Join the conversation and Like Us on Facebook!
Volume 88, Issue 2
October 2012
Help from CBC/CAP By: Abi Raymer Reporter Monday through Thursday after school there are two clubs to help students prepare for college called College Bound Club (CBC) and College Access Program (CAP). These programs are available to any students that attend Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Papillion although space is limited. This is something that appeals to students because of the extra help and trips to college campuses. “We do a lot of field trips to visit colleges to meet with the programs at those colleges so that they could see like what a college treo program or student support would be available,” said CBC site coordinator Mrs. Ashley DeVrieze. “We also bring in speakers from different careers or volunteer organizations so they can learn about opportunities. We attend some leadership conferences, and things like that, so students get some of those different skills.” These programs, however, have requirements. You need to maintain decent grades, attend college prep hours after school and have at least two hours of volunteering each trimester. College prep hour is study time after school where you can get help with your homework and you have to have a certain percentage of attendance each trimester. This percentage goal is determined by your GPA at the beginning of the trimester. Staff is also involved in the programs in different ways. “We have teacher mentors that are apart of TJ staff. Right now, we have seven of those and they each have a group of between 12 and 15 students that they meet with, just to check in, and kind of just get to know them. We also have the counselors involved with College Click after school for seniors,” said DeVrieze. Read the rest of this story at: signalnews.blogspot.com
Obama and Romney want your vote By: Brooklyn Holder Reporter It has been a long and competitive election season for President Barack Obama and Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Both visited places across the United States to win over Americans for the upcoming 2012 election. Promises made by both candidates are being debated all around the country. So why should you care? There are three reasons we should care about the election: taxes, healthcare, and employment. “It is important for students to know about the election because it is our voice,” said Econ teacher President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney will debate three times this Curtis Weber,”[It’s] our one time month: Oct. 3rd, 16th, and 22nd. Graphic by Trystan Brock. that we get to express our direc- cut individual taxes by 20 percent companies to make their own tion that the country takes.” and corporate taxes by 10 percent. rules, this would also cause fami Taxes have been an issue for Romney also wants to eliminate lies to have fewer choices of what decades and they are not going the death tax. The death tax is they can do for insurance. away anytime soon. when pay taxes on an inheritance President Obama’s plan for It is important that students from a family member that has health care is to keep the Affordcare about the tax plans of each died. able Care Act. This act holds incandidate because if they are Healthcare is also another is- surance companies accountable working they have to pay taxes. sue facing our country. A law by putting an end to the worst Either situation will affect them. passed on March 23, 2012, said abuses, such as capping and drop Obama’s plan is to increase health care is required for every- ping a person’s coverage when taxes on those who make more one. While some families cannot they get sick. Obama also wants than $250,000 annually. He also afford it outright, most full-time to put an end to health insurance wants to cut middle class taxes, jobs provide health insurance for company practices of charging saving them around $3,600 dol- them and their families. women more than men for the lars over the first-term of his pres- Romney has said that he wants same coverage. idency. to limit federal standards and Weber explained that he thinks Romney’s plan is to cut taxes requirements on both private in- healthcare is the biggest reason on the rich, while raising them surance and medicaid coverage. students should care. “There is so on the middle class. According to Obama’s website has explained much detail on how it affects us Romney’s website, his plan is to that this would allow insurance now and in the future,” said We-
ber. The economy for Americans has fluctuated for so long and people are in need of employment. President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden say that before Obama took office, the economy was losing 800,000 jobs a month. Under the current administration, we have gained 30 consecutive months of job growth and 4.6 million new private sector jobs. Biden also says that Obama has saved 1 million jobs in the auto industry. Romney has expressed that he wants to improve the labor policies and ensure stable paying fields to which businesses can operate. Romney does not want businesses to worry about the federal agencies changing rules upon employment without warning or regard. If you have ever paid attention to commercials then you would know that they can be deceiving. They seem to only put their candidates in the limelight. Take some time to do your own research and compare your thoughts to theirs. Early voting has begun in some states, such as Iowa. November 6 is the date of election, so if you’re eligible, make sure to register and vote. There is a link on The Signal’s website, as well as on our Facebook page, if you would like to register.
TJ prepares seniors for real world By: Kelsi Thurman Reporter
Only three out of five college graduates nationally get a career in what they majored in. That would mean out of the 274 seniors currently enrolled at Thomas Jefferson High School, 60% will end up in a career they choose. Senior year is an important time in a high schooler's life; a new beginning and the start of the rest of their life. But the toughest test is getting a job. According to a district survey on graduate intent, the
percent of students with an intent to enroll in postsecondary education (four-year college, a two-year college, or technical school) increased to 69%. This is a rebound of 9% compared to 2011, and the secondhighest percentage in the previous five years. The Council Bluffs Community School District does have activities planned for Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln students where they can learn about career pathways and requirements. The Career Day Fair, and visits to college campuses, are
Page 1
upgraded opportunities from previous years. The Emerging Technologies Academy at ALHS and Business and Finance Academy at TJHS have been developed to provide a more “real world” experience for students interested in those fields. College graduates are more apt to get a job than someone with Career Counselor Mr. Nepple. Photo by Shelbie just a high school Granger. degree. helpful for the field in which “Take advantage of the opportunities,” said you are entering. Careers Counselor Pat Nepple. In spite of the recession, “If you have a leadership op- young adults are still finding portunity, take it. Any more jobs. experience you can get is go- It is important to start thinking about college and career ing to be helpful.” Starting a resume is impor- plans as soon as possible. Even tant when trying to find a job if you change your career, it is or even searching for a college. important to get a feel for what In today’s society, employers you would like to do in life. look at resumes to see what “Do things that make you kind of skills and experiences stand out over other people,“ you have, and if they would be said Nepple.