October 2017
Also in this paper... Meet Thomas Jeffersons’ new hall monitor as we get an exclusive inside look into who is protecting our halls. Morgan Jacobson and Courtney Jones join forces in TJ gets new hall monitor. Page 2 An incident resulting in a death puts two local schools into lock out. Join Alondra Ibarra in Local Shooting put schools into lock out. Page 3 Do you have to pay your red light tickets? Lawmakers recently declared it unconstitutional. Read Red Light Cameras; Do they have to be paid? Written by reporter Madasyn Davis. Page 3 Two Thomas Jefferson seniors have gone on a mission to fight cancer, while they do the thing they both love to do; play volleyball. See how these seniors get the community involved in the fight against cancer, in TJ Seniors raise money to fight cancer, written by Emily Eikenberry. Page 4
Volume 92
Issue 2
Manz nominated for MVC
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Emily Eikenberry Reporter On September 19th, 2017, the Thomas Jefferson wrestling coach, August Manz got voted in the top 50 for the U.S Cellular’s Most Valuable Coach. Manz was nominated by Mrs. Busch. “I didn’t know that I was nominated for the Most Valuable Coach until the judges emailed me stating that they were looking into me and wishing me luck,” stated Manz. Manz was surprised that he even made the top 50, and even states, “I never win anything big, so this is a great chance for me and the school.” Staff, students, alumni and
Coach August Manz is a finalist in the Most Valuable Coach. He has won a cash prize, and students are still sending in their votes in order to get him to number one. Photo by: Emily Eikenberry residents of Council Bluffs helped him stay in the top 50 and helped him get to where he ended. 14 of the top 50 coaches are from Iowa. The last day of voting for the
first round of coaches ended on October 9th. When the first round of voting ended, Manz was in 3rd place, winning the school $5,000. The second round of voting started on October 12th.
Don’t forget to vote for Coach Manz before November 14th! You can cast your vote daily at themostvaluablecoach.com/vote.
Photo album on page 2
Local students travel to Iowa City for IHSPA fall convention Cami Wagaman Editor-in-Chief
Keynote speaker, Scott Winter, tells the room full of student journalists all about his experience. Photos by: Cami Wagaman and Adriana Ibarra
There’s more online! Visit bit.ly/ SignalNews Page 1
On October 26, 2017, High School students from all over the state of Iowa came together for the Iowa High School Press Association 2017 Fall conference. The day long conference included many sessions where student journalists got the chance to learn how to get on top of deadlines, learn team building exercises, become more involved in their school, and much more. “At the conference I learned a lot of new things about journalism, and how to improve SwarmTV,” said junior Taylor Honig. “Overall, it was a very fun trip. I learned that it’s better to tell a story rather than recap an event. We’re actually skipping an episode of SwarmTV in order to incorporate some of those new ideas.” The conference was held on the University of Iowa’s campus, where students arrived in bus loads either the night before, or early that morning. In the group of people that went, there were a total of five seniors, and three juniors. During the bus ride, students from three different schools in the area bonded.
“The bus ride was a lot of fun,” stated Honig. “We all bonded, and I got to know some people that I never would have gotten close to otherwise. I look forward to next years’ conference with those that aren’t seniors.” Students got the chance to tour the Daily Iowan, as well as the other journalism buildings on campus. Keynote speaker, Scott Winter, had gone into detail about his experience as a student journalist for his school newspaper as the Editor-in-Chief. Winter explains how his years as an editor have taught him to catch interest in the viewer’s mind, with things that are exclusive to student journalists. “Being a student journalist means everything to me,” Honig states. Journalists need to be willing to push boundaries in order to be the best. Being a journalist means many different things to many different people. It makes you unique, and sometimes that is not recognized. Congratulations to all students that participated in the fall conference, we cannot wait to see how the outcome will influence the work in the Journalism department.
News
THE SIGNAL Editor-in-Chief Cami Wagaman Copy Editor Adriana Ibarra 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
On Tuesday, October 24th, U.S. Cellular held an assembly to honor Coach Manz, where many speakers said kind words about him. Manz was awarded a $5,000 check for the school. Photo by: Cami Wagaman and Rob Lindquist
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 the upper library. 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
Mexico hit by earthquake
TJ gets new hall monitor
Britt Parrack is the new hall monitor. He is stationed in the TJAC, and is here primarily for the safety of the students. Photo by: Courtney Jones
Morgan Jacobson and Courtney Jones Reporters With the news of the new corridor connecting the two buildings, Thomas Jefferson has added some new faces to the staff. TJ has received one new hall monitor, as well as a door man. Both were hired on August 22. The main purpose of these two are to protect students and staff from any possible dangers that may enter the school. Many students have expressed their anger as they feel that the
funds could have been spent on more efficient things, such as new tech equipment or funding for the activities here at TJ. “People shouldn't worry because employee funds and salaries come from completely different accounts,” said School Administrative Manager, Chuck May. The hall monitor is located in the TJAC, and his desk is right next to the window next to the doors. “Our plan is to have one over in the TJAC and one by student services, to make sure the right people are where they’re sup-
posed to be,” states Chuck May The current hall monitors and door men are only a temporary investment. “At this point it's considered by the district to be temporary… we are looking at other options in order to change the flow of the building.” said May. Mr. May also stated that one of the future security plans, other the hall motors and door men, would be a doorbell system. Similar to what is used at Wilson Middle School. These other measures will most likely be put in place after the TJAC and school are connected.
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Buildings in Mexico have collapsed due to natural disasters affecting the area. Photo by: ABC News
Alondra Ibarra Reporter On September 19th 2017, a category 7.1(20 second shake) earthquake struck Mexico City and surrounding cities. In Mexico City alone, 40 buildings had collapsed and caused fires. As many as 361 people have died in the tragedy, leaving 6,000 more injured. Hundreds of vol-
unteers have worked endlessly to pull people from what used to be their homes and jobs. One of the searches the volunteers had conducted were to pull the students and teachers from Enrique Rebsamen school. There were 19 children, as well as at least seven adults left dead. While they are working endlessly to open schools and stores, 103 schools have been re-opened. Meanwhile, 9,000 schools are still closed.
Local shooting puts schools into lock out
A shooting took place in the parking lot of the Hy-Vee located on Madison Avenue. Photo by: Cami Wagaman The man was later found in Alondra Ibarra his car with a gunshot wound Reporter to his head. It was clear that the gunshot was in fact self inflicted and there was no danger to anyOn Wednesday, October one else on the premises. 4th, 2017, Abraham Lincoln The lockout at the two affected High School and College View schools only lasted for about 10 Elementary School were put into minutes as authorities handled a lock out, due to a shooting that the situation. took place in the Hy-Vee parking During a lock out, no one lot along Madison Avenue. is allowed to leave or enter the A man had opened fire on school and classes continue as himself in the parking lot of normal. Hy-vee.
NEWS
Golden Corral closes their doors
Golden Corral has officially closed the location in Council Bluffs, with signs posted outside giving customers other locations to visit. Photo by: Cami Wagaman Although the Council Bluffs find a new job with ease. location has closed, there are two Many customers and emCourtney Jones more locations that people can ployees have feared the closing 3 Reporter go to. There is one located in Bel- years prior when the restaurant levue and Omaha Nebraska. spent large amounts of money to The popular restaurant, Due to the sudden closure renovate the store and improve Golden Corral, in Council Bluffs on October 1, many employees its quality. One of the expenses has recently closed their doors. have been left without a job and being a $30,000 grill. There were many speculations no idea where to go next. There Even though the buffet has behind why the restaurant was a mandatory meeting for all closed down, many people still abruptly closed, but the official employees of Golden Corral on have hope for a grand reopening reason behind the close was due Tuesday, October 10th, in hope of the establishment in the near to bankruptcy. of helping each former employee future under new managment.
Red Light Camera’s tickets should be paid
Google Fashion Show Emily Eikenberry Reporter
On November 11th, 2017, in Thomas Jefferson’s commons, Google is holding a fashion show. Allie Hopkins, from Google will be hosting the fashion show that takes place on a Saturday. Google Fashionology is a club combined with TJ and AL that was introduced to the schools during the year of 2016-2017. Fashionology is a fun competition that brings together fashion, creativity, and technology. “It is a group that has been meeting every monday and it
#TakeAKnee
Red Light cameras on West Broadway have been named unconstitutional. Photo by: Emily Eikenberry
Madasyn Davis Reporter During the beginning of the year, lawmakers were looking to ban Red Light Cameras. On March 22, 2017, Iowa Senate voted to keep the Red Light Cameras. Senate File 220 states “an act regulating the use of automated traffic law enforcement systems, and providing a penalty” was approved by a vote of 31-18. This still leaves many people
questioning whether they need to pay red light tickets or not. Junior Jade Sprinkel received a red light ticket in the mail over the summer. “People have told me it’s not required to pay it, so I haven’t,” said Sprinkel. Director of Traffic & Safety, Steve Gent says, “these tickets are civil infractions, not criminal infractions. They go against the owner of the vehicle instead of the driver, and they do not go on your driving record.” When asked if the tickets
Cami Wagaman Editor-in-Chief
should be paid, City AttorneyRichard Wade says, “There have been at least two Iowa Supreme Court decisions that have found that the methods we are using are still enforceable. So the answer is ‘yes.’” Overall, if you don’t pay the ticket, “The city cannot impact your credit rating if you do not pay. They likely will send a collection agency after you to try to get you to pay,” Gent says. If you happen to get a red light ticket, make sure to pay it at your earliest convenience.
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Recently, members of the NFL have caused quite a controversy. During the Star Spangled Banner, players of color have taken a knee, to protest the police brutality that has been very evident across the states throughout the years. The peaceful protests began during the Obama Administration, and they continue to become more frequent. Many high school kids in the metro area have protested in the way that NFL players have demonstrated.
holds five Thomas Jefferson students and six Abraham Lincoln students,” Darcie Capo stated. They hold their meetings at the Council Bluffs Public Library, instead of having them at one of the schools, making it easier for both schools to meet. “Allie Hopkins came up with the idea so she could get students into technology and fashion to create something new,” said Darcie Capo. Come to the Thomas Jefferson commons and support the five Thomas Jefferson students and the six Abraham Lincoln students as they show off what they have been working on for the past nine weeks.
President Trump has spoken out about the players who have protested, saying that he “hopes the owners of the NFL fires them”. The protests started out with Colin Kaepernick, who has said the protests aren’t to disrespect veterans or the country’s flag, but instead the protests are to shine light on the national problem of police brutality. Many high school students in the area have taken a knee, in support of Kaepernick and other NFL players that have protested, and the public continues to have a conflicted response to the protests.
Sports
TJ Seniors raise money to fight Cancer
The winners of the volleyball tournament pose for a picture after their victory. Photo provided by: Angel Humphrey
Emily Eikenberry Reporter On October 28th, 2017, Thomas Jefferson seniors, Angel Humphrey and Jenna Dieatrick, hosted the Dig Pink volleyball tournament at TJ to raise money for stage four breast cancer. “Jenna and I were just researching nonprofit causes,” said Humphrey. “We both are involved in volleyball so it was
a good way to raise money for breast cancer.” It was a six on six tournament and at least three girls had to be on the court at all times. The cost came to $120 for a team, or $20 per person. Every person that sported their pink outfits received a free raffle. “Anyone can participate, most high schoolers are participating now, but we need to get more people involved,” Humphrey
PLL Spin-off
Pretty Little Liars has been approved for a second Spin-off show, which airs in 2018. Photo by: pt.wikipedia.org on two PLL stars, Sasha Pieterse, Cami Wagaman who portrays Alison DiLaurentis, as well as Janel Parrish, who Editor-in-chief portrays Mona Vanderwaal. Shay Mitchell (Emily Fields) has been Pretty Little Liars fans have revealed as a guest star, but the rejoiced after the hit drama show actress will be very busy with had come to an end, as Freeform another production by Marlene has decided to bring on a new King, The Heiresses. show, called The Perfectionists, The show has had another directed by Marlene King. spin-off in the past, such as Pretty Little Liars was airing Ravenswood, which starred for a total of 7 years, and had Tyler Blackburn, who played about 160 episodes in the series. Caleb. Ravenswood only had one The new show will be a spinseason, after which Blackburn off of PLL is also based off of a returned to PLL. book by Sara Shepard, the author The new series is set to air in of the Pretty Little Liars series. 2018, but an official release date The Perfectionists will bring has not been set.
Cheer and Dance Showcase
Competition Cheer performs for Rue elementary. Photo provided by: Jeremy Stukenholtz
states. “Adults can participate to, we have a couple of adult teams.” All the proceeds that were made during the tournament go to the Sideout Foundation, a non-profit organization. They are an organization that raises money for the research that goes into finding how a cure for cancer. The outcome of the tournament was just what the two seniors had hoped. Congratulations to Jenna and Angel!
NEWS
Madasyn Davis Reporter The Thomas Jefferson Cheer and Dance teams held a showcase at TJ on October 27, 2017. Dance had four soloists perform at the showcase including Ashlynn Wiley, Kaylee Brown, Kaylee Newland and Alyssah Malmberg. TJ competition cheer per-
formed their routine as they’re getting ready for their competition season that is starting on November 19. The dance team’s first competition is State on December 1st. The showcase was a fundraiser for the competition cheer team to attend nationals and dance fundraised for their dance billsincluding uniforms, shoes, etc. Good luck to cheer and dance this competition season!
New iPhone released
On September 12, 2017, Apple announced the new iPhones. Photo by: Cami Wagaman
Madasyn Davis Reporter
The iPhone 8 was announced on September 12, 2017, and the pre orders began on September 22, 2017. Announced with the iPhone 8 came the iPhone X (iPhone ten). Pre orders for the iPhone X will start on October 27, 2017. iPhone 8 has a sleek glass
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design, which hasn’t been seen on an iPhone since the iPhone 4s, which was released in 2011. The iPhone 8 has three colors to choose from; silver, space grey and gold. The gold has a mix of rose gold and gold, making it one of a kind for Apple. Just like the iPhone 7, the iPhone continues to be water resistant. Inside the phone, there is an A11 bionic chip. This chip is “the most powerful and smartest chip ever used in a smartphone”
(Apple). The camera on the iPhone 8 continues to be a big hit as well. On the iPhone 8 plus, the portrait mode holds different features including natural light, studio light, stage light and more. Some other features on the iPhone include wireless charging, which is sold separately for $59.95, faster performance and augmented reality. The iPhone 8 starts at $699 and the iPhone 8 plus starts at $799.