Dec. 2014
Volume 90
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Issue 4
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LeRette’s big day Taylor Stanfill Reporter
“It was what I expected, but it was like I was in a different world,” said Lerette. “I met Nick Jonas, got to see the Rockettes, and saw Aladdin on broadway.” LeRette and her group had to be at their spots at 6:30 a.m. and did not get to move until 10:00 a.m.. Due to the cold weather, they were given aluminum foil to keep warm
Casie LeRette, a TJ junior, was invited by a talent scout to dance in the famous Macy’s Day Parade this Thanksgiving in New York City. LeRette has been dancing ever since she was three-years-old. She was inspired by her mother, who had her own dance studio. She hopes to continue her dream of being a professional dancer if she gets accepted to Iowa State University. Not only did she participate in the TJ dance team, she also served as Captain. LeRette was on the dance team as a freshmen and sophomore, but is now only involved with the varsity swim team. She has performed many times in front of several people, but at the Macy’s Day Parade there were millions of viewers. LeRette was 1 out of 200 girls chosen for this opportunity. Much of her success comes from how much time she spends practicing to be the best she can be.
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because they were not allowed to wear anything else under their uniforms. LeRette has come a long way. From her first time dancing as a young girl, up until this current year of her experience at the Macy’s Day Parade. If you watched her in the parade make sure you congratulate her on her accomplishments.
Casie LaRette photo by Angela Gardner. Macy’s Parade photo courtesy of Spririt of America Productions.
Route to success
ANNOUNCEMENTS Girls Basketball
vs. Omaha Roncalli Dec. 12th
Ana Aguilar Reporter
At TJ, there are students that have to go to AL for classes that are not offered here. Because of differences between the schools, students face some pros and cons while being over there. “Abraham Lincoln offers more AP classes, and I know that the engineering program has better equipment than the one here at TJ,” said junior Claudia Hernandez. Students think that it is a great idea getting the opportunity of being able to take classes at AL that are not offer here. They have access to certain tools and programs that can further their education. However, there are disadvantages, too. It takes students 15 minutes to
at Sioux City West Dec. 16th MAC Shootout Dec. 18th-19th
Boys Basketball at Lincoln Pius X Dec. 13th
at Sioux City West Dec. 16th MAC Shootout Dec. 19th-20th Possible routes from TJ to AL via Google Maps.
come from AL back to TJ, which affects the students attendance and being late to their next class. “I miss the first part of PreCalculus CE, and that is when the teacher explains everything. So I’m always lost on Mondays,” said junior Marbella Avalos. Due to the fact that students have their next class back in their home
school, they have to leave early from their class to try to make it on time for their next one. Most of the time they are 10 minutes late and miss part of their class. “All you have to do is talk to your counselor about wanting to take them,” said Avalos. The majority of the reasons that students do not take those classes is because of lack of information on
how to take them, in reality they can obtain the classes as easy as taking classes here at TJ. So next year, if anyone is interested of taking classes that are offered at AL, they should go talk to their counselors and take initiative to getting the classes.
Boys Swimming at DSM Hoover Dec. 13th at Elkhorn Dec. 20th
Wrestling
at MAC Dec. 12th-13th at Abraham Lincoln Dec. 18th at Waukee Dec. 20th
Varsity Bowling at Plaza Lanes Dec. 11th
www.jostensyearbooks.com Page 1
at Lightning Bowl Dec. 12th
ENTERTAINMENT Godspell Adriana Ibarra Reporter
On December 12-14, TJ will be showcasing their winter play “Godspell.” With a cast of over ten students, this production should be a good one. “Practices are long and hard but we get a lot done,” said freshman Timothy Ginn. “There are always nerves but, I’m excited for people to see it play out.” Ginn plays the character “Timmy,” who is a part of the chorus. Freshman Tatum Clingenpeel has a similar perspective when it comes to practices. “They are pretty good. It’s kind of hard to memorize
everything,” said Tatum. She does not always get the chills while performing, it depends on if the play is big or small. Freshman Brad Krug, who is playing “John the Baptist” and “Judas” is very outgoing. He is well known to the freshmen for being energetic, and on stage he is no different. He enjoys being in drama because it gets people out of their comfort zone. “When they applaud it makes you feel good that you could entertain them,” said Krug. Make sure to catch your classmates’ hard work in action. Tickets can be bought for $5 for adults and $3 for students.
Game Review: Advancedmore Warfare modern equipment Dylan Montgomery Reporter
Yes, they made a new Call of Duty and this warfare is very advanced. Yes this review may be a little late, but it is finally here. Call of Duty Advanced Warfare was developed by Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision. It is the 11th Call of Duty and the first developed primarily by Sledgehammer Games. It was released for Microsoft Windows, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. Advanced Warfare was suppose to be an original idea, but in my opinion it doesn’t seem so creative. The concept of the game is the same and they haven’t changed since the very first one, with the exception of
with every new Call of Duty they drop on the market. I think the coolest thing, and from what I have heard everyone’s favorite addition, is the exosuit. The exosuit allows you to double jump and get on top of buildings, fling your body to the side, and punch things like doors and other players very hard. “The exosuit gives the game a new feel,” said senior Logan Hotz. “It makes things more fun and exciting.” Some things people do not like is that the Dead Silence perk is gone from the game. If you use Dead Silence, your footsteps are silent. This was a great perk they had in other Call of Duty games because it allowed you to sneak around the map in silence. Personally, I feel like every Call of Duty they
Freshman Brad Krug photo by Morgan Wooton.
come out with, the spawn points get worse. A spawn point is when you die and restart with a new life in the game. The newer Call of Duty’s have spawn points where everyone is really close to each other and it is an easy way to get killed. Another thing I noticed is that the guns get worse for the users and I feel like a lot of people, including me, complain about the guns and the power they have. Some are really overpowered and some hardly do any damage. “Only one gun is good,” said senior Dylan Nightser, “Everything else isn’t very good.” Now that I have given my thoughts, I’d say that the game gets 3 out of 5 Buzzes.
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Movie review: Alexander... Alejandro Vieyra Copy Editor If you think that you have ever had a really bad day, try living the life of 11-year-old Alexander Cooper. In fact, he had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Based off of the book by Judith Viorst, the movie is about Alexander, who experiences bad luck everyday of his life. The day before his birthday he makes a wish that his family would know what it is like to experience a day like his. This wish will soon come true, and his family will step into his shoes. In the film there were some well known actors that I know and love. Steve Carell played Alexander’s father; and Jennifer Garner
played his mother. I am also familiar with his sister, who is played by Kerris Dorsey. These three made the movie fun and easy to laugh along with. Ed Oxenbould, who starred in the movie as Alexander, did a fantastic job playing in his breakout role. He has played in a few other movies but did not play any main roles, and this was good for his first time. I would be open to seeing Oxenbould in other movies he may do in the future. Although the movie was funny, and family friendly, I would not say this movie was hilarious or too touching. It was just a nice average family comedy, and that is why I would give it 3 out of 5 Buzzes.
Homemade gifts Kaylin Skillett Reporter
Homemade gifts are fun to make and easier on your pocketbook. There are tons of gifts you can make out of materials you have at home. These are just three ideas of gifts to give people. Dinosaur Phone Stand Materials Needed: Plastic Dinosaur (Dollar Store) Suction Cup Caulk or Glue Box Cutter Step 1. Use box cutter to cut plastic dinosaur in half. Step 2. Fill the back end of the dinosaur with caulk or glue. Step 3. Place suction cup in glue/caulk and wait for it to dry. (Make sure suction cup is able to stick to phone) Coffee Cozy Materials Needed: Felt Scissors Hot Glue Disposable Coffee Cup (From Store) Step 1. Measure felt to fit
THE SIGNAL Editor-in-Chief Derrick Johnson
Copy Editor Alejandro Vieyra Paginator Angela Gardner Web Content Hannah-Grace Northam Staff Ana Aguilar Morgan Barth Megan Carroll Dylan Montgomery Kaylin Skillett Taylor Stanfill Morgan Wooton Adriana Ibarra Adviser Rob Lindquist Phone: 712-328-6493 Facebook: CBJacketJournalism Twitter:@TJHSJournalism Web: cbjacketjournalism.com
The Signal is a school-sponsored publication of Thomas Jefferson High School 2501 W. Broadway Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501. The Signal’s office is located in room C128. The Signal is printed by OH-K FASTPRINT in Omaha, NE. The Signal is a school-sponsored-publication and therefore recognizes its responsibility to stay within the boundaries that the school administrator sets. The Signal will therefore inform its readers using a high standard of morals and ethics. The Signal encourages readers to respond in the form of letters to the editor, which can be sent to room C128. The Signal’s editorial staff reserves the right to edit the letters for grammatical errors and to remove any profanity. The editors also reserve the right to exclude letters that are false in their statements or accusations. The Signal will not accept advertisements that promote activities illegal to minors. Advertising rates are available upon request.
disposable coffee cup. Step 2. Cut to that size. Step 3. Hot glue ends of felt together. (If you want: Cut out a felt design and hot glue it onto the cozy) Scrabble Board Picture Frame Materials Needed: Heavy Duty Double Sided Tape Picture Frame Scrabble Letters
Holiday Ruler A Background Image Step 1. Pick and organize letters to put in frame. Step 2. Arrange on the background for frame and measure to make sure they line up. Step 3. Use double sided tape to tape them onto the background. (Use ruler as guide) Step 4. Put frame back together with background and letters organized inside. Enjoy making your gifts.
Home made coffee cozy Photo by Kaylin Skillett
Season of giving Volunteering helps those in need during the holidays Megan Carroll Reporter Giving to those in need, especially during the holidays, can have a positive effect. TJ students are taking advantage of this time of the year by participating when charities roll around. Taking part in charity events during the school year not only benefits those in needs, but the classrooms as well. TJ classrooms have been involved in friendly competitions for charities Earlier this year, whoever gathered the highest number of canned foods for the food drive for their START class was rewarded with doughnuts. Mr. Pope’s class had the highest number of items of 192, and Mrs. Kvammen followed behind with 147 items. Other charitable activities outside of the classroom are taking place with Jackets sports. TJ’s softball team will be taking part of the
Open Door Mission’s Project Santa. Coaches and teammates will be preparing clothes for families and their children. They will also help bag and hand out toys, food, and clothing. Out of the various TJ club organizations, DECA and NHS will hold the next can food drive. Through 2nd hour classes will have their students donate canned goods until December 19th. Those who raise the highest number of cans will receive doughnuts, second place will receive cookies, and third with suckers. Involved in charity events can benefit the Council Bluffs community as a whole. Make local volunteering a part of your holiday tradition.
Recipe: Muddy Buddies Morgan Barth Reporter Ingredients
-A bag of chocolate chips -A bag of powdered sugar -A box of Chex Mix -Jar of Peanut Butter -Red and Green sprinkles
Procedure
-Set burner on medium -Depending on how much you are making pull out either a small,medium, or large sized pan, and pour in only ¼ of chocolate chips -When the chocolate starts melting, take a medium-sized spoon and scoop of two spoonfuls of peanut butter and stir it with the chocolate -After the peanut butter and chocolate melt in with one another, take a cup full
of Chex Mix and pour it into the mix -Began to stir the Chex Mix into the chocolate and peanut butter until it is all coated -When the Chex Mix is coated in chocolate and peanut butter, dump the mix into a big bowl with a lid -Take the bag of powdered sugar and begin to dump it over the mix -Put the lid onto the bowl, and began to shake the bowl -When done, take the lid off and make sure that the mix is covered in the powder sugar -If wanted, take the sprinkles and sprinkle the colors over the Puppy Chow
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“Muddy Buddies” starter pack photo by Morgan Barth.
YOU’RE FUNNY - a comic by Kaylinn Skillitt
Opinion
Christmas: too early Morgan Barth Reporter
their Christmas decor out during October. “Customers have been in People in the metro and out of here getting their area started hanging lights and window clingup their Christmas ers,” said Miedl. “I just don’t decorations some time understand it.” after Halloween. Along Miedl believes that with that, they have been people should start putting listening to holiday music up their decorations some way before the month of time after Thanksgiving, December even starts. and no sooner. “Omaha’s Christmas Some other people are Station” 102.3, started okay with the holiday playing holiday tunes coming early. Former November 1st. Even babysitter Sara Jo, does not though Halloween had just mind the fact that some ended, people had already people are showing off their started to “get into the Christmas spirit early. spirit.” “I love Christmas, so I This has been “He’s got a different sound. All these famous rappers saturate their voice Changing rap music through poetry with all of these different Derrick effects. With Watsky, it’s so a positive and thoughtugly, it’s beautiful. It’s just provoking message that Johnson nasally, pure, untainted all can relate to while Editor-in-Chief having catchy choruses and human vocals. He deserves Over the years, music a bigger audience.” complex lyrics. In addition has begun to get a bad With Watsky, I can listen to his music, his spokenreputation. People believe to his albums all day on word poetry is some of the that everything released is repeat and never get bored best. It goes on a level deep just meaningless, sexually The range of styles his enough to make listeners charged, and focused on music covers can make any cry, while also being fun drugs. However, those situation a better one. He’s enough to make them critics are wrong. definitely one of the most laugh out loud. Although Hidden under the creative musicians in the his sounds have not turned mainstream radio play, game today, in my opinion. mainstream yet, some there are musicians who students at TJ have already Ever since his self-titled take their musical talents debut album released in experienced the greatness and choose to make art 2009, Watsky has become instead of garbage. Take the that is George Watsky. an even bigger star with Senior, and fellow highly underappreciated world tours and seven George Watsky for example. Watsky listener, Jon Ybay studio albums, his most has been listening to George Watsky is a recent being All You Can Watsky for three years. spoken-word poet who “He is extremely talented, Do, which came out last makes rap music for all to August. He’s collaborated musically and lyrically. In enjoy. Instead of rapping with many musical talents about how much money he general, I think he’s a very and made projects that I intelligent man, ” said Ybay. makes, his music spreads happening for years; some people have always put their holiday decorations up early. Chase Wilson, who is currently working for Brodahl Gutters, states that it is too hard for the company to put up their gutters. Especially when they have no room, or have to work around the decorations. “People expect us to get our work done, and we have nowhere to work,” Wilson states.” Also, former Gordman’s employee, Jami Miedl, says that her store was putting
Christmas lights photo by Morgan Barth.
don’t mind the fact that it came a little too quickly,” said Jo. “The kids I babysit love listening to the Christmas music. It helps when they have something to do.” People in the community
have gotten a kickstart on the upcoming holiday. Hanging up their decorations, and showing their love through music. This may have caused people to become confused or even rushed.
George Watsky
George Watsky photo via his website.
consider to be some of my favorites. After about a year and a half of listening to him, I can confidently say that this dude knows how to make
good rap music that appeals well to all ages. Even if you are not into hip hop, I highly suggest you give this man’s work a listen. I doubt you will regret it.
Winter Break Dec 22ndJan 2nd
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