September Issue

KANELAND

KR ER

Volume 44 • Issue 1 • Kaneland High School • 28 September 2017

Top

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e Th To e ac

Hidden college scholarships uncovered

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What’s the (grade) point?

What does an ‘A’ mean to you?

Page 7

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Index 28 September 2017

Table of Contents 4 5 6 7

michael s. scherer, D.D.S., M.D. W H E AT O N O R A L SU R G E RY an d I M P L A N T C E N T E R

2323 Naperville Road, Suite 160 Napervile, IL 60563 Tel 630-364-2888

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Fax 630-364-2930

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Table of Contents

kanelandkrier.com

News New advisory committee for school year

Investigative Hidden college scholarships uncovered

Entertainment Eat up, KHS

Editorial What’s the (grade) point?

Opinion A public service announcement on PDA

Feature Confederate flag now open for discussion Page design by Jessica Tiv

28 September 2017 Index

12 14 15 16 18 19

Centerspread How departments grade

Voices What does an ‘A’ mean to you?

Lifestyle Battle of the mornings

Photo What’s up Kaneland?

Activities What is the hub about all the new clubs

Sports Kaneland sports traditions stay alive

Letter from the Executives With the school year well on its way, as a student body we are getting into a routine with all the new changes put into place for the 2017-2018 school year.

In this issue we as a Krier staff have taken the time to write about our school environment and everything that goes on in it.

We as an Krier Executive Board hope that you take the time to read this issue and realize that grades are not everything and do not measure the intelligence of an individual.

Make this your year to find who you are apart from the conformity and expectations of others. Be unique. Be bold. Take chances that will result in positive change.

Bella Vargas Editor-in-Chief

Bridget McCracken Editor-in-Chief

Annika Berger Matt Cushman Production Manager Ad/Business Manager Jessica Tiv Design/Visual Executive

Vanessa Pitts Webmaster

Karina Sanchez Social Media/Public Relations Execuitve

Page design by Jessica Tiv

kanelandkrier.com

Table of Contents

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News 28 September 2017

NEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR SCHOOL YEAR

BY VANESSA PITTS, Executive Editor

L

ast spring at the end of the school year, every current student in 1012 grade was sent an email about a possible student advisory committee.

Students who responded to the email are now going to meet with members of administration to give input on the upcoming school year.

The purpose of the club is to get student feedback about what’s going on in the building.

“It’s not student council, it’s not going to be to go out and make decisions.

It’s just an advisory to have a back and forth conversation. After doing multiple student surveys we did throughout the year, we saw there were many students who wanted to give suggestions on things around the school,” Assistant Principal Carri Oslager said.

Students last year wanted to give their opinion on things around the school and classroom environments.

“Students wanted to see more consistency with things like discipline, which is ironic. We needed to come up with a more consistent way to hear back from students. We were getting a lot of feedback on the surveys sent out through out the year and it was just a better choice to meet with students and hear their opin-

Towards the end of the meeting the students gave feedback.

ions,” Oslager said.

The advisory is currently only open to students who replied to the survey last year and said they were interested in taking part in it.

“I’d like to eventually reach out to our current freshmen to join the advisory this year just so we can have feedback from students in each grade. Next year it may change to be an application process so we can pick four or five people from each grade so there aren’t so many people that we won’t be able to hear back from,” Oslager said.

The advisory committee gives students

PHOTO BY VANESSA PITTS

a chance to help improve the school.

“I want to help change things around the school and help get it on the right track to be a more friendly and welcoming environment,” junior Mychelle Williams said.

The committee will be meeting quarterly throughout the year.

“We set out to meet only five times a year, but after our fisrt meeting we decided to meet more than that. Since this is our first ever, our meetings are not set in stone. The students will have a part in determining how often we meet,” counselor Anne Kuntz said.

BLENDER PROBLEM: STAIR TRAFFIC CHANGES

BY KT MATTERN, Editor

W

ith the new school year underway, many changes were made to the traffic patterns in the hallways and staircases. The blender staircase, connecting the B and A hallways, which used to be two ways, is now an up only staircase to allow less traffic

PHOTO BY KT MATTERN Students follow the new staircase rules.

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in the blender.

In conjunction with the up only blender staircase, the district stairways are down only during passing periods.

“The initial idea was brought to my attention from a teacher and a student,” Dean Josh West said.

With this change, they may have prevented “an accident waiting to happen.”

Being able to carry backpacks around school also contributes to the change in traffic flow.

“With the addition of backpacks, the blender became increasingly too small for the amount of traffic,” West said.

“It helps having a little breathing room,” freshman Max Hansen said.

While most students can agree that the positives outweigh the negatives, the drawbacks can cause inconveniences in students’ days.

School and Community News

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“It’s kind of a pain to cross the whole entire school to get to your class,” junior Joie Obrock said.

For Hansen, the traffic changes have helped by helping get to classes faster with less hallway traffic.

“I think it resolves some chaos in the stairways,” Obrock said.

Even though the changes have helped numerous students, they have created some challenges for some grades, the freshmen particularly.

“They are forced to find the right staircase to go up or down,” Hansen said.

While the changes turned off students at first and created some resistance, many agree that the changes have helped.

“A lot of students I know were upset, but it’s not quite such a bad thing and is a good method of organization among students,” Obrock said

Page design by Emma Glennon

28 September 2017 Feature

HIDDEN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS UNCOVERED

BY MADELINE HOCKEY, Editor

W

hen the search for college begins, many students consider the scholarships they can get. Scholarships are free money that is awarded to students for academic achievement, ethnicity, financial issues and much more. Take into consideration the millions of scholarships out there and how many you could be eligible for.

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund awards high school seniors, undergraduate students, graduate students and community college students transferring to four year universities. The award amount can be anywhere from $500 to $5,000 based on relative need among the scholars selected. Some of the eligibility requirements include being of the hispanic heritage, having a minimum GPA of 3.0, and must have completed FAFSA or state based financial aid application. This specific scholarship is accepted for all majors and graduate fields.

Tell us your Story $1,500 Wattpad Scholarship is a scholarship that is granted to five lucky applicants. For this scholarship, applicants must submit a 1,000-2,000 word essay on a true story explaining something that has impacted their life and how it has helped them be the person today. The requirements for this scholarship are a minimum GPA of 2.5, and finalists must send in their high school transcript. The scholarship money is accepted at any Four year college and may be used for any undergraduate study.

The I’m First! Scholarship is awarded to students who are the first in their family to go to college. This is a $4,000 scholarship ($1,000 per year, renewable for four years), and it is given to up to 10 high school seniors. The eligibility requirements include being a high school student in the United States, being the first in your family to go to college, meaning neither parent has earned a college degree, and the scholarship is only accepted at a CSO partner college or university. This scholarship is not based on academic qualifications. GPA, SAT/ACT scores and majors are not needed in the application process.

The $1,000 School Survey Scholarship is available nationwide to high school students. For this scholarship, applicants must take a survey about their school for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship.

Since a survey is required, an essay is not required in order to apply. This scholarship is accepted for any major and does not have a minimum GPA.

The Bright Futures Scholarship is awarded to twenty students who demonstrate financial need and who have great academic achievement.

Students must have a GPA between 3.3 and 3.8. Students who are pursuing a teaching degree or a masters degree with an emphasis in teaching mathematics are given special consideration.

Application requirements include an essay, high school transcript and multiple recommendations are suggested.

The maximum amount awarded is $10,000 and the application deadline is February 2, 2017.

The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART).

Scholarship is for students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Full tuition is given to the recipient as well as being employed upon the completion of your degree. This scholarship is offered nationwide by the U.S. Department of Defense and requires a written essay, recommendations and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Example majors would be Biology, Chemistry, Dental Studies, Health Professions, Nursing, Psychology and many more. The deadline for this scholarship is December 1, 2017.

INFORMATION COMPILED FROM NICHE/COLLEGES/ SCHOLARSHIPS, HFS.NET AND IMFIRST.ORG/ SCHOLARSHIP.

Page design by Emily Janecek

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Investigative

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Entertainment 28 September 2017

BY SHELBY HARPER, Editor

O

n the corner of Main and North Street, Elburn’s newest cafe, Corner Grind, stands as a very popular restaurant. Right when I walked in, my eyes ran around the room.

The design of the cafe is very classy and fashionable. Corner Grind’s main hours are Mondays through Fridays from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Sundays 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Popular items include coffee, smoothies and baked goods.

The sandwiches are very healthy and

the drinks are refreshing. Corner Grind’s drinks include espresso, coffee, tea and frappes.

If you want, you can add flavors to your coffee such as vanilla, caramel, peppermint and seasonal flavors.

They have a lot

Storefront as viewed from Main Street.

of choices for their lunch menu such as deli sandwiches, paninis and weekly soups and salads.

The kids menu includes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and grilled cheese sandwiches.

On my visit, I ordered the ham and egg sandwich on an english muffin and a vanilla frappe.

My first bite put me in heaven. The ham was delicious and the egg was made just the way I like it. The frappe was sweet, Corner Grind’s menu shows their many options.

EAT UP, KHS: F

smooth, chilly and delicious.

The service was superb. They cooked my food quickly, and they had my drink ready in a matter of minutes. They play pop and rock music while you are inside and are very welcoming people.

The restaurant is very organized. They have the menu written in neat and big handwriting and have lights around the tables. In the corner they have a motivational banner that reads: “you matter.”

Corner Grind’s overall presence, service and look exceptionally deserve a five star rating.

Elburn Sugar Grove

ireside Grille in downtown Sugar Grove has been open for many years. I have been there a few times and the food is delectable.

The hours at Fireside are Tuesdays through Thursdays 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Sundays 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and closed on Mondays.

If you like meat for dinner, Fireside

Grill has a variety of choices for you. Their specials include: prime rib on Wednesday, lamb chops on Thursday, and steak on Sunday.

If you are in the mood for seafood, choices include salmon, lobster or shrimp. For those of you who want something healthier, there are sandwiches and daily soups and salads.

And, of course, there are many delightful appetizers to choose from. I recommend the fireside nachos. They are drizzled in Jack Sign of the restaurant, as visible from Route 47. cheese and topped with onions, in barbecue sauce. guacamole, tomatoes and black The ribs and fries were divine. The olives. waiters are very friendly, and they anOn my recent trip to Fireside, swer any questions you have about the I tried the baby back ribs and menu. Fireside’s service, food and overall they were exquisite. They were look greatly deserve four and a half out of cooked right -- no raw pieces of five stars.

ALL PHOTOS BY SHELBY HARPER meat -- and they were smothered Seating of the restaurant near, its namesake, the fireside.

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Pulse

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Page design by Evangelos Lekkas

WHAT’S THE (GRADE) POINT?

28 September 2017 Editorial Kaneland High School 47W326 Keslinger Rd. Maple Park, IL 60151 (630) 365-5100 ext. 71236 www.kanelandkrier.com Member of IJEA, Quill & Scroll, NSPA, NISPA IHSA State Finalists 2013-2017 IWPA Silver Pen 2017 NISPA Golden Eagle 2017 IJEA First Place for Krier Online 2017 IJEA Second Place for Krier Print 2017 Subscription rates: Five issues, three supplements School-delivered, $15; Home-delivered, $25 EXECUTIVE STAFF Bella Vargas Editor-in-Chief of Print Annika Berger Production Manager Amanda Malawski Executive Editorial Editor

Bridget McCraken Editor-in-Chief of Web

Vanessa Pitts Webmaster

Jessica Tiv Design/Visual Executive

Karina Sanchez PR/Social Media Executive

Matt Cushman Executive Ad & Business Manager

EDITORIAL STAFF

CARTOON BY NEHEMIAH LEE A student takes a test at the beginning of the year, remembering the material and getting an A. A few months later he takes the same test, but instead of receiving an A like the first time, he gets an F.

A

young man sits in the back of an overcrowded classroom. He doesn’t voice his opinion or answer questions. Everyone ignores him while he sits in silence as his thoughts race to conclusions on how things are in the world. To everyone else, he’s a failure, but to him, he’s a success in the making.

Grades mean nothing when it comes to success. Someone who struggles with school could become a scientist, an engineer or a CEO of a multi-billion dollar company, and it often has had nothing to do with how well they perform in high school.

According to Forbes Magazine, Steve Jobs ended up dropping out of college, and he’s responsible for the creation of Apple Inc. Learning new things can set us up for success, grades can’t.

We shouldn’t be so stressed out about our grades to the point where our mental health starts to deteriorate.

Although some may argue that grades set us up for success because of the competitiveness that they bring, it’s just not true. According to a study conducted by New York University, 60 percent of girls feel stressed to get good grades while 41 percent of boys feel stressed. With that, 26 percent of those studied have clinical depression.

Grades also do not measure intelligence. Someone that’s incredibly smart could be a horrible test taker like the

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young man in the back of the classroom, and still turn out to be a prominent political leader like Winston Churchill. Yes, even Churchill, the prime minister of England during World War Two, struggled with school as a kid.

According the National Churchill Museum, he only excelled in English and history, failing all the rest. He even failed the entrance exam into the Royal Military College three times before getting the minimum requirements to be accepted. We could be the next Winston Churchill and not even realize it.

When our grades are recorded, it doesn’t take into consideration how we learn. We’re all unique. We have different personalities with different ways of learning. Some of us are visual learners, while others are auditory or hands on.

When teachers give us a scantron or pencil paper test with only one way of responding, it’s only measuring if we remember the material. It doesn’t measure our understanding of what is being taught.

Learning is more important than receiving a grade because that’s why we’re in school in the first place. We’re supposed to learn how to succeed in college, in our community and in our career, not how to take a test a certain way to get a good grade. However, that seems lost in the translation with our education system.

Page design by Amanda Malawski

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Feature Madeline Hockey

Opinion Abril Salinas

Table of Contents Jessica Tiv

Investigative Emily Janecek

School/Community News Emma Glennon

Pulse Evangelos Lekkas

Interactive Alex Malawski

Photo Page Dylan Calabrese

Editorial Amanda Malawski

Sports Ashley Edwards

Activities KT Mattern

Centerspread Richies Tiv

Voices Shelby Harper

Cover Richies Tiv

Lifestyle Priscilla Purnell

STAFF

Sarah Baerenklau, Jacob Booten, Samantha Callaghan, Corinne Condos, Allison Doherty, Benjamin Durbala, Elizabeth Elliott, Samuel Gomes, Olivia Hazen, Sarah Kantola, Ashley Manzo, Ella Miller, Bailey Prichard, Gianna Provenzano, Sarah Prunty, Casey Schanks, and Brett Wallner.

Print Production Justin Ballard, Nate Hauser, Thomas Royston, Grant Schaaf

ADVISORS Kimberly Reese Krier advisor

Nicole Larsen Print advisor

EDITORIAL POLICY

Editorials represent a majority opinion of the Editorial Board and are not necessarily the opinion of Kaneland administration, staff, students or parents. The Krier Editorial Board consists of designated Advanced Journalism students: Annika Berger, Dylan Calabrese, Matt Cushman, Ashley Edwards, Gabrielle Faletto, Emma Glennon, Shelby Harper, Madeline Hockey, Emily Janesek, Evangelos Lekkas, Alex Malawski, Amanda Malawski, KT Mattern, Bridget McCracken, Vanessa Pitts, Priscilla Purnell, Abril Salinas, Karina Sanchez, Jessica Tiv, Richies Tiv, and Bella Vargas. Students make all publication decisions.

Letters can be sent to the address above or e-mailed to krier@kaneland.org. Letters must be signed (names may be withheld under extraordinary circumstances as deemed by the editorial staff), and must be under 300 words. The editorial board has the right to work with writers to edit for clarity and length. Any material that is potentially libelous, obscene or disruptive will not be published, at the discretion of the editorial board. All decisions to publish or not publish letters are made by executive editors. The Krier has been an open forum since 1974. As an open forum, we restrict editing to staff members only; prior review and editing are prohibited by people outside the staff.

Editorial

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Opinion 28 September 2017

A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT ON PDA

Trying to get to class on time can be hard for some of us in itself, but having people in the way can not only make it harder but can be frustrating.

CARTOON BY REAGHAN MALONEY

BY EVANGELOS LEKKAS, Editor

M

y favorite album artwork of all time is The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan by, of course, legendary folk singer, Bob Dylan. For those of you who do not know, it shows Dylan and then-girlfriend, Suze Rotolo, walking together down a snowy New York City street. They are embracing each other as if both for love and to fight the cold. This simply remarkable photograph demonstrates the true, beautiful romance that the two shared.

Sure, you might be confused why I’m bringing up an album that is more than 50 years old, but I genuinely see this photograph as everything that people would want to see in a loving couple. This Public Display of Affection is very unlike the PDA that I see while trekking through the hallways at Kaneland.

It’s amazing how much can be changed

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Opinion

with a different setting. Once you move a couple from a snowy street to a school hallway, a loving gesture turns to a gross and inconvenient show.

First of all, to all those who think you’re doing no harm by just holding hands, please stop. You are taking away valuable space and are, quite honestly, very slow. Nobody needs to be missing classes just because two people decided to share limbs for whatever reason. You are very hard to move around and your interlocked death grips are impossible to break through.

And, I get it, you need attention from everyone else to make your relationship valid, but I really have no idea what couples are doing at their lockers. I’m sure many students at Kaneland know exactly the picture I’m painting here.

A couple leaning on one of their lockers, holding each other so tight and kissing so much that you’d think they’re about to go off to war. Nobody needs to see your gross make out session.

What even is the purpose of that?

You’ll see her in 50 minutes, dude. Saying goodbye for a class period is not the end of the world.

Right here, I feel obligated to say that there is no mention of PDA in our school handbook. Therefore, people who hold hands or lean against their locker cannot get in trouble as long as it’s not too excessive. However, just because you’re allowed to doesn’t mean you should. This is how we keep society running smoothly.

Although humans are, indeed, just animals, there has to be a structure that separates us from our animal counterparts.

We have to acknowledge those around us and work together to keep this world and school going. As long as this structure still exists, shoving your high school relationship in the face of the classmates around you will be absurd.

So, if you are lucky enough to be in a relationship and experience love, all the power to you. I’m happy for you. However, there is no need to show PDA in the hallway and it’s frankly a bother to everyone around.

kanelandkrier.com

Page design by Abril Salinas

28 September 2017 Opinion

IS PERSONALIZED LEARNING THE ANSWER?

BY JESSICA TIV, Executive Editor

P

ersonalized learning is often a term that students hear teachers throw around as a future teaching technique where students will take charge of their learning, but what is it really?

According to edglossory.org, personalized learning is instruction that is designed to cater to the distinct learning needs, interest, aspirations or cultural background of students to meet their needs. This means that each assignment is catered to each individual student, where students take ownership of their learning.

Instead of everyone having to be taught the same way, the concept of personalized learning realizes each student’s individuality and puts it into account, but will students want to take learning into their own hands and create their own academic future?

Personalized assumes two things from students: that students will learn more if

they have more control over what their curriculum and that they will obtain more information if they have authority over when and how they learn.

The problem with assuming that students will learn more if they have more control over what they learn is that it implies that students are able to learn independently, which is just not the case. Not every student is a ‘good’ student that can learn by him/herself. If students are held to these expectations, some will get frustrated with not being able to understand the material and ultimately give up.

According to Dan Willingham, a cognitive scientist and author of Why Don’t Students Like School?, on educationnext. org, imagining versions of a cumulative path tailored to each student’s ability or interest is possible, but students are unlikely to find this path if students themselves must determine what path is the best for them. The personalized learning rubric is too vague and it will only confuse and frustrate students instead of motivate them to take charge of their own learning.

To address the second point of why

A student is frustrated while they’re trying to complete their math homework they don’t understand.

Page design by Abril Salinas

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personalized learning has implications is that students, like many people in this world, prefer not to think and they may choose to create assignments that are easy. Students are lazy and when you give them the power to create their own assignments, they will inevitably try to find the project that will take the least amount of work.

A study published in the journal, Current Biology, found that when humans do chose to move, they do so in the most economic way possible. This can be applied to mental laziness too. Students are lazy and will often take the lazy way out instead of creating a project that will truly help them. Personalized learning will not motivate students to create projects that will help further their academic knowledge, it will allow students to choose the easy way out, repeating skill sets that they already know.

So, instead of viewing personalize learning as a solution and rubric for the future of education, it should be viewed merely as a stepping stone. Teachers are still needed in order to direct, inform and assist students.

CARTOON BY JESSICA TIV

Opinion

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Feature 28 September 2017

CONFEDERATE FLAG NOW OPEN FOR DISCUSSION DEAN WEST SHARES HIS VIEWS ABOUT STUDENT RIGHTS

BY VANESSA PITTS, Executive Editor ALEX MALAWSKI, Editor

I

t all started when a high school student named Taylor decided to put a large Confederate flag on his pickup. This resulted in building controversy throughout the school day, which ultimately led to the principal asking him remove it.

Whether a student should be allowed to wear the flag or not is based on the attitude of the community. Over time, schools across America have updated their dress code and have laid down strict guidelines.

Take for example, Taylor. He had people on both sides talking to him about this.

There’s no denying that the confederate flag is part of our nation’s history, but what it stands for has caused many debates. Some people may feel offended while others do not.

Dean Josh West reassures that students have the right to wear whatever, as long as it follows policy, but there is a chance for problems with items that stir up controversy.

“I think in all regards, students have freedom of speech. However, there are rules set in place. To make sure issues and problems don’t arise and to protect the learning environment,” West said.

“

Take into consideration our environment and our audience.

Josh West

“

When it comes to schools and who has authority, teachers have the same responsibilities and rights to protect students just like their parents.

The law “Loco Parentis,” explicitly defines this as: “Schools assume custody of students and, at the same time, the students are deprived of the protection of their parents. In effect, the schools act in place of the parent or instead of the parent.”

West views this in two ways.

“Although, me personally, looking at that flag, I don’t immediately jump to a racist symbol, but, that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t understand why a person

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Feature

PHOTO BY GABRIELLE FALETTO Students took time out of their day to commemorate the loss of many at the 9/11 memorial.

would view it that way. When I think of that flag, I think back to my childhood and ‘Dukes of Hazzard’,” West said.

In the dress code section of the handbook, it states: “Vulgar, obscene or violent messages on clothing will be treated as vulgar/obscene language or expression.”

According to West, he will be vigilant on the matter.

“Based on the handbook, it is something that needs to be removed,” West said.

He cautiously remarked to those who wear these symbols to think before acting.

“Take into consideration our environment and our audience,” West said.

He knows that from time to time students will be wearing controversial items.

“I might have a conversation with them, like ’hey, why are you wearing that?‘ and we would like to ask you to remove that shirt,” West said.

To make things easier on teachers and other students, if a teacher sees a questionable item of clothing the student should be sent to administration.

Some students who support the confederate flag believe it’s in their First Amendment rights to wear or raise the flag.

“I won’t take my flag down or take it off myself if someone is complaining about it just to complain. I don’t view it as a racist symbol or anything. I have the freedom to

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practice anything I believe in no matter what other people have to say about it,” junior Josh Potter said.

Other students believe students shouldn’t be allowed to wear the flag at all in school.

“It’s similar to wearing a swastika in my own opinion. The confederate flag stands for everything bad in the civil war. I absolutely do not believe students should be able to wear it even if their allowed to in the dress code,” senior Jocelyn Garcia said.

There are sides to everything, and West is looking at the emotional perspective of others.

“Whether I agree with it or not, there’s a history with that flag. That means something different than what people are using the flag for currently,” West said.

When it is seen that people are displaying this on their clothing, he will never jump to conclusions about those who do this.

“We can’t make that mistake that all people displaying that flag are racist, it would be unfair to make that stereotype,” West said.

He wants people to be aware of the attitudes and feelings of others in regards to this controversial subject.

“It’s a very fine line that people are sensitive about, understand, that this symbol has hurt a lot of people, and maybe that flag means something completely different to them,” West said.

Page design by Gabrielle Faletto

FACES

BY GABRIELLE FALETTO, Editor

S

tudents who transferred from the Kaneland district to other nearby schools are now back and ready to take on the new school year. Whether it be returning from Marmion Academy, Aurora Christian school, Aurora Catholic Central and Harvest Christian Academy or being home schooled, each school had its own pros and cons but these students made the decision to come back and finish their education The Knights Way. Senior Taylor Parrott decided to be home schooled halfway through her sophomore year.

“I left to get more volunteer and job opportunities,” Parrott said.

By making this decision, she was able to work full time and volunteer as much as she could.

Along with many other KHS students, Parrott is most excited for homecoming week and is looking forward to all the fun senior festivities this year has to offer.

Will Giffney, Finn Hansen, Calvin McDonald and Declan McDonald all went to Marmion Academy after their 8th grade year.

“My brother decided to go, and I wanted to do something new,” junior Declan McDonald said.

Both of the McDonalds transferred back to Kaneland this year and are excited for the football season.

“I wanted to have a fun senior year,” Calvin McDonald said.

MAKE A

RETURN

“It is a different environment, and you get the chance to meet a lot more people,” junior Declan McDonald said.

Along with being at a single gender school, Marmion also required students to wear uniforms.

“I’d rather wear whatever I want.

You would get fined, or it would be a penalty if you forgot something,” Giffney said.

Although, the boys can agree that

“

I’d rather wear whatever I want. You would get fined, or it would be a penalty if you forgot something.

Will Giffney

“

Coming from an all boys school to a coed school can be difficult.

Page design by Madeline Hockey

TO KANELAND

looking forward to cheering at all the upcoming football games.

Peyton Prost transferred to Aurora Catholic school.

“I didn’t like how small it was, and I missed having big classes. There were

“

I didn’t like how small it was, and I missed having big classes.

Peyton Prost

“

FAMILIAR

28 September 2017 Feature

the uniforms did have some benefits.

“Waking up in the morning was easier,” Hansen said.

Halfway through the 8th grade, Alyssa Brolley decided to transfer from Kaneland Harter Middle School to Harvest Christian Academy. Harvest Christian Academy has smaller class sizes compared to KHMS. “I loved the friends I made and how small it was,” Brolley said.

Being a junior now at KHS, she is

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about 70 people total,” Prost said.

Even though she is excited to see all her old friends, she will miss how close Aurora Catholic school was from her house.

Senior Ben Rissman and junior Lucas Alm both transferred their freshman year and enrolled at Aurora Central Catholic.

“My sister went to Aurora Central Catholic so I thought it would be easier for our family if I went too,” Alm said.

Along with Marmion Academy, students are also required to wear uniforms at Aurora Central Catholic.

Both Rissman and Alm can agree that without air conditioning in the building, wearing a uniform all day long at ACC was not the highlight of their day. Although there are some pros about it.

“I didn’t have to worry about dressing up every morning,” Rissman said.

Even with these pros of going to a private school, an all boys school or being home schooled, most can agree that coming back to their old stomping grounds brings back good memories.

“I love seeing all my old friends and getting back in the Kaneland groove,” Alm said.

Declan McDonald returned to Marmion Academy at press dead.

ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY GABRIELLE FALETTO

Feature

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Feature 28 September 2017

BY RICHIES TIV, Editor PRISCILLA PURNELL, Editor

EPARTMENTS OW

To Mathematics

Race Science

Social Studies Unlike history that is always changing, the Social Studies department’s grading system has remained the same for the past few years. department chair Lynn McHenry said teaching government and sociology this year.

“Our department members in social studies agreed do it this way several years ago,” The Social Studies department has a structured grading system and is not looking to change it at this time. The department uses the 10 point scale set forth by the district (90, 80, 70, etc.). Daily work is 30 percent of each student’s grade, summative tests are 60 percent and 10 percent for the final.

For absent and make-up work, students should check google classroom and then ask their teachers for more information. Late work is graded with 50 percent off after one day and zero credit after the end of unit. The Social Studies department grading system can represent a student’s ability at the end of a semester or year.

“All teachers process the information they receive from the students’ test results differently,” McHenry said.

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English, social studies, math and the language departments all have their own grading system. For example in science, labs are graded by following the science grading system. In English, essays are graded by the English department system. More often, all teachers have to follow school rules and state policies when it comes to grading. If a student had a problem with a question on a test they should talk to directly to their teacher. Overall, the teachers grade using the same percent grading scale.

Breanne Kahl is head chair for the science department, teaching biology and AP biology this year.

“The science department does not have a standard grading system, but the grading system is working well, each science teacher has their own autonomy,” said Kahl.

The teachers do follow the same percentage for test, quizzes and the final: summative is worth 60 percent, 30 percent for formative and 10 percent on the final.

This allows the science teachers to grade their own way, but follow the same percentage scale.

“It’s fair, teachers have the ability to curve or change question,” said Kahl.

The department grading system is the same as last year, however, the science teachers have looked at each course and made some changes.

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Answers in math, they’re either right or wrong. It seems that there’s no confusion but to the students and teachers, wrong doesn’t necessarily mean it’s wrong.

Most math courses weigh summative grades 70 percent (including the final) and 30 percent for the formative.

“I want it to be fair but rigorous enough for kids,” department chair Matthew Smith said.

Math teachers of the same course occasionally get together to grade students and decide whether or not to award partial credit for certain mistakes. This way all students are graded fairly.

“For the most part, we try to agree.

Like if they make this mistake we’ll take one-half a point off or whatever,” Smith said.

Teachers also have their own autonomy regarding extra credit, tests, quizzes and other projects. They create their own tests and assign extra credit where they see appropriate.

The math department has also talked about switching to a standard based grading system where students are required to pass a certain amount of standards, or criteria, to show they understand the material and therefore move on to the next course.

“It’s also much more student-centered and so you might be on a different page than other kids. It’s a little bit logistically harder,” Smith said.

So far, however, the current grading system has been working well.

“I do feel like since there is so much emphasis on the summative part that it does show whether students know it (the material) or not,” Smith said.

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28 September 2017 Feature

RADE Top

Language

The English Books laid neatly on shelves, the sweet aroma of coffee and a large table for meetings and lounging. At first glance, the English Department appears to have its own cozy room for relaxing but what really goes on in there is a whole different story.

Here, English teachers are able to grade papers and discuss as a department how things should be graded.

This year, the English Department has made several changes to the way things will be graded. Except for English 12, all english courses will weigh summative grades at 70 percent, formative grades at 20 percent and the final at 10 percent. English 12 has adapted a proficiency-based progress model where standards must be meet to show the understanding of the material.

The policy for missing assignments has also changed. Instead of giving students a zero, they are receiving a 40 percent instead.

“This should give people more room to make mistakes and grow,” department chair Jennifer Sayasane said.

To prevent any unfairness in grading papers such as essays, the teachers grade the first few papers collectively and come to a consensus of the score that essay should receive. This way, all the English teachers know what to look for and grades are given fairly.

“We wanted to put the emphasis on learning the material not just doing the steps,” Sayasane said.

The English Department has high hopes for this new grading system that puts more emphasis on summative grades.

“Students won’t be as distracted by some of the other things. They’ll really focus on ‘this is what I need to learn not, this is what I need to do so I need to go through these steps. I might need to do these things’ but the goal is the learning, not the doing,” Sayasane said.

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Most languages people know are inherent. You are born understanding it without a choice. But when students enroll in language classes, they are choosing what language they want to learn and start with little knowledge of that language.

Language teachers understand this, so they grade according to your experience with the language.

“For the older kids, we tend to put more weight on the summative grade instead of the formative,” department chair Michelle Jurcenko said.

AP language classes weight summative grades 70 percent, formative grades 10 percent, participation 10 percent and the final 10 percent. AP classes also use a rubric designed by the AP College Board so students know what to expect when taking the AP exam.

The grading scale across the same course, such as all the Spanish 1 classes, is also the same.

“It’s important for students to see the consistency across the school, not just from teacher to teacher,” Jurcenko said.

So far the grading system has remained the same for the past two to three years. However, any changes needed can be implemented easily for the following school year.

“Every year we look at and say, ‘okay do we think this fits the needs of the students and is this a good reflection.’ Like does an A mean that they mastered the content?” Jurcenko said.

The grading system seems to be working and the grades that come with it show many qualities in a student.

“If a student receives an A, that means a myriad of things. One of the things it means is that they were successful on the assignments we gave as well as being an active liwstener in class. Moreso if they get that A, it means they took the initiative to seek help if needed. It means maybe going above and beyond and using your language to speak with those native speakers or read material they come across in the native language and it means that they were encouraged to do so,” Jurcenko said.

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Centerspread

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Feature 28 September 2017

WHAT DOES AN ‘A’ MEAN TO YOU?

BY EMILY JANECEK, Editor

“An ‘A’ means different things to me. Some ‘A’ students are avid participators and hard-workers who study relentlessly. Other ‘A’ students are exceptionally gifted and can achieve the grade without trying all that hard. To me, the grade is less important than the process.” Michael Cimino

“An ‘A’ means that the student is doing excellent in the class. They meet and exceed on all Learning Goals, they participate freely in class, they are highly responsible and are leaders in the class.” Patrick Carter

“To me an ‘A’ means just about mastery. It means that you have successfully completed the task at hand and that you have done it very well..”

Lori Shroka

“To me an ‘A’ means the students have a voice. An A student knows their learning style, what motivates them, what drives them to dig deeper and want to know more about a particular concept. With that drive and motivation and creativity, their chances of mastering the skill will become much greater.” Sandy Faletto “In art, “mastery” can never really be achieved. We can always gain more understanding of our craft. ‘A’ work is work that shows extreme creativity. The composition or design is interesting to look at. It using the tools and materials well and it is well made.”

Emily VanDelinder-Birchfield

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Voices

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28 September 2017 Feature

BATTLE OF THE MORNINGS Most teens need about eight to 10 hours of sleep a night

BY ASHLEY EDWARDS, Editor

L

eaving the house with wet hair and doing makeup in the car is the reality for some female students. On the other hand the majority of male students slap on some clothes and head to school within five minutes.

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W

S

orking against this stereotype, senior Andrew Gould, wakes up at 5:30 a.m. during the weekdays. Gould starts off by making a cup of coffee and finishes any homework that wasn’t finished the night before. His favorite part of the morning consists of being able to relax and not rushing.

“I like the quietness of it, I mean I’m a social person but I do like my solitary time to myself,” Gould said.

Gould’s morning routine is very unique and different due to waking up early and feeding the pigs at his show pigs farm.

“Starting in late winter throughout the summer I have show pigs, I get up and go do chores such as cleaning the barn and feeding the pigs. Before I go to the barn, I eat breakfast, brush my teeth, shower and make my lunch for the day, ” Gould said.

enior Lauren DiSandro’s morning routine is the complete opposite of Gould’s. DiSandro starts her morning off by rolling out of bed at 6:45 a.m. “ I mean I have an alarm set for 6:10 a.m. but I don’t get up until 6:45 a.m.,” DiSandro said She tends to take shortcuts in her morning, including eating a breakfast bar in the car and leaving home with damp hair. DiSandro’s steps to getting ready consists of showering and doing her makeup.

A favorite part of DiSandro’s routine is the calm drive to school.

“The drive to school is way calmer than the rest of the day,” DiSandro said.

Even though DiSandro and Gould’s mornings start at different times and consists of different things, they both get to enjoy the morning before their school day begins.

-Stick to a schedule -Curb the caffeine -Know when to unplug INFORMATION COMPLIED FROM MAYO CLINC

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Lifestyle

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Feature 28 September 2017

WHAT’S 16

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28 September 2017 Feature

H G NI

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ALL PHOTOS BY KT MATTERN

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Activities 28 September 2017

WHAT IS THE HUB ABOUT ALL THE NEW CLUBS HOW THE CLUBS’ FIRST YEAR WENT

BY EMMA GLENNON, Editor

T

here are many clubs here at KHS, some more well known after many years of establisment. However, three new clubs joined last year. Students started these clubs to pursue their passions and to meet others with the same values. Over the course of the last school year they’ve had their ups and downs that come with building a club. So, what was their first year like?

UKELELE

M

usic is about being able to freely express yourself. That’s what the ukulele club is all about.

“Luke Eggenberger and Sam Kowalczyk wanted an atmosphere without pressure to perform. Everyone had the chance to learn songs of their choice. Teaching ukulele to each other is a laid back process that usually happens in a one-on-one setting,” advisor Mallory Stoffregen said.

Unlike some clubs and activities, there is no experience needed to join the Ukulele club.

“It's okay if you have played ukulele before. If you don't already own a ukulele, and you just want to see if it's really for you before making a purchase, stop in and chat. I'd be happy to lend you my ukulele for a club meeting,” Stoffregen said.

This year, sophomores Brianna Silva and Sofia Gonzalez-Magnabosco are the club presidents.

If you are interested in joining, contact them for more information. The club will start meeting at the end of October.

BASS FISHING

T PHOTO BY CATHY WEBSTER The bass fishing club proudly show off their catches of the day.

ENGINEERING

H

ave you ever used something that made a task easier or even did the task for you? There’s a good chance that it was made because of engineering.

Engineering is designing devices that help people do work more efficiently.

In the engineering club, students get some hands on experience working with computer programing such as Computer Aided Design, also known as CAD. In the club, they also have access to a 3-D printer to help bring their ideas to life.

Sponsor Eric Baron hopes to make

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Activities

he bass fishing club meets to discuss fishing and sometimes even go to competitions. The club was started by sophomore Jacob Webster and sponsored by Michael Thorgesen.

By raising their own funds last year, they were able to meet boat rentals and competition fees. They are planning to raise even more by selling raffle tickets earlier to go to more competitions.

“Be listening to the announcements we are probably going to start meeting in mid-October,” Thorgesen said.

Kaneland bass fishing club was quite different than most of their competitors Most of the other schools were bigger and

this year more competitive by trying to participate in engineering competitions. However, that’s not his ultimate goal.

“One of things I wanted to do coming from the middle school to the high school was to improve our technical and career program and start some engineering programs and classes, and when I told my students that, they became interested in starting a club,” Baron said.

The club will begin meeting in October so come with your own ideas for new projects.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF LUCAS ROTTER The Ukelele club let loose after a jam session.

had their own boat.

However, the Knights prevailed, taking second place out of thirty boats at their competition.

Their goal is to compete more and grow the club.

Anyone can compete but, if you are sixteen years or older then you need a fishing licence. Practices are every Thursday at Big Rock Quarry or at Elburn Ponds.

If you are interested in joining the club, you can contact Jacob Webster or Michael Thorgersen for more information.

“Be listening to the announcements we are probably going to start meeting in mid-October,” Thorgesen said.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN MCELDERRY By fitting everything to perfection, the car will be able to do as it was built for.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN MCELDERRY The club uses computer programming design for their next project.

Page design by KT Mattern

28 September 2017 Sports

KANELAND SPORTS TRADITIONS STAY ALIVE

BY DYLAN CALABRESE, Editor

A

lmost all sports have traditions to help the team bond and get to know one another a little better, here are some of the sports that represent this.

BOYS VARSITY SOCCER Team bonding is key to being a successful team and that is exactly what the boys soccer team does. After most of these practices is a team hangout at a player’s house. The team just does random things like jumping into a pond, according to player Dylan Bock. This upcoming season will be the second year that the soccer team will be doing team hangouts before their games.

FOOTBALL The varsity football team has a team dinner every week the day before a game.

The team dinner takes place at a player’s house and is more than just getting together to eat. The team is bonding, which is something that every good team needs.

Also, right before the team goes out onto the field all the players take a knee and bow their heads and hold one another’s hand. This time allows the players to think about the upcoming game and even say a short prayer.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Girls cross country enjoys Friday night pasta parties to fill up before a Saturday morning meet. “Big sisters” (seniors and juniors) on the cross country team decorate the lockers of their “little sisters” (underclassmen). Before the conference meet the big sisters create baskets for their little sisters to encourage them and give them good luck for their meets. Doing all of this is how the cross country gets to know one another better.

Used for enhancing social relations and defining roles within a team.

BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL Dress shirt, dress shoes and tie: This is exactly how the boys basketball team wants to arrive to school on game day.

This appearance makes the team look presentable and more official when walking around the Kaneland hallways. Before the games the team gets together at their houses for frequent team meetings.

As the team is waiting to come out of the locker room, everyone holds hands in a circle for a moment of silence to get ready for the game.

GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER Kidnapping does not sound like an ordinary tradition for a high school sport but that is exactly what the girls varsity soccer team does for team bonding. The seniors on the team choose lower classman to be their “little sisters.” Once a season, they pick them up without knowing and take them out on scavenger hunts and other fun activities. After, they spend the rest of the night and the following morning together. The team also tries to have a pasta party on days that they do not have games.

PHOTO BY CYNTHIA VIOLETT The volleyball team enjoys some time together on a ropes course. This is just one of their many traditions that they do every year.

VOLLEYBALL At the home volleyball games, the team likes to get together in a circle on the court and have what they call a “mini dance party.” The dancing helps to keep everyone feeling loose and ready to play while still having fun. The seniors of the volleyball team have a midnight madness where they take the juniors out for over night fun and contests. Every year they make t-shirts that both the seniors and juniors get to wear at the senior night volleyball game. Every other Monday, the volleyball team gathers at a player’s house for team dinners.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GABRIELLE FALETTO The soccer team is having a good time with some funny posters. They are participating in an escape room.

PHOTO BY MATT PAYTON Garrett Hukle, Chris and Kyle Angelotti are enjoying a plate full of tacos and other delicious sides. The team dinner was in the KHS cafeteria.

Page design by Ashley Edwards

Team Bonding:

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