The
Northmen’s Log g Oak Park High School
class.”
Matt Kester Previous Job: math teacher at Winnetonka Number of years teaching: three years How do you like Oak Park so far? “I like it, the kids are nice, and it’s nice having my student athletes in
Jeri Willard Previous Job: debate, forensics and theatre teacher at Winnetonka Number of years teaching: 11 years How do you like Oak Park so far? “I’m an alum of Oak Park, and so far it’s awesome.” Nekita Fuller Previous Job: Taught at Avila University as a professor of social psychology Number of years teaching: more than 10 years How do you like Oak Park so far? “As a former parent, I have a wide knowledge of Oak Park and I have a great grasp of the family vibe that Oak Park gives. I’m excited to be here.” Stephanie Bauer Previous Job: Patient accounts at Shawnee Mission Medical counter How do you like Oak Park so far? “I like it.” Megan Ryer Previous Job: Worked at self-contained special education room. Number of years teaching: 0 How do you like about Oak Park so far? “I love seeing all the familiar faces that I’ve seen before.” Joe Hesman Previous Job: associate principal at Truman High School in Independence Number of years being an administrator: 11 years How do you like Oak Park so far? “I love it. We have a lot of great staff and great kids.”
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sentence from the Missouri Senate Bill 54 reads “By Jan., 1, 2012, every school district must develop a written policy concerning teacher-student communication and employee-student communication.” On Thursday, July 14, Gov. Jay Nixon signed the bill. The law is called the Amy Hestir Student Protection Act. “Allegedly Amy Hestir, a student, was inappropriately taken advantage of, inappropriately involved with a teacher,” said principal Joe Hesman. Originally scheduled to go into effect on Sunday, Aug. 28, the bill would have made changes to Missouri law with the intent of preventing child sexual abuse. The changes included modifications to criminal law, changes to the Children’s Division investigation process, extended statute of limitations for some crimes and mandatory additions to school district policies. These mandatory additions to policy particularly focused on student-teacher communications. The bill requires school boards to create new policies regarding com-
munication between school employees, both teachers and education professionals, and students. Each policy must include appropriate oral and nonverbal communication that personally takes place between students and teachers as well as the use of electronic media like social networking sites. Soon after hearing of the law, teachers began deleting students off of their Facebook friends lists. When school started, some teachers for higher level classes had removed their cell phone numbers from the syllabus. Coaches also had to remove the students they work with from their Facebooks and restrictions were made on their communication with their teams.
MSTA files lawsuit Pertaining to the social media aspect of the law, Senate Bill 54 read, “Teachers also cannot have a non workrelated web site that allows exclusive access with a current or former student. Former student is defined as a person who was at any time a student at the school at which the teacher is employed and who is 18 years of age or less and who has not graduated.” On Friday, Aug. 20, the
Missouri State Teachers Association filed a lawsuit against the bill. They filed suit with the idea that the Amy Hestir Student Protection Act violates teachers’ First Amendment rights, opposing the provision that blocks teacher and student communication via text message and social networking sites. They also believe it limit’s a teacher’s ability to assist students in a classroom setting. MSTA asked the court to keep the section of the law that dealt with text message and social media communication out of the bill until its constitutionality could be determined. Judge Jon Beetem ruled in favor of the Senate Bill 54 Facebook law on Friday, Aug. 26. This means that Beetum found the law unconstitutional. According to Spanish teacher Sandra Woolen, the Missouri National Education Association, the minority teachers union, is pleased that the court ruled in favor for MSTA. As of press time, the law has been put on hold until Monday, Feb. 20. Governor Nixon called the General Assembly to repeal certain provisions about teacher-student communication and set up Continued page 2
Vandals steal, run down trees By Lauren Grace Feature Editor Tables tossed just like the rest of the trash scattered on the terrace in the south parking lot left police to find who vandalized the school property over the summer. Three males burglarized the school about 1:20 a.m.
Saturday, July 30. Activities director Keith Ross and custodian Ken Knightly found the press box on the soccer field in ruins. A microphone was taken, the sound system had knobs torn off and the door was ruined, Ross said. “If we lived in a perfect society these things would never come up, but we don’t. These are things we deal with
from time to time. It has gotten much better with the help of the district,” Ross said. Any information is helpful to the case, please call this TIPS Hotline or the police at (816) 413-3426. Punishment will be up to the law and the school will deal with it differently based on the administration, Ross said.
INSIDE ENTERTAINMENT , PAGE 10
By Jake Boeding Opinion Editor and Assistant Sports Editor
By Jessica Nichols Managing Editor
NORMAN’S OSCARS
Student body welcomes new teachers, administration
Issue 1, Volume 47
Senate bill affects teachers’ rights
SPORTS, PAGE 3
Warming up after the summer sun
FOOTBALL
Friday, September 9, 2011
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NEWS
September calendar Friday 9th Homecoming Assembly in Big Gym at 1:45 p.m. Homecoming Pep-Rally at DAC 5:00 p.m. Homecoming Football Game at DAC 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 10th ACT at 8:00 a.m. Homecoming Dance in Big Gym at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday 15th Boys Soccer at DAC vs Kearney at 5:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 9, 2011
Senate Bill 54 affects teachers’ rights, Facebook Continued from page 1
a special session to start on Wednesday, Sept. 6, for the law to be revised.
Law affects OP The Amy Hestir protection act has its consequences here as well. The teacher-student communication policies in the NKC school district have been revamped to take the new requirements into account. “It’s a change in district policy not to have individual private communication through texting, e-mail and Facebook,” Hesman said. “We are following what Dr. Paul Frigo told us to do.” This means that teachers and students are not able to communicate
through text, e-mail, or any social networking site. However, students can e-mail or text teachers when parents also receive a copy of the e-mail or text and have given the teacher permission. “What they told us is that we can’t text anybody this year, which is particularly hard for the coaches because they can’t text captains or anything,” Postma said. “Furthermore, we can’t e-mail students without contacting parents first. Which takes more of our precious time.” Students can also copy both a parent and an administrator in an e-mail to a teacher. “It has to be done in a public manner,” Hesman said. Although the school e-mail is a public forum and administration can go through the messages sent, the
rules apply to everyone. “We’re asking even if it’s the student-teacher e-mail,” Hesman said. “We won’t go through the e-mail unless we have a reason to go through it.” As for text communication, teachers and coaches can use group texts. “Teachers can send out a group text with parents, administration, and students,” Hesman said. “Three, four, or five—as long as it’s not an individual.” For the district, teacher and student safety is the main priority. “The big thing for us is making sure our students are safe,” Hesman said. “To keep our kids, students safe. And to keep our teachers safe. We’re making sure everyone is doing the right thing.”
Girls Tennis at Home vs Liberty North at 4:00 p.m.
College applications approach
Friday 16th
Stephanie Agabekyan Lifestyles Editor
Half Day-released at 10:45 a.m.
here pretty soon. Before she made her concrete decision, Valdepena used to be interested in clothing and fashion. Then she decided it was not her thing, it was just something to do for fun. Her desire now is to open up her own restaurant at some point in her life. “I just want to cook” Valdepena said. Senior Keith Sommers plans to apply and attend Colorado State University to study forestry and become a forest ranger. “I love the outdoors, and I just want to live in the mountains. It just fits me. It’s what I’ve wanted to do all my life,” Sommers said. Time ticks and the application process awaits and seniors need to realize that before it is too late. Good luck everyone.
Wednesday 21st
‘Tis the season to be ready for college. Yes, college arrangements are just around the corner and for seniors the reality sets in. Senior Cameron Helmuth has somewhat of an idea of where he wants to go. “I would have to say Vanderbilt University, Rice University or maybe Mizzou,” Helmuth said. He prefers to major in math or science, specifically engineering. Which results in Physic and his interest in a career would be followed up by that of a math professor or associating with cosmology. Kansas City Art Institute and a couple of other schools that have culinary art programs is what senior Haley Valdepena has set in for her near future and she will be taking upon these actions
Boys Soccer at DAC vs Liberty at 5:00 p.m. Softball at Home vs Grandview at 4:00p.m.
Curfew causes concern
ACT approaching
Aggie Rieger Writer
Eric Crump Writer
Registration Deadline for Saturday, Oct. 22, ACT
Monday 19th Boys Soccer at DAC vs Platte County at 5:00 p.m Girls Tennis at Home vs St. Joe Central at 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 22nd Girls Tennis at Home vs Kearney at 4:oo p.m.
Tuesday 27th ACT-Plan for all Sophomores Boys Soccer at Northgate vs Grandview at 5:00 p.m.
In response to shootings in the Power and Light District, the Kansas City Council voted unanimously on Thursday, Aug. 18, to set an earlier curfew for Kansas City youth. Mayor Sly James signed the law on Friday, Aug. 19. At Zona Rosa, Westport, the Country Club Plaza and 18th and Vine, curfew for youth under 18 who are not with an adult is now 9 p.m. This is because these areas are entertainment districts.
http://journalism.missouri.edu/
h t t p : // w w w. c o l o s t a t e . e d u /
Throughout Kansas City, the curfew for ages 15 and younger is 10 p.m.; and 11 p.m. for 16 and 17 year olds. Exceptions are activities on specific city property that is approved, such as the city’s community centers, which are open late. Otherwise if youth are caught violating the new law a fine of up to $500 could be given, along with court costs. Or, the guardian could receive probation and go to counseling sessions with the child. This policy will remain in effect until Sunday, Sept. 25. After this date, the curfew through the end of May will be 11 p.m.
All students interested in taking the ACT College admissions test will need to sign up online at actstudent.org by September 16th. The test will be October 22nd. The cost of taking the test is $34. An optional writing portion of the test is available for students to take. It will cost $49.50. Student with free and reduced lunch are available for a waiver. Students can practice at www.mystudentedge.com. Please go to the student counseling center with any further questions.
Girls Tennis at Home vs Platte County at 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 28th Softball at Home vs Liberty at 4:00 p.m.
Have an opinion? Send us a letter to the editor!
Email to Jake Boeding, opinion editor, at boed3206@nkcsdk.k12.mo.us, or drop them by E134.
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SPORTS
Sports
Friday, Sept. 9, 2011
Remember the past, support the future Eissler’s Insight
to go to the school wanted to do more than to suit up and play under those Friday night lights. It was our dream. But these days seem to be over. The traditions of playing down at District Stadium and creaming teams in front of a packed house seem to be over. And people have noticed this. Attendance to games is way down and to be honest, so is school spirit. Our school, heck, our community used to be exploding in Northmen pride. The color shout wasn’t just a chant, it was a war cry. This too seems to have faded away. Many people blame this one Staley. And that’s probably a pretty valid scapegoat. But the reason for much of this happening has much less to do with Staley, and much more to do with us. Think back to what your parents used to tell you: make the most with what you’ve got. You may see a losing football team on the field, but believe it or not, we’ve got a very talented group of players with more dedication than one could have seen on a team for the last couple of
Oak Park and Liberty North battle on the gridiron on August 26th, 2011. The two schools played four quarters of hard ball, but Liberty North triumphed 34-0. Photographer Maggie Nolan years. Sure W’s may not be what becomes of the games but that’s not everything. Many of you know that I’m a major Mizzou fan (and might be asking why I’m bringing this up, but bear with me and you’ll see). While Mizzou is pretty successful right now, things didn’t used to be that way. From the 40’s to the 60’s the Tigers were thought of like Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, and USC are today. They were nearly unstoppable and were constantly ranked high in the polls. This slowly began to fade in the 70’s but the team was still pretty darn good. Where everything seemed to fall apart was in the 80’s and early to mid 90’s. Mizzou would get absolutely crushed week in and week out by 50 to 60 points. They were a laughing stock. The deafening and intimidating Zou turned into a lowly petting zoo. But the fan base held fairly strong. The games might not have been complete sellouts like they used to be but Faurot Field was still pretty full. The fans became almost as dedi-
cated as the true Royals fans still left: still supportive amidst terrible, terrible performances from their team. And while these fans might have suffered during those 17 horrible years from 1980 to 1997 the ensuing years from ’97 on made it all worth it. In 1997 the team became ranked for the first time in nearly a decade and went to their first bowl game in years. Along with this, the Tigers almost took down 4 ranked teams (at least two of which were ranked in the top 5) losing by less than a touchdown in each games (one being the flea kicker game against NU). From 1997 on, the team only seemed to get better. Sure there were a few slow years in there near the beginning, but the Tigers and their level of success were getting exponentially greater. And the fans were already there to support the success of the boys in black. There was never a big recoup period. This success meant more the fans than it ever had before. By 2007 Mizzou had become revitalized and rejuvenated by the likes of Bad Smith, Corby Jones, Justin Smith, Chase Coffman, Chase Daniel, Sean Weatherspoon and so many more. The team defeated their arch rival Kansas in Arrowhead Armageddon in possibly the biggest game of the rivalry. Missouri became ranked number one in the nation and had a Heisman candidate in Chase Daniel. In the past four years Mizzou has won 43 games. They won less than 40 in the 80’s. The team is expected to go to a good bowl game and is seen as a failure if they don’t win nine to ten games. This success is in many respects because of the support from the fans. Now, after that long ramble about Mizzou, think about some parallels to Oak Park. If you think about it, it’s the same situation. Now, we might not be in the current winning phase the Tigers are in, but we are just like Mizzou.
Our school used to be one of the most successful teams in the area with a fan base and spirit that most schools could only dream of. We began to fade away and now we’re where the Tigers were in the 80’s. And we might just have a long storm of losing to endure. But the difference between our school and Mizzou is the spirit. Fans never abandoned the Tigers, but we seem to want nearly nothing to do with our school now. And many would say rightly so when asked about their lack of support, but the amount of wins and losses should only affect you to point. Sure you might not be as pumped to watch your team if all they do is lose (I’m sure Mizzou fans didn’t enjoy being there to witness 65-0 beat downs from Oklahoma and Nebraska), but you should stand behind them. We might not be winning now, but we will later. But without support it makes it much harder for anyone to have a drive to give it their all on Friday nights if they know no one cares. And let’s say the football team doesn’t necessarily pick it up during your career at the school. My reply to that? We have tons of other successful athletic teams and school clubs. Whether it’s our nationally ranked wrestling team, our soccer teams, softball team, volleyball team, Science Olympiad (yes that’s right, you can cheer for them too), or any of the other teams around the school, we’re surrounded by success. Just because one team isn’t winning doesn’t mean the rest aren’t either. The school would have a completely different feel if it was filled with the spirit it used to have. So when you see our football team get smashed don’t act embarrassed and walk away in shame, hold your head up high, support everyone in the school and think of that school motto we always scoff at: keep on keepin’ on.
The issue at hand was the heat Kansas City experienced this summer. “It’s typically not that hot until late August and it’s usually only that hot for a week or two instead of two months,” Gerhold said. The cross country team battled the blaze by taking water breaks, running shorter routes or routes in which water was near from businesses such as Wendy’s and homes of runners. Varsity cross country junior Liban Samatar faced a separate challenge. As part of his religion, Samatar could not eat from sunrise to sundown during part of the summer as he celebrated Ramadan. Throughout this time, he still conditioned for cross country.
“It was a little hard, but I just went along with what I needed to do,” he said. “I was kind of freaking out a bit but [head] coach [Kevin Torres] told me I could handle it.” Samatar woke early to eat and ran later at night with Torres in order to make practices safer for him. “It’s very important,” Samatar said. “It’s part of my religion, very important.” Other sports faced difficulties as well. According to Quarterback Coach Jason Fowler, several football practices had to be modified according to guidelines by MSHAA. When the heat index is above 95 degrees, water breaks every 20 minutes are required, and players are limited to shoul-
der pads and helmets. If the heat exceeds 105 degrees, practice must be canceled. “It’s all about temperature, you have to abide by MSHAA,” Fowler said. “The well being of the players is the number one priority.” According to Fowler a few players became dizzy while playing. In response, they sat out and saw the trainer. Just like the cross country team, players fought the heat. “The weather is always a factor, but for a football player, it’s just part of the sport,” said defensive tackle senior Sterling Newsom. “I felt that even though we modified some practices we still worked hard.” Girls golf was also affected by the heat, although their chal-
lenges were no different from previous summers. At the beginning of the season, players will be allowed to move their golf ball onto a patch of grass that is not damaged by the extreme summer conditions. “We’ve adjusted as best we can with still playing the game of golf as true to the game of golf as we can,” said head girls coach Seth DeRose. As for how these past summer months will impact the season, the coaches remain optimistic. “I think everyone’s been training under the same conditions,” Gerhold said. “I would say training in the heat has made us tougher and so when it cools down it’ll feel great.”
Caleb Eissler Sports Editor
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creams and intensity fill the air. The thick grass is freshly cut and the concession stands smell of hot dogs and pop corn. The stadium is overflowing with anxious fans who can’t wait another second for the game to kick off. There’s an electricity in the air that seems to further pump up everything with a beating heart. The coaches are already planning out plays for drives in the second quarter and the players have this indescribable urge that can’t be calmed until the players knock someone’s block off. When the home team finally hits the field with the bright, legendary Friday night lights gleaming off their helmets, all the electricity and intensity surges. Nothing can quite fully describe this scene but one thing is for sure: this used to be the main event, the weekly headliner if you will, on Friday nights for our community. Granted, by no means was the DAC empty on the opening night of the religion most people around the country call high school football. But anyone who’s been a part of the scene I just described knows that things just aren’t quite the same. I can remember being in elementary school and middle school and watching the team take down juggernauts like Blue Springs South and Rockhurst in the DFS on a regular basis with the help of greats such as Michael Keenan, Jason Palmgren and Jarrell Childs. There was nothing that I or any other boy destined
Oak Park and Liberty North face off under the Friday night lights. Oak Park prepares to advance the ball up the field. Photographer Maggie Nolan
Teams battle blaze early in season Aggie Rieger Writer Sophomore Annie Neds put one foot in front of the other one summer day, just like her fellow cross country teammates. But for her something was different. Something was wrong. “I was kind of blacking out when I was running and my face was probably really red,” Neds said. “It was really hot that day and I drank plenty of water but with the heat I needed electrolytes.” Assistant girls cross country coach Katie Gerhold picked Neds and another teammate up in her car to take the girls back to school during conditioning. After water, stretching and cooler surroundings, the girls were doing fine.
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FEATURE
Friday, Sept. 9, 2011
Homecoming date has logical explanation By: Aggie Rieger Writer
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tudents were surprised to discover that Homecoming was two weeks away from the first day of school. “It all hit me that I need a date, I need a dress, what am I supposed to do now,” said leadership member junior Abbey Henning. “It’s going to be harder finding a date and shopping. You have two weeks; you don’t have time for shoes and accessories.” Senior Bradley Kruse felt rushed as well, particularly with saving money for the dance.
“I wasn’t really prepared for it,” he said. “I’m kind of mellow on it [the date], it just makes me a little more stressed on getting everything gathered up.” Other students faced similar challenges, all revolved around the early date of the dance. “I just question why it’s been so early. What’s the point, since it’s at school and we don’t need to plan anything,” Henning said. The answer to the question goes back to last school year, when Athletic Director and former principal Fred Skretta decided the date of the game and dance. Homecoming games cannot take place during the three weeks of district, Ross said.
Another option could have been the first game which would have heightened the problems students face now. Because the game schedule changes from year to year, Ross said that many of the “middle games” that were options for homecoming games last year turned out to be away games this season. After reviewing the schedule, together the two decided that Sept. 9 was the best date for the homecoming game. “Last year’s schedule worked out perfectly,” Ross said. “This was our best choice.”
StuCo plans assembly By: Eric Crump Writer In the beginning of August while most students try to savor their last month of precious summer, a few students gather together to help plan the event most students think of when they think of coming back to school. Homecoming. Senior Eliane Rodriguez, Junior Jordan Hubbard, Amber Hemmie and Rebekah Winkel were all part of a committee to plan the Homecoming assembly. “We started planning it this summer as a committee,” Hemmie said. “We started working on the back drop and script work when school started.” Students in the committee worked hard every other day planning the assembly. Stuco Advisor Bryan Edinger helped guide the students and keep them on track with Oak Park assembly traditions. “A lot of planning an as-
sembly is following tradition,” Edinger said. “The committee works really hard in making sure the assembly comes together.” This year, two assemblies have been merged into one. The back to school assembly and homecoming are now one assembly, and dance has been set for an earlier date. “This year we only have thirty five minutes, and it’s harder to fit everything in,” Hemmie said.”It’s a lot harder to fit everything in.” To plan an assembly groups must be organized, jokes and scripts must be written and performances and games must be planned. “It’s a fun experience, but it’s stressful at times,” Hemmie said. “It’s always worth the work though.” Students met every leadership class, and the entire student council meets to work towards the assembly during pizza and pomp.
Meet 2011-2012 foreign exchange students Arber Dumani, Albania
Q: When did you get here? A: Yesterday Q: How is it different from Albania? A: School is very different. I don’t know if I’ll get used to it. I feel like a UFO. Q: What do you like about America so far?
A: I like the buildings. The people. In DC, the people were cold. People here are nice, smiling. Q: Are you or do you plan on becoming involved in any activities at OP? A:Theater
Cherry Che, China Q: When did you get here? A: August 6th Q: What do you like about America so far? A: People are very friendly. Q: How is it different from China? A: The food, the school life. We don’t have to run from
class to class; we stay in the same room. Q:Are you or do you plan on becoming involved in any activities at OP? A: Cross Country, Basketball. I want to change 3D Design to newspaper.
Michelle Koch, Germany Q: When did you get here? A: I’ve been here 13 days. I’m staying 11 months. Q: What do you like about America so far? A: A lot. Everything is so big. The people are very,very friendly. Q: How is it different from Germany?
A: Everything is so big. The school thing, like Cherry said. Everyone’s nice. The style of the houses. Q: Are you planning on becoming involved in any activities at OP? A: Cross Country, Cheer leading. I’m going to my first practice after school.
Eva Schmidt, Germany Q: When did you get here? A: four weeks ago Q: What do you like about America so far? A: Four weeks ago Q: How is it different from Germany? A: The school, sports, because we don’t have any in Germany.
Q: Are you planning on becoming involved in any activities at OP? A: Cheer
Mark Makrai, Hungary Q: When did you get here? A: Aug.4 Q: What do you like about America so far? A: The people. Q: How is it different from Germany? A: Everything is different. The school, the people, my host
parents the people are so nice. Q: Are you planning on becoming involved in any activities at OP? A: Soccer.
5
OPINION
Friday, Sept. 9, 2011
Oakies Opinions: What’s your senior resolution? “I’ve always been that guy in the corner, and I don’t want to be that guy anymore.” -senior Alex Carroll
Poor advisory is missing. “Eek,” “gasp” and “oh no” come to mind so sound the alarm; somebody had better find those sad 20 minutes soon. Ok, ok, so maybe the time hasn’t been completely lost to the depths of useless schedule changes, but an extended advisory on Fridays just doesn’t seem like the way to go. Maybe I’m being selfish. As an avid procrastinator without a flex, last year I found Advisory a nice place to puzzle through some Algebra II problems, find a faculty member for a quick interview and talk with teachers. I wasn’t the only one. Some of us used advisory for positive means. Yet, others loitered in the hallways and
bathrooms like delinquents with a strong resemblance to silly “wanna be” mobsters. Clearly I wasn’t the only one who was not impressed. So from all of us that might have benefitted from those precious 20 minutes; thank you for being ridiculous morons. But I suppose it’s best to let bygones be bygones and just move on. (Right, as if anyone in America does that.) The damage has been done. So, where does that leave us this year? With a chunk of time on Friday and a short Blue in Review show tacked on to the end of first block. For broadcast students, that means the annoyance of leaving class a few minutes early in order to make it down to the journalism room in time. Great. Still, on the bright side this new “seminar style” arrangement might not turn out so bad after
-senior Jenny Nolan
“Go to Vegas” -senior Derek Harvey
Advisory switch creates conflict Aggie Rieger Writer
“I want to make it my best year of high school.”
all. The truth is, more often then not students thought advisory was a waste of time. I’ll admit that sometimes it sure was. But if I had to make a bet, I’d place my money on the old saying “you never know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone.” And me, I’m not much of a gambler. Once school is in swing I expect folks will wish they had those 20 minutes every day to stop and breathe. Or hey, maybe everyone will love it, never want the old schedule back, spend their school days completely stress free, manage to remember all of their questions for teachers until Friday, get good grades, learn respect, know what’s going on around school, never have a missing assignment and live better and happier lives all because of the switch. Psh. Yeah, I was just being positive.
Q: Wanna hear a joke?
A: OP football
“I want to “To get higher sing the national than a 25 on the anthem at a ACT and get into varsity baseball MSU.” -senior Kira McKiddy game with fighter jets to fly over me and sparklers going off in the background.” “I want to go -senior streaking through Cody the hallways.” Fisk -senior Katie Retschulte
cartoon by Katie Pitre
Flex time effective in few ways A
s students fill their schedules with core and elective courses, many run into difficult decisions. Deciding between classes that could determine what career a student pursues or needs for graduation becomes a tricky process. For freshmen, sophomores and juniors the process becomes even more complicated when students have one block each semester filled with a flex class. This class, designed to help teens keep up on their homework load, cuts out one class a student may want to take and becomes a waste of time. The class, itself, has a strong foundation and for the students who choose to use their time wisely, some are able to
end the school day with completed homework assignments and look forward to a relaxing afternoon. Flex is also helpful to those students involved in after-school activities and sports, making game day just a little easier. In such a busy society, the class provides students with a little relief from the stressful world. For some, flex becomes a waste of time. With the students around them talking loudly and obnoxiously, many could get more done at home than in the class. Others must work around the schedules
of their flex teachers and have to complete extra assignments. Students are unable to study for an upcoming test in world history or get help on the math problems they struggle with. For others, flex denies them the opportunity to take a class they could benefit from. Perhaps a student wants to take a theater class because he would like to have a career as a stage manager. For these students, getting out of flex is a necessity. With good grades and a schedule filled with strong courses, why
should this be a problem? The process for getting out of flex takes too much time. Once a student has submitted the proper paperwork to get out of the class an administrator must also sign the paper to approve the class’s removal. Counselors should be able to make this decision without administrative approval. The counselors know their students well enough to judge whether or not a student is capable of taking on an extra class. Cutting in half the time it takes to drop flex, the student could move on to the more important class quicker. Flex should be relative to the students’ situation.
STAFF & POLICIES “The Northmen’s Log” is published 10 times during the school year. “The Log” is a student forum of expression; it is produced by students for students. “The Log” accepts letters to the editor in rooms E133 or E134 or cgeabhar@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 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.
Editor-in-Chief and Photo Editor Kim Green
Entertainment Editor and Cartoonist Hannah Williams
Writers Eric Crump Aggie Rieger
Business Manager Jessica Nichols
Lifestyles Editor Stephanie Agabekyan
Opinion and Assistant Sports Editor Jake Boeding
Sports Editor Caleb Eissler
Photographers Brooke Rhoads Maggie Nolan Madeline Cherrito
Cartoonist Katie Pitre
Copy Editor and Feature Editor Lauren Grace
Adviser Christina Geabhart
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LIFESTYLES
Friday, Sept. 9, 2011
Jobs influence post-college careers Hannah Williams Entertainment Editor and Cartoonist
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ver the summer, most kids prepared for sports or lounged around on their couches watching TV. Some kids, however, were working or interning at various businesses. Junior Alexis Woodson worked as a lifeguard and swim teacher for the Gladstone YMCA. “I applied [to be a lifeguard] because I want to be a nurse. I thought it would be a good stepping stone,” said Woodson. Some kids even worked at their parents’ places of work, either as a job experience or an internship. Sophomore Kelsey Mundell worked with her mother at their
family business, Abbott Insurance. “Eventually [the business] is going to be given to me,” Mundell said. Both Woodson and Mundell will continue to work at their jobs all-year-around to gain experience in their chosen career paths. “I think it’s one of the best things students can do to get ready for college in high school,” said internship guide, Lori Dameron. “The only problem now is [jobs] are hard to find now.” Interning, along with summer jobs, is a great way to start in the career path of someone’s choice. For the Gold Medallion diploma, students are required to have an internship incorporated in their junior or senior years to earn credit. “It’s a good way to get a match for what you want in college and after college,” said Dameron. “It’s really tied
to college.” In college, students have to choose what major they want, however, many questions arise leading to a change of majors throughout the years. Answering those many college questions now is a good way to enrich future ideals down the line. “My job could take me in two different directions,” said Woodson. “I could be a teacher because of swim lessons or I could be a nurse because of life guarding.” Summer jobs influence students and their future, all year around, and are making a positive impact on the lives of high school kids. “The experience,” said Mundell, “will be better for my future, especially since I’m going to have to run a business one day.”
Homecoming dilemma: Too early? Boy discriminates
Girl favors
Jake Boeding Opinion Editor and Assistant Sports Editor
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Aggie Rieger Writer
f you want to know my stand on homecoming being so early, I’ll give it to you straight. It sucks. We are suppose to be settling back into the routine of waking up early, getting used to our brand new teachers and manage our time with our activities and clubs. But while we are juggling all these balls in the air, the administration decides to throw a chain saw into the mix by having homecoming only two weeks after school starts. After being out of school for two months, they decided we only have two weeks to ask somebody, possibly someone we haven’t seen all summer, to accompany us to have the “Night of our lives!” That’s not the only problem though. If students pass the first hurdle of getting a date, they still might trip and fall on the second, getting an outfit. Guys have it a bit easier than girls when it comes to finding an outfit, but something you all probably didn’t know is that it takes one week for a corsage order to come in. That means our time frame to ask a girl has been shortened to seven days, just so we can get her some pretty flower bracelet. I do not even need to go into details for you to realize how absurd that is. Lastly, we have what some would consider the biggest hurdle in their way to cross the finish line, money. Greenbacks, Benjamins, whatever you call them, money is the main issue of why homecoming being early, sucks. I’m sure there are the big savers out there who are smart with their money, but if you’re like me, you blew all of your cold, hard cash over the summer. Now I know that there are some generous parents out there, but it is still unfair to ask them for 100 bucks, because yes that’s how much you could be spending after ticket sales and paying for dinner. Having homecoming so early is a flub on the part of the administration, and affects us more than they realize. Just hopefully they don’t make the same mistake next year.
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top whining about dresses, dates, shoes and corsages for two minutes. Two minutes please, although for the majority of the student body this seems to be an impossible task. Seriously, I promise this whole “homecoming nightmare” really isn’t that horrible of a dream after all. Think about the perfect dream dance. Well, let me ask this, do Northmen really have high expectations for a school dance? Prom, maybe. Homecoming? Not so much. Still, hypothetically let’s just say you’ve been daydreaming about the dance all summer long. First of all, I seriously recommend you get something to do with your summer days because that’s just sad. Sorry, but we all know it’s true. So, you’ve wasted your time dreaming about homecoming and now realize you have less time to prep than you originally had thought or planned for. Why is this the end of the world? Let’s take a quick look at the two main issues. Issue number one: vanity. I’ll admit it; the hunt for a dress can be intense. Sure we have less time to find something perfect but hey, isn’t that what magazines are for? Trust me, tips exist, the dresses and shoes are out there and it’s more than possible to make it work. Guys might struggle finding a suit, but dancing can still happen in a dress shirt. Duh. Besides, isn’t everyone beautiful to begin with? I think so, but OK, maybe that was a stretch for some of you. Issue number two: dates. The time line for finding prince charming or a hopefully less moody version of Cinderella is shortened, but not a horror story. Having less time to pick a partner can make the pairings more spontaneous and unexpected, or the dance floor could just be full of preexisting couples. After that, the truth is if you don’t have a date when everyone is well aware of the time crunch, it’s honestly not because of the amount of days. It’s because of you. Sorry. Maybe that was harsh, but it could have been worse. Think about it, what’s the point of homecoming? The answer is different for everybody, but for me it’s about having fun and most importantly, school spirit. As for having a bit of a blast, that can happen no matter what the date of the dance. You just have to keep a positive attitude. Or, you could awake the next morning with sand in your eyes and realize it was a nightmare after all. But that’s not the fault of the day, it’s the fault of the people you hang out with. Or you. Either way, just deal with it. And school spirit? Having homecoming early is a good thing. A really, really good thing. Face it, we’re amazingly apathetic towards school spirit and this is a change to start the school year off with a school event right away. That, and Grandview just might be the only team we have the possibility of winning against. I’m optimistic, but not that optimistic. No one is.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, Sept. 9, 2011
Norman’s summer Oscars Best Movie
Best Actress/Actor Natalie Portman
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Jessica’s Journal: Novel has good idea, lacks strength
Hottest Actress Emma Watson
By: Jessica Nichols News Editor and Business Manager
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Hottest Actor
Zach Galifianakis
Best Comedy
Best Action/Adventure
Worst Movie
Best New Show
Cowboys vs. Aliens
Horrible Bosses
Teen Wolf
Bad Teacher
*selected by The Northmen’s Log staff
Combat hospital Nature vs. Medical drama sheds light on nurture in show impact of war By: Jessica Nichols News Editor and Business Manager
ain. The commanding officer at NATO Role 3 Medical Unit, Xavier Marks, played by Elias Koteas, is a colonel in the Canadian Forces. The sun beats down on the The cast is composed of acsand in Kandahar, Afghanistan. tors who approach the situation of Canadian Forces surgeon, Major crisis in a war zone with a careful Rebecca Gordon, played by Mi- hand. The topic of post traumatic chelle Borth, enters the NATO stress disorder, friendly fire and Role 3 Medidrug prescripcal Unit. U.S. tions give the Army Captain show a realisand trauma The sun beats tic feel of what team leader could be going down on the Bobby Trang. on overseas. played by Tersand in KandaMoments ry Chen. preof comic relief har, Afghanistan. pares for the are provided incoming caby Mably, who sualties. constantly hits So begins on the nurses this summer’s and chooses medical drama to show up for “Combat Hosrounds on his pital.” The piown time. lot episode on H o w e v e r, Tuesday, June the show deals 21, the Canawith the affects dian television that war has series, which on the people airs on ABC, involved and follows docgets deep into tors and nurses the characters’ from the Inemotions. It also ternational Security Assistance includes the impact that being Force during the Iraq War. away from home and their famiThe surgeons and nurses are lies has on their lives. from different countries with For those who enjoy medical the same goal: saving the lives dramas like “Grey’s Anatomy” or of the soldiers fighting overseas. past show “E.R.”, “Combat HosGordon shares a room with Aus- pital” is a must see show of the tralian Army psychiatrist, Major summer. Grace Pedersen, played by DebWatch the last show of the orah Kara Unger. Will Royal, season at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. played by Arnold Pinnock, is the 13 and catch up on past episodes chief of nursing and a Canadian at hulu.com or abc.com. Forces Commander. Simon Hill, played by Luke Mably, a civilian neurosurgeon, came from Brit-
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Switched at birth By: Lauren Grace Features Editor Sixteen years ago, one mistake would change two families’ lives. Now, that they know the truth they will try to clash two different cultures to make one family. This summer ABC Family premiered the show “Switched at Birth.” The story began when school girl Bay Kinnish, played by Vanessa Marano, takes an elaborate blood test at school. With much suspicion she learns it doesn’t match her parents blood type and asks for a DNA test. It was 99.9 percent certain that Bay was not the daughter of Katharine and John Kinnish, played by Lea Tompson and D.W. Moffett. But when they meet their biological daughter Daphne Vasquez, played by Katie LeClerc, they are shocked to find she is deaf. The Kinnishs invite Daphne and her mom Regina, played by Constance Mari, to stay in their pool house. But with the differences between the families it creates drama in the household. The two girls are different as Daphne is smart, athletic and a talented cook. Bay is rebellious and hard to get along with, she is also an artist. They have to learn who they really are and decide who they will be. All the characters are sparkly and well portrayed by the actors, who interpret the decision making in a scenario the audience cannot relate to. It is fascinating to watch Daphne speak sign language with her friend Emmett,
played by Sean Berdy, who is secretly in love with her and later grows a connection with Bay. Though the real issue is the plot. The worst was when the biological brother of Daphne, played by Lucas Gabriel, gambles and is $10,000 in debt. He is so desperate that he steals a test from the school. In summary, his friend takes the blame when the principal threatens to give expulsion. Regina talks to him and instantly he learns to take responsibility and confesses he has a gambling addiction. All in three episodes and that wasn’t the first time they built something up and then resolved it quickly. It is an ABC version of “Gilmore Girls” and “Parenthood,” combined to create a typical drama. Near the end of the season Regina confesses she knew long ago the girls were switched but made the decisions not to do anything because she loved Daphne and saw Bay had it well off. This pisses Daphne off and she instantly goes from an angel to a rebel and by what was shown, practically divorced Regina. Bay just feels abandoned and rejects Regina. By the next episode they were laughing about the whole thing. It could have remained a mystery for several seasons and drug out longer. The season lasted 10 episodes, just in time for fall. If they want to make more they should plan out the storyboard better. Though, it is fun to pick up sign language on the way; and the emotion expressed through signing is beautiful.
magine a world where a virus has affected the entire world, causing men and women to lose the ability to have children at the age of 18. This is a world where teen pregnancy is encouraged and adults will pay a large amount of money for a healthy baby to call their own. Melody and Harmony live in this world, 24 years in the future. “Bumped” by Megan McCafferty, best-selling author of the Jessica Darling series, begins with the meeting of two sisters, separated at birth 16 years earlier. Melody has grown up with a wealthy couple as mom and dad, calling the city her home. Under contract, she prepares to become a surrogate. Her sister Harmony, however, has lived in Goodside, in a large family where girls are forced to marry young and learn about God and the Bible. Harmony escapes Goodside and goes in search of her sister. When the identical twins meet, well laid plans become chaos. McCafferty wrote the novel in short chapters that jump back in forth between Melody’s perspective and Harmony’s perspective. It becomes very difficult to keep the girls straight. Differentiating between the two of them, who is where and doing what, at certain times in the novel is nearly impossible. The book is also littered with misspelled words and grammatical errors. The idea that a novel that has gone through editors and been published yet still has so many mistakes is unheard of, and yet those mistakes can be found in “Bumped.” Despite the errors and confusing point-of-view changes, the plot idea is extraordinary. Taking into consideration the ideas of natural selection and the ability to adapt to one’s surroundings and the current percentage of adults that deal with fertility issues, as well as the rise in teen pregnancy in today’s society, the idea isn’t farfetched. Also, the dialogue and diction used in “Bumped” is fantastic. One of McCafferty’s strengths in the novel, the dialogue between Melody and Harmony and the other characters keeps the story progressing through each chapter. The use of slang words for pregnancy and religious terms from Goodside make the novel more believable in terms of setting. Overall, the novel deserves a rating of three out of five Logs. The sequel to “Bumped” will be released Tuesday, April 24, 2012.
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PHOTO ESSAY
Friday, Sept. 9, 2011
SUMMER SPORTS Senior Ali McDaniel throws her arm up to serve against William Chrisman on Tuesday, August 30th. McDaniel has played on the varsity tennis team for four years. Photo by: Maggie Nolan, Photographer
Freshman Gerado Salgadl and junior Ray Saraai The OP boys soccer team faced Park Hill on Saturday, August 3rd. We lost the game 2-1, but played very hard. Photo By: Stepahanie Agabekyan, Lifestyles Editor On Tuesday, August 30th, the Cross Country team met on the track field for practice. The boys practiced hard on the track. Photo By: Maggie Nolan, Photographer Senior Bryce Strickler prepares for his next play at the varsity game on Friday, August 26th. This is his fourth year playing football for OP. Photo By: Maggie Nolan