Volume 39 - Issue 1
A National Blue Ribbon School
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
PHOTO BY SAMMI SILBER.
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By Ana Faguy News Editor
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Features We’ve Got Spirit SGA works to build Bulldog pride.
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Students can now access Wi-Fi from their mobile devices and will soon be using Chromebooks.
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News MCPS Wi-Fi
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Arts Maze Runner
The novel’s fans anticipate the movie’s release in theaters.
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Earlier this month, Newsweek released its list of the top 500 American high schools, with CHS taking the 24th spot. Poolesville, Wootton, Walter Johnson, Walt Whitman and Bethesda-Chevy Chase also made the list. Newsweek ranked the schools by which schools “do the best job of preparing students for college” and “overcome the obstacles posed by socioeconomic inequality.” At the end of last year, U.S. News and World Report, another publication that composes yearly high school rankings, released its list of the top American high schools, but left CHS unranked in both the national and state standings. “Both are credible sources,” assistant administrator Brandi Richardson said. “I think both are valuable sources because they use different indicators to project their rankings. It is information that we the school can use for the purposes of pathways to student excellence.” According to Newsweek, the rankings are created using a high school achievement index based on performance indicators and a College Readiness Score based on six indicators: enrollment rate, graduation rate, weighted AP/ IB composite, weighted SAT/ACT composite, holding power and counselor-to-student-ratio. For the absolute rankings, the schools are ordered by their college readiness score. With a college readiness score of 98.43 out of 100, CHS gained its spot at number 24. This
spotlight on CHS has made many students both grateful for the recognition they think the school deserves and cognizant of the work they feel is still left to do. “We should definitely consider this along with the U.S. News and World Report to think of ways to improve our school,” senior Katie Kidney said. “This ranking, along with the U.S. News ranking suggests that we need to direct an emphasis towards the needs of students who aren’t taking five AP classes. We need to focus on the fact that there are students who need help. We are doing an amazing job, but we do need to improve.” While CHS has conflicting rankings from last year to this year, students and staff are relishing the moment of breaking the charts to gain a spot as one of the top 25 schools nationwide. “The rankings that Newsweek recently released are a reflection of the effort that the students, staff and community have put forth towards student achievement,” Richardson said. “This is an exciting moment that calls for celebration. It’s a testament to the fact that instructional strategies and focus areas that are identified throughout the year are ones that have been effective.” Although CHS has regained its spot as one of the best schools in the country, some feel there is still room for improvement. “Regardless of what U.S. News and World Report said, CHS is a top school,” Kidney said. “We do have work to do, and CHS is by no means a perfect school.”
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News
theObserver
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Starr withdrawls proposal to push back start times By Pablo Roa Producuction Editor After Superintendent Joshua Starr recommended in October 2013 that MCPS push back high school start times, citing concerns over the lack of sleep teenagers are getting with the current bell schedule, Starr encouraged MCPS not to move forward with his initial proposal. Starr originally proposed that MCPS consider starting high school 50 minutes later, shifting middle school start times 10 minutes earlier, and extending the elementary school day by 30 minutes beginning in the 2015-16 school year. But according to a June 10 MCPS press statement, Starr’s proposal would have cost over $20 million and received mixed feedback from the MCPS community. “I recommended we study changing bell times because I believe it is an important issue that deserves our attention,” Starr said in the statement. “But after receiving the final cost estimates, along with mixed feedback from our community, I do not believe it is feasible or responsible to move forward with these changes at this time. However, we will continue to discuss and monitor this issue.” After Starr made his initial recommendation to change bell times, MCPS began gathering feedback from the community on the proposed changes. After four community forums, over 75,000 surveys, 77 “Neighbor-to-Neighbor” discussion groups and hundreds of emails sent to the MCPS bell times drop box, the county determined that the public was split on the issue and thus, in addition to its high costs, changing bell schedules was not appropriate at this time. Start School Later Montgomery
County (SSL), the local chapter of a nation-wide initiative to push back school start times, created an online petition to encourage county officials to change bell times in MCPS. The petition, which was presented to Starr in 2012, gained over 10,000 signatures and ultimately encouraged the county to pursue changing bell times. Now, less than than two years after submitting their petition to Starr, SSL is outraged at the Superintendent’s reversal. Michael Rubinstein, publicity coordinator for SSL, says that by deciding against moving forward with his initial proposal, Starr is ignoring vast research that proves the need to start school later. “The research on the benefits of a later high school start time is abundantly clear,” Rubinstein said. “Now, even the American Academy of Pediatricians strongly recommends later start times for the health and well-being of teenagers. We are facing an epidemic of teen sleep deprivation. The treatment is to start school later. ” According to a June 10 SSL press statement, one of the main reasons Starr could not follow through with his initial proposal is that he tried to address two very different issues at one time. “Dr. Starr made the mistake of cramming together two unrelated proposals — changing bell times and extending the elementary school day by 30 minutes,” SSL wrote in the statement. “Each issue needs to be judged on its own merits. In fact, much of the overall cost — and opposition — was generated by the proposal to extend the school day.” Although a change in MCPS bell schedules seems unlikely in the near future, progress is being made at the state level to expedite the process. On May 16, Maryland governor Martin O’Malley signed a bill that requires the state’s Department of
PHOTO BY PABLO ROA.
Starrendedthecampaignthat he beganinOctober2013topushbackschoolstarttimes. Health and Mental Hygiene to conduct a study of morning bell times and make recommendations to school districts regarding appropriate school start times. While the initiative to start school later at the county level is stalled for now, legislation at the state level shows that this is an important issue for many and that officials will continue looking into it. While county and state officials continue to push for a later school start time, senior Jessica Brown believes that there are other problems, such as overcrowded classrooms and aging schools, that MCPS should address before dedicating so much time and money to changing bell schedules. “I think pushing back start times is an important issue, but it is not the most important issue,” senior Jessica Brown said. “There are many other problems affecting children and their lives right now. I think MCPS does a lot to help students as it is, so trying to eke out more benefits isn’t always possible.” According to parent and AP Psychology teacher Rodney Van Tassell, starting school later is a good idea because students perform better in
school when they are more awake, and performance on tests and quizzes and class participation are all substantially better later in the day as opposed to in first and second period. While Van Tassell believes school start times should be pushed back, he understands that such a drastic change in school procedure is very difficult for the county to implement. Like Van Tassell, Principal Joan Benz says she understands the difficulties with Starr’s original proposal and why he was unable to implement it. While Benz supports the concept of pushing back start times and is glad that Starr did not completely close the door on a potential change, she acknowledges that pushing back start times is a complicated issue and not easily resolvable. “I think it’s an issue that needs relooking, but what is very difficult for Dr. Starr and the members of the Board of Education is that there are so many pressing issues and, unfortunately, a lot of them end up costing too much money,” Benz said. “I believe it could happen and I believe it can be successful, but it will take a lot of thought and good ideas to actually implement.”
access to Wi-Fi has been a lengthy process for MCPS because of the rapid speed at which technology becomes obsolete. “We’re still changing infrastructure to support it,” Jones said. “We’re going to replace the wireless hardware again this year, and it’s only three years old.” Students expressed their support of the installation of MCPS Wi-Fi because of its convenience. “The Wi-Fi is very helpful because not having it previously posed a problem for cell phone use,” senior Ruchi Mathur said. “I no longer have to worry about wasting my cell phone data while checking Edline.” However, according to junior Josh Freilich, the wireless connection is not without its drawbacks. “It seems to make some apps inaccessible, even during lunch, and you must agree to the terms and conditions each time you connect,” Freilich said. According to senior Hannah Yasharoff, classes such as Journalism will benefit from the implementation of Wi-Fi. “It allows me to do my job as public relations and social media editor of the Observer all day instead of just after school,” Yasharoff said. “Since Journalism is moving to more of an online medium, it is more convenient to be using the Wi-Fi every day.” In addition to public Wi-Fi connection, CHS will receive Chromebooks, laptops that run solely on Google applications. Each social studies classroom will receive a set for classwork by the end of this school year, allowing other classes to spend more time in the computer lab and Media Center. Every CHS student will also receive his or her own Gmail account to use for the creation, storage, and transfer of files
as well as to communicate with others. Students can access these personal accounts online by signing in with their username, the domain mcpsmd.net and their password. “The idea behind the Chromebooks is the same for the Internet access for students, which is to do work,” Jones said. “It also streamlines the amount of software needed.” Jones expects CHS to have about 300 laptops by the end of this school year for teacher and student use. “Any time new technology is developed and accessible to teacher and students, it’s an exciting thing,” world history teacher Christopher Forney said. Teachers and students in every class will be able to use Google software such as Google Docs and the web browser Google Chrome during lessons as part of the curriculum with Chromebooks. If the teacher wishes, students will be allowed to take notes on the laptops during class. “We can use the Chromebooks for activities such as practice assessments and analyzing documents from public sources,” Forney said. “They will also save paper.” MCPS also plans to provide Chromebook sets to all English classes by the end of next school year, which will bring the total number of laptops in the school to about 1,000. CHS will pay Google for its own domain, which was prevented by state laws until recently. According to Jones, all Google applications have ultimately been provided to support class instruction. Teachers will have the tools for full access by the end of the year, thus allowing them to send and receive documents from students as well as read files.
Long-awaited Wi-Fi now available for public use
By Arjun Swaminathan Online Arts Editor
Before the installation of Wi-Fi at CHS, biology teacher Wendy Saoutis had to take her students to the computer lab whenever they needed to do research. Now Saoutis just has to tell her students to take out their cellphones. Students and faculty can now use the wireless Internet connections MCPSstudent, MCPSguest and MCPSstaff on mobile devices at school. “The purpose of the MCPS Wi-Fi to provide people with public access,” information technology systems specialist Robert Jones said.
Originally developed in 2011, MCPS Wi-Fi at first was not for public access on mobile devices. MCPS installed Wi-Fi for public access this past summer, offering free Internet connection to all connected mobile devices in the building. According to Jones, this action levels the playing field for students who require stable Internet connection in a work environment such as school. “Only in the last two years has MCPS pushed for public access,” Jones said. “It requires plenty of cost and management to have over 2,000 devices, or one for each student, on the plan.” According to Jones, the installation of the hardware system to support public
PHOTO BY HANNAH YASHAROFF.
Earlier this year MCPS installed free wi-fi accessible to students and staff.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
News
theObserver
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Number of unaccompanied minors increases By Gil Jacobson News Editor
For centuries, people have sought better lives by immigrating to America, and it is no different for the influx of unaccompanied Central American minors newly enrolled in MCPS. According to Laura Newton, MCPS Director of the Division of School Counseling, Residency, and International Admissions (SCRIA), 78 students have enrolled through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) from July 1 to September 5, though none are enrolled at CHS. “These students are being placed in the English as a Second Language (ESOL) Program,” Newton said. “Churchill HS does not have an ESOL Center, therefore these students are not enrolling there.” These unaccompanied minors also require various supporting services that the schools can offer. “Since many of these students enroll in MCPS with limited or no formal schooling, they also qualify for the Multidisciplinary Education Training and Support (METS) program where they receive additional instruction in basic literacy, numeracy, and academic skills, as well as social emotional supports to facilitate their adjustment to a new school environment,” Newton said. According to Newton, violence in native countries is a key factor in why these children are relocating to the United States and enrolling in our schools. “Central American children caught at the U.S.-Mexico border are being sent with relatives or parents to different areas in the United States,” Newton said. “They are enrolling in the school systems where the relatives have established residency.” MCPS Superintendent of Schools Joshua Starr endorsed these minors’ enrolling under certain conditions in a July memorandum to the Board of Education. According to the memo, students such as these minors “are referred to the SCRIA residency specialist if the parents live apart from the child, in compliance
IMAGE BY GIL JACOBSON. SOURCE: LAURA NEWTON, MCPS DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF SCHOOL COUNSELING, RESIDENCY, AND INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS (SCRIA).
with MCPS Regulation JEA-RB: Enrollment of Students.” SCRIA then reviews enrollment requests for those students who are living with a guardian appointed by the courts. That guardian must be a legal Montgomery County resident. “Students may be enrolled, provided the guardianship was obtained for necessary reasons concerning the child, and not for the convenience of the persons involved or for the
primary purpose of attending school in Montgomery County,” the memo reads. Some Hispanic CHS students believe that Hispanic students, who may or may not be unaccompanied Central American minors, are stigmatized. “I feel that some Hispanics are stereotyped as gang members when in reality we are only here to learn,” senior Daniel Espinoza said. “I hear some kids in the hallway referring to people as the ‘ratchet Hispanics.’”
Foreign students in general face multiple challenges when acclimating to MCPS, not only socially but also educationally. “The system I was coming from and the one here are very different to say the least,” said senior Angad Kalsi, who was born in the United Kingdom. “But I caught onto it soon enough and I’m now quite a fan of the way things are done. You’re given quite a lot of choice on choosing classes but the requirements also mean you leave school pretty well rounded.”
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The Churchill
Observer Editors
Editors-in-Chief Katie Gauch Sammi Silber Chief Production Manager Katie Clem News Editors *Ana Faguy *Gil Jacobson *Emily Raab Opinions Editors Fiona Asbury Observations Editors *Alissa Li *Kim Rooney Features Editors *Julia Heimlich Danielle Kiefer *Ross Tanenbaum *Emi Cardinale Arts Editors Madison Hurr *Eugenia Cardinale *Thomas Atkinson Sports Editors Michael Fox Julia McDermott *Pablo Roa *Nathan Deychman *Hannah Yasharoff Photography Editors Jasmine Baten *Pablo Roa Fact Checkers Eugenia Cardinale Ariel Levchenko * Production Editors
Managers Advertising Manager Balbina Yang Business Manager Daniel Miyares Circulation Managers Emiliana Cardinale Emily Wang Contest Managers Nathan Gertler Arielle Gordon Public Relations Thomas Atkinson Nathan Deychman Hannah Yasharoff Adviser Kelly Knarr
Our Policy The Churchill Observer is published monthly by the students of Winston Churchill High School, 11300 Gainsborough Road, Potomac, Md. 20854. Advertising and subscription rates are available by e-mailing churchill. observer@gmail.com. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of staff, faculty or the student body. Every effort has been made by the staff to assure that the news is accurate and free of bias. Editorial opinions are those of the Observer staff, and personal commentaries and cartoons reflect the opinions of their writers. Letters to the editor must be signed, and assertions must be documented upon request. The Observer is a public forum for the purpose of expressing the views of and informing the Churchill student body.
Opinions
theObserver
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
New technology will improve performance CHS is beginning to introduce a new age of technology and student learning. While these changes will inevitably come with a multitude of challenges and problems, as any technological introduction does, it is a step in the right direction. According to Newsweek’s 2014 High School Ranking list, CHS is number 24 of the best high schools in the nation. Such high prestige should be accompanied by innovation and creativity, both of which are fostered through the addition of the new technology. According to a research project sponsored through the U.S. Dept. of Education, introducing technology into classrooms resulted in changed student and teacher roles, more motivation, improved technical skills, more collaboration with peers, and the increased use of outside resources. If a school has the opportunity to make such changes possible, it should capitalize on the opportunity, which is precisely what CHS is doing. Obviously, the technology that MCPS is instituting in schools will not be a drastic change, as it takes a bit of time to get up and running. However, technology is all about experimentation, so by introducing new technological aspects in waves, students and staff have a chance to ease their way into this new learning environment. The first thing to be instituted was the Wi-Fi, which still has
some room for improvement, but should not be written off as a failure. Many students are now able to use it rather than having to rely on cellular data, a vast improvement over previous years. Simply by making information more accessible to students, CHS is creating a more productive environment that will ultimately help CHS move up even further in the rankings. Rather than having to wait for a slow connection to load, Wi-Fi allows for students to load and use information almost instantly. According to Information Technology Systems Specialist Robert Jones, CHS will be introducing Chromebook laptops in classrooms throughout this year and next year. Through the addition of laptops in the classrooms students can discover information that was previously only told to them, thus expanding the style and definition of learning at CHS. According to a Scholastic article, introducing laptops into classrooms prepares students for the competition within the technological world. If students are to go into the future with skill sets that revolve around technology, it is vital that they are exposed to technology as much as possible, such as by using laptops in the classroom. While the “laptops in the classroom” debate has been exhausted, it goes without saying that regardless of how one views the change, it is at least the creation of a more high-
tech learning environment. The creation of Gmail accounts for use with Google Docs is a way of breaking the barrier between school and home. Information can be instantly shared between staff and other students, so it eliminates the inconvenience of having to spend valuable time sharing documents in person. Ultimately, implementing new technological advances is a way to make an efficient school even more efficient. Students who are given new tools are excited to use them for their work, and by saving time, technology in school leaves room for more individual thinking and creativity. Opponents of the plan might argue tha t this new technology has too great a cost for such a frivolous endeavor. However, MCPS is wisely focusing on
ILLUSTRATION BY SAM LEE.
issues that will have long-term effects on students. Introducing new technology is not just some way to spend taxpayer money, it is a way to bring new resources to students to enhance their learning. According to the MCPS Strategic Technology Plan, MCPS has budgeted for this cost, so it will not be detrimental to the regular school agenda. Since students this year will mainly be seeing the introduction of technology in the form of Chromebooks in their social studies classes, they should not be expecting some all-encompassing shift in their daily life. Just as any big change, it will take time and is just the beginning. By taking this first step, MCPS and CHS are preparing their students for a more enriching learning experience and a brighter future.
A Letter to the Editor I am writing in response to an opinion piece by Greer Smith that ran June 5 titled “Jake’s Law blames texting drivers for wrong reasons.” First, let me introduce myself - I am Jake’s mom. Secondly, I would like to address some of the factual inaccuracies about the writer’s understanding of Jake’s Law. Prior to Jake’s Law, the General Assembly in Maryland already passed a law making it illegal to use a handheld cell phone and text while driving. Jake’s Law states that if you seriously injure or kill someone breaking a law already in existence, it is a Class A Misdemeanor punishable up to one year (not three as your article stated) in jail and up to $5,000 in fines. This is very different than if a driver kills someone due to drunk driving, which usually results in vehicular homicide charge and that is a felony punishable up to anywhere from five to ten years in jail. Another inaccuracy in the article was that it mentions that Jake was killed by a texting driver, which is not true. The driver was talking on his cell phone, not texting. He was so distracted that for approximately 500 yards (which is equivalent to the length of five football fields), he did not notice that the traffic in front of him had completely stopped due to a previous accident. Accord-
ing to a data retrieval device in his car, when he hit our car from behind at 62 MPH as we were stopped in traffic, he had not even applied his brakes. It was not a split second during which he took his eyes off the road, he did not see what was in front of him for more than 10 seconds. This driver, who killed a fiveyear old boy and seriously injured my husband and daughter walked out of the courthouse with two minor traffic tickets and $1,000 in fines. Maybe to Greer Smith, this seems like justice, but to our family, it was not. What happened to our family could have and can happen to any other family. The article mentions addiction. Many people are addicted to alcohol, but there are still laws that state that if you drink a six pack of beer because of your addiction and get behind the wheel of a car and kill someone, you are still responsible for your actions and addiction does not absolve the driver of his or her accountability. Automobile crashes is the leading cause of teen deaths. Cell phone distracted driving is the new drunk driving. Crashes caused by drivers manipulating a cell phone (whether it is texting, dialing, taking a selfie, or updating your Facebook account) is now responsible for more teen deaths (more than 3,000 last year) than drunk driving. (2013 study
by Cohen Children’s Medical Center). A 2009 Car & Driver study revealed that drivers had a slower reaction time to braking when reading a text while driving than when driving under the influence. The driver who hit our car was a 23-year old Baltimore County corrections officer with a clean driving record. He did not leave his house to go to work that day intending to total three cars, kill a five-year old boy and seriously injure two others, but that is what happened. When our family decided to appeal to lawmakers to address cell phone distracted driving, our goal was not to punish the driver, but rather create a strong deterrent to this dangerous behavior. Because by the time it gets to the courts, it is too late, another life has been lost or seriously injured. When Mothers Against Drunk Driving first began their efforts to prevent drunk driving, they were often dismissed or ridiculed despite studies that demonstrated how dangerous the practice was. Yet now society finds drunk driving unacceptable, which is exactly how we should view cell phone distracted driving. The goal of Jake’s Law is to save lives because no other family should have to lose a son or daughter or a mother or a father because
a driver thought that a phone call or text was more important than his or her safety and the safety of everyone else on the road. And I am fairly certain that most parents would rather their kids come home safely than immediately return a text or take their call. The last words Jake said to us in the car as he was playing with a Super Mario Brothers game that he got for Christmas three days prior was “Mom, I have 43 lives!” I think about the irony of his last words every day and do not want another family to ever go through what we experienced. Sincerely, Susan Yum Jake’s Mom The Observer apologizes for the factual errors that appeared in the May 19, 2014 article “Jake’s Law blames texting drivers for the wrong reasons.” Though editorial writers are entitled to express their opinions, their opinions must always be based on truth, and we failed to catch factual errors that appeared in the editorial. We are renewing our ongoing commitment to truth and accuracy and express our deepest condolences to Jake’s family for their tragic loss.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Opinions
theObserver
5
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has wrong intentions People prefer challenge over actually helping cause By Yash Nigam Online Opinions Editor Madison Hurr Arts Editor
PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.
People took to Facebook to accept the challenge, but at the same time, they neglected donating and learning more about the cause.
This summer, the Ice Bucket Challenge to cure Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, was an Internet epidemic, spreading over every social network in a matter of weeks. Although the challenge accomplished what it was set out to do: raise funds and awareness, many people did it for misguided reasons. Many of those who participated in the challenge did not donate to the ALS Foundation, only completing the challenge because of peer pressure, for enjoyment or to show off their summer bodies by wearing swimsuits. With so many people taking advantage of the challenge for the wrong reasons, the good intention behind the challenge plummeted. While the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is for a worthy cause, the money raised by it will not further ALS research to a measurable extent. Research to find a cure for a neurodegenerative disease, like ALS, is exorbitantly costly, with no promises of any significant advances. According to an August 2014 NBC News article, the money raised by the ALS Foundation is no more than a “figurative drop in the bucket compared to U.S. government funding [of the foundation].” Given that any significant breakthrough in ALS research will require billions of dollars, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is futile because it has raised very little compared to the amount of money needed to research a possible cure. There is greater societal benefit in people donating to a cause which can convert smaller sums of
money into something tangible. Those who want to help advance ALS research should lobby larger organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further support ALS research. If these organizations develop a greater commitment to ALS, they are far more likely than individual donors to make visible improvements in perplexing areas of research. Moreover, there are several diseases as severe as ALS that affect more people and are more widely understood. Donating to charities that support research for these far more prevalent diseases makes more sense because they are able to better utilize smaller sums of money. According to a 2014 Center for Disease Control (CDC) study, ALS, in comparison to other medical conditions, kills the least number of Americans annually, approximately 7,000, yet it raises the third highest amount of money. On the other hand, diabetes, which leads to 75,000 Americans deaths annually, only raises $4 million, the least amount for any medical condition. According to an August 2014 Slate article, donating to “diseasespecific” charities is “peculiarly ineffective” because there is no guarantee that the money will lead to promising outcomes. This is not to say that individuals should abandon their commitment to supporting ALS charities, but should reevaluate their donations to ALS. Advocates of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge claim that it raises awareness. While this is true, it is actually more important to raise awareness about the fact that rampant diseases like diabetes generate barely any money.
Your or you’re? CHS needs to use correct grammar By Danielle Kiefer Features Editor On the first day of school during an assembly, seniors were presented with a Powerpoint, with one of the slides proclaiming, “Colleges are watching, even after your accepted!” with the incorrect use of “your.” The fact that a high school made a common grammatical error most students are taught to avoid in elementary school is not only embarrassing, but it sends a message to students that grammar is unimportant. With a lack of knowledge of basic spelling and grammar rules becoming the norm, schools need to implement more grammar lessons, and students need to start taking grammar more seriously. Teenagers may not think knowing the difference between “its” and “it’s” is a big deal, but they may find themselves in trouble later when they need to use grammar daily in the workplace, such as when sending out a professional email. According to a March 2013 Forbes article, in a study of LinkedIn profiles of 100 professionals, those who had achieved higher positions, on average, had fewer grammatical errors in their profiles, and the profiles of those who had been promoted six to nine times made 45 percent fewer grammatical errors than those with one to four promotions. Making grammar mistakes could also affect the chances of getting hired for a job. It could make one seem un-
professional and immature and therefore an undesirable candidate. According to the Forbes article, good grammar skills often indicate positive workplace traits, including attention to detail, critical thinking and intellectual aptitude. Future employment is not the only situation where incorrect grammar usage could be detrimental. Simple spelling and grammatical mistakes that could be easily corrected with a proofread come off as careless and affect colleges’ decisions. According to the ACT’s list of Top Ten College Applications Mistakes, the number one mistake is misspellings and grammatical errors and is a big pet peeve of colleges because it shows lack of skills and disinterest. Given the rise of social media websites like Twitter, the expectation of using correct grammar and spelling seems to have fallen by the wayside. With only 140 characters, it can be hard to fully express a thought or idea without cutting a few words or punctuation marks. However, it is imperative for students to understand the difference between when it is acceptable to use text abbreviations and when it is appropriate to use formal and correct sentences. According to a June 2012 Wall Street Journal article, as younger people become more accustomed to texting and social networking standards, the grammar mixups increase. Mistakes may be due to this “new norm,” rather than a lack of skill. Students need to start learning and correctly using grammar, starting with CHS staff setting a positive example.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JILLIAN KIRSCH.
Seniors look on as the wrong version of the word “you’re” is used at an assembly discussing applying to college.
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Opinions
theObserver
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
‘Cybercivility’ campaign too little, too late By Sammi Silber Editor-in-Chief When on the Internet, students consider a lot of things: funny cat videos, Twitter and Facebook. All the while, no one thinks of MCPS’s “Cybercivility” campaign. “Cybercivility” is a campaign Superintendent Joshua Starr started last January after he was harassed and bombarded online with crude “tweets” from students trying to convince him to close school. Although the campaign may mean well, it is too late, has not helped those bullied in the past and was started with the wrong intentions. According to a December 2013 open letter from Starr to parents, Starr introduced the term “cybercivility” and the anticyberbullying campaign where MCPS “can help our children grow into responsible and caring adults who interact with one another in a civil, respectful way.” Yes, Starr did not deserve to face offensive tweets and deal with cyberbullying, but he is wrong to fuss over and be deeply offended by students much younger than he is who were clearly just acting out of childish frustration. It is also somewhat selfish of Starr to start a campaign immediately after he is bullied, but not sooner when many students have been bullied online for years. According to bullystatistics.org, sui-
cide is the third leading cause of death among teens and adolescents, taking 4,400 young lives a year. In 2010, the suicide rate among adolescents had grown higher than 50 percent over the past 30 years. Starr neglected any sort of campaigns against cyberbullying or suicide until he faced it himself. Because of this, for some students, it is too late. Even though many people have suffered from cyberbullying in previous years, and while it is important, it has been on the decline and has taken attention away from other forms of bullying. According to an October 2013 Time article, cyberbullying is still prevalent, with 49 percent of people aged 14 to 24 claiming to have been cyberbullied, but it has declined drastically from 56 percent in 2011. While MCPS should be campaigning to end cyberbullying, there are other forms of bullying that warrant the same amount of, if not more, attention than Starr’s anti-cyberbullying committee, especially if cyberbullying is no longer on a dramatic rise. In fact, bullying inside schools is much more common. According to nobullying.com, over 77 percent of all students have been bullied verbally, mentally and even physically. The rise of verbal abuse and physical bullying in schools proves that not all bullying happens online, and that in-school bullying
PHOTO BY SAMMI SILBER.
The “Cybercivility” campaign that focuses on cyberbullying is important, but it should widen its scope to include other forms of bullying. deserves an equal amount of attention. MCPS’ “Cybercivility” campaign is selfish and too little too late. Starr started the campaign in response to the bullying he faced online, and it is unfortunate that he had to become a victim
in order to see how terrible bullying really is. With physical bullying on the rise, and the suicide rate climbing, Starr should focus on anti-bullying and suicide-prevention campaigns for those who face bullying in all forms.
Don’t let declining AP scores get you down, CHS By Jasmine Baten Photo Editor With the first week of July comes the equivalent of sponsors’ rankings before the Hunger Games — but AP style. These scores can bring pride and happiness, or tears and self-doubt. Unfortunately, there were more tears this year. CHS students center their lives and futures around the AP classes they take. They cut hobbies, friends and free time in order to pursue the most challenging course load. They put in hours of studying every week and put up with countless headaches to bring home that five. But now it appears that AP graders want even more from students. The AP rubrics are more stringent and graders’ hearts are less giving. The proof? It’s in the numbers. CHS students’ pass 4 or 5 rate is dropping, while 1,2, and 3 scores are increasing. According to AP Psychology teacher Jared Pulliam, the popular class has always had at least a 90 percent or more pass rate in previous years. But the 2014 AP found Psychology with an 82 percent pass rate. The darkness of fatal grading on specifically the AP Psychology exam spread to infect the entire nation: the percentage of 5s fell from 21.2 percent to 18.5 percent. The takeaway from this particular stat— CHS Psychology has nothing to worry about, seeing as the class is still flying high above national standards. But other classes are feeling the effects of the AP graders, albeit a bit more subtly. Still, the shadow of those rubrics and 1-5 rankings looms over students’ and staffs’ heads. According to AP NSL teacher Lallitha John, the class’ final AP scores dropped a little, but not very much. The course has always had a very high pass rate, even with over 300 students taking the government class. So maybe the final grades aren’t so lifechanging after all. There’s no need to freak out —classes fluctuate in numbers, so it’s reasonable that scores will have their ups and downs as well. AP United States History teacher Amanda Marshall teaches the freshmen who are willing to face a daunting AP in their first year of high school. According to Marshall, even with the
IMAGE BY JASMINE BATEN.
Although the number of passing scores such as 4s and 3s has increased, the number of failing scores, such as 2s and 1s, has also increased since 2012. students’ inexperience, there has always been at least a 90 percent pass rate on past exams, and the 2014 only affected this pass rate a fraction of a percent. Students only gain more experience as the year goes on, which means that at this point, you are the most inexperienced in your current AP than you will ever be. You can only get better, so don’t give up. At the same time, there seems to be no apparent reason for the AP crackdown on students and their scores. But there’s a method to the madness; the AP graders don’t just have it in for students. Who knew? According to John, the way the exam is being written reflects the switch in curriculum to Common Core standards, which focuses more on textbased questions and deep reading. Still, others think that this may be a response to colleges’ reluctance to accept AP credit anymore. Masses of students are taking APs and therefore placing out of
college classes, but the colleges are finding that these students aren’t capable of passing a college class, only a college-level class. The problem is clear— students aren’t really learning. It’s not very often that we take the time to actually learn concepts. We remember material just long enough to pass the tests and hopefully the AP, then proceed to forget most of it. According to staff development teacher Deanna Svrcek, as more and more students take AP classes and do well, the stricter it gets. For AP to make money, they have to make sure that the exam truly reflects which students can perform well on college level exams. As education improves, the high-performing bar is being met by more. As a result, the APs have to buckle down. Basically, what’s happening is that our method of passing over deep understanding to pass the course is backfiring. Without a real grasp on concepts, students
really aren’t taking college level classes— they’re just running to the finish line without figuring out how to breathe properly. According to Svrcek, 189 more AP tests were administered at CHS in 2014 than in 2013. Out of the 2,806 total administered AP exams, the number of 5s dropped 6 percent while the number of accumulative 1s, 2s, and 3s rose 4 percent Right now, giving in and just dropping those classes might seem like the only option. But that’s probably not the best plan of action. Remember, amazing AP scores or none at all, whether or not you walk away from the class with welldeveloped skills is up to you. CHS teachers are more than capable of preparing students to meet the challenge of the AP. They’ve tweaked their teaching methods and curriculum in order to ensure their students’ success. According to AP World History teacher Jamie Kimbrough-Groves, the AP is a dynamic exam, and teachers adjust in order to best prepare students for those changes. The goal is to look at what the AP readers and College Board wants to better equip students to take the test and be ready for college. But no matter how fabulous a teacher is or how well they teach their classes, in the end it’s the CHS students who have to take the dreaded exams. They have to put in that extra effort to stay on top of this student-eat-student world and to make it out on top— with a five. According to Marshall, the best thing students can do to help themselves is to stay on top of the class. In order to do so, students should get review books, read their textbooks, complete assignments by the deadline, and come in if they need help. Of all seven teachers interviewed, each and every one of them gave similar tips for students to be their very best— so let’s go out on a limb and say that it’s probably good advice. In the end, students are the ones controlling their AP fate. With hard work and dedication combined with the rigorous education CHS offers, students can and will succeed, and this year, those APs will go off without a hitch. May the odds be ever in our favour, CHS.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Observations
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Churchill welcomes new faculty members
By Alissa Li Observations Editor Katherine Michael Staff Writer Isabel Dibble Online Observations Editor Nathan Deychman Production Editor
As the new school year is now underway, CHS is once again filled with familiar and fresh faces. Among those faces are the new faculty members of this Blue Ribbon school. Exclusive to the Observer, these new teachers spill about everything from what they are most excited about in this upcoming year to their favorite food.
Joshua Neuman-Sunshine
Jeff McGowan
Lois Laclef
PHOTO BY KIM ROONEY.
Who is she? Laclef is the new head of the World Languages department and has been teaching for 21 years and counting. What is she excited about for this upcoming year? “A new curriculum to start with. MCPS is rolling out a new French 3 curriculum this year with updated materials and many interesting topics to discuss.” Favorite food? Dark chocolate. Her craziest experience? “Possibly paragliding in the French Alps. Looking back on it, literally running off a mountain, a very tall, steep mountain, and gliding down to Val d’lsère may have been a bit crazy. But it was so amazing!”
Jana Coffey
PHOTO BY NATHAN DEYCHMAN.
PHOTO BY ALISSA LI.
Who is he? McGowan was a security guard in his past years at CHS, and he is now a new technology teacher at CHS. What is he excited about for this upcoming year? “For the students to actually want to be engaged in the technology that makes up their world.” Favorite food? Sushi. His craziest experience? “Riding a motorcycle at 127 miles per hour.”
Who is she? Coffey is a staff member of the Bridge Department. Though she teaches English, music also strikes a chord with her. What is she excited about for this upcoming year? “I look forward to supporting my students in their search for self as they read and analyze literature.” Favorite food? Chocolate, preferably dark. Her craziest experience? “I walked the stage to receive my college diploma and five hours later walked down the aisle for my marriage ceremony. About 36 hours later, my new husband and I left the USA to work with a group of other college students in New Zealand for six weeks.”
Fresia Vasquez Haber
Dana Seifert
Cathy Libbee
PHOTO BY ALISSA LI.
Who is he? Sunshine is the assistant principal for the Class of 2018. He was formerly a teacher in the Social Studies department here at CHS and a proud CHS graduate. What is he excited about for this upcoming year? “As both a graduate and former teacher at Churchill, I am very excited to be returning to my roots and serving the Bulldog community.” Favorite food? Sesame chicken or fajitas. His craziest experience? “I am not the most adventurous person in the world, but I have to say swimming with dolphins was pretty crazy.”
Kevin Nguyen
PHOTO BY ALISSA LI.
Who is he? Nguyen is a staff member of the Science and Bridge department who loves science and history. What is he excited about for this upcoming year? “Lots of fun activities: plant growth e-lab, food web posters, nucleotide arts and crafts day, do-it-yourself family tree genetics.” Favorite food? “Pizza! Any kind!” His craziest experience? “I once rode a bicycle from Wisconsin to El Salvador. About 3,700 miles.”
PHOTO BY EUGENIA CARDINALE.
PHOTO BY ALISSA LI.
Who is she? Seifert formerly taught for 20 years at an SED school. She now works for the Bridge department. What is she excited about for this upcoming year? “I look forward to taking the experiences that I have had and applying them to this new and bigger environment. Because the SED structure was more closed off, it is very interesting to see how a regular high school operates and all the opportunities that are available for students.” Favorite food? Anything with tomatoes or chocolate. Her craziest experience? “We made a meal for over 80 homeless men. Since the school did not have cooking facilities, staff brought in crock pots and we made 13 lasagnas, provided salad and cookies. It took over a week to get the meal made.”
Marcia Johnson
Adam Fugal
Who is she? Haber is a staff member of the World Languages department and currently teaches Spanish. What is she excited about for this upcoming year? “I desire to contribute to the development of Churchill’s Spanish multi-cultural awareness.” Favorite food? Peruvian food. Her craziest experience? “17 years ago, I put all that I needed to take in three [suitcases]. I brought my cat with me and I flew from Peru to make a new home in the USA without knowing anyone in this area.”
Salcion Riley
PHOTO BY KATHERINE MICHAEL.
Who is he? Riley is a staff member of the Security team. He previously worked at Montgomery Village Middle School. What is he excited about for this upcoming year? “A new start.” Favorite food? Mac and Cheese His craziest experience? “Seeing my children be born.”
Tamara Woolf PHOTO BY ALISSA LI.
PHOTO BY ISABEL DIBBLE.
Who is he? Fugal is a staff member of the Science department. He is from Texas and is nearly 7 feet tall. What is he excited about for this upcoming year? “A successful year for boys soccer, junior varsity and varsity.” Favorite food? Pancakes. His craziest experience? “I was walking down the street in Shanghai, when I saw a lady that was taller than me. I am 6 foot 9, so I was shocked that I found someone taller than me.”
Who is she? Johnson is a school counselor who has previously worked at Montgomery Blair High School and in Prince George’s County Schools. What is she excited about for this upcoming year? “I am excited about being able to work with the students. I am also excited about getting to know a new Counseling Department and new staff. I think I will learn a lot of new things from them.” Favorite food? Chicken and rice. For snacking, goldfish crackers. Her craziest experience? “The craziest experience I ever had was when I was working late after school and got locked out of the Counseling Office and my office. My purse was in my office, so I could not go home until I got back in my office. I finally found someone [to let me in], but this reminded me to keep my key with me, especially after school.”
PHOTO BY EUGENIA CARDINALE.
Who is she? Woolf is a staff member in the World Languages department and teaches the new course Russian. What is she excited about for this upcoming year? “I hope to open the world of the Russian language and culture to our students--the world that extends far beyond the sound bites of politics and stereotypes.” Favorite food? Grilled vegetables. Her craziest experience? “Flying on an 8 seat, tiny plane over Alaska’s mountains and landing in the middle of a lake.”
PHOTO BY KIM ROONEY.
Who is she? Libbee is the attendance secretary. She formerly worked at Little Bennett Elementary School. She grew up in MCPS where she attended Seneca Valley High School. What is she excited about for this upcoming year? “Going to some football games.” Favorite food? Jamoca Almond Fudge Ice Cream from Baskin Robbins Her craziest experience? “When I was 15, I traveled alone to Japan to visit with my dad. While I was waiting for my plane, a cute little girl was playing near me. I told her father how cute I thought she was. To my surprise the man took my hand in his and kissed it. He was blind and it was his way of telling me thank you.”
Tony Wong
Who is he? Wong is a staff member in the Bridge department. However, during his prior 8 years of teaching, he taught math ranging from pre-Algebra to Honors Pre-Calculus. What is he excited about for this upcoming year? “I know CHS is a good school, and it tends to perform the best in the county, and even the state, and I was excited to come here and be a part of the success. I am anxious to add to Churchill’s success in any way I can.” Favorite food? Pho, a Vietnamese beef noodle soup. His craziest experience? “I live a pretty uneventful life, and I like to keep it that way.”
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Tuesday, September 23 , 2014
SGA plans to prove we’ve got spirit, yes we do By Jordan Janis Online Editor-in-Chief The SGA’s main priority for this year is to increase student spirit, in addition to fundraising for important causes and improving outdated areas of the school. “Our biggest objective for this year is to get more kids involved with school events,” senior vice president Louis Dubick said. “We are stressing school spirit rather than just a single event.” In order to increase school spirit, the SGA has started CHS Spirit Day every Friday, where students sport their blue and green attire at school. The officers are also using social media to promote the fun of school events to a wider audience of students. “We are being much more proactive when it comes to getting the news out about events and fundraisers,” senior treasurer Kyle Solomon said. “We are making more videos advertising the events to make sure everyone knows how fun they are going to be.” Other officers plan to use Instagram to publicize school events by releasing a hashtag and deciding which post from each event is the best to earn a prize. “This will help spread the word about events as well as create competi-
tion among students,” senior historian Nick Muscarella said. The SGA is also reviving Superfan Cookouts before home games. During these events, free food will be provided for students who wear their Superfan shirts. The school will be selling last year’s Superfan shirts again this year but is looking into releasing a new Superfan shirt design in the future. “Last year we did not have any Superfan cookouts, but this year we are bringing back the tradition,” senior president Marco Gutierrez said. “We have to get people to come back who forgot about it and make sure all of our new students are aware of it.” Not only is the SGA working to improve student involvement at CHS, but it is also working to increase fundraising efforts for important charities. “We are making sure to increase our fundraising by having new events that will bring in more money for important causes such as cancer awareness, autism and many others,” Gutierrez said. The SGA is also working to update the dress code video, which is two years old, and the constitution for school and class SGA. “We had a few problems from last year’s election, so we are currently writing a new constitution to make sure that elections are fair and equal
for all students,” Gutierrez said. Students have a fun-filled year to look forward to, with SGA-planned events such as homecoming, Mr. CHS and CHS Got Talent, in addition to new
events currently in the workings. “We are looking forward to a very spirited year, and I hope to improve all our events as much as possible,” Gutierrez said.
do you want to go to a large, researchbased university, where there are more opportunities at hand? U.S. News and World Report has lists for both those categories. However, students should take caution. These lists should not strictly define what schools make the list or don’t. This site should mainly be used for finding colleges you may or may not heard of, not to see which school has the higher ranking. College Confidential This forum-based site is filled with everything college. Any questions dealing with college can be asked on this site. Not only can you ask questions and have other more experienced people answer you, you can also read others’ questions on the site. The site also offers articles and tips on writing college essays, FAQ answers for college admissions, and helpful information on financial aid. For the fun side of colleges, College Confidential additionally has student reviews on the schools and pictures or videos featuring each college. College Prowler College Prowler is mainly for non-
academic parts of college life. It offers students’ opinions on each different aspect of the school, including but not limited to night life, dorms, food, athletics and academics. However, like U.S. News and World Report, the reviews and rankings are not supposed to strictly define your list just by judging which school has the best food or night life. They are there mainly to give you an idea of the atmosphere and feeling of a school if you do not have the opportunity to visit. Find the Best Though this site does have rankings like many other sites, its most useful aspect is the information and statistics it provides on each school. It provides information ranging from the diversity of the student body to how generous financial aid packages are. Checking out this site can give you an idea of the school through numbers. The engine also allows students to compare different schools. Students can compare the statistics and numbers of each school to see their strengths and differences. Naviance Though students do not receive
this account until spring of junior year, this is one of the most valuable college research resources. Naviance is geared toward Churchill students, meaning that the statistics you see on the sight are relevant to previous CHS students who applied to certain colleges. The site offers more than just average GPA and SAT scores. It reveals acceptance rates, lowest accepted test scores, average accepted test scores and many more. However, students should not feel too affected by the statistics. Though your scores may not match with the school’s scores, it should not be cut from your list. Naviance can help you determine an equal distribution of reach, match, and safety schools on your list. Though researching colleges can be a daunting task, these sites may alleviate the stress. Students should keep in mind that there are more colleges than just Harvard, Princeton and Yale. However, it is never a negative thing to be ambitious. As long as students research thoroughly, they are bound to find somewhere they may call both school and home.
PHOTO BY JORDAN JANIS.
The SGA hopes to raise school spirit around CHS by selling “Superfan” shirts for football games and getting students to wear blue and green on Fridays.
The ‘Observer’ guide to the college search process
By Alissa Li Observations Editor Once students graduate from their “underclassmen” status, they are suddenly burdened with a lot more stress. Not only do they have to worry about keeping their GPA afloat, they need to start researching the next step of their lives: college. As seniors are busy worrying about submitting their applications, juniors are just starting. Where do they begin? There are a plethora of sites and resources, yet it seems so difficult to find the one school, or multiple schools, that click. The Observer presents juniors, ambitious underclassman and procrastinating seniors with a couple of sites that may help in this arduous process. U.S. News College Rankings This is a resource to use carefully. These lists are helpful in finding colleges, yet many students use this to put Top 50 schools on their lists. While using this site, ask yourself: do you want to go to a liberal arts school, where classes are smaller and students can receive more individual attention? Or
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Features
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of senioritis are lack of motivation, slacking in classes and skipping school, in addition to not completing homework assignments. Though senior Natalie Allen’s senioritis is not yet full-blown, she knows when it occurs and knows its symptoms. “Signs of senioritis are not doing your homework or waiting until the last possible minute to study for a test or quiz,” Allen said. “Sometimes I find myself wanting to put off my work until a few days before [it’s due].”
PHOTO BY SAMMI SILBER.
Dildeep Hanspal is one of many seniors who is desperately trying to overcome her chronic case of senioritis before it is too late. By Sammi Silber Editor-In-Chief All students get sick during the school year. Anyone can get any one of the colds, viruses or fevers, that plague the CHS hallways. However, there is a different kind of ailment going around: senioritis. Senioritis is a condition in which seniors, who are applying to colleges and finishing their fourth round of high school, face decreased motivation
to study and perform well in their final year of school. “Senioritis is what happens to students after 12 years of working hard,” senior Antonia Gaviria said. “I’m already exhausted from the workload and college apps.” Although senioritis has been around for many years, many CHS students are still uncertain of the causes and symptoms, let alone how to combat senioritis. Luckily, CHS, M.D. is here to answer all of those burning questions.
The causes of senioritis are not unknown. It usually kicks in at some point during senior year, when students decide that college applications are more important than trying to keep up with all their work in high school or after they have been accepted to college and they feel that they do not have to keep up their grades to impress schools anymore. It can also be caused by exhaustion from overworking yourself during the school year. According to senior Nora Carlblom, senioritis has various causes. It is easier than some students think “Everyone gets the mindset they to combat seniorits. For example, some can slack off and be lazy because students can fight senioritis by simply they don’t have to try anymore since keeping up with their schoolwork they are a and staying “Signs of senioritis are not senior now,” organized and doing your homework or waiting Carlblom punctual when until the last possible minute to said. “Also, it comes to study for a test or quiz.” just coming assignments. back from Students can -Senior Natalie Allen summer break, also prevent its everyone still onset by staying neglects work and is lazy.” involved in extracurriculars or different activities at school to preserve their motivation for going to school. Senior Brendan Fagan likes to “isolate [himself]” from school by focusing on himself more so than the work and advises seniors to not Symptoms of senioritis vary. “go too crazy.” Some include fatigue, exhaustion “We still have the rest of the and procrastination. Other signs year,” Fagan said.
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Features
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son. as Atkin d Thom n a b . y Raa tle style o H, Emil ip IC L h M C , IE za LIA H S BY JU their piz PHOTO stomize
to cu tudents s S H C ws izza allo P e z la B f glory: Blaze o
By Julia Heimlich Features Editor Bethesda’s Westfield Montgomery Mall has been on a roll lately with the revamping of the food court and the addition of more fine dining restaurants and stores. One new restaurant, Blaze Pizza, located across from Aroma Coffee, puts a fresh new twist on a classic meal. Customers walk through a fast-paced line and have the option of choosing either a build-your-own or signature style pizza. “If someone’s never been here before, we tell them it’s ‘like Chipotle, but pizza,” restaurant manager Jeff Darden said. The restaurant’s efficiency and speed makes it different from other pizza restaurants. “We have a 550 degree oven, and the pizza only takes three minutes because of its thin crust,” Darden said. Senior Ry Arnold is excited for the Blaze in the mall because he will “have time to grab a pizza and still be able to make it back in time for sixth period.” While this is Blaze’s first location in Maryland, the company is planning on opening several more in the area, including one in College Park, which will open Oct. 1. Students will find a variety of new shopping options in addition to places to eat. Talbot, which opened up in early June, offers a wide array of clothing options.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
While its market seems to middle-aged women, th teenagers as well. “Our items will catch an Gabriella Mara said. “Hig and some of our blouses a Ponte blush-colored dress The clothing store is un staff focuses on getting to according to Mara. “We try hard to connec with customers, without ju them,” Mara said. Lilly Pulitzer, which open in April, provides vibrant-p “I was excited when I fo opened up nearby becau online,” senior Rachel Par items in person before I pu Lilly sells clothing wear will be in shortly and will fo using heavier pieces like c According to store m the store’s accessory pi popular among teenage reasonable price point. “Our agendas, cups a popular because they c Andes said. “But in terms o deal of business as well. O popover hooded sweatsh high school students are d According to Andes, cus to have a Lilly Pulitzer store
Preppy takes Potomac: Lilly Pulitz
Features
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
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be aimed mainly at more he store seeks to attract
ny eye,” assistant manager gh schoolers like our jeans and dresses, especially our s.” nique in the sense that its o know its clients personally,
ct and build a relationship ust trying to get a sell out of
ned its location in the mall print fanatics a new home. ound out Lilly Pullitzer had use I used to have to order rk said. “Now I can see the urchase.” for all seasons. Fall items ocus more on layering and cashmere. manager Kendall Andes, ieces are typically more ers because of their more
Food Fight! The
and pencil pouches are can be used for school,” of clothing, we do a great Our knit items like tees and hirts are what most of our drawn to.” stomers are definitely eager e so close to home.
zer brings its style to the Montgomery Mall.
new food co urt
is now reva mped to bri ng a
more selecti ve
variety of fo ods.
“We’re just excited to be a part of this new generation of Montgomery Mall and to delight our customers,” Andes said. “Every market has a large group of Lilly girls in the area. We’re excited to please them and give them all the products they’ve been looking for.” According to a mall customer service support consultant, a Chipotle will be scheduled to open in the mall Nov. 11. “Now I can buy clothes and then head over to Chipotle to eat a burrito,” junior Dylan Cohen said. Lululemon Athletica, which offers comfy exercisewear for teens and adults, is also planning to join the mall some time in the near future. “We are planning two Zengo cycle classes during the mall opening weekend, and lots of other fun surprises to show our excitement about opening in Montgomery Mall,” said Jill Winter, who works as Lululemon’s “Community Connector.” Also opening soon are Cava, Crave Restaurant & Lounge, Naples 45 Restorante e Pizzeria, MET Bethesda, a Microsoft store and a brand new luxury movie theater, Arclight Cinemas. According to arclightcinemas.com, the theater will include reserved seating, black-box auditoriums, commercial-free movies and gourmet cuisine.
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Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Need help? ‘Observer’ lists five must-know CHS places
PHOTOS BY EMILY WANG.
The counseling office (left) and the media center (right, below) are two of the most important and popular places to know at CHS. By Emiliy Wang Circulation Manager The start of the new school year is always chaotic with students racking their brains to try and remember the basics of school. Freshmen and forgetful upperclassmen often do not know, or do not remember, where to find all the resources CHS has to offer. Listed below are the top five places every CHS student should commit to memory:
1. Media Center:
It might seem obvious, but the Media Center has almost everything students need to do their work. Open from 7 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. almost every day, there are 40 computers, three printers and 15,000 non-fiction books. The media center is a great place to do last-minute printing. Printing black and white is free of charge. Copying black and white is 15 cents per page, and color laser printing is 25 cents per page. However, the media center is a busy place, so finding available computers is not always easy. “Generally, the most common high volume time is around midterms and the end of quarters, but we’re constantly busy,” media specialist Paige Pagley said. The media center is located on the second floor in room 245.
2. Counseling Office:
At the beginning of his or her high school career, each student is assigned a counselor for the duration of his or her four years. According to counseling services director Robin Moore, counselors are “here to meet all students’ educational, emotional and social needs.” Counselors write college recommendations, so it is a good idea to form a relationship with them so that they can write an accurate recommendation. The guidance office is located downstairs in room 107.
3. Business Office:
Many students have never heard of the business office or even know it exists, but eventually most students will need to go there. “We assist students in clearing up obligations, providing forgotten locker information, approving posters, and advising students and sponsors on proper procedures when conducting a fundraiser or club activity,” CHS business manager Lisa Wellek said. The business office, room 115, is next to the counseling office.
4. College and Career Center:
This resource is beneficial to those
who are getting a head start with college planning. Luana Zimmermann, the college and career information coordinator, sets up meetings with students and admissions representatives from colleges and universities and advises students on their goals after high school. The College and Career Center is located in room 105 and is open for all students during lunch, but only upperclassmen may visit during class.
5. Security Office:
The security office is in room 102 and open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., except during lunch. The security office deals with the safety of the school, lost items, parking information and identification badges. “Students can report lost and stolen items by visiting the security office and filing a report,” security team leader Terry Bell said. “This information can also be used for investigative purposes when an item is determined to be stolen.”
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Arts
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‘Maze Runner’ film adaptation ensnares avid fans By Kim Rooney Production Editor Mazes are good for the mind and a fun way to pass the time, unless you live in the world of James Dashner’s The Maze Runner where the Glade sits as the only safe haven in an enormous maze filled with lethal monsters. All the while, the amnesiac teenage boys who inhabit it are challenged to survive and solve the puzzle to escape. Ever since a film adaptation was announced in January 2011, fans have been awaiting the movie of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller The Maze Runner, which premiered Sept. 19. “I like how the whole environment is interesting and unique and how the author puts in a lot of detail,” senior Jaclyn Shin said. “The characters all have really different personalities— some contrast each other and make them stand out.” The book, which was published in October 2007, has received awards such as the 2009 Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Books and the ALA Best Books for Young Adults, and many fans agree that the book is deserving of its praise. “I liked how you don’t know everything from the get-go,” senior Kelly Ervin said. “There’s no exposition or anything. You just jump in.” However, some wish that the book kept up its pace after the initial introductions to the characters and setting. “For a while, at the beginning, it was really exciting, but it didn’t seem to be going anywhere for a while,” said Ervin, who plans on finishing the book before the movie
comes out. “I didn’t have time to read it, so I stopped.” Others took issue with the characterization. With a male-dominated cast of characters, Teresa, the one female in the Glade, stands out, but some do not find much substance beyond her singular position. “I didn’t really like the girl,” sophomore Sara Miller said. “It felt like she was just there.” Nonetheless, with two trailers, a movie clip and an exclusive featurette with the author, fans have a general idea of the Glade and its inhabitants. Teen Wolf star Dylan O’Brien is starring as the protagonist Thomas; Will Poulter (The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader) is playing Gally; Thomas BrodieSangster (Game of Thrones) is playing Newt, and Kaya Scodelario (Skins) is starring as Teresa. “From what I’ve seen so far, they seemed to portray their characters well,” Shin said. “I think it could work well, especially because they’re all recognized— most of them were familiar faces.” The trailers are stirring up excitement in fans, giving them glimpses of the Glade and the surrounding maze. However, the monstrous Grievers, whose stingers kill or induce painful flashbacks, have been purposefully excluded to increase fear and suspense for the audience. While some find that the trailers reveal the Maze as they imagined it, others are surprised by its intensity. “In my head, when I pictured things, everything was really cutesy and cartoony, and when I saw the trailer, I was like ‘whoa,’” Ervin said. After disappointments from other bookto-movie adaptations, fans are concerned about The Maze Runner’s ability to stay true
to its source, while maintaining the necessary pacing of a big-screen movie. “I hope they don’t stray away from the original story,” Shin said. “It’s unfair to the readers.” On the other hand, some are excited about the attention The Maze Runner has been receiving since the movie was announced. “I really like [book-to-movie adap-
tations] because anything that generates interest in a book is a good thing,” media specialist Paige Pagley said. While many prefer books to movies, fans are still optimistic about The Maze Runner and hold out hope for the movie. “I always have hope that they do it justice,” Pagley said. “Sometimes they do it better than others.”
PHOTO BY KIM ROONEY.
Senior Jaclyn Shin plans to finish reading the book before seeing her favorite characters in the theater opening weekend.
Nerdfighters await more Green on the big screen
PHOTO BY KIM ROONEY.
After watching The Fault in Our Stars this summer, junior Rosemarie Fettig is optimistic about the success of future John Green movies. Towns and Looking for Alaska, began By Kim Rooney their journeys from award-winning Production Editor books to film adaptations. After The Fault in Our Stars grossed over $48 million in the box office its opening weekend, two more John Green novels, Paper
While Paper Towns’ film rights were optioned in 2010 and Looking for Alaska’s were purchased in 2005, neither project came to im-
mediate fruition. However, Paper Towns’ rights were acquired May 24 by Fox 2000, and John Green announced June 25 that actress and director Sarah Polley would be writing and directing Looking for Alaska. “I have high hopes for the others,” said junior Rosemarie Fettig, who has read all of Green’s books. “My expectations weren’t that high for The Fault in Our Stars because I’ve seen a lot of great books get ruined, but I’m more optimistic now.” John Green’s notoriety as half of the Vlogbrothers, a famous Youtube channel that created the group of Internet followers dubbed “the Nerdfighters,” contributed to his enormous popularity. Across the world, Nerdfighters are reading Green’s books and recommending them to friends. “My friends told me about them,” said senior Danny Espinoza, who has read four of Green’s books. “I read The Fault in Our Stars first and thought it was alright. Not going to lie, it made me cry, but other than that, it was boring. I read the others because everyone was raving about them.” While John Green is known for his writing and has won awards such as the 2009 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery (Paper Towns) and the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award (Looking for Alaska), some dislike his writing style. “Everything is so formulaic and bland, and all the characters are so annoying,” Espinoza said. “They are all about a quiet guy who falls in love with a ‘misunderstood’ girl who in reality is just dealing with hormones.” However, fans of the novels
stand to disagree, finding accurate portrayals of teenagers and compelling plots in Green’s work. “He has an easy and relaxed style that’s easy to follow and relate to because you can understand why characters do the things they do and say the things they say,” Fettig said. Green’s writing may have its strengths and weaknesses, as can be expected from any author, but fans of his novels find that these flaws only showcase Green’s strength as a writer. “Sometimes certain characters are too pretentious or have an overabundance of a certain character trait, and some people say that’s unrealistic,” Fettig said. “But if you look at it through the narrator’s point of view, those things would be magnified.” With Paper Towns’ release date scheduled for July 31, 2015 and Looking for Alaska’s unannounced, fans are left to speculate based on The Fault in Our Stars film adaptation. “I’m a little worried that they’ll turn Looking for Alaska into a cutesy teen romance because it’s really not,” Fettig said. “They were able to do that for The Fault in Our Stars because it’s more about the romance, but for Paper Towns and Looking for Alaska, it’s more about what’s happening in the people’s lives.” Casting is still undecided for Looking for Alaska, but Green tweeted Sept. 4 that Nat Wolff, who stared as Isaac in The Fault in Our Stars and other movies such as Stuck in Love and Palo Alto, will be starring as Paper Towns protagonist, Q. “I think it’s awesome,” senior Neil Luo said. “Heard about it a few days ago from John’s Facebook, and I was super stoked.”
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Arts
theObserver
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
New equipment lets Photo students work like pros
By Pablo Roa Production Editor
After years of relying on the same old, outdated equipment, the Photography program at CHS has added a wealth of new photography materials for the 2014-15 school year. The class modernized in everything from a new pencil sharpener to new cameras, creating an exciting new environment for those in the program. The program added several new film cameras, two new digital cameras, a light meter, a new fixed-lighting kit, a new cloth backdrop setup for the studio and many new dark room materials. The class also got new flash drives, larger memory cards and a flash kit, and they also replaced a camera that broke last year. “I’m excited,” Photography teacher Amy Gilbert said. “All the new equipment is great quality. The students are learning with professionalquality materials. I think it will help get them more interested in the class and help them see what working in photography is like.” According to Gilbert, the new equipment was acquired through generous donations from the PTSA and the CHS community. While the Photography student lab fee did increase from $15 to $25 in the last two years, Gilbert says that lab fee money did not pay for any of the new equipment. “What happened was really a lucky conversion,” Gilbert said. “The PTSA asked us to make a wish list last year, and fortunately, they said yes to everything we asked for.” The new equipment was also made possible by donations to the art department’s “Patron of the Arts” fund, a yearly fund made up of financial contributions from the CHS community to help the department pay for everything it needs for the school year.
PHOTO BY PABLO ROA.
Photography teacher Amy Gilbert works with senior Kalina Simeonova using Photoshop but hopes next year to acquire Lightroom, the photo editing software program used by most professionals. Thanks to the new and improved equipment, Photography students will be able to participate in the class in ways that would have been impossible in previous years. “When I first got to experience the new equipment, I truly was able to appreciate the great quality and abilities of the new items made available to us,” senior Photography student Alex Perlman said. “We will now be able to take higher resolution shots and take more professional lighting shots. Plus, it’s great to finally have a pencil sharpener.” According to Bill Wu, sophmore Photography student and President of the
CHS Photo Club, the new materials not only make class more exciting for those who like photography, but they also make the class easier because students do not have to struggle with the old, hard to use and often broken equipment from previous years. “I definitely feel like the new equipment is easier and safer to use than the old one,” Wu said. The new equipment will also benefit students who might want to make a career out of photography. “I think that by using the new equipment, if photo students plan on a career in photography, it’ll be easier for
them to use the professional equipment because it’s similar to the one they're using now,” Wu said. While the class experience has definitely improved with the addition of all the new, modern equipment, Gilbert hopes to continue to try to keep the class up-to-date with the latest materials and ideas from the industry. “I want to keep it as current to the industry standard as feasible,” Gilbert said. “I want to make it easier for the students to learn about photography and do more fun and creative projects.”
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
RETURNING SHOWS American Horror Story Freak Show
The fourth season of the hit TV show on FX, starring Evan Peters, Emma Roberts and Jessica Lange, returns Oct. 8, focusing on circus freaks and other strange anomalies. The critically-acclaimed show has fans everywhere excited to watch the new season. “My hopes are pretty high,” junior Matthew Olego said. “I’m just really curious about what the plot will be about. Emma Roberts said she cannot even watch it because the script gave her nightmares.”
Arts
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theObserver
Stars of the Screen
By Thomas Atkinson Public Relations Manager
With summer reruns in the past, it’s time for old favorites to return and for new programs to air, helping distract us from our studies.
NEW SHOWS Red Band Society
This teen drama on FOX focuses on young patients in a Los Angeles hospital and how they cope with their life-threatening illnesses all while bonding with each other and making memories to last a lifetime. “I think it will show audiences that love and people exist in all different forms and styles,” sophomore Priscilla Hollingsworth said. “Everyone has something wrong with them whether it is a sickness or a beauty mark. But we must learn to love them regardless cause luck may run out.”
Gotham
Scandal
Ex-White House employee Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) fixes problems for celebrities, diplomats and other officials who cannot afford to have their secrets leaked. The problem with her seemingly perfect life: she is having an affair with the President of the United States. The fourth season will air Sept. 25 on ABC. “I like the show because just when you think it can’t get any crazier or nothing more unexpected can happen something mindblowing and plot twisting happens,” senior Cece Wallerstedt said.
Before Batman fought crime, there was Detective Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie). Set after the death of Bruce Wayne’s parents, Detective Gordon battles the corruption in Gotham that is tearing the city apart. A prequel to Batman’s story, this dark thriller will surely leave viewers wanting more. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the producers interpret the different villains from the original Batman movies,” sophomore Maddie Goldberg said. “I’m looking forward to seeing their backgrounds and how Gotham came to be such a place where Batman was needed.”
Faking It
Selfie
Winner of a Teen Choice Award for “Breakout Show,” the second season will air Sept. 23 on MTV. The show focuses on Karma (Katie Stevens) and Amy (Rita Volk), two best friends who pretend to be lesbians in order to become popular. “I think it’s a show that hasn’t been done before, so it is exciting to see the new episodes and see the characters progress and learn,” senior Antonia Gaviria said.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CREATIVECOMMONS.
Tell us which show you’re most excited for. Vote now at thechurchillobserver.com.
A loose retelling of My Fair Lady, this adaptation focuses on social media-obsessed Eliza Dooley (Karen Gillan) and her struggle to revamp her image with the help of her co-worker Henry (John Cho). The comedy will premiere Sept. 30 on ABC. “With the era of social media and technology in full swing, a program revolving around social media seems to have the best chances of truly connecting with audiences,” freshman Bennett Cohen said.
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Tuesday, September 23, 2014
theObserver
A league of our own: The ‘J’ takes Fantasy Football By Jake Certner Staff Writer Michael Fox Sports Editor
Winning Fantasy Football: The greatest glory anyone can achieve while sitting on the couch and watching the NFL every Sunday. Fantasy Football is a way to draft a unique cast of all-stars from the NFL
onto each team to compete with friends, family or anyone else based on the statistics of each individual player. Members of the Churchill Observer (a.k.a. the “J”--for “Journalism”) have put together a league of avid fans and
Jake Certner 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Cam Newton Jamaal Charles Julio Jones Vernon Davis Emmanuel Sanders
Arjun Swaminathan 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Nick Foles LeSean McCoy Brandon Marshall Percy Harvin Dennis Pitta
Drew Brees Randall Cobb Vincent Jackson Seahawks D/ST Doug Martin
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Tony Romo Alfred Morris Victor Cruz Jimmy Graham Reggie Bush
Phillip Rivers Adrian Peterson Demaryius Thomas Antonio Brown Frank Gore
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Adviser Kelly Knarr 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Aaron Rodgers C.J Spiller A.J Green Corrdarrelle Patterson Jordan Cameron
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Tom Brady Marshawn Lynch Roddy White Julius Thomas Mike Wallace
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Peyton Manning Le’Veon Bell Andre Johnson Larry Fitzgerald Michael Crabtree
Colin Kaepernick Matt Forte Dez Bryant Rob Gronkowski Andre Ellington
Nathan Gertler 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Sammi Silber 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Matthew Stafford Eddie Lacy Julian Edelman Alshon Jeffrey Ryan Mathews
Nathan Deychman
Cristian Edwards
Noah Salzberg 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Gil Jacobson
Michael Fox
Madison Hurr 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
newcomers, each trying to achieve Fantasy Football greatness. Visit our website, at thechurchillobserver.com and vote for who YOU think has the best chance at becoming a true champion this season.
Russell Wilson Montee Ball Jordy Nelson Calvin Johnson Keenan Allen
Jonathan Greenzaid 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Andrew Luck Arian Foster Demarco Murray Pierre Garcon Delanie Walker
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Sports
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Golf hopes to bounce back from unsatisfying finish By Christian Edwards Staff Writer Vengeance. You want it, but you have to work for it. This is the CHS golf team’s mentality this year, and anything less than a state championship win is a disappointment. After giving up 13 combined strokes in a loss to rival Wootton in the last day of the 3A/4A state championship last season, the golf team is determined to bounce back and claim the title for its own this year. According to head coach Michael Fisher, the players have nothing to be disappointed about and should keep their heads held high. “The result last season was not tragic,” Fisher said. “We finished 5th in the regular season in the county last season. To lead the states by eight after day one and come in 2nd five shots behind was our highlight.” According to Fisher, the reason why the team got second place was not due to the team’s mediocre score, but because Wootton had a remarkable
second day in the championship after a bad first one. Junior captain Adam Gray put up good numbers in the state championship, shooting a 78 and a 74 in the two rounds of play. Gray thinks the team made a good run in the playoffs, but the team is now better prepared for this year’s state championship. “Sometimes people have an off day on the course and unfortunately some of our guys didn’t play their best,” Gray said. “This season we will focus more on having better course management, being mentally tougher, being 100 percent committed and making each shot count.” Fisher sees Gray as a key player this year, along with captains junior Luke Schaap and senior Louis Dubick The team also looks to freshmen Dylan Rotter and Lena Capoccia, and sophomore Oliver Whatley to play well this season. According to Whatley, who shot an 85 and an 87 in last year’s state championship, the team is much more competitive than it was last year in the hopes that the golfers will push each other to do the best.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LUKE SCHAPP.
After finishing in second place in last year’s state championship, CHS golf looks to bounce back and take the first place title this year.
“Our golf team is really competitive,” Whatley said. “Last year we were bad, but this year I think we are a lot better.” Fisher hopes the team will make it back to the championship again this
year, but he knows it won’t come easy. “Wootton has improved from last season and so has WJ,” Fisher said. “We have a very talented team that is tournament tough and ready to compete for the State Championship.”
CHS athletes commit NFL has unfair penalties Jake Certner Staff Writer
By Katherine Michael Staff Writer
PHOTO COURTESY OF KATE REESE.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNABELLE PHILIPS.
Senior Kate Reese
Senior Annabelle Phillips
Senior captain Kate Reese has committed to play Division I soccer next year at Loyola University (MD). Reese has played soccer since she was 5, and plays forward. She has played on varsity soccer all four years at CHS.
Senior captain Annabelle Phillips has committed to play Division I soccer next year at University of Hartford. Phillips has played soccer since she was 5, and plays defensive midfield. She has also played on varsity all four years at CHS.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF KATE REESE.
Senior Keaira Clark
Senior captain Keaira Clark has committed to play Division I soccer next year at University of Richmond. Clark has played soccer since she was 5, and plays defensive as well as attacking midfield.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RAFA MOREIRA.
Senior Rafa Moreira
Senior Rafa Moreira has committed to play soccer next year at College of Wooster. Moreira has played soccer since he can remember, and plays midfield.
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The NFL has recently changed what defines a drug offense in their eyes, yet they have not made any strides in improving the ineffective punishment system they continue to use for these violations. Before the 2014 season began, 28 players were suspended for NFL substance violations. Among these 28 were all-star wide-receivers Wes Welker (Denver Broncos) and Josh Gordon (Cleveland Browns). When stars like these are put in “time-out” for even two weeks, an entire season of hard work for the rest of the team can be ruined. According to an Aug. 29 article on FoxSports.com, Gordon was suspended for having16 ng/ml of THC in his bloodstream, just one nanogram above the old NFL limit of 15 ng/ml. Although he was originally suspended the entire season for marijuana use, the penalty was reduced to 10 weeks on Sept. 11 because of the new drug policy. Despite the reduction, the suspension is still not an effective way to punish Gordon or any other player. Fines, however are. There is no justification behind the argument that one nanogram of anything should equate to a full season suspension, or even the 10 weeks Gordon now faces. Gordon’s absence will have more of an impact on Cleveland’s offense than it will on his decision making. When game-changing players like Gordon or Welker are suspended, it is their team that suffers the consequences of the penalty, not the player in need of disciplining. According to a Sept. 12 article on Yahoosports.com, Eric Winston, president of the NFL Player’s Association, thinks the change to the NFL drug policy is an “historic moment
for our players and our league,” that will “keep the game clean and safe.” However, this “historic change” neglected to fix the fact that suspensions are still the consequence, and are ineffective. The punishment standards of a broken policy that had to be changed are the reason the NFL is punishing a team and a city for the actions of a single player. Even though the procedure was revamped, it will not be effective until the suspensions stop. Off field drug use—regardless of the amount—that does not enhance performance should not provoke an on field punishment. The NFL is not a police force. The American legal system should be handling any drug activities severe enough to cause a player to miss games, not the NFL. According to a Sept. 4 NewEnglandSportsNetwork.com article, Welker ripped on the drug policy procedures calling them “clearly flawed,” and stating that he would do everything in his power to “ensure they are corrected.” The current punishment procedure is ridiculous. It is excessively harsh, outdated and punishes the wrong people. The NFL needs to implement a system where the guilty athlete is not suspended, but rather fined enough to make the player truly sorry that he broke policy. Many say these athletes make so much money that a fine is irrelevant. However the fix is simple; make the fine so large it cannot be ignored. The NFL should be able to create custom fines that are heavy enough to really show the consequence of drug use based on any player’s salary. After all, the whole point of this process is to deter drug use, and custom fines will allow innocent teams to go unpunished, while ensuring that the athlete learns a valuable lesson about the dangers of drugs.
Sports
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theObserver
#DirtyThirty dominates
Tuesday, September 23 , 2014
PHOTO COURTESY OF DOROTHY GAUCH.
The girls tennis team, so far with a winning record, credits activities such as secret buddy gifts and bagel breakfasts for its team bond.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL FOX.
CHS’ varsity football team, which has nicknamed itself “DirtyThirty,” has improved from last season. The team is undefeated so far this season. By Michael Fox Sports Editor Fiona Ashbury Opinions Editor
will be almost impossible for the team to succeed this year with only around 30 players suiting up for each game, the Bulldogs have proven them wrong with a 39-0 blowout in the home opener against B-CC They are a tiny army with great Sept. 5 and a 41-0 win against WJ Sept.12. strength. They fight as one, regardless According to senior defensive end Giof size. Side by side, each player has ulian Groce, the team is better in “every the others’ backs. They are determined way possible” compared to last year. to win, they are ready to fight. They The Bulldogs offense has improved are, the dirty 30. greatly from last Although the Senior run“My teammates and I are all year. football team ningback Blake very close and ready to go into Dove and junior graduated 15 sebattle with each other.” niors last year, runningback Anthe Bulldogs have drew Zuckerman -Quarterback Colin Smythe high hopes for the combined for four season to come. touchdowns in the According to varsity head coach Joe Bulldogs’ win over WJ. Allen, only 80 students tried out for the According to Zuckerman, the team has team this year, a large drop compared been preparing and training harder this to last year’s team that consisted of year due to its reduced size. The players around 50 players. The varsity team is are working to become better conditioned now composed of 29 players. throughout the season for each game. According to junior quarterback With fewer players on the team, this Colin Smyth, the team is now closer seems to be a necessity in order for the and better prepared for the season since team to compete with other schools. there are fewer players on the team. According to Smyth, the team has been “With fewer kids, we can get more running more often and is getting more people to get reps in at practice, so ev- conditioning in during practices. He also eryone is able to learn their position,” said the Bulldogs will need to stay healthy Smyth said. “My teammates and I are because people will be playing on both ofall very close and ready to go into battle fense and defense during the game. with each other.” “This year, we will challenge for the Though critics may think that it 4A South Title,” Allen said.
“
Tennis starts strong By Arielle Gordon Contest Manager
buddy gifts, which include candy and baked goods, and bagel breakfasts on game days. “I usually give brownies, cake or Returning from defending its girls doubles and mixed doubles state cookies,” junior Jessica Dibble said. The team is known for dressing up championship victories last season, the CHS girls tennis team is ready to on game days and has had USA spirit and neon themed days. be back on the court. “We do white out, always for WhitThe players are excited to compete in matches, bond as a team and dress up man, and black out for Wootton,” junior Namrita Perinon game days. cherry said. Throughout the “My goals are to have a sucMost of last season, the girls cessful season, but it is more year’s team is become very important that the girls work back together close and suphard and have fun.” this season. port each other at matches, -Coach Meaghan Lee Thirteen of the 19 players on which is one of the keys for their success, according to the team are returning players, but new members are pumped to help sophomore Mina Jeremic. “I am most looking forward to the get the team to a successful season. “I’m really excited to be on the team camaraderie and spirit of the team, the sister-like feeling of being with my and compete with other schools,” freshteammates and the motivating compe- man Nina Aksentjevich said. Although the Lady Bulldogs hope to tition at each match,” sophomore Carli improve on their third finish in counties Needle said. Before each match, the team gets last year, head coach Meaghan Lee mostly into a huddle and preforms its signa- wants to see her team enjoy the season. “My goals are to have a successful ture cheer that has long been a tradiseason, but it is more important that the tion for the Lady Bulldogs. “The cheer brings a sense of excite- girls work hard and have fun,” Lee said. As of Sept. 16, the team is 3-0. They have ment, confidence and readiness before beaten Whitman, Blair and BCC by scores each match,” Needle said. The players give each other all of 6-1, 4-3 and 7-0. The team is preparing to kinds of support, such as secret face Richard Montgomery Sept. 23.
“
Soccer’s young core looks promising for season
By Nathan Gertler Staff Writer Each year, varsity sports teams lose athletes due to graduation, but acquire new valuable additions to the team. The boys soccer team is no exception as it was left with 10 roster spots to fill after last season and an opportunity to rebuild a younger and better team. This different and new-looking team hopes to repeat as 4A South division champions, improve on the 10-4-1 record from the previous season, and seek to redeem itself from the disappointing defeat to Richard Montgomery in the first round of the playoffs last season. “We graduated some talented players, but I feel as though we are reloading rather than rebuilding,” varsity head coach Arnold Tarzy said. “We have a number of additions to this year’s team that will be great contributors.” Senior defender and captain Conor Quigley is looked upon as a leader for his team, on and off the field. “I think the main goal and expectation for this team is to win,” Quigley said. “Individually, I’m trying my hardest to push my teammates to be the best they can be and make sure that we maintain a positive and fun team atmosphere.” Senior goalie Kyle Solomon is very enthusiastic about the change in personnel and feels the additions to the team can bring with them a
PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA DREXLER.
Captain Conor Quigley works hard to help boys soccer beat Blake 2-0. new edge to the team. “This year’s team is a very cohesive unit that works hard every minute of the game to fuel our success,” Solomon said. Seniors Noah Jankel and Chavin DeSilva are also significant additions to the team, along with other former JV players such as Austin Hsu and Dennis Kim. “Noah brings great skill and speed on the wing, Chavin brings needed stability in the midfield, Austin Hsu is a rock in the back, and Dennis Kim is a work horse,” Solomon said. “All of the other guys have brought their own respective additions to the team.” According to Quigley, the Bulldogs don’t have as many superstars as they
did last year, but he believes the team’s discipline and determination will supplement their loss. “The team isn’t as flashy as last year,” Quigley said. “You might not see us put up seven goals in a game, but you won’t see us give up many either. It might seem like we are outplayed in some games, but I can promise you that we won’t be outworked—effort is something we pride ourselves in.” Even with the influx of new, young players and the loss of many seniors last year, Tarzy does not seem too concerned with how the season will turn out. “Experience is overrated in high
school,” Tarzy said. “Almost all of our players play at a high level of club soccer for years, so this is nothing new to them.” The Bulldogs have started the season strongly with a 2-1 record, which included shutout wins on the road over Northwest 3-0 Sept. 8 and Blake, last season’s number one seed in the county, 2-0, Sept. 15. Shutting out any team is hard enough for any teams to do in soccer, but to shutout a quality team on the road shows the true prowess the Bulldogs have defensively. If the Bulldogs can constantly put up stifling defensive efforts, the team will be very difficult to defeat this season. The team will have its normal, annual challenges from Wootton Sept. 18, Walter Johnson Oct. 1, and Whitman Oct. 14, but Tarzy believes the opposing teams are not the biggest hurdles for them this year. “I believe that the only obstacle that stands between us and great achievements this season is ourselves,” Tarzy said. “I believe that if we can execute the things I’ve asked of them as a team, we have the overall talent to get the results.” Tarzy, Solomon, Quigley and the rest of the squad truly believe that this can be their year. “As long as we stay focused and fit, I think we can go all the way,” Quigley said. “Just as any year at Churchill, the sky is the limit.”
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Sports
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CHS represents at Lax World Championships By Hannah Yasharoff Production Editor
Many high school athletes aspire to make it to the pros one day, but for a couple of CHS lacrosse players, that dream became reality much sooner than expected. Senior attackers Danny DiBono and Louis Dubick both played for professional teams in the World Lacrosse Championship held this summer in Denver, Colorado, representing Spain and Israel, respectively. “It was a great experience,” Dubick said. “I met a bunch of really cool people, and it helped me prepare for the season, playing against bigger and faster competition.” For DiBono, whose mother is Span-
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS DUBICK.
Dubick played in four games for Israel.
ish, the tryout process was different from most other players’ experiences. His father originally joked that DiBono should play for a Spanish lacrosse team, but after discovering that the national team actually existed, he contacted the coach and was able to practice with the team in lieu of a tryout. “He asked if there was any way I could make or tryout for the team,” DiBono said. “They said that the tryouts were already over, but that I could come out to Denver and practice with the team. Training started about two weeks before the actual tournament.” Dubick was also introduced to the team by his family. “I became involved with Israel lacrosse through my cousin, who had recently traveled to Israel and spent some time with the program,” Dubick said. “When I arrived in Denver, I practiced and played with the team that was in the festival.” DiBono, who finished the tournament as the second highest scorer on the Spanish team, credits many of the opposing teams in Colorado as being more competitive than CHS’ usual match-ups. “The competition was very different from Montgomery County,” DiBono said. “Most of the teams I played against were grown men in their mid-20s.” During Dubick’s four exhibition game run with Israel, he shared a similar experience. “All the athletes were bigger, faster, and stronger, since most were older,” Dubick said. “The members of team Israel were on a different level than our team here at Churchill. Most, if not all, played college lacrosse, one or two were even All-Americans.” DiBono and Dubick both woke up early in the morning to eat breakfast with their respective teams, took shuttles to their game sites, and then returned to their hotels to relax in the evening. Dubick, however, encountered an experience unique to
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS DUBICK.
Dibono channels his Spanish roots, playing for Spain in Colorado. the country he represented. “When we played the Netherlands and we pulled up on the team bus, there were protestors protesting against the existence of Israel,” Dubick said. “For those of us who lived in the US, we kind of held our breath. But those who lived in Israel acted as if it were some kind of funny joke.” DiBono and Dubick were not the only players representing CHS during the tournament. CHS alumnus Brett Rolf was an assistant coach for the Costa Rican national team, and 2007 alumnus and current CHS lacrosse assistant coach Bertan Unal played for Turkey. “It was really cool to play against
Turkey,” Dubick said. “Unal, one of my coaches at Churchill, guarded me for a little of the game. The fact that we represented two different countries out in Denver, when we could have just driven five minutes at home to go against each other was awesome.” Next up for DiBono and Dubick? Their final season as CHS lacrosse players. Both also have expressed interest in playing in the next Lacrosse World Championship, set for Manchester, England, in 2018. “I think that my experiences at least helped me to understand the importance and success of playing as a team,” DiBono said.
observer
Winston Churchill High School 11300 Gainsborough Rd. Potomac,MD 20854
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www.thechurchillobserver.com
Volume 39 - Issue 1
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Recent lawsuit puts CHS turf field plans on hold
By Michael Fox Sports Editor
skill as it does teamwork,” Kabelac said. As captain of the team, Kabelac is seen as a leader, and teammates say she works hard She carries the ball down the field, ma- to be a leading player, setting an example neuvering past defenders, looking to make for the rest of the players. Kabelac contributed largely to last seathe open pass, when she realizes there is an open lane. She picks her corner and fires son’s 10-4 record, scoring three goals and the ball into the back of the net. Goal. The ten assists. “This is her second year as captain captain scores again. Senior defensive midfielder Carly Ka- and I’ve learned so much from her over time,” said junior belac began playing field hockey “Field hockey is my favorite sport Annie Moshybecause it requires just as much indi- edi, who looks in middle school vidual skill as it does teamwork.” up to Kabelac as and has been a teammate and the captain for -Senior Carly Kabelac a friend. “She has the CHS varsity a great sense of team for the past the game and is two years. “I started playing when my friend want- constantly communicating with everyone ed me to go to a field hockey camp with her else on the field. She is one of the hardest working people I know.” back in middle school,” Kabelac said. Head coach Cay Miller recognizes According to Kabelac, she enjoyed the experience and has been playing the Kabelac as a strong player and leader on game ever since she attended the field the team. “Not only is she a great athlete herself, hockey camp. Kabelac has been playing field hockey but her attitude and work ethic make for five years and has been on the varsity everyone around her better,” Miller said. “It is rare to find athletes that are team for three years. “Field hockey is my favorite sport be- so focused, driven and talented, yet so cause it requires just as much individual humble and gracious.”
“
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB MALLET.
Two-time field hockey captain senior Carly Kabelac has scored two goals with five assists this season and is preparing to face RM Sept. 27.
Team Records* -1
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PHOTO BY EMILY RAAB.
After MSI filed a lawsuit July 1, CHS postponed its plans to install a Bethesda Lacrosse and Potomac Soccer-spons o re d f i e l d . selection committee. By Julia McDermont Rivinius, speaking for CHS, could Sports Editor not comment on the lawsuit. Emily Raab The five-year county plan for all high Online News Editor schools to get turf fields to be completed
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by 2015 means that the school will eventually be going turf. However, with its meticulously well-kept bermuda grass field, CHS asked to be placed last on the list. Currently, the grass field is exclusively available for use by school teams for games and a limited number of practices. Preseason scrimmages and daily practices are not permitted to be held on the stadium field in an effort to keep the grass in good shape. “Last year we rescheduled six games, not because of lightning but because the field was too wet to play on,” girls varsity soccer coach Haroot Hakopian said. “With turf, we wouldn’t have to worry about that.” Although plans for a turf field installation have been put on hold, whether the CHS turf field will be under contract with other sports associations is still in question. “We look forward to continuing to work with the county, Bethesda Lacrosse and the Booster Club in making the turf field at Churchill a reality in 2015,” Potomac Soccer President Jonathan Weinberg said. There is still time for plans to be made for CHS to get a turf field, but as the installation takes time to plan and carry out, CHS would be able to get a turf field no earlier than the 2015-2016 school year. “MCPS needs approval from the County Council to accept outside funding for a turf field,” Rivinius said. “If that does happen, the earliest construction would be able to begin would be toward the end of this school year, and that is not a guarantee.”
CHS’ plans for a turf field to be installed in Shepherd Stadium came to a halt this summer when a conflict ensued regarding the sponsors for the new playing surface. The field, which was originally supposed to be installed this fall, was to be under a contract with Bethesda Lacrosse and Potomac Soccer. However, Montgomery Soccer Inc. (MSI) filed a lawsuit July 1 against the contract, claiming that the monopoly of the field use was unfair. In light of the lawsuit, all plans and contracts for a CHS turf field by the 2014-2015 school year were canceled. “We are hoping to get a turf field in the future, but there are still several steps that need to happen to make that a reality,” athletic director Scott Rivinius said. Under the contract, Bethesda Lacrosse and Potomac Soccer would have had jurisdiction to decide with input from CHS how and when the fields were used. In return, they, along with the CHS Booster Club, would pay for it. Similar contracts regarding the use of turf fields are in place at Walter Johnson with Bethesda Soccer, and at Richard Montgomery with Maryland Soccer Enterprises, LLC. According to an Aug. 23 Bethesda Magazine article, MSI claimed that although their bid was higher than the combined offers of Potomac Soccer, Bethesda Lacrosse and the CHS Booster Club, they were overlooked in the selection process due to conflicts of interest within the
*AS OF 9/19/14
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FOR UP-TO-DATE SCORES AND STATS, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @ CHS_OBSERVER.