Roaring Fork Rampage, December 2013

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2270 Highway 133

Carbondale , Co 81623

December, 2013

Volume 7 Issue 3

THE RAMPAGE

Big brother comes to Roaring Fork high school -Grace Brown

Photo by Cameron Doherty One of the 34 surveillance cameras peers down a RFHS hallway. Most students were surprised to find out that the cameras are in operation, and immediately ask why they are.

Shook up over hook up - James Long and Lucy Stevens

Romance is an inevitable part of high school. Whether they’re walking down the halls or eating lunch, couples can be spotted holding hands, making out or leaving class to surreptitiously meet up. While the media might portray the image that all high school students want a partner, this doesn’t necessarily hold true for many Roaring Fork high school students. Although many students are in committed relationships, some prefer more casual flings. “If both people are aware that it’s a casual relationship, its fine,” Sasha Williams, RFHS senior, stated. There are many students who may drift in and out of relationships, never really caring about the other person. Some students just want

Although the students at RFHS know that their high school is a public place, they don’t know how closely they are being watched. When students returned to school in August of this year, 34 wideangle, motion-activated security cameras were in operation on the ceilings right above their heads. Adam Carballeira, English teacher at RFHS, saw the cameras being worked on and immediately wanted to know why they were there. “I wanted to make sure that if I was dancing in the hallway, no one would be able to critique my moves,” he said. Carballeira also stated that he believes the camera installation should be public information. According to Principal Drew Adams, the cameras have always been in the school, however, they just weren’t in operation. “We had no agenda to hide it [the new installation] from

to “hook up,” in a short-term, one-night-stand fashion, possibly just for fun or maybe to make others jealous. Some couples commit to each other and are glad to be getting to know someone long-term. RFHS freshman Buckshot Barry, is currently in a relationship with fellow freshman Maggie Eagleton, which has lasted over a year now. “I think it is better,” Barry explained. “You know you have someone there for you.” He believes this is one of many perks to being in a relationship instead of just hooking up. Both Barry and Eagleton think relationships are about respect and having a real connection to your partner. Many couples at Roaring Fork highs chool demonstrate Public Displays of Affection (PDA) in the hallways, at lunch, and even during class. Bella Baily, RFHS sophomore, shared her opinion on the matter. “Kissing in public is alright, but many couples take it to a new level,” she said.

anyone. As far as I know, they’ve been here since this building was built,” Adams said. When the district’s school board decided that all RE-1 buildings, including elementary and middle schools, would occupy security surveillance, all the schools had to do was repair the cameras. The old devices weren’t effective because of their poor resolution and viewing angles. The district also decided to add multiple cameras beyond the existing bunch. The installation was district wide for security reasons. These high resolution cameras are web based and require a special site and password to access. The only people able to access the footage of RFHS’ cameras are the RFHS administration (and the police, upon request.) This leaves students wondering if they are always being watched, and the answer is no. “No one is monitoring at all times; it’s just to review if need be,”

Adams said. So far, the cameras have been successful in solving two cases of lost phones and a stolen bike by rolling back the tape on certain cameras. These devices are able to show footage from up to 30 days previous to the current footage. After a period of 30 days, they will automatically clear all film and continue recording. The majority of students at Roaring Fork high school have no idea about the recording happening during their school day. Emily Mata, sophomore, was one of them. “The faculty never told the student body when or why they were installing the cameras,” Mata said. Junior Daniel Sandoval agreed. “I feel spied on. 34 cameras is a lot. I wouldn’t mind a couple, but that’s just over the top,” he said. RFHS students should be aware of the cameras’ presence because these devices aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

“Couples don’t need to prove to everyone else that they are partners,” Barry agreed. “You [shouldn’t] care what people think, you just want to be with them for who they are.” Although some students may feel hook-ups are acceptable, adults may have different opinions. Ralph Young, RFHS math and speech teacher remarked, “I’m not really a fan of high school relationships, but there is something to be said for commitment.” He believes that student relationships should remain discreet and safe. Most people seem to think typical dating is the best way to go, but others think hooking-up on occasion is ok too. “As long as you both are aware that it’s just a hook-up, it can be fun,” Says junior Kayla Derby. There is no denying that student romance is an inevitable part of high school. Because students and adults witness it everyday, it’s ultimately up to them to decide how they feel about relationships, traditional or not.

We strive to offer an outlet for student voice and provide the community with a professional, diverse, engaging, and reliable newspaper. Contact us at rframpage@gmail.com


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