DexterHigh HighSchool School Dexter 2200N.N.Parker ParkerRoad Road 2200 Dexter,MI MI48130 48130 Dexter, www.thesquall.com www.thesquall.com
Dec. 2, 2011 • VOL. 17 • Issue 2
The Dreadnaughts’ voice
•Jenny’s Farm Market accident ... page 4 •The Dexter Bear’s gains fame ... page 5 •An introduction to ONE club ... page 14
graphic
What’s Inside
by Jam e
s Simon
ds
NHS, other clubs help in the community Battle of the Bands
pg. 14
pg. 16
14
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The Squall Page 2 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011
4&5 News & Feature Change to semesters
Administrators have announced that for the 2012-2013 school year, the schedule will be based on semesters instead of the current trimester plan.
Index Photo By: Bryce Walls
National Merit winners
Five seniors have won National Merit honors for scoring high marks on the PSAT.
6&7 Sports
The Blind Pig
Basketball protest
Three senior boys sit out their last year of basketball in protest of strict coaching methods.
Ann Arbor venue provides concerts and a venue for band before they hit the big time.
8&9 Center Spread 10&11 Interactive Spread Mrs. Allie dismissed
Questions arise about the reasons for the dismissal of former high school tech staff Vicki Allie
Tech changes
Problems with server crashes, student log ins and lack of building-level tech. support create headaches
The 5x5
November facial hair
As No Shave November ends, students tend to their beards and give us a festive quiz.
Meet students you should know and hear their opinions on various topics.
12&13 Opinion & Editorial
Social network pro con Twitter vs. Facebook. Which is better? Two social networking heavyweights duke it out.
14&15
Questioning the tech dept. The current technology budget and the tech issues the district focuses on needs rethinking.
Get Involved & YOU Page
Charitable clubs
Mike’s advice
As the holiday season approaches, see what clubs around the school are organizing drives and fundraisers for charities.
In this issue, editor Mike McGonigle teaches lonely Squall readers how to flirt.
16 Photostory Battle at Foggy Bottom
At Rocks-giving, there were three acoustic and three metal bands that competed for the championship. Photo By: Jennifer Stirling
Web Preview
The Squall Page 3 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011 Connor Thompson Editor-in-chief Emily Darrow Editor-in-Chief & Head Designer Kristie Duve Photo Editor Jennifer Stirling Business Manager Alex “Mo” Mortenson Publicity Editor Tucker Whitley Ray Carpenter Taylor Schmidt Zac Whidby Michael McGonigle Editorial Board Carly Cash Illustrator & Design James Simonds Graphics Ali Bowman Sirah Camara Brandon Otto Dexter Stevens Design Team William H. Dreffs Joel Gowen Chante Liu Miranda Mors Bryce Walls Deema Yuhasz Erika Elliott Daniel LozenKowalski Ian Wiesenberg Michelle Stone
Photographers Marissa Argerio Andy Coger
Cameron La Fontaine Nicole Lucas Dylan Polley Emily Tarnaski Ben Bruetsch Dan Edwards Murphy Hansen Nathan Hoatlin Ryan Kimball Levi Kipke Melissa Mabry Aman-Vir Mandair Colin Meldrum Steve Miller Toliver Rogers Hunter Scharf Jacob Van Hoof
Staff Writers Rodney Satterthwaite Adviser
Memberships:
Graphic By: James Simonds
Contact us
Mail address: 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter MI, 48130 (734) 426-4240 ext: 7407
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 Schools.
Letters to the Editor
The Squall encourages letters to the editors. All letters will be screened for libel and obscenity. The editorial board may edit or shorten letter as long as the meaning is unchanged. All letters must be signed and include a telephone number for confirmation. Request to withhold a writer’s name will be considered by the editorial board. Letters can be emailed to the Squall staff, dropped off in room 407 or given to any member of the Squall staff.
News
The Squall Page 4 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011
Semesters are back Staff votes to change from trimesters after four years
Cameron La Fontaine Staff Writer
Four years after its implementation, the trimester schedule system is finished. DHS will return to semesters starting in the 2012-2013 school year due to the inability to develop teacher-student relationships, teachers not having enough time in a trimester and lower proficiency in students who took math and foreign languages, according to Principal Kit Moran. In a school-wide staff vote, 68.8 percent of teachers who voted supported the switch back to semesters. And while some people say the change to semesters is driven by the inclusion of the International Baccalaureate program next year, according to Moran, it’s due to cumulative problems with trimesters. “A couple years ago we eventually arrived as a staff where we had a long list of things we didn’t like about trimesters,” Moran said. “Teachers still felt rushed. They felt like they had to do 18 weeks of work in 12 weeks. They really lost the connection with kids where they maybe saw a kid first term and then maybe not even see the kid again, maybe ever. They felt they weren’t able to know their kids well enough, and to me it’s very important that they’re able to know their kids well enough.” According to Moran, math and world language teachers were also frustrated that some students would have math or a language in both the first and second trimesters, but not in the third trimester, or not until the first trimester of the next year. These stu-
Artwork Credit: Carly Cash
dents, Moran said, would struggle with or lose knowledge of things they learned the previous year. Spanish teacher Kristi Shaffer agrees with Moran and said the change to semesters is an idea she supports. “Overall, I’m happy with it, and I think that having a language every day, all year long, is really what kids need,” she said. Band director Ken Moore, however, is not so sure. “I advocate a balanced education for all students, one that gives them many different electives, and experiences,” he said. “We will have to wait an see if the six-period day helps or is a hindrance.” Regardless, when the search for a new scheduling system started, Moran said it wasn’t easy to find a good fit. He said that when administrators started to look for other schedule options for the school, they first considered a block schedule, but it was expensive because teachers didn’t teach enough of the day. The seven-period schedule that Milan and Manchester use was initially an option, but the periods were deemed too short by administrators. After administrators agreed a six-hour semester schedule was best, Moran said they presented the idea to parents, students and the board of education. All that remained was to clear it with the teachers and the teacher’s union in the proper way. “After surveying the staff, the final survey vote was about 68.8 percent who said yes
“
to semesters, which was over two thirds of the teaching staff, and the administration felt it was enough to make the switch,” Moran said. Despite this level of support among the teaching staff, parent Jennifer Maisch said there problems with going back to semesters that Moran and other administrators have not addressed adequately. “There has been no empirical study comparing student performance on trimesters versus semesters,” she said. “(There has been) no analysis of AP or other standardized test results under one system versus the other, no broad survey of student or parent satisfaction with either system excepting the conveyance of a few anecdotal comments. Yet our school administration and school board appear willing to totally disrupt student schedules with little evidence that the change will be of any benefit. “Second, academic time is being reduced in the most rigorous courses and increased in less demanding ones. Subjects currently taught in a single trimester will have increased class time in a semester configuration. “Lastly, while lack of student choice is frequently cited as a reason for moving to semesters, at present, Dexter has a fairly paltry slate of academically meaningful electives available. The district has never made good on promises to consider the addition of more AP, honors or foreign language offerings,” she said. Moran, however, said trimesters have actually given some students less choice because Dexter doesn’t run a true trimester. Music and AP classes, for instance, run all three trimesters. He also said semesters should result in fewer problems in the counseling office “Semesters will make scheduling easier,” Moran said. “Kids will have fewer choices. We don’t think it will impact the majority of students. The majority will not notice there is a big difference. There will be some kids that may just want to take a zero hour class so that they could eventually go to fifth hour and just be done, and they’d still be a full student. It’s a good idea to make an appropriate change for what’s best for all DHS students, not just some.”
I advocate a balanced education for all students, one that gives them many different electives and experiences.
”
- Ken Moore
band director
Feature
The Squall Page 5 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011
Kipke recognized for excellence She and four others named National Merit Semifinalists based on PSAT Alex Mortensen & Nathan Hoatlin Editor, Staff Writer
S
Photo by: Kristie Duve
Senior and National Merit Semifinalist Jasmine Kipke takes notes in fifth hour Physics taught by Dave Callaghan. Kipke said the most important components of her academic success are hard work and supportive parents.
he has filled out stack after stack of applications, and they are all beginning to look the same. Since she’s a National Merit Semifinalist, senior Jasmine Kipke has a better chance then most to be accepted to a college of her choice. And has already, to a multitude of schools, but the process is still stressful. Kipke became a National Merit Semifinalist due to her scores on the PSAT, a sophomore-year practice SAT that also is used as criteria for the National Merit Scholarship. She is one of five Dexter students who was named a semifinalist. “I didn’t really prepare for the test,” she said. “I just went in and took it,” The National Merit Scholarship program, founded in 1955, selected only 547 students from Michigan this year as semi-finalists, and only a fraction of those will win an actual scholarship. This scholarship and the recognition it provides have given Kipke numerous scholarship opportunities, but none from colleges that she wishes to attend. “I’ve gotten scholarships from a lot of smaller schools, even fullrides, but no places I want to go,” she said. “None of the good schools are offering anything. I think I want to go to University of Michigan and go into medicine.” Kipke said her academic success can be attributed to hard work, coupled with the support of her parents. “I’ve always focused on staying
motivated on my future,“ she said. Part of this is having a life outside the classroom. “I think being a balanced student is important” she said. “I try to do clubs and stuff and not let academics and school rule all of my time.” In fact, Kipke is a four-year veteran of the track and field and cross country teams. She is also a favorite with her teachers, whom she wins over with her work ethic. “She is one of the most highly motivated students I have ever had,” English teacher Jo Muszkiewicz said. “She is simply amazing. She missed the first two weeks of AP English, because she went to Africa to adopt children with her mother. It was challenging for her to get caught up, but she just did it, never asking for extentions, she just worked diligently.” So what drives such an excellent academic to succeed? The high expectations she sets for herself according to her mother. “She cares deeply,” Paula Kipke said. “It is important for her to do well. She has high expectations for herself, and she also competes with her older brother, Dillon. Jasmine has excellent study habits. If anything, she studies too hard.” Both her coaches and her parents agree it is her quiet determination that sets her apart. “Jasmine has been a quiet leader on the (cross country) team since her freshman year,” said coach Katie Jazwinski. “In every practice, every competition Jasmine has participated in, she has been 100 percent effort no matter how she is feeling. She gives it her all and never quits.”
Study tips from the other 4 finalists
Daniel Brooks
“I don’t study most of the time. When I do, it’s usually from previous tests and quizzes.”
Trevor Herman Hilker
“I never really study. I find that if I review everything just before the test, it is easier to remember.”
Amy Read
“For me, it’s best if you review every night a few nights before the test.”
Connor Thompson
“Review a lot two days before tests but go to bed early the night before them.”
Sports
The Squall Page 6 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011
Basketball phenoms
Jay Lewis Position: Guard Grade: Senior “I hope we don’t run a lot in practice, but I hope we do well this season.”
Haden Quinn Position: Guard Grade: Senior “(We are) a band of brothers with Father Swoverland at the head. Together, we can do great things.”
Mike Mioduszewski Position: Forward Grade: Senior “I’m hoping we come together as players and become a better team and hopefully win some games.”
Photo Credit: Bryce Walls
At the end of last season, three seniors who have been involved in the basketball program decided not to play this year due to what they said were philosophical differences with coaching. The seniors who remain, however, say they are looking forward to a season of bonding and success.
These shoes were made for walking Three basketball players call it quits for their senior year
Zac Whidby Editor
As his team walked off the court, dejected after its March 9 district playoff loss against Ann Arbor Skyline, current senior Jake Haviland went to the locker room feeling differently than his teammates about the outcome. Instead of being upset and disappointed that the season was over, Haviland was relieved, and thankful to be done with basketball--permanently. And along with Haviland, seniors Ryan Kimball, and Joel Gowen have decided they were destined for other sports, saying they have disagreements with the team’s
coaching philosophy. “It focuses too much on running punishments. It hinders players’ actions in the game,” Kimball said. “Players are afraid to pass because if they mess up, they have to run suicides. I’m trying to focus more on the upcoming rugby season,” he said. Coach Randy Swoverland declined to comment on his coaching philosophy or the three players’ decision not to play this year. Regardless, Haviland’s true passion is for football he said. “I’ve never really been that great at basketball,” he said. “I want to play football in college for either a D1 or D2 school; doesn’t matter which.”
And rugby has consumed the winter for Haviland too. “I started playing rugby, so basketball got less of my focus,” he said. “Rugby is a lot like football; my main focus is on football.” For Gowen’s part, he said he wasn’t having fun, so he decided he should stop playing. “There’s a lot of unnecessary punishment that affects my motivation to play,” he said. “I didn’t really enjoy the time on the team last year. I play baseball in the spring. It’s more of my thing. I still play rec-ed basketball. I like the game, just not the experiences I had last year. I’m more into a “have-fun” atmosphere.”
Entertainment
The Squall Page 7 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011
Big acts, small place Ann Arbor venue draws in name acts before they go big Dan Edwards Staff Writer
Junior Alex Gillespie went to his first concert at The Blind Pig in downtown Ann Arbor on Oct. 16. And while he had never been to a concert there before, he loved the small venue and seeing a band he thinks is on the rise. “I went to see the Dean’s List, and it was a good time,” he said. “The venue is small, and it has a really loud and awesome atmosphere.” And according to Blind Pig manager Jeremy Steinke, this is the beauty of The Blind Pig. It’s small, intimate and an important part of Ann Arbor music history. In fact, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana said in a 1990 interview that the Blind Pig was his favorite place to play. Steinke also said The Blind Pig mostly plays host to aspiring musicians looking to find their way to the top. “We don’t discriminate,” he said. “We play all genres of music. Everything from reggae to hip hop to country. We’re kind of a stepping stone to fame. Tool, Nirvana and Godsmack all played here right before they hit it big.” Most concerts are restricted
only to patrons who are 18 and over, but Steinke said the club is usually pretty lenient on letting younger kids in. “If a high school kid wants to come see a show that’s labeled 18 and over, we’ll usually let them in,” he said. “Or, depending on the show, they might have to have a parent with them.” The Blind Pig didn’t always start as a fun, crazy concert venue, though. It was opened in 1972 by Tom Isaia and Jerry DelGiudice as a Euro-style cafe that served coffee and unique European cuisine, with blues performers playing nightly shows. Since then, Steinke said The Blind Pig has evolved in to one of Ann Arbor’s only concert venues. Because of that, the Blind Pig gets most of the big acts that come through Ann Arbor, another reason Gillespie recommends The Blind Pig as a great place to see good bands at a reasonable price. He said, “Everyone’s pretty laid back there, and they all just want to have a good time. I’d definitely go back.”
Upcoming shows 7 Chakraz: Dec. 1, 9:30 p.m. The Oygasms!: Dec. 3, 8 p.m. Mux Mool: Dec. 9, 9:30 p.m. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Dec. 11, 8 p.m. Indigo Sun: Dec. 22, 9:30 p.m.
Photo Credit: seattlest.com/used with permission
Hip hop artist Macklemore plays with Ryan Lewis at The Blind Pig on Dec. 11. Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, grew up in Seattle and says he is a socially conscious rapper.
Spread
The Squall Page 8 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011
Tech. problems affect teachers
After four years as the dedicated tech. go-to gal, Vicki Allie is
Even after several years, dysfunction persists
Levi Kipke Staff Writer
TERMINATED Connor Thompson Editor in chief
High school tech support Vicki Allie was fired by Executive Director of Support Services Sean Burton on Oct. 13. This personnel change comes in the wake of several years of tech woes, the most recent of which comes from the district-wide implementation of new hardware, according to high school administrators. Ironically, the hardware itself is problematic because the district does not have enough staff to maintain it. Documents obtained by The Squall through a Freedom of Information Act request indicated Allie was dismissed after an unspecified case of dishonesty investigated by Burton. Burton said he could not comment further on personnel matters. Allie is contesting this charge, though, and said her lawyer advised her not to comment on the administration’s claim. “I was given the opportunity to resign but did not feel the misunderstanding warranted a resignation,” she said. “I am undeniably opposed to the reason the administration gave for my dismissal. At this time it is in my best interest not to disclose details.” Each of Allie’s employee evaluations obtained through the FOIA request, the most recent of which written at the end of the last school year, indicate satisfactory performances in every job category. “Vicki is a good worker with excellent ideas,” her supervisor Vicki Glowacki said in a probationary evaluation from 2005. None of the criteria used in each evaluation -- attendance, flexibility, safety, quality of work, initiative, appearance and interpersonal skills -received anything other than the highest score possible. A district employee who said he would speak to The Squall only if we didn’t use his name because he feared retaliation, said Allie’s dismissal
The Squall Page 9 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011
was a misunderstanding concerning the proper recipients of email messages. The employee said Allie’s alleged dishonesty may have been influenced by confusion and elapsed time, rather than malicious intent. Allie’s dismissal comes on the heels of a revamp of the technology department stemming from a 2008 bond issue. The district has spent over $45 million on new technology, including smart boards, laptops and desktop computers in the past several years. Unfortunately, the current economic atmosphere has necessitated significant staff reductions, significantly inhibiting the district’s ability to smoothly install new technology, according to Principal Kit Moran. “The high school has outstanding technology,” Moran said. “Keeping that going is always problematic.” The district currently employs schoolwide networks for students to store and retrieve data more easily. Allie was responsible for maintaining the high school’s server, among other things. While no one has been hired as an outright replacement for Allie, current tech department worker Roger Johnson has taken up her duties in addition to his current work at Bates and Cornerstone. Allie, meanwhile, is contesting the district’s decision to dismiss her through the employee grievance process. “I believe that the grievance process will provide a positive outcome for me,” she said. “My goal is to return to DCS and get back to supporting staff and students.” In addition to Burton, Tungl, superintendent Mary Marshall and DESPA Union President Rich Wines all declined to comment for this story.
Photojournalism teacher Sarah Ashman assigns her students to log on to their computers so they can edit digital photos, but she feels apprehension in doing so. Within 10 minutes of giving this instruction, Ashman’s fears are confirmed as she receives a complaint that one of her students’ computers crashed due to a server error. She’s helpless to combat this type of problem, and after the firing of high school tech support person Vicki Allie earlier this year, there’s no one in the school who can consistently help her. “We no longer have someone in our building to help handle emergency situations when they arise,” Ashman said. “I don’t feel that we’re currently getting enough support all the time to help with students’ problems.” A feeling echoed by many high school teachers since the recent firing of high school tech. support person Vicki Allie. Allie’s firing (see article on previous page) and what teachers say is the lack of organization in the technology department has caused a flow of complaints about technology malfunctions which some say is the fault of previous technology director Matt Maciag. Following Richard Weaver’s retirement as technology director in 2008, Maciag was hired. But after a series of technological and financial issues, he stepped down last year. Maciag declined comment for this article, and current technology director Brian Tungl did not return repeated email and phone requests for interviews. Regardless, since Allie’s firing, the high school has operated without a technology staff member on site all the time, which teachers say is particularly an-
noying because of server crashes and network errors which have plagued the whole district. “The biggest complaint from teachers is that we don’t have a tech person on site,” Principal Kit Moran said. “They’re used to being able to call a body and having someone fix things.” These technology issues have especially impacted teachers who use computers daily to teach their classes, such as yearbook adviser Barry Mergler. “Students get frustrated when they can’t access files, documents, photos and anything else they need for a class,” Mergler said. “I see it, and I feel for the students. Odd messages pop up that don’t make sense. Sometimes there’s weird, quirky bugs on a computer.” The lack of technological reliability has even forced teachers such as Ashman to revise their lesson plans. “This year, I’ve had to cut a lot of technology-related lessons from my plans, and I always have to have a back-up plan for what might happen if the technology fails,” she said. “It’s very time-consuming for me.” According to Moran, though, there is no one clear solution to these technology difficulties. “In the long term, I think we may need to lower our expectations,” he said. “I think it’s just something we need to gradually do. What I’d like to do is have a conversation as a district and figure out where we are with technology. We’re going to reset the way we do things and make a new normal.” But until there’s a solution, many teachers say the image of the district as technologically savvy one is in jeopardy. “I think overall this district is highly focused on new and innovative ways to teach and learn,” Ashman said. “But that focus is lost and irrelevant if we don’t have support to use our technology.”
(A random sampling of technology help desk tickets submitted by various teachers since 2009)
Graphics By: James Simonds Graphic Credit: James Simonds
Interactive Spread 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Photos by Chante Liu
a. Senior Cody King
b. Senior Matt Nelson
c. Junior Andrew Milkey
d. Junior Jacob Maxey
e. Junior Travis Ratliff
f. Teacher Jason Miller
Facial fur frenzy
Answers: 1-f, 2-e, 3-d, 4-b, 5-a, 6-c
Match the beard to the person
The Squall Page 10 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011
Facial hair through the ages
No-shave November brings out all kinds of styles Ray Carpenter Editor
The moment senior Ross Williamson walked in to school for the first time sporting a beard, he immediately noticed that people treated him differently. “The beard makes you look older and wiser,” he said. “People who didn’t know me said I looked like a college student.” Williamson, among hundreds of thousands of high school and college students all around the nation, is participating in “No Shave November.” As the event’s title suggests, participants in the event opt out of shaving throughout the entire month. Although this can occasionally result in luxurious, radiant facial hair, many times all that’s accomplished is an itchy chin and a lin-
gering sense of regret, Williamson said. Not shaving has also created new behaviors such as touching his face more and stroking his beard all the time. It’s also been a religious experiences for him as Williamson listed Jesus as one of the primary sources of inspiration for his beard, along with his father. “‘What would Jesus do?’ I thought to myself,” he said. But the primary reason for growing his beard out Williamson said, was laziness. “Others might do it because of tradition or something, but I just didn’t want to shave because I’m lazy,” he said with a laugh. “I’m definitely keeping the beard, even after this thing is over. I love it.”
Walrus 1880
The Hitler ‘stache 1940
Handlebar 1900
Goatee 1990
Fu Manchu 1930
Kimbo Slice 2005
Interactive Spread What are your hobbies?
I build intricate cityscapes in my basement and reenact everyday scenarios with homemade action figures resembling DHS students.
What do your weekends consist of?
If you could own/ create a company, what would it be?
I do lots of squats and cleans then go back to the cityscapes.
I would start a food company that makes really tasty chips that turn your mouth green and a separate company that sells the antidote. MEOW!
What is your catch phrase?
Getting my Barbies married.
Teacher Jeff Oesch
Freshman Rosie Kaloustian Saving children from predators.
Cage fighting, bass fishing, I like to run a lot and some occasional gardening.
5x5
I guess I would be. Who is your role model?
Playing music, considering myself superior to others, playing sports.
Sophomore Morgan Cole
People you should know
Junior Jacob Rich
Staff Writer
Senior Taylor Neely
Steve Miller
The Squall Page 11 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011
Steve Carrell and Mendeleev. Both entertainers, they exemplify the values I hold in my life.
Kim Kardashian, because she gets money.
Typically work. I work for a company that puts on light and laser shows for raves and conventions.
Watching Barbie movies with my cat.
A company of mercenaries.
Money.
Kesha. She likes glitter.
Lounging on my couch in seductive positions.
Check out these fancy and not-so fancy cars in the student lot Sportiest Car Junior Chris Dootz 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
There are a lot of past and former teachers, Bill Clinton, Muhammad Ali.
A lot of Madden, a jog through the cemetery. I like to cruise around town in my Grand Am, bumping music.
Nail polish making company.
Soap on a rope company.
Weaponry. Oesch Weapons of Mass Destruction, with me flexing as the icon.
Awesome sauce.
That’s pretty neat.
Moderately entertaining.
“That car is the love of my life, and girls cost way too much money.” - Dootz
Most High-Tech Senior Tucker Brust 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
It’s so classy it belongs in a magazine.
Classiest Vehicle Junior Blake Miller 2007 BMW X5
“That car is my baby. And in that car it’s always Miller time.” -Miller
Most Mom-ish -Junior Mike Hauke 2005 Mercury Sable
“Despite what everyone else thinks, this car is popular in Thailand.” -Hauke
Loudest Car -Junior Jacob Ladziak 1995 Acura Integra
“I don’t like my car. It’s a piece of sheep.” -Ladziak
Photos by Bryce Walls
Opinion
The Squall Page 12 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011
The social network debate
Does Facebook or Twitter offer the most bang for the buck when it comes to social media?
Emily Tarnaski Staff Writer
Patrick Rogers I wished it would stay 11/11/11 11:11 forever... disappointment is rough
Talia Savannah Wood I see facebook status and I want to retweet them
Ian Matthew Wilson
The Skyrim strategy guide may be the only 600+ page book I ever read...
Keegan Forbes Keepin it Keegan
Clare Tell
Facebook shows me that I’m a lot creepier than I thought...
Lindsey Lloyd That awkward moment when you realize Kim Kardashian’s failed marriage could have paid your college tuition for 2,833 years.
Tara Talbot Just finished a two-page essay in less than 17 minutes. This has got to be a world record of some sort.
When I found out about the “Words with Friends” app on facebook, I was ecstatic. You can play Scrabble? With your friends, instantly? This just made life happier. And unless I’m mistaken, I can’t play Scrabble with my friends instantly on Twitter, can I? Or any game for that matter. This is just one of the many advantages Facebook has over Twitter. When using Facebook, I have the ability to stalk the entire world. On the other hand, there is hardly anyone on Twitter to creep on. I don’t know about you, but I love to creep on the people who I haven’t seen in five years, and I love to stealthily look up my fellow classmates to see what they have been up to. By mastering stalking, I can find out many things: what the person who dropped out of school is doing now or which hot guy someone is going out with. When using Twitter, the person I am stalking knows I’m stalking them because they can see who is “following” them. We Facebook users are classier. We keep that sort of thing a secret. Also, on Twitter, I can’t do nearly as good of a job figuring out who a person is from his or her profile. If I can figure out someone’s life from their Twitter profile, I know they are one of those annoying tweeters. I’m talking about those people who tweet their every action. Talk about obnoxious. People don’t care that you “can’t stop coughing,” your “bangs aren’t laying flat” or that you’re “bored and have no one to talk to.” I don’t care about your problems. Why don’t you get off Twitter and fix them? Thanks. @Afrikan_Swagg, I’m talking to you. At least we have Facebook, where there are other things to look at besides status updates. Facebook is also easier to understand than Twitter. On Facebook, I can comment right below a status or on a photo, but on Twitter, I have to tag the person in a post and then look back in my “mentions” to see if someone commented. And if someone did, I have to tag them again if I want to respond to them. That’s too much effort. This is not the only confusing thing about Twitter. There is also a way to categorize your tweets by using a hashtag. You put a pound sign before some words in your tweet, but the thing you say after the pound sign cannot have any spaces between it. #ThiscanbecomeverydifficulttoreadandIdonotgetthepointofit. Another downside to Twitter is I can only say what I want to say in 140 characters. That last sentence is more than half of what I could have said, if it were a tweet. Not cool. So the next time you are faced with the familiar Facebook login page, go ahead and press enter because the whole world will be at your fingertips.
Sirah Camara @Afrikan_Swaggg #staffwriter Twitter and Facebook find themselves at opposite ends of a heated battle for supremacy. Where do I, “@Afrikan_Swaggg,” stand on the side of this argument? Twitter, obviously. Have you ever Facebook-stalked someone? Don’t even lie. I know you have. Who hasn’t? But while Facebook is, in part, meant for stalking, you have not stalked someone until you have Twitter-stalked them. Looking through pictures on Facebook is not as satisfying as looking through tweets. On Facebook I am only able to see things from the past. I cannot see what a person is doing at this exact moment. On Twitter, not only am I able to know everything people are doing, but also view pictures attached to tweets. This allows stalkers to master their creep session. People tweet every detail of their lives and don’t leave anything out. For example, one recent tweet from a student reads “@tcasss: watching step brothers while working out>>>”. Facebook, makes it more difficult to learn every detail of someone’s life because it involves too many clicks of the mouse. While I enjoy stalking time, I am bound to encounter hilarious people who create parody accounts of celebrities. Twitter is made for this. For example, Will Ferrell is parodied by the account @FillWerrell. Some tweets including, “@FillWerrell: Dear Snooki, You’re fat, orange, and love lasagna? Reeeaaal original... Sincerely, Garfield” and “@FillWerrell: I hate it when I try to hug someone sexy, but I end up headbutting the mirror.” Where else can you see “@FillWerrell: Dear girls who take pictures in the bathroom, I’m taking a dump in the stall behind you. Sincerely, don’t forget to tag me?” Nowhere. Another thing Twitter offers is the ability to get my innermost thoughts out. You mad, bro? Tweet it out. You sad, bro? Tweet it out. You happy, bro? Tweet it out. Freshmen bump you in the hall way? Tweet it out. You on that “sweat pants, hair tied, chillin’ with no make up on” swag? Tweet it out. Other than its immense stalking opportunities and the possibility for emotional binging, Twitter also offers great entertainment. Especially during a Twitter fight. To be able to watch a catty, live-action fight unfolding on my timeline every time I refresh it, is like the feeling of opening presents on Christmas morning. Pure joy. In this battle between Twitter and Facebook, there is one clear winner. The amount of power one has on Twitter is greater than what one has on Facebook. There are no limits to tweets. It’s your Twitter. The power is in your hands. Join the dark side. Get at me @Afrikan_Swaggg.
Memorable Tweets: miilkkk Milk
Twitter Over Capacity? Rick Ross must have logged in.
FillWerrell NOT Will Ferrell
How Do Police On Bikes Arrest People? “YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILET!” Alright, now get in the basket!!”
DHS_Squaller Dexter Squaller Any feedback from our last issue? #letusknow
funnyortruth Funny Or Truth
My parents accused me of being a liar. I looked them in the face & said, “tooth fairy, Santa, Easter bunny.” & walked away like a boss.
gibbygibson6 Gibby Gibson #senioritis
urnlish Erin Lashbrook
Why do people make super long fake names on facebook? #identitycrisis
12BarbiE___ Eden Krull
Who knew my opinion could start so much drama on facebook? #lmao
SoVeryAwkward That Awkward Moment
That awkward moment when you make a Harry Potter reference and none of your Muggle friends get it.
miodus1994 michael mioduszewski
got mauled by a squirrel in the forest today Illustrations by Carly Cash
Editorial
The Squall Page 13 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011
Technology problems impede student learning Staff Opinion For at least three years, the district has been plagued by problems with technology, including network failures, server crashes, faulty computers and smart boards that don’t work. These failures have subsequently frustrated both students and teachers. While we acknowledge the diligence and hard work of the technology department, these problems have gone on for too long, and inadequate progress has been made in fixing them. The resignation of former tech director Matt Maciag in 2010 and the firing of high school tech. support person Vicki Allie this October made things even worse. The fundamental source of all of the tech problems is the network, which likely needs to be rebuilt from the ground up. This however, is easier said than done. Despite the fact that Apple has acknowledged network and server issues, rebuilding the network would be a time-consuming task involving a large amount of money, something that the district cannot afford considering the present state of the economy. It’s unfortunate that the true fault lies in costly spending decisions, decisions which prohibit the
workers in the tech. department from performing their jobs to the best of their abilities and which were made before current technology director Brian Tungl came on board at the start of this school year. As an example of wasteful technology spending, look no further than the interactive whiteboards in each teacher’s room. Considering the number of teachers who actually use them, these boards are almost useless. These broad, hulking pieces of equipment serve as nothing more than decorations for most classrooms, and the tasks they perform can easily be done with overhead projectors. Each board cost about $1500 each, money which could have been better spent on items that teachers would use on a daily basis. While we understand the need to use technology in education, much of what the district purchased doesn’t enhance learning. Future tech purchases should focus on making sure we have a network that doesn’t consistently crash and making sure teachers want and will use equipment before the district purchases it.
What we think:
Students and teachers should have building-level tech. support and a voice in how technology dollars are spent in the classroom.
Illustration by Carly Cash
What do you think about the district’s technology problems? Senior Carrie Wolfe
Junior Kyle Worthy
Sophomore Hannah Kimball
Freshman Nate Watson
“We’re having problems because there aren’t enough servers, and the servers crash more often because they can’t handle the amount of work they are given. With the amount of projects and web browsing that goes on in a day in our schools, the servers are bound to crash from information overload.”
“I don’t think that there are that many problems. It’s probably a fluke, because the server crashes don’t last very long, at least from what I’ve seen. We probably have about as many tech. problems as other districts do, maybe even less.”
“It’s probably from all of the people going on Facebook or looking at dumb things on the Internet. There’s a lot of students during the school day that go on websites that they’re not supposed to be on, and when there are large groups of these people, the server might crash.”
“Maybe it’s from students hacking into the server. Sometimes students hack the server to see websites that are blocked by the school, like Facebook. All this hacking can leave the server exposed and vulnerable.”
Get Involved
The Squall Page 14 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011
Interact
Whether it’s brightening random students’ days or giving out free breakfast before school, SPARK works to make people happier according to junior officer Alex Semifero. Semifero said one of SPARK’s major accomplishments last year was a morning breakfast held before school that was free for any student. Semifero has been a part of SPARK for a year and said her favorite part is doing fun activities and then using those same activities to make other people’s days more special. She also said SPARK wants to hold another free breakfast before school and would like to have club members go out to dinner and choose a random table and pay for their meal.
As opposed to helping just the community, the Interact Club helps out in more of a global sense according to senior and president Josie Cohen. One of the club’s major accomplishments this year, according to Cohen, includes creating dresses by hand and sending them to Africa. Cohen has been a part of the club for two years and said she has bonded with club members because of their weekly shared lunch and monthly social events. Cohen said one of her major goals for Interact is to spread the word about the club for a greater attendance. She said, “My hope for Interact in the future is that it continues to flourish.” Sophomore Mikaela Smith, senior Leticija Oreski and freshman Emily Kenworthy advertise for an Interact food drive outside of Buschs. Photos by Kristie Duve, Marissa Argiero and Joel Gowen
NHS has helped serve the community through tutoring, recycling and the fall blood drive. Senior Secretary Lynn Metz said she has bonded with fellow officers because she spends a lot of time with them including their meetings every Tuesday morning. “My favorite part of NHS is probably the fact that we get to help out the community as well as spend time with friends,” she said. Metz also said NHS is planning a coat and mitten drive as well as the winter Fun Run.
Senior Melissa Lemke offers tutoring before school in the library.
SPARK
During a club meeting, senior Taylor Cassidy lists ways to SPARK people.
NHS
LE
Leos Club, an extension of the Dexter Lions Club, is made up of individuals donating their time to help the community according to senior Julie
S
Niethammer. She said the Leos have volunteered by helping elementary students in the district do their work.
YOU Page
The Squall Page 15 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011 a group of friends, men like the idea of hanging with you.
Editors’ note: YOU asked for an advice column. Here YOU have it. This is the YOU page. This advice is for YOU from our resident expert in advice giving, Mike McGonigle. Unlike most journalism, the writer is talking directly to YOU. YOU may or may not wish to take the advice. In fact, we’d recommend against it. Hello, moderately attractive readers. This issue, I want to help you with the age-old question of whether a member of the opposite sex whom you are courting is actually interested in you. In the olden days, men would merely buy women with a pig or several chickens. Now, texting, money and hair gel have all replaced the relative simplicity of attracting a mate from years past. And high school is even worse when it comes to understanding the opposite gender. Luckily, I am a master of the art of knowing the inner workings of attraction. I know the ins and
outs of all of it. Ladies: Ladies, sometimes it may be hard to read the signs men are throwin’’ your way. One way to tell is if a man is interested is simply: is he talking to you? Recognizing your existence is one form used by gentlemen to flirt. Talking to women is not fun because most of the time, we can’t relate. So listening to your problems is basically like giving you a hug. Gentle, modest touches allow females to know that a man is interested. If the touches are too aggressive, you’ll know the man is just in it to win it. Let the men know you are strong and assertive. Say, “No! I have personal space for just me.” But if you want to send the signal that you are ready for date time, take these hints: •Laugh at his jokes. They probably won’t be that funny, but make him feel special anyhow. •Make plans outside of school. Even if it’s with
Gents: Men, you can sometimes get confused about when a women is trying to make her move. Flirting can sometimes be confused with talking, horseplay and general interactions. Try to sift through the small signs that mark a normal conversation with a woman. If a woman is going out of her way to meet you or starting random text conversations then all signs point to ulterior motives. However, if she dodges you in the hall, or uses short, one-word answers in texts, then she probably isn’t that into you. Listen to your friends. They probably know best. They’ll recognize if the female would like to spend time with you. It’ll be hard to tell for the person involved so listen to a third-party observer.
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Knowing the other person’s intentions can take years of research and social interactions.
I hope that these tips help you understand the ways which the opposite gender flirts. Knowing the other person’s intentions can take years of research and social interactions. But if all else fails, asking the person on a date would probably work just as well.
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- Mike McGonigle advice giver
Photostory
The Squall Page 16 www.thesquall.com Dec. 2, 2011
Seniors Zachary Husak, Andrew Paulissen and Carrie Wolfe play at the their first battle as a trio. They performed their own rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”
Photos by Miranda Mors and Jennifer Stirling
Clash of the chords Student groups perform at semiannual musical competition hosted at Foggy Bottom
Hunter Scharf
Staff Writer
A
t the November Battle of the Bands, acoustic group Husak and Paulissen placed first over the electric bands Declination and Yakisoba, which respectively took second and third. This was the first battle to be streamed live on the web. It was also recorded by junior Clay Hanson and can be viewed online at www.justin.tv/battleofthe-
bands.com The event was put together by the Student Produced Artistic Collaborative Event club. According to junior Joe West, S.P.A.C.E. is devoted to the artistic endeavors of students and battle is an event that allows students to display their artistic talents as well as share with each other what they enjoy most, music. “Music is important,” West said. “It isn’t just an essential activity, it is our lives.”
Junior Brent Kellenberger and his brother sophomore Owen Kellenberger placed second with their mix of rock guitar and electric keyboard. This was the duo’s third battle as a team.
Frontman and bassist of Nebula 3, junior Alec Palowski, sings a version of “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath. Palowski was the only musician to sing while also playing bass.
Senior Forrest Braveheart performed acoustic solos on stage. This was Braveheart’s fifth battle.
Sophomore Natalie Burdick aka. Supernatalie, said she has been listening to music since she was an infant. She performed a cover of the Beatles song “I Will.”
Junior Joe West, a battle of the bands veteran, played a part in both “Declination” and “Yakisoba.” He played both lead guitar and drums.