Common Sense
Millard South High School • 14905 Q St. • Omaha, Neb., 68137
January 27, 2017
Volume 17 Issue 5
Marching Band takes sweet trip to Sugar Bowl
Isabel Kimminau Staff Reporter Performing in front of a crowd consisting of approximately 54,000 people is no small feat, let alone performing in a nationally televised football game. Our own Patriots’ Pride Marching Band, was one of the select few bands chosen for an opportunity to do just that, performed as part of the halftime show at the 2017 Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana. Although, to do so, they had to sacrifice some of their winter break, as the band left on the Dec. 29 and didn’t return until the Jan. 4. Still, it seems to have been a worthwhile opportunity. “The band was able to learn a new routine and music, both that were provided to us, for the halftime performance,” band director Darren Myers, states. “We also were able to participate in the Sugar Bowl parade and a marching band competition as a part of this opportunity.” The competition was similar to a normal marching band competition, with the only main difference being that the winners were awarded with a chance to present the American flag during the national anthem during pregame. The marching band ended up placing first in their division, and second overall; losing by a little less than two Top: The Patriot’s Pride Marching Band poses inside the Mecrcedes-Benz Superdome. Photo by Rich points. Despite this, our band was one of the lucky two that Saighman. was able to perform as a part of pregame. Bottom: Freshman Jacob Henry and Senior Emmalee Bielenberg perform America - Let Freedom Ring in “Because we placed so well, we had the opportunity to the Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade. Photo By Rich Saighman hold the American flag during the national anthem, before the football game,” Jasmine Parmley, a marching band senior and percussion section leader, comments. She went on to talk about how the band was also able to be a part of the aforechance to perform at the Sugar Bowl in that December such as the Winter Park Music Festival, every two years. mentioned parade throughout the French Quarter and the Preparing the show itself was another matter. Practicing the experience to perform in front of such a large crowd during time-frame. So I started researching for the trip about then, and we had pretty much guaranteed we were going in show music and the drill began as early as May of last year, the game. March of last school year. ” and the band continued to practice even through the cold/ “It was really a once-in-a The band had since snowy winters that Nebraska has to offer. lifetime opportunity to perform then been fundraising and “We still went outside on the warmest days of the It was really a once-in-a-lifetime with so many other people, in preparing for the experience week, when we could. We also managed to rent the Cook front of so many other people,” opportunity to perform with so many in a multitude of ways. StuPavilion before we left; it was good that we were able to get she remarks. In spite of this people, in front of so many other dents paid just under $1,200 some indoor practice in something close to what the cliincredible opportunity, a lot of people. for the trip with a grand price mate there would have been like, because we wouldn’t have work and planning had to go into tag coming out at just over been able to practice at all once we got there,” quips Myers, all of this before they could even $172,000. The entirety of the “I believe it ended up paying huge dividends.” – Jasmine Parmley, Senior get to New Orleans. Thanks to band, regardless of the cost, The students seem to hold the same view about outtheir rich history in performance, was in attendance, with only side practice as Jasmine responds with an answer much such as performing in the Alamo a few students staying behind the same, “Although marching in the extreme cold is not Bowl, this occasion presented due to their own preference, not exactly my idea of a perfect December morning, having a itself. because of financial problems. chance to compete and play in front of thousands of people “Our band has an amazing reputation, and because of This is a relief, as the band will not take another large was definitely worth it.” this we get offers every year to travel all over; we’ve gotten of- trip like this for another four years. They will attend the fers to go China and France, and all of these amazing places, Winter Park Music Festival in two years time, because they some of them obviously more feasible than others,” Myers continues, “It just so happened that I got an email about the try to alternate between a Bowl game and a less pricey trip,
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Inside Common Sense March in Omaha and Lincoln Page 3
Focus on ELL Pages 7, 8, and 9
World Language Week Page 11
Swimming Page 12
Photo by Christine Kaldahl
Photo by McKenna Krueger
Photo by Montserrat Hernandez Rivera
Photo by McKenna Krueger
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News 1 • 27 • 2017
Millennials struggle to find true news Emma Martin Copy Editor
QUIZ YOURSELF: ARE THESE STORIES REAL?
ing fairly and accurately, so if a story It’s sad, but true: keeping up on seems fishy or something I’ll research local and world news is becoming less info and read from different points of and less common in today’s world. views and then form my own opinT or F Omaha man dies after choking on a piece of steak on New Year’s Eve Print media is taking a sharp decline, ion,” she said. T or F Boots being recalled after claims of swastika imprints on the soles and people are turning to digital news But the only issue isn’t young outlets. According to a poll conducted people not knowing what to deem T or F Reporter Janet Cooke receives Pulitzer prize after writing about 8-year-old on the Common Sense Twitter page credible or not. It’s also the lack of heroin addict from Washington, D.C. on Jan. 11 and 12, 67% of voters get interest and knowledge about the surtheir news from social media/news rounding world. According to a Pew T or F NBC anchorman Brian Williams takes enemy fire while helicoptering into Iraq apps, 10% from newspapers/local staresearch from 2012, older generations tions, 17% by word of mouth, and 6% spend almost twice as much time folT or F A vegan woman is denied Swiss citizenship because of strong animal rights don’t really keep up on it at all. lowing the news compared to today’s views News is still circulated, but in a Millennials. Many young people nowvery different way than 10 or 20 years adays aren’t aware of major national ago. We have to ask ourselves if this is issues, let alone global issues. And it’s hurting our society. How many young because we, as a culture, don’t always pop up,” she said. people know about crises around the globe? How many of avidly encourage students to take an active involvement in According to research conducted by the Media Insight them are aware about issues facing our society? And even if current events and becoming educated on topics that will Project, 69% of Millennials claim to get some form of news they do keep up on the news, are their sources credible? affect our communities, countries, and world. once a day. The problems arise when they then start to It’s often easy for young people (and older people too, California is one state trying to turn the situation believe false sources and don’t get the actual facts. During quite honestly) to believe what they read online, because around. According to the ‘Sacramento Bee,’ a bill was the last presidential election there was an especially massive “everything on the internet is true.” Right? It’s not necessarrecently introduced in order to help students become spike of falsehoods being circulated, with stories emerging ily a bad thing that so many people are turning to online more media literate and attempt to stop the prevalence of that were wildly untrue, yet believed by many. There were outlets to hear their news. fake news spread in today’s society. Hopefully, other states lies about Russia, drug rings, e-mails, and so many other Senior Claire Watson is included in the many. will begin to take measures to do the same. Then, maybe topics it’s enough to make your head spin. “I generally get my news from social media, mainly someday soon, we will have a community where people Watson has become a pro at combating this. YouTube. I also have the CNN app on my phone, but really double-check their facts and spend more time reading up “It’s really hard to know what news sources are reportonly pay attention to the breaking news notifications that on national issues, not Kim Kardashian’s derriere. Answers: 1. T 2. T 3. F 4. F 5.T
Hidden Figures inspires UNO Women in STEM to host panel discussion RuthAnne Hale Entertainment Editor “Katherine Johnson knew: once you took a second interview. The boss apologized, but the first step, anything was possible,” said Marhis assumptions told her more than he knew. got Lee Shetterly, author of “Hidden Figures,” “I always feel that I have to prove myself the book that inspired the movie by the same more than my colleagues,” she said. “Discriminame. nation has become more overt, and we no lon After watching “Hidden Figures”, it’s ger have the bathroom signs to show us where impossible to deny its messages about equalwe are wrong.” ity, family, and “A lot of You can’t be an ideal mother and an perseverance are the sentiments and powerful and feelings remain,” ideal worker in today’s society. The relevant to today’s said Alyssa Gilmsolution is to change the definition of society. To address ore, a female black both, this, a screening engineer. When she of the movie and was first starting an accompanying out as an engineer – Panel Member Jenna Yentes panel was hosted she was young, and by UNO’s Women at the top of her in STEM (Science, class. The people Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) around her had always known how smart she program at Aksarben cinema on Wednesday, was, but when she went to find a job, an older January 11th. The panel featured women who gentleman walked up to her and said: don’t tell had knowledge in STEM or diversity, including me YOU’RE an engineer. Jenna Yentes, Deedee Bennett, Alyssa Gilmore, She found the strength to continue Kelly Johnson, and Jenifer Harbour. through her family. Her advice to those facing Hidden Figures is a movie centered on the adversity or injustice of any kind is to find suptrue story of three African-American Womenport. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and “It only takes one person in your corner, Mary Jackson, who used their talents in science and then you can persevere through anything,” and mathematics to put a man in space, while she said. pushing for social change in the 1960’s. The audience also got a chance to share “Most of you know who John Glenn is,” their experiences. One audience member, a said Deedee Bennett. “But prior to this movie, scientist and a single mother, shared the impact there very few times we see stories like these that the theme of women having both a family women.” and a career had on her during the movie. “Young girls of color deserve to learn the “You can’t be an ideal mother and an ideal story of these women,” said Jenifer Harbour. worker in today’s society,” said Jenna Yentes in “And not only did that (discrimination) hapresponse. “The solution is to change the definipen, but it continues to this day. tion of both.” Panelists shared stories of their experi Kelly Johnson has two small children, ences with sexism and racism in STEM. and shared her struggle with this too. She says Deedee Bennett shared many experiences. that the most important thing to remember at Being a black woman, she has endured a lot, your job is that you don’t need to constantly including side comments, not being taken seri- overachieve to get ahead. ously, and even being completely ignored. She In the end, all the panelists agree that once had a boss who would refuse to give her there is a lot of work to be done before equality credit for her work. He accused her of using is achieved, it’s important to share the stories other people to prop her up, and she had to of people like Katherine Johnson, Dorothy eventually take him to a restaurant and have a Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. candid conversation, which seemed to her like
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Nebraska scraps 11th grade NeSA testing, replaces with ACT Rebecca Harvie Staff Reporter As of last year, the NeSA’s All of the English eleven reign of dread came to an end. So teachers have already decided to for this year the juniors and their shift all NeSA prep to ACT prep teachers are looking forward to the and it can be expected that the ACT! rest will have a shift in a similar This last April the state of fashion. Since the reading/writing Nebraska finally decided to remove would have been this month, we the NeSA from all Nebraskan high can see the change in the English schools and replaced the test scores department right away. By the time with those of the ACT. Instead of that April rolls around, we will see taking both the NeSA and the ACT the change in math and science juniors will now just be taking the more dramatically than we may ACT. now. “The NeSA was reading, math, While the ACT is not new science, and writing. The state is for Juniors to take, this year is the replacing those with the ACT plus first year that all Juniors will take writing,” Vice Principal Michelle the ACT Writing. This writing Klug said. test will be forty minutes and it The decision to remove the will give you a prompt with three NeSA was well accepted by both different perspectives for the writer teachers and the administration. to choose from. The three perspec“The ACT has more meaning. Mil- tives are what separates this writing lard South students did very well test from others and as soon as with the NeSA, but the NeSA did they master that type of writing the not do much for the students,” Klug Juniors should do fine. said. This change will be difficult “I don’t feel like it (NeSA) was and different but we know that in a very the long accurate run and I don’t feel like it (NeSA) was a very gauge the short and it did run it will accurate gauge and it did not really not really help all prepare them (students) for the real prepare Millard world, them (stuSouth dents) for juniors the real both now – English teacher Sarah Martin world,” and those eleventh in the grade future to English teacher Sarah Martin said. succeed. So we wish them luck in So that brings up the question, this new endeavor and continue to what are eleventh grade teachers look for ways to help them achieve going to do with the extra time? their goals. Martin says “ACT Prep!”
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News 1 • 27 • 2017
Students watch history in the moment as Donald J. Trump is inaugurated Conlan Custard Staff Reporter The Presidential inauguration has been a signature event in America long before any of us can remember. The peaceful transition of power distinguishes us as a more civilized and cosmopolitan nation. To the youth, it is an important teaching point in order to learn about government, presidency, and the workings of congress in the United States. Millard South educators did not hesitate to enlighten their classes on this matter. Several classrooms all across the building queued up a live video feed for students to see. “It’s very interesting, because where we’re at right now is the foundation of our government and how it came to be the way it is today,” U.S. Government teacher Matt Turner said. Turner said he believes it is a crucial part of his curriculum to show his classes footage of Inauguration Day. “It’s very rare that kids get the opportunity to get to see the constitution come to life in front of their eyes, and I just thought it would be a great opportunity.” Turner said. The 20th amendment of our very own U.S. Consti-
tution states that, “The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of their successors shall then begin.” However, an event like this cannot go uncontested by members of the opposite ideology to the 45th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump. Protests and riots broke out all across America with citizens chanting, marching through city streets, and even vandalizing local property in opposition of his inauguration. The political climate in its current state is very divisive and hostile. Despite this, Turner had no reservations regarding putting this event on display for his students. “We try to keep it very neutral in my classroom, and today was really more about the civilized and peaceful transition of power and not about political parties or divisiveness. Even though the election process was pretty messy, that’s not what the focus was for today,” Turner said. Many students had a positive reaction to the inauguration, but freshman Ryan Foley summed it up best, stating, “It was really interesting to see a great president be sworn into office and for America to come together as one.”
Students mark benefits of a 10-point scale Maddie Rynes Staff Reporter Millard students know the frustration of having a 90% and it counting as a 2, but if they were enrolled in a Bellevue, Council Bluffs, Westside, Creighton Prep, Kearney, Lincoln, Fremont, or Papillion La Vista school, they would receive a 1. This is because Millard uses a seven-point scale unlike the other districts, who use a ten-point scale. These school districts’ wider grading scales are said to make good grades more achievable for the ‘bubble kids’ and that students receive more rewards for their grades. “I think we should have a ten point scale because it gives us a higher opportunity to pass,” sophomore Jayden John said. “We want students who struggle to get the support they need to be successful,” associate superintendent of educational services Heather Phipps said. “Changing the grading scale is not as effective as providing the support needed to actually master the content. We want to set challenging goals for students and do what it takes to help them meet those goals.” Many argue that colleges follow the ten-point scale and that changing the grading scale would prepare more students for their futures. “It’s the scale that the majority of colleges use,” social studies department chair Brett Kelly said. “We’d be doing the same thing that a higher learning institution is using.” “I think with the whole ‘we want to prepare you for college’ motto, why not mimic college settings without causing a big ruckus?” honors algebra teacher Katie Bennett-Light said. Others suggest that a wider grading range would result in less effort from
students and that the only benefit is inflated grades and higher graduation rates. However, some teachers disagree with that. “It’s the same assignment. The assignment is there, the points aren’t going to matter,” Kelly said. “The effort is going to be put in or it’s not. It’s not going to allow them to do less work.” At Millard South, grades for Early College classes are reported to Metro on a ten-point scale. Many of these Early College classes are honors and AP. While students in AP classes earn an extra mark point for grades 1, 2, and 3, no such extra mark point is given to students in honors classes “I think the honors classes deserve that ten point scale because of the structure and rigor of it,” Bennett-Light said. “Since honors classes aren’t weighted differently, in all honesty I just don’t think it’s fair that a kid doesn’t get any benefits of taking an honors class.” Multiple honors and regular course teachers agree that a 90 percent is still a good grade, and that it’s unfortunate that our grading scale doesn’t include it as such. “Your 90 is a 1 to me because it’s a lot to get a 1 in an honors class,” Bennett-Light said. “Some kids might see it as a beacon of hope, like ‘yes I can make it to a 90. I can make it to at least that’ instead of them seeing further to go.” Another concern is the community’s view of our district. Questions like ‘Why are you now on a 10 point scale?’ and ‘Is Millard lowering its standards?’ might be raised and the community’s view of the change might invite criticism on our district. “I think the biggest concern I have is the perception people might get if it were ever changed,” said AP chemistry teacher Dr. Wilson. “I think changing the current scale to a scale in which it’s easier to attain higher grades would open up the door to a lot of scrutiny that I think would need to be carefully addressed.”
Teacher Matt Turner’s U.S. History class watches the live stream of Donald Trump’s inauguration. Photo by Conlan Custard
Men and women march for all human rights
More than four thousand women and men met in front of the UNL Student Union and marched into the State Capitol. It started late because supporters kept showing up. Photo by Vivian Kaldahl.
Police estimate 14,000 marchers from Omaha met at CenturyLink Center and made their way towards Capitol Avenue. “I accept the results of the election but I do not accept the misogyny that Donald Trump exhibited during his campaign,” junior Taryn Smith said. “The march has motivated me to take a bigger step in fighting for women’s rights.” Photo by AJ Bierwirth
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News 1 • 27 • 2017
Powering Up:
District Systems Analyst John Fabry wheels his cart to the front of the line as he and DSAC Technology Facilitator Ralph Carey are helping to organize boxes containing student laptops by room numbers. All members of the district technology team worked Saturday, Jan. 7 to prepare Millard South and Millard West for the Monday deployment. Photo by Macy Glinsmann
Millard West’s Technology Specialist Chris Hilliard wheels out one of seven pallets of boxes containing the new student laptops. The district technology team had already delivered pallets to Millard West earlier in the morning. Photo by Macy Glinsmann
Sophomore Cameron Crump receives his 1:1 device from Pride Time teacher Johanna Hon on Jan. 9 while sophomore Alexandra McKee shows off the bag containing her new HP 360. Photo by Macy Glinsmann
Director of Digital Learning Dr. Curtis and Telecommunications Specialist Malcolm Chai open boxes of student laptops to set aside any for students who have not yet turned in the paperwork to receive it on Jan. 9. About 260 machines were set aside. Photo by Macy Glinsmann.
One-to-One is one-and-done
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News 1 • 27 • 2017
You have questions? We have answers ? ? ? ? by Carina Covington Staff Reporter
Q- How can I improve my connec-
tivity to Wi-Fi at my house from my laptop?
A- Content Keeper pop up could
throw you off when you first open google at school or at home. Because of the way the computers are set up you may have to put in your username and password into the Content Keeper even when you are home to connect to the internet
Q- Is there any way to speed up WiFi connection at school?
A-
Q- Many have complained about
the server not working or it being too slow. Is that accurate or is there another issue with loading?
A- A lot of people misuse the terms server and network. A server is a host for different things. When saying server most people are Actually talking about the home drive. If you say your network is down, everyone’s network would have to be down.
Q- Some of the blocked websites
can have good information on them. Once a certain number of people Why are certain websites blocked? are on the Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi maxes out. Connectivity can vary through A- With the computers, a filtering how many people are using it at one service is used. When websites are time. blocked it is not the actual website being blocked, it is the content in the website. Some blocked websites be helpful to students and are Q- Does the number of people us- may being evaluated. ing the connection at the same time affect the Wi-Fi connection speed or quality? Q- What should teachers do if the they have used in the past A- Yes, Wi-Fi can only hold so many websites are blocked? people. When lots of people are using the Wi-Fi at the same time buff- A- The best way to get help with ering is expected and cannot be blocked websites is to send in a help avoided. desk ticket. The help desk icon is on your desktop.
Dylan Chrislip, Technology Facilitator
Deborah Heckman, Technology Specialist
Jay Hutfles, Technology Facilitator
Gabby Hogan leads student councils statewide by Adrienne Bruner Features Editor This year has been an important year due to the election, but Trump wasn’t the only new President this year. Junior Gabby Hogan was elected President of the Nebraska Association of Student Councils for the 2016-17 school year. After being Vice President last year, she decided that she would like to continue serving on the state executive board. She ran unopposed. “I love it, I feel like I make a difference in student councils and sharing my passion for it. I also have been to New Mexico, then North West, and all across Nebraska and the Midwest because of my positions. I'm also going to the North East this year too,” Hogan said. Hogan’s responsibilities include representing Nebraska at conventions across the United States, organizing agendas, sending newsletters and conducting meetings, although her main responsibility is serving as student liaison for the Make a Wish Foundation, the Stu Co state charity. “I help come up with fundraising ideas and keep the bridge of communication open with NASC and Make A
Wish. I also do promotional things for Make A Wish, like level I was state Vice President 2015-2016 and now I'm talk on the radio or help with their galas. We have a great serving as state president for 2016-2017,” Hogan said. relationship with them and have raised over a million dollars for them,” Hogan said. This year Hogan also started Torchlight, a program that highlights different student councils across the state and offers them opportunities to share ideas. She is also working on a mentoring program. According to Hogan, this mentoring program will allow newer Student Councils to connect with those who are more experienced. According to Hogan, she went through the application process and gave a speech. The board at state convention usually casts votes; instead they simply informed Hogan that she was the only person to submit applications. Already this year has proved to be productive as she represents Millard South and the Nebraska Association of Student Councils. “I've been in StuCo since elementary school. I really found passion for StuCo in high school. On a high school level I've been public relaGabby Hogan being sworn in as President, taking the oath of office along with Pharna Chol, sworn in as Secretary, and Stephanie Lund sworn in as Vice President. tions and Vice President. Then on the state
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Opinions 1 • 27 • 2017
Reality check with The Bachelor Dating the same man, living with a house full of petty women, and constantly vying for the attention and time of your own boyfriend sounds like a complete nightmare if you ask me. Though for some unknown reason, women all across the country compete for a spot on the ABC hit series known as the Bachelor. The basic concept of this twisted (reality??) show is for a man to be presented with the 30 most eligible women in America, and if/when he strikes an interest in the women, they are offered a rose by The Bachelor himself to secure their spot for the next week. A couple quick questions: The title of the show is The Bachelor yet he is quite the opposite of such. I mean, he’s dating several women at once. I just don’t see the correlation. Is this a new trend now to have the characters in a show be completely unrelated to the title of the show? All the girls on “Teen” Mom are like, 26 and having babies on purpose nowadays. Did I miss something? Also, I’m just really confused as to why these ladies have to revert to The Bachelor to find love? Okay they aren’t considered the most “eligible women” in the country for nothing, right? Have they not tried EHarmony? The success rates for that are through the roof these days. Seriously there is a plethora of dating websites out there; are these ladies standards really that high that none of the men in their city are worthy of their time? That just makes me wonder how much of their intentions truly
is “to find love” that they have to often quit their job, leave home for 3 months, and abandon their routine environment to have a 1/30 chance of marrying this random guy that they barely know? Honestly these women have attained a new level of desperation. Part of me feels really bad that for so many people in our country, this was the last option. But another part of me would be totally psyched for this opportunity because they go on the coolest trips ever!!! Forget love, who needs a soulmate when you can casually travel to Switzerland and Dubai? Count me in. Okay and on a serious note: how on earth do these women afford to buy all of these gowns? Do they just tuck the tags in and return them when they get home? Because seriously I would do that. OR does each person just bring 2 or 3 dresses and they all just share? Or maybe they’re provided by the producers. And how do they pack for this sort of event? Honestly with all those dresses and shoes and cute clothes that’s got to exceed the standard ‘bag check and a carry-on’ right?? Recently, the success rate of this show has plummeted dramatically and I think the reason is pretty clear. This whole show is not reality. Do these girls seriously think that when they leave this mansion engaged that life will just continue the way it has been? Taking helicopter rides to the grocery store, swimming with dolphins before bed, hot air balloon rides to the mountains in Sweden on lunch break? Is that the expecta-
tion? They should make a date where the couple has to go to a chaotic household with babies and poopy diapers and be tasked with making dinner and paying bills and doing dishes and taking care of 5 kids and see how each other react in stressful environments. If the hardest task one another face in three months of “dating” is who the bachelor will have to send home at the end of a cocktail party then OF COURSE they are going to have a very rude awakening. Not to mention, every season is ideally supposed to end in engagement. After three months? How??????? HOW CAN ONE DETERMINE IF THEY HAVE MET THE PERSON THEY WANT TO BE WITH FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIFE IN THREE MONTHS???? Honestly the whole show is doomed from the beginning. I don’t think any female should have to endure endless moments of seeing the person they claim to love dating and kissing and loving other women. And hypothetically marrying them? Is that natural? Is this a prime example of natural selection? Did Hunger Games evolve from this twisted concept? I know for sure I wouldn’t be able to look at my husband the same way after realizing that there was a 50/50 chance he could have been engaged to someone else. Another thing I find completely irrelevant and utterly annoying is how the girls always somehow seem to mention that their parents or grandparents have been together for x amount of years. Okay, and? Are they here? No they’re at home watching you look
Year-round resolutions
Staff Editorial:
As one year ends cusing on adding even and another begins, more positives. many people partici To believe that one pate in the activity of can in no way improve making New Year’s themselves is absurd. resolutions. However, Just because I have no some people find this flaws doesn’t mean very difficult, because I have no room for they aren’t able to improvement. find anything about In this, I found a themselves that needs way to set goals for improving. myself again. I started I used to be one building on the habits of those people who that I began earlier, suffer in silence as they so that I could keep watch everybody else improving myself. Eric Murcek enthusiastically make Without goals, one Staff Reporter lists of things they will never have a clear want to start doing. way to improve them The aforementioned lists usually selves, and will usually find themselves include positive lifestyle changes such staying sedentary. In order to prevent as earning better grades, working out, stagnation, I try to set new goals as soon or eating healthy But as someone who as I reach my old ones. already does all those things, I am forced In order for me to get the most out to look elsewhere. I try to look deeper to of myself, I have made it a rule to never find a personal flaw, but there just aren’t settle with where I currently am. Goals, any. I don’t have any bad habits, my muand in this case, New Year’s resolutions, sic taste rocks, people already love me. are not meant to correct the things that There just aren’t any imperfections. might be wrong with you. Instead, they As years of sitting out of New Year’s are meant to make you better than you resolutions went by, last year, a realizawere before. Because of this, it shouldn’t tion hit me. I realized that I had been be hard to make them. Just find somefocusing on correcting the (nonexistent) thing you want to get better at, and get negatives, when I should have been fobetter at it.
Laptops have been the biggest topic for the this month as the fabled “one to one” promise was finally achieved. However, if anyone has been sleepwalking through the past month, here’s a quick recap of what’s been happening. Nearly every student received his or her own laptop on Jan. 9 with a smooth and efficient deployment. Every laptop was labeled and delivered personally to each Pride Time, with no wait whatsoever. The deployment was smooth and efficient, and was certainly a remarkable feat by the technology department. art by Tori Barkus The only people who haven’t received them are people who haven’t submitted paperwork or have otherwise had complications. The laptops are loaded with all the software classes would normally use, including the Microsoft Office Suite and the Adobe Creative Cloud, though students and teachers are encouraged to use Google Applications. The devices also have numerous useful features, including a touch screen, a place for students to insert SD cards, the ability to completely convert from laptop to tablet and vice versa, and the ability to write on PDF documents. The laptops are also portable and come with a case which has both handles and a removable and adjustable strap, allowing students to eas-
NY resolutions are not hard
Common Sense
Common Sense is the official publication of Millard South High School 14905 Q Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. School district guidelines determine the suitability of advertising content. To place an ad or inquire about rates, call (402)-715-8363. Common Sense is a monthly publication produced in Room 130. Common Sense uses desktop publishing hardware and software: Apple 5G computers, Adobe InDesign CS6 Adobe Photoshop CS6, and Microsoft Word software. Printing by White Wolf Web in Sheldon, Iowa. Letters to the editor are encouraged. All letters must be signed with the student’s first and last name, grade, then submitted to Mrs. Kaldahl. Unsigned letters will not be published. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, length, and clarity. Letters of profane nature or other infractions of school or district policy will not be published.
Kathryn Willenborg Staff Secretary like an idiot. No one cares that grandma and grandpa have been together for 48 years. And quite frankly, that fact has 0 correlation to the relationship you’re forming. Last I checked, long marriages is not passed on genetically. Don’t you have any good qualities to show off to win him over? The fact of the matter is that this show is completely ridiculous but we LOVE IT! Something about watching women not getting what they want for the first time in their lives and having meltdowns because of it is just so amusing. And despite all the questions and confusion the show brings about, there is absolutely nothing we can do to prevent America from DVR-ing The Bachelor and sitting down every Monday night fully ready to watch the drama unfold.
Laptops a huge success for Millard
ily carry their laptops from place to place. Finally, students were provided with charging cables, allowing them to plug in and continue working wherever they need to, (as long as they can connect to Wi-Fi) without fear of running out of power. The only real issue with the laptops has been some spotty Wi-Fi connection. Some students have issues connecting to Wi-Fi at school, and some have issues connecting at home, rendering their laptops basically useless. However, this issue isn’t faced by all students, and it can be resolved by making a trip down to the technology department located in the Information Center. The laptops also take a full minute longer than an Apple desktop computer to power up, log on, and access a student’s Gmail account. However, 3 minutes and 51 seconds is short in comparison to the time it would take for a teacher to walk their students to the computer lab, wait for every student to power up and log in, and then finally get to work. Overall, the transition to a one-toone education has been highly successful and has generally been received positively. In the coming years, Millard hopes to continue improving technologically, with options such as virtual school becoming possibilities in the future.
Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Soppe
Opinions Editor Ryan Carter
Cartoonist Tori Barkus
Photo Chief McKenna Krueger
Lifestyles Editor John Reel
Production Editor Jordyn Kelley
Entertainment Editor RuthAnne Hale
Staff Secretaries Miriam Cortes Kathryn Willenborg
News Editor Vanessa Chavez
Business Manager Sam Sliva
Sports Editor Kailey Boden
Social Media Manager Sarah Braley Graphic Artist AJ Bierwirth
Features Editor Adrienne Bruner
Audio/Visual Editor Ellie Dean Distribution Editor Jessica Malashock Copy Editor Emma Martin Staff Reporters Tori Barkus Hailey Boden
Trent Brakel Madi Bullard Carina Covington Conlan Custard Cam Filleman Parker Geiss Macy Glinsmann Rebecca Harvie Kristin Kaipust Savannah Lacy Jessica Lukecart Sarah Braley Isabel Kimminau Eric Murcek Maddie Rynes Adviser Christine Kaldahl
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Focus on ELL 1 • 27 • 2017
ELL: Extensive Program That Enriches All Vanessa Chavez News Editor
There is a difference between studying a second language and being taught in a second language. ELL makes that perfectly clear. The English Language Learner program provides limited and non-English speaking students with a chance to learn English. Students in Millard South’s ELL program represent 21 countries. “We assist students in the acquisition of the English language and support them during their time in our program,” said ELL teacher Paul Grant. “We also try to make students new to our school and the United States feel welcome in our school environment,” he said. ELL teacher Kevin Brown says his goal as an ELL teacher is to ensure that each student in his class is provided with accurate, academic and applicable English skill-sets, reading, writing, listening and speaking, in order to provide them with the best opportunities in future schooling and careers. “I always want my students to know what they are learning is meant to help them and is applicable to their lives and to a better future. I want students to be active and productive members of their communities, find excitement in school and strive for high goals,” he said. ELL is composed of 5 different levels. Level 1, focuses on key important words ELL teacher Kevin Brown instructs Jesus Francisco Gaytan in his ELL classroom. Photo by Miriam Cortes and begin short conversations and sentences. Level 2 is where students learn to Unfortunately, I do not speak all the various ing appropriate needs for those students. and our other ELL students have also been read harder text and form more advanced languages of the many countries represent“It can be tough when you have a big class amazing in welcoming our new students,” sentences. Then, in level 3, students learn to ed in ELL,” Brown said. and then you have one student who doesn’t Grant said. rely less on the teacher and work indepen Therefore the use of pictures help stuspeak the language,” Brown explains. Getting their students to be involved in dently and work on short research projects. dents visually see vocabulary that they are In the past teachers have helped by let- activities inside of school can be a challenge Level 4 students work to determine cultural studying in class. ting the ELL teachers know when a child is because it’s so scary for them to be involved ideas and themes and adapt the language to “We try to use a lot of comprehensible struggling and then they communicate with with native speakers because they’ll feel like appropriate audiences. Level 5 then focuses input so our students understand the many the student and work with them to find apthey’re isolated,” said Brown. on reconstructing complex and detailed text things we are asking of them in the classpropriate accommodations or ways to help The students that get involved in activias well as reasoning and rhetoric. room,” Grant said. For example, if we are them in the class, like simple explanations ties at school is where they have seen the During one school year, each level studying food and we are learning about or simplified instructions. most students succeed. gives a certain amount of credits, all of corn we will Brown “We know the importance that being a which go as elective credits. As opposed project a picture describes what part of school can have a positive impact on to a general education student who would of corn on the it is like for a student’s’ grades and feeling of belonging. take English 9, World Geography, Biology board so our So imagine being an English him to witness We have students playing soccer, football, and Algebra I their freshman year and then students can ELL students and swimming. A handful of ELL stuspeaker taking Spanish for junior and senior year take their electives, see an example. struggling in dents are in the JROTC and Early College ELL students typically get their electives the first time and having to They know what the ELL classPrograms, as well as other activities.” Grant out of the way early (from credits earned corn is in their room. said. pass the ACT, in Spanish through ELL courses) and later on, once native language, “It can Despite any difficulties, the program is they feel more comfortable and become just not in Engalso be very uniquely significant and offers a lot to the stronger in the English language take those -ELL Teacher Paul Grant lish,” explains disheartening school. courses. So lower level ELL students would Grant. to see students Grant explains that ELL is another probe taking Art Foundations, Gym, Foods, Students struggling in gram that sets the school apart from others and such classes that are more hands on in the ELL program also face difficulties class, because of their difficulty understand- by adding to the diversity of Millard South. allowing them to follow instruction visually. like adapting to both the language and ing all the information they are getting “I encourage anyone to take the time to talk In order to graduate ELL students must the school. Both Brown and Grant have everyday at school. They are working twice, and meet some of our students. One will complete one of two things. Pass all sections witnessed their ELL students struggles and if not three times, as hard, because they are quickly find they are no different than any of the NeSA with a 15 or better, or score difficulties. Outside the ELL classroom for needing to re-translate words they might other student in our school, they just happroficient on the ELPA. example, Sophomore Wazhma Salimi says know and encountering new words that pen to be from another country and speak However, that is more difficult than that some teachers talk too fast and that may seem basic to English native speakers,” another language. They share the same it sounds explains Grant. Grant says it is they wish they could sometimes get more he said. hopes and dreams of contributing to our comparable to taking Spanish I but much help or time to do the activity. Difficulties for ELL students don’t just community and building a successful life more challenging because the students are It can be difficult for ELL teachers to work come from within the class but also trying for themselves,” Grant said. required to pass the same assessments as with general education teachers with ELL to adapt to the new environment. Brown says that with all of the amazing everyone else, in the English language. students when it comes to communicat Junior Ana Maria Salazar Castiblanco, opportunities available in America, there is “So imagine being says that it can be hard to a need to help non-native speakers adjust an English speaker be involved in school acand be productive members of society. taking Spanish for the tivities because they don’t “These students bring such incredible first time and having to speak English very well creativity and intelligence to our country pass the ACT, in Spanand that interacting with and, by assisting them in perfecting this ish,” Grant explains. English speaking students language, they are able to reach their full The program can also be difficult. potential and make our country even betcomes with possible “You feel difter. It is important to realize that we are challenges for the both ferent then them, and not alone in the world. We need outside the ELL teachers and can feel like they get the perspectives to make ourselves more wellstudents. One difwrong impression,” she rounded and find new solutions to probficulty ELL teachers said. lems,” Brown said. must overcome is that “Many of our He said he also believes the program of the language barrier new arrival students have helps break down stereotypes that people explains Brown. never seen a school as can develop when they have yet to experi “There is an obvilarge as Millard South. ence them for themselves. Brown also says ous language barrier It can be overwhelming it can cause teachers to push and prove between me and some for them to find their themselves as effective educators. of the students. Some way around our school. “Teachers are meant to be life-long students are coming Our counseling center learners and not just sit back to let workinto the school with has done a wonderful job sheets and old methods be routine. We need little to no English, finding mentors to help to make sure we are pushing ourselves as Small classes allow for individualized instruction in Kevin Brown’s ELL class. Photo by so they are having to support our students, well as our students,” Brown said. learn a lot very quickly. Miriam Cortes
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ELL Focus 1 • 27 2017
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On Feb. 9, 2016, the lives of Mohammad Zakir Salimi and his family members changed forever. On this memorable date, the family began their lives in America after moving away from Afghanistan for security and educational reasons. Salimi said he has definitely noticed the differences in life in America compared to life in Afghanistan. According to Salimi, America has a different culture, different religions, and different school systems than anything he was accustomed to. However, America isn’t too different from what Salimi had expected. “School here is more modern,” Salimi explained. He participates in the English Language Learners (ELL) program,
Miriam Cortes Staff Reporter Bryan Garcia Castellano is from the Ponce, Puerto Rico. He moved here with his father after a long legal battle and divorce of his parents–a process that took about nine months in order to allow his father majority custody and move Bryan to the United States. “The hardest part was leaving my mom and picking my dad in order to move to the United States,” he said. Puerto Rico is a US territory making traveling and moving to the United States is a shorter process, but due to the custody hearing, the process was longer. Garcia Castellano moved to the United states to seek a better education along with three brothers and a sister. He participates in ROTC and plans to join and enlist in the Air Force after high school. “Even though I had to start over, moving here gave me a better chance to seek a better education and join the Airforce,” he said. When asked what he misses the most he said, “I miss the beach the most, and the hot weather and I don’t like the snow here.” Puerto Rico is known for its hot and is a tourist attraction because of its beaches. Although the weather is one of the disadvantages of moving here to the United States, Bryan’s future, education, and the abundance of opportunity is not one of them.
which focuses on helping students who either don’t speak English or who have limited English capabilities learn to become proficient in reading, writing, and speaking the English language. While Salimi says that coming to the United States was worth it, he can’t help but miss his old home in Afghanistan. For Salimi, Afghanistan feels more home-like than the United States does. His relatives and extended family all are still living in Afghanistan, so being separated from them is difficult for Salimi. Through it all, Salimi is maintaining a positive outlook. “I don’t have to miss my family because they’re here!” Salimi exclaimed.
Savannah Lacy Staff Reporter For four months, Yirong Liang has been adjusting to the very different lifestyle of Omaha all the way from Shenzhen, a city in the Guangdong Province of China. Yirong came to Omaha for a better education as well as to get a better understanding of the world. Moving across the globe can come with a great deal of challenges which has been a struggle for Yirong. “We are unable to visit our friends and my sister and the biggest thing is that my mom had to come here for no pay so, we have to control our money,” Liang said. It is
Mohammad Zakir Salimi
Sam Sliva Staff Reporter Merola Bostros
Puerto Rico
Moving to a new town or state can be very challenging, let alone moving 6,633 miles to a new country. But freshman Merola Botros tackled it head on when coming to Millard South from Asyut, Egypt. “We came here in August 2016,” Merola said. “I wanted to come because it gave me the chance to get a better education,” she said. “In Egypt I would come home from school and feel like I didn’t learn anything, but here they do a lot of things to help us learn.” Merola made the move here with her parents, younger sister and newborn brother. While it was for the better, the move was not initially easy. “It was difficult for my family at
first, but we got used to things pretty quick,” Merola said. “I mostly miss my friends and my cousins a lot,” she said. “My first day here was hard but a senior helped me out, now school is easy.” One of her favorite things to do is play a lot of different sports. “In Egypt they would only let us girls play things like volleyball or soccer. But here they let us play almost any sports,” Merola said. “One thing that is surprisingly nice is how nice everyone is here,” Merola said. “Everyone is very friendly at Millard South.”
difficult making friends when there is a language barrier in place. “I want to improve my English and make more friends,” she said. Coming to a new country with a completely new environment is shocking and leaving loved ones and your culture behind can be very tough. Yirong said she misses her friends and family, a dog she left behind and the food. “I never thought about coming here, but I have experience going to new places, so I think it’s easier for me to fit in,” Liang said. Some students have stereotypes ingrained in their minds which
causes a conflict for Yirong. “Their stereotypes collide with my country and is a conflict to my culture,” Liang said. A vast difference for Yirong in the United States is that she feels she has more freedom especially, being a woman. “It is very deep in our minds that boys are better than girls,” she said. In China, she says that the older generation forces a woman to get an abortion if the child is a girl and try again for a son. “They don’t care about your body, they don’t care about women. They don’t care about how you feel,” Liang said.
Yirong Liang
Afghanistan Egypt
China Cambodia
Togo
Wajiha Salimi
Heidi Vossah Sharif Ahmadzai
Nebraska winter weather has come a quite a surprise to senior Heidi Vossah from Toga, West Africa. “I knew that America was cold, but it’s more cold than I thought,” Vossah said. “Too cold.” Togo experiences highs in the 80s and 90s in January. Despite the cold, Vossah beams when talking about how much she likes it in America. “I love this country,” she says with a huge grin. “It was very exciting to come here,” she said. Vossah is enrolled in the English Language Learner program and is working on improving her language skills every day. “It’s hard for me here because I have to learn English,” she says. About 10,000 miles separate Vossah from her friends she left behind. “I mostly miss my friends.” Vossah says. “I had a lot of friends,” she said.
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Alyssa Soppe Editor-in-Chief
Bryan Garcia Catellano
Sarah Braley Staff Reporter
ELL Focus 1 • 27 • 2017
There are some other downsides to living in America, according to Vossah. One is the food. “I was surprised that a food isn’t better than Togolese food,” she said. Vossah does say there are some good dishes. “My favorite food here are burgers and fries,” she said. In a class assignment, ELL students in Kevin Brown’s class were asked to write a letter to their past self. Here is an excerpt from Vossah’s letter to past self. In her letter, she writes about what it is like to be in immigrant. “Before coming to America, I think that all people are kind, but it’s not the case,” she writes. “I think that some people like immigrants, but some people do not like them. I still love this country despite the way people think about immigrants. In my country, everybody likes strangers even white strangers.”
Sharif been in the United States for two years, and has had a pretty smooth transition due to his involvement on our school’s soccer team and has been playing for practically his entire life. Although he said he didn’t like it here at first, he became accustomed to it and made friends quickly through his classes and playing soccer. “Soccer has been has always been part of my life, and reminds me of home in Afghanistan,” he said. Sharif traveled here from Kabul, Afghanistan, with his mother and his brother that also attends Millard South. He was reunited with his older sister, who
Miriam Cortes Staff Reporter
previously traveled to the United states. They were finally able to enter the United States after a year waiting period. His mother made the decision to bring their family to the United States to seek a better education and escape the dangers of living in Afghanistan due to internal conflict. “I would have either been killed or pushed into the army if we would have stayed,” Ahmadzai said. Sharif ’s future in Afghanistan would have been life altering but moving to the U.S. opens a lot of doors like an education and following the American dream.
In February 2016, Wajiha Salimi came to America all the way from Kabul, Afghanistan, with her family. With nearly a year’s experience of living here, Wajiha has seen the many differences between her homeland and America. Although some of her family is here, there is still much of her family and friends back in her homeland. She fears for them constantly, hoping they are safe. “I came here for life,” Wajiha said. Wajiha Salimi is a part of the ELL program at Millard South, which teaches students who don’t use English as their native language to speak, read and write English. “At first when I came here, I could not speak English at all, but now I can relate to and understand the other kids in ELL,” she said. Back in Afghanistan, Wajiha saw the horrid war with her own eyes, bringing out a whole new perspective on life. Everything in her everyday life, such as dress, education and outside activities was limited. Women were almost completely excluded from
Ryan Carter Opinions Editor educational opportunities as of 2002, but they are slowly starting to rebuild schools. Nearly 40 percent of children in school are female now. The education system in Kabul is one of the biggest differences Wajiha had seen. She feels like she has been provided with more opportunities where she is now. Women are required to be completely covered in public, except for their eyes to see. Since we have more freedom in America with our choice of clothing, Wajiha feels like she is able to bring out her culture and clothing here with beautiful scarves and other attire. “When I was in Afghanistan, I saw the war. The Taliban would kill people in shopping centers. I was there for shopping and I was scared,” she said. Overall, Wajiha Salimi says that she is happy where she is now. The journey has been long and tough, but she’s fought through every battle and is beyond prepared to keep pushing forward. “It was worth it,” Salimi said.
Thaligia (Liza) Roeun Savannah Lacy Staff Reporter Many people come to the United States to obtain a better education and to join family, little did you know some Millard South students fall under that category. Thaligia Roeun (Liza), has been in the United States for three years now from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She is a sophomore and is a part of the ELL program. “I came here when my mom married my step dad and I was able to see my grandma’s face again,” she said. “At my home country we have no freedom, we cannot go anywhere so I have more freedom here,” Liza said. Compared to Cambodia Liza feels as if she is able to do more things than she was used to while feeling secure. “I feel safe. Freedom here is great,” Liza said. Overcoming new obstacles of a new country can be challenging but, Liza has adapted to the changes very well over the past three years. Be-
coming so adjusted to a different culture hasn’t stopped Liza from missing her home country. “I miss the people I love and I miss my culture like the New Year’s celebrations, that’s what I miss the most,” she said. Liza had to leave all of her friends in Cambodia and feels that it can be difficult sometimes making friends here because, of the language barrier. “I want to make new friends, but people think that I’m mean or not good at speaking so that makes me sad.” Liza said. Being a new student is difficult enough but, being in a new country and learning a new language as well adds to the amount of stress. “If I have the chance to make a new friend then I will. The truth is that you need to be friendly,” Liza said.
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Features 1 • 27 • 2017
A hundred years of classic cookies
by Kristin Kaipust Staff Reporter
The first known sale of Girl Scout cookies is rooted in Muskogee, Okla., in 1917. This year is the hundred year anniversary of cookie sales. Physics teacher, Estefania Larsen was a girl scout for six years. She started in 1995, skipped a few years and started back again in 1999. Larsen’s troop mom was in charge of cookie distribution for Lincoln. This meant that she kept all the cookies at her house and distributed them to all the other Girl Scout troops in the area. Due to the mass amounts of cookies kept by the troop mom, Larsen said they would load up a camper or trailer with cookies and sell in the parking lot across from Gateway Mall. “We used to sell like 6,000 cookies,” Larsen said. As well as Larsen, Kelly Latimer, South’s Social worker, was a Girl Scout. “When I started in Brownies, the
cookies were only $.50 a box,” Latimer said. She became a scout in 1967. “Back then, we actually went door to door in our neighborhood. This was encouraged at the time,” Latimer said. “We were competing with all the other Girl Scouts or Brownies in the neighborhood. I remember trying to be the first one out and actually running door to door to beat out the other girls,” she said. Over the years, cookie sales have been tough competition. With the average amount of cookies sold per year being 175 million, Girl Scouts have been popular for a hundred years on the dot. With the anniversary brings some new treats. The Girl Scouts are introducing a new S’more cookie. It is a graham cracker cookie, dipped in icing with a chocolate coating. As well as the cookies, General Mills is releasing Girl Scout cookie cereal this month. In the flavor of both Caramel DeLites and Thin mints, they will be sold for a limited time.
Larsen recieves the silver award. To earn the award, a Girl Scout creates a project that can improve the community and must do a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer work. Larsen said she collected food and clothing for families in need. Photo courtesy of Steph Larsen.
Favorite Girl Sc ut c
Percent favorite
30%
kies
Graphic by Kristin Kaipust
32%
30%
20%
Price: 4.00$ a box On sale: Friday, Feb 3
16%
10%
10%
6% 4% 0%
Carmel deLItes Lemonades
Peanut butter Thin Mints Shortbread Thanks-A-Lot Patties
2%
Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Don’t skip Dunkin Donuts; it’s a slam dunk Macy Glinsmann Staff Reporter
Dunkin’ Donuts has been a favorite in my family for many years. A few years ago, they opened one near my residence. My family and I went there every Wednesday after church, and every Sunday before going out and doing grocery shopping. Hearing of their new location moved me to try out one of their many locations’ foods and services. I had high hopes, and boy, did they surpass my expectation. As I pulled up to the old, rustic building, I got warm, fuzzy feelings. I felt comfortable, unlike in many social situations. Walking in was like entering an old friend’s home; I was welcomed by the employees with bright, meaningful smiles. Me being me, I couldn’t decide what to order, and the employees put up with the long wait. You’d think they’d get tired of waiting on the multiple people, but they waited as long as they needed to so I could order with confidence. After ordering my caramel latte and two glazed doughnuts, it was time to leave. Then, the manager asked us how our service was, and we had a small conversation. She was very kind, and engaged with a
lot of her customers, unlike in some companies where you don’t know who the manager is. I took a bite into the huge, sugarcoated doughnut, and I was filled with delight. It was fresh out of the oven, and the glaze melted in my mouth, giving me happy, warm feelings. After just one doughnut, I became thirsty, and took a sip of my coffee. It was the perfect temThe new Dunkin Donuts is located at 4909 S 135th Street. perature, and had just enough caramel to Photo by Macy Glinsmann. make my taste buds excited. It soon was gone. isn’t for people who don’t like bittersweet tastes, it had The warm, delicious doughnut had just enough just enough flavoring to bring out the taste of it all, and glaze. It wasn’t overpowering the dough, but you could I wouldn’t hesitate to get another one. tell it was there. It was as if it was homemade by my In all honesty, Dunkin’ Donuts had amazing grandma. I even asked, multiple times, for more. donuts, great service, and friendly staff. I felt wel The coffee, was another story. I love coffee, and I comed, and the environment was upbeat and positive. seemingly always have one. But I was hesitant to try The bright colors brought up my mood and spirit, and theirs. Why? Because my experiences with coffee that throughout the day, I felt great. The doughnut, with its isn’t flavoured with unnatural, sugary, sweet, and Starrich glaze and soft dough, was perfect for any occasion, bucks-like products, is little to none. But after ordering any time of day. my caramel latte, I don’t regret it one bit. Although it
Features 1 • 27 • 2017
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Hola! Gluten Tag! Salut!
Freshman Joscelyn Hynes weaves together her Ojo de Dios (God’s Eye). She put two popsicle sticks into an X shape and wove the yarn around the spokes. The Ojo de Dios is thought to have originated with the Huichol Indians of Jalisco, Mexico. Photo by Isabel Robb
Freshman Nathan Dorsey, sophomore Brody Phillipson, and freshman Montgomery DuBois throw their hands in the air while following the demonstration of a popular Latin American dance called Danza Kuduro. The boys won in a dance off against the ladies. Photo by Cierra Stoffer
Photo by Chris Kranso
Freshmen Courtney Brink competes with freshman Emma Willenborg in an intense German game called Mühle. Freshman Alexa Morse looks on. Brink was in the lead, but Willenborg captured the win. Photo by Chloe Hammond
Junior EJ Mumm competes in the French game of boules during a session in world language week. Mumm challenged his green team rivals in a very competitive game. Photo by Paige Fleming
Photos and captions by Intro to Photojournalism students. You can register for this fun class for next year. Open to students grades 9-12.
Take Intro to Photojournalism Course 0064
Sophomore Mia Dibble cuts out a Batman symbol and a cat for an abstract art piece in Ms. Metcalf’s French room. She glued the pieces on the paper to finish her art work. This piece was inspired by Matisse who was a French artist who did a lot of abstract art. Photo by Mahaley Ruzicka
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Sports 1 • 27 • 2017
Flying towards state championship meet coach comes the possible loss of an assistant coach. Coach Storms has been coaching with Millard South since 1997. However, she has been coaching age group since 1994 up to the present. This “may” be Coach Storms’ last year coaching for high school swimming. Storms has three kids who are very involved in sports and activities. Being a coach means she has to be away from her own children for many hours during the week. “As most that know me, I am a very involved mom,” Storms said. Junior Max Edwards takes a breath during an invigorating fly set at practice. Edwards’ best events are the 200 individual medley “It has been hard and the 100 breaststroke. missing out on a Photo by McKenna Krueger lot of those events.” For Coach swim team gained a new coach. Storms said. “I have seen her grow Jessica Malashock Storms it is a very difficult deciCoach Amanda Benak has been as a coach, and she is doing an Distribution Manager sion to make, since swimming has swimming since she was young. absolutely amazing job with our been a part of her life for as long In fact, Coach Benak, along JV program,” she said. with Coach Hammond during as she can remember. However, Seeing as Millard South’s The Millard South swim and she will not be going very far his high school years, have been swim team does not cut, their judive teams are making a splash because she will continue to coached by Assistant Coach Erica nior varsity is rather large, so it is in and out of the pool this year. Storms. important to have a well-rounded coach the age group program with Not only do they have one of the Millard Aquatic Club that her “Working alongside with her coach to help those swimmers largest senior classes ever, but children are a part of. during the high school season, improve and possibly move up to they also have a very large junior “It is a win, win,” Storms said. and coaching age group together varsity. varsity team. “I get to spend time with them for club has been great,” Coach With an arrival of a new This year the junior varsity and be a coach of the sport that I
love.” Coaching aside, Millard South swim team is having a killer season. “Our girls and boys are doing well. Our philosophy in our training and competition schedule has always been to highlight 2-3 meets in the season where we train and focus on swimming fast when it’s time to swim fast. These “cycles” of training all lead to championship season in February where we expect big drops at our Invitational, Metro Championships, and State Championships,” Coach Hammond said. The highlight of the girls’ season was the Lincoln Southeast Invite, where the swimmers brought the intensity and geared up for some fast swimming. Because of this determination, many personal bests, state cuts, and the highest finish since 2009 (fourth) was achieved. For the boys, the Ralston Ram Relays was their best meet. At the last minute, they decided to go with a different line-up which was different from any they have done in the past. In the end they came out with a third place finish. “What makes this finish great is that we can and will be better come February,” Hammond said. As the swim team is gearing up for their championship section of their season, we can expect fast times. This strong tradition of fast swimming will continue for many years to come with some help of new coaching personnel.
JV girls basketball team plays with heart Hailey Boden Staff Reporter The Millard South girls J.V. basketball team is a team that is tightly knit and focused on reaching their goals. While having many, one of their goals is to beat their Q Street rivals. “We really want to beat Millard West this season,” sophomore Jordan Holderness said. They met this goal through hours of practice and hard work put together and an all-out drive to beat the Wildcats, their biggest rival. It is very important to have a well bonded group of people when it comes to sports and not only are the girls great athletes, they are also great teammates and better friends. “Our team does well with working together and pushing the ball up the court,” sophomore Maddie Smith said. “We also bond very well in and out of practice. We have 5 sophomores and the rest are freshman so everyone is pretty close,” she said.
Another factor that leads to a great team is the coach. “Coach Freeman is probably the best basketball coach I’ve had,” sophomore Tess Calder said. “He always is pushing us to work harder and is overall a great coach,” she said. It is also very important to have a coach who understands the game and the team can rely on their coach, Kevin Freeman’s, knowledge on the sport in general. “Our Coach really knows the game in and out,” Calder said. Not only does the team bond well during practice, they also work hard and push themselves every minute. “The main things we work on in practice is communicating better, rebounding and just creating better energy,” Calder said. You can always count on this junior varsity team to put their heart in everything they do whether it be on the court or off.
Sophomore Tess Calder shoots a three pointer in game against Omaha Marian High School. Photo by McKenna Krueger
Sports 1 • 27 • 2017
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Patriots win Metro Tournament for the first time in 20 years
Freshman guard Maddie Krull lays in the wide open layup off a fast break steal. Krull finished with 13 points. Junior A’tiana Jones drives past two Elkhorn South defenders to finish at the basket. The Patriots came up short, losing by two with a final score of 59-61 Photos by McKenna Krueger
Kailey Boden Sports Editor The Millard South girl’s varsity basketball went 4-0 at the Metro Holiday Tournament just recently over winter break, making them Metro champs for the first time in 20 years at Millard South. This news has been huge for not only Millard South, but every Metro team, knowing the Patriots are getting closer and closer to its goal on winning the state title. In the end, completing this goal was a huge insight towards the climb of the girls team in the past 4 years. The first tournament game win was large in margin, going 76-14 over Omaha Central High School. “Every time we hit the court it’s a game within a game,” says head coach Bryce Meyers. You can guarantee that the Patriots will win “every little game” such as diving for loose balls, always having their hands up,
beating opposing players to spots, etc. The second tournament game was just as effective, coming up on top over Marian High School, with a final score of 60-48. The Patriots closed out the last two tournament games with a similar margin of victory, beating Omaha Northwest High School in the semi-finals by 15 (61-46) and Omaha Westside High School in the finals by 10 (59-49), both extremely important wins for the Patriots. “Winning the Holiday Tournament was amazing!” says freshman starting point guard Maddie Krull, “It’s starting to feel like all the tough practices and time on the shooting guns is really paying off.” Krull is also January’s student athlete of the month, voted by students throughout the school on a twitter poll (@MSHSActivities).
“Being the student athlete of the month is incredibly humbling,” says Krull, “I’m super happy about it.” Head Coach Bryce Meyers knows that winning this tournament is a great achievement, but there’s still a long way to go in order to achieve their ultimate goal, winning state. The Patriots are well on their way, being 14-2 for the season so far. Their only losses were to Elkhorn South by 2, 5961 and Lincoln East by 3, 44-47. “January is tough,” says Meyers, “There are a lot of games with top ranked teams.” There are a lot of good matchups in January for the Patriots, and on top of that, everyone knows that every team has their sights especially set on beating the Patriots.
“We know now that we have even more targets on our back for the rest of the season,” says Krull, “We have plenty of things we have yet to accomplish.” The Patriots have two games left for January, currently going 8-2 for winslosses this month. The girls play Millard North at Millard South on Jan. 27 and Omaha Burke High School at Burke on the 28th.
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Entertainment 1 • 27 • 2017
Hidden Figures Shoot for the Stars Ryan Carter Opinions Editor
The Film “Hidden Figures”, directed by Theodore Melfi, is not one to disappoint. The film takes place in the lives of three intelligent African-American women, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, who are determined to prove themselves as equally educated to their white male NASA counterparts when they launch the astronaut, John Glenn, into orbit. The director brought out nearly every emotion in the film. If you’re looking for something to bring out everything from humorous to intense to motivational content, Hidden Figures will not disappoint you. Overall, the main feel I got from the movie was empowerment. Theodore Melfi showed empowerment for the black and women community. By the end of the film, the underestimated views towards Katherine, Dorothy and Mary are greatly diminished. All three of them portray themselves as strongly independent, which seems to be the biggest characteristic of them all. The brains of the three women are not to be underestimated. Dorothy, Mary and Katherine are all dynamic characters, meaning they undergo a huge personal change throughout the movie, especially Katherine. By the end of the movie, they all seem a bit brighter and motivated. Although segregation is still a factor in the
early 1960’s society within NASA, small positive changes within the NASA organization give them hope. By the end of the movie, I was definitely thinking about the way we’ve improved as a society towards standing for love. Hidden Figures was even more than just teaching the audience about tolerance. The audience can easily take away a lesson towards working hard towards your goals. Be a leader
Collateral Beauty doesn’t quite hit the mark Ryan Carter Opinions Editor Imagine being the head of a very successful advertising company, your best friends and colleagues sharing this company with you. Then, imagine that your daughter dies, and everything in life just doesn’t seem to matter as you’re forced to deal with that as well as your company falling apart. Then, in the midst of all your grief and depression, you are visited by time, love and death, as they tell you to find the “collateral beauty” in your grief. The whole movie themed around grief, and trying to see the good and bad in life. The director, David Frankel, tries to show this message, and in some ways he succeeded. In others, not so much. Howard Inlet, played by Will Smith, goes through this withdrawal, writing letters to death, time and love, mocking them and blaming them for his loss. To his surprise they get the letters and visit him, in the form of actors hired by his colleges in an attempt to make him appear mentally unfit to make decisions for the company. Now it’s definitely a backstab to Howard, but the movie kind of glances over this. It’s a cool approach to the story, but I think that it was lacking in depth and in character development. They didn’t spend time showing his relationship with his daughter or his
struggle with his inner demons and the grieving process. There are times where they try to show emotion, but they don’t hit you in the feels the way you would expect. Most of the focus is on the main protagonist and the loss of his daughter, and there are plenty of times where I did tear up a little. The movie also shows the troubles of the three partners of the company, trying to develop their characters with even less success than with the main character. They just throw in their stories almost as an afterthought, not really adding any meaning to the story or to their personalities. Even with the main character, you don’t always get that empathy. With his relationship with his daughter, you get little hints that the things he does have to do with him remembering her, but only later. This was a good movie that I enjoyed watching. I really liked the message that it was trying to send, but with the actors that they had in there and with such a good setup to a movie, I was disappointed in how it turned out. The movie didn’t really stand out to me, and neither did the characters. I didn’t get invested in them, and sometimes it felt like I had to try to feel empathy for them (if I felt any for them at all).
and don’t take advantage of your ability to learn. We’re all capable of succeeding. Taraji Henson (KJ), Octavia Spencer (DV) and Janelle Monáe (MJ) did a beyond phenomenal job of performing. I wouldn’t have been able to chose a better cast for the film. Walking into the theatre, I saw people of all kinds. I’d recommend this film for anyone looking for some motivation, whatever it may be. It’s appropriate for all
ages and a great family film. Overall, I would definitely give this movie a 9/10. To earn the extra point, the movie could be a little less predictable. So next time you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend your evening, stop by the theatre and go see Hidden Figures. You won’t regret it.
Entertainment 1 • 27 • 2017
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Lumineers light up Omaha Stage Ellie Dean Staff Reporter
Some of you may know The Lumineers from their song “Ho Hey” and some of you may not even know who this band is. The Lumineers is an American folk rock band from Denver. The Lumineers were recently in Omaha for their first ever arena concert for their Cleopatra tour. The band has three members, Wesley Schultz (lead vocal, guitar), Jeremiah Fraites (drums, percussion), and Neyla Pekarek (cellist, vocalist). They aren’t the biggest band known to man. They currently have 464,300 followers on twitter. The Lumineers came to Omaha on Jan. 17. An artist named Margaret Glaspy Lead Singer Wesley Schultz singing The Lumineers song “Charlie Boy” Photo by Ellie Dean
and another artist named Andrew Bird opened for The Lumineers. The opening acts were a lot better than I imagined. Andrew Bird played a viola in almost all of his songs and he also whistled in numerous songs. During the openers a random guy was sitting in front of us, and randomly left. Then during The Lumineers performance my sister and the girl we sat next to realized that the random guy who sat in front of us was a drummer/pianist for The Lumineers! His girlfriend sat in front of us the whole time! Overall the concert was amazing. Sitting fairly close made the concert a lot more riveting. Wesley Schultz was really fun to watch because he
is very energetic and liked to stomp a lot. The lead singer Wesley told why he wrote certain songs and many of them influenced his life dramatically. He wrote the song “Long Way from Home” because he lost his dad to cancer in his jaw. Some of my favorite songs are “Angela”, “Gun Song”, and “Patience” which is a song that is instrumental. For a person who loves Rap and R&B this concert could change your mind on Folk music.
Above: Lead singer Wesley Schultz singing The Lumineers song “Gun Song” Photo by Ellie Dean Left: The Lumineers had a second stage made in the middle of the arena to be closer to fans. They sang two songs. Photo by Kate Botkin.
Edge of 17 is a fresh coming of age tale Madi Bullard Staff Reporter
Edge of Seventeen is a rated R movie and came out Nov. 18, 2016. The movie is 98 minutes long and the genre is comedy drama. Edge of seventeen was a funny movie. I think it’s good for teenagers to watch. Nadine lives with her brother, Darian, and her mother. Her and her dad were really close. Her dad died in the car from a heart attack while him and nadine were eating. The family struggled when he died. Nadine goes through some drama. First, her only best friend starts dating her popular brother. Nadine tries to accept that they are dating. So all three of them go to a party together. Then her brother and her best friend leave her out so Nadine is left alone. She ends up going home early. Second, she has a big crush on this cute boy. So she sends him a text that tells that she likes him and that she wants to be with him. Then they planned to hang out and Nadine was excited. He actually just wanted to use her and not actually be with her. Thirdly, she gets help from new people. She goes to a teacher for help and they end up having lunch together. They become good friends and he helps her through these issues. Nadine also makes friends with a new student Erwin. Erwin and her talk and hangout. As her and Erwin hangout he starts to fall in love with Nadine but she is too wrapped up in her own life to realize it. So he makes a short film for this contest where it,s about Nadine not realising that Erwin is in love with her. In the end Nadine finally accepts that her best friend and her brother are happy. She and erwin are together and she is finally in a good place.
Entertainment 1 • 27 • 2017
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Eat and be fit on the go Sarah Braley Staff Reporter
locations to pop up soon in all those places. One of the newest locations would be Eat Fit Go has a bright and modern atmosphere in Arizona. to Millard. They offer a wide Their variety of healthy selections food is all for you. With chef inspired healthy and the recipes that are prepared fresh right amount of daily and packaged for easy food to fill you on the go consumption. Eat up. They have Fit Go is your place to eat if breakfast, lunch, you want to be healthy. This dinner, and Midwest based franchise has snacks. Eat Fit recently been added to the Go even has kid’s meals and kids snacks. Millard area. Located on 4909 “Everything is baked so everything S 135th street this business is is not going to be cooked in oils or butconvenient for Millard locals. ters.” Romer says. “There’s no additives When you enter the restaurant like salts or sugars or any preservatives.” you get a feel of the modern When you go in there you pick place. With the organized out what you want then you heat it up food stock to the tables it just in the microwave. Nothing feels like it’s feels clean in there. old because it’s put out fresh every day. “The business started in I had the “sweet potato smart chicken” Omaha by five guys.” says aswhich was very tasty. It didn’t taste like sistant manager at the Millard Sweet potato smart chicken and it had been in the fridge for a long time. broccoli dinner. Photo by Sarah location Sam Romer. “They It tasted like it was cooked after you Braley came up with the concept in ordered it. Colorado.” I would definitely go back there. When I went Ever since then its been in the Midwest growin I didn’t feel judged at all. Everyone was so friendly ing more and more. Most locations are in Omaha and didn’t mind you asking them questions. The with some being in Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, food fills you up and you don’t have to feel guilty and Iowa. more locations are in the making with about what you eat.
Storks is certainly short and sweet Tori Barkus Staff Reporter
The cute children’s movie Storks is about exactly what the title describes. This hour and forty minute PG movie is about how these storks used to deliver babies. The children in the movie would write letters to the storks, saying they wanted a sibling, and they’d give detail of how they wanted their sibling to look. Then, the storks would bring the baby to the family and the family would have its happy ending. The way the storks would deliver babies is that they’d take the letter, put it in a slot, and a baby would be created. Then, the baby would be put into a metal pod and carried to the family. On the pod, there was a red button sort of thing that shows the address of where the baby’s supposed to be delivered. But, one stork, named Jasper, was supposed to deliver a baby. Somehow, the red button on this specific pod broke, and she could never be delivered. So, he kept her and took care of her. Newspaper headlines
came out talking about how one stork kidnapped a baby. Because of these stories, the storks stopped delivering babies and began delivering things like refrigerators and, presumably other household items. The baby, Tulip, was kept in the building with the storks and later grew up working for and with them. At one point, a kid learns about the storks at school and writes a letter to them. He wants a little brother. The storks receive the letter and one stork, Junior, is arguing with the others. Tulip takes the letter and accidently has it processed, creating a new baby. None of the storks know what happened, besides Junior and Tulip. So, they go on an adventure, per say, and the baby ends up being delivered to the family. It’s a cute and happy ending. I did like this movie, and I do recommend it, especially if you have younger children in your home. It’s really cute, and it definitely plays on the whole idea behind the stork delivering babies.
Todd Braley chooses a dinner from one of Eat Fit Go’s well stocked refrigerator. Patrons can dine in or take meals home. Photos by Sarah Braley
Passengers does everything to please Jessica Lukecart Staff Reporter
Starring award winning actor and actress Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, the movie Passengers definitely didn’t disappoint. The movie is very entertaining and will most definitely keep your focus. “Passengers” is about a man named Jim (Chris Pratt) and a woman named Aurora (Jennifer Lawrence). In this movie the characters voluntarily are put to sleep while they travel to a new planet for 100 years in a huge spaceship. They are scheduled to wake up three months early so they can enjoy the luxury of the ship before arriving to start a new life. While they are sleeping they are in hibernation mode and do not age over the 100 years. Jim wakes up 90 years too early and shortly discovers that he is alone. After a year alone he starts going crazy and decides to wake up Aurora. Aurora doesn’t know that he was the one who woke her up though and he doesn’t plan on telling her. Throughout the movie they end up falling for each other while trying to figure out how to go back into hibernation. There is also conflict regarding the spaceship and some issues with how it’s functioning.
Overall, it was a really good movie. The scenes never got boring or long and the actors all did justice to their characters. The only thing I would change if I could is I would probably add flashbacks to the characters before getting on the ship and how their life was previously. Despite that small thing that bothered me I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone.