December Pelladium

DELAYS ONCE A WEEK?

KENTUCKY FRIED CHRISTMAS

PELLADIUM P. 2

P. 11

THE PELLA COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL NEWS PUBLICATION

WHAT’S CHANGED? Since April 20, 1999 when two students walked into their high school and killed 13 or April 16, 2007 when a college student went through campus and killed 32. Both the Columbine and the Virginia Tech massacres have grabbed more than their fair share of headlines, but has our school made the proper adjustments in the wake of these tradgedies?

12. 20. 2011 Volume 24, Issue 4

2

PAGE EDITOR: JILLIAN SAGERS

NEWS

12. 20. 2011

Staff development escalates to 68 hours

W

hen one thinks of Pella, the tradition of success often comes to mind. Be it in sports, academics, band, or any other extracurricular, Pella has been near the top.

Despite all it excels in, there is one category where Pella ranks near the bottom in the whole state: staff development hours.

Studies have shown that in order to implement something into a school system, it would take about 50 to 80 hours to get it done. As of this year, Pella has only 20 hours of staff development, less than half of what most schools in the area have.

“Our school has definitely experienced tremendous success in recent years, but in today’s society, you have to continue to improve if you want to stay ahead of the game,” said assistant principal Jon Muller.

In past years, the staff development hours have come in the form of early outs, but starting this year, the school has switched to late starts, which take place once a month. However, this switch did nothing to increase the amount of hours, so something else still had to be done.

Through the process of many meetings, the Board Advisory Council, the district leadership team, and the building leadership team came up with four different plans, and then finally decided on one that will be put into effect starting the 2012-2013 school year. Instead of just the monthly two-hour late starts, the school will be having weekly 90 minute late starts on all weeks that are at least four days long. Not only will this boost the total staff development hours to 68, but it will be done without adding any days onto the school year.

“What we are doing is counting the parent-teacher conference hours

as days, which we have never done before, though almost all other schools do. This way, instead of having to add any minutes to the day, we will just have 178 student contact days instead of the usual 180,” said Principal Eric Nelson.

Though these meetings may be valued by students only for the precious extra minutes of sleep, little do they know that steps are being taken to better prepare them for college and future careers.

“In today’s world, the main purpose of education is to teach kids how to apply what they learn. They don’t need to memorize things that they could look up on the Internet in five seconds, but what they do need to know is how to apply that information to their lives,” said Muller.

“Doing a poster on the Civil War where you just have to list five facts requires almost no thought. What kids need to learn to do is analyze the situation and why things happened they way they did,” said Nelson.

To help institute this idea, the highschool is going to use a system called Authentic Intellectual Work (AIW). This is a scoring system for teachers to see if tasks, instruction and student work have "rigor and relevance." Each department of teachers will meet and discuss ways that certain teaching styles can be more effective.

It would be very easy for the highschool to become complacent with the accolades it has garnered in recent years. However, instead, the district looks to not only maintain what the student body and staff have done, but to continue to build for years to come.

•Nathan Clayberg (nc.pelladium@gmail.com)

•Graphic by Blake Lanser

Pella Corp. cuts affect community

Pella Corporation has recently been forced due to the economy to make 198 cuts within the Pella manufacturing plant. Senior Morgan Sprunk has had to deal with this issue firsthand, as her mother, Loretta Sprunk, was recently laid-off from her position as the manager of customer service.

“I don’t remember the specific date but it was a Wednesday morning that they were laying off people. She [Loretta] stepped into the door of work, and a lady was standing there waiting for her. The lady took her to a meeting room where they told her. My mom hadn’t even seen her desk that day,” said Morgan.

The United States housing market has suffered through the nation’s economic downturn. Because of this, Pella Corp., which specializes in manufacturing windows and doors, has also taken a financial hit.

Despite attempts to keep employed as many current workers as possible, the company was forced to make cuts.

“It hasn’t affected us financially too much right now. But since mom does stay home, she has gotten to complete a lot of house work. Sometimes, I will come home and my bed is made, my room is picked up, and she will be doing my laundry,” said Morgan.

Deciding who to layoff from a suffering company is always a difficult and tedious process. Pella Corp. was forced to make these tough choices. Morgan shareed what her family assumed to be contributing reasons for her mother specifically to be laid-off, but these assumptions have not been expressed to, or confirmed, by Pella Corp.

“About two years ago she started having seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy. This has caused her memory to be at a loss, but not totally. She can remember things, but it takes her a while to process it, and sometimes she doesn’t remember at all,” said Morgan.

“Well, when Pella was looking at who they should lay off, they looked at people’s assessments and how they have done. My mom hasn’t done a bad job at work, it just has

been a struggle for her to do her best like she used to. So, this could have been a factor in being laid off, because they want to have people who can do their best and give 100%.

Pella Corp. has been making efforts to place the former employees in new areas of work. For Loretta, she has planned a different route.

“Well, since my mom does have epilepsy, she has applied for disability. After that she will be on unemployment,” said Morgan.

Morgan shares what her family considers to be another potential reason.

“Also, another reason may be that my dad also works at Pella Corp.

in the finance department. Since both r se of them work there, it may have been easier for Pella to lay my mom off, an L e ak Bl because they knew that we would still have an income for our family,” said by c i h rap •G Morgan.

Even with this unfortunate change for the Sprunks, Morgan has experienced positive outcomes as well.

“It was helpful that she wasn’t working during the week of state for Forté, because she was always there if anybody needed her. I could call her during the day, and she could help me or do what I needed her to do, because she didn’t have anything else to do.”

•Tiffany Carter (tc.pelladium@gmail.com)

The Housing Market >>> According to the Federal

Reserve, the slowdown has affected wood products and related products with employment falling from 7.3% to 5.9% in the last year.

>>> 17 out of the 20 major cities

tracked by the Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller index showed housing prices dropping from August.

>>> New homes for sale reached a record low of 162,000 in October.

12. 20. 2011

LIFE

3

PAGE EDITOR: MADDY SCHOLTEN

Dieleman, McElroy express creativity through making music Social networking has its benefits, and for seniors Pat Dieleman and Benji McElroy, it has enabled them to have a whole new way of expressing themselves.

McElroy and Dieleman have been writing lyrics since the summer of their junior year, and have been creatively expressing them in rap music. Their rap songs have had over 1,500 hits in the past couple months, and students have begun to recognize their music.

Their band name is “Fast Break,” a name coined

by McElroy.

“We’ve been taking it more seriously; initially the whole thing was a joke. The first song ‘In the Back Door’ was just a joke about a topic that we thought would be funny to rap about,” said Dieleman.

The two have tag-teamed five songs on their website since midsummer and have used their songs to creatively express themselves. They use equipment that McElroy purchased his sophomore year and do all of the recording for the raps on their own time. The two post their links to Facebook, and in turn their interested friends visit the link.

The rapping started just for fun, but their recent success with classmates have inspired them to create more songs.

They might even create t-shirts once they get 2,000 views on their website. “[Rapping] is harder than you think. If you hear our very

first song, it’s so bad. I know we have gotten better since then. It seems like going in that rapping can’t be that hard to say words to a beat, but one has to know how many bars are in each beat. You have to know how you are going to say the lyrics, and you can either write lyrics or you can’t,” said Dieleman.

and the lyrics that McElroy sings, McElroy writes.

With all rap songs, concerns arise about the content of the lyrics. The lyrics do contain ‘questionable’ language, but McElroy still lets his mom listen to the lyrics. Dieleman, on the other hand, doesn’t share his creativity with his parents.

“My mom and dad are both pretty impressed by the quality of the music, I don’t know if they like the lyrics though,” said McElroy “...I don’t let my mom listen to it,” added Dieleman.

Regardless of the content or not, Fast Break has definitely gained a fan base, one that doesn’t go unnoticed. Many have even approached the two at school and complimented them on their lyrics.

“I thought it was really good for them just making it up on their own. It sounded like real, actually produced music,” said junior Brooke Kirby.

Even with the success that Fast Break has had with their music locally, there will always be those who criticize. Some of those make empty threats of competing with Fast Break. However, McElroy •Photo submitted. and Dieleman believe those people can’t talk until Although the two don’t make their own beats, their lyrics they actually show their talent. are completely original. They use Google Docs in order to “I appreciate the criticism actually, because then it makes share lyrics, and use their cell phones to store drafts of ideas us get better,” said McElroy. that they have throughout the day. The two write their own •Madeline Meyer (mm.pelladium@gmail.com) lyrics, so the lyrics that Dieleman sings, Dieleman writes,

Madrigals spread holiday cheer A group of students dedicated their time The Madrigals is a great experience for and talent to bringing Christmas cheer to many of the students, and gives them a Pella and beyond. Madrigals are a group of chance to advance their musical skills.

20 singers that focus on Christmas caroling “It gives them a unique opportunity to and performing around sing with a talented Pella. group of students,” They will also be said Chaplin. making a trip to the Madrigals perform Mall of America. To pull throughout the off their performances, Christmas season a lot of time needs to be at venues around put into rehearsing.

Pella, and the “At the beginning of pinnacle of their the season, we practice season comes at the three times a week Mall of America. for two hours,” said “I think they all choir director Michelle look forward to the Chaplin.

Mall of America Getting into performance,” said Madrigals is no easy Chaplin. task; to make it in,

“I look Senior Joella Gerber prepares for upcoming students need to Madrigal performances. •Photo by Blake Lanser. forward to the Mall compete with around of America. You get 100 students and make the top 20. to mess around for a while and you sing like “[The students] can be in either choir, one time,” said freshman Colton Bradley. select choir or concert choir. They audition Look for Madrigals performing through in two-to-three rounds; they learn a couple out the holiday season. of songs, and they need to sing in harmony •Gregory Frommelt (gregf.pelladium@gmail.com) with other students,” said Chaplin.

VanWeelden enables students to trade Unwanted tickets are normally a nuisance, until alumni Shaun VanWeelden decided to change that and created a group for Iowa State University students that allowed students to trade and sell tickets to games they are unable to attend.

“I started ‘ISU Ticket Trader’ on Facebook back in August, when I noticed that other Iowa State Pages didn’t focus on just ticket sales. I wanted to primarily focus on tickets for sale, and a way for students to connect,” said VanWeelden.

VanWeelden’s purpose for the page was to make connecting students with tickets to trade as easy as possible.

“A lot of people know about the site but no one really knows it was me. When I first started the site, I did a lot of advertising on other Iowa State pages and paper signs, but now the site is so well known that I don’t really need to advertise anymore,” said VanWeelden.

The site has moved from being barely being known to over 640 students. So far, roughly 1,200 tickets have been traded.

•Graphic by Micah Zeimetz

“All students have to do is check out who posted about a ticket, work out a price, and go meet them later to pick up the ticket. The page really runs itself, which is awesome,” said VanWeelden.

ISU Ticket Trader is the easiest, fastest and most convenient way for students to sell unwanted tickets. VanWeelden is proud of the work he has created and is excited to see the site prosper.

“I am really excited to see it grow through the basketball season, and I can’t wait for next year to see how big it gets,” said VanWeeldon.

•Whittney Reinier (wr.pelladium@gmail.com)

4

PAGE EDITOR: WHITTNEY REINIER

LIFE

12. 20 2011

Student Council devises new plan for winter food drive The season of giving is in full swing, and students are getting into the holiday spirit. The Christmas fundraiser, organized by the student council, offered incentives for students to participate in the food drive for the Pella Food Shelf.

The student council has been sponsoring a food drive for the Food Shelf, located at Peace Lutheran Church, for the past 10 years. Students were asked to bring in as many canned food items as possible to help with the drive. However, this year student council members decided to add an extra incentive to the food drive.

“For the first time this year, as students brought in canned goods, we offered incentives. For bringing in five cans, the student received 10 extra credit points for a class. 20 cans was a two day extension on a homework assignment, and 30 cans allowed a student to retake a test,” said teacher and student council advisor Dak Rasmussen.

The student council proposed this new plan in hopes of achieving greater success in the food drive. As a fundraiser aimed to help support the community, maximizing results was the main priority for the student council.

“The first few years we did this, we had huge success, but over the years it has declined. A leadership conference attended by the student council in November helped piece together the idea of offering incentives. We see it as a way to help energize and motivate the student body into helping out those in need,” said Rasmussen.

As well as helping those in need, the food drive helped to better students’ grades. While it was optional for teachers to participate, the student council found that more teachers agreed to allow the incentives in their class than not. When students brought the cans in, they received a coupon based on the number of cans brought. Students could then take these coupons to the participating teachers and receive the benefits.

“I brought cans for the food drive because I noticed some of my grades were not as good as I wanted them to be. I used my coupon for my physics class to receive extra credit. I was glad that I could help myself out as well as help others,” said freshman Jeannie Etnyre.

The official kick-off of the event was Dec. 7; the last of the cans were collected on Dec. 19. In total, students contributed over 2,000 cans of food. The use of incentives and the spirit of giving led the school to great success in the drive.

“The can drive went very well this year, and the incentive program seemed to work well with many of the students. Being high school students, we do not always think about others, and I think that this food drive incentive program was a good way to get what we wanted accomplished- to help out the Pella Food Shelf and the families in need,” said Student Body President Taylor Rennich, senior.

•Maddy Scholten (maddys.pelladium@gmail.com)

Native draws spotlight on national level

Terpstra helps raise awareness through bracelets

Pella natives are familiar with the spotlight. Dave Keuning performs under spotlights at Killers’ concerts, and Kyle Korver drains threes at the United Center.

Melanie Mapes, daughter of food service employee Deb DeNooy, had her moment under the spotlight earlier this month.

Mapes, a member of the 2000 Tulip Time Court, was featured on an episode of HGTV’s “House Hunters” on Dec. 6 with her husband Joe. “House Hunters” is a television program that takes viewers behind the scenes as a person, couple or family is given several options for a new home. The couple applied in April, then received a call a week later informing them that they had made the cut.

To apply for “House Hunters,” a contestant must fill out an application and send in a video to HGTV, making a pitch for why they should be featured. The people at HGTV then decide who to choose, and inform potential contestants. They then narrow it down to the contestants that will be featured. The show and contestants then need to go through a series of paperwork, signing location and appearance releases.

The show then picks a date to begin shooting.

Shooting often takes four-to-five days, and the actual shooting for the show can

Senior Taylor Terpstra isn’t supporting a cause; he’s created one via silicone bracelets calling attention to “I <3 Orphans.”

Students attending CORE, a high school youth group, and The Mix, a middle school youth group, at Third Reformed Church are on a mission to build an orphanage in Uganda. Craig Zuithoff, director of student ministries, is leading this mission through Father’s Divine Love Ministries and connecting though an organization called Heartwork in Colorado Springs. On a mission to raise approximately $20,680, Terpstra sprung an idea on Zuithoff to sell silicone bracelets that said “I <3 Orphans”. “[Terpstra] was really excited and had already talked to some other students to see what they would think. Plus, when he came to talk to me he had already done some research on where and how to order them,” said Zuithoff.

After Terstpra spoke to Zuithoff about the bracelets, Zuithoff helped set up a meeting and waited for the shipment to come in before selling them with the help of Terpstra’s brother, sister and others from the prayer group at Third called Kingdom.

“I have to give my youth leader, Craig, credit. He put my idea into action by providing finances and ordering [the bracelets],” said Terpstra.

be a grueling process.

Due to preparation of lighting and filming for each room, it could take up to seven hours to properly videotape the tour of a house.

“I was worried our first day of filming we would appear a bit awkward on camera, but I think we did OK,” said Mapes.

DeNooy noted that even though the show is shot in reality-style, everything isn’t always “reality.”

“They sometimes would prompt [Melanie] to say something, and when she heard some of the stuff she thought it didn’t sound like something she would say. She’s a little bit afraid that some of that will be on the show,” said DeNooy.

DeNooy still finds the entire situation exciting and a little tough to grasp.

“It’s really exciting [that she was on the show], but it’s kind of a bit surreal. I mean she’s just a little old kid from Pella,” said DeNooy. The show airs again on Dec. 29 at 7:30 p.m. (CST).

•Mitch Shepperd (mps.pelladium@gmail.com)

•Graphic by Jillian Sagers

The popularity of the orphan bracelets has exploded. According to Terpstra, people will buy up to four at a time. The project has grown to have more shipments and exclusive colors ,such as purple and black, instead of the traditional teal.

At this point, the youth ministries and others from the church have raised over $25,000 for the orphanage.

“I thought that his project may take the whole school year to accomplish, but the money was raised in just about a month!

To raise the money, other students would work extra jobs, give away their tip money, donate their birthday money and have sold some of their possessions,” said Zuithoff.

Zuithoff believes God is calling them to possibly start a second orphanage with the extra money and motivation. On the other hand, Terpstra believes the orphanage in Uganda symbolizes what the ministry wants to accomplish in Africa.

“I can’t take full credit for the bracelets because of so many people that prayed and helped the idea, too. It wasn’t just an idea, but a full blown project, and that’s why I’m so thankful that, as a community, we can make a difference in many other peoples’ lives,” said Terpstra.

•Sarah Muller (sm.pelladium@gmail.com)

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12.20.2011

SPORTS

5

PAGE EDITOR: MADELINE MEYER

Athletic department loses strength and conditioning coach

For years, Pella has enjoyed tremendous success in a open my own gym or work with the Detroit Tigers,” said

>>Senior Krista DeBruin holds sophomore Larissa Michalek’s feet in a headstand during varsity Forté’s military routine at the Iowa Dance Championships in Des Moines Dec. 2. Varsity Forté performed three routines at state: military, prop and pom. The team placed first in military, second in prop, and fourth in pom. “State is always a memorable experience. It was scary just like last year, but I was confident in our girls.

We had some tough competition, but we had awesome support from family and friends, and I know everyone did their best. I’m so proud of the team,” said Michalek. Forté was also given the judge’s choice award for their military routine. Only three were given out of over 500 routines.

•Photo by Jace Ver Steeg

wide variety of extracurriculars. This may be attributed to superior coaching or great facilities, but it may also be due to a strength and conditioning program that athletes have bought into.

In fact, athletes aren’t the only ones who have joined this idea. A year and a half ago, Travis Sterling, the owner and practitioner of Sterling Physical Therapy, donated a full-time strength and conditioning coach to the school.

The most recent coach, Jon Haugen, worked with all the athletes in the mornings during the summer and has also been available in the mornings since the start of the school year.

Athletic teams have made several state appearances in different sports over the past few years. Many players and coaches attribute these successes, in large part, to the strength and conditioning effort put in by the students.

“We are able to ask them questions and they give us a good lifting program. I think it has helped us become stronger and all around better athletes,” said senior Regan Cooper.

To the dismay of many athletes, the strength and conditioning program has recently been cut, and former Coach Haugen left on Dec. 11 to pursue job opportunities in Michigan. Though he said he enjoyed his time here, he is excited to move on to new things.

“I really enjoyed the relationships I built with the athletes.

Working with high school kids was different. I had worked mostly with college and professional athletes. It was good because you didn't deal with a lot of the ego stuff that you get in college and professional. There are various options for what I will be doing in Michigan, but I will likely either

Haugen.

In the meantime, Pella will have to try to figure out how to reorganize the strength and conditioning program.

Nothing is for sure at this point, but the issue will be addressed.

“We have been spoiled here at Pella as far as our strength and conditioning program. Short term, we are going to have some coaches assigned to the weight room so we can have it open. We will just use what Coach Haugen has left, so we just need people to be in there to open it up to make sure everything is functioning properly,” said athletic director Dale Otte.

The administration recognizes the need for a more permanent solution. As of right now several options exist, but they are all being taken into consideration.

“Long term is something we will probably start to investigate after Christmas break. As a district, we don’t know what it is going to look like. It could go from totally revamping how it looks to trying to maintain what we have done in the past. It will be an opportunity for us to revisit what we have done in the past,” said Otte.

In the same way the issue is being discussed throughout the administration, it has become a topic of discussion throughout the athletes, especially those who commonly use the weight room.

“I think replacing Coach Haugen with a new strength coach would be ideal. The two coaches we have had have really helped our athletics. It allows coaches to focus on their sports rather than having to spend a lot of time trying to train their kids in the off-season,” said junior Josh DeWaard.

•Nathan Clayberg (nc.pelladium@gmail.com)

As winter sports start up, boys basketball has garnered 50 athletes for its 2011-2012 season.

“We have 50 boys from grades 9-12 who are currently out, and we have 17 varsity, 15 junior varsity and 18 freshman. We generally run from the low 40’s to the low 50’s,” said boys’ basketball coach, Mark Core.

In addition to the players, there are four coaches: Core, Mike Ballenger, Phil Hemming and Jim Dingeman; three student assistants and one manager.

The varsity team consists of 10 seniors, three juniors and four sophomores, for a total of 17 members. Choosing a varsity team is never an easy task, and it posed challenges to the coaches and players alike.

Senior Brennan Mejia and Daniel Tiskevics were both offered the option of practicing with varsity but not playing any games, or playing on junior varsity. Both ultimately chose to not participate in basketball this year.

“I started basketball my sophomore year. I didn’t work at it over the summer. I would have been a practice player [for varsity]. I wouldn’t have gotten to play in any games, so I chose not to play,” said Tiskevics.

Regardless of how large teams get, it is the policy of the school district not to make cuts, or not let individuals participate in an activity.

“It’s philisophical. We want to give everyone the opportunity to participate. If a kid likes a sport, then come out for it. If that means offering more JV games, then that’s what will happen,” said athletic director Dale Otte.

Despite the assumption of many spectators that juniors and seniors will make up the majority of the varsity squad, Core maintains that there is no precedent the coaches look to maintain when selecting a team.

“I don’t know if there is a norm. I look at how the individuals will contribute to the team, regardless of what grade they’re in. Over the years, the trend is to have juniors and seniors dominate a varsity team, but there is a lot of variation that can occur on a year to year basis, and we cannot predict how, when and why that occurs,” said Core.

Contrary to sports like cross country and track, there are few basic “measurements,” such as a time in a five kilometer race, to base a varsity team on.

“Coaches have to consider a lot of intangibles like size, speed, skill level and the ability to work with other people.

If all I needed to look at was everyone’s time in the 40 or bench press it would be different,” said Core.

The basketball players, regardless of the team they are on, generally agree with the coaches’ decision.

Junior Wade Pingel, who chose to be on junior varsity of

varsity because of the opportunity for more playing time, agreed with the coaches’ decision regarding the make-up of the varsity squad.

“There are a lot of players and a lot of talent, but few jerseys. He [Core] did what he had to do, and I agree with that decision. He put players where he had to put them,” said Pingel.

Junior Matt Klein, who is playing on junior varsity, also agrees with the final teams.

“We get more repetition in practice, and we will get more playing time. You just need to take advantage of it.

He [Core] looks to put forth the best squad possible, and to succeed in the season. It was unexpected at first, but I think it was a good decision and it will help the sophomores even more for next year,” said Klein.

Regardless of the make-up of the squads, the players are all excited for the upcoming season and the team mates they will play with.

“We have a great group of guys who like to work hard and get better every day, so I’m excited to see what this season has to hold,” said senior Taylor Cox.

Boys’ basketball copes with growing numbers

•Alexander Ropes (ar.peladium@gmail.com)

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PAGE EDITOR: TIFFANY CARTER,

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IN FOCUS

12. 20. 2011

What’s changed?

History actively plays a part of school safety procedures Going to school is not meant to be a life or death experience, but over history, that is exactly what it has become for many students. Students have been thrown into deadly situations because of school shootings.

Perhaps the most infamous school shooting took place at Columbine High School in Jefferson County, Colorado. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold entered the school highly armed killing 12 students, one teacher, and injuring 21 others. The shooting brought national attention to the security of high schools around the country. Some security measures schools took across the country can be seen in our school, such as numbering room doors. This simple step can drastically aid security officials when responding to emergencies within school buildings.

Years after the Columbine incidents, school shootings had faded into the back of America’s mind until another shooting again brought national attention to this problem, this took place at the University of Virginia Tech. This shooting killed 32 people and wounded 25 more.

The shooter in this case was Seung-Hui Cho, a Senior English Major at Virginia Tech. Cho had previously been diagnosed with a severe anxiety disorder, but was still able to purchase handguns. In the aftermath laws

were passed so that people who were deemed mentally unstable are not able to buy handguns.

Although not the most renowned shooting, one that may stick in the mind of Iowans is the University of Iowa shooting on Nov. 1, 1991.

Infuriated about missing out on a prestigious prize and an inability to find a job, a graduate of the school, Gang Lu, went to an Astronomy Department meeting with a .38 caliber revolver, and shot and killed four teachers and one student before committing suicide.

Since Columbine, the amount of school shootings and serious school violence has been on the decline, although there have been incidents since. Still, every year students are killed by shootings in school. In the past 10 years, 2003-2004 has been the deadliest, with 29 student deaths caused from shootings.

Experts agree that the best way to stop school shootings is not by security measures, but by looking for the warning signs almost all school shooters show, and stopping the problem before it turns deadly.

•Gregory Frommelt (gregf.pelladium@gmail.com)

Students share their thoughts on the potential of a crisis situation and the schools safety system, policies and procedures.

PCM performs lockdown in response to threat of possible school threat Many students believe the possibility of a school threat is far away or something that only happens in movies, but within the past month, students and staff at nearby PCM High School faced a very real possibility of a threat.

“I don’t think it ever really happens, I think most of the time [threats] only happen in larger cities. I really don’t think we have a whole lot to worried about here,” said sophomore Cass Blom.

On Nov. 17, PCM school officials received reliable information that there would be some kind of attack. By 9 a.m., students were already behind locked doors without lights in full-blown lockdown. After nearly four-and-a-half hours, students and staff were allowed to leave their rooms and pursue business as usual and the lockdown was lifted.

“The lock down is lifted when authorities (Sheriff, Local Police) give the “OK”. An “OK” from the authority denotes that there is no longer a threat of danger,” said PCM superintendent Jane Babcock.

“The sherrif ’s department and the local police were called immediately. The authorities and district worked in tandem to keep students and staff safe and secure,” added Babcock. When it came to the actual execution of the plan, she could not give details as their full-lock down plan is only known by few. However, Babcock did feel that the plan was executed.

“The plan was executed as outlined in the crisis plan, there were no errors in the execution of the crisis plan,” said Babcock.

Not long after the lock-down had been lifted, the Jasper County Sherrif ’s Office and the PCM high school released a joint statement saying that the gun threat was unfounded.

“We had a possible threat to the PCM school. The school and law enforcement have completed their investigation. The threat is unfounded.

All procedures were followed as outlined by the district crisis plan,” read the statement.

“No one is ever really prepared for a threat to students. I feel we have a well-orchestrated plan that will keep our buildings as safe as possible in any type of threat,” said Babcock. “ If it happened at Pella, I think everyone would freak. It doesn’t really happen here; we’ve never dealt with it. People wouldn’t know what to do. It’s not like everyone is packing heat on a daily basis,” said freshman Cathryn Yoder.

Sophomore Brianna Buzick agreed.

“We’ve never practiced any kind of lock-down; people would be going crazy. I don’t feel really safe if something like that were to happen,” said Buzick.

However, according to Babcock, student reaction at PCM was very good.

“Students reacted well to the plan. Behavior was appropriate, and students were aware there was a ‘threat’,” said Babcock.

But in the end, a school staff can only be so prepared. At PCM, students and faculty were in good hands, and the threat was more of a wake up call than an actual danger.

“No one is ever really prepared for a threat to students. I feel we have a well-orchestrated plan that will keep our buildings as safe as possible in any type of threat,” said Babcock.

•Jack Parisee (jp.pelladium@gmail.com)

“Yes, I do think a real lockdown could happen, so we should have drills. I’ve been in a lockdown, and it’s scary. ” Sophomore Ami Armstrong

I think it is O.K. [to not practice lockdown drills], because we have never had a threat like that in the past, and until we do, having drills isn’t really needed.”

Senior Caitie Hones

“I think that the system is just fine the way it is. It would be helpful to maybe do some drills and things so that we would be in better shape if something does happen.”

Junior Keegan Fitzsimmons

•Ben Konfrst (benk.pelladium@gmail.com)

Hawk Alert system provides warning Students at the University of Iowa can’t complain about being uninformed when it comes to any kind of threat. Whether it’s a tornado warning or a bomb threat, every student signed up for the Hawk Alert system receives a call, text or email regarding the threat.

On Nov. 14, 2010, the system was put to use for something other than a snow warning when a man threatened both a female and himself with a weapon near campus. Hawk Alert subscribers then received this text: “Police are looking for a man reported to have a weapon near campus.

Everyone should remain in their room until further notice.”

2010 graduate Morgan Anderson found the Hawk Alert did its job and instantly reacted to the warning.

“I quickly messaged a few of my friends to make sure they got the alert as well; however I live off campus, so I didn’t feel directly threatened. I thought the university reacted quickly, making sure the students were safe. And soon after the man had been arrested, we promptly received an additional message letting us know we were safe to resume

regular activities on campus,” said Anderson.

Other students, like 2011 graduate Nick Dorman, found the alert might have just worsened the situation.

“The only thing the Hawk Alert said was that someone was carrying a weapon in the area. It was so vague that most kids didn’t really take it all that seriously. The problem is that they are so caught up in trying to get the message out quickly, they don’t stop to think how the message could get interpreted. The whole campus seemed to know within 10 minutes, but no one seemed to know anything past that,” said Dorman.

The Hawk Alert’s purpose goes beyond just threats of violence, though, and despite some kinks, both graduates suggested a similar system for other schools. “[The Hawk Alert system] is a quick and effective way to reach all the students in case of an emergency,” said Anderson.

Attempts to reach the University of Iowa for comment were not successful.

•Benji McElroy (bmc.pelladium@gmail.com)

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Crisis policies and procedures kept confidential; raises concerns

Lockdown, intruder incident and bomb threat policies and procedures are all said to exist within the school, but students are neither informed of, nor instructed, to practice these policies and procedures. While some schools perform drills in preparation of these events, Pella holds different views as to what is proper practice.

“It’s kind of a philosophical thing. Nothing against the other schools who choose to practice drills, but we’ve held the idea that if the person that was threatening the school was a student, they could use that knowledge from the drills to their advantage,” said Assistant Principal Jon Mueller.

Policies and procedures for lockdowns, intruder incidents and bomb threats were made approximately nine years ago by Principal Eric Nelson, who was then the assistant principal, and Police Chief Lt. Dave Beukelman, after attending a school safety conference hosting school administrators from across the nation.

“Have there been many major changes made to the plans since then? No, but have we tweaked certain things? Yes,” said Nelson. “No one has to approve the plans, but professionals in the field evaluate the information annually and offer any recommendations to adjust what we have.”

Teachers are made aware of the crisis plans in place, but plans are kept confidential to students.

The details of the plans are spread among a group of teachers throughout the building, and in a threatening situation, teachers would then instruct the students according to the procedure.

“It’s a good idea not to have the students know ahead of time, because if we all did, whoever was planning on coming with a weapon or a bomb or something would know how to avoid getting caught. I feel comfortable with just the teachers knowing, and I think they would be prepared enough to make sure everyone followed the plan. If anyone else should, maybe just student council, just to have some student leaders know,” said junior Erica Schulte.

In recent years, rumors have circulated claiming threats to the school’s safety, but students have not had to act according to the plans within the school safety threat procedures. Though there has been a lack of action among students, administrators still examine the validity behind these threats.

“There’s a checklist to determine whether or not it [a school safety threat] is credible, and there’s also a procedure that includes questions to ask and areas to look into first. Obviously, in a situation with an intruder or something similar to that where an immediate reaction would be necessary, I’m not going to go searching for my checklist. We’re going to make decisions based on what will be best in the situation, but the checklists are there if we need them,” said Nelson.

One issue that has required alterations from typical school safety policies and procedures has been that not every classroom is equipped with locks that can be locked from the inside of the classroom. A usual aspect of lockdowns is having teachers lock the classroom with the students inside to prevent the assailant from entering the room. While it is kept confidential as to what the adjustments are, the school procedures are said to be adjusted to accommodate to the locks in place and the students’ safety needs.

“What we really want is a keyless system. There would be access cards that you would slide through to lock or unlock. Each teacher would have his/her own, and we would be able to program the entire lock system. We have deemed it a lower priority because of the high cost, and we see the likelihood of a crisis as very low,” said Nelson.

Mueller agrees, stating potential costs.

“What we really would like to see improve is the locks. Ideally, we would have a keyless system, which would allow us to program the entire building. Director of Maintenance Chris Wimmer did a cost analysis and told us that it would be thousands of dollars just to replace the locks.”

With potential costs in mind, students voiced their opinion on the matter.

“It [getting new locks] should be a lot higher priority, especially after the Virginia Tech massacre, because students were killed from being shot through the doors, because they had to hold them closed and pretty much be human barricades. They didn’t have inside locking doors either, and even if we do have a plan for that, since we don’t know it, people might panic and automatically do what happens in most lockdowns and stay in classrooms,” said senior Jared Alcorn This proposal will again be introduced into the annual discussion, evaluating the crisis plans, likely to take place this summer, in affiliation with local law enforcement.

“Also, the safety plan is a component within our 10 years facilities plan, which is basically a prioritized list in a facilities standpoint, and so, we’ll be able to decide if that is a high enough priority on the list to have next year,” said Mueller. “Over the next year we will be revisiting all of our safety procedures in conjunction with the security officer we have in the school and the police department.”

Students suggest other security measures that could be put into place to better protect students and staff.

“Our school is too easy to access from too many different areas. I think the safest way would be to leave just the two main entrance areas unlocked throughout the day, but keep all other access doors locked. We could also be more conscious of visitors,” said senior Jesse Merk.

•Tiffany Carter (tc.pelladium@gmail.com)

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PAGE EDITOR: ALEX ROPES

IRREGARDLESS

•BENJI MCELROY (BME.PELLADIUM@GMAIL.COM) Once you hit the age of 30, do you begin idolizing the Grinch on the drop of a hat? Does your heart shrink three sizes? Both? It seems like every year there is a new generation of people spouting off their hate of what “Christmas has become” left and right. The thing is, it’s not about what Christmas has become, it’s about what they’ve become: grown-ups.

Grown-ups don’t get anything cool. All they get is responsibility, and that’s a complete 180º from cool. After adults get married and inevitably sell their soul to either a cubicle or the kitchen, Christmas becomes all about being jealous of people they should never be jealous of: people who pick their noses in public; people who can’t color inside the lines; people who can’t spell people. In other words, gradeschoolers.

Think about it, Christmas peaks before you ever hit double digits. You still believe in Santa, you don’t know the value of anything, so you can’t compare your haul to your siblings haul, and you don’t know all of your presents a month ahead of time because you haven’t mastered your lock picking skills quite yet. After that, Christmas’ joy and wonder steadily erode until you’re an emotionless holiday robot who only seeks free stuff.

Then, Christmas gets to the point when you’re getting landscaping tools and toaster ovens. Don’t get me wrong, landscaping tools and toaster ovens from your increasingly senile Uncle Dave are great, but they’re a far cry from Furbies gifted by Santa himself.

I would be bitter, too, if I had to open up a Black and Decker weed eater while the pipsqueak across from me was opening a fully functioning R2-D2.

I would be so bitter that I would mount a full-on offensive against Christmas. I would say that it had become too corporate (Santa drives a Lexus. Pick yours up at your nearest Lexus dealer!). I would say that it lost its true meaning (Who's Jesus?). I would say that it wasn’t even Christmas anymore (“Have a happy holiday!”).

“THE ARGUMENT OF FAITH IS NO LONGER ENOUGH”

OPINION

12. 20. 11

“THE ISSUE WITH CHRISTMAS IS THAT IT HAS BECOME A SOAPBOX HOLIDAY”

In reality, though, Christmas just sucks when you’re too old to believe in an overweight, glorified UPS man breaking and entering into every house where semi-wealthy people live.

If someone’s old enough to be on their soapbox, preaching that Christmas is about giving, not receiving, then they’re old enough to actually buy into what they’re saying. They shouldn’t be jealous that they can’t rip open oodles of presents in their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle tighty-whities; they should just be happy to be making some pipsqueak’s day that much better. Oh, and that Black and Decker weed eater doesn’t hurt either.

The issue with Christmas is that it has become a soapbox holiday as opposed to the everpopular-accusation of a "commerical holiday."

You know, kind-of like the Kanye West of holidays in the sense that it's something to beat up on to make yourself look educated •Graphic by Mitch Shepperd and noble because absolutely no one will disagree with you. Grown-ups don't need anymore soapboxes. Just ask anybody who has dealt with parents.

The thing is, it’s not about what Christmas has become, because Christmas is the same as it’s always been.

EVERYTHING’S NOT LOST •ALEX ROPES (AR.PELLADIUM@GMAIL.COM)

Faith: Belief that is not based on proof. abundance.

Pella has long been thought to be immune from the negative effects of modern When one believes in nearly any religion, be it Christianity, Islam or Hinduism, a level culture, but our town of 10,000 is no longer unaffected. Our community has been of faith is required. In the case of Christianity, the focus of this column, denominations simultaneously lauded and criticized for its high moral standards and strong religious generally have faith that God created our world, our universe and is the ultimate overseer. backbone, but as the outside world creeps in, the standards of the community are Individuals belonging to these denominations have this faith -this conviction- they rely being forced to face the same challenges as thousands of others towns and cities in the on it to convince others of their views. The argument of faith alone no longer suffices. country. Christian ideals are being tested as liberal and progressive themes seep into the I cannot speak for all atheists, but I know that many choose such a path because the consciousness of the town. reasons to not believe in God are more convincing than those arguing the opposite.

It seems to be the general assumption of society that the strength of Trying to convince someone to become religious solely with the argument “you religion is declining. To measure one’s dedication to a religion just need to have faith” is about as effective as telling someone to like is difficult, but two different studies have been conducted by brussel sprouts because you say they’re good, even if the five senses Gallup.com, a site that focuses on studying human behavior. One say otherwise. of which supports the claim; one refutes it. The first showed that In the meantime, it’s time for Christians to adapt their methods church attendance is not decreasing but remaining stagnant, at of convincing individuals to join their faith. I attend church nearly 43.1%. The second showed that 67% of citizens feel religion is every week, and if I have heard and interpreted correctly, the duty of losing influence on American life. a Christian is to spread God’s word to others. As I’ve already stated, I believe that it would not be too wildly presumptuous to draw church-goers are not doing too well on that front. I’ve concluded a connection between the dawn of the “technological age,” and the high that if the current trends continue, Christians can 1) strictly maintain their percentage of citizens who believe religion is losing its influence on society. We, traditional methods, faith-reliant methods of spreading God’s word, and continue as a society, have come to expect answers. A statement is expected to have proof, to see church attendance decline; or, 2) Maintain a faith-based core but adapt it evidence and a sound reasoning to back it up. We need something tangible. to fit modern society.

Faith is not tangible.

I should clarify that, while I keep preaching the necessity of reason to back up •Graphic by A common assumption is that there is a correlation between atheism and those Mitch Shepperd Christianity, I am not looking for definitive proof. Not only is there no way to who have a higher education. Many atheists choose such a path because they prove God exists, but there is no way to prove he does not. What I want is for claim they “believe in science,” or find the line of reasoning to be more convincing. atheists and Christians alike to lay down the facts and reasoning behind their argument Despite whether one agrees with many atheists’ claim of a belief in science or not, it on the table, so those who are trying to decide can be fully informed to do so. does not change the fact that many individuals have become atheists because they find The argument of faith is no longer enough; the public demands reasons. They need comfort in logic, science and proof, something that Christian churches have not given in something tangible to lead them to a point where faith can step in.

A

What are you looking forward to most this year?

Alex Moore (am.pelladium@gmail.com)

“Freshman year being done with, but I don’t want the eighth graders up here.”

“I’m looking forward to running track again.”

“I can’t wait until the choir trip to New York City during spring break.”

“Graduation and getting out of high school already.”

>>Freshman Cathryn Yoder

>>Sophomore Jacob Von Bank

>>Junior Kelli Rozendaal

>>Senior Zach Belloma

12. 20. 2011

OPINION

PAGE EDITOR: JACK PARISEE

Editorial Cartoons

David Stern: Lockout Mastermind •Comic by Mitch Shepperd

Staff Editorial

9

Tragedy happens, and it happens everywhere. Just because little old Pella is a small Midwest town with “great morals” doesn’t mean that it can’t happen here. Whenever a what-if situation of violence is brought up, it shouldn’t be brushed off as if it’s a far-fetched Big Foot sighting.

It’s nice to have faith in the finely-woven-moral-fabric of our community, but to have that faith lead to carelessness would be unfortunate, to say the least. It’s unreasonable to treat every day at Pella High like it’s your last, but that doesn’t mean a policy of tip-toeing through the tulips is the best course of action either.

The logic behind not practicing lockdowns and other violent situations for fear of providing potential assailants with the means to do real damage is more than understandable.

Putting students completely in the dark when it comes to those situations is completely incomprehensible, though. Educating students on the generalities of what to do in worstcase-scenarios doesn’t assist potential assailants at all; it just provides students with knowledge that could save theirs or another’s life.

The panic level of a school faced with a tornado warning, when the student body hasn’t been informed of what to do, would be through the roof. In fact, it seems ridiculous to imagine hearing a tornado or fire alarm and being clueless, so why is it O.K. to not have any idea of what to do when faced with a threat of violence?

All we ask is that students are taught the best way to react in the all-too-possible situation of a bomb threat or a lockdown. Unfortunately, threats of violence at school are very real and shouldn’t be ignored.

(The Pelladium staff voted 19-0 in favor of this editorial.)

Alternative News Student Viewpoint

Leave religion out of the race

As Iowans brace, once again, for the montage of caucus coverage, candidates for the Republican nomination continue to battle on.

Each candidate has his or her own battle to fight. Whether it’s Herman Cain’s inexplicable disrespect for women, or Michelle Bachman’s often startling resemblance to former vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, each had issues to overcome. The one that sticks out most to me is Mitt Romney’s religion.

The easy decision is obvious. Forty-one percent of Evangelicals won’t vote for a Mormon, and there are plenty of them in Iowa and New Hampshire. Why not just convert? But, the decision is more than that to Romney. As Newt Gingrich now begins to take the lead in recent polls, Romney continues to stand by his faith and is opening up even more.

Romney’s political strategy is intriguing. As a citizen, I find it incredibly brave. To stand by your faith, no-holds-barred, no matter what almost 25% of voters think, is truly inspiring. This is the kind of thing that founded America. The freedom to practice as you like, and to be who you want to be, brought all of us here. It shouldn’t matter what religion Romney is. What should matter is how he would be as a president. It should matter that Romney completely turned around Massachusetts’ failing economy, and that his economic know-how is something to rival. But, unfortunately, to nearly 40-50 million voters, it only matters where he spends his Sunday mornings.

America is not a Christian nation. America is a majority Christian nation. We, the people, have a responsibility to ensure that all religions and peoples are welcomed here. We have a responsibility to not discriminate against people because they are different than us.

But, time after time, we do.

There’s a reason you don’t see any openly homosexual candidates in the race. There’s a reason there is only one non-Christian. The answer is simple: it’s the conservative Christians. It was the conservative Christian who wouldn’t let his or her kid play with the black child down the street in the 50’s. And, now, it’s the conservative who won’t vote for someone who is different from them. The people who talk of love and equality, but if you’re different from them, you’d better go somewhere else.

So to these people, with their minds closed, I’d like to say one thing. Mitt Romney will leave his magic underwear at home, as long as you return that talking snake to the zoo.

Let’s leave religion out of it.

•Jack Parisee (jp.pelladium@gmail.com)

Christmas continues commercialization

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, or at least that’s what all the decorations in local stores are telling us. The spirit of the holidays have been commercialized and exploited, yet this snowy season still brings us warmth and comfort as we spend this blessed time with the ones we love.

Several symbols come to mind when these December days are mentioned, but the most prominent seems to be the Christmas tree. Recently, it has been a trend to be politically correct, especially when it comes to religion. In the event of Christmas, having neutral names for each symbol has been deemed n e c e s s a r y.

The two or so weeks we have for break are no longer called “Christmas vacation” but instead is referred to as “winter break.” Several politically correct names have been as) m o mail.c dium@g a ll signed to sound more accepting so all e p l. anser (b •Blake L groups and religions do not feel targeted, but calling a Christmas tree, a holiday tree is a separate event entirely.

To the best of my knowledge, the holidays are celebrated by all religions and walks of life.

However, Christmas is a holiday that is separate from those traditions. Renaming a tree designated to a specific day, religion, and group of separate people undermines the spirit of Christmas. Although Christmas is not for only puritan Christians and is practiced by the majority of the public, it can not be disputed that this is still a religious holiday. Taking the name of Christ out of the tree commercializes the celebration even further and diminishes the purpose of this day.

Instead of worrying whether or not we offend the public, the holidays should make everyone focus on the spirit of giving and being generous. Changing the name of a tree we gather around will not change how hostile groups are towards each other, nor will it bring a sudden peace amongst those apposed to religion and those not. We should all remember that the Holidays are a time to be thankful. Keeping traditions is not to be self righteous, but to retain that historic time we call Christmas authentic.

•Marielle Gaiser (marielle.gaiser@gmail.com)

Executive Editors: Tiffany Carter, Benji McElroy, Madeline Meyer, Maddy Scholten Page Editors/Reporters: Benji McElroy, Jillian Sagers, Maddy Scholten, Whittney Reinier, Madeline Meyer, Tiffany Carter, Alex Ropes, Jack Parisee, Evan Jones, Mitch Shepperd, Marielle Gaiser Visuals: Marielle Gaiser, Blake Lanser, Jillian Sagers, Mitch Shepperd, Micah Zeimetz Reporters: Claire Anderson, Derrick Akers, Nathan Clayberg, Jake Dorman, Gregory Frommelt, Ben Konfrst, Alex Moore, Sarah Mueller, Haley Sytsma, Hallie VonBank Adviser: Ann Visser The Pelladium is a monthly tabloid produced by the high school journalism department to serve as an informative, educational and entertaining communications media and to provide an open forum to students and readers. •Letters to the Editors are welcome and encouraged. These letters must be signed and should, in no way, be libelous, irresponsible or obscene. Letters must have verified facts and should deal with issues. The Pelladium reserves the right to edit grammatical errors, libelous content or length due to the space limitations. Letters may be brought to Room 201 or sent to Pella Community High School, Box 486, Pella, IA 50219. •The Pelladium will strive to deliver information in a fair and truthful manner. The Pelladium will function in accord with all applicable laws, both in regard to the rights and restrictions of journalism. •The views expressed in this publication are those of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the Pella Community High School Administration or the Pella Community Schools Board of Education. The Pelladium will make retractions in the event of errors made in the content of printed stories. Retractions will be printed in the issue immediately following the issue containing the errors. •The Pelladium is a member of the Iowa High School Press Association.

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PAGE EDITOR: EVAN JONES

ENTERTAINMENT

12. 20. 2011

Happy Holidays!

(Editor’s Note: The following is a spoof on the ever-famous Christmas letters that grace mailboxes this time of year.)

Well, hello again, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I’m so excited to tell you all about my perfect children. Once upon a time in a Dutch town lived a family of four beautiful children - Corey, Shannon, Sam and Kimberly. They are the most beautiful children in all of the land, and they are THE BEST children to ever walk the face of the earth. I’m not kidding. They are wonderful and beautiful and stunning, and they are my children.

Corey is a gorgeous young boy, the kids at school even call him Justin Fever(whoever that is). I’ve taken to the name though and can’t help but say he gives every girl a fever, with his cute face and all. He is a busy boy, hardly ever home, and when he is all he does is comb his hair in the mirror. He loves his hair so much that he doesn’t let anyone touch it, except cougars. Well, that is what his friends say at least. I don’t understand this logic, because there aren’t any cougars in Iowa, just the occasional mountain lion. I guess it’s some weird freshmen figure of speech. For all I knew “Cougar” could be the name of his hair stylist. And let me tell you, we have to make those hair appointments MONTHS in advance to satisfy my Corey. He’s just a sweet baby boy, as a freshman all the girls just LOVE him. I can see why, who wouldn’t love his baby soft cheeks? He’s still a wee little tot. Corey just loves high school, he has really gotten involved. Even though he doesn’t like to mess up his hair or get too sweaty, he still tries sports. Bless his heart. He’s just the cutest little guy, and a creative one at that. His friends could make up a whole dictionary of the words they invent! Cougar and JustinFever to boot.

Now, my sophomore Shannie Poo. Well, she has just been a little champ in sports this year. As a sophomore, she got to play on the VARSITY volleyball team at Pella High, and they truly had the best team spirit I’ve ever seen. They just went out there and banged that ball around to music at the beginning; it is so cute. Did I mention she is a varsity athlete?

Yeah, sophomore year. VARSITY. At a 3A school. She just owns that volleyball court.

Little Shannon has grown up immensely this past year, and she just a little bombshell. She’s nearly perfect, except for one issue. She dates an “Offie,” you know, one of the kind who goes to school across town. It’s just a tad touchy, that subject is. He wears the wrong colors, maroon and gold, and makes noises like an eagle whenever he comes to the house. We still

tolerate him though because he makes an effort to treat our little Shannie poo right, and I respect that.

On to the big boy in the family, Samuel. He is a big boy, except recently he’s taken to cross dressing. The other day I picked him up from school, and he had a wig on and a dress and kept repeating, “I am HELGA.” I’m not too worried, but sometimes he makes me wonder. Despite his cross dressing tendencies, Samuel has proven his manliness in his favorite sport of football. At Pella High, football is life, and Sam lives for football. I will never forget the pride I felt in my heart during their last game of the season when my Sam caught that kick off return, carried the •Graphic by ball at least 50 yards down the field (well, Madeline Meyer I really don’t know how far, I don’t get football yards) but it looked like 50 yards to me, and everyone in the whole stands started bellowing “Palmer! Palmer! Palmer!

Palmer!” I still get teary eyed whenever I think about this moment. It was beautiful.

My oldest daughter Kimberly Ellen is my pride and joy. She has been such a delight to watch grow up and go about the halls of Pella High. It’s hard to believe that she will be leaving the nest soon. It makes my heart drop just to think about it ... almost to the point of breaking. She is currently a senior, and everyone in the whole school knows that seniors rule the school. She was captain of the volleyball team, a senior leader on the basketball team and even won all-conference honors in soccer last year. She can do it all! Well, except drive. You know, my husband always says, “Women drivers, no survivors,” and I always criticized him for saying such a ridiculous statement, but for Kimberly, that saying might just be true. I mean, no hard feelings or anything, but... you should see her car! Although she says she just forgot to honk, the other day in the school parking lot, she got completely t-boned! You should see her car; she can’t even get into the front seat through the front door but has to climb over another seat just to get to the driver’s spot! And that’s not all, she’s taken a liking to hitting stationary objects, like backing out into a friend’s pole in a driveway! I only can hope and pray that she slows down before her license is revoked.

We are the best family EVER. I know how everyone wanted to read this long rambling letter about my beloved babies! It’s such a wonderful time of year to spread cheer, so HAPPY HOLIDAYS and have a Happy New Year!

•Madeline Meyer (mm.pelladium@gmail.com)

Top 5 Christmas Movies Fend off the “winter blues”

Will Ferrell is on his game in this story about a human who thinks he is 5. an“Elf.” elf. Between him and Zooey Deschanel, there is almost nothing wrong with this

Say goodbye to those winter days and nights with nothing to do! Whether you’re alone or with a group of friends, use these fantastic ideas to get out and be active at home or in the freezing cold. Just be sure to pack your mittens.

“The Muppet Christmas Carrol.” One of the best Christmas stories + the Looking for some adventure out there? Go skiing, tubing or sledding! Sleepy Hollow Muppets = better than any present you will get this year. #fact Sports Park in Des Moines and Seven Oaks Recreation in Boone are great places to burn “Scrooged.” Bill Murray’s sense of humor mixes very well with a modern- off some energy in the chilly weather. Check out www.sleepyhollowsportspark.com or ized version of the “Christmas Carrol”. Digging past layers of sarcasm and cyni- www.sevenoaksrec.com for more information on hours and rates. cism is rather enjoyable in this film as we watch Murray find the good in his heart. Need a cute date idea this winter? Go ice skating together! It’s just… cute. What more can you say? It’s really fun to learn to skate, and when you’re done, you could go grab “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Watching the dysfunctional Griswold some hot chocolate. Even going with friends would be a blast. Plus, you could still get hot family struggle through the holidays is a lot more hilarious than watching your own. chocolate afterwards. Or, just get hot chocolate anyways, without skating. Yum. This is hands-down the funniest Christmas movie. Also, depending on your family, Consider yourself to be someone who likes to keep it toasty warm inside? Then instead of the usual always sitting and watching T.V., get yo-self off that couch and move it! “Just it can be both a family movie or one you watch with your pals.

Dance” is a super fun way to exercise while having a great time. Make it a group activity by “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Once you get past the movie almost being an ancient inviting all your closest bros and homegirls together for a “Just Dance” party. You’ll be sure artifact, you’ll find that “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a wonderful movie. It is one of the to have a blast while keeping warm and out of the cold. oldest Christmas flicks in existence, but it is probably the best embodiment of the Cozying up to watch some classic Christmas movies is pretty much a must-do during Christmas spirit available today. On top of all, that it is actually an amazing movie, winter. Make it a family tradition to watch a certain Christmas movie every year.

IMDB ranks it as number 30 on the top 250 movies. Maybe it isn’t a movie you Now, you have no excuse to say there’s nothing to do inside or out. Make the most of this would watch with your friends, but as far as family movies go, this is the ultimate. winter season by getting out there to spend some fun quality time with friends or family.

•Hallie Von Bank (hvb.pelladium@gmail.com) •Evan Jones (ej.pelladium@gmail.com) movie. Plus, no other movie on this list is as quotable.

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12. 20. 2011

MENTAL HUG

11 Unusual Christmas traditions abound

PAGE EDITOR: MITCH SHEPPERD

Whether you live in the United States or Asia, Christmas is one of the the world’s most beloved holidays. With so many different cultures celebrating Christmas, some pretty unique traditions go along with it:

Students’ Top 10 tweets from the past month December

1. @JordanBaker33 - senior Jordan Baker.

My girl’s home and we hangin’ out allll day #winkwink

2. @dutchsoftball04 - junior Morgan

Ernst. The awkward moment when people’s awkward moment tweets aren’t awkward. #getalife

3. @Jackie_Sunder - sophomore Jackie Sunderman. 3 hour car ride we have already made 3 stops in the first hour #holdinyourpee

6. @Kollin_schaudt - junior Kollin Schaudt. Why are capri suns so small?! Im a big boy, i can drink more!! #comeon

7. @MarielleGaiser - senior Marielle

Gaiser. A winking sad face is the most awkward emotion. WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Are you sad or did you just fart... ;(

8.

_Aim10 - sophomore Aimiee Uitermarkt. I remember when I wore my pajamas to school.. I was 6 and we were having a pajama party for “Read A Million Minutes”. #youreinhighschoolnow

4. @Alex_Ropes - senior Alex Ropes. Get 9. @RileyHoltrop - freshman Riley ready pella high, i’m bringing back turtle necks in a big way this winter

5. @hannamrtn - senior Hanna Martin.

SO GROSSED OUT. NEVER HAVING CHILDREN. #BreakingDawn

Holtrop. Never gotta see the movie. Did those elephants get some water or not? #justwondering

10. @6etnyre9 - junior Michael Etnyre.

Wearing a polo to bed because I want to wake up looking nice.

•Evan Jones (ej.pelladium@gmail.com)

High School Hazard •Jillian Sagers

Krampus: Almost everyone has heard of Santa Claus, but very few know of his evil twin.

In Austria and parts of Europe, Krampus is known for beating and punishing misbehaving children. On Dec. 6, people dress up in frightening devil-like costumes to portray Krampus and scare kids into making the nice list. Better be on your best behavior if you ever decide to spend the holidays in Austria!

Mumming: In Latvia, the best-known Christmas tradition is called “mumming.”

“Mummers” wear an array of masks featuring traditional faces of horses, bears and even corpses. They parade the streets, going door-to-door to drive out evil spirits. What does all of this has to do with the word mumming? The world may never know.

Caga Tió: Meaning “poop log,” Caga Tió is a hollowed log that is propped on four sticklegs and painted to have a face. In Catalonia, from the night of Dec. 6 and on, he is fed candies and other treats up until either Christmas Eve or day when he is forcefully beaten with a stick until he “poops.” To prevent a struggle, Catalonians will sing encouraging songs to make his process more bearable.

Witches: Since they had no proof of the existence of Santa, the Vatican outlawed him and decided that a witch would be a better replacement for the Christmas gift-giver in Italy.

Their legends claim that a wise man asked La Belfana to tag along with him as he went to visit Baby Jesus but, unfortunately, she was too busy to make the trip. So, instead, she made her way around town, dropping presents off at every door.

KFC: In Asia, instead of cooking up a nice Christmas dinner, the tradition is good ol’ Kentucky Fried Chicken. Colonel Sanders would be so proud. Along with all that KFC goodness, the Japanese only send out white Christmas cards. Why? White represents snow and charity, while red is the color of funeral notices. Makes sense.

Though these customs may seem a little out of the ordinary to us, they’re yearly tradition for those who practice them. Putting up a Christmas tree and setting out milk and cookies for Santa in one country can be equally as strange as feeding a pooping log in another.

•Haley Sytsma (hs.pelladium@gmail.com)

Top 5 worst sports spectators EVER Almost everyone has been to a football game. At these sporting events there are, inevitably, people who decide to make life as unpleasant as possible for those sitting around them. The offenders to look out for include:

1. The Whistler: We all know this guy. He stands up before every single play and unleashes a noise that is so high-pitched it can kill any dog in a three mile radius. This person will make sure to be as close to your ear as possible to show you how much more he loves the sport than you do because he’s the only one making a difference.

2. The (Somewhat) Functioning Alcoholic: Apart from showing up with a blood alcohol level of about .42, these people also make sure they won’t lose their buzz throughout the game with a handy little flask or bottle they managed to sneak past security. Come on! Do you really expect them to sit through this boring game sober? They paid good money for those season tickets.

WhateverMan

•Micah Zeimetz

3. The Free Agent: For some reason, there is always a guy sitting next to you who really should be out playing on the field. The quarterback throws a bad pass? “I could throw better than that.” The receiver misses a one-handed catch in the back of the end zone? Oh that’s easy. The free safety couldn’t tackle the 250 lb. running back? “He should be off the team! Even I could do that!” Hopefully, these people will be drafted soon because they are obviously the best athletes who ever lived.

4. The Head Coach: This guy doesn’t care about the coach’s experience or training.

They could run this team 20 times better if they got the opportunity. Every defensive play? Pick six. Every offensive play? Just get the ball to (insert star players name here). It’s unstoppable.

5. The Snack Machine: I will agree that the snacks at stadiums can be a tad pricey, but is it really worth it to bring your own food? Maybe a chocolate bar or an apple, but when you start bringing half gallon bags of peanuts, you have a problem. It’s three hours out of your day, have a snack beforehand if you must.

•Jake Dorman (jrd.pelladium@gmail.com)

12

PAGE EDITOR: MARIELLE GAISER

>>PREPARE. Junior Connor Naaden steps in front of the jazz band for his solo. Naaden and Jazz I received a “1” rating at SCIBA Dec. 12. •Photo by >>HUDDLE. Forté team gather before their military routine at state. They Tiffany Carter placed first for this routine, along with being chosen as a Judge’s Choice

routine. “I was so nervous, but having my friends there supporting me helped a lot. I think we did great. I wouldn’t change anything about what we did this year,” said junior Leilone Rethmeier. •Photo by Blake Lanser

PHOTO

12.20.2011

>>LEAD. Seniors Rachel Fyfe and Joella Gerber converse during the student council’s leadership seminar at Adventureland Inn, Altoona. During the day, students learned how to be more effective leaders and devised a new plan for food collecting. •Photo by Mark Dykstra

>>CHEER. Sophomores Grace Byram, Klaire Wisniewski, Kayla Carroll and freshman Megan Atkins perform a pom routine at halftime for the girls’ basketball game. They are learning routines to perform at Forté’s spring show Feb. 25. •Photo by Marielle Gaiser

>>SOUL. Sophomore Tom Palmer, saxophonist performs at SCIBA in Norwalk and will also perform at the State IHSMA Jazz Contest Jan. 14 at Winterset. •Photo by Tiffany Carter

The Holiday Season

brings feelings of joy and inspiration to all walks of life. Students gathered together to bring the “presence” of the giving season despite having several activities including wrestling meets, jazz band, Forté, student council, basketball and speech. >>BOARD. Senior Jake Wassenaar snatches a rebound in the game against Knoxville. •Photo

by Marielle Gaiser

>>RECOVER. Senior Regan Cooper makes a move toward the basket against top-ranked Williamsburg. Although the Lady Dutch were only down by one at half, Williamsburg pulled away in the third quarter and took the win. •Photo by Marielle Gaiser

>>INSPIRE. Senior Alex Ropes plays a selection of Christmas music and other piano compositions at Jefferson Place at their annual Christmas party. “It was a great experience to visit the residents at the home and to be able to discuss what their life was like in another generation,” said Ropes.

•Photo by Tiffany Carter

>>PUMP UP. Above Coach Joe Burch prepares junior Houston Naaktgeboren before his match.

Right, freshman Chase Petty feels the pain and anguish of his opponent’s hold in the match against Norwalk. •Photo by Ben Konfrst >>REACH. Senior Brannon Johnson makes a lay-up at the varsity basketball game against Knoxville. “Personally, I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. We’ve got a diverse group of guys with great personalitites who are willing to work hard and have the ability to go far,” said Johnson. The Little Dutch won, 77-37. •Photo by Marielle Gaiser

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