LHS Newspaper August Edition

Volume 88, Issue 1

Liberty High School

IN THIS ISSUE: News: Advisory program will meet lots of different student needs for years to come.

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Dr. April Adams and Student Council President Joey Wheelhouse offer insights for the new year.

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Fear no more! The bell schedule is now at your fingertips.

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Opinion: Late Start Tuesdays bring another change. No more sleeping in on Mondays!

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Opinion: New Editor-inChief Ashley McGee weighs in on beginning the year with a new label.

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Feature: Sophomores get a heads up on how to handle the new year from seniors.

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Get involved! See a complete club list to consider the small groups that match your interests and talents.

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August 19, 2011

THE BELL

NEWS: The cafeteria gets a major makeover with new seating and colors.

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ON THE COVER Juniors Spencer Hurla, Hays Hall and Tim Hannah enjoy the plush cushions of the new cafeteria booths along with seniors Drew Dempsey and Kyle Rutliff. These are among the plethora of new renovations and accomodations coming to the school this year. photo by MacKenzie Sackett

THE BELL STAFF Editor In Chief Ashley McGee News Editor Annie Ruckman Features Editor Chris Mohr Opinion Editor Amanda Fisher Sports Editor Cody Clawson Copy Editor Haley Sheriff Ads Manager Shelby Curtis Online Manager MacKenzie Sackett Adviser Lori Oyler Reporters: Mat George Jacob Boese Kayt Anne Carpenter Madison Denton Kayla Hammer Nathan Hunt Cody Kessler Michaela Lamb Sania Lodhi Molly Meeks Meghan Otto Katlyn Smelcer Diana Timmermans Samantha Turley

OUR MISSION Our mission for the 2011-2012 school year is to produce one collective body of work that showcases the personal contributions of the Liberty High School community through academics, athletics, the arts, activities and clubs. We will strive to provide reliable, first-hand news and opinions that represent the Liberty High School community, created for them, by them, and about them. The Bell student newspaper is a public forum of student expression.

Brenda Wiederholt and Tara Harvey head up the new advisory program. photo by MacKenzie Sackett

NOT YOUR EVERYDAY SEMINAR

by Amanda Fisher

Say “goodbye” to seminar, advisory is the new program that’s all about helping students be more successful.

It is safe to say that Liberty has had its share of change. In the past year, there have been lanyards, open parking, moving seminars, late start Tuesdays, no seniors at the first day of school and finally, advisory. For this 2011-2012 school year, LHS will be implementing a new program that will benefit students academically and emotionally.

“Advisory is a student advocacy program designed to give all students a connection to LHS. Relationship building is ideally the main goal of advisory.” EIP Coordinator Tara Harvey said.

Every Wednesday and Thursday between 9:25 and 9:50, students will go to their advisory classrooms, which will remain the same throughout the whole year. For underclassmen, this teacher will be their advisory teacher for the rest of their high school career.

Though this program is closely related to seminars that used to be scheduled every Tuesday following a late start Monday, this program will be much more than a study hall.

“Advisory teachers will have topics that include academic development, personal support, and post secondary planning lessons.” Harvey said.

According to Lardy Dieringer of The Advisory Guide,

research shows that if schools strive to “create safe, supportive, respectful learning environments, personalize young people’s learning experience, help them develop social and emotional competencies, and provide opportunities to practice these skills, they will grow more attached to school, avoid risky behavior, and achieve more academic success.”

Being that advisory has been around since 1984, many schools have adopted this program. However, all schools differ on how their advisory is managed.

“Our advisory program is based on three pillars: accountability, building relationships, and creating community,” Harvey said.

All in all, this program is much more than just a place to sit and stare at a white board for 20 minutes. This program plans to give a sense of community, promote healthy student development, support academic success, and provide multiple opportunities that will ultimately lead to healthy development and academic success.

“Students need to first feel safe (both physically and psychologically), feel like they belong, feel respected, and feel cared about in order to be successful in school.” Dieringer said.

CONTACT US 200 Blue Jay Drive Liberty, MO 64068 thebell@liberty.k12.mo.us (816) 736-5353 Find more stories at lhsnews.net

From 9:25 to 9:50 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, students will meet will their advisory teachers to discuss topics such as academic development, personal support and post secondary planning. . photos by MacKenzie Sackett

A WARM WELCOME photo by MacKenzie Sackett

DR. APRIL ADAMS ED.D., PRINCIPAL

Welcome Back Liberty High School Students, Your faculty and staff are thrilled to begin this year with our targeted focus on creating a culture of involvement and connections.

The implementation of our Advisory Program, designed by teachers and staff, is focused on academics, post-high school education planning, and the components that are critical to being an involved citizen.

Not only are we excited about this programmatic addition, we cannot wait to share the tremendous renovations to our cafeteria, gym, halls, and LMC. LHS’s facelift allows us to enhance your learning through an environment that embraces the 21st Century learners who fill our halls.

As noted in our Vision, we are committed to Continuous Improvement. We are excited to

learn from each of you and look forward to this collaborative partnership to make Liberty High School one of the best schools in the United States.

I wish you a tremendously successful school year and encourage each of you to take an active role in making a positive impact in your school through your daily interactions with your teachers, staff, peers, and community.

-Dr. April Adams

JOEY WHEELHOUSE

Hola Liberty students!

I am excited to welcome you to the 2011-2012 school year! This is a big year for all of us and I would like to offer some advice to start it off.

In a large high school like Liberty, it’s easy to get lost, in the school and in life. I think the key to success in high school is keeping busy and staying involved, after all, they say you only get out what you put in.

Although it is a large high school, there are many clubs and organizations to join. Being involved is the best way to diversify your life and meet new people. Take it from someone who has lived it, high school flies by, so enjoy it while you can.

If you are new to the high school then don’t feel intimidated, Liberty High School is a great place to be. I know when I came to the high school I was

THE BELL

timid at first, and if I could change one thing about my sophomore year, I would have been way better off by being more outgoing, so don’t be afraid to be yourself.

Along with being yourself, ask for help. Liberty has many inspiring teachers that are helpful to you even outside the classroom. When I need advice, I know there are friendly teachers I can talk to who will always listen and help out.

High school for most is where people find their friends, their calling, and most importantly themselves, and Liberty is an amazing place to do it. Get involved, be yourself, and have a great year here at Liberty!

-Joey Wheelhouse

Student Council Executive President

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photo by Sam Sutton

STUDENT COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT

NEWS

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

by MacKenzie Sackett

The building gets a fresh coat of paint and new furnishings for the 2011-2012 school year.

Dr. April Adams gave Online Manger, MacKenzie Sackett, the grand tour of school, complete with all the renovations. The pictures on this page show the jouney they took, along with Dr. Adams’ insight into the method behind the makeover madness.

“I just felt that Liberty High School, as beautiful as it is, needed to be updated for students. You guys are 21st century learners in a 1977 platform. I was actually working really hard to advocate that Liberty High School students deserve it. You guys deserve this; you deserve to have a learning environment that fits the way that your brain works and an environment that embraces the maturity level that you have. Bringing it in to a more scholarly platform is what I believe students are owed,” principal Dr. Adams said.

“We studied a little bit about psychology of color and [the colors we chose] are energizing colors and calming colors. So you mix your neutral color with your pop of colors, like the blues and the greens, and it’s very indicative to stimulating brain function. I’m excited about that because I’m creating a space that will really energize kids and that, to me, is the bottom line. I want kids to walk in here and think I love my school, I’m proud of my school.”

“We wanted to create more social spaces for kids. I never was a fan of the cafeteria. I just thought it was so unfriendly for young people because you’re sitting in these institutional looking rows. To eat is to be human, to be social and you want to look at the person you’re talking to and it’s important to be social. So that was the first space that I wanted to renovate for students so they had a nice area when they’re collaborating. We created the cafeteria so that it could be an extension of the classroom and that it’s a space where kids want to go.”

“In the Gym we took the old mascot out and put the new Blue Jay in and I’m so excited about that, it looks beautiful!” Plus, the floors have been refinished.

1st Hour

Monday Regular 7:45 - 8:35

Tuesday Late Start 8:15 - 9:00

Wednesday Advisory 7:45 - 8:30

Thursday Advisory 7:45 - 8:30

Friday Regular 7:45 - 8:30

2nd Hour

8:40 - 9:30

9:05 - 9:50

8:35 - 9:20

8:35 - 9:20

8:40 - 9:30

Advisory

N/A

N/A

9:25 - 9:50

9:25 - 9:50

N/A

3 Hour

9:35 - 10:25

9:55 - 10:40

9:55 - 10:40

9.55 – 10:40

9:35 - 10:25

4th Hour

10:30 -11:20

10:45 - 11:30

10:45 - 11:30

10:45 - 11:30

10:30 - 11:20

5th Hour

rd

11:25 - 1:00

11:35 - 1:10

11:35 - 1:10

11:35 - 1:10

11:25 - 1:00

th

1:05 -1:55

1:15 -2:00

1:15 -2:00

1:15 -2:00

1:05 -1:55

th

2:00 - 2:50

2:05 - 2:50

2:05 - 2:50

2:05 - 2:50

2:00 – 2:50

6 Hour 7 Hour

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I want it [the LMC] to be a much more scholarly looking space, a warmer space. I kind of felt that it was impersonal and I think when it was originally done it was beautiful but 1997 was a long time ago!

Tastes change; trends change, so we’re beginning that process. There will be additional painting that will take place in big areas like in the library and the gym. The floors are being redone in a more natural color scheme instead of being all different kinds of colors that may have been popular a long time ago.”

2011-2012 BELL SCHEDULE NEWS

photo by MacKenzie Sackett

STAFF EDITORAL LATE START TUESDAYS

The articles on this page do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the entire Bell staff. Please feel free to comment, criticize, or condemn anything you see on this page in a Letter to the Editor at thebell@liberty.k12.mo.us Mondays, which are already the most dreaded day of the week, have now been made more unbearable by the loss of their best perk—Late Start. Instead, the half-hour delay from regular commencement will be shifted over to Tuesday. We, The Bell staff, are leery about this transition.

Intended to actually benefit rather than torture students, Late Start Tuesdays are meant to give the assistance students could not receive on the usual Late Start Mondays because most of the teachers were in meetings and unable to accommodate students during that time. According to Dr. April Adams, moving Late Start to Tuesday will allow students with questions over their weekend assignments to come in uninhibited on Monday morning to get the immediate help they need.

However, there is no excuse for students to discard the option of using their own peers for guidance. With

hundreds of students enrolled in similar courses, they are sure to find the answers they need somewhere. They should learn not to depend on one sole source, but to adequately take advantage of those around them, building a closer sense of community along the way. Not only that, but this will also prematurely expose teenagers to the modern art of networking, an essential tool needed to survive in the adult work force.

Despite the initial good-naturedness of this sudden transition, students are going to have a rocky start adjusting to this new schedule. Gone are those extra minutes of sleep used to catch up on the lost hours of weekend nights.

Gone is the prospect of getting a much-needed Starbucks buzz and still arriving to class on time. Consequently, all of the energy and attentiveness students need to learn, especially after a two-day break from classes, is going to be

just as scarce. With so many going to be sleep and caffeine deprived, a drowsy if not extremely irritable atmosphere is bound to occur—definitely not the ideal environment to be properly educated.

Along with the renovation of the school as well as the addition of an advisory class two days out of the week, this year brings about as much change as last year. It is not that change is necessarily bad—as seen months before—just that it is going to be difficult to get accustomed to such an abrupt disruption to the regular flow of things.

COMFORT IN ROUTINE

Ashley McGee Editor in Chief THE BELL

It’s hard to believe I’m about to say this. It’s been an entire summer and yet it still feels odd rolling off my tongue, but here goes nothing: I’m a senior. This year I will spend my last moments in the halls of Liberty High School, I will graduate among a class of over 500 and I will begin the next stage of this long and treacherous journey called life.

Words cannot express how excited I am. After twelve years of pain-staking lectures, grueling study sessions and excruciating tests, in a matter of mere months it will all finally pay off. I’ll have the freedom to pursue my dreams, be anything I want to be and carve my own path within this big, confusing world.

But no beginning comes without an ending. And I can’t bring myself to say this one will be happy. Soon, we’ll be saying goodbye to high school; all the teachers and staff who helped shape us into who we are today, all the classmates that we learned alongside and all the friends who were there for us every step of the way. We’ll all be going our separate ways.

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For me, I know the next step I want to take, but it comes like a cold splash of reality. It’s only one word, but it‘s the most frightening word I‘ve ever heard: college. The search, the applications, the cost.

I keep on wondering if I’m making the right decisions. I feel like I’m being asked to figure out the rest of my life in too little time.

Luckily, between all the changes before us, there’s some things I can count on to remain the same. I’ll still wake up for school at six o’ clock, sit through the same seven hours of classes and know the people that have been there for me before will be there for me now.

I find comfort in this routine. It helps me think of senior year as just another year of high school and, believe me, I’m ready.

I can’t wait to work with the 2011-2012 Bell staff as Editor in Chief, to give back to the Liberty community through National Honors Society, to help make the school a more tolerant environment with the Alliance. Most of all though, I’m looking forward to making this a year to remember, even if sometimes that means going outside my comfort zone and breaking the routine.

OPINION

photo by MacKenzie Sackett

“People don’t care if you’re in your sweats all the time, just don’t look like you rolled out of bed.

“DO NOT stop and stand in the middle of the hallways to talk to your friends during passing periods. We ALL have places to go; when you’re a junior you will understand.”

“Don’t try to become friends with upperclassmen. Just be yourself and friendships will blossom.”

“Get involved! Join a club, sport, activity, and maybe even get a job. You will have a ton of friendships blossom there where you will have something in common with someone.”

photo courtesy of Chelsea Sharp

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions, we ARE the ones with the high school experience.”

Chelsea Sharp shows how she has changed between her sophomore year and this year as a senior.

senior Chelsea Sharp

THAT WAS SO TWO YEARS AGO

by MacKenzie Sackett

Remember being a sophomore? These seniors reminisce about their first steps into LHS and offer the incoming sophomores some good advice. photo by MacKenzie Sackett

photo courtesy of Erica Aguirre

photo by MacKenzie Sackett “I felt like I was in China, too many people, too many classrooms. But we all got used to it and actually arrived at our classes in good time. Just remember to breathe, inhale, and exhale. It’s not too bad after a while.” senior Brooke McPheeters

“On my first day as a sophomore my thoughts were, ‘Whoa, I’m really in high school now.’ Now funny shenanigans can happen like in an 80s teen movie.”

“My advice is to keep moving in the halls. If you don’t you’ll get run over. Don’t let youtself get overwelmed, high school can be fun. Don’t try to rush through the time you have here because it goes by really fast.” senior Scott Prewitt

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“I was so scared just to enter the building. It was so intimidating to me. But now that I look back at it, there was nothing to be scared of. High school has taught me so many lessons and I’ve met so many people along the way. I wouldn’t change a thing!”

“Break away from your normal clique and experience other people and make new kinds of friends. It might surprise you how much in common you have with people.” senior Erica Aguirre

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FEATURES

GET INVOLVED A complete list of the clubs offered by LHS, along with the sponser to contact ACE Mentoring....................................................................................Dennis Blochlinger For those interested in a career in architecture, construction, engineering and related areas.

African American Association..........................................................................Eric Greely Helps cultivate a sense of support for African American students.

Alliance...........................................................................................................John Barreca Promotes acceptance between gay and straight students at Liberty High School.

American Indian Club...............................................................................Chablis Brendel Promotes awareness and understanding of American Indian culture.

Book Club.....................................................................................................Alison Schultz Promotes reading through literature discussion and introduction to a variety of genres.

Boys Rugby....................................................................................................Tracey Davies To inspire young people to be true sportsman on and off the rugby field Breakfast Club .................................................................................................Bruce Failla Improves the social climate, primarily at the middle school level.

Canoe Club.................................................................................................Rebecca Groebe Creates an enjoyable and stress-free canoeing experience.

Chess Club..........................................................................................................Eric Greely Assists students in critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Chill Zone......................................................................................................Meghan Mills Works with the Therapeutic Learning Center students to promote friendship and support.

China Skype.......................................................................................................Julie Miller Broadens cultural awareness while tutoring Chinese students in English.

Dinner and a Movie.............................................................................................Amy Tuso Discusses how the themes in movies relate to life.

Distributive Education Club of America (DECA)........................................Scott Howard Prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to take their places in the business world.

Eh-Team...........................................................................................................Ellen Meade To educate non-Canadians about the culture of Canada.

Environmental Club......................................................................................Rick Knowles Raises awareness of ecological concerns through service and education.

Equestrian Club..............................................................................................Julie Murphy Teaches about the use of horses to create a fun and safe environment with horses.

Exit 1-6...........................................................................................................Sara Forsman Uses improvisational theater techniques to enhance collaboration skills and confidence.

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).................Nicole Shippy Promotes personal growth and leadership development.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)...........................................................Doug Davis Encourages the influence of Jesus Christ through athletes and coaches.

French Club.................................................................................................Jessica Lumetta Shares the French language and culture among students with hands-on activities.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)....................................................Sara Wyatt Dedicated to students interested in pursuing a career in business.

Future Educators Association (FEA)..........................................................Karla Schaeffer For students interested in becoming educators.

Future Soldier of America (FSA)......................................................................Jeff Wilkins Emphasizes and teaches the qualities for those interested in a career with the military.

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German Club.............................................................................................Cindy Biermann Provides a forum for socialization among students interested in the German culture.

Girls Rugby....................................................................................................Krista Kastler To learn the fundamental rules and techniques of all aspects of the sport Invisible Children.....................................................................................Adrienne Fowler Promotes charity and donations towards the reconstruction of schools in war torn Uganda.

Key Club..........................................................................................................Zach Werner Encourages and dedicates time to serving the community through community service Lady Jay’s Dance Team.......................................................................................Sara Wyatt Dedicated to improving dance skills and technique as well as performance.

Liberty Dance Club.........................................................................................Laura Sorens For those of all dancing backgrounds wanting to get active after school.

Model United Nations....................................................................................... Kurt Gates Promotes improving research, writing and public speaking skills.

National Honors Society...............................................................................Brett Coffman Creates enthusiasm for scholarship, promoting leadership and community service.

Peer Helpers........................................................................................................ Amy Tuso Helps sophomores in transitioning sophomores and new students new to the high school.

People In Motion............................................................................................... Sara Wyatt Showcases student talent in the form of movement expression and choreography Robotics......................................................................................................... Gary Pierson Helps studentsapply and learn technical and business oriented skills Scholar Bowl (MSHSAA Sponsored)...................................................... Rosemary Camp Designed to showcase the academic talents of our team members Science Olympiad................................................................................. Michelle Fairhurst Furthers science education outside the classroom.

Serteens............................................................................................................. Jill Hertzog Service organization serving in the community Ski and Snowboarding Club............................................................................. Amy Ahart Teaches how to and/or improve snow skiing and snowboarding skills Social Connection Club...................................................................................Kim Stewart Develops friendships among students during monthly activities Spanish Honor Society........................................................................... Gabrielle Stolwyk Promotes and furthers the study of Spanish culture.

Special Olympics.............................................................................................. Ken Lenger An athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for students with disabilities.

Student Council.......................................................................................... Melanie Prince Promotes student leadership and initiative,school spirit and representation of all classes.

Technology Education Association of Missouri........................................... Mark Blakley Promotes student participation in the field of technology.

Thespians....................................................................................................... Don Johnson Provides a nurturing environment for students interested in pursuing theatre.

Trap Shooting................................................................................................... Ken Lenger Helps create an interest in the shooting sports and develops life long shooters.

Young Democrats............................................................................................. Jeff Wilkins Dedicated to the support of the American Democratic Party and its principals.

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FEATURES