FEBRUARY 2013

TALON The

180 S. Livernois Rochester Hills MI, 48307

February 28, 2013

Volume 75

S.O.F. traditions and Falcon pride remain intact over the years.

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Issue 5 Teachers travel to Machu Picchu to experience the culture firsthand.

A closer look into the Common Core State Standards: the new curriculum standards that are sweeping the nation and the Smarter Balanced Assessments that will reinvent how students are tested.

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COMMON

CORE STATE STANDARDS

Graphic by Brian Palmer

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PAGE 3: NEWS

PAGES 4-7: FEATURE

PAGES 8-9: SPREAD

PAGE 10: LIFESTYLES

PAGE 12-13: ENTERTAINMENT

PAGES 14-15: SPORTS

TheTalon Staff

Austin Bowerman, Co-Editor-in-Chief Brian Palmer, Co-Editor-in-Chief Editorial Board: Sydney Bammel, Olivia Bennett, Camille Douglas, Karl Erikson, Danielle Kullmann Staff Reporters: Colette Cloutier, Jake Dziegielewski, Deja Franklin, Kelly Krako, Zach Libby, Grant McPherson, A.J. Prisciandaro, Emberly Skaggs, Casey Ternes, Sarah Walwema, Melody Zhang Julia Satterthwaite, Adviser

The Talon presents an open forum for student expression to be used by the Rochester High School community to promote and express thought and action.

The stories, opinions, and bylined content in The Talon do not necessarily represent and should not be interpreted as the views of the Rochester Community School Board of Education or any of its staff, faculty or employees.

The Talon is devoted to professional journalism and fairness in all reporting. The Talon will adhere to a standard of responsible journalism and will refrain from publishing material which is legally libelous, obscene or could disrupt the operation of the school.

PAGE 11: OPINION

You got something to say?

If something annoys you about us, school, or life in general,

write a letter to the editor.

If something amuses you about us, school, or life in general, write a letter to the editor.

If we got something wrong, write a letter to the editor.

If it’s coherent and under 300 words, we’ll run it.

Drop them off at room B123 during 4th Hour with your name.

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Anime Club hosts talent showcase Camille Douglas Editorial Board

As the president of the Anime Club, it is senior Sarah Babbie’s job to organize fun activities for all of the members to enjoy. This is what Babble did on January 24 when the Anime Club hosted a Talent Showcase. Babbie details the purpose behind the event.

“The idea behind it was that we have a lot of talented people in Anime Club,” Babbie said. “I was giving them a chance to show off what they can do in front of everybody, just to show off how unique and awesome we all are.”

Among the students at the talent show was sophomore Nick Bottesi, who is a new member in the Anime Club this school year. “[At the talent show] everybody went crazy,” Bottesi said. “Everybody was just going up there and showing everything they can do.”

According to the sponsor of the club, French teacher Elizabeth Arcangeli, not

everything at the talent show was animeoriented.

“They had different talents, and they came forward … it was kind of like show and tell,” Mrs. Arcangeli said. “There was a group that did a dance, and some people did karaoke to a song. Everything was kind of different.”

For senior Micheal Williams, this diversity in interests amongst his fellow Anime Club members was a major reason why he joined the club freshman year.

“I guess just being in a room full of people that are interested in the same kind of thing as I am,” Williams said. “Some people in here aren’t just interested in anime. There are video game nuts, of course anime nuts, artists and non-artists.”

However, the talent showcase was kind of a rare occasion in relation to their weekly Thursday meetings. As the advisor since the club began in 1999, Mrs. Arcangeli details the club’s purpose.

“Anime Club is a club in which kids meet, come together to study various genres of anime, typically Japanese animation,” Mrs. Arcangeli said. “They

Juniors Jacob Holoday, Randy Clayton and Joshua Teitler and seniors Micheal Williams and Dylan Jackson perform together at the Talent Showcase. Photo by Mrs. Elizabeth Arcangeli

find this common ground to share their interests.”

In addition, junior Brianne KaneLanglois also describes what a meeting would look like.

“We get together and we watch anime, but also, we get to talk to each other and hang out,” Kane-Langlois said.

Babbie looks forward to the Anime Club’s Thursday meetings after school

because the club has allowed her and other students to become more active socially.

“I like watching people get together and make friends because a lot of us are the ‘nerdier’ kids who aren’t very good socially,” Babbie said. “Anime Club allows people to come to a place to talk and get know other people who have the same interests.”

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If you believe that everything is possible, and that “possible” is everything, we want you at LTU. Visit ltu.edu/applyfree to have your application fee waived!

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The Campbell family: Cheaper by the half-dozen Along with being a physics teacher, Mr. Gary Campbell is a father of six children. Although at times his life seems hectic, his devotion to fatherhood and emphasis on prayer keep his family thriving.

Melody Zhang Staff Writer

It’s dinner time, and there’s pandemonium arising at the dinner table.

Physics teacher Gary Campbell laughs as he listens to one of his kid’s jokes, and sighs in contentment at his big, happy family.

“Every now and then I sit back and I think, ‘What am I going to do when it’s all quiet?’” Mr. Campbell said.

The family “specialty” is baseball. All of the boys in the family play and much of their time is spent out on the baseball field cheering each other on at practices and tournaments. Football and Minecraft, a popular video game with boys, are among some of the other activities the boys in the family love to play. Sara tags along playing trucks and cards with the boys.

Caitlyn is the girly one who loves to wear dresses. The family’s newest addition is a yorkie/bishon mix named Snickers, and they love to taking her out for walks.

Making enough time for the family while keeping up with grading and the responsibilities of a teacher is a nearimpossible task, but Mr. Campbell finds a way to make it work.

“Most of the time I’m up by 4:45 in the morning and I’m at school by 5:30. I get to school early so I can get [home] soon after [the kids] are home,” Mr. Campbell said. “I do the grading in the morning as much as I can, but every now and then I’m working out book problems. I usually try

The Campbell family portrait. Photo Courtesy of Mr. Gary Campbell

to hold that until after the youngest ones are in bed at 7:30. We’ll all be together until bedtime.”

While Mr. Campbell loves his family, he also recognizes the importance of having some time for himself, even it’s very short.

“Fantasy Football is a little weekend game [of mine]. You draft players from the NFL and you have a league and watch [the] players that you drafted and if they score, you score. You pretend to be the manager of the team,” Mr. Campbell said.

“I’ve [also] got about a 40-minute drive in the morning and on the way home, so that’s really the time I’ve got to collect my thoughts.

I’ll listen to sports talk radio and listen to music on the radio. Once I get home, my next job starts. To me, that’s the most important job: being a dad to my kids.”

In order to prevent chaos in the Campbell family’s everyday routines, the parents are working on an efficient organization system.

“Each of the kids has their own chores, and we’ve got a big grid taped to the refrigerator so they know what they need to do each day,” Mr. Campbell said. “It’s necessary, for one thing, just to keep some of the chaos down, but also so that the kids learn responsibility in small steps. They know what they need to do and they do it, and they know they [have to] get their homework

done; once [it’s done] they can play video games or watch a little TV.” When the kids play rough, Mr. Campbell finds a peaceful way to resolve fights. “[It’s] an ongoing process,” Mr. Campbell said. “Brothers fight with brothers so often, but what’s cool is that those brothers will stick up for their sisters a lot. But they’ll fight with each other a lot. The three oldest got into a shouting match, and I took each of them to their own room. It took some time for them to calm down and I told them to pray for each other - [prayer is] a big part of our life; it helps resolve conflicts.

We say prayers at the kitchen table before and after dinner. I’m Christian, and that’s the tradition that we’ve adopted.”

Mr. Campbell shares his appreciation for all that his wife takes care of with six kids and a puppy at home.

“It’s funny because the question is ‘Is she a stay-at-home mom?’ or ‘Does she have a full time job?’ and the answer is both because those kids are a full-time job,” Mr. Campbell said. “I got a lot of respect for what she does; it’s a hard job, I think I’ll stick with physics!”

Even though their lives as parents are busy and even hectic at times, Mr. Campbell never forgets the commitment he made to his wife.

“There’s some months where I’m paying the bills, I’m cooking the dinner, and I’m running to practices, and then it somehow flows where she’s doing all of the same stuff,” Mr. Campbell said. “It just seems to flow and we always think of each other and put each other first. We can tell when the other is stressed out and needs a little more help and attention. So we love having our big family, but we took vows to each other; my first responsibility is to my wife, and she will always be number one in my life.”

Graphic by Melody Zhang and Sarah Walwema

CAITYLN CAMPBELL AGE 2

BRODY CAMPBELL AGE 4

SARA CAMPBELL CAMPBELL SARA AGE 55 AGE

MR. CAMPBELL

MRS. CAMPBELL

JOEY CAMPBELL AGE 13

DREW CAMPBELL AGE 11

TRENT CAMPBELL AGE 9

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Pinning on

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12 Most Popular Categories: • • • • • •

Animals Health and Fitness Women’s Fashion Home Decor DIY and Crafts Hair and Beauty

• • • • • •

Travel Weddings Celebrities Humor Holidays and Events Quotes

Olivia Bennett and Kelly Krako

items, they merely fantasize about them.

“It doesn’t bother me that you can’t buy them off Pinterest,” junior Adrianna s Facebook becomes less Peruzzi said. “Because that’s what the and less popular, students are turning to other websites website Wanelo is for.”

Wanelo is a website where most of the for entertainment. Pinterest, items that are on Pinterest are available a site where users pin pictures and ideas for purchase. This website makes finding of certain categories from other websites these items easier. to create a visual list of favorites, has According to Mrs. Kuslits, Pinterest is recently gained popularity. gaining popularity not just because of its “People who are sick of social networking and drama are finding interest interesting categories.

“That huge internet with in Pinterest,” English billions and billions of places is teacher and new a little bit smaller,” Mrs. Kuslits Pinterest user Julie That huge internet said. “That was one of the Kuslits said. “A lot with billions and reasons I found it appealing.” of young kids seem billions of places is a In an article by Kevin to be gravitating little bit smaller, that Gutman, Pinterest seems to towards it … which was one of the reasons lean a little “female friendly” in is funny because a I found it appealing. terms of gender. Although there lot of old ladies seem are plenty enough categories to be gravitating ~Mrs. Kuslits, English teacher for men such as men’s fashion, towards it too.” sports, cars and motorcycles, Pinterest allows outdoors and humor, the most popular its users to share photos of fun ideas categories seem revolve around feminine for events, weddings, recipes, outfits, interests. makeup, fitness and more. It places these “I would recommend Pinterest to into categories so one is able to follow anymore but I hate to sound genderthings that they are interested in. biased,” Mrs. Kuslits said. “I can’t think “It’s especially helpful if you have similar likes with someone,” Mrs. Kuslits of a lot of guys who pin.”

The different categories appeal to said. “It shows your personality without each aspect of someone’s personality and being creepy.” interests without digging too deep into Pinterest connects to other websites someone’s personal life. to sell products. If a user clicks on a “I think more and more people are picture, it will redirect them to the website going to dump Facebook and gear more where this item is available for purchase. towards Pinterest,” Mrs. Kuslits said. “It’s According to sophomore Abbey Troeger, just more appealing.” most people don’t want to purchase the

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Jalapeno Popper Spread Pinned onto Food and Drink by Pinterest User

Red Bow Swimsuit Pinned onto Womens Fashion by Pinterest User

Essie Wedding Shade Pinned onto Hair and Beauty by Pinterest User

Pinterest contest opportunity: German Shepherd Puppy

Cinque Terre, Italy

Pinned onto Animals by Pinterest User

Pinned onto Travel by Pinterest User

Build your Creative Portfolio and have the chance to win the Grand Prize of a tablet computer or a $100 Amazon Gift Card when you enter the Michigan State University Media Sandbox Pinterest Competition. MSU’s Media Sandbox program in the College of Communications Arts & Sciences is seeking creative high school students to enter the first ever MSU Media Sandbox Pinterest Competition. The competition runs until March 15 and winners will be announced April 1.

Get more details at http://msumediasandbox.com/pinterest/

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Dance team prepares for competition Sydney Bammel Editorial Board

Sophomore Sydney Treichel looks over her shoulder in her ending pose for “Miami,” the song behind her favorite hiphop dance. She breathes in heavily as the music fades into nonexistence.

“I like our hip-hop dance this year because it’s something different,” Treichel said. “I’m not used to doing hip-hop, so it’s something new and fun.”

The dance team performs many types of dance including: jazz, hip-hop and pom.

“Depending on the type of dance, the choreography is easier or harder to learn,” sophomore Allie Mercer said. “For me jazz is easier and hip-hop is harder.”

The dance team has been practicing three times a week to prepare for their upcoming competition.

“We prepare for competitions by practicing, practicing, practicing,” veteran RHS dance team alumna and current coach Ms. Calli Hornacek said. “We review and perfect our routines for multiple months up until the actual competition and by adding extra technique and aerobic time to our practices.”

The team won third place at a recent competition and have another competition on March 17 at Michigan State University.

“I love jazz because it’s technically challenging,” Mercer said. “Also, I am preforming a duet. I come up with the steps for duets and solos by listening to

music, trying to find a dance move that incorporates the lyrics and using steps from previous dances [helps].”

Preparing for competition not only adds the physical aspect of dancing, but also a mental aspect.

“Getting yourself to cope with the fact that people will be watching you and trying not to let your team down is hard work,” Mercer said.

At competitions the team can place as they compete against other dance studios and high school teams.

“Competitions are a way of getting to go out in the community and show people what we are made of,” senior Ashley Leppek said. “It's an amazing accomplishment when all of the hard work we have been putting in all year turns into something real: the reality of a win.”

Not only is the dance team busy with competitions, but they also have other performances to worry about.

“The Dance Team has not changed much since I was in high school,” Ms. Hornacek said. “We still perform at soccer, basketball and football games and compete.”

The dance team is also supportive of each other.

“We encourage each other to do better,” Treichel said. “We help each other if someone needs help with a move or choreography.”

Treichel and Mercer agree that if dance is something someone loves to do, it should be shared.

Top: Lily Mackley, Allison Mercer, Gabby Ratkowiak, Sydney Treichel, Ashley Leppek, Josie Burt and Calli Hornacek; Bottom: Julia Randals, Julia Magas, Kailyn Amit, Kaylyn McIntiosh and Sydney Bammel.

The RHS varsity dance team poses for a picture after winning second place for preforming groups in the Rochester Hills Christmas Parade. Photo Courtesy of Ms. Calli Hornacek

“I didn’t try out for dance team freshman year and I regret it,” Treichel said. “You get involved in the school, meet

a lot of people and you get to share your passion for dance by preforming at games and at competitions.”

Students have varied opinions on affection Emberly Skaggs Staff Writer

When walking down the hallway during passing time, one might notice a number of students grouped in circles exchanging pleasantries, security guards patroling, administrators and teachers standing in the halls to help monitor, and once in a while, a couple engaging in a Public Display of Affection: PDA. These displays of affection range from holding hands to kissing. While adults attempt to monitor and break up such incidents, not all students are caught. Students respond differently to PDA. “I think it’s gross,” sophomore Brianna Pulliam said. “People shouldn't make out in the hallway because I don't think teachers or students like to see that. It's like, do that on your own time ... in private.”

While some say PDA is disturbing, others disagree.

“As long as your hands aren't in each other's clothes, I don’t really see an issue with it,” senior Ben Simko said.

Simko’s philosophy is to think about what one would be willing to do in front of his or her own mother.

“It’s something you would watch take place on television in the same room as your mother,” Simko said. “But, [don’t do something] you wouldn't want your mother to watch you do in real life.”

Simko brings up a good point that PDA is perhaps more acceptable now because teens are often desensitized to sexual acts from interactions with modern media.

“It definitely increases it,” a senior said. “It can get kind of overboard; whenever they see it on TV, they think they can do it.”

Students engage in PDA for a variety of reasons, but not everyone is aware of the potential consequences.

“I think simple PDA is cute,” sophomore Tateannia Wilson said. “But it has consequences because the school has rules.”

The Student Code of Conduct defines PDA as, “Indecency, the act of offending commonly recognized standards of good taste including the use of vulgar acts,

obscenities, gestures, or inappropriate display of affection or sexual contact, or symbols” (SCC 9 section A).

If this sexual contact is directed towards another person, he or she could be placed on steps 2 to 6.

This means students could be suspended for showing inappropriate forms of PDA. If this is the case, some wonder why so many students choose to take the risk.

“To look cool,” Simko said. “[Also], there’s some understated creepiness to disciplining someone for PDA, if you ask me.”

It can be uncomfortable for teachers or administrators to break up students who are displaying inappropriate PDA. “It’s unbelievably awkward,” English teacher Mrs. Kelley Cusmano said. “I had to separate one of my students and I told her that nobody wanted to see that.”

Many wonder where to draw the line as far as disciplinary action is concerned.

“Well, holding hands and maybe kissing on the cheek is okay,” sophomore Micah Bradford said.“But when people are making out other gross

Two students holding hands in that hallway. Photo

by Brian Palmer

stuff like that, it’s really trashy.”

Others wonder why students must display PDA in the first place. “[Students] have strong and intense feelings for one another,” counselor Mrs. Kelly Messing-Mirabito said. “If appropriate, it is ok. Making out in the hall … not so much.”

Freshman Emma Fickel agrees.

“I have mixed emotions about it,” Fickel said. “Holding hands, hugging, kisses, stuff like that doesn’t seem to matter. Once it’s making out and stuff like that, that’s when it needs to end.”

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DID YOU

KNOW? S.O.F. was originally started in 1993.

The first ever theme was camouflage.

The skull and crossbones flag was first used in 2005.

2009 marked the start of an official “leader” being chosen. Before that, it was led by a committee.

S.O.F. TRADITIONS CONTINUE these include organizing themes for each game, leading cheers and chants and encouraging students to join. There are also many traditions The Soldiers of Fortune (S.O.F.) is a group that have survived the years, such as the cowbell, of RHS students who appear at sporting the S.O.F. flag and the pre-game tailgates. Andy events to cheer on the Falcons, heckle the Brooks, S.O.F. leader in 2009-2010, helped keep opposing players and have a good time, or as these traditions alive. senior S.O.F. leader Karl Erikson describes it: “My favorite part about the S.O.F. was the “The heavy-weight cheer team.” all-day tailgates,” Brooks said. “The class of ‘07 The S.O.F. gather together in the front row began this tradition their senior year and ever of the stands in their own designated section, since, it has been a great event for everyone though any student who wants to join in is involved. We took the tailgate to the next level always welcome. This has been a tradition at as we brought TVs to play video games, kiddie RHS for many years, and part pools, cooked full course meals of the tradition is choosing for breakfast, lunch and dinner and a new leader when the old played intense parking lot football I always knew that graduates. games. It was truly by far the most when I got to high “I checked my Facebook fun I had while in the S.O.F.” school I’d participate page and Jacob Seidl (last Though the S.O.F. has held on in it, but I’d never year’s leader) messaged me to many of its traditions, leaders of thought that I’d have saying I was to be the leader the past four years have noticed a the chance to lead it. this year,” Erikson said. “It significant decline in the S.O.F.’s So in that respect, it was honestly one of the best size. was a dream-comemoments of 2012, and maybe “It was fun being the leader,” true.” one of the best moments of my 2010-2011 leader Trevor Johnson ~Karl Erikson, senior said. “But also has a small amount life. My sister went to RHS in 2008, so I’d seen the S.O.F. in of stress. It’s tough to get everyone action as a younger kid. I always knew that to participate, especially the kids who were ‘too when I got to high school I’d participate in it, cool’ to join in on the fun. It was challenging to but I’d never thought that I’d have the chance get everyone to come to the games, dress up for to lead it. So in that respect, it was a dreamthe themes, and participate in our goofy chants. come-true.”

But persistence is key in anything you do in life, Each year, the new leader of the S.O.F. so I just nagged at everyone until they joined.” takes on several responsibilities. Some of Brooks also noticed the trend of dwindling Brian Palmer Co-Alpha Male

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S.O.F. flag. Photo by Brian Palmer

members.

“My senior year, there were basketball games where the S.O.F. was not even present,” Brooks said. “To be honest, most of us figured it would die out after our class left. I am very proud of the leaders that have kept the group going and hope it continues for years to come.”

Despite the challenges these leaders have faced, the Soldiers of Fortune remained. Jacob Seidl, S.O.F leader in 2011-2012, is very proud to have kept spirit and tradition alive.

“It was awesome being the leader,” Seidl said.

“Being down in front everyone and having them all look to you for chants and things like that was really cool. Although it was a lot of fun, it was a little more difficult then I think people realized.”

From Brooks to Johnson to Seidl and finally Erikson, the flag has been passed down. To many it may not seem all that significant, but to Erikson, the position he holds and the meaning behind it is profound.

“The S.O.F. has played an enormous role in my high school experience,” Erikson said.

“In a way, it’s kind of become a part of who I am. It has also given me the confidence to be much more outgoing, and it’s given me lifelong friendships and memories. People keep telling me that school spirit at RHS is declining.

Even though that might be true, I hope people realize just how amazing and fun it can be when everyone joins in. It’s up to the younger classes now to keep the S.O.F. the best student section around and make sure it stays an integral part of the RHS culture.”

The “I Hate Adams” chant was started at a morning pep rally in the Mall the day of the game in a spur of the moment event.

The “I Hate Adams” chant has been used in every boys basketball and football game since then.

The S.O.F. started actively tailgating before football games in the 2005-2006 season.

Other Traditions: Camo night is always the theme for the first home football game.

The homecoming football game is always the blue out.

Athens is always Toga night. Generally, Troy is Cowboys and Indians/Western Night and a theme new to the S.O.F. last year, Stoney Creek is an orange out.

Nobody knows why the original founders called it the Soldiers of Fortune .

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COMMON CORE SETS NEW STANDARDS FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS Common Core State Standards and Smarter Salanced Assessments plan to tweak teaching strategies with greater focus on higher-level thinking Camille Douglas Editorial Board

Michigan is one of the 45 states in the nation that have adopted a new curriculum called Common Core.

The English Language Arts and math curriculum was to be implemented beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, and the assessments will begin in 2014. This means that class of 2016 have a chance to take both the ACT and the Smarter Balanced Assessment their junior year.

Unlike the ACT, the Smarter Balanced Assessment will be an interactive online test, with some multiple choice questions and other short answer or essay questions, to encourage students to apply their knowledge in a way they have not been tested before.

Director of Curriculum for eight grade through adult education Mr. David Harwell explains.

“I refer to the Common Core as Curriculum 3.0. Years ago, the state of Michigan had Michigan Curriculum Frameworks. These changed to Content Expectations. We now refer to these as the Common Core,” Mr. Harwell said. “Basically, the Common Core Standards are a set of curriculum expectations that students should know and be able to at the end of a grade level or course. The Common Core is a bit different in that this is national curriculum adopted by the majority of states compared to standards and expectations that were developed by individual states.”

English Language Arts Consultant Mrs. Ashley Painter elaborates on this.

“The Common Core initiative rose out of a couple of studies that showed that once students were done with high school, there was a concern among colleges and employers that their high school diploma wasn’t preparing them as well as it should for college and career work,” Mrs. Painter said. “So the federal government put together an initiative to create consistent standards among the states so that we would have some consistency in terms of what students should be able to do with a high school diploma amongst all of our separates states, as well as sort of creating higher expectations for students with standards that ask them to do a lot more than they were previously being asked to do.”

GOAL OF COMMON CORE The goal of the Common Core State Standards, according to corestandards.org, is to “provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them … for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.”

The Common Core is still in its infancy, but as of now, the English and mathematical standards have been implemented for the 2012-2013 school year; science and social studies standards have not yet been adopted. RCS Curriculum Consultant Mrs. Pat DeJaeger explains the specifics of the standards.

“In English Language Arts, the focus is on three types of real-world writing: argumentative, narrative and informational. There is a greater emphasis on argumentative and informational writing than narrative,” Mrs. DeJaeger said.

“The standards have also raised the bar in terms of the types of literature/informational text students read and analyze.

Students will be taught how to analyze a variety of genre, including the classics.”

In addition to the new English curriculum standards, according to Mrs. DeJaeger, there will also be new additions to mathematics.

“In math, it’s more than just solving problems. It’s about solving tasks,” Mrs. DeJaeger said. “The eight mathematical practices are integral to the shift in math education. Students are encouraged to persevere to find solutions to problems that can be expressed in different ways, such as tables, graphs, equations, as well as critique the solutions of others.”

DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE In order ensure the student’s success when they get to the assessment, RHS teachers have been considering four levels of depth of knowledge: Level 1: recall, Level 2: skill/concept, Level 3: strategic thinking and Level 4: extended thinking.

Whereas a lot of lessons used to focus on level 1 or 2, teachers are tweaking lessons to get students to those higher-level thinking skills.

“It’s just different levels of how someone knows something,” Math Consultant Mrs. Jillian Gumz said.

Assistant Principal Mr. Neil DeLuca further explains the Depth of Knowledge concept.

“Before, we would assess students with surface questions like, ‘What date would this happen on?’ and you would regurgetate the date,” Mr. DeLuca said. “Now it’s more or less why it happens. Questions will be more like, ‘What was the result of that event?’ Your response is different since it has to show the student’s critical thinking skills.”

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LEVEL 1 ACTIVITIES Recall elements and details of story structure, such as events, character, plot and setting.

DEPTH OF

Conduct basic mathematical calculations.

KNOWLEDGE

Label locations on a map.

Represent in words or diagrams a scientific concept or relationship.

Perform routine procedures like measuring length or using punctuation marks correctly.

ACT VS. SMARTER BALANCED ASSESSMENTS Many are still wondering about the implementation of Common Core State Standards and Smarter Balanced Assessments; parents, students, teachers and administrators are wondering if states will end up merging the ACT and Smarter Balanced Assessments or if the ACT will disappear altogether. No one knows the answer to this right now.

“I’m not sure if [the ACT and the Common Core tests] will merge, and it’s difficult for us to predict that because that is sort of a college issue,” Mrs. Painter said. “The ACT sort of aroused out of a college need for a standardized assessment to see if students were ready for college. Smarter Balanced is arising from the high school level and making sure that the standards that are now in place and are being achieved be students.”

In order to prevent any apprehension, Mrs. Gumz explains that teachers in Rochester are already doing a lot of what they need to be doing to help students experience success on the Smarter Balanced Assessments and beyond.

STRUGGLES OF ALIGNING TO COMMON CORE “I think with any kind on new change, you have to think, ‘What is really valuable for our students here?’ I think we are always going to be preparing our students for the ACT, and the Smarter Balanced Assessment is very similar to the ACT. There is so much that is aligned already,” Mrs. Gumz said.

“The Smarter Balanced just asks students to demonstrate their knowledge in more than one way ... not just multiple choice answers, but through explanation, justification, and applying it to their world.”

Another question that has many educators and administrators puzzled is exactly what a complete Smarter Balanced Assessment looks like.

According to Mrs. Dejaeger, because the test is not yet finalized and is still being developed, there is no certain answer about how the success of the Common Core will be assessed, but RCS, along with the rest of Michigan and the other 44 states that have adopted these new standards, are working hard to make sure students will succeed.

“Teachers and administrators across the county are focused on bringing these standards forward, with the understanding that this isn’t going to happen overnight. We need to look at what we’re currently teaching and how it is aligned and then identify what needs to be revised,” Mrs. Dejaeger said. “We need to be respectful of what support teachers need as they implement the standards and then provide it. Recognizing that there will always be room for improvement is one of the things that makes Rochester such and outstanding district.”

9

LEVEL 2 ACTIVITIES Identify and summarize the major events in a narrative.

Use context cues to identify the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Solve routine multiple-step problems.

Describe the cause/effect of a particular event.

Identify patterns in events or behavior.

Formulate a routine problem given data and conditions.

LEVEL 3 ACTIVITIES LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

(RECALL)

(SKILL/CONCEPT)

CALCULATE RECITE USE TABULATE RECOGNIZE

MEASURE MEMORIZE DEFINE ILLUSTRATE ARRANGE

CLASSIFY MODIFY CAUSE/EFFECT CATEGORIZE PREDICT

Support ideas with details and examples.

SUMMARIZE SEPARATE GRAPH ESTIMATE ORGANIZE

Use voice appropriate to the purpose and audience.

Identify research questions and design investigations for a scientific problem.

Develop a scientific model for a complex situation.

Determine the author’s purpose and describe how it affects the interpretation of a reading selection.

Apply a concept in other contexts.

LEVEL 4 ACTIVITIES

LEVEL 3

LEVEL 4

(STRATEGIC THINKING)

(EXTENDED THINKING)

Conduct a project that requires specifying a problem, designing and conducting an experiment, analyzing its data and reporting results.

Apply mathematical model to illuminate a problem or situation.

CITE EVIDENCE INVESTIGATE ASSESS HYPOTHESIZE DIFFERENTIATE

CONSTRUCT DEDUCE APPRISE REVISE COMPARE

CONNECT PROVE DESIGN SYNTHESIZE EXTRAPOLATE

APPLY CONCEPTS CRITIQUE ANALYZE CREATE DEDUCE

Analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources.

Describe and illustrate how common themes are found across texts from different cultures.

Design a mathematical model to inform and solve a practical or abstract situation.

Pg.

10

Lifestyles

The

TALON 2012-2013

Teachers find Adventure in The mountains of Machu Picchu Porembiak said. “Then there was a double rainbow, and it was the most amazing view. It was like nothing I’d ever seen.”

Some students think that teachers stay Mrs. Malsbury tried to share her in school after the bell rings and sleep experience with her family by bringing under their desks. It’s hard for students back souvenirs. to imagine their teachers ouside of their “I brought back things for my girls; element. As it turns out, teachers are not hats, mittens, woven purses, leather attached to their desks at the hip. Their purses,” Mrs. Malsbury said. “I also got a lives outside of school are filled with Peruvian hat and gloves for my husband.” families, hopes, dreams, and, of course, Visiting the ancient city is making an traveling. impact on the teacher’s classrooms as well.

“I’m a big traveler,” Spanish teacher “There are Beth East said. “When kids that aren’t I feel really inspired by great at grammar, one particular place, I but they’re really usually return.” intrigued by One location Ms. culture,” Ms. East I will be taking my husband East is referring to said. “These are and girls back there when the is the 15th century places that they girls are selfish brats in their mountainous region can actually go which was the home teenage years. It will be a someday, and see to the ancient Incan wake-up call for them. for themselves so I civilization. Ms. think as a language East was planning ~Mrs. Malsbury, business teacher teacher, it’s my on returning to responsibility to Machu Picchu after inspire them to see previously going with other parts of the English teacher Erin Burke. Last summer world, and kind of know what they’re in Ms. East, Spanish teacher Ms. Kathy for before they get there.”

Porembiak, and business teacher Mrs. The trip was so inspiring for Mrs. Karen Malsbury ventured out to South Malsbury that she plans on returning to America together.

Machu Picchu with her family.

“As a little girl I spent a lot of “I will be taking my husband and girls time looking at pictures in a set of back there when the girls are selfish brats encyclopedias that my grandfather gave in their teenage years,” Mrs. Malsbury. “It me,” Mrs. Malsbury said. “Machu Picchu will be a wake-up call for them.” was always on my bucket list from the Ms. East feels like the trip was too first time I saw the picture. Fast forward amazing for word; she says the only twenty or so years I was at lunch with Ms. way to understand is through first-hand East, who had just come back from her trip experience. there. I sobbed looking at her pictures and “I remembered being so in awe that listening to her fabulous stories.” it brought me to tears,” Ms. East said.

After the trip, Ms. Porembiak and Mrs. “There’s something very majestic and Malsbury were able to have stories of their really spiritual and kind of magical about own. the place. You feel so tiny. It’s hard to “There was this beautiful view and explain until somebody goes there. And it started to rain a little bit, which was then you get it.” awesome because it was so hot,” Ms. Sarah Walwema Staff Writer

“

According to Ms. East, one of the best parts of traveling is meeting the native people. Photo by Mrs. Karen Malsbury

Ms. Porembiak, Mrs. Malsbury and Ms. East smile for a picture on Machu Picchu, wearing their RHS staf shirts. Photo Courtesy of Karen Malsbury

Ms. Porembiak, Mrs. Malsbury and Ms. East all bought souvenirs made by locals that supported the economy. Photo by Mrs. Karen Malsbury

Opinion

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TALON 2012-2013

Pg.

11

When illegal immigration sounds enticing

Reform should be a top priority Sarah Walwema Staff Writer

Opportunity as a birth right is something an American can take for granted. Living in a country where there is no opportunity makes the other side look even greener. It’s no surprise that this is the reason that immigrants might come to this country illegally. It’s easy to think of these people as conniving criminals, especially because they did break the law. But the truth is, these people are just human

beings who want a better life for their families.

In the winter of 2012, my big brother, a senior at RHS, took his driving test. It was a cold winter morning, and it was one of those weeks where you’re lucky to catch a glimpse of the bashful winter sun.

“Know that you’re paying for it if you fail this one,” my mom warned him jokingly as the driving instructor approached us.

And he was off, onto the street, becoming an adult.

Luckily, my brother passed his driving test the first time he took it. He was elated. We were elated.

And my mom was proud. In the coming weeks, as we tried to get my brother his license, we ran into problems at the Secretary

of State. Being immigrants from Uganda, my brother and I are considered dependent “students” and we don’t have social security numbers. This means that to do most anything, we have to carry around our immigration papers with us. The person behind the desk couldn’t seem to understand that my brother wasn’t a college student, and that we didn’t have what she was asking for.

Truthfully, being a legal immigrants seems to involve a lot of hoop jumping, making illegal immigration seem enticing.

The fact that illegal immigrants qualify for scholarships, can get licenses and sometimes vote is the reason why coming here illegally looks like the better option.

My family and I have a Ghanaian friend who was pregnant and here on a VISA a couple years ago. She heard that she qualified for social services that would help her with prenatal care, and would even help her and her PhD medical student husband with things like milk and orange juice for their 2-year-old daughter. When asked for her social security number, she told them that she didn’t have one.

Because of this, she couldn’t be given the care. Because she had the proper documentation, she was denied the benefit; had she been an illegal immigrant and had no documentation, social services would’ve been able to help her.

This seems backwards, and again proves that doing things the

right way may not always make it the easy way.

Events like this one are why becoming an illegal immigrant looks so good. So, a young, able-bodied person slips between the cracks and ends up living here. For fifty years. With his whole family, and always in the back of his mind is the threat of deportation from the place that has become his home, a home where he may pay taxes, or own a business, or obtain an engineering degree.

Immigrants who don’t break laws would benefit from President Obama’s talks of immigration reform and really update the system so living here legally might not be such a giant pain.

P.E. requirement should be removed for student athletes Danielle Kullmann Editorial Board

As the bell rings, the fourth hour gym students are already in class early, ready to greet the sweaty stench of the locker rooms because they must change as quickly as they can. It’s a hassle. After two weeks of class, they must do a 20 minute run. A majority of the students count the minutes until the class ends, a class they could have spent continuing their interest in German or taking an extra science elective.

At RHS, taking gym classes equivalent to one credit is required. It is often said that the reason for these physical education classes are to ensure that students remain healthy and active. However, these mandatory classes cause major stress with scheduling, athletic ability and self-esteem.

One main problem regarding required gym is that students must take it regardless of whether or not they are doing sports

outside of school. This means that students who are physically active on a regular basis must lose school time in order to learn something they already know how to do, and spend time after school doing. Students who participate in school sports or such things as dance classes outside of school are not given credit for what they do, and instead must lose time during school in which they could be taking other classes that are more beneficial to their future.

This loss of school time is also the focus of another problem P.E. poses, which is that students taking two four-year electives such as band and a language must sacrifice an entire year of one of those classes in order to be able to graduate or they must choose the incredibly costly option of summer gym to receive the credit they need. This poses a dilemma to those who don’t have the money to pay for summer gym but do not want to sacrifice their electives. These students must choose which class they want to be behind in even if they’re equally interested in both subjects.

One of the positive aspects of exercise is its ability to help boost self-esteem. However,

this becomes difficult when exercise are relevant problems things such as the judgment of in society today, it is important classmates becomes a factor, than ever that students exercise. because of the assumption that There is no doubt that physical everyone is at and needs to be at fitness and health are important, the same athletic ability, students but physical fitness is not who aren’t can often feel a synonymous with school gym. confidence drop. However, not Although school gym may be everyone is portrayed at the same as athletic helpful to ability, and increasing forcing flexibility students There is no doubt that and muscle to make strength, physical fitness and radical it begs the changes question of health are important because how much [in today’s society], of one of gym is semester actually but physical fitness is of gym and spent not synonymous with forcing exercising them to as the school gym. work school ~Danielle Kullmann, sophomore beyond schedule their natural isn’t built or acquired around ability can having time be the exact opposite of selffor actual exercise. It also begs esteem boosting and unhealthy. the question of how much one Although the mastery of certain or two semesters of gym can aid skills can lead to a confidence in developing good exercising boost in some students, not being habits, which should be noted, able to achieve a task can impact a large number of the students a student just as much. taking the class already have.

Many say that since health Would it not be more important issues such as obesity lack to let high school students at this

“

point make their own decisions on exercise and nutrition rather than force it upon them? Cutting mandatory physical education would not risk student’s health because one, it is only taken for a year, and two, the physical ability of students is not dependent on the school system.

There are multiple issues with the physical education requirements at RHS. The main one is that it is mandatory for all students, and exceptions aren’t made. It becomes the student’s problem to arrange their schedule in a way as to accommodate classes that many find unbeneficial and unnecessary because they already regularly exercise or many find unhelpful in the long run. One of the easiest solutions that could be made is increasing the exceptions to the mandatory rule, for students taking two four-year electives, and students who can prove that they regularly participate in sports outside of school. But in general, after elementary school, no one should have do school gym unless it is his or her choice to do so. P.E. simply shouldn’t be mandatory because of how illogical the entire system has become and its effects on the schedules of students.

Pg.

12

Entertainment

The

TALON 2012-2013

Students acquire new music with ease With the emergence of programs like Spotify and Pandora, students find it easy to find new favorite songs and learn about new artists AJ Prisciandaro Staff Writer

Thanks to Pandora, Spotify, YouTube and other music softwares and online file-sharing sites, it appears that being a music fan has never been easier.

A major disadvantage of FM radio is that the popular music stations only play the mainstream hit songs because it has to please a wide audience.

This denies a common listener from hearing plenty of other good songs that he or she would enjoy. For example, the radio only plays a few select singles from a popular artist’s album to please everyone, even though many listeners would enjoy hearing any song by that artist off of that album. Another disadvantage of radio is that it generally only plays the current hits of today, which denies listeners the opportunity of hearing past music from an artist that they would have loved if they had been a music fan during that time.

Music software programs, specifically Pandora and Spotify, have revolutionized the aspect of listening to and acquiring new music. In Pandora’s case, it has done this through “genre radio” or “artist radio,” where it plays a set list of varied songs from a selected genre

or a variety of songs from a selected artist (or songs that are very similar to that artist’s). The listener can provide positive or negative feedback on each song by giving it a thumbs up or thumbs down, which the system takes into account when selecting future songs. Pandora helps introduce new music to the listener that they might not hear anywhere else.

Spotify has taken it to another level, however, by stealing the “artist radio” feature from Pandora, as well as making almost every official musical track known to man available via a search bar. For example, if a user enters an artist name into the search bar, that artist’s entire career catalog of albums and songs appears. The user could spend hours listening to any track he or she wants to, without having to pay a cent. Other impressive perks of Spotify include letting the user create custom playlists of any songs, and importing in all the music from the user’s iTunes account.

Of course, there are advertisements between every handful of tracks on both Pandora and Spotify, but many argue that’s a small price to pay for all the free (legal) music.

Freshman Bella Prasatek is a frequent user of both Spotify and Pandora.

20 million 20000 songs 40 hours songs available on Spotify

of free listening per person on Pandora

added to Spotify per day

Spotify is available in

17 countries

Over 20 million Spotify users

64 percent of

teens listen to music through Youtube

13 billion

hours of Pandora listening in 2012

16763000

monthly Pandora visitors

20000 20 billion artists on Pandora

videos are viewed on Youtube every day

Average person spends15 minutes on Youtube a day

Sources: statisticbrain.com, engadget.com, spotify.com, nielsen.com, time.com

Lohmeier said.

“I use them all the time, Prasatek agrees. like two or three hours “They’ve had a big a day after school when impact on listening to I’m doing homework or music, because they’ve whatever else,” Prasatek made it so easy to be able said. “I usually search to hear any song,” Prasatek songs I already know in said.

Spotify, and However, then discover the impact new music I use them all the of YouTube from that time, like two or three and filesame artist.” sharing sites hours a day after Junior school when I’m doing also can’t be Austin Lohmeier, homework or whatever understated.

Listeners who pays a else. I usually search who go to monthly fee songs I already know YouTube for Spotify in Spotify, and then can watch Premium, discover new music thinks both from that same artist.” the official music videos programs (PSY’s have affected ~Lillia Prasatek, freshman “Gangnam listening to Style” has music for the over 1.2 better. billion views) or lyric “They’ve given me videos of their favorite access to new artists and songs. Also, YouTube songs I like that I wouldn’t offers songs that aren’t have found otherwise,”

“

official tracks, such as remixes, mash-ups or other tracks by an artist that aren’t associated with an album or live album, that wouldn’t be in Spotify or Pandora’s databases. It also can recommend new music courtesy of a ‘related videos’ tab that appears next to a video.

Junior Jarrett Mertz exclusively uses YouTube every day for his music.

“YouTube’s the best because it has absolutely everything imaginable, while Spotify and Pandora only have the official music tracks,” Mertz said. “Plus, I don’t have to download or install anything or deal with any commercials.”

Lohmeier also finds YouTube useful.

“I use Spotify to listen to songs I already know, but I typically use YouTube to find new songs using

the ‘related videos’ bar,” Lohmeier said.

All three of these programs are not actually limited to home computers, either. Anyone with a smartphone or tablet can easily access YouTube on the go, or use the mobile versions of Spotify and Pandora.

All in all, these software programs and online sites have made it significantly easier for the common person to hear their favorite music when they want to, and be introduced to new music that they will enjoy.

“Listening to any song you want to whenever you want to is so easy nowadays for everybody,” Lohmeier said. “You honestly don’t even need to spend money on albums and songs because these programs have made everything available.”

Entertainment

The

TALON 2012-2013

Pg.

13

5 best homework help channels: Different youtube channels and websites can aid students in learning concepts they may have missed in class

Khan Academy

1

Khan Academy is one of the most popular and extensive education sites/YouTube channels. It allows one both to learn concepts and practice them. It has subjects ranging from computer science to art history and even supplies study preparation for many different types of standardized tests. The video format features no faces, just a black screen that is written on by the instructor allowing there to be very few distracting things to dissuade one from one’s studying.

Brightstorm

2

Brightstorm is often overlooked as a source of study help mainly because its videos are not on YouTube, but on the Brightstorm website. Much like Khan Academy, Brightstorm is organized by subject, with subjects as extensive as the ones by Khan Academy. The videos are taught in a way more like the traditional classroom experience; there are different instructors with a whiteboard behind them who teach the lesson or set of lessons. This can be helpful for those having trouble learning in an environment dissimilar to the classroom. This site also offers a written explanation for the concept taught in the video and allows one to search for videos about chapters from the textbook they may be using in his or her class.

Educator

3

Educator.com videos are the most similar to Brightstorm in their format. Although they are found on YouTube, the better video format is featured on their website; however, the website requires a subscription after watching a few of the videos. The videos are organized into different subjects based on the teacher who teaches the subject and every video is organized like an actual class would be: by chapter and concept. Other than the fact that the actual website is slightly costly, one drawback of educator.com videos is that there is no history section.

Crash Course

4

Crash Course is a video project by brothers Hank and John Green. These videos are not as school-oriented as the others and lack math as a learning subject, but otherwise they provide interesting, entertaining and well-researched explanations of everything from conservation biology to the poetry of Emily Dickinson. The video format is unlike Khan Academy in that it is face-to-face, and it is much more casual than the other videos with many more visually appealing graphics and quirky facts.

Academic Earth Academic Earth is a website created as an archive for educational lectures from MIT, UC Berkeley and other top universities explaining a subject of choice. Academic Earth features many specific subjects, from art to math. In terms of helpfulness, it is more difficult to find concepts as specific as one can with Khan Academy, but there are often incredibly helpful finds in the variety the website offers.

5

Pg.

Sports

14

The

TALON 2012-2013

Middle schooler gets his 15 minutes of fame Austin Bowerman Co-Alpha Male

Owen Groesser, an eighth grader from Van Hoosen Middle School with Down Syndrome, scored four baskets during the team’s final two games.

The story, which went viral through Twitter, impacted many across the country. “Your son has touched our country today,” were the words from a close friend of Kari Groesser. Mrs. Groesser’s son, Owen Groesser, an eighth grader with Down Syndrome from Van Hoosen, had scored four baskets during the school’s two final games of the season.

“This story is so real and so raw,” Mrs. Groesser said. “It was not planned. There was no million dollar salary on the table. It was just a boy who had a dream to play with his teammates and to set two feet on the court, and it happened.”

According to Coach Jeff Howell, Owen had worked very hard the entire season as the team manager. It was because of this that Coach Howell made the decision to put Owen into the game.

“I thought it would be a nice reward for him for all the hard work that he puts into the team,” Coach Howell said. “Owen never asked to go into a game or do any drills in practice but he loves basketball so much that it was only fitting to let him into a game. I think he wanted to play, but he would never be the kid who expected to play.”

In the first game, Owen scored two three-pointers, followed by two baskets in the next game. Owen’s father, Chris Groesser, was not surprised at the outcome.

“We have played a lot in the driveway with friends, so I thought that as long as the refs were working with him a little that he would do fine,” Mr. Groesser said. “I wasn’t shocked

Owen’s other

INTERESTS:

-Football (Played on Van Hoosen Team 7th & 8th grade) -Soccer -Blue Senior Belt in Choi Kwan Do -Golf -Dancing -Knee Boarding -Van Hoosen Wrestling Team because when we play in the The story has had a positive driveway he likes to take the impact on others, and Mr. and long shots.”

Mr. Groesser believe that the What was shocking to both event has changed Owen’s life.

Mr. and Mrs. Groesser, as well “Before the event, Owen as Coach Howell, was just how knew a certain group of people popular Owen’s story would in school, but now everyone become. knows Owen,” Mr. Groesser “I didn’t think that the shot said. “Now when he walks down would make it past the gym the hallway a lot of people talk that evening,” Coach Howell to him that in the past may have said. “I was going to put an not reached out to him. I think announcement on VH today, that this has been the best thing (our school news show) but all for him and in the end will be the major networks and ESPN great for his confidence because covered it better he will be more than I could. included and I’ve never seen people will be anything like friendlier to him It was just a boy who this, and what in the community had a dream to play a great thing and the school.” with his teammates it has been for Owen plans and to set two feet Owen, my team, to continue to on the court, and it the community pursue sports and so much activities. happened.” farther out than “We are not ~Kari Groesser, mother that. It made just stopping at an everlasting basketball. He is impression across the country.” a very athletic kid and is a great According to Mr. Groesser, swimmer, he kneeboards, he has even though receiving all the skied, he’s played tennis, as well publicity from the event has been as soccer,” Mrs. Groesser said. exhausting, the positives far “He actually has a gift for being outweigh the negatives. an incredible athlete for a child “I am happy to be receiving with Down Syndrome.” all the publicity only because Coach Howell has high hopes of the positive message that is for Owen’s future. behind the story,” Mr. Groesser “I expect that Owen will be said. “I am glad that it is successful in anything he wants inspirational for many and that’s to do, not just basketball,” Coach kind of where it ends. Owen Howell said. “He is a very smart makes three-pointers in the kid who works hard and loves driveway all the time so it wasn’t life and those two ingredients are a huge shock, I’m just glad that a perfect recipe for success no he got the opportunity.” matter who you are.”

“

Owen Groesser takes a shot at the second to last game. During this game, Owen scored a three-pointer against Reuther Middle School. Photo Courtesy of Kari Groesser

Left: Owen holds up a jersey made for him after the game. Right: Owen participating in the Anchors Program at Van Hoosen Middle School, a peer-to-peer mentoring program to assist those with special needs. Photos by Beth Bowerman

Sports

The

TALON 2012-2013

Pg.

winter sports playoff predictions:

Mr. Fournier Q&A Row

Q&A

Karl Erikson& A.J Prisciandaro’s

15

Mr. Vic Fournier, athletic director Q: Which winter RHS sports teams are continuing on to the playoffs?

Girls Basketball Boys Basketball Cheerleading

Hockey

Karl -With good senior leadership, a solid (13-7) regular season record and the taste of last year’ bitter district final loss to Stoney still fresh in their minds, the girls basketball team seeks to avenge last year’s loss and make their way to the regional tournament. Led by forward Anna Tucker who just recently signed with Lawrence Tech University, these Falcons have what it takes to get there.

Standing in their way though is a tough Utica Eisenhower team that is the early favorite to be the district champion. The team also hopes to avenge last year’s loss with a possible vistory over Stoney Creek.

Karl -After a heart-breaking loss in the district final last year and eight seniors graduating, it was unclear how the basketball team would fair this year. But with the additions of James Young, Jamar Randolph, Q France and help from players moving from JV to Varsity, as well as several key returning starters, the boys’ team is set up nicely to cruise to its first district championship since 1989. This year they play in the much easier Macomb district, but will have a challenge against Clarkston should they reach the regional tournament. Look for the boys’ basketball team to make a long and exciting playoff run.

Karl -The varsity cheer team

this year has loads of talent and is looking to avenge last year’s seventh place in the state meet by taking home the State Championship. The big story this year is that there are ten sophomores on the varsity squad. The only question that surrounds this team is if their unprecedented youth will eventually catch up with them.

So far, they have done very well with key wins at the Rochester Royal Rumble, Oxford and were winners of the OAA Red League Championship at Troy Athens.

Look for this team to again be major contenders for yet another State Championship.

Karl -With a current record of 17-7-2, the united hockey team has huge potential to make a long playoff run. Inconsistency has plagued the team all year with a bad 3-0 shutout loss against Stoney Creek, but they turned thing around and followed that with a huge win against a top ranked team. In the district round, they will face a tough opponent in Dakota.

Winning this district seems very feasible barring they keep up the focus and play at their top level.

A regional run may be in store for this talented team. The big win agaisnt Stoney in the OAA Red Championship game shows that this team can go a long way.

A.J. - The girls basketball team has had a very solid season so far. All of their losses have come against very good teams.

Like the boys’ squad, they are in the easier Macomb division this year. Led by strong senior leadership, they have what it takes. If they keep winning against teams they should beat, they have a great chance of going far into districts, and maybe avenging their District final loss from last year.

A.J. -The varsity boys’ basketball team is going to win districts and maybe go on a nice state tournament run. The short-term loss of James Young will strengthen them as a team and introduce them to adversity.

When Young returns from injury, nobody will be able to match up with the frontcourt duo of Young and Arben Camaj. If they can sustain their momentum, their success can continue far into the postseason.

A.J. -The cheerleading squad is one of the best in the state. They started their season this year with lofty goals to win state’s, and they have the talent to. Also, they’re on the right track after recently coming in second at the regional final in Troy Athens, which gives them confidence heading into the state final. It’s safe to bet on a top-three finish, but they might need some luck to go with their talent in order to win it all.

A.J. -The varsity hockey team has loads of potential. After a disappointing loss to Stoney Creek on senior night a few weeks ago, Rochester United has rebounded nicely and have already won districts. What has plagued the team all season long is inconsistency. However, when they play up to their potential, this team can beat anybody. That’s why they will win regionals and go on a deep state playoff run.

A: All teams. Swim has individual time cuts, so not everyone participates. Same with Ski. They have to make a certain time to qualify for Regionals.

Q: Which coach would be your “Coach of the Season” for this winter? Why? A: Hard to pick just one with all the teams being successful. If pressed, wrestling coach Frank Lafferty. Not just because of this year, but it has taken him several years building the program up to this point. He is not only a contender this year, but will be moving forward.

Q: How do you help facilitate RHS sports teams when they’re in the playoffs?

A: I just make sure all the little things are done so the coaches can just worry about coaching.

I make sure they know what time everything starts, they have a bus to get them there, rosters and eligibility sheets are turned in to host sites, hotel rooms are booked and paid for for State Finals. This year we are running two events for the MHSAA – Girls Basketball Districts and Boys Wrestling Regionals. I send out the information to all the schools participating, conduct draws, organize officials and volunteers, organize security and custodial and do all the game day work.

Pg.

Talon Love Quiz

16

Want a manly man? Take this quiz.

The

TALON 2012-2013

Want a classy lassy? Take this quiz.

A) You remind me of Beyonce.

B) If I had a star for every time you brighten my day, I would have a galaxy in my hand.

C) My name is blank, but you can call me tonight.

D) Well, here I am. What are your other two wishes?

E) You may fall from the sky, you may fall from a tree, but the best way to fall ... is in love with me.

A) Beyonce and Jay-Z B) Chandler and Monica C) Barack and Michelle Obama D) Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass E) Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher

1

What is your favorite pick-up line?

A) Did you just fart? Because you just blew me away.

B) If a fat man puts you in a bag at night, don’t be scared; I told Santa I wanted you for Christmas.

C) If beauty were time, you’d be eternity.

D) I even lift.

E) Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?

1

What is your favorite pick-up line?

2

Who is your favorite celebrity couple?

2

What celebrity couple would you hope to emulate?

3

Describe your ideal date.

A) A.J. Prisciandaro and Kelly Krako B) Peter and Lois Griffin C) Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie D) Jack and Sally (from “The Nightmare Before Christmas”) E) Britney Spears and K-Fed A) Outdoor ice skating B) With Kelly Krako C) Movie of the girl’s choice or romantic dinner D) After-school nap time E) Dinner and a movie

3

Describe your ideal date.

A) Just chillin’. Something laid back.

B) Two person mini-dance party.

C) Spontaneous picnic at night.

D) Snuggle sesh!

E) Dinner out and “The Notebook.”

4

Describe your dream vacation.

A) Anywhere with you B) Italy C) On a Hawaiian beach playing football D) Staying home E) Puerto Rico

4

Describe your dream vacation.

A) Greece B) London, England in the spring C) Romantic night in Venice or Paris D) Spain E) Caribbean cruise

5

What is your favorite love song?

A) “I See the Light”-from “Tangled” B) “Birthday Song”-2Chainz C) “If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn”Sleeping with Sirens D) “Safe and Sound” by Electric President E) ‘‘Love Sosa” by Chief Keef

5

What is your favorite love song?

A) “Somebody to Love”-Queen B) “40 Day Dream”-Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes C) “Back at One”-Brian McKnight D) “Then”-Brad Paisley E) “Wanted”-Hunter Hayes

If you got mostly A’s, Your Talon love is Karl Erikson. He likes Briiiiiiiiiaaaaannn, “Single Ladies” and not wearing pants.

If you got mostly A’s, Your Talon love is Olivia Bennett. She likes coffee, Beyonce and dark chocolate.

If you got mostly B’s, Your Talon love is A.J. Prisciandaro. He likes flix mix, Ke$ha and wolves.

If you got mostly B’s, Your Talon love is Sarah Walwema. She likes Stephen Colbert, Jane Austen and Regina Spektor.

If you got mostly C’s, Your Talon love is Grant McPherson. He likes flix mix, sports and hanging with friends.

If you got mostly C’s, Your Talon love is Melody Zhang. She likes chicken pot pie, Modern Family and tumblr.

If you got mostly D’s, Your Talon love is Brian Palmer. He likes Jones soda, cats and the color black.

If you got mostly D’s, Your Talon love is Kelly Krako. She likes alpacas, Channing Tatum and snuggling.

If you got mostly E’s, Your Talon love is Zach Libby. He likes “High School Musical,” barbies and Adam Levine.

If you got mostly E’s, Your Talon love is Camille Douglas. She likes Italian food, old movies and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.