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cover design: Lauren Scheirman

09/16/11

02

save the date

Newsweek Top 500 High Schools

-September 19: Survey for the 20112012 school calendar closes.

-September 23: No school -October 4: Orchestra concert at 7 p.m.

“I think that this year is going to be exciting because we have a lot of new people,” said Nikki Pataroque ‘13.

-October 5: Choir concert at 7 p.m. Come support your Jags.

-October 7: No school-teaher work day.

-October 10-12: Parent-teacher conferences from 4-7:45 p.m.

-October 15: Make sure your senior pictures are turned in! They should be submitted on CD-ROM, along with a printout (black & white or color) of each portrait and the name of the senior pictured. Or you can e-mail a JPG of your senior’s portrait to Kristi Rathbun at kristi.rathbun@ dcsdk12.org directly. All photos should be vertical rectangles, 2 inches by 3 inches, at 300 dpi, saved in JPG format. They prefer head and shoulder shots. According to the RCHS website, “In a perfect world, the backgrounds would be medium, and the portraits would not include pets, cars, musical instruments, etc.”

-October 16: Baskets and vacation homes to be auctioned at Key Club’s Pancake Breakfast. Tickets are $7 for allyou-can-eat pancakes at the Castle Rock Applebee’s.

photo by [natalieholthouse]

Yearbook Field Trip

In Rock Canyon’s first year eligible to be one of Newsweek’s Top 500 High Schools, we made it on the list as number 403. As the only school in Douglas County, and one of nine in the state, this is a big accomplishment. In previous years, we were ineligible because we were too new of a school.

“What’s really important to me, is that this is the first year we’ve qualified, and we made it, which was a neat thing,” said Mrs. Kennedy, Mr. Abner’s secretary.

Each school’s score is made up of six components: graduation rate (25%), college matriculation rate (25%), AP tests taken per graduate (25%), average SAT/ACT scores (10%), average AP/ IB/AICE scores (10%), and AP courses offered (5%).

“It’s something we should be very proud of,” Kennedy said.

thenow

CHEER

Friday, September 16, six staff members form the Black and Gold Yearbook will fly to Dallas, TX for an invitation-only yearbook workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to help develop theme and designs for the 2012 book.

“The advisers are all crown winners, which is a national award for yearbooks,” Karly Hanson ‘12 said. “It’s an honor to have the oportunity to go.”

This will be RC’s first year attending, and the girls are excited to meet the award-winning advisers, who can help to make the book even better.

“We hope that going to this workshop will improve our yearbook so we can win a crown this

“I love going to away games! It’s always fun to travel with our crazy team, and it’s also interesting and exiting to support our football team,” Kelsey Karst ‘12 said.

Varsity Cheer is traveling with the football team and going to all away games to support the guys.

“I think it shows a lot of support for our football team and keeps us really involved. When we cheer at away games we promote them and try to get people to come,” said Rachel Branson ‘12.

CUPCAKE CLUB

year,” Sydney Boyle ‘12 said.

Fall Play: Bad Seed

photo by [laurenposey]

-October 17-21: Don’t come to school.

Lauren Wearsch ‘13 has been understudying plays at RC since her freshman year. But this year was a little different.

When the cast list was posted, Wearsch discovered that she had gotten the part of Rhoda, the murderous eight year old, or “The Bad Seed” in the first play of the year.

“When I tell people who I am, they’re at a loss for words. They usually just stare at me. “ Despite the odd reactions, she enjoys the role.

“I enjoy it because it’s a difficult part to play,” Wearsh said. “It’s really challenging because she’s not your average eight year old. ..She spends her free time killing people with her tap shoes.”

Bad Seed will run from Sep. 29-Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.

[erinsnyder]

photos compliments of Key Club

It’s fall break!!!

photo by [laurenscheirman]

-November 4: Buffalo Wild Wings day for Key Club. Yes, the entire day.

“l like cupcake club because we get to help people and make cupcakes at the same time,” said club member, Chance Champine‘13.

Cupcake Club makes cupcakes, sells them in the commons, and then donates the profits to Children’s Hospital.

If interested in joining, see Kristi Rathbun in room 4127 or contact juniors Meredith Evilsizer or Mandy Miller. Keep an eye out for spirit cupcakes being sold during homecoming week during lunch in the commons, two cupcakes for $1.

PHOTOGRAPHY

-May 21: The graduation date has been set. Monday the 21 at Shea Stadium.

photo by Brian Tietz

Key Club Fundraiser The Rock invites your comments.

Letters to the editor and commentary submissions are encouraged.

You are also encouraged to submit coverage ideas, cartoons, photos, or anything else you want to see in The Rock. Your submissions may be censored for content, but all are welcome. Please send to kristi. rathbun@dcsdk12.org.

And make sure to “Like”The Rock’s new Facebook page! compiled by [kaylaneil]

At the beginning of the year, Principal Andy Abner named Escuela Verde as Rock Canyon’s “sister school”. The Escuela Verde team consists of eight students, who have the goal of raising $10,00015,000 for the school.

According to the Key Club press release,”This ambitious goal requires more grant writing and fundraising than ever before. By way of several large fundraising opportunities, we believe this goal to be more feasable and look forward to the experience of providing for our sister school.”

Each advise class will be responsible for choosing a theme and creating a basket, valuing $75-$100 which will be auctioned at the pancake breakfast October 16. Also being auctioned are several vacation homes in both Costa Rica and Colorado. Each purchase going directly to the project fundraising efforts.

below: the view from one of the rentable Costa Rica vacation homes that will be available at the auction

Dr. Jacqueline Shuler is encouraging both her Photo I and Photo II classes to submit their best photos--exhibiting exciting composition--in Douglas County’s photo competition, for the chance to win a $100 gift certificate.

“Our students have been prize winners in many exhibits during the year. The Continental League Show, The Douglas County Art Exhibit at Park Meadows Mall, the Senior Portfolio Show, The Congressional Art Show and The Air Force Academy Art Show.

We have participated in the Scholastic Art & Writing Show and the Lone Tree Photographic Exhibit,” according to the RCHS Art website.

For more information, see Dr. Shuler in room7400.

theimage 1.

photo by [kaylaneil]

here’s what you missed...

03 09/16/11

SUMMER 2011

The Freshman, along with many juniors and seniors, ended their summer a day early, with Link Crew day. “[The day] was really confusing.

I liked my Link Leaders, they helped us understand everything,” Says Daniel Gowing, ‘15.

They became aquainted with the school, and were dressed in wild

costumes such as Harry Potter and toilet paper.

“Today was crazy but exciting.

There were a lot of confused freshman but we figured it out and it all ended well,” Says Remy Mooney ‘12.

Several sports teams put in extra time over the summer to improve their skills. RC Foreign Language

students and teachers embarked on a journey through France and Spain.

Visiting many historic landmarks and many famous cities, the students had a great time.

Trip member Taylor Broschat ‘13, says, “It was an amazing trip that caused all of us to branch out and experience new foods, culture, and people.” [kaylaneil]

2. photo by [laurenscheirman]

Making Link Crew Friends 1. Sierra Dunbar ‘12, blows bubbles while giving her group of Freshman a tour of the school. 2. The Freshman class gather in the gym for orientation. 3. Lindsey Hackbarth ‘13, plays a game with her Link Crew group. 4. Kelsey Karst ‘12, dresses her Freshman in toilet paper. 5. The Freshman class plays a game toget to know each other on the first day.

Summer Practices 6. Abby Baroffio ‘12, at cheer practice over the summer. 7.

The softballl team gathers at summer camp to listen to Coach Kortbawi.

6.

photo by [laurenscheirman]

3.

5.

photo by [laurenscheirman]

1.

photos by [kaylaneil]

2.

4.

3.

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photo by [alexperdinan]

Visiting Europe 1. The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France was a key stop for the tour group. 2. “I couldn’t believe how massive it was. The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower was breathtaking,”Said trip member Lauren Payne ‘13. 3. The students met the Segrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain in the last few days of their trip. Even after 100 years, the church is still not finished.

09/16/11

thenow

04 AndyAbner

photo by [laurenscheirman]

Principal

Describe yourself in high school: I was involved in football, track, & multiple clubs; I attended just about everything from various performances to almost every sporting event. I really enjoyed school. I worked as a Bus-Boy from age 14-17 at Bill’s Restaurant. Then I was hired as a plumbing apprentice and worked in that field on weekends and vacations from school. I eventually gained my professional license. This is how I paid my way through college. My favorite high school class was Chemistry with Mr. Potts because this is where I first felt that I could overcome difficult subject matter. My favorite teacher/coach was Dave Babcock.

Dream job as a kid: My mother tells a story that I would say I wanted to be a cartoon. I remember thinking Architect.

Ever sent to the principal’s office: I can only think of one occasion.

After the school was toilet-papered by the seniors, the entire class was called into various offices and made to clean the entire campus inside and out prior to graduation.

MeganBrown Assistant Principal Dream job as a kid: assistant principal ar RCHS. Or a CIA agent.

Any Pets: one big, fat Golden Retriever named Buddy.

Classic Starbucks drink: Grande iced latte. Unless you’re buying, then a Venti.

Describe yourself in high school: I was involved in a lot of different things, kind of a nerd because I took hard classes. I also swam.

TomBrieske

Assistant Principal/Athletic Dir.

LaurieBhattacharya From: Anchorage, Alaska but came here from Sand Creek High

Dream job as a kid: to be a professional baseball player, and if that didn’t happen I had a plan b which was to get involved in teaching and coaching, which is obviously what I did.

Describe yourself in high school: I was your average ordinary kid who really enjoyed athletics. I was involved in football, baseball and wrestling, though baseball was my passion and I was fortunate to get an offer to play in college.

Biggest fear: That the San Diego Chargers won’t win a Super Bowl in my lifetime.

School in Colorado Springs.

Any Pets: Shingho (it means lion). Half Lahsa Apso, half Dachsund.

Opinions on Homework: It should be a valuable activity, not just busy work.

Special Education

LissaStaal Dean

From: Traverse City, MI Favorite Harry Potter character: Hermionie because she is pretty and smart and she keeps the boys in line.

Describe yourself in high school: Newspaper, debate team, kind of a nerd, but in a good way. I was outgoing and kind of goofy.

Any pets: Yes, two dogs, Gracie and Charlie.

Dream job as a kid: Teacher.

Classic Starbucks drink: Grande no water vanilla chai. photo by [laurenscheirman]

NickLaatsch Dean Classic Starbucks Drink: It’s a grande bold coffee--black High school mascot: We were the Wild Kits--not the Wild Cats, the Kits. Since we were the high school near the univeristy and they were the Wild Cats, we were the Baby Wild Cats--hence, Wild Kits. I didn’t realize how bad it was until after this.

So what does a dean actually do: I have similar roles to the assistant principals. I have a list of students that I assist, I conduct emergency procedures. Advise, that’s another thing. If you have any questions about advise, I’m your man.

photo by [danielleburrage]

w e N e h T s of RC e c a F The 2011-2012 school year brings many changes including 22 new staff members.

Look for profiles of our new staff members throughout this year’s issues of The Rock.

thenow

05 09/16/11 MattPerhda

Math

Been sent to the Principal’s Office: Three times for the same issue: senior prank. It was an epic senior prank...however, I would caution any student to weight the POTENTIAL epic-ness vs. severity of punishment.

Dream job as a kid: Whether or not I realized it then, I believe I initially wanted to be someone who lived in the wilderness. So, in a sense, I believe I am fulfilling that destiny, as I spent much of my time this summer going back country camping.

DanitaWhelan

Science

From: I grew up in a tiny town that’s not on most Kentucky maps, called Howardstown.

Been sent to the Principal’s Office: Never. But my chemistry teacher gave me detention once. (I deserved it.)

Favorite Harry Potter character: I like Hermione. She’s a know-itall, but she gets better about it.

photo by [kaylaneil]

EmilyNault

photo by [kaylaneil]

Social Studies

Favorite Harry Potter character: I can’t choose just one Harry Potter character to be my favorite. I love Luna because she’s so loyal and imaginative, I love Neville because he’s brave and never gives up, I love Hermione because she’s not afraid of her intelligence, I love Ron because he’s always there for his friends, I love Harry because he’s wise beyond his years. I also love Snape for his undying love for Lily.

Describe yourself in high school: I was on the Varsity Cheer squad for three years, I also was on the Yearbook Staff during my Junior and Senior years. I was also in our Radio and Television Production class my last two years of High School. I was a class clown who really enjoyed school, and being an overachiever. In high school, I was voted loudest because you usually could hear me talking and laughing in the halls during passing time. I was definitely a floater, and didn’t belong to any one group which helped me make many different friends.

KatieRockwell Social Studies From: Honolulu, Hawaii Any kids: Two beautiful daughters Leilani (7), and Megan (2) Been sent to the Principal’s Office: 2nd grade for whistling in class.

Any pets: I have two wonderful dogs, Copper and Buddy.

ManuelGonzales

Technology and Tennis

High School mascot: The Lobo’s.

Mac or PC: I like using a Mac but it’s easier to fix a PC. From: Levelands, TX. Classic Starbucks drink: Java chip frap with soy.

LaurenDelay Language Arts

Ugliest Sweater you own: A (sweater) vest I made when I was 10, it has reindeer on it and I am pretty sure one of the reindeer is using the facilities...Don’t worry, it still fits.

Favorite Harry Potter character: Snape (So mysterious and intriguing) plus black is such a great color choice...Johnny Cash style.

Dream job as a kid: A doctor (until I realized I faint at the sight of blood...ask me about my 13 stitches from watching 127 Hours...)

Fail any classes in high school: No, unless Drivers Ed counts as a high school class...then, yes, yes I did.

thespirit

06

[9/16/11]

Don’t panic... It’s in your closet!

Monday

Homecoming week can be busy. We know finding time to go out and buy items for spirit days is hard, so here are some tips from The Rock to make having spirit a little easier...It’s just in your closet!

Thursday

Monday

Your favorite band t-shirt + Jeans + black boots or Converse!

Cute hats from Walgreens!

A Rock Canyon t-shirt and a gold ribbon (for girls).

Your mom, your dad, someone probably has a cheesy Hawaiian shirt in the back of their closet!

Tropic Like It’s Hot -Boy’s Tennis (3:30) at Castleview -Boy’s Soccer (4:00) at Chaparral

Jag Spirit

-Homecoming Assembly -Free Performance of Bad Seed (7:00 p.m.)

-Movie under the Stars (8:00 p.m.) on

-Girl’s Softball (4:00) at Legend -Girl’s Volleyball (4:30) at Chaparral

Fan Club Day -Ruff n’Tuff (7:00 p.m.) in Main Gym

Wednesday

-Girls Softball (3:30) at Heritage

Use your mom’s, your sister’s, or your own eyeliner to draw your own eye black!

A green tee and a Sharpie make for a good d.i.y. camouflage shirt.

Wilderness Wednesday -PowderPuff

Prelims (5:30 p.m.) Finals (6:15 p.m.) on RCHS soccer and football fields -Boy’s JV Soccer (4:00) at Dakota Ridge

“I’m most looking forward to the parade and bonfire.”

Chris Gibbens ‘12 “Looking forward to going to dinner with my friends.”

Nick Seaquist ‘12 “Going with my friends to homecoming.”

Jens Johnson ‘15 “Seeing my girlfriend in a dress.”

Zach Kostelecky ‘14 “Excited to see the outcome of all the planning and come together and our hard work pay off.”

April Oberkirsh ‘15.

Tuesday

A plastic lei or a seashell necklace!

What are you looking forward to about homecoming?

Stuco hard at work Student Council Members have been working hard as soon as school started to plan this year’s homecoming. The theme, Celebrate the Glamour at the Grammys, was even decided before the end of last year. “Planning homecoming week is probably one of my favorite parts of Student Council,” said Katlyn Humbarger ‘13, “It’s a lot of work but it’s always worth it at the end.” Stuco splits themselves up into committees so that they are able to tackle all of the main events. “It’s going to be a great homecoming!” said student body president, Aubrey Eggett.

07

thegame

[9/16/11]

Welcome back...

Photo by Lauren Schierman

By the Numbers FIGHTING TO WIN

Photo by[ Lauren Schierman]

Football

Varsity football player pushes back the offense during the game versus Dakota Ridge High School.

314

Miles traveled by the RC Varsity football team to Montrose High School to play their first season game on zero-week.

Rock Canyon scored 21 points in the season opener, but were plagued by costly turnovers as they fell to Montrose 27-21.

Regionals: September 19Colorado Springs Country Club

GOLF IN FULL SWING

Photo by [Davis Livingstone]

Boys golf

Boys golf continues towards the State tournament . The varsity team practices for Regionals and State.

The JV soccer team’s goalie, Samuel Makikalli, punts the ball after making a save during their game versus Cherokee Trail.

Photo by [Michael Shapiro]

boys soccer

OFFENSIVE DOMINANCE

STOP, TUCK AND ROLL

69

Score shot by Andrew Romano on 18-holes of golf at Pinehurst Country Club for the RC Boys golf team, beating national competitor Wyndom Clark from Valor.

Next game: September 20Chaparral High School

11

The number of goals scored by the JV soccer team in their first two games. The top three scorers for RC are Bruno Trinidade, Zico Mergoni, and Oliver Larson.

Photo by[ Lauren Schierman]

Cheerleading

Mini Jag Camp: September 28

Emma Roth ‘15 shows her skills doing a standing tuck in support of the varisty football teams touchdown . “It’s important to be positive even when the crowd isnt involved, it’s our job to pump them up.”

6

Freshmen on the Varsity Cheer team for 2011. The team of 25 looks to continue its success in 5A this year. Ariel Bailey, Paige Parratino, Peyton Burger, Caleigh Newberry, Emma Roth, and Katie Ingui make up the freshman group for the team.

Next game: September 16Highlands Ranch High School

HIT AND RUN

Photo by[Allie Cole]

softball

Softball players are running hard to keep their successful season going.

[chrissafran]

Next game: September 16Golden High School

2

Number worn by Katie Cook ‘12, for the Varsity girls Softball team.

Cook was named player of the week Sept. 4 after multiple outstanding performances in which she held Wheat Ridge to three hits and pitched a no-hitter Sept. 6 against Denver East.

More than a game

College sports have experienced lots of controversy and many scandals over the past year in schools such as Ohio State and Miami. If you thought that college football was all about the athletes, it’s time to think again.

Tats for Treasures

We start in Columbus, Ohio. In March 2011, the NCAA completed an investigation into the football program at Ohio State University and what they found was startling. Five players, including starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor, were convicted of receiving improper benefits from a tattoo shop in Columbus.

The five players sold championship rings, old jerseys, and other memorabilia all for tattoos. Yes, tattoos. The original punishment for the players and their coach, Jim Tressel, was a suspension for the first five games of the 2011 season, but that wasn’t all and the NCAA kept finding more.

As it turns out, players had been receiving improper benefits since 2002, and Coach Tressel failed to notify anybody of this. Jim Tressel resigned on May 30th and is no longer at Ohio State.

After more investigation into quarterback Terrelle Pryor, the NCAA discovered even more. Pryor is no longer on the football team and is banned from any athletic facility on the Ohio State Campus. What was once a prestigious football program has now been pushed back on its heels. Lucky for them, the spotlight has moved away from their campus and on to another school.

Scandal in South Beach

When it comes to collegiate sports scandals, the severity of the consequences vary. But there are two words that no fan, player, coach, or athletic director want to hear; Death Penalty.

The “Death Penalty” is the most severe punishment handed out by the NCAA. It means a program will have to shut down for at least a year. The University of Miami may be only the second school ever to receive this punishment. The only school to be convicted of the “Death Penalty” was Southern Methodist University for major recruiting violations in the 80’s that involved paying and bribing athletes.

In August 2011, the NCAA uncovered one of the most shocking scandals in college sports in the last decade. Nevin Shapiro, a school booster admitted to spending over $2 million for the football and basketball players in exchange money, prostitutes, cars, food, housing, and big hits on other players, such as Tim Tebow. Shapiro admitted to all of the allegations and now it is up to the NCAA to decide whether or not the “Death Penalty” will be enforced against the Hurricanes.

There is serious debate surrounding the issue.

“I think they (Miami) deserve the “Death Penalty” because what they did was just as bad if not worse than what SMU committed. I think the NCAA needs to send a message,” said Grant Adams 14’ .

A Changed Attitude

So what have college sports come to now? College sports today, have become greatly influenced by fans like the owner of the tattoo shop in Ohio and Nevin Shapiro in Miami. These scandals show just how much college sorts have moved away from focusing on the “student athlete,” to becoming more of a business. College sports are becoming more about dollar signs than players. These scandals are not only hurting the sports programs, but also the reputations of great schools like Ohio State and Miami.

“There is no reason for student athletes to get paid and receive improper benefits,” said Jake Battock 14’. “Their education is already being paid for, so there is no reason to pay them.”

The 2011 college football season has begun and we are, without a doubt, in for a good one. However, the year 2011 for college athletics will go down for some as a year of disappointment. Not only to the fans, but the schools as well. [andrewbohren]

Mapped:

A how-to guide for getting through the halls (plus a few extra tips)

The “Rock-tionary”:

Four words to help you sound like a veteran Jaguar

1. Access: (ak-ses)

The time period on Wednesday mornings between 7:45am to 8:40 am. It’s your time to sleep in or do homework, or visit teachers. Use it wisely.

2. Advise

“I just got a new teacher, so, I am making new friends in my advise.”

Nichelle Tesone ‘12

(ad-vyze) This is NOT access even though they both start with ‘A’s.’ This is on Wednesdays as well, but between your 2nd and 4th period class.

It is considered a class so don’t blow it off! P.S. it’s with your advise teacher.

“I have second off, so I sleep, but throughout the year, I’ll go for AP help and club meetings.”

-Katie Lillard ‘12 4. Saps (I can’t help you there, It’s spelled the same way you say it) “I’ve never heard of Town An awesome nickname for an awesome teacher. Mr. SapiCenter.” Austin Cole ‘15 enza ladies and gentlemen. You’ve been warned.

3. Town Center

(toun sen-ter) word for commons, A.K.A. the This is nothing more than a fancy eat. cafeteria. Where you stand, sit, or

The “Cartographers”

20 [9/16/11]

theimage

10

The End of The World As We Know It

It’s the end of the world as we know it. Well, then again, is it?

As 2012 looms three months from now, the world is questioning whether or not the recent bout of natural disasters, political coups, and economic crashes are purely coincidence or the beginning to the end.

Quoted The student opinion in the 2012 debate

“It’s a conspiracy theory. If you look at the logistics of the Mayan calender, it has nothing to do with an apocalypse. It’s a new birth of the world.”

Aili Nicholson, ‘12 “I think people make up these kinds of things to laugh at the people who get all freaked out about.”

Steven Weatherred, ‘14 “I dont really think the world’s going to end in 2012. Eventually... probably, but not in 2012.”

Jacqui Hemphill, ‘13

“I don’t get how the whole world can just end in one day. And who is the source that says it’ll be 2012 exactly?”

Lexy Kady’14 “It was supposed to happen so many times before. Look at 2000 [Y2K] and May 21 [Judgement day]; nothing happened.”

Will Hata, ‘14 “If anyone gives a date that the world’s going to end, it’s definitely not going to end. It’ll be any day but that day.”

Lauren McKenney, ‘14 “I don’t believe it but I think its popular because people worry about it too much. That makes other people believe it too.”

Kayla Antuna , ‘14 [daniellewilliams and danielleburrage]

2010

[danielleburrage]

[danielleburrage]

Earthquake Haiti

200 Years

Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince was reduced to rubble after experiencing the worst earthquake in that region in over 200 years on January 12, 2010.

January

Egyptian Revolution

March

Earthquake in Japan

April

Mid-Western Tornados

260

$30

18000

Miles Per Hour

After riots against poverty, massive unemployment rates, and government curruption, the Egyptian GDP took a hit of nearly $30 billion. Each day of the uprising cost $1 billion dollars.

After a 9.0 magnitude earthquake on March 11, the world’s fifth largest earthquake since 1900, which spawned a devastating tsunami, the Japanese lost nearly $309 billion and 18,000 lives.

260 mile per hour winds tore through the United States from April 25to the 28, marking themselves as the most devastating United States natural disaster since Hurricane Katrina

Billion

Lives Lost

theimage

How to Survive

a zombie apocalypse According to zombie expert in training Abbey Reagan, ‘12.

1 2 3 4 5

Regroup everyone who isn’t a zombie; you’ll need a zombie apocalypse team.

Bunker down in the choir room where there’s no windows. Then barricade the entire performing arts hall way.

Create an arsenal in the band and drama rooms. They have some serious weaponry back there.

Then, risk going to the cafeteria to find food. I’ve never been to the cafeteria before...they have food right? Either way, wheel in a vending machine. It’d take a while, but it’s a necessity.

Go to science lab and grab anything that looks flammable or like it could create some sort of effective bomb.

Then I would throw those chemicals together. I feel like that’s not safe but if I’m going to die I might as well go out with a bang. No pun intended.

Survival Check List

Have the essentials for a zombie take over?

1 2 3 4 5 May

You will need a supply kit with the basics - food, water, medication, latex gloves.

You will need a “grab”bag. This is a bag that you can just grab if you have to leave. It should have two weeks worth of survival supplies.

Stay put. Board up windows. Don’t go outside unless you have to.

You will need weapons. Be sure to also include weapons that don’t require ammo - a machete, a shovel, a crowbar all work fine. Of course a Katana or Samurai sword would be even better. Remember, the only “cure”is a beheading.

Zombies do not see or hear very well but their sense of smell is keen so if you must go out, disguise your live, human scent as much as possible. [erinsynder]

Judgement Day

$120 Million

Although John Ramsey, who predicted May 21 as the “beginning of the end”, may have had his calculations wrong, according to the Huffington Post, Ramsey has received $120 million in donations.

According to Time Magazine the United States is the most unfairly divided country in the developed world.

Quoted “We can blame the

economy on Bush’s past actions. We are still covering 33% of United States dollars are divided among 5% of the what he started population with other According to countries and how CNN, one in every six Americans is in poverty bad he made our Thats the highest rate of economy. We are poverty in the United States since 1993. still recovering 2011 Nation from what he did wide unemployment as president.” rates are at 9.1% Sarah Laman, ‘10 The highest unemployment rate recorded was 10.8% The average unemployment rate is 5.7%

11 [9/16/11]

The Rise And Fall Of The

American Piggy Bank 4.4 Million 4.2 Million 4.0 Million 3.8 Million 3.6 Million

Youth Unemployment Rates Over The Past 10 Years

2011

3.4 Million 3.2 Million 3.0 Million

2001

2.8 Million 2.6 Million

2004

2.4 Million

[danielleburrage]

2010

2.2 Million

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

From the skeptics to the religious, everyone is talking about it Now, the questionTheis, how is it all going toFromend? the words of a Mayan...

Mayan calender according to Schmidt according to...

theMayans...

According to...

theQu’ran... according to...

Science teacher Mr. Schmidt, who often travels throughout South America, had spoken with a woman of Mayan decent on one of his trips. The woman’s response to the 2012 phenomenon: “It’s ridiculous.”

[bryanmetze]

Qu’ran according to Yassin Marrakchi, ‘12

Speculators say...

“Our religion doesn’t really believe the world is going to end in 2012.

There’s going to be a guy who pretends to be Jesus but there are signs that he isn’t the real Jesus. We believe it could be anytime depending on when God wants it to end.”

It is possible that this will happen in the year 2012 but nothing in the Islamic texts confirms this. The only possible sign is that there are no predictions made in Islam beyond the year 2000.

Bible according to Emily Reeder, ‘12

Direct from the text...

“In my point of view and in the Bible it is mentioned throughout that God will decide when our time is to come and end. No one can predict that.”

theBible... of the reccent Quoted Witnesses natural disasters

“Being in an earthquake is the most helpless I’ve ever felt. There’s nothing you can do but hope the building holds up.”

Charlie Reagan, National Geographic Uncle of RCHS student Located in Washington DC during earthquake

August

The Mayan calendar is off by 50 years, because the Mayans forgot to account for the quarter day each year. The calendar stopped at the year 2012 due to fall of the Mayan civilization, not allowing enough time to account for the years following.

Riots in Britain

[virginiavaghn]

There is no specific point in the Bible that foresees an “end of the world” scenario. Rather, there is a rapture and a judgement day, then a “recreation” of a new, flawless Earth.

Mark 13:32 :”No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in [sydcharvat] heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

News reels have been buzzing with earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, and a slue of other natural disasters across the USA over the past few months. Here’s the people who were there to experience it themselves.

“I was sitting at my desk when I heard what I thought was a big clap of thunder. Then my desk shook and the whole house kind of shuddered, like when your body gets the Pam Whitten chills.”

heat wave

Grandmother of RCHS student Located in Virgina during earthquake

August

Libyan Civil War

[maddiewhitten]

September

Earthquake Alaska

7.1

2987

30000

Magnitude

Britain was ablaze with riots from Aug. 6 to the 12 concerning police violence, high unemployment rates, an impenetrable upper class, and racial and ethnic tensions.

So far, 2,987 people have been arrested.

Aug. 20,the Libyan civil war progressed. Rebels took ontrol over the capitol and drove autocratic ruler Mummar Gaddafi from the nation. But with 30,000 deaths and an unstable government Libya’s future is uncertain.

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake rattles the Fox Islands in Alaska Sept. 1, prompting tsunami warnings. In the past two months the United States has even felt tremors from Denver to Washington D.C.

Arrests

Lives Lost

[9/16/11]

thenow

12

Reaching the limit

The Voucher Issue

How the growing class sizes are affecting the traditional dynamics of high school education

E

very day when we walk into class, we expect to have a desk. We expect to have a textbook. We expect to have a teacher. And, most importantly, we expect to have the individualized attention that we need in order to succeed.

But this year, many students didn’t have a desk on August 9. Many of their textbooks are now only available online due to a shortage of money and supply. And almost every student is forced to share a single class period with over 30 students--and some close to 40.

“I think that [the school] should have more classrooms,” Missy Miller ‘14 said, “I have trouble learning because there are too many people in my classes.”

With a student population of 1,715 and over 100 faculty members, Rock Canyon is no stranger to exponential class growth.

When the school opened in 2003, the student body was comprised of approximately 219 (then freshman) students. Since then, that number has skyrocketed by nearly eight times, resulting in the overpopulation of classes throughout the school.

“The over-sized classes are much louder [compared to a small class],” said Megan Kelly ‘12. ”I’d rather have smaller classes because it’s quieter and easier for the teacher to teach.”

The Causes of Class Growth:

As a memorandum of understanding from the teacher’s union with the district as a temporary measure, each teacher in the Douglas County School District is allowed to have a maximum of 180 students within the five class periods they instruct throughout the year. However, these numbers are gradually becoming more and more difficult to accommodate.

“We are not supposed to have 180 students...what it means is we can’t have over 180 students. Some teachers have 160, 175 and there are some with 180,” math teacher and DCSD union representative Gina Stevens said.

This has caused teachers to re-work their lesson plans and assignment schedules.

“To deal with the extra kids, I have changed how I deal with daily assignments because I can’t grade 170 papers every day,” Stevens said, “I have also changed some of the ways I present information in class.... activities that worked well with classes in the 20’s don’t lend themselves to a class of 40.”

This issue also presents itself within both the registration and the “open enrollment” process.

“What usually happens is, during the registration process, we figure out what classes kids want to take and from which

departments,” Assistant Principal in charge of registration, Megan Brown, said. “From those numbers we assign a number of teachers to that department. Sometimes that means that the department has to hire new teachers and sometimes, unfortunately, that means that we have to lay some off.”

The number of students that initially chose a specific class, determines how the course will be equipped and staffed. However, should students choose to drop a class that they had selected in the spring, the department will have already taken the necessary actions to staff that specific course, thus resulting in both over and under-staffing.

For example, say that a student signed up to take ceramics class. However, after the first day of school, he decided that the class was too difficult for him and he chose to drop the class and take psychology instead.

Now, imagine this situation multiplied by 20. This results in the shrinking of one class, while severely overpopulating the other. So, the ceramics number goes down while the psychology number goes up.

“The district uses the number of kids that register [for open enroll] and there’s a certain number of kids that say, ‘I want to go to Rock Canyon’, from that the district assigns a certain number of staff.” Brown said, “The only way that a school could thus be over-

The Colorado American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU-CO) and Douglas County School District (DCSD) have begun their arguments for and against the controversial the district’s Choice Scholarship Pilot Program.

The program was developed in order to give students the option of attending a private school rather than a public school using a scholarship provided by the district. Under the program, as much as 75% of per-pupil revenue is given to up to 500 students in order to pay for private school tuition. Students participating in this program may attend one of several partner private schools, including a few schools with religious affiliations.

According to ACLU-CO, diverting taxpayer revenue to religious institutions is a violation of separation of church and state principles in the Constitution.

Students that have already been awarded a scholarship have been caught in the crossfire. ACLUCO was awarded an injunction to halt the program while the case is decided. However, first quarter tuition payments have already been distributed to 304 students, totaling more than $300,000. Those students will legally no longer be able to receive payments until the case is resolved, putting their placement in many private schools into jeopardy.

Valor Christian School has assured parents that the enrollment of their children will not change despite the reduction in scholarship funds, but other students may not be as lucky. Due to full wait lists at several DCSD schools, some parents with children being turned away from private schools are being forced to consider home-schooling alternatives.

[charliemelbye] staffed is if a significant number of students say that they’re going to that school and end up going somewhere else....So Rock Canyon was staffed as projected for this year.”

But this explanation leaves RC with an unbalanced schedule and with a variety of under-supplied classrooms.

“There are not enough computers in the computer labs for each student,” Science Department Head Kristi Picconi said. “That is hard when we are doing a research project and the students [each] need a computer....

The amount of chairs is very limited.

Because there are more students in the classroom, the groups are bigger and it can cause problems. Not all students can learn or participate in larger groups.”

Average Class Sizes This Year:

The average class size this year ranges between 35-40 students with a student teacher ratio 35:1, whereas , in 2008, the average class size comprised of approximately 25-30 students with a student teacher ratio of 25:1. This imbalance creates serious obstacles for both students and teachers not only from an supply and equipment perspective, but also due to the fact that-with significantly larger classes-teachers are having to substitute their ideal lesson plans and sharply minimize their time spent grading

thenow

13

Reaching the limit continued

teacher, Allen Greggory said, “I was up until midnight last night grading tests that I just gave the other day. And then for little assignments--like homework and classwork-I usually have students check their own work and then come ask me questions if they need it.”

With nearly 210 students, Greggory’s math classes equate to about one-third of all students enrolled in a math course at Rock Canyon this year amd put him over the 180 student limit.

“Most of my classes have probably around 30 to 40 kids and I have six classes, so I have around 211 students. The most you are supposed to have is 180 kids, but Mr. Munro and I have both taken on an extra class or two so the school won’t have to hire a parttime math teacher,” Gregory said.

The Effects of Growing Classes:

The issue of completing the grading of papers in a timely manner is especially prominent in English classes and electives due to the fact that, instead of grading an assignment where the answer is either right or wrong, an English teacher must thoroughly read through an essay for content and rhetorical applications.

“Having to go through 35 different papers for each assignment is definitely time consuming,” English and Journalism student teacher Nathan Ubowski said. “When you think about spending 8 or 10 minutes on a paper to understand what the student is trying to say--as well as where their writing level is at--multiply that by 35 students per class and that’s a lot of time.”

“The over-sized classrooms makes [teaching] different,” English Department Chair, Melissa Rosati said. “What feels like teaching six classes is in five classes. This impacts grading time. But, the over-sized classrooms are not as hard with the upper classes because it’s about the workload. It’s harder for the freshmen where we have to work on getting them focused.”

However, despite the fact that a majority of students dealing with the reality that. although they may not have as much of a one-on-one relationship with their teachers this year; once a student goes on to attend college, large classes quickly become the norm.

“Having 40 great kids in a class, which is more than likely going to be the norm here at Rock Canyon, from an instructional standpoint, can be done,” social studies teacher Suzanne McKay said. “When you go to college, you’re going to be in classes of 200-400 kids especially in introductory classes. But I do think that in places it tends to compromise what good teachers do best-getting to know kids and getting to know the individualized things that they need.”

In the average college student’s freshman year, required introductory classes (math, history, economics, psychology etc.) often include anywhere from 100-400 students depending on the course.

Who Does This Hurt the Most?

With four AP Psychology classes and one Modern Asian History class encompassing 35-40 students per class period, McKay understands that meeting the demands of both the necessary curriculum and the individual needs of the students can be a problem, especially for freshman students.

“When you’re looking at a ninth grade class of 40 kids, who are brand new to the high school experience and need some more individualized or targeted instruction and skill building, and they become one of 40 instead of one of 25 or 30, “ McKay said, “that’s got a lasting impact--I think a more lasting impact on the next four years that they have in high school.”

Have Some Classes Shrunk?

Although a majority of the classes have experienced severe growth in the past month, certain areas, such as performing arts have seen a serious decrease in their student population.

“Some of the classes have shrunk, [and] as a performing arts department we want big classes,” performing arts department head, Joel Naegele said. “People tend to get their fine arts credit done and then stop signing up.”

In performing arts, the number of students taking tech theatre, drama and music theory classes has grown, whereas classes such as concert band, orchestra and choir have seen decreases. These drops in enrollment can best be explained by an increased desire among students to have an off period,

the fulfillment of their required credits to graduate and in order to accommodate the homework load associated with advanced classes. “[Many students] can’t do performing arts this year because of the AP and honors classes that they take and they don’t have enough time to commit....Making it so that students aren’t as well-rounded,” Naegele said.

Despite a decrease in the student population in several classes, large class sizes have become a reality this year. Students have less access to individual attention in class, and oftentimes do not have a place to sit.

“We have some kids that you could put in a class of 100 and have content delivered to them and be just fine,” Principal Andrew Abner said. “But we have other kids who, in order to be successful, need more one on one attention from their teachers and then there are kids in the middle who may need this [attention] and may need help with specific classes depending on the subject area.”

to support educational reforms such as the “pay for performance” program for teachers, increased technology in schools and the enabling of world educational opportunities for students. “[The $20 million mill levy] is a tax for homeowners in Douglas County,” Abner said, “in which the property tax would actually be raised for the school district and then the money would be handed back to the school.”

In spite of what the numbers and district statistics may suggest, teachers and faculty members remain as dedicated as they ever have been to providing the best education to their students that they possibly can.

“I got into teaching to help individual kids learn and love history and psychology-just the sheer numbers make it harder to manage,” McKay said. “[But] it’s my job and I’ll do it to the best of my ability, and I’ll never use class size as an excuse to compromise the quality of instruction.”

The Prevention of Class Growth:

In an effort to restore equlibrium within classes, the Douglas County School District under Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Fagen voted in favor of placing a measure that seeks to pay for the reduction of class sizes within the area on the November election. The measure entails asking voters to contribute to a $200 million dollar bond and a $20 million mill levy increase. It also seeks

[sydcharvat]

[9/16/11]

thenow

14

From the ground up...

“...I was in my second grade class and everyond kept being called to the office to go home. At that moment, something didn’t feel right.” -Jen Schein ‘12

As the ten year anniversary of 9/11 passes, Rock Canyon students reflect and remember along with the rest of the country.

(Left) On September 11, 2001, RC students were anywhere between 4 and 8 years old.

But many of them clearly remember the events of the tragic day.

Photo by [kaylaneil] (Right) Ground Zero, under construction on April 3, 2011. When finished the entire buiding will be glass, as the bottom portion is seen here.

Photo by [erinsnyder]

Students Remember September 11, 2001 Ten years of memories and experiences overload our brain, but students and teachers are still able to remember the situations surrounding their experiences of the tragic day. “...my mom picked me up from school and was in tears. She told me some people had flown some planes into buildings.”

-Kevin Mackey ‘14

“...being in my second grade class and my teachers crying.

We went into lockdown and the next day they made us draw pictues of what we saw on the T.V.” -Brandon Bulmer ‘12

“...going to kindergarten, it was the first day. My parents were reluctant to let me go. I didn’t know what was happening by my mom was freaked out.”

-Evan Lisano ‘13

“...being at the doctor’s office for a check up and my mom hiding behind a chair while she called her friends for updates because the office had a no-cell-phone policy.”

-Ellen Hefner ‘12

“...I remember everyone was panicking because a lot of my friends had parents traveling to New York at that time.”

-Lauren Payne ‘13

“...the exact moment the country figured out that this wasn’t an accident, but that we were being attacked. I can still feel the horror and hear the piercing silence that ensued.”

-Julia Dale (Choral Teacher)

“...going to first grade. Laterin the day, my father came to pick me up which I was estatic about even though I didn’t have a clue why. We went back home and I remember seeing my family and neighbors in my living room watching TV. I was too ignorant to understand what was goin gon.

-Zachary Sortor ‘13 “...playing with my baby sister on the floor and then looking up at the TV and seeing smoking buildings.

I was only six years old at the time so i didn’t really understand.

-Miranda Dunn ‘13

“I remember seeing the first plane hit the twin towers and watching people jump out of buildings. My mom was crying at the TV after picking me up from kindergarten. The morning after I remember hearing all of thesthese little chirps, which were the firefighter’s locating devices.”

-Christian Sprague ‘14

“...I was in my second grade class and I walked in, looked at the TV, then at my teacher, tears were streaming down her face. I didn’t understand what had happened until about 5th grade. But I went home and spent the day with my family because my mom’s side lives in New York.

-Austin Shoemake ‘13 “...my kindertgarten class praying the rosary and my mom coming to get me out of school early because she said something bad had happened.”

-Meredith Kelly ‘14

thethought

A New Generation a nicole for your thoughts

S

eptember 11, 1609, the day Henry Hudson, the British explorer discovered Manhattan Island, a celebratory occasion. Three hundred and ninety-two years later, that island faced the biggest tragedy that New York, and America, may have ever seen.

At the age of six, the world seemed quite small to me. This world consisted of my small kindergarten class, my small community, and my very small view of what occurred beyond these seemingly invulnerable places.

While I don’t remember very many details of my younger years, my sixteen-year-old self has been able to retain the very minute details that were engraved into my brain on the fateful day of 9/11.

I remember being brought home from my kindergarten class, thankful to escape my moody pregnant teacher. I remember my parents sitting me down on our rough green couch, trying desperately to explain what had happened just a half an hour from our secure New Jersey home. I remember seeing my sister stare off blankly at the TV screen, listening

15 [9/16/11] One of our country’s most destructive events has Staff Editorial: shaped our generation for a brighter future.

to Katie Couric’s unusually soft voice, as she watched the smoke engulf the beloved city where she went to college.

I remember my parents telling me that my close friend’s father who worked on the top floor of The North Tower of the World Trade Center was missing. I remember his wife’s lifeless eyes fluttering slowly, while clutching her newborn son after his funeral. I remember studying my friend’s almost emotionless face, wondering if she had not yet come to terms with her heartbreaking new reality.

This earth-shattering event destroyed my ignorance of the world around me, making me aware that the world, in fact, did not revolve around my small, sheltered community. The devastation that occurred while many of us were young, impressionable children is what has altered the outlook of our generation irrevocably. This early awareness of the realities of the world beyond the comfort of our homes is what has essentially shaped our generation’s perspective on life.

Had I not seen the sorrow in my classmates’ faces that lost relatives, I would have never been able to begin to comprehend that there was the possibility that one of my parents wouldn’t be home after school.

I have found that many of us are thankful for the safety and security of our homes, and pay more respect to our military forces. We are truly grateful to be citizens of the nation that protects us.

This perspective has given us the outlook in our early lives that hardships occur at a much greater scale than your teacher yelling at you

A Man With A Story

T

he Denver Post followed the story of Frank Stanley.

They reported on the fact that he had gone missing, that he had been gone for two weeks and that his blue Jeep was found at the base of Bison Peak, in Pike National Forest.

They reported on his family and on the search and rescue teams as they looked for him for eight days.

And they reported when his body was found where he had slipped and fallen off the trail.

The Denver Post did a sufficient job telling the story of Frank’s death, but I want to tell you the story of Frank’s life. Or more simply, I want to tell you that Frank had a story.

I knew Frank well. He was my coach, he was my teacher, he was my mentor and he was my friend. My elementary/middle school was very small so we knew t teachers very well,we called them by their first names and treated them like friends. Frank had a dry sense of humor, and once I realized that his teasing was in good humor, I thought he was hilarious.

I was an easy target for Frank -- a soccer and all-around sports fanatic.

I wore argyle knee socks with my soccer cleats. At the beginning of this summer, before he died, I showed Frank an “injury” I got playing mini-golf. He thought it was just about the funniest thing in the world. He had this way of laughing at you that actually made you want to be dorky because he made it cool. And he never humored you. If it was really funny, he

for not putting the crayons away.

While 9/11 was a completely unnecessary and destructive attack that devastated our country irreversibly, perhaps the outlook that this tragedy gave us as young children will help us to shape a more enlightened and appreciative society. [nicolecassou]

The One World Trade Center overlooks a graveyard at the site where Muslim extremists flew two planes into the World Trade Centers. The $500 million dollar project includes the tower, as well as two reflections pools which bare the names of the 2,996 lives lost during the attacks.

It took the death of a coach to realize that everybody has an untold story.

really laughed.

Yes, I could tell you a lot about Frank. I could tell you how he kept more statistics on our teams than the Broncos probably do.

He had binders and binders full of serving averages, saves, baskets, runs and goals. Every week, he sent out a detailed newsletter with play-by-plays from the games. I could tell you exactly how he sounded when he said “Hey there” when I went back to my old school to say hello. I could tell you about his unwavering dedication to polo shirts, how his glasses looked, how he didn’t get mad when I accidentally knocked his Ginger Ale out of his hand, how he laughed. I never thought about these things, I never thought about Frank. He was just there, in the midst of my adolescence.

But what I couldn’t have told you before, was all of the things that I learned about Frank in this past month, since he took off to summit Bison Peak on July 25th.

I didn’t know that he had a nephew, a nephew who looked up to him and nodded wisely at the funeral and replied “We were close”. I didn’t know how much he loved the outdoors; I didn’t know that he constantly told his sisters, his friends and even his barber about his students. I didn’t know that he traveled around the world-literally AROUND the world. I didn’t know he had sky-high IQ, I didn’t know that he loved Stevie Ray Vaughan.

I didn’t know that in high school, his friend was killed in a car crash and for twenty six years he has gone on a hike the 25th of June to honor

her. I didn’t know that nearly every player he coached as a kid has seen him show up at one of their high school games years later. I had never seen the bounties of baby pictures that were shown at the funeral. Basically, I knew Frank as he pertained to my life, but not as he was to his sisters, his nephew, his mother and his friends.

My message is simple. Everybody has a story. Benefit of the doubt is your absolute best friend. Frank’s sister told us that on flight to Colorado, she cried the whole time. The people next to her had no idea what was going on. So they left her alone. But not everybody cries, you don’t know how they’re feeling.

Don’t be blunt, don’t be mean. The person you are blowing off as a stranger has a story. They have antics and hobbies, they have sisters and mothers. They have baby pictures and people who adore them. They may have traveled the world. They may love soccer and baseball cards and numbers. Or maybe they don’t. Either way, they have a story. So treat them like they do.

[erinsnyder]

running erin’s

The Times are Changing

Change means different things to different people. For some, it represents an opportunity to grow, and for others, it is to be feared. To our President, change meant a chance to introduce America to some of the most progressive policies the country has seen since the days of FDR and his New Deal. And at Rock Canyon High School, we embraced change this year by welcoming Mr. Abner, and numerous other members of our administration to join our school and become Jaguars.

To The Rock, however, change means a redevelopment of the image we have been establishing since the birth of this paper.

At the end of the 2010-2011 school year, The Rock staff members said goodbye to many of our ranks. Our Editor in Chief, Emma Kate Fittes ‘11, and almost every section editor left the staff and Rock Canyon to pursue their passions in college. We even waved farewell to our Adviser, Elizabeth Harris.

But to as many people as we said goodbye to, we said hello to even more.

Joining us this year as our adviser is English Teacher Kristi Rathbun, now advising both Newspaper and Yearbook. Lauren Scheirman ‘12, will be stepping up as our Managing Editor, and the returning members of the staff will also be assuming editorial positions.

We took this opportunity of a fresh start to meticulously review The Rock in years past.

We scoured pages to see what makes The Rock work, and we critically reviewed each feature of the paper to make sure they delivered to you the mature, informative and intriguing content that you expect each month from our staff.

While many naysayers may be quick to denounce the changes we have made, we hope that you have kept an open mind while scanning these pages. While much has stayed the same from years past, we have introduced a slew of new changes, the most obvious being the size of the paper you are holding.

Some of these changes may not come lightly to you, but we can assure you that all of these changes did not come lightly to us. Many summer nights were spent discussing the merits of certain styles over others, all the way down to the font. However, it became unanimous within the staff that these changes are for the betterment of our paper.

But if we have kept one thing the same, it is that The Rock will always remain dedicated to excellence in reporting, photojournalism and editing, all to make sure that the student body receives a paper that is just as exceptional and extraordinary as they are.

All of us here look forward to documenting and reporting the exciting new year. You’ll see our members cheering alongside you at football games, camera in hand, or pulling you aside in the hallways to ask your opinion of an emerging topic.

So from all of us here at The Rock, we wish you a happy new school year. May it be filled with change for the better.

thecalendar

16 [9/16/11]

September/October

19

Homecoming Week

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

Fan day Boys C soccer @ Regis Ruff an’ Tuff 7p.m. main gym

“I have a really cool Bruno Mars tee shirt so Monday will be the best.” Ninn Gonzales ‘15

26

Boys JV football @ Falcon High school Volleyball @ Rampart

21

20

Tropical Tuesday Tropic like its hot Boys tennis 3:30 p.m. at Chapparral Softball at legend @ 4 p.m.

Wilderness WednesdayWear camouflage Picture retakes - Gym Boys JV soccer Vs. Dakota Ridge PowderPuff at RCHS soccer and football fields Prelims & 5:30 & Finals at 6:15 “Wednesday will be the best because I own a lot of camo and I like camping and hunting.” Saif Khan ‘15.

“I’m excited because it remids me of Hawaii which relaxes me.” Kelsi Fichtner ‘15.

27

Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country @ Horizon Runners Roost Invitational Boys tennis @ MVHS Girls Volleyball vs. Regis Girls Varsity Gymnastics @ Ponderosa Fashion Show Committee meeting Boys Varsity soccer vs.

Regis

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

28

Fall teaser Bad Seed Mini Poms/ Cheer camp Boys level C soccer vs.

Thunder Ridge Girls softball vs. Mountain Vista

SATURDAY 23

22

NO SCHOOL Girls Softball @ Ponderosa Boys Varsity soccer against Dakota Ridge Homecoming Parade @ 5 p.m. (Redstone to RCHS) Chili dinner 5:30 p.m. in commons Bonfire @ 7:15 p.m.

Jag Spirit Day - Wear class colors HC Assembly Boys Freshman Football vs. Falcon Boys tennis vs. Ponderosa Girls softball @ Evergreen Boys @ Mountain Vista Unified Soccer game Girls Volleyball @ DC Free performance of Bad Seed @ 7p.m.

Driver Seminar 8pm on baseball field “My favorite day is Jag spirit day because I get to wear my poms uniform and I love it.” Haven White ’15.

29 Boys Soccer vs. Highlands Ranch Freshman- JV Volleyball

24

Glamour @ the Grammys Homecoming Dance 8-11p.m.

30

Boys Freshman Football vs. Pueblo West Boys Level C Soccer vs.

Chaparral High School Girls Varisty Softball vs.

Regis Boys Varsity Football vs.

Pueblo West High School

SUNDAY

Homecoming football game 12p.m. @ DC Stadium

“After homecoming I usually sleep untill about four in the afternoon and then do my homework.”

Maddi Cantayre ‘12

25

1

October

MONDAY

Varsity Gymnastics @ Cheery Creek Invite Boys JV Football @ Pueblo West Boys/Girls Varsity Cross Country @ Titan Thunder Ridge Invitational

Fall Play: Bad Seed 7 p.m.

3

Boys Golf state golf championship Boys level C Soccer @ Regis Girls Softball Vs. Castle View

4

Boys Golf State Championships Boys soccer at Ponderosa Girls volleyball @ Thunder Ridge

5

Girls Softball vs. Douglas County Choir Concert in Auditorium

10

7

NO SCHOOL Boys level C Soccer @ Chaparral Girls softball @ Thunder Ridge Varsity Football vs. Valor

8

11

Jostens - Ring orders NHS meeting Unified Soccer game Boys Varsity and JV soccer @ Castle View Girls Volleyball @ Mountain Vista

12

PLAN /PSAT Josten- Ring orders Parent teacher confrences Boys level C Soccer vs.

Thunder Ridge Girls Varsity Gymnastics @ Cherry Creek

13

Boys Freshman Football @ Ponderosa Boys Varsity and JV soccer @ Regis Girls Volleyball @ Legend Jazz Concert

14

Sophomore class meeting Boys and girls Varsity Cross Country @ Continental League Champs @ Bible Park in Denver Boys Varsity Football vs.

Ponderosa

9

Boys JV Football vs. Valor Christian JV Volleyball Tournament Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country meet @ the Windjammer Invitational “They’re really light and they breathe well. I love ‘em!” [Mizuno running shoes] Karly Hanson ‘12

“l like the intensity of the game and how fast the game is played.”

Devon Block ‘12

Boys Golf State Championships

Drama Club meeting Parent- Teacher Confrencese Boys level C Soccer @ Littleton

6

Boys Varsity soccer @ Legend High School Girls Volleyball vs. Ponderosa Boys Freshman football @ Valor Christian

15

Senior Pictures due. E-mail JPEGS to Kristi.Rathbun@DCSDk12.org Boys JV Football vs. Ponderosa Girls Freshman Volleyball @ the Grandview Volleyball Tournament

16

*If you would like an event or activity included in our next calandar please e-mail Lauren Scheirman at scheirmanlr@gmail.com

[the Rock Staff] 2011-2012

[Editorial]

Managing Editor: Lauren Scheirman News Editors: Kayla Neil Erin Snyder Sports Editors: Alex Pedrinan Jeremy Purchase In-Depth Editors: Dani Burrage Syd Charvat Commentary Editors: Allie Cole Andrew Charap

Online Editors: Charlie Melbye, Chris Safran Business Editor: Cecilia Castro Editorial Assistant: Virginia Vaughan

[Reporting] Andrew Bohren Megan Boyles Nicole Cassou Natalie Holthaus Kendall Koslosky Lizzy Marthouse Sean McGavin Bryan Metze Christian Nicholson

Rylee Portman Lauren Posey Mae Rohrbach Michael Shapiro Virginia Vaughan Maddie Whitten Danielle Williams Cambel Winkler Special thanks: Rob Rathbun Guest Illustrator: Zach Anderson

[Advisers] Kristi Rathbun Nate Ubowski

The goals of The Rock, the student newspaper of Rock Canyon High School, are to inform, educate, and entertain the readers as well as to provide an educational opportunity for the students who produce it.

The first three copies of The Rock are free, additional copies are available for 50 cents each.

Rock Canyon High School 5810 McArthur Ranch Road Highlands Ranch, CO 80124 Phone 303-387-3000/Fax 303-387-3001 The Rock invites your comments. Letters to the editor and commentary submissions are encouraged. You are also encouraged to submit coverage ideas, cartoon, photos, or anything else you want to see in the Rock. Opinions of the staff are presented as editorials. All editorials are at least the majority view of the editorial board. We also feature a number of columnists and commentary writers. Their opinions are their own.