September 2017
Volume 92
Issue 1
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TJ enforces new rules following Florida shooting Morgan Jacobson Reporter On February 14, 2018, there was a fatal shooting at a Florida high school. The incident at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School took the lives of 14 students and 3 faculty members. Lone gunman, Nikolas Cruz had been living with his friends family, they took him in due to his living situation that wouldn’t work out. He came with multiple weapons including an AR-15 assault rifle when he moved in with the family. He had to get a gun safe, the family made sure it was under lock and key at all times and made sure they had the only key. All the weapons he had were legally purchased, there is a Federal law stating that you have to be 18 or older to buy an assault rifle, but you have to be 21 or older to be able to purchase a handgun. The day of the shooting he had acted completely normal, he said he was going fishing and, he didn’t have work. Since he was
Also in this paper...
Jordan McAlpine goes into detail about the girls basketball season, and their recordsetting wins. Continued online at cbjacketjournalism.com. Page 4 A Thomas Jefferson student expresses her concerns, urging community members, as well as congressmen to take a stand and grant DACA Dreamers citizenship. Page 3
The TJ school security guard locking the doors after a student entered the building. Photo by: Maddie Nymann
expelled in 2017, he decided that he would end up taking his AR15 to the school that he was expelled from, and the rest, as they say, is history. He went through the school terrorizing fellow students which were actually captured on SnapChat videos, you can hear the fear and the ter-
ror as he goes through the school shooting at anything he sees. He killed 17 in the shooting, 12 inside the school, 3 outside, and 2 later died from injuries suffered from the attack. The shooting has also sparked Thomas Jefferson to get more secure, starting on February 27th
the school enforced new rules regarding safety. The only entrance will be the one facing the TJAC after 8:10, doors will be locked at all times unless during passing period. If late, the hall monitor will have to let you in which you will be directed to sign in at Student
Services. Next year, TJ is hoping to get alarms installed on all the doors, which if propped open it will snap a picture of you. If an incident like this were to target Thomas Jefferson, the new rules are said to make the school much safer.
A public social media post went viral about how the Nonpareil was calling TJ losers and the paper “always” looks down on the west side school. Parents, students, and alumni alike were sharing and venting about the apparent insult. The backlash from the headline pushed reporter/sports editor Kevin White to release an apology article the following day. “Please understand that human beings are just that, human,” writes White in the February 4 issue of The Daily Nonpareil. As a student-published newspaper, the staff at The Signal can empathize with mistakes being made. Mistakes are always being made in the world of journalism,
whether it is a professional news source, or not. Some mistakes are simply highlighted more than others in the public eye. As students at TJ, we agree that the editor could have chosen wiser words. The perception was that the paper calling the girls, coaches, and teams losers, and that’s the issue. Journalists have to be careful, even when reporting facts, about how their readers will perceive the purpose of what is written. The article written by Kevin White was very insightful, and well written on his part. Many people were pleased with the article itself, but could not look past the headline. The team, coaches, and students are doing great
things, and never were “losers” as in the negative connotation. Sometimes we have to assume the best in people as reporters when we talk to people for interviews while sticking to their facts. Sometimes readers need to assume the best in journalists. We strive to bring truth to our stories, and let the audience decide what to think when information is presented. In the wise words of Mr. John Keating, portrayed by Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society, “I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.” The staff at The Signal encourage readers to view things in a different perspective.
Editorial: Longtime losers... Not quite Signal Staff The Daily Nonpareil recently published a story regarding the Thomas Jefferson girls varsity basketball team, and their recordbreaking season. While the article might have been positive, there was controversy over the secondary headline that read, “Longtime losers T.J. now on the rise, setting records”. Many readers were upset with the wording, as it refers to TJ being “losers.”
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News
THE SIGNAL Editor-in-Chief Cami Wagaman
Top five stories of 2017 Morgan Jacobson Reporter Over the course of 2017, the reporters of the Signal have written many stories, from sports to news around the globe, there is no shortage of a good story to read. When asked what our favorite story was, we knew we couldn’t just pick one story, so we all decided on five to pick from, all written this past year. Coming in at number five: #DefendDACA a story written by
Alondra Ibarra, the story goes in depth about the attempt to ban this program which helps certain immigrants that are minors get a chance to make sure they have a great education. At the number four spot: Las Vegas Shooting, as the most tragic story written in 2017 by Adriana Ibarra, this story gives information on the shooter, how many people had been hurt and the support that people from around the world had given. This story is something that shows even in the darkest of times we can come together to help people who had suffered from the tragic event in Las Vegas. Number three on the list:
IHSPA Fall Conference, Written by Cami Wagaman, this is a story about the trip that The Signal staff and Swarm TV took in October, this trip was a very helpful trip as it taught new ways for us to work on our paper. When there, they got to take a tour of the University of Iowa‘s journalism buildings to see how things are ran there. Number two: Manz nominated for MVC, written by Emily Eikenberry covers the race for our very own Coach Manz to win $50,000 and $5,000 for the school. In this story you learn that Coach Manz gets third place out of 50 coaches from around the country, this is very impres-
Copy Editor Adriana Ibarra
sive and amazing because he ended up winning the school $5,000 so we could get better equipment in the weight room. Number one: Bond of brothers shapes TJ into a wrestling powerhouse, written by Jordan McAlpine, this amazing article tells the story between August Manz and his younger brother Adam Manz. This goes in depth on wrestling being more than just a sport, and more of something they have bonded over and making them more like best friends. As we write off 2017 as a great year for The Signal, we hope to see 2018 as an even better year with many more amazing stories to come.
Top photos: On the left: Steve Winters speaks at the IHSPA fall conference. On the right: Coach Manz talks to the wrestling team. Bottom Photos: On the left: Coach Manz poses for a photo following his MVC nomination. On the right: protestors march in an attempt to Defend DACA
Paginator Adriana Ibarra Cami Wagaman Staff Madasyn Davis Emily Eikenberry Alondra Ibarra Morgan Jacobson Courtney Jones Jordan McAlpine Adviser Rob Lindquist Phone: 712-328-6493 Facebook: CBJacketJournalism Twitter:@TJHSJournalism Web: cbjacketjournalism.com Snapchat: tjhsjournalism
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 the upper library. 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.
NSPA Member Publication IHSPA Member Publication
Parking Passes Face of the month: Josey Starner Josey Starner has accomplished many things in her four years of high school. Photo by: Adriana Ibarra Photo on right: submitted by Josey Starner
A student is urged to buy a parking pass in Student Services. Photo by: Cami Wagaman
Alondra Ibarra Reporter Many of the students here at TJ transport themselves to and from school. They are allowed to park in the parking lot that is shared with some faculty. In order to park in the parking lot, you are suppose to have a parking pass. Only 46 students have a parking pass, however, the parking lot stays full.
As it gets warmer outside, the school resource officer, Officer Diederich will go through the parking lot and issue tickets to those who do not have a parking pass. In order to avoid a ticket, you can buy a parking pass for $5 from students services. The parking pass is good for the whole school year. You will need to buy a new parking pass at the beginning of every school year. You will need to know your license plate number.
Kelsie Anderson Reporter Thomas Jefferson Senior, Josey Starner performed the National Anthem at the State Wrestling Tournament on February 17th. The Iowa High School Athletic Association(IAHSAA) Wrestling tournament was held at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines,
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Iowa. “I am able to sing at the wrestling meet because I sent in an audition video,” says Starner. “I was chosen as one of the people to sing.” The State Wrestling Tournament was not the first event Starner has performed at. She has found herself singing at many events, including TJ Basketball games, and even Creighton Basketball games. “I sing the national anthem at a lot of college events,” Starner
states. “It helps mentally prepare me for the crowd size.” Starner is involved in basketball, track, show choir, jazz choir, soccer, and volleyball at TJ. “I’ve always loved sports because my parents put me out there early, so I’ve always had a passion for them” Starner mentions, “I am also very competitive.” Starner has committed to the University of South Dakota to continue her career in Track and Field after High School.
Honorary Diploma
NEWS Announcments
Thomas Jefferson will be holding their prom on April 21st, 2018. Tickets are $25 in the main office before then.
Frances Gnader receives an honorary diplona nearly 74 years after her graduation date. Photo provided by: The Daily Nonpareil
Emily Eikenberry Reporter The former Superintendent Martha Brucker of the Council Bluffs Community School District got the honor to sign a diploma on March 1, 2017 to Frances Gnader, a woman from the class of 1943. Gnader received a honorary after 74 years when she dropped out of high school to join the Army Air corps during World War 2. Richard Williams is Gnader’s nephew-in-law, he was the one that called the school district and
notified them about what Gnader did and they decided to give her one. Gnader had a filled life with dropping out of high school and then joining the war and not coming back until the late 40’s and then finding her in Council Bluffs, Iowa and finally finding a home in Texas and living the rest of her life there. A honorary diploma is given when someone who doesn’t finish high school to go and do something that expands their personal life learning. You can get one by contacting the school district that you attended and they decide if you are eligible for one.
Order your yearbooks at Jostens.com as soon as possible! Tune in to JacketJournalism on Youtube every Friday for new episodes of SwarmTV!
Youth Leadership
Youth Leadership is a way to get involved with the community and to show pride within Council Bluffs. Youth Leadership Council Bluffs consists of schools within the metro including Underwood, Treynor, Heartland Christian, Marian and more.
The leadership group will meet 9 times, once a month. Each time you meet, a day in the community is planned. Sessions included in Leadership are Heritage Day, Education Day, Law & Government Day and more. Heritage Day is consisted of going around to monuments, museums, and other places that show the history of Council Bluffs. Touring different schools, Iowa Western and learning about schooling in the metro area were
The City of Council Bluffs has cancelled their CBTV Channel 17 subscription. Photo provided by: Iowa Western Television
Madasyn Davis Reporter Recently, the city of Council Bluffs has hired a firm to record the City Council Meetings. In the past, CBTV 17 broadcasted the meetings. CBTV 17 is a television station based from Iowa Western Community College.
The meetings will be live streamed on councilbluffs-ia.gov starting in April, brought by a hands-free live video streaming company, Swagit. The new Swagit equipment will cost the city $36,098 with an annual fee of roughly $16,500. The city is also working to get the city council meetings a secure air time brought by COX Communications.
History of the Farnsworth house
Youth leadership class 12 Photo provided by: Youth Leadership Council Bluffs
Madasyn Davis Reporter
CB17 coming to an end
The historic Farnsworth in downtown Council Bluffs. Photo by: Morgan Jacobson
some of the activities planned during Education Day. Law & Government Day will take you behind the scenes of how the government works. On this day, touring the courthouse, having a mock city council meeting and touring the jail are all events planned. If interested in becoming a youth leader, sophomores are encouraged to apply at https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/ YLCB2018APP or you can email lshields@councilbluffsiowa.com for more information.
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Morgan Jacobson Reporter Built in 1904, the 114 year-old Farnsworth House is a beautiful victorian home built by a local architect, Stiles Maxon. The house was originally built for a wealthy banker, eventually he died and his wife Emma lived in the house until 1920, then she sold the house to a Council Bluffs
Judge John P. Tinley. In 1987, Council Bluffs citizen Wayne Anderson, bought the house and is still the owner to this day. He is pushing to get the house into the National Registry of Historic Places. The Farnsworth house was nominated to apply to the National Registry of Historic Places, and is currently awaiting approval from Mayor, Matt Walsh, so the house can be sent to the committee that reviews applications.
SPORTS
Jackets girls wrap up record breaking season Jordan McAlpine Reporter
Although the season ended before any of these girls would've liked, the Thomas Jefferson girls basketball team has a lot to look back on and be proud of on the 2017-18 season. Coming into this season head coach Devin Shoening had used the phrase uncommon in describing what he wanted to see this year. "Uncommon focus, uncommon dedication and uncommon commitment." Fast forward 3 1/2 months and he's gotten exactly that. Not only have the lady Jackets done that, but they have went above and beyond, surprising everyone in the area. This winter the Jackets put together a masterful 14-9 record to set a new
Varsity girls team prepping to go in for the second half. Photo by: Cami Wagaman
school record for single season wins. A drastic turnaround from 4-18 just a year before. En route to those 14 wins, the Jackets opened eyes finishing at .500 (6-6) in conference play for the first time in recent years. In addition, the girls grabbed a road win at Sioux City East, the programs first win in Sioux City since February of 2007. And a home district win over Sioux City North, bringing a lot of attention to the program on the west end.
After jumping out to a (3-0) start, the Jackets saw a small early season slip up that would prove to be a key learning experience. With a close road loss at AL, and falling to Underwood in the next game, this looked to be a key turning point. However, the orange and black would rebound with a win over Sioux City West and would not lose back-to-back games the rest of the season.
Continued online at bit.ly/SignalNews
As the winter sports come to an end, spring sports are getting prepared for their season. The upcoming spring sports are soccer, track, golf, and tennis. The first tennis game for the boys will be on April 2nd, at 3:30pm against Lewis Central. The girl’s first tennis game will also be on April 2nd, but at 4:00pm against St. Albert Catholic. The girls varsity soccer team will have their Scrimmage game against St. Albert Catholic Junior on March 26th, at 4:30pm. The boy’s varsity soccer team will play against Sioux City West also on March 30th, at 7:00pm at Thomas Jefferson.
The boys will have their first JV soccer game against Sioux City West on March 30th, at 5:30pm at Thomas Jefferson. The boys varsity will have their first track meet at the Iowa State University going against Iowa State University although the time is being determined. The girls varsity track team will have their first meet against Buena Vista University, located at Buena Vista University with the time being determined. The girls golf team will have their first meet on March 29th against Abraham Lincoln, Lewis Central, Sioux City North, Sioux City West, Treynor, St. Albert Catholic Junior, and Shenandoah at 10:00am, there is no location set on where the meet will take place. For more information visit: http://www.missouririverconf. org/g5-bin/client.cgi?G5button=7
A letter to the Editor Ellen Pompeo smiles for the camera. Photo provided by: Wikipedia
In the work life, women are paid .77 cents for every man’s dollar. Women would be doing the same exact job as men but still get paid less. Ellen Pompeo has been a voice for women since getting her major role as Meredith Grey on the hit TV series Grey’s Anatomy. Ellen Pompeo has fought hard for what she deserves. She is now the highest paid actress on a drama show. She now gets a shocking $20 million dollars a year. Pompeo has not always had the amazing life she does now.
Tyra Conti fights hard during a soccer game against Harlan. Signal file photo.
Kelsie Anderson Reporter
Ellen Pompeo
Alondra Ibarra Reporter
Spring Sports
Pompeo and her siblings were raised by their father and grandparents. Their mother passed away when she was just five years old, due to an overdose. It wasn’t until 2002 that Ellen had got her big outbreak in Hollywood with the movie Moonlight Mile. By 2004, Ellen’s career had slowed down and she was basically broke. She made a deal with her agent that if he paid rent, she would then make an audition with Grey’s Anatomy. In 2017, Pompeo signed a new deal that will now make her the highest earning actress in drama. Ellen fought so hard to get paid what she does now because she believes that she is as good as her male colleagues and Pompeo shows that she is just as important.
DACA: More than just a Border Security Debate When adults fail to lead, children must act. As high school students, there is only so much we are able to speak to and discuss regarding real world issues. It is easy to get trapped in feeling helpless and unable to do anything as we watch adults in powerful positions, hoping they’ll make humanitarian decisions. We forget that we too are formidable forces able to impact legislation. We have time, a resource scarce for adults. Time to call congressmen, time to write letters, time to advocate for Dreamers. It our duty as to defend the rights of 1.8 million young DACA recipients, who have taken center stage to the immigration debate under the harsh spotlight of America’s indecisive gaze. This pivotal moment may be our last shot to spearhead a plan for Dreamers before the expiration of 668,000 DACA work permits. We must not forget the contributions DACA recipients bring to our local economy and culture. They are medical professionals, educators, caregivers, and for many of us: family. The March 5th deadline
for a decision on DACA is fast approaching and many recipients’ livelihoods are on the line as America looks to Congress to make a decision. A path to citizenship must be created to prevent the lives of aspiring Americans from being disrupted once again. Government stalling leaves Dreamers in limbo: unable to work, unable to receive educational opportunities, unable to contribute skillsets to their communities, and without deportation protections. We cannot allow Dreamers to be exploited as political leverage in an unethical
bargain for unnecessary border security funds. I urge Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst to support a permanent path to citizenship for Dreamers. I urge my community members to take a stand; to hold their congressmen accountable; to advocate for those who need support now more than ever. Besides, what should be valued is the improvements Dreamers have made upon their communities after their arrival, not how and why they are here. Cynthia Salinas Cappellano, Council Bluffs
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