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September 28, 2007 - Volume I - Issue 1 - Dexter High School - 2200 N. Parker Road - Dexter, Mi 48130

Rostrum THE

Welcome to DHS

Your future is just through the door Photo Illustration by Jeff Leonard

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Friday, September 28, 2007

The Rostrum

trends

‘An Ocean Between Us’

‘Graduation’

Akon, T-Pain 'taking over' one remix at a time

Ryan Aliapoulios trends editor

Brent Muse staff writer

Nas claims hip-hop is dead in his new album, but in reality hip-hop has just started a new era of music.

T-Pain and Akon were featured in almost all of the new songs and remixes that came out in 2007 and has added a new twist to hip-hop.

T-Pain and Akon sing the hooks to nearly every popular song in hip-hop because of their catchy lyrics and beats and their different, yet popular vocals.

Although these two artists are very popular featured in other songs, they also have great solo albums that top the charts. Akon has released two albums since he has become a rapper, “Trouble” and “Konvicted.”

T-Pain started off his career with his first album “Rappa Ternt Sanga” and then just over a year later came out with his next album, “Epiphany.”

T-Pain has made his way into the mainstream with songs such as “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” and “Bartender.”

But T-Pain he also sings a new style of music, Crunk&B, which is a mixture of “crunk” music and rhythm and blues.

Akon first became popular with his song “Locked Up” from his first album, and ever since he has been known for great hooks in his own songs and when featured in others including “Sorry, Blame It on Me.” Whether the trend is here to stay cannot yet be determined, but for now Akon, T-Pain and their followers are making sure hip-hop’s pulse keeps ticking.

“People talk so much s--- about me at barbershops/ they forget to get their hair cut,” Kanye West muses on “Everything I Am.” For all intents and purposes, it’s a fairly accurate statement. And why wouldn’t they? For artists who have less talent than West does, it’s all they can do.

Be sure, “Graduation,” has so much raw talent it’s frightening. West has created a beast of robo-funk synth lines and techno-soul melodies. The composition is mostly electronic this time, more so than it was on “Late Registration,” but it still feels organic when rooted in West’s endless supply of dusty Chi-town samples.

West’s production skills have improved, and his devotion approaches a Zen-like level on this album. There’s the seamless keyboard and club siren weave of “Good Life” and the driving gospel-thump of “The Glory.” Better still is “I Wonder,” a drifting piano ballad launched into space by harmonious sting sections. Needless to say, West has become the master of his craft.

The album is tailored more for an artist like Talib Kweli or Common, since the beats don’t leap out as much as they once. “Graduation’s” focus is shifted more towards lyricism, and surprisingly enough, the previously hook-reliant West holds his own quite well as an MC in addition to being a producer.

The final track, “Big Brother” is an ode to Jay-Z, West’s mentor and his first real client as a producer. West takes his time explaining their friendship while only touching on their recent rivalry. “Graduation” as a whole is like that. West makes hip-hop to put on as a lullaby instead of something to bump to before a drive-by.

Squall staff playlist

As I Lay Dying isn’t the most accessible band name, and it’s bound to send emo-phobes for the hills. Rock seems to be more about image these days, which is a shame for this band, as “An Ocean Between Us” is a metal album through and through.

The usual metal staples are present. There’s hummingbird-speed bass drumming, relentless guitar work, and demonic vocals. Everyone in the band is a musical virtuoso, but in metal, who isn’t?

In a genre where everyone is constantly trying to play faster, heavier and louder than their competition, As I Lay Dying struggle to elevate themselves above many other similar acts. They attempt this by taking a more creative approach and are marginally successful.

“I Never Wanted” has a Metallica-esque thrash theme going, and “Departed” is just a recording of serene guitar arpeggios, rapidly tapped out for just under two minutes. “Seperation” is one of the most enigmatic guitar duets in quite a while, and “The Sound of Truth” is somehow oddly light despite concussive drumming.

It’s all very crisp, and the first few tracks are guaranteed to keep listeners interested, but the middle section of the album tends to blend together in a wall of recycled metal elements. Each song stands very solidly on its own, but when put together, the parts individually are worth more than the whole.

As I Lay Dying can’t shred as fast as Buckethead, they can’t write as technically as The Dillinger Escape Plan and they can’t match Lamb of God’s intensity. But in the endless parade of sub-sub-genre metal bands, As I Lay Dying have hints of something original. “An Ocean Between Us” illustrates this fairly well, but it falls short of greatness.

Ryan Aliapoulios trends editor

Celia Kuzon health/arts editor

Maria Brundage graphics/copy editor

“Pop, Lock and Drop It remix” -Huey feat. T-Pain

“Jacqueline” -Franz Ferdinand

“I love it because it makes me want to pop, lock and drop it.”

“The rhythmic guitar will get your heart pounding.”

Austin Shapiro editor-in-chief

Ryan Aliapoulios trends editor

Kyle Boren staff writer

We all wonder if our schoolmates are listening to better music than we are. In the interest of answering that question, The Squall presents the staff playlist, a sample of some of the best songs we’re into right now for those who want a taste of something different.

“Strong All Along” -311

“Apologize” -Timbaland feat. One Republic

“Cheers you up no matter what.”

“Timbaland’s beats with One Republic’s falsetto vocals is magical.”

Rod Satterthwaite staff adviser

“Save It For A Rainy Day” -The Jayhawks “It’s a masterpiece of alternative country with a jangly, Byrds-like song.”

Katie Johnson features editor

“Universally Speaking” -Red Hot Chili Peppers “Simple, relaxing song. It’s perfect to drive to, listen to it with the windows down.”

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Friday, September 28, 2007

The Rostrum

get involved

Clubs seek members Aaron Gilman staff writer

Colleges are always looking for kids who are involved in clubs, and at DHS, there are many clubs you can join. Here are a few you may want to consider getting involved with.

Photo by Valentino Argiero

Can I get your John Hancock: Students signed up for the clubs and activities of their choice during all three lunches on Sept. 12. Returning members of the clubs set up tables to explain what their club is about and persuade others to join.

Other Clubs and Activities • Anime Club • Austrian Exchange • Boy’s State • Drama • Environmental Club • Fellowship of Christian Athletes • Genesis Bible Club • Girl’s State

• Key Club • Literary Magazine • Ocean Bowl • Pep Band • Power Lifting • S.A.D.D. • S.P.A.C.E. • Women in Science • World Cultures Club

Art Club- A way to show your artistic talent. You will be doing many diverse projects. If you are interested see art teacher Autumn Campbell in room 372.

Debate Team- Debates national policy. You can earn a varsity letter for this activity. You can also take debate as a class credit. You will be in many tournaments. If you are interested see coach Deb Marsh in room 511.

Forensics Team- Is all about public speaking.

You can take forensics as a class credit. If you are interested see coach Deb Marsh in room 511.

Future Leaders of America- The members of the Future Leaders of America club will be looking into careers in the community such as community service. If you are interested see Cheryl Wells in room 312.

Model United Nations- You will get to resolve issues and research information about different countries. Students will get to represent their countries. See social studies teacher Angela Chea in room 481 if you are interested.

National Honor Society- To be eligible you must

have at least a 3.0 GPA and be at least a second semester junior. See Cheryl Wells in room 312 if you are interested.

Newspaper- Members of The Squall get to write, edit, design and take pictures for The Squall. This class requires a “B-” or better in Introduction to Journalism or Photo Journalism. If you are interested see adviser Rod Satterthwaite in room 407 .

Quiz Bowl- Teams will compete and answer trivia questions from many topics. If you are interested see coach Jim Riethmiller in room 571.

Science Olympiad- The team competes in applied and informational science. “The clubs are a great way for freshman to see the big picture and get involved in after school activities,” adviser Cheryl Wells said. For more information see Dave Callaghan room 311, Jeff Dagg room 309 or Cheryl Wells room 312.

Student Council- Students advise activities such as dances, assembles, homecoming and prom.

Students also make decisions about problems that come up in the school. If you are interested see advisers Deb Marsh in room 511 or Al Snider in room 577.

YearbookMembers of the yearbook write, design pages, take pictures and decide what goes in the yearbook. The class requires you to take Introduction to Journalism or Photo Journalism. If you are interested see Barry Mergler in room 407.

Students lend a hand at shelter Brittany Martini staff writer

As the snow falls outside of thin walls, people are jammed into a small yet loving room. The smell of chicken noodle soup is carried around the room by a slow and chilly draft.

Even the homeless and hungry are happy to see so many people at Food Gatherers, an organization designed to help eliminate hunger in Washtenaw County.

But what happens to the hungry in July or August? Who will remember they are starving then?

That’s what inspired members of the Crossroads Community Baptist Church including sophomores Morgan Nicholas and Sarah Tarnaski, to take time out of their summer to help.

“During the winter months, Food Gatherers and other shelters get loads of one-timers coming in only at Christmas and Thanksgiving,” Crossroads youth group leader Scott Granlee said. “Our church wants to show our love and support to these people not only during holidays.”

Granlee said church members started spreading their care at Family Life Services, a place where pregnant woman can go and receive support they need.

Tarnaski stressed the importance of actions rather than words. “There is a difference between talking about it and doing something. We actually went out and did something to make a difference,” she said.

Nicholas and Tarnaski said they made “baby bundles” as part of their service at Family Life Services,

stuffing baby bottles with clothes, toys and diapers for the new-born babies.

The next day the group went to Food Gatherers and cleaned shelves, checked dates on cans and made care boxes for needy families.

Sixty boxes later, the youth group called it a day and got some rest for their last day of their service.

On the last day of the community service, the group helped out their own church, putting up new banners, putting together letters and making new mailboxes.

At the end of the experience, Tarnaski said she was overcome by happiness.

“It feels good,” Tarnaski said as she smiled, “to know that we helped out the community and the unfortunate.”

photo by Brittany Martini

Food Gatherers, a local organization created to help end hunger in Washtenaw County, counts on the help of volunteers like sophomores Morgan Nicholas and Sarah Tarnaski

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Friday, September 28, 2007

The Rostrum

the spread

DHS nears full capacity Nic Miller staff writer

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According to Principal Kit Moran, Dexter High School may soon be looking at a major overcrowding.

According to Moran, the high school is teeming with over 99 percent of the capacity it was originally built for.

So how is the school going to deal with increased growth?

This is a question Moran and the rest of the staff are facing.

Since the opening of the new high school in February, 2002, the student body of the high school has increased by nearly 50 percent with a four percent increase this year, which was more than expected.

When the school opened, there were around 800 students in grades 9-12 with a graduating class of about 200 seniors.

This year the school has 1196 students and a graduating class of around 300 seniors. But, for Moran, this influx of students is better than a loss.

“Our facilities are tight as to where to put the kids, but I’d rather have problems of growth, rather than problems of losing students,” Moran said.

Because of this growth, however, some students are learning under less then ideal circumstances.

Junior Jordan Marken, a student in Maria Vazquez-Brieva spanish class, a room which was converted from the teacher’s lounge and is a neighbor to the boiler room, said, “It’s really cold in there, and you always hear all the noise from the boiler room.”

Marken also said he thinks the hallways and stair well, especially the middle stair well, can become crowded when people decide to carry on conversations and obstruct traffic.

If the bond passes in February, 2008, Moran said the district will hire a consultant. The consultant will evaluate the entire school district’s needs. A plan will be constructed based on the district’s needs.

Moran said the high school was originally built for the addition of a third pod or wing.

The pod has a possibility of being added onto the school if the results from the consultant show there is expected to be continued growth.

Moran said the extensive and lengthy process is required to ensure that if, in fact, the district does add the new pod, it will not be empty in a couple of years.

He said,”We don’t want to have a situation where we build a building that’s going to be empty in five years.”

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Friday, September 28, 2007

The Rostrum

Frosh react to first day of school Ian McCarthy staff writer

Unsure of where he may land up in the mob of students in the middle stairwell on the first day of school, freshman Zach Eisenlord is frustrated with trying to find his class and get past the flood of students and upperclassmen staring down upon him.

Coming into high school can be a very intimidating thing for many freshman including Eisenlord, especially with schedules not being ready until the first day of school, “I didn’t have my schedule and did not know what to do,” Eisenlord said.

Mill Creek is substantially smaller than the high school, so the change is different because there is more walking from class to class.

Eisenlord said,“ There are three floors, and all of my classes are so spread out I don’t even use my locker any more.”

Although Eisenlord said he was glad that most of the first day was spent giving students their schedule and breifly visiting their classes.

“The first day was a good way to show us around the school, and it took us to all of our classes,” he said.

Other students such as freshmen Alex Sloan had their own opions about coming into high school and their first day of school.

“I came in to the school hearing from people that were already in high school that It was going to be a lot easier, but I did not believe them,” Sloan said.

“I thought we were going to get a bunch of homework.”

For some freshman having an older sibling can be useful, since this sibling can save them insight in to what the high school is like.

This was true for Freshman Noah Hiser who came in with a little heads up from his brother, “I have an older brother who graduated last year, so I knew what to expect,” he said.

The thing that appealed to Eisenlord the most about his first day of high school, though, was that it was easy and the teachers took it easy on the newcomers.

Eisenlord said, “It was a fun way to start off high school because it was easy, and we really had no work.”

Senior Advice • “Get on the good side of teachers.”

-Jacob Evans • “Make new friends but make sure to keep the ones you already have.”

-Chelsea Reardon • “Be a part of sports and extracirricular activities after school.”

-Jesse Boren • “Don’t eat the school lunch.”

-Ben Stevenson • “Don’t stand still in the hallways.”

-Nick Bayer

Vasquez-Brieva happy to be new teacher Kyle Boren contest manager

After four years of student teaching, two years at Madonna University and teaching in Spain, Maria Vasquez-Brieva settled down to a full time job at Dexter High School and said she is happy to be teaching Spanish I and Spanish III. Vasquez said she always wanted to help people out. “I always felt great satisfaction helping people, and I can help with teaching,” she said.

Vasquez-Brieva was born in Bilbao, Spain and said she aspired to be a teacher at a young age. She taught English to students and professionals for two years about 13 years ago.

Adjusting from Spain to America is not new for Vasquez.

She has been a student teacher at an elementary school in Garden City, Gabriel Richard High School, and other high

schools.

She does think there are some differences though. “In Spain school is a lot more private.

The teachers don’t have their own class so the students stay in one room the whole day, and the teachers go to them,” she said.

Also, Vasquez said she enjoys having her own classroom so she can personalize it. “That is one of the many positives of teaching here,” she said. Vazquez also said she has found Dexter welcoming. “I feel very welcomed,” she said. “The staff and faculty have been helpful.” Vasquez does not have an actual classroom though.

Her room is the former teachers lounge, and doesn’t have a white board and has a pop machine in the corner.

With the boiler room right next door, Vasquez said she

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the spread

has to speak up while teaching, especially in the winter. But despite not having an actual classroom, she said she is happy and not complaining. “It’s better than not having one,” she said.

And many students said they enjoy her teaching style so far. Junior Steve Merz has Vasquez-Brieva for Spanish III and thinks she is doing exceptionally well for being so new.

“I think she is doing great especially with the room she was dealt. She is very confident with her teaching and puts in a good balance between fun and education,” he said, “She is laid-back, but not lazy. She is very organized.”

So although it’s only been a few weeks of school, VasquezBrieva has students thinking she is a great teacher. “I’m done with student teaching so I’m full time now,” she said, “I’m excited for the years ahead.”

New teacher Q&A with science teacher Craig Rafail

Q: Have you ever taught before?

A: Yes. Q: Why did you decide to teach at Dexter?

A: Because it’s the best.

Q: Who was your favorite teacher as a kid?

A: My Dad. He was a geometry teacher.

Q: What’s something surprising your students wouldn’t know about you?

A: I’m Hispanic.

Q: How would you describe yourself as a teacher?

A: How would you describe yourself as an interviewer?

Probably a smart alec.

Q: What teacher do you aspire to be like at this school?

A: I don’t know many, but I would say science teacher Richard Grannis.

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Friday, September 28, 2007

The Rostrum

puzzles

W

Cross Word Clues: Across: 1. Likes to snow board and fish 3. Fah Fah hater 6. Broke his wrist last year playing basketball 8. Says “have a nice weekend” to students every day 11. Coach of the girls swim team 13. Science teacher who used to be a counselor 14. Has been teaching for 35 years 15. The junior class adviser 16. Known for the 20-minute jogs 19. National Honor Society adviser 20. Handles all your book needs 21. Signs students out, when you want they want to go home 26. A male who teaches social studies and English

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C r

Oss

Down: 2. The sophomore class adviser 4. Has a blow-up Sparty in his room 5. Teaches in the teacher’s lounge 7. A female social studies teacher 9. Taught Mrs. Sharrar, Mrs. Sellman, Mrs. Juback, and Mr. Snider 10. Drinks a Diet Pepsi every morning 12. Rocks out the guitar for the band Progress Report 17. Has dozens of music and theater posters on his walls 18. Fixes computer problems 22. Paraprofessional who teaches drivers education 23. The male counselor 24. Heals students who are hurt 25. Teams with Lindke for American Studies

WH

S I O

This person is

I T?

- Height : 5’ 8” - Favorite Food: Brownies - Clothing: Jeans and T- shirt every day - Favorite Class: Gym - Hobbies: Riding quads, hunting and mud bogging - Sports: Football, baseball and wrestling - Friends: Hangs out with Cody Read

My name is:______________________

answer: sophomore Marcus Wiseley

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Friday, September 28, 2007

5 THINGS TO DO/NOT TO DO AT DEXTER HIGH SCHOOL.

The Rostrum Dos: 1. Join a sports team. Just about everyone is involved with a sports team at DHS. If you need to make some friends this should do the trick, unless you’re just a natural outcast. Then we can’t really help you.

2. Put honey mustard sauce on everything you eat from the cafeteria. It will make it taste delicious even if it is a little old.

3. Spend some time with senior Donald Knight. He is truly a stellar guy and knows how to treat the ladies right. Plus his uncle owns Knight’s restaurant so you can go there whenever you want.

4. Take the class Introduction to Journalism. Teacher Rod Satterthwaite is the man, and if you take it, you get to be in newspaper where you write important articles for your schoolmates and listen to senior Hunter Lyons play Alvin and The Chipmunks songs during class.

5. Take any class you can with science teacher Rich Grannis. We can’t explain why.

Just do it. You will not regret it.

Don’ts: 1. Do not do anything in the elevator including: pooping, making out, smoking or any other obscene thing. And, yes, someone really did poop in the elevator.

2. WARNING: Don’t ever, ever put FAH FAH on English teacher Deb Marsh’s floor.

Doing so could result in serious injury.

3. Don’t gather like sheep in the hallways. It creates traffic, and some of us need to get to class on time because we take our school work very seriously.

4. Don’t skip and leave the school. Only a fool would piss off Dean of Students Ken Koenig. Were pretty sure he could break anyone in our school in half.

5. Don’t get on paraprofessional Connie Agostini’s bad side. She will get you in trouble, and she will not let you out of detention early.

iPhone

Peter Jebson (12)

Jennarose Rolfes (11)

Pantea Sokansanj (9)

Max Berry (10)

5X5

Pat Ledwidge staff writer

WHAT? NO!

No, I never see that happening.

PowerSchool is definitely not the new Myspace. If anything, PowerSchool screws over everyone.

Yeah.

Absolutely.

You can access both of those web sites from my hard drive, and you dont even need Wi-Fi.

I don’t know what that is.

I don’t. What? What is that?

GECHHHH!

I enjoy it very much.

GIH!

No, I don’t think so.

It’s possible. I don’t think it’s going to happen, but you never know.

OMG! NO! Are they a real team?

No way!

According to previous statistics, I do predict in year 2034.

What do you think of Sean McCarger’s iPhone?

I want it!

Huh? I don’t really care.

I haven’t seen it yet.

Is it cool?

Love it. It’s the coolest thing. Wait!

I didnt know he had an iPhone.

Sean McCarger has an iPhone?

What is a fireball?

Candy

One of those candies that is pretty hot. They’re good.

A raging ball of fire.

It’s the latest craze.

Is PowerSchool the new Myspace?

Geh?

Lions.

Superbowl ‘08?

Llama.

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Sunday

Tuesday

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• SPACE @ Copeland • Soccer vs Lincoln • Swimming vs Adrian

Picture Retakes Soccer @ Tecumseh Swimming @ Chelsea Water Polo vs Okemos

Wednesday Thursday

3 • Water Polo @ Huron

10 • Freshman Social Studies MEAP Testing

• • • •

Friday, September 28, 2007

Friday

Saturday I’ve got a need

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for speed: LSD is banned in the US (1966)

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21 • Football vs Ypsilanti

Eureka!: Thomas Edison invents the lightbulb (1879)

Congress passes the prohibition amendment (1919)

Killing the Crunk:

28 All aboard: The New York subway system opens for business (1904)

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20

• Football @ Saline • Swimming @ EMU

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• Football @ Chelsea

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The Rostrum

October

Monday • Tennis @ Lincoln (SEC Meet) • Volleyball @ Pioneer

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• Soccer @ Pinckney • Water Polo @ Walled Lake

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• Marching Band Festival

• Soccer @ Adrian • Water Polo @ Troy Athens • Volleyball @ Tecumseh

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The US places a trade embargo on Cuba (1960)

No more stogies:

• Swimming vs Pioneer • Water Polo @ Pioneer

Cartoonist Seth MacFarlane is born (1973)

He’s a family guy:

CaPWN3D: Gangster Al Capone jailed for tax evasion (1931)

• Swimming @ Saline

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Lord of the ring:

31

• Vocal Music Concert

25

17

• Volleyball vs Bedford

23 • Volleyball vs Gabriel Richard

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24

16

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1

calendar

7 October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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22 In Korea, October is called ‘Sib-weol’

29 • Orchestra Concert

Director Peter Jackson is born in New Zealand (1961)