Common Sense
Millard South High School • 14905 Q St. • Omaha, Neb., 68137
September 23, 2016
Volume 17 Issue 1
South closes doors for option enrollment
Miriam Cortes Staff Reporter
For the first time in years, Millard South has closed enrollment for potential students residing outside the designated attendance zone. If an incoming student were to apply to attend Millard South but lived outside the mandated boundaries, they would be denied admission. The freshman class currently has about 625 students, which is partially due to the new programs such as ROTC, College Possible, and Early College High School. According to Principal Heidi Weaver, the biggest contributor to the increase is the boundary redraw. Before the map was reproportioned, students were opting to attend Millard West and Millard North even though they lived closer to Millard South. Because of this, Millard South now has the biggest and most populated boundary out of the three schools. Millard South registrar Matt Fedde also commented on closed enrollment and the increase in school population.
“We hit a quota number of students that the district approved and said we will no longer accept new enrollment students this year.” This is due to the number of students per teacher; Millard South simply doesn’t have enough teachers at this time to accommodate the growing student population, he said. Ultimately, the district has the final say when it comes to closing enrollment, and they are expecting the same number of incoming freshman next year. Due to the increase, the district will most likely have to hire more teachers. The district requires an average class ratio of 1:20, but with the addition of so many students, more staff will be needed to meet this goal. For this freshman class there is absolutely no space remaining for open enrollment. According to Rebecca Kleeman, Communications Director for the district, “It is very likely that next year we will have to close enrollment again for incoming freshmen after the capacity is met.” With expanding the school’s student body comes consequences: lunch is more crowded, the halls are packed, and students hoping to change their schedules are finding that class sections are full. This year the impact is concerning, but not detrimental. However, in the near future the district and school will be forced to accommodate to the growing numbers.
art by Tori Barkus
Doors may be closed, but Early College still draws more Isabel Kimminau Staff Reporter
mendations, student responses, testing, etc. “Early college students, in order to be successful, have Throughout this past year there has been a lot of buzz to be to be extremely hard working,” says Wesely, “The about the new pilot program that’s exclusive to Millard students who are being successful ECHS are the ones who South; the program entitled Early College High School are putting in the time and dedicating all of their efforts (ECHS). As the only high school that offers this program towards being successful on school.” The program is a comin Nebraska, Millard South is under close watch, as this mitment that these students are for their entire high school program may affect how high schools operate in the future. career. Despite the fact the program is in its second year, there are “Basically all of our courses are classes that we already still many who are unsure aobut what the progrm offers. offer here at Millard South, which is great. Our freshmen In the words of ECHS coordinator Amy Wesely, the are taking schedules that would look exactly like they would program is “an opportunity to allow student to graduate to any other incoming freshmen,” Wesely said. with their Associate’s degree. Essentially we are offering This being said, students tend to be leaning more tostudents the ability to take college credit courses, exactly as ward the honors and AP courses that are offered at Millard they are taking their regular courses here at South; they are South. just receiving credit for it and they are paying an insanely “It’s easier for Early College students to graduate when low cost,” she said. they are dedicated to taking honors language classes, when The cost for an ECHS class is $29 and the Millard Pub- they are dedicated to enrolling in AP classes, because it lic Schools Foundation pays half of that, bringing the cost simply gives them more credit at a quicker rate,” Wesely down to $14.50 per class. said. So as ECHS students, the rigor level that is expected of While at the start of the program it was open to upper- these students is higher than it normally would be. classmen, the program is now only available to the incom One of the biggest advantages of this program is the ing freshmen. The application process begins in January fact that when students do graduate they will not only have and they review many things from grades, teacher recomtheir high school diploma, but they will also be graduating with an Associate’s degree in their pocket. “Essentially these students will be able to go to college, not have to take a lot of expensive classes, just focus on their major, and they’re going to get out in the workforce quicker. They aren’t going to spend as much time in school and paying for school down the road, they’re going to be able to get out and be contributing members of society in our workforce faster,” Wesely said. “A drawback is certainly students who may not be dedicated to their school work and who may not be putting in the time needed for this program,” Wesley said. “The truth is that they are building a college transcript. If the academic side of things is not their priority, and those grades slip, then that will follow them to college,” she said. As this program advances the faculty is trying to prepare students for college without the help and support that they have available here in Junior Cody Klinkacek works on his daily reflection his Academic Seminar high school. class. Academic Seminar is a class where ECHS students learn life skills need- One of these things is a class called “Acaed for college. One of those skills is reflection. “When you stop and look in, you demic Seminar.” In this class students learn really learn a lot about yourself,” Klinkacek said. Photo by McKenna Krueger
about the resources that they have, good habits, how they should build their college resume, what colleges are looking for, as well as a variety of other life skills that they’ll need to succeed in college. Another thing that may have helped the students to succeed is their accessibility to laptops as they were also the students who piloted the One to One laptop program that, starting next semester, will allow every student to have access to their own, school distributed, laptop. “All of these classes are going to be transferable to various colleges and universities, but the easiest way to find out what those courses transfer in as or how the Associate’s degree transfers, is simply to contact the school you’re interested in,” Wesely said. UNO has also stated that all of the classes this degree covers will be transferable, though the actual degree itself is provided through Metro Community College. Basically the Early College High School program is way for students to get ahead in their academic career. When they graduate not only do they have a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree, which they were able to get for $14.50 per class, but they also have the life skills and experience that they need to be successful in college. This allows them to jump-start both their college careers and their life in the workforce beginning in high school.
2% 18%
80%
source: July 11, 2016, Millard School Board meeting packet Design by Isabel Kimminau
Focus 9 • 23 • 2016
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The
Way
makes MS a special place
Throne: Students, support staff, teachers, activities, all make MS great Tori Barkus Staff Reporter Every school has its own special aspects. Millard South High School is similar to most high schools in many ways. However, South has its own qualities that make it different in major ways. South has many different types of people, with varying types of creativity, many different languages, and different personalities. But what makes Millard South exceptionally special? Is it our sports teams? Or maybe our academics? Or even possibly our arts programs and classes? When asked what makes our school special, a student gave her input. Senior, Taylor Shubert said, “there’s a bunch of stuff to be involved in to fit what you like to do, you aren’t limited to only one sport or club.”
Teachers were asked the same question. Jaisa Poppleton, volleyball coach and engineering teacher, said she believes “that everybody cares about everybody and everybody cares about South.
South is a very caring environment.” “I think what makes South special is the people that are in the building, our students, our staff, our support staff, our community, those are things that make it special because there’s a tie between all of them,” Activities Director Steve Throne said. “We all want this building to be a great place, and so that’s why it is.” He was also asked if there Steve Throne manages the school’s activities and were any athletics programs. Throne has been the AD at MS for specific people three years but had been on the faculty and coached boys basketball for seven years. in this building Photo by McKenna Krueger
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that makes other piece us special. that sets us All those people make this apart, makes a place where kids come “Obviously, us special is everyday to grow and get teachers are that our perbetter academically, but also the ones formances, as citizens. that have whether it’s –Activities Director Steve the biggest in the arts or impact bemusic, our Throne cause they’re clubs and working for students everyday,” the involvement we have from Throne said. “So, those folks, but students, and then obviously, the also our support staff, whether it’s athletic side too, where kids are our secretaries, our security, our involved. They’re involved in mulcustodians, our kitchen folks, our tiple things, and that’s the beauty counselors, and all those different of it. You might see a kid in the groups that go into a building. band, who’s also a football player. Library, information specialists, You might see someone who is in and all those people. All those multiple clubs that’s running to people make this a place where show choir, or drama, or any of kids come everyday to grow and those things. And so, we’re a very get better academically, but also diverse community from an acas citizens,” he said. tivities standpoint, which I think As far as activities go, his also helps support the academic response was, “I think that’s the piece.”
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South selected for district’s only JROTC program
Technical Sergeant Peter Mamula helps Cadet Mackenzie Whetstone get fitted for her uniform. Photo by McKenna Krueger
Sam Sliva Business Manager As some of you may have noticed there’s a new room on main street. This new room is for the new Junior ROTC program. This is the program’s first year at Millard South. The program exceeded its projected enrollment goal of 70 students and is currently enrolling 114 students. “I’m from Bellevue so this gave me a good chance to sort of get into the area, plus this is the best school in the area,” Tech. Sgt. Peter Mamula said. Mamula teaches the course alongside Maj. Ryan Bagley. The main goals of the course are to teach students communication and leadership skills while also teaching them how to help their community. “I really wanted to mentor our students,” Bagley said. “When I was their age I didn’t have as many opportunities, so I want to help today’s kids,” he said. The JROTC program does more than just teach leadership skills; they also offer academics in aviation, health
JROTC works with the American Legion Post 374 to present the colors at all football games played at Buell Stadium. Pictured left to right and Cadet Color Commander C/1 Lt Ashley Hild, C/Lt Col Esther Broyles, C/Lt Col Ryan Koltas. Photo by McKenna Krueger
and wellness, and go on the occasional field trip to places such as Offutt Air Force Base or The SAC Museum. “JROTC is definitely helping me think and prepare for my future,” Cadet Mackenzie Welty said. The JROTC’s main goal is to help students prepare for their future. The course also includes days where they train physically and teach students good ways to stay in shape and live healthy lifestyles. “It’s helping me get better at public speaking and giving me valuable leadership skills,” Welty said. “We work very closely with our Color Guard team; the team here is really phenomenal,” Bagley said. The Color Guard ceremonies that are done by the JROTC will be presented at every game that is played at Buell Stadium. “I think it’s an honor that we get to present the colors at every game, we get to represent the entire district,” Bagley said.
Major Ryan Bagley names the JROTC’s Cadet Corps. From left to right: Cadet Group Commander C/Col Wolf Lucas, Cadet Operations officer C/Lt Col Nic Greve, Cadet Executive Officer C/Maj Dominic Love, Cadet Deputy Group C/Lt Col Ryan Koltas, Cadet Squadron Commander C/Lt Col Esther Broyles, Flight Commander Taylor Huff, C/1st Lt, Flight Commander C/1st Lt JLan Kauakahi-Campbell and Cadet Senior Enlisted Adviser C/CMSgt Christian (CJ) Getscher
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Focus 9 • 23 • 2016
Different eyes upon MS Students from local high schools share their perceptions from afar Ryan Carter Staff Reporter The statement “I go to Millard South” brings up many different points of view. How others see Millard South is varied. The variations of biases about Millard South’s economic status, diversity and more from different schools are countless. But how relevant are these opinions? How do other schools view Millard South? “Millard South is a lot more diverse,” Millard West student Nick Poderys said. His observation is true, but not to as great an extent as he might think. According to the Nebraska Department of Education’s 2014-2015 Report, 80.2% of Millard South’s students are Caucasian. The school’s second leading ethnic group is Hispanics, comprising a total of 9.7% of the student population. Following that are African Americans who make up 4.1%, Asians who account for 2.2% and others at 3.8%. In contrast, 88.2% of Millard West’s population consists of Caucasians, just 8% more than Millard South. 1.5% of Millard West’s students are African American. Meanwhile, if you take a look at Bryan High School in OPS, 13% of their students are African American and over half are Hispanic. There are only 390 Caucasians within Bryan High School. Free and reduced lunch is another statistic the State Department of Education tracks. Their data shows that 26% of students at Millard South are on free and reduced lunch. Millard West’s percentage is 6% while Bryan High School’s percentage is at 80.93%. It’s also shown that Ralston’s free and reduced percentage stands at 44%, Bellevue
“ One person cannot determine
a whole group. Millard South is generally seen as a school filled with good people with hearts for their community despite the incident of the shooting.
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– Papillion LaVista Student Peyton Bryant West’s is 28%, Millard North is 14% and Papillion La Vista Senior High is 23%. Depending on which environment you walk through in a high school, your perspective of Millard South will change. While students interviewed at Millard West viewed Millard South as poorer, a student from Ralston High School said that MS consisted of “rich white kids.” Another factor that contributes to the perspectives of Millard South is the shooting that took place on Jan. 5, 2011. The shooting and the process of healing put South on the forefront of many within the city. “Millard North’s perspective on South changed after the shooting,” says Millard North transfer student junior Tabitha Lincoln who was attending Disney Elementary in 2011. “It was seen as more threatening,” she said. “We had a sketchy view after the shooting,” Millard West student, Jacob Hamsa said. Hamsa was attending Andersen Middle School in 2011. Other students interviewed at schools such as such as Papillion La Vista Senior High and Bryan High
School had something a little different to say. “One person cannot determine a whole group. Millard South is generally seen as a school filled with good people with hearts for their community despite the incident of the shooting,” Peyton Bryant, a student from Papio LaVista, says. “Nobody had given it as much attention. It was still just seen as a normal, safe school,” Bryan student, Jeff Lanoue, says. Extracurricular activities, clubs and sports also factor into how Millard South is seen. When first asked, nearly every student interviewed except for Papillion La Vista’s student agreed that the football team could use some improvement. However, Millard South’s music and arts department are strong compared to other schools. “There’s a lot more creativity with the music and art department,” Lincoln said. “When you walk around, you can see more people prone to creativity,” she said. Students at neighboring schools interviewed said that MS academics are proficient as well, which falls into line according to the Nebraska Department of Education who reports that MS is just about average with ACT preparation and scores. Whether good or bad, MS has made itself known to other schools in Omaha. South is known for an extended list of things from diversity all the way to the activities it excels in. The views from the outside illustrate that others are noticing the great things happening at South.
Why did you decide to come to MSHS? “I didn’t really fit in at Skutt, and I really like the baseball program here more.”
– Andrew Staebell
“I felt that the arts and theater programs were better here than at my old school.”
– Tabitha Lincoln
“I kind of need to finish high school, and this one was the nearest to me.” – Edgar Shigley
Chieftain slowly makes transition to Patriot Whenever I say “my school,” I’m not talking about Millard South. I don’t think of red, white and blue, and I definitely don’t call myself a Patriot. At the tail end of my sophomore year, I had to transfer from Bellevue East because of my mom’s job. I tried to be open-minded, which isn’t easy for me. Yeah, it was a new start… for literally everything. New house, new teachers, new school, new friends. Everything was going to be different. It was funny because I moved from only 30 minutes away but it felt a lot farther than that. My first few weeks, I realized how much hatred I was capable of. There wasn’t even a good reason for it, I just missed my old school. South is better academically and I now have so many opportunities that I didn’t have before. Like better preparation for college. The AP exams and ACT testing is paid for by the school. The sports teams aren’t bad. (At Bellevue East, we lost our rival football game… 0 to 85.) It didn’t matter though, because negativity is my talent. I constantly complained about things: passing periods, five different lunches, block scheduling. I even had people get mad at me because East didn’t want to change their mascot.
Translove-hate relaferring was tionship with the worst their school.) socially. On the other I missed hand, people at my friends South seemed desperately. so clique-y. I’m awkEveryone pretty ward and I much knows have social everyone at anxiety, and my old school. I knew that Even if you it would don’t know take years to them, you still build the reknow who they lationships are. Anyone I had with can be friends my other with anyone, friends. Of regardless of course, I still stereotypes. Adrienne Bruner talk to them. Most South Staff Reporter They’ll always students don’t be my best even know friends. It’s the majority just so different when you don’t of people in their class alone. have them around all the time. Still, I made the most of things. I was so used to feeling like I I’ve met some amazing people belonged that when I came here and have some awesome new I felt so out of place that it hurt. friends. That was when things If I’m being completely really started getting better. honest, the Millard South When I first found out I student body definitely has wasn’t able to finish my sophoa different attitude. I see that more year at East, I told my there is a lot of pride. My first Newspaper advisor. I loved my day was the spring pep rally, newspaper staff; we were like and I had never seen people get family. My advisor e-mailed so excited about their school. Mrs. Kaldahl and I found out At East, we had fun pep rallies that I would be accepted onto but a lot of students didn’t care. Common Sense staff! I was (Most students at East have a saltier than McDonald’s french
fries about moving, but I knew things would be okay because I could still hold on to something I loved: journalism. As time went on, I saw that maybe Millard South was for the better. I’ll always miss my friends, but I have many more opportunities. My grades have improved a lot. Plus, I have a lot of new friends that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Transferring to a different school can be both disappointing and frustrating. Yet I have found that school is school no matter where you go. In the end, Millard South isn’t such a bad place. Actually, it’s great. While I still don’t officially call it “my school,” every once in awhile I like to brag to my old friends about how much “better” South is. (It’d be more accurate to say “every single time we talk about school”) Our football team is better, our colors are better, the boys are cuter. If I was given the chance to go back to Bellevue East right now, I hesitate to say that I would take it. I loved going to East, but I’m starting to like South, too. This fall, I’m going to homecoming with my friends. I’ll be competing with the forensics team. Best of all, I get to be on Common Sense staff. Things are turning out great and I know I’m going to have an awesome junior year.
“Millard South has the only ELL classes at the high school level, and I think there’s less stress here than at North or West.”
– Yirong Liang
“I just really don’t like skirts.”
– Sierra Sutton
Photos and interviews by McKenna Krueger
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Features 9 • 23• 2016
Music is forever
Parents, staff, alumni sing at preview fundraiser concert
RuthAnne Hale Staff Reporter teacher and music parent Terri Wright. She’s always loved singing, One after another, the adults foland has experience with playing an lowed each other from their seats to the instrument, but before this choir awaiting stage. With a variety of music sang only for her own enjoyment. experience under their belts, and only Another member of the staff in three rehearsals, Millard South’s first this choir is AFJROTC teacher Peter Parent, Staff, and Alumni Choir took a Mamula. Mamula is new at Millard deep breath and began their one and only South and joined to meet some of performance. the Millard South community. They performed at the Choir Preview When Stevens started on the Fund raiser Festival on Tuesday, Septemchoir, he had no idea what to expect. ber 9, and sang 2 songs. It was unlike his every day choirs in In the past, there have been many many ways. For one, there are only alumni choirs, and according to the three rehearsals; and the rehearsals director, Jason Stevens, the Millard South are a week apart rather than every Choir Alumni are very supportive. But Alumni, staff and parents joined to sing two selections at the Choir Fall Preview on Sept. 6. The group other day, and the members have the addition of the parents and staff came had 3 rehearsals and sang under the direction of Jason Stevens. Photo by Vivian Kaldahl more of a variety of musical backa year before at the last Fund raiser pregrounds. musical as well. She has enjoyed reuniting with old friends view festival. However different this group is, the goal is the same: and meeting new ones. Music is a big part of her life and At that concert, Stevens led the audience in a vocal to make beautiful music for all to enjoy, but that’s not all. always has been, and she wants to show people “how warm-up song. The crowd of parents loved it. In fact, they Steven’s personal hope for the choir is that “they all have music can bring people of all walks of life and of any age loved it so much that the idea of a parent choir was born. a great experience,” and also wants to send a message to together. ” Later, alumni and staff were included. Then, through current high school music students: “Singing and making Although the alumni might be the youngest group, the beauty of the internet, the word spread. People were music is something you do for life, not just in high school.” the parents are just as energetic, and perhaps the most notified by the MSHS Choir alumni Face book group, twitdiverse in their musical backgrounds. ter posts, and e-mails to staff and parents. One parent is Ginny Ashley, mom When the groups came together for the first rehearsal, to Sophomore Lauren Ashley, and she Stevens mad the joke that this was “worlds colliding,” but joined to support all the kids in the music while these three groups are separate and distinct, they program. She may not have had enormous have all joined together to form a single choir. amounts of experience and she may be a Perhaps the most enthusiastic group of people in this bit out of practice, but she still says that choir are the alumni. “It’s fun to go back to singing again.” One such alumnus is Elace Pontiero. She graduated Junior Emma Remer’s father, Dave from Millard South in 2009 and went on to become a Remer’s musical experience includes permusic teacher at Hitchcock. When she’s teaching, she likes forming in a local band. He says that the to think that the kids she teaches may one day be involved experience has been great, and that it’s a with the Millard South music program, and be taught by throwback to his high school choir, where the same teacher that she was taught by, Stevens. he says that he was “a bit of a jokester,” and Another music alumnus-turned-music teacher, Erika that it was fun to meet others who like to Kepler, said that she misses being in a choir rather than mess around. directing it, and hopes that the choir will be formed again The final third of this choir are the next year. staff, many of whom fit into more than one Another staff member is Amber Stackhouse, a 2012 category. Millard South alumnus, who has since returned to Millard Parents, Millard staff and former Millard South choir students rehearse “Omnia The prime example of this is French South as a Media Paraprofessional, and helps with the Sol” for the fall preview concert. “Omnia Sol” composed by Z. Randall Stroope for former Millard South choir director Mike Janis when he retired from teaching. Photo by Christine Kaldahl
Ahrens continues family legacy
Kristin Kaipust Staff Reporter teaching, Ahrens said she thinks any other Candace Ahrens has her dream job job would be boring. teaching her favorite subject to her desired Although Ahrens has a love of English, grade. Ahrens, a new English 9-10 teacher, if she needed to teach a different subject, said she is very happy to be at Millard she said she would like to teach history. South. She also couldn’t Originally teaching choose a grade she I don’t know what else I at Hasting High School, would like to teach would want to do. Ahrens said she had no other than freshmen. – English Teacher connection to South before She likes teaching this year. She also said she Candace Ahrens freshmen because it’s loves how Millard South their first year and is very energetic and her they are more excited. favorite part of the school is the English “They don’t have the attitude of ‘I don’t department and the students. like school’ yet,’” Ahrens said. Teaching runs in the Ahrens family. She attended Wayne State College and She has two uncles, an aunt, and a cousin there she thought she would want to teach who all teach at various schools throughout seniors, but changed her mind and decided the state. she really liked freshmen. “I don’t know what else I would want Ahrens grew up with a job in mind to do,” Ahrens said. Extremely happy to be and is now continuing her family’s legacy.
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Fast Facts:
Name: Candance Ahrens Education: Wayne State College Past Experience: 2 years at Hastings High Subject: English English 9-10 teacher, Candace Ahrens
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Features 9 • 23 • 2016
Millard South values diversity in education Vanessa Chavez Staff Reporter
Diversity is not necessary in order to Grant said he hopes that have a functioning school, but a school with the diversity at Millard diversity can only enrich one’s education South is proof that no and Milmatter where lard South you are from This diversity can open stuis lucky to nor whatdents’ eyes to a world much have such ever your larger than just Millard and a diverse upbringing Omaha. It allows students student has been, to realize that even in their population. students are own community there is a Millard looking to South is the better themsignificant international only high selves both presence. school in the academi–Paul Grant district with cally in the the English classroom Language and socially Learners program. This program has played in the real world. a big role in creating a diverse atmosphere Diversity Club’s within the entire school. 50 countries are sponsor, Sarah Martin, represented through the ELL program. understands the ways in Paul Grant, ELL teacher, explains that which diversity awareness the school’s diversity is beneficial to every- and acceptance enriches one, students, teachers, and administrators educational experience. because students and staff have opportuni- “The list of things to ties to interact socially and academically gain from valuing what with fellow peers who have been raised in makes us all different is different cultures, with different upbringlimitless, but I think the dangers of not beings and even those speaking different ing aware of and accepting diversity is just languages. as imperative to understand.” “This diversity can open students’ eyes It is important to embrace and encourto a world much larger than just Millard age diversity. That is diversity club’s objecand Omaha. It allows students to realize tive to encourage diversity not only at Milthat even in their own community there is a lard South but also in other schools. Martin significant international presence. Diversity knows that there is much room to grow, in can broaden one’s worldview,” Grant said. getting the word out there.
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Math teacher leaves Bryan, transforms into Patriot Maddie Rynes Staff Reporter New teacher Katie Garcia became a Patriot this year after being at Omaha Bryan High School for 17 years. Having no previous connection with Millard South except for tutoring a MS graduate and the community, she said she believes she made the right choice. “I like it a lot so far,” Garcia said. “It was a hard decision to
“ I like it a lot so far. It was a
hard decision to leave somewhere after being there for 17 years, but I’ve felt very welcomed here.
Katie Garcia
Fast Facts:
Name: Katie Garcia Education: University Nebraka Lincoln and University Nebraska Omaha Past Experience: 17 years at Omaha Bryan Subject: Mathematics
” – Katie Garcia
leave somewhere after being there for 17 years, but I’ve felt very welcomed here.” Before deciding on a degree in education, Garcia had considered being a lawyer and a psychologist. She almost majored in English because of her love for reading, but decided on mathematics. The teachers she had that had helped kids be interested and be successful in math influenced her. She was inspired to help students learn to enjoy math and change the negative stigma around the subject. Garcia has taught pre-algebra, geometry, AP Calculus, and more. On the first few days of school, she asked her students to tell her something she should know about Millard South. One student wrote, “It doesn’t matter where you were before, you’re a Patriot now.” Garcia found that to be very reassuring. She said she believes one of her strengths is that she is approachable and she hopes students feel comfortable coming to her for help. “So far I’ve been really welcomed by staff and students,” Garcia said. “Millard South has a lot of school pride and I appreciate that.”
Source: Nebraska Department of Education Data, Research and Evaluation 2015-2016 Membership by Race. Graphic created by Vanessa Chavez.
“I think that’s why our club is perhaps considering a push to do more in the elementary schools, as these are the years when students are really learning and seemingly are more open to accepting all the things we have to value in the diversity that exists in our schools and beyond,” she said. The future of diversity at Millard South depends on encouraging and spreading it.
Nothing is standing in the way of keeping Millard South as diverse as it is now. Not even the closing of Millard South’s optional enrollment can affect that as assured by school principal Heidi Weaver. “I think our diversity will remain the same. Many of our students live within our MSHS boundaries,” she said.
Former alumni welcomed back to Millard South Kristin Kaipust Staff Reporter Not only was Jennifer Metcalf a Millard South Patriot, but she was a Central Cyclone and a Norris Lion. Metcalf is a newly hired French teacher. She said she is teaching today because of her encouraging teachers from these schools, her favorite being Mr. Srb. Srb taught French at Millard Central for many years, retiring in 2013.
Also during this time, Metcalf studied abroad for six weeks in Quebec. “It really solidified what I wanted to do.” she said. Even though Metcalf may not have been a Patriot all four years, she said she loves Millard South and is excited to be back.
favorite thing “ My about French is how
it sounds. I think it’s a beautiful language.
”
– Jennifer Metcalf
In 8th grade at Central Middle, Metcalf was faced with a choice, take all three language survey classes or choose a language with no experience in it at all. Her choice of French was a good one, because she fell in love the language. “My favorite thing about French is how it sounds,” Metcalf said, “I think it’s a beautiful language.” Though new to South, Metcalf taught for two years before at Andersen Middle. Even though Metcalf grew up as a Millard kid, during her junior and senior year her family moved to Florida. In Florida, she went to a school of performing arts. “I love things that deal with art,” Metcalf said. She considers herself a dramaturge, a person who researches time periods and specifics about a play. “It’s the weirdest, most obscure thing, but it’s something that I love,” she said. After high school Metcalf moved back to Omaha to be closer to family and friends. She attended college at UNO, where she received her bachelor’s degree as well as entering into the Teacher Academy Project (TAP). Through the programs, she received her teaching credentials in a year.
Jennifer Metcalf
Fast Facts:
Name: Jennifer Metcalf Education: University Nebraska Omaha Past Experience: 2 years at Andersen Middle School Subject: French
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Features 9 • 23 • 2016
Local Band ‘Nautilus’ Plays Debut Show Alyssa Soppe Editor-in-Chief
Nautilus It was an interest in zoology and a love of music that brought together instrumental has a purely instrumental progressive metal band Nautilus. sound, meaning “I took Zoology and the nautilus was that there are no my favorite cephalopod. You’ll notice that lyrics to any of a lot of our music has to do with astrophystheir songs. ics because Austin and I took Astronomy “Our sound and it blew our minds,” guitarist Nick is a mix of Kizlin explained. After forming only five several things,” short months ago, local progressive metal Miller said. band Nautilus has penned more than eight “Nick and the original songs with titles such as “Orion’s guys are interNebula” and “Dark Matter”. The scientific ested in a lot implications are very clear. of progressive, Composed of Millard South seniors harder metal Kizlin, Austin Stull (bassist), Eric Ritonya that I generally (guitarist), and UNL student Shaun Miller don’t listen to. (drummer), Nautilus has managed to I mostly play transcend the struggles that many young Metallica or musicians and groups face, such as creating music of the music that is enjoyable to listen to and selllike, so my ing themselves and their work to venues so drum patterns that they can share their creations with the world. The group performed their first show are reminiscent of more classic at Shamrocks Pub and Grill on Aug. 26. “Nick and I used to be in a band when I was metal, while the guitars are in high school a couple of years ago,” Miller doing a lot of explained. “He eventually came to me and melodic metal said he needed a drummer for a new band and some restarting up and I was interested.” Kizlin ally cool modal recruited Stull in a similar manner. Nautilus band members (left to right) Austin Stull, Eric Ritonya, Nick Kizlin, and (back) Shaun Miller perform their set list stuff. So our After all of the members had become at Dr. Jack’s Drinkery. The group has been working together for approximately five months and has written eight original sound comes a part of the band, the name “Nautilus” was songs. “Performing is super exciting. It makes me feel different, like I’m filled with energy,” Stull explained. Photo courtesy out to be mostly of Michaela Stull. chosen. guitar driven. Nautilus rehearses one time per week Miller’s own recording equipment before “I just want to keep playing with these I play pretty as an entire band for anywhere from one to the members split off for college. guys,” Stull said. five hours at Ritonya’s house, and each band simple beats in order to give the guitars the attention.” member practices However, this on his own every I took Zoology and the Nautilus interesting tidbit of day. Nautilus raised was my favorite cephalopod. information about their number of You’ll notice that a lot of our mu- the band is also one group rehearsals to sic has to do with astrophysics of their biggest chal3 times throughout lenges as artists. the week before because Austin and I took As “Creating music their first show, attronomy and it blew our minds, that people want tempting to perfect their set list as much – Senior Nick Kizlin to listen to without using lyrics is one of as possible. our biggest chal “The first show Carina Covington lenges. Sometimes was fun,” Stull said. Staff Reporter “It sounded like we did better than the guys it’s harder to connect to songs when you can’t sing along, but I think the guys are dodoing sound and everything were expect First year teacher Katie Wanek has been dreaming of becoming a teacher ing a good job,” Miller stated. ing based off of their responses afterwards,” since she was 5 years old. She has always loved the idea of helping people and Nautilus finds most of their inspiration Stull said. making connections. She also loves the classroom environment. from artists like Periphery and Tremonti, Miller expressed his enthusiasm about The UNO graduate enjoys the one-on-one connection opportunities teachbut the members also enjoy listening to their first show as well. ing provides her. Wanek teaches Algebra, Foundations 2, and College Algebra. bands such as Daughters of Mara, Metallica, “My favorite song to perform is prob “Everyone always has a smile and all the teachers are so nice,” Wanek states and 10 Years. ably Orion’s Nebula,” Miller explained. as some of her favorite things about being a Patriot. In the near future, Nautilus plans on “There are lots of dynamic changes and I get Originally, she wanted to be a drama teacher as she did drama all throughrecording their first EP together using to do some cool drum things.” out high school. She was in a total of 12 theatre productions for Omaha Bryan High School. Some of her personal favorites were “Comedy of Errors,” “Diary of Anne Frank,” “Seussical the Musical,” but at the top of her list is the “Wicked Witch of the West.” However, after high school ended, Wanek stepped off the stage and started towards her longterm goal of being a teacher. “I really want to be able to help students figure out what they want to do after high school,” Wanek said. Teaching high school students is amazing for Algebra, Foundations 2, and College her, but she wouldn’t mind Algebra teacher Katie Wanek. teaching 7th grade students in the future. Ms. Wanek stepped inside the doors of Name: Katie Wanek Millard South for one day to compete in a DECA Competition when she was still in Education: University of high school and now she is welcomed back as a teacher. Nebraska at Omaha “I’m really excited to make connections with all Past Experience: First year my students,” she said.
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Dream comes true for first-year teacher
Fast Facts:
teacher Subject: Mathematics
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Features 9 • 23 • 2016
Mathematics Teaching Career Intercepts Football Passion Kathryn Willenborg Staff Reporter With the school year beginning entails a plethora of unfamiliar faces, but these faces aren’t limited to new students. This year, Millard South welcomes 17 new members to the Millard South staff, including the latest addition to the math department, Mr. Nick Uy Bico. Prior to pursuing a teaching career, Uy Bico attended Doane University where he played football and earned his degree in mathematics with an education emphasis. Uy Bico said he was extremely interested in exploring the possibilities available to him in regards to coaching football post-college graduation. While playing football as a defensive end, Uy Bico was also taking classes that would advance him in his plans for coaching football. One of these requirements was the education program he was involved with that encompassed student assisting for four total semesters 5 hours a week. Throughout the course of Uy Bico’s student assisting, he said he began falling in love with the difference he could make in students’ lives. After being exposed to the true classroom setting and receiving the “authentic, teaching experience” by teaching all day for a full semester, coaching football quickly became an afterthought. “The idea of working with students and letting them know someone cares about their education greatly appealed to me,” Uy Bico said. It’s not always easy, though. Uy Bico
struggles with helping students realize comed by not only the students, but the their full potential. staff alike. “It’s difficult for me to sit back and “I really love Millard South so far. watch students settle for a bad grade, The administration and the faculty have when I can see how much they’re capable treated me so well. I’m really eager to of if they would just apply themselves,” Uy dive into the Millard South culture and Bico said. become a part of the traditions here,” Uy Uy Bico said excels in his ability Bico said. to understand students. Though he teaches Algebra 1 and Foundations 3, Uy Bico interacts with students from all grades on a typical school day. ‘’I really hope my creativity and imagination reflects my true passion for teaching,” Uy Bico said. “I try to make learning as fun for them to learn as it is for me to teach to them,” Uy Bico said. For example, Uy Bico and his students ventured to the weight room during class for a hands-on lesson. Uy Algebra 1 and Foundations 3 teacher Nick Uy Bico instructed a student to attempt Bico. to lift a bar that had 45 pounds one on end, and 0 pounds on the other end to demonstrate the importance of balName: Nick Uy Bico ancing both sides of an equation. He also decided to provide his students with a visual of the importance of the order of operations by wearing his unEducation: Doane University derwear on the outside of his pants to establish the emphasis of “PEMDAS”. Though Uy Bico’s main focus is Past Experience: First year teaching, he hopes he can get involved teacher in coaching football for the school on the side in the near future. Subject: Mathematics Uy Bico said he feels very wel-
Fast Facts:
New teacher’s desire to make a difference leads to current career Jessica Malashock Staff Reporter
“I am Millard South!” dances. We all know and the love the Ziegler was very involved with her iconic school chant that gets us fired own school as well. While she was at up to support our fellow students and Millard North, she was very interested staff members. While the majority of in all things science and communicaour school has been warbling this tune tion. She was always eager to ask quesfor a number of years, we have several tions and broaden her knowledge. Ms. newcomers who are anxious to shout Ziegler even took her curiosity to the with us. Along with the 630 new voices next level by not only helping herself, echoing through the stands, Millard but helping the Earth as well. South has gained a 17 new teachers who “I would collect trash off the streets are overjoyed to join in as well. One of and make experiments with it,” Ziegler those new teachers is said. science teacher Kim In Ziegler’s The students are amazberly Ziegler, who free time, she enjoys ing and I am shocked by has been an honorwatching television. the ability every student ary Patriot since her She’s very interested has. Millard South is so adolescence. in superhero shows. fantastic, When Ziegler If she had to pick was just 15 years old, a favorite hero, it – Science teacher Kimberly would be Iron Man she met a boy from Ziegler because he is a nora rival school who ended up being the mal human that is love of her life. Ziegler attended Milamazingly intelligent and witty. He uses lard North High School, while the boy his “powers” to create fantastic applicaattended Millard South. Even though tions. Although the superheroes are the she went to a different school, she has main focus of the shows, Ziegler tends always been a Patriot at heart, attendto be more drawn to the villains. ing all the football games and school “If we are talking villains, then I
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have to go with Harley Quinn. She is also very smart but is a complete loose cannon. She is not afraid to show her true colors.” Superheroes don’t just exist on the big screen, but also in our everyday lives such as in our own school. Our teachers exemplify traits of superheroes daily. As students, it is difficult to look at teachers as anything but that. Before Ziegler was a science teacher, she was an environmental scientist. While studying to be an environmental scientist, Ziegler helped out with the Girl Scouts’ ‘Magic of Chemistry’ day. Seeing girls getting interested in science made her realize she wanted to teach to make a difference and to make students more excited and involved with science. Here at Millard South, Ziegler said she is loving every minute of it. As a school, we are always excited to welcome new teachers to our family, and Ziegler said she is just as excited to join us. “The students are amazing and I am shocked by the ability every student has. Millard South is so fantastic,” Ziegler said.
Fast Facts:
Name: Kimberly Ziegler
Science teacher Kimberly Ziegler.
Education: University of Nebraska at Omaha and College of Saint Mary Past Experience: First year teacher Subject: Science
New teacher aims to inspire students and relieve stress Carina Covington Staff Reporter All the way from Creston, Iowa, Edanne Murphy joins the Millard South staff. She taught at Creston High School for 12 years, teaching journalism, yearbook, and newspaper for multiple grade levels. During her time at Creston, she developed an interest in teenage brain development. “I’m fascinated with brain development and relationship development,” Murphy said. Her fascinations inspire her to make changes in her classroom environment. In her classroom, she has bouncy bands under her chairs to help students with ADHD/ADD focus. The bands allow them to bounce their feet without being too distracting to other students. She also incorporates stress relief exercises around her English curriculum. She does this to help students learn how to cope with stress and prevent mental sickness in the future such as depression and anxiety. “Teenagers are misunderstood,” Murphy said. “There is a huge open window to develop connections and teach them how to reduce stress,” she said. She has attended around six professional training conferences about teen development. She also visited charter schools to see brain development in action. Her Master’s Degree is in psychology, which helps her understand more about students’ personal development. Murphy said she feels like Millard South’s atmosphere and administration being student oriented helps many teenagers avoid mental health problems. “It may sound cliché, but I wanted to become a teacher because I wanted to work with young people and inspire them,” Murphy said.
English teacher Edanne Murphy.
Fast Facts:
Name: Edanne Murphy Education: Northwest Missouri State University Past Experience: 12 years at Creston High School Subject: English
Sports 9 • 23 • 2016
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Runners persevere through stormy weather Eric Murcek Staff Reporter
Heavy rain on Sept. 9 flooded parts of whether the JV races would even be run. the cross country course in Walnut Grove With the first race being run just a few and made other parts muddy. Additionminutes after the rain stopped, the athletes ally, lightning nearby would have to run had the officials ready through mud and to cancel Millard water to reach the South’s only home meet finish line. There’s nothing else I entirely at any minute. The two heavy could have done except But the rain subsided, favorites going into run faster. and the invite went on the Varsity girls’ race as planned, for the most were Taylor Somers – Senior Taylor Somers part. of Millard South The original and Emily Venters of schedule for the races Lawrence Free State. held last Friday was Venters won the Milthe JV girls race, Varsity girls, Varsity Boys, lard South Invite in 2014. Venters ran her then JV boys. The weather forced a change fastest time ever at that race and became though, so the varsity girls were moved one of only three people to beat Somers ahead and became the first race, with in a Nebraska high school cross country Varsity boys second, and it was uncertain meet. However, Somers came back and won the Millard South Invite in 2015, running her fastest time ever. From the second the starting gun went off, Venters and Somers were in front. They were neck and neck until about a mile into the race, when Venters started pulling ahead. Venters lead from that point on, with Somers finishing a Lorelei Hayden is beginning the back end of the course. She beat her fair margin behind previous best time by 52 seconds in this race. Photo by Eric Murcek her. Somers ran
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Volleyball sets goals for this year Madison Bullard Staff Reporter The Millard South Volleyball season started Sept. 2. Coach Jaisa Poppleton has the team practicing every day that they don’t have a game, except Sundays. She said her goals are to beat the teams they are anticipated to and she is expecting some loses. “The first tournament of the season was eye opening,” Poppleton said. Poppleton said she is so happy to be a volleyball coach. “I like the team’s passion,” Poppleton said. At the Bellevue East invitational Millard South won 3 sets out of 5 sets
for a win against Bellevue East’s 0 sets. Although Millard South was defeated 3 sets to none by Papillion LaVista High School, they are determined to improve with every set they play and this is shown by their passion on the court. This is where Poppleton’s love of coaching Millard South’s team comes from. After going to state volleyball last year but not making it to the final round, the hopes for a successful season and returning to state in the 2016 season are even higher. “As long as we win the games we should be winning,” Poppleton said, “then we are in good shape.”
Junior Chloe Nickolisen passes during a ball handling warm up at practice. Nickolisen plays middle blocker on the JV team. Photo by McKenna Krueger
this race a full minute slower than she did the year before. She isn’t letting it discourage her, though. “There’s nothing else I could have done except run faster.” Somers said of her race. When asked about it, she said that she just isn’t in top shape yet, and is planning on improving as this season goes on. Aside from Somers placing second, the rest of Millard South’s girls team also had much success. The Taylor Somers begins to trail behind Emily Venters after the first mile three freshmen on marker. The gap would continue to grow as the race went on. Photo by the Varsity team, Eric Murcek. Lorelei Hayden, South athletes, Noah Rasmussen, Gunner Maddie Krull, and Hannah Denson, all ran personal bests, and Mattson, and Dylan Lessig, ran personal bests, with Rasmussen finishing 7th. finished 12th, 20th, and 21st, respectively. Nevertheless, the officials were not After the girls’ race finished, the boys’ willing to risk any of the runners getting Varsity race started hastily, as the sky injured and canceled the JV races, to the started to darken again. With rain seeming delight of most of the runners. Everyone inevitable, the race began with no furquickly gathered their stuff, and rushed ther ado. Seth Hirsch, the defending state champion, faced some early opposition, but to shelter. The coaches made sure all the athletes were accounted for, and then they quickly brushed it off. Behind him was a pack of runners vying for 2nd through 10th were free to go. Medal presentations were skipped, as the rain showed no signs of letplace, among them was Millard South’s top ting up. runner, Noah Rasmussen. Although the weather at this year’s About ten minutes into the race, the Millard South Cross Country Invitational rain came. A deluge of rain fell, that turned was far from ideal, neither of the races the nearly dry-course from clear to soaked disappointed. The races will go down in all in just a few seconds. Luckily, most of the the athletes’ and spectators’ memories, even runners were at least halfway through the if those memories are of running to shelter. course. Despite the downpour, three Millard
Tailgate supports Patriot Pantry Sarah Braley Staff Reporter
The Patriot Tailgate goes far beyond the freshman football team and their coaches who started it two years ago. Todd Renken has been part of the program since the beginning when his son was just starting out in the football program. “Some of the volunteers don’t even have kids that go to Millard South,” Todd Renken said. Mike White, one of the volunteers has no family connected to Millard South but really likes to help out with the community. He has been well known around the area for his great acts of kindness, Todd Renken said. “Todd Renken, Mike White,Ty George and Scott Baker are the brains behind the whole thing,” freshman football coach Tyler Renken said. “They spend many hours prepping – smoking meat for beans, baking
mac n cheese, picking up consumables, etc.,” he said. The money generated from the tailgate goes towards the new Patriots Care Pantry and the football program. At the tailgate they sell hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, baked beans and mac and cheese. Most of the food is $5 and it includes chips and water. “The most expensive thing on the menu is the mac attack,” Todd Renken said. It’s a half pound hamburger smothered in macaroni and cheese on a bun and you get chips and a water for $7,” he said. “I can’t say enough about these volunteers,” Tyler Renken said. “Mike, Ty, Scott and Todd have put in countless hours to make this be successful. They just love for this to grow.”
Volunteers Robert Rolter, Vicky Duncan, David Conrad, Cece Roiter, Wayne Roiter, Lisa Helvey, Todd Renken and Ty George are ready to serve patrons at the Patriot Tailgate. The Patriot Tailgate operates prior every Millard South game held at Buell Stadium. Proceeds help the Patriot Pantry and the football program. Photo by McKenna Krueger
Sports 9 • 23 • 2016
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2016 Rio Olympics results and highlights Eric Murcek Staff Reporter In the two-week span of the Olympics, there was a lot that went on. With competition in 28 different sports, it is nearly impossible to follow everything that happens. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the 2016 Olympic’s biggest stories for anyone who wasn’t able to keep up with it all.
Millard South varsity football strives for improvement Kailey Boden Staff Reporter
During the fall pep rally, any student tuned in to Millard South’s Head coach Andy Means’ words on the 2016 football lineup was sure to hear the abrupt line, “There’s no doubt that we have an inexperienced team this year, but we are sure to surprise Millard West for the season opener on Friday.” Fast forward two days later and snapshot to heads hung with a devastating 50-point loss on their shoulders against their biggest rivals, Millard West, and as a coach or fan of football in general, many would most likely put Millard South football off their radar. But according to senior offensive linebacker Ricky Hayden, that is the last thing you should do. “It didn’t feel good losing to Millard West, especially in the way we did,” Hayden said, “but we need to put that in the past and focus on the games ahead of us.” He said his favorite part about playing for South is the fact that everyone on the team comes together as a family and despite the other class A schools’ views, the coaches have high expectations. The Patriots current
state rank is 91, with a national rank of 8200, and with this, an athlete or spectator undoubtedly knows there’s always room for improvement. “Millard West is one of the best teams we face,” Hayden said, “and we can only go up from here, improving every game with the more experience we obtain.” A key contributor to the inexperience our football team faces is our limited number of returning starters. In fact, that number consists of just 1. Our sole returning starter is senior lineman, at guard and tackle, Eric Hiatt. “Being the only returning starter isn’t that big of a deal,” Hiatt says humbly, “I just have more experience playing football on the varsity level and with that I try to be a leader by example.” Many would agree with the opinThe varsity football team huddles between plays during the game against Lincoln Puis X. The Patriots ion that being a senior on the team (whether you’re a starter or not) results ended up losing 31-14. Photo by McKenna Krueger in a greater thirst for playing and winplaying football all together. “We need to do takes and exceeding everyone else’s expectaning, as for most, it’s likely their last season what we are coached and limit major mistion will soon follow,” Hiatt said.
Girls Golf Tees off the season right Hailey Boden Staff Reporter With their victory at the varsity dual said. against Omaha Central behind them, the The Millard South girls golf team takes Millard South Golf team continues to pride in its camaraderie and support for prepare for the season ahead of them and each other during competition. Whether better themselves to reach their goals. participating or not, these girls support “My main goal would be to win state, their teammates no matter what. but I really just want to have fun and keep “We bond very well and have lots of bettering myself, “ senior Grace Rasmussen, fun practicing together and cheering each who placed third at the LSE invitational, other on,” senior Sami Bruna said. said. With this support the girls work to With a team of gether to reach their about 14 members, collective goal. Rasmussen plays an “Our goal as Our goal as a team would important role in leadera team would be be to have a number of our ship for the golf squad. to have a number members make it to the state “I do consider myof our members tournament. self a leader because the make it to the state younger players typically tournament,” Bruna look up to the seniors – Senior Sami Bruna said. for guidance,” Rasmus With high sen said. hopes for the rest The team puts in of the season and soon facing their biggest many hours of work during practice, but competition, Millard West, Rasmussen and bond very well off the course as well. Bruna claim that they continually put in the “The team as a whole is pretty cliquey, necessary work to better their golf skills and but everyone has a person or group of people that they can go to for help,” Rasmussen reach for their goals.
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Entertainment 9• 23 • 2016
“To Kill a Mockingbird”Impresses with striking realism Savannah Lacy Staff Reporter The Omaha Community Playhouse and director Ablan Roblin recreated the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, on August 19 to September 18. The play was a sold out show and I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to one of the two added showings. After reading the novel, I enjoyed the story and appreciated the message it presented. I wasn’t sure what to expect of the play, but much of the story took place exactly as I had imagined it. In this production, the actors brought out just the right emotions through the characters and the scenery really made me feel like I was a part of the play. Millard West will be showing a rendition of To Kill a Mockingbird towards the end of this month as well. To Kill a Mockingbird is based in Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930s when race was associated with value and a man of color wasn’t given a fair trial. In this story, more of the children’s perspective is captured as the point of view is told from Scout Finch who is the daughter of lawyer, Atticus Finch. They live with Calpurnia, an African-American housekeeper while their father works. Scout and her brother Jem Raydell Cordell III as Tom Robinson, Thomas Becker as Atticus Finch, Chloe Irwin as Scout Finch, Rusheaa Smith-Turner as Calpurnia. meet a friend over the summer Photo by Colin Conces. named Dill and they all become curious about their elusive neighbor Boo Radley. Eventually, Atticus to learn that race and social class doesn’t define someTurner who played Calpurnia is a memorable part of defends the case of Tom Robinson, one. Tom’s eviction and his innocence cause Scout and the production. She has recently won an award for her a convicted black man accused of raping a white womJem to understand that life can be unfair and you have to outstanding performance in the play, Lost Boy Found an. Scout and Jem have trouble understanding the inhuwalk around in someone else’s shoes to understand their in Whole Foods. Compared to the book, she was just man ways Tom is treated in their community. She comes perspective. as expected. Calpurnia’s character in the play, as well as Although the play in the book, is a positive female influence to Scout and took place in the motherly to the children. Another unforgettable actor is 0 Howard Drew theatre, John Hatcher who played Bob Ewell. He was aggressive in which is the smaller the play giving the audience a feeling of anger towards his stage of the playhouse, character. Rob Baker, another amazing performer whom the stage was well played as Heck Tate, is the husband to our own language balanced. The stage arts teacher, Mrs. Baker. The southern accents produced included the porches of by the actors were surprisingly understandable and realisthe Finch’s neighbors tic. and the reoccurring Overall, the play was such a good recreation of the Jessica Lukecart tire swing from the novel. The actors were very fitting and the script stayed Staff Reporter book. Sounds of cicaquite true to the book. The play will always be a good redas, thrilling gunshots minder of the recurring issues that are important now just Tim Allen’s “The Shaggy Dog” made Despite being award winning acand loud mob scenes as much as they were during the 1930s. To Kill a Mockin 2006. Except in “The Shaggy Dog” tors/actresses Jennifer Garner, Kevin made the audience feel ingbird will leave you with Atticus’ quote, “You never the movie is more of a kid’s movie, the Spacey and Christopher Walken a part of the producreally understand a person until you consider things from acting seems more natural and not all star in the movie “Nine Lives”. I tion. his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk so forced and is more humorous and was definitely disappointed with the Award winning around in it,” in mind. kid friendly than Nine Lives. Overall, movie. The plot was very predictable, actress, Rusheaa Smithwhen it comes to talking animals, Disthe jokes were un-amusing and I ney does it better than EuropaCorp. found myself very bored throughout The movie is about a middle aged the whole movie. man, Tom Brand (Kevin Spacey) who The movie is comparable to is more consumed in his business than his family. His daughter, Rebecca (Malina Weissman) only gets to see her father on TV. For her birthday Tom decides to get his daughter a cat. In a rush he goes to a sketchy pet store and buys a cat from a strange man, Felix (Christopher Walken). On his way home, he gets hit by lightning and ends up in a coma. When he wakes up, he’s in the cat’s body. The only person who can communicate with Tom is the man who sold him the cat. Basically he must learn how to be a good father and husband and spend more time with his family instead of always working in order to turn back into a human. Throughout the movie there is a lot of cat humor such as the cat getting drunk off fifty-year old scotch, the cat having numerous “accidents” and more. The movie received one star from Common Sense Media and 10% from Rotten Tomatoes. So unless you have a little sibling who loves cats or you yourself find cats hilarious, I would suggest sitting “Nine Lives” out.
Feline Flick ‘Nine Lives’ just a ‘Shaggy Dog ‘Knockoff
Entertainment 9 • 23 • 2016
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Pokémon Gone
Pokemon’s popularity returns for a short time AJ Bierwirth Staff Reporter As soon as the Pokémon Go app was out the streets seemed to be filled with people running around catching any Pokémon they could find in the world. As of lately though we’ve seen less and less
people playing the game, its glory coming to a rapid end. Pokémon Go is an augmented reality (AR) application for Iphones and Androids that allows people to catch Pokémon in
the world around them by simply walking around. Places that are notable in some way may appear as PokéStops, spots that give you items when you walk close to them, or Gyms where you can battle other players of the game. You can even find a PokéStop at our own Buell Stadium. The famous app shot to first place in mobile games after its release in every country and hit its peak in the United States mid July and has been in a steady decline ever since, losing millions of its followers. But even though the game continues to lose popularity it is still quite apparent and has had many effects on the Pokémon franchise. You probably cannot go into any store without seeing Pokémon cards, toys or games anymore. Since the app has come out, older Pokémon games have been brought back by those who used to play them and even new fans who wanted to experience the old games. Nintendo’s 3DS sales for their Pokémon games;
Omega Red, Alpha Sapphire, X, and Y have all doubled. “All of them [Wright’s children] have gone back to playing other games. Their Pokémon X and Pokémon Y games on their DS and 3DS. If they’re not outside playing it [Pokémon] they’re playing on the DS’s” Says Terri Wright. Nevertheless, Pokémon Go remains the number 1 free app for Google Apps and number 11 for IOS. Nitanic has no plans to slow their work on the game and will be continuing to roll out updates on the game. Pokémon Go Plus, a tracker that notifies you when you are near any PokéStops or Pokémon without having to have the app open on your phone having just been released. French teacher Terri Wright gives this advice; “For those of you that are impatient with the game, have patience because there are more great things in the game to come.”
No Man’s Sky? More like No Guys Buy
Cam Filleman Staff Reporter
After three years of hype and countless delays, No Man’s Sky finally released on August 9th, and oh boy, were we disappointed. No Man’s Sky is an action-adventure survival video game developed and published by the indie studio Hello Games for PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows. Although No Man’s Sky was advertised as an open ended, “create your own adventure” kind of game, you only have about three options during the few chances you have to actually make a choice that is supposed to matter in the game. Two of these decisions are literally just disregarding the first decision, which is to follow the only direction in the game and that direction is to travel to the center of the universe because your character “feels” like they need to. Aside from that, your other options are just explore the vast universe of different colored planets. It’s honestly the same planet over and over again with
slightly differentiating plant structures and animals that look like someone spilled Mountain Dew into the genetic pool. The head designer of No Man’s Sky, Sean Murray, claimed that, “With our procedurally generated algorithm we’ve created, no two planets or animals will be the same, every planet and star system will be different and honestly, planets with life will be very difficult to find because of this algorithm.” From personal experience I can tell you that this “algorithm”, If it works at all as Sean Murray said, only works on a large scale. The planets I’ve been exploring have almost all had some form of life which really doesn’t make it that big of a deal when I come across it and that ruins the experience of finding this supposedly rare occurrence, which in turn lowers the value of exploring which is literally the point of the game. Gameplay wise it’s pretty simple, fly to a planet, shoot some rocks, fly to a space
station, and sell those rocks. Over and over and over and over again. You can see how it might get stale after a while, and the game does little to try and refresh this experience other than attempt to give you, “new sights to see and new planets to discover!” which once you’ve seen like ten planets, you’ve seen them all, which in a game about discovery is a really bad design flaw. As much flak as I give this game, I honestly have to say that visually, this game is actually really stunning. It’s really beautiful just flying in space, passing asteroids with colossal planets that seem so distant yet so gigantic. Every once in a while there actually IS a planet that has really surreal scenery that is genuinely beautiful. But again, this is only a once in a while occurrence and does little to help the overall flow of the game. Personally I give this game a 4/10 for being utterly boring after one hour of
gameplay and promises from the development team that are nonsense. This game is not worth the sixty dollars, if anything, buy it once it’s price has dropped to about five bucks and then see for yourself. I assure you, you will be disappointed.
Suicide Squad: Career Suicide For All Involved? Conlan Custard Staff Reporter The recently released film “Suicide Squad” brings up yet another dilemma amongst a fan base, and movie reviewers. People are still wondering why there is such a disagreement between movie critics and fans. The plot consists of multiple master criminals and ex-felons being released from their respective maximum security prisons to work as a top secret task force for the government. The reason for the disconnect between fans and critics is that movie reviewers showed up to see a film and not validate their obsession with a fictional franchise like most of the people who enjoyed this movie did. The DC franchise is a bit murky when it comes to movies, which is pretty obvious considering three of their last four films were Batman vs Superman, Man of Steel, and Green Lantern. Obviously you can enjoy this film without being an emotionally insecure DC fan, because there are some redeeming qualities, however, I found it to be very dull. The movie itself is not very aesthetically pleasing, considering most shots were ill-lit. It was very dark as a whole and it felt as if some filter was put over the actual movie. Especially looking at scenes placed in broad daylight, or when a gigantic fire consumes the entire room, and from this standpoint the entire movie becomes an eyesore. Prior to its release, extensive rewrites and reshoots took place before the film was ready for theaters, (No surprise.) If it were me, I would’ve put in more scenes with
the Joker considering he had relatively little screen time and got most people in the door to see the movie. I felt that Jared Leto’s performance as the Joker was the best aspect of this film and he did a stellar job. However, performances from other actors were severely lacking. Especially in two of the main characters “Deadshot” and “Harley Quinn.” Will Smith played Will Smith. By that I mean a steely faced, serious looking protagonist that lacks depth in the role overall. Watching his first five minutes of screentime was all I needed to name three or four other Will Smith roles that were virtually the same. Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn served as not only a liability but also a sometimes obnoxious punchline dispenser. Of course there were other characters, however, most of them are far too under developed to critique in the first place. The editing was clearly trying to be innovative and be its own style, however it just came off as sadly subpar. The music choices were ok, but most of the time I found myself realizing that they don’t fit with the scenes they were placed into. Overall, this film is a cookie cutter action movie, which despite all the hype, turned out to be a stale and uneventful mess.
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Opinion 9 • 23 • 2016
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 any staff member or dropped off in room 130. 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. Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Soppe Production Editor Jordyn Kelley Business Manager Sam Sliva Graphic Artist AJ Bierwirth Cartoonist Tori Barkus Staff Reporters Tori Barkus AJ Bierwirth Hailey Boden Kailey Boden Adrienne Bruner Madison Bullard Ryan Carter Miriam Cortes Carina Covington Vanessa Chavez Conlan Custard Ellie Dean Cam Filleman Parker Geiss RuthAnne Hale Rebecca Harvie Kristin Kaipust Isabel Kimminau McKenna Krueger Savannah Lacy Jessica Lukecart Jessica Malashock Emma Martin Eric Murcek John Reel Maddie Rynes Sam Sliva Kathryn Willenborg Adviser Christine Kaldahl
Black Lives Matter through the eyes of a cop’s son Just this summer, a lone shooter in Dallas named Micah Johnson shot 11 police officers and killed 5 of them during a rally to protest the police shootings of unarmed black men such as Treavon Martin and Michael Brown. He stated that he specifically wanted “to kill white police officers”, and opened fire on the crowd and officers below him. Sadly, this isn’t the last time that people have been killed over this topic, and it has caused several cities to have their officers “pair up” so they are less likely to get shot on calls. When I heard about this shooting, it hit very close to home for me. See, my mom has been an officer for almost 8 years, and until now I never imagined that she could be in danger like this before. Of course, with her being a police officer, she puts herself in danger every day, but these shootings over racist police seems just absurd. For me, her being a police officer has always been something that I was proud of. Her job is to uphold the law, to protect and serve, and I have never once thought that she
was racist. I brought this up with her recently, asking how she felt about the situation, and how the other officers are taking it as well. She told me that she had stopped using Facebook, because she was afraid someone would figure out her address, someone who wanted to hurt her because she was a cop, not to mention the harassment that she got from it. She talked about friends that she has who treat her differently now due to her badge, and how she locks the doors to our house during the day, while she’s home, for our safety. The rest of the police force has had a change of atmosphere in the past few years, and the same is true in other cities, with the Dallas chief saying that “they don’t feel a lot of support these days”. For me, I haven’t been really worried about my mom being hurt. This problem with police shooting people without reason doesn’t seem to be as huge a problem in Omaha as it has been in cities further south, but it still is a nationwide thing, and people everywhere are angered by it. With the
Park it or mark it: One Student’s experience with ticketing at Millard South
Parker Geiss
Dallas shooting, it reminded me that some people are willing to kill police just because they wear that badge, which makes me worried about my mom, but I’m also concerned about police in general, because people are angry about things that many officers didn’t do themselves. I’m not condemning the protests over the police shootings that have happened, we should hold our police to a higher standard, and we absolutely should question our officers when blood gets shed. We shouldn’t have racist police, but at the same time, violence never solves violence. People shouldn’t be going around saying all officers are racist, and calling for violence against them, and they most certainly should not be killing officers as a response. That is only going to make problems worse in the future.
Turkey just hours before bombs go off This summer I went on a mission trip across the Atlantic to the nations of Armenia and Georgia. To get there I had to go through Istanbul, Turkey. Our original flight from Istanbul to Yerevan, Armenia, had been canceled 2 months before the trip, so we had the unique experience of staying the night in Turkey to fly out the next day. While that changed our plans, we quickly discovered that it was a miracle from God because only 5 short hours after we landed, ISIS bombed the airport killing 41 people and injuring more than 230. In addition, our original flight had been scheduled to leave the airport 1 hour after the attack. Understandably that was a huge shock to receive while we were getting ready for the night and we worried about what to do next. We were a group of 30 Americans, mostly teenagers in a hotel less than 5 miles away from the airport and ISIS. But just as surprising as the initial attack was the reaction. The flights were back on the next day and with only a little extra security, the airport was normal. As we ate lunch before flying out, I saw that they were already replacing broken glass from the gun shots. Yet that was not the end of it. While I was in the Republic of Georgia, Turkey faced a coup in which generals tried to seize power from the president. Now many of you
would say “why should I care, Turkey is not important. It is just another crazy middle eastern country with terrorist.” But that is not entirely true. One thing that I’ve learned on this trip is that the Middle East is far more important than we give them credit for and that it is a place that can quickly become dangerous even in one of the “safest” countries there. I first want to point out that Turkey was once our friend and ally. But everything changed when Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was elected president. Erdoğan is the anti-American president of Turkey who seeks to become the leader of not only Turkey but of Islam. The coup was initiated to get rid of this crazy leader but it failed and now things are getting worse. Erdoğan used the coup to arrest thousands of people whose intelligence or ambitions may cross his and to clean out all judges who do not favor him. But the worst part is that he has drawn Turkey into his own personal war with ISIS. You see it was not just government leaders who felt threatened by Erdoğan’s ambitions but ISIS as well. ISIS bombed the airport and a number of other places because they fought for the same goal. They too want to become the center of Islam and they are willing to murder anyone who stands in their way but then so is
Rebecca Harvie
Erdoğan. This creates a problem not only for Turkey but also for the rest of the world. We now have two enemies of the West and anyone who is not Sunni Muslim fighting for a title that should one of them gain would mean the end of any peace in the Middle East and certain doom for any nations near by. No matter how this ends we can be assured that this is going to change the world and for better or worse that is the world that we are going to have to deal with. To a number of you I may sound dramatic. Turkey might as well be the moon. But what this near death experience has shown me is that it IS “a small world after all” and that it is very easy to get caught in the crossfire. Even if you are a group of teenagers just passing through. As J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote “The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out.”
At the end of my junior year, I got my first ever parking ticket here at Millard South. Now, it’s taking a lot for me to say this, but I’ll admit that I did do something wrong, and that the ticket was somewhat reasonable. However, I would like to address the inconsistency with the ticketing system at our school and how Emma Martin that should be solved. Here is my story. I’ll start out by setting the scene for you. It was late April of 2016, I had a serious case of the end-of-school blues, and I did not want to get out of bed. Let me interject really quick: I know that the next paragraph or two will just sound like me making a bunch of excuses, and while this is partly true, it is also true that I will soon have logic to back me up and make me sound less whiny. Okay, back to it. So I’m running a little bit behind, and when I pull into the south parking lot, it’s about 7:53 a.m. I drive around, and my stomach starts to sink as I realize that there are no. available. parking. spots. I’m becoming a little panicked because I only have four minutes now until the bell rings, so I throw my car into reverse and decide to go with my last resort—parking in between two yellow lines. A teacher’s spot. I hop out, get to class on time, and don’t think about it for the rest of the day. That is, until I leave school and see a ticket peeping out from under my windshield. Muttering an oath, I pluck the slip from under the skinny black apparatus and read the paper declaring that I now owe the school a ten dollar fine. Now, I know at this point the question is, what is the big deal? You did something wrong. You should have to pay the fine, because they explicitly tell us not to park in the yellow lines, and you broke that rule. And you know what? If that was all of the information that I had, I would’ve felt bad, put my tail between my legs, and paid my fine without a word from me on the matter ever again. Except for the fact that there is a little bit more to the story. (An important note: I did pay my fine about two days later. I am not on the lam, running away from my debts or being forced to pay fines before documents are released to me. I was unhappy, but I still followed the rules.) First, you have to weigh the situation. Is it better to take a tardy or a ticket for parking in a convenient spot? I was running late that morning. So it was either park there or be late from driving all the way across the football field to the visitor lot and walking and sweating my way over ten minutes later and missing out on valuable class time. There is no winning! So I made a judgement call--and I’m glad that I made the decision I did--but in that scenario, I feel that I should not be punished for trying my best to get to class on time. Besides that, I have been told that teachers are supposed to arrive at school no later than 7:30 a.m. After that time hits, there are always several open spots left over. There just simply aren’t enough teachers to fill all of their designated spots. So again, it doesn’t make sense for kids to be banned from parking in teachers’ spots as a last resort when by the time I had even arrived at school all the teachers were already in the building. Not to mention I parked in the very last teacher spot. I tried to get as close to student parking as humanly possible. Over the course of the next week or so, I discussed the ticketing system with many of my peers. And the most prominent theme that I heard? Kids didn’t even have parking permits, so when they got ticketed they were able to just throw the tickets away because there was no record that they were responsible for them. Or, in the other scenario, kids had parked in teacher parking about fifty times but had never been ticketed, meaning that the ticketing is inconsistent. So I have a few issues with this. If ticketing is going to take place, it should take place every day. My first time wrongly parking I get reprimanded, but another kid who has parked illegally all year and happens to be sick on a day they ticket gets by with a free pass? That’s not right to me. Unfortunately, I don’t have the perfect solution to the ticketing problem that permeates Millard South. I’ve tried to come up with several fixes, but I’ve quickly realized that there is no perfect plan; there will always be flaws and there will always be downfalls. However, I do believe that this situation is manageable and can be worked with so that it is more effective and a more fair system than it is right now.