Highlands Middle School Newspaper Volume 4 Issue 2 January Red Ribbon Week Raises Student Awareness Once On This Island By Addie Sparks he drama department performed Once On This Island, a retelling Tof the little mermaid story. Ti Moune, a young peasant, falls for Daniel, a wealthy grandehomme. The gods, Erzulie, Asaka, Agwe, and Papa Ge, send Ti Moune on a journey to test the power of love against the face of death. In the end Daniel chooses Andrea, a grandehomme he has been promised to since birth, over Ti Moune. So, the gods, heart-broken, turned Ti Moune into a tree to watch over the island forever. Director, Mr. Matt Wilson, was new to the middle school. He teaches eighth grade dance and directs for HMS and HHS. He started theatre when he was a teenager and pursued it ever since. “I thought the play was really good because everyone could sing well,” Above Mrs. Kathy Donelan, math teacher, instructs Ethan Mills, Chuckie Buckler, Kurt Adams and Kennedy said, Beth Ann Griffith, sixth grader. The Neltner, sixth graders, in one of several games during lunch. These games were meant to raise awareness about cast worked for about two months to learn drugs and how they can affect the senses. all the necessary things to perform the By Michaela Collins prescription drugs, and the eighth grades’ show for an audience. “Practices are fun focus was smoking. Each door had to say because it’s great being around people why that specific thing was bad for you. who have a passion for performing just as ed ribbon week is prevention Tuesday: the official kick off of anti- you do. The cast is a big family and you against alcohol and drugs. All smoking. The “Natural High” video was meet a lot of great people,” said Caroline Rschools across the nation partici- played at lunch. Its’ focus was to say you Lembright, seventh grader that played pate in this awareness. The hope is to get can feel great by doing what you love and Mama Euralie. Rachel Turner, seventh the point across that drugs and alcohol not by doing drugs. Ribbons were given grader, said, “Practices are so much are terrible for everyone. The school does out to color for those students who have fun because you’re with friends doing a great job helping out with the awareness. relatives/ friends who died of a smoking something you love and you’re watching Monday: the first day of red related disease. They were hung in the caf- your fellow cast mates progress and watch ribbon week. To kick off this awareness, eteria to make a point of how many people the play get better.” all homerooms decorated their doors died just of smoking. Baily Fesssler, seventh grader in a contest. The sixth grade focus was said, “I think the show was pretty good alcohol, the sevenths’ grade focus was Continued on pg 3 because of all the dancing.” 2 Advisor Lisa Birkley The Fantastic Mr. Cox By Nick Mohr Staff the area!” Three months later, Haley finds out Mr. Cox went to Highlands High Erik Black, Nick Breslin, she was pregnant! The only problem School when he was a teen, and has lived Allyson Bridewell, Lou “is, she doesn’t who the dad is!” in Fort Thomas his entire life. Not only Laughter rings out in the auditorium, that, but he gives a powerful message. Bunning, Michaela Collins, deceiving anyone who might’ve just “My message is that kids need to Leslie Edmondson, McKenzie walked in that they were having a comical learn to use the advantages that they have. English, Chrissi Federle, discussion about a light-hearted subject. The greatest resource a young person can Jessica Ginter, Bridget Girnus, But what they were talking about was have is someone they trust and respect to Kaitlin Hall, Megan Hodery, anything but a joke. “Unfortunately, Haley talk them through the times ahead. There only saw one way out.” The man on the may be barriers in place; however I try to Madison Jones, Kristyn stage said. That man was Mr. Thomas remove those barriers,” Mr. Cox said. Lukjan, Lauren Maines, Alisha Cox. “But call me Thomas,” he said to the This brings us to Red Ribbon McDermott, Nick Mohr, Emma skeptical middle school crowd. This was Week. Kids need to talk with somebody Moore, Kennedy Poston, Kyle no ordinary show. Thomas was giving a about all the pressures they receive from Schuchter, Addie Sparks, Olivia speech for national Red Ribbon Week. peers, so why not talk to one of the adults Red you see Taylor, Olivia Ulmer, Kay Ribbon every day Vermeil, Rebecca Weinel. Week is a at school. time when It provides Behind the Blue is a publica- schools the perfect tion by and for the students of High- around the opportunity lands Middle School. It is the goal of country to make a our staff to report to you the school devote difference. news, opinions and current events as themselves “I think accurately and professionally as pos- to drug/ Red Ribbon sible. alcohol Week is We would appreciate any awareness good for comments that would help the journal- and what it ism staff to improve the final product. protection. offers, but We will correct any inaccurate facts And, I think we in the following issue only if they are thankfully, need to called to our attention. Mr. Cox is do much We welcome any letters to the an expert on Below: Mr. Thomas Cox, speaker, talks to the student body about the dan- more to editor as long as they meeting the fol- this subject. gers of drugs and alcohol. Ben Justice, Dominic Bradford, Joseph Kempe, help parents lowing criteria: the maximum number Stephen Dauer, Savanna Cornett, Libby Rose and Maseon Grant, eighth But first, who graders, took the stage to help Mr. Cox demonstrate a point. and kids of words is 250, and it must be signed is this Mr. recognize by the author. We reserve the right to Cox? Let’s the real life edit any letter or grammatical errors. backtrack, to when he was just in school dangers of drugs, alcohol, and high- risk You may send us a letter by placing it himself. behavior,” said Mr. Cox. in Mrs. Birkley’s mailbox or mail it to “I always enjoyed helping others, So, “The Fantastic Mr. Cox” us at: especially young people, and have been does have a great deal to offer the students Highlands Middle School doing so since I was a young person he helps. He has much experience, and 2350 Memorial Parkway myself!” Mr. Cox said. He has been many much knowledge. And, from his past Fort Thomas, KY 41075 things over the years, but most of all he occupations, he is only trying to help. As Attn: Lisa Birkley has been a friend to children and adults he said, “I feel like I’m one of you guys or alike. He has been a youth and family coming back and saying, ‘Hey, check it email: Lisa.birkley@fortthomas. minister, a youth mediator, and ran a out! Adults aren’t the enemy; they’re just kyschools.us school for youths involved with the courts. trying to help us out!’” Now, fast forward. Mr. Cox’s current job has him fairly close to home. “I currently run a drug and alcohol outpatient treatment program for an agency in Northern Kentucky. I’m a little biased, but I think what I have to offer provides a huge benefit to the residents of Continued from page 1 Below: Barndon Zachary, Ben Grothaus and Morgan Race, sixth graders, put money in the cans for charity. The faculty and staff dressed up for Halloween and students voted for their favorites. 3 Wednesday: the middle of the week. Mr. Thomas Cox, drug and alcohol speaker, came and talked to the students about the affects drug and alcohol can cause. He explained what happens when the students is under the influence. The teachers also gave out red ribbon week bracelets and pencils to support the cause. Thursday: the teachers organized games at lunch. The games were supposed to simulate what it’s like being under the influence. One of the games the students’ put gloves backward, on the opposite hand and had to open a Hershey kiss. Once the Hershey kiss was opened, they had to eat it and throw the wrapper in a cup. This simulated being under the influence because it was hard to use their hands. Friday: the last day of red ribbon week. This day, all the students wore red to show how much of the school was part of the awareness. The teachers had a Hal- loween costume contest, and to vote the ballot was money. All of the money raised went to Alateen. The entire week, there were red lights and red decorations all over the school. Over the seventh grade windows, the words “Red Ribbon Week” were spelled to show that Highlands was part of the awareness.

Above: Rachel O’Day and Rocco Pangallo, eighth graders stand by the door they helped decorate for the competition. Mr. McCoy’s class members stayed after school to complete their door. Above: Alexis Begnoche, Dillon Goettke. and Emily Johncox, eighth graders, work on Mrs. Birkley’s door for the door decorating contest. The 8th grade had a theme of anti-smoking, and these students volunteered their time after school. Mrs. Birkley’s door won first place overall. 4

Left: Noah Moore, Brady Dean, Madison Tate and the cast dance to the open- ing song in Once on This Island. Many of the cast had to act, dance and sing.

Below: Kirsten Peterson stares into the sky and makes a wish to the gods. Kirsten played the lead role of Ti Mune.

Above: Kay Vermeil plays the priestess. Her job was to narrate the story.

Above: Caroline Lembright and Ben Bardgett played Ti Mune’s parents. In the play, they had to let Ti Mune go to find her own destiny even though they knew they could loose her. 5

Right:Rebecca Thome, Brian Johncox, Taylor Webster and Nat- alie Neace play the four gods. They represented earth, death, love and water.

Below: Taylor Webster plays Erzulie, the goddess of love. The peasants, Emmalee Kempf, Meredith Laskey, Brenna Payne and Jill Malloy and Matt Gray and Kirsten Peterson listened to her advice.

Above: Jiran Llerena, Addie Parks, and Kenzie Above: Erik Black takes a final bow after the perfor- Above: Rebecca Thome, goddess of the earth, tries to Colvill protray their daily lives on the island. mance for the students. Without the backstage crew, convince Ti Mune to follow her heart. As an eighth the show would not be possible. grader, this was Rebecca’s last musical at the middle school. 6Are You Feeling Lucky?

By Olivia Taylor the Celtic symbols; such as the cross, said they both had socks that they thought t’s the beginning. You’re walking on which means transition, honor, faith, were lucky but didn’t work. “Lauren to the field. Butterflies are in your unity, temperance, ascension, hope and Maines (eighth grader) has bulldog socks stomach, and sweat runs down your navigation. Four leaf clovers as a lucky she wears that are lucky,” said Rachel. I symbol were popularized by the Irish Taylor said “Isabella Schultz (seventh face. Your blood feels cold as it runs through your veins. Whether you’re people. Each leaf was believed to signify grader) sings the song “Dynamite” playing in front of millions or just with faith, hope, love and luck. The popular before every game.” “People should have your friends, you have one thing that will belief in Irish culture says that, the three lucky charms because they might need always save the day. You have your lucky leaf clover, known as a “Shamrock”, confidence,” explained Rachel. Ava said charm. was represented as Holy Trinity by Saint “If they need reassurance they should have Lucky charms have lucky charms.” These lucky been around for thousands charms must have worked of years. British scientists because the team was 11 and say lucky symbols have three. about a 70% of actually A survey went out to working. Lysann Damisch, the students and one of the from the German questions was “Do you have University of Cologne and a a lucky charm?” The result of physiologist, told MSNBC, the question was varied. (see “Superstition increases chart) people’s confidence. In Whether your lucky other words if you have charms is common like a your lucky charm close by rabbit’s foot, a pot of gold, or you feel more confident and four leaf clovers or really odd secure about the following weird, lucky charms are all task, which makes you try around you, just look. harder and perform better.” Thousands of years ago in ancient Rome and Greece they believed that dolphins were lucky. Lucky rabbit foot key chains, whether real or faux, are popular symbols of luck. But can the tradition actually come from Patrick and when it bears the fourth leaf it hoodoo magic? The original legend says signifies God’s grace. that the left-hind foot of a rabbit that is Even Taylor Swift has a lucky captured in a cemetery at night, can ward number, 13, which is seen as bad luck, but off evil magic. Horus was an ancient for Taylor it is very lucky. She was born Egyptian god whose head, in the shape on December 13, turned 13 on Friday th of a falcon is often found in hieroglyphic the 13 , her first album went gold in 13 inscriptions in tombs and ruins of ancient weeks, her first #1 song has a 13 second Egyptian buildings. Horus as worshiped intro and when she wins an award she’s th th th as a sky god, and his eye, called wadjat either in the 13 seat, the 13 row, the 13 th in Egyptian, became to be regarded as a section or M (13 letter). symbol of protection and as a sun deity. Lucky symbols even live here. Egyptians also regarded the “eye of The players on the varsity volleyball Horus” to watch over them in the Afterlife team, Ava Vardiman, Rachel O’Day, and and these charms were found together with Taylor House eighth graders, have lucky mummies in ancient tombs. Millions of charms. Ava said, “Number 15 is my lucky people have lucky a numbers and the one number.” Rachel said, “Number 14 and that might come to your mind is number whenever I wear pre-wrap headbands we three but the most popular number is always win.” “Number four has been my seven. lucky number since third grade,” said Above: Kirsten Koehler, eighth grader, shows her Taylor. Ava says “I only believe in lucky lucky charm, a cross necklace. She said, “If I where Long before St. Patrick’s Day this at the Bengals game, they don’t loose.” lucky symbols and charms existed like charms if they work.” Both Taylor and Ava Middle School Dancers Get a Team 7 By Bridget Girnus high school team. The council decided that a mandatory clinic for girls who wanted to it was important that these girls had the try out on Thursday, September 30 from opportunity to dance as well,” said Lisa 6:30pm to 8:30pm. During the clinic, girls Cat Watson and Erin Birkley, former SBDM council member. went over a routine that they demonstrated Minsterman are on a mission With the council’s decision the dance team for the judges on the day of the tryouts. was ready to get started. The routine consisted of a toe touch, to make history with the first “The purpose of the dance split leap, single and double pirouette, ever Middle School Dance team is to allow students the chance high kick, and the splits. There was also to be involved in a fun, competitive, a time where girls could show a creative Team, giving girls a chance to hardworking and respected athletic jump or turn. Dancers went out in pairs do something they love. program,” said Coach Minsterman. and performed the routine for the judges. Practice is typically two times a week and Judges were Bengals, Northern Kentucky During halftime, the football will last one and a half to two hours. In University dancers, coaches and other field clears and a group of girls steps out addition, participants will need to attend people who have had experience working in their sparkling outfits. The music starts all performances. But Coach Minsterman with dance teams. Coach Minsterman pumping and they begin their routine. said that girls can work They land all their spins and jumps around times if they perfectly and wow the crowd. Who are participate in another these girls? It’s the high school dance sport or activity. team! However, the girls on Ms. Erin Minsterman and Ms. the cheer leading team Cat Watson are the new coaches for will not be able to the dance team. Ms. Minsterman has participate on the dance coached all five years of the high school team because both dance team and has helped them win teams perform at the four grand championships and many same time. other competitions. Coach Watson has The middle been teaching dance for many years school dance team and is a very experienced dancer. She will perform during will start coaching the team in winter basketball games when she comes back from a trip. Coach and possibly during Minsterman said, “I look forward to some football games Above: Bella Keller, Mallory Kocher, March Mentzer, Libby Rose, Kirsten during the year. Dance Peterson, Jill Malloy, Carly Hill, Abby Grimm, Megan Reynolds, Peyton seeing what the future has in store for the Bankemper, Madalyn Wiefering, Marinna Nurre and Addie Sparkes dance program.” team members will Last year the Site Base Decision also participate in Making (SBDM) Council approved the one to two competitions against other said the judges looked for “Dancers with dance team. “Erin came to our meeting schools in the Cincinnati and Northern experience, a good personality, and a good and reported that there were so many Kentucky regions. Girls will have to pay overall presentation.” middle school girls trying out, and there $ 100.00 to $200.00 for competitions. If Forty-nine girls came to the was only room for two or three girls on the a student makes the team, she will also tryouts, but only 20 could make the team. need to pay the The team was immediately decided after equipment fee which the tryout, and was a mix of all the grades. is approximately It consists of nine eighth graders, six Members of the Dance Team $220 and includes seventh graders, and five sixth graders. Addie Sparks Haly Hennigan uniforms, jackets, Most of the girls on the team Mariah Nurre Kirsten Peterson bags, and pompoms. have been dancing for a long time and Ellie Farley Bella Keller Coach Minsterman participate in dance class outside of school Carly Hill Megan Reynolds said, “There will too. Carly Hill said, “The dance team is a Beth Ann Griffith Peyton Bankemper plenty of fund great way to be involved in our school.” raising opportunities Practices have already started and are on Olivia Diehl Abby Weyer throughout the Saturdays from 8:00A.M. to 11:00A.M. Jillian Malloy Madalyn Wiefering season to help with The team’s first performance was during Emily McCoy Libby Rose the costs.” These will the halftime for the boys’ basketball game Taylor Hergott Abby Grimm include bake sales on Monday, November 8. Marcy Mentzer Mallory Kocher and car washes. There was

8The Apps Are Everywhere Teachers Dress up for Halloween

without slicing a bomb. There are two By Chrissi Federle modes, either classic or Zen mode. Classic mode has three rules; Rule one: three fruits are dropped without being sliced means game over. Rule two: there pple users have downloaded over 2 is no time limit. Rule three: if a bomb billion apps in just over a year, and is sliced then game over. Zen mode has Athe middle school is on board. Four just one rule; a time limit of 1minute, popular and talked about apps are Angry Birds, 30 seconds in which as many fruit have Doodle Jump, Pocket God and Fruit Ninja. The to be sliced as possible. New blades are votes are in and the student body has chosen achieved by doing specific things, which the most popular app, and the voters have can be checked out in the dojo. For revealed why these games have taken their example, slicing exactly 50 fruit will claim to Fame. mean the option of using a red, white,

st and blue blade. No matter what happens Doodle Jump came in at 1 place in the game though players will always with 48.4% of the votes. The get a random fruit fact from the cool- game’s creators thought that the headed sensei. “It’s fun to play… not simpler the game would equal a to easy and it’s relaxing,” said Taylor larger variety in customers, which of course Webster, eighth grader. Reilly O’Hara, would mean more money. The goal of the game eighth grader, said, “I can’t tell what’s is to get as high as possible by jumping on going to happen next.” This game’s platforms that will disappear, explode, break surprise factor has its fans excited; and move. Jet packs and propeller hats can be the randomness of the fruit coming taken to score extra points and get higher. If up makes the game interesting. The the full version is bought then the themes can combination of ninjas, be switched and rocket rides in space can be bombs, and fruit has taken, or even see all the teams represented in fans craving to get this the World Cup are shown as monsters. In every game. theme there are new monsters that can be shot, Pocket God came in at jumped on, or dodged. 4th place with 7.1% of Katie Greis, eighth grader, said, “It’s extremely the votes. It is a game about controlling entertaining, addicting, and a good way to pass the lives of pygmies. Pygmies are the time.” This never ending game is popular with native people to Pocket God whose all ages because of its easy to follow rules and lives are controlled by the tap of a its interesting monsters. The simplicity of this finger. They can run from lava, bounce game seems to draw its diversity in fans from coconuts on their heads, bounce on kindergarteners to parents. This game stole the clouds, be electrocuted, be mauled by show. monkeys, attack dinosaurs and large

nd spiders, and be attacked by a multitude Angry Birds came in at 2 place of other unpleasant animals. There are with 18.3% of the votes. The environments the pygmies can be taken storyline of the game is that the to and with each new environment ‘evil’ pigs have stolen the bird’s comes new ways their lives can be eggs. Every bird has a special effected. A personal civilization is at talent whether it boomerangs, the fingertips of the player. Pocket God speeds up, multiplies, explodes, or drops has drawn its fans from students who explosive eggs; it will attack the pigs and kill enjoy cartoon violence. Brian Johncox, them. At every 15 levels or so a new cut-scene seventh grader, said, “My favorite part is presented to find out what happens next, of the game is killing the Pygmies.” usually a certain pig is beaten and then the eggs Brian Schwietzer, seventh grader, are taken away by the other green pigs. said, “I like hurting the people.” The Ava Vardiman, eighth grader, said, “Angry cartoon pygmies make the fans laugh Birds is so popular because it involves strategy, as they enjoy all the ways to control the a lot of luck, and the graphics are adorable and pygmies’ lives. hilarious.” Students think that the graphics are The fans have had their great, and that it’s hard to find a game that’s say and the choice is clear who the easy to understand, yet hard to win. best of the best is and why it’s the

rd favorite. More and more apps will be Fruit ninja came in at 3 place downloaded, but these are truly the with 11.9% of the votes. It has favorites. All of the apps have a story of the goal of trying to slice as much their own and their own reasons for their fruit as possible in the time limit claim to fame. And Students Donate to Charity 9 10 Questions & Answers about Cell Phones

By Kristyn Lukjan The students know what cell phone ser- the school, 403 filled out this survey. And vices are the best and the worst. Allison of that 403, 90% have cell phones, with 5 bars. 4 bars. 3 bars…..? 2 bars…. Camm, an the exception No bars. And you never even left the eighth grader, of 3 students building.” Many students complaints wishes she that use their “ could switch iPods for tex- are similar to this, talking about how their cell phones don’t get service “anywhere.” from her Cin- ting. Karolyn The main services used by the students cinnati Bell Lukjan, a sixth in school are Verizon Wireless, AT&T, to Verizon. grader, said, T- Mobile, Cincinnati Bell, and Sprint. So many “I use an iPod Students with different cell phone compa- students find touch some- nies often complain when they don’t have that they like times to text service in places where others do. Rachel Verizon the with and it’s Turner, a seventh grader using Cincinnati most, AT&T free using Wi- Bell, said “I like it, but I hate their phones. second best. Fi.” 10% of They have awful service, and I don’t get Verizon Wire- these students any bars at school.” Weighing all the ele- less and AT&T do not have ments, which service is best for students? are always a cell phone. Unlimited text and talk for competing to 38% of the Verizon costs $89.99 (only including be the best. students with text and talk, extras are separate.) AT&T Haly Henni- cell phones charges $89.99. T-mobile has a surpris- gan, a seventh have unlimited ing price of $59.99. Cincinnati Bell costs grader, said, talk and unlim- $69.99. Sprint also charges $69.99. These “AT&T is ited text. So all are the prices for the main services being really good!” of the prices Those with above would used in this area. Cincinnati Bell isn’t the Above: Brooke Dougherty, eighth grader, is texting. Brooke said, cheapest? Why then, are so many families Verizon or “I send about 250 texts a day.” apply for choosing to use Cincinnati Bell instead of AT&T do not those specific T-mobile? complain. students. In that Cincinnati Bell customers do. These case, it would be up to the parents to de- companies’ coverage cide if they want to go cheap or for quality maps show the places and coverage. Forty students (10%) don’t in the U.S. range that know how many minutes they have. To receive service with have unlimited talk/text does not mean this company. These that they necessarily have the plans from maps show that above. Plans can come cheaper depending Cincinnati Bell has on the company, deals, or plans. For ex- slightly better cover- ample, 13 people are on a family plan and age COMPARED to four have free minutes. Two students have the cheaper compa- a phone with no type of minutes at all. nies. So in a way, The most common reason that getting Cincinnati so many students have Cincinnati Bell is Bell is a better, because of the cheaper prices, while still cheaper deal. having good enough coverage to be worth T-mobile and Cin- families’ money. Most parents know that cinnati Bell are their kids love to text and talk, so they get known to be the the cheapest company ( Cincinnati Bell) cheapest services, for that plan. The prices for other com- and their coverage panies that received higher ratings are maps show why. more expensive. Students with different The school companies will complain, and students survey sent out will want better phones. In order to get a shows that out of high quality phone and service, it’s going 626 students in to cost more money. It’s All about the Drama and Speech 11 By Addie Sparks Below: Taylor Webster and Ben Justice, eighth Vardiman, eighth grader participating in Her mother was going to die. To die. graders, practice their Duo Acting piece. The piece speech and drama, said, “I like duo acting Her mother, to die, the doctor said. was call “Thickem Up.” because it helps with memorizing Three months, perhaps less. . . . Her “ which helps with school.” mother who was gay and scatterbrained All different students and more fun than anyone else in the participate in all the different world.” This is “From Mother... With events and have different ideas Love” by Zoa Sherburne. This is a story about speech team. Ben Loyd, written by, “The Incarnation of a Burned eighth grader on speech team, Children.” You could be breaking people’s said, “The best part of speech hearts and make them burst into tears with team is the tournaments and stories like this in competitions. However, the state tournament.” Ben this isn’t your only option. You could be participates in broadcasting humorous and make people laugh. It’s because some day Ben would your choice, as long as you are on our like to be a radio talk host or host school’s speech and drama team. to a show. “I like duo improv Last year speech team was because it is with a friend and coached by Mrs. Nancy Bardgett, high on the spot thinking,” said Ava. school teacher, but she didn’t have the Allison Camm, eighth grader in time to continue being the full time head speech and drama, participates coach this year. However, Mrs. Bardgett in prose, duo improv, and duo is going to continue as the assistant coach, acting. Allison said, “The best but Ms. Martha Coffman, seventh grade part of speech team is making English teacher, decided to step forward new friends from other schools.” and take the job. Ms. Coffman said, “Last In conclusion, speech year, some of my seventh graders were on and drama is a great way to the speech and drama team. They were express one’s feelings through talking about the state tournament and the arts. Students can learn how I asked them to perform some of their to act and perform in front of pieces in front of the class. These students others while having fun. Ava were amazingly talented, and I was very said, “I think the best part of impressed with their performances.” This speech team is the fact that you is why she started coaching the speech and can be crazy, but that is the way drama team. Ms. Coffman said, “It is a it is supposed to be.” learning experience for me and I’m having a lot of fun.” Ms. Coffman doesn’t have any direct experience with being a speech Above: Ms. Martha Coffman, Speech and Drama Coach, and Kirsten team coach, but she loves storytelling, Koehler, eighth grader, plan our plays, all kinds of literature, and working Kirsten’s piece for their next competi- with groups of students. tion. Kirsten and the other students Mrs. Coffman learned that there competed in the a speech tournament at Lafayette High School on November are many things to do in speech and 20th. drama. Participants can pair up with a friend or ride solo! For example, one event is called solo acting. This event is a four Left: Allison Camm, to eight minute piece that is usually an eighth grader, prac- tices her Prose Piece excerpt from a play. The performer only entitled “TheHunger performs one part. Leslie Edmondson, Games.” The Speech eighth grader participating in speech and Debate team and drama, said, “I participate in solo practices every Tues- day after school. acting because I like being the center of attention.” Participants can also pair up with a friend. Some duo events are duo acting, a six to ten minute piece or scene where two performers each play one part. Ava 12 What is 21st Century Learning? By Nick Mohr world. such as public speaking, group dynamics, How are the core classes and constructive criticism.” The teachers ince the beginning of organized implementing this kind of teaching? For have also been working on having the education, students of all ages the answer to that question, Mrs. Dianne children connect to different things. She Shave been asking, said, “We’ve been having the children “Why does this matter? connect to different sources, such as When are we EVER books, television, and the internet, so going to use this?” they can look to other places besides Likewise, teachers Google for information and answers, and have been asking then analyze the data.” Mrs. Yelton said, themselves, “How can “There are new encores being created in we make classes more order to prepare the children for life after meaningful?” There middle school, such as economics and seems to be an answer journalism.” st for both groups, 21 Journalism class is a good Century Learning. With example of 21st Century Learning. this type of learning, Journalism has been in the curriculum teachers try to make for about three years. Mrs. Lisa Birkley, lessons more relevant school newspaper editor, teacher of to life, which makes journalism, and several language art students more interested classes, created the journalism class three in learning. However, Above: Mrs. Karen Neiman, science and math teacher, uses her projector years ago, having it start out as an encore st which is connected to her computer to instruct her math students. the mechanics of 21 class. “But it was difficult,” said Mrs. Century learning are Birkley. “We only had a single quarter still new. Teachers are still working on Yelton, Head of the English Department, to work and learn. As soon as I thought implementing this new program. discussed how the Language Arts teachers we were getting somewhere, the quarter st In order to teach with 21 are doing this. “The English department would end and my students would go Century learning methods, it first has been by using a new textbook to the next rotation.” So, this year, the must be defined. The definition lies called Springboard,” said Mrs. Yelton. Site Based Council allowed the class to in the changing world. become a year-round class like The world has changed so Band, Chorus, or German. Mrs. fundamentally in the last Birkley gained an entire class of few decades that the roles young journalists for the entire of education and learning year. Mrs. Birkley uses 21st in day to day learning has Century learning by teaching also changed. Students need journalism skills and techniques to be able to communicate, that would be used by the function, and be able to professionals. But it also teaches change personally, socially, much more than that. Mrs. Birkley economically, and politically said, “Journalism obviously on local, national, and global connects to English, and practices levels. Students deal with good writing skills, but it globe, not just their own touches so many other subjects. backyards. With the invent It teaches students interviewing, of the internet, computers Above: Chrissi Federle and Leslie Edmondson, eighth graders, use the iMacs technology skills, budgeting, and the global economy, kids in Mrs. Lisa Birkley’s room. Journalism students use both Apple Computers as well as PC’s to complete the newspaper and yearbook. and advertising. It also connects today must now concern to a high school class called mass themselves with how to fix communications, which introduces the world. In order to teach students in Springboard is an all-in-one textbook, more information about the media world.” a ways they can apply to their world, workbook, and guide to Language Arts. A class like journalism connects students st teachers are using 21 Century Learning. “The sixth grade is focusing on change, to the real world through projects like School Boards all across the country the seventh grade is focusing on choice, producing the newspaper, the yearbook, came up with a plan to prepare their and the eighth grade is focusing on advertizing campaigns and broadcasting. students for the work world they’d challenge.” On top of that, the teachers Also, Mrs. Birkley has been fusing Mac be entering. This program focuses on have been working on other skills outside and PC technology. Mrs. Birkley said, “In introducing kids to technology, and of the regular core ones. Mrs. Yelton journalism we prefer using Macs because making classes more relevant to the said, “We’ve also been working on skills it works better with pictures and movies. When we work on a broadcast, the PC’s would totally crash.” The combination Stretch BEYOND and See the of working on both will give kids the 13 diversity so in the workplace, they will be Needs of Others able to handle either. All the journalism students use programs like Indesign, of elementary schools kids, she also did a Photoshop, and iMovie. All these allow By Olivia Ulmer few Bible teachings. At the end of all the students to get ahead in life because of this tarving kids, forgotten teens, and classes they had a little dance recital. This exposure to technology. homeless people are all calling sparked a lot of ideas in the Highland Hills The other new encore is out for help. They are calling out S Baptist Church youth group. Even though economics, which is taught by Mrs. Teri for a slight gesture. They are calling out some people are already planning their D’Ambrosio, sixth grade social studies for a better life. Are you going to be the Beyond Effect, others are still wondering teacher. This is a one-quarter class one to look beyond yourself and show what they could do. related to the economy. And, there is a them light in all their darkness, or are The Beyond Effect means a great lot covered by this class, according to you going to pretend like you don’t hear deal to those involved. Youth leader, Ben Mrs. D’Ambrosio. “This class covers their call and cower in the corner, like Wilson said, “The Beyond Effect to me is basic economic activity, like budgeting most of us do? This “movement” has a giving an opportunity for kids to get out and spending. It also covers things like name; it’s called The Beyond Effect. of complacency. Going Beyond allows globalization,” said Mrs. D’Ambrosio. A few students learned about kids to do new things that could benefit Globalization is the integration and The Beyond Effect at a Christian camp the whole world. ” Caroline Lembright, spreading of economic ideas through trade called “Crossings” that they attended seventh grader said, “The Beyond Effect and communication, which is good to over the summer. Basically, The Beyond means going beyond yourself, farther know about in a world where everyone is Effect challenges teens to put others than your normally do, to reach out to becoming closer due to the convenience before themselves and simply help. those who burden you, so you can share of technology. “It also covers the good This movement tells teens to take their your faith and word of Jesus Christ.” Ely and bad parts of our economy, like the passion, which could be anything from Young, eighth grader said, “ The Beyond recession, and how it affects us and the being on stage, to soccer, and combine Effect is a way to contribute world.” Due to the state of the nation’s that with a burden, which is any cause to the community economy and this generation being the that someone’s passionate about helping. by doing “future of America”, students can benefit It can be under underprivileged children something from this knowledge. or hopeless animals caught in you love In addition, to the new classes, the oil spill. Passion and help the middle school is implementing + Burden others that need technology into learning. There have been = The love. “ many changes made to include technology Beyond Ben tries to encourage kids to go within 21st Century Learning, like other Effect. “Beyond.” He said, “Not just Christians, new encores, new computers, and new This Beyond but for teens to break out of low programs. A new tech encore is Computer Effect was something that expectations, cultural norms, think big, Literacy. Currently, it is part of the sixth interested a lot of youth at Highland dream bigger. People think of middle and grade curriculum. It focuses on the basics Hills Baptist Church. high school years as the best years of our of computer usage, safety, and some But their problem was, lives because it’s a time to goof off and applications. Videography is also offered what could one student do to make a do nothing significant. People who take, and deals with more media and computer difference? This is a common dilemma take, take and don’t give anything, we literacy. It is a seventh grade class where interested people might have. While at say something about those people… they students learn to use cameras, computers, camp, the counselors showed campers suck! They suck resources, everything is a and how to shoot videos. a couple example videos of teens going resource. Think of all the good that could 21st Century Learning is the beyond in their community. Campers be done instead!” wave of the future. Many teachers are felt that these videos were very inspiring If this project sounds like using programs and websites to reinforce and sparked a lot of ideas. One of the something that interests you visit www. their lessons and really communicate examples that really stood out to kids beyondeffect.org or contact Highland Hills with students. Though when asked, Ava was a dancer named Krista. Krista’s Baptist Church. Vardiman, eighth grader, said, “I’ve passion was dance and her burden was noticed that the teachers have been using little kids. So, what Krista did was teach a lot more tech lately.” Some students a Sunday evening dance class to a group may always say, “Why does this matter?” With 21st Century learning, the hope is that more will be saying,“Oh, I get it now!” 14 Where Has All the Teaming Gone? what teachers each student had, we could By Maddy Jones compare behaviors or academic success or struggles during a time called ‘team eaming, a word that most kids are planning.’” Mrs. Anderson, said, “The familiar with; some are in favor of loss of teams has cut back on our ability to Below: Savannah Slaby, sixth grader, takes her test. Tthem, some beg to differ. Teaming plan and take field trips. We used to take The sixth grade is split into two teams 6-1 and 6-2. is separating grade levels into smaller at least three field trips a year and now, groups, allowing teachers to focus more we are lucky to get one.” Mrs. Anderson on individuals. The students don’t have to also said, “That some kids want different travel as far and will have the same grade teachers on different teams, so problems teachers, making the students’ day a bit are created there.” easier. The teachers can conference about As most of the middle school the students together; therefore making the knows that there is only teaming in sixth teachers’ jobs easier. grade. Mr. Aaron Lense, sixth grade math Some teachers believe in teaming teacher, said “We don’t have teaming in while others are against it. Mrs. Dianne eighth grade because we have found out Yelton, sixth grade English teacher, said, that students score higher on ACT’s when “I believe in teaming because the students we have separate departments for each will feel more comfortable being a part of subject. It’s easier to fix problems in a a “family” instead of having teachers all department rather than in a team.” scattered around the building. They can Mrs. Yelton and Mr. Rafferty focus on a more concentrated area of the both would like to go back to teaming, but building. Also the teachers get to know Mr. Rafferty would like teaming only for their students better, and can focus on an the sixth grade. Mrs. Anderson disagrees individual’s problem.” Mrs. Yelton, said, and would prefer no teaming, but she says “I don’t see any negatives of teaming. The that teachers here at HMS try to make the only problems come from the fact that it best of any situation. costs more to have the number of teachers needed to team, so unless the money is available, the school can’t take advantage of the teaming opportunity.” Mr. Rick Rafferty, sixth grade social studies teacher, also agreed. He said, “Teachers can decide what works and doesn’t work. And those students will feel better with a smaller amount of students.” Just like all things, there are some downsides to teaming. Mr. Rafferty said, “I don’t know that it is necessarily negatives, but there are other things to consider. For example, high school not only doesn’t have teams, but they also have mixed grades in the same classroom. The middle school can be kind of a transition from teams to the mixed grades. Another thing to consider is more independence and responsibility for the student. The high school requires almost total responsibility on the part of the student. This is another example of how our system creates kind of a bridge between high school and middle school.” Mrs. Susan Anderson, seventh grade teacher, said, “When we had full teaming, I believe we were able to Above: Noah Tippenhauer, Emma Paolucci and Dylan Tierney, sixth graders, work on a lesson in Mrs. Dianne keep a closer eye on students that were Yelton’s public speaking class. This is one of the electives in the day for sixth graders. struggling. Since we knew immediately Students Got the Dress Code Blues 15 By Megan Hodory stayed in place. permit others) for a reason. Currently, Even though the dress code the dress code prohibits clothes that are Ough! Do I really have to causes disagreements that can end up revealing, denim, athletic, worn, gang- wear khakis to school? It is a in court, both the majority of teachers like and offensive, or name brand. Plus, “free country,” an eighth grader and a superintendent are in favor of a tops cannot have writing or pictures complained. She had recently moved dress code. Marty Prince, NISD public on them. The policy supports fitting, here. Up until this moment, she had no relations specialist, said, “A teacher modest, patterned, simple attire in addition idea a dress code even existed. Neither survey conducted at NISD showed 85.4 to school spirit wear. This is a basic she nor her wardrobe was prepared. With percent of teachers supported the idea of summary of what kids can and can’t wear. only two pairs of khakis and about six some type of standard dress.” Teachers The rules were put into effect after the tops that she could wear to school, a lot of are in favor of administration shopping had to be done. Situations like the dress code chose to eliminate these are common. One side of the dress because of safety. inappropriate code debate is against dress code, and the For example, it and distracting other is for it. The dress code is a topic of “Helps prevent clothes. Yet, controversy. school violence, there’s more to the People have conflicting opinions especially in the story behind the about the dress code partly because of form of stealing code. According everyday problems like social status and expensive to Mrs. Oaks cost. An article at http://www2.ed.gov/ clothing.” Long and Mrs. Turner, updates/uniforms.html states that dress Beach (California) school rules and codes “Unify students and positively Unified School policies, including represent schools, give students a sense of District was the the dress code belonging, and promote teamwork.” Based first U.S. public restrictions, are on the National Association of Elementary school to require controlled by School Principals, “They are supposed to uniforms in its the Site Based reduce violence and bullying by taking elementary and Above: Mrs. Rhonda Shriver, 6th grade language arts Council, who style differences out of the equation.” This middle schools. teacher, displays an example of the college sweatshirts that decide what is way, kids who can’t afford trendy clothes The superintendent, the students can wear this summer. This reflects a change best for students. won’t be singled out as much. On the that was made to the dresscode this year by the SBDM They meet every Carl A. Cohn, said, council. other hand, “It [a dress code] increases “During the first fourth Tuesday of the amount of clothing parents will have year, suspensions decreased by 32 percent, the month at four o’clock to debate, so to buy for their children because children school crime by 36 percent, fighting by if someone wants to argue for or against will still want and need clothing for the 51 percent, and vandalism by 18 percent.” an issue, they should prepare and attend, hours they are not in school.” (http:// Still, a few teachers don’t like dress code. preferably accompanied by peers or www.psparents.net/Dress_Codes. “I’d rather not have to worry about kids supportive individuals. Its members are htm). Also, ‘The Principals’ Partnership breaking more rules, and just teach… The Mr. Aaron Lens, Mr. Rick Rafferty, Mrs. Research Brief’ showed that “A dress restrictions are complicated,” said seventh Susan Christy, Mr. Rob Peterson, and Mr. code lessens opportunities for students and eighth grade math teacher Mrs. John Weyer. They, in addition to eighth to learn how to deal with others who are Stephanie Ewald at HMS. grade English teacher Mrs. Lisa Birkley, different from themselves, and it is hard to Although most school authorities changed the rule about khakis and plaid enforce.” think dress codes are valuable, there shorts. To control “popularity divisions” is a pattern of the middle school dress Many schools like HMS have in middle school, people sacrifice what are code becoming less restrictive. At the dress codes that are the way they are for considered to be rights. In one case, the beginning of school last year, one change good reasons, with parents along with Fort Thomas school district was sued by allowed students to wear plaid shorts in teachers behind them. According to Karen a parent – Mr. Blau. The Federal Court addition to khakis. Now, students are Ellis, the author of an article about school was involved. He said that “The dress permitted to wear college sweatshirts uniforms on http://www.edu-cyberpg. code adopted by Highlands Middle School as long as they aren’t offensive. If this com/Teachers/dresscode.html, 47% of violated 1) Amanda’s First Amendment, continues, exactly how lenient will the public schools enforce a strict dress code. right of freedom of expression, 2) her right dress code become? Mr. Keith Faust, Research supports the schools with no to wear the clothing of her choice, and 3) assistant principal, said, “I can definitely dress code as well as the schools with his right to control his daughter’s dress.” see room for changes in the dress code one. Students argue that it “stinks” and Ultimately, the Federal Court decided that when it comes to the accommodation of “accomplishes nothing,” but studies have Mr. Blau’s claims were without any real today’s fashions.” shown this to be a half-truth. On the other legal basis. (Blau v. Ft. Thomas Public The dress code is not set in stone, hand, the statement ‘dress code is a topic School District, 2005). As a result of the but it promotes certain styles (and doesn’t of controversy’ is a whole truth. ruling, the middle school’s dress code Teens Need More Time 16 By Kennedy Poston

A typical middle school activity, which they don’t want to partici- pate. Then, the teens have schoolwork schedule on top of the sports, and this can cause a 6:00 A.M. - Alarm goes off downward spiral to teen depression. This 8:15 A.M. - School starts can also cause a problem in socializing, 3:00 P.M. - School is over because they have so many activities. 3:15 P.M.- Student council meeting Taylor House, eighth grader, has activities 4:00 P.M. - Soccer practice six days a week. Taylor says, “I always 7:30 P.M. - Home to eat dinner put school before my activities, to keep 8:00 P.M. - HOMEWORK my grades up, so I can keep playing and 10:00P.M -TV and Phone calls participating in my activities.” This is 11:00 P.M. - Go to bed always a good way to keep your grades up and your stress level down. eens once only had to wor- Teens have an opportunity to ry about school and very partake in so many activities, it can easily little extra-curricular activi- get overwhelming. Taylor participates in T Cheerleading for two teams and plays for ties. Now, teens have so many opportunities to play sports, try the HMS varsity volleyball team. Taylor out for plays, and participate also plans to run track for Highlands. Pey- in clubs. Many teens have ton Bankemper, eighth grader, plays for activities every day, games, the freshman soccer team, plays soccer for practices, homework, and the Kings, dances at LeDance, and Dances much more. As a result, for HMS. Peyton said, “To keep my they become over- schedule orderly, I always get my home- scheduled very quickly, work done and try to stay organized.” and have no time, even Teens become over-scheduled on weekends, to hang quickly. This over-scheduling can lead to out with friends. It can severe depression and sometimes even sui- cause stress, depression, cide. If teens become over-scheduled, they sleep deprivation, and a need to review their schedule with their downward spiral to teen parents, and decide which sports they want depression. to cut out. Teens also need to make sure Being tired is directly they have the time they need to complete tied to being over-sched- school work. uled. If teens get home from activities late, and have a lot of homework, it can impact the amount Tips to Help Manage Stress of hours teens sleep. Carly Hill, eighth grader, said, “I • Get a planner and use it everyday. get home at 9:30 P.M. at the • Keep your room at home and your latest. On top of that, I have locker at school clean. one to two hours of home- • Have a master calendar at home. work.” Carly finds it extremely • Limit television/entertainment. hard to squeeze all of that in those • Form study groups. • Learn to multi-task - For example late hours of the night. According work on homework on the way to to www.cps.ca, teens need nine to practice. ten hours of sleep per night. Not many • Go to the library before school for teens get the required amount. Also, teens some quiet study time. that usually get little sleep are more likely to • Ask questions so you know exactly struggle in school. what you have to do. Teens can also get depression from being • If there is just too much to manage, over scheduled. Many teens are pressured by parents consider cutting back on extra-curric- and friends to do things that they normally wouldn’t do. ular activities. This causes stress onto the teens to try hard in a sport or