Hawk's Eye October 2015 Volume 24 issue 2

THE OLATHE EAST

VOL 24 | ISSUE 2

A Tainted Policy?

Does the substance abuse policy fall short? |Page 17

THE

CONTENTS

HAWK'Seye

FEATURE

10-11|Leadership and Para 13|FNHS/SNHS/NHS

ENTERTAINMENT

14-15| Chips 16|Manga 18-19|Top 10 Horror Films

EDITORIAL

17|Substance Abuse Protocols

SPORTS

3| Freshmen Playing Up 4-5|Collegiate Recruiting

NEWS

6-7|Adopting from a Dog Shelter 8-9|Olathe West

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 (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education 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 Counsel, 14160 Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 660632000, phone 913-780-7000. All inquiries regarding compliance with applicable statutes regarding 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 Rd. Olathe, KS 66063-2000, phone (913) 780-7000. Interested persons including those with impaired vision or hearing, can also obtain information as to the existence and location of services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by disabled persons by calling the Assistant Superintendent General Administration. (04/13)

Younger Athletes on a Higher Level Freshmen JV and Varisty Experinces Margo Dulny // Staff Writer

K

athryn Lee, a

freshman on the JV volleyball team has been playing since 2nd grade. Her parents put her in volleyball hoping it would be a good opporunity for her. They paid a lot of money for Kathryn to help her with volleyball. She was put in a program at East to help her in the future.

“I have been growing up with this program since I was in 3rd grade.... I’m the only who’s done that, so...I finally got to high school, and then I did their summer camps and conditions...so, that definitely helped.” Kathryn said.

On the first tryout day only freshmen came.

The next day all of the rest of the grades came to tryouts.

Kathryn said, “They put freshmen and sophomores on one court and JV and varsity on another court, and if they thought you could play up, they’d give you a chance to play with the older girls.”

Kathryn has been having a great time on the team playing with the older girls.

“At first, it was kind of a little nerve racking.

So, we didn’t really know each other and they’re more skilled than I am. So, it was a...transition from middle school to JV, but, they’re actually really nice people and they’re very supportive and encouraging, they give me helpful advice and we just kind of all bond together as a team.

Kathryn has a lot of encouragement from her parents and friends. Her parents give her a lot of support.

“They like to come to all my games and...I was proud of myself but they’re proud of me, too.” Kathryn said.

Her coach also gives her a lot of support.

She has a lot of respect for him and the way he treats everyone.

“He’s very encouraging, in fact, he’s probably the best coach I’ve had. He’s very good at teaching and helping and he’s very positive.”

Kathryn did not even want to play volleyball at first. Her parents had her participate anyways. But, Kathryn trusted her parents and believed it would lead to something good. She has a lot of respect for her parents.

Kathyrn said, “At first, I was a little bummed that I have to give up so many hours and days of my summer. But, then I realized that this is going to help me as an athlete and this is going to be good for me.”

P

arker Esparza, a JV

soccer player has been playing soccer since he was 4 years old. He has grown up around a family sports loving.

Soccer, baseball, and basketball are sports his family does.

“I would watch... [my brother’s]... games because they played a lot and there are three older brothers. And I just wacth all their games and I wanted to be like them”, Parker said.

Parker and his brother have a chance tto play together this year.

Parker said, “It feels good just to be on the same field as my brother or sit on the bench with varsity.”

Parker’s family really supports him being in soccer. All of his brothers do sports and Parker has an even stronger comittment to baseball than soccer.

Parker, at first, did not know if he would tryout for soccer this year.

“I was like, ‘I might quit soccer soccer but I’ll try and see what the first year of high school is like. And, I really like it here and high school is way better better,” said Parker.

Parker enjoys being on the soccer team at

East. He thinks this year will be great.

Parker said, “I love it actully. Makes you feel equal to the seniors or the juniors. People who would normally look down on you. It makes you feel like they’re your friends and there on the same team as you. I’m going to contiune for sure.”

M

ichaela Magee,

the only freshman on the tennis varsity team has been playing tennis since 5th grade.

“I was just trying some activities to do. But, then I ended up getting really into tennis and really liking it”, said Michaela.

During the tryouts, they had about 30 other people trying out for tennis. It was a competion because more than half the people would be cut.

Michaela said, “Well, first we kind of just did some drills and the coaches evaluated us and, then, based on the drills they ...made up their own ...ladder of where you work your spot up or down. So, then, I had to play against people to work my way up on the ladder.”

Michaela’s mom really supports her. Michaela’s mom pushes her and cheers her on.

“She comes to all my matches; she helps me a lot and always makes sure I have my stuff.

She’s also one of my little coaches, because she pushes me to my best.” Michaela said.

Michaela has had an excellent season so far.

She has been getting support, and she supports all the other freshmen.

“I’m excited to continue, I’m excited for the next two years to keep improving. I’m excited to keep on progressing through the years.”

3

Talbert Goes from Kansas to Virginia

Basketball star Josiah Talbert commits to play Division I basketball at Liberty

Ben Kohl//Senior Staff Writer

T

Photo Courtesy of Logan Brockschmidt

hey say it won’t happen. They say you won’t defy the odds. They say you won’t make it to the next level. Division I athletics: one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish as a student athlete in high school. Not only do you need the required and NCAA regulated 2.0 gradepoint average and 21 ACT score to receive a scholarship from a university of interest, but also athleticism, strength, desire, and talent in the sport of choice to become a Division I athlete. Senior basketball star Josiah Talbert will trek 21 hours to Lynchburg, Virginia to play for Coach Richie McKay and the Liberty Flames in the fall of 2016, choosing to take his talents to the next level by playing division one basketball.

Go back two years, when his two-star rating and twelve offers were nonexistent, the recruiting process began to unravel. From letters to calls, and from visits to committing, he went through blood, sweat, and tears.

“It’s a really nice campus and a really beautiful place and their basketball facilities are really nice,” Talbert said.

“Everything fit how I wanted my ideal college to be.” Early during his freshman year, Talbert realized the magnitude of the matter at hand. He first got in touch with coaches early in his freshman year.

“I first started getting I guess recruited under the radar when my brother Ezra was getting recruited.” Talbert said, “Some colleges came and talked to him and they kind of jokingly recruited me, but I think kind of serious at the same time.”

Talbert slowly started getting recruited, “I got my first letter from the University of Tulsa and that was when I was a sophomore in high school,” Talbert said.

“I got the letter in the mail and I thought it was for my older brother.

That’s why I wasn’t expecting it to be anything important, but I looked at it and I saw that it had my name on it.”

Talbert received his first offer while traveling for an AAU basketball tournament when a coach came up to him and offered him a scholarship.

“When I got my first offer, it was something that I was shocked I got.”

Talbert said, “It was at a tournament in St. Louis my sophomore year going into my junior year.”

After being offered a scholarship, coaches started communicating with him in ways he never thought coaches would. “Texts are good, letters aren’t really that big of a deal. I’ve had coaches DM (direct message) me on Twitter, message me on Facebook, text me, call me, and write me letters, so I think it’s all good.”

Riding on the confidence of one offer and multiple notifications from various coaches, Talbert eventually worked his way up to 11 other offers

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Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

before the eventual commitment to Liberty University. His top three schools were Liberty University, Lehigh University, and Stephen F. Austin, but Liberty stood out from the rest.

“The reason Liberty stood out to me the most is well first off they’re a Christian school, and I’m a Christian so I think that stood out definitely for that matter.”

Also, Talbert said, “They (hired) a brand new coaching staff when I was a junior going into senior year (this summer).”

The new coaches include an assistant from Virginia Commonwealth’s (VCU) Final Four team, and an assistant from the University of Virginia, who became the new head coach, Richie McKay. “The very first thing that Coach McKay did when he got the job at Liberty is he bought a private jet, and he flew out to see me with all five other coaches,” Talbert said.

“And he flew all the way from Virginia, so that really caught my eye.”

Bringing in a new coaching staff became a major factor in Talbert’s decision because he always wanted a coach that wanted and desired him to be on his team, and that’s what Liberty brought to the table.

The dream became a reality on June 15, 2015. While at a camp in Manitou Springs, Colorado, Talbert committed via cellphone to play basketball at Liberty University.

Although, late in the recruiting process, some bigger schools came knocking at the door.

“Oklahoma State and Marquette were two of the bigger-named ones and a few other schools,” Talbert said.

“I was on K-State’s radar for a little bit, but I committed before they could really talk to me too much.” Talbert had some doubts at first about the decision he made, but they quickly vanished when visiting Liberty.

“When you get off the phone with a coach from Marquette or a coach from Oklahoma State, you sit there and you wonder ‘Did I make the right choice and did I make it for the right reasons?’” Talbert said.

“I definitely did have my doubts after I committed and gotten a bunch of those calls from high major colleges, but I’d always go back to thinking this is really where I think God wants me and this is really where I need to be.”

The official visit for Talbert to Lynchburg sealed the deal for him. “After I went on one of my official visits to Liberty, I had no doubts that this is the place for me,” Talbert said.

“I am very happy with where I have decided to go.” Josiah hopes to play professionally, but if not he plans to graduate and go into the field of medicine, and specifically major in Exercise Science.

JUNIOR YEAR STATISTICS: Points Per Game: 11.1 Rebounds Per Game: 5.3 Field Goal Percentage: 66%

CAREER STATISTICS: Varsity Games Played: 61 Total Rebounds: 184 Total Points: 401 Total Field Goals Made:156

COMMITTED:

OFFERS RECEIVED:

5

IT ’S A DOG LIFE How to, Where To, and Why To Adopt From a Shelter

Natalie Friend//Social Media Chair

A

pproximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats. There are many local shelters and animal adoption agencies available to those in the Kansas City metro, however, many people still continue to “buy” their pets from breeders and pet stores. The Hawk’s Eye ventured nto the lives of a few East students and staff who adopted their own animals locally.

Social studies teacher Mr. Stephenson adopted his latest dog, a German Shepard and Husky mix, in September through Petsmart and the KCK animal control shelter. “I like that the dogs always have medical care when I get them; they’ve got shots, they’re fixed, they’ve got all their basic medical care. With breeders you don’t always know how the dogs have been treated,” he said.

Senior Lauren Taylor recently adopted her cat Walter from Purrfect Pets Cat Adoptions center, a non-profit, no-kill cat rescue and adoption agency for the Greater Kansas City area. She said, “With breeders, you never really know how the cats have been treated or whether they’ve been in-bred ... and going through an adoption service means you’re saving lives.”

In-breeding, or the practice of breeding individuals of a closely-related group repeatedly - often animals very closely related to each other - preserves specific traits but often increases the animal’s health risks. “A lot of the time, if you’re going for a pedigree cat there’s been inbreeding and that can cause a lot of health problems,” Taylor said.

Donna Williams, a receptionist at Wayside Waifs, said, “It kind of starts with breeders or unneutered and unsprayed dogs. A huge population is

That’s my favorite part of having a dog: having that relationship with them - and you get to see that grow with a rescue dog unlike any other.”

already being created, so deliberately making more animals doesn’t really make sense. Places like Petland often say that the puppy you’re buying isn’t from a puppy mill but often they are. The parent of that puppy you’re buying may be in a cage in a puppy mill. There are dogs just stacked in cages which never get out for walks, exercise, comfort; anything – they just breed them. A lot of people need to know most pet stores partake in that.”

The school librarian Ms. Shelly McNerney, who just adopted an eightyear old Labrador-Retriever mix, is like Mr. Stephenson - being no stranger to animal adoption. She has previously adopted through Animal Haven (now the Great Plains SPCA), Jefferson County Humane Society, and TARA (The Animal Rescue Alliance). “I think there is a huge problem with pet over-population, and shelters are full of really great pets that just need a home; dogs, cats, rabbits; all kinds of animals that simply have no home,” she said. Contrary to popular belief, many shelters care for and provide adoptions for more than just dogs and cats.

Those who have adopted their animals and have knowledge of the process encourage others to do the same. “When you adopt a dog, you’re helping two dogs, not one; you’re bringing one home and allowing another the chance to take its place,” said Williams. And although shelters like Wayside Waifs and Purrfect Pets are no-kill shelters and keep the animals until their adoptions, the more adoptions that take place, Step 3: the more space there is for new Check Out animals. Thus the cycle continues. Williams said, “Since we’re Local Shelters

How to Adopt:

Step 1: Decide What Type of Animal Fits You Best Step 2: Search Online

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Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

Step 7: Adopt and Bring Your Pet Home Mr. Stephenson and his dog, Amelia not-for profit, [adoptions] helps keep the doors open and keep room open for other dogs to come in.”

Certain pets are seen as “less adoptable” by the public, due to age, health, and type. Included in this category are older and senior pets. “I urge you to not just go straight for young

kittens because you don’t really know their temperament, and you’re saving lives of older cats that you adopt.

Most people will go straight for kittens and the older cats are left in adoption shelters for Step 5: long periods of time,” said Taylor.

Fill Out the McNerney had a Necessary similar opinion. “My personal Paperwork standpoint is to be open to older pets because I think they’re really good pets and they’re definitely harder to adopt because everyone wants a cute little puppy.

I think older dogs have a special quality; if you have adopted a dog who is seven years old - technically a senior; they still have lots of energy just without the crazy puppy behaviors,” she said.

Williams said, “Sometimes they stay longer because it’s a little harder finding the right fit. The dogs that stay

Lauren Taylor and her cat, Walter longer tend to be pit bulls, because there’s a lot of local breed bans, or if the animal has a medical condition.” Locally, pit bulls are outlawed as pets and banned in Overland Park, Leawood, and Shawnee.

When adopting, certain rules must be considered and extensive forms need to be completed. “Don’t decide you want a dog in the morning and think you should go pick it up in the afternoon. Understand where your dog comes from, that if you’re getting an abused animal or animal that has Step 6: been starved or anything that it’s going to require very Pay the different training than a new Adoption Fee puppy that only knows you. I would say find the dog or animal that really fits your life,” Stephenson said.

He said, “They just develop such a different relationship with a person when they feel like you’ve saved them, that you’ve finally given them a happy home that they haven’t had before. That’s my favorite part of having a dog: having that relationship with them - and you get to see that grow with a rescue dog more unlike any other.”

Step 4: Find Your New Pet KC Pet Project

KC Animal Shelter: 4400 Raytown Rd. Kansas City, MO Zona Rosa: 7351 NW 87th Terr. Kansas City, MO Petco: 11620 W. 95th St. Overland Park, KS

Great Plains SPCA

5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202 9800 West 67th Street Merriam, KS 66203 5428 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202

Wayside Waifs

3901 Martha Truman Road, Kansas City, MO 64137

Sable: a 7-year-old female Retriever/Labrador Mix available through the KC Pet Project

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N W E STWARD EXPANSIO The What, How, and Why of Olathe West S Jacob Wilson//Staff Writer

I

magine having all your classes in one part of the school.

A school where you never have to see the plague of lockers in your school hallways. Imagine a classroom with real tables and chairs, not tiny one piece desks. This utopian school will open in the near future and its name is Olathe West.

The new concept of the school differs from that of the other four schools.

Marlin Berry, superintendent of the Olathe School District, said, “The school will have all the course offerings and activities that are found in our other... high schools.”

However, Olathe West will be introducing some new ideas. “[It is] being built as a three-story building with a very open concept,” Berry said.

This “open” ideology will be best exemplified by the large commons and many windows throughout the school. The commons will take up the center portion of the school and will be divided into levels for multiple eating areas.

The current look of the construction of Olathe West.

Photo Courtesy of Logan Brockschmidt

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Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

Officials are also making other attempts to open up the school. Dr. Berry said, “There will not be any general hall lockers, so the classroom walls can be glass, letting in lots of light.”

Olathe West will be divided into four wings called “neighborhoods” where students will take most of their classes.

This separation will make it easier on the students. Dr. Berry said “Students can access classes easier by going up stairs rather than having to go from one end of a large high school clear to the other end.”

Along with the new wings, different types of classrooms and locations for a varitety of groups and of classes will be introduced.

“The classrooms will be of varying sizes to allow for small groups and regular-size class instruction,” said Dr. Berry.

ON

The current boundries of the Olathe district schools, along with the location of the new Olathe West building at Sante Fe and Hedge Lane.

Possible Mascot/ Color Options Owls Blue/Green Raptor Blue/Silver Condor Red/Black

The classrooms will have mobile, contemporary furniture, according to the Olathe West website, which will allow the teachers to rearrange the classes depending on the situation.

Even the stairways are extra large and designed for instructional use.

“Classes [can] sit and receive instruction or... have meetings.” said Dr. Berry.

The gym will also differ from those in the current schools. Access from the upper levels leading down into the gym will be available to students.

The access area was also given a second purpose. “[It] was designed to be a track that can be used by students when the weather is bad outside or during the winter,” said Dr. Berry.

This school will offer two new 21st-Century programs, the first of which will be Public Safety.

This program will provide training for jobs in public safety, security, police science, and fire science occupations.

The second program will be Green Technologies. “Because the school will house a green

technologies program,” said Dr. Berry, “the building will have gauges in visible places to monitor energy...[,]a partial green roof (live plants), and many more “green” initiatives.” Styrofoam and plastic water bottles, besides those brought by students, will not be allowed and recycling will play a big role in the school.

A large amount of time and research was put into planning this new school according to Dr. Berry.

He said, “Visits were made to other new high schools to see learning environments that students like to work and learn in each day.”

Berry hopes that the students will like the open classrooms with modern furniture. In the end, however, the most important component of all is about who will teach the students.

Berry said, “ It’s all about the staff and teachers [chosen] … just like our other four high schools, the learning environment will be just as successful as OE, OS, ON and ONW.”

Concept Sketch of Olathe West Building Courtesy of Olathe West Website

9

Kaitlyn Shacklett//Staff Writer

Leadership Class Helps Life Skills Program

S

chool projects. Every student has done many a way to project what is inside of a microscope onto in their lifetime. Common knowledge depicts a whiteboard because her students have a hard time that school projects have the reputation of being looking through an actual scope. overwhelming and tedious. However, when Olathe In the last session, the students will be putting on a East student Emily Schmeeckle was assigned her three small party for the students they’ve been helping. Swinsemester project, boring was out of the question. dler looks forward to the creativity of the leadership In Breanna Francis’s Leadership III class’s semester students to spark the minds of her own students. project, the students were to split into The sessions are improving the Leadership class’s groups, and the group was to decide knowledge about the program. The students are bewhich community group in the area coming aware of many different patterns and strategies they would like to work with. Keeping of learning for kids who have specific needs just by their own school in mind, Schmeeckobserving the class. le’s group of four concluded they Swindler said, “Every time you are exposed to somewould work with the one different than yourself, it Life Skills program for “...getting involved with opens up your eyes to others’ a total of five sessions service in the community needs and special interests.” within the next few The personalities of the is a must for everyone.” Life Skills students and the months. The group chose to work with leadership students emerged Emily Schmeeckle our school’s Centerby the interaction between Based Resource each other. representatives because they know “I honestly think some friendships might even come how important, yet unnoticed these out of this,” said Swindler. She’s excited her students are students are. able to get involved with others in the school because The Leadership students have they don’t often get a chance like that. Swindler apalready participated in one of their preciates that the Leadership class has taken interest in five service opportunities with East’s her program. special needs students. Involved with Schmeeckle presupposes that it doesn’t take an the Life Skills Program’s math and sci- assignment forced upon you to get involved and to ence time, the students will construct make a difference in your community or school. She is games to help with math skills. grateful for the opportunity to work with and to make “It’s exciting for them to learn more friends. math, a commonly disliked subject, Schmeeckle said,“If someone is looking to work a another body in the room helping Life Skills Program, East has a great one with awesome them,” Schmeeckle said. kids. Overall, just getting involved with service in the Jaimie Swindler, head of the community is a must for everyone.”

Center-Based Resource Department, wants the Leadership students to find

Above: Schmeeckle with a Life Skills student.

Right: Swindler reading with one of her own students.

Photos Courtesy of Kaitlyn Shacklett

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Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

S

ometimes the best lessons you can learn are from other people. Ben Gywnn bakes with Deirde Tunney in their Center Based Resource Paras are employees who assist in supervising and caring for Class. students with special needs. They can be found in Resource Courtesy of Blythe Dorrian rooms, regular classrooms, or anywhere a student needs help. They provide clerical information as needed, instruction, and monitor students when the teacher is not there.

Olathe East also uses Paras in their Special Education Department.

The three levels of Paras are Resource Paras, job coaches, and Para three helpers.

The Resource Paras help the students who are in Resource; and with their general education classes. The job coaches go with the students when they leave school for work; including Family Video, and Marshalls. They also assist in the cafeteria for carrying trays. Para three helpers work with higher special needs kids, such as the Center Based Resource class. These students get more assistance than the normal Resource students.

The Paras, help in special education, are known as being the hardest workers in the school. They help the teachers with hands on, direct care with students, and they help kids get around school easier.

They also help adapt the curriculum to make it easier for the students. Making notes, handling field trip money, and printing copies of homework is common.

The three main classes Paras help out in are the Center-Based Learning class, which is also called functional learning, Resource, which is called adaptive learning, and inclusion learning which is a

more severe branch of the functional level.

Resource is another division of Special Education. It is for the students Deirde Tunney subs in the Special Education Department for Amy Hill’s who do not have any cognitive disabilities, but learning problems instead. class. Tunney graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in It is also a safe place, as well as academic support for the students. secondary education an endorsement in special education., and is also in Jill Swyers, a Para for Jared Schelp, a Resource teacher at Olathe East, the process of getting her Master’s degree. said that one of her favorite things is “helping the kids out in class.”

“We use a unique curriculum, and come up with a bunch of lesson Jaimie Swindler has taught the inclusion classes for 16 years. Originally plans and topics for the month. Every month has a theme, we just finfrom Massachusetts, she received her undergraduate degree at Westfield ished up a government theme, and this month we are doing animals that University. She got her graduate degree at the University of Kansas. will be our main focus in our science classes.” Tunney said.

Carry Hafley, Para who helps Swindler’s classes has been involved in Everything in Center Based Learning is personalized; all the student’s helping the students for fifteen years, and responded, “I like how diverse needs are tailored to help them learn at their own pace. the classes are. We never do the same things everyday.”

Para Lisa Phalen helps Tunney in her classes. She became a Para This year, the main focus focuses on community shopping. If they are because her daughter is in Resource Classes. She she likes the direct care looking at a recipe, they look at how much everything would be. They go with the students. to the local Hy-Vee, and the students purchase the items they need for Phalen said,“We get to work more one on one with the kids than the the recipe. teachers.”

“I am all about the kids; I love to watch how much they grow from Tunney said they are trying to work on different ways of instruction freshman to seniors,” Swindler added. to help the students. For instance, their standardized test scores went up She said one downside is all the lifting, with kids who are in wheel when the teachers gave the same test to the students in a more personalchairs. It involves much maneuvering, which makes it physically hard. ized way.

For any students interested in Special Education and being a Para, “We look for a lot of natural ways to teach things.” Tunney said.

Swindler said “Get to know everyone, some with special needs, and The smaller Special Education classes help teachers take individual some without. There are plenty of people with disabilities that you would time to help students. never know had a disability. If you are young, join the classes where the Tunney stated “I love how every student comes through this door, students are, and see if that is really for you.” wants to be here, and loves coming to school each day. You feed off that energy, and it makes you want to be there with them” A club during seminar meets mostly for those who are interested in helping special needs students. The groups of general education students are put in groups of special needs students to play board games and talk with the students. The club helps develop friendships with paras and anyone in the Special Education field.

Ben Gwynn, one of the special education students, said that his favorite thing in the class is, “To play charades and act out movies.”

Tunney said that if she wanted any Olathe East student to know something about her kids would be, “The students are kids, brothers, and sisters. They are all children of parents’, she said. They’re like everybody else in this school, and I’m sure you hear that all the time, but one thing we Blythe Dorrian//Staff Writer try to emphasize is to look past the disability, that is just one part of who someone is. Just because it might be hard to communicate sometimes, but it doesn’t mean they can’t hear you.”

Paraprofessionals Are Making A Difference at Olathe East

Education is made to help every student succeed

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Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

NHS SNHS FNHS

National Honor Society

Every t

ded to er nee g you ev hin

National Honor Society [misbehaviors] you won’t be kicks off their year with the allowed in.”

Neon run. Lights flash, and Another tradition of NHS National Honor Society some healthy exercise gets consists of the recycling prothe inductees some volunteer gram. NHS helps every classhours. The event occurs to room keep up paper recycling help every member and poten- to keep Olathe East green. tial member begin completing “Also, the inductees do the Spanish National Honor Society their 32 hours. NHS can be trash at lunch,” said Swyers. intense, but participation pays Members and inductees off in the long run. need look no further than the ab out English teacher, Gretl bulletin board outside Swyers’s Ho Swyers said, “It sets you apart room to find many volunteer nor So cieties academically from your peers. opportunities to aid them in French National Honor Society Even though it doesn’t mean completing their quotas.

Alexa Buechler// Head Copy Editor that the others haven’t tried Swyers also said, “We hard. You’ve actually tried and have lots of in-house service Spanish National Honor Society been successful to a certain opportunities for them. I set enior Grant Johnson got pulled “They can’t double dip. They have to standard that we set. Our GPA up professional development out of class and into the hallhave separate hours for each,” Spanish standard is the highest in the days to keep them busy. We’re way. Then, members proceeded teacher Pamela Valentine said. But, metro as far as who we allow going to have one coming up to draw a mustache on his face and SNHS does not lack opportunities. in. You are also set apart as where they’ll have the entire placed a sombrero upon his head and Valentine said, “We always give back far as your commitment to day to work on multiple little a sash across his chest. The beginning to the Hispanic community, so during service because it’s not just jobs during our in-service.” of a new Spanish National Honor our community service everything academics. It is service and Society year, and these new possible that we do is giving back, helping your behavior. If we find out candidates wear this getup proudly them. We donate toys at holiday time because the hats and makeup symbolto families in need. We’ve been doing ize their acceptance into the club. They this every year. We work at Heartbecome quite literally Propiedad de land and Harmony where parents are FNHS inductees pledge with their makeup and berets SNHS (Property of SNHS). taking classes, usually English, as a Courtesy of Alexa Buechler To gain entrance into the SNHS second language. Our SNHS students community, students must have a 3.6 are playing with their kids, keeping unweighted GPA and a 3.75 GPA in them company, or helping with their Spanish. Also, the fifteen service hours homework. It’s all positive for the must relate to the Hispanic commuHispanic community.” nity in Olathe.

One hundred and ten students par Spanish National Honor Society ticipate in SNHS, just as big as NHS. also allows members to use volunteer If SNHS looks accomplished on an hours from the Kansas Spectacular application, then a leadership posiDrill Team competition since the event tion would make a valuable addition. brings thousands to Olathe East each SNHS currently has eight officers. year.

“I think every young person looks Over half of SNHS also participates for a group that they can say, ‘I’m a in NHS. part of that,’” Valentine said.

w kno

S

Avery Don Helping with Homecoming Float Courtesy of Amy Du

French National Honor Society

Enter room 523 on a club day and smell the eau de croissant. Last year, their t-shirt said, “Come for the Frenchships; stay for the food.”

French National Honor Society similarly pledges potential members by drawing French mustaches under their nose, the letters FNHS on their foreheads, and the French flag on one cheek.

They must wear a beret and a sash with the words Propriété de FNHS (property of FNHS) somewhat similar to that of SNHS. But, there’s a catch: when asked about their funny-looking faces and attire, they must answer with “Zut alors!

Je suis français,” (Darn! I’m French).

“Getting together with other students

who are interesting in French and all things French, doing community service – especially our fundraisers for Haiti and our French classes with elementary students. And of course there is the French food! Seniors are in leadership positions and especially do love the fabulous graduation cords,” Vicki Swetz, FNHS sponsor and French teacher, said.

She also said, “Keep your grades up and stay in French- FNHS is open only to students in French III, IV or V with good grades and offers opportunities to participate in fun activities (meaning food) and meet interesting people.”

13

Doing You a Flavor

We Tried Them so You Don’t Have to

14

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

Amy Du//Business Manager

I

t was an abnormally warm, October monday in 3rd and 7th hour. All of our own Hawk’s Eye staff ranging from extremely vegetarian to all out give-me-meat backgrounds were called to testify. What exactly was it that was all so important? Lay’s four limited edition chip flavors, of course. Or specifically, how incredibly average they are.

How we did it: West Coast Truffle Fries, Southern Biscuits and Gravy, Greektown Gyro, and New York Reuben were separated into four bowls marked with the numbers one through four respectively. Then, without knowing the true identity of the chips in front of them, staff members were to taste the chips, rate them on a scale from 1-10, and give their own uppity comment on which chip deserved to be made official.

The revelation of which flavor corresponded to each mystery bowl, faces of pure astonishment and terror surrounded the room. Responses varied from “Wow it actually tasted like the real thing!” to “I’m going to find all of these and destroy them because they are awful.” Such promising names and an impressive amount of publicity must mean that these chips shouldn’t be an abomination to greasy foods all over the world right?

According to the Lay’s regional preference map, the state of Kansas seems to be a major fan of Southern Biscuits and Gravy.

When put to the test, however, our class had to give the top spot to West Coast Truffle Fries. If you’re like Natalie Friend, it’s very likely that

these crazy new flavors will leave you in a state of awe. Likewise, if you’re like Ben Kohl, then maybe such chips these

All of them tasted horrible,” Ben Kohl aren’t for you.“

said. Despite the slight letdown after gaining momentum from two years of success, Lay’s seems to be opening up to more contemporary flavors - palatable or not.

A.K.A the Sour Cream and Onion spin-off.

Cracker Barrel in a Chip

“Tastes Funny” “Nope.”

“It tastes like meat; no chip should ever taste like meat,” Gavin said.

AVERAGE RATING:

1/5

Confused. Betrayed. What is this flavor? Natalie Friend could only shake her head in awe.

AVERAGE RATING:

2/5

“It’s an explosion of flavor the moment you put it in your mouth, “Kaitlyn Shacklett said. Almost all of us could easily tell what flavor the mystery bowl was supposed to be.

AVERAGE RATING:

These heavily seasoned chips taste exactly how you’d expect them to: salty, garlicky, and somewhat familiar. When Ryann Smith tried them, she promptly gave it a three out of five and said, “tastes more like random spice and vinegar.”

Fair enough. On the other hand, every critic in the room had trouble distiguishing what the chips exactly tastes like. Nevertheless, the taste was familiar.

AVERAGE RATING:

4/5

3/5 15

Anime for Dummies

Japanese Cartoons Grow in Popularity Ryann Smith//Staff Writer

I

n the 194’s, Marwah Zagzoug began the production of Japenese graphic novels (manga) and cartoons (anime). Zagzoug’s work reached the United States in 2001 and grew in popularity since.

No matter your pronunciation of “manga” or whether you watch English subbed or dubbed anime, all fans of Japanese culture partake in discussions of these cartoons. Express your nerdieness proudly. As for those lost readers, a spoiler-free guide to a few anime arrives.

Deadman Wonderland:

M

iddle school student Ganta Igarashi: psychotic killer. At least, he has been framed as one. “The Red Man,” as Ganta calls him, truly murdered his entire school, and gave him strange powers when he bleeds. A judge punishes the boy by sending him to Deadman Wonderland, an amusement park where criminals fight for survival for the entertainment of the free. He befriends a girl named Shiro, someone supposedly from his past but who he cannot remember, as well as his savior in Wonderland.

But when the prison discovers Ganta’s powers, they throw him into the arena to fight or die against others like him. He needs to learn how to control his ability in order to survive.

Ouran High School Host Club:

O Soul Eater:

D

eath Weapon Meister Academy, run by Death himself, trains half of the teenagers attending how to turn into weapons and the other half how to wield them.

Meister Maka Albarn and her weapon Soul Evans have gathered 99 Kishin eggs, each being fed to Soul. Their next goal: to feed Soul a witch’s soul to turn him into a Death Scythe. But, the witch they find is actually a humanoid cat, and the duo has to start their goal over. Meanwhile, bigshot Black Star sees himself as the single greatest person in the world, something his weapon Tsubaki Nakatsukasa has to put up with. But, under his annoying exterior, Black Star becomes a good Meister, as well as a powerful one.

Finally Lord Death’s son, Death the Kid. Kid differs from other teenagers as a full Grim Reaper. Also unlike other Meisters, he wields two weapons (sisters Elizabeth and Patricia Thompson) because of his obsession with symmetry. Kid’s hair, though, lacks not symmetrical, to which he says his common line, “I’m asymmetrical garbage!” This dysfunctional group must save the world.

Psycho Pass:

O

uran Academy: an elite school for those wealthy enough to afford it. But in Haruhi Fujioka’s case, an elite school for those smart enough to get in as an honor student. Unable to find a quiet place to study, Haruhi stumbles upon The Host Club.

In the words of “King” Tamaki Suou, “The Ouran Host Club is where the school’s handsomest boys with too much time on their hands entertain young ladies who also have way too much time on their hands. Just think of it as the Ouran Academy’s elegant playground for the super-rich and beautiful.” In other words, six airheads let all the girls in school obsess over them in a popular term called fangirling.

Unfortunately, after arriving, the honor student falls and breaks a very expensive vase. Unable to pay for it, Haruhi must work as the Host Club’s errand boy. Later, Tamaki finds Haruhi’s eyes to be attractive, makes him a Host, and after one of his first appointments, she ends up in a dress. Yes, Mr. Honor Student is technically a girl. She continues to work as a Host anyway, considering the entire school believes her to be a him. Confused yet?

ne hundred years in the future, the government sees into everyone’s head. The Sibyl System controls everything. Everyone has a Crime Coefficient, or Psycho Pass, that can rise and fall. If it rises to a certain level, Sibyl considers the person a threat to society and either arrests or kills them based on a number. Inspectors who use Enforcers (supposed criminals who would rather enforce the law rather than sit in a cell) make up the police. Each of these officers carries a gun designed to read one’s Psycho Pass and tell the officer how to handle situations thrown at them. Recently learning all this, new Inspector Akane Tsunemori gets her first assignment her within minutes of arriving. Throughout the cases, Enforcer Shinya Kogami looks for every bit of evidence that could lead to bringing down Shougo Makishima. As the anime reveals, Kogami once worked as an inspector, until the day Makishima killed his enforcer. From then on, his Psycho Pass rose until he became a threat. No one can understand how Makishima’s Psycho Pass stays low, even while killing. The Sibyl System sees him as abnormal because he cannot be read.

He slips through the cracks while Kogami follows, craving revenge.

16

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

TO SIGN, OR NOT TO SIGN The Substance Abuse Policy Seems Foolproof, But Is It Actually?

Jordan Meier//Co-Editor

O

ver 700 students.

According to a rough calculation done by the Hawk’s Eye Staff, Olathe East has about 700 student-athlete and activity participants that must sign the substance abuse policy every school year.

The substance abuse policy exists to make sure that students, mostly athletes and club members, remain not under the influence of illegal substances such as alcohol, drugs and yes, e-cigs while a member of the school-sanctioned clubs, activities or sports.

“We feel like if you are involved with something here at school, whether it be a club, whether it be a big activity, or a sports team, there is a responsibility; there’s an honor in being able to be involved in something,” said Athletic Director Amanda Faunce, “and so by having all of our students who are involved in something sign the substance abuse policy, it’s just a way to reinforce the responsibility they have.”

As a district-wide policy, punishing substance abuse violators continues to be easy to enforce, according to administrators.

“The good thing about a District-wide policy is that it is easy for us to enforce, and we know that it is equitable in all buildings, not just Olathe East…it’s a good policy as far as what the school district’s

expectations are,” said Faunce.

While administrators seem to have no problems with the current substance abuse policy, some students have noticed flaws and have become vocal with their opinions.

Senior Olathe East Talon Dance Team member Addy Milford said, “I think there are many occasions where people haven’t necessarily abused drugs or alcohol, and yet they still receive a more severe punishment for just being at parties where those types of things are present than those who drink alcohol, commit felonies, and are actually doing harm to the world.”

Milford went on to describe two instances in which she has witnessed the substance abuse policy at work during her time here at Olathe East.

“My freshman year there were a bunch of seniors that were at a party that, of course, had alcohol, and even though they had not been drinking because the cops showed up they were all benched for a week,” said Milford.

“Then there was another student who was driving under the influence of alcohol, and [it seemed] she received a less harsh punishment, than the girls my freshman year. Instead of being benched for a week and having to miss multiple games, she just had to take an online class about alcohol abuse.”

Senior football, wrestling and track star Kevin Easterwood has also seen the policy at work, and described an incident in which a student was benched after photos of him drinking at a party over the weekend surfaced on the Internet. Once the administration got wind of the pictures, needless to say that student was punished.

“The severity of this student’s punishment seemed a little over done to me,” he said.

To the students that vocalize their opinions, the administration has two words for you: self-report. Unless they see something on social media, or hear about it on a police report, students are encouraged to self-report policy violations, otherwise no punishment can be given.

“We certainly do not turn a blind eye, if we receive information we follow up on it just like we would with any issue,” said

Faunce. “If there is something [a violation] we know about, we address it, but you can’t really improve self reporting, that is left up to the individual student.”

Whether the policy needs to change or not, there definitely seems to be some gray areas within it that could be improved to make sure all students get equally fair and just punishments for their actions.

From an administrator’s eye, the district’s policy seemingly needs no improvement, sure the guidelines lacks perfection; but it gets the job done. However, as student athletes and activity participants, when we hear students’ tales of policy mishaps, we have to wonder whether everyone that violates the policy gets the punishment that they deserve. And if not, why do we even sign the form in the first place?

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17

The Ultimate Halloween Horror Movie Watchlist Gavin Miller//Senior Staff Writer A Guide to the Greatest Horror Films You’ve Probably Never Heard Of The horror film: one of the great inventions of cinema. The concept of the genre is directly linked to the concept of film itself – the chief purpose is to make the viewer feel intense viscera and emotion – in the case of horror, the emotion of fear.

However, the best films of the genre are so much more than “just” scary flicks. Horror has the ability to comment upon the zeitgeist and mood of the times simply because fear is something so universal and subconsiously expressed in art.

The ouvre of cinema horror has been through more changes and reinventions than any other genre, and the amount of sub-genres and content diversity contained under the wide lable demonstrates the endless possiblities. Icons of horror cinema have always saturated pop-culture – where slashers kings Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers and Jason Vorhees reigned in the 1980’s and 1990’s, the frights of found footage, possessions, zombies and vampires now dominate the ever-popular, reliably bankable market.

For every great scary movie though, there’s probably ten bad ones.

There is a reason for the genre’s slight reputation of classlessness, but when one is able to chill and thrill with an intelligent story, good characters and quality filmmaking, the stigma can quickly evolve into art as complex, beautiful and intellectual as could be offered by any other genre.

While the Paranormal Activitys and Saws of our day remain favored by the mainstream movie-going public, plenty of amazing, lesser known specimin do exist, yet to recieve the attention they deserve.

This Halloween, instead of paying money to sit through Paranormal Activity: the Ghost Dimension (the sixth film in the franchise), fire up Netflix and search out one of these flicks. Prepare to be shaken, scarred and maybe even repulsed, but also to experience a horror film like you probably haven’t before. There’s nothing average, lazy, dumb or pandering about the following features.

Contemporary - Modern scary movies that will someday be classics Trick ‘r Treat (2007) – Trick ‘r Treat brilliantly blends dark comedy elements and homage to classic horror tropes into a modern Halloween movie classic. Interweaving multiple stories set on October 31, the film takes viewers on a hugely entertaining, spooky excursion that will be sure to put you in the perfect Halloween mood. The mythos of Halloween night is the soul of Trick ‘r Treat, and you won’t find a better modern horror film in this tradition.

It Follows (2015) – Another recent horror film to pay major tribute to the past would be the

excellent It Follows. Released earlier this year, this extraordinarily atmospheric movie calls to mind the slasher/stalker horror films of the 70’s and 80’s from the first scene, in which a retro synth score plays over a woman fleeing from a slow but deliberate pursuer. It Follows is more than a mere throwback flick, though. Much discussion has risen over the film’s meaning, and the visionary direction really forces the viewer to look deeper into what the film is actually about.

The Babadook (2014) – By far one of the most horrifying films of the last decade, Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook tells an unsettling story, the horror of which is contained in omnipresent themes of grief and the darker emotional side of being human.

Interweaving these potent themes with an intense, occasionally supernatural tale really gives the movie a rich range of emotional and visceral qualities, all of which are brought out in the viewer over the course of the buildup and released in the climax, which ranks among the most shocking and unforgettable third acts in modern horror.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SCARY MOVIE?

The Hills Have Eyes (Derek Ramsburg, junior) American Mary (Zamantha Henriquez, senior) V/H/S (Braeden Whitmore, junior) The Shining (Jenn Bandicoot, senior) The Cabin in the Woods (Mairen Morrow, senior) Jaws (Cameron Phillips, sophomore) The Silence of the Lambs (Josh Rich, senior) The Fly (Elijah Hazim, senior)

18

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

Classics -

They’ve endured as staples of the genre decades since their releases Halloween (1978) – Any horror marathon would be incomplete without it: John Carpenter’s mas-

terpiece, the mother of all slasher flicks and the quintessential Halloween movie. Most know the iconic Michael Myers, but actually going back and watching the film from which he originated is a valuable experience. A masterclass of the genre, Halloween draws deeply on our most intrinsic human fears with supurb suspense, a chilling atmosphere and exceptional storytelling. What some will find surprising is that the movie which many credit with starting the slasher sub-genre is not gory, over the top or dumb whatsoever, but an enduring piece of filmmaking and a testament to what its genre is all about.

Rosemary’s Baby (1968) – Rosemary’s Baby remains one of the best examples of masterful buildup and terrifying payoff in cinema. Rosemary and her husband have the perfect marriage with a perfect new apartment, friendly neighbors and the exciting prospect of conceiving their first child together.

Once pregnant, however, Rosemary begins to unravel a sinister truth behind the true nature of her unborn child. Roman Polanski’s masterpiece of paranoia is one of the finest psychological thrillers ever crafted, and the palpable, mounting intensity is pure nightmare fuel.

Horror comedy - Humor & horror: one of the most complimentary combos there is (despite seemingly being an oxymoron)

Poultrygeist (2006) – The hilarious, gleefully offensive Poultrygeist represents a peak for 21st century exploitation, “B-movie” cinema. This masterpiece of horror comedy tells the story of a fast food joint built on top of a cemetery; the perturbed souls rise from their graves in the form of zombie chickens to take revenge on their offenders and the ensuing mayhem is bloody, disgusting, irreverent at every turn and with some clever commentary on the fast food industry, to boot.

Tusk (2014) – Kidnapped by a madman in a remote region, far

from help and all alone... we all know where this story goes. Tusk’s twist occurs when the kidnapper decides to surgically transform his victim into a walrus – not exactly the rabbithole one might predict this narritive to go down. It’s hard to believe that this movie actually exists, but watching it is an insanely fun experience if entered with the right set of mind. The plot descends further and further into absolute lunacy, and if you go along for the ride making sure to take none of it seriously, you’re rewarded with a hell of a horror-comedy experience which you won’t be forgetting soon.

Bizarre and horrific - Picks for those craving a dose of the extreme, outré and extremely outré (watch at your own risk) Antichrist (2009) – Quite simply, one of the most boundary-pushing, shocking and unbelievable

acts of modern cinema, Lars von Trier’s unhinged film about depression and human depravity is utterly inaccessible. An art house film if there ever was one, Antichrist takes sampling from a variety of horror traditions and combines them with a stroke of cinematic brilliance – as decisive a filmmaker he is, Von Trier inarguably goes where few other filmmakers have and he does so with the bold abandon that has always defined his artistic style, sensibilities and career.

Under the Skin (2014) – To call Under the Skin unorthodox or weird would be to do severe

misjustice to its stylistic, visual approach to storytelling. In fact, to even label Under the Skin as a horror film is quite an understatement, as the piece of art that it is so completely transcends any one genre or attempt at classification. Unique in every cinematic department, this experience of a film is probably like nothing you’ve ever seen before, let alone been shown by a movie.

19

THE

1. Pumpkin spice oreos 2. Caramel Apple Milky Ways THE

3. Candy Corn Adviser Karen Kirk Co-Editors Logan Brockschmidt Jordan Meier Copy Editor Alexa Buechler Social Media Chair Natalie Friend Business Manager Amy Du Senior Staff Writers Gavin Miller Nikki Lansford Ben Kohl Writers Jacob Wilson Jacob Stofer Melanie Eszter Margo Dulny Ryann Smith Addis Sharpe Blythe Dorrian Kaitlyn Shacklett

4. Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

5. Candy corn M&M’s 6.Candy Corn Marshmallows 7. Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows

On the Flipside

HAWK'Seye Seasonal Fall Favorites Ranked First to Last by Staff