down two flights of stairs, into my basement,” Sesker said.

“I was so confused what had happened when I woke up.”

Crash course on naps 10 to 20 Minutes

layout | Carly Campbell

words | Anna Larson

60 Minutes During this nap your brain can enter deep sleep where your brain produces slow-waves. This nap is best for improving memory, faces and names. Upon waking up, it is common to feel groggy.

Name: Dylan Clarkson Grade: Sophomore

90 Minutes

90 minutes is a full sleep cycle including NREM 1, NREM 2, NREM 3, and REM. A full sleep cycle improves emotional and procedural memory. A nap this long is typically easier to wake up from because you avoid inertia.

jan. 2015

sports

p.18

Welcome to the new age eSports gain traction as the hottest new phenomenon in sports For most athletes being in a sport requires sweat, hours

of rigorous practice and self sacrifice for their team. Most

consider it a sport.”

Benson sees the idea of physical exertion to be not

people in today’s society considering sporting events to in-

as important in the argument. “There’s a good amount of

advent of new sources of live entertainment a whole new

him’ or run faster, there’s dexterity and mental preparation

volve shooting a goal or throwing a football, but with the world has been introduced to the general public- eSports.

ESports is the term for any type of competitive profes-

sional video gaming. What began as gatherings of gam-

sports that aren’t just ‘I’m gonna hit that guy harder than

be big but more anticipation of his opponent’s next move.”

New York, with a prize pool that rivals professional poker.

in every sport. This was in response to the overwhelming

sudden rise in popularity and viewers. League of Legends,

an online video game, is currently the most popular competitive game in the world. Every month, about 67 million

people play. The studio behind League of Legends, Riot Games, is posting close to $630 million dollars in annual

the exact same system used for all other foreign athletes amount of teams and competitors from around the world

traveling to the U.S to take part in tournaments. In 2013, the U.S hosted the Dota 2 International tournament which

had the biggest prize pool in eSports history of over 10 million dollars.

revenue for that single game. During the League of Leg32 million people viewed the event online while another

recently aqcuired by Amazon for $970 million dollars, is

45,000 watched from the Seoul World Cup Arena. These

numbers rival sports most anticipated events, including the

World Series with only about 13.8 million average viewers and about 18 million for the NBA finals game 5; even the online stream of the Super Bowl was not enough to tackle the championship. “I think eSports have a chance

to be bigger than hockey or baseball, baseball’s audience

continues to shrink and get older...as gaming continues to grow so will eSports,” business teacher Tim Brickley said.

Without a doubt the interest in Esports in alive and well,

however the issue remains of whether these professional gamers should be considered athletes in their given sport.

“I think what defines a sport is something that is ground-

ed enough so there won’t be long term change,” avid gamer Tyler Benson said. “You take a look at football and the rules

haven’t changed much since it’s inception, but Esports are constantly evolving.”

Varsity athlete Hezekiah Applegate defines a sport a bit

differently. “A sport would be something that you have to

involve your whole body into,” Applegate said. “I also see

sports having a specific point system, whether that be a puck into a goal or ball into a net, there has to be no debate that someone scored.”

Some consider eSports to straddle the line between a

competition and fully blown sport. “A competition with that [esports] I’m thinking more like show choir or dance, you’re trying to figure out whos better but it’s heavily opinionated

by a judge,” Applegate said. “It comes back to that it’s not

physically hard on your body which makes it hard for me to

Over 900,000 Twitch streamers

Broadcast to nearly 45 million each month

One reason for the sudden emergence in popularity

for these events are the ever growing streaming and live

ends world championship in Seoul, South Korea more than

Twitch during prime time reaches more viewers than MTV, AMC, and TNT

In 2013 the U.S declared that professional gamers may

enter the country under an athletic visa for up to five years,

What’s truly lucrative about today’s Esports scene is the

55 million Twitch users

as in something like ping pong, that athlete isn’t training to

ers in conference halls for a few hundred dollars in prize money has now evolved into sold out shows in L.A and

words & layout | Jake Dalbey

broadcasting options available today online. Twitch TV, one of the most popular streaming options on the web with

S

more than 45 million users in total. Users here watch about 13 billion minutes of broadcasts monthly, all of which are

related to game streamers and live events. Youtube also

has it’s foot in the door with some of its most popular channels related to video games, including Pewdiepie the most

subscribed channel on Youtube. Even the 2014 X-Games on ESPN featured a Major League Gaming (MLG) Call of

Duty championship tournament which was broadcasted nationwide. “I think if you can appreciate the skill and time put into these games it can be really fun to watch,” said Benson.

S Amazon acquired S Twitch TV for $970 million in August 2014 S S

The highest paid Twitch TV streamer is Jeffery Shih of a card game known as Hearthstone, yearly he makes close to $300,000.

Highest paying professional video game tournaments 14 s 20 n nd l e d g l na lio Le .13 or hip n tio mil al a W y f b 3 2 n o 14o ut te ions illionter 2-10.9 e i D Gl 0 u m p m I TA p f 2 g 4 S hi am .87 lo and ll o ions on Lea lds h DO a 2 C 5a mp s r n i H C u l o 1 l o i W lio a 20 th Ch 4-1 m il m 1 20

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jan. 2015

p.19

Player scores big on

U.S. national team

sports

words & layout | Hannah Crooks

A local news station interviews junior Elvir Ibisevic about being the only player to score a goal in a game over the summer. Ibisevic was later selected to play on the U17 National soccer team.

Smeared Eyeliner Football or “Gossip Girl”?

words & layout | Carly Campbell With Super Bowl XLIX on the near horizon, I thought I

would take a minute to save all you girls from that embarrassing moment when you ask, “What is a quarterback?” Upon

serious consideration, I have paired each football player with a character from “Gossip Girl.” Enjoy.

First, the quarterback position goes to the Blair Waldorf.

The quarterback is the one in charge. Blair calls all the shots.

She has her minions, but she receives all the credit when good things happen.

With Blair at QB, it only makes sense that Serena van der

Woodsen is the coach. The coach is the one who tells the QB what to do and make him feel special. Serena really is the one behind the scenes making things happen.

Each semester, the U17 National soccer team in

part of the experience so far is getting to hang out with the

play. In this spring 2015 season, junior Elvir Ibisevic

how they’re all super chill away from soccer,” he said. “It’s

Florida accepts 26 players from across the nation to was chosen. “I think it’s an incredible opportunity for him,” Johnston assistant soccer coach Dustin Mead

said. “I think that it’s going to be an environment where

other players on the team outside of practice. “I just like

an honor to be on a team with these guys because they’re the best 26 guys in the nation.”

Ibisevic’s parents remain in Iowa, about 21 hours away

he will have a chance to thrive and do some really

from Florida by car. “It’s pretty sad, I guess,” he said, “But

but at any age get to do.”

times throughout the semester when the parents can come

special things that very few people, not only at his age, I talk to them every night, so it’s not that bad.” There are The process by which the 26 players are chosen

can be a long one. “There’s not really a tryout,” Ibisevic said. “If they see you play and they like you and think that you’re good enough, they call you up.” Following the initial call from the coaches, the athletes play in

trials for a week or two. Ibisevic was called up for trials last semester, along with two other new players. He

was playing a tournament in Florida with his Region II Olympic Development Program (ODP) team and received the invite three days later.

visit, or the boys can go home to visit.

The reaction Ibisevic has received from his parents and

coaches has been extremely positive. At first, Ibisevic’s

dad, Vahid Ibisevic, couldn’t believe what had happened.

“I feel very happy and so excited and proud of my son,”

Vahid said. “At the same time, it is hard for the family, but all of us are very proud of Elvir.”

His high school coaches have enjoyed watching him

grow as a player. “It’s been fun watching Elvir,” Mead said.

“One of the greatest strengths that Elvir has is playing

Ibisevic arrived in Florida on Jan. 4. The team began off of his teammates. He was always able to make those

training for what will likely become an intense season.

around him better as well as showcase himself.”

here, they’re like the top players in the nation, so the

has grown in confidence and desire to improve. “As a play-

9:00 to 11:00, and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fri-

come by for soccer players,” Weeks said. “Anything that’s

“The competition is way better,” he said. “All the guys

Head soccer coach Heath Weeks thinks that Ibisevic

training is harder.” Every morning, the team trains from er, he is a true goal-scorer, which is kind of a hard thing to days, they lift weights from 11:00 to noon. Their games offensive-related, he excels at, so that sets him apart.” and tournaments are usually on Saturdays.

Even though he moved across the country for soc-

Once the season is over in May, Ibisevic will return

home. He plans on attending Johnston for his first semes-

cer, Ibisevic still has to focus on academics. With train- ter of senior year and hopes to graduate early. “Since I’ll be ing each morning, school for the team doesn’t start until graduating high school early, when I graduate college it’ll 1 p.m. He is taking four classes a day: chemistry, U.S.

be in December and I’ll be a semester ahead,” he said. “At

basic classes,” Ibisevic said. “I’m done with my math

teams.”

history, marine science and English. “Those are the

credits so I’m taking two science classes.” The players

that time, I can go to Europe and try out for professional Ibisevic prefers to look at the positives of this experi-

board in the dorms of International Management Group ence. He enjoys the opportunity to play with players who (IMG) Academy, but attend school at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, about ten minutes away by bus.

Ibisevic and the team enjoy other things beside just

always playing soccer, though. He said his favorite

will most likely end up playing professionally or getting

scholarships to college. “I definitely look forward to improving, that’s for sure,” he said. “I want to come back a way better player than I was when I got here.”

Next is the center, the guy who snaps the ball. After the

snap, he must protect the QB. Dorota is obviously the center.

She gives Blair everything she needs to be successful, and then she makes sure no one comes in to foil the plans.

The guards line up next to the center on the offensive line.

They protect the QB. Eleanor Waldorf plays these positions.

When her motherly instincts kick in, she protects Blair against everything, just like the offensive line is supposed to do.

Vanessa will be the tight end. The tight end is supposed to

block for the QB and catch passes if necessary. Vanessa is

always taking blame for things. She takes the hit for Blair. Occasionally, Blair teams up with Vanessa to make a big play.

Georgina is the wide receiver, who catches the ball. Some-

times, even when the QB throws a great pass, the receiver

will miss the catch. Georgina can completely destroy Blair if

she wants to, but sometimes she helps Blair out by catching the pass. Georgina does whatever will benefit her most.

The QB depends on the running back to make big plays,

and usually they will. Sometimes, they will fail. Ivy is similar because in the beginning, she was helpful, but in the end, she turned on everyone and took all the money.

Next, defense. Nate Archibald plays linebacker because

he gets all the girls first. The linebackers are typically the first one to get to the ball. Chuck Bass is the safety because he picks up Nate’s leftovers, or in football terms, the ball.

Jenny is the tackle. The tackles are normally the ones who

tackle the quarterback or make the “sacks”. Jenny is the only one to ever challenge Blair and her empire.

If you have not finished all six seasons, stop reading now.

Dan is best at messing everything up because he is Gossip Girl. He is always causing issues and ruining everything for

everyone. That is special teams. They do things that can lose the game. But every once in a while, they will do some spectacular to help out, like make a 53 yard field goal.

The only difference between real football teams and “Gos-

sip Girl” is this cast is much more ruthless than any football

team could ever be. Keep this in mind when watching upcom-

ing football games.

Xoxo, smeared eyeliner.

jan. 2015

backpage

p.20 Russia

Around the world with one dollar words & layout | Elizabeth Orr layout | Zoe Wilson

Items that can be bought with one U.S. dollar in different countries

When an American thinks of the value of $1, similar

things come to mind. The typical answer might be a mini

pack of gum or a small pack of Cheetos. Maybe a hashbrown off the dollar menu or a cool bouncy ball at Walgreens. In America a dollar does not buy much. A one dol-

lar bill spent on a keychain in America might buy a family two days of rice in North Korea. Literally more bang for one’s buck. To put things in perspective, the “Black and

White” did some research to compare the value of the dollar in different countries.

Infomation provided by Quora.com and travelfreak.com

Switzerland

T

KE

P

U CH

1 packet of Ketchup

Australia

1/4 cup of coffee

United States 1 pine tree air freshner

Germany 1 pretzel

2 pounds of apples

Venezuela

Ukraine 2 paper magazines

Vietnam 3 pairs of flip sandals

1 tank of gas

Uganda 1 t-shirt

Kenya 8 cups of milk

Peru

2 pounds of mangoes

China 8 eggs

Korea 3 karaoke songs

South Africa 1 salad

Costa Rica

2 watermelons

Turkey 3 bottles of water

Phillippines 45 minute foot massage

United Arab Emirates 6 eyeliners

Egypt 1 koshary plate

India 1 unlimited rice meal

Hungary

1 train ride

Croatia 6 pounds of potatoes