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News
WHS hosts BattleBots
A&E
Three full CD reviews
Sports Homecoming game
Spokesman ‘With Their Eyes’ pg 9
whs
Volume 48 Issue 1
Sept. 23, 2011
Wheeling High School 900 S. Elmhurst Rd. Wheeling, Ill. 60090
District 214 students react to increase in cookie prices
Buffalo Grove High School made shirts about the cookie prices. As of this school year, “I bought a shirt, and I’m the prices of the WHS and not buying the cookies at the rest of District 214’s school either. One student cookies rose from 25 cents started selling our shirts to 50 cents, causing mixed at the corner where The emotions from the student Melting Pot was,” Violet body. Luczak, junior at BGHS, The prices of the cookies said. increased because of the Although a majority of economy and the cost of the the upperclassmen refuse supplies to make cookies. to buy the cookies, the “We fought to keep the freshmen do not mind the cookies rise in prices the same because The prices of price as they did last year not attend everything went up: but we W H S flour, sugar, eggs, d i d n’t last year everything. win. It when the Cindy Kennedy was out cookies of our 25 cafeteria worker cost c o n t r o l ,” cents. Cindy Kennedy, cafeteria “I don’t really care for worker, said. the raise in the price. I Charlie Kirk, senior, wasn’t here for it, and I like started a Facebook group the cookies so I buy them,” called, “Wheeling High Jenny Afonina, freshman, School Against Cookie said. Inflation.” Over 550 students Rumors have circulated have joined this group. around the school that “I’m not buying those said WHS would get new cookies until the prices go cookies and get rid of the back down. Why couldn’t current cookies, according they wait to raise the prices to Stephanie Maglaris, till next year when I won’t sophomore. be here?” Sara Kowynia, “No action has been senior, said. made yet about getting a Other schools in District new cookie. There has only 214 made Facebook groups been talk about it,” Ms. on the cookie prices as well. Kennedy said.
Lizz McDaniel Asst. Sports Editor
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District 214 chose to switch over to School Logic to update grades, transcripts, schedules and attendance rather than continuing to use mygradebook and SASI. The district decided to switch over because mygradebook and SASI no longer met the needs of the large district. District 214 officially stopped using mygradebook and SASI on June 18 and started using School Logic on July 15. This transferring period made it difficult to report summer school grades since the switch occurred with classes still in session. Unlike mygradebook, School Logic has three portals: School Logic, which the counselors and administration use; Teacher Logic, which the teachers use to mark attendance and grades; and Home Logic, which students and parents can access. According to Dr. Holly Ravitz, associate principal, SASI included many different programs under the same label, while the three portals of School Logic work together. “Since we’re such a huge district with lots of different needs, it’s nice to have a system that we can customize to meet those needs,” Karen Barrett, English teacher and academic technology coordinator, said. Kristina Piamonte Asst. Photo Editor Eric Bobrob, freshman, buys two cookies for $1 in total. Recently, the prices of cookies and other food in the cafeteria have risen. “Why should we (the student body) be affected when others (upper classmen) got charged less?” Bobrob said.
English classes require students to purchase books District 214 aims at having their curriculum more skills-driven by requiring students to purchase the novels for their English classes this school year. The district expects students to purchase one or two books per English class with the exception of AP courses, which require the purchase of four books due to the longer reading list. According to Erin Deluga, associate principal, since students will not need to purchase of all of their English books, the surplus of books used in previous years will rotate throughout classes.
Students who qualify can receive free books
District 214 put forth district funds to purchase books for students identified as being unable to purchase the books. However, District 214 is still in the process of figuring out what to do with students who come across hardships in purchasing books but do not necessarily qualify to receive free books. “We will take care of all of the students to make sure all of the students have a book, but how they come about doing that is still the process they are in right now,” Megan Knight, English and fine arts division head, said.
Staff, students adjust to switch to School Logic Valerie Westin Photo Editor
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Jasminne Hernandez Asst. Focus Editor
<www.wheelingspokesman.com>
Why students must buy books
“It’s ridiculous, it was a lot easier renting According to Ms. Knight, the district the books,” Vollmer said. According to Vollmer, even though she decided to require their students to dislikes having to purchase purchase the books because new books, having new it wants its students to ones is somewhat good have the opportunity They (my parents) because many previous to annotate their own say it’s (purchasing used books were in bad books. In previous books) a waste of condition. years, teachers provided money and that it’s “I think that’s books to students, but what’s beneficial about better using sticky they could not write in purchasing books, them. Kamilla Sikora, notes you can get. Vollmer said. sophomore and honors Kamilla Sikora Daniela Miranda, world literature student, sophomore senior and AP English said that her parents do not literature student, purchased agree with the change. According to Sikora, the change will four books as well. “Well, I buy my books anyway because I make it easier for her to learn because one annotate them, but for kids who can’t afford can now take better notes in the book. Annotating gives students the them and have other siblings in school, opportunity to interact with the reading in they shouldn’t be required to buy books,” a way they have not been able to in the past Miranda said. According to Miranda, she did not like because now they can write in their own using the books in class because she would books. “The district believes annotation is such always use a lot of sticky notes to write on, an important part of learning to read and and now, writing on the books makes it less learning to read well in developing critical complicated. Miranda’s parents do not mind her purchasing the books with the help of reading skills,” Ms. Knight said. cheap prices on the website <www.follett. com> that was in the letter every student Student opinions Miranda Vollmer, junior and AP received informing them about the change. “I think it (being able to write on the philosophy of American life student, does not appreciate the new change since she books) enhances my learning and makes it easier to learn,” Miranda said. needs to purchase four books.
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Adjusting to School Logic
The many options available to adjust can make the system complicated, so Ms. Barrett and Brian Hauck, social studies teacher and academic technology coordinator, help make sure all of the changes made work properly. Students like Roman Schluter, senior, find adjusting to Home Logic fairly difficult. “It (Home Logic) might be be easier for them (freshmen) because they never had mygradebook when I did for three years,” Schluter said. According to Dr. Rick Watson, counselor, scheduling and changing schedules will take more time with School Logic than with SASI. Counselors now must drop and switch classes separately when before they could switch more than one class at once. Dr. Watson still foreshadows the faculty adjusting to the program in the long run. Starting last spring, teachers could attend training sessions on how to use the program, and on the institute day before school, they had a reminder seminar. Since some staff members need to use different parts of the program, summer seminars were separated for each specific task. Last year with mygradebook, many teachers did not actively update their online grades. To prevent that trend from continuing, teachers will no longer have the ability to record grades by paper. Teachers must submit their grades into Teacher Logic by every Sunday evening whether scores have been reported or not. “The majority of the staff has adjusted really well,” Ms. Barrett said.
News 2
Spokesman Sept. 23, 2011
Two science classes receive MagicBoards
Valerie Westin Photo Editor Lisa Del Muro, science teacher, uses the MagicBoard to teach dimensional analysis in the 6th period AP Environmental Science class. WHS received a grant from “Solve for Tomorrow.” “I can take movies of what I’m writing on the board and put it on Moodle,” Ms. Del Muro said.
Krista Sanford A&E Editor Lisa Del Muro and Dan Weidner, science teachers, both received a Samsung MagicBoard for their classes from last year’s Samsung contest, “Solve for Tomorrow.” “They (Samsung) gave us a certain amount of money and had us buy what we wanted,” Ms. Del Muro said. According to both Ms. Del Muro, WHS has the MagicBoards installed in their classrooms shortly before school started. Features of the MagicBoards include a whiteboard, interactive display, an online base iLab and recording movies. “We’re still in the learning process,” Mr. Weidner said.
According to Ms. Del Muro, she can upload a movie to the Internet, and students can watch it at home. Ms. Del Muro takes notes with the students in class, then uploads them to moodle so that the students can look at what they did in class at home. Katia Monroy, senior, is in Ms. Del Muro’s AP Environmental Science class. According to Monroy, she likes that Ms. Del Muro “can just draw graphs (on the MagicBoard)” because it helps Monroy with organization. Along with the Samsung MagicBoards, Ms. Del Muro and Mr. Weidner each received 13 to 14 laptop computers for their classrooms. According to Ms. Del Muro, the other science classrooms now use Ms. Del Muro and Mr. Weidner’s old computers.
Wi-Fi needs access password Rosalie Chan News Editor The Wi-Fi at WHS now has more wireless access points this year for increased coverage and bandwidth, but it requires a password in order to access it. “Every network has a certain amount of IP addresses,” Derrick Williamson, technology systems supervisor, said. “So many students have cell phones, laptops and other wireless devices. When they come in by not turning them off, the phones take up the IP addresses.” Currently, laptops and some cell phones in the building use Wi-Fi. “We need addresses to be available (to those who need it), so we put a password on it to prevent all these electronics from connecting automatically. People should be able to access it without so much competing (from other electronics connecting to the Wi-Fi),” Mr. Williamson said. Some students, like Marta Dzundza, sophomore, did not know how to access the Wi-Fi.
“On my phone, the Internet kind of works, but when I try to connect it to the school Wi-Fi, it needs a password, so I can’t go on,” Dzundza said. “I feel like it’s kind of not fair that they do that. I feel like in study hall, a lot of us use the Internet on phones and iPods.” Other students, like Sean O’Keefe, senior, could access the Wi-Fi because they knew the password. “I found the password for the Wi-Fi (on a sign) in the theater because I’m involved in tech crew. I put in in my iPhone and it works,” O’Keefe said. If students want to access the Wi-Fi, they can ask a teacher for the password. “At the beginning of the school year, we were told that it was to protect us. People in the parking lots or near the school could access the Internet when it didn’t have a password,” Susan Cochrane, librarian, said. “It’s a good thing because of the protection. It’s inconvenient for some people, but the protection outweighs the inconvenience...If your Internet is not protected, anyone can access your network.”
WHS offers CNA class for first time Frida Valdes Asst. News Editor
For the first time, WHS will offer a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) class, instead of students having to take it at Harper College. WHS received a grant in order for students to take a CNA class. According to Timothy Meyer, science teacher, most schools in Illinois do not offer this opportunity to students. “It’s (CNA class) a unique experience for a high school student,” Mr. Meyer said.
So far, 13 students have enrolled in the CNA class, with only two boys enrolled. Deb Bachmeier, certified nursing assistant, said that usually a small amount of males enroll, but male enrollment has increased. The CNA preparatory class does not require students to take certain courses in order to enroll. This class will allow students to have hands-on experience by attending long-term centers. The school will provide
supplies and uniforms. “I think it’s an excellent opportunity for the students,” Ms. Bachmeier said. According to Mr. Meyer, a student taking CNA at WHS will save about $1,000 because the school will provide most of the supplies. If a student took this class at a college, he or she would have to provide the needed supplies. “I saw this as a great opportunity to get ahead in my career plans,” Nastassia Saidak, senior, said.
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Forum 3
Spokesman Sept. 23, 2011
Jas’s Drawings Editorial Upperclassmen should act as role HOMECOMING models, welcome underclassmen The behavior at the first home football game made it clear that the freshman have dealt with more targeting than previous years. While on the bleachers, upperclassmen did not behave in the “Wildcat Way.” Constant shouting at the freshmen to move over when there was clearly no room for them to move over and the chanting of “go home freshmen” sent an overwhelming fear of them not belonging in WHS. This negative behavior discourages the freshmen from participating in other school activities. Spokesman feels that freshmen should receive a warmer welcome. These
freshmen Wildcats should carry the tradition of being spirited students for the next four years of their high school career. Upperclassmen need to teach freshmen that all classes come together to cheer for the same team. Back when the class of ‘12 were freshmen, they won the coveted spirit stick from the class of ‘09. Although the class of ‘12 suffered some backlash chants, the seniors that year later apologized. Likewise, the upperclassmen, behaving negatively, needs to apologize to the freshmen. Instead of pushing away the freshmen, upperclassmen need
COUNTDOWN
to encourage them to participate in all schoolspirited events. The class of ‘12 has learned from previous senior classes how to reflect the school positively, which means accepting everyone while cheering for any athletic or academic club. After experiencing this kind of backlash first hand, the senior class should take it upon themselves to make sure that the freshmen are welcomed. This includes seniors becoming role models to stop juniors and sophomores from being disrepectful during school activities. This also includes keeping themselves “in check” to represent WHS.
For commemorating the tenth year anniversary of 9/11 through plays and summer reading. A day that changed our nation forever should never be forgotten.
Students should use common sense to prevent accidents
Gaby Najera In this month, I saw three examples of idiotic behaviors by pedestrians. While walking home, I
always see students acting like plain dumb kids. Whether it is kids walking too slow just to cause frustration to a kind driver who actually bothered to stop, or kids running across, barely giving drivers the chance to slow down on time, the wreckless behavior of kids is bound to cause an accident. In early September, on my way home, I actually witnessed a girl run across
the street on 83, not really checking if cars would slow down or not, needless to say she was not on a crosswalk, and laid down in the middle of the road. I must admit, I laughed at the fact that this girl was stupidly happy to give a leap of faith, but I still do not condone such behavior. Due to reckless pedestrians, a driver could have missed the brake or accidentally step on the
Thumbs Up...
accelerator. Some cars may not have the time to stop right away, and there are always those drivers who are distracted by their phones. What if a driver texting accidentally steered onto the path this girl was laying on? I know, I can be a bit melodramatic, but all of the above could have happened. Recently, when I was on my way home from work,
my dad driving, we passed a couple of kids being questioned by a cop. I asked my dad if he knew what had happened, he told me those kids had caused an accident by deciding to randomly cross the road. There’s a reason why light systems and crosswalks exist. If our generation can’t follow such simple rules, I’m deeply worried about our generation’s future.
To the remodeling of the stadium. A way to represent WHS is if it can represent itself. To the immediate attention that the power outage had by the custodians. Instead of letting the problem escalate, the custodians fixed it right away.
Thumbs Down...
Increased lunch prices strain students’ wallets Keira’s Kartoons
Most working students are either junior or seniors who work long shifts after school. The money is used to pay off essentials like car insurance, cell phone bills and gasoline. All in all though, students who do not work have to rely on their allowances or parent’s money to buy themselves food. As lunch prices continue to rise, students seem to find themselves in a debt hole. For Solinna Chong example, a student who buys lunch for a whole week will spend at least $15 dollars. There are about 600 students who buy Considering this cost for a semester, a lunch a day. This means that about a third student would have spent over $300 dollars of the school buys school lunches, and are just for lunch. effected by the increased lunch prices. I remember buying lunch from school Every year, school lunches and for a whole week; I spent about lunch items increase due to the $5 dollars a day and about $25 conditions of the school and the dollars a week. If I continued Buying lunch economy. to buy lunch for a month, for a whole In this economy, money is I would spend over $100 semester would hard to come by for everyone, dollars a month. cost over $300 especially teenagers. The simplest solution to A popular item from the this is students bringing in WHS cafeteria are the 25 cent their own lunches. cookies. Unfortunately this year, the price Unfortunately, not all students have the rose to 50 cents per cookie. time to make a lunch everyday, and instead Although a quarter more does not seem of starving themselves during lunch, they like a huge problem now, it will affect the will be left to buy from the lunch lines or amount of money saved in a student’s wallet. vending machines. For example, if a student bought one If the economy continues to worsen, cookie everyday for a whole semester, they schools should not give into it. Instead, they would spend about $45 dollars. These days, should consider the students when raising students earn money through working. prices.
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To having to pay for English books. The last thing students would like to think about is paying to succeed in class.
To the number of students who continuously talk during class even when told to stop. They are not the only ones in the classroom; there are other students who need to learn too.
To the lack of attention to school bathrooms. Sometimes it seems as though they are forgotten.
Spokesman Staff 2011-2012 Editor-in-Chief
Feature Editor
Associate Editor
Focus Editor
Web Editor
Asst. Focus Editor
News Editor
La Voz Editor
Asst. News Editor
A&E Editor
Forum Editor
Asst. Sports Editor
Daniel Brount Gaby Najera
Jennie Alcantar Rosalie Chan Frida Valdes
Solinna Chong
Megan Jones
Mikey Ciavarella Jasminne Hernandez Jocelyn Torres Krista Sanford Lizz McDaniel
Photo/Multimedia Editor Valerie Westin
Asst. Photo Editor
Kristina Piamonte
Graphics Editors Mikey Ciavarella Jocelyn Torres
Staff Artist
Keira Skenandore
Staff Photographer Jessie Sanford
Staff Reporters
Josie Alcantar Perla Jimenez Jes Martinez Nicole Neumann Robert Perales Karen Rodriguez
Adviser
John Uhrik
This is the official student newspaper of Wheeling High School, 900 S. Elmhurst Road, Wheeling, Ill. 60090. Written, edited and distributed 9 times a year by advanced journalism classes, independent studies and other interested and qualified students. Produced by using desktop publishing and is printed by Son’s Enterprises, Inc., Skokie Ill. Mailed subscription $15 per year.
encouraged to contribute letters to contribute letters to the staff in room 137 or mail them in care of WHS. All letters must be signed. Letters may be edited for length, style, possible libel, clarity, and adherence to our publication policies. Spokesman’s mission is to report the news objectively and truthfully. We will print any known errors here in the issue following our gaining knowledge of the error.
Letters- Spokesman is a limited public forum and welcomes a free exchange of ideas from all readers. Readers are
Advertising- For information, call (847) 718-7114 Monday-Friday 7:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
Corrections-
Feature 4
Spokesman Sept. 23, 2011
Student Council revamps Homecoming Week
Coronation Assembly moved to Monday instead of Friday, new events added for ‘Destination Paradise’ Homecoming Monday
- Coronation Assembly during Block B - Lunch-time activities: water-balloon toss (outside) and scooter races (inside)
Valerie Westin Photo Editor Anna Sieracka and Jacqueline Gonzalez, freshmen and Student Council members, create a banner for Spirit days and activities for Homecoming week.
Daniel Brount Editor-in-Chief Despite this year’s early Homecoming, Oct. 1, decreasing preparation time, Student Council worked to revamp Homecoming week with new activities, events and changes. “We had to start a lot earlier, but because we’ve added events it’s been a lot of work,” Sandra Chico, Student Council sponsor, said. “We’re very excited about it and very spirited.” According to Teasia Kimmons, senior and Student Council president, the early homecoming did not cause any difficulties. She said that “summer meetings benefited us a lot.” “Student Council stepped up this year and really attacked all the events to make it successful,” Kristen Chico, Student Council sponsor, said.
Coronation Assembly
Instead of taking place on the Friday
- Pool party from 7 to 9 p.m. at the WHS pool Cost: $3
Wednesday
- Spirit Wear: Class Color Day
- Spirit Wear: Tye-Dye Day
- Lunch-time activities: obstacle course (held indoor and outdoor) - Movie night presenting “Green Hornet” from 6:30 to 10 p.m. held in the football stadium Cost: $5
- Court Nominees and Senior Star Breakfast from 6:45 to 7:15 a.m. in the cafeteria - Lunch-time activities: dunk tank (outside) and hula-hoop competition (inside)
of Homecoming week, the Coronation the foyer decorations, but we’ll start right Assembly moved to Monday, Sept. 26. into coronation.” “During the week of Homecoming, the executive board decided to put all New Events the attention on the King and Queen to To correlate with this year’s theme celebrate them all week and not just one day “Destination Paradise,” Student Council where everyone forgets,” Kimmons said. added a pool party that will take place on The king and queen will receive benefits Sept. 26 in WHS’s pool. such as reserved parking for Student Council will the week. They will also also host a movie night, attend a breakfast on presenting “Green It’s good to try new Sept. 28 specifically for Hornet” on Sept. 27 things. We don’t want Homecoming Court and on the football field if the same things every senior stars. weather permits. year, so we’re taking a “It’s to honor and “All of the events recognize them. We should get students to be risk. wanted to change things excited. If students seem Teasia Kimmons up a bit and we’ll see how to like or have fun with senior it goes,” Navjot Kaur, activities, we keep that,” senior and Student Council Ms. S. Chico said. member, said. The pool party will cost $3, while the Ms. S. Chico also hopes that coronation movie night will cost $5. The movie night’s will start the week off strong. admission will include pizza and a drink. “I think that it’s going to energize the All of the money will go back to Student whole week,” Ms. S Chico said. “It’s not only Council to fund these events.
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Thursday
No School
- Spirit Wear: Hawaiian Day
Tuesday
Friday - Spirit Wear: Extreme Blue and Gold Day - Pep-Rally assembly - Lunch-time activities: boat races (outside) and pie eating contest (inside) - Homecoming Varsity Football Game vs. Prospect at 7:30 p.m.
In the morning, Student Council will also have small giveaways. “About 500 people each morning will be getting a gift to go along with the dress-up days,” Ms. K. Chico said. “Whoever gets there first (the front and back foyer) gets it, so come early.”
Spirit Stick
Student Council also moved the spirit stick from the pep assembly to the Homecoming football game. During halftime, Student Council will announce winners of a raffle and the winning class. In order to decide the winner of the spirit stick, Student Council will keep track of event participation. “Each student will get a ‘passport,’ to go along with the theme, and it will be stamped for events. We’ll collect these and see which class has the most stamps,” Ms. S. Chico said. The raffle will include any student that filled up every box on their brochure with a stamp. Each grade will have one winner.
Feature 5
Spokesman Sept. 23, 2011
WHS expands, welcomes new staff members
Most 2001 graduates would celebrate at their 10 year reunion, but for John Uhrik, English teacher, he celebrates differently by returning back to WHS as a teacher. “I saw a wonderful
opportunity to be a part of my youth again and to give back to a place that molded me,” Mr. Uhrik said. Uhrik previously taught English at Carmel High School. He coached varsity girls volleyball, assisted with
John Uhrik, English teacher
Alexander Meza, Orchestra director
- Graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago - Taught at Carmel High School - Graduated WHS in 2001 - Wants to serve a purpose in his students lives and give back to the WHS community
- Graduated from Elmhurst College - Before coming to WHS, planned to work at a middle school in Naperville - Wants to expand the Orchestra program with new ideas such as the new jazz alternative string group
boys’ volleyball and advised a literary magazine. While he learns the ropes, Uhrik teaches sophomore World Literature and journalism. Uhrik also holds the position of “Spokesman” adviser.
Alexander Meza, orchestra director, took over when Sarah Yun, last year’s orchestra teacher, accepted a full time position at a different school. “I decided to pursue high school music,” Mr.
Meza said. “I’m excited to be in this music program with Ms. (Kirstin) Snelten (choir teacher) and Mr. (Brian) Logan (band teacher).” Following Ms. Yun, Mr. Meza is the third orchestra
Kristen Chico, Learning Center Coordinator
Maryann Holland, Nurse Assistant - Went to Wilbur Wright Junior College and graduated from Resurrection High School - Before coming to WHS, she worked in District 207 at Maine South High School - “Enjoys” the WHS environment
- Graduated from University of South Carolina with a major in history - Wants to expand the TLC to be more of a school wide program - Thinks WHS is “extremely friendly” and “helpful” According to Kristen Chico, learning center coordinator, after applying to work to help Student Council, Dr. Lazaro Lopez, principal, told her to apply
for the Learning Center position as well. “My goal for the Learning Center is for it to be more school wide. Tutors should be seen in classes
and not just in the Learning Center,” Ms. Chico said. Ms. Chico currently is looking into how to become acredited to the National Tutoring Association.
teacher in three years. “We haven’t had a consistent teacher,” Liz Castillo, junior, said. Megan Knight, English and Fine Arts divison head, and Mr. Meza agree they want to fix that problem.
Upon entering the Health Services room, Maryann Holland, nurse assistant, hands out ice packs to students with injured elbows. She explains
how to properly place the ice pack on the student’s bone before moving on to the next patient. “I am still learning at this time with the help of Ms.
(Loretta) Leska (nurse). She’s been so patient with me, which has really helped. My favorite part of the job is definitely working with the students,” Ms. Holland said.
Photos by Kristina Piamonte and Valerie Westin; stories and information by Jennie Alcantar, Daniel Brount and Megan Jones
Blanco, grads create bucket list, pursue sky diving adventure
Megan Jones Feature Editor
“It feels like you are flying, but your ears are moving back and forth, your face is pushing back, the wind is extremely loud, and at first it feels hard to breathe due to the height,” Julian Blanco, senior, said. When Blanco and Andrej Bogouchevitch, 2011 WHS grad, realized they had similar birthdays and were turning eighteen years old soon, they asked themselves what types of events they could do like a “bucket list.” Blanco and Bogouchevitch decided to celebrate by going to Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, Ill. On July 23, they jumped off an airplane 13,000 feet in the air at 120 miles per hour. Cory Hegland and Erik Trujillo, 2011 WHS grads, also joined them. According to Blanco, when he first asked his
mom, Fabiola Lowe, if he could skydive she “almost had a heart attack.” “As soon as we got off the airplane everyone called their parents just to let them know that we were okay,” Blanco said. In order to sky dive, jumpers must take a 30 minute class that summarizes what they need to know on the plane. According to Bogouchevitch, the scariest part of sky diving was the plane ride to the point where they would jump and waiting to be able to jump. Blanco plans to sky dive again, but not for a couple of years due to the cost of skydiving and the risk it creates. “It was about $180 and you have to sign a contract stating that the company is not liable for anything that happens. It was funny, yet scary to sign that paper knowing I could die,” Blanco said.
Poznanski trains with private coach Rosalie Chan News Editor
Kristina Piamonte Asst. Photo Editor Eva Poznanski, junior, squats a weight in the weight room at WHS. She uses certain workouts coordinated by Daniel Zapler, high jump coach trainer, to help perform better.
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From freshman year to sophomore year, Eva Poznanski, junior, has improved in track, making a personal record of 5 feet, 2 inches in high jump. Poznanski became High Jump Conference Champion last season, and this summer, she prepared for ‘11 track season by training with Daniel Zapler, high jump coach, for two weeks. “Most opportunities don’t come to you. It’s a good opportunity to improve my high jump skills and get my name out there,” Poznanski said. Coach Zapler had an interest in getting Poznanski ready for the season because he had seen her previously in track meets, so he invited her to work with him. In track, Poznanski does the high jump, triple jump and sometimes the 4x4 relay events. “I started training her because I saw her at a
church function and started talking to her dad and we agreed that Eva could be really good, but is not as strong as she needs to be to maximize her potential,” Coach Zapler said. According to Elizabeth Lennon, social studies teacher and track coach, during the season, jumpers do drills such as box jumps and scissor kicks to work on height, curve runs and run-throughs to work on the approach to the bar, and a variety of box jumps and bends to work on arching one’s back over the bar. Currently, Poznanski does workouts in the fitness center that she learned from Coach Zapler to get ready for jumping in the winter season. In the winter, Coach Zapler will put together more workouts for Poznanski to do to help her overall strength.
For the full story
<www. wheelingspokesman. com>
Prospect Heights Fire District hosts...
Fire Prevention Week Open House October 15th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. located at Camp McDonald and Elmhurst Road
Focus 6
Spokesman Sept. 23, 2011
District stabilizes budget, but n SAMSUNG
Grant
The school won $80,000 from the Samsung ‘Solve for Tomorrow.’
The school bought two class sets of laptops.
New budget, same issues
The school bought new technology and software for the old technology.
The school bought two 60 inch touch screen displays for classroom use.
Jasminne Hernandez Asst. Focus Editor
Infographic by Michael Ciavarella
WHS new lunch prices
• Breakfast $1.25 reduced $.30 • Lunch $ 2.75 reduced $.40 • Milk $.65 • Donuts $1.25 • Pizza $ 2.50-3.25 • Cookies $.50 • Candy $1.25 • Water $.75 • Nachos $1.00
Illinois State Board of Education awarded Township High School District 214 a certificate of Financial Recognition this year. Wheeling High School had a budget of about 230 million dollars in the 2010-2011 school year, and only 217 million were used last year. The new budget this year is 6 million dollars less, and the budget shows that no major cuts have affected the personnel. The new budget is satisfactory, but the budget also has its downs. Schools still have all of its programs and curricular activities even though the District’s budget was cut, which is crucial to the student body. Due to the district enrollment being down about 13,000 students, the budget decreased proportionally. There is also a small increase in food prices, and an addition of activity fees for students who compete in state level. Fees and the increasing of food prices have not dramatically affected the student body overall, but it has affected students who are not qualified for any financial help. Students who encounter a hardship with money and do not qualify for financial help are still required to pay for the additional activity fees and the increased food prices, that is if they can. Some students do not have a parent to help and they are on their own paying out of their own pocket. There are also many students who now bring their own lunch because of the high priced food that is available for purchase. The District 214’s financial stance is in a good place as of now but there should be more help available to students and students’ parents who have trouble paying fees and food. It is as difficult time for everyone with the economy’s poor performance, therefore there should be more help available even if some are not qualified to receive any.
Infographic by Michael Ciavarella
• District 214 receives financial recognition from ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education). Recognizes schools with strong financial postions. District 214 has won this award countless times before. • District 214 wins meritorious Budget award. This award is given to schools that meet or exceed strict guidelines on the budget. Infographic by Jasminne Hernandez
Focus 7
Spokesman Sept. 23, 2011
new fees upset students Improvements around WHS Improvements
around WHS
First Floor
New Software
New printers Library
Second Floor New Software, and two new sets of Ipads New elmos and whiteboards in math rooms
Teachers got new computers New computers and software for library
New computers and printers in foreign language lab Infographic by Michael Ciavarella
Photo Opinion Do you feel activity fees are good or bad and why?
“Good because we get more stuff.”
Jessie Sanford Staff Photographer Juan Gonzalez, junior “I think it’s dumb for cheer leading because according to the the school we’re not a sport for football season.”
Colleen Keefe, freshman “Bad because less people will want to do sports because they don’t want to pay for it.”
Marta Dzundza, sophomore
“If we had funding for the actual department that the activity fees are supporting, they wouldn’t be necessary; so they’re bad in that sense but in the sense that I still get to do the activities, it’s fine.” Sean O’Keefe, senior “I think they’re good if that money is used to keep our programs operationg and as long as they don’t continually go up.” Dr. Steve May, Asst. prinicpal of student activities
La Voz 8
Spokesman 23 de Septiembre 2011
Castro nueva cordinadora para Mirando estadisticas más a fondo estudiantes ELL, recibe promoción revelan gran cambios de WHS Jocelyn Torres La Voz Editor Rebecca Castro, maestra de español, toma el titulo de coridnadora de ELL (inglés para estudiantes aprendiendo el idioma) este año. Tiene muchas ideas e metas para los estudiantes que están en la clase y los que ya se han graduado. Su meta primordial para este año es asegurando que todo esté funcionando como debe dentro de el programa de ELL. “Tenemos muchos grandes recursos que pueden beneficiarlos y personas que están dispuestos a ayudar, así que quiero asegurarme de que se utilicen de la mejor manera possible,” Sra. Castro dijo. Además de esta ideología, la Sra. Castro piensa en aumentar la comunicación sobre estudiantes de ELL. Castro dice que los maestros que tienen
Cambio drastico en diversidad de población
estudiantes que recien salierón de ELL deben tener en cuenta de que ellos todavía necesitan esa ayuda extra. “Quiero asegurarme de que (los estudiantes de ELL) están en el nivel adecuado de Inglés y obtienen el apoyo que necesitan, incluso después de graduaduarse del programa,” dijo la Sra. Castro. Además de estár en cargo de este programa, la Sra. Castro es maestra de clases de español para nativos en los niveles tres y cuatro. También por su segundo año, es maestra de AP (clase avanzada) Literatura en Español. Ahora comparte su salón con otra maestra de español y tiene una oficina nueva en la ofician de lenguas extranjeras. El programa de ELL es para estudiantes nuevos de otros paises que necesitan ayuda de más para entender el idioma o estudiantes que necesitan esa ayuda en general. Actualmente, hay alrededor de 180 estudiantes en el programa y la mayoría son estudiantes de primer año.
Información derrivada por el primer volumen de Spokesman, cuarta edición.
WHS le ha dado la bienvenida a otro estudiante de intercambio en suspasillos con lo que su número de estudiantes Hispanos ha aumentado a seis en total.
Nicole Neumann
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Check out our translations on the web! <www.wheelingspokesman.com>
Caminando por el pasillo, se ven muchas razas diferentes. Pero la mayoría de las personas que se ven son hispanos. En casi 50 años, la población hispana de WHS fue de seis por ciento al 60 por ciento. Un cambio así de dramático obviamente cambia la forma en que la escuela funciona en general. WHS abarca este drástico cambio, ofreciendo clubs como el Club Latino,
SHADES y otros programas después de clases. Además, WHS es afortunado porque tenemos a hispanos cuales pueden informar la población de noticias concurrentes con su cultura en teniendo una página en español en nuestro periódico. Algunas personas que van a WHS no están comodos con la cantidad de hispanos que hay en la escuela. Pero en lo personal, el cambio no afecta mi vida tan extentivamente como a otros. Cada mañana, llego a la escuela y espero a que mi mejor amiga, Jocelyn Torres, senior quien es de origen hispano, se encuentra conmigo para que podamos caminar juntas a clase. Luego, voy a mis clases
Karen Rodriguez Staff Reporter
América Central- El lunes, tres terremotos sacudieron a Guatemala que termino tomando la vida de una persona, de acuerdo con el noticiero CNN, y al menos tres personas fueron reportadas como desaparecidas. El epicentro del sismo fue de una magnitud de 5.8 y fue a 32 kilometros del sureste de la Ciudad de Guatemala, la capital del país. Terremotos menos debiles golpearon antes del terremoto mencionado en menos de 90 minutos. El president Alvaro Colom instó calma a los ciudadanos cuando el terremoto se sintió literalmente por todo América Central. Estados Unidos- El gobierno de los Estados Unidos ha dictado, después de 18 años, que la prohibición de “don’t ask, don’t tell,” ya no estará en vigor.
<www.logicville.com>
Educational math and logic puzzles
en las cuales hablo con o me siento al lado de hispanos. Sobre todo, cuando llego a mi clase de tercer período, que es mi clase de Spokesman, los únicos con quienes hablo son hispanos. Cuando se acaba la escuela, usualmente voy a la casa de Torres o casa de Jocelyn Rodríguez, seniors, ambas cuales tienen origenes latinos. Siempre he sido conocida como “la chica guera con los hispanos”, por lo que claramente yo he personalmente aceptado el cambio de la población en WHS. Creo que la mayoría de la población de hispanos es mejor para nuestra escuela porque nos da una diversidad única y nos prepara para el mundo real.
Esta prohibición no permitía a los homosexuales servir en el ejercito. Por esta razón, ellos mentian para poder servir. La policía fue retirada este martes. MéxicoPrisoneros planearon escapar de tres carceles simultaneamente el lunes por la mañana en el oeste del estado de Veracruz. Los oficiales a cargo de los prisioneros juntamente con los directores de las prisiones fueron detenidos ya que eran sospechosos de ayudarlos a escapar. 16 priosioneros escaparon de Duport Ostion , 14 de La Toma, y dos de Cosamaolapan. Sin embargo, 14 fueron capturados poco después. Especulaciones de que los priosioneros habian sido ayudados por pandilllas pero los guardias habian sido obligados a abrir las puertas. Fuente: BBC news.
A&E 9
Spokesman Sept. 23, 2011
‘With Their Eyes’ performance commemorates 9/11 WHS AA Stagg Marching Gaby Najera Band Competition Results Associate Editor
Daniel Brount Editor-in-Chief Katherine Wargo, sophomore, speaks as a dining hall worker at Stuyvescant High School in the play, “With Their Eyes.” She played multiple parts in the play, including Haydee Sanabria, a special education student, and Jennifer Suri, an assistant principal. Performances were at 7:30 p.m., on Sept. 8 and Sept. 9.
Liz O’Callahan, graduate of Stuyvesant High School, and Carlos Williams, graduate of Stuyvesant High School, attended the performance during the school day on Friday, Sept. 9. “With Their Eyes” tells the story of students from Stuyvesant High School, which holds a close distance from the oncestanding, World Trade Center, dealt with the impact of 9/11. “We hope that the audience will appreciate the multiple perspectives of how people reacted to the 9/11 attacks,” Orin Xavier, director, said before the performances. Harlan Rose, junior, hoped that the performance would give WHS students their a new perpective on 9/11. Auditions for the play took place three weeks before school ended last year and rehearsals started shortly after. Four rehearsals took place over the summer. The show included various monologues of different lengths from students who Thoms interviewed. “Seeing WHS was special because we were invited to come to the show and give a presentation. It’s cool to see how they took our words off the page and how they can interpret it on their own,” O’Callahan said. Williams also connected with the performance. “It almost gives us a sense of pride because they were representing us and our school on stage,” Williams said.
YOUTOPIA
send submissions to wheelingspokesman@gmail.com
Mikey Ciavarella Focus Editor
SNL-Kaitlin (w. Jon Heder)
Cute, Win, Fail
Savion Simone “Don’t Make Me Snap My Fingers”
Kaitlin presents a project with Jon Heder with subjects going from bugs to butterflies in order to win a prize.
Toby reviews three videos one cute video, one video that has a win, and one video with a fail.
Thought you had enough of Rebecca Black type songs? Simone shows how preteens never fail to amuse us.
Thrice, Lady Antebellum, Lovato release new albums I didn’t know what to expect when I sat down to listen to Thrice’s new album, “Major/Minor.” Before I found them in a magazine, I did not even know they existed. Individually, each song would capture my interest because of the Krista Sanford heavy rock tune; but when listening to all of the songs together, it was hard to Thrice, Major/Minor distinguish which song was which. All the songs felt a No. of Songs: 11 Release Date: Sept. 6, little similar and repetitive. 2011 (Vinyl), Sept. 20 (CD/ Lady Antebellum, Digital) Genre: Rock Own the Night Rating: 3/5 Favorite Songs: “Yellow No. of Songs: 12 Belly” and “Words in the Release Date: Sept. 13, Water” 2011 Sounds Like: Linkin Park, Genre: Country Shirock and Manchester Rating: 5/5 Orchestra Favorite Songs: “We
Owned the Night,” “Singing Me Home,” “Heart of the World” Sounds Like: Gloriana, Sugarland, The Band Perry and Rascal Flatts
From the minute the drums started beating and the guitar started strumming, I knew I would fall in love with Lady Antebellum’s third album, “Own the Night.” I could feel all of Lady Antebellum’s hard work spill into the note and each word as if they meant for that to happen.
Demi Lovato, Unbroken No. of Songs: 15 Release Date: Sept. 20, 2011
Genre: Pop Rating: 4/5 Favorite Songs: “All Night Long,” “Skyscraper” and “In Real Life” Sounds Like: Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Katy Perry and Hilary Duff After everything Demi Lovato went through in the past year, I expected her third album, “Unbroken,” to be a tribute to those hard times; but, that’s hardly the case. Lovato provided an awesome album with lots of fun dance tunes and happy lyrics.
For Full Reviews ...
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Place (All): Second Place Place (Class AA): First Place Music Avg.: 14.30
Visual Avg.: 13.65
Final Score: 72.45
Infographic by Jocelyn Torres
Wind Symphony invited to ‘Music For All’ Festival juniors, mother, the Valerie Westin Photo Editor band will also prepare After the Wind Symphony sent recordings to Music For All, the band received an invitation to perform at the national festival, “Music For All,” in Indianapolis, Indiana. Music For All emphasizes the importance of music education, and they insist that all students should have it available to them, according to their website, <www.musicforall.org>. They hold a fwestival for various music groups every year as well as a summer camp. Schools from across the nation send in recordings, but only 16 bands can perform at the Concert Band section of the festival. They accepted the WHS band all three times they tried. Brian Logan, band director, took the band to the festival in 1997, 2007 and soon in 2012. “The kids will be able to play an entire concert of really great literature for some of the greatest minds of the world in music education,” Mr. Logan said. Mr. Logan helped the Wind Symphony achieve their high level by bringing in guest conductors and getting the students to Superstate last year. He also plans to add extra rehearsals this year to prepare the Wind Symphony for their performance. According to a phone interview with Beth Anne Ausnehmer, co-president of the Wheeling Instrumental League, and Meghan and Jessica Ausnehmer’s,
by fundraising. They will sell entertainment books, Butter Braids, coupon booklets to Carson’s and they will host a rehearsea-thon on February 10, where students receive pledges based on how long they practice. At the rehearse-a-thon, the students can receive pledges for up to six hours of practicing. “It’s (preparing for the festival) going to be a lot of hard work, but it’ll be very rewarding,” Emma Jensen, senior, said. The Wind Symphony will have a 40 minute time slot to perform, and they will have to produce a recording of their chosen pieces to submit to the festival in January so Music For All can create a final program. During the festival, the band will stay for three days, performing, receiving feedback from music experts, participating in master classes and listening to other bands from across the country. “(I’m looking forward to) spending a weekend with the band and hearing other bands play,” Maria Castillo, junior, said. Only the Wind Symphony received an invitation to play at the festival, but if enough students from the Symphony Band can attend, they will perform in a different venue. “It’s my hope that they can all go,” Mr. Logan said. The festival will take place on March 15-18 at Butler University, with the Wind Symphony performing in Clowes Memorial Hall.
* Gift Certificates Avaliable * Waxing Service Avaliable Aquaroma Facial $35 (Regularly $50)
Dine-In Carry Out Delivery Catering Free hotdog with purchase of one hotdog (must show ad)
WHS students can recieve a discount by showing ID
Updos and make up for $65 (Regularly $75)
Full Head Highlights Haircuts for $60 (Regularly $70) for $10 (Regularly $13)
Sports Volume 48 Issue 1
upcoming events Boys Soccer 5p.m. today at Lake Forest Academy Football
Sept. 23, 2011
whs
7:30p.m. today at RMHS
Dunbar retires after 23 years at WHS Karen Rodriguez Staff Reporter Jes Martinez Staff Reporter
David Dunbar, head football coach and math teacher, will not only leave his classes when he retires, but also the football team. “He was more than a teacher. They (football team) will take what he taught them beyond the field,” Angela Wallen, senior, said. Mr. Dunbar told his family about the retirement two years ago when he decided he was close enough to his “full retirement.” “In a teacher’s contract they usually have to teach for 35 years to reach their full retirement and receive a certain package for their retirement,” Mr. Dunbar said. Mr. Dunbar has taught at WHS since 1988. Prior to that, he worked at Rolling Meadows High School for two years.
School Reactions
Mikey Ciavarella
Focus Editor
David Dunbar, head football coach and math teacher, walks down the football field to greet the seniors for Senior Night on Sept. 2. The Wildcats lost to the Conant High School Cougers 26-7 that night in their first home game of the year.
Homecoming week games Boys Golf
3:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 at home, vs. Maine West
Girls Golf
8:30 a.m. on Sept. 27, Conference at Barrington
Boys Golf
9 a.m. on Sept. 27, MSL meet
Girls Tennis
4:30 p.m. on Sept. 27 at Hersey
Girls Swimming
4:45 p.m. on Sept. 27 at home, vs. Elk Grove
Girls Volleyball
5 p.m. on Sept. 27 at Prospect
Boys Soccer
6:30 p.m. on Sept. 27 at Palatine
Cross Country
4:30 p.m. on Sept. 28 at home, vs. Prospect, Rolling Meadows
Boys Soccer
5 p.m. on Sept. 30 at home, vs. Barrington
Boys Football
Official Homecoming Game 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 30 at home, vs. Prospect
Girls Cross Country
8:30 a.m. on Oct. 1, Loyola Invite
Girls Volleyball
8:30 a.m. on Oct. 1 at Stevenson
Girls Tennis
9 a.m. on Oct. 1 at home, Wildcat Varsity Quad
Boys Cross Country
9:30 a.m. on Oct. 1 at Niles West
Girls Swimming
1 p.m. on Oct. 1 at Maine West
According to Randal Dunbar, instructional assistant and son of Mr. D. Dunbar, “it’s going to be different” not having Mr. D. Dunbar at WHS. “He always had a positive attitude about things in class and with his football players. He tried teaching his football guys to make positive decisions,” Mr. R. Dunbar said. Mr. D. Dunbar will miss the students that he has taught over the years. “I will miss the students. That’s why I got into teaching,” Mr. D Dunbar said. According to Mendi Dunbar, technology assistant and Mr. D. Dunbar’s wife, Mr. D. Dunbar will leave a legacy. “His legacy are his sons (Daniel Dunbar and Mr. R. Dunbar). They’re coaches and teachers,” Ms. Dunbar said. “They stood and took stats for him; they watched football with him. And when they were old enough,
they played for him. Then they went on to play college football at the same college he attended (Taylor University in Indiana).” Other staff members and students will miss him as well. “He instills positive values (in the students) and he was always trying to be positive. He looks for the good in all people,” Janet Koelper, math teacher, said. According to Eric Gonzalez, senior, Mr. D. Dunbar helped him “see math in a different way.” “I struggled with math, but he spent a lot of time talking about the ACT, and I did good on it,” Gonzalez said.
Looking Forward
Mr. D. Dunbar hopes the football program will succeed when the new coach takes his place next year. “We put together a program where students will be able to come and grow as young men to be successful in anything,” Mr. D. Dunbar said. Mr. R. Dunbar hopes the new coach will expand his father’s legacy. “Hopefully, the new coach who steps in will proceed to build the positive steps that he (Mr. D. Dunbar) has taken in that positive direction. Hopefully, he continues the Wheeling Wildcat legacy,” Mr. R. Dunbar said. Though they have hopes for the future of the football team, Mr. D. Dunbar remains uncertain as what will happen or who will coach next year. “My focus is in my football players. I feel like if I start thinking about the future, I’ll be taking away from them. I’ll give the very best I can give them,” Mr. D. Dunbar said. While Ms. Dunbar said it is early, she also said that “he cannot sit still.” “He says, ‘I’m bored, I got to do something.’ I think there’ll be lots of fishing, though. He loves fishing,” Ms. Dunbar said.
park district officially Homecoming game Administration, open turf at Hometown Celebration preparation begins practice times,” Patricia Lizz McDaniel Asst. Sports Editor Anderson, cheerleading
Football
As the Homecoming dance approaches, the Wildcat varsity football team prepares for the homecoming game against the Prospect High School Knights at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30. “We are doing the same thing we do every week at practice. We start with special teams and move into individual position work, team stuff is at the end of practice,” Randal Dunbar, assistant varsity football coach, said. According to Coach Dunbar, the game against Prospect will be a good game. “We are used to playing them and the Knights got a new head coach this year so I think we will do real well,” Coach Dunbar said.
Cheerleading
Cheerleading has practice everyday during homecoming week for two hours to make sure their routine looks perfect for the game. “We work very hard at practice on our routines and a lot of my kids practice outside scheduled
coach, said.
Band
Drumline will continue practicing throughout homecoming week to perfect their beats to keep the fans entertained during the homecoming football game. “We practice for an hour before the football game and throughout the week to perfect these beats. The fans want to hear it and we want it to be good,” Mitchell Kruel, senior and drumline captain, said.
Soccer
The Wildcat soccer team will compete twice during homecoming week. The varsity team has an away game against the Palatine High School Pirates, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27; and a home game against the Barrington High School Broncos, at 5 p.m. on Sept. 30. “We work a lot. These teams are tough and we want to put up a fight. Who knows what will happen?” Julian Blanco, senior, said.
Top: The committee from the Wheeling Park District and the administration of district 214 cut the ceremonial bow for the grand opening of turf. Above: Staff congratulates each other during the annual Hometown Celebration,while wearing varsity football jerseys. Left: Robert Kupon, social science teacher, and Dr. Alan Wahlert, world language and social science division head, grill for the Hometown Celebration meal, while conversing about their classes. Kristina Piamonte Asst. Photo Editor