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ROAR The Jag DECEMBER 17, 2013 Assemblies: Should They Disassemble? Students speak out about whether they’re worth it, Page 4 This Edition: Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays: Which one should be used? Page 2 Presents! What’s your favorite part of the holiday season? Page 3 Newtown, One Year Later: Windham remembers tragedy, reflects on privacy of victims’ families, Page 5 Profiles: Two students recognized as Elks Students of the Month; Caitlin Pierson profiled as Batman, Page 6 Dance Controversy: WHS welcomes back school dances, Page 7 Cold and Flu Season: How to stay healthy this winter, Page 8 Windham Students Strive: WHS band and choir accepted to prestigious festivals, Page 9 Holiday Gift Ideas: Awesome gifts for loved ones, Page 10 Friends of Rachel: Club hosts bake sale to raise money, Page 14 Photo courtesy of WHS Yearbook Club
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The JagRoar: December 2013 Edition

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Page 1: The JagRoar: December 2013 Edition

THE JAGROAR! NOVEMBER 1, 2012

ROAR The Jag -

NOVEMBER 2, 2012

ROAR The Jag

DECEMBER 17, 2013

Assemblies: Should They Disassemble?Students speak out about whether they’re worth it, Page 4

This Edition:

Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays: Which one should be used? Page 2

Presents! What’s your favorite part of the holiday season? Page 3

Newtown, One Year Later: Windham remembers tragedy, reflects on privacy of victims’ families, Page 5

Profiles: Two students recognized as Elks Students of the Month; Caitlin Pierson profiled as Batman, Page 6

Dance Controversy: WHS welcomes back school dances, Page 7

Cold and Flu Season: How to stay healthy this winter, Page 8

Windham Students Strive: WHS band and choir accepted to prestigious festivals, Page 9

Holiday Gift Ideas: Awesome gifts for loved ones, Page 10

Friends of Rachel: Club hosts bake sale to raise money, Page 14

Photo courtesy of WHS Yearbook Club

Page 2: The JagRoar: December 2013 Edition

THE JAGROAR DECEMBER 17, 2013

! PAGE 2

Dear WHS,Hello Jags! Yay! It’s that time of year again! With snow

now falling and holiday music playing on the radio, most people are starting to get into the spirit. I hope everyone has an awesome winter break. Enjoy being with family and celebrating the New Year. It’s crazy to think that it’s almost already 2014.

Also, with a lot of relatively new drivers amongst the WHS community, please be careful while on the roads. The icy conditions can easily cause swerving and new drivers might not be accustomed to that.

On a side note, the JagRoar loves to hear your feedback, so feel free to let us know what you’d like to have included in our future editions!

-Ariana Mandra, Editor-In-Chief

Jag OpinionEditorial: In the Holiday Spirit

Photo by Taylor MendesAriana Mandra

By Katey VestaJagRoar Staff

WINDHAM, N.H. - Every year people debate over whether school choruses should be allowed to sing Christmas songs. The struggle over whether to wish people a “Merry Christmas” or just “Happy Holidays” is always present, and the conflict as to what the name should be for this vacation is just as prevalent. Some say it should be called Holiday Break out of respect for those who don’t celebrate Christmas, while others believe it should remain as Christmas Break since Christianity is the most common religion in the United States.

This year is especially tumultuous since Hanukkah ends before the break begins. “I think it should be called Holiday Break because there’s more than one holiday involved, not just Christmas,” says

sophomore Giuliana Jeffers. Her opinion seems to be a very prevalent one, since cultural respect and appreciation is becoming more popular in today’s world.

Some people seem to believe that this popular dilemma is just an overreaction to traditional customs. Freshman class president Emmy Giardina says, “I’m sure some [people] are reacting for religious beliefs and some think it should be Christmas break because it’s the big Christian holiday.”

So it appears that Holiday Break is the more respectful option, whereas Christmas Break is considered the more traditional option. But is it really that important what its name is? Some people seem very passionate about it, whereas others are very noncommittal. Jeffers adds, “It’s a little bit much, making such a brouhaha over what to call it.”

Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays

Page 3: The JagRoar: December 2013 Edition

THE JAGROAR DECEMBER 17, 2013

! PAGE 3

OPINION

JagRoar Staff

Ariana MandraEditor in Chief

Alex DeSimoneEditor in Chief

Jillian DiPersioNews Editor

Sophie SamuelsFeatures Editor

Mandy DeFabrizioOpinion Editor

Ashley DomogalaActivities Editor

Ram ShethBusiness Editor

Casey BrennanReporter

Katey VestaReporter

Taylor MendesPhotographer

Kelsey FedericoSports EditorErin PrebleReporter Casey ErginReporter

“My least favorite thing about the holidays is the music. THE DREADED CHRISTMAS MUSIC! PLEASE MAKE IT STOP! Well it’s not too bad at the beginning, but it gets old really fast.” - Justin Roth, 12

“Presents!” - Jacob Mathews, 12

“I love the holiday spirit, but I don’t like how crazy people get.” - Katie Heath, 12

“I hate shopping because I hate people.”- Erin Preble, 12

“My favorite thing is Christmas lights and my least favorite thing is the annoying commercials.”- Jackie Manning, 12

By Ariana Mandra

Windham, What’s your favorite or least

favorite part of the holiday season?

Page 4: The JagRoar: December 2013 Edition

THE JAGROAR DECEMBER 17, 2013

! PAGE 4

Jag NewsBimonthly Assembly Debate

Students give their perspectivesBy Matthew NoelJagRoar Staff

WINDHAM, N.H.-There has been controversy recently over the newly instated school-wide bi-monthly assemblies. Some students believe that the assemblies take up too much time from their classes, while others are in favor of the assemblies because they take time away from classes. There are also some students who like the assemblies because they use them as a chance to advertise for their club, team or other school event.

The assemblies provide students with a means to learn all the comings and goings, the events and incidents, as well as the amazing phenomena that happen at the school. As the assemblies continue, more and more students are beginning to look forward to them. Junior Troy Miller states, “I like the assemblies because they tell me about all the cool things the different clubs are doing.” The assemblies occur twice a month, alternating between Thursdays and Fridays in the gymnasium. They happen during the scheduled advisory time, which lasts 15 minutes. The assemblies, however, last at least 30 minutes. This cuts into three class times, and shifts the entire schedule a few minutes later. Sophomore Olivia Pillidge states, “The assemblies are alright but they kind of take a lot of time.”

Many students and faculty are taking the opportunity to make short announcements about their organized clubs and about events that are happening around the school. The assemblies provide this a service to great successes since these announcements are made in front of the entire school, ensuring that you or your club get the best publicity possible. Posters and emails are no longer necessary to inform other students about events

such as the JCA video game nights. The assemblies were originally designed by new principal Mr. Kaplan as a way to bring the school even closer together than it already was, and it has worked. Though some still object to the assemblies taking too much time out of class, most have accepted that they are necessary and will continue to make them a tradition for years to come.

Photo by Taylor MendesMr. Dawson discusses parking rules at a

recent school assembly.

Page 5: The JagRoar: December 2013 Edition

THE JAGROAR DECEMBER 17, 2013GENERAL NEWS

! PAGE 5

Necessary for Windham High?By Taylor DarcyJagRoar Staff

WINDHAM, N.H. –Windham High School has an assembly every two weeks. In the beginning of the year, the assemblies were used to introduce the faculty in each department of education; but as the year progresses we have less and less to discuss at each assembly.

As the year goes on and we have more and more assemblies, the students, principal, and teacher tell us the announcements that are usually spoken over the intercom every morning. What is the point of these assemblies when they can gives us the same information over the intercom instead of wasting class time? The assemblies at WHS are held every other week in the gymnasium and first block, second block and third block schedules are all shortened. This constant shortened block schedule causes less academic time in the classrooms.

These assemblies are also unnecessary because the students and faculty get bored very easily. When people talk softly at the microphone and are not talking about anything of importance or interest, students will become bored and distracted easily, which happens frequently at these assemblies.

“The assemblies are a waste of time,” says Ashley

Manzo, Junior at Windham High when asked her opinion on the assemblies. Another student, Valerie Burris,WHS Senior, adds, “it takes away from academic time that the faculty at our school does not want to waste.” Many of the students and faculty say the same thing when asked about their opinion on the assemblies, “a waste of time!”

The administration thinks that the assemblies help bring together the high school community, but others beg to differ. These assemblies are taking away the academic time for the students and they are not vital to the community. Since assemblies shorten the first, second, and third block classes, taking away from academic learning time, they, in turn, do not benefit the student body.

Photo by Taylor MendesStudents listen to the school assembly.

Newtown, One Year After TragedyBy Casey BrennanJagRoar Staff

NEWTOWN, Conn. — One year ago, on Dec. 14, 2012, Adam Lanza walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School and murdered 20 children and 6 adults in the school. Shortly after, he then killed himself.

Obama honored the “impossibly brave” parents of the Newtown victims as he and the rest of the White House took a moment of silence and lighting 26 candles for the children and teachers we lost last year.

According to USA Today, he also asked Americans to help in preventing future violence. “We have to do more to keep dangerous people from getting their hands on a gun so easily. We have to do more to heal troubled minds,” Obama said.

“We have to do everything we can to protect our children from harm and make them feel loved and cared for.”

In Newtown, St. Rose of Lima church rang their bell 26 times as the names of the victims were read.

Newtown residents asked for privacy while they grieved.

Kayla Jolicoeur, a senior at WHS, says “I don’t know anyone in Newtown, Connecticut, but if I were them, I’d want my privacy, too.” She continues, “I can’t imagine losing so many people in a school shooting. It must be so hard for them right now.”

“I think this is just another reason to have tighter gun laws,” Lindsay Maffei, senior, says, “How many more people have to die for people to see how violent our world has become?”

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THE JAGROAR DECEMBER 17, 2013

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GENERAL NEWS

By Jillian DiPersioJagRoar Staff

WINDHAM, N.H.- Two students from Windham High School, Meghan O’Connor and Bethany Fennessey, have been chosen as Teenagers of the Month through a program run by the Derry-Salem Elks, Lodge #2226. Each month area high schools nominate high-achieving members of the senior class to be recognized as Teenagers of the Month.

Windham High School has chosen these two seniors, Meghan and Bethany, based on their accomplishments in academics, extra-curricular activities, and community service. Teenagers of the Month from around the area are eligible for the Elk Teenager of the Year scholarship.

Meghan and Bethany have both been heavily involved in the cross country and swim teams throughout High School. Both girls are members

of National Honors Society and do volunteer work at the yearly kids’

triathlon and at masters swim meets. Bethany and Meghan are looking forward to college, looking at colleges with premedical programs. Bethany hopes to attend Colby College, Skidmore College, or Trinity College next year while Meghan is looking at Colby College, the University of Rochester, and Providence College.

The Elks Youth Award Committee will judge nominees for the Teenager of the Year Scholarship based on their involvement and accomplishments in school and in the community. The winners will be announced in May at the Derry-Salem Elk’s Youth Awards Banquet.

Last year two students were named Elk Teenagers of the year, one student from Windham High School and the other from Salem High School.

Congratulations Meghan and Bethany and best of luck in your senior year and beyond!

Elk Students of the Month

Photo by Jillian DiPersioBethany Fennessey and Meghan O’Connor

By Ariana MandraJagRoar Staff

WINDHAM, N.H. – Caitlin Pierson is a senior here at WHS who is highly involved in the community. Pierson is the president of both the Jaguar Community Alliance and National Honor Society, as well as the co-president of the Friends of Rachel club. In addition, she is a part of the Book Club and the Gay Straight Alliance. She is also a School Board Representative for WHS. Outside of school, she is a member of Karate International of Windham’s senior demonstration team and a karate instructor.

After graduating from WHS, Pierson plans to major in Secondary Education and English. Next semester she is student teaching a Starships and Superheroes class with Mrs. O‘Connell in order to jumpstart her teaching career.

She has applied to Skidmore, Champlain, Saint Michael’s, Wellesley, St. Anselm’s, and Assumption College. She has already received her acceptance to New England College. During her time at WHS, she has also been named 3rd in

the state for the annual Poetry Out Loud competition during 2013. Pierson is an excellent example of a student who utilizes her time wisely by gaining various skills while still in high school.

Keep it up Caitlin!

Photo by Ariana Mandra

Senior Profile: Caitlin Pierson

Page 7: The JagRoar: December 2013 Edition

THE JAGROAR DECEMBER 17, 2013

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Dance Controversy

By Lexi Aleksa JagRoar Staff

WINDHAM N.H.- School dances have been a sensitive topic in Windham High School for the past year. Because of unfortunate mishaps that had happened in the 2012-2013 school year with students misbehaving at school dances, the school board and principals of WHS have agreed to cut down on dances.

Last year was very dramatic

and upsetting when students were told that there would be no more dances for the rest of the year besides prom. It made many students upset, especially those of the Do Good Club who put on special “black light dances” to fundraise for charity.

Matt Howard, 17, member of the Do Good Club, explained his frustration: “It is a shame that we can no longer have dances to fundraise for charity because it was such a great way to give back to the community while having a fun time.” Vittoria Cipollone, WHS senior, explains that she was upset last year after the announcement that

there would be no more dances. She stated, “It is unfair that a small group of people had decided to be irresponsible and ruin the fun for everyone else last year. I hope Mr. (Ryan) Kaplan and Mr. (Bob) Dawson will understand that we will be good this year and we can have more school dances.”

Student Council has already been able to put on one school dance this year that raised money for the Junior class. It was the Homecoming dance and there was a great turn out. The students behaved well and hope that they will be allowed to have more school dances.

GENERAL NEWS

WHS welcomes back school dances

Typhoon Terrorizes the Philippines By Casey ErginJagRoar Staff

WINDHAM, N.H.- It’s been over than a month since the typhoon that hit the Philippines stunned not only its citizens, but the world as well. The death toll still rises, standing currently at 5,924, according to CNN.

Though the media hype has died down slightly, the United States continues to aid the island nation in its relief efforts. According to the Boston Herald, doctors from Massachusetts General Hospital shipped over to the devastated nation, aiding around 3,000 patients in the time they spent overseas.

As far from Windham as the

Philippines may be, citizens of the town were affected as well. Maryann Streechon, a WHS

freshman, says that she has family on the island, but, “[They] were lucky because they live in the north, and the typhoon hit in the south.” She adds that nations worldwide, especially those around the region, should continue to supply aid and relief. Freshman Mikayla Cifuni entered the conversation, adding, “If we don’t help them, who will?” Our hearts and hope go out to those still suffering the effects of this tragedy,

and we need to continue to keep them in mind this season.

Photo by news.nationalpost.comThe wake of destruction from the Typhoon in

the Phillippines.

Page 8: The JagRoar: December 2013 Edition

THE JAGROAR DECEMBER 17, 2013

! PAGE 8

By Casey BrennanJagRoar Staff

WINDHAM, N.H.—As the weather gets colder, it seems nearly everyone is getting sick at one point or another.

Parade.com reported that in the United States alone, more than 1 billion people have the common cold, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized due to influenza, more commonly known as the flu.

This time of year, there are many different tips and ideas floating around on how to stay healthy. Here are some of the best ways to avoid getting sick in the wintertime.

1) Get your flu shot! Some people believe that getting a flu shot can give you the flu. This is untrue. While receiving the flu shot cannot guarantee immunity from the virus, without it, there is a greater possibility that you will catch the flu.

2) Stay calm. It is a known fact that you are more susceptible to colds and flu if you are under a lot of stress. Although you can only catch the virus if you are exposed it, stress can increase your chance of catching the virus if you are exposed and can cause more severe symptoms.

3) Wash EVERYTHING. It is no secret that washing your hands and sneezing into your shoulder (as opposed to your hands) can help reduce the risk of spreading

germs. Sanitize your phone, computer, even doorknobs. But above all, WASH YOUR HANDS!

4) Use common sense. Keep hand sanitizer with you and wash your hands whenever possible. Avoid touching your face. Germs can live on surfaces for hours, or even days. Cover your coughs and your sneezes so that others do not get sick.

Typical signs of a cold start with a sore throat. After about two or three days, the sore throat subsides. This is when nasal symptoms, a cough, and congestion start. Symptoms of the common cold usually last about a week, not to be confused with the flu, which are usually more severe.

Some flu symptoms include

sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion, and cough. Flu symptoms tend come on quickly and improve over five to seven days. It is not uncommon, however, to feel run down and exhausted for a week or two.

Rocco DiPietro, freshman, adds, “Its hard not to get sick in the winter, but if everyone washed their hands more often and all the other stuff, less people would get sick.”

Anther student, Maddie Cavallaro, senior, agrees, “you can’t completely stay clear of getting sick, but these tips could definitely help decrease the amount of people missing school from a cold or flu.”

GENERAL NEWS

Tips for staying healthy this winter

Cold and Flu Season

Photo courtesy of globalfit.com

Page 9: The JagRoar: December 2013 Edition

THE JAGROAR DECEMBER 17, 2013

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WHS Band and Choir Strive

Jag Features

By Jillian DiPersio JagRoar Staff

WINDHAM, N.H.- Each year students from the Windham High School Band and Choir programs have the opportunity to participate in festivals outside of the community, ranging from statewide to nationwide programs. This year, several student musicians have been accepted into numerous festivals where they will have the opportunity to play and collaborate with fellow musicians from across the state and country.

One of the festivals that WHS students have the opportunity to audition for each year is the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. This festival gives students the chance to rehearse for a weekend in New York City with world-renowned conductors alongside some of the best student musicians in the nation. The experience culminates in a performance at Carnegie Hall, one of the world’s most acclaimed performance venues. Students sent in audition tapes and were selected from a large pool of applicants.

The WHS students attending

the festival this year are Olivia Bono (Senior, clarinet), Giuliana Jeffers (Sophomore, trumpet), Cierra Cowan (Sophomore, bassoon) and Robyn Clark (Junior, soprano voice). Students also auditioned for NHMEA (New Hampshire Music Educators’ Association) Jazz Allstate. This is a highly competitive festival where students audition live and must prepare a jazz etude, ballad, improvisation and scales. Students who are accepted are put into jazz bands and choirs and perform at the end of the festival.

Two students from Windham High were accepted into Jazz Allstate: Daniel Khabbaz (Senior, alto saxophone) and Emma Joanis (Freshman, soprano voice). WHS musicians were also accepted into NHMEA Classical Allstate. Like Jazz Allstate, this festival requires a live audition where students must prepare etudes, scales and exercises.

This year WHS made a fantastic showing and many students were accepted. The students who made it into the festival are Daniel Khabbaz (Senior, saxophone), Alessandro Fabiano (Senior, bassoon), Emily Estes (Senior, saxophone), Jillian DiPersio (Junior, clarinet), Emiline Sundman (Junior, French horn), Robyn Clark (Junior, soprano voice), Marissa Yost (Junior, soprano voice), Cara Chrissis (Junior, alto voice), Amanda Bono (Sophomore, flute) and Emma Joanis (Freshman, soprano voice).

All of these students were also accepted into the NHMEA Chamber Festival where the highest scoring musicians in each instrument or vocal group are placed in chamber ensembles such as brass choirs or woodwind quintets. Lastly, some of the band students were invited to the All New England Concert Band Festival at Plymouth State University.

This festival took place on Nov. 24 with young musicians from across New England participating. The students had the chance to work with composers Thomas Root and Samuel Hazo, rehearsing for the entire day before putting on a concert that evening. The Windham High School students who participated were Olivia Bono (Senior, clarinet), Alessandro Fabiano (Senior, bassoon), Daniel Khabbaz (Senior, saxophone), Jillian DiPersio (Junior, clarinet) and Cierra Cowan (Sophomore, bassoon). Congratulations to all these young musicians and best of luck at the upcoming festivals!

Photo courtesy of printfection.com

Photo courtesy of nhmea.org

Page 10: The JagRoar: December 2013 Edition

THE JAGROAR DECEMBER 17, 2013

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Holiday Gift Ideas

Touchscreen  Gloves  $12Nordstrom

Holiday  Candy  Gift  Box  $18.45Candycrate.com

iTunes  Gift  Card  $15Apple  Store

Skullcandy  Earbuds  $9.99Best  Buy

“Twisted  Peppermint”  Sparkle  and  Shine  Gift  Set  $19.50Bath  and  Body  Works

DIY  Nail  Polish  Kit  in  a  Mason  Jar  $12Target

FEATURES

By Casey Brennan

Page 11: The JagRoar: December 2013 Edition

THE JAGROAR DECEMBER 17, 2013

! PAGE 11

Boulangerie  Jar  in  Peppermint  Stick  $16Anthropologie  

iHome  Portable  MP3  Player  Speaker  System  $19.99Staples

Favorite  movies  on  DVD  $5-­‐$20Walmart

Warm  Weather  Accessories  $15-­‐$25Forever  21

Perfume  Rollerball  $20Ulta

Favorite  Stores  Gift  Card  $15-­‐$25

Favorite  Artists’  Album  $15-­‐20Target

Phone/iPod  Car  Adapter  $21.99Best  Buy

FEATURES

Page 12: The JagRoar: December 2013 Edition

THE JAGROAR DECEMBER 17, 2013

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Favorite Christmas Memoriesby Taylor Mendes

“So one year I went down to Disney world for Thanksgiving with my mom and my cousins and I went to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s Christmas parade in Magic Kingdom. And of course it’s Magic Kingdom so it had to be magical, and as the parade was going it started to snoap! I mean actually snoap. Snoap is a mixture of water and soap that, when it’s mixed together, creates a snow-like substance that dissolves when you touch it. I could not believe that it was snowing in Florida! I was so happy and I remember my face lighting up with joy. I was in so much shock that I screamed! I will never forget the time that I saw snow in Florida.”

- Paige Esposito, Freshman

“My favorite Christmas memory is spending time with my cousins. I only get to see them once, maybe twice a year, so Christmas is always a fun time when we get to hang out. I remember one year we were all at my house, and we built forts in the basement and had a dodge ball and Nerf gun war. There are 11 of us, so it got pretty intense.”

- Brittany Missert, Sophomore

“I guess my favorite Christmas memory would be when I was little, and every Christmas season my sisters and I would listen to Christmas music and make up dances to go with the songs. We would try to make a performance to perform on Christmas, we would plan costumes and everything, but it never really happened. But it was still really fun to spend time with my sisters and dance to Christmas music.”

-Elisabeth Pope, Junior“My favorite Christmas memory was on Christmas Day in 2006, the last Christmas I spent with my Memére. During that Christmas she was 89 years old and was surrounded by her 5 children, 18 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. I remember seeing her as the star of the show and stealing everyone’s attention. This memory reminds me that Christmas isn’t all about the presents under the Christmas tree but something much more important. Christmas time is all about the people you spend it with and the memories you create that will last you a lifetime.”

- Emily Comtois, Senior

“My favorite Christmas memory would probably be the one two years ago. It was the first Christmas with my baby daughter Genevieve. She was born in November so she was brand new. Each year we have a Christmas Eve party with everyone from all sides of the family. That year we still did it, even with the newborn. She was so beautiful and it was so nice to have all the family able to meet her. It was really nice having all sides of the family come together in fellowship, and get along, and eat lots of good food and treats. It was good to put into perspective the truly important things in life.”

- David Gilbert, WHS faculty

FEATURES

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Jag Sports

Recruiting Tip of the Month Tips on what to do and what not to do with college recruiting

By Kelsey FedericoJagRoar Staff

WINDHAM, N.H. - There is nothing more gratifying for an athlete than when a college coach responds to your email with a personal letter back to you.

Tip #1: If a college coach responds to you and asks you any specific questions, and even if they don’t ask you any particular questions, always follow up with

an email. Don’t let college coaches hang around and wait on you because they are not just recruiting one person, but (if it is a team sport like soccer, basketball, or field hockey) also 4-10 other athletes in one recruiting class. Be persistent in communication—it reminds them how interested you are and college coaches love nothing more than commitment. If you fail to respond, they will assume you have lost interest in the team and in

the school. Also, tip #2: make sure your

grades and GPA align with the requirements for the school. Although athletes can find loopholes because they are connected to athletics with a particular college or university, college coaches would rather have a good student that can get accepted instead of monitoring your every grade in high school to ensure you will get into the school.

Photo credit to Taylor MendesKelsey Federico (University of Massachusetts - Lowell, Division I field hockey), Clairee Putnam (St. Anselm College, Division II basketball) and Connor Greenleaf (Boston College, Division I golf) sign their National Letters of Intent, a binding contract between the player and the school.

Page 14: The JagRoar: December 2013 Edition

THE JAGROAR DECEMBER 17, 2013

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By Ashley DomogalaJagRoar Staff

WINDHAM, N.H.- You may have noticed some appetizing smells coming from right outside the lunchroom last week. If you looked at the sign on the table, you would see that the Friends of Rachel were hosting this delicious bake sale. Why? Well, let’s go back to the history of Friends of Rachel first.

The organization was originally started by Rachel Scott’s brother. Rachel was a victim of the Columbine High School shootings. “She was about being nice, being kind, being the change you want to see in the world,” said Ms. Talon, the club advisor along with Ms. Parkhurst.

The bake sale is going to support the club as it makes a difference in the community. Club members are looking into doing something that will spread Rachel’s ideas throughout

Windham.It meets every first and third

Wednesday of the month at 7:30am in room F315. About 40 people meet regularly, with only one male member. Club members join because “it does good things for people” and “promotes kindness and positivity.” Layla Saad, junior, added club members are “the kind

Friends of Rachel

Photo credit to Ashley DomogalaFriends of Rachel Bake Sale. From left: Selena Hansen, Sam Grubbs, Katie Manter, Kalote Joss, Layla Saad.

Jag Activities

Story continues on Page 15

‘Be the change you want to see in the world’

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THE JAGROAR DECEMBER 17, 2013

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Friends of Rachel, continuedof people you want to be surrounded by.” The club does many smaller activities in the community, especially in the school system, including peer-to-peer relations and reaching out to other students. Some club members mentor younger students at Windham Middle School.

The club is still planning goals and setting up fundraisers to help reach those goals. You can help Rachel’s ideas come to life by joining Friends of Rachel. The club

is still accepting and encouragingnew members, especially guys.On the Rachel’s Challenge

website, Rachel is quoted as saying, “I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go.” Be the person to make a difference and join the club now. As this club is a fun group with friendly members, you won’t regret taking this excellent opportunity to spread kindness, especially in the holiday season.

Photo courtesy of belief.net.

The Student Athletic Leadership Club is sponsoring a shoe drive this holiday season. Everyone deserves a pair of decent shoes. There will be collection boxes in all of the Windham schools. Donate as many pairs of shoes as you like, as long as they’re reusable. Any style and any size is accepted. Clean out your closets for a good cause!

Support SALT and give to those in need this holiday season.

The 2014 Season is kicking off on Jan. 4 for the Windham Windup, a FIRST Robotics team. The team will learn what challenges they will have to face and overcome.

This will be crunch-time for the robotics members. They have to finish the robot no later than Tuesday, Feb. 18. They will begin meeting Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school, as well as Saturdays. Don’t be afraid to check it out!

Their first competition will be on Mar. 6 and 7. Save the date to check out some truly cool stuff!

P.S.- For more information on the Robotics Club, check out the October Edition of the

JagRoar!

Robotics Season Kick-off

SALT Shoe Drive NHS Gift DriveThe National Honor Society is

teaming up with Windham Helping Hands for a gift drive.

You can pick up a mitten with a gift item. Remember to bring an unwrapped present to the guidance office after you’ve picked up the specified present.

While you’re holiday shopping for your family and friends, pick up a gift for a child in need. Make sure their holidays are just as good as yours.

Upcoming in the January Edition of

the JagRoar:

Photo courtesy of lhs.loswego.k12.or.us

Photo courtesy of team3467.org

Photo courtesy of yamahahometheatre.org

Story continued from Page 14

ACTIVITIES

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ACTIVITIES

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Contests! WHS Club Calendar (updated)What’s going on in your school?

By Ashley DomogalaJagRoar Staff

Mondays:7am: French Honor Society7am: A Cappella Choir2:30pm: JagRoar Newspaper

Tuesdays:7am: Musicality7:15am: Peer Leaders (every 2nd Tue. of month)2:30pm: SMILES2:30pm: Yearbook Club2:30pm: FIRST Robotics

Wednesdays:6:45am: A Cappella Choir2:20pm: Rap Club2:30pm National Honor Society (every 3rd Wed. of month)

Thursdays:7am: Musicality7:15am: SALT7:15am: Book Club

Fridays:6:45am: A Cappella Choir7:15am: Go Green Club(every other Fri. like 12/13)2:20pm: Art Club

NHS Induction

A note from the Activities Editor, Ashley Domogala:Hey Jags! Happy Holiday Season! I wish you a lot of delicious cookies and cakes and sweets. As you know, the JagRoar is trying to get printed. Spread the word and let everyone know. Getting printed would mean more readers. Thanks for your support!P.S.- This is my favorite Christmas card. I hope you had a good laugh!

Writing Contest

Art Contest

This includes poems, short stories, and essays, along with any other writing you want to share. It can be funny, sad, scary, serious, or seasonal. All works are accepted for consideration.

The JagRoar is starting two new competitions taking place monthly for the chance to have your piece of work included in the newspaper!

This includes any type of art, from paintings, sculptures, and sketches to comics and anime. Use your imagination!

Submit any number of your pieces to [email protected]. The JagRoar Staff will vote on who gets the chance to be printed. Even if you’re not selected to be in an edition, your work can still be shared on the JagRoar’s Twitter or Facebook accounts.P.S.- Talk to your teacher about getting extra credit!

Rules

Photo courtesy of amazon.com

WHS students will be inducted into the National Honor Society on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6pm. This is a big honor. Students are selected for their academic leadership skills.

Congratulations and good job on all your hard work! Thanks for representing Windham! Photo courtesy of ocps.net