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Vol. 32, No. 2
Nov. 28, 2012 Homestead High School, Mequon
under pressure Students feel weight of life’s demands By Nicole Martin and Genna Fish
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80
Percent of teenagers don’t get the 9.25 hours of reccommended sleep -National Sleep Foundation, 2009
2.9million 1 in 10 Number of AP exams taken in 2009 -USA Today, 2010
Students in grades 7 to 12 who have abused Adderall to boost scholarly performance -ABC News, 2010
hroughout the last few years, the MequonThiensville School District (MTSD) has implemented systems to help alleviate stresses affecting students: removing class rank, allowing exemptions and implementing flex-time, but are these changes actually working? As a community, we need to “provide kids the opportunity to learn stress relieving techniques,” Mr. William Woessner, school psychologist, said. Ms. Kate Dunning, assistant principal, agreed, “There are times now where kids don’t get to be kids. They are expected to grow up a lot faster and are dealing with a lot of adult issues.” “In this community, the question is not ‘are you going to college?’ it is ‘to which institution of higher learning are you going?’” Mr. Woessner explained. Agreeing, Mr. Jeff Clark, parent, said, “we all need to understand that the students will have the opportunity to excel without extensive pressure.” In Homestead’s competitive environment, students place a great deal of stress upon themselves due to a desire to succeed. Accordingly, parents add to students’ stress levels. Mr. Woessner said, “we have high expectations on children that not only will you excel at one, but you will excel in multiple areas.” As a result of external pressures, “stress has played a huge part in either creating a problem that becomes a crisis, or taking something that was initially manageable and making it a crisis,” he added. When students don’t know how
to cope, some eventually turn to illegal wrongdoings, such as taking amphetamine drugs without a doctor’s prescription. These drugs are prescribed to kids with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD), namely Adderall or Ritalin. The website, End the Race to Nowhere, stated, “between 1998 to 2005, calls related to adolescent abuse of prescription ADHD medication rose 76 percent.”
“Stress has played a huge part in either creating a problem that becomes a crisis, or taking something that was initially manageable and making it a crisis.” - Mr. Woessner “I take them [unprescribed drugs] before I study for big exams,” an anonymous Homestead student said. These drugs provide instant gratification to those who want to improve their ability to concentrate and to focus, Mr. Dirk Steinert, Medical Director for the district said. “Study drugs” are not difficult to obtain since 2 to 18 percent of schoolaged kids have ADHD, according to Jenna Johnson of the Washington Post. “I am much more excited to take
1.6million 1 in 5 2x Number of teenagers in a year who abused ADHD stimulant drugs -Washington Post, 2006
Adolescents have thought about suicide -National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center
Number of 7-17 year olds who needed treatment for depression doubled betweeen 1995 and 2002
the test if I use the drugs,” the anonymous Homestead student said. This student also admitted to taking Adderall before the ACT and said there are other students at Homestead who use the drug as well. There is no real way to tell if someone is on a “study drug.” These pills are colorless, odorless, and difficult to notice in everyday life; according to Mr. Woessner, however,the possibility of overdosing could potentially put a student at risk of a hospital visit. Additionally, habits such as not getting enough sleep can have detrimental effects on a student’s health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, not getting enough shut-eye can hinder the “ability to learn, listen, concentrate and solve problems” while also leading to potential weight gain or illness. Furthermore, Daniel K. HallFlavin, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, stated “chronic stressful life situations can increase the risk of developing depression if you aren’t coping with the stress well.” Depression can then lead to permanent consequences, such as suicide. In 2007, “suicide was the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24,” according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Researchers, school administrators, faculty and parents alike are worried about the results of so much stress. Mr. Clark said, “I don’t want this to become such a pressure cooker that kids fail socially or fail because they feel overstressed that they can’t turn around and just have reasonable fun without looking for other ways of relief.”
41.5
Percent of students failed an AP test in 2009 -USA Today, 2010
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Photo Illustrations by Katie Bandurski
2
News
Positives abound: Trimesters and school report card
By Blake Leeson
The topic of the new trimester schedule seized the driver’s seat for news in the Mequon-Thiensville School District this past summer. It is back, but this time around settling for shotgun. With the initial talk about the trimester long gone, it is now time to reflect on trimesters as we approach the end of the first “tri.” To garner student feedback, Mr. Brett Bowers, principal, held focus groups that met during lunch in October. The focus groups consisted of 120 students, (30 freshmen from A lunch; 30 sophomores from B lunch; 30 juniors from A lunch; 30 seniors from B lunch) who were invited to share how they thought their year was going with the implications of the new school schedule. Of these 120 students chosen at random, Mr. Bowers said 10 freshmen, 6 sophomores, 6 juniors and 5 seniors chose to attend. According to Mr. Bowers, the discussion was informal, and students shared thoughts regarding the positives and negatives of the new system. One of the positive pieces of feedback was that students were appreciative of flextime. Mr. Bowers said the topic came up over and over again. There was only one student that Mr. Bowers spoke with who said she did not like flextime.
Mr. Bowers explained, “Second to flextime, students said that the trimester system is very different. Students also shared that they like the dynamic in class and how teachers teach the material and then apply it immediately, whether through discussions, class activities or a variety of other methods.” Additionally, students enjoy having four or five classes because they have fewer things to focus on at one time. They also stated that they did not constantly feel as stressed and spread as thin as they did with the eight-period day. Mr. Bowers further explained, “The words that I can use that I think capture this is that students said they could be ‘more in the moment.’ One junior talked to me about how she used to feel in the previous schedule.” Mr. Bowers added, “While she was in one class, she was always thinking about all the other stuff she had to do for all her other classes. She said that now she can focus and concentrate on what she is learning at the present time.” One negative comment Mr. Bowers expected included the timing of A lunch. Other options the school board considered were to have lunch A after fourth hour and lunch B after fifth hour rather than our current system of lunch A after second hour and lunch B after
third hour. The problem with this setup, According to Mr. Bowers, “If you have very hard classes right off the bat, that’s 72 minutes, 72 minutes, 72 minutes and another 72 minutes until a real break, other than passing periods. There is no real time to refuel.” This option seemed very concerning Mr. Bowers said, pertaining to kids who miss breakfast. Mr. Bowers shared that when he asked the students whether or not they would stay with the schedule we have now with lunch after second and third period or change and have lunch after fourth and fifth period, the majority of them agreed saying the other option is just too long a time to go without eating and getting a break. Mr. Bowers shared that these focus groups will continue throughout the year, meeting about every monthand-a-half or so. The same students will not be asked more than twice. The next time the groups meet the students will have experienced final exams. Mr. Bowers will get a chance to ask students about things that were too early to get feedback on from the first focus group. Later in the year, he will also ask students how they feel about their classes meeting first and third tri, compared with attending
classes which meet first and second tri. Mr. Bowers concluded, “Overall the feedback was positive based on the students who attended. I think it has been a good start to the school year. I have received a lot of positive feedback from
School report card released
Photo provided by dpi.wi.gov
In addition to Homestead earning an 83.7 on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s “school report card,” other MequonThiensville schools also scored well: Donges Bay, 87.3; Oriole Lane, 82.1; Lake Shore, 83.8; Steffen, 82.2. Mr. Brett Bowers, principal, said, “The ranking validates the hard work of our students, teachers, support staff and our entire school. While it validates our successes, so, too, does it solidify our collective need for improvement moving forward.”
Freshmen mix it up By Katie Gresham
A
t the first ever freshmen mixer, co-sponsored by the PTSO and Homestead administration, freshmen mingled in the field house on Saturday, Oct. 13. About half of the freshman class and 24 upperclassmen volunteers attended. “Students had the opportunity to play games, dance and socialize with members of their class,” Miss Kate Dunning, assistant principal, said. Mr. Brett Bowers, principal, explained the dance was
Photos provided by Mrs. Cheri Newton
Left: Sarah Kirtley, freshman; Jimmy Oates, freshman; and Elyssa Tracy, junior, enjoy playing tug-of-war at Homestead’s freshman mixer. Right: Matt Heilman, freshman; Max Hart, junior and Michael Foulkes, senior, participate in a limbo competition during the freshman mixer on Saturday, Oct. 13.
his idea and was “part of a larger plan to create more connections among students at Homestead and put upperclassmen in a position to mentor and support freshmen as
WHO: Students in grades 6-8 WHAT: A photojournalism contest WHERE: E-mail your submissions to hhshighlander@ gmail.com or submit to Mrs. Rauch at Homestead WHY: For fun and to see your name in print! HOW: Take a photo to accompany your own fictitious news story. Include the five W’s
they enter our school.” According to Julie Gohkman, senior volunteer, and Jack Popp, freshman attendee, the night was a huge success that both the freshmen and the
(who, what, when, where, and why) and H (how) in your writing. Make up direct quotations from your “sources” just like in the newspaper. Email your photo, headline and typed news story of 100-300 words before Dec. 3. Judging: Highlander Publications students will judge the photos and stories for clarity, style and creativity. Have fun!
Highlander Publications contest deadline Dec. 3 Only one week left to enter photos and stories!
R E M I N D E R S
parents and students who were skeptical at first, who have reached out to tell me through a phone call, email or have even come up to me personally.” Mr. Bowers commended the student body on adapting so well to change.
upperclassmen volunteers enjoyed. Mr. Bowers added that many freshman even claimed they had more fun than they did at Homecoming.
Michelle Gould, senior volunteer, recounted her favorite part of the evening. ”The freshmen were divided into six groups, and after the DJ would play a number of line dance songs, the groups would get together to play ice breaker games.” Thomas DeGuire, freshman attendee, enjoyed the spirit wear the volunteers handed out as prizes. He proudly wears his “Whoop, whoop, whoop” shirt through the Homestead hallways. Mr. Bowers concluded, “We will definitely continue the dance next year. Students seemed to have fun. And, it was a great way to bring freshmen and older students together.”
R Senior athletic ads available for winter Booster Club magazine E The Homestead Booster Club include a professional sports phoM and Highlander Publications to (or one high resolution photo I have partnered to produce fall, of your choice) with a personal winter and spring sports maga- message. If you choose to submit a photo of your choice it should N zines. These color booklets feature be no larger than 3x5 inches. D team photos, schedules and ads. If you would like to purchase a One type of ad is a Senior Ad in Senior Ad, please contact Rachel E which parents can recognize, con- Rauch at rrauch@mtsd.k12.wi.us gratulate or encourage their child or Jennifer Zoeller at jzoeller@ R in their final season as a high wi.rr.com. The cost is $50 in cash school athlete. or check to Homestead Booster The half-page Senior Ad will Club. S
3
Student opinion
Our View
Students grow weary under endless stress Seven hours at school, two hours at cross country practice, one hour of AP Calculus homework, two hours of reading for AP Literature, an hour to fill out college applications and six hours of sleep, then back to school to do it all over again: the life of many Homestead students. After strenuous hours of work, there is no time for relaxation or fun. Students are lucky if they get an hour to watch television or spend time with friends and family. We, the Highlander staff, believe the pressures to excel in school, sports and college are higher than ever, and students are reacting in detrimental ways. Mequon is a very competitive community. Students feel pressure to get into the best college, to be the best student and to be the best athlete. Such an environment causes children to be very hard on themselves early on, worsening with age. If students are not putting this pressure on themselves, their parents often contribute. The prospect of getting into a top-ranked college is in students’ and parents’ minds alike, often as early as pre-school. Students feel the need to take the most challenging courses and always get the best grades with college looming in the background. This mindset carries over into high school, where students load on the AP classes and spread their time too thin. Each AP class includes at least an hour of homework and studying a night. And if students participate in a job, sport or a co-curricular activity, they are doing homework well into the late hours of the night and early morning, cutting
away at necessary sleep time. This amount of stress and lack of sleep certainly takes a physical and mental toll on students. According to healthysleep.med.harvard.edu, “In the short term, a lack of adequate sleep can affect judgment, mood, ability to learn and retain information and may increase the risk of serious accidents and injury.” Also, according to the site, in the long term, lack of sleep may lead to an abundance of health problems such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even early mortality. This stress also leads to students spending less time with their friends and family. Students do not get to experience childhood, and they already feel the pressures and stresses of an adult that only increase after high school. Although stress will never completely disappear, there are ways to relieve stress. For students, exercise is a quick and easy way to alleviate stress and get students’ minds off of school, even if it is just for a few minutes. More importantly, students can sleep. Often times, the loss of sleep will be more detrimental than not reading Act III of King Lear. Sleep makes students feel rejuvenated and clears their minds. Parents can help their children with stress by just being there for them. Parents can keep students motivated without applying additional pressure. In conclusion, students, parents and teachers need to collaborate in order to help students achieve a healthy balance.
Photo-Video Poll: Students pay it forward to charities Highlander Publications wanted to pay it forward for the holiday season by asking four students, if they were given $100, what organization would they donate it to and why?
Scan the QR code or go to goo.gl/XjPSn to watch a video of students paying it forward to the organizations of their choice.
Information compiled by Brooke Bayer
The Mequon Nature Preserve helps restore land to its pre-settlement conditions and create an educational environment to teach about the natural habitat of the land. With the $100 donation, the nature preserve will restore and conserve the land by adding trees, plants and educational facilities.
The Logemann Community Center is a place for teenagers to spend time during the summer, either participating or volunteering. Logemann offers programs for both adults and children. Logemann will use the $100 donation to help in the renovation of the main hall, updating the orignial floor.
Right: Sam Horn, freshman, and Ms. Kay Amland, Director of Development
Left: Preston Podolske, junior, and Ms. Joni, Monfre, Director of Logemann
Starting Point of Ozaukee works to inform students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, also known as Homestead’s LEAD Club. With the $100 donation, the organization will buy materials for the drug -free students to do activities while promoting a drugfree lifestyle.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ozaukee County is an independent mentoring organization, helping children find someone to become a part of their lives. The $100 donation will be used to recruit and screen one Big Brother or Sister for a child. Right: Erika Johnson, sophomore, and Ms. Heather Matthews, Director of Match Support
Left: Qurrat-Ul-Ain Hnaffar, senior, and Ms. Carey Gremminger, Director of Starting Point of Ozaukee
The Staff Adviser
Homestead High School 5000 W. Mequon Road Mequon, Wisconsin 53092
Editor-in-Chief News and Activities Editor Student Opinion Editor Feature Editor
Mrs. Rachel Rauch Ellen Erpenbeck Lauren Olson Katie Bandurski Katie Gresham
Copyeditor
Lucy Smith
Sports Editor
Kelly Burke
Layout and Design Editor
Winner of the 2012 First Award in Overall Exellence from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and 2012 KEMPA First Place Newspaper Award
Samantha Hansen, Ilana Katz, Kim Kassander, Maddy Wagner
Public Relations
Brooke Bayer, Gillian Dyer, Blake Leeson, Mike McCann, Ann Marie Metzendorf
Reporters and Photographers
Kelly Allen, Bella Barbiere, Sydney Benson, Hanna Braaten, Janae Brown, Madelyn Busse, Mollie Cook, Kate Daniels, Richard Elchert, Brittany Emond, Genna Fish, Chloe Herzog, Caleigh Koss, Haley Laird, Sophia Lococo, Nicole Martin, Jack Miller, Cole Murphy, Ashley Noll, Melanie Poindexter, Katie Starsky
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.
4
Student Opinion
Players go with the f l o w Thomas Fazio, senior, and Adam Hobbs, sophomore, show off their hockey hair flow in preparation for the new season. By Brittany Emond
I love the hockey team, but not nearly as much as they love their own hair. With hockey season just around the corner, I am mentally preparing to see some major “flow” in the commons and hallways for the next couple of months. Ryan Mezera, junior hockey player, defines flow as, “The hairstyle of a true player. If a person seems to have nice flow and they play hockey, it is not ‘narsty’ flow until they rise to the top of their ability.” So it’s more than just hair-deep, and you actually have to be good at hockey to
have a “narsty” one. How complex. With these “narsty flows” comes miles and miles of awestruck freshmen girls. Don’t be fooled--it’s just hair. Though myself as well as others may see the hockey team as slightly cocky, they call it confidence. In fact, two hockey players identified the primary characteristic of a hockey player as confidence. In some respects, I have to give it to them: they skate on blades only oneeighth of an inch thick with giant heavy gear and a stick in their hand trying to get a biscuit-sized black puck into a goal guarded by an overly-padded player doing everything in his power
to stop them. So yes, I know hockey is hard, but the school doesn’t revolve around you and your precious hair. I’d also like to mention their fragrant odor. “I like it. We play hard and it shows...just maybe not in the most appealing way,” Jake Levin, sophomore hockey player, said. Frankly, nothing is appealing about a room full of sweat-filled pads and musty socks. I must say they do clean up well though, because the next day their flows are in pristine and flawless condition. Speaking of flawless flows, Will Tucker, class of ‘12, won the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and its sponsor Gongshow Gear’s
Photo by Mollie Cook
“Flow of the Month” last December. In this contest, fans and players are encouraged to post pictures via Twitter of the best hockey flow. So how exactly did Tucker win? A record fan submission on Twitter attached to #Flowcember. I guess Homestead has some prestigious flows, and we may be able to pull out a winner this “Flowcember” once again. Being good at a sport and looking good while doing it are two completely different things, but the hockey team seems to have the best handle on how to catch the crowd’s eye with just a pop of that shaggy mane under those hefty helmets.
Black Friday shopping: There’s an app for that By Ann Marie Metzendorf
Who doesn’t love getting trampled in malls, especially by toy-obsessed mothers fighting each other for the last ‘Furby’? Or how about standing in line for three hours in between a whining six year old and a cell phone addict blasting Carly Rae Jepsen? I don’t know about other shoppers, but I don’t like buying my clothing where I buy my tires. While shopping at Walmart at 3 a.m is usually considered a little sketchy for some, it is seen as the norm one day of the year. Black Friday, the ultimate test of patience, epitomizes how materialistic American society is. You don’t see Germany or India dedicating a whole day to shop at chain stores with cheap products. This is just an American tradition and proves how obsessed we are with “finding the best deals.” “Even though there can be great discounts, you have to risk getting trampled to get them. People have even been pepper sprayed while trying to save a few dollars on some merchandise,” Kelly Siverhus, junior, exGift List: For 99 cents, this app tracks what you’ve purchased along with a list of what you need to buy. It also informs you of how much you have spent total.
plained. Do you really want 30 percent off that Keurig Coffee Brewer so bad you are willing to be attacked by a group of suburban fathers who absolutely need that pandora bracelet with the mismatching charms for their wives? “I personally tend to avoid Black Friday shopping. For starters, I definitely won’t stay up all night to shop! And, the competition for a limited supply of on-sale items can be brutal!” Chelsey Knuth, junior, exclaimed. Honestly, I cannot see any point to early morning Black Friday shopping. You’re freezing, you’re tired, and all you want is to go home and wrap yourself up in blankets and watch A Christmas Story for 24 straight hours. Let’s be real for a minute. The deals aren’t even that fantastic. According to a Consumer Reports study, more than 25 percent of quality TVs and cameras “were at least 5 percent cheaper between Cyber Monday and Dec. 13 than they were earlier.” You are not really gaining anything from standing in line for three hours at 3 a.m. Maybe it’s time for American shoppers to ask themselves this question: “Is that plasma television is really worth it?”
Dedice Shopping and Price Predictor: Including
information, reviews, links, and retailers, this app helps you determine whetther you should buy a device now or wait until the price drops.
Passbook:
Stay organized by storing tickets, receipts and cards on your phone.
Pinterest: Create
a ‘Wish List’ board and post clothes or other accessories to help your family or friends find your perfect present, or pin gift ideas.
Giftmeister: Plug
in specifics such as age, gender and lifestyle and let the app find the best possible gift for yourself or others. Information compiled by Maddy Wagner
5
Student Opinion
Senior moments: Cheers, upgrades and pranks By Genna Fish
Usually when one hears of crazed fans arriving hours early for an event, it consists of pre-teens and a Justin Bieber concert. Think they’re crazy? Well, welcome to the life of a die-hard, front-row-or-gohome student section senior. Let’s take a look at some senior behaviors we all know and love. Homestead students by day, intense football-worshiping fans by night (or should I say, late afternoon,) nothing outshines their dedication. By the time the bell rings at promptly 2:37 p.m. Friday afternoon, students cross the threshold of friendly classmates to competitive spot holders. Risking almost anything, seniors strive to be the first ones at the field. Get there at 5 p.m. for a game that starts at 7 p.m. and your chances for front row are good. Fashionably late? Forget it. You might as well go bowling with your parents. “It is the most important thing on my agenda for every Friday,” Jake Mueller, senior, declared. Loyalty, my friends, it speaks for itself. No longer is the face painted, shirtless, obnoxious fan considered number one, but rather just a try-hard. The real fans are located in the front row. End of story. If you thought students guarding their spots like a lion guarding its cubs was the end of it, think again. Photo by Mollie Cook It’s just as bogus in the cafeteria as it is in the bleachers. I love chairs. Almost as much as I love circular The front-row seniors cheer on the Highlander football team at the state final game against Waunakee on Friday, Nov. 16 at Camp tables. But putting the two together? Talk about a nec- Randall Stadium in Madison. The Highlanders won 14-0, bringing home their fourth state football championship. essary upgrade. The U.B.U. Lounge-- the only place where a blue forget the hot tub. Changing the classic State Farm experience that enters Homestead all year long.) plastic chair is more desirable than the lunch your jingle from “can I get a hot tub” to “can I get a plastic A good prank can become legendary. I know I’d mother packed you-- is a force to be reckoned with. chair” doesn’t seem like a bad idea. much rather witness frantic pigs roaming the halls or The arms race to scrounge out as many chairs for your Though a senior’s responsibility is to be as carefree random horses wandering the courtyard than seniors table is a day-to-day battle in the cruel life of a Home- as ultimately possible, at the end of the year, things aimlessly marching around with light sabers. Mad stead student. crank up a notch. It’s a shenanigan’s favorite: senior props to the kids who have connections to that stuff. So for all those commercial aficionados out there, pranks (the most mind-boggling, out-of-this-world Clearly there is more to being a senior than senioritis.
#Thatawkwardmomentwhen students obsess over Twitter Tweet that! Add that picture to Facebook! Post that to Myspace? No. No one speaks of Myspace anymore. But 10 years ago, Myspace was the center of the universe. Today, 12 year olds will tell you that’s only where pedophiles search for victims. While two years ago, Facebook was all anyone ever did; now, the only place you’ll find pictures post-2010 is on Instagram. Remember Formspring? Exactly. So what does the Mequon population do with their lives in 2012? Twitter. #duh. In fact, the use of Twitter has become so obsessive among Homestead students they feel the need to butcher every hashtag ever created. Suddenly, getting a free 49-cent cone from McDonald’s is considered “#winning.” A sophomore girl attaches a photo of her sheetof-paper-driver’s license with “#swag.” Well, half
of Homestead has upgraded to an actual card for their driver’s license, does that make them “#winning” too? #no. The only excuse you have to tweet “#swag” is if you are currently following Highlander Publication’s Twitter account, @Homestead411. #LOL.
“
Well, half of Homestead has upgraded to an actual card for their driver’s license, does that make them “#winning” too?
An anonymous Tweeter tweeted, “I always want to tweet song lyrics but then again I don’t want to be that person who always tweets song lyrics.” Well, you just tweeted about song lyrics without
By Sophia Lococo
It’s no joke:
Highlander bowl gone today and here tomorrow
“
By Sydney Benson
Yes, I would love a side of lettuce with my lettuce, said no one ever. On the first day of school, standing in the sub line, I expected the traditional greasy-tothe touch Lays Ruffle chips, but to my dismay, I found a crisp, forest green piece of lettuce, one lonesome, calorie-less Iceburg leaf. Unless that boring single piece of lettuce is laced with the sodium-induced goodness Lays has to offer, I’m not touching that thing. In agreement, Adam Bodner, senior, commented, “I love how they
technically tweeting song lyrics. Well done! You really made your point. #Wait...it’s a Thursday. And you’ve only tweeted about #thatawkwardmomentwhen the bubblegum bubble you blew popped all over your face during third period. Not cool. Solution? Just tweet a picture of yourself at Disney World with your little cousins in 2005 and congrats! You are now a participant in #throwbackthursday. Don’t forget: If someone is wearing black leggings with the same color Uggs as you, you are #twinning. But wait, the other person’s “H” on her shirt is a little bigger than the one on yours...#fraternaltwinning? Riding that yellow bus to school instead of sitting in the passenger seat of your mom’s $40,000 Range Rover down Mequon Road gives freshmen an excuse to tweet “#YOLO.” Really? Goodbye, tweedos, tweedettes, tweetybirds. #itsbeenreal. Keep on #YOLOing on that school bus and #winning those 49-cent cones. #kbye.
call it a salad when it’s just lettuce. That’s like calling a bowl of cheese, fondue.” I walk just due north of the sub line to find myself even more ashamed to call myself a Highlander. The beloved ‘Highlander Bowl’ is MIA.... Come to think of it, maybe this is why enrollment is down: Lays Potato Chips and the Highlander Bowl are missing. Mr. Jason Janotta, cafeteria employee, said that after so many complaints Homestead finally brought the heap of comfort food back, just under a different category. Now instead of it being a part of a “meal deal,” it’s an a-la-carte option. Touché, Homestead. Jordan Craig gushed, “I thought it was Christmas
morning when I came into the cafeteria and the Highlander Bowl was back! The best present a 17 year old could have!” Bobbing and weaving my way through the tearful students, I resort to something I always know I like... chocolate chip cookies. News to me, the cookies are now bite size. What is this, a Tapas Bar? I suppose they assume we won’t eat as much seeing as it’s basically breakfast time. Starting in August 2012, Michelle Obama’s new “healthy lunch plan” came into action putting a limit on the calorie intake of students, leaving us with an “Where’s Asthon Kutcher? I must be on Punked!” feeling. It’s no joke Homestead, it’s no joke.
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Feature
Navarre’s future shines bright By Hanna Braaten
According to the National Cancer Institute, vic- sages, athletic teams support and hospital visits were tims of leukemia produce abnormal white blood cells extremely helpful in aiding Mr. Navarre’s recovery. from their bone marrow. These abnormal white blood Mr. Navarre has been very busy, now that cells gradually remove red blood cells, white blood he can function normally again. He said, “I cells and platelets from one’s healthy blood. This re- went from not being able to see anybody or do sults in the blood cancer known today as leukemia. anything to coaching soccer, working full time Mr. Anthony Navarre, special education teacher, was and being able to see my family and friends. I diagnosed with leukemia on March 16, 2011. How- feel busy but so much better than before.” ever, with perseverance, Mr. Navarre Mr. Navarre has a new appreciawas able to return to teaching tion for life after battling leukemia. at Homestead this school year. “The number one thing is to look Frightened upon hearing on the bright side,” Mr. Navarre rehis diagnosis with leukemia, marked. “As bad of a day you are Mr. Navarre said the first thing having, hopefully there is always that went through his mind was another day; try and stay positive.” “shock -- I was really scared.” Since receiving a bone marrow transAs the leukemia worsened, plant on Dec. 3, 2011, Mr. Navarre has Mr. Navarre’s functionalcontinually gone back to the hospital ity decreased. He explained, for tests. His post-transplant, one“My brain would say that I year appointment is coming up this could do something, and then December. According to Mr. NaPhoto provided by Mr. Anthony Navarre my body wouldn’t respond to Mr. Navarre and his daughter, varre, a person’s survival rate increases what I wanted to do, whether Adeline, take a trip to the pumpkin once they hit this point in treatment. patch. it be to stand or to breathe.” A bright future full of many more Furthermore, Mr. Navarre dissoccer games, heightened school spirit closed that the staff and students at Homestead were and increased family bonding lies ahead for Mr. Naamazing in showing their support. Mr. Navarre ex- varre. “I’m looking forward to spending time as a claimed, “I do not think I would have made it through if family outside of the hospital, for Mr. Navarre to it weren’t for the staff and students -- the entire Home- get back to coaching and teaching full-time and to stead community.” Specifically, fundraisers, mes- simply enjoy all that life has to offer,” Mrs. Molly
47,150
estimated number of men and women who will be diagnosed with leukemia in 2012
Navarre, wife of Mr. Navarre and special education teacher at Homestead, mentioned. “We’ve learned that you never know what life is going to bring, and it’s important to make the most of every moment.”
Photos provided by Mr. Anthony Navarre
Above: Mr. Navarre, his daughter and wife, Mrs. Molly Navarre, show off their Packer spirit. Below: Mr. Navarre and his daughter, Adeline, dress up in Halloween costumes.
232,000
number of people in the U.S currently living with leukemia - The Survivors Club
-NCI’S SEER Cancer Statistics Review
31%
more males are living with leukemia than females
-Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Photos provided by Britannica Image Quest Photo illustrations by Lauren Olson
Homestead teachers: A barrel of laughs By Sydney Benson
“Andrew Johnson’s reconstruction was about as popular as a fart in church,” Mr. Joseph Ciurlik, American government and history teacher, joked to his American Studies students. The sophomores giggled at his use of humor to propose the point that Andrew Johnson’s reconstruction was less than popular among the United States. In fact, students tend to enjoy teachers who tackle lessons with a sense of humor. Borja Morales, junior, said the humor of Mr. Jared Daigle, AP Language teacher, “sets him apart from other teachers. His fun attitude in class makes students want to participate more and also just makes the class more interesting.” Agreeing with Morales, Annie Jorgensen, junior, mentioned, “The fact that Mr. Daigle is funny makes it much easier to sit in class for 73 minutes.” So what exactly is the secret behind Homestead’s teachers and their ability to use humor to make their classes more interesting? It turns out that each teacher has
his or her own personal take on how to appropriately use humor. Mr. Steven O’Brien, social studies teacher, takes a more “improv” approach to his use of humor in class, whereas Mr. Ciurlik admits to pulling out a joke book every once in awhile. “It’s not a very good joke book,” Mr. Ciurlik noted, “but I think that there are appropriate times to laugh.”
Although it seems very important to teachers to get a chuckle out of students every once in awhile, their main goal is to educate and connect with students. For example, Mr. O’Brien argued that a funny story can help students remember some of the material better. On the other hand, Mr. Daigle reasons that his use of humor varies from class to class in order to
Teachers’ favorite jokes
“A guy walked into a bar. It hurt.” -Mr. Daigle “Why does a golfer always wear two pairs of pants? In case he gets a hole in one.” -Mr. O’Brien “The likelihood of that happening is slim to none, and slim’s left town.” -Mr. Ciurlik Photo illustration by Lauren Olson and Lucy Smith
appropriately identify with students. “I often try to use humor, but there are also classes where I deliberately make choices to tone some of that down,” he elaborated. Agreeing with Mr. Daigle, Mr. Ciurlik pointed out that not every classroom operates the same way. “Effective teachers have the pulse of their class,” he conveyed. Although the use of humor may be considered popular among students and teachers, this does not necessarily mean that all teachers should incorporate humor into their lessons if it does not fit with their personalities. “I think kids connect better with people they know are being authentic, genuine and real with them,” Mr. Daigle divulged. “They see right through it if you’re not.” Mr. Ciurlik indicated that many teachers have great qualities other than humor. “Teaching is an art,” he explained. “You draw the things that accentuate what make you good.” Without a doubt, this painting of humor adds a splash of color to Homestead’s gallery of teachers.
Feature
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P r i n c i p a l re ve a l s h i s i n n e r s w a g
by
Nicole Martin
At a young age, Mr. Brett Bowers, Homestead principal, wanted to be a lawyer. Then, “I thought I was going to be a finance major, but pretty soon after that I went to Madison and changed by major to English Education,” he said. Attending Kaukauna High School in Appleton, Mr. Bowers looked up to his mother and his English teacher as role models. “I have a lot of [my mom’s] qualities. She is loud and outspoken and talks a lot,” Mr. Bowers said. Zachary Mayer, sophomore, agreed with Mr. Bowers, “He has a lot of school spirit and likes to have a fun high school and [have a] good [school] academically.” Because he looked up to his mother, he believes his mother gave him the best advice he has ever received when she told him, “Remember what is really important.” Similarly to his mom, his favorite English teacher was a strong figure in Mr. Bow-
ers’s life. Mr. Bowers commented, “He was probably, as far as a teacher is concerned, the most influential person I have ever encountered outside of my family.” Not unlike his English teacher, Mr. Bowers has had a positive influence on students at Homestead, such as Mayer. “I find [Mr. Bowers] to be a nice guy who is trying to run a very good school.” “I like the idea of helping a whole school,” Mr. Bowers said. Agreeing with Mr. Bowers, Megan Churchill stated, “[Mr. Bowers] is younger so he understands [the students].” “[Connecting with students] is something that I am always trying to work on,” Mr. Bowers said. In a blast from the past, Mr. Bowers admitted, “My kindergarten girlfriend’s name was Gina. We used to kiss each other goodbye on the bus.” He also recalled his worst rejection, “A girl who I asked to Homecoming sophomore year was not expecting me to ask her, and she burst out laughing. It was devastating.” Chuckling, Mr. Bowers recalled some of his fondest nicknames, including Rusty, by his high school friends, Señor BoBo, by Spanish teachers while at Nicolet, Bowies or Lil’ Bow Wow by senior students as a teacher. Remembering his own years as a high school student, Mr. Bowers wants all students to learn to
Photo provided by Mr. Brett Bowers
Mr. Brett Bowers receives Kaukauna High School diploma at his graduaton in 1992.
“Trust [him or herself] enough to be who you are” and not to pretend to be someone they are not, because that is a hard life. There is so much more to our teachers and administration than meets the eye, and “Señor BoBo” has so much more depth than what we see on a daily basis at school. “I try not to take myself too seriously,” he said.
“Swag-formation” First Girlfriend: Gina in kindergarten Favorite HHS food: Soft pretzel with cheese
Favorite Movie: The Godfather First Car: 1986 Buick Century Hidden Talent: Sang duet at high school graduation
Photo illustration by Nicole Martin
Shuffle the deck: Looking beyond faces
By Lana Katz
The Highlander Publications staff made a deck of cards containing the names of the entire student body. For this issue, we shuffled it and selected Leah Shiman, sophomore, to feature. Leah Schiman, sophomore, roams the halls of Homestead High School with an upbeat attitude and a smile on her face. From participating in the drama club, to skiing and dancing, Schiman participates in a surfeit activities in and outside of school.
The school plays thus far represent Schiman’s biggest accomplishment. “I love being a part of the plays. We put a ton of work into them, and they always turn into something amazing,” Schiman said, recalling the most recent play, A Midsummer’s Night Dream. Growing up with two older sisters has always been great fun for Schiman. “I have a 19-year-old sister, Sara, and a 17-year-old sister, Amy,” Schiman said. “I especially love traveling with my family. We always have a good time,” she continued, remembering her trip to her favorite vacation spot, San Diego. Reminiscing about her most embarrasseck ing moment Schiman stated, “In 7th grade, the D e fl f u I slipped down the stairs and dropped all of h S my books. A ton of people saw, including my crush.” Schiman hopes one day to take a road trip to California with her best friend Alexis Thompson. “We have always wanted to explore California, and there is no better way to do it than with your best friend,” Schiman said. Whether watching her favorite team, the Green Bay Packers, or eating her favorite sweets, Schiman will always be seen happily walking the halls of Homestead High School, preparing for her future.
Photo provided by Leah Schiman
Six Fun Facts:
1. Celebrity Crush: Paul Wesley 2.. Favorite Food: Italian 3. Favorite Animal: monkey 4. Word Describing You: spontaneous 5. Favorite Color: blue 6. Favorite TV Show: Dr. Who e e th
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Highlander Publications Homestead411
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Blowing the whistle on Time-out: over-involved parents by
Sophia Lococo
A Nicolet parent was recently arrested for threatening the school’s basketball coaches and administrators after his son was cut from the basketball team, a Nov. 14, 2012, Fox 6 Now article stated. Statistics show, in fact, that youth sports have intensified to an alarming degree. In the New York Times article, “Have Youth Sports Become Too Intense?”, the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association polled young players about parental and spectator behavior at their games. Additionally, in December of 2009, Steven Wilson (52), was arrested and charged with fifth-degree domestic assault after he grabbed his 8th grade son and punched him in the face after a basketball loss. More than a third admitted they’ve been screamed at and teased from the stands, and 74 percent said they’ve witnessed out-of-control behavior from adults at these games. This could possibly be one of the reasons why 70 percent drop out before they turn 13 years old. Coach Kevin McKenna, boy’s basketball coach, said, Photo by Brooke Bayer “Parents have these grand visions what they would like for their athlete and overestimate their abilities.” Student athletes feel the strain and pressure of high Training and practice not only occur during the season expectations as both parents and spectators push but also have grown on the off-season, making it a strain players from the sidelines. on their bodies and minds, year round. According to the
American Academy of Pediatrics, half of all sports injuries in youngsters are simply from over-use. Fueling parents to the breaking point, cost is a definite motive. Youth sports have become a major investment out of the piggy bank and just like any other activity, sports requires time, money and energy. Mr. Mark Hyman, the author of “The Most Expensive Game in Town,” said, “The greater the financial investment, the greater the emotional investment.” This proved to be true in Dr. Stephen Cito case. According to the “8 Psychotic Overreactions by Adults at Youth Sporting Events” article, Mrs. Diana Cook reported that Dr. Cito, a practicing dentist, became so wrapped up in the game that he weaponized his son’s football helmet before they played their biggest competition. After five players were rushed off to the hospital due to lacerations, the ref’s took noticed of the sharpened face guard the dentist installed on the helmet- slashing any player who got near. Needless to say, Dr. Cito was charged with conspiring to commit aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. All in all, there’s a fine line parents need to watch concerning their children and sports. Is it really just for the fun of the game anymore?
Q&A Co-curricular code of conduct examined by
Katie Bandurski
Website photo of Mr. Mangan
Q: What additions were made to the Homestead co-curricular code of conduct this year? A: This year, the code was made more specific, and we clarified rules that were already in place. Academic changes were made to go along with the new trimester system, and the section regarding consequences was split into three main parts: drug/alcohol/tobacco violations, academic violations and legal violations. Q: From an administrator’s standpoint, why did you feel these changes were necessary?
A: The last revision was in 1998, and many of the changes made sense, such as separating different consequences into different sections because it gives certain actions different levels of severity instead of having them all grouped together, this way it is much more specific. Q: Could you clarify any misinterpretations regarding the code? A: For students, it’s important to read what they’re signing, because once you read the code it becomes quite clear. Additionally, being a part of a sport or an activity is a privilege, and students must meet certain
expectations to partake in these activities. The set guidelines are basic expectations that have the student’s best interests at heart. Q: What course of action do you advise for a student involved in a compromising situation? A: If you’re in a situation where others are breaking the code, leave the situation and encourage others to do so as well. This code of conduct is not there just to set rules applicable only to co-curricular activities; it doubles as basic life advice.
Athletes of the Issue exemplify leadership and positive attitudes by
Mike McCann
Helen Lewis
“His positive influence on the boys and his unconditional team spirit are what make him such a good leader,” Coach Mark Gwidt said about Homestead swimmer Sam Silver, senior. It isn’t very often that a second-year varsity athlete rises to such a position, but that is exactly what happened in Silver’s case. His teammates agreed that his perfect medium of dedication and work ethic paired with his light-hearted fun and humor make Silver an ideal leader. “He knows exactly when to have fun and when it’s time to focus,” fellow swimmer John Fast Facts: Happ, sophomore, said. “He really motivates Hobbies: Sailing us in the locker room by getting loud and riled Food: Oysters up; he can always get us going before a meet.” Color: Silver Swimming for Homestead since his freshCelebrity Crush: Lana del man year, Silver began his career on JV and Ray continued to get faster through his determination in the pool and extended club swimming. By his junior year, he reached the varsity level, according to Borja Morales, junior and teammate. “Sam’s prevailing dominance in the pool is much due to his never-ending perseverance and desire to bring this whole team victory,” Morales explained. Always a team player, Silver uses his proficient ability in freestyle swimming to help win titles in relay events. He helped Homestead achieve fourth place in the 2012 Sectionals 200-free relay. Coach Gwidt noted Silver is a great swimmer, leader and sportsman, but most importantly, “he can always put a smile on your face.”
Sam Silver
Almost every team has that one athlete who stands out, who sets the bar for the rest of her teammates and who motivates her team to do its best. For the Homestead Ski Team, that athlete is senior Helen Lewis. “Last year as a junior, Helen displayed a quiet leadership you hope for in your seniors. She leads by example and her fortitude sets her apart from other athletes,” Mr. Todd Reineking, ski coach, said. Not only commended for her skills on the slopes, Lewis’s coaches and teammates praise her “drive and toughness,” which her whole Fast Facts: team absorbs, according to Mr. Reineking. Hobbies: Hiking, Kayaking, While offering impressive talents as an indiRunning vidual, Helen’s teammates truly value her due Food: Mangos to her kindness, humility and ability to motivate Color: Blue her whole team. “Helen is surprisingly humble Celebrity Crush: Adam and always happy to lend a hand to her teamSandler mates,” fellow skier Cole Strauss, junior, said. “Helen is really a team player. She motivates all of us and does a great job of helping the new skiers,” Joe Allen, ski team member and senior, said. “She truly is a selfless athlete.” Mr. Reineking is confident Lewis will keep up her great work ethic and leadership skills this season, and also intends to see her go far as an athlete. “Helen is the type of athlete that makes the entire team better. I look forward to watching her leadership expand in her senior year,” he stated. “She will be one of Homestead’s top competitors in leading the varsity girls ski team back to the state competition.”