Wadsworth High School 625 Broad St. Wadsworth, Ohio 44281
New code comes with controversy by Kate Lyren
The Wadsworth City School District has updated one of their policies, but not without controversy. The new Co
Curricular and Extracurricular Code of Conduct has met
Wadsworth High with criticism and question. The policy applies to students in noncredit, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities in grades 7 through 12. For the first time, all activ'ities, not pertaining to curriculum, will be responsible to obey the code. In the past, only athletics were held to the code. The actual document states that all students participating "represent not only himself/herself, but also t he Wadsworth City School and the community." "I don't think students should have to sign a code, says sophomore Joey Wright. "What people do outside of school is their own business. u Suddenly, there is a code of conduct that affects the entire school instead of singling out athletes. Also, participating in school activities is considered a "privilege. As the various organizations start signing their respective code of conduct papers, a new question arises. How seriously is this code of conduct taken? "I really don't think people take the code very seriously," says 11
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code. Through out the high school there seems to be a lack of education about the code. Many students feel the change to the 2- code has been more secretive than � informative. ': The Code of Conduct puts a lot [. of responsible on the coaches and advisors by making them, "responsible for managing and handling discipline problems that occur within their range of responsibility. Penalties have remained the same with the first offense penalty being a minimum loss of 20% of the remaining or next season, and the second offense penalty is a 12 month dismissal. It doesn't seem that very many people are caught each year and the penalty is pretty harsh for such a common mistake by high school people," saysjunior Tracey Grubb. Violations and penalties will be cumulative throughout a student's junior high career. Starting in ninth grade, all previous violations and penalties will be erased. Academic eligibility also relates to t he Code of Conduct. All members required to sign the code Here, members of Wadsworth High School's National Honors Society (NHS) meets to discuss upcoming of conduct will be responsible to events. Starting this year NHS members are required to sign the new code of conduct. maintain a G.P.A. ofat least a C- or senior, Aaron Wise. "It seems very code of conduct is a crock," student council member gets be passing the rest of their few students put honor into the exclaims a senior athlete who caught drinking, is he or she scheduled subject areas. signing. 11 would rather remain anonymous. forced to m iss 20% of the The object of the new code is Also, very few people feel the "It doesn't stop anyone from meetings? Is that comparable to to make a policy that is fair for the activities, athletics, and partying. 11 missing4 or 5 basketball games?11 entire school. organizations of Wadsworth High Many questions have risen with Freshman, Cara Busson, feels See page 2 for an editorial on are drug and alcohol free. "The the new policy such as "if a very few people know about the Wadsworth's code ofconduct. 1
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Title IX keeping equality in school by Jessica Kocaj
Imagine Wadsworth High school without the girl's basketball team, the running abilities of girl 1 s cross country, or the final four girl's softball team. "Before Title IX there was an imbalance," said Mrs. Roher, Com position teacher and first volley ball coach for WHS. "Title IX forced the school to give the girls [their own] teams,11 she said.
Opinion-pg. 2 Speakout-pg. 3 Features-pg. 4 News-pg. 5 Arts & Clubs pg. 6
The Title IX Educational Amendment of 1972 was the initial legislation that harmed sexual dis crimination in schools. Officially, this title says that "No person in the U.S. shall, on the ba sis of sex, be excluded from partici pation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal aid." This technical legislation seems fairly compli cated, but its positive e f fects are eas ily under standable and n o t i c e abl e t h r o u g h o ut high schools and colleges. Over the past 25 years,
Title IX has opened the door to or that the female academic achievement and same amount athletics. of money Academically, Title IX has made should be it possible for girls to take more so spent per fe phisticated math and science male and male courses. athletes. "I'm glad that I'm taking Calcu Rather, lus because it will prepare me for Title IX says college,11 said senior Laura that, on the Dishauzi. whole, both Physics teacher, Mr. Varner, said women and Senior Jon Holko and the new boy's baseball field 11when people lead, others follow." men must nities, or even publicity. Perhaps that is the reason that have equal opportunities. "Public support, attendance, over the past 25 years the number The number of female and funding, competition levels for of girls in his class has risen from male varsity athletes must be girls athletics has also changed," two to approximately half of his equal as well as the number of said Roher. It's immensely betstudents. scholarships awarded to male ter [than before]." On the college level, Title IX and female athletes. Of course, Title IX is always gave way to women receiving more Then, of course, there are the open to discrepancies and somemedical, law and doctoral degrees. extras that must be equal. Most times inequalities arise that it Athletically, Title IX doesn't people don't think about the must take care of. necessarily stress that women are equipment, scheduling of games, For an opinion on Title IXsee allowed to participate in wrestling practice time, coaching opportupage 8. 11
Did you know? pg. 7 Sports I pg. 8 Sports II pg. 9 Entertainment pg. 10 TTATO pg. 11