THE
CHRONICLE VOLUME 4 - Special Edition - february 22, 2017
in this issue Club Breakdown
O4
Sports breakdown
O6
ON Survival Guide ON Survival Guide O8
Starting high school can be sticky, here's some advice to pull you through.
Best of the 2O16 Chronicle
1O
h, 1981. Olathe East, 1992. Olathe Northwest, 2003. With each opening Olathe North has been affected. With Olathe West 2017, teachers and students are preparing for yet another
Eagle Exodus Eagle Pride
Students participate in the pep assembly by repeating the football chant cheered at all football games.
Letter from the ed
itor
Welcome Class of 20
21!
The Chronicle Staff wanted to be the first to welcome yo In case you haven’ u to Olathe North t already seen, this ! is a very special hi cannot wait for yo gh school and we u all to join the E ag le family. This is tr home for the next uly going to be yo 4 years; complete ur with the people th family membersat you will think the faulty, your fe of as llo w classmates, and school is what yo new friends. High u make of it and I pr om put into it. ise that it is so wor th the time you Here at North, we make sure that ev eryone is included in whatever floats and can participat their boat. Make e sure to stay involv school with any re ed , don’t leave high grets of what you could have done be the day, four year cause at the end of s fly by. This issue is specia lly tailored to wha t we believe you ne North to succeed ed to know about here. We have high lig hted all the amaz vites we have, and ing clubs and acti included some pa st articles that we the things we do be lieve showcase all here at Olathe Nor th . We hope you enjo y your time here today and cannot on August 17th fo wait to see all of yo r your first day as u a true eagle! Best of luck! Mary Hirtreiter Editor in Chief
Contact Information
The Chronicle staff
Responding to the Publication
staff writers
Mailing address: 600 E Prairie St. Olathe, KS 66061 Phone: (913) 780-7140 Website: onhsnews.com Letters to the editor can be submitted electronically on our website at onhsnews.com under the “Contact Us” tab. Letters may be published either on onhsnews.com or in our print edition. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual and may be edited.
Isabella Bray Sheli Cohen Rachel Delehanty Molly Duke Advertising The Chronicle and onhsnews.com accept advertisements. Joey Guzman Pricing and information can be obtained by contacting us at MJ Ferguson rcaveon@olatheschools.org. Olivia Hamlin Purpose Grant Hrabik The Chronicle is the official high school news publication of Olathe North High School, an open forum distributed to all Amara Lindsey students 8 times a year. This is the second issue of volume Haley McGriff three. The Chronicle is printed by The Sedalia Democrat. This is a student publication and may contain controversial Audrey McWhorter matter. The Olathe Unified School District No. 233 and Autumn Mesmer its board members, officers, and employees disclaim any responsibility for the content of this student publication; it is not an expression of School District Policy. Students and editors are solely responsible for the content of this student publication.
editors
Skyler Daniels Abigail Miles Ana Schulte Magda Werkmeister Lauren Yoksh
staff artist
Josie Sloan
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mary Hirtreiter
design editor Hunter Eisler
photo editor Kylee Weber
copy editors advisor Robert M. Cave, Jr.
Emma Reuter Alex Thompson
Clubs And activities
By Rachel Delehanty Staff Writer Design by Lauren Yoksh Editor
Band The Screamin’ Eagle Band is a wonderful opportunity
to be apart of it’s long tradition of excellence. For more information contact Mr. Love at jloveon@olatheschools.org
Student Council The purpose of Student Council is to enhance school spirit and pride, serve as ambassadors of the Olathe community and participate in community outreach projects. Students will decorate for many school events including dances, games, and fundraisers.
Deca
Olathe North DECA is a student business organization that prepares emerging leaders for careers in marketing, hospitality and management. Members are involved in a number of events including competition, school based businesses and working in the school coffee shop. Contact Mrs. Palmisano at spalmisanoon@olatheschools.org or Mr. Pollom at apollomon@ olatheschools.org
Eaglettes Try out for the award winning Eaglettes Dance Team. For any
questions contact Mrs. Heptig at sheptigon@olatheschools.org
GSA Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) provides a safe space for all students. Meetings are after school to discuss LGBTQ topics. GSA is also involved in many school activities including Homecoming festivities, No-Name Calling Week, Anti Bullying Awareness, Human Rights Week and Day of Silence. For more info, contact Ms. Gray at lgrayon@ olatheschools.org
Student Democrats & Student republicans
For all students interested in politics at all levels of knowledge or experience, these are groups of like minded students who will come together to discuss, organize, and take action in the political sphere. No level of commitment required, open doors to all. Contact Mr. Kinsella at kkinsellaon@olatheschools.org or Mrs. Fishburn at jfishburnon@olatheschools.org
Cheerleading
Being a cheerleader consists of going to competitions, cheering at games, and so much more! To try out for the Olathe North Cheer Squad, tryout packets are available in the front office or on the Olathe North website. For any questions contact Mrs. Moore at kmooreon@ olatheschools.org
Black Student Union
The Black Student Union is a group designed for Black students, but any persons of color who desire to see a unity of all walks of life at Olathe North and those who strive to see a greater change in the Black community are welcomed to join. For more information contact Mr. Simons at psimonson@ olatheschools.org
Debate & Forensics
In debate students are given a new topic each year regarding something relevant in the world. Students compete with other high schools in Kansas arguing both sides of the topic. Forensics is a combination of solo and duet acting and speaking events in which students perform scenes from plays, read prose and poetry, and deliver speeches on issues of local and national importance. For more information contact Mr. Belske at rbelskeon@olatheschools.org
Eagle Service Club
Eagle Service Club’s primary purpose is to serve the school, community, nation and world. The members participate in several service opportunities throughout the year. Contact Mrs. Warren at kwarrenon@ olatheschools.org or Ms. Walker at jwalkeron@ olatheschools.org
Mindburst
Calling all creative students! You should consider enrolling in Mindburst, the class that creates Olathe North’s Award-Winning Literary and Fine Arts Magazine! We are seeking talented artists, writers, and photographer. Mindburst is a semester class as well as a club open for all grades. Contact Ms Runde at mrundeon@olatheschools.org
FFA
Want to develop your potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education? Future Farmers of America (FFA) will help you in developing new skills and science knowledge to prepare you for your future education and career. Contact Mr. Krenke at gkrenkeon@olatheschools.org
science olympiad
Science Olympiad is a competitive team that participates in several tournaments each year. The Olathe North Science Olympiad team has qualified for the national tournament many of the past years by placing first at the Kansas State tournament. Contact Mr. Elniff at celniffon@olatheschools.org
Make a wish The new Make a Wish club is a group of students wanting to make a difference in the lives of others. They have a goal to make $5,000 to give to a child in need for their last wish. For more information contact Mrs. Harris at keharris@olatheschools.org
yearbook Staff members design pages, write copy and captions, and take
pictures for the yearbook. Staff member s have the opportunity to attend summer journalism camp. Involvement in student publications looks great on college applications and builds necessary skills for college. Students submit applications in the spring. Contact Mrs. Carpenter at gcarpenteron@olatheschools.org
french club
german club Students in German Club expand their knowledge on German culture as well as continue learning the language. Students will participate in activities such as the Oktoberfest and visits to German restaurants. Contact Mrs. Hanks at chanksoe@olatheschools.org
Students in French Club expand their knowledge on French culture as well as continue learning the language. Students will participate celebrating Mardi Gras, National French week and Chandeleur (crepe making day). Contact Mrs. Bosilevac at dbosilevacon@ A student seeking membership in the National Honor Society must: olatheschools.org fulfill the four pillars: character, scholar, leadership, and service; be a junior or senior student; must have a high school cumulative Hispanic Leadership Club (HCL) starts at the middle unweighted grade point average school level and continues through high school. It helps of 3.75 or higher; have favorable students reach high school graduation and prepare for teacher and activities recomcollege. HCL provides numerous community service opmendations; have participated in portunities, extra programs after school, and information at least 30 hours of community about universities and the military. Contact Mr. Erazo at service. Contact Mrs. Henry at eerazoon@olatheschools.org or Miss Girod at kgirodon@ ahenryon@olatheschools.org olatheschools.com
nhs
hispanic leadership club
On Sports By Olivia Hamlin Staff Writer Design by lauren yoksh Editor
Cross country Do you love running or consider yourself a runner? Summer Cross Country conditioning starts on June 13th and will meet Monday through Saturday all summer until school starts. We meet on the West side of Olathe North at 6:30AM on M/W/F and at local parks on T/Th. There is no cost. It’s okay if you can’t make it to every run, just come to any one that you can. Bring a positive attitude with you and do your best. Everyone is welcome. It doesn’t matter if you are the fastest runner in the world or the slowest; we want to get to know you and make you a better person, student, and athlete. Contact Coach Huseman at lhusemanon@ olatheschools.org (Twitter: @CoachHuseman and @ coachdicus). Check our website (www.olathenorthrunning.com) for more information.
Volleyball Olathe North volleyball has five teams for girls to participate for. A parent meeting will be scheduled in April. Check the volleyball website for the date: http:// teachers.olatheschools.com/onhsvolleyball/ We will also be conducting open gym in June and July before our August tryout date. Questions please contact Coach Shopper (ashopperon@olatheschools.org)
Softball
Softball is a very competitive and respected sport at Olathe North. The program has produced numerous All-State and All-League players. In 2015 the team was voted the Top Academic Team in the Nation, which included 11 All-American Scholar Athletes on the varsity team. Freshmen play a big part in the softball program at Olathe North. Contact Head Coach: Bree Ederer at bedereron@olatheschools.org
Football Football camp will begin Tuesday May 31st and go through Friday, June 3rd from 7 AM to 11 AM. We will work on installing our offense and defense during this camp. Location for the camp will be at the Olathe North game field (Marshall Ensor). Summer weight training and conditioning will start on June 6th and continue throughout June and July. The Olathe Jamboree will be twice a week during the month of June. This is a controlled full contact camp where our teams will compete with other schools in a controlled contact environment. There will be no football activities for two weeks from July 25th to August 8th. Conditioning will resume August 8th and the first day of practice will be on August 15th. For more information please contact Coach McCartney (wmccartneyon@olatheschools.org)
Tennis Join us for this lifetime sport! Whether you’re an experienced player or you have just played for fun, everyone is welcome. Girls’ season is in the fall (August to October) and boys’ season is in the spring (May to March). Check our website this spring for summer camp information and/ or lesson information. Contact Wendy Robinson at wrobinsonprt@olatheschools.org or John Downing at jdowningon@olatheschools.org
baseball
Baseball at Olathe North continues to pride itself on hard work, dedication, and determination. The Olathe North Baseball Program would like to invite anyone who is interested in playing baseball, to come and try out this spring. Contact Coach Oxley at joxleyon@olatheschools.org
boys’ soccer
swimming
•Summer Conditioning: Will be conducted by the coaching staff. We will work on speed, endurance, agility, skills and team work, all to get players ready for tryouts. Dates: June - beginning of July Days: Monday - Thursday Time 10am - 12pm (Noon) Location: Olathe North Soccer Field on Nelson Street (Just Northwest of the school) •Soccer Camp: Will be conducted by the coaching staff. This is a one week camp that will concentrate on shooting, finishing, defense, attacking, combination play and goalkeeping. Dates: beginning - middle July Times: 10am - 12pm (Noon) Location: Olathe North Soccer Field on Nelson Street (Just Northwest of the school) Cost: $50 •First Week of Practices / Tryouts: First full week of school Times: 3:30pm - 6:30pm •Saturday August 21st we will have our Red/White Scrimmage. Times 10am - 12pm All Other Practice Weeks: Will be 3:30pm - 5:30pm Monday - Friday Contact Coach Cox at mwcoxsoccer@gmail.com
Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming and Diving summer training is through Olathe Cyclones. Whether you have ever swum competitively or this will be your first time on a team, Olathe Cyclones is a fun environment where you will learn all 4 competitive strokes and train with a team for June and the beginning of July. Visit olathecyclones. com for more information. If you are a club swimmer, you should train with your club during the summer! Once the season starts, you also have the option of training with both your club and high school team. We will hold a pre-season meeting in the fall where you will receive more information. Be sure to listen to announcements and attend that meeting (probably late September). We have several things going on in the fall including attending a KU Swim meet in Lawrence and a Halloween game night at the pool. Pre-season conditioning for boys will start at the beginning of October, and conditioning for girls will start at the beginning of February. Contact Coach Maez at amaezon@olatheschools.org
basketball
Future Eagles, the boys’ basketball program has a couple opportunities for you to get connected as a student and get better as an athlete. We have not set our dates for summer camp yet, but it is generally during the first couple weeks of June, so please set your calendars with that in mind. Our expectations are pretty simple: attend summer camp, participate in our summer weights program and our skill workouts four mornings a week. Each of these are roughly an hour in length (weights from 9-10; skill work 10-11). I realize many of you play basketball on a summer team, so all I ask you for is the month of June. After that, you are free to join your AAU/club team and enjoy the rest of your summer. Contact Coach Walton at jwaltonon@olatheschools.org (Twitter: Jeff Walton@CoachWaltonON)
Wrestling The Olathe North Wrestling team has won five Sunflower League titles in a row!. They have placed in the top five in state the last three seasons. Come be a part of a growing tradition. If you are interested in learning more about the program contact Josh Carroll (jcarrollon@olatheschools.
Girls’ soccer
The girls soccer coaching staff would like to invite all incoming freshman to their summer camp. Please visit our website for all up to date information on how the teams are doing and any information pertaining to future events (https://olathenorthladyeaglessoccer. shutterfly.com/). Contact Craig Gerfen at cgerfenon@ olatheschools.org
track & field There are eighteen different events in high school track
and field. We are always looking for good athletes and we can find a place for you in this great sport. Whether you have endurance, speed, jumping, or throwing abilities…there is an event for you in Track & Field. Contact Coach Doug Catloth at dcatlothon@olatheschools.org
Skyler’s Guide to
Surviving high school By Skyler Daniels Editor Design by Lauren Yoksh Editor
1. Bring a water bottle
2. Make friends in Every class
Sports and Theatre require it, but honestly, I think people underestimate how important a water bottle is. You can barely trust some of these water fountains for refills, much less trusting putting their mouths on the spout. The milk portions at lunch are fit for a baby, on the off-chance you get a snack you’re gonna be too lazy to get up for a drink, and when everybody gets sick? A water bottle becomes a necessity. Plus, hydration is important. Gotta replenish your daily tear supply before you dry up mid-quarter.
Boredom sucks. An average class feels like the worst one ever if you are left all by yourself with only your lame boring thoughts. The classes can get tough, so in the middle of the semester, it’s nice to know that others are suffering alongside you. Plus, it’s always nice to have emergency answers when you run out of homework time.
3. Use Quizlet Quizlet is an app that lets you create digital flashcards to help you study for anything from vocab to periodic elements. So let me just say this: GET AN ACCOUNT. Quizlet might be the only reason I’ve passed half of my classes. This website is a treasure – it has a way of not only making you study the information, but also memorize and recite it all in record time. Literally record time –it counts the seconds in their matching game. It’s quick, it’s handy, and it’s free. It’s so pure of a blessing.
5. Go to everything GET INVOLVED, DO THE THINGS, DO ALL THE THINGS. Going to everything all the time is impossible and awful on your wallet. But going to as many school events as you can really broaden your view of the school. You really get to see what everybody’s been working so hard on, you really get to witness talent and meet new people, and you get to expand your entertainment intake. You’re going to regret missing the musicals, or the homecoming games, or the band concerts or literally everything by your senior year. People here are cool, it’s nice to have reminders of that.
4. Respect your elders They know what they’re doing. Your teachers, your seniors, YOUR JANITORS. They want to make your education as stress free as possible for you, so acknowledge them, make sure that you meet their expectations, and show them the respect that they’ve worked for. Especially the janitors. Bless the janitors.
6. Avoid the blue room
We have lights now, but for the past 4+ years we didn’t, so it was a dark, dark place. With the dark light to give them confidence, couples of all ages, for years, would cuddle up in their gross, sleep deprived state in the mornings and lie down on the carpet or against the walls. I’ve seen people sleeping, making out, and more all on that old nasty carpet. That place probably has diseases that will never be washed out. The amount of grease gathered in there since construction could fry the fries. The ancient disgusting history of the Blue Room will outlive these new lights. Avoid it when you can.
7. Use your planner It’s crucial.
Up Next... View The Best of The Chonicle 2016-2017 THE
THE
THE
VOLUME 4 - ISSUE 1 - SEPTEMBER 29, 2016
VOLUME 4 - ISSUE 2 - November 8, 2016
VOLUME 4 - ISSUE 3 - December 16, 2016
CHRONICLE CHRONICLE CHRONICLE
With Olathe West on the horizon, Olathe North prepares for an
Screamin’ Eagles March into 2o16
Eagle exodus THE
CHRONICLE VOLUME 4 - ISSUE 4 - February 2, 2O17
LOCAL
CHARITY
FEBRUARY
LOVE MUSIC
Olathe South, 1981. Olathe East, 1992. Olathe Northwest, 2003. With each high school opening Olathe North has been affected. With Olathe West coming in 2017, teachers and students are preparing for yet another
Eagle Exodus
By Joey Guzman Staff Writer by juan paramo Staff Writer designed by Abigail Miles Editor Image from: http://departments.olatheschools.com/highschool5/
o
n the first day of the school year, freshmen are the only students in the building. They navigate Olathe North following their link crew leaders throughout the building. At the end of this exploration of Olathe North, all freshmen gather in the main gym and learn about Eagle Pride; they are taught the fight song and the alma mater. As the freshmen leave the building, they are ready for their first day of being a true Olathe North eagle. Unfortunately, for about 200 of the freshmen here at North, they will have to re-live and re-learn all of this for a brand new school.
In the Fall of 2017, Olathe West will be opening. This year, Olathe North has had one of the biggest increases in the freshman class the school has ever seen. The total number of students this school year is 2,352 and out of those students, 669 are freshmen. It is estimated that 1/3, or about 200 of the freshmen this year will be leaving to West. The exceptions for the freshmen that can stay here at North is if they have an older sibling attending North or if they are in a program. Sophomores and Juniors have the choice to leave or not if they live in the Olathe West area but if the freshmen live in the area and they don’t fit any of the requirements to stay, they will have to go to Olathe West next school year.
The thought of the movement has been a shock to many freshman this year. Most freshmen are nervous, knowing that they will have to experience their first year again in another high school. The change will be very big to the people at this school for both the ones leaving and the students who will still be here. It’s not only a hard-hitting thing for the students but it is also tough on the teachers and especially Principal Jason Herman. “It’s hard to lose them, but I have to still celebrate Eagle Pride and build the climate and culture here at Olathe North, that’s my job”, Principal Herman said about the freshmen leaving.
number of students per high school 2016-2017
1,000 *
(expected students at Olathe West during the 2017 school year.)
1,911 2,343 1,249 2,256
Mrs. Alicia Jackson How many years have you been at North? “This is my fourth year at Olathe North.” What excites you about West? “I am excited to open a new school and be part of building a new community from the start.” Will you be sad about leaving north? what will you miss? “I will be very sad to leave Olathe North! I love the people at North, all of them! I have made some amazing friends at North, worked with wonderful young adults, and learned from some of the best in the world of education. I will miss the diversity in our building, there really is no other school like this. When you think about our student body, the programs we offer here, and how we all contribute to the greater good of North it is a special thing. Are we perfect, no, but we take care of each other. “ Will you always have North pride? “Olathe North will always be precious to me. This place has left a lasting imprint on my heart and has made me a better person and counselor. Thank you for everything you have taught me!”
Olathe West in the process of begin built on Santa Fe Street, opening before the 2017 school year. Photo by: Abigail Miles To remove this shock, Jay Novacek, the principal of Olathe West, came to Olathe North during the A.R.T. time on Thursday, October 27 to talk to the freshmen and sophomores in the West attendance area. This shock removing presentation did exactly what it was supposed to. As the presentation began, the room was filled with suspicion and the feeling of not really wanting to be there, but, as the presentation progressed, the mood increasingly lifted into one of excitement and curiosity of a new school with new opportunities. To top it all off, at the end of this, Olathe West t-shirts were tossed to the students attending which further added to the atmosphere of excitement and new curiosity. However, it’s not just the current freshmen and other students that are leaving, a few of the staff here will be part of the many that will be leaving to Olathe West. One of those staff members leaving is Mrs. Alicia Jackson, a counselor here at North saying that she is “excited to open a new school and be part of building a school community from the start.” Alongside
this excitement comes sadness, with Mrs. Alicia Jackson also saying, “I’m very sad to leave North as it has and always will be precious to me.” Another faculty member leaving to West in the upcoming movement is Mrs. Julie Fishburn, a social studies and geography teacher. “I’ll miss everybody, all of my students and everybody I have worked with. North has been my home, I went to school here, I graduated from Olathe North so I’ll be very sad”, is what she said when asked what she’ll miss about North. Those teachers may be leaving Olathe North to go to West but to all of us they will always be Eagles. Our principal, Mr. Jason Herman, gives advice to the freshmen and staff members who are leaving saying “do not worry and freak out about the future, just think about and enjoy the present here at North and most importantly, be proud to be an Eagle.” Mr. Herman concluded with, “I understand they are only here for one year, but they only have one freshman year, so I’m here to make it the best.”
Olathe North students that are eligible to go to Olathe West next year attend an informational meeting on October 27, 2016. Photo by: Kylee Weber
Bobby Johnson
The Chronicle staff caught up with future Olathe West principal Jay Novacek when he spoke to ON freshman and sophomores on October 26, 2016.
you would be going to west, why do you get to stay? “I am in the area for West but because I am in a vasity sport (cross country) I am able to stay.” Are you glad? do you have friends leaving? “Yeah I’m really happy I get to stay. I’ve made some friends here and it would suck to leave them. I don’t know for who is leaving, but it stinks that they have to go.”
Kaden Cooley Are you going to west? “Yeah, I am in the area to go there, but I’m hoping to stay through a transfer paper.” Are you sad? glad? “I’m kind of excited to go to West, but sad too because I already know the school and have friends that are not leaving with me. I’m excited because it is a brand new school .”
Mrs. Fishburn How many years have you been here at north? “I have been here for ten years.” What excites you about West? “I think that West will be very different then a regular high school.... it’ll be kind of like education out of the box.” Will you always have north pride with you? “Absolutely.”
Myayla Gardner What is your opinion about the current freshman going to west next year? “I know that some of my friends are [leaving]... It’s not cool, I just met some of them and they’re already leaving next year, it’s kind of an upset.”
ABRIELLE GILBERT what are your views about eagle pride? “I think the pride thoughout the whole school... brings everyone together and it pumps everyone up for all the sports.” What is your opinion about the freshman going to west next year? “I know one of my friends who is supposed to go to West. I am supposed to go to West but I’m in a program. I don’t like it because you make all these friends and then they have to leave.”
Sam gieffer what are your views about eagle pride? “It’s a lot of fun to see people get excited about North and it get’s people pumped up and celebrate.” What is your opinion about the current freshman going to west next year? “It’s really sad to see my friends leaving and I’m disappointed.”
an interview with jay novacek What excites you about West? “Today I am mainly excited about being back in school, being around the kids, their energy, their excitement. I think West will be very unique and innovative high school, students will have very many different opportunities.” What does it feel like of be the principal of a brand new school? “It’s awesome, it is a great honor and I’m really looking forward to it. Very exciting time and its like building a house on one hand and also setting up a school and its curriculum on the other.” How many overall/each class of students will be attending West? “Right now we think it’ll be around 9001000 total, we expect a full freshman class of four to five hundred, and smaller classes depending on how it goes with the sophomores and juniors.” What steps are you taking as a staff at West to excite/ motivate freshman leaving their school? “I think days like today (presentation to sophomores and freshman) are huge. Getting out so future students can meet me, some of our staff, and showing them pictures of what the school will look like, even throwing some t-shirts out to create a sort of buzz. We have a twitter feed updating people on how construction is going and giving them as many opportunities toget hooked into our community.”
Student Perspective:
taking
pride in
Eagle pride By amara lindsey Staff Writer Designed by Lauren Yoksh Editor Photos by Kylee Weber Editor
As seniors graduate and new classes of freshmen flood our
halls, each of them are imprinted with the qualities of an Eagle. As the openeing of Olathe West draws nearer, it would be beneficial for all of us to reflect on what being an Eagle is all about. Coming up to high school can be stressful, especially when you are constantly being introduced to new people and new situations. Events that are solely about the fun and good of competition can be enjoyed by many. It is understandable that we want everyone to cheer and let the football team know people are rooting for them, but all that is possible without giving impolite gestures or rudley criticizing others. We need to be welcoming the freshmen, not scaring them away. To reiterate the foundations of who we are as Eagles, we have to acknowledge the influence Olathe North has had on us and the components of being an Eagle. As an eagle we accept each person as an individual by allowing them to cheer when they want and be as expressive as they want. We let people enjoy high school the way they wish to, and give everyone the freedom to be who they choose to be. Each person cannot be shaped into the same exact student; if they are themselves at school then every one of us will be able to call North home. There are many ways for us to exhibit our school spirit, whether it’s by our clothing or by “showing off ” our school pride on social media. Purchasing school merchandise can be influenced by staff and students modeling and creating an environment where people regularly
wear Olathe North spirit wear. Posters, pep rallies, and verbal updates are also great ways to promote school events, however social media can be more powerful in this day and age when used with positive motives. If we all retweet and share Olathe North activities we can show that school is not just a bucket of stress, but the kind of place that we like to be. Along with displaying North pride to the world, we should work to get involved and incorporate everyone in our clubs. Clubs and organizations at North should strive to be fun and appealing to all groups of students. We have a lot of clubs to join as well as activities that each student can attend in order to be a part of our school and have a good time. We all need to be examples of enthusiastic, kind, supportive students at sporting events and other school activities to show future Eagles when and how to cheer on our school. In all of the activities at Olathe North we should protect, respect, and care for one another. If we see anyone berating our peers, we as Eagles need to let that person know that that is not the way we do things at Olathe North. We are the type of students who defends their own. By being the model of pride, we can pass dowm our school spirit to incoming Olathe North students, so that in the end, school pride will actually be meaningful to them. New generations coming to Olathe North will admire us all for the pride we take in being Eagle, so why not show them how we came to be who we are?
Do you think Olathe North has enough school pride? “I think Olathe North pride has definitely changed over the years. As the school has gotten bigger it has been tougher to unify the entire student body. I have seen a great energy increase in pride this year!” Amy Clement, Honors Chemistry
“Yes, but [it] also depends on the student— some have more [school spirit] than others, but it balances itself out.”
Prinston Hoang, Junior
Has school pride changed since you were in high school? “I think before the internet, school was a place for students to gather and talk to each other. So having school spirit back then was what was done for fun, whereas now with Snapchat and Fakebook, I think we participate not as [one] anymore.” William Darter, English
“No, I think we were very proud to be Olathe North Eagles, even when it was Olathe North versus Olathe South... and people were very passionate to be an Eagle, and I think that tradition still lives on today.” Julie Fishburn, Social Studies
PLUGGED In
8 | The chronicle | issue 1
Are SChOOLS PRISONERS Has technology diminished intelligence? to TECHNOLOGY? By Tijen JOnes
TEACHERS
Staff Writer
Designed By Ana Schulte Editor
So often in today’s world we see people constantly on their phones, but has it had a negative effect on students? If you go into any classroom you can see some sort of technology in effect. Teachers using power points to explain information, students typing on computers to further their writing ability, and phones in use to look up any questions. Many believe this was the original intent for technology; to be able to connect and access people at the touch of a button. What it has turned into though? Something that diminishes intelligence? Or a prison that prohibits communication to the people right in front of us? Recently, as many have noticed, teachers have been adding a lot of technology into class. Despite whether you love it or hate it, one fact is true- the world is changing. A few of the most prominent apps include Google Classrooms, GroupMe, Edmodo, StudentVue, and Remind. Each of these allow teachers to connect with their students in an easy and fast way, updating students to any changes in the blink of an eye. When looking at it in this light, technology is a gateway into achieving amazing academic anomalies. Any math problem can be solved for us with a single thought. Any article that needs to be read can be seen at any time. Any conflict we may have can be solved in
under a second. While technology can solve our grades short term, long term may just be out of the question. Though we can solve our problems through technology, this quick and mindless action could deteriorate one’s ability to problem solve. Students brains do not fully develop until they are 25, because of this, technology is wiring our brains completely different from previous generations. The way we think is molded by the things around us and the experiences we have. Not surprisingly, in today’s society, the most common theme happens to be technology. This leads us to question- what if we were suddenly left without technology, with no way to understand our new surroundings? We would be left completely helpless. Another intriguing change is how it has affected the English language. Many things can alter a language such as culture, events, geography, but a new category was added when texting was brought about. Instead of saying; How are you? We have evolved to saying; how r u? It is not just texting either. Since we have started using this slang in writing, it has slowly converted into normal diction. All throughout history you can see growth and yet when the cell phone was invented, complexity and challenging intellectual ideas came into reverse, simplifying the
“Technology can be helpful in many other ways, but as far as intelligence, it’s a little concerning.” Ms. Amy Ast
“In classes like mine [Advanced Digital Photography] I see kids learning real world skills that I think are important on the job market.” Ms. Mindy Waldron
STUDENTS
“Yes, because more people are relying on technology to do simple tasks in their daily lives.” Anna Diehm
“If you’re having trouble doing homework, there are many apps that are able to help you and teach you.” Dwyane Ellis issue 1 | the chronicle | 9
Graphics By Abby Miles
easiest words into one letter. Thanks to publicity bashing on this topic, the previous paragraphs are probably old news. Lots of teachers talk about the negative effects of technology, yet they use popular programs and insure students use them. We are told to keep our cell phones away yet, we are expected to know if practice is canceled automatically by means of Remind. We are expected to work on homework and communicate outside of school yet, we have to be on constant alert for any upcoming homework assignments through Google Classrooms. So why do teachers do this? What is the purpose of this contradiction? One reason they pose this discrepancy is because without technology, students would become uninterested. Admit it, without technology life would become dull. No T.V., no social media, no gaming apps. How would one live? Teachers recognize this and even if it is a boring educational game, It is something to connect with students. They don’t always teach with it though, or allow you to have your cell phone out, to encourage each individual student to grow without relying on it. In history, a common theme is one thesis to create an era, an opposition, and then a compromise. By this I mean that one idea is posed, such as technology is a good thing. Then a negative occurs, such as the proposition that technology is evil. Then a common medium is reached, such as the idea that technology can be used to help but to a certain extent. I believe we are in the original thesis era and soon a terrible opposition will occur and teachers are preparing each student for this shift.
“Admit it, without technology life would be become dull. No T.V, no social media, no gaming apps. How would one live?�
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Photo By Autumn Mesmer
Despite this, technology is constantly changing and so is society. It can either be a terrible distraction or a fabulous connection. It depends on the experience you have had. It is not one or the other, but how it is used which will it. Technology is something that can help increase knowledge or deteriorate brain cells, however you look at it though, technology will still keep shocking us all.
What Do Students think about the conversion to technology?
I love it. It’s great and improves school and everyday life.
33% I don’t care. It doesn’t affect me.
50% I hate it. I think it hurts our education.
17%
Photo By Lauren Yoksh
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By Lauren Yoksh Editor Photos courtesy of MJ Ferguson, Dustin Pence, and Kylee Weber
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1. and 2. Olathe North hosted its annual Trick-or-Treat Night on October 26. The school welcomed members of the community to enjoy a safe night of trick-or-treating. Extracurricular groups, including Eagle Service Club, Student Democrats, Student Republicans, and the softball team, decorated rooms and passed out candy to families. 3. The sophomore Honors Chemistry classes filled the courtyard with their interpretation of tombstones of famous science figures. Sophomore Bella Serrano’s favorite part about the so-called “Graveyard Project” was the opportunity to “[be] creative” in chemistry. 18 | The chronicle | issue 2
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4. and 5. The Olathe North Theatre department kicked off its 2016 fall season of shows with “The Election” by Don Zolidis. Relevant to the 2016 presidential race, the comedy follows an increasingly nasty campaign between two candidates for Presley High School’s student body president. “The Election” was performed October 13, 14, and 15 in the Little Theater. 6. Students performed short, student-written skits in the Blue Room each night before “The Election.” Beginning at 6:30, the actors would remain frozen until audience members approached them. The “living museum” skits were based on contentious presidential elections and party differences. issue 2 | the chronicle | 19
Procrastination nation by Isabella Bray Staff Writer design by Abigail Miles Editor
pro•cras•ti•na•tion noun The action of delaying or postponing something.
Procrastination has been the enemy of many students for at least some part of their academic career. A constant cycle of “I’ll do it tomorrow” or “I don’t know how” or even the infamous “I do my best work under pressure” excuses that always end in all-nighters and stressed and sleep deprived students. Some students even say that they will stop procrastinating but they rarely stick to it. But why do so many people procrastinate? Depending on the person, people will procrastinate because of lack of interest or even as an act of rebellion. A true procrastinator is unable to not procrastinate. It is a natural response to work, like a knee-jerk reaction. They would rather do an activity with low stimulation such as playing a game on a phone instead of thinking deeper to complete an assignment or essay. A procrastinator’s brain only thinks in the present, disregarding the future, when a paper or assignment is due. Work is unappealing to most people and they would rather be doing something else. Some people will push through this desire of getting off task but a procrastinator won’t. They will indulge in jumping on to the internet for a few minutes, but then those few minutes can easily turn into hours. This is how work never gets done until the panic sets in and every minute is needed to finish the essay or homework that never got completed. Distractors are a procrastinator’s disguised enemy. Most procrastination starts with a distractor, whether it is the internet, television, or, most commonly, texts. Many procrastinators will check their email because it requires little effort. Anything with low stimulation can easily be a distractor from work. The internet and email are frequently distractors because often times a phone is close and it takes two seconds to pick it up instead of spending hours on work.
Indecisiveness can also cause procrastination. If there is not a plan of action laid out to efficiently complete a task, there is no place to start it. This gives the procrastinator the idea that there is nothing to do because there is not a step one. Procrastination can also be caused by lack of motivation. If a due date is not for a couple of days or even weeks, there is no immediate need or motivation to complete an assignment. Also, if a person has no interest in a task, it is unappealing and will not be any fun to do, so why do it? Procrastination can even come in the form of rebellion. A student might especially not like the assignment or the person who assigned it, so they wont do it because they don’t care about the consequences or letting someone down. All procrastination leads to underachieving, and procrastinators can never reach their full potential. But there are ways to avoid procrastination, starting with time management. Budgeting your time is a great way to avoid procrastination. Splitting up your work and doing a little bit at a time is efficient and less stressful than waiting until the last minute to do an assignment or at once. Making a list of what to do may work for some, but for others it doesn’t. For those who don’t work well with lists, extensive planning may work. Instead of just saying you will finish an essay, set a date and time and commit to it. Many people are prone to procrastination but all do it for different reasons. Whether they get distracted, are rebelling or just cannot help it, procrastination happens constantly. But that doesn’t mean that time management and motivation can’t help people from procrastination.
What distracts us the most?
Tymber Marsh, sophomore Why do you procrastinate? Because sometimes I get so much homework that I’ll do some of it, but then I’ll get lazy and not do the rest. Most of the time, I’m just lazy.
What does procrastination look like for you? Putting off my homework as much as I can. Which ends up on me getting stressed.
How often do you procrastinate? Once or twice a week.
Anaken Gilbert, sophomore Why do you procrastinate? So that I can do things I actually enjoy.
What does procrastination look like for you? Putting everything off until the very last second.
How often do you procrastinate? Every single day.
Alexis Burnett, junior
Why do you procrastinate?
I feel like I can push it off and do it another day and still get it done in time. But then I forget it.
What does procrastination look like for you? 203 Olathe North students took a poll to see if they procrastinate on a regular basis, and this is what they said:
17.7% no
82.2% yes
Having a due date that wouldn’t be due for awhile, so I would tell myself I could do it the next day and then the next and so on.
How often do you procrastinate? Every week/day.
Nick Weir, senior
Why do you procrastinate?
Because I focus on other things instead of doing what I need to do. Like I’ll say I need to do my homework but I have work, and by the time I get home from work it’s pretty late and I’m tired so I just say I’ll do it later and put it off.
What does procrastination look like for you?
It looks like I’m not getting things done. I put things off til the last minute.
How often do you procrastinate? All the time. 89% of the time I’m putting things off and the other 11% I spend actually doing homework.
The Making of
Oklahoma! After wrapping up it’s fall season, the Olathe North Theatre department has been hard at work preparing for this year’s winter musical, Oklahoma! First known as “Away We Go.”-before switching to it’s present name-Oklahoma! is a romantic drama about a farm girl, Laurey, who has begrudgingly falling in love with the territory’s favorite heartthrob and cowboy, Curly. Set in the turn of the century, Oklahoma is about to become a state and follows the two young lovers and their friends in their journeys as they both battle through local rivalries and inevitably fall in love. When it first hit the stage in 1943, Oklahoma! instantly turned heads. It was an exciting new production with fast, catchy songs and daring dances that people had unknowingly been waiting for. It’s simplistic love story set in the west had a patriotic undertone that was also well received by the then war ragged world. With a serious undertone and a dramatic build that hadn’t yet been widely seen in musicals, Oklahoma! quickly became iconic for changing the art form of the broadway musical and has set the bar for musicals since. Oklahoma! was the first of it’s kind: a serious musical comprised of songs, dialogue, and story that transported the
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audience into a dramatic fairytale land. Every song and dance had a purpose and moves the show along. Though it’s daring scenes had some critics questioning the southern play; no one could deny the strides it made in the theatre industry. Before it’s conception, American musicals were light hearted and lacked in depth plots and characters. Plays and productions were constructed to showcase the talents of the actors and actresses. And after the Great Depression, directors and writers were not too happy about branching out. Productions were quite costly to put together so they stuck to plots and themes they knew would sell, which only set the stage for Rogers and Hammerstein’s monumental success. Oklahoma! spent a record breaking five years and nine months on broadway, had a nearly seven nine year world tour, and earned over five million dollars in its first 10 years. Writers and lyricists have since taken a page from Roger’s and Hammerstein, influencing the creation of several other musicals still popular today. Many know of the plays South Pacific and West Side Story, both of which would not be the same without the influence of Oklahoma! With such a large and meaningful musical to put on,
the ON Theatre department has brought out their big guns in order to pull it off. Director Dustin Pence commented that “this is the largest cast we have had for a play in five years.” And to help the cast grasp the time and background culture of the play, he decided to “include a dramaturg and dramaturgy as a part of the preperation for the first time.” A dramaturg is a designated student that takes on the responsibilty of answering all questions about the culture and technicalities of a present show. “The hope was making this show as realistic as possible,” senior Kim Gassen, Oklahoma!’s current and the Olathe North theatre department’s first dramaturg, reported. “With historical shows like this, it’s easy to slip into cheesy accents and stereotypes. We wanted to avoid that,” she said. Putting together many lessons on different aspects of Oklahoma, Gassen was in charge of teaching the cast and technical crew everything from historical events to the differences in classes
By Olivia Hamlin Staff Writer Design by Ana Schulte and Lauren Yoksh Editors
and roles in the territory’s society. The “most surprising thing I found about the territory Oklahoma was that it wasn’t as reckless as you’d think,” she stated. Despite what Hollywood has lead you to believe, “it was a fairly tame place, home to people who worked for what they wanted.” The depratment has also gone out of it’s way for the set. “We’ve brought in a real surrey with fringe on top,” stage manager Emily Martin comments, “as well as built half a house.” Martin went on saying that “it’s been so much fun and everyone should come and see it to support your friends! We have a lot of talent represented on stage.” Oklahoma! opens Thursday February 2nd, at 7:30 pm with a following Friday and Saturday night peformance at 7:30, as well as a Saturday matinee at 2:00. Tickets are 8$ at the door and 5$ in advance. The theatre department welcomes you with a custom Oklahoma hello!
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Meet
The Cast and crew “The biggest diference [between] this musical and the other musicals that I have done is that I wanted to include a dramaturg and dramaturgy as part of the preparation for the show.” -Dustin Pence
“I really enjoy spending time with my friends while also doing stuff that I like. I also enjoy dancing, on a certain level.” - Prinston Hoang, Slim
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“I’ve loved seeing how people have grown on stage. Those who have memorized their lines and worked hard at their character. It’s fun to see, especially underclassmen coming in who are a little quieter, that come in and meet new people and make friends and just become more confident.” - Emily Martin, Stage Manager
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close your eyes and
“Make-A-Wish” By Mj Ferguson and Molly Duke
Design by Magda Werkmeister
Staff Writers
Editor
There are over a dozen clubs offered at Olathe North, and now there is one more added to the list. The “Make-a-Wish” club was founded by seniors Alex Schroeder and Maddy Hughes, with social worker Mrs. Harris as the sponsor. Alex Schroeder got the idea to create the club from the high school she would have gone to in Texas, where they had a “Make-AWish” club of their own. She thought that this club would make a great addition to the community here at Olathe North. Mrs. Harris wanted to sponsor the club because recently her mother got cancer and she understands what it feels like to have to watch someone else go through the treatments and sickness. She wished to help others who are also going through illness, so she took on the responsibility of sponsoring the club.
The newly founded club was unveiled at the last pep assembly, and since then, the few members of the group have been working to set up a consistent meeting time and fundraisers for those who are interested in helping. They are planning to meet every Thursday after school, but to also meet before school if enough people join. The “Make-A-Wish” foundation was founded in 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona. Seven-year-old Christopher James Greicius was diagnosed with a form of leukemia. The young boy aspired to be a police officer, and before he passed, a police officer befriended him and did his best to make his dream come true. He teamed up with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to it happen. Chris was given his own personal police uniform, drove around in a police car, rode in a helicopter, and was even sworn in as an honorary patrol
man. His wish became the inspiration for the foundation, and the “Make-AWish” group was born. They have been granting children’s wishes ever since. The Olathe North club aims to do just that: give a child suffering through an illness their wish. Sponsored by the actual foundation, the goal is to raise $5,000 for a child in need. The “Make-A-Wish” club originally aspired to start a fundraiser at the beginning of the year and have the $5,000 by December, but unfortunately, they did not reach their goal. They tried to sell rally towels at the football games, but since no one knew what they were fundraising for or who their group was, it wasn’t very successful. They have also posted a video about the club—the same one shown at December’s pep assembly—on social media. It has reached 4.6 thousand views and has raised $400. Once they know who the child they are
TIMELINE Of the Make-A-Wish Foundatio April 1980: Chris Greicius’ wish to be a police officer is granted after he is diagnosed with leukemia.
April 1981: The first official Make-A-Wish kid, Frank Salazar, has his wish granted.
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May 1983: The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America oversees all Make-A-Wish organizations.
December 1983: The first presidential wish is granted by Ronald Reagan.
1990: MakeA-Wish grants their 10,000th wish and celebrates ten years.
1993: A-Wis Interna is form
Alex Schroeder, Senior Why did you start this club? “The inspiration came from a friend of mine who lives in Texas. She actually brought a club like this to her own high school, and she had made a video recording of what they did in it, and wwI saw what an impact it made on this kid... I saw what they did for his life and the impact they had so I thought we should bring it to our school. But also since we’ve suffered a tragedy, it’d be a good idea to bring people together.” What is the goal of the Make-A-Wish Club? “The goal would be to not only make a change in whatever kid’s life we get, but...even if you don’t donate money, [to] just show up and support him/her. Wer’e hoping it will have an impact on some student’s life.” fundraising for is and they can establish a regular meeting time for their club, the “Make-A-Wish” club will continue to try to fundraise $5,000 for the child’s wish. The “Make-A-Wish” club is hoping to be able to fund a child soon. The child they are hoping to fund is the kid of one of the teachers in our very own district. The club thought it would be an amazing way to start off the club and show support for the people in our district. They plan to - after raising the $5,000, of course - have a big show of granting the wish by parading the child through the halls with the student body cheering and making it come true in front of the whole student body at a pep assembly. Afterwards, the quest to grant another wish is on.
on
Makesh ational med.
Mrs. Harris, Social Worker Is this club sponsored by the Make-AWish Foundation? “It is sponsored by Make-A-Wish. We have a Make-A-Wish sponsor in St. Louis, actually; she helps us to make the wish happen.” Are there any fundraisers coming up? “We started a fundraiser—we sold rally towels at the football games. We, however, didn’t sell a lot because nobody knew what they were for. We wanted to start at the beginning of the year and have all our money raised by December—that didn’t happen, so now we’re starting fresh and we have an online donation thing, and then we have yet to brainstorm fundraisers.” How can people join the club? “They can just show up to our meetings. Right now we are planning on Thursdays after school; if we start getting more athletes, we may start having meetings before school.”
2002: MakeA-Wish has granted more than 100,000 wishes.
2013: MakeA-Wish grants more than 220,000 wishes this year.
April 29, 2010: The first World Wish Day is celebrated.
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reTweets By Lauren Yoksh Editor
At a school as large as Olathe North, it’s hard at times to keep up with all the activities going on. Thanks to Twitter and the hashtag #ONTeach, the Olathe North staff has made it easier to know who’s doing what and when it’s happening. But in case you’ve missed this last month, the Olathe North Chronicle is here to fill you in on what was hip-happenin’ at Olathe North this January.
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See You
Next year!