Source - October 2014 by Gayle Martin

Source Stoney Creek High School

October 10, 2014

575 East Tienken Road Rochester, MI 48307

Volume 12, Issue 1

Homecoming

CORE founders return pg. 10-11 Dancing: Beyond grinding pg. 13

FAMISHED!

New laws governing food leave students grumbling - pg. 6

Ready for a 8.5 hour test?

New MEAP for Common Core will test school as well as students - pg. 8-9

Fall Sports: Tennis, Golf, Football - pg.15-17

Contents

Source Stoney Creek High School

Editorial Policy of Source

HOMECOMING

With all of the hustle and bustle surrounding homecoming, we dedicated two pages to homecoming and all that comes with.

We, the Stoney Creek Source staff, produce this publication to accomplish the following goals: The Source will serve as a means of communication between students, teachers and members of the community. We will respect all opinions and present them in an unbiased manner. The Source will inform and entertain readers and address trends and issues important to its audience. Although we are a student publication, produced by Writing for a Publication class, we will strive to make the Source accurate and truthful to adhere to all standards of professional journalism. We recognize and respect the privileges given to us under the First Amendment, including the freedom of speech and of the press. The Source is a forum of student expression and we, the staff have the editorial authority to make our own content decisions. We will provide a sounding board for the student and the community; therefore the opinions expressed in by-lines opinion articles and letters should not be considered to be the opinion of the entire newspaper staff, the advisor and the school administration, or the student body as a whole.

Staff

14 TENNIS

The tennis team carries on for their sort of “homecoming games”

THE CALL

In our new monthly sprots column, we take a look at the impact of routine in football.

October Issue At A Glance

2 - Contents 3 - Info-fun 4 - Q&A 5 - Detroit Fashion 6 - New Food Law 7 - Source D.C. Trip 8 - Common Core 10 - Homecoming 2 source

12 - HoCo Proposals 13 - Face 2 Face 14 - Fracking 15 - Tennis 16 - Golf 17 - The Call 18 - Chill Time 19 - Staff Editorial

OCTOBER 10, 2014

Giancarlo Canu Julia Clay Bailey Compton Daniel D’Onofrio Rebacca De Bucce Rachel Elphick Kathryn Fleming Maveric Guitar Anne Knoblauch Spencer Kopp Gina McCrackin Claire Mechler Mila Murray

Jennifer Pafford Emma Persson Kaitlyn Reyff Matthew Schmucker Stephanie Seneker Megan Sennett Jordan Sickon Anna Stabnick Simon Sun Rachel Tudor Alex Hadd Gayle Martin - Advisor

Letter Policy: Letters to the editor and guest articles and art may be submitted to Mrs. Gayle Martin in Room C285. All letters articles, and art must be signed. Names can be withheld upon request.

Find us online at www.scsourceonline

Contents

Info-fun TOP TEN

Questions asked about Homecoming

As Homecoming approaches, students ask these questions much more than they should.

student vs. celebrity by Kaitlyn Reyff

Rachel Butler

First Stage Role

What is the date of Homecoming?

Where are we taking pictures?

Who should I ask?

How are you asking her?

Information provided by Rachel Butler and IMDB

Do you have a dress yet?

TAKING AIM:

What group are you going with?

Meryl Streep

Nickname

Two Hours

Prepararation time for a show

THAT’S JUST

WRONG!

Whatever you do, do NOT scan this! You won’t be able to unsee it.

“We’re dating, but he never talks to me. Is that normal?”

Christian Bale Gerry

“My selfie was more selfielicious than yours.”

Four Hours

Obssessions that are bugging us or boring us this month Mills

Girls: big seaters and scarves Guys: flannels

Derek Jeter

Yo h.

“Fancy” by Iggy Azalea

Throw back Halloween movies/Halloween movie marathons

“Summer” by Calvin Harris

Quoting Mean Girls

u’re THAT guy . Doctor Who

O oD

ES that?!

Pumpkin sauce on pasta Running Wait in through the line for an White House iPhone6; with a knife bend it Wearing your Halloween Halloween decorations costume to INSIDE locker school “Friday Night Lights”

HoCo

Meh.

Pumpkin Carving

White Converse

infofun

So BasicCider

2. Do you have a date? 1.

Favorite Actor

R-Buts

Will you go to Homecoming with me?

Are you going to Homecoming?

Tennessee

Number of Shows

“What do you think Lindsey Lohan’s and Shrek’s baby would look like?”

Gerard Butler

CATEGORY

Indiana

10. What is Homecoming?

OVERHEARD IN THE HALLS

The Who’s Who

Having a Halloween costume HoCo proposals with flowers

Burning Leaves

Pumpkin spice lattes Monthly Harry Potter movie marathons

Having a Halloween CAT costume--when you’re a teenage girl Haunted Hayrides

“Homeless Chic” look

“Remember that time I got asked to homecoming? Niether do I.” “I thought they communicated in a different language. But they just grunt all the time.” “These numbers are just like cattywampus.”

Ugg boots/ Hunter boots

“Is he like a different race? Yeah, hot.” “When can we impeach Michelle Obama.” “Well, that was a fair attempt at teaching.”

OCTOBER 10, 2014

SOURCE 3

QA &

with...

NELLY TUNES

Lights, camera... Action! Senior Melissa Houghton and junior Natalie Steen have become fairly familiar with all of these in the past few months. The best friends decided to start posting their very own covers of popular songs on YouTube as a documented summer memory. The idea sprouted just before the end of last school year while the two were brainstorming ways to make their summer one to remember. “We didn’t think we were actually going to do it. It seemed like some sort of fantasy,” Steen said. With a camera and their trusty ukulele, Houghton and Steen were covering songs from genres all over the board. Popular hits from the Jonas Brothers all the Photo by Jordan Sickon way to familiar Beatles melodies were rehearsed and performed straight from the Steens’ basement. Nelly Tunes, as the duo dubbed themselves, has taken a slight hiatus due to the new school year, but no need to worry! The videos will continue. “Now we [film videos] whenever we can, as often as we can. We definitely want to keep it up,” Houghton said. I was lucky enough to sit down with the two stars and discuss a few behind-thecamera secrets. The not-sonegative Nellys were excited to share with The Source details on their creative summer escapade.

Twosome Takes To The Tube Q: Who came up with the name “Nelly Tunes”? N: Oh my gosh, we sat and talked about a name for forever! M: It took us three weeks, I think, to come up with a name. N: Yeah, three weeks. You know how people make couple names with their friends? Well, ours was Nelly. Then we were like, “Nelly… Nelly Music? Nelly Days?” M: “…Snelly” N: “Nelly Time…” M: “Nelly Mondays, Nelly Fridays”, we really weren’t sure. N: “…Nelly Tunes.” And we were just kind of like…okay! That works, why not? We just made our first video and put that as the title! Q: What process do you go through to pick a new song to cover? M: Whatever mood we’re in. N: In all honesty, it’s just that. M: I have a list on my phone of songs that we would be willing to do in the future. Whenever we’re together and we hear a song we like on the radio we’re like, “Oh, add that one to the list!” Q: What makes your videos unique? N: Us, we’re goofs! At first it was weird being in front of a camera because you felt like people were watching you. Eventually we just got used to it and started doing silly little things. Q: What were the two of you looking to accomplish by making these videos? M: Something fun for the both of us to do…[Music] is kind of the reason Natalie and I are friends. It’s something that we both care a lot about. Making videos has become a great bonding experience. N: Yeah, making music together is one of my favorite things we’ve done. We just did it for us. Q: How would you compare Nelly Furtado to Nelly Tunes? N: Most of the time when people go to look up Nelly Tunes they say her name comes up. I know a lot of people like her, but we personally don’t know her too well!

Interview by Jordan Sickon

4 source

OCTOBER 10, 2014

sCHOOL

2014 FASHION IN DETROIT Senior Conner Stormer and junior Erika Williams attended the Fashion in Detroit event at Sound Board on Sept. 27 as guests of Michael Raffin Photography. The event featured international designers like Kate Spade and Gucci, as well as local Detroit designers. Stormer and Williams are students in Advanced Photography. (All photos by Stormer and Williams)

School

New food rules in Michigan schools

Yikes: Signs like these restrict where food can be eaten. Students decided to follow this sign upon reading. (photo by Maveric Guitar)

Education lawmakers create new policies regulating food

unior Chris Peppes is almost always rushed for breakfast. The most important meal of the day seems to lack in importance when compared to taking a shower, getting dressed, and getting to school on time. However, his hunger can usually be satisfied with a granola bar or small snack during second or third hour. “My stomach rumbles,” Peppes said, “but there’s nothing I can do about it anymore. I have to wait until lunch to even take a bite of a snack. It has been a real struggle to not eat during the first three hours of school.” Over the summer, two new laws were put in place limiting what food can be eaten in school and where it must be eaten. These laws became effective in the beginning of the 2014 school year. Now Peppes, along with many other students, gets hungry throughout the day but must abide to the food policies. Protecting Students with Allergies

Food cannot be spontaneously brought into the classroom anymore. This law was brought about to keep students with food allergies safe. Incidents have occurred involving students bringing certain foods to school causing kids to have allergic reactions, putting them in danger. According to Assistant Principal John Kelley, there are about a dozen students with severe allergies. “In a nutshell, no pun intended, the

6 source

allergy food law will not ban food from the classroom but will focus more on regulation,” Kelley stated, “Food must have a list of ingredients, food parties must be scheduled ahead of time, the list of food items brought must be clearly defined. This will help to create a safer environment for students suffering from food allergies.” As far as enforcement goes, Kelley says that most food will be confiscated and result in punishment “on a case to case basis.” Teachers know to confiscate food if a student is eating and to throw it away immediately. The area must then be wiped down with sanitizing wipes, getting rid of any trace of the substance. However, the school isn’t providing these wipes or cleaning supplies to teachers. Students may also be reminded by teachers not to bring food because it is not only a rule, but law. U.S. Department of Agriculture Regulations The other new policy was constructed to eliminate unhealthy food. Food in school should be low in calories and natural. Sugary snacks and drinks have been taken away. Rochester Community Schools has interpreted these regulations to fit the format of its schools. The policy also covers school fundraisers. According to the USDA’s Smart Snacks in School, food sold at fundraisers should generally meet USDA nutrition guidelines, but the standards do not apply

OCTOBER 10, 2014

during non-school hours, weekends, and for off-campus events. Teachers can no longer use food as a reward. Students will put more focus into their work instead of worrying about getting a treat. Although this may be traditional for certain teachers, less food trash will be found on the floors of hallways and classrooms. Some people on the other hand, are not benefitting from this policy. The school store has taken a big hit this year. Their sales have decreased substantially because of a guideline that must be followed when the school store students order products, forcing students to be more creative with making money. “I have a very creative class this year,” school store teacher Kaitlyn Sanders said. “We have been generating ideas about broadening what we sell and what we can do outside of the store. We’re still getting information on what we can sell… It’s difficult when you’re used to doing something one way for so long, and all of a sudden you have all these restrictions to deal with. We have to figure out what we can do that’s going to be different.” Sanders also shared her viewpoint on the policy in general. “These new rules won’t be benefitting students unless we justify why they are in place,” Sanders said, “it should be understood why sugar is bad for your health and why not to drink diet sodas, instead of just saying ‘no.’ There will be an opportunity to educate students about their personal health and this may benefit them.”

Slim pickens in the cafeteria: Students are limited on lunch options. They had less food to choose from compared to previous years. (Photo by Maveric Guitar)

The basic rules:

• No food in class unless scheduled ahead of time • Food sold by the school or school store must meet USDA health regulations • No eating food in common areas like library or office • Rooms must be disinfected if contaminated • Food brought back from off campus lunch into the classroom • Students eating may have their food taken by any school staff member (Source: USDA’s Smart Snacks in School)

School

D.C. or Bust

Laughing at the Layout Party: Seniors Stephanie Seneker and Jennifer Pafford exchang smiles after class. Excited for the first print issue of the year, the two worked on their Homecoming spread at the layout “party” Oct. 2. (Photo by Gina McCrackin.)

Source team heads to D.C. upon becoming Pacemaker Finalist

by Gina McCrackin he 2013-14 Source writers and adviser Gayle Martin were named a National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Pacemaker Finalist Sept. 16. The Source was the only school newspaper in Michigan to be named a finalist. A Pacemaker is the highest national award a student news medium can receive. Twelve members of this year’s Advanced Multimedia Staff will head to Washington, D.C., Nov. 6 through 9 to attend the national conference and awards ceremony. The Pacemaker winners will be announced at the ceremony at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel Nov. 8. Either journalism professionals or members of the Newspaper Association of America (NAA) select Pacemaker finalists based on categories such as quality of writing and reporting, evidence of in-depth reporting, photography, art and graphics, and design. Bob Woodward, associate editor of The Washington Post, and author of 16 non-fiction books including “All the President’s Men,” will deliver one of the keynote speeches on Thursday and Friday. Jay Harris, anchor of ESPN’s 6 p.m. edition of SportsCenter is also a keynote speaker for the event. Many other featured speakers are scheduled to enhance the experience. The students will also have the opportunity to get

Quoted

“

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hands-on experience using InDesign and Photoshop, as well as visit the Newseum, which has seven levels of interactive exhibits showcasing historic moments in our history. Tours of the CNN studios, USA Today, and The Washington Post are also available. Martin equates winning this award to winning the state championship if The Source were a sports team and then competing in the national playoffs, if school sports had national competitions. In addition to the award ceremony, the conference offers an educational opportunity to students and advisers. “I am excited to see other advisors that I know of, either around the state or around the country, and go to workshops,” Martin said. Martin also hopes some of the students 1 attending will participate in individual write-off contests available. Students are given the subject right there and are expected to report and write on it in a certain amount of time, in competition with the other kids there. Junior Mila Murry was on the 2013-2014 staff and the staff this year and plans to attend the field trip. “I’m very excited about this opportunity and glad I’m able to participate in it,” junior Mila Murray said.

How much it takes to put a newspaper together: Senior Dan D’Onofrio looks over his page preview. The amount of equipment on his desk showed how much effort is put into The Source. (Photo by Gina McCrackin.)

I’m very excited about this opportunity and glad I’m able to participate in it.” -Mila Murray, The Source team OCTOBER 10, 2014

”

Source 7

hanging in the

balance New Common Core tests raise concerns and uncertainty by Simon Sun and Matt Schmucker

Taste of the Test

Name _____________________ Date ______________ Hour ___

Although details regarding the New MEAP are still a mystery, the Smarter Balanced exams may give an idea of the format and content. Here are some released materials from SmarterBalanced.org for grade 11: Mathematics

English Language Arts

A circle has its center at (6, 7) and goes through the point (1, 4). A second circle is tangent to the first circle at the point (1, 4) and has the same area. What are the coordinates for the center of the second circle? A circle has its center at (6, 7) and goes through the point (1, 4). A second circle is tangent to the first circle at the point (1, 4) and has one-fourth the area. What are the coordinates for the center of the second circle? A construction worker is using wooden beams to reinforce the back wall of a room. Determine the height, in feet, of the beam that ends at point G.

Read the sentence from the text. Then answer the question. “Nanodiamonds are stardust, created when ancient stars exploded long ago, disgorging their remaining elements into space.” Based on the context of the sentence, what is the most precise meaning of disgorging? (a) scattering randomly (b) throwing out quickly (c) spreading out widely (d) casting forth violently

Read this sentence. “Besides being beautiful to contemplate, space diamonds teach us important lessons about natural processes going on in the universe, and suggest new ways that diamonds can be created here on Earth.” Explain how information learned from space diamonds can help scientists make diamonds on Earth. Use evidence from the passage to support your answer.

6 ft.

12 in.2 ft. 8 source

Tightrope Walking According to Corestandards.org, the Michigan Board of Education adopted the Common Core standards on June 15, 2010. A state-led effort, according to the website, the initiative focuses on “deeper learning” instead of “broader learning.” According to Deputy Superintendent of Education Services at the Michigan Department of Education Venessa Keesler, the new standards

are nothing to be surprised about. “Revisiting or revising standards is a normal process that Michigan has gone through in the last 20 years,” Keesler said. RCS has been working with the standards for the past three years and has recently implemented the Common Core in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics, according to Lawler. “You have to meet the standards, but [the Common Core] doesn’t tell you how to meet them,” Lawler said. “That’s up to the district.” But the Common Core itself, while still hotly debated, is old news. What are new, however, are the standardized tests. However, it’s still uncertain what the exams actually are themselves. “That’s the million-dollar question,” Lawler said. According to the Washington Post, the Michigan Department of Education originally planned to administer the tests, known as the Smarter Balanced Exams, this spring. However, legislators felt uncomfortable continuing with the plan, and instead, over the summer, directed the Department of Education to develop what they call the “New MEAP. Blindfolded According to Lawler, designers of the test are modeling the New MEAP on the Smarter Balanced Exams themselves, including the test duration (around 8.5 hours)

Basic Arithmetic A by-the-numbers approach to the Common Core and the Smarter Balanced exams

12 ft. Answers: Math: 1. (-4, 1) 2. (-1.5, 2.5) 3. 8 ft. English: 1. d 2. Answers may vary

(Source: SmarterBalanced.org)

unior Jake DeGasperis is a busy guy. He’s in AP classes, takes Multivariable Calculus at Oakland University in the evenings, and, as a junior, is preparing for the ACT in March. But this year, DeGasperis also has to deal with a potential 8.5 more hours of testing, as part of the state’s transition into the Common Core State Standards. “It’s definitely not good,” DeGasperis said. “I have enough stress with the AP tests. It just really seems like too much.” DeGasperis is just one of the many students across the state, and the school, who is affected by these new tests. According to Rochester Community Schools Executive Director of Secondary Education Carrie Lawler, all juniors across Michigan will be required to take the tests, and other grade levels, from elementary and middle schools, will also potentially be affected. However, even with the mandate to administer these tests, many more questions remain.

OCTOBER 10, 2014

(Sources: CoreStandards.org, SmarterBalanced.org)

states have adopted Common Core

school

Writing History

(Source: Michigan.gov) 2007 Common Core is first proposed

2009 48 states and territories agree to develop CC

2010 Michigan adopts CC

A look at Michigan’s path to the New MEAP

2010 Final CC Standards released

and the testing demographics (grades 3 through 11, though only juniors at the high school level). Many teachers and administrators are upset by the length and unknowns about the test. “I think it’s awful,” Lawler said. “I really think that it’s way too much time in testing.” Another aspect of the tests that has raised concerns is the logistics. The Smarter Balanced Exams were to be taken completely online and on school computers only, according to information specialist Judy Freels, and the New MEAP is to carry over this option, although it does offer a pen-and-paper version as well. “It will be difficult,” Freels said. According to Freels, many classes rely heavily on computer access, including Yearbook, Advanced Multimedia Communications, and numerous English language arts classes. In fact, Freels said, math and science classes are increasing computer use as well, so setting aside the technology for these tests will be a challenge. “We piloted this last November, and while it was only a handful of classes, it took [the two media center labs] out of commission for eight days,” Freels said. “So it’s going to be tough.” However, according to Keesler, taking the test online has its benefits, including immediate results and questions that can get easier or harder based on responses.

member states of Smarter Balanced

school

“Online assessment is a science that has been emerging over the last decade,” Keesler said. “We have an opportunity to really move into a new era of assessments; different kinds of items, computer-adaptive testing, just things that make assessments more effective and more efficient and get a better estimate of student performance, so I think that’s exciting. But the logistical issues remain. Besides denying other classes computer access, fitting the entire junior class to the limited amount of school computers is another problem. According to Freels, the only solution is tricky scheduling. While the pen-and-paper tests may provide some assistance, the written test dates are extremely limited, unlike the time window the online exams have, according to Lawler. Which brings up another problem: the New MEAP is scheduled directly near and on the weeks for the ACT, the MME, and even AP exams. According to Lawler, the testing window is scheduled for April 13 to June 1. AP exams, for comparison, are from May 4 to May 15. “We’re not happy about the test dates of the New MEAP,” Lawler said. “We are devastated because the state doesn’t seem to care that our students are getting ready for the AP tests at that time.” Counselor Stephen Cook echoes similar sentiments. “I’m at a loss to understand where the people that designed this test believe

3-8, 11

grades required to take the exams

2012 Smarter Balanced sample materials released

2013 Smarter Balanced pilot test

2014 Michigan decides against Smarter Balanced, opts for New MEAP

Quoted

“I think it’s awful... it’s way too much time in testing.”

- RCS Executive Director of Secondary Education Carrie Lawler

we’re going to find the time to administer the test and do what it is they expect us to do,” he said. Balancing the different tests will be a difficult task for juniors, Cook stated. “I’m not sure where I’d even try to determine which test is more important and which one is less important,” he said. A Balancing Act With all these concerns, however, one question remains to be asked: why are these tests necessary in the first place? “There has to be a way to measure growth somehow,” Lawler said. “Our reputation as a district has to be based on something, so there has to be some way to test, some way to gather information.” In fact, according to Lawler, these test results are directly impacting teacher evaluations. However, they are just one of many factors in the evaluations, accounting for roughly 25 percent, Lawler stated. “So it’s not the entire thing that a teacher is being evaluated on,” she said. Keesler also commented on the need for testing.

“Assessment is just part of the landscape of education now,” she said. “It’s not the end goal, but it gives you that minimum standard to understand ‘are students getting to these basic benchmarks, are they learning the content?’ So I don’t see these as the be-all and end-all… but they are a part of us making sure that there is a quality standard around what Michigan students are learning.” Even so, answers are unclear. “I know that I’ve been to one meeting so far this year with my colleagues and we had a lot more questions than we were able to find answers for,” Cook said. “Even people at the central office level haven’t been able to provide the answers.” Which raises the issue: is the New MEAP even worth the trouble, in the end? Lawler and Cook have definitive answers. “I think we’re spending too much time and energy on it. And money,” Lawler said. Cook agrees. “The highest priority--that’s teachers teach, students learn,” he said. “I don’t know anything in that equation that has to do with testing.”

8.5

hours of testing for juniors

hours of testing for third- through fifth-graders

OCTOBER 10, 2014

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Found

Original crea

g n i om

c e m o H Student Council members shine a light on the Homecoming game and dance

by Rachel Tudor

T 45

U.N. 45

Detroit 45

hey are still loyal aft decade. On Oct. 17, th creators of the stud section, the Core, will be p ent at the Homecoming fo game. Athletic Director S Redshaw and alumni Nick have planned this tailgate part of the class of 2005 ing 10-year reunion. “Ultimately this even pening to bring our class gether and to see how ou is living on, maybe even te current classes a little som too,” Lionas said. Current Core leader Michael Hughes is looking to the event also. “I think it’s cool the coming back after creatin years ago but we can still them up,” Hughes said. “ can’t touch us with our ch According to Lionas Core originally started wh group of enthusiastic stud were recognized from trav various sporting events to the school. “We had joked abou but we started getting lab as the Core of student sp

Under

Student Cou 45

Dublin 10 source

OCtober 10, 2014

by Stephanie Seneker

As Student Council Ashley Garity works hard the details for this years Lights” Homecoming dan Council Vice President se Bracey hurries to finish t for the school assembly. From the start of las week of Homecoming, St works hard everyday dur to try and make Homeco remember. Homecoming contin great tradition because “ for the student body to c as one and have fun for Bracey said. While everyone sees

school

ding Fathers Return

ators of the CORE come back to see how their legacy continues

ter a

and we realized that what we were doing was at the core of what it meant to be a Stoney Creek Cougar, being supportive of one another, while being absolutely goofy and ridiculous along the way, of course,” Lionas said. Current Core Leader Tommy Kim agrees the Core’s popularity is a result of the ability to bring fun to a typical game. “Not only do students come to the games because Stoney has great teams, but because it’s always a good time to just cheer your friends on, regardless of the score, and go crazy,” Kim said. “Our cheers always seem to get people even more pumped than they already were. I’m excited to see if the alumni and I hope they are happy with how we are carrying their tradition on.” Lionas is looking forward to seeing the change and development of the Core. “I imagine many things have changed in ten years. I hope so. I hope classes have added to make SCHS their own over the years. As human beings when we’re handed something, our goal is to improve on it. Being happy with status quo usually leads to

he original dent presootball Shane k Lionas e as a upcom-

nt is hapback tour legacy each the mething,

r senior g forward

ey’re ng it 10 l show “They heers.” s, the hen a dents veling to o support

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regression. Ain’t nobody got time for that,” Lionas said. When the Core started, a group of students agreed on the name and a logo and had shirts made. They were sold out of Lionas’ locker until the school store agreed to supply them. Since then, this name and logo have stuck, according to Lionas. “Everyone is involved. I always see new students with shirts, or signs, or just ready to cheer,” Hughes said. “I think Stoney has the best student section out of any school.” On the night of the Homecoming game, the alumni will experience the game just as they used to. “While we were students, we would grill atop the hill on the other side of the field for girls soccer games, Lionas said. “People would bring various meats and we’d have music. It was a lot of fun.” Kim agrees it would be exciting to come back in ten years. “I think it would be so cool to see what Stoney students are doing with the Core in 10 years from now,” Kim said. “If they were still doing some of the things we

are now I would be excited. But even if they aren’t, the fact that I am a part of something so popular is really awesome.” As the Core continues to be altered by different leaders and classes, Lionas believes the creativity is what mattes most. “Be clever and creative,” Lionas said. “Be goofy and funny. Never be vulgar because anyone can be vulgar, there’s no creativity in that. Be positive and respectful. Come up with new cheers. Make the Core yours.”

the City Lights

Rome 45

Rio Art by Rachel Tudor

uncil members share what happens behind the scenes

President senior d to complete “Under the City nce, Student enior Caroline the final touches . st May, until the tudent Council ring sixth hour oming one to

nues to be a “It’s a good way come together a weekend,”

s the final

results of the Homecoming planning at the assembly and dance, many students don’t know how it all happens. So what goes on “behind-thescenes?” First things first: deciding the theme. Student Council comes up with a few ideas in May of the previous year, votes on the top three, and of course, runs them through administration. The school then votes during lunch on the final theme for the next year. Spirit week is the one-week that students all look forward to from the beginning of the year. The Student Council spirit week committee decides the spirit week days. These members focus on ideas that will

school

get students excited for the dance. The next step: Who doesn’t love decorations? Garity is excited about the colors and theme for this year’s decorations. “This year the seniors are black, juniors are blue, sophomores are red, freshmen are green and the staff is white,” Garity said. “Each locker bank is going to be decorated the week before Homecoming by the different classes with their country and there’s going to be a lot of spirit.” When students decorate their bank, it will be with different cities or countries: seniors are Detroit, juniors are Brazil, sophomores are Italy, fresh-

The Basics

men are Ireland and the staff is the UN. “The hallways near the gym are going to be very cute with all of the lights of the countries that people have traveled to or enjoy,” Bracey said. The Homecoming assembly is always an event that students are excited for, whether it’s for the fun games, Homecoming court, the grade lip syncs, drumline, or the cheer and dance teams. “The Stu Co. assembly committee meets everyday and brainstorms ideas for the games and what to do during the assembly,” Bracey said.

What Homecoming Dance When October 18

0000

Where Main Gymnasium

October 10, 2014

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How to be a Gentleman

Guys ‘Propose’ in Creative and Surprising Ways by Annie Knoblauch These proposals rasied the bar and are three of the cutest Homecoming proposals. There was definitely some planning involved in each. So to break it down, the guys were asked, “How did you come up with the idea?” and to find out the girls’ reactions they were asked, “What did you think of the proposal?”

1. The Ace of Proposals

Cheers rumble the hallways as senior Mario Macioce asks senior Julia Veeser to Homecoming for all to see. As Veeser realized the scope of the proposal, a visible feeling of joy overtook her face.

A boy’s behavior sets the bar for the night by Becca DeBucce, Rachel Elphick, Alex Hadd The Proposal: Many people place the “asking” portion of Homecoming into a category of greater importance than the dance itself. Guys – extravagance, although it is often craved by girls seeking a date, is not essential. Although she will likely say yes if her bedroom is overflowed with balloons or if a pilot flies a banner with “HOCO” written on it across the sky, this doesn’t mean she actually wants to go with you. Proposals should be kept simple, thoughtful, and appropriate. Senior Brady Stablein said, “Sadie’s gives a good opportunity for girls to make a proposal,” but Homecoming proposals should be left up to guys. The Bills: When a gentleman formally invites anyone to an event, it is proper for him to pay for whomever he is inviting. This constant holds true for Homecoming. “If a guy is asking, he should pay,” Stablein said. Although being a poor teenager is not a unisex problem, if a gentleman is inviting, he is also paying for dinner, his date’s ticket, and any other trivial expenses that arise. The Transportation: It is essential that a gentleman travels with his lady throughout the evening. A gentleman is certain to courteously escort his dame for the remainder of the evening, making sure transportation is taken care of. “The guy should drive his date,” sophomore Tristan Leinen said. The Dance: A true gentleman understands what the Homecoming Dance truly is: a place to have a lively evening with his date and his friends. If a slow song comes on, a gentleman is sure to find his lady for an intimate dance together to close out the night.

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HE SAID

“

Although being a poor teenager is not a unisex problem, if a gentleman is inviting, he is also paying.

SHE SAID

“

It’s customary for the gentleman to pay...;however, some girls like the opportunity of chipping in.

OCTOBER 10, 2014

The Proposal: We daydream about it, we anticipate it, and sometimes we even lose sleep pondering over it. It’s the proposal. Where some expect an over-the-top gesture with fireworks and expensive jewelry, some only want something small and intimate.The guy must know her well enough to achieve her “dream ask.” For sophomore Savannah Allen, this included flowers, a clever sign, and some running shoes. “He had a poster that said, ‘Let’s give HOCO a run for its money’ and gave me these shoes and flowers,” Allen said. The Dinner: A nice meal with a group or with a date is expected. Girls may seem indifferent as to which restaurant they visit, but they rarely will be swept away by a romantic meal off the dollar menu. It’s customary for the gentleman to pay the full cost of the dinner. However, some girls like the opportunity of chipping in. The Pictures and the Transportation: The best part of this whole process is the pictures. This is our chance to post on Instagram or Twitter and boast about how fantastic we look together. Boys, when you do leave for dinner or the dance, stay with your date. Girls always admire it if their date drives them to and from the dance. For those whose dates cannot drive, appreciate whatever effort they put into traveling together, even if they must hire one of their parents for a temporary chauffeur. The Basic Etiquette: Boys, the number one item on a girl’s must do list is to be polite. Or how freshman Ava Elder put it, “Be very ‘complimenty.’” We want cordial and gracious. Open the door for us, tell us we’re pretty, and above all, make the effort to match and you’ll get extra points.

He said: “Amanda always gets mad at me

for playing poker because she thinks I’ll just lose money, so I asked her using poker to be sarcastic and funny.” She said: “I loved it and thought it was so creative! Also it was very fitting because Cameron has a poker addiction.” Junior Amanda Nagorski Junior Cameron Green

2. The Balloon Pit Proposal

He said: “I just wanted to do something that

she wouldn’t have any idea was coming and I wanted her to be really surprised.” She said: “It was super surprising and he really went all out with balloons up to my waist.” Junior Alyssa Martone Senior Luke Copley

3. The Sweet Surprise

He said: “I was talking to Alexis’s friend and we decided, hey let’s do something more than flowers.” She said: “I thought it was really sweet because it was such a surprise.” Junior Alexis Smith Junior Chris McGinnis

School

FACE FACE

leave some space With overly provocative dance moves taking over Homecomings all, more modest students may want some alternative moves to get their groove on

Ryan Slomka and Jill Gumz swing dance to Car Wash: Slomka and Gumz were competitive swing dance partners for a year when they were in Middle School. (Photo by Mila Murray)

by Mila Murray, Jennifer Pafford, and Bailey Compton

Salsa Dance

ocial studies teacher Steven Book, who was known to “bust a move” in his day, sees Homecoming’s most popular activity, grinding, and other sexualized dance moves, as the beginning of the end for real social dancing —and it all started when icons like Britney Spears got a little provocative on the dance floor. Well thanks, Britney. “It’s unfortunate that nobody your guys’ age truly knows how to dance,” Book said. “They will continue this trend, and eventually dance as we know it will no longer exist—it’ll just be grinding on each other.” Book saw grinding begin when he was in his junior year of high school. Now it’s a part of Homecoming culture. “[The grinding tradition] is just a circle—where the younger students see it from the older students and do the same thing,” Senior Eric Gilgenbach said. “But as for the whole ‘Leave Room for Jesus’ thing, I don’t think Jesus needs a whole lot of room.” Whether this tradition is seen as disgusting, normal, or a simply a natural phenomenon,

some people believe there have to be some limits. “I mean, the twerking and the grinding are okay, but if you’re doing it into someone it’s very suggestive,” math teacher Karen Taylor said. “People thought we danced provocatively when I was in high school in the 70s and all we did was what you guys do—hands up flailing, jumping up and down—we just didn’t grind.” Since the transition from swing dancing in the 40s to the unorganized flailing-and-jumping-around “dancing” in the late 50s, not much has changed. Is it possible to bring back proper social dancing back from the dead? Can the students make it the norm? Or must the Britney Spears promiscuity continue? “Most people are like, ‘What do we do other than grinding?’” junior Michael Canu said. “I just blame the sexual tension of teens going through hormonal changes.” In the meantime, The Source presents a few alternate ways to dance at Homecoming, complete with directions and videos so you can “bust a move” with class next Saturday.

To watch students perform these dances, download the free Aurasma app, follow SCSourceOnline on Aurasma, Hover your phone over each photo to view the “aura.” Or, watch the videos at www.SCSourceOnline.com.

School

3. 4. 5.

Partners: Senior Hugh Aparente and Junior Brooke Propson

Swing Dance

Tips: -Use your hips, ladies! -Passionate dips

3. Step 1 triple step to the right

Partners: Seniors Becky Kowalski and Tommy Anglim

Interpretive Dance

Partners: Sophomores Justin Choi and Stephanie Platz (photos by Mila Murray)

October 10, 2014

4. Step 1 triple step to the left Tips: -Jumps and lifts are appreciated

Tips: -Just do whatever the heck you wanna do

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Should we drill the Hills?

Many towns have accepted oil drilling into their community. Now it is being debated in Rochester Hills.

by Claire Mechler and Anna Stabnick

Events leading to the moratorium

Dec. 3, 2012 Jordan Oil purchased mineral right leases that had been signed off by about 400 residents near the Stoney Creek Cemetery.

Oct. 15, 2013 Jordan withdraws its offer with Rochester Hills due to the negative reaction from the citizens.

Jan. 10, 2014 Mayor Barnett agrees not to lease city owned land to Jordan.

enior Paige Barnes has been a resident of Rochester Hills for 11 years. Recently, there has been a lot of debate regarding oil drilling near her home. However, when asked, she did not know much on the subject. “I know that it happens, but I guess I didn’t realize that it happens so much in Michigan,” Barnes said. Barnes is only one of many who are uninformed about the oil drilling issue. According to Mayor Bryan Barnett, most of the communities surrounding Rochester Hills, such as Shelby Township, have oil wells. Now Rochester Hills is now on the list, as well. Jordan Development Company purchased a lease to use horizontal drilling to explore and extract natural oil and gas from Tienken Park, Nowicki Park, and the Stoney Creek Cemetery. Although, they still have not been given a lease to put an oil well on the surface in any location. The Lawsuit The discussion of this issue began in 2012, when Jordan Development obtained about 400 mineral rights leases signed by Rochester Hills residents. Mineral rights are the rights to the property underneath the surface, allowing Jordan to drill beneath their homes. According to Mayor Bryan Barnett, 90 percent of a neighborhood would have to sell their mineral rights in order for drilling to happen in there. “Residents can get 1/8 percent to 1/6 percent of the profits from the drilling each month when they sign,” Ben Brower, Vice President of Jordan Development Company said. “The problem with this is many homeowners don’t know what the market value is or how much they will really be getting and many of them won’t look into it,” Don’t Drill the Hills Member, Mike Powers said at a city council meeting. Jordan received another lease from the city in 2013 allowing them to use

Mar. 19, 2014 RCS Board of Education says they will not let Jordan drill for oil on Rochester School District Properties.

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OCTOBER 10, 2014

May 15, 2014 Don’t Drill the Hills filed a lawsuit against the city of Rochester Hills and Jordan Oil.

horizontal drilling to explore, extract, and sell oil/gas from Tienken Park, Nowicki Park and Stoney Creek Cemetery. The lease does not allow any sort of drilling on the surface. Since then, an organization called Don’t Drill the Hills, Inc. has filed a lawsuit against the city of Rochester Hills. According to Powers, this was because the lease is a violation of our City Charter. The charter states that city owned parks cannot be leased for a non-recreation or non-conservation use without approval of the city’s voters in an open election. This includes its subsurface resources. The moratorium was a result of this lawsuit. The Moratorium City council unanimously voted to impose a moratorium, or halt, on oil and natural gas drilling for six months. “This moratorium, while a step in the right direction, is not nearly enough,” Linda Shepard said in The Rochester Post Sept. 4. The city hopes that Michigan Senate Bill 1026 will go through before the moratorium ends. The bill states that a city with 70,000 people cannot have an oil well at the surface. If the bill passes, then by state law, a surface well could not exist anywhere in Rochester Hills. However, Jordan could still go underground in Rochester Hills even if the bill is passed. “You can’t stop it, so the question is how do we best protect and benefit our residents? Essentially we are saying we don’t want you (Jordan) on our ground, and we don’t want you to frack,” Mayor Barnett said in an interview. The Controversy Many people have concerns about the drilling in Rochester Hills, such as the effect on the residential areas and the hazards. People are worried that their neighborhood will turn into a construction zone. “I firmly believe that this type of activity should not be conducted in high-

Aug. 26, 2014

Rochester Hills approves a six month moratorium on oil and gas well drilling.

density residential areas,” Powers said. Residents would only have to deal with the construction for a couple weeks and the drilling would have to be at least 450 feet away from residential areas. “The first three weeks of the process our workers would work 24 hours a day. This would mean noise, lights, and smell. But the MDEQ sets very strict requirements for us to follow regarding things such as how far we have to be away from residential areas,” Brower said. “After that is finished, people will barely notice the well.” AP Environmental Science teacher, Don Wilson explained how the process of oil drilling works in order to understand the dangers of it. In this process, Jordan would drill 5,000 feet down, then drill on an angle to reach the area where there is believed to be oil. By doing this, the drilling can begin miles away from the actual source of oil. “They do this so they can put this where there’s less people living. Obviously, it’s not a very good spot where they want to put it,” Wilson said. To get the oil, water and sand are pumped into the ground. Oil is filtered out of the rock using pressure and is then pumped out of the ground. According to Wilson, this could lead to formations of sinkholes and a drop in water tables. According to Brower, Jordan Oil has a pristine track record and has never had a major emergency. “There is very little danger in the actual process of horizontal oil drilling. The biggest concern would be a spill above ground by the trucks,” Brower said. The oil drilling debate continues to go back and forth. The goal of any community is to protect the residents and environment; this is not any different in Rochester Hills. “I think it’s dangerous and they should just be careful, especially because there’s a lot of people in that area,” Barnes said.

Now The City of Rochester Hills waits for Senate Bill 1026 to go through while the moratorium is in place.

LIFEStYLES

Cougar tennis keeps it on the court Team members balance busy schedules without missing a serve by Dan D’Onofrio

hen most people think of sports, they imagine big, crowded stadiums with hundreds of fans cheering. But some people like to think differently. Senior Alex Postlmayr has been playing on the tennis team since his junior year. “I was staying with my dad in Austria, and he’s a huge tennis fanatic. We played a lot, and I just fell in love with the sport,” said Postlmayr. Despite numerous AP classes, Postlmayr has managed to keep the sport an important part of his school life. Junior Tristan Hughes is also playing for his second year. “It’s a lot of fun,” Hughes said. “It doesn’t take up much of your schedule, but you really get to know your teammates well.” Hughes has also kept tennis a priority, even with involvement in marching band. Even with their different backgrounds and schedules, team members share a common goal: kicking butt on the court. The team has crushed petty opponents like Avondale 5-3, but a larger challenges lies ahead. “Rochester is definitely our

“It’s a lot of fun. It doesn’t take up much of your schedule, but you really get to know your teammates well.” Junior Tristan Hughes biggest rival,” Postlmayr said. Perhaps the team’s biggest obstacle is maintaing their focus. “It’s easy to get distracted during practice, since not a lot of people come to our matches,” Hughes said. In a tennis meet, there are eight courts. Whoever wins in a given court earns their team a point, and the team with the most points wins the meet. The team hopes to take first place at their City and League tournaments, where three matches determine the winner. Unlike other sports, etiquette is taken just as seriously as team spirit. Loud cheering is often frowned upon, as it goes against the unspoken code of professional tennis players. This means that there isn’t much room for a student section. “It’s a humble sport,” Postl-

Heads Up: Senior Lukas Gunschera lobs a tennis ball at the Oct. 2 practice. Gunschera is an exchange student from Germany. (photo by Dan D’Onofrio) mayr said. Despite their low-scoring seasons in the past, the team hopes to carry on with traditions they hold dearly. Before every game, eating bagels is very common; some might even say it’s the official food of the team.

JV Season Record

Varsity Season Record

1-3-1

2-5-0

(As of Oct. 6)

Meet The Team

Best tennis racquet?

Freshman Mitchell Kopp Head

Sophmore Julian Fiaschetti Wilson

Junior Tristan Hughes Prince

Senior Alex Postlmayr Head

Best pro tennis player?

Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic

Roger Federer

Favorite food?

Pizza

Pasta

Bagels

Coke or Pepsi?

Coke

No pop

SPORTS

October 10, 2014

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“Lauren has a tremendous amount of internal motivation to continue improving her game.” Coach Lafferty

Going ‘fore’ the gold Ingle wins Oakland Champinionship by Megan Sennett

“T

he course I played at was difficult and took strategy and patience,” said sophomore Lauren Ingle, winner of the Oakland Championship tournament with a score of +1 on the Pontiac Country Club course, September 17. “I was so surprised and excited I had won,” said Ingle. The course was complex and took a lot of strategy. The encouragement from her coaches and team mates helped a lot throughout the course. Last year, Ingle was an All-State freshman, and is hoping return to States this year. “I like to go out and work on my own Team Picture: Sophomore Sarah Drake, time,” Ingle said. sophmore Lauren Ingle, senior Baiey Compton, She proves her dedication by not only Coach Tony Lafferty Junior Kaylee Zajac, junior working hard during team practices, but also Annica Steen. (photo used by permission of working hard on her own, always trying to im- Pamela Steen) prove and be her best for future tournaments, and achieve her goals. “Lauren has a tremendous amount of internal motivation to continue improving her game,” said Coach Tony Lafferty. Ingle worked hard to prepare for the Oakland Tournament and will continue to do so for the upcoming tournaments. Ingle always tries her best and keeps practicing. “Lauren has a great dedication to the team,” senior team captain Bailey Compton said. Golf is such an individual sport many players have a hard time adjusting to a team. She made the adjustment quickly and helped support others on the team, and encourage them to do better, according to Compton. The famous pro-golfer Moe Norman had 40+ tournament wins and 17 hole -in-ones and inspires young and old, amateur and experienced golfers. He has paved way for many pro golfers today, who have come to be very successful. Ingle is one of his many fans. “His philosophy for golf made me look up to him,” Ingle said. With her role model as a example, she is “hoping to improve as the year progresses.” With a tournament on Sept. 29, and the qualifying tournament for the State Championships on Oct. 8. Ingle hopes that the whole team earns a spot. “The whole team plans to support each other as individuals, as much as we support the team,” Compton said. Being on a team has many perks and some involve the great coaching, new friends, and new opportunities as well as having a great fall back and people to lift you up, especially in such an individual sport, according to Ingle.

In the swing of things: Sophmpore Lauren Ingle tees off in the oakland Championships at the Pontiac Country Club Sept. 17. This is Ingle’s second year on the team. (Photo used by permisson of Pamela Steen)

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October 10, 2014

Sports

Quaint Quirks

Setting Up for the Snap: The offensive squad awaits a snap early in a game against Clarkston. Photo by Megan Sennett

THE CALL

Routines: Players’ peculiar patterns and their potential practicality by: Matt Schmucker From standing out during the national anthem counting blessings, to a ceremonial pregame sub sandwich, routines are a part of football. Senior Joe Platz, a varsity running back/linebacker, says that both those traditions are a part of his own and several other players’ routines. “When I head out to the field for the national anthem,” Platz said. “I think about my family and everything they’ve given me and I thank God for giving me the talents that he’s given me.” Even without being this specific, routines like this are typical of players in any sport. In general, a routine typically is used to focus and prepare you for whatever is coming ahead. Whether it be a football game, a specific play in that football game, or even something else like a tennis serve or a baseball pitch, the idea is the same. One notable thing Platz said he does every time he steps out onto the field is the epitome of a routine. “I think to myself how I’m going to play that game,” Platz said. “I envision myself making big plays and that kind of thing.” Self-visualization is a huge part of Platz’s routine. As a baseball player, I’ll speak for my sport and say that every time I go up to the plate to hit and every time I throw a pitch, I’m visualizing what I want to happen during that play. I can say for myself, if I walk up thinking I’ll get a hit or throw a strike, I’m a million times more likely to do just that. Having played football for a time (albeit a brief time), I would say it’s safe to assume self-visualization is as important in football or any other sport. When Platz heads out to the field thinking he’s going to run someone over, he’s a lot more likely to make that big play than if he were thinking

Upcoming Games

about what he’s having for dinner. One of the biggest things about routines in sports is that routines have to be something repeatable. Platz’s routines work because they’re repeatable, and after doing them for a time, he feels more comfortable as a result of doing it. Platz reflects and thinks during the national anthem at games, which helps him focus. Whether Platz were to touch his facemask every time he lined up or do a polka dance before every possession (not recommended), the effect would be the same. Routine is such an enormous part of sports that Platz was able to go through his full pregame routine, basically as soon as he was asked. While the bulk of what he said was just his normal routine, there are certain things athletes do that cross the gray fuzzy line and wander into the land of superstition. Now superstitions are one of the more bizarre things in sports. Superstitions, in all likelihood, have absolutely zero impact on the output produced. However, superstitions often convinve players that they are doing better. Brian Urlacher, a former NFL linebacker, would routinely eat two chocolate chip cookies before every game according to Bleacher Report. Urlacher’s cookies, unfortunately, had zero impact on his play. However, Urlacher may have convinced himself that those two cookies affected his play, boosting his confidence. Routines and superstition, ridiculous as they may seem, have an incredible impact on the game of football and many other sports. While some may be useful, and others tacky, they all do the same job in the end. They remain constant while everything else is changing, giving athletes the confidence they need to play their best.

10/10 10/17 10/24 at Athens vs. West Bloomfield at Rochester

sports Opinion

Role Player Rolls Out: Senior quarterback Jack Allen rolls out of the pocket in a game against Clarkston at home. The game would result in a 35-14 Clarkston victory. Photo by Megan Sennett

october 10, 2014

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What’s up with chill time? #Chill

#NoChill

Chill time can do more harm than good

Students and staff use chill time as a productive tool by Katie Fleming

by Julia Clay

In this transitional period between principals, students and staff have raised questions regarding chill time. Unfortunately, no decision has been made. Why would we get rid of it? Chill time is a valuable resource for students at school, giving them one-on-one time to meet with teachers and ask questions without missing out on extracurriculars. “The whole idea behind it,” science teacher Don Wilson said, “is it’s an intervention for kids who are struggling.” For many students, however, chill time can be just a detention period, sitting doing nothing. “I think chill time is extraordinarily valuable if the time is used for enrichment, helping students get caught up, for helping them get organized,” Wilson said. Chill time also provides incentive to students. In return for turning in a missing assignment or doing well on a test, students get a little extra time to hangout and, well, chill. Students are willing to work hard for a little extra time to relax. With the recent changes in our daily schedule, less passing time has impacted students by cutting down social time. Being so busy after school, it’s hard for kids to get a chance to hang out with friends. Chill time provides a little extra time scheduled into the day for that. Even though socializing is not the sole purpose for being at school, according to the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, it is important to childhood development. Shorter passing times have also made it difficult for students to pop in to a classroom to ask a question because they fear being tardy. Whether students need five minutes to ask a quick question, or twenty minutes to be re-taught a concept, the time is available with chill time. “It’s to get through to those kids that in a setting of thirty five or thirty six students just don’t grasp the concepts,” social studies teacher Steven Book said. While removing chill time would give more full-class instructional time, it also takes away valuable time from those students who need it. “I wouldn’t be able to have that one-on-one time as much as I’d like with those struggling students,” said world language teacher Julie Frerichs. So, what if chill time is cancelled? What will happen then? “There’s so many things, chill time is just like one aspect. There’s a lot of flexibility with what they could do,” Wilson said. Some alternatives are tutoring after school, during lunch, or even Saturday school is a possibility. Each option comes with its own ups and downs. Unfortunately, students with after school activities such as clubs, sports and part-time jobs don’t have time to stay after school or come before school. Without cars, many underclassmen also lack that ability. “There’s tons of options,” said Wilson, “we would just have to go into research phase to figure out what those are that the school would support.”

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OCTOBER 10, 2014

“W

e want chill time,” chanted the unified voice of the Core through the stadium as our varsity football players faced off against Clarkston on Sept. 19. Do we want to lose that which separates us from Rochester and Adams?

PRO con

With the fate of the chill time program undecided, administration has the opportunity to carefully choose their next step. They must address the fact that chill time may be doing more harm than good for some students and teachers. Unfortunately, when asked for an interview, Assistant Principal Amanda McKay could not answer any questions about the continuation of chill time due to no decisions being made yet. However, a few teachers shared their opinions on this unique program. Several teachers, when interviewed, agreed that the chill time program is helpful to some students and detrimental to others. World language teacher Julie Frerichs expressed the desire that the school find a solution which helps the students who are already on the right track stay productive. Band director Lauren Staniszewski expanded on this, saying that the performance focus of her classes makes chill time unnecessary for music students. She included that a chill time alternative more suited to performance classes could be a peer mentoring program. Staniszewski has seen the positive effects of peer mentoring in her own classes, and believes that it could benefit her students without interfering with instruction time. Social studies teacher Steven Book and science teacher Don Wilson agreed that some teachers abuse chill time. “I think that chill time is extraordinarily valuable if teachers do it the right way,” Wilson said. In his opinion, the “right way” includes helping students catch up on work, improving their organization, and enriching their overall class experience. Wilson believes that this abuse is completely unintentional, but also unavoidable. “I think many teachers have not been properly trained on how to use the [chill] time,” said Wilson. Without proper training, teachers and students cannot be expected to utilize chill time to its full potential. Book offered another alternative, based on a program he had been a part of at Utica Ford High School. Every day after school, students at Utica Ford were given the opportunity to be tutored, free of charge, by teachers from each department. When students have to stay in for chill time, the effect can be closer to detention than extra help. Utica Ford’s program puts the choice to seek help in the students’ hands, removing the element of resentment between students and teachers. Though the chill time program has many positive sides, it still must be looked at objectively. Maybe the ideas from Staniszewski, Book, or others could be the solution to the issues with the program.

Opinion

&PRRR

STAFF EDITORIAL

GRRR

The Cuisine Conundrum

The new food policy sets very strict standards which will severely restrict students’ privileges in the classroom by Emma Persson To have food, or not to have food--that is the question. It is a question which has recurred frequently among students and staff members, especially at the beginning of this year when the new food policy first came into effect. This policy hit the school hard, severely limiting the availability of snacks in classrooms. Taking away food means all related activities which go along with it, such as the towers made of spaghetti and marshmallows which normally make for a good first day in teacher Emily Sommer’s classroom. However, she said that this year “it was a fun activity that ended up being a lot of trouble.” While spaghetti towers may be troublesome, homemade goods are prohibited altogether. Even though Sommer is able to collect over one hundred dollars each year for Charity Week by making Rice Krispies, the policy has now taken that contribution away. She is not the only one who has lost sales. Senior Grant Gallas, who works in the school store, also feels repercussions from the policy. “It hurts our business,’’ Gallas said, pointing out that the majority of last year’s sales were food items.

Source Staff Vote: The food policy is too harsh, it could use revising

The loss of food sales, snacking, and homemade treats has restricted students’ freedoms. However, these freedoms will return in the workforce, which makes the policy’s rationale unclear. “It is part of the learning process to understand what [students] are allergic to and how to deal with it,” said Clint Rodger. He also pointed out that there are no food restrictions in other public places. Being a Wilderness Survival teacher, however, the snacks that he brings to his class do not have any issues because, to the best of his knowledge, no one is allergic to mealworms. The policy will not affect Bethany Dunning’s class either, as she will go right on with the class parties. “There will still be pancakes,” she says, although she will miss the home baked goods, especially since German culture dictates that cookies are made with mostly nuts, no flour according to her experience. Junior Hannah Langsdorf has slightly stronger opinions on the subject. “My little brothers almost had to be homeschooled because my mom was really worried about peanuts in the school,” Langsdorf said. “It’s really serious for a lot

GRRR

of kids, and I think this will provide a much safer environment for them as well as other children.” Used to worrying about her brothers, Langsdorf says that sacrificing her comforts is worth the security of others. Kevin Batko, a senior who has nut allergies himself, has dealt with them his entire life. About the new policy he says, “It makes me feel more comfortable, but I didn’t really mind it before--I think people should be able to eat whatever they want.” Considering so many opposing opinions, the food policy may be as complicated

“It is part of the learning process to understand what they are allergic to and how to deal with it.” Clint Rodger as a Shakespearian play.However, there is a significant difference between 6-yearolds and 16-year-olds, and while the new policy may be appropriate for children, its appropriateness for young adults is much less certain.

Ebola Scare: The media has focused a lot on the new virus going around West Africa, and the first victim has been diagnosed in the US. Let’s hope he’s both the first and the last.

PRRR New Grading Scale: Last year getting an A meant 95% or higher, but this year the A range starts from 93%. Whew! #HeforShe Campaign: This campaign which focuses on getting men to be advocates for women is headed by none other than Harry Potter star Emma Watson!

BY THE NUMB3RS

hours of chill time which we had last year

number of principals who have worked at the school

Agree: 100%

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST, FOLKS!

Earlier School Days: Just recently the starting time for school changed from 7:35 to 7:30, adding an extra five minutes every day!

What is your favorite use of food in the classroom and why?

total hours that high school students generally spend on testing

percent of seniors who take advantage of offcampus lunches

Freshman: Sophomore: TREVOR HUNSANGER KELLY “Hmm... I have to say MCCARTELL Cheetos--they’re my favorite snack because they taste amazing.”

Opinion

“Definitely snacking because you can just grab something from your bag to keep you going during the day.”

Junior: Senior: MANDY VAN DAN PAUL POLLACK “I would say parties ELZEN “I really like projects when you can use food, like bake a cake for it, because it’s a good learning process.”

because they make the classroom interactive.”

Photos by Emma Persson

girls on the golf team

drilling oil and gas well companies in Michigan

(Sources: Administration, Mr. Carlin, Mr. Lafferty, manta.com)

October 10, 2014

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At the Homecoming game Friday, Oct. 17, be proud and remember

#WeAreSC

Top left: Band members wait to take the field at halftime Oct. 3, posted by @ SCHSBands. Top right: Stoney carries the ball in the game against Clarkston Sept. 19 (photo by Megan Sennett). Above: The Core student section rocks neon at the game against Clarkston Sept. 19, posted by @SCHS_Core. Follow @SCSourceOnline on Twitter for live tweeting of Homecoming events and game and mention us in your Homecoming tweets. Visit www.SCSourceOnline.com for pre- and post-Homecoming stories, photo galleries, and videos.

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OCTOBER 10, 2014