The Squall, November 2012

Dexter High School 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter, MI 48130 www.thesquall.com

November 16, 2012. VOL. 18. Issue 2.

Sorrow Faced By Many Students feel the effects of depression and the struggles of coping with their situation

pages 8 and 9

Photo Credit: Katie Vontom

Index On the web

The Squall Page 2 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

5 6 7 8 10 14 16

All news stories written by the squall stafff can be viewed on www.thesquall.com

5 Feature

New academic program at DHS.

6 Entertainment

Musical artist on the rise.

7 Sports

Fall sports review.

8 Center Spread Depression awareness.

10 Interactive Spread Can you recognize these babies?

Q&A: Are you smarter than a freshman?

14 Get Involved Faith in Action

THE

Squall

16 Photostory Dexter’s Cider Mill

Clarification from NHS brief in last issue:

Letters to the Editor Policy: The Squall encourages letters to the editors. They can be emailed to dextersquall@gmail.com, dropped off in room 407 or given to staff member of The Squall. Letters may be edited for length and unprotected speech. Requests to withhold a writer’s name will be considered by the editorial board.

• •

•

NHS is an elected national society, rather than a club.

Students who are invited to join the society will receive an information form in the mail, and only students who receive this form are allowed to be in the society.

Every member is required to participate in a project, rather than be the chair of one.

Contact us at: 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter MI, 48130. (734) 426-4240 ext: 7407. dextersquall@gmail.com Editors-in-Chief Cameron La Fontaine Levi Kipke Head Designer Abby Mesaros Photo Editor Miranda Mors Assistant Photo Katie Vontom Web Editor Teddy Grammatico

Business Manager Erin Lashbrook lllustrator & Design Drew Daugherty Graphics Jordan Romanowski Center Spread Editor Lauren Kimmel News Editor Morgan Van Hoof Feature Editor Aman-Vir Mandair Opinion Editor Erin Lashbrook

Entertainment Editor Dan Edwards Sports Editor Nate Nuttle Get Involved Editor Carolin Schade YOU page Editor Andrea Scheffler Design Team Ben Grover Sydney Swigart Jagger Davis Brandon Otto Guy Burke Staff Writers Aman-Vir Mandair

Dan Edwards Kaitlyn Eekoff Luke Hannah Mitch Kimball Lauren Kimmel Tracy Koenn Kenzie Mader Bryce Pederson Jacob Rich Carolin Schade Andrea Scheffler Zac Sharp Parmeda Sokansaj Morgan Van Hoof Zeke Breuninger Colin Meldrum Scott Rogers

Noah Mellifont Ben Breutsch Photographers Jack Donevan Casey Hansen Kathryn Pisano Haley Quinn Olivia Stagg Andrew Milkey Kyle Vandusen Nate Nuttle Aubree Whitley Linday Henderson Adviser Rodney Satterthwaite

Staff Editorials:

Editorials represent the majority opinion of the editorial board. Editorials are unsigned. Columns represented the opinions of the individual staff members who wrote them.

Staff Policy:

The Squall is a student publication distributed to students, faculty and staff of Dexter High School. The Squall is also distributed by subscription to the Dexter community.The Squall has a press run of 1700 copies and is printed by The Argus-Press in Owosso, MI The paper serves as a public forum with student editors making all content decisions.

Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of Dexter Community Schools.

Memberships:

News

The Squall Page 3 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

New law requires students to say Andrea Scheffler, Tracy Koenn YouPage editor, Staff Writer

A law signed by Gov. Rick Snyder on Oct. 5 requires public schools to set aside time for students to say the Pledge of Allegiance every day.

The law takes effect for the 2013-2014 school year.

Every public school in Michigan will be required to fly a flag in front of the school as well as hang a flag in each classroom.

Each school day, students must be given the opportunity to recite The Pledge. However, the law does not require students to recite the pledge.

There are mixed opinions about the law.

For example, Principal Kit Moran is concerned about the provision that requires each classroom to have a flag.

The state is not providing money to purchase the flags, and Dexter High School does not yet have a flag for each classroom.

But administrators say they are in the process of buying them, an added expense in an already-tight budget.

“We are going to purchase the flags as a district, which will be the main thing over the summer,” Moran said.

Some students objections to spending this extra money go even further, though.

“I wouldn’t say no to the pledge,” senior Matt Kasten said. “I appreciate patriotism, but it’s money the school has to spend that

could be used elsewhere,” Government and history teacher Angela Chea agrees and also sees another flaw with this law.

“I think this is a waste of resources for the school,” she said. “I don’t like the idea that students feel the pressure either way and feel out of place. This law seems like a political act since it is election year, and it shows that the state government supports patriotism.”

Legislators seem to have anticipated the second concern of Chea’s as there is a paragraph in the law devoted to protecting students who do not wish to participate in saying the pledge, like junior Tyrus Caldwell.

Caldwell said his lack of religious beliefs will prevent him from saying the Pledge.

While he said he appreciates the patriotism the law is designed to build, he disagrees with being forced to say the Pledge.

“It was a good idea to pass it because I’m all for supporting America,” Caldwell said.

“But I don’t know if saying the pledge is a good idea because not all people believe in God, especially in public schools. I would not say it because my beliefs don’t support it.”

And even though 43 other states have laws similar to this one, Moran is still concerned about how the school will give an opportunity to say the pledge while protecting the rights of students and staff who won’t say it.

Photo Credit: Jack Donovan Students stand for the pledge in Deb Eber’s class in Cornerstone Elementary. Next year every public school student in Michigan must have the opportunity to say the Pledge next year based on a law signed by Gov. Rick Snyder in October.

“The law says we have to protect kids who don’t say the pledge, which means the state has already set it up as causing friction,” Moran said. “Schools already have enough when it comes to bullying.”

Even with such concerns, Kasten said the promotion of patriotism is ultimately good.

He said, “I hope everyone has a good attitude and embraces the patriotism of the law. We should be happy about America.”

Feature

The Squall Page 4 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

Common Core brings changes for 2014 Morgan Van Hoof, Cameron LaFontaine News editor, editor-in-chief

diplomas in Illinois and different from Iowa. The states didn’t necessarily require the same courses.”

In light of this situation, two big national groups formed: PARC and Smarter Balanced. Michigan and 24 other states are in a consortium with Smarter Balanced.

Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, schools fully Smarter Balanced created the Common Core State implement the Common Core Curriculum.

Standards, and when Michigan adopts them in the 2014The CCSS is a nationwide curriculum movement in 45 2015 school year, the curriculum will be recognized as the states and three American territories. Smarter Balanced, a statewide law for education in Michigan. state-led assessment association, is leading the movement of While the CCSS will bring many changes to the Common Core curriculum into schools across 25 of these curriculum, Moran said it will be for the better. states including Michigan.

“There will be much more focused teaching for kids,” he According to Principal Kit Moran, the Common Core said. “For most teachers, we like that. Most teachers would State Standards, in general, will represent less breadth rather not move full speed and spend more time studying a of curriculum and more in-depth learning. This means subject or topic to make sure that we know kids know the students will not have to be responsible for learning as many subject before they leave.” unique concepts, but they will need to understand certain Also according to Moran, concepts in more detail. many classes will have to cut Moran also said the sections out of their normal 1. Increase depth of learning for students content required under teaching, a term he calls 2. Allow more time for teachers to make sure their students the Common Core is fairly “selective abandonment.” He rigorous. Students will need really know what they are learning before moving on said the problem with the to not only know information 3. Testing will allow for modifications to be made according to current curriculum is that but be able to explain it, apply many students aren’t able to students’ understanding it and solve problems in new grasp the concepts.

4. More Application of knowledge rather than just “having ways using the knowledge and “We need to get better at skills they learn and develop. knowledge” seeing where all students are “There will basically be so we know where they are at 5. New standards for: English/Language, Arts, Math, Literacy seismic shifts in education what time, so we can modify in History, Social Studies, Science, Technical Subjects of when things are taught,” our instruction accordingly,” 6. Includes more non-fiction reading. Combine traditional Moran said. “Some things may he said. science subjects together. Math classes will include more be taught earlier or some later.

And there are other The depth of the way things writing. Students can explain answers so their teacher will challenges with the Common are taught will be changing, as Core that can create stress be able to understand why they may have gotten it wrong. there will be much more depth among teachers according to 7.

Changes in Testing: Change from Summative Assessments and less breadth.”

Curriculum Coordinator Jeff to Formative Assessments. This means that there will be The transfer of responsibility Dagg. for learning and thinking more testing throughout a chapter to periodically check on “Aligned resources, about the content will also fall such as text books, student’s understanding which allows teachers to either largely on the shoulders of the instructional tools and reteach subject or speed up. Electronic testing will be more students, Moran said. assessments are lagging common And the need for students behind the standards,” Dagg to think about what they know, said. “This makes educators what they don’t know and how Common Core Goals from ccs.org uncomfortable. The they can use the information standards define what a they have learned will be college and career ready critical in the CCSS according student should be able to to Superintendent Mary Marshall. do but do not offer guidance to teachers as to how to get “Some teachers will need to make adjustments to their students to that point.” instructional and assessment practices to represent the While the curriculum affects many classes, Moran says deeper thinking required in the Common Core and to IB and AP classes will not fundamentally change as much as assure the students are using formative assessments to set other classes. In fact, the curriculum will actually resemble goals for their learning,” Marshall said.

IB classes in many ways he said.

In 2006 the only required high school course was “In my opinion CCSS is very IB-like,” Moran said.

American Government. In 2006, driven by Gov. Jennifer “When kids see the Common Core, they’ll say that it Granholm, state businesses and departments of commerce, looks like an IB class. There’s much more emphasis on the Michigan Merit Curriculum was established. application and in depth learning.”

This more rigorous, statewide curriculum was According to Dagg, CCSS was created for all ages to established because, according to Moran, there were too prepare students for later opportunities including future many unbalanced curriculums around Michigan. education and career options.

“In many districts, like Dexter, we already had a rigorous “The standards are designed as a K-12 progression,” he curriculum,” Moran said. “We already did have high said. “Teachers throughout the district are collaborating expectations for our students. But other districts did not in new ways so that students will have an ever-deepening have as rigorous curriculums, which resulted in diplomas in base of knowledge and skills to prepare them for college some districts not being worth as much as diplomas in other and careers. districts. So we worked our way through, raising the bar for But for Moran the biggest change the CCSS brings is students and adding rigor. We made it uniform around the the way it challenges students’ learning and induces more state of Michigan. But across the country, governors were concentration as it enforces not just knowledge but talking about diplomas in Michigan being different from

Sample Common Core question about gas bills, heating degree days and energy efficiency

Sample CCS Test Question

Here is a typical story about an Ohio family concerned with saving money and energy by better insulating their house.

Kevin and Shana Johnson’s mother was surprised by some very high gas heating bills during the winter months of 2007. To improve the energy efficiency of her house, Ms. Johnson found a contractor who installed new insulation and sealed some of her windows.

He charged her $600 for this work and told her he was pretty sure that her gas bills would go down by “at least 10 percent each year.” Since she had spent nearly $1,500 to keep her house warm the previous winter, she expected her investment would conserve enough energy to save at least $150 each winter (10% of $1,500) on her gas bills.

Ms. Johnson’s gas bill in January 2007 was $240. When she go the bill for January 2008, she was stunned that the new bill was $235. If the new insulation was going to save only $5 each month, it was going to take a very long time to earn back the $600 she had spent.

So she called the insulation contractor to see if he had an explanation for what might have gone wrong. The contractor pointed out that the month of January had been very cold this year and that the rates had gone up from last year. He said her bill was probably at least 10% less than it would have been without the new insulation and window sealing.

Ms. Johnson compared her January bill from 2008 with her January bill from 2007. She found out that she had used 200 units of heat in January of 2007 and was charged $1.20 per unit (total = $240). In 2008, she had used 188 units of heat but was charged $1.25 per unit (total = $235) because gas prices were higher in 2008.

She found out that the average temperature in Ohio in January 2007 had been 32.9 degrees, and in January of 2008, the average temperature was more than 4 degrees colder, 28.7 degrees. Ms. Johnson realized she was doing well to have used less energy (188 units versus 200 units) especially in a month when it had been colder than the previous year.

Since she used gas for heating only, Ms. Johnson wanted a better estimate of the savings due to the additional insulation and window sealing. She asked Kevin and Shana to look into whether the “heating degree days” listed on the bill might provide some insight.

application.

“We don’t want kids to just comprehend,” Moran said.

“We want them to get to the level of being able to evaluate and analyze. We want kids to not just have knowledge to be able to use the knowledge and apply it.”

Feature

The Squall Page 5 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

Superintendent takes new job Levi Kipke Staff Writer

Photo Credit: Kim Lund IB students including juniors Free Prevost, Mary So and Elise Dombkowski and IB teachers including Beau Kimmey, Al Snider and Maria Vasquez participate in an IB team-building challenge at the beginning of the school year at YMCA Storer Camp.

IB challenges student learning Lauren Kimmel Staff Writer

Each day the first parking spots in the student lot are occupied by the same cars, the cars of zero hour students who participate in IB. These students, including junior Mary So, wake up before dawn and arrive to school an hour early in order to fit all of their required classes. And So said she doesn’t understand why some students and community members express such negative attitudes towards the IB Programme.

“It’s really frustrating that people think IB and AP are so different, So said.

IB, which stands for International Baccalaureate, was founded in 1968. The program is in effect in 3,474 schools in 144 different countries. There are 1,056,000 students in the IB program ranging anywhere from 3 to 19 years of age.

The approval process for the Dexter IB Programme began in 2008. In August 2011 the program was approved by the Board of Education. It was also decided by the board that there will be an evaluation of the program in 2014 prior to reauthorization. Currently there are 26 students working towards becoming an IB diploma candidate, plus 49 students taking at least one IB class. The International Baccalaureate Organization approved DHS as an IB World School on March 15, 2011.

Dexter High School offers 10 IB classes to students, and there will be a vote on whether to add another six classes at the Board of Education meeting on Dec. 3.

According to Dexter’s IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, Kim Lund, “We added IB to the course options to give students more options, similar to consortium, AP or Honors classes.”

This option has been good for So who said the main difference between IB and AP is in the way teachers approach the topics.

“It’s more analytical than other classes,” So said. “It goes more in depth. It helps you practice what you learn and apply it to real-life situations. It makes us think independently.”

For example, a common assignment in an IB class is to read a text and then analyze it in an essay format. IB students have learned to follow the essay structure “PEA” which stands for “Point, Evidence, Analysis.”

Emphasizing critical thinking and applying what you learn is a key component of IB classes, according to Lund. She said a main component of IB is, “What can you do with the knowledge that you have?”

In fact, Amy Olmstead, the IB French/French 5 teacher and one of So’s teachers, said the information learned in the IB program will be able to be applied to everyday life.

“The type of learning is something that will last longer,” she said. “They’re good learning skills and life skills.”

Because of this, Olmstead said she would recommend a student taking IB classes, but the student needs to be one who loves learning and is willing to work hard and to accept that struggle and failure is a part of improving.

So agrees. She said that a student looking to take an IB class

needs to come ready to work.

“You will struggle if you’re not responsible and manage your time” she said.

“My homework schedule is packed. We usually spend 30 minutes for each class.”

Ultimately, So said she is glad she took IB because of her learning style. “I’m the type of person that likes to explore different things and question the facts,” she said. “I like the people, and I like our teachers. They’re fun, funny, laid-back and understanding. But at the same time it’s challenging.”

IB is also a challenge for the IB teachers, but in a different way. According to Olmstead, perhaps the hardest part about teaching an IB class is not being able to assist her students as much as she’d like.

“It’s hard to see my students struggling and not be able to stop and help them,” she said. “I encourage students to get past what we’re doing. I’m helping them the best I can within the IB model.”

In her language class, the IB model requires Olmstead only talk in French for the entire class period. There aren’t any grammar lessons. Instead students read articles and try to find the grammar patterns themselves.

“I’m saying the same things I would in English, but it’s not as effective,” Olmstead said. “Students are much more responsible for their own learning.”

Another difficulty of teaching an IB class, is that it requires more preparation time outside of class, according to Olmstead. It evens out though, she said, because during the class period, the learning is more in the hands of the students.

An example of students taking classes into their own hands, is their “Interactive Oral” assignments. Students will read a book and get questions from the teacher.

From there on, So said, “It’s up to us to come up with all the research.”

The students will then present their findings to the rest of the class, but it’s not the usual presentation.

“While you’re presenting, other people can put in their opinions and comments,” So said. “The teacher can give us comments to guide us, but overall we’re conducting the discussion.”

But this difficulty is a reason why she would recommend others to take IB. She said, “I chose to take IB because I want to seize every opportunity that I am given. It’s a great opportunity to show your potential to colleges and to yourself.”

And according to Lund this was a goal of adding IB to the curriculum. She said the IB program is college-preparatory learning and a highly-respected program.

Olmstead acknowledges that the IB program is different than anything that Dexter has had in the past and that this may be a part of the reason some people criticize the program.

“It’s change, and change is hard to get used to,” she said. “It’s change for teachers, for students and for the people not in IB.”

Superintendent Mary Marshall has resigned her position in the district and taking the job of superintendent and principal of Pentwater Public Schools.

She announced on Oct. 25 that she had entered into contract negotiations with Pentwater.

But the search for a new Dexter superintendent has only just started, accordMary Marshall ing to Board of Education President Larry Cobler.

“At last night’s board meeting, the board voted to bring on a consultant from Michigan Leadership Institute to help us with the process,” he said. “(He) will lead us through a process that encourages input from all stakeholders to help us determine the criteria that everyone in the district and community believes is important for the next superintendent.”

Cobler said he is confident about the district’s ability to cope with the difficulties that will arise due to Marshall’s leaving Dexter.

“Change is always hard, especially when it is new leadership at the top of the organization,” he said. “However, we’ve been through this before, and it has always amazed me how resilient our district is during these times.”

Marshall has been working for the Dexter school district for over 15 years, and in that time has worked as a principal and superintendent.

“I have enjoyed watching students go through the years and then launch into successful careers,” she said. “I am proud to have taken a role in the team who has created a structure that focuses so much on student achievement and the social-emotional growth of students.”

And during her time spent here, she has had a significant impact on the district, according to Cobler.

“It’s easy to think about the last year and recount how (her) leadership in the district and the community during the tornado in March was remarkable and how that leadership demonstrated the caring the district has for all of the community,” he said. “But I believe the greatest influence would be demonstrated by the lives of children that were influenced by her direct teaching and her leadership.”

But soon Marshall will be leaving Dexter. She said before there is a definite time frame for her departure, Cobler and the president of the Pentwater Board of Education will discuss a transition plan that will work best for both districts. The transition will most likely take months, according to Marshall.

She is moving to Pentwater, which has 285 student in the entire district, located on the shore of Lake Michigan, with one building that houses Kindergarten through grade 12. Marshall said she is looking forward to her new job, especially her role as a principal there.

“The position will allow me the opportunity to work directly with students again, something that I miss very much in my current position,” she said.

Working at Pentwater especially appeals to her because of its proximity to Lake Michigan. Marshall said she and her husband had already decided that they wanted to move to Pentwater some time because they wanted to live on the lake.

“To be on the white sands in the summer and to watch the seasonal changes of Lake Michigan has great appeal to us,” she said. “My husband likes to sail, so Pentwater Lake is an ideal location as well.”

However, Marshall said she will miss her time at Dexter.

“I think Dexter is a phenomenal town and an even more special school district,” she said. “We have great kids, great facilities, great staff and an unbelievable community.”

Entertainment

The Squall Page 6 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16 , 2012

Macklemore on the rise Dan Edwards Entertainment Editor

Photo Credit: thecomeupshow.com

Macklemore performs on his current tour which comes to Detroit on Nov. 24

The rap scene in the Pacific Northwest is a No Nosense business with a lot of Swollen Members who are making it big.

If you didn’t get the two references that were just made, it’s time to check out another rapper from the Pacific Northwest; Macklemore.

Macklemore, or Ben Haggerty, comes from Seattle, a city that seems to be producing a lot of new bands and artists over the recent years sprawling over many different genres He released his first EP, titled “Open Your Eyes,” in 2000 under the name Professor Macklemore.

Five years later, after experiencing a Gob Bluth moment of “I’ve made a huge mistake” he dropped the “Professor” from his title, and released his debut album, “The Language of My World,” in January of 2005.

After this album, Macklemore he gained a loyal following in the Seattle area and with critics.

Macklemore constantly addresses topics that are uncomfortable or taboo

in an attempt to cleanse himself of his own personal demons and to help change people’s minds about social issues.

In one of his more popular songs, Same Love, he sings about gay rights and how he is a firm believer in marriage equality: “America the brave still fears what we don’t know ... we paraphrase a book written thirty-fivehundred years ago.”

Macklemore strives to change of the stereotype that rap is just a cacophony of cackling creative cadences of misogyny and drugs. He tries to add depth and meaning to every song to connect with the listener.

His social consciousness keeps his fans such as senior Ava Obrecht pleased.

“The way he presents his ideas and emotions are far superior to many artists today. It’s why I like him so much”.

In 2010, he teamed up with producer Ryan Lewis and released an EP called the “Vs. Redux EP,” featuring a song with a beat from The Red Hot Chili Peppers called the “Otherside.”

This song put Macklemore at

“Internet famous” status.

But it wasn’t until 2012 that Macklemore gained national popularity when he released the song “Thrift Shop” off his new album, “The Heist,” inspires people to live a Rob Goulet lifestyle on a Kevin Federline income.

His new album released on Oct. 9, peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 top albums list.

The song “Can’t Hold Us” was used in a Miller beer ad in UK and Ireland in June 2012, which really boosted his popularity in Europe. And the track “Jimmy Lovine” featured respected California rapper Ab-Soul opened Macklemore up to a tougher crowd.

On Sept. 19 he started a 63stop world tour, and on Nov. 24, Macklemore makes his return to Michigan where he plays at a sold-out St. Andrews Hall in Detroit.

Obrecht, who is planning to go with her friends is excited because she hears that he puts on amazing live performances.

“I’m beyond excited,” she said.

“It’s sold out and is going to be a huge crowd with a lot of energy.”

Popular fall TV shows THE SQUALL’S TOP TEN 1. How I Met Your Mother

Parmeda Sokansanj Staff Writer

1

2. Breaking Bad 3. The Office 4. Workaholics 5. The Walking Dead

2

6. Psych 7. Key & Peele 8. Modern Family 9. Big Bang Theory 10. 30 Rock Based on a survey of 45 students

3

“The Walking Dead”- This television series is about a sheriff’s deputy who awakes from a coma to find the world has been overtaken by “walkers,” who greatly resemble zombies. The show follows his journey to find his family.

Along the way he meets other survivors, and together they learn how to defend themselves against the walkers and they continue the fight to stay alive. Oct. 15 was the season 3 premiere.

“How I Met Your Mother”- Is a television sitcom that premiered in 2005. The show is set in Manhattan and follows the lives of the main character Ted Mosby and his friends’ lives. The show is based on the future Ted telling his children the story of how he met their mother, all the while recounting the events that happened along the way, and the many possibilities of who she could’ve been.

“The Big Bang Theory”- This television series keeps up with the lives of four socially awkward friends and their friend Penny who has all of the social skills they lack. The humor comes from the boys’ geekiness and above average intellect. *These five shows above based on student survey

5

“Workaholics”- This television sitcom first premiered on April 6 2011 on Comedy Central. The show follows three college dropouts who work at a telemarketing company and have continued to live together. The three main characters are portrayed by Blake Anderson, Adam Devine and Anders Holm. The boys keep up with their college habits and behaviors while giving the audience “Pretty Little Liars”- This show is about four friends who come together to try and solve the mystery behind the murder of their best friend. Along the way the girls are forced into dangerous and twisted situations that trap them in a web of their own lies. The

Save the dateHIP HOP MASTER CLASS with KJ!

Michigan Academy of Dance & Music is pleased to announce a very special Master Class with our longtime friend and creative colleague, Kenny Jimenez - aka KJ. Now the Entertainment and Dance Director for the Detroit Pistons Dancers and all of the Palace Entertainment Crews, KJ is coming to Michigan Academy of Dance & Music, for his ONLY 2012 master class in Michigan!

Two workshops on Sunday December 2nd— (all levels welcome) Ages 7-12 1:30-2:30pm $25 Ages 13-17/Adults 18+ 2:30-4:15pm $30

Open to the public, but limited spaces are available - Register Today!

Call 734.426.8636 to reserve your spot!

Michigan Academy of Dance & Music || 7035 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd || Dexter www.academydanceandmusic.com || 734.426.8636 ||info@dexterdance.com

Sports

The Squall Page 7 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

Fall sports seasons on the recap

Noah Mellifont & Zac Sharp Staff Writers

Football

Photo Credit: Alex Elliott, Andrew Milkey, Casey Hanson, Katie Vontom, Miranda Mors, Nate Nuttle, Nikki Katcher, Rachel Spencer, Aubrey Whitley

Womens Golf Record last year:3-6 Record this year:1-8 Senior Andy McWilliams: “ We did not start the way we wanted to, but the team worked very hard and we finished on a high note.”

Womens Cross Country

Second in SECs, second in Regionals and 12th in States

Nils Valdmanis

Mens Tennis

Womens Volleyball Regular season: 11-1 Lost to Skyline in district semifinal

Regular season: 9-0 SEC champions Senior Anthony Quail: “It was the best season we’ve had as a team and we were one point away from making states. Our team worked hard and did well as a whole.”

Womens Swimming

Eden Krull

Claire Stetten

Regular season: 5-2 Finished Sixth in the State

Senior Megan Flocken: “Great season, everyone put in a lot of hard work, we did really well even though our team was made up of new players.”

Emma Miller

Senior Max Merriman: “We had a young team, but we still exceeded our goals as a team.”

Michael Garcia

Sophomore Kate Rodgers: “This season our team grew and our new members learned how to have fun and be part of the equastrian team.”

Placed 12th in State

Junior Josie Dusack: “It was a struggle coming into the season with a new coach, but we got the work done and won the conference.”

Mens Water Polo

SEC champs. 15 years in a row Senior Callie Swan: “The season went well, there is a lot of young talent coming up. We have more girls on our state team this year, so we hope to have a big impact on states.”

Womens Field Hockey Equestrian

Megan McCarthy and Neena Pio

“We had a pretty good season and an anticlimactic ending.”

Alexey Vermeulen

Record last year:10-7-3 Record this year:19-5-3 Made it to the state semifinals this year Sophomore Cory Poirer: “We made it a lot further than people thought we would and proved a lot of people wrong”

Senior Joe Wendorf:

Dani Schlaff

Sophomore Paige O’Piela: “The season was really positive with our new coach, because she had great energy and new ideas for the team. We became a family through team bonding.”

Mens Soccer

Placed 8th in States

Senior Courtney Stewart: “We achieved our goal of making it to states as a team, and we are now a family.”

Placed 23rd in State

Alison McLean

Mens Cross Country

Spread

The Squall Page 8 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

The Squall Page 9 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

Overwhelming Despair While depression may seem misunderstood, ignoring it won’t make it go away

Alarming statistics

1 in 10

adults are depressed

19%

Scott Rogers & Carolin Schade

What to do if you’re depressed: Talk to a friend OR TRUSTED ADULT If you believe that you are suffering from depression or have suicidal thoughts, confide in a close friend or responsible adult that who help get you the help and support you need.

Here are the steps to take if you are approached by a friend who is depressed or suicidal: • • • •

Look for symptoms in your friend’s behavior Take them seriously Chances are this issue is too complex for you to fixtherefore you must seek out professional help Talk to adults- many trustworthy teachers and counselors are available to you

Use your resources These hotlines can be used for seeking help: • • •

National Helpline Network - 1-800-784-2433 National Suicide Prevention Life Line - 1-800-273-TALK Youth American Hotline- Counseling for teens by teens - 1-877-468-8454

These websites can also be used: • • Online emotional support - www.crisischat.org • www.depressionsymptoms101.com/depressionstatistics • www.suicide hotlines.com/michigan.html source: Michigan suicide and and crisis hotlines

the slightest event to push her over the edge.

“The littlest things, like anything can trigger it,” she said. “People being rude, people bullying, even if someone just She isn’t thinking about the pain it may cause. She isn’t think- says one little thing.” ing about the months she may have to spend in the hospital. She There are many treatments available to address depression isn’t thinking about spending her school days working alone to like this sophomore faces, according to Dr. Patricia Deldin, a make up for lost time.

University of Michigan psychology professor. But Deldin addAfter coming so close to death three times already, there is ed that 30 percent of people with depression do not receive any only one thought going through her head: she can’t take it any- treatment at all. more.

“People shouldn’t be embarrassed or ashamed to find help, A sophomore girl at DHS agreed to be interviewed under and if they get treatment, we can help them a lot,” Deldin said. the condition that The Squall does not use her name. On the “Treating it early can have really positive effects.” outside, this sophomore appears a normal teenage girl, going Holmes, though, said it is the depressed person’s belief that through high school just like everyone else. Few would guessed others will judge them that prevents them from seeking help. she has tried to commit suicide four times, and been hospitalized She said, “Kids are afraid of being judged if they took medicaon three of these occasions. tion; they think they’d be called psycho.”

“I realized I had depression when it got to the point I’d tried This isn’t the case with the sophomore girl, though. Since her killing myself and ended up in the hospital,” she said about her first suicide attempt, she has sought help through counseling and first suicide attempt, where she tried to overdose on her mother’s medication. She takes the drug Lexapro every day, but the drawsleeping pills. back to this drug is skipping doses.

This student isn’t alone, either.

“I didn’t take it for two days and I went nuts,” she said. “I had Many high school students struggle with depression on a day- a mental breakdown.” to-day basis and depression is often much more serious than She has participated in countless hours of counseling, and she most would assume, according to counselor Gerry Holmes. has reached out to friends and family as well; however, she says at “The numbers are higher than people might think,” Holmes times it is difficult to find someone to talk to. said regarding the escalating number of Dexter teens with de“There’s some people that I wouldn’t mind knowing, but pression. some people won’t keep their mouth shut,” she said. “You just According to Holmes, depression among teens don’t think anyone cares, even if they tell you may fall into three categories: mild, moderate or sethey do.” vere.

She also said some people can be more judgYou just don’t Students who suffer from mild depression are mental than helpful. She is bothered and conthink anyone able to get through the school day, but will often feel fused when people will ask her what type of irritable, agitated and down. depression she has or why her suicide attempts cares, even if Moderate depression includes eating or sleeping didn’t work. they tell you disorders along with a feeling of despair. Kids who Although she eventually made full recoveries suffer from moderate depression find it difficult to after each attempt, she would often spend months they do. become excited. at a time in the hospital after having her stomach Severe depression becomes debilitating, making pumped. students unable to take care of themselves. It is ofSpending so much time in the hospital caused ten the gateway to suicide. her to fall behind on her class work.

So why the uptick in depressed teens at DHS? She is currently catching up using online classes, separated Holmes said the bad economic situation of the past few years from the rest of the school for the entire day, except for lunch. may have some effect.

Because of her unique predicament, she is considering switchIt has put many families in poor financial positions and Hol- ing to Pinckney schools next semester. mes said this can result in less money spent for fun and also lead Pinckney offers a special program where students have four to a major stress among teens: their parents’ divorce. hour days with no school on Friday and take all of their classes While this sophomore said the cause of her depression isn’t online. rooted in one area, years of bullying have certainly contributDespite these attempts at positive change, Deldin said it’s imed. Even today, she said she is made fun of because of her weight, portant to be aware that depression is a serious condition, and height and looks. that it can affect someone for their whole life if it is not treated.

Most of the time it is teasing and name calling, but she said “Depression affects every aspect of a person’s life,” she said. people sometimes throw things at her.

Also, according to Deldin, 50 percent of teens with depresShe has, since her first attempt at suicide, nearly hung herself sion will also have to deal with it as adults. but stepped away and severely cut herself instead, resulting in Going through depression is no walk in the park. Even with further hospitalization. the treatment and counseling this sophomore girl still finds it Most recently, she attempted to overdose again. She had to difficult to get up and face the day, every day. have her stomach pumped. Again.

She said, “The hardest thing is trying to make it through the After dealing with depression every day, she said it takes only day without freaking out.”

Staff Writers

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of teens will experience symptoms of depression by the time they reach adulthood

Who tends to be most depressed • • • •

Persons 45-64 years of age Women Minorities Persons with less than a high school education • Persons who have been previously married • Individuals unable to work or who are unemployed

source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and TeenDepression.org

steps towards progress New Michigan Anti-Bullying Law Many cases of depression in teens can be associated with bullying in school. To combat this problem, Governor Rick Snyder signed an anti-bullying law on Dec. 6, 2011. Here are some of basics of the law: • All public, intermediate, and charter schools must implement an anti-bullying policy • Bullying of classmates is prohibited • Retaliation against a victim or witness of bullying is prohibited • All bullying is equally prohibited • A basic procedure must be outlined as to who students should talk to and how the bullying problem will be solved • It encourages programs that will form anti-bullying groups, require staff training for solving problems and educational programs for families • Does not include an exception for religion-based bullying

Hillaker’s death a result of depression Caroline Schade, Scott Rogers Staff Writer

Described by her parents Todd and Nancy as self-motivated, self-disciplined, thoughtful and caring, Faith Hillaker was considered a model child growing up.

However, in the fall of 2009 she began to develop anorexia as a coping method to deal with the a series of deaths in her family.

What was thought by her counselors to be a phase, turned into years of struggling with depression, ending with her suicide on Aug. 20, 2012.

Faith had been receiving treatment for anorexia since the fall of 2009 through both counseling and medication. However, both proved ineffective according to her mother, likely because she was so good at hiding how she was feeling.

“I think one of the keys with her struggles was that she hid them very well. She didn’t want people to know,” Nancy said.

And Nancy said Faith was able to withhold her signs of depression from medical professionals too.

Nancy said she was told by a doctor, “‘I do not think (Faith) is depressed.’”

But despite her greatest efforts, Faith’s parents said they did notice the shifts in her attitude and became concerned she was dealing with more than just anorexia.

“It became apparent while she was wellnourished, that she was struggling with other things,” Nancy said.

Faith’s parents both said they understood the seriousness of Faith’s situation, since they had read research that says one in five cases of anorexia result in death.

“We took it serious from the start,” Nancy said.

Photo Credit: Nancy Hillaker

They tried medication for Faith, but she didn’t like that. Nancy said, “She didn’t want help. She wanted to do things on her own.”

In addition, Nancy said she and her husband were very careful as to how they handled the situation. They were certain it was not a good idea to leave her alone.

“She was not left alone. She was considered very high risk.”

But being careful could only go so far. On Aug. 20, a day Nancy said “seemed like any other day,” a miscommunication resulted in Faith getting home earlier than her parents had expected. She was alone at home when she made the choice to take her own life.

Looking back, Faith’s parents don’t blame anyone for her death, saying there was only so much anyone could do.

“Faith had her mind set on how she was gonna do things,” Nancy said. “Our prayer is that Faith’s life will touch other people’s lives. Our only request: keep praying for us.”

Interactive Spread

The Squall Page 10 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

Match the baby picture

Can you recognize these tykes from their early days? We even threw a teacher in for good measure.

A

B

C

D

E

1

2

3

4

5

Thomas “#GingerSwag” McWilliams Freshman

Jon “J-Dog Black” Leblanc Sophomore

KEY: A-4, B-1, C-5, D-3, E-2

THE FIVE BY FIVE

Ben Bruetsch, Luke Hannah, & Mitch Kimball Staff Writers Sam “Big Baby G” Gravel Junior

Brandon “#NoSwag” Bellottie Senior

Dwight “Beet-Master” Schrute

1.) Rate your swag level from 1 to 10 and say why.

Eleven, because I have lots of swag. It’s overflowing so it’s more than 10.

One, because I just have nothing.

I don’t know if I have swag.

I just dress extremely fashionable. Swag is so last year.

“Swag” is a made-up concept, as such it cannot be measured with a number. Don’t waste my time with pointless questions.

Study up. Take notes.

Shower in beet juice.

No, I can’t. I’m not creative.

Well I am proficient in both English and Dothraki. So I guess that answer depends on which race of people you are talking about.

S--- shower, shave!

Shower, brush my teeth, turn my swag on!

Check to make sure Moze didn’t run off again.

Rhetorical question, take a lap!

It’s something I deal with every day.

Didn’t I tell you not to waste my time?

One-thousand, because, well, look at me. I’m flippin’ sexy.

2.) Do you have any advice for the readers on how to look so good? (laughing) I don’t know. Wear moccasins every day. Be a ginger.

Don’t look or do anything like me.

You could never look as good as me.

3.) You can walk the walk, but can you talk the talk?

Yes. I’ve got swag.

No, I don’t have the skills to do that.

F--- yeah!

4.) When you wake up in the morning what is the first I don’t know. Go to the bathroom?

Turn my swag off

5.) How hard do you try to look Swagalicious?

Not hard at all. It comes naturally.

I try really hard, yet I always fail.

Interactive Spread

Q&A

The Squall Page 11 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

WithForeignExchangeStudentAlexisBarberio

Q: What do you think about the bicameral composition of the Legislative branch of the Federal Government A: What, seriously? That’s tennis? It’s good, yah.

Q: Do you feel unstimulated with the lack of student diversity at Dexter High School A: What? What is this? No. There is a lot of diversity in this school.

Q: What do you think about IB/AP classes A: I don’t know who is best, but people in this school prefer AP. I enjoy the war between AP/IB.

Q: What is your favorite genre of contemporary music?

A: Every time in every question there is one word I don’t understand. What is genre? I like old school U.S. rap.

Q: Are you pleased with the Tiger’s performance in the ALCS? A: For the ALCS yes, but for the World Series no. I bought a Tigers sweatshirt.

A: What is the best part of America?

A: Girls.

Are You Smarter Than A Freshman?

Hannah Ruble

Olivia Vollmers

1. I have no idea.

Wait, actually. No, I’m not gonna say that. (laughs)

1. I know this. πr^2. Let me think about this.

Multiply it by h, so just πr^2h.

1. Um. The volume of a 1. 1/3πr^2 cone. Is that like, this is embarrassing. Do freshman even know this?

2. Dec. 9, 19. uh.

2. Oh this is easy. Dec. 7. Right?

2. Dec. 4, 1970.

2. No idea. I’m not a history person at all. 1940s or ‘50s.

3. What is with these questions.

Like what is this for?

3. It’s formed from magma.

3. This is BS! Isn’t that like blue? No that’s indigo.

3. A rock cooled from magma or lava.

4. Um. I’m trying to remember what that book was about.

4. Uh, racism in the south. What else was it?

I love that book. There was something bigger than just racism. Boo Radley.

4. A little girl named 4. Oh God. Oh it’s.

Boo? Isn’t it to not be Isn’t it to believe in racist or something? yourself or something? Or try hard?

I don’t know.

Drew Richardson 1. Time for a little math.

What is the formula for the volume of a cone?

Answer: 1/3π * r^2 * h

2. Now onto history, what is the date the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor?

We all remember that kid who says, “This lesson is pointless.” Was he right? We decided to investigate his claims. We chose four core topics from freshman year: math, history, science and English. Selecting four seniors to see if they retained the information they were taught, we obtained interesting results.

Answer: Dec. 7, 1941

3. Earth Science: Define an igneous rock Answer: Rock formed by the solidification of molten magma.

4. What is the underlying theme in “To Kill a Mockingbird?”

Answer: The existence of social inequality, the coexistence of good and evil and the importance of moral education.

Barrett Bryson

Opinion

The Squall Page 12 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

Features editor Aman-Van Mandair

Staff Writer Jacob Rich

Flipped classrooms provide quality educational alternative With modern technology improving and becoming more integrated into everyday lives, it is no surprise that education is moving in a more computerized and online direction.

Many high schools and colleges have switched to a “flipped classroom” model, where the lessons are taught through online videos, and class time is used as a homework and study session. But is this method of teaching is as effective as the traditional, in-class method?

Yes and no. Like any other educational tool, the system has both pros and cons. In this case, these seem to counterbalance each other.

The most important benefit of this system is that it individualizes learning and allows students to learn the material at his or her own pace. Students can rewind and pause videos, and slower students don’t have to worry about holding the rest of the class back.

This also works very well for students who have been absent and have missed lessons in class, as they can just go back to one of the previous videos and learn the concept whenever they want. They don’t have to go to the teacher to learn it.

At Dexter High School math teacher Dewey Scott is one teacher who has switched to a “flipped classroom” system where concepts are taught at home on video sites, such as Youtube, and “homework” is done in class.

Many students in his classes have complemented them for this freedom in pacing, such as senior Brendyn Smith, an A.P. Calculus student, who said, “It gives students a little more flexibility to learn the material, and if you are having trouble, you can go back to the videos and relearn things.”

Another benefit is the system allows teachers to use class time to reinforce the material and help students with concepts they are confused about. It also allows teachers to supervise students while they are doing homework and answer homework questions immediately.

This system also potentially reduces behavioral problems in classes caused by slower students who are struggling to keep up with the rest of the class and act out in frustration.

In addition, there are statistics from other schools in Michigan that support the use of flipped classrooms.

Clintondale High School, near Detroit, for example, started using this system in 2008 and has had great success.

Before using the system, 44 percent of its freshmen students failed math and 50 percent of them failed English. After the “flip,” however, only 13 percent of freshmen failed math and 19 percent failed English. In addition, the number of discipline cases decreased from 736 in the first semester when there was no flipped classroom to 249 in the second semester when the system was first used.

Despite these benefits, however, the flipped classroom system also has its drawbacks. For instance, while

Flipped classroom benefits •Teachers can create educationally entertaining videos to capture student attention instead of having students absorb through text books and homework problems.

•Students receive instant feedback in class as they are problem solving.

•Students are not as frustrated because they can ask questions immediately and work through confusion. Teachers can revisit concepts that trip-up students and reform the pace of the lesson plan based on feedback.

•Teachers can offer more one-on-one time.

Source: http://sciencemuse.com/2012/03/15/are-you-flipped-about-the-flipped-classroom/

students are assigned videos, they may not watch them or may be more distracted by the Internet. Because of this, students may not retain the information and may struggle when a test comes.

To account for this, Scott devised a “video check” system that occasionally quizzes students on a video lesson from the previous night in order to see who has been watching the videos.

Another con is not everyone learns best through a computer screen. While the video system may work for the majority of students, it inevitably leads to a struggle for students who don’t learn well visually.

And what about the students who don’t have a computers at home? This creates a dilemma for many students in flipped classrooms. The system can only work in more well-off school districts where most families have a computer and Internet access.

Finally, the largest drawback is that the video lessons is, in effect, homework. Although a video lesson can be only 20 or 30 minutes long, it can stretch out far longer if the concept is difficult and a student is constantly rewinding or pausing the video to understand it.

For students who have difficult course loads and are heavily involved in extracurriculars, like drum major and senior Anthony Quail, this can be problematic.

“I’m committed in band to the point where I have to practice each day, and my after school band practice can go up to two hours,” Quail said. “These videos just add extra homework time, and on days where I get back home late, have to practice for band, and still have other homework to complete, this presents a serious problem.”

Despite its flaws, the flipped classroom holds promise for improving educational standards, and if refined, could potentially increase U.S. competition against educational powerhouses like South Korea, India and China.

Ultimately, whether students like the system or not, it represents the future of education, which will inevitably become more infused with technology every year.

Teachers shouldn’t test on Jewish holy days I celebrated Yom Kippur, often considered the most significant Jewish holiday, on Tuesday, Sept. 25.

Yom Kippur is known as the day of atonement, a holiday during which Jews are meant to reflect on the way they’ve lived their life over the past year and contemplate self-improvement.

While the holiday technically begins at sundown, my family has traditionally celebrated the morning before, going to the river and saying prayers and reading essays about philosophy and morality.

Unfortunately, this tradition is often marred by academia.

Dexter, as well as almost all public schools, has no change in schedule to accommodate observant Jewish students who cannot attend school on Jewish Holidays.

I’m growing increasingly frustrated with this societal norm.

This year, I left school during third hour to observe my traditional ceremony at the river with my family. Unfortunately, I forgot to let the school know I was leaving. This led to a number of problems including a conflict with my math teacher about my lack of responsibility in reporting my absence on a test day.

While the teacher in question was right-he was speaking about responsibility regardless of religion- it led me to consider whether the very fact that I had to call myself in was even appropriate or necessary.

Christian students don’t have to call themselves in on Christmas or Easter. Why should Jewish students have to call themselves in on their religious holidays?

I’ve spoken to a number of Jewish students, and the general consensus is that the most convenient option for both the students and teachers would be a rule to require teachers to avoid testing on major Jewish Holidays.

One student, senior Emily Rosenzweig, said she used to miss out on holiday celebrations because she instead decided to attend school for important tests.

“I used to leave school for the holidays in middle school, but it’s been too hard in high school. My freshman year, I failed a test because I didn’t have time to study for it on Yom Kippur,” Rosenzweig said.

Junior Havah Roussel, who does leave school for Jewish holidays, said that it would be “fantastic” if the district adopted a policy forbidding teachers from giving tests on major Jewish holy days.

She said, “I wouldn’t have to worry about missing a test and then trying to study when I get home from services. You’re not supposed to study on Jewish Holidays unless it’s the Torah, so it’s hard.”

Reallly what it comes down to is it’s not enough for the school to allow Jewish students to leave school to be observant.

As evidenced by Rosenzweig and Roussel, it’s inconvenient and unfair for Jewish students to have to make up tests they missed.

Of course, it’s also unfair to not make Jewish students take tests that they would miss. So the best option the district has is to encourage teachers not to test on these important days.

What would be the harm in that?

Editorial

The Squall Page 13 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

Our view

Money spent on IB could be better used elsewhere AP classes have been the traditional choice for Dexter students looking for a rigorous course load, but IB is the new kid on the block. IB offers a multitude of great things to students looking for an alternative way of learning, but at what cost? It’s too soon to tell.

So far, we have spent tens of thousands of dollars on IB. There’s an IB coordinator, training of IB teachers, conferences and IB supplies to pay for, and of course, the stamp of approval from the International Baccalaureate Programme itself. It’s that extra “e” at the end of “Programme” that costs the big bucks. Ten thousand dollars for that extra letter. But what does that extra letter get us?

We don’t know. But what we do know is AP scores in our district are great, kids in AP classes are successful, teachers like AP classes and so do colleges looking at student transcripts.

AP may be equivalent to the comfort food of advanced courses at Dexter, but what’s wrong with sticking to a program we know and can guarantee will give us the results we are looking for? Nothing.

But there is something wrong with putting so much emphasis on a program that we don’t know the future effects of.

This year, 49 students are enrolled within the IB Programme, 26 of which are diploma candidates. Those 26 students are undoubtedly intelligent and thinking about their futures.

But ultimately IB is not worth it. Not worth the cost, not worth separating students and not worth the possibility of the district not being able to pay for other programs down the road due to the high costs associated with IB, especially when IB and AP are virtually identical when it comes to getting a student accepted to a good university or college. In fact, according to the IB website, the only two universities that value IB courses over AP credits are Brown and Nebraska State.

Also legislators in New Hampshire and Minnesota have written bills to outlaw the IB Programme because of its anti-American qualities and the fact that they say it promotes a United Nations agenda. That may sound extreme, but it’s still true.

It’s almost impossible for a student to receive an IB diploma. There are countless districts across the nation that have had IB for years, with little to no IB diplomas to show for it including Coure D’Lene, Idaho, Redondo Beach, California, Bow, New Hampshire, Incline Valley, Nevada and Mequon, Wisconsin.

There are, of course, good things about IB. It offers a different kind of learning environment to students. It’s great if your parents are deciding to pick up and move to France

Illustration Credit: Drew Daugherty

or China. It’s great if you want to go into film or study broader subjects than those offered by regular courses. It allows students to dig deeper into subjects, straight to the core. These are all great qualities, but they’re not a necessity within an already-quality district.

We are spending too much money, too much time and too many of our precious resources to provide a small number of students with an education already comparable to AP. In this economy, we cannot afford to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a few students.

We may have been able to afford this program when it was first proposed by then-Superintendent Rob Glass. But when he left so did most of our funding and in swept the recession. Times have changed, and it’s time to fall back on core values and systems that we know will deliver.

Ultimately we are fine keeping IB, but we must also not let it affect other programs that were here first. AP, Consortium and Special Education are already well-established programs in the district that deserve just as much time and money as we have given IB over the past few years.

Pay to Participate has skyrocketed while we have continued to pump thousands of dollars into IB. We aren’t getting more teachers. We aren’t getting new books. But don’t worry, we will be spending money to buy supplies and train teachers for the six new IB classes we may have next year.

When we look at other things the district could have spent money on instead, this is just another example of where IB takes time and resources from other programs that could benefit more than just a mere handful of students.

Editors’ Vote

IB......................................0

AP................................... 12 Not Present...............0

Which program do you think provides a better education, AP or IB? “I think IB

provides a better education because people have said it is harder.”

-Nick Winston, freshman

“IB classes are a more connected learning experience than the AP classes.”

Sophia Bryson, sophomore

“IB classes are better because it is a different learning style and prepares you for college classes and real world experiences.”

-Ben Spuller, junior

“I like the AP program better because one, I haven’t done IB, and I think that AP offers a lot of prep for colleges.”

-Libby Guise, senior

Get Involved

The Squall Page 14 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

Faith in Action goes the extra mile during the holidays Other ways to help There are many ways Dexter students can get involved in helping out those less fortunate. Below are some ways clubs at school are working to make things better for those in and around the community.

Leo’s Club and Student Council: •Stuff the Bus •Nov. 10-18 at Busch’s •Bring non-perishable food Key Club: •Food Drive •Nov. 19-21 at Dexter High School •Bring non-perishable food Turkey Trot: •Donations for Children’s Health •Nov. 10 at Dexter’s Hudson Mills at 9 a.m.

•$4 of each admission entry will go to UM Project Healthy Schools and CFC Fit Kid Champions Program Faith in Action: •Thanksgiving Baskets for families in Dexter, Chelsea •Nov. 16 and 19, donate nonperishable foods •Nov. 20 distribution from 9 a.m.

- 4 p.m. at the Chelsea Hospital campus

Visit us @ dhssqualler and like us on Facebook!

Kaitlyn Eekhoff Staff Writer She is a widowed woman in her 60s living in the Washtenaw County area. She lost her husband to cancer. She quit her job to support him. She now supports her grandchildren with her social security check.

Shirley, who agreed to be interviewed only if we didn’t use her real name, would not have survived without the help that Faith In Action provides.

FIA is a community-supported, faith-based center that lends a helping hand to those in need of assistance and resources. It was founded in 1980 and is now a very broad organization according to Nancy Paul who has been FIA’s Executive Director for nine years. It is the largest emergency service provider in western Washtenaw County.

Housed in a small building on Grand Street in Dexter, FIA helps struggling families whether it is a holiday or not.

And while for many the holiday season brings feelings of love, warmth and food, for Shirley’s family, Thanksgiving was just another day where there may or may not have been a meal on the table. But FIA changed that.

“To be able to have a Thanksgiving meal, and to have the warmth I feel when I come in and see how much FIA helps people is the biggest thing,” Shirley said.

FIA has not only changed her life, but also the lives of her two grandchildren. These grandchildren live with her since their father, who is also a single parent, travels for work. While the children are a great sense of comfort to ease the loneliness, according to Shirley, the situation is also an expensive one, and she cannot find a job that pays well.

“I’m getting older, and my options to get better are limited,” she said. “If I’m getting back on track, I’m for sure the caboose. You never know someone’s circumstances so don’t judge them.”

Even though her situation seems hopeless, she said FIA provides her and her family with more than just food and clothing; they give her the peace of mind that comes with knowing that someone else cares.

“My size is hard to fit, and I got what I needed,” she said. “When I don’t have enough food, I know I have someplace I can go. When my bills get overboard, FIA has helped me out. I’ve been saved multiple times to help keep my electricity on.”

Shirley may not have a lot of options for improving her lifestyle, but FIA has helped to sustain her during

“

the hard times.

“They’ve been a tremendous help, and they’ve always been there for me,” she said. “It’s been scary, and they’ve given me the faith that I’ll get by. They probably have one of the biggest hearts for giving. Some people who have everything don’t have a heart for others, but those with a big heart give their money and their leftover clothes, etc. They have the humanity to think of others.”

So while Shirley is indebted to FIA, Paul said it is Shirley’s story is an inspiration to her and others.

“I feel very blessed every day to be able to both accept donations and to give them away,” Paul said. “I also feel a deep respect for so many poor people who struggle to get by and live with a high level of anxiety and yet so often manage to do such a great job with their children and lives.”

During Thanksgiving, the town of Dexter is holding many different events to help those in need; however, these events will not run without the help of the community, and this includes students. This is why Shirley encourages them to get involved in giving.

“You’ll learn about empathy and giving, and when you give it makes you a better person,” Shirley said.

There are people all around the world in need, but there are people right next door that could use a little bit of help too. FIA and other organizations help to provide for them, but they can’t do it alone according to Paul.

There are a lot of people like Shirley out there who need help, including help from students.

Paul said, “We all need, as friends, as family members, and as community members, to be both givers and receivers. If you can help now, do. Sometime you might be the one needing help.”

“It’s been scary, and they’ve given me the faith that I’ll get by.

”

YOU Pa­­­ge

The Squall Page 15 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

How to pace yourself for the binge of Thanksgiving Colin Meldrum Staff Writer

Thanksgiving is a time to prove how barbaric you really are and be awarded for it. Don’t get me wrong, I love Thanksgiving. It’s got some of the best traditions: eating excessive amounts of food, watching football, going into a food induced coma, etc.

It’s also a great time to show off the manliness you’ve been holding inside throughout that interminable car ride to grandma’s house.

If you are anything like me, you can probably scare out beta males just by yelling your name out loud and stating your presence in the room. This will ensure you a great spot on that rocking chair that you’ve been eyeing since you walked in.

However, if you don’t follow my strict set of rules, you may not make it out alive. I’ve seen a lot of good men fall at the dinner table. Nothing is more disgraceful for a man than not being able to finish his plate.

My first guideline to conquering the dinner table is pace.

When you are eating, try to not stuff your plate down your throat. Don’t pay attention to your little sister who is only eating a leg of turkey and some noodle salad.

She is going to end up throwing that all away while you are downing your third thigh.

Eat frequently and eat lightly. That way you can keep going without having a bowel movement and being on the disabled list for the rest of the day.

Second, wear an elastic waistband. Don’t get me wrong, you look great in chinos or even some nice slacks, but save

that for another holiday. Thanksgiving is for wearing soft pants which can stretch as far as you’d like.

Once you’ve eaten all you can, I suggest you follow typical American culture and watch some football. If you don’t know much about the game, just lie and say one team is “really playing the spread.”

Everyone around you will be impressed at your superior football IQ. If it’s not snowing outside, go play some football. This is where the gross amount of calories you shoved down your throat an hour ago will come in handy. Stick to simple pass and catch plays, and if you can, go out and tackle your snobby uncle. In your family’s defense, he wasn’t invited anyway.

But ladies, Thanksgiving is not just for men. I mean, the majority of the events that are Thanksgiving traditions are directed towards men, but you can always have fun.

You can reminisce with your extended family and brag to your mom about how much prettier you turned out than your cousin.

Or you can tweet fun pictures of the ugly gourds and pumpkins your family insists on putting on the mantle. (They really should just let you decide everything pertaining to fashion.)

There may be some wildcards out there who think they don’t need to listen to me. I’ll save you some time. You do need to listen. Strap on your bibs and get ready for the gorge of a lifetime.

Illustration credit: Drew Daugherty

Tips to gorge well: • • •

Wear loose clothing.

Eat everything. Including your ice.

View dinner as a fierce competition.

Photostory

The cider is filtered through pipes. It collects into a large kettle and is pumped into jugs. The Cider Mill sells many other items other than cider, such as popcorn and honey.

The Squall Page 16 www.thesquall.com Nov. 16, 2012

Connor Carry mixes pieces of apples. After the apples are crushed they are squeezed to make cider. The liquid rushes through a pipe system and is bottled for sale.

Richard Koziski adds up a customer’s total. Fresh doughnuts are bagged downstairs and brought up to be sold. The brown bag contains sugared doughnuts and the white has plain.

Cider mill a national destination Kenzie Mader Staff Writer

Dexter Cider Mill owner Nancy Steinhauer enjoys the interesting conversations she is able to have with a multitude of people while she is working at The Mill.

“I had a fun conversation with a family from Alaska today.

The variety (of people who come here) is amazing and fun,” Nancy Steinhauer said. “Next thing I know, we were talking about where they live in Alaska, the fishing there and what kind of boat they fish on. After 26 years of being at The Mill I don’t know if I could just recall one (interesting) conversation (with a customer). There are so many.”

According to Steinhauer, the variety includes Dexter residents, students at the University of Michigan, high school students, families, couples and people who live in other states.

“The draw of The Cider Mill for many people is the history it holds, the knowledge we have of how to make cider and our proximity to the University of Michigan which allows us have students who are from around the world,” Steinhauer said.

The Steinhauers are the third owners of the Dexter Cider Mill, which was established in 1886 by the Vannatter family.

Richard Koziski bought the mill in 1986 and passed it on to his daughter, Nancy Steinhauer, who is the current owner of The Mill.

“I feel that (keeping the mill in our family) has allowed us to keep many things the same around the mill,” Steinhauer said, “We love what we do and we hope it shows.”

The Cider Mill is open from roughly Labor Day to

Thanksgiving every year.

Apples are brought to the Cider Mill on a flatbed semi, and the amount of apples they receive varies from week to week.

“Typically we use local growers of apples,” Steinhauer said, “but due to the poor crop this year, we are getting our apples from the Muskegon area.”

According to Steinhauer, the two weeks of warm weather in March pushed the buds on the apple trees, which means they started to open. Right after that, there were about three weeks of very cold weather that killed all the buds.

According to Steinhauer, making apple cider is a complex process. First, an oak rack press is used. Four bushels of apples (one bushel is equal to 42 pounds) are washed and ground at a time. Then the apples are put onto a cloth that is on an oak rack. The cloth is folded, and the workers add another rack. The workers do this eight times, for a total of 32 bushels, and then they press the cider.

“The apple remains (mash) stays in the cloths and the cider comes out,” Steinhauer said.

According to Steinhauer, The Mill has been featured on The Food Network’s “Will Work For Food” in 2009. This year, the Dexter Cider Mill appeared on television during the Michigan-Illinois home football game.

“ABC sports came into the mill, filmed us making cider, and then aired it during the game,” Steinhauer said. “We were very honored that they chose our mill.”

Steinhauer said, “I think The Cider Mill is a piece of history for the town. There have been many articles written in various publications as well as national television coverage that has made the village of Dexter a destination.”

Photo Credits: Katie Vontom

Marty Steinhauer shifts around crushed apples. The crushed apples are compressed until enough cider is created. It takes 50 apples to make one gallon of cider.