Spotlight Vol. 40 Issue 3

SpotlightVol. 40 Issue 3

Francis Howell High School www.fhhstoday.com

Dec. 8, 2010

Upcoming Dec. 16First hour final

Dec. 17Second and third hour finals

Dec. 20Late start at 8:15 a.m.Fourth and sixth hour finalsEarly release at 11:25 a.m.

Dec. 21Late start at 8:15 a.m.Fourth and sixth hour finalsEarly release at 11:25 a.m.

Dec. 22- Jan. 3Winter Break

Jan. 13Report cards mailed home

Jan. 17No School

Jan. 19Sophomore ring assembly

Worth Mention

Both yearbook and newspaper placed Best of Show in their respective category.

Sophomore Alison Dunaway receives honorable mention in national yearbook copy/ captions: clubs competition.

Varsity football makes it to the quarterfinals for the first time.

Senior Michael Bauer is first male diver to make it to state.

Andrew Odle: staff writer

Starting earlier to save money

7001 S. Highway 94, St. Charles, MO 63304

Basketball losing home advantage

Pg. 6

Partying reaches the classroom

Pg.5

Semester RecapPg. 8

Board approves new school calendarAfter much debate, the school board

voted Oct 21 to change the school calendar to be the same for the elementary, middle, and high school.

One of the main reasons behind the decision is money. The change is expected to save the school $750,000 each year, most of which will come from savings in transportation fees.

“Putting all three schools on the same schedule will eliminate the need to have multiple bus routes. We pay the bus company by route, so by not having the buses drive to the other schools on secondary days we save money,” Principal Chris Greiner said.

High school students will start a week earlier, Aug 8, and add four days into the fall and spring breaks. The extra four days will come from the fact that half days are being abolished.

“We’re doing away with half days. So now, instead of 11:25 a.m. dismissals, we will have full days of teacher development. As a result, instead of nine half days, we’ll have four full days off,” Greiner said.

Another change will be that the school day will be five minutes longer. This translates into a

school year of 169 student days, down from the previous 174.

“We need a certain number of minutes of class time per year because of district-wide requirements. The extra five minutes add up over time so we can meet those requirements despite our shortened school year,” Greiner said.

This will also save the school an additional $232,000 due to the smaller number of days students are attending school and buses are needed. The extra five minute add-on is expected to run smoothly.

“It’s being pushed for to have the five minutes at the end of the day instead of early because of how many students come in close to the bell,” Greiner said.

With so many changes students hope they can adjust well.

“I think it will be a benefit because it will keep school events and extra curricular activities concurrent and easier between grade levels,” junior Nick Tarpinian said. “It will help with the lower grade levels because I have middle school friends and now our schedules will match up.”

Even teachers have thoughts on the new calendar system.

“I think that the earlier you start summer the harder it is to have everyone be prepared. It’s a challenge for students to get back into the school when it still feels like summer,” english teacher Mike Storm said.

All in all the transition isn’t expected to be a major one.

“For us the transition will be minor,” Greiner said. “The impact will be on vacation schedules and parents with multiple children mainly. Sports should stay steady, for example, because they are adjusted along with the new calendar.”

With changes in place, most people hope that the transition goes well.

“Instead of nine half days, we’ll have four full days off.”

-Principal Chris Greiner

FBLA and DECA pair up to fight cancerEven after graduating Howell cares. Two

alumni, Jenna Hale (class of 2004) and Katie Long (class of 2006) suffer from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. DECA and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) heard about their situations and decided to help.

Previously DECA and FBLA have done community projects such as Hearts for Huntington’s, Adopt a Family, Toys for Tots and more. This time DECA and FBLA joined together to raise money for Hale and Long.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is uses to help the body’s immune system. Some common symptoms of Hodgkin’s are swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats and weight loss despite normal eating. Treatment for Hodgkin’s is usually effective; however, the treatment tends to destroy good cells with bad cells. This causes some side effects such as excessive vomiting. On top of all the suffering involved with having Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Hale and Long cannot work with this disease. This places a financial hardship on these girls.

“Katie was like no other. She truly from the bottom of her heart cared about everyone and would go above and beyond to show it,” DECA sponsor Nadine Freedline said.

Hale was an active member of FBLA and Long was devotedly involved with DECA.

“This project is different than other community projects we’ve done before because it benefits people we know. It’s more personal,” Freedline said.

The fundraisers done for Hale and Long included the Miracle Minute, a pumpkin decorating contest, t-shirt and shield sales, and a Buffalo Wild Wing night. During the Oct.

22 football game against Howell North, DECA and FBLA members ran into the bleachers for 60 seconds and collected $1,022 for the girls.

“I enjoyed the pumpkin decorating contest most because I think it raised the most awareness of the project,” DECA Vice President Shelby Vines said

In total, classes decorated 45 pumpkins. The Oct. 26 Buffalo Wild Wings fundraiser gave 10 percent of each table’s cost to the cause when presented with a flyer.

“I think this was very effective because even Buffalo Wild Wings said our project had the greatest turn out they’ve ever had, I think the project could have gone better though if we had raised awareness more. A lot of people thought you had to be in DECA to do spirit week, even though it was meant to be school wide,” Vines said.

These fundraisers collectively raised $2,993. The majority of the money came from the Miracle Minute at the football game.

“I can’t begin to express the profound gratitude I have for your generosity in making this fundraiser for Jenna and Katie. I am proud to be counted among such an awesome school,” Jenna’s mother, Gina Hale, said.

Currently, FBLA is participating in Adopt a Family. FBLA is working with Daniel Boone Elementary to support families in need. Students can help by making donations through Dec. 10, donations can include: money, gift cards, wrapping paper or other items from the approved list.

FBLA and DECA continuously help out the community and participate in fundraisers to benefit others.

“It’s an awesome project because we can help others, it gives me a good feeling,” senior Kelsey Fankhauser said.

Emily Fernandez: Staff Writer

Decorated pumpkins line the walls of senior square. The pumpkins were decorated by students to help raise money for Jenna Hale nand Katie Long.

Oliv

ia C

assid

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Vol. 40 Issue 3Dec. 8, 2010

OPI

NIO

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Spotlight

Francis Howell Highwww.fhhstoday.com

Purpose“Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...”

––The First Amendment The Francis Howell Spotlight

is the official student newspaper at Francis Howell High School. The Spotlight began as a Francis Howell publication in 1971. The Spotlight believes it is essential to preserve the freedom of the press in order to preserve a free society and its purpose is to inform, interpret, and entertain through accurate and factual reports.

Therefore, this school newspaper will serve the best interest of the students of Francis Howell and keep itself free from any other obligation; the staff of the school newspaper will accept guidance from its adviser, but will make its own editorial decision; only the editorial board may veto any material intended for publication, judged to be in violation of the Spotlight editorial policy; and this school newspaper will vigorously resist all attempts at censorship, particularly prepublication censorship; the school newspaper will serve as an educational laboratory experience for those on staff.; the school newspaper will run as a limited open forum; the goal of the school newspaper is to cover the total school population as effectively and the staff will strive to be impartial and responsible in its coverage of issues.

AdvertisingAll ads must be approved. Ad rate schedules and policies are available by calling 636-851-4820 or email [email protected]

PoliciesAll letters to the editor should be sent to Mrs. Dunaway in room A115 or emailed to spotlight [email protected]. Letters will be printed in the op-ed section. All letters must be signed, be under 400 words, and contain appropriate material. Material will not be printed if content is obscene, invasive of others’ privacy, encouraging physcial disruption of school activites and/or implies libel. The editorial board has the right to have letters edited for length, grammer, punctuation, clarity, etc. The school newspaper will only publish one letter per author per issue and all letters become the property of the school newspaper upon receipt and will not be returned.

Hit or Miss for December

[a quick Howell about the good and bad]

hits misses More school spirit Halls were decorated, students were excited, and we won biggest fans of the week. We got, spirit yes we do.

Science walk through Already preparing for next year, science classes have a walk through for students to learn more about the different classes.

Holiday season Get into the spirt and last minute shopping because the jolly holiday season is on its way.

National awardsThe newspaper places fifth and yearbook takes third for best in show. Way to go, publications. Winter sports startFootball season maybe over, but basketball season is starting up. No more worry about standing out in the cold.

End of second quarterWith all the stress and hard work from finals, it’s nice to get a three week break away from school.

Canned food driveStudents help out by bringing in over 2,200 cans for the food drive. Good job to Ms. Powers first hour class with 728 cans.

Football team loses to Ft. Zumwalt WestBitter sweet moment. We came so close, but yet so far. The boys lost the game in the last 30 seconds.

Finals exemptions It’s enough stess just thinking about finals, but now we have to worry about getting exemptions too.

Preparation for next yearThe first semester isn’t even over and we already have to plan what classes we want next. How do we decide?

Improving grades in time for finalsStudents have little time to raise their grades before finals. No one needs the stress.

Holiday shoppingLast minute shopping, getting the perfect gift, and finding the money it’s never easy.

Limited parking continues to be a problem Winter sports leave open spots but not enough for eveyone.

Students skip to play Call of DutyIs it really neccessary to miss a day of school for a video game? Next time, wait for the weekend.

StaffSamantha Gibson, EIC; Kassie King, web editor; Olivia Cassidy, photo ed.; Michele Dunaway, MJE, adviser. Staff Writers: Christian Adams, Madelyn Brandt, Alyssa Crawford, Lauren Crider, Alison Dunaway, Emily Fernandez, Leah Garrett, Stephen Gerst, Austin Hayes, Carrie Haupt, Kaci Jolly, Ann Molina, Andrew Odle, Katie Roberts, Nina Rosenberg, Sara Shabany, Haley Shave, Savannah Shine, Gabrielle Soto, Shelby Steingraeber, Samantha Strange, Alex Timpone

Parental involvement requires balanceStaff Editorial

With education on people’s minds, especially after the documentary Waiting for Superman and the recent election, a recurring issue among both teachers and parents is the level of involvement of parents in their students lives and the school system. While some

involvement is appreciated, too much can be quite annoying and difficult. On the other hand, too little can show poor judgement on the parent’s part and is often seen as one of the major causes of a student’s poor behaviour and achievement. With all of the controversy flying around about who’s right, a balance must reached.

Some overachieving and overactive parents tend to call in every other day, whether it be to check on their children’s progress or to double check that they will be able to make a school event on time. These intentions are great; getting involved in a child’s life and being aware of what’s going on is very important. But there has to be a point where the student steps up and takes responsibility and the parent stops the endless barrage of contact with the school. Often, teachers and principals can be seen dealing with phone voice mails and emails during class and parents at school events. It creates frustration on both sides.

As always, there is another side of things and this can be just as bad. The absent parent takes no notice of their kid’s 12 absences or the three classes they’re failing. This parent has no idea when parent teacher

conferences are and doesn’t care. Not only does this set a bad example for students but it also adds to their ability to get away with slacking and poor effort. These are the parents who could be a great influence in their children’s lives if they only took the time to step in. A student is much more likely to put forth effort when a parent checks up and encourages them. Students who have parent involvement tend to do better than those who fend for themselves.

If a balance is to be achieved both parties involved must make an effort. For the excessive parents, they need to back off and trust teachers to do their job. They could also back off by communicating with their child more and indicating that slacking won’t be tolerated. Furthermore, teachers shouldn’t have to dedicate their lives to the well-being and comfort of students and their parents. However, communication is key and they should make somewhat of an effort. If a parent sends in an email the teacher should take the five minutes it takes to respond, even if that response is as simple as a “thank you” or an “I will get back to you as soon as possible.” The parent needs to know that the teacher is aware of the current situation. Essentially, no one likes to be ignored.

Despite frustration on all sides, parents need to be aware of their student’s academic lives and be proactive while respecting teacher’s space. All in all, a balance must be formed.

Shout at us!

Send comments

and letters [email protected]

or drop them in room A115

The fine print: all letters must be signed, be under 400 words, and contain appropriate material. Material will not be printed if content is obscene, invasive of others’ privacy, encouraging physcial disruption of school activites and/or implies libel.

Brennan Riley

Gee Mom I don’t know, maybe because we just checked my

grades ten minutes ago!

Why hasn’t your grade in

Chemistry gone up yet?

Vol. 40 Issue 3 Dec. 8, 2010Op-ed Spotlight

Francis Howell Highwww.fhhstoday.com 3

Face inth

e CrowdHow are you preparing for second semester?

Christine Ho

junior

>>I haven’t really thought about it. I’m just trying to get through this semester.

soph

omor

e

Steven Smith

>>Nothing really. Just trying to keep my grades up for first semester.

Louise Power

busin

ess t

each

er

>>I am going through files looking for new activities and projects for the kids.

Lizzy Knollman

fresh

man

>> I’m studying and doing my homework.

Jordan Baner

fresh

man

>>I’m putting a lot more effort into my Intro to Engineering class.

Emma Tracy

senio

r

>>I’m not. I have zero motivation to be here.

Lauren Crider: staff writer

Many students get on the Internet to check Facebook, Myspace, Twitter accounts and even watch videos on Youtube. When some

are sick they spend a lot of their day lying in bed or on the Internet.

Yet upon return, students are behind on work in school and are unable to understand what is going on in their classes. Most teachers have a website with a link on the school’s website so the students can get the homework for that day and what was taught in class.

However, students who miss excessive days of school for various reasons, sometimes have bad grades because of all the days missed. Students can get so behind on all of their work that they can miss assignments or they just don’t do it because they figure it doesn’t matter anymore. But it does.

Perhaps teachers should make their own podcasts of their classes everyday for students who are absent. A podcast is a web-based audio broadcast accessed by subscription over the Internet. The students who miss school can access these podcasts

and catch up, almost like they are in school but in the comfort of their own home.

Students could access the podcasts live or wait and watch them later. That way students can see examples of problems or hear how the teacher explains them because sometimes it is easier when one hears things explained rather than reading it out of a textbook.

This would also be easier for teachers as well because they would not have to reteach the whole lesson when the student comes in for help. This way, all of the responsibility is on the students because they have ways to access the lesson from their house when absent.

There would be no excuse about not knowing about the test or not having the homework because they did not know about it.

Students would still have to go to school to take tests and turn in work. But the teacher should only take the work from students with excused absences so that students don’t think that they can miss school just because they can see the lessons from home.

If teachers took the time to start the camera at the beginning of class, it would help with students grades and catching them up.

In myopinion

Teachers should createpodcasts for students

I recently purchased $200 worth of books on Amazon. This purchase was a little frivolous, and while reading material is always appreciated, it is possible that I didn’t need to

spend that much money without proper consideration. The problem is, I didn’t have to consider the amount of money I was spending because the payment was immediate.

My Amazon account is connected to my PayPal account, which is directly linked to my checking account. The Internet is a brilliant tool, but perhaps there is too much immediacy associated with it.

I’m not 18 yet. I can’t even buy things off the TV, yet I can take a credit card and buy as much stuff online as I want? Doesn’t seem right. Even if Amazon tried to confirm my age, I could just as easily pretend to be Kassie King the 22-year old as Kassie King the 17-year old high school senior.

I’ll be the first to proclaim that Internet resources are beautiful things, but I will also be the first to realize that the things I do online don’t feel real. Something about virtual communication and transactions make me feel like I am above the real world; it’s like my actions don’t have consequences.

This is also why so many people do stupid things on social media sites like Facebook; the thoughts that enter one’s head can be delivered to the world in under one second. The reason why Twitter has become so prevalent is because there is no filter; it doesn’t ask one to “confirm” that they’d like to release this information to the public. Instead, once the “Tweet” button is hit, the statement is global. The regret only takes a few seconds to set in.

The Internet takes a fraction of a second to completely change someone’s entire life. Entering one number wrong on a purchase, or saying one stupid comment in the heat of the moment can ruin the perception that others have of any social media user.

Responsibility online is more than restricting your facebook account. Instead, it is the realization that what happens online is no longer secular from real at school or at home. While virtual, the Internet is now very much real. It is communication; while textual, it still needs to be regarded with caution. When I log online I must fully realize that my name, my bank account, and my future are directly connected with the choices I make.

When the books I purchased are delivered to my door, I will be ecstatic that I can finally read to my heart’s content. However, when my bank statement reaches my door, I will wonder if maybe it would have been more helpfull to go to Borders and buy one book at a time and pace my spendings.

Internet immediacy puts debt in walletKassie King: web editor

Alyssa Crawford: Staff Writer

Stress is high as finals begin and everyone hopes to get an exemption from their hardest class, but

there are certain qualifications to get one.The requirements to qualify for an exemption are no discipline referrals, 95 percent attendance, and 3.0 GPA last semester.

Even if you meet the requirements the only way you can get an exemption is by scoring Advanced or Proficient on a previous end of course exam or a 27 or above on the ACT test, but that’s not all.

If you want to use the exemption you have to receive an A at semester for the class you want to exempt and your teachers approval.

The requirements for getting a final exemption are too strict. Most students put in a lot of hard work during their class and they could get nothing to show for it.

With studying hours on end for

test and working for days on projects students could try their hardest for a good grade, but it might not be enough to get an A. Even though some might get an A in the class they might not even have an exemption for it. Another thing is the amount of exemptions you receive first semester counts for both semesters.

Although finals may seem hard and unimportant, they do count as 20 percent of a student’s grade. This could make or break a student, but to be honest final exams have never helped me with my grade, they have only lowered my grade or kept it the same.

The reason why we have finals is to see if the students learned and remembered anything from that semester, but I think it just stresses people out and ruins their grade.

Some people don’t even need to study for finals because they could fail the final and still keep their grades. It is also unfair that some schools allow their students to exempt with a C for the class and only 95 percent attendance, I personally think it should be up to us.

Final exemption rules too strict to be effective motivation

In myopinion

Vol. 40 Issue 3Dec 8, 2010

FeaturesSpotlightFrancis Howell Highwww.fhhstoday.com4

Counselor’s goal to help students with coursesAnn Molina and Shelby Steingraeber: staff writers

December is here, which can only mean one thing: 2011-2012 schedule registration and second semester schedule changes.

To assist with registration, students are divided among six counselors. Each counselor works to meet the needs of around 300 students. As of 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were 275,800 educational counselors employed in the United States. The Bureau The counselors travel to junior classes and discuss college planning at the end of first quarter. They also gather each grade level throughout second quarter to discuss high school plans and scheduling. Counselors enquire about students career interests and activities, making notes and asking questions to assist students in making the right choices for their ambitions.

“We’ve been in the junior classes doing a career unit. There’s a lot of parts of our job people don’t see,” counselor Kim Potts said.

In 2002, the National Board of Education surveyed national high schools on various topics related to guidance departments. Forty-eight percent of the schools surveyed believed that the guidance department at their school puts the most emphasis on academic achievement.

Counselors also write college recommendations for their students. They assist with tech school applications, scheduling job shadowing, and field trips for leadership in addition to schedule registration.

“We want to write the best recommendations so students have opportunities to get into those colleges and get those scholarships,” Potts said.

Counselors also work with those students who want half day schedules.

“Mrs.Lowry was helpful in helping me make a schedule change for dual enrollment,” senior Brendan Maher said.

Compared to other schools, in the district and other districts, Howell starts early when it comes to registration. Letters arrived Friday, Nov. 12, to parents informing them of upcoming second

semester registration.“ We start (schedule registration) now

because we want to make sure we’re able to figure out what kids want early enough,” Assistant Principal Gary Stevenson said. Howell starts now in order to make sure their are enough sections of classes and the correct number of teachers staffed.

Francis Howell Central does not begin the scheduling process as early. Schedules at Central are due Jan. 21, nearly a month and a half after schedules are due at Howell.

“Central and Howell North may not be calling in their frehsmen and sophomores now, but believe me they’re working on their schedules. We just call in our kids a bit earlier,” Stevenson said.

Some students sign up for course having not yet taken a prerequisite for the course second semester.

“Near the end of the (school) year, if a student fails a prerequisite, they can go to thier counselor and say (they would) like to take thei alternate class,” Stevenson said. Stevenson notes that often times counselors will take note of these situations themselves, and call students to their office to discuss the situation.

Still, this can cause issues, and some haven’t found the guidance process as helpful as they would like.

“Sometimes they don’t give you enough information about college,” junior Gabby Brooks said.

“I think it would be a little bit hard [to choose your classes in fall], because you don’t know what your (second semester) classes have in store for you,” freshman Chris Pannullo said.

Junior and senior year are the turning points in a high school student’s life. College decisions can determine their future life plans. Potts explained how deciding on a college is a four-year process.

“We work with the students each year and help them decide the classes that are good choices for their prospective career,” Potts said. “We also meet with each senior individually and see if they are on the right track.”

The counselors work with each student throughout the year. Some students felt they did not receive enough time.

“I wish there were more counselors so they could have more individual attention with each student,” junior Brennen Kluner said.

The counselors believe that individual time with each student is crucial in helping them decide with class choices and colleges. Appointments depend on several factors.

“Each counselor has 350 students to take care of. We try and get back to them as soon as we can,” Potts said.

The American School Counselor Association recommends a 250-to-1 ratio of students to counselors. The national average is 457-to-1. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirement is 500-to-1, although it recommends 375-to-1.

All counselors here do it all–planning, college prep, and personal counseling. December is a big month with scheduling and college decisions.

“This is also the peak of senior applications for college,” Potts said. “And seniors are turning in their recommendations and we are trying to meet with each senior to discuss their future.”

It’s about time for the New Year to arrive. New Year’s Eve is one of the oldest celebrated holidays, originating in Rome in 46 BCE. When 2011 arrives, out come the party hats and fireworks. “Every year I throw a big bash at my house. All my friends come over and we party and watch the ball in Time Square drop,” sophomore Megan Schwenck said. While waiting to bring in the New Year, celebrating with family and friends is common.“We usually go to my aunt’s house and watch fireworks,” junior Christie Hammelman said. Many see Jan. 1 as a chance to become a better person.Thus many make new year’s resolutions. Yet, staying true to a resolution is not easy. “I made a resolution to make money, I wanted to be able to have some extra cash. I had good intentions but I just couldn’t find a

job,” Schwenck said. New Year’s resolutions are often about getting healthier, losing weight, saving money, reducing stress, taking a trip, and volunteering to help others. “My resolution for last year was to get healthier. It stuck. I was truly serious about getting fit for the new year and ever since I have ate healthier and run everyday,” sophomore Allie Lohmann said. Getting excited about resolutions often fades. “My resolution was to do better and advance in dance.I didn’t keep it because I just kinda forgot about it,” freshman Shawnna Primeau said. The resolution itself could be the problem. “I think that keeping resolutions is hard because people make the wrong decisions when picking them. I’ve had New Year’s resolutions, but they were over within a couple of weeks,” sophomore Mornae Underwood said.”

Students talk resolutionsGabby Soto: staff writer

Holiday Gift IdeasShelby Steingraeber: staff writer

A cookie sheet: the best way to send Grandma the subliminal message that you love her cookies. Of course, the adorable holiday shapes aren’t so bad either.Wilson Holiday Cookie Pan, $12.95, Dillards

So he can tune his girlfriend out while she vents about holiday family drama. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.ITunes Giftcard, Target

Maybe next time you take Grandpa to see “Harry Potter”, he won’t ask so many questions during the movie.Border Book Stores Gift Card, Borders

Short on cash? An Ipod/phone cover is the way to go. If you really feel like splurging, treat your friend to a brand new Ipod to accompany these gel skin covers.“My Touch” HD phone/ipod cover, $19.99, T-Mobil Stores

Keep the one that warms your heart warm this winter, without leaving your wallet cold.Scarf, Four Seasons Kiosk at Mid Rivers mall, $12.99

Dad won’t be able to stop making coffee with this new machine. He’ll never be late for work again. Ever.Mr.Coffee Four Cup Digital Coffee Maker, $19.99, Target

As a part of her daily routine, counselor Connie Schertel files through her papers getting ready getting ready for her meetings with students.

Junior Molly Bruening goes over her senior year schedule with her counselor Darsi Hillyer.

Counselor Elizabeth Fischer finds time her answer her e-mails during her busy day.

Photos by Sara Shabany

What was once an underground topic has become common conversation in the classroom.

Once upon a time students whispered about their weekend activities for fear of being reported to the principal. Nowadays, anyone walking in the hallways can hear of the craziest parties occurring on students’ free time. With this increase of open talk about illicit activities, the question arises of where the line is drawn when it comes to discussing personal information.

“If teachers hear or observe talk of drug activity they’re supposed to report it to administration,” Assistant Principal Gary Stevenson said. “The least we can do is contact parents or refer to counselors.”

But the question is; do teachers really follow such procedure?“I can’t speak for any other teachers, but I think they’d react accordingly,”

science teacher Steve Moorman said.“If I see danger, of course I’d speak to an administrator,” English teacher

Debra Blessman said. “I think a majority of teachers are focused on teaching and learning.”

Some students do not agree, though.“I think teachers would be the last ones to report inappropriate talk,”

senior Brittany Wehrle said. “It seems like teachers don’t really want to tattle-tale.”

“In class (my friends and I) don’t use terms that are too blunt. But I think some teachers would report it while others would turn a deaf ear,” senior Justin Wu said.

Other students agree with the seniors.“Most teachers don’t hear,” junior Seth Landon said. “But it seems like

they don’t ever do anything even if they do hear about it.”When it comes to reporting conduct unsuitable for the classroom, the

majority of reports do not come from teachers at all.“Most of the time if we’re made aware of drug abuse on or off campus

it is told to us by students. About 90 percent of reports come from kids,” Stevenson said. “Most kids don’t appreciate or like it.”

“It’s a personal descision whether or not a person chooses to take part in those kinds of activities,” junior Michelle Adzido said. “But they should be respectful of other people around them and keep (it) to themselves.”

When it comes to students talking of illegal weekend activities in front of teachers or administrators, students feel there is very little faculty can do about it.

“If it’s out of school, what can they do about it? The same goes for speeding,” Wehrle said. “They can call you down (to the C office) but can’t really do anything about it since it’s outside of school.”

Yet the legal area is considerably gray, and the Supreme Court has often changed what rights students have.

The U.S Supreme Court recently determined that students’ First Amendment rights are limited. In the 2007 case of Morse vs. Frederick, a student was suspended when he displayed a sign in public encouraging drug use. Because the student was at a school event when he displayed the sign, the Supreme Court ruled that his freedom of speech was still under the school’s restrictions.

As long as the school can prove the students’ actions interfere directly with the school- whether the actions take place on school property or not-

punishment can be enforced.

“Everybody has freedom of speech, but when talking of illegal activities I feel you are held responsible for whatever you’re talking about,” Blessman said.

Even though technicalities may interfere with exactly what the school district

can do about students’ behavior, the initiative of the faculty is what will keep talk out of the classroom.

“Teachers shouldn’t tolerate this kind of talk in the classrooms; their job is to create a healthy atmospere for their students and shouldn’t hesitate to take action (on) this kind of talk going around school,” Adzido said.

“We can’t police everything,” Stevenson said. “We just try to do what’s right. The key thing is (whether) it affects the school.”

Vol. 40 Issue 3 Dec. 8, 2010

Features SpotlightFrancis Howell Highwww.fhhstoday.com 5

Olivia Cassidy: photo editor

UndergroUnd to the schoolhoUseWeekend parties discussed in the classroom

“Teachers shouldn’t tolerate this kind of talk in the classrooms; their

job is to create a healthy atmosphere for their

students.”

-junior Michelle Adzido

“In class (my friends and I) don’t use terms that are too blunt. I think some teachers

would report but others would turn a deaf ear.”

-senior Justin Wu

The survey says

1) Nearly 75% of high school studeNts NatioNwide have had oNe or more driNks of alcohol duriNg their lifetime

-InformatIon from (1) the 2005 Youth rIsk BehavIor surveIllence surveY, (2) natIonal InstItute of Drug aBuse, (3) Drug treatment centers

2) over 46% of seNiors reported illicit drug use iN the year 2009

3) 25.9% of uNderage alcoholics driNk Nearly 50% of alcohol coNsumed by uNderage driNkers

Vol. 40 Issue 3Dec. 8, 2010

FeaturesSpotlightFrancis Howell Highwww.fhhstoday.com6

Voice of unreason...

White walls, the smell of antiseptic, and unlimited tests. This was my life last year. I had a MRI last year/early this year because of the random falls, I had been having since my concussion. I expected the MRI to find nothing and I would go on my way, back to school and regular life. I was sitting in the Urgent Care for an allergic reaction when

my mom picked up the phone. They found a small cyst on my thyroid. Further testing was needed.

Have you ever had one of those moments where your world stops and it feels like everything falls to pieces? That was that moment. Thoughts were racing through my mind: Tumor? Cancer? Will I need chemotherapy? I don’t know how it happened so suddenly, but all of a sudden I was in that daze.

I would get the ultrasound on my neck in three days from when I heard, but that seemed like an eternity. What was going on? The days passed in a blur. All I remember was the constant worry in my mind, the continuing urge to cry, the struggle to fight back the tears, acting like I didn’t care at all.

During those three days, I “failed” two tests. Seeing the ‘C’ on that one test... It was disheartening. I was late to my next class. I went to class, asked to go to the bathroom, and then I cried.

I had my ultrasound and got the results that it was a benign cyst that had to be monitored every 9-12 months. I’m in inching towards that timeline where I look at the calendar and a little bit of panic sets it. What has been going on in my neck? Is it bigger? Is it cancerous? What is it? Some days the worry drives me crazy and I can hardly focus. The class notes don’t get written quite as well, the words don’t come out just right, and the feeling when finishing the test is one of dread.

It really is hard to know what is truly going on in a person’s life. You never know the events that led up to the day. You never know if their parents are divorcing, if their sister just left for college, or if they are going through other tough times. You just never know. Give people the benefit of the doubt, until you meet them. That kid who failed his test? Maybe he is an honors kid who had a bad day. The girl who is crying in the bathroom? Maybe her cat just died. Not everyone is crazy all the time. Whatever they are doing, don’t judge until you know. The feeling of being judged makes it worse, makes the pain last longer, and causes more grief. Take it upon yourself to not vocalize your view of it because you just never know. And you likely never will.

Myopinion

My thoughts about, basically, everything Alison Dunaway: Staff Writer

Players’ injuries are holding up sport seasons’ playing timeCarrie Haupt: Staff Writer

Cheering and loud screams in a basketball gymnasium are what usually describe a winter game night at Howell.

“Basketball games are really exciting and sometimes they get pretty rowdy,” junior Zeke Kapusciak said.

However; this season both boys and girls varsity basketball team and fans will have only seven times to enjoy this craziness. Throughout the year the varsity basketball teams have a combined 14 games at home. Both teams having at least 15 away games.

“Having seven home games really does not favor us but I think it will make us work harder as a team to win those away games,” junior Matt Qualley said.

It has now been a couple of seasons in a row that the basketball team has so few basketball games. Last year the boys produced a winning record of 16-10 and were district champions.

“It was a great reward for a group of individuals deciding to work hard and playing on each others strengths to turn the season around,” varsity boys basketball coach Mike Storm said.

For seniors this could be their last chance to play in Howell’s building because of the new gymnasium is scheduled to be finished by next year’s season.

“I am really excited to be part of the team that plays the last varsity basketball season in this gym. We definitely want to win every home game so our season is memorable and makes it easier on us to win away games,” Qualley said.

The first game of the season started on Dec. 6 and the first home game follows on Dec. 14.

“Since this will probably be our last season we definitely want to win our home games and have a good send off, ” Storm said.

Less chance for basketball home games is a rare advantageAustin Hayes: staff writer

From concussions to hurt legs, sports injuries have affected students in multiple sports.

While on a soccer trip to Iowa with her select team, senior Ally Rodriguez injured her leg, Sept. 18.

“Some girl slide tackled me,” Rodriguez said. “We were both going in for the ball and her cleat hit my shin and cracked my tibia. I heard it crack. Once I heard it, I started screaming. My best friend who is also on the team came over and tried to calm me down. She was a big help. The game stopped for about 30 minutes and I had to be taken away in an

ambulance. Once I got to the emergency room, I got an x-ray of my leg and found out it was broken.”

Immediately after the collision, there wasn’t much response from the the other player.

“She got up an wa-lked away really fast an went to her team. When she found out it was broke, she cried and felt bad.”

Rodriguez had a hard time coming to terms with being sidelined.

“When I learned it was broken, I started crying because I was going to be out for four months and I’m very active person. I was sad, upset and in shock,” Rodriguez said.

Instead of working out every day, Rodriguez’s routined consisted of only school and sleep.

“School was the hardest part because Howell doesn’t have a convenient campus, but the school was very accommodating towards my injury. I was able to leave class five minutes before the bell or stay five minutes after. My teachers were very understanding. The principals asked how I was doing and and everyone was friendly. I really appreciated it,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez found at least one positive thing came from the experience.

“My arm strength has increased from having to use them so much with the

crutches.”Rodriguez is looking forward to

playing again.“I wont be able to play until January.

I was in a cast up to my mid thigh for four weeks, then a shorter one for another for weeks and now I’m in a boot. Now that I’m in the boot, I’ve been biking to increase my cardio.”

As for Rodriguez’s team, she is not the only player facing an injury.

“A lot of players have been injured. The team is currently holding only 11 people,” Rodriguez said.

Continued on Pg 7

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The varsity basketball team will no longer play in the 94 gym after this season.

Vol. 40 Issue 2 Dec. 8, 2010

SpotlightFrancis Howell Highwww.fhhstoday.com 7Sports

Myopinion

Austin Hayes: Staff Writer

~ Caitlyn BiddleSCC student Francis Howell alum

Ask your counselor how to get started at St. Charles Community College.Call 636-922-8000 or visit stchas.edu.

“SCC has a great partnership with UMSL, which will make it

easier for me to transfer when I graduate from SCC.”

For me, sports are a way of re le as ing p r e s s u r e and stress

from the rigorous activities of everyday school life. It is a chance to get away from my everyday activities and focus on something fun and exciting. I believe that without school sports students could not handle school because there would be no release. I mean what appeals to us about big colleges and universities? I’m sure for most of us that it’s not the prestigious academic awards. More often it’s the sports teams because people want to see a winning team. After a hard day’s work at college, people usually want to get their mind away from learning. They want to enjoy their college experience and going to see that sporting event frees students from that constant strain of academics. It goes beyond just watching and enjoying your favorite team. Sports are a way to stay sane in my opinion because in today’s society there is so much pressure on students to go to a good college and get a good education. A lot of people complain saying that collegiate coaches in college

get paid too much but I think they are paid just fine. They are giving something more to us than just a winning team; they give us a chance to watch and enjoy good athletics which a lot of people have forgotten about how important that is. It is more than just two sides trying to see who is better. When I go to a sports game I see people who probably have tons of problems. Yet they are able to let that go. They relax, and that is great because that is what sports should be; fun. Students should not worry so much about the outcome as long as they have enjoyed the game.This past month our football team suffered a painful loss but to me I think it was a great season to remember. We witnessed a football team that has never done so much for our school on and off the field. So we should thank them because they gave us those moments were we could just focus on the game. Those special moments where it seemed like school did not matter and it was just the fans and the sport. Those are the moments that make school far more bearable in my mind.

Beyond the game: Sports are a way to release heavy burdens of everyday school life

Senior Ashley Heryford faced a similar injury this year,

“I was on a college visit practicing with the team. We were on the turf and I slipped and fell.”

It will be a while before Heryford can play again.

“I have to spend six weeks in a walking boot then physical therapy for a month. I can run and walk in January.” Heryford said.

According to ipch.org, 21 percent of all traumatic brain injuries among American children come occur through sports.

Freshman Steven Centracchio endured a serious injury during football practice, Aug. 18.

“I had the ball and was going up against a JV player. When I went to go through him, he hit me on my chin and I spun around and fell on my face. I was knocked out for about 10 seconds. The coach asked if I was seeing stars and I was,” Centracchio said.

After regaining consciousness, Centracchio went to the trainer and then his mom came and took him to the hospital.

“The evaluation felt like a sobriety test. I couldn’t walk in a straight line. I had a headache and was dizzy. He had me do tests where I would push down on his hand. I was having trouble with my left side.”

After noticing Centracchio had difficulty with the tests, the doctor diagnosed him with a concussion and admitted him to the hospital, where he would spend the next four days.

“The third day I was upset. I couldn’t use the restroom by myself because I would just fall over from being so dizzy. On the fourth day,

I was so mad I just left my room. They sent me home because I was improving my walking. Now I’ve been with a physical therapist,” Centracchio said.

Although Centracchio has been improving, he is still working on making a full recovery.

“I’m good now, but I still get headaches and get dizzy sometimes. I have problems with my short term memory I’ll be talking to someone and two or three seconds later I’ll forget what we’re even talking about. My short term memory should be better by Christmas. I take medication for headaches and to help my brain function like it should.” Centracchio said.

All together, including the hospital and recovery, Centacchio missed three weeks of school. His mother, Sharon Centracchio has been helping him through his injury since day one.

“I took off work the entire time. He had to have someone with him the entire time,” Mrs. Centracchio said.

“I’m an attorney, but three weeks off work is a lot,” she said.

Steven’s mom was shocked when she learned about her son’s injury.

“I was surprised. I had never anticipated that happening in a high school sport. I was scared. I didn’t really know anything about concussions or the brain, I didn’t realize it would be that extreme. It’s hard not knowing if its a permanent thing or only a week,” she said.

“I’ve noticed that professionals are now talking about the seriousness of sports injuries and concussions. I’m glad they’re starting to realize this is a serious

issue,” she said.Howell has a trainer to help

prevent injuries. Even a recent Toyota commercial discusses the company sharing its technology with football teams.

“Football usually has more injuries. Injuries mostly come from contact sports,” athletic trainer Ruth Helland said. “To prevent injuries, athletes should do prehab. Prehab is exercises before. Recovery varies.”

Senior Justin Schuh faced an injury towards the end of the football season.

“During the second series against Pattonville I tore my MCL,” Schuh said. “I had to ice it, go to therapy and do exercises to strengthen my muscle around the tendon.”

Although Schuh got hurt towards the end of the season, he was still able to play in the last football game against Ft. Zumwalt West. Junior Jared Roosa has a history of injuries as well.

“I’ve had three concussions in the three years I’ve been playing football. Two were during practice and one was during a game,” Roosa said.

A concussion occurs when the brain is impacted.

“Your brain gets bruised and swells. You get a headache for the next few days,” Roosa said.

Roosa was out for most of the football season.

“I’m going to see a doctor and see if I can play again next year,” Roosa said.

Continued from Pg. 6: Injuries holding up season playing time

Dec. 8, 2010

SpotlightFrancis Howell Highwww.fhhstoday.com8

Vol. 40 Issue 3

Back page

During the Homecoming game, running back, Justin Schuh carries the ball down the field in the game against CBC. “I was disappointed with losing and how it went,” Schuh said. “After that loss, we bounced back and ended up winning every single game until Zumwalt. It was a good change.”

Seniors Dion Tyler and Jazmin Dansberry participate in the first meeting of the new Multi-Cultural Union. This is the first racial group to be formed in school history. “The club started last year with the seniors and their parents because they felt the school needed a stronger African American voice,” Tyler said. “This year, I decided we needed to include different races of people because you can’t promote diversity without accepting all different cultures. We want to influence and aid our community.”

First Semester RecapThe clink of change rattles in the charity buckets as helmets are retired and costumes go into storage. First semester’s new sheet music, new records, and new clubs continue to change the face of Howell.

At their fall concert, Nov. 16, Chamber choir members Richard Currie (top), Kenny Pickett and Trey Berry sing “With a Lily in your Hand” by Eric Whitaker. “This is my first year in choir and I really like it,” Berry said. “This song was by far the hardest we had to sing, but we all enjoyed it the most.”

Senior Michael Bauer finishes the last rotation in his dive at a Howell Tri-Meet, Oct. 21. The team went on to take second place. “I worked hard over the season to master my dives,” Bauer said. “Last year I had trouble with my reverse and this year I got it so I scored where I wanted to be.”

Offensive lineman Jake Vaught digests the loss of the quarter-finals to Ft. Zumwalt West, Nov. 12. “After the game I was just recapping the season and thinking about what we could have done different. Really I was just sad it was over,” Vaught said.

Working together, seniors Katie McCoullough, Jessica Marx and Keri Shine add up the money collected by Viking Way members for the veterans donation, Nov. 10. “I was glad we had a group of people helping. There was a lot of money,” Marx said. The money will be used to transport veterans.

Senior Jacqueline Meyncke and freshman Madison Campbell mess around before the start of tech week rehearsal, Oct. 27. This was Campbell’s first play. “I’m happy I can make great friends like Jacqueline so early,” Campbell said.

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