Viking Saga Issue 1 (2012-2013)

Viking Saga Sights and experiences of NHS Homecoming

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iPads: good or bad? One staffer’s opinion

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Students’ achievements recognized with Noble Prizes

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Fall Sports successes and standout athletes

Northwest High School Grand Island, Nebraska October 2012 Issue 1

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Fun Facts and Top Rated iPad apps

EDITORIAL - OPINION

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iPads for one and iPads for all! Was this miraculous achievement a blessing in disguise, or a disaster waiting to happen?

With the iPads in tow, learning has changed from the standard pencil and paper method to going on Moodle and getting notes online. With the iPads, students have new ways to approach learning.

Khan Academy offers an alternative way to approaching difficult material. Evernote makes note taking not only simpler, but much more organized and neat. With Pages, students can work on writing assignments with their iPads instead of waiting until they get home to start it. If an assignment needs to be printed off, students can easily e-mail it to their teachers.

If students don’t want to take a textbook home, they can just snap a picture of the assignment and reference back to it later on their iPads. With Flashcard Plus, students can create their own flashcards without the hassle of making their

own out of paper. Talk about saving some trees!

With Qrafter and i-nigma, students can scan QR codes with their iPads. QR codes make getting information for assignments much easier.

With iBooks, students can download any books they need to read in class, which eliminates the need of having to worry about keeping track of hard copies. With Keynote, making presentations for class couldn’t be easier. Students can work on presentations, then present them on their iPads.

If students have questions while doing homework, or if they know they’re going to miss a day of school, they can e-mail their teachers for help and to get further instructions on makeup work. for the following day. The iPads have really helped out in improving learning in a lot of different ways.

Looking at Both Sides

Blessing in Disguise

MelissaFrias Staff WritEr

Disaster Waiting to Happen Let’s face it: how many times have teachers had to take iPads away during class or tell students to get off their iPads? With all the freedom that was given, could it be that students are getting too distracted?

What would anyone rather do: write their three page essay in American Literature, or play Sims and hit a relationship milestone?

Some students are constantly going on Facebook while their teacher’s giving an important lecture. Can updating your status not wait?

Pandora has an awful habit of slowing down the school’s servers. Can you imagine everyone using Pandora at the same time? Nobody would get anything done.

How many students have gotten in trouble for getting on Facetime during class? Textplus, iMessenger, Kik; should students really be on

them during classtime?

Students are wasting not only their time, but their teacher’s time as well. The students’ grades will be the ones getting burned in the end.

In the first week of school, multiple iPads were already broken and had to be replaced. A lot of students seem to play Whale Trail, Hay Day, and Temple Run constantly during class time. If students want to play these games, that’s fine, but not while teachers are giving lessons.

Some students don’t seem to be able to handle the responsibility. This certainly doesn’t apply to all students. A lot of students do utilize their time wisely and know how to handle the responsibility. The iPads aren’t here just to help in learning; they’re here to teach students how to prioritize and be responsible with their busy lives.

Viking Saga Staff Editor-in-ChiEf BaiLeighLeach Staff KatelinArndt AdrianArroyo TylerClement MolleyEastman MelissaFrias NeleighHall MadisonHedges AmyJohnson MakenaKelly CourtneyLierman CourtneyNiemoth ShaylaOtero AliPayton LexiReynolds MaryRice SethSalter BriVitera adviSEr ElizabethKavan

The Viking Saga is the official student publication of Northwest High School in Grand Island, Nebraska. It is printed by the Grand Island Independent nine times (monthly) throughout the school year.

The paper is a member of the Nebraska High School Press Association.

Outside submissions, suggestions, or letters to the editor are welcome and encouraged. They may be brought to room 32, or emailed to Ms. Kavan at bkavan@ginw.org Any and all submissions must be signed for them to be considered for publication, and the editor reserves the right to edit or print any submissions.

Viking Voices

What They Thought

Adrian Arroyo: “They distract kids, but they do help with our homework.

The kids that get distracted ruin it for some of the students that actually do try to pay attention.”

Jessica Gragg: “Well, it works both ways; it can be a distraction, and it’s very beneficial. It’s easier than paper work for homework.’

David Olson: “Like any other student, iPads are an overall benefit for students, if used correctly.”

Jerrilyn Lyons: “It can be a tremendous learning tool when students engage in new and exciting technology in a positive way!”

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NEWS

Poor student choices can result in iPad restrictions KatieArndt Staff Writer As all students at Northwest High School know, not everything is allowed on their iPads. Even though students have a wide range of freedom on the tablets so far, certain things are still banned. At the moment, there is only one officially banned app, although this is always subject to change, and will be changed if the students’ freedoms are abused.

Brian Gibson, the Northwest Technology Coordinator, said restrictions are fairly loose now, but more could be added throughout the year. He also explained that even though one banned app had been announced, all apps that can be considered offensive in nature are technically ‘banned’. If any of these inappropriate apps are found to be used by students, it will be announced

to the school that they are not allowed to be accessed anymore.

“Most apps are fine,” Gibson explained, “It’s how the student uses it inappropriately that makes it become a problem.”

Anyone can recommend that an app should be restricted. Teachers, administrators, and parents have all done so.

Administrators also meet once a week to discuss individual students’ interaction with the iPads, although they do not ban specific apps for the whole school.

It is also suggested that a student should also not use apps like YouTube, Pandora, Jango, Spotify, or any other app that constantly streams sound or video from the Internet. When multiple people are running these applications, the school’s internet performance becomes slow and

unresponsive.

If a person continues to use these apps after being warned, they will have their iPad restricted. This involves one of the staff members accessing the iPad settings.

From there, parental controls will be turned on. If this happens, the student will no longer be able to use any apps that are not schoolissued or teacher approved.

“When a student gets his iPad taken away and the teacher asks me to ban the app… it is all apps that don’t pertain to school. It is everything,” Gibson stated.

It is wise for students to use discretion in order to keep their apps; if they use common sense, they should be fine. The students just need to stay away from anything that would be considered inappropriate, and then they should be good to go. Otherwise, more apps will be blocked, and more iPads will be restricted.

Northwest adds several new staff and sees record enrollment for new year MakenaKelly Staffer

As the 2011-2012 school year ended, Northwest lost many staff members, including the superintendent.

But, as the 2012-2013 school year rolled around, Northwest acquired plenty of new students and staff to readily take their place, and with a few to spare.

This year Northwest is packing in more than fifty new students into the already packed hallways, and enrollment is the highest that it has ever been at Northwest High School.

“It’s an exciting thing,” counselor Linda Kieselhorst stated.

“I believe enrollment is at its highest it has been since

Students participate with the cheerleaders, and cheer at a home football game.

I have been here. It’s great, and yet tough, cramming so many more students here,” Kieselhorst continued.

New changes to the school might be a factor in the higher enrollment.

“I don’t know if it’s because of the iPads, or

because of the policy changes,” Kieselhorst noted. “ It is definitely an exciting thing..”

With new students and staff, and with a record enrollment, the 2012-2013 school year is off to a different start.

New freshman science teacher Jennifer Verba watches freshman Tyler McIntyre as he works with the educational app Moodle.

New year brings new policy changes CourtneyNiemoth MaryRice StafferS This year Northwest has changed many policies. The biggest policy change that has been made is being able to use iPads and phones.

Upon asking the Northwest staff of their opinions on the policy changes, answers varied, though most relatively agreed.

Principal Tim Krupicka said, “Policies are always changing, at the end of the day it comes down to what is and what isn’t a big deal. We have to keep up with today’s society, and we need to keep learning and teaching in the 21st century.”

Krupicka thinks that to some, the iPads may be a distraction, but for the most it will benefit students in the long run. He believes that using the iPads in the right way will help teach students responsibility and discipline.

Most teachers agree with Krupicka. The part that differs among the teachers is whether or not students should be able to use the iPads for non-educational uses when a teacher isn’t teaching.

Using phones is now allowed during school hours at Northwest.

Some teachers choose not to let students use them, or even have them out in their classrooms. Other teachers say that phones are now far less of a distraction, because the students aren’t trying to hide them, plus they have iPads that have IM on them.

Overall, the policies are always changing. The teachers and students are always adjusting and trying to make the learning experience at Northwest better.

From a student’s point of view, the iPads are great.

Freshman Brandi Niemoth said, “It’s really nice to have my school work always with me whereever I am, school or not, but I lilke that at home I can get on all of the fun apps, too!”

Most students would agree with Brandi, and during class when they have a small amount of free time, students like being able to get on game apps, social apps, etc.

Altogether, the iPads are definitely a work in progress, and the students all have a lot to learn.

FEAT

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Homecom

Hit or Miss?

J

NeleighHall MadieHedges Staff WriterS

This year was a complete change up for the 2012 Homecoming dance. In the recent years it has never been an on going theme. In 2009 and 2011, Homecoming was a formal dance.

In 2010, the dance was a cowboy/cowgirl theme. Finally in 2012 the dance was a casual/neon theme.

“Part of a reason we had the dance be casual this year was having three formal dances (Homecoming, Winterball, Prom) takes away from the big dance everyone waits for prom,” said junior cheerleader Logan John.

Another big change was that the dance was after the football game. Usually the dance is scheduled for the Saturday night after the game.

“Having the dance after the game was easier for the cheerleaders also, it was nice combining the theme for the football game and using it for the dance,” said junior cheerleader Katie Agular.

So for the cheerleaders, it made it easier to put on homecoming, but others might think differently. So you decide: was this year’s Homecoming a hit or miss?

Brandon Bachle

Brandon is the son to Becky Bachle and the late Tim Bachle; he is involved in football, soccer, music, National Honor Society, and student council. He plans to attend a four year college and join the squirrel watching club.

Kelsey Faaborg

Kelsey is the daughter of Lee and Lisa Faaborg; she is involved in cheerleading and plans to go on to college to obtain a psychology degree.

Jess Sonia coun Honor is to g Progr missio

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Mor Stacy ball, 1 or Soc becom a fam

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Batman and Ironman read Death of a Salesman in English teacher Bonnie Brown’s class.

Science teacher Jennifer Verba and Connections teacher Brandon Harrington receive teacher royality at the pep rally.

Students dress up on 80’s day to show school spirit during homecoming week.

Spirit Week

TylerClement cartooniSt

Teachers lay down their moves in a kickline during their dance at the homecoming pep rally.

TURE

ming 2012

Jessica Saddler

Alex Larsen

sica is the daughter of Mike and a Saddler. She is involved in cross ntry, soccer, 14KG, and National Society; her plan after graduation go to school through the Christian am called Bellevue Masters Comon, with plans to help at an orphanage.

Alex is the son to Kevin and Anita Larsen; he is invoved in football, basketball, soccer, music, and National Honor Society. He plans on going to a four year college and take up being an avid bird watcher.

gan is the daughter of Brian and y Kelly; she is involved in volley14KG, musical, and National Honciety, and plans to go to college to me an occupational therapist, have mily and live in a very big house.

Kyle is the son of Jay and Stephanie Bockmann; he is involved in football, basketball, soccer and National Honor Society. He plans to get an engineering degree and hopes to play football at the college level.

Morgan Mallory

Kaley Werner

ley is the daughter to Kevin and en Werner; she is involved in volll, basketball, and track. Her plans graduation are to attend a four year college and play basketball.

Kyle Bockmann

Zach Rouzee Zach is the son of Dave and Diane Rouzee; he is involved in football, basketball, boys golf, and National Honor S– ociety. He plans on going to a four year college to major in Business.

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So You Think You Can...

NeleighHall Staff Writer

Being a teacher is not all about just giving students homework all the time. Well, not for the staff at Northwest High School. Teachers like to have fun, too!

“Students enjoy seeing the teachers look silly. Everyone needs a good laugh from time to time,” said science teacher Jennifer Verba.

At Northwest’s first 2012 pep rally, the parents and students were entertained by teachers performing a dance. The teachers involved in the dance were Mr. Stein, Mr. Gfeller, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Paige, Mr. Olson, Mrs. Rouzee, Mrs. Purdy, Mrs. Harders, and Mrs.Verba. The three teachers that surprised the staff were Mr. Stein, Mr. McNeil, and Mr. Olson.

A lot of kids are scared to do something like dance in front of a huge crowd of people because they do not want to be judged, but the teachers thought otherwise.

“Doing the dance lets kids know it’s okay to do something silly and not worry about what others think,” said Paige.

Most teachers were just asked by the cheerleaders to perform the dance but the teachers did not realize how much fun they would have during the course of preparing for the dance.

“Practices were crazy,” said Rouzee, ”and I can still do a cartwheel!”

During the performance, there was laughter filling the Northwest football field by the teachers, students, and parents.

“It actually was all fun, but my favorite part was when Mr. Paige showcased his skills,” said Harders.

But for strength trainer Troy McNeil, it was different. He could not focus on what the other teachers were doing: he was too busy focusing on his own moves. And he also pulled his hamstring.

The dance was choreographed by the cheerleaders, who put in the time to make such a fun memory for everyone. “ The girls ( Kelsey Faaborg, Logan John, and Katie Agular) did a great job working with low skilled dancers. It was cool to see how excited they were. They did a great job,” said Harders. So the next time you think all teachers do is give out homework, think again. “ I still don’t think I know it, ” said Mrs.Verba.

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NEWS

Northwest Students Work Hard to Receive “Noble Prize” Recognition MolleyEastman Staff Writer

There are many reasons for students to work hard and do their absolute best at Northwest High School. Noble Prizes are one of these many reasons.

Teachers hand out the awards once every quarter. In order to earn the award, the students must do everything in their power to make teachers notice that they are the best candidates.

Each teacher has different standards to giving out the awards.

English teacher Craig Charron tends to award the student who shows a stronger work ethic while social studies teacher Russ Moerer awards the student who works their very best, or who maxes out their potential. Family science teacher Jerrilyn Lyons gives the award to the student who is respectful, kind, gives a good effort, and has a positive attitude during class. Math teacher Lindsey Harders awards the student who doesn’t get much recognition. But the students earn the award based off of classroom behavior, academic achievement, and their attitudes in the classroom.

“I give the award to students who are excellent citizens that

participate well, are courteous to all, possess a great attitude and do more than what is expected.” said spanish teacher Robbie Ruth.

Ruth also gives the award to the student who achieves academically and who greatly improves in the subject.

“I give the award to students who work well with other students, get their work done, make positive comments during class and who work as hard as they possibly can,” commented business teacher Ann Purdy.

When one earns a Noble Prize, their name gets put in a drawing for scholarship opportunities. One also recieves a certificate and a yellow wristband. Earning a Noble Prize at Northwest is one of the best accomplishments that one could ever achieve at Northwest High School.

Earning the Noble Prize doesn’t only give one recognition in high school, but can help one out later on in life. The Noble Prizes can help one with their college tuition if their name gets drawn for scholarship opportunities. Scholarships can help with their future career. The students that work hard and give their best effort daily have a better chance at earning a Noble Prize.

[Noble Prize Recipients]

Emily Kruse Chris Gleason Ryan Lucke Ashley Gowlovech Kyle White Beattriz Rodriguez Katie Aguilar Tatiana Moore Valeria Rubio Derek Williams Justin Fay Holly Green Christian Ellsworth Kalie Jensen Erica Ruiz Abby Anthony

Audra Cooksley Emily Niedfelt Jessica Saddler Cassie Kaspar Kenzie Kneeland Austin Bartlett Brandon Gannon Taylor Callahan Georgina Rubio Justine Schmidt Noah Watson Meile Rosenlund Casey Dahlkotter BaiLeigh Leach Julie Bruns Baylee Laub

Jordan Pedersen McKenzie Brown Neleigh Hall Nick Mohler Mitchell Baker Clark Pohlmeier Destiny Utter Hannah Post Tate Ryan Mark Zepeda Rebecca Green Shayla Webb Dylan Davis Jacob Enck Jessca Buettner Ayza Bolanos

The Band warms up to a great performance AlexisReynolds Staff Writer

Every year they play songs and make them sound absolutely awesome.

Have you ever wondered what was behind the top performances? Hard work, and a lot of practice.

Every day of the week band members get up early in the morning, and come to school. They start out by stretching like in P.E. Why do they stretch? These help to get the blood pumping and body heated up; plus it helps with marching so the muscles

are not sore.

Does everyone do the same warm up? Members all do the stretches but there are two different ones: they have one for the woodwinds and brass, and then another for the drums. The wood winds and brass practice by playing a song; they work on tuning and balance on the instruments. The drummers, go outside and practice beats.

They do rolls, counts and more.

“Well I like getting our warm ups done cause honestly, I hate wasting

time,” said director Shawn Pfanstiel Ever wonder why they go through so much practice for just football games? Well it’s not just for that. The band goes and competes against other schools in marching competitions. They also play in the Harvest of Harmony Parade. They always are one step ahead of the game.

The big day comes and they tackle it like nothing was even there. Those are the secrets behind the Northwest Band’s great performances this season.

Don’t Let the Memories Pass You By!!

Order a 2012-2013 Viking Yearbook today!!!

See a staffer or go online:

$45.00

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SPORTS

Fall sports coaches recognize athlete standouts and successes BriVitera Staff Writer

The fall sports have had a tremendous start with their games and events. The coaches for each fall sport were given a chance to recognize their standout performers.

The softball team had a lot of talent for the past few years, but had not necessarily been recognized for it.

“Mikaela Keene was consistently one of the top offensive and defensive performers, even while fighting a serious back injury,” Coach Dave Prokesh stated.

Kelly Hostler, a junior, was “an unsung hero, who was a huge catalyst for our defensive side of the ball,” Prokesh said.

Boys tennis has slowly been growing over the years. They co-op with Central Catholic and did really well this season.

“Jaden Butler, a senior, worked very hard year round on his own and made himself into a great player,” Coach Bill Gavers stated.

Ryan Vitera, a sophomore, really showed up this year. “He was a very gutsy player who had an incredible will to succeed,” Gavers said. Vitera and Butler both competed at the state meet.

Coach Scott Galash, the girls golf coach, was very satisfied with the girls’ season. “Sophomore Megan Canfield medaled in all but two events this year and represented us at the state tournament,” Galash stated.

Ashley Gowlovech, a junior, was the coach’s other pick. “Despite not being eligible for varsity play because of transferring late, this junior from Aurora displayed great work ethic

This year has been very different from the past. The last couple of years, sports, mainly football, had a record to beat.

Winning more then two games might look easy, but if it was easy they would have accomplished that goal a long time ago.

Volleyball has had consistent wins almost every game.

“I am very proud of the girls for earning a 21-2 record so far!” said volleyball coach Diane Rouzee.

Megan Canfield Sophomore Girl’s Golf

Ashley Gowlovech Junior Girl’s Golf

Mikaela Keene Sophomore Softball

Making it to state individually and shooting within the 90’s

Practicing hard, improving, and fixing habits for next year’s golf season

Winning Districts, Conference, and placing at State

Kelly Hostler Junior Softball

Jessica Saddler Senior Cross Country

Travis Bieber Junior Cross Country

Winning Districts and competing well at our State Tournament

Having our girl’s team make State

Pushing each other to our full potential and placing at meets

Megan Billington Sophomore Cross Country

Zach Rouzee Senior Football

Conner Eberhardt Senior Football

Medaling at State competition

Winning our district

Going to playoffs

Jaden Butler Senior Tennis

Ryan Vitera Sophomore Tennis

McKenzie Brown Junior Volleyball

Competing well

Playing to the standards you know you can play at

Winning State

The football team warms up before the homecoming game against Gering.

and leadership qualities we needed after graduating four seniors from last year’s team,” said Galash.

The cross country team had a great season. “Jessica Saddler, a senior, did nothing but improve on her times from last year. She placed in many meets, was very coachable, and led the team in a positive manner,” Coach Aaron Sasges stated.

Megan Billington, a sophomore, was another cross country outstanding athlete and has been since the beginning of her career. She represented the team once again at the state meet.

Sasges couldn’t pick just two outstanding athletes: he had to pick three. “Travis Beiber, a junior, improved greatly from last year with his spark and work ethic for success,” Sasges stated.

The volleyball team lost many great players last year, but worked hard and

did not make up any excuses.

“Neleigh Hall, a senior, organized many events, was supportive of each and every one of her teammates, and had an overall great personality on and off the court,” stated Coach Diane Rouzee.

“McKenzie Brown, a junior, is a great basketball athlete who made herself into a great volleyball athlete by pushing herself and working hard,” Rouzee said.

The football team enjoyed a very good season and suffered some very tough losses. Quarterback Zach Rouzee and middle linebacker/ offensive lineman Conner Eberhardt showed major dedication to their team starting last winter and continuing on to now.

“Each day they took control and made sure their teammates were working to the best of their ability,” stated Coach Kevin Stein.

Fall sports Viking athletes enjoy multiple successes to begin school year AdrianArroyo Staff Writer

[Athlete Goals]

Standout Viking athletes weigh in on their goals for their respective fall season sports teams.

Taking it outside to the softball field, the softball players have also been bringing home win after win.

Home or out of town, the other teams can’t seem to beat them. After attending State Softball, the lady Vikings finished their season 29-3.

Last year and coming into this year, Northwest had a good record for football.

“I feel there are a couple major reasons we have greatly improved this season. We had a very productive winter, spring and summer in the weight room, open gyms and camps,”

said football coach Kevin Stein.

For the last few years, they got into the habit of only winning two games or less.

This year they surprised everyone by beating that record.

“Players are getting familiar with our program (offense, defense and special teams). We have a great group of senior leaders that truly care about Viking Football,” said Stein.

Winning the homecoming game is always a big accomplishment.

Game after game they continue to achieve their goals.

Showing how mentally strong & skilled our team is even after we lost many skilled players

Neleigh Hall Senior Volleyball

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Most Popular Apps on Northwest iPads Instagram Flow Hay Day Whale Trail Bike Race Facebook Clash of Clans Pinterest Magic Piano Twitter Alexis PAYTON Staff Writer

ENTERTAINMENT

[Random Fun Facts] IF YOU YELLED FOR 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS, AND 6 DAYS,YOU WOULD HAVE PRODUCED ENOUGH SOUND ENERGY TO HEAT ONE CUP OF COFFEE. The strongest muscle in proportion to its size in the human body is the tongue.

The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.

MANY HAMSTERS ONLY BLINK ONE EYE AT A TIME. THE SENTENCE “THE QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPED OVER THE LAZY DOG” USES EVERY LETTER OF THE ALPHABET.

A giraffe can clean its own ears with its 21-inch tongue.

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