Hawk's Eye September 2016 Volume 25 Issue 1

Volume 25

issue 1

September 2016

Marching Into the School Year: New Students, New Administration, and New Policies Photo by Blythe Dorrian

6 8 10 12

NEWS

3| Lane Takes Position as Head Principal 4-5| New Teachers and Faculty

EDITORIAL

6| Change in Policies 7| Feminism Controversy

SPORTS

8-9| Future Olympians

FEATURE

10| Freshmen Survival Guide 11| Homecoming Shoes

ENTERTAINMENT

12| Pokemon Go Craze 13| Summer Movie Reviews 14-15| Cool Cars Around East Notification Statement of Non-discrimination: The Olathe Public Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability in its programs, activities or employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups to its facilities as required by: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other relevant state and federal laws. Inquiries regarding compliance with applicable civil rights statutes related to ethnicity, gender, age discrimination or equal access may be directed to Staff Council, 14160 Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66063-2000, phone 913-780-7000. All inquiries regarding compliance with applicable statutes regrading Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act may be directed to the Assistant Superintendent General Administration, 14160 Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66063-2000, phone 913-780-7000. Interested persons including those with impaired vision or hearing, can also obtain information as to existence and location services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by disabled persons by calling the Assistant Superintendent General Administration. (04/13)

Lane Ushers in a New Era at Olathe East

While observing and celebrating, the new principal wants to continue the traditions of Olathe Blythe Dorrian//Co-Editor

Lane wants to make this school year known to the entire student population that school is a safe place.

Upon graduating high school, Kerry Lane attended Northwest Missouri State for her undergraduate degree. After graduating college, she began her graduate studies in administration at the University of Missouri- Kansas City. As she takes the reins at Olathe East, she is also pursuing her doctorate degree at the University of Kansas.

Lane first started her teaching career in 1996 when California Trail

rest of the school. You have sat back and watched as a freshman, and we still have three years with you. They should learn to become the new leaders.”

“Junior and senior year are tough. You have a lot of pressure to think about college and what you want to do with your life. My biggest advice for juniors and seniors is that this is not the end of the world.

This is the beginning, and it is only the beginning. You don’t have to have all your decisions made; it is very okay to not be sure about what you are doing. But start knowing where your strengths are. Learn where your passions are, and then see if you can match your strength with your passion, and you will be happy.”

“You guys and the senior class will be special to me because they are both the year that I came. I will always remember it.”

Next year, Olathe East plans to create a new 21st century program at the school called Future Teachers. This new program will let transfer students wanting to teach, coach, teach special education, or history to kids of all grade levels.

The existing leadership program plans to switch their curriculum slightly by having an emphasis on law and administration.

The environmental design program will have a name change to just design to help ensure students understand the overall concept of the program, eliminating the misconceptions with the thought about the class.

A sports leadership program led by Assistant Principal/ Athletic Director Amanda, Faunce was created this summer. So far, 54 Olathe East students have been meeting once a month. They came up in the summer and completed a book study on how to be a leader before school started.

Lane excitedly anticipates the new school year as she meets the students and teachers, while making important decisions to make the school year successful.

Middle School opened. After staying there for a couple years, she became hired as an assistant principal at Santa Fe Trail Middle School.

Olathe North welcomed Lane as an assistant principal before she transferred back to Santa Fe Trail. This year would have been her tenth year at Santa Fe Trail.

“I have a large learning curve because I’ve been out of the high school for a while. I am really counting on a lot of people to remind me what AP, College Now, college scholarships, and the ACT are. Those are all things that I knew when I taught freshman, but it’s been ten years, and a lot of things have changed.”

Lane’s goal this year is trying to be a good listener because she says that Olathe East has so many things that she never had when she was in high school.

“I want to watch, observe, and see if there is anything I can do to help to improve things or give suggestions. I don’t know if I am as nervous than rather I am asking a lot of questions” Het biggest challenge she said will be getting to know everybody since the school with 150 teachers is so much bigger coming from a middle school with 60 teachers.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of this school. A gift will be handed out to each of the students. In the spring, the alumni will come back to open the time capsule.

'Everything is new; the first day of school, the first homecoming, first prom, and first graduation. I think I’m anticipating everything.

One cool thing about Olathe East is that you have the most people going to away games.”

“Freshmen definitely need to try different things, take risks, learn about something you might not even known you were interested in.

Join journalism, try out for a play. This is the time to do all of this.”

The new principal works to ensure a good year.

“Sophomores should take more of a leadership role to work with the Photos By Blythe Dorrian

3

New Year, New Faculty New Faculty Enters Olathe East’s Doors

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Kaitlyn Shacklett//Co-Editor Mikie Brown//Staff Writer

very school year, the same classrooms become occupied by new faces, teachers and students. The Hawk’s Eye got to know a little more about the fresh faculty by asking five questions:

•

Where did you go to college?

• How long have you been teaching?

• What are your roles at Olathe East?

• What is a saying you live by?

• What is one thing on your bucket list?

• • • • •

“K-State and Emporia State.”

“I have been teaching for ten years.”

“I teach French I and II.” “A saying that governs my life is ‘setting personal goals is important at any age.’”

“I would like to take my kids to Paris when they get a little older.”

• • • • •

Lorranda Baldridge

• • • • •

“K-State.”

“I teach Algebra and Geometry. I’m also the head cheer coach.”

“I wanted to be a teacher since the second grade. I used to teach my stuffed animals when I came home from school.”

“My motto would be ‘don’t apologize for doing what you love.’”

“One thing on my bucket list would be to go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower.”

• • •

Chanelle Dieckmann

• •

• • • • •

Michael Hanf

4

“I graduated from Emporia State University.”

“This will be my 23rd year.”

“I teach Algebra II, and I’m an assistant football coach.”

“Do your best. Do what’s right. Treat others the way you want to be treated.”

“One thing on my bucket list is to go to Hawaii.”

“I went to Art Institute of Portland.”

“This will be my first year teaching.”

“I’ve been an industrial designer for 20 years. I have two international design awards, two regional designer awards and I have 55 patents.

“A quote I live by is ‘keep moving forward’ from Walt Disney.”

“One thing on my bucket list is to go to Australia or New Zealand one day.”

“I got my Bachelor’s at Evangel University.”

“This is my tenth year.”

“I am the orchestra director, and a part of that is with two elementary schools as well. This year I am assigned to direct the pit for the winter musical. I am also starting a music honors society chapter.”

“Anyone can learn.”

“I would like to trace my family history back to Germany.”

• • • • •

Kevin Colwell

“I went to William Jewell for my undergrad, and then I went to Rockhurst for my education degree.”

“Eight years.”

“Graphic Design I and II, and Pub and Pres, and I coach baseball as well.”

“Visit Australia.”

(We asked him his favorite movie) “Not Another Teen Movie.”

Sheri Gillette

Sean Jarvis

• • • • •

“I went to K-State, graduated in May.” “This is my first year.”

“I teach applied geometry, AVID - juniors, and Algebra I. And then I am the Sophomore class sponsor.” “‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ Being a teacher, I’m in charge of a ton of kids, and I’m responsible for them majority of the day, so I just think - they don’t even realize how much power that I have, and how much responsibility that I feel like I have for them.”

“I’ve never been out of the country. That’s probably one of my biggest things. I really want to go to Europe, and I really want to go to Africa.”

Blair Lewis • • • • •

“I went to three. My Bachelor’s degree was at the University of Puerto Rico, my master’s degree in ESL was at the InterAmerican University, again in Puerto Rico, and I’m currently at Emporia.”

“This would be my 23rd year.”

“I’m an ELL teacher. ELL stands for English Language Learners - students who need to learn English because they come from other countries.”

“One thing I can think of is ‘forever endeavor’ because I believe no matter what stage of life you’re in, it always takes hard work to get where you want to be.”

“Mountain bike at Moab - it’s like the mountain biking mecca of the US. They’ve got awesome trails and mountains and things - scary, but I’ve got to do that sometime.”

Isaias Mendez • • • • •

“Pittsburg State University.”

“This would be my second year.”

“Physical Education - PE Concepts, PE Activities.”

“Always give your best effort.”

“To travel to Mexico, or outside the country in general.”

• •

Jason Peete

• • •

• • • • • •

“University of Missouri Kansas City AKA UMKC.” “Well, I guess this is my first year. Technically it’s my second, but it’s my first one getting paid.”

“English II, and I am also the assistant theatre director.”

“Everything happens for a reason.”

“To have a fully restored 1966 Mustang.”

“I have a couple of degrees from KU and Fort Hays. Then I got my Masters at KU.” “I taught in a classroom for six years. The last two years I’ve been an instructional resource teacher in Olathe.”

“My assistant principal responsibilities deal with curriculum, instruction, and assessment.”

“Something I live by is ‘make everyday as best as it can be.’”

“I really want to travel more.”

Matthew Rentfrow

Drew Thomas • • • • •

“I graduated from Mid America Nazarene University.”

“It’s the same schedule as Jacob (her son who is a sophomore at East), and I just like office work.”

“My role is to pretty much greet people, and answer the phone, and provide parents and students and staff with information.”

“I think a motto I live by is ‘if it’s worth doing, do it well’.”

“I think it would be fun to run the original marathon in Greece, or to attend an Olympics.”

Erica Vermillion

5

Lunches,Cell-Phones,Vending Machines...Oh My! New Policies Impact Olathe East Students

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lathe East incorporated several new policies this year, and with an incoming principal and multiple new faculty members, there was no way to avoid change.

New Principal Kerry Lane has been working in schools for a over 20 years, and she has a genuine insight of what she would like to see in schools.

“I spent 20 years at the middle school level and one year at high school.

I taught freshmen in junior high school. I taught AP English at California Trail when it opened, and [I] taught at Santa Fe Trail middle school. I was [also] the assistant principal there, and then I was an assistant principal at Olathe North and the principal at Santa Fe Trail for nine years,” Lane said.

Lane feels very strongly about being strict with the usage of phones and wants to limit the use of them of the students throughout the day.

“I think there’s not a reason to have your phone out in class. We want you to be paying attention and being engaged in learning unless the teacher wants to use the phones for an instructional purpose,” Lane said.

She wants to encourage students to do activities without using their phones.

“I think we’re sending the wrong message if you’re in school and you’re on your phone the whole time. I think there’s other things you could be doing with your brain than to be checking whatever it is on your phone. I just want to promote talking to people face to face and engaging in a discussion,” Lane said.

Lane wants to limit students to use their phones during class periods, but she does not want to cut phone usage for the students completely.

“If you have to get on [to] check the news, [or] get on snapchat, do it at lunch or in between classes, which is to me is a lot [more flexible] than what they had in middle school, where they didn’t let you use them at all,” Lane said.

Students are generally against a stricter phone policy.

“I think if a kid is using their phone then it’s their fault for getting a bad grade for not paying attention,” a student said.

The administration justified new food delivery change because students would often forget to pick up the food they ordered or would not be able to get the food right away from the office.

“Everyone was bringing their Jimmy Johns, pizza, McDonalds, and Chinese. It was causing us to send passes, to have kids come and get it. It was taking them out of class earlier, and it just became a food delivery service,” Lane said.

Margo Dulny//Staff Writer Kylie Graham//Staff Writer

“We still want to encourage it, what we’re asking is that parents will stay with the food and hand it off to the kid versus just dropping it off and having us deal with the delivery,” Lane said.

However one student said, “sometimes parents can’t wait around.”

Another student took the opposite side and said,“It is right in a way because the school isn’t responsible for taking care of food deliveries.”

Students would like to see changes in the school vending machines. Complaints have been reported such as stolen money, warm drinks and not enough variety.

Some students have wanted to go out and get their food during lunch, but the issue extends more than letting students just leave.

“If we allowed it, it would have to [be allowed] for all four, soon five high schools. It would be something that not just Olathe East would just do,” Lane said.

Most of the problems would disrupt or make it hard to work with the school schedule and there are also safety issues.

“By the time you get to the parking lot and get your fast food and get back, it’s going to be a really hard process to get back to class in time. [Also], your parents are entrusting us with your safety during the school day. And if something were to happen to you outside, either you caused a wreck or were hurt I don’t know what the school’s liability would be,” Lane said.

Lane encourages students to not show up at school before 7:30 or staying after school after 3:30 if there is not reason to be here.

“Before 7:30 or after 3:30 people were just hanging here and doing nothing, and if you’re going to hang out, why would you hang out at school and there’s also no supervision.”

Lane would like to see other changes but not just with policies and rules.

“Here’s an example: last night at parent night I was in the office because we don’t have bells. I’m like ‘why am I stuck here in the office? I want to be out talking to the parents. Also, the first day of school I was wondering’ what if we could help the freshmen. They might want to go to some of their classes during the day.’ Even if it was like a quick 5 to 6 minutes in their class,” Lane said.

Lane said she would be open hearing what the students want to see change and things they want to happen at the school in the future.

Feminist or Femi-nazi

Lindsey Proctor // Staff Writer Ryann Smith // Online Editor

Conversations with Olathe East Students and Faculty Revealed a Leaning Towards the “Equality for Both Sexes” Definition.

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n unsettling trend emerged in the 2016 Olympics. Gabby Douglas was criticized for her hair. Katie Ledecky broke a swimming world record and people only say she “swims like a man.” Katinka Hosszu broke a different swimming world record and people gave her husband the credit. People referred to the men’s cycling team as the “men’s cycling team,” but they referred to the women’s cycling team as the “girls’ cycling team.”

People who see the word “feminism” react in one of two ways. They either nod and think, “Yes, this is important,” or they groan, roll their eyes, and think, “Ugh, not this again.” Depending on who is asked, the definition of feminism differs. Some see feminism as the movement to achieve equality for both sexes. Others see feminists as women trying to prove one sex better than the other. Some people identify as feminists when their beliefs actually contradict those of feminism, and that creates confusion for people. The definition of the word becomes twisted due to its use of representing completely different sets of beliefs.

Two Students’ Opinions:

Will DeBolt Photo by Lindsey Proctor

Junior Will DeBolt’s reaction may surprise some, as many people expect high schoolers to avoid controversial topics. Truthfully, though, teenagers care more than people think. DeBolt took the question on his definition of feminism seriously and shared how he defines feminism as equality for both sexes. He said his view on feminism changed.

“When I was a freshman, when I heard feminist, I thought ‘femi-nazis,’ right? Like, I was just influenced by social media and what people were saying there. Since then, I learned what it actually means,” DeBolt said.

He compared the differences between “normal” feminists and extremists (“femi-nazis”) to the differences between Islam and radical Islam. Just as identifying as a Muslim does not mean someone supports terrorism, identifying as a feminist does not mean someone thinks men are scum.

Junior Dominique Jaramillo disagrees with the viewpoint of “women are better than men” as well. She sees feminism as all about equality.

She believes males and females expect different qualities from each other, leading to a multitude of sexist problems.

The word itself carries a long history and negative connotations. The stigmatism of feminism scares off possible supporters.

“A lot of people... start to resent feminists and call them…the whole femi-nazi thing. And that’s a history thing too, because feminists were kind of crazy in [the] 60’s, the second wave of feminism. And I think people have wanted to get away from the word... I think it’s just become more of an extreme thing than it should,” Jaramillo said.

Jaramillo becomes vocal about offensive commentary, especially when it involves sexism and feminism. She may not succeed every time in convincing someone of her argument.

“I always feel like they’re ignorant and they don’t know a lot of history, and you don’t want to fight with them because they’re crazy,” she said.

Jaramillo constantly learns about new arguments and thinks through her Dominique Jaramillo personal definition of feminism. Each time, she ends up in the same place.

Photo by Ryann Smith “I still would identify as feminist,” she said.

A Teacher’s Viewpoint: English teacher Jennifer Rippee has seen first-hand a shift in opinions on feminism and women’s roles in general.

“I think it’s making sure that women stand up for themselves and have equal rights. People’s perceptions of feminists is they’re all rude and demanding.

It’s not like that... The perception of feminism still has a stigma Mrs. Jennifer Rippee [from the] 1970’s... I think there Photo by Ryann Smith should be more education about what it is, probably in schools or parenting classes.”

She said students need to hear from both men and women, for example, that a girl can jump just as high as a boy.

“I’m surprised that in 2016, people still have that view and there is such thing as meninists. It’s funny, I say I’m surprised,” she said after being asked about her opinion on “meninists” against feminism and the women’s rights movement.

Her uncles, from the older generation, believe women should stay at home, cook, and clean. She knows this view still exists, but she hopes it fades away.

Rippee said about her students, “I would hope that they would be more open-minded, at this point in history. Plus, they are being educated by 80% women, so their perception of women better be elevated. I don’t hear them talking about [sexism] as much. I would say it’s definitely getting better. I think that our new principal will definitely help with that because she’s a female role model.”

Rippee thinks extremists should be asked for their definition of feminism, and once they verbalize it, they can learn they are taking the argument too far and turning it back into sexism, because when that happens, it becomes a battle.

“We don’t want it as a battle, we want it to be unified,” she said.

She then added if extremists change their perception, they would become successful spokespeople.

“If you have those loud, outlandish, strong personalities [as] feminists, but they’re changing people’s opinions... that would be awesome,” Rippee said.

Webster Dictionary defines feminism as:

“The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.”

7

VARSITY VETERANS

Soccer Captains Describe Their Experiences on the Varsity Team

RYAN WEISHAAR

Y

ou might be able to catch Ryan Weishaar on the track as he speeds by running the 800 or the mile.

Although if you wanted the best place to find him, check the soccer field.

Ryan Weishaar Photo Courtesy of Ryan Weishaar is involved in Olathe East’s high intensity soccer program where practices can last two hours.

“We enjoy going out to practice every day and it’s just a good experience,” said Weishaar who began playing around the age of four or five.

“Once I started it I just loved doing it so I never stopped,” Weishaar said.

Club soccer was one of the many things that he played for KCSC until the 8th grade. He feels that soccer is something that comes naturally to him. One of his favorite soccer memories is when he scored the first

Melanie Eszter/// Staff Writer

goal of the season his freshmen year when he played on JV. On the field Weishaar plays midfield as he enjoys passing the ball and set his teammates up to score, making him a real team player. When he’s not on the soccer field, Weishaar runs track and cross country which require much time management to get everything done, but he enjoys doing what he loves everyday. Running has also helped him be more prepared for each soccer season.

“I think I’m always in defiantly in the best shape of everybody and that just helps me stay on the field longer” Weishaar said. As one of the team captains his job is to be the coach on the field.

“If we ever need to talk to the refs or anything like that it always goes through us” Weishaar said.

Leading the team requires patience and leadership skills which Weishaar demonstrates each day. He makes sure changes need to be made suggested by the coach or the other captains. The team has put in many hours this summer that they had not done before. They conditioned more and practiced harder.

“We’re just really excited to get one more shot at a state title and see if we can bring one home,” Weishaar said.

Weishaar may be sad to be playing his year of his last high school soccer career, but he is glad that he had the chance to play for East all four years.

“I love the coaches I’ve been around with for four years. I’ve been able to develop a relationship with them. Some of my best friends also play soccer, so it’s really nice just to always be with them,” Weishaar said.

GRIFFIN STONE

Before every game senior Griffin Stone can be found listening to a CD he made just so he can get pumped up and ready for a game.

“At the beginning of the season we wrote our goals up on the white board,” said Stone.

The team looks forward to winning regionals and taking home a state title this year. They have previously won the Olathe tournament and look to keep making improvements.

“The season started off pretty good; we’re just hoping to keep the success coming,” said Stone.

With the some tough competition in the upcoming games against Washburn Rural and Blue Valley North West, this will be the first time in about ten years that varsity will play against Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Stone has been playing soccer since the age of four. He has played for a rec league, Premier and even division one soccer. Although he does not play for club anymore, he has learned many lessons from the game he plays almost every day. “ It’s kept me busy and taught me a lot of good things like being a good leader and how to be like a motivational leader and how to stay positive on the field,” Stone said.

As one of the captains for the team, he gets to decide what they will all wear to school on game day. He also helps lead the team through warmups. Overall, he makes sure that everyone is doing the right thing on and off the field.

“When you’re being a leader, you can’t act like you’re above everybody.

You have to lead by example and that’s the best way because the moment you start acting like you’re above people, the people that you’re the captain of start not liking you, and then they don’t listen to you,” Stone said.

“All the friends I’ve made in high school have been through

8

soccer.

All my best friends are on the team,” Stone said.

Stone has switched from playing center forward to playing center back.

“Playing center forward I played against center backs my whole life.

It was pretty much doing the exact opposite of what I had been doing for a long time,” Stone said.

Stone could not be any prouder of his team for winning the First Team All-State Plus plaque that is located in the athletic hallway. He admires those who have gone on to play in either the Olympics or the MLS soccer league.

“It motivates me to play better; I could be like them if I did my best every game,” Stone said.

PhotoCourtesy of Griffin Stone

Shane KopPlin Before soccer games Shane Kopplin listens to rap music to get his blood flowing so that he can play an amazing game.

He began playing soccer in kindergarten and has played every year ever since. Kopplin went on to play for KC Rush and Sporting Academy which is the KC Sporting affiliate competitive soccer team. Kopplin also referees soccer on Saturday mornings.

“For me personally it’s fun to play.

Most kids just like that competitive spirit of it but for me, I just like having fun,” said Kopplin.

He hopes to one day become a professional soccer player.

“Barcelona is one of the teams I PhotoCourtesy of Shane Kopplin would love to play for," Kopplin said.

Right around game time, he thinks about what he needs to do to let the team win and be successful. “[Soccer] has done a lot for me. I’ve formed relationships with a lot of friends Its taught me a lot of social skills, its taught me stuff outside of soccer more in like the life aspect as well,” Kopplin said.

Kopplin plays as an attacking midfielder: the attacking position behind the forwards which attack. Kopplin’s main goal is to switch the point of attack and connect passes to his teammates to score goals. This marks Kopplin’s third year on Varsity, as he did not play freshmen year.

“High school is a completely different atmosphere from club soccer”

Photo Courtesy of Griffin Stone

Chapman first began fostering a love for soccer when he started playing soccer in elementary school.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing,” Chapman said.

As his soccer career advanced, he built an intensive love for the

game.

“It’s really easy to have fun while you are playing. You can be creative as team player or a solo player; You can just always have fun with it,” Chapman said.

Although after sophomore year, he found himself not playing as much as he wanted to and was on the verge of quitting.

“I stuck with it, and it ended up turning out pretty well,” Chapman said.

Now not only does he play center midfielder for the East Varsity team, he also plays soccer all year round, playing for East in the fall and for Rush from December to late July.

Chapman plays both offensively and defensively always trying to help the team.

“To really have a good team you have to have a cohesive midfield. It’s really working out well this year; We're having a lot of fun.”

said Kopplin.

Kopplin thoroughly enjoys the intense high-paced game of high school soccer.

“Friends come out and watch you play; the games are so loud; you get your name called out before the game; it’s a really fun experience,” Kopplin said.

Whereas in club soccer the players get more exposure to colleges.

Club soccer plays the highest level and high school is more for fun.

“They both balance each other out,” Kopplin said.

Kopplin’s favorite high school soccer memory is when he scored a goal in the championship “It was the best feeling ever. Once I scored the goal, it was mayhem. It was the biggest experience of my life,” Kopplin said.

As a captain he gets to give advice before games and give words of encouragement to all the players to get them pumped up for the game.

“I think we can definitely win the state title this year,” Kopplin said.

Photo Courtesy of Shane Kopplin

Jacob Chapman One of Chapmans favorite East occer memories was when the varsity team won state during his sophomore year in 2014 season.

“It was good to see all the hard work we put in through the season pay off, it was really rewarding,” Chapman said. This is one of the main things that he will miss about East soccer. “I am definitely going to miss seeing the same people every day; it’s a lot of fun, trying to enjoy it while it lasts because I know that sometime soon it’s going to be over,” said Chapman.

Although collegiate soccer is still a question, Chapman loves being a part of team at East and is thankful for all the Hawk Nation fans who come out to support every game.

Photo Courtesy of Jacob Chapman

9

R e m e m ber t h e Fr esh m en Veterans Tell Freshmen How it is

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new year- a start to a new experience, means a new 9th grade class enters. The class of 2020 is the seventh four-year class to enter Olathe East. The jump from middle school marks an important step in these students’ career. Additional responsibilities and challenges can overwhelm students. The Hawk’s Eye has devised a solution to battle the first year’s nerves: The Freshman’s Guide to Olathe East.

Students need time to adjust. Things work at a faster pace in high school.

Luckily, people and groups in the building are available to help the new freshmen class get settled into the school. Hawk Leaders serve as mentors and guides to the incoming class. Counselor Nicole Etherton, sponsor of the group, talks about things that freshmen should expect about coming into East, and what 92 junior and senior Hawk Leaders do to help the freshmen face the fears of being in high school.

“Our Hawk Leaders each year come up with a list called ‘What Every Freshmen Should Know’. It is a list of their tips, that as students they think would most benefit 9th graders. Some of them are obvious, such as: no PDA, [leave your comfort zone, learn to drive]. Also there are tips: such as which hallway has the best drinking fountain [500 hallway], [stay involved, make new friends, etc.] Hawk Leaders is a student-driven group; they come up with everything we do with 9th graders. As the sponsor, I make things happen for them if they need me.” Etherton said.

The jump from middle school to high school may surprise incoming freshmen, but people have been in this situation before. Hawk Leaders themselves have worn the freshman shoes, including Senior Hawk Leaders Kara Casey, Ali Karamali, and Emily Scheeckle. They talk about how they felt when they were freshmen back in 2013, what they could tell their freshmen self.

“Looking back on [my] freshmen year, I would have told myself to work harder because I allowed myself to get lazy with my class work, and that has affected my GPA moving forward. I would also probably tell myself to get more involved and join some clubs so that I could’ve branched out more and make better connections. I would also tell myself to go and support the athletics more, because school pride is a big factor of what makes high school great. And nobody does it better than East,” Karamali said.

“Going back to freshmen year, I [would have] told myself to get involved [right away], rather than wait a year of two to join an activity or club. And don’t be afraid to be yourself, make new friends, and takes some risks,” Casey said.

“Enjoy high school while it lasts! It goes by way too quick,” Schmeeckle said.

The Hawk Leaders serve as mentors to the 9th graders throughout the first semester. They come in once a month during seminar to mentor and play games. Outside of seminar, the Hawk Leaders even hosted the freshmen mixer.

Football games and activities aside, freshmen should know that most teachers get to school 7:30 AM and don’t usually leave until 3:30 PM. If a question occurs, teachers will help if a student has a conscientious attitude.

Advice to the 9th Greade:

I. “Get Involved In Activities. That is what makes high school fun. Focus on Academics early, so you aren’t climbing out of a problem later [on in your high school] career.”-Cindi Kimmel, Freshmen English Teacher

Jacob Stofer//Managing Editor

III. “Be friendly in class. Don’t be shy and keep to yourself. Someone needs to borrow a pencil offer one to them. Or if you are handing a paper back, you say ‘Here you go’. -Ronda Meives, International language IV. “I would advise the freshmen to go to the games and cheer loudly because upperclassmen love it when the freshmen cheer.” - Kalli Elliot, Senior Hawk Leader V. “I always encourage students to enjoy this process. If you talk to any adult about memories, they will [instantly] go back to high school. The idea is we are in a hurry to get out. This is the [best] time of your life. There isn’t a lot of responsibilities. And we are in a hurry to get out, and that is not just with school, it is also with social temptations. We are in such a hurry to become adults when we get to that point, we say ‘I wish i could go back [to when I was in high school.]” -Lucas Yarnell, PACE

“I expected for high school to be different. I was scared I was going to be late and get their on time,” -Lauren Kali

“I didn’t expect for it to be this easy, [as getting to my classes on time,] and adjusting to the big school,” -Morgan Elisson

“[The adjustment to high school], has been good.

I have a lot of more freedom, not having to use a locker.”

-Cole Scheliler

II. “Don’t worry as much about your grade as what you learn. If you focus on being in class to learn and not to get an A, you will get so much more out of the class and your grade will fall into place.” - Allie Jones, Senior Hawk Leader

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Photos by Blythe Dorrian

Homecoming Blues H

Are Homecoming Shoes Worth the Money?

Erin McCarthy//Staff Writer

omecoming: that wonderful time of year when high school girls (and some boys) anxiously wait for a creative sign or a dozen doughnuts that convey one question: “Will you go to dance with me?” However once the perfect date is found, life becomes very hectic. Finding the right dress is difficult, and finding the perfect pair of shoes can be even more of a dilemma. Why do the shoes matter so much?

Many girls typically spend $30-$50 dollars on their shoes alone, and Just because a girl wants to wear nice shoes doesn’t mean it should with the dress and accessories, the cost quickly starts to add up. More empty out your wallet. Try these alternate ideas to keep from spending often than not, girls take them off as soon as they get to the actual dance. too much on your homecoming shoes: Junior Lily Kennedy said, “I’ll wear them to dinner and pictures, and then take 1. If you have a friend with the same foot size as you, them off right away.” you can swap shoes.

The shoes get piled up on the bleachers, completely untouched for the rest of the 2. Check with Goodwill or Platos Closet for gently dance. Facing a possibility of getting them used shoes, at a cheaper price. stolen or left at the dance because no one is watching them, some might say it’s fool3. You can always take an old pair of shoes and DIY ish to spend much money on new shoes them to give them a second life. for homecoming.

Senior Hunter Grosz said, “If your date is tall, then high heels making up for that 4. Share a pair with a friend from a different school so is completely understandable. Otherwise, you both can wear a pair of new shoes, but split the Cheerball 2015 to buy them only to take them off at the price.

Photo Courtesy of Kaitlyn Mura dance is pointless.”

With so much money spent on shoes, why are 5. There’s nothing wrong with breaking out an old pair of they torn off five minutes after arriving at the Converse.

If your date wears a pair too, this translates into a cute-couple dance? outfit. Plus, they will look adorable in photos.

Senior Kaitlyn Mura said, “Shoes are uncomfortable, and it’s easier to

dance barefoot.”

Many times, high heels can make feet feel cramped and sore if worn too long. Most people would say an easy fix to this problem is to wear a pair of nice flats, but that powerful feeling girls get when they slip into a pair of six-inch heels cannot be beat.

Homecoming Shoe Possibilities Photo by Erin McCarthy

Cheap Places To Get Shoes: Platos Closet Quivira Crossing, 11608 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66221 Goodwill 16630 W. 135th Street Olathe, KS 66062 Burlington Coat Factory Great Mall of The Great Plains, 20030 W 151st St, Olathe, KS 66061 Senior Kaitlyn Mura, and Senior Noah Bradford at Cheerball 2015 Photo Courtesy of Kaitlyn Mura

Charlotte Russe Oak Park Mall, 11615 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS 66214

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Pokemon GOes To School

Ryann Smith//Online Editor

Olathe East Students of all Ages Took a Poll on their Pokemon GO Experiences

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okemon GO, released this summer, took the world by storm. The game makes the dream of catching Pokemon in the real world a reality. The app allows “Trainers” to travel around their area in search of Pokemon to add to their Pokedex, PokeStops to replenish their PokeBalls, and Gyms to battle their Pokemon with other “Trainers.”

Students at East were surveyed about Pokemon GO, only to reveal less students than expected for teenagers play this latest and greatest game. Students numbering 176 answered with 90 not playing Pokemon at all. Of the 86 players, 29 fight for Valor, 17 analyze for Mystic, and 18 trust their Pokemons’ Instinct. The players are shown by grade below with non-players to the side.

Sixty-eight students of the 176 polled reported witnessing hate among teams, both verbal and physical.

Only eight reports included violence, while the other 60 consisted of verbal fights.

With PokeStops across the world, some players get creative in hunting for virtual items. A Deanna Rose employee reported break-ins on restricted paths when players wanted new items or Pokemon.

Some businesses offer players discounts based on their team. In opposition, others attempt to ban it in order to better the business. Some churches embrace the app while cemeteries find it offensive to be a PokeStop. Users should be careful where they play.

Players beware, some use PokeStops with lures (items used to attract Pokemon) to instead distract players and rob them. Stay alert, Trainers.

Hawk

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Need For SpEEd

Some students and teachers with special rides to school Engines roaring. Tires Screeching. Burning rubber and blaring music. Whether it’s a Cadillac with “mad bass” or a Ferrari with 660 horsepower, nearly every American’s dream is to own a “cool car.” Some students and teachers at Olathe East are ahead in the race, while others are far behind.

Fast and Furious

Ha, Chicken!

Magenta Chevrolet Camaro

“I have driven the Camaro at the Kansas Speedway. It was very exciting.”

-Lisa Whallon, Business Teacher

Old Timer

1960 Studebaker Lark

“My very first car was a 1960 Studebaker Lark convertible and, no – I’m not that old! My Dad collects Studebakers, so all my siblings drove Studebakers. [Picture above is of] my first day driving it when I was 16.” -Jan Holthus, Choir Teacher

Deal With the Deville

1999 Cadillac Deville

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“Not many people in high school have a 1999 Cadillac. I get looks all the time when I’m out in public” -Evelyn Dubey, Senior

1999 Mazda Miata

“When I was in high school I was playing a game of “chicken” down Antioch in O.P. I swerved away in just enough time to put my VW Beetle on two wheels which terrified my passenger.” -Todd Keach, History Teacher

Fixer Upper

Toyota Celica GT

“It’s cool because it used to look trash, but I fixed it up and now it’s fire.” -Zander Balsy, Senior

Senior (citizen))) Car

2002 Buick Rendezvous

“It’s an old person car and it’s funny that I drive a Buick” -McAuley Hollis, Senior

Sketchy aCquisition

Honorable Mentions

Why do you think your car is cool?

Honda Shadow 750cc Aero

“[I] went to some online buying site like Craigslist and ended up getting [a bike] from this guy in a trailer park. I give him cash and he pulls this beat up bike out of his garage and he was like ‘Do you wanna test drive it’ and I was like ‘No, I don’t know how to drive a motorcycle’ and [I] and my friend lift it up, put it in my truck, and left.”-Michael Ralph, Science Teacher

Unintended Features

Top Van(s) AMC Pacer

“You could start it without a key. So the boys at my high school would go move it during lunch and then I couldn’t find it when school was out.”-Kimberly Hansen, Math Teacher

Chuck Vans Size 11 1/2

“[They are cool because] they’re all terrain”- Anthony Snell, Senior

that is a stretch

1998 Lincoln Limousine

“[I], Mr. Shafer, and Mr. Goddard took the limousine to Allen Fieldhouse for a KU basketball game. There are clear signs preventing cars from dropping off right near the front entrance. However, when our driver pulled us up there, the security guards let us get dropped off right outside the Fieldhouse. They must have thought we were important!” - Matt Rentfrow, English Teacher

“I haul all of the set pieces for the children’s theater show.”- Cole Ashton 2002 Ford F-150 “It’s Fast”- Tim Hankins 2009 Nissan Altima “It’s Vintage”- Jacob 1994 Thunderbird “It will get me through college.”- Quintin Reeves 2015 Chevy Cruze “I don’t”- Andrew Berry Nissan Murang “Amda”- Bret McGree Acura “It’s cheap and reliable”- MJ Hansen 2003 Honda CRU “It’s got black leather interior and 20% tint on the back windows”- John Moore “It’s pretty and I worked hard for it”- Hannah Burkhart 2008 Blue Honda Fit

Natalie Ryan’s Wreck list “I have hit a police car, a gas pump, my dad’s car, and most recently my 22-yearold’s new car we bought him for graduation. I have also mistakenly run a red light and hit a lady’s car and I have also hit the guy in front of me thinking the light had turned green. I really am a safe driver!”Natalie Ryan, counselor

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ThrowbAck to ‘92

Adviser Karen Kirk

Co-Editors Blythe Dorrian KAitlyn ShAcklett

MAnAging Editor Jacob Stofer

GrAphics Editor JAcob Wilson

Online editor RyAnn smith

business mAnAger Addis ShArpe

sociAl mediA chAir melAnie eszter

stAff writers mikie brown mArgo dulney kylie grAhAm micAh hinton erin mccArthy lindsey proctor felicity wenger

Photos Taken From the Hawk’s Eye Archives