Issue 3

current

Thomas A. Edison High School • Volume 51• Issue 3 • 5801 Franconia Road • Alexandria, VA 22310 • March 2015

Keishla Morales

the

Thomas A. Edison High School

the

current

what’s inside

NEWS:

Round the clock with David Schlemmer (3) Step up your game: Stepping eagles make their debut (6)

The Current is a student-edited publication serving the Thomas A. Edison High School community.

The Current Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Megan Grondine News Editors Kristen Samuelson Marjan Popal Opinions Editors Allie Harris Ryan Pinkney Features Editors Kelly MicKey Gaby Ruff Managing Editor Judy Beauvais

OPINIONS: Live from studio A-202 (9) He said/She said: Guy code versus Girl code (10)

FEATURES: SPORTS:

Social media and social issues (12-13) How to be more positive (14)

Sports Editor Will Dobson Online Editor Justin Askenazy Arts Editors Josephine Neulen Keishla Morales Creative Director Meg Mowery Principal Pamela Brumfield Advisor Kate McEnerney

Staff Writers & Photographers Austin Chavez Jennifer Miller Caitlin Murnane Mackenzie Nolan Steven Ratliff Frida Salmoran

March Madness: bracket busting (20-21) Can a sports team be too good? (22)

ARTS:

The Current is the official newspaper of Thomas A. Edison High School published quarterly by the journalism staff. It serves as a vehicle for student expression and is an open forum of issues of interest and concern to the school community.

Year-long subscriptions are available for $20. Subscription forms may be ordered via email at kemcenerney@ fcps.edu. Subscription forms may also be picked up in room C-215.

The staff is deeply committed to a code of journalistic ethics that demands the exercise of accuracy, good judgment, and impartiality. The content of The Current is determined by the editorial board.

Unsigned editorials reflect the majority opinion of the staff of The Current, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors or staff members. Signed editorials and letters to the editor reflect the views of the authors.

The Current solicits advertising, but reserves the right to reject any material deemed libelous, disruptive, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

Letters to the Editor may be submitted to kemcenerney@fcps.edu or anonymously outside of Room C-215.

Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

With any general questions regarding The Current, please email kemcenerney@fcps.edu or megangrondine@gmail.com

Culture takes the stage (23) Are you Netflix’d? (24)

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES: The Current is online! Visit www.thecurrentonline.org to read exclusive stories and photos not in print!

US/UK/Canada

The Current 2 World

1. According to CNN, Every few weeks, right when extremists groups are dominating the news with threats of attacks. Al- Shabaab released a video urging its sympathizers to attack malls in the United States, UK and Canada. (www.cnn. com)

United States

1

4

2. The New York Times reports that concerns mount as the Homeland Security shutdown seems likely as part of a border fight over President Obama’s immigration policies between the two problems. Unless an agreement is reached, a partial government shutdown will follow. (www.nytimes.com)

3

India

3. According to Aljazeera, a killer swine flu stroke India with more than 11,000 testing positive for the disease. (www.aljazeera.com)

France

4. BBC News reports that France for the first time confiscates the passports of six of its citizens allegedly planning to travel to Syria to join jihadists. (www.bbc.com) March 2015| The Current | 2

News

Around the clock with Schlemmer

T

The Current does an insider view on an average day in Student Services

housands of steps, millions of words, a constant smile, and a cubical office in the student services area, create our counselor office. School counselors are the people we go to, to help change classes, emotions, or entire career paths.

Although we drop all of our concerns and questions at the feet of the counselor, the amount of work a counselor does to accomplish these requests is usually put behind the scenes for students. David Schlemmer is the counselor for the last names of A-BOH.I had the opportunity to shadow Schlemmer and see what he does in his day. What I learned from this experience was that the work of a counselor is never done, and that student concerns are always a priority.

Counselors are never promised a normal day at the office. With tons of meetings, teacher visits, and student visits,the day is never really set in stone.

“No two days are the same.

You will never know what kind of

day you are going to have,” said counselor Olivia McKinney.

For Schlemmer he described a typical day for himself. “I get here around 6:30 am and I am often here to see the sunset. I usually have several meetings each day with teachers, parents, etc,” said Schlemmer.

Every counselor has a reason why they decided to be a schedule maker and listener for high school students.

“What I love about being a counselor [is] working with students and the school community,” said Schlemmer.

The love of counseling students is built on wanting to give back and the love of assisting adolescents with career and life paths.

Just like students and teachers, counselors learn and are trained for jobs they are given so they can be aware of how to play a role in their extra curricular job. “We also attend trainings periodically.I am the AVID counselor, so I have a training to attend for all the Fairfax County Public Schools AVID counselors,”

“What I love about being a counselor [is] working with students and the school community.”

What else they do:

said Schlemmer.

Counselors take on other important roles within the Edison community.

“School counselors spend some time on lunch duty, I had C lunch Junior Kobe Boatang approached Schlemmer in the hall to ask about for the first his life here at Edison. Schlemmer suggested ways to improve. semester”said to strive in it.

Schlemmer. Counselors help Counselors are not only here enforce regulations given by to help students with choosing administration. classes but also to assist students No counselor works alone in with personal concerns. “I work Student Services. “I also collaborate with students and counsel them on and rely on all the others in Student a variety of issues: family issues, Services regarding new student mental health concerns like anxiety registrations, grades/changes, and or depression, problems with SOL tests,” said Schlemmer. The friends or significant others,” said Student Services department works counselor Carly Miller. Counselors together to ensure that information love to assist students,whether it the counselors give out to students is academically, or personally they is accurate and helpful. are open to assisting us with any Counselors are here to guide concern that we have. and help students with both big Although the counselors have and small concerns about their unpredictable work days and student life. They help students countless meetings, they enjoy with college an what to expect in assisting students and collaborating college, and they help explain to with other departments to ensure students the reality of life and how that the best aid is given to students.

Judy Beauvais

Judy Beauvais managing editor

Schlemmer’s Schedule

In addition to their job, these counselors take on other activities

Schlemmer: Avid Counselor

Miller:

Coleader Eagle Flight School, Extended Essay supervisor

McKinney: Cardozo:

Freshman boys basketball coach

McCree:

Boys and Girls State Coordinator

Judy Beauvais

Assistant Liaison to Spanish speaking families

Schlemmer meets with junior Rachel Berry to talk about her classes. He ensures she takes the right classes and that they fit her outside life schedule.

6:30 am- Schlemmer arrives 7:30 am- Meeting 8:00 am- Student meeting 9:00 am- Fire Drill 9:10 am- Student meeting 9:45 am- Complete paper work for students 10:30-11:00 am- Meet with teachers 11:10-11:51 am- Register new student 12:00 pm- Meeting and lunch break 1:00 pm- Classroom lesson about choosing classes in the Career Center 2:12 pm- End of school day, students leave 4:00pm- Sclemmer leaves

3 | The Current| March 2015

the

current

KGetnow what YOU educated about the Pr s Josephine Neulen arts editor

T

Full IB

t will you choose? a h W

he International Baccalaureate program is made to give students an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge that prepares them for the future through rigorous classes and assessments. But many people shy away from the diploma, thinking it is too hard and demanding. Here are some reasons you should do it anyway.

“It is a challenging program,” said IB Theory of Knowledge teacher Victoria Vergara, “but it is a good program.”Although the difficulty might sound like a limitation of IB, the program prides itself in academic rigor.

“The sooner kids understand, and parents as well, that rigor is key to success, the better. This applies to not only college, but life,” said Vergara.

Most full IB diploma students would agree that difficulty is not all bad. “I like that the program really challenges you, there are a lot of great options and teachers. It’s really mind-opening at times,” said Full IB junior Daniel Ehrlich.

Students who wish to pursue a higher level of education find it rather beneficial because it is preparation for college.

“It’s not a typical AP class, it’s not just an “It’s really mindHonors class-it is challenging, and it’s a step up. You can tell that it prepares opening at times.” you for college classes,” said full IB senior Kristina Diep.

It is not all about the rigor and the difficulty, however. The International Baccalaureate diploma teaches students something they cannot necessarily learn in a book: self discipline and responsibility.

“It’s not just the kids that are smart because all kids are smart. Being committed makes the difference. A good IB kid is someone who dedicates him or herself to doing the best that they can do,” said Vergara.

In that dedication lies exactly the challenge of the IB program. “It’s independent. Nobody is holding your hand,” said Full IB senior Susana Zelaya.

“There’s more homework, less time, and you have a more restricted social life.

I’m certainly stressed sometimes, and it messes up my sleep from time to time,” said Ehrlich.

There is some truth to that. With many classes, assessments, exams and even community, activity and service hours, the Full IB diploma is heavy-loaded with expectations and responsibilities for students who technically are not even allowed to go to the bathroom without having to ask a teacher for permission.

Despite all that, a student might (emphasis on might, because with IB, nothing is certain) get actual college credit for the classes they have taken. Of course, this depends on the specific school and the level of IB class that the student took, but at least it is a reward. “It can give you college credit, which is amazing. But frankly, we need to deal with the fact that not every school will give you credit,” said Diep.

Although colleges do see that you have challenged yourself with an IB class, nothing is guaranteed. “Don’t do it to get into the big schools, because it might not get you in,” said Vergara. A student must accept that there might not be an instant reward to doing the program, but that surely doesn’t mean that it is not worth it.

March 2015 | The Current | 4

T

Partial IB

here are different reasons a student might not commit to doing the Full IB diploma. While both the full and the partial IB program have their advantages and disadvantages, being a partial IB student offers you flexibility that you otherwise could not have. It is a lot of work, and some students prefer to focus on something else. “What turned me away from the IB diploma was the current schedule I was in. I would have to take Theory of Knowledge for three hours after school-- and I do theater, so it would limit my time,” said senior Sarah Kent.

It’s true. The full IB diploma is very time consuming, and often times it is harder to fit extracurricular or work in a student’s schedule. Not only is partial IB more flexible, it’s also a smaller workload.

Although a student still gets the challenging curriculum from his or her IB class, there is no Extended Essay or TOK. This allows a student to focus more on other commitments like extracurricular, sports or other interests and commitments.

“I dislike the course load and preconceived notions of standard that IB sets. They expect each student to be the same and do not consider other factors like other classes or extracurricular,” said senior Marcia Cunning. IB does set a specific set of standards for its students and judges them based on many very particular assessments.

IB is specific on the types of classes a student should take, and for many students it just doesn’t fit in their schedule. “I chose not to do the full diploma because I would not be able to take my musical theatre academy with the course load. Pursuing a career and useful training was my priority,” said senior Cunning.

Some students choose to follow a more specialized path because they have a future profession in mind. “I do theater, and I figured it was smarter for me to focus on my craft rather than to pursue the IB diploma,”said Kent.

Some students also choose to only take a few IB classes because college credit, or immediate reward, is not “It was smarter to guaranteed.

“I think it’s harder focus on my craft.” for little reward. You don’t get much out of it. Some colleges don’t even look at the fact that I have taken IB classes or the scores,” said Junior Yammin Ezzedine.

International Baccalaureate program has limitations, just like any program, but it is a challenge that every student should take.

That doesn’t mean to do the Full diploma, but even one IB class makes a large difference. “The program isn’t gifted and talented; it’s not that at all. It’s open enrollment,” said Vergara.

news

are signing up for

and C ns of the IB Program “Don’t be scared off by the amount of work or stress you think the IB program will cause you.

The best part of the IB program at Edison in the community and sense of support it creates.”

- Former partial IB student David Beinhart

“I think the IB Leaner Profile really applies to students. The program transforms students to become more open-minded and globally aware.

- IB TOK teacher Victoria Vergara

“I believe IB has very rigorous courses that really dedicated students should take.

However, I think full IB is a waste of time for the amount of work you put in.”

-Partial IB junior Jacob Campbell

“I really enjoyed IB History of the Americas with Ms. Kelly because she makes it fun and she is a great teacher.”

- Partial IB junior Evan Kirkhoff

How we see IB

“TOK was a lot of fun... But probably not in the way the IB program intended. It was interesting and kind of crazy at times.”

- Full IB senior Daniel Herrera

“I wasn’t sure about taking all IB classes but I still wanted to challenge myself so I took a few IB classes. It’s a great fit for me, because I don’t really feel overwhelmed and I can get my work done.”

-Partial IB junior Danielle Hook

“You get to know people in another way. In TOK people presented things that I totally didn’t expect, but it was such a funny experience!”

- Full IB senior Parmvir Chahal

“I just don’t see the point of going through the whole diploma. I don’t think it’s rewarding enough.”

- Partial IB junior Yammin Ezzedine

“The teachers, like my IB topics teacher, really push you. Sometimes you want to say, that’s not fair, but they make you do the work and then you’re pretty thankful that they challenged you.”

- Partial IB senior Alexandra Moller

Never have I ever had a kid come back from college and say that it was not a good experience. They’re able to find the positive aspect of the hard work they were doing.

Now they know they can do it. They have the self-efficacy.”

- IB Coordinator Melanie Morris

“Full IB is too much of a time commitment for someone like me who plays 2 varsity sports, is involved in Boy Scouts and has a job.”

- Partial IB junior Ben Davenport

5 | The Current| March 2015

the

current

Step up your game, Eagles!

The Stepping Eagles make their debut performance at the winter pep rally

T

he rhythmic booms and claps echo through the gym and the space is filled with energy. You can’t help but tap along to the infectious beat as you watch the members of the step team perform, feeding off the energy of the crowd. Making their debut performance at the Winter pep-rally, the step team had an explosive introduction to the Edison community. The step team was formed near the beginning of the school year and is made up of about twenty-three members.

The driving forces behind the girls are intellectual disabilities teacher Lamonica Brevard and business and information technology teacher Pamela Person.

The members of the step team have varying experience when it comes to stepping. Some girls have been stepping since middle school, or with their church, but

for other girls, this is their first introduction to step.

Despite their varying degrees of experience, the girls still put hard work in and form a type of sisterhood in the process.

“We really got closer and became more of a family during our practices. Once everyone really knew each other we bonded outside of step and became friends,” says sophomore Eileen Mealing.

Before their performance at the pep rally, many

Keishla Morales

Keishla Morales arts editor

“There is something T S about creating a strong beat with your did own body that I love- students not know that there even was it’s powerful.”

Eagles patiently await their musical cue of Beyonce’s “Flawless” while Winter pep rally. really in sync with each other and the girls are safe and the girls are really hyped up the crowd,”said confident in what they are doing Senior Emily Johnson. The energy and that they have the training prior and excitement in the gym only to coming in because right now a step team. increased once the Stepping Eagles we are practicing in the cafeteria Their hard work and dedication began to perform to Beyonce’s with hard floors and no mats,” says to the team paid off once they “Flawless”.

Brevard. The step team cannot hit the gym floor. Their explosive Despite the fact that the step become a recognized team unless performance was received well by team is not considered an actual more schools throughout Fairfax Edison students. “I’ve seen that team by Fairfax county, Brevard and County Public Schools make a kind of stuff [stepping] on TV, Person still expect them to perform move to include step teams into but their performance was a lot and take the step team as seriously their athletics programs as well. better than I expected. They were as they would any other The team also plans on sports team. “What I competing in the future, but are stress to the students currently planning on going to is that academics come other competitions and simply first. So we have practices observing to get an introduction to Mondays and Thursday, the competitive world of stepping. but if you’re falling behind The team is more than performing in a class, if you need to and competitions, however. The spend time with a teacher, bond that the girls form with each if you need any review other and their love for music sessions with a teacher, and dance is the most prominent if you need to work on a ideal. “There is something about project, then you need to creating a strong beat with your do that first and the step own body that I love-it’s powerful. team will always be there,” Forming new routines and finding Brevard says. extravagant, unique moves to create Although they have a consistent beat [is my favorite part a positive attitude, their of step team.] The members of status as a club and not the step team are looking forward a team does have some to future performances, and limitations. “We will be expanding their outreach within the doing acrobatics later Edison community. on,but first and foremost After putting in weeks of hard work to perfect their steps, the Stepping Eagles show we have to make sure the Edison community what they can do at the Winter pep rally he

tepping

Keishla Morales

performing at the

March 2015 | The Current | 6

news Free community college: the price is right Students debate the impact of America’s College Promise

Marjan Popal news editor

P

resident Barack Obama’s recently announced proposal for free community college tuition, formally known as America’s College Promise, stirred up some opposing viewpoints on the impact the plan would have on the country.

This plan gives students the opportunity to attend community college for free, but it also comes with a few restrictions.

Obama’s plan would cover students’ tuition for qualifying community college programs; however, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA. The plan also requires that students attend community college part-time.

“America’s College Promise could extend help to millions of Americans who cannot afford college,” said senior Batool AlShaar.

Others disagree, saying the plan will ruin the county’s education standards.

“The plan would lower standards all across the board. Any and everyone, regardless of their academic standing, can get into college with this proposal,” said junior Daniel Ehrlich.

However, others see the proposal as doing the exact opposite.

“It’s not just a free handout to whoever wants it; you have to keep your grades up and actually make progress towards your degree,” said senior Jasmine Purcell. “It will help people who have the drive, but not the funds,” she added.

Seniors, or others thinking about going to the Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), should be cognizant that even if the proposal is passed, it could be quite awhile until it becomes reality.

This plan will allow more hopeful students to attend college, regardless of their financial status.

“I think this will be great for our students as it will open more doors, options, and opportunities. If the plan is clearly defined for students

America’s College Promise “No one with drive and discipline should be locked out of opportunity and denied a college education just because they do not have the money.”

President Barack Obama

When fully implemented, his plan could • save the full time community college student $3,800 in tuition costs per year • benefit 9 million students per year if they follow the guidelines of the plan When fully implemented, his plan does not guarantee • employment after graduation • a prosperous economy

to meet the requirements, it would be a goal for some students to pursue,” said career center specialist Iris Rivera.

Obama’s proposal will also cover tuition for undocumented students.

America’s College Promise will cover certificate programs, as well as courses that lead to an associate degree or could be transferred toward a bachelor’s.

“There has to be a support system in place at community colleges to ensure students’ success, and completion of a certificate, or a two year degree that would allow a student to transfer to a four year college,” said Rivera.

Community colleges awarded roughly 436,000 certificates during the 2011-2012 school year. If this proposal passes, the country will likely see a rise in people receiving some sort of college degree.

“America’s College Promise could have a positive impact on the country because driven students who cannot afford college will know that there are other options available for them,” said Al-Shaar.

This would lead to more people getting degrees and finding better jobs,” she added.

The federal government will fund three-quarters of the average cost of community college while joining states will be expected to contribute the remaining funds necessary to eliminate the tuition for eligible students.

If enacted, America’s College Promise could benefit as many as nine million students each year, according to the White House. This will only happen if the bill passes in both houses of Congress and is implemented by all 50 states.

“If school is free and guaranteed, it gives the lowest achievers a free pass to be lazy, and thus create bad habits,” said Ehrlich.

People remain conflicted on the impact of this proposal as some argue that the plan will place a damper on the country, while others disagree saying the plan will invest in America’s future generations.

7 | The Current | March 2015

the

current

Goodbye 1 and 2, hello Red and Blue?

Austin Chavez staff writer

I

f you feel you are left in the dark about what the new schedule will look like for next year, do not worry. Some administrators feels the exact same way.

“We are still waiting to see what time school is going to start,” said International Baccalaureate Coordinator Melanie Morris.

“The county still hasn’t let us know our official start time,”she added.

Despite the uncertainties, a few things have been confirmed.

School will start later, and Edison will be abandoning the semester schedule that was implemented in 1994.

She also noted that Edison is leaning towards naming the days red and blue, as opposed to days one and two.

Also, for the upcoming school year, an advisory will be designated its own, separate, ninety-minute block. It will function much like an Eagle Time, according to Morris. “[Students] will have an hour and a half every other day to meet with teachers and do assignments,” she said.

Though she acknowledged that having a separate block for Eagle Time might limit course options for students, Morris said that the new schedule could be “a huge help in terms of not having as much homework and time management.”

But for students like junior Jiwoo Han, even having one block taken from her schedule can be limiting.

“I do not think having seven classes instead of eight would benefit me,” said Han. “If you are a full IB student, you already use up the majority of your schedule with the classes that you have to take in order to get the diploma.”

Han noted that the new schedule will be a direct blow to her elecMarch 2015 | The Current | 8

tives. “Electives are usually those classes where students actually get to practice what they like, not what they have to do.”

Han is also concerned for the new advisory period for the next year. “Eagle time is helpful in giving you extra time to study if you have a test the same day, or if you have make up work to do,” she said.

“But knowing lots of people who don’t use Eagle Time as productive as they should, having it too often would be a waste of time for a lot of students,” she concluded.

Others, like junior Leah Moses, said that the new schedule could be very beneficial to all students.

“I like the idea of having an academic seminar already allocated for you,” said Moses. “I don’t have to worry about feeling too overwhelmed with any of my classes because I know I’ll have a class to study for them.”

Moses also believes that having Eagle Time as a separate block will be much more valuable for students.

“I personally never got anything done in those forty-five minutes,” she said. “Eagle Time for ninety minutes will be much more effective.”

Junior Alexandra Chavez said that although she is only a partial IB student, she is still worried about her electives next year.

“It does feel restraining that we have one less class to choose,” she said. Though she sees the benefits of having a class designated for studying, she liked the fact that she was able to take two different electives without giving up a block.

“I was able to take Computer Graphics and Ceramics with my IB classes, because they were semester classes,” she said. “It was nice because it felt like another refreshing start in the middle of the year.”

“I like the idea of having an academic seminar already allocated for you.”

Austin Chavez

Students and staff conflicted over new schedule for next school year

Students in Ceramics class craft letters out of clay for a project. Many students worry that electives like Ceramics might not be an option for them next school year.

*The schedule outline for the 2015-2016 school year, as of February 12, 2015.

Red

Blue

1st

2nd

3rd

4th *Eagle Time/Advisory

5th

6th

7th

8th

opinions

Live from studio A-202

Broadcast puts in the work, but how many students are left in the dark?

A

s ETV news enters into its fifth month, the broadcast team is hitting its stride. Replacing the intercom announcements in early November, ETV news spreads information about school events and policies during their morning broadcast.

“I love being a broadcast student! I’ve learned that there’s more to this process than I ever thought there would be, but it’s super rewarding,” said senior and broadcast student Christina Hyde.

Yet some students are left in the dark as a few teachers struggle to implement the news program.

“Even though I’m a broadcast student, I never get to see the outcome of the whole process be-

cause my first block teacher doesn’t show the morning announcements very often,” said senior Marcia Cunning.

Since a variety of important information and updates are announced on the morning news, missing the ETV broadcast can have a negative impact on students.

If a teacher doesn’t show the morning broadcast, students can miss out on announcements about tryouts, meetings, and school events.

“Teachers should definitely be showing the Pledge of Allegiance. I understand part of it may be technical difficulties in classes, but that’s important,” said English and broadcast teacher Dale Miller. “We’re still getting used to it, but we hope that people want to [watch it].”

To the students who work hard on putting the show together, watching the announcements carries a sense

of accomplishment.

“A lot of work goes into making these announcements.

We know that we haven’t perfected it yet, but we’re working really hard to keep improving,” said senior and broadcast Seniors Amelia Carr and Hunter Vaught prepare to record a mornstudent Hunter ing broadcast in the studio. “It’s harder than it looks!’ said Carr.

Vaught. “It’s upsetting to think that teacher Megan Anderson. some people don’t get to see how “I’m relying on students wantmuch effort we put into it.” ing to watch it instead of forcing So why is showing the morning teachers to tune in,” said Miller. “I broadcast proving so difficult? get a lot of feedback and sugges“I like [the broadcast] better than tions for ways to grow, but I want intercom announcements, but it’s to keep it student led and run. By easier for teachers to forget or the students, for the students.” chose to not watch it,” said math

Allie Harris

Allie Harris opinions editor

What we learned from the Girls State summit

Spending a week in a mock state government opened our eyes to the importance of political involvement Google), we learned that Girls State is a national week long mock state government election. The 600 hen we were first told attendees are divided into pretend that we had been selectcities, which then put forth repreed to represent Edison sentatives to compete in the overall at Virginia Girls State, neither of us state elections. had ever heard of the program.

The goal of the program is to Through some research (thanks help rising seniors develop an understanding and appreciation of the political process. Though we learned a number of important things from Girls State -- who knew central and southern Virginia eats so much grits Girls State attendees wait for a motivational speaker in the audiand gravy? torium before separating for elections. Candidates were selected However, this by counselors.

Amelia Carr and Emily Murphy guest writers

Emily Murphy

W

lesson on the importance of being involved stuck with us.

By listening to speakers, we learned to be passionate and openminded.

The leaders we heard from were confident, which taught us that we should not be afraid to voice our political views, even when we are in the minority.

We learned that debating doesn’t have to be heated; it can lead to an appreciation of different viewpoints. The authentic experience of putting government into young adult hands, taught us it is our job to engage and stay informed on current events and politics.

We discovered that politics affect us in more ways than we think. We realized that politics should lead us into the future, not set us back due to lack of compromise.

Some students may be put off from discussing or working to

change politics because we feel we don’t know anything about it.

The most important thing we can do to participate is also the easiest: become more educated.

Anyone can be a citizen, but to be a good citizen we must understand both how the government works and how we can participate.

There are numerous ways to get involved. Of course, if you are over 18 you can register and then vote in elections, but people of all ages can contact their representatives, answer public opinion polls, or volunteer for a political campaign.

All involvement requires knowledge and effort, but it is important because we need to be able to consider what is right and wrong and how new developments in government and politics will affect our everyday lives.

9 | The Current| March 2015

the

current

ve r su s

guy code girl code The battle of the sexes continues as both genders outline their rules to live by

Steven Ratliff staff writer

B

eing a senior in high school, having 4 brothers, and playing on all male sports teams has given me a good insight of what the Bro Code consists of.

Being a bro isn’t as easy as it may seem. One wrong move and you could be put into bro-exile for an indeterminate amount of time-- it really depends on the level of your screw-up.

There are rules to live by when being a bro, some more common and self explanatory than others.

Rules can be as easy as “bros before hoes” to as complicated as what should go into a bro’s new car (pass on the flowery air freshener).

If I were to break the Bro Code, it is only fair that I accept any and all criticism from my fellow bros.

Breaking the Bro Code consists of talking behind another bro’s back, making no immediate attempt to acknowledge another bro with some sort of handshake, or even not having your bro’s back when in a confrontation with another group of bros. Side note: when backing up a bro in a scuffle, you’re allowed to bail if his opponent knows Jiu Jitsu.

There are an infinite number of ways to break the Bro Code, but determining whether a bro has broken it or not is up to that person’s bros.

The Bro Code can be associated with anything involving a group of bros. If I wanted to, I could associate the Code with underwater basket weaving, but a good bro wouldn’t let me because underwater basket weaving is a questionable hobby.

March 2015 | The Current | 10

She said Introducing the Bro Code to a younger bro is easy. My brothers introduced it to me at the age of 8, the prime of my womanizing days.

My brother had caught me flashing my devilishly handsome smile at his girlfriend and he took me aside and explained to me that a bro does not simply flirt with another bro’s girl.

From then on, I understood the importance and loyalty that is required when following the Bro Code.

One piece of advice that all groups of bros could benefit from is never use the term “swag” to define anything. Ever. No excuses.

Kristen Samuelson news editor

G

irl code is the nonexistent rule book that every “real” girl is expected to abide by in order to not be considered ‘fake’ or a ‘homewrecker’. The hit MTV show Girl Code features a series of comedians listing off the rules and advice for

Ryan Pinkney

He said

girls. Some are as follows: 1. You are never in any case to date a friend’s ex or a guy who she was really into.

2. If you want to date a friend’s brother, it is required that you get said friend’s permission first.

3. The penalty for exposing a secret to an unauthorized party shall be exile from Girlville.

4. In a fight between a friend and her boyfriend, you must always choose your friends side.

5. If your friend decides to go for bangs, you must tell her no, unless she is Kate Moss.

6. If your friend asks you to take a picture of her, you must get the right angle.

7. If your friend tries to wear flare jeans and she ISN’T Vanessa Hudgens, tell her no.

8. You must never tell anyone about That Thing. You know which Thing.

These common rules are often shared among friends at the time of deciding they are now “bffs.”

The rules are often followed to keep a clean and honest friendship that could not end due to a male or misunderstanding. Abiding by these rules shows your friends that you respect them and they are important to you. In a friendship, you must tell your friend if her hair looks bad, or if that outfit does indeed make her look fat. Be careful of phrasing and avoid the terms “hot mess” or “whale”.

It is also a must to give her your honest opinion on her new boyfriend. If you haven’t met him, do not make snap judgements. If you have and you know he’s bad news, don’t let her follow through.

opinions

STAFF EDITORIAL America’s College Promise provides a new light to student debt

Super Sponsors THE MOORE FAMILY THE DOBSON FAMILY THE ASKENAZY FAMILY

en

Swed

il

Braz

ce

Slo ve

nia

n Fra

and

y

Germany

THE HARRIS FAMILY THE ADELMAN FAMILY

Alex Castellon

so that two years of college becomes as free and universal in America as high school is today.”

When I first heard his idea, I thought it was absolutely ridiculous and downright senseless. However, after pulling away from the default conservative viewpoint and studying the stats, I can see many more benefits to making higher education affordable. It’s worked for the European nations who adopted the idea so long ago, and the high interest in Tennessee seems to be the first steps of success. If the Obama administration can find a way to build up funds similar to Tennessee’s strategy, rather than by stealing from taxpayers, then Obama’s strategic task of advocating (not enacting) will persuade the country much more smoothly.

Obama’s proposal is not a national push for college to be paid by the wealthy taxpayer as some of

PATRONS

GOLD PATRONS

Fin l

wa

“success” passes through “higher education,” are forced to take on debt to finance the trek that has left many in default.

The guidelines of the Tennessee Promise Program seem to revolve around ensuring the money does not go to waste.

Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA, attend mandatory meetings, work with a mentor, and do community service. After graduating from the two-year free community college, students may enroll in a four-year college as juniors.

It seems as if Obama acknowledged Tennessee’s efforts in combination with America’s dropping rank in the international statistics of college graduates. In 1995, America was ranked first among OECD member countries with a 33 percent graduation rate.

According to Business Insider, OECD Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher said that the United States is ranked “19 out of the 28 countries.”

Tennessee’s program is expected to cost about $34 million a year and will be paid for using $300 million in excess lottery reserve funds and by creating a $47 million endowment.

90 percent of high school seniors are applying for the state’s new plan for the Fall 2015 term.

Meanwhile, Obama’s proposal consists of a $60 billion plan for two years of free community college.

However, Obama recognizes his main task is to advocate, not enact.

In his 2015 State of the Union Address, Obama said, “I want to spread that idea all across America,

Nor

G

ermany, Finland, France, Sweden, Norway, Slovenia, Brazil—seven countries Americans can study at universities for little or no cost.

In fact, in October 2014, Germany officially banished college tuition fees nationwide. This international contrast is astounding to students in the United States who are facing costs as high as $65,000 a year and preparing to jump into the giant pool of $1.2 trillion of student debt. With a look into affordable higher education in other countries, President Barack Obama’s proposal, America’s College Promise, doesn’t seem all that bad.

“Tuition fees are unjust. They discourage young people who do not have a traditional family background from taking up study,” said Hamburg’s senator for science Dorothee Stapelfeldt in an article on Think Press.

With Stapelfeldt’s point, I think of all my fellow peers who are 1) unable to afford college and thus choose not to go, and 2) unable to afford college but still choose to go.

Glancing at the statistics of Edison High school, 84 students will be participating in the Northern Virginia Community College Pathways program in fall 2015. If America’s College Promise passed this year, these students would graduate high school and continue on to two years of college for free.

America’s college tuition has skyrocketed in the last decade— shooting up 27 percent for public four-year universities and 13 percent for private schools—and students, recognizing the main road to

SILVER PATRONS

THE NIEVES FAMILY THE ARNOLD FAMILY THE HAHLER FAMILY

those opposed to the idea think.

It’s more of a strategic move on the administration’s part to suggest the idea to states and watch what they do with it. If the bill is passed, many requirements, rules, and procedures must be implemented and followed so that the massive $60 billion is not put to shame.

Without a doubt, America’s priorities have fallen off the wagon.

This is not a political issue to be debated and upheld to the ideology of the two dominating political parties. This is not a ridiculous democrat idea. This is not strictly against the Republican opinion.

This is not a movement towards socialism. It is a closely-followed, developing plan to educate the American youth in order to uphold the standard America has held since 1993—a standard that has begun to sink rather than float in the realm of international statistics.

BRONZE PATRONS

THE VIDOVICH FAMILY

The Current staff would like to give a special thanks to our patrons for their endless support! If you would like to become a patron and receive every issue via mail, email kemcenerney@fcps.edu or megangrondine@gmail.com, or pick up a subscription form in room C215.

11 | The Current| March 2015

the

current

Social media manip

Megan Mowery creative director

STUDENTS GIVE THEIR OP

I THINK THAT SNAPCHAT PROMOTING JE SUIS CHARLIE STORY IS GOOD. I WANT THEM TO DO MORE CONTROVERSIAL STUFF THAN SANTACON, BUT IT IS OFFENSIVE IF THEY PICK AND CHOOSE. THEY’LL COVER SANTACON AND JESUIS CHARLIE BUT NOT SOMETHING LIKE BLACK LIVES MATTER. IF THEY’RE GOING TO COVER SOCIAL ISSUES THEN THEY NEED TO COVER BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY. MY THING IS THE INCONSISTENCY REGARDING WHO THEY REPRESENT. THEY CAN’T PICK AND CHOOSE WHO TO CARE ABOUT. -SENIOR AHMED MOHAMMED

IF I FEEL PASSIONATELY ENOUGH, I WI

ON A PARTICULAR SUBJECT AND SORT I FEEL LIKE PEOPLE GET A LITTLE OVERWROUGHT AND THINK THEY KNOW A LOT MORE MLKMLKMLK THAN THEY ACTUALLY DO. NONE OF US ARE LAWYERS AND IT’S NOT GOOD TO THINK WE’RE RIGHT ALL THE TIME. I HAVE MORE RESPECT FOR PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY GO OUT AND MARCH IN THE STREETS TO PROTEST INSTEAD OF TYPING STUFF ON THEIR PHONE. WHENEVER I SEE AN INFLAMMATORY POST, I’M LIKE, TONE IT DOWN A BIT; YOU’RE SEVENTEEN.

SPECTIVES, BUT I’VE REALIZED (THANK

YOU CANNOT CHANGE SOMEON AND YOU HAVE TO ACCEPT THAT THEY SAY. - SENIOR TIRZAH

- SENIOR DANIEL HERRERA

I THINK IT’S GREAT THAT KIDS ARE GETTING INVOLVED IN POLITICS. AND KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WORLD REGARDLESS OF THEIR OPINION. SOCIAL MEDIA IS A WAY TO EXERCISE YOUR FREE SPEECH. AS FAR AS TWEETING YOUR VIEWS, IF YOU’RE NOT PREPARED FOR AN ARGUMENT, DON’T TWEET OUT YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS. - SENIOR GREG FLETCHER

IT’S NOT SNAPCHAT’S JOB TO HAVE EQUAL COVERAGE OF ISSUES. THEY’RE NOT THE GOVERNMENT. IF YOU DON’T LIKE WHAT THEY’RE DOING, STOP USING THE APP. - JUNIOR SARAH WEINSTEIN

March 2015 | The Current | 12

We’ve all seen it: Twitter beef a h diet.Sometimes it’s about the color whether or not there should be f leads us to a fe When we are not filtering our already filtered picture what do we use social media for? What should we use whether or not a certain movie is or is not propagand your stance on Ferguson, does that mean you will un how they feel social media and

opinions

ulates perspective

PINIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA IN MORE THAN 140 CHARACTERS

I NEVER LEARN ANYTHING FROM ANYBODY ON TWITTER. I DON’T GET PEOPLE WHO USE SOCIAL MEDIA AS THEIR MAIN SOURCE OF NEWS. LIKE, GO READ A NEWSPAPER. -SENIOR MAXINE MORGAN

ILL TRY TO EDUCATE THE PERSON

T OF SHOW THEM DIFFERENT PER-

KS TO MY TOK CLASS) THAT OFTEN

NE’S VIEW ON SOMETHING FIND TRUTH IN THE THINGS THEY

I’M NOT ONE TO PICK FIGHTS WITH PEOPLE ABOUT THEIR OPINIONS BUT IF THEY APPROACH ME AND WE HAVE DIFFERING OPINIONS BUT IF THEY APPROACH ME AND WE HAVE DIFFERING OPINIONS I’LL TELL THEM WHAT MINE IS, BUT I’M NOT GOING TO GO OUT AND CHANGE PEOPLE. THAT’S THE BEAUTY OF SOCIETY IN ITSELF. PEOPLE ARE DIFFERENT, THAT’S A GOOD THING. -SENIOR BALSAM ITANI

SHEPPHARD

SOCIAL MEDIA HAS SHOWN ME HOW THE MEDIA CAN BE SO OPINIONATED. EVEN THOUGH I DON’T NECESSARILY AGREE WITH SOME OF THE OPINIONS, I RECOGNIZE THAT THEY EXIST. I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE AN OPINION AND BE ALLOWED TO VOICE IT, BUT I THINK OTHER PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW IF THEY DON’T AGREE WITH IT THEN THEY SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE IT AND MOVE ON. -SENIOR PARMVIR CHAHAL

EVERYTHING RUN BY OLDER WHITE PEOPLE IS RACIST TO A DEGREE, BECAUSE THEY LIVED IN A TIME WHERE THEY COULD BE RACIST AND HAVE IT BE ACCEPTED. I THINK SOCIAL MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

hearty portion of any student’s r of a dress, sometimes it’s about free universal healthcare. So that ew questions: es or debating how long to make your snapchat story, social media for? Why have I seen endless beef about da? Why can’t we all just get along? If I disagree with nfollow me? Should I care? Students speak out about d social issues should intersect.

IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT CAN CHANGE OR REFLECT THE VIEW OF THE PEOPLE. -SENIOR CHARLES SHARP

13 | The Current| March 2015

the

current

Don’t freeze your positivity

How you can be more positive in your school environment

Ryan Pinkney opinions editor

Keep a weekly journal of your activities

W

hat makes you feel positive? How often have you felt positive in the past 24 hours? There is a lot of a things on a daily basis that can pull down the mental state of teens: school, friends, family, and world wide problems. It seems that with all these things it would be really hard to keep a positive attitude.

“Students need positivity and there are many ways to help us feel positive,” said school counselor Bobby Cardozo. For students to be successful in the learning environment they need to be positivity. Cardozo suggests that our environment, friends, hobbies and goals should all be things that help us keep a positive mind set. We everyday can choose to do be positive or not. “We need to concerted effort to increase positivity in our lives in order to counteract the negativity,” said Positivity Coach Beth Carbera.

We can greatly improve our positivity by choosing hobbies that we like. Things you do in your free time should be something you want to do and they help you fell productive and happy.

Everyone should have a hobby.

Having goals can help us plan for the future and helps us feel secure. Having a sense of our long time purpose can give us a perspective on what is truly important in life. With a sense of perspective you would feel happier and positive about the days to come. “Look for the good in every situation,” said Assistant Principal Peter Lake.

Most of the time we can make friendships with people we see in our classes or clubs. “Pick good friends,” said Cardozo. They are a big influence on you, and a good friend will help you to be happier. You are more likely to be positive while being with people you like.

The school environment is also a big factor on student positivity. Every student is impacted by the public school learning environment.

Having a positive outlook is so greatly important to the learning atmosphere. Students that are distracted with negativity have a harder time comprehending material and learning.

As we go through high school we face problems. “We all have problems and they change [our] state of mind,”said Lake. We should all try to be more positive.

March 2015 | The Current | 14

e

m et so

g e to ir d i s t a ou fresh Get

Have something to do in your free time that’s not just watching TV

Eat healthy food every day

Make daily and monthly goals and fulfill them.

Take time everyday to wi nd down

Smile, even if it’s just for 5 seconds

Take time out of your day to think about something you’re grateful for

Have f rien can tru ds you st

Read optimistic quotes each morning

Take tim comp e to limen t some one

Do som

se’s someone el Celebrate m t with the achievemen

ething nic you do e for someon n’t kno e w

features

Drink this, not that Put down the soda, pick up the detox

Caitlin Murnane staff writer

W

ith the extra pounds still lingering from overeating around the holidays, and swimsuit season approaching quicker than ever, it’s time to get our eating habits under control!

The issue people commonly face while trying to lose weight is losing focus on their eating habits. When trying to change your lifestyle, and controlling your snacking, your number one focus should be your diet. According to The Huffington Post, “Weight loss is generally 75 percent diet and 25 percent exercise. An analysis of more than 700 weight loss studies found that people see the biggest short-term results when they eat smart.”

You are more likely to give up when you feel overwhelmed due to your lifestyle change.

CONTROL YOUR SNACKING: • Keep it small and low in calories • Try foods that are low in carbs such as cheese sticks, nuts, or veggies.

• It’s called a snack for a reason, keep it under 150 calories; there is no need for a full meal • Have water or my personal favorite, diet Green tea, with your meal to fill you up.

Also whenever I’m hungry or getting a craving, I get a huge glass of diet green tea to suppress my hunger.

HEALTHY SMOOTHIE RECIPES: Green Smoothie/Juice: • Slice 2 medium green apples • 1 sliced cucumber • 4 leaves of kale • Juice of 1 lemon • 2 cups of diced spinach

Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie: • 4 cups of sliced strawberries • 1 cup of plain low-fat yogurt • ½ cup of fresh orange juice • 1 tablespoon of Splenda

Slim Down Detox Water rids your body of toxins and helps flush fat from your body. Mix 3 cups of cold water, cucumber, and slices of lemon or lime.

Caitlin Murnane

DETOX WATER RECIPE:

15| The Current| March 2015

the

current

Marching towards life Students share the alternative to enrolling in college Gaby Ruff features editor

I

f you’ve been to the cafeteria lately, chances are you have seen a military recruiter giving out information to students.

As mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, military recruiters are granted the same access to secondary school students as they provide to postsecondary institutions or to prospective employers.

With the start of second semester, seniors are realizing that graduation is just around the corner. Out of habit, friends and family asks seniors what college they are planning on enrolling in next fall. However, not everyone plans on pursuing a higher form of education.

College is not for everyone. In 2013, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 65.9 percent

of 2013 high school graduates were enrolled in a college or university.

So what does the remaining 34.1 percent do?

The military is one popular option for people right out of high school. While other students are beginning college or their careers, some make the decision to enlist in the U.S. military. As of 2010, 2.27 million Americans served in the US miltary, including active duty, National Guard, Air National Guard, and reserves. Military personnel make up less than 1 percent of the total population, but military personnel do tend to be younger.

Enlisted members are employed in almost every type of military career, often performing hands-on roles.

The Current talked to two students, Seniors Dixon Liew and Stefan Moorhouse, who both plan on

enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps directly after graduation in June.

“I don’t like to study, so I run out of patience on anything that’s studious. My plan is to join the Marines and try to make a career out of it because they require don’t require a college education to work for them.

I found out that I am good with my hands, so I figured I’d like to take on a job as a cook or airplane mechanic in the military,” said senior Dixon Liew.

Moorhouse shared with us why he made the decision to enlist.

“I feel like the Marine Corps gives me more options in and out of the corps. I don’t feel a traditional education would help in the future. Plus, girls love a man in uniform.”

Enlisting in the military shortly after high school certainly has its

Work hard, Pray hard: Keishla Morales arts editor

one flyer seems to stand out from all the rest. The club behind one of these colorful flyers is Club ike in any high school, the Emerge. Being a lesser known club, halls are lined with enormany students have a general idea mous, eye-catching banners of what the club is but aren’t really and small, vibrant posters and flyers sure about the whole thing. The advertising school activities, club Current is here to shed some light fundraisers, and sporting events. on the situation.

Students often pass through the Club Emerge is a student led halls without even a second thought outreach club for students from about the flyers, but occasionally, every background to invite them to participate in a positive environment that promotes biblical morals and Christian values. The club was founded by Torri Trayers, a student from Robert E. Lee High School in February of 2010 with the help of her father, Pastor Eddie Trayers. Since then, the club has expandThe verse on the Club Emerge logo states: “Therefore, ed to three other schools: Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Hayfield, West Springfield, Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” and Edison with requests March 2015 | The Current | 16

L

What you need to know: Requirements: Must be 18 or older to join without parental consent Must be a U.S. Citizen or Resident Must at least have a high school diploma Must pass the physical exam

Benefits:

Tuition Assistance 30 days of vacation per year Health and Dental Care Tax-Free housing

rewards.

Club Emerge welcomes students to enjoy teenage fun with a touch of christianity

to start Club Emerge programs in other schools within the county.

Band director and sponsor of Club Emerge Charlie Mitchell believes that students truly drive the spirit of the club.

“When students have the drive to put out their own beliefs and ideals, how can you not support it?”

The club is led by youth group members from Pastor Trayers’ church and meet monthly at each school. “We have small groups discussions about how God has helped us in our lives. Someone in charge of the club will often give a short presentation of how God is in our lives through lectures and visual demonstrations. After the meeting portion of the club, we all

eat food. Sometimes, it’s donuts, and other times, it’s pizza from Dominos. Soda and popcorn are always provided,” says senior Emily Johnson.

The purpose of the club is to create an inviting environment for everyone. Junior Alfred Reid has seen this aspect during meetings, “Club Emerge is meant to be open to anybody, regardless of any kind of denomination. Within Christianity itself even are different beliefs, though the focus is more on withholding your own beliefs regardless of what others tell you.” Club Emerge not only brings people of the same faith together, but it also provides opportunities for new friendships to occur and to explore a new religion.

“Club Emerge is meant to be open to anybody, regardless of any kind of denomination.”

Edison Athletic Boosters Commemorative Brick Program

features

Be a part of a very special opportunity! Now is your chance to support our school with a donation that will last a lifetime. Buy a brick (or more) for yourself or a loved one. Each brick will be a visible part of the main entrance to Fennell Field as a wall alongside the stadium. All proceeds raised from the commemorative brick program will be donated to the Edison High School Athletic Boosters’ Club.

Name____________________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________ Phone________________________________Email_______________________________

($100) One personalized brick with up to 4 lines of text (no logo) ($125) One personalized bricked with your choice of logo and 4 lines of text Circle one logo (examples below): Basketball Baseball Bats Diver Field Hockey Football Golfing Gymnast Lacrosse Cheerleading Megaphone Soccer Softball Swimmer-Female Swimmer- Male Tennis Racquet Track Runner- Female Track Runner- Male Volleyball Wrestler U.S. Army JROTC Music Symbols Actors Masks Edison Eagle Engraving: If the Edison Eagle or other logo is NOT on the brick, allow for 21 characters per line including spaces and punctuation. If the Edison Eagle or other logo IS on the brick, allow for 18 characters per line including spaces and punctuation.

Engraving Line 1: __________________________________________________________ Engraving Line 2: __________________________________________________________ Engraving Line 3: __________________________________________________________ Engraving Line 4: __________________________________________________________

If ordering more than one brick, please complete another form. Two ways to order: Online: https://fs4.formsite.com/ThomasEdisonHS/form15/index.html Or mail this form with check made payable to Edison Athletic Boosters to: Edison High School Attn: Athletic Booster Treasurer – Brick Program 5801 Franconia Road Alexandria, VA 22310 Bricks will be ordered in lots of 100 and laid accordingly. The Edison Athletic Boosters Club reserves the right to deny applications due to obscenities or inappropriate phrases. If you are ordering more than one brick, submit more than one form.

17 | The Current | March 2015

the

current

Don’t STRESS the te Frida Salmoran guest writer

A

ccording to The College Board, the new SAT will be “more focused and useful than ever before.”

The SAT was first introduced in 1962 on a 1600-point scale. Since 2005, the SAT we know now was introduced featuring a 2400-point scale.

This current SAT takes 3 hours and 45 minutes and is made up of 10 timed sections. Each section falls into one of three categories: writing, math, or critical reading.

The points earned in each section are then calculated and, based on raw score conversions, become a score from 200-800. These three scores are then added to arrive to a score out of 2400 possible points.

However, in early 2014, the College Board announced that beginning in 2016, the SAT would return to the 1600-point scale and be shortened to 3 hours. In addition, students will be able to take the essay portion optionally, similarly to the ACT. f students decide to go through with the essay section, they will be allotted 50 extra minutes as opposed to the 25 currently given for the mandatory essay which always begins the SAT. To many, these changes come as a shock. Consequently, there are

I

1900

mixed feelings about these changes.

On one hand, junior Jon Esteva says, “The changes seem fair, but not all necessarily beneficial… making other parts [besides the essay] of the test easier seems unnecessary. Making it easier doesn’t make it any more useful.” pecifically, the changes in the writing section seemed to alarm many students, regardless of their position in the SAT-taking process.

“Personally I have no problems with the essay, but I can understand where others do. Writing is not as easy a skill to improve as math or vocab, and it’s also the only subjective part of the test, creating room for issues with grading. I do not like the idea of lowering the vocab level though, as the SAT should test your knowledge beyond everyday words, forcing you to study or read more,” continues Esteva. enior Susana Zelaya adds, “I think [the changes] should be put into effect because it definitely is less stressful thinking about the score and more of a demonstration to colleges of your knowledge.

However, it is still a standardized test and I think that they do not test fairly because every student is different and a 3 hour-long test is very hard to do for the first time.”

Zelaya explains, “I think it is also unfair because the essay will be

S

S

1926

Collegeboard was First SAT test is created. administered

March 2015 | The Current | 18

1933

optional and some might think that because they are not great writers they can skip it, but what if it is the make or break to your score?”

Sophomores Savannah Gold and Halle Kaufax, both of whom will be among the first class to take these redesigned SATs, expressed their thoughts.

“I think it is sort of unfair to the students in my class as many of us have already started preparing for the current SAT. We’ve taken the PSATs and I do not know about other students but I have been doing some practice problems online.

However, they did say we would know what would be on the test as opposed to the current SAT where you sorta have an idea of what you might see. If this test is more reasonable then it might be more fair,” said Kaufax. ecreasing the length of the test means more focused mental energy and probability of less distraction or mental tiredness that can occur during the test,” added Gold.

Speculation on how these changes will affect the level of perceived difficulty of the test has risen as well.

“I don’t think it is easier, but I do think that there is more room to do very well and actually get a great score. I really like that it is becoming a less stressful thing, and there is more emphasis on

“D

1934

SAT scores are Harvard requires used to grant SAT test for all Harvard scholar- applicants ships

really encompassing your skills and knowledge” Zelaya continues, “I’m a bit jealous that these changes are happening after class of 2015 is gone, but I’m really happy that other classes really have that opportunity to do great.” egardless, these changes are coming and they will certainly have an impact on the classes to come, and students already have expectations.

Esteva predicts, “I expect that these changes will increase average performance on the SAT by making it easier. It will completely alter the [college] application process because if everyone is now getting higher scores, many of the more exclusive schools will respond by raising the standards and what their applicants need in order to be accepted.” tudents like Zelaya, although finished with her SAT experience, remain hopeful that these changes will bring about positive change for the SAT experiences yet to come.

“I really hope that this allows colleges to see that the standardized test does not define a student holistically. I also hope more students become aware that even if they don’t do well a 3-hour test does not define how much knowledge or skill they have obtained from learning,” said Zelaya.

1959

R

S

1977

ACT is established The number of and becomes the SAT tests given main competition annually rises to 6. to the SAT.

st:

features

How psyching yourself out can set you up for failure HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE SAT

SAMPLES OF QUESTIONS FROM THE FIRST SAT TEST IN 1926

-Take SAT prep classes -Get a private tutor -Use online resources for studying -Get the SAT question app -Make flashcards to study vocabulary -Take practice tests -Study in groups for motivation -Do not stress yourself out -Focus on your test, not anyone else in the room -Go to sleep at your normal bed time the night before -Dress comfortably for the test -Turn off your phone during the test -Make sure you are prepared the night before -Bring a snack for in between the sections -Bring a water bottle -Take advantage of breaks by walking around

1. “A man spent one-eighth of his spare change for a package of cigarettes, three times as much for a meal, and then had eighty cents left. How much money did he have at first?” _________________ 2. “A steel cylinder, 20 inches in diameter, is being turned on a lathe at a speed of 1000 revolutions per minute. To what speed must the lathe be changed in order to retain the same surface speed on the cylinder when it is turned down from 20 inches to 10 inches?” _________________ 3.Indicate which three words are most closely related: a. Columbus Socrates Beethoven Wagner Verdi Corneille -----------------------------------b. belt textile sleeve lapel men collar

PRACTICE TIPS

Questions taken from: http://mentalfloss.com/article/50276/takevery-first-sat Answers: 1$1.60, 2. 2000 revolutions, 3. a. Beethoven, Wagner, Verdi, b. sleeve, lapel, collar

1984

1995

The first SAT prep The College books are pubBoard website lished and sold in was launched. bookstores.

2005 The writing section is added to the test.

Start with the mastery of material, then pacing, then endurance. Don’t do a full run through test until you have mastered the material and pacing. When you do take a practice test, practice the way you will take the actual test. While preparing, limit your distractions and have a similar setup each time.

2009 Students are now able to choose which SAT scores they send to colleges.

2013 College Board announces that the SAT will be changing in 2016.

2016 Newest changes to the SAT will be implemented

19| The Current| March 2015

the

current

Bracket Busti Will Dobson and Justin Askenazy sports editors

A

s March has now arrived, fans of college basketball are gearing up for March Madness, the annual hype-palooza surrounding the 68 best teams in the country. These same people are also likely to be filling out their brackets, hopelessly trying to beat the 1 to 9 quintillion odds of getting a perfect one. With that in mind, allow us to offer a few tips to help you make a bracket that is sure to beat your friends’.

1 2

No. 16 seeds have lost to the No. 1 seeds 116 straight times.

In other words, every time since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. According to statisticians, there is only a 1 to 2 percent chance of such an upset, so only the bravest of people should put that in their bracket.

Lowest seed to make the Final Four: No. 11, when LSU, George Mason, and VCU did so in 1986, 2006, and 2011, respectively. The lowest seed to win the entire tournament was No. 8 Villanova, in 1985. With such little precedence, it would be best to choose a higher seed to be the champion.

Kentucky is this year’s team to beat.

They have held the #1 spot in the rankings since the beginning of the season and have gone undefeated in 27 straight matchups. However, they have played only four ranked teams so far, so don’t be surprised if they stumble against the stiffer competition.

3

4

Michigan State has only had limited success this season, but has the potential to be a dark horse contender, slipping its way into the later rounds. Legendary coach Tom Izzo’s squad has recently been on a winning streak and is currently in second place in the Big Ten.

5 March 2015 | The Current | 20

All four No. 1 seeds have made the Final Four only one since seeding began in 1979. It happened in 2008, when Kansas, Memphis, UNC, and UCLA all did so.

8

Travel can have a big impact on teams’ success. According to the Raleigh, N. C. News and Observer, teams that travel 100 miles or less between matchups have a 77% chance of winning their next game; teams that travel 250 miles or less have a 69% chance of winning; and teams that travel more than 250 miles have only a 46.5% chance of winning.

7

Pick a team with blue as one of their jersey colors to win--the top four winningest Division 1 basketball teams (Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina) all have blue in their jerseys.

If you want to pick a local team to go far in the tournament, look no further than Virginia, which is currently ranked second in the nation. With only one loss so far this year, UVA has shown it can hang with supercompetitive teams, such as North Carolina and Louisville, which will serve them well when the pressure amps up in March.

6

ng:

sports eight tips to help you make an impressive, winning bracket

Cut out this bracket and use it to fill out all the teams named on Selection Sunday on March 15. Follow along as the tournament runs from March 17 until April 6. Although 1 in 7 fans call in sick to work during this time, there are no excused absences for ‘basketball-itis.’

21 | The Current | March 2015

the

current

Can a sports team be too good?

Kentucky’s up-and-coming dynasty seems unbeatable Will Dobson sports editor

O

ver the years, there have been many notable dynasties in a variety of sports--and we may have a new one on our hands: University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball team.

Kentucky coach John Calipari is a recruiting legend, but the basketball team he has put together this season is outrageous. Calipari’s recruiting ability is through the roof, which is part of why Kentucky is a perennial powerhouse. Fortune smiles upon he who beats Kentucky this year.

This year the Wildcats have a platoon system, with two sets of five players rotating in and out of the game. Out of these ten players, nine are McDonald’s All Americans,

Tickets: $15 in advance or $20 at the door (15 games/45 chances to WIN) Games start at 6:30 PM ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT EDISON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

March 2015 | The Current | 22

or (simply put) the best in the country. Kentucky’s success at the collegiate level shows the beginnings of a dynasty. If they are able to keep their recruiting standards up and bring in new, talented recruits, they will be the next big college dynasty.

This Kentucky team brings up an interesting question: Can any sports franchise be too good? Could they cause fans to become frustrated with the teams prowess and become less interested in that sport?

Basketball seems to be susceptible to powerful teams, both in college and in the NBA. For example, the most well known, and successful dynasty in college basketball was the 1964-1975 UCLA mens team. With legendary coach John Wooden leading the charge, this team was almost unbeatable, winning eleven NCAA championships during that time period.

There are certainly many candidates for the title of most

opponent-crushing, megaintimidating, awe-inspiring, awesomely unfair team, and I believe that Kentucky may be the supreme overlord of being awesome at basketball for now.

An extremely powerful team can be a good thing for sports. It can be entertaining and refreshing to root for an underdog, and it can be fun to watch a bit of a blowout. After a long stretch of obnoxious wins by any powerhouse one may wish that the team would be broken up, but great teams increase viewing ratings as shown by the large viewing gap between the Astros and Yankees last season. On average, the Yankees pulled 254,000 viewers per game, while in one game the Astros only had 1,000 viewers. The Yankees are obviously the dynasty in this situation.

The definition of a dynasty in the sports setting is a team that continuously dominates exponents for an extended period of time.

While there is some debate about

whether some teams are dynasties or not, there are a few shoo-ins for the dynasty title. One example is the Boston Celtics team who won 11 NBA championships from 1957-1969. This Celtics team was, and is, one of the greatest NBA teams ever. The Celtics coach Red Auerbach famously said that “defense wins championships,” and he must have had something right to win that consistently at the highest level of basketball.

While a team may be incredibly successful for a period of time and leave all opponents defeated in their wake, they will eventually lose power and give someone else a chance. Thus, a sports franchise cannot be TOO good. Fans may eventually become bored, unless the dynasty is their team, but eventually fans will catch a break and maybe their team will start winning again.

Unless your team is the Knicks.

Then I give you my condolences and am truly sorry for your losses.

Visit https://fs4.formsite. com/ThomasEdisonHS/ form11/index.html or Use the QR code below to purchase advance tickets

arts

Ricki Wood

CULTURE takes the STAGE

Picture taken of the stage during Justin Bieber’s encore performance. The firework explosion lights up the crowd as they get ready for one last song.

Jennifer Miller staff writer

prominent in cultures all around already have an experience to bond punk music, wear all black, ripped the world. Music as a whole can be over.” clothes, and have dyed hair. Howbroken down into genres, and those Music fans have their own comever, as seen in high school culture, genres can be broken down even munities, all bonding over their there are people that don’t identify further. For example, Rock music similar interests and beliefs. There themselves with one sole music can stem out to include Pop-Rock, are a lot of networks and websites genre or clique in high school. A lot Punk-Rock, and Metal. Music that work to bring fans together. of people listen and connect with culture is endless. However, some SoundCloud and Youtube are multiple genres and styles. identify themselves within a certain examples of sites that are used to “You all are in the same venue music genre, a subculture within stream and share music and music because of the same thing. You all music culture. videos. Twitter and Tumblr are can relate even if it’s just for that People big social media sites that allow night. It’s really calming to know subconsciously fans from all around the world to that you’re all bonding over the dress, act, talk, communicate with each other, and music you love,” said senior Ricki and think differdirectly talk to musicians.

Wood. ently depending Just like high school cliques, Music is universal; people from on the kind of there are cliques in music. The all around the world can listen to music they congroups of people who love country a song and relate to it. People feel nect with. “Music defines people music, tend to wear hats and connected to music, and artists within their personalities,” said cowboy boots. The people that like because of the way they identify junior and musician Elmor Argueta. with the lyrics.

Music influences people in ways they don’t even realize.

Not only does concert culture help a person identify themselves, they also help them find other people.

“I found most of my friends through music,” said senior Franchesca Montequin. “Going to a concert is a great way to meet people. It’s a good Panoramic picture of the crowd at a Luke Bryan concert. The fans anxiously wait for the opening act to come icebreaker. You

“It’s really calming to know that you’re all bonding over the music you love.”

Jennifer Miller

S

tanding in the middle of a sold out concert; loud music blaring from the speakers, singing to the lyrics you always hear streaming through the radio, this is concert culture.

With every concert comes a different crowd, and depending on the artist, venue and the genre of music, the concert has a different atmosphere.

A punk concert will have a mosh pit and crowd surfing, at either a club or an outdoor festival. While a big pop artist will be at a higher capacity venue such as an arena, or a stadium, and there might be dancers with a bigger production.

Depending on the concert, the visuals and pyrotechnics will differ.

A band will want to put the focus more on their instruments, while a solo artist will go for a bigger entertainment aspect in order to keep the attention of the fans.

Each concert is equally entertaining, but each draw a different type of crowd, and get a different response.

People identify themselves with their culture, and music is

“I’m just writing songs about my life, but as it turns out, my life is pretty similar to other people’s lives. Honestly, it feels good to know we’re going through this s*** together.”

Dan Campbell Lead singer of The Wonder Years

on and start the show.

23 | The Current| March 2015

the

current

Are you NETFLIX’d?

The shows that everyone is hooked on Mackenzie Nolan staff writer

“Doctor Who is funny and expands the imagination for the possiblilities of new life,” said sophmore Madison Sterner

“Breaking Bad is interesting and just good,” said freshman Steven Kirby.

“Supernatural is an awesome show and represents supernatural themes,” said sophmore Fiona Kunkle

“I like Breaking Bad because it’s interesting and suspenseful,” said Senior John Lazo.

“The IT Crowd is humorous and light yet contains depth and plot,” said sophmore Nicholas Riehle.

All photos taken by Mackenzie Nolan

Trending Now

@ Edison

24 | The Current| March 2015