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TALISMAN a student-edited newspaper
R.I.P P2 page 6
Coffee cart reopens page 2 Sheldon High School
New iPhone 7 page 4 vol. 52│iss. 1│Oct. 13, 2016
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Oct. 13, 2016
Change
the Talisman
The Coffee Cart reopens its doors Annie Huie & Anna Blaser Academics editor & Technology editor Personal finance teacher Mr. Phillipo explained to how The Coffee Corner got started: “Dr. Bob had a little bit of money for us to start with and we were able to sell enough so it was self-sustaining.” In order for The Coffee Corner to be self-sustaining it has to sell enough in order to continue in future years. Everyone wants The Coffee Corner to stay for many reasons, one of which is that it helps with equity discrimination. Phillipo said, “We’ve had kids with various financial ranges buy stuff from the coffee cart… and you’re walking around holding something compared to not having something and everyone else has these Dutch Bros… It is something that makes students feel like they belong.” The students working in the corner are actually in a class which provides opportunities for learning how to run a business. Students can use the class on resumes for similar job interests and on college applications. Learning the skill of dealing with customers, counting, and working with a small group of people in a work environment is helpful for future references. The Coffee Corner is back! Remember how it wasn’t going to come back this year? Due to nutritional policies for the district, the calorie count was too high, so it almost didn’t. Phillipo said, “It was gonna go away because there was a discrepancy for nutrition requirements for students . . . We were afraid to make drinks that where sweet enough for students without breaking that calorie count that was required.” Phillipo added, “Trying to keep the calorie count [down] even though students have a real sweet tooth, we can’t allow [overly-sweet drinks]. And because of that, we had to cut out - students can now only buy 12 ounce drinks.” Some teachers understand how the line gets busy, which
photographed by Katie Dobberthien
causes students to be late to class, but it’s not always acceptable. Attendance clerk Sondee said, “It’s not an excuse [to be late]. [The class is] a great idea. [And it teaches] good useful skills.” Librarian Ms. Kunz said that being late to class due to the coffee corner taking a while is, “. . .not very respectful of the class.” But she said it’s a good class, “. . .as long as it’s professionally managed. . . it’s really neat to have an actual business in a school.”
Why take the class? Senior McKenna Martin said that The Coffee Corner is a good thing and that she, “absolutely loves it.” Senior Berkeley Neuman said,” [The Coffee Corner] gives people a good option to get drinks fall and summer for a good price,” and that he learned, “how to manage money, customer service, and equipment.”
New safety measures installed in the front parking lot Andy Hart & Brayden Smith Staff writer & Variety page editor
Sheldon authority has taken action to ensure student safety by adding a stop sign in the Southwest corner of the Sheldon parking lot. Also, staff have been put on duty by the crosswalk to Market of Choice to make sure student are practicing safe procedures. Are these changes truly helping to make driving safer? Of the ten students we interviewed, all of them have disagreed with the changes. Junior Wyatt Seidel says “I think the changes don’t really help anything. They just give you another thing to worry about.” And Senior Dakota Balonce even goes as far as to say “It hurts my soul.” No drivers have had anything positive to say and only have disapproval.
Many of the staff feel that the addition of the safety changes shouldn’t be necessary which includes Daren Henry, Officer Savage, and Vice Principal Mark Watson. Henry who stands at the corner during lunch to ensure that pedestrians are practicing safe procedures says when asked if this part of his job should be necessary “It shouldn’t be, but teenager are teenagers.” He goes on to describe how the brain develops and how teenagers have yet to fully develop the part that dictates decision making, which means teenager usually take less time to think about their actions, resulting in dangerous behavior such as jaywalking. We asked Henry if this new part of his job was interfering with his normal activities. He goes on to describe the work he does on campus to ensure safety and describes this new portion as “Just part of the job.”
For others such as Officer John Savage, these safety changes have had little to no effect on their jobs. After asking if these changes incited more reasons for him to give tickets or punishment to student he went on to explain that it’s very rare for him to give tickets, and usually when seeing reckless behavior, he tries his best to give a warning instead of taking legal action. Nothing Savage hasn’t seen before has happened since the changes and he will continue his job normally. “About one or two incidents a year occur where a vehicle strikes a pedestrian or someone on a bike, but nothing serious has happened yet.” Says Savage. The addition of the stop sign and Henry’s new watch of the crosswalk have forced pedestrians and drivers alike to think twice about their actions, making Sheldon and areas nearby a safer place.
Academics
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Oct. 13, 2016
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There is no shop class at Sheldon Cass Egbert and Aidan Fox Staff writers
Not all students have the same idea as to why a shop class would be beneficial. Senior Jazi Gutierrez pointed out that some people don’t have guardians who can teach them what these classes could teach. Gutierrez said, “Hav-
ing these classes in Sheldon would provide a lot of good knowledge of taking care of vehicles and saving money on maintenance.”
Imagine not spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on car maintenance when you could do the work yourself. Many were wondering why they took away automotive/shop class from Sheldon years ago. A random survey of ten students who have vehicles at Sheldon were asked if they knew how to perform a normal oil change. Eight out of ten people did not know how to perform an oil change to their own vehicle. Oil changes are one the easiest tasks to maintain a car and the number one way that car shops earn easy money from people. The fact that 80% of this small number of kids don’t know how to change their oil isn’t that surprising because no one gets taught. We need a change in our education system. There needs to be classes related to automotive technology in high school and other curricular classes. Health teacher Mr. Bell agreed and said, “Absolutely; if I was a student here I would love to see some more classes like this as well as Home Ec.” He stated that measure 98 is a federal movement for this exact procedure to put more classes like this in schools. Many students at Sheldon also agree that shop class should be added. Many students feel it provides valuable information for real life knowledge. Junior Haley Bergstrom said, “I think Sheldon having a shop class would be a huge benefit for students, because it would allow students to learn the basic maintenances on their vehicles. It will also give people who enjoy working on cars a class to look forward to.”
drawing by Madison Lawson
How homework affects your grade Noah Hatfield Staff writer
their homework on a day-to-day basis. Doing your homework could be the main factor of passing a test. Teachers are there to help guide you and give you the tools to succeed, but many kids take that for granted. If students don’t stay on top of their work, they could fall behind and make it more difficult for themselves to get good grades. Most parents now-adays want their kids to succeed, so the pressure put on the students is very heavy. Sophomore Zahjahne Sanchez said, “If I get bad grades all my privileges are taken away until I get my grades up.”
Getting and keeping good grades all year is very hard to do. There are many obstacles that get in the way for people to get or keep their good grades. To get good grades, it all starts in class; being on time and paying attention are the main keys to not getting behind in a class. From freshman year to senior year the work gets harder and so does the drive to receive better grades.
Motivation is a big factor in getting good grades, so if you lose your motivation, then you lose your focus, which leads to getting bad grades. Motivation can be the hardest thing to keep while trying to get good grades, but the end result of keeping your motivation all year and getting those good grades can be worth it. Many students at Sheldon play a sport of some kind, so grades are their deciding factor of being able to play a sport.
There are many stereotypes that are put on people who get bad grades. Sophomore Christian Visconti said, “People who skip class a lot are usually the people who have bad grades.”
Getting help in a class is very easy; no teacher is going to not give you help if you need it. If you play a sport, staying on top of your grades is a challenge, but if you focus and do your work, regardless of how tired you are or not having a lot of time, then you will be able to play your sport. Sophomore Madden Salibury said his main motivation is, “If I don’t get good grades I can’t see my girlfriends or be able to play football.”
In some classes homework is about 25% of your grade. Many students don’t do
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October 13, 2016
Technology
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Cell phone policies vary in classes Michael Rainer and Cody Tinseth Staff writers
The rules on cell phones at Sheldon High School will vary depending on your teacher but most teachers will not let students be on their phone while they are talking. Some teachers don’t allow their students to use their cell phones at all, while other teachers are more lenient on their rules. Science teacher Kurt Goldenstein said, “I will allow students to be on their phone if they have no more work and if it is appropriate.” A lot of teachers say listening to music is a distraction because students can’t give 100 percent if they are listening to music. Goldenstein added, “If students are getting work done in class and getting good grades then I will let students listen to music as long as I am not talking.” Teachers won’t tolerate using cell phones if you do not follow their rules. Student Seth Johnson said,” Using computers instead of a phone is more productive but it may be easier to use a phone if you don’t have a computer. “Students like to use their phones but some students don’t know when to be on them or not. Johnson added.” Cell phone use in class should not be allowed because it will be a distraction.” Students have different views on the cell phone use in class, but if you don’t listen to the teacher’s rules then students won’t get a choice. Teachers make the rules on cell phone policy, but most of the time the teachers don’t enforce their own rules and ignore students using the phones. Junior Chad Simon said, “They tell you that we can’t be on our phone yet they don’t care most of the time.” Students should listen to the teacher’s rules, but if they don’t get in trouble for breaking the rules then they will keep on doing it.
drawing by Madeline Brainerd
The new iPhone 7 promises much Katie Dobberthien Photo editor
As Apple users get more and more excited about the new iPhone7, customers can’t help but wonder if this will be the next big thing, or Apple’s biggest failure. Apple has changed many features that have caused a rising concern about the new product. The most prominent change is the removal of the headphone jack. Junior Wyatt Seidel said, “I feel as though this will ruin the device and is an unnecessary change.” Apple says they removed the headphone jack to increase the battery life by 14%. Removing the jack takes away the ability to use headphones and the aux cord without using a converter. People have mixed feelings about having to use a converter. Junior Jesse Christofferson said, “Maybe it will come in handy.” Junior Kenadie Kucinski said, “I don’t think it will be very convenient.” Apple is planning on releasing the new Airpods, their new Bluetooth headphones, in late October. The Airpods are always on and connected, they can sense when they are in your ears, and pause when they are taken out. Double tap either Airpod and activate Siri without taking out your phone. Although the Airpods have many extra features people have many concerns. The Airpods do not come with the new phone so if you want the Bluetooth you have to spend an extra $160. Apple has made the Airpods able to connect to other non-Apple devices. The iPhone7 plus has a new feature of two camera lenses and is the first iPhone to offer users a legit 2x optical zoom followed by a 10x digital zoom executed in software. The iPhone finally expanded storage options! The iPhone 7 and 7plus now come in 32GB, 128GB and 256GB configurations instead of topping out at 128GB. The freshest leak from June 20 shows that the dual-lens camera is very much a reality and the shells do not feature any antenna bands. Further claims have been made for a massive 3500 mAh battery and wireless charging options, but no leaked news regarding the same has been confirmed thus far. They will also feature wireless smart connectors, which are becoming quite the rage among Apple fanatics. Pricing for the iPhone 7 starts at $649 while pricing for the 7 plus stats at $769. Apple users always seem to get excited when a new model of the iPhone comes out.
Opinions
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Art for students’ sake
Oct. 13, 2016
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Nors Murphy staff writter
As a freshman entering Sheldon I admired the artistry of our high school, between the California-style open air courtyard filled with flowers and trees and natural beauty (thanks to Darren), and the various murals in the English and Art halls. I remember thinking to myself, “What kind of mark can I leave here in my four years?” And I am sure that this thought has been shared. As an artist I am constantly looking for new ways to express myself. In addition to the beauty of our school, we have many fantastic art teachers with a diversity in skills to hone our craft, whatever that may be. Now, this is all well and good; however, upon leaving high school people might find that they must strain their eyes to see the beauty, and that our society’s appreciation of artwork is quite underwhelming. Art teacher Nina Herbst said, “You have to find an intersection between art and your career if art cannot be your career.” Though her experience has been satisfying from an occupational standpoint, she believes that our administration could do more to help the artists at Sheldon. Herbst would like to see more display cases; if more kids can see each other’s work and inspire, more vitality and creative energy will flow through our halls. She would also like to see more color on our white cinderblock walls. She encourages all students who are willing to do murals to talk to a teacher or hall department that would like a mural, let that department correspond and work out spaces, come up will a full-color design of your potential mural, and submit it to the site council for approval! As the world develops, our communication develops, and since the invention of the internet, lots of media has been developed to cater to a newer mindset. Digital media is becoming the most prevalent medium. For those of us who prefer our pencils and brushes, despite being raised in this era of technology and glowing rectangles, the demand for our work is lower than ever. Most of our friends and family do not have the resources to pay for a nicely-done painting, and the other pathways include parasitic gallery deals, art shows and expositions that are highly elitist. And then there’s social media: a multiverse of unlimited wallspace, an equal opportunity for everyone who uses it. It is a perfect outlet for an art market; with a few clicks you can see all of the artist’s work, and you can even talk to them about it, too! The only challenge: outreach and visibility. If you can get followers from your work, you might be able to survive on it! A common struggle among artists besides surviving with our skillset is figuring out what to express, finding inspiration and vision and manifesting it somehow. According to Herbst, “Inspiration is a product of personal growth and self-awareness.” Many artists have described themselves as “plateaued,” “washed-out,” or other mean, self-pitying things during a blocked period. Instead of wallowing around in your own guilt for not having made anything or anything good recently, go outside. Go learn something new. Look at the stars. Do a cartwheel. Do anything at all, just don’t stay still. Stillness is the death of creativity: the more something moves, the more it yields. I once heard from a fantastic musician named Nathan Adams of the Eugene-based punk band, Girls Punch Bears who said, “No one cares if a soloist misses a note so long as they keep playing.”
More like GM nOs Sam Lawson and Madison Lawson Features p9 editor and Staff writter
GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) are organisms that have gone through genetic alteration that changes the way food naturally grows. Many people in the United States are oblivious when it comes to GMOs. People may have heard of them, but have never actually learned what they are. Senior Natalie Dean stated her thoughts on GMOs, “GMO is a genetic modification of food and the products in food.” Dean mentioned, “I mainly heard it from the news and never from my parents. My friends definitely never talk about it.” GMOs can increase the growth in the food we eat, whether it’s natural and organic, or not. Dean said, “[GMOs] probably [grow] a higher rate than most food, probably due to the accelerating mass production that we need for food.”
Illustration by Nors Murphy
This is one reason GMOs can be a good thing, because of our demand for food. Chicken and fish are taking up to five days to grow fully, because of GMOs. Some people have been prone to allergies because of GMOs, as well. Dean mentioned, “That sucks, but I feel like genetically modified food has been engrained in our society. In order to break away it would take a very massive change to the food production system.” Like most Americans, Emma Seidman has limited knowledge about GMOs. Seidman said, “Yes I know it [GMOs] goes into my food. I don’t want modified organisms going into my food.” GMOs are taking over organic foods, which is noticeable if you pay attention to the matter. Seidman expressed, “I didn’t know [GMOs were taking over organic food], but I don’t think they should because [organic food’s] better for you and it’s natural.” The growth depends on the type of food it is put into, but for chicken it supposedly takes up to five days to grow. GMOs are basically cross-breeding food. Junior Lauryn Nero claims this will change the way she eats, “GMOs are nasty, so yes this will change the way I eat.” Not very many people are willing to change what they do eat, because GMOs are in almost everything. They are even in beauty products and not only in what we eat. People who tend to have allergies at random times of the season, are using GMO based products that tend to be at fault for the issue.
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Sheldon
Oct. 13, 2016
The Talisman
Rest in peace P2
photograph by Greg Cantwell
Almost every student in Sheldon High School has or will have a class in the portables. The portables have provided extra space for more classes to become available and to aid the issue of overpopulated classrooms. Sheldon had four separate classrooms divided into two compact buildings numbered P1, P2, P3, and P4. Over the summer on June 26, 2016, P1 and P2 were set on fire by an unknown arsonist. The fire completely destroyed everything inside P2, but even though P1 was not as damaged as P2, it was no longer salvageable either. The entire building has been deconstructed, and all that remains is one small portable consisting of P3 and P4. Unfortunately, P2 was the home of the Talisman, our school newspaper. All of the computers, pictures of the club, and awards were all demolished. The class has been forced to relocate to a different location that is not as accessible or tailored to the specific needs of the newspaper staff. A few students were at the scene when the fire was discovered; however, no one saw the arsonist in action or fleeing the origin of the fire. Senior Mallory Butcher said, “The inside of the portable was on fire, there was a ton of people crowding around. There were firefighters, reporters, students, alumni, police, and homeowners all nearby. The area was blocked off by caution tape when I got there.” Vice Principal Mr. Watson said, “It’s been a challenge; we had to move some teachers that we had originally planned to be out there [in
P1 & P2]… I look forward to giving those teachers and students a place where it’s their home space where they don’t have to go back and forth.” The new portable that will take the place of rooms P1 and P2 is being built offsite and will later be moved to Sheldon. According to Mr. Watson, the portable should be done by Thanksgiving break at the latest. The upside of all this destruction is that the new portable spaces will be equipped with all new furniture and technology, and they will look almost identical to the old rooms from the outside. Senior Solomon Faulkner said, “Having many classes in the portables, I really enjoyed the different environment. It is very sad that one of the buildings burned down, but I am looking forward to seeing the new portable.” Although Sheldon lost P1 and P2, the new portable will be furnished with all new tables, chairs, and technology. Hopefully this will make up for the displacement of the teachers and students who have called P1 and P2 home.
Gracie Thompson & Jack Forrest Editor-in-chief and Co-managing editor
The Talisman
Sheldon
Oct. 13, 2016
Overpopulated student section
photograph by Katie Dobberthien
At many football games, the student section of the bleachers is filled beyond capacity. Expanding the student section would be really difficult and costly, the student section and adult section are very different because the parent section people pay for and want good seats. There are set areas for specific people. One popular solution is for students to stand at the bottom of the bleachers by the field because there isn’t any room left in the student section. Students can’t stand in the aisle because it is a fire safety issue, but students do it anyway. Expanding the bleachers would cost way too much, and the school doesn’t have the funds for it. Vice Principal Mr. Watson said, “Usually the first couple of games are packed but then attendance dies down somewhat.” If the students stood in the parent section the adults wouldn’t be able to see over the kids so the students would have to sit, but students usually prefer to stand. Junior Wyatt Siedel, said, “Having a bigger student section would definitely help, there isn’t enough room for everyone to fit so people are forced to sit in the adult section or stand at the bottom of the bleachers.” Usually people just stand in the aisle and no one says anything, but you can tell the adults get upset because they can’t see. That’s why we need a bigger section. The student section definitely needs to be larger, but the school does not have the funds for it, and the school has more important priorities to handle. For now the student section will remain the same, with students in the aisle even though they aren’t a supposed to be.
Hunter Bratton, Cassidy Logan, & Hayden Brooke Staff writers
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Features
Oct. 13 2016
the Talisman
SO, YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR... “At first I did not know I wanted to be in IHS because I went to Willamette my freshman year then transform over to Sheldon and IHS was my only option. I was kind of pushed into it but I really ended up absolutely loving the connections between classes because teachers teach on the same subject areas from the lends of literature, history, the theory of knowledge, etc.”
IHS
“IHS does not force anyone to think a certain way, it just expands your knowledge of ways to think. I think that is really cool because you have conversations about things you would never think could possibly be talked about.”
Andrea Corbin “I have been in choir for a little over three years. I am in both varsity and Dublinaires. The beginner classes are known as concert choir and I did that my freshman year.” “I practice when no one is around me like in the shower, at home, the hallway, in my head and even sometimes in class I will just hum to myself.”
Choir Elijah Rios
“My life basically revolves around band. It is time consuming but in a good way. Everything I do involves band, like when I am at school it is usually in the band room or if I have free time I am usually practicing.”
Band Kevin Jackson
“[Band] Is really inclusive. There is a lot of diversity in it and there are a lot of kids that are from different social groups and band is that glue that puts all of the different groups together.”
zz “I think cross- country is really motivating, I push myself really hard and it helps me with schooling.” “My biggest accomplishment would be finishing in the top 10 at state last year. It was really hard competition that year but by teammates motivated me to finish. We finished 3rd at state as a team.”
cross-country
Dance Mallory Butcher
“I have been dancing since I was two years old. I was on the middle school [dance] team and all during high school.” “I want people to know that the Sheldon Colleens actually perform other than at football games and we put a lot of effort into our routines.”
Mellisa Berry
Features
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Oct. 13, 2016
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Playing chess helps with academics Andrew King Staff writer The school year is back, which means students will be focused on academics. But what can you do to help strengthen your mind? You can study for tests, do homework and play games! A game that has existed for 2000 years and is still played today that also helps students academically is chess. Campus Supervisor Darin Henry said, “There are a whole bunch of reasons why chess is good: it teaches concentration, memory, strategy, patience, and it builds community through friendly competition.” Besides chess, other games can also help with academics. Go is a game in which the object is to claim as much area of the board as you can without your opponent taking it. Any other game with lots of possibilities and strategies works too. As well as everything else, chess also teaches you to concentrate. The coach of the Sheldon Chess team, Gib Daugherty, said, “[Chess] keeps your mind in good mental health.” Chess won’t get you an auto-
matic A+ on that math test, but it teaches you skills to work better and pay attention. In chess, there isn’t any luck so if you win, it was because you played well. And if you think chess is some easy game to play or memorize, there are about 9 million possibilities every time each person has taken four turns. Chess teaches you valuable skills to help with academics and the rest of your life. Senior Yuki Kamazuka explained, “It helps you to think not just with factual evidence on the situation, but it helps you to think conceptually.” So essentially, chess won’t help you with one specific subject, but it will teach you skills you can use throughout your life.
Illustration by Nors Murphy
w e n a u o y s e k a m n n o o s d l r e e h p S
Dallas Yager and Amberlin Casto Staff writers
Theatre is an extracurricular program that dwells in the fine art of taking on a role and becoming a whole new person. A lot of work goes into the funding and inspiration for theatre. In regards to increasing funding for Sheldon Theatre. Choir, and Theatre director Nancy Anderson said, “[We are] using social media to reach as many people as theatare students know, and to say: ‘Hey! We are always looking for money! Would you like to give us some?’”
Senior Elijah Rios the theatre program said, “It all depends on what we are trying to do. If we were just trying to just have people come out to see us then- yeah, we should do what people want to see. We want to enjoy what we’re doing too. That may not necessarily be what the topic of what everyone else wants to see.” Senior Dylan Gates said of the theatre program, “Well I really love theatre because you get to have
different types of people in different groups. It’s a lot more interactive, and playful because you get to be someone you’re not.” Overall, from many different people’s opinion, Theatre would most definitely benefit from higher funding. Theatre is a key component that keeps this school artistic. It is an underfunded outlet to fun, positive entertainment and creativity. Sadly, though, funding is hard to get, especially such a large amount and in such a short time. Without funding, theatre cannot get scripts or the music sheets, lead-
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Oct. 13, 2016
Variety
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Could four-year P.E. be mandatory? Steaphine Hernandez Staff writer Having mandatory P.E would have a positive impact on students. Regarding the impact of mandatory P.E. for all four years of high school, science teacher Ms.Wingard said, “It’s great for physical and mental well being, but we depend on a budget.” About mandatory P.E., sophomore Adrianna Miramontes said, ”My perfect school day does not include P.E. at all.” Miramontes also said, “I don’t think [mandatory P.E. would be a good thing] because we’d be more tired and just want to sleep. Yes we’d get all our energy out, but we could be using that energy to focus and learn and understand the curriculum better.” Would having mandatory P.E. really be that useful or would having a class that we could actually use what we learn in it later in life, like in college? Are you really going to need P.E.? Is it really that important? Yes, it’s good for
students now, but having a core class instead would help way more. A lot of teens would rather have P.E. just because it’s an easier class and your grade is based on effort, but there are also a lot of teens whose opinions are very different, like thinking P.E. is useless because students don’t need it all four years when they could be getting college credits instead. Sophomore Orin Patu said, “ I don’t think they should [have mandatory P.E.] because they’re already getting their good and healthy exercise done, but on the other hand students who don’t participate in after schools should be required to take all four years in my opinion.” Students’ points of view need to be taken into account because it’s students who are going to be affected.
The Crucible is coming soon Sheen Faulconer Staff writer On November 11, Sheldon Theatre will be opening their darkest production ever, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Based on the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692, the condensed story follows the downward spiral of a town sent into mass hysteria. “It’s sort of like a horror story on stage,” said Nancy Anderson, Director/ Producer of Sheldon Theatre. Anderson continued, “You can see the fall starting in this community, the beginning of the end, the social fabric unraveling in Salem. When everybody’s afraid of their neighbor, nobody knows where the finger will point next. Everybody was in fear of their lives…” Centering around themes of lust, deceit and vengeance, it’s no surprise The Crucible starts with false allegations. After a group of girls is seen dancing in the woods, those girls about accusations of witchcraft against people in the town. Orchestrated brilliantly by the play’s antagonist, Abigail, soon the entire community in consumed by paranoid, leaving those still sensible, to fight back against the ignorance. Brutal, tragic, and harrowingly real, The Crucible draws some terrifying parallels to our own world. The play’s author, Arthur Miller, wrote the Crucible during Joseph McCarthy’s communist witch hunts of the 1950s. “People were kept out of work, lost their careers, because they were said to be sympathizing with the communist,” Anderson elaborated. The story’s ominous origins haven’t deterred students, though. “I’m excited to do something a little bit heavier, that I haven’t really done before,” third year actor in Sheldon’s theater program, senior Dylan Gates said; “Plus it’s always fun acting with new people, and having a new class of freshman to act with us. It’s always fun to see new faces,” Gates continued. Actors are not the only ones excited for The Crucible though. “People should come see The Crucible because it will support Sheldon Theater, and it’s also around Halloween time,” said junior and lights crew member Cheyenne Tiler. Tiler added “It’s a spooky, spooky play, so you should really come see it…”
Regardless of their roles in the production, both Gates and Tiler were eager to offer reasons as to why people should not only see the play, but also why they should join Sheldon Theatre. “In Sheldon Theatre, you get to see all these different types of people come together, preform, work with art, and get to be people who they aren’t,” Gates explained. “It’s hands-on, and it’s not something you can learn sitting down in a classroom,” Gates continued. Although more succinct, Tiler’s pitch was just as effective, “It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.”
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Oct. 13, 2016
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Lead in Sheldon water supply Rachel Kirsch & Max Gullickson Staff writers The water lead issue first became a concern in Sheldon High School after officials in Flint, Michigan, tested discolored water in schools and found high levels of lead. Sheldon and many other schools found the need to test their own water as well, so the district started to test the water in Sheldon and other schools to see if the water was also similarly discolored. According to English teacher Ms. Fitz, “Our numbers were not very high, but they were high enough to cause concern.” Unrelated to testing, last school year, Sheldon made the decision to install new filtrating water systems around the school. The original plan was to install a few, but then there was a discount on sales of plumbing and instillation. That’s when Sheldon decided to install more. These systems are some of the best in the state. The filtration in the systems is incredible. The water is extremely clean and also ice cold. Senior Dylan Gates said, “It was perfect timing for putting in new fountains last year.” More schools, mostly older ones (including Sheldon), started to be tested to make sure there was not lead in their water, too. Sure enough, lead was found in the water at Sheldon and it had affected
the sinks and unfiltered water fountains. According to a September 21 letter to parents, of the 195 faucets tested at Sheldon, 41after sitting, dormant overnight, contained lead levels above the EPA standard of 20 parts per billion. The district will continue to test and repair the situation. Sheldon Receptionist Donna Swan-Sixkiller said, “We are having to use bottled water [in the office] because we still can’t use the fountains.”
photo by Katie Dobberthien
photo by Mr. Cantwell
Teachers can censor students Harrison Nabors & Madeline Brainerd Opinions editor & Variety editor High school students don’t normally think about censorship even though it affects aspects of their daily lives. For example, swearing is prohibited in many classes along with hate speech. School computers can’t access social media websites, and students aren’t allowed to wear any clothes depicting alcohol, drugs, or anything “plainly offensive.” Censorship gives schools some control, it makes school a more comfortable place to be. Senior Tanner Barrong voiced his opinion concerning censorship: “People should be exposed to what is out there because eventually they will have to face it; other’s opinions that are differing should be heard; expression is important.” For Sheldon, students are allowed to voice their opinion, in a calm safe way. Students are supposed to be mindful of the language they use. Some things can be insulting to another student or teacher.
When students disrupt the learning process with their behavior or actions is when teachers can use discipline. There is classroom conduct for teachers, as well. Junior Julio Barrales concerning censored education upon specific subjects, said “[educators would] only let you see the bright side of things. We need to see the whole story. Even when the whole story is horrible.” Sheldon’s policy, could be summed up in what Barrales said. In response to this, Dr. Bob Bolden said, “Teachers are allowed to deal with controversial issues, and with that, they discuss both sides.” Teachers are also allowed to express their personal opinions on the controversial matters. On the topic of kids disrupting class, teachers are allowed to reprimand students. Disrupting the learning process, and saying offensive things only to offend another student or teacher is allowed to be dealt with. Student Callie Girard said, “It is basic respect. Would you cuss out your parents?”
Run by students, for students. Editor-in-Chief & Sheldon pages editor Gracie Thompson Features editor & co-managing editor Sam Lawson Changes page editor & co-managing editor Jack Forrest Academics editor Annie Huie Technology editor Anna Blaser Opinions editor Harrison Nabors Features page Isabella Bratland Variety 10 editor Maddy Brainerd Variety 11 editor Brayden Smith Artists Nors Murphy & Maddie Brainerd Photo editor Katie Dobberthien Guest alumnus editorin-chief Sam Fox Staff adviser Greg Cantwell Staff writers Dallas Yager Skyler Bartram Hunter Bratton Hayden Brooke Amberlin Casto Serena Collier Cass Egbert Sheen faulconer Aidan Fox
Maddie Gullickson Michael Rainer William Hart Noah Hatfield Stephanie Hernandez Andrew King Rachel Kirsch Madison Lawson Cassidy Logan Cody Tinseth
cover photo: Greg Cantwell
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