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GRINDING’S LAST DANCE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2010 | VOLUME LVIII ISSUE 2 | 7400 CORNELL RD. CINCINNATI, OHIO 45242, 513.686.1770 EXT. 3089
smDIPALI
news chief
& emmaOH
fter weeks of rumors and misconceptions, the theory that “grinding” is now banned at all future dances is still swarmed with confusion. The definition of grinding varies from person to person, thus making it difficult for the administration to clarify the rules within the policy. Typically, grinding is a movement in which partners repeatedly rub up against each other. Those opposed to grinding believe it is inappropriate for school functions, arguing that it is sexually suggestive. “After winter formal last year, I had parents and students come to me complaining about how some students were dancing,” said Mrs. Karen Bare, assistant principal. Soon after, a group of parents approached the administration asking for a policy against grinding. Together, they did some research on the policies of other schools and decided it was time to speak out against the suggestive dance form. “The adults that I’ve talked with are looking for no grinding,” said Mr. Chris Davis, principal. And that is exactly what they thought was going to happen. However, it appears that, as of press time, the administration has not defined the exact terms of what the guidelines entail. “We still have to calibrate ourselves in terms of an administrative standpoint. By that I mean that we still have to decide what we will accept and what we won’t,” said Davis. On top of that, the confusion within the administrative team mirrors that of the student body. Rumors have run rampant regarding the enforcement of the rule. Concerns range from changes in the playlist to the level of grinding permitted. Additionally, the opinions throughout the building are strong and varied. While some are relieved to finally have a clean, comfortable dance,
others feel that their views were not considered. Student Council, above all, believes that they were due some consultation in the matter. Each year, Homecoming has been Student Council’s main source of revenue, which is used to finance other events, such as Battle of the Bands, Winter Formal, graduation and the Mr. Sycamore Pageant. Among their many worries, their main cause for concern is that students will be discouraged from attending the dance due to the policy. “Mr. Davis came to ask for Student Council’s advice and we gave our best input, but by that time the policy was already set,” said Charlotte Harris, Junior Class President. In response to these complaints, Davis noted that although Homecoming is Student Council’s event, he was not looking for them to endorse it or support it. “It’s not a student decision. It’s an adult and school expectation. We try to involve young adults as much as possible, but this was an adult decision,” said Davis. The administration and other student groups want to stress that Homecoming has been one of SHS’s key traditions and that not attending the dance will only hurt the students more, as they will be stripped of further school functions. “I venture to say that the majority of the student population will still attend the dance. Once we get beyond the initial emotional response I think that students will realize they can still go to the dance and have an exciting, great time,” said Davis. As of press time, the rule stands to rid all future dances of “sexually explicit dancing.” “We want the dance floor to be a comfortable atmosphere. Any dance move that resembles the simulation of a sex act will not be tolerated,” said Bare.
Excellence rating: rishiCHOUBEY
staff writer
Every year, the Ohio Department of Education gives a district report card to Sycamore Community Schools. For the past 11 years, Sycamore Schools has consistently been marked with the highest possible score. On paper, the elementary schools, middle school, junior high, and high school have all far exceeded the state’s requirements on standardized statewide tests, rates of improvement on those tests, student attendance and graduation rates for a little over a decade. However, taking into account the excellence award of Sycamore Community Schools, can the district’s annual
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image by jimmy chau
A
business manager, feature chief
Ohio Department of Education honors SHS with distinction for second consecutive year
success merely be measured by statistics? “There are a number of outside criteria that played a role in this achievement,” said Mrs. Christine Allen, an English teacher at SHS, “The strength of instruction from the teachers, the involvement of parents, the diversity of the student body, and the numerous leaders in the administration.” Some of the credit should go toward parents, many of who are actively involved with the PTA in school functions daily. “We sell supplies each day to help students. We also raise money for the senior class with t-shirts. I know in the elementary schools parents help with carnivals and reach out to families. At Maple Dale money is raised to
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buy presents for kids in need,” said Mrs. Dana Yengo, a PTA volunteer. There really is a diverse student population which encourages more perspective, open-mindedness, and tolerance. “I came here from China when I was in the fourth grade,” said Yubo Sun, 11, “I think Sycamore has a place for everyone. Most people can find students just like them and feel accepted.” It should be noted that while the community does perform well on tests and students attend school daily, there are outside factors that have also contributed to its excellence.
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