Building it up
eatonredink.com
breakin’ it down
Sept. 20, 2019 Vol. 12 Ed. 1 114 Park Ave Eaton, CO 80615
Is it time for a new high school? page 4-5
2 redview
September 20, 2019
Facilities bond vital for district development
Staff Editorial Following last year’s unsuccessful bond, there arises new hope for the Eaton School District in the 2019 election. The 2018 RE-2 district facilities bond fell through in the election, having proposed expansion and renovation of school buildings within the district. When it came time for the election, it failed due to the community’s strong inclination towards a new high school. Contrary to what the community and student body may believe, the Red Ink staff says; it’s time for a new school. Students enrolled in the Eaton School District deserve an environment where they can fully function, move, and learn. Members of the Red Ink Staff support the upcoming 2019 ballot item which will help the ever-expanding high school to move from a 92-year-old building to a state-of-the-art facility. Features include but are not limited to: increased security measures, parking, athletic and music facilities, air conditioning, larger hallways, and a more technologically advanced education program. Passage of this bond will ensure future students can reach their full potential. The 2019 bond’s budget is $128.5 million while last year’s was $75 million. The 2019 bond will directly affect students currently enrolled in the high school. It is much harder for a student to receive individual help in a class of 30-40 students in a classroom originally built for 20. Eaton High School was built in 1928 and our facilities are not suitable for the amount of students it holds. Students in band, choir,
Gabriel Holguin
and theatre perform in an inadequate space. We need competitive weight rooms, STEM labs, and media rooms. There aren’t enough science rooms or equipment to account for all students. Eaton sudents have earned this new facility. Their academic success rivals their atheletic success. If this bond passes in November, the current freshman will be the first to graduate from a new high school building, making the current sophomores the last to graduate from the historic old Eaton High. If this bond fails, Superintendent Bridgette Muse says the district will continue to try for new improvements and district needs. Despite the increase in taxes, building will never get less expensive. Muse said that construction prices increase 5% every year we delay it. The plan will leave room for ex-
pansion, not just the students it currently holds. The new building would be built for 800 students with added classrooms in
each department. This expansion plan will help as our community continues to grow, helpimg it to become and
to stay one of the most competitive high schools in Northern Colorado. As a staff, we support the 2019 RE-2 facilities bond.
Red Ink Staff Editor-in-Chief………..............................…morgankoeltzow Managing Editor…….....................……………noellemeagher News Editor……........................…....……………abigailvondy Sports Editor…..……..............…......……....………jadenstone Sports Editor……........……......……....………coleschumacher Opinion Editor…......……...........….....…….mackenziecrouch Feature Editor........................................charlottereynolds staff reporter................................................kadenbetters staff reporter........................................danessadaugherty staff reporter..........................................haleydelossantos staff reporter................................................kaitlyngomez staff reporter...........................................genesishembree staff reporter..............................................gabrielholguin staff reporter.................................................austinsutton staff reporter.................................................kaitlynwalsh staff reporter...............................................lyndsaywalsh Adviser………..........……….............…..............deirdrewhite The Red Ink is a public forum,School-sponsored and student generated, which encourages the free exchange of ideas and information. All opinions made in the exercise of freedom of speech or press are the sole opinions of the writers and are in no way to be considered the opinions of Eaton High School, administration, Board of Education, or Eaton School District. The Red Ink strictly adheres to School Board Policy JCEA and Colorado Revised Statute 22-1120. The Red Ink is a member of the Colorado High School Press Association, Journalism Education Association, and Quill and Scroll. The redink encourages reader feedback. All letters to the editor can be submitted to eatonredink@gmail.com
Notes From Noelle noellemeagher managing-editor
Dear Freshmen,
redview
Your time to take control
Ultimately you will see that every year of high school, you will have at least one class that gets on your nerves. It’s up to you to decide how to handle yourself. If you attempt to go in with a positive attitude, it most likely won’t be as bad as you made it out to be. ing memories is something You will probably find that you secretly love, join that everything in high school newspaper or yearbook. can be handled as a “mind Finally if you find yourover matter situation.” self excelling in school, and Going off of that mind just love challenging your over matter philosophy, it mind, try robotics or knowledge bowl. The point is, there is important to recognize that you will find yourself in is something for everyone situations where you’ll just in this school, so find your FLAT OUT, not know how to niche. handle yourself.
Advice for your futue Welcome to high school, the start of what is honestly, the rest of your life. This is your time to shine. High school can be intimidating when you first walk into the halls, but don’t let it take any value away from who your personality is. If anything, it should enhance who you are. As you probably noticed, there are people from all walks of life in our school. No two people are the same, though there are groups and cliches’ of individuals that have the same interest.
Expand
You probably have your friends that have been in your grade since you started kindergarten, but high school is the time to expand your horizons. This new part of your life is also a good time to join something new. Eaton has such a variety of clubs that I am sure can be overwhelming at first, but after visiting a meeting from a few different clubs, I can guarantee that you will find something that captures an interest you never knew you had. These next four years of your life also provides a whole new array of athletics and hobbies that you couldn’t find in middle school. If you never found a sport in middle school that fit you, then this year try tennis, swimming, or golf. If captur-
Do it now
With a new school comes new responsibilities. You have a full set of eight classes, all with which usually have homework. My biggest advice is to do the homework the night you get it. The nice thing about our school, is that we have a block schedule, which means technically you have two nights to do your homework. Try not let this take advantage of you. Doing your homework the night you get it will save you so much stress, and most likely a lot of time. It took me some time to figure this out, but I realized that I would procrastinate so much that I would end up just stressing myself out, wasting even more time. Moral of the story: do your homework the night you get it, trust me. Now I am sure you have realized what classes are going to be the hardest already, but do not let that defeat you so soon. These classes and teachers are hard on you because they are getting you ready for the rest of high school.
September 20, 2019
No Fear
Some of you will find yourself fighting to ask a girl to homecoming. Now this may seem like a simple task, but to some it may be the most mentally challenging thing they do all semester. The fear of someone saying no shouldn’t hold you back. So they say no?. Don’t take this personally because at that moment the stars weren’t aligned and it just wasn’t meant to be. Ask someone else or go with a group, because trust me, getting denied sucks just as much as saying no. More mind-over-matter situations that you may find yourself in could be sitting with a group of friends at lunch, or sitting with that one person that is consistently by themselves. Putting someone else’s needs before yours is one of the most valuable skills you will learn. It won’t come easily to everyone, but it is the largest mind over matter lesson of all. Keeping your friends close and safe will make you a better person in
the long run. Another big part of high school that you will eventually experience, is the part that no one can prepare you for. The moments that make you age five years morally before you are even ready to do so. The decisions you have to make that will keep you from breaking the law and putting yourself in deeper trouble than you ever would want to have to explain to your parents. My biggest advice would be to think about how you want to go home every night, Curfew or not, how do you want to be able to present yourself to your parents? They know more than what you may be leading on, so don’t fool yourself. Make good choices on Friday nights.
Participate
Go to football games and hanging out with your friends. Go to volleyball games and participate in the student section. You will have a better high school experience by participating in the school activities. Don’t play the “too cool for school” card because that’s how you find yourself in trouble. I’m not going to say make good choices because that’s your parents line, but what I will say is think about what your values are before making a decision.
Now I am sure that there is plenty more to say, and maybe I will write more advice later, but take this for now and run with it. Ask questions when you have them, talk about your emotions when you have them, and value yourself more than you ever had before.
Make History
This class has an oportunity to make history. With the possibility of a new school in the works, you could be the first to graduate from a braand new building. You should want to be rembered as an amazing class that brought the new school even more potental than the one we are learning in today. Athletes will have the opportunity to win their frst state title in the new gym. Band members will ge to learn routines in an excellent facility. Teachers will be able to connect with their students on a whole new level. Take advantage of opportunity when it presents itself, because you don’t want to look back on yuor high school adventure and think, “What if...” High school can tear you apart. But it can also make you a new person. Take control of your future now. Set yourself up for success. Most imporantly, know you are capable of great things if you really work hard for it.
Yours Truly, Noelle
3
Breaking down t
4 redspotlight
September 20, 2019
Imagine sitting in a small hot classroom filled with twenty-five other students, the musty smell wafting through the room, causing everyone's concentration to falter. Then imagine finally leaving the classroom exhausted and hot, and entering a crowded hallway, walking shoulder to shoulder with other students towards the next class where the same problems await. Students at Eaton High School know this feeling very well; especially during the warm summer days at the beginning of the school year. These are only some of the recurring problems that come with the antiquated school, and the district is currently on a mission to correct these flaws--including two ballot items for the upcoming election.
The vote, which will be held on Nov. 5, will determine whether the students enrolled in the RE2 school district will graduate from a new state-of-the-art high school or continue to “make do” in a 92 year-old building. According to RE2 school assessments, the current elementary school is overflowing with children and the entire school is in need of more room and renovations. Being unable to expand the elementary school because of the small land it sits on, the new bond would allow kindergarten through second grade to be moved to the current middle school where the classrooms and hallways will be renovated to be more accommodating for the younger children. Benjamin Eaton Elementary School and Galeton would also get new technology, and the buildings themselves would be improved through the proposed bond.
The historic high school will also be refurbished to become the new middle school and a completely new high school will be built on the land south of the recreational center, owned by the district. An immense increase in property value due to oil and gas production within the district has ultimately resulted in more money towards the bond this year with close to the same tax liability as the failed bond in 2018, according to the RE2 public presentation of proposed plan. The 2018 bond was for expansion and renovations of the school buildings within the district with a budget of $75 million. The proposed bond for the upcoming November election has a budget of $128.5 million.
The impact on taxpayers would be $7.62 per $100k of a home’s value and $30.92 per $100k of commercial properties, which is an $0.62 difference in residential tax and $2.42 difference in commercial tax compared to the 2018 bond for only $75 million. Both bonds on the 2018 ballot failed for many reasons including the community’s strong desire for a completely new high school. EHS social studies teacher Doug Preston said, “There is a significant amount of people that want a high school built, and they felt that last year’s plan was a bandaid. It didn’t fix what we needed. And a lot of opposition really felt that that plan didn’t address everything.”
The new high school would include many features lacking in the current school. These features include air conditioning, parking spaces, additional athletic and music facilities, larger hallways, and a more technologically advanced educational program. Superintendent Bridget Muse said, “Now that we have the plan in place, we are getting really positive support from the community because we’ve managed to come up with a plan that addresses all the needs that they asked for.” Muse also expanded on what the programs would look like at the new school. She said, “We would have additional class space for every existing program we have. To go from a school that's built for 600 students to 800, we have to have at least one more math classroom, science classroom, and at least one more language arts, so all the program will grow.”
Whats
Jenni Jarna
a Jenga block reading " nagin said, "We are get becoming more full so a a great upgrade for Eato
Another matter that will be included on the 2019 ballot is a mill levy override. The mill levy override would provide additional funds for support safety and mental health services, maintenance costs, and create a more competitive staff hiring program according the the RE2 District website. The proposed cost would be $1.38 per month for every $100k residential value to produce an additional $1.5 million to the annual budget.
If the proposed plan follows through, the new school would be scheduled to be finished by the school year 2022-2023. Taking about three years of construction. This would mean the current freshman would be the first to graduate from the new high school. If this bond pleases the opposed members of the community from last year's ballot, the RE2 district will have some major changes coming in the near future.
Jared M
(22) holds up ger cafeteria". can barely get . All the freshm floor because t cafeteria for th
P
the bond
redview September 20, 2019 5
s the big build up?
agin (21) holds up
"classroom size". Jartting more kids and its a new school would be on."
Colton Sell (20) holds up a Jenga block
reading "no art $". Sell said, "I want more funds going to the art department. We have a school where its academics first, which it should be, then it goes athletics. And the arts department almost get underappreciated."
Estimated Bond Investment Evan Gesick
(21) holds up a Jenga block reading "air conditioning". Gesick said, "I think this school is fine honestly. The only improvment they could really make is air conditioning."
EHS
$63,077,649
Convert existing HS building to EMS
$26,329,926
EMS EES
Convert existing MS builing to EES Decommission existing school and site
BEES
McCormack
a Jenja block reading "big. McCormack said, "We everyone into our cafeteria man sit upstairs on the there is no room in the hem to eat."
Page layout and story by Abigail Vondy
Photos by Morgan Koeltzow
$9,755,486 $295,000 $451,971
GES
$696,500
New Bus Barn
$2,544,000
Furniture/Equipment
$25,787,630
TOTAL BOND REQUEST
$128,500,00
6 September 20, 2019
Volleyball ready to return to State jadenstone
Last year’s juniors lead charge in prepping for 2019 season
sportseditor
After taking third place at state last year, this year’s Eaton Reds volleyball team is preparing and getting pumped up for the regular season every day. After a heartbreaking loss to Lutheran High School in the state tournament, the girls look to bounce back and take another title. Both returning seniors taking a varsity position, Noelle Meagher and Andie Anderson, are looking to grow as a team and individually this season. Meagher (20) said, “When we walk into state that first day, when we are underneath the big Coliseum lights, I know that I have the confidence and ability to just go out and play my best without thinking twice.” Looking forward to Saturday’s two home games, the Reds look to start their first
couple of games strong with wins over Lamar High School and Buena Vista High School. Anderson (20) said, “At the beginning of the season we have really talked about growing as a team not just physically but mentally as well.” Anderson said, “I want to try my best and work my hardest for my team” After the games this weekend the team will play in Eaglecrest, for an open high school tournament on September 14. After the tournament, the Reds will begin their regular season in 3A. Although they did lose some key players last year after their senior seasons, Meagher said, “We are capable to go out and do anything. People may doubt us since we lost a couple amazing athletes last season. But the juniors re-
Morgan Koeltzow
Megan St. Jean (22), sets up for an attack for Noelle Meagher (20) at last year’s state championship. Meagher and two others are the senior leaders this year.
ally stepped up into their positions and we have all we need
to go as far as anyone else.” The Reds will play Faith
Christian High School at home on September 17.
Boys Cross Country take 12th on 13th Gesick places second at first meet in Sterling
austinsutton staffreporter
On Friday the 13th, the Eaton boys cross country placed 12th and the girls placed 18th at the Wolverine Invitational in Greeley in the second meet meet of the year. On a clear, but auspicious afternoon, the boys lined up on a soccerfield that led onto a dirt track where the meet continued with 24 total schools competing in a field of 270 boys. In the first meet of the year Evan Gesick took a second place followed by freshman Logan Heinz in 9th. Heinz was leading thew meet until he missed a turn going down the wrong track, causing him to lose his valuable lead.
According to head coach Jaryn Guerra, a biker was supposed to ride ahead of the group leading them through the course, but this failed to happen and the bystanders and home cheerleaders failed to correct his course as well. The mishap, Guerra said was due to the bus being late, which left the boys no time to walk the course. The girls, however, did have time to walk the track before but not the guys. “It wasn’t any one persons fault” said Guerra, who added, “We still did well for a first meet.” The season continues on and the Reds have many competitors ahead of them in the meets to come.
Austin Sutton
Evan Gesick (21) Jaymison Montoya (22) Ben Williams (21) take off at the gun at the Wolveriene Invitational in Greeley Friday, Sept. 13
redzone
September 20, 2019
Girls ready to take on ri vals Reds prep for Strasburg, UH mackenziecrouch
home territory as well. The Reds maintained a short Dawn Renner (20) pitched lead until Lyons gained two a 18-3 win Thursday, Septem- quick points at the end of the ber 12 against Faith Christian, sixth inning, tying the game finishing with the first mercy 2-2. rule of the The Reds later season. regained the lead af“It feels reter Lyons ran short We have ally good of a first baseman to to start my catch a fly ball. some tough last season, Taking advantage of competition and winning the flaw in defense, but together through merthe Reds quickly cy rule, and rounded three addiwe are all I'm looking tional points as the working to forward to the Lyons attempted to other comrecover. win petition this But when The Reds -Emma Pinkstaff year,” Renner runners brushed said. past home plate, the Pitcher Ali Schmitt helped game ended shortly after 5-2. the Reds defeat Lyons 5-2 on With a majority influence of Tuesday, September 10 on new starters, including Emma opinioneditor
“
Pinkastaff (22), the team continues to strive to compete at yet another state game with the young team. “I’m looking forward to this season. We have some tough competition but together we are all working to win the state championship this year.“ Pinkstaff said. Losing to rival, University, earlier in the season, the Reds use this as motivation for their upcoming game to their other rival, Strasburg. They will look to take a win against Strasburg, last year’s state champions. “This year we have the talent to get us to where we need to win state, we just need to figure out how we can work together to make sure that happens,” Pinkstaff said.
Jaymie Wood scoops up a grounder and sends it to third base for an out against Lyons.
Ali Schmitt (21) send the ball across the plate to a Lyons batter for a 5-2 win.
Remington Ross lines up on a bunt as the ball arrives from the Lyons pitcher
7
8 redzone
September 20, 2019
Reds dominate first home game
Eaton executes in every aspect against D’Eveleyn with 37-9 victory
coleschumacher sportseditor
Eaton football was able to capitalize on each aspect of the game as they grabbed a 37-9 win over the D’Evelyn Jaguars. The Reds hopped on the Jaguars when a bad snap occurred in the first quarter, resulting in a safety for D’Evelyn and two points for Eaton. Later on in the first quarter, running back, Gage Butler (21), caught a flare route thrown by quarterback, Scott Grable (21), for a 75-yard touchdown to put the Reds up 9-0 early in the game. As the game went on, the Reds kept coming as Ethan Florez (22) grabbed an interception and t00k it back to the house for a touchdown early in the second quarter. Eaton increased its lead to 16-0, then Jaguars’ wide receiver Thomas Lowry (20) caught a tipped pass for a touchdown, making the score 16-6 mid way through the second quarter. The Reds proceeded to score one more touchdown on a 99yard kick return taken back to the end zone by Salvador Rojas
(21) making the score 23-9 going into the half. Throughout the second half the Reds’ defense stayed strong and heald the Jaguars to 9 while the offense tacked on two more touchdowns in a great team win. After the win, assistant coach Dean Grable said, “We got a couple big plays which we need, a lot of things went well for us tonight, overall we’re happy, it was a good win.” Their main focus after this game is “just to get better every week--because we’re far from perfect and we have a lot to improve on--but we can do it,” Garrett Bean (20) said. Last week, the Reds offense couldn’t get it done in a 7-0 loss to Sterling on the Tigers’ home turf. As a team they had a total of 43 passing yards and 47 rushing yards on three receptions and 15 carries. The Reds gave the ball up, having two interceptions and three fumbles throughout the game. On defense they had a total of 86 tackles along with one fum-
Cool Football Cutline.
Morgan Koeltzow
Salvador Rojas returns a kick for a 99 yard touchdown in the second quarter against D’Evelyn Friday night
ble caused and recovered. The key defensive players included Dakota Powell (20), Juan Maravilla (21), and Morgan Tribbett (23). Powell was in on 14 tackles, Maravilla on 11, and Tribbett on 11. The one
touchdown of the game came from Sterling’s Brock Shella (20) in the fourth quarter. Next week the Reds play a big game against their biggest rival, the Platte Valley Broncos, in an away game Friday, September
21.
Preparing for this game coach Grable said, “We know what they’re going to do, but we just gotta do what we gotta do. We’ll beat ourselves long before anyone else.”
Left: Gage Butler executes a route thrown by QB Scott Grable as the defense closes in. Right: Javi Hernandez leads teammates Ben Faust, Derek Renfroe and Tanner True through the first home tunnel along with the rest of the Fightin’ Reds football team. Morgan Koeltzow
Morgan Koeltzow