The Focus

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PET SITTING Junior Ryan Pelletier’s pet sitting and dog walking business is flourishing. It has grown so large, he must employ others to help with all the animals he oversees. Photo: Jenna Spencer

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FLAG RUNNER FIRST

Seniors Ellie Wardell and Nathan Streitmatter at the Varsity Football game against Bay City Western on September 7. Wardell made MHS history by being the first female flag runner. Photo: Maureen Aloff Midland High School | September 27, 2018 | Volume 41, Issue 1

ENGLISH CURRICULUM

MOVIE REMAKES

STADIUM CHANGES

AL MONEY

Left Hand - Even number page

in this issue arts & entertainment 4 Tim Hackbarth

Hackbarth is pursuing two fields: athletics and theatre.

5 Orchestra Camp

Similiar to band camp, the orchestra spent a weekend working on their music.

features

news

16 Sports Zone -Delaney Randall

10 English curriculum

Freshmen now have only one .3 choice for English.

A student from MHS is living in Germany, and a student from Germany is attending MHS this year.

7 Ryan Pelletier

Pelletier created a pet sitting business almost all through word of mouth.

Package: Changes to the School

11 Global Issues Two social studies teacher created a .2 discussion based class that meets twice a week.

8 - 9 Media Center Changes

The library will look much different following renovations next summer.

With the destruction of the press box, the MHS stadium will receive many improvements.

sports 14 Al Money

Money recently was moved up from JV football to be the varsity quarterback.

15 Bass Fishing

opinion

17 Editorial -

12 - 13 Stadium Renovations

6 Foreign exchange

Randall is a swim captain and has shown her leadership throughout high school.

A freshman and his father brought a new sports team to MHS.

English Curriculum

The Focus debates whether combined classes or tracking is better for students.

18 Movie Remakes

Kelly Craig reviews a popular Hollywood motif.

19 Observing the Band Katie Gibbs spent one week watching the band prepare its halftime show.

Editor-in-Chief |Bitsy Mammel Managing | Hailey Surbrook Features | Jenna Spencer News | Mady Sherman Sports | Katie Gibbs Arts/Entertainment | Hannah Woehrle Opinion | Kelly Craig Web | Adrienne Gray Photo | Spencer Isberg Design | Noah Jacobson Ads | Jacob May Adviser | Jim Woehrle Printer | The Argus - Press

editors

volume 41 | issue 1

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Focus, established in 1977, previously the Vic Tribune established in 1936, is the official school sponsored newspaper of Midland High School. Focus is published monthly by the journalism classes at Midland High School and is distributed free of charge.

It is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), the Michigan Interscholastic Pres Association (MIPA) and Quill and Scroll. Adviser membership also includes the Journalism Education Association (JEA).

Focus is designed as a forum for student expression and as a realistic lab experience.

Court cases like Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988) have restricted this right to free expression. As a result of the Hazelwood case, Focus may be subject to prior review

by Midland High School administrators, who legally reserve the right to pull or censor articles and/or graphic elements (artwork, graphs, photos) planned for publication.

Focus and its adviser(s), editors and staff writers, however, reserve the right to contest the challenge of an administrator who attempts to censor and/or remove an article or graphic element.

Administrators who attempt to pull and/or censor must provide reason on the basis of obscenity, if the article infringes upon the right of freedom of speech or rights to privacy, and if it and/or graphic elements are irresponsibly or inappropriately presented.

Letters of the editor are welcomed and encouraged. Letters are required to be a maximum of 250 words in length and must be signed to insure that the writer’s intent is serious. Any letter that is unsigned or uses a pseudonym will be refused. Focus reserves the right to edit letters as long as the writer’s opinion is unchanged and the facts presented in the letter are kept intact. Focus also reserves the right to remove from the letter the name of the individual toward whom it is directed or oriented.

September 27, 2018

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bulletin

news briefs

MHS Spotlight : Green Club

Project 111 This is the fifth year that MPS has partnered with Project 111.

Project 111 promotes safe teen driving by offering incentives to seniors like gift cards, an Apple watch, and scholarships. On Sept.7, at Chemic Idol, Sarah Schieber announced that the incentives will be extended to safe driving juniors as well. On Sept. 18 Schieber and Michigan Jazz Trail Big Band preformed at Central Auditorium for a benefit concert promoting Project 111.

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Rex Donoghue On Saturday, Sept. 8, sophomore Sophie Donoghue and her family hosted a benefit for her father Rex Donoghue who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in the spring of 2018.

Over 400 people attended the benefit where there was a dinner and raffle tickets and wrist bands were sold.

Hall of Fame Induction On Sept. 8 the Midland High Athletic Hall of Fame inducted six new members at the Great Banquet Hall & Convention Center with a dinner and ceremony. The new inductees include: Terry Collins, Mark Braman, Ann Mattson, Brad Money, Terry Wilczek, and Bobby Lanning . The new members were honored on Sept. 7 before the home football game.

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Mr. Edelbrock among seniors Ally Simmons, Maiah Jezak, and junior Olivia Freidinger recently started a new club to advocate for Midland High to increase its awareness about recycling and going green. Every month the new club hopes to receive the recycling from each class where they will recycle it properly. They meet Tuesday mornings in the exploritorium.

find The Focus on.... web: mhsfocus.com

September 27, 2018

@mhs_focus

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TRIPLE THREAT S e n i o r T i m H a c k b a r t h i s i nv o l v e d i n fo o t b a l l p r o g r a m , b a s e b a l l , a n d d r a m a . H e possesses key roles in each extra curricular, and manages to find time to balance them both.

Staf f Writer David Draves | Staf f Writer Isaiah Bridges| Photo Editor Spencer Isberg

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(Above) Hackbarth runs with the foot ball to counter other teammates during drills at football practice.

Hackbar th plays wide receiver this football season.

P h o to : S p e n c e r Isberg (Below) Hackbarth h a s b e e n participating in drama for a number of years, but following the past two years, has joined MHS drama in shows such as The Crucible, and recently The Ad d a m s Fa m i l y.

P h o to : S p e n c e r Isberg

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arts/entertainment

rom reading a playbook to reading a script, Senior Tim Hackbarth has been active at Midland High School. For most of his high school career, Hackbarth has been involved in football, baseball, and drama club. Through these, Hackbarth said he has learned valuable life lessons such as teamwork and the value of persistence.

Drama has been apart of Hackbarth’s life for sometime. He has participated in shows put on by both the Midland Center For The Arts and the Midland High Drama Club.

Hackbarth said that sports and drama are both equally important in their own ways. Both extracurriculars offer their own area of self-reflection, and have taught him important lessons that have helped to shape him into who he is today.

“They both teach you life skills,” Hackbarth said. “Sports teaches you teamwork, dedication, and punctuality.

Drama teaches you the importance of timing and being on the same page as everyone else.”

Drama Club Director, Megan Applegate, sees these traits in him personally and throughout his performances. She said that Tim is very determined and he contributes to a relaxed yet productive environment.

“I think that Tim is valuable to drama as a person because of his work ethic and his sense of responsibility,” Applegate said. “He takes direction very well and he works very hard.”

The things Hackbarth has picked up through sports and drama practices are rigorous in different ways, but have proven to be similar in more ways than one.

Hackbarth said that football and baseball practices involves a higher level of physical intensity, whereas drama rehearsals push him mentally, forcing him to express himself. Both require him to work cohesively with his team-

mates and cast members in order to achieve the best outcome possible.

“A sports practice is a lot more intense and physically demanding,” said Hackbarth, “In drama rehearsal, as a collective unit, you need to know how to react or when something is going to happen. However, they both have a lot to do with the teamwork and trusting everyone around you.”

Although he is able to participate in both, Hackbarth said it is not the easiest task. Since both sports and drama require large amounts of time consuming practice, they start to cut into each other.

“It has been challenging for him to balance both interests,” said Hackbarth’s Mother, Patricia Clancy. “Both drama and team sports take a lot of commitment. In both activities, you have a whole group of people depending on you to do your part. Tim has had to pass up some opportunities like family or fun activities, so that he could be fully committed to others.”

In the future, Hackbarth plans to take up these activities as a career after high school. Hackbarth said he plans to attend film school, or attend college on a scholarship for baseball.

“This spring I am going to play baseball for Midland High School and then go on to play travel baseball in an effort to get noticed by colleges,” said Hackbarth. “Either that, or I plan to go to a film school to study the process of filming.”

Regardless of the activity, Clancy and Applegate both agree that he is capable of achieving his goals. Applegate said that Hackbarth always handles his duties responsibly and she does not have to worry about him falling through.

“He has a commitment to the character to the best of his abilities and takes it very seriously, but he’s also just a nice person to have around. He is very compassionate and kind and he’s a very good team player” said Applegate

September 27 , 2018

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MUSICAL MISSION

After her third year of teaching, Orchestra instructor Anna Mamassian introduces a new creative learning environment to the program. She hopes this camp will unify the orchestra and prepare them for the difficult season ahead. Staff Writer Carter Hazen | Staff Writer Theophilus Rammidi

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or the past three years, Orchestra Instructor Anna Mamassian has had a passion for music. With a desire to teach students, she brings a new element to her program at Midland High. Originated from experiences from her childhood, putting on Orchestra camp is her goal for the year. While the camp is a new concept brought to Midland High, it is a familiar experience for Mamassian.

“When I was in high school we had orchestra camp and it was the highlight of the fall,” Mamassian said. “We would come to school, everybody would get all set with their instruments, and start.”

As someone early in her teaching career, Mamassian hopes to make this a perennial camp. Senior Megan Phillips, President of the Orchestra, hopes that the camp will bring unison to the program.

“I want to see concert and symphony be more combined instead of being two separate orchestras,”Phillips said. “Since the camp is open to concert and symphony, the two groups will have the opportunity to bond more and learn more about each other.”

The difference between Symphony and Concert Orchestra is that Symphony is more advanced, yet the camp is suppose to bring the two together.

“Individually we can all improve with our playing style and learning different techniques that can help with pieces,” Phillips said.

There is an ultimate end goal of performing a concert on Sunday afternoon. The songs performed by the orchestra include Allegretto from “The Creatures of Prometheus”, “Appalachian Reflections” by Percy Hall, and “Avatar” by Doug Spata.

Although there is a serious devotion to

studying music throughout this camp, at the end of Saturday there will be a capture the flag game. Mamassian hopes to bring the element of fun into the camp by doing this.

Even though this activity has good intentions, it is accommodated with doubts.

Some students could not attend camp.

Another worry is that the goals of integrating friend groups and having people branch out will not be achieved.

However, Phillips and senior Jorgia Nye, Vice President, collectively have high expectations. With more than 50 percent of the class attending the camp, Nye predicts the camp will succeed. She explains how she’s supposed to help lead the camp and is willing to answer questions if necessary. ”I think it’s kinda weird just because people have heard about band camp but nobody thinks orchestra is going to have a camp where you all play instruments all day,” Nye said.

With support from students, Mamassian gains confidence about the camp with every passing day. Mamassian recalls her high school teaching experience, explaining how the camp is a really good opportunity for us to work on our music with people who were professionals or studying in college to be professionals. Mamassian also wants to encourage students enrolled in the program to try to make new friends that are also involved in orchestra. Although this is a new program accommodated with doubts and excitement, the overall prospect for this years camp and future camps has a positive outlook.

“The primary goal is to have a weekend of music making but also have the student to have the opportunity to study with people who specialize on their instrument,” Mamassian said.

(Above) Mamassian leads the Orchestra in one of their set pieces that they preformed on Sunday. (Bottom left) Orchestra students continue their practices on “Avatar” by Doug Spata. Photos: Carter Hazen

O R C H E S T R A O B S E R VAT I O N S

52%

Of students that attended Orchestra Camp

Sectionals that were held during the camp

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Different types of pieces that were played throughout the camp arts/entertainment

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NEW HORIZONS

Junior Sam Longlet and Sophomore Cornelious Rinc have switched places for the year. Longlet has moved to Germany as an exchange student and Rinc has come to America. They are experiencing new cultures and are learning to adapt to life in a different country. Arts & Entertainment Editor Hannah Woehrle | Staff Writer Amiya Zissler

Cornelious Rinck Midland, Michigan What made you want to do foreign exchange?

“I traveled to the U.S.A. [with my family] and I loved it, so I decided to come back to the U.S.A. I wanted to learn a new culture and get away from home too, by meeting new people and making new friends.”

Was is a difficult decision to leave your home and come here?

“When you’re younger, you think about going as a foreign exchange student, but you’re unsure and really shy. I’m now 15 and knew that I wanted to do it and get away from home. It’s not that difficult now because we have a host family here who will support you.”

What about being here has surprised you?

Sam Longlet poses with a German flag in the Bavarian Alps on one of his recent trips outside of his new town with his current host family. He will have three host families in total, switching every few months. Photo Courtesy: Sam Longlet

Sam Longlet Germering, Bavaria What made you want to do foreign exchange?

“When I was in 8th grade, my mom told me about programs that send people overseas, and I thought it was pretty cool.

In May of my freshman year, Rotary (a student exchange organization) came into my class and did a presentation, and I thought it was very interesting.”

Was choosing to go a difficult decision?

“It was a very difficult decision. Any decision that requires you to leave your friends and family for a whole year is difficult, but I’m pretty sure I made the right choice.”

How has the language barrier affected you?

“The language barrier is very difficult.

I’m fortunate enough that most of my teachers speak English and that I got to go to a two week language camp with the other exchange students. I am in the ninth grade in my school, and most people have been taking English since they were in fifth grade. They know enough English to have a short conversation, but not enough to rely

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“A lot of things surprised me. I couldn’t imagine what school would be like and it’s very different. The band is really good and everyone is really nice. We

don’t have that big of a band. We have a jazz band with 4 people in it and an orchestra with 30 people. I do like the food here though. ”

How does the American lifestyle differ from yours in Germany?

“My day here is a lot busier and I don’t know if it’s just being an exchange student. School is long and I have soccer everyday, which is unusual because we only have practices two times a week [in Germany].”

Have you had difficulty in school with the language barrier?

“Usually after school I work on what we did that day to understand it, because sometimes the words are really hard.

When I came here I needed three days to get into speaking English. If someone has trouble understanding me or I have a hard time understanding them; it’s sometimes funny, but there isn’t a language barrier anymore.”

on it.”

How does your current school compare to Midland High?

“There aren’t six classes, there are sixteen. I don’t go to the same classes every day, and it’s from 8:00-1:00, so I am home by lunch. I have a group of 26 that have the same schedule as me, and we go from class to class together. But we don’t always switch classrooms. Most times the teacher will switch classrooms. The school is 5th grade through 12th grade.

It’s about the same size as Midland High”

What do you miss most about America?

“My family, of course. Rotary tries to prepare you, but no amount of training can truly prepare you for hugging your family for the last time before going on the plane. I also miss Midland High itself. Some of my classmates were asking me questions about school in America. It’s not something you expect to miss, going to school, but I really do because it’s such a huge part of my life in the States but I know it will still be there when I get back.”

Cornelious Rinc smiles in front of the Tridge, one of the places in Midland that fascinates him.

He has been in Midland since mid-August and has had two host families so far.

Photo: Hannah Woehrle

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PET SMARTS Ryan Pelletier began his own pet sitting business at the age of 12, when he pet sat for his neighbor. He slowly began gaining a clientele, and he currently has around 40 clients who are spread throughout the Midland County area. Staff Writer Annie Laforet | Features Editor Jenna Spencer

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hen he was 12 years old, junior Ryan Pelletier made the decision to pet his neighbor’s dog. Little did he know that this action would create a snowball effect and turn into his own pet sitting business.

“I started out because my neighbor down the street, their dog always barked at kids. One day I was walking by and I just leaned over and started petting the dog and the dog didn’t mind, so they asked me if I would take care of the dog,” Pelletier said. “So that was really my first job.”

The Gerharts, his first clients, then told others about Pelletier, and the word continued to spread. During the Spring Break of his eighth grade year, his mom posted a poster that Pelletier had made on Facebook. He was hired for nine jobs that week.

“That’s when it really spread, when I hit my height of jobs and since then it’s been almost constant,” Pelletier said.

Most Spring Breaks, he typically makes around $700 to $800. During a normal month, Pelletier makes around $120 by charging $15 a day.

Currently, Pelletier has around 40 clients, 30 of which come to him regularly. Pelletier has clients throughout Midland County, though he tries to keep them local.

“When I have nine jobs its kind of difficult to go around to all the different jobs and then still have free time to do other stuff. It’s quite time consuming,”

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September 27, 2018

Pelletier said.

Pet sitting allows for Pelletier to have more accommodating hours as opposed to a regular after school job. He goes three to four times a day during the school year if he’s taking care of a dog-once before school, after school, then before he goes to bed.

Even though the hours are accommodating, when he’s unavailable or when he’s out of town, Pelletier sometimes has a friend step in and do the job for him. When he does this, he lets his friends keep all the profits.

“I do make sure that they’re people I can trust, and I always introduce them to the family before I have them do a job so that the people know who is taking care of their pets,” Pelletier said.

One of Pelletier’s most frequent clients is Betsy Pierce. She discovered Pelletier through a mutual friend and Pelletier’s mother.

He has watched her two rat terriers, who are named Drake and Kendrick, for around three years.

“From the first time he sat for the boys, Ryan has gone above and beyond,” Pierce said. “He has been known to buy them toys and treats. He spends quality time with them when he visits them. It is obvious that Ryan really cares about the animals he sits for.”

Pierce travels a lot for her job as a professor at Saginaw Valley State University, and she has recently been promoted to Acting Assistant Dean.

Pierce said that Pelletier is the first person

she goes to for pet-sitting. She has since then referred him to others.

Pelletier’s mom, Karin Pelletier, enjoys watching as Ryan’s business grows.

“I love it,” Karin said. “It helps him to understand time commitments and responsibility.”

For now, she’ll make a post before Spring Break to tell people to contact Ryan quickly before he runs out of availability.

Prospective clients will message Karin about pet sitting, which puts her in charge of all the scheduling. She schedules his jobs in a way where Ryan can spend time interacting with the animals.

“He doesn’t want to zip in and out of the house in ten minutes,” Karin said.

“He wants to spend some time with the animals, because their families are gone and they’re lonesome for their families.”

Spending time interacting with the animals is important to Ryan.

He said he spends time with the animal to try and make up for the fact that their family is gone and to keep them from getting bored. In addition to walking and feeding the dogs, he also plays with them “It’s very hard to describe how much Ryan loves animals,” Karin said.

Pelletier has pet-sat for variety of animals ranging from a guinea pig to a bearded dragon.

“My mom called it.... She thinks of the time as an investment towards my future,” Ryan said.

(Top) Pelletier sits with Remi on the bleachers. Remi is one of the dogs he pet sits for.

Photo: Annie Laforet.

(Bottom) Pelletier walks Remi down the sidewalk. He normally takes the dog he sits for on a walk.

Photo: Jenna Spencer

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CHANGES

With the introduction of Chromebooks, MHS moves further into the era of technology, and is changing its way of teaching and learning. With less books and more hands on devices, a new library is being developed. Editor-in-Chief Bitsy Mammel | Staff Writer Aubrey Chambers | Staff Writer Brendan O’Callaghan

modern place, technology will have a bigger presence as well. Screens will be provided at tables so multiple people can plug in their chromebooks and work together on one device, said McKee and Beson-Steger.

Though a problem that arose this year with technology is a lack of Chromebooks. McKee said that as of the second week of school, 90 students did not have a Chromebook due

Part 1 THE MEDIA CENTER

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hen Media Center Specialist Anne McKee started working at Midland High, all of the bookcases in the library were full. But as print media has become less and less popular, the library books are being checked out less and less.

Over time the books have become dated and worn out, reflecting the media center as a whole. The school hopes to fix the problem with a complete renovation of Midland High’s media center to update the collection of books and the space itself. The first step is already visible, with the amount of books that the library holds has reduced by over two-thirds.

“The reason we weeded [out the books] is because the books weren’t circulating as much,” McKee said. “We had some books that were quite old, and we had some books

the wants and needs of the student and staff to the committee is something I volunteered for.”

Beson-Steger said that the committee talked to the architects working on the media center about what they wanted to see, and mostly it was centered around collaboration. Although most of the construction will happen next summer, there are still more changes that will happen during this school year after the books leave.

Large white boards will be will be added to the back walls for use by students before the end of this school year.

Bob Cooper, Associate Superintendent for Finance and Facilities Operations, said that the renovations of the Media Center will almost completely be funded by the bond that was passed in 2015. The whole bond is roughly $121 million and broken up into three series.

The first series focused on the elementary schools, and the second series includes the

We had some books from 1919, so a lot of the material [in the library] wasn’t relevant.

“You have [Google] Classroom and everything is on it,” Thompson said. “I don’t know how you can not have Chromebooks for students when you make teachers depend on them now.”

Cooper said although the Media Center will be mostly funded by the bond, the Chromebook shortage would be covered by the general fund, since the school would

I do think they really try to make [the library] a welcoming place.

Katy Stearns to the shortage. The shortage was caused by having too many computers in for repairs from external and/or internal damage or dysfunction.

Junior Zierrah Thompson is one of the students who did not have a Chromebook for the first two weeks of school. She had turned in her Chromebook at the end of school last year, and when she tried to pick another one up at the beginning of this year, the school did not have one to give her. She was frustrated that since most of her curriculum is online, she did not have a way to work on her online assignments.

need a relatively small amount. Though, he also said that there should be money allocated in the bond for later when most of the Chromebooks will need to be replaced.

Overall, teachers and administrators are excited for the new changes coming to the Media Center, even if they’re coming next year. Stearns said that she’s looking forward to using the library more, and hopes her students will use it more too.

“I see the library as a good place to collaborate, a new place for kids to be, I do think they really try to make it a welcoming place, “ Stearns said.

The Library Low-Down 2/3

of the books that the Media Center used to have were removed and will be either thrown out of donated

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non-freshmen still did not have a Chromebook given to them as of the second week of school

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million dollars are set aside in the Series Two section of the bond, which includes the media center updates

Anne McKee

The old books will be donated to the District Book Giveaway Photo Illustration: Aubrey Chambers

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from 1919, so a lot of the material that was in there wasn’t relevant.”

McKee said she hopes that with a smaller number of books, more students will be inclined to check them out. She also said that the media center has received money to buy about 30 to 40 new books that will be more relevant to today’s time and culture.

Getting rid of books that are not being used anymore is also paving the way for the bigger changes to come to the library.

McKee, along with Principal Jeff Jaster and Learning Coach Connie Beson-Steger, is working with architects to redesign the media center to be a more group friendly place for students to work together.

“We’ve changed to more of a collaborative media center so students can come in big groups and do projects and have socratic circles,” McKee said. “That’s the way the media center is going.”

Beson-Steger said she is passionate about improving the learning environments of students and hopes to see the usage of the library increase and improve. She also thought that through this committee she would be able to translate the desires of the school into tangible changes in the media center.

“I have an opportunity to speak to a lot of students and teachers on a regular basis,” Beson-Steger said, “So being able to bring

updates to the four secondary schools in MPS. The money allocated for the second series is about $40 million. Since the library at MHS is still going through the design phase, Cooper said he is unsure exactly how much it will cost. He said that the committee in charge of the updates will work with specialists and architects to create plans, estimates, and fine tune their designs to work with the budget.

“Each step along the way we compare what had been put in the bond towards everything versus what’s it actually costing in today’s world,” Cooper said. “At that point we say yay or nay” English teacher Katy Stearns noted that the library has not always been seen as a place to work with others, but as time has gone on she has used it more and more for a change of scenery for her students and to give them more work space. She said how she appreciates that a class can use the media center to break the monotony and to have a new place to learn.

Stearns also said that the ways that the library is used now are completely different than when she started teaching at MHS in the 90s.

“When I first started using [the library], it was simply for computer use, typing papers, and lot of research,” Stearns said. “I used it a lot less for group work, I stayed in the confines of my room. I just saw the library as a place where you do research and then you come back and meet with your group.”

To help the media center become a more

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Teacher Katy Stearns works with her class in the library. Stearns said she uses the media center for the new environment and work space for groups and individuals. Photo: Aubrey Chambers

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CHANGES (Below) Seniors take part in a ice breaker at the beginning of Ryan Wontorciks 4th hour Global Issues Class. That class does this to get to know each other better. Photo: Spencer Isberg

Midland High School has implemented a new blended classroom where students can learn about current events. Web Editor Adrienne Gray | Staff Writer Olivia Freidinger | Staff Writer Abigail Brooks Social studies Teacher Ryan Wontorcik watches over his new students as they take part in a ice breaker. Often times they do this throughout the class to break up their hour of learning. Photo: Spencer Isberg

Part 2 GLOBAL ISSUES

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he transition from high school to adult is the time when seniors leave the nest, venture off, and shape their own political stances on the world. This is also the time when students transition into a new world to discover the value of being politically and socially engaged.

In the past, students were only offered a few options for history courses, all focusing on events or time periods from the past. Now, students are offered the opportunity to stay focused on current issues that are happening now, as opposed to those from long ago.

When state education officals discussed requiring students to have more opportunities and different ways to learn social studies, the idea of a new course was brought up, and the Global Issues classroom formed.

Social Studies Teacher John Mulvaney initially proposed an idea to teach a class that would give the students more options, and later the course was approved by the Curriculum Directors.

Social Studies Teacher Ryan Wontorcik and Mulvaney rose to the opportunity to be to the two main teachers of the course, which is offered at .2 level for seniors, and focuses on both domestic and foreign modern topics.

Mulvaney said that he felt inspired to teach this class because he’s experienced the difficulty in trying to cover all of the important major events that have happened in all of history.

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“The way that we teach [history], you never get done in time,” Mulvaney said.

“We don’t have enough time in the school year to cover everything. When you’re a history teacher, and there is a current event or something that pops up, you wish you could just stop and talk about that. Ultimately, this is what this class will be.”

Not only is this class new in the sense of the topics being discussed, blended classrooms are also a recently-developed approach to the traditional instruction.

A blended classroom is defined as being any formal education program in which a student learns at least in part through online learning, with some element of student control over their own pace

S t u d e n t s w i l l a l s o h a ve t o g e t accustomed to working with Moodle, a learning management system that is similar to Google Classrooms. Wontorcik said that much of the time spent in the last few weeks has gone to teaching students how to use the website as not only an educational resource, but also as a platform for students to get to know each other.

“I feel like the bond between student and teacher is already developing to be stronger than in any other classes I teach because we are taking the time to emphasize connections and team building,” Wontorcik said.

S e n i o r E m i l y Te a c h w o r t h , w h o currently is in Wontorcik’s class, said

I feel like the bond between student and teacher is already developing to be stronger than in any other class.

and the way in which they handle assignments.

For the first few weeks of school, students will be required to meet in person every day so that everyone knows how the class will work for the rest of the school year. After this, the Global Issues class will meet in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with every other day being up the student’s discretion as to where they will complete the work.

“Assignments online, they can do it wherever,” Wontorcik said. “They can come into the classroom if they want to, they can go into the media center, or they can even go off campus.”

-Ryan Wontorcik

that she already feels comfortable talking about current events in the classroom.

When deciding her senior electives, she said that she was not directly looking for another history course, but was drawn to Global Issues because of its more easygoing description.

“I wanted something that was more laid-back because I’m a senior this year,” Teachworth said. “I also thought it would be really nice to be able to talk about what’s happening, because there’s not very many places that you can openly talk about what’s going on. [Wontorcik] really wants us to be comfortable with the people we are around so that we can

talk about the issues.”

“In a traditional classroom, we might do ice breakers the first couple days; but after that, your relationship is built later on. With Moodle, the students are sharing with their fellow classmates and me more information of who they are as people, much more better than they would in any other setting” Teachworth said she is thankful for the two week introduction to the class to establish the content, in contrast to how other teachers chose to initiate their classes.

Although the classroom’s pace, topic overview, and assignments are not meant to be overly rigorous, Mulvaney said that the students will still be expected to contribute to conversations and make an effort to keep up with current events.

“As a student, you will read critically and have discussions,” Mulvaney said.

“There isn’t a lot of homework and tests. It’s going to be based on if you are curious about current events and you’re able to intelligently talk about them.”

This class has offered students not only an opportunity to experience a new type of learning environment that challenges the traditional classroom, but also gives the chance to discuss subjects that concern them now, and will potentially prove to be more significant as they become adults. Mulvaney said that this is what separates the Global Issues cl ass from other social studies classes provided at the school.

“If a current event happens and there are some controversial topics that teachers don’t talk about or aren’t required to talk about it, we don’t have to ignore it,” Mulvaney said. “This is our curriculum.”

news

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CHANGES

After recent debates, Midland High has decided to pursue a new integrated teaching style. The plan models Dow High’s combined ninth grade English classes. News Editor Mady Sherman | Staff Writer Toria Montgomery | Staff Writer Olivia Ortiz

Freshmen English teacher Jim Woehrle has students participate in a team building book discussion activity. Photo: Maureen Aloff

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Part 3 INTEGRATION

n recent years Midland Public Schools has been debating a world wide education argument. The dilemma is whether to combine students of all different skill levels or to separate the more accelerated students from the more basic level students.

Also known as streaming or phasing, tracking is a method used to divide students into separate classes based off their skill level. At Midland High, this is known as the point system. A lower level class is considered a “.2” level class, and more accelerated classes would be considered “.3”, or “.4”. However, last year Dow High School piloted a new program in their ninth grade English classes. They combined students that are otherwise recommended for lower track classes with accelerated students into one 9.3 English class.

This year, Midland High is following suit, with all freshmen combined into one English class regarding skill level.

Principal Jeff Jaster said that he believes that there are many benefits to the new integration strategy.

“Some argue that the honors kids should be grouped together to have a concentrated teaching approach, and I have heard that argument, but the

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research does not support it,” Jaster said. “Especially when you consider equity issues with race and gender, there are more negative effects found that associate with tracking than there are positive effects. So as a public school we are concerned with the success of all the kids, not just our honor tracks kids.”

Assistant Principal Julie Villano worked at Dow High for two years where she did preparation for the combined 9.3 classes. After the first semester with the integrated classes in place, there were fewer failures than expected. In fact, out of all the students in the new ninth grade English class, there was only one failure.

Villano said that the higher level students of these classes will act as leaders and push other students to succeed. Villano said that one of the reasons for the new mixed classes is because of the students middle school acquaintanceships.

“Throughout middle school all students were always together, so what we thought we would try was putting them all together in high school as well,” Villano said. “A lot of times when we do separate out the kids, we don’t have the mix of different experiences and skill sets. The kids that were in the lower level wouldn’t reach the higher plateaus, so we decided to group them together like they always have been and see what our rate was for how many kids didn’t pass the class,

and [we] found it was a great success.”

Over this past summer, the freshman English staff worked to figure out how to meet the needs of the students that weren’t originally on the .3 track, and also how to be able to challenge the advanced-level students. English teacher Sarah Dodick was among the teachers that worked on this new approach. The group attended many meetings with each other and the Dow High staff in order to create the most efficient class possible.

“We are doing a lot of the similar things to what Dow did, but we have different teachers and different students, so we are all tackling it in our own way as well,” Dodick said. “Teachers still have

choice within their classrooms of what assignments they assign and which texts that they choose to teach, but we all hope to achieve the same goals.”

Villano and Dodick both said that in the future students will be able to make the decision to go into 10.3 or 10.2 English, after having gathered experience in high school. Once students know what is expected of them and involved in a .3 level class, they will be able to choose what track they want to follow. Dodick said that often freshmen do not know what tracking or different point level classes mean before entering high school, and believes it is more of a natural and positive progression for all the students to start in the same place. “[The biggest difference this year] is just more choice among the students,” Dodick said. “The bar is still high and we have high expectations for our students just like we always have, but there will be more options within that system. We will still be challenging our upper level students but I feel with creative lesson planning, choice, and differentiation we can make sure that happens.”

After seeing the program’s success of combining the classes at Dow High, Jaster has high hopes for the future. He said that he believes, although it will take hard work from the students and teachers, the new method of integration will bring a positive outcome to the school and its students.

“Data shows that out of any student that has taken the lowest track option, none of those kids ever met the state requirement, they were never proficient,” Jaster said. “So I know we will empower the students and make them believe they can do it. We will surround them by other students who are also equally or more ambitious. I think that kind of support and expectations will really help drive better outcomes for all kids and that’s why we decided to do it.”

Above: Options for the combined 9.3 English classes. Photo Illustration: Madylin Sherman

September 27, 2018

FOCUS

CAUTION CAUTION

CAUTION

CHANGES

In light of the press box fire, plans have gone underway for other renovations being made to the stadium. Managing Editor Hailey Surbrook | Staff Writer Caitlin Quinn | Staff Writer Aleah Ward.

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all the time, and so showing the best of Midland would be something that I think would be really great.”

The football team has continued practices with little change in routine.

However, the press box controlled things like the stadium’s P.A. system and scoreboard, which affected the logistics of games. Varsity Football Coach Eric Methner said that everyone is adapting well to this unusual situation. The first “home game” on August 30 took place at Northwood University at an earlier time then usual because the stadium does not

If you were close enough to see through those openings, you would see that everything is charred. It’s almost like the walls were painted black .

Jeff Jaster “It was sad when we heard that we weren’t going to be able to sit on the wall and be able to be on our home side,” White said.

White said that he looks forward to the renovated press box, which will make the stadium look better overall.

“Being able to build something new and that would last a long time would leave a good impact,” White said. “I know that people come here for away games

have lights. The experience at the game on Sept. 7 in particular was unique due to the fact that fans could not sit on the home side.

“We were able to play on our field and the kids got to go through their same home game routine that they always do, in terms of our meeting times, dinner times, and warm up times, so it seemed like a home event,” Methner said. “But it is pretty weird when you’re at a home

game and you turn around, and there are empty bleachers behind you.”

After the press box is demolished, there will be updates made, including the addition of an elevator. Methner said they plan to make it more comfortable, and designed for use in the 21 century, adding things like electronic and internet access, both of which were not available before.

Athletic Director Eric Albright said that for now there will be temporary solutions for the press box, so sporting events can function while the long term solutions are worked on.

“There will be some solutions moving forward, short term to solve problems this year and this season, and then long term for a space to house the people that are working at the event,” Albright said.

Working with different equipment has been a small, but manageable inconvenience for the operators. For temporary solutions, there will be a tent set up for the people who would normally work in the press box, rented equipment will be used for operating the P.A. system and score board.

“Up where the structure was, I think we’re going to have some kind of heavy duty tent with sides and steel frame posts that we can put tables in and the announcer and scoreboard controller can still work up there,” Jaster said.

There will be several other alterations and repairs made to the stadium, along with the press box.

September 27, 2018

FOCUS

I know that people come here for away games all the time, and so showing the best of Midland would be something that I think would be really great.

John White

Until the press box is rebuilt, a tent will house the score keeper and announcer. Equipment has been rented to operate the scoreboard as well as the P.A system. Photo: Spencer Isberg

RENOVATIONS TO BE MADE -New circuitry and an elevator will be added to the new press box -Foundation of the bleachers will be fixed

CAUTION

A

t 3:45 a.m. on August 27, principal Jeff Jaster received a call from Central Dispatch, asking if someone could come to the school to open the stadium gates so that the fire department could get in. During that night, the press box was struck by lightning and caught on fire.

The fire started on the outside of the press box and quickly spread to the inside, severely damaging the circuitry and the interior.

“They had to tear out pieces of the back wall that face Eastlawn, and that’s how they put the fire out,” Jaster said. “If you were close enough to see through those openings, you would see that everything is charred. It’s almost like the walls were painted black.”

What remains of the press box has been deemed a structural hazard until removal, due to the risk of pieces of the press box falling and hitting people.

This has resulted in the section of the bleachers directly in front of the press box to be closed off until the structure is demolished.

“We’ve known that we needed to tear that down, but we needed other people to sign off on it,” Jaster said. “The insurance company, the fire marshal, all of these

people had to approve our request. We had the permit to tear it down sent down to Lansing. When we get it back, we will move fairly quickly on it.”

Due to the risk of the press box, the spectators have been temporarily relocated to the visitor’s side, leaving many questions among fans about future games.

Senior John White, leader of the student section for varsity football games, said that being on the visitor’s side was an interesting experience, but also disappointing.

Many restorations to the stadium will not go underway until summer of 2019, around the same time that the football team will resume practices. Albright said this will only require some small changes in their usual schedule. Cooper said he hopes for the repairs to be beneficial to faculty, students, and the overall community.

“I think we just have to have patience,”Albright said. “We have to exhibit patience, and we know that the community wants to help, wants to see progress.”

-District-wide paving will be done

CAUTION

Part 4 THE STADIUM

CAUTION

The press box was damaged when the circuitry caught fire after it was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm in late August. It has been out of commission since. Photo: Spencer Isberg

Bob Cooper, Associate Superintendent for Facilities, Finances, and Operations, said that the turf and track will be redone, and there are plans to renovate the concession stands, bathrooms, and bleachers. These additional repairs will be paid for by the Midland Public Schools Bond, and stands at a budget around $48.919 million since acquiring the MPS bond in 2015.

“We get the drawings, get them approved by the state, get some estimates for cost,” Cooper said. “Then go ahead and put it up for bid, then we’ll go from there.”

CAUTION CAUTION CAUTION

-Bathrooms and concession stands will be revamped FOCUS

September 27, 2018

Due to damage to the press box, the home side was completely inacessable for a few weeks.

The first game of the season was relocated to Northwood because of the sudden change.

From now on home games are planned to take place in the stadium. Photo: Spencer Isberg news

13

A STEP UP Sophomore Alex Money was pulled up to the Varsity Football team preceding the third game of the 2018 season. This will be Money’s third varsity season at Midland High, as he also played Varsity Basketball and Varsity Baseball as a freshman last year.

Staf f Writer Maureen Alof f | Staf f Writer Megan Shaf fer

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i t h j u s t t h r e e va r s i t y practices under his belt, Sophomore Alex Money became the new starting quarterback for the 2018 football season.

Through the support of his team and his focus on the game, Money was able to lead his team to a 35-11 victory over Bay City Western, on Sept 7. The next two weeks were followed by two more victories over Saginaw Heritage and Saginaw High.

Junior Varsity coach, John Mulvaney, remarked on Money’s leadership and proficiency of the game.

“When he was on JV he would not yell at his teammates,” Mulvaney said, “he was very knowledgeable, especially on offense as quarterback; helping his teammates be in the right spot and complete the right play.”

M u l va n e y a l s o c o m m e n t e d o n

certainly has some things to learn at the varsity level, but he’s a smart kid and a hard worker.”

The coaches believed that Money could handle the greater challenges that come with being on a varsity team and Money proved them right. The team was 0-2 before Money was pulled up and since, the team has won all three games Money has played.

Another potential challenge would be changing the dynamic of the pre-existing varsity team, such as who Money would be taking the quarterback position from and if the team be welcoming to such a young member. Senior Kadin Jacobs was the varsity quarterback for the first two games of the 2018 season and was part of the decision to bring Money up to varsity. “[I was] pretty excited because [I] really wanted to play defense and to be on kickoff, kick return, and punt block,”

He would do the right things to his utmost ability and try to keep his teammates up to that same level.

- John Mulvaney Money’s ability to lead his teammates, not only with words but with actions.

“He was an active leader by example,” Mulvaney said, “he would do the right things to his utmost ability and try to keep his teammates up to that same level.”

The decision to move Money from JV to varsity had multiple factors. One aspect was to benefit the team where he was needed most. Head Varsity Coach Eric Methner ultimately decided that the varsity team would benefit greatly from Money’s presence.

“He has a good understanding of how to play quarterback,” Methner said, “He

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Jacobs said.

Jacobs still gives Money advice when he asks, but said that Money already has a good understanding of the position.

Jacobs also said the entire varsity team got along great with Money; he fit right into their dynamic, on and off the field.

Money agreed, saying that everyone had been nice and understanding during the transition.

“It was pretty nerve wracking [to start as the quarterback],” Money said, “but after the first couple drafts, I got into it and I just felt like I was part of the team.”

Money enjoys being a three sport varsity athlete, he also played Varsity

Money prepares to pass the football to his teammates down field during the Midland V. Bay City Western game on Sept 7. The game ended in a Chemic victory under the leadership of Money and the cooperation of his teammates. Photo: Maureen Aloff

Basketball and Varsity Baseball as a freshman, however, it takes up a lot of his time. Never having an off season means Money must train and lift weights after practice. Money also emphasized that his education is extremely important to him. Money said that sports have taught him about how to work with others, be a leader, and how to manage his time. He

values all the lessons that his coaches and his teammates have given him and he hopes to continue to grow as an athlete in his years to come.

“Being an athlete doesn’t really define who you are,” Money said, “I think what you do in the classroom is another big part of who you are. It’s not all about sports. ”

September 27, 2018

FOCUS

BASS FISHING O

Junior Morgan Ware casts a line into Kiwassee Lake at Stratford Woods Park. Ware is the only junior and only girl on the Bass Fishing Team. Photo: Spencer Isberg

FOCUS

September 27, 2018

ver the summer, a Midland High sport competed in its respective state tournament: Bass Fishing. Freshman Brady Pinwar had the idea to take bass fishing with him from Northeast Middle School to Midland High after he and his friends first got into the sport. When the idea gained momentum and other students showed interest in joining, they knew it was a vision they could pursue.

“My dad and I had the idea,” Pinwar said. “We had been fishing for a couple years, and when I came to high school, we thought we should start a team. We knew there was enough interest so we brought it up.”

Freshman Andrew Wilson, who is also part of the team, said that bass fishing added some new variety to the school, and cited how the sport was gaining popularity in surrounding schools and across Michigan.

Pinwar, his father, and Wilson went to Athletic Director Eric Albright in January with the idea to start the team.

Albright became the advisor of the Bass Fishing team and thought it would fit in well with the sports community.

“I thought it was a great idea,” Albright said. “We already have an Equestrian Club that competes state wide, we have a Trap Shooting team that competes, so this seemed like a natural addition to our offerings.”

The Bass Fishing Team is part of a state-wide organization called Michigan Bass Anglers Sportsman Society Nation (Michigan B.A.S.S. Nation). Consisting of eight members, the team competes all around the state including Lake St. Clair, White Lake, Muskegon Lake, and Lake Charlevoix. The team also has boat captains, adults or parents who are instructed to only drive the boat, leaving all the shots to be called by the students.

After splitting up into teams of two, each team hits the water to start casting lines.

Before the students were able to compete, not everyone was so sure of their success. Wilson said he wasn’t sure what to expect.

“I was nervous and I wasn’t sure how we were going to do compared to the other teams,” Wilson said. “I didn’t

The new team competed last summer, placing high in the state tournament. Staff Writer Devin Alexander|Ads Coordinator Jacob W. May

know how good the teams were.”

Three teams placed in the top fifty at the High School Team Trail over the summer. Pinwar and freshman Eric Albrecht placed 17th in the state as a team.

Also, placing 20th overall was the team of Wilson and freshmen Carter Albright.

Another Chemic team consisting of junior Morgan Ware and eighth grader Logan Ware placed 28th overall.

Advisor Eric Albright said he was thrilled by the results of the team and how they interacted with each other.

“I was impressed with the way the students worked together,” Albright said. “They wanted to see each other succeed and they would always cheer for each other and that’s real positive. It was enjoyable to see the team aspect of the sport.”

T h e H i g h S c h o o l Te a m T r a i l tournament consisted of teams from 50 schools from all over Michigan. The objective was to catch and keep five bass, which are saved to be weighed at the end of the tournament. If more than five are caught, one would replace a smaller fish with a larger one in the act of “culling.” Once the end of the competition is reached, whoever has the largest grand total weight of bass gets 100 points to add to their competition total.

Albright said he believes the team is a special addition to the sports community, and sees what it offers in contrast to other sports and activities.

“It certainly is a niche sport and there are some hardcore anglers at MHS. It’s something that they can put a Chemic jersey on and compete in for their school,” Albright said. “It’s only in the summertime, so it doesn’t take away time from school and that’s just one of the unique components.”

As for the difference between fishing as a leisure activity and competing with the Bass Fishing team, Albright elaborated. “ Yo u a r e c o m m i t t e d t o t h e tournaments and it’s no different to playing a football game,” said Albright. ”Regardless of the weather conditions you are going to still go. The competitive nature takes commitment.”

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glad to be here

Mady Sherman

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hy am I here? No really, why am I here? I thought these questions to myself as my name was the last one called off when picking teams at volleyball practice. I had been commuting to practices, games, and tournaments for five years when suddenly I realized, I resented it.

I did what everyone expected of me.

I was supposed to follow in my sister’s glorious volleyball footsteps, make my

mother swell with pride, and play the game I have spent years of my life doing.

What no one expected was for me to quit the sport that was my top commitment to be, quite literally, the slowest girl on the JV cross-country team my senior year.

My mother was shocked and my coach was disappointed. But me? I was liberated.

It was 95 degrees with 90% humidity when I arrived to a cross-country practice in August. We were running up a monsterous hill over and over again, and my sweat was dripping into my eyes and blurring my vision. My legs were quaking underneath me, runners were whizzing by me, my breathing sounded like Wheezy from Pixar’s Toy Story. I also vaguely remember having to go to the bathroom. However, I noticed people that had already finished their run (close to everyone except me) were cheering.

The coaches that I have known for only a few weeks were giving out high-fives and “nice jobs”. This environment was a total 180 degree turn from what I have been experiencing for years. It was then that I thought: I am so glad I am here.

That day I learned grit. I also learned that doing something you enjoy is better than doing something you are good at

Staff Writer Brady Woods

any day.

Now as I look back, I have not once missed the cliquey girls that would exclude me, the coach that would always respond with a mere “humph” or “eh” no matter the effort I put forward, and I definitely have not missed sitting idly on the bench applauding my teammates, never getting my own chance to prove myself.

However, my choice was not in spite of volleyball. It was not about the girls, it wasn’t about my coach, playing time, or any of it. It was me recognizing that I was empowered to create my own circumstance, my own fate really. I had to learn that my choices didn’t have to be for anyone except me.

Additionally, I understand that this is no normal circumstance. It is not normal to spend years building your career, waiting for your final climactic season, just to turn around and go the other direction. But I know, when I cross the finish line at the JV 5K races, probably clocking in at around 35 minutes, I will be proud of myself. For the first time in a while I will have done something for me, something that would make me happy. I know when I cross the finish lines I’ll be thinking: I am so glad that I am here.

2 The girls swim team took second place at the Tri-City Prelims at SVSU for the first time since 2007. Taylor Harvey placed second for diving.

10-3-1 The boys varsity soccer team is having a strong 2018 season.

Leading the team are captains Mason Pilgrim, Nate Streich, and Andrew Bott.

AT H L E T E O F T H E M O N T H : D e l a n e y R a n d a l l

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enior Delaney Randall’s swim career began when she was 18 months old. She swam at the Midland Country Club in a 6 and under division, where she would swim widths of the diving well. Now, Randall stands as one of the Midland High swim captains, and is a key member within the team. Head coach Buffy Hall said Randall is always pushing herself in the water.

Randall has been part of the team since she was a freshman. She made it a goal to be a captain of her future swim team when she was young. This year she was voted as a captain by her teammates- accomplishing her main goal. Randall said it is a big deal to her and she takes every practice and meet seriously.

“I think the season is going to go really well this year.” Randall said.

Randall has high expectations for this season, saying the team is full of hard workers.

This year the bar is set on a higher level.

“She tries very hard to motivate her team to have the same worth ethic she has,” Hall said. “She expects everyone to work as hard as she does, she tries to lead by example. Swim has always been a big deal for her.”

Randall said she is always setting high goals for herself. For her senior year, her focus is on qualifying for states.

“I’m really close to the state cut, so I would really like to achieve that this year,” Randall said.

Not all of her goals are set for herself. Randall said that she makes sure that everybody is motivated and setting goals for themselves such as beating a previous time and getting better.

“She makes us want to try really hard and to get a good time,”said Freshman teammate Amelia Matthews. “She’s a really good example because she’s a really good swimmer and it makes us want to be like her.”

Randall said being a part of this team is bigger than just swim. It has taught her some valuable lessons in life, such as working hard and setting goals.

“No matter how hard you try, sometimes what you want doesn’t always happen, but you have to keep trying.” Randall said.

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Photo Spencer Isberg September 27, 2018

FOCUS

CHANGES

Illustration: Olivia Ortiz

The Focus addresses:

INTEGRATION

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MHS has newly started combining the ninth grade English classes into one 9.3 class in order to raise student achievement, mixing these students is an effective way to push students in a creative setting.

t is common to see the separation of students into different classrooms based on their academic abilities . There is usually an advanced level class and a basic/lower level classic; however, recently it has been debated across Midland Public Schools whether or not this is the most efficient way of teaching. Many believe that combining these separate level classes into one median class has more advantages than the divided tracked classes.

This past year Midland High, following Dow High’s initiative, decided to institute a new combined .3 level ninth grade English class, where freshmen students would take the same class. Last year Dow High started the new class and received better results than expected, in fact after the first semester, only one student failed.

This new combined classroom provoked discussion on whether or not an integrated ninth grade English class is the best way to teach freshmen. The Focus Staff believes that integrating freshmen English is indeed an efficient way to challenge and educate students.

Integrated classes will push the lower level students to strive for higher levels of achievement. Often when students are placed in a lower level class, they may feel less motivation than other students in higher level classes, because they are already deemed “lower” by the system.

With an integrated class, students will

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push each other to achieve, provide confidence in others, and reduce the stigma that is attached to lower level students.

Moreover, students coming into high school have previously been among the same peers throughout middle and elementary school. Students have to face a large shift of scenery when entering high school, so integrating classes would keep consistency in these student’s lives.

Additionally, students may not know how a “point” and tracking system may work. Therefore, integration will allow all freshmen students to start in the same spot. Freshman World History is also combined at a .2 level which is another example of consistency.

Often, in a tracking system, lower socioeconomic classes generally end up in a lower level academic track which is essentially a kind of discrimination.

With an integrated classes, these different groups will be provided with equal learning opportunities and attention from teachers. In this way, integration can rule out question of a discriminatory system of education.

We acknowledge some benefits of tracking. Tracking can allow more individual attention to students. Tracking can also provide a more focused pace along with an appropriate amount of work for the individual student. It is also

a concern that integration might not push the higher level kids and it may be too fast paced for the lower level students.

It is believed that a teacher would struggle to meet both the high levels of accomplishment an advanced student might expect while attending to those who need more attention.

The Focus recognizes these benefits and accepts the concerns; however, we believe that integration should only remain for the ninth grade year. Dow High School is continuing its integration program into the tenth grade, creating a unified 10.3 English class, hoping for the same positive results. The Focus believes that after a student has been acclimated to a high school setting, they will be able to decide what track to follow with the guidance of counselors and parents or guardians. Integration is acceptable for ninth grade classes, but students need to narrow their curriculum in order to prepare for college or the workforce.

Also, The Focus recognizes not all students can keep pace with the often rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement Programs (AP).

The Focus believes that integration for ninth grade English students is effective and beneficial and that although tracking has its advantages, starting freshmen at the same point prepares students for next three years.

September 27, 2018

FOCUS

Carrie (2013)

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

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arrie is supposed to be a horror film, based on a terrifying novel by Stephen King, but I never even got startled while watching the 2013 remake. Chloe Grace Moretz’ acting seemed too forced, unrealistic, and stupid while her character’s previous incarnation in the 1976 film left me shaken and uneasy. Ansel Elgort, the male lead, did his best with the script he was given, and is clearly the best actor in the film, but even he has seen better days in his film career. While the supporting cast was not any better than the leads, some performances, such as Julianne Moore as Carrie’s mother, kept me invested when I otherwise would have turned the movie off after the first five minutes. The special effects felt too clunky and awkward, and there were moments that I would burst out laughing at scenes that were supposed to be pretty serious. I don’t feel that the 2013 version honors the original film and story at all, so if you’re a die hard horror fan, I would save your time and skip this film.

Rating: 2/5 Stars

’ve never been a fan of the original Planet of the Apes films, due to some of the racist politics that were present in the series that ran from 1968 to 1973, but I enjoyed watching the 2011 prequel reboot. The plot shifts to focus less on political allegories, but was engaging and suspenseful, and I quickly grew attached to most of the leads.

Caesar, the chimp protagonist, is an amazing character; throughout the whole film, the way that he was portrayed as being both ape-like and human-like but not being fully either one is both mesmerizing and chilling. The relationships he has with other characters in the film, like his father figure, Will, feels authentic and realistic, something that I didn’t pick up on in the old film series. The 2011 film feels refreshed and polished, although the ending that director Rupert Wyatt put in place didn’t feel as shocking or entertaining as the first film’s ending.

However, it is definitely an upgrade that I foresee overshadowing its predecessor.

Throwing it back to three classic films that have been rebooted in the last couple of years.

Opinion Editor Kelly Craig

Rating: 4/5 Stars

movie remakes Beauty and the Beast (2017)

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he 1991 Beauty and the Beast is personally one of my favorite Disney Renaissance movies, so I went into watching the live action 2017 version with a lot of hesitance.

A lot of remake films end up being disappointing due to the nostalgia factor, but I think I ended up being pleasantly surprised at the quality of the 2017 version.

One of the things that had bothered me about the original 1991 film was the number of plot holes and unanswered questions, like the Beast’s age and the nature of the curse, but the 2017 version quickly found remedies for these, and I ended up walking away feeling more satisfied that I had been with the original. The aesthetics and visual effects were amazing, and I felt like they added to the storybook magic of the original story. I could have done without Emma Watson’s (Belle) voice, however, with bits and pieces sounding too forced or robotic, but the stellar supporting cast, like Hollywood giants Ewan McGregor (Lumière) and Emma Thompson (Mrs. Potts), make up for what is lacking in the leads. For anyone who’s a fan of the original, I would highly recommend the remake, even if it doesn’t have fairytale animation.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

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opinion

September 27, 2018

FOCUS

A WEEK WITH THE MARCHING BAND

For one week I observed the different forms of band practice student musicians attend in order to learn new music and prepare for the halftime show. At the end of the week I sat with the band at the Bay City Western game on September 7. Sports Editor Katie Gibbs

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or years, I have spent football games in the student section.

At halftime, I cheer on the band as they march onto the field to perform their halftime show.

I’ve enjoyed watching my friends and peers move around the field, creating intricate shapes with just their bodies.

Before observing all the practices band has each week, I never understood the immense amount of work, energy, and dedication that students, directors, and parents put into making the halftime show a possibility.

Then I spent a week with the band.

Band camp is the starting spot for working on the show. For one week

Monroe’s end of rehearsal wrap-up speech. Watching it, it felt cheerful and motivational, with Monroe reminding them how much he loved them all and appreciated the hard work they put into perfecting their performances.

Afterwards, the whole band shouted back, “We love you too Monroe!”. As they filed back into the school, they played classic songs, such as “Seven Nation Army” and “Hey Baby”, that the students sang and danced to. The smiles on their faces as they paraded in reflected how much they all love being in the band.

At 6:45 on various mornings, Monroe meets with different sections

Each musician is an important piece of the puzzle and is unique in what they bring to the band. in August, everyone meets Monday through Friday to learn the basics of drills and music. Once school starts, the musicians practice it in class.

Each day possible during September and October, the band meets outside in the parking lot. Band directors William Monroe and Christopher O’Connell shout orders from the top of a scaffolding that overlooks the entire band. The two directors take turns yelling directions and reminders. Even on the hottest days, the musicians can be found outside, sweaty and tired, but working hard on their marching music.

Tuesday night rehearsals run like they do in class. Almost three hours are spent every Tuesday evening so the directors can critique every step and turn of the band drills. This was when I began questioning why so many kids wanted to be a part of something with so much direction and lack of freedom.

Before this, I thought being a part of the music program was about individual expression - I didn’t see any of that at the practices. However, at the end of the rehearsal, every single musician in the band huddled underneath the scaffolding to hear

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of the band for sectional rehearsal, to help them with individual conflicts in the music. I went to Thursday sectionals, which is dedicated to woodwinds. Being able to see a small section of the band work on music puts a different perspective on the band. During this time, Monroe also works with select individuals if they are struggling with a part of the music.

It was here I understood they are all performing the same music and marching the same drills, but there is originality in all the musicians. Each one is an important piece of the puzzle and is unique in what they bring to the band.

At the end of the long week of early morning sectionals and late night rehearsals, the musicians come together to perform their halftime show. But there’s another element that comes from being in the band at football games that makes it special: the band section has its own cheers and traditions like the student section, one of those being it’s exclusivity. I had a pass to sit with the band for the purpose of writing this observational piece, but despite that, I was still

Drum Majors (left to right) Kyle Burks, Irene Cline, Rebecca Henning, and Jared Gonder work together to help manage, conduct, and direct cheers for the band. Photo: Maureen Aloff

The marching band performs “The heat is on/ We didn’t start the fire”at a Tuesday night rehearsal. Photo: Spencer Isberg

nearly outed because I didn’t have an instrument or band uniform. The band members are all closely connected and protective of each other- like a family.

The halftime show takes more than just the musicians and directors to make it possible. At least a dozen parents work hard to help out. At the end of each game, once the band has marched off for their meeting, it’s the parents that stay back and help out with cleaning up water bottles and apple cores. I talked to a few parents while helping with cleanup, and they are all happy to do what they do.

The hard work students and directors put into mastering their performance is remarkable. After witnessing it, I won’t see the show as anything less than a masterpiece, and have a greater appreciation for all the hours of effort it takes to make the halftime show what it is.

Drum Major Jared Gonder prepares to lead the band in performing the Midland High School Fight Song. Photo: Maureen Aloff

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MIDLAND HIGH

the cereal dilemma Bitsy Mammel

I

M a d d i e We n z e l l Junior In freshman year, I went to a really small school with only about sixty kids in my grade. Then I joined the cross country team that had like 30 kids. I don’t think I talked once that whole season.

I’m really shy, well, I was really shy. I think I was just scared of being judged by everyone. Now, at Midland, I’m not like that and I’m more outgoing than who I was. I’m still kind of quiet but I feel confident enough to actually go up and talk to people. I feel comfortable cheering for the people on my team and they cheer for me. The people in cross country really helped with that. I went to cross country camp and I remember not knowing anyone but by the end of the week I actually talked to people and had conversations. It’s not just about running. It’s about life in general because there are so many types of people running with you and you can always find someone to connect with. *For more HOMH, follow The Focus on Instagram opinion

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’ve always been indecisive while choosing what I want for breakfast.

Cereal usually sounds good, though I figure I should probably eat something healthy. If I pick the wrong thing, I’ll feel sick and groggy for most of the day. This is my daily dilemma.

I was staying with my grandparents who live near Detroit for a night, and in the morning I was going to volunteer at a bakery with my great aunt. After a late night on my phone I woke up in a fog and stumbled down the stairs to face my predicament. I casually opened the fridge and the freezer, and realized there was nothing for me. My last hope was cereal. Initially, I was disappointed. My eyes navigated the name brands that I recognized, not paying any attention to the boxes that didn’t have a trademark symbol. I saw Joe’s Os, Corn Flakes, and finally I settled on Raisin Bran. I was defeated.

By the grace of God or by my tired eyes finally coming to focus, a box caught my eye as I reached up for the Raisin Bran.

It was a purple box, a store brand that I’d never heard of. I couldn’t see what it contained, but I stopped. I knew I probably would be disappointed again and would have to settle for mediocrity, but I took mysterious purple box from the shelf.

Surprisingly, I found the cereal that would make my day--no, my month. The cereal contained everything that I didn’t know I wanted: granola, corn flakes, yogurt, and fruit. My morning was saved by this box that I almost didn’t see in the first place.

As I happily chomped away at my breakfast, I took a moment to ponder what happened. I almost chose a cereal I knew but didn’t like. I only looked to things that were familiar to me and I was ignoring all other options. It was only by a stroke of luck, or fate, or whatever you’d like to call it, that I found what I would love.

This has been the motif of my life.

Throughout high school I have found

myself becoming a part of things that I had no intention of doing. I “read” my school newspaper freshman year (I looked at the pictures), but it never interested me. A scheduling mishap landed me in Advanced Journalism, and soon I was writing for the very paper that I barely glanced at the year before. Now, I’m currently loving every second I can tell others’ stories. My life has been filled with these “surprise passions,” the ones that overwhelm me before I realize it.

I’ve noticed that people say, “I wish I would’ve done this sooner,” or “I never knew how much I’d like this.” I used to relate, but with each new passion that overtakes me, I’ve come to relate less and less. If something interests me, I try it. If something doesn’t interest me but I have the opportunity, I try it. I would advise others to do the same. You never know what’s out there for you. Your very own surprise passion could just be lurking around the corner, or in my case, the cereal cabinet door.

As years have passed, I’ve figured out how much I appreciate finding these quirks. But don’t think that this comes easy for me, though. Exploring things foreign to me has always been nerveracking but exhilarating. I was afraid that I would find another cereal box that would disappoint, like when I was terrified led my first interview. But now, the hope and excitement of what could happen drives me to keep going. It’s why I keep reaching for the purple cereal boxes. What if I find my favorite cereal?

What if I write the best feature story in the state? The question that rings the loudest is, what if I walk away?

I’m more afraid of what I could be walking away from than what I’m walking towards, which is why I’ve been so involved in school and the community. I’ve had so many opportunities, which makes choosing what to do hard. Yet finding the ones that reveal a passion in me is worth the pain of going through all of the cereal options before I find the one that suits my taste.

September 27, 2018

FOCUS

don’t touch my derrière Annie Laforet

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he summer before my junior year I started working at my dance studio, Dean/Black School of Performing Arts, with dancers ranging from the age of 3 all the way to 15. My favorite group to work with has always been the Creative Movement class, ages 3-4. I’ve always prided myself on being able to calm them down and manage large groups of them. Plus, seeing a bunch of three year olds trying to learn how to skip while also trying to choke each other is probably one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen.

One of my struggles is being stern with them when it comes to misbehavior. If I threaten to take away their sticker privileges for that day, it usually does the trick, but what do I do when that doesn’t work; when saying no doesn’t work?

I am a strong believer in teaching kids from a young age about consent and respect. Most of the young girls are very receptive when I tell them not to touch me. For whatever reason it has been more difficult when it comes to little boys.

Last year, I had a three year old boy, Coy*, who would follow me around and hug my leg during class, which was very cute, but became old real fast (it is kinda hard to teach with 40lbs weighing down one of you legs). I learned to deal with it and pry him off, but that’s when his touching got more... uncomfortable. This little dude started to follow me around and purposely run into, hit, and grab my butt.

The first time it happened I spun around in complete shock and looked down into the laughing eyes of a three year old. I wanted to yell, but you can’t yell at a three year old who doesn’t know what they are doing is wrong.

How could I explain to a three year old that butt grabbing isn’t okay when they won’t listen to or understand “no”? I asked my boss for help and got the “he’s a ladies man” and “he just wants attention” talks.

After the initial butt-grab, I didn’t

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September 27, 2018

know how to approach the next incident without losing my cool. That’s when something remarkable happened.

One day before class started, a different three year old boy, Jase*, was shrieking with laughter as his dad tickled him.

Out of nowhere he started kicking and trying to move away from his dad.

“What’s the matter Jase? Do you want me to stop?”

The little boy kept squirming and his laughter vanished.

“Alright Jase I’m going to stop now.

Remember to use your words. Just say ‘stop’ or ‘no’ when you want someone to stop,” His father spoke calmly and made sure to maintain eye contact so that Jase got the message. His shrieking and squirming stopped, the situation was diffused, and Jase and I both learned a valuable lesson about consent. I’ve never had a problem with him coming into my or anyone else’s space, and I doubt I ever will.

The next time I felt a small hand touch my derrière I turned around, took Coy’s little hand, and pulled him aside to tell him why it wasn’t okay to touch me there. I spoke to him calmly and tried to make eye contact. I told him it made my “heart frowny” and scared me when he poked my bottom.

To my surprise he listened. I still got the occasional leg hug, but his butt poking days are over.

I am no longer teaching the Creative Movement class, but from what I hear the boys are behaving much better. I am proud of myself for being able to connect with Coy and standing up for myself.

The issue of consent isn’t one that begins on college campuses. It is something that must be taught from a young age (to both boys and girls), just like the alphabet and addition.

“Boys will be boys” is not an acceptable excuse for a lack of consent. It could be a thing of the past if we simply took kids by the hand and talked to them about consent. *Names have been changed

If you would like to advertise here Contact Jacob W. May jacomay20@midlandps.org (989) 621-3818

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It’s not just about chem Hannah Woehrle

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Cameron Aldrige Sophomore I posted a remix of Gucci Gang on Soundcloud called Propane. For some reason I ended up recording it with my Xbox microphone so it sounded pretty bad but I’m still up to nearly six hundred plays on Soundcloud.

Leading up to releasing it I was nervous, but when it came up to the moment of releasing it, it actually felt pretty cool. I got lots of feedback, negative and positive. I really got to hear both sides. For the most part, I agreed with a lot of the criticism that people gave me. I take criticism pretty well and don’t really take offense to negative words. I was just thinking earlier today that I was going to put out a few new sounds sort of like a Christmas present for everyone. I have a song dropping pretty soon. I don’t have a name yet but I wrote up all of the lyrics on my phone and a new beat; I just gotta put it all together and record it.

I’m planning on buying a new microphone because my current one doesn’t sound very good. I haven’t been able to come up with a rap name so I’ve just been going by my real name. *For more HOMH, follow The Focus on Instagram opinion

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nyone who has ever had Mr. Yoder knows that his motto for teaching is that “It’s not just about chemistry, it’s about life.” Whenever he teaches his classes something new, he tries to give it a real-life application. Well, even though I took it in a different way, I found this motto to be true for me.

As a sophomore, I enrolled in .3 chemistry, which was both the best and worst decision of my life. If you’ve ever had a conversation with me about school, you know that I loathe chem.

In fact, I’ll often credit it with ruining my life.

Like most students, I started off the year pretty strong. I would do my work, even though I didn’t like it, and I would try my best on the tests and quizzes. I even earned two top dogs in the month of October!

For those of you who don’t know, tops dogs are awards given to the top test scorers in each hour.

I have always been able to find a way to appreciate the coursework of a class, but chem was the exception.

I found the subject to be uninteresting in every way, and I was exceptionally bad at it. I didn’t understand half of what Mr. Yoder was saying, and to this day I still don’t know the difference between polar and nonpolar.

Never had I ever walked into a class on the day of a test, knowing I was going to fail, but been totally okay with it- until I took chem (sorry Mr. Yoder, but it’s true).

I think it was somewhere in the winter that my lack of interest started weighing me down.

Even though I hated it, chem is still the best class I have ever taken. I legitimately believe that I am a changed person after having walked into room 223 sixth hour every day for a year.

For starters, I realized that someone I had known for years was actually one of my best friends. I sat across from this person for an entire year, and we were able to bond over our mutual hatred for the subject.

Without taking chem, I would not have this person in my life or one of the best friendships I have ever had.

Even though I would dread going to sixth hour everyday, Mr. Yoder made me feel right at home in one of the most uncomfortable places I had ever been. While I was often the victim of one of his roasts, I didn’t mind because they made me laugh and they would make the class seem more like a family (and because I usually deserved it).

As the year dragged on, I was able to find ways to make chem tolerable. In October, my table-mates and I exchanged gifts for Secret Skeletons. In November, it was Secret Turkeys, and when December rolled around we were ready for the big one: Secret Santas.

Second semester, we decided to have “Snack Wednesdays,” where we would take turns bringing in a snack to share with table. It was so elaborate, we even had a sign-up sheet.

These kindergarten-like days would see us eating everything from waffles to fruit snacks to bubbly (which was just sparkling white grape juice).

We even went so far as to bring in a crockpot full of spaghetti and meat sauce with a side of garlic bread.

AKA, “spaghetti day.” That was when Mr. Yoder, understandably, shut us down because it was “too much of a distraction.”

So what do I remember from that class?

Certainly not any chemistry.

I did learn this: school is not just about the classes you take, it’s about the people you take the classes with. In 30 years, am I going to remember which elements are halogens? No. It’s been 4 months and I’ve already forgotten.

I can, however, tell you exactly what it felt like when Evynn Rhode got her first top dog.

I remember how fun it was joking around with Mr. Yoder everyday. I remember what I received for Secret Valentines, another gift exchange we did. To be honest, I remember everything about chemistry except the actual subject itself.

Even though it’s my least favorite subject I have ever taken, chem has been one of the best experiences of my life. So to anyone who is or plans to enroll in chem, take it from me: It’s not just about chemistry, it’s about life.

As a sophomore, I enrolled in .3 chemistry, which was both the best and worst decision of my life.

September 27, 2018

FOCUS

Take It or Leave It Do you want the good news or the bad news first?

apathy

TAKE IT

Dan O’Callaghan

I

’ll never forget the words from my classmates mouth: “ Um, didn’t we fight France in World War One?” “Um who was before Obama? Like wasn’t it Reagan or something?”

That’s not the first time I’ve heard ignorance and complete unawareness from my peers. I’ve also heard things like “What is NAFTA?”, “Isn’t Afghanistan in Africa?” and most recently, “Who was John McCain?”. When I see this I’m not just disappointed, but worried.

In these times, where we’re clouded by “Fake news”, misinformation, conspiracies and lies it’s important to be informed not only about what’s going on, but what has happened.

When we have students who can’t even name our Founding Fathers, or even point to where our troops are involved in on a map, we have an apathetic populace. It seems that despite this new age of constant information and social media, we still have so many uninformed youth.

Our generation cares more about what Kylie Jenner is up to or the new album from Travis Scott, more than the disenfranchisement of ethnic and religious minorities. This is simply because of apathy.

It’s not just the current times that I’m worried about, it’s the past. So much of our youth has barely even the slightest grasp on history. See, history isn’t something that we can just pass off and say, “ Eh it’s in the past who cares? It doesn’t concern me.” Because we live and breathe history, we see its effects in our daily lives. History is what made us and what got us here, what has killed and slaughtered, what has created and loved. Apathy to history is incredibly dangerous.

This summer I travelled to several Central European countries, where I was able to visit the concentration camp of Auschwitz. Anyone standing in those chambers, in the pure essence

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of evil thinks to themselves “How could this happen?” Only 12 percent of Germans were formal members of the Nazi party at the beginning of the war, yet almost the entire country stood by in silence during the Holocaust. The people of Germany were simply apathetic and did not concern themselves with the world’s wrongdoing much like the youth of today. throughout the trip seeing more reminders of the horrors of genocide and tyranny kept the constant reminder of the importance of being aware of rising hate and evil, on all sides of the political spectrum. As I saw memorial after memorial, I was more and more sickened by the fact that this not only happened in the first place, but that it went on for so long.

Today we can see injustices around the world today. Neo Nazi’s in Ukraine killing Russian civilians, attacks on peaceful protesters in the American streets, young women being kidnapped and enslaved in Nigeria and so many other disgusting actions around the world. Most youth today barely even know what these events are or what they’re about.

When I came home from Europe, I came to the conclusion that it was my job as someone who was able to witness the remains of one of the greatest atrocities to help ensure that my peers were informed about today’s world politics, today’s issues and crises, and the past that has affected us. It’s not just the horrors of history that we need to learn about, it’s also the good things, the heroes of history. By staying informed about the heroes of history we walk in their footsteps and continue the great work that they have started. I genuinely believe every rational person should be active in politics and should understand the universe we live in.

Because in the end, apathy will always be more deadly than a bullet.

Research center at University of Louisville finds revolutionary spinal cord stimulating implant that helps paralysed patients walk again.

LEAVE IT

Newly appointed Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

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