LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL • SEPT. 3, 2014 • VOL. 6, NO. 1
S PA R TA N N E W S N E T WO R K snntoday.pcsb.org
Backto-school basics A guide to surviving at Lakewood High
NAUDIA MCDANIEL | SNN
INSIDE
SPORTS SCHEDULES: Keep up to date with Lakewood sports and show your Spartan pride. Page 3
MEDIA CENTER: The library will get an upgrade for the modern student. Page 4
SURVIVAL GUIDE: Learn the ins and outs of Lakewood. Page 5
2 THE HUB Sept. 3, 2014
NAUDIA MCDANIEL | SNN
Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer player Anthony Wallace, a former Lakewood High School student, does pull-ups in the Lakewood weight room on Aug. 18. Wallace and some of the Lakewood players filmed an exercise video for the county.
New year, new look
T
he internet is taking over. Online news is easy to access, always timely and less expensive than a newspaper subscription. These are just a few reasons why the majority of people now get their news online, instead of reading a print newspaper. Because of the popularity of online media, newspaper companies all Zoe Blairover the United States are Andrews, striving to increase their SNN print web presence and SNN is editor-inno different. chief This year the staff is determined to make snn.pcsb.org an interesting, highly viewed website. Because of this, some changes are coming to SNN. All breaking news will be posted on the website, instead of in a print copy weeks later. As a result of this new focus on the website, there will be fewer paper copies of our newspaper. For the last five years, six editions of SNN were printed per school year; this year there will be three, including this back-to-school issue. Now, instead of every grading period, the paper will come out one time per semester. The stories in these semester publications will be more in depth, pictures will be larger and design will be more creative. These new opportunities are available because of our larger page size; now our newspaper will look more like the traditional newspaper that’s delivered to your doorstep. While these publications are definitely a must read, we also want to draw your attention to the SNN website for all Lakewood’s updates and breaking news. Along with visiting our website, we hope you will like our Facebook page called “Spartan News Network at Lakewood High School,” where stories and pictures will be posted. As students at Lakewood, you are the ones who are updated on what is happening at the school and what the news is. We at SNN need your help to make sure we get all the news covered and on our website. If you have a news story idea please don’t hesitate to come by C100 or email journalism teacher Kathleen Tobin at tobink@pcsb.org.
ON THE COVER: Senior Deme’ Davis leads a group of freshmen through the Lakewood halls during orientation on Aug. 12. From left are Anna Robertson, Desirae DeFazio and Luis Rosario.
Will Lakewood make the grade again? BY DAYLAN PERKINS SNN Staff Writer
Lakewood High School, an “A” grade school for the first time last year, could be at risk of losing that title. The state of Florida is in the middle of changing its standards for how it grades schools. According to Lakewood principal Bob Vicari, the changes make an “A” grade about 70 points higher than last year when the school was a solid “A” school. The school won’t have a final grade until about the first week in December, and Vicari hopes to have success returned this year. The school grade is determined by evaluating achievements in two different categories. One category is the school’s assessment scores. Lakewood is one of only four schools in Pinellas County with an increase in their assessment scores, Vicari said. The other components that help determine the school grade involve
the graduation rate, which increased from 81 percent to 84 percent, and industry certifications which increased from 206 to 300. Students take these tests to become certified in a specific software such as Photoshop or Microsoft Word. Because Lakewood obtained such a high number of industry certifications, a grant was received for $185,531 to continue the certification program. “I’m celebrating,” Vicari said. “We’re tearing it up.” Even with all of this success it still is questionable whether Lakewood will receive the “A” school title. “They keep making it harder and harder to get those scores,” Vicari said. However, Vicari is still optimistic. “I’m hoping that with all the gains and everything, when it all comes down and they modify the formula and do everything that we’re an A again,” he said.
Lakewood’s extended school day remains, even with an increased school grade BY ZOE BLAIR-ANDREWS SNN Staff Writer
When current principal Bob Vicari first arrived at Lakewood in 2010, Lakewood was a “D” school and had been for five years. “Numbers were terrible, there were a lot of places where we were falling down,” Principal Bob Vicari said. He thinks a factor that may have contributed to these low numbers is the staff situation at that time. “It used to be a revolving door of staff,” he said. When Vicari came to Lakewood, there was a huge focus on turning things around and he said he was given funding as well as support. “I had a lot of advantages that he (the past principal) didn’t have.” Lakewood went to a block schedule, the state came in to oversee the school and the school also received a 500,000 dollar grant to make improvements. In addition, the school day was extended to allow more learning time, a method used in Pi-
nellas County for schools that are struggling to reach a passing school grade. A substantial amount of progress has been made over the years: last year, it was announced that Lakewood is now an “A” school. However, even with this huge growth, Lakewood still remains one of the few Pinellas County high schools with an extended school day. This 2014-15 school year may be the last year of Lakewood having an extended day. Vicari said the extended day is definitely a positive thing. “It works, the results speak for themselves.” Even though the grade has gone up Vicari sees reason to keep the extended day. “I try to milk it out as much as I can. … The benefits outweigh the downsides,” he said. However, even though the results are positive, the extended day costs the district more money and because of Lakewood’s success it could end.
Did you know... Every CAT student will receive a Dell Venue 11 tablet. The students will use them as part of a pilot program, and if the program is a success it could be extended to other schools.
New clubs are at Lakewood, including Spartan Pals, which helps patrol the school and volunteers at events. The Letterman’s Club, sponsored by teacher Anthony Lawrence, is for varsity athletes with a 2.5 GPA or higher. It’s a service club and students will recieve letter sweaters. Administration is still looking for sponsors for Key Club, SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), Gay Straight Alliance and the Debate Team.
Spartan News Network Staff Editor-in-Chief of Print: Zoe Blair-Andrews Editor-in-Chief of Visual: Naudia McDaniel News Chief: Bobbie Wright Design Chief: Kahil Holmes Chief Photographer: Julie Smith-Frazer Photo Editor: Brandon Sweat Web Masters: Ben Effiom and Angelica Sheppard Feature Editor: Caroline Dunning Opinion Editor: Maggie Verdino Entertainment Editors: Amber Bein and Quindon Nolton Fashion Editor: Nilaja King Sports Editor: Zackary Earle Copy Chief: Victoria Bischoff Copy Editors: Haley Dolan and Alexis Garcia
Code of Ethics As journalists for the Spartan News Network, we work together as a community with respect, professionalism, accuracy and curiosity. We collect information and dig deep to get to the bottom of the most current events to produce and distribute hard-hitting and honest news to the Lakewood community in a timely manner. SNN is an open forum that strives to accurately report a balanced and truthful depiction of the news while remaining objective. Our main goal at SNN is to build and maintain trust with the people, to give a voice to the voiceless and to succeed at not just painting the picture, but telling the story behind the art.
SNN is produced by the students of Lakewood High School. 1400 54th Ave. S St. Petersburg, FL (727) 893-2916, ext. 2163 SNN is printed by Lakewood’s business partner, the Tampa Bay Times.
For more news, go to the SNN web site:
snntoday.pcsb.org
BY STAFF WRITERS LINDA CORBETT AND DEME’ DAVIS
Lakewood has a new Spartan logo designed by art teacher Jayce Ganchou. The old Spartan head resembled the Spartan head from Michigan State, principal Bob Vicari said, so the school wanted a new one.
Lakewood used to be the only high school in Pinellas County that didn’t charge for transcripts. Now each transcript will cost $2. Every other school charges $5. The school is charging because students were asking for multiple transcripts and it got out of hand, assistant principal Harriet Davis said.
3 SPORTS
Sept. 3, 2014
Fall sports schedules New faces in Spartan Cross Country sports It’s almost time for the temperature to drop and the leaves to change, so it’s clear that the fall season is nearly upon us. Use these schedules to keep up with all the action.
BY ZACK EARLE AND TONY O’NEAL SNN Staff Writers
L
akewood is known for its outstanding athletics. In the past decade the school has dominated Pinellas County in a majority of sports, and every season it is viewed as a top competitor. So of course it attracts the most gifted and hungry athletes. Here’s a look at some of the talented athletes who have transferred to Lakewood this year.
KELSEY CAHILL | SNN
Junior Broquel Oliphant prepares to do a relay start during swim practice at Northeast High School on Aug. 25.
Swim and Dive
Anthony Foster Foster, a starting linebacker for the football team, is a 12th-grade transfer from St. Petersburg High School. Foster said he picked Lakewood because it is his zoned school and also because it was recommended to him. “My little brother told me it was a pretty good school,” he said. Lakewood has been a lot different than the previous schools he has attended, he said. “I like it a lot. Teachers actually take interest in me,” Foster said. “Teachers seem to be more in tune with students individually if they need to be helped… (There are) a lot of people I went to middle school with at Thurgood Marshall, or I knew them from childhood.” Like any responsible athlete, Foster is aware of his off-thefield obligations. “(I) make sure I do what I need to do in the classroom, and have well over a 3.2 GPA,” Foster said, “you gotta just keep doing well in the classroom, keep working hard.” Noah Harris Harris is an 11th grade transfer from St. Petersburg High School. He is a starting linebacker for the football team, #54. Like many other transfers, Harris was zoned to Lakewood. Lakewood is not uncharted ground for Harris, as he recognizes some familiar faces. “I already know most of the people,” Harris said. After high school, Harris plans on continuing his football career. However, he is still unsure of his major. “Ph.D. in whatever,” Harris said. “I got all the time in the world”. Kevon Woods Woods is a 12th grade transfer from St. Petersburg High School. He plays shooting guard for the boys’ basketball team. Woods was zoned for Lakewood, who said he feels comfortable at Lakewood, and he has met some people who helped him get around. “(It’s) great,” said Woods. “I got a lot of nice friends.” His goal is to get to the NBA (National Basketball Association). After high school, Woods wants to join the Air Force and play basketball for them. “I can serve my country and also do something I love,” Woods said.
* All home meets marked in BOLD * Home meets at North Shore Aquatic Center
JULIE SMITH-FRAZER | SNN
Senior Yannick Taviere and junior Deron Persha run laps around Lake Vista during cross country practice on Aug. 28.
Volleyball
* All home games marked in BOLD KELSEY CAHILL | SNN
Senior Kahil Holmes performs the butterfly stroke during swim practice at Northeast High School on Aug. 25.
Golf
* All home matches marked in BOLD * SPCC = St. Pete Country Club
Treyon Stubbs Stubbs is an 11th grade transfer from Boca Ciega High School. He is a defensive end for the football team. Stubbs came to Lakewood because he was zoned here. Stubbs’ has been enjoying his time at Lakewood so far. “(It’s) pretty swell, no problem,” Stubbs said. The football team has welcomed Stubbs into the family. “They included me into a brotherhood,” he said. After high school, Stubbs plans on getting a degree in marketing.
Varsity Football
Brion Riley Riley is a 12th grade transfer from Gibbs High School. He runs track and cross country. Riley isn’t familiar with a lot of students yet, but he says it’s for the best. “I don’t know too many people,” Riley said. “It’ll help me stay focused.” After high school, Riley wants to attend Florida State University to study marine biology.
* All home games marked in BOLD * HC = Homecoming
Khaihiqa Davis Davis is an 11th grade transfer from Jefferson High School in Tampa. She plays forward for the girls’ basketball team and runs track. Davis said there were various reasons she wanted to attend Lakewood. “Aside from moving, they (Lakewood) have a good athletic program,” Davis said. Davis has fit in well with the team, and has enjoyed the company. “The team has been encouraging and supportive,”she said. After high school, Davis aspires to go to law school and become a corporate lawyer. - SNN Staff Writers Victoria Bischoff, Julie Christiansen and Anthony Niemeier contributed to this story.
DE’QONTON DAVIS | SNN
The Lakewood Spartans football team storms the field before their preseason opener against Pensacola on Aug. 22.
4
NEWS
Sept. 3, 2014
Library revamp under way
The media center will be adopting a new look with the help of media specialist Kate Drof. The new space will be modeled after the University of South Florida’s library. BY BOBBIE WRIGHT SNN Staff Writer
Last school year when longtime media specialist Andrea McDougal left Lakewood for Osceola High, the students were shocked. Soon, rumor spread that Lakewood would be losing its library as well. But that isn’t the case, accordding to Lakewood administration. Media specialist Kate Drof was recently hired to revamp the media center into a more modern and functional common area as well as to help students use the space constructively. She said Lakewood would not be losing its library at all, but instead gaining many new features that administration believes would help students and teachers. “This [space] is still going to be a library,” Drof said. “We’re just integrating technology and functional space alongside the books.” As of now, the media center is rarely used beyond printing and the occasional checked out book. As a result, administration is working to incorporate more updated features into the space. There will still be room for testJULIE SMITH-FRAZER | SNN ing, especially with the remov- New media center specialist Kate Drof moved to St. Petersburg from Lexington, Ka. She is a graduate of St. al of antique reading materials Petersburg High School and Wichita State University. that haven’t been cracked in years. Administrators toured the University of South FlorAs far as funding goes, administration was looking don’t think I’ll go even after the changes othida’s library during May, hoping to get inspiration from into getting a grant from the county until Vicari made er than for the café,” junior Kealan Sullivan said. the college’s set up. the decision that a grant wasn’t a good fit. Drof still hopes to help students’ acquire research USF has three floors, each for different purposes. Lake“I didn’t want the directors who come with a grant, techniques. wood’s media center would be set up the same, but obvi- who may want to make decisions about how the money “I feel like the changes are going to be really good,” ously on one floor. Essentially, it would have four parts: is spent,” Vicari said. junior Jazmyn Gale said. “Last year it was so boring. “ a testing, reading and project space, along with a café. The renovation is estimated to be about $15,000, acThe majority of the student body will be able to The new renovation will likely be up and running by cording to Vicari. But with the help of technician, Scot- use the new learning commons to work on projects in the end of the school year. ty Barnum and a newly-hired Drof, Vicari estimates the groups if their teachers choose to send them down. In the meantime, the media center will still be budget will be affordable. “We have a vision that this media center could serve open for students and classes to use. The proj“It isn’t that expensive, at the end of the day,” he said. as a place of collaboration, communication and critical ect space will be the first thing to come together. This will allow the learning commons to have new thinking - all things I think are very important tools in “It’s like building a plane while it’s still flying,” princi- furniture as well as the café which would be used by stu- the real world,” Drof said. pal Bob Vicari said. “It will take some time.” dents in their downtime. A committee made up of parents, students and teachSome Lakewood students, even after improvements, - Victoria Bischoff, Maggie Verdino and Haley Dolan ers, which will decide what they would like to happen don’t see themselves stepping foot into the new and contributed to this story. with the space, design wise, will be formed in the next highly functional media center. few weeks, according to Drof. “I don’t go to the media center now, and I
A musician, a dog lover ... and a librarian New media center specialist Kate Drof is a graduate of St. Petersburg High School’s International Baccalaureate program and Wichita State University. She earned her master’s of arts and teaching and a certification in secondary English education. Although she is a native of St. Petersburg, she relocated from Lexington, Ka., with her fiancé for her current job at Lakewood High School. “I’m very thrilled to be here at Lakewood and to be involved in the changes coming into play with the media center.” she said. Drof was in a band in Kentucky, but being back in St. Petersburg means she’ll have to rediscover the music scene. She has heard that Lakewood has a teacher band and said she might be interested in taking part. “Music is a big part of my life,” Drof said. While finishing her graduate degree at Wichita State, Drof worked at a record store. She also plays keyboard and piano and said she prefers vinyl over an mp3 any day. Drof also enjoys all types of exercise. She recently got into running after pushing herself to complete a 5K. Now she enjoys all types of exercises, biking and hiking especially. Family is really important to her. “We’re a super tightknit family, so moving back to St. Pete was really nice after being gone for 10 years,” Drof said. But a huge part of Drof’s family and life has been with her for a majority of her time away from Florida: her adopted Jack Russell terrier, which she calls “my child, my dog, my Abby (and) my biggest hobby.” “I never thought I’d be one of those crazy dog people,” Drof said. Currently Drof is preparing for her wedding. It will take place on the beach in January. She admits it’s a lot of hard work to plan the ceremony, but said she’s excited to be married.
New teachers settle in at Lakewood Lakewood High School hired 10 new teachers this year, many from out of state, including Maine, New York and Michigan, and SNN set out to get to know a little bit about the new staff. BY HALEY DOLAN AND ANGELICA SHEPPARD SNN Staff Writers
Melissa Ostrowski Math teacher, Ostrowski, will be teaching geometry, algebra 2 and analysis and functions. Not new to Florida, Ostrowski comes from Seminole. This will be her first year teaching, but some of you may have seen her around last school year as she interned for math teacher Diana Keller. “The staff, teachers and students are great,” Ostrowski said. Christopher King King, the new U.S. history teacher, is originally from Maine but has worked for Pinellas County in the past. When he’s not teaching about America’s history, King likes to spend his time hiking and playing basketball. “I’m an outdoors guy,” King said. Steven Wilson Wilson comes from Buffalo, N.Y. This will be his first year teaching at Lakewood. “I wanted to work in Pinellas,” Wilson said. He will be teaching earth space science and physics. When he’s not teaching, he likes to watch TV and plan for his classes. Andrew Holzbog Holzbog will be teaching English 2. Having taught fifth graders at 74th Street Elementary, he’s not new to the job. He will also be the new boys and girls swim and soccer coach. “I worked for the baseball team last year,” Holzbog said. When he’s outside of school he likes to golf, see movies and visit the beach. Sharon Poulos Reading teacher Poulos moved here from New York. Before coming to Lakewood, Poulos taught at Largo Middle School. She was asked to teach here by principal Bob Vicari. Poulos said she loves her job. “I love to read and I think that when students get to read, they learn to love reading, too.” Outside of teaching she enjoys swimming and reading.
BRANDON SWEAT | SNN
Environmental science and biology teacher Phillip Muszynski passes out lab report rubrics to students during his first period class on Aug. 21. Musyzynski studied at Adrian College and graduated from Madonna University.
Elizabeth Maxwell-Bicknell Social skills and world history teacher Maxwell-Bicknell has previously taught in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. She is a Boise State graduate and is certified to teach numerous subjects. She said her favorite subject to teach is interpersonal skills because “many children don’t have basic manners and I get to teach them to them.” When Bicknell is not teaching she loves to go fishing and be around animals.
New faculty member Elizabeth Maxwell-Bicknell teaches her world history class on Aug. 19. Maxwell-Bicknell also teaches social skills at Lakewood. “Many children don’t have basic manners and I get to teach them to them,” she said.
Phillip Muszynski Former long-term substitute teacher from Michigan, Muszynski, has his first full time job as an environmental science and biology teacher at Lakewood. Muszynski studied at Adrian College where he played football and later graduated from Madonna University. He said he loves what he teaches “because it gives an understanding about the life that you live.” Outside of the classroom he likes to coach football, play basketball and exercise. Thaddeus Jackson Hired on the spot at a teacher fair in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Jackson is one of the new environmental science teachers in downstairs A-wing. After graduating from Daemen College in Amherst, N.Y., he began his job teaching at Futures Academy in Buffalo, N.Y. He enjoys teaching because “it shapes the minds of students.” When not in the classroom, Jackson spends his time with his family, watching TV and at shooting ranges. Melissa “Samm” Sammaciccia-Ismail Sammaciccia-Ismail, who goes by Mrs. “Samm,” is teaching AP human geography, AP U.S. history and U.S. history honors in portable two this year. She’s from Hopkinton, N.H. and this will be her first time teaching at a traditional high school. “High school is phenomenal,” she said. When she’s home and away from teaching she’s busy being a mom to three teenagers. Eric Jordan Jordan is from Stettesville, N.C. He was looking for a chorus position when he found Lakewood. “I wanted to bring music fundamentals to a (high) school.” In his free time he likes to write songs and learn new instruments.
BRANDON SWEAT | SNN
Sept. 3, 2014
How to survive as a Spartan Here’s some advice for Lakewood’s incoming freshmen on how to “turn up when it’s the right time and study when it’s the right time.” BY AREIL WARD AND NIJALA KING SNN Staff Writers
T
his year the cafeteria seems to have better food than you’d expect. Though you should be careful of the pizza, there are good salads, excellent cookies and yummy parfaits. Stay out of upstairs C Wing if you don’t need to be there – it’s the stress hallway. Instead, stay downstairs and create art with teacher Jayce Ganchou or joke around with English teacher Barbara Palmer. Finally, though no one we interviewed told us this, we here at SNN firmly believe: whatever you do, don’t feed the birds! So for all Spartan newcomers, this survival guide is just a little advice that could lead you to success within the walls of Lakewood High. These tips come from people who have already gone through what you’re experiencing now. Their advice will teach freshmen what to do to survive the rest of their long, stressful but memorable years of high school.
“Be confident and make a lot of friends.” - Junior Jonah Hollander
“Always stay ahead of the game. Study on weekends, and never give up on life.” - Senior Nyquel Alexander
“All freshmen need to know a senior because that way they don’t act like freshmen.” - Senior Kenneth Goolsby
“Don’t mess around the first year like skipping classes.” - Junior Immanuel White
“They need to know to stay focused and on task, and don’t give up and make the best four years awesome.” - Junior Thomas Ciriello
“Freshmen need to be prepared for new things in life, because it’s harder than middle school with long nights of studying . … Organization is the key.” - Senior Tamia Kennedy
‘If there’s a place you gotta go, use this map’ Here’s an insider’s map to where you want to be - and not be - at Lakewood. First floor
FEATURES
5
“Ninth-grade year is a critical year because it’s your foundation. Turn up when it’s the right time and study when it’s the right time.” - Senior Daijah Curry “All freshmen need to know to pay attention and not play around and be serious with your work, because once you become a senior and do not have all your credits you will be put in remedial classes.” - Senior Jaheel Battiest “(This is your) most important year and keep your grades up.” - Junior David Deister
“Stay focused. Concentrate on your grades, and for the girls be aware of the upperclassmen boys because they are parasites.” - Senior Jahnique Brown
“Join clubs because there are a lot of different activities to do around school, and ask sophomores for help... and have fun for the first year.” - Junior Auburney Scott
Lakewood by the numbers Lakewood is home to many diverse students and staff. Here’s a look at this year’s faculty and student body. There are 1,264 students at Lakewood High School. Generally the school has fewer seniors than any other grade, and this school year is no exception. The freshman class is the largest with 379 students, and the junior class is the next largest with 322 students. The sophomore class has 293 students, while the senior class has 270. Lakewood has many different cultures integrated within its walls, from African-Americans to Islanders. There are 766 African Americans and 350 Causcasion students. Following those ethnicities are 76 Hispanic and 40 biracial students. In slim numbers there are 29 Asians and three South Pacific, Native Americans and Islander students. Although girls “run the world” as Beyoncé says, Hollywood High has a higher percentage of boys: 59 percent. Females only make up about 41 percent of the population. There are 228 more male students than female students, records show. As far as staff goes, there are currently 68 teachers; five administrators including principal Bob Vicari, four guidance counselors and six other instructional staff. That makes 105 staff members in all. And the most important number has shifted even higher. Lakewood’s graduation rate rose from 81 percent in 2013 to 84 percent in 2014.
Second floor
- By Staff Writers Caroline Dunning, Bobbie Wright and Victoria Bischoff Illustrations by Kahil Holmes, Zackary Earle and Algernard Brown
6 CAMPUS LIFE
Sept. 3, 2014
BRANDON SWEAT | SNN
Students maneuver through B-wing to get to class on Aug. 26. Students are told to walk on the right side of the hallway to make the flow easier.
BRANDON SWEAT | SNN
A bus is stopped in the nearly empty bus circle right before school starts on Aug. 28. Students get to school when the sun is still rising because the bell rings at 7:05 a.m.
A fresh start
The first few weeks of school have set the bar high with spirited students, pep rallies and an energetic student body. In the classroom and on the field, students braced themselves for the challenge of a new year.
A student rushes to class in between the bell on Aug. 25. Freshmen navigated well around the school the first week.
BRANDON SWEAT | SNN
A group of friends study together during break on Aug. 28.
JULIE SMITH-FRAZER | SNN
Senior Quam Salami and junior Casey Inman walk to class on Aug. 26.
JULIE SMITH-FRAZER | SNN
BRANDON SWEAT | SNN
Senior Marlo Dennis does his work in C-Wing during break on Aug. 26.
KELSEY CAHILL | SNN
KELSEY CAHILL | SNN
Players stand and watch the game from the sideline as the sun sets on Aug. 22. during the game against Pensacola.
Junior cymbal player Chaz Wallace calls out band members to dance by themselves at the game against Pensacola on Aug. 22.