Log
The Northmen’s
Friday, October 23, 2009
“We are not the type of
team that’s going to be able to go out and make mistakes right now...” -Coach Keith Ross |p. 2
Oak Park High School
Issue 3, Volume 45
Students receive Mini Notes Your Thoughts
“I think they are useful and I’m happy we have them.” sophomore Jasmine Scott
“I think they are a good tool, I haven’t used my pencil in a couple days.” freshman Eric Crump
“I think they are useful and convenient but, they don’t really enhance our education as much as the district had hoped for.” senior Joe Martin
“Potentially a great tool.” communication arts
teacher Tim Rupp
The mini notes are in the hands of every student, giving them the opportunity no other school in the district has had so far. With these minis, teachers can use electronic resources and if need be have the students do homework electronically, many technological doors were opened to the student body when these were introduced. by Ally Sansone, photographer
School converts to paperless classrooms
technology. “I actually started covering the “how to” a week before students got the mini’s,” social studies teacher Seth DeRose said. “Once they were handed out, I had my students jump right into them.” by Jessica Nichols and Courtney Kelley Others found themselves with students who alfeature editor and lifestyles editor ready knew what they were doing; having used the Students have started the adjusting process as school’s traveling laptops regularly last year. “All of last year I actually asked the administrateachers integrate the new mini-note laptops into their lesson plans. With the technology available in tion if I could permanently check out a laptop cart the classrooms, teachers have a variety of ways to for my English classes,” communication arts teacher teach their lessons and keep their students interested. Todd Marcantonio said. “They said no, so I reserved Some teachers began the mini-note process by them as much as I could. We had them 90 percent of teaching their students the basics of the computer the time.”
In many classrooms, teachers have personalized the required curriculum so it includes the mininotes. Some teachers now use Blackboard to communicate with their students. Online textbooks have also become a useful tool to students who prefer not to carry the paper books home. The mini-note process has helped to speed up the schools process of becoming a paperless environment. Some teachers now have students turn in assignments through e-mail and Blackboard. “My students haven’t turned in a piece of paper and I haven’t handed out a piece of paper,” Marcantonio said.
Tech skills class expands future by Kim Shields photographer Technology students, or in other words the resident tech geeks, can be seen every hour excluding the last hour of the day helping technology coordinator Todd Beeck in the tech office. These students include: seniors Ian Mc Donough, Arturo Pino, Matt White, Eric Daniels, Gibson Whitaker, Ryan Gibbs, Justin McAfee and Joel Brandom. One of their jobs includes trouble shooting. For example, when a computer won’t turn on, technology students check hardware and look for problems within the computer. This remains only one of the many jobs these students perform, but their main job this year so far has been working with the mini note laptops. “I help fix computers around the school,” McAfee said. Their jobs included packing computer cases with charger cords and helping hand out the minis to students. Since this job has come to an end, they carry cords to classes, fix computer problems and assist the tech personnel with anything they may need.
Senior Gibson Whitaker takes mini notes to the computer lab on Friday, Oct. 16, during his technology block. His tech blocks were time for him to help the tech coordinators with the many tasks they may have for him, or any of the other tech students. by Kim Shields, photographer
Most of the time, when one walks into the tech office they will find them working on their computers. When problems arise, this ceases until technological missions have been completed.
People show care by Gabrielle Young copy editor Teachers and students have reached out to those in need by providing basic necessities through Help Our People. “Instead of clubs giving to the needy we need to take care of our people first,” said drivers education teacher Tom Stout. HOP, originally the idea of Stout and school and community resource specialist Kathleen Poehlman, has spread to students wanting to help out. “I decided to get involved with HOP because some students here need help, although they are reluctant to admit it,” said senior HOP member Amanda Resner. “I want to try and make school and life easier for those students.” The planning for H.O.P. started last May, but has just been put into effect this year.
“I was at home one day thinking about some of the students struggling maybe in personal life,” Stout said. “I felt we needed to do something as a school.” A donation pile was compiled from students and teachers giving items. Many donations were made before the school year. Space became limited when donations started piling up. “By word of mouth, my office became a huge storage room with no place to put them [donations],” Poehlman said. “At the end of the year, we were given the room next to the health room upstairs…it was cleared out… and a lot of good donated items were taken up there.” Many students also need money. “I think schools are always more positive when kids are connected and involved,” said senior Molly Creagh. “Having the money to participate, they want to
be at school.” Participants in HOP understand the students who need help can be embarrassed about their financial situation. “Many people feel like everybody has the same amount of money which is not true,” said senior HOP member Iana Newton. “Thanksgiving and winter holidays are a fight for many teens at OP.” The major need as winter approaches are gloves and hats. “I don’t want people to not be successful because they don’t have what they need,” Poehlman said. To help raise money for the students, HOP hosts a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in the cafeteria. Tickets cost $5, and $6 at the door. There will be child care provided and entertainment, with a raffle drawing.
Many take this seriously, while others have different reasons for taking this class and the responsibilities that come with it. “I needed something to do,” Whitaker said. Other students took this class for their future; Daniels and McAfee look to work with video games or elsewhere within the technological field. This class helps them become better acquainted with what they may need to know when they go into their particular field of work after graduation. “My career is revolved around computers,” McAfee said. Each student does something different during their tech block, depending on what happens around the building. On Monday, Oct. 19, Daniels organized all the mini laptops alphabetically for redistribution to students who had theirs’ taken in for repairs Friday. Redistribution happened during advisory, students went to the tech office, to receieve their mini notes from tech kids passing them back. Doing this was no tedious job for Daniels. “I like technology,” Daniels said.
Kids taught fundamentals by Kayla Smith writer Growing up, little kids look for someone to look up to and something to aspire toward. Students in some of the schools groups have taken on the role of mentors to kids in preschool through eighth grade. Teaching them all they know when it comes to dancing and cheering. Pommies are one group who participates in this mentoring every year, twice a year. They host a clinic in the fall, during football season, usually around Gladfest, and another in January or February during basketball season. “We use it mainly as a fundraiser, but also to get girls interested in dance early on, so that hope-
fully one day they can be a Pommie too,” said Pommie captain, senior Tara Baumgartner. “We benefit by getting the chance to work with amazing little girls and spending some bonding time as we make up routines together.” The girls get to make new friends and learn two dances that they can take home and feel accomplished for learning. They also get to come to a football/basketball game and perform in front of a crowd, some for the first time. Another group taking part in this is the cheerleading squad. The cheerleaders also use these clinics as a fundraiser, and as a break from the normal practices. “A lot of girls sit on the bleachers and just watch, it gives them a chance to get
Senior Lauren Phillips dances at the St. Joe Central game on Friday, Oct. 17. The Pommies had a clinic and brought their students to the game to perform. photo by Gina Drapela, editor-inchief./photo editor
out there and experience it,” said cheerleader senior Katie Croswhite.
2
page sports
Volleyball perseveres
Fall Sports Scoreboard Football Soccer Softball Volleyball Tennis
Class 4 District 16 Volleyball Bracket vs.
2 Liberty 7 St. Joseph Central
5:00 pm
Winner of Tournament
vs.
vs.
by Alex Mallin sports editor The volleyball team began its season with a fairly slow start. With a losing record, the team knew players would have to come together if they were to have a chance at succeeding in districts or conference. According to team captain senior Blaire White, the team put its foot on the gas midseason and accelerated to the current position, as they prepare to head into district play this weekend as the third seed in districts. “We have gotten much better since the beginning,” White said. “We started out kind of slow, we didn’t have a lot of experience but as the season has gone on we have gotten to work with each other and the team chemistry has gotten better.” As of Tuesday, Oct. 20, the team holds a record of 14-15 and on Monday, Oct. 26, will play their first District match against the Park Hill Trojans at Park Hill South High School. Head coach Ken Corum believes the team started the season with many obstacles, but all used their attitude to bring unity among the girls. “We are a very diverse group,” Corum said. “We have freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. We are also diverse in backgrounds. Some
5 16 14 15 8
-Took 4th in Conference -Took 5th in Conference
Girls Golf
Tuesday Oct. 27
3 5 13 14 6
Girls Cross Country
3 Oak Park 6 Park Hill Monday Oct. 26
Losses
Boys Cross Country 7:00 pm
4 Staley 5 Kearney
5:30 pm
6:15 pm 7:30 pm
7:00 pm
1 Park Hill South 8 BYE
Wins
Thursday Oct. 29
have played a lot of volleyball and been to nationals and club and some have played a little volleyball. But I think the thing that brings the team together is that they are all intelligent, they all understand what the end product needs to be; and I think they all bring their unique viewpoints to the team.” Freshman Amy Lindhorst gained most of her experience through her club team and started varsity this year as a setter, which she had to work for over the summer. “Corum came in and watched me during club last year, but he told me I had to change my position,” Lindhorst said. “Being a setter is a lot different, there is a lot more pressure when you play. You can’t have an ‘off game’ when you are setting.” Park Hill South currently holds the No. 1 rank in conference, defeating the Northmen both of the times they met. On Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Lady Oakies took on PHS and came out with a win in the first game but were defeated in three games after a strong comeback by the Bulldogs. “We came out so strong in the first game against PHS, it just seemed like they caught on to our game in the second and third games,” White said. “We start out strong and then we sort of let up, it’s our job to just play hard the whole time.”
-Took 4th in Conference *as of Tuesday Oct. 20
All matches to be played at Park Hill South High School
Sports Briefs
Corum hopes to emphasize to the team that mistakes made in districts, such as letting up, could end the team’s season quicker than they hope. “The competition at districts is very high this year,” Corum said. “All the teams at any given time can beat each other.” Looking back at the season, Corum feels the team used the adversity in the beginning to build the strong conference force they are now, going in to district play. “I think the first half of the season needed to happen in order for us to find our stride you have to go through some tough times. If it was an easy half throughout the whole season we might not of learned as much about ourselves as we do right now,” Corum said. As they ready to head in to districts, Corum believes the Lady Oakies have challenges ahead, but knows the diverse team has the ability to contend with the hard hitting teams in districts. “We don’t want to look ahead too far because each match is very important,” Corum said. “We know that the possibility for us to win districts is there. The main thing this team needs to focus on going in to district play is to keep a high level of intensity.”
Girls golf uses season to improve The fall sports season has almost ended and the girls golf players celebrate a season of great improvement. This year the team finished fourth in the conference. “I’d say the toughest team to play was Blue Springs South,” senior Anna Hyneman said, “We were matched with them in our first tournament and it was really rough. They were really good and competitive.” Coach Seth DeRose believes that the girls have a good chance at raising their standings next year. “After gaining a year of experience, the girls know and understand that it will take effort in the off-season to be ready for next year,” DeRose said, “Oak Park has a great opportunity to be a very good golf team if the girls work in the off-season and prepare themselves for next fall.” Hitting the ball onto the green, junior Danielle Eberle swings her club at Hodge Park Golf Course on Tuesday, Sept. 22. She was on the second tee off team with senior Anna Hyneman. “It’s really fun, especially when we play other teams,” Eberle said. photo by Kim Shields, photographer
Football team struggles through adversity by Alex Mallin sports editor With a 3-5 record, the football team spent its season dealing with numbers. Numbers such as eight seniors, three returning starters, low numbers on height and weight for nearly every position, high numbers on injuries, and 85, the total number of athletes who came out for the team this year. The effect of the Staley split has hit the Northmen hard in their 2009 season. “We have gone through a lot of adversity,” said head coach Keith Ross. “The one thing that has happened with these guys is they’ve accepted that with open arms.” With an away game at Park Hill tonight and a game against Park Hill South on Friday, Oct. 30, the team has a tough road in the last two weeks of its season leading to what players hope will be a seed in the playoffs. “We really broke this season down into two seasons,” said senior Chase Claytor. “The first seven games are when we hope to get better and we do everything we can to get better and then the last three games actually
matter. The way we are looking at this season is obviously we are going to build, not just for years to come, but we are going to build on these last three games because in this season the last three games are districts.” The team has dealt through several obstacles in their season including the midseason switch of quarterbacks. Sophomore Erik Ross began the season as the first string quarterback, but broke his radius on his right arm in the game against Winnetonka on Friday, Sept. 25. After he was taken out, second string quarterback Claytor took over. “I usually played wide receiver so being on the other side of things is definitely a new look at the game,” Claytor said. “Since I’m a senior and he is a sophomore I think I would like the position a little bit better because I have a little bit more of a leadership role in the team.” According to Keith Ross, one of the largest problems for the team has been the injuries which have plagued the Northmen’s lineup all season. “It’s sort of been a revolving door each week,” Ross said. “There have been several times where we have had
three or four people playing one spot because they’ve been injured and that hurts your continuity and that affects your play a little bit.” With the number of injuries continually increasing throughout the year, the team even had to adjust the way it practices to prevent any further incidences. “We can’t afford to have anyone else get hurt. So with our aggressiveness we are not as aggressive as we could be but we try to keep a high intensity and not as much hitting at practice as you normally would if you had the numbers,” Ross said. With its 7-6 win over St. Joe Central on Friday, Oct. 16, the team began their “new season” with a victory. According to Ross, the team has a great deal of work ahead of them. “You never know what is going to happen,” Ross said. “We are going to come in to districts and try to do the best we can. We are not the type of team that’s going to be able to go out and make mistakes right now and win football games. Right now we are playing to get in the playoffs. We just have to go out, play well, and do what we can.”
Senior Glen Roe readies to snap the ball to quarterback sophomore Eric Ross during the game against Lee’s Summit at District Activities Center on Friday, Aug. 28. photo by Gina Drapela, editor-in-chief/photo editor
Cheerleaders prepare for State competition with high hopes by Jessica Nichols feature editor Three weeks, one day. That’s how long the cheerleaders have to prepare for the State competition at the University of Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 14. At camp the varsity cheer squad received two technical awards for stunts, superior and excellent ribbons for performances. It also received the award for Champion Chant. Six girls received nominations to become members of the AllAmerican team. Senior Caity Strohm and junior Heather Offield made the squad. “You feel accomplished, everything you’ve done has been worth it,” Strohm said. Two varsity members, senior Kelsey Kaelin and Strohm were offered applications for the National Cheerleading Association. “It’s a big honor to be asked to be on their staff,” Kaelin said. “It’s definitely something I’d consider doing.” The JV team also received superior and excellent ribbons On Friday, Aug. 28, junior Jennifer Sorrentino and Kelsey Merrigan cheer at the Lee’s Summit game at District Activities Center. This was for performance at camp. They received the award for top JV the first football game the cheerleaders attended after their regional performance team, as well as the safety award. At regionals the varsity team placed third. Both squads ranked in the top placing. photo by Gina Drapela, editor-in-chief/photo editor
80 percent of their category, 5A small. Now the teams find themselves practicing for State. On Mondays and Wednesdays both teams practice in the mezzanines. They practice before games and try to get after school gym time when possible. “We run the routine over and over again, fixing mistakes from regionals,” Kaelin said. Many members find preparing for camp, regionals and now State, a new experience. Five girls returned from last year’s team. They work with the new girls to help them feel comfortable when competing. “Coming in as a freshman is scary. We work one on one with the girls,” Strohm said. Coach Lesley Martin has high hopes for the girls. “Of course everyone wants to win,” Martin said. “But, honestly, as long as the girls can say they gave it their all, they preformed to the best of their abilities that is all I can ask for.” Martin takes pride in the way the girls have been working to prepare themselves for State. “They have worked so hard and continue to,” Martin said. The teams have scheduled a pre-show for 7 p.m. Thursday Nov. 8, in the big gym.
Your Views What are you going to be for Halloween ?
page 3 opinion Log’s View: Helping hands For various reasons students sometimes find themselves struggling in certain subjects. Those who take the extra effort to seek out help from teachers usually find some success. Lately, we’ve seen more abundant opportunities for such driven students to re-
“Spiderman.” Freshman Pierre Francois
ceive this help. Teachers take time out of their schedules for learning labs and other out-of-classroom direction in subjects students have trouble with. The Log applauds and appreciates such dedication toward learning. But some members of the student body use the
diligence of others as their crutch. Why bother studying if they just have a chance to catch up later? This sort of resource abuse brings shame to learning standards while dragging them down in the process. Teachers don’t want to see students fail their class. They therefore try to make
sure the entire class understands subject matter somewhat before moving on. When students don’t make the effort to pay attention, the subject might be reiterated needlessly, keeping hard-working students from learning all of what they should in that class.
about the film. Although the race has not been identified, in the promotional pictures for the film he appears to me to be Latino, considering that the voice of the prince comes from Brazilian actor Bruno Campos. But the controversy has been that Prince Naveen will be Caucasian. Critics have boiled over stating that Prince Naveen should be African-American just like the princess resulting in the first ever AfricanAmerican prince. I would love to see an African-American prince. The idea would be refreshing and new. To me, he would be able to showcase that an African-American male, can be the hero, and rescue the princess from her troubles. This shows a positive image of an African-American male that has been lacking
in movies. Disney could use the fact that the prince not being African-American could be a way to recognize interracial relationships. Already our generation has become oblivious to interracial relationships, seeing them as natural and not a big deal as they used to be in our parents time. Which I think will be a good lesson for young kids to see, the images portrayed to them at a young age stick with them. Even though as a young girl I was not able to see a princess or prince that looked like me, this next generation of young kids will grow up knowing that a princess and prince can come in many different shades.
After 72 years change slowly arrives “Ninja Turtle.” Sophomore Katie Retschulte
Gabrielle Young editorial editor
“Roller skating referee.” Junior Sterling Robbins
“Brown Hannah Montana.” Senior Kaylee Stober
For 72 years we have had Disney providing young kids with princess movies they will never forget. One’s that pass down from generation to generation. The movies seem to focus just on the princess, and the prince becomes second thought. I have found that movies have a lack of di-
Clubs suffer from lack of student participation Samantha Colhour copy editor Walking into a club meeting, one might feel as though they just walked into an empty room. Many times there will only be five or six people at a meeting. This is scary seeing as how participation proves to be the main thing that keeps clubs alive. Some clubs are actually needed around the school
“I’m going to be Superwoman, like I am everyday.” communication arts teacher Lisa Elder
verse nationalities in the prince’s. On Dec. 11, from Disney motion pictures there comes a comedic musical fairy tale set in New Orleans, about a young girl named Princess Tiana who falls in love with a frog prince, who desperately wants to become human again and a kiss leads them through a twisted adventure. What makes this new film “The Princess and the frog,” unique has nothing to do with the prince being a frog. But that the movie showcases the first ever African American princess, after 72 years of Disney. The race of Prince Naveen has not yet been confirmed, and that has been the center of controversy currently stirring up
and if no one shows up to support the club, and then it could disappear. Clubs such as Peer Helpers, Volunteer Club and Planeteers are really needed by the school and those who go to school. With the lack of participation affecting the clubs around the school, these clubs could become nonexistent. Each school year does prove to bring in different levels of energy and participation. One year could have
kids who really want to be as involved with school as possible, and then the next year could be the polar opposite. Many might say it stems from the laziness of the students who don’t want to waste their time staying after school for a mere half hour. The meeting would cut into their social time that they apparently don’t get enough of at school. Being able to go home and relax seems like a nice option, but it could be just as
nice to help out your school by going to one meeting and participating. Really, there shouldn’t be any reason why someone can’t take a half hour out of their day, probably only once a week to participate in a club. You may not even know all the clubs out there because of the apathetic outlook many of the students seem to share this year.
Students find no time to chow lunch by Kim Shields photographer
Since my freshman year we have had four lunches, but now my last year we have changed to three lunches. I find the time nice but there are more people so that makes the lines longer. This is problematic because I want to be able to enjoy my lunch and not stuff my face then rush to class. If the lunches were switched back to four lunches there would be less time between
them for cafeteria workers to replenish, yes, but less people making the lines shorter, which will actually get people through the line faster. This change happened only because of the smaller population in the school; this part is understood, but I think more thought should have been put into population vs. time. There may be less people but when you only split them in thirds, this is the same as splitting them in fourths when the population was much larger. Over time this prob-
lem may be fixed but at the moment we are stuck with no time to eat and an overcrowded lunch area. My senior year will be spent in a lunch line waiting for food, then getting annoyed and just giving up on the entire food venture. I may not like this change, but I will deal with it because there is not much I can do. The district made this change for a reason, to help the lunch staff, but they may need to think about the students. There is at least 15 minutes in between each lunch so
Cafeteria chaos frustrates many
the staff can freshen the food or make more, this is a good idea, except C lunch rarely gets fresh food. If they have time to make more food they should, if not that time should be turned into another lunch so the students can actually eat instead of standing in a line their entire lunch then rush to class. I would pick a shorter lunch time with less people over a longer one with overcrowding.
The Northmen’s Log Staff & Policies Editor-in-Chief & Photo Editor Gina Drapela Opinion Editor Gabrielle Young Sports Editor Alex Mallin Entertainment Editor Mandy Nichols
cartoon by Johnna Hensley
Take initiative: Pick up your trash Jessica Nichols feature editor Littering, garbage sits at vacant lunch tables where students have neglected to throw away their trash as they leave the cafeteria or head back to class after sitting on the benches. Gum wrappers and empty containers get kicked to the side as students walk down the hallways during passing period. Pop cans lay empty when recycling bins have
been placed around the building. Honestly, what amount of initiative does it take for someone to throw away their Styrofoam pizza tray or their Otis Spunkmeyer cookie bag? As students, we should want to keep the school looking neat, making it a healthier learning place. We may have to walk two feet out of the way to find a trash can where we can throw away our trash, but that not only helps us burn off some of the
calories we’ve just ate it also helps the school stay clean. Some of the student body may say that the custodians have been hired to pick up after you. They are at the school to keep our learning environment clean and sanitary, helping us stay healthy. We see them putting up the tables at the end of the lunch periods and cleaning the floors after hours. However, they do not play the role of our mothers. Whether you eat school food
or bring lunch from home you should take the time to pick up your own trash. It only takes a minute or two to carry something to the trash cans. If you don’t want to take the time out of your lunch break to throw away your trash create a pile in your table and designate one person each day to throw away every ones trash. Whatever you do, don’t leave it lying around. Take the initiative and throw away the trash.
Lifestyles Editor Courtney Kelley 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 contact 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.
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page features
Senior college prep guide by Samantha Colhour copy editor
Sign up to take the Dec. 10 ACT. When signing up for the ACT decide whether or not to include the writing section. Remember that some schools require it. Find scholarships and turn them in. Some schools also have scholarships that they give out. Some are automatic while some need an application Know the deadlines for each college application. Some need a teacher or counselor recommendation. Create a resume. A link that will help students can be found on the counseling Web site. Send transcripts out through registrat Margaret Canada. Visit with the schools that come to visit. The buelletin board outside the counseling office holds the list of visiting schools. “Boots on the Ground” - actually go visit the colleges you are considering. Students may visit college campuses during school if they get the visit approved by A+ coordinator Sharlaine Hemingson.
Resumes, reference letters affect college by Kayla Smith writer
As a teacher and an adult, Hantzis has plenty of experience in writing resumes as well. Most seniors applying for “Each resume is created college recognize the words with a specific purpose in mind, ‘reference letter’ and ‘resume’. and keeping your ideas, goals They know the importance of and accomplishments orgathese things for getting schol- nized but fresh is important,” arships, getting into the college Hantzis said, “Check your forof their choice, and getting jobs mat, too. Look at examples and they want. have it proofread. Always go When writing a reference from most recent to least reletter, one has to make it per- cent, don’t put info that doesn’t sonal. It’s easier for most people apply or isn’t relevant.” to write a letter Another when they know teacher familimportant things iar with writing about the perreference letters son. These things is math teacher include writing Deborah Frankit for, what they Alley. like and what “I teach math they’re proud of for a reason, I’m when it comes to not a writer,” their accomplishFrank-Alley said. ments. “I’m happy to do “The hardit, it’s just not my est part about the best thing.” letter is hoping She believes it accomplishes when writing a what the student reference letter wants it to. I want communication arts teacher one have to talk every student I Sara Hantzis about the perwrite a letter for son’s academic to get that grant, performance and job or acceptance the important letter. Wonderthings they do in ing if what I’m their high school describing is what the student career. These things include sees in themselves.” said com- volunteer work, extracurricular munication arts teacher Sara activities, GPA, and class rank. Hantzis. Frank-Alley writes about 20 refHantzis has experience erence letters a year. with writing reference letters. “I have an outline and I just She writes about 10 to 15 letters change things in it now,” Frankfor scholarships, programs and Alley said. “The better the rereference every year. sume, the easier and more “I appreciate the fact that complete and full the reference this person trusts me enough to letter is.” ask for my help in getting someMaking sure to keep in thing that means a lot to them,” mind who and what you want said Hantzis, “I love it when I your reference letter or resume get to proof an essay or read a is about can save you time and resume and I find out informa- effort when it comes to picking tion that I never would have the right person to write it or guessed.” writing it yourself.
“
“I appreciate the fact that this person trusts me enough to ask for my help in getting something that means a lot to them.”
”
Challenge to rank by Kim Shields writer, photographer Smaller population in the school equals less people to compete against when it comes to class rank. This may seem to be something to be worried about, but there is no reason to be, class rank is the same and is still counted the same with only a few changes. The fewer students do not change the process of deciding rank. “Class rank, is still class rank,” said assistant principal Gary Miller, “highest to lowest based on grades and classes.” The ranks can be influenced by classes taken, for example if a student was to take a challenge, or AP class, said student would get half a distinction point. These points have changed from years before, last year if someone took an AP class; one distinction point was given, while this year the points are all the same. Challenge, AP and college classes are no longer ranked as different difficulty levels. Also if one of these classes was taken
the student would have to get at least a B to get the distinction points. “No comparison of rigor,” Miller said, “such a fine level, almost seemed arbitrary.” Although the points have changed, if distinctions were earned last year or years before, they are maintained. The change was to help make the system easier, since in years before, the system was more complicated. Class rank is not completely about the GPA that is accumulated, each students GPA comes from a 4.0 scale, an A is 4 and an F is 0. The grades received are summed and divided by the number of courses the student completes, this becomes the core GPA. This isn’t figured until the end of the third through eighth semesters, once this is done the office figures the rank of every student in the building by grade. If you need to figure out your class rank see registrar Margaret Canada in the counselors’ office.
Counselors’ Corner “I say, get on campuses. And I don’t mean three, I mean six or twelve. In fact there are just twelve here in the metro area. I don’t care if you’re not going to go to Avilia, I don’t care if you’re not going to go to Johnson County Community College, get on campuses. Who would buy a car, and not test drive a lot of other cars? How any pairs of jeans do you try on before you find the perfect pair? Think of your favorite pair of jeans, or slippers- think of what you put on when you’re comfortable. Think of the fit. How are you supposed to get the perfect fit if you don’t go look at a bunch of different places. Get on campus, just for the fun experience of comparison. Even if your friend is going to a college that you know you don’t want to go to, just go see it.” - counselor Micky Conway “Find your passion. Find something you love and find a place that fit’s for you. There are so many college choices, and so many places you can go that are of good quality. MU is great, but there are some other great small colleges too, and I just say find your passion, and go with that and have that as your guiding principal. I just say listen to your heart, listen to your own self, and not to let everyone else bombard you with what they want you to do. Find your own passion, and then find a school that fits with that.” - counselor Kathy Mahan “One of the things that I see seniors do, is they think ‘Oh well I’ll go to Maple Woods, and I won’t have to apply- Wrong, you do have to apply. You do have to have a transcript, and you do have to apply early. And they think Oh, well I’ll do that next May, and it is too late to get the classes you want, because the students that applied in December have attended orientation, they have their schedules, the classes are full so even if Maple Woods is your safety school, you still need to apply early.” - counselor Judith Wake “Also, in their senior year we get a lot of students who say, well, it’s their senior year, I want to take it easy, no, rigor is really important. It’s really important that while you’re here you do four math’s, and stay with the core classes. Take the most difficult courses you can handle, your senior year, so you can prepare for college, and the colleges can see it all. They see your transcripts, they can see the grades, and the courses that you take. But I think most importantly, for your own sake you need to continue with the rigor, otherwise, you’ll slack off your senior year, then by college you’ve forgotten everything, like your basic math because you didn’t take it, and then you regret, and then you struggle.” - counselor Marlene Nay
page 5 entertainment
‘Thriller’ lacks excitement by Mandy Nichols entertainment editor cartoon by Johnna Hensley, cartoonist
Vampires teach vocabulary by Mandy Nichols entertainment editor One could assume the worst from a study guide advertising the use of “Twilight” for actual academic purposes. How could someone take a teen romance drama and apply it to academic success? With “Twilight” in hand, readers scan pages for words listed in the study book. Using context clues, they then write down what they think the word means in the space provided. After finding all eight words in that section, they turn the page to compare their understanding of each work with the corresponding definitions. This process alone forces users to think and connect with word meanings, providing a more efficient study resource than some random dictionary. Beyond word definition lists, author Bri-
an Leaf provides word stem meanings and samples of multiple choice questions found in the ACT/SAT using the words learned in each section. One not only receives content review, these samples provide practical knowledge on standardized testing layout. To drill words into the reader’s head, short, periodic quizzes occur after every five word groups throughout, with larger quizzes following every 20 word groups. This forces one to evaluate which words they really know and which they should study a bit more. The fandom aspect connected with it provides more enjoyment for potential users, motivating them to study more often. One shouldn’t think of this guide as a gimmick. “Defining Twilight” remains a valid study aid that just happens to mention vampires.
Admittedly a refreshing substitute to the brawny, mask-toting avengers of summer camps, this villain known to some as David Harris (Dylan Walsh) uses his warped people-reading skills to root into broken families. After he gets comfortable and realizes how disappointing they make him and his controlling personality, those families find themselves dead. The “Stepfather’s” next victims, the Hardings, consist of mother Susan (Sela Ward), troubled son Michael (Penn Badgley), and two children barely seen or heard from. Susan falls for David’s charm, and the plot takes off six months later with Michael’s return home from reform school. This
homecoming means potential trouble as Michael grows suspicious of his mom’s new soon-to-be husband. As with any teenagegeared “thriller,” certain clichés like to scream out their existence. Michael’s girlfriend Kelly wears as little clothing possible, neighborhood recluse Mrs. Cutters’ house doubles as a cat palace and creaky stairs tend
to show up at the best times. Director Nelson McCormick has experience with flashy thriller elements like irrational shadow activity and well-timed lightning after overseeing last year’s horror film “Prom Night,” but this doesn’t mean viewers’ hearts will race throughout the movie. These almost cheesy elements provide entertainment but no real thrill. Still, one can appreciate the lack of gore for gore’s sake seen in the generic creepy movie. Clumsy actions from all characters make the plot more believable than some and those watching can spend the time otherwise reserved for gagging at a character’s loss of an appendage catching the subtle charms of the set. A mildly entertaining effort, “The Stepfather” neither excites nor disgusts.
Interests form group to study games Gamers and anime fans unite by Kim Shields writer, photographer Popcorn pops, students laugh while sipping drinks and ripping open fruits snacks. These sounds make up the soundtrack of the first official meeting of the new Anime/Gamer Club. Students sat with their food awaiting the night’s anime, “Howl’s Moving Castle.” They chatted while shifting blankets and chairs for comfort and proximity to the screen. The lights turn out, and everyone quiets as
the movie starts, making the room glow from the light of the projector screen. These meetings take place Fridays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in room 101. Attendees play games and watch anime while getting to know their fellow members. Anime demonstrates futuristic ideals, sentimental values, and feudal past of Japan in animated form. “I like anime,” said sophomore Justine Plummer. “I like the characters and story elements.” Both anime and gaming culture combine to create this interest-based club. Senior Sam Yankee presides over the anime portion,
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“I like the characters and story elements.” Sophomore Justine Plummer
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while senior Trey Hansen oversees the gaming aspect. Each side tries to influence the other, and help one another. The club aims to give people with an interest in anime, gaming or art a place to
meet and learn more about these subjects. Along with weekly club meeting activities, the group plans to set up a Cosplay and video game convention. Cosplay participants dress up as anime characters. Juniors Amber Johnson and Kaylan Ballard lead the effort. Founders of the club want the club to work as a place to become better. They plan to provide help for club members in aspects of life outside anime and gaming. “We are a family,” Yankee said. Members encourage anyone to join. They accept those new to the ideas of anime and gaming as well.
Senior Sam Yankee and freshman Alan Gibbs have a spur-of-the-moment ninja fight on the soccer field. The club went outside after a meeting interruption Friday, Oct. 10. “We just got to hang out and have more freedom,”
Yankee said. Photo by photographer Kim Shields
6 lifestyles
page
A+ students plan
Culture inspires
They have an eye on the future
Tradition brings together dance group
by Gabrielle Young editorial editor
by Samantha Colhour copy editor After school many kids go home with relaxation their main goal. Some go home to their homework, others may go out with their friends. Senior Jamaica Felix and sophmore Eolanthe Lucios go home and hula dance. Felix and Lucios have been dancing since they were little girls. “I started dancing when I was about 11. My mom was the one to teach me. I really enjoy it a lot,” Felix said. Felix and Lucios met when Lucios moved to Kansas City three years ago. They eventually discovered they both danced hula and decided to start the group Hula Hotties. Their first performance in front of the entire school took place last year at the farewell assembly. The crowd displayed widespread enthusiasm for their dancing. Because of the acceptance of the crowd, Felix and Lucios decided to continue the group and perform at assemblies throughout this year. “The first assembly went really well. People still seemed to enjoy it,” Lucios said. Felix and Lucios then added one more thing to their list of activities: Hula Hotties lessons. “It was really easy for me to learn, but trying to teach
Sophomore Eolanthe Lucios shakes her hips along with partner senior Jamaica Felix at the Homecoming assembly on Friday, Oct. 2 in the main gym. They were asked to dance in the assembly to go along with this year’s Homecoming theme, “Surfs Up.” photo courtesy of Derek Bryne, special to the Log
““We were
shocked that people thought it was so unbelievable to move that way. To us it’s just natural.” Senior Jamaica Felix
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other people is really hard. They don’t always get it easily,” Felix said. To the crowd at assemblies, the Hula Hotties provide another source of entertainment. To Lucios and Felix, performing provides a way for them to combine entertaining their peers and family tradition.
Although students may complain about some of the requirements, the school has no control over them. Whether attending a community col“I don’t think people realize it’s a law, lege, technical school, or a four year college, everyone at the school has no control over students have been looking ahead. it,” Hemmingson said. “We have to follow “More students realize they need more what the law states.” education after high school,” said A+ CoorThe criteria set for the A+ schools prodinator Sharlaine Hemmingsen. “The A+ gram expands throughout the state of Misprogram is one avenue to continue their souri, since money received comes from the education.” state. All the requirements apply to all high The A+ program allows students to help schools in Missouri. cut the costs for future schooling. With the The benefits of the A+ program can also economy currently in limbo, more students help students wanting to receive a Gold Mefind A+ useful. dallion Diploma. “I decided to do it “It goes hand in Students enrolled in A+ [A+] for the college scholhand with Gold Medalas of Oct. 1, 2009 arships…it gets me two lion,” said senior Zach free years of college,” said Scott. “I am in Gold sophomore Justine PlumMedallion and the tuClass Total Enrolled A+ mer. toring [hours] carry Enrolled Students who sucover.” cessfully complete the 2010 317 183 The A+ program A+ program can receive may also benefit a stu2011 317 195 more than $6,000 for tudent not planning on ition and general fees to attending a Missouri 2012 326 221 attend a Missouri comschool. 2013 353 210 munity college or a career “Over the years technical school, with students have a change Total 1313 809 many four year colleges of plans and sometimes now accepting the prodon’t realize until after A+ four-year acceptance gram. For example, Avila the graduation,” HemUniversity, Kansas City colleges in Missouri mingson said. “It’s like Art Institute, Northwest a little insurance poliMissouri State University cy...If you have A+ you •Avila University and Park University all achave a fall back, a plan •Central Methodist University cept A+. B in place.” •Drury University The requirements a Any student instudent has to meet in•Kansas City Art Institute terested in becoming clude at least achieving a involved with A+ can •Missouri Southern State 2.5 GPA, performing 50 pick up an agreement University hours of tutoring, showform in the media cen•Missouri Valley College ing good citizenship - no ter and contact A+ •Northwest Missouri State drugs, alcohol, weapons, Coordinator Sharlaine University etc - and obtaining a 95 Hemmingsen. Seniors percent attendance. •Park University have to be signed up by “The hardest requireNov. 1, if they have not •Stephens College ment is the fact that we already. Seniors need •Truman State University need to have 95 percent to turn in their tutoring •William Woods University attendance,” said freshhours to Hemmingson man Jessica Mateus. by April 15. Students find some requirements more difficult to complete. “The tutoring takes up the time that I Refer to the Features page, on 4 could be doing on homework,” Plummer for more info on college. said.
Q & A with AP Johnson by Samantha Colhour Copy Editior
Q: What were you doing before you came to Oak Park? A: “I was an assessment person at the DeLasalle Education Center and I have previously taught math at that same school.” Q: Why did you choose OP? A: “Oak Park provides an opportunity for me to further my education experience by working in a diverse school setting and providing support for our students.” Q: How is OP different than your previous school? A: “Oak Park is a bigger school. It has more activities; and it’s more of a general public school. DeLasalle was an alternative school, and it was really small.” Q: How is OP similar to your previous school? A: “I see the same things among the kids. They are generally at the same disposition, wanting to achieve and be cared for.” Q: How do you handle the pressures of the job? A: “I try to prioritize my duties by addressing the most significant task at hand.” Q: What can you bring to OP? A: “I guess what I can really bring is my energy and enthusiasm to help the student body.”
Twist to show choir by Jessica Nichols feature editor Backstage at a show choir performance one can see boys and girls rushing around, putting on finishing touches as they prepare for the show. Girls finish putting on stage makeup and fix their hair. Guys make
sure props and other important items find their proper place off or on stage. Then the concert begins. Oak Street Singers kicked off its new season Thursday, Oct. 8 along with Solid Oak, Treble FX and the in-school choirs. This year the show choir will perform “Rock of Love,” a pro-
Junior Brooklyn Bowman belts out a tune at the first concert of the choir season, along with senior Thomas Yoder. The group went from robes to dresses for the girls, and dress shirts with ties for the guys. “We put a lot of hard work into what we do,” Yoder said. photo by Kim Shields, photographer
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duction made of arrangements of rock songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s. “I always try to find pieces that I love, like ‘Burnin’ Love’ from ‘All Shook Up’, a musical we did two years ago, or Queen’s version of ‘Somebody to Love,’” said vocal music teacher Chris Droegemueller. “We were thinking about what would happen if all reality TV shows came together.” Oak Street lost a large group of people. Last year, seniors made up 21 of 30 members. “They’ve come a long way since we started,” Droegemueller said, “They have a willing attitude which is crucial to a group like this.” Along with the new team came new voices. Fourteen soloists get the chance to let their voices shine in ‘Burnin’ Love’ and other songs have solos too. “I have so many great soloists this year,” Droegemueller said, “We’ve always had a good group voices, but this year we can really pass the solos around.”