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May, 2012
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Come check out more of our stories and ‘like’ our Facebook page at bit.ly/TJSignal Volume 87, Issue 9
T.J. students win Infotec contests By: Kaylinn Taggart Editor in Chief Three students from Thomas Jefferson High School won the AIM Institute Youth at Infotec contest. Sophomores Hannah Reed and Josie Malone won the video contest and sophomore Anthony Rea won the app contest. “These students worked hard and were determined to do their best,” business/technology teacher, Mrs. Denise Hoag, said. “I am very proud of them and all the hours of hard work that went into these projects.” The video competition requirements had to be a minute or less in length and include technology use in students’ everyday lives. It had to have a beginning, middle, and end and submitted by uploading the video onto Youtube.
By: Allie Townsend Reporter Which would you rather? A PC or a Macintosh? I, personally, go for a PC. A PC is a computer that is anything other than an Apple based product such as the Macbooks or the Mac’s themselves. Here at Thomas Jefferson High School, we use PCs (or personal computers). Take a look around, in the library there is a computer lab set up just for the students. In the English and Social Studies classrooms they all have their own set of PC’s, specifically the Chromebooks. On a Macintosh or a Macbook, you can do different sorts of editing for the art and music industries. Apple provides the software such as Photoshop, iMovie, Bridge, Photobooth, and Garage Band. On a regular HP laptop, they generally supply you with Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel, Powerpoint, and
“I learned a lot of different skills that I didn’t know how to do before like sound and editing,” Malone said. Malone and Reed both won an Ipod Touch and Rea won a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. These students were new to the Infotec experience and had different things they enjoyed about the process. “I liked learning how to make a video,” Reed said. “I was also excited about the competition.” Rea, who was in a different category of the competition, had different things to learn. “I learned that there was a lot more to do for things on Android programming,” he said. The app was required to be developed using an Android OS, Apple iOS 4, or a HTML5. The
Photo of Infotec winners, Hannah Reed (left), Josie Malone (middle), and Anthony Rea (right). Photo by Allie Townsend.
app needed to be able to help people search and find information about colleges and universities in Nebraska and Iowa. “The most memorable about it was the day before it was
PC vs. Mac
Access. These programs can help you with business related work. If you happened to be using a Chromebook or a Netbook, though, you are using an internet based laptop. This means that it only really can be used when internet is provided. On a Chromebook, once you sign in, you have the option to go to your Google Documents, Sites, Mail and Groups. On top of that idea, you have other Google Applications that you can use such as Scratch Pad, Box.Net, or even Offisync. This is important because it makes using a PCs more accessible and easier for consumers. Using the Scratch Pad, you are able to write down any kind of notes that you need.
By: Kaylinn Taggart Editor in Chief
The original Macintosh computers have been available in stores since the 1980’s. Since then, the Apple company has made great strides in creating more efficient products for commercial use. Mac software is becoming lighter and easier to travel with and they have an indistinct look that sets them apart from other computer makers. It has also is easy for people to sort through files, categorize pictures or even share photos on websites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. “I really like the look of the Mac computers as well as all apple products because
they all have a very sleek look to them, but over all, the Mac computers are capable of so many things, and I really like how they are user friendly,” senior Kayli Christina said. For instance, the laptops are designed to have a long life, and a battery charge lasts up to seven hours long; something that other products cannot. “The long life of a Mac can help students in high school and in college because the Mac is a pretty new product. So it has a lot of potential with new developments and the Mac products will continue to get better and better,” Christina said. Not only that, but Macs are easy to use in the classroom setting. Students are able to use many different apps to help create different projects. “For schools, I believe the Mac environment is more appropriate to allow students to create because of the ease of use of programs like iMovie and Garage Band,” Technology Coach, Mr. Devin Schoening said. To finish reading the rest of story on bit.ly/TJSignal
Things to do in the summer
Who am I?
By: Kaylinn Taggart Editor in Chief
A) I am a freshman involved in girls basketball, track, colorguard, and orchestra. I love sports and have three siblings.
due, the deadline was to have one hundred-twenty colleges and universities done. I had six hours left to finish it and ended up actually having one hundredfifty three,” Rea explained.
B) I am a senior involved in rugby and football. I am an only child and work on wind turbines. In my free time I like to ride dirt bikes. Answers on Page 2.
School’s out for summer! -Well, not quite. The end of the year is winding down to its final days, and many students are anxiously waiting for when that final bell rings. There are some things to keep in mind though, summer is not just about sitting on the couch playing video games or watching television shows. It is a time to get out of the house, hang out with friends,
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and go other places that the school year usually limits. “I think it is important for students to stay active during the summer because it keeps both your mind and body fit and you get in less trouble,” junior Katie Adams said. Many school-related activities are available throughout the summer. Some of these are summer sports, marching band, lift-
To finish reading story see Summer activities on page 2.
A teacher who gives his all
By: Allie Townsend Reporter At the beginning of the Thomas Jefferson High School school year, we said hello to a few new teachers, but as the year comes to a sudden stop, we have a couple teachers who are leaving our school. Before Mr. Al Hudek came into the teaching field, he wanted to become a farmer. When Hudek was in junior high school, his father took him aside, and told him: “School is pretty easy for you, so you can’t stay on the farm, you have to go to college.” Of course, this upset Hudek, he thought ever since he was little that he was going to take care of the farm one day, and the thought of actually studying was not fun at all. In high school, Hudek was quite the athlete. He was on varsity football, baseball, track, and basketball. “I loved doing sports so much, I never really discovered girls until I went into college,” Hudek explained. His grades were pretty good as a student, he managed to maintain an A/B average. When Hudek finally went off to college, he attended Iowa State University for his B.S. in Math, University of Colorado for his M.S. in Math,and University of South Dakota for his Ed. D.. For his Talented and Gifted (TAG) training, he attended University of Connecticut, University of Iowa, and University of Northern Iowa. “Even though I’m old, I’ve been going to school my whole life,” joked Hudek after he explained all of the Universities he has attended. 54 years later, he fell in love with helping students become more than what they showed to be. Hudek has been teaching here at TJHS for the past 29 years. “My passion is to help kids get the kind of training that they need to be happy and earn a living. A high school education will not do,” explained Hudek. After Hudek retires, he plans on flying when the prices are low to where his children live and visit them for a while. As the year comes to an end, and Hudek’s leave comes closer, he will never actually leave TJHS. He will always be a fan of the sports and academics that go on inside the building. “It will be hard to adjust to life away from the wonderful students and the great teachers and administrators at T.J.,” said Hudek. Mrs. Trudy Stevens and Mrs. Sharon Jaznowski are also retiring this year. We were not able to get an interview with them, but be sure that if you see them in the hallways to wish them a good send off.
Did you know?
-The word ‘almost’ is the longest word in the English dictionary spelled alphabetically. -1 in 5,000 north Atlantic lobsters are born bright blue
Signal bulletin:
-School ends for seniors on the 22nd. For underclassmen, school ends the 24th. -Summer school brochures and enrollment forms are now available in the counseling center. You can take classes to get caught up or even to get ahead. See your counselor for more information. -Check out bit.ly/ TJSignal to see a slideshow about the blood drive! -Answer to front page’s question: A) Deziree Kearney B) Justin Stepheson
Seniors’ corner
-Senior’s please check the list located in the commons, for students with outstanding balances. These balances will need to be paid in full, prior to commencement. Please see Lori or Pam in the main office, before or after school.
By: Allie Townsend Reporter
Farewell seniors
You have been looking forward to this since day one of your high school career: your senior graduation! It is that day that means you are freed from having to wake up at six or seven in the morning and be ready to learn by 7:50 a.m.. You will not have lug around textbooks from class to class, wait around for lunch, or even ask to go to the bathroom. “When I got to T.J., I thought, ‘Just four more years and I’m out of here!’” Senior Cale Allen explained, “Now, I’m a little nervous, but at the same time excited about graduating.” Most students would agree with him, especially since freshmen year is the year where students
ing weights, and many more. Even if these activities do not appeal to some students, there are other things that could be done throughout the community. Such things would include volunteering at different places or organizations. Camping, swimming, and hiking are other great ways to stay fit during the summer. Staying active in the summer is essential for students because it pro-
By: Allie Townsend Reporter Next year, Thomas Jefferson High School will be going even more paperless than it already is. The school district has agreed to purchase Google Chromebooks, that they will lend out to each student during the school year. “I don't believe paper will be obsolete; however, it is a good thing that we are using less of it. There was a lot of expense to the printing that
vides a way outside of the virtual world for them to interact with other people. “Plus it’s way better sitting around and wasting time when you could be doing something,” Adams stated. Summer is also a great time for vacations, even if one’s vacation might be going into Omaha for a while to shop, eat, or a “change of scenery”. Whatever the occasion, being active during the summer is important for students to stay active and involved.
schools were doing, and much of that printing is no longer necessary,” English teacher Mrs. Sandra Leaders said. Recently, there was a rumor going around the school that the junior and senior classes were going to be receiving the mini laptops to use for the 2011-2012 school year. That never happened due to budgeting reasons. There are a couple questions going around about what is going to happen to the library. “Yes, the library is going to
toughest branch to get into and I wanted a challenge. The pride of being a Marine is also a big part of it, anyone you ask that’s in the Marines will tell you they are proud to be called a United States Marine,” said senior Alex Vohs. The point: it is going to be hectic once you get out on your own, but it will all be worth it someday. Sitting in this building for eight hours a day, five days a week, eight-and-a-half months a year for four years, will pay off in the long run. You will get where you want to go, and you will achieve things that you always dreamed of. This is your big year guys; it’s your graduation. And it’s almost over. People will finally stop looking at you like you are just a random teenager. They’ll treat you with respect.
still be in use,” Media Center specialist Mary Newman said. The desktop computers are going to be taken out, and the books are still going to be on all the shelves. “I am glad that each student will be able to take a computer home. Many times I have had students say that Chrome does not work on their home computer -- having the actual Chromebook at home will take away that problem,” explained Leaders.
The district is still working on a few problems like wireless internet that might not be available at home for some students.. As for now, a couple suggestions would be to stay after school to get your work done, go to Bayliss Park, and even at a couple of fast food restaurants, or anywhere that provides free “Wi-Fi”. And remember to charge your laptop every night before you go to bed, just like your cell phone; it will be a necessity!
Meet the staff!
These staff members are listed in order of their last trimester in the Newspaper class. A lot of long hours and hard work have been put into making The Signal what it is now. It has been a great year! Senior Jillian Gunzenhauser (left): Advertiser for first and second trimester, feature reporter, and finished the year off with one opinion article. Junior Ciera Simbro (right): Staff writer and opinion columnist. Junior Miranda Gibb (left): Copy editor and staff writer.
Sophomore Abigail Raymer (right): Staff writer.
AFJROTC Awards Banquet and Ball
We like to thank everyone who came to the AFJROTC Banquet and Ball that was held on 14 April. The cadets continue to shine and their accomplishments were recognized. Unfortunately, a couple of cadets did not get recognized for their efforts due to an oversight. Please congratulate Cadets Marr, Taylor, Sharp, and LaBreck for Earning the Achieve-
Iowa Western Community College and staying at home for next year off to college. There are some students who are thinking about joining the armed forces, and they feel that taking this road will be best for them. I have overheard many students who are choosing to go into the military are joining because it can cover their college expenses. Or some simply are going in to the military because they want to serve their country. “I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. To be part of a brotherhood where I know someone always has my back no matter what. The decision wasn’t difficult, I’ve been stuck in Iowa all my life and I wanted to do something new, something exciting. I chose the Marine Corps because they are the
Finally, students receive laptops
Summer Activities Continued from page 1.
are no longer considered kids. Of course, once you get to your junior year and senior year, you started to think more about how you had to choose what you really wanted to become when you graduated. This meant you would have to further your education more than what it already is. If you decide that you would like to attend college, there are a few questions you have to keep in mind: Where do you want to go? What are you going to study there? Are you going to be living on campus or off? Where will it be located at? If it is out of state how far away is it from home? Financial aid? There are so many questions that you have to ask yourself when you are even just thinking about attending college. Allen plans on going to
Sophomore Rambo (left):
ment medal for the 2011/2012 school year. They are a credit to the AFJROTC IA-951 Unit and Thomas Jefferson High School. We apologize for the oversight.
Staff
Candis writer.
Sophomore Dylan Heyer (right): Web designer and staff writer. Sophomore Tyler White (left): Staff writer and opinion columnist.
Lt Col Ament Senior Aerospace Science Instructor AFJROTC Unit IA-951
Sophomore Brooklyn er (right): Staff
Holdwriter.
Junior Allison Townsend (left): Photographer, staff writer, and Copy editor during third trimester. Junior Kaylinn Taggart (right): Editor in Chief, staff writer, photographer, and paginator during first, second, and third trimesters.
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