Orientation 2007

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hoover high school publications.4800 aurora avenue.des moines.ia.50310.515.242.7313

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Bridgette Andrews.3.What’s your sign?

“I think the school party will become a hit over the years. Each year we just need to come up with better ideas and ways to improve the relationships between students and staff in the building,” - Principal Connie Cook

“My goal is to get a big enough (crowd) to have a Napoleon Dynamite reenactment.”

Senior Jennifer Stites helps decorate dumpsters with the environmental club, one of the many clubs Hoover offers.

Senior Hajra Kadusic plays tennis, one of the many sports avaliable to freshman that aren’t open to students at Meredith.

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In the beginning of the 06-07 school year, Hoover had a cook out on the fi rst day of school. Students got to eat a free lunch outside which was extended to give them time to visit with friends. Principal Connie Cook and teachers discussed and decided to have another beginning of the year party. “Students don’t want to sit in their classrooms for 45 minutes and go over rules and regulations. Students will go to classes for like 15 minutes just to meet their teachers and get a feel of the room,” Cook said. One student from each homeroom met with Cook in the small gym May 14. Students and teachers went over ideas kids had for this year’s party. Some of the ideas were water balloon fi ghts, tug-o’-war between homerooms and another cook-out. Another idea was a digital scavenger hunt, where each homeroom would take pictures of the students in the homeroom and various locations and whatever homeroom is found fi rst would win. “We also got the idea to have Hoover bands play all day and have somewhat of a fi eld day. Some students also want to have a dance-off, not necessarily between homerooms, but just between students,” Cook said. “The meaning of the party is to bring Hoover students together and bond as a homeroom and get to know your homeroom teacher more than you already do.” Sophomore Erin Wilson said about last year’s party, “I think the party was fun but crowded. I think we should have a students vs. teacher tug-

of-war game or something with student’s teacher involvement.” Cook also wants to have an all school assembly in the football stadium as well as grade levels having separate meetings. “I expect students to have fun and be good sports and build good relationships with their homeroom teachers and students in their homerooms,” Cook said. Central Campus students will be able to partake in the activities. They will be excused form classes at Central Campus all day and go to the homeroom they would go to if they stayed at Hoover all day. “I want everyone to be involved in this party including the people that don’t stay at Hoover all day,” Cook said. Sophomore Elizabeth Etter was disappointed with last year’s party. “I thought the party was kind of stupid because not all grades got to eat together and I think they should’ve,” Etter said. “Some people were late and didn’t get to eat, it was crowded and other grades were skipping their classes to eat with lower of higher grades.” “I think the school party will become a hit over the years. Each year we just need to come up with better ideas and ways to improve the relationships between students and staff in the building,” Cook said. “Overall, I hope that the party is a big success and I hope that over the years students give more ideas, and better ones, too. I’m really looking forward to the party and I hope the students are.”

Payton Quinnhealth/lifestyles editor

Seniors Mike Kuhn and Gabe Long have a water balloon fi ght. Last year, Hoover started off the school year with a free cook out. Teachers and students brainstormed ideas for this year’s fi rst day party including water balloon fi ghts, a tug-o’-war and a digital scavanger hunt.

LAURA GATES PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

Party like it’s 2007

Beginning of the year party tradition continues with new and improved suggestions for entertainment

Students now have the chance to learn a non-conventional language with the addition of sign language club.

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SportsSportsSportsAthletic activities that are new for incoming freshmanSynchonized Swimming

contact- Anita Leveke

Boys’ Golfcontact- Steve

LundholmGirls’ Golf

conact- Orbie Boggs Jr.

Cheerleadingcontact- Andrea Eustice and Jen

Crandell Boys Tennis

contact- Katie Lindsey

Girls Tenniscontact- Chris

McMhann Softball

contact- Randy Baker

Baseballcontact- Mike

VukovichHOLCOMB SIDEBAR

Kickin’it atHoover

Kickin’it atHoover

Kickin’it atHoover

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High school not only brings new friends and classes, but new athletic opportunities. Tennis, golf and cheerleading are just a few of the sports offered in high school that weren’t available in middle school. Junior Ben Lockin has been golfi ng for about 10 years and now plays for the golf team. “It’s really fun and it starts before school so you can meet new people before coming in (to high school),” Lockin said. Junior Dalton Jacobus played tennis last year. “My dad wanted me to play a sport, so I tried to fi nd a sport where you don’t have to do much, so I was like tennis sounds fun,” Jacobus said. Junior Becca Leffl er has qualifi ed for state swimming the last two years. “(Swimming in high school) is a lot harder, there are a lot more swimmers who want to get better and aren’t just doing it for fun,” Leffl er said Junior softball and volleyball player Abby Van Der Beek played basketball in middle school but quit in high school because it’s not fun for her. “(Sports in high school) are more competitive, but more fun and the people are better,” Van Der Beek said. Not only are there new sports in high school, the attitude of the team and coaches also change. Junior Katie Zenz didn’t play soccer in middle school because she didn’t have time, but now starts for varsity as goal keeper. “It’s a really fun atmosphere; you can meet new people, get involved in more school activities and stay in shape,” Zenz said. “Team dinners are always

fun too. We’re like sisters on and off the fi eld.” “The coaches are more intense because they have more goals and want to see us reach those goals,” Leffl er said. “My high school coaches are more intense and more dedicated,” Van Der Beek said. Coaches may be more intense in high school, but the player-coach relationships are stronger. “We lucked out, we have a select coach,” Zenz said. “Our coach knows what she’s doing. Sometimes she’s more of a friend than a coach.” “(The golf coach) is awesome, he’s really laid back, like a big kid out there,” Lockin said. “The team is more like a family, we all basically get along,” Leffl er said. Practices and competition are much more intense in high school. “We practice all the time in high school,” Van Der Beek said. “The coaches expect more out of you and there is more competition on your team.” Van Der Beek practices every day in May from 5-8:20 p.m. with the softball team. “We practice everyday after school for about an hour,” Jacobus said. Competition increases in high school because there is the chance of being ranked or going to state. “You’re more motivated to win because you can be ranked and there’s the possibility of going to state,” Van Der Beek said. Traveling is also involved in high school sports. The farthest in-conference travel for Hoover is Ottumwa. Teams also travel to non-conference schools. Managing school and a life can be diffi cult with the busy game and practice schedules. According to Van Der Beek, it’s important to keep prioritys straight and budget time. “School comes fi rst, then sports, then work,” Van Der Beek said.

I’m a big kid now

High school offers more athletic activities than middleschool

Sami Rickesports editor

If a tree falls when no one is around, does it make a sound? Philosophy club has been recently organized to discuss topics like this. The club was put together by students who wanted a place to meet and discuss topics going on around the world. Once a week, about six to eight students meet in English teacher John Eller’s room. Senior Jesse Benson and junior Brett McAnich are now the co-presidents of this club. They are both involved because they have a place to go where they can open their minds and discuss topics without being judged. “(Philosophy club) is a group of people who meet and discuss big topics and usually things you don’t discuss in class because the topics are too

controversial,” Benson said. “We study and think about what all is going on. Religion, politics, war and how wars have affected people’s lives,” McAnich said. Junior Kristin Hukill said that philosophy club isn’t just a club for certain groups of people, but a club for anyone that has their own views and can share them. “It’s a cool way to meet new people and open up your mind to other people. It gives you life skills,” Hukill said. This year, Benson is hoping that they will expand their membership with kids who will come to participate, stay on topic and respect and listen to other people’s opinions. “Participate and stay on topic, even though it’s really hard, and you need to respect other members opinions,” Benson said. The new presidents are hoping to organize the club more often, fi nding a time where people are able to fi t it into their schedules. Last year, other after school activities confl icted with the club so not everyone could be there everytime. Hukill believes that even though it was the club’s fi rst year, it went well overall and progressed from the beginning to the end. She thinks it will improve because returning members will be more used to it and the word will have gotten out about it. Benson encourages anyone who wants to open their mind to join. “If you’re a deep thinker, then this is defi nitely the place for you,” Benson said.

War, politics and religionStudents open their minds to discuss issues in philosophy club

Mary Holcombstaff writer

“It’s a cool way to meet new people and open up your mind to other people. It gives you life skills.” -Junior Kristin Hukill

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Best Buddies sponsor Cindy Grandquist has formed a sign language club for students to learn how to interact with the hearing impaired and to have fun. “First, it is fun to sign, and second of all, it is a way to break the barrier,” Grandquist said. “The deaf community has a limited interaction and I would like all (students) to communicate better.” Grandquist is looking forward to the new club and is excited that the school is open and supportive towards new things. When senior Bridgette Andrews heard about the club on the intercom last year, she was thrilled because she knows a few people who have a hearing impairment. “At my church there are deaf ministries,” Andrews said. “I fi gured I could learn with friends and it would be fun (to have) another way to communicate in a different language.” Senior Hillary Pierson is enthused that a new club is getting started and that “it is for a specialized group,” she said. “I am in Best Buddies. I have a friend who is deaf. He tried to teach me sign language. I would like to communicate with him and other people, too.” “I know the word will spread throughout the students who are in it. I hope it will spark a different interest,” Grandquist said. “(In the year 2005-06) the Diversity Club was not just cultural. They had a table set up and a girl punched Braille with the

(person’s) name on it.” Grandquist hopes students will join and that they will like to interact with people in a different way. Her goal is to spread awareness of the language. “My goal is get a big enough (crowd) to have a Napoleon Dynamite reenactment,” Andrews said. Andrews’s real goal is for it to get it spread out to get with other schools. At East High School, there is a program for the deaf and hearing impaired. Grandquist talked to the teacher who runs the club and she wants to team up with Hoover to help out. “I think students would want to join because it is another way to communicate, it is interesting and it is different,” Andrews said. “It is a different language compared to French and Spanish. Now there is sign language.” Andrews thinks this is promoting diversity at school because it goes further than the cultural lines. “I hope students will learn when people are different, do not hesitate,” Grandquist said. She wants students to know it is okay to interact with people who are different. “Students will learn about the hearing impaired and it will give them a new perspective to learn about not (being) able to talk,” Pierson said. Pierson said learning sign language is a benefi t. It is like a foreign language and it is a useful tool. “I think it will do a diversity thing so students could understand diversity it not just a certain race,” Andrews said. “I hope students will join,” Pierson said. “I think they will see it is nice to learn sign language. And I hope it turns into a large group.”

(person’s) name on it.” Grandquist hopes students will join and that they

What’s your sign?

Lana Phamfeatures editor

Join the clubJoin the clubJoin the clubFor a chance to get involved, here are some lesser known clubs

Knitting Club

Book Club

Environment Club

STARS Science Club

Bible Study Club

Best Buddies

Students and staff members get together once a week after school for an hour to knit and crochet different projects they are working on. See Pam Pilcher for details.

This group is designed for students to get involved in their environment. They received a grant and this year will be planting trees and working on a beautifi cation project. See Maribeth Newman for details.

A group of students get together after school and discuss the unassigned book they are currently reading. Everyone is welcome. See Susan Pille for details.

Students get together to do activities and projects researching science and other things. STARS stands for Students and Teachers Actively Researching Science. See Beth Zavala for details.

Students get together after school once a week for about an hour to study the Bible and discuss their own experiences. See Lisa Fried for details.

Students are paired up with students with special needs and meet and do activities with their buddies in and outside of school. See Cindy Grandquist for details.

Newly formed sign language club gives students the opportunity to learn how to communicate with the hearing impaired

Give me a SignGive me a SignGive me a Sign

Here’s a chance to brush up on some sign language. It has more than just air-quotes and the middle fi nger.

JAYNE LEVEKE PHOTO

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Here’s a chance to brush up on some sign language. It has more than just air-quotes and the middle fi nger.

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The CHALLENGER is published by the newspaper staff of Herbert Hoover High School, and exists to serve as an open forum for the students, faculty, staff, administration and community. All state and federal laws regarding the publication of student materials shall apply, and the CHALLENGER will not publish materials which also fall under the guidelines established by the Des Moines Public School system, and are deemed libelous, obscene or a material and substantial disruption to normal classroom activities. The views expressed are not those of Des Moines Public Schools, faculty, staff or administration. All articles are researched, written, edited and designed by the staff, and are the result of editorial decisions made by the entire staff. Any student, faculty, staff, or community member wishing to contribute materials will need to submit copy within deadline restrictions; however, fi nal publication is at the discretion of staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged, and must be 250 words or less in length and signed; letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling, etc. Every attempt will be made to verify the authenticity of the author, and no anonymous letters will be published. Advertising will be accepted for all products or services that are legal for minors to possess or utilize. Advertisers wishing to reserve publication space should call 242-7313 and leave a message.

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challengerHoover High School Publications, 4800 Aurora Avenue Des Moines, IA 50312 515.242.7313

co-editors in chiefChristine AtteyRachael Sternfeatures editorLana Phamsports editorSami Jo Rickeopinion editorEmily Towhealth/lifestyles editorPayton Quinndesign editorSam Kykerchief photographerLaura GatesillustrationAaron Gottlonline media editorEmily Towstaff writerMary HolcombadviserTimm Pilcher, [email protected] CookprinterWilcox Printing

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PAPER

High school 101

Emily Towopinion editor

There is nothing in the world like a freshman. While some of the ninth graders out there may not realize it, you can get on upperclassmen’s nerves. High school is new and cool and exciting, and you just want to try everything and express yourself because you’re in high school now so of course you’re cool, right? Close, but no cigar. Every single person in this school was once a freshman. Ask anyone and they could tell you something hideously embarrassing that they did when they were 14 or 15 that they thought was really cool. But everyone also understands that it’s incredibly nerve-wracking to come into a new school with barely any people you know and expecting humongous pressure.

From the mouth of a senior, here’s some advice. Chill out. Don’t get so freaked out about high school. Now, that advice comes with a footnote. While you shouldn’t get too worried, there’s defi nitely a place for worrying. You shouldn’t break down because you have too much homework, but you also probably shouldn’t be ditching class every day. If you don’t take the right classes now, you’re going to be kicking yourself when you’re a junior and a senior. While you shouldn’t stuff your schedule with a bunch of super hard classes, you do want to have a good serving of straight academia. Hoover’s got some pretty tough graduation standards these days, and you’re going to need to buckle down and get classes out of the way if you want to have any kind of fun your senior year. You’ll want English, math, social studies and science without a doubt. From there, it’s up for grabs. Toss a fi ne arts class in there and maybe a tech or career orientated class for fl avor. Seal it up with gym and you’ve got a well balanced schedule that won’t screw you over later. Now remember, about half of what your middle school teachers told you about high school is true.

Principal- Connie CookYou’ve heard horror stories, but Cook is a pretty cool lady. You can usually fi nd her either in her offi ce up the long hall or rushing around the hallway.

Vice Principals- Melvin Green, Jr. & Doug WheelerDepending on your grade level, you’ll be sent to one of these guys next time you mouth off to your teacher.

Counselors- Penny Weishaar, Barbara Campbell and Linda HartYou’ll be assigned a counselor based on your last name. They’ll be the ones who will switch around your schedule, help you plan for college and make sure you have enough credits to graduate.

Registrar- Francine JackmanThis is the lady to talk to about transcripts, class ranks and class size.

School Psychologist- Steve BallouHigh school is freaking stressful. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Hoover Main Offi ceTelephone: (515) 242-7300

FAX: (515) 242-7308

Attendance Offi ceTelephone: (515) 242-7301

Can’t fi nd your homeroom?Wanted to take algebra and ended up in calculus?Here’s a handy list of the folks who keep Hoover ticking.(Hint: all Hoover e-mail addresses are designed with a formula- fi [email protected])

Nurse- Jeanne MarkSchool lunch got your stomach in a twist? She can help.

It’s all about who you know...

EMILY TOW SIDEBAR

First year advice for newbies

Your teachers won’t throw away your homework because you didn’t put your name on it, but chances are they won’t go out of their way to fi nd out whose it is and you won’t get credit. You will get points deducted for not dressing in gym. Plus, do you really want to go through the day smelling sweaty? And while showers aren’t required, a mini-deodorant stick in your backpack or purse would probably be a good idea. On the fi rst day of school, don’t worry too much if you get lost. No one’s going to yell at you for not being able to fi nd third period. Teachers know it’s hard to fi nd your way around the fi rst day, even for upperclassmen. Administrators and teachers will be happy to help a lost soul fi nd the chemistry room, but freshman should be cautious in asking unfamiliar faces among their classmates where to go. If you see someone running down the hall with fi ve books in their arms, don’t stand in front of them until they point you to your class. It’s probably a bad idea to butt into a big group of seniors, but someone walking alone and not in a hurry will probably point you on your way. So freshmen, chill out. It’s not that big of a deal. Keep your cool and keep on top of things and it really won’t be that bad.