Issue 1

Log

The Northmen’s

Friday, August 28, 2009

Freshmen have their day, see pages 3 and 8.

Oak Park High School

Issue 1, Volume 45

Peer Helpers seniors Brittany Caravella and DeDe Colen lead the Peer Helpers in teaching freshmen the color shout during freshmen day Monday, Aug. 17. photo by Gina Drapela, editor-in-chief After their skit, Peer Helpers seniors Lucas Favreau and Mathew Badami rock out the color shout for the freshman. photo by Gina Drapela, editor-in-chief

Helpersdeliverlaughs

by Gabrielle Young editorial editor On Monday, Aug. 17 -- freshmen day -- Peer Helpers performed a skit called “A Day in the Life of an Oak Park Freshman.”

As the title states the skit took the audience through a freshman’s first day. Topics within included dressing appropriatley for school, finding classes and respecting the teacher.

“I loved all of it,” said Peer Helper senior Dede Colen. “I liked the comedic parts.”

The skit was only a demonstration of what the Peer Helpers do.

To prepare for the skit, members went to a retreat in July at a Missouri camp called “Camp Hope.” They completed Peer Helpers training and worked in groups; each group received an assignment to see what issue they would act out.

Members then pooled their assigned issues together into one skit.

The students edited their skit multiple times in order to perfect it before freshmen day.

“We met again on freshmen day at 6:30, and we rehearsed again another half-hour,” coordinator Kathleen Poehlman said. “Everyone was a little nervous; it was a good day to show some serious

points.”

Freshmen day isn’t the only time Peer Helpers help out around the school. They also help out with new students; giving them tours and having lunch with them.

“They’re a helping resource.” Poehlman said.

For one, the decision to become a Peer Helper was simple.

“I wanted to get more involved in school,” said senior Justin McAfee.

The Peer Helpers are looking to expand their help around the school.

“We’re going to have a meeting discussing how to go forward.” Poehlman said.

Falcons come Freshmen show home to roost excitement from first

by Courtney Light writer

As the lights went on the fields lit up, they realized this was their new stadium. The navy blue and white that once stained the jersey they wore was now coated with a dark green and black. As they looked out into the crowd they saw all their friends painted in blue, but cheering for them, the green. This fall, they returned to the blue.

When the district announced Staley High School the newest high school would be operational for the school year of 2008-2009, there were many mixed emotions.

“I know for a lot of students it was a tough thing.

And for a lot it was an exciting thing,” said principal Fred Skretta.

The opening of Staley included students who wanted to be at one school or the other even though they resided in the opposite’s atten-

dance area.

“I think there was an effort by the district to make the move easier, but at some point you have to have a limit somewhere with someone,” Skretta said.

After giving Staley a full school year, some students still weren’t happy. ”They set impossible and unreachable goals for us,” senior Lauren Phillips said.

She attended Oak Park her freshman and sophomore years, was moved to Staley, then transfered back for this year.

She was not alone, several students have switched colors in the last few weeks.

When the students here heard how some of the Staley kids were returning, they had reactions as well.

“I think having these kids here shows how exceptional Oak Park is and how we are willing to accept them regardless of where they came from,” sophomore Alex Stompoly said.

As last year drew to a close, students began to hear about a new class called advisory. They heard it started this year, and would take the place of seminar. Now the new year has begun and students find themselves asking what advisory means.

A 20-minute class between second and third block, advisory provides a time where students meet with teachers, senior mentors and other students in their grade to sort through parts of their lives and high school careers. Students will have the same advisory class and teacher throughout their four years of school.

“Advisory, in terms of curriculum, is openended,” said principal Fred Skretta.

Though students do not receive grades in the

News Briefs

Junior Kyle Quatrochi and senior Autumn Daugherty anchor the first two weeks of live Blue in Review shows. photo by Gina Drapela, editor-in-chief

Blue in Review runs live daily

The end of freshmen day came with an assembly featuring cheerleaders, Pommies, color guard and the Marching Northmen. Freshmen, including freshman Asher Fairbrain, were eager to show their school spirit. photo by Gina Drapela, editor-inchief * For more photos, see page 6.

Daily advisory replaces seminar

by Jessica Nichols features editor

*For more photos, see page 6.

class, advisory helps them gain a strong understanding of the high school environment.

“Think relationships,” Skretta said.

Three advisory goals deal with the bonds students make during their high school experience.

The class’ design helps students learn how to develop positive relationships with their peers and advisor, while gaining a sense of belonging at OP. Students can get the support they need to succeed in academics, attendance and citizenship through the fourth advisory goal. Teachers will check the grades and attendance records of their advisory students every Monday.

Students have the opportunity to travel through the school on Tuesdays and Fridays.

They may use this time to see their teachers for additional assistance they need or to make up work. Teachers will hand out advisory passes for students in need of assistance on advisory “travel

Advisory schedule: * Monday - grade and attendance checks * Tuesday - travel day * Wednesday - advisory time with advisor * Thursday - no advisory time due to early release for collaboration * Friday - travel day days”.

“All students and teachers have advisory at the same time, guaranteeing teacher availability,” Skretta said.

The normal advisory schedule will begin next week, following the guidelines laid out in the “Advisory Program Overview” by the teacher team and Principal’s Advisory Council.

Starting a new year, “Blue in Review” has changed things up.

Last year the broadcast was shown at the beginning of second block. Now BIR plays the last 10 minutes of advisory, more than an hour later in the day.

BIR also changed to live format, which can be more of a challenge for the staff.

In addition, there are 14 staff members, four members short of last year.

“The biggest challenge that we have is there are so many new staff members,” said junior Kyle Quatrochi.

“We all had to learn how everything worked so quickly.”

In addition to going live and the staff decrease, BIR will have weekly segments including a weekly weather forecast, clubs reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, special interviews and a weekend sports update.

“This staff has gelled super quickly, and stepped up to a huge challenge,” said adviser Christina Geabhart.

“I’m so impressed by their professionalism and ability to work as a team.”

2

page sports

Deserving their jerseys An embedded journalist’s opinion after his attempt to be a football player

by Alex Mallin sports editor As I finished the final knot on my Nike cleats, I began to dig the platform of my foot in the turf and scrape it across forcefully to get a feel of the loaned out shoes. 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, and only a year before this point I had readied myself for eight hours of marching band camp. This was a different setting.

Rather than a musical instrument with me, I had a No. 45 jersey covering medium-sized wide receiver pads to protect my upper body, one large-sized Schutt football helmet and the cleats. The cleats which would follow my feet as I participated in my first day of practice with the Northmen football team.

If one were to ask most of the student body, they would likely say the words “Alex Mallin” and “football” don’t fit together in a sentence with the exception of a punch line in a joke. I have participated in a variety of activities in the last three years including marching band, theatre, tennis and, of course, journalism. In short, I found myself less than surprised when my father asked me to call him when I got out of practice to make sure I was still breathing.

I walked in to the practice expecting the worst: that the team would treat me as a member of a typical opposing team on a Friday night. I came out with a completely different view and a new appreciation of what it truly means to play football as a member of a team preparing year round for only a guaranteed 10

games.

After warm ups, the team divided up into the different positions to run drills the coaching staff feels will improve players’ ability in their specific position.

Senior Chase Claytor told me I would follow him around with the rest of the receivers on the team.

With the receivers, he told me, I would have a more likely chance of walking out of practice in one piece; I didn’t ask questions.

The wide receivers and I went through drills of field route running and various speed drills to improve strength and awareness in game play situations. I made sure to set myself near the back of the line, so I could get a good interpretation of the routes before I had to go. Various coaches provided me with several helpful critiques as I attempted to imitate the seasoned players including: “Why are you lined up on the wrong foot?”

“45, don’t go out there if you don’t know what you’re doing!”

And my favorite: “Who is this kid?”

After running several more types of drill in which I did my best not to embarrass myself any further, the team huddled up around head coach Keith Ross for a mid-practice meeting.

Ross spoke of the difficulties facing the team, the most prominent one being the size of the class 5A team which has decreased from 110 students coming out last year to 85 coming out this year, with 15 returning lettermen and only three returning starters.

Still out of breath, the team listened with an urgency in them which grew as Ross told them they have only six practices left until they took the field as a team at the Jamboree Friday, Aug. 21.

In the huddle and throughout the practice there remained a weight of

Sports Briefs

Cheer paves the road to State

State remains a thought in many cheerleaders’ minds since Friday, Aug. 7.

“We have to work really hard towards it,” said co-captain senior Kelsey Merrigan said.

They took third place in their regional competition at Lee’s Summit North sending them to University of MissouriColumbia for state competitions this fall.

Junior Heather Offield and senior Caitlin Strohm made All-American this year as well.

“We are super psyched,” Merrigan said.

Before this competition they had to be at the school every Monday through Thursday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Coach Leslie Martin with co-captains Merrigan and senior Kelsey Kaelin led the practices.

Girls golf looks to a year of learning Coach Seth DeRose said this year’s mostly inexperienced girls golf team has potential, with only three experienced players returning this year.

Seniors Anna Hyneman and Kate Brock will make this their first and last season on the team.

“It’s gonna be challenging, we are learning the game of golf,” DeRose said.

The season started Tuesday, Aug. 25 and ends Sunday, Oct. 10. The girls worked on techniques during the summer for their three-day camp in July at their home course of Hodge Park.

DeRose said he believes at least two of the players have the potential to go to state -- junior Kassie Vargas and sophomore Valeria Espadas.

“We have some girls that can put up some low numbers.” DeRose said.

last year’s winning season and the pressure of creating a team with only eight seniors having to step up and lead the rest as opposed to last year’s 24.

After dismissing them to continue their practice, the team prepared to set the field to run different plays it would run in actual game play.

Players aren’t allowed to wear full pads without three days of practice in, so I wasn’t able to practice for this portion.

On the sidelines, underclassmen and others watched their team run play after play until they satisfied the coaches with consistency. Many of the players discussed what the team would have to improve and others talked over the new jerseys the team would receive that day. One player, out with a dislocated shoulder; felt it wouldn’t be right for him to accept a jersey.

“I just feel like I don’t deserve it,” he said. “Like I’m not worthy of wearing it.”

In many sports, especially football, every player puts his or her body on the line and risks injury to improve the team. When the injured player said this, I developed a respect and pride I never before held for the team.

Injured in a practice while out giving his best to improve the team and then stuck on the sidelines, he felt he couldn’t accept a jersey symbolizing the team he had fought for.

The day I went to football camp I hoped to leave with a story, instead I left with a completely altered outlook on the team.

Football for this team remains not just a sport, but a tool used to bring a collective group of boys together to turn them in to young men. If one person on the team doesn’t do their job properly, the plays fall apart. Each player has the other player’s trust to do

Sports editor senior Alex Mallin jumps on one leg during his two days “on the football team.” photo

by Derek Byrne, special to The Log Mallin sets off to run his assigned route in 7-on-7 play, during the Thursday, Aug. 13, practice. photo

by Derek Byrne, special to The Log

their job to a point where it reaches a perfect balance in the team to make a winning play.

That pressure shapes the students to become part of something bigger than themselves.

The expectation to give every ounce of energy in their body to get that extra yard may not be apparent from the team people watch at the football stadium, but getting to know the people under the helmet gives one an outlook on the team few spectators can ever appreciate.

Being the new sports editor this year, this experience was more valuable to me than any I could ask for.

I will never say after two days of practice with the team that I can ever fully appreciate the true gravity of what being on the football team means. I can say after getting a taste of what the team goes through and the emotions that run through

a typical day of practice that I have a better understanding and appreciation of it than I could expect from just standing on the sidelines with a pen and a pad.

I walked off the field at 11:45 am on Friday, Aug.14, dead tired, mildly embarrassed, sore in places I had no idea existed, and proud.

Not of myself for making it through, but of my peers and my school.

When the Northmen come out tonight at District Activities Center near Staley to play against Lee’s Summit, they all come out not only deserving of the school colors they wear, but they come out representing the blue on blue of Oak Park with a distinction that deserves respect regardless of the outcome.

Former star returns to field State champion brings knowledge to quarterbacks, defensive teams

by Courtney Light writer The blue-on-blue crowd roared as the Northmen took the field in 1996 at the Missouri State Championships.

The team went into this game as a 12-2 team.

Lead by head quarterback, junior Kyle Sharp, the team was ready to play its hardest knowing the opposing team was the best of the best.

The scene at Hazelwood Central High School made one of the biggest games in these young men’s high school football careers.

This night they would win a trophy proudly displayed in the OP hallway for years to come.

But not many thought they’d come back to be a coach in the halls filled with those memories, including Sharp.

“I honestly never expected to,” Sharp said.

After, Sharp played for three more years in college at Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville he was re-

From an all-conference player as a junior in 1996 to the new quarterback and defensive coach, Kyle Sharp works on and off the field to make Northmen football a success.

moved from quarterback due to an injury, and put in as a running back.

“That really sucked, but I handled it,” Sharp said.

As a new quarterback and defense coach he is very excited to pass his teachings and what he has learned down to the football players here at Oak Park.

Sports Home Calendar

“He’s doing a good job so far,” head coach Keith Ross said. “He was a great player, but sometimes great players don’t make good coaches. But he’s a great player, and he’s doing a great job coaching.”

8/25 - 9/25

Girls Tennis

4 p.m. Sept. 2 at OP vs. St Joe Central

4 p.m. Sept. 22 at OP vs. Tonka

Volleyball

6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at DAC vs. Truman

4 p.m. Sept. 17 at OP vs. William Chrisman

Softball

4 p.m. Sept. 23 at OP vs. Belton

Football

5:30 p.m. Sept. 3 at OP vs. Kearney

4 p.m. Sept. 9 at OP vs. Ray-Pec

7 p.m. Aug. 28 at DAC vs. Lee’s Summit

5:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at OP vs. St. Theresa’s

4 p.m. Sept. 2 at OP vs. Park Hill

4 p.m. Sept. 15 at OP vs. Park Hill

7 p.m. Sept. 18 at DAC vs. William Chrisman

5:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at OP vs. Truman

4 p.m. Sept. 9 at OP vs. Tonka

9/3 2 p.m. Sept. 3 at Hodge Park vs. NKC

4 p.m. Sept. 17 at OP vs. NKC

7 p.m. Sept. 25 at DAC vs. Tonka

Boys Soccer

4 p.m. Sept. 10 at OP vs. Liberty

2:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Hodge Park vs. St. Joe Central

6:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at DAC vs. Lee’s Summit

Girls Golf

page 3 opinion

Log’s View: Staley transfers Two years ago, Oak Park experienced a split in underclass sizes with the arrival of a new addition to the district. Staley’s appeal sent many opting for a chance to transfer, while there were those who would have rather not moved at all.

Housing locations determined who would transfer and who wouldn’t. Few extenuating circumstances existed where one could find themselves exempt from involuntary placement into or out of one school or the other.

Classes split -- no matter the frustrationswhen Staley opened. Life-long friends had to say goodbye-to some extent-to their longtime classmates. School-time lives changed for everyone involved. Despite what anyone felt, these changes happened.

Lately students seem to think they can switch between the two schools easily with-

out consequence. Without situations like an address change, students make requests to transfer. For some reason, these recent requests seem to be granted more often.

The Log feels some reasons for these requests have no merit at all.

Students who change schools in order

Your Views How do you feel about theHPMiniNotelaptops?

to improve academic or athletic standing do nothing but cheapen their accomplishments while making life harder for those who don’t.

What do these transfers mean for Oak Park? These transfer kids come into counseling potentially scrambling class sizes. The

spot left in one class could be taken, leaving someone else with fewer choices in their schedule. Transfers happen outside of the district, but excessive amounts within make things more hectic for scheduling.

But what else are these students doing to others when transferring between schools just to make life easier for them? They’re setting an example for fellow students. Watching classmates disregard transfer rules, students lose respect for the district’s system.

If those students could skate through the system, why can’t they?

We made the borders for a reason -to follow them. No one should be exempt from these rules for any reason.

We as a school and a district need to stop such behavior.

Drummertacklesoutofzone

“I love it; I think it’s a great idea.” sophomore Alex Stompoly

“I think its gonna be awesome, because we won’t have as much to take home.” freshman Christian Upschulte * for the story, see page 2

Freshmen start new year right “In some ways I think that it will be really helpful, but a giant liability.” senior Taylor Weatherly

Gabrielle Young editorial editor

Nothing could be worse than a Monday morning, unless it’s pouring down rain, and experiencing the joy of getting up at 6 a.m. just to catch the bus. Better yet the first day of school, high school. That’s what happened to all the freshmen Monday, Aug.17.

Students started arriving at about 7 a.m. decked out in school gear and herded into the gym. Each student picked up a name tag and sat according to his advisory teacher.

Afterward students re-

“I think its gonna help me be a better teacher, because I’m gonna have to reflect on my current practices and adjust them to meet the needs of the students at Oak Park.” history teacher Jacob Sirna

united with their friends from middle school. They made introductions, and then took a ‘class of 2013’ group picture with faculty.

All the joy of starting high school included a little anxiety.

“I’m really nervous,” said freshman Donna Jacks.

“It’s a new school and a lot of my friends went to Staley.”

The transition created optimism for others.

“I’m really excited about all the new classes, theatre, choir and French,” said freshman Emily Kitelinger.

Advisory teachers took students on a tour of the building before they watched a peer helpers skit. Students ended their day with a motivational pep talk for a successful graduation.

I had the opportunity of shadowing Doug Montague, teacher of architecture and civil engineering on computers. During the tour students became excited for the gumball machine, vending machines and the pizza line.

Teachers also warned

freshmen to never use the main stairs, telling them they’d be late and the seniors would push them around.

Montague said he felt pretty good about the new freshmen “I think it’s going to be a great group of kids; we had a great turn out today considering the weather,” Montague said.

As tours continued, students clustered in the Little Theater to become familiar with the Oak Park Way. Later, freshmen viewed a mini skit performed by peer helpers called “The Day in the Life of an Oak Park Freshman.” The mood was light as students and teachers filled the air with laughter.

Another group of students filed into the Main Auditorium for their motivational pep talk for a successful graduation. Jostens representative Jeff Enger lead the discussion.

Enger wanted the students to be hyped about high school and what it all entails.

He encouraged them to involve themselves in school , to apply themselves, to ask for help and to have a good GPA. He showed the students statistics proving that freshmen have the lowest GPA and the highest discipline referral rates. If freshmen showed the lowest discipline referral rates at the end of the year, Enger agreed to buy them all doughnuts and to draw one of their names out of a hat to receive a free class ring.

“They didn’t seem excited; it’s off the cuff, it was an incentive, if it works then I’ll be happy,” Enger said.

At the end of the day, freshmen signed a banner commiting themselves to graduating on time.

The half-day rounded out with cheers by Cheerleaders, Color Guard, Pommies and the band. This event probably forced freshmen to realize that they are the new generation of Oak Park.

The Northmen’s Log Staff “They are pointless, we don’t need them.” junior Maria Curiale

We want your opinions!

Write your letter to the editor.

Sign it.

Bring it to E133 or E134.

Editor-in-Chief & Photo Editor Gina Drapela Opinion Editor Gabrielle Young Sports Editor Alex Mallin Entertainment Editor Mandy Nichols Lifestyles Editor Courtney Kelly Feature Editor Jessica Nichols

Copy Editor Samantha Colhour Cartoonist Johnna Hensley Writers Courtney Light Kim Shields Kayla Smith Photographer Ally Sansone Adviser Christina Geabhart

“The Northmen’s Log” is published 10 times during the school year. “The Log” is a student forum for expression; it is produced by students for students.

“The Log” accepts letters to the editor in rooms E133 or E134 or geabhart@nkcsd.k12.mo.us. Letters cannot exceed a length of 350 words. We will not run letters that are libelous, obscene, or that may cause a verifiable disruption of the education process of Oak Park. Letters must be signed.

Advertisers may con-

tact the business manager at 413-5352, or 825 N.E. 79th Terrace, Kansas City, MO, 64118.

Opinions expressed in “The Log” do not reflect staff endorsements of that product or service.

“The Log” is a member of NSPA, MIPA and Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists. “The Log” is affiliated with JEA and JEMKC.

4

page features

Digitalization invades school

by Alex Mallin sports editor

Each day, people find difficulties escaping the influence of technology on their lives. From computers at home, cell phones with Wi-Fi to the digital alarm clock which may wake a student for school, technology consumes and has become a crucial tool to rely on for daily life.

In mid- to late-September, Oak Park will be the first out of the four schools in the district to send each student out of the building with their own “mini” laptop for use in their academic studies.

Principal Fred Skretta said he believes the further immersion of the school into modern technology will have a positive effect not only on the school but the students as well.

“We know how the students have all probably grown up with technology,” Skretta said. “So knowing how engaged kids are with it and that it is a big part of the world, we wanted to bring more of that part of the world into the school learning environment.”

Skretta, along with several other teachers, attended a national technology conference in Seattle, Wash., last year where they learned more about the effectiveness of loaning out personal computers to students. This has only been done in a few schools around the country.

“There was a school outside of Seattle that we visited and toured,” Skretta said.

“They had done it with regular laptops and it wasn’t to the scale that we plan to do it. They did it in waves with one or two grade levels only, but that gave you a chance to compare the groups that had them to the groups who didn’t and it was a huge difference. In that the ones who had them, they were showing that they were more successful, that their grades were better, and their scores on their state tests were better.”

In order for the students to recieve the laptops, faculty members needed to take four classes on how to incorporate the laptops into academic studies.

“We are going to kind of pave the way and work through the many speed bumps to see how it goes so that the other schools can do a great job too,” Skretta said.

“It’s really a team effort.

What we are going to do is have all the tech coordinators from each high school help out here then all four at the next school and the next school and the next school, so ideally the last school that goes should be the quickest and smoothest.”

According to Skretta, every student within the district should have a laptop within two months of OP getting them.

Skretta said he believes there has mostly been overwhelming support for the

use of laptops by the students, though he recognizes there are many obstacles of skepticism in between from students and teachers.

Science teacher Randy Glinn has taught for 25 years through many evolutions in the classrooms, and has an undecided outlook on what the future holds with the laptops.

“I think it’s worth a shot,” Glinn said. “I’m not sure how it’s all going to work out. I will say its going to be good for the kids to have everyone to have that ability.”

Glinn said he feels for his particular area of teaching the laptops won’t be an essential part of the classroom.

“I am probably not going to change much at this point because much of what we do is lab work,” Glinn said.

“Personally I think it is much better to work on an actual cat than a virtual dissection on the computer.”

Senior Justin Schultz feels the use of laptops will be a good addition to his school studies.

“In my German language class last year we were always in the computer lab,” Schultz said. “I think if they can manage it right it will be good for the school.”

During registration for this year, the school held mandatory meetings in the auditorium for parents to get more information on the laptops their children would be bringing home.

“There were some legiti-

School prepares for paperless environment Eight tips to Internet safety

by Jessica Nichols feature editor Never give out personal information about yourself or your family.

Make sure your screen name doesn’t give out too much about yourself. Never use your name, home town, or age.

Refrain from giving out passwords you use to get on chat sites including facebook and myspace. Also, don’t use the same password more than once.

If you use free WiFi access remember to wipe out your Web site memory. This can prevent people who are trying to hack your computer from gaining the information they need to do so.

Be aware of what you post about yourself.

Make sure the pictures from your best friend’s party are appropriate. Watch the comments that you make; everyone can see them.

Watch what your friends and family are posting about you. You may end up with an embarrassing photo or comment on your page that you may not want people to see.

Avoid downloading items off the internet or purchasing from online ads before talking to your parents.

Never agree to meet a new online friend in person.

You may think that skaterdude360 and cowgirl25 are typical teens like you, but you could end up putting yourself in jeopardy if they’re not.

by Courtney Kelley lifestyle editor The neon scene grows in the dark classroom as the teachers prepare for one of the many training sessions for the latest idea to enter the district -- HP mini-laptops, one for every student. As the first school in the district to try out the new Mini Notes, students and teachers will test their technology skills.

In the next three years, teachers will participate in lessons that will help them learn the skills they need to turn their classrooms into technology savvy environments. Ninety teachers, district wide, will take part in the courses this year.

Many teachers are going to go paper and book free, doing all work and activities on the Mini Notes. This means some assignments will be turned in online, either through Blackboard or e-mail.

“It won’t affect my classrooms too much; I am just worried security wise in the locker rooms,” said gym teacher Candace McCall.

On the other hand, some teachers like to use paper and books. Using the old-fashioned tools works best for them.

“My studying ways won’t change. They will just be a lot faster and I can get a lot more accomplished,” said junior Kelly Meek.

mate concerns,” Skretta said.

“Overwhelmingly, I think parents were excited about it. One of the main concerns were of parents who didn’t have Internet access at their homes, and that is a big obstacle we plan to work through. We have several ways to handle students with that limitation and we should be able to work through it with cooperation.”

Some have concerns about students’ capability to use the laptops responsibly.

“I have been using an analogy when addressed with the responsibility concern,” Skretta said. “If you think about it as a textbook, we entrust several hundred dollars worth of text books to students. We entrust about around four text books to each student and that could easily add up to $400 which is around the cost of one of our laptops.”

Whether or not the laptops will be healthy or untimely for the school, only time will tell. Skretta believes the speed bumps will be a good learning example for students.

“We know that we are anticipating several challenges with it,” Skretta said.

“That’s partly the main idea.

We are trying to make the school learning environment more oriented towards the way students live and breathe and do things in life and technology is one of the most important parts now.”

Clubs participate in blogging

by Samantha Colhour copy editor

tain senior Anna Bradley.

“Anyone can look at it and join, so it’s great.”

It started with Xanga.

Facebook provides an Through Xanga, people open portal of connection. could post their lives Some groups get started through long monologues and forgotten about. This or short snippets without led to a new fad -- twitsaying who they were. ter. Twitter users can post From Xanga came mys- small updates only 140 pace, a place where kids characters. This provides could design a page about a short route for many themselves; adding pic- clubs and sports. tures and facts and changClub coordinators and ing the backgrounds. In coaches can post scores a short time, myspace be- and meeting times. Band came a thing of the past, and volleyball became the left in the dust by face- first two groups at OPHS book. to tweet.

Most “ I t students was rerecognize ally Coach the word “Instead of just [Ken] Cofacebook. rum’s idea talking at you, They to get the might not now we can get stats [of know that volleyball] college stu- feedback. That was out in a dents orig- our main goal.” quicker inally used and district communications way facebook get more officer Michelle Cronk to stay people inup on asv o l v e d ,” signments said varsity and to senior Sumake new san Leimfriends in kuehler. a new environment. FaSeeing the new trend, cebook is now a place for the district also decided adults and teenagers to to open both a facebook write all about their days and twitter account. Sites and private lives. such as twitter and faceMany sport groups book have recently shown like soccer and activities promise outside the social such as Color Guard and scene, providing effective Oak Street realized the communication tools for influence of facebook and educational purposes. created their own groups “What we were lookto bring school pride ing for was another avenue to more students. “The to connect with our differNorthmen’s Log” started ent audiences. Instead of a group as well. just talking at you, now “I think the guard we can get feedback. That facebook group is a good was our main goal,” said idea because everyone can district communications find out what’s going on officer Michelle Cronk. in advance,” said co-cap-

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page 5 features

page 5 entertainment

“Lion King” recaptures pride Marching Northmen take positive steps forward review by Gabrielle Young editorial editor The band roars into the new school year with a great start. This year they’ll be performing pieces from the classic Disney movie and Broadway play “The Lion King.”

On Thursday, Aug. 13, parents and families attended a band performance at Happy Rock Park. The atmosphere of the park was serene and peaceful, to top it off the band gave a beautiful show. With only seven and a half days of practice and 73 members, the synchronization and performance of “Can you feel the love tonight,” was well done.

Northmen band members attend camp July 27-31 and Aug. 10-13 to prepare for a new season of marching shows. This year’s show features hits from Disney’s “The Lion King.” photo courtesy of Mara Wills

Not only did the band spend time practicing, they also used the time to throw a couple of surprises up their sleeves. Toward the middle of the evening, band and color guard members snatched

out a family member to show them the routine and how hard they’d been working.

They then cut loose said family members to do the band routine; the message seemed to come across clear that the

‘District 9’ balances genres Fine-tuned suspense elements overshadow science fiction cliches

by Mandy Nichols entertainment editor “District 9” centers around Wikus Van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley) who finds himself in charge of relocating the stranded group of aliens in District 9 to the new District 10. These raptor-like aliens, dubbed “Prawns,” arrived in South Africa 20 years before when their mother ship broke down.

Following their landing, the Prawns were rounded up into a government controlled slum away from the public. The film’s main corrupt organization called Multinational United, or MNU, holds secret experimentation on both the aliens and their technology, with the ultimate goal of using their weapons for its own use.

While on assignment evicting aliens from their homes, something affects Wikus on the biological scale, turning

his company, and his planet against him.

Like any science fiction worth watching, “District 9” makes one think-but not about paradoxes or gadgetry. Fake news clips, documentary interviews, homemovies and “real-time” footage bring creative angles to the storytelling, while giving viewers background information essential to the continuous plot in small helpings. This unique plot development method does take up half the movie, so those looking for pure action from the start might not find what they’re looking for.

That doesn’t mean it lacks in violence.

The film presents some disturbing ideas within the storyline, which may leave some viewers on the queasy side. However, between these nearly gruesome moments, some may enjoy a dark chuckle at the clever political satire and analogies sprinkled throughout.

Despite its obvious farfetched notions, “District 9” presents some refreshing realism to its characters and scenery. It shows not only extraordinary circumstances, but the social retaliation that might come with it as well. One won’t find any superheroes or evil geniuses

by Mandy Nichols entertainment editor

A new addition to the Northland eating scene, “Tony V’s Pizzeria” opened late this summer by the “Family Video” on 72nd Street.

The menu boasts few flavors that stray from what one usually finds at “Little Caesar’s.”

Calzones, average wings, unappetizing salads, simple pasta and somewhat typical “special” pizzas such as the “Hawaiian” and “chicken alfredo” flavors grace the pages almost as a courtesy to those who want something “different.”

Thin crusts depicted on the menu’s food glamour shots allude to a crunchier, flakier eating experience

than what customers can expect at this pizzeria. This pizza dough provides the diner with a greasier, chewier journey to the crust which does provide a heavier, but somewhat satisfying crunch.

T h e wings prove the most disappointing of the items sampled. One might as well take a trip to the grocery store and buy a big bag of frozen wings with bottled buffalo or BBQ sauce. The too-chewy, almost rubbery consistency of the not-so abundant meat closely resembles something out of a freezer aisle.

“Tony V’s” priced-well above chain stores like “Pizza Hut” and “Little Caesar’s”might have the customer expecting that a higher price

“We are about the same size as last year,” said band director Adam Farley. “Every person wants to be there.

They’re hard workers and we already have more ready to perform.”

Pitt leads mixed cast; releases“glourious”flick within the almost two-hour show time. Wikus, the main “good guy” doesn’t hold any obvious heroic qualities; in fact he’s kind of pathetic most of the time. These traits not only make him more relatable, but somehow more likeable.

Skeptics of science fiction plots might find themselves pleasantly surprised by the character-centered drama drowning out any detailed explanations of certain subatomic particles and their use towards the harvesting of corn on Mars. There may be advanced alien technology, but no one stands around for an hour trying to figure out how to turn it on without ripping a hole in the spacetime continuum.

If it weren’t for the obvious alien encounters, one might forget that they were watching a science fiction movie. Memorable story development builds suspense effectively, while leaving intellectuals satisfied. Relatively new director Neill Blomkamp seems to have created a new genre that should please action and science fans equally.

3 and a half out of 5 logs

‘Tony V’s’ cuisine not quite supreme Taste barely trumps ‘Pizza Hut’

band has been putting in a lot of hard work.

The downsize in the student population didn’t create a drastic change for the band, but seems to have affected it for the better.

Last year, the band performed “American in Paris,” which carried more classical tones. This year, other songs from the Disney film include “I Just Can’t wait to be King” and “The Circle of Life.”

This year hopes and expectations run high.

“We are working on making a bigger sound. The first week of band camp we became more connected, a tight family,” Farley said.

“We want to be a strong example of a family at Oak Park.”

As the evening came to a close, students put away their instruments, received their ice cream and overflowed with joy. The students seemed ready for the excitement of a new year and a new family. Even as the new bright blue band shirts say “Bringing Back the Pride,” it appears as if pride never left.

must mean better quality.

Though this proves true, the quality at “Tony V’s” doesn’t deserve that much of a price spike.

While nothing seems to taste awful, or even bad, nothing tastes great.

No single menu item will make a hungry customer’s taste buds pop.

The place isn’t known for its seasonings, crust or service.

People probably won’t go out of their way to visit this place just to have their particular wings.

Even so, it remains a decent enough little pizza shop where one can find a relatively good deal on a Friday night when they don’t feel like cooking or eating out.

2 and a half logs out of 5

Tarantino delivers a re-write of World War II history

by Alex Mallin sports editor Long, inaccurate and filled with conversation, the summer movie season has been brought to an end with what will likely be the most talked about movie of the year.

“Inglourious Basterds” follows the story of Melanie Laurent (Shoshanna Dreyfus) a cinema owner in Paris and disguised Jew whose family was brutally murdered by SS Colonel Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz).

Meanwhile, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as the “Basterds” recruited by Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) will drop in to France on assignment to kill and scalp every Nazi they come across.

Events find the two groups intercrossed when the “Basterds” discover that a movie premiere at Laurent’s cinema will hold an audience containing much of the Nazi high command; including Hitler himself, and both groups will do anything in their power to make sure no one walks out of the the-

atre alive.

Since 1992, when Tarantino released “Reservoir Dogs,” he has made movies which have raised the bar in originality and created timeless characters which leave viewers with a refined definition of “cool.” From Jules Windfield and Vincent Vega in “Pulp Fiction,” to Bill in the “Kill Bill” series, Tarantino knows how to write “cool.”

Tarantino does not falter away from that precedent with “Basterds,” giving us not only Aldo Raine, the southerner from Tennessee who gives his soldiers a fee of 100 “Naht-see” scalps in order to be in his command, but also the villain Hans Landa, who hunts out his victims like a hawk and puts a human fear into viewers that comes from something other than the Nazi uniform he wears.

The best scenes in the

movie include the “Basterds.”

With Pitt at the frontlines using his “Sling Blade-esque” southern accent to crack jokes, while around him lie dead Nazi soldiers brought to an end by his group of revenge-hungry recruits.

Though the movie’s setting refers to one of despair, there remains an undertone of comedic relief throughout the film.

Parts of the movie may drag some viewers down with the excess of dialogue, though most will remain at the edge of their seat as every scene with conversation always has the anticipation of danger looming. Also the inclusion of Mike Myers as a cameo remains impossible to take seriously, with echoes of “Austin Powers” in his portrayal of British general Ed Fenech.

Viewers should not go in to “Basterds” expecting a typical World War II film.

One doesn’t see Omaha Beach, large combat scenes between the “Allies” and the “Axis,” or even an American flag hoisted up to declare victory. “Basterds” delivers a fantasy, a ‘what-if’ of sorts and leaves the audience with dropped jaws. It demands viewers forget everything they know about real history and imagine it with cooler characters, one explosive ending and an overall glorious cinematic experience.

4 and a half out of 5 logs

“Tony V’s Pizzeria,” located 1918 NE 72nd St., Gladstone, MO 64118, opened this summer, attracting various pizza-hungry customers.

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Fresh start to the year Jostens class rings provided an ‘Oak Park High School Class of 2013’ banner for the freshmen to sign on Monday, August 17.

Freshman Rachel Mallin was one of the many to sign it. “[Freshmen day] prepped me really well for the whole year,” Mallin said. photo by Gina Drapela, editor-in-chief In addition to hearing an introduction and welcome from principal Fred Skretta, the students participated in tours and watched a Peer Helpers skit. photo by Gina Drapela, editor-in-chief

Each school year Peer Helpers try to come up with new ways to help students with their new surroundings and any problems they may have.

Seniors Maren Hansen and Sarah Donnici, and juniors Matthew Carson and Kalliope Ashton help to prepare skits displaying funny moments and serious tones. “We had a lot of fun putting them together. It showed our funny side, while also sending a really serious message,” Hansen said. photo

by Gina Drapela, editor-in-chief

Business teacher Tom Svhela commands the attention of the freshmen. Each advisory teacher led his or her freshmen on a school tour. photo by Gina Drapela, editor-in-chief

Performing their skit full of helpful hints, the Peer Helper team of senior Lucas Favreau, junior Samuel Jacks and sophomores Katie Retschulte and Kayla Smith are able to keep the attention of all the freshman. “We were trying to teach the freshman the right thing to do in school,” Smith said. “It was a lot of fun to plan it, even though we didn’t have much time to plan it.” photo by Gina Drapela, editor-in-chief

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Performing the fight song, experienced band members brought in freshman Christian Upschulte to play the saxophone with them. “[It was a good experience] because I was a part of something that really showed school spirit,” Upschulte said. photo by Gina Drapela, editor-in-chief

Don’t forget to purchase your

2009-2010

yearbook!

Cost $70. Pay in the main office, or online at:

http://www.walsworthyearbooks.com/community.html