Volume 40, issue 2

the

T - B ird Times Skyline High School | tbirdtimes.com | Volume 40, Issue 2 | November 24, 2015

photo by Lexie Maloney

Junior Kendall Davidson sings during the musical.

Davidson played Buddy the Elf.

see story on pages 4 & 5

Page 2

Opinion

Parents should leave kids up front

by Caden Patterson

Editor High school students park on the east side of the school building every day. When parents drop their kids off by the high school parking lot it makes an unsafe environment for the younger kids.

Parents that park in the high school parking spots put their younger children at risk of getting hit by a high school student pulling into their parking spot. If parents would park in front of the building it would keep a safer environment for the younger students.

“When I am pulling into the parking lot I am usually looking for a spot to park, not looking for kids that may

run out in front of my truck,” junior Rance Tucker said.

Another reason parents need to drop their kids off in the front is because the high school parking lot is usually full by the end of the day and students may not be able to find a spot to park at in their parking lot.

“I do not like when parents park in the high school parking spots because it creates a hassle for me to park when there is no spots open,” senior Brandon Nibblet said.

It is not a very far walk from the front doors to the middle school locker rooms.

The middle school students are suppose to gather by the stage so they do not need to be dropped off at the high school

Parent Dropping Off Students

doors when the front doors are closer for them to walk.

Not only do parents need to change how they drop their kids off, they also need to make a complete stop at the stop sign. Drivers that run the stop sign are putting high school students in danger when pulling into the school.

There are two things that parents can do to keep the high school parking lots cluster free and keep everyone safer.

Parents need to drop their kids off at the front doors so that they are not taking up space where the high school students need to park and they also need to make a complete stop at the stop sign after they drop their children off.

Student Behind Parent

Editor .................... Caden Patterson Staff Reporters................Mason Brack Hallee Burgardt Miranda Ghumm Justin Hampel Kamryn Stark Andrew Withers Adviser........................Judy Hampel

Photographers.................... Trent Adams Jarod DeWeese Gabriel Flanders Lexie Maloney Tara Miller Raul Ramirez Courtney Reece Cade Swonger Megan Urban

November 24, 2015 The T-Bird Times is an open forum for student expression. The mission of the T-Bird Times editorial page is to engage all students and patrons in a search for democratic solutions.

The T-Bird Times’ editorial voice, expressed in the form of editorials, columns and articles, is a part of that search, but only one part.

The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of other students, the adviser, faculty, administrators or the Board of Education of this district.

The T-Bird Times, a member of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association and the American Society of Newspaper Editors, is published by the 21st Century Journalism class at Skyline High School, 20269 W. Hwy. 54, Pratt, Kan., 67124. The T-Bird Times is printed in-house and distributed to high school students and staff. The pages can also be found online at www.tbirdtimes.com.

The T-Bird Times will strive to live up to the highest standards of professional journalism. The T-Bird Times endorses the First Amendment of the Constitution and will not publish material that could cause disorderly conduct or invade the rights of others. Any material that is not original will be given full credit, and The T-Bird Times will acknowledge any mistakes by correcting any errors that are brought to the attention of the staff.

The staff welcomes letters to the editor from patrons and students.

Letters to the editor must be signed and the staff reserves the right to edit letters for libel and grammar.

November 24, 2015

News

Page 3

Trimester schedule beneficial to students

by Andrew Withers

Reporter Skyline adopted a new schedule format at the beginning of the school year. Previously the school used a block schedule, but decided to make a change due to budget cuts.

The block schedule was split into two semesters and had three 90 minute classes and two 55 minute classes.

The new trimester schedule splits the year into three trimesters and it has six 65 minute classes.

Now that the school has reached the end of the first trimester students and faculty are mostly in favor of the schedule change.

“I like the trimester schedule because you can get more classes done and you get shorter class periods,” junior Sheldon Miller said.

According to principal

Herb McPherson, with any change, there is always some struggle at first, but some of the issues with the new schedule format have been ironed out and it is now going strong.

“I think the trimester format has worked a lot smoother than people thought it would,” junior Brynn McKennon said.

At each of the three trimester checkpoints some students see significant changes in their schedule while others see little to no change at all.

“I don’t have very many classes with a lot of homework now that we are in the second trimester,” McKennon said.

Another benefit of trimester scheduling is that it works well with sports.

“Trimesters follow sports activities,” McPherson said.

“This works well for junior high and high school coaches.”

There are many advantag-

es and disadvantages to the schedule change, but so far it has proven to be mostly beneficial for the faculty and

students due to the fact that it saves money, more classes are available for students, and the class periods are shorter.

photo by Megan Urban

Math teacher Kim Lee helps sophomore Jade Downs on his graphing calculator in Algebra 1. In previous years, Algebra 1 has been split up into two classes, Algebra 1A and 1B. It is now one class all year long.

Math relays team successful in annual Fort Hays meet

by Caden Patterson

The Journalism class will be having pictures with Santa on December 4, on the stage from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

All proceeds go to the Publications Class.

Editor Math Relays is an annual event sponsored by Fort Hays State University.

The math relays teams consist of students from freshmen to seniors that excel in their math classes.

The team competed on November 12 in Hays, Kan. “I took a total of 15 students from freshmen through seniors,” math relays sponsor Kim Lee said. “It’s really good for our students to see that they can compete in mathematics events with the best of the best from any school

in the state, including the big schools.”

The team placed fifth in the 2A/3A division.

“It is just a fun day to get out of school and see what all you know compared to other schools,” junior Jarod DeWeese.

Lee has been coaching the math relays team for almost 20 years now.

The math relays team does not go to any more meets this year.

Students involved in math relays were happy with the results they came out with and were glad their hard work paid off.

Page 4

1. In the musical, the kids in the Macy’s store line up to tell Santa what they want for Christmas.

While in search of his dad, Buddy the Elf ended up in the store. After he sees the line of children, he tries to talk to Santa, but then realized it is not the real Santa and gets kicked out of the store.

2. Junior Kendall Davidson and sophomore Carson Lee talk about how Buddy is not related to Walter Hobbs. He does not believe that Buddy is actually his son.

3. Before the show, freshman Abby Ailstock assists with makeup. Each year the kids help each other get ready before the show.

4. With many years of experience, Linda Bishop accompanies the singers with the piano. Bishop also plays the piano at many of the plays and at the music contest.

5. Davidson helps sixth grader Luke Schmidt get his wind turbine to work. Because Buddy(Davidson) has many years of experience building the turbines on the North Pole, it is just a quick fix for him.

6. After the musical, sophomore Jade Downs jokes with director Bob Lee. After the play, Santa(Downs) let the kids sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.

7. While getting into the play, junior Trent Adams acts out one of his scenes. Adams played the store manager of Macy’s.

4.

Feature

1.

5.

November 24, 2015

Feature

Page 5

Elf Jr.

by Mason Brack

Reporter 2.

3.

Under first year director, Bob Lee, actors performed the musical “Elf JR.” based off the movie “Elf.” In the story, Buddy the Elf grows up in the North Pole working in Santa’s workshop after he crawls into Santa’s bag as a baby. Buddy learns he’s actually human and then sets off to find his actual father, Walter Hobbs, in New York City. Buddy finds him, but he doesn’t believe in the spirit of Christmas, nor do many other New Yorkers, like Macy’s worker, Jovie. Buddy is determined to win over his family, Jovie, and help New York City remember the true meaning of Christmas.

“My favorite thing about the play and acting is that you get to become another person

7.

6.

and get to act like someone other than yourself,” senior Miranda Ghumm said.

Ghumm played the part of Jovie in the musical. Ghumm said it takes a lot of practice to get ready for a show. The students started practice later than previous years, so the actors had less time to make the show perfect.

“We had less time to prepare so it was fast paced and sometimes overwhelming,” senior Briana Niefert said.

Niefert played the part of Walter Hobbs’ wife, Emily.

“I liked being able to bring their Christmas spirit back and get to spread it by singing,” junior Kendall Davidson said.

In the end, he helps New Yorkers find their Christmas spirit and helps Santa fly his sleigh and lives happily ever after.

Page 6

Feature

November 24, 2015

Winter sports begin

by Kamryn Stark

Reporter As leaves are starting to fall, students are starting to ball.

The 2016 basketball season started up for high school on November 16.

As the new season started, there were many changes for both teams. The boys’ lost six of their key players while the girls didn’t lose any. Even though the girls didn’t change much for the players, they gained two different coaches.

“I am looking forward to bonding with the girls and working hard at every practice together and hopefully making it to State,” sophomore Brittaney Smith said.

Basketball athletes had been working very hard for

the upcoming season. After all the fall sports ended many players were in the gym in the mornings working with coach Kenny Eddy. Not only were they getting up early to try to prepare for the season, but many were involved in the open gym sessions that were held on Sundays. Many athletes were also lifting after school several days of the week.

“My expectations for the basketball season this year is for all the boys, including myself to work hard so that in the long run it pays off with us making it to State again,” senior Bryce McKennon.

Last year the boys made it to State for the first time in 20 years. They hope to continue that trend. The boys’ team has

&

Girls’ Coach Morgan Ballard Q: Where did you play college basketball at?

A: I played college football for Garden City Community College and Friends University. I also played college basketball and track for Friends University.

Q: Where did you go to high school?

A: Haviland High School.

Q: What all sports have you coached?

A: I have coached track, basketball and football.

Q: What is your philosophy for girls’ basketball?

A: For our team, I think we need to slow the game down and make it a half court battle. We need to force other teams to slow down and

photo by Gabriel Flanders

Junior basketball boys Trent Adams and Kendall Davidson work on a pick and roll drill in practice. This was Adam’s third year and Davidson’s second year playing.

very high expectations, but the competition in 2A will be much more of a challenge for them to make it to the state tournament two years in row.

“My goal for this basketball season is to become closer with everyone every day and getting better and better every day,” junior Emily Estes said.

The girls’ came out of a tough season, going 3-19, and they are hoping to change that to a winning season. Not losing any seniors on the team helps gives the girls confidence to be more successful.

The first game is at home on December 4. They will take on the St. John Tigers.

run through an offense to get shots; we cannot give up quick points. We have to be very fundamental offensively and defensively.

Q: What convinced you to take the coaching position?

A: It wasn’t a hard decision. I feel like coach Young did a great job of getting the pieces put into place for future success. He put a lot of time and genuine effort into this club, and I feel honored to be the one to carry on what he started.

Q: How do you feel about players playing club volleyball?

A: I do not feel like I have the authority to tell an athlete they can’t participate in another sport; especially if that athlete has a good shot at playing at the next level in that sport. However, I caution players and parents to make sure they don’t overdue it, which is easy to do. Athletes need to let their bodies rest. Overall, I think it fine as long as the athlete can still perform at 100 percent for the primary sport being played.

Q: What is your coaching philosophy?

A: I really like to run the ball and play a fast-paced game. However, I

think you have to assess your personnel and adjust your philosophies to give the team the best chance to win ballgames.

Q: How do you define a winning season?

A: Obviously you want to win as many ballgames as you can, but I think it is important to look at the growth that takes place from November to March as players and as people.

Q: What is something that can help the team be successful this season?

A: I feel like creating a positive team culture will help us this year and years to come. We have to hold each other accountable and be good teammates to each other.

Q: How are you going to prepare your team for games?

A: Coach Sanders and I will look at what the other teams like to do, and try to disrupt them to take them out of their comfort zone. As a team, we will focus on the aspects of the game that we can control like running the offense, taking, care of the ball, rebounding, being defensively sound, and so on.

November 24, 2015

Sports

Page 7

Basketball season begins at college level

by Justin Hampel

Reporter The college basketball season recently started and the Division I teams in Kansas have a lot to look forward to this season.

Wichita State has just as much, if not more to look forward to than the power programs from the main conferences. Ever since the Shockers Final Four run in the 2013, they have had a dominating reign in the Missouri Valley Conference winning the conference the past two seasons with limited competition. The undefeated regular season in 2013-14, and beating KU to advance to the Sweet 16 last year have been a few of the main highlights since then. They are on top of almost every single preseason Missouri Valley standings and they are in the top 10 of most of the polls.

Seniors Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker are back for their last year to lead the Shockers, along with head coach Gregg Marshall and his new contract.

The Shockers have four freshmen who are expected to have important playing time. They also added a graduate-transfer, Anton Grady, who is expected to start, and another transfer, Conner Frankamp, who will be eligible for the second semester. WSU starts conference play on December 31.

The team WSU beat in the NCAA tournament last year, KU, has very high expectations as well. The Jayhawks are coming off their 11th straight Big 12 championship and are looking to make that 12 in a row this season. They bring back everybody except Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre and brought in two five stars, Carlton Bragg and

Cheick Diallo, and a four star LeGerald Vick. KU is at the top of most Big 12 preseason standings and are in most top 10’s. They have not made it past the round of 32 in the tournament since 2013, where they lost in the Sweet 16. The Jayhawks once again have one of the toughest schedules in the nation and begin play in the always tough Big 12 on January 2.

The season doesn’t look quite as bright for K-State. The Wildcats lost three seniors to graduation and five players to transfer, including leading scorer Marcus Foster. Because of the massive losses, head coach Bruce Weber had to find a lot of freshmen to fill in the open spaces. They also added junior college transfer Carlbe Ervin and the most notable incoming freshman is St. John native Dean Wade. He played against Skyline in all four of his high school years.

“It’s pretty cool that we got to play against a DI athlete that is making a difference at that level,” senior Brady McComb said.

K-State’s young team will be lead by seniors Justin Edwards and Stephen Hurt, and junior Wesley Iwundu. KSU is at the bottom of most Big 12 preseason standings so they are flying under the radar to start off the year. They had a rough year last year where the Wildcats completely missed out on postseason play for the first time since the 2005-06 season and then the huge roster turnover started taking place. The Wildcats open up conference play on January 5.

This season has a bright future for the Kansas schools as they look for conference championships and a good seed in March Madness.

Kansas boys  stay home 

Perry Ellis Kansas Senior Height 6-8 Weight 225 Hometown Wichita High School Wichita Heights Career Stats: 11.1 points/game 5.7 rebounds/game 0.9 assists/game

Ron Baker Wichita State Senior Height 6-4 Weight 220 Hometown Scott City High School Scott Community Career Stats: 13.1 point/game 4.0 rebounds/game 2.6 assists/game

photos courtesy of Tribune News Service

Page 8

Feature

Black Friday MA D N E S S

by Hallee Burgardt

Reporter As Thanksgiving rolls around, many people are excited to get the holiday season started and get a jump on Christmas shopping on Black Friday.

Some people like the deals, but others don’t. Between the years 2006 and 2014 there have been seven Black Friday deaths reported. So, this probably makes many wonder if Black Friday is really worth it.

“I’m not dealing with all the crazies,” PBL teacher Darci Poland said.

“I like to sleep.”

This year JC Penney has the highest discount rate of 65 percent.

Macy’s is the second store offering an average discount rate of 54 percent.

Electronics and jewelry will have an overall discount of 65 percent.

Stores like Officemax, Ace Hardware and Rite Aid are also on that list.

The deals make Christmas shopping easier and more convenient.

“I have never been Black Friday shopping,” first grade teacher Judy Koehler said. “I’m considering going

this year because my youngest son wants a TV for his bedroom.”

This is a good time for parents to buy electronics at a cheaper price for kids’ Christmas presents.

Some shoppers go to the extreme and wait outside stores hours before doors open, just to get the best deals first. Senior Lucas Cason works at Walmart and has seen some of the crazy shoppers.

“A guy ran over four people with a shopping cart just to get to a display of iPads,” Cason said. “The cops were called, but no one pressed charges,” Apple products are a very popular item. Two years ago Best Buy discounted the iPhone 5c by $48. The Xbox was one of the most popular items, along with the PlayStation 4 last year.

“I went two years ago and there was a huge pile up for iPads,” senior Avery Jones said. “I plan to go this year.”

Despite the hustle and bustle, Black Friday continues to be a popular day to get shopping done for holidays and everyday uses.

November 24, 2015

Thanksgiving plans

Probably go to my grandma’s. Make food and eat dinner.

Raul Rios, 11 I’m having Thanksgiving with my aunt and uncle from Oklahoma.

Payje Orler, 12

I go to Aunt Lisa’s house and eat a lot of food.

Dalton Kenworthy, 9

I’m going to my aunt’s house and eating food and playing games.

Sydney Koirth, 10

We’re going out to our grandma’s house with the rest of our family.

Madison Adams, 9

Go to my grandma’s house to eat food with my family.

Corbin Keeling, 10