Blue Valley Northwest. January2008

the expressblue valley northwest. january2008

fashion Seeconnections pages 8 and 9 for students and teachers who are fashion saavy. the expressblue valley northwest. this issue editors-in-chief Rini Desai Olga Shevchuk at a glance photo editor Adam Siders copy editors Claire McInerny Erin Moriarty PAGE Kirsten Robinson PAGE Check out >> writers Kelsey Brattin this year’s Discover Lauren Breithaupt new class fashion Preston Bukaty connections Joon Chong enrollment through the Paige Jones pilot pro- generations. Erin McGaugh 6>> gram. Brian Sisk 8 Stephanie Thompson Michelle Turner photographers/writers Stephen Logue See what >>Writer Brian Jordan Shipley the Diversi- PAGE photographers Claire Mullender ty Council’s Sisk names Kelsey Riesberg ﬁve bands

Laura Roxberg Our Town that stu- << assistant adviser Jeff Brown 10is really dents ought adviser Jim McCrossen PAGE about. 14 to listen to. The Express is the ofﬁcial high school publication of Blue Valley Northwest High School, an open forum distributed to all students nine times a year.

This is the fifth issue of the fifteenth volume of The Express. Subscription rates are $10. briefs The Express is printed by the Lawrence Journal World, 609 New Hampshire Lawrence, KS 66044. KAY Club. news The KAY Club is hosting a used cell phone Letters to the editor and other forms of reader response are encouraged. Letters must be signed by the author drive. All phones will be donated and used to to be considered for publication. The Express reserves [the happenings of northwest]provide pre-paid calling cards to our troops the right to edit all submissions and encourages letters . overseas. Cell phones and phone cords to be no more than 500 words. Letters should be sub- can be placed in the KAY donations boxes mitted to room 902 or mailed to: Publications. located in the office. In the 2007 Yearbook Excellence Contest The Express c/o sponsored by Quill and Scroll International Band. Blue Valley Northwest High School Honorary Society for High School Journal- Northwest Senior Alan Martens was accept- 13260 Switzer Road ists and Herff Jones, Junior Becca Boggs, ed into the Kansas Music Educators Associa- Overland Park, KS 66213 Seniors Erin Moriarty, Chelsea Mercer, Tara tion All-State Band as fourth chair trumpet email: [email protected] Westlund, and 2007 graduate Callie Girod and Senior Andrew Adams made an All-State 913.239.3400 were awarded Gold Keys. The winning ensemble for the third consecutive time, as stories and photos were featured in the first chair tenor saxophone. Ethan Rhodes To submit a guest column, it is encouraged the column 2007 Horizon, Blue Valley Northwest High was named as an alternate snare drum. be no more than 1,000 words. Columns should be sub- School’s yearbook. mitted to room 902. The annual Northwest Area Band Festival Ali Kemp. will be held Feb. 4. More than 500 student The Express welcomes guest photography that per- The Ali Kemp’s Runway fashion show took musicians from grades five through 12, will tains to newsworthy events in or outside of Blue Valley place Jan.13. The event raised money be performing. Northwest. Photography should be submitted to room for the Ali Kemp Educational Foundation, 902. Information on what the photograph is of and who which provides self defense classes to Sweetheart. is in the photograph should also be submitted. women across the nation. Northwest had The Sweetheart “Iced Out” dance is sched- 15 girls model, and many more student uled for Jan. 26, from 8:30 to 11:30. Tickets This is a student publication and may contain controversial volunteer. Teachers Erin Kelly Pearson and are $12 for seniors and $15 for underclass- matter. Blue Valley Unified School District No. 229 and its Helen Hardgree assisted with the show’s men and are scheduled to be sold at lunch board members, officers and employees disclaim any respon- organization. during Spirit Week. Tickets will be $20 at the sibility for the content of this student publication; it is not an door. expression of School District policy. Students and editors are Future Business Leaders of solely responsible for the content of this student publication. America. Orchestra. The FBLA district competition is scheduled Jan. 18, Joshua Bell, World famous violinist, Front page photo: Science teacher David Stubblefield and senior at BVW on Feb. 2. Blue Valley, Gardener, Dan Burdette pose to show off their personal fashion styles. played during an open rehearsal and spoke [photo by Kelsey Riesberg] Edgerton, Eudora and Olathe school dis- with the Northwest Orchestra at the Lyric tricts have been invited to attend. Theater. [2] • blue valley northwest Experience Journalism & Media Communications at JCCC Real-life hands-on training both in and outside the classroom offers you:

� Online courses � Advanced performance and production training � Scholarships � Internships in the professional media � A nationally ranked student newspaper � A state-of-the-art professional TV studio � And more! For information, contact Mark Raduziner at 913-469-8500, ext. 3131, or e-mail him at [email protected].

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january2008 • [3] Cobb resigns due to health [by • PrestonBukaty] made to contact Cobb, but it coach Cobb had resigned. dedicated a lot of time to whether the new position is The 2008 spring season was not returned. I’ve been fortunate enough the program,” Senior Rachel “a good fit for her.” Whatever will bring a number of Following Cobb’s to work with her, but she is Dula said. the decision later, White is changes to the softball resignation, Kim White was Husky softball.” White said. At the end of the school excited for the upcoming team, but none will be named interim coach in an Players, too, were year, the decision will be left season. as noticeable as the early-morning meeting on surprised by Cobb’s sudden to White whether or not she “We’ve got an incredible disappearance of their Jan. 10. resignation. will keep the position. nucleus of young ladies,” coach. “Because of the timing, “I was shocked because “I’ve been most White said. I have no doubt “Coach [Kim] Cobb came because and asked to speak to of the [principal Amy] Murphy and availability, myself, and she informed us and what I’ve been fortunate enough to work that because of some health we had issues she was dealing available with, she would have to on the with her, but she is Husky softball. resign immediately,” athletic coaching director Steve Harms, said. staff, our Cobb then sent an e-mail number one -Teacher Kim White to fellow staff members interest was the best interest I know she’s had a lot of concerned with doing what’s that these young ladies will citing health concerns as of the girls in the softball health problems in the past best for these young ladies,” rise to the occasion.” her reason for leaving. She program,” Harms said. and it hasn’t stopped her White said. “I’ve always The girls are prepared for stated that she does not Later, the administration from coaching, so I thought wanted to be a head coach the changes this season will have a terminal illness, but announced that assistant it was something pretty here at Northwest, but I want bring. that her health may interfere varsity coach White would serious,” Senior Missy Foree to make sure that I’m the “We have the same girls, with her “ability to perform replace Cobb for at least the said. right fit.” and coach White knows at the level [she] expects of 2008 season. “It was the last thing I’d Both White and the what’s going on. It’ll be good [herself].” An attempt was “I was really shocked that ever expect, because she’s administration will evaluate no matter what,” Foree said. Lindstrom leaves for Liberal [by • JoonChong] “I’m going to really miss Safety and Security Dennis officer and that it can take sional relationship but a per- the people at Northwest; McCarthy, the process could around two weeks to several sonal one as well,” Mason Over Winter break Officer I’ve gotten to know a lot of take some time. months. said. Daniel Lindstrom decided to students and teachers per- “We advertise in newspa- Officer Mason will resume Even outside of school resign and return to his previ- sonally, and I want to come pers, internet websites and working alone at Northwest the two officers have shared ous job in Liberal, Kan. on until a new officer is hired. each others company. The two officers have cre- “He has come over before ated a personal relationship to eat at my house and I’m really going to miss the while working together. he knows my family so I’ll “I’m kind of sad that he’s definitely miss him,” Mason leaving, even though he said. “I know he’s going back hasn’t been here long. We to what he likes so I’m happy people here at Northwest. have built not only a profes- for him.” -Officer Daniel Lindstrom

Jan. 18 back for some of their gradu- we take in applications,” When Lindstrom first came ations,” Lindstrom said. “I’ve McCarthy said. “Then the to Northwest, he expected learned that it doesn’t take campus administrator and I much more investigation much effort to get to know a interview the officer.” and police work instead of student, and that I shouldn’t After the officer is chosen schoolwork. shy away from them, but re- he or she will be taken to “I knew that I wouldn’t ally try to get to know them.” BVNW to meet the adminis- have to deal with thieves, Lindstrom left because his trator’s team. The Work: Positions The Perk: Student speeders, or drug dealers as old department gave him an “The administrator’s team Discount Card much as I had to at my previ- offer to return. interviews the officer regard- Now Open •Any student over ous job,” Lindstrom said. “I “There was a new chief ing the vacancy and then a 16, and all educators was overwhelmed by how that came in where I used joint decision is made be- •Flexible Hours can sign up-FREE! little law enforcement work I to work and he kept calling tween the safety and security •No Late Nights •10 cents off every had to do. I didn’t think the me and asking me to come department and the admin- •Fast Paced and gallon of gas! change would be as big as it back,” Lindstrom said. “So I istrator of the particular high Fun •Discounts on was.” met with him on New Years school,” McCarthy said. •Earn Cash popular washes During his time here, Day and he gave me an offer “Of course this is after the SIGN UP ONLINE Lindstrom built personal that I couldn’t refuse.” background identifications NOW @: relationships with teachers, A search for a new officer and qualification checks.” APPLY ONLINE NOW @: students, and his partner, commenced the week before McCarthy explained that officer Greg Mason. He also Lindstrom left. According to there is no way of telling how www.waterway.com learned a few lessons. the Blue Valley Director of long it will take to hire an [4] • blue valley northwest Hot Jobs Cool Paychecks Join

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some risks with students new program online at home that is a good thing,” Gage the interests and needs of [by • stephanie working at home rather is a beneficial move. said. “In the light of mom the students, many new thompson] than alongside a counselor, “We feel this is the way and dad behind you at the classes will be available especially if the program of the world,” Kempley said. computer desk versus sitting next year in addition to Determining which classes experiences technical “The world is becoming so with all your friends in the courses already offered. to take makes enrollment difficulties while in use. technological, and students lab, you are more likely to These include Woodworking stressful for many Northwest “When students put in are very savvy with the make responsible decisions III, AP Music Theory, students. In years past a their courses, a counselor, computer skills that they with your schedule planning.” Advanced Rep Theater, AP counselor has always been as well as a computer have. I think this will allow Gage’s mother, Paula, Environmental Science, in the room and available support person, has always [students] to spend some said she foresees benefits and America Decides the during the enrollment been there, and they aren’t time talking with their parents to parents and students National Election. Students process. However, for going to be there,” Knowles and to enter in their choices working together, combining interested in engineering will the first time, this year’s said. “We are just going to from their own home so their the interests of the students also be able to sign up for sophomores and juniors will have to see how it works parents can be a part of it.” with the parents’ life Introduction to Engineering be enrolling at home with their parents rather than in a classroom setting. “We were looking at how It might be a huge success, it might be we could get information to students and not take up student’s time,” junior a huge nightmare, but we won’t know counselor Mary Knowles said. “The next step was doing it in advisory, until we try it. but advisory time is also valuable, so this was kind -Counselor Bob Thesman of a creative idea that came about as a result of our and just hope there are not Counselor Dick Siebs said experiences. Design (IED) and Principles collaboration.” a lot of problems with the he believes the new program “As a parent I believe of Engineering (POE), as Knowles said she thinks technology.” leaves room for error, though that the process of home well as taking advantage the longer the period of time Counselor Bob Thesman advantageous in some ways. enrollment will facilitate of Project Lead the Way, a students have to enroll, the agrees that it will be difficult “There are a lot of little more discussion between program providing students more time students will take to know what to expect of questions that come up, a students and their parents with hands-on experience figuring out what classes to this pilot until students begin lot of ‘what-ifs,’ and there is about the student’s class with engineering. enroll in. the enrollment process. not going to be anyone there choices,” Paula said. “We The Blue Valley School “We are going to have “We think parents can be to answer the ‘what-ifs.’ So have a different perspective. District will also be offering a longer time frame involved more,” Thesman that is probably [my] biggest The student knows what more courses online for high for students to gather said. “We can see some concern,” Siebs said. they are interested in, and school students. These information to make their advantages… but until we try To some students, what is required for them to courses offered online will decisions,” Knowles said. it we aren’t going to know. It the new involvement of take. The parents have life include Health and Wellness, “We think that hopefully might be a great success, it parents is preferred to the experience which can assist American Government, and some additional thought might be a huge nightmare, old tradition of enrolling at the student in understanding Computer Applications. will be put into it. One but we won’t know until we school. Sophomore Evan how these choices can Knowles hopes the pilot other primary advantage try it.” Gage believes this program influence their future.” proves beneficial. “Our we see is that colleges, With the world today will allow students to make Many meetings will be message [to students] would including JCCC are going becoming more and more better decisions when it held during advisory to get be to jump on board with to online enrollment almost dependant on technology, comes to enrolling with course information out to [the new pilot] and ask their exclusively, and we feel associate principal their parents, rather than in students so they will be well questions before they get to this will give students an Cheryl Kempley said she a hectic classroom with all informed and comfortable that point when they click opportunity to do that prior believes that even though their friends around. with their decisions when their computer on to make to going to a college setting.” some problems may be “Using this new pilot they log on at home to enroll sure they do a lot of seeking On the other hand, encountered along the way, program will involve parents for classes. and searching of information Knowles also said she sees allowing students to use the in our enrollment, and I think In order to address both ahead of time,” she said. 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just stick with my arygle and slacks.” does though.” ers are similar to sweaters that I have.” junior aaron washington the taste and style you have.” senior dan burdette teacher david stubblefield her money. teacher bill smithyman ces • Our tu feren rn to dif re ur al o ize pt w e h cc e to... Ou a a om r t t o lc ur w t e n W to e n • r s m s er a a u i k y t r r e a r a a n u b d d n i O f d f w • e o o r

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[by • MichelleTurner] a process as daunting as changing how people view each other is a matter of just educating ourselves.” After an emotional night spent locked in BVNW, 50 students left the Students’ may be taken aback by the prospect of trying to change their 24-hour Our Town diversity program Jan. 11 with high hopes and some large high school community when the Our Town program was limited to only apprehension for changing their high school community. 50 students. “I realized the inevitability of a lot of what we talked about. When you’re “To a large degree it’s hard to impact a place like Northwest where there’s in that environment at Our Town you really do feel like you can go out and 1,600 kids when only 50 of them attend the program,” Krantz said. “At the change everything, but when you come back to school its different,” Senior end it’s a lot of feelings of ‘Can I really do anything to change things?’ but Andy Krantz said. “At Our Town we had a huge discussion about Soulja Boy you have to start somewhere and this is a really good place to educate and the lyric ‘Superman that ho.’ At the moment it felt really empowering for people.” everyone to say ‘Let’s never dance to this song! This is something we need Education was key to opening up students to new ideas at Our Town. The to avoid, it oppresses women!’ But then you come back to an environment students dealt with issues such as racism, sexism, and prejudices against the where half the people walk around listening to it on their iPods and you homosexual community. recognize that you have to pick your battles.” “I learned that when people think of racism they normally think of blacks Although it may not be possible to erase all forms of bigotry and bias at against whites, but I just realized there are so many more races out there,” BVNW, students who attended Our Town are still working to change their Junior Krystal Cruz said. “It doesn’t even only have to be by race, it can be classmates. by gender, sexism, and other stuff.” “I would love the Northwest community to embrace a more open- Our Town is a diversity program created by Harmony, a diversity minded, and tolerant, general attitude,” Krantz said. “We can’t change organization, that has been brought to various schools in the Kansas City everyone’s viewpoints but we can at least make their language such that it’s a area to bring acceptance of minorities among the students. comfortable environment for everyone.” “Our Town is a program designed to break down barriers,” BVNW According to Krantz, the first place to start for the students who attended psychologist Julie Seitter said. “It’s designed to help kids get to know each Our Town is acknowledging their own prejudices. other, understand each other better and hopefully get to a point of not only “The first thing everyone has to be responsible for is their own decisions accepting one another, but also finding some passion to change things in our and viewpoints,” Krantz said. “I think one of the most important ways to begin community.” [10] • blue valley northwest Cruz’s experience at Our Town or ethnicity but you also do not have students who felt they learned a lot inside of our stereotypical group. My not only showed her other forms of a right to make them feel scared to about people from their experiences best friend and I fit into the same • Ou discrimination at Northwest—it also be at school,” Krantz said. “We can’t during the lock-in. stereotype but we are completely rences r turn helped her see her own prejudices. necessarily make people be more “You realize your ability to be able different people. I’m pressured iffe to “I think it helped me realize that I open-minded and more tolerant but to change the world and change to hang out with a certain group r d rea am pretty racist,” Cruz said. “I don’t we can at least make the school a your own community around you,” because that’s what society tells me ou liz hate white people or any certain more accepting atmosphere.” Gonzales said. “You realize how what to do but now I’m going to be more t e religion but I do hate some of the Krantz said he thinks that the you say and do affects not only you, open to everybody.” p w but everyone.” e h things I have to hear about our biggest form of discrimination at Larson attended Our Town feeling cc e to... Ou a history. I think every black person BVNW is verbal. The frequent misuse The purpose of Our Town, unsure whether it would make a a om r t t can kind of hold a grudge, and I of the word gay is one example according to Our Town facilitator difference in his life. He said he was o lc ur w know it might not be right because I of many BVNW students’ verbal Katy Griffin, is for students to surprised with the outcome. t e n • W to e know it’s not anyone’s fault, but that discrimination. look outside of their own personal “I definitely thought Our Town was n s grudge is still there.” “Words like fag and queer get experiences and realize how other going to be this boring thing where r s m students’ life experiences affect them er a a Before moving to Johnson County thrown around all the time like they there’s awkward conversations trying u i k y only a year ago, Cruz lived in Florida. don’t even mean anything where in different ways. to be started by awkward people,” t r r e a Her previous high school population if you replace those with racial “You realize just how other people Larson said. “I thought no one was r a a n was predominantly black, making her slurs people would be extremely live their lives and how much different going to talk but it wasn’t like that at u b d d transfer to BVNW an eye-opening offended,” Krantz said. “People don’t they are,” Larson said. “Sometimes it all. It was definitely a life changing n i experience. even realize their use of the word gay can be a lot more difficult than yours experience.” O f d f “I’ve never been in this type of to demonstrate anything meaning and you just didn’t even realize it.” Some students plan to attend w • e o

environment. Coming from an all stupid, degrading, worthless, Krantz said his experience showed Anytown, a six day youth leadership o r

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r w u o realize that we’re all human,” Cruz by stereotypes. h “That will never change, but what me to more (ways) to change,” Cruz r d n s a c said. can change is the general attitude “What I’ve realized is people said. Krantz, a Diversity Council board created by small actions, such as hang out with the stereotype groups Zimmerman said she thinks member, has been working alongside not using language that is offensive that they feel like they need to fall everyone should attend a program the other board members and the to minorities. The majority of people into, but I think if you look past like Our Town. school administrators to make a don’t even recognize what they’re that you’re going to ﬁnd incredibly “It should almost be required,” stricter anti-harassment policy at saying.” unique people,” Zimmerman said. Zimmerman said. “If everybody BVNW. Junior Angelo Gonzales, an Our “In our small groups we realized came here, our school would be a “You don’t necessarily have to Town counselor and Diversity Council that the people we have the best completely different place. I truly, agree with someone’s lifestyle, race board member, is only one of many connection with aren’t always people honestly think that.”

[From left to right] Junior Jenny Zhong listens to students discuss problems such as racism. A group of students gathered materials for an ice breaker game at Our Town. Senior Claire Zimmerman talks with her small group members about discrimination against youth in public settings such as restau- rants and clothing stores. january2008 • [11] BVTV Are you interested in math and problem solving? Blue Valley Television18 Are you good with details? Do you enjoy working with people? Add It All Up The JCCC Accounting Program, featuring training in Peachtree software, is designed for students seeking entry- level accounting positions. Plus, students gain valuable on- the-job experience working in approved businesses. Earn a two-year accounting degree at JCCC or continue your education at a four-year school. you could be a part of a LIVE cable broadcast! For more information, contact Shirly Kleiner at 913-469-8500, Live Friday mornings and repeated at ext. 3688, or visit www.jccc.edu/accounting 5p.m., 9p.m. and midnight work with state-of-the-art equipment and be a part of an award winning broadcasting team comprised of students from all Blue Valley schools Johnson County Community College Visit your counselor or 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park contact Bruce McRoberts at (913) 239-4142 JCCC courses help you prepare to ﬁnd out more information about becoming a part of BVTV your own tax returns with ease!

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CHERRY, OLATHE, NEAR COURTHOUSE 1992-06 Yukon & Yukon XL 1994-07 Ram Truck 1982-04 S15 & Sonoma 1997-06 Dakota 1983-01 S15 Jimmy 1998-06 Durango [12] • blue valley northwest the EXPRESSions .columns.reviews.editorials.critiques.opinions. Five bands you don’t listen to, but you probably should [By • BrianSisk] subsequent single, “Over else, and in its diminished “Rapping with Apathy” (an and Over” the best of their role the unique sound of Sage Francis eight-minute freestyle that Anyone who has paid kind in 2006. Their new the band is created. This is really displays Francis’s attention to music in the last album, “Made in the Dark,” is one group that deserves far skills). ten years knows that angry prepared for release on Feb. more attention than they are white guys (Ex. Eminem, 4. getting. and that’s where it starts Job For a Cowboy Songs to check out: Songs to check out: Simply put: the soundtrack and ends) are always wildly “Over and Over” “AOTKPTA” to Hell. No joke. This music successful in the rap world. “Playboy” “Book of Bot” is somewhere between the Sage Francis is certainly no “Shake a Fist” “Full Frontal Obscurity” sixth and seventh circles exception to this rule. of the Inferno. You want to Ever since the Rhode hear music that would blow The Locust Vampire Weekend Island rapper signed to The Locust is a four-piece If there were a soundtrack your eardrums? Listen to this Epitaph in 2005, he has noise/punk band that could to being a teenager, Vampire band. They can shred like enjoyed underground easily make the walls bleed Weekend might just be its one of those wood-chipper success. But believe me; this if they really wanted to. This composer. This quartet from things (that is, very well). man is phenomenal at what is evident from the opening New York has managed to Between their “Doom” Hot Chip he does. The Sage’s style track on their 2007 release, create some of the catchiest E.P. and their debut concept Formed in London is definitely East Coast, but “AOTKPTA,” which, as an music I have encountered in album “Genesis,” these England in 2000, Hot Chip remains all his own. He raps album opener, gives you a all the years that I have been dudes display a musical is generally just a great at a mile a minute, spitting great idea of what to expect aurally in tune. The music talent that rivals bands like dance band. Vicious beats words blanketed in the fire from this band: complete would appeal to anybody Between the Buried and Me layered upon one another of his scathing sarcasm and insanity. who didn’t hate Modest and Lamb of God. The music with wavering vocals acting sharp wit. Frontman Justin Pearson Mouse the first time they itself is heavily percussion like the aural cherry on In his writing, he uses and his comrades-in-arms heard “Float On.” driven, with songs like top, as well as movement the lyrical devices typical are a sight to behold, Vampire Weekend has “Suspended by the Throat” inducing keyboards create in hip-hop, but his candid an electro tour-de-force that costumed in puke-green bug managed to make fluid, having whole sections based rivals established acts like Daft Punk. This summer I went to the Hot Chip show If there were a soundtrack to being a teenager, at the Granada, and I was absolutely blown away with their musical prowess Vampire Weekend might just be its composer. and stage presence. Any suits and screaming about profoundly beautiful music around their acrobatic drums. dance band headed up by approach to many topics, whatever politician is pissing from simple chords and drum Another thing is that Job five nerdy looking British such as religion, makes him them off that week. beats. The effect is kind of For a Cowboy really makes guys (think Weezer with stand apart from the crowd. Outfitted with three akin to watching a joyful day their intentions clear through bad teeth) that appear more He is the kind of rapper that vocalists and one of the most from your childhood. their song titles. “Reduced accustomed to working your CA teacher would be talented drummers I have The music is playful, and to Mere Filth” is really meant with a chemistry set than able to appreciate. ever seen, as well as Twain- could fit as the background to turn you into mere filth a keyboard is bound to be For example, he is the only esque satire infused into their to a road trip or a party. This (or, if it isn’t, the music is incredible, and they did not rapper I have ever heard use lyrics, this band is a force to band gave me goose bumps certainly heavy enough to disappoint. Jack Kerouac in one of his be reckoned with. the first time I heard them. do that). “Suspended by the On many songs they songs. Finds every flaw in the eyes Their work is pure genius, Throat” isn’t just the song display a versatility not seen “I’m on the road reading of his enemies/Wages war but it is relatively simple, title. It is probably what in a lot of modern music, Kerouac / His poems versus and flies his flag/Prelude to and because of that it isn’t the singer subjects himself which makes it hard to better raps.” the coming of a new machine refined like some of the other to in order to achieve the compare them to anything In short, the man is a metropolis. artists on this list. However, downright demonic sound except for an electro-hip poet with a beat behind his These dudes are obviously that does not discount what that radiates from his vocal hop version of your favorite voice. Francis really knows not happy with something, they have created in their chords. No one is darker, garage band. what he’s talking about, and and I have a feeling that thing short time together. Genius no one is heavier; no one is They have released two he has things to say. Do starts with a B and ends doesn’t necessarily have to more impressive than Job for LP’s, 2004’s “Coming on whatever you can to get this with an ush. Regardless of be complex. Case and point: a Cowboy. Strong” and 2006’s “The guy’s music. It is worth that political alignment, check this band. Songs to check out: Warning.” I recommend much. out this band. The music is Songs to check out: “Embedded” picking up both albums, Songs to check out: very synth-heavy, with lots of “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” “Suspended by the Throat” especially since numerous “Escape Artist” loud screaming. The guitar “One” “Altered from Catechization” musical publications named “Sun vs. Moon” “The Warning” and its is trumped by everything “A-Punk” january2008 • [13] Learning by fabrication [by • OlgaShevchuk] from seven they told me I explained what really language had a turn at that we are too young to couldn’t do that. How could happened. And it turned out playing me for a fool. And all understand. This doesn’t I take eight apples away that Columbus wasn’t so this time I thought gustar was mean that I wish someone from Johnny if he only had great after all. He may have an innocent word that meant had explained calculus to seven apples to begin with? sailed the ocean blue in 1492 to like, until one day I said I me when I was in the second That just wouldn’t make any but him and his crew infected liked my friend Johnny and grade, just that it would have sense. And it didn’t, so I the native population of the I found out that that would been nice to have an idea believed them. Americas almost to the point apparently give Johnny the about how my knowledge Then one day, another of extinction. And Columbus wrong idea about my feelings would expand in the years teacher brought out a wasn’t even the first one to for him. ahead. number line and showed me get there, otherwise America Poor Johnny, first he had If anything, letting how numbers continued in would have been called negative apples and now me believe that I know both directions from zero, so Columbia, right Amerigo he’s saying he’s got feelings everything about a certain My entire life has been I could take eight away from Vespucci? in Spanish that he can barely topic without clueing me a lie. Not one big lie, but a seven. When I tried to protest So now that I couldn’t describe in English. into what I have yet to learn prolonged series of small, she explained how Johnny even trust people who had I don’t like being lied to, only suppresses my curiosity insignificant lies that become could have used someone meaningful through their else’s apples or borrowed large numbers. The sad thing some so that he ended up It all started when my brother is that the blame falls on with negative apples. I was people who have impacted shocked at this turn of events me significantly throughout but my teacher went on like nothing had happened; she told me the truth about Santa. the years. It all started when my just continued teaching as their own holidays, things it makes me feel inferior and and makes me into an brother told me the truth if she hadn’t just shattered began to really go downhill. incompetent. It’s frustrating ignorant know-it-all. Taking about Santa Claus when I my entire fifth grade belief High school turned out to be to have to go back and a moment to say “that’s was six. I should have known system. a treasure trove of fabricated relearn things year after something you’ll learn about back then that if they could Then there was Columbus. concepts and rules. You year. It’s even worse to find next year,” instead of “you lie to me about the origin of He discovered America. can’t solve this math problem out that the entire time you can’t do that” would inspire my presents then anything In elementary school he because you would have the thought you understood me to be excited about the else was fair game too. I had his own song; in 1492, square root of a negative something you were actually mysterious concepts that should have expected that Columbus sailed the ocean number, you say? You can being kept in the dark. await me further down the adults would spend the next blue. The guy was a hero, solve it. Old rule out, new It would be nice if all line of my education. That 13 years filling my head with he had his own day and rule in, just use i. Then teachers, even those in way I’ll be excited, not little fabrications. everything. That was it, no there was absolute zero in elementary school took shocked, to solve problems In first grade I learned how qualifiers, no questions chemistry, adding numbers the time to at least attempt where an imaginary line on to add and subtract. When asked. Except that wasn’t it. to infinity and who knows to explain a concept, not a three dimensional plane I tried to take eight away In high school they what else. Even foreign automatically assume approaches zero forever. Making every moment count

[by • ClaireMcInerny] enjoy in that moment. about college and then we hard to accept a check at story we bring up all the time The assigned seating at went home. All it took was the end of the week. It is and we still get a laugh out of my cousin Terrill’s rehearsal a complete stranger taking funny to think I can bring that it. My mom always tells us to dinner was completely the time to treat me like an much joy to somebody and get along with each other be- random, and as a result I equal to make an otherwise in return receive the purest cause we will be around each was stuck next to a group of uncomfortable situation into love from a person outside other forever so we might as strangers from the groom’s a fun weekend. of my family. It’s even funnier well be friends. It’s surprising side of the family who were A few weeks ago, I was that it comes from a little boy that the person who makes mostly over the age of 50. assigning centers to the who wears Velcro shoes and me the angriest is also the Let me tell you, we had a lot pre-kindergarten class at cannot color inside the lines. one who can make even an to talk about. The only other the daycare where I work. I When I drive my little early morning car ride into person at the table was a 32- gave a little boy the choice of brother to school, I slow the something memorable. year-old distant relative who I having first turn on computer, car down just enough for Simple joy comes from The last few weeks I’ve met for the first time over ap- the most coveted activity to him to jump out in the street everyday situations and started noticing the little petizers. We laughed about this group of four-year-olds. in front of the middle school everyday people. It can be a things. I made an unex- airplane rides, rehearsal To my surprise, he declined. so I don’t have to waste compassionate distant rela- pected friend for a weekend, dinners and safety in down- As he stroked my hand he time going through the circle tive. It can be a four-year-old I realized being looked up town Baltimore. The next looked up at me and said, “I drive. One time a teacher who loves you endlessly. It to is more powerful than I day I ran into him outside the just want to go wherever you on crossing guard duty saw can even be a good laugh thought, and I learned that a hotel while he was smok- go, Miss Claire.” My heart Alex pouncing out of my with your little brother. Some- 15 minute car ride can leave ing and he told me all about melted and then we read back seat in the middle of times our expectations for lasting memories. Three his blacksmith business; I stories for the next half hour. traffic and had a psychobilly fun get to be so high that we short and seemingly insignifi- told him what high school Every afternoon he meets me freakout. As I drove away, miss the simple pleasures cant events showed me that I is like now. At the reception at his classroom door with a Alex was trying to suppress of life that come from the do not have to look far to find the next night he told me smile full of innocent happi- his laughter as she scolded people and situations we someone whose company I everything I’d need to know ness, which makes it almost him for my actions. It is a least expect. [14] • blue valley northwest pulling editorial. plug Whether you hate school or you love it, the you have to agree that education makes up 12 formative years of your life and [the writer’s strike] teachers play a big role in those years. Why then do teachers have so little im- [compiled by • JordanShipley] pact on education as a whole? Question: What do you think about the writer’s strike From planning curriculum to setting testing standards it seems like teachers don’t have and how has it affected you? a lot of say in their own trade. Legislature re- garding public school education and grants for [Senior Shing Li] school improvements are all passed by people “Well it blows. Sometimes I just pop in ‘The Office’ who haven’t set foot in an actual classroom for season three on DVD and act like whichever episode I the last 20 years. watch is a new one. Afterwards I cry for a good solid We’ve all complained about unnecessary ten minutes and then stress-eat, hoping that the strike or unrealistic testing and surveys and the way will be over soon, but what can you do?” money is spent around Blue Valley. It seems like getting new textbooks should be a higher prior- ity than getting surround sound in every science classroom, but what you may not know is that [Freshman Nick Rossin] the teachers and even our administration com- “Since all the shows have been cancelled, I’ve just pletely agree. been doing a lot of puzzles with my mom, which is Money for everything from paying a fun.” teacher to score keep a basketball game to classroom materials like textbooks, from gas for the district vans (for fieldtrips) to maintenance equipment all comes from a yearly budget of [Senior Andy Budd] under $300,000 that is decided by the state. “Without new episodes to watch, I usually just come On the other hand, money for school ad- home after my school activities, eat dinner, do home- ditions similar to the current construction and work, and get to bed at a reasonable time. I hate it.” technology comes from bonds that surpass the yearly budget by a large amount. So not only do the teachers not really get a say in what money gets spent on at our [Senior Meshaal Khan] school, but our own administration is also se- “The strike took all of my best friends away from me. verely limited in their decisions. Meredith and I haven’t talked in like five months, and You would think that going to school in a I don’t even know what’s going on between her and wealthy district would improve the situation, but McDreamy.” on the contrary the extra money from Blue Valley taxes goes to the state and then is redistributed throughout the entire state of Kansas. [Freshman Michael Graves] Some equity is good. It keeps schools within the Blue Valley school district similarly “Well ever since the strike started, I have basically equipped with things like pools, fitness centers, stopped caring about ...everything. I don’t shave any- more, I am constantly snacking, I fall asleep most nights and new technology but unrealistic equity within on my living room sofa with cheese puffs scattered the state of Kansas does not provide us with everywhere while the news is still on. I always watch the enough money to make these additions worth- news just in case breaking news for the strike happens. while. With a limited general budget basic needs And yes I can grow a beard. Give it time.” like maintenance for these new additions cannot be obtained. Good intentions can go a long way but they can also get muddled down in insignificant [Math Teacher Sherry Vore] rules and standards and become counterpro- “I don’t watch that much T.V. There is only one show ductive to their original purpose. that I really like to watch which is ‘Numbers’ because it Putting education first should mean giving has to do with math. It’s affected that because we are more thought and say to those that invest them- just watching re-runs.” selves the most in our education: our teachers. january2008 • [15] january • february sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday l 5:00PM 9:00AM Boys Varsity Wres- Boys Varsity Wres- tling - Blue Springs tling - Blue Springs South Invitational South Invitational 7:00PM 1:00PM Boys Varsity Bas- Boys Varsity/ JV ketball VS. Bishop Swim/ Dive - Wichita Miege High School Northwest Invitational (Swim) SAT Testing

25 26 7:00PM 7:00PM 6:00PM 7:00PM 4:00PM 12:00PM Girls Varsity Basketball Boys Varsity Bas- Boys Varsity Wres- Girls Varsity Basket- Boys Varsity/JV Boys Varsity/ JV VS. Blue Valley West ketball @ Blue Valley tling - Blue Valley ball @ Blue Valley Swim/ Dive - EKL Swim/ Dive - EKL High School West High School Northwest Double North High School Prelims Finals Dual SAT Registration Due 7:00PM for Mar. 1 Testing Boys Varsity Bas- Date ketball @ Blue Valley North High School

27 28 29 30 31 01 02 7:00PM 7:00PM 9:00AM 7:00PM Boys Varsity Bas- Girls Varsity Basketball Boys Varsity Wres- Northwest Area Band ketball @ Blue Valley VS. Blue Valley High tling - EKL Champi- Festival @ BVNW High School School onships ACT Testing

03 04 05 06 07 08 09 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM Mark Wood with area Boys Varsity Basket- Girls Varsity Basket- School Musical, School Musical, School Musical, youth symphony @ ball VS. St. Thomas ball VS. Bishop Miege “Godspell” “Godspell” “Godspell Olathe South Aquinas High School High School 7:00PM Boys Varsity Basket- ball @ Bishop Miege High School

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 [photos by Claire Mullender, Kelsey Riesberg and Adam Siders] [16]•blue valley northwest