The Battalion: August 8, 2017

Ten eateries to visit around town page 6

Welcoming Century Square page 8

Crime affecting students page 5

Soldiers prepare for academia page 9

NEWS

2

The Battalion | 8.8.17

Grounded in History A background on Texas A&M’s buildings and statues

By Brad Morse @bradsmorse53 KYLE FIELD

WALK OR BIKE to Class!

Brad Morse — THE BATTALION

One of A&M’s most definitive landmarks is the football stadium, Kyle Field. Known as “The Home of the 12th Man,” Kyle Field is the largest stadium in the Southeastern Conference, fourth largest in both the NCAA and the nation, and the fifth largest non racing stadium in the world. Named after Edwin Kyle, Class of 1899, a rudimentary version of the field was constructed in 1904. Kyle financed the construction himself for a initial capacity of 500. The field first underwent renovation in 1929. Grandstands were added to increase capacity to 33,000. In 1941, a second deck was added, again increasing capacity to 42,500.

In 1980, a third deck was added, which brought capacity to 70,000. In May of 2013, the Texas A&M Board of Regents approved a $450 million rebuild of Kyle Field. This raised capacity to 102,512, making it the largest football stadium in Texas and the SEC. Construction included the demolition of the west side of the stadium, the addition the second largest video board in the SEC, new conditioning facilities and reconstruction of the student section. Kyle Field has been home to several notable events, including the largest football game attendance in Texas and SEC history, when 110,631 people saw the 20-35 loss to Ole Miss on Oct. 11, 2014.

LIBERAL ARTS & HUMANITIES BUILDING

Great Rates,Perfect Location!

Call or Text Us Today!

(979)703-6449

Brad Morse — THE BATTALION

Announced in 2009 and built in 2011, the Liberal Arts & Humanities Building opened for classes in the spring of 2013. The building houses the offices for the English and Performance Studies departments. Facilities include a black box theatre for performance studies majors, recording studios, computer based classrooms and seminar classrooms. The building is notable in that it is the first, and only, building on A&M’s campus designed for instruction in the arts and humanities. The building was designed by BRW Architects, an architecture firm with a location in College Station.

SCITECH

The Battalion | 8.8.17

A&M provides a window into the cosmos The Mitchell Institute offers B-CS community a view of stars, planets and galaxies

By Sarah East @saraheeast18 On July 26, Texas A&M students and residents of Bryan-College Station looked to the stars when The Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics and Astronomy hosted its latest on-campus star party.

The Astronomical Instrumentation Lab in A&M’s physics department hosts regular star parties to share their craft with the public. Physics professor Jennifer Marshall and her research assistants set up their telescopes and allow attendees to view the moon, planets and even nearby galaxies.

“This is the first time we’ve done it during the summer, and we have found out that it’s even more fun during the summer because we get families coming out,” Marshall said.

Physics junior Liam Plybon said that his favorite part of working at the star parties is helping people experience their first view through a telescope.

“Most people never get the experience of looking at Jupiter, or the rings of Saturn. They don’t get to see the craters of the moon they way that we do,” Plybon said.

Plybon said that the star parties teach attendees several skills, but his favorite thing to teach is proper telescope use.

“It’s one thing to look in a telescope and see Jupiter and its moons, but I think people learn a lot more when they actually learn to point a telescope,” Plybon said.

Savannah Mehrtens — THE BATTALION Marshall and her research assistants have hosted star parties on campus at A&M for the past six years. Marshall said they A young member of the B-CS community looks into a are typically attended by students taking astronomy classes telescope provided by the Mitchell Institute in the Back who can earn extra credit from their professors for attending. Yard of the Stella Hotel.

“I’m particularly interested in talking to young women and minority students, first generation students,” Marshall it, you’re getting frustrated every day because your code’s said. “This is a good way to reach those kinds of students.” crashing, you’re stuck in the office, you lose track someMarshall said that students have come to star parties in times of why you started doing it in the first place,” third the past hoping to get some extra credit, but instead became year graduate student Peter Chi, who volunteered to work interested in her lab, some even changing their majors. the Stella Hotel Star Party, said. “I love doing these kinds “They’ll start talking to me, and I’ll say, ‘You like doing of things because the enthusiasm is infectious. It reminds me engineering? Why don’t you come be an engineer in my lab? why I’m doing astronomy.”

We build telescopes.’ And then we make that connection,” Sixteen year-old Mitchell Barry, a junior at St. Joseph’s Marshall said.

Catholic School in Bryan, attended the Stella Hotel Star ParPhysics sophomore John Maner was one such student ty. His father, David Barry said that after asking permission, who learned about the Mitchell Institute and Marshall’s lab they set up Mitchell’s own telescope in the Stella’s Back by attending a star party himself.

Yard.

“I wasn’t originally a physics major. I may be more of an David Barry’s three elder children have all attended A&M, extreme case, but more generally it gets people interested in and said that Mitchell is considering pursuing astronomy and astronomy,” Maner said. “To be able to talk about some of physics at A&M himself. the research that’s being done in the field right now and to “I want to study astronomy as well as music and a lot of get people interested, this is the best place you could possibly other things,” Mitchell Barry said. “The professor’s out here do it.” so I thought what the heck, I might meet her and learn about This summer, the lab began hosting some of their parties some applications for astronomy. I might major in it.” at the Stella Hotel, most recently on July 28. The event Chi said that the importance of these types of community hosted hundreds of community members and hotel guests outreach events was not lost on him. and was staffed by both paid and volunteer researchers in the “Astronomy is like the gateway drug to science,” Chi said. physics department.

“It’s good in general for a growing interest in science and the “I think like with any job, when you’re in the thick of world around you.”

3

Congratulations to Osian Pritchard,

Grounds Management

Associate of the Month Associates who receive this award are recognized for going above and beyond their normal duties to promote teamwork, unity, a positive attitude, kindness and exceptional customer service.

Thank you, Osian, for all your hard work and dedication to the Rec Sports Turf Crew!

The Battalion Classified Advertising • Easy • Affordable • Effective Call for more information 845-0569

It’s not too late to order your copy of the 2017 Aggieland Yearbook, a photojournalistic record of the 2016-2017 school year.

The 115th edition of Texas A&M’s Official Yearbook will be available before the holidays.

Go online to aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-845-2613 to make your purchase.

$75.00 + Tax (Includes Mail Fee)

Don’t forget to preorder your copy of the 2018 Aggieland yearbook. The 116th edition of Texas A&M’s official yearbook.

Ordering can be done online at aggieland.tamu.edu, or by calling 979-845-2613.

Distribution will be the Fall 2018.

2016 Aggielands and previous yearbooks are now on sale.

Stop by room L400 in the MSC or call 979-845-2613. $40.00 + Tax (Includes Mail Fee)

NEWS

5

The Battalion | 8.8.17

Representatives of Rec, students discuss summer entrance fee

By Maggie Pruitt @maggiepruitt The Student Recreational Center is a central part of an active Texas A&M student’s life, but over the summer, students who are not enrolled in summer courses at A&M have found themselves having to pay a fee to use it.

The Rec requires a $106, or $53 per summer session, fee for any student who is wanting to use the facility but is not currently enrolled in classes at A&M. While students who are enrolled in classes for fall and spring have the fee included in tuition, the fee does not carry over during the summer. This means that students who opt to take classes at a community college or work while staying in town are required to pay the fee as well.

“Texas A&M Rec Sports has been operating with a semester fee since we were first put into place in fall of 1995, after our facility originally opened,” Assistant Director of Communications Kelly VonDrehle said.

Students who stay in the Bryan-College Station area to work or take classes at other colleges have voiced displeasure with the policy.

“It’s honestly a little ridiculous if I’m paying tuition

all year long and working in the summer and have to pay to use the Rec,” recreational parks and tourism senior Eric Walker said.

VonDrehle said since A&M is not receiving any tuition from non-enrolled students, the Rec needs the money to maintain its upkeep and stay afloat financially.

“This money helps to cover operational costs for the facility, equipment and staff for that semester,” VonDrehle said.

Students not enrolled in a summer class through A&M may consider other options aside from the Rec and its fee’s.

English senior Emery Ives said that she uses a separate facility close to her house.

“I had to stay in town to work but I actually got a membership at a gym and it was around the same price as the Rec, but it’s closer to my house so I just did that instead,” Ives said.

Any student not enrolled in A&M can chose to pay for either one summer session or for both for which they are in town. Fees for local citizens who are not students pay different fees to use the facility. Information on these fees can be found on the Rec’s website.

Christian Aguirre — THE BATTALION

A&M students who are not enrolled in summer courses will continue to be charged a fee to use the Rec.

Local crime rates remain low despite seasonal fluxuations

By Tenoch Aztecatl @tenochaztec June 2017 Crime Statistics Alcohol Related Invalid License Related Theft Related Drug Related Assult and Harrasment Other

18%

19% 12%

27%

11% 13%

Hayley Douglas — THE BATTALION

As seen in the borders of B-CS alcohol related incidents account for the highest percentage of crime.

Spread across a total of three counties, the Bryan-College Station area is home to over 250,000 people. While the B-CS area is not known for having high crime rates, crimes are still committed on a daily basis.

Due to a large portion of the area’s population being college students, crime rates see a seasonal rise and fall as students leave and return between semesters. Lt. Bobby Richardson of the Texas A&M University Police Department said that he attributes the crime rate changes to those changes in student population.

“One thing you have to keep in mind about A&M is the fall semester,” Richardson said. “Our population increases, so obviously our crime reporting increases. It’ll dip down in December around Christmas and will pick up in January.”

According to Richardson and Bryan Police Sgt. Ryan Bona, the most common crime that the student population faces is theft. However, sexual assault remains very much a concern. In 2016, there were 59 sexual assaults reported to Bryan PD, “the only category with increased numbers since 2009,” Bona said.

Sociology graduate student Eileen Huey

has been a resident of College Station for over 10 years and described College Station as a safe city to live in.

“There are so few violent crimes here in College Station that I am not really ever worried about that,” Huey said. “I do think there has been new awareness, especially on college campuses as to the threat of sexual assault.”

The university police department, however, deals mainly with crimes committed by students, the most common crime being theft of valuable items.

“Lots of times, they are going to be crimes of opportunity,” Richardson said.

“Where a student goes to study and leaves their laptop or their purse or their backpack laying around and walks off and comes back later.”

According to his past experience, Bona said he has identified college students as the main targets for these type of crimes.

“College students are considered to be a prime target for burglaries and thefts,” Bona said. “Students leave items of value unattended in vehicles, lockers and buildings. Criminals are like fishermen, they go where the fish are.”

The Bryan Police Department encour-

ages citizens to lock vehicles, hide and remove valuables from plain sight, record serial numbers and be cautious when any sort of alcohol is being consumed.

UPD offers various tools and services to students to help the prevention of lost or stolen items, including property engraving and serial number reporting to have items returned.

“The police department offers free property engraving. We can engrave a laptop, we can engrave your iPod, we can engrave your bicycle,” Richardson said. “If we can engrave those things, then when they’re stolen or lost and we recover them, we know who they belong to.”

UPD will also have various engraving stations set up during move-in day on August 20 for all incoming and returning students. Aside from engraving, students may also register bicycles with Transportation Services to ensure stolen bicycles are returned to the owner.

For further information on engraving, serial number recording and other theft protection resources, visit the UPD website at https://upd.tamu.edu.

LIFE&ARTS

7

The Battalion | 8.8.17

Ten places to try around the Bryan-College Station area With a variety of restaurants, it’s not hard to find a good local meal in B-CS

By Tenoch Aztecatl @tenochaztec

W

ith a combined population of just under 200,000 citizens, the Bryan-College Station area surrounding Texas A&M is home to about 70,000 undergraduate and graduate college students.

Aside from housing both Blinn’s Bryan campus and Texas A&M, the B-CS area also serves as a home to numerous local and homegrown restaurants and cafés, giving students a wide variety of options for affordable meals, relaxing study spaces and the occasional late-night snack.

To help narrow down the countless options, here is a list of student-frequented cafés and restaurants in the B-CS area.

Antonio’s Pizza by the slice By far one of the more popular late night restaurants for Aggies to frequent is Antonio’s Pizza, located in College Station’s Northgate District off of University Drive. Originally opened in 1991 in Amherst, Massachusetts, Antonio’s has a total of eight locations along the East Coast and only one in Texas. Antonio’s general manager Yazi Fehri said that one thing in particular that separates the pizza shop from most restaurants in the B-CS area is their ingredients.

“Everything is fresh, from the meat to our vegetables and cheese,” Fehri said.

Antonio’s typically sells its pizza by the slice.

According to Fehri, with the most popular flavors being the Mac N’ Cheese Pizza served with Alfredo sauce and their Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, all served on a thick, fresh crust. Thursday through Saturday, Antonio’s Pizza can be expected to remain open until 2 a.m. (ish).

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Fried chicken, Aggie style First opened in 1994, Layne’s Chicken is an Aggie owned and operated restaurant, known throughout College Station for its classic breaded chicken fingers, tenders and sandwiches. One of the more pop-

ular orders at Layne’s is “The Box,” served with five chicken fingers, a slice of toast and side of fries and potato salad, all for a total of $6.50. There are a total of three different Layne’s Chickens in the B-CS area, the two closest locations to campus are located off of Wellborn Road and Southwest Parkway and the other located off of Texas Avenue.

During the football season, lines at Layne’s “can reach outside of the door” Layne’s shift manager Kristen Neubauer said. More information on Layne’s of College Station can be found by visiting their Facebook Page.

Harvey Washbanger’s Laundromat and restaurant: the best of both worlds Since arriving to the B-CS area in 1999, Harvey Washbanger’s has held its position as one of the most unique restaurants in town.

Half-classic American restaurant and half-local laundromat, it is hard to miss Harvey Washbanger’s on a must-visit list of the area. General Manager Michael Lair said Harvey Washbanger’s prides itself in the homemade recipes of its menu.

“All food on the menu is scratch-made right here, in-house,” Lair said.

Some of the restaurant’s most popular burgers include the original cajun burger and the chorizo burger topped with eggs. “We like to have fun with the concept, we play with the menu,” Lair said.

Dixie Chicken The oldest bar on Northgate Established in 1974 by Don Ganter, the Dixie Chicken has been a College Station icon for over 40 years. The bar and restaurant features hundreds of memorabilia donated by guests within the past few decades, from signs and license plates to deer antlers and vintage photos.

The Dixie Chicken serves a variety of classic Texas burgers, including the “Freddy Burger”, a ½ pound beef burger with a choice of fries and other sides. Dixie Chicken is active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with constant updates of menu changes.

“This is the one that withstood the test of time,” marketing director Adam Drake said. “The kids year after year, generation after generation still gravitate to The Chicken.”

Mad Taco Local Taco Shop with a big-town feel Relatively new to the B-CS area, Mad Taco, owned by Peter Madden of McAllen, Texas has attracted much attention since first opening in May 2015.

Madden refers to his taqueria as “the Ferrari of tacos.” From the pork, shrimp and carne guisada tacos to it’s wide variety of margaritas, Mad Taco takes great pride in “amazing its guests,” according to general manager, Carly Cantwell.

Mad Taco also implements a pay-it-forward system known as the “BlackWall,” where customers may leave the first name of the desired future customer with the cashier and pay for their meal in advance.

Gumby’s Pizza Late night pizza: dine-in and delivery With two locations in the College Station area, Gumby’s Pizza is a well-known eatery among the students of Texas A&M. Located off of Texas Avenue and Dominik Drive, the first Gumby’s to the B-CS area is by far one of the most popular pizza locations in College Station, especially for students.

Gumby’s is popular for its $1.50 pepperoni pizza rolls and now features Specialty Rolls with various options for fillings. On Tuesday’s, Gumby’s offers pepperoni rolls for only 75 cents.

Gumby’s Pizza is typically open late-nights until about 3 a.m. Mondays through Fridays and now features an online ordering service for pickup and delivery.

The Byran-College Station area is home to many unique cafe’s and restaurants that are within quick driving distance of each other.

Taylor Chojecki — THE BATTALION

From the cover, top left to bottom right: Rx Pizza Kitchen, The Dixie Chicken, Mad Taco, Gumby’s Pizza, Layne’s Chicken Fingers, Sweet Eugene’s, Chicken Oil Co., Hullabaloo Diner, Harvey Washbanger’s and Antonio’s. Photos by Austin Patterson, Cristian Aguirre and Savannah Mehrtens

Hullabaloo Diner Classic homestyle breakfast and lunch One of the more popular home-grown restaurants in the B-CS area is the Hullabaloo Diner, owned by Rich Ribbon and Sydney Steinbacher.

Located just off of Wellborn Road in south College Station, this Texas diner has received much attention for its homemade breakfast and lunch recipes as well as its original 1938 diner frame purchased from Albany, NY. According to Sydney Steinbacher, there is a “50/50 mix of families and students” with large rushes before and after Saturday football games.

Some of Hullabaloo Diner’s most popular orders include the Philly Cheese Steak, Biscuits and Gravy

and Homemade Meatloaf.

Hullabaloo Diner was even featured on an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” hosted by Guy Fieri on the Food Network.

Sweet Eugene’s House of Java The study spot Since opening in 1993, Sweet Eugene’s has remained one of College Station’s most popular off-campus study locations, mainly due to it’s relaxing environment, comfortable seating and of course, its free wifi accessibility. Katie Connor, a manager at Sweet Eugene’s since 2015, describes the coffee house as a “fun and positive environment” with “late hours and an eclectic ambiance.”

Sweet Eugene’s offers a variety of café choices including lattés, donuts, kolaches and apple fritters.

RX Pizza Neo-new york style pizza Another relatively new restaurant in the BCS area is RX Pizza, which opened in May of 2016 and is owned by Jake Mitchell, Class of 2009. Located in Downtown Bryan, RX Pizza operates in the building of a former pharmacy named the “James Pharmacy,” built in 1906. RX Pizza bakes all of its pizza in a woodfire oven and according to Mitchell, the pizza shop specializes in making “Neo-New York style pizzas.”

RX Pizza hosts a “Wine Wednesday” every week as well as Thursday Trivia nights from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. with various prizes gifted to the trivia winner.

Chicken Oil Company Old-fashioned beer and burgers Formerly a gas station turned restaurant, Bryan’s Chicken Oil Company is another Texas classic.

Founded by Dixie Chicken’s Don Ganter as well, Chicken Oil Co. has been in the B-CS area since 1977. The restaurant offers an array of burgers, sandwiches, fried seafood and even various vegetarian options. Also popular among the menu options at Chicken Oil Co. are the “Tijuana Fries” and chicken fried steak sandwiches. Chicken Oil Co. also hosts a music ‘Open Mic Night’ on Thursday nights.

While owned and managed by the same family as Dixie Chicken, Chicken Oil Co. is more “Geared towards family,” marketing director Adam Drake said. “[It is] less ‘Outlaw’ than the Dixie Chicken.”

NEWS

8

The Battalion | 8.8.17

(Left) Calvary Court, which opened in November 2016, features a large courtyard as well as a restaurant, The Canteen.

(Right) John Taylor, general manager of property development at Midway Companies, shared information about the upcoming amenities at Century Square at a press conference on July 27.

Courtesy of Midway Companies

Sarah East — THE BATTALION

(Bottom) Calvary Court drew from Texas A&M’s military tradition as well as military designs from the ‘50s and ‘60s to style and decorate the luxury hotel.

New community aims to bring in businesses, young professionals Century Square, a ‘mixed-use destination,’ set to open in August

By Tenoch Aztecatl @tenochaztec Following over a year’s worth of construction, Century Square, a plot of land that will be the home to various businesses and housing, will open.

“We’re here to be a resource to this community,” Midway senior vice-president Ann Taylor said during Century Square’s meet and greet tour Thursday morning.

The first 30 acres of the property’s massive 60-acre span will open later this month.

Century Square, located off of University Drive and across the street from Texas A&M University, is described as a mixed-use destination that features a variety of businesses, hotels and apartments. The property is set to include restaurants such as Hopdoddy, Zoe’s Kitchen, Piada and more.

While Century Square is located on what is legally university land, vice chancellor for business affairs Phillip Ray said that the land has not been sold to Midway, rather it’s been leased.

“A&M University System has not sold this land.

We’ve leased this land, and so we’re not putting the money in this,” Ray said. “We didn’t put any university dollars or system dollars for any of these improvements.”

Century Square will also be home to the Star Cinema Grill, a nine screen movie theater complex, and

the Cavalry Court hotel and The George, a 162room hotel opening later this month.

The property will also be home to 100 Park, advertised as a “21 and up” styled apartment complex aimed at providing housing for individuals who do not wish to live in student housing. Midway general manager of property management John Taylor said that this detail was established in order to provide young professionals a place to live close to Texas A&M. “There’s a real lack of non-student housing,” John Taylor said. “College Station’s growing and it’s becoming a more professional place. There’s a lot more people moving here to work, young professionals, people working with the university. So we were looking to offer those people a place to live with easy access to the university.”

Century Square’s marketing associate Jenna Friedrich said that future plans for residents include weekly events at the location and establishing a set schedule of activities.

“We’re going to bring a lot of weekly events to the community,” Friedrich said. “Such as live music, movies on the green. Our plan is to get a consistent schedule so that people always know there is something going on at Century Square.”

While much of the property is being opened this month, John Taylor still expects Century Square to be under construction for the next few years.

“I think we’re going to be under construction for the next five to 10 years,” John Taylor said. “It just depends on how it goes. Obviously, the more successful we are, the quicker it’ll go.”

Sarah East — THE BATTALION

NEWS

9

The Battalion | 8.8.17

Soldiers to Students

PAWS gives youth learning experience

Texas A&M will host the Warrior Scholar Project to help veterans succeed academically.

PAWS allows kids to work with animals and develop reading skills at the same time.

Courtesy of the Warrior Scholar Project

By Conrad Frey @freytex29 On Sunday afternoon, 19 student veterans checked in to Rudder Auditorium for a week that will help give them the tools to succeed as students through the Warrior Scholar Project.

The program is hosted at 15 campuses around the nation, but is new to A&M this year. It began on Aug. 6 and will run until Aug. 11.

Jarrod Romine, campus program coordinator for the Warrior Scholar Project at Texas A&M, was integral to bringing the program to A&M. A Marine Corps veteran with over eight years of service and a political science junior, Romine said he started planning the implementation of the Warrior Scholar Program at A&M in 2015 after transferring from the University of North Carolina.

Romine said that the program plays an important role in building the character and confidence of new student veterans.

“There has been, in my mind, a misconception about veterans leaving active duty and going to school on the GI bill,” Romine said. “A lot of what we hear about is for-profit institutions and trade schools. I don’t want to sound disparaging, but, it seems to kind of box in, or paint a picture of a veteran who is not in Harvard, or at a top tier university pursuing astrophysics or education or anything we think of as higher level academia.”

Romine said he would describe the program as a fast-paced intro into the world of academia.

“The days follow a somewhat even template. The students will have gone through a set of assigned readings, just like in a normal university class, and they will then come into a morning recap talking about what has been going on, and then head to a two hour lecture by one of the faculty members,” Romine said. “After the lecture, we spend about an hour each day before lunch, we look into

what we call tactical study skills. After lunch, the students meet with the executive director and director of the University Writing Center for a lesson in academic writing.”

Romine said that he and his staff are grateful for the chance A&M has given them to create a better environment for student veterans on campus.

“As a participant, all you have to do is show up,” Romine said. “It’s paid through the Veteran Resource and Support Center here on campus, as well as donations. That allows for meals, room and all of the expenses they could want for the week. Another huge thanks we have to give is to the faculty and lecturers who actually teach a good portion of the material, they donate their time. We have four amazing professors and one highly qualified librarian who have given their time in the summer to come in because they feel passionately about supporting the student veteran community.”

History professor Bill Collopy, a retired Marine Corps colonel himself, is one of the professors teaching a course for the program.

Collopy said that he hopes students will gain a perspective this week of what the school wants them to accomplish.

“I want to demonstrate that they have many in the educational field who are committed to supporting their efforts,” Collopy said. “I hope to be a resource of any wisdom I may have acquired in 71 years of life, 28 of them serving in active and reserve service.”

Collopy said that this program is important for student veterans because it challenges them and prepares them for a life of learning.

“Humans grow by facing and conquering challenges. This program will challenge these students,” Collopy said. “Learning is a lifelong process. Knowledge opens opportunities. Getting a bachelor’s degree qualified me to enter Officer Candidate School. Getting a PhD. opened the door of academia and let me teach young people about American history.”

Courtesy of Meagan Shipley

By Adrienne DeMoss @AdrienneDeMoss A new program that connects reading, children and shelter dogs is coming to Bryan-College Station. The Physical Activity With Shelters, or PAWS, program aims to help students develop reading skills, take care of pets and engage in physical activity, all while promoting shelter dogs.

The program was launched by by health and kinesiology professor Meagan Shipley, and began its first run during the 2017 spring semester at Arrow Academy, a private elementary school in Bryan.

Shipley said the program is the result of several years of planning.

“There was a lot of paperwork involved, and then it was really figuring out the logistics of how many dogs, how to transport the dogs to the school, and all the various obstacles we had to overcome,” Shipley said. “Once we had our team together, we were really motivated to make it happen.”

Once the program was created, Shipley had to choose the elementary school students who would participate. Students had to write a persuasive paper outlining why they would be good candidates for the PAWS Program.

Arrow Academy principal Becky Tucker said she took this as a chance to get her students to become practical writers and learn to communicate through letters.

“Writing to communicate is a big focus for us. I don’t know if our kids see writing as a form of communication, so I used this as an opportunity for them to write me a letter,” Tucker said. “They had to produce evidence that showed me they had good attendance, that they were a learner, and that they would behave respectfully with our guest as well as with the dogs from our shelter.”

A total of 18 students were chosen for the program, which had been developed into three stations.

The first station focused on students becoming more confident readers, they would

read their favorite book to one of the three shelter dogs that visited. This allowed students to practice reading out loud to a non-judgmental audience.

The second station provided a physical game for the students to play, which would allow them to settle down for reading.

“Our teacher preparation students would lead them through physical activity lessons, so a lot of games and movement to get their energy out and get them prepared for reading,” Shipley said.

After running around, station three, an arts and crafts lesson that combines crafts with pet ownership lessons, was up next.

“They made Valentine cards and name placards for the shelter dogs. Each [craft] varied but it was a way to reach students who were artistically motivated,” Shipley said.

Though the program is brand new, the teachers, Tucker and Shipley said they have all seen positive feedback.

Tucker said she has seen her students grow into confident leaders and was moved when she would see the kids reading to the shelter dogs.

“I was extremely touched when I would walk into the gym and see students from kindergarten to fifth grade sitting there reading their favorite book to a dog,” Tucker said.

“They felt so important and I think they had a different perspective for the responsibility that comes with caring for an animal.”

According to Tucker, apart from becoming better readers, the program also helped the students foster relationships with dogs, further exemplifying responsible pet ownership.

“They also built relationships with the dogs,” Tucker said. “They would talk to me during the week about their favorite dog. It was much more than just a little program that kids got to participate in. They took great ownership over having a responsibility towards the animals and towards being a part of this program.”

CLASSIFIEDS

10

The Battalion | 8.8.17

classifieds

Place

an ad Phone 979.845.0569 Suite L400, Memorial Student Center Texas A&M University

When

to call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day

FOR RENT $1100 Prelease, Brand Newer Luxury 2/2 on Northgate, walk to TAMU, granite counters, faux hardwood floors, FREE Wifi/Cable, Fullsize W/D, Call/Text Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660. More info at www.rentmaroon.com $1275 Prelease remodeled 3,4,&5 bedroom houses, fenced yard, W/D, pets ok, near TAMU. Call/Text Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660. More info at www.rentmaroon.com $295 Prelease, All Bills Paid, 1room for a student in shared furnished apartment, Call/Text Maroon & White Management, more info at www.rentmaroon.com 979-422-5660. $550 Prelease 1/1. Free WiFi/water/sewer. On Northgate, on shuttle. Call/Text Maroon & White Management 979-422-5660. More info at www.rentmaroon.com

FOR RENT 4bd/2ba house in Northgate, a few blocks behind the Dixie Chicken, big backyard, deck, large trees, hardwood floors, new carpet in all bedrooms, $1900/mo, 972-822-9341.

Libe in a Huge Southside house (with garage and fenced yard) for less than $400/per person! Two houses available. Both with ample living space, tile/wood floors, gracious bedroom sizes, two car garage. 4bed/2bath, $1550.00. Call 979-209-0123 or see 979RENT.com for details or showings.

New 1/1 Falcon Point Condos Broker/Owner, 979-777-5477.

Northgate 1/1, 2/2, 3/2, and 3/3 & 3/2 house, parking free, walk to campus. aggievillas.net Available now. Call 979-255-5648.

SPECIAL

see ads at thebatt.com

LET’S BE FRIENDS

Private Party Want ads

$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.

FOR RENT Renovated 2bd/2ba apartment homes, Summer Specials available for a limited time! Washer/Dryer connections, dog park, paid water & internet & more! Contact Renaissance Park Apartments at 979-696-9771.

HELP WANTED Apartment management help needed, part-time, 10-12hrs a week, $9/hr, 979-255-5648.

HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $75-$150/hr, up to $500/day.

No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for interview.

Frittella Italian Cafe, Casual but elegant environment; need motivated individuals with good work ethic, neat appearance and personable. We will train, apply in person.

REAL ESTATE

THEBATTONLINE

CS Updated 3/2/1, Near TAMU $205,00. Michael TAMU'93 Civil Engineering 979-739-2035, mike @aggierealtor.com Nadia 979-777-6211, Town&Country Realty, Hablamos Espanol!

ROOMMATES

THEBATT.COM

Gateway Villas, unfurnished room, private bath $425/mo, furnished room, private bath $465/mo, 979-422-7377.

SERVICES

@THEBATTONLINE

Texas License to Carry, Louie Rogers 979-676-1948, FirstDefenderLTC.com

If You Have Something To Sell, Remember Classifieds Can Do It! Call 845-0569

THE BATTALION

the battalion

ANSWERS

to todays puzzles @THEBATTONLINE

batt THE

The IndependenT STudenT VoIce of TexaS a&M SInce 1893

JoshMark McCormack , Editor in Chief Doré, Editor in Chief Aimee Breaux, Managing Editor

Asst. Managing JenniferColón, Reiley,Managing Mariah EditorEditor Lindsey Gawlik, NewsEditor Editor Brad Morse, Content SamanthaMehrtens, King, Asst. News Editor Savannah Content Editor Katy Stapp, Asst.

News Editor Alex Miller, Sports Editor John Rangel, Tech Editor Laura Haslam,SciPhoto Editor

Katie Canales, Life & Arts Editor Carter Karels, SportsPage Editor Taylor Chojecki, Designer Shelby Knowles, Photo Editor Carolina Pereira, Page Designer Editor Allison VivianBradshaw, Cavazos,Asst.

PagePhoto Designer Meredith Collier, Page Designer Sarah East, Page Designer Claire Shepherd, Page Designer

The BaTTalion is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and

THE BATTALION is published daily,Thursday Monday during throughtheThursday the(except fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and summerduring session spring semesters Tuesday and atThursday during the College summerStation, session University holidaysand and exam periods) Texas A&M University, (except University holidays exam periods) Student at Texas A&M University, TX 77843.

Offices are in Suite and L400 of the Memorial Center.

College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center.

News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs.

News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http:// University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. Newsroom www.thebatt.com. phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com.

Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement

by The Battalion.

For campus, local, and national advertising, call 979-or Publication of advertising does display not imply sponsorship Advertising: 845-2687. Forbyclassified Office are 8 a.m. to endorsement The advertising, Battalion. call For 979-845-0569. campus, local, andhours national display 5 p.m. Monday Friday. Email: advertising call through 979-845-2687.

For battads@thebatt.com. classified advertising, call 979-845-0569.

Subscriptions: parttoof5the University entitles each Texas A&M Office hours are 8Aa.m. p.m.

Monday Advancement through Friday.Fee Email: battads@thebatt.com. student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional

copies $1.

A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M Subscriptions: student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.

WE’RE ON TIME & READY FOR MOVE IN! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to live at College Station’s newest & biggest student housing community for Fall 2017! Our construction is ahead of schedule and we are ready to move our residents in on August 19th! We still have spaces available so lock in one of our amazing low rates today!

Already locked into a contract somewhere else or on the waiting list for on campus housing?

ASK US HOW YOU CAN GET $300 TOWARDS YOUR CANCELLATION FEE WITH THEM WHEN YOU JOIN US INSTEAD!

DOES YOUR HOUSING HAVE:

D RN R LBO WEL

UGH NP RIO

PARK WEST

MA

PEN BER T H Y

BLVD

DR

GEORGE BUSH DR W

LEASING OFFICE

LUTHER ST W

NOW LEASING FALL 2017

50,000 SQ FT ROOFTOP AMENITY DECK Cabana & Trellis Areas BBQ & Grilling Stations Open Stage for Events ROOFTOP POOL & SPA MUG DOWN COFFEE SHOP, MARKET 1876 CONVENIENCE STORE & THE DECK JUICE BAR Located On-site Gaming Rooms 3 RESORT STYLE POOLS & SPAS 3 STATE-OF-THE-ART FITNESS CENTERS

Two 44,000 sq ft Courtyards with BBQ Stations

24 Hour Emergency Maintenance

50+ QUIET STUDY LOUNGES

GREAT VIEWS OF TEXAS A&M AND KYLE FIELD

TV Lounges Jogging Trail Sand Volleyball Court Free Surface Parking Garage Parking Available 24 HOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK *Controlled Access On-site Community Assistants Courtesy Patrol

LOCATED ACROSS THE STREET FROM TEXAS A&M FOUR TEXAS A&M BUS STOPS WITHIN COMMUNITY Studio, One, Two, Three, & Four Bedroom Apartments Available Individual Leases *Private Bedrooms & Private Bathrooms Fully Furnished with

Full Size Beds *Walk In Closets *RAIN STYLE SHOWERHEADS ALL INCLUSIVE UTILITY PACKAGE WITH NO CAP Ultra High Speed Internet Extended Cable TV with HBO Washer & Dryer In Unit Full Kitchens *Granite Countertops *Stainless Steel Appliances

Show your Aggie Pride with the Aggie Bucks Unlimited Debit Card Texas A&M University — College Station and Wells Fargo have teamed up to bring you the Aggie Bucks Unlimited Debit Card1

1. Get it

2. Use it

Visit a nearby Wells Fargo branch and ask for the Aggie Bucks Unlimited Debit Card when you open a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account.2

• No-fee access to your cash at Wells Fargo ATMs nationwide • Make everyday purchases and pay bills worldwide at participating retailers and service providers

Wells Fargo College Station locations: • University Drive | 321 University Drive | 979-691-8366 • Southwest Pkwy. | 200 Southwest Pkwy. East | 979-695-3266 • Rock Prairie | 1801 Rock Prairie Road | 979-776-3266 Wells Fargo Bryan locations: • Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. | 501 N. Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. | 979-821-3120 • Briarcrest | 3000 Briarcrest Drive | 979-776-3277

Take advantage of this optional benefit today.

Connect with us

1. The Aggie Bucks Unlimited Debit Card is a Visa® debit card issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. 2. Your Everyday Checking account will receive a monthly service fee waiver within 45 days of linking your Aggie Bucks Unlimited Debit Card to that account. See a Wells Fargo banker for more information about other fees that may apply.

Wells Fargo may provide financial support for use of Texas A&M University branding on the Aggie Bucks Unlimited Debit Card.

Materials expire on March 31, 2018. © 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.

AF-5