JANUARY 2010
Wadsworth High School
Newspaper II/III
The
BRUIN
Volume XXXIV No. 4
625 Broad Street Wadsworth, Ohio 44281
PHOTO BY ADAM WOODARD
Mr. Nate Singleton, a freshman and junior English teacher, sits down to discuss one-on-one with a student on the effects of cell phone usage in the classroom. If Moore’s plan goes into effect, face-to-face communication may be a thing of the past.
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PHOTO BY ADAM WOODARD
Mrs. Kristin Hutchinson, a science teacher, thinks that using cell phones in class as a calculator and computer is a great idea. She loves the use of technology in class.
School administration backs plan for using cell phones in school BY ADAM WOODARD
Many changes are happening in the Wadsworth City Schools. From the building of several new elementary schools, to the plans of a new high school and recreation center. However, what may come as a shock to most are the future plans for the classroom. Cell phones have become the new fad and they have been banned from classrooms... or have they? The school administrators, backed by Principal Steve Moore, are looking into the use of cell phones in class. The phones will be used for educational purposes and as a way to enhance
discussion in the classroom. During the second semester, several teachers will be experimenting with the use
of cell phones as an aid in the classroom. Students will respond to a teachers question by texting their answer to a web site, not a fellow student’s cell phone. The text messages will be sent to the web site and the projector
in the classroom will show the responses on the board. The web site will show all of the answers that have been sent and will display who sent the message as well. “ My hope for this plan is to get more students involved in classroom discussion. Kids love to text, so hopefully they will be motivated to participate and discuss more in the classroom,” said Moore. This form of discussion is currently being used in colleges across the country by the use of responders instead of cell phones. The inspiration behind the plan came from a fall conference that
completely destroyed. Rescue workers have been working diligently around the clock to free those trapped beneath the rubble. Thousands of injured people await medical attention, however, due to the quake, several hospitals are left damaged. Haiti now lacks basic services like water and electricity leaving several thousand homeless. The port remains blocked, but the efforts to bring supplies is constantly increasing. 1.5 million people are now left homeless due to the disaster. Governments across the globe geared up to help, including rescue teams from China, Iceland and France. President Obama pledged $100 million to aid the
restructure of the city. Other organizations such as the Food for the Poor and Habitat for Humanity set up online accounts making it possible to donate money. The Red Cross also gave a lending hand by enabling those who want to help the option to text “HAITI” to “90999” and donate $10 to aid in the relief efforts. Donations have also been taken up at local churches. U.S. troops landed at the Presidential Palace to offer support and strength. While it is a constant struggle to get enough supplies to the Haitians, the U.S. has now been able to get 100 flights a day compared to the 60 flights in past weeks. Troops have resorted to parachuting in supplies
“I am excited to be able to use my phone in school.” -Ashley May, 10
Earthquake hits Haiti, death toll reaches 200,000 BY SAMM SERFASS
Devastation swept across Haiti when a massive earthquake brought havoc and chaos to the city of Port-au-Prince. Reaching a 7.0 on the Richter scale, the center of the quake was about 10 miles southwest of Portau-Prince. As if one earthquake was not enough, Haitians experience an aftershock quake of 6.1 on the scale. The death toll reached over 200,000. Officials fear that the toll will easily reach 500,000. This will categorize this event as one of the world’s worst disasters in history. The Presidential Palace was impacted greatly by the earthquake. Several sections of the building were
INSIDE
THE
Moore attended. He stressed how the phones will be for educational purposes only. He understands that some students will “take advantage of the new plan.” Another firm point made by Moore was, “The use of cell phones will not be a daily event. The plan is dependent on its early success and also on the discretion of parents and teachers.” The administration realizes that there are some problems with the plan. There will be no problem with participation, seeing as students continuously try to use their phones in school. The problem will be the payment for the phone bills. Not every student has unlimited
texting, so using their phones in class will take up messages and might push some students over their contract limits. This could hinder the use of phones in class because students will want to use their phones out of school. “ I believe that it is a good idea to have students use cell phones in class. Our school will be adapting to the 21st century,” said senior Courtney Mendel As Moore said, nothing is set in stone for this plan. However, it is a growing possibility. If this happens our school will be embracing technology in a positive way, and classroom discussion will be changed forever.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MCTCAMPUS
The Presidential Palace was among several buildings severely damaged by the quake.
in secured areas outside the city to avoid chaos at the airports. American Airlines has donated several warehouses full of food.
With continuous efforts being made, nations around the world are working hard to help restore Haiti.
BRUIN:
STUDENTS DESERVE PERSONAL DAYS, TOO Students talk about wanting time off, just like the teachers.
– page 5 WINTER SPIRIT Student athletes shine throughout the season in basketball, wrestling, gymnastics and swimming.
– pages 8 & 9
POWER RANGERS VS. NINJA TURTLES Rangers or reptiles, who will be the winner? Kory Jensen and Brandon House debate.
– page 12 WRESTLING TEAM DOMINATES Wrestling team stands out at State Dual meet continuing a great season.
– page 14
INDEX
PAGE
News ............................................................3 Opinion .....................................................4,5 Ads ..............................................6,11,13, 16 Entertainment .............................................. 7 Picture Pages ...........................................8, 9 Features ....................................................10 Of the Month ..............................................12 Sports ....................................................14,15 Health .........................................................17 Speak out ...................................................18