The
DECK THE HALLS
Tiger HI-LINE
Friday, Dec. 2, 2016
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Volume 57 Edition 10
Choir joins classic rock band on stage at Gallagher Bluedorn It may have only been a mere 30 seconds of fame, but the CFHS choir students experienced something pretty special on Gallagher Bluedorn’s stage a few short weeks ago. Foreigner, a popular band from the late seventies and early eighties, made a stop in Cedar Falls for their “Unplugged Tour” on Nov. 19. The band sang acoustic covers of top hits, like “I Want to Know What Love is” and “Feels Like the First Time.” In an article from the Courier, Kelly Hansen, Foreigner’s lead singer talked about the acoustic tour. “That’s the beauty of doing songs like this — breaking it down to its basic elements. If it can survive with just a basic guitar and piano arrangement then you really know it’s a good song.” However, Foreigner was not alone in their performance on the 19th. Twelve choir students made their debut on stage to sing with the band for the final
Submitted Photo
Joining Foreigner on stage on Nov. 19 at the Gallagher Bluedorn for their “Unplugged Tour” are 12 members of the high school choir. The choir sang backup on the song “I Want to Know What Love Is.” number of the night. Among them were Alexa Balong, Porter Beland, Angelle Waltz, Makenna Carroll, Cassidy Christopher,
Aidan Flack, Hunter Hadlock, Bekah Bass, Sam Schmitz, Annie Leasure, Sofia Baronio and Maegan Neibert.
Access sidewalk added to north lot The north student parking lot has been renovated with a new curb-cut in order to ensure equal access and independence for all people who utilize the high school. “We are thankful to our School Safety committee members, faculty and staff as well as our outstanding custodial staff for making the necessary improvements to our building to ensure that all our students have access to our facilitates. A special shout-out goes to Steven Pitz, Jason Wedgbury and Dan Conrad our secondary school facilities coordinator, Principal and Director of secondary Education respectively for making the continual updates and improvements to our seasoned building to make this a great place for all students to learn,” Associate Principal Dr. Dana Deines said. Rick Gersema, who oversees the district buildings, said, “As a whole, Cedar Falls Community Schools strives to provide facilities that will meet the needs of our students. We work very closely with design professionals that advise and design spaces both new and renovated that will meet most of the needs we encounter from day to day. Given the age of some of our
Sydney See Photo
In early November, an addition to the sidewalk from the north parking was finished to allow access for those like instructional support staff Jon Bachman and sophomore Kylie Elser. structures, resolving all possible access issues can be quite a challenge forcing us to be rather creative at times to make accommodations. Individual handicaps are as varied as the stars in the sky, and there may be times that our ability to provide just exactly
what may be needed by an individual student could be limited; however, we continue to make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations whenever er possible.” By Staff Writer Halie
FRAHM
The students sold CDs for the band before the concert and were given free admission to watch the concert after. They
then joined the band on stage to sing the closing number: “I Want to Know What Love is.” Foreigner offers the opportunity for students to sing with them in each city that they visit in an effort to support high school music programs across the country. The CFHS music program was given a $500 grant for performing with the band. Proceeds from albums sold at the concert also went toward the Grammy Foundation, which is an organization that works to fund music and art education. While the experience does work to fund school choir programs, it also provides students with a moment that they’ll undoubtedly never forget. “I’ve never been on stage in front of that many people. It was incredible,” junior Alexa Balong said. “It was just absolutely amazing.” By Staff Writer Clare
ROLINGER
School psychologist embraces taking small steps for change After the passing of school psychology awareness week before Thanksgiving break with a theme of “Small Steps Change Lives,” school psychologist Mark Groen endoresed the goal to inform how taking small steps can lead to greater success and build on the academic and social skills students need for personal achievement and a sense of wellbeing. Unlike a school counselor who would work with all students, Groen assists students with disabilities and helps families going through tough times. He wants students to realize that all the small steps forward they take make a difference for their success. Practicing, studying or exploring — small individual steps help build a path to a positive school community. School psychologists are a unique addition to the school staff. They have a background in educational psychology, assessment and child development. They provide support to both students and teachers. They come together with families, school administrators and students to help achieve sup-
portive learning communities. “I’ve always had a love for learning, psychology and working with young adults,” Groen said. “Perhaps the most interesting aspect of being a school psychologist is that there are always new challenges. While I have a typical routine, I never know what situations or problems may need to be addressed from day to day. One day I may be testing a student’s reading skills and the next I may be helping a family in crisis. This variability makes each day unique and interesting.” Groen said for those interested in education and supporting kids, school psychology would be a good career to explore, and there’s a school psychology training program right here at UNI. Groen, a graduate of UNI’s program, said that his favorite thing about the work is, “Working with children and families. It’s very rewarding to see students successfully transition into adulthood.” And many times those changes come slowly, one step at a time. By Staff Writer Lilah
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