he hieftain TMontville High School Oakdale ,C CT 06370 Issue #4 2012 NHS Makes Difference Drop in, Help Out By: Rachael Orbe In the spring of 2012, twelve juniors took a promise to succeed academically, to be active in their community, and to be leaders at MHS. The Montville High School chapter of the National Honor Society is a highly selective group of individuals who strive to make a difference in the world, one project at a time. Last year, the NHS, led by President Kim Bigelow and advisors Mrs. Clifford and Ms. Halsey, had several large projects including collecting goods for the Women’s Shelter, which was greatly appreciated as the organization doesn’t receive many donations. However, the NHS Class of 2013 has made significant strides to have an A collection of student made soup bowls for the Empty Bowls fundraiser. even larger impact. One of their major projects is to start a tutoring program, By: Lacia Japp which will start at MHS and hopefully Wheels whirl, brushes swirl, and your group could get involved! spread to the middle school and possibly students smile every Tuesday after school Volunteering aside, some students the elementary schools. The group has at Art Club. The club gratefully welcomes just enjoy the relaxation of creating art. already seen a great interest, as some anyone, artist or not, who wants to have “I just like making it pretty,” confided members have begun helping other fun, hang out until three o’ clock, and do Rena Wu as she put the finishing touches students at the high school. some creative community service – no on a sapphire soup bowl, “I’m better at In addition, there are many sign up or obligation required! painting than making bowls.” upcoming smaller projects. Recently, “It’s a pretty casual club, but At Art Club, everyone uses their a majority of the NHS members were we do get a lot of work done,” states the own talents to help out. Some enjoy the present at Back to School Night to club’s supervisor Ms. Olczak. hunt through shelves for that perfect shade volunteer as guides and greeters. In the Part of that work this year will of vermillion red or fairy blue. Others near future, they are hoping to have a Hat be participating in the national event, prefer to get down and dirty on the wheels Day in order to raise funds for a charity, Empty Bowls. This year, the Art Club where hands, sponges, faces, aprons, and organization, or potential project. Also, as hopes to make and paint at least 100 wheels are all covered with soggy tan fall is here and winter is fast approaching, bowls to sell at a local event tentatively clay. they held a coat and jacket drive, which scheduled for January 31st. On that day, In the words of Kenzie Savage, “I benefited the Women’s Shelter and Senior the Culinary Club will also sell three types come when I can...I just do whatever...it’s Center in Montville. And the group is of soup complemented with scrumptious fun.” The wheels are ready to whirl and planning on giving to the local food artisan breads. Last year, the Jazz band the kiln is hot; drop by Art Club to work on banks, participating in the Big Brother/ volunteered to play several pieces and projects Sister program, and adopting a family for a few Thespian Drama members roved of your the holidays. as wondering minstrels. This year even own, or Keep your eyes peeled for posters more clubs are invited to join the cause. throw a and listen for announcements, so that you All proceeds go to Montville’s local soup bowl for can help the National Honor Society make kitchen, so see Ms. Olczak to find out how charity! a difference!

Page 1 The Chieftain MHS SPORTS Jeffrey Tryon: Juggling it All ECC Champs By: Natalie Smith On November 5th with Hurricane Sandy and the four day break over, the Boys soccer team celebrated a victory over Bacon on the Montville High School turf. The Boys soccer team defeated Bacon 3-2, giving them a 17-1 record. Although no points were scored by the Indians in the first half, the second half proved to be a fantastic comeback. The team was down 0-2 going into halftime, and the undefeated Bacon team seemed to be on top of this game. However, the boys pulled together and scored three goals in the second half. Jeff Tryon and Connor Leeman were two of the top scorers in the game with two and one goals, respectively. Coach Colin Delaney said, “Connor and Jeff are two of Jeff Tryon in the State Semi-Final game. the better players in the state, I can’t say enough about how hard they’ve worked Mallory Tassone in the last four years. It’s unmatched. For most high school athletes, a to be the beginning of a long career for They’re our two horses and we rely on sport is just another activity to fill their Jeffrey. them. At the same time we have 15, 16, 17 already busy schedule. However, for Jeff has tentative plans to play guys around them who make them better.” Jeffrey Tryon soccer has been a major Division I soccer in college for the Junior Gabe Diaz’s efforts are part of his life since the time he could University of Hartford as an undeclared also to be noted, as he played the game walk. Tryon, a senior, started playing major. He plans to make the decision as with a contusion on his leg. “Defense was soccer when he was three years old and he progresses through school, “It’s tough our project,” said Coach Delaney. That has become a well-known athlete not only to figure out what you want to do with certainly paid off as after Bacon’s two to Montville, but throughout Connecticut. the rest of your life; I feel too young to early goals the Indian’s defense, including Jeffrey has been an asset to the decide that already.” Regardless of when Gabe Diaz, was able to block any other high school soccer team, standing out in a and what his declaration of a major ends goals from being scored in the second talented pool of players. The atmosphere up being, Jeffrey will certainly succeed in half, keeping goalkeeper Jake Sorenson that surrounds the high school team is the balancing of school and the rigorous unoccupied. ideal for Jeff, who enjoys playing with schedule of Division 1 athletics. The boys continued their winning his friends. The team gets a lot of support Jeff finds it much easier to streak on November 10th against Granby in from students who attend the team’s home complete his school work after practice or the second round of the state tournament games, giving them an audience to play games because he is better able to focus on with an end result of 3-1, Indians. This for. When asked about the team chemistry, his work. While many students find trying made Montville’s record 18-1. The boy’s Tryon said, “Our team has great chemistry. to balance between school and athletics to soccer team was seen in action again in We’re like one big family, including all be a struggle, Tryon has found his stride. the quarter finals of the CIAC tournament of the coaching staff. I personally love Jeffrey’s advice to other student athletes on November 13th against Ledyard. This playing for the team and the atmosphere is, “Always put school first and try to get was an exciting game, as the boys had on game days is just amazing. Love it.” all your work done before practices or already faced Ledyard twice in the regular While good things must usually come to games because it will make everything a season. Both teams came ready to play but an end, the coming year will likely prove lot easier.” Montville was victorious.

Page 2 The Chieftain MHS SPORTS Balancing High School + Sports: Samantha Iler By: Paul Hanrahan On the sports field, players are other activities, but has helped her to grow her high school years. “It’s hard to get fighting for the dignity of the team. In the with successful characteristics and habits. everything done, but that doesn’t mean it’s classroom, those same players are fighting “Being on a team requires a level of not possible. Everything deserves 100%.” for their own dignity. For a high school loyalty and commitment that I would not Samantha continues to work hard on the student, it can be tough to find the balance have otherwise acquired, which I like to soccer field and in school. As a senior between schoolwork and sports. think would make me a better friend, sister student athlete, she shows leadership and For Samantha Iler, this balance and daughter.” Sports encourage good determination both in the classroom and is something she has to find every day. character, and so it can be a necessary part outside of it. Samantha plays Varsity soccer, is a of a high school student’s life. Varsity level equestrian, and also manages Sports are a large aspect of to excel academically. The girls’ soccer Samantha’s high school schedule, but team did very well this year, and they she is also doing extremely well in the can attribute this to their successful team classroom. She received AP Scholar chemistry. Sam comments, “A lot of the with Honors her junior year, along with girls are good friends with each other and CAPT Scholar and the Principal’s Award. work very well on the field. If there’s ever Samantha has also been accepted into the a problem no one has trouble talking it out Spanish and National Honor Societies. with one another or a captain.” She doesn’t let a busy schedule be an Samantha believes being excuse for slacking off in school, and involved in sports does not deter from her so she has continued to succeed during Jesse Joseph-- Scholar and Runner By: Helena Sun A cross country and track captain, New London County 4H camp. In the NHS member, and the senior class off season, he is part of the 4H Teen treasurer, Jesse Joseph recently received Ambassador Program, creating 4H events news about his PSAT scores. He scored such as clothing, toy, and blanket drives. a 2130 out of 2400, which qualified him He also organized a project of making tea- to be entered into the National Merit light Christmas ornaments for citizens in Scholarship Competition (NMSC). The the Norwich Convalescent Home. PSAT is mandatory and over 1.5 million Jesse has a simple formula for high school students take it. High scoring determining success: not making up any participants are offered the opportunity excuses for not winning or succeeding. to be referred to colleges by NMSC. His He describes it like this, “For instance, number one school is the Harvey Mudd if I was running a race and I didn’t win College in Claremont, California, a small but made excuses about not winning, that but prestigious school that upholds the isn’t success.” highest rate of science and engineering Jesse enjoys playing the guitar, Ph.D. production for undergraduate piano, reading, and writing. He is quite colleges. smart academically, and he is also well- In addition to Jesse’s academic rounded, making him an excellent model accomplishments, he became a junior of a student-athlete. staff member three years ago at the

Page 3 The Chieftain ARTS AND CULTURE Trouble With the Curve The Book Thief By: Helena Sun Have you ever wished to get a glimpse of Death’s thoughts? In The Book Thief, narrated by Death itself, you are offered a glimpse of a rather simple story about a young girl named Liesel Meminger whose brother dies on a train while being sent to her foster parents, the Hubermanns, in Molching, Germany in the late 1930s. Although illiterate at first, Liesel becomes fearless at stealing books, whether it is from a gravedigger’s apprentice or the book burnings the Nazis hold. In the midst of figuring out how to deal with the knowledge of her absent mother and dead brother, the Hubermanns allow Max Vandenburg, a Jew, to live in their modest home. Considering their John Goodman, and in a scene from Trouble with The Curve. location and the desperate years they are living in, letting a Jew into your home By: Joey Weekly is jeopardous. Liesel’s haunting past Rating; 4.5 out of 5 stars Adams, who have a rocky relationship compared to Max’s, however, is easy Clint Eastwood came out of throughout the movie. Timberlake plays because “anything was better than being a retirement for the chance to work with a the role of a scout for the Jew.” Despite their differences, a child and star studded cast lead by named Johnny. He and Mickey are drawn a man in his twenties, their similarities are and Amy Adams. Judged by the quality of to each other because they both have such like a mirror image of each other. acting, that was a good decision. At first a great love for baseball, and have a lot in Told with Kurt Vonnegut- glance, you might say Eastwood played common overall. style humor, simplicity, and tasteful the role of an aging and ailing baseball Ultimately, the movie was metaphors, Markus Zusak’s poetic tale scout for the Braves organization, relatable. We all have struggles in our won’t disappoint. It’s a unique story of but that is not at all what the movie is lives and some are tougher than others. guilt, friendship, and doses of love, all about. Clint Eastwood’s character struggles with foreshadowed by Death’s musings. It Gus’s daughter Mickey, played by the thought that he wasn’t able to take toys with the reader’s emotions on levels Amy Adams, goes along with him against care of his daughter when she was young, of laughter and melancholy, his will on what appears to be his last and as a result he didn’t connect with her but even more recruiting trip. This was a last attempt to until she was in her thirties. so, it is a story repair her dysfunctional relationship with Trouble With the Curve Isn’t a that leaves a her father that dates back to her childhood. baseball movie, it’s a movie about a man raw, enkindled Along the way there are plenty of bumps who had a lot of struggles in his life, and pondering that and bruises, literally and figuratively. how he dealt with the adversity; in other simply lingers. The acting in this movie was words, how he reacted when life threw impeccable. Any eighty-two year old him a curve. man who can still get up and act the way Eastwood did in this movie deserves a medal or award of some sort. Not to mention Justin Timberlake and Amy

Page 4 The Chieftain ARTS AND CULTURE Exploring the Mexican Culture in Spanish Harlem By: Lacia Japp On the day Montville witnessed custom called “Day of the Dead”. From normal but with Spanish soda.” the year’s first snow, students under the classroom discussion, the students already A later part of their journey took direction of Mrs. Olcezk and Mrs. Clifford knew that this early November holiday place in the upstairs part of the museum. loaded on the bus for a unique cultural was similar to American Halloween, Using a variety of art supplies, the experience. except the children enjoyed candy skulls students were asked to make two or three The group while the family waited for a visit from items someone might put on an altar. The departed their deceased ancestors. An eager tour question of the day was, “If you were dead, for guide encouraged the students to consider what would you want on your altar?” One Spanish what they saw on the altar. To aid this girl made a strawberry, a drama mask, Harlem deeper thinking, he led the students to a and the name of her favorite band to show at 7:30 statue of a skeleton women with “bright what was important to her. The different a m obnoxious flowers covering her face”, as items made by many students were about where one participant observed. The students to be glued to a mutual collage when the they were asked to use a list of the five senses fire alarm went off. Instead of standing in visited a to experience this work of art. the cold, the group headed home, delayed museum The group furthered their because of the snow, but with new to learn experience by eating Spanish food understanding of Mexican art and cultural more including chicken with beans and rice. differences. about Rena Wu, a junior present on the field the Mexican trip, commented that the meal was “Pretty The World’s a Stage? By: Joan Miller While Shakespeare’s Jaques musical rarely reaches Broadway without Community theatres in CT, the closest may have been correct in saying “All a dramatic stage effect such as a crashing one to Montville is in Colchester, but no the world’s a stage” in the seventeenth chandelier or impressive puppetry. What one seems to know about its existence, century, it no longer seems to hold true happened to the theatre of Shakespeare’s there are never even any announcements today. “All the world’s a screen” may be day, when a set gave a basic impression about their upcoming productions. The more appropriate. Cinemas are far more of the scene and left the magic up to the community theatre is declining in our common than traditional theatres. Open actors and the audience? Broadway has age of computer graphic glory. But the up the yellow pages to ‘theatres’ and there managed to make the switch with society graphics aren’t nearly as magical as what are six movie theaters, seven if you happens on the stage. The stage count the Garde, which hosts film The community theatre is declining in our age of allows for talent and imagination to fests annually. There are only two computer graphic glory. shine through; there’s no chance to traditional theatres, the Goodspeed edit when the curtain opens. Theatre Opera House and The Garde, listed. What towards movie like stage productions, but has something magical about it. There’s happened to the theatre? what happened to the community theatre? nothing to compare with portraying We seem to have lost our love Every high school has a drama the human condition through words or for live entertainment. We’ve grown club, but what happens once you graduate, bringing the play-writ’s script to life. accustomed to the larger than life effects and still wish to dabble in theatre but not Even the audience gets to participate, of the screen, and don’t appreciate the major in it? Your best choice would be bringing their own aura to the show, taking smaller, but no less impressive miracles a community theatre, but where do you part in it, and making each performance that occur on stage. Nowadays, a play or find one? If you search the internet for different; there’s no way to do that at the Regal Cinemas. Page 5 The Chieftain OPINION Healthy Lunch, Happy Students? Should Teachers be Allowed to Strike? By: Paul Hanrahan There are professionals in all different areas of work that protest for better working conditions: why don’t teachers have this same right? In some states, teachers do have the right to go on strike. In other states, such as Connecticut, they do not, and this creates a major issue for both the teachers and the students. A teachers’ strike dramatically affects students. After all, the students have a right to education and when a strike is organized, schools do not have the resources to keep students in school. In Chicago, the strike caused the school system to lose nearly 26,000 teachers. The kids had to take the days off, because there were no teachers to instruct classes. Students purchase lunch at the MHS cafeteria. Even though it seems unfair to the students for teachers to strike, they still By: Mallory Tassone are guaranteed 180 days of education. The As the district pushes to make in regards to the new requirement. rights of students are not infringed upon school meals healthier by forcing students In general, adolescents, or any by the striking of teachers, so teachers to take a fruit or vegetable as part of their age children for that matter, are not must be allowed go on strike if necessary. lunch, the response from the students exactly thrilled at the idea of having to As Austin Concascia remarked, “Striking seems to be less than ideal. While they eat anything healthy, so being forced to could be a form of the first amendment, are trying to create healthier meals for eat healthy is not going to make a happy and [teachers] should definitely have that the schools, many fruits and vegetables student body. If the school district wishes right.” are being wasted due to a lack of interest to succeed in implementing this new The states that allow teachers this from students. Many students simply take requirement they should look into taking right insist that they have to be treated a fruit because it’s what he or she is told a different approach with students in order like professionals; otherwise it will deter to do, not because he or she is concerned to create a better understanding of the people from being interested in becoming with the health aspect of the addition of idea. Better educated students would most a teacher. In the future, there will then be a the fruit or vegetable. likely result in a more successful plan in lower supply of teachers, and the schools Rather than forcing the fruit or creating healthy meals within the schools. will have to lower standards in order to vegetable onto students’ plates, wouldn’t a The district has have enough teachers to cover all of the better approach be to educate students on the right idea, it courses. The morale of the faculty directly the importance of eating a healthy meal? is just a matter of affects the students. Christine Woodman By being told they must take a fruit or their execution of comments, “The biggest concern is the vegetable on their tray at lunch, students the plan. students, I don’t think any teacher would are not learning the importance of a say otherwise. The issue is that the things healthy meal, but instead are looking past teachers are upset about affects the kids.” the exact reason for the requirement. If Poor working conditions and low wages the school district tried stressing the need deter people from entering the teaching for a healthy aspect to school meals then profession, and so students will thus perhaps there would be less disagreement receive lower-quality in their education.

Page 6 The Chieftain OPINION Should the PSAT be Mandatory? By: Brieanna Fuentes For one week in mid-October, becomes fiercer, many students are relying they score high on the test.. The test is one word is being whispered about in on their SAT scores more than before. not the only opportunity for students to the hallways: “PSAT”. But what is the Even the students who are not counting practice before taking the official SAT. PSAT? To clarify, the PSAT is the practice on high scores can still benefit from Students are also given a practice booklet scholastic aptitude test. Recently, there taking the PSAT because of the practice before the PSAT and some teachers even has been talk of making the PSAT a it gives. Since it covers a broad range provide extra practice problems in class non- mandatory choice for sophomores of subjects including math, writing, and to further boost their students chances and juniors. The option was dismissed critical reading, the PSAT gives a well- of performing well. The PSAT should be this year and both grades took it, free of rounded study target for the undecided made mandatory for sophomores and charge. However, what will happen in the student. After taking the PSAT juniors because it will do nothing years to follow? Should the PSAT still be twice, juniors and seniors who but benefit the students who take mandatory? The answer is absolutely yes. are looking to take the actual it. Many students complain about taking the SAT test will find it easier PSAT, but in reality, it is a huge benefit. and much less stressful. It The PSAT is exactly what the name says, also benefits the students to the practice SAT. With the SAT becoming take the PSAT because of more and more important for our college the National Merit Scholar futures, students need all the practice program. Taking the PSAT they can get. As college becomes more as a junior will reward selective and the competition for spots one with scholarships if Plastic Bags? I think not. By: Natalie Smith 380 billion plastic bags are used there are 46,000 pieces of plastic litter These costs add up fast into about 8.5 in the United States each year, which floating in every square mile of ocean. million dollars yearly. Plastic bags also translates to 1,200 bags per person per year, Aside from that birds get entangled in have a fatal design flaw as they are really with only one to two percent recycled. We plastic bags, and as a result they can’t fly only made for a single use which causes do not think about their harmful effects or they drown. more and more to be produced. This including being detrimental to animals Furthermore, other animals necessitates 12 million barrels of oil to and very costly, along with a design flaw. besides marine animals mistakenly ingest be used just in the production of plastic This is why I propose plastic bags plastic bags, clogging their intestines and bags which may contribute to the nation’s being banned in the United States. Plastic causing death by starvation. According to oil crisis. These bags then go to landfills bags are harmful to animals, especially Greenpeace, “At least 267 marine species where the plastic never deteriorates, even marine life. Nearly one million birds are known to have suffered from getting after it photo- degrades. As you can see and 100,000 marine animals die each entangled in or ingesting marine debris.” the United States should definitely follow year from plastic debris. Marine animals Plastic bags are largely to blame because other countries like Australia and ban confuse plastic bags with plankton and 90% of that debris is plastic. The United plastic bags because they harm animals, jellyfish. The animals will immediately States could save thousands of animals’ are quite costly, and have a fatal design swallow the plastic bags if the ocean lives if plastic bags were banned. Plastic flaw. Plastic bags could easily be replaced current is opening and closing the bag, bags are also expensive, both to clean by cloth, reusable bags, which are already mimicking the way a jellyfish swims. up after and for the consumer. To clean being encouraged by many grocery stores. This is not uncommon, as according to up, recycle, and/ or put plastic bags into the United Nations Environment Program landfills it costs around 17 cents per bag.

Page 7 The Chieftain WORLD NEWS Schoolgirl Shot for A Dollar per Scream Speaking Out By: Lacia Japp Perhaps while logging on to Yahoo or idly searching for current events, you have run across the pleading eyes and shy smile of worldwide inspiration: Malala Yousafzai. Since the tender age of eleven, this girl has captivated everyone with her strong voice calling with passion for education and asserting her right to become a doctor. This Pakistani girl is famous for her blog documenting her battle. In 2011 Malala was nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize and won Pakistan’s first ever prize for peace. Strongly supported by prominent figures such as former First Lady Laura Bush and singer Madonna, this young girl’s words rippled across the whole world. “I have a right to speak up,” she Scenes like this are common on haunted Halloween trails. told CNN. Unfortunately the Taliban decided By: Jack Lakowsky Malala was a problem. “Malala is targeted On a cool October night with a carts. The hayrides were great for family because of her pioneer role in preaching bright moon, everybody likes to have a fun or for the seasonal scare, and caused secularism and so-called enlightened little scare. The Oakdale Volunteer Fire quite a stir. moderation,” which according to Taliban Department on 444 Chapel Hill Road All this took place on Rol Haven spokesmen is against Muslim Law. hosted the Haunted Hayride, which kept Farms, which is adjacent to the fire house. Gunmen boarded a bus full of school everyone on the edge of their seats. The People were taken there by carriage, children to shoot the 14 year old girl twice Drama departments of both Montville which was a great start to a fun event. The in the head and neck. This took place in High School and East Lyme High School horses went through the woods, which a region of Pakistan called Swat – an area dressed up to scare people riding on a possessed their own eerie quality. Riders considered under military control. The horse drawn carriage. went through Montville Drama’s side of tragedy left the teenage girl with severe The dates of the rides were the ride, followed by East Lyme’s side. cerebral edema (swelling of the brain). October 12th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 21st, She was unconscious and unresponsive 26th, 27th, and 28th. Costs are low with for 24 hours after the bullet had been adults at 8 dollars, children (4-11) are 5 removed. dollars, and children under three ride free. Want to see your name in Print? Worldwide reactions have varied Profits go to the Oakdale Fire Department from horror to skepticism. While some and the respective Drama Clubs. Write for the Chieftain! religious and political leaders speak out People with small children (or a forcefully against the Taliban, others weak heart), went to an earlier show since wonder if the story is just a huge American the acting wasn’t as drastic. However, Email Mrs. Laurençot publicity stunt. Despite some cold hearted those who wanted the rush of being scared, responses, October 11, 2012 was the first went later in the evening. The actors did [email protected] International Day of the Girl, an event everything possible to get you to scream created to honor advances made against your head off, including jumping on the things that keep women out of school. To help the world continue to change and honor what a privilege education is, we all Page 8 The Chieftain need to remember Malala’s messege. WORLD NEWS Montville Church Listed on Historic Registry By: Joan Miller Connecticut Newspapers have had London, the area we currently know as that the church lot could not be sold to a an eye on Montville, and for good reason. Montville. The church sits on the historic private owner, and had to remain public The Montville Center Congregational center of town, and was originally built property. This caused the church to Church, located on Raymond Hill Road, because the inhabitants of current day remain empty for several years while a just down the street from the Raymond Montville had to travel into New London buyer was found. Library, has recently been added to the every Sunday for church service, and were The town acquired the building Connecticut State Registry of Historic unwilling to make such a long commute last year and has spent that time trying places. On Wednesday September every week. Newspapers from the year to repair the historic building, which 5th, Mayor McDaniel, former Mayor 1823 report an incident in which several has experienced leaks and the general Jaskeiwicz, and several members of the people were killed and many were injured decomposition associated with old historical society traveled to Hartford to during a Sunday service when lightning buildings. The potential for grants to be learn of the building’s placement on the struck the church and part of the ceiling used to fix the church were a contributing state registry. The historical society’s next collapsed. The current building was built factor to the historical society’s attempts step will be to try and get the church listed in 1847. The interior has undergone to get the building listed. on the national registry. surprisingly little change through the Though no decisions have been This listing would allow for centuries, and was in fact used as a church made yet, upon refurbishment there are grants to be given to the church in order to up until the 1990s, when the parishioners several options for the former church, preserve the historic building. The church decided to sell the building, along with including an extension of the Raymond was founded in 1772 as a grant from an adjacent lot. Upon closer inspection, Library, or as a key stop along a driving New London to the North Parish of New however, the deed to the church specified tour through Montville. NHS Tutoring Center By: Paul Hanrahan Students from all over the school don’t fully understand. Everyone is very are venturing into the once empty side friendly, and will always be willing to room in the cafeteria. On most Thursdays help you out. Whether you need help and Fridays, National Honor Society on something, need a more in depth members are occupying the room, turning explanation, or are just struggling to it into an environment where students understand homework, then the Tutoring can find help with nearly any subject. Center is the place to be! Everyone in the Tutoring Center is willing The Tutoring Center is one of to help out with any type of work that you the many ways National Honor Society are having trouble understanding or if you plans on supporting the community and just need someone to help you through the Montville High School. They held a problems. drive for the Women’s Shelter. They Tutors are available blocks three, collected donations of hygiene four, five, seven and eight on Thursdays items, such as soap, shampoo, and Fridays. It is a great opportunity to etc. Help out your local understand your classes better, and to charities by supporting work a little harder. For most of the blocks National Honor Society, there will be several students in the room, and a little donation can so you can get multiple perspectives go a long way. and explanations on topics that you

Page 9 The Chieftain MHS NEWS Marching Madness Spirit Week By: Rachael Orbe A sea of orange and black flooded into the gymnasium bleachers for the concluding festivities of Spirit Week 2012. Students from every class competed to have the loudest class yell, and to show their school spirit. Beginning on October 10, MHS held its annual Spirit Week. On Wednesday, each class is distinguished by particular combinations of colors, usually with tights and tutus. The seniors sport pink and green, the juniors red and purple, sophomores yellow and brown, and freshmen blue and white. Participation was recorded and the resulting percentages were compared to see which class had the most school spirit. Thursday was Turn Back the Clock Day. From Grecian gladiators and The MHS Band performs at Marching Madness. 80s flash dancers to babies and retro sports idols, the MHS hallways were swarmed By: Natalie Smith with all of the above. This was the day On October 6, the turf lights were Not only was the performance that the students had most creativity, bright, the concession stand sizzling, and great, but so was the food. The Rolling coming up with their own unique take on the bleachers full, but not for football or Tomato Food Truck, a food truck that the theme. soccer. Marching Madness, hosted by sells pizza made an appearance along with As the week came to an end, the Music Boosters, is a marching band hamburgers, hotdogs, and the famous the entire school wore orange and black competition held annually at MHS and it “Marching Taco”, which is a bag of Fritos from head to toe. Friday was the day to draws a large crowd. coated in chili and cheese. show support for Montville High School Everyone came to enjoy seven Although this event didn’t and all the sports teams. There was a bands perform their amazing shows each happen last year due to an unforeseen large amount of participation from all with a different theme. The Montville complication, the Music Boosters were the classes, and there was a great overall marching band performed their show excited to have had such a successful effort by everyone involved. “Auto tunes”, which included a movement night. Tickets were sold for six dollars for Being the last day Spirit Day for where the whole band drums on barrels students, seniors, and children and eight seniors, they gathered in the gymnasium and signs to create a much anticipated dollars for adults. There were also shirts for their picture as a class and to hand effect to a Beetles tune. I bet you can’t and sweatshirts for sale. out the senior superlatives. It marked the guess which one it is! Supporting the Music Boosters beginning of the end; the first of the last When asked about the event, helps to sponsor the activities that both formal events as a class during senior Montville band director Trevor Sindorf the band and choir participate in. Watch year. said, “It’s a great opportunity for local for more events throughout the year. If The pep rally proved to be short bands to perform for each other. In you would like to volunteer for any event and sweet. The Montville High School addition, our partnership with U.S. please contact Mr. Sindorf, Mr. Cushing, band had all the students out of their Bands allows us to bring in world-class or a music booster. They hope to see more seats cheering for their class. Everyone, adjucators. The feedback will be a great of the MHS and local community at future including the teachers, just wanted to tool for the bands’ growth.” events. show their spirit for their school, and that’s what made it a successful week of improving student morale. Page 10 The Chieftain MHS NEWS Crucial Conferences or Huge Waste of Time? By: Lacia Japp Faces lit up all over the classroom and compare notes. As one high school Montville’s teenagers are mature enough when it was announced that class student noted, it is “easier to fix the to fix these problems without parent time would be cut short on Thursday problem now at the beginning of the year intervention. Is the only benefit of Parent November 15 to make time for this year’s rather than at the end when it is too late.” Teacher Meetings really snagging a snack round of Parent Teacher Conferences. That being said, some people from the culinary food cart? Are we really While students celebrate their early question the need for parent teacher doing the best we can to meet the needs of dismissal on a half day, teachers remain conferences, now that students are the students and their parents? in the classrooms to chat with parents or supposedly responsible guardians about the student’s performance young adults. Do valuable in their class. Conferences are completely classroom lessons need to optional. A letter was sent home to every be shortened so that multiple household announcing the date with a teachers can tell the parents sign up form for interested parents to of Suzy Q. to be sure she does choose the time of the meeting and who her homework? Conference they would like to speak with. Since the supporters argue that this student discussed is not present, this chat fundamental connection is provides an opportunity for the educators important for dealing with to express any concerns they may have discipline problems and without embarrassing the student and it maximizing potential grades, allows the parents to collect information however others feel that The I in Prejudice By: Helena Sun Imagine being a youngster full of kids: it meant a type of separation. At a an outsider, and therefore, a threat. In high careless thoughts. It’s easy to be happy. small age, it brewed confusion and a sense school, she was called an “Americana” It’s easy to get hurt, too, with naivety of unfairness. It was discrimination within and a “gringa”, offensive slang for beginning to forge its own way from yur a few words. It wasn’t until age thirteen foreigners of Latin America, especially an reality to the world’s reality. You’re not that Mrs. Patten realized that maybe being American or European woman. Her peers black, or of African-American labeled her as an “easy” girl, descent, yet you’re called a especially the males. It didn’t n*****. The neighbors don’t “we must understand we’re all different, be sensitive to get much better in college. In want your Ukrainian family in others’ needs, and be accepting.” Humanities class, her professor the neighborhood. They don’t was oppositied to Puerto Rico want you playing with their kids. One tan wasn’t so bad after all. People began, becoming American. Though determined night, you decide to pray to God to change then, to admire her darker skin. and succeeding in her work, the teacher your skin to a lighter color: an acceptable Mrs. Clifford, a Spanish teacher flunked her. color. You pat powder over your arms, at MHS, was born in New York City. At Mrs. Patten says “we must neck, and face, hoping to conceal an the age of seven, her family moved to understand we’re all different, be sensitive unchangeable identity. Puerto Rico. At the time, there was much to others’ needs, and be accepting.” This form of discrimination was debate about U.S. immigrants because Consider the tags of prejudice and mild. Mrs. Patten wasn’t necessarily Puerto Rico didn’t want to become an stereotypes you’ve stuck to others and rip bullied or harassed, but as a kid, it meant official state of the United States. This, of them off. more than not being able to play with other course, caused Mrs. Clifford to look like

Page 11 The Chieftain THE BACK PAGE Grab Your Goggles and Periodic Tables! By: Joan Miller After school one recent Tuesday, Estep, the advisor for the club, says that the students chattered excitedly as they focus is to discover the chemistry behind prepared their crystal trees. The trees every day, and some not so everyday were then placed in a solution of salts occurrences. What causes paper trees to that got soaked up by the paper trees. As grow crystals on them? How can we get the water in the solution evaporated, the rid of all the zinc in a penny, or better trees started to crystallize due to the salt yet, how do we turn an ordinary copper residue. This certainly doesn’t sound like penny silver, or even gold? These and any normal science class, but what could other topics that you won’t find in your it be? science classes during the school day will Crystal trees? Gold and Silver be discussed throughout the year, with pennies? Sound strange? Not in Chem exciting experiments to accompany them Club! If you have every wondered about tmaking even the least science-oriented the real life possibilities of doing a little participant feel like a bona-fide scientist. alchemy in your spare time, your search The club is open to all students is over. The Chemistry Club has started at interested in science, and meets on Montville High School for 2012. This co- Tuesdays. Dr. Estep also said that there curricular activity is a new addition to the was no set curriculum for the club, so feel clubs offered at Montville this year, and free to bring any questions or ideas for looks like it’s going to be a success. Dr. experiments to the next meeting. Anime Welcomes All By: Colleen Wells Often times, when one thinks of to cultivate ideas, share favorites, and even if there’s a person who doesn’t like anime, they think of the backwards-comic suggest more. They even plan and host the same anime as the majority of the books called manga, or shows like Naruto Anime Nights, which are get-togethers club, there’s no bickering and fighting and and Bleach that air on television during specifically dedicated to watching and insulting – everyone merely accepts it, the weekends. While this is technically enjoying anime. The members are lively, and decides to talk about it, and discuss true. Although,The Montville High friendly, and cohesive with each other – reasons why they dislike said anime. It’s School Anime Club is so much more than they respect each other’s opinions and a very friendly and open atmosphere. “It’s just watching and reading. In fact, it’s are able to further progress along the fun to know that there are people out there their goal to create their own manga by plans set out by the president and the vice who like the same things you do, because the end of the school year. Not only do presidents. There’s no discourse – it’s there’s not many people who like it and they take the time to appreciate one of the a safe, warm environment for even the put it out there,” Nick Wildes adds, “it’s most popular pieces of Japanese culture, shiest anime fan to share their opinions kind of relieving.” For all those out there but they also host fundraisers to allow and favorites without fear of negative seeking a place to share their favorites, or themselves to further enjoy looking into commentary. swap ideas or plans of their own anime the art of anime and manga. In addition, When asked about the general or manga, the Anime Club is the right they give presentations about their atmosphere of the anime club, Nick place to start. They meet after school on favorite characters. Wildes says, “I think it’s very inviting Wednesdays in Room 107 – new members The Montville High School and there’s no awkwardness because are always welcome to join the Montville Anime Club, like any other club, is a everyone has so many things in common, High School Anime Club! group of inquisitive student that gathers like favorite animes and characters.” And

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