Sept 2014 Pelladium

Teachers add to families P. 3

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PELLADIUM P. 12

PELLA COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL’S SOURCE FOR NEWS

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09.30. 2014

Changes in student parking bring debates

Senior privileges are slowly being taken away. A few years ago the annual senior parade was cut. Last year the senior campout was cut, and now, there is no longer a senior parking lot. The question at large is what did the senior class do to “lose” the privilege of having their own parking spaces. The answer is that the seniors didn’t do anything. The new parking policy is not a response to anything the students at Pella High have done. With over 700 students in the school, the parking lot is simply too small to accommodate everyone. As a result, there will no longer be a “senior lot.” Policy has transitioned to a new “first come, first serve” basis.

“We are not trying to punish the seniors. We are not trying to make their year the ‘worst year ever.’ This is just the reality of how big our school has gotten and trying to be the most efficient with the lot,” said Vice Principal Jon Muller.

This issue initially started two years ago when underclassmen were not honoring the parking system. In the fall of 2013, an executive decision was made to name the parking lots after colors to disassociate spaces with classes. This was not successful.

“Even though the lots were renamed with colors, students still took advantage of parking in the senior lot. Underclassmen knew it as the senior lot and wanted to park closer to the school,” said senior Riley Holtrop.

Disobeying the parking system was not because of a rivalry be-

tween classes, but due to the lack of parking spots available for students to park in. There are over 700 students, with only 298 total parking spots available.

“During the day, I would walk out to my car to grab a bag and see open spots in the senior lot that I could easily park in. I didn’t see any point in having to park by the football stadium if no one was using an open spot closer to the school,” said senior Brooke Darnell.

With so much demand for parking tags, the parking spaces have been oversold. Over 320 tags have been sold to driving students. On Friday, Aug. 29, staff issued out 20 parking tickets to students who were without parking tags and 15 tickets to students parked illegally.

These tickets were given out due to safety reasons and cost $15. The money paid goes towards maintaining the lots.

“I think that taking away senior parking was a slap in the face to the senior class, especially because this is the first year of no lots and they took away the junior lot last year. I paid my $15 fine in pennies because I wanted Mr. Muller to have to count every one of those pennies,” said senior Isaac Naaktgeboren.

This is not an experimental period for the new parking policy. This new system will be permanent. The only changes will include staff parking in the back of the school in phase two and three of the career academy construction approved in early spring of this year.

•Ashley Kirkland (akirkland@pelladium.com)

Staff members add to their families

>>> ABOVE PROUD BROTHER. Kellen Pentico meets his new sister. Corynn Pentico was born August 15, on the date of a planned c-section. BELOW Zoey Garland born August 27.

In the United States, a baby is born every seven seconds.

Because of this, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that two of our very own teachers have had one of their own new additions.

Band director, Jason Pentico, and his wife, counselor Anne Pentico, had their baby girl August 15th at 10:28 a.m. They have decided on the name Corynn Frances Pentico. She was 21 inches long and weighed 8 pounds and 14 ounces. The whole family is enjoying time with the baby, including the Pentico’s son, Kellen.

“Kellen loves his baby sister, and we are really enjoying loving and spoiling her,” said Mr. Pentico.

Mr. Pentico also explains that having Corynn was much different than Kellen. Corynn’s birth was planned on an exact date so that Mrs. Pentico could have a c-section. The Penticos knew when Corynn was coming, but they still experienced a lot of excitement and anxiety. Mrs. Pentico is recovering well.

Just 12 days after the Pentico’s had their baby, so did history teacher Jerod Garland and his wife, Leah Garland. Their baby girl was also 21 inches, but weighed 7 pounds and 6 ounces. On August 27th at 5:55 p.m., Zoey Grace Garland was born, about a week after her actual due date.

Pella Welcomes New Grandchildren

Ella Marie Vanderwerf Born July 11, 2014 Granddaughter of Charma Vanderwerf

“It was pretty frustrating waiting for Zoey because we were over a week past the due date. I felt bad for Leah, who was getting kicked in the stomach for an extra week. Zoey was ready to come out,” said Mr. Garland.

On the upside of the baby being born slightly late, Mrs. Garland is feeling well.

“Leah is doing great. She is pretty much the most amazing person I know,” said Mr. Garland.

Mr. Garland also got to experience something he has never experienced before- helping deliver the baby.

“Our doctor asked me if I wanted to help deliver the baby.

For the previous two kids, I was a cheerleader, so I said yes.

I’m glad I did because getting to help deliver Zoey was an incredible experience!” said Garland.

Both Zoey and Corynn are welcomed additions into the Pella High School family.

•Natalie Meyer (nmeyer@pelladium.com) Charlie Larson Huddle Born August 13, 2013 Grandson of Brian Huddle

Samuel Lee Linn Born May 19, 2014 Granddaughter of Regina Linn