October 2, 2013
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Issue 1: October 2 2013 Controversy Over Gay Rights in RUSSIA; Enrages Globe Emma Metos The Russian parliament passed a law An astounding 88% of Russians were re- fi nancial support for the LGBT community this June outlawing “gay propaganda”, ported to support the law by the All-Rus- of Russia from all around the world. spurring outrage amongst activist groups sian Public Opinion Center’s survey In ad- Canada has since pointed out that they and widespread calls for boycotts of the dition to this, many Russians also reported do extend asylum to members of the LGBT upcoming Winter Olympic Games in So- they believe that someone who identifi es as community, and will do their best to bring chi. The legislation effectively outlaws the queer can be “fi xed”, demonstrating that the gay refugees from Russia to the West. propagation of nonmain- However, in more oppressive stream sexual orientation cultures, such as Iraq and the or expression, but the lack Sudan, there are more LGBT of a defi nition for “gay pro- refugees in dire need of asy- paganda” means that even lum. the act of “coming out of Other worldwide reactions the closet” is punishable by include a call for a boycott of the equivalent of a $3,000 the Winter Olympic Games fi ne or fi fteen days in a Rus- in 2014 and other successive sian prison. international sporting events When asked about the such as the World Cup in law, Russian President 2018. In response to such re- Vladimir Putin argued the quests President Obama said, law was passed “for the “I have no patience for coun- children”, on the grounds tries that try to treat gays or that children should not be lesbians or transgendered exposed to nonmainstream persons in the ways that in- expressions of sexuality, timidate them or are harmful Courtesy of Google that is to say any relation- to them,” but he will not with- ship not defi ned as a heterosexual, child the LGBT community of Russia is a very draw the United States from the games on producing partnership. The law is similar suppressed one. Hate crimes are also ram- the grounds of Putin’s reasoning: “The law in nature to the American Defense of Mar- pant. During a protest of this controversial does not in any way infringe on the rights riage Act, enacted in 1996 under President law, Russian police offi cers stood by as a of sexual minorities. They are full-fl edged Clinton and repealed by the Supreme Court protestor was beaten to death by supporters members of our society and are not being earlier this summer. This shows that Rus- of the law. The outrage incited by the pass- discriminated against in any way.” None- sian public is far less progressive on the ing of this law, and exposure of the exten- theless, personal protests have been encour- topic of Gay Rights than would be ideal. sive hate crimes present in Russia has led to aged among those outraged by the law. West High Hosted a Blood Drive On September 24th Hue Tran West High School’s biannual blood drive perform the venipuncture procedure. All drive, noting the fact that, “When you do- was just the other day. The blood drive was students above the age of 16 were welcome nate blood, you are literally saving some- hosted by Health Occupations Students of to participate, however, piercings or tattoos one’s life.” He encouraged and was grate- America (HOSA) and was held on Tuesday, and travel outside of the country, anytime ful to all students who signed up to donate September 24th, 2013. within the last 12 months, may have caused blood and joined the cause. Those who This year, the Mountain Star Blood Servic- them to be deferred. signed up in Mr. McFarland’s classroom es organization was in Garth McFarland’s Mr. McFarland, the advisor of HOSA, to donate blood can gladly say that they classroom, room F112 in the fi eld house, to enunciated the importance of the blood saved a life! Page 2 News October 9 2013 West High School recieves “F” grade shocking students and administration Hue Tran Earlier this year, a school-grading bill passed legislature and just the evaluation. Instead, these students not were considered as stu- recently the results of the evaluations of schools within Utah have dents of West High. been reported. West High School received an F grade due to the lack Principal Parley Jacobs defends West High by emphasizing the of students participating in CRT testing. A 95 percent participation fact that the school’s academics are not based on tests, but on the rate was required to qualify for anything higher than an F, which students’ learning. Many students expand their education by tak- West High did not attain, and therefore did not qualify to recieve ing a variety of classes, not focusing solely on math, language arts, but an F. Aside from the automatic failure, the school would have and science; the criteria of which the assessment is made. Subjects received a D grade as a result of poor performance, alongside other taught at West High are focused on student comprehension, which SLCSD schools East High School and Highland High School. is excluded from the assessment. Student engagement and student West High is known for its rigorous academic programs such climate are also not considered in the evaluation of the school. Re- as the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate pro- gardless of the grade recieved, West is considered to be the top high grams. However, these AP and IB students were not included in school in the state. New Common Core Curriculum Promises to Make Curriculum easier to understand Ethan Youngberg The U.S has a new curriculum used to make learning and teach- thinks the Common Core is good for both students and teachers. ing for students and teachers simpler, by letting the students know The Common Core focuses on math, Language Arts, and science so what they are going to learn. students can use their skills from those classes and branch out to The Common Core State Standards Initiative is on a mission their other classes. All math and science curriculums are the same to help students, their parents and teachers know what they are throughout the state of Utah. teaching and learning. The Com- Common Core was implemented mon Core is a national organiza- in August 2010, along with forty- tion committed to give students Courtesy of Google four other states, which helps a high quality education so they students moving to other states can graduate high school with pick up right where they left off the knowledge they need to help when they move. The Common them get into college. This tactic Core State Standards Initiative allows teachers to focus on what says on their website, ‘’The Com- their students need to be learn- mon Core State Standards will ing, while the students can fi nd not prevent different levels of out what they need to know. They can also talk to their teacher and achievement among students, but they will ensure more consistent work together on a particular section of the standard. Mrs. Bach, exposure to materials and learning experiences through the cur- one of the Language Arts teachers here at West High, says the Com- riculum.” mon Core for language arts, ‘’increases the rigor for all students.’’ Utah’s common core standard is in no way involved with the fed- The challenge of the Common Core includes extensive writing and eral government. Though it is not yet completely initiciated, they a more challenging test at the school end of year. Overall Mrs. Bach expect for the program to be completely in place by next year. School Board Decides leggings are inappropriate for regular dress Cheri Brisendine For a few years, the school has been debating on whether leg- “I don’t necessarily like the new rule. I wore leggings all the time, gings should be against the rules to wear as pants; this year our not to call attention to my body but because they were comfortable school district has fi nally made the decision. The Student Hand- and towards the end of the year; around AP/IB testing time, I am book section of the West High Student Planner states on page 14 much more comfortable in leggings than in jeans.” that, “clothing which calls attention to the body, including bike However, some students disagree. Another anonymous source pants, spandex, unitard knit tights, body suits, sheer clothing or commented, “I’m glad that leggings are banned. I don’t need to see skin tight clothing” is in violation of the dress code. Therefore, all that every day in the halls and in class.” leggings are no longer to be worn; This outlaws Morph Suits, see Whether you agree with the decision or not, there is no denying through shirts, or form-fi tting clothing of any kind as well. that the rules affect many West High School students, for better or Students have mixed feelings about this rule. One student says, worse. Arts & Entertainment Page 3 October 9 2013 Don’t Step in the Shower Scout Asay The lights dim, the film rolls, and a film history, creating numerous films that are part of the “Five Lost Hitchcock’s”, five hush settles over the theater – you’ve ex- charm – or rather, frighten – both critics Hitchcock masterpieces that Hitchcock perienced it a hundred times, surely, but and audiences. His renowned Vertigo was bought the rights to and entrusted to his this time it’s different: the atmosphere is named the best movie of all time in 2012 daughter in his will.