Issue 5

Log

The Northmen’s “I wouldn’t be here if it was just about playing basketball,” see page 2.

Oak Park High School

Friday, December 11, 2009

Issue 5, Volume 45

High school hacker cracks mini-notes

by Alex Mallin sports editor At age 12, senior Christian Garrett bought a Toshiba Satellite laptop for $20.

Infested with viruses and slower than a rusty typewriter, the computer ate up every afternoon of Garrett’s time for the next two years as he explored its anatomy.

Working through the “command prompt” function, he figured out how to manage every part of the computer, learning nearly every way to put it together, even how to effectively melt the entire system.

Release On Wednesday, Oct. 7, district technicians distributed Hewlett Packard mininotes to the student body.

Deemed the pilot school, Oak Park pioneered the district-wide digitalization as an expansive test-run before they handed them out to the rest of the district’s students.

Within five minutes of opening his netbook, 18-year-old Garrett hacked deep into its system files and assigned himself the computer’s administrative rights.

Five minutes before he had opened it, it was property of the North Kansas City School District; five minutes and 14 keystrokes later, Garrett made it his own.

While Garrett claimed credit for this incident, Skretta and other school officials chose not to comment on particular students either in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or in a decision that their comments on certain students would not be

prudent.

“We found out that a few students had done something to the computers to circumvent or disable certain things,” said Principal Fred Skretta. “It was due to the settings that we already had being too loose.”

The mini-notes included Lightspeed, software used to monitor student Internet use and filter content.

According to Janet Herdman, executive director of informational technology, a federal law called the Children’s Internet Protection Act requires school districts to filter Internet access for students.

Garrett, along with others, found ways to navigate around the filter and bypass the software. According to Garrett, just as he had done with his old Toshiba Satellite, he opened the command prompt and within minutes, shut off the restrictions put in place by Lightspeed.

“I went home and tested it because the servers here [at Oak Park] had Lightspeed turned on,” Garrett said. “It worked.”

A student can log on to

”

“It went from about two people requesting it to the next day about 50 people asking about it,”

senior Christian Garrett

“

Students unite to deliver happiness

District technicians delivered about 100 netbooks to the tech office on Friday, Oct. 16, and over the course of the next week nearly 400 more were brought in for maintenance. by Ally Sansone, photographer Technology coordinator Todd Beeck looks through the stacks of laptops to return one to a student after it was brought in for maintenance. Most of the laptops were returned after only a couple days in the technology office. by Ally Sansone, photographer

the mini-note two different ways. The first way logs the student automatically into the North Kansas City School District server. The second option, “workstation only,” allows students to use their mini-notes when not connected to the main server at the school.

Garrett found when he got home and logged on to the “workstation only” setting he could access any Web site and even gain administrative privileges. At school the next day, this worked the same as long as he continued to navigate away from the school server.

At this point, Garrett had broken the barriers which held his machine from complete Internet freedom.

As far as he knew, only he had the capability of cracking Lightspeed. According to him, his worst mistake re-

The day after disabling Lightspeed, Garrett’s name spread around the school as many students had already begun to look past the educational purpose of the mininotes and craved entertainment. In order to gain this entertainment, one would have to remove Lightspeed.

ing altered.”

The number of reports grew.

“It spiraled out of control,” Garrett said. “There were a lot of people running around with a lot of games.

They found one of the kids playing a game and after inspecting his computer they found he had free Internet privileges and full administrative power. They asked how he did it and the next thing I know I am walking down to the office with [assistant principal] Mr. [Mark] Maus.”

According to Garrett, Maus brought him to the office on Thursday, Oct.15.

Upon seeing three of the people he had originally worked with in the distribution of the code that could alter the mini notes, he knew STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 6

Adopt-a-Family campaign helps less fortunate

Sophomores Caitlyn Carder, Elie Rodriguez, Valeria Espadas and Katie Retschulte wrap some of the shoe boxes for the OCC project. courtesy of Jaime Curtis, special to the Log

Teachers and students banded together to help outside the community with Operation Christmas Child.

According to the OCC Web site, OCC started through The Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief and evangelism organization. With OCC people have the ability to help children around the holiday season.

People who want to do so can fill up a shoe box with gifts; then they deposit the box at a local church participating in OCC. From there the boxes are sent to children around the world who have desperate needs.

Art teacher Jamie Curtis had the idea to become involved with OCC, through her art classes and advisory.

Other classes soon started involving themselves with OCC, including physical education teacher, Jason Fowler’s flex time and ELL classes.

by Ally Sansone, photographer

Capture

The second day, Garrett disabled Lightspeed on a few other computers. Over the next five school days, he and a few other students distributed the Lightspeed removal to more than 60 students’ computers.

“It went from about two people requesting it to the next day about 50 people asking about it,” Garrett said.

Administration caught on to the students accessing sites and playing games Lightspeed software restricted.

“We got a parent phone call with concerns with what they were seeing their kids being able to access,” said assistant principal Gary Miller.

“This got picked up on very quickly and there were several avenues where our folks were discovering one way or another that things were be-

Advisories spread holiday cheer

by Gabrielle Young editorial editor

‘Final’ weeks of year arrive

mains as the expansion of his finding.

“It was an awesome gateway and created an amazing tool for those that would use it properly,” Garrett said. “But whenever I distributed it: that’s when it became reckless. What I did was wrong in that it made the networks susceptible.

Although it wasn’t with malicious intent, it still had consequences.”

More than 50 boxes were filled for children around the world. Everything from daily necessities to toys were packaged. courtesy of Jaime Curtis, special to the Log

“We wanted to do a community service project as a class,” Fowler said.

Curtis had heard about the organization through her church. The church set a goal to have 75 boxes; Curtis had a personal goal of 50 boxes.

Since OCC is a Christian organization and Oak Park a public school, Curtis sought to present the organization simply as one giving to the needy.

“I had to introduce it so students wouldn’t be offended for it being Christian-based,” said Curtis.

Although the organization has a Christian base this does not offend some students.

“I think it’s great that we have the chance to give little children all around

the world a Christmas for the first time and of course bringing the word of God to them,” said sophomore Abbey Fish.

Many items were placed inside the boxes, such as personal products, stuffed animals, makeup sets, candy, bracelets, paddle balls, dolls and toy cars. The number of gift-filled boxes came out to 53 total.

Curtis’s advisory alone spent about $60 toward the gift-filled boxes.

“I learned that little gifts go a long way, I would do this again,” said senior Jasmine Vasquez. “I never thought that I would put so much effort into helping a needy child; it showed me that I could give someone happiness and make their day.”

Tuesday

Wednesday

1A - regular class 7:25-8:48

1B-regular class 7:25-8:48

FINAL EXAM

FINAL EXAM

2A regular class 8:54-10:17

2B-regular class 8:54-10:17

FINAL EXAM

FINAL EXAM

Advisory 10:23-10:43

Advisory 10:23-10:43

Advisory 10:23-10:43

BIR 10:43-!0:53

BIR 10:43-10:53

Thursday 1A 7:25-8:48

2A 8:54-10:17

BIR 10:43-10:53

FINAL EXAM 3A 10:59-12:51

FINAL EXAM 3B 10:59-12:51

3A regular class 10:59-12:51

FINAL EXAM 4A 12:57-2:20

FINAL EXAM 4B 12:57-2:20

4A -regular class 12:57-2:20

Friday 1B 7:25-8:48

2B 8:52-10:17

Assembly

10:25--10:45

by Samantha Colhour copy editor Christmas time can be a difficult time for many families who cannot afford to buy presents for themselves or their kids. Oak Park participated in a program called Adopt-a Family.-For the past few years, Student Council participated by adopting only a few families.

“Last year we only adopted eight people total,” StuCo sponsor Carrie Marcantonio said. “We didn’t really know how to incorporate the whole school in an organized way.”

With the addition of advisory classes, StuCo saw a way for the entire school to participate if they wished to.

“This year we adopted six families, meaning 40 people in all. With advisories, we have a place to work through the process and raise awareness. We have gotten a great response so far,” Marcantonio said.

Those in charge of the activity include StuCo service committee members and senior mentors, led by senior Susan Leimkuehler.

“I like being able to be in charge because it helps out other people, and it helps put our school in the holiday spirit,” Leimkuehler said.

The program allows advisory classes to buy the common toys and fulfill the needs of those adopted.

“A lot of the kids want coats or hats and gloves and jeans. They also want some different games and toys,”

The classes that adopted a family from StuCo were named on this tree outside the cafeteria. by Ally Sansone, photographer

Leimkuehler said. “Some of the adults want hats and gloves as well, and some want diapers for their children.”

To increase the participation in advisory classes, some teachers gave incentives to their students. Some teachers have offered to match the amount of money the class makes, while some have taken to offering up food such as donuts and pizza. These incentives, along with the motivation students feel pushes the classes to raise as much as they can.

“It’s really great that the whole school is stepping up to help those that are less fortunate. I think that’s the motivation, to help those less fortunate,” Leimkuehler said.

StuCo set up a back-up plan for those unable to raise enough money.

“If they aren’t able to raise the amount of money to get the presents for the family, then StuCo picks up the slack,” Marcantonio said.

“We saved some money from Powder Puff for this purpose.”

2 Hall of Fame coach guides Northmen in 35th season page sports

by Alex Mallin sports editor Head basketball coach Fred Turner would like to make one thing clear in his 35th year as coach: he’s not here because of the games.

Since 1975, he’s been named coach of the year nine times by various organizations including the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association, The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and various district and conference organizations.

In 2006 his name entered in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. As of Tuesday, Dec. 8, in his 856 games he holds a 63 percent win record and he led Oak Park in four out of his last 10 seasons to a victory in the district championship and a season with 20 victories or more.

“I have had a lot of success, but how I’ve gotten that success were the teams,” Turner said. “I haven’t won

a single game. The players have.”

In high school, Turner played three sports, track, football and basketball. In college, he received his history major and pursued a law degree, but after finding himself too immersed in work, he decided he wanted to follow a different path.

After speaking to a football coach at Grandview High School, Turner received an offer to take a coaching position at the school.

“I always thought I’d be a football coach,” Turner said. “I was a defensive coordinator at Grandview High School. I wanted a head coaching job though so I went to Bishop O’Hara and coached football there. I was sure I would get the head coaching position on their football team. What they needed though was a head basketball coach so I jumped in on that. I decided that to give the proper amount of commitment to the players

I would focus on basketball.”

Since taking his head coaching job in 1974, Turner moved from his position at O’Hara to jobs at Lee’s Summit, Warrensburg and even coached college basketball for 14 years at Fort Scott Community College and then Avila University.

In 1999, he came to Oak Park where he has said he will stay until his retirement.

He maintains a job as a military history teacher and said even after his retirement, he hopes to continue coaching.

Turner feels the building of his teams, whether college or high school remains one of the most crucial elements to his success.

“I try and surround myself with good people,” Turner said. “Are they driven, do they want to make something out of their lives?

They have to care about their fellow students, their teachers. When you step out on the basketball court you aren’t just judged as a player

Fred Turnerisms - a guide to basketball Over 35 years as a head basketball coach, Fred Turner developed a new understanding of the game, and with it crafted a vocabulary he uses in his perception of the game. The Log would like to thank Turner for his generosity in providing us with this list of terms.

a player who passes the ball to me Team Player a player who wants me to pass the ball to him Ball Hog a player half an inch or more taller than me Monster a player half an inch shorter than me Pygmy a blind idiot who hates me Referee a player who cant shoot Defensive Star everybody’s friend (with a 2.4 average) Playmaker a ball I fumble Bad Pass another player’s muff of my perfect pass Fumble any shot I can get off Good Shot shot taken by a team mate Bad Shot basket made by the man I’m guarding Crazy Shot holding foul by the defense that the ref didn’t call Jump Ball obvious jump ball Defensive Holding the ref’s way of getting even Traveling Violation how’s that again?

Defense

Boys basketball coach Fred Turner listens as assistant coach Todd Marcantonio consults players. photo by Kim Shields, photographer

At practice coach Fred Turner talks to his players about being a team and working together on Thursday, Dec. 3. “I try to teach my players not just to become basketball players, but to try and be the best you can in life,” Turner said. photo by Kim Shields, photographer

you are judged as a person.

So when you finally select your team those individuals have to know that you care about them and respect them as a person.”

According to senior Mitch Stewart, gaining Turner’s respect gives the team a pride resounding with them on and off the court.

“To know you have the respect of coach Turner is not something to be taken lightly,” Stewart said. “My actions on and off the court are the same because every word I speak and every action I take could be seen as a reflection of the Oak Park basketball program.”

In his career as the Northmen’s coach, Turner has coached four all-state, six all-metro, six all-district and 20 all-conference players. From the large number of players he has coached, 10 went on to play in colleges such as the University of Missouri, Pepperdine and various others.

“I’ve been fortunate. I’ve had some great players who went on to play basketball later in life,” Turner said.

Turner believes even

with the talented students he has coached, basketball remains a second priority to coaching them toward becoming excellent citizens.

“Ninety-nine percent of the kids I’ve coached over the years don’t make their living playing basketball,” Turner said. “I wouldn’t be here if it was just about playing basketball. I was fortunate that I had coaches that cared a lot about me and they helped change my life and that’s what I want to do with each of my players.”

Stewart said he feels the influence Turner had on his life in high school reflects not only on his game but throughout his life.

“Coach always tells us that very few times in your life will you meet someone who expects greatness out of you,” Stewart said. “Besides myself and my parents, Turner is the only coach I’ve ever had who will push and push to demand the excellence he knows his players are capable of.”

Though Turner’s goal in coaching involves building life lessons, life is hard.

He hopes to push his team

to their absolute limits.

“If you don’t consider quitting at least twice during the year then we aren’t working you hard enough,” Turner said. “No matter what endeavor you’re on in life whether its on the court or in the class room, you think about giving up.

Adversity is going to come, there is no choosing that.

Self pity though, that is optional.”

According to Turner, in his 35 years he has not had a single player quit.

As he enters what could be his last years of coaching, Turner looks back on his career measuring his achievements not in his number of victories, but in numbers of lives he hopes he influenced.

“Probably the thing I enjoy the least are the games,” Turner said. “I enjoy being in practice and being around the kids. If you ask me; ‘is this year going to be a success as some of your other years have been a success?’

I’d only be able to answer you 15 to 20 years from now to see how everyone grew up.”

by Kayla Smith writer

project.

“I completely respect and understand his decision,” said Principal Fred Skretta. “At the same time it’s certainly a loss and disappointment for Oak Park.

He’s helped lay the ground work for continuing success.”

This decision means Skretta and activities director Keith Ross will have to choose Corum’s successor.

Under Corum, the volleyball program’s annual success included the American Volleyball Coaches Association national team academic award for every season he coached. All varsity and sub-varsity teams have received the Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award every year as well, the highest academic award given by MSHSAA. “I have enough faith in them getting someone good to maintain the success,” Corum said.

Along with the teams’ and individual players’ success, Corum had a bit of

success of his own. Corum was the president of the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association, and had been the president of the Greater Kansas City Volleyball Coaches Association.

He also served and will continue to serve on the national high school All-American team selection committee for the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

With his success with OPVB and his individual success, Corum also made quite an impact on the players he coached.

“He made everyone work really hard and he always believed in us,” said senior Blaire White. “He will be missed.”

Corum hopes to have installed teamwork and the importance of timeliness and hard work and effort into his team during his time as coach.

“I’m very proud of what OPVB is and my small part in that.” Corum said. “No matter what happens, I will always be an OPVB fan.”

this leadership to rely on.

Instead, the team relies on those underclassmen willing to take charge.

“The underclassmen have to really step up and take more initiative than they have ever had to before,” sophomore Jackie Moore said. “We have a way bigger responsibility,” While senior influence seems missing, the team still manages to come together.

According to Moore, they’ve formed a bond not there in previous years.

“This year is going great so far. There’s been some sad things people on the team have had to work through,” Moore said. “We are way more trusting this year because of it. We understand that we need to work hard, and we are able to help each other do that.”

While last year’s team

had to adjust to practicing with the Staley team, the teams now work together cohesively.

“I think we’re all okay with the fact that when we practice, we combine with Staley. In fact it’s nice to really practice as one,” Moore said. “We still have to compete against each other at meets, but it just provides an extra push.”

Another new direction for the team involves not having any team captains named and finding a new motto for the team.

“We’re trying to focus less on the separation of the JV and varsity teams,” Moore said. “We really want to work more on bringing the teams together. A team’s a team no matter what.”

Corum retires after eight years In the past eight years, the Oakies volleyball has an overall record of 127-126-6, accompanied by the 2007 team’s capture of the schools 15th district championship.

While most of this success came from the players, one might look at the man behind the team, coach Ken Corum.

This year, however, Corum made his last appearance as head coach. After eight years, having coached two All-Metro, seven MOKAN All-Star, 11 All-Region and 32 All-Conference players, Corum decided to step down in order to finish his doctoral degree.

Corum will enter his final year of an educational administration doctorate program from Saint Louis University. According to the press release from Corum, the year will involve a comprehensive examination, internship hours, as well as completion of a dissertation

Lack of seniors allows younger leadership

On Friday, Dec. 4, during swim practice, sophomore Rochelle Davis swims with precision on her butterfly stroke. The ladies practice every day along with Staley and Northtown. photo by Kim Shields, photographer

by Samantha Colhour copy editor On many sports teams around school, the seniors step up to lead the team.

While last year’s swim team had three seniors, this year’s team does not have any of

page 3 opinion

District mandates ‘mini’ use policy

by Johnna Hensley

Your Views:

What was your most memorable gift or memory of the holiday season?

LOG’S VIEW: School gives back during the season of giving

“My dog, because every time I got home he was there.”

-sophomore Cody Fisk

“Last year my entire family had the stomach flu but we were still together.”

-freshman Samantha Behen

“My mom once got me this telescope that I wanted all year.”

“My X-box 360, all my friends had it so I got one, and played online.”

-junior Ryan Hull

-foods teacher Ginny Stone

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Hunt, a 2009 graduate, wrecked his motorcycle, students started pulling together to raise money to help his family pay the hospital bills.

HOP held a spaghetti dinner to raise money for the students in the school who may not have everything they need.

StuCo took families from the Adopt-a-Family program to buy gifts and necessities for.

As these events happen around the students they pull together, helping those in need.

The students show sympathy and compassion, as well as an interest in what goes on around them.

by Courtney Kelley lifestyles editor

Among our students, thieves have risen. Many report cell phones, iPods and money as stolen these days, among other items.

“I was only upset that I didn’t have my phone anymore but also that I couldn’t trust anyone in a place where I should be able to feel safe,” junior Savanna Peterson said.

The security cameras across the school inside and out can make it easier to figure out crimes that could happen in the future.

Students predominately report

electronics disappearing. Often these students don’t get to reclaim these.

“Students are not even supposed to have electronics in school, as said in the student handbook,” school resource officer Scott Archer said. “Therefore break ins and reports on stolen items are not the school’s responsibility.”

Students suffer from vehicle breakins as well.

The Student/Parent Handbook states that if a car gets broken into OP and the North Kansas City School District assume no liability for theft, accidental, or intentional damage to any vehicle or its contents while on NKCSD property. Persons parking their vehi-

Logout Friends

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Parents invade teen social networks to protect children

by Jessica Nichols feature editor

View Photos of Mommy (79) View Videos of Mommy (43) Edit My Profile I love my baby :)

Networks: Oak Park HIgh School ‘81 University of Missouri ‘85 Relationship Status: Married

Facebook, MySpace and other social networking sites have taken over hours of teenage life. Students spend time chatting with their friends or taking the most random quizzes available. The time spent on these Web sites can seem like a way to get away from authority, specifically parents.

It seems some parents have taken up the “if you can’t beat them, join them” attitude.

Now students may find their parents have signed up for the social networking site they use.

With or without warning a mother or father shows up as a simple friend request. If their child ignored the first request a second follows.

Once the parent has finally become a friend some students may find embarrassing messages on their walls. Others may encounter tagged toddler pictures and promptly remove the tags.

These everyday activites become aggravating.

The privacy teenagers thought they found

slowly dwindles until it has almost completely disappeared. Some have to warn friends not to use profanity when writing on their page. Many debate whether to put up a status their parents may try to find a deeper meaning from.

Although parents seem annoying and bring the level of freedom down, the social networking sites become a safer place as parents become members. As they watch what their children say and what others say to them, they learn things they may not have known before and see who their children have added as friends.

In the end, the irritating actions of parents balances with the safety many of them try to provide by joining the social networking sites.

Teenagers still have their freedom, even if it may seem well guarded. Facebook and MySpace still have new, teen members even though the rate of adult members has grown. Students still chat with friends and change their statuses they just have to learn how to deal with the watching eyes of their parents.

Skipping threatens students future choices

by Kayla Smith writer

Skipping class has become completely normal for many high school students.

Students find any reason to skip a class they see as boring or useless. This destructive decision can damage or otherwise ruin a student’s chance of graduating successfully.

The majority of students who feel the need to skip a class or two simply don’t care. They think the class or classes they

The HOP project gave students a way to help their peers, many of whom they see on a regular basis.

The students who helped to raise money for Hunt provided a glimpse of compassion towards people outside of the school.

The students have claimed the school. They seem proud of the school, their peers, and themselves.

As the school year continues so should the caring.

It should grow and students should still care about the people around them even after the holiday season has passed.

Thieves snatch others belongings

-senior Caitlin O’Donnel

“My mom gave me her mother’s jewelry.”

Senior Drew Blanton cooks for the HOP spaghetti dinner on Thursday, Nov. 19. This was a fundraiser for the club; people had to buy $5 tickets in advance or $6 at the door to get in. by Autumn Daugherty, special to the Log

Outside, cold air blows by while holiday lights hang from roofs and adorn bushes in many neighborhoods.

Festive music plays in the stores and in the hallways.

Some parts of the school were decorated for the upcoming winter celebrations.

With all of the holidays in December, the month becomes a time of giving.

Stores put up angel trees where shoppers can choose a child to buy a gift for. Some businesses and schools set up donation boxes for coats, blankets, and food, such as Salvation Army bell ringers.

The spirit of giving has been passed on to the student body. When Cingen

decide to skip have no real life value. Some think that since they will never use the information again after high school, they have no need to sit in a classroom for more than 80 minutes.

However, these people may find themselves making a big mistake.

While some of the information they learn may never come up again after high school, attending classes plays a bigger role for their future.

The greatest reason for kids

to attend school doesn’t center around only bettering themselves mentally with information, but that they better themselves as human beings.

In a school environment, students learn right from wrong and good character traits, and basically how to act like a responsible adult.

While perfection lies in no one, and we all have things to improve on, these few individuals who see class as not worth their time show that they may need the life lessons more than

most.

Not only do classes prepare students for the future, but not passing them can greatly affect their chances of landing a job as an adult. Many employers will not hire someone with a poor high school grade record, because of the apparent lack of work ethic.

Skipping classes can damage a student’s chance at a great future. Many students, sit in a classroom and listen to lectures, pay a small price for a better and brighter future.

cles on North Kansas City School District premises do so at their own risk.

“Students are responsible for taking precautions to protect their possessions from theft.”

If one hands out their locker combination to friends, the fate of their belongings falls to their responsibility.

Also stated in the Handbook.

Be responsible and if you find something not belonging to you, return it to the office where it will be placed into lost and found, saving a lot of heart ache and creating a more trustworthy learning environment.

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 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 Kim Shields 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.

4

page features

Holidays Diversify a w K

a a z n

by Courtney Light writer

Han

by Courtney Light writer

Walking into many traditional African-American households between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, one would see a sea of red, black and green colors. Fruits and harvested vegetables such as bananas and corn on the cob add to the festive décor.

The word Kwanzaa originated in Southeastern Africa, and means “first fruits.”

The glow seen from the Kinarah, a cultural candle holder, contains seven candles - three red, one black which is located in the center and three more green candles.

According to www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org, each of the seven candles represents one of the seven principles in which Kwanzaa celebrants believe construct their lives.

Established during the Black Freedom Movement in 1966, Kwanzaa symbolizes morals, ethics, self-determination and unity.

In Kwanzaa, unlike most other major holidays, the celebrants have specific rules mandatory to follow to be traditionalists.

uk

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editorial editor

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The glow from the single lit candle of the Menorah in the foyer shines brightly through the front door a neighboring Jewish family. The first day of Hanukkah has arrived. If one looked into the windows of the home they would see a family enjoying its December holiday passed down from generation to generation.

According to http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah, the tradition of Hanukkah dates back to the second century B.C.E. when the Jewish army, the Maccabee’s had to fight against the Greeks in the Holy Land in order to maintain for their religious freedom. The Web site is a religious Web site which specializes in Hanukkah.

The Web site went on to say, profound respect for the values, symbols and A small present leaves the hands of mother and father only to meet with the practices are a must. A direct reflection of disrespect against the celebration warm, eager embrace of an awaiting child or teen. Among many traditions of Haincludes violations of the integrity, beauty and expansive meanings. nukkah, the Jewish people were taught each day brings an even more elaborate Secondly, mixing the Kwanzaa holiday or any symbols, values and gift, however they also understand the cultural traditions as well. practices with any other culture violates the principles of self-determiWithin all the traditions of the holiday, the Menorah remains a constant nation and thus violate the integrity of the holiday. throughout all the years.

Lastly, celebrants choose what they believe to be the most The lighting the Menorah was important in the daily rituals of the Holy appropriate items to celebrate Kwanzaa. Normally they take Temple.

When the Maccabee’s won the battle against the Greeks, they their time to plan and select traditional objects of art, Afrisearched the temple only to find a small pot of olive oil for fueling the can cloth, fresh fruits and vegetables and many more.

Menorah.

By following the guidelines celebrants show their The story was that there was only enough olive oil to light the African culture and commitment to the Menorah only for one day, while it would take eight days to proholiday in what they consider to duce new pure oil. be the best way.

“That is the miracle of Hanukkah, because it stayed lit for eight days, which is also why they have the eight candles. And that is why Hanukkah lasts that long,” said sophomore Alex Stompoly.

by Gabrielle Young

Chr

ist

The 25th of December marks the day of Christmas, a holiday celebrated by many dating back to A.D. 350.

According to thehistoryofchristmas.com, the story of Christmas started with the virgin Mary and Joseph. Mary was told by the angel Gabriel that she would give birth to God’s son and name him Jesus. While Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem, Mary needed a place to stay and all of the inns were full.They found a stable where they stopped to rest. Mary then gave birth to Jesus in the stable a few hours later, wrapping him in strips of cloth and hay.

The tradition of celebrating Christmas has not always been around.

“The tradition of Christmas (like most ‘Christian’ holiday traditions) was actually introduced by the Roman Catholic Church around 350-400 A.D. under Constantine,” said Kent Liles, high school pastor at Kansas City Baptist Temple. “The basic idea was to marry pagan traditions with Christian themes in order to appeal to the masses. The actual term “Christmas” is simply the compound of Christ’s Mass.”

The celebration of Christmas continues today, adapting different traditions through the years to celebrate this holiday.

“Some family traditions we have watching football, having a too big dinner and Christmas Eve service at 11,” said sophomore Leah Frisby.

The Christmas holiday has transformed much over time.

“Over the centuries, various traditions have been added to the holiday - and although the birth of Jesus is universally celebrated by the Church during this time of year, it is not taught in scripture nor generally held as truth that Jesus was actually born in December,” Liles said.

On Dec. 25,,many people will take the old and new traditions of Christmas and combine them, to celebrate the holiday.

Political correctness defeats purpose in holiday season

by Mandy Nichols entertainment editor Many people have turned away from the Lincoln logs this year, opting to receive gifts with practical applications.

Some students look toward their future when scrawling down their wish list.

“I want some money to put into savings for college,” said junior Hannah Horowitz.

Electronic gadgets help run the lives of many these days. Students and teachers alike look to such applications to fulfill their winter needs.

Business education teacher Lesley Martin wants a video recorder for the yuletide season.

“I just always find other

Gifts provide more Wanted by students, practical gifts such as money or cell phones become acceptable splurges for some parents and adults. by Courtney Light, writer

things to spend my money on,” Martin said. “It’s a want, not a need.”

“I want a cellular device,” said senior Kaylee Stober. “Mine fell in the toilet.”

To combat the chilly winds of winter months, others look to comfort and warmth as potential products of the holiday season.

“I would like a new coat because I like to stay warm for the winter,” said senior Susan Liemkueler.

“I want coats and warm sweaters, maybe some boots and warm socks,” said freshman Emma Kitelinger. “My coat is really bulky, so I need a new one.”

Senior Mitch Stewart entertains the idea of a “Snuggie.”

“It’s comfy and has a pocket for my remote,” Stewart said.

There remain other substitutes for toys as gift options.

“I hope to get some point shoes for ballet,” Horowitz said.

“I’m saving up to get a car, so money would be good,” said freshman Connor Wolenski.

Students have found replacements for game systems and movies under the tree, whatever purpose they may serve.

by Gabrielle Young editorial editor We have come upon that time of the year again, the season that covers all five of the senses. The sound of Christmas jingles, the smell of just baked Santa cookies, the sweet taste of candy canes, the sight of wrapped gifts under the tree and the touch of snow.

With this season of joy

and happiness, comes the controversy that still stirs up every year whether or not the appropriate saying will be “Merry Christmas,” or “Happy Holidays.”

I personally find the concept that a worker in the public field, like teachers have to say “Happy Holidays,” ridiculous.

They should be able to say whichever they prefer.

The goal they set in place centers on being politically correct.

If being politically correct means not saying “Merry Christmas,” what about those who don’t celebrate any holidays? Have we still been politically correct by saying “Happy Holidays?”

This purpose of being politically correct has then been defeated.

People should have the

freedom to say whichever saying they want. The reason “Merry Christmas,” has to receive removal from public workers’ vocabulary, has to do with the fact the bases of the holiday Christmas, comes from the birth of Jesus Christ, considered therefore as a religious holiday.

In the hallways Christmas jingles play throughout the day, seeming to scream out, “Merry Christmas,” but teachers still do not have the ability to freely say “Merry Christmas.”

The First Amendment gives the right to freedom of speech; this right should extend to those who want to say “Merry Christmas,” in the public field.

As for myself I’ll joyfully say “Merry Christmas,” to each person passing.

Winter releases offer variety Sherlock HolmesDec. 25

by Mandy Nichols entertainment editor

Alvin and the Chipmunks, the SqueakquelDec. 25 The chipmunks hit the books as they head off to school for the first time, discovering a female version of their pop-singing gang, the “Chipettes.”

The school’s music program has some financial problems, so the chipmunks strive to build up funds to keep it going by winning a music competition.

The Chipettes, Jeannette, Brittanny and Eleanor, voiced by Anna Faris, Christina Applegate and Amy Poehler will send some viewers back to the cartoon-

packed afternoons of their childhood.

One could see the movie simply for the novelty of seeing such classic cartoon portrayals in a feature film.

The new school setting of the film along with comedic talents of Poehler might provide more than just a blast to the past, possibly bringing in a few chuckles and smiles from older kids rather than just the family that might drag them to see it.

Legendary investigator Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his trusted companion Dr. Watson (Jude Law) set out on a crime-fighting adventure, as inspired by stories written by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Previews show a more modern twist on these classics, adding in substantial special effects. Romantic tension seems imminent, as Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), the only woman to have succeeded in tricking Holmes, appears asking him for help. A new adversary, Blackwood (Mark Strong) will make his appearance as well.

Holmes has his quirks in the tales Arthur Conan Doyle wrote, which most of

this generation may not realize. The tweed coat and pipe taint the general vision of this classic investigator, presenting a stuffier, more uptight version. While adding some action only modern day technology can portray on screen, this film may change viewers’ perception of the multi-talented investigator.

Dutch Youtube singer debuts

by Tatyana Pekarsky special to the Log Dutch singer Esmée Denters, 20, recently released her new song “Outta Here” to the States. Discovered on Youtube and produced by Justin Timberlake and touring the nation, her voice resonates with a melodic and pleasant tone.

However, Denters’ talent doesn’t shine through to its full potential, as she sings with synthesizers in her, edgy, soulful pop-RB style.

Her song “Outta Here” remains catchy, but doesn’t reflect the girl’s true voice.

Throughout the song, synthesizers and pop-effects mask her voice, which disappoints one who can see her

raw talent. When one hears the song, it’s hard to determine whether or not she can even sing, or if she’s a phony covered in special effects.

“Outta Here” show itself as a generic break-up song with clever lyrics and word usage. From the first listen, one can bob their head to the nice beat and seemingly meaningful lyrics. Upon careful inspection, the song becomes less meaningful, especially when one deciphers the message. The shallow words make the song lose its touch.

After many listens to Denters’ attractive voice, it becomes clear that she never really had any vocal training, though her talent still shows through. She almost

What actions did you initially take after high school to break into the industry?

“I started breaking into the industry early on and throughout high school.

I was continually writing, performing, recording all the time. I graduated a semester early my senior year to focus on my career.”

What progress have you seen in your music and in your career recently?

“Every day there is something new. Promoting a new album is fun and interesting. I can’t wait to get out and tour next year.”

seems to hold onto a certain collaboration of tones in fear of going any higher or any lower. There’s a small air of uncertainty coming from her music, whether or not she’s completely comfortable with it.

How do you believe OP helped you achieve your goals?

“I believe OP helped me believe that putting a good work ethic behind what you love makes a big difference and can mean all the world when you’re working on reaching your goals.”

What would you say to someone thinking about going into the arts or music?

“Never give up and stay positive. If you have a talent and a passion and work hard, you will make it, one way or another. I say with enough preparation, that preparation will meet opportunity and luck will factor in and will help you grow in your art.”

What do you think of the work itself? How does it differ from what you thought it would be?

“I love it. The music itself is just who I am, so I don’t consider it work. I believe I’ve been getting out what’s on my mind and it’s getting across to people and connecting with them, which I hope I will continue to do so through song for many years to come.”

New album showcases skill

by Mandy Nichols entertainment editor Jillian Riscoe’s claimed professional singing status for a while, and it shows in her new album, “Eleven Eleven.” The 2008 OP alumna presents a solid album which can appeal to a wide range of listeners.

One may classify the album’s style a lighter rock, but she’s not strutting a banjo either. Songs present more substantial listening experience than many pop songs, but maintain relatively catchy lyrics. Every song contained within this work doesn’t bring up a problem with boyfriends and how one should get back at them.

Overall, I give her two out of five stars. If Denters wants to hit the top charts, she’s definitely going to need to work harder, and maybe even change her game plan.

Her voice doesn’t hide behind layers of synthesizing. The background sound acts as real music should, providing beats, not overpowering Riscoe’s voice.

Her lower, almost smoky tone of voice provides a nice change from the repetitive bubbly pop albums other young “artists” dish out.

With each track, one can pick up the talent and practice evident in her skillful,

more mature take on this genre tainted by toddling, high-pitched singers of questionable gender.

Though all songs show skills in composition and performance, none really pop out as over-the-top amazing. The album has a relatively short range of song types, each similar in “mood.” One might listen to the songs while surfing the net, rather than belt out the lyrics at a party.

Riscoe needs to have that one song which gets the public energized before they can go back through her other songs to appreciate their substance.

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Seniors Tara Baumgartner and Ryan Drapela rehearse “Christmas Belles” in the Little Theater on Monday, Dec. 7. Theater III and IV presents its holiday production. photo by KIm Shields, photographer

‘Christmas Belles’ plays to talents

by Jessica Nichols features editor

Alumna expands career

Q&A

page 5 entertainment

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contact: Tom Stout, Oak Park High

School, 825 NE 79th Terrace, KC, MO 64118

cell: 853-0846

In Fayro, Texas, the three Futrelle sisters prepare for Christmas. Honey-Ray, the oldest sister, took the director’s position from Geneva, the original director, and must keep the play from spiraling out of control. Twink, the middle sister, wants to get revenge against an old boyfriend while out of jail.

Frankie, the youngest sister, has missed her due date for twins and her husband, Dub, has horrible pain caused by kidney stones.

The Theatre III and IV classes performed “Christmas Belles,” a play co-written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, on Wednesday, Dec. 9 and Thursday, Dec. 10 in the Little Theatre.

“I selected the show last year. I was reading various scripts that would work for a holiday show,” said theatre teacher Stephanie Siers. “I wanted to give them the opportunity to do a published play from start to finish.”

Students had in-class auditions that consisted of a

cold reading.

Once casted, the students began learning their lines and taking over the technical aspects of “Christmas Belles.”

“All of the tech elements have been student-designed and have been student-collected or -constructed,” Siers said. “We have two students who aren’t acting that are our technical directors.”

The students had to rely on one another as they learned Southern accents and their lines, trying to pull the play together in 11 days.

“You count on other people to memorize their lines and bring their props,” said junior Schyler Tate.

“You can do your job to the best of your abilities, but if others don’t do theirs then your show can still turn out horrible.”

The cast learned new things and made many memories together.

“The best part about the Christmas show this year is [senior] Kylor Greene kissing a girl on stage,” said senior Tara Baumgartner.

“It’s unusual for him.”

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6 news District protects students, mini notes in future

page

STORY FROM PAGE 1 exactly what was happening. “[School administrators] sat me down and asked me how I did it,” Garrett said. “I received three days ISS [in school suspension]. I was facing possible expulsion.”

While Miller refrained from commenting on a specific situation, he said in the condition of a student’s punishment regarding mini-note misuse, the response would depend on the event.

“I don’t think the intent of most of the things we have seen has been with the intent to damage data files or to steal and alter information,” Miller said.

“I think the majority of things that have occurred since the roll out of the mini-notes including that incident [that caused the Friday, Oct. 16 update] have not been of that nature.”

According to Garrett, the district decided against expulsion because the actions he and the other students took were without “malicious intent.”

Recovery

That Friday, Skretta made an announcement over the intercom that students were to bring their mini-notes to their first block classes and turn them on upon arrival. The district planned to push a new policy, resetting the computers through the server.

“When students chose to break the acceptable use policy and take advantage of those privileges for uses they were not designed to be we had to make updates and changes to our setup,” said technology coordinator Todd Beeck. “It may restrict some of the things we want students to do, but as long as they try and get around the system, we will have to keep cranking down the screws.”

During the advisory block on the recall day, Herdman estimates nearly 20 district technicians visited each class to check the status of each mini-note in the school to see whether it had been tampered with and if evidence existed that the policy pushed on the computers successfully updated.

According to Beeck, ap-

pages of the different ways you can crack Lightspeed,” Garrett said. “There’s about 30 different ways to do it.”

Though the district continues to install updates in order to prevent students from making further alterations, Skretta said he believes taxpayers and students alike should feel secure despite the ways to alter approximately $2.06 million of machinery making it susceptible to virus infection.

“I’m not embarrassed at all,” Skretta said. “We expected to have bumps along the road and that was a bump. Again though it also illustrates the reaDistrict technology technician Spen- son that Oak Park was chosen as cer Cartwright, a 2006 Oak Park gradu- the first school and having that ate, works on one of the mini-notes as the model to go out and be brought in Friday, Oct. 16. “We had to a ‘pilot’ rather than going out log in a couple times on each mini- and having 6000 students get note and manually change the ones them simultaneously.” that didn’t successfully take the polBeeck said he feels students icy,” Cartwright said. by Ally Sansone, have a mistaken perception on photographer the purpose of the mini notes. proximately a third of the mini“The public did not buy notes in the school were diag- the lap tops for entertainment,” nosed as either being tampered Beeck said. “I think one of the with or not being successfully things that students are forgetupdated with the policy push. ting is that these machines are District technicians delivered not owned by them. They are about 100 netbooks to the tech owned by the school district. office that These maday for rechines were configuration never deand over the signed or prohack•er 1 (hāk'ur) course of the vided with the n. Informal next week idea of giving 1. One who is proficient at using or nearly 400 students an programming a computer; a computer more mini entertainment buff. notes were device. These 2. One who uses programming skills to brought in for were designed gain illegal access to a computer network maintenance. or file. to be like a “There 3. One who enthusiastically pursues a textbook and game or sport: a weekend tennis hacker. were a large the purpose information from dictionary.com number of of a textbook machines we is for educabelieve were tional use.” purposely altered,” Beeck said.

“The goal was to get each and every machine back to the students so we didn’t have the time Regarding the future, to scan every computer for evi- Beeck said he believes students dence that a student altered it should consider the advantagpurposely.” es provided to students by the mini-notes and not abuse them further by disregarding the acceptable use policy.

According to Garrett, he “In some school districts served his three days of ISS and students are not allowed to informed the district of the oth- use flash drives, they don’t get er ways he knew to alter Light- provided e-mail accounts, they speed. don’t get to make any changes “I had written about two or rearrangements and some

Define ‘hacker’

Privilege

Bumps

school districts don’t even allow Internet access,” Beeck said.

“I think when you go around to the classrooms, you will see some incredible activities going on that would not be possible without the lap tops. And so what we try to do is provide as open a machine as possible to allow as much flexibility for as many different classes and pieces of software as possible.”

According to Garrett, hackers like him threaten the system. While he said he may not have had malicious intent, others with similar abilities exist and the district should be wary of those who could endanger the digitalization.

“From day one, I knew I could reset the servers and I could change the hard disk. I mean there are many processes in which you can effectively melt the system and it would require full hardware replacement, but that wasn’t my intent,” Garrett said.

According to Miller, district technicians at both the school and district level and even students and parents continue to find ways to further secure the systems.

“No computer is immune to a really talented hacker,” Miller said. “I think it is considerably harder to get around the system than it was a month ago.

The district is constantly watching, monitoring and trying to figure out where there might be vulnerabilities and where they see them they are closing them up.”

In response to views that the inclusion of netbooks in a school setting as an unnecessary risk, Skretta still feels the only true mistake would be withholding this tool from students.

“The technology that we have now needs to be a part of school and learning. That’s all there is to it,” Skretta said.

“We can’t continue going through life with students coming to school and not having access to things they have access to outside the school. We still have to have some limits and controls. We [the school district] know that there are bad things out there and we also have a duty to provide a healthy level of security that protects kids.”

Q&A

with Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Valenti

by Alex Mallin sports editor Assitant U.S. Attorney Jeff Valenti works as the prosecuting attorney for the Western Missouri computer crime unit.

What type of crimes do you typically deal with involving hackers?

“We deal with all types of cyber crimes, computer hacking; people doing computer intrusions like someone trying to gain information or take advantage of someone else. Identity theft, intellectual property violations.”

What is the range of punishment along the lines of computer hacking?

“Punishments vary greatly. It could be as low as a federal misdemeanor which is something that we may not even prosecute or it could be a federal felony that has a rate of punishment up to 40 years. The sentencing guidelines are based on the amount of loss or the amount of money that has to be spent to remediate the problem. If it involves theft of information it depends on the value of information that has been taken.”

Why are computer crimes involving hacking such a serious issue?

“The world has gotten more and more digital and more connected through high speed Internet, crimes become more prevalent.”

What laws are in place that you most commonly use in the process of prosecuting hackers?

“We would use the Computer Abuse AntiFraud statute. That ranges from any type of inappropriate intrusion in to a computer or one beyond the authority that has been given to the user.”

How do you advise people to protect themselves against hackers?

“People should always use their anti-virus protections that you put in place, be respectful of the antivirus protections, keep your spam filters up, Keep your definitions current. It’s not smart to keep personally identifiable information easily accessible to others, to the extent possible, don’t make your information public.

Anything you say that provides information about you, your family or anyone that’s made public is information that in the cyber world will exist forever.”