District Considers Chromebooks for BHS Students

Vol. 55 No. 6 www.bcomber.org

Beachwood High School 25100 Fairmount Blvd. Beachwood, OH 44122 June 2013 District Considers Chromebooks for BHS Students

Next year, sophomore Alexander Machtay might not be the only one with a “It is a lot easier to read books, it helps me with note taking and I find myself Chromebook. Photo by Alex Mintz checking my grades more often,” said sophomore Maria Alvarez. However students will not be receiving iPads next year. Photo by Grant Gravanga. ByEmilykate Hopson-Boyd & Christina Phelps it will be of little cost to students. efficiencies of Chromebooks,” Asst. said, “[The iPad Mini] is really great After running a pilot program this “We are looking at a minimal in- Principal Paul Chase said. [compared to] the Chrome laptops. It spring, the Beachwood Board of Edu- surance cost with a deductible if stu- “They use it as much as they can is a lot easier to read books, it helps cation will vote this month on a tech- dents break the machines. Right now, in all different capacities, learning in- me with note taking and I find myself nology plan for the 2013-14 school year we are proposing $25 per student to side the classroom and outside,” Veon checking my grades more often.” that would include one-to-one Google start up, and $50 for the deductible, wrote. Sophomore Danielle Adelstein, Chromebooks for all BHS students. depending on the severity of the dam- Every couple of weeks, partici- iPad Mini user, thought the iPad was As for the purpose of the program, age,” Veon wrote. pating students have taken a survey to flawed but nevertheless helpful. Technology Director Ken Veon wrote The pilot program that began in determine which machine is more ef- “It would be nice to have a big- in an email, “ [It is} for technology to mid-Feb. distributed Chromebooks fective. ger keyboard; however, it helps me enhance learning in the high school. and iPad Minis to a random group of Sophomores Tamarea Townes be more proactive in school,” Alvarez [The focus is] not about the technology BHS sophomores. and Maria Alvarez participated in the said. but the learning.” “We are looking at the efficien- pilot program. Should the program be approved, cies of iPads in class settings and the Alvarez, who used the iPad Mini Continued on pg. 3

ByFaculty Max Bleich Cracks Down on Classroomanymore,” she said. Cell Phonechanges Use on technology use as well. Online Editor-in-Chief it’s upside down so access to the phone The existing policy is that if a de- “You’ll see that the handbook will After several BHS students were is impossible without me noticing or vice is seen or heard, it is taken and also have adjustments to the bring- caught sharing embarrassing photos seeing the box being moved.” given to Chase. A parent will have to your-own device policy,” Chase said. and videos of their teachers on social Majercak feels that her approach retrieve the phone at the end of the “By law, schools have to police your media sites, BHS faculty have cracked to cell phones is working. school day. personal computers when you’re on down on cell phones in recent weeks. “The investment level in my class Chase explained that he confis- the school network. There has to be While the phone ban has existed has gone up,” Majercak said. “I feel like cates an average of one cell phone per rules that say whether I have the right for many years, enforcement had be- students are definitely paying atten- day. to confiscate your computer if there’s come relaxed in many classes. In early tion and doing the things they need to “Some days you get five at once. reasonable suspicion. If you try to May, Assist. Principal Paul Chase made do instead of sneaking little wisps of I get 180 to 200 per school year,” he cheat on an exam, or if you plagiarize an announcement that cell phones phone use.” said. “In the last couple weeks, I’ve something on your computer, or some- would be collected at the beginning of One study conducted in 2010 by had about eighteen phones confiscat- thing much worse.” each class. the Pew Research Center found that ed since the announcement has been Many question whether or not Some teachers carefully follow 65% of cell-owning teens at schools made [regarding the crackdown].” tablets such as the Apple iPad and the new procedure. Others continue to that completely ban phones bring their Chase explained that there will be Google Chromebook have a place in address cell phones only when they are phones to school every day. 58% of many changes in the student handbook the classroom. Chase seems to think seen or heard. cell-owning teens at schools that ban next fall. they do. English teacher Nicole Majercak phones have sent a text message dur- “Next year when the handbook “You have to separate the has bought small plastic boxes with ing class. The study then found that comes out, we’re going to lighten up on Chromebooks and the iPads and the locks, which she keeps on her class- 43% of all teens who take their phones use in the hallways,” Chase said. “…But cell phones,” he said. “A cell phone is room desks. Students are asked to put to school say they text in class at least in classrooms it is forbidden unless for much more of a social device then the their phones in the boxes during class. once a day or more. a classroom activity. You can easily not Chromebook and the iPad. I under- “If the phone buzzes, beeps, flash- Majercak agrees that cell phones use your phone for fifty minutes, es- stand that you can set up texts and es, or does anything inside the box, I have become a major problem in the pecially when you know you can use it access Facebook on your iPad, but still take it,” Majercak said. “They put classroom. when you leave the classroom.” the phone has become a common- it inside the box, there’s hot pink tape “I think students are so distracted In addition to the change in BHS on the top, they have to flip it over so they don’t even know they’re distracted policy, there will be state-mandated Continued on pg. 3 Inside the Beachcomber Shale Gas in Senior College ADHD Bunion Free! Peters Reflects on Historic Beachwood? List Year for BHS Athletics

Pg. 2 Pg. 7 Pg. 8 Pg. 9 Pg. 11 News TheBeachcomber2 Beachwood School District Takes Part in Ohio’s Oil and Gas Boom “We add soap to lower the friction By Emily Topilow caused by pumping the water down A&L Editor the hole and a chemical called citric In recent years, there has been acid and sodium erythorbate -- both a significant natural gas and oil boom scary sounding food preservatives in Ohio. Beachwood is part of that that remove oxygen from the water. boom, as it sits on top of shale that The water returns back to the surface holds a lot of energy. when the procedure is completed and In 2009, the Beachwood City disposed of in a state licensed Class 2 School District installed a natural gas injection well.” well on the district’s transportation Prior to drilling the well, the garage property on Commerce Park. Beachwood Board of Education hosted Beachwood was approached an informational meeting, open to the by Duck Creek Energy, Inc. to use the public, for residents who live near the land on the bus garage property to The well is vertically drilled 3,500 feet deep and produces both natural gas and crude oil. well. No residents attended the meet- drill a natural gas well. Photo by Emily Topilow. ing. “Three property owners had crete. There are at least... three strings to construct the drilling pits. Revenue signed on to have their properties part of pipe placed and cemented in the “Usually, geologists have to Beachwood has a small amount of of a lease with Duck Creek for natural hole to protect the fresh water zones determine whether groundwater sup- land, so as a result, the City only gas exploration and drilling... They located above the zone to be fracked. plies are going to be at risk..There is receives a small financial percent- needed our piece as the last to make Fresh water does not exist in Ohio potential for drilling into a formation age. Beachwood receives 3.7% of the up that 20 acre plot because we have below 1,500 to 2,000 feet,” Mansbery that they don’t want to drill into,” said revenue generated by the natural gas about four acres there with the bus wrote. science teacher Joe Burwell. well. The well has generated anywhere garage,” said Beachwood Superinten- Drilling and hydraulic fractur- While an environmental between $10 and $500 per month for dent Dr. Richard Markwardt. ing are two different steps in the gas impact study was not required for this the school district. The Well extraction process. well because of its small size, Man- According to the contract be- The well is vertically drilled 3,500 “The drilling and fracking sbery explained the ODNR requires tween Duck Creek Energy and Beach- feet deep and produces both natural crews and equipment are different environmental planning. wood, the transportation building gets gas and crude oil, which is pumped and never even have contact with each “The ODNR does require our 400,000 cubic feet of free gas out of from the ground and separated at the other,” Mansbery said. permit application form [to include] a this deal and a $5,000 signing bonus. surface with special machinery. Mansbery emphasized the restoration plan which requires us to This is used to heat the bus garage. “The natural gas goes through importance of developing domestic restore the property after drilling the The district also received a $20,000 a piece of equipment called a separa- energy sources instead of continuing well back to near original condition,” fee to begin drilling operations. tor,” said Duck Creek Energy, Inc. to rely on foreign energy sources. Mansbery wrote. According to Markwardt, the President David I. Mansbery. “The gas Drilling the Well “The state requires a pre- reason the district has not put wells at goes out the top and a separate line Duck Creek drills through several site meeting and the state inspector school sites is out of a desire to ensure has been laid over to the bus garage.” layers of earth before reaching the prescribes how the drilling is to be the safety of students. The gas also goes to the Do- natural gas and oil. They go through [handled] and any special require- “I don’t want to put in any- minion East line to fuel homes. a series of different sandstones and ments that the state will impose at thing that I think could have a nega- The crude oil stays at the bot- shale. They also drill through differ- that time,” said Mansbery. tive impact on our kids’ health, ” said tom of the separator and is collected ent levels such as salt and limestone. But there are environmental Markwardt. in a storage bin. Then, it is barged When they hit the Queenston shale, concerns that should be addressed. The school district has been down the Mississippi and processed to that’s the desired depth of the well. “The effects are usually only approached by other gas and oil com- make products such as Aspirin, make- “We drill through until the felt if things don’t go the way they are panies, along with cell phone compa- up and the shells of M&Ms. drill cuttings turn blood red... We supposed to go. You can have ground nies to put in towers. Mansbery explained that the know we have encountered the Queen- water contamination and release of The Board of Education does Beachwood bus well is a low volume ston shale and ... we know we’re done. natural gas into the air can cause air not plan to allow the drilling of any well. He also explained that the well, We’ve reached the total depth of the pollution,” Burwell said. more wells, as the transportation like the majority of oil and gas wells well,” Mansbery said However, Mansbery assured garage well has not produced as much in Ohio, does use hydraulic fracturing Environmental Concerns that the ‘fracking’ process is safe. revenue as expected. methods. The company met with the Ohio “The ‘frac water’ chemical for There are no current plans “A well is drilled first and then Department of Natural Resources 99.5% [of the process] is H2O... the to develop other energy sources on pipe is cemented in the well with con- (ODNR), who instructs them on how water you drink,” Mansbery wrote. Beachwood property. Beachwood Schools Implements New Security Program, ALICE By Sri Vidya Uppalapati choose when in such a scenario, according is in the 100 wing and students are in the ALICE and how the ‘counter’ element Staff Writer to the ALICE model. 500/600/700 wing, students should not could be effectively implemented by adults We’ve all done our fair share of Alert: When you know of the situa- just sit around and wait. It is advised to and older kids, I warmed up to the whole lockdown drills. Everyone gets into a blob tion, your job is to let others know of the leave the building. Klein’s advice with this idea." in the corner of the classroom and contin- situation, so they may react appropriately. strategy is for students to run as far as they “In many cases, administrators ues to talk and check their phones in spite and staff were implementing [lockdown] of the teacher’s instructions. “Not everyone in a classroom is going to be alert and ready to provisions so strictly that we were in a But, if there really were an armed potentially dangerous situation. I believed intruder, would we really just huddle in a throw a book when the gunman comes in. Someone is going freeze up; that teachers knew to modify lockdown corner until the gunman showed up at the procedures if they needed to do so, but I door? someone else might go into hysterics. We have to be prepared to get those was mistaken…I believe we were unwit- In the wake of recent school shoot- tingly assuming the role of the proverbial ings, critics are questioning the way people out and deal with the intruder,” Ogilvy said. “sitting duck” in a crisis,” Markwardt students and teachers have been trained wrote. to deal with intruders. According to these The Beachwood Police also instruct- critics, the current system makes us practi- Lockdown: If the intruder is in your can from the high school. ed teachers to adapt to unique situations. cally sitting ducks. end of the school, follow routine lockdown “Get the heck out of here. Anywhere Of course, not all of these reactions The solution? A new school security procedures and then attempt to get out but here. If your parents call me and ask are required to be used in one particular known as ALICE is being rolled out by through a back exit. where their kid is, even if you are headed crisis. But, the more people who are aware school systems across the country. Prin- Inform: For instance, if Klein were to the Pennsylvania border, I know you of the fact that they have choices if the cipal Ed Klein refers to it as “the model du to receive news of an armed intruder in will be back in time for dinner,” Klein gunman comes in, the better. jour.” the 100 wing, he would call out the infor- said. The goal of evacuation is to ensure “Not everyone in a classroom is go- ALICE, or Alert, Lockdown, Inform, mation via the school’s PA system. that there are very few, and hopefully no, ing to be alert and ready to throw a book Counter, Evacuate, are five response strat- Counter: If a gunman enters, the targets for the intruder to attack. when the gunman comes in. Someone is egies recommended to respond when an goal is to attack or at least attempt to dis- “You have to make a split-second de- going freeze up; someone else might go armed intruder enters. tract the intruder in order to get as many cision,” social studies teacher Pam Ogilvy into hysterics. We have to be prepared The Beachwood Police Department people as possible out of the room. It is said. “ALICE provides you a number of to get those people out and deal with the has introduced Beachwood teachers to the important to note that attack does not nec- choices based on how you react in that intruder,” Ogilvy said. ALICE method through a two-part train- essarily mean inflicting bodily harm, as it first second.” Beginning next year, students will ing this spring. could be as simple as throwing textbooks Markwardt has evolved on the AL- have training with this new program as “The police stressed that the parts to divert the intruder’s attention. Anything ICE program. well as drills to practice. are interactive, but not sequential,” Super- that provides a moment where potential "I originally had some issues with In addition to “[Just as] we have intendent Dr. Richard Markwardt wrote in the "counter" part,” Markwardt wrote. fire drills and tornado drills, we will have an email. victims can gain the “upper hand. “Once I had a broader understanding of random lockdown drills that implement There are five reactions one can Evacuate: Obviously, if the intruder the spectrum of options available through these [scenarios],” Klein said. News TheBeachcomber3 Carolyn Beeler to Retire After 11 Years in BHS Guidance Department

By John Li this district work,” she said. Staff Writer Beeler will continue to work after Carolyn Beeler is retiring this month her retirement. after 11 years in the BHS guidance depart- “I’m not abandoning counseling, I’m ment. just going into private counseling. I know Prior to working in Beachwood, too much and I like it too much,” Beeler Beeler had already been guiding students said. for years. She worked as the Director of Jared Williams, a senior who’s had Guidance at Holy Name High School for Beeler for four years, talked about what he five years before coming to BHS, and had would miss about her. jobs in other high schools before that. “The fact that she actually wanted to She’s been a school psychology assistant, help her students, and help us get to col- and has worked in Cleveland Scholar- “What I felt most from the families, the students and the administration is real support, lege. She was very concerned for me, there ships Programs, now known as College and when you have that ... you can do a good job,” Beeler said. were many points where we both knew Now Greater Cleveland, helping students that I wasn’t on the ball and she helped me prepare for college. loves working at BHS. them the skills to be able to make good up”, said Williams. Even though she’s had all these jobs “What I felt most from the families, decisions for themselves,” Beeler said. “Mrs. Beeler would always look out around students, Beeler has never been a the students and the administration is real Beeler remarked on how great of a for me. She’d always present me oppor- teacher. She has worked in areas that help support, and when you have that kind of district Beachwood is, and how she enjoys tunities that other teachers wouldn’t. I students develop academic goals and carry support you can do a good job,” Beeler working with the kids. really appreciated that she would go out them out. said. “You’ve got wonderfully smart kids of her way to actually help out and try to “I was always invested in people When asked what she was proud of, whose parents encourage them to do understand who I really am,” said junior and helping kids go further in their lives,” Beeler said she has a big box of thank-you everything….people who want to know Samantha Tall. Beeler said. letters from former Beachwood kids and how to make the most of their lives. It’s not Tall’s sister, freshman Jessica Tall, When asked what her biggest chal- their parents. like you’re trying to save them in a school has only had one year with Beeler, but has lenge has been as a BHS guidance coun- “That to me is what makes this job district that doesn’t care so much about already found traits in her that she would selor, she said: “Time.” exciting, to see how the kids go on…You kids, where kids get lost–that doesn’t hap- miss: “Her organization and her kindness. “It’s not uncommon to work to ten have big miracles and little miracles, and pen here,” Beeler said. She was always really nice to me, even or eleven at night and leave the school the beauty is that (the students) stay in “Teachers work like crazy to keep though I had no idea what was going on in then,” Beeler said. touch,” Beeler said. kids on task; they don’t give up on the the school,” she said. Despite the large amount of effort “[My goal has been to make] stu- kids, we don’t either. That’s what makes “I will miss the kids the most. They she puts into her job, Beeler insists that she dents independent of me, and [to give] keep you young. They keep you thinking,” Chromebooks from pg. 1 Cell Phones from pg. 1 Students Adjust to “Gymeteria” “The Chromebooks help me, espe- place social tool in America.” cially with projects in Mr. Butler’s class Sophomore Emily Dann doesn’t “[The cafeteria staff] because of Google Docs. I would defi- really feel the need for the change in has had the biggest nitely get a Chromebook over an iPad cell policy. adjustment. They have because I believe that all we would do “I will occasionally check my to, obviously, prep food is play games. With Chromebooks you phone in class, but only for things that elsewhere, then move can actually [do school work],” said pertain to either checking grades or it down to the [gym]... Townes. research for the class.” Dann wrote in they obviously have to Over the course of the pilot pro- an online interview. “I believe as long follow the same state gram, the Board of Education has con- as kids are attentive in class and are health codes as they sidered the effectiveness of iPad Mini using their phones appropriately, the have in the past, [along and Chromebook use in schools. After policy should remain as is. I do agree with] dietary needs,” much deliberation, the Board decided, with strict monitoring of the usage Asst. Principal Paul should the program go into effect, stu- though.” Chase said. dents will receive Chromebooks. Another student wrote that she Photo by Marc Silver With the Chromebooks selling for isn’t a big fan of the current cell phone $249 and the Macbook averaging about policy, and openly admits to using her By Grant Gravanga had to adjust the most. $1000, the district could buy three or phone in class. “I think the newly- News Editor “I think they had the biggest ad- four Chromebooks for the price of one enforced “existing” phone policy is a justment. They have to, obviously, prep Macbook. little bit of an overreaction because As construction crews begin reno- food elsewhere, then move it down to Moreover, with the school moving people are still going to use their vating the BHS cafeteria, students’ lunch the [gym]. They obviously have to have towards Google compatibility by us- phones. After a while, the teachers periods have been moved to the gym specific selections that work for transition ing Google Docs and the Google email will get tired of enforcing it and ev- for the remaining weeks of school, and from the kitchen to the [gym] each day… system, the pilot program showed that erything will go back to how it was… students do not seem to be as impacted as [and] they obviously have to follow the Google’s Chromebook may work better I use my phone to do a lot of things at one might be expect. same state health codes as they have in the for educational purposes. school... I try to utilize all its abilities. “The first day, there was a little con- past, [along with] dietary needs,” Chase “[The] Chromebook is a better de- So yes, I text, I play games, I even look fusion… but after that, I have not heard said. vice for high school students because of up stuff online.” a single complaint,” Asst. Principal Paul Chase said that his greatest chal- the note taking and the emails, sharing The Atlantic writer Robert Earl Chase said. lenge with the move is the difficulty of of docs and looking up information on wrote in a recent article, “School poli- “I’ve been told by staff members and monitoring students in the lunch line to the internet,” Veon wrote. cies outlawing cell phones are clearly some students, they actually like the gym deter theft. According to math teacher Leena not enough — the effective teacher better as a cafeteria than the old cafete- “[The lunch line is] behind a wall, Malik, the math department is consid- must connect with his or her students ria,” Chase said, adding that the gym is “a and I have to be in two places at once,” ering replacing textbooks with ebooks. in order to hold their attention.” much more wide-open space [and has] Chase said. “It’s harder to watch kids… Some are skeptical of the value of high ceilings so it doesn’t get as loud as the that’s the biggest thing – making sure kids Chromebooks. old cafeteria.” aren’t taking things.” “The only thing you can do on BHS students are mostly indifferent While there may be some difficul- Chromebooks is use the Internet, so if about the dubbed “gymeteria.” ties, students will soon reap the benefits. you don’t have internet access, there “I guess it’s somewhat weird When students return to BHS in is no point in even having a chrome- because… [I’ve] been kicked out of a caf- August, they will be welcomed to a brand book,” sophomore Marilyn Farley said. eteria that [I’ve] been using all year,” said new cafeteria. Since teachers have received freshman Inkyu Kim. “Other than that, it “[The new cafeteria will] take a little new MacBook Pros and the math de- doesn’t really bother me.” bit of a different shape. The wall that’s partment has received new iPads this However, Kim did have one issue closest to the 500/600/700 wing will be school year, many students think it is with eating in the gym: it is difficult for taken out… and the cafeteria will actually time they be included in the technology him to hear the bell. expand into [a former storage room].” upgrade as well. “It felt unsanitary at first, because Chase also added that AVI Food “If students don’t have a laptop the gym is where people sweat… It just felt systems, the school’s lunch provider, is with the newest technology, then it a bit weird eating there, but we got used to considering offering new menu items for should be provided.. I need to use a it over time,” freshman Bradford Douglas the 2013-14 school year to complement laptop for at least one assignment ev- said. “I don’t like or dislike anything about the new cafeteria. However, the meeting ery day because everything is comput- it, really… not very much has changed.” to discuss these possible changes will not erized,” freshman Jessica Tall said. Chase said that the cafeteria staff has take place until after the 2012-13 school year lets out. Opinion TheBeachcomber4 Should BHS have an Honor Court? What if students could decide the fate of other students who commit rule violations at BHS? Class of 2015 President Jon Shapiro has proposed an honor court that would allow students to hold one another accountable. An honor court, typically utilized at universities and private schools, allows students the option to either receive punishment set by administration or to be heard before a student court of justices that will determine that student’s fate instead. In this issue, the Beachcomber asks whether BHS should implement such a system. Cartoon by Max Bleich

Students Would Recieve Fairer Decisions with an Honor Court By Jon Shapiro the belief that a police officers, police would be addressed in two separate based on the merits of the case and also Staff Writer captain/s, and prosecuting offices will ways. if the justices feel comfortable deciding When I was attempting to write always defend fellow officers. Likewise, First to address the issue of the case. Justices who feel a conflict my campaign speech for junior class some students feel that faculty mem- friends or close relationships: As a may not vote for cert. President, I did what I hope all candi- The next safeguard exists after dates do: I attempted to fix what I be- “The ‘blue line’ is the belief that a police of- cert is granted by other justices. A jus- lieve is wrong. tice always has the option to recuse The conclusion that my election ficers, police captain/s, and prosecuting offices him or herself from the vote. committee and I came up with is that The other concern is that students Beachwood needs more Student Coun- will always defend fellow officers. Likewise, might be too lenient in their dealings cil involvement in more areas. The first with all other students, not just closer way I hope to build this involvement is some students feel that faculty members will al- relationships. through the introduction of an honor While this can't be prevented, this court. ways side with faculty members, whether right problem is minimized by an excruciat- Honor courts are common at ingly extensive confirmation process. the collegiate level and at private or wrong.” To be one of the "class justices" (not high schools. While public schools the Chief Justice) an individual must are obviously different, I propose an bers will always side with faculty mem- "justice," members of the honor court find support of five teachers, the class 11-member council that would give bers, whether right or wrong. are expected to act within the rules of student council members and the Prin- fair representation to balance faculty My proposal would incorporate the court. As such, they would be given cipal. To be the Chief Justice, one must and student authority, bringing Beach- enough student involvement that any an option to recuse themselves at two have support from 10 teachers, the full wood up to standard with private and "blue line" votes would not be enough different steps in the process. Student Council and the Principal. collegiate institutions. to find a student guilty. First, in order for a case to even In the end, the honor court would Another reason for creating an This may raise an opposite con- go before the honor court, a set num- not take away authority from the ad- honor court would be to address any cern. Many people assume that stu- ber of justices must grant their approv- ministration. It would serve as an al- perception of a “blue line” among dents would be unwilling to "convict" al to hear the case. (certiorari or "cert" ternative for some cases, with some Beachwood staff. The “blue line” is friends or fellow classmates. This in Latin.) This decision should be made rewarding benefits. Honor Court Not Practical At A School Like Beachwood

By Aaron Lowenkamp Staff Writer At the college level, the choice ted to bring an attorney to observe the Most students are even busy during the and responsibility lies with the child. In hearings, which leads to another problem. weekend. Given that honor court must be Many private schools and universi- Beachwood, I believe parents would want Attorneys should not be allowed into able to meet within a week’s notice of any ties offer an alternative way of dealing to come to the hearings and get involved hearings because school punishment and infraction, it would be too overwhelming with discipline issues: honor court. The in the process. It is possible that parents disciplinary action should be left to the for high school students and staff to find junior class President-elect has proposed would thus gain even more sway over school. the necessary time in their schedules. the implementation of an honor court at The largest challenge an honor BHS. “If a court is to function fairly, there should be no court would face in a small high school Under the honor court system, would be the issue of objectivity. At large when accused of a violating a school rule, prejudice or preconceived notions about anybody in the schools or universities there are thousands students would choose whether to have of students, so the possibility of knowing their punishment determined by a panel case. Complete objectivity is unattainable in a small an accused student is slim, but here in of students and staff. A trial would be held Beachwood, everybody knows everybody. in which the accused student would pres- school, as there will always be If a court is to function fairly, there should ent his or her defense, someone else would be no prejudice or preconceived notions present the prosecution’s case and justices prejudice, whether it be good or bad.” about anybody in the case. would decide if the student was guilty and Complete objectivity is unattain- if so, what punishment should be given. whether or not their children are pun- The second issue an honor court able in a small school, as there will always While this is a good idea in theory ished. Given that this is already a problem would run into in a smaller school such be prejudice, whether it be good or bad. and has worked successfully in other in Beachwood, parents should not be as ours would be timing and scheduling. While there are not a lot of cliques and schools, the implementation here at BHS given another venue to make decisions the Despite the ability of the court to work most students are on good terms with would be difficult and most likely ineffec- school should be making. its own schedule, many students are very each other, there is still bias. The simple tive. Parents should not be present for busy and actively involved in multiple truth is that an honor court at Beachwood The first problem here at BHS would hearings, as they may have a difficult time activities. could not be objective, and this flaw, along be the ability of parents and legal guard- accepting the punishment given to their Add the time spent in extracurricu- with others, would make an Honor Court ians to opt out of utilizing this disciplinary child. Similarly, parents would be permit- lar activities to the school day and home- at BHS both ineffective and difficult to method, which would render it useless. work--and that leaves almost no free time. manage. Opinion TheBeachcomber5 Students Should Comply With New Cell Phone Crackdown

Beachcomber Staff Editorial otherwise. In several tests of cognitive ticipate fully in class? What right does to take whatever actions it needs to ful- ability, low multitaskers consistently the school have to challenge students’ fil this duty and ensure students learn School has many functions in the outperformed high multitaskers. It basic 5th amendment right to property as much as possible. lives of teenagers. Theoretically, high Furthermore, the school must school is a place where teens learn There is a time and a place for social- have the interest of the greater student and grow-both academically, person- body in mind. When one person de- ally and yes, socially. However, there izing in high school. The administration cides to be on their phone during class, is a time and a place for each of these it distracts the entire class. The person functions. The classroom is a time for seems to understand that by loosening the next to the person using their phone academic, not social growth, which looks over to see who he/she is texting is why the cell phone crackdown is a cell phone ban in the hallways. or what game he/she is playing. Oth- good policy. ers become interested and pretty soon Some argue that cell phone use seems that when we stretch our mental and privacy? a whole chain reaction has started that does not affect one’s ability to pay at- capacity too thin we lose some of the This argument is also flawed. So- takes students away from learning. It tention. Some say that they can still ace ability to perform individual tasks. ciety has entrusted schools with the is not fair that the decisions of a few the quiz and learn all the content while So what if cell phone use does de- responsibility of preparing the next should have repercussions on so many. sending a couple of texts. However, a crease learning? Isn’t it up to the stu- generation to deal with and shape to- Finally, using cell phones in class study at Stanford University showed dent whether he or she wants to par- morrow’s world. The school is allowed is disrespectful. Teachers work hard to try to engage their students while teaching them often complex material. By texting or playing games in class, the student is basically saying that teacher’s hard work is meaningless in their lives. This attitude is not only disrespectful to the teacher’s authority but simply disrespectful to teachers as human beings. There is a time and a place for socializing in high school. The administration seems to understand that by loosening the cell phone ban in the hallways. But the classroom is a place for learning, and a place where cell phone use doesn’t fit.

The Beachcomber is:

Cartoon by Soliana Goldrich Editor-in-Chief Christina Phelps

Guidance Dept. is Right Not to Use Class Rank Online Editor-inrChief Max Bleich By Lin-Ye Kaye lyn Beeler. “As a small school, ranking sions officers to receive a more accu- Staff Writer students would favor a small number rate picture of Beachwood students. Layout Editor (Print) of people, but does not fairly represent According to Grooms, “Our re- Susan Eiben Many high schools determine the the other top students.” sponsibility is to present Beachwood class rank of their graduating seniors. Mathematically, small class sizes students in the most favorable light for News Editor The school compares an individual stu- only allow an extremely small number college admission; using a decile mark- Grant Gravagna dent’s GPA with his or her classmates’ of students to be ranked near the top. er allows us to do so.” GPA and places the student in rank This occurs regardless of the quality of “Considering the academic Opinion Editor order-- highest to lowest. Class rank is the students or the closeness of their strength of our students, it was a better Cathy Perloff printed on student transcripts, and col- numerical GPAs. decision to recognize 10% of the class, leges use it as a factor in determining Beachwood students are also not one or two,” said counselor Marcia A & L Editor whether or not to admit the student in high performing. Guidance counselor Alperin. Emily Topilow question. Carol Grooms explained that the av- In addition, Beachwood is not As graduation rolls around, some erage GPA is usually around 3.2. That alone in its decision not to provide class Sports Editor seniors can be heard wondering why equates to approximately a B+. So if a rank. According to the National Asso- Aaron Lowenkamp Beachwood does not use class rank. particular student had a GPA less than ciation for College Admission Counsel- While it is understandable that top stu- a 3.2, he or she would be in the bottom ing (NACAC), approximately 40% of Distribution Manager / dents want credit for their accomplish- half of the class. all high schools in the United States Copy Editor ments, the guidance office has good Beachwood counselors do not do not release class rank. The NACAC Jeff Zuckerman reasons for avoiding the use of class consider it fair for good students like also states that many colleges and uni- rank in a small school. this to be placed in the bottom-half of versities now rely more on test scores, Cartoonists If it would be helpful for colleges their class, when they could very well unranked GPAs, letters of recommen- Erlein Tacastacas to know, and it might be to a student’s be ranked much higher at another dation, the activities the student par- Soliana Goldrich advantage for it to be released, why school. ticipated in and rigor of the courses does our guidance office not provide Beachwood’s solution is not to the student took in comparison to the Photographer / Designer the information? According to BHS rank students, but to place groups of courses the school offered. This shifts Kate Opre guidance counselors, the department students in decile rankings. In decile the focus away from class rank. considers a combination of mathemat- rankings, 10 brackets spanning 10% Consequently, our school’s policy Adviser ical and ethical factors in choosing not are created. The students are then in regard to class rank is well-suited for Josh Davis to release student rankings. placed in specific brackets according to students’ needs. Ultimately, the dis- “One factor that influenced their GPAs. For example, if a student trict’s decision is based on providing Issue Staff Beachwood’s decision not to provide is placed in the second highest bracket, colleges with the best possible picture Linye Kaye, Emily Kate Hopson- class rank was the size of the student it means he or she is in the top 20% of of the majority of students. Boyd, Sri Vidya Uppalapati, Ali body,” said guidance counselor Caro- their class. This allows college admis- Pinhasi, and John Li

The Beachcomber, through its editorial pages, provides an open forum for student expression. This newspaper is equally dedicated to affording an opportunity to all BHS students and staff to express their opinions on these pages. All unsigned editorials appearing in The Beachcomber represent the opinions of the editorial board. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the student body, the staff, or the administration of Beachwood High School. The Beachcomber welcomes all letters to the editor, whether critical, complimentary, or informative. They must be signed, although names will be withheld upon request in cases that may be awkward or embarrassing to the writer. Letters should be delivered to Editor-in-Chief Christina Phelps at [email protected]. To contact Beachcomber adviser Josh Davis, email him at [email protected] At theSenior end of each year, seniorsSuperlatives: are traditionally given superlatives Teacher - final stamps of their imageEdition before they leave the high school forever. This issue, we decided to include BHS teachers in on the fun.

Life of the Party Evan Luzar

Miss Congeniality Amy Hazelton

Best Snacks Class Clown Lisa Goldman Best Dressed Daria Cayne Jamie Lader Farewell, Seniors!

Madeline Adelman George Washington University Shuhao Li University of Toledo Nicholas Albaugh University of Maryland, College Park David Litwin U of Illinois at Urbana-Chapaign Christopher Amaddio US Air Force Academy Crystal Looney East Tennessee State University Alexander Angersola Kent State, Geauga Campus Jacob Lowenkamp The Ohio State University Graham Atherton University of Maryland Matthew Malkin Front Range Community College Kiran Bangalore The Ohio State University, Honors Clarissa Martinez Tri-C, Eastern Campus Maxwell Barnett Ithaca College Noah Mitchell The Ohio State University Dionte Baskerville Undecided Devin Moore Kent State University Amanda Bernstein Undecided Derek Morrow-Gaines Tri-C, Eastern Campus Jonathan Birne Notre Dame College of Ohio Beth Moses University Mass., Amherst Ilana Blumin The Ohio State University, Honors Kennedy Mulholland Case Western Reserve University Elizabeth Bream Oberlin College Toni Nicholas The Ohio State University Jake Brickman Undecided Eric Novick The Ohio State University Samantha Cassara Kent State University Daniel Padilla Claremont McKenna College Ryan Cira Tel Aviv University Michael Aaron Paley Case Western Reserve University Tylar Crawford University of Toledo Gabrielle Perryman Ball State University Michael Dailey Edinboro U of Pennsylvania Christina Phelps Wellesley College Alexandria DeVaughn Bowling Green State University Megan Piccione Cleveland State University Jacob Douglass The Ohio State University Alexandra Pinhasi Ohio University Tanner Eitman University of Cincinnati Carly Platt Undecided Esme Eppell University of Pittsburgh Jelani Porter Mercyhurst College North East Rachel Erenrich Undecided Jordan Richardson Ohio University Hunter Evans-Roskos Undecided James Riffo-Isaacs Ohio University Avital Field Ohio University Terrina Robinson Notre Dame College of Ohio Michael Fields University of Cincinnati Andrew Romanoff West Virginia University Jake Finkenthal Notre Dame College of Ohio Jordan Rose Gap Year Program The Israel Experience Jonah Firestone The Ohio State University Sydney Ross Xavier University Urs Fischer The Ohio State University David Roth The Ohio State University Julia Friedman Undecided Brandon Rotsky The Ohio State University Jessica Gill New York University, Tisch School Emma Rubenstein Gap Year in Israel, Yeshiva University Elana Gloger Ohio University Hannah Rubenstein Gap Year in Israel, Yeshiva University Graham Gobieski Columbia University Patrick Sampram University of Cincinnati Robert Goldberg Ohio Wesleyan University Harley Schoen University of Cincinnati Todd Goldberg Undecided Jonathan Sender Case Western Reserve University Alexander Goodman Ohio State University, Mansfield Danyelle Shelton Baldwin Wallace University Shravya Govindgari The Ohio State University Aaron Shifrin The Ohio State University Aaron Greene Apprentice Program Max Siegel The University of Arizona Nicholas Greene Miami University, Oxford Nathan Simon Gap Year in Israel, Yeshiva Univesity Sonja Greenfield University of Cincinnati Rachel Skwerer The Ohio State University Lindsey Guth Washington University in St. Louis Ashley Small University of Toledo Eric Hanson Undecided Armani Smith University of Kentucky Amira Hardy Miami University, Oxford James Starkman Case Western Reserve University Andrew Hartstein The Ohio State University Elana Steinberg Undecided Brock Hersch Ohio Northern University Darrell Sullins University of Mount Union Corey Hersh Bucknell University Erlein Tacastacas Case Western Reserve University Hillary Hines Bowling Green State University Barry Teich Case Western Reserve University Jori Holloway Ithaca College Charles Thomas The University of Akron Kauner Hooper Wittenberg University Jennifer Ticktin Tri-C, Eastern Campus Adam Ickowicz Salt Lake Community College Jonathan Tramer Penn. State University, University Park Bridgette Jacober The Ohio State University Demir Tulunoglu Case Western Reserve University Samantha Jacobs Case Western Reserve University Kimari-Imani Ware Tri-C, Eastern Campus Cory Jones Heidelberg University Brandon Weisman The Ohio State University Von Jones Kent State University Imani Wells Arizona State University Micah Josefovitz Santa Monica College Heather Wieder University at Buffalo-SUNY Leah Karns Tel Aviv University Jared Williams Kent State University Robert Kaufman The Ohio State University Julia Winkeler University of Delaware Rachel Komich Ohio University Maxwell Yanowitz Washington University in St. Louis Dillon Krantz Ohio University Perris Young Tri-C, Eastern Campus Wooyoung Lee Northwestern University Jonah Yulish Ohio University Maya Levine The Ohio State University Moselle Yulish The Ohio State University Jeffrey Zuckerman John Carroll University Features TheBeachcomber8 Jewish Students Find Identity in Religious Youth Groups By Cathy Perloff Opinion Editor more seriously when it comes to the “I dedicate 24 hours a week to [Jewish traditions],” Solomnova said. BBYO. Even though school is supposed “I’m starting to understand who I am to come first, in my mind school comes as a person...I really think NCSY has second,” junior Lucie Shiffman said. something to do with that.” “I’m constantly here,” said soph- However, many students only omore Jessica Solomonova of NCSY. come to a couple of events and do not Jewish youth groups play a domi- get as involved. For them, Jewish youth nant role in the lives of many BHS groups do not add to their identities, students. But how do these religious but are merely a piece of the puzzle organizations become so central to an that may or may not fit. individual’s identity? Junior Zach Davis went to two or BHS students belong to Jewish three BBYO events before deciding not youth groups including the non-de- to join. “It was a little awkward. Every- nominational B’nai B’rith Youth Orga- one in BBYO was like ‘we’re brothers.’ I nization (BBYO), the primarily Ortho- didn’t feel like I was connected to these dox National Conference of Synagogue people... I had fun at the event, but I Youth (NCSY), the mostly conservative wasn’t part of the group,” he said. United Synagogue Youth (USY), and “People feel very wedded to it, and the largely reform North American BHS students David Bohm, Max Bleich, and Jake Finkenthal are all part of the David you can’t say anything bad about any- Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY). Berger BBYO chapter. Photo by Matt Waxman one who’s in BBYO because they’re all Some students at first felt smoth- friends with everyone in BBYO. They’re ered by the Jewish community and in her life when she was considering at Jewish youth groups made them feel a very tight-knit group and they’re a bit were hesitant to join. joining USY as an 8th grader enrolled more accepted. over-the-top with it,” Davis elaborated. “I joined [NCSY] when I was in in Jewish day school. However, be- “Even though a majority of people He also cites his transition to atheism 8th grade because my mom forced my ing in a secular environment in high [in Beachwood are] Jewish... it didn’t that was occurring at the same time as sister and I to go...We really were not school made it easier to get involved. discourage me at all... I’ve always loved a reason for not joining. interested in Judaism,” wrote senior “It was too much and I was being the culture. I liked the idea of a social As Jewish youth groups start to Hannah Rubenstein in an e-mail. “... pushed to be in a Jewish youth group, group among Jewish people,” said ju- dominate the identity of members, it We ended up loving it. (...) It showed but now it feels fine,” said Evans, who nior David Bohm, who is president of seems natural that youth group life me that ... there was a way to lead a holds the Social Action Tikkun Olam his BBYO chapter. may affect their lives as BHS students. Jewish lifestyle while being ‘normal’.” position in her temple’s USY chapter. Religion does not only inspire Many do not see this overlap as entire- Rubenstein is now a member of NCSY For others, the strong Jew- (or sometimes prevent) people to join ly positive. Board at the chapter, regional and na- ish community in Beachwood and youth groups, but it can cause these “There are (...) a lot of people tional levels. the prevalence of Judaism in their groups to be central to the identity of who think of [BBYO] a bad thing. I Sophomore Erin Evans felt over- lives affected their decision to join. the members. Continued on next page. whelmed by the presence of Judaism Strengthening their Jewish identity “I’ve been taking things a little bit ADHD Rates Rising in Beachwood Reflecting National Trends By Ali Pinhasi different people, doing different things Staff Writer throughout the day” Kemelhar said. “If my attention was drawn away While there are many kids who for a second, I have no idea what was are distracted because of ADHD, some said,” a student with ADHD told The feel that short attention spans are a Beachcomber. characteristic of our culture. According to a recent article in “Yes our attention span has The New York Times, 11% of school- shrunk, because everything nowadays aged children have been diagnosed is limited. You have five seconds to get with ADHD. The article cites a study someone’s attention. Limited to 100 from the Centers for Disease Control characters, it’s the whole idea of mak- showing that diagnosis rates are rising. ing things fast and simple,” said a stu- ADHD is prevalent in Beachwood dent with ADHD. as well. According to school psycholo- “Kids have access to things in- gist Kevin Kemelhar, rates have fol- stantly at home. Then they come to lowed national trends, going up in re- school and have to take time to take cent years, although he did not have notes and spend time getting infor- specific numbers available. mation. Technology has changed how “Without a doubt ADHD [diag- people functioned,” Kemelhar said. nosis rates have] increased,” he said. There is a difference between “For two reasons: one, people became short attention spans and ADHD. more aware of what to look for, and When a student has ADHD, it doesn’t two: people have kept track of the char- matter the context or the subject. At acteristics. The physicians increased some point, he or she will be distracted their diagnosis, and lower grades also because of the way his or her brain pro- expect more from younger kids.” cesses. As more and more people at BHS Someone with a short attention are found to have ADHD, The Beach- “...a [kid with ADHD] can spend half [his or her] energy just trying to sit still, so they span may have problems focusing dur- comber investigated what exactly the only have half their energy to learn,” said intervention specialist Michele Toomey. ing a class or a movie, but he or she will disorder is and how it affects BHS stu- Drawing by Soliana Goldrich. be able to function successfully. dents with the disorder. Along with the increase in ADHD “ADHD inattentive is where as missed instruction, inability to orga- A 504 plan provides students ap- diagnoses, there has also been an in- someone will look at you for [a time] nize, poor task analysis, poor penman- propriate accommodations to ensure crease in prescriptions for medications and they look like they’re paying at- ship or poor note taking. access to the curriculum. Accommoda- such as Adderall and Ritalin. This of tention, but their mind is turned off “Kids without ADHD can spend tions could include extended time on course, has also an increase in misuse or is somewhere else,” said Kemelhar. all their energy on learning their ma- tests. Some students can even get notes of the drugs. “...then there is ADHD Hyperactivity. terial, whereas [a kid with ADHD] can sent to them if they were unable to take “[Taking ADHD medicine] tends That’s where you’ll see the kids tap- spend half [his or her] energy just try- notes during class. Students with an to start in high school and go in col- ping and fidgeting. There is also ADHD ing to sit still, so they only have half IEP may have similar accommodations lege,” Kemelhar said. “Colleges have a combined where it is inattentive and their energy to learn,” Toomey said. as a 504 plan, but they also get special- problem because the kids will take a hyperactivity together. One moment Some students with a diagnosis ized instruction. stimulant before a test or a final. If you they will be inattentive and they’ll also of ADHD have a 504 plan or an In- “While the 504 will follow the don’t have [ADHD], it makes you jit- be moving around.” dividualized Educational Plan (IEP). student to college, we hope that the tery. One small dose will be like drink- In a classroom, there are a num- Both of these are legal documents stip- student would have adjusted by then,” ing three cups of Starbucks.” ber of things that an ADHD kid could ulating what the school will do to make Toomey said. While medication is helpful, and experience. Intervention specialist and sure students have the opportunity to “This is why school is a good for some even necessary. Kemelhar reading teacher Michelle Toomey de- succeed in the appropriate educational place to figure it out. The kids will be Continued on next page. scribes many of the experiences such environment. going between different places, seeing Features TheBeachcomber9 Hank Schulte Retires After 28 Years of Bunions By Max Bleich Online Editor-in-Chief Schulte occur when he sees students Everyone’s favorite bunion is get- light up with passion for what they are ting like a stray dog. doing. That’s right. Beloved photogra- “I like seeing when the lightbulb phy and industrial arts teacher Hank goes on and the kid gets excited about Schulte is retiring. something,” Schulte said. “People need It’s important to note that he has to get excited… That’s what teaching told his classes for years he would be is all about. Somewhere along the line retiring at the end of the year. But this you hope that you connect with sometime he’s for real. body and get excited.” Schulte has had a long and color- Now, just what will Schulte do ful teaching career. He started working during his retirement? at BHS in 1985. “In late August, when you guys “I knew the vice principal and are all back in school, you can think of principal at the time through my wife,” Mr. Schulte being on some beach some- he said. “I would ask them every year where… and being bunion free, bunion ‘Hey, when is that woodshop teacher free, bunion free, oh to be bunion free,” retiring?’ He never retired, and an he said. “It was fun, and it was real, but opening came up for part-time art and I’m not sure it was real fun.” part-time photography, so I actually Schulte will be missed by BHS got hired with Mr. Scott as a part-time students. art teacher.” “He didn’t take phones away. Schulte did not begin his career “People need to get excited,” Schulte said. “Somewhere along the line you hope you connect That was pretty awesome,” junior Jus- teaching industrial arts. He started as a with somebody and get excited. Photo credit: Oculus tin Scharf said. social studies teacher in Independence. “He was a quirky and thoroughly After seeing what the woodshop teach- would eventually, as a graduate stu- happen to the industrial arts program, enjoyable teacher. His Schulteisms will er was doing, he became intrigued. dent, teach a couple of their industrial but he did mention that Asst. Super- stick with me long after his class ends,” “I was always walking by the arts courses. intendent Robert Hardis and Director junior Zach Davis said. woodshop and thinking ‘boy, I’d like to Schulte has seen many changes in of Curriculum & Technology Ken Veon “I wish Mr. Schulte nothing but teach that’ because teaching the same 28 years at BHS. have an engineering-focused vision for the best in his retirement,” said BHS class four periods in a row [with] the “If anything, it’s been the empha- the future of his engineering drawing alumn Noah Ickowicz. “He worked exact same lesson gets kind of mun- sis on more AP, and I’m not a fan,” he family of courses at BHS. extremely hard in his job, he was the dane and boring,” he said. said. “Also… we don’t have a woodshop Schulte believes in a hands-on most down to earth person I’ve ever “Social studies was always my and we have a lot of kids who need learning style. met, and was a great teacher to learn favorite subject, but I enjoyed doing non-traditional things to do. Kids still “Kids are always more active do- from.” things,” Schulte said. “I like to watch ask me every day why we don’t have ing things instead of listening to a lec- “He’s hilarious and he has great kids doing things; you can see them woodshop.” ture and regurgitating [information],” nicknames for everyone,” said fresh- thinking while they’re making things In the basement hallway where he said. “I think that’s okay with some man Jackson Bogomolny. and building things.” he once taught woodshop, there is now things, but it bored me as a student and Schulte was a classroom favorite, Schulte received his industrial a backup generator. I didn’t want to be bored as a teacher.” and he will be missed. It was real fun, arts degree from Kent State, where he Schulte doesn’t know what will The most enjoyable moments for Schulte. It was.

Jewish youth groups from previous page Schulte Dictionary know there are people who [speak social stigma at school. However, the poorly of] it,” Bohm said. fact that they keep coming back shows Rubenstein’s increased dedica- that the positives seem to outweigh the tion to Judaism stands out at BHS. negatives. “I feel kind of out of place some- “BBYO is indescribable. I times, missing a ton of school for couldn’t sit here and talk to you. It’s the holidays, wearing a skirt when I something you have to experience,” play softball--I’m proud of what I do, Shiffman said. but it’s hard,” she wrote. “I feel like sometimes, people in Beachwood are ADHD from previous page freaked out by me, and they see me as doesn’t see the medicine as a cure-all. that, ‘really Jewish girl.’’’ “Medicine alone helps, but it Schulte pictured in the Beachcomber, 1989 Other members maintain that doesn’t provide learning” he said. life in Jewish youth groups and life at He further warns that using Ad- Here are ten common utter- ing disgust when a student misbehaves Beachwood don’t intermingle. derall or other medications doesn’t ances to come from the mouth of Hank or completely messes up a photo or a “I would say [they’re] pretty sepa- help a student gain the ability to or- Schulte. drawing. rate,” Solomonova said. ganize or figure out what they need to From wacky and hilarious to “At Beachwood, they’re kind of keep themselves on task. downright strange, these quotes cover 6. “What do ya’ call a deer with no just the norm... The people who are Our culture and more precise di- just about everything discussed by eyes? No-eye-deer! Ha! … What do ya’ in [youth groups] love them and the agnosis are increasing the prevalence BHS’ favorite bunion whisperer. call a deer with lasix? Good-eye-deer!” people who aren’t in them are kind of of ADHD, while new scientific research – Schulte’s favorite jokes. indifferent,” Davis said. is giving doctors new insight into the 1. “Bunion” – a student who does not For those heavily involved, Jew- disorder. Thus, it’s fair to say that comply with the rules; a student who 7. “Dammit Beavis!” – An angry re- ish youth groups may offer friends, new ADHD is not a problem that will be go- misbehaves constantly; a student who sponse to a student not performing a social skills, and a newfound religious ing away anytime soon. doesn’t understand basic concepts. task correctly. identity while possibly adding some 2. “Get, yer like a stray dog!” – a saying 8. “You’re gonna drive me to drinkin’ Schulte uses when a student or alumni if you don’t stop drivin’ that HOT. refuses to leave or comes out of no- ROD. LINCOLN.” – Perhaps one of the where for no real purpose. strangest things to erupt from Schul- te’s mouth, a line from an old Arkie 3. “Hambone” – the act of slapping Shibley song. one’s legs uncontrollably to create a drumming sound. 9. “When you’re a bunion, you’re a bunion all the way, from your first ciga- 4. “Life’s a b*tch and then you take rette to your last dyin’ day!” – A classic CAD” – the cold hard reality you real- Schulte adapted tune from the popular ize about a month into one of Schulte’s musical West Side Story. Engineering Drawing classes when everything you do is the hardest thing 10. “Doney” – a word for one’s buttox, you’ve ever done . usually used in the context of getting off of such. Related to “doneyboy” and 5. “You’re like Bambi with your eyes “git off yer doney right quick little bun- poked out” – Schulte’s way of expression.” Arts & Life TheBeachcomber10 Sidelines Beachwood Caribou Coffee Transitions to Peet’s Coffee & Tea By the Beachcomber staff By Grant Gravagna nity, most notably by English News Editor teacher Peter Harvan. This summer, Beach- Harvan, who has pa- Looking forward... wood’s Caribou Coffee loca- tronized the La Place location tion at La Place, a long-time nearly every school day since it community hangout, will take opened and is on a first name on a new form: Peet’s Coffee & basis with several of the em- Tea. ployees, is both reminiscent of The Minneapolis-based his loyal patronage and opti- Caribou Coffee announced mistic for the transition. on April 9th that they would “What got me started be converting 88 of their lo- [with Caribou]... [was that] cations o Peet’s Coffee & Tea they were cheaper when they stores. Many BHS students first opened. They offered and staff were relieved that The La Place Caribou location is beloved by many BHS com- more perks in regards to free ...to the summer: the Beachwood location would munity members. Photo by Grant Gravagna stuff,” Harvan said. be converted, as Caribou also “We heard about them 19th as Peet’s. However, Harvan thinks 1. The winding down of announced that on April 14th, closing down just like every- When customers return the Caribou at La Place does construction 80 of their underperforming body else... they didn’t contact to the new Peet’s store in July, have one shortcoming; one stores would be closed down us directly,” Berns said. they will be welcomed to a dif- that he hopes Peet’s will im- 2. warm weather outright. A Peet’s representative ferent decor than that of Cari- prove upon. 3. camp “Over the past few declined to comment at the bou. “It was always crowded. 4. The Beachwood pool months, we at Caribou have time of publication and Cari- “[There will be a] com- There [were] times where... 5. Not getting up at the revisited our business strategy, bou’s media relations depart- plete renovation of the interi- there [were] no place to sit, crack of dawn for school including closely evaluating ment did not reply to a request or... [and] they’re going to up- and that [included] some- our performance by market to for further comment on the date all their furniture,” Berns times the seating in the mall, 6. Not staying up till the make decisions that best posi- transition. said, adding that Peet’s will be as well,” he said. “[That was] early hours of the morn- tion us for long-term growth,” As a result of the transi- keeping “everyone’s favorite probably its biggest problem.” ing doing homework Caribou president and CEO tion, a concern that many de- fireplace.” Some BHS students felt 7. Summer fashions Mike Tattersfield wrote in a vout Caribou customers likely While Berns is anticipat- the transition would not affect (short shorts and tanks!) statement via the company’s have is whether familiar em- ing a slight drop in foot-traffic them. media relations department. ployees will be serving up their at other La Place tenants dur- “I’m more of [a] Star- 8. No school “While the decisions beverages. ing the weeks of the coffee- bucks [customer],” sopho- 9. The end of finals we’ve made have been difficult “The employees at our house’s renovation, he believes more Danny Stanescu said. 10. Summer reading ? for our team in Minneapolis, Caribou have a really strong that the opening of Peet’s will “I guess the name of as well as our team members relationship with the clien- more than make up for it. the coffee shop that I go to is across the country and our tele,” Berns said. “When something is new changing, but... as long as the guests and fans everywhere, Berns said current Cari- and remodeled and reinvested food isn’t that much different, & to the fall: we are working to make this bou employees will have the in, there’s a certain level of ex- [it doesn’t affect me],” sopho- transition as seamless as pos- opportunity to apply at the citement,” he said. more Alex Machtay said, add- sible for the Caribou commu- new Peet’s store. “I think that the growth ing that he would give Peet’s a nity,” Tattersfield wrote. The transition forces the from the energy and excite- try. Jonathan Berns, a man- La Place Caribou to close down ment of a new tenant being While Harvan will miss aging partner of Boardwalk for several weeks in order to there will outbalance the loss Caribou, he’s not opposed to Partners, which owns the La change over into a Peet’s store. of [foot traffic],” Berns said. Peet’s. Place shopping center, was Tentatively, the coffee- The La Place Caribou “It’s new, it’ll be differ- just as surprised as anyone to house is scheduled to close on location is beloved by many ent, but I know it’ll still be a learn of Caribou’s plans. June 23rd and reopen on July members of the BHS commu- quality place,” he said. The construction at BHS has a been a long, and at With Weak Plot, Iron Man III Makes it on Action and Star Power times, troublesome process. As the construction is By John Li Then comes the criti- anticipated to wind down Staff Writer cism: The plot could’ve been much better, because it just before the start of the 2013- Iron Man III had to be failed to intrigue me enough, 14 school year in August, one of the most anticipated especially after the weak plot- students and staff alike movies this year, and while I twist. Let me just say that it should rejoice. loved all the action and jokes, showed how amazing of an it didn’t quite live up to all the actor Ben Kingsley is, but in hype. my opinion it was quite un- 1. There will no longer be Sure, it was good. I’d necessary; the script-writers an oddly-placed sink in the even call it a great movie, but could’ve made the plot rich- middle of your social stud- like most superhero flicks er without resorting to such ies classroom. these days, the plot was about cheap tactics. as sharp as Thor’s hammer, One thing about the plot and the feelings I felt watching that I did like was Pepper 2. Mr. Luzar will return to the movie quickly faded, leav- Potts’(Gwyneth Paltrow) role his somewhat - softer level ing no distinct aftertaste. “ The plot was about as sharp as Thor’s hammer, and the throughout the movie. She of shouting, as he no longer The movie takes place feelings I felt watching the movie quickly faded, leaving no wasn’t just another ordinary sometime after Tony Stark distinct aftertaste. “ damsel in distress like the needs to compete with the Image Source: Marvel Studios noise from the trucks. (Robert Downey Jr.) saves usual female co-stars in super- New York City by blowing up There were two things both sides relentlessly trying hero movies are, instead, she an alien wormhole, so in a way that made this movie for me: to outshine the other in the was saving Tony Stark just as 3. You can pull into the the movie is more of a sequel the amazing action sequences eyes of the audience. It was much as he was saving her. parking lot at 7:49 and still to The Avengers than to Iron and Robert Downey Jr. nothing short of breathtaking. Overall, the movie was find a place to park. Man II. Since the movie was di- I’ll admit, I’m a bit bi- a fairly decent and enjoyable Apparently, Stark be- rected by Shane Black, direc- ased towards my little Robby. watch, despite its shortcom- came afflicted with a case of tor of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Nobody can pull off that ar- ings. I had a good time watch- 4. No spaghetti stains from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder the action was definitely top- rogant, self-centered charm ing it, but like most action the ‘90s on the new cafete- (PTSD) after his near-death notch. Everything--from the like he can. He maintains that movies these days, and espe- ria floor. experience during the final explosions to the gunfights to consistent flair even when cially superhero flicks, it didn’t fight of The Avengers, which the imagery of iron suits flying depicting his character in an leave much of an impression 5. You can walk to the led to insomnia and an obses- around--was intense, vivid and emotionally weak state, result- on me. I would compare it to a sion with building more ro- fluid. Especially during the -fi ing in some interesting scenes. ride on a roller-coaster; it has 100 hallway in December botic suits. While facing these nal action scene, it wasn’t just Overall, I loved his perfor- a lot of excitement, but as soon without needing an outfit personal problems, he be- your typical superhero movie mance in the movie, it truly as the ride’s over, you just walk that could suffice on a trip comes prominently involved action scene, with a superhero brought out Tony Stark’s per- away and quickly recover from to Alaska. in a conflict with a terrorist fighting a supervillain by him- sonality and unique qualities. the temporary thrill. called “The Mandarin.” self. It was a full-on war, with Sports The Beachcomber11 Athletic Director Ryan Peters Reflects on BHS’S Historic Year in Sports By Christina Phelps best, you won’t be successful,” I saw this year was Ryan Har- looking for a change in atti- Editor in Chief Peters said. ris, after he won the state tudes as well. “I want our coaches to championship, he hugged his “Anytime [a Beachwood push our athletes to a point dad in one of the tightest hugs athlete] steps on the court, where they shed tears as a re- I have ever seen. It was a very field, diamond…I want people sult of working so hard,” Pe- emotional moment. It sort of saying ‘that’s a Beachwood ters said. “I want their legs to epitomized the absolute suc- kid’. I want that swagger. I feel like jello… I want them cess… Ryan and his dad put in want confidence, but not arro- to be pushed beyond the lim- a ton of time and a lot of pas- gance. I think we’ll get there,” its of what they think they are sion and a lot of intensity… I said Peters. capable. Once we reach that love that, I want to see more Ultimately, in his vi- tipping point our athletes will of that with our kids,” Peters sion for BHS athletics, Peters understand what it takes to said. wants sports to be an experi- be the best both mentally and Another very special mo- ence to learn life lessons. physically.” ment for me was when the “The most important part As for Peters’ system and boys basketball team defeated of our [mission statement] is a vision, he refers to the athlet- Gilmour in the District finals social conscience,” Peters said. ics department mission state- and watching our kids and “It’s after the game going up to “It’s really a tipping point for Beachwood,” said Athletic Director ment: “To create an environ- parents celebrate. The girls your parents and teammates Ryan Peters. Photo by Kate Opre. ment focused on pride, unity basketball team cutting down and saying ‘thank you,’ going The 2012-13 school year record-breaking years. Both and victory where student the net after the District finals up to the coaches and saying has been the most successful the girls and boys basketball athletes demonstrate a strong was a beautiful sight. ‘thank you,’ going up to the year ever for Beachwood ath- teams had their best record social conscience.” “I think during the bas- opposing team and showing letics, but for Athletic Director in school history, and wres- According to Peters, suc- ketball season you really saw exemplary sportsmanship. It’s Ryan Peters, this is a stepping tler Ryan Harris had the best cess this year came not only everybody come together,” Pe- taking a command of your life stone towards his full vision season in BHS history, ending from final numbers on the ters said. [and believing] you are a win- coming to fruition. with a record of 50-0. scoreboard, but from the fact As Bison sports teams ner everywhere you go. To me, “It’s really a tipping point “I’m never afraid to say I that students, staff and par- continue to flourish, Peters is that’s what our coaches need for Beachwood,” said Peters, want to win. If you’re afraid to ents “bought in to our system.” not only looking to the score- to teach our kids.” noting that many teams had say you want to win or be the “One of the coolest things board to gauge success, but is

Sports Highlights of the 2012-13 School Year

GIRLS TENNIS BOYS SOCCER Varsity girls tennis player Anna Pietch qualified for states. This was Varsity boys soccer captain Brock Hersch was 2nd Team All-Ohio and 1 of 33 soccer the first time in recent history a BHS girls tennis player had qualified players nationwide to be named High School Academic All-American & CVC MVP for states. National Soccer Coaches Association – All Academic Honors Won CVC Championship Girls tennis teams won NEOTA Championship Head Coach Brian Green named CVC & All Greater Cleveland Coach of the Year Fall Sports Fall

CHEERLEADING GIRLS BASKETBALL BOYS BASKETBALL WRESTLING

Won District title; went to regional finals Revived stunting and tumbling. Won District Title; went to regional finals Ryan Harris finished his season with a Achieved the best record in school history: record of 50-0, and was recognized at the Won first place at national 23-3 Achieved the best record in school history: Ohio House of Representatives. This is the competitions, finished 4th 23-4 best record of any sport at Beachwood. Junior Mikah Aldridge named 2nd Team All Ohio and Aneisha Hardin, Honorable John Davis III was named the 1st Team All Sammy Gross came in 3rd place in the state Mention All Ohio Ohio and D3 Player of the year. for varsity wrestling and was named the national Jewish Male Athlete of the year. Mikah Aldridge named Plain Dealer Player 11th grade varsity basketball player John of the Week Davis III was named 1st Team All Ohio Both Harris and Gross are training with and D3 Player of the Year. He is the first Olympic Athletes over the summer in the Coach Mike Coreno named Division III BHS athlete to gain this title. He reached world team. Coach of the Year and NE Ohio Coach of the milestone of scoring 1000 points in his Al Angersola qualified for state tournament the Year. junior year. Spring Sports BOYS TENNIS TRACK AND FIELD BASEBALL

Seven made regionals. Qualified for states:

4X100 Relay: Alexandria DeVaughn, Gabrielle Perry- 4th Place at OTCA man, Emilykate Hopson-Boyd, Hannah Richardson, Varsity Baseball team won the Team State Champion- and alternate Hannah Kahn CVC title, knocking off the #2 ship ranked team in state (Indepen- Darrell Sullins qualifed in 110 and 300 meter hurdles. dence). Highest finish in school history Ben Singer named Coach of the Year 19-3 record 17-6 record Photo by Aaron Lowenkamp Photo by Aaron Lowenkamp

Photo by Gregory Perryman Winter Sports Profiles TheBeachcomber12 This issue, we honored our Beachcomber senions by featuring them on the back page. Not pictured: Micah Josefowicz. Christina Phelps Jon Sender Erlein Tacastacas

What are you favorite moment during Beach- What was your favorite part of being on The What’s your go-to strategy when class is ex- comber layouts? Beachcomber? cruciatingly boring? A newcomer to the staff Having my content Start sketching the asking to be the future published and getting to teacher editor in chief and ex- work with other claiming “I can’t write contributors Favorite Mr. Davis Quote: but I can chief!” “Did you go to the prom What’s your go-to strategy when class is ex- boutique? I’m going to What are you going to miss the most? cruciatingly boring? look for a dress for my Mr. Deegan and Mrs. Creating complex cal- daughter. she’s six, but Bettis-Eddie’s ‘work-mar- culus integration prob- it’s never too early to riage’ relationship lems and trying to solve get ready for prom.” them, while tuning every- What was your favorite part of being on The thing else out Was it worth it? Beachcomber? Why don’t you join and The awkward conversa- What are you going to miss the most? find out? tions from OSMA con- Reading Pg. 12 ventions that Jeff has Beachcomber profiles recorded in his Beach- comber quote book. Ali Pinhasi Jeff Zuckerman

What are you favorite moment during Beachcomber layouts? What was your favorite part of being on the Beachcomber? Looking up from my computer to see Being given the nickname “The Scalpel” someone saying “Hey guys! Brought some snacks...help yourself!” # 1 reason you’re excited to leave the high school? To get away from the construction What’s your go-to strategy when class is excruciatingly boring? Doodle or nap. If I can’t do that, then lis- What are you going to miss the most? ten for the funny conversations most Working on the Beachcomber, talking likely happening in the back. about The Simpsons with Señor Summers in the gymeteria What are you going to miss the most? When all of a sudden someone pulls out Favorite Mr. Davis Quote a youtube video and everyone crowds “I get my glasses at Giant Eagle” around.