Within the Walls of North High by Ben Graeber

Inside The Walls Of North High A Special Edition by the Spring 2015 Journalism Classes

North High School 501 Holcomb Ave. Des Moines, IA 50313 A Public Forum for Student Expression

TOC

THE

Within the Walls of North High

THE_SNAPS

IssUE

administration Principal Michael Vukovich Dr. Cheryl Modlin, Vice Principal Ben Graeber, School Improvement Leader

support staff

Officer Bruce Bjurstrom Mary Lou Hill, Counseling Secretary Cassie DeYong-Formaro, Bookkeeper Suzanna Sieren, ELL Teacher Vinh Nguyen, English Language Learning Department

interventionists Mimi Willoughby Chad Ryan Sherry Poole Jessie Masteller Matthew Lakis

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student organizations

Movement 515, Kristopher Rollins & Emily Lang Movement 515 Poets Robotics Club, Bryan Butcher Debate Club, Becky Hall Gay-Straight Alliance, Heather Rosewall

Skinny Block

coaches and leaders Shannon Dierks, Cheer Kayla Ramirez, Tennis Gregory Holland, Track Major Sean Quinlan, ROTC, Football Mark Rixner, Theatre Vanessa Brady, Choir Joyce Beyer, Orchestra

Angelica Reyes

Front_Cover_Contributors:

Renz Caducoy Kenzie Schnathorst Megan Bohall

oracle staff

Front_Cover_Design_Credit:

Editoring Team: Jasmine Inthabounh Angelica Reyes Kenzie Schnathorst Daniela Hernandez-Avila Renz Caducoy Megan Bohall Kathleen Tran Chrystal Seger Christopher Boeshart Cover Gurus: Angelica Reyes Jasmine Inthabounh

Back_Cover_Design_CREDIT:

Jasmine Inthabounh

Back_Cover_Contributors:

Daniela Hernandez-Avila Kathleen Tran

Reporters: Giorgio Rossi Kendra Smith Kathleen Tran Kenzie Schnathorst Aaron Haskins April Lu Esmeralda Sanchez-Provencio Makaela Ramsey Valeria Guerra-Ceron Ana Gama Alissa Cavanh Taylor Wick Tommy Nguyen Zoe Hike Emily Acosta

Renz Caducoy Jasmine Inthabounh Daniela Hernandez-Avila Anajah Curry Megan Bohall Hyves Irumva Ashley Wease Chrystal Seger Trevor Collins Angelica Reyes

Vukovich speaks at the Red Hand Assembly.

Photo by Giorgio Rossi

Your Friendly North High Vukovich Photo by Giorgio Rossi

Every superhero has their motive, the reason they do what they do. For superhero Vukovich his motivation is the very people he saves from grave danger, his students and staff. By Giorgio Rossi

Vukovich starting a morning with coffee and conversing with staff.

Fast Facts

• Started career in Georgia, at Chattahoochee High School • Head baseball coach at Chattahoochee and Des Moines Hoover • Taught History in Georgia • Was the Academic Inteventionist and Interim Vice Principal at Hoover • Has a wife and 3 kids • Loves all Chicago Sports (Cubs, Bears, Bulls)

It may be the front office of North High School, or it may be the Batcave. No one knows for sure where Vukovich may work. He usually starts off with days more complicated than his last name, action packed with danger and adventure. By danger I mean kids, and adventure usually means meetings. He’s been doing this for two years as the principal, and he’s been around North for five. He’s always fueled by his go to beverage, the reliable coffee. Is this the secret to his greatness? Maybe it’s just his drive, his inspiration and motivation that keeps him going. The sight of his students perseverance, when he interacts with the students. Although he may be a superhero, he stands in awe of the students’ commitment. As humble as he can say it, he explains how he and the staff are just here to remove as many obstacles as possible

for us students. He enjoys North because of the students, the joy of saving them from the claws of death, or maybe just working with them on a daily basis. He also loves the opportunity to work with the staff and “increasing the ability to serve the community more.” He loves the team atmosphere of North, knowing that no one is alone in their struggle. He also has very great memories here

“increasing the ability to serve the community more.” at North, including one very close to his heart, last years graduating class of 2014. This class was the one he came into North with, The one that started the superhero. As far as a fantastic time of year, he loves the sports games, doesn’t mind a nice pep rally to get fired

up, and North Side Night has never been a disappointment. He says how he likes to see the school year as a wave, the start of the year everyone is excited. Which makes sense, no matter how many kids deny that returning to school is fun. It’s hard not to see his bold love for this school. The thing in students that keeps him going is their consistent growth, and hope that they will succeed. But it also bugs him when they don’t see that he’s there to help them,When Batman is trying to stop The Joker but the police don’t trust him. When he interacts with students, he and the staff are trying to be successful. He also loves to save his staff from danger everyday too, okay, maybe he just likes to see them get better everyday and working together. I asked Batman if he ever thought about hanging up his cape. When I inquired the thought of him ever leaving North he responded with a very bold, proud, Polar Bear “No.”

Photo by Kendra Smith Dr. Cheryl Modlin, North High School vice principal, emails a teacher in her corner office. She explains her love for the job.

Dr. Cheryl Modlin

Vice Principal values sharing laughs with students By: Kendra Smith

teachers to fill in for the absent teachers. Cheryl Modlin is the vice princiDoes Modlin like being at pal for freshman and sophomores North“Love working at North!” at North High School. She worked Her favorite part is working with at Callanan Middle School for three the teachers and administrators. years before coming to North. She Modlin stated that she works well has been married for 17 years, has a with people most of the time. They seven-year-old son, and two pets: a come up to her and tell her thank dog and a fish. Modlin’s favorite thing while working at North High School is laughing with the students. “There you, that you made a difference in is stuff that happens every day that their world. is funny,” she says. Modlin said it’s “funny to work Though she enjoys the students, with Mr. McCulley and Mr. Vothere are many important things kovich because they really like each she must accomplish through- other as people and they work toout her day. She arrives at school gether really well together 98 pereach day at 7 a.m. and checks the cent of the time and the other 2 teacher roster to see which teachers percent of the time it’s frustrating have arrived to work. If any teacher because they are boys,” Modlin is absent, Modlin finds substitute stated that she really loves them

both. Modlin has morning duty and makes sure the kids get to class and she goes to a lot of meetings. She stated that she helps the teachers become better at what they do and she works with the Photo by Kendra Smith kids sometimes when they need Dr. Modlin looks at her schedule help with something. If a kid does for the day in her office. something really bad then she will do something. Working with parents and the office staff is so rewarding as they are all good people. Without a vice principal she said that the staff will not have a lot of people to help then nothing will get done. Modlin likes what she does because she considers it fun and she gets to be around people she likes. Modlin stated she gets to work with kids and teachers, which is something she really loves to do.

“Love working at North!”

Dr.Moldlin family 101 - Dr.Cheryl Moldlin has been married for 17 years. - Dr.Modlin has a son named Chase who is 7 years old.

Photo by Kendra Smith Dr. Modlin, vice prinicpal, gives paperwork to NHS registrar Stephanie Krois in the office.

Education is the key

School improvement leader focuses on getting students to graduation Story by: Kathleen Tran It is 8:45 a.m on a Tuesday, and Ben Graeber has just arrived back from a meeting. Graeber, North High School’s school improvement leader, focuses mainly on juniors and seniors, and also coaches teachers. Supporting and leading students to graduation and meeting with teachers to improve students’ academic performances is what Graeber is focused on. Graeber, a dedicated leader’s consistent message to students is that education is the key. This year, he hopes to get Graeber monitoring the hallways before the school day starts. Photo by: Kathleen Tran as many seniors graduated as ing is taking a student from system. It’s a big one.” “humanly possible”. “If you want to change your maybe you’re interested in North High School is where life, if you want to have more journalism and writing to Graeber sees himself in the fumoney in life, and more enjoygoing to college and getting ture. It’s where he is the happiest ment and fulfillment then you a scholarship. That was exand where he hopes to stay. need to get degrees.” citing to watch those things Being a classroom teacher for happen.” five years and transitioning to No doubt he has gain an administrator this year he many opportunities as an sincerely loves his job and beadministrator and he ading in the building. He enjoys mits that he loves being able impacting change around the to work with “hundreds and building and “We just constantly h u n d r e d s finds it enjoyof different able to be able have to push and do students in to do it in a dif- better. It’s just fun a different ferent way than Fast Facts being part of that way.” being the direct What he system. It’s a big • He taught in Washington and teacher. loves most Wisconsin before moving to one.” But teaching about his job Iowa. will always reis that by the • He always wanted to pursure a main special and important to end of everyday he feels like career in education. him. He misses it, he said, and he’s made a difference. Be• Last year, he was the journalwill always miss the deep coning a part of this system is ism, newspaper and English IV nections with students he was teacher. fun and is something he apable to form as a classroom • He was interested in enviorpreciates. teacher. mental science. “We just constantly have “Teaching is the most impor• His parents were both teachers. to push and do better. It’s tant job in the world. Teachjust fun being part of that

“He is the muscle of the school, and he is really tough”. -Mrs. Kayla Ramirez (Math teacher) “He is very nice and gets his job done”. -Gage Hyde (freshman) “He is always the one to talk to about your problems.” -Deyonna Carroll (sophmore) “He is very funny and is not what you would think of when you think of a police officer”. -Kelsey Ambrose (junior) Photo By: Kenzie Schnathorst

Officer Bruce stands outside by his car so he can protect North High School from harm on April 7, and every day.

Officer Bruce- Once an Undercover Cop? by: Kenzie Schnathorst He’s gone from undercover cop He says that, “As I get older the lent occurs around the school area. to school patrol. Here is all you physical aspect becomes more and But he says that when nothing need to know about Bruce Bjur- more difficult.” like that happens he just watches strom and his 33 years of being a Officer Bruce likes working at the hallways and parking lot and police officer. North. He says, “Its because I like sometimes he sits at the front taOfficer Bruce started out in kids in general, and that they re- ble. Officer Bruce also has to patrol Dallas, Texas. He spent 8 years in mind me to stay young, and that all of North’s dances and games. Dallas four of which he was a pa- they are full of energy and boloHe doesn’t do any off school patrol officer. While officer Bruce gna.“ trolling, and he says, “A lot of offilived in Dallas he spent a “When I was younger a lot cers don’t want to do the high whole year undercover as programs but I’m glad of people talked about doing school a high school student. He I am.” then left Dallas and went better, but I actually wanted The things that motivate Ofto Iowa. He had done five ficer Bruce are all the people to do better not just talk years of patrol, before takin the school, students, and ing a test to become a dethe hope to change them for about it”. tective. the better and to help them reOfficer Bruce said, “I wanted to Officer Bruce stated that the most alize their bad decisions. become a police officer because positive part of his job is when he Officer Bruce says everyone I believed the same thing a lot of helps someone with whatever it is should, “Do good things, be a nice people believed, I’m doing a lot for that they need. person, help others and don’t be a the community”. He said, “the one thing I will al- butthead.” He said that, “When I was young- ways remember is when I lived in Officer Bruce’s favorite part of er a lot of people talked about do- Dallas and we lost 14 officers in the his job is seeing the triumphs of ing better, but I actually wanted to line of duty.” the teachers and students. His least do better not just talk about it”. His job requires him to keep it favorite though, is when he has to After Officer Bruce took a detec- safe at North. He says it helps to arrest people. tive test and passed he then went have him here because people are He said that, “The hardest part of to the high school program. He less likely to come into the school my job, is the decisions I have to started off by working at Roosevelt, when there is an armed police of- make. Its up to me to say what to then went to North because he ficer inside. Officer Bruce says that do, and when to do it.” wanted a change. He has worked there isn’t really an average day it Officer Bruce advices “Think at North for 5 years now. Officer just depends if there is a fight or about how better life would be if Bruce says he is able to retire in a not. everyone was nice.” year, but doesn’t know if he will for He says that he has to watch and sure. be alert just in case anything vio-

“He is really nice and funnny”. -Tanna Jones (junior) “He is a very honest and humble man”. -Anonymous “Officer Bruce approaches students in a positive manner, and doesnt scare them”. -Mr. Cody Johnson (World History teacher) “He is one of the nicest cops i’ve ever met”. -Ariel Wilson (sophmore) “He really understands us”. -Daniel McElvouge (freshman) “Officer Bruce is a very kind and funny man, and I am glad I got to interview him and learn what I did”. -Kenzie Schnathorst (freshman)

Photo By: Kenzie Schnathorst Officer Bruce laughs in the office with staff members while they talk about everyday life Tuesday April 7th.

photo by: Aaron Haskins North High School’s secratary Mary Lou Hill in her office multitasking, signing a paper while she updates the North High School Facebook page.

Mary Lou Hill: One of the best secretaries at North High School By: Aaron Haskins

those years she has helped other people’s departments as well, such How does someone keep track of as the front desk, the nurse and everything so easily? Well I don’t many others. She has also been a know, but Mary Lou Hill sure has employee at Scavo and Hoover. it down. Mary Lou is among the She is very partial to Scavo; she most organized, interesting secreloves it there. tary’s at North High. Here is evShe cannot be unorganized, erything you need to know about she is “naturally organized” even Mary Lou Hill’s job and career. at home every thing is just in its Mary Lou Hill is a guidance place. She says if she can change secretary at one thing about her “ If I’ve helped one kid North High job it’s the hours bea year, that’s good” cause she says she is a School who loves her job. early riser. She started out as someone sitWaiting until eight in the morning in a doctor’s office and a lady ing to work is difficult. She loves was telling Mary Lou about Orit at North, she loves the kids chard Place. Mary Lou checked it at North and she says, “I think out and got a position in special it’s the best high school in all of education. After 12 years she upDes Moines.” Before North she graded to a clerical position. Then worked at Hoover. Her average she became a secretary which blos- day is a normal person’s busy day. somed into her job at North. She helps kids who are in need of She is always working with other scholarships, helps with resumes departments of North. She keeps and essays, helps with emotional track of every thing from Infinite problems. She handles lockers, Campus to Driver’s Ed. During transportation. “Kind of a jack of her years at North she so far has all traits. Mary Lou plans to stay touched lives and even helped lots until she retires. She has been with of students graduate. She has been the district since 1985, Mary has at North for 4-5 years. During left the district for two years to be

the executive secretary of the publisher of the Des Moines Register. She was then laid off due to financial things. Then after that she moved back in the district in 2003 and started over again. She has been in human resources, Orchard Place, Hill Services, Scavo, district white programs and has made a full circle right back to North High School. She has two grandsons at North and she thinks it’s the best place for them.

POP QUIZ

#1 Where did Mary Lou Hill work at before North? A: She worked at Hoover before coming to great North High School #2 Where was Mary Lou Hill when she heard about Orchard place? A: She was in a doctors office. #3 How long has Mary Lou Hill been out of district? Where was she working out of district? A: She was out of district for two years at the Des Moines Register. #4 How long has Mary Lou Hill been working at North High School? A: She has been working at North for 4-5 years. #5 What year did Mary Lou Hill first start to work with the district? A: She has been with the district since 1985.

Keeping Track of North’s Money

Cassie DeYoung-Formaro the bookkeeper at North High School

Photo by April Lu

Cassie DeYoung-Formaro working hard paying bills for at North High School during skinny.DeYoung-Formaro also orders supplies for teachers,keeps track of North’s money and keeps tack of fundraisers.

By April Lu

DeYoung-Formaro said the most bookkeeper because of how chal- Fun-Facts Money is important to all schools. difficult part of her job is when sev- lenging the job is. She also has a deCassie DeYoung-Formaro keeps eral teachers ask for several things gree in business and likes to use it -She has a 13 year old who is autistic track of all the money North High at once, she does not have any other to be a business manager. School brings in and out. job roles at North but to keep track DeYoung-Fornaro said she DeYoung-Formaro, started in of North’s money, order supplies doesn’t intend to leave North. She -She met her husband in a phoJuly of 2014 and likes the challenge and keep track of fundraisers. enjoys what she does and enjoys tographery class in high school and variety of things she gets to do. DeYoung-Formaro is always the people around her. -Enjoys photography in her DeYoung-Formaro said schools busy, it gets stressful for her but she spare time would be hard to manage without says being busy makes her day go this department, her primary re- by faster and it keeps her from get-Likes to learn new things sponsibilities are keeping “Just completed a soap making track of the school’s mon- “ I really enjoy the people I work with and class.” ey, paying bills, ordering the staff and students here at North. ” -Has a seven year old daughter supplies for teachers and who is her “mini me” and a three tracking fundraisers. ting bored, she jokingly suggested year old daughter DeYoung-Formaro keeps track students should state their names of the money by running daily re- first before dropping in. ports and excel spreadsheets that DeYoung-Formaro says that her helps her keep track of all the family keeps her motivated, she has money coming into and going out three children, one step-daughter of the school. When ordering sup- and a husband, and on her free plies, teachers email her what they time she enjoys spending time with need, but most of them stops by her family and likes going to her her office to talk to her about what children’s sports games. supplies they are looking to get for DeYoung-Formaro earned both their classrooms and then she or- of her bachelor’s degree and masders them. ter’s degree from William Penn DeYoung-Formaro keeps her- University. self organized by making lists, she Before DeYoung-Formaro startmakes herself a to-do lists and have ed working at North, she worked Post-It notes on her desk to remind at UPS for 13 years then was off Photo by April Lu herself of the tasks that needs to be for two years to watch her younger Cassie DeYoung-Formaro talks with a parent while multitasking on the done. children, then wanted to become a computer.

Suzanna Sieren: ELL teacher explains her role

By: Zoe Hike Rigorous but fun is how ELL teacher Suzanna Sieren would describe her teaching style. Sieren, who graduated college with a bachelors degree in English and a masters in teaching ELL English was hired 2 years ago by the Des Moines Public School District to teach English 1-4 to students that would not achieve excellency in the regular English classes, usually due to language barriers. Wanting to learn about different countries and their culture while teaching English inspired her to work in this field. “The most important part is probably making sure my students have a safe environment so that they can really grow and feel comfortable asking questions…” Said Sieren on the most important part of her job. Many of her students do not speak enough English and need help making the connection between the languages. This is where Sieren uses a variety of tools to help the student grasp the concepts in her class as well as learn English.

Sieren helps students during a class. Photo by:Zoe Hike The hardest part of Sieren’s job would be the When asked about people that inspire her at language barrier. NHS, she confidently replies “all sorts of people inspire me here at North.” “Usually I’ll ask people who know English somewhat, like ‘how would you say it in your “The staff inspire me because we have probhome language?’…or a lot of the times we can ably the best staff out of any school…Our staff show pictures from the internet or I like to act and administration are constantly trying to be things out…” better and are here to support me whenever I need it. The students are so inspiring. Just to be Her favorite part of her job is her students. able to see the students and how great they are “They’re super fun and really exciting. They and how much they learn.” have really cool stories and they really make me laugh a lot…” There are many moments during Sieren’s time here at North that have been memorable but one in particular stood out. “One really big moment was when I had a student ask me to look over an essay, and I helped them with their essay and then they sent me an email that said ‘Thank you so much. You’re always there to help me. Thank you.’... that was a moment that really stood out to me because…I was really helping.” Preparing her students for life after high school is something that is important to Sieren. She tries to teach life lessons to her class that they could take away. “What we really do in my class is we prepare them to go out in the real world… how to thrive and do well in American culture as well as how to succeed in speaking English and also still keep their cultures.”

Sieren assisting students during an English class.

Photo by:Zoe Hike

Here you have NHS students in their ELL classrooms.

Vinh Nguyen, Head of the Des Moines Public Schools ELL Program By: Esmeralda Sanchez From a refugee to the head of the Des Moines English Learners program, Vinh Nguyen has come a long way to a road filled of success. Mr. Nguyen first came to the United states from Vietman as a refugee in the 1980’s, Although he first lived alone -and still does, that didnt stop him from achieving his goals and adapting to the American culture and eventually learned to speak English. He attended many different colleges, which included ISU Iowa State University, UNI University of Northern Iowa and Drake University. His main goal is to “seek out english learners,” Nguyen said. Although one of his biggest challanges could be the political behind these diverse children coming from different places. They come in many different ways, speak different languages and have many differnet coustums or cultures. Theres many diversity in these programs and thats why it might be

harder to incorporate these families in the American culture. “Sometimes the process is succesful, sometimes it’s not,” Nguyen said. Regardless of that Mr. Nguyen feels a sense of inspiration when “A student becomes a lawyer, doctor, etc.,” Of course its a big success because not only these children have adapted to the American culture, they have gained an education that leads them to a promissing succcessful career.

tant education was and how its going to help you throughout life. These words certainly have had a huge impact on Mr. Nguyen’s life and careeer because now he has a successful career due to his dedication in education.

“Education is the key to opppoutnity.” Mr. Nguyen is also very comitted to his community. He spends his weekends doing community work and helping families in need. “I love helping people,” Nguyen said, however he is a man without hobbies, “No I dont have any hobbies yet, people say I should get some.” Vinh Nguyen, Educator and Head of Des Moines ELL program When he was young his mother always emphasized in education. “Education is the key to opportunity,” Nguyen’s mother always said. He says she allways talked about how impor-

MIMI WILLOUGHBY Academic Interventionist By Makaela Ramsey

staff members. When she’s not in meetings she’s usually patrolling the halls on passing time, lunch, Mimi Willoughby is an inspiraand after school. tion at North High School is to Willoughby couldn’t do it all make sure students graduate at the without the help from other staff best of their abilities. Mrs. Wilmembers. She couldn’t really pick loughby hasn’t been at North long, out one but she says there are two she started working at North after she says really stands out. Coach finding a wanted add on DMPS Barring and Coach Addy often webpage in “Everyone wants to be heard patrol August. Even the halls so I try my hardest to listen.” though she and helphasn’t been ing with working at North long she clearly students during passing time. She states “I love my job”. says they seem to help the school Mimi Willoughby a Student stay inline. Interventionist at North High Some days may be hard, not all, School, dedicates her time to but some. Willoughby says “the working with students who are barrier of communication” is the failing or looking to drop out of biggest difficulty with her job. “Evschool. She investigates reasons eryone wants to be heard so I try why they want to do what they are my hardest to listen.” Even though doing, or what can be done to help she knows there is no immediate them. She spends most of the time return for what she does she still in meetings working with stuloves helping the kids. dents, parents, teachers, or other

By Makaela Ramsey

Mrs. Willoughby talking a with student about her problems and what she can do to help her fix them, but Willoughby is also creating a relationship with this student.

Fast Facts on Willoughby

By Makaela Ramsey Willoughby and Coach Addi discussing after lunch, about what happened with a student during lunch.

Mimi Willoughby wasn’t born in Iowa. She is married and has a son. She has family in Colorado and Pennslyvania. She went to the University of Pittsburgh. She studied a semester in Australia, also went to Metro State Denver. She got her masters at the University of Colorado. She moved to Iowa around June of 2014.

CHAD RYAN

Academic Interventionist & Coach at North

By:Valeria Guerra

Phoro by: Valeria Guerra

Chad Ryan talks to one of his basketball players, Ben Hayes.

Chad Ryan, or as everybody knows him, Coach Ryan, is an academic interventionist and boys basketball coach of North High. He is a very strict and tough person, but cares a lot for the students and their well-being. It’s his first year working as an academic interventionist, but eighth year as coach. He has three daughters’ that are nine, six and five. He spends most of his free time at his daughters’ dance c omp e t i tions, and his daughters also play basketball. As an academic interventionist, Ryan deals with mainly tenth and twelfth grade students. He deals with behavior, attendance issues and academic issues. He is also the assistant athletic director. He helps with all athletic programs, eligibility policy, and supervises athletic events. The main sports that he supervises are football and soccer. Before he came to North he worked at Lincoln as a success worker. It’s his first year as an academic interventionist, but isn’t sure how long he will stay here. He does love his job. “ I guess time will tell, I love my

job, I love working here. God had a plan for all of us so it’s hard to say. I can see myself working here for another 20 years,” he said. To some people it might be hard to be a coach and still have another job, but not for Ryan. “I’ve always been a coach so to me it just goes hand to hand,” he said. He manages his time well, gets everything done and it seems to be working pretty well. To him it’s the g o o d feeling that he gets when he sees that he impacts people. When he helps students some of them respond fairly but some don’t even realize that he’s helping them. That doesn’t matter to him though, just watching them have success and overcome obstacles touches his heart, “I think that we have some incredible kids here at North,” he said. The positives about his job are he gets to influence people. He gets to work with great people. Definitely a negative about his job is that he can’t help everybody. Something that could possibly make his job easier is for kids to

“ I think that we have some incredible kids here at North.”

Ryan gives advice to a student.

“Put their phone away”. Coach Ryan kind of transitioned into his job. It really fits his personality. “It’s tough but yet caring. It takes both for this job,” he said.

Photo by: Valeria Guerra

Coach Ryan Fun Facts

- First year working as an interventionist at North in 2014-2015 - Eighth year as a coach - Assistant athletic director - Worked at Lincoln before North

Mrs. Poole on her life before and now at North High School Sherry Poole talks about the changes of newly becoming a teacher interventionist

Fun Facts Box

Photo by Ana Gama

Sherry Poole transitioned from being a full time teacher to a teacher interventionist about two years ago.

By Ana Gama Sherry Poole had a very interesting life before becoming a teacher at North. She attended Colo-NESCO High School, (and went to DMACC to get her two-year degree in criminal justice.) She later on got hired as a police officer, and then went to a police academy. Poole admitted that she loved being a police officer, “But it was a lot of nights, weekends and holidays away from your family, so it got tiring.” After she left the police force, she went on to get her teaching degree. Poole’s first and only job was at North High School, she has been working at North for 15 years. For many of those 15 years, she has taught government and AP government. But, recently she transitioned from being a teacher, to a teacher interventionist. “I love instruc-

tion, and I love the teaching staff at North. It was a good mix that I was able to do it because I get to work with awesome teachers and making teaching and learning more fun,” Poole said. Poole went from being a full

Poole has taught for many years, but the times that she has felt inspired mostly come from students. “They work hard, they are willing to take risks. That inspires me to go and take a risk. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone, but it’s hard to go out of your comfort zone. You guys do it all the time,” Poole said. When asked how she con-

“North is really truly the best place to be.” -time teacher to now teaching and working on strategies with other teachers to make teaching and learning more effective. When asked the positives and negatives of her job, Poole said, “The positives are I get to work with great teachers who allow me into their classrooms... The down side is I miss out on the individual relationships with kids, being in a classroom and goofing around with all of you guys.” The main things that she does while working are collaborating, coaching and helping with instructional strategies.

-Was a police officer before becoming teacher -Has been working at North for 15 years -Has one daughter named Morgan -Has mainly taught government, and AP government -Loves to canoe, bike ride, and kayak -Enjoys watching college basketball -Loves the students at North -Loves being a polar bear tributes to North as a whole, Poole said, “I think that people contribute more to me than I contribute to them so I hope I’m a place they can go to, to find strategies or improve their teaching or just to talk to as a friend.” “North is really truly the best place to be,” Poole said.

Photo by Ana Gama

Photo by Anaand Gama Sherry Poole interacts with other teacher interventionists Shannon Dierks, Lori Bonnstetter.

Photo by: Alissa Cavanh

Jessie Masteller greets and talks to a student as he walks to class. Often between passing time Masteller plays music like hip-hip to pump up students before learning in her class.

Changing the way students think

Some know her as an English teacher but she is more than that By Alissa Cavanh Caring for two kids and hundreds of teens isn’t easy. Jessie Masteller is an English teacher and interventionist at North High. She teaches two ninth grade classes and one senior class. When she isn’t teaching one of her own classes, she is in other classes being an interventionist. This means that she helps students with work and teachers on improving their teaching skills.

Photo by: Alissa Cavanh

Masteller discussing with another teacher about important teaching topics.

When Masteller goes trying to get better, and are gethome, she has two children and ting their work done. The down a husband, who is also a teacher, is when a student is having a bad waiting for her. Masteller has a day, and they let it affect their four-year-old son named Jace and whole day. The best part of my job a daughter, Ava, who is almost is watching people prepare for the two. “You aren’t going future, ” she said. Masteller said She claimed that to be teenagers that she has been at the best thing about North for two years North is that it forever.” and before coming to improves everyday. North she was an English teacher She also gave tips for students and in California. teachers on how to improve. “ I filled out a application “What I like best about the school for Des Moines online and Mr. is that it improves each and evVukovich called me one day while ery day, it’s only getting better. I was still living in California. BeStudents can improve by making fore coming to North I worked in sure they’re here everyday and on California, in a town called Rialto. time to every class, also willing I was an English teacher there.” and ready to get their work done. She also stated that her Teachers can improve the school children are the reason why she by ensuring that we always have moved to Des Moines. our positive attitudes everyday.” “The reason my husband and I Masteller said school is moved back to Iowa was to be important as a way to motivate closer to family and to raise our students. kids in the Midwest,” she said. “You aren’t going to be teenagers Masteller talked about the forever. School is a time and place ups and downs, and the best part to start practicing and putting of her job. things into place for your life after “The ups to my job is when stuschool, ” she said. dents are practicing their skills, When Masteller was asked

a time she felt she made a difference, she described a student in California. “One student in California stands out to me. He was on a really bad path and I just never gave up on him. He never seemed like he noticed at the time but years later he came back to the school to visit me. He was in his early twenties and he thanked me for never giving up on him even though I don’t think he realized at the time. But he obviously did, he just didn’t show it until years later, ” she explained. Masteller said that she didn’t always want to be a teacher. She stated that she hadn’t decided to be a teacher until college. In her free time Masteller likes to be outside, travel and be with her family. The Responsiblities of Masteller -English teacher -Academic interventionist -Attends grade level meetings -Helps write assessments -Plans curriculum -Building Leadership Team -Helps make decisions at North

Mr. Matthew Lakis : English teacher, interventionist surrounds self with positive people By: Taylor Wick

Matthew Lakis has worked at North High Scool for two years and plans to stay but “I don’t know what the future may bring.” Lakis, a graduate of Drake University, has a degree in writing, English, reading and coaching. Lakis teaches English 3 and meets in data teams to see how they are doing and to see what they can do better to teach the kids to understand. Lakis also does lessons for literacy skinny and sends it to 20 teachers. What motivates Lakis are two things, one being the way he was raised. “I was raised to think of others before myself,” Lakis said. Second, the people that he associ-

Photo by Taylor Wick Mr. Matthew Lakis instructs students about what’s going on in the book “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien in his shared classroom, 2425 Red.

ates with. “I try to surround myself with positive people... when you surround yourself with positive people, you tend to be a pretty positive person too, which is something I try to do,” Lakis said. Positives and negatives of Lakis’s job is that he gets to work with many different people in the building, but “doesn’t get to be with kids as much as I like too,” Lakis said. Lakis hopes to contribute to

North by being a positive male role model. He hopes his humor and the way he relates to kids “rubs off on you guys.” Lakis wants kids to read one book a semester. “It would make my job a lot easier,” Lakis said. “It wouldn’t make us have an issue with our reading.” A time Lakis felt inspired was when he hears about his father’s childhood. “He didn’t come from a whole lot, which a lot of kids here can relate too,” Lakis said. “And he ended up being an extremely suc-

“I don’t know what the future may bring”

Photo by Taylor Wick Mr. Lakis is responding to an email from a literacy skinny teacher in his shared classroom, Mrs. Dreier’s 2425.

cessful man, and was able to give me a comfortable life because of that.” Lakis grew up in a suburb of Chicago with an older brother named Mark and is now married to his wife, Blaire, since last September. He loves to try new things, cooking, running, going out to eat, and being lazy.

Fast-Facts Box:

-Graduate from Drake University -Worked at North for two years and going -Teaches English 3 -Contributes by being a Postive male role model -Loves working with different people -Recently married -Loves trying new things

Bryan Butcher The Life of Robotics

Photo by: Tommy Nguyen Butcher with his team’s robot. By Tommy Nguyen Bryan Butcher is the coach of the robotics team, as well as an arts and graphics teacher at North High School. Butcher has been coaching the robotics team for around six years so far, at the beginning “I kinda fell into it” Butcher said. He had some good moments with his team, like when his team won the league championship. Then there are some bad moments when one of his team members broke a piece on the robot. The team had to scatter to find a new piece and some equipment to fix their robot to get it back into the action.

Photo by: Tommy Nguyen A Signature from Grant Imahara from Mythsbusters

ferred to as “Gracious ProfessionRobotics is a competitive team alism,” which is defined as “helpand they are in a program called ing others, sharing what you know First Tech Challenge (F.T.C), with others, and good sportsmanwhich is the third level of robotship,” Butcher said. ics. Their average competition Plus the alliances are always consists of six matches. Then come random with the exception of the the semi-finals when the top four semi-finals. There are also awards teams choose an that come with “Growing, it is al- the competition, alliance “because ways growing, and so not only do every match in F.T.C you have an it always seem to you need to win alliance partner you also want the change.” so you’re not just awards that are competing by yourself,” Butcher given to certain teams, not just for said. the winners. These awards are the Not only do you help your team design awards, community outyou also help the opposing team, reach award, and the final award as they might be your alliance is the inspire award. “The inspire partner later on. This is what is re- award is actually the top prize”

Butcher said. It’s the top prize because it covers everything in the competition. His team is “growing, it is always growing, and it always seem to change,” Butcher said. In the opinion of several of his team members. “When it comes to new designs, and ideas regarding robot functionality, Butcher is always there when we need him most.” Chris Boeshart said. In addition to Boeshart’s opinion about Butcher, “Mr. Butcher is the best arts and engineering teacher I’ve ever had,” Nova Bales said. From what is seen and heard, robotics has this great feeling, that the team is more than just a team in this warm, friendly atmosphere.

Robotics

Q: How do I join? A: Talk to Butcher about joining. Q: Are there any requirements in joining? A: Just be passonate about robotics, and work well with others. Q: What days do the team meet? A: Thurdays after school.

Butcher making a sculpture for Photo by: Tommy Nguyen his art class

Kristopher Rollins + Emily Lang Movement 515: A big family doing big things

Photo by: Jasmine Inthabounh

Lang focuses on the issues of Street Harrassment. By: Jasmine Inthabounh The program Movement 515 has been running for four years and is still standing tall. Thanks to Kristopher Rollins and his partner in rhyme Emily Lang, they both have managed to change many students’ lives. They called it “community voices creating change,” and with the positive energy and the willingness to speak their voices the program has not only created change in the community but a family. Movement 515 has gone from one to two students at Thursday writing workshops to a big family with squads at every high school in the Des Moines school district. Rollins and Lang have been impacted immensely by the youth and their creativity. Rollins says, “Y’all inspire me, you keep me young, I learn from you, hopefully you learn things from me.” Rollins and Lang encourages the students and the community to speak truth and to lead with love. Movement 515 provides safe space to let creativity thrive in ways like poetry, street art, or graffiti. The safe space inspires students and the community to make change through different creative

Photo by: Jasmine Inthabounh

Rollins teaches Urban Leadership students about Street Harrasssment.

outlets. Sophomore, Akai Thiphavong who is actively involved says, “The vibe of it leaves me feeling inspired by my surroundings to do what they do to change minds.” But ultimately the best way to describe the movement is family. Lang describes her favorite thing about Movement 515 and says, “Just the community, the family, the willingness to see youth get vulnerable and really speak up about the tough issues.” Students in Des Moines couldn’t agree more about the second home Movement 515 has created for them. Freshman, from East High, Kendall Helm says “Movement 515 to me is like a family. It has taught

Photo by: Jasmine Inthabounh Candid of Kristopher Rollins & Emily Lang in their Urban Leadership classroom, one successful contribution to RUNDSM. The movement continues to grow made me believe that inspiration in numbers as new students join becomes motivation.” Julio wishes and make change. With a baby girl luck to his competitors and goes on on the way Rollins and Lang can’t to tell them, “Keep grinding to the contain their excitement for their core.” Semi Finals are on April 2nd growing family. “But I think it’s at 6:00 PM at the Kum & Go Theonly gonna make the time we spend ater in the Des Moines Social Club with our Movement 515 family Campus. The Finals for the Des Moines Teen Poetry Slam is being held at the Temple for Performing Arts on April 23rd at 6:30 PM. Rollins and Lang also encourage students who attended Teen Summit of 2015 to show up at the end of the year show on June 5th in the court yard of the Des Moines Social Club. The impact the movement has me to lead with love and I think a even more special,” Lang says. With the next couple of months done to the students in Des Moines lot of the Movement 515 members is overwhelmingly powerful. The will be able to change the world at and the end of the school year creeping up, the movement goes on students involved in Movement some point.” to provide amazing oppurtunities 515 don’t know what they would do for the students to flourish. without the love and support of the Rollins says, ”We’re establishing whole team. Junior, Emily Yin says, a scholarship fund for seniors that “We all treat each other like family are graduating.” and we support and push each othUpcoming events for Brave New er to do great things because we all Twitter: @movement 515 Voices brings out the nerves for know what we’re capable of. “ The students competing to make it on Movement 515 family grows as the Instagram: @movement515 the team to Atlanta. Sophomore, years go on, and the more it grows Julio Delgadillo who is competing the stronger it will become. to make it on the team says, “ They

“Movement 515 to me is like a family. It has taught me to lead with love and I think a lot of the Movement 515 members will be able to change the world at some point.”

Keep up with the Movement!

RUNdsm.org

poetic voices. poetic minds.

motivation on the move By:Daniela Hernandez It only takes one step, as you walk up to the stage, welcomed by dimmed lights, and a single mic for a single voice. Movement 515 has allowed students to speak their mind, and their inner thoughts on subjects relating to society. Four students that are currently involved in the family Photo by Movement 515 that is Movement 515 are creative Left to right: Ethan Anderson(senior), Apple Amos(Junior), Julio Delgadillo(sophomore). minds. They all told and shared their thoughts on the movement. lio spoke about Movement 515, he “You know I don’t feel that there seemed very passionate. His moti- is a better I just feel that I just learn vation stems from the way he views from my mistakes, and move on society and its youth. from the mistakes I make,” he said. “Looking out the window, enjoyHe showed that he was passioning the window of society, inspiring ate and proud of what he has acpeople, inspiring youth; you know, complished while being in Movesometimes the greatest motivation ment 515. Photo by Daniela Hernandez comes from inspiring the youth, Jasmine Inthabounh, freshamn in Movement 515 and knowing you inspire, and Jasmine Inthabounh, 14, is a knowing you’ve made an impact, freshman who is involved in Move- making an impact on your comment 515 and seems to really love it. munity, that’s my motivation,” he Inthabounh talked about her voice said. “I have dreams, I have dreams and the need for it to be heard. of stereotypes chasing after me, so “I feel like I need to, so it can be I gotta get away, right? But runPhoto by Daniela Hernandez heard. The topics, my friends, they ning away means coming out, you Alejandra Villanueva, junior in Movement 515 inspire me the way they keep writ- know?” ing, and I write. I also “Sometimes the greatest motivation A l e j and r a motivate myself,” she Vi l l anu e v a , comes from inspiring the youth, and 16, is a Junior said. Inthabounh men- knowing you inspire, and knowing who enjoys tioned she did not being a part have a favorite poet, you’ve made an impact, making an of Movement but her “get free” lead515. When impact on your community” ers inspire her. “I don’t asked about really have one, people Delgadillo somewhat gave us a poetry Villanueva said, “Before who inspire me to do better like peek of what Movement 515 allows I didn’t really care about it, but I Mr. Rollins, Mrs. Lang, Julio [Del- students to do. mean personally I don’t like writing gadillo, sophomore], Russhaun When asked what his favorite it cause I don’t think I’m good at it, [Johnson, junior], Brianna [Lam, performance has been, he said, but I love hearing other people’s sophomore], all my friends inspire “The mayor actually gave me the poems.” She talked about her inme. I can relate to them,” she said. opportunity to perform in front of speration while saying, “Everyone him, as an event for Black History in Movement 515 inspires me and Month. I was very astonished, the they’re all my favorite poets.” she impact on the crowd that day, I be- said. Villanueva mentioned what lieve I got a standing ovation, and kind of topics they talk about while knowing the mayor shook hands being in the movement, “I don’t rewith me made me believe that, ally write but when I do it’s usually that was the most and truly, really about topics we talk about in class Photo by Daniela Hernandez the most greatest performance I’ve like immigration and we’re talking Julio Delgadillo, sophomore in Movement 515 ever done.” about race and poverty stuff like Julio Delgadillo, 15, is a sophoDelgadillo said his work grows that, today’s issues.” she said. more whom people may know as through learning from his mistakes being a poet and co-owner of the and trying something different clothing line, in Lost Kings. As Ju- each time.

“Quote Collection” Movement 515 “I feel like I need to, so it can be heard. The topics, my friends, they inspire me the way they keep writing, and I write. I also motivate myself,” -Jasmine Inthabounh “Looking out the window, enjoying the window of society, inspiring people, inspiring youth.” -Julio Delgadillo “Everyone in Movement 515 inspires me and they’re all my favorite poets.” -Alejandra Villanueva “Just put the pen on paper, never be afraid to be vulnerable, and allow the audience to see inside your chest.” -Hatte Kelley

Photo by Daniela Hernandez

Hatte Kelley, senior in Movement 515

Hatte Kelley, 17, is a senior whom you may know as class president. Kelley talks about her best performance while in the movement, she said, “Think my best performance was being on stage on index and seeing Mr.Moore freak out and seeing myself reach my standards.” she said. She then talks about her liking in poetry, Kelley said, “Yes because when I was little I remember writing songs about clearly nothing, which was essentially poetry.” When asked about her motivation, “To give a voice to the voiceless and to not allow myself to become my father by not expressing myself.” she said. She also talked about her improvement while being in the movement, she said, “Every sentence it gets better.” She then gave advice to people who are interested in writing poetry, “Just put the pen on paper, never be afraid to be vulnerable, and allow the audience to see inside your chest.” Wise words by Kelley.

Becky Hall, the New Debate Coach By Renz Caducoy

New debate coach of North is multi-tasker from student to coach.

The new debate coach of North High School has a lot of jobs. She is Becky Hall. She became the debate coach after Steve Schappaugh, an alumnus of North, contacted her to help bring back the glory of North in debate. She started as the coach last fall and is on staff untill 2015-2016. At first, she didn’t want to become the coach of the debate team because of her college life. “I actually never wanted to coach. I left college debate really burned out and tired of the activity. But when I was thinking about taking this position, I thought, if I could make even a quarter of the difference in my students’ lives that my coaches made, then I would have accomplished so much,” she said. But it turned upside down because she wants others to learn about it.“I truly believe that Hall with Katy Roat signing the certificates for speakers and debaters at the Chuck’s Restaurant. || Photo by Renz Caducoy speech and debate can change lives. I just want my students to expeAs being the coach she is also a col- ect with a professor, and working for rience some of the empowerment I felt lege student. She’s junior at Iowa State a debate company. In my spare time, when I was in the activity,” she said. University studying agricultural busi- I really like experimenting with new ness and economics. “I wanted to pur- recipes and going to yoga. Her hobHer job is to coach her students who sue a degree in ag because I grew up on a bies include yoga, cooking, playing want to learn about the debate, taking farm and I truly believe that agriculture with her dog, jogging, and Netflix. them to tournaments, helping the mto is one of the most important industries prepare, taking good care of all the in the world. Our ability to live is deThe thing that motivates her are registrajust simply the tions and thing she had payments that others can’t of tourhave. “A lot of naments, things motivate making me, but mostly sure that my privilege. her stuI realize that dents get I’m blessed fed, coorpendent on it. I also really enjoy math with a lot of things and opportunidinating the transportation, lodging and the logic behind economics, so I ties in life that some people just nevand also judging. This is why she took decided to just double major in econ. “ er get. I want to make sure everyone, the chance to be the debate coach. regardless of their socioeconomic Her family and her corgi named or academic position, can have acEvery jobs has positives and negaSparky and three brothers and one cess to those same opportunities.” tives and her positives are getting to sister. Her siblings are pretty much work with students. She also loves that Becky Hall speaking to the North’s Debatall grown-up and have real adult jobs. moment when everything clicks and ers and speakers in the Banquet. || Photo by Her brother is in the Navy and flies they understand what’s happening in Renz Caducoy fighter jets; her sister works for the the event. And the negative side of her state department; her other brother work is enforcing deadlines and rules. is a violin musician; and her young- Responsibilities of Debate Coach est brother is a senior in high school. -to coach her students She also said “The hardest part is -taking them to tournaments, figuring out how to adapt your coachShe describes her outside life as ing style to the needs of each stucrazy. “My life outside of the school -taking good care of all the registrations and payments dent. Not everyone learns the same is a little crazy. I’m a full-time stu- -making that her students are get fed, way and sometimes it’s very hard to dent and I also work two other jobs. -coordinating about the transportation, lodging and also figure out how to teach different stuI bounce back and forth between dents with different learning styles. “ studying, working on a research proj- judging.

“I truly believe that speech and debate can change lives. I just want my students to experience some of the empowerment I felt when I was in the activity.”

Mrs. Heather Rosewall : GSA Adviser Mrs. Rosewall : GSA Groups

â&#x20AC;&#x153; The Gay, Straight Alliance has given me an opportunity to look past everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outer shell and focus on what really matters - who you are as a character.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153; 7KH *D\ 6WUDLJKW $OOLDQFH KDV JLYHQ PH DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR ORRN SDVW HYHU\RQHÂŠVRXWHU VKHOO DQG IRFXV RQ ZKDW UH By: Emily Acosta speakers DOO\ PDWWHUV ZKR \RX DUH DV D FKDUDFWHUÂ§ to discuss more about

We all know Mrs. Heather Rosewall as our out-going North By: Emily Acosta High teacher whom we all care Well all know Mrs. Rosewall as and love. Little did we know her our outgoing North High teacher, position in a group called GSA that we all care and love. Little did (Gay, Straight Alliance) help and we know her position in a group supports teens. An organziation called GSA (Gay, Straight Allithat understands them and is surance). Helping and supporting rounded by acceptance. teens that understands them and is Taking place at North High surrounded by acceptance. School Thursday at 3 p.m. Each Taking place at North High school has their own group and School Thursday at 3 pm, each this one is for North only. I school has their own group and decided to know more about this this one is for north only. I decide event/group but of course â&#x20AC;&#x153;what to know more about this event/ stays in the group, stays in it,â&#x20AC;? Mrs. group but of course â&#x20AC;&#x153; what stays in Rosewall said seriously. the group, stays in it â&#x20AC;&#x153; Mrs. RoseMrs. Rosewall became working wall said seriously. with this group last year, wanted to Mrs. Rosewall became working be more involved with the events with this group last year, wanted to going on at North. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They asked me be more involved with the events if I wanted to be a part of the GSA going on at North. â&#x20AC;&#x153; They asked group and I thought Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be fun, me if I wanted to be apart of the and one more step to take over the GSA group and I thought Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be world,â&#x20AC;? Mrs. Rosewall laughed, fun and one more step to take over of course letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not forget her great the world â&#x20AC;&#x153; Mrs. Rosewall laughed, sense of humor. of course letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not forget her great Every Thursday after school they sense of humor. Every Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gather and discuss mostly about after school, they gather up and relationships and bring in guest discuss mostly about relationships and bring in guest speakers to discuss more about love life, and

love life, and signs if someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s into you, etc. Also sterotypes, signs if someone into you kind of different types of labels, play some things. Also stero type, different activities, and sometimes the stutypes of labels, play some activates, dents bond with each other. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My and sometimes the students bonds group is goofy and full of energy,â&#x20AC;? with each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. â&#x20AC;&#x153; My group is Mrs. Rosewall said, smiling. goofy and full of energy â&#x20AC;&#x153; Mrs. When Mrs. Rosewall got to Rosewall smiled. know the students, she noticed at When Mrs. Rosewall got to the beginning her students were know the students, she noticed at shy to one another and over time the beginning her students were they began to communicate more shy to one another and thru time and open up to each other, feel they became to communicate no shame to be themselves and more and open up to each other, encourage them to come and make feel no shame to be themselves a friend. Sometimes they decide and encourage them to come and to go on field trips. Their recent make a friend. Guest speaker come one was to a restaurant named and talk to them on relationships, Pot Luck and did a trip to the Safe sometimes they decide to go on Schools conference in Des Moinies field trips. Their recent one was to that excited the group a lot. a restaurant named Pot Luck and Groups like these are for people did a trip to the safe schools conwho think they have nobody for ferences in des monies that excited them due to their sexuality. A the group a lot. Groups like these teacher like Mrs. Rosewall watchare for people who think they have ing out for us like if they were her nobody for them due to their sexukids, understanding them and supality. A teacher like mrs Rosewall porting them shows how great of watching out for us like if we were a teacher she is and forever will be her kids, understands them and recognize as for it . supporting them shows how great of a teacher she is and forever will be recognize as for it .

Gay *D\ Straight 6WUDLJKW Allliance $OOOLDQFH

Shannon Dierks Cheer coach here at NHS

Dierks loves her cheer squad girls and has fallen head over here at North High School. heels for cheer but she hadn’t She also teaches science. always wanted to coach cheer. What a combination! Bronze She had been selected as a and brains. Although she has fit for the role when the preno cheer influence in her fam- vious coach couldn’t return ily and wasn’t a cheerleader for personal reasons. Dierks herself it doesn’t dampen her agreed to this job because she charisma. She says “sees how liked the “glitz and glamour hard the girls and boys work” of sports”. Cheer is definitly and loves being a part of mak- one of those kinds of sports. ing something so beautiful. She said she liked the fact Her days that it’s not a here at “I see how hard the girls “run till you North kind of & boys work. I love being puke are just sport”. as ex- a part of making some- There are citing. people out thing so beautiful.” Dierks there that beteaches environmental sci- lieve that cheer isn’t a sport. ence, and is also an interven- Dierks disagrees , she says tionist, meaning she goes into cheer is “absolutely” a sport. science rooms where extra Her viewpoint on sports is Photo by: Anajah Curry hands or a different viewpoint that they must be athletic and is needed to reach the kids. work together as a team. Di- Shannon Dierks poses for a picture in the science room with North You can always find her some- erks says, “If the cheer squad pom poms. Go North! where around the building didn’t work together it’d fall helping where she is needed. apart like any other sport.” Even though she enjoys help- Her favorite sport isn’t cheer ing students she hopes to one either. Her true sport passion day be a full-time teacher like is swimming. That’s what she she used to be. did growing up. Dierks spoke about her fa- Four years from now Dierks vorite thing about North. She sees herself married, a fullsaid “her favorite thing about time teacher, so no more inNorth High School was that it tervention work and still here is so diverse. Not only that but working for DMPS. She loves we seem to look past our skin Iowa, including the weather colors and all get along fairly and doesn’t want to leave. well, which is a great thing for A quote she lives by and a high school to be”. wouldn’t mind advocating I asked Dierks to describe is “Find something good in cheer in one word, the word every situation”. she selected was “exciting”. Quick Facts about cheer!!! She is all up for excitement • Born @ University of Minnesota considering from 1-10 she • Poms were introduced by ranks herself at a daily 8.5-9 Lawrence Herkimer on the pep scale. She goes on • 1960’s NFL added cheerleadPhoto By: Anajah Curry to say she can find something ers exciting in everything. • 80% of US schools have cheer Dierks helping one of kids in class in her science room. Teacher by day. By: Anajah Curry Shannon Dierks coaches cheer

Cheer coach in the afternoon.

Stepping Out of the Classroom and On To the Court Kayla Ramirez, Math teacher and Tennis coach

By: Megan Bohall Kayla Ramirez gets ready to coach North High’s girl’s Tennis team with pride.

By: Megan Bohall Teaching means more than just worksheets in stuffy classrooms, it’s letting the students know they’re accepted for who they are and that’s what Kayla Ramirez, algebra teacher at North High School, does. Ramirez says, “I’m hoping to teach my kids more than just algebra.” She also wants her students, “to know they are approved and loved.” R amirez cares a lot about her students, and her advice for freshman has to do with the one thing most of them spend a lot of their time on, electronics. “The biggest advice that I can give you, and you’re not gonna take it but I’m gonna say it anyway, is staying in control of your technology.” She also talks about what freshman do that could affect them long

term, “The biggest mistake I see freshman make is poor choices with technology.” “You are missing out on your learning,” Ramirez says talking about freshman using their technology instead of listening in class. Ramirez went to school in Pella, IA were she became involved in many sports such as softball, basketball, and volleyball as a young girl. She refers to her starting tennis for the first time with her friend saying, “We picked up a few rackets and taught ourselves how to play.” She also says, “Sports kind of came naturally to me.” When Ramirez was asked the question, why she became the tennis coach her answer was simple and said with a laugh, “Because I love tennis?” Ramirez smiles. “A lot of the motivation was internal, it was a really powerful thing,” Ramirez said referring to

10 things you might not have known about Kayla Ramirez: 1. I have never had braces. 2. I used to live in England 3. I have an (almost) 18 month old baby 4. I played tennis at Central College 5. I studied abroad in Merida, Mexico for 4 months in college 6. I have always known I wanted to be a math teacher 7. I LOVE going on mission trips! 8. I once trained for a half marathon, but then got sick 3 days before the race and couldn’t breathe, so couldn’t actually run it 9. I speak fluent Spanish 10. I love coaching tennis! last years tennis team. She talks about what she does as a teacher at North, “My hope is that I’m slowly teaching skills in my math class that are going to help students be successful long term.”

Being a Tennis Girl Check List: -Racket (the good kind but not the $80 dollar one) -Tennis Balls (How else do you play tennis) -Jersey and skort (obviously) -Tennis Shoes (a nice pair so you dont put holes in them) -Waterbottle (you wouldn’t want to get dehydrated) -20 hairties (for you and your team mates who will forget theirs) -Headphones (for the long bus rides) -Lots of Granola Bars (Because three Tennis matches gets you pretty hungary) -Ibuprofen (beause you never know when you might get hurt) -Blankets (mother nature doesn’t always know you play tennis outside) -Vitiman C (You CAN NOT get sick for the game on Tuesday)

“I’m hoping to teach my kids more than just algebra.”

By: Megan Bohall Kayla Ramirez faded in the background of a Tennis ball symbolizing her love for the sport.

Photo by: Hyves Irumva James Russel runs the shuttle hurdle relay at the track meet on March 19, 2015.

Gregory Holland

Gregory Holland did just get to where he is now in a flash, he had to work hard in his young years to become a teacher, football coach, wrstling coach and a track head coach at North High school. “Succes is for those who not only try but for those who actually do it.” By Hyves Irumva

oldest son) followed his father’s footsteps. Lee played basketball, North High School Alumnus football and track in high school. Gregory Holland brought the Lee went on to college and played North High football team to state college football just like his father. in 1997 by beating Ankeny, scoring Lee also went on to doing track in the last touchdown of the and went college and performed well in his on to play college football at Simp- events. Audrey and Sydney (Holson College making 15 intercepland’s Daughters) did cheerleading tions his Freshmen year. With all and dancing. Gregory Holland is the love he got from North High happy because he has been marschool he decided to come back to ried for 25 years with 3 wonderful teach at North High. children and his two dogs silly and Bella without any problems. As Holland attended Simpson College in Indianola, IA HolHolland has a lot of hobbies land did not always want to be a some of these are hunting and fishteacher, he always wanted to be a ing, he enjoys being out in nature. Veterinarian. Holland loves pets, “Nature is Awesome,” Gregory he owns two dogs named Silly and said. Not only does he love teachBella. Silly was named Silly being and coaching he also loves cause he walks sideways according seeing wild life. Gregory’s next to Holland. Bella was named Bella 5 years of life are quiet interestbecause she is the cute one. Holing he hopes to retire in 2020. He land is not just a super athlete and will not stop teaching though he not just the best teacher at north will find something to do such as high he is also the best dad to his substituting because teaching is 3 children. Walker Lee (Gregory’s he’s passion. He also hopes he will

have time to do some hunting, gathering, fishing and go out in the nature to see wild life. During Holland’s career of coaching he has coached 90 seasons. 32 seasons of football 16 seasons of track 30 seasons of wrestling 8 seasons of soccer 3 seasons of softball 1 season of baseball But of all of these sports he have coached he enjoys coaching his track team. “I love my guys and I hope in the next 2 years the track team is really good,” says Holland. Gregory is a coach who loves to be with his guys and always encourages his players to do better.

Photo by: Hyves Irumva Gregory Holland is doing one of the things he loves to do, which is teaching at North High School. He is setting up his students for success by helping them do their work in government class.

FAST FACTS

. My family was all teachers . I served in the Marines for 27 years

. Has 3 children . Teaches about the after being in the marines

photo by, Ashley Wease

Major Qunlen in P.T. gear, standing on treadmill, getting ready to do excersise

Major Quinlen

Teaching students after being in the Marines By, Ashley Wease

the marine corps, and leadership. The reason he teaches this to his classes is for his students

What place invoves both ethnicity and leadership? Major Sean After serving the country for 27 Quinlen, teaches years, I think I can still serve the ROTC as country in the classroom also.” a marine to learn it and take it out corps instuctor, he teaches into the world and apmany different diverse ply it to their lives. He students.’’We have 28 differwas raised in a family ent cultures in our school, of teachers after being 26 different launguages a marine for 27 years he spoken in our hallways,’’ became a teacher.’’After Major Quinlen states. Major serving the country for along with Gunnery Sargent 27 years, I think I can Gettler teaches the students still serve the country together as partners. Major in the classroom,’’Major wants his students to learn states. In the marine is patriotism, traditons of

“

corps he also was teaching, he helped teach all the soldiers in his group also known as his platoon. In his classes he teaches nowaday it isnt that hard but he takes just as much responsibility teaching his students as he did teaching his platoon, because he says that the students are the future. In the class the soldiers withold respect and traditions that they need in ROTC Major teaches his students a saying of ’’no excuses,’’ meaningthere is no use for excuses in his classroom, he applies this with his students, who he

Photo by,Ashley Wease

Major in uniform, in at ease stance calls his cadets, are doing P.T, also known as physical training. Its not just about working out. Major finds it important to teach about past soldiers so that the soldiers are not forgotten,‘‘gone but not forgotten.’’ and Major wants the cadets to know what these soldiers did for our country.

On the 8 of April Mark Rixner theater arts teacher at North was setting up the stage for the play Blithe Spirt. photo by Chrystal Seger

Theater Nerd

By: Chrystal Seger

Mark Rixner is a Theater Arts teacher at North High School. Rixner has been teaching at North for 11 years. The subjects that he teaches are introduction to theater advanced theater art, introduction to play production

teacher, a counselor,a remodel and a parent, it’s a tough job to have”.I interviewed one of Rixner’s student’s on their opinion of how he teaches and how to describe him as well as they’re love for theater arts and play production.When describing how Rixner teaches the student says “He’s very sincere, he’s also very personal with

how it is important; “I do I think there is so many great opportunities if you go to college. It’s worth a shot, some kids feel like they don’t want to go but they need to take the chance roll the dice, and see what happens. Don’t end up being an adult and saying I wish I would have later on in life,” Rixner said. “I did theater in high school, and

“Just try and leave the world a better place then when you found it.” and advanced play production. Rixner has a wife named Kelli and he also has 2 sons their names are Cole and Jay. He is one busy guy at North. He works hard and puts a lot into the students at North High School. Rixner says “There is no such thing as an average day in Theater Arts. But a typical day, it’s a lot of work, it’s go-go-go it’s fast paced, the kids really need the teachers present. They need there advice they need the help, you’re a

teaching. His teaches is challenging but Rixner tries to tailor the lesson to how your comfortable with how the student understands the lesson.”During the interview I asked the student if they love theater arts and play production the student responded with “Yes because theater combined with my love of literature gave me the opportunity to express myself and let out energy”. Rixner expresses his opinion on the idea of college and

in college I went to the University of Northern Iowa; I did my theater stuff there,” he says. Rixner majored in Communication in theater arts and in secondary education. “It’s tough, it has its days believe me it’s a challenge, a constant challenge it keeps me on my toes,” Rixner says. Rixner gives advice to students to help them pursue there future; “Put down your iPads. Work as hard as you can in school, it does pay off in

future especially if you want to go to college,” Rixner expressed.His Motte in life is “Just try and leave the world a better place then when you found it.” As the the theatre arts teacher, a play production teacher, a father and a “counselor”, Rixner wears many different hats.

NHS teacher wants to further her education Fast Facts

• Brady has a bachelors degree in music. • Brady had made 3 musical produtions at North • She is getting a masters in music in the summer.

Vanessa Brady doing what she does best.

by Trevor Collins

love of music and a Vanessa Brady the scholarship in muchoir teacher at North sic, she wouldn’t High. She used to be be a teacher. She a substitute and now was a substitute for

Photo by Trevor Collins

The Addams Family and many more. She said, “I love this job cause I love music and kids.”

“I love this job cause I love music and the kids.” a grade A choir teacher. Brady has worked as an official teacher for five years. She has a bachelors in music, but she’s getting her masters this summer. Without her mom as a inspiration, her

two years. She also has worked at two schools with an official title. She has worked with Mark Rixner with the musical productions at North High. Brady help make Annie,

Joyce Beyer in the music room at North High School teaching her orchestra class.

Photo by: Angelica Reyes

Joyce Beyer

A New Sound To A New North High School By: Angelica Reyes

for me to give back to the commuEvery year the North’s Orches- nity and make sure other students tra puts on many shows and per- had that experience” Going back to the first days of foms beautiful music pieces given th beauty of these pieces and the school everyone main emotion is remarkable performences of the nervousness and with it being the orchestra, there is so much work first year of teaching Beyer said that goes into preparation of the “Very nervous that day my main actual show. For example deciding emotion was nervousness but exthe music and the actual practices, cited, i hadn’t met anyone it was there really is some magic thats all new to me. I knew alot of stugoes into pulling off a flawless per- dents were attached to the way formence and it wouldn’t be pos- things were in the past and so that sible without having a conductor was something we all had to work with the experience and skills such on together was starting on fresh page”. as Mrs. Joyce Beyer. T h e “I think I saw “I think I saw how important orcheshow important tra promusic was to me in school, and music was to me in school, I felt it was the place I fit in. gram at North is and I felt it was It was the place I felt I be- not just the place I fit in. It was the long the most it made school a a class where place I felt I bebetter place for me’’ students long the most it made school a better place for can learn to play an instrument but me’’ thoes are the words of Beyer a place where students can come explaining what motivated her and connect with others who share to teach music as an orchestra the same passion for music. Also teacher.“It would be a good thing place where students can “create

something beautiful that has value” as put by Mrs. Beyer. With this being her second year at North High School she has really felt as part of the North High Family according to her “ I really enjoy being here, we do a lot of great things at North, I’m proud of it”. Looking toward the feature what might students and the facility expect from the orchestra, this is what Beyer had to say “You can expect a program Photo by: Angelica Reyes that keeps growing not just in size but Joyce Beyer sitting in her office at North High School quality, we are really starting to connect, so they can Fun Facts: expect to take on some really fun 1. Grew up in Des Moines, IA music and next year we are hoping 2. Attended and graduated fromto take a trip during spring break, Roosevelt High School. it will be very cool to take a tour 3. Began playing an instrument and perform in a different setting”. when she was in fouth grade and continued up until her senior year of high school.

who are you most like? team player

call someone

Are you more trendy or professional?

professional GO TO

Big City

Mo vies

Big city or small town? small town

Books or Movies?!

Super hero or Super villain? VILLAIN

Early Bird

You’re a You’re a leader supportive who takes charge leader that but you still have works hard to the best of get the job done intentions for the and cares for people in your life. others before themselves.

Cheer Coach or Basketball Coach? basketball

cheer coach

coach ryan

Are you an early bird or night owl? Night Owl

tough love

Princpal Vukovich

yes!

Books

Yes

simpathetic

Would you dye your hair purple?

trendy

finds people

Are you competivitve?

TEA

Are you someone who finds people to help, or a person who people go to immediately for help?

Coffee

out to eat

Are you someone who gives tough love, or is simpathetic?

spontaneous

leader

Would you rather stay home and cook, or go out to eat?

cook at home

Coffee or Tea?

Are you spontaneous or deliberate? deliberate

own way

Would you consider yourself a leader or team player?

If you were to get lost, would you call someone immediately or find your own way?

Mrs. Poole Mrs. Dierks

You’re someone You’re a work not afraid of hard, play hard change. You love kind of person making people who’s not affraid laugh, and you to show their fun would go out of side and to be your way to help spontaneous like others. Mrs. Dierks.