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February 15, 2012 • Volume 10 • Issue 5
Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, Al• 35406
‘Math review’ implemented Alex Hauser Editor-in-Chief
Math teachers were informed the Friday before the semester started that they would have to spend time at the beginning of each class doing math review with their students. The city board created the math review curriculum, along with rules and procedure teachers must follow. Students must fold their paper long-ways, put stars for correct answers and stand up after writing a reflection on each problem solved. Casey Miller, a senior in Patsy Lowery’s analytical math class, said she likes the math review. “I think it’s fun because it’s interactive, and it’s a break from lecture, notes, worksheet, then test. It’s good to stand up and take a break every once in a while,” she said. “It’s good to go back and revisit this stuff because not everyone made a perfect score on the quizzes. We’ve forgotten the basics, even if they didn’t realize it. It’s good review for college or even the ACT and SAT.” Scott Johnson, math teacher, said he is “thankful that [the central office has] stepped in to help.” “I am happy that our central office has not only mandated that 10-12 minutes of each 47 minute period be spent on review of previously taught and assessed math skills, but they have also saved us the worry of deciding the method and structure of how this review is to be delivered,” he said. Hannah Loper, senior, who takes PreCalculus, said that although the review is beneficial, there are flaws in the method. “Sometimes it just helps to review things, [but] classes are already so short. You have to do the review in a certain way and check it and go over the answers. It gets timeconsuming,” she said. Johnson said it would be “nice if math teachers were given some ownership in the process by providing input and ideas.”
Seniors surprised with missing credit
The
Journey to graduation
Illustration by: Alex Hauser
Raiha Naeem Managing Editor With graduation approaching, seniors and administrators are working to make sure that all students meet their credit requirements for graduation. As a result, some seniors have to take a short computer course for an “online experience” that they missed out on if they took BTA their freshman year, and that is required for graduation. Jennifer Box, assistant principal, said the change in graduation requirements started with the class of 2013. “It was not incorporated into any of the subject matter that [ninth grade] year, so there’s a gap for students as far as meeting that online expectation,” she said. “Some students who took BTA as tenth or eleventh graders, or took an Access or Early College course are okay.” Box said the addition of the online experience is due to the use of technology in our everyday lives. “Obviously, as society is shifting more
towards online and technology centered work, we have to make sure that students are prepared for working that way when they go to college or enter the workforce,” Box said. She said the course shouldn’t be hard on students and should be finished by the end of February. “It worked out pretty well that bonus allows us to not have to change the students’ schedule completely,” she said. “Our computer teachers have stepped up and made it possible to get these requirements done before graduation.” Sonia Blunt, BTA teacher, is one of the teachers who has seniors come in during advisory to finish their credit. “I can see the sense in having it because in college they have several classes online,” Blunt said. “They just want students to be prepared so they know how to use that online technology when they go to college.” Charlie Gross, senior, said he was frustrated he had to take the course even though he took BTA his freshman year. “It’s annoying to know that a credit I was told to take my freshman year ended up not counting anyway,” he said. “Hopefully, it helps in some way.” Walter Hall, senior, waived out of the BTA course after passing the waiver exam in middle school. “Our senior class has been continuously [screwed] over,” Hall said. “I think it’s absurd that this is a necessary requirement for graduation.” Taylor Goodall, senior, said he sees the class as busy work. “I get on a computer, watch videos and then answer basic questions about them. It requires no thought,” he said. “I take a break every now and then to play Tetris.”
Graduation ceremony breaks tradition; moves to Coliseum Renu Pandit Feature Editor
The graduation ceremony, traditionally held on the football field, has been relocated to the Coleman Coliseum on the University of Alabama’s campus. Jacqueline Hudgins, guidance counselor, said the decision was made due to a build-up of issues with having the ceremony on the field over the years and was finalized after consulting the Graduation Planning Committees at the three local high schools, the central office and the University of Alabama. “An agreement was made to relocate to an indoor facility that could house the crowds that we have at each graduation,” Hudgins said. “Overcrowding, traffic, parking and weather have been major concerns for the past several years.” Hudgins said the cost is minimal because of the assistance of the University. “This fee is being paid by our board of education, so
Review
Les Miserables Page 3
there is no additional cost to the students,” Hudgins said. of pictures, so I’m wondering how good those’ll look,” Alex Smith, senior, said she is excited for the ceremony Alex said. “And, what if I go to the University of Alabama to be held at Coleman Coliseum since “people won’t be and graduate in the same coliseum, then the pictures will piled on top of each other.” be the same, and my kids will be like, ‘Mommy which “It’s still graduation; it’ll be awesome no matter where one’s from high school and which is from college?’” it’s held,” Alex said. “But it’ll be kind Dr. Isaac Espy, principal, said the of sad not to have one last goodbye on coliseum is a “very nice venue.” the field.” Alex said the new location “There are other convenience would bring many benefits. It’s still graduation; it’ll be awesome factors, such as having UA secu“People won’t be crammed; they’ll rity for all three schools’ graduano matter where it’s held. actually have good seats,” Alex said. tions,” Espy said. “Girls can wear heels, which we Espy said graduation at the couldn’t do before since they would “‘old’ Central High School” was Alex Smith, senior sink in the grass. We won’t get all held at the coliseum for years. sweaty since the ceremony will be indoors, so we’ll still “These were typically very nice look good for pictures.” events and well done,” Espy said. However, Alex said she has a few concerns about the Jamel Smith, senior, said he is fine with the ceremony relocation. being held at the Coliseum. “I’m a bit worried about the guests being too far from “I’m still graduating, and that’s all that matters,” Jamel the stage. Also, there won’t be like grass in the background said. “It’ll be great to have air conditioning though.”
Snow Day Page 8
Sports
Conditioning Page 7
2 Opinion
The Northridge Reporter February 15, 2013
Our Thoughts
Graduation moved to Coleman Coliseum
Y
ear after year, the senior class has shared the tradition of joining together one last time to walk across the football field to receive their diploma. And every year attendees struggle to find parking spots, a seating space, and to hear graduates’ names over the roaring crowd. This year the board has made the decision to move all city school graduations to the Coleman Coliseum at the University of Alabama. Northridge, Central and Bryant will all have their ceremonies on May 18 at different times throughout the day. Many students are distraught about not getting to walk the field with their classmates one last time as it holds sentimental value. They want to take pictures with family and friends on the football field and graduate on the grounds of the school they attended. While these are valid reasons to be upset, the numerous negatives of having graduation on the field cannot be overlooked. Major complaints at graduation have included overcrowding at the ceremony, causing people to block up Northridge road with cars that can’t find spots in the actual parking areas. At an open field with hundreds of attendees talking, it can be impossible to hear what is being said at the podium, including the class president’s speech and the names of the graduates. Furthermore, no matter how cautiously the weather forecasts are followed, the conditions can never be known for sure. A random shower of rain could potentially jeopardize the entire ceremony. Even without the chance of rain, May weather in Alabama means high humidity and heat, causing participants to suffer and perspire through the event. Holding the event at the Coleman Coliseum offers some solutions to these common concerns. The venue is large enough to ensure a comfortable seating arrangement for all attendees, as well as a decent parking spot for everyone. It will be possible for everyone to hear what is being said over the microphone, and the available security will mean no bullhorns or vuvuzelas will sneak in to disrupt the event. Since it is an inside setting, no matter what the weather conditions, the ceremony will not be affected by it, and no one needs to worry about the humidity. The Northridge Reporter understands people’s concerns about moving the graduation ceremony to a new setting, but believes the change is a good idea due to the numerous pros it has. See story on the new graduation venue on Page 1
agree (12) disagree (4) neutral (2)
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Art by: Kanjalla Dancer
Your Thoughts
Teachers must pick their battles with students When asked about why school administrative officials were so lackadaisical in enforcing school dress code, I was told, “You just have to pick your battles.” I asked a fellow teacher why they allowed their students to listen to music devices with headphones (earbuds) and was told, “As long as they will stay in their seats, be quiet and get their work done, I don’t see the problem. You just have to pick your battles.” How could it be that a student who has been suspended four times SINCE being placed on “disciplinary probation” not be sent to the board for an expulsion hearing? “If we are going to send someone over there, it needs to be for something REALLY serious. You have to pick your battles.” Far from a courageous “battle cry” these apathetic “battle whines” do little to improve student behavior or school climate. In fact, they are nothing more than bandaids and set-backs. So just what battles HAVE we picked to improve NHS? The “tardy battle”? The “absentee battle”? The “overcrowded classroom battle”? The “employee morale battle”? The “ID battle”? The “cell phone battle”? I’ve seen signs around the school about bullying. Maybe that’s a battle we picked. It would be a good one. We should be nice to one another. There also seems to
be a big push to get the underachievers to perform better. Again, a worthwhile “fight”. But who gets to pick and choose which rules and priorities are worth fighting for and which ones aren’t? Who gets to say “today we’ll just ignore Rule A and Priority B because we have OTHER battles to fight!” How do those of us on the sideline know which battle is raging? “Picking your battles” seems to me like a cop-out. You’re either too tired, too inept, too lazy, or too overwhelmed to take on the world. We should set our standards high for achievement, appearance, attendance, behavior, instruction, respect, involvement, and self-reliance. Then every single “soldier” should be committed to the standards and fight the good fight each and every day. There has never been a general who beJohnson lieved the war could be won by winning one or two battles. And there has never been a war won when the soldiers are allowed to “pick their battles”. -C.S. Johnson
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Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 759-3734 ext. 295 Editor-in-Chief *Alex Hauser Managing Editor *Raiha Bajwa Feature Editor *Renu Pandit News Editor *Sarah Katherine Barnes
Entertainment Editor *Raiha Bajwa Sports Editor Kelly Burnham Opinion Editor *Raiha Bajwa Beat Editor Morgan DeWitt
Editorial Policy: The opinions in The Northridge Reporter are those of the students and not of the faculty or administration of Northridge High School or the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education. It is the policy of The Northridge Reporter to publish all non-obscene, non-libelous, signed letters to the editor, regardless of the opinion expressed in them. Letters must be submitted to Susan Newell in room 109 or emailed to northridgereporter@gmail.com.
Copy Editors Kelly Burnham, Rabisa Khan, Jared Lotfi Infographics Editor Jakailah Cooper Art Editor KanJalla Dancer Artists CheQuita Burrell, Katie Poore
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The Northridge Reporter reserves the right to edit letters and verify allegations. The newspaper is distributed monthly. Tuscaloosa City Board Policy: It is the official policy of the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, national origin, age or creed, be excluded for participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subject to discrimination under any program, activity or employment.
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Advertising & Subscriptions: Contact The Northridge Reporter Staff at (205) 759-3734 ext. 235 or snewell@tusc. k12.al.us to advertise in or subscribe to The Northridge Reporter. School population Students: 1238 Faculty and staff: 90
3
Entertainment
The Northridge Reporter February 15, 2013
Les Mis movie amazes fans
At the Riverwalk Another Broken Egg opens new branch Savren Nelson Staff Writer
Another Broken Egg is a breakfast restaurant on Jack Warner Parkway next to Orange Leaf. With the view of the river walk and the Black Warrior River, who does not get hungry watching other people exercise? The smell of coffee and the laughing of early breakfast groups hit me as I walked into the restaurant. When it’s cold and windy on the outside, Another Broken Egg is warm and cozy on the inside. With windows taking the place of walls, and a huge wrap around porch, one gets the idea of being outside, but not actually having to get frost bite or too warm. The first time I had something to eat from Another Broken Egg; I ordered the southern style beignets and two buttermilk pancakes. The friend I was with ordered the monster cinnamon roll and eggs blackstone. The waitress was sweet and joked with us when we got the monster cinnamon roll. I know where the monster cin-
Katie Poore Staff Writer
namon roll got its name because it turned me into a monster when I ate it. It was gone in less than three minutes. I then got my southern style beignets: six perfectly sized, powder sugar covered balls. On the side, I had a small cup of homemade marmalade which was delicious. Then finally I received my pancakes and my friend got her eggs blackstone. An eggs blackstone is grilled tomatoes with two poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, chopped baked bacon and green onions. My buttermilk pancakes were hot with a swirl of butter on the side. They were so good and fluffy, I inhaled the first one. I ate half of the second one and saved the other half for breakfast the next morning. If one is going by themselves to enjoy a hot cup of coffee or a fluffy pancake, one can always sit at the bar area or go sit outside and enjoy the breeze. There is plenty of room and long tables if one were to come with family or a church group. Another Broken Egg will accept you with open arms from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day.
rangeleaf is heaven for frozen yogurt lovers From there, a frozen yogurt lover thing a person can dream up.
Abby Allen Staff Writer
Orange Leaf is a self-serve frozen yogurt bar that opened its doors to Tuscaloosa on Dec. 5 and is located on Jack Warner Parkway near Another Broken Egg Cafe. Orange leaf is fun and modern. The perky green walls and orange and white furniture make it seem animated, but the soft hardwood floors just seem to invite one in and tone down what could potentially be overwhelming hues. A blissful cashier meets one at the door and offers sample cups in order to taste the flavors.
is in heaven, not being pestered by annoying cashiers who follow you around simply because they think they are being helpful. Orange Leaf has 70 different yogurt flavors, all of which are either non-fat or low-fat and 68 of which are gluten free. Each franchise houses only a handful of flavors at a time, but switches them up regularly. Once one has filled their frozen yogurt cup to their hearts content (but really because, it’s only 49 cents an ounce), they head on over to the topping bar, which includes fresh fruit, chocolate chips, marshmallows, and even sunflower seeds. Really, any-
I got the white chocolate strawberry flavor and doused it in strawberries. Talk about YUM. And it was even better because it was only about $4.00. I sat down on one of the comfy orange couches and indulged in my delicious concoction. It seems that when one walks into orange leaf, life just seems a little bit happier. Less stress, more giggles. It’s an enjoyable experience for kids and adults. It’s open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday till 11 p.m., making it the perfect prescription for those late night munchies.
From the singing to the casting to the plotline, Les Miserables was an amazing, inspirational film of epic proportions. Les Mis’ casting was surprisingly good, and it gave many household names a chance to show off singing skills the public didn’t know they had. The producers were smart enough to keep the movie true to the stage musical’s plot, as every song was featured, every character was present and the emotions were palpable. Though the movie got much criticism for its decision to have the cast sing live on set, the choice couldn’t have been better. It made the movie seem more realistic and honest. Anne Hathaway, playing Fantine, was perfect. Her incredible singing seemed to catch everyone by surprise, and it’s no wonder she won a Golden Globe for her performance. Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean was just as stunning. He has a remarkable singing talent, and seeing such a wellknown actor singing such emotional, notable music was slightly surprising, but it couldn’t have been better. Samantha Barks, who also played Eponine in the stage musical, was superior. Her version of “On My Own” was one of the best in the movie. But the best part of the move lies beyond the cast and its various talents. Les Miserables is a story of devotion, love and sacrifice. It is a story about one man’s devotion to his God and the countless consequences that stem from it. It depicts humanity at its best and at its worst. The movie has it all—from unrequited love to heartbreaking deaths to unbearable guilt. It is a moving tale that truly defines sacrifice, courage and standing up for one’s beliefs. It is eye-opening at worst and sensational at best. Aptly translated into The Miserable, Les Mis is a tear-inducing story that does not shy away from matters of death and sadness, handling these issues deftly and skillfully. It is no wonder Les Mis has such a wide and dedicated fan base—the story resonates within everyone. It manages to bridge the gap between the young and the old, the modern and the old-fashioned, the French Revolution and modernday America. Les Miserables is an incredible, inspirational and ground-breaking tale the likes of which is impossible to replicate.
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4
Feature
The Northridge Reporter February 15, 2013
The
Young
S.S. Rela
Lack of car serves as major obstacle in the dating world
Renu Pandit Feature Editor Among the masses of lovebirds roaming the hallways, there are some students restricted from participating in the highs and lows of the dating world. Dakota Hayes, freshman, said her religion doesn’t permit her to date at the moment. “I’m a Jehovah’s Witness,” Hayes said. “We usually wait until we are past a time called the bloom of youth, as mentioned in the Bible.” Hayes said the “bloom of youth” is a time when “hormones are going crazy” and “people don’t really know what they want or who they are yet.” “It usually ends in the twenties,” Hayes said. Hayes said she’s fine with being unable to date. “There’s less stress and more time to focus on more important things,” Hayes said. “It’s definitely not something I would go behind my parents backs to do.” Nimra Khan, freshman, said she isn’t allowed to date either. “It’s a culture thing,” Khan said. “The older generations never dated because every relationship was arranged, so
Katie Poore Staff Writer
probably go other places,” Castellanos said. “His [Galindo’s] mom sometimes talks From movie dates to dinner dates, or to me in Spanish in the car. It’s kind of funspending time at one another’s house, ny, but I understand her.” there is one requirement: a way to get to Malone Johnson, a sophomore who is these places. they’re not really acdating Witt Waddell, For teenagers uncustomed to the consaid she gets rides der sixteen, howcept.” from her parents ever, getting transKhan said it doesn’t and Waddell’s. portation may prove The silence is the worst part. It can bother her. “It’s harder bedifficult. “I don’t really mind it. be awkward. cause we can’t Shelby CastelDating just means drama, see each other as lanos and Isaac and I don’t really want that much. Most of Isaac Galindo, freshman Galindo, freshright now,” Khan said. the time we’re men, are boyCasey Medlock, Spanish at each other’s friend and girlfriend. For them, the teacher, said she thinks serihouses,” Johnson said. “I would want primary source of transportation is ous teen dating is not a good a car because if I had one, we would their parents. idea. go more places, but since we don’t, it’s Galindo said one of the complica“Once you graduate harder to go anywhere. [If I had a car] I tions of dating without a car is “havyou go different places wouldn’t have to rely on my parents or ing to ask people to take us places.” and change a lot as you wait on them.” “The silence is the worst part,” he grow up,” Medlock said. Christian Hicks, senior, said he doesn’t said. “It can be awkward.” “Thinking you’ll be tounderstand why people date before they Castellanos said she and Galindo gether forever is a bit have a car. live in the same neighborhood, so it is ridiculous because, “Y’all can’t really hang out if no one has not so hard to spend time together. well, you won’t. It’s a car,” he said. “I think it’s stupid. I would “We usually hang out at each other’s kind of a dismal perwant a car [to date], so I can take people houses, but if we had cars, we would spective.” places.” Medlock said that while dating is a really good way to learn more about yourself, Middle School Freshman Year Sophomore Year Junior Year Senior Year it also has side effects like “broken hearts and drama.” “I definitely think that if parents put a dating restriction on their child they need to sit down with them and 70 students polled. Information compiled by Renu Pandit. Desgined by explain why it’s not something Renu Pandit. they need right now,” Medlock said. “Restrictions are kind of pointless if the kid is just going All artwork by Renu Pandit. to date secretly.”
Teens unbothered by restrictions
How
Do you t should da sch
Yes
When did you go on your first date?
50 students polled. In Rabisa Khan. Desg
Feature
The Northridge Reporter February 15, 2013
5
Voyage of
ation
to love
Worst date memories cause nostalgia, reflections on past and I didn’t think I did at first, but she was the girl I eventually took to prom.” An sophomore said, “One time my boyfriend farted on our date. He seemed really From running out of gas on a stray road embarrassed which made me feel the same Abby Allen to letting out some unexpected gas on a way,” she said. Staff Writer first date, some have experienced what it The anonymous student said that made is like to have an embarrassing and worst the rest of their evening extremely awkThe mood of a date date. ward and strained. is set with the first Scott Johnson, “Another time, hello when the couple math teacher, my date to the meets at the front door. said his worst dance followed The awkwardness, date took place I was trying to make a good impres- me around the however, is set with the in 1976 when first step out the door. he was a 17- sion, and I didn’t think I did at first, whole night like While some high school year-old se- but she was the girl I eventually took a puppy,” she said. “….even daters are sophisticated, othnior in high to prom. to the bathers try to be economical. school. room.” Maryam Azam, sophomore, “On our Stephen said she thinks a date should Scott Johnson, math teacher way out B l a c k , be a night she will never forto dinner, Spanish teachget. I had a flat er, said his worst date was more “If I was a boy, I would tire,” Johnson said. be the best boyfriend Johnson said he had to get out and disappointing than embarrassever,” she said, “I would fix it, and the girl “didn’t really help at ing. “I went on a date with a girl get a yacht.” all.” Garret Nichols, “Once I finally fixed the tire, we were who went to my high school and sophomore, said he on our way to dinner again, and two miles was older than me. We went to have dinner at IHOP, and later she wanted wondered why women down I ran out of gas.” never do nice things for Johnson said living out in the country in to go to Target to get something,” he said. men. Tennessee didn’t really help the situation. Black said that while at Target, the “I’m taking a stand,” “Now realize this was pre-cell era, so there Nichols said. was no one we could ask for help on that girl was acting really strange. “After she got what she needed, she “Instead of wasting country road,” Johnson said. “In order to get sort of just said she needed to leave gas, go on a romantic gas, we had to walk about three miles to the now and just left. I never saw her walk. When you go to nearest gas station.” a restaurant, tell her she Johnson said by the time that all transpired, again,” he said. Black said he expected her to incan get anything on the it was time for his date to go back home. vite him over or for them to go see a menu and then you order “I was trying to make a good impression, movie, but “she just walked away.” a salad and water because Rabisa Khan Copy Editor
think teens ate in high hool?
No
=2
nformation compiled by gined by Renu Pandit.
Ettiquette, expectations of perfect date debated you know she won’t eat more than you. When you are finished, your bill is six dollars tops. Voila,” he said. Katie Hauser, sophomore, said that if somebody asks her out, they need to be polite. “If they don’t pay for my food on the first, second and third dates, dump them,” Hauser said. Trey Cauthen, sophomore, said he thinks a date should be charming and well-designed. “Make sure you have a reservation to somewhere. When you get to your table, pull out her chair for her, and then scoot her up to the table. You should have funny conversations and make them interesting,” Cauthen said. “When you leave to take her home, make sure you paid for everything and walk her to her door.” “If you take her on a date, then she’s worth the money. Rent a limo and drive down to the river where you rented a nice boat with butlers. Have romantic music playing as you cruise down the river,” Cauthen said. “If I had a girl, I would treat her like a queen.”
For an additional dating story visit northridgereporter.wordpress.com
6
News
The Northridge Reporter February 15, 2013
Gun possession becomes issue Jared Lotfi Copy Editor
The second amendment of the Constitution of the United States states that citizens have a “right to bear arms” in the case of a “well-regulated militia,” but do individuals really have that right? When the issue arose in 2008, the Supreme Court said “yes.” The case District of Columbia v. Heller, affirmed that the second amendment does protect an individual’s right to own a firearm irrespective of service in a militia. However, in light of recent events, many are looking to lawmakers and asking what can be done to prevent another Paducah, Jonesboro, Columbine, Red Lake, Nickel Mines, Virginia Tech or Sandy Hook. Senior Maia Wade said that Americans have formed major misconceptions as to what comprises a right. “I think America has a distorted idea of personal freedom. Our daily lives wouldn’t be greatly impacted if guns weren’t as available,” she said. “All the fear and rage stemming from talk of gun control is pretty unfounded. We don’t live in a society
where a civilian militia is necessary.” In Alabama, there is no waiting period for firearm purchases. Tyler Pizzato, senior, said his father beat the rush for weapons and ammo following the Sandy Hook shooting. “My dad went to Woods and Water and bought a Colt AR-15 .223 with another thirty round clip to add to the ones we already own,” he said. “He got the last one in stock, so the people behind him in line were offering to buy it for double what he paid. Ammo flew off the shelves like bread, eggs and milk before a snowstorm,” Pizzato said. History teacher Denton Bowling said that while citizens are able to purchase firearms that do not necessarily have a practical use, the abolishment of those firearms would harbor its own negative effects. Bowling said there is not an individual in the world who has a need for high volume magazines, but the continued ownership of guns in general provides a balance between citizen, criminal and government. “I am of the belief that if you outlaw guns, then only outlaws will have guns,” he said.
AP Biology changed to one class period “We use every bit of time, sometimes we even run over,” Green said. “We won’t have time to do a lab and learn if the time Students taking AP Biology next year is shortened.” Green said grades will go down, “and will have less time to cover material beyou won’t have time to ask questions. You cause their classes are being shortened. can’t cram everything.” Currently, students taking the class are “I think the grades will go down because taking up two periods of the seven period they will have to cover the material so day for the class, so they have enough time much faster and do fewer labs,” Stephens to do the labs and learn the material. said. Next school year, they are shortening the She said without labs class, so it only takes students won’t get to up one forty-five minfully cover the topic ute period. and won’t understand Marilyn Stephens, We use every bit of time, sometimes it well. AP Biology teacher, we even run over... We won’t have “Doing fewer labs said the new class will decrease the time will really im- time to do a lab and learnif the time understanding that pact students. is shortened. students have of the “I think it will imconcepts,” she said. pact them in a bad Kaitlyn Dunn, anway because they Adrianna Green, junior other one of Mrs. Stehave so much to phens’s AP Bio students, said cover, and it is not possible to do the AP that even with two periods they sometimes labs in 45 minutes,” Stephens said. have to finish the labs for homework. She said the students will be rushed and “We wouldn’t get through all the stuff, will have to cram the material they need so the exams would be bad,” Dunn said. to know. Victoria Love Staff Writer
Adrianna Green, junior, takes Stephens AP Biology class.
For more stories on the science department visit northridgereporter.wordpress.com.
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UNIVERSITY ORTHODONTICS
New club aims to make impact Rabisa Khan Copy Editor
T
hink Community is a new service program which began in January. David Wilson, senior at the University of Alabama, Northridge Alum and creator of the program said, “The program only applies to sophomores and juniors. We wanted the freshmen to have a year to get acclimated to Northridge before getting involved, and wanted to make sure students who began community projects have an opportunity to continue their project which is why seniors are ineligible” Wilson said he began createation of Think Community when he was a freshman in college with the purpose of “making high school students take
community initiative.” “This is an opportunity for students to show leadership in and outside of the school setting,” Wilson said. He said members of Think Community meet during the 30-minute advisory period on Tuesdays and Thursdays this semester. Katie Plott, freshmen at the University of Alabama and Northridge Alum, is helping jumpstart the project. Plott said she has always looked up to Wilson, and the fact he chose her to help him has been “extremely rewarding.” “Think Community is focused on students learning about the different aspects that make up a community, from public policy
to culture, even healthcare. From there, students will start their own service project in whichever field they choose,” she said. Plott said she believes teens today don’t often realize that they are old enough to make a difference. Elizabeth Tiley, guidance counselor, is the faculty sponsor. “Getting the opportunity to learn from college students and meeting other figures in political, educational and state politics will encourage students to take an initiative in their community,” Tiley said. Nick Fairbairn, junior, is a member of this program. “Think Community is just the spark students need to jumpstart their largescale impact on the world,” he said.
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Think! Cynthia Almond, city councilwoman and mother of sophomore Lee Almond, answers questions from members of Think Community in the food lab on Thursday, Jan. 31.
Phone: (205)345-7351 (205)487-4405 Fax: (205)345-8476
7 Conditioning gets students in shape; prepares for season Sports
The Northridge Reporter February 15, 2013
Morgan DeWitt Beat Editor Pre-season conditioning for tennis, soccer, baseball and softball has begun as the teams prepare for their seasons. The tennis season started on Feb. 5, the soccer season on Feb. 11, the baseball season begins Feb. 18 and softball begins on Feb. 19. Abby Abston, sophomore, said the softball team spent their off season conditioning and working out. Abston said the softball team has been working on fundamental drills and practicing situations. “Pitchers have been warming up and getting better. Outfielders and infielders are getting lots of fielding practice. We’re mainly focusing on our technique,” Abston said. She said people wonder why baseball and softball have to condition. “Everyone says, ‘Y’all run 60 feet, why do you have to condition?’ Yeah, we don’t get physically tired that fast, but when you play up to seven innings per game and have four to five games on tournament days, you’re mentally exhausted,” Abston said.
Abston said the team practices every day for three hours and works out during seventh period. “Softball is your life once the season starts.We are scheduled to play close to 100 games this season,” she said. Reagan Wallace, junior on the softball team, said conditioning helps the team compete better overall. “It makes us stronger and prepares us better, helping us grow as a team,” Wallace said. Kennedy Buettner, junior, said the tennis team conditions after school for about an hour and a half. “[We do] simple tennis workouts like suicides and gassers, which are running drills where we run the length of four tennis courts and back,” Buettner said. The soccer team prepared during pre-season as well. Walter Hall, senior, said the team has been working out in the weight room for the first time this year, “which has really helped.” “The coaches always have a busy conditioning schedule, whether its sprints or long distance or stadiums or plyometric workouts, which is basically aerobic workouts. I think all of this is going to lead to our best season since I started playing in seventh grade,” Hall said.
Chandler Morgan, junior, said the baseball team’s practices consume a lot of his time, but he thinks they are needed. “Right now we’re just throwing to get our arms back in shape. We’re going through a lot of fundamentals, so when we get bats, we can hit the ground running,” Morgan said, “We practice every week day and most weekends. I basically have time to eat and get homework done after practice.” For an indepth story on girls soccer conditioning visit northridgereporter.wordpress.com.
Spring Sports Baseball vs. Winfield Girls Golf Boys Golf Softball Soccer Tennis Track
2/19 West Alabama Classic 2/25 3/07 vs. Hillcrest 2/21 vs. Sipsey Valley 2/13-16 Metro Tournament 2/20 vs. County High 3/16 Jaguar Invitational
Opinion
Freshman questions America’s love for soccer Jordan Hutchinson Staff Writer
Glory Bound: Seniors Montell Dent, James Cox and Tim Rutley signed with West Alabama, Southern Mississippi and Miles College on Feb. 6 to play football.
A Proud Moment: Cox is interviewed after signing with Southern Mississippi.
Photos by: Kim VanHorn
Why can’t soccer be the top sport in America? People say it is a “sissy” sport. If it’s a sissy sport, then why do players get injuries like a leg that is twisted the wrong way? German midfielder Edwald Linien had his leg cut open showing tissue and bone after sliding in to a tackle. People say soccer is not entertaining. Maybe if you watched the sport without personal assumptions based on American football, you would enjoy it. American football has shortened our attention span when it comes to sports. Ignorant people say no one plays soccer. Soccer is a popular sport. “Fútbol” is played everywhere else in the world, so why can’t we just embrace it? Some say you only play soccer for 90 minutes. First of all, 90 minutes is an hour and a half. Second of all, it is a constant 90 minutes. The only stoppage is halftime, which
is five minutes. Americans are not used to constant action. They are used to time outs and end of quarter breaks plus halftime. Americans cannot understand soccer therefore soccer is viewed as inferior. America does have a league for soccer, and it is followed by many fans, but obviously, not enough to actually broadcast it on ESPN. For example, instead of showing soccer games in America, the people that choose what events they show to the American public showed us cricket in India. So a sport based in the U.S was beat out by a sport that probably most, if not all of the American population, has not even heard of. If soccer does come on TV, it is usually on ESPN 2. It rarely makes ESPN. On Sportscenter’s Top Ten Plays, soccer makes it about once a month; even though it was the best goal of the season in that country, it was number ten to America. That is all it will ever be because Americans are ignorant when it comes to soccer and won’t even try to accept the sport.
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The Northridge Reporter February 15, 2013
Let It Snow
Photo by Abby Allen
Photos by Kim VanHorn
Malik Ervin, sophomore, watches as students enjoy the snow during advisory. “It was great at first, then I got frostbite,” Dylan Smith, senior, said.
Beat
8
Synteria Pearson, senior, twirls through the snow during advisory. “I felt reincarnated in a new life,” Kathleen Kennedy, junior, said.
dents are with [the snow]. They wanted to go play in it, and so I let them,” Moore said. Traci Watson, English teacher, said she thinks the students reacted the way they did because they don’t get to see snow very often. “It was similar to kids in a candy store!” Watson said. Students took full advantage of any opportunity to make it outside and into the snow. Mallory Steiner, junior, said some students went to extreme measures. “One of my friends climbed out of the window of our classroom,” Steiner said. Other students weren’t lucky enough to make it into the snow during the advisory period. Payton Hamby, junior, said her teacher wouldn’t let them out. “She [the teacher] said, ‘It probably won’t stick, so it doesn’t matter,’” Hamby said. “Someone pulled the string on the window to try to escape, but our teacher stopped her.” Nicoletta Versace, sophomore, said her advisory didn’t make it outside either. “By the time we were allowed outside to change classes after advisory, all of our friends had gotten their fill of the snow and had gone inside,” Versace said. At 12:45 a.m., word got out that all Tuscaloosa City High Schools would be released at 1:15. Mary Caitlyn Wilhite, senior, said the fourth lunch shift went crazy. “Everyone freaked out! They screamed and cheered,” Wilhite said. “I was so excited!”
Snow day creates excitement, traffic through school Morgan DeWitt Beat Editor Winter storm Helen blew its way through Tuscaloosa on Thursday, Jan. 17, hindering traffic flow through the school. The storm began with a cold front moving in from Mississippi on Wednesday night, Jan 16. Jake Evans, freshman, said he didn’t think the snow would fall at all. “I woke up this morning thinking, ‘James Spann was wrong again.’ I checked radar, and I saw a big wall of snow clouds that was supposed to be coming around 10:00 [a.m.]. I never expected it to be like this, though. This is crazy,” Evans said. By 8:00 Thursday morning, sleet began cooling the ground, and the snow was falling beginning around 9:45 a.m., causing students to wonder if and when school would be let out. “I heard that Northside was let out. I also heard County High pulled their fire alarm, and everyone had to go outside into the snow, and then they were dismissed at 11:30 a.m. It just keeps coming down harder, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to let up for a while,” Evans said. By 10:00 a.m., the snow was falling harder and harder, bringing the students to a frenzy to be in the courtyard. Security personnel struggled to break up snowball fights after second and third lunch shifts. Mary Ruffin Moore, English teacher, said she was surprised by the student’s reactions to the snow. “I’m astounded by how amazed my stu-
Ashlin Shuttlesworth, senior, and Montez Bell, sophomore walk through the snow. “Once we could go outside, it was fun,” Shelly Parks, freshman, said.
northridgereporter.wordpress.com
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February 15, 2013 Volume 10 Issue 5