TOP TEN TWEETS
Swimming Commitment
PELLADIUM P.11
P. 5
THE PELLA COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL NEWS PUBLICATION
Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?... Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... PellaTron... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?...Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?... Do you feel like you might break your laptop?... Changes in the MacBook Air... New Lunches... New TV... Are you excited about the new lunches?... What is the best thing about the new laptops... How often do you use your laptop?... Do you like the new lunches?... Whats the best thing about this new year... Have you had any problems with your laptop?... What is the worst thing about the new year?... What is the worst part of the laptops?... Do you like your new MacBook?...
9.24.2013
Volume 26
Issue One
2
PAGE EDITOR: Gregory Frommelt
Current
9. 24. 2013
Preparation for school play “Don’t Drink the Water” begins
From dark plays such as “Sleepy Hollow” to the popular musical “The Wizard of Oz” and even the stunningly cheerful production of “Oklahoma” viewers may think they have done it all. Not so. “Don’t Drink the Water”, the 2013 play in-the-making has changed the common view of the “traditional play” here. Many new and exciting things bound to happen this year. The play is a comedy, rarely performed on a stage at the high school. “We have a really good cast,” said Director Suzi Jones. “I think people will enjoy our funny material. Hopefully [the viewers] will think the play is funny.” Jones has been a part of play production and performance here for seven years. Not only is she involved in the school plays, she has also been the speech and drama instructor for six years. “I try to contrast from one done recently, taking turns between a musical and a straight show (a show using only dialouge). This show is a comedy, having a different set, a box set, apart from our usual wagon set. We try to get a wide variety with different shows,” said Jones. “Don’t Drink the Water”, a play by Woody Allen, is set in the 1960’s where a family from New Jersey takes asylum in the U.S. embassy in an unnamed country behind the Iron Curtain. The first performance of this play is Oct. 31 and continues through Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. According to Jones, there are “a lot of crazy characters” the play, such as Walter, a New Jersey caterer (senior Jack Parisee), the ambassador’s son (senior Aaron VanMaanan), Susan, the daughter of Walter and Marion (senior Claire Anderson) and Marion -Walter’s wife- (senior Sydney Swanson). “Most people in the play are good cohesively. This is a funny show. I am excited for our first performance,” said Swanson.
Apart from previous years, this year’s production has a few minor changes,minor being an understatement. Changes include new costumes, interesting new props and the stage on which the play will be performed. Since the play takes place in the 1960’s, the clothing is a lot different from what is worn now, so the costumes have to be changed to correspond with the time period. Some of the props will include weapons such as guns and even bombs. The stage and scenery is just one big room in the U.S. embassy. The entire play takes place one room, so the scenery never really changes, although it will be hard to build, according to Jones. The costumes, stage, and props are not the only things new. Live animals will be on stage during the performance which has never been done in the school’s history. Junior Kody Beller, playing Chef, is excited for the chance to perform, “I’m most excited for opening night, because it’s a thrill when it all comes together. If we have a good opening night, the rest will go smoothly,” said Beller. Even though the cast has only had two rehearsals, they have learned their blocks and have read through their script. “As time goes by, practice gets easier because you get more used to the people you’re working with and you get more used to the content of the script,” said Beller. After the auditions, callbacks, building the set, and rehearsing the play; the 2013 production of “Don’t Drink the Water” should be a humorous take on life in the 1960’s. A full cast list is available online at www.pelladium.com or at facebook.com •Jack Sytsma (jsytsma@pelladium.com)
>>>ACT! Seniors Jack Parisee and Sydney Swanson rehearse lines for “Don’t Drink the Water.” “I think my favorite part of being in the play this year is being with a group of actors that are absolutely awesome and fun to work with. ” said Parisee. •Photo by Jack Sytsma
Football team debuts new uniforms
>>>SNAZZY! New white football pants gave football players a boost at the beginning of the season. According to Coach Jay Mc Kinstrey, “They said ‘Seriously?’ and then started to believe it and started to cheer and were joking about how they thought that the sun might rise in the west. I was a little nervous about how we did it because you don’t want your team focused on the pants and not on the game,” said McKinstrey. •Photo by Drew Vande Lune
Tradition is a major part of the Pella football program. The program has operated with a consistency since Coach Jay Mc Kinstrey assumed the head coaching position 17 years ago. However, McKinstrey surprised his team before the game against Washington Sept. 6. He brought out white pants to match the white away uniforms. “I had been thinking about it for a couple of years. The uniforms had been the same for a long time (since 1999) because we had only been getting what was needed. So, I thought it would be kind of neat,” said McKinstrey.. McKinstrey didn’t tell anybody about this surprise until right before the game. Only offensive and defensive line coach Brian Huddle and Athletic Director Dale Otte knew. “I thought it would be a fun and unique thing to do something like Notre Dame does when they play a big game and they come out with different jerseys,” said McKinstrey.
The team also received a 55-inch flatscreen TV in the locker room. Players can now watch game film on an online program called Hudl while they prepare for practice. “The TV is used before and after practice mainly for coaching points and for the players own good to understand our opponents and be able to evaluated themselves. They are able to see and learn from their mistakes and the good things that they have done,” said McKinstrey This wasn’t a spontaneous decision. “We have actually been thinking about this for about three years. We thought the locker room may have been rebuilt but that fell through and the opportunity presented itself this year,” said McKinstrey. All of these changes and additions are not a cheap process. It takes some help from some special people. “We are very grateful for the Booster Club and their willingness to provide these opportunities for our kids,” said McKinstrey. •Garret Jansen (gjansen@pelladium. com)
3 Current Parisee initiates petition for change Page Editor: Derrick Akers
9. 24. 2013.
Changes have taken place in the high school’s school lunch program. Calorie counts and fat content are down, but those changes have many students voicing displeasure. Senior Jack Parisee has decided to voice the concerns of many students to the Board of Education, in the form of a petition for change. Currently, school lunches are funded by the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This funding means that the school must follow certain guidelines for what is purchased and served to students. Changes in the NSLP’s food regulations have reduced calorie counts and fat and carb levels allowed. Students and teachers alike have expressed displeasure with these new lunch rules, saying that it is not enough food, and that the quality has suffered. It is for this reason that Parisee has begun gathering signatures to be removed from the National School Lunch Program. “I’d been involved in lots of conversations about students not being satisfied with lunches, and even parents as well. I had finally reached a point where enough was enough, and I wanted a sufficient lunch. Eventually, I did some research, and I found that schools across the country were having the same problems, and many were opting out of the government’s lunch program,” said Parisee. Parisee plans to bring the petition before the school board at some point this school year. NSLP allows the district to provide school lunches at a much lower cost to students. However, the school has noticed a drop in students in the lunch room.
“DAM” IT
Red Rock hydroelectric project to begin in 2016, enabling the dam to produce energy for the community and beyond. Regardless of who you are or where you River. live, citizens of Pella we are all aware of one “The Red Rock Hydroelectric Project landmark, the Red Rock Dam. For years gives MRES another generating resource in our on-going efforts the dam has been run to diversify our reby the US Army source portfolio,” Corps of Engineers. said Tom Heller, It was built, along CEO of Missouri with the Saylorville River in an inDam, after several terview with the major floods beNewton Indetween 1944-1954. pendent newspaConstruction on per, “The long-term the dam first began life of a hydro facility in 1960, and after such as Red Rock allows its initial creation, Missouri River to spread there have been few the costs over an extended pedramatic changes to riod of time to enable us to keep our costs its architecture. That all may change soon if the Missouri reasonably stable through the addition of River Energy Service’s (MRES) plan to fit a base load, renewable resource. This projthe dam with hydroelectric capabilities ect also will provide significant economic comes to fruition. The project, scheduled to benefits of nearly $250 million to the fourbe started in 2014 and completed in 2016, county region during construction from will generate 36-55 megawatts per day. This 2013 through 2015.” would make Red Rock the second biggest The dam is scheduled to be completed by hydroelectric dam in the state, just behind 2016 at a cost of roughly $260 million. Keokuk’s dam located on the Mississippi •Jake Dorman (jdorman@pelladium.com)
“I have noticed that the lunch room seems more empty, even though we have more students this year,” said assistant principal Jon Muller. Underclassmen leaving school grounds for lunch has become more of an issue this year than it has been in previous years, and administration recognizes that this may be due to the changes in school lunch. “I noticed that more kids were bringing their lunches now than ever before. To get a good lunch, I shouldn’t have to pack my own,” said Parisee. Parisee wants to make a change to the system and wants other students to realize that they can make a difference in the school. “It is hard to get high school students involved in changing things because they think they just can’t. But the important thing is trying,” said Parisee. Parisee acknowledges that the change will likely not come this year, but he would like to make a change for future students. “Right now, lunches are paid for by two sources. Funding from the government, and the price to students [is enough to pay the cost of the food],” said Muller. If this government funding were to stop, the school would pay for the cost of lunch. Currently, the school doesn’t have the funding set aside to do this. If the school were to leave the program, funding would need to be planned so that school lunches would be funded without government subsidization. • Claire Anderson (canderson@pelladium.com)
Student/parent combos
enhance school experience A personal tutor, a room for themselves
and even a “tour guide” are a few of the perks afforded to student who happen to have parents who work at the high school. “I have his room to put something there [if I need it]. In the mornings I can hang out in his room, and I can ask him questions after school if I need to.” said sophomore Corin McKinstrey, daughter of business teacher Jay McKinstrey. Corin is not the only student who has the benefit of this “personal tutor.” Freshman Hannah Cutler, daughter of math teacher and cross country coach Doug Cutler, had the advantage of a parent close-by-theirside at their school. “It’s easier to get a ride to or from school, and if I need help with math, I just ask my dad,” said Hannah. “Some teachers have known me for awhile, too, since they’re friends with my dad, so they might be lenient or strict because of that since they know how I am already.” Some of the advantages of a having a parent teaching at the school include having a room for themselves and their parent, having help with many different subjects at school, having a “tour guide” to help them around the new school, and many more
877-462-3687 www.central.edu
different benefits. “There aren’t very many negatives to having my mom as a teacher here at the high school. Maybe it would be different if I had her in class, but I like having her here. Although, I don’t get to have my own car anytime soon because we’re going to the same place in the morning,” said freshman Paloma Mate-Kojo, daughter of Spanish teacher Paloma Soria. Having a parent at the school isn’t always a good thing. Cole Siewert, son of science teacher Jeff Siewert, said, “It’s fun having a parent [in the high school]... but they know about everything that happens in the building.” • Jack Sytsma (jsytsma@pelladium.com) Students with parents in the high school: Nathan Boldt & Connie Boldt; Adam Carey & Cheryl Carey; Nathan Chaplin & Michelle Chaplin; Nathan, Noah Clayberg & Megan Clayberg; Hannah Cutler & Doug Cutler; Hannah Emmert & Jim Emmert; Micah Hammann & Robin Hammann; Tyler Hancock & Bryant Hancock; Colin Jones & Suzi Jones; Corin McKinstrey & Jay McKinstrey; Jenna, Quinton Murphy & Jay Murphy; Kylie, Aanna Roslien & Sheri Roslien; Austin Schulte & Matt Schulte; Cole Siewert & Jeff Siewert; Paloma Mate-Kodjo & Paloma Soria; Drew and Payson VandeLune & Lisa Vandelune; Sarah VanNorden & Kathy VanNorden; Nathan VanderWert & Charma VanderWert; Halle VanVark & Wade VanVark; Julianna, Kaila Wimmer & Melissa Wimmer
4
Current Big families adapt to busy schedules
9. 24. 2013
Page Editor: Ben Konfrst
While many families in the area consist of just a few kids, some families have several, and, in some cases, kids all going to different schools. Mothers Alicia Bruxvoort, Jamie Chapman and Lynn Cutler, all with five or more kids at different schools, were asked about the seemingly chaotic life with five kids. Q: How do you deal with a busy schedule? A: “We use a great big desk calendar and map out everyone’s activities with a different colored highlighter. Every calendar block looks like a rainbow! Most days, we spend a lot of time between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the van. We have great friends who help with carpools and grandparents in town who help out when we need extra hands.” -Bruxvoort Q: How do your kids get to school? A: “Haley, a senior, has first period off. So, Vanessa drops off Josie, in kindergarten at Lincoln, on her way to the high school. Dalton and Jade walk to Lincoln to ride the bus to the middle school and Jefferson. Jesse’s grandmother takes him to preschool at 12:30 p.m.” •Graphic by Laurel Stelter -Chapman Q: What does a typical night at home look like? A: “It depends on the nights. Many evenings we have soccer practices or church, so we end up eating whenever we can fit it in. I try to cook a healthy dinner most nights, but sometimes we go with quick and easy in order to get everything done. Once Doug, Hannah and Emily are home, we eat together, then move on to our other activities. After supper, the older girls work on homework and music practice. The younger kids play outside on nice nights, then we get everyone to bed on time, and we follow not too much later.” -Cutler
Q: Why did you choose to have one child at Lincoln and another at Madison? A: “A couple years ago we moved to our current house, which is just over the line on the Madison side of the district. Since our kids had started at Lincoln, and since they could easily walk to Lincoln rather than riding the bus to Madison, we decided to stick with Lincoln. Garion is at Madison because that is where the district’s preschool program is offered.” -Cutler Q: How have the new laptops impacted the younger kids who don’t have them? A: Haley, Vanessa, and Dalton have all received the new laptops, which has been awesome. It is great that they can all be working on their homework on their laptops at the same time. Jade is in fifth grade, and she is the only one of the younger kids that seemed concerned with not getting a laptop, but she now gets to use the home computer whenever she needs to without working around the older kids.” -Chapman Q: What is the most challenging part of having to balance five schedules? A: “Really, the most challenging part is just trying to carve out time to talk, listen and be available for all of the kids in the midst of running to and from activities. We use car time to connect and talk a lot. Also, I don’t want my littler ones to feel like their whole life is one big spin between their sibling’s activities, so I try to make sure that they still have time at home. Sometimes that means only one parent goes to watch a game or a cheer on our older kids, so that the younger kids can keep a slower pace and just be home and have time to play.” -Bruxvoort •Laurel Stelter (lstelter@pelladium.com)
Career academy makes changes Volleyball jumps up in class At the beginning of the 2013 school year, students made their way to many new classes within the Career Academy. “The students that I have talked to said they are enjoying the classes. It gives them an opportunity to explore life,” said Principal Eric Nelson. “I’m in criminal justice, and I think it’s really interesting and the information you learn is useful even if you don’t want a career in criminal justice.” said senior Claire Anderson. Criminal justice, taught by Pella Police Lieutenant David Beukelman, is an indepth examination of the components of the criminal justice system and the roles they play in society. Introduction to education presents a broad overview of the field of education including foundations of American education, roles of teachers and students, history and philosophy, and curriculum. Students
will complete a 40-hour practicum at the elementary, middle, or high school level. “I’m in introduction to education, and I think it is a good opportunity for high school students to be able to observe classrooms and experience what a college course is like before having to actually go to college,” said senior Jackie Sunderman. “There are two components. One is field observations, and they do 15 hours total of observations at the middle school, elementary schools and high school. They do an additional five hours working with students 1;1 where they help assist a teacher,” said instructor Anna Arkema. “We are looking at basically historical and philosophy education. We meet Monday, Wednesday, Friday for class and Tuesday and Thursday, they do observations at the different schools.” •Alexandria Goodyk (agoodyk@pelladium.com)
Career Academy Programs for 2013-14 •Welding •Criminal Justice •Health Occupations/Certified Nurse’s Assistant •Elementary/Secondary Teacher Academy •Project Lead the Way – Engineering •Construction Trades •Ag Business
•Culinary Arts (family and consumer science) Programs to be added for 2014-15 • Advanced Manufacturing • Auto Mechanics • Information Technology
Due to a reclassification within the Iowa students that are still able to compete with High School Girls’ Athletic Association, them. Pella is a larger 3A school that can the Lady Dutch are easily compete with a smaller 4A now playing volleyball school. in Class 4A. Teams now “I guess it depends on Pella’s compete in five classes. volleyball experience. It’s not “I feel neutral about vollike we’re going up to Valley’s leyball moving up to 4A. It in the state tournament play. It doesn’t bother me much becould be a little tougher, but I cause we are pretty competithink it’s good for kids. Pella’s tive. We are a larger 3A class never really feared big competiand can compete easily with tion,” said Otte. smaller 4A schools,” said Ath“The change hasn’t seemed letic Director Dale Otte. to have much of an effect on Girls’ softball was the first the players, as they are used to girls’ sport to move up to 4A playing teams from every level of back in 2012. Girls’ sports competition. At our last tournaimpacted include softball, ment, we played a 1A school and basketball and now voltwo 5A schools,” said high school leyball. Competition in volleyball coach Catie Brand. five classes gives more teams an opportuni•Aletta Verhey ty to play in a cham(averhey@pelladium.com) pionship series. West Des Moines has a make up of •Photo by Samantha Boetger 2,000 students and has played teams •Junior Brooke like Indianola that Darnell only has 800 to 900
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Sports
5 Chapman takes her skills to the field 9. 24. 2013
PAGE EDITOR: Garret Jansen
Sophomore Vanessa Chapman is the only girl in of my games last year when the team was leaving the this high school that plays football. Chapman has been field, I saw a little girl look at me and said, ‘Hey there’s playing competitive football since middle school and the girl on the team,’ and I just smiled. I get a lot of said she really enjoys the game. She really wants to in- those reactions, but I feel like I’m inspiring people by spire other girls, not just from here that playing football being on the team. Showing people they can do things is possible as a girl. However, she feels if they set their mind to it,” pressured about being the only girl to said Chapman. play sometimes. Vanessa plans to “Being the only girl on the team play the next two years. can be a lot of pressure at times. I reShe is motivated to be the “People come up to me and ally enjoy the game of football, and I first varsity girl football tell me how much they enjoy player next year. love playing. I go into practices and games saying I can do this and really “I’m looking forme being on the team. I work hard. I get nervous sometimes ward to playing all four haven’t heard anyone say any years. My younger brother wondering how other teams will negative comments about me will be in the program treat the fact that I am the only girl our football team, but I have never next year, and it will be playing football. been called any negative things,” said awesome to have him in Sophomore Chapman. the program. I might nev Chapman feels really good about er get the chance to play Vanessa Chapman, her teammates. She feels as if none of for a team again,” said member of the JV them take it as a joke since she’s the Chapman. football team only girl who plays. Chapman feels “People come up to me and tell me more girls should play how much they enjoy me being on the football if they want. She team. I haven’t heard anyone say any negative com- feels as if more should not be afraid and just do it. ments about me playing football. The Pella football “I think more girls who like football shouldn’t be team is such a supportive team, and I am thankful for afraid to go out for it. Other girls who want to go out that. I wouldn’t be in this sport if it wouldn’t be for my shouldn’t be put down or discouraged. I will always team being there every step of the way,” said Chapman. cheer for any girl that goes out on the football field,” Chapman has been around the game of football since said Chapman. she was a little kid. She enjoys the competition and the Chapman is currently on the JV football team. Her joys of being one of the only girls. goal is to leave here with two varsity football letters, “I’ve been playing football since I was little. I would and the mindset she gave it her all. play with my cousins and my younger brother. At one •Corey Elliott (celliott@pelladium.com)
>>>Sophomore Vanessa Chapman prepares to block for an extra point after scoring against Grinnell in the JV game. This is Chapman’s second year of high school football. “At one of my games last year when the team was leaving the field, I saw a little girl look at me and said, ‘Hey there’s the girl on the team’, and I just smiled. I get a lot of those reactions, but I feel like I’m inspiring people by being on the team. Showing people they can do things if they set their mind to it,” said Chapman. •Photo by Drew Vande Lune
Three trek to Newton for swim experience Hours upon hours of dedication pays off for the three Pella high school swimmers who compete on the Newton team. The Newton swim team is composed of three high schools Pella, Colfax-Mingo and Newton. Junior Sara Martin, junior Kira Hanson and sophomore Samantha Hedrick are Pella representatives. Swimming involves a lot of energy and training. “... around 11-12 hours of practice time, and then we have one or two swim meets a week,” said Martin. Swimming is an extreme commitment. “I don’t have a study hall, so I try and do as much of my homework in class or on the ride up to Newton. Plus, planning and having my equipment and books ready so that I don’t have to rush around after morning practice to school and from school up to practice,” said Martin. Pella high swimmers have had their share of success however. They have represented their team at the state swim meet
and have made great strides. Hedrick finished 14th in the 100 yard freestyle and in the 200 yard freestyle relay and placing 13th in the 400 yard freestyle relay at the 2012 Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union state swim meet. The NCMP swim team was 5-0 as of Sept. 24 with wins at Linn-Mar, Vinton-Shellsburg, Grinnel, Iowa City, and Southeast Polk. Upcoming meets are Marshalltown (Sept. 30), Ankeny (Oct. 3), Boone (Oct. 10), Dowling (Oct. 15), and S.E. Polk Relays (Oct. 17). •Andrew Pavlat (apavlat@pelladium.com) Results: The varsity swim team has finished first in 24 events and second in 11 events as of Sep. 10. To go along with all of their first place finishes, they have also won all four meets in which they have competed in.
>>>The NCMP swim team prepares to begin their relay at the Iowa City swim meet. The varsity NCMP swim team received first place with 100.5 points, placing first in five events. The JV team also placed first. The relay team shown consists of junior Sara Martin, senior Carly Colville, sophomore Samantha Hedrick and junior Hannah Scotton. They set a new school record in this relay with a time of 1:55.28. •Photo contributed by Jennie Hedrick-Rozenberg
Sports Park groundbreaking takes place >>>Members of the Sports Park Board celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Pella Sports Park which includes 13 baseball fields, a concession stand and a playground all spread across 105 acres. According to the board, the mission is... “to create a recreational complex that strengthens and unites our youth, family and community by providing an exciting, safe and high quality Sports Park.” The project is built on four main pillars: places for youth to play, community involvement, safe and accessibility and economic vitality. “I was here to represent the city and city staff. I just wanted to say thank you to all the volunteers and express gratitude to those who put work into this project,” said Mayor Jim Mueller. •Photo by Sarah Muller
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PAGE EDITOR: Claire Anderson
The Bottom Line
Opinion
9. 24. 2013
•A column by Christina Gualtieri
Every grade has a few of them, the ones who don’t smell as nice. The ones who probably fall asleep in class. The ones who you smile at in the hall, but then look down and quickly walk away from. The “different” ones. The outcasts. Pella High is usually good about not bullying other students because they’re different. Most students don’t get in fights, call these students harsh names, or give them “the look”. (Girls, you know what I’m talking about. The “I’m disgusted with you. Why do you even exist?” look.) For this, I applaud you, because many schools have problems with bullying. All this is good, but when was the last time you invited one of these students to your house to hang out, because it seems like he or she has no friends? What about the last time you saw one of these students sitting alone, looking
depressed? Did you go over and talk to him or her, making sure he or she was okay, or did you briefly smile at him and say hi? None of these things are necessary. You’re not going to get detention because you didn’t want to be associated with the outcasts. It’s required that students don’t bully other students, but totally ignoring them is somehow acceptable. However, I think that avoidance is a form of bullying - the cruelest form. These outcasts go day-in and day-out with next-to-no friends. High school is tough enough as it is with a support system, let alone without. Lots of outcasts are outcasts because of their home life. Maybe they smell bad because they don’t have enough money at home to pay their water bill. Maybe the reason their clothes have holes in them is they were sacrificing so their little siblings can have nicer things. Maybe the reason their faces are full of
Staff Editorial
The lockers keep everything safe and look nice. Students have a tough time opening lockers. Junior Garrett Jansen is rumored to have opened his in a record 6.9 seconds.
School lunches have been healthier than ever, focusing on the fruit and veggie intake. Athletes don’t feel as if the quantities are sufficient.
New 1:1 laptops enable students to work on online homework more effectively, not needing to visit the library as often. The “Big Brother” TV in the lunchroom has caused students distress, feeling as if their privacy is being violated. The struggle comes to an end. After multiple tardies, an extra minute is added to passing periods. The extra minute allows couples to find their significant other, causing PDA to reign strong. “iStudy” helps students get their homework done efficiently with more teacher to student interaction. No more sleeping in study hall!
Editorial Cartoon ...
•Cartoon by Micah Criscuolo
piercings and their hair is a different color is they want to be noticed, because they don’t get attention at home. I know there aren’t very many cases of this, not like there would be if we lived in a metropolitan area. However, there are students like this. I can think of at least three or four examples in the time it took me to type this sentence. Each school, no matter if there are 30 students per class or 300 students per class, has outcasts - even our seemingly perfect little Dutch town. Next time you happen to see one of these outcasts, don’t just say “hello” and walk by. Invite them into your life and try to befriend them. Every student has a story. Take the time to listen to theirs, and it may surprise you how easy it really is to make an impact. •Christina Gualtieri (cgualtieri@pelladium.com)
Commentary: Syria •Thoughts from Jake Dorman
The Syrian civil war has been a topic of debate worldwide from its beginning in March 2011. Since then, over 100,000 people have been killed, and there has been at least one reported chemical attack that killed over 1,000 Syrian citizens. The majority of the fighting has taken place between the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, and the Syrian opposition, composed of the Syrian free army and rebel jihadists. Despite immense pressure, the United Nations has not offered any military aid to the Syrian opposition. This crisis has no easy solution, and I can’t say that I, nor anyone for that matter, knows what to do. But, what this situation has done, is highlight some rather frightening realizations about our foreign policy. In late summer 2012, President Obama made a statement at a press conference where he essentially drew a line in the sand that told Syria if they used chemical weapons, we would use military force. Reports from last month showed, and were recently confirmed by the UN, that chemical weapons were used by the Assad Regime near the area of Damascus. Upon confirming this news, the President decided that military strikes were required to preserve the strength of the United States and its word. This seemed to be unavoidable until Secretary of State and former presidential nominee John Kerry made an off-the-cuff remark at a press conference in Great Britain in which he speculated that the only way Syria could avoid a U.S. strike would be to forfeit their chemical weapons stockpile to the UN. After this statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin saw a diplomatic opportunity and went to propose the idea to Syrian officials. Several days later, Assad released a statement seemingly agreeing to Putin’s terms. Putin, on the coattails of his previous diplomatic “success” (I use quotations because this solution could be more haphazard than any military strike) wrote an opinion-editorial that was published in the New York Times. In this editorial he talks about our (the American people) false feeling of exceptionalism and criticizes our government’s foreign policy and our past of military intervention. I still can’t decide what is scarier. The fact that Vladimir Putin, a man who thinks gays shouldn’t donate blood, views himself as the voice of reason to our country as to so contritely tell us how wrongly we think, or that the American people not only accepted it, but published and distributed it for him with a smile on their faces. These statements come from a man who’s ultra-conservative views border on that of radicalism and who has invaded countries solely out of suspicion. I feel his main goal was to show that he could chastise us and we would do nothing about it. I’d call his motives ulterior if they weren’t so unbelievably transparent. What worries me is that America appears weaker now than it has in decades. You couldn’t possibly tell me that Gorbachev would have ever had the audacity to shame Reagan in a public forum like Putin has done here. This situation is unprecedented. Foreign Approval of President Obama is lower now than ever, and our international clout is just a step above non-existent. While the blame does not fall squarely on the president’s shoulders, it is clear we do need strong leadership in order to maintain our superpower status. What Putin said about the American feeling of exceptionalism is incorrect. As Americans, we have certain opportunities and freedoms that people all over the planet do not. We get to live in the greatest country in the world. Where we do not live under the threat of a tyrannical government, starvation or the looming possibility of warfare landing at our doorstep. Us believing we are exceptional does not mean we need to completely shut ourselves out from the world; I for one fully respect the plight of the Syrian people. The attacks perpetrated in Damascus were a violation of the Geneva Convention and should be considered crimes against humanity. All Americans should herald the causes of countries like Syria. After all, without revolution, where would we be? I don’t care what anyone has to say, America is exceptional, but only when we are united. One thing Putin says that I can agree with is that we have a certain “If you’re not with us, you’re against us” mentality. Not only to outside nations, but to one another. Feelings of partisanship have driven a wedge between our population. Our petty politics have done nothing but overcomplicate and separate our government. We become weak when we are divided, we’ve known this since our own civil war. If you ever require a reminder of this fact, look to our nickels or quarters. Stamped there, in the same unwavering, unchanging font: E Pluribus Unum, Out of many, One. •Jake Dorman (jdorman@pelladium.com)
9. 24. 2013
OPINION
The Lit t le
Guy
Page Editor: CHRISTINA GUALTIERI
The Other Side
•A column by Derrick Akers “Savor the moment, because the four years of high school fly by.” Every freshman hears this over and over, whether it’s said in football or by the principal of the school. As a senior, I have realized how true this statement is and how blessed I have been over the past three years. As the days pass and I inch closer and closer to leaving Pella, I’ve looked back a lot on the time I’ve had here. Some regrets... A lot of things that I’m happy and proud of and I can honestly say I’m happy with the way things have gone so far. The biggest regret, however, comes in my first two years of football. I didn’t give my all, mostly in the lifting program, and watching the freshman this year, it made me want to go back and start all over. As a freshman, I listened to Coach Jay McKinstrey talk about how my time on the team was limited, and I should never take a play or a rep off. I just ignored it. In my mind, I was thinking about everything else I’d rather be doing than sitting there listening to him. Looking back, I wish I would’ve given my all. I did give my all on the field when I got the chance to play, but I could’ve gotten so much stronger. Instead, I decided to be lazy and content with where I was in my lifting progression (squatting the 45-pound bar). After recalling these years, it made me think about the upcoming part in my life. I want to live my life with no regrets. Most of the seniors had a quick realization of how short life can be and how quickly it can end, so why waste a day? I don’t want the last day of my life on this earth to be spent walking around the school like a zombie. I want to go out with a bang, being the best
Which of this year’s changes has benefitted you the most? •Megan Kooker (mkooker@pelladium.com)
•A column by Greg Frommelt
person I can be every day, because every day could be the last day. That’s why, as I reach many of my lasts (football game, track meet, Pelladium, etc.), I’m trying realize what I have in front of me, and how it’ll never be there again. I have also tried to savor the little things that happen throughout the year, like after lifting going to the Clayberg house and drinking chocolate milk, or when I’m just hanging out with my friends playing basketball. These are things that I’m not going to be able to do with these people much longer, and I want to enjoy the time I have now instead of just focusing on the future. I want to stop and enjoy what I have right now. This year, I don’t want to live this last year of high school being a common student but instead a person who sticks out in a crowd as an uncommon high school student. I hope that I’m able to leave the school saying that I never gave less than my all, ever, whether it be in sports or school. This is the last time I’ll be in high school, and the same is true for the senior class (hopefully). I’d like to be able to look back and say I’m proud of what I did with my senior year, not regret going out to party or slacking on a test. This year, I encourage every person in the school to have just one “YOLO” moment where you step out of your norm and do something that sticks out to other people. It can be something huge, like going out of the country to serve others before yourself or just simply holding a door open for someone. It all has an impact, no matter how big or how small. Tomorrow could easily be your last day. How do you want to live it? •dakers@pelladium.com
“1:1 laptops. You can do more homework right at your fingertips.” Freshman Kent Beyer
Pelladium Staff
9
Some of the most confusing times in life are the moments when a completely foreign emotion creeps into the pit of your stomach. We have all had those moments: before a big game, before a performance or following some sort of negative, yet positive, moment. One time this confused emotional state happens is with endings. As I head into my senior year of high school, no shortage of these moments exists. It seems as if any day you can come up with your last first day, last homecoming, last game and, inevitably, your last day of high school. This has led to this confused emotional feeling becoming almost common. Since it seemed to keep popping up, it seemed only natural for me to divulge it with my infinite knowledge. What makes this feeling so unique? The thing I have found is that with endings, you must all at the same time, reflect on the past, look unknowingly into the future and realize that the place you are at is not where you will be tomorrow. Perhaps it makes sense that at these crossroads in your life, where so much is unknown, that you will often feel an unknown emotion. What do we know about these moments, however? At these turning points, I assume you are either happy or sad about the thing that is coming to an end. On the other end, if you are happy that one thing is coming to an end then I would deduce you are happy for something coming in the future and vice versa. The simple fact is that at these points you have the odd feeling of happiness and sadness tied into one emotion. Two singular emotions tied into one
“School lunches. I have an excuse to buy more food.” Sophomore Payton Shull
can certainly be confusing, but if you add other emotions tied with these crossroads including being scared, excited and nostalgic, you get an even more confusing whirlwind. Simply trying to make sense of this odd emotion is fairly worthless, but the understanding of this can show us how to handle these endings that we are bound to find in life. The simple fact is that with almost everything you ever do in life, you at some point, will finish it, and you will need to look back on what you did. What would you want to look back on? What have you looked back on thus far in your life? I think it is neccessary to ask these questions at different points in your life. It is important to take a look at what you are looking back on in order to decide what you are going to move forward to. Here is the point I have found: when you reach these crossroads with a look of disgust upon the past, you have this feeling that the future is always going to be so much better. What type of future do you have to look forward to when your past has looked so bad? The old saying is that history repeats itself. I think that in the “history” of your life things tend to repeat themselves, too. If you hated one phase of your life and you don’t change at all, I think it will carry over into your next phase. However, even if you have looked back upon any phase in your life with enjoyment, the future can look terrifying. Remember that the positive relationships you have formed before will make the future look a lot less scary and unknown. •gfrommelt@pelladium.com
“I like that if you get good grades, you’re rewarded with library study hall.” Junior Amelia Vande Lune
“My new friends. They are very supportive ... they influence who I am now.” Senior Iloria Phoenix
Executive Editors: Sarah Muller, Greg Frommelt, Ben Konfrst, Derrick Akers, Jake Dorman Page Editors/Reporters: Colin Jones, Christina Gualtieri, Claire Anderson, Garret Jansen, Joshua Da, Frommelt, Muller, Konfrst, Akers, Dorman Reporters: Corey Elliott, Alexandria Goodyk, Aletta Verhey, Megan Kooker, Andrew Pavlat, Jack Systma Business Manager/Social Media Manager: Marissa Borgerding, Jason Mingboupha Adviser: Ann Visser The Pelladium is a montly 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 editor are welcomed 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 editors, libelous content or length due to space limitations. Letters may be brought to Room 201 or sent to Pella Community High School, Box 468, 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 are not those necessarily of the Pella Community Schools administration or the 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 error. •The Pelladium is a member of the Iowa High School Press Association
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PAGE EDITOR:Colin Jones
What are you looking forward to this homecoming?
Entertainment
9.24.2013
“Seeing the fun side of the teachers.” Senior Gabriel Stringer
Senior Anna Van Roekel - “I am looking forward to finding out who is on the homecoming court.”
>>>2013 HOMECOMING COURT. Members of the court were announced Sept. 19, and they included seniors Nathan Clayberg, Aaron Van Maanen, Bryce Bortscheller, Greg Frommelt, Tanner Phelps. BACK: Mallory Lynch, Kylie Roslien, Sami Wassenaar, Regan Nelson, Haley Chapman. The queen and king were announced Sept. 23. •Photo by Ashley Kirkland.
2013 Homecoming Schedule
UNDERCLASSMEN (freshmen, sophomores, juniors): Monday - Movie Character Tuesday - Good vs Evil (best hero or villain) Wednesday - Western Wear Wednesday (blue jeans, chaps, and boots) Thursday - Uptown vs Downtown (high style vs. no style) Friday - Green & White Day
“I’m looking forward to marching during halftime of the Homecoming football game.” Sophomore Elyse Sadler
SENIORS: Monday - Bikers vs Businessmen Tuesday - Time Travel Tuesday (travel back in time to your favorite period of history) Wednesday - World Wide Wednesday (dress as a tourist or someone from another country) Thursday - Thrift Shop Thursday (wear something from a thrift shop) Friday - Green & White Day
Wed.,- Sept. 25 - Class competitions, skits, lip sync 11:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
“I don’t know what to expect, but I’m excited.” - Freshman Nick Bernhagen
Fri., - Sept. 27Pep assembly at high school @ 2:45 p.m. Football game vs Carlisle Wildcats @ Pella Stadium Freshman- 4:45 p.m. Varsity- 7:30 p.m. Introduce Homecoming Court at halftime of game Homecoming Dance sponsored by the cheerleaders (9-midnight)
•Aletta Verhey (averhey@pelladium.com)
2013 Homecoming Predictions “I’m looking forward to the dress-up days and the football game.” - Junior Dayana Pringle
•Aaron Van Maanen (avanmaanen@pelladium.com)
Skit Winners: 1. Seniors: These guys are hard to beat. With all-state improv-ers and some real ‘characters’, these guys pretty much have it wrapped up after last year’s performance. 2. Juniors: Last year the juniors’ skit was set up well but in order to win, they need some more leadership types to improve the skit. 3. Sophomores: These guys could have potential with some funny kids in this class. Watch out for the sophomores! 4. Freshmen: They always lose because nobody is brave enough to get booed. Lip Sync Winners: 1. Juniors: Last year the juniors were unexperienced and were still able to come out in second place. This year, I am predicting an upset! 2. Seniors: Last year the seniors’ performance was a little awkward and hurt the end result. If they want to win, they will have to step up their game and perfect their performance. 3. Sophomores: Hard to say what they can bring to the table since last year there weren’t very many people involved in the lip sync. 4. Freshmen: They always lose because nobody is brave enough to get booed. •Garret Jansen (gjansen@pelladium.com)
Gold Sponsors - Pella High School Publications Boat’s Home Furnishings, 620 Franklin Street Brom Auto Service & Sales, 202 Main Street Dr. Gregory Vannucci, 2601 Washington Street G & B Concrete & Foundation Repair, 2174 Coolidge Street Great Clips, 1586 Washington Street Iowa Bike & Fitness, 814 Main Street Jansen’s Decorating & Kitchens, 614 Franklin Street Klyn Law Office, Vincent S. Klyn, 729 Main Street Leighton Processed Meats, 227 Otley Street, Leighton Midtown Tire, 109 East Oskaloosa Street Pella Orthodontics, Dr. Kim Wass, 715 Main Street
Pella Pets & Veterinary Clinic, 411 Oskaloosa Street Precision Pulley & Idler Inc., 300 SE 14th Street Royal Amsterdam Hotel, 705 East 1st Street Tri-County Veterinary Clinic, 650 Hwy. T14 Triumph Martial Arts 308 SE 9th Street Ulrich Motor, 1130 West 16th Street Van Hemert Chiropractic Center, 1310 East Washington Street Van Sant Collision Repair, 80 Truman Road Wiskus Group, 821 Franklin Street Van Gorp Corporation, 1410 West Washington Street
9. 24. 2013
Entertainment TWItTEN BY
Top Tweets for September
PAGE EDITOR: JR Dorman
5. Jordan Pingel- @jordan_pingel
I’m going to keep all my contacts for my future phone so that in 20 years I can call you all and be like heyyy
6. Saghit Rethmeier- @saghitr
I refuse to eat fruit loops that are connected together. Like the double ones. No sir. Those get put into my collection
7.
I got a boo boo.
Tanner Phelps- @tannerphelps Just got a college letter that included a quote from Dumbledore. #applicationincoming
2.
The guy who has the same car as the police. #DontBeThatGuy
1. Trevor Argo- @Targo_Woods Ethan Butler- @SpeedyButler First XC meet. This goes 2nd in the top ten worst experiences of my life. 1st is when I pooped my pants during a little league baseball game
3.
Alex Moore- @MaverickMoore Sometimes I wonder if trees are just waiting until we let our guard down.
4. Craig Miller- @CraigIsInTheBag
I don’t mean to brag but I can hold my breathe for like 6 seconds.. ladies my number is 911.
The
Grade’s Grade Report
Ah, the beginning of yet another school year. Underclassmen became upperclassmen and the middle schoolers who were the top dogs are now at the bottom of the food chain. Or are they? Here’s my grade report on this year’s classes: Freshman: F. First off, do not take up the entire hallway when walking to class with your friends. Walk on the RIGHT side of the hall, or you are at risk of being pushed around. Second thing: please stop freaking out, screaming and having a hug fest because you saw your “bff” in the hall. You just saw her two periods ago. Sophomore: D+. You aren’t as annoying as freshman, mainly because you walk on the right side of the hall. (It’s seriously one of my biggest pet peeves.) However, stop making fun of freshmen. You were a freshman four months ago; therefore, you don’t have the right to (yet). Also, as many of you have gotten your license, or are going to get it soon, please watch where you drive. I don’t want to be cut off.
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8. David Schemm- @David2Schemm 9.
Nathan Chaplin- @chaplin_nathan I have five wisdom teeth. The orthodontist says that is a mutation. Im waiting for Professor X to recruit me now
10. Ben Tysseling- @BenTyss
Sometimes I repeat myself. Sometimes I repeat myself. •Aaron Van Maanen (avanmaanen@pelladium.com)
What you missed this summer:
A Look Back
1. Beach: Grab your friends and hit the beach! Pack some lunch, get some tunes and get your tan on. You can even go boating and tubing to make it an even better day. The beach was packed this summer with kids from all around Iowa wanting to soak up the sun with their friends and have a good time. “I had a great time this summer at the beach. Swimming is my favorite thing to do, and it is so relaxing. I love spending time with my friends and family,” said sophomore Luis Obil.
Junior: C. Upperclassmen! Congrats, you have survived the first two years of high school. You now know your way around the school and how it works. However, no, you aren’t a senior, so stop acting like it. You’ll get your chance to rule the school next year. Seniors: C+. Nothing against this year’s seniors. Ya’ll are pretty cool. I just miss the 2013 class. •Christina Gualtieri (Cgualtieri@pelladium.com)
Josh Draws with Josh Da
•Josh Da (jda@pelladium.com)
2. Vacations: Who doesn’t like getting away from small town life? Hearing all these stories from other students that went on vacation this summer can make a person a little jealous! “I went to Istanbul, Turkey, this summer because that’s where my family is from. I went site seeing, and I visited restaurants because the food is different and more amazing than Pella,” said sophomore Afra Sengul.
3. Mission trip: A big thing in Pella is mission trips. A majority of students here at school told some stories about their experiences on these trips, including trips abroad as well as within the United States. “This summer I went on a missions trip to Kansas City to serve people in the community. I talked with mentally challenged people and also packed food for people,” said Ryan Van Wyk. “I went to West Marland, Tenn.on a missions trip. We sorted clothes at stores and hung out with people in an old folks home and played games with them. We also painted a house,” said freshman Sarah Yoder.
4. Fair: Something most people look forward to every summer is the state fair. Eating a ton of food, riding rides, playing games, going to concerts and showing cattle or looking at the animals is what the fair is all about. “I watched a horse pull a lot of weight. One of my traditions is to always go get a bucket of cookies and eat them the whole time we are there. Another tradition is that we go to all of the cattle barns, sheep barns and all the other animal barns and look at the states biggest animals and see how much they weigh. Also, the second day of the fair we go to the junior and senior cowgirl queen contest,” said sophomore Carly Schaus. •Alexandria Goodyk (agoodyk@pelladium.com)
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PAGE EDITOR :Sarah Muller
Picture This
9.24.2013
for college is a typical goal for most high schools. Usually, seniors focus on college plans; however in recent years, pressure has fallen on all different ages of students. Coping with the stress that follows college, students are participating and leading in different activities to ensure a better future. •EARN. Junior Daniel Thompson took part in the July 21-25 Business Horizons at by Central College. Throughout the week, students participated in “industries” that created a product to develop and present to investors. All students who graduated from Business Horizons received a $12,000 scholarship to Central College. There was also an opportunity for one college credit to those who completed an approved essay. “I thought Business Horizons would give a great leadership experience and the scholarship didn’t hurt either. It gave me an ability to work well in groups of people that I will use in college,” said Thompson. Also in attendence were seniors Kathy Connolly Ben Konfrst, Theresa Lauristen, Sarah Muller and sophomore Robert Sales. •Photo by Sarah Muller
• STUDY. Junior Greta Putnam focuses on homework for one of her three college credit classes. Taking on western civilization, Spanish III, and American Literature, she finds the extra college credit helpful. “I chose to take them because I wanted to go forward with applying for colleges later and not having to worry about all the course loads. If I push myself now, I can accomplish and get more out of college than before,” said Putnam. •Photo by Sarah Muller • ACCEPTANCE. Senior Tristan Miedema applied for admission to Iowa State Aug. 28 and received a reply Sept. 4. “They sent me a link to my acceptance video. It was the president and football coach explaining how excited they were to announce a new member to the Cyclone family. I was thrilled to hear the news and relieved because now I have an option, even if I don’t go there. I’m making my decision final Nov. 9 when I take my visit,” said Miedema. •Photo by Sarah Muller
• INTERN. Only 19 college and high school students received an internship for World Food Prize Global Youth Institute Alumni and senior Maria Belding was one of them. “While I was there, I studied a mycotoxin in fungi that disproportionately affects poor populations around the world. I was living on the University of Georgia campus in a dorm, doing undergrad level research and responsible for myself beyond work hours. Other than classes, I basically had the opportunity to replicate college for six weeks. It was awesome, and I feel so much more prepared,” said Belding. •Photo Submitted
PELLADIUM
THE PELLA COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL NEWS PUBLICATION
Coming in October:
What It Takes to Be A Pella High Student
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PAGE EDITORS: Gregory Frommelt and Sarah Muller
1:1implementation offers opportunities The implementation and distribution of the new MacBook Airs has been one of the most documented events in the school district’s history. Now that the students at the high school and middle school have received their computers, the question still remain is the operation going smoothly? “I felt that the rollout [Aug. 21-23] went well,” said Principal Eric Nelson “,It was well attended and I think that a lot of the questions that parents had going into the night were answered.” As the year goes on, the laptop system will continue to be covered. One of the biggest topics of discussion is how the laptops are being used to help the students. “Students are using Twenty-First Century techniques to find out information in the real time,” said Nelson, “which is important because in almost every job now, there’s some form of technology in use.” Many are not sure where the 1:1 program is going and how this technology is going to be used to enhance learning. “I hope that teachers can continue to use computers to enhance the students learning and to prepare students for future jobs and help them become successful adults,” said Nelson Some students are still getting used to having their own computer and aren’t sure how they should be using their computer. “I really only use this [the laptop] at school, and at home, I use my desktop computer because I’m not completely used to how the computer has worked.” said junior Jessica Wieser. Wieser has also had problems being late to classes because she has to put her computer in her locker during band and choir. This problem still exists after the passing periods have been extended to five minutes. Even though Wieser admits to not being totally comfortable and having some trouble with the logistics, she does say that it helps her during school. “It allows me to get more stuff done that needs to be done on the computer during classes, because I can easily open it up and get things ready before class starts,” said Wieser •Colin Jones (cjones@pelladium.com)
New regulations cause changes in lunch menu With a new school year rolling in, along with new policies and regulations, changes are inevitable, such as1:1 laptops, unfamiliar lockers and different staff members. However, the one change that is arguably the most common conversation topic among students, the part of every students’ day that can cause a mood to shift in a matter of 20 minutes, happens to be an ever-changing aspect every year. This year is surely no exception. School lunch. The hot lunch, salad bar, and a la carte lines are still in existence. However, quantities of certain dishes and condiments have been cut back tremendously. At the root of all of this is the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Food service director, Connie Boldt, and assistant food service director, Teresa Houser, implement the strict regulations. “It’s all part of the Hunger-Free Kids Act passed in 2010. The current regulation for this year is that 50% of the menu items have to be whole grain rich, and there are also stricter sodium regulations,” said Boldt. However, the revisions do not stop there. Each student’s lunch tray must consist of at least a half cup of fruit and vegetables, a limited single serving of meat, and be less than 860 calories. In order to pacify the hunger needs of more students, especially athletic boys whose daily caloric intake should be around 2500 calories, the food service staff has been trying to accommodate. “Since there’s no limit on the amount of fruit and veggies, we have decided to give kids as many of them as we can. For example, there is a fresh fruit and veggie bar that is available,” said Boldt. Houser believes the healthier lunch regulations are causing students to become more aware of what they are choosing to eat, and the healthy habits may be affecting not only lunch, but other meals and snacks outside of school, too. “As far as school goes, students make better choices, but we only see one meal of the day. It all takes getting used to, but I know I personally try to eat healthier and not use as much salt. It’s going to take time though,” said Houser. Aside from forcibly getting kids to make healthier choices, another incentive is also in place when the regulations are met. “A certain monetary amount is reimbursed per lunch. There is also an incentive of an additional monetary amount if we [the school lunch] follow the regulations,” said Boldt. The monthly hot lunch menu is determined with the regulations in mind. The staff tries to please as many students as possible while still using the right amounts of certain foods. “It’s quite a process, and we can’t get too fancy here. Our hands are tied by the regulations, so we try to get creative and keep our eyes open for new ideas. We try balancing chicken and beef, but in the end it all comes down to the regulations,” said Houser. The work for the food service staff does not end after deciding upon the menus. With the cooks reporting at 8:30 a.m. to make lunch, they have their day cut out for them. However, this year, the kitchens within the Pella School District aren’t the only places food is prepared. Bread products are being made and supplied by Vander Ploeg Bakery this semester. Next semester, the school will switch to using Jaarsma Bakery products. The changes this year seem abundant, and there’s more to come. “Next year, 100% grain products have to be whole grain rich, but students won’t notice it much because we are close to that percentage now,” said Houser. The food service staff will continue to adapt and meet students’ needs. “Change is hard for us, too. It just takes time,” said Boldt. •Megan Kooker (mkooker@pelladium.com)
In Focus
7
4. 30. 2013
IT director Bollard weighs in on 1:1 With the shift to 1:1 computers, the IT Department has been sent in perhaps more of a whirlwind than the rest of the high school. Despite all the changes, the shift to 1:1 has gone smoother than anticipated. “It has gone better than we thought. We anticipated issues, and we have had some. The internet issues and external bandwidth has gone very well. We have worked on those a lot the past two years and it has worked,” said IT Director Ben Bollard. The external bandwidth is basically the network that handles internet traffic. “We almost doubled our external connection or how much internet traffic we can have since last year. When I came here, we started with 25 mag and then we went to 85 mag last year for the second half of the year. Now, we are at 140 mag district wide. We have not maxed that out yet,” said Bollard. With the excitement of students getting laptops, equal concern existed over seeing the policies for damages with possibilities of $950 fines. Thus far damages have not been a significant problem. “We have had four damages that were warranty issues. They were bad from the factory. The only student intiated damages were two chargers destroyed by dogs eating them,” said Bollard. The other side of student use or misuse of the computer was what is a student allowed to or not allowed to do on the schools laptops, whether at home or at school. That also has not thus far been a huge issue thus far. “We have not had any major offenses of misuse. There have been smaller issues where we have gone and talked to kids about stuff they should not be doing,” said Bollard. In cases of misuse the IT department’s way of finding the misuses range from pure coincidence to tools that can find users with the users with the most “alarms.” “We have a couple of tools. We have remote screen tools like the big “Pellatron”. Sometimes when we scroll through things we just find something. The second is we can get reports off of iBoss. We get a daily report of web traffic, and it gives us some of the alarms that raised red flags,” said Bollard. Although most things have gotten off to a positive start, some misunderstandings have arisen. “One thing that has been misunderstood is with iBoss blocking. It is the administration, not us, so don’t blame us for being the messengers. We are not trying to block everything or all the fun stuff. We are just trying to make sure everyone is productive in class,” said Bollard. The 1:1 change seems as if it has gotten to a positive start, but Bollard did have one more thing to say. “And to add that the IT department is the coolest department in the district,” said Bollard. •Gregory Frommelt (gfrommelt@pelladium.com)
Computers create changes in facilities The first few weeks of school contained a lot of buzz about the recent upgrades. Hearing “I need help with my locker,” was definitely not uncommon. With the high school and the middle school going 1:1 and issuing new laptops for each student, many renovations have taken place. For one, the new big screen television, known as the Pellatron, is used to display students’ screens as they are working on assignments or researching items for class. The $4,000 television was a recommendation from Apple and other schools including Oskaloosa, Ames and Dallas Center Grimes who have similar programs. Located in the common area near the lunchroom, students are able to view their peers’ screens as they work on their laptops. In the future, the “Pellatron” will also be broadcasting school events, such as show choir and game highlights, according to Assistant Principal Jon Muller. With students receiving laptops, lockers with locks were a necessary change. The price of the lockers cost $100,508, including some middle school lockers. Students are slowly adjusting to the tan, divided lockers. In classes such as band and PE, students are required to return their laptops to their lockers. In addition, students were randomly assigned lockers, separating them from their previously chosen locker partner. “I don’t mind the new TV system. I hardly ever use my laptop, and when I do, I’m smart about it! I really like the new lockers, they’re more personal. I don’t like the fact that it takes me awhile to get it open, though,” said senior, Kylie Roslien. •Laurel Stelter (lstelter@pelladium.com)