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 They are full-fl edged Clinton and repealed by the Supreme Court protestor was beaten to death by supporters members of our society and are not being earlier this summer.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. Only in the last eight distinctively strained. The legendary score by the most prominent film journal in the years have they become available, and swells, and you feel the tension mount as world, Sight & Sound. “With some great even so they are not being circulated exten- the group anticipates the horrors of the directors, you’re looking at two or three sively, making the Broadway and Tower thriller. Rain pounds on the roof above masterpieces. With him, you’re looking at Theatres two among thousands. and the thunder crashes outside: even the 10 or 12,” said Sacha Gervasi, who directed The commemoration is on the brink of its weather attends when Alfred Hitchcock’s “Hitchcock”, in an interview with The Salt closing week, showing three of Hitchcock’s around, and his presence has been felt in Lake Tribune last year. most acclaimed films from Aug. 29 to Sept. Salt Lake since Aug. 2 because of the “Mas- Utah’s premier film society has secured 5: “Vertigo”, “North by Northwest”, and ter of Suspense” celebration organized by film buffs and adventurous moviegoers “The Man Who Knew Too Much” will all the Salt Lake Film Society. the rare chance to see the best of Hitchcock be open for viewing at the Tower Theatre, Many claim that Alfred Hitchcock is the on the big screen via a month-long retro- 876 E 900 S, for the duration of the next single greatest director of all time. While spective that started Friday, Aug. 2, at the week. So pick up some friends and head such bold statements may not be correct, Broadway Centre Cinema, 111 E. 300 South. down to the Tower to be entertained for a Hitchcock is recognized as one of the The five-week celebration features fifteen couple of hours – just remember, it’s only greatest and most consistent directors in of Hitchcock’s masterpieces, four of which a movie. Summer Fun: Summer Fun: Museums Twilight Concerts Emma Culver Jack Brown

Many West High students multi-sensory exhibit that show- A weekly event bringing such moshers. Artists have stopped spend their free time enjoying cases humanity’s most impor- famous artists from around the their songs in the middle of trips to the mall, the movies, tant inventions through film and country: Kid Cudi, Empire playing to call out roughnecks concerts, or sporting events. other media. Upcoming exhibits of the Sun, Ludacris, MGMT, who ruin the mood of the But there’s another fun activity at the Leonardo include “Dead Grizzly Bear and many more. show. that many high school students Sea Scrolls”, a collection of an- These are the Twilight Con- People have also gotten might not be taking advantage cient Israeli artifacts; and a fam- certs. drugged by sharing drinks with ily Halloween exhibit, “Spooky of: museums! Salt Lake City has The Twilight concerts are a people in the crowd. Getting - Science”. plenty of unique and fun muse great place for fun. Food carts, drugged at a show is much less ums for students to explore. And Another Salt Lake museum people from all around Utah obvious than a 300 lbs college these museums are constantly often featuring special exhib- and big name artists perform- junior trying to ram into you, changing. Most museums bring its is the Utah Museum of Fine ing create a great atmosphere. which makes it more danger- in special exhibits for a limited Arts- better known as UMFA- However, there are things ous. Alcohol, marijuana, and time. Checking out these special on the University of Utah’s you have to watch out for. tobacco are frequently passed exhibits is a fun way to spend a - campus. The museum is cur “When you’re in the crowd around the crowd during a Saturday afternoon. rently displaying a printmak- and you get close enough to show. Security is usually good One fun museum in close ing collection, with prints from the stage it’s basically anything at catching most elicit substanc- proximity to West High is the famous artists such as Andy goes,” said Mia Pottle (12). es at the gate, but some do find Leonardo, located right by the Warhol, Jasper Johns, and Roy “I’ve walked into the mosh their way in. If you keep your city library on 2nd East and Liechtenstein. Even if you aren’t pit next to the stage and got eye on your drink and don’t 5th South. The Leonardo is a much interested in traditional knocked flat on my back.” It’s accept anything from strang- unique museum, with perma- art, these more exciting prints true the mosh pits at Twilight ers at the concert then you’re nent displays about technology might strike your fancy. “Prints, are obnoxiously persistent re- in the clear. and science. The Leonardo has in their very nature, are the most gardless of the mood of the “I looked forward to the also hosted some of the most democratic of art forms,” said music being played. twilight concerts every week,” fascinating traveling exhibits Whitney Tassie, UMFA’s curator “There are always those said Hannah Arthur (12). “I in the country, such as “Body- of modern and contemporary drunk college kids that start went there every week and I Works”, an exploration of how art to the Salt Lake Tribune in a pushing the people next to see friends from East, High- the human body functions; and recent article. “A print by Jasper them to try to start a mosh pit, land, even kids I haven’t seen “Mummies”, which displayed Johns is more accessible than a even when the band is playing since sixth grade. We see each real mummies from ancient painting.” UMFA is constantly something like, The Flaming other, talk until the concert - Egypt and other places all over bringing in new special exhib Lips” said Gary Hafford (12). starts, it’s always so much fun, - its, so this is a great museum to the world. The Leonardo is cur Luckily, however, security is I’ve had so many great memo- rently hosting “101 Inventions visit; you’ll never have the same pretty quick to stop the eager ries at Twilight.” That Changed the World”, a experience twice. Page 4 Features October 9 2013 New Late Start schedule Cait Imhoff Amigos de las Américas: A summer to never forget

On Aug. 26, 2013, students were welcomed back to the fi rst Cait Imhoff Monday of the 2013-2014 school year with a much-needed late start schedule. School began at 9:05 and classes lasted sixty- nine minutes as opposed to the regular eighty-nine. First and second lunches took place as usual in relation to class schedule and were just pushed back a little in the day. Students were still released at 2:30, as usual. Late starts are not unheard of to the students of West High, but their increased frequency is certainly new. Instead of the late start schedule being the second Monday of every month,

late starts will be in effect every Monday that school is in ses- Photo courtesy of Jaclyn Tani sion this year apart from a couple of breaks. The late start schedule will be effective from Aug. 26 until Nov. 25. For the rest of November and December Mondays will continue with the normal schedule. Late starts will re- sume second semester starting Jan. 27, 2014, and will fi nish April 7. The remaining Mondays until summer break will all return back to the normal schedule. Last summer the superintendent of the Salt Lake City school Jaclyn Tani with two children in her community district directed the decision to change the schedule for this school year. This schedule is in effect at “All three traditional The typical summer of high school students high schools [West, East and Highland],” says assistant prin- “...I would have to say the biggest lesson I learned was include tanning, parties, pools and fi reworks. cipal Mr. DeVries. All those schools have the same timing for probably that there is so much happiness in simplicity.” classes and dates when the schedule is in effect. But for select students across the nation their Due to the change in scheduling on Mondays and the late summer was far from that typical summer. arrivals of students, teachers are required to meet every Mon- This past summer, like many before, high school and college stu- day morning. They have discussions and lessons about how dents from around the country traveled to Latin America through the to improve our school, how to better teach the students, and program known as Amigos de las Américas. more. So while students are at home catching up on sleep af- “Amigos focuses on youth empowerment and collaborative com- ter a long weekend, teachers still come in to school bright and munity development,” says two-year volunteer Jaclyn Tani (12), “it early on Monday mornings. allows high school and college students to spend six to eight weeks in Latin America and be a part of a cultural exchange.” With locations in Peru, Paraguay, Costa Rica, the Dominican Re- public and more, there is no shortage of volunteer work, and no one New science club is turned away. Participants in the program must go through a sched- uled interview early in the school year and then attend a series of or- strives ganized retreats to prepare for their trip. Though the program can be a bit pricey, Amigos offers many ways to fundraise, including selling grapefruit, poinsettias, and coffee. for success “Regardless of the price, I would absolutely recommend Ami- Yuanhang Zhao

Trial and error is the key to success, some say. dents with scientifi c potential, they were hand-picked from a state Every year, students from all around the country fl ock together science fair. Broadcom Masters aims to reach out to scientists of with poster boards displaying scientifi c information. Students have elementary and middle school age. the chance to show their expertise to various judges in several dif- The fi rst meeting for Science Fair Club took place on Thurs- ferent categories. They explain their research project, outlining the day, September 5th. Because this was Science Fair Club’s very fi rst steps they took to reach a conclusion. Only a handful receive re- year at West, the club is still seeking all kinds of people; anyone of wards for their hard work. Now, with the help of West High’s new any grade is welcome to participate. People who would like to join Science Fair Club, underclassmen have an opportunity to learn should go to a meeting and sign up in Ms. Thirlwell’s room T230 about how to set up an experiment and do the same things top in the new tech wing. The fi rst meeting featured an in-depth ex- students around the country have managed to accomplish. planation of future plans for the club and discussions of new ideas “We hold the Science Fair Club to help the younger students at members may have in mind. West like ELPers and freshmen to set up their project,” says Jean- Although sophomores and upperclassmen usually have more nette Jiang (12). “After they set up their projects, we will have them experience than newcomers, Jiang says the club is not only for ELP- present their boards [to us] and critique them to get prepared for ers and freshmen, and “there are cash awards [at ISEF and Broad- science fair.” com Masters], so it is a great experience for everyone.” Jiang and Mirae Parker are co-presidents of the club. Their primary goal is giving amateurs lessons on what science fair is all about and getting them to participate in regional and state science fairs. The end goal is competeing at ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) or Broadcom Masters. ISEF is for high school stu- Features Page 5 October 9 2013 Amigos de las Américas: A summer to never forget Youthlinc: students Cait Imhoff volunteer abroad Elliott Burr

This past summer while most high schoolers were sleeping in, hanging out with friends, and enjoying the carelessness of summer, volunteers with the organization Youthlinc were hard at work in aloof countries. Of these volunteers were West High Students who felt the need to serve humanity. The students interviewed went to a variety of locations in- cluding the Moken Village in Thailand and Song Cau, Vietnam. The volunteering missions generally last around two weeks. The volunteers typically work 6-8 hours a day during their stay. Projects include, building houses or schools, teaching the locals a number of lessons ranging from hygiene to language, and playing games with the local kids. “My favorite experience was building. In specific, a house we built,” said Dylan Drescher (12), who volunteered in Thailand.

Photo courtesy of Erin Villareal “We put in a lot of hard work and seeing it pay off at the end Erin Villareal hanging out with some kids in her community was very rewarding,” said Drescher. The volunteers worked hard during their service, but they gos to anyone and everyone,” says Erin Vil- also took full advantage of their free time. Playing with the chil- “...I would have to say the biggest lesson I learned was lareal (12), a first-year volunteer who visited dren in the village was said to be one of the most fun activities. probably that there is so much happiness in simplicity.” Paraguay for seven weeks. Erin, Jaclyn, and They participated with the children in a number of sports and six other West high students joined count- games while making unforgettable relationships. less others throughout the nation. They had “I relished getting to know and interacting with the village the opportunity to not only visit another country, but become part people,” said Henry Munson (11), who volunteered in Vietnam. of its culture. Volunteers live with host families and become leaders “Meeting people who are so exultant with only a small amount and friends of the community. They teach their community mem- of material objects is extremely enlightening,” said Munson. bers about health, leadership, children’s rights, education, and they “The local community was very welcoming, kind, and grate- dedicate themselves to a service project throughout the trip, such as ful,” said Hannah Bruns (11), who volunteered in Vietnam. “I planting trees or building stoves. loved interacting with the people. They were very friendly,” “I learned a lot about how other people live and other cultures,” said Bruns. says Tani. “But I would have to say the biggest lesson I learned was The experiences gained from Youthlinc are very worthwhile probably that there is so much happiness in simplicity. That’s what and leave volunteers with a lifetime full of experiences. Amigos comes down to: simple living and helping others.” “My service experience was rewarding and I would do it Amigos has been running for almost fifty years, and it is not about again if given the chance,” remembered Bruns. to stop. Information meetings for next summer’s opportunities will Those interested in joining Youthlinc, must submit an appli- be held on September 28, October 2, and October 5. For more infor- cation. Applications, as well as other information, can be found mation visit, www.amigoslink.org online at youthlinc.org or at their office at 1140 E. Brickyard Road, Salt Lake City.

Serving West Since 1916 The West High Red & Black RED & BLACK does not discriminate on Named Best 4A Paper by The Utah Press Association the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, Staffers disability or age in its Eliza Asay Hannah Hendry programs and activities. Editor-in-Chief: Diego Alemán Ryann Beeler Cait Imhoff The following person Milo Marsden Jack Brown Emma Metos has been designated to Miranda Cannon Christopher Chen George Metos handle inquiries regarding Ethan Cone-Uemura Sophie Portmann the non-discrimination A&E Editor: Cheri Brisendine Alexander Cooper Hue Tran policies: Accents Editor: Maxim Nebeker Emma Culver Ethan Youngberg Features Editor: Mary Peng Ellie Fuller Yuanhang Zhao Principal Parley Jacobs News Editor: Matt Parker Cole Hartog 241 North 300 West Opinion Editor: Madison Colledge Salt Lake City, UT 84103 South Lawn Editor: Elliott Burr Adviser: Mary Ellen Bach (801) 578-8500 Illstration Editor: Jackson West Address: 241 N 300 W Salt Lake City, UT 84103 Printer: Salt Lake School District Page 6 October 9 2013 Crossing the “Red Line” Yuanhang Zhao

Controversy over Syria has mounted President Obama, who warned Syria would US were to intervene as warships were sent once more over the accusation Assad’s re- be crossing a “red line”. On June 13th, the to Syria, putting emphasis of impact on the gime has taken to the use of chemical weap- US announced there was proof sarin gas Middle East and North Africa. ons. Dozens of bodies wrapped in white was used, but did not mention whether the Symptoms shown by victims of the chem- sheets lined the ground as many others “red line” was crossed. The UN has sent in- ical attack included convulsions, pinpoint were scattered around twitching or motion- spectors to Syria to analyze the scene, but pupils, blurred vision and difficulty breath- less. A video which appeared overnight on has been delayed by unidentified snipers ing. News agency Argence France-Presse YouTube revealed the scene as accusations stated “1,300 killed in chemical attack” on that Bashar Al-Assad’s regime has been us- social media website Twitter, while the As- ing chemical weapons against Syrian civil- sociated Press claimed “over 100 killed near ians. However, allegations of the chemical capital in alleged toxic gas attack”. attacks have sprung up on both sides as es- Courtesy of Google US and Russian findings contradicted timates from 100 to 1,400 people have been each other as the US claimed evidence affected in Damascus by the attacks. Civil- pointed to Assad’s regime, while Russian ians claim this has not been “the first time” sources claimed evidence pointed at the chemical weapons have been used. rebel forces. Secretary of State John Kerry The Syrian government has repeat edly has given multiple warning signs to Assad denied the use of weapons since the topic as a possible military strike on Syria could was brought up in August 2012. Mul- shooting at their vehicle. Russia’s Foreign occur. The situation remains unclear as tiple countries and organizations have Ministry spokesman warned of “cata- Bashar Assad says, “... [USA] can launch denounced the use of sarin gas, including strophic consequences” if Britain and the wars but they cannot win them.”

Snowden Evades U.S Assange Escapes Chris Chen Capture Granted asylum in Rus- Cole Hartog sia for one year, Edward Snowden is safe until Au- gust of 2014. Snowden, Most of us know his story by now, Julian a former CIA and NSA Assange released a few top secret documents computer specialist, was online about the United States government. charged for espionage The government wasn’t too particularly happy and theft of government about having their secrets revealed. They prose- property. His offence cuded him and he was found not guilty. He fled falls under the U.S. Es- the country and the search is on. pionage Act and carries Assange is wanted by the United States gov- penalties of fines and ernment for illegally obtaining and sharing up to 10 years in prison. classified information that he posted online. Snowden has been called This whole topic has sparked a great debate in a hero, a whistleblower, a America. Many people agree that we should dissident, a traitor, and always be aware what our government is do- a patriot. He claims to ing, while others think everyone has the right to have released many of hold their secrets. The rest of us, just want this the classified documents whole situation to pass quickly. to inform the public what After becoming a national criminal, Julian As- the U.S. is doing to moni- Jackson West sange was forced to flee the U.S. He has taken tor the web. Programs refuge in Ecuador, where he has been granted like Prism are now available to the target Americans’ personal lives. political asylum. Assange’s presence could po- public, revealing how closely the Snowden is still hiding in Rus- tentially strain U.S. political relations with Ec- NSA monitors our Internet data. sia. After trying to board a flight uador. President Obama and his intelli- in Cuba, he was stopped and de- Assange has done a television series in which gence chiefs are now defending their nied a flight after the US pressured he was interviewed. He describes his crime and programs saying they are regulated Cuba to try Snowden for espionage his motives behind it, as well as how it has af- by law and the administration noti- charges. Another reason he was fected him personally. fied congress. The Administration denied a flight was because if he No one knows when or if this manhunt will says the programs have been used landed in Cuba it could have dam- end. As it stands, the U.S. has continued to pur- to thwart militant plots and do not aged their relationship with the U.S. sue Assange. Opinion Page 7 October 9 2013 Going to War with Syria Madison Colledge

At the close of the Second However, the alternative World War, the United Nations is not wholly acceptable ei- formally introduced interna- ther. Obama, himself, made tional laws. Among those laws threats to the Syrian gov- was the chemical warfare and ernment, saying chemical poison ban. A law is useless if attacks would “cross a red not enforced, and the job of po- line”. The empty threats liceman seems to have fallen take away U.S. credibility upon the United States. On somewhat by making us Aug. 21, 2013, U.S. intelligence all bark and no bite. On confirmed the Syrian govern- Sept. 4, 2013 congress gave ment’s use of chemical weap- approval for U.S. to have ons on its own people. Killing military presence in Syria. 1400 citizens, 426 of them chil- The Obama administration dren. The U.S. now must deter- will try to avoid war and mine what action it must take. use the presence as a show Forced to choose between a of force maintaining the bloody conflict or abandoning credibility of the U.S. and international law. international law. From the Obama adminis- Courtesy of Google Other countries such as tration’s perspective, the idea of a new war is not welcome one. Russia and Brazil are tired of the U.S. stepping into international Obama was, in part, elected on promises to end the war in Iraq. For affairs, but the ethical task is determined that innocent people are Obama to enter into a new seems to betray the people that elected dying and someone, whether or not it is the U.S. needs to step in. him.

Legislature’s high school grading looks down on West Miranda Cannon

Recently, the Utah State Legislature tell you, there are better ways to measure that the legislature dislikes West and es- implemented a grading scale for Utah students’ abilities than through testing. pecially the IB program, as well as inner schools, and while not a bad idea in the- At the high end of the spectrum West is city schools in general. It’s not really a ory, the actual enactment of it seems to known for its academic honors programs secret that West is a very diverse school, have fallen flat of the desired goal. such as AP and IB. The school is also re- and where many of the students are from The Utah state legislature, following an nowned for its special needs programs. low-income backgrounds it is difficult to idea based on Florida’s school grading have beautiful, perfect numbers that the system, graded each Utah school’s test- legislation wants. West has never used ing abilities and graduation rates to give its IB World School status as a veneer schools a letter grade based on how well or “paintjob” to try to make it look bet- their school performed overall. West’s ter, though it is no secret that because of score was shocking to many parents and the talented teachers of West, both regu- students: an F because we did not meet lar students and those in the IB program the mandate that 95% of students take the benefit from the education they receive so CRTs at the end of each school year. Only long as they choose to use the resources 92% of our students were reported as hav- available to them. ing taken them. Courtesy of Google Other schools whose main focuses The grading scale has only three areas are to help failing students to receive the available for students to earn points in: Neither of these amazing programs were number of credits they need for gradua- the percentage of students passing their acknowledged in any way through the tion also are reported to have received CRTs in each of language arts, math, and use of this grading system. an F, despite efforts by parents, teachers, science, the percentage of students whose Senate President Wayne Niederhauser, and students to improve as much as is progress was 40% higher than their scores R-Sandy claims that “They’re [West High possible. One such school is Polaris High, from the previous year, and graduation is] failing a huge population of their stu- which saw a 300% improvement from two rates. Though the legislature has insist- dents...The IB program is a beautiful paint years ago and still received an “F” grade ed that they will add more categories to job covering up some pretty big prob- overall. the grading scale next year (such as ACT lems.” It is clear that the senator really has “We’re not an F school, we’re an A scores) their main push is for standardized no idea what he is talking about, and this school with all we’re doing with kids,” testing and graduation, and as many stu- statement and those like it from previous our principal, Dr. Jacobs told the Salt Lake dents and more teachers and parents can issues regarding education makes it clear Tribune. Page 8 October 9 2013 South Lawn The Advice Column: Taking on the Work Load

Dear Axiom Tropaeus, It’s the beginning of the year and I have decided to turn over a new leaf and am going to start trying to be more proactive with turning in my homework. However, I still want to have free time to spend with my friends and do fun things. What should I do? -James B. Askin

Dear James, I see you have wrestled with the most fickle of beasts and have been beaten. In order to overcome such an obstacle and start handing in your work on time, you must defeat the most ruthless of devils, the scourge of all students, the one who whispers,“Maybe after two more episodes of Breaking Bad,” into your ear at every motivational thought. You must overcome your inherent desire to pro- crastinate. Your greatest tool for chipping away the steely grip of procrastina- tion is time management. Although difficult at first, it is mandatory that you manage the time allotted to complete any assignments. If you let the assignment wait, it will simply fade into the shadows and slowly stalk you through the days, tracking you as you take naps, play videogames, and watch tv, until it finally, silently, leaps forth and mauls you as you frantically try to keep it under control at 3am Sunday night. How to combat such an attack you need to take on the assignment in small increments. At first, as the year begins and the homework load is rela- tively low, you can be flexible with your time. Give yourself breaks, and small rewards. After all, writing your name, date, and answering the first question of your assignment grants you a 45 minute episode of your favorite tv show right? As the year progresses make sure to build your habits of getting things done incrementally and become more and more strict with yourself. Soon you will find yourself with top notch grades, happy parents, happy teachers, and a ton of free time to boot. -Axiom Tropaeus

Tea for the tillerman Milo Marsden Looking back now, I can remember much more of my youth. Time seemed much longer then, perhaps because I had gone through so little of it. What I now perceive as a year, I then perceived only as the ten weeks of Summer Vacation. Of course, when you are truly small, there is no boredom. Between maturity and youth, though, in a phase I will call “Seventh Grade” nothing is interesting, or nothing was interesting to me. So, I began my quest to destroy the sleepy boredom of one thirty on a September Sunday. Starry eyed and without purpose, I set off to study the greats who van- quished the Sunday afternoon boredom. Shakespeare, Williams, and Seinfeld tattooed my mind with selfish dreams of endless entertainment through their language. I sat on wastepaper baskets considering the deal with airplane food, and why they don’t just make the airplane out of the food. I looked at blank ceilings contemplating why the Psychic Network needed a phone number. I leaned in the warmth over wicker chairs until the red marks on my chest re- sembled something like a cattle brand and found my way into “that part” of YouTube. There I found the true warriors. The men I venerated were merely the gener- als in the battle against boredom. They became too separated from the fight to truly know its nature. These new warriors fight with weapons unknown to old ones in the smoky nightclubs of the past. No, the battle rages on in with the camcorders and webcams of today. To become great today, one must risk life, limb, and self-respect. On that day, I found truth. The Gods of humor rewarded these men and women for their devotion. A devotion I knew I would never match. Always remember these new greats, never not. Perhaps they have nothing else in this world, but they can please the masses. A talent and a pleasure most will never know.