Park Hill South View, Issue 1

the

GAS

View

from park hill south

R oad f rom

recession slow and steady wins the race in this economic turmoil +page eleven.

STOC KS

v olume t hirteen

EOC’s

+page seventeen.

issue number one, sept em

silly st y le +page six.

ber 17, 2010

new teacher profiles

+page twenty-two.

Table of contents lol dua l mo v i e r ev i ew tmi .................................. ro ad f ro m re ce ssi o n .................................................... omg he c t i c h a llways fyi .............................. simcox faq .................................................. tuto ri a l ch a nge s btw.............................. d a nny’s colu m n mvp............................................. ho me co m i ng .................... +page seven.

+page eight.

+page eleven.

+page sixteen.

+page nineteen.

+page twenty-one.

+page twenty-three.

Letter from the editor b y j esse mcgi nness

Here we are. For the freshmen, welcome to the next four years of your life. To the seniors, let’s make the next 241 or so days worthwhile. And for everyone in between, well, how about a ‘don’t do drugs and stay in school’ to tide you over until your next dose of newsmagazine-wisdom.

I remember way back to middle school when all I would hear was the wonders and predictions of high school: countless lectures about the large student population, crazy teachers and numerous fairy tales of the abundant privileges. In a sense, middle-school-me started to grow distant to the idea of high school simply because I was intimidated by the fabled image of freedom (for any Lakeview kid, being free was something not easily grasped). And now that I am here, I am finding a constant theme of lackadaisical excuses for not expressing that freedom.

+page two.

You know what I am talking about; it’s that little voice that tells you that trying this class, joining that sport or even asking your certain someone to Homecoming is just not worth the risk. Even I am guilty of having this mindset from time to time, but if there is anything that this paper has taught me, it’s that your voice is worthless until it is actually heard.

So, actually do something these next eight months. Your high school career is not measured by the clubs you lead or even your ACT score, but by the moments that make our measurable time here seem not so bleak. To put it simply, we all spend seven hours a day, five days a week, for over 30 weeks in the same building each school year. Sadly this whole high school thing -- or rather, this whole life thing-- can get pretty repetitive if we allow it to.

But that’s just it. It’s only if we allow it.

Go

BIG or go HOME

Students need to replace EXCUSES with EXCITEMENT

the v iew staf f editor ial

than none. In case you forgot, Park Hill South has multiple On August 17, 2010, Park Hill South opened its doors for sports in the spring, winter and fall that all kick major booover 1500 students. For some, it was their first time walking tay. In Kansas City, this seems to be a trait that is both few through; others, their last. Yet, there is a single thought that and far between, so indulge while you can. brought every single student together: How is this year going More importantly, don’t be a fair weather fan. That way to be different than any other of my eight-plus years of public when we win --which is often-- you have just that much more educational existence? Or rather, is this year going to be up to to brag about. And yes, there are some clubs and such that that ‘best years of my life’ quality? may be extremely hard to ‘show up’ for. For example, a blow Some see these questions as an excuse to express the utmost horn in a debate room may seem a bit counter- productive. discontent with their day-to-day high school career. This is where But that doesn’t mean a simple pat on the back and a “good phrases such as “lame”, “boring” or even the all-powerful “waste luck today” can’t go that of my time” are thrown at Park extra mile.

Hill South’s ever-trying attempts Lastly, the most to make these school years seem important aspect of this more than just school years. Well, ‘how-to’ is something kiddos, it’s time to buck up or not only that people shut up. lack in high school, but As one of our many hallway’s moreover their whole words of wisdom would tell us, “Be life: F.U.N. Why yes, the change you want to see in the we are borrowing this world.” Well, although Mahatma acronym from the eternal was not directing these words classic that is Sponge Bob towards a simple little high school, Squarepants. And don’t the lessons can still be applied worry, here at The View, elsewhere. Joey Complainer goes we trust that the song was through the routine of his day with impactful enough as a simple classes, little excitement kid that an explanation is Seniors Justin Dixon, Kyle Willenbrink and Blake Phillips cheer on the and promptly leaves at 2:38 p.m. football team at the season opener at Belton. Photo by Hannah Woodson unnecessary. to go home and continue doing Acronym or not, this word is nothing. Yet, he complains that high school is a bore. What can little Joey possibly do to create that spark that he, and many of his the sole reason why high school is defined as the best years of our lives. Not only go to a football game, but swallow enough peers, so desperately need? pride and go get that face painted. No matter how old and Well, for one, join something. Let’s face it: this school offers mature someone seems to be, there is never a time when way more interesting past times than sitting at home and getting a panther drawn on your cheek should be seen as watching “Jersey Shore.” And if you spend your time here, whether it be playing sports or joining a club, then the good times lame. Even the occasional snuggie-themed spirit day is a rare and beautiful joy to be had. are bound to roll.

The student body is what makes this high school what it Another strategy to success is one that seems simple, yet proves to be so difficult for some: Show up. This does not mean simply go is, and if one decides they are too cool for spirit, the whole structure collapses. Don’t be that weak link. to school, although plain ol’ attendance merits some spirit rather

show your spirit with homecoming theme days (9/20-9/24) Monday

Tuesday

Pajama Day

Camouflage Day

Wednesday Animal Day

Thursday Purple & Black Day

Friday No School

+page three.

   

 

  

 

 

 







 

  













LOG ON TO phs

.com

relaunch of the view’s website TODAY sept. 17 - exclusive web content - polls - photos - advertising info

- events calendar - blogs/opinion

it’s gon b hot

lol.

Dance parties at River Roll face mixed reviews from South students

by m alana br adf or d

A

“

“

fter a long day at school, you plop down on your bed and log onto Facebook.

You see you have received yet another event invitation: DP at The RR. You think about what you have going on Saturday, and click might attend. Many people have already confirmed and denied, but since you have never been to one, you don’t know what to expect.

The RiverRoll Skate Center in Riverside has been hosting dance parties for high school-aged students on Saturday nights. Tickets usually cost five dollars to get in, and they go from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Many South students attend and enjoy these DP’s; however, if you're not into blaring rap music, flashing lights and masses of people, they are probably not for you.

Sebastian Anderson, senior, has been to just one dance party; however, he said he will not go to another.

“It’s too crowded. I had to wait in a 20 minute line just to get in,” said Anderson.

These lines, filled with students waiting to get inside, often go all the way out to the parking lot. But not all students think the line is a big deal.

Hannah Woodson, junior, said the lines look like they will take much longer than they actually do. Woodson has been to almost every single dance party that RiverRoll has hosted.

“It's a good way to see and hang out with students from other schools,” said Woodson.

Megan Dunn, sophomore, also enjoys the dance parties.

She said, “You can be as obnoxious as you want, and you most likely won’t see those people ever again.”

Woodson said another thing she likes is that there are no restrictions, no one tells her what is and is not appropriate and the music is better than at South dances.

Clayton Wells, junior, thinks “no restrictions” is not a good thing.

He has never been to a dance party, but his dad has worked security for them.

“They’re nasty, and my dad told me they’re not a good environment. I don’t like to surround myself with people I don’t know,” said Wells.

There are many different opinions of these dance parties, but it may take attending one to form a real opinion.

Dunn said, “Everyone should go to at least one. It’s a unique experience, and if you don’t have fun, you don’t have to come back.”

You can be as obnoxious as you want, and you most likely won’t see those people ever again.

-Megan Dunn

dance party information

9

start time: o’clock on saturdays location: River Roll Skate Center +page five.

Get Silly

Silly Bandz invade south

b y b l a ke r es er

W

hat is tie-dye, in the shape of a dinosaur, sparkly, glows in the dark and can be conveniently carried on your wrist?

Silly Bandz: a new trend being worn by many South students.

Some South students think Silly Bandz are a dumb new trend, while others think that they are the coolest things ever.

According to silly-bandz.com, these new bracelets were made in 2002 by a Japanese design team who wanted to introduce a more environmentally-sustainable rubber band as an office product. They are made out of silicone and die-molded into many different fun shapes. These rubber bands return to their original shape when you take them off your wrist.

“I trade my Silly Bandz with little kids a lot but also teenagers,” said Codi Smith, junior.

Smith explained that Silly Bandz first became popular about six months ago.

She said she enjoys wearing them because when she gets bored, she can always just take off a bracelet and play with it.

“I have 127 Silly Bandz, all different kinds. Some sports, letters, sea animals, food and even Shrek. These bracelets are definitely a girl thing to wear,” said Smith.

Unlike Smith, Drew Tryon, junior, thinks a little differently about Silly Bandz. Tryon is a cheerleader and at his practices he said they ran into a problem with people always wearing them and getting side tracked from their cheerleading. The coaches got to the point where they strictly banned them from practice completely.

“I see 15-year-old girls wearing them and I just think, get a boyfriend, not Silly Bandz,”said Tryon.

Tryon said he thinks the bands are just a trend at the moment because they are easy to get ahold of and very cheap. Although Tryon does not care for Silly Bandz, he still owns about five of them.

Trendy South sid ers

“I have 127 Silly Bands.”-Smith

freshmen Savanah Williams

“19-year-old girls who are wearing dinosaurs on their wrists... I think just need to grow up,” said Tryon.

Grant Kirschbaum, senior, has only owned one Silly Band and it was a air jet, but said he lost it after he took a nap one day. To Kirschbaum, the bands are a very simple idea but yet people still love to wear them.

“I think, do whatever floats your boat.

Wear them or don't wear them,” said Kirschbaum.

Unlike Smith, Kirschbaum thinks that it can be a boy or girl thing. He said he has seen just as many boys wearing them as girls.

Silly Bandz can be purchased almost anywhere, such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Walgreens and Target. They usually cost anywhere from $0.97 to $9.06 and come in packs of 24 with different colors and shapes.

sophomores Mariah Bowser

juniors Joe Cornejo

seniors Amber Guy

Celebrities Rocking Bandz

These days celebrities seem to be wearing more than $500 pumps. Instead, some like a popular 16-cent trend: Silly Bandz. This list of celebrities who endorse this product keeps continuing to rise.

According to Silly-Bandz.com, the list know includes Sarah

Jessica Parker, Hayley Williams, Justin Bieber, The Kardashians and Shakira.

+page six.

Homecoming

-Sept. 23, Homecoming Assembly: Homecoming Candidates -Sept 25 at 10 a.m.

Homecoming Parade.

Starts at South, goes through Riverside, ends at Beverley Lumber -Sept. 25, Homecoming Dance from 8-11 p.m.

-The Homecoming theme is "A Night in the Jungle”

“home” coming.

created by alec russell

���������� ���������������������� ������������������������������������������������� ��������������������� ����!������� ���"���������� �������� ���������#������$������%&�$������ �������������� ������ ��� ��������

�� !�"#�$ ��$����$ %����&'%'

��������� ��������������������������������������� ()��*+��#�$��������$�,�� ������� ���������-)��������$$������)�.��/�$���"����$�0�*��11�*.��������� $���2��2�����

tmi. impressed:

Dual Movie Review

Whether you are watching, "The Exorcism "The Exorcism of Emily Rose"or the newly released documentary based film "The Last Exorcism" there is always one thing in common: amazing acting.

The people portraying the characters in the film hit the nail on the head when it comes to believability.

The film delivers possible starmaking performances from actors Patrick Fabian and actress Ashley Bell.

With its uncanny ability to make you wearisome, fascinated and engaged throughout the entire film, "The Last Exorcism" is a must-see thriller for 2010.

Walking in the theater to see this movie, I half expected it to be just another kills and thrills type of film. Walking out of the theater, my thoughts were the exact opposite. This film takes a much more mature focal point to the characterization in the story. This aspect is definitely what sets it

unimpressed:

Blood, guts and horror, oh my! Not. "The Last

Exorcism" is a movie much like "The Blair Witch Project," "The Fourth Kind" and "Paranormal Activity" when it comes to the “documentary” horror feel, though not nearly as frightening as any of those three movies or compared to Eli Roth's "Cabin Fever."

To begin, not only I, but also my friend and a woman who walked in roughly 20 minutes late, thought that what we were watching was a preview of some sort. This really shows off the fact that movie trailers certainly only show the good/decent parts of the movie. The first 30 minutes of this movie were extremely slow. Luckily, I was at the now-defunct Studio Movie Grill, so I had food to keep me busy until things made a sad attempt to pick up at the end.

+page eight.

The Last Exorcism

apart from many other cliche horror films.

If you are wanting to see this film to be completely horrified the whole time, then don't spend the money. This movie focuses more on the belief in God and what a lifestyle of believing entails. Daniel Stamm, the director of the film, definitely wanted to make an impression with his realistic view of a somewhat “based-on-a-true-story” movie. The actions that take place throughout the film have a more real life situation feeling to them then other exorcism films. Even with the average demented teenage girl contorting herself in a barn, this exorcism movie makes the other films seem a tad weak in the realism department.

The film starts off with Reverend Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian), an evangelist and the son of an infamous preacher in his town. Being raised in a church

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't yet wasted your $10 on this movie, shield your eyes before I ruin the already-publicized ending.

Cotton and his camera men arrived back at the Sweetzer's farm to save Nell from hurting herself and others around her; when they arrived they didn't expect to see a cult of people surrounding Nell giving birth to something that easily wasn't human. The cult leader then threw the devil baby in the fire as it emerged into a huge wave of flames going left, right, up and down. The cameramen make an attempt to run away from this seance but have no luck, and quickly go down in a bloody swirl, ending the movie with Nell's insane brother Caleb (Caleb Landry Jones) chopping one of the camera men in two halves. The camera falls to the ground and goes black.

his whole life, attaining the position that his father held was almost inevitable. He finishes school and becomes the towns new preacher. With many years under his belt, he becomes the town’s favorite, helping many with their problems. When the birth of his son became problematic, he soon questions his faith in God. He thinks about quitting his job due to his lack of faith. Since he had been preaching for so many years, he couldn't leave his role in the town because of the people he had “saved.’’

Marcus receives letters from many people asking him to help with their problems dealing with possession and demons. A film crew asks him if they can follow along on an answer to one of the letters. It just so happens that the first request he opened turned out to be more then he bargained for.

As the credits started rolling, a song popped into my head. As the Rolling Stones put it, you can’t always get what you want. by a ust in co s l e r

The end.

I can vouch for myself and my theatre that there sure was a lot of disappointment expressed with the surprise ending. Was I satisfied? No. Were others in my theatre? No. I paid to see a scary movie and that's not what I saw.

If you're looking for 90 minutes of pointless movie make-out time with your girlfriend, I suggest this movie. If you're looking for something to actually enjoy, I suggest you look into Eli Roth's better films like "Hostel."

by mo lly reinmu th

Behind the Lyrics:

Miley Cyrus is my hero It

all started back in ‘06 with the design of a very popular commodity, the Macbook. Ever since that day everyone seems to think they have star potential. Unfortunately they lack two very important key ingredients: creativity and individuality. I hate to break this to you, but just because you have a flippy haircut and can write a song about your significant other smashing your heart does not make you a musician.

Dear Justin Bieber, you are 16. I can promise you that no one will know who you are in 10 years. You are destined to burn out just like the Jonas Brothers.

Don’t get me wrong, I sing along to the lyrics of “Baby” just like the next teenage girl or boy; however, I do not really consider him a musician.

In the twenty-first century, it appears that mainstream music is having the biggest effect on our generation and our cultural trends. From risqué lyrics

by ida patton

1. Sexyback - Justin Timberlake 2. Hips Don’t Lie - Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean 3. Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland

2004

1. Who Let The Dogs Out - Baha Men 2. All The Small Things - Blink 182 3. Amazed - Lonestar

2010

2006

2002

2000

artists have absolutely no creativity in their lyrics.

They simply sing about their week-long hangover or their seven ex-boyfriends and suddenly they are an overnight sensation. There is no individuality to what they have to say.

I would like to make one thing perfectly clear: I listen to mainstream music on a regular basis and yes, I do like it. This is not an attack on mainstream music, it is simply a suggestion.

Okay, now that I got that out of the way let’s talk about some bands that you need to listen to in order to begin to leave your pop roots and start listening to real musicians. Your first music assignment is to cozy up to your computer or even go pick up a vinyl copy of any of Iron and Wine’s albums. After you have conquered the soothing lyrics of Iron and Wine, pick it up a beat with Postal Service. Put on your headphones, sit back and relax, while you begin to realize what you have been missing all along.

It is a universal truth that fads come and go.

The same can be said about music, whether it is a genre or a band they all come and go. People’s tastes changes and suddenly a band or singer becomes out-dated and a new musician takes their place and the world continues to spin. The haircut you got in sixth grade or the pair of ripped jeans you bought freshman year will eventually be thrown out with your Britney Spears album.

And one day you’ll look back on your yearbook and ask, was that really me? Do not continue to follow trends set by celebrities because you want to fit in. Be yourself and start your own trends.

Who knows? You may just end up being the next big thing.

to provocative dress it is truly hard to see why so many people worship pop stars. Whether it is their choice of words or even some of their more proactive outfit choices it seems that too many people are jumping on the “band” wagon. Everyone simply wants to follow trends in order to fit in.

A study by The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that one in three popular songs contains explicit references to drug or alcohol use. That means kids are receiving about 35 references to substance abuse for every hour of music they listen to.

Last time I checked, these ideas are not too new and are not creative by any means. Sexual content in songs are not helping our generation the slightest bit.It’s hard to believe that even my 10-year-old cousin knows every word to Ke$has’s (don’t forget the money sign) hit song “Love Drunk.”

What is even more appalling than this is it seems that artists or wanna-be

1. A Moment Like This - Kelly Clarkson 2. Hot In Herre - Nelly 3. Complicated - Avril Lavigne

1. Yeah! - Usher Featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris 2. Let’s Get It Started - Black Eyed Peas 3. 1985 - Bowling For Soup

2003

1. Crazy In Love - Beyonce Featuring Jay-Z 2. Hey Ya! - OutKast 3. Get Low - Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz Featuring Ying Yang Twins source: popculturemadness.com

2008

2009

1. I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas 2. Poker Face - Lady Gaga 3. You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift

1. Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani 2. My Humps - The Black Eyed Peas 3. 1, 2 Step - Ciara Featuring Missy Elliott

1. Cha Cha Slide - Mr C The Slide Man 2. I’m A Believer - Smash Mouth 3. Get The Party Started - Pink

1. California Gurls - Katy Perry Featuring Snoop Dogg 2. Dynamite - Taio Cruz 3. Billionaire - Travie McCoy featuring Bruno Mars

1. Single Ladies (Put A Ring On it) - Beyonce 2. So What - Pink 3. Just Dance - Lady Gaga

2005

2001

sidebar by jordan boucher

how the media affects teens

2007

1. The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani and Akon 2. Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne 3. Irreplaceable - Beyonce

Re m e m b e r Th a t?

Popular songs of the decade +page nine.

battle of the by m a r ie h a h n

smartphones

comparing the iPhone 4 and the Droid X

In these modern times, high tech phones are constantly being created and improved. But there are two

phones that seem to reign over the all the others, not only at South, but all over the world. The Apple iPhone seemed to be the most popular phone of choice for a while, but recently HTC has created a new phone that is creating quite some competition for the iPhone, called the Droid X . Both smartphones feature multitasking, a massive library of apps and can shoot high H TC definition videos. Both phones are hugely popular, but each has its ups and downs.

The iPhone uses ‘Retina Display Technology’, which basically makes for a clearer screen that also functions better in sunlight. Not only that, but it has a camera both on the backside and a front-facing camera, where a person can film or take pictures of themselves.

The iPhone also has the most impressive battery life among Smartphones, according to csmonitor.com. If one is getting annoyed that their phone thinks colour should be spelt without a ‘u’, on an iPhone, one can simply change the spell checking to the UK version. If people would want to send a more personal Email, on the iPhone 4, they could simply film themselves talking, and Email it to whom ever they choose.

Aside from the basic facts, many iPhone owners prefer it for their own personal reasons. my name is

Senior Andrew Davis decided to buy an iPhone.

“Music wise it is simpler to manage than the Droid X,” Davis said.

“It seems more organized. It’s quick and easy to work. It’s worth the price ($200 for 16GB with contract) because it definitely does a lot more than most phones do.”

The equally popular Droid X also has perks that the iPhone doesn’t. It has a much bigger screen and larger storage space. Based on the facts on csmonitor. com, the Droid is also moving to the Verizon network, which has a much better reputation for reliability and cell service, unlike AT&T, which is the iPhone exclusive network for the iPhone. People can also easily download BLOCKBUSTER On Demand via a link icon on their home screen to watch favorite shows. Another fun app that can be downloaded onto a Droid X is an alarm that is set off via text that causes a lost Droid X to go off non-stop until it is found.

Freshman Ashley Parrish recently bought herself a Droid X ($200 with contract).

“One of the things you get with a Droid X that you wouldn’t with an iPhone is the built in keyboard,'' Parrish said. ''Plus, the service is a lot better.”

Both phones have certain pros and cons, but there may not be a definite ‘better’ phone. Whichever phone a person decides to get is mainly based on personal preference. my name is

advertise in reach 1575+ students, plus parents, staff and community members for as little as $35 per issue contact business manager ben andersen at 11andersenb@parkhill.k12.mo.us or log on to phsview.com and click about>>advertise in the top right corner

+page ten.

% µ 7 µ 6 µ

7 KD?L;HI; E< ADEMB;:=; ?D 7 9?JO E< EFFEHJKD?JO$ IE9?EBE=O

FIO9>EBE=O

7H9>?J;9JKH7B IJK:?;I

CKI?9 J>;EHO

8KI?D;II 7:C?D?IJH7J?ED ?D<EHC7J?ED J;9>DEBE=O

FH;#:;DJ7B

KH87D IJK:?;I

;9EDEC?9I

:7D9;

=;E=H7F>O

8?EBE=O

A universe of knowledge in a city of opportunity. ;DL?HEDC;DJ7B I9?;D9;I

UMKC has hundreds of ways to get a life. Find yours at

umkc.edu/getalife

GET A LIFE

7 µ

6 µ

9?L?B ;D=?D;;H?D=

road f r o m .............................

recession a special look at economyrelated issues and how they are affecting South

Taking a Second Look How the economy has affected the future of students

by jordan boucher Seeking an education past high school has turned into a major ordeal for students and families. With the economy in a downward spiral, people

are starting to wonder what their options are when it comes to college. As the cost of tuition steadily rises each year, parents and even students have been limited by all the financial aspects that go along with “advancing our knowledge.”

With one child currently in college and another starting next fall, Laura Lenhert [art] has had to make a few concessions when financially supporting her children and their educations.

“We’ve been saving since they were young,” Lenhert said. “[We’ve been looking at] Northwest because of the A+ and it’s still close to home.”

Thinking ahead about the future of this recession, teachers such as Jennifer Mattson [social studies] have a lot to plan for her young family and things that had to be adapted to.

“We don’t eat out hardly ever. There’s five of us. No way,” Mattson said.

Saving may not be enough for today’s society. With job opportunities coming and going, saving for college gradually gets pushed down the list of priorities.

“We’ve attempted [to save],” Mattson said. “It’s hard

+page twelve.

because some months we have extra to set aside and others we don’t. It’s not consistent.”

According to education-portal.com, average tuition ranges between $2,544 at a two year community college and $26,273 at a private four year university.

Because of this, the financial ordeal is not only on the mind of adults. Students like Austin Blackford [senior] also faces concerns when it comes to funding their tuition.

“I took advantage of the A+ program,” Blackford said. “It’s a great opportunity to save money on college by doing 50 hours of community service.”

Though the A+ program can help students and parents, it only provides a small amount when compared to the overall cost of tuition. By improving grades, studying skills, and applying for stacked scholarships, students have to be creative when planning their futures.

“I’m also working on raising my ACT score and GPA. I’m going for all the little scholarships that nobody really knows about,” said Blackford.

Since 2008, in-state tuition has risen by an average of 6.5 percent and out-of-state by 6.2 percent. Going to big universities such as Mizzou and KU may not be an option to many students. With the economy rapidly plunging, students with an idea of how they want their future to unravel may have to take a second look.

omg.

........................................................... .

On the chopping block How budget cuts have affected South b y mo lly rei nmut h

Frozen salaries, copy limitations, cutting clubs and no back to school party for the teachers of South are a few of the realities South has begun to deal with this year. Budget cuts

Lowell Messer, communication arts, is also limited on extra materials and additional novels, though he said that despite the fact that “this stinks for everyone, this will in no way effect my classroom.”

Deanna Koelliker, communication arts, agrees with Messer and said she feels that right now is not a real problem.

Teachers have had to find alternative ways to teach in the classroom without making as many copies and using extra materials, including using Blackboard on a regular basis, as well as Google Docs. Teachers are also asking their students to print off assignments at home.

Several teachers in an assortment of different fields either refused to talk about budget cuts, or sweetened their answers up by saying things like, 'I don’t feel like I’ve been affected by it' or 'I just love my job.'

Are teachers afraid to speak up in fear that they might be the next cut?

“I have a lot more information about it,” said Longenecker about he budget cuts.

“I can understand why the teachers don’t

“I can understand

why the teachers

are taking a toll not only on teachers, but students as well.

According to Dr. Dale Longenecker, principal, South itself is “trying hard to stay away from cutting salaries” and from laying people off. Instead, South is cutting back from last year’s 4 million copies to 3 million. This means that each teacher will be allowed 15-20,000 copies per semester, which in some classes, just wil not cut it.

Jennifer Holden, communication arts, has a debate class that is especially affected by cuts because debaters print off so much paper for evidence alone. One debate student, Jeanie Lohnes, senior, purchased her own printer, paper and ink for this year in order for her to “take debate seriously.”

Loness said she has already printed over 1,600 pages of evidence in the month of August for her tournament in October.

Lohnes said she feels that these budget cuts may turn off incoming freshmen because of all the at-home printing.

don’t want to talk about it.” want to talk about it.”

Whether teachers are speaking or not, changes are going to happen within the next few years as the state continues to tighten purse strings when it comes to education.

“If the teachers think that this year is bad, next year is going to be a disaster,” said Longenecker.

Online Classes at South classes offered

10/ 09/1 08/ 07/ 11 0 09 08

y e a r s

students attended

2 6

0 47

6

26

9

52

One way South is attempting to combat budget and overcrowding issues is through increasing enrollment in online classes. source: South counseling dept.

+page thirteen.

omg.

Rocky Remnants of the Recession

families feel the heat from economic woes b y el i za b eth william s

From layoffs to increasing unemployment rates, to people going into debt, it is no wonder the economy is still having trouble bouncing back from the familiar recession it has known for over two years. Although the majority of people

believe that their lives have gone on normally despite the suffering economy, that may not necessarily be true.

The economic recession brings a harsher reality for some students than the media will ever portray.

For Lexi Hackett, senior, and family, the economy not only caused stress, but also prevented Hackett’s house in the National from selling for four years. They had to continually lower the market valued price on their home until it eventually sold.

“Trying to keep the house clean every day got annoying after four years,” said Hackett.

Not only was keeping the house clean for potential buyers annoying, but also very stressful. Physically, Hacket said cleaning the house got repetitive, but mentally, cleaning a house the Hackett’s were not positive would sell began to lower spirits.

Having to resort to dropping the price on the Hackett

house is not all that surprising as existing house sales dropped 27.2 percent in July and new house sales dropped 12.4 percent, according to CNN.com. With many people losing jobs and failing to pay their mortgages, it could be hard to even think about acquiring a new home at all. For others, it is more about making due with what they have, and sparing expenses.

Derek Yeager, senior, has also been affected by the economy firsthand, when his father was laid off from his job of selling food equipment to restaurants.

Although his mother’s income is able to balance everything out, the Yeagers are not strangers to clipping coupons. With the unemployment rate at 9.5 percent, according to kansascity.com, no one who loses a job is alone.

“I don’t have a lot of stuff. Cheap phone, I’ve been wearing the same clothes for three years. More importantly, if I have food, that’s all I care about,” said Yeager.

Even though the going may be tough for this family, Yeager said he is still able to find faith in the president and in the economy eventually making a strong recovery.

Through it all, one thing Hackett and Yeager can agree on is to just stay positive.

“There’s always positives that come out of everything,'' said Yeager.

recent

high low

October 2009 10.10% February 2008 4.80%

record

high November 1982 low

10.80% May 1953 2.50%

new home sales

-12.4%

august 2010

+page fourteen.

source: bureau of labor statistics

manic monday

Another by cyd n ey c o n ner

Getting up early affects some students’ abilities at school

The alarm goes off at 6 a.m. on a Monday morning. You

who’s gettin’ the most ZZZZZZ’s?

That is how Breanne Cowley, sophomore, feels also. She said she has “mastered the art of falling asleep in class.''

Studies of when school days begin show that the earlier the classes start, the less sleep an average teenager will get, which in turn affects his or her learning in class. According to elitestv.com, the less sleep teenagers get results in a higher risk for them to start smoking and more probable to get into a car accident.

However, it is different for Jordan Locke, senior. For Locke, when she is up, she is up. Even if she does wake up around 5:45 a.m. she only drinks caffeine on occasion. Although, she finds she needs the sleep during the school musical because she gets home around 10 p.m, and still has homework to do. Morning person or not, Locke would not mind school starting later.

“I don’t like sleep,” says Locke. “It’s a waste of time. But when I need it, I need it.”

want nothing more than to be able to roll over and go back to sleep. Maybe in your dream world you can, but in reality you cannot. You have to get ready for school.

With school started back up, there is no longer the ability to sleep in until noon. Research shows that 85 percent of high schools in America start before 8:15 a.m. With one third of the schools starting 7:30 a.m. or earlier, students are having rough times adjusting to the early mornings.

According to Michael Wholey, senior, school should start later. He cannot pay attention so early in the morning. It may not be so bad for students who have gym, but for those who have AP classes, an extra hour of sleep may be what is needed to get that grade up. “[I’d like school to start at] 9:30 a.m., because you still get to have the evening, but you don’t have to wake up super early,” said Wholey.

11 12

Park Hill District

10 9 8

North Kansas City District

7

6

11 12

7

6

8

5

6

4

2 3 4

1

5

2 3 4

1

7:44 7

2 3

1

7:45

11 12 10 9

5

7:25

10 9 8

Liberty District

6

11 12

8

Blue Valley District

7:30 7

10 9

1

5

2 3 4

No Sibling Left Behind

by b la ke r es er & h a r r is o n w h it e

A

fyi.

Students adjust to older sibilings leaving the house

hug good bye and they are gone. Someone who has been there your whole life is moving out. But what about those lonely siblings who get left behind?

“It hurts me inside. It really makes me appreciate the time we had together,” said Josh Gordon, senior.

Gordon’s sister is three years older than him, and now that she has grown up and has a baby of her own, he only gets to see her occasionally when she comes to visit.

But there is a good and bad side to every story. Now that she has left, Gordon no longer has to share a bathroom with his sister. A down side to her leaving is that Gordon is very lonely without her. He does not have his “buddy” there to hang out with him.

For some South students its not just a sibling; it is their best friend.

Spencer Braymar, sophomore, has a brother who recently left to a technical school in Arizona. “[The hardest thing about my brother leaving would be] going through 16 years of life with someone there and then having them go,” Braymar said.

“

Braymar is learning to cope with his new, sibling-free life and has found some positives. He now gets his own spot in the garage.

“It’s way more quiet around the house now, but I have the car to myself so I can leave. Also my sister and I now skype so I still get to see her,” said Rachel Norfleet, junior.

Skyping is a way to keep connected with people without actually being there with them. Skype is a software that that allows users to make videos calls/voice calls over the computer.

This is a new, free and convenient way to stay connected. This helps the Norfleet sisters because they are still talking and communicating long distance.

Now that Norfleet’s sister is gone she no longer has anyone to talk to when she is bored.

“Not getting to talk to my sister every day is horrible,” said Norfleet. “I feel like she’s never never going to come back.”

But Norfleet is finding the positive.

“I know its only temporary,” said Norfleet. “And I’ll get to see her soon.”

I feel like she’s never going to come back.

”

+page fifteen.

hectic HALLWAYS

Freshmen create frenzy with overcrowding by id a p a t t o n

E

very fall, a new generation of students enter the doors of South. Along with this new generation comes more students to crowd the halls.

Many upperclassmen feel out numbered by not only sophomores, but freshman as well. The freshman class is the largest class at South, with 424 students.

Regardless of most students’ opinion, this year’s class is “fairly average,” according to John Carr, assistant principal.

“This year’s freshman class only increased by about 50 students since last year’s class,” Carr said.

Maybe it is not the number of students, but possibly the lack of hallway etiquette.

One example of students not following high school norms is freshman Chase Whorton.

Whorton said, “ I like to go through the grand staircase during passing time to talk to my friends.”

Although the halls may seem a bit congested to the sophomore, junior and senior classes many of the freshman do not think the halls are a problem at all.

The problem does not just exist at South, it also exists at Lakeview.

“It was just as bad, if not worse, at Lakeview,” said freshman Shannon Brooke.

According to Carr, a more drastic solution may be put into place.

“Eventually we may have

to walk around the outside of the school just to get to classes,'' Carr said.

He went on to say that the Park Hill District needs to do something about the problem quickly.

Although having to leave school to get to classes may seem a bit extreme, it is a serious possibility, sophomores Jake Wickersham and Sam Chambers both agree that there seems to be an overwhelming number of freshman in the halls.

“Even the side staircases are too crowded,” Chambers said.

Some students may

“Eventually we may have to walk around the outside of the school just to get to classes.”

+page sixteen.

have noticed an increased teacher presence in the halls as well. Senior Shawn Kelley said she felt that the “biggest change in the hallways was the presence of more teachers, not more students.”

Regardless of personal opinion on this issue, it is undeniable that there are more teachers in the halls than there were in previous years.

“We are not alone. Most other schools have teachers in the halls, it is just new to South,” Carr said.

Having more teachers in

the hall is a way to monitor student behavior and to keep order.

One other way that South administrators are trying to decrease the chaos in the halls is with online classes. Over the last two years, online classes have taken flight in the Park Hill District. The classes allow students to either take morning online classes or after school classes where they are able to communicate with their teachers about troublesome homework or clarification through e-mail.

Kelly McNabb, assistant principal, who advocates the use of online classes, said, “We will continue to offer online classes.

This year we even offer AP classes online.

This trend will become more and more popular as numbers at South continue to increase.”

Whether it is the freshman, sophomore, junior or even the senior class that seems to be the main cause of chaos in the hallways, one thing is true: the hallways need work.

When standing in the middle of the hall in a group of peers, consider the student who is trying to push through to get to class.

Be courteous and step aside.

Students and administrators hope that with the expanding numbers at South there will be a solution to this problem.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS BY CL ASS

FRESHMEN 2014

SOPHOMORES 2013

JUNIORS 2012

SENIORS 2011

Rockin' the Scoreboard In academics, students take first place in the state of Missouri by s t ep h a n ie g ri ffi t h

Along with every other public school in Missouri, South students take an EOC at the end of first and second semester in selected classes. The difference

however, between South and the other schools is in the results.

Taking first place in math and third in communication arts, South's composite score ranked first place in the state of Missouri.

The purpose of EOC testing is to measure whether or not schools meet Adequate Yearly Process (AYP) as stipulated by the No Child Left Behind Act. South met these standards and, in doing so, turned out some of the highest scores in the state.

"Essentially, we won the state of academics," said Larry Smith, Assistant Principal and EOC coordinator.

Smith credits the high scores to a combination of rigorous curriculum developed by the teachers, hardworking students and high attendance. Student attendance last year was the highest it had been in previous years, and Smith said he believes that had an impact on EOC scores.

"Students were here in class learning more and soaking up more knowledge, instead of being at dentist appointments or being home sick," said Smith.

Mary Kerr, communication arts, agreed the scores resulted from students being in class, willing to learn the curriculum teachers

developed to challenge and teach students. Kerr said that for the Communication Arts department, the teachers decided their curriculum needed to include more in-depth analysis and higher level thinking.

Junior Kelsey Higgins took the higher level thinking skills taught to her in ALA 10 and Algebra 1B and applied them to her EOC tests last year. Higgins felt that both tests were easy, and she was prepared for each of them. In fact, her EOC scores got her noticed by colleges.

"Over the summer, this college e-mailed me saying that they had seen my EOC math scores and were interested in me," said Higgins.

Regardless of whether or not their scores were noticed by colleges, students' EOC results were a reason for celebration.

"I'm extremely proud of our overall community--students and teachers," said Smith.

As a reward, Smith and fellow Assistant Principal John Carr grilled hot dogs and provided chips for students during lunch.

Teachers and administrators both see these high results continuing in the future.

“It’s like a ripple effect,” said Kerr. "Everyone is going to try to do better and better."

”It’s like a ripple effect,” said Kerr.

“Everyone is going to try to do better and better.”

E O C R E S U LT S PHS

2010

PHHS

173.4

AVERAGE scores (combined math and communication arts)

162.5 +page seventeen.

faq.

Coach Mike Simcox leads South at the Jamboree. photo by Kelsey Lindberg

restoring a reputation new coach, new system, new jerseys, new hope? by j o n h o ld e n

In the spring of last year, a man walked into the small gym and began discussing his plans of being a successful football coach. Unknown at the time, Coach Mark Simcox had shown up as the new varsity football coach and began roaming the halls at South.

Lucas Gardner lines up against Blue Springs South. photo by Amanda Danneau-Rever

Simcox said he plans on making a couple of changes with the football team, such as playing an up and down game as opposed to the spread's side to side play.

“I feel very comfortable. I have had nothing but support from people, nothing but positive,” Simcox said about his weeks at South.

However, that positivity may not come from the fans.

“Positive is what the team is feeling, support is what the team is lacking,” said senior Sam Eickhoff.

With Simcox at the helm, people are starting to show support. In years past, the football team had been knocked down by fans who complained of not having a good team, despite last year's team taking on two state runner-ups in Blue Springs and Fort Osage.

If any team wants to have a chance at being successful, they will need support and support is synonymous with being able to succeed in the long term. Simcox is trying to build a success with a new team.

“What we’re trying to do here is build a foundation that shows consistency. Not just a good team, but a good team for a number of years,” Simcox said.

The issue may not even the team, but rather the support, or lack thereof, received from the fans.

“Honestly, I do see an issue with school spirit here,'' said Coach Anthony Perry. ''The support was awesome when [the basketball team] made their run to state last year. But I would like to see consistency, regardless of any team winning or losing. That’s what school spirit is.”

If people would show up, give support, and cheer for their athletes, could South do the unthinkable?

Simcox said, “Can people show up to practice and do the right thing because that’s what everyone else will do?

That’s what you need to ask yourself. If you can do that, then everything else will take care of itself.”

Simcox said he is constantly telling his players to not to worry about everyone else’s job, just make sure at the end of each play, yours was done correctly. He touched on the fact that if players tend to play for each other as opposed to playing for themselves, then they will work about ten times harder.

“If you play for someone else as opposed to yourself, then the person next to you can see that,'' Simcox said. ''He then turns around and plays for someone else all because you did. And that is what makes a team. Being able to be unselfish because you know that the guy next to you will do the same for you. This causes people to move forward and get things done that they thought never would be possible. Putting that in a football team makes a dangerous situation, but a positive outcome.”

+page nineteen.

new panther by m a ri e h a h n

Kim Ebel

staff

World History and Civil War

Traci Dorrell

Kari Huxford

Algebra II and Geometry

Loves: Basketball Hates: Lack of Sleep

Counselor

Loves: Traveling Hates: Country Music

Loves: Pepperoni/Jalepeno Pizza with Extra Sauce Hates: Stereotyping

Shauna Saghbene Special Education

Brittany T h o r n b u r g Health

Loves: Sunsets, Roses, her Husband Hates: Stoplights

Vanessa Larson Algebra I

Loves: Yogurtini Hates: Sushi

Mark Simcox Advanced Weights

Loves: Caribou Coffee Hates: Bugs, Spiders, Bees

Deana Judah

Challenge Language Arts 9

Loves: His Job, Coaching Football Hates: Dealing with Football Equipment

+ p a g e t w e n t y.

Loves: Changing colors of Fall Hates: When people pass judgement

Third Time’s a Charm?

South makes another change to the tutorial system

S

b y h a r r is o n wh i t e

outh has instituted a new tutorial system for the 2010-11 school year, changing the way students are grouped and the numbers of tutorials a week. Freshman are now with only freshman, and sophomores, juniors and seniors are grouped together.

Senior Josh Lukens, a member of the Freshman Mentoring Program(FMP) Task Force, said this change was made to help freshmen and to let upperclassmen exercise more of their privileges without interrupting a freshman tutorial. “[The task force] was formed to create a plan that would improve tutorial and the FMP program as a whole,” said Lukens.

According to Lukens, the main reason for the extra day was to accommodate the Freshman Mentoring Program.

FMP’s wanted to be able to see their freshmen twice a week, something that was often hard to accomplish with school assemblies or meetings. The change also gave FMP’s a tutorial off, which was not the case before.

South students have mixed views on the new system. Tim Dunker, sophomore, is a fan of the change. ''The new tutorial is a terrific idea. They really help me with my studies,” said Dunker. “You always have the tutorial teacher who you can go to with your problems.”

Unlike Dunker, other students like Hannah MacMachen, junior, are not happy with the changes.

“If it's not broken don’t fix it,” said MacMachen.

She said she does not believe that the new 30-minute tutorials give kids enough time to work.

Teachers have their own take on the situation. Kirk Henry, history, is “fully

Uh-oh Egg-Oh!

by aus t in c o s le r

“The new tutorial is a terrific idea.”

Infected Eggs

Salmonella Scare Ignites Extensive Egg Recall

Hillendale Farms

P1860

with Julian dates ranging from 099 to 230

On Thursday August 19, a top U.S. egg producer, Wright County Egg in

Galt, Iowa, announced the recall of some 380 million chicken eggs from grocery stores and schools across the U.S. The company produced 143 different

btw.

supportive” of the new changes.

“Kudos to those who made these changes,” said Henry.

Henry has a freshman tutorial and likes the fact that all freshman are grouped together so everyone knows each other.

The Leadership Council approved the changes this summer, making them official for the 2010-11 year.

brands in boxes of six, 12 and 18 eggs that were shipped to and sold in nearly 17 states.

It is ''one of the largest egg recalls in recent history,'' Food and Drug Administration Division of Public Health and Bio-statistics director Sherri McGarry told Discovery News.

As countless investigations were held to find the source of the problem, the FDA stumbled upon several positive samples of salmonella on August 30, at the Wright County Egg farm. According to officials, they could not quite determine the source of the outbreak, but they said the farms violated safety standards. In the observations of the investigators, they found live rodents and mice, escaped chickens tracking manure through the houses, ability for wildlife to enter the houses, employees not properly sanitizing equipment, live flies and maggots too numerous to count, and manure exuding through the foundation to the outsides of the egg houses.

Since the amount of tainted eggs were unknown throughout all of the shipments, companies that distributed them to schools had to remove them immediately as a safety precaution. Cafeteria manager Donna Blakenship said that this situation affected South, as well. ''We had just received the new order of them on Monday, August 16,'' said Blakenship. ''The produce company that we get the eggs from called us and said they were being recalled. They came to school, took them and we haven't been able to get them since.''

The produce company withdrew them from the kitchen free of charge, but breakfast at South was left empty-handed.

With more than 1,300 people who have gotten salmonella from eating infected eggs, Blakenship said it was absolutely necessary that they were removed from schools like South at once.

The FDA traditionally does not inspect egg farms until there is a problem at hand.

Considering the vast quantity of infections in this situation, they will now inspect all of the nation's largest farms every year by the end of 2011.

P1663

with Julian dates ranging from 137 to 230

Wright County Egg

P1720/P194

with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 229

P1026/P1413/P1946 with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 225

***These numbers and dates are located on the side of the carton. Consumers should return the eggs to the store for a full refund or throw them out.

+page twenty-one.

Gas Myths

b y d a nny j o nes

GAS STATS AS OF 8/31/10

BY CITY (AVG) Anchorage (USA high) : $3.39 / gal Los Angeles : $3.04 / gal New York : $2.87 / gal Kansas City : $2.59 / gal Spartansburg, SC (USA low) : $2.36 / gal

BY STATE 50. South Carolina, $2.42 / gal 49. Missouri, $2.44 / gal ...

1. Hawaii, $3.52 / gal All info from gasbuddy.com

{tips to save}

Avoid High Speeds 1 As your speed increases, your aerodynamic drag

increases in an exponential fashion. Driving 62 mph (100 km/h) vs 75 mph (120 km/h) will reduce fuel consumption by about 15 percent. And won't get you pulled over.

Do Not Accelerate or Brake Hard 2 By anticipating the traffic and applying slow steady acceleration and braking, fuel economy may increase by as much as 20 percent. Your car and passengers will thank you.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated 3 Keep tire air pressure at the level recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. A single tire under inflated by 2 PSI increases fuel consumption by one percent.

Keep Windows Closed 5 at High Speeds Windows open, especially

Use A/C Sparingly 4 When the air conditioner is on it puts extra load on the

engine forcing more fuel to be used (by about 20 percent).

The defrost position on most vehicles also uses the air conditioner, even when melting ice.

at highway speeds, increase drag and result in decreased fuel economy of up to 10 Use Cruise Control percent. Silver lining: closed Maintaining a constant speed windows leaves hairstyles over long distances often saves intact. gas. (PS: Cruise control is NOT the same as autopilot)

6

Yearbooks Anyone?

Yearbooks will be delivered in May for the first time by cydney c onner

Y

earbooks are something people take with them for the rest of their lives, remembering the years at high school and looking back at all the fun times.

Many students do not know how the yearbooks are changing this year. Instead of picking them up at registration the following summer, students will get them before they leave for summer vacation.

It may be exciting for students to get their yearbooks early, but that also means a lot more work for the Yearbook staff. Stephanie Griffith and Jordan Boucher, seniors and

+page twenty two.

co-editors, said instead of having the overall deadline at the end of May or beginning of June as before, they have it in the middle of March.

That cuts off two months of school activities that will not be in the yearbook.

For example, there will not be a Prom spread. Replacing the Prom section will be a senior magazine distributed to all the seniors with information on important end of school remembrances.

Students such as Shyan Johnson, junior, can’t wait for the yearbooks to come out early because she does not have to wait until August.

However, she does notlike that it will be missing some important parts of this year.

“It’s a little worse, I mean it’s not as good as the past. But it’ll still be pretty awesome,” said Johnson.

One good thing about getting the yearbooks earlier is students get to sign them with their friends at a distribution party at the end of the school year. Boucher said signing them is not only for little kids.

“It’s bringing back a personal touch,” said Griffith.

Miami

Masterpiece Lebron joining the Heat has Miami burning up by d a n n y ke r wi n

The building of a dynasty has begun in Miami.

“In this fall, I’m going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat,” LeBron James said in his press conference on July 8.

James made the biggest decision of the summer in front of 9.95 million viewers on ESPN, when he announced he would be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers and signing with the Miami Heat. The decision sparked a lot of emotions-good and bad, from the burning of his jerseys in Cleveland, to the praising of him and fellow NBA free agents Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh joining the Heat in Miami.

A few South students voiced their opinions about James’s decision.

Christian Hildebrandt, senior, said his first reaction was, “Happy because him, Wade and Bosh are about to [mess] people up.”

Hildebrandt also had a message for James’s skeptics, saying people were just haters.

Payton Meek, freshman, said he likes the Heat’s chances this year.

just a bit

“They will beat the regular season wins record because they have three superstars playing on the same team,” Meek said.

Cody Shopper, sophomore, discussed whether Cleveland fans were overreacting with the burning of the jerseys.

He said “They aren’t overreacting.

I would have burned it too. All of the Twitter quotes were pretty nasty.”

Shopper referred to the hateful and criticizing quotes posted by many on Twitter and other message boards.

Hildebrandt said, “I understand where [Cleveland fans] are coming from. They lost a great player, and now the team is [bad.]”

James mentioned in his press conference one of his major reasons for joining Miami was his chance to win a title.

“As long as he’s there,” Meek said, “they’ll win every year.”

mvp.

Number of all star appearances LeBron James

-5

Chris Bosh

-5 -6

16 Dwayne wade

................................................ .............................

OUTSID E The American Angle

Why the World Cup was more than just this summer’s biggest sports story b y d an n y j on es “And Donovan has scored! Oh, can you believe this?! Go, go, USA! Certainly through! Oh, it's incredible! You could not write a script like this!» – Ian Darke’s call of Landon Donovan’s goal in the ninetieth minute vs. Algeria Does it still give you chills?

Does the moment still make you proud to be an American?

Take note, sports fans, because the moment Landon Donovan became an American hero was the moment that soccer became significant in the United States. But this moment was bigger than that.

That moment propelled this group of homegrown boys into American sports lore, on par with the gold medal winning-Dream Team in 1994, led by Michael Jordan and Co.; the National Team that won the 1998 Women’s World Cup, complete with Brandi Chastain’s epic sports bra celebration; and (dare I say it?) the 1980 Hockey Team, made famous by toppling the mighty USSR in the Miracle on Ice. The ties that bind the World Cup squad and the Hockey team (and, while I’m at it, just about every other Team USA) are unmistakable. The grit and toughness to

rise to the levels of some of the world’s best. The persistence to overcome deficits.

The competitiveness to grind out results in pivotal, white-knuckled, we’d-better-winor-else games. And a uniquely American never-say-die attitude that makes both teams greater than the sum of their parts.

The group in South Africa made us proud, didn’t they? Wasn’t it great to see a bunch of Americans fighting through blown calls?

Didn’t it inspire you to see the English humbled by a ragtag group of Yanks? Did you give a nod to the heavens when you saw our boys score twice in the second half to come back against Slovenia? Or did you attribute it to our American spirit? Were you like me, as patriotic as you could ever remember yourself being?

We were a different place during the World Cup. The amount of American pride in those sensational summer weeks would have made Ben Franklin blush. Flags hung from porches. Faces were painted red, white and blue. The sash on the USA jersey became a national icon. This wasn’t a National Championship. This wasn’t the Super Bowl. For once, everybody was rooting for the same team. When Donovan scored his immortal goal, patrons in bars from Boston to Birmingham and everywhere in between jumped up and

yelled like the establishment was aflame. U-S-A! became every body's favorite chant, if but for a couple a single summer – allowing everyone here to recognize the patriotism that can exist (does exist) when we are unified in purpose.

Who would have thought a bunch of soccer players could do that?

USA World Cup history: (W-D-L) 1930: 2-0-1, 3rd Place 1934: 0-0-1, Round 1 1950: 1-0-2, Round 1 1990: 0-0-3, Round 1 1994: 1-1-2, Round of 16 1998: 0-0-3, Round 1 2002: 2-1-2, Quarterfinals

+page twenty-three.

+log on to phsview.com for a full, up-to-the-minute events calendar

G2G.

S M T W T F S 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

September 19 20 21 22

PARENT-TEACHER V/JV BOYS SOCCER HOME V. CONFRENCES, 5-8 RAYTOWN, 5 P.M. P.M.

ZONA ROSA ART FESTIVAL (9/179/19)

26 27 28 29 chiefs v Browns VARSITY GIRLS GOLF V/JV SOFTBALL @ Arrowhead, CONFRENCE, AWAY, HOME V. STALEY, 4 P.M. NOON 7:30 A.M.

3

4

5

V/JV VOLLEYBALL HOME V TONKA, 5:30 P.M.

6

VARSITY FOOTBALL HOME V. WILLIAM CHRISMAN, 7 P.M.

23 24 25 NO SCHOOL PARENT-TEACHER CONFRENCES, 5-8 P.M.

homecoming dance, 8 P.M.

30 1

VARSITY GIRLS TENNIS HOME V. ST THERESA’S, 4 P.M.

7

2

GIRLS & bOYS x-C KC ALL METRO, AWAY, 9 A.M.

8Next issue 9

October

the view staff fall 2010 Editor-in-Chief Art Director Copy Editor Business Manager Web Editor Photo Editor

Jesse McGinness Alec Russell Molly Reinmuth Ben Andersen Tiernan Eiberger Austin Cosler

Reporters

Jordan Boucher, Malana Bradford, Cydney Conner, Stephanie Griffith, Marie Hahn, Jon Holden, Danny Jones, Danny Kerwin, Ida Patton, Blake Reser, Harrison White and Elizabeth Williams

Adviser

Megan Hughes

of the view!

The Park Hill South High School newsmagazine, The View, is a part of the educational curriculum of the Park Hill School District. Although The View is a product of the newspaper class, material may be submitted for consideration from students who are not enrolled in the course. Student submissions should meet guidelines set forth in the board policy and regulation IGDB, copies of which are available in all Park Hill School District buildings.

In addition, readers are encouraged to voice their feedback and/or commentary on a timely issue by submitting a Letter to the Editor. Letters should be 250 words or less and must be submitted with the name(s) of the responsible individual(s). Bring letters to room C200 or e-mail Editor in Chief Jesse McGinnesss at jesse.mcginness@gmail.com. Any submissions that exceed the maximum length and/or have issues with grammar, spelling or unprotected speech will be returned to the writer for revision and resubmission.

The View is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association and Missouri Interscholastic Press Association. The View is printed by Osage Graphics in Olathe, Kan.