October/2012 Volume/39 Issue/01
Vision e l c r Ci
StuCo Story
05
Homecoming Court
07
Spirit Week Photo Collage 09
Circle Vision Newsmagazine is created by the Product Management and Resource Scheduling Class with contributions by the 21st Century Journalism class. The content of this student publication does not necessarily represent the view of the school board, administration, staff, or student body. The Circle Vision staff promises to provide lively, factual information to readers throughout the school year. It is our responsibility to provide an open forum for ideas, opinions, and artwork. We promise to be fair and balanced in our writing and represent our student body and community to the best of our ability as journalists. Editor in Chief Maddie Stephens News Editor Katelyn Hageman Voice Editor Ciara Mould Student Life Editor Anita Hinnen Sports Editor Alexis Cookson Entertainment Editor Jaci Corbin Photography Editor Sydney Breault Adviser Ms. Whiteside Circle Vision is printed by: Valley Offset Printing Inc. 160 S. Sheridan PO Box 298 Valley Center, KS 67147 Letters to the editor are excepted if submitted with fewer than 300 words. Please proofread content and provide your name and contact information. Letters do not necessarily represent the views of staff members.
02 October/ News
New In School
Katelyn Hageman News Editor
“There is an emphasis on career education. Some job skills can already be acquired and students can get a part-time job while going to school to help pay tuition,” said Wheeler. College courses can now be offered second semester allowing more students to take courses. “Nothing is lacking in the school. But before we can
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any changes have occurred within the school this year in building technology, tools for classrooms, and handbook changes. “The handbook had not been reviewed for several years and we as a staff wanted to review it,” said Principal Todd Dreifort. Nothing is lacking in the school. But before we can grow we need a new facility. The The Certified Nurses Assistant class is meeting industrial techat the grade school. We’ve simply outgrown nology departthe building and with a new school there ment received a are possibilities in all areas. 3-D printer for hands-on learning for students. grow we need a new facility . “Instead of holding a The Certified Nurses Assistant piece of paper, students can class is meeting at the grade draw it in Computer Aided school. We’ve simply outgrown Design (CAD) software and the building and with a new the printer creates a scale school there are possibilities in model,” said technology all areas,” said Wheeler. teacher Dan Guthrie. I-Pads are in class “We have been trying rooms all over school, which to tie (the printer) into class for a while now. We started of- came from a pilot program. Teachers are still fering upper level classes and getting used to teaching with then could justify it. Students the technological tool, some wrote a module for Dependrelying on it more than others. able Education Products “It’s a learning curve Company (DEPCO), they for teachers, they have to step bought it, and gave us a big outside their comfort zone,” discount on the printer.” said technology aide Linda According to upFarner. perclassmen counselor Deb Wheeler, name changes of classes in the art, business, family and consumer sciences, journalism, and industrial technology departments took place due to new requirements by the Kansas Department of Education. The goal is to make course names and content similar within all Kansas schools to make it easier to transfer schools.
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They will know by the end of the year whether the i-Pads are worth keeping. “The ultimate goal is to get them into the hands of the students, whether that is grade school students first or high school students,” said Dunson. Technology assistant Matt Hogoboom said wireless infrastructure has been installed however the school building is too small to provide enough room for students to use i-Pads. Some students have wondered why this seemed to be the year of handbook changes. “With myself, Mr. Carroll and staff members, a handbook review needed to be done so that everything was being addressed more adequately,” said Dreifort. A group of teachers met and reviewed the handbook to discuss how to address it to improve students’ educational experience. Dreifort said some current and future changes may seem disappointing to students but the staff has students’ best interest in mind.
New faces at school
About Circle Vision Staff
Katelyn Hageman News Editor Photos by Sydney Breault Robyn Hogan: The head janitor said, “I worked as a janitor on night-shift seven years ago and switched to the intermediate grounds keeping. I came back to the high school because it keeps me energetic around kids. I have seven children and in my free time I’m with my kids who play baseball and football.”
Mary-Rose Biltz: The Circle band instructor enjoys teaching music because she said, “It’s expressive and intellectually challenging. There’s always something to work for. At age 14 I was giving private lessons to fifth graders. That’s when I decided to be a band director.” Biltz said she plans to bring enthusiasm and hard work to better Circle bands.
Jeanie Ebberts: In the food service department said, “I worked at the primary school three years and before that as an administrative assistant in Andover where I retired.” She decided she still wanted to work a job with lots of kid interaction. “My hobbies include crocheting prayer shawls for the methodist church here in town, sewing, and genealogy. My six kids, 11 grandkids, and six great-grand kids stay connected with me through Skype,” said Ebberts.
Amanda Porter: The English teacher and forensics coach. She said, “I really enjoy literature, it teaches skills in many more fields than English. This is my first teaching job. My best characteristic is having creativity and bringing fun to learning. My goal is to initiate a hunger for higher level education.”
Jeff Slane: The new industrial technology teacher said, “I enjoy teaching the hands-on and bring a fun attitude to class. This was my first job offer and I jumped on it with the current economy.”
Kimberly Kohn: The algebra teacher said, “I came to Circle High School be closer to my sister who lives in Mulvane. We are very close. I graduated from the small campus, Fort Hays State. The one-on-one time there was great. I have taught at two schools before this one.” Her hobbies are: hanging out with family and playing board games.
Ask Thor... Thor is back in action and wants to advise students. Insert questions into Thor’s locker, number 555, and several will be answered by Thor in each issue of Circle Vision. He will give advice on questions students have always wondered about, but never knew the answer to. In addition a cut -out of Thor will be hidden around the school starting next week. If you find him, take a picture of him where he is and send the photo to vwhiteside@ usd375.org: it will be uploaded to the Circle journalism facebook site.
October/ News 03
Ask Thor What is the capital of Yugutan? Yugutan is not a real place. Therefore, it has no capital.
What do you think about the CHS dance team? I’m very proud of the dance team and believe they have done a great job.
Is there going to be another Transformers movie? According to “2013 and Beyond in Films” on www.wikipedia. org, Transformers 4 is set to be released June 27th, 2014.
Who is the Republican nominee for president? Mitt Romney.
What do you think about the Avengers movie? I thought it was the perfect amount of action and comedy.
04 October/ Voice
School lunch changes for the better
Ciara Mould duced food, then it is their own their only meal of the day. As Opinion Editor fault for feeling hungry. a mom, it bothers me to think There have been Obesity in America of a child going home hungry,” multiple changes at Circle High has become more apparent said Circle Food Service Manthis year. Perhaps none were over the last few years. Acager Jana Martin. more noticeable than the lunch cording to the article “Obe This meal may be the menu alterations. This change sity by the Numbers” at www. only one a child will receive is implemented by the United letsmove.gov, the childhood in the entire day for some stuStates government through obesity rate has tripled over the HHFKA (Healthy, the last 30 years. Nearly Hunger-Free Kids Act), one in three children is signed into law in 2010. overweight in the U.S. This caused many This fact is something parents and students not to be ignored as it to be angered. It needs increases one’s risk for to be understood that Type 2 diabetes, stroke, this new series of laws and other diseases and help children, not hurt health factors. them. Although this may Students were help with the obequick to notice some of sity rate, some relevant the adjustments made issues remain. The to the menu. Photo by Sydney Breault obscene amount of “One word: “We are investigating different options for a new paperwork that is disappointment. Those food vending machine, but it will take us some completed by the cafeterolls made my week,” time,” said principal Todd Dreifort. The old vend- ria staff and the fact that said junior Ryan some kids still go home ing machines were removed because the district Whitely. hungry are important did not renew the contract with the vending This was just company. issues. However, the one of many changes main concern of the to the menu. These national HHFKA is to assist in dimindents, however they aren’t supchanges include a decrease in ishing the obesity of children plying us with heinous food. proteins, sodium, calories, and in America and to promote They are supplying us with whole grain. Students should healthier lifestyles. foods that are simply different be subjected to more diverse We have a responthan what we are used to. Some fruits and vegetables and the sibility to keep the people of of these foods include asparasalad bar, according to the our nation healthy. We must gus, plums, and cauliflower article “Understanding the consider that the lunch menu which are fruits and vegetables Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act” changes are helpful to end the many kids are not accustomed at www.whitsons.com. With growing childhood obesity in to, but that are actually tasty. smaller serving sizes of certain America. School lunches could The harsh reality is that if these foods, there poses the problem be the healthiest meal of your kids, whose only meal of the of some children leaving school day as long as you’re willing to day is a school lunch, are not with their stomachs rumbling. try them. willing to try the newly intro “For some kids, this is
Jaci Corbin Entertainment Editor
Student Council Transforms Tradition
Student Council (StuCo) is making some big changes this year and I think the student body should support them. The main reasons for the adjustments are because they are trying to improve group organization, they help students, and they help the community. StuCo does a lot for students which they don’t realize. They set up most of the major events like Homecoming. This year instead of having just dancing at dances, there are going to be other options like casino night and karaoke so everyone can enjoy the dances. The innovative idea will boost attendance at dances. The main goal for StuCo this year is to build student leaders and involve everyone. “StuCo is trying to include all students, not just athletes. Other activities such as Spanish Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Art Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) need recognition,” said Sherri Coble, StuCo advisor. Events such as the Salvation Army Blood Drive, food drive, and Pennies for Patients support the community. These events are set up by StuCo and run by some of the senior seminar classes. The blood drive will take place November 5, and the food drive will take place November 6-13. It’s important for Circle to participate in these events because it gives students a chance to help others who most teenagers wouldn’t get the opportunity to help.
“We are having the kids do and decide more themselves this year to promote being a leader,” said Coble. Not everyone notices that StuCo is doing an amazing job. Many people say they don’t really notice what StuCo does. “I don’t really know what they do. They should keep us more informed,” said sophomore Josh Wyant. They are trying to work on keeping the student body more informed and involved. By having students vote for activities rather than just having StuCo decide everything on their own. Also, they formed committees within StuCo so business is more efficient. “We are trying to keep students more aware of events by doing more pep assemblies and announcements,” said Gibbs. Overall, I think StuCo is doing a fantastic job improving themselves and the school. They deserve our support by attending and participating in events, and recognizing what they do. Help your school and community by participating in the upcoming blood drive and food drive. “StuCo is doing a great job. There’s a lot they do. I’ve definitely noticed the impact they’ve had in the four years I have been here,” said senior Larissa Wikel.
Spirit Tips h Letters! Create signs for the crowd to hold up. Generally, a one letter sign combined with others makes it more visually appealing. h Themes! Use themes for every game such as cowboys and Indians, camouflage or toga night.
Photo by Ms. Whiteside StuCo members were alligned on the stage for Freshmen Thunder.
hWear It! Face or body paint, glitter, spirit towels, morph suits, beads, bracelets. hCheers! Come up with traditional cheers. Use chants and songs.
October/ Voice 05
What do teachers do to sleepers? Anita Hinnen Student Life Editor “I drop a book on their desk or kick their chair to wake them up,” said geometry teacher Melanie Bitler. “I kick their desk or tap them awake,” said algebra teacher Raylin Ledbetter. “I go and stand by them, and ask them a question. If it’s becoming a huge disruption, I let them sleep and talk to them after class,” said biology teacher Trey Harrison. “I knock on their desk and then talk to them after class,” said biology teacher Merle Craig.
“I slap their desk, poke them on the back, or nudge their chair to get them awake,” said physical science teacher Jordan Nuss. “I give them a warning, and if it happens again they have to serve a 30 minute detention,” said world geography teacher Bill Hecker.
“I kick their chair and make them stand for the rest of the hour. I think if I have to stand, then they can too if they are going to disrespect me,” said history teacher Doug Odom. “I don’t let them sleep, and wake them up. Then I ask if they are sick, just make sure they are okay,” said art teacher Wendy Tien.
Do you sleep in class? Freshmen Yes No 19 25 Juniors Yes No 15 21
Maddie Stephens Editor-in-Chief
“Because the World Trade Center was attacked,” said history teacher Doug Odom.
“My house was destroyed in an earthquake and I couldn’t find my homework in the rubble,” said science teacher Merle Craig.
“My car got broken into last night and they stole my backpack,” said science teacher Bo Horyna.
Yes No 7 14
“Well, you didn’t give me that assignment,” said Spanish teacher Jeana Mayfield.
“A student claimed to be related to a woman who was on the news for killing her kids. She said she was on the phone with them all night and couldn’t do her homework,” said English teacher Linda Pyle.
“I had my windows down because my air condition was broken. It blew out the window,” said math teacher Melanie Bitler.
Lexi Cookson Sports Editor
Cassie Lohmeyer
Seth Blaha
Drew Daharsh
Maddie Stephens
How do you feel about being nominated queen? It’s really awesome being nominated, especially knowing there’s so many other girls that would be a perfect candidate. Most embarrassing moment? When Alex Gardinier came up and kissed me in the parking lot my sophomore year. I was totally caught off guard, so I looked really stupid, and he only kissed me because he wanted to make my brother angry. But I don’t even care because it was Alex Gardinier.
Do you want to win? Yeah, I got money on Ben though. What’s your favorite memory of being at Circle High school? The teachers, sports, and Scott LaMunyon. Most embarrassing moment? Walking into the girls bathroom multiple times.
Do you have any hidden talents? Yeah, I’m Superman. Do you have any phobias? I hate spiders. Most embarrassing moment? The first day of football practice freshman year, the older guys locked me out of the locker room without any of my clothes on. How do you feel about graduating? Things definitely won’t be the same leaving all these people and all my friends.
Most embarrassing moment? The other day in Spanish, a cricket came out of no where and landed on my paper. I have an irrational fear of crickets and grass hoppers, so I freaked out and was on the other side of the room in less than 2 seconds. Next thing I know, I was crying. I was so embarrassed that a cricket made me cry in front of the whole class. How do you feel about graduating? I’m really excited until I think about being separated from my girls. That makes me want to cry.
Stewart Dennison
“The alarm didn’t wake me up in time to do it,” said family and consumer life teacher Roxanne Waltman.
Yes No 17 33
151 students surveyed
06 October/ Student Life
What is the worst excuse a student has given you for not doing his or her homework?
Sophomores
Seniors
Get to know your homecoming court
Do you want to win? Everyone wants to win. I won’t be upset if I don’t because the three other guys are my close friends. Most embarrassing moment? Coach Crisman has always thought I liked to catch butterflies so last year I went and caught one for him. Do you have any hidden talents? I’m pretty good at art.
Taylor Adelsperger Most embarrassing moment? I was changing in the locker room and I forgot my pants on the entire other side so I had to run to the other side and get them. Do you want to win? I’m just happy to be up and I know if I don’t win, one of my other friends will get it. What are you involved in at school? Volleyball, basketball, softball, StuCo, NHS, SADD, and music. What’s your favorite memory of being at Circle High School? Prom.
Lauren Gray Most embarrassing memory you have about your partner? This is the best memory about my partner actually. He was the first boy to ever kiss me. Do you have any hidden talents? I can lick my elbow. Do you have any phobias? Spiders, dolls, clowns, and the dark.
Ben Griffis
What’s your favorite memory at Circle High School? Bruin Hayden stealing second base when a pitcher was in warm up. The game wasn’t even actually going on. but Bruin thought it was. How do you feel about graduating? Pretty excited. It went by fast though.
October/ Student Life 07
Maddie Stephens Editor-in-Chief
“I wanna...”
Photos by Sydney Breault
Josh Walker, sophomore – “I wanna score the game winning touchdown in overtime on Friday night.” Jessica Morgan, freshman – “I wanna prank a teacher.” Josh Taber, freshman – “I want to make all A’s.”
Circle Talk Random quotes the Circle Vision staff hear in the halls.
Katie Frankenbery, sophomore – “I wanna go back to State in volleyball this year.”
Madison Wheeler, sophomore – “I wanna have a food fight.” Lander Walker, freshman – “I wanna place at State wrestling.”
Cody Woodard, freshman – “I want to graduate with a 4.0.” Jayme Hughey, sophomore – “I wanna make Mr. Slane cookies.” Braedon Roper, sophomore – “I wanna be able to dunk a basketball.”
Theron Brines, sophomore – “I wanna make it to State in track.”
“I can be fat and happy, or skinny and bored.”
“You can’t date someone if you can stick your finger through their ear.”
Homecoming
Dalanie Hadley, freshman – “I wanna not fail a test.”
Kaleigh Ahlers, sophomore – “I want to shove a pie in a teacher’s face.”
08 October/ StudentBreault, Life Mr.Carroll, Ms.Whiteside, Mandy Fowler and Katelyn Hageman Photos by Sydney
“Name: Two Chainz. Favorite sandwich: peanut butter.”
October/ Entertainment/ 09
Photos by Sydney Breault, Mr.Carroll, Ms.Whiteside, Mandy Fowler and Katelyn Hageman
October/ Entertainment/ 09
So you think you can dance? A look at the new Circle High School dance team
Lexi Cookson Sports Editor
I
t’s halftime at Circle High School on Friday night. The football team exits the field, and the Circle Thunderettes take center stage. It’s time for the new dance team to perform. About nine years was the last time the school’s dance team performed. With math teacher Raylin Ledbetter as head coach, the team was strong. Later, Ledbetter decided that she wanted to spend more time with her children, so she stepped down as coach. The team was cut from the list of school activities because there was no longer anyone to coach them. Paraprofessional Marsha Bishop decided she wanted to start it back up and stepped forward. “I really just decided to do it because I wanted the girls at the school to have more options activity wise,” said Bishop, head coach of the Thunderettes. Reviving the team was a long journey according to Bishop. The process lasted almost a year because she had to meet all of the coaching requirements and conditions. The Circle Board of Education had to approve the movement to create a team again and also a team budget. Also, Bishop went to a few meets and needed to complete the Rule 10 coaching course to work with the girls. Throughout it all, Bishop said the school and board was supportive. “The only thing I’ve contributed to the new team has been giving support to Mrs. Bishop. She’s doing a great job with the team,” said former coach Ledbetter when asked about the team.
10 October/ Sports
Tryouts took place last spring to get the team together and prepare for this year. They met over the summer and now they practice at 6:30 a.m. out on the football field proving their dedication. A small portion of funds is given to the team by the school, so the girls fund uniforms, Photos by Sydney Breault shoes, make-up, and warm-up & Melissa Richard gear themselves. Dances are choreographed by senior, captain, Cassie Lohmeyer, and junior, co-captain Bailey Wallace. “Bailey and I get horrible choreographer’s block. Then we think of something great and run and basically tackle each other out of joy,” said Lohmeyer. After the announcement the team would perform at the first home game, there was a lot of buzz around the school. when the day came and the girls took the field they danced to “Lose Control” by Missy Elliot. “The team did way better than I expected since there hadn’t been a team in forever,” said senior Emily Valentine. Tryouts for the dance team will be held again in November to recruit a few members for basketball season.
Girls Tennis Freshman Page Counterman is the only one in her grade level playing varsity tennis this year. She plays number two doubles with sophomore Macey Griffin. She also competed in one junior varsity match playing number one singles. She played the sport before seventh grade by attending varsity coach Bill Hecker’s summer tennis camp. She enjoys tennis and is looking forward to getting better over the season. “My goal for this season is to master my serve,” said Counterman. Hecker is the girls varsity coach and saw potential in Counterman when she was only in seventh grade. “She has a positive attitude, is very competitive, has good coach ability, and a good work ethic. These things will help you improve your game at a faster rate,” said Hecker. Volleyball The freshman volleyball team is currently 10-4 with six straight wins. Head coach Shelly Nibarger said they look promising for future years. “As a whole they play very well as a team and play with a lot of enthusiasm,” said Nibarger. Their next game is October 6 at Andale against Augusta and Rose Hill. The team gets along well with their teammates according to junior varsity players and Nibarger. “They are nice people and doing very well. They are off to a good start and will help the team a lot in future years,” said sophomore, outsider hittter Leah Metzger.
Star Freshmen Anita Hinnen Student Life Editor
Cheerleading Krystal Mullin, a freshman on the cheer squad, tried out this year because it is her first year in high school and she wanted to see what it was like. She practices with the team every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after school for about two hours. “I like cheerleading because you get to be social,” said Mullin. Taisha Tunnel is the cheer coach. When asked why she chose Mullin as her top freshman she said, “She’s really outgoing and willing to try anything. She’s one of the first freshmen to be in the front.” Boys Soccer Freshman Mark Walthers plays forward on this year’s varsity soccer team. Walthers likes soccer because it’s competitive and you get to show off your skills. The team practices every day after school and he practices at least one hour at home. He played this year because they didn’t have it in the middle school, and he hopes to play all four years in high school. “My goal for this season is to have a hat trick in one game,” said Walthers, or in other words, he wants to score three goals in one game. A.J. Pello, head coach for soccer, said Walthers was his top freshman because of his good work ethic, attitude, and he listens to what he has to say and applies it. “It all goes back to attitude. He doesn’t goof off and does what is needed to get better,” said Pello. Football There are a lot of freshmen out for football this year. According to the head coach Robert Pool, quite a few of them stand out and look good for years to come. These freshmen are doing an excellent job according to Pool: Jason Hodge, Kaden Fowler, Cody Eastridge, Brenden Horyna, Jacob Pfeiffer, Matt Keene, Ben Engels, and Garrett Borg-Kepler. “Potential is only as good as what you’re willing to do with it,” said Pool. According to Pool and junior varsity players the freshmen seem to be getting along well with their teammates. “They are fitting in with the varsity, are doing a good job of filling in spots, and are learning a lot,” said sophomore teammate Cameron Kifer.
Cross Country Freshman Jonam Gibbs runs cross country on the varsity team. He started running in seventh grade because he couldn’t play football due to a broken arm. He likes cross country because of the feel of accomplishment after a good work out. When asked about being the number one runner he said, “I don’t think of it like that. Orlando is always right behind me so it doesn’t feel like I am.” Gary Wartick, cross country team’s head coach, said he is excited to watch this year’s team and Gibbs in particular over the years to grow and become better and faster. “He is competitive, not afraid of hard work, and has good coach ability. He does what you ask and then some. He is just the better, faster runner,” said Wartick. Girls Golf Freshmen Maggie Cannon and Taylor Walls are playing girls golf this year. They said they like head coach Brian Henry for his good teaching skills, they get along well with their teammates, and they share the same goal to play varsity. “I like it because I’ve met a lot of new friends. I hated it at first, but I really like it now,” said Cannon. They played in their first tournament and did well according to Henry. They are continuing to work on their overall game. “They look promising for future years and are improving a lot,” said Henry.
October/ Sports 11
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