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INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

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FEBRUARY 26, 2010 VOLUME III ISSUE 6DEXTER HIGH SCHOOL 2200 N. PARKER ROAD DEXTER, MI 48130

2

trends

Friday, February 26, 2010

Pea coats provide warmth, winter style for men

Alex Hiner

Staff Writer

This winter junior Alex Sloan has taken a liking to the new pea coat his mom bought for him in the fall.

“It’s not too fancy but fancy enough at the same time,” he said.

A pea coat is a heavy jacket that can range from the waist to the thigh, usually with a f lap that can be folded over and buttoned to keep out wind and cold. Similarly the collar can be f lipped up to cover the neck.

Originally worn by naval officers in Europe, stores around the area that sell these coats include Macy’s, J.C. Penny, and TJ Maxx. But if you are looking for a wider selection and a store with more options, Burlington

Coat Factory has many styles and colors.

Pea coats can also be found in the mall at such as American Eagle, Hollister and Banana Republic in the winter months and in the months leading up to winter.

The price range on the coats can be anywhere from $50 to $400. The less expensive coats are made with thinner and lighter materials which include different types of polyester and cotton shells.

The more expensive coats use heavy wool blends with the option of sewn-in lining and removable zip or button out lining.

Men’s Warehouse also sells two versions of the coats at $129 and $179.

The $129 pea coat is a Kenneth Coal Reaction Black Wool-Blend. Designed for cold weather, the coat includes quilted lining for extra warmth and two exterior pockets to keep you hands warm, while

the $179 coat is a Marc of New York pea coat that is a modern take on the classic look of the pea coat. Made of a Wool/poly/rayon blend, the coat features epaulets and zipper side pockets.

Sloan said, “(My mom) just brought it home one day, and I like the look of it. And I’ve been wearing it ever since then.”

So with all the different styles of the pea coat and the wide price range that they come in, Sloan said, it’s easy to see how the men around Dexter High School have taken a liking to the style and have begun wearing it more. As the winter wears down though, he said he will start wearing his coat less and less until next winter.

But will he ever stop wearing it?

He said, “No, I like the coat too much to stop wearing it. Even if other people start wearing them more, I would still wear mine.”

High-quality headphones reduce hallway noise Thomas Griffith

Twitter Editor

When sophomore Dylan Sutter wakes up in the morning, when he’s in his boring classes, when he’s between classes, after school, doing homework or at night, his headphones are always on and playing music.

Sutter said he loves to rock his Bose noise-canceling headphones everywhere he goes. Just like Sutter, many students are picking up on the trend of ditching the ear buds and upgrading their iPod systems with large, noise-canceling headphones.

Sutter received his latest set of noise canceling headphones for Christmas from his girlfriend and said he has worn them every day since. “I have some of the best access to the universal language of music wherever I go,” he said.

He also said they’re nice to have when his girlfriend or parents are complaining. He said he can slip them on and can’t hear anything but music.

This situation is also prevalent in school with boring lectures or trying to concentrate during a test. “I mostly wear my headphones for the rebellion factor against teachers,” senior Jordan Jack said. Jack

also said these headphones help him concentrate during class.

The policy at D.H.S is that there are no iPods or other electronic devices allowed during school hours, but some teachers don’t mind that students listen to music in class.

But some such as P.E. teacher Angie Scott do mind. “I believe that they are a distraction in most cases,” Scott said. “I feel as long as it is a rule in the district, I will continue to follow it until it is changed.”

And according to Best Buy employee Tom Koch, noise“I personally have tried noise-canceling headphones and they do work,” Koch said. “I do own a pair of $21 Skull Candy ear buds, and they are the same thing to me.

The only benefit you really get out of the noise canceling headphones and expensive ear buds, is the better quality of bass.” He also said the most popular brands sold at Best Buy are Bose, Skull Candy and Dr. Dre. According to Koch most headphones can’t handle the bass, detail and dynamics that songs really have. But noise-canceling headphones can, and they’re equipped with on-ear cushions that make listening comfortable and block out any external sound.

Made with lightweight material and also the capability to fold so they will not break easy like other headphones on the market, the headphones also come in many different colors and styles differing. Dre headphones cost from $100 to around $300, while other brands like SkullCandy headphones run around $40 to $80.

So are these noise canceling headphones really worth the cash? Sutter said, “I have gone through four pairs of noise-canceling headphones, and they’re worth the cost in my mind.”

Photo and photo illustration by Nick Byma

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get involved

Friday, February 26, 2010

President

How did you become president?

•At our very first meeting, I along with the other NHS officials, was nominated and then voted on by the new members.

What are some things you are responsible for doing?

•We have meetings once a month that I am in charge of running. I have to get chairmen to organize the events we volunteer for, as well as getting volunteers to help out with the events.

Why did you decide to join NHS? • Dillion Kipke •Invitations are sent to everyone with the required GPA to do it. When I got mine, I thought, “Why not?”

Do you recommend underclassmen who receive these invitations consider joining NHS? •Yes, definitely. It’s a great way to give back to the community.

Treasurer

What do you do in your job as treasurer of NHS? •I manage the NHS and planner account funds.

Why are you involved with NHS? •Because it has been a fulfilling experience in my high school career.

What kind of an impact has NHS made on your life?

•It has made me or responsible, and I like the feeling you get from helping those in need.

• Jesse Claflin

Are you looking forward to volunteering in the upcoming blood drive?

•Of course! I love volunteer work.

N H S o f f i c e r Emily Pap s

Q& A Staff Writer

Vice President Give us a snapshot of the day in the life of an NHS official like yourself.

•Well, usually during my first hour I run errands for NHS adviser, Cheryl Wells, as well as finish whatever needs to be done for NHS projects. During our meetings, I take notes and make sure they run smoothly; Dilion Kipke usually does a really good job putting them together though.

What drove you to join NHS? •Well, for one it looks really good on college applications, and I like doing volunteer work.

• Caroline Buckly

What was your most fulfilling experience so far in NHS? •The annual Fun Run. It’s great because we get to work directly with the children who do the run and experience first-hand what kind of impact we are making on their lives.

What’s your main responsibility in NHS? •I make sure all the events are organized and run smoothly.

Secretary

What has been your best experience in NHS so far?

•Definitely the Fun Run. I really enjoyed working with the special education students.

Any advice you’d give to an underclassmen wanting to join NHS? •Go for it! What you get out of NHS is really worth while.

• Caitlyn Rize

World Cultures Club lends aide to Haiti Dan Edwards Staff Writer

When the World Cultures heard about the earthquake in Haiti, they wanted to raise money for relief. So the club has come up with a fundraiser to help raise money to help the victims of the earthquake.

The club is selling a sour candy named Tubos Lucos from Spain. These candies can be purchased in the cafeteria at lunch for only one dollar and all of the proceeds go directly to the to Haiti to help the people affected by the disaster.

“But, not only can you buy just individual packages, you can buy entire boxes if you’d like,” senior club member Emily Van Dusen said.

Many people in the school have taken advantage of the clubs idea to sell candy.

Freshman Deane Injejikian was one of those people.

“When I heard the news of the earthquake in Haiti, I wanted to do something. I wanted to help raise money and learn how to help,” Injejikian said.

The World Cultures Club is a club that promotes cultural proficiency among students and helps raise money for relief when disaster strikes.

“The goal of the World Cultures Club is to educate students about what is happening in the world and how to interact with global problems that are changing the way we live, and to promote a cultural understanding about other countries around the world,” Van Dusen said.

But the world cultures club isn’t all serious. They often have fun events and guests that come to their club meetings according to club adviser and French teacher, Kim Lund.

One particular event that the club held this year was a takeoff of the ever-popular Oktoberfest that is held in Germany. The club also plans on holding a St. Patrick’s Day celebration to gain knowledge about the tradition, and how it’s celebrated all over the world.

Special guests are also welcomed to the club.

“Earlier this year we had a girl from Saline who performed a traditional Indian dance.” Van Dusen said.

“We also had a lady from Senegal bring in some traditional dishes” Lund said. “If you like to learn about the world and other cultures, this is a good club for you.”

Lund also encourages people to buy the candy to help, which Injejikian said he will do soon. He said, “I

MCT Campus/Los Angeles Times

Haitians were forced to take to the streets after the initial earthquake leveled much of the Haitian landscape. Many have not reentered the few stable buildings out of fear of aftershocks.

haven’t yet bought any candy from the club, but next time I see an opportunity to, I will. And I do hope more people will also.”

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

International program may be implemented by 2011 International Baccalaureate classes and diploma may be an option for students interested in a challenge, but questions remain about the program's impact on electives, AP classes and the district budget situation Brittany Martini editor-in-chief

There are a plethora of new technological changes at Dexter High School this year. Today, classrooms are enhanced with eno Boards, and new security cameras have been placed in the hallways.

All these tangible changes are ones students witness every day. However, physical changes are not the only differences in store for future students.

Tentatively, in the fall of 2011, both seniors and juniors will have the opportunity to either enroll in International Baccalaureate classes or enter an IB program and eventually receive an IB diploma.

“IB is an integrated program with a philosophy of internationalism which is reflected in everything a high school does,” social studies teacher Susan Walters said. “IB has a mission statement, a philosophy and a learner profile which cross curriculums and are studentcentered.”

The International Baccalureate program is recongized around the world and consists of a lot student-taught material, according to Walters, who has lead the high school’s effort to explore adopting an IB program.

“My favorite sentence in the (IB) mission statement is, ‘These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right,’” Walters said.

“That’s pretty powerful. It is an internationallyrespected program and makes a statement about international-mindedness and student-centered learning. I am certainly enthusiastic about it.”

To become an IB school, there is a two step application a school must fill out and pass.

According to Superintendent Rob Glass, the first part of the application (application A) includes simply stating interest in the program as well as

sending teachers to workshops.

“Application A is mostly showing your commitment to the program,” Glass said. “We passed Application A, and we are currently working on Application B. (Application B) mostly consists of asking ourselves if we have the time, staff, money and resources to successfully become an IB school.”

Dexter High School currently offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes to upperclassmen, but according to Walters there is a definite difference between the two.

“In terms of students, IB classes offer an opportunity for them to earn college credit, just like AP. There’s a philosophical difference in the testing, though, as AP tests are half multiplechoice, half essay, and IB tests are all essay,” Walters said. “Also, the more challenging and greater variety of courses we can provide for students, the richer our curriculum will be.

Students who take individual IB classes can test for college credit; students who only take IB classes during their junior and senior years can earn enough credits to enter college with sophomore standing or close to that.”

Besides a different approach to the test, IB and AP classes differ in price as well.

According to Pam Bunka, an English and journalism teacher at Fenton High School, the price is not the only negative of the program.

Fenton recently adopted the IB program and has seen elective enrollements fall because of this adoption. In addition, Fenton will eventually replace AP classes with IB classes.

Fenton High School’s student enrollment is about the same as DHS’.

“We have offered AP classes for some time-at least 10 years--but are replacing them with the IB classes as the students make their way through the system. This will be the last year for all AP classes,” Bunka said. “Our school does not have the population to support both programs. Both programs offer a test for college credit, but only certain schools will accept credit from IB classes.

The IB test is approximately $224 dollars, which is significantly more than the AP test.”

The IB program at Fenton High School has also limited students to what electives they can

take, according to Bunka.

“The IB program allows students no room for electives,” Bunka said. “The electives a student in the diploma program has to take, must be IBapproved classes. This means they can not take a band class; they have to take a band theory class instead. This applies for art classes as well.

A student would have to take an art theory class instead of a regular art class. (The IB program) allows for no journalism.”

The IB diploma program forces students to take only IB classes.

But according to Principal William ‘Kit’ Moran, there are benefits to this.

“IB classes are meant to challenge thinking but not to scare students,” Moran said. “The classes offer different academic challenges and are challenging in other ways than a regular course.

The questions asked of students in the IB program are open ended. It makes the course harder, more engaging and rigorous.”

And Glass and Moran both agree that IB classes are beneficial for even the average student.

“IB works using a universal standard,” Glass said. “They have an expected quality that comes from all IB classes. The program is meant for students who are college bound and will work hard, which is not necessarily a super student.

IB actually works with understanding the lifelong pursuit of knowledge. When you approach a class, you are not focused on learning the stuff, but it is more of asking yourself, ‘What does it mean and what do I want to answer?’ The work mostly consists of long- term projects, reflecting and writing.”

Regardless of the potential benefits and drawbacks from the program, whether DHS will become an IB school is still up in the air.

Walters said, “If we do decide to become an IB school, teachers will begin to develop individual classes, and they will be described in the curriculum book and available for students to take. IB by itself won’t change DHS other than perhaps a philosophical shift and in increased choices for students. It is exciting during this time of financial insecurity to be involved with a district that asks, ‘What can we do?’ rather than ‘What can’t we do?’”

the spread

Friday, February 26, 2010

Teachers mixed on their reaction to International Baccalaureate Steve Ferguson staff writer

While Dexter High School considers adopting the International Baccalaureate program, teachers have mixed feelings about it.

For Humanities teacher Susan Walters, the IB program offers a lot more choices and advantages for students. “Choices can be a very good thing, and more course options for DHS students should enable them to have more and better options for posthigh school,” Walters said. “A major disadvantage from my perspective is that the adoption of this program means a lot of work for teachers, but I can’t see any disadvantages for students since they certainly don’t have to participate in this program or take any IB classes, so it provides more for students who want more.”

English teacher Marry Mattner agrees. “Any program that challenges our students and requires our kids to look beyond their small corner of the world to international issues is so important,” Mattner said. “It will help students think more deeply about their role as global citizens, teach them to think across the curriculum, and

require them to write and read more.”

Band director Kenneth Moore is not so sure, however. “The underlying premises of IB are good, and I support them,” he said. “However, I have concerns about how we would make it work in Dexter under the current trimester system. Because of the way IB is structured, it has had a negative impact on some music and art programs where it has been implemented.

Dexter has a long tradition of having very strong fine and performing arts programs; I would hate to see those programs hindered in any way.”

The IB program can be demanding on students depending on if they take the entire program or whether they just take an IB class or two.

However, Mattner said this should not be a big issue. “As long as students know what they are getting into and dedicate themselves to such a program, it shouldn’t be a problem,” she said. “I have students now in AP Literature who handle several AP courses at once.

They just figure out how to budget their time and study efficiently. High school is the one shot students have to ready themselves for work and college.

Why waste the time just getting by or taking the easiest courses? Put yourself to the test and stretch your mind.”

Students like more variety an IB schedule would provide to them Liz O’Keefe staff writer

Rachel Dethloff, a 2009 graduate, said overall she received a good education while at Dexter High School, but knowing more of the basic skills would have helped make the transition to college easier.

“The other day I needed to do some basic math without using a calculator,” she said.

“I learned how to do it once in fourth grade, but after that we only used calculators. Not knowing the very basic skills made learning the more advanced stuff really difficult for me.”

One of the classes Dethloff did think helped her in college and in everyday life was Speech.

She said, “I would be totally different today if I didn’t take Speech. The class was stressful, but I am so glad I took it. I used to be really shy, but friends I’ve made since I took that class wouldn’t see me as shy at all.”

Although Dethloff said she received a good education at Dexter High School, she wishes there would have been classes that focused more on things she was interested in and would have helped her for the transition from high school to college.

“I would have liked more art classes and an actual photography class, not just photojournalism,” she said. “I also think there should have been classes for kids that are having trouble with the switch to high school.

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INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

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the spread

Friday, February 26, 2010

Classes that teach actual study and test taking tips and skills. Like Senior Strategies for freshmen.”

Present Dexter High School students also think they have received good educations but would have liked more variety in the classes they were able to take.

Senior Amy Jones also believes she has received a good education at Dexter High School. “I think that one of the things that helped make my education better was that my teachers were all confident in what they were teaching. I think they prepared me well for what I want to go into in college.”

Jones, like Dethloff, believes one of the most useful classes she has taken is Speech.

“Speech was very useful because it helped me be more prepared for presentations I’ve had to do in other classes,”she said.

Jones said although she thinks she received a good education at Dexter High School, there are courses she would have liked to take that weren’t offered. “I would have liked if there were more A.P. classes like A.P. Psychology,” she said. “There are a lot of other schools that offer more A.P. classes, and I think Dexter should offer them too.”

Jones said she would have rather been a part of the new IB program and Foundation House over having more A.P classes, though. “I would have liked if Dexter offered these programs when I was a freshmen because I think it would help prepare student for college,”she said. “I think the idea of these programs is really cool.”

IB part of district's 'Dexterity' initiative Kevin Skiver staff writer

In these hard economic times, budget cuts are a reality for nearly every school district in Michigan.

However, rather than simply having budget cuts, Dexter is re-imagining the way that it runs things within the district. This process is called “Dexterity.”

“Dexterity is the term coined by (Superintendent Rob Glass) to describe the process Dexter Schools is using to re-imagine how we can accomplish more with less,” Principal Kit Moran said.

According to Moran, this process will involve the whole community which will have the opportunity to be involved with numerous meetings where they can give input to make the school system more efficient.

Dexterity will allow the school to “not see budget cuts as necessarily a reduction in services but a way to look for efficiencies,” Moran said.

According to the Dexter Community Schools website, Dexterity is split into a four part process, shown by the acronym “I.D.E.A.” “I.D.E.A.” stands for each part of the process, starting with “gathering ideas.” This part of the process will continue all the way through February.

The second part is called “creating a draft plan,” which will continue through March. The staff has already presented an initial draft plan, which can be found on the school’s website.

The third part of the process is “easing-into the plan.”

This will be done through public input and revision, and will continue all the way from the eighth of

February to March.

The fourth and final part of the process is “actualizing the plan,” which will be done from March all the way through September, when the next school year starts.

Every school and department will be participating in this process, and it will allow the district to reimagine how to do more with less, rather than simply making cuts, according to Glass’ blog, “Glass Half Full.”

According to Moran, this process is not actually a “program per se, but more of an approach to change.”

According to Moran, this process would not cause any change or pose new challenges to the students and staff. However, he said, “Funding challenges from Lansing will continue to impact Michigan education for years to come.”

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Friday, February 26, 2010

During your last trimester at dexter high school

Ian McCarthy uPage editor-in-chief

DO DO NT

1.) Compete in Senior Survivor. Had I been able to participate, I would have to the fullest extent. No showering, only eating limited amounts of food. Using the smart boards for fire wood. God knows they have no other use. Basically becoming Bear Grylls and live off the land that is the school. Cool.

1.) Send a phone chain link message to a Chelsea basketball player. If you didn’t know, this is the legal equivalent to murder.

2.) Pull destructive senior pranks. A $2000 paintball job that does nothing but cost the school money. Not clever. Make it harmless and funny.

2.) Senior pranks that are clever and hilarious. If you laugh when you’re doing it, Koenig, Moran and Authier will probably too.

3.) Not try. Does it really matter? Most likely not. But wouldn’t you want to go out with a bang of academic success? Ha ha. Or at least enough effort to pass.

’

[ ] assistant uPage editor

Do you ever notice random fires starting as you walk down the hall?

What is your opinion on the recent outbreak of Gingervitis?

How do you feel knowing that everyone like you will be extinct in 100 years?

Carrot Top or Ron Weasley?

May I warm my hands on your head?

with ‘angry’ students

5.) Sit silent and give in to the technology as it slowly tries to take us over. Big Brother is watching us. This is a slow movement that everyone is letting slide by with out warning. TAKE CONTROL. DON’T GIVE IN TO THE MAN. STAND STRONG!

AG: What’s wrong with reporters?

Troy Rickelmann: They’re pretty annoying.

Julie Cohen (11)

Bethany Martini (9)

Mitch Manzagol(10)

5.) Last day water balloons. The past two years have been to water balloons as freshman parents are to dancing. Let us throw the water balloons. No one is going to get hurt. If they do, that’s half the fun.

staff writer

AG: What makes you angry?

Troy Rickelmann: Reporters.

“Gingers Do Have Souls” Kid

4.) Participate in senior skip day. Too many people have participated in the fake skip days periodically throughout the year. We get one day to skip in the spring. Lets make the most out of it.

Aaron Gilman

4.) Be the person who, when we have 23 days left says, “ Oh my god, can you believe we only have 23 days left?” No one likes that kid.

Ryan Wesley (12)

3.) Thank teachers that put up with you for the past four years.

As funny as you thought most of your class pranks or jokes were, most likely you made teachers ‘ lives hell.

Marshall Kellenberger

QA &

upage

5X5

Only sometimes.

Uh ... I tend to cause them.

Yes. All of the time.

No, why would that happen?

They aren’t random. They’re the kids I light on fire when they call me a ginger.

What’s Gingervitis?

Isn’t that a gum disease?

I think I may have possibly caught it.

Haven’t heard of it.

I’m a Christian. I have a soul, and I am immune to all diseases.

I didn’t realize that we were going extinct.

Pretty special, I’m one of the last ones!

I feel disapointed. I don’t want to die.

Feels good because I’m proud of who I am.

I will never let that happen. I will reproduce until this world is nothing but a forest of red hair, pale skin and freckles.

Carrot Top

Carrot Top

Ron Weasley

Ron Weasley

Both. All gingers are beautiful.

Um. Sure.

Go for it ...

No.

Yes, you may.

Touch me and I’ll f---ing kill you.

AG: Yes, we’ve established that, but what’s wrong with them?

Troy Rickelmann: I also hate cross country runners.

AG: Is that a fact? Well, I guess I have one more question then.

Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?

Troy Rickelmann: No. AG: Good, because the lighting is terrible.

AG: Why are you sick of Dexter High School?

Joe Jansen: I’m not sick of Dexter High School so much as looking at the ugly people in it.

AG: That seems a little harsh, don’t you think?

Joe Jansen: I say it like it is.

AG: How come no one understands you?

Dan Lopez: I like to think of myself as an underwater sea creature, so then I can have tentacles to rip off the heads of my adversaries.

AG: I guess that clears things up.

Dan Lopez: You can bet your sweet tush it does.

staff writer

Questions for male readers:

Questions for female readers:

1. What stands out to you about a girl?

1. What stands out to you about a guy?

2. Where do you like to take a girl on a first date?

2. Your idea of a good date is ...

a) Rockin' bod b) Pretty green eyes c) Long, luscious, blonde locks d) Personality e) Cute feet

a) Candle light dinner b) Bowling c) The San Diego Zoo d) Not the movies e) Sushi or steak

3. What is key in a healthy relationship? a) Not wanting to kill each other. b) Good physical relationship. c) Good communication d) Common interests e) Not too dependent on each other

4. How accepting are you of other people’s differences?

a) It depends ... b) I’m not accepting. c) Accepting. A clone of my self would just get boring. d) Extremely accepting e) Fairly accepting ...

5. Which is closest to your dream car? a) Convertible b) Lifted Truck c) A Spaceship d) Smart Car e) Mercedes-Benz G Class

a) Irresistable charm b) Rugged good looks c) Calf muscles d) My monster truck e) Muscular physique

a) A hot, steamy night on Chat Roulete b) Dairy Queen c) One with me d) Ice skating e) Staring in each other’s eyes for hours

3. Which job would you most like your husband to have? a) MLG Gamer b) Bouncer c) Dairy Queen Employee d) Senator e) Lottery winner

4. Which word would you most associate yourself with?

a) Pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism b) Distinct c) Beautiful d) Bodacious e) Utopia

5. Where in the world would you most like to live? a) Under the sea b) California c) The Dirty D d) Red Light District, Amsterdam e) Bermuda Triangle

If you answered mostly As, your Squall match is junior Lisa Crompton.

If you answered mostly As, your Squall match is the managing uPage editor junior Marshall Kellenberger.

If you answered mostly Bs, your Squall match is senior Erin MacAweeny.

If you answered mostly Bs, your Squall match is senior Aaron Gilman.

If you answered mostly Cs, your Squall match is senior Lauren Daugherty.

If you answered mostly Cs, your Squall match is senior Kevin Yarows.

If you answered mostly Ds, your Squall match is sophomore Emily Pap.

If you answered mostly Ds, your Squall match is senior Chris Rieker.

If you answered mostly Es, your Squall match is senior Morgan Quist.

If you answered mostly Es, your Squall match is the editor of the uPage senior Ian McCarthy.

McLovin = freshman Cody Durham?

John Brosch

Sean Astin = senior John Chiado?

Answer the questions to see which Squall staffer is right for you!

Snooki = senior Margaux Empey?

Date a Squaller

Celebrity look-alikes

Friday, February 26, 2009

The Orphan = sophomore Clare Tell?

7

puzzle

8

arts

Friday, February 26, 2010

Staff Favorites Students featured in local art show Favorite movie: “The Breakfast Club” “The movie is just touching.”

Tucker Whitley staff writer

Favorite teacher to be on a deserted an island with: science teacher Jeff Dagg “Using rocks and sand, we could build a robot paradise and live happily ever after.”

Max Berry news editor

Favorite weapon in epic battle vs. yearbook staff: Butterfly Blade “Swift and portable.”

Nic Miller staff writer

Favorite childhood toy: Hot wheels “I used to like to chew on them.”

Natalie Sobolewski is a senior involved with the Dexter art program and loves art.

“Art is fun and relaxing. You get to make whatever you want with no limits,” she said.

Art can be a class where students can let their imaginations wander, since a student can’t necessarily show how creative they really are in some classes.

Creativity is not something that is just used in art, but can be used in all parts of life and can help improve someone’s life. “Art does not solve problems, but makes us aware of their existence,” sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz once said.

Many students are taking refuge in self-expression and then placing their works of art into local art shows. Sobolewski also said having an art class is “pretty cool, and putting it on display helps get the community involved with our art.”

The most current display of student art is the Dexter Winter Art Show, hosted by the Dexter District Library.

Many students have art work featured in the show. These pieces will continue to be on display until the end of February.

Sobolewski made a jewelry piece that resembles a deer’s head.

She said the piece for the show was designed for and inspired by her dad, who likes to hunt.

Art is a basic fundamental when it comes to school requirements, and shouldn’t be ignored, according to art teacher Autumn Campbell. “If art classes get cut, our students wouldn’t get the chance to get into art schools for college or to show their work at shows like this,” she said.

Sobolewski seems to think so too. She said, “We need a little bit more money for supplies, but other than that, Dexter has a good art program.”

staff writer

Favorite TV show: “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” “It’s unbelievably interesting.”

Steven Miller staff writer

Favorite movie: “Avatar” “It’s like an alien ‘Pocahontas’.”

Coleen Hill health editor

Photos by Ross Chamberlain

Photo by Austin Sullivan

Junior Graham Low looks over the flyer for the next battle before it is distributed. Flyers are generally designed by S.P.A.C.E. members.

staff writer

Photo by Ross Chamberlain

Art by over a dozen DHS students is featured in the show. This piece was painted by senior Jill Wiltse.

S.P.A.C.E. under new leadership

Toliver Rogers

Julie Lindemann

Emma Korte staff writer

Many students have never heard of S.P.A.C.E. But those who have, know that it is a group that puts together Battle of the Bands, a poetry slam and more.

Journalism teacher Barry Mergler, social studies teacher Ethan Konett and video teacher Matt Martello are in charge of this program.

A month ago English teacher Debora Marsh was in the charge of the program but Mergler, Konnett and Martello took it over as co-advisers. Mergler said that S.P.A.C.E. is coming back and it lives.

As one of three co-advisers, Mergler said he’s there to advise the students and answer any questions that they may have.

Seniors Ryan Steinbach and Kyle Hargrove are a part of the Core Street Team.

Freshmen Alezandra Jones and Carly Cash design art work for posters.

Mergler said he decided to become a co-adviser because he didn’t want S.P.A.C.E. to end. “I believe it is a great club and program, and it is wonderful for students to express themselves,” he said. “All people have a voice, and this is an opportunity for them to express themselves. It is an opportunity for them to share their creations with an audience.”

The next Battle of the Bands will be held tonight at Foggy Bottom from 6-9:30 p.m.