March/April Broboca

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 5

BROOKINGS HIGH SCHOOL

MARCH/APRIL EDITION

Does daylight savings time still serve its purpose?

by Ian Lundgren

Testing signs like the one above filled the school during the first week of April as BHS juniors and some seniors took the annual Smarter Balanced Tests. These tests are required by the state of South Dakota for all students who have achieved junior status.

It’s testing season: What does that mean?

by Grace Davis

For high school juniors, the season of standardized testing is well underway.

On April 4 and 5, BHS juniors will be spending a total of 6-9 hours completing the Smarter Balanced test. Students are also encouraged to register for an administration of the ACT and/ or SAT in the spring of their junior year.

As more universities convert to testoptional admission policies, though, many question the necessity of pushing students to take standardized tests.

BHS is one of the highest scoring schools in South Dakota on the ACT. While South Dakota has an average score of 21.6, the average ACT score of BHS students is 27. These ACT scores rank BHS as one of the top schools in

South Dakota.

However, based on Smarter Balanced test scores, BHS is barely average in the state. We only rank in the top 57% of South Dakota schools in the English Language Arts, the top 48% in Mathematics, and the top 53% in Science.

For a school that consistently ranks at the top of the state in other standardized tests, it is strange to see such a drop in scores. Why the discrepancy?

According to BHS students, the answer to this question lies in the consequences of each test. Whereas ACT scores can directly affect juniors’ chances at being admitted into college or earning scholarships, Smarter Balanced tests have no obvious consequences for students.

When asked if the motivation of students varies between typical standardized tests (like the ACT or SAT) versus Smarter Balanced tests, Sofia Dvergsten, 11th grade, answered yes. She explained: “It doesn’t affect the students. It affects the school and teachers.”

As universities across the country adopt test-optional admissions policies, though, the importance of the ACT and SAT may decrease for students. Over 75% of universities in the US do not require standardized test scores, and that number is only growing. Perhaps, in the near future, standardized tests will lose their place as the measuring sticks for the progress of schools.

On July 1st, 1908, the idea of daylight savings was brought to the table.

It was originally just created to give farmers an extra hour of light to work in during the warmer months. Today, we still practice daylight savings with the ultimate goal of preventing technology usage across the nation.

Though nobody enjoys sacrificing an hour of sleep, there are plenty of benefits for the general population to enjoy. Having the extra hour of daylight in evenings shows many positives, such as lower crime rates and fewer traffic incidents. The reduced usage of electricity lowers the cost of electrical bills for a lot of people. DST is great for the economy as it gives stores an extra hour of business. Finally, DST promotes a more active lifestyle for the public. People tend to use the extra hour of light for outdoor activities.

Unfortunately, the negatives outweigh the positives when it comes to DST. in the days following a change, our circadian rhythms become ruined, which can cause negative effects to cognitive processing. This becomes more apparent the farther West you go where there is less need for an extra hour of daylight in the evenings due to the later sunsets. In fact, the extra hour of daylight causes the western residents to lose a significant amount of sleep. Studies show a link between lack of sleep and serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease.

Boys Varsity Hockey repeats as state champions

by Jackson Law

On March 11-13, the Brookings Rangers varsity hockey team competed in the south dakota state finals at the SCHEELS Ice Plex in Soux Falls. The Ranger team won the state championship for the second year in a row.

They won the first game with ease against Sioux Falls 2 and then proceeded to do the same with Sioux Falls 1 for the next game.

In the Championship game against the undefeated Rushmore team from Rapid City. This was a closer game.

With a final score of 4-2 the rangers came out on top thanks to their goaltender Kade Brechar. Kade kept the team in the game by saving over 40 shots. In the final minutes of the game it was a 5-3 leaving the rangers killing 2 questionable penalties.

Within the last minute Rushmore pulled their goalie for the extra attacker leaving the net wide open. Logan Bortnem the Rangers captain scored the 4th and final goal to secure the win to become state champs.

Brookings Rangers #27 Logan Bortnum scores against the Sioux Falls Flyers while #23 Jack Merit looks on. The Rangers won the State Varsity Hockey Tournament for the second year.

5-Step College Application Process Choose a college you like CONSIDER LOCATION AND COST

For many students, grades and gpas motivate them to take their school work seriously. For others, the pressure that grades place on them becomes crippling.

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Fulfill the requirements

Do grades get in the way of student learning?

by Thea Varpness

Some people may ask, does grading affect the way students learn? Many people would say yes and no. There are positive or negative sides when it comes to grades. Brobocca Staff have asked some teachers and students what they thought about grading.

When it comes to grades, students will try to get the best grade they can, but they do not always carry the learning experience on later in life. According to Mr. Miller, Personal Finance and Economics teacher, “Grades put pressure on students to know the material, not necessarily learn the material.”

Many students could probably agree with this since some people do not remember everything in school.

Other teachers would say that grading is a good way for students to set goals. Mrs. Buisker, English teacher, responded with, “Grading is positive and it offers feedback and gives students a target; it gives students a focus on meeting expectations if it is done appropriately.” Alayna Henderson also

agrees, “It helps give students feedback on how they are understanding the material.”

Students also try to achieve high grades, while others just want to learn without having to worry about their grades. Charlie Janise, freshman of Brookings High School, says, “I like to learn but I do not want to worry about keeping my grades high.” “If the grading is bad, the students will not want to try as hard.” Mr. Lutchemburg responded with, “Students strive to achieve higher grades, but sometimes students will not care about their grades...they just want to learn the material.”

In conclusion, there are different opinions on grading, some good and bad. Some students like grading for feedback, while others will not try as hard because they are too stressed about their grade. Teachers think a little differently than the students with grading, but they understand why students want feedback or if they are not wanting to learn as much because of the grades.

FILL OUT FORMS & SUBMIT ESSAY

have someone recommend you ASK LETTERS FROM YOUR TEACHERS

Check thoroughly ENSURE EVERYTHING'S IN ORDER

Complete and submit

Study corner gets a makeover

BEST TO SUBMIT BEFORE DEADLINE

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Navigating the spring flu season

By Jill Hemmer

The study corner saw a make-over this past month thanks to the Teaching as a Profession students. Students are excited to see the new seating options and aesthetic that encourages studying.

Students describe the space as “cozy” and “inviting.” Others are concerned about how long the new furniture will stay nice.

One senior explained, “It was time for a change. The furniture before was obviously broken and unusable.”

Overall, the response is positive, and students are excited to use the space.

How do people know they have a cold , the flu, or just allergies?

For starters cold symptoms are different from flu symptoms.

Cold symptoms usually consist of a runny nose, a bad cough, and a sore throat. Flu symptoms usually consist of a runny nose , a bad cough, and a fever.

Allergies are different people

might sneeze and cough several times throughout the day but if the same thing happens throughout the week those could be mild flu symptoms.

According to the CDC the most common months for flu activity are February and March and the spring flu itself can last for one to two weeks.

The

Report

You home source for satire and fun!

APRIL 2022 EDITION

90% of population cannot tell the difference between satire and fake news

by BROBOCA Staff A study released this past week by the LLPOF Consortium has found that nearly 90% of American adults cannot tell the difference between fake and satire.

“Lies are lies. I don’t care what sort of way you package them,” states local Prudence Patientbotum. “I just don’t see why the news can’t tell us the full truth all of the time,” she continued.

However, local academics have a slightly different view. Professor Ludlow Tukesbury, the Edward Nigma Chair of the faux-journalism deparment at Springwater Univeristy, states, “Well, to start with, there is a difference.

Fake news is created with the intention of misleading an under-informed populace. Satire, on the other hand, pokes fun at current events. However, the intent is that the population knows from the start that it isn’t real.”

This division can be difficult for many to grasp. With the increased prevalence of news created to mis-direct and mis-inform, the general reader can struggle to get a footing.

Professor Tukesbury shares some tips to help you determine if you are reading fake news or satire. He shares: 1. Look at the source. Is it attempting to look legitimate? Satire sources generally give you some clues that their information is poking fun at the real news. Fake news attempts to look as legitimate as it can.

2. Research further. Take the headline to Google to see if you find the information elsewhere. In the case of satire, you will likely find the original idea that the article is poking fun at.

3. Check out the sources. Look at the credentials of those interviewed. Are they real people? Do they appear to have an agenda? Or are they totally made up, such as me, Professor Tukesbury? Satire generally makes up its sources whereas fake news misquotes or finds questionable “experts” to add to their work.

Tukesbury reminds all readers that reading satire can be a highly enjoyable activity, as long as the reader understands the purpose of the genre.

Robotic Pigeons from Russia Discovered Spying in United States

by Grace Davis

In a press release on Friday, April 1, US officials urged Americans to be wary of birds - particularly the Columbidae species, otherwise known as pigeons - when partaking in everyday activities.

“We have reason to suspect that Russia has been deploying robotic surveillance devices in large cities for months now,” US official Tim Sparrow reported. These surveillance devices have been hidden in plain sight, disguised as seemingly harmless birds: pigeons.

“Because pigeons are so prevalent in our cities,” Sparrow went on to explain, “it’s easy for them to gather intelligence unnoticed.” The White House later issued a statement warning Americans to speak carefully in public areas, as one never knows when a pigeon may be listening.

Other precautions the White House recommended include installing magnetic field generators around residences, as well as near parks and city halls.

These magnets disable the pigeons’ flying capabilities, rendering them useless as surveillance devices. They also help Americans tell the difference between robotic pigeons and real birds.

Across the country, marches and rallies have been organized in response to this disturbing news. “Birds don’t exist!” one especially adamant man claimed at a Philadelphia antibird rally last Monday. “They’re all Russian spies!”

Even in Brookings, signs can be seen hung in windows, warning “Beware: Birdwatching Goes Both Ways.”

Chickens cause local Twinkie shortage; Computers now can have a conscience

by Jackson Law like, and we really put emphasis on the Howard the duck aids in attack

by Sofia Divergsten

On Maytember 34, hundreds of chickens broke into the local stores.

They demolished every Twinkie in the city, including the ones at the nearby Hostess factory.

Cameras show local star, Howard the Duck, aiding in the Twinkie raid. He was seen pulling the pin on the trailer door, letting the hundreds of chickens escape. Police have taken Howard into custody for aiding in a planned robbery. He is suspected to be sentenced to five months in prison or serve one hundred hours working at local stores and the Hostess factory.

The factory owners, Roy Clark and Jace Berd, claim that it will take around three months to resume pro-

duction on Twinkies and other Hostess goods. It has been estimated that Twinkies will not return to stores for an additional month after production begins.

Ted Kent, a local Twinkie enthusiast, said, “I do not know how I will be able to get through my day without a Twinkie. They have become a major part of my daily routine. They are my favorite snack that I just love so much.”

Locals have set up a Go-Fund Me page for Ted. So far, over one thousand Twinkees have been donated to this cause. People are encouraging other towns to donate their Twinkies to help him recover from this devastating disaster.

In 1938 the first ever programmable computer was created by German Konrad Zuse. Never did he imagine just how advanced computers would become. Even scientists and computer programmers today couldn’t imagine what a computer engineering team sponsored by Barack Obama was able to create in the past six months.

There is no clear definition on what conscience truly is, but yet somehow humans are now able to create it. It just comes to show how advanced we have become as a species. This new invention of computers with consciences raises many questions.

The first and most asked question is, how can we stop them from taking over. Head engineer Stacy Wilcom says, “this program is very human-

compassion part of what we call the brain, the brain is more of a cpu than an actual brain but it works relatively the same as a human brain.”

Another important question is, do computers now have rights? Well this is an ongoing debate between the engineers that created it. Some say since it is now a sentient being it deserves the same rights as any living creature. Others think that since it is still a computer then we should treat it like it is a computer.

These are only two of many questions that still need to be answered about this new type of “being”. Now that humans are becoming somewhat like gods being able to create conscience and all, maybe we have the right to control these new bodys of conscience.

New disease “Bazi Plague” hits Brookings, South Dakota

by Thea Varpness

Hazy spell induces strong stages of senioritis in underclassmen

by Rachel Raatz

As of the past few years, the school bathrooms have been converted from a restroom facility to a hazy room full of sickly scents. Students wander in and wander out seeming like a completely different person. Eyes hang half open and their shoulders slumped, some seem to walk a bit slower, as different smells emit from their body.

A witness, who requested to keep their identity anonymous, confessed to following a group into the bathroom a couple of times, letting curiosity get the better of them. Though they didn’t admit to taking part in this activity–of a sort–they did note how they’d stand there in line, like they were waiting to use one of the stalls. They just watched as students clustered together in the big stall, later following, a couple of others shamelessly knocked on the door, in front of everyone, and in seconds they’re pulled in too.

“It’s like they’re clueless to their surroundings. They just walk in there like no one is watching. A haze looms over them, but they don’t care.” states the anonymous witness. “They’re the same people who have started to care less and less about attending class.

Whatever they’re doing, it must be having them enter a strong stage of ‘senioritis’ early on in their highs school career.”

Senioritis is the illness seniors come down with when nearing the date of graduation; symptoms include: lack of motivation, skipping class, ignoring the importance of grades, having late assignments, falling asleep in class.

Comparing Senioritis to whatever spell these underclassman students are

under is a huge deal. This illness is said to be incredibly hard to overcome, it can put you through the roof in assignments to get done that can change a course of graduation. If younger students are entering early stages of Senioritis, this could be devastating for the years to come.

Another anonymous witness commented on how stressed the staff have become.

They’re racking their brains to see how to reverse the spell these students have casted over themselves; to engage their students in classwork. The witness reports “There has been a bubble of students losing touch of what’s important and it’s scaring the teachers.

They are lost and are trying their best to interact with these students. No one knows what to do.”

Kids have been seen sleeping more in class. There’s an entire Instagram page full of proof of students falling asleep in class: bhsslumpeddd. The page is dedicated to allowing anonymous senders to release pictures of other students asleep in class, the page is also seen to rate the way students are asleep in class. A couple of students reported back about the page, one wondering “How did we let it get this far?”

The majority of staff and students have noticed things have been spiraling out of control, the spell has been cast among many and it doesn’t show signs of stopping, causing major hysteria in a large number of the staff. Students in the haze have been showing signs of induced Senioritis, bubbling out into a large portion of students sleeping in class and lacking on getting assignments done. Is this ever going to end?

A new disease “Bazi Plague” causes Brookings, South Dakota to go into another quarantine. This disease is infecting people one by one and there are serious consequences. The Bazi Plague is a deadly, rapidly spreading disease with no known cure.

The symptoms of this disease are pustules (bulging patches of skin that’s full of yellowish fluid called pus) which appear all over the body and a yellowing of the whites of the eyes.

It is very important to remain in your homes at all costs. There are no other known side effects that we know of.

Wear a mask going outside and goggles, considering we do not know how this disease can get caught. So far there have been over 500 people who died and over 300 currently in the hospital trying to fight through this disease. It takes a couple of days before you know you have this disease since you will

not feel very sick until you really know you have it.

Scientists are currently looking for a cure or anything to slow down this deadly disease. This will take time to get rid of, therefore, we need to have patience.

This disease is considered worse than covid due to is quick rate of spread. It will soon spread from state to state, and then to other countries.

The public is reminded that if they see someone showing symptoms, they need to report it immediately. Researchers have no idea how this disease started or what it came from. We have been researching as hard as we can and once we find the source we will get rid of it immediately. Remember to be cautious, wash your hands, wash your face, and take more showers. This disease is no joke, we want everyone to be safe and calm until we figure this situation out.

Puppies run rampant in the school

by Laurissa Thomas

In order to brighten students day the school board borrowed 30 puppies from the humane society to assist students with emotional issues as well as school related issues.

The puppies were set free to roam the school as well in order to ease the sad wave the school has put over many students. The puppies are able to roam the halls and students are allowed to pet them, carry them around, and give them dog treats. They are even allowed to bring them to their specific classrooms.

The puppies have brought new light into the school again and have allowed students for once in the history of BHS to be stress free. Many feel that bringing puppies into the school was a positive change for the school.

Many say it allows them to be relieved of stress and actually enjoy coming to school. Therefore the school board assumes they will employ this practice again.

Organizers also mentioned putting kittens some of its main hot spots such as the math and science classrooms of the school.