The Spartan Banner Volume 54
September 2015
Issue 2
Iranian Nuclear Crisis in Limbo
By Sarah Kalupa, Staff Writer On September 10, in a historic vote, the United States senate voted to pass a deal placing sanctions on Iranian uranium reserves. However, just a day after, on September 11, the House of Representatives, in an equally historic vote, rejected the bill. Still, even after the two votes, the fate and even contents of this deal still remains a mystery to the casual observer. How could a deal such as this become such a partisan issue that it divided the Congress? And how could such a landmark deal on nuclear armaments, weapons that could quite possibly end all of humanity, be disputed, even opposed? What’s even in the arrangement? Below are the must-have facts key to understanding the deal.
The deal doesn’t actually prevent Iranian researchers from making nuclear bombs. What must first be understood is that the United states cannot simply force another nation to do anything, even to end a harmful program, short of declaring allout war. This deal is no different; the United States cannot force Iran to abandon their nuclear program. Instead, this deal seeks to curb the amount of time that Iran would need in order to make a fully functional nuclear bomb. Under the current term of the deal, Iran would surrender most of its weapons grade uranium, a key ingredient in the making of a nuclear bomb. This special isotope of highly enriched uranium is extremely rare in nature, making up a scant 0.72% of a l l natural urani-
Student take on Iranian Nuclear Crisis Catoon Credit: Simran Khunger
um. Therefore, most nuclear capable nations make the isotope synthetically in a lab. That along with its stores of uranium, Iran is also giving up almost 75 percent of their centrifuges, essential to enriching weapons-grade uranium. Iran would also agree to curb their production of plutonium, another ingredient that could be used to make a weapon of mass destruction. The deal would stipulate a fifteen year period where Iran would agree to only enrich uranium to levels unsuitable for weapons making and to ban plutonium reactors, which means closing Iran’s current one. If accepted and passed, the deal would be shockingly effective. Researchers concluded that if Iran were to follow these conditions for ten years, then it might take Iran up to a year to successfully build a nuclear bomb. Conversely, at Iran’s current rate, it would only take two to three months. O p p o s i t i o n to the deal comes not from internal frivolity but for fear of instab i l ity in t h e
Middle East. An additional facet of this deal to be remembered is that negotiations are not occurring solely between the United States and Iran. Instead, a number of countries have placed economic sanctions on Iranian exports, making the deal negotiations an international affair. Should the deal be passed and agreed upon, the current economic sanctions on Iran would be lessened on “Implementation Day” in 2016, leading to an increased income of billions of American dollars to the Iranian government. This would in turn cause the Iranian economy to flourish, giving the country increased regional influence. Saudi Arabia, in particular, opposes the deal since they fear another conflict like the one that existed prior to the 2011 Arab uprisings, in which the Saudis and Iranians were pitted against each other for control of the region. The Saudis also fear that should this battle occur, then the country would have to increase its own military capabilities (i.e. their own nuclear program) in order to have a chance of defense. Therefore, the Saudis, in the wake of decreased American influence in the Middle East, would become the first line of defence if Iran goals turn hostile: an event that the Saudi govern-
ment is reluctant to pursue. Whatever the outcome of the deal, the results would have a great effect on the United States’ foreign policy. Whatever the outcome of the deal, in the word of Winston Churchill, “the eyes of the world are upon us”. Continuing with the fact that the United States is not the sole diplomat in this negotiation, many other nations are taking great interest in America’s position on the topic. Russia and China, for example, have already made it known to the international community that they would lessen sanctions on Iran even if the United States were to reject the deal. Additionally, the two superpowers have announced that they would only accept UN sanctions on Iran, not ones placed on Iran from the United States. The rest, including France, Germany, and Great Britain, would also likely ease their sanctions, no matter which way America votes. It is with this mentality that the continued debate on America’s position on the deal comes into question. Should America just accept the deal and manage an unstable Middle East? Or should we reject the deal all together until a better alternative can be found? Only time will tell.
Brookfield East takes students to Germany By Mark Maier, Editorial Editor This past summer, Brookfield East German teacher Frau Sommers took a group of German students to the German city of Seligenstadt from July 8th to July 22nd . This city is known as Brookfield’s “sister city,” and has been a summer destination for our school district’s German program since 2007. This being her fifth trip to Seligenstadt, Frau Sommers took the German students to a variety of locations, including the infamous capital, Berlin. They also went to events such as “Geleitsfest,” which is a musical festival based on Middle Age traditions. “Seligenstadt is like a home away from home,” says Sommers.
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Sommers says that it was especially great this year, as several students brought along their families. Furthermore, according to Sommers, after the trip, “A whopping 40 % of students stayed on in Europe, mostly in Germany, but also in Austria and England.” What’s really special about the program, however, is that it’s part of an ongoing exchange program between our school and the city of Seligenstadt. The vast majority of German host families came to Brookfield last year, and this was our chance to return the favor. “It is special to observe the bonds between American and German kids,” says Sommers. “Very special.” Hope-
fully these special memories, and the ones that came before it, are merely the first of many to come out of this program.
Left: German students visiting Seligenstad. Far Left: A small German church outside of Berlin Below: Students gather for a photograoh on the front steps of a German Building.
Spartan Banner — September 2015
SPORTS
Pulisifer undergoes basic training A talk with Mr. Rose By Andy Lucas, Staff Writer With the football season in full swing, the Brookfield East Spartans take their 4-1 record into the heart of the conference schedule. Playing Tosa East, Falls, Marquette and Sussex in the upcoming week, the Spartans have a tough road ahead. Quarterback TC Swittel and running backs, Mitch Mikulsky and Sam Santiago-Lloyd, lead the offensive attack, while Collin Rhoten and Jake Roy lead defense. Recently, they were joined by Oliver Pulisifer. Over the summer, Oliver chose to enlist in the Army and receive basic combat training at Fort Benning, Georgia. In his time in Georgia, Oliver had to change his lifestyle. His daily schedule included: waking up at 4 in the morning, having first formation at 5 am, and physical training until 6 am, which included push ups, running, pullups and situps. Next, from 6 am to 7 am, he had time to eat breakfast, change clothes and get his full kit ready for the day. This kit included a M4 rifle, a bullet proof vest, a helmet and a flick, a vest that holds magazines. During training, he said the hardest tasks were endurance runs, which required running in formation for two miles(or 15 minutes), and then turning around to get back to the starting line in a full sprint. A lot of the training required mental strength, along with knowl-
By Niyaz Nurbhasha, Sports Editor
edge of the basic ways of firing on football and what the seaa rifle and combat techniques. son holds. Starting practice After training for 5 hours, he 2 weeks into the season, he had a thirty minute break for hasn’t missed a beat. He allunch and then trained again ready started one game and from 12:30 to 5. After that, he played in 3. During this time, had a final formation, when the Spartans have gone 2-1 everyone stands in formation with two conference wins over and listens to what the next West Allis Hale and West Allis day holds. At the end of the Central. Going into the sumday, Oliver had about an hour mer, he was known as Oliver, to shower, get a quick workout nowadays he goes by Private in, and then hit the hay. Each Pulsifer. day consisted of this schedule.Throughout his time at Fort Benning, he lost roughly forty pounds due to consistent training and workouts.During his time away, Oliver said the hardest things to overcome were being away from family and friends and making sure all 200 warrior tasks and drills were perfect and proficient ,so he could graduate basic combat training. Next year, Oliver plans on attending Stevens Point and studying PreLaw, and is looking to become an FBI Agent. Oliver Pulisifer at Basic Training Photo Credit: Andy Lucas For the given time, Oliver is focusing
The Brookfield East A: Our team is looking good. Girls’ swim team has a fan- We are very young with many tastic start to their season. club swimmers who are quite They’ve been undefeated at good - as always we are very dual meets. At the Spartan In- close with Central and have vite, which hosted teams from similar teams. all across Wisconsin, the team placed fifth. A highlight of the meet was beating Central. The Q: When is the swim season? team is led by Captains Abby What does a season look like? Guenther, Meredeith Gus- What does the off season look tafson, and Elise Kreger, and like? have some rising stars in Leah A: We are in season now and Westcott things look and Zoe “Our team is looking good. We Woods. The Spargood. We are very will be attempting tan Banyoung with many to qualify ner sat down with club swimmers who for at least 2 relays C o a c h are quite good.” and sevRose to eral indisee what viduals for he thinks state. We will attempt to of this season. unseat Central as conference champions. Q: What is your background in swimming and coaching swimming? Q: Q: If you have one, what A: I swam as a kid with Wauke- is your best memory from sha Swim Club and Elmbrook coaching? Swim Club, then at Brookfield Central and UW- Eau Claire. A: Joe McKenna State 1992, I have been coaching at East 1st individual state chamsince 1983 and with EBSC on pion in the 200 Free on a come from behind win - very an off since 1982. exciting. S o far, the girl’s swim team has been extremely succesful. Be Q: How does the team look like sure to come out and support this year? What has changed the girl’s in their dual meet and what are your goals for against DSHA on October 15, and against Central on Octothe season?
Spartan Tennis Teams Expected to Succeed By Ava Barker, Staff Writer
In the past few decades, coaches around the country have begun to realize that cutting players from their teams has had many negative effects, and has started to discourage players from trying out again, not allowing them to improve. Thankfully, in Wisconsin, tennis is a nocut sport, and everyone gets a spot on the team. But why is having less experienced players on the team considered to be an advantage? Because every athlete should have the opportunity to engage in this healthy, lifelong activity in a supportive environment with peers who can help them grow as people and athletes. Besides, you can’t tell who a person will become in four years of high school by judging their performance on one day of tryouts. Due to this major breakthrough in tennis, over sixty girls make up the four teams we have here at Brookfield East. Varsity, Varsity Reserves, JV Red, and JV Blue all contribute to our successes and influence each other positively. Annette Malloy, a very experienced tennis player and coach of the JV Blue team, thinks that making tennis a no-cut sport was a step in the right direction for Wiscon-
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sin. In a phone interview, she noted that “it’s interesting to see what all of the girls on my team have to offer. With many of them coming with little to no tennis background, it can be hard to utilize full potential against our opponents.” Later, she said that building a team from the ground up, starting with the fundamentals of how to hold a racquet can be frustrating work, but it has all paid off when she sees them putting her coaching to work and knows they are having fun with their teammates. Freshman Olivia MacGilis commented that “I love Coach Malloy! Over the season I’ve gotten a lot better and she’s a great coach.” The JV Blue team thinks that so far, the season has been productive and fun due to Coach Malloy’s and the team’s co-captains Ava Barker and Megan Hitzemann. The captains are in charge of pumping the girls up before matches, leading warm ups, making locker signs, and hosting carbo crams. Co-captain Megan Hitzemann said, “my leadership skills have really improved with the help of Coach Malloy!” So far, they have done a great job of welcoming the new players and making the hard days fun! Also, the girls have an upcoming JV no cut conference and
are expected to do well against several teams that have similar skill levels. As far as the Varsity team goes, it was off to a bit of a rough start when five seniors graduated this past June. Luckily, the new school year brought some fantastic new players! Coach Linda Lied noted that a great of example of their improvements so far this year was their match against Central on August 28 with a score of 4-3, and on September 18 they improved that score to The Varsity Girl’s Tennis Team 7-0, with no losses. She Photo Credit: Beth Horneffer expects all of the sindefeated in conference play. gles players to do very well during the rest of the sea- Their main rivals are DSHA son. In order, they are ranked and Brookfield Central. If the #1 Emma Corwin, #2 Carly team wins against DSHA on Wolff, #3 Emily Horneffer, September 28, they will be and #4 Allison Brankle. Emma number one in their conferCorwin is a player to watch, as ence for the second year in a she is expected to receive a top row. Finally, the team’s capeight seed at the Individual State Tournament with her tains are Emma Corwin, Hancurrent record of fifteen wins nah Lein, and Bella Auger. As and four losses! The number said by Coach Lied, “they are one doubles team of Hannah great leaders because of their Lein and Bella Auger is also work ethic during practices very strong, and their record and their positive attitudes is 12-9. So far, the team is un-
during matches. They have also done a fantastic job welcoming the new girls to the squad and showing them the Spartan winning ways!” Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming tennis news and continue to support the BEHS girls tennis teams!
Spartan Banner — September 2015
ARTS & CULTURE
The Reformation of the PSAT
The Gift movie poster Photo credit: iTunes
By Aditya Jhaveri, staff writer The first month of the school year is drawing to an end. For some that means it’s time to ask someone to homecoming. For others it’s time to start thinking about the PSAT! Though students at BEHS may not eagerly anticipate the PSAT as they do with homecoming, the PSAT is of equal, if not more importance for juniors. But, what is the PSAT? When is the PSAT? Why should students take the PSAT? The PSAT, also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) is designed primarily to prepare students for the SAT and provide them with an opportunity to get scholarships, but it brings other benefits as well. The PSAT will take place Wednesday, October 14, 2015. Students taking it can hope to increase connections with colleges, receive feedback to prepare for future standardized tests, and juniors may enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Freshman or sophomores interested in taking the PSAT for practice should contact the office or a guidance counselor. This year, however, the PSAT is changing sig-
nificantly. College Board (the makers of the PSAT) have redesigned the PSAT to reflect changes made to the SAT. Although this means that available practice materials for the redesigned test will be hard to come by, understanding the following changes can still help one feel more prepared. More emphasis on critical thinking. While there are a myriad of reasons for the change, the most obvious one is to promote objective analysis and practical thinking and reasoning with questions “grounded in the real world” as opposed to having no application to college and life. Instead of testing students on obscure words in limited contexts, many questions will now focus on “important, widely used words and phrases”. Extendedtest-taking time. Students now have to take the PSAT for 2 hours and 45 minutes, an hour short of the actual SAT. However, this time is an increase of 35 minutes from previous years. New scoring. The scores now range from 320-1520 with subscores from 160 to 760, whereas
in previous years the scores ranged from 60 to 240 with scores ranging from 20 to 80 for each section. Subscores will give students additional insight in the areas they need to work on. Many components of the PSAT have changed to more closely reflect the SAT scoring system, which will revert back to the 400 to 1600 point system (starting in March 2016). As with the SAT, there will also be no penalty for guessing as there was in previous years (-¼ point for each wrong answer). Condensed format. The new format includes only two components: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing as well as Math; while the old PSAT included components of Critical Reading , Writing , and Math. Looking at the new test seems grim, but a reduction of the number of answer choices from 5 to 4 could potentially make the new format easier. These reforms modernize the PSAT and should give each student more confidence while taking the test. As of now, no more changes will be made to the PSAT. For more details, please visit the College Board website or talk to a guidance counselor.
Freshman Respect Retreat
The Freshman Respect Retreat was organized by Youth Frontiers. Freshman participated in a variety of activities to form and strengthen lasting relationships Photo Credit: Ian Kennedy
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Shrieks and Scrutiny By Namitha Alexander, staff writer The Gift definitely takes you on a rollercoaster ride of creepiness that will leave you flinching and shaking. There are multiple moments when you may even shriek in the theater. Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robin (Rebecca Hall), a young married couple, have had their hardships in life. One of the most frustrating hardships is not being able to have a child. However, the situation seems to become more promising as they move into a posh home in California with a high-income job offer. Coincidentally, the couple runs into an old classmate of Simon’s, Gordo (Joel Edgerton). What seems like a welcoming gesture takes a turn for the worse as Gordo repeatedly visits their house unannounced and brings up unresolved history between Simon and him. Simon and Robin’s perfect little life starts to crumble. Is Gordo a creepy stalker or a lonely man who is misunderstood and desperate for acceptance? This question is posed early in the movie but creates anxiety as it is answered far later. As the movie continues, two underlying messages are delivered to the audience: the past will inevitably affect the present and sometimes your closest loved ones are the people you don’t actually know. This movie is not just your typical horror movie , but is actually a psychological thriller. You get the same petrified emotions exploding in your stomach, but not from pointless and fake plot lines.
The Gift addresses a very important social issue that is relevant today, especially in high school: bullying. With the frantic genre, the movie creates an even stronger impact. So, as you almost faint in fright, you are also critically analyzing the story. The plot-twists are unpredictable, giving disturbing surprises after you make false assumptions. Despite the serious storytelling style, there are a few moments worthy of laughs, which gives one a moment to breathe. Each shot of the movie was carefully thought out and executed crisply. It is Joel Edgerton’s debut role as a director but his ability, in writing and directing, to build up precise and real tension keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. This quality is definitely one that other horror movie makers should learn from. From sound design to photography, all technical aspects of the movie contribute to a common purpose of creating an unsettling mood. Let’s hope that Edgerton gifts us with more tasteful and creative movies in the future! If you just want to get a scare with your friends, this movie can definitely fulfill that. If you want to feel creeped out and not trust anyone for the next few days, this movie will do that job as well. However, if you also want to use your brain and ponder upon the perspective taken on a social issue, this movie is right for you, too. The movie is definitely a “gift” and worth a watch.
Spartan Banner — september 2015
Editorial Spartan Banner Let’s talk about the Wi-Fi--because Wi not? By Anna Sipek, Photo Editor Staff time and time again As of this year, Mary Slavinsky Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Goblirsch Executive Editor Simran Khunger News Editor Niyaz Nurbhasha Sports Editor Michelle Liu Arts and Culture Editor Mark Maier Editorial Editor Anna Sipek Photo Editor Mrs. Skatrud Staff Adviser Namitha Alexander Ava Barker Aditya Jhaveri Sara Kalupa Andy Lucas Staff Writers Ian Kennedy Staff Photographer The Spartan Banner is the official news publication of Brookfield East High School, 3305 Lilly Road. The Spartan Banner is distributed during the last week of each month, September through May. The Banner’s average viewing count is 1,400 readers, including students, parents, staff members, and community members.
The Spartan Banner accepts “Letters to the Editor” from any party, if received by the 15 of each month. A writer may remain anonymous in print, provided he or she submits his or her name to the Editorial Editor, Editors-in-Chief, and Adviser. Letters may be subject to editing. Submit letters to the newspaper’s adviser via email at skatrudl@ elmbrookschools.org.
the Elmbrook School District is enforcing new regulations regarding Wi-Fi and internet usage, most notably the widespread blocking of websites deemed “inappropriate” or “too distracting” for the school day. School officials believe this is the most effective way to ensure students are actively participating in class. Though this blocking spree is seemingly innocent, it is causing outrage throughout the student body, and rightfully so. While prohibiting sexually explicit or graphic content is mandated by law according to the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the relentless censorship of websites proves to hinder the classroom in more ways than one. In a survey conducted by the Spartan Banner, nine out of every ten students have had some issue completing their school work because of restricted websites. A separate survey found 3 of every 4 teachers had difficulty completing their work because of the blocking of so-called “inappropriate” websites. If the internet wasn’t our main informational resource, perhaps this wouldn’t be so problematic, but as the number of teachers favoring a digital centric approach rises, the blocked sites look more and more like redacted books. Chris Thompson, the Elmbrook School District’s head of
Technology, had something to say about this. According to Thompson, the school’s goal is not to “become the Internet police,” because it takes too much time, effort, and is ultimately a worthless cause. He went on to say that the school has a program that decides which websites to block, then they have officials review them, adding and deleting as need be. The process of adding and blocking websites takes time, effort and is effectively policing the student body; surely you can excuse the difficulty distinguishing between the two. Furthermore, Thompson asserts that some websites are not necessary for the school to provide access to. A student who wishes to go on any such website simply has to use their cellular data. The truth is cellular data costs money, money which
students and their families have put into enrollment fees and taxes to pay for luxuries like the Internet and Wi-Fi for their school. What is the point of spending all of this money simply to spend more in the long run? What is the point of school Wi-Fi if a student can’t simply use his/her own device? The problem, though, is not just the lack of access, but the inherent power (or lack thereof) which comes with censoring websites. If the school continues to block these websites students will have lower self discipline. instead of actively avoiding distractions, students are forced into a box and told to learn.This will ultimately result in a generation filled with those unable to truly focus on what lies ahead because they will lack the necessary defense mechanisms. A school is supposed to prepare their students; if distractions are not allowed they will never be able to survive college, let alone a job. Obviously this system has flaws, and the technological staff is well aware of it. Chris Thompson and Dan Scott are planning to create a website in which students can submit websites for review. They plan to launch this within the next couple of weeks. This will give students a say in what is and isn’t blocked. Hopefully a compromise will be reached.
Are they right, or are they rights? A teenager was arrested on September 16, 2015 for making clocks
Cartoon Submitted by anonymous artist
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Spartan Banner — september 2015