May 2016 Final Edition

BLACK HAWK TIMES MAY ISSUE

STUDENT STRESS: PAGE 18

TABLE OF CONTENTS In This Issue May 2016

Word in the Halls Cabaret Recap Promposals The Freshmen of Varsity Soccer NSCConference Re-alignment Hockey Co-op Teams Going to Nationals Video Annoucements Why Don’t You Vote?

Zika Virus & the Olympics EDITORIAL: GHS Lack of School Spirit EDITORIAL: Personal Finance: Required Course Shifting Gender Roles Referendum: Both Sides COVER STORY: High Stress High School Maronde Madness Superintendent Search Black Hawk of the Month

THINK OUT LOUD

The 2016 Cabaret Show, Think Out Loud, consisted of 65 cast members, 3 directors and 102 hours of practice.

Think Out Loud’s cast and crew brought everyday thoughts to life through song and dance. “My favorite scene was probably The First Date. I loved how they reenacted a first date so perfectly. It was awkward and hilarious,” stated junior Sara Gramoll.

Many well known songs including “Someone Like You” by Adele, and “Confident” by Demi Lovato were included as well as classics such as “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley.

Many fresh faces took their place on the stage this year. The cast welcomed numerous freshman who weren’t afraid to stand in the spotlight.

“Usually freshman are shy since it’s their first year

in the show, but this year they weren’t afraid to conquer the stage,” stated junior Madeleine Schad.

“I was already pretty close with all of the upperclassmen coming into the show. They are all really welcoming and encouraging,” stated freshman Sadie Monreal.

Think Out Loud’s last performance ended in a eruption of tears and group hugs on the stage after their final song, “Fix You” by Coldplay.

“No words can express how thankful all of the seniors are for every single person in the music department. It was very hard to leave the stage that night knowing that it was our last time on it,” stated senior Rachel Balistreri.

Next year’s cabaret show will be Reimagine, a show based on the new ways and ideas of sharing music.

Lela Hansen

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SWITCHING IT UP Sierra Greenslate

We see hundreds of Instagram posts of promposals where the guy has asked the girl. But this year some GHS female juniors switched up the promposal.

Juniors Andrew Papcke and Grace Potter With this change of pace in mind, the promposal can be a frightening endeavor, “I was super anxious because I didn’t know if Andy would say yes or no because of me saying no to Homecoming, so I thought he’d find me mean,”

said junior Grace Potter.

When you’re good friends, you don’t feel as nervous to ask. Junior Ty Depies asked a CHS junior, Bobby O’Neil, “I wasn’t scared to ask Bobby because we’ve been such good friends for some time now that I almost felt assured for him to say yes.”

Coming up with a creative “promposal” can be a tricky task for any highschooler. “I wanted to ask my boyfriend to my prom in a special way because it was my first prom and I wanted it to be something to remember,” said junior Abby Valerius, “I bought him a cookie cake that had ‘PROM?’ spelled out on it because cookie cakes are one of his favorite treats.”

When the girl asks the guy people might wonder why she didn’t just wait to

be asked or why she decided to ask the guy first. Junior Ariana Stark said, “Well it was getting closer to ticket sales and I still hadn’t been asked.

Plus, I found it bold to make the move of asking the guy because I’m not used to seeing that type of thing. It was fun to step outside the box and do something courageous.”

Junior Ariana Stark and CHS Junior Kyle Person

What Do Guys Think?

“I mean I don’t think it would matter that much because it’s not about who asks who it’s just important if that’s the person you want to go with.”

Senior Evan Bernd

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“I find it a little weird because you kind of have to say yes or I feel as if you should say yes.

I’d feel obligated to say yes to her.”

Junior Dawson Lewis

“I’d be fine with it because she’s taking the initiative to do something the guy didn’t do so I’d find it kind of cool.”

Senior Andrew Gibson

FRESHMEN SCORE A SPOT ON VARSITY TEAM Sara Gramoll

The seven freshmen sit and relax together before their game against Port Washington.

Having a few freshmen on a varsity team isn’t unusual. But having seven freshmen on a varsity team is not typical. Last season the girl’s varsity soccer team had eighteen girls. This season there are twenty-one girls, with seven freshmen.

Those seven freshmen include Abigail Schad, Malaya Sperber, Hailey Block, Corbin Woessner, Morgan Depke, Laura Stockhausen, and Jaden Autey.

“The freshmen bring a lot of skill to our team this year. We lost some good seniors last season and having the freshmen there to fill those spots has been very helpful to the team,” junior Caitlin Kugi stated. Kugi was on

varsity as a freshman too. “I was really nervous as a freshman, but once the season got started I felt way more comfortable.”

Although freshman Hailey Block was nervous to play against older students, she stated, “I was also very excited to play with the older teammates because it would help me improve as an individual.” Being a freshman on a team of upperclassmen can be challenging. “My favorite part of playing with the varsity team is the great group that makes up the team. They’ve made this transition very easy and fun.”

So far the team’s record is (86-3). Some of the freshmen start the game and play the whole time

The team poses together at their “Chicks That Kick” game. The girls played a game in support of breast cancer awareness.

against mostly upperclassmen.

This was nerve-wracking to the young players, but now they aren’t as nervous as they were at the start of the season. Especially since they are constantly practicing with their older teammates every day. Block also added, “No matter what grade, we are there for each other and it’s great to be apart of this team.”

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CHANGES COMING TO NORTH SHORE CONFERENCE Adele Danner

In the 2017-2018 school year, changes are scheduled to be made by the WIAA to the North Shore Conference lineup; some schools will be exiting while others entering.

Many schools across Wisconsin have petitioned for a realignment in recent years. Specifically in the North Shore Conference Port Washington, Nicolet and Grafton each have been seeking relief; Grafton specifically to improve seasonal football records.

The plan proposed by the 11 member WIAA officials board will realign 45 schools into new conferences. Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Mr. Kevin Deering stated that he supports the change, although he doesn’t

believe it's the best plan that was proposed.

In the North Shore Conference, Germantown and Milwaukee Lutheran will both be exiting while Slinger, West Bend East, West Bend West and Hartford Union will be added.

The goal for the adjustment is to level the competition according to school size, although the effects of the adjustment will vary from sport to sport. This change will hopefully give GHS athletes a chance for greater advancement in athletic competition during sports seasons.

“We do very well,” said Deering. “But we don’t get a lot of conference championships which is an opportunity I would like our teams to have.”

LEAVING

Germantown Milwaukee Lutheran

ADDING

Hartford Union West Bend East

West Bend West Slinger

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STAYING

Grafton High School Port Washington High School Nicolet High School Cedarburg High School Homestead High School Whitefish Bay High School

GRAFTON HOCKEY TEAMS NEW CO-OP Crystal Todd Grafton’s hockey team, which consisted of students from neighboring schools Milwaukee Lutheran, Living Word and Port Washington, will no longer be as of May 20. Grafton’s team will now be in a co-op with Germantown’s Ice Bears, with Port for the next two years. The team will practice at the Kettle Moraine Ice Center in West Bend.

One issue the Ice Hawks had this year, and past years is participation.

The team finished its season with 13 skaters,eight from Grafton, while surrounding teams average over 20 kids on their teams. Of the eight Grafton skaters, four are graduating, and only three skaters showed interest in playing again next year. None of the incoming freshman have shown any interest in playing next year either.

Athletic Director Mr. Kevin Deering spent three months trying to find a workable option for the students who would like to continue playing.

“I investigated and explored all viable options for the future of this program,” said Deering.

Some choices he considered were keeping the existing co-op,

and playing only a junior varsity schedule for the next two seasons.

Another option was joining other co-op teams such as Whitefish Bay or Germantown, or linking up with Cedarburg or Homestead.

That was not possible because both teams already have full rosters for their JV and varsity.

Deering then concluded that the best and most viable solution was to join the Ice Bears.

This new co-op will have both a JV and varsity team, which will allow players to further develop their skills.

Junior Ian Schermer, who played for the Ice Hawks, said, “it’s more of a drive to the ice rink, but I’d like it because a new team is a fresh start.”

Hopefully some time in the future we will have enough interested students to make the team again.

For now we will join forces with the Ice Bears, kick butt and show other teams just how good we are.

“I’m happy our family gets to stay together. I couldn’t be happier to join the Ice bears and even more excited to meet of player the new picture boys and includeand quote them into my under family too.”

-Katie Brogli, manager of the Ice Hawks

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IN IT TO WIN IT

Emily Eichhorn

Making it to a national competition is a hard endeavor to conquer.

These competitions are often the pinnacle of any club experience. This year, a variety of members from DI (Destination Imagination), HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) have qualified for national competitions this spring and summer.

DI teaches students the creative process through hands-on activities and challenges. The GHS DI team, called “Insert Awesome Name Here,” consists of freshman Emma Parins, juniors Brian and Claire Olsen, and seniors Evan Bernd and Kaitlyn Ewe. The team placed 2nd at the state competition, and qualified for Global Finals from May 24-28 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

At the Global competition, 48 states are represented, as well as 30 different

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Juniors Madison Tomashek, Hannah Wildermuth, Kate Ducheny, and Zainab Manzoor Competed as a team in HOSA Bowl, but only Wildermuth will be attending nationals.

countries.

Roughly 18,000 people from around the world will attend, making the finals highly competitive. Kaitlyn Ewe said “it takes a lot of dedication, creativity and no fear to be wrong to make it to Globals.”

The GHS DI team will be competing in a service learning challenge called “The Meme Event.” The team has to carry out a project that addresses a real need within the community along with creating a meme to help meet the goals of the project. At globals, they will give a presentation that will highlight the project and its impact on the community.

HOSA is an organization that

Seniors Kaitlyn Ewe and Evan Bernd, juniors and Claire Olsen and Freshman Emma Parins their medals and trophey after their success at

Brian with state

serves students pursuing a career in the health professions. Senior Ariel Berry, juniors Hannah Wildermuth, Tigran Ovsepyan, and freshman Ashlynn Micoliczyk will compete in HOSA Bowl. Senior Ashleigh Perry and sophomore Alyssa Jobe will participate in Biomedical Lab Science; Senior Sydney Struck qualified to compete in Physical Therapy. While others qualified, only these students will be attending nationals.

HOSA’s National Leadership Conference takes place in Nashville, Tennessee from June 22-25. Hannah Wildermuth decided to compete in HOSA Bowl because “it was something new and fun to try because I’m really interested in medical topics.” Not only will the students attending get to compete, but will also have the opportunity to meet and discuss with other students from around the country interested in a health field career.

FBLA prepares students for careers in business and gives them real world professional experiences. GHS has a record breaking number of six students who have qualified for the national competition. The six students who are advancing are seniors Madeline Shultz, Madilyn Hill, Nicole Auchter, and

Shelby Babl, junior Emily Eichhorn, and sophomore Katherine Lamb. Shultz, Hill, and Auchter have qualified for Hospitality Management, Babl and Eichhorn will participate in Business Ethics, and Lamb is competing in Public Speaking I.

The FBLA National Leadership Conference in Atlanta Georgia will attract thousands of future business leaders. This high-energy, intensive conference takes place from June 29-July 2. Shelby Babl said “the

journey to get to nationals was a lot of hard work and coordination between me and my partner.” This will be that first time at nationals for all six of the qualifying individuals.

The hard work of these students has finally paid off, and hopefully everyone competing will be successful and place at their national competitions. Wish them the best of luck as they represent GHS this spring and summer.

Senior Shelby Babl and Junior Emily Eichhorn show off the awards they earned at state.

THE BLACK HAWK VIEW Ja’Quese Teat In February of this year, video announcements were brought to GHS via the Professional Writing class. The announcements were started to provide an alternative way for students to hear about the events occurring in GHS. In most cases the recording process is done within a week’s time and is uploaded to our YouTube channel, GHS publications by the end of the school day each Thursday.

The announcement team goes through a lot of preparation before starting the filming in the English Resource room. Slides and a script are written and designed for the anchors. Any special guests may be needed to answer a few questions based off an event coming or that has passed.

In spite of the difficulties that may occur, it’s rewarding to see the payoff of the group’s effort.

Each week has seen some form of improvement since previous showings.

One of the biggest advancements has been the quality of the editing.

A member of the group has to make sure the clips correlate, all the slides match with each segment, examine and remove all spoofs and have the green screen functioning properly.

The program used to do all of this is Final Cut Pro. Senior Isaiah Voss states, “Since the start of video announcements, and now, it’s incorporated more of our student body as a whole.”

Peer reviews have also shown that the student body has noticed the

upgraded quality thus far. Senior Shelby Babl still thinks there’s room for improvement. “It’s hard to hear each of the anchors clearly, we could possibly work on that in the future.”

Criticism brings correction, and that’s all we need to continue.

Our seniors aren’t the only ones to have an impact on the adaption, as all of the student body has had impact into making the announcements great. Freshman Michael Mertens states, “Since the first one, the video quality has gotten a huge upgrade and looks basically HD.”

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CHANGING THE GAME IN AMERICA

Ainsley McIlnay

Photo by Grace Potter

A consistent theme that underlies American politics is voter apathy. On average, the United States has one of the lowest voter turnout rates among every democratic country in the world.

Living in a generation of not only the Internet but, never-ending self-expression as well, Millennials are used to sharing their opinions and creating a buzz in a matter of clicks. Being accustomed to shaping the world in only a few short seconds, it’s become “hard to feel like your solitary ballot really means that your voice is heard,” according to the primarily political magazine The Week.

However, could the students of Grafton High School finally be changing the game?

“It’s a bit of a privilege. You’re kind of taking it for granted if you choose not to vote, but it’s your choice,” says GHS senior Marcus Sperber. Sperber is old enough to vote in the 2016 presidential election and has already participated in the election for Wisconsin’s presidential primary in April.

A survey was sent to every student at GHS regarding whether they believe it is important to vote or not. 92% of the 125 random people who participated in the survey answered “yes” to the idea that it is important to vote, while 67.2% of those

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eligible to vote in the next presidential election reported that they would like to participate.

A comment section on the survey allowed for students to share any additional statements or opinions. One anonymous student commented that “Voting is one of the most important things to do as an American because we have to select a future leader of our country that will be in charge for four years.”

Politics are all around us and are, according to junior Julia Hanley, what “our world is built on. The government and politics determine so many aspects of life for so many people.”

Students at GHS have been inspired to make an effort to be more involved in politics as “this is an election like no other.

We have no choice but to be involved if we truly want a positive outcome for our country,” stated junior Grace Potter.

While 3.36% less people eighteen or older voted in the 2012 presidential election compared to the 2008 election in which 58.23% of eligible voters participated, it appears that the youth may be rising up to make their voices heard.

“Voting is the most precious right of every citizen.” -Hilary Clinton

RIO 2016: A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN? Ally Parsons

At the beginning of August athletes from 200 countries are expected to travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to compete in the prestigious Olympic Games. An imposing issue, though, is that a large majority of the countries are anxious regarding the frightening health concerns within the host country.

The latest global threat, the Zika virus, is a rapidly growing health scare not only in Brazil, but worldwide. Even though there are virtually no symptoms, the Zika virus may lead to significant birth defects. The most well-known of these defects being the medically irreversible undersized heads of newborn babies, called Microcephaly. Certainly, the scariest part of this virus is that there is no vaccine or specific treatment; the sole focus is on relieving symptoms.

Essentially everyone is susceptible to Zika, due to the lack of education. A simple bite or sting from an animal or insect can contract Zika. A carrier then can pass it along to another by fluid contact, similar to the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Many are oblivious to the transmission because only one in five people actually develop the symptoms.

It is relatively impossible to estimate the number of Zika cases to this day, because many are clueless to the fact that they have this disease.

Rates of increase in Zika infection in some parts of Brazil have slowed, thanks to better information about preventing the virus. This does not, however stop the world wide threat, considering the first American recently died of the Zika virus in late April.

Despite all of this, plenty of athletes are eager for the games, which is without saying, but there are a handful that also have their doubts.

Recognizably popular Olympic athletes such as U.S. Women’s Soccer Team member, Hope Solo, have spoken out against the virus. Solo said, “If I had to make the choice today, I wouldn’t go.” Solo adds, “I would never take the risk of having an unhealthy child.”

This fear hits close to home with one Grafton High School student, Autumn Haebig, a swimmer who will be traveling to Omaha, Nebraska to compete in the Olympic Trials this June. Every since Haebig started swimming competitively, she aspired to be an olympian.

Haebig adds, “It’s every athlete’s dream to be an olympian, have all of your hard work pay off and compete on the world’s biggest stage.”

If she makes the Olympic Swim Team Haebig said that “the Zika Virus wouldn’t cause me not to go because I know that the US Olympic staff would try their hardest to keep all athletes safe.” It would be a totally different story if she was only a spectator. Haebig feels she would, “take the virus into more consideration because I wouldn’t have all the benefits as the athletes would.”

Athletes or not, the Zika Virus is a major factor preventing people to travel to Rio de Janeiro. Only time will tell if Zika will affect the attendance, safety and outcome of everyone involved.

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EDITORIAL

SCHOOL SPIRIT OR LACK THEREOF? Abby Valerius

After high school, a person may not remember every detail from their freshmen social studies class, but it’s likely they will attend the first football game. Some of the best high school memories we’ll have will not be from a classroom, but from our time as a Black Hawk.

At an athletic event you’d expect almost every student to be cheering in the stands, whether it was a home or an away game. Students would flood the auditorium for a school production and support all aspects of the school.

At Grafton there’s lack of spirit and participation throughout. It’s apparent when only 80 students show up to a school dance, or there’s more parents than students at a basketball or volleyball game.

The real question is, why is there a lack of participation and spirit? This is a question that new administration has asked many times throughout the school year.

“Grafton as a whole has a lot of involvement in clubs

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and participation, but we are looking at ways to get people to show more support for other activities. Those changes may include a possible grouping of sports and activities, almost like a brother/sister idea,” said Mantei.

The GHS Boys Swim and Dive team went to state this year, and we couldn’t even get enough students to sign up for a fan bus. At that swim meet the parents were the ones representing Grafton, not the students.

Some students who are involved in many sports or activities or who have a job, already have a commitment during the time of another event, and they aren’t able to go. Senior Nicholas Mills is one of these students.

“I was in soccer and track and that took up a lot of time. If we had an away soccer game we couldn’t go to the football game afterwards and because I work it was really difficult to find a time to go,” said Mills.

Finding time to go to school

events can be difficult but senior Andrew Hafemann can be found at most sporting events and is also involved with clubs, and his opinion about school spirit was formed from the overall attitude of GHS students in general.

“I feel there is a lack of participation because people are too lazy or don’t care enough to go to school events, and students feel they won’t have a good time,” said Hafemann.

Students are the ones who create a lack in participation and spirit; and until the students decide to make a change, there will be no change. It is up to Grafton High School in the 2016-2017 school year to bring participation and spirit back into school events.

PERSONAL FINANCE: YAY OR NAY?

EDITORIAL What Americans owe in Debt: Ages 18-24

$857 billion

$734 billion

$704 billion

Ben Darling Being financially capable and responsible is a fundamental part of being an adult. While the information students are learning in their current math classes is valuable, chances are most of it will never be used for any other reason than an answer on a test.

Personal Finance is currently an elective offered at GHS. It teaches students the financial capabilities they will need to know as adults, such as paying bills, taxes, filing insurance claims, and the process of paying a mortgage on a house. Making Personal Finance a required course has a clear advantage in terms of students preparedness for the future. This is because the information that you learn in that class is a necessity for adults.

The class teaches students the basics of banking and credit. This includes how to balance a checkbook and how credit score works. This information is going to be one of the most important things the students will need to know in their lifetime.

Knowing this information and being proficient with

financial literacy can help to prevent one from falling into debt. This shows how useful the class is, as one of the biggest problems with young adult in society today is dealing with debt..

The solution to this problem does require that our school would have to hire another teacher to teach the course, as it would simply be too overwhelming for the one current teacher (Ms. Giuliani) to handle all of the slots that would be taken up by Personal Finance being made a required course. It may also create a problem for students who feel that the class is adding to what is an already overwhelming workload.

Senior Oleeyah Derzon states, “While I think the current math subjects students are learning are useful, Personal Finance could really help people, maybe as a semester course requirement.”

Sophomore Emily Joyce has a slightly differing view.

“I think that making Personal Finance being made into a required course for a year would really help out, because it’s something that I’ll use.”

If students are aware that

the information they learn in Personal Finance will be used, they may be more inclined to learn it.

Personal Finance could also help in making students aware of how to avoid student debt and make it easier to deal with. Knowing how college loans work is an excellent way to avoid being sucked into the debt that usually follows.

While there is no immediate change coming to GHS, I’m hopeful that as more people are made aware of the possibility of Personal Finance being made into a required course, it increases the chances the idea will make it to the annual school board meeting and be resolved. If the school board decides to accept the possible change, it would improve the future well being of students at GHS.

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IMAGINE THIS: TAKING A LOOK INTO SHIFTING GENDER ROLES Madeleine Schad It’s the year 1960. Strong, intelligent mothers venture off to work every morning, being the family breadwinner, spending countless hours sitting at a desk and supporting the family financially. The father in the household wakes up, sends the children to school, only to return home to complete daily chores. It is an era where boys are taught to play with dolls whereas girls play with toy trucks.

This may not be reality, but could it be?

The term “gender role” is used in a variety of different ways. Whether it be a predetermined behavior given at birth, or a lifestyle expected by society to be followed out by men and women, the idea of gender roles is present.

Originally, statistics regarding traditional gender roles were not studied until the 1970s, nor was the topic of shifting gender roles relevant or accepted until the 1990s. Evidence later proved the shifting of gender roles. As time went on, the understanding of gender inequalities and behavior changed.

Today, it is more common for women and men to break out of traditional gender roles. Women are more involved in the workforce, making up 47% of the

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people working outside of the home.

More men, although still outnumbering women in the workforce, have also chosen the path to stay at home with their families. According to Pew Research Center, the number of males who do not work outside the home has risen past two million, which is up 6% from the late 1980s.

Because of this, society has almost been forced to accept a shift in traditional gender roles. In high schools across America, teenagers are choosing to participate in activities that once had been pinned as “too masculine” or “girly”. Though some teenagers are still subjects of bullying because of this, it has not stopped GHS juniors Travis Lex and Katherine Brogli.

The fashion industry is an interest of junior Travis Lex. While fashion-based classes like Interior Design and Fashion and Fabrics are primarily female populated, that did not stop Lex from enrolling.

“I feel that clothing is a very immediate way of self expression. I feel that men should not be ashamed or feel less of a man for admiring clothing or any other passion,” Lex states. “Everyone should be able to do what they love without living in fear of public opinion.”

Students in automotive classes at Grafton are predominantly male, but that has not hindered Brogli’s attitude.

Just like men, “no girl should feel that they can’t enjoy what they love because it’s a male dominated role,” states Brogli. “I’m really into autos and even though I knew it was going to be a class full of guys, I didn’t want to let that stop me from doing what I enjoy.”

Like Brogli, senior Kayla Semple has also taken technical education classes at Grafton. “I was always with my dad and grandpa when I was younger and they’re both into woodworking, so I like it because of them,” says Semple. “I don’t see why Woods is just assumed to be just for guys. If you enjoy it, then why not take it? I mean, if choir isn’t just for girls, then why would Woods be just for guys?”

As Semple mentioned, choir is not just for girls according to junior Ian

Schermer. “Even though not many guys are in choir, it’s still nice to be a part of it,” Schermer states. “I would like to see more guys join choir because of the opportunities it has brought me.

I’ve made a lot of new friends while participating in something I really enjoy.”

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WHY GES NEEDS A REFERENDUM Chloe Doring

The Grafton Schools Referendum had many plans for the district including taking down Grafton Elementary School and rebuilding it to be John Long Middle School. Grafton Elementary would then have been moved to where JLMS currently is. Unfortunately, for the students and staff of Grafton Elementary, the referendum did not pass.

Grafton Elementary is said to be in the worst condition out all the Grafton schools. Rumors have also surfaced claiming the conditions are unhealthy and potentially dangerous to the student and staff.

If you walk down the hallways of GES the floors and ceilings are stained and the walls have holes in them.

Rain is a main cause for many of the problems at GES. When it rains water goes through the ceiling and into the lunchroom. Also, in the courtyard, there is no place for the rain to drain, causing standing water. Eventually this water drains into the piping of the school, which then causes the wood and pipes in the air ventilators to begin to rot. The rotting of the pipes creates such a bad stench that it is hard to breathe in some rooms.

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At GES the HVAC doesn’t work properly either. In the library, the temperature is inconsistent.

There is no temperature control, sometimes it can be very warm, and other times it is very cold.

“In the winter, the rooms are freezing cold.

The vents are constantly blowing out cold air. The heating system definitely needs to be updated,” said GES Special Education Aide Ms. Patti Huettner.

The issues aren’t only inside the school, but also outside. The parking lot of GES has numerous potholes.

“When I drive in I have to avoid the holes,” said Huettner.

The roof of Grafton Elementary is very unstable as well, no one wants to walk on it. When the kids are outside and a ball gets on the roof, they never get it back due to the fear of walking on the roof.

Teachers and parents of Grafton Elementary are working hard to have something done with the school. Even though the referendum for all of Grafton schools did not pass, they believe that GES still needs to be updated. Currently, GES is having people come in and out of the school to look at the conditions. They are looking to see if anything needs to be done promptly.

IMPACT ON GRAFTON “If it passed we could be the school that other schools are jealous of.”

-Carson Klaus

It’s been 15 years since the last referendum in the Grafton School District. On April 5, 2016 the Grafton community voted against a $49.5 million renovation plan to improve Grafton School District facilities. The Grafton School Board asked for two things. The first was the borrowing of $47.7 million to go towards renovations and reconstruction of school buildings. The second was borrowing $1.8 million for outdoor athletic facilities. These changes would take 24 years to be completely paid off.

The results of the first question were 55% (4,050 votes) no and 45% (3,260 votes) yes. In November and December a survey was sent out regarding Grafton resident’s opinions. The cost of this would have been a $1.43 tax impact for every $1,000 property valuation. For the athletics portion of the referendum the result was also no, with 52% (3,763 votes) and yes, with 48% (3,495 votes). It would have placed a $.06 tax impact on $1,000 property valuation on Grafton residents.

Around the town and village of Grafton, many students, parents, and teachers were saddened by the news of the referendum not passing. Junior

Ty Depies

Carson Klaus said the referendum would’ve been nice because, “If it passed we could be the school that other schools are jealous of.”

Although most students currently attending GHS wouldn’t be here when the changes were made, they were still excited at the thought of upgrading their home town. “I was most excited about the new fieldhouse, I think it is something that could really improve our school,” said freshman Gaven Depies.

On the other hand, some weren’t bothered that the referendum didn’t pass. Sophomore Hannah Buback said, “It didn’t bother me that it didn’t pass because by the time the improvements were made I wouldn’t be going to school here anymore.”

In the future, it’s important that voters are well informed about what is included in the referendum so they have knowledge on what they are voting for. With some adjustments to the plans and budget, there’s a good chance a new referendum will be made available in the near future.

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HIGH STRESS HIGH SCHOOL With the weight of AP exams lifted off students’ shoulders comes the looming threat of final exams. It seems that high schoolers can’t seem to catch a break. Students are constantly performing a balancing act with nightly homework, ACT prep, SAT prep, standardized testing, placement testing, AP testing and final exams with sports, volunteer work, extracurriculars, keeping up with social media, spending time with friends and family, and this radical idea: sleep.

With no downtime as high schoolers attempt to juggle after-school jobs, activities, and intensive courses before even becoming an adult, students can burn out before reaching college. They also may feel the psychological and physical effects of stress for much of their adult lives, as stated by Marya Gwadz, senior research scientist at the New York University College of Nursing.

“Something about having a job and balancing schoolwork,” sophomore Amanda Boll said.

In a school-wide survey sent out by four sophomores, 58.6% of students said they were employed.

Colleges become more selective and competitive each year as students fight to

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Sophia Didier

keep up. However, with school becoming such an uphill battle, motivation tends to go downhill.

Anxiety in the classroom is not only apparent on a country wide basis, but here in GHS as well. 68.9% of GHS students ranked their day-to-day stress level at a 3 or 4 out of 5.

“There is a lot of pressure on students when it comes to school,” heavily-involved sophomore Gordon Thompson stated. “You have to make sure you have your priorities straight because if you let everything build up it becomes even worse.”

Students are living with an academic system where if they only have nine out of ten answers correct, they’re wrong; If they don’t have advanced, they might as well be beginning.

Student’s grades are constantly pitted against one another’s; a corrected test is passed back and all one can hear is a chorus of ‘What’d you get?’.

High schoolers have orientated themselves to conquer the increasing tasks they must complete, but at what cost? It has come to many researchers attention that subgroups of youth experience high levels of chronic stress to the extent that it hinders their abilities to academically

succeed and compromises their mental health functioning.

You’re not you when you’re stressed. Stress makes you irritable, anxious, tired, overwhelmed and sad. One thing is for certain though, stress is an unavoidable part of modern life. Acute stress -- your ‘fight or flight’ response -- is normal, healthy, and short term.

However, chronic stress is a killer. It brings on a vicious cycle of forgetfulness, fear, and emotions.

Students face so much stimuli on a daily basis, these emotions are anything but unusual.

At times it feels as though there is no way out. In the meantime, attempt to work selfcare into a busy schedule. The ADAA, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, suggests getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, practicing yoga, drawing, counting to ten slowly (or maybe 20!).

Most importantly, learn what is triggering your anxiety. Don’t be afraid to sound ‘whiny’, talk to someone about feeling overwhelmed. Look for patterns in the complaints, hone in, and break them down slowly.

What is the leading cause of your stress?

Homework Tests/Quizes Projects Extracurriculars Other

On any given school day, how stressed are you?

(1 being not stressed, 5 being extremely stressed) 1 2 3 4 5 Information collected by Allyssah Lanza, Gretchen Geiser, Katelyn Lanctot and Jenna Grandinetti in a school-wide survey.

STUDENT TIPS TO RELIEVE STRESS “I play soccer, excersize helps. I make sure to write in my assignment notebook.”

-Ashlynn Micoliczyk

“I listen to singer/ songwriter music to de-stress while doing homework” -Ian Bould

“Once the weather gets nice, I paint outside or go for run or a walk” -Abby Valerius

“At this time of year I like to do my homework outside” -Erin McCann

19

MARONDE MADNESS Grace Potter

On April 14, Woodview Elementary music and many others to be better students, athletes, teacher and GHS boys basketball coach Bob and community members.”

Maronde was put on paid leave from his two After public comments, the School Board held positions due to an incident inside of his another closed meeting; it lasted about four classroom. hours. The Board announced afterwards that they The first Board of were still undecided Education meeting regarding Maronde. regarding Maronde May 11, the confirmed was held on May announcement was 2. Residents of made: Maronde was Grafton stood up reinstated as the music and applauded teacher at Woodview Maronde as he Elementary. made his entrance Maronde said, “This through the library will be my last year at doors; however, Woodview. Every year I there was no public keep retiring and then comment allowed getting asked back. That at that meeting, as will not be the case this Maronde’s situation time.” was not on the He also explained on agenda. what he seeks to do While the School in the future. “I plan Board deliberated issues on coaching, but not at GHS. Community members of Grafton of Maronde and Lightner, With my teaching, if someone march their way into the high school fellow Graftonites mingled needs help somewhere, like with poster boards, determined to while Maronde made substituting for the middle cheer on Maronde at the School his way around hugging school or elementary schools, Board meeting. different supporters.

I would be glad to do that “I support all of the teachers at Grafton because again.”

I think there has been a lot of situations where Although Maronde has been through much they haven’t been,” stated former art teacher at stress and confusion with the situation, he tries to GHS, Gina Studelska. “I think they’re all a little bit always focus on the positive. With his succesful afraid that it could be them next.” return, he finally stated, “I’m having a ball.”

On May 9, the meeting about Maronde had an even larger outcome than the first, over 150 people. One hour was allotted for public comments, and multiple parents and alumni spoke in honor of Maronde.

GHS graduate and former basketball team manager Brad Parsons said, “He encouraged me

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SEARCHING FOR A SUPERINTENDENT Alexis Sutherland

Superintendent Dr. Mel the Grafton community for the first time at the Lightner was asked and School Board meeting on Monday, May 9, saying, offered to resign on Monday, “When you have a district that’s going through May 2 amid the communitytough times, it starts to define the district.” wide outburst after Mr. Mr. Andres was the previous superintendent of Maronde was dismissed from the Sauk Prairie School District and was named the his classroom. However, this 2004 Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year. Aside was not the sole reason for Dr. from his superintendent duties, Mr. Andres has an Lightner’s resignation. additional 18 years of experience coaching football Dr. Lightner has and baseball at the high school level. been a superintendent for After being involved in the Grafton community twenty years in the state of for three days, Mr. Andres said his initial observation Wisconsin. He began his career as a superintendent was being witness to “the passion of parents and in the School District of Colby community toward the district.” Mr. and made the transition to “When you have Andres will continue to provide for these become the superintendent of passions through recruiting the besta district that’s the Kimberly Area School District suited individual to serve as the next for thirteen years. It wasn’t long district superintendent. going through after announcing his departure “We will want to get input from the tough times, it community, from the Kimberly School District staff and students during starts to define in 2009 that Dr. Lightner took this process. We will need to address the on the responsibility to become climate of the district after going through the district.” superintendent of the Pulaski a challenging couple of weeks. I want us Community School District from to keep our efforts, recommendations 2008-2013. Shortly after passing a $4.4 million and decisions to keep the main thing; the main referendum in Pulaski, Dr. Lightner resigned from thing. Which means we are here to provide facilities, his position and then became superintendent of the programs, curriculum and activities for STUDENTS,” Grafton School District. said Andres.

After an unsuccessful referendum and in light of recent events, the School Board and Dr. Lightner himself grew concerned of his ability to provide the Grafton Community with the proper jurisdiction that the community needed in order to move forward.

The sudden resignation meant that the school board was in search of finding a temporary superintendent replacement. After a 5+ hour closed session conducted by the board on Wednesday, April 4, Mr. Tom Andres was hired as Grafton’s interim superintendent for the remainder of the 2015-2016 school year.

Mr. Andres addressed the current situations in

21

WORD IN THE HALLS

“A Milwaukee Bucks shirt because I am their biggest fan” -Senior Evan Bernd

“My rings with my watch and a hair tie, cause I never know how my hair is going to behave that day.” -Senior Monica Wenten

“A basic t-shirt, and my nike shoes because I don’t really feel like trying when I’m running late.”

-Freshman Julia Wille

“My track jacket with leggings and birks to show school spirit and be comfy” -Freshman Morgan Ruska ”My Chelsea football club zip up, it is war m and goes with everything.”

-Sophomore Ethan Lang

“I find myself wearing a white t-shirt and black leggings more often than I should.” -Senior Alexis Sutherland “Nike sweatpants and a short sleeve cotton t-shirt and red nike fingertrap max.” -Junior Drew Donahue

“A pair of kakhis and a Wisconsin t-shirt to show my state pride.”

-Freshman Alec Davis

“Most days I wear my dress pants and sketchers because they are comfy and who isn’t a lady killer in the outfit.” -Sophomore Sarmad Haider

“My Minnesota sweatshirt with a raggedy pair of jeans and my Doc Martins.”Senior Chloe Lichosik

Q: Sunscreen or Tan? A: “Sunscreen.”

Q: Strawberry Fest or Summerfest?

A: “Strawberry Fest.”

Lucus Fugate

Lucas Fugate

B L A C K

H Q: Lake or ocean?

A A: “Ocean.”

W Q: Air conditioning or open windows?

K A: “Open windows.”

S Ms. Karli MacGregor

Q: Active or lazy summer?

A: “Active.”

Mrs. Fran Grant

Q: Do you prefer your tacos authentic T H or Americanized?

E A: “Americanized.”

Q: Tubing or water skiing?

A: “Neither.”

Tyler Rieck

Tyler Rieck

O F

Q: Cold water or lemonade on a hot day?

A: “Lemonade.”

M O N T H

INTERESTED IN

CONTRIBUTING TO GHS PROFESSIONAL WRITING? Work on a multitude of skills and learn valuable lessons such as journalism, page designing, photography, filming, video editing, interviewing and more!

Sign up for one or two semesters of the course in the counseling office or contact Mrs. Brogelman.

GRAFTON CAPTU

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February 29, 2016

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