May 2013 Issue by Brian Mitchell

Bullis School 10601 Falls Road Potomac, MD 20854

Bullis School

The BULLDOG May 2013

Issue 4

Students praise new final exam schedule

INSIDE: News

Pages 2-5

By Alec Fink Sports Editor

Global Studies program on the rise

Arts

Page 6,7

MARK RIFFEE

New video scoreboard set to revolutionize the home-game experience

Summer blockbusters

Opinions Page 8,9

One-to-one policy needs re-evaluation

Sports Page 10, 11

Dr. Boarman reveals new video display board By Matt Hansan Video Editor After students return from summer vacation and fall classes resume, there will be some major changes at Bullis: a new schedule will be in place, various new teachers will start, and an awe-inspiring video display scoreboard will light up the stadium. The idea for this new scoreboard came about mainly because of the declining condition of the current scoreboard, which is over

fifteen years old. According to Head of School Dr. Gerald Boarman, the current scoreboard uses certain light bulbs that are hard to find replacements for. Since the current scoreboard was going to be replaced soon anyways, he thought it was a good time to add a thrilling new feature to our sports events. The new video display scoreboard is going to be a very large 13’ by 25’, giving great quality to all viewers, even those at the opposite end of the stadium.

“This new video scoreboard is going to add a more authentic experience to games, giving the crowd more opportunities to participate, as well as being a teaching tool for students,” said Boarman. The new video display scoreboard is going to bring about a range of exciting opportunities to Bullis.

Continued on page 11

Changes to Commons worry rising seniors By Brian Mitchell Editor-in-Chief

What is America’s sport?

Backpage Page 12

Senior nostalgia

With this year’s graduating class out of the hallways and onto senior projects and beach week, suddenly off-campus lunch, long-sleeve shirts, and the instant respect of underclassmen have moved from privileges of the distant future to realities just one summer away for the current junior class. However, many rising seniors worry that their most prized and distinguishing privilege – the Commons - lies in an uncertain situation as the school continues to grow and demand space. In fact, the Commons has already undergone a remodeling during the high school careers of rising seniors: last summer, the administration replaced the room’s infamous Ping-Pong table with a carpet floor, tables, and chairs. Now, tasked with provid-

GERALD BOARMAN

STEM building will house multiple student-centered areas ing a suitable office for Bullis’ third College Counselor, the administration is changing the Commons once again. To better serve the recordbreaking 126 rising seniors, the College Counseling de-

partment has added David Weiner, a third counselor with extensive experience at Maryland independent schools and at the college level. Since North Hall

Continued on page 3

While students may be feeling stressed about having to succeed on their exams before enjoying their much-needed summer vacation, they should feel comforted knowing Bullis School administrators recently made changes to exam-day schedule. Now, students will take only one exam per day, starting at 9:00 am compared to past years’ 8:30 am start time. In addition, students can stay on campus and eat lunch, then join their teacher for the following day’s exam in extra instruction. Since there will be only one exam each day, students will no longer have to worry about cramming in two subjects per night. The new schedule gives students a better opportunity to go to sleep earlier. Not only will the new one-a-day schedule give students more time to sleep, the addition of extra instruction after exams will make studying more efficient. “If I forget parts to a major topic, there’s always the option to see my teacher for help,” said Bruce Jansa (’15). As opposed to searching the Internet to answer their questions and worrying if what they found is correct, students can visit their teachers and get reliable explanations. Students can also benefit from hearing peers’ questions for teachers in the same subject and collaborate to find the answer. Also, the first exam is on a Monday, which gives students an entire weekend to review material for each exam. A few students have complained that the exam schedule extends the school year. That, however, is not the case. The 2012-2013 school year will still end Friday, June 7th as originally planned. The recent adjustments to the exam schedule along with this year’s introduction of ExamSoft, a cheatproof system that allows students to type their exams, are reassurances that the administration is making a strong effort to look out for the student body’s best interests. Paul Mavrikes (‘14) hopes the new exam schedule will relieve students’ stress and therefore increase test scores: “The administration is always looking to improve our stress levels around exam time and I think that this is a terrific step to better improve the overall experience of exams,” said Mavrikes.

News

THE BULLDOG

Dr. Boarman: student-centered areas are here to stay

Q and A with new Upper School presidents

By Brian Mitchell Editor-In-Chief

By Amanda Greenberg Arts Editor

The Bulldog: How does it feel to have won? Jack Chellman: I’ve always loved serving on Student Government, and I am truly honored that the Upper School has elected me to lead them into next year. Now that I’m in, I’m ready to get to work. Alessandra Mejia: I am not going to lie- winning was pretty amazing because I have wanted this since freshman year. I have always been excited for my junior year because it was when I could finally run and then I won! I just want to thank everyone for voting for me. I really appreciated it! I also just wanted to take the chance to say that all the other girls who ran against me did amazingly! The Bulldog: What does being co-president mean to you?

JC: To me, being copresident means that I have the opportunity to prove my peers right. To show them that I’m going to serve and represent them as best I can. It also means that I have the opportunity to work with Alessandra for a whole year. Alessandra and I have always been great friends, and I’m so excited to be able to work together to lead the student body. I’ve known Alessandra since sixth grade, and her talent and commitment are going to be valuable assets to our Student Government next year. AM: Being a co-president means that you have to be responsible and a leader, also I think a copresident should be smiley and outgoing. I hope I fulfill all of those qualities and more in the next year.

The Bulldog: What are your main goals and plans for next year?

The Bulldog: What do you think will make you a great co-president?

JC: Going into next year, I’d like Student Government to take on a more active role in student life. I’d love to see us take a stand on issues of real importance for students and extend students’ influence into our community with more significant community service initiatives. As the essential bridge between Bullis students and staff, Student Government should be representing the students’ opinions to the administration in order to advocate for their needs.

JC: The first step in running for Student Government is acknowledging the individual value of every one of your peers. If I’m going to be a great copresident, it’ll be because I really understand this. The members of the Upper School are some of my favorite people in the world, and I know that every one of them brings something uniquely valuable to the school. I will always listen

to my classmates because I will always respect them. AM: The reason that I think I will be a great copresident is because I really care about Bullis and making it a better community. I am also very out going so I hope next year everyone will feel comfortable coming up to me and suggesting an idea for the student council. I will honestly listen and try my best to achieve what they want.

AM: I have a few ideas for next year, but I do not want to say too much because they may be turned down. I do not want to promise something only to have it not happen next year. BRAD KOSEGARTEN

B U LLI S S C H O O L’S

THE BULLDOG

Bullis bids farewell to five faculty members

News Editor Rachel Weinberger

Opinions Editor Andrew Smith

Sports Editor Alec Fink

Advisor Brad Kosegarten

Arts Editor Amanda Greenberg

Video Editor Matt Hansan

Staff Writers Jonathan Laetsch Carly Steren Owen Caulfield

Continued from page 1 lacks adequate space for a new office and because College Counseling prefers to have all its counselors in one localized area, the administration has decided to knock down the wall between the College Counseling room and the Commons. According to Head of School Dr. Gerald Boarman, tearing down the wall will allow two offices - one for Mr. Weiner and one for the STEM coordinator - to be formed out of the space that now sits in the Commons between the wall and the couches. For a few rising seniors who had heard of this plan before the publication of this article, next year’s Commons change seems logical and necessary. Most of these students point out that the importance of the College Counseling office outweighs that of the Commons: “The College Counseling space holds an extremely important role in the lives of seniors, while I see the

Heda O’Brien After many years at Bullis, Ms. O’Brien will move on next year to a new teaching challege. She has led Bullis’ NHS program, been a mainstay in the biology classroom, and been a great colleague to many faculty.

Tom Waugh Mr. Waugh will be departing Bullis at the end of the year. He has been an engaging economics teacher and has positively influenced countless students who have taken his class.

Dan McCarron Mr. McCarron is beginning a new chapter in his life at business school. He has proven to be a dedicated and thoughtful educator.

Brittany Reed Ms. Reed will pursue a career in Nursing, which is a passion for her. She has been a great physics teacher and should be commended for playing a critical role in the Physics First transtion.

Jackelyn Lopez-Roshwalb After a few years in the classroom (Washington Latin and Bullis), Ms. Lopez-Roshwalb is eager to explore possibilities beyond teaching. She has made a great impact here in a short amount of time.

Commons as just a place to relax,” said Alec Bertero (’14). Nevertheless, many members of the Class of 2014 are frustrated with this significant cut to the squarefootage of their highly anticipated Commons. Dissenting students argue that being the largest class in the history of the school should compel the administration to retain the Commons’ full size, if not expand it to handle the greater student traffic.

“Many members of the Class of 2014 are frustrated with this cut to the Commons” In an interview with The Bulldog, though, Dr. Boarman explained that the change to the Commons would not reduce the room’s effective student

workspace. This year, seniors rarely used the hardwood-floor area of the Commons, prompting the administration to recently decide to replace that unused area with carpet. The amount of space for tables and chairs gained by this new carpet area cancels out the amount of space lost to the two new offices. Although Boarman’s explanation settles the concern of available squarefootage, several rising seniors strongly oppose what they describe as the Commons’ transformation from a fun, relaxing room to a senior-exclusive version of the Academic Center: “The Commons used to be looked at as a place where seniors could hang out and get away from the stress of academics for a block. But now the school has tried to change it into a stricter academic environment, almost like a library for seniors,” stated Nick Sussman (’14). While the culture of the Commons has undoubtedly grown more work-

centered, the rationale Boarman provides for this change is understandable: “During the 2011-2012 school year, we received many complaints that the Ping-Pong table was being dominated by a small group of students. The Commons should not be an athletic village. It should be an area where seniors can go relax and talk to their friends or do homework,” said Boarman. To further show his commitment to maintaining the Commons, Boarman shared how the school could have saved the cost of one portable classroom had he and the administration decided to use the Commons as a classroom: “There’s always the desire because of our lack of space to think about using the Commons for something else. We’ve stayed away from that because we do believe there should be a dedicated place for seniors,” recounted Boarman. In fact, especially relevant to students of the Lower and Middle Schools, Boarman and the Board of Trustees have included ample space for relaxing student areas in the STEM building, which is set to be

built over upcoming years. Specifically, the new building will have a food court with both hot and cold café beverage options, a series of platforms with tables and chairs for students to gather, and a 200-person student-centered terrace.

“Boarman and the Board of Trustees have included ample space for relaxing student areas in the STEM building” Dr. Boarman and the administration have repeatedly acted to secure the Commons’ future, communicating to us that this coveted North Hall room is here to stay. And what’s more, the school will offer groundbreaking studentcentered areas in future years.

New AP exam policy for seniors widely supported By Joe Sageman Editor Emeritus

The Bulldog is a student-run newspaper made to not only inform students about school information, but also to provide a forum for student expression. Many of the articles are written by the Journalism class, however we accept articles from the entire student body. The Bulldog reserves the right to edit and change submitted articles as we see fit or if they do not meet our specifications. If you have an article you wish to submit, send it to TheBullisBulldog@gmail.com. The Bulldog will not publish anonymous letters, or anything deemed libelous, obscene, or in poor taste.

Editor-In-Chief Brian Mitchell

News

THE BULLDOG

Beginning this school year, Bullis is no longer requiring seniors enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses to take the AP exam offered in May. Though AP exams are expensive ($89 a pop in 2013), sitting for AP exams has been an expectation for students. Students who earn high enough scores on AP exams can often earn college credit for their work. However, colleges across the country are becoming pickier about accepting AP scores: “We recognized that more and more colleges are not taking scores; since seniors know where they will attend college by AP exam time, it doesn’t make sense to force seniors to take exams that are not going to be useful to them,” said academic dean Molly Chehak. Despite the policy change, a “relatively small” percentage of seniors elected not to take their AP exams this year, according to director of college counseling Dr. Mary Frances Bryja. One potential explanation for the low number

of opt-outs is that seniors must commit one way or another by early March for Bullis to order the correct number of tests. The decision date for seniors precedes April 1, when colleges release their decision letters. Therefore, few seniors are committed to colleges when they must decide whether or not to take the AP exam.

“Bullis is no longer requiring seniors enrolled in AP courses to take the AP exam in May”

College credit is not the only reason why students may benefit from taking AP exams, though: “[The AP] testing period gives high school students a sense of what final exams may be like in college. It’s good practice for what’s to come,” explained Bryja. AP exams simulate college style assessments and provide students with experience

and comfort in a college testing environment while they are still in high school. Though Bullis now leaves the choice of whether or not to register for AP exams up to the seniors, administrators and teachers still prefer that all students sign up for the exam. Even seniors who opt out of their AP exams participate in all review activities (including practice tests) that their classmates do. Since non-test takers still have responsibilities in the course, teachers are not permitted to substitute a project or cumulative test for the AP exam if a senior opts out. Since all AP students – regardless of whether or not they will sit for the exam – prepare as if they will in fact take the test, taking the exam is usually advantageous to seniors: “I encourage students to take the exam if they are on the fence. Students have spent about nine months learning and studying the material, and have good grasp of the information. Why not take the test and see

how you do?” said Bryja.

“[The AP] testing period gives high school students a sense of what final exams may be like in college”

Some students in past years have been reluctant to take AP exams, but Bryja reminds seniors that they will not disappoint their college if they do poorly on the test: “AP scores are not sent to the Admissions Office some students are fearful that if they don’t do well, their acceptance will be rescinded. AP scores are sent to the Registrar’s Office, and are used to determine college credit and placement.” Though seniors are not faced with any academic downside to taking the exam, Chehak and Bryja both acknowledge that AP exams can be a waste of time and money if students have no possibility of earn-

ing college credits. This conclusion forced the school to reconsider its stance on seniors taking AP exams. Chehak and Upper School principal Andrew Delinsky brainstormed alternatives to the old policy. After including Bryja, associate director of college counseling Lynn Kittel, and all AP teachers in a series of meetings, the group “came to consensus as a teaching team,” according to Chehak. The administration has received no negative feedback for the policy change. Teachers were involved in the decision making process and were on board with the resulting changes. Chehak also reported that she “did not hear a word from parents.” Support for the new policy is overwhelming, as the senior class erupted in joy when Delinsky announced the changes at a second trimester class meeting. The rule change is certainly consistent with the school’s reputation for flexibility, openmindedness, and pragmatism.

News

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News

THE BULLDOG

Bullis adds to growing Global Studies program

Bullis alumn returns to lead Entrepreneurship program

By Rachel Weinberger News Editor

By Carly Steren Staff writer

Bullis is offering a wide variety of international trips this year and next year in order to expand the popularity of and participation in its rising Global Studies program. Co-Director of the Global Studies and Service Program, Dorothy Yen, has travelled around the world multiple times throughout this past year in search of fun and safe trips that Bullis’ students might be able to attend in the future: “Traveling internationally and living abroad has been a big part of my life,” said Yen. “I find that it is when students learn important life lessons and gain life-changing experiences that they truly get to know a new culture.” This year, trips to St. Kitts, Germany, Cambodia, and Trinidad and Tobago were proposed for the upcoming year. The minimum student requirement has been met with all except the Cambodia trip, which has consequently been pushed back to a registration deadline of May 13th in hopes to attract more students. The France and Italy trip has been cancelled due to no participation from the student body. Bullis understands the diversity in interests and passions that their students have; therefore, making some of the trips centered on specific subjects can appeal to particular students. For example, the Model UN students had the opportunity to go to the Hague to learn about political diplomacy. This winter break, a group of eight students and three Bullis faculty travelled to the country of Cambodia. The trip incorporated a community service element, as the eleven Bullis participants helped build a school in cooperation with the Caring for Cambodia organization. The group started off touring in the capital Phnom Penh, learning about Cambodia’s painful history and the coun-

The Bullis Art Intensive Trip to Italy and France has been postponed until next year

Bullis students bow to the camera after tasting the lotus flower, a Buddhist symbol of fortune

try’s modern efforts of rebuilding. For the second half of the trip, the Bullis volunteers focused on constructing a school building in Siem Reap, although still managing to have a little fun playing soccer with the Cambodian youngsters there. Recounting her Cambodian service trip, Brigid McCaffery (’14) said, “I am so happy I had this experience to go out and see the daily lives of these people. Whether it was kids helping their parents in the water or travelling to the Killing Fields, they were always smiling and I feel like I have gained an experience that I can never forget- one that I can learn from in the future.” The trip to St. Kitts in the Caribbean, which

will be occurring in June, involves the extensive study of marine biology, specifically of leatherback sea turtles. Students will collect data by snorkeling in the reefs and observing the diversity in the beautiful rainforests. Additionally, students will serve the St. Kitts community by participating in beach patrols with the island’s Sea Turtle Monitoring Network. “I’m looking forward for a chance to learn more about sea turtles and their environment and what we can do to help them. Being interested in marine biology, this will be my first hands-on experience in that field,” said Gabe Melrod (’14) The two and a half week Germany choral trip in June will consist of a cultural exchange

NADIA FALLAHI

MARK RIFFEE

with the St. Ursula Gymnasium in Freiberg, Germany. Bullis students will host German students in October, and then travel to Germany to live with their hosts. There, students will attend their host’s school and tour around Germany, France, and Switzerland. “Our goal is for students to explore the history and culture of Germany by traveling to three cities: Munich, Berlin and Freiburg. In addition, we want our students to experience the hospitality of the German people by living with a family from St. Ursula’s Gymnasium, the school that visited Bullis in October,” explained trip leader and History department chair Lisa Vardi. The France and Italy trip, which will be moved to next year, will center on art appreciation and the strengthening of basic drawing and paint-

ing skills. Students will visit world-renowned art locations such as Paris, France and Tuscany, Italy. In these cities, students will visit famous museums like the Louvre and admire some of the greatest works ever produced such as the Michelangelo’s Statue of David and da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Along with enjoying the European experience, students will touch up on their own skills, which they will be able to share in a special Bullis art show following their return. “Our expectations for students on the trips are that they see as much art as they can, make art as much as they can, and immerse themselves in the cultures of Italy and France,” said trip leader Deb Donoghue. Exclusively for seniors, the trip to Trinidad and Tobago also revolves around community service through the construction of a shelter with the Habitat for Humanity organization. This is one of many of Bullis’ Habitat for Humanity trips that all seniors must participate in after finishing classes in mid-May. “Trinidad and Tobago will be an eye-opening experience for me. I have been to the Caribbean a few times for vacation, but I have never participated in anything like a Habitat for Humanity trip where I will give back to island and immerse myself in its culture. I expect to get a very rewarding experience from the trip, full of memories with my classmates as well as the culture and people there,” said Dana Daniels (’13). Bullis is considering locations all around the world to add to their growing Global Studies program. Some of the countries under consideration are in Africa, South America, Europe and Asia. Clearly, Bullis is striving for diversity not only in its students but also in its sanctioned opportunities. Through establishing connections with distant countries and different cultures, Bullis students will learn a more open-minded approach to situations that might occur outside of its own sheltered community.

In the fall of the 20132014 school year, Bullis will launch its new entrepreneurship program led by Bullis Alumn, Marc Steren. Marc graduated from Johns Hopkins University and went on to receive his Law degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Marc has been a successful entrepreneur for over 15 years and hopes to spread his love, knowledge and experience to the students at Bullis School. Bullis’s entrepreneurship program will launch two courses in the fall of the 2013-2014 school year. The Introduction to Entrepreneurship, which is the first course Bullis will be offering, will be divided into three parts. The first part will be an overview of the Business model canvas. The second part will work with customer development methodology and business modeling. The final aspect of the introduction course will be

the development of the team project. In the final part, the students will apply the customer development methodology and business models discussed in class into a real business. Bullis will also be offering The Entrepreneurship Lab, which will be the second, and more advanced class. The class will be divided into different teams consisting of four members per team. There will not be formal titles for each of the team members however; the students will learn how to allocate roles. The teams will use the lean launch pad software to blog their use of the Business Model Canvas to scorecard their businesses. They will apply for IP protection of their ideas and develop low fidelity web sites and mobile applications for their minimum viable product. Steren will help to instruct the students on the Customer Development Methodology and in applying such methodology to

their own businesses. Each team will make a weekly presentation on their customer development results; the teams will each have a mentor who they will meet with for at least one hour per week. At the end of the course, there will be a business model contest, with the winner receiving $10,000 for their business. Across the country, high schools have been integrating entrepreneurship programs into their curriculum. However, Bullis plans to take a different approach than other high schools in the region. Bullis will follow the lead of top universities such as Stanford, Berkley, and Georgetown by implementing a Customer Development Methodology and Lean Entrepreneurship program. In the May issue of the Harvard Business Review, it discusses Lean Entrepreneurship in depth, and of its success at the college level. With Steren paving

the way, Bullis plans to bring this programs success to the high school level. Steren’s passion for entrepreneurship can be easily seen in his pursuits to make this program a model for the nation’s high schools to follow. “Entrepreneurship embodies someone’s dream, and their desire and perseverance to bring their dream to fruition.” Said Steren. ”My goal is to enable the students to accomplish this by providing

the means and methodology.” The entrepreneurship program at Bullis will provide the students at Bullis with unique opportunities to create businesses, learn lean entrepreneurship and learn customer development methodology. With these skills being taught, Bullis will follow in the path of the elite universities, as well as pave the wave for high schools throughout the country to base similar programs off of our successes and failures.

SUZIE ZIMMERMAN

Successful entrepreneur and Bullis alumn, Marc Steren joins the staff as Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator

Bullis launches new courses for 2013-2014 STEM

Entrepreneurship •

Entrepreneurship Capstone Lab

•

Research Design and Methods

•

STEM Capstone Lab

•

Mechanical Engineering (BL)

•

Electrical Engineering

•

Game Design

•

CAD Design

•

Introduction to Programing I-III

•

Advanced Placement Computer Science A

•

Blended Learning Journalism

•

Web Design

•

Human Geography

•

Robotics

• Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy •

Game Design

•

Graphic Design and Advertising

•

Contemporary Economic Policy

Global Studies & Humanities

Arts

THE BULLDOG

Arts

THE BULLDOG

Jon on Demand: top 5 summer blockbusters

Postcard-Poem Exposé By Amanda Greenberg

By Jonathan Laetsch

Arts Editor

Staff Writer

“A Common Place” (Postcard #213)

With his unique, vintage style, Australian Director Baz Luhrmann has not only intrigued audiences worldwide but has also managed to lure in some of the world’s greatest performers for his newest picture film. Actors include Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception), Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man), and Indian acting legend Amitabh Bachchan. Another interesting aspect of the movie is its choice of soundtrack. Rather than choosing music fitting to the time period of the early 20th century, Luhrman decided to add popular modern hits to the film. Songs ranging from “ No Church in the Wild” ( Jay- Z & Kanye West) to “Young And Beautiful”(Lana Del Rey) will definitely attract younger audiences. Knowing that Luhrman was the brain behind masterpieces such as “Romeo & Juliet” (1996), “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) and “Australia”(2008) sets the bar very high but we will have to patiently wait and see if this (3D!) movie compares to its precursor and lives up to its expectations. “The Great Gatsby” is currently in theatres.

By Ian Giles (‘14) At this spot in time and space Sit I at this very place And at this place stays a common sight One that people of all countries might At one time come and take a rest. A common place But yet I feel From here A thousand miles from you my dear A tie to you in some odd way One I feel every single day At this common place it stays In Paris, Italy, Brazil, and Spain So that even if we’re far away In this place you and me stay So if one day you should miss me Or I miss you Let’s take a stroll to this common place And enjoy each other’s company In Time and Space.

GOOGLE IMAGES

The wolf pack is back for the final part of this hilarious trilogy! Since the end of the second movie, heated discussions have occurred concerning the setting for the next Hangover. Amsterdam and Sydney landed among the most plausible options, but, to everyone’s surprise, director Todd Philips chose Las Vegas. Although the first movie was also set in the city of sin and gambling, the endless casinos and flashing lights are sure to provide another round of knee-slapping dialogue and experiences for Phil, Alan, Stu, and Mr. Chao: “This time, there’s no wedding. No bachelor party. What could go wrong, right? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off!” However, many movie-lovers are asking themselves whether Hangover III can exceed, let alone match, the high bar set by the first two films. The difficulty with filming a sequel is that the director has to stay true to the trilogy’s comedic themes without being repetitive. Whether Todd Philips pulls off another hit or leaves the trilogy with a dud, it all ends for the iconic wolf pack - in theatres now.

AMANDA GREENBERG

(Postcard #34) By Dana Martin (‘14)

AMANDA GREENBERG

Stop. Do not enter. Societies Rules. The Limits that one has to partake in to do justice. Why does everyone listen? Motivation and all that you work for Yielding in a different direction just because you were told to do? Your decisions are what matter in the long run. Exit, one way. Societies trap to make you not to succeed. Going against society and every day norm is supposed to be supported, To be different is wrong. Societies restrains for people to succeed. Stop. Do not enter.

(Postcard #147) By Greg Lovegrove (‘14) Wisdom can be gained And learning can be a decision How much you see may not be how much you know But the mind can alter ones vision There is an ambiguity behind the idea of whether or not someone can see A man may literally be blind as he needs supervision when he is standing But he could still see more than a man with 20/20 vision Because his mind has developed a greater understanding Vision does not make one wise It can lead to insanity or a sickness A person can have a much greater perception Even it they cannot be a witness

AMANDA GREENBERG

joining the staff, this newest installment of Superman will take on a whole new feel. According to Nolan, “Man of Steel” will bear no connection to the previous films in the series, acting instead as a reboot. Specifically, the movie will focus on the beginning of Superman’s arrival on Earth as he discovers his superpowers, runs away from society, and then rescues the world when it comes under attack. Whether this film is as successful a superhero-reboot as “The Incredible Hulk” or performs poorly like its precursors, “Man of Steel” soars into theatres on June 14.

“ It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Superman!” Having recently lived in the shadows of his fellow superheroes Batman, Spiderman, Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America, the man with the red cape and the Big S on his chest will finally return to theatres this summer after seven long years. After the previous flop of Superman, Director Zach Snyder (Watchmen & 300) is leaving nothing to chance in assuring that “Man of Steel” is a success. Going against Hollywood trends, Snyder decided to capture the entire movie on film rather than digitally, bringing back the vintage feel of the original Superman. In addition, with screenplay writer David S. Goyer and highly acclaimed producer of the Dark Knight trilogy Christopher Nolan

Looking to follow up on the success of “Monster Inc.” (2001), “Monster’s University” shows where our favorite animated monsters Sully (brave blue behemoth) and Mike (jittery, green, oneeyed) became best friends - at a college designed to prepare monsters to become “Scarers.” Whether it’s the pressure of getting into a desired fraternity, fitting in at parties, or surviving difficult professors, “Monster’s University” portrays the college life in a playful, but not entirely unrealistic fashion. It is probably no coincidence that the creators of “Monster Inc.” waited ten years to make a movie about college when all the children that enjoyed their first film are now going to that very place. But with its witty dialogue that can attract adults to theatres as well, “Monsters University” will become an animation film for monster-lovers of all ages. Catch Mike and Sully starting June 21.

GOOGLE IMAGES

GOOGLE IMAGES GOOGLE IMAGES

With the X-Men series having grossed well beyond one billion dollars over the last thirteen years, “The Wolverine” has big shoes to fill This sixth X-Men installment tracks the most prominent member of the X-Men universe, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), to modern day Japan. In an unknown world, he will encounter life-or-death battles with deadly opponents, leaving him forever changed. Unlike the previous X-Men films, “The Wolverine” will introduce more hand-tohand combat including different forms of martial arts and extreme fighting. Fans of the X-Men Series will also be surprised to find their superhero vulnerable and pushed to his physical and emotional limits. Jackman considers himself “a big fan of the Japanese saga in the comic book” and feels that the new release “is going to be the best yet.” Whether the sequel claws at the success of its precursors and whether Wolverine survives as a mortal will all be revealed starting July 26.

Opinions

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Art credit requirement limits schedule flexibility By Andrew Smith Opinions Editor

Rising seniors have faced the same problem with their schedule for years: how to fit in that one elusive art credit they need to graduate. To graduate from Bullis, students need six arts credits and one health credit, which is equivalent to 2 1/3 years of classes at Bullis. According to Academic Dean Molly Chehak, the administration suggests that Health be taken during sophomore year because students generally have reached a higher level of maturity and because sophomore schedules typically include less electives. Most Bullis students do in fact take health their sophomore year, but that usually means sacrificing an art or a study hall. Many students then become swamped with work during that one trimester without their

One-to-one requires redress By Joe Sageman Editor Emeritus

study hall; or, if students take health in place of art, they face the frustrating task of having to fit in one trimester of art in an already-packed junior and senior year schedules. Consequently, every year there are several students who delay taking Health to their junior or even senior years.

“If students take health in place of art, they face the frustrating task of having to fit one trimester of art in packed junior and senior schedules”

“A lot of thought had to go into my senior schedule especially because of my art require-

ment, which made me completely change my whole schedule,” said Isaac Fried (‘14). However, the recent introduction of exciting, yearlong Signature Program classes has made fitting the onetrimester Health or art class into a junior or senior schedule even more difficult. In fact, some rising seniors have had to switch to trimester STEM classes or even remove Signature Program classes from their schedule altogether. I personally have faced this issue. This year when constructing my new schedule, I was interested in the entrepreneurship course, but because I needed to fulfill my last art credit, I was not able to take that Signature Program offering. As a result, I am forced to take a trimester course that will

not be interesting to me instead of taking a class that I want to take. Luckily, the solution to these problems is simple: Bullis should change its curriculum requirement to one health credit and five art credits.

“Bullis should change its curriculum requirement to one health and five art credits” One complaint to this proposed change is that lessening the amount of required art would disrupt the balance between arts, academics, and athletics that the school works diligently to maintain. But this change would actually be in line with the school’s

policy of balance, for it is a balanced approach that allows one to realize that completing a sixth trimester of art is less important than taking an anticipated yearlong academic elective senior year. I personally believe that all students at Bullis should have experience in the arts by the time they graduate, but the school should try to make it easier for students to get the credits they need. In conclusion, reasons for the change to a one health credit and five art credit system are twofold: it would ensure a student’s sophomore study hall and facilitate his/her participation in the host of engaging new senior electives being added each year.

The Bulldog would like to thank our retired Editors for their dedicated service in the 2012-2013 year

Opinions

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There’s no turning back from the one-to-one system. Technology and education are now intertwined, and all students should reach a certain level of comfort and experience with computers before they go off to college. However, the one-to-one program’s pilot year did not go as smoothly as many had expected it to, and while its problems are most likely fixable, they will require a serious reevaluation of the program. Bullis takes tremendous pride in staying one step ahead of the technology curve. The school encourages teachers to incorporate everything from video lectures to online assessments to social media into the classroom experience. Bullis also, of course, requires all students to bring a laptop to school. While students’ proficiency with computers will better prepare them for high tech careers, the school’s one-to-one policy has several notable drawbacks. Constant access to lap-

tops has become more of a distraction than a help to most students. In fairness, the one-toone system did not create this problem, but it has certainly exacerbated it. Before this school year, many students brought laptops to school and used them improperly much of the time, but flooding the student body with more computers has added fuel to the fire.

“The school encourages teachers to incorporate everything from video lectures to online assessments to social media into the classroom” The World Wide Web can be very tempting to teenagers, regardless of who they are or what they’re interested in. Too often, teachers compete with Facebook, ESPN, and online shopping for their

students’ attention, and when they have to compete, they usually lose. In an ideal world, students, not school policy makers, should be accountable for how they use computers. Bullis is no fairy tale, though, and the misuse of computers is so widespread that any effort to reprimand individual students would be futile. The school should also consider that students don’t just hurt themselves when they misuse their computers. They distract fellow students and show an inexcusable level of rudeness to their teachers. If teachers realize to what extent students ignore them in class, they do an excellent job of hiding their disgust. Student behavior, or computer etiquette, if you will, must improve drastically. Bullis, being especially concerned with becoming a better community, cannot let this disrespect slide into normalcy. In order for it to improve, the administration must spark a culture change. Computers are not

the problem; it’s who controls them. Students now pull out their laptops at the beginning of class almost reflexively. Once that happens, teachers often lose the focus and attention that they deserve from their classes. Students have the power to choose between history and Twitter or between English and a favorite computer game.

“Too often, teachers compete with Facebook, ESPN, and online shopping for their student’s attention...[teachers] usually lose” The implementation of the one-to-one program has tipped the balance of power in the students’ favor, and that must be corrected before next year. The one-to-one system is attractive to the school partly to give teachers the flexibility to weave in all kinds of technolo-

gy into lesson plans. Instead, it gives students the flexibility to look at and focus on almost anything they want. Teachers desperately need to regain control of their classrooms, and the way to do that is to have them control the computers in them. Students should only be allowed to use computers when specifically directed to. Teachers should give comportment forms to students surfing the web more often. Computers give students an unprecedented amount of freedom in the classroom. To this point, students have abused this freedom. In order to preserve a productive, engaging, and collaborative learning environment, Bullis must establish clear and specific ground rules that define when, why, and how computers can be used in class.

Poll results from the Bulldog Online show that Facebook and online shopping can be significant distractions

Pictured above (from left to right): Alex Siegel, Peter Angeh, David Harrison, Hunty Brown, and Joe Sageman

SUZIE ZIMMERMAN

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Has football surpassed baseball as America’s pastime? By Andrew Smith Opinions Editor

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on-field achievements. Jackie Robinson could possibly be the most important athlete in the history of sports. The impact Robinson made for the civil rights movement changed American culture and led to the desegregation of the Major League of Baseball. American history is intertwined with the history of baseball. Examples of baseball can be found throughout the history books - because of this, baseball will always be America’s sport. I will admit the popularity of baseball has declined in the last 20 years, but that still does not prove that baseball has become any less of America’s sport. Baseball is one of the only sports where fans are a part of the action.

Countless fans bring baseball mitts to games to catch home runs and foul balls. Players are always willing to hand over a game ball to some lucky fan and even arrive at the field early to sign autographs for true fans. Baseball players also put on a show for the fans watching batting practice. In addition, baseball has furnished some of the American sports realm’s most illustrious records. For example, Joe DiMaggio holds one of the longest-lasting records in all of sports, earning hits in 56 consecutive games. DiMaggio’s 1941 streak hasn’t been rivaled in 72 years, further emphasizing the undying legacy of baseball’s best players and

records. Another baseball record that is a huge part in American history is Cal Ripken Jr.’s consecutive games streak: Ripken consecutively played in 2,632 games, which is equivalent to a little more than 16 years of baseball. Unlike other sports, baseball’s records show an unusual longevity that make players like Ripken and DiMaggio not just baseball greats, but also American legends. Without baseball, American sports would not have grown as popular as they are now. Before there was professional football or basketball, there was baseball –America’s true and origi-

nal sport. Going to the stadium to watch the game in person, idealizing players and following their every move, and turning a sports outing into a patriotic event all originated with baseball. No sport in America can rival baseball’s long and impactful history that has turned competition into tradition and players into national heroes. Just as contemporary political figures will never rise above the legacies of our Founding Fathers, newer sports like football and basketball will never replace baseball as America’s national pastime.

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Counterpoint: football’s excitement proves it is our new pastime By Alec Fink Sports Editor

When I was younger, nothing excited me more than getting in the car with my family and driving to Baltimore’s inner harbor to see the Orioles play. Although the O’s did not win very often, the games were enjoyable for all - the weather was nice, the fans respectfully cheered, the food was tasty, and games were easy to keep up with. Today, on the other hand, my interests along with

many other Americans’ have changed drastically. Football’s fast-paced, hardhitting, and thrilling competition has taken America by storm, replacing baseball as America’s pastime. More people would rather go to a National Football League game or watch one on TV as opposed to a Major League Baseball game. Fans continue to pile into NFL stadiums, which have reached an average capacity

By Alec Fink Sports Editor

keep track of, unlike the 162-game marathon of an MLB season. Watching one game per week that usually occurs on Sundays is much more manageable for

a busy person than watching multiple, weekday nighttime baseball games. Americans are simply too busy to keep up with the baseball season. Aside from having to deal with following schedules, the shorter NFL season makes each game

more meaningful. A poor stretch of games for an NFL team can be the difference between going to the playoffs and watching the playoffs from home. In baseball, however, the schedule is so long that a single game seems to be of such little importance to a

team’s playoff aspirations. A single game in the NFL, therefore, brings more anticipation and post-season implications, two qualities necessary to attract a large American viewership. Although baseball has perennial traditions and is known as America’s pas-

video work may seem daunting, Riffee noted that students “don’t need any experience coming in, just an interest in the activity.” “The video display scoreboard is going to allow students to show off their creative spirit and have an experience comparable to one they might get at a production studio,” added Boarman. An interesting feature

Bullis is looking to add is the ability to have wireless cameras throughout the campus. This would allow the video scoreboard to display live look-ins on other activities going on across the Bullis campus. For example, students watching a soccer game at the stadium would be able watch a nail-biting finish of a cross-country meet. Such a capability has the potential to rally the Bul-

lis community around one another no matter where they are on campus. Introducing a high-tech scoreboard that will be the first of its kind among local high schools, Bullis proves once again that it seeks to remain ahead of the trend. Boarman explained that Bullis has always set the tone, with a good example being the turf field at the stadium. Bullis was the first school in the area to

time, it is time to move forward and accept change as a part of life. Attendance records, TV ratings, and personal interests clearly show that football has undoubtedly eclipsed baseball in captivating the American public’s attention.

Bullis enlivens Kline Stadium with new video display By Matt Hansan Video Editor Continued from page 1

For instance, during athletic events, the scoreboard will play team video introductions as they run onto the field, highlights of games during halftime, and videos about upcoming events. For some big games, there could even be live coverage, with the scoreboard showing instant replays and crowd reactions. Moreover, the new video display scoreboard offers students the ability to do film and video work for an activity credit in the fall and spring trimesters. Video Communications Associate Mark Riffee will lead interested students in helping them develop the skills needed to produce videos for the scoreboard’s various functions. Riffee explained that these students would put together intro videos and highlight reels that would be played during games. Although this kind of

get a turf field, with Landon, St. Albans, and others following in our footsteps soon after. Boarman feels that Bullis is again taking the lead in this forward-thinking video project. The new scoreboard clearly shows that Boarman wants nothing but the best for students: “We’re Bullis,” Boarman said with pride, “and we want to give students opportunities that they might not get anywhere else.”

MARK RIFFEE

The new video display will foster greater school spirit come game time

2013 Varsity football schedule released

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Jam-packed football stadiums contrast with decreasing attendance at MLB games

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Counterpoint continued: Continued from page 10

Point: tradition solidifies baseball as our pastime

On August 7th, 2007, Americans watched Barry Bonds make history as he hit his 756th home run and broke Hank Aaron’s home run record. As Bonds swung his bat into the history books, cameras flashed, fans screamed, and everyone watched as the ball sailed over the right center field wall. That day is still seen as one of the greatest moments in baseball’s and our nation’s history. Not only did Bonds break the record, but he also solidified himself as an American icon. Indeed, today everyone knows who Barry Bonds is - whether for what he did on the baseball field or what he said in court. Nonetheless, he is still an icon for his accomplishments on the field and everything that resulted from his professional career. Baseball has certainly shaped American culture, whether it was Jackie Robinson desegregating the major leagues or Babe Ruth hitting home runs at Yankee stadium. Babe Ruth became an American icon during the 1920s. Ruth hit home runs in front of thousands of roaring fans and became a celebrity due to his

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of 95.1% over the last three years. Meanwhile, in the same span of time, fans have occupied an average of only 69.9% of seats in MLB stadiums. Even TV ratings for the Super Bowl and the World Series, the NFL and MLB’s marquee events, prove Americans’ interest in football overpowers that of baseball by a long shot: an es-

timated 108.4 million people tuned in to watch this past February’s Super Bowl while a comparably miniscule 15.5 million people watched the final game of the World Series. What has made football more interesting than baseball is the excitement of the game. When asked to say the first word that pops into their mind when they hear the word “baseball,” four out of five Bullis students replied:

“boring.” Homeruns and incredible defensive plays in baseball have lost their luster in contrast to miraculous touchdowns and big collisions in football. Not only are NFL games more exciting to watch, their 16-game seasons are easier to Continued on next page

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What will seniors miss the most about Bullis? By Amanda Greenberg Arts Editor

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Mitch and Brandon: Lunches

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Kyle Nemeroff: Lacrosse

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Anthony: Basketball

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Danny Copeland: Coach Cilento

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Kristina and Alessandra: Friends

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Nadia: School spirit

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Connor: Commons

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Brooke: Mr. Zimmer

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George: Hockey

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Max Bramson: Golf

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Kia: Mr. Chellman

Dexter: Theater Performances