ICTM Team Cruises to Regional Title

IN THIS ISSUE:

New cellphone restrictions p. 3 WYSE advancement p. 4 National FFA Week p. 12 Storm Tracker THE United High School Newspaper Volume 10, Issue 6 STORM ALERTS Calendar Notes ICTM team cruises to regional title There will be no By Riley Whitsitt team of Caitlen Bishop and school on Friday, March United High School’s Michael Sedam came in 21. A school improve- Illinois Countil of Teach- second. ment day for teachers ers of Mathmatics (ICTM) As a team, the Red has been scheduled. team received first place Storm placed second in The last two school overall out of five teams at Algebra II and placed first improvement days had the Western Illinois Univer- in Algebra I, geometry, and to be cancelled due to sity Regional in Macomb in pre-calculus. inclement weather. competition held February In Algebra I, freshman In April, there will be 22. Maddie Gavin placed first no school on the 17th, United was in competi- and freshman Marshall 18th and 21st for spring tion against Beardstown, fellow McDorman placed break. Geneseo, Illini West, Ma- second. The ACT/PSAE comb, Pittsfield, Rock Is- Sophomore Brody testing dates are set for Friedan, junior Addy Wednesday, April 23, land Alleman, Virginia and McKee and sophomore Jer- and Thursday, April 24, Students recognized by West Central high schools. emy Olson placed second for all juniors. Only the latter two schools in geometry. Illinois State Police are smaller than United. Junior Cole Froelich College recruiters The freshman/sopho- placed third in Algebra II. more eight-person team In pre-calculus, seniors Upcoming college re- of Ellie Cheline, Maddie Ryan Olson placed first cruiters include: Gavin, Emma Marshall, and Michael Sedam placed Marshall McDorman, second. Mar 3 St. Ambrose Claire Wynne, Kaitlin Seniors Callie Brunswig Mar 5 Indian Hills CC Grace, Cole McKee and and Kiersten Youngquist Mar 6 Carl Sandburg Brett Welch took second teamed up to take first Mar 11 Quincy place and the two-person place in the oral competi- Mar 17 Iowa Wesleyan team of Brody Frieden and tion. Mar 26 Eastern Illinois Jeremy Olson took first. ICTM coach Brooke The junior/senior Anderson said she was eight-person team ofNico proud of what her “mathe- Advertisers sought Guzman, Ollie Urbanski, letes” have accomplished. There are a limited Carolyn King, Alayna The whole team will number of advertising Costner, Dalton Frieden, compete for the state finals availabilities in this United High School sophomores Storm Meade (left) Cole Froelich, Jack Whitsitt on Saturday, May 3, at the year’s Storm Tracker. and Stephanie Leary (right) were recognized by Il- and Gary Wynne placed University of Illinois. Advertising costs linois State Police safety education officer Daniel Hill first, while the two-person only $10 per column for wearing their seatbelts and avoiding serious injury inch for the whole year during an accident involving the driver’s ed vehicle for a minimum of nine back in December. Also recognized was instructor Tim online issues. For ex- Engebretson (not pictured). Each received a medal ample, a business card and a certificate from the Illinois State Police and sized ad would only cost Warren County Sheriff’s Department. $40 for the entire year. All ads are available in full color, and can be The State of Illinois owes the United School District... changed at any time for no charge. Source: Illinois State Board of Education (02/27/2014) Contact Mr. Kozelichki at 734-9411 $231,800.11! http://webprod1.isbe.net/FRISInquiry/asp/flist.asp? if interested. rcdt=27094304026&vname=UNITED_CUSD_304 page 2 STORM TRACKER 1905 100th Street Board hires Maggie Wallace as North principal Monmouth, IL 61462 (309) 734-9411 Veteran first grade cussed repairing the boiler classes, with designations $5-10 per sport. Junior teacher Maggie Wallace system at the junior high of I and II for freshman and high volleyball will go to The Storm Tracker is published monthly, wth additional issues as war- has been named the new school. sophomore level classes. $60 and football to $70. ranted, by the journalism students of North principal, succeeding Replacement of the Similar changes are High school games were United High School, and is distributed online via the World Wide Web. The Sue Wilson, who will retire boiler would cost the dis- expected in science. increased to $70 for volley- material published does not necessarily at the end of the current trict $150,000, but replac- Officials’ pay for high all and $90 for basketball. reflect the viewpoint of the administration of United School District #304. school year. ing only the burner would school and junior high The next board meeting Approval came at the cost just under $29,000. games was increased by is set for March 13. While every attempt is made to determine the validity of advertising February 13 board meeting The board has applied contained herein, the advertising in the where approval was also for an Illinois Energy Grant Storm Tracker is not to be construed as endorsement of a specific product or hired Scott Riden as ag to help cover the cost. service. The Storm Tracker assumes no studies teacher (replacing “We plan on working on responsibility of liability resulting from the content of paid advertisements. the retiring Brian Cirks), the new boiler system this Rachel Johnson as junior summer whether we get the The Storm Tracker does not knowingly accept advertsements that discriminate high counselor (replacing grant or not,” said Superin- on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, the retiring Denny Brown), tendent Jeff Whitsitt. color, handicapped status, veteran or sexual orientation, nor does it knowingly and Ryan Molek and Terry The 2014-15 school print ads that violate any local, state, or Hepner as head and as- calender was approved, federal laws. sistant baseball coaches, with teachers’ institutes on Parties interested in advertising in respectively. August 18 and 19 and stu- the Storm Tracker should contact Mr. Kozelichki at the address and/or phone Colt Foster and Nick dents beginning August 20. number listed above. Hull (baseball) and Kevin Classes will be in session Letters to the editor must be mailed Tyrrell (softball) were through May 29 if all snow to the address above and cannot be more approved as volunteer days are used, otherwise than 350 words. The author’s name and phone number must be included for veri- coaches. classes will be dismissed fication purposes. The Storm Tracker The resignation of Julie on May 20. only edits letters in cases of timeliness and obscenity and does not guarantee Martin as fourth grade High school principal publication of all letters. teacher was also accepted. Amy Schmitz announced School board president Dana Poole welcomes Maggie STORM TRACKER The board also dis- new titles for some math Wallace as the new North Elementary principal.

Reporters: Callie United lands science teacher to replace Roy Schwass Brunswig, Cassie Camp- bell, Hope Fontenoy, Cam By Marvin Vogel subject every time they Harshbarger, Jill Henson, Looking much like a leave this class.” Dylan Montooth, Marvin student, a new science Every day she arrives at Vogel and Riley Whitsitt teacher is tackling chem- the school at 7:15 a.m. to istry and microbiology at “Some material courtesy help students if they need United High School. of American Society of it. In December Miss Leah Newspaper Editors/MCT “I want them to spend McElhiney graduated from Campus High School as much time as possible in the Pittsburg State Univer- Newspaper Service.” the lab and I want to give sity in Kansas and landed them the opportunity to go the United teaching job there whenever they want,” WEBPAGE ADDRESS before she even finished she said. www.united.k12.il.us college. It already looks like she “I’m trying to stay here is very comfortable in her The webpage contains and teach at United as long new surroundings at her links to each district build- as I am able to,” McEl- first teaching job at United ing and office, as well as hiney said. and she seems to be on the access to the online grading “In general, I want them same wavelength with all system and calendar. to know more about their of the students. Leah Mc joins the United faculty as a replacement for the late Roy Schwass. UNITED CUSD #304 contact numbers Follow Us on Facebook Type Storm Tracker in Superintendent’s Office Search Box 734-9413 FAX 734-0223 RMG Risk Management Group, Inc. United High School 734-9411 Bill Ramsey 1-800-553-7475 FAX 734-6090 Helping agricultural producers manage price risk 210 N. Main Monmouth 734-5100 Commodity futures, options, and cash United Junior High 734-8511 FAX 734-6094

United Elementary North 482-3332 FAX 482-3341

United Elementary West 734-8513 FAX 734-8515 page 3 New cellphone law impacts everyone, not just students

By Callie Brunswig $75 and with more offenses to contact my parents, may now pull them over; traffic is obstructed. Life has thrown a little could cause a suspension in since they are normally however, there are some This makes it harder for bitter medicine into the life license. unaware because of their exceptions to this law. police to actually issue a of multi-tasking drivers This law should mainly own schedules of what I am The law permits excep- ticket because anyone can since January 1. be affecting people over doing or where I am, but tions on the ban during use the “it’s an emergency” Cellphone usage by the age of 19, since in Illi- now I could get a ticket just emergencies or if a driver excuse. drivers has been banned in nois it is illegal for anyone for informing my parents is parked on the shoulder. A This new law has some the state as of the first of with a license to be using a on where I am,” said senior driver also will be allowed flaws that are easily worked the year. phone at all while driving Carolyn King. to use a hand-held cell- around, but it is illegal for The only way to talk on until they are 19 years old. Personally, I do use my phone if a car is in neutral motorists to be in a moving a phone is through a hands However, many com- phone. I use it to keep in or in park, or if the car is vehicle while talking on the free device for your car muters spend 50-75% of contact with people to let stopped because normal phone. which is normally hooked their road trips talking on them know where I am or up through bluetooth con- the phone, such as business where I am going. nections. workers on travel. If a police officer sees The fine starts out at “I use the phone only one on their phone, they Scholastic team preps for regionals By Dylan Montooth United began the Ma- “We had a very good United scored third sonic sectional by defeating showing against some very place in the recent Class A Mercer Country 200-140. strong teams, and we were New prom theme selected Masonic sectional, but fell However, United wasn’t so able to avenge our loss a short of moving onto state. fortunate in the next round few weeks earlier to Mercer By Jill Henson a while and will finally The Masonic sectional took and lost to Knoxville 210- Country,” he said. Should the prom theme be deciding who the two place February 15 at Rock- 180. Regionals are to be held for this spring be changed people will be. ridge High School. From then on, United at Rockridge on March 10, or not? That was the big- The committee also gets United students who beat Cambridge, AlWood, but United was unable to gest topic for the prom to decide on the promenade attended included were Sherrard, and Orion, while compete for the confer- committee this month. decorations the next time seniors Ryan Olson and losing to Rockridge 190- ence title due to many of its The new theme for they meet. Tara Klein; juniors Brody 140. Their record netted scholastic bowl members the 2014 prom is “It’s All “Not everyone is go- Frieden, Andrea Costner, the team a $200 award being part of ICTM. Greek to Me.” ing to like the theme you and Cole Froelich; sopho- from the Masons. So far, the month of The committee had to choose for prom” said prom mores Jeremy Olson and Despite not placing first, February has been a boon change all of the invita- coordinator Mrs. Madeline Nathan Coates; and fresh- scholastic bowl coach Mr. for both varsity and junior tions, which actually saved Wood. man Marshall McDorman. Joel Zink was optimistic. varsity teams alike as they money on both invitations The committee is ex- had managed to defeat Al- and key chain tickets. cited to start more planing Wood and West Prairie on They voted on cups as on this new theme and the 6th and Annawan and well as picture frames. are starting to find all of Princeville on the 13th. The next time they meet the stuff on Greek prom On the 19th, however, they will have to choose themes. They have a few United was unable to make who the sophomore atten- ideas on the decorations it to their game against An- dants will be. They have that they will vote on the nawan due to thick fog and been talking about that for next time they meet. had to turn back. United’s varsity team in captained by Kiersten Youngquist (pictured right, along Ryan Olson and Na- than Coates).

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Upcoming Open Houses: Saturday April 26, 2014 page 4 SCENES FROM THE SOUTH SIDE

Lake Warren? The high school’s southwest parking lot is flooded following the heavy rain on Thursday, February 20. Most cars were forced out of the lot. In fact, 45 minutes before this picture was taken, there was virtually no water, at all. The cold temperatures at the start of the month and the snow on the ground, along with the frost below ground level, already threatens outdoor activities, including sports, throughout the month of March.

WYSE team members advance to Knox sectional By Dylan Montooth gineering graphics. move onto the sectional held at Knox College on United High School, Seniors Ryan Olson All four students will competition, which will be March 17. If any of the four as a whole, placed third and Michael Sedam (pic- students place first or sec- overall in the 700 division, tured right) placed first and ond there, they will move which, to biology teacher second, respectively, in the onto the state competition, Mrs. Jan Nelson, was a re- physics category against all which will take place at the markable accomplishment. area schools in the WYSE University of Illinois. “The whole team put competition, which was This regional com- forth great effort to place held at Carl Sandburg Col- petition, which was held third in Division 700, lege. February 13, tested nearly which is a larger school In addition, junior 180 students from 13 dif- division than the one in Caitlen Bishop and sopho- ferent high schools on a which we usually compete. more Addison McKee also wide variety of subjects Since this is my final year placed. Within United’s such as biology, chemistry, at United, I really appreci- division 700, Bishop placed mathematics, engineering ate the effort made by the first in biology, while graphics, computer science, entire WYSE team,” she McKee placed third in en- physics and English. said.

PIERCE TRUCKING WAYNE PIERCE FOR and ALL DENNIS HIGGINS YOUR 2076 U.S. Hwy 67 GRAIN Monmouth, IL AND Phone ROCK 309-734-2218 HAULING NEEDS Cell 309-221-6171 page 5 CSC Presents THE COLLEGIATE CONNECTION Stories, clues and hints to help you prepare for life after high school Tuition increases at US public colleges at lowest rate in decades By Larry Gordon colleges, the average 57 percent of graduates ity of the education being Visit the Los Angeles Los Angeles Times sticker price for tuition and of public four-year col- provided,” Cochrane said. Times at http://www.lat- (MCT) fees was up 3.8 percent, leges in 2011-12 had school imes.com/ to $30,094. That was a bit debt, with the average at ©2013 Los Angeles Times LOS ANGELES — The less than the rise of at least $25,000. That amount is Distributed by MCT rise in tuition at public 4 percent in each of the 22 percent higher than the Information Services colleges slowed this year previous three years. The load carried by graduates a to the smallest increase in much lower net cost, what decade ago. more than three decades, students actually pay, aver- At private nonprofit Deadline fast approaching although financial aid has aged $12,460 after grants colleges, 65 percent of not kept pace to cover the and tax benefits, up $530 2011-12 graduates had debt for CSC poetry contest hikes, according to a Col- from last year, the College averaging $29,900, which lege Board study. Board reported. Room and was 24 percent more than a Carl Sandburg College contestant’s name, address, At public four-year board at private schools decade ago. Those figures is seeking entries for the phone number and age colleges and universities average about $10,820. do not include students 25th annual Sandburg Col- category in the upper right- across the country, the av- Both public and private who transferred into the lege Poetry Competition. hand corner. erage price for tuition and colleges have faced more colleges. The contest is open to the fees rose 2.9 percent this pressure from the public Coleman estimated that general public, and poems 4. Poems must be original year — the smallest an- and federal government such loads would require will be judged in three cat- and previously unpub- nual rise in 38 years — to to keep costs down, said payments of about $300 a egories: elementary, (1st- lished. $8,893 for in-state students, economist Jennifer Ma, a month over 10 years, which 5th grade), intermediate the report said. Room and co-author of the report. he believes is manageable (6th-12th grade) and adult. 5. Poems should not be board adds about $9,500. “Obviously, they have and worthwhile given the Winners will be recognized more than two pages. However, analysts urged been mindful of that,” she boost in income that most at an awards ceremony students and families to said. people receive over the at 6:30 p.m. April 24 in 6. The poet should dem- pay closer attention to what For example, President long haul by earning a col- the Student Center on the onstrate wit, intelligence, they described as the more Barack Obama has pro- lege degree. Main Campus in Galesburg imagination and the apt important figure: the net posed a new college rating “I don’t diminish the during the Sandburg Days treatment of sound, im- average cost after grants, system that takes pricing concerns,” he said. “But I Festival, which will take age and concept and avoid tax credits and deductions. and financial aid into ac- want to be clear that a col- place April 23-26. vulgarities. Poems may be That was $3,120, up from count. lege education is one of the Certificates will be free verse or written in pre- $3,050 last year, for aver- Plus, with the reces- best investments a student presented to first-, second-, established forms (sonnet, age net tuition and fees at sion receding, some state or their families can make and third-place winners in sestina, etc.). four-year public colleges. governments have started in terms of health, income each category. All category “It does seem that the to restore higher education and upward mobility.” winners may read their 7. While the poet will re- spiral is moderating — not funding that had been cut Debbie Cochrane, re- compositions and receive tain all rights of authorship, turning around, not end- after tax revenues shrank search director for the Insti- prizes from Carl Sandburg the poet will grant to Carl ing, but moderating,” said five years ago, experts said. tute for College Access & College at the awards cer- Sandburg College the right Sandy Baum, a co-author California voters last year, Success, which pushes for emony. All winning poems to publish any or all of the of the College Board study for example, approved college affordability, said will be published in a book- work, or use it for publicity and research professor at Proposition 30, which that because many recent let that will be distributed purposes, without the pay- George Washington Uni- increased some taxes that graduates are having a hard at the ceremony. ment of royalties or fees. versity. Baum said that the helped avoid tuition hikes. time finding well-paying Entries will not be returned. relatively small increase, A related College Board jobs, many are straining OFFICIAL CONTEST while still above the gen- report tackled the con- to make their payments RULES: 8. All submissions must eral 2 percent inflation, troversial issue of rising and are postponing car and be received no later than was good news and that student debt as part of the house purchases and mar- 1. Each contestant must March 14 at the following she hoped it will encour- overall aid package. Col- riage as a result. live within 200 miles of address: Carol Petersen, as- age more students to enroll lege Board President David “It really is a signal of Carl Sandburg College sociate dean of humanities in college and apply for Coleman said that too many the financial toll the debt is District 518. and fine arts, Carl Sandburg financial aid. students may be scared taking,” Cochrane said. College, 2400 Tom L. Wil- The tuition hikes at away from college by fears Students and parents 2. Each contestant may son Blvd., Galesburg, Ill., four-year public colleges that education loans would should beware of colleges enter one poem only. 61401. from 2010 through 2012 be impossible to pay off that show high loan default had averaged 7.9 percent, when, he said, most college rates among their former 3. The poem must be For more information, 8.5 percent and 4.5 percent, graduates are able to man- students. typed, in 12-point font, contact Petersen at 309- respectively. age those payments. “That may show they double-spaced, on 8 ½-by- 341-5416 or cpetersen@ At private nonprofit According to the report, have to question the qual- 11-inch paper, with the sandburg.edu. page 6 MARCH ELEMENTARY AND JUNIOR HIGH MENUS NORTH CAMPUS WEST CAMPUS

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 3 4 5 6 7 3 4 5 6 7 Chipped Beef Crispito Grilled Cheese French Toast Stix Fun Fish Hot Dog Taco Cheese Sticks Chicken Nuggets Cheese Quesadilla Mashed Potatoes Lettuce/Tomato Chicken Soup Tator Triangle Mac & Cheese Baked Beans Lettuce/Tomato Romaine Salad Mashed Potatoes Romaine Salad Peas Spanish Rice Veggies & Dip Bacon Green Beans Chips Refried Beans Carrots Peas Cherry Tomatoes Peach Half Fruit Cocktail Pear Half Mand. Oranges Fruit Snack Pears Peaches Grapes Apple Banana

Long John/Bacon Cereal/PopTart Pancake/Sausage Cereal/Muffin Cinnamon Tastry Green Eggs/Ham Cereal/Juice Waffle/Pears Donut/Bacon Cereal/Orange

10 11 12 13 14 10 11 12 13 14 Taco Stack Hot Dog Italian Chicken Cheeseburger Shrimp Shapes Storm Burger Chicken Fajita Chicken Biscuit Hamburger Cheese Bagel Lettuce/Tomato Tator Tots Pasta Salad Chips & Salsa Baked Potato Baked Beans Peas Green Beans Horseshoe Fries Carrots/Celery Tropical Fruit Strawberries Sliced Carrots Corn Peaches Hash Browns Red Pepper Celery Corn Romaine Salad Cookie Cake Pear Half Applesauce Pudding Cup Mand. Oranges Mixed Fruit Grapes Applesauce Pineapple

Cinnamon Biscuit Cereal/Toast Breakfast Taco Cereal/Yogurt Donut/Sausage Cereal/Apple PopTart/Fruit Muffin/Sausage Storm Bread Cereal/Grapes

17 18 19 20 21 17 18 19 20 21 Sausage Pizza Breaded Chicken Chili BBQ Pork Sand. NO SCHOOL Chicken Taco Taco in a Bag Lasagna Ham Sandwich NO SCHOOL Green Beans French Fries Veggies & Dip Tator Tots Teachers’ Inst. Romaine Salad Lettuce/Tomato Garlic Stick Chips Teachers’ Inst. Pineapple Tidbits Mand. Oranges Cheese Stix Peach Half Cucumbers Steamed Carrots Romaine Salad Carrots/Celery Cookie Fruit Snack Applesauce Cookie Peaches Tangerines Mixed Fruit Apple

Storm Scramble Cereal/Muffin Long John/Bacon Cereal/PopTart Cereal/Orange French Toast Stix Cereal Bar/Peach Honey Bun

24 25 26 27 28 24 25 26 27 28 Chicken Nuggets Stormburger Hot Dog Tenderloin Grilled Cheese Hamburger Super Nacho BBQ Rib Sand. Popcorn Chicken Cheese Pizza AuGratin Potato Chips & Salsa Coney Sauce French Fries Baked Beans French Fries Mexican Corn Baked Beans Mashed Potatoes Romaine Salad Peas Corn Tator Triangle Mand. Oranges Pear Half Tomato Spinach Red Pepper Chips Corn Celery Tropical Fruit Peach Half Pineapple Tidbits Fruit Snack Teddy Grahams Mixed Fruit Grapes Peaches Banana Apple

French Toast Stix Cereal/Toast Bagel & Cheese Cereal/Yogurt Donut/Sausage Cereal/Grapes Pancake Wrap Cinn. Roll Snack Breakfast Pizza Cereal/Orange

31 31 Chicken Noodles Corn Dog Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Green Beans Chips Cherry Freeze Peaches

Breakfast Pizza Cereal/Apple

Follow us on Twitter United experiments with late start @UHSStormTracker By Riley Whitsitt Attendances at the hours. On Thursday February schools was not dramatical- “The schedule worked 6, the United School Dis- ly impacted despite the late well and I think the kids trict started on a two-hour start, which was due to bru- loved it because they got to Seven Hills Alpacas delay for the first time ever, tally cold weather, despite sleep-in,” she said. and the experiment may not parents having to adjust to The two-hour delay was be a one-time occurrence. a 9:30 bus time instead of discussed at the February Superintendent Jeff 7:30, for example. school board meeting and Whitsitt used the all-call “Attendances were could be implemented in system to announce all pretty good districtwide the future in an effort to classes would begin at and there were hardly any avoid cancelling school due 10:00 a.m. and end at the problems with kids missing to the weather. normal time for all schools. their buses,” Whitsitt said. In addition to the usual He said the only thing that High school Principal snow days, school has been would change was the start Amy Schmitz said that cancelled this year because Werner, Sandy and Michael Steinbeck Email or visit our website: of the day; the rest would classes were out of routine of extreme cold and last [email protected] 217 U.S. Hwy 67 Alexis, IL be the same. because students would go spring classes were can- www.sevenhillsalpacas.com Phone: 309-482-3579 to their first two classes celled one day due to heavy Alpaca socks, gloves, fleece, and yarn for sale then skipped to their lunch rain and flooding.

Distinctive Concepts in Photography Bufford W. Hottle, III 207 N Main Monmouth, IL (309) 734-5500 1134 N. Main Monmouth

MONNMOUTH LEARNING CENTER UNITED SENIOR OF THE MONTH 1677 8oth Street Monmouth 734-3407 Mention that you saw this ad and receive 20% off your session fee March High School Menu page 7 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 3 4 5 6 7 Ham & Cheese on Bun Hay Stack Breaded Pork Patty Spaghetti & Meatballs Cheese Pizza Chips Corn Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Romaine Salad Bread Stick w/Marinara Baked Beans Broccoli-Rice Casserole Green Beans Cheesy Bread Stick Carrot Sticks Cooked Carrots Peaches Pears Pineapple Mixed Fruit Cupcake 10 11 12 13 14 Cheeseburger Fajita/Cheese Wrap Chicken Chunks Lasagna Fish Sandwich French Fries Corn Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Romaine Salad Macaroni & Cheese Broccoli & Cheese Spanish Rice Green Beans Cheesy Bread Stick Cole Slaw Peaches Cookie Pineapple Mandarin Oranges Grapes Mixed Fruit 17 18 19 20 21 Chili Dogs Taco Salad Chicken Fried Steak Ham Patty NO SCHOOL Tator Tots Rice Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Macaroni & Cheese Teachers’ Institute Baked Beans Corn Lima Beans Bread Stick Oranges Applesauce Peaches Grapes 24 25 26 27 28 Chicken Patty on Bun Fiestada Sausage Patty Goulash Grilled Cheese Sandwich Cheesy Potatoes Spanich Rice Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Romaine Salad Tomato/Veggie Soup Peas Corn Green Bean Casserole Cheesy Bread Stick Fruit O’Henry Bar Pears Mandarin Oranges Applesauce Pineapple Cookie 31 Corn Dog Baked Beans Chips Fruit Fluff

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Alpha 629-4361 • Aledo 582-3150 • Alexis 482-5511

New Windsor 667-2735 • Viola 596-2189 • Woodhull 334-2802 Visit our website at www.fsbwil.comd March District Calendar SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 JH Scholastic Bowl JHGBB @ Galva W Elem. PTO HS Solo & Ensemble vs Alwood JH Scholastic Bowl Contest @ MRHS JHGBB vs Alwood @ Avon

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 ISAT testing JH FFA Blood Drive JH Schol Bowl vs JH Schol Bowl @ FCA Breakfast LTC JHGBB tourney- HS Scholastic Re West Elem Kindergar Galva Wethersfield G&B Track @ Knox TBA gional @ Rockridge ten Screening JH/HS Choir Concert JHGBB vs Stark Cty College HS Sports Awards School Board Mtg 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 West Elem Pre-K V/FS SB @ Orion JH Schol Bowl @ No School G&B Track @ Mon- Screening Freshman Orientation Wethersfield SB vs Sherrard mouth College FS BB @ Fulton @ the High School End of 3rd quarter

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 FS BB @ Rockridge JH Schol Bowl @ SB @ Bushnell Report Cards Day V BB vs Galva/Wil V BB vs Rockridge West Central Soph Career Fair @ liamsfield DH FS BB vs Mercer FFA Banquet V SB vs Galva/Wil liamsfield DH page 8 A busy month as some activities end and others plug along BOOST SPEECH TEAM fourth at the Lincoln Trail in original oratory, while all of the details out yet, Conference meet back in Frieden in radio, Harsh- By Jill Henson but hope it will be starting By Hope Fontenoy January. barger and Hemphill in “Come join us, it is soon. The speech team ended Alecia Hawkins in humorous duet acting and so much fun,” said Mrs. Science teacher Kelli its season on February 8 poetry and Maddy Gavin in Alex Davis in impromptu Jeannine Harkness, United Menge’s the science teach- with members placing in prose both took first place. each placed third. BOOST coordinator. husband has been collect- regionals. Urbanski placed second The BOOST program ing random objects for the A total of six speech has added more before Robotics club so they can team members went to and after-school activities, make their own robot. regionals with four of them Fellowship of Christian Athletes including strategic games placing. Ollie Urbanski The BOOST program By Hope Fontenoy everyone else at school and such as chess and checkers. placed fifth in original ora- has to have 50 students At this month’s FCA on the TV, but ‘God swag’ If you like fitness, tory, Brody Freiden placed attend at least 30 days of breakfast, they welcomed is where you try to be like a morning fitness class fifth in radio, and the team activities. They are 22 stu- youth minister Jon Ry- God. has been added under the of Dante Hemphill and dents who have attended 30 chener, who was from “When I was in high direction of coaches Jeremy Noah Harshbarger placed days or even more. Three Northwoods Church in school, I wanted one of Sharp and Jim Noonan. seventh overall in humor- students have reached 60 Galesburg. those cool A&F shirt, but Due to the lack of at- ous duet acting. days of activities. There were served muf- I didn’t have the money to tendance, the cooking class Unfortunately, none of The BOOST program fins, orange juice and milk buy one. I did the math and has been discontinued for them were able to move focuses mainly on STEM at the breakfast. The muf- it would take me months to the time being, while the on to sectionals, as the top (Science, Technology, En- fins were all made by Con- save up just from mowing photography club is ex- four places advance. gineering and Mathematics) nie Frakes, Jackie Burnett lawns. So instead I painted pected to begin this coming “In speech there is activities. They love seeing and Shanda Brownlee. A&F on a plain white t- week. something for everyone new people come to the Rychener spoke about shirt and wore it to school. The BOOST club is to relate to. You get the programs and hope to reach his personal experiences Once I got to school, a girl thinking about adding a hip chance to meet new people that 50 students or more during high school and his quickly pointed out that the hop yoga class after school. and make a bunch of attend 30 activities or more ‘God swag.’ letters were painted on,” They still haven’t worked friends.” said Urbanski. by the end of the year. Swag is basically where said Rychener (pictured “Speech has prepared you are trying to fit in with below). me for ‘growing up.’ I’m not ready for the season to end. We might all get together again for an 80’s movie marathon.” This was the best season the speech team has had in the three years of Mrs. Madeline Wood coaching them. To prepare for regionals, the team worked together, constantly reading their speeches to each other, and even just talking to the walls. Urbanski and Frieden would often text each other to bounce ideas off the Freshman Takoda Newberry works on his robot, part other to better their perfor- of the BOOST program’s Robotics Club that meets mances. weekly after school. “We had a great season, best one so far. Last year we only had two student go to regionals. If we can keep the momentum going into next season we will be a very competitive team,” Mrs. Wood said. The team placed

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Boys’ hoops show improvement over a year ago

By Cam Harshbarger this year and they have With a loss on Febru- been improving a lot from ary 24 to Farmington by 12 last year to this year,” said points in the regional tour- Noonan. nament, the United High Basketball teams of- School basketball juniors ten have little chemistry, are putting this year’s loss but with this United team behind them and focusing the players were all best on next year. friends and grew up with In the regional game, one another. Lance Sperry scored a “We spent a lot of time team-high of 15 points together over the summer while Job Runge grabbed and bounded as a team,” the board 7 times that night. said Whitsitt. “We’re a physical team. Runge is looking for- I think Farmington just ward to next year to prac- Seniors Lance Sperry, Marvin Vogel and Riley Whitsitt, along with cheerleader Ki- outran us,” said Coach Jim tice with his brother, sopho- ersten Youngquist, were recognized for their success ahead of the final home game Noonan. more Noah. of the season. “This year was tough for us, but I believe were in a “Noah and I usually Coach Noonan and his rebuilding process for this practice on our individual group of juniors are look- year. Next year I hope we skills, but I think we’re ing forward to next year’s do better,” said junior Job going to focus more on season as they try to get out Runge. teamwork,” Runge sai. of the rebuilding process Last season, the boys’ “Teamwork will be the key and get back on track. basketball team only won next year.” one game the entire year. This year, they won five. “We’re getting better each year. It just takes some time,” said Noonan. Seniors Riley Whitsitt and Lance Sperry have played basketball together ever since they were little kids and now they play their last game together. “Chemistry is a big factor in the game, Lance and I have played together for along time and we have built a lot of chemistry between us,” said Whitsitt. Both say they are look- Dig? A United player tries to save a ball from going ing forward to coming back out of bounds much the way a volleyball player would and watching their former Senior Lance Sperry often led the team in scoring and be credited with a dig. teammates play next year. his points per game will be one area Coach Noonan “The whole team next will focus on replacing as he prepares the underclass- year will have such great men for next season. chemistry with each other”, said Sperry. At the beginning of the year, United started off with a 0-5 record and finally pulled off their first victory against DePue. “The sophomore class really came out and helped the varsity team out a lot page 10

Girls close out basketball season with lone victory over Princeville

By Marvin Vogel all-conference honorable The United girls’ bas- mention, said. ketball team finished the Named academic all- season with a 1-8 record conference were were in conference play with seniors Brunswig, Shelby that single victory coming Link and Haley Osborn; late in the season against juniors Abbey French and Princeville. Kelsie Lucas; sophomores They started the season Natalie Johnson and Ad- losing games by mostly die McKee; and freshman more than a 20 point dif- Joelle Shea. ference, but at the end they The girls closed out the were getting better and season with one of their could finally mark their best performances at the United’s Callie Brunswig, Shelby Link and Haley Osborn are honored for their ef- first win against Princeville regional tournament against forts prior to their final home game on Senior Night. in one of their last games. “It was a struggle, but Monmouth-Roseville in a tough season a little eas- the team did a great job Farmington. ier to endure and I would staying together through “We played very well, say this group of kids got this tough season with probably one of our best along very well and there only one win and the girls games this year, but we wasn’t as many conflicting never thought about giv- could not go the pace they personalities as you tend to ing up,” said senior Callie were going throughout the get within a large group of Brunswig, who wants to whole game,” Brunswig girls. They seemed to enjoy keep her basketball career said. In the end, United each other all season long.” going in college. lost by 20. The girls can look for- Varsity coach Fred Compared to last sea- ward to next year’s season. Lucas said about the season, Coach Lucas said, “We They are losing only three son: “It was challenging may have won a few more seniors and they have a for both the girls and me. games last year, but the strong junior and sopho- But despite the tough times, closeness of this team made more class coming in. they continued to stay posi- tive and work hard, always believing that our night would come.” And the night finally did come, as the team finally took home a win, on the road, at Princeville. “It felt like winning the Super Bowl, every- body was very happy,” Junior Ashley Brown tiptoes the baseline as she looks Brunswig, who was named for an outlet pass. SPORTSCARDS BUY - SELL- TRADE CA$H PAID for wood bats, old gloves, Joelle Shea (left) and Natalie Johnson (right) are two programs, scorecards, books, statues, players Coach Lucas will be counted on next year. pennants, cards, etc. for personal collection

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IHSA Board approves multiplier waiver changes, adds Success Advancement Component The Illinois High School if that were not the case. current school year. termining waiver eligibility. 4. Schools that move up Association (IHSA) Board The committee’s makeup “I feel like we are mov- “The public-private more than one class due of Directors met at its regu- was a microcosm of our ing in the right direction debate is a hot issue around to the implementation larly scheduled meeting in membership; represented with these new rules,” said the country, but I think a of the above criteria will Bloomington on Wednes- by schools large and small, Gordon Tech Principal Jim proactive approach in Il- move down one class per day, February 19, where the private and public, city and Quaid, an IHSA Board linois has helped us avoid year until they reach their Board approved a recom- rural. For such a diverse member who served on the many of the issues en- appropriate classification mendation to amend Board group to agree on this committee. “The original gulfing other states,” said for their enrollment should Policy 17, specifically re- proposal was a powerful IHSA multiplier painted Hickman. “Clearly there they stop meeting the ad- lated to the non-boundaried statement to our Board and all non-boundaried schools was some give and take in vancement criteria outlined school multiplier waiver. we appreciate their efforts.” with the same broad brush. this process between by the above. The changes, which take The recommendation The prior changes to the committee. The multiplier effect in the 2014-15 school was a result of 15-person waiver and this success ad- waiver period was short- In Bracketed Team year, establish a point sys- ad hoc committee that was vancement policy are posi- ened, while those non- Sports/Activities (baseball, tem to determine whether a charged with reviewing the tive steps toward looking at boundaried schools who basketball, scholastic bowl, school receives a multiplier merits of a “success factor.” each school’s programs in- have experienced success soccer, softball, volleyball, waiver, while also adding a The committee, which in- dividually. We believe that beyond the norm will play water polo, wrestling) over Success Advancement step cluded representation from this formula is an accurate up a classification.” four years: that will move schools who 10 public high schools and assessment of the overall The new Success Ad- reach certain thresholds up five non-boundaried high strength of a program.” vancement step will move 1. Participated twice in the in classification. schools, was comprised of In the new formula, a schools up a classification final four of a particular “This recommendation member high school princi- non-boundaried school if they achieve the follow- sport/activity. was brought forward with pals, athletic directors and will accrue one point for ing: unanimous support from coaches. a Regional title and two In football over four In Non-Bracketed the committee,” said IHSA The Board approved the points for a Sectional title, years: Sports over four years: Executive Director Marty formation of the committee although a school that Hickman. “Frankly, I’m at its meeting in June, 2013 wins both a Regional and 1. Participated in two state 1. Won two trophies at the not sure the Board would and the group met three a Sectional in the same championship games. state finals in a particular have even considered it times over the course of the year will earn only two sport/activity. points. Schools who earn 2. Starting with the 2015 four points or more in a season, schools would be “Illinois is the largest four-year span or qualify moved up two classes from state in the country that is for the state finals once in their enrollment classifica- still playing state cham- that time-frame will not be tion if, over a four year pionships with all of its eligible for a waiver. period, the school partici- member schools under one As a part of the changes, pated in three champion- umbrella,” said commit- the time-frame for deter- ship games. tee member and University mining waivers was short- High School of Chicago ened from six years to four 3. Starting with the 2016 Athletic Director Dave years. season, schools would be Ribbens, “I believe that is There were no changes moved up three classes important to the tradition of in the application of the from their enrollment clas- the state and I applaud the waiver system in football, sification if, over a four IHSA and member schools Track practice is underway as team members prepare where winning a first round year period, the school for being able to keep that for indoor meets on March 14 and 22. Results and a playoff game will continue participated in four champi- together.” preview of the upcomiong season will be featured in to be the threshold for de- onship games. the next issue of the Storm Tracker on March 28.

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