Nov. 2014
Volume 90
Issue 3
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TJ’s Dynamic Parker Raes & Morgan Wooton Cassie and Eldon Warner are making the most out of their senior year. They are involved in many activities, and hve achieved many accomplishments for TJ. The Warners are very active members of extracurricular activities, including sports and the fine arts. At the same time, they manage to keep good grades in school. “I am involved in cross country, track, Show Choir, Jazz Choir, Concert Choir, Orchestra, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Talent Search, and the School Improvement Advisory Committee”, Said Cassie. She had a great year in cross country this season, and that sparked her proudest achievement was
becoming a cross country, All-Conference runner for three years straight. She says that she would not have done it without her amazing coaches and teachers along with the rest of her accomplishments. “When I felt like giving up, they never gave up on me. They have always helped me fight, no matter what,” said Cassie. “I learned, early in high school, that I’d have to work and push my hardest if I wanted achieve the goals I aimed for”. Although she has done a lot of things, Cassie is not the only Warner to have a busy life in high school. Twin, Eldon, is also very active at TJ. Eldon Warner made many accomplishments during his high school experience, too. He has broken records, set high standards, and made TJ
o u D Senior photo submitted by Cassie Warner.
sports better. He did this by winning the Conference cross country meet, going to State for cross country, and becoming the third student to receive All-State honors for all four years of his high school career. He is the president of show choir, vice president of National Honor Society,
and participates in cross country, swim, track, Concert Choir, Jazz Choir, Orchestra, Drama, and Talent Search. “I credit Coach Muehlig, Coach Nielsen, Coach Moon, Mr. Walker, Mr. Giles, and Parker Raes” for his sucess. Eldon is always striving
Don’t trip, there is still time Derrick Johnson Editor-in-Chief This year, TJ announced that the Education First Educational Tours company will be hosting a 10-day trip to Spain for Jacket students in 2016. Students will fly to Spain and visit various cities and historical monuments that teach students the fascinating history behind the country and culture of Spain. Along with the other students and supervisors, there will be a bilingual tour guide there to teach and lead the groups while they are touring. He or she will also keep people together and safe since touring unfamiliar streets can be stressful and worrisome. Counselor and trip sponsor, Ms. Carmen Kinsley, promotes the trip and feels like it is a great
opportunity for students. Students going on the trip need to save a total of $3,000 within the next two years this is the discounted cost that comes with signing up. If money is a problem, fundraising can help pay some of the expenses. Some students are already doing fundraisers around the school. Transportation, educational activities, and two meals a day will be provided by the company and will cost the student nothing extra. Biology teacher and sponsor, Mrs. Lori Thomas has gone on previous trips with the school, but will act as a sponsor as the first time. She has recently become more of a traveler and really enjoys the fact that she can go on these trips with some
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to make himself a better person and to do the best he can. He will continue to keep trying to be the best for the rest of his high school career. It has been awhile since two influential people have made a difference in both TJ’s sports, fine arts, activities, and, academics.
November Calender November 1st: No-shave november starts, watch out for bad beards and mustaches. November 10th: Winter sports start, boys and girls bowling, boys swimming, girls basketball. November 17th: Winter sports start, wrestling, and boys basketball. November 20th: Is the last day of the first trimester. Photo of Supervisors of the trip Lori Thomas and Carmen Kinsley Photo by Derrick Johnson.
of her favorite students. “I did not travel at all growing up,” said Thomas. “I’m glad that it [the company] gives students a chance to experience the
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world earlier.” TJ is only allowing 40 students to sign up, so there is no time to waste. For more information, email or go see Ms. Kinsley
November 26th30th: Thanksgiving break Remember to pick up your student ID and pictures in the main office before and after school.
Opinion Buzz’s Best
1st Buzzing Leaders1,273,300 points 2nd Buzz Squad1,212,000 points 3rd Radioactive Jackets1,126,750 points 4th Golden Stingers1,123,850 points 5th Honey Combs1,067,450 points 6th Striving Stingers844,400 points 7th Golden Berets795,800 points
Student section Megan Carroll Reporter For the past three years, my experience watching TJ sports has always been a prideful atmosphere. One of the most essential occasions in high school to me, involves the majority of the student body. Throughout the many events, the cheers from the stands can be impolite to the opposing team. While some of these rants pump up the crowd, others go into such intensity that people are asked to leave. With negative reactions from parents, the administration
of TJ took charge against critical remarks. During the school activities, there are many chances for officials to make crazy fans arise. As a member of the student section, unfair calls can be intense moments. Due to these unkind calls, the stands get hyped or even offensive. Various schools that we compete with, have their own sections of obnoxious fans. After several plays are made, different cheers from both TJ and the opposing section are called out. With booming cheers, the students of TJ always
Photo of the student section at a football game. Photo by Grady Wagaman
know how to bring up the athletes spirits. Being a TJ athlete, I’ve noticed our student section has some of the most encouraging rants. According to Dr. Plourde, all cheers must be in positive forms. Thus allowing seniors to create the 10 commandments of the Student Section.
With more exciting activities at TJ, the student section should increasingly grow with the energyfilled underclassmen. All traditions of the section should be continued on, or at least be improving. TJ students need to carry on the enthusiastic cheers.
Entertainment Ouija:
Senior checklist
Movie Review
November 20th: End of First Trimester December 13th: ACT
Megan Carroll Reporter
Cover art of Maroon 5’s “V” album.
V by Maroon 5: Album Review
Alejandro Vieyra originally by Marcy Playground, but put a nice Copy Editor The well-known poprock band Maroon 5, released their new album “V”, on September 2nd. The album was anticipated by many and received much praise as it was ranked highly on iTunes. With songs like Maps and Animals already on the radio, they still have other great and catchy songs on the album as well. The lead singer, Adam Levine, states the record is like “a combination of everything” that the band has done from their previous albums. I really enjoy Maroon 5’s older music such as the album “Songs About Jane.” They maintained this vibe for their current release. The band did a remake of the song Sex and Candy
slow, jazzy twist to it. They also put the song from the movie “Begin Again”, called “Lost Stars” on their album. This song was in the movie where Levine played another famous solo artist. I can not wait for their next album, the date not yet comfirmed. Levine said that because “V” was mix of all types of music they have already conquered, the band will have to take a different approach on tackling the new one. I give this CD 5 out of 5 Buzzes for their old and new style collaboration; and my personal taste for this kind of pop-rock music.
The movie, Ouija, is based off the experience of a Ouija board, which leads to dire consequences. The plot of this movie was about a group of friends trying to find closure after their close friend, Debbie commits suicide. Her closest friend Laine, played by Olivia Cooke, noticed a strange attitude Debbie had before her surprising death. By attempting to contact Debbie through the ouija board, Laine and her friends got responses that lead them to believe the spirit they contacted is Debbie. After seeing how dangerous the spirit they contacted is, each friend began to realize it was not there lost friend, they had made a mistake. After this first half, I felt that the story-line was very intriguing. I was pulled in the characters progression with finding closure for their friend. Their attempt at revealing the truth about Debbie, made me feel a connection with their problems. Throughout Ouija, the
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special effects were very visually appealing. The horrifying scenes kept me on the edge of my seat. With gruesome makeup and very into the roll acting, this movie was a hit that should be revived every time you are in need of a good scary movie. From a personal view, I thought Olivia Cooke, was a great actress. Although I have never seen Cooke in any other films. Her convincing acting really made me feel into the movie, and I would gladly watch films of hers again. Overall this horror film was a perfect on edge nail biter. I was constantly covering my face, but the sound of it all was still terrifying . I would give this 4 out of 5 Buzzes because although horror is my favorite genre, this movie had several predictable parts. If a sequel was ever made, I would not plan to go, I feel it wrapped everything up well.
January 22nd: Financial Aid Planning (At TJ) at 6 p.m. Febuary 24th & 26th: Financial Aid Help Nights March 3rd: End of Second Trimester March 23-31: Symposium Sign Ups May 1st: College Decision Day 8 a.m.-12p.m. May 18th: Senior Honor Night May 22nd: Senior Class Meeting 9:15 a.m. May 26-27: Senior Finals May 28th: Senior Checkout May 29th: Senior Graduation Practice May 30th: Graduation June 15-19: Final Transcripts
SPORTS
Out with the old, in with the new Morgan Wooton Reporter
Track at TJ. Photo by Michael Hiers.
Michael Hiers Reporter If students are involved in sports or activities, there is a great opportunity for them to help raise money for the activity of their choice. The yet to be named event is to establish another large money raiser for all fall sports or activities, and the running will be held Sunday, November 16th, 2014. This year’s new Fun Run fundraiser is hosted by three TJ teachers, Mr. Rob Lindquist, Mr. Matt Renshaw, and Mr. David Kaeding.
Fun run fundraiser The Fun Run will consist of students and coaches running or walking laps, to raise money they receive from their sponsors. You can run with a team of up to ten members. If the activity you are in has more than ten participants, then you can make multiple teams. Each member will be given a sheet, and will be asked to try to get a minimum of ten sponsors. If a student is in more than one activity, they will decide what percentages they would like to contribute to what activity. “85% of your total pledges raised go to the
activity of your choice,” said Kaeding. “The other 15% will go to a general activities fund.” Anyone can be a sponsor, from friends and family to neighbors. Your sponsor can pledge from a minimum of $1 dollar per lap, to as high as they want. There is also an option to set a max pledge, where they can set a certain amount of money for you to run for, rather than paying by the lap. Lindquist will set a running time and schedule for each team, once everyone has their teams established.
NEWS
THE SIGNAL Editor-in-Chief Derrick Johnson
Copy Editors Parker Raes Alejandro Vieyra Paginator Angela Gardner Web Content Hannah-Grace Northam Staff Ana Aguilar Morgan Barth Megan Carroll Michael Hiers Dylan Montgomery Sabrina Scott Kaylin Skillet Taylor Stanfill Morgan Wooton 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.
As the Jackets say goodbye to another fall sports season, we celebrate their achievements along with getting excited for the winter sports. The boys and girls cross country team was coached by Doug Muehlig, and had a successful season. Senior Eldon Warner won seven races this year, along with qualifying for the State meet at Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he placed 18th. The rest of the cross country team had a great season by beating personal records, and beating old teammates records, in every meet they competed in this year. “I can’t wait to get back to the courses next year and still keep improving
The first Dunkin’ Donuts to ever appear in Council Bluffs opened October 29th. The community was anxious and ready to finally be able to try the famous food chain. Dunkin’ Donuts has Britney Katzenstein in the commons. already started hiring Photo by Ana Augilar employees. They are getting their name out on social media, telling people to apply and that they are the right decision. Ana Augilar A great way to find more looking for help. There are Reporter already students from TJ information is to visit the Upperclassmen at TJ that have found a job at the colleges in person. have already started to College websites, catalogs coffee shop. think about which college “The job itself is not or brochures can only they want to attend. Many show students so much. To difficult, mainly all you have not been on any really get a good feel for the have to do is make coffee, college campus tours to college, students need to help them decide if it is a walk around the campus, sit good fit for them before in on a class, and visit the attending the college. dorms. A key part of deciding There are a lot of which college to go to, is programs that help you finding one that gives you decide what college to go a good feeling while being to and what to do before there. The atmosphere and attending college. people can help determine There is a College Access whether a college is the Program and a Talent right place for the student, so it is important to do your Search Program that help
Visiting before attending
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Dunkin’ them dounuts Morgan Barth Reporter
research so you can make
and pushing my team,” said Junior Megan Corey. “I know the cross country team will do great and I believe in all of them to do their best every race”. Volleyball also had an impressive season.With a senior heavy team, they finished with one of the best volleyball records in TJ history (14-20). The team also played about 84 sets, had 594 kills, and 217 aces. “I learned how to play as a team instead of as an individual. I’m able to rely on my teammates to lift me up when I need it and vice-versa,” Said junior Jenna Kousgaard. “I learned always staying positive helps in a lot of situations.” Thomas Jefferson’s football team’s record was 1-8 with several close games. They ran a total of 750 yards, 333 tackles,
Photo of the new Dunkin’ Donuts
and donuts,” said current employee, sophomore Justin Holland. “I thought that communicating with the buyers would be hard,”. Said Holland. “You get use to it after a while. It’s as if I have been doing it forever.” Now that Dunkin’ Donuts has opened, Krispy Kreme will have some intense competition. The two coffee shops are less than a mile away from each other and with the addition of sandwiches and more donut flavors, Dunkin’ Donuts seems like it will be a fierce competitor. So far, Dunkin’ Donuts is off to a great start.
Tracks to trails Sabrina Scott Reporter Beginning next summer, Council Bluffs is starting construction on a new bike trail that will renovate the back of TJ for students and teachers to enjoy. On October 21st, Council Bluffs held a meeting and decided to go ahead with the renovations plan. “We think together, we can make something you all will be proud of,” Parks Director Larry Foster
mentions. Thomas Jefferson is going to have the South entrance of the school transformed with more foliage and easy access. Foster’s plan is to transform the “unattractive back door” into an entrance as attractive as the rest of Thomas Jefferson. The bike trail will create easy access for bikers from Downtown to River Edge’s park. The construction plans will be starting the summer of 2015. The plan is to complete the renovation
Initial plans for new landscape. Provided by Dr. Plourde.
within five to ten years. The project will cost approximately $1,000,000. The state of Iowa will provide $693,000 in federal
Continued
In with the Attending college ... continued new ... continued
11 punt returns, and their longest touchdown was 50 yards. Even though the season did not turn out the way the team had planned, the team and student sections never gave up and continued to push through the season. Head coach Mark Puev, has had his last season here at Thomas Jefferson, as he has resigned from his coaching position October 29th. While the fall sports are ending, the winter sports at Thomas Jefferson are beginning. Let us hope the winter sports have more great seasons, and the fall sport athletes start their offseason training in order to make an impact once again next year.
students get into tours and offer students bus rides to get them to the college. The talent search program mostly gets juniors to start thinking about college and where they want to attend. There are many students such as junior, Britney Katzenstein, that join clubs like the College Access Program to help them prepare and succeed once they get to college. “The College Access Program helps students know how to fill out college applications and what we should put in them to make them better.” said Katzenstein. It is not too early to be taking college classes while in high school either. There are some students that already have college credits before actually attending
college. Although they may be harder, these classes help students get a feeling of how college classes are and give them an advantage later in life. “College credit classes show you how the classes are a lot harder and make you work and study more than normal classes,” said Katzenstein. Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions a high schooler has to make. Since it is so important, students should always look at all the best things a college has to offer so they feel good about attending. The student should feel comfortable on where they would like to spend another important part of their life at, especially if they are going to live there.
funding. 30% of the costs will be received from the Capitals Budget for Trail Systems. This project will take a
while to complete, but let’s keep our hopes up everything will turn out as planned.
Stand by me Kaylin Skillett Reporter In the last few years at TJ, a club has been developed to stand up for equality called “Gay Straight Alliance” (GSA). GSA is a support group to give and receive support on equal rights. It is for anyone and everyone to get to know each other. GSA plans to do things to make the school a better place. The group puts up posters to promote equality. Their main goal is to spread
acceptance to everyone and they are currently working to get students to join. GSA meets every Wednesday in room C114. There are other clubs like GSA worded differently such as “Straight And Gay Alliance” (SAGA). Scholarships are available for this club, which would help a lot of students out. For more information you can talk to the President of GSA, Samantha Lee or the Vice President, Jillian Conway.
Samantha Lee talking about G.S.A. Photo by Kaylin Skillett
3607 Metro Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 (712) 366-0023
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