IN-DEPTH LOOK AT ASB BUDGET DETAILS SEPTEMBER 2016 | VOLUME 32 | ISSUE 1
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FRESHMEN LINKS HAVE LOTS OF QUESTIONS
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HOW A TEACHER JOINS THE TERRACE FACULTY
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MOUNTLAKE TERRACE HIGH SCHOOL | 21801 44TH AVE. W MOUNTLAKE TERRACE WA 98043
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While you were away, some great changes were made to the campus. 8
2 | SEPTEMBER 2016
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SEPTEMBER 2016 | 3 JACOB ALLARD & HARPER THOMAS | HAWKEYE
HAWKEYE LEADERSHIP ‘16-’17 Executive Editor Stephi Smith
Managing Editor Isaac Otis
Editorial Board
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Stephi Smith, Isaac Otis, Sierra Clark, Ryan Dunne, Marianne Nacanaynay, Kira Doan Editorial News Editor Sierra Clark Sports Editor Luke Smith Op/Ed Editor Marianne Nacanaynay Lifestyle Editor Annika Prom Business General Manager Ryan Dunne Distribution Manager Dee Strohl
TESSA KING| HAWKEYE
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SAM JOHNSON | HAWKEYE
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ISAAC OTIS | HAWKEYE
Visual Graphics Editor Tessa King Photo Editor Jack Fiorillo Design Editor Kira Doan
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Online Online Manager Vivian Nowka-Keane Data Manager Sam Johnson Video Manager Ben Eyman .....................................................
2016-2017 Hawkeye Staff
8 Contents September
2016
JACOB ALLARD | HAWKEYE
5 Chromebook pro-con 6 A closer look at the ASB budget 8 Widespread changes to the school
Annika Prom, Ben Eyman, Bobby Stoyanov, Flynn Thomas, Harper Thomas, Ian Moffet, Jacob Allard, Jenny Tran, Luke Smith, Matthew Hipolito, Mikayla Smith, Milkias Yonatan, Sam Johnson and Thaddeus Merten.
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ISAAC OTIS | HAWKEYE
10 Freshmen asked, we answered 12 Get to know some of the new staff 15 How 2A sports affects the Hawks
Change is a good thing for MTHS and The Hawkeye
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........................................................ Advisers Vince DeMiero and Mike McLaughlin FANs Coordinators Sandra Merten & Cathy Fiorillo Printing Pacific Publishing Member MTHS ASB, JEA/WJEA, NSPA, Student Press Law Center, Tao of Journalism
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Letter from the Editor
he Hawkeye has been a part of MTHS for more than 55 years and we have dedicated ourselves to providing the Mountlake Terrace community with an unbiased, accurate and accountable news source since its creation. Now, from Chromebooks Isaac Otis MANAGING EDITOR to a new running track, our school has undergone a lot of changes over the summer and the Hawkeye has chosen to embrace those changes and make some changes of our own as well. During our annual summer retreat, we made it our focus to better serve our community and how to bring our organization
Name in bold indicates the staff member of the month as selected by the Editorial Board.
and its coverage into the “Your contributions are because we want to make sure that the student body’s 21st century. We believe integral to the success and longevity of our voice is heard. that our fellow classmates organization.” If you feel as though you and community members want to contribute to the deserve a modernized Hawkeye but can’t join due to schedule approach to news and news coverage of conflicts, there are a multitude of freelance Mountlake Terrace-related events. positions. You could do anything from sell Almost all aspects of the Hawkeye have ads to illustrate for us. We want to make experienced a re-adjustment, from the way sure we are able to serve our community to we cover the stories relevant to our comthe best of our abilities. munity to our print design. At this very By including as many students as possible moment, we are working to provide you in this community-driven organization, we with an all new website design as well. In addition to these changes, we agreed as hope to create a more accurate and reprean organization to strengthen our tradition sentative organization. Your contributions are integral to the sucof serving as an open public forum. cess and longevity of our organization. We If you have an idea for a story or feel hope you’ll join us as a reader or perhaps as something needs more coverage, feel free a member of our staff. H to stop by room 130 and tell us about it,
Contact Us Email editor@thehawkeye.org Phone 425.431.5058 Website www.thehawkeye.org Mail Hawkeye Room 130 c/o Mountlake Terrace High School 21801 44th Avenue West Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
@MTHSHawkeye @MTHSports @MTHSWeather
MTHS Hawkeye
mthshawkeye
TheHawkeye
@MTHSHawkeye
Mission
Mission Statement The Hawkeye’s mission is to provide the MTHS community with quality, thought-provoking student produced publications. In policy and in practice since 1960, the Hawkeye is a designated open forum publication.
Policies
The Hawkeye has established several open public forums for the exchange of information, opinions and artistic expression dedicated to those in the MTHS community. Since 1960, we have faithfully served our audience and community as an open, public forum where student editors make all decisions. Editorials The editorial section of the Hawkeye serves as a forum for well-written, thoughtful, longer forms of expression. Signed editorials represent the opinions of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Hawkeye Editorial Board. Views printed herein are meant to be opinionated and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Hawkeye staff, student body, faculty, administration or school board. The Hawkeye will print submitted guest editorials as space allows and requests that all contributors include their name, signature and position relative to the editorial. The Hawkeye will edit all submissions for accuracy, spelling and grammar. We reserve the right to refuse to print any submission. Letters to the Editor Readers are encouraged to voice their opinions in the Opinion section, a public forum for the expression of varying viewpoints on relevant topics. The Hawkeye will print as many letters as space allows. Letters must include the author’s name, signature and class or position relative to the letter. Typed or legible, hand written letters are acceptable, but should not exceed 200 words. The Hawkeye will edit all letters for accuracy, spelling and grammar. We reserve the right to refuse to print any letter. Editorial Cartoons Submissions represent the view of the artist. Editorial cartoons accompanying editorials and editorial columns represent the view of the author. Cartoons are selected based on appropriateness and clarity of message. Advertising The Hawkeye will not accept any advertising that the Editorial Board deems to be: factually inaccurate; designed to mislead, deceive or defraud; containing malicious, vindictive or unsubstantiated attacks; offering goods and/or services illegal for teens to possess, buy or use; libelous; obscene; creating imminent danger or disruption to school. The Hawkeye reserves the right to refuse any advertising, solicited or unsolicited. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views or endorsements of the Hawkeye staff, student body, faculty, administration or school board. Revised 9/2013
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COVER ILLUSTRATION BY TESSA KING © 2016 HAWKEYE | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
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Hawkeye
New School Year
ere we go! • Biggest Cheer Squad, yes, I have Well for Nadine and I school ever seen at a [football] opener. started August 15 when we opened Prepared, [awesome], everyone in up to start step. [getting] stuThis didn’t happen by accident. dents cleared It tells me it’s gonna be a good year. for Fall We have kids who care and are Sports. Since spreading the word to get out and then we have support each other. cleared close So let’s see everyone support the to 200 athrest of Fall Sports. Kim Stewart ATHLETIC DIRECTOR/ACTIVITIES letes. I also Stew - Love being a Hawk! H COORDINATOR welcomed NOTE: Hawkeye provides the MTHS Athletics and in a new set Activities office space each issue in the Op/Ed of Link Leaders and two new Link section as part of our mission as a designated open public forum. Presidents (Leeann Weatherby and “This didn’t Maddie Grennan) happen by that spent August accident. It 30th training and on tells me it’s the night pulled off gonna be a one of the best Frosh good year.” orientations in our 19th year. With all that said what really got ME fired up was the football game Friday. Not just the 49-6 drubbing of Sehome but everything else. For example: • Biggest student participation at an opening game I have ever seen. • Biggest, rowdiest, prepared and in synch Pep Band I have ever seen at football opener.
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Welcome to the 2016-2017 School Year
elcome Back! I am so excited to start installed on our track in front of the school and the another school year, welcome our new artificial turf field out back has been replaced as 9th graders and say hello to all of you who are well. All of these changes will significantly improve returning for what I think will be an amazing our school facilities and make Terrace an even betschool year. ter place. The theme for this year Chromebooks are here. You have all been issued is “Change” and there are a new Chromebook for your use this school year. I many examples of this really think that this will have a significant impact theme that you will see and on the way our teachers teach and the way you will experience as you begin the learn. It will be a change as we all learn new ways new school year. of using these tools in our classes. In the end, I am Greg Schwab One of the first things confident that Chromebooks will have a really posPRINCIPAL you will notice is the new itive impact on your learning in all of your classes. faces of the staff members who have joined our Our athletic teams will be competing at the 2A Terrace family. New certificated and classified staff classification level for the next four years. We will are: Jason Rich (English/SS), Mike McLaughlin really notice this change when it comes to our (English), Tammy Reilly (Spanish), Natasha teams qualifying for post-season tournaments and Reedy (ASL), Leah Sayre (ELL), state competitions. Our sports teams Theresa Pacheco (FACSE), Bryan will play 2A schools in playoffs and we “With all of Smelcer (Science), Marci Mahler (PE), will be competing at the state tournathe changes, David Assink (Math), Cathy Fiorillo ment level with 2A schools. During the one thing (Office Manager), Christy Frary the regular season, we will continue to that remains (Instructional Coach), Chad Hultgren play games against Edmonds schools constant is (Student Chromebook Support), Brad and in the WesCo Conference. [that] MTHS Serka (Counselor), Sandy Merten With all of the changes, the one is a great (Secretary), and Miranda Rusler thing that remains constant is [that] place.” (School Psychologist). We are very MTHS is a great place. And we are a excited to have all these new staff great place because of all of the people members join us! who are a part of our community— Another thing you will notice is all of the work students, staff, parents. We all contribute to the that has been done on our facility this summer. All spirit and energy that makes our school a very spethe windows in the building have been replaced cial place. Again, welcome back and I hope each of with new, energy-efficient windows and frames. you has a fantastic school year. H NOTE: The Hawkeye provides the MTHS Administration space each issue In addition, several doors have been replaced. You in the Op/Ed section as part of our mission as a designated open public will also see the new red surface that has been forum.
SHOW YOUR HAWK SPIRIT, TERRACE
or some, the start of a new year means new classes, stressful responsibilities and the hassle of trying to fix their sleep schedule. But for others, like us in ASB, we deal with mixed emotions of not wanting the summer to end but excited for the new memories and possibilities that the Samantha Garcia new year brings. ASB Public Relations Officer We have so many things planned for this year, how could we not be excited? For starters, the second Friday of the year (September 16) will be our welcome back assembly. Usually in years past this would be called the “Fall Sports Assembly,” however, as I stated in my last article this year will be all about inclusion. Mountlake Terrace High has so much to
offer in regards to our clubs and programs Many traditions have been set at Terrace here at our school, that we wanted this that ASB feels should be challenged. After assembly to be so attending this year’s much more than just leadership camp, we “Mountlake Terrace High has games that sports realized that change so much to offer in regards to our clubs and programs captains get called isn’t bad, but merely here at our school.” down to play to. scary. We learned that This assembly will it is important for showcase an introduction to our year and our Terrace to step out of its comfort zone and school. try something new. Next, we have homecoming, the single most All we ask for our student body this year spirited time of the year. In regards to our is to keep an open mind and keep a positive theme, the homecoming theme will be… attitude as we take a step forward to new announced at a later time. However, I will beginnings. H Note: The Hawkeye provides the MTHS Associated Student announce ASB’s goals for this homecoming, Body space each issue in the Op/Ed section as part of our which is to have the most school spirit than mission as a designated open public forum. in any years past. Having been, or currently being a Hawk is something in which everyone should take LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! pride. School spirit is not defined by simply Got an idea? How about a strong opinion? See something you like? Can’t stand something else? dressing up in our colors but by creating a Then write a letter to the editor of the Hawkeye! Email us at editor@thehawkeye.org or tweet it to community experience with our friends and @MTHSHawkeye or come see us in room 130. peers around us that will cherish forever.
Hawkeye
SEPTEMBER 2016 | 5
EDMONDS CAR CRASH KILLS FORMER MTHS STUDENT By Sierra Clark
11:30 p.m. The two other surviving teenagers had received more severe injuries including Five Edmonds School District students, broken bones. ages 13-16, were involved in a car wreck on Two of the passengers were in alleged Olympic View Drive in Edmonds on Friday, critical condition, but all were taken to the July 22. Harborview Medical Center located in According to Edmonds Police Sgt. Shane Seattle. Hawley, the BMW’s speed had caused it to swerve off the road and Several family members and friends of the victims into a tree on block 8000, “[Vires] was one of the posted on their social injuring the three survivmost loyal people I’ve media and Facebook ing passengers. ever met and he was walls messages of love and Two lives were taken always standing up for grieving, publicly docuin the accident, 16-yearhis friends.” menting how the two boys old Zachary Langer Reece Gulling will be missed. and 15-year-old former FRIEND Some changed their proMTHS student, Noah file pictures in honor of Vires. the death of their friends. One of the female pasRecce Gulling, a friend of Vires, said that sengers received minor injuries and was Vires was always like an older brother to able to escape the crushed car. She was able him. to flag down a passing car for help around NEWS EDITOR
“[Vires] was one of the most loyal people I’ve ever met and he was always standing up for his friends,” Gulling said. “In school he was a little bit of a troublemaker and joker, he had an awesome sense of humor and he never was sad, he had a great outlook on everything.” Vires was said to be very outgoing and social. He had many friends in the area from his personality and “teddy bear” friendliness. Vires’s uncle started a GoFundMe page in order for the Vires family to afford to pay for his burial. Of the $15,000 goal, more than $14,000 has been raised in the span of a month by friends, family and strangers. From donations of $10 to $300, the community came together to support a grieving family. H
Former MTHS student Noah Vires died on July 22 in a car crash in Edmonds. PHOTO COURTESY OF TEMPO
WELCOME TO THE CHROMEBOOK ONE-TO-ONE INITIATIVE I
n 2014, Chromebooks surpassed iPads in sales for classrooms. And now, a 1:1 policy for high school students and Chromebooks has just started in the Edmonds School District. The program successfully integrated with the Alderwood, Brier Terrace, College Place and Meadowdale middle schools in the district last year. All students are required to have a Chromebook as stated by the one-toMarianne Nacanaynay one technology initiative. Other local OP/ED EDITOR districts, including the Marysville and Lake Stevens school districts have already pushed the initiative in place. By the end of this school year, the Lake Stevens School District plans for students in grades 3-12 to have their own Chromebooks to use both at home and at school. Students in the Marysville School District produced a documentary about the plan, with teachers and faculty who were interviewed speaking in favor of the move to integrate technology into classrooms. Chromebooks are definitely beneficial to the district. They come much cheaper than Windows laptops or MacBooks, starting at just $149. Google for Education’s website praised the devices as lowering the total ownership cost by 61 percent as compared to a PC. The machines come with virus protection pre-installed, can boot up in less than 10 seconds and update automatically. Their efficiency makes them easier to use and manage and contributes to reducing ownership costs. Printing from Chromebooks is possible but can be difficult. On the other hand, the ability to share files through Google Drive helps to avoid this issue and also saves paper and ink.
There are 16 free gigabytes on the machine itself. But through Google Drive, storage is unlimited since the district uses Google Apps for Education, a web-based productivity suite. Giving all students the same device in turn creates a baseline for technology in classrooms. Students who were without easily accessible technology at home are now able to finish assignments by using their Chromebooks. However, Chromebooks run on a Google Chrome-based operating system (Chrome OS), which differs from the systems of Windows or Macs mainly due to its dependence on the internet. While Windows/OSX can download applications like Microsoft Word or audio programs like Audacity, Chromebooks are unable to. Chromebooks also tend to lag. Users are limited to using Chrome apps in order to work, which include Google Drive and Google Classroom. Albeit, users are given the option of saving documents onto the machine or on Google Drive and still have access to documents offline. But the Chrome Web Store is severely limited, with students only able to download about 200 new apps
from the list pre-approved by the district compared to the thousands available of apps in the Web Store. There are several apps in the store that have not been approved by the district but would be beneficial to students, including My Study Life, a virtual planner; Forest, an app that employs the Pomodoro technique for studying by blocking certain websites for a set period of time; or Trello, a list making extension. Many Chrome “apps” are also simply shortcuts to webbased versions of apps. In a world where education is hastily becoming more inclined to utilizing the power of technology, the move to Chromebooks is a wise one for the district. And for the purposes the district wants the Chromebooks to be used for, the devices should be able to suffice. Nevertheless, students would be able to accomplish much more without the restrictions placed on the Chromebooks and the restrictions of the machines themselves. H
TESSA KING | HAWKEYE
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Hawkeye
THE ASB BUDGET BREAKDOWN HOW ASB REVIEWS AND DISTRIBUTES BUDGET REQUESTS FOR SPORTS, CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS INCOME By Sierra Clark Infographics by Sam Johnson HAWKEYE STAFF
The Associated Student Body (ASB) has a meeting at the end of every school year to make the final decision on the school’s activities budget for the following school year. This meeting decides which clubs and activities get what amount of money from ASB to support their travel, equipment and production, among other things.
The Process
According to Athletics Director and Activity Coordinator Kim Stewart, all club advisers and coaches receive a budget request from the ASB Activities and Athletics Secretary Nadine Coombs. The requests are expected to be filled out with sufficient information, including the amount of money requested and returned to the Executive ASB for approval. Next, a budget meeting is held toward the end of the school year, in either late May or early June. According to Executive ASB President Hani Nakkour, the
clubs based on the overflow and underflow of money earned Executive ASB members use a three step process to decide going into the school year. which groups get money and how much they get. The first step is for Executive ASB to work together and estimate the income for the next school year. In order to find that estimate, they use their projected revenue from previous years, focusing on the historical trends. “We have some projections of how much money we think we’re going to get from vending machine sales and other Although the ASB attempts to make the process as easy to revenue sources. So you have this long history of how much follow as possible, there are still some complaints from stuwe’ve gotten from these sources before, so you use that as a dents regarding the clarity and fairness of the process. projection. Obviously, if the budget comes in less [or more] Robotics Club secretary Eugene Seubert said that the than we thought, you’re going to have to go back and revise,” robotics team appreciates ASB’s hard work, but there continPrincipal Greg Schwab said. ues to be confusion in the whole process of budget requests. For the 2016-17 school year, the Executive ASB believed “I think ASB is pretty supportive of clubs, including robotthey would take in around $57,300 ics. ASB has even expressed they want from ASB cards, parking permits, to reach out to clubs and better connect “I think ASB is pretty Homecoming tickets, the student store, us to them,” Seubert said. “However, I supportive of clubs, vending machines and earned interest. would like to see some increased transincluding robotics. ASB Second, after going over the estimates parency, particularly with making meethas even expressed they and budget requests, Executive ASB ings with club officials and reminders to want to reach out to clubs then decides which organizations get club officials about important meeting and better connect us to them.” money and how much. dates, such as the budget meeting.” Members of Executive ASB have to Schwab takes a different approach to Eugene Seubert ROBOTICS CLUB PRESIDENT create a rough draft of the budget before changing the process of ASB budgeting. setting up a meeting with the rest of the “There’s lots of opportunity for input ASB class members and any members and I know that ASB really wants of clubs or activities wanting to be involved in voting on the input. Number one, I wish that people would get more final decision. The budget meeting is open to everyone at the involved, just so people know what’s going on. Number two, I school. wish that there was some kind of solution to offset the loss of “You have the different sports programs that have budget revenue that we’ve experienced with the vending machines,” needs. Then you have the clubs and groups that Schwab said. have budget needs. So [the Executive ASB] When the local school wellness policy was put into place, go[es] through and divides it up,” Schwab said. the school lost about half of its income that originally came “Then [the Executive ASB] share[s] that from vending machines. Although the school has lost revenue with the larger ASB and then there’s a from the vending machines, Schwab still thinks that changvote to approve the budget and that’s ing the food to healthier options was the right decision to the budget that gets adopted for make. the next year.” “It created a deficit in our budget that I don’t know how we Schwab also said that the recover from. It, unfortunately, is affecting programs. That’s ASB has to revise the the sad part of this.” Schwab said. amount of money given to
How Could the Process Change?
Comparison of how the ASB budget is distributed between each activity, club and sport. Note: Some boys and girls sports were combined.
Hawkeye
Who gets what? The Decision
Nakkour said that deciding what club gets money isn’t only about how much money the ASB fund has, there are other factors, including how often a club or sport will fundraise. “[Executive ASB members] have to look at which clubs get funding from other organizations and whether they really need that money or not and specifically ask people in those clubs on what they use that money for. That way, we make sure we give more money to the clubs and sports that technically have to pay for things out of their own pockets because they receive such a low fund from us,” Nakkour said. Many clubs get money through other methods, such as fundraisers or CTE. “Although clubs get money someway else we do really try to distribute the money evenly amongst all clubs and make those tough decisions to give more to a certain club over another club based on the information we get on where the money goes for each club and so on,” Nakkour said.
Outliers Even though Executive ASB attempts to keep the money given out even throughout similar groups, there are some outliers like football and band. Most sports groups will get anywhere from $250-500 based on group size in order to support buying uniforms and spirit wear on occasion. In the 2015-16 school year, the cheerleaders had to pay for a new set of practice mats through fundraisers. However, according to Nakkour, cheerleaders are technically a part of ASB. That’s why they’re only given $500, despite their members having to pay hundreds of dollars for their uniforms. “[Compared to other sports,] football in specific is the only sport that receives a large amount [of funding]. Football receives $1,500 because of its strict requirements to have new football helmets [annually]. This is something we have no control over, but it is a safety hazard so we are forced to give them that set price to accommodate for the expensive helmets that could cost up to $350 a piece,” Nakkour said. H A more detailed view of the ASB budget distribution. From left to right: ASB general, clubs/activities and sports.
SEPTEMBER 2016 | 7
The income for the ASB budget comes mainly from ASB cards, followed by parking spot sales, vending machines, Homecoming, earned interest and the student store. SAM JOHNSON | HAWKEYE
8 | SEPTEMBER 2016
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revised
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SEPTEMBER 2016 | 9
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The Map of MTHS Photos by Hawkeye Staff Graphics by Tessa King HAWKEYE STAFF
MTHS r e m m u s Over the many changes. underwentp to find your way a to Here’s a m many renovations around thethe school. The baseball field behind the school got all new turf, which can be used by the soccer, baseball and football teams in the future.
Art & STEM hall
The drop-off lane in the front of the school got a makeover preventing people from turning right out of that lane.
Library
Kitchen
Main Entrance
Main Office
Theatre
Counseling Office
HUB
Locker Rooms
Main Gym
Weight Room
Yoga Room
Auxiliary Gym
A new red track surrounds the grass football field in front along with a new shotput and long jump areas.
Upper Level
The windows in the HUB most students have grown accustomed to got a brand new sleek look for the 2016-2017 school year! The Terraceum windows, which used to be covered with butcher paper to block out the sun, is now permanently blocked out with new solid red panes.
Lower Level
10 | SEPTEMBER 2016
FRESHMAN FAQ
Hawkeye
A survival guide for Hawks new to the nest with questions provided by Link Crew members.
Compiled by Hawkeye Staff Graphics by Flynn Thomas
Q: A:
Who can I talk to if I have issues with my classes?
Q:
Your counselors are easily accessible resources and always willing to help with any problem you have, or if you just want to talk. You can find them in the Counseling Office below the front entrance. We also have a psychologist who can help with mental health issues and how to balance it with your courses.
When can I take AP classes?
A:
Students are able to begin taking AP classes their sophomore year. You are given the option to take AP European History as a single class or together with Honors English 10 in a Humanities block, which consists of the two classes back to back. Sophomores can choose to take AP Chemistry or AP Physics, but there are caveats, including meeting grade standards in Biology and whether or not you receive a science teacher’s recommendation.
A: A:
Q:
What are zero and seventh periods?
Zero and seventh period classes are class that start before and after the normal school day. Available zero periods include leadership, Link Xrew and Jazz 2 and 3, all starting at 6:21 a.m. Available seventh period include Sports Medicine, Journalism (Hawkeye) and Play Production.
Q:
How can I do well in high school?
Consistent stydying and studying before a test makes all the difference. Find a study method that works
for you. Experiment with a few and figure out which one helps you the most. Try to stay on top of all of your schoolwork. Manage your time well; procrastination can end up stressing you out and doesn’t allow you to do your best work. Set goals for yourself and make a plan to help achieve them. Using a planner or reminder app can help with scheduling your day and using your time wisely.
Hawkeye
Q: A:
SEPTEMBER 2016 | 11
How much work is freshman year? If you manage your time well and work efficiently, then this school year shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. As long as you’re motivated then there will be a higher chance of success. Socially, it may be tough because of the transition from middle school. Being in a different environment with people of varying ages and personalities can seem intimidating at first, but just like most new experiences, you adapt to the lifestyle.
Q: A:
Can you eat in class? Drinks are allowed in most classrooms. Snacking is absolutely not allowed in science classrooms during class time. However, some science teachers allow students to eat lunch in their classroom. Otherwise, it depends on the teacher. If you’re curious, just ask!
Q: A:
Q: A:
How can I make friends with upperclassmen? An easy way to make friends with upperclassmen is to join clubs or participate in extracurricular activities. This way, you have something in common
How open-minded is MTHS?
to talk about. In addition, classes such as Jewelry
MTHS has a no-tolerance policy for bullying. The
faculty is very accepting of gender identities and
and Metal Design, PE, journalism, HBN and Theater Tech welcome students from every grade.
sexual orientations, and the school even has a Gay Straight Alliance club (GSA). This school has many opportunities for students to find their niche, with clubs and organizations ranging from Super
Q: A:
Smash Club to DECA.
Can girls ask boys to homecoming?
Yes! While you may have heard of
a “Sadie Hawkins” dance, specifically meant for girls to ask boys, you don’t have to wait for it. Living in the 21st century, you have the best opportunity to take the risk and ask!
Q: A:
How much should I dress up for spirit days? Spirit days are an opportunity for students to represent their classes in as crazy and outrageous outfits as they can acquire.
12 | SEPTEMBER 2016
MEET THE NEW STAFF
Hawkeye
GET TO KNOW THE MANY FRESH FACES OF MTHS Stories compiled by Hawkeye Staff Photos by Jacob Allard and Harper Thomas HAWKEYE STAFF
BRAD SERKA
M
THS has several rooms and halls dedicated to the arts. Musicians can often be found frequenting the practice rooms in the music hallway. Artists congregate around the mural-adorned hallway containing the art classrooms. This year, however, a new patron of the arts joins the MTHS ranks, and his haunt is the counseling office. New staff member Brad Serka will be the counselor for students with last names L-Q. Serka comes to our school from Edmonds Woodway High School, where he has been for the past 11 years. Despite his familiarity with our IB cousin school, he said, he was “ready to just try and be at a different school.” Serka says that he was drawn to supporting students because of the good feeling that comes from helping them. When he was in school, he explained, other students were drawn to him when they had problems that they needed help solving. Now, his role and motives are similar: He wants students to be at ease when confiding in him. “I want my office to feel like a place that students are comfortable being here, you know, just being themselves, talking to me about whatever they want to talk about whether it’s, you know, issues with their schedule, or they want to talk about college stuff, or they just want to talk about some personal issues, things like that. I want people to be comfortable here, to see me.” Serka, a father of two, received his master’s degree in education from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, having received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Portland. Serka is an avid patron of the arts who is a multi-instrumentalist who plays the guitar, bass, piano, drums, sitar, and also writes his own songs and poems and records them. Serka is also athletic. Up-to-date on Huskies and Seahawks happenings, he attends their games “all the
JASON RICH J
ason Rich will be in room 221 fifth and sixth periods this upcoming year, teaching World History 9 and English 10. Previously a Lynnwood Royal, Rich received his teaching degree from Northwest University in Kirkland. “[Lynnwood H.S. teachers] highly recommended Mountlake Terrace as a great place to work and teach. Great kids and great staff,” Rich said. Rich’s teaching philosophy revolves around the notion that civil discourse, learning, and understanding, he said, are most effective when people – both students and teachers – are able to talk with one another and gain an understanding and respect for opposing viewpoints. Although he recognizes that humanities aren’t the favorite subjects of some students, he still hopes that his students remember that “both English and social studies are dynamic
time.” He also enjoys soccer, baseball, and basketball. All in all, Serka considers himself a well-rounded person – something he hopes will allow him to connect with more of his students. He also hopes to at some point advise a club. “I think it’s really the biggest thing for me is going to be a learning experience,” he said. “I’m very excited about it, too, though. It’s pretty exciting for me.” H
and fascinating and necessary fields of study. I hope that, even if they’re not their favorite subject, they can appreciate the importance of those subjects.” Rich first realized his teaching aspirations in the fifth grade – a sensation he described as a “whisper” – but ignored it because he knew how little teachers are paid. Having worked up and down the gamut of jobs, including at a furniture manufacturer, a casket distributor, an employee at Microsoft and various restaurants, he says that his greatest fulfillment was when he spoke with his younger colleagues and helped them achieve something greater. He says that he enjoys connecting “with individuals and help them understand why I was so excited about certain subjects.” Rich says that his experience in various private sector jobs will help him connect with his students, the majority of whom, he feels, will go into private sector careers. “Having experienced life outside of the academic realm, I think helps to give me a perspective and an appreciation for kind of where [students] are headed and what their future might look like,” Rich said. In his spare time, Rich enjoys fishing, reading and camping with his three sons, ages 6, 8 and 10. Additionally, he is an amateur rock climber, though taking care of his kids takes up much of his time. Using his wisdom, Rich hopes to guide students along the path to success this school year and said, “I’d like my students to remember that both English and social studies are both dynamic and fascinating and necessary.” H
Hawkeye
SEPTEMBER 2016 | 13
M
MARCI MAHLER
arci Mahler will be teaching physical education in the gym this year and can also be found in the gym office. Mahler has a history of working at MTHS for 16 years, but worked in Lake Stevens for the past two years. Her husband of 20 years, Erik, also works in Lake Stevens as a science teacher and is a former MTHS staff member. During the past couple of years, she missed her friends and students. Following former P.E. teacher Susan Lahti’s retirement last school year, Mahler pursued the open position to become a Hawk once more. Mahler said she hopes “to survive the first semester then refine [the curriculum] second semester.” Mahler’s adjustments for the latter half of the year include new ideas for teaching P.E. and fitness. “I hope to bring my energy and passion for fitness to my students and hopefully they will be inspired to pursue fitness themselves,” Mahler said.
In school and out of school, Mahler can likely be found exercising and working out. “I do CrossFit about five days per week. I workout at CrossFit Lake Stevens and have been going there for almost [six] years,” she said. “I’ve met some of my best friends at my gym.” Aside from being active, Mahler goes out on adventures with her family and her dog, Katy. Her favorite vacation spots are Disneyland and Hawaii. She and her family enjoy camping and beaches. They spend most of their time at their two sons’ sports games and practices. Her desire to be outdoors and exercising drove her to become a physical education teacher. Mahler earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Washington State University and her Masters in Teaching degree from Oregon State University. “I like helping students realize how great being fit and active makes you feel. Fitness spills over into all areas of your life and makes improvements everywhere,” Mahler said. “Teaching allows me to do this with young adults at a time when they are establishing lifelong habits and routines.” Mahler believes her devotion to sports allows her to find common ground with her students. “I think my involvement in CrossFit helps me connect with my students because I love to work out with them whenever possible,” Mahler said. “I’m not the type of teacher to just tell my classes what to do then stand around and watch them suffer.” Though she doesn’t have much time for it anymore, Mahler also scrapbooks life events. “I think shared experiences connect people and build community, and that’s what I try to do through fitness,” she said. And through understanding her students, Mahler hopes she can make P.E fun and relevant. H
MICHAEL MCLAUGHLIN M
ichael McLaughlin can be found in former English teacher Peter Breysse’s room 113 teaching English 10 and 12.
McLaughlin “moved to this side of the mountains” after formerly teaching at Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman. Though he hasn’t taught at a high school “in quite a while,” he said, McLaughlin has returned to be an Hawk for the first time since graduating in 1992. “This school is a great fit for me and I know Terrace pretty well because I went to school here, and student taught here, and I did my administrative internship here,” he said. McLaughlin has his goals set for teaching his students the aspects of writing, as well as helping them become strong writers and better consumers of literature. He views being an educator as getting to know students and “getting interested in their lives” as humans, from a person-to-person standpoint. Seeing as he’s loved school as a student and as an adult, McLaughlin decided to pursue his passion for education. “As far back as I can remember, [teaching] is what I wanted to do,” McLaughlin said. “I can’t imagine doing something else.” He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and master’s degree in educational leadership from WSU. During his leisure time, “things kind of revolve around [my son],” McLaughlin said. He spends his time with his wife and 5-year-old son, who enjoy going out to eat at restaurants. Otherwise, McLaughlin dedicates his time to reading and cars. Despite
not being a musician or athlete, he finds interest in music and sports. McLaughlin hopes to connect with students through his hobbies. “I try to think of my students as people and relate to them in that regard and hopefully they see me as a person and not just some old guy in the front of the classroom,” McLaughlin said, “I think it’s important to try to connect with students and that we see each other as human beings and not just student and teacher.” A former Hawkeye staff member, he’ll be co-advising the publication this year with Vince DeMiero. McLaughlin has worked for the Seattle P-I, the SpokesmanReview and ESPN, among other news media, and taught in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at WSU. As he prepares for the upcoming school year, McLaughlin said he is excited to be back at MTHS again. H Keep an eye out for more new teacher features online at thehawkeye.org
14 | SEPTEMBER 2016
Hawkeye
What it takes to be a Teacher WITH NEW STAFF COMING IN FOR THE 2016-17 SCHOOL YEAR, WE EXPLORE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING A TEACHER. By Stephi Smith
Schwab said he’ll usually ask the room “can we live with High school is usually the time someone will find a job of either one?” to which the answer is almost always yes, accordtheir own. ing to Schwab and he will make the final decision based on Typically, it’s students starting at a minimum wage retail who he believes everyone at MTHS will work well with. job at somewhere like the mall. But high school can also be “There’s usually one [applicant] that stands out among the an opportunity for those working in education. rest and it’s pretty easy to decide on who to hire,” Schwab A number of positions have recently opened up at MTHS, said. including an English and Family and Consumer Science After he has decided on a candidate, Schwab will reference teachers. check their applications by calling their employers and look The application process at at their past positions as an educaEdmonds School District (ESD) tor. Then he will call the candidate “There’s usually one [applicant] that starts with the school having and and “ job-offer” them. While Schwab stands out among the rest and it’s advertising an open position. said he has had candidates who have pretty easy to decide on who to Next in the process is prospective declined the offer, they usually accept. hire.” teachers sending in applications. After everything is final, Schwab will Greg Schwab The applications are long and filled call the others PRINCIPAL with questions about one’s abilapplicants who ity as an educator along with past were interviewed experience and references. and inform them that the position has According to Principal Greg Schwab, applications can been filled. either come in large numbers or there can be almost none. Then there’s paperwork. After someone s for hiring a new English and It’s usually among the niche positions, such as Family and is hired at ESD, they are required to fill uring the application proces s. part of the interview proces Consumer Science teachers, that don’t see many applicants. out paperwork regarding governmenjournalism teacher, I was a and him eg Schwab to sit with However, MTHS has also seen a small amount of applicatal forms and documents. Most of it is I was invited by Principal Gr each we each asked two questions tions for math positions, Schwab said, due to math teachers Human Resources-related, Schwab said, three English teachers while the of e notes on their answers. On being in such high demand. along with other ESD-specific documents. from a preset list and took th nin ch any book to a room of After people send in applications, Schwab will pick someAfter the candidate has been hired they questions, “If you could tea how would you set up the leswhere between two and five candidates to advance to the will begin their job at MTHS. Schwab said graders, what would it be and licants beforehand. interviewing process. it’s unlikely but not completely unrealistic sons?” was given to the app ut people, two via Google Hango The interview is held in a group typically including Schwab for a new staff to have looked good during Our group interviewed three in s iew of us conducted the interv and other MTHS staff members working in the department the application process but just either not and one in person. The five the main office. the applicant is applying for. fit or not do well as an educator at MTHS. the back conference room in everyinterviewed, Schwab asked For example, when the interviews were held for a new Schwab said he’ll typically evaluate the Af ter each person had been n isio dec e they’d want to hire. Th English and journalism teacher, the interviews included new staff over the course of the year and one to say which candidate n, sio cus and, after a group dis Schwab and English teachers Jennifer Widrig-Hodges, Vince by the end of the year, he’s able to decide was split bet ween two people er one would work. Everyone DeMiero and Peter White. whether or not they should stay. H Schwab asked the room if eith told us could be hired and Schwab “ESD has always believed in group interviews,” Schwab agreed that either applicant checks ce ren calls and do some refe said. “It’s the same policy district-wide.” he would ma ke some phone felt fit. Schwab said it’s not uncommon to include a student or parand “ job-offer” whoever he that me an email informing me ent to be present in the interviews. It’s usually during interThe next day, Schwab sent ed ept three candidates, acc views for a new coach that either an athlete or an athlete’s Mike McLaughlin, one of the HS. parent will be involved. This is because a coach will work Schwab’s offer to work at MT ation, I noticed McLaughlin mostly with students and MTHS wants to have as much Last week, at freshman orient in room 113 and he’s already input as possible when it comes to hiring a new staff member, had moved some of his things s during this past week to see Schwab said. stepped in for a couple of day ng on. The interview includes a list of 10 common questions and what the Hawkeye is worki very t year with McLaughlin and those conducting the interview will ask at least one each to I am very excited for this nex the applicant, who will answer as honestly and as best as posglad he was hired! Stephi Smith, editor sible. The interviewers will take notes on the applicant’s answers and, after all interviews have been conducted, will discuss their top choice. Usually, it’s between one or two people that the interviewers will have in mind. Executive Editor
CE ON AN ONE STUDENT’S EXPERIEN INTERVIEW TEAM
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Hawkeye
SEPTEMBER 2016 | 15
What moving to 2A means for Terrace athletes, teams By Luke Smith Sports Editor
Early last spring, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), alongside principal Greg Schwab and Athletics Director and Activities Coordinator Kim Stewart made the decision to move MTHS from 3A down to 2A. This means that because Terrace’s enrollment has seen a slight dip in the last couple years, MTHS sports has transferred to a lower classification. MTHS will be playing non-league games against schools that have enrollment similar to Terrace’s. Schwab and Stewart met with a number of community members, including coaches and parents to discuss what it meant to stay 3A or to go 2A. “In the end it was our decision,” Schwab said. “It was a decision we made in the best interest of our student athletes. I really think it was the right decision for our athletic programs to be a 2A school.” Schwab believes that the switch from 3A to 2A will benefit all student athletes at
be very obvious during the fall sports season MTHS by giving them an opportunity to will be more non-league games against 2A compete with schools that are at a similar teams such as Cedarcrest and Sehome. The caliber and size to Terrace, thus giving a major change is that of how MTHS gets into more fair opportunity to the MTHS sports the playoffs and who MTHS will be playing teams. if that happens. “When we go against Edmonds Woodway “When it comes time to go to the playor Meadowdale or some of those bigger 3A offs we will go in through the 2A league,” schools you see it in the numbers,” Schwab Schwab said. “[The 2A league] has set up an said. “We just don’t have the numbers to agreement with us compete, and when for how we get into we get down into “We just don’t have the numbers the playoffs. There is the 2A classification to compete, and when we get different criteria we we’re going to see down into the 2A classification have to meet in differschools that are more we’re going to see schools that ent sports in terms of similar to us.” are more similar to us.” wins and losses. Then However, the Greg Schwab we go into the playoffs switch doesn’t mean PRINCIPAL through 2A and that’s MTHS will play in really where the difa 2A league. MTHS ference is, where we’ll probably see a lot of sports teams will still be playing other different schools by that point.” teams from 3A, including rivals Edmonds During the regular season all MTHS Woodway, Meadowdale and Lynnwood, so sports play just a few games against 2A in that aspect not much will change. teams at the beginning of their schedules. A small difference that will soon show to
FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES
After that MTHS will play against schools from the WesCo South Division like in years past. If MTHS makes the playoffs that is when the Hawks will face 2A schools from all over the state that the teams haven’t played in the past. This is hopefully when the classification change will show through, creating games that are much more competitive and intense for MTHS sports. H
16 | SEPTEMBER 2016
Hawkeye
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