NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE THE WESTON HIGH SCHOOL PAID PERMIT NO. 95 OURNAL WESTPORT, CT 06880 J115 School Road, Weston, CT 06883 February 2013 • Year XII, Issue IV Where Do We Draw the Line? Examining new security measures at WHS dents as safe as possible. that the chances of any- on mental health. Wein- to achieve, where do we being able to learn. She Steve Friedman ‘14 With every action, thing similar to the New- stein adds that “there’s draw the line?” Millions mentioned that, in the Staff Writer however, comes criti- town incident happening certainly something to could be spent on secu- core belief statement of cism, and not everyone to Weston are too low to be said about doing ev- rity technology and con- the school system that Every day, people flow is happy with the new be worth the cost and the erything in our power to stant, omniscient eyes “speaks to our commit- in and out of the doors of bolstered security. Kei on every square inch of ment to providing a safe the Weston High School, Pritsker, a junior and school property, but that and intellectually chal- Middle School, Inter- one leader of the Young would be overly exces- lenging environment... mediate School, and El- Politicians club of WHS, sive, so the right bal- the word “safe” was ementary School. It’s voices concerns of many ance of efficiency and purposely placed before something that hasn’t that locked doors may effectivity is certainly intellectually challeng- received much atten- be ineffective against an a topic of importance. ing.” In the same speech tion in the history of the armed intruder (at Sandy Principal Wolak re- she pushes for additional school system until the Hook, the attacker broke sponded to some con- safety monitors at the recent and shockingly in through a window). cerns, especially those of school, noting that the close-to-home tragedy at He dismisses the locked the effectiveness of the school renovation that Newtown. No one wants doors as a “huge incon- door, saying that while took place several years anything similar to hap- venience,” and claims the buzz-in system does ago failed to match the pen again, and natu- that even one armed po- not fully address the is- expansion of the school rally, Weston looked at lice officer may not be sue, it “provide[s] a level with an expansion of its own schools to see enough in the case of of safety and control over security. In fact, there what could be improved a real emergency. That visitors in the building used to be three security in order to better protect being said, Pritsker and and prevents people from guards ten years ago, one students. Quick change many others, both in our wandering in.” She gives of them being Ms. Hicks, was administered in a immediate community assurance that the Weston the current school secre- matter of days after the and in the world, stress Police and other security tary, but the expiration of tragedy, and students at that the real issue is one experts were involved in a grant that was paying WHS soon became aware of mental illnesses, and the decision-making pro- for the third guard re- that they could only en- that the school admin- cess, and that, as they re- sulted in only two guards ter through the main istration as well as the ceive further input, there protecting the school, doors in the morning, US Government at large will be additional secu- so now there is a school and once the school day should focus on mental rity; the matter of the twice as big with fewer had commenced, anyone health instead of increas- safety of Weston students people protecting it. Ms. entering was required ing security measures. Locked doors and officers are the new normal at will not be forgotten eas- Wolak also noted that the to ring a buzzer by the Zack Weinstein, an- Weston High School. ily. In her presentation district is looking for a front to gain entrance other junior and active Photograph by Emily Weyrauch at the Board of Educa- “school resource offi- into the school. Further- member in the Young tion Budget meeting, cer,” which is simply a more, an armed police Politicians club, is also Ms. Wolak stressed the title for an armed police officer has been pres- against the new security inconveniences, while protect the lives of our important direct correla- officer assigned specifi- ent at the school every measures, but for differ- also agreeing that more high schoolers, but if tion between students’ Continued on page 4 day in order to keep stu- ent reasons. He claims emphasis should be put this is the goal we wish assurance of safety and GSA, Young Politicians team up in gay marriage debate As one of only two indi- “Marriage is already a le- ligious institution can Emily Weyrauch ‘13 viduals present from the gal matter, and the issue deprive people of that.” Sarah Gruen ‘13 non-100% supporting gay at hand is human rights.” The discussion also Editors-in-Chief marriage side of the argu- The conversation turned to property rights ment, he began by stat- started with a bang, and the of private religious or At 8:00 p.m. January ing his opinion, “What discussion continued to be medical institutions when 15, the Young Politicians does supporting gay mar- heated for the duration considering gay patrons. Club and the Gay-Straight riage really mean? Mar- of the two-hour debate. Summers said, Alliance set up a presiden- riage is when two people A climax of the dis- “When the government tial debate-style discus- come together and make a cussion was when sopho- begins to dictate what sion in the auditorium on pledge of their love-- the more Justin Summers people can and can’t be- the topic of gay marriage. government should not be said,“Our rights come lieve, that’s dangerous.” A poll of the attend- involved at all. [...] Some from something above the The debate, although ees before the debate people have the personal government [...] I don’t lacking in complete or- showed 87.5% support opinion that gays can’t get know if marriage is a ganization, seemed to of gay marriage, while married, and the govern- right, but equality is. We culminate in a great- 6.25% was against it ment has to pick a side: is A survey conducted of attendees of gay marriage debate must continue that equal- er understanding be- and 6.25% was in the gay marriage marriage or ity in front of the law tween both viewpoints. gray area. (See chart.) is it not? Either way, it will riage were very reactive. everyone to get married, since marriage is legal.” Malcolm McClintock, Kei Pritsker of the cast out the other party.” Steve Friedman, mem- there is no reason to stop Junior Ross Co- moderator of the debate, Young Politicians club To this, the sup- ber of the GSA, said “Un- it at the halfway point.” hen added, “It is a ba- Continued on page 3 opened up the debate. porters of gay mar- less we make it illegal for Izzy Kerr added, sic human right--no re- S

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THE WESTON HIGH SCHOOL a half, we become--to ma- logical thing to do with us. We're just waiting for OURNAL ny--the “same” as the com- Because people tend something. All through J mercialized teens that the to think of teenagers as high school that's what media sells to us, that we these active hormonal we're doing: looking to- EDITORIAL BOARD see on TV and in movies. volcanoes. And that’s not ward the future instead I’m sorry, but we are necessarily true. We are of living for the moment. Sarah Gruen not the teenagers of High humans too--somewhere And that's what we are School Musical. The me- between childhood and conditioned to do. That is Emily Weyrauch dia tries to make the ex- full-blown suit-and-tie how we are taught to think perience of growing up a adulthood (here’s hoping in order to be successful. Editors-in-Chief universal one. Everything we never get there). We But were waiting for happens to everyone, and are normal people who are what? And what is success? AROUND THE CAMPUS there are a few archetypical just trying to figure our- Chances are, we won't molds from which each of selves out before it’s too one day awake from our Michael Kalmans us blossoms. But not really. late. So cut us some slack. hibernation or emerge Aaron Pomerance Emily Weyrauch ‘13 Imagine growing up in If the media is giving from our cocoon and sud- Editor-in-Chief a world without the media. us these expectations of denly be the person we Section Editors We would not know what teens, society is imposing have been waiting to be- It’s weird that we’re to expect, except maybe on us an insane amount of come, The person we in high school. These from hearing stories from pressure. This is the so- had been building up for. OUT & ABOUT are supposed to be the friends and siblings. We called "time of our lives," People seem to forget that wonder years. These are Elliott Eglash wouldn’t have this soci- but I'm not feeling it. In- life doesn’t start after high the years of The Break- etal pressure to act a cer- stead, and I think I speak school, upon graduation Senior Section Editor fast Club and Grease, of tain way because that’s for a fair amount of stu- day. Life doesn’t start on Emily Goldberg young Matthew Broder- what “teens do” because dents, I feel like I'm waiting the first day of college or ick, of warm apple pies. the expected behavior of for something. Like I'm on on the first day of your Section Editor Yup, we’re living it teens is something that the the uphill track of a roller job. It started from day right now. From the mo- media made up in order to coaster, eagerly anticipat- one, and you’ve been liv- ment we start calling our- SPORTS & ATHLETICS make sense of us. And I ing the liberating initially ing it ever since. You’re selves a teen when we think trying to make sense scary drop that begins the not waiting, and you nev- Andrew Parks round up from twelve and of teenagers is the least rest of my life--real life. er have been. Get going. Micah Zirn der helping me navigate the and society’s very values, have to do with that great, Section Editors murky waters of my con- especially a choice that is big, black cloud? I think scious. I have no power to contradictory in and of it- that what I’ve determined predict the future, and I hear self, I can’t help but panic. is that we here in Weston OPINION&COMMENTARY psychics were hit hard by Who am I to decide what aren’t faced with too many Olivia Clark the recession and are hard is morally correct? Am major tests of self. Maybe to come by. I have no ro- I selfish to think that my once in a blue moon do we Daniel Muller botic switch that can deter- judgment is somehow bet- have the metaphorical mid- Section Editors mine “right” and “wrong” ter than another person’s? term exam, that one deci- for me, nor do I have a I feel a bit petty lament- sion that counts for 10% of breezy, “be as it may” at- ing my greatest woes when who we are and makes all Liz Lepore titude that would allow me people are faced with life- of the other choices seem Katie Mitchell to shrug off big decisions or-death decisions regard- disappointingly inconse- and saunter through life. ing war and genocide and quential. It is easy dur- Copy Editors Maybe it’s a bless- poverty. I also think that ing this “exam” to forget Sarah Gruen ‘13 ing, maybe it’s a curse that time is pretty darn precious how much everything else Benson Kane Editor-in-Chief humans were given this and pretty darn fleeting, counts—the 90% of those Michael Sitver It seems that all of great capacity to choose. and the more time I waste small decisions that you humanity has this massive In our nation, choosing— examining every imper- make every day and de- Business Managers black cloud over its head. our clothes, food prefer- fection of opposing argu- termine who you are as a Okay, maybe that’s a bit of ences, friends, thoughts, ments, the less time I spend person. We can’t just save an exaggeration. But our beliefs, moral values—is doing something. While we our best critical skills in Elaine Hong generation lives in a pretty an unalienable right. I am must consider our options waiting for something big Media Manager difficult time, and whether the first to admit that I too and not rush into any kind to happen. Indecisiveness we caused the problems often take this right for of rash decision, patience and indifference built that Matthew Risoli so apparent today or were granted. But it sure is a is really the great luxury of cloud. We have the respon- handed them by our pre- hassle to know that, posit- those who aren’t suffering. sibility to be aware of our Andrew Jorge decessors, we’ve had (and ing choice as a right, we There is this impossible place on earth and make a Faculty Advisors will continue to have) an have the responsibility to balance of never having conscious effort to make it a unhealthy dose of issues do what is good. And as enough grounds to make a better place. It’s sometimes to overcome and many im- an eighteen year old used fully informed choice and very difficult to do the right STAFF WRITERS portant decisions to make. to many mostly black and throwing away time that thing. We are all tempted to I know that over the past white, relatively inconse- could be spent doing that choose what is easy over Lucy Chestler year, especially, I’ve had to quential choices—Mac or something. I have no per- what is “right,” and there Evie Chodock make some tough choices, PC, ACT or SAT, Asian sal- fect formula for when to are consequences and reac- Steve Friedman and I honestly don’t know ad or quesadilla—I freeze push the button (it’s that tions to every action. There Anisha Khosla what life would be like to- when faced with something whole not being a robot will be rain, or even storms that is not simply inher- thing). I really don’t know as that black cloud passes. Carolyn Kren day if I had taken a differ- ent path. I have no spirit ently good or bad, right or any better than any of you. But it is the only way for us Chloe Mandell guide sitting on my shoul- wrong. When I do have to So what does all of to eventually see the sun. Scarlett Machson make a choice that tests my this philosophical stuff Jack Seigenthaler “No person in the United States Assistant Principal Weston, CT 06883 Sarah Tessler shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded Weston Intermedi- (203) 291-1451 from participation in, be denied the TITLE IX NOTICE ate School kimkus@westonps. Natalie Quiles benefits of, or be subjected to discrimi- prohibits discrimination on the basis necessary to protect the complainant(s). 95 School Road org Weston, CT 06883 of sex, race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, James Willis nation under any education program Individuals with questions or con- (203) 291-2702 Weston Middle or activity receiving Federal finan- national origin, marital status, age, dis- cerns about Title IX, other federal and doreenoleary@ School Coordinator cial assistance...” 20 U.S.C. § 1681 ability, religion, sexual orientation, state laws concerning discrimination, westonps.org Michael Bernardi Title IX of the Education Amend- and gender identity in employment as and/or those who wish to file a com- Assistant Principal ments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits well as in the provision of all services, plaint of non-compliance, may contact Hurlbutt Elementary Weston Middle ARTISTS & discrimination based on sex in educa- programs, and activities. The Board the District’s Title IX Coordinator, or the School Coordinator School Kim Kus 135 School Road tional programs which receive federal of Education’s Policies and Regula- building based Title IX Coordinators. Assistant Principal Weston, CT 06883 PHOTOGRAPHERS financial assistance. Athletics are one tions regarding non-discrimination District Coordinator Daniel Doak Hurlbutt Elemen- (203) 291-1451 component of Title IX. Other programs can be found on the District’s website: Lewis D. Brey Assistant Principal tary School michaelbernardi@ Katherine Marra and activities which may be included http://www.westonps. Director of Human Weston High 9 School Road westonps.org Resources and School are: course offerings and access, co- org/page.cfm?p=2775 Alternatively, or in addition to the Title IX Lilly Scrimmager Internal Coun- 115 School Road The District’s Title IX Coordina- Coordinator(s), inquiries regarding Title IX may curricular activities, hiring, retention, sel Weston, CT 06883 be directed to the U.S. Department of Education’s Tyler Thompson benefits, and leave. Title IX also protects tors monitor compliance with this law 24 School Road (203) 291-1643 Office for Civil Rights, the federal agency charged students and employees, both male and and other federal and state laws that Weston, CT 06883 dandoak@we- with enforcing compliance with Title IX: Stephanie Wengel female, from unlawful sexual harass- prohibit discrimination. The Title IX (203) 291-1412 stonps.org lewisbrey@ ment in school programs and activities. Coordinators investigate all complaints Boston Office westonps.org Weston Inter- In compliance with Title IX, and of discrimination and address all viola- Office for Civil Rights mediate School tions. The Title IX Coordinators also US Department of Education in accordance with other federal and Weston High Coordinator 5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor state laws, the Weston Public Schools facilitate any measures that may be School Coordinator Doreen O’Leary Boston, MA 02109-3921

Correction: in the December 2012 issue, “Holly Jolly Traditions” was written by Sarah Tessler, and “Con- flict Captures Media Attention” was written by Evie Chodock. We apologize for the error. around the campus 3 Got February Break? We Don’t! worth the removal of Feb- break in February is a great chance to go anywhere.” cause no one can go any- the revised schedule and Evie Chodock ‘15 ruary break. Sophomore way to relieve the stress Megan Grotto agrees, where in April because plan on taking an extended Staff Writer Chloe Mandel feels that, school causes students. saying, “I think we should of all the spring sports.” vacation anyway. This rais- “it’s not good to switch Also, having a shorter have February break and There are some students es the concern as to wheth- Weston High School things up, and having a break gives us less of a just cancel April break be- who wish to rebel against er enough students will be students are more stressed present in school to have than ever. What better normal classes. Unlike the way to relieve your stress unscheduled cancellation than having a nice long of February break a few break to look forward to years ago, students and in February? Well, this their families have known year, students and faculty about this change in sched- members will not have uling for the entire school that pleasure; the annual year. However, there are February break is no lon- some families that have ger in existence, as voted booked vacations from on by the town of Weston. last year, before the can- Some students dream cellation was announced, of a longer summer. But is and other students partici- this newly formed reality pate in community service really worth the cost of our trips that take place only beloved February break? in February. There seems Sophomore Kristen Ri- to be no compromise that vera believes the change will satisfy the entire stu- is for the better, stating, dent body and faculty. “Right now it may seem However, teachers plan terrible, but once it's June to continue with their cur- and we get to go on sum- riculum during the week mer break a week earlier of February 17-23, regard- than normal, it will all be less of any prior plans worth it. Plus, having a and students who will long weekend in Febru- be missing substantial ary is still enough time to amounts of school will be take a ski trip to Vermont required to make up work or a quick visit to Florida.” Weston High School students hard at work during B3’s trip to Nicaragua in February 2012. they miss at another time. Others believe that Photograph by Alexa Levine a longer summer is not School Dance 101 Gay Marriage Debate

in the grade. The group and rest up in advance. (continued) Anisha Khosla ‘14 allowed for girls to post Do eat beforehand, be- Continued from page 1 Said McClintock, “I of time, the club plans to Staff Writer pictures of the dresses cause the food provided said, “I thought the debate love the newfound rela- organize more debates. Perhaps one of the most that they were consider- is minimal. No matter went well, or at least in tionship between the two “I think these types of anticipated perks of being ing so that there would how many spring rolls my opinion better than ex- clubs. I’ve always seen debates are a great way to an upperclassman is the be no need for a “Who you eat, you will always pected. Although at times clubs at WHS as differ- accomplish the goal of the participation in Counties, Wore It Better” segment feel hungry. The food we got highly distracted ent entities, so to see a Young Politicians group to the local Sadie Hawkins the day of the dance. By got cold rather quickly, and there was the occa- collaboration such as this kill political apathy within Dance, which took beginning the hunt for and was never reheat- sional yelling, it wouldn’t is something I’d like to our school. It’s certainly place earlier this year. a dress early on, you ed, so the refreshments have been a successful hold onto. The GSA, be- great to see my peers Junior girls from Fair- can guarantee that your stayed at a lukewarm debate otherwise. Behind ing tied to an issue that is weigh in on such a criti- field, Westport, Weston dress is the right choice, temperature throughout all the distractions and closely related to politics, cal issue,” said Pritsker. and Wilton participated and thus plan the rest of the night. Eating dinner intricately constructed in the event, which was your outfit accordingly. beforehand guarantees sidebars, the heart of the strictly black tie, thus, Do not tire yourself that you won’t die of star- debate was around the le- the ballroom of the Stam- out prior to the dance. vation and provides you gitimacy of gay marriage. ford Marriott was filled The venue featured lim- with some much needed In the end we achieved with hundreds of teen- ited seating, with just a energy for the dancing our goal of discussing agers in ball gowns and few tables set up with- portion of the evening. the controversial issue.” tuxedoes. However, de- in the ballroom. If you And finally… James Willis, leader spite the high levels of weren’t lucky enough to Do not attend if you of the Young Politicians, anxiety leading up to the land yourself one of those have no intention of agreed. “There were a event—the search for the early on, it was unlikely dancing. As I briefly few kinks here and there perfect dress, the rent- that you sat down at all mentioned earlier, it is to work out but that is ing of transportation— during the dance. For one of the two activi- because it was our first many felt that it fell short girls who chose to wear ties available to you, [debate] as Young Politi- of their expectations. incredibly high heels, this and I promise you that cians is a fairly new club Members of the GSA voice their opinions. In the hope of offering posed an issue in terms of standing around for two [...] The discussion did Photograph by Emily Weyrauch some advice to dance- comfort. Even the guys, hours is not as much fun get pretty heated at times. attendees in the future: who did not have their as it sounds. Make sure There were walk outs, Do plan your out- feet elevated 30 degrees you and your date are profanity, and some raised will attempt to hold onto Casey Sollazzo, pres- fit in advance. Take it above the horizontal, keen on getting on that voices [...] but I think it the political center of the ident of the GSA, said, “I from experience, things complained of weari- dance floor and mak- went very well overall.” WHS students,” he added. think WHS is pretty ac- never go as planned on ness after the first hour. ing complete fools out Pritsker added, The Young Politicians cepting of the concept of the day of the event, so The dance was also strict of yourselves for the “The yelling didn’t and GSA may not have legalizing gay marriage. the more planning that on time of attendance; sake of entertainment, bother me too much I another gay marriage de- WHS may struggle with is done ahead of time, no one was allowed in because otherwise you could tell that every- bate in the works, but the using derogatory terms, the better. Ladies, if you past 8:30, and the guests may not have the grand one was very passion- Young Politicians hope and being 100% tolerant plan on attending, begin were not allowed to time you were expecting. ate about the topic which to “cooperate again with at all times but overall I your dress hunt in early leave until 10:30, guar- The evening is really is what matters most.” the GSA in the future,” think it is a pretty accept- November. One thing anteeing at least two what you make of it, so The relationship according to Pritsker. ing atmosphere and cer- that many found help- hours of being trapped make an effort and you between the clubs, al- Although this debate- tainly everyone in the GSA ful was the creation of a in a room with hundreds will be rewarded with though new, was highly -the first one run by the group is there to provide Facebook group, which of kids you don’t know. a night to remember. successful, according Young Politicians--was comfort to anyone in our included all of the girls So, do yourself a favor, to the groups’ leaders. planned in a short period community that needs it!” FEBRUARY 2013 | AROUND THE CAMPUS 4 Kiss Me, Kate Takes the Stage

ell (Walker Edelman). Chase Troxell) show up the Weston High School After casting, the Crucible, when Company Jack Seigenthaler ‘14 Meanwhile, players Bill to collect Bill’s gambling crowd come March. “Kiss group moved right into the lost a pivotal stretch of Contributing Writer Calhoun (Bobby Eddy) debt and set their sights Me, Kate is a classic musi- rehearsal process, a signifi- rehearsals just weeks be- Weston High School’s and Lois Lane (Annabelle on the near-bankrupt Fred cal and a rollicking good cant commitment for those fore opening in the after- Company is well into the involved. Often, practice math of Hurricane Sandy. rehearsal process of the demands 10-15 hours a “We’ve lost 5 or so perennial musical theater week. “We rehearse a lot, rehearsals since the show classic, Kiss Me Kate. but it’s worth it in the began due to a number “We’re really excited to be end,” says Caroline Can- of extenuating circum- starting up again after the non, who plays the effer- stances—from snow days success of The Crucible,” vescent hairdresser Hattie. to a lack of power in the said Company president “Everybody who’s a part building. This adds up Sarah Gruen. “It’s al- of this show loves being in terms of hours pretty ready looking like anoth- on stage and working to- quickly,” said Gruen. er brilliant Weston High gether to put up a great However, she doesn’t School Company product. production.” “Cole Porter foresee it as a problem The show-within- is a genius of the theater,” by the show’s opening. a-show (with a score by added Ross Cohen, play- “Not only does Mr. Cole Porter) tracks the ing the energetic costumer Long know what it takes to opening of a musical ver- Paul. “The show-within- put together a production, sion of Taming of the a-show is something to but the actors are devoted Shrew in Baltimore, a which all the actors can to doing what needs to production featuring a for- connect, making the re- be done to ready Kate by merly married pair of fad- hearsal process a lot of fun opening night. The Cruci- ing stars—Fred Graham Actors sing a song from Kiss Me, Kate in a late-night rehearsal. for everybody involved. ble was a great example of (Jack Seigenthaler) and Photograph by Debbie Rehr Despite Company’s how our cast and crew can Lilli Vanessi (Dianna Jean enormous dedication of come together to put on a Sturgis)—who find them- Shea) are in a feud of their instead, the stage is set time: a blend of backstage time to Kiss Me, Kate, wonderful show, in spite of selves helplessly falling own: Bill can’t seem to for an unforgettable story. farce and high romance, there have already been any setbacks,” said Gruen. in love once again, despite leave his gambling behind, The score is filled with an unbeatable score some significant challeng- Kiss Me, Kate opens the presence of Lilli’s for- and Lois is insisting he do with recognizable hits, by the legendary Cole es the cast and crew have March 15th, 16th and midable military fiancée, just that, or she’s mov- and, according to The- Porter. We’re very ex- faced in terms of losing 17th, and will run the General Harrison How- ing on. When gangsters ater Director Damian cited to present it here at rehearsals. This, of course, following weekend, (Kevin MacWilliams and Long, will surely please WHS,” says Mr. Long. comes on the heels of The on the 22nd and 23rd. Security Midterm (continued) Recap

Continued from page 1 have helped prevent theft Trends: throughout the school. The higher the grade cally to the Weston cam- you are in, the more Another topic of con- you know what to puses. Another presenta- sideration for us students expect on midterms. tion at the budget meeting at WHS is that these • The higher the noted that Darien, New changes are not limited grade you’re in, the less studying Canaan, Ridgefield, and to the High School; the you do. Wilton all have a school Middle School, Interme- resource officer and that diate School, and Ele- Thoughts they can prove to be very mentary school have also useful. Their main pur- seen some preventive ac- from a pose is to defend those tion put forth. The main in the schools, but that is difference with the High Freshman not the limit of their job School and the schools description: “law related dealing with younger Caroline Kren ‘16 education” and “law re- children is that, as Ms. Staff Writer lated counseling” are Wolak puts it, “the peo- Photograph by Lilly Scrimmager their other duties. Educa- ple who come into [the tion refers to the officer high school] have two Ninth grade: Tenth grade: Eleventh grade: Twelfth grade: serving as an occasional destinations. They have • Students started studying one • Students studied the • Students procrastinated! • Students procrastinated and yet studied a guest speaker in classes week before midterms. same amount of time as • Students already knew decent amount. the main office, or they • For those who barely studied: They and “promot[ing] healthy • Students’ prioritized their the ninth graders. the difficulty level of have Guidance. That’s midterm studying schedule. They know that because it is senior year, it prob- behavior through posi- • Students did not priori- midterms from past years, it. On the other hand, studied their hardest subjects first. tize for hardest subject to so they only focused, not ably won’t affect them getting into college, tive relationships with so they only studied a little for the classes there’s a lot more parent The classes most students studied easiest subject as much on their hardest subjects, they need to bring their grade up in. students,” while coun- traffic in the other build- first are science, social studies, and as the ninth graders. They but on what they thought • For those who studied: They want to seling involves working ings.” Parents who go in math because of the great quantity first studied for the class their hardest midterms continue to do well on midterms. with guidance counselors to help out with younger of material learned and because of their first midterm test, would be. • Students know the midterms’ difficulty. and students, and facili- students go to classrooms those were their hardest classes. and so on, and so on. tating conflict resolution. all over the schools, Potential improve- which creates a “more ro- Every person studies differently. I started studying about a week and a half before midterms, because as a fresh- ments include a security bust guest-list” as a chal- man, I didn’t really know what to expect. I studied by going over test, quizzes, notes, and reading the subjects books’. audit, in which profes- lenge for K-8 schools. Many students also used another method. Like many freshman, Susanna Clark, said that “for key terms/vocab words, sionals come and look All things consid- [she] used flashcards.” It turned out, that that helped a lot. But that’s not all. Nour Shubber, a sophomore, said that, at the schools and make ered, there is no doubt “one way [she] studied was by highlighting all the topics that were going to be on the midterm in different col- suggestions on how to that there is an earnest ors: green = understand, yellow = need to review, and pink = need to study more and don’t understand enough.” improve their security. force doing everything Right before my first midterm I was so nervous. I had a few minutes before class, and like my other classmates, It was one of these same in its power to protect I was quickly reviewing. It turned out that the test was not as bad as I thought. Clare Foertsch, a freshman said, “The audits that suggested those at the schools in midterm was a lot easier than I expected! Some parts were harder than others, and during those parts I had a brief the sign-out sheet for Weston, and for that, de- moment of panic, but after that everything turned out fine, and I was glad that it was over!” While interviewing the the students who leave spite all debate, we can sophomores and upperclassman, I found that many of them said that they were prepared and thought that because in order to better keep be nothing but grateful. they had experience taking the tests, they knew what classes they had to study the most for. All in all, it turns out track of everybody, and that practically all freshmen freak out over midterms, and that the higher grade you’re in, the less you freak out. the security cameras that Out and About 5 Our Guidance: Don’t See “Parental Guidance” ing plot on paper, and it’s tal Guidance”. The plot is and it’s just not interesting smart workaholic” or “I’m story as quickly as possible. Scarlett Machson ‘16 certainly true. Parenting interesting enough – and anymore. The only way the shy one” and leave. Do There is however, one Staff Writer has changed a lot in the relevant enough – to re- anyone could be surprised I even need to say what element of the film that past few decades, and we ally strike a chord with its by anything “Parental these characters are going was well done. Gedde Is there any reason all remember how insult- audience, and tell a humor- Guidance” has to offer is to learn by the end of the Watanabe, playing restau- to see a movie that has ing these strategies were ous and engaging story if they had spent the last film? The characters have rant owner Mr. Cheng, de- absolutely nothing new to our intelligence when at the same time. But the century under a rock with all been used so many times livered possibly the only to offer? This is the case before, all of their interest interesting performance with “Parental Guidance,” has just been sucked away. in this movie. More than which uses the same old The humor is dull and interesting, actually, be- formula, has characters that contrived. There are a few cause whenever he was on are nothing more than ste- jokes early on that made screen, he made the audi- reotypes, and employs any me laugh, but the film just ence laugh hard. Of course, last-ditch effort for a laugh. seemed to give up after he probably only got about It’s a movie that uses every that, and goes into a down- five minutes of screen time, cliché in the book to force ward spiral. The comedy but every cameo was a an unoriginal and bland stops being clever and in- breath of fresh air. Unfortu- conclusion. There is almost stead becomes stale and nately, his character relied nothing new about it—no repetitive, and by the end on some mildly charged risks taken, no twists, no of the movie, it resorts to stereotypes. But Watanabe unique way to tell the story clunky slapstick and hu- was the only actor who differently, and nothing to mor so crude that only seemed to care about what set “Parental Guidance” a very small child could he was saying. He was so apart from all the other possibly be amused by it. invested in his part that it feel-good family romps But not only is “Paren- was hard not to laugh at that we’ve seen in the past. tal Guidance” not very fun- what he had to say and the “Parental Guidance” ny, it tries too hard to ham- over-the-top way he said it. centers around Artie Deck- mer its message in, and the All in all, “Parental er (Billy Crystal) and his serious moments are slow Guidance” isn’t necessar- wife Diane (Bette Midler), and sappy. What’s worst is ily a bad film. Nothing is who are an aging couple that they often have no con- absolutely horrible in it. It’s babysitting their grandchil- nection with the scenes that just dull, dull, dull. We’ve dren for a week while the Billy Crystal and Bette Middler star in the new flop “Parental Guidance” Photo courtesy of time.com came before, and don’t at all seen the story before; children’s parents are out impact the ones that come we’ve seen the characters of town. However, parent- after. There’s no attempt before. There’s pretty much ing methods have changed we were growing up. And reason it fails is that it has their fingers in their ears. made to integrate comedy no reason to buy a ticket since their time, and they this is a point that the film no new ideas. Why should The characters are and drama; the scenes seem to see it unless you really are woefully unprepared does bring up. No matter anyone be invested in a all forgettable and lack- simply thrown together don’t mind paying mon- for the task of disciplin- how child-friendly adults film that doesn’t offer any- ing in unique or complex haphazardly. A scene that ey to see the same thing ing children in a world try to make the world, thing new? We know ex- characteristics. And the felt like the climax ap- you’ve already seen. But where spanking is outdated kids will still be kids, and actly what the characters movie doesn’t respect peared in the middle of the considering all the great and the term “maybe you sometimes they do just are going to do; we know them enough to give them film, and the real climax movies that are out right shouldn’t do that” has re- need to be told to shut up. where the plot is going. real screen time to develop came out of nowhere, as now, this is one you can placed just saying “no”. And this is what upsets It’s the same story we’ve these characters. They if the film had just decided definitely avoid without re- This is a very interest- me the most about “Paren- seen a million times before, just show up, say “I’m the they needed to wrap up the ally missing anything at all. Golden Duo Hosts Baby Fever! Sarah Tessler ‘16 Golden Globes Contributing Writer Picture-Musical or Com- about Sarah Palin, won Chloe Mandell ‘15 edy, Best Performance in a Best Miniseries or Televi- We’ve all heard the Staff Writer Musical or Comedy (Hugh sion Film, as well as Best news, and with Kate Middle- Jackman), and Best Sup- Supporting Performance ton’s royal baby on the way, The Golden Globes, porting Performance in a for actress Julianne Moore baby fever is hotter than ever! one of the most highly an- Musical or Comedy (Anne and Best Supporting Perfor- On December 31st Kim ticipated events of 2013, Hathaway). The top winners mance for actor Ed Harris. Kardashian confirmed via was watched by millions on of TV were Homeland and Other winners of the her blog that she and rap- January 13th. Co-hosted by Game Change, also winning big screen included Argo, per Kanye West are expect- Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, 3 awards each. Homeland, for Best Picture and Best ing a bundle of joy, stating, the story of an ex-Marine Director (Ben Affleck), and “It’s true!! Kanye and I are expecting a baby. We feel so blessed and lucky and wish that in addition to both of our families, his mom and my dad could be here to cel- ebrate this special time with us.” They also announced that their child is to be born in July. Now fans of Kar- dashian as well as West are thrilled with the news of a new addition to their favor- ite celebrity’s family tree! Across the pond there is even bigger news of a baby on the way. In December, The stage is set for the the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards St. James palace reluctantly The Royal Couple are expecting a baby this July. Photo courtesy of sourcefednews.com announced that The Duke Photo courtesy of blog.zap2it.com and Duchess of Cambridge symptoms such as nausea hospital, they found it was were expecting a royal and extreme weight loss. most appropriate to debunk turned convict, was award- Django Unchained, which baby. Middleton was ad- the Globes were never The royal couple was not any rumors that may have ed Best Series-Drama, as won Best Supporting Actor mitted to a hospital in early short of laughs or surprises. planning on releasing their formed. Middleton stayed well as Best Performance (Christoph Waltz) and Best December for hyperemesis The top film of the baby news to the public, in the hospital for several awards for actors Damian Screenplay. Steven Spiel- gravidarum, a severe form night was Les Misérables, however due to the curiosity which won 3 awards: Best Lewis and Claire Danes. Continued on page 6 of morning sickness with Continued on page 6 Game Change, HBO’s film surrounding her stay in the FEBRUARY 2013 | OUT AND ABOUT 6 IN OUT Take Five: Hits and Misses the “alternative” in alter- could take a hint from the The band uses the album Mrs. Carter Sasha Fierce Elliott Eglash ‘13 native rock (for instance: Local Natives. In recent to expand on the simple Senior Section Editor they had a cellist), but their years, they’ve moved away psych rock of past releases, latest album, “Beta Love,” from their acoustic aesthet- and integrates an expansive School in Modern Before I get to the good finds them abandoning ic, and found a comfortable and unique style, one that stuff, I’d like to take a mo- their uniqueness for an en- home in the fertile ground can only be summed up as the Dark Electricity ment to talk about disap- tirely mainstream aura, and between indie and folk, with eternally cool. The song pointment. It may seem a it does not suit them well. a healthy dash of psyche- “Feels Like We Only Go bit heavy for this column, The titular single, with delics thrown in. Their new Backwards” sounds like a Oscars Golden but any dedicated music fan its heavy-handed use of album, “Hummingbird,” warped “Sgt. Pepper’s;” knows the unique, piercing its slow pace, its trippy lyr- Globes let-down that comes with ics, and its trance vocals an unexciting release from dripping in reverb give it a favorite band. On that a very vintage style. But, Chocolate Valentine’s note, two recent releases what’s more, it manages to Day have left me feeling de- be catchy and innovative, at cidedly disappointed. The the same time. The song is first is The Strokes’ new not to be missed. single, “One-Way Trigger” Postponement Actually Solving Lastly, The Joy For- seems to have been devised midable’s “Wolf’s Law” is Problems as an all-out assault on the a success. The band stays ear. The first seconds of true to its hard rock influ- the song sound like some- ences, but abandons the Fall Out Boy Band Hiatus thing out a retro videogame simple, unburdened catch- soundtrack, with a dash of iness of “The Big Roar” polka thrown in, and the for a more mature sound. Golden Globes results are as discordant as True, there are no stand- you might expect. What’s outs here. The pulsing ur- (continued) more, lead singer Julian gency of “Whirring,” and Continued from page 5 Casablancas adamantly re- the upbeat exuberance of and Hotel Transylvania. fuses to stick to his wheel- The Joy Formidable’s new album cover. berg’s Lincoln won only “Cradle” are conspicuous- As for the small screen, house, that tried-and-true Photo courtesy of pitchfork.com one of the awards for which ly absent. But the album Lena Dunham’s Girls won throaty low register, es- it was nominated—Best is a slow and steady study for Best Comedy: Musical chewing it for a strained Performance in a Drama synths and feel-good hand- consistently strikes a new on the value of restraint. or Comedy, and Dunham falsetto. The song finds its (Daniel Day-Lewis)– and claps, seems to have come tone, and it pays off. The And, indeed, the band is herself won for Best Ac- footing, briefly, when it Silver Linings Playbook’s straight from the 80s. The single, “Breakers,” features able to develop a remark- tress. And though Down- ditches the new elements Jennifer Lawrence won lyrics, too, feel as insipid a simple guitar riff, pulsing ably full sound for a trio. ton Abbey lost Best Drama and reverts to a more clas- only Best Performance in as the music: “I might be drums, and incessant wail- Singer Ritzy Bryan is as to Homeland, Downton’s sic Strokes style. But the a Musical or Comedy. Pix- a prototype, but we’re both ing in the background. But alluring as ever, imbuing Maggie Smith won for groove is gone as quickly ar’s Brave took home the real inside.” They may it builds with a very unique her mystic, personal lyrics Best Actress, beating Nash- as it appears. From a band title of Best Animated Film, have been aiming for robot intensity, which is reflected with a brutal directness ville’s Hayden Panettiere who produced such lovely, beating out several other rock opera, but they only in the lyrics—“breathing that is, at times, arresting. and Modern Family’s Sofia wonderful songs as “Hard popular animated mov- achieved a pale simulacrum out, hoping to breathe in.” The overall result is pleas- Vergara. This year’s awards to Explain,” and “Under ies such as Wreck-it Ralph of the lively, creative pop The song is simple, but it’s ing. Their last album may show was full of surprises. Cover of Darkness,” this they were known for. One all the more powerful for it. have been a blazing super- song seems like a step in can only hope that they’ll Meanwhile, Tame Im- nova—captivating in its the entirely wrong direc- see the error of their ways, pala’s latest album, “Loner- intensity—but this album tion. and return to 2010’s “Or- ism,” is yet another exam- is a picturesque sunset, Another recent disap- chard” for inspiration. ple of a band exploring new and its artfulness will be pointment came from Ra It seems that The influences, while simulta- all the more impactful for Ra Riot. The band was Continued from page 1 Strokes and Ra Ra Riot neously finding success. its simplicity. once known for putting BSA Considers Lifting Ban on Gay Scouts v. Dale, in 2000. Since it...the default should be ban because anyone of Emily Goldberg ‘13 that case, youth mem- open, not closed,” said any sexual orientation Section Editor bership has fallen 21% junior Benson Kane, should have the same and adult leader mem- who is a Boy Scout. rights as anyone else. On Wednesday, Feb- bership dropped 14%. However, he did not That’s what we’re about Pregnant Celebrities ruary 6, the national ex- Before the meet- think it would really im- as Americans and that’s ecutive board for Boy ing, two executive board pact the organization if how it should be,” said (continued) Scouts of America de- members, Jim Turley and the ban was lifted, “The senior Brandon Abrams. cided to postpone their A pregnant Kardashian enjoys a night out with West. Randall Stephenson, said BSA is run from the bot- However, other Boy vote to end the existing Photo courtesy of awomensclub.com publicly that they support tom up, not the top down. Scout leaders and politi- ban on gay membership. a change on the ban. Also, The individual district cians supported the ban. The decision to postpone Continued from page 5 royal baby is brightening President Barack Obama committees and scout- Texas Governor Rick it until May was made af- the mood for everyone, too. told CBS anchor Scott masters run mostly free Perry, who is actually an days and further required a ter a three-day meeting to Along with America Pelley regarding the BSA, of any central authority. Eagle Scout, has publicly period of rest to battle the debate the issue and much and England, the celebrity “My attitude is...that gays While the national BSA stated that he does not severe morning sickness. concern over the reac- baby boom has hit Spain. and lesbians should have authority might adopt a see a reason for the BSA The excitement of this tion of the different sides. Latina singer/songwriter access and opportunity resolution in favor of ori- to change their policy. news has also spread within The Boy Scouts of Shakira has given birth to the same way everybody entation-blind admission, Additionally, the Mor- the walls of Weston High America is an 103 year a baby boy. A statement re- else does, in every insti- actual implementation mon Church, the United School. Many students are old organization that fo- leased by Shakira on her tution and walk of life.” will be up to the whims Methodist Church, and anxiously awaiting the birth cuses on mentoring, life- website reads, “We are In general, Weston of the local leaders, many the Catholic Church are of the royal bundle, includ- long learning, faith tra- happy to announce the birth High School students of whom are of the so- in support of the ban. ing freshmen Maddie Shore, ditions, serving others, of Milan Pique Mebarak, agreed with Turley, Ste- cial conservative variety, No matter what the exclaiming, “This royal healthy living, and build- son of Shakira Mebarak phenson, and Obama and are unlikely to spon- decision ends up be- baby has been super excit- ing character. Their policy and Gerard Pique, born before the decision was sor openly homosexual ing, gay rights are pro- ing for everyone here in banning homosexuals has January 22nd at 9:36pm, delivered. “I support lift- candidates for leader- gressing. Both France Weston, I think it’s a good varied in wording over the in Barcelona, Spain.” ing it because I see no ship positions,” he said. and England approved way to lift the spirit after years, but has always been It seems that all over the reason not to, and the Others not involved same-sex marriage re- all the holidays are over.” in place and even won globe, celebrity babies are BSA should only block with the BSA had noth- cently, joining the nearly It’s nice to see that even in a Supreme Court case, other countries, news of a taking the world by storm. admission to someone if ing but contempt for the dozen countries that al- Boy Scouts of America there is a hard reason for ban. “I don’t support the low same-sex marriage. Sports and Athletics 7 An Impressive Track Record Sports for

Micah Zirn ‘15 Non-Athletes Section Editor volunteer for the Boosters Lucy Chestler ‘16 Club. The Boosters Club The High School Staff Writer helps support all WHS track team in Weston is athletes by providing such naturally not the subject Many students want to things as uniforms, bags of much talk; during the be part of the sports scene and other necessities need- winter, the meets are al- at Weston High School, ed for each sport. It also ways away and regardless yet several are discouraged maintains the turf fields it isn’t a spectator sport, due to the commitment or that Weston athletes play especially among other feel that they aren’t good on. Volunteers can help sell students who offer an es- enough. However, there are candy, drinks and snacks at sentially non-existent fan many ways that students the Booster Barn and in- base. In spite of this, over can become involved with- door concession stand– an one hundred students– out playing an official sport. extremely enjoyable place a broader involvement Of course, all students to be during a heated home- than that of any other are welcome to come and field match-up. Several stu- school sport–come out to David Stankowitz competes at the Wesleyan Invitational Meet. support WHS by watching dents get a thrill out of these participate on the team. Photograph courtesy of Lee Kalivas and cheering on the teams activities and also helping Hovever, what makes the during their games. An with fundraising events. program extraordinary is status: Ryan Gilmore at Weston track athletes. Cole Clark set several enthusiastic fan section However, these op- its remarkable talent and New York University, and The distance team-- freshmen records and is gives a great home team portunities don’t have the the abundance of this tal- James Bloom at Univer- the members of the track on track to be highly es- advantage, but more im- option of being active and ent. The vast majority of sity of Rhode Island. The team who specifically teemed runner throughout portantly creates a spirited playing recreational sports Weston’s college-bound following year, Stephen run long-distance events- high school and has high school and a sense of unity. with friends. The school of- athletes and acclaimed Vento was recruited by -is unquestionably supe- hopes for racing at an elite Managing a team is fers a rec soccer team, and sportsmen, in the All the University of Con- rior to that of any other program in college. In the also an ideal way to still is working toward estab- State, All Northeast, and necticut. Brad DeMarco, school against which they past few years, broken be connected to school lishing a recreational bas- All American tiers,— have who was the captain of the compete. When I asked records have not been a sports, without actually ketball team as well. Ad- been in track and field. Cross Country and track a friend why he would rare occurrence; Sopho- participating in the com- ditionally, the weight room After the 2009-2010 team through the 2011- be competing in the up- more Simeon Okoro, who petition. These positions is open after school for school year, Weston sent 2012 school year, now coming Varsity meet, as competes in short distance have many responsibilities, students to exercise. There several athletes to com- races at Connecticut Col- he was only a JV runner, events, set several fresh- such as keeping track of are several after-school pete in college. Stephen lege. After his graduation, he responded modestly, man records as well. Cur- the stats or score, distrib- fitness programs too. Piscatelli, a distance run- the captainship was filled “I’m about the 11th or rent freshmen, Nathalie uting uniforms, and most Evidently, there are ner, is currently racing at with another star,; senior 12th runner on our team– Feingold and Rhémi Toth of all, helping to keep the plenty of options for stu- the University of Pennsyl- David Stankiewicz, who at any other school I’d earned their place at the team organized. Without dents who don’t want to vania. Two other runners excels at 800 meters and likely be in the top five.” top of Weston’s leader actually playing the sport, take part in official school of the same year, with up, has numerous offers The next generation board this year for their managers are still a part teams, which allow non- whom he shared several from upper-echelon uni- of Weston’s track runners age. With all of this tal- of the team and still get athletes to participate relay records, are also versities. Yet these only appears more than capable ent, it’s no surprise that to interact with the team- in school spirit and oth- part of university track mark the individual ac- of upholding the tradi- the team pulled out an mates at all the games. ers to stay active and fit. programs of the same complishments of certain tion. Sophomore miler impressive win at SWCs. It is also very easy to Spirit: A School of Thought Are you choking? school spirit has dropped this year. “I would say it is to follow as we are the Andrew Parks off from previous years. mainly due to the lack of role models of the school. I can help! Section Editor The school co-presi- senior attendance and lead- However, attendance has these exams and be certi- dent Oliver Parker has his ership. With the seniors at- only been measured in Aaron Pomerance ‘13 fied in CPR. After all, every Most people don’t own theory as to why at- tending sporting events, the first semester of the Section Editor coach and a majority of the think much about going tendance has dropped off other grades are bound school year which hap- teachers are already certified. to a boys basketball game pens to be the busiest time Cardio-Pulmonary Ms. Wolak said with on a Wednesday night or for high school students, Resuscitation, commonly absolute conviction, “Yes. a girls volleyball game on particularly seniors, and known as CPR, is one of It is a life skill—and fulfills a Friday night. Students we should see great things the most important emer- our school-wide expecta- go to these games be- this [second] semester.” gency life-saving skills that tion of mental and physi- cause all of their friends However, Parker’s co- is in use today. This process, cal wellness—as well as said they were going to president, Jordan Berger, which for a while was only our goal that our students go. Yet for the players, has a different idea entire- taught to EMT’s and other be contributing mem- attendance at the games ly. Berger disagrees that professional healthcare pro- bers of a global society.” means so much more. school spirit has dropped viders, is now taught to and Senior Emma Halper, School spirit at our off this year, saying, “that required for many profes- who is also a local lifeguard, sporting events is a big the general school atmo- sions: teachers, coaches, added, “CPR saves lives; the factor in the outcome of sphere last year may have babysitters, and other su- more people that know it, the the games. The more sup- had more school spirit, pervision-related positions. more lives will be saved.” port the team has, the bet- but from what I’ve seen At Weston High WHS students agree ter it tends to do. Charlie after attending various School, CPR certification that CPR is a universal life- DiPasquale, senior and sports events, the school has been a requirement for saving technique, and they captain of the boys basket- spirit at sporting events is all students as long as I have adamantly defend this pro- ball team, recalled a home equivalent to, if not bet- been in school. Certified PE gram as an integral piece game a week ago against ter than, it was last year.” teachers (Coach Lato, Mrs. of the school’s curriculum. Stratford. The team lost by Regardless of what Wilson, and Mr. Richetelli) Although CPR is an a score of 56-54 – a mere people think about the at- teach students the signs that essential skill, is it neces- two points. DiPasquale tendance at sporting events indicate choking or other sary that this life-saving commented that “if even this year, the importance conditions that require CPR. technique be taught in PE, thirty more people had of large crowds supporting In addition to recognition, where the unit often breaks shown up to the game to our athletes is not dimin- students must learn how up the physical activity of show their support and ished in the slightest. The to respond quickly and ef- the normal PE curriculum? had been loud and spir- moral support that is given fectively in both situations. It can, instead, be taught in ited, that may have given to the teams as a result of a This segment of the PE health class, where the unit the team the encourage- big, rowdy crowd encour- curriculum is controversial seems more appropriate. ment to pull out a win.” ages them and pushes them in that many people ques- Senior Andrew Parks Unfortunately, many Senior boys cheer on their classmates at Powderpuff. Continued on page 8 tion whether or not students Continued on page 8 people feel that the Photograph by Tori Zaharoff should be required to pass FEBRUARY 2013| SPORTS AND ATHLETICS 8 Ski Team Hits the Slopes School Spirit before we take off for VT. The first race is always a Anna Dickstein who finished James Willis ‘15 We, as coaches, always come tough one for us. Everyone is 19th. The boys varsity team (continued) Staff Writer home from Smuggs amazed nervous with the first race jit- was lead by junior Jon Bud- Continued from page 7 poor student turnouts. As at how much improvement ters and we have a lot of new denahgen and senior Kieran the winter sports’ regu- even further to play well. The Weston High we see in the team in those racers this year.... [who are] Wrynn who were 6th and 8th, lar seasons begin to wind Not only that, but games School ski team is off of an two days and we feel that new to high school racing respectively, on the mountain down, the playoffs bring with big crowds are fun excellent start this season. is the most important part and in many cases entirely out of 210 boys. For the JV the need for more spirit not only for the players but Before the first race, there is of our pre-season training.” new to racing. It was great teams, there was a big im- and support than previ- also for the students who a lot of preparation. They first The team recently had to see both JV teams place provement from the first race. ously required. Attendance are cheering in the stands. have to embark on intense its first race. The race was at first on the [mountain] in our For the girls team, senior Em- at games could mean the There are sporting workouts called dry season. Mt. Southington in Plants- first race too.” Congratula- ily Robbins had the best time difference between a state events, such as basketball This aims at getting the rac- or SWC title and going in the winter or football in ers in shape before they get home empty handed, so the fall, where the stands on the slopes. Head Coach be sure to go support our are packed with cheer- Rich Fanning says “much teams this winter and dur- ing students, yet there are of our pre-season train- ing the spring. Go Trojans! ing is based on balance and just as many games with strength exercises since we don’t have much snow early in the season to ski on. We have found that a few weeks CPR in Gym of hard drylands can make a big difference in the skiers once we do get on snow.” (continued) In addition to dryland Continued from page 7 during PE—there is lim- practice, there is a lot of prac- said that the CPR unit, as it ited time in health so PE is tice on the slopes. The entire stands, “takes away from the probably a better venue.” ski team went on a trip to a physical activity that PE of- CPR is a skill that can mountain in Vermont called fers students. It can be taught save someone’s life. Emma Smugglers Notch. They just as effectively in health.” Halper said, “unanticipated stayed in condos by the moun- The health curriculum things happen all the time that tain and trained for two days. has been very structured over call for attention, and if some- Coach Fanning said the past few years, touching one goes unconscious or stops “Smuggs is a great opportu- upon drugs, sex education, breathing, it's important that nity to learn a lot in a short Ski team members Greta Guthrie, Katherine Marra, and Ina Andresen. illnesses, and more. How- there is someone there who time and we don’t want to Photograph courtesy of Katherine Marra ever, senior Sydney Weiss knows how to save them.” waste any time up there with said, “the curriculum taught Students who are CPR out of shape skiers. I also am in health is pretty repetitive certified are more confident a firm believer in getting the ville, Ct. The team was up tions to Shelby Merberg on the team. Also, Eugenie from year to year, so we could and prepared for emergency team out on snow as soon as against teams from all differ- who had the best girls time. Portner, Clemmie Fellowes afford to set out a few classes situations where an adult is possible. The way I see it is ent divisions, including Guil- The second race of the and Frances Kleiner per- for doing CPR,” meaning not present. Those students some skiing, even if it’s just ford, Amity, Barlow, Prep, season took place on January formed great and finished 6th, that CPR would no longer that babysit are more likely on a short patch of snow, is Ridgefield, and Southington. 29th. Both girls and boys var- 11th, 12th and 27th, respec- be a requirement for PE. to get the job if they are better than no skiing at all. In regards to the first sity and JV teams placed first tively. Also, both the boys Ms. Wolak, a bit un- CPR certified—adults will Just getting out and sliding race, Coach Fanning said that out of all teams in the Class S and girls JV teams placed certain about this question, trust their child to a WHS around helps redevelop ev- “both the boys and girls are Division. Leading the charge first out of class S teams. The disagreed: “I never really student because they know eryone’s ski legs and gets any off to a great start this year. for the girls varsity team was boys JV team had two sopho- thought about this—I think the necessary life-saving silly stuff sorted out, like real- Our teams are looking better junior Shelby Merberg, who mores, Greg Portner and Jake so many of our students par- techniques. CPR is a neces- izing your boots hurt this year than last year, especially the had the third best time on the Liebow, who finished 3rd ticipate in sports, go to the sary tool that every person or your poles are too short.... girls. Both were third out of mountain. She was followed and 8th, respectively. Fresh- gym, [and] have a sense of should have, and it is great that kind of thing. It’s impor- ten schools, which is an im- by sophomore Hayley Singer man Sam Glasberg finished the importance of working that our school offers to tant to get that stuff sorted out pressive start for the season. who finished 16th and senior right behind them at 11th. out. I think it is fine that it is teach us at such a young age. opinion and commentary 9 We Were Going to Make a Creative Title...... But Decided to Do It Later Procrastination at Weston High School next step, the next stage Facebook helps me talk Olivia Clark ‘13 of one’s life. High school, to them instead.” Social Section Editor in my opinion, is becom- media serves as a vehicle ing less of a place where by which relationships We all procrasti- fun is had, less of an op- are maintained in an age nate. Every single one portunity to explore one’s as busy as this one, an of us, at some point or interests, and more of a important function that another, puts down our pressure cooker prepar- has been all but forgotten. textbooks and calculators ing us for our final test: Senior Claire Cook in favor of a TV show, a college. Stress levels in added, “I watch Netflix “quick” Facebook check, high schoolers are steadi- and Hulu and check vari- or a Twitter update. In ly increasing, and free ous blogs…Procrastina- today’s world, there is an time availability is most tion is definitely a bad excess distraction steal- certainly on the decline thing, but I almost feel ing away our attention. as we pursue the highest that I’m more produc- But is the distraction level of higher education, tive under a time crunch.” of teens really a prod- our sights set on little else Clearly WHS stu- uct of reduced attention but that long-awaited ac- dents appreciate the value spans, or is it caused by ceptance letter. I’m not of some quality procras- a lack of commitment to saying that hard work is tination every now and schoolwork? I’m here to unnecessary or wrong, then (or, you know, every say it’s not. Sometimes, but I am saying that day). It really helps them procrastination might sometimes there might be de-stress and decom- be a good thing, and too much of it. Too much Section Editor Micah Zirn procrastinates when he should be editing his press after a long day of sometimes, procrastina- spreading ourselves too section for the February edition of The Journal. schoolwork and extra- tion might be necessary. thin and trying to be a su- Photograph by Daniel Muller curriculars, and is a valu- In every high school, perhuman, well-rounded, able part of the homework students are becoming college applicant, and not procrastinate. For one and unwind. Perhaps a those minutes spent click- routine. So next time more concerned than ever enough of enjoying our thing, it takes your mind bit of Facebook prowl- ing the “reblog” button. your parents come into about the college applica- last days of being a kid. off that upcoming assign- ing is your activity of Senior Daniel Muller the room and find you tion process, and are load- We need some time ment, that next presen- choice, or maybe its scan- said Facebook “allows on Facebook or Twitter, ing themselves up with AP to decompress, to do tation that needs to be ning the Twitterverse for [him] to take a break make sure you tell them class upon AP class, a ri- something mindlessly given, the grade that must some celebrity gossip. from the hustle and bustle that it’s helping you to diculous number of clubs, entertaining and entirely absolutely be earned lest For me, it’s Tumblr; of everyday life” and to maintain your sanity and and a plethora of com- unproductive when we you get deferred from scrolling through endless rid himself of a bit of the to take a step back from munity service activities. should be looking ahead your university of choice. pages of photographs and stress of the school day. the strain of the day. I’m Students today are to the next day and to Don’t we do enough art, sayings and recipes Additionally, he said, sure they’ll agree whole- being pushed to their lim- the next item on our schoolwork during the is more therapeutic than “Although I can’t always heartedly. Procrastinate its by the pressures of a list we can check off. day? Let your mind wan- much else, and I can total- hang out with friends on, Weston High School! society focused on the I think we need to der for a few minutes ly clear my mind during when I need a break, Reading Between the Lines A look at required reading at Weston High School

ing with the books they non-fiction and short sto- cussed in class and the curriculum...and that are always thinking about Natalie Quiles ‘14 read in class on a per- ries, but that she prefers relate to a wide vari- feedback does play a role new books we could add to Staff Writer sonal level, rather than fiction, “because it al- ety of assignments, in our decisions when the curriculum. We want to expose our students to When students first as many different voices think of English class, and stories as possible. their reading list usually Often, even when I'm goes along with it. Wheth- reading a book for plea- er it be The Absolutely sure, I am thinking, ‘How True Diary of a Part- could this book be used Time Indian, by Sherman in one of my classes?’" Alexie, for standard 9th Keeping in mind the grade English or Eaarth, interests of the students, by Bill McKibben, for the selection process AP Language and Com- comes down to how well position, each student these selected books will has their own opinion re- complement the yearly garding required reading. theme and concept within When questioned, some the classroom, while en- students could not recite riching the student body. a single book that they While the requirement of enjoyed in English class, schoolwork and prepara- Others, such as Junior tion for exams forces the Taylor Leo, cite To Kill a focus of books to lean Mockingbird, Romeo and Students read in Mr. Risoli’s English class (left); books in their natural habitat (right). towards the drier side, Juliet and Twelfth Night Photographs by Emily Weyrauch some wonder if there as her favorites because should be a greater focus she particularly enjoyed, reading analytical books, lows me to feel like I'm Ms. Cincotta ex- we revise curriculum." on choosing books that "reading theatrical piec- which are not able to grab just reading for fun, and it plains, "We look for books While searching for the students will enjoy, es...because it allows you most students’ attention. is a nice escape from the that are grade-level and books to add into the in order to promote rec- to go along....as though Olivia Hayes agrees rest of my school work." course appropriate...that classroom, teachers want reational reading outside you are part of the story." with Leo, stating that Books we read in complement and enhance something that will elab- of the classroom, which For the most part, within her English school clearly need our units. We ask for stu- orate on the specific unit will develop students’ students enjoy connect- course, they mostly read enough depth to be dis- dent feedback on books in that they're teaching. "We intellectual growth. FEBRUARY 2013 | OPINION AND COMMENTARY 10 Debating Weston’s Gun Control Laws government is to protect ond. But what I do think sault weapon” was defined tween gun ownership and Daniel Muller ‘13 and ensure the safety of is needed is regulation. Benson Kane ‘14 to mean any weapon that violent crime in countries Section Editor the governed. Our country Too long we have blamed Business Manager shared purely cosmetic internationally, suggesting has arrived at the point, other issues for the gun details with military- (as other studies and statis- Several weeks ago, and has been arriving at violence and culture in In the aftermath of an issue weapons, such as tics have) that firearm own- Weston made the national the point for a long time, our society. Like I stated unimaginable tragedy, it pistol grips and retract- ership can both deter and news when it was fea- that we cannot stand idly earlier, yes, we do have can be all too easy for oth- able stocks. None of these (in a worst case scenario) tured on NPR regarding by as one mass shooting other issues, but the fact erwise calm and rational banned cosmetic features be used to stop crime. Laws the new gun ordinances it after another takes hun- is that none of these issues people to want to make a would increase the lethal- preventing law-abiding cit- drafted; these ordinances, dreds of lives a year in would be as important if knee-jerk, emotional re- ity or even the conceal- izens from owning weap- revisions of the 1990 or- the United States alone guns were not so easily sponse. The horror that ability of a firearm. The ons with which to defend dinance the town passed, among developed nations. attainable in our society. occurred in Newtown in Federal Assault Weapons themselves only serve to would require registration Frankly, I am sick and So what do I pro- December has proved to Ban (1994), which Sena- tell criminals that their prey of all firearms in town, tired of the argument that pose and how does it per- would require safe and se- any sort of gun regulation tain to Weston? Well, for cure storage of weapons law infringes upon the one thing there should when they are not being freedoms of law-abiding be heavier background used, and would ban as- citizens. It’s apparently all checks. As the documen- sault weapons, automatic about freedom and more tary Living for 32, regard- weapons, and high-capac- freedom and protecting ing the mass shootings at ity magazines which are yourself against a possi- Virginia Tech, indicated, it “not appropriate for our bly tyrannical government is incredibly easy to walk town for sporting pur- in the future. America is into a gun show, say you’re poses,” as reported by The not unique in this world; 18, and walk out with a Weston Forum. While the there are so many coun- brand new semi-automatic town has since eliminated tries like it. I will men- weapon. This shouldn’t be the registration ordinance tion Australia, the United the case. Medical history and tabled the bans un- Kingdom, and Japan as should be evaluated. Men- til the state and federal three examples. All three tal health history should governments have acted, nations are free. They en- be evaluated. Background Weston’s ordinances have joy no fewer privileges as checks should be manda- been promising; they show foreigners than we do as tory. Why is it more dif- Weston selectmen David Muller, Gayle Weinstein and Dennis Tracey work signs of bipartisanship and Americans, but here’s the ficult in this country to change that could come to difference: they all have buy medicine than to buy on drafting the town’s own gun control laws. the country if everyone strict gun laws. Austra- guns? There should be a Photo courtesy of www.npr.org. stopped thinking about lia, following a shooting series of exams to pass be- themselves for a second. spree in Tasmania, banned fore obtaining a gun, just be just such an incident. tor Dianne Feinstein and won’t bite back. Case in I know that I am a assault weapons and en- like the process to drive a Armed with a semiautomat- many others in Washing- point could be the UK (a little biased, as my dad couraged gun buyback car: there’s a written test, ic rifle, a shooter did indeed ton seek today to reinsti- country with much stricter is on the Board of Select- programs. The United road hours, classes, and a commit a horrible atrocity. tute, banned weapons that gun laws than the US and men. However, I know Kingdom, following the final exam. Why are guns As has occurred after many looked scary. They were no a full ban on handguns). In that I would feel the same Dunblane massacres, any different? Both are such tragedies, those who more lethal than any other England, there are 2,034 regardless of my ties to banned private ownership dangerous and should only see guns as inherently evil weapon that fires a single violent crimes per 100,000 these ordinances, based of automatic weapons and be operated if the operator have decided to make an bullet with each depression people, as opposed to 466 strictly on statistics; ac- most handguns. In Japan, knows how to use them. opportunity of the massa- of the trigger. According in the US. The UK is hardly cording to www.newre- most guns are illegal to Weston has tried to cre, to capitalize upon the a third world public.com, “there have make a difference, knee-jerk country, the been 70 mass shoot- and as a result the fear that US is not ings in the United town has come under has many being com- States between 1982 AmericansCOUNTER- fire. Every member pared with, and 2012, leavingPOINT of the Board of Se- wondering say, Somalia. 543 people… Seven lectmen has received if maybe The biggest of those 70 shootings Argument in Favor phone calls and the anti- difference occurred [in 2012]. emails from people gun coali- between the Sixty-eight of those tion could POINT of Weston’s across the country two with re- 543 victims were after the NRA pub- be right, Argument Against Weston’s gards to vio- killed [in 2012].” Legislation lished the phone that maybe lent crime? The website also numbers and emails law-abid- Legislation Gun laws. For claims: “With more than own and restrictions are of each representative of ing citizens the ultimate 140 casualties (injuries abundant for those that the town. What makes should not be allowed to to Feinstein’s own statis- contrast, a small town in and deaths), the toll from are legal. While the Unit- Weston unique, however, own “assault weapons.” tics, assault weapons have Georgia called Kennesaw mass shootings in 2012 ed States experienced is that the town stood up My purpose in this piece killed 385 people in Amer- in 1982 made it a legal re- has been nearly twice 12,000 deaths from fire- for itself. Yes, maybe is not to try and win over ica since the Assault Weap- quirement for every head that of any other year.” arms in 2008, Japan had the gun laws will not go those already emotionally ons Ban expired in 2004, or of household to keep at Anyone who can honestly 11. Australia and the UK through, whether because set against the rights of about 48 people per year, a least one firearm in the look at those statistics and both saw dramatic drops of the District of Colum- Americans to own firearms; tiny number. On a yearly house. After the law was tell me that the country in gun-related crimes bia vs. Heller decision or logic and reason is sadly basis: in 2011, 323 murders enacted, burglaries in Ken- does need gun reform I (www.nytimes.com). because of staunch oppo- not enough to overcome were committed with rifles nesaw dropped 89%, while consider to be blissful- I’m not advocating sition, but what the town even the most irrational of of any kind, while 496 the entire state only saw a ly unaware of the facts. the abolition of guns from showed the nation is that deep-set beliefs. Rather, I murders were committed drop of 10.5%. Even to- Yes, I do admit that American society all to- action has to start from the implore those of you won- with hammers and clubs, day, the burglary rate in our country needs sig- gether. I believe that it is bottom and work its way dering if recent events and 1,694 murders were Kennesaw is still 85% nificant reform in mental crucial for law enforce- up. The state and federal may have fundamentally perpetrated with knives. lower than the Georgia or health laws as well as vid- ment officers to possess government will only act changed the American gun Over a 12 month study national rate. The reason eo game culture; the om- guns. I also think that it if they are shown that there debate to see reason, to conducted by the Clinton isn’t all that hard to deci- nipresent violence cannot would be illogical to take are people who are willing recognize facts and try and administration (data could pher: would you attempt be a positive force on the guns away from everyone, to work within communi- reach a logical conclusion. not be found for 2011 spe- to rob a house knowing minds of young individu- as that would illustrate ties and to organize oth- In American gun regu- cifically), guns were were that, should the owner be als who need an outlet the tyrannical govern- ers for a cause, because lation, the idea of an “as- used in defensive situations home, you could find your- as they age. However, as ment that so many feel only then will the govern- sault weapon” is purely 1.5 million times, com- self looking down a barrel? the Washington Post ob- convinced actually exists. ment be sure that there is a political construct. In pared to 31,672 incidents Our nation has seen served, “states with strict- I think it’s too late for popular support for its is- 1993, Democratic legisla- of homicide and accident many a trying time, but it’s er gun control laws have that; our fate was settled sues. Only then will the tors, seeking to extend al- and suicide. Guns were quite rare that such a time fewer deaths from gun-re- as soon as the first people government be supportive ready existing gun regula- used positively 47 times strikes just as close to us as lated violence.” Laws that interpreted the Second of and take action on this tions past the ban of only more often than negatively. the Newtown tragedy did. protect citizens are not Amendment to mean that initiative, and in this way fully-automatic weapons In a recent analytical We can cope with the after- there to infringe upon Sec- anyone could own a weap- Weston has served and (“machine guns”), decided study, the Harvard Journal math in a rational or an irra- ond Amendment rights; on, regardless of whether will continue to serve as a to create a new category of Law & Public Policy tional way, undertake action rather, they are there be- it fires one round per min- model for public involve- of weapon to restrict: the concluded that there is a guided by logic or emotion. cause the primary role of ute or sixty rounds per sec- ment on a national scale. “assault weapon”. “As- negative correlation be- I for one plea for logic. FEBRUARY 2013 | THE POTATO 11 Blackout Whiteout These professional photographs were taken during the blackout on January 31st and after the blizzard on February 9th. The photographs to the left artfully document the dramatic beauty of a day in the dark, while the photographs to the right demon- strate the sheer power of Mother Nature and the simplicity of white.

Ms. Greenberg’s biology class cel- Mr. Joyce writes the last digits of pi Albino bunnies frolic through the snow. ebrates their discovery of the cure to on the whiteboard; unfortunately his Photograph by Emily Weyrauch the common cold. students can’t see it. Photograph by Emily Weyrauch Photograph by Sarah Gruen

Students perform an intricately choreographed flash-mob during second Scattered mini marshmallows float View of football field or sock from lunch. through the wind. Clorox bleach advertisement? Photograph by Matthew Risoli Photograph by Sarah Gruen Photograph by Andrew Jorge