THE
Oct. 2014
Volume 90
Issue 2
Communication matters Ana Aguilar Reporter At TJ, there are many students who do not have good communication and relationships with their teachers during class. One of the reasons is that students do not feel comfortable talking to their teachers. Some students do not have good relationships with their teachers at all. They simply go to class and do what they are suppose to do while never saying a single thing to their teachers. Others, plainly do nothing in class, and choose to not listen to their teachers directions. It is a waste of time not only for the student who is doing nothing but for the teacher too. As a student who is there to learn it is very distracting to work as
the teacher is constantly telling a student what to do and getting no response by them. “Some students do feel intimidated with their teachers because of the authority and the more knowledge that they have compare to us the students,” said junior Collin Belt. Some students might feel intimidated by their teachers because they think that they are being judged or feel insecure talking to their teachers, but they are there to help you and support you. Some students just procrastinate because they do not like the teacher they decide to not do the work. Talking to teachers helps students in asking questions about what is going on in the class or if the student is struggling
Ms. Gracheck and Ashlee McDowell discussing schoolwork. Photo by Ana Augilar
in understanding the class subject. Including, asking for help about the students grades and how they can improve them. “One way to be successful as a student and as teacher is to be motivated on being there in class,” said Mrs. Grachek. Communicating with teachers is a great way to
be able to succeed in class as well as in the future. There are a lot of ways that a teacher can help a student. For example, helping them in writing a letter of recommendation for a student which is why it is important to have a good relationship with teachers. “Using websites to
Buzzing For More News? Follow #TJPride Check out more of our stories and ‘like’ our Facebook page at cbjacketjournalism.com Or follow us on twitter @TJHSJournalism remind students about important dates are useful because it helps people remember to study or getting homework done before the due date,” said junior Ashlee Mcdowell. There are websites like Remind101 that some teachers use to send reminders to students about important dates over the weekend. Since students are more engrossed in technology nowadays, students and teachers can communicate through texts, or social media more easily. In school, teachers are here to help students succeed, they take their own time to motivate students in school and hopefully inspire them for their future. With all of the effort the teacher put in, it would not hurt if students recognize their teachers for being there for them.
Most proud moments of TJ students On Monday, October Megan Carroll Reporter
TJ students have all encountered a moment that has either been favorable or negative. Certain proud moments can vary with athletics, personal life, etc. With every circumstance that occurs with a TJ student, it reflects on themselves and the classmates around them. Everyone has experienced a proud moment. Sophomore Dez Ayon conquered her big moment during track season this past year. While getting the chance to meet new people and make more friends, Dez was a huge team player for the team, even as a freshman. “Helping in major relays that they needed me in and being with all the coaches was a great experience.” said Ayon. Accomplishing athletic goals is not the only way someone can feel prideful. Encountering proud moments can also occur with personal lives that still
Grady Wagaman Photo by Parker Raes
relate back to TJ. Other high school activities, such as prom, can be a fun filled event for TJ students. Senior Grady Wagaman succeed one of his proud moments during his junior prom. He took his cousin, Amie Jo, who has Down syndrome, as his second date. “It means a lot to me because she is my cousin and if I wouldn’t have
taken her, she wouldn’t have gone to prom.” By doing a kind-hearted deed, Wagaman longs for other people to take action similar to his. TJ students should always attempt at pushing others and themselves to achieve a proud moment. It should not matter where it occurs, but how it affects you as an individual.
Page 1
6th, TJ learned that our beloved school nurse, Lisa Kauffman, passed away October 2nd. She had worked in the school district for 12 years, and at TJ for six. It pains the entire Thomas Jefferson family to hear that she is now gone, and she will surely be missed. Keep her family and close ones in your thoughts as they go through this rough time. Thank you.
Everything’s ‘Fall’ing together Kelsey Nelson Reporter On September 22, 2014, it was officially the first day of Fall. “My favorite part about Fall is being able to wear hoodies and scarves. When the leaves start changing and falling off the trees, the weather outside is perfect,” said junior Alicia Mefferd Enjoyable perks about Fall include, football season, the “perfect” weather, Oktoberfest, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and bonfires. Leaves start to change, and fall off of trees. The sidewalks and yards fill up to be a combination of red,
yellow, orange, and brown leaves. On different note, a lot of high school students tend to spend some of their free time at haunted houses with friends during this time of the year. Many haunted houses are opening as we get closer to the holiday of Halloween. A Nightmare on Q Street, Mystery Manor, Scary Acres, and Shadow’s Edge are some of the many that students go to. Shady Lane is also a choice of interest if you’re looking for haunted hayrack rides. However, there are some downsides to Fall. The chilled temps and rainy weather can bring
Trees on the west side of the school Photo by Kelsey Nelson
sicknesses like the common cold. Junior Nathan Phillips doesn’t prefer Fall because it’s “cold and rainy, and it’s always gloomy outside,” As the weather changes, you tend to hear sniffles a lot more. Allergies are becoming more of
Maze Runner; Movie Review
getting sick. One way is to wear thicker clothing. As the temperatures are changing, getting colder by the day, make sure to switch your average t-shirt to your favorite sweater while you enjoy your Fall activities.
Kongos; Concert Review
Alejandro Vieyra Copy Editor
Wednesday, September 23rd, I saw the movie The Maze Runner. It is based off of the book by James Dashner. I have no preference for a specific movie genre, however this movie was worth a watch if you like intense, action packed thrillers. This movie is about a boy named Thomas, who wakes up in an elevator confused, with a lack of memory. It turns out he is not the first person this has happened to, when he reaches the end there are people already waiting for him. It turns out there have been people there for years, and every 30 days someone new joins the group, in a place they call “The Glade.” Not only does Thomas need to get acceptance from the others, he also needs to find an escape from the Maze. He needs to delve into the Maze and study it to in order to help everybody who has been trapped. It is not long until things get more serious when the first girl shows up in the Glade with a message, Thomas now may be more important than he thought. Dylan O’Brien, who played the movie’s star, Thomas; was a very good fit for this role. For my first time seeing this actor in a film, he looked the part and was believable. Although
an everyday thing. A cough is number one on everybody’s list to get rid of, and your pharmacy is having raging sales in cough drops and cold medicine. There are many things you can do to prevent
Hannah-Grace Northam Reporter
the movie was predictable at parts, his acting definitely made up for it. Overall this is a great and fierce movie. Its mysterious plot keeps you anxious and on the edge of
your seat. I would give it 4 out of 5 Buzzes, Because there are 3 books in the series, I look forward to seeing the other 2 movies.
Reminder: All Seniors received an email from Rob Lindquist about Senior Photos. Make sure you check it out for any questions. cbjacketjournalism.com Page 2
Alternative rock band, the Kongos, came to Omaha’s Sokol Auditorium on September 22nd. The alternative rock band is slowly on the rise with their song “Come With Me Now” being played on the radio all over the United States, and featured in movies such as The Expendables 3. The four and a half hour concert started off with a local band called, Yes We Are. Then was followed by a New Jersey based band, named Young Rising Sons. At the concert, my friends and I were the only people under eighteen. Everyone else ranged from ages twenty to fifty. During the first two bands, the atmosphere was pretty mellow and people mainly stood in one spot, tapping their feet and nodding their heads. Once the Kongos came on though, the atmosphere completely changed. People started cheering, screaming, and whistling. After a quick introduction, the four brothers that made up the band launched into a rock n’ roll song mixed with bluegrass that featured an accordion solo. Each of the Kongos songs are unique in their
own way because they somehow mix all genres into each song. For instance, they played a song that started out with a jazz/blues intro which turned into a rap song, which then turned into a rock song. All of their songs were fun and made people want to dance, the music mixed with electric guitars, bass, drums and accordion solos. For those who have never been to Sokol Auditorium, it is held underground. Sokol is basically a basement, with a vast, open floor and a stage held at the front. There is a random pole in the middle of the floor to hold up the building. Keep in mind that since it is small and there are no seats, people are always standing and personal space does not exist. In my opinion, the concert was amazing and the Kongos were awesome live. If you ever get the chance to see the Kongos live, I would suggest that you go because you won’t regret it. The Kongos’ music is familyfriendly and can be fun for everyone. I give the concert a rating of four out of five buzzes.
New coach is a hit!
Morgan Wooton Reporter
A new door opens for the Jackets softball team. Division one, awardwinning athlete and TJ alum, Amy Anderson, will take the head coach position. Anderson has started softball open gym which are held twice a week, sometimes with work involving college pitchers. She also has set up times for the players to get out on the field to do some live situations before it becomes too cold outside. The first field practice will be Wednesday, October 8th, from 6pm to 8pm. “The work they put in this offseason at winter workouts, will start us in the right direction in meeting these goals” is what Anderson had to say about the open gyms. Although all the players have accepted that former coach Shannon Stussie is gone, they are excited about what Coach Anderson has to bring. “Having a new coach
THE SIGNAL Editor-in-Chief Derrick Johnson
Copy Editors Parker Raes Alejandro Vieyra
Derrick Johnson Editor-in-Chief
will have a lot of changes on the team, and I’m excited for those” said Junior Teah Gilmore. “I’ll miss Stussie but the new coach deserves just as much respect as we all gave them (Stussie and her assistant, Diane Storey)” Coach Anderson has had a long but also enjoyable history at Thomas Jefferson. She was a five year letterwinner and the City Player of the Year 1989, along with the city athlete of the year. She coached JV softball at Thomas Jefferson from 1990 through 1993. “I’m thrilled to be back at TJ
coaching softball!” said Anderson. The new softball program has high hopes in competing again this year and having more wins. “One of my goals for the team this next season, is that every time we step on the field, I want us to compete. We are going to become a softball program that will be more well respected across the state” said Coach Anderson. There has been a twitter account (@CBTJSoftball) setup for the softball program, it includes open gym, practice, and game information.
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.
Ms. Rutz in her classroom Photo by Morgan Wooton
Taylor Stanfill Reporter
Web Content HannahGrace Northham
Adviser Rob Lindquist
With the year now underway for a month, most students have gotten to know most of TJ’s new additions to the teaching department. TJ now has 15 new teachers, all with different backgrounds and all ready to contribute in their own way. Ms. Erica Rutz, our new Spanish teacher, is already loving the children and environment TJ has to offer. She replaced Mrs. Heather Hall who taught Spanish 1 last year. “I really like it here.
The staff is helpful and the students have been very approachable,” said Rutz. She just graduated college from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), and received her first teaching job here. Another new teacher, Mrs. Mary Lee, just joined the school from Glenwood. She filled the Integrated 2 teaching spot. The class was previously taught by Mrs. Marla Peterson. “I really, really like it. It was a good choice,” said Lee. “The Math program is very strong, I just hope to add positive feedback to the students.” The positive attitudes coming from our new teachers brings nothing but a bright future for the Jackets. Let us do our best to welcome them into the great Yellow Jacket family.
Dealing with the Foreign exchange death of a friend student
Paginator Angela Gardener
Staff Ana Aguilar Morgan Barth Megan Carroll Michael Hiers Dylan Montgomery Kelsey Nelson Sabrina Scott Kaylinn Skillit Taylor Stanfill Morgan Wooton
New teachers
Candle lighting ceremony in honor of Dakota Photo by Jamie Skillett
Kaylin Skillett Reporter
Don’t force yourself to be strong; and cry if you want On Saturday, September to. Get support by joining a 27th, a CBCSD student lost support group. Leaning on his life. It happened due to a fight at Abraham Lincoln your friends and family and September 25th. knowing they are there will A lot of students grieve help you in your process. Take care of yourself over deaths in a lot of different ways. Students go and getsome rest. This is through a very rough time sometime overlooked, but is beneficial to your wellwith the death of a loved one, and they usually need being. Write in a journal. someone there for support. Students hold events Writing can be cathartic. and clubs to help each other If you are looking for support, there are many get through deaths such as the one at the High School. different support groups. The counseling center is Here are some steps you can take when dealing a good place to start, and they can lead you to other with grief: Face your feelings. support groups.
Page 3
This year, TJ has welcomed a new foreign exchange student from Italy. Margherita Pani is looking to make her senior year one to remember with the Yellow Jacket family. Margherita is involved in Cross Country and is hoping to be on the TJ basketball team. She is excited to have the opportunity to be here at TJ because it is so different from her previous school. At her home school,
they do not serve lunch due to the hours they are there and they only have one teacher for the whole day. Whereas TJ students are served lunch at school and deals with many different teachers throughout the school day. This is a very new start for Margherita and she enjoys it. The staff, students, and activities have been nothing but great to Margherita. If you see her in the hallways, make sure to give her a warm TJ welcome.
Margherita before her Cross Country meet Photo by Parker Rares
Offcampus busses causes termoil
Morgan Barth Reporter This year, TJ students have been late to their classes, mostly due to the fact that their off campus busses are either too late or too early. Not only is this
Photo from cbcsd.org
a problem for the students but also their teachers. A new rule has been passed that makes TJ and Abraham Lincoln students stay in their off-campus classes until 10:30. Instead of heading back after offcampus classes for Start,
Crowded halls
Kaylin Skillett Reporter
Every year at TJ, the hallways are always crowded and hard to get through for most students. Part of the problem is that some students push through the hallways everyday trying to get to their next class. There is also people who stand in the halls or staircase and block traffic which makes some students angry and late. There is a law for drivers on a two way street where vehicles drive the same way on the same side of the road. If students
used a similar method in the hallways, things could move much more effectively. “It’s annoying and makes me mad,” says Sophomore Sheldon Adkins. There are many other opinions, but for the majority of the students agree that the halls are too crowded. Instead of everyone getting cramped by going the same way, use different paths to get to your next class. C Wing students going to another C Wing class can use the western staircase, that is used less often to improve the congestion in the hallway.
Start will be held at the previous class they are coming from. “There has been too many complaints of students walking around the halls, disturbing students and classes,” states Jane Hannigan, current
Tucker Center teacher. Many students from TJ were complaining that they are not going to make it to their classes early enough, and that they won’t have enough time to get to their lockers or use the restroom. Since teachers
have been discussing the problem with AL students being late, they have decided to let them leave their start early. AL students are able to leave at 10:20, instead of 10:30.TJ students, however, will stay behind until 10:30.
Waiting for...
Morgan Barth Reporter
Many students in Thomas Jefferson, have procrastinated once or more in their life. Especially if something gets boring. Teachers constantly have problems with procrastination, either because that one student is holding back the whole class; or they are not getting through the chapters that are needed before the trimester ends. Bad grades are usually caused by getting everything done last second, or not doing it at all. It does not help the student’s grades, or the teacher’s schedule. “I believe that students, and kids put off the boring things, and do the fun things first,” said Edison Elementary teacher Mrs. Pruss. “It doesn’t help the teachers.” Even schedules are pushed back due to the lack of student effort. Business teacher, Mr. Pat Severn, is
C wing stairwell Photo by Kaylin Skillett
TJ’s fall play “Godspell” is coming soon. Make sure you go check it out. There are posters with information and you can ask Mr. Terrance Shuman, our new drama teacher, if you have any other questions.
Dylan Montgomery procrastinating writing the stories for newspaper Photo by Morgan Barth
frustrated and now waiting for his class to catch up. “There are three more chapters that my class has to get through, and I am still waiting for students. It’s ridiculous,” said Severn. “I am not waiting anymore.” For Thomas Jefferson
students to get good grades, they need to make it to class on time and do work while they are there. Students need to pay attention and stay on task. The left in the school year is ticking by fast, there is no need to waste it.
Phone (712) 2567701 3505 Metro Dr. Council Bluffs, IA
Page 4