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How is anyone going to concentrate when all that noise is going on all around you?
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Vol. 99, No. 1 September 15, 2011
1910-1920
On probation but not off the hook
1930-1940
By Jana Warren Six Years. That’s all it takes for the state of Indiana to decide whether a school has improved up to its potential or if they have potential to begin with. Six Schools. Arsenal Technical High School avoided being one of six schools that have been on academic probation for six years and being taken over by the state. “Tech was the lowest achieving school on ISTEP in the 2010 school year, and second only to Northwest [High School],” said Superintendent Dr. Eugene White of Indianapolis Public Schools. Redemption. During the sixth year, the year that can either make or break a school, Tech was able to redeem itself and gave proof that it should not be taken over. When getting off of probation, the state compares the ECA test results of the freshman class and compares it to the results of the sophomore class from the previous year. The six schools had to improve their ECA test scores by 3 percent, according to the Public Law 2.21. Tech improved by10.6 percent. “Ironically both of them (Tech and Northwest) got off of probation because they only had one way to go and that was up,” White said.
See SUCCESS Pg. 2
New discipline program gives students ‘last chance’ By Deanna Talley Unlike most schools that put students out for bad behavior, Tech on the other hand accepts them. They are being accepted for a new program called Project Last Chance. PLC is an alternative school that creates an environment that will allow the students to modify their behavior while maintaining academic PLC - PROJECT LAST standards CHANCE in order to This is the last step before be able to the students are removed function in the from the school to an outside main campus alternative program environment. 4 PLC facilitators - 1 will be This is the last the PLC Coordinator step before students are 3 classrooms in Moon Hall, removed from with an office for the coordinator the school to an outside Students will be assigned by program. discipline deans only A hearing with the parents, students, and teachers, discipline dean and program coordinator will be held before the student is placed in the program. Student that cause an obstruction of the learning environment that have referrals are then placed in PLC. All students will be placed in the program for a minimum of four weeks. Their schedules will be changed to core classes upon entering PLC. At the end of the four weeks another hearing is held to determine the next step for the student: returning to original core classes or continuing PLC. See LAST CHANCE Pg. 2
The COUNTDOWN is
361
1950-1960
1970-1980
days till the Centenntial
on!
1990-2000
2011-12 “This great school must generously lend its fine talent to assist in all worthy civic enterprises whenever it is needed.” – Milo H. Stuart This worthy quote came from Tech’s first principal. You may recognize that Stuart Hall, which stands on campus today, is a contribution to Stuart’s legacy. But that’s just a small piece of Tech’s history. Arsenal Technical High School opened September 12, 1912, meaning that the school just celebrated its 99th birthday and is now is in its centennial year. Alumni, teachers and administrators are in the planning stages for centennial events. Not just one, but a series of events will take place, this time next year, to celebrate Tech’s centennial. The festivities are planned, beginning Sept. 12, 2012. The Centennial Committee’s vision starts with the following Friday, which is Homecoming weekend. Carnival activities, tailgating, an alumni hospitality tent and the Homecoming football game
will mark that night. That weekend’s events include a parade, followed by a picnic. Also planned are a dance for the alumni, and community members (21 and older). More events for the alumni are in the works, along with fundraisers for the events and the centennial yearbook, “Legacy Starts Now.” The Cannon staff is planning to return the yearbook to its 9-x-12-in. size and double the pages (200) with a 100-page history section with a decade-by-decade look back at events, memories, photos and accomplishments of Titans throughout the last century. Staff members will be working closely with the Alumni Board and the Centennial Committee to collect as much information as possible for this special publication. Alumni are asked to send in your memories and favorite photos. Send a digital copy or a reproduction, no originals, please. If you would be willing to participate in an audio/video interview, please send your contact information to: griffind@ips. k12.in.us.
Yes, it’s still The Cannon As you can see there are some major changes to The Cannon Newspaper, but it’s in fact still The Cannon. These size, type and format changes have been made due to the fact that this is a new year and new things are happening. So why not show off the 100th year of student journalism at Tech High School in a new way? We hope this revamped design of The Cannon will appeal to new readers as well as current readers who have read The Cannon in the
past. We are working on keeping you connected through our multimedia programs. Check us out at lunch on the Crunch Time @ Lunch Time Powerpoints, CNC News Cast and on Twitter, Facebook and at www.cannonline.wordpress.com. We are eager to hear your thoughts on the new design of The Cannon. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at: https://twitter.com/Janatw33ts.
Jana Warren, editor-in-chief
NEWS
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Success Continued from page 1 With the probation rotation changing from four years to two, Tech isn’t completely in the clear. Not only is the state grading schools based on their ECA test results based on the state law, but they are also basing it on their (AYP), according the federal law. “Right now in terms of the state, the grade for Tech is an F grade,” said White. “Even though you’re off of probation Tech didn’t make AYP and therefore when you look at the overall grade from the state it’s not a passing grade.” When a couple of students at Tech get an F, that is excusable. But when the whole school gets an F the is unacceptable. “I told you that Tech was underachieving and I believe that,” said White. “When we look at data from Tech, the data is clear that our students are still not applying themselves in a way they should and what I would like to do is to see us have a great fidelity to achievement at Tech.” Being off of probation means that Tech students get a chance to focus on what is necessary; passing the ECA so that they won’t be back on academic probation in a couple of years. Though to some, that isn’t all that Tech has to improve on. “Based on the number of students who failed to pass the end of course for English 10,” White said. “We have to improve on our performance on English; we have to write more, we have to read with comprehension more and we really have to work on elevating our performance on the whole area of English and language arts.” Test scores aren’t the only thing that can hold Tech back. Attendance has proven yet again that it can be an obstacle in Tech’s way to success. “Because of the balanced calendar, we really need to improve our attendance,” White said. “We need to get students, teachers and staff and administrators at school every day, possibly.” The balanced calendar is the result of Tech, along with every other IPS school, becoming a year-round school. Because of the new changes, including longer breaks for the holidays, the time inbetween is crucial for staff and students. “Because I believe that the more we have kids in school, the better their chances are,” White said. “So being in school and improving our attendance has been helping us overall in terms of our performance.” Being told that something needs to be changed and telling how it can be changed are two different things. So what is the plan for Tech to keep improving? “Well the plan to execute it is you have a dynamic new principal there,” White said. “He (Principal Lawrence Yarell) is going to be working with the teachers to improve the level and the quality of instruction in every classroom at Tech; that’s the first step right there.” Yarrell is now the new principal of Arsenal Technical High School after transferring from Northwest High School. Along with Yarrell coming to Tech, he brought with him full time coaches; a math coach, data coach, and a literacy coach. The full time coaches are to help the teachers at Tech with what’s going on in the classrooms and give guidance to help step up their teaching. “That’s the biggest challenge he (Yarrell) has for his new assignment: To get us going and not to be taken over,” White said. “If we can be successful in that, then that’s going to make a lot of other good things happen.”
Last Chance Continued from page 1 The purpose of PLC is to encourage students to understand the reason of education and to conduct themselves in a manner that would enhance their learning. “It’s an overwhelming fresh start to the campus,” said Debra Barlowe, director of Project Last Chance. The purpose is to redirect student students that are unable or unwilling to function in a traditional education environment. Along with Barlowe, Dr. Ramon Bess and other staff help guide the students to success. A PLC student said the program is working. “Although PLC has a lot of rules and requirements we have to follow, I feel this program is helping me become a better student,” the student, who asked to remain anonymous, said. “Also I sometimes dislike the way we have to walk in the hallways in a single-file line like kids.” The PLC schedule is as follows: 7:30-7:45 breakfast 7:50-8:05 SSR 8:05-9:05 character development 9:05-10:05 academic block 10:05-11:54 academic block 11:54-12:07 lunch 12:07-12:20 break 12:25-1:25 academic block 1:25-2:30 JROTC PLC is located in three classes in Moon Hall.
Sept. 15, 2011
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Same place, same person, . . . four decades later By Andre’ Poole
Treadwell, then a class in Stuart, and then a class in Morgan and then a class in Lone Hall and these are all core classes. The student movement, especially for freshmen, is very important. They need to be in a situation where we can micro-manage their instruction. We need to make sure that they can go from one class to the next. We need to make sure that sophomores are getting what it is that they need, as well as juniors and seniors. Once you’re a junior and senior, I think that you need to have more freedom. You need to have more access to some of the amenities that are located here on the Tech campus.” Q – Do you think it’s going to be a challenge because of the difference between Tech and other schools? A – “I don’t think it’s going to be a challenge because the challenge is getting parents to buy into what’s going on. The challenge is to get teachers to buy into what’s going on. The challenge is to get students to buy into what’s going on. That’s the challenge. If we all work together and if we all have the same initiatives and work on the same accord to get things done, there’s no challenge. If we’re proud of our school, there’s no challenge. If we’re proud of what we’re doing, there’s no challenge. Tech can be and should be, probably one of the best educational institutions in the state of Indiana. There’s no reason why it should not be. We have more than most. We have a vocational career center, located right on the campus. We have the premiere Math and Science Magnet program. We have New Tech High. We’ve just received a national award as a National New Tech High School of the Year. No other school has the facilities that we have. We have a Culinary Arts program that very few schools have. The challenge is to make our students understand what a great educational opportunity they have here at Tech. The challenge is to get parents involved.” Q – How does it feel to be the principal of the campus as an alumnus and in the centennial year? A –“It’s an unbelievable honor. I look at it as an honor, as a privilege. I’m a very, very hard worker, I’m very stern, I’m very fair, and I try to be very consistent. I believe that, in order to make something great, you have to plan, and you have to plan, and you have to plan. Most importantly you have to build solid relationships and you have to make everybody understand what your expectations are. My expectations are excellence. I have
L
awrence Yarrell graduated from Tech in 1975. Four decades later, Yarrell is back walking through Treadwell and across Tech’s campus. Q - How is Tech different from when you went here? A - “When I went to Tech, we had probably 5,500 students. Tech, in 1975, was the 7th largest high school in the country. It’s always been the largest campus in the state of Indiana. We had a dry cleaning program.” Q - Did you ever think that you would come back to Tech to be the principal? A - “I had no idea. I could’ve never, ever, ever envisioned that I would be back here as the principal, but one interesting thing that I was recapping on one evening: We had a turn-around day when we were seniors. The seniors took the administrators’ jobs and I was the principal for a day. I was the turnaround principal. That was a different experience, but I had no idea that 36 years later, I would come back and be the principal.” Q – What type of activities did you participate in? A – “Well one unfortunate thing about me as far as sports goes, I was unable to participate. I broke both of my legs. I broke my leg when I was a freshman in a cycling accident. Then, when I was a senior, I was a bit of a daredevil and I jumped off a hill and broke my leg, then stood up and broke my foot. It took me two years to learn how to walk again, so I wasn’t able to participate in a lot of athletics because I was pretty accident-prone as a kid. I was a member of the Techchoir, second in the Boys Octet. I was the editor-in-chief of the yearbook and a member of the Tech Legion. I did a lot of different things. I had a varied experience, a great experience here at Tech.” Q – What college did you attend after graduating from Tech? A – “I went to the University of Indianapolis. It was Indiana Central University when I went there. I graduated from Indiana Central in 1979. I also attended IUPUI, University of Indiana and the University of Delaware.” Q – What did you major in? A – “I majored in business education, social studies, and I have a masters in economics.” Q – How long have you been with IPS? A – “Well, I started in IPS after I graduated from Indiana Central and I stayed from 1979 to 1996 in a variety of different positions. I did my student teaching at Tech, though, and I taught at Tech Day-Adult when it was located on this campus. I’ve taught at several high schools in IPS. I was the assistant principal at two of the middle schools and I left IPS in 1996, and I went to Lawrence Township as Dean of Students. I did that for four years. I left there in 2000 and went to Pike Township. I was the assistant principal at the year-round middle school and assistant principal at the high school. I left Pike in 2006 and came back to IPS. So, I’ve been back for five years in IPS.” Q – What are the comparisons between the township schools you worked at and IPS? A –”Really no difference. Kids are kids no matter where you go. Students are students. The poverty level is, of course, different. They didn’t have as many kids that were on free-and-reduced lunch. You had more parental involvement, but other than that, the facilities in IPS are just as nice, if not nicer.
“We are going to be the very best school in the state of Indiana and that is a projected goal that I have in five years.” The programming, the curriculum is what IPS has to offer. The magnet program, the schools are probably second to none. Not a lot of difference. If it had been better, I’d still be there.” Q – What are some of the changes that you’re going to be implementing here at Tech? A – “Well, one of the changes that we’ve already implemented, since Tech is such a large school, we’ve got to make sure that it’s student-friendly and it has to be about students getting what they need. Student movement is very important to me. There’s no reason why you should have a class in
TARDIES:
From the principal’s desk: Yarrell on. . .
“I think what it’ll do is it’ll help the attendance rate. You have to create a culture of expectations, as I alluded to earlier. Students have to understand, that the only way that you can receive an optimal education is to be in class. This is a large campus. You can’t just mosey to class when you feel like it and just drop in. We’re teaching you young men and young women to be citizens, and productive citizens. If we allow you to go to class late, then you’ll perfect the practice
an expectation of excellence from the students, to the teachers, to the administrators, and to myself. We are going to be the very best school in the state of Indiana and that is a projected goal that I have in five years. To say that you’re going to be the very best is a very general statement, but I can point out the areas that I want to see us achieve and be blue-ribbon schools. For instance, I want to see us be the best school in the area of student achievement, in the area of discipline, in the area of academics, the area of vocational, and sports. Those are what I plan to work on.”
of lateness and you’ll think it’s alright to go to work late. How long will that last? Until you’re unemployed.”
AFTER-SCHOOL BUSES: “The situation with the afterschool buses is different and it’s different this year because Arlington, Manual, and several other schools have created different start times and different finish times. So as a result, it’s a domino effect. It changes what we can do and it changes our bus schedule. If you’re having different start
and different finish times at a lot of other area high schools within IPS, then the transportation has to be their first priority because they have to pick kids up and they have to take kids home at a certain time.”
NETBOOKS: “Well, it is the responsibility of the student to take care of those netbooks because you don’t receive another one. So, if your netbook is in bad shape, that’s the same netbook that you’ll receive this year.”
NEWS
Sept. 15, 2011
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Tech follows up on Legacy with hard hat facility tour
Legacy Center Timeline: Groundbreaking Nov. 15, 2010 . . . Construction begins . . . On hold during winter season . . . steel beams erected in spring 2011 . . . now under roof . . . glass wall
By Princess Kimbrough Tech students have been watching the $11.2 million Chase Near Eastside Legacy Center come together day by day since the groundbreaking Nov 15. Tracy Heaton, executive associate for the Legacy Project, said construction is right on schedule for a Dec. 23 substantial completion. An online survey in the making will allow students watching the outward progress to have a say in what goes inside the center. “This is really fun for me to see everything coming together,
I’ve been talking about this building for three years and it’s nice to see the progress,” Heaton said. Due to the policy that equipment is not purchased until construction is finished, the Legacy Center still doesn’t have all the equipment that will be inside the rooms for use. Plans for the Legacy Center include cardio machines and weightlifting equipment in the fitness room. The kitchen will have cooking materials and the studio will have computers, cameras, etc. In addition there will be a greenhouse with community
garden, a teen lounge and a yoga room. The facility is equipped with HVAC / Geothermal wells. The Legacy Center will be “heating and cooling in a green way,” Heaton said. The Legacy Center will be used by Tech during school hours, for example holding an extra gym class. But after school, the center becomes community priority and the Boner Center’s activities kick in. If the Legacy Center is not occupied after school hours then Tech students are more than welcome to use the facilities, Heaton said.
under construction will face Tech’s stadium with cardio workout area. . . teen cafe area outside, recording studios, computer lab and fitness equipment. . . completion on track for Dec. 23
During a recent hard tour of the Chase Legacy Center, Executive Associate Tracy Heaton talks to students about the construction progress. Photos by Alexus Scott
State DOE takes over four IPS schools
By McKeith Pearson
By Tiara Sherrell Never until this year has the state taken over an IPS school, but the State Board of Education ruled four IPS schools would be taken over in 2012. Only Arsenal Technical High School, and Northwest High School have gotten off of academic probation. “The IPS schools were taken over because they failed to get off of academic probation after six years. We demonstrated improvement in two of the four schools the state is taking over,” said Superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools Dr. Eugene White. On Aug. 29, the State Board of Education (SBOE) accepted State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett’s recommendation to take control of Arlington, Howe and Manual high schools, along with Emma Donnan Middle School, in 2012. Broad Ripple and George Washington high schools will be assigned “lead partners” to “assist with specific needs.” IPS still has control of those two schools. White originally said he would take legal actions against the state for the decision to take over Howe and Arlington. But on Sept. 13, White issued a statement on the IPS website saying he decided against suing the state.
Howe. 8.6% Washington: 15.4% Broad Ripple did fail to make the 3 percent mark that is necessary to remain an IPS school but, PL 221 outlines that schools that have 70 percent or more students passing their ECA can’t be placed on probation. At Broad Ripple, 72 percent of students met that mark, which is why Broad Ripple remains under control of IPS. “They do not have to follow the curriculum we followed. I don’t know what they will Superintendent Dr. Eugene White do about athletics, band or extrathis law, schools must make curricular- co-curricular a “School Improvement activities and programs,” Plan” which clearly states White said. “We will have their designs for improving to see how they implement overall test scores in Grades their program, because 3–12. Based on their we were demonstrating students’ performance, schools are placed in one of growth and improvement five categories, now ranging in the schools.” Not only do the turnfrom grades A to F. around schools not have to According to Public follow the same curriculum, Education reform Law 221; in order for the high but they also don’t have schools to move off of to follow IPS rules and probation, they needed to procedures. improve their End of Course “I don’t think that the Assessment (ECA) scores in Turnaround organization English 10 and Algebra I for can do better,” White said. the Class of 2013 group by “However they will not 3 percent. have to follow the rules or Following are the levels laws we had to obey, they of improvement at each can dismiss every teacher turnaround school: and start over from the Arlington: 9.8% beginning.” Broad Ripple: 2.4% “I have consulted with legal advisors and, while I believe there are matters in which IPS could prevail in court, I have decided not to pursue legal action against the Indiana State Board of Education,” White said. Public Law 221 is an initiative started by an act of the Indiana General Assembly in 1999 and later modified as a state-specific extension of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Under the provisions of
96 years ago 1915:
New courses were added: agriculture, printing, physics and English VI
75 years ago
“I don’t think that the turnaround organization can do better.” -
1937
Tech Legion was established
50 years ago: 1961
Morgan was the newest building. Academic Diploma introduced.
25 years ago: 1986
Cosmotology was the newest subject. No editors for the Cannon because staff was rebuilding.
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HOMECOMING 2011 www.cannonline.wordpress.com
SPIRIT WEEK Students attack spirit week from the roots of their crazy hair, to the bottoms of their mismatched shoes.
Tuesday: Crazy Hair/Sock Day
Wednesday: Nerd Day
Thursday: Mismatch Day
Friday: Rep yo’ Class Day
(Clockwise from top left:) The 2011 newly-crowned Homecoming Court: Alicia Malone, queen; Jabari Adkins, king; Vedrana Stanarevic, princess and Nicholas Scruggs, prince; the energetic Titan cheerleaders; Girls Varsity Volleyball team; Boys Varsity Soccer; Girls Varsity Soccer; Boys Varsity Cross Country; spirited students bearing competition chain links; the jazzy marching band during halftime; the Titans make a run for the end zone in the Homecoming game against Howe.
Sept. 15, 2011
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Homecoming 2011
ATTENTION:
CO CO LL RN EG ER E
This is the first installment of College Corner. Seniors can check here to get all the news relating to future test dates, college visits, and scholarships, as well as other general need-toknow information.
Seniors who are applying to college and want early admission need to know: •The deadline to register for the ACT is Sept. 16 and the actual testing day is Nov. 22. •The deadline to register for the SAT was Sept. 5 and the actual testing day is Oct. 7 •National College Fair: Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. at the Indiana Convention Center Exhibit Hall B •More than 200 colleges will be attending from all over the United States, including an international college from Hong Kong, online colleges and one from the District of Columbia.
Arsenal Technical High School Guidance Calendar September: 20 Tues. U.S. Air Force Campus Visit (Cafeteria): Lunch Periods 21 Wed, U.S. Army Campus Visit (Cafeteria): Lunch Periods 23 Fri. Making It Count! Seminar: 8:30 a.m. (juniors) 9:30 (seniors) - Forum 29 Thurs. St. Joseph College Campus Visit: 1:30 p.m.- Rm. 7 Arsenal 30 Fri. Ball State University Campus Visit: 1 p.m. - Rm. 7 Arsenal
October: 3 Mon. Devry University: 9 a.m. - Rm. 7 Arsenal 4 Tues. U.S. Air Force Campus Visit (Cafeteria): Lunch Periods 4 Tues. Bridge Scholars Field Trip (Univ. of Indianapolis): 8:45 a.m.- 1 p.m. 5 Wed. Grace College Campus Visits: 9 a.m. Rm. 7 Arsenal 5 Wed U.S. Army Campus Visit (Cafeteria): Lunch Periods 6 Thurs. IU-Bloomington Campus Visit: 9:30 a.m. - Rm. 7 Arsenal
Cheerleader Yassin Brown gets loud and proud during the Homecoming game; seniors use the shirts on their backs to support the Titans; Rep Your Class Day brings out the 2012 pride; seniors come out in force for the Homecoming Pep Rally Sept. 9.
ENTERTAINMENT
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Sept. 15, 2011
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Movie of the Month
Video of the Month
Final Destination “They say you can’t cheat death. According to this long-running horror franchise, however, you can milk it like a cash cow.” – Filmcritic.com
Otis by Jay-Z and Kanye West This video by Jay-Z and Kanye West deserves the video of the month because they are dedicating this song to Otis Redding, a true tribute to a true legend.
Highest Rated TV Show of the Month
Album of the Month
Basketball Wives This dramatic, entertaining, slapping, hitting, gossiping, cheating, lying, girls and boys-filled TV show is FABULOUS. It is a show about wives of basketball players and even the exwives of basketball players and how they live.
By Corey Tibbs
H
ere are the top five Titan picks in entertainment, from the small screen to the big screen, and all the way back to the radio. Graphic by Donneshia Squires
Song of the Month “How to Love” by Lil’ Wayne The motivational song of the month has to go to “How to Love” by Lil’ Wayne, an inspirational song. Lil’ Wayne is talking about a girl who has had low self esteem and didn’t ever see herself worth loving. He can see her inner and outer beauty and gives her credit for both while telling her she should do the same - a beautiful message.
Watch the Throne vs. The R.E.D Album Everyone is gossiping about The Game’s new album “R.E.D” against Jay Z and Kanye West’s album “Watch The Throne”. The facts are simply there now, the Game’s album bumped Jay and Kanye’s album to No. 2 on the Billboard charts. This may be true, BUT at the same time the GAME
The Carter IV Album of the month goes to Lil’ Wayne with “The Carter IV”. He sold 777,000 albums in TWO days and the critics gave him a 5-star rating on the album … OUTSTANDING!
hasn’t been in the rap business long enough to overtake the LEGENDS Jay and Kanye. This is only temporary anyway. The Game has only sold 97,000 albums his first week, while at the same time Jay and Kanye sold 177,000 their first week. Now you tell me who you think deserves No. 1?
There is a lot of underestimation of Jay and Kanye. These people that don’t like them need to know that Jay and Kanye are legends. They have ALL kinds of audiences from pop to soul to R&B - they are Grammy award-winning artists. The Game can never compare to them; he only has one category of music he
fits into and that’s hip hop, and he hasn’t even won a Grammy yet, not even a nomination. So you tell me who’s better? The only reason The Game is being recognized right now is because he has so many collaborations on his songs, and that’s the only reason his songs became hits. NOT because of him!
Which is better? Voice your opinions on cannonline.wordpress.com. We’d love to hear from you. Top 3 Songs From Each Album The Game - R.E.D. Album 1. Pot of Gold ft. Chris Brown 2. Red Nation ft. Lil Wayne 3. Martians ft. Lil Wayne and Tyler
Jay-Z and Kanye WestWatch the Throne 1. Monster ft. Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj 2. Otis 3. N****s in Paris
September 11: A Decade Later Where Were You?
I was in second grade, William A Bell, School 60, and I was writing and coloring when I first heard of the attack. I felt weird when I first heard about the attack because, as a young person, you don’t realize what’s happening. It looked like a movie but they kept saying live, live, live. And I had a really close friend that was in New York that I was worried about, but he was OK. - Alberto Ramirez I was in South Korea and I watched the events unfold on South Korean Television. I knew that the American way of life was about to change forever. Watching the event was very surreal. - David Ressler I was at Tech High School when I heard about the attack. At first I didn’t believe it; it looked like a movie. I recall a lot of parents calling in that day and picking up their kids. They were all very concerned. - Anthony Woods
T
he Memorial Plaza in New York is now open, although parts are still under construction. Some parts are not set to be finished until the 11th anniversary of 9/11. The new memorial has two reflecting pools in the exact
spots where the twin towers stood. The pools are surrounded by the names of the 2,977 people killed in the 9/11 attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon and the six slain during the bombing of the Trade Center
in 1993, which are all engraved in bronze. Admission is free but a pass is needed to view the memorial, and no more that 1,500 people are permitted at a time. An electronic device will help anyone to locate the name of a
loved one. Everyone remembers that fateful day when life as this country knew it just stopped. Whether a little kid at school or an adult at work, everybody remembers the moment they heard the news. So where were you?
I was getting my bus license down at the DMV and people were talking about the attack on the Towers. When I first heard, I was sad and shocked. Initially we didn’t know if it was a terrorist attack or if a plane just flew into the Towers. There was actually a woman at the DMV that was freaking out because her husband was on a plane headed to Washington D.C and she didn’t know if his plane was one of the flights to be highjacked. It turned out he was OK but he was stranded in D.C. for a while. - David Brunsting Assistant Principal I was getting out of bed when I heard of the attack on the Twin Towers. I was in shock and it was to the point where it was almost unbelievable. I was worried about everybody involved; everyone in America felt that blow. - John Ray Leavell
OPINION
Sept. 15, 2011
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Gender Control: Operation Segregation By Robert Sherrell
MALES in the classroom are usually viewed as loud and distracting and in competition for the attention of the girls.
Arlington Community High School has been a scene of recent controversy this school year, chiefly due to a change in its method of teaching the young men and women of the school. Students attending Arlington must abide by a new set of rules this year, segregation rules. But not segregation of “blacks” and “whites,” but rather a different corpse has surfaced for the board of education crows to pick at. Students attending Arlington Community High School are now separated by gender. Males and females not only go to classes on separate floors, they even start school at different times. The separation of boys and girls in the classroom has remained controversial for years; however, educators apparently still turn to this method to get results. The only problem is this method has yet to have any actual positive results.
Tech Titan Rant By Ambrea Spivey
“The way people act on campus - being just plain stupid. And then I’m so tired of teachers focusing more on uniforms than academies. We literally spend more time on uniforms than learning. That’s my number one problem.” Athena Sipe, junior “The construction annoys me. We spend more money on changing campus than extra-curricular activities like band. I think we should spend more money on afterschool activities; we need more band uniforms. If we want a better band, we need some money to help.” Arielle Philips, sophomore “I don’t like how they got rid of the academies. I thought it was a lot easier than this year. I had just gotten used to them. I don’t understand why they got rid of them anyway. It was just a lot easier for me personally with the academies here.” Alesia Reyna, sophomore “Freshmen - all the freshmen get on my nerves. They act like they run the school, and they just got here. Plus all the construction going on - I mean how is anyone going to concentrate when all that noise is going on all around you?” Bobbie-Jean Jones, senior “What really ticks me off is the way people run to fights. I mean sooner or later there will be mace sprayed. So why would you intentionally run to a fight and have mace sprayed on and around you because you wanted to see a fight? I mean seriously people, come on.” Zach Stewart, junior
Editor’s Rant
Robert Sherrell
The pep rally really was a flop. It lasted about 10 minutes and the announcer said the wrong names and most of the events, like the field goal kick, never happened. In my four years of attending Tech, I was never so disappointed.
According to the Huffington Post, “Several schools in New York have also separated their students by gender, and while some report improvements in classes, there still lacks a concrete answer to whether same-sex education directly influences student performance.” Tech High School was on probation for six years. If we hadn’t improved our school, maybe we’d also be divided
There is no purpose in separating genders in a classroom, when the real world, outside of school, is gender integrated. It’s important for people to learn how to interact with the opposite sex in order to be successful in a world where the two sexes often work together on a daily basis. Isn’t that the purpose of these educational institutions? High school isn’t just a place to sit for eight hours a day, it’s supposed to prepare students for a life outside of the school’s walls, and that life will involve people of the opposite gender. Maybe people would feel differently if it had been proven that single sex classes directly correlate positive results, but it doesn’t. Why? Why go through such a controversial change, to maybe get some positive results? The inconclusive end does not justify its radical means.
“An inconclusive end does not justify its radical means.” by gender. As improbable as that may sound, that’s what it’s come down to; a last pointless resort to get results. Our school has remained co-ed since its doors first opened nearly a century ago, and it has remained prosperous.
Dealing With Depression By Tiara Sherrell No one wants to speak of death, no one wants to be depressed, but with the death of CTM senior, Lisseth Martinez, questions and feelings surface. This not only hurt many teachers, staff and students that knew her, but also those that didn’t. Depression is a serious matter, and there are campus resources to help students and staff cope. There are counselors located on the second floor of Morgan Hall Rm. 567, open for all staff and students. “Students need to know that there is a healthy way to deal with depression,” said social worker for sophomores and freshman Sara Endicott. What are those ways? “Just talk to someone about how you feel,” Endicott said. There are a number of ways to deal with depression. Kimberly Montgomery, social worker for juniors and seniors, said if students think they are depressed, they should get moving. “Sports and other extra-curricular activities
help, but if it is continual, see a doctor and maybe look at medication. You can talk to someone; it could be a friend or a counselor,” Montgomery said. She said she wished there were better ways for teachers, clinics and social workers to know what services are available so that they can tell the students. Students handle and deal with their depression in different ways. Montgomery said some students ignore depression until it gets really bad and then they talk to her and together they problem-solve the best way to deal with the student’s personal feelings. If they need regular counseling, then they would be referred to a counselor or therapist. “If they do get depressed, then the feeling was already there and maybe talking to someone make them realize that, ‘Hey I feel the same way.’ We call it a healthy boundary,” Montgomery said. Depression is a serious condition that needs to be dealt with before it gets to a dangerous point.
“The Beat” By Makaela Modlin
The school doesn’t know what it wants. One example is the constant change in advisory EVERY year. How do you feel about the most recent form of advisory? Is it better or a waste of time? William Jensen, freshman dean “More students will be involved in advisory now that it is placed in second period because last year’s advisory attendance rate was low.”
Shelia Saunders, sophomore “It’s better than last year; the teachers allow you to get your work done and you don’t have to JUST sit there.”
Asia Tucker, freshman “I wish I had more things to do and more advisory days because it gives me more time to prepare.”
James Woods, freshman “It’s a good thing and I hope they continue this every Tuesday.”
By Daysia Brimmage
Uniqueka Collier, 10 - I go to my room eat, and I think. Ash’ lee Giden, 12 - Go by myself; think about what I’m going to do. Ranesha Gamill, 12 - I listen to music, paint, and I exercise. Sierra Geralds, 11 - I just deal with it. I also try and find a way to make it better. Angel Grant ,11 - I go in my room and write a poem. I love to put my feelings on paper.
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How Tech Teens Cope
Editor-in-Chief: Jana Warren
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FEMALES in the classroom are usually viewed as being more focused than males; always pushing the boys to participate in class activities.
1500 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46201 The Cannon is a public forum of speech that is produced by the students of Arsenal Technical High School once a month. Bylined columns represent the writer’s opinion, while editorials are designed to persuade, warn, criticize, inform or inspire. Letters to the editor must be signed and may be edited. The editorial board reserves the right to refuse any letter or advertisment that is not in the best interests of the school. All editorials are the opinion of the editorial board unless otherwise stated. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the administration, newspaper staff or journalism adviser.
STAFF WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS: Princess Kimbrough, Andre Poole, James Sherrell, Tiara Sherrell, Dominique Sims, Deanna Talley, Makeala Modlin, Corey Tibbs, Jr., McKeith Pearson, Ambrea Spivey, Donald Mosley, Daysia Brimmage, Dajvan Venerable, D.L. Mitchell, Anton Jones, Rustin Trotter, Marcus Saloane, Alexus Scott, Alex Whitfield
Inside the Huddle
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Photos by Anton Jones; comments by D.L. Mitchell
SPORTS
T
he Cannon took a RARE LOOK at football through the thoughts of one Titan varsity player. D.L. Mitchell lets us in on what most fans rarely see - behind the scenes of the Northwest win Sept. 2.
www.cannonline.wordpress.com BEFORE the game, players get taped to provide support. I was thinking about the job that had to be done on the field. I was GETTING IN MY
As a team we always say a prayer before the game. We always pray knowing that “the man upstairs” will be by us during OUR GAME.
Super Bowl Trivia Information compiled by Dajuan Venerable Who won the most Super Bowls? STEELERS Most Receiving TDs? JERRY RICE Who won the most consecutive Super Bowls? SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Who has the most consecutive Super Bowl losses? BUFFALO BILLS SUPER BOWL FACTS 1. The Green Bay Packers were the first team to ever win a Super Bowl under legendary coach Vince Lombardi. The Packers also won Super Bowl II.
4. The 1972 Miami Dolphins are the only team to go undefeated and win the Super Bowl under coach Don Shula. He was also the head coach of the Baltimore Colts during Johnny Unitas era. 5. Tony Dungy, Mike Ditka and Tom Flores are the only men to win a Super Bowl as a player and coach.
ZONE. I was thinking about what I have to do at any given time on any given play. This helps me have a better game.
The FIRST KICK of the game was about to happen. Our team was ready to GO. The sideline was loud and going crazy.
We RUN THROUGH THE PLAYS in the gym before leaving for the away game. We were about to come out and warm up. The ONLY
The kickoff team was HYPE and ready to go MAKE A PLAY. Right before the ball is kicked everyone has the mentality to go down and get the BIG HIT.
THING we could think about was THE GAME. There was complete silence while everybody was trying to get FOCUSED.
WIDE RECEIVER Jaythan Martin must always check to make sure he is behind the line of scrimmage. He is getting an O.K. from the ref.
They call him ‘The Big African’ there were food and drinks for everyone. Born in Nigeria, Ekiyor lived in the African nation for most of his childhood. When he was 12 Tech Titan football players call Coach Emil Ekiyor years old, he moved to Daytona Beach, Fla. and “The Big African”. lived with a family he didn’t know. The first-year Titan head coach brings his NigeAs the oldest, his parents sent him to America rian background, his desire for a better life and because they wanted him to have a better life. compassion for others to all aspects of his life and The family he moved in with treated him horribly. Yet even when he was asked by one of his coachcoaching. “I want Tech players to enjoy the experience of es if he wanted to move in with him, he said “no”. “I was just grateful for the opportunity to be here. high school football just like I did,” Coach E said. “I also want them to be able to have memories to I was independent and wanted to take care of myself.” But when the coach threatened to call tell their kids and grandkids.” CPS on the family, he moved in with him. Ekiyor, He stays in touch with his roots by sending better known as "Coach Emil" began his football reading materials back to Nigeria. career in the 11th grade, playing defensive end For Tech Coach Emil did the unthinkable. In at St. Joseph High School in Dayton Beach. He March when he got here 70 or more kids on went on to play college football at the University the football team had 3 Ds or more. Now every player has a C or better. He helped the team get of Central Florida. prepared for the upcoming season. During the After his senior season, he decided he was summer he made sure every player had a way to ready for the pros. He began his pro career with practice and back home. Before and after practice the Atlanta Falcons in 2000, and after about
By D.L. Mitchell, Marcus Saloane and Rustin Trotter
2. The championship trophy was named after Packer coach Vince Lombardi. 3. Super Bowl III was between Joe Namath and the AFL New York Jets and Johnny Unitas and the NFL Baltimore Colts. The Jets won 16-7, which was the impetus for the AFL/NFL merger that became the current NFL.
Sept. 15, 2011
two years in Atlanta, he left for Indianapolis where he ended his career with the Colts due to injury. After the injury, he stayed in Indianapolis, began a new career and met his wife. He began working with IPS football in 2007. He wrote a proposal to Dr. Eugene White, explaining his thoughts and views on the pros and cons of IPS football and what he felt should be done about it. Coach Emil believes more emphasis should be on helping the players as student athletes. Earlier this year when Keith Burke resigned as football coach, IPS Superintendent Dr. Eugene White asked Ekiyor to step in as Tech’s head football coach and put his proposal into action. Coach Emil is known for his involvement in the community and at Tech. In the community he has a regular column in the Indianapolis Recorder newspaper called Coach E’s Corner. He also works with his church, Christ is Our King.
TOP TITANS OF ALL TIME JIM
Haldane A.
MEL
3-year starter 1968 Indiana All-Star team Made Final Four appearance in 1972; Selected to 1st team All-American in 1972; Drafted in the 2nd round in 1972 by L.A. Lakers; Made All-Rookie 1st team in 1973; Made All-Defensive Team and NBA All-Star team in 1975 Information compiled by Donald Mosley
All-Sectional Forward in 1920 and 1921 Made All-State in football, track, baseball and basketball Won state in hurdles in 1921 All-American in basketball at Butler in 1924
All-State Performer in baseball and basketball as a senior Indiana Athlete of the Year Made 1960 Indiana AllStar team Three-time All-Big Ten selection in both basketball and baseball at Purdue. Named basketball MVP in 1963 at Purdue; Winner of the Big10 medal for academic and athletic achievement
PRICE
GRIGGS
GARLAND
BOTTOM LINE. . . FOOTBALL: 2-2, traveling to Boyle County, Ky. Sept. 16; VOLLEYBALL: 5-2, at home vs. Franklin Central Sept. 19; SOCCER: Boys 0-4-2, face Northwest today; Girls 0-5, face Hamilton Heights today; BOYS TENNIS: At home vs. Speedway, 4:30 p.m. today; CROSS COUNTRY: Jerome Campbell top runner, boys at Scecina Invitational today; girls at Howe Sept. 16