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October 26, 2007 - Volume XVIII - Issue 2 - Dexter

High School - 2200 N. Parker Road - Dexter, Mi 48130

Squall THE

Traffic returns to normal after 17 months

Parker Road bridge and Baker Road/I-94 are finally open after long periods of construction for improvements Michelle Chirby copy editor

For the past 17 months, students have been forced to take various detours around Dexter. Finally, with the opening of Parker Road and Baker Road, some students can cut the amount of time and gas it takes to travel. “(Taking) Parker (Road to school) saves me five to 10 minutes and a good amount of gas for wherever Iʼm going,” senior Megan Helber said.

“Iʼm always running late, so hopefully Parker will help me get places on time.”

Helber lives off Liberty, between Zeeb and Parker Road. After trying Zeeb to Dexter-Ann Arbor and dirt roads like Dancer and Marshall, Helber found the fastest way to get around was the highway from Zeeb to Baker, another road under construction.

Robert Poor, District Director of Transportation, said, “Parker Road has had the greatest impact on our service and traffic patterns in general.

When the bridge was closed near the end of the 2005 school year, (Dexter) had to reroute three different buses that serve the south side of our district. Buses had limited options to and from school.”

Principal Kit Moran said he also recognizes the difficulty construction places on students and buses trying to get to school. “Weʼre a pretty land locked building,” he said. “Baker is still a problem for people.”

In addition to the Baker Road construction, there is talk about more construction around Dexter. According to http://www.wcroads.org, future projects include replacing the Main Street Bridge over Mill Creek and rehabilitating the East Delhi Road bridge over the Huron River.

It is the center of town, however, that affects the most people. “The biggest current problem we face is the increase in traffic in and around the village and our inability to travel over the Main Street bridge,” Poor said.

Last year, empty buses were able to cross over the bridge because the weight limit was 10 tons.

At the end of last school year, however, the weight limit was reduced to seven tons. “We are unable to drive any buses over the bridge,” Poor said.

According to Moran, however, students will just have to wait for the changes. “A lot of construction they do, they talk about it for a really long time,” Moran said. “We just gotta deal with it when it comes.”

Issues arise over execution of 504 plans

Photos by Jeff Leonard

Free at last: Cars finally are able to have some breathing room while driving down Baker Road near the I-94 ramps. Baker Road was widened due to construction on these ramps.

New and improved: The Parker Road bridge enables students as well as residents of Dexter to move freely through town once again after 17 months. With Parker bridge open residents no longer have to detour around it to get to the high school.

Austin Shapiro editor-in-chief

Disarray surrounding the completion of 504 plans has lead to disgruntled teachers, helpless counselors and overly exerted administrators.

The term “504” refers to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The section lays out the rights public school students have in acquiring special accommodations due to a difficulty or inability in performing major life activities. Major life activities include, but are not limited to, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking and breathing.

“Many years ago the federal government identified a gap in service to some students,” Principal Kit Moran said. “504 is a federal code section that, based on qualifications, allows students to access a continuum of services.”

Though qualification is often a gray area, Moran said to be considered for a 504 plan a student must be able to provide See 504 on page 3

SEC team changes make it hard for students to play in more then one sport See page 9

Illustration by Marcia Grace

Check out The Rostrum to find out about the presidential election 08 See The Rostrum pages 4-5

What would you do if you could be a teacher for a day? Find out what David Pisano would do.

See page 10

2

Friday, October 26, 2008

The Squall

news

Ban deodorant uses Dexter for webisodes Nic Miller staff writer

A trace of deodorant lingers in the air around the unnoticed farm house off Dexter-Chelsea Road. In addition to the hint of fragrance, a persistent sound of an electric generator hums, all remnants of the shooting of a series of Ban Deodorant’s webisode, Stinkton Heights.

Make up artists, producers, lights, camera men, cameras and zombies were in Dexter on Sept.. 15. All were part of an advertising plan to help revamp the deodorant into a product for the young, hip, teenage girl generation from a product once know strictly for the elderly.

The webisode is to be set in an American small town, and Dexter was close to Enlighten, a firm in Ann Arbor which specializes in Internet services, so it was an ideal location, according to one of the producers, Danika Von Gesjen. Von Gesjen also said Dexter had a town square necessary for the film, and the producers had connections to two of the houses in Dexter, and a permit was not needed to shoot.

Some of the other locations where the film was shot were Chelsea, Ann Arbor and Community High School.

The idea behind using these webisodes or Internet video commercials, according to Von Gesjen, was to create a fun and engaging way to advertise and inform teenage girls of KAO’s product, Ban deodorant.

KAO is a Japanese corporation that owns several other companies along with Ban including Biore, Curel, Guhl, Jergens and John Frieda.

Von Gesjen said, “Most young adults are very Internet savvy, and this is where fun, offbeat advertisement has found its home, and the Web allows us to be more offbeat, fun and silly with it and our product and content.”

The video webisode sets up a story very much like that of “Night of the Living Dead.”

The webisode begins with a girl moving to a new town where she quickly discovers odd behavior followed by a strange scent coming from the other residents of the town. She soon becomes aware of the town’s smelly secret. The new girl eventually saves the town full of rank zombies through a series of webisodes using Ban deodorant.

The webisodes will be available online at www.FeelBanFresh.com on Nov.. 4.

Von Gesjen said, “The idea allowed us to create something more than just a commercial. In essence,

something that would be passed around on the Internet, You Tube and Myspace, which are all viewed by teenagers on a frequent basis.”

Stinkton Heights was scripted and created by Enlighten.

“On the web we can do more for less money,” Von Gesjen said. “To broadcast a series would be very pricey, but with the Web we can create a whole world for our target audience and give Ban deodorant a presence beyond just a deodorant. (We can create) a story where Ban Deodorant actually saves the day.”

The piece was written by Nancy Bauer and produced by David Rossiter, Andy Tanguay, a 3-D animator at Enlighten and Von Gesjen.

Von Gesjen, originally from Ann Arbor, is a Community High graduate and now lives in San Francisco.

Von Gesjen has worked in many areas of the film industry doing music videos, commercials, short films and feature films.

Von Gesjen said her role as producer was to take the idea or script and make it into reality within the budget given.

She said she enjoyed being able to work with such a talented bunch on a creative and fun project but wishes the cast did not have to be under the extreme stress and time crunch accustom with such projects.

She said, “I have worked with zombies before, but every project is defferent in its own way; the same in actual construction. Each has its own quirks.”

news BRIEFS

Halo 3 release On Tuesday, Sept. 25, Halo set the record for the highest grossing video game in the United States. The game grossed $170 million dollars, surpassing Halo 2 which sold $125 million on its first day. Halo 3 did lose the competition for copies sold by only selling 2.48 million while the Harry Potter book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” sold 8.3 million copies. Halo 3 costs $60 and is only available for the Xbox 360.

Walk for Wil 2 Media teacher Matt Martello held his second annual Walk For WIL on Friday, Oct. 19 at Al Ritt Field. Martello walked 80 laps, a total of 20 miles, during the fundraiser. The pro-

The newest Big Boy on Zeeb Road would like to present student discounts on Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday mornings.

10% off

on all your Big Boy favorites with your DHS student I.D.

photos by Leah Gibson photo illustration by Valentino Argerio

A Ban-ned Webisode: Ban Deodorant filmed a webisode in Dexter in September. One of the webisodes producers, Danika Von Gesjen, said Ban hopes to use the webisode to make its product more appealing to younger users. The Dexter webisode has a Zombie theme and is set in the fictional town of Stinkington Heights.

ceeds for the walk went to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society and the Dexter Drama Club for scholarships for students to be sent to the NYC theatre trip. Martello organized walking for WIL as a way to honor Harry Wilcox, a former Dexter French and drama teacher, who has brain cancer. Last year, the walk raised $3500 for the American Cancer Society.

Water still unsafe The school’s water is still not safe to drink, according to Principal Kit Moran. “The main source of the problem may be that the water is sitting in the lines leading to the water fountain for too long,” Moran said. After a meeting with many health experts from around the Washtenaw county area, there was still no relief. “After many tests on the drinking water, all have come back inconclusive. No solution,” Moran said. A company called Health AIR has come in to help with testing the water to try and solve the problem. Moran said, “At the moment there is still no set time to when the problem will be solved.”

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UNHEALED

gorgy

Concession stand Athletic Booster Club of Dexter is putting a concession stand in the gym, and it is nearing its completion. According to ABCD vice president Anna Krull, her group funded the building of the concession stand because, she said, “Dexter is a Class A school and deserves Class A facilities.” The stand will cost approximately $25,000 and will be paid for by tiles that will go into the gym on the wall. The tiles will cost $125, and Krull said ABCD hopes to sell around 200 tiles. ABCD president Cindy Glahn said, “We do anticipate being up and running by the end of October.” Order forms for the tiles can be found on the ABCD website, www.Dexter. k12.mi.us/~abcd/.

3

Friday, October 26, 2007

The Squall

news

504: Standardized form in the works Continued from page 1 documentation that confirms the student has a medical condition that inhibits them from completing the curriculum w ithout special accommodations.

Medical conditions can var y from ADD/A DHD to anaphylactic allergies to physical impairment.

The unrest involv ing Dexter High School 504 plans traces back to past administrations, according to Moran.

“My predecessor told me when I arrived in the summer of 2006 that it was my responsibilit y to create the 504 plans,” Moran said. “Generally, the principal is not the one dealing w ith 504 plans. But the burden fell on me because we didn’t have anyone whose job it was specifically to make these plans, and it’s not my leadership st yle to merely dump of f work on someone because I don’t want to do it.”

Because of his other responsibilities as principal, Moran said that 504 plans didn’t get the attention that they warranted.

“In school sometimes you have so much work you have to decide which classes you’re going to do your best in and which ones you aren’t,” Moran said. “504 plans are not my best class.

If I had a grade for it, it’d probably be a C+ or B-, which isn’t good enough.”

Counselor Gerr y Holmes agrees w ith Moran that it is not the principal’s responsibilit y to assemble 504 plans.

“That work definitely shouldn’t fall on his plate,” Holmes said. “But where should it go? The counselors each have 400 students, and w ith the scheduling mishaps we didn’t have time to do it.”

A teacher familiar w ith 504 plans who asked to remain anonymous because of the controversy surrounding the issue, disagrees w ith Holmes, however.

“In all the other districts I know of, counselors are responsible for 504 plans,” the teacher said. “The rationale for that is (the counselors) have contact w ith the students, they have the resources to do it and they are generally the ones who are contacted by parents when there is a problem in the classroom to begin w ith.”

The teacher also said when DHS had 800 students and two counselors, 504 plans were still handled in the counseling of fice.

This teacher doesn’t blame the counselors for the ineptitude in the process of putting the plans together, though. In fact, the optimal situation, according to this teacher, would be for the district to hire a 504 plan coordinator to handle all aspects of the process.

Such a position would include cre-

504 Plan Confusion • ”504” refers to a section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, concerning rights to special accommodations for students in need of them • Medical conditions eligible for coverage under the 504 plan include, but aren’t limited to, ADD/ADHD, anaphylactic allergies and physical impairment.

• Principal William “Kit” Moran is responsible for organization for 504 plans, though school counselors organize it in other Michigan school districts.

ating the plan itself, speaking w ith then I don’t have the teacher’s input parents and teachers, monitoring the on the process. In a perfect world success of the plan and proctoring teachers and parents could meet in students in need of an alternate test- the spring of the prev ious year, but ing setting. Budget issues and other schedules aren’t ready at that point needs, however, make the possibilit y which means meeting w ith teachers is for the creation of the position unlike- impossible.”

Moran also found issues in coordily, but not unimportant.

“The most important thing is that nating the meeting of the two sides. student needs are met,” the teacher Parents generally work during the day said. “A ll parties involved need to and are unavailable to hold a meeting reach an agreement that suits the stu- during that time.

A nd teachers cannot be told to be dent. Compromises have to be made in attendance at a between teachers and meeting prior to or parents.” af ter school.

Parts of the aforeGenerally, howevmentioned 504 speI still er, teachers would be cialist’s job are being wouldn’t brag w illing to designate handled by A ssistant about the job time towards workSuperintendent Mar y we’ve done.” ing on a students Marshall.

504 plan, according “One of the goals - Kit Moran to the anonymous I had for my new poprincipal teacher. sition was to get a “Teachers want clearly articulated their input to be in504 plan that procluded on decisions v ided consistency between the buildings and ser ved as regarding the plans,” this teacher said. a resource district w ide,” Marshall “If (the teachers) don’t come, that’s their choice, but they still rev iew the said.

Marshall hopes the new plan w ill plan before signing it. If they don’t instill consistency in process, docu- agree w ith something, they shouldn’t mentation and notification of 504 sign it. The plan is legally binding unplans, as well as improv ing coordina- til the teacher has signed it.”

This person also said teachers have tion between buildings regarding the been mostly accommodating during plans.

But standardization of paper work the delay in receiv ing the plans.

Most of the teaching staff, acisn’t the only thing needed to improve the 504 process, according to Moran. cording to this person, have allowed Compromises need to be made as well, the accommodations students have claimed. he said.

504 plans are finally nearing comParents of ten ask from more accommodations than teachers are w illing pletion, though, according to Moran. to grant and teachers are sometimes But he says that’s nothing to celeunreceptive to making accommoda- brate.

“There needs to be more communitions. A situation that makes the procations between all parties involved,” cess more tedious, Moran said.

“Last year I met w ith parents in the he said. “A re we getting better? Yes. summer to discuss the plans,” Moran A re we good at it? No. I still wouldn’t said. “But the problem w ith that is brag about the job we’ve done.”

“

Bond proposal planned to increase funding for school budget Proposed $62 million request to help take strain off district’s budget Lisa Ritchie staff writer

In an attempt to raise money for building improvements and technolog y upgrades among other things, Dexter Communit y Schools w ill give voters a chance to say yes or no to a $62 million bond in May. Many teachers support this proposal.

“I believe this is an excellent way for us to get the kind of educational facilities and materials necessar y for us to be a blue ribbon school,” English teacher Deborah Marsh said. “Our communit y has come to expect certain levels of achievement and success from our schools in a variet y of areas. A nd w ith cuts in funding from the state level, we cannot continue to be the kind of school we have been in the past.”

Originally, the bond was supposed to be voted on in Februar y of 2008, but voting was postponed until May. Gov. Jennifer Granholm moved the Democratic primar y to Januar y, which by state requirements moved the bond proposal vote to Januar y I’d rather see the as well. bond end and see The Board of Edumy taxes go down cation decided the than have an bond details would extended tax levy.” not be ready in time for a Januar y vote, so by unanimous deci- John Siller, sion they postponed parent the vote until May. According to information from the district, the bond proposal would result in a $0 tax increase. However, the proposal would extend the current debt lev y for an additional 7-10 years, and the anticipated tax decrease scheduled to happen next year would not occur.

Regardless of any tax increase or decrease, however, the bond is necessar y according to technolog y teacher Joe Romeo.

“The roofs need to be fixed, buses wear out, computers get old, the pool breaks down,” Romeo said. “If these things are not fixed now, they w ill get worse later and end up costing more.”

Though many agree the bond proposal is a good idea, some communit y members aren’t so sure.

“I don’t want to pay more taxes,” parent John Siller said.

“I’m still pay ing taxes from building the Dexter High School.

I’d rather see the bond end and see my taxes go down than have an extended tax lev y. I don’t want an eternal tax because they want a palace for their school. It’s just a huge w ish list of ever y thing they want new and improved.”

But Marsh says you cannot put a price on education. She said, “I know that the educational experience students get in the Dexter Communit y School District is worth the extra money we’d have to pay.”

“

Buy a yearbook see Mr. Mergler yearbook staff or any member in room 407

4

Friday, October 26, 2008

The Squall

feature

Club formed to fight racism Katie Johnson features editor

Walking down the hallways of Dexter High School, she felt threatened. She knew that she shouldn’t be judged by the color of her skin but could feel people doing it anyway.

“I felt like I was going back into the 50s and 60s when I walked into school,” junior Sarah Burch said. “People would look at me with so much hate. It was like, ‘How dare you judge me when you don’t even know me?’”

Burch said she almost didn’t come back to Dexter her junior year because of her treatment at the hand of some students. “The incidents have not been bad this year, but last year was ridiculous,” she said. “I almost didn’t come back to Dexter because of racial intimidation.

People don’t know how hard it is to walk down the hallway and not see people like you.”

One of the worst situations Burch experienced was during her sophomore year.

“I was in line at the water fountain, and there was a kid at the higher water fountain,” she said. “He’d been there for like five minutes, and I asked him to move.

He told me to use the lower one.”

Although the boy said it was a joke, Burch said that she didn’t find it funny.

“It kind of makes you not want to come to school,” she said. “You want school to be comfortable and a place where you feel safe. Some days you get jokes, looks. It’s not fun.”

Burch said she also knows of other students affected by racism at school.

“I know a couple of people had burning crosses in their yard, and I’ve heard of people putting their shoelaces into nooses,” she said.

Because of her own and other’s experiences, Burch recently started a diversity club. “I put together the idea last year, and it became a club this year,” she said.

“A lot of schools have an Asian diversity club or a Muslim diversity club, but since Dexter isn’t there yet, I thought of making a general club. I was just tired because there is so little diversity in Dexter.”

Burch said she also looked to other students to start the club. “I didn’t want to wake up and come to this every day,”

she said. “I talked to kids and wondered if they felt the same. Once I started talking, the feeling was mutual, so that’s when I started the club.”

One of the major goals of the club, according to Burch, is to open students’ eyes about racial issues and Burch said she plans to start doing this by exposing students to Jena 6. “I feel like (Jena 6) is a wake up call to let people know that racism is a huge issue,” she said. “The fact that it hits as close to home as Dexter ... it’s awful. I didn’t create the club for violence but to let people know that there are still problems that are going strong.”

According to counselor Kristi Doyle, it is important for students like Burch to tell an administrator if they feel threatened at school. “One of the biggest things is that the student should let someone know what is going on in the beginning before it escalates,” she said. “It’s also important for students who witness or hear things to bring it to a counselor or principal.”

Looking back, Burch said she wishes she would have told someone how she felt.

“I feel like I wish I could’ve talked to the people,” she said. “Some of it wasn’t on purpose or in a bad way, but some people don’t realize how bad the words hurt.”

Still, Burch doesn’t feel bitter about the incidents. “I don’t know if I’d call racism a problem (at Dexter), but maybe an issue,” she said. “Maybe some (students) have been sheltered, and this is all they know. I think it’s an issue that is real and needs to be dealt with.”

Doyle agrees and said racism is still a problem everywhere. “One of the biggest problems is that a lot of it is ignorance,” she said. “They’re not aware of the big picture.”

But for Burch, there’s still a bigger picture than diversity club and even racism.

“People don’t realize how important and influential their actions toward others are,” she said.

“Not to sound cliché, but the power to care and love others doesn’t see race or gender. It’s that human desire to feel like you matter, and that’s what my club is about, about going beyond the white, black, Asian races and to care for one another because we are all a part of the human race.”

Spreading the word: Junior Sarah Burch leads a discusion at a diversity club meeting.

“We do a lot of community service and we’re doing awareness for Jena 6,” she said.

Photo by Leah Gibson

Jena 6 •The case began in September 2006 when black students at Jena High School in Jena, Louisiana sat underneath a “white only” tree. The next day, three nooses were found hanging from the tree.

•The incident caused racial tensions at the high school, sparking violence and threats.

•A white student who vocally supported the nooses being hung from the tree teased black students and the black students beat him up.

•The six black students who beat up the white student were charged with second degree murder. The first student to be tried, Mychal Bell, was convicted and sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. facts from www.freethejena6.org

Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelback 121 W Washington St # 300, Ann Arbor (734) 994-3000

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5

Friday, October 26, 2007

The Squall

feature

Keller and Gravel travel abroad Melane Pytel: Came from Germany to stay in the United States for a year.

Sugeng Lestarianto: Came from Indonesia to stay in the United States for a year.

Caitlin Gravel: Gravel traveled to Germany through a youth exchange program known as Youth Connection.

Jessica Otto: Came from Germany to stay in the United States for a year.

Emily VanDusen Staff Writer

In all the years he spent in school, he sat through countless history lectures on the world’s wars. However, for 2007 graduate Andrew Keller, one of these lessons came to life when he visited the D-Day beaches in Normandy, France as part of a foreign exchange program.

“My grandfather was in World War II,” he said, “and my host dad was involved in the war, so it was like a connection between us.”

Keller’s experience was made possible by the Dexter Rotary club, which is a community service club much like the Lions and Kiwanis clubs. Though perhaps better known for their playhouse featured in the Memorial Day parade or their college scholarships, the Rotary club also has a youth exchange program.

“Two types of youth exchange are offered through Dexter Rotary,” Lori Sprague who is in charge of the Rotary youth exchange, said. “One is a short term exchange program, which is a direct match with someone in another country. The second is a long term exchange, which lasts through the academic year, in which the student may have more than one host family.”

Keller said his host family, including host brother Antoine, was welcoming and understanding of cultural differences. He said the only slightly problematic part of his stay was when he accidentally used the wrong word for

“I’m coming” when about to go out with his host grandmother. “Apparently it was some sort of innuendo,” he said.

Overall, Keller had nothing but good things to say about his experience, adding, “Studying abroad gives you an experience you can get nowhere else.”

The expense of studying abroad through Dexter Rotary is airfare to and from the country as well as a smaller administrative fee of around $300 for short term and $900 for long -term.

Applications for the short term program are accepted until April 30, 2008, while applications for the long term program are due Oct. 15. However, those who are interested are encouraged to apply early in order to get their desired country. “We have yet to send someone for the long term program,” Sprague said, “but we do have a few applicants.”

Senior Caitlin Gravel also went abroad this past summer when she traveled to Germany through a youth exchange program known as Friendship Connection.

The process started when a German girl named Gesine flew to America and stayed with Gravel’s family this past spring. After Gesine’s stay, which lasted for about a month, Gravel flew to Germany to stay with Gesine’s family early this past summer.

“It was a little awkward at first, with a new language, a new family, a new country ... ” Gravel said. However, the adjustment period was short-lived, and Gravel said

she now has many unique experiences she will never forget.

“We went to Beethoven’s and Bach’s houses,” she said, “and also lots of places on the Rhine River, which was just beautiful.” Gravel also said she was lucky enough to be in Germany to witness a festival honoring St. Elizabeth, whose 800th birthday was during her stay.

“The last week I was there, there was this huge festival at the Marburg Castle,” she said. “There were bands playing and everything.”

And Gravel had great things to say about Germany, as well as the German people. “They aren’t much different from us,” she said. “Although they are a little nicer, a little more willing to help you out.”

Sprague agreed, adding that she was an exchange student herself. Though she traveled to Japan, Sprague had thoughts similar to Gravel’s about the attitude of the people, saying, “They treat you very well.”

All it takes to study abroad, according to Gravel, Keller and Sprague, is someone who is outgoing, able to talk to others, curious, open-minded and friendly. In fact, Sprague said, “Anyone with enthusiasm for learning about other countries in encouraged to apply.”

Both Gravel and Keller said they came back to the United States with many new experiences and ideas under their belts.

“I would definitely recommend it,” Gravel said. “You need to experience it to know what it’s like.”

Parents teach at home and school Caitlin Henderson business manager

Walking past her mom in the hallway, giving a polite smile and wave is second nature to senior Christy Bitters, daughter of life skills teacher Shirley Bitters.

Bitters and several other students have parents in the school who are teachers as well. But most of these kids say that they are content with their parent working at the school, and it doesn’t bother them as much as people would think.

“Seeing my mom every day is normal and comforting,” Christy said.

“It is nice to see my mom on occasion. Seeing her between every class and having a full conversation would be too much, but saying, “Hi” I can handle.”

Her mom agrees. “It’s fine, I like seeing her,” she said.

Both Christy and junior Amy Baldus, daughter of Food and Nutrition staff member Nancy Baldus, said they have good relationships with their moms outside of school which helps.

“This makes it easier for us Christy is not any different than to be around each other all day,” her other daughters.

They have all done well keepChristy said. “It would be harder if my mom and I didn’t get ing family and school separate.

But do other teachers treat along.”

Christy also said if she saw her Christy differently because she mom too much, they would nag is the daughter of a colleague? one another about stupid things. Shirley said no.

“There “I don’t want is no difmy friends to ference see my mom with other and I argue,” We try hard to keep teachers, she said. school and family and I don’t Her mom separate.” expect it,” agrees, and she said. thinks it is a - Shirley Bitters, Chr ist y good idea to agrees with keep personal life skills teacher her mom, issues outside “All of the of the school. teachers “We try treat me hard to keep school and family separate,” just like everyone else,” Christy Shirley said. “We also try hard said. “I don’t get to turn assignto keep family issues outside of ments in late just because my mom is a teacher.” school.”

Although she wishes she did Shirley also said she has not had any of her kids in class and get special treatment, it is the thinks it is best for her and her responsibility of the teachers not to let their and Shirley’s relationdaughters’ relationships.

Christy is Shirley’s third ship affect Christy.

It’s gossip and personal pridaughter to come through Dexter High School, and Shirley said vacy that seems to be the bigger

“

issue with Baldus.

“Having your mom know about gossip within your friends is not always the most fun to deal with,” she said. “She finds out stuff that I don’t want her to know.”

However, both Amy and Christy say their moms do not nag them about personal issues.

“If my mom were to bug me about it, we would have more problems,” Bitters said. “The fact that she doesn’t, makes it much easier to live with.”

Amy doesn’t think her mom is annoying at school, she actually enjoys it quite a bit.

“I actually benefit from my mom being at school,” Amy said.

“Sometimes I get free food at lunch and in the morning before classes.”

“My mom and I deal with it all very well,” Bitters said. She laughs and gives a little smile.

Having a parent in the school is really not that bad,” Bitters said.

Her mom walked past and she gave her a little wave, while christy just smiled back. “It is just second nature to me.”

photo by Caitlin Henderson photo illustration by Chas Sloan

Mother and daughter: Senior Christy Bitters stands with mom Shirley Bitters in her classroom. “If my mom were to bug me about anything, we would have more problems,” Bitters said. “The fact that she doesn’t, makes it much easier to live with.”

6

Friday, October 26, 2007

health

The Squall

Chewing leads to threatening diseases The truth on chewing tobacco • Chewing or any form of tobacco can lead to gum cancer.

• 30 percent of all major league baseball players chew or dip.

• Nicotine from smokeless tobacco raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Photo illustration by Chas Sloan

• Smokeless tobacco has more nicotine than cigarettes.

• Chewing tobacco contains 28 cancer-causing agents.

Patrick Ledwidge staff writer

While sitting in Michigan History, he takes out his empty water bottle and his Kodiak chew and he puts in a fat dip.

By putting the spitter in his jacket, he disguises himself from the teacher. As fiber glass in the chewing tobacco cuts open his lip, the nicotine flows into his blood stream and relaxes him.

“It’s the cool thing to do,” junior Ryan Hunter* said.

Although Hunter said he is aware of the risks of chewing tobacco, he said he does not intend on quitting anytime soon. “Maybe I will think about quitting later, but not in the near future,” he said.

According to science teacher Cheryl Wells, there are many negative health effects of chewing tobacco. Leukoplakia (infectious white spots on gums); halitosis (bad breath); periodontitis (breaking down of gums), indigestion; throat, lip, palate, larynx and tongue cancer; gingivitis and addiction are just a few.

Wells also said many people who chew tobacco use it as a replacement for smoking.

“Both are very addictive, and both are hard to quit,” she said.

Hu nter agrees. “It hurts the lip, and it gets stuck in my teeth,” he said. “But it gives me a crazy a-- buzz.

It helps me to relax.”

Recently, there has been a problem with students chewing during class. Freshmen Alex Porch* said he was caught dipping in a class. When it was evident to his teacher he was chewing, he said he swallowed the tobacco before she could get to him.

“I was told to pull down my lip, and I still had some in there, Porch said. “I plan on quitting just during class.”

Like Hunter, Porch started chewing at an early age. “I started in the middle of eighth grade,” he said. “I wanted to try it and I got into it. I like the buzz.”

According to Wells, this buzz is caused by nicotine. She said the nicotine in chewing to-

bacco has a stimulant effect, constraining the blood vessels.

This reduces oxygen in the body and contributes to poor circulation, meaning less blood gets to the brain. The lack of oxygen going to the brain affects the concentration and learning process of a high schooler.

Wells also said chewing tobacco was a problem at Dexter in the 1970s and 1980s, mostly with baseball players. “A kid was leaning down in class and spitting into one of my beakers,” she said. Wells said she started to bring gum to school for the kids to help break their addiction.

People who chew often have issues with quitting, according to Wells. Breaking the habit of chewing is a hard one, but there are ways to quit.

Wells said chewing gum, brushing your teeth more and eating cough drops are healthy alternatives to chewing tobacco.

“Image is everything,” Wells said. “Do you want your mouth all sore and bloody? (Tobacco chewers) have to say to themselves (chewing tobacco) is a drug, and it is addictive.”

• Smokeless tobacco users are 50 percent more likely then nonusers to get cancer of the mouth, lip or gums.

Source: http://www. health.gov.sk.ca/smokeless-tobacco-facts

*name changed at request of source

Alternative exercises for student bodies

Seven exercises to get rid of your muffin top To all those who suffer from muffins top, donuts, round bellies, thunder thighs, love handles and general excess eight, you no longer have to and neither do those who look at you. There are ways to work off that extra weight.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition web site, you only need to eat a little healthier and exercise a minimum of 20 minutes a day. Dieting doesn’t have to be difficult or depriving.

Even if you were to eat well, that does not necessarily mean that you will experience dramatic cuts at the waist line. Exercising is your best choice when trying to cut at the waistline, thighs or other fatty areas. This doesn’t mean you have to hit the weight room necesHeather Siller staff writer

Monday: Chest and Back weight training for 20 minutes.

Tuesday: Shoulder Strength Exercise for 20 minutes.

sarily, just set up a weekly work out schedule for 20 minutes a day.

• Monday: Chest and Back Weight Training for 20 min.

• Tuesday: Shoulder Strength Exercise for 20 min.

• Wednesday: Abs Weight Training for 20 min.

• Thursday: Biceps and Triceps Strength Training for 20 min.

• Friday: Yoga for 20 min.

• Saturday: Hip and Thigh Weight Training for 20 min.

• Sunday: Chest and Shoulder Strength Training for 20 min.

Friday: Yoga for 20 min. A good way to relax the mind and body.

Wed: Abs Weight Training for 20 minutes.

Saturday: Hip and Thigh Weight Training for 20 minutes.

Thursday: Biceps and Triceps Strength Training for 20 minutes.

Sunday: Chest and Shoulder Strength Training for 20 minutes.

Photos by Val Argerio

7

Friday, October 26, 2007

The Squall

arts

Senior finds passion for saxophone Kemp performs on the radio, at Foggy Bottom, plans to apply to music school Sarah Akbarifard staff writer

After coming home from a long, hard day of school, senior Charlie Kemp has a vast amount of homework and study to do.

But on top of that, he practices his one pride and joy for 3-4 hours every night, his saxophone. It all started back in the fifth grade for Kemp when most students pick an instrument for the first time.

“My parents had wanted me to play an instrument,” he said. “I had already played piano for four years before starting up on the saxophone.

When we were able to pick out instruments, I had a lot of reed instruments in mind: clarinet, flute, oboe etc. But it ended up coming down to saxophone.”

Although, Kemp has chosen to play the saxophone he said that he would eventually like to play all reed instruments.

Many students don’t truly realize that they have a passion for something while in high school. However, that is not the case for Kemp.

“I realized last January that this (playing saxophone) is really what I wanted,” he said.

Band teacher Kenneth Moore has been teaching Kemp for seven years, and has seen him grow musically over the years.

“Charlie’s progress through high school has been tremendous; he is wise beyond his years,” Moore said.

“He has an outstanding work ethic as well. Charlie is in the 2 to 3 percent of all students I’ve had in 17 years, and musically he is one of the strongest we have ever had.”

Like many, Moore, said he is also struck by Kemp’s passion and commitment towards his music.

Kemp said this passion has been gradually increasing over the past year, but it was a performance by world-class saxophonist Claude Delange that really made him open his eyes and realize music was his thing.

“From the first note that Delange had played, my desire, love of music and playing the saxophone skyrocketed out of the roof,” he said. “That

performance was a part of me that will never go away. It was so magnificent.”

He also said the vibrato, notes, intonation and tone showed him that a person can really come that far with their music.

While Delange is a major influence on Kemp musically, so is his private lesson teacher Jack Wagner. “Jack has really helped me out,” Kemp said. “He has enlightened me and has taught me so much with the couple years I’ve been with him.”

Not has Kemp attended many musical performances, but he has performed in many himself.

He has performed for radio station WVNV 98.7 several times throughout the month of September.

Also, Kemp has performed at other places within the community including Foggy Bottom. “I love to feel the passion from the community when I do local type things,” he said.

Going to gigs and airing late at night on radio stations isn’t where Kemp stops either.

Last January, he attended the Allstate Band For Awards where performers audition for a spot and are selected by judges to stay the weekend and perform. Also, in the summer before eighth grade Kemp attended Blue Lake Fine Arts camp in Muskegon.

He also plans to apply to the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and University of Maryland.

“I’m really hoping to get into music school. That’s what I want,” he said.

One thing that keeps Kemp moving is his passion for music. “Passion to me is finding the thing you want to stick with for life,” he said. “You have to have heart and soul for it, and it really just keeps you going. Five years from now I see myself done with college after a few years in America. And I’d like to stick with jazz and study classical in Paris with my idol Delange.”

Regardless, of what the future holds, Kemp said he is glad he found something he loves.

“Kids today just sit around and want to do things just to get them done,” he said, “People who are older still don’t know what they want to do. I’ve been too lucky to find that one thing I want and just focus on it.”

Photo by Leah Gibson

CHARLIE KEMP FACTS •

• Kemp has been a vegan for three years.

He is a huge "Stargate" fan and thinks it’s the best show to ever hit the universe.

• He also enjoys the show "Heros" which he also finds quite interesting.

• Kemp is a drum major and is in the highest band, Symphonic.

• His favorite type of music to listen to is classical and jazz.

• One of Kemp’s main influences is world-class saxophonist Claude Delange.

• Passion is really what drives Kemp to keep going.

• Throughout September Kemp has played for radio station WVNV 98.7

Reviews by Muse

After “Closer to the Sun,” Slightly Stoopid released a new, more acoustic CD called “Chronchitis.”

With all of the hit songs on “Closer to the Sun,” it is hard to top, and “Chronchitis” does not quite top it, but it comes close.

Slightly Stoopid has made another jump away from punk rock and closer to reggae and acoustic.

“Chronchitis” has slower, more soothing •Chronchitis songs that include the saxophone and the trumpet a little more.

For instance, “Righteous Man” on their last CD is a harder rock song, as opposed to “Anywhere I Go,” which is much more reggae.

Even though “Chronchitis” is much different from their earlier albums, they still find a way to sell albums and make hits.

Just like the rest of its CDs, a majority of the songs are good, especially “2 a.m.,” “Nobody Knows,” “Jimi,” and “Baby I Like It.” “Baby I Like It,” features G. Love, who adds a nice addition to the song and makes it a little more upbeat.

“Chronchitis” shows the maturity of the band including their instrumental songs which are not as hard rock as some of their older songs.

It shows how versatile they are and how many different types of songs they can sing.

Overall, “Chronchitis” is a great album. It may not be as good as their last few CDs, but it is still a hit CD and has many good new tracks.

I like the slower, more instrumental and reggae Slightly Stoopid, and I am looking forward to their next album to be released.

•Souljaboytellem.com

Besides the single “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em’s new CD could be one of the worst rap albums in a few years.

The album, Souljaboytellem. com, is selling for $7.99 on iTunes, which is about $7 too much.

Soulja Boy topped the charts with his first hit, “Crank That” in September 2007.

He was only 17 years old, and many considered him a new, popular artist. Until his new album came out Oct. 2.

Then it all went downhill for Soulja Boy. All of his songs sound the same: same beats, same style

and pretty much the same lyrics too.

He continually rhymes about dancing, shoes (Bapes, of course). Or my personal favorite “Booty Meat.”

Most people would recognize Soulja Boy from his loud, obnoxious “Yuuuuaaaaaa!” He yells it in most of his songs.

His style is more of a dance, mainstream type of hip-hop, which is usually popular among listeners, but not when all of his songs sound that way.

He does have one other good song on the CD, “Soulja Girl,” which has an all right chorus but still, it is a lot like his other ones.

Maybe Soulja Boy is too young. Maybe his sophomore album will be much better.

But likely he is nothing but a one-hit wonder with no talent. Maybe he just wasn’t cut out for the rap game, and that’s fine.

But he could at least stop recording songs unless they are worth listening to.

Frutig strives for success as dancer Olivia Scheffler staff writer

When the varsity dance team won first place at a competition last year, junior Charlotte Frutig knew she had contributed and her hard work had paid off.

Frutig didn’t stop there, though. She continues to dance, improve and reach for higher goals. Including a possible career in dance.

“I do jazz, modern, pointe, ballet and hip-hop,” Frutig said.

Like many people who focus on one hobby or sport, Frutig started dance when she was very young.

“I did gymnastics for 12 years,” she said. “I started dance when I was three or four, but I just did dance on the side until about four years ago.”

Frutig said she A gymnast for 12 years Charlotte switched from Frutig now has gymnastics to her eyes set on dance because making a career of the number of out of dance. injuries involved with gymnastics.

According to Frutig, dancing was less tough on the body but just as difficult to master.

However, for Frutig, dancing is a full time deal. She dances at the YDT dance studio in Chelsea and is part of a jazz company that requires extra practices, adding to her regular practice schedule.

“I only get two days off a week,” Frutig said. “I dance on Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with a one hour break.

And on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, I work on jazz, ballet and pointe.”

Adding to her workload, Frutig has also been a part of the dance team and plans to continue when she has a bit more time.

“I was on the varsity dance team all of last year, and I plan on doing it later this year after football season,” she said.

“Right now, I am just too busy.”

Sophomore Kelsey Hart is also a member of the varsity dance team, and she said it is tough and time consuming as well.

“It’s hard because you have to be in sync with the other girls, keep your facial expressions and focus on technique,” Hart said. “Charlotte is a really good dancer because she’s very flexible, and she works hard at it.”

With those who argue that dance is not a sport, Frutig disagrees.

“Dance is a sport because it takes up a lot of time. It is a huge workout and there are competitions you can go to,” she said.

With dancing such a large part of her life, Frutig said it is hard to find time do other things such as homework and hanging out with friends.

“When I dance, I have practically no social life. I try to do homework during breaks at practice or late at night,” she said. “Sometimes I get frustrated in classes because I have done so much that week, and I get really tired.”

Even though Frutig said sometimes she gets tired of dancing, there are fun parts to look forward to.

She said she enjoys throwing different combinations of ballet, hip-hop and jazz together and putting them to music.

“I like jazz because you can be sassy and show off a little bit,” she said. “It’s fun to dance to some of the upbeat stuff.”

Frutig said after high school she has a few goals for the future that include dance and maybe acting.

However, to make a career out of dancing, a person has to have a few very important qualities.

Hart said, “You have to have personality and style. It’s really hard to get into college for dance because a mistake can mean that you won’t make it in.”

But no matter. Frutig said she wants to continue to work at dance and try for a career somewhere.

“I would like to do something in New York,” she said. “Maybe I can find a ballet company out there or do something on Broadway.”

8

Friday, October 26, 2007

The Squall

sports

Senior athletes' seasons setback because of homecoming celebrations The Facts on MIPs • MIP stand for minor in possession • In Michigan the charge of a minor in possession will go on a person’s permanent record.

• A criminal record like an MIP can impact a person’s ability to get car or house loans, and it can affect the cost and availability of car insurance Source:http://www.bzpclaw.com/Possession.shtml

Police knock on the front door but come in through the back door of a party Ryan Aliapoulis Entertainment editor

After homecoming on Sept.

22, senior Alyssa Robinson was excited to go home to an after party since her parents were out of town.

Alcohol was present, and guests were surprised when the party was broken up by police late into the night. “(A senior) accidentally broke into my neighbor’s house two blocks down,” Robinson said. “They called the cops about the party, and (the cops) came in through my back door since it was open. I was passed out on the floor.”

Unfortunately for Robinson and other student-athletes at the party, they received minor in possession of alcohol (MIPs) citations from the police.

As a punishment, Robinson was unable to swim for the women swim team for an extended time period.

“I can still practice, but I can’t compete for two weeks,”

Robinson said. “It was my first people around,” Young said. offense, so it wasn’t too bad. “When the cops came, about I had to give a speech to the 20 people ran and only about swim team saying how sorry I 15 of us were left.

They came in with flashwas.”

Another athlete who was caught at the party was senior Katie Young, a member of the The cops came in women golf team. through the back door.

“Before the I was passed out on dance, I was havthe floor.” ing dinner with - Alyssa Robinson, my friends and some of them senior wanted to drink,” Young said. “At the dance, Alyssa told me about a party at her house.

I went to check it out with a lights, we were all trying to friend, but it didn’t feel like a duck below the windows so they couldn’t see our shadgood situation.”

Despite her gut feeling ows.”

Although Young tried not about the party, Young did attend with many other student to get caught, she and several other student-athletes were athletes.

“There were a lot of drunk breathalized.

“

“I was mad since the person who went before me blew nothing,” Young said. “I saw people who had been drinking all night and blew nothing.

I ended up blowing a 0.06. I was shocked, and I started crying.”

Out of guilt, Young said she called her coach to tell him and was suspended from the golf team for 14 days.

“I missed the SEC dual match, and I missed championships, and I was leading in both,” Young said. “Because of that, my team lost for the first time in two years. I basically blew my shot at a title and possibly at college scholarships.”

Robinson shares Young’s feelings of regret about the evening.

“In a way, it wasn’t worth it,” Robinson said. “I hadn’t put the whole thing in perspective. It was hard facing my team the next day.”

Mens water polo makes wild splashes in pool and is also a technology teacher at Mill Creek. His team respects him for being a good friend and a good coach to them. “He is a really fun guy to be around, and he knows his water polo,” junior Robert Spiegel said.

Semple also said the team has stepped up the work After last season, senior captain Matt Cambridge ethic compared to past years. “The team this year has knew his team had to change their ethic and its more been really motivated, and that is largely in part to our serious if they wanted to start fulfilling its goals. So, this large senior class,” he said. “I’ve been satisfied with the year Cambridge said the water polo team has changed their ethic and are trying to change other elements of effort put in the past, and it’s been exciting to see how their game for the positive. the hard work is paying off this season.”

And the team has a lot of differences from the One of the changes that hasn’t been made and the previous year according to its team would like to have is happen is to members. They believe all the make water polo a varsity sport. Despite water polo being a sport in Dexter changes are beneficial to the team. “We’re working a lot for so long, it is still a club sport. Siegel harder and we’re a lot more said he is trying to make water polo a We ‘re working a lot confident,” Cambridge said. varsity sport as opposed to a club sport. harder and we’re The team has never made it “We are trying to make it a varsity sport, lot more confident” but we’re going to need more people to to the state playoffs, and if they win their first game at regionjoin, and it’s going to take some time,” als, they will be going. Accordhe said. Spiegel said he doesn’t see it - Matt Cambridge, ing to Cambridge if they work changing soon because the program senior hard, this should be easy. State needs more players, but he believes in playoffs is one of the team’s the future it will. two goals. The other is to beat Semple would also like to see water Okemos because according polo become a varsity sport. “There are to Cambridge they run up the certain advantages that we have being score on little teams, and they a club sport, but given the opportunity, are not gentlemen. we would definitely like to become varsity,” Semple Another change to the team this year is that they are said. “To my knowledge there are a number of steps that a lot closer than past years. This includes more team we have to go through before we can become a varsity bonding and dressing up for games. For example, they sport.” have popped their collars and worn pink hats and sun Overall Cambridge said the team is happy with the glasses for the Huron game because they believe this changes it’s made and believe they are beneficial. The is how Huron dresses. They usually have water polo players and the coaches both think there is a better work parties at either Cambridge’s or co-captain Tim Pituch’s ethic and more team chemistry. And Semple said, “We house. “We are a lot more tight and closer,” Cambridge have shown a really good progression this year and hopesaid. fully we are able to play our best water polo during the Coach Brian Semple has been coaching for three years regional competition.”

Kyle Boren staff writer

“

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photo by Mary Kumbier

Blocking a ball: Junior Robert Spiegel blocks a ball during a water polo game. The mens water polo team has never made it to the playoffs, but this season they are more hopeful.

Spiegel said the team's hard work this season will make them more confident in the water.

Nichols, Sacks, Slanks, Sendelbach & Buiteweg Attorneys at Law (734) 994-3000

9

Friday, October 26, 2007

The Squall

sports

Charlie Pettit Sports Editor

Tigers disappoint two years in a row We all watched in pain and agony as last year’s Detroit Tigers came so close to a world championship, but after five games they ended so far away.

Everything seemed to be on the side of the Tigers.

A young and hungry team, a new but veteran coach in Jim Leyland, and 22 years of absolutely horrible baseball put behind them.

But no one killed Kenny, and the city that says “What Up Doe?” didn’t win a championship yet another year. The American League champions lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in their first appearance in the World Series since 1984, when they won it all with the likes of Kirk Gibson’s late inning heroics and Sparky Anderson as one of Detroit’s most storied managers leading the team.

I’m sure that after game five of the World Series last year many other Tigers fans shared my feelings of utter disbelief, major disappoint and an assured hope for the next season. As disappointed as I was, it wasn’t even a question as to whether or not Detroit would be in the playoffs again, let alone the World Series.

Tigers owner Mike Illich did nothing but make his long-neglected baseball franchise better over the off season by acquiring superstar and long time Yankee Gary Sheffield. Star right fielder Magglio Ordonez, who won the batting title his first season in the Motor City, has carried the team in both of his seasons wearing the old English D. Throughout the 2007 season the Tigers seemed to be on fire, leading the American League Central Division for over half of their 162 game season. Offense was never a question, but like everyone who knows baseball says, pitching wins championships.

This is what we were missing since the all star break: consistent starters and lights-out relief pitcher Joel Zumaya, who throws 103 miles per hour. But the trade deadline passed us by with no major moves being made by the front office, flushing Detroit’s possibilities of a successful playoff run down the toilet at Comerica Park. You would think that the owner would at least try to sign someone to help out the 27 tired players on the roster.

In 2006, Illich acquired veteran first baseman Sean Casey from the Pittsburgh Pirates at the deadline to give the team some jump in their step, and that lasted all the way to the World Series, where Fernando Rodney served us all well by committing many stupid errors against the Cardinals that most definitely cost Detroit the championship.

In 2007 however, we watched the front office do nothing and you would have to be blind to not see the repercussions on the field. I still don’t understand how a team with so much talent and firepower can’t even make the playoffs behind the Cleveland Indians and George Steinbrenner. I am so sick of seeing pin stripes on the field during the playoffs, and it isn’t even cool when the Yankees win anymore, because they already have 26 world championships dating back to before your parent’s parents were even breathing.

The Tigers must seriously step up their game and get deep into October every season with no questions. This better happen soon because they have everything they need to establish a dynasty.

Working on his technique: Sophomore John Chiado raises his fists while training for boxing and mixed martial arts.

Photos by Val Argiero

McCuaig knows what he’s doing: Eric McCuiag who has taken Martial Arts before now gets to also work on a little bit of boxing and wrestling.

UFC violence is entertainment for many Alex Everard staff writer

His legs tighten up and his body begins to tire as junior Eric McCuaig topples his opponent to the ground.

He hits the mat on top of his enemy and quickly pins his disoriented opponent, winning the match. McCuaig is taking part in one of the newest and fastest growing sports in the nation, mixed martial arts, or as it’s called on TV, Ultimate Fighting.

Ultimate Fighting is a blend of boxing and martial arts that allows the most brutal of punches and kicks to an opponent. The sport is quickly gaining popularity among American youth as more and more fights are being televised on networks such as Spike TV, Fox Sports Net and Pay Per View.

And the branches of Ultimate Fighting have reached out into Dexter. Several students are huge fans of the sport and some even participate in Ultimate Fighting scenarios, including McCuaig who got started at 10, when he was involved in Tae Kwon Do. “I saw some people grappling and thought it

would be fun,” McCuaig said.

Now McCuaig is a big fan of the sport, and his favorite fighter, Chuck Liddel. “I watch Ultimate Fighting a lot, and I would have to say Chuck Liddel is the best out there, ” he said.

“What I do isn’t the Ultimate Fighting you see on TV. We do a lot of grappling and wrestling and don’t involve the punches as much.”

And although his sport may not be like the UFC most people know, McCuaig still enjoys watching it. “It’s really fun to watch,” he said. “I’ve never been to a real match, but it’s great on TV.” Junior Gabe Golub has been a fan for three years and his love for the sport continues to grow. “I’ve liked Ultimate Fighting for awhile now. It’s just different than most sports and a lot cooler.”

Golub said Ultimate Fighting is more exciting than boxing, for example, for several reasons. “In boxing all they do is punch each other until someone gets tired,” he said. “Ultimate Fighting involves all kinds of moves and pins.”

Other students, like sophomore John Chi-

ado, actually train for this blend of boxing and martial arts. “You condition for it like any other sport, and there are certain rules you have to follow,” Chaido said. “It’s pretty intense.”

The sport that most amateur competitors take part in is called mixed martial arts, which is like Ultimate Fighting but without some of the more brutal punches and moves.

Chiado also has a favorite fighter, Forrest Griffin. “He’s pretty tight,” Chaido said.

“Other guys are all right, but I think he’s the best.”

The fact the sport is dangerous is not news to Chiado, although he hasn’t been seriously injured participating in it yet. “It’s risky,” he said. “I haven’t ever been hurt too bad from cage fighting, but you can definitely die if things go wrong.”

Violent or not, many Ultimate Fighting fans believe it is the future of contact sports.

“It’s a lot more exciting and different that most all other sports. Better than boxing for sure,” Golub said.

Chiado agrees. “You get a thrill watching it and doing it,” he said. “It’s pretty fun.”

Schools welcome Huron to the SEC Red Division in 09 Kevin Yarrows staff writer

When the dust settles on this year’s football season, the players will look back on it in many different ways.

And many of them will also look ahead to next season with a schedule that has many familiar opponents and one game that is against a new opponent, Ann Arbor Huron.

Huron has moved to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for football next season. They had been playing in the Red Division for all sports except for football prior to this athletic year.

Huron and the other school districts of the SEC decided to postpone their move in football until next season in order to enable other teams to fulfill their sports schedules that had been made before the switch was put into effect.

Many people, such as Athletic Director John Robinson, welcome the new addition to the conference. “Huron’s very close in location and are always very competitive,” Robinson said. “Adding Huron improves the overall quality of the SEC and helps make it one of the top athletic conferences in the state.”

Other people are not as excited about the move as Robinson , though.

Varsity football coach Tom Barbieri wishes Huron would have waited to make the move for football to join the SEC until Ann Arbor’s new high school, Skyline, begins competing at the varsity level in athletics.

In football, each SEC team plays each other one time as well as having two non-conference games per season. Non-conference games usually make up the first and last games of the year for teams in the SEC. Barbieri said he likes the schedule like this because the first game

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at the beginning of the year gives his team a chance to prepare for their tough conference schedule.

But when Huron joins the SEC, it will become the ninth member.

Teams will then only have one nonconference game, which most coaches are against, Barbieri said.

The SEC will continue to play with only one non-conference game until 2010 or 2011 when Skyline begins to compete at the varsity level.

While he is not excited that Huron made the move so soon, Barbieri said he is still excited to play them. “(Playing Huron) will be fun,” he said. “You get to read about them all the time in the paper.”

For their part, Huron is also happy about the move and their Athletic Director Dottie Davis said everything has gone smoothly in their first season as a member of the SEC. She said, “All in all, we are very excited to join the SEC and it’s proud traditions.”

Other sports changes • Womens basketball now plays during the winter season with the men’s team.

•Womens golf is now played during the fall season rather than the spring.

•Mens golf is teeing off in the spring rather than the fall season.

10

Friday, October 26, 2007

The Squall

columns

If I were teacher for a day

B

efore we go on this journey into a completely improbable future in work (including parwhich I am a teacher, I want to make a couple things clear. ticipation) is 10 percent, This is not a criticism of teachers. I think teachers should have tests and quizzes are 10 their mental health checked just for choosing the profession, but percent, exams are 20 most of them do a great job, especially in Dexter. and how much I like you That said, let’s hope I never have to do what they do, because things would is 60. Some students be quite different in my classroom. would argue that many I would likely not make it very long without physically assaulting a stuteachers already use this dent. I don’t mean that I would kick the crap out of one, just a firm smack in method, but I wouldn’t keep it secret. the back of the head. As soon as one of those little buggers talked back to me, You might not be the smartest kid or the biggest teacher’s pet, but if I like smack! you, you’ll still do very well in my class.

Assuming I was able to restrain myself well enough to avoid lawsuits or After all, the most important skill students need when entering the “real getting fired, I would definitely be instituting some revolutionary policies. No world” is how to interact with people. If you interact well with me, your grade more E’s: That’s not to say that nobody can fail, because will show it. failing is not just a possibility but a probability. But I’m Sleeping in class: I understand how much it sucks as a teenager to get up early every day, so if you feel yourself bringing back the F. It may be out of alphabetical order, but it adds a little drifting off in class, feel free. motivation. Nothing says, “Right now, you suck, but if It’s your own fault if you miss out on vital information, I would likely not but I leave the students with that responsibility. Don’t be you start actually doing something, you could be alright,” make it very long surprised if I take a nap also. like a big fat “F” on the report card.Participation: Many teachers give grades for participation. My idea of particiI have to get up early, too. without pation is slightly different, though.

Due to various restrictions, standards and moral codes, assaulting a Where most would see it as doing work, contributing I will never be able to actually implement these new policies. to class discussions and consistent attendance, mine is student.” more a question of what have you done for me? Have Therefore, I am sorry to say (not really) that I will not be pursuing a career in education. you been annoying or helpful?

I’ve never liked teacher’s pets, but as a teacher, I’m Although it would be amazing to still have a summer definitely going to take advantage of them. break every year as a working adult, I just can’t picture myself as a teacher.

Grading: Calculating grades is pretty simple. Home-

“

The Cartoon

Photo by Maria Brundage

Educating America: Dave Pisano cleans the whiteboard of the blood spilt by an insolent pupil.

by David Bays

Celia Kuzon Health editor

Reality TV is here to stay

T

he trashier, the sluttier and the more vulgar, the better.

I am addicted to reality TV, and I am not ashamed to admit it.

To give you an idea of why reality TV is so spectacular, lets consider this example of a classic reality TV moment that never fails to remind me why I love it so much.

Somethin’ (nicknamed by rap icon Flavor Flav star of “Flavor of Love” on VH1), a very large woman, took a poop on the floor during this show.

She was close to the bathroom, but she still pooped on the floor. Does this excite anyone else?

I guess the reason I am so addicted is because I love to see just how ridiculous people are willing to act.

For their five minutes of fame, reality TV makes it quite obvious that people will do anything to get some screen time.

The concept of a grown woman taking a poop on the floor when a bathroom is just down the hall is both shocking and fascinating to me.

If women will poop on the floor, what else will they do?

I want to know her thought process. Why did she do it? I mean, doesn’t she know that she looks like a complete idiot?

And as if that weren’t enough to get me completely hooked, Flav’s response certainly did the trick.

Flav said it was OK that she took a poop on the floor and that she was just being “real.”

He was actually still attracted to her after she pooped on his floor.

I know that I should be disgusted or even appalled by such a crude action, but it is incidents such as this that keep me completely obsessed.

With each new reality show the drama, the fights, the pranks and, of course, the level of sluttiness reaches a new high, and I look forward to what’s coming next completely.

And although others may not be as open about their addiction to reality TV, I know there are many out there.

Yes, it is slightly embarrassing to say you sat home all day and watched a nine hour marathon of “Flavor of Love,” but at least you are enjoying yourself.

Who doesn’t love to witness a girl spitting in another girl’s face or watching women consume so much alcohol they can no longer function?

I simply cannot pass it up.

And I look forward to what reality TV is going to provide me with.

It is only natural as time progresses so does the level of drama.

I’m not embarrassed to admit that I am extremely excited for “Flavor of Love 3.”

I only have to wait a year, but you can be sure that I have already marked the date in my calendar.

I’m ready for more alcohol, more hookups, more fights, more trash.

Scott Crompton Managing Editor

I

sit in school every day, depressed I have to be here. I am just another guy at Dexter High School.

And there are quite a few students who feel the same way as I do--dead on the inside.

Usually, the deep depression kicks in around the last 10 to 15 minutes of second hour.

Luckily, there is a cure for this deep depression.

A program on Apple computers called Garageband has enabled students to cope with their feelings by helping them create melodies to soothe the soul.

Some of my friends and I found this out toward the end of last year.

We started making songs that closely resembled our feelings toward school and life in general.

What came out was an album called “Tears of Blood” by our newly created band “Unhealed”.

We let a couple of our other friends listen to our emotional ballads, and they liked them a lot.

So, as young entrepreneurs, we figured many other students would feel the same way about school, and life in general, and might like to vent

Emo techno band Unhealed paves its way through DHS, also a target for copycats their feelings to the anthems of “Unhealed”.

As we started selling the CDs we realized that we had a shortage.

Our supply was less than our demand; economics teacher Cory Bergen would be proud.

So, we decided to continue the “Unhealed” legacy throughout our illustrious high school careers.

With the Garageband craze spreading throughout the high school, we have encountered some competition this year, though.

Other depressed students found a need to express their own feelings through the art of Garageband. Random bands have sprung up out of nowhere with names like “Love Muscle,” “Healed” and “Jurgen Und Die Ja-Gerns.” Obviously, these so-called bands are just copy cats of the original “Unhealed.”

Maybe you are content with your current depression coping methods. Maybe you do not like “Unhealed.” Maybe you like “Love Muscle” better.

Granted, they do incorporate some entertaining lyrics, but they cannot compare to the beatmaking abilities that the experience in the art of Garageband has given “Unhealed.”

Maybe you already have an emo band that you love to sit in a corner, alone, in a dark room, and listen your middle-class, Dexter-bred problems away. That’s all good and fine to me.

However, one thing is certain; you definitely will not get the profound satisfaction of Unhealed’s distinctively thought-provoking lyrics and mad, sick beats.

You will also miss out on the opportunity to support a growing local band, that if treated well, can give back to the community which provides so much inspiration to the young emo children of America.

Which ever method of dealing with your ohso-terrible problems suits your level of depression, remember that there is no experience like the Garageband experience.

As long as you can cope with your problems without disturbing others, any method is fine.

Like it or not, it seems as though the Garageband craze that has swept through Dexter High School is here to stay, at least for another two years.

I encourage you all to sample Garageband and have a good time making mad, sick beats, emo or not, with your close friends.

11

Friday, October 26, 2007

The Squall

editorial

THE

Squall EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Austin Shapiro

MANAGING EDITOR: Scott Crompton

EDITORS DESIGN: Candice Wiesner FEATURES: Katie Johnson ENTERTAINMENT: Ryan Aliapolious NEWS: Heather Siller OPINIONS: David Pisano PHOTO: Jeff Leonard SPORTS: Charlie Pettit HEALTH & TRENDS: Celia Kuzon U-PAGE: Hunter Lyons COPY: Maria Brundage & Michelle Chirby

DESIGNERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Chas Sloan, Val Argiero, Nora Green, Leah Gibson, Maria Brundage

MANAGERS ADVERTISMENT: Caitlin Henderson, Brittany Martini CONSTEST: Nic Miller, Kyle Boren, Jake LaRosa

STAFF WRITERS Sarah Akbarifard, Kyle Boren, Maria Brundage, Kevin Butler, Michelle Chirby, Shantal Daratony, Alex Everard, Aaron Gilman, Caitlin Henderson, Matthew Kaas, Jake Larosa Pat Ledwidge, Brittany Martini, Erin MacAweeny, Ian McCarthy, Kurt Miller, Nic Miller, Brent Muse, Morgan Quist, Lisa Richie, Joe Sayre, Olivia Scheffler, Kaitlyn Shepard, Alexis Sobczak, Karly Stanislovaitis, Allison Sutter, Emily VanDusen, Kevin Yarrows.

CARTOONIST David Bays

ADVISER Rod Satterthwaite

POLICY: The Squall is distributed monthly to 1,192 students and is estimated to reach 4,786 people with each issue. The Squall is printed by Owosso Argus Press in Owosso, MI and produced by the first and second hour newspaper class.

TALK BACK: The Squall is an open forum for student expression. It accepts letters to the editor from any and all concerned parties. The Squall reserves the right to screen and/or edit any and all letters for inappropriate content and length. All letters must be signed. Requests to remain anonymous will be considered by the editorial board.

AWARDS/MEMBERSHIPS: Members of MIPA since 1999 • Michigan Interscholastic Press Association Members of NSPA since 2001 • National Scholastic Press Association 6 Spartan Awards 1 Gold Crown 1 Silver Crown 1 Pacemaker

the all

SQUALL

call:

State bears blame if bond issue fails To help infrastructure, traffic and pedestrian safety, campus building security, land acquisition, bus replacement, technology replacement, energy efficiency, athletic facilities, music and performance facilities, Wylie Pool, Al Ritt Stadium and the senior center, the district will get $62 million if voters in May approve a proposed bond.

But the bond can only help these specific areas, and nothing else, which makes it difficult to support, through no fault of the district itself.

In 1993, the Michigan legislature passed Proposal A, which among other things restricts the areas that bonds can fund. For ex-

ample, money from a bond issue approved by voters can be used to buy computers but not computer software or programs. The money also cannot to be spent on new teachers but can be spent to put additions on schools. But why add on to a school if there are more classrooms than teachers?

School districts get money from the state based on how many students attend. Inflation causes more stress on school funding, but school funding from the state doesn’t keep up with inflation. In addition, gas prices skyrocket but schools still have the same amount of money to spend on gas to fill the buses to transport children to and from school.

The areas that the proposed $62 million bond would fund at the high school include new doors outside of the gym, new security cameras and fixing tile at the entrance of the school.

But the bond, because of state limitations, cannot even cover new teachers, textbooks or computer programs. So is all of this really necessary?

We recognize that the district could use money to keep buildings up to date. Unfortunately, the state doesn’t allow the district to completely decide what areas the bond money can fund. The district could really use money, just not in the areas that the state permits it to use the bond in.

Athletes deserve punishment for drinking in season

Morgan Quist Staff Writer

Pro Con

After the homecoming dance in September, a group of kids went back to a student-athlete’s house where no parents were present, and you can imagine what went down.

After an address mix-up, where an intoxicated student walked into the wrong house, the family was greeted with an unpleasant surprise and notified the police. After retrieving the fugitive, the police crashed the right house.

Most of the guests fled, but 10 were caught and received minor in possession fines.

Other than being punished by the law, the seven student-athletes who were fined with MIPs, are also being punished in one form or another by the coach of their sports’ team.

In one athlete’s case, she would have been removed from her team for the remainder of the season if she hadn’t told the coach the following Monday the truth about what happened that Saturday night.

She was then asked to apologize to their teammates by the coach.

“I think everyone here knows why I’m out for the next two weeks,” she said, “But I just wanted to say I’m sorry for letting everyone down. I made a very bad decision. Don’t make the same mistake I did, especially in season.

It will just end up screwing you over in the end. I’m really sorry, and I regret everything that happened on Saturday night.”

She then said she was glad everyone was caught because it taught her partying wasn’t a safe or healthy thing to be doing frequently.

Even though most kids probably don’t look through the athletic handbook, when you sign it, did you know you are agreeing to the consequences of substance abuse?

Offenses for substance abuse involve sitting out of practices and team events in increments of two weeks for up to one full year. Coaches may alter these consequences depending on the situation.

You signed the handbook, you agreed to the consequences.

If a you are caught red-handed with substances that you should not have, you have no one to blame but yourself.

If you put yourself in a situation where you know there’s going to be plenty of kids with substances they should not have, and know in the back of your mind there is going to be trouble, why join in?

Erin McAweeny Staff Writer

Angry parents, court dates and team suspensions. These are the lives of seven Dexter athletes after an ill-fated homecoming night, a night when months of consequences were born.

For one senior, hopes of a golf scholarship may be ruined after having to miss the SEC’s. She was hoping to have lead the quad in the conference championships but now can only practice with the team and watch from the sidelines.

Another athlete hoping to pursue her sport in college is a senior soccer player. Even though the women’s soccer season doesn’t start until the spring, this player must wait to serve her time until the soccer season. “I think it’s unfair for people not in season to still have to sit-out,” she said.

Double-jeopardy of the student athletes being punished through the school is unfair. Why should seven students suffer twice the consequences for the same offense while three do not?

Athletic Director John Robinson said that athletes made their decision to not drink when they signed the student-athlete contract. But neither of the athletes interviewed remember signing this contract and were unaware of what rules were in the handbook.

And while athletic suspensions due to MIPs occur every year, the athletic department doesn’t feel like they need to inform and teach Dexter athletes more about the rules inside the handbook.

With the lack of knowledge about the rules and consequences, athletes can not be expected to follow rules that they were not aware of. The athletes feel that if they were more aware of the consequences they would have made a different decision that night.

Fair or not, this experience has taught the athletes a lot. For the senior golfer, it’s to trust her instinct, “I had a bad feeling about the party. I wish I would have gone with my gut feeling,” she said.

The senior soccer player hopes other students have learned from her experience. “I hope this teaches students to be more careful, and that they are aware now that consequences can actually happen,” she said.

While these seven athletes did make a mistake that does not make their double-jeopardy punishment fair. The athletes were not aware of the rules and should be cleared of charges.

12

Friday, October 26, 2007

The Squall

photostory Ready for some violence: Senior captain Alex Hess, junior Ken Metz and junior Jason Bishop watch the film “300” together at Hess’ house during a pasta dinner. “We have pasta dinners because they are good for getting us pumped before meets.

Anything gory makes us want to go out and slaughter,” Hess said.

photos by Jeff Leonard and Candice Wiesner

One heckuva coach: Cross country coach Jaime Dudash oversees a practice session. Under Dudash’s coaching, the mens team has won the Division II state championships for five consecutive years.

I am Spartacus: Senior George Berger and freshman Cory Birchmeier cheer during the movie “300” along with the rest of the cross country guys.

Going for six straight Mens cross country again in the hunt for a state championship, tries to keep it fun

Karly Stanislovaitis staff writer

For senior cross-country runner Nathan Magyar, cross-country meets are the same routine. He stretches. warms up. and when the gun sounds, BAM! He’s off.

Magyar has been through this many times, and, in fact, he says meets are his favorite part of being on the team.

“I really enjoy running in the meets, because that’s when you see all the results of your hard work,” he said.

Coach Jaime Dudash agrees, but wants to make it clear that hard work is not the only part of cross-country. “When you can be funny, and sometimes I do silly things, it makes (the guys) realize that it’s just plain fun to come to practice,” he said.

And Dudash has a laid-back attitude for succeeding this cross-country season. “I

think the best thing you can do is try to not necessarily top each year but to try and be the best team you can with the athletes that you have,” he said This is encouraging for young freshmen joining this year, who will have no short supply of support from teammates or Dudash.

“I think the most important thing you can do (as a coach) is be an encourager and push the athletes to new places they didn’t think possible,” he said.

Magyar said he is also there to encourage and push the athletes, but he does not have the same responsibilities as Dudash.

“My job, as captain, is to support every individual on the team and make sure they go to every meet feeling confident that they’re going to do well and contribute personally and to the team as a whole,” he said. “I also make sure they know where practices are and things like that, but I also make sure they have fun throughout the season.”

Water break: Seniors Ben Steavenson, Bobby Aprill and junior Jason Bishop stop for a drink of water during practice.

To the finish line: Junior Ian Nystrom finishes his race at SEC jamboree where he finished tenth.

The top three at the SEC jamboree: Seniors Bobby Aprill, Ben Steavenson, and junior Jason Bishop make up the lead pack at the SEC jamboree. All three student athletes made all-conference.

And he wins: Junior Ken Metz passes a Chelsea runner in the last 200 meters of a race. His performance in the race helped him achieve all-conference status.