Nov 2014 Eagle's Eye News

Thoughts About Fighting at Ruskin

......................Pg.10

Homecoming .......... pg. 8

Vol. V Issue 1 Nov. 2014 [A student publication of Ruskin High School]

[Kansas City, MO]

In search of

HARMONY Chaos Runs the Halls of RHS

Anthony Glover

T

managing editor

his school year, there have been an enormous amount of fights according to the data that Ruskin’s Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (P.B.I.S.) provides to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Edu-

cation. P.B.I.S. is the school’s proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture of the school for students to achieve social, emotional and academic success.

According to this data, last year in the first quarter, there were 13 fights. In the first quarter this year, there have been 30 fights all together. That’s more than double the fights from last year first quarter.

“There has been a great increase,” P.B.I.S. member senior Robert Smith said. “I don’t know if it’s the new class of sophomores we got or whether

the juniors have lost their minds; or the seniors are not leading well enough.” Statistics comparing last year’s fight total for first quarter to this year, first quarter.

Administration is trying to pinpoint the issues mature for our age,” Williams of all the altercations. said, “because we consider “We have not really iden- ourselves to be high schoolers, tified the issues at this point but but we’re acting like we’re in we are currently reviewing the middle school and elementary. data,” assistant principal John Also, it doesn’t give our school Miller said. a better name, ‘cause Ruskin Students are getting fed up already has a bad reputation. with all the fighting at school. So the fights just add on to the Some even say it’s foolish- bad reputation.” ness. Senior Shardae Williams Smith also agrees. agrees.

“It’s ridiculous, it’s child“All the fights are very imSee “In Search,” cont. on page 11

After School Tutoring Takes Off at RHS

By Jasmine Shelton Staff Reporter

Ruskin High School students now have a way to gain extra help in a smaller classroom setting thanks to afterschool tutoring. Mary Ann Sawyer, the teacher in charge of the homework center, and quite a few other teachers have started this year’s after school tutoring program. Tutoring

takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 3:40 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. with the option of riding the bus home. There is also Saturday School from 9:00 a.m. to noon for those who are seeking a little extra help. Many students are taking advantage of the opportunity to take benchmarks and seek help from their teachers as well as others.

“I come to tutoring for

American history and biology,” junior Rhochard Lewis said. “Tutoring helps me get all my work done before I get home.”

Students regardless of grade and age come to tutoring looking for assistance with all classes.

Varsity football players Rhochard Lawrence and Sterling Swopes stay for tutoring. Photo by Jasmine Shelton.

See “Tutoring,” cont. on page 2

[ INSIDE THIS ISSUE... ] Students go to Court....... pg. 2

23 New teachers.... pg.4-5

Fighting opinions...... pg.6-7

Awards in Hip-Hop.....

Pg. 10

R.I.P. Joan Rivers ..Pg. 11

Ruskin Talent ........Pg. 12

Senior Night ......Pg. 14

Fall Sports Recap .......Pg.16

[NEWS]

[PAGE 2]

KIDS New Youth Court Aims To Improve Scholars’ Behavior

By Alesia Davis

Y

Staff Reporter

outh Court (aka Restorative Justice model) in Hickman Mills District is now up and running. It will provide a connection between the juvenile courts and the school system. Youth Court will be offering alternative strategies for students who are having problems correcting their own behavior. The program will be addressing issues with self-esteem problems and will also give students a chance to revisit their conduct, think about what they’re doing and choose another direction to follow. Community service, a verbal or written apology and/or an essay reflecting on their behavior are a few repercussions that could be given.

Reasons for students being referred to the Kansas City Youth Court could vary but may include problems with drugs, truancy, fighting and verbal/physical abuse. Ruskin’s Assistant Principal John Miller said the Court will be utilized in

go to

COURT

addition to school consequences in places, such as in-school or out-of-school suspensions.

“Youth Court is for students who are 10 to 16 years old,” assistant principal John Miller said. “It is a youth court, so it’s run entirely by youth.

So if you’re a student of that age range you’ll be referred to youth court. If you fight you’re going to be out for three to five days,” The major objective for this program is to reduce delinquent behavior before students end up getting caught in the adult judicial system. Judges and attorneys are trained to work with adults through this process. It is believed that this program will have a greater impact than what the school and district administrators are doing because the program is connected with the court system. Students will be put into a position where if they violate their community service and/or any other consequence then the Youth Court will take them to the next level in the court system, which will then be out of the school and district administrators’ hands. The program

will also help students and the district’s police force build a relationship.

Counselor Sherrie Richmond-Jackson is feeling very positive about this new program and hopes that everybody will come on board and make it successful because she believes it has great promise. RichmondJackson has been a counselor for 33 years and has worked on a secondary level for almost 30 years. Richmond-Jackson comes from a low poverty family of eight, but she promised herself that she would not be a victim of the system and live in poverty just because she came from a big family.

“Anybody can make it if they have the drive to do so,” Richmond-Jackson said.

Richmond-Jackson will be leading the Positive Peer Pressure Program at RHS. Her target is to encourage, inspire and to push at least one student before she retires in a few years.

“If I only touch one person in my lifetime, then that’s more than enough,” RichmondJackson said about her reasoning on why she decided to get involved with the program.

Eagle’s Eye 2014-15 staff

Allison Goff, junior - Editor-in-Chief Anthony Glover, junior - Managing Editor Naomi Hill, junior - Business Editor Austin Dixon, Junior - Features Editor Brianna Hull, sophomore - A&E Editor Luis Jimenez, sophomore - Opinion Editor

“Tutoring” cont. from front cover “Students come for all kinds of classes,” Sawyer said.

“They come for biology, math, American government, some even come for communication arts. Mrs. Richmond Jackson even does PLATO. I love to tutor.”

Tutoring is a diverse place.

All kinds of students come to tutoring from AP students, to athletes, to ROTC students and even students with learning disabilities. A lot of students go to tutoring for the PLATO class that is offered.

“Generally there are 10 to 15 students, they come to make up a failed class, to make up the half or whole credit that they missed,” PLATO teacher Sherrie Richmond- Jackson said.

Students don’t have to worry about transportation from tutoring, there is a bus that takes students home after tutoring.

“Busses take students right to their houses,” Sawyer said.

For the students who can’t stay Tuesdays and Thursday there is Saturday School, which is being introduced this year.

“Saturdays are up and coming, but slowly. They have mostly been independent study, other than for science. So far, I have been the only teacher who has been here,” Sawyer said. “I have computers, that’s what’s new this year. I have plenty of computers.”

Tomiece Johnson, junior - Sports Editor Jasmine Ward, sophomore - Photo Editor Alesia Davis, sophomore - Online Editor-in-Chief Adarius Howard, junior - Online Sports Editor Jasmine Shelton, sophomore - Online News Editor Laura Williams, Adviser

[NEWS]

Complications

[PAGE 3]

New bus company

By Jasmine Shelton

T

Staff Reporter

his year, the Hickman Mills C-1 School District is using a new source of transportation for students, the Apple Bus Company.

Apple Bus is a Kansas City based transportation company with operations in five states. It is locally managed as well. To begin this school year, students from Hickman Mills Freshman Center and Ruskin High School shared busses, going to both Hickman and Ruskin. The problem with the buses caused a lot of students to sit three to a seat and for students to be late to school with changing bus routes and new students being added.

“This year we changed bus companies and the problem was that they didn’t have enough bus drivers to take stu-

dents to Ruskin and Hickman,” said Vice-Principal Lisa Thomas, the administrator in charge of the busses.

With the busses having to go to Hickman and Ruskin, students weren’t getting home on time or getting let out on time.

School is supposed to let out at 3:30 p.m. and all students, regardless of the mode of transportation, were held inside their classrooms until all the busses had arrived from Hickman. This took at the least an extra twenty minutes, which was added to seventh period, letting students out at 3:50 p.m.

Like many students, sophomore Katelyn Boykin is frustrated by the change.

“It’s irritating, because I’m busy after school. I be missing my appointments,” she said.

Many students believe that the school shouldn’t be able to hold students 20 minutes after the set dismissal time.

Food Swaps

By Brianna Hull

“I’m upset!” junior Latia Brown said. “I got places to be, naps to take. I was mad. It’s childish.”

Thomas said that the change in bus companies was a choice Ruskin students arrive at the high school in the morning.

The new bus company resulted in overcrowded busses and a made by change in departure time for students this year. Photo by Jascentral of- mine Shelton. dents were assigned their own fice.

The school administration buses. Students were overjoyed has been working with the bus with this news and also with company to try to solve the the 3:30 p.m. release as you overcrowding and lack of bus- could hear the cheers all the ses problem and, slowly, the way down the hallway at the bus situation has gotten a little news over the intercom.

“I’m glad they finally got better.

The school dismissal time the bus situation fixed,” Brown was set back to 3:30 p.m. on said. “It took long enough.”

Oct. 28 after all Hickman stu-

Standards and freebies positively impact students

A&E Page Editior

Once again, the school lunch standards have been raised this year, effecting all of the food including lunch and breakfast making them healthier as well as free for everyone.

A new Federal provision has provided the Hickman Mills School District with free lunch and breakfast for everyone because of the high percentage of students on food assistance to feed all students. The Kansas City Star reports 90 percent of the students in the Kansas City Public Schools qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and 86 percent in Hickman Mills.

The cafeteria at RHS is the place students can now go for free, nutritious meals twice a day. Photo by Brianna Hull.

Michelle Obama has been raising the standards yearly since 2010. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 was put in place so that the government could increase program monitoring and integrity for the food being served, in hopes of reducing childhood obesity.

This act controls all of the nutritional standards including the vending machines in schools and expands the availability of drinking water during the school day.

“It has been a challenge for menu planning staff, but our site staff (in-school lunch staff) have dealt with it quite well,” See “Food Swaps,” cont. on pg. 16

[NEWS]

[PAGE 4]

Ruskin welcomes 23 new staff members Anthony Glover Staff Reporter

At the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year there were 23 new staff members at RHS. Among those new faces there were old friends and those who students have never seen a day in their life. Here’s a quick wrap up to get to know them a little better.

Degree from: Truman State University Teaching experience: Four years Interesting fact: Lived in Europe as a child.

Favorite thing about RHS: “The diversity,” Austin said.

Tae Chung

Ben Hendricks

Mario Barnes

Ariel Aguilar Degree from: Park University Teaching experience: First year Interesting fact: From Jamaica Favorite thing about RHS: “Students,” Barnes said. “The students are a unique challenge and I like that.”

Degree from: University of California, Los Angeles Teaching experience: Three years Interesting fact: Not a Royals fan…a Dodgers fan.

Favorite thing about RHS: “I like my students,” Chung said. “A lot of them want to learn and I appreciate that.”

Allen Colling

Degree from: University of MissouriKansas City Teaching Experience: Three years Interesting fact: Played in a rock band for seven years professionally.

Favorite thing about RHS: “I like the students,” Hendricks said. “I like the spirit of the students and I like being around young people.”

Marion Holt

Todd Barney Degree from: University of Central Missouri Teaching experience: Fourth year Interesting fact: Into body building Favorite thing about RHS: “The students I get to work with,” Aguilar said.

“Everyday the little growth we see.”

Matthew Ashpaugh Degree from: Pittsburg State University (Gorillas) Teaching experience: 10 years Interesting fact: Created military software that makes a targeting list Favorite thing about RHS: “I love the students. Their fun,” Barney said.

Degree from: University of Nebraska, and Park University.

Teaching experience: 12 years Interesting fact: Die hard Royals fan.

Favorite thing about RHS: “I like the kids at Ruskin,” Colling said. “I think there are some really great kids in this building that have a lot of potential.”

Charles Crenior

Degree from: Virginia Union University Teaching experience: First year Interesting fact: Can never think about any interesting facts about himself.

Favorite thing about RHS: “The people here are real hospitable,” Holt said. “It’s a short commute from my house so that’s also nice.”

Amanda Howard

Jonathan Bokay Degree from: Northwest Missouri State Teaching experience: Three years Interesting fact: Finalist for big brother this year.

Favorite thing about RHS: “The ability to see the growth in the students,” Ashpaugh said.

Bryan Austin Degree from: Missouri Western State University, and University of MissouriState University Teaching experience: 12 years.

Interesting fact: Is a vegetarian Favorite thing about RHS: “The students here,” Bokay said.

Degree from: Northeastern Illinois University Teaching experience: 9 years Interesting fact: Has been married 10 years, and has seven children.

Favorite thing about RHS: “Is the students,” Crenior said. “They are willing to learn new material from a new teacher.”

Degree from: University of Colorado Teaching experience: One and a half Interesting fact: Lived in Korea for a year.

Favorite thing about RHS: “I like the students,” Howard said. “They are funny, they make me laugh everyday so it’s nice to come to work and laugh.”

[[OPINION/NEWS] NEWS]

[PAGE 5]

[PAGE 5]

Ray Hughes

Degree from: Lincoln University Teaching experience: 18 years Interesting fact: Born in Gary, Indiana home town of pop icon Michael Jackson Favorite thing about RHS: “I like the fact that there’s a lot of opportunity for growth,” Hughes said. “Also that there’s a lot of people that are willing to step up to the challenge and grow.”

Chad Mitchell

Brandon Roper

Bill Simpson

Degree from: University of MissouriKansas City Teaching experience: First year Interesting fact: Spontaneous.

Favorite thing about RHS: “They sense that we got each others back,” Mitchell said.

Degree from: University of MissouriKansas City Teaching experience: First year Interesting fact: Born and raised in area but never been inside of Ruskin.

Favorite thing about RHS: “I like the fact that it’s an old school,” Roper said.

“It has a long history that you can read about.”

Degree from: Missouri Valley, and University of Central University Teaching experience: Nine years Interesting fact: Has a wonderful family.

Favorite thing about RHS: “I love being the thrower coach for the track team,”Simpson said.

Latanya Moore

Kiwaukee Thomas

Dion Lewis

Degrees from: Mid-America Nazarene University and Air Force Community College.

Teaching experience: Two years.

Interesting fact: Born in Vis Baden Germany.

Favorite thing about RHS: “Truthfully the students,” Lewis said. “The amount of talent that Ruskin has and the potential of the students. They don’t see it, but I see it.”

Degree from: University of Central Missouri, University of Missouri-Kansas City Teaching experience: 11 years Interesting fact: Loves the Lord.

Favorite thing about RHS: “I like the fact that I’m comfortable in my teaching environment.”

Mario Ramos

Shane Sandau Degree from: Northwest Missouri State University, and Rockhurst University Teaching experience: First year Interesting fact: Has three children. Also a non-traditional teaching student.

Favorite thing about RHS: “The students. I really like the students,” Sandau said. “I like their energy, especially when it comes to their extracurricular activities, like the pep rally. It was really fun.”

Check out the Teacher Spotlights and ALL the news of Ruskin at

ruskinnews.com

Degree from: Wichita State Univer-

Marilyn Miller Degree from: University of MissouriKansas City Teaching experience: 18 years Interesting fact: Currently rebuilding a cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks Favorite thing about RHS: “I graduated from Ruskin,” Miller said. “I was born and raised in this area.”

Degree from: Georgia Southern Teaching experience: Since April 2014 Interesting fact: Working on second career. Retired from first career.

Favorite thing about RHS: “I like the challenge,” Thomas said. “That’s a big thing. Every day is a new day here. Every kid has a different story, every kid has a different background, every kid can relate to something different here.”

sity Teaching experience: 25 plus years Interesting fact: Very involved in the hispanic culture and language.

Favorite thing about RHS: “The students are great,” Ramos said. “They have a sense of awareness of all cultures and they appreciate the Hispanic culture.”

Linda Seals

Degree from: Lincoln University Teaching experience: 25 years Interesting fact: Loves to dance.

Favorite thing about RHS: “I like the way the kids dress,” Seals said. “When we have dress down days, our kids can really dress. So I’m impressed.”

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[OPINION]

Stricter Rules for people who S FIGHT

[PAGE 6]

By Luis Jimenez

the goal is to keep everyone in class and meet the state’s expectations . t u “I think dents the principals c a n are a little bit b e corrupt,” said walking in the sophomoreTahallway and ylor Diggs. stumble upon a Second, fight between two students don’t individuals or seem to know parties, throwing the rules or, profanities and if they know people cheering them, they still on. Then you’ll believe they see the principals Luis Jimenez can get away yell, “GET OUT with fightTHE WAY” and ing because the school does see police officers separatnot enforce it. In this year’s ing the individuals kicking Student Handbook, given out and screaming. So students during advisement to all of can walk away thinking that the students in the school, the they will be dealt with by the rules for fighting are: “First principals or the authorities.

Offence: Principal/student But sometimes the next day, conference, parent/guardian they are back in class acting as conference, detention, I.S.S if nothing has ever happened. or +180 days O.S.S.” So inClearly, the consequences for stead of giving them the most fighting are NOT strict enough appropriate punishment, they to prevent students from fightreceive a lesser punishment. ing.

Plus, it’s such a wide range The principals are way of consequences, students just too lenient or playing favorthink they might just have a ites, (as some would call it.). conference with the principal Instead of enforcing the rules, and not face any serious conthe principals just talk to the sequences. individuals and tell them to ”Students crave structure talk it out and that they’ll look and clearly outlined expectathe other way. Or, even if they tion and, when nothing haplike them enough, they’ll just pens, chaos ensues,” Project let it slide. This is a horrible Lead The Way Teacher Lewis thing to do because they are Mckenzie said. hired to enforce the rules and So because the rules aren’t be equal to everyone even if

Opinion Editor

Opinion

being enforced, it seems the students and teachers believe there aren’t any rules for fighting.

“There’s a policy for fighting?” social studies teacher Benjamin Hendricks said.

Lastly, students and teachers want change to occur with this topic for fighting and stricter discipline. During the 2013-2014 school year, first quarter had 13 fights compared to this 2014-15 school year of 30 fights. In half the time we’ve almost doubled the total amount of fights from last year. That is way too many fights to occur at Ruskin and for the administrators to just let it slip by.

“I think the message has gotten out that the kids and

teachers want stricter rules,” said a teacher that wants to remain anonymous.

“It could improve the safety and make students come to school,” a police officer who works at Ruskin said.

As students we all want change.

“S#@t yeah!, I think the school could improve, if the kids cooperate,” junior Emily Dyer said.

Every time people talk about people who fought, they always bring up the point about why students return so quickly to school if they’re supposed to be disciplined. So if the school starts enforcing these rules then maybe the students will think before they act.

Eagle’s Eye Editorial Policy Do you have a comment on this or another article? We welcome your letters to the editor. See guidelines below.

A. Forum. Eagle’s Eye News is the official student-produced medium of news and information published/produced by Ruskin High School’s Eagle’s Eye News staff members. The Eagle’s Eye News has been established as a designated public forum for student expression used to inform, educate and entertain its readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to its audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publi-

cation or distribution. The content of Eagle’s Eye News is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials, the school, the Hickman Mills C-1 School District or any of its affiliates. Advisers may – and should – coach and discuss content – during the writing process. The Eagle’s Eye will print as many letters to the editor as space allows each issue. The Eagle’s Eye reserves the right not to print a letter.

B. Format. All letters to the editor

must include the writer’s name, signature and class or position. Typed, double-space letters are preferred, but legible, hand-written letters are acceptable. All letters must be signed.

C. Limitations. Letters should be limited to approximately 150 words, or about one-and-a-half double-spaced, typewritten pages.

D. Editing. Letters to the editor will not be edited, except in rare cases to prevent legal liability (libel, obscenity, invasion of

privacy, etc.), to edit material that is in poor taste, or to fit space requirements.

E. Address. Letters should be addressed to the editor, placed in an envelope and mailed to Eagle’s Eye c/o Ruskin High School; emailed to eagleseye@ ruskinnews.com, placed in Mrs. Williams’ mail box in the main office or hand-delivered to Room 102.

[OPINION....NEWS]

[PAGE 7]

Talking it out will put an

By Naomi Hill

S

staff reporter

tudents that often get suspended for fighting have been known to come back to school, and get into more trouble. So does suspension actually help prevent fights? It does not. The school needs to come up with other ways to change behavior because suspensions do not work.

According to American Psychological Association Zero Tolerance Task Force, 65% of students resolved their conflicts with mediation. Ruskin High School should try this tactic. Instead of suspending, maybe they should let the students mediate the situation themselves to settle the issue. Even our students that have actually been suspended agree.

“Whether you suspend someone or not, they’re eventually going to fight. If they were to talk it out instead of suspending a lot of drama would be resolved,’’ junior Latia Brown said.

When kids, even adults have a dispute with someone it has been known that they carry it on until it’s resolved. Nowadays, students don’t have an intermediate person to talk to, so they can get their frustration out.

“I would like to talk to Mr. Rivers and the person I have an issue with before I get suspended,” said junior Nykolas Smith. “It would save a lot of time, and I probably wouldn’t

END to Fights Q&A with new Assistant Principal, Lisa Thomas Q: Where did you get your degrees from?

A: Southern Illinois University, Saint Louis University Q: What did you do before being a principal at Ruskin?

have a problem with them anymore.”

School offers a program that might be able to help with mediation.

PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) selects interested students throughout the entire high school, but insiders say that the group has never really mediated an internal conflict. Student PBIS members have just made speeches to lower classmen about being positive.

Also, school administrators need to realize that everyone is an individual. Those who don’t usually get in trouble shouldn’t be punished the same amount as people who often get suspended. It’s safe to say, a lot of Ruskin students have personal issues that they are dealing with at home. And if a child that doesn’t normally get in trouble slips up one day,

it’s not right for them to be punished the same degree as a regular offender.

Finally, parents need to be more involved in their children because if they were disciplining at home, students would straighten up their acts. When they get suspended, it really is actually not a punishment but just a few day break from school. Students say not only do the parents need to get involved, but also the administrators.

“Administrators need to really get involved to see what the problem is!” junior Donte Gurley said. “Not just calling the police and suspending us.

But, students need to just be mature and walk away.”

We’ll find out later this school year if they do more mediation, and less suspension.

A: Asst. Principal at Hickman; 20 years in education; Worked in elementary, middle school, and high school; Asst. principal in middle school and high school; Curriculum Specialist; 11 years as teacher, 9 years as administrator Q: What type of student were you?

A: Honor Student Q: What were you involved in at high school?

A: Basketball, Track, Volleyball, & Softball (Won awards for them) Q: What other career were you interested in?

A: Accounting Q: What do you like about Ruskin?

A: Many academic programs to make students career and college ready.

Q: What have you learned from being a principal?

A: Learned how to talk to people, treat people, lead people to success, & how to empower students and staff members to be the best they can be.

Q: Favorite thing about RHS? A: We have a great administration team.

Q: What’s one interesting fact about you?

A: Has a dog named Honey.

[HOMECOMING 2014]

[PAGE 8]

Ruskin loses Homecoming Gam

By Shannon Hogan, Staff Reporter

1.

5.

2.

3.

4.

6.

7.

[HOMECOMING 2014]

[PAGE 9]

me, but Doesn’t Lose their Spirit!

Students Shows off their Spirit during Spirit Week!

(top, left) Senior Sadie Carrilo dresses as Minnie Mouse on Spirit Week Disney Day. (left, middle) Sydney Jackson is bright as day on Neon Day (top, right) Deryiah Johnson gets geeked up for Nerd vs. Prep day. (bottom) Seniors Shardae Williams, Kristal Whitaker, Rhodnesha Butts, Avionna Robinson, Madison Clark, Bre’a Williams, and Tranae Lauderdale pose for the camera on Nerd vs. Prep day.

8.

1. Darius Walker and Tranae Lauderdale are crowned king and queen for Homecoming 2014 2. Homecoming Candidates and their escorts are introduced.

3. Ruskin Eagles prepare for the start-off against the Truman Patriots.

4. Students show off their moves on the dance floor at the Homecoming dance after the Ruskin Eagles lose their Homecoming game.

5. Ruskin seniors cheer and scream to show their excitment for the upcoming Homecoming game.

6. Ruskin cheerleaders performs at the Pep Rally showing their team spirit 7. Ruskin Dance Team hypes the crowd at the school Pep Rally.

8. Golden Eagle Marching Band blows loud at half-time.

[ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT]

BET Hip-Hop Awards 2014

By Austin Dixon

On Oct. 14, Drake led the televised BET Hip-Hop Awards 2014 hosted by Snoop Dogg with eight nominations.

Out of the eight nominations, Drake received three

Eminem performs Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, at Lollapalooza in Chicago’s Grant Park. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

awards from various categories.

He personally was named “The People’s Champ.” He also received the “Album of the Year” award with “Nothing Was the Same” and the “Best Hip-Hop Video” with “Worst Behavior.”

The pre-recorded event took place Sept. 20 at the Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta,

Drake arrives for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, on Feb. 13, 2011. (Lionel Hahn/ Abaca Press/MCT)

GA. while the televised version aired on BET Oct. 14 at 7:00 p.m.

This is Snoop Dogg’s second consecutive year hosting the awards.

Beatbox rapper, Doug E Fresh, received the “ I am HipHop” award which resulted in an emotional tribute for his mother being one of various highlighted moments. Another one of these highlights was when Michael Brown’s parents led a moment of silence for their son.

Other awards and nominations include Kendrick Lamar for “Lyricist of the year,” Wiz Khalifa’s “ 28 Grams” with the “Best Mixtape” award, DJ Mustard with the “MVP of the Year” award, YG’s, Young Jeezy’s, and Rich Homie Quan’s song “My Hitta” received the “Best Collabo”

[PAGE 10] award, Kanye West with the “Best Live Performer” award, and Iggy Azalea receiving the “Who Blew Up?” award.

Other performances includes the 2014 Cypher, Bobby Shmurda opening and closing the show with “Hot Boy,” and musical performances from T.I., Common, YG, Ty Dolla $ign, Rae Sremmurd, Migos, DJ Mustard, Rich Homie Quan, Birdman, Vince Staples, Young Thug, DJ Premier, Jay Electronica, Yo-Yo, Mc Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Brandy.

Best Hip-Hop Video Worst Behavior

Best live performer Kanye West

Best Mixtape 28 Grams

Iggy Azalea performs Friday, August 1, 2014, at Lollapalooza in Chicago’s Grant Park. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

DJ of the year Mustard

Hustler of the year Dr. Dre Pharrell Williams perfoms on the outdoor stage on the second night of the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif., on Saturday, April 12, 2014. (Bethany Mollenkof/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

Album of the Year Drake: Nothing was the same

Best club banger Future: Move that Dope

Best collabo, group, or duo My “Hitta”

Best Hip-Hop online site WorldStarHipHop

Impact track Kingdom

Lyricist of the year Kendrick Lamar

MVP of the year DJ Mustard

People’s Champ Drake

Producer of the year DJ Mustard

Track of the year My “Hitta”

Video director of the year Hype Williams

“Little Shop of Horrors” Cast Rehearses

The ensemble from “Little Shop of Horrors” perfects their choreography for the upcoming show. Ruskin’s Little Shop of Horrors is on stage Nov. 20, 21, and 22 at 7 p.m. For tickets, call 816.316.7465. Photo by Jessica Shelton.

[NEWS/ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT]

[PAGE 11]

“In Search of Harmony,” cont. from front cover ish, and it’s foolishness,” Smith said. “We got to understand if we going to be grown folk we got to grow up. Let’s timeout for the fighting. It’s time to fight for your education.“ Last year, the fighting policy was that if a student got into a fight they would get an automatic ten day suspension; but sometime in the summer that policy changed. At the beginning of the year, all students who would get into a fight would be back within the next two days. The administration or counselor would then have a mediation with the two students. The 2014-2015 student handbook says for the first offence of fighting. There will be a principal/student conference, parent/guardian conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1 to 180 day out of school suspension.

“Our intent was to be proactive to try and mediate as much as we could,” Miller said. “If a fight eventually happened, our intent was to mediate as soon as possible, trying to make the consequence as small as possible and get students back into class as soon as possible.”

Fights at school happen for a great variety of reasons.

Some may be over somebody talking stuff on: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or other social media.” Communication arts teacher Heather Reilly agrees.

“A lot of the time it’s a misunderstanding or pettiness,” Reilly said. “People talking big on social media.”

Most believe that fighting can’t be stopped just by the work of the administration. It takes the school as a whole.

“We got to struggle with each other,” Smith said. “We got to know that we all struggled together. We got to know

that we walk together; so if we’re walking together, there should be no conflict between us. We all look towards the same goal. We all look towards to walk across that stage and say we did it. So we can finally say ‘We made it’.”

On the week of Oct. 20, the fighting policy was changed.

The new policy is if a person gets into a fight they get a 3-5 day suspension and have to go to Youth Court, according to Miller. (See Youth Court story on pg. 3.)

On Friday, Sept. 26, at the Link Family Night football game, several acts of violence broke out at random times and places on school grounds.

It started with the assault of Ruskin teacher Lina Smith.

A young girl, surrounded by a group of other adolescents, pushed her down to get through a gate into the parking lot.

Following that, a fight broke out by the tennis court between two female students.

The names of the students remain unknown.

A few minutes later a mob of people went storming out of the RHS parking lot to the street and several females began fighting. The police officers on duty at the game then sprayed pepper spray while trying to break up the mob.

“We use pepper spray occasionally,” said Russell Dykstra, the Security Director for the Hickman Mills C-1 School District and a retired police officer. “We don’t like to use the pepper spray in the schools.

However, you have to realize it’s a very effective tool. Generally, if it’s two people then they’re not going to use the pepper spray. It’s usually used when it’s two people or more fighting surrounded by a very large crowd.”

No pepper spray was used

during a fight in a classroom on Oct. 2, because the fight was almost over by the time officers arrived, according to witnesses. An argument started in a classroom and spilled out into the hallway. The commotion quickly turned into a violent fight. Several teachers attempted to break up the fight, and in the scuffle, science teacher Lamar Pearson got knocked over and was hurt.

Co-teacher Mary Sawyer called the office and other numbers for help, yet no one answered in what she believed was a timely manner.

“I tried to call a couple numbers, there was no response,” Sawyer said. “I was worried about my colleague.

So I announced for the nurse to come down stairs immediately; in a calm rationalized voice. I called two numbers, several times,” Sawyer said.

Students at Ruskin aren’t sure what to think about the consequences students who fight are getting. There is a rumor going around amongst the seniors that if they fight, they don’t get to come back to the high school. Then there are other students who don’t believe the fighting rules are strict enough. Miller made it clear that fighting is not a solution to problems.

“That is always a possibility,” Miller said about the removal of students. “Fighting is not a solution. Fighting is never acceptable. Our mission at Ruskin High School is to cultivate students that will be productive citizens. The ability to make positive choices and resolve issues in a non-violent manner is the responsibility of all students.”

Fast Facts Joan Rivers

Comedian and television personality Joan Rivers died on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, at age 81.

Here is a young Rivers in a February 19, 1978, file image. (William Vendetta/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

By Jasmine Ward Staff Reporter

Who: Joan Rivers Born: June 8, 1933 in brooklyn, new york Died: September 4, 2014 Cause of death: She passed from Cerebral Hypoxia, which is lack of oxygen to her brain.

Past jobs: Comedian, co-host with George Kotsiopoulos, Giuliana Rancic, and Kelly Osbourne on the E! News.

Most Recent Job: Co-host on “The Late Show with IIian Kwittken” Best Known For: Comedy, walking the latest fashions on the red carpet. As a writer she wrote many books including the selfhelp book “Having a Baby Can Be a Scream” and her autobiography “Still Talking,” and she was also a television host on “Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?,” “Fashion Police,” and “The Joan Rivers Show.”

Notable: Rivers was nominated in 1984 for a Grammy Award for her album “What Becomes a Semi-Legend Most?”. She was also nominated in 1994 for Tony Award for best actress in the play “Sally Marr...and her escorts,”where she played the lead as Sally Marr.

V EA AL TEUNRT E I NS E] ’ S S P E C I A L ] [F

[PAGE 12]

Ruskin’s Young and Talented

By Tomiece Johnson Sports Editor

At Ruskin High School, there are a lot of talented students. A majority of those students go unnoticed every day, and a small portion of those kids are noticed everyday.

Some teenagers are afraid of the judgemental comments that might criticize their work.

They may think that they’re not good enough to be publically noticed in their environment.

So, they don’t broadcast themselves. The kids who talents are noticed are mainly seen everyday and known about because of the popularity that they have.

Junior Del’Shon Bradford is currently on the dance team.

Also, he is a part of the theater/ drama club. Bradford is one of the students who is noticed everyday by mostly everyone at school. He puts his dance videos on Instagram. And he knows just about everyone.

Q:Do you sometimes get stage fright? If so, what do you do to overcome it?

A: “Yes, I just try to think positive and people around me try to encourage me to do good.”

Q: Can you describe a time

Sophmore Alice Ryan demonstrating her flexibility in the Ruskin Gymnasium.

when your work was criticized?

A: “After shows, we have a Cappie review. They tell us how we did.”

Q: Of all your teammates, who are you most proud of, and why?

A: “Tygee Faulkner, because he goes through things and doesn’t let those things discourage him. He really is positive.”

Junior Tygee Faulkner is also on the dance team.

Faulkner and Bradford are dance partners. They make up their dances and entertain people on the social media network Instagram. “Del’Shon is my brother. Dance is life,” Faulkner said.

Q: Do you have any strengths/weaknesses?

A:”Yes, my strengths are freestyling and my weakness is not knowing what song I am dancing to.”

Q: What are the best things The Junior duo Tygee Faulkner and Del’Shon Bradford dancing.

about performing in front of a home crowd?

A: “Because I know the people.”

Q: Of all your teammates, who are you most proud of, and why?

A: “Del’Shon, because I didn’t know he would keep up with it.

I’m proud of him. That’s my brother.”

Ryan’s talent is her ability to bend her body in a lot of different ways. She is very flexible.

One of her known positions is one called “The Chin Hand Stand” where she is balancing her body off the ground with just her chin and hands supporting her.

Q: Why do you enjoy doing these types of things?

A: “To be honest, I don’t enjoy it. Only reason I started is because gymnastics was too hard.”

Q: Can you describe a time when someone criticized your talent?

A: “When I was at my old foster home, I had a jealous foster sister.

She always talked about my talent.

Q: What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

A: “I know how to do a mean over split. One of my weaknesses is that I broke my arm, and I had lost a lot of flexibility in my back.”

As you can see, there are many people that has great talent. But, sometimes, no one pays attention. One day, these same kids are going to be the next big thing.

Senior Janah McKinney is also very talented. Her talent is singing. “She can sing real good,” sophomore Alice Ryan said. Janah is one of the students that seems go unnoticed, although she is very talented.

Why do you enjoy singing?

A: “It’s a pas- Senior Janah McKinney singing. sion to me.”

Q: Describe one moment that you won’t forget.”

A: “When I was auditioning for a musical show. They gave me the number 6, which is not my lucky number. I was nervous. I got a call back and was told that I had made my character... Ronnett from ‘Little Shop of Horrors’.”

Sophomore

Alice

[SPORTS FEATURE]

[PAGE 13]

Domestic Abuse in the NFL, and at Home

By Allison Goff

T

Editor-in-Chief

here have been incidents in the NFL, where football players have been charged with domestic abuse charges. For instance, Adrian Peterson was charged with domestic abuse when he allegedly beat his child. Also, Ray Rice was charged with domestic abuse when he knocked his then fiancee unconscious in an elevator.

Domestic abuse, also known as spousal abuse, is a pattern of behavior which involves violence or other abuses by one person against another in a domestic context.

“Domestic abuse could be mental as well as physical.

It could be degrading of your spouse or significant other,” Ruskin High School social worker Ed cason said Some people believe that football can help lead to this domestic abuse in the NFL, “Football is a very stressful and aggressive sport, and that aggression can stay with them, and sometimes they take it out on the wrong people,” junior Rhochard Lawrence said.

Football coach Kiwaukee Thomas disagrees that football causes domestic abuse.

“We only hear about it because these people are in the spotlight,” Thomas said. “It is not something we hear about on a day-to-day basis. We just highlight the NFL because that’s what people want to hear about.”

On February 15, Ray Rice had been arrested, charged, and released from jail on simple assault charges. On Sept. 8, after a video of the incident was released by his team, the Baltimore Ravens, he was indefinitely suspended by the NFL. “I feel like he could have

handled the situation much better than beating his girlfriend.

He should have had more control over his anger,” Lawrence said.

Rice received domestic abuse charges when a video appeared showing him punching his fiancee unconscious in an elevator and then dragging her limp body out of the elevator by her shoulders.

“I think they were isolated incidents that should have been dealt with differently, but they definitely should have been dealt with since no abuse is ok,” Cason said.

Eventually, she became his wife and the charges were dropped.

“I think his choice was to put his hands on his girlfriend.

The consequence is he’s going to have to deal with that in the media and in the public eye, “ Thomas said.

Adrian Peterson was accused of his second child-abuse incident in 2013. Peterson allegedly sent a picture to the mother of his child showing their four-year-old son’s head wound covered in bandages.

He apparently received these wounds when Peterson spanked him in the car.

“No, I don’t believe football players are more aggressive. That is just a myth.There are just one or two incidents that spoil a whole bunch,” Cason said.

Thomas believes that all sports are treated differently and don’t receive the same treatment.

“There are other sport incidents that occur, but you don’t hear about it because people don’t want to know about it,” Thomas said. “When you fight in the NFL, you will hear about it because people believe it shows bad sportsmanship. I’m

just saying, all sports are treated differently.”

Some people wonder if these incidents are giving football a bad reputation. “ Ye s , it is giving football a bad reputation.

It makes us seem like we have a lot of anger built up,” Law- Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice runs for 6 yards berence said. hind the block of lineman Kelechi Osemele (72) against the San Francisco 49ers during preseason action at M & T Bank N o t Stadium in Baltimore on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014. On Sept. 8, e v e r y o n e Rice was suspended indefinitly by the NFL and his contract with the Ravens was terminated after a video showing him agrees. knocking out his then girlfriend/now wife was released by the “ N o , Ravens. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/MCT) I don’t believe these ranges from all age ranges from incidents are giving us a bad children to students to adults. reputation,” Thomas said.

“Students need to report Domestic abuse not only domestic abuse asap, because occurs in the NFL but in every if they don’t report it then the segment of society. Many peo- abuse will continue,” Cason ple have been victims of do- said. mestic abuse. Domestic abuse

nomore.org

More than two dozen current and former NFL players are saying “NO MORE” to domestic violence and secual assulat in a new series of video and print Public Service Announcements. If you are a victim of domestic violence, here’s where you can go for help:

Domestic Violence Network Metro 24-hr Hotline 816-468-5463 Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7273 Rose Brooks Shelter for Women 816-861-6100

[SPORTS]

[PAGE 14]

By Luis Jimenez

On The Run ...

Staff reporter

Sophomore Murielle Mercier has been a part of the Ruskin Cross Country Team for two years. She started Cross Country when she was in the 8th grade.

Her fastest time has been 23 minutes and 55 seconds for three miles. She has been described

by Cross Country Coach Carla Sole as “very dedicated” and “outruns most of the guys.”

Mercier said her favorite experience in Cross Country is “having my team there to support me and me being there to support them.”

Senior Michael Nelson is a runner in varsity for the Ruskin Cross Country Team. Cross Country Coach Carla Sole has described him as her “number one guy, the most coachable athlete and hardest worker on the team.”

He went to State to run the 100-meter dash. His fastest time was 19 minutes and 1 second.

Nelson said his favorite experience was “When I got the school record at Clinton for the fastest time. I still currently hold the record.”

Marcus Stone is a junior varsity runner for the Ruskin High School Cross Country team. Stone has been described by Coach Sole as “the most improved runner of the team, getting better and better throughout the season, and very impressive.”

“I can’t wait for his senior year,” she said.

His fastest time was 19 minutes and 57 seconds. Stone said his favorite experience was “When I won my first medal at a meet in Cass County.”

Seniors gather for goodies and introductions on Senior Night including Ciara Griffin, Aviona’s mom, Aviona Robinson, Briana’s mom, Breanna Stevenson, Mariah Robinson

Senior Sentiments

By Naomi Hill

Staff Reporter

The senior volleyball girls at Ruskin High were sad, but excited on the day of their senior night on Oct. 07, 2014. Even though this is their last year playing volleyball for Ruskin, they’re anxious to continue there volleyball career further on in college.

“I really want to play volleyball in college, ’’Ciara Griffin said. “I’m thinking about going to Park University.”

Griffin has been playing since she was 6 and started playing at Smith Hale. Her advice to anyone interested in playing next year is to never give up.

“Even though you might get frustrated, that’s okay!” Griffin said. “As long as you don’t get an attitude because it’ll affect your playing.’’

Senior Breanna Patten-Stevenson, who is also thinking about playing volleyball in college, also agreed with her.

“I’m going to miss the bond the girls and I had,” Patten-Stevenson said.

She’s excited to be a senior and commented that her best game of the season for her was Districts, which was held at Lee’s Summit West against Lee’s Summit West.

“We weren’t concerned about winning or losing. We just came to have fun and we did!” Patten-Stevenson said.

So how has the team improved over their Ruskin years?

“We got better,’’ senior Avionna Robinson said.

Robinson got inspired to play volleyball at a young age by watching the olympics with her aunt.

“If you practice, you’ll get better before you know it,” Robinson said.

Mariah Robinson mentioned she would miss the girls, but is ready to graduate!

“It feels good to be a senior,” Robinson said, “but I’m ready to graduate!”

She’s been playing since she was 7 and she was excited to play when she first saw a girl spike. Robinson also had advice to anyone interested in playing next year.

“Just keep your head up and keep trying,” Robinson said.

See “Senior,” cont. pg. 11

[SPORTS]

[PAGE 15]

Viva La Goal...

By Austin Dixon

Features Editor

Teamwork is the key to success.

The Ruskin Boy’s Soccer teams have had records of 8-17 for junior varsity and varsity without a win this season.

The coach of the team is Todd Barney. He has been coaching for two years as the head coach and has been coaching since the high schools merged back in 2010.

For the varsity team, one of the captains, Filiberto Morales, knows how to improve the team.

Morales said his role as team captain gives him the responsibility for the success of the team, how they play and solving problems on the field.

Morales believes that the team has a chance to succeed if the team can work on their cooperation with each other.

“We don’t have to play as one, we have to play as a team,you know?” he said.

Barney feels that the team also struggles with commitment and determination.

“These are good players, but they do not have the con-

fidence and don’t feel like they deserve to win,” Barney said.

Barney said that he has the team set small goals for themselves in order to keep the minds of the players focused on the game.

Morales, however, does say that he sees that the team is fundamentally strong with the ability to shoot, dribble, and communicate well. Barney sees the team as being good friends with a tight core.

Their personal goals for the team were similar to each others. Barney’s goal was to simply “Not go home early.”

Morales’ goal was to at least place second place in the District tournament and if the team fails to cooperate, he sees no future for it.

“Really, to me, it all just comes down to everyone having fun,” Barney said. ”And I really don’t have a favorite moment. When the team comes together and we’re out there having fun and playing our game, that’s just the best.”

Barney siad that he had placed running, defense, shooting, and dribbling as the focal points of his exercises for the team. Morales, however, feels

“Senior,” cont. contued from pg. 10 Captain Leondra Wilson has taken on a commanding role as the captain.

“I like the leadership role and it’s a good life experience,” Wilson said.

She also stated that it’s a good athletic environment and the fact that they travel is interesting.

“My favorite game was against Center,’’ Wilson said. “We also kicked it on the bus!”

Her advice to underclassmen is to not be afraid. She said to not let people stop them and to try their very hardest.

As these girls get ready to leave this school, their volleyball legacy will live on. And the underclassman will be able to hopefully get the courage to try out next year. (right) Ruskin Eagles girls cheer themsleves on during the game including Traneece Dickerson, Le’Ondra Wilson, Breanna Stevenson, Kristina Young

that it is not enough.

“He gives some good exercises but sometimes we need to do harder exercises so we get to know our team and hopefully JV can get better so we should practice in different groups so we don’t all do the same thing,” Morales said.

Barney also said that this will be his last year coaching in order to spend more time with his family. He said that one of his most favorable moments are when he watches his players having fun playing the game.

Barney is also coaching Girl’s Soccer in the spring.

Filiberto Morales poses for camera before the game.

Junior Oscar Moreno and sophomore Mahmood Banyalmarjeh take the ball away from the competitors.

[SPORTS/NEWS]

[PAGE 16]

Softballers Enjoy a Great Experience

by Jasmine Ward

A

Staff Reporter

Junior Valencia Eason makes throws in a fast pitch for the Ruskin Softball Team in a game against the Park Hill Trojans on Sept. 15.

“Food Swaps,” cont. from pg. 3

Hickman MIlls C-1 School District’s Director of Nutrition Services and former President of the School Nutrition Association, Leah Schmidt said.

“We had already made a lot of changes getting ready for new standards so we were really ahead of the game, so to speak.

These new standards have been putting strains on many districts to change several of their menu items.”

A total of 321 districts dropped out of the program and 1,086,000 students stopped buying school lunches across the country said the Washington Times. But a Kansas City Star post in July noted it will just take time.

“Five of the districts we visited reported that, if the past is an indicator, participation will improve over time as students adjust to the new food items, and three noted the importance of nutrition education for students and parents to help make the transition to

healthier school meals more successful,”school food authorities said Although according to Schmidt, the increase in obesity is not just due to the food.

“The fact that there are so many sedentary activities and cutting physical activity are more to blame,” Schmidt said.

“Our school meals have met nutritional analysis standards as long as I have been with the district (22 years). This includes limiting fat, saturated fat and sodium and meeting standards for vitamins, minerals and fiber.”

There have been many additions to the menus including fish Tacos, nachos, and Cuban sandwiches.

Obaida Alazzeh, a Ruskin lunch staff member said, “Not too different, just less cheese and more veggies and fruit.”

Rita Ting and Alazzeh agreed that they wanted the students to be healthier. The new standards are also meant

lthough the Ruskin softball team didn’t have a winning season, the team members all feel like they enjoyed and learned from the experience. ‘’I learned how to play as a team and be disciplined,” junior Paige Johnson said.

Senior Paige Miller said the team also learned from playing different types of competitors. ‘’Every team is different and it depends on how the team plays and their energy,” she said.

Johnson said the team used different techniques to try to win each game.

“We worked on communito change the habits of the students to make healthier food choices as adults.

“I do think it’ll make a difference in their eating habits,” Alazzeh said.

Another problem that many schools have is turning their noses up at this healthier food.

“They serve stuff that’s either cold, burnt, or spicy,” senior Kimberly Gross said.

Sophomore Allison Rainey agrees.

“They make it dry and it just doesn’t taste very good.” she said.

Many other newspapers, including the Washington Times and Kansas City Star report that a large amount of the fresh food is being thrown away.

“None if it’s fresh. Most of it is rotting or bruised and some of things you can tell have been out for a while,” said Gross.

Although Schmidt says that’s not a problem at Ruskin.

“Our staff is really good,

cation on the field,” she said.

Miller said communication is what kept everyone on the same page. ‘’We keep energy positive and do the same things so everyone knows,” Miller said.

The RHS softball team players chose softball for a variety of reasons but they all enjoy the game. ‘’I chose to play softball because I needed more sports on my record,” Johnson said. ‘’I enjoy playing softball because it helps me with using different techniques and it is very fun,” Miller said someone got her interested in the game. ‘’I enjoy playing softball because it’s very fun and unique and softball is life,” Miller said. and always has been, about encouraging students to try fruit and vegetable offerings,” Schmidt said. “I was talking to a reporter last year about not forcing students to take a fruit or vegetable option, which is a requirement for a school meal, and they had a hard time getting a picture of students throwing away fruit or vegetables. Our students like our fruit and vegetables that they take and that makes us VERY happy.”

Regardless of whether it is forced on students, at least one protein, fruit, vegetable, and dairy item is required to be on the student’s trays this year.

Although there have been recent changes, these changes aren’t as noticeable because the Hickman Mills School District has always closely followed the health codes and regulations, prior to the healthy foods act in 2010, according to Schmidt.

The main differences are more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.