Issue #3 The Patriot January 2005 Inside... Voters back referendum Lauren McGuire ‘05 on buses, and a pole barn for storage. This may On December 14th, 2004, seem like a lot, but all Washington Township residents aspects are truly needed made it their point to be out and to keep improving our voting on a $30 million referendum. district. It all started nearly 6 months ago As of now we have when the Board of Education began a partially unusable 11/ to develop a write up for the 12 auditorium, an old and referendum. By November 2004, unsafe track, minor the legal terms were translated to problems with behavior Perspectives on “plain English” and the ballots were on school buses, and an Powder Puff p. 10 packed up. All that was left was to abundant amount of promote and introduce what would excess school supplies soon be voted on. crammed into small Mallory Heimlich / The Patriot Commentary p. 5 During the 2003-2004 school areas. It’s time to make Voters turned out at WTHS to cast their year, Chestnut Ridge Middle School Township a premiere ballot on the Referendum and Orchard Valley Middle School had community, and our Entertainment p. 14 faced mold issues that soon became district truly the best. agreed that it was nice to finally see health issues. The December Each year, the state education people come out and support the referendum covered the situation with programs have money set aside to district. the first of two questions. give to schools in the state of New As of January, bids were made It proposed a HVAC (heating Jersey. This money is to be given in for the HVAC systems and some cooling system) to be installed into the form of a bond. In the case of security has been updated. Within both schools. If this question alone the Washington Township School the next couple months the turf and did not pass, then there would be no District 46%, nearly $14 million track rennovations will be underway question 2 in any terms. Mr. Earling, dollars would be funded. This would and should be ready for the 2005- WTPS BOE member said that it’s leave resident tax payers of an 2006 school year. important to know that question one average assessed home ($127,000) A look farther into the future is a state health issue, and it is a only to pay an extra $32 a year on includes the installation of air necessity to be done and taken care their current payments if question conditioning in all schools, 11/12 Disney rumors of. two were to pass. To make the timing auditorium renovation, and fixing up Luckily, it passed so the tension even better, New Jersey interest rates the science labs. With a lot of work put to rest p. 15 was somewhat lifted. were at a 40 year low. ahead, in a few years people can look The second part, or question Fortunately, although by only back and say, “Remember when…!” two, of the referendum had a variety 200 votes, question two passed, Thanks are due to so many Local Band Q & A of details. This included renovations leaving WTPS future a little bit individuals including: Mr. Tom to the 11/12 auditorium and the brighter. Flemming, Mr. Charles Earling of p. 17 addition of a catwalk for lighting, the It is important to know how the Board of Education, Ms. Jan installation of an all weather track many people have contributed to the Giel, and Mr. Marty Bouchard for and two turf fields at the high school, research and promotion of this bond. the promotional video, Project 540 Twp. Winter Sports air conditioning in all schools, fixing The group consists of over 200 for informing the student body, Mr. Update p. 18 up science labs, the addition of people. Murphy, athletic director, for his security cameras in the district and The community surveys were informative presentations, and the taken through an ad countless number of volunteers that hoc committee and made this whole thing possible. It’s there were many great to look strongly upon the individual efforts. future in Washington Township and From sports teams to how it will make an unbelievable parents, many difference. people took time out “I’d have to say that the of their lives to show projects that will be completed up at school board because of the referendum won’t just meetings and voice update the school district,” said Mr. WTHS remembers their opinions. Bouchard. The improvements With a high should concievably bring revenue to others during percent of voter the district as well. turnout Washington The future of Washington season of giving Township helped Township Public Schools is bright, Mallory Heimlich / The Patriot ROTC cadets helped voters find their way to the make this a successful and will bring many new ventures to pages 3,4,13 venture. Many a popular community. 9/10 gym. WTHS The Patriot Page 1 Club teaches Wanted: opinionated sports fans S.T.A.T. Pack offers trivia, fun recording Scott Grandrino ‘05 of WTHS can gather to share where I can express my opinion in interests, opinions, and knowledge of sports without being put down,” said techniques Are you a sports fan? Do you sports in a fun and constructive Matt Racioppio ‘05 about the club. like talking with other diehard sports manner.” Holmes designed S.T.A.T. Pack fans? Do you like to argue like you’re Advisor Holmes is not only a not only as a club to talk about sports on the Presidential Debate, except teacher at Washington Township high but to also learn something from it. Cheryl Supernavage ‘06 you’re talking about sports? If any of school but also a coach for the JV Holmes is willing to help students who these questions fit you, then the boy’s basketball team. This fall he have a deep interest for sports and Most people who sing along with S.T.A.T. Pack is where it’s at! coached for the junior girl’s powder who would like to continue with it the music blasting out of the radio The S.T.A.T. Pack (Sports Talk puff and occasionally helps with the through college and maybe as a career. never give a thought to how it was And Trivia) is a brand-new club for tennis team. His love for sports is He has connections with professionals recorded. But if recording is something sports lovers. The club is designed for what convinced him to create this club. involved in sports. He can use his that does interest you, you can learn people who like sports to talk about He enjoys talking about sports and connections to help a student out and everything you need to know and do their interests and to have fun. hearing what others have to say. will also use them as guest speakers at music recording yourself right here at Every two to three weeks the “I want the students to come and the meetings. WTHS. members meet after school and begin have fun discussing about sports So if you’re a diehard, sports-crazy WTHS students have the their sports conversation through because I love it,” said Holmes. maniac, listen for news of the next opportunity to record by joining the group discussions and debates. “I like it because it’s one place S.T.A.T. pack meeting in room D-5. Music Technology Enterprise In addition to talking about Account (MTEA). All you need to do sports, each member takes a trivia is successfully complete the Music quiz. The trivia quiz has questions Clay Aiken, Christmas spirit Technology I class and move on to about sports of present times and of Music Technology II Digital the past. It is very challenging and Recording. You can then be a part of competitive. Mr. Andy Holmes, the and song fill the CBAC the program where you can practice club’s advisor, says the point of the your skills and make some side cash. trivia quiz is to “be challenged, but to Cheryl Supernavage ‘06 Members work during concerts, have fun.” Holmes will keep a college auditions, demo disc and local cumulative score for each of the Tickets were sold out, parking band recordings, and other events that members all year long. lots were full, and lines were long as take place in the high school. The The S.T.A.T. Pack also plays Clay Aiken fans anticipated Clay’s group records the performance and group and individual games. It has a arrival to the CBAC. As the curtains sells the recording when the activity very fun and sports loving opened, the audience screamed, is over. The money goes to the atmosphere, which is really what the waiting to see Clay walk on stage and equipment necessary for recording club is all about. grace them with his outstanding voice. and pays the members $6.50 an hour. According to Holmes, the The Clay Aiken Christmas Concert 18 students are currently S.T.A.T. Pack’s purpose is “to was on December 2 and had an participating in MTEA, and they only provide an arena in which the student incredible turn-out. The show was sold meet when there are performances. -out and lucky lobby dwellers without They learn everything they need to tickets ended up with them only by know about recording in class and the generosity of internet tickets that simply go to the concert hall, the Calling all kind-hearted people gave away.