Jan 24, 2014 by Rachel Rauch

highlander TRASH TALK Does H mestead recycle?

the

Vol. 33, No. 3

Jan 24 ,2014

Homestead High School, Mequon

By Erin Connolly

ray garbage cans silently stand guard in When does recycling take place? every classroom, every commons. They In this case, “seeing is believing” may play a role in the reason bulge to maximum capacity in the cafwhy there is such a high percentage of people who say Homeeteria, filled with banana peels and stead does not recycle. Mr. Thompson said that “the process half-empty milk cartons. They are the targets of of cleaning and collecting recycling occurs [in the] evecountless flying wads of scraps crumpled into a nings between 3 p.m. and 12 a.m., well after students and ball and shot Kobe-style with the hope of makstaff are out of the building, so they simply don’t see it.” ing a miraculous across-the-classroom buzzerThe daily recycling routine at Homestead is carbeater teachers despise. Standing inconspicuried out by custodians who are “trained exactly what ously in their shadows, colorful recycling bins type of products are standard waste and what prodrarely gain the attention of passing students. ucts are recyclable and held accountable for recyPerhaps those who nonchalantly pitch recycling,” according to Mr. Thompson. “Nightly they clables truthfully did not see the bins dwarfed empty both the waste baskets and recycling baskets by trashcans. Perhaps they just couldn’t care separately. Standard waste/garbage goes in the comless whether or not their Snapple bottle ends pactor and recycling in the recycling compactor.” up in a landfill, alongside other glass and “Our [district’s recycling] contract does include A poll of 200 students and faculty plastic containers. Or perhaps they assumed disposing of recyclables properly but does not include reveals the majority do not believe it would be pointless to put the bottle in its separating the trash from the recycling in each wasterightful place, since it is assumed that evbasket,” Mr. Thompson added. “Not only would this Homestead recycles. take a great deal of time and expense to the district but erything goes to the same dumpster anyway. the expectation at Homestead is that the staff and students take responsibility for themselves when it comes Why do the majority believe to recycling and make sure to dispose of their waste in Homestead doesn’t recycle? the appropriate containers. Once a recyclable product “I think Homestead tries to make it seem is thrown in a standard wastebasket it becomes waste like they recycle, but in reality all of the trash and is considered contaminated (and vice versa).” gets dumped into the same bin and is never recycled,” Christal Hearn, sophomore, said. Where does it all go? “It’s not obvious where things belong,” Mr. “We commingle all of our recycling that Joseph Przybylski, social studies teacher, said. comes from the classrooms,” Mr. Thompson said. Without looking carefully, it is possible to misCommingled recycling, also known as single interpret the recycling bin as a garbage can since stream, is “a system in which paper, plastics, metthey are usually the same size and shape. The als and other recyclable materials are mixed in one confusion resonates among the faculty as well. collection location rather than being sorted sepa“I think even the staff is kind of like, I don’t rately,” according to Mr. Thompson. This allows for know, do we [recycle]?” Mr. Przybylski said. the use of only one container for all of the recycling. After collection, the recyclables are taken to How can students help? a Material Recovery Facility, which uses “a comMr. Przybylski, as well as several other teachbination of hand sorting, sensors, magnets and ers around the school, provides a bag to collect gravity to sort the materials,” according to the arstudents’ recycling and encourage participaticle “ReLoop: What is Single Stream Recycling?” tion, “which if it goes in [the recycling bin], Machines and conveyor belts then divide the recycling just goes in the garbage,” Mr. Joseph Ordinans, into cardboard, aluminum, steel, paper products and difmath teacher, said. This system has proven efferent types of plastic, while workers manually remove fective because it gets students actively engagany trash, plastic bags and the few materials not sorted ing in recycling. Mr. Ordinans said that he asks correctly. The separated materials are then baled and sold. all of his students to do their part, and “rarely is there recycling material in my garbage Why is recycling important? can. My students are actually participating.” Lauren Watchmaker, senior and president of the Students Keeping It Environmentally Safe (SKIES) Does Homestead recycle? Club, explained how recycling “helps both the A recent survey of 200 students and faculty environment and the economy. The EPA (Envishowed that 91 percent of those surveyed believed ronmental Protection Agency) estimates that inHomestead does not recycle. Two percent were cinerating 10,000 tons of waste creates one job, landunsure, while only seven percent assumed Homefilling it creates six, but recycling it creates 36 jobs.” stead does recycle. According to this survey, there There is no doubt that recycling is very important is a widespread belief among students and staff to the environment, especially in schools. With over a that Homestead does not recycle. “The Mequonthousand students and staff at Homestead, the school Thiensville School District recycles in many difproduces a lot of waste and a lot of recyclable materials. ferent ways so I’m not sure why so many students Students play a key role in recycling such products, and staff would think we do not,” Mr. Kyle Thompas well as in the efficiency of proper disposal. As Mr. son, director of maintenance and operations in Thompson said, “The more the kids recycle, putting Illustrations by Katie Bandurski the Mequon-Thiensville School District, said. items in the proper containers, the better it helps us.”

What do students and faculty think?

91%

What’s Inside

{

School board vacancies

Yes

4-5

Winter in Wisconsin

Maybe

Price of eating organic

{

Coach Keel honored

news

Amazon exploring use of delivery drones By Blake Leeson

Submitted photo

Anders Bjork, number 7, skates back on defense in a USHL Game: Team U.S.A. vs. Sioux Falls Stampede in Ann Arbor, Michigan in October 2013.

Mequon native earns national team spot By Jake Elchert

Who knows someone who has been tying his skates and playing hockey since he was four and now is on the U.S. National hockey team? The people of Mequon do; his name is Anders Bjork. Anders is a 17-year-old forward on the 2013-2014 U.S. National Under-18 hockey team. Bjork grew up in Mequon learning how to play hockey from his father, who played college hockey at the University of Notre Dame. Bjork said, “My dad got me started playing and coached me when I was young. He has always been a mentor to me and continues to help me better myself as a hockey player and as a person.”

Bjork grew up playing youth hockey and once he got older, he moved to Chicago to play for the Chicago Mission Midget Minors. He later became a member of the U.S. National Under-17 hockey team. During the 2012-2013 hockey season, Bjork played in 56 games and became the seventh leading scorer on the team with 12 goals and 13 assists for a total of 25 points for the year, according to usantdp.com. This season, according to usantdp.com, Bjork is on the Under-18 team and after 28 games, he is eighth in scoring with ten goals and eight assists for a total of 18 points. After this year, Bjork will be attending the University of Notre Dame and playing

four years of hockey for the Fighting Irish. “I am very excited to be going to play for the University of Notre Dame. My entire family has always been huge Notre Dame fans, and I have grown up wanting to play for them,” Bjork said. Bjork’s little brother, Brady, is a freshman at Homestead and plays on the hockey team. The two brothers help each other improve and are very important in one another’s lives. “My brother and I are extremely close. We are not just brothers but best friends as well. We work out together, skate together and are constantly playing, mostly hockey-related games,” Brady Bjork said.

Two school board members ready to retire By Nicole Martin

Moving into elections for the Mequon-Thiensville Board tant to ensure that the board continues to move forward.” of Education on April 1, both Suzette Urbashich, member and Another board member, James Liska, school board treaformer president, and James Liska, treasurer, have decided surer, has decided to end his tenure after six years of service to end their tenure on the board. on the board as both a member and With a history in middle school treasurer. Following his own belief and high school science educathat “School Board members should tion, and a full time job at Rodghave term limits (two consecutive ers InHealth, Urbashich brings terms),” Liska will spend some of “wisdom in the area of experience his extra time writing and tutoring. as a collaborative leader focused Looking over the past six years, on the students needs,” Dr. DeLiska has been the “moral compass” mond Means, superintendent, said. and brought much “wisdom” to the Agreeing, Kim Ebinger, commuschool board meetings, Dr. Means said. nity volunteer, said, “even before beWith his sights set on the fuSubmitted Photo Submitted Photo coming a member, Suzette totally imture of the district, Liska believes James Liska served on mersed herself in the district, taking Suzette Urbashich served that “we must demand the best efSchool Board for six years. on a parental role in PTA and PTSO.” on School Board for 17 fort and performance from all stuLooking back, Ebinger credits years. dents, whether they are gifted or Urbashich for the board’s movement “in the direction of designed decision making [with the removal of] individual opinions and reactionary tones.” After 17 years of serving the Mequon-Thiensville School Board as both a member and president Urbashich now looks forward to pursuing other interests. “I am very excited to be a part of the growing opportunities at my job, Rodgers InHealth,” Urbashich said. Additionally, Ebinger said, “We will lose [Urbashich’s] historical background on the board, which is incredibly impor-

less able, affluent or disadvantaged, whether destined for college, the farm or industry.” Mr. Brett Bowers, principal, said, “He was a strong advocate for high-quality academics, wanting all students to be challenged intellectually during their time in the district. I will always appreciate his support of the vision for Homestead that we are attempting to bring to life here.” Though both Urbashich and Liska will be missed, one constant remains true: there will always be change, Dr. Means said.

AP Physics program restructures its offerings By Aaron Glazer

Starting in the 2014-2015 school year, AP Physics will be offered at three levels, AP Physics 1, 2 and 3, as compared to this year’s AP Physics B and C. “The new system is that the algebra-based physics is changing from a one-year, three-trimester course to two two-trimester courses,” Mr. Paul Sivanich, AP Physics teacher, said. The College Board made the change because of “too much material in that course,” Mr. Sivanich said. “The cur-

Technology keeps evolving, and this time Amazon’s CEO, Jeff Bezos, is in the driver’s seat. Bezos introduced his new idea called Amazon Prime Air to the public for the first time during a 60 Minutes episode aired on Dec. 2, 2013. Bezos explained to 60 Minutes correspondent Charlie Rose that he hopes [his] company will be able to deliver packages into consumers’ hands within 30 minutes of the time they place an order.” In order to accomplish this 30-minute time span, Bezos said he plans to use the developing technology of drones. Using these eightbladed drones called Octocopters, packages from the distribution center would be picked up and dropped off right at the customer’s front door using GPS. The major roadblock for the Octocopter is getting clearance from the Federal Aviation Admirstration (FAA). Bezos said “The FAA rules surrounding unmanned aerial vehicles could be in place as early as 2015.” Despite the many critics against the purposed Octocopters, Bezos insists it’s bound for success. “amazon is a retail business. I know that people will want low prices ten years from now. I know they will want fast delivery and drones seem to be the first step to making that happen,” Bezos said. Skeptics are concerned with the possibilities of hijackings, insuring package delivery and being able to deliver packages of all shapes and sizes. Bezos said, “The Octocopters could deliver packages weighing up to 5 pounds, which cover 86% of all the items we deliver.” Amazon is the world’s largest retailer according to Bezos and “one day, Prime Air vehicles will be as normal as seeing mail delivery trucks on the road today.” Kyle Raddatz, senior, said, “I think it’s a reality, but will not have a great impact because service will only be available to a small number of people because the purposed drones only operate within a 10 mile radius of the distribution center.” Andrew Conley, sophomore, said, “It’s a possibility, but definitely in the distant future I see the benefits and the great opportunities it has to offer. Depending on the production and reasonable pricing on the service, Amazon’s Prime Air could soon become a household name.” Bezos concluded by telling CBS, “I know this looks like science fiction, but it’s not. It will work, and it will happen. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

rent honors physics class that we have right now will be replaced by AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2,” Mr. David Savage, science department chair, said. It will be spread out over two years. By “spreading it out, students can enhance how much they learn on each separate unit,” Daniel Wichman, junior and current Honors Physics student, said. “Students can dig in deeper into the subject instead of going through really quickly, making course content

more accessible,” Mr. Sivanich said. Even though the new system has not been fully run yet, excitement has been generated. “We get to do lots of fun stuff in physics,” Mr. Sivanich said. “We’re excited about it,” Mr. Savage said. The intent of the revised course offerings is to prepare students for their post-Homestead lives. “I’m interested in a career in the science field, so I think taking AP Physics will really get me a good jump start on that,” Wichman said.

Scan to view video about Amazon Prime Air delivery or visit http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=9 8BIu9dpwHU

PHYSICS: By the numbers 60 students took the AP Physics test last year

90+ percent of kids earning

a 4 or 5 on AP Physics test last year

112 and 115 are the rooms at Homestead where AP Physics is taught

Student opinion

Our View: Editorial As members of a generation instilled with the mindset to reduce, reuse and recycle, we are exposed daily to the brightly colored bins for recyclables. It seems simple to toss an empty water bottle into the green bin opposed to the garbage can, and the choices we make now can have monumental effects on the future health of the planet. In other words, does the presence of recycling bins necessarily guarantee that the contents are being recycled? We, the Highlander Publications Staff, believe that in order to protect our planet for the future, the Homestead High School community needs to actively participate in recycling efforts, and both teachers and students must ensure that the proper measures are being fully executed.

According to Princeton University, recycling saves trees, protects wildlife, reduces chemical use, helps curb global warming, lessens water pollution, decreases the need for landfills and incinerators and creates jobs. Overall, these are all positive effects for the planet and the economy. As evidenced by the coverage on Page One, Homestead does indeed recycle yet the majority of the student body thinks otherwise. Nevertheless, with a new, fresh, year ahead, perhaps it is time to stop saying and start doing our part to help the planet. As a student, your part can be as simple as ensuring that paper, plastic, aluminum and other recyclable materials end up in their designated bins. If you

wish to further your involvement, perhaps consider joining SKIES, a club focusing on the value of “students keeping it environmentally safe.” Club members raise awareness, encourage participation and most importantly, participate in recycling efforts. As a teacher, encourage students to follow through and ensure that a recycling bin is readily available in your classroom. More importantly, set an example and recycle yourself. Ultimately, many of the habits we learn in high school continue on throughout the rest of our lives, so learning proper recycling habits today will readily prepare us for the rest of our lives and help the health of the planet.

Letter to the Editor

Imagine for a moment arriving to school, everything is pitch black, no lights in the parking lot to guide your way into the doors, no doors are open, nothing is shoveled or salted. The only lights to be seen are the ambulance vehicles from the EMTs who are on the scene helping numerous staff and students who slipped and fell. You notice locksmiths who are trying to get into the building for some heat and relief from the below zero temperatures outside. Upon entering the building, the place is a ghost town, through the night, pipes have frozen and exploded all over the building, the trash is piled up in the garbage cans, paper is blowing down the hallways, loose electrical wires are hanging from the ceiling. As you walk down the halls you can actually see your breath and think to yourself which side is warmer, outside or in? What in the world is going on here? Apocalypse? Armageddon? Nope, the head custodian took the day off. There is a common misconception amongst many of what a head custodian actually does. Sure, people know the basics of our job. We are the ones who come into work two to three hours earlier then the start of school to shovel and salt the pathways. We fix pipes that break, electrical shorts and, yes, even swing a mop a time or two. We are always the first to be called when someone gets sick all over the floor and the last to get a thank you. We are the ones you seek out when a book bag is stuck in a locker or a door needs to be unlocked because you forgot a project that is due. We are in charge of all set ups for every event that takes place from ice cream socials, special team dinners, graduation and everything in between. It is true, we make sure the halls stay clean, the trash cans are emptied, bathrooms stay fresh, and everything from pencil sharpeners to heat are working properly. So that’s it right, I mean what else is there? There is so much more to being a custodian that I don’t even like the title because of the mistaken notions that come along with it. If you would ask us why we love our job, unanimously we would all agree, it is the people that keep us here. We are the ones who find the kids who are being brutally bullied to the point where they would rather eat their lunch in a bathroom stall, with their tray on the tank facing the wall, then to be ridiculed during lunch time. We are the ones who see the lonely, somber eyes of the seemingly lost souls on auto pilot moving about the halls, feeling as if no one cares. We would rather stop what we are doing, and strike up conversations just so that individual knows someone sees you and we care. We crack jokes and lighten moods of the students who are stressing over tests. We offer sound wisdom to those who feel as if every part of their world is at its breaking point. We offer guidance to those who have personal torment, broken families, unplanned pregnancies, abusive boyfriends, eating disorders. We hear the unspoken, repair the broken wings of the inhabitants of our hallways, and we are above all else caretakers of our campus and everyone that passes through its doors. We are counselors, party planners, comedians, psychologists, investors of well being, a friendly face, givers of a caring word, encouragers, cheerleaders and masters of organizing chaos. We are more than a group of mop swinging, bathroom cleaning and broom pushing passer byes. We are the first responding cardiologists to the heart of the school, its people! Get to know us, and surely you will be surprised at the person behind the broom.

Photo Poll

What are you listening to? Information compiled by Molly Riebau

Illustration by Sydney Roeper

Katie Tye, freshman, listening to I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz

Alec Tomkiewicz, sophomore, listening to Love Lockdown by Kanye West

Jacob Sanner, junior listening to Mirrors (Remix) by Justin Timberlake

Allison Fochs, sophomore listening to First Time by Lifehouse

Nikki Robson, custodian

Homestead High School 5000 W. Mequon Road Mequon, Wisconsin 53092 The Highlander’s editorial policy is to present facts and opinions in a fair and honest manner on issues pertaining to students at Homestead. We uphold the right to speak unpopular opinions and the privilege to agree with the majority. Letters to The Highlander are encouraged; however, we reserve the right to edit for length and grammatical errors. In addition, letters must be signed, but names will be withheld upon request. Any student who wishes to express his opinion through The Highlander should drop off the letter in room 506.

The Staff Adviser Editor-in-Chief Copyeditor Layout and Design Editors Reporters and Photographers

Mrs. Rachel Rauch

2013 All-KEMPA Award 2013 NSPA Best of Show 2013 WNA Second Award in Overall Excellence 2012 WNA First Award in Overall Excellence 2012 KEMPA First Place Award

Katie Bandurski Erin Connolly Katie Bandurski, Janae Brown, Blake Leeson, Molly Riebau, Sydney Roeper Sydney Benson, Janae Brown, Erin Connolly, Jake Elchert, Brittany Emond, Aaron Glazer, Caleigh Koss, Anna Kreynin, Blake Leeson, Nicole Martin, Noah Melan, Molly Riebau, Sydney Roeper, Katharine Ryan, Katie Starsky, Katie Writz

Visit us online for back issues of The Highlander at https://sites.google. com/a/mtsd.k12.wi.us/homesteadpublications/

American Litho Printing 530 N. 22nd Street Milwaukee WI 53233 (414)-342-5050

Feature

Winter in Wisconsin: Frolic or hibernate?

By Noah Melan

When snow falls heavily or temperatures dip into negative numbers in Wisconsin, students’ eyes remain fixed on the banner reading “School Closings” on the bottom of the TV. When “Homestead High School” appears on the screen, students rejoice. Some students relish the opportunity to be active outdoors while others delight in the idea of snuggling up by the fire. Winters in Wisconsin are notorious for being as brutal as they are beautiful. Students have many different views on this season, good or bad. Danny Knuth, junior, said, “I love the winter because I like to ski, snowboard, snowmobile, hot tub outside and play pond hockey.” Alejandro Bitetto, sophomore, agreed, “I am a fan of winter because it’s swim season and snowboarding season.” Wisconsin is definitely the place to be if you love the cold and snow, the average temperature being around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and the average snowfall during the whole winter being around 42 inches. “I love the snow and how beautiful everything looks, but I definitely cannot stand the cold,” states Emily Shore, sophomore. Sarah McCarthy, junior, also loves the Wisconsin winter, saying, “Although winter in Wisconsin looks beauti-

ful, the weather itself is kind of annoying due to slush, icy roads and freezing temperatures.” The harsh weather in Wisconsin is also dangerous as evidenced by the influx of car accidents after snow begins

side for a day or two rather than roughing it outside. Knuth explained, “If I was snowed in, I would watch Netflix, play the drums and piano and go back to bed.” Bitteto would also spend time lazing around, “If I was snowed in, I would watch some movies on Netflix and play video games.” Students throughout Homestead agreed that the most important thing to do if snowed in is to get cozy and catch up on some vital hours of sleep. Those who find themselves getting a bit bored during their day inside or have to travel during a winter storm should be sure to check out a couple apps made just for such situations. The $.99 app called FirePlace turns your iPhone or iPad into a soothing, crackling fireplace, which is even capable of syncing to your favorite songs. Users with Android can download the free FirePlace Live Wallpaper and enjoy the fire while using their devices. Another app, which is free and a bit more useful than FirePlace, is called Winter Survival Kit. This app is best Photo by Anna Kreynin used while driving through tough winter conditions or While the Wisconsin winter brings frigid and uncom- stuck in a ditch along the side of the road. It transmits the fortable temperatures, it can also bring natural beauty. user’s location to emergency services and can even calcuto fall every year. Cold weather along with snowstorms late how long their engine can keep running if they are also become problems forcing many students to stay in- stuck in a ditch or snow bank.

Students warm up to Wisconsin winter weather By Brittany Emond

Photo by Brittany Emond

Photo by Molly Riebau

Logan Scarpace and Megan Trau, seniors, use their black North Face parkas to stay warm in the commons.

Sarah Kirtley, spohomore, stays warm in her parka and mittens

Photo by Brittany Emond

Students Megan Trau, senior, Mackenzie Quinelvan, junior, Logan Scarpace, senior, Stephanie Murtos, senior, Will Gebhardt, junior, and Patrick Minkin, sophomore, display ugly Christmas sweaters to stay warm before break.

Photo by Brittany Emond

Bryce Juedes, Michael Schulz, and Luke Lebesch, seniors, get bundled up for the holidays in red Christmas apparel.

“I’m freezing!” echoes through the hallways almost every single day beginning in the chilly fall season and ending...well, it doesn’t really end. Winters in Wisconsin are famous for their unbearable arctic weather. Even Lambeau Field takes the label of “The Frozen Tundra.” So how do the Wisconsinites survive? During the holiday season, it’s easy to forget the cold, according to Morgan Bayer, freshman. “The warmth of the fire and hot cocoa along with family time distracts me from the cold,” Bayer said. But once the excitement of the holidays and the break is over, Wisconsinites have very few distractions from the intense weather. According to The Weather Channel, the average low temperatures for the months of December, January, and February are 19, 13 and 18, respectively. The record low for Wisconsin was recorded on Feb. 4, 1996 at -26 degrees Fahrenheit. “It’s harder to enjoy winter once the holidays are over because it’s just cold. There’s nothing else to look forward to,” Kyle Schneider, freshman, said. Now, students have to take time to increase their body temperatures because they aren’t so distracted by the glee of the holidays. “The new Columbia Omni-Heat jackets help me combat the winter weather,” Bryce Christiaansen, freshman, said. In addition to Columbia, The North Face and Patagonia are prevalent jacket brands throughout Homestead. Not only does the cold make students uncomfortable, but it also makes it difficult for many people wear winter fashion without covering it up with thick jackets and scarves. “I wear my parka almost every day and typically wear long sleeves. I never forget warm socks with my boots, either,” Logan Scarpace, senior, added. Even though students take these desperate measures to stay warm in school, many are still chilly both inside and outside of school. “I wear my coat and still shiver,” Quincy Newton, senior, said. So here’s the secret to surviving the Wisconsin winter: keep calm and stay warm.

Baby it’s cold outside Information compiled by Molly Riebau

As winter frosts over Wisconsin and temperatures plummet, the weather starts to match up closely with some of the world’s coldest places.

Alaska

Alaska, United States City: Anchorage Jan Temp: 15º F

Greenland

Greenland City: Eismitte Jan Average Temp: -43º F

Antarctica

Antarctica City: South Pole Jan Average Temp: -16º F

Feature

Homestead

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By Katie Writz

With the chilly weather in Mequon, several trends hit it big. According to glamour.com, fuzzy Ugg boots, wool scarves, oversized sweaters and skinny jeans are all the rage this year. Julia Warshauer, sophomore, said, “This winter flannel shirts and oversized sweaters are really in. I love to wear them with combat boots.”

Wisconsin

Wisconsin, United States City: Milwaukee Jan Average Temp: 20.6º F

In addition, the men can be found strutting off their corduroys and warm sweaters. According to Nick Petersen, senior, sweaters, mittens, and scarves are in this winter. Of course, Mequonites all have steaming hot drinks in hand, whether it be from the local Starbucks or fresh

Russia

Siberia, Russia City: Verhojansk Jan Average Temp: -53.6º F

from home. Lexi Kenwood, junior, said, “My favorite winter drink is an eggnog shake.” The one-stop remedy to fix up the boring season stands no further than our Pinterest board. Just scan our QR code to find some of our ideas or visit our URL.

Canada

Nunavut, Canada City: Alert Jan Average Temp: -23º F Illustrations by Molly Riebau

Feature

Traditional classroom model flips upside down Teachers have less class prep and coursework to keep track of, according to an article called “‘Flipped’ Classrooms Take Advantage of Technology” on usatoday.com. The teachers often use videos from other trusted learning sites, such as Khan Academy or PatrickJMT, in addition to making a few of their own. But there’s a large gap between the two extremes of conventional teaching and flipped teaching. “It’s about the bits and pieces that makes [flipped teaching] valuable,” Mr. Bowers said. “The part I most strongly support about flipped classrooms is the interacting and engaging, where we’re learning by doing instead of learning by listening.” “The core of [a flipped

classroom] is how you fit the time,” Green said. The teachers spend as much time going over the subject material as the students need in order to fully understand. “Eighty percent of class is [the teachers] supporting students,” Green added. The new idea of flipping has spread, and parts of it are present in Homestead classrooms around the school as teachers try to make learning as hands-on and effective as possible. “[Flipping the class] encourages the students to get help and complete homework with extra help that they would not be able to do at home,” Twinkle Dutta, junior said of the flipped approach. “This whole reserved system of doing homework at school is really beneficial.”

Photo by Janae Brown

A photo of a classroom turned upside down represents the new idea of flipping how the school day is structured. By Janae Brown rooms is what we’re trying to flipped classroom “because People say there’s no do at Homestead,” he said. of the support they receive.” With the new trimester The students drive the class; school like the old school. But they don’t know about the schedule more than a year un- they ask questions and review new school. The new school derway, teachers are moving topics in-depth, and they get is a new approach to learning away from lectures and more help and face time with their called the flipped classroom. into learning applications. “We teachers. “Students shouldn’t be A flipped classroom is a differ- have teachers around the build- at home struggling with homeent teaching style that schools are ing using technology tools to work without help,” Green said. testing out to make learning more change the feel of the class, Mr. “[They] should be at school getapplicable. Students watch short Bowers said. And with the lon- ting the support [they] need.” Because of this support, the video lectures online at home and ger class periods that trimesters the homework is done in class. allow, teachers are more able amount of homework assigned Teachers spend class time answer- to help students learn actively. drops significantly, and grades And that idea of interaction improve drastically. According questions and directly applying knowledge with students. is what flipped classrooms are ing to CNN’s blog “Schools of Brett Bowers, principal, ex- all about. Greg Green, principal Thought,” failure rates for flipped plained that Homestead uses of Clintondale High School, a classes such as english and math several components of the Michigan school that has revo- dropped more than 30 percent. Flipping the classroom can flipped classroom model. “The lutionized this teaching style, spirit behind flipped class- said his students prefer the benefit the teachers as well.

Shuffle the Deck Dorf’s life centers on family, friends and soccer

Illustration by Janae Brown

Results illustrate the difference in student performance before and after flipped classrooms, according to CNN’s blog“Schools of Thought.”

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s another Superman logo

By Caleigh Koss

The Highlander Publications Staff made a deck of cards containing the names of the entire student body. For each issue, we shuffle the deck and pick a student to feature. This issue’s pick: Jenna Dorf. Jenna Dorf, freshman, has always dreamed of making it to nationals with her soccer team. Dorf thinks back to the beginning of her soccer career at the young age of five. Ever since then she has participated on several teams, “I have been on FC Milwaukee, North Shore United, and I am currently on a Mequon team called Fusion. I have been playing here for many years.” Nothing stopped her and her team when it came to preparing for nationals last year. Jenna remembers, “training almost every night in all weather conditions, being focused, determined and working to become successful.” Jenna recalls, “It was Submitted Photo the best feeling of my life to win nationals. We put so much time and energy into training and getting Jenna (right) works hard to get the ball from the competithere and to be the second in the nation felt absolute- tion at nationals in Florida. ly unreal.” After reminiscing of her win at nationWhen Jenna is not on the field she is spendals, Dorf delved more into her personal interests. ing time with her family and friends. “My favorite summer memory is going to a lake house with three of my best friends. We went tubing, went to dinner hung out all day- it was amazing.” Jenna Jenna’s Favorites is enjoying her freshman year so far and is “so proud to be a Highlander because Homestead has opened me up to so many amazing things, Food - Pasta such as drama club and making new friends.” Restaurant - Any Italian Restaurant Dorf has also learned a lot from her parents and has set goals for herself for the future. Song - Ghost by Katy Perry “My parents taught me many values but I think Artist - Lil Wayne the biggest lesson was to never lie.” Jenna believes that in life “lying gets you no where and Color - Purple all it does is cause greater trouble in the end.” Sport to Play - Soccer When asked what she sees herself doing twenty years from now, she said, “I hope to be a physical therapist and have a family.”

1939

1938 1941

1957 2006

1984 2013 Illustration by Janae Brown

By Caleigh Koss

The iconic Superman logo has undergone another one of its infamous changes recently. There has been much heated debate over the news of the new logo for the second Man of Steel movie. The second movie is scheduled to be released sometime later this year. Many people are unsure if the public will approve or disapprove with this new change. Shayley Timm, junior, recalled, “I really enjoyed the first movie. I think this new logo is more official.”

Henry Desmond, junior had a different opinion, “I like the new one, but I don’t think adults will like it because they grew up with the older one.” An article by Scott Younis, writer and owner of the Superman Homepage, explained how the logo has changed over time. “The design of the “S” insignia not only grew in size, but it changed shape quite a lot in those early years following Superman’s debut in Action Comics #1 (dated June 1938),” Younis explained.

Feature

Going organic: Is the higher price worth it? By Sydney Benson

A recent study conducted by the British Medical Journal concludes that healthier, more organic diets cost about $1.50 more a day, which is about $550.00 more a year. With childhood obesity rates spiking, the demand for organic foods is at its peak. Now, even Whole Foods is facing competition as Wal-Mart chains stack nutritious foods on their shelves. In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has created an “organic” seal, joining the nationwide health kick. Although the demand for healthy, organic foods is higher than ever, is the “organic” seal worth the extra $1.50 a day? New York University professor Marion Nestle, PhD, recommends, “If you can afford them, buy them. It really is a personal choice but how can anyone think that substances, such as pesticides, capable of killing insects, can be good for you?” Nestle’s point stems from how the nation’s obsession over organic started in the first place. Foods labeled “organic” cannot be treated with any synthetic pesticides, sewage sludge, bioengineering or ionizing radiation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Thus, organic foods derive pesticide use from natural sources, lowering people’s risk of being exposed to harmful chemicals used to treat produce and other foods. The reason foods labeled “organic” bear a heavier burden when it comes to cost is that the produc-

tion is more labor-intensive and without the use of pesticides, the yield isn’t always favorable. In addition, companies find it harder to mass-produce organic foods at the same small cost as processed foods. “Unhealthy diets may cost less because food policies have focused on the production of inexpensive, high volume commodities, which has lead to a complex network of farming, storage, transportation, processing, manufacturing, and marketing capabilities that favor sales of highly processed foods for maximal industry profit,” Karen Fledscher, writer for Harvard School of Public Health Communications said. However, according to a WebMD article, the US Department of Agriculture makes no claims that organic foods are “safer, healthier, or more nutritious than conventional foods.” In the same article, American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Keecha Harris, PhD, argues that there is a lack of evidence on whether or not foods labeled “organic” are actually better for you than “conventional” foods. Harris noted the importance of buying foods, organic or inorganic, close to home. “They [the foods] may be organic, but the environmental footprint includes lots of petrochemicals used in transportation, whereas if you buy produce from your local farmers market, it may not be organic but it is farm-fresh and less impactful on the environment,” Harris said.

Stacks of organic apples color the produce section at Sendik’s Food Market in Mequon. On the contrary, the Harvard School of Public Health Communications argues that although healthier diet patterns, consisting of fish, fruits, vegetables and nuts, cost significantly more than unhealthy diet patterns, the extra cost outweighs the cost of treating chronic diseases related to eating habits. One fact that all experts agree on is that life-long healthy diets are vital. Regardless of whether one chooses to eat organic, locally grown, or conventional foods, eating a balanced, healthy diet is important to our society’s health overall.

Photo by Katie Bandurski

Photo by Sydney Benson

Signs in Sendiks delineate the price difference between regular and organic tomatoes. Consumers have to make the decision between regular and organic, considering organic carries a higher price tag.

Contrasting foreign and local celebrations by katie starsky

Submitted Photo

Kidd O’Shea prepares for another day of work in the 99.1 studio.

Alumnus makes it big on local airwaves O’Shea hosts morning radio show By Katharine Ryan

With a dream of being on the radio, Kidd O’Shea, Class of ‘98, started by calling up radio DJs at night for experience. By age 15, he had a job at WTKM while still in school. “Homestead was very accommodating,” he said. O’Shea was involved in the co-op program, which allowed him to leave early for work. While at Homestead, O’Shea enjoyed participating in the theatre program. Currently he co-hosts with Elizabeth Kay on 99.1 The Mix in the mornings. Their show was voted one of the top-five best morning radio shows, according to

wisn.com. He also reports on WISN-TV Ch. 12. “Everyday is different,” O’Shea said. He loves “trying to find news ways to come up with original content.” Sara Imbrie, sophomore, said, “I like listening to him; he’s entertaining.” In the future, he hopes to grow with the everchanging business of radio. He also maybe one day sees himself working somewhere besides Milwaukee. O’Shea’s advice for students who wish to get into radio is to get started early, by job shadowing and calling radio stations.

Christmas. Hanukkah. Kwan- kings’ (los tres reyes) on Jan. 6, so we Christians or Muslim. It’s a national za. Across the globe, millions cel- get to go back to school later. This is it’s a holiday that people prepare a ebrate these festive holidays, but a celebration where families all get month before,” according to Ouley how do the foreign exchange stu- together again, have a big meal and Thiane Ngom. For New Year’s Eve, dents here from various countries a typical dessert. Dessert consists of “everybody [old or young] gathcelebrate when in their new towns? a cake with a donut shape and with a ers together downtown in a specific Elena Aloisio, traditionally from king and a vegetable in it. Somebody place [which changes every year] to Italy, explained that “Christmas is serves the cake and the one that gets do the countdown together and watch kind of the same but we get back to the king means good luck for him, but fireworks.” Also the government school after the sixth of January be- the one who gets the vegetable if he/ sponsors a tradition where the first cause we celebrate ‘la befana’ or ‘Epi- she is too old, he/she will have to pay baby born in the new year receives fania.’ That’s a day when kids get for the meal, but if its a kid, he/she will a gift from the government; which presents in a sock if they behaved and have to do something embarrassing in is taken very seriously in Senegal. coal if they didn’t.” Instead of Santa front of everybody in the restaurant.” Whether the student body is across Claus bringing presents, an ugly witch In Senegal, some residents but the globe or in the comfort of their flies on a broom to deliver the gifts. not all celebrate Christmas because home in Mequon, they celebrate holiIn Norway, Christmas is celebrat- the country is primarily Muslim. days with different and unique tradied on Dec. 24. “The most common “For new year, everybody celebrates, tions all throughout each household. tradition in Norway is to eat rice porridge for lunch and hide an almond in the porridge. The person who gets the almond wins a pig made out of marzipan. Instead of putting out milk and cookies for Santa, we put rice porridge in a barn because our Santa lives in a barn and takes care of the animals,” according to Kristin Oeksendal Boerresen. Another Norwegian tradition includes children dressing up as Santa Claus for Halloween and going door to door caroling for candy. Christmas in France is rather similar to the way we celebrate it in Wisconsin, explains Erwan Leon Said Dessailly. The French set up a Christmas tree and Santa places presents under it. However, they eat Foie Gras, a part of the duck, on Christmas Day as they gather with family. The children stay up until midnight on Christmas Eve, waiting for Santa Claus’ arrival and presents. Christmas in Spain is simiPhoto by Katie Starsky lar to the United States as well. Christina Llado Camprubi said, Ouley Thiane Ngom, Cristina Llado Camprubi, Kristin Oeksendal Boerresen and Elena Al“We also have the ‘the three oisio pose outside dressed in their winter gear as they endure the snowy Wisconsin weather.

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Winter Sports Box

Recognizing a legendary coach

Boys Basketball

Head Coach: Kevin McKenna Captains: Jerrod Walton, Luke Mueller and Seth Cooley Next Event: Fri, Jan 24, home v.s. Port Washington

by anna kreynin

Not many high school foot- ties in their players. “Our play- the way, including the WFCA proud to represent our coaches, ball coaches can boast leading ers learn leadership skills and Hall of Fame induction and players and community.” their team to 18 conference techniques that are directly ap- the NOW Coach of the Year Although Coach Keel certitles and four state champion- plicable on and off the field,” award. However, Keel dedi- tainly has the right to flaunt ships. Even fewer can say that Coach Keel explained. “[Coach cates these personal honors to his achievements, he prefers their name lies in the Wiscon- Keel] helped me reach my po- his coaching staff and his play- to stay humble. “He never sin Football Coaches Associa- tential and grow as not only a ers. “[These are] great honors talks himself or his teams up tion (WFCA) Hall of Fame. Mr. Dave Keel, head football coach, is part of that select few. Homestead football hasn’t always been at the top of the heap, however. “My first season in 1989 we lost six straight games to begin the season finishing eighth place [in conference],” Coach Keel recalled. The Highlanders’ claim of the 1991 North Shore Conference title, two years after Coach Keel took the reins, was the victory that began Homestead’s legacy of success. “With 13 straight conference championships and four state titles, there’s no doubt Coach Keel is the best coach in the state,” Bryce Juedes, senior and varsity football player, said. Coach Matthew Wolf, offensive line coach, believes Coach Keel’s “combination of knowledge, dedication and confidence” has played a tremendous role in propelling the football program to Submitted photo: Ken Cavanaugh success. “He understands stuCoach Keel discusses strategy with his varsity football players at their game against Port Washington on dents’ needs and provides conSept. 6. Homestead beat Port Washington 44-21. sistent expectations,” Mr. Wolf said. Juedes added, “Coach Keel demands excellence from player, but also as a person,” for me personally but really too much, even in situations his players. He doesn’t settle Conor Quick, senior and var- are a reflection of the fantastic when other people are talking for mediocrity.” sity football player, attested. coaching staff we have and the the team up,” Quick said. “He Coach Keel demands exAside from conference and special players and families in always remains focused and cellence both on and off the state championships, Coach our community,” Coach Keel recognizes that there is room field, while he and his assistant Keel has racked up some pres- said. “Both awards are truly for improvement. You can’t say coaches instill leadership quali- tigious personal awards along team awards and I am very that about every coach.”

Girls Basketball

Head Coach: Matt Heuser Captains: Olivia Covill and Danielle Neilson Next Event: Fri, Jan 24, away v.s. Port Washington

Boys Hockey

Head Coach: Tony Navarre Captains: Michael Schulz & Ryan Mezera Next Event: Fri, Jan 24, away vs. Greendale

USM Co-op

Head Coach: Jason Wood Captains: Nina Andersen, Jaime Hathaway, Rose Revolinski, Heidi Golembiewski Next Event: Fri, Jan 24, away vs. Holy Angels Academy

Lakeshore Lightning

Head Coach: Scott Matczak Captains: Erin Connolly & Hayley Brown Next Event: Fri Jan 24, home vs. Fox Cities Stars (co-op)

Girls Gymnastics

Head Coach: Mike Giles Captains: Seniors Next Event: Sat, Jan 25, away vs. Arrowhead

Wrestling

Head Coach: Ernie Millard Captains: Nick Price, Zach Price and Zach Lennon Next Event: Fri, Jan 24, home vs. multiple schools

Ski Team

Head Coach: Todd Reineking Captains: Parker Lewis, Alden Laev, Joe Lauenstein and Sarah Barr Next Event: Thur, Jan 30, at Little Switzerland vs. mult. schools

Boys Swim & Dive

Head Coach: Mark Gwidt Captains: Borja Morales & Chris Broghammer Next Event: Thur, Jan 30, home vs. Whitefish Bay

Athletes of the issue help teams shoot for victory By Sydney Roeper

Jaime Hathaway Jerrod Walton Girls Hockey

Jaime Hathaway, senior, started blocking pucks in fourth grade, playing for the Ozaukee Ice Dogs. Eight years later, Hathaway, the starting goalie for the USM Wildcats co-op girls hockey team, is described as “a goalie with tremendous ability and works incredibly hard to continue to get better” by Coach Jason Woods, USM Wildcats co-op hockey coach. Hathaway recalled, “The best part thus far about this season is just seeing the girls come together and grow into a family. Hockey players share a bond with one another that compares to no other sport I’ve ever participated in.” Hathaway’s strength as a captain lies Submitted Photo within her ability to pick the team up after a tough period or game. Coach Woods said, ”Knowing Jamie is back protecting our net allows the other girls to play their games and know if they make a mistake, Jaime will be able to cover them most times!”

.944 Save Percentage 516.38 Minutes Played 0.99 Goal Against Average

Stats as of Jan. 17, 2014

Boys Basketball

Jerrod Walton, senior, uses his vocal leadership to help teamates improve and to compliment them when they do something well, Jack Popp, sophomore teammate, said. Coach Kevin McKenna, boys varsity basketball coach, explained “He is willing to listen and trust his coaches, which is a good model for our younger players in the program.” Walton started playing basketball at the age of seven and eleven years later, he is a leader of the basketball team. Coach McKenna explained, “Jerrod has become a good teammate by sharing the ball and trusting his teammates. He has guarded the opponent’s best player, and held them to under their scoring average.” Popp said one of the biggest impacts that Walton makes on the team is his ability to put points on the board. Coach McKenna added, “Even when his offense is struggling, his defense has been very good this year.”

3-Pointers Made: 7 Total Points: 113 Field Goals Made: 46

Photo by Brittany Emond Stats as of Jan. 17, 2014