EHS Bugle Newspaper

The Bugle The student newspaper of Eureka High School

4525 Highway 109 Eureka, MO 63025 • www.ehshub.info • volume 76 • issue 7 • April 27, 2012

Saving face

Students’ futures depend on building a saavy digital identity now...pg. 6-7

High reaching seniors Seniors lead boys varsity volleyball team by example...pg. 10

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Business as usual State will audit district next school year...pg. 2

photo illustration by dane roper

State will audit district next school year

news

Athletes knows that in order to participate in their sport they must pass a routine physical.

The district is headed to the doctor’s office in the latter half of this year since the Missouri auditor’s office added it to the list of schools to be audited.

The district’s leadership and financial management has been the focus of media attention as of late, leaving patrons to wonder.

“I feel like some of the money that goes through administration could be handled better,” Mark Nosiglia (11) said. “I feel that it goes to wasteful causes and I think that the money that was spent doing minor improvements around the school should be used to keep some classes up and running such as driver’s education or if they wanted to institute other world language classes.”

This is a common misunderstanding about how schools are funded. Different pools of money fund different operations; bond monies cannot pay for salaries, for example.

“Audits are vitally important because they provide an independent review of policies and procedures that are in place,” Mr. Spence Jackson, media director for the Missouri Auditor’s Office, said in a phone interview, April 16. “Often times things tend to get overlooked by the same folks who are charged with looking at those things every day. We find areas where things can be managed more efficiently and effectively to get the most out of every tax dollar that citizens send to a district.”

Since audits are so vitally important, Rockwood already undergoes the process annually.

“By law we have to be audited every other year, but Rockwood has as its board policy to have an audit every year by an independent auditor that we pay to come in and do an audit of our finances,” Ms. Shirley Broz, chief financial officer, said in a phone interview, April 13. “The independent auditor that we pay to come in and audit us each year focuses on making sure that the district is reporting what has happened in the past year to the best of our ability, that we are reporting accurately the revenues and the expenditures of the district and making sure that our public reports are in good shape so that people reading those reports get an accurate and clear look at the district.”

dane roper writer

2

Business as usual

dane roper

Adding the audit to the checklist, Rockwood has numerous fiscal processes that are already set in place to ensure that it’s policies and regulations are maintained.

Lunchtime offers Vineeth Bhuvanagiri (12), Mrs. Asher, Mrs. Jennifer Strauser, associate principal, and Parker Levy (12) a chance to talk, Feb. 28. Despite the audit, it’s business as usual at EHS.

kelsey fairchild

The audit is timely since much controversy has surrounded Rockwood in recent history. From June to November, “The Post” ran 16 stories about district leadership and practices.

A citizens group has formed, too.

“We first asked the state auditor to get involved after the investigative piece in the St. Louis Post Dispatch about Glenn Construction and their relationship to Rockwood,” Ms. Eileen Tyrrell, spokesperson for the Rockwood Stakeholders for Real Solutions coalition, said in a phone interview, April 12. “When the auditor’s office came out in January with the announcement that they were going to audit Rockwood, it was because we asked for it.”

While these concerns do exist within the community, RS for RS did not get enough signatures to force the state to conduct an audit of the district.

“You have a very vocal group in the school district that wanted to force the state to do an audit, but they weren’t successful in that endeavor,” Mr. Paul Stanley, Social Studies teacher, said. “In order to force the state to do an audit of an organization you have to get several thousand signatures of people living in the district before the state will even consider it, and that group that wanted to do that was not successful.

Eventually, however, the auditor decided to conduct an audit anyway.”

The district, in fact, received confirmation from the auditor’s office that a petition was not the source of the

“I don’t anticipate that the audit will impact the day-today routines around Eureka.”

—Ms. Deborah Asher, head principal

auditor’s decision to audit Rockwood.

“The auditor’s office told us that they were not asked by any citizen’s group through petition to come into Rockwood; we have it in writing,” Ms. Broz said. “I don’t think the auditor has it as their intent to find any huge gross mistakes. I think they’re just coming in to make sure that we’re doing a good job and if they have any suggestions they can give us to do a better job they’ll let us know.”

The audit is considered routine for four reasons: it is not the result of a petition, the district is one of a few to be audited, the state is paying for the evaluation and the audit may be postponed if morepressing audits arise.

“There’s really nothing ambiguous about it,” Mr. Jackson said. “Ultimately it’s our decision whether or not to conduct an audit, and the Rockwood audit is an audit that we’ve chosen to do under our authority through state law.”

While the audit for Rockwood tends to have a negative connotation, these assessments are frequently conducted in many different circumstances.

“You can have audits in lots of different areas of life,” Mr. Stanley said.

“A corporation can be audited by the government or by the IRS to make sure they’re paying their taxes and that they’re following the law. A corporation can do an internal audit which means they hire a private accountant or someone from within the organization to go through the books to make sure they’re doing everything they’re supposed to be doing.

A government organization can also do an audit of itself.”

Rockwood’s financial review, in fact, is nothing to be concerned about.

“I don’t anticipate that the audit will impact the day-to-day routines around Eureka,” Ms. Deborah Asher, head principal, said. “I look forward to seeing what the auditor’s office finds and what suggestions for improvements they have, but at the building level it’s not on our radar at all. It’s really a district-level

issue.”

Not only are audits a fairly routine part of Rockwood’s overview, they are an important tool for any type of organization.

“If it’s a corporation or a business it’s important that they’re following the law,” Mr. Stanley said. “For people that are in a corporation it’s important for them to know that if they’ve put systems in place to protect the integrity of their business and to protect their shareholders and employees, it’s important to periodically check to make sure what you’ve put in place works. As far as a public institution like Rockwood or a government agency, I think what a lot of people would say is audits are important to make sure that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.”

The last time Rockwood was audited was in 1994. The auditor made 65 recommendations. The district carefully considered the recommendations, and the same approach will be taken with the upcoming audit.

“I started with the district in 1996 and part of what I was working on when I first came into the district was cleaning up and answering those audit recommendations,” Ms. Broz said. “We absolutely will address any issues that the auditor finds within our organization and we will make whatever corrections are suggested. We have to look at it as an opportunity for Rockwood to become better.”

Rockwood officials continue to devote their efforts to make the district better.

“I’ve seen good decisions made around Rockwood before like cutting driving from drivers’ education because it saves the district a lot of money. I think the district will make good decisions with the recommendations they are given so that our district continues to get better,” Nicole Pytlinski (10) said.

The importance of an audit is no stranger to Rockwood.

In spite of the motivations behind the audit, this financial overview is a doctor’s visit the district welcomes.

Plan ahead for your future, 0pen a savings account today!

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1/24/2012 8:32:53 AM

Students find summer jobs to save money for college kelsey fairchild

kelsey fairchild writer

4

Guarding for gold

Flotation device on lap, Montgomery sits on stand at Lifetime Fitness during one of her shifts, April 17. “I got hired in the winter so I haven’t been exposed to the chaos of the outdoor pool yet,” Montgomery said. “I’m looking forward to some excitement because as of now I am only used to seeing about 10 people in the pool at a time and the job aspect hasn’t really set in yet because there isn’t that much to do. I still have another year before college, but I’m hoping to have saved up at least $8,000.”

Restaurant

Golf course

Babysitting

One of the most common jobs for high school students to acquire is a lifeguard position.

Within the area there are over 15 pools each requiring a staff full of employees who work a wide range of varying times. It’s the perfect opportunity for students who wish to have a job only in the summer when their time isn’t consumed.

“I’ve lifeguarded ever since I was 15 and at several different pools,” Ellie Garabedian (12) said. “I lifeguard because I enjoy working outside, especially during the summer.

Lifeguarding is also nice because the hours are usually during the day, so my nights are free.”

Lifeguarding pays $7.25, minimum wage, but also includes better money for swim lessons, according to Garabedian.

Lifeguarding seems to be a hot commodity for many reasons.

“Lifeguarding is easy money,” Ryan Bequette (12) said. “I can get a tan and sit on a stand and do basically nothing while making money.”

No matter the reason, the job is chosen for one ultimate outcome.

“I have to pay for a lot of college so I’m trying to work as much as possible to save up the most money that I possibly can,” Garabedian said.

The simple routine is a main reason for students to lifeguard.

“The shifts are sometimes long, but the rotations are often so time goes by fast,” Mary Montgomery (11) said.

Although it may be a cliché of a summer job, lifeguarding is a great job for high school students.

Acquiring a seasonal job is the easiest to do since there are so many job openings that arise as soon as student schedules clear up.

Restaurant jobs are ideal for students who might want to work through the school year, as well as the summer.

Benefits of the job include discounts on meals and flexibility in scheduling. A great perk to the restaurant scene is the variety of positions offered. Hosting jobs are abundant along with serving jobs and kitchen positions.

“I’m working in the café at Lifetime Fitness this summer,” Leah Matz (11) said. “I don’t love working with food, but it doesn’t even feel like that’s what my job entails because I have so much fun.”

Unlike lifeguarding jobs, positions in a restaurant are sometimes more difficult to come by because they are not seasonal.

“I handle a lot of student applications, especially potential summer employees,” Mr. Tom Osmack, LifeCafe Department head, said. “I hire a lot of younger applicants in the summertime because their schedules allow them a lot of flexibility and I am always looking for employees who are pretty available.”

Despite the difference in the jobs, the priorities of students is still to save money.

The wage of host starts at minimum wage while servers tend to make less but make more in tips, walking away with up to $100 a night.

“I’m saving my money as much as I can,” Matz said. “I try to limit my spending as well.”

On the other hand, some take on the job as a way to make fast cash.

“I work as a hostess at Big Bear Grill,” Shyne Fabros (12) said. “My job is really easy-going, and we all have a lot of fun during our shifts. The main reason I work is so I can afford my spending habits. I don’t save too much of it because I spend it shopping.”

While these jobs need employees year round, they don’t require as many hours.

Another seasonal job in high demand for young employees would be working at golf courses.

“I’ve always loved playing golf, so getting a job working at St. Albans was perfect for me,” Zachary Meyer (12) said. “I clean and drive golf carts and can make tip money, which is great.”

On top of tip money, the employees make $8 an hour and receive free membership at the club, according to Meyer.

Jobs range from caddie to server and wages start at minimum, allowing employees to make more through tips.

Golf courses are primary job locations for students who want a break from their regular jobs and are looking for something more seasonal.

“I have a job at Poor Richard’s right now, but I recently applied for a position at Pevely Golf Course,” Madde Borg (12) said. “I want to work there because I don’t want to be stuck inside every day this summer. Working on the golf course, I will be more able to enjoy the summer while simultaneously working.”

Since golfing is incredibly expensive, having a job on the course and getting free rounds of golf as a benefit is also desirable.

“While making money working, I can also save the money that I would otherwise spend playing golf,” Meyer said.

Along with the majority of the other students working over the summer, job positions on a golf course also provide money for savings accounts.

“This is my last summer before college so I’m doing my best to make as much money as possible,” Borg said.

Golf course jobs provide students with a great summer atmosphere to enjoy while also making money.

Babysitting is a job often overlooked and deserving of more credit. Babysitters generally make more money than any other job available to high school students and require the least amount of experience. It’s a great summer job considering many parents are looking for someone to watch their kids once school is over and they have to work.

“I babysit in the summer because I’ve become close to the families I babysit for,” Courtney Hahn (12) said. “I make more money doing that than any other job and I have more fun.”

Hahn makes at least $10 an hour babysitting.

The main perk to being a babysitter is the relaxed environment compared to every other job.

“I think it’s a lot easier to get a babysitting job because there isn’t a stressful interview process to go through,” Hahn said. “The only downfall is there isn’t a guarantee for concrete hours, so I just have to be hopeful that they need a sitter often.”

Babysitters can take typically weekend jobs for families to full-time positions in the summer.

“The best part of babysitting during the summer is I can take the kids almost anywhere,” Hahn said. “I can take the kids to the pool, the movies or even a park so it’s never boring.”

Even better, the money is instant and nothing is taken out for taxes.

“I love that I don’t have to wait two weeks to get a paycheck,” Hahn said.

“This way I don’t ever have difficulty wanting to spend money that I am anticipating.”

Summer jobs as babysitters are great for students who have a lot of time to spend working and who are looking for fast, easy money.

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Driver needed.

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I’m Emily Benton

I’m looking for people who live in Wildwood and would like to carpool next year to school.

Call 636.273.9099

for more info.

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“Where we meet by Accident” A Complete Full Service Repair Shop www.EurekaCollisionCenter.com Ric Kremer, Owner Dave Kohler, Manager

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Generation

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Highlights

Saving

Students’ futures depend on buildin 60 likes - 36 talking about this

Generation Y doesn’t not have the corner market on facebook.

Coaches are beginning to require students to be their facebook friend if those athletes want to continue in a sport.

spotlight

“If you are a swimmer you are required to be my facebook friend,” Mrs. Sharon Wasson, swim coach, said. “I do that so I can monitor the things posted and make sure they’re held to the standard that I expect of a Eureka swimmer. If I see anything inappropriate on a swimmer’s facebook I will inbox them and tell them they need to remove the questionable or inappropriate post.”

Teachers understand and are looking out for students since if it’s been on the internet, it is out there forever.

“I have known several people who do not have a job because people go on and see their facebook pictures,” Coach Wasson said. “Many people leave their facebook pictures open and do not have privacy settings so anyone can go in there and look at them. If you’re going to put yourself out there publicly and not be privatized, then you deserve to get whatever it is you get.”

Suzanne Dotta, Rockwood National Education Association president, experiences the pitfalls of social media as she helps Rockwood teachers navigate personnel issues.

“My concern on the beh identity that is easily acc said. “It is not an uncom your digital identity. If yo portrayed yourself in the somewhere down the ro

Sometimes, the issues w appropriate boundaries private.

students Uses now In 2011, in just 20 minutes on Facebook over 1 million links are shared, 2 million friend requests are accepted and almost 3 million messages are sent, according to digitalbuzzblog.com.

Yet this is only one of the several popular social media now taking over students’ lives.

Social media seem to be like an addiction to students. Wanting to check notifications, gaze at pictures, tweet and chat with many friends at once is are ever-present thoughts in students’ minds.

“When I get on Facebook I mainly check my notifications or look at

Future effects Since facebook and Twitter are so insecure with how private they actually are; the solution is simple.

Don’t put anything out there that may be regretable in the future. Once it is there, it’s not forever gone even if it gets deleted.

A growing percentage of employers are checking facebook accounts and other social media before they hire, which should tell students that what they post may be viewed someday and could affect them in the future.

my friends pictures,” Hannah Kirkwood (09) said. “I upload a lot of pictures when I do different things and update my status. I get on Facebook because I really like to see what other people are doing all the time and just go on to talk to a friend if they don’t have a cell phone but they have a computer.”

Privacy

Feelings about homework, pictures of concerts, funny quotes, sports highlights or lows. Statuses and Tweets are personal and immediate.

Although there are media, those sites t

Students use their social media socially without much concern for future interpretation although once posted to the Internet, that information is there—somewhere—forever.

After all, it would o could pass it on to

“If employers are looking at facebook and Twitter accounts in the future then that could probably affect me because sometimes I feel I do put some inappropriate things on my accounts,” Harrison Hicks (10) said.

Employers want to know who they are considering for the job. A deep search doesn’t require much effort int he age of social media.

Students walk through those doors for job interviews trailing their entire online identity with them.

“Facebook and Twi said. “My Twitter is pretty private. The o friends. But, eviden question how priva

7

Saving Face

Home

Admin Panel Now March February

g face

January 2011 Founded

ng a saavy digital identity now

half of young people is that you create a digital cessible and it doesn’t go away,” Mrs. Dotta mmon practice for an employer to search for ou haven’t been really careful with how you’ve e electronic world, then that can actually hurt you oad. Digital identities are absolutely not private.”

Employers Times have changed. More and more jobs are beginning to check digital identities before hiring now, affecting a growing amount of people.

60

with social media is just understanding what are s because anything posted digitally is never truly

only take one person viewing something private who their friends and that is where the cycle begins.

itter is like an addiction to me,” Kira Baker (12) s totally open for anyone to see. My facebook is only people who I think view my things are my ntly the school can look at stuff so that makes me ate everything really is.”

Photos

Before anyone posts something, they have to realize whatever they are posting will walk into an interview with them.

An article on Google titled “How to view private facebook profiles step by step” shows viewers how to view someone’s facebook with whom one is not even friends with.

Even when someone deletes an inappropriate tweet or a facebook comment she regret posting, it’s still out there somewhere.

Sites like Spokeo and 123people anyone can use find detailed information about almost anyone in the country: age, relatives, residence, even previous residence.

Nothing is really private in the digital world of social media.

When employers are narrowing down candidates for a job and they are to their final choices, it would literally take five minutes to Google, facebook or Twitter search each candidate to influence the final decision.

Now 47 percent of online users have searched for information about themselves on the Internet, according to pewinternet.org. Yet, only 3 percent of self-searchers confess they now make a regular habit of it. Seventy-four percent report they have only checked their digital identity once or twice.

The site goes on to report that 60 percent of Internet users admit that they are not even worried about how much information about them online is available for anyone. Also, the majority of adults online do not feel that they need to limit the amount of information that can be found about them online even if employers or strangers can view them.

Alexandra Wallace, former UCLA student, can testify otherwise. She blogged on Youtube about her college peers receiving 700,000 hits and her life is forever altered. Students should learn from her experience.

spotlight

many different privacy settings involved in social truly aren’t as private as students think.

Likes

“While we do not collect or review personal digital identity information to make hiring decisions, many employers appear to be using it in their selection processes,” Mr. Jason Wade, team leader, HQ recruiting for Edward Jones, said in a phone interview, April 12. “It’s best to assume that anything you do or say online could be reviewed by potential employers or college admissions staff. Additionally, given that networking is the most productive way to find a job, one should expect that the line between their ‘personal’ profile and their ‘professional profile’ is somewhat irrelevant from the start.”

Woods classes offer a unique opportunity

brendan vogel writer

8

Building the future

academics

brendan vogel In the narrow and often-overlooked 200s hallway, classes working to create their newly assigned projects in the woods and metals classes. These projects include things like boxes and cutting boards.

The classes, one-of-a-kind opportunities, allow students to use machinery and other tools to make various items that are useful in everyday life.

Class offerings include two woods courses and one metals course: Woods I, Woods II and Metals I. For students who have a passion for designing and building, this class is a perfect fit.

“I have always been interested in engineering and I probably want to study it in college,” Brian Ewers (9) said.

“This class is definitley a good way to utilize those skills.”

Not only does the class fit in with many personal preferences with students but it also is considered an asset by the district.

“The district believes that the class brings a lot of value when it comes to developing our students into well-rounded kids,” Mr. Brad DeMattei, future Technology Education Department chair, said. “This class is considered a necessity to have within the curriculum.”

In this age of dwindling revenues and During the final minutes of Mr. DeMattei’s 4th hour Woods I they use as well as their projects they are working on. “The class budget cuts, the program could have class, Laura Bultas and Madeline Ogan (10) finish their work is always organized and everyone is on task trying to finish their easily disappeared with the retirement of on their cutting boards for the day, April 16. The class works projects on time,” Bultas said. “It makes everyone work harder Mr. Jim Ford, Technology Education together for the final few minutes of class to clean up the shop knowing that there are responsibilities that we all have that are Department chair. Only three of by cleaning off all of the saw dust and putting away all materials important to the process of the class.” the high schools still offer the courses; Marquette does not. they should be the one to take over the main woods and maturity and responsibility.

But after Mr. Ford’s nine-year career, there was never a metals position.

“The number one priority in this class is safety,” Mr. thought of removing the classes, Mr. DeMattei said.

Through that process the hiring committee found their DeMattei said. “There are a lot of dangerous machines The district’s decision was a smart one based on the candidate and are in contract talks with that person now. in this room that require constant attention and proper reaction of the students The name of the new hire safety training.” in the classes. will not be released until The students of the classes also recognize that the class “It is by far the the Board of Education requires the need for the utmost care and attention when best class that I have approves his/her handling machinery in the class. outside of Team contract.

“We are always under constant supervision and Sports,” Shaan Despite losing the long- are assisted when making cuts because it can be very Muthukumaru time face of EHS woods dangerous to operate the machines,” Greg Mueller (11) said. “It would and metals, most students (12) said. “It is still very safe to be in the class though. have been a huge who plan on continuing No one should think the class is too dangerous to take.” controversy if they to take the courses in the These unique opportunities are one of the appeals of would have gotten rid future seem to be unfazed the classes. of the class because it by the upcoming change “I think the students enjoy learning about machine is so important to have of staff. operation,” Mr. Jim Ford said. “It is unlike many other within our curriculum.”

“I hope the teacher classes in the building.”

Mr. Ford’s decision to change doesn’t affect the The classes are generally made up of mostly boys. retire created a big hole fun of the class,” Ewers Laura Bultas (11) is one of two girls in Mr. DeMattei’s to fill. Administration said. “I think it will still be 4th hour Woods I class. worried that applicants a good class, so my plan “I really like the class, and girls who like to create with the proper is to continue taking these things and have a creative personality would really certification would be types of classes.” like the class,” Bultas said. “Girls hear the words wood hard to find since fewer The departure of Mr. processes and think that it’s not going to be fun for some and fewer high schools Ford will certainly change reason, but it’s not something to shy away from.” across the country offer the courses. the overall atmosphere and dynamic of the class.

No matter who will be taking over the woods and “I was very surprised at the large number of “Mr. Ford makes the class a place where you want to metals classes, there is no doubt that the class has great applications we received,” Mr. DeMattei said. “Usually learn and work hard,” Matt Baker (11) said. “I think importance. Students believe that the skills that they are there aren’t that many people who are particularly that it might hurt the class that he is not returning.” learning now will provide them with skills that can benefit interested in this specific field, especially with the These classes allow students to engage themselves in a them in many different aspects of their futures. younger generations.” creative environment, while at the same time give them a “If we become comfortable enough with these tools, The many applicants underwent a process of chance to use advanced equipment like table saws and we can become more well-rounded people,” Ewers submitting a resumé, providing job references and sand belts. said. “This class prepares us to handle things that others participating in a face-to-face interview to discuss why However, with that privilege comes the need for great wouldn’t be able to handle.”

“It would have been a huge controversy if they would have gotten rid of the class because it is so important to have within our curriculum.”

—Shaan Muthukumaru (11)

10

In a chemical reaction, the perfect ratio of chemicals needs to come together in the perfect order to create the perfect concoction. It takes time and expertise for everything to come together just right.

Making a group of volleyball players become a team is just as complex as a chemical reaction. When all of the elements are there, the product is a group of six players on the court working as one.

The eight seniors on the boys varsity volleyball team are the key ingredient in the team’s connectedness this year because of the familiarity they have been developing over the last four years.

For the boys volleyball program, this team’s variables are unique.

“That’s a lot of seniors,” Mr. Greg Curran, head coach, said. “That’s more than we usually have. It’s a good scenario to have because they’ve had experience on the court. I will say, as a compliment to the guys, they get along well with each other. There’s some pretty good chemistry on the team.”

The seniors recognize the effect that their experience has on the team as a whole.

“It is nice because we know how everyone plays,” Parker Levy, libero, said. “You get that from playing four years together. It’s made the beginning road a lot easier for us. It’s really more of an experience aspect.”

When the boys come together on the court in a game, the connection between the players is visible, both during volleys and between points.

“It’s basically like we’re at practice because we’re all messing around but we’re still staying serious for the game part,” Connor Evans, defensive specialist, said. “Our mentality is serious, but we also have a humorous side to it that keeps us motivated and energized.”

Any visitor who attends a game can hear the team’s humorous antics from the stands. Between points, the team shouts their signature ‘Chewbacca’ yell, which sounds like a combination between a dying cow and an angry dog. This team tradition puts a grin on every player’s face and lifts their morale visibly before they assemble back into position for the next point.

This team connection is especially important in a sport like volleyball where every one of the six players on the court is needed to complete the play.

“It gets bad if you’re more of an individual in volleyball,” Zach Lubinski, setter, said. “You have to think of everybody else. If you’re not, you’re never going to win anything. If you’re more of a group as a team, you have a lot better chance of winning. You have to be on the same page.”

The seniors also feel a stronger motivation to make the team connect more because of their experience on the team last year. Many of the seniors on varsity were also on varsity last year, and that team didn’t mesh as well together.

“We just want to have a lot more fun this year because last year was not a fun experience,” Lubinski said. “Our seniors got suspended. I feel like this year we’re just trying to have a lot more fun with it.”

At this point in the season, the connectedness of the players has translated into a 12-6 overall record with

mary tomlinson

Lubinski delivers a serve to opponent Webster Groves, March 27. Lubinski has taken a position as one of the many leaders on the team. “Mainly what we do is if someone makes a mistake, it’s our job to keep their hopes up instead of getting down on each other,” Lubinski said. “I feel like our job is really just keeping everyone’s morale up.”

mary tomlinson writer

sports

High

reaching seniors

Seniors lead boys varsity volleyball team by example an undefeated conference record, as of April 24, when the paper went to press.

Beyond creating team chemistry, the seniors have also taken it into their hands to bring the team together in through their leadership on the court.

“Our leadership is a lot stronger than last year just because we have eight seniors,” Lubinski said. “We have the experience. In volleyball, you have to be a team to be better. You can be talented, but you won’t be that great of a team if you’re not working together. We have an

advantage this year.”

The seniors take charge of the team’s communication and make sure everything runs smoothly on the court.

“We all talk out loud and yell each other’s names for who has the ball,” Evans said. “Or we call ‘mine’ if it’s ours.

We let each other know what player is about to attack the ball, where it’s going to be, or what play someone’s going to run.”

Each of the eight seniors on the team gives guidance.

“They help us younger guys with different techniques and just how to do things,” Jeff Ernst, outside hitter, said. “Each one gives a different aspect.

How they lead is different. It all depends on what they do. Parker Levy is the leader on the court. While we’re playing in a game, he’ll tell us little hints for us to do to make us play better.”

Other players lead more by example.

“If you ever come to a game, you will definitely hear Zach Lubinski yelling every single point, just getting us together,” Levy said.

When a pass or a block doesn’t go smoothly, the seniors keep the players going strong. Keeping the energy from dropping translates into better plays.

“If somebody gets down, you lift them back up,” Austin Trower, setter, said.

“You keep them going and let them know that they’re doing well. The seniors are definitely a part of that.”

For Dalton Zeiser, middle blocker, this assistance holds great value, considering he is completely new to the sport this year.

“A lot of the seniors help me out, like with passing and learning how to play the game and everything,” Zeiser said.

“They’ve been a big help. They work with me at practice and show me how to do things right.”

Though the seniors are all a major asset now, thoughts of next year’s team are also present. Having so many seniors this year leaves a gap to be filled next year.

The seniors recognize the importance of preparing the team for the 2013 season while still succeeding this year, and they have taken on this role with ease.

After playing the sport for four years, many seniors possess a wealth of knowledge about the game of volleyball. To improve the team for next year, the seniors have been sharing this knowledge.

“They’ve been helping the underclassmen so they can become better for next year, especially with Lubinski and Levy,” Evans said. “If they see someone make an error, they will pull them aside and teach them the right form.”

The coaches are keeping their eyes out for next year, as well.

“We do have some key players as juniors that are on the team now, and a couple of them are getting some playing time already,” Coach Curran said.

“We’ve got another one or two that looks like, as they improve, they’re going to find more court time and gain a little more experience.”

With a team filled with paramount seniors and up-and-coming juniors, players and coaches alike are looking forward to a prosperous season this year with ambitious goals in mind.

“I think every year the goal at the top of our list always has been to be in the final eight in the state tournament,” Coach Curran said. “That is a very lofty goal for us. But that would be one that every kid is hoping to get to.”

The combination of talented players with strong leadership and team camaraderie sets the conditions.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how far we can go in Districts and State,” Nick Sample, outside hitter, said. “I really think we have a good chance of making it there, and I’m just excited to see where it goes.”

in a way that will build them up and create a quality digital identity.

The extent of a Rockwood student’s education comes from the warnings of teachers and learning from others’ mistakes.

The incident during fall sports, where 33 were identified for photos of themselves drinking, warned students of the dangers of releasing too much of their lives on the Internet.

Fox Business School at Temple University provides resources to their students guiding them in their development of a digital identity with e-portofolios.

The conscious shaping of one’s digital presence proves important as 60 percent of people report that they have little concern for how much information is available about them on the Internet, according to the Pew Research Center website.

With so few people recognizing the weight of the issue, the district needs to step in and recognize the importance of educating students about why it is important.

Providing access to social networking sites under the guidance of qualified teachers will help students learn how to use the Internet safely and develop their digital identities in a way the students won’t regret in the future.

It’s time the district teach the importance of shaping one’s digital identity.

The Wisch List

Managing “The Office” A balancing act of love and fear

The Bugle Staff

editor-in-chief hannah wischmeier production editor madison sanden copy editor dane roper writers kelsey fairchild

jessica meszaros mary tomlinson brendan vogel casey walker sylvia weiss video production editor-in-chief erin mikel

editor. So I avoided being too critical.

The first issue was a paper riddled with errors. The result was my adviser, co-editor and I spending more time in the newsroom than in our homes during the week prior to publication.

As I reflected on the issue, I realized that letting errors go for the sake of saving staff member’s feelings wasn’t helping anyone.

I’ve learned that being a leader comes with the responsibility of being the bad guy sometimes. I may not enjoy telling my peers that they’ve done something wrong, but it is my job.

I’ve learned to be okay with being critical when necessary, a skill I could use in any leadership position.

I may not have the perfect balance between being feared and loved. But loved or feared, I have had a wonderful experience being editor-in-chief of this publication.

Thanks to all who have read my columns and this paper all year long. You make all of my work worth it.

video production nick hoeflinger kalin preston stats manager gabby adams ads manager michael mclaughlin adviser elisha strecker

The primary obligation of The Bugle is to create a quality publication to inform its readers about events in the school and community and of issues of national or international importance which directly or indirectly affect the school population.

The Bugle, while serving as a training ground for future journalists as part of the school curriculum, recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment and strives to establish and maintain standards outlined by the Society of Professional Journalists.

The Bugle is a public forum.

Student editors apply professional standards and ethics for decision making as they take on the responsibility for content and production of the newspaper.

While the student staff encourages constructive criticism of any part

to the editor

I am writing in regards to the article, “Too Close to Call,” written by Dane Roper.

I commend Mr. Roper for having a range of sources and opinions in his story. It is important to hear from both sides of the issue as well as from the people that will be impacted by any decision made. In the article the following statement was given to Mr. Roper: “I feel like the bond issue was used towards so many unnecessary things and with the new bond issue they are just getting more unnecessary things. When I look at all of the proposed projects for the campus, I don’t want any of them and I don’t think we need any of them.”

I began working at EHS the year Gym A (new gym) opened. That was nine years ago.

The next project was the Large Theatre. After that project I began overseeing EHS bond issue projects, including: a two-story wing (22 classrooms), Music wing (renovated/ expanded), FACS/Art wing (10 renovated classrooms), New Library-Media Center, renovated/expanded World Language wing (9 classrooms with listening lab), and the front entrance (6 classrooms with guest check-in & attendance office). Within these projects are several other improvements that align with our long-range facility plan.

When I became the junior class assistant principal nine years ago our enrollment was around 1,350. We currently have 2,000 students enrolled for the 2012-2013 school year. The aforementioned projects specifically addressed the addition of over 600 students to our campus. The need for additional instructional classrooms became the highest priority. Increasing enrollment over 40 percent caused these rooms to take priority over areas such as locker rooms. I invite anyone to visit with me and discuss the rationale behind facility decisions and provide input. I believe we all would walk away from such a discussion with a more informed position on which to base our opinions.

—Mrs. Deborah Asher, Head Principal

of the newspaper, authority for content rests in the hands of the student members of the newspaper staff.

Students will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, or libel, obscenity, material disruption of the school process, copyright infringement or unwarranted invasion of privacy.

Letters to the editor are encouraged by students, faculty and the community. Letters must be signed but names can be withheld upon request. Letters must not exceed 250 words and The Bugle reserves the right to reject, edit or shorten as necessary.

Opinions expressed on the editorial page do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints or official policies of the school administration. All editorials (unsigned) represent a majority

outlook

One of the greatest leaders of all time once said “Would I rather be feared or loved? Umm easy… both… I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.” This visionary was Michael Scott, the former boss on NCB’s show “The Office.”

Michael Scott’s theory of leadership is countered by the mantra of Niccolò Machiavelli’s “The Prince,” which states that because it is a difficult balance, one should prefer to be feared.

As Machiavelli noted, being a leader requires a difficult balance between strict enforcement and and garnering loyalty and respect.

When I was chosen as editor-in-chief of this publication, I knew I would have to choose what type of leader I would be.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned from newspaper is just how fragile and necessary this balance is.

My staff is comprised of my friends, teammates and peers. Because of the personal relationships I held with these people, I was determined not to lose any of these connections by overstepping my power of enforcement as

hannah wischmeier editor-in-chief

Staff editorial

Clicking the “Delete Tweet” button doesn’t mean that Tweet is gone forever. Somewhere in cyber space, someone can find that post or someone could have screen captured it.

Because of the constant immersion in social media, it is easy to become desensitized to the possible consequences cyber posters can have on the future attempts at employment or school admissions. The posts made today may affect the ability to get a job or get into school and are available to future spouses and children.

Even though the consequences of hurting one’s reputation seem obvious, users still put content out there that can potentially be used against them. Having the foresight of an adult at the age of a teenager is unlikely.

The reason is simple: society is not educating the youth about digital identities.

Our district makes sure students have high-quality computers and other state-of-the-art equipment. However, students are given very little instruction on what to do when they are browsing the Internet or posting content into cyber space.

Twitter, facebook, MySpace, Tumblr and other social networking sites are blocked on student computers. Therefore, students do not have the ability to learn how to use these sites

11

Protecting the future Letter Students need education on safe digital identities

opinion of the Editorial Board.

Members of the Editorial Board include all staff editors. Signed editorials, columns, editorial cartoons and reviews reflect the views of the author and not those of the editorial board.

The Bugle reserves the right to refuse any business which seeks to advertise any product which is illegal or generally considered unhealthy or undesirable for students as determined by the Editorial Board. The Bugle may choose to publish public service ads at the discretion of the Editorial Board. The Bugle will print political ads which comply with federal, state and local campaign laws.

The Bugle is a member of Sponsors of School Publications of Greater St. Louis, the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.

12

Disappearing gadgets A reflection on devices nearing extinction, the gadgets replacing them

entertainment

Technical information is more than doubling every two years, according to a study conducted by IDC Digital Universe. Consumers big and small are left wondering where the old technologies went and what’s going to replace them.

A Bugle survey of 112 students outlined five electronics that they think will be obsolete or close to extinction in five years: home phones, desktop computers, hand-held gaming devices, E-readers and CDs. Ever since smartphones emerged in the late 1990s, the usage of land lines has been steadily dropping. One in six households have gone wireless and cut out their home phones completely, according to a survey by the National Institutes of Health in 2008.

“Everyone is getting cellphones now, so why pay for two phone bills?” Josh Occuman (10) said. “We got rid of our home phone because the bill was pretty high and it wasn’t being used and we kept paying for it.”

Switching over to a wireless lifestyle is more convenient for many families because it simplifies life and costs.

Centering daily tasks around cellphones comes with other benefits, too.

Nearly 100 million people in the US have Internet on their phones according to a 2012 comScore survey.

The Internet is accessible in the palm of a hand forcing the game to change for desktop computers.

“Laptops and tablets are more portable and easier to use,” Matt Taylor (10) said. “But, I think computer desktops are the best for gaming right now.”

With the amount of RAM storage (the place in a computer where application programs and data in current use are kept) increasing on new models of laptops, desktop computers no longer have a strong purpose in everyday lives.

“I think it will go to all laptops, but

currently laptops don’t have the power that is needed to play games,” James Fields (9) said. “Producing laptops with that amount of power would be extremely expensive.”

Sony released the newest handheld gaming device Playstation Vita, Feb 15.

“The Playstation Vita offers an experience that is on par with a home console It’s better than the current generation, actually,” Fields said. “It is also portable and has a lot of functions that most smartphones don’t have.”

Even with the invent of new gaming devices, more and more kids are starting to play with apps on iPod touches and iPads.

“I have some friends who have very small children and they use my iPad like a toy,” Mrs. Wisdom, Math Department chair, said. “If there’s one electronic device that does everything, why not use that than having

to use all these others devices, too.”

With iPod touches and iPads being a gaming device they are also offering something that could make other E-readers outmoded.

“I did have a Kindle that I loved and that I used all the time,” Mrs. Wisdom, said. “I purchased my iPad, and it had a Kindle App, so I don’t use my Kindle anymore. I use everything off the iPad.” The biggest difference between the iPad and other E-readers is the price.

There are three types of E-readers, the first being a simple black and white E-reader which ranges from $80- $150, the second being the color LCD tablets which range from $200-250 and the third being the full sized color tablets (iPads) which are $400 and above.

“I love my iPad because I can read on it,” Mr. McGehee, Social Studies teacher, said. “I can take my entire library with me. I can take every book I

Staff picks of the month

Spotify

The app Spotify offers a new alternative to Internet and satellite radio. A Spotify user can listen to virtually any song through Spotify’s database for free while connected to the Internet. Spotify also lets users make playlists and share their music with other users. Spotify’s recent collaboration with facebook has made music sharing mindless. It’s easy to search music and favorite it. There’s also no play limit, a huge benefit. If a music lover is looking for a place to stream music for free, put together seamless playlists and share new music finds with friends, Spotify is the perfect match to fulfill these musical needs at no cost.

iPod to car stereo adaptor

ever read with me to one place.”

Even though it’s still a huge question if iPads will take over the E-reader market, it’s easy to see that the sale of paper books is going down. Yet 85 percent of American adults don’t own an E-reader and don’t ever wish to own one, according to a Feburary survey by the Pew Research Center.

“I like having the actual book in my hands,” Madeline Ogan (12) said. “I don’t know if I just like seeing the entire thing or having it with me or if it’s just really annoying because it’s a screen and it hurts your eyes.”

The book industry is not the only one being affected by new technological advances.

Consumers have seen the disappearance of music technologies: the record player, 8-track tapes and cassette tapes. CDs are on their way out also.

Since the creation of Napster in 1999, music sales in the U.S. have dropped 47 percent, from $14.6 billion to $7.7 billion, according to riaa.com.

More and more people are illegally downloading their music through sites like Pirate Bay and bands like Streetlight Manifesto are urging their listeners to illegally download their music and support the band in other forms.

“I guess it’s just easier to download it illegally,” Taylor said. “It depends on the artist though; if it’s an artist I support, then I’ll definitely buy it to support their music.”

MP3s may be pushing CDs to extinction. The new 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS car model doesn’t even include a CD player.

“It’s easier to get MP3s,” Fields said.

“Even though all music sales whether it’s CDs or digital downloads are going down, either way not too many people buy CDs anymore.”

As new gadgets begin replacing old technology, doubling technical advances cannot be ignored by consumers.

Gadgets she can’t live without

Listening to music while driving is a necessity, so being able to stream music through a car’s stereo is a solid favorite gadget. The iPod to car stereo adaptor plugs into the iPod’s headphone jack and into the car’s power outlet. This is the best choice for car music listening compared to the cassette connecter, which usually doesn’t provide quality sound. Popular brands like JVC and Pioneer can be purchased at retailers like Best Buy. Being able to listen to personal music choices without commericals makes the iPod to car stereo adaptor an awesome technology that any avid music listener should have.

casey walker writer

Apple’s OS X Lion

casey walker writer

Mac’s newest operating software OS X Lion offers a lot of awesome new features for Mac users.

Even though it costs $30 to download, it’s worth it. New features like the Launchpad, app organizer similar to that of the iPhone OS, and updated iPhoto bring a whole new experience to the Mac. One of the best new features is the ability to switch between mulitple desktops, so multitasking is made easy. OS X Lion mirrors the same features that Apple’s handheld devices have. The most notable feature of OS X Lion is the Mac Apps Store. Mac computers are now able to have apps just like iPhones. Downloading OS X Lion is recommended to any Mac user.