Panorama Sept 2016

panorama LADUE HORTON WATKINS HIGH SCHOOL v 1201 S. WARSON ROAD ST. LOUIS, MO 63124

v VOLUME 65, ISSUE 1 9/14/2016

(All photos by Sophia Garland)

Table of Contents 3 News

6 Features

The Staff Editors-in-Chief Copy Editors News Editor Features Editor In-Depth Editor Sports Editors

(Photo by Sophia Garland)

8 In-Depth

(Photo by Lily Hauptman)

12 Sports

Photo Editor Art Editors Business Manager Webmaster Writers

(Photo by Sophia Garland)

14 Opinions

(Photo by Michael Burke)

16 Photo Photographers

Artists Advisor audrey wang w ART EDITOR

Isabella Fu Aaron Greenberg Julia Biest Sasha Rice Sophia Li Lily Hauptman Katie Bry Glen Morgenstern Sam Shevitz Michael Burke Sophia Garland Audrey Wang Annie Zheng Michael Burke Max Baker Ope Falako Mackenzie HinesWilson Joel Hsieh Felix Hu Mona Kafaie Grace Kim Erica Lee Albert Liu Ula Lijowska Jess Matson Lulu Nix Anum Sameer Madison Ward Jack Glon Aleesha Shi Sarah Semmel

(Photo by Michael Burke)

Our Policy Panorama is a monthly newspaper that strives to inform and entertain students, staff and community members and to uphold professional standards of accuracy and fairness. The publication hopes to engage the student body by eliciting dialogue among our readers. It aims to reflect the diversity of the population it serves and observes the journalistic principle of doing no harm.

Read more online at www.laduetoday.com Follow @laduepanorama

Panorama is produced 9 times per school year by the journalism class of Ladue Horton Watkins High School at1201 S. Warson Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63124. The publication lab is located in Room 216, (314)-993-6447 ext. 5844.

Panorama welcomes and encourages letters to the editor. Please bring signed letters to Room 216 or email them to panorama@ladueschools.net.

Panorama reserves the right to revise submissions as long as original intent remains unaltered.

3 panorama Administration aims to improve productivity Application store removed from school iPads

NEWS

sophia LI

C

news editor

oming back from summer, Ladue students returned to a school with new classrooms, new teachers and new iPad changes. To reduce distractions, the school district removed access to the App Store and games on the popular portable devices.

Instead of the traditional App Store, students can access approved applications on the App Portal. Students can download services like Quizlet, Desmos Graphing Calculator and Infinite Campus from there. In addition, the technology department developed a Seminar Sign-Up app to access the library and a Dashboard app to direct students to the high school’s website.

“We’ve surveyed [students] on the use of the iPads, and the areas of the results that are the hardest for us to [resolve] are the [ones] where students are tired of the distractions as well. This was a response to a very large opinion that was out there between

students and teachers,” Technology Coordinator Adam Stirrat said.

“Students that don’t use the iPads for games get frustrated with the kids who do use iPads in class.”

Although the App Store has been removed, students are not voiceless. They are able to request academic apps to add to the Ladue Portal database.

“I’m trying to work on a database request that I’m going to push out through email for students. When there is a need for an app, they just have to submit the name of it, and I can kind of go into it and see if it’s a relevant app for kids,” Stirrat said. “If you can request it the day of, hopefully we can have it ready by the end of the day.”

Students have responded to the changes with mixed emotions.

Some students have suggested removing only certain elements from the iPads and otherwise reverting to last year’s format.

“Last year I relied on my iPad for my planner and studying sources. Now that certain vital

apps have been removed, it is more difficult to keep all of my tasks in the same place,” junior Grace Crockett said. “I think that if the administration is trying to ban games and keep students focused, they should just ban games.”

aleesha shi w ARTIST

Whether or not students can play games, iPads are still expensive pieces of technology that many districts do not have. An iPad Mini 2 retails for $399 to $449, and given the

high school’s student population of approximately 1,300, the iPad initiative cost thousands of dollars. The district spent this money to help students focus, not to entertain them.

“Having been to several other school districts, this is not something a lot of schools have. iPads are definitely a luxury— they’re expensive items— and I think we should be grateful that we have them,” freshman Cassie Beisheim said. “As someone who hasn’t really stayed organized in the past, having all my homework on Google Classroom and being able to always have access to Google Docs, even if I don’t have a computer, has truly helped me stay organized.”

In the month since school has started, teachers have been adjusting to the technology update.

Many use technology to give lectures or aid in their coursework. “[Teachers] are okay with us having to use the Ladue App Portal as long as there’s a quick

response putting up the apps that are needed for the curriculum instruction,” Stirrat said. “For example, for the photography teacher, [Christine] Warner, we’re trying to make sure we get all the right apps for darkroom timers and camera apps that use different lenses.”

Regarding technology, the district has been pondering whether or not iPads present the best fit for students. Staff have been exploring the possibilities of other technology and allowing student input on the technology committee’s decision. The group initially chose iPads because of the data they collected while researching what technology most universities offered. They found that most college freshmen used Apple products. Thus, the committee decided on iPads.

“We’re looking at whether we want to come back with iPads again, with a laptop or a chromebook,” Stirrat said. “We have a technology committee of teachers and administrators. I would love to get students on board with that when we start knowing when we’re going to pull the trigger on updated equipment.”h

Ladue DECA goes for the gold certification news writer

L

adue students enrolled in the Business Management class have started work on a project that may allow Ladue to reach new heights in DECA’s School-Based-Enterprise certification competition. An SBE is defined as “an entrepreneurial operation in a school setting that provides goods/services to meet the needs of the market.” In Ladue’s case, this refers to the Ram Shack, the high school’s spiritwear and apparel store located in the Commons.

DECA officials will grade the project, providing the Ram Shack with certification on one of three levels: bronze, silver or gold. The Ram Shack currently does not hold a title in its local chapter, as this is the first year that Ladue’s DECA organization is competing against other school enterprises in the SBE category. However,

must be met in each of the ten standards.”

What makes it more difficult is that students are required not only to describe the marketing processes in detail but also to explain how the Ram Shack embodies each of those processes in its operation. The work is split up among multiple groups, and everyone has a specific role in contributing to the project.

“There are no particular people carrying the team,” Geisz said. “It’s like a chain. If one person doesn’t complete their link in the chain, then [the whole class] can’t finish the work.”

There are a few benefits of achieving high rankings. Besides gaining credibility and international recognition, a gold also unlocks new opportunities for Ladue to compete on larger, more prestigious platforms.

“If students complete it on time and do it well, then our hope is to take it to the international competition in Anaheim, Cali-

fornia and win the international SBE competition,” Geisz said.

The SBE Academy, the next level of the competition, is held during the international DECA conference and open only to gold-tiered school enterprises.

“People go through their presentations; they become better through engagement and spreading ideas,” Mwonga said. “It’s more like an informative learning experience. People can then go back to their school-based enterprise and utilize what they’ve learned.”

Geisz emphasizes that, although Ladue DECA will not

DECA Gear

felix HU

senior Diane Mwonga, a student participating in the project, has high hopes for the outcome.

“I hope in the coming year Ladue will gain gold certification,” Mwonga said. “I think we have a good shot because we have so many innovative people working on [the project] and working to expand the Ram Shack.”

The project itself is a presentation based upon fundamental principles of business operations under the National Curriculum Standards and 21st century employability skills, such as self-management and problem solving. In other words, students must describe the financial ins and outs of the business framework behind the Ram Shack.

“They have to write to ten different standards that include everything from advertising to day-to-day balance sheets,” Ladue DECA sponsor Christopher Geisz said. “In order to achieve gold level, a certain criterion

gain any monetary compensation from the competition, it will serve as a way to improve aspects of the Ram Shack.

According to Geisz, the point is for students to be recognized for their good work. The project will be finalized on Jan. 20. By the end of the year, there may be a few noteworthy changes to the Ram Shack.

“The product line might get changed,” Geisz said. “Our hope for the future is to gain more notoriety and to get better products and get more things that students would like to buy in the Ram Shack.” h

Pullover Hat Sweatpants T-Shirt

$30 $25 $25 $10

4

panorama NEWS Speech and Debate resumes

Sweeney La Barge

sharpen their research and analysis skills. Shah appreciates everything he jackson BRY has gained while participating in the news writer Talking Rams. he Talking Rams, Ladue’s “Debate will improve your speakspeech and debate club, are ing ability and make you more confocusing on getting new mem- fident and a more informed citizen,” bers trained for upcoming events, Shah said. such as the Sept. 17 Greater St. While students may gain valuLouis preseason speech and debate able skills as they participate in the competition, Oct. 1 Oakville Autumn club, they also get the chance to stay Congress and Oct. 14-15 Parkway updated on current issues. Members West tournament, according to club have the opportunity to explore topsponsor Molly Beck. Members meet ics that interest them and then presMonday through Thursday after ent an argument on those topics. school in room 227.

“What’s really different about deThe key to succeedbate is [that] people ing with debate is hard Speech vs Debate enjoy researching,” work and dedicaShah said. “When Speech tion. A strong work you’re in school, Members give an oral ethic can give you an no one likes to do presentation, and advantage, according research, but at judges grade them to senior and Talking debate, you acturelative to other comRams Vice President ally enjoy what you petitors in the room.

Panth Shah. do.”

“The person who Furthermore, Debate will win is the person many members Members compete who worked harder have the opporagainst an opponent. and who put more eftunity to compete fort into what they are against students hoping to achieve,” Shah said. from across the nation. Ladue has Apart from instilling in members sent multiple students to national and the drive to work hard, the speech state competitions in the past. For and debate club can help members example, senior Maya Mutic placed

Q&A with

T

sophia garlandw PHOTOGRAPHER

Michael Burke: What was your previous role in the district and how long were you in that position?

Sweeney La Barge: I taught science and English in the district for 22 years. [I] coached boys’ and girls’ varsity soccer for a number of years [and] organized a bunch of clubs, mostly Elements. I ran Thursday Night Library for years, and I was the President of the Ladue Education Association, which is the bargaining end for teachers. Then in April, Mr. Griffith asked if I would be interested in doing this job, the Activities Director job.

MB: Can you tell us what your job this year entails?

SL: Everybody thinks it’s just scheduling games, but that’s only one part of it. You do a lot of interaction with parents and things like that. [Regarding] the [contaminated] water, we had to make sure all the sports teams going places had water because you can’t use the water at West Campus but at Ladue’s campus you can.

MB: What’s going to happen with Elements?

SL: Elements will continue on. Mr. Schmidt and Ms. Schmitt— not married, not related— who worked with me for the last few years, are going to take over. Mrs. Hartigan is going to join them.

They have to number new bins and locations, so things are going to change.

MB: What are your goals for the new year? What changes do you plan on making?

SL: The biggest thing I want to be able to do is to try to increase the working school spirit that we have. We have kids who have some spirit, and I just want to be able to see if we can focus some of the Blue Crew’s idea to work more with the band, and those people to work more with the cheerleaders and the dancers so we have an organized chaos that’s going on.

DEBATE DEBUTw Senior Panth Shah briefs new members on speech delivery and writing. (Photo by Carolyn Duncan)

14th in Extemporaneous Debate in the National Debate and Speech Tournament this spring.

“I do Policy. There aren’t a lot of people who do [Policy], but I’m good friends with people at other schools who do it too. It’s a healthy environment to compete with friends because it's more of in a lighthearted fashion,” Mutic said. “So even though I'm competing with friends, at the end of the day, I can go talk to them about the round afterwards.

That's really important.” h

Ladue students get cooking for a cause Club helps local charities by donating food Besides learning to cook, members have the benefit of anya TULLMAN earning National Honor Socinews writer ety points. This will help the onthly Thursmany members who joined day cooking the club this year. sessions in “We are proud to have room 111 after school are more members than ever year not for Ladue students before,” Berg said. to improve their culinary Berg and fellow offiskills. Rather, members cers seniors Hunter Byrne of the club Cooking for and Jessie Steinbaum have a Cause meet to prepare decided to make members food for people of the St. purchase the ingredients Louis community. this year. This will allow the “The main purpose club to continue functioning is to give back to our FOOD FOR THOUGHTw Juniors Daniel Song and despite its growing size. community,” sophomore Megan Bernstein cook a snack in room 111 for class. (Photo by “We decided that we Sophia Garland) Blake Berg said. would ask our members to Cooking teacher donate whatever they can cal meeting, members divide into Ashley Schumann has been sponsorat each meeting to help pay for smaller groups and bake. The food is ing the club for three years. Initially, ingredients,” Schumann said. then donated to various groups. Ofshe felt drawn to it by the students’ The members want to make ficers deliver the food themselves. enthusiasm and compassion. sure those who work hard in the “It varies month to month on who “They were so passionate about Ladue community know students benefits from our club,” Schumann doing something to help others that I care. The club welcomes students said. “Sometimes it’s the local fire couldn’t turn down the offer to sponfrom all grade levels. department or police station, and sor them,” Schumann said.

“It is so amazing to see so other times, it’s a local church.

The club prepares a variety of many students gather together We’ve even donated to the teachers foods, including desserts such as each month for one great cause,” during conference time.” brownies and muffins. At a typiSchumann said. h

M

5 New club helps students with disabilities panorama

NEWS

T

B

est Buddies, a new organization, is gaining popularity through both Ladue students and faculty members. The club consists of high school students who befriend their peers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, also known as IDDs. Junior Josh Weisbard founded Ladue’s local chapter. His old school in Arizona had a similar club, and he observed the positive impact it had on the student body. His experience there inspired him to connect all kinds of students in Missouri as well.

“It is important to introduce children with IDD with those [without one] in a friendly environment,” Weisbard said. “Just because some kids can’t communicate the way you do, doesn’t mean they don’t want to communicate and be friends with you.”

According to UNICEF, some people regard students with dis-

AR TIS

news writer

As the course of membership continues, volunteers will undergo an introduction phase to bond with their partners. From there, pairs will be in communication via text and email, and their activities will become more independent of group activities.

For instance, if a pair is interested in football, they can go see a friendly scrimmage together.

“I was always involved in clubs at high school, so I thought it would be a good segway into my profesg an yw sional career,” e r aud Newton said. “We want to designate a lunch day where students and the whole group can come together and eat lunch with their buddies.

A Halloween party will help w

mona KAFAIE

abilities as less capable, but Best Buddies is designed to empower all kids. Activities such as simply eating lunch together will help break down any barriers between students with IDDs and those without.

“I started teaching last March at Ladue, and they needed two special education representatives for the club,” current sponsor Kelly Newton said.

“I thought it would be a really good opportunity to meet students.”

In order to become a buddy, volunteers must go on the Best Buddies organization website to fill out an application about their personality. Then, they are paired with an IDD student with similar interests.

[with] their social skills and create a happy place for everyone.”

This organization benefits students with IDDs but also allows the volunteers to become more compassionate members of society. Best Buddies advocates for the futures of children with IDDs, making sure they improve their social skills, gain self confidence, find possible job opportunities and, along the way, make lasting friendships.

Club members do not need to have any background knowledge on IDDs or have any specific experience. The advisors, Newton and math teacher Rachel Garavaglia, will be responsible for guiding future volunteers.

“Some IDD students may have sensitive needs, so family involvement, quick strategies and setting up boundaries will be needed in public situations,” Garavaglia said.

As Best Buddies is a new organization to Ladue, setting up the club will be a learning process. The sponsors hope the club will expand its numbers.

“These are things we are all learning together,” Newton said.

“As an organization, our goal is to do things together.”

The Aug. 30 activity fair gave Ladue students a sneak peak at the club and its upcoming activities. Many signed up for the email list, indicating a strong initial interest.

“When I noticed the booth I just stopped and asked what it was,” junior Fatima Sheriff said. “Why not? It’s a club that requires you to be friends.”

In recent years, there have been more clubs accommodating the needs of students with disabilities such as Sparkle, Club ASK and now Best Buddies.

Best Buddies shares the same priorities as both Sparkle and Club ASK: to include everyone at school when making friends and memories. From taking part in cheer routines at the school’s pep rally to raising awareness of physical and learning disabilities, these clubs focus on fostering a more inclusive environment for all students.h

What in the world? Looking at big news The United Kingdom announced Sept. 7 plans to build a wall in the French port city of Calais to prevent refugee immigrants from entering the UK.

Travel hosting service Airbnb announced Sept.

8 its new policy on discrimination in response to complaints regarding users facing racial and sexual orientation discrimination.

Outbreaks of scrub typhus have spread throughout South America. Small mites spread the disease through bites. Scrub typhus causes infected patients to experience fevers, headaches, infections and swelling of the lymph nodes.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte insulted U.S. President Obama. The two had originally planned to meet at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, but Obama decided to not attend the meeting.

The Great Elephant Census, released Sept.8, recorded 352,271 elephants. Between 2007 and 2014, 30 percent of elephants died, largely because of hunting. audrey wang and simon nguyenw ARTISTS

6

panorama

Meet the new faces in the halls

FEATURES

Sarah Semmel

Pizza

What activities did you do in high school?

Newspaper, soccer, Student Council, Link Crew and National Honor Society

How would you describe yourself?

Creative and relatively sarcastic

lily HAUPTMAN features editor

What classes do you teach?

Chemistry and Advanced Chemistry

Literature and Composition, Journalism I, Newspaper and Yearbook

Favorite food?

Ten new staff members were introduced to the Ladue community this year. Read to learn more about them.

Tim Schuessler

What classes do you teach?

Lyndah Rater

Allen Weltig

How would you describe yourself?

Outgoing, nice and dedicated

Favorite food?

Ice cream

Favorite colors?

Red and blue

Favorite class from high school?

Definitely chemistry

Christine Warner

What class do you teach?

What is your job?

Library assistant

Oceanography

How would you describe yourself?

Why are you excited to teach at Ladue?

Favorite part of your job?

Favorite class from high school?

I like them all. There is no such thing as an ugly color; there are just weird color combinations.

Favorite book?

What activities did you do in high school?

“All the Light We Cannot See”

Band, choir and theater

Favorite food?

Favorite food?

Favorite color?

What classes do you teach?

Photo I, Photo II and Painting I

What activities did you do in high school?

Involved, energetic and helpful

Soccer, volleyball, National Honor Society, Speech and Debate and other community service

Interacting with students

Favorite colors?

Anything barbeque

Indian food

double takes senior Allie Schneider

Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez

sophomore Evan Mutic

The kids

Musical theater

Purple

We scoured the halls in search of Ladue’s best look-alikes... here’s what we found.

“The Maze Runner” actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster

junior Natalia Ritter

“The Real Housewives of Orange County” star Jo De La Rosa

www.biography.com, www.zimbio.com, myinforms.com

panorama

FEATURES

Casie Sambo

April Dalton

Elise Griese

What classes do you teach?

7

French I and French III

Favorite color?

Orange

What activities did you do in high school?

I was a part of a group called Mariners. We did a lot of water sports.

What are you excited for this year?

Just being able to teach every day at Ladue is really exciting and being able to speak French every day.

What classes do you teach?

What classes do you teach this semester?

Teacher spotlight:

Creative Cooking, International Foods and Housing and Interior Design

Mr. Hill

Favorite food?

Favorite colors?

Lily Hauptman: What is a fun fact about you?

Algebra II, Topics in Algebra and Applied Technical Mathematics

Pizza

Green and orange

What are you excited for this year?

How would you describe yourself?

To learn and master new things like Google Classroom

Spunky, space-case, kind and usually pretty goofy

Favorite television shows?

“Gilmore Girls,” “Parenthood,” “iZombie” and “Once Upon a Time”

Favorite food?

Chris Geisz

I’m a vegetarian, but I love brisket. As far as veggie stuff, I like tabbouleh.

What classes do you teach?

Marketing and Business Management Favorite class from high school?

Contemporary Issues Favorite television shows?

“Modern Family,” “Breaking Bad,”“Bloodline” and “Narcos”

Mike Hill: Some students know, but they’re very surprised, that I was a cheerleader at the University of Missouri. That was many, many years ago.

LH: When and how did you know you wanted to teach social studies?

Photo by Lily Hauptman

MH: As I was transitioning from the Pillsbury company and the job at the Ladue [Administration] Center in accounting and insurance, I sat in on one of Dr. Good’s classes. He became my mentor and he continues to be my mentor. I just thought, “If that’s what teaching is supposed to look like, that’s what I want to do.” It’s all Dr. Good.

@humansofladue Everyone in this school has a story to tell.

Follow us on Instagram to see more.

Favorite food?

It depends on the day. I like pizza but I also like breakfast food a lot. I could have breakfast food all of the time.

Favorite colors?

Blue and white

What classes do you teach?

Anatomy and Physiology, Advanced Anatomy and Physiology and Biology

Molly Mannix

How would you describe yourself?

Happy, outgoing, energetic and I think that I’m funny Favorite class from high school?

Constitutional Law and Anatomy and Physiology Favorite color?

Purple

Favorite food?

Buffalo wings

“I kind of like school, honestly. It’s kind of relaxed and social. I really like the community. It’s a really good place to talk to people and get to know people. I really like my teachers. I always feared the stereotype of the upperclassmen being rude, but they’ve actually been really welcoming.”

8

panorama

ION T CAU

ION T U IN-DEPTH CA

headline under construction until Looking deeper into various TION katie BRY

in-depth editor

N CAUTIO CONSTRUCTION COMMOTION w

g)

hen

ION T U CA

CAU

ON I T CAUeffects

N

o one would have expected that a library, balcony and gym would host classes, yet here in Ladue it has become common(All ION place.

While Ladue undergoes a complete renovation, many parts T U of the school feel the effects of the ongoing construction. Because of the CA constant possibility that things will change at any given moment, students and teachers ION should keep an open mind and be flexible.

T It is a pretty good opportunity for us to not only redefine our instructional space for CAU the next 50 years, but also to be a part of that change that happens with us when we walk into this new place,” Principal Brad Griffith said.

Z nnie

yA art b

“

As broken pieces of building are transported with a bulldozer, the construction site remains active during the school day.

Science teacher Richard Witt teaches in a classroom adjacent to the site and comments on how it affects his class. “A couple of days when they were knocking the building down [there was] a ton of noise. I had to yell to be heard in class, and I actually had to move across the hallway to an empty classroom,” Witt said. “Most of the time the students seem well focused even with all of the distractions of the motion. It is only when the noise gets bad that it is distracting.”

(Photo by Sophia Garland)

actively adapting activities

W

ithout as many available spaces, athletics and activities have been hindered. Activities Director Sweeney La Barge comments on the effect that it has caused on sports.

“The biggest thing is that if it rains, we are going to have a hard time finding a place for everyone,” La Barge said.

To combat the field space issue, a versatile turf practice field was built at the West Campus. It was lined for multiple different sports: girls and boys soccer and lacrosse, girls field hockey and football.

“We [knew] that we would have to build a practice turf field because we would not have field space,” La Barge said. “And so the idea is that we put a turf field in and, if it does rain, then I don’t have to worry about where field hockey goes. Field hockey at least gets half of a turf field.”

The field will be primarily used as a practice field. Games will also be played there without bleachers or a press box, according to La Barge.

“As far as activities, they haven’t really been hit as much, but we haven’t really figured out where everyone will find places to work,” La Barge said. “The biggest thing

the students are going to have to keep in mind is to be flexible because anything could change in a moment’s notice.”

For instance, the theater program had originally planned to adapt the stage space in order to accommodate the band and percussion students during their practices. Senior and vice president of the International Thespian Society Jared Israel explained what this meant for the program.

“We were going to be able to only use the front part of the stage in front of the main curtain for the fall show,” Israel said, “and the musical was going to be a travelling show to a different school.”

The band was originally going to move onto the stage because they planned to create an electrical room in the band room, according to Principal Brad Griffith. When these plans changed, it allowed the theater program to use the entire stage for productions. Because of this, they had to create new plans for the set.

“We were really excited. It was not like it was a bad thing that we had to redesign the floor plan. It was like, ‘Yes we get the stage for this year!’” Israel said. “And for the musical we will actually be able to use

the pit and everything at the high school, so it will be a normal show.”

One activity that was affected by the loss of their instructional space was Club Mudd and the ceramics department. Junior Emily Lesorogol took her first sculpture class last year at Ladue, and she was excited to continue developing her skills this year. She was disappointed when she found out that the space, and thus the program, would be lost this year.

“I think it was one of the strongest things in our art program,” Lesorogol said.

“We had an amazing room, and it is unfortunate for a few years nobody will be able to have this room to gain experience.”

Although the construction currently causes issues, the benefits will be reaped by future students and the school’s attitude as a whole. La Barge believes that having a renovated school will increase the pride that people feel toward Ladue.

“Pride is one thing that we have always had internally, but we don’t show it externally very well,” La Barge said. “People walk into our building and are surprised because it is a 55-year-old building that was built in pieces, and we love the place.” h

on the schoo

renovatin

A

fter losing 60 percent of the instructional space in the building, Ladue has transformed multiple spaces into new classrooms.

“The most interesting part is that the high school administrative team all met, and we walked around the building and went to spaces and said, ‘That could be three rooms; that could be five rooms,’” Principal Brad Griffith said. “[It] was neat to be a part of doing something that you are completely making up.”

Biology teacher Ellen Summa teaches in the trailers. She enjoys having a new, clean classroom.

“I like being in the CAUTION trailer because we had Students in Work to reorganize everything which got rid of all of the clutter,” Summa said.

“The issues are very small because it is a brand new room and very clean.”

English teacher Janet Duckham also appreciates the opportunity moving has given her to clean out her classroom. “[In] the process of moving I was able to get rid of a lot of junk, and that

Taking on

L

adue’s parking lots have undergone major changes in order to accommodate the construction site on the south side of the building.

This includes adding spots and moving all students to the north lot while keeping all staff and visitors to the south.

“We knew we were going to have a lot of construction in the south lot, and we did not want students parking with big construction trucks going in and out with equipment,” Assistant Principal Elizabeth Grana said.

While placing all student parking spots in the north lot protects students from construction-related danger, the crowding has created new perils.

Student Sally Parker* was involved in a minor car accident in the second week of school. The student who parks beside her ran into her car after she had parked it for the school day.

“When I started parking, I noticed the parking spots were really small, and I was worried that it would make it difficult this year to park,” Parker said. “And the next day my car was hit.”

Although changes in the parking lot have increased traffic, the fact that students are young, inexperienced drivers

9

panorama

IN-DEPTH

l further notice Meet the faces ol caused by construction

What are the building construction workers thinking?

ng with some class

was very liberating,” Duckham said.

Duckham moved from the her room in the former 150s hallway to a transformed classroom in the dance studio.

She likes her new, brighter classroom but has difficulty finding places to plan.

“Teachers do not have department offices this year, [which] makes planning a challenge,” Duckham said. “When I share my classroom in [planning] t blocks, it can be hard to find a quiet place to work on my prep.”

Although teachers do not have deg partment offices, Griffith explained that they made a conscious effort to group academic departments together.

N “In the final design we attempted to k group teachers by department so that they could share materials,” Griffith said. “Because we had so many English teachers in that back part of the building, and because we had so much space in the library, we planned to focus the library on English.”

Health teacher Keith Harder teaches in a West Balcony adapted classroom.

He has found a problem with the shape of his classroom.

“I don’t like that the room is too long and narrow,” Harder said. “And where

the TV is situated, it is impossible for students to see; a third of the students cannot even see the television because it is too low.”

Harder likes having a real carpeted classroom compared to the dance studio he taught in last year. However, he finds some issues with his room.

“I do have concerns if we have a hot day; I don’t think it is very cool,” Harder said. “It has air conditioning but I think that the air conditioning is designed initially for the whole gym.”

He added that he does not think they have turned up the air conditioning to adapt to the added classrooms. Unlike Harder, Summa has a way to ensure that a hot day does not affect her classroom’s temperature in the trailer.

“One thing I do like is that we have our own thermostats,” Summa said. “We can actually control our own climate.”

In general, Summa observed that the transition into new classrooms has gone well, so far.

“One of the things the teachers were really worried about was that we didn’t know what to expect,” Summa said. “It has gone smoother than I thought it was going to be.” h

e

d

Jake Murphy: Home

KB: What is your favorite food?

Pete Stapleton: Hot dogs

KB: What was your favorite subject in high school?

David Zeis: General shopthat’s what got me into construction.

(Photos by Katie Bry )

n a brand new lot

n

Katie Bry: If you could be anywhere right now where would you be?

also raises chances of an accident occurring. The age group at the highest risk of a motor vehicle accident is people aged 16 to 19 years old, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We have had a few fender benders,” Grana said. “They are partly due to young drivers and students who are not paying as much attention.”

She added that minor accidents such as these occur every year. However, now, students better understand how to navigate the new lot, Grana pointed out.

“We are going to get better with [navigating] as the year goes on,” Grana said. “Students are going to adjust to this, and we have noticed that students have been able to get off the lot faster and faster every single day that has gone by.”

Even so, students have noticed a lack of awareness among young drivers. For example, Parker often sees negligent driving in the lot.

“Because the construction has affected the parking lot, students are driving more carelessly, since they rush to get out of the lot at the same time,” Parker said.

The administration has taken notice of students’ driving behavior. They are developing new procedures in order to protect students.

“We are going to implement speed bumps, which should be coming very soon, to keep the traffic at a slower pace so that people can be cautious and aware of their surroundings,” Grana said.

The changes to the parking lot affect students’ ability to safely drive in and out of the lot, but Grana also explained that one of the challenges for students and teachers is getting used to parking in new locations of the school. Biology teacher Ellen Summa walks from the south lot to her classroom in the trailer.

“One issue I’ve had is walking all the way from the south lot to [the trailer],” Summa said. “I got a rolling suitcase so I didn’t have to carry all my stuff.”

Grana is proud of the students’ and teachers’ ability to take on the challenge of the parking lot.

“One thing I would like our students and staff to know is how grateful I am when I think about navigating over 500 parking spots,” Grana said. “I know that takes being flexible and learning a new system.” h

*name changed to protect student’s identity

on the clock The classroom commute: How long does it take to get from...

Black Box 1

Trailor 4B

5 min 19 seconds West Balcony 1

Room 131

4 min 17 seconds West Balcony 5

Room 225

3 min 30 seconds Room 230A

Room 117B

2 min 30 seconds

10

panorama

ADS

ADS

panorama

LADUE SENIORYearbook ADS ARE ON SALE NOW

2017

OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE Full page ad for $250 Half page ad for $150 Quarter page ad for $80 Eighth page ad for $50

LATE ORDERS SUBJECT TO $50 FEE FINAL DAY TO PURCHASE IS DEC. 2 For questions and ordering information, email Sarah Semmel at ssemmel@ladueschools.net Yearbook ads/books can be purchased online at yearbookordercenter.com, school number 8041

DEADLINE: OCT. 27

Dear Meredith, We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments! You have grown into such a beautiful person, both inside and out.

Good luck at Mizzou and remember to call us!

Love, Mom, Dad, Kacie, and Boots

11

2017

YEAR BOOK don’t forget to order your

Online at yearbookordercenter.com, enter in Ladue’s school code 8041 Or bring $58 cash/check to room 216

prices increase Oct. 22

12

panorama SPORTS Top-class finishes– hardly diminished

Senior Sit Down Ladue boys’ soccer team shares the keys to its transformation to one of the best in the nation Each month, Panorama sits down with a senior athlete.

This month’s featured player is field hockey player Neely Lochmoeller.

glen MORGENSTERN

A

sports editor

fter waiting for substitutions to come in, the University City player scans the pitch for an open black jersey on the throw-in.

Biceps: Barbell Curls

How To: Start with legs a little more than shoulder width apart.

Angle toes out. Rest the bar on the base of the neck. Squat down to your own comfortable limit, keeping the back straight and push up.

4x10 Reps

How To: Start with feet shoulder width apart. Curl barbell up, but do it slowly so that your body stays in control of itself. If you find yourself using momentum to curl, do more reps with a lighter weight.

2x20 Reps

Step 2:

5x8 Reps

Step 2:

3x15 Reps

Abs and Core: Russian Twists

Step 1:

Quads and Hamstrings: Barbell Squats

Step 1:

Shoulders and upper back: Shoulder Press

How To: Start with legs shoulder width apart. Hold dumbbells in each hand with elbows at a 90º angle. Push up, making your arms straight but not locked. Dumbbells should not touch.

(Photos by Lulu Nix)

“We got off to a really good start in some pretty prestigious tournaments,” senior, goalkeeper and captain Teddy Vincent said.

“We beat Quincy, who was ranked 16th in the country, and that caught everyone’s attention.

We also beat the two-time defending state champions [Webster Groves]. We caught on early, and we continued winning.”

key force in this year’s domination is the team’s depth.

“We have a ton of talent up and down the lineup, more than any team I’ve seen in Ladue history,” Aronberg said. “There are no egos. There is no bickering about who’s taking shots or starting. The way they work together is pretty special.”

The team has been incredible in the regular season, but that doesn’t matter if the team can’t pull through in the postseason, where Ladue has often failed.

Senior players have experienced this letdown firsthand.

“The last three years, we couldn’t make it to state,” Vincent said. “This year, we want to break past that.”

Nevertheless, with a hot team, confidence is high heading into the postsesason– and that’s when mistakes are bound to happen.

Aronberg continues to underscore the importance of staying focused and determined for the rest of the year.

“We need to stay grounded and stay hungry,” Aronberg said. “That’s been our hashtag throughout the year: stay hungry.

Our road [to state] is not easy, and the players know we might not make it to state if we don’t play well, but that’s the goal.”h

Simple Stuff To Look Buff

Step 2:

GM: Do you have any pre-game rituals?

NL: I usually put on my cleats first, left then right, then the shinguards. It’s really weird, but that’s my one little ritual.

ing a Clayton player, senior Will Cytron just edges out to gain possession of the loose ball.

(Photo by Carolina Alisio)

Step 1:

GM: What was your favorite Ladue field hockey experience?

NL: My favorite field hockey experience is when we beat Lafayette last year at the state tournament. We lost to them in the regular season, but we played them in the postseason and we beat them 6-2. It was really fun.

Teams this good are scarce, and people know it. Coach Dave Aronberg acknowledged how special this year’s team is.

“We’re really in uncharted territory,” Aronberg said. “We’ve never been ranked first in the metro area. Right now, we’re ahead of CBC and SLUH, who are soccer powerhouses. In Ladue history, we’ve never been nationally ranked before now.”

Part of the team’s meteoric rise is due to the integrity of the players themselves, but another factor in their success has been the team spirit. Coach Aronberg emphasizes a balance between the two.

“We talk about character a lot,” Coach Aronberg said. “If they’re good kids on and off the field, the rest takes care of itself.

We also emphasize fun. There aren’t many teams that out-fun us.”

The element of fun has led to an incredible team camaraderie.

The bond between players is easily visible on the pitch.

“We’re a smaller team, but we play very well together,” Small said. “We have good team chemistry. Everyone just likes to play together.”

That sense for passing runs throughout the entire squad. A

JUMP BALL w Approach-

Step 2:

GM: Who is your role model in sports, and why?

NL: My role model in high school was Riley Kniptash.

She was a great varsity field hockey player. She taught me a lot. She plays at Iowa now, so she inspired me to want to play in college.

Step 1:

Glen Morgenstern: When did you start getting interested in field hockey?

Neely Lochmoeller: My mom put me in a ton of sports as a kid. You know how parents put you in CYC leagues... and field hockey really stood out to me as being my favorite.

Seeing a forward in the box, he heaves the ball in his direction, only to have a blueshirted Ladue defender step in to intercept it. A short pass and a long through ball later, the ball is in the back of the Universtiy City net. The goalkeeper sighs and looks up at the scoreboard, but quickly turns his head away again. The score: Ladue is up 8–0 over University City. The keeper only has to wait 30 more seconds to have the ball whizz past him again, this time just inside the near post.

Overall, it was a dominating performance by the Ladue soccer team, or rather, the bench players on the varsity team. After scoring in the first 12 seconds, the starters were subbed out a few minutes after and were only subbed in toward the end of the game.

Though such a beat down is a rarity, Ladue soccer has undoubtedly been on a roll this season– a

game like this is an opportunity to relax.

“It gives the team some rest, especially when we play a team like that,” senior, defender and captain Max Small said.

With a record of 22-1, the Ladue soccer team is not only one of the top teams in Missouri, but was also ranked the 12th best team in the country.

How To: Start seated, creating a V with your back and legs. Cross your legs and twist weight from side to side. Tap the weight on the ground for each rep, but do not let the weight rest on the ground.

(Photos by Sam Shevitz)

Brothers– and sister– in arms Ladue football lineman breaks mainstream as she emerges to earn game time for JV Rams joel HSIEH sports writer

T

he American tradition of friday night lights has shone down on young football players for decades, but this year, the usual players are joined by a different face.

Sophomore Morgan Burke plays JV football and is the only girl in the Ladue football program.

“Last year I played volleyball, but this year I wanted to try something new,” Burke said.

“I went to the football practices during summer and I enjoyed it, so I continued on this year.”

After six weeks of summer weightlifting and a week of football camp, Burke was poised to join Ladue football. A female joining a typically male-only sport is rare to begin with, but the fact that she is playing one as physical and brutal as football is even more unique.

“Some kids, when I first walked in, were like, ‘A girl can’t play football,’ but I think once I started going to all the practices and showing I was determined enough to do it, then they started to respect me, and my place on the team,” Burke said.

13

panorama

SPORTS

Now, she plays defensive learning faster than half of the are angry or whatever, and that’s tackle, linebacker or guard on guys on the team.” nice,” Burke said. the offensive line, depending on Each season, senior football Bush taught Burke to be what position Coach Doug Small players assist and mentor the confident in her abilities and to feels is most necessary for her to younger athletes to help improve have faith in her actions. Burke play at the moment. both their skills on the field and embraces this philosophy.

“She’s doing really “It’s okay to go out well. She’s not afraid to of your comfort zone hit someone, and she’s and be different because been playing a lot of JV if I wouldn’t have done games,” Small said. “She football this year, then tells the boys how it is, I wouldn’t have had the and it’s awesome. She’s opportunity to meet all not afraid to tell someone of these new people and they’re doing something have the opportunity to wrong.” experience something so Although football different than I’m used is traditionally a boys’ to,” Burke said. sport, team chemistry is Football is certainly not much of an issue. an enlightening experi“I guess [the team dyence for Burke. The namic] is all the same,” difference between her Burke acknowledged. “A previous and current athfew kids are still kind of letics makes this football SQUARING OFF w Battling the offenweirded out by it, but you sive lineman, sophomore Morgan Burke rushes season more rewarding. can’t really do anything “I think [coed sports] the Fort Zumwalt North quarterback. This is about that.” are pretty cool. When Burke’s first season playing in a Ladue football Even so, the majority I played volleyball, we uniform. (Photo by Michael Burke) of players are encouragwere more like best ing to Burke. They see her as their character off of it. Burke friends rather than just teamanother solid contributor to the felt the system was very effective mates, but with this, it’s more Ladue JV football squad. for her. like they’re my teammates on the “It’s been perfectly fine; she’s “Zach Bush is my mentor, and field and my brothers,” Burke fitting in. It’s really nothing being my mentor, he has really said. “You really get a connecdifferent,” junior and JV player helped me a lot, and he keeps tion with the people, and it’s fun Kelechi Achilefu said. “She’s me company when the other kids to have other guy friends too.”h

Noteworthy Number

10

The number of years since the Ladue Field Hockey team has won the Gateway Classic Tournament. The Rams went 3-0 with their championship this year, defeating Ursuline Academy and Lakes Community High School from Lake Villa, Illinois and Holland Hall from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“I’m very proud of the team and I was also really excited because our old coach, Barb Dwyer, was there,” senior Neely Lochmoeller said. “When we play big private schools, we’re usually the underdog and it’s just really exciting to win. I’m just really hopeful to see what the rest of the season holds.”

Mark Your Calendar

Boys Cross Country •10/1 Jefferson City Oak Hills Golf Center •10/8 St. Charles, MO McNair Park

Girls Cross Country •9/17 Maryville University @Six Flags •10/8 Suburban Conference Meet @Forest Park •10/15 Borgia Invitational @Borgia

Football

•9/17 Vashon; 1 pm @SLUH •9/23 Parkway West 7 pm @SLUH •10/1 Clayton 7 pm @SLUH

Boys Soccer •9/21 Fort Zumwalt North 6:45 pm @Fort Zumwalt North •9/27 University City 4:15 pm @U City •9/30 Pkwy. North 7:30 pm @Pkwy.

North

Field Hockey •9/21 Ursuline Academy 4 pm @Ursuline •9/26 Whitfield 4:15 pm @Ladue Middle School •9/28 Kirkwood 4:15 pm @Ladue Middle School

Girls Tennis •Varsity: 9/14 Webster Groves 4 pm @Ladue Middle School •JV: 9/16 U City 4 pm @Heman Park •JV: 9/19 Lindbergh 4 pm @Ladue Middle School

Volleyball

•9/15 Parkway Central 5:30 pm @Ladue •9/21 Mehlville 5:30 pm @Mehlville •9/29 Clayton 5:30 pm @Clayton

Softball •9/15 Parkway Central 4:15 pm @Ladue •9/22 Incarnate Word 4:15 pm @Incarnate Word •9/26 Clayton 4:15 pm @Clayton

Swimming & Diving

•9/20 Parkway Central 4:15 pm @Parkway Central •9/27 University City 4:15 pm @Ladue •9/29 Clayton 4:15 pm @Ladue

Girls Golf

•9/15 Kirkwood/ Ritenour @ Crescent Farms 3:30 •9/19 Parkway West/ Clayton @Ballwin 3:3o

Photos by Michael Burke

14

The meme-ing of life

panorama

OPINIONS

Staff Editorial iPad changes are beneficial for students

I

sophia LI

news editor

n a room of modern teenagers, there are two types of people: those who love memes, and those who are lying. Whether you’re a lean, green meme-ing machine or just an average Internet user, you’ve most likely seen one. The sarcastic pictorial mockeries have found a foothold in the phones and minds of teens across the globe.

To cater to a large audience, no two memes are alike. Some are wholesome, like the one featuring Shia Labeouf smiling tearfully, with an overhead caption about listening to “bae” talk about her day.

Others make fun of current events: in response to Melania Trump’s plagiarized speech at the Republican National Convention, Internet users created a meme of Michelle Obama and Trump’s faces photoshopped onto the bodies of students, with Trump leaning over her desk to look at Obama’s writing.

While those memes are playful and lighthearted, the remaining memes fall into a category that makes me question whether I’m laughing with someone or laughing at them. The worst of these “dank” memes make fun of sensitive topics like death. A perfect example is the recent rise of the Harambe meme. A zookeeper fatally shot the gorilla after a child fell into a Cincinnati Zoo exhibit.

Four months after the animal’s death May 31, Internet users have continued to turn his story into a joke, using the memes as a way to get more views and followers. The attention on Harambe hasn’t been focused on serious issues like the need to update zoo exhibit safety regulations or accident protocols. Instead, people have created elaborate conspiracy theories regarding his passing and memes with primitive Spongebobs photoshopped into the exhibit with the caption, “When you fall into the gorilla exhibit.” In times when there are protests about fatalities resulting from police interactions, why are we laughing at the demise of a life that could have been spared? Isn’t it hypocritical of us to protest death and yet laugh at it online?

Yes, these pictures might make you snort or grin– after all, that’s what they were created to do– but don’t tell me there isn’t a part of your conscience that feels a little guilty, because part of the addiction of such memes is the “Wow-I-can’tbelieve-they-went-there” factor. But what does that say about young people today? In a society where voter turnout is incredibly low for youths, yet thousands of political memes exist, it’s evident that young people don’t take real issues seriously and instead choose to make everything into a joke. But just because we refuse to address the underlying issues doesn’t mean they will simply go away.

With the omnipresence of memes in pop culture, they pose a problem for young children who will adopt the modern teenager’s carefree, careless attitude. If we, the future generation, don’t care, who will? The question scares me a little, like how the night used to frighten me as a child. The way pop culture is souring now, young children shouldn’t be afraid of the darkness, but of the dankness. h audrey wang w ART EDITOR

After a long summer break that seemed all too short, we’ve begrudgingly surrendered ourselves to another year of learning, along with all that it entails. We began the year by adjusting to new classes, new teachers and of course, new accommodations for the construction. Yet, we felt there would be at least one constant in a sea of changes: the return of the iPads. We expected to receive them with our favorite photos, apps and videos still safely stored inside, so it came as a great disappointment to find that our iPads had not only been wiped of all data, but that the App Store had been blocked as well. Suffice to say, we hit the panic button.

But was it right of us to do so? jack glon ARTIST Though students may not like the restrictions, their reality hasn’t been too problematic. For instance, while all non-essential applications were indeed removed from the iPads, they haven’t been permanently deleted from a student’s iCloud account. Yes, it is true that certain games cannot be downloaded onto phones or other devices due to their iPad-specific features. But for the majority of apps, once purchased, they may easily be downloaded onto other electronic devices without any additional cost.

Furthermore, many students found the removal of the App Store to be frustrating. However, the technology staff has been attentive toward the needs of both students and teachers, working hard to update the App Portal with any apps one might need to succed. In fact, the Portal now w

gives students access to beloved apps such as Bookshelf, Google Translate and Quizlet. In the coming months, additional apps may be made available, as long as they serve an academic purpose.

In reality, the logic behind the iPads’ restrictions is sound. The technology was initially introduced to increase student engagement in and out of the classroom, according to Ladue’s Limitless Learning website, yet it can be difficult to meet these objectives when students treat the iPads as toys rather than tools.

But this trend of using the iPads improperly isn’t unique to Ladue students. In one 2013 nationwide study, nearly one-third of students admitted to playing games during school hours, according to theglobeandmail.com. Indeed, when teens are given unrestricted access to iPads, they often lack the self-discipline to use them appropriately while in school, according to change.org. Because of this, students may feel tempted to play a game instead of listening to a lecture. By wiping the iPads and removing the App Store, the administration has found an effective way to ensure that students use the iPads in a way that benefits and furthers their education. And isn’t that a good thing?

While it may seem easy to complain about the restrictions, we can’t forget to examine the road that led us there. Although the school ultimately decided to enforce the changes, it was our actions as students that led to this issue. So before we all panic, let’s just remember that we are here to learn above all else. And thanks to the new restrictions, it will be much easier to stay on track. h

Why shouldn’t stars teach?

Think about how when someone in school asks the question, “When are we going to use this in real life?” mackenzie HINES-WILSON Well, with regard to Stanford’s media-branding course, opinions writer Banks is the “real life.” Although many professors have devoted countless hours of study to learning the ins and elebrities are known for their abilities to pose on outs of a course, they cannot fully understand and explain the red carpet or perform a scene effortlessly in what they are instructing unless they have gone through a movie, but can they be as skilled at standing at the journey themselves. the head of a class? It’s obvious that many stars lack the Of course, this doesn’t mean that celebrities should go necessary qualifications, such as a college degree. Yet for teach a calculus class if they’re not qualified to teach some, the life experiences they’ve had enable them the information. However, in their own fields of to teach certain subjects with a unique perspective expertise, celebrities bring new opportunities that can enrich a student’s education. and outlooks to the course and its material. For For example, Tyra Banks, supermodel and example, “127 Hours” actor James Franco is executive producer and host of the popular also a noteworthy filmmaker. He directed films TV show “America’s Next Top Model,” is like “Saturday Night” and received a degree in stepping away from the catwalk and into English from Columbia University. Franco’s the classrooms of Stanford University to accomplishments as a successful filmmaker, as lecture and co-teach the course “Project You: well as his background in English, afforded him Building and Extending your Personal Brand.” the opportunity to teach a fall semester course The two-week class is meant to teach students on modifying poetry into short films to graduate how to use media in order to market themselves, students at New York University. Franco also according to Today.com. Even though Banks does annie zheng ART EDITOR taught an eight-part film class at a California high not have a doctoral degree in the field in which she school, giving students the opportunity to create a film teaches, she is, without a doubt, a mogul. and show it at major film festivals in California. Without Bankable Productions, an independent film and TV Franco, these high school students would never have company Banks founded in 2007, produced films like been given this rare and valuable experience.

“The Clique.” Banks is involved in the business aspect Banks and Franco, although seemingly disconnected of her company, giving her the credibility to teach about from “average” people, can actually take the material it. She is not just a model who gets glammed up for her presented to students in books and PowerPoint presentaclose-up; rather, she has created a name for herself outtions and apply it to the real world. Celebrities are able to side of the modeling world through her successful busiprovide students with examples from their own lives and ness ventures. And the knowledge she has gained from give them advice that they can carry with them beyond her experiences can help students learn about the real-life the classroom and throughout the rest of their lives. h applications for their school work.

C

w

15

panorama

OPINIONS

Should school start times change? Polls of the People Students should come to school later YES grace KIM

opinions writer

E

at, sleep, wake, repeat. That’s the daily cycle driving us through our lives. But what happens when one part gets left out? It’s no question that overeating can lead to health problems like high-blood pressure. Naturally, it follows that lack of sleep can also negatively affect us. Teenagers are the main victims of sleep deprivation because of the demanding schedule imposed by high school curricula. To combat this unhealthy sleep routine, high schools should change their schedules to start later in the day.

To begin with, the current start and end times at Ladue do not allow students to function to the best of their ability. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adolescents require at least 8 1/2 hours of sleep each night.

Additionally, many teenagers’ demanding after-school activities, school work, jobs and family priorities create a tendency to work late and sleep late, leading to an average of only seven hours of sleep per night, according to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This lack of sleep can lead to irritability, depression, health issues and drowsy-driving, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Additionally, lack of sleep leads to trouble paying attention and retaining information, which can negatively impact a student’s academics. Schools are meant to help teenagers learn in the most efficient way possible, yet this schedule hinders their education.

In addition, the current school schedule clashes with the natural sleep schedule of high school students.

According to the NSF, adolescents’ natural clock and production of melatonin– the hormone that signals sleepiness– make it so that they tend to sleep and wake up later, usually around 11 p.m. and 8 a.m., respectively. The interruption of this biological sleep cycle can accumulate to sleep deprivation in many who wake up early for school.

According to the NHLBI, several consecutive nights of just one hour of sleep loss diminishes one’s abilities as if he hasn’t slept at all for a day or two. For many students who work late into the night and rise early to get to school, this condition is dangerously relatable. Additionally, the change between the weekend sleep cycle and the weekday sleep schedule during the week causes irregular sleep patterns that have their own detriments.

Moreover, if the school times were pushed back, students would show better performance. According to the NSF, students show more alertness later in the day.

If high schools started after 8 a.m., students would have the potential to focus more and better absorb the lessons taught during the day. Starting at a later time would be more agreeable with teenagers’ natural sleep and wake patterns and would better simulate the schedule of the adult work day.

Finally, sleep helps to maintain good health. According to the NHLBI, sleep is involved in healing heart and blood vessels. Ongoing sleep deficiency can lead to a higher risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke. Healthy growth and development are crucial to young people’s present and future. By simply shifting the school start to a later time, students could truly live a more balanced cycle of “eat, sleep, wake, repeat.” h

The start time should remain the same NO isabella FU

editor-in-chief

W

e all know the dread of waking up at 6:30 a.m. to the sound of an alarm clock on Monday morning. Why can’t school just start later? Indeed, this has been a popular, yet controversial, question in education for the last decade. Critics of early school start times cite sleep deprivation as the primary motivator for their argument, yet they fail to recognize that an extra hour of sleep would cost students in many other ways.

One of the biggest concerns about delaying school start times is parents’ work schedules. When school starts at 7:30 a.m., most parents can see their kids in the morning, allowing them to pack lunches, drive kids to school and get to work on time. According to the Evansville Courier & Press, this is mainly a problem for young children, who often need parental supervision when getting ready for school and waiting for the bus in the morning. Later start times may cause parents to miss out on such crucial morning interactions with their children, which might not be in the best interest of the growth and development of younger students.

Another big issue for schools is the cost of transportation. Many school districts such as Ladue use the same buses to drive elementary, middle and high school students, so they choose to stagger the start times of different campuses in order to accommodate the bus schedules. This staggering pattern may allow schools to save up to 30 percent on transportation costs by minimiz-

ing the number of buses and drivers needed to run the routes, according to a study cited on classroom.synonym. com. Lubbock Independent School District in Texas, for example, saved more than 1 million dollars in 2001 by making their high school start times earlier and staggering their bus schedules. Not only does this method save money, but it also prevents buses from traveling during rush hours, which implies shorter bus rides for students and less time sitting in traffic.

The final, and perhaps most important, concern of starting school later is extracurricular activities, according to a 2002 study by the University of Minnesota. By starting earlier, schools can release students earlier as well. This benefits students who commit to extracurricular activities that meet for several hours after school.

Many sports require athletes to practice outdoors for more than two hours every day. Earlier school ending times allow athletes to practice for an adequate amount of time outside when the sun is still out. Furthermore, students who need to walk home from such activities can take advantage of the extra daylight, for their safety. If school started and ended later, it would be difficult for students to participate in extracurriculars and still have enough time to study, complete homework, participate in social activities and volunteer or work, all of which are essential components to a well-balanced student schedule.

Ultimately, sleep is necessary for student success, but an extra hour of it in the morning may cause students to miss out on other vital aspects of their lives. Just remember that the next time you wake up at 6:30 a.m. to the sound of your alarm clock. h

What is the biggest way construction has impacted your life?

Read more about construction on pgs. 8-9

Other 5%

Navigation within the school 38%

Classroom layout 24%

Space for athletics or activities 11% Parking 22%

What is your favorite theme for sports games?

See more about football on pgs. 8-9

45% 0.4 40

0.3 30

24%

0.2 20

15% 0.1 10

0 0.0

11% 5% Black Out White Out Camo Neon America

What do you think the schedule of the school day should be?

41% of students said 8:00-3:00 34% of students said 7:30-2:30 14% of students said 9:00-4:00 6% of students said 8:30-3:30 5%

of students said other (Survey based on 337 people sampled)

16

panorama

Home away from All varsity home football games will be at SLUH because of construction

1

PHOTO

michael BURKE photo editor

home

2 3

4

6

5

7

1. Sophomore Joey Weisbard, freshman Louis Ritter and sophomores Tyrone McNichols and Brian Brown play their instruments at the Ladue vs. SLUH football game Aug. 26.

Because of construction this year, SLUH’s field is Ladue’s home field, meaning plenty of Friday night lights for Ladue students.

2. Senior Nate DeGraw, junior Zach Bush and sophomore Lincoln Grench run onto the field during the first quarter. 3. Supported by their fellow cheerleaders, senior Olivia Helmer and junior Emma Zoellner root for the Rams. 4. Amidst the rollercoaster cheer, Ladue students throw their hands up in the air. “I love the energy that all the students have cheering on our football team.

It really brings our school closer together,” junior Jake Gerardi said. 5. Offensive linemen defend against SLUH football players.

The final score of 35-7 was a loss for Ladue, but the Rams quickly redeemed themselves the following week against Webster, winning 28-20 Sept. 2. 6. Junior Olivia Smith, freshman Kate Huber, senior Wendi Medler and senior Naomi Edwards work their magic on the field during their halftime performance. “Laduettes practice for hours and hours for our dances. When we perform, we know that our hard work has paid off,” Medler said. 7. Ladue football players attentively watch their teammates.