Tig r HiLi e
Feb. 24, 2009
Volume 49 Issue 15
1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
Inviting Sara Strever News Editor
Students in Bridget Bakula’s class are helping making to make the world a sweeter, happier place. Her resource class is doing a greeting cards fundraiser for supplies, field trips and for the simple reason of helping other people. “The project is helping us for a multitude of reasons. First, it allows the students to work on a variety of vocational tasks. Second, it allows students to learn the concept of supply and demand. Third, it’s a great teamwork lesson. Last, but not least, it helps raise money for community experiences and classroom material needs,” Bakula said. The class started creating little masterpieces in November and has made as many greeting cards for as many occasions as one can imagine. “We’ve made tons of cards, for every holiday. We work on it during class down time. My favorite thing would be making the cards. I like making Valentine’s Day cards. It’s my favorite holiday,” senior Jessi Seawel said. Everyone involved in this project has a different reason as to why they enjoy this project.
Students create cards Possibilites for fun, fundraising “I love seeing the students work together and how the cards come together with their creativity,” Bakula said. Senior Zach Barnes looks at this project in a practical sense. “ It taught me how to (make cards). I’ve never made cards before. It’s great if you want to give cards. Now you don’t have to go to the store. It’s a bargain,” Barnes said. If students need a card for a special occasion, Bakula’s class is even up for making customized cards. “The students create birthday, holiday, thank you, congratulations, and all occasion cards. We are also up to creating special request cards such as invitations for a baby shower or birthday party,” Bakula said. This is not the first time the resource room has gone the extra mile to help other people. “Not too long ago we went to the Salvation Army. We’ve also gone to River Hills and read to the little kids. I just like helping other people,” Barnes said. Cards are sold for 50 cents and can be purchased in the office or in room 30, Bakula’s classroom. “Who doesn’t love giving and receiving greeting cards? In this
Sara Strever Photo
Senior Zach Barnes, junior Alex Gates, senior Jessi Seawel, resource teacher Bridget Bakula, sophomore Sam Wheelock and sophomore Robbie Kucera are just some of the Bakula’s class members selling greeting cards for all occasions. Cards may be purchased in office. technology laden world, the rare written note or card is much appreciate. Everyone needs to buy cards for various occasions. When you buy them from us, you are helping your
fellow classmates and the environment. We use recycled cards as much as possible,” Bakula said. The Tiger-Hiline Online also features a vodcast made by Trevor East-
man, Mike Targoff and Tony Wright. an interview wtih Ms. Bakula and students about greeting cards. http:// www.cedar-falls.k12.ia.us/buildings/ cfhs/journalism/index.html.
Jazz bands perform at longest running festival Jordyn Carias Staff Writer
The Tallcorn Jazz Festival is the oldest, continuously running high school jazz festival in the nation and it returned again on Feb. 20-21. This year, the CFHS Jazz I group led by Kyle Engelhardt placed sixth out of 18 groups in the 4A category. The results for the Jazz Too! group led by Gerald Ramsey are not yet known. The festival is divided into two categories, one for first and one for second jazz bands. The bands com-
pete with others in their classes. In a change to the previously acting three judges, this year two judges evaluated each class, and after performance the bands met with a clinician who went over some technical topics with the band. “We’ve had some amazing soloists before, and we still have bunch this year. The judging is always a little weird at these things, so we’re just gonna have fun,” sophomore baritone saxophone player Louis Redfern said. The band had particular strong
suits to hold to other bands competing that give them a clear advantage. Senior trumpet player Rhys Talbot was confident in both bands prior to the perfomance. “The way I see it, we don't have to place first as long as we know we’re the best band there. CF's always showed up strong for Jazz I and Too!. Jazz Too! got first in the second band category two years ago, and Jazz I's finished toward the top as long as I can remember. One of the band’s strong suits is that everyone in the band has a strong feel for
what we're playing, and because of this, we adapt quickly and we can adjust for a desired sound by ear without anyone having to tell us step-by-step what to do,” Talbot said. Senior alto saxophone player Leigh Sires was also confident before the performances. “This will be my third year playing in Tallcorn. I think the band will do well this year because we have a lot of great players and fun songs; however, the judging is always tough. We really don't have any weak sections or players in the band,
which is a strong suit. Everyone loves to play, which always makes it fun.” Ramsey was pleased with the performance of both Jazz I and Jazz Too!. “The kids did a good job. Both bands played well. They got some really positive comments from the judges,” Ramsey said. “When it comes to our band, I think that all the players can agree that music is our mistress and she plays second fiddle to no one,” Talbot said.
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The Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching awards 10 outstanding teachers in a Black Hawk County. The award allows students of all ages to show how much they appreciate the work their teachers do for them. “A good Gold Star nominee is a teacher who connects with his or her students and enjoys teaching. They enjoy working and their students are excited to go to class every day,” junior Sibyl Cox said. Students are not the only ones who are encouraged to vote for a teacher they feel is doing an extraordinary job. Nominators may vary from a student to a parent, a colleague, an administrator or someone from the community who is familiar with a teacher’s work. Gerald Ramsey, band director at Cedar Falls High School, won a Gold Star in 2006 and received a letter from a student’s parent about how she appreciated his teaching style. “I enjoyed reading the letter a
parent had written. It’s not as though I was unaware of what she wrote about but to have a parent verbalize it was very moving for me,” Ramsey said. There will always be amazing teachers who go on unrecognized, but the Gold Star awards allow students, parents and fellow people living in the community to show how much they truly appreciate them. “I think it’s a good program because it honors those teachers who have truly showed that they enjoy teaching and love to see their students excel. They put so much heart and dedication into their job and deserve recognition,” senior Ali Stoddard said The Gold Star Awards will be presented at a ceremony in May and include a $1,000 cash prize for the honored teacher.. Nominations must be deposited in the Gold Star box at your school or postmarked by midnight, March 1. Mail to: Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching R.J. McElroy Trust 425 Cedar Street, Suite 312 Waterloo, IA 50701
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Feb. 24, 2009
Gold Star awards top teachers Arlene Freudenberg
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Past Gold Star Teachers from Cedar Falls High
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1995 1996 2003 2005 2006 2008
Marguerite DeMoss English teacher Charles Blair-Broeker psycology teacher Jim Gosnell band teacher Jerry Niessen art teacher Kelvin Schuchart social studies teacher Lee VerMulm English teacher Robert Nelson science teacher James Seeley special needs teacher Steve McCrea ALPHA teacher Gerald Ramsey band teacher Brian Winkel journalism teacher
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Sophomore Leadership sponsors clothing drive
Sophomore Leadership is sponsoring a clothing drive for people in need in Mexico and Haiti, now through March 6. The greatest need is for dress shoes for students K-12 and summer dresses for women. The clothes do not be to be new, just clean and in good condition. Summer clothing in other sizes is also welcome as well as cash donations. Bring the items to one of the following collection sites: library, main lobby and cafeteria.
Junior parents needed for post prom planning
This year’s post prom party will be held at Orchard Hill Church immediately following prom on May 2. A parent committee plans and executes the post prom party— everything from games to decorations to food, chaperones, prizes, fund raising and thank yous. This committee needs parents to volunteer to assist. Those willing to help a little or a lot, please send an email to ddreyer@cfu.net
by Feb. 27. The committee is also in need of funding support for this event. The hypnotist/entertainer alone is an expense of $1,500. Funding for this event is provided by businesses and junior parents. The committee is asking for donations of $10 or more; any amount will be greatly appreciated. Donations may be sent by March 23 to post prom committee treasurer: Susan Sesker 5413 Carey Dr. Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Book Contest winners revealed
Dirk Homewood’s DEAR group won the final pizza party for reading 49 books during the last three weeks of the Young Adults Choices book contest. Larissa Crain wins a $50 gift card for reading 62 YAC books, and Amelia Sutton wins a $30 gift card for reading 40 YAC books. Michael Carreon and Dana DeGroot each win a $20 gift card for reading 39 YAC books. The gift card choices were a Barnes & Noble card, a gas card or a mall gift card.
Gradebook access will open to students, parents in April Ben Olson Staff Writer
Beginning during spring conferences, students and parents will gain online access to the Infinite Campus Portal, a grading program new this year. This means that parents, and students, will be able to log in on their computers any time they want to view their kid’s, or their own, grades and attendance. The Infinite Campus program is already in place in the Cedar Falls School District, but access from students and parents will be granted on April 7 and 9. This will mean new adjustments and mixed feelings from parents and teachers alike. “I don’t like it at all. If you get one bad grade or quiz score, that’s all your parents will see,” senior Ashley Ehrig said. Currently, the portal is being
tested out, and it is important to note that no grading program is perfect or exactly like another one. “Currently, we are testing the program with a small number of students and parents. We may need to fine tune it or customize it. We will have five to 10 computers here at conferences for parents to test in person,” principal Rich Powers said. Teachers generally feel that the program will be a success, but there are ways it could improve as well. “I think it’s a good system. I wish the program would wait until after the first four and a half weeks to start grading, so it doesn’t give a false sense of the student’s grade,” government teacher Andrea Aykens said. “I have no problem with the concept of the parent portal. When I taught at Waverly Shell-Rock they had a similar program in place
and it was great for parents to hold their students accountable for assignments. It is hard for kids as ramifications for poor test scores and assignments are immediate, not every four and a half weeks. My biggest problem with the whole system is that it is just another way we reward immediate gratification. I love technology myself, but I worry that we, society, are quickly becoming slaves to it,” biology teacher Deb Paulsen said. The overall purpose and goal of the Infinite Campus system is to allow improved monitoring and discussion at home between parents and their students. However, another concern that arises are possible ìhoveringî parents who will monitor their child’s grades like a hawk and get on teacherís cases for not updating daily. “It’s important to know that
this is a tool for parents to start and continue to talk with their child about assignments, not the teachers. A two-week updating period from teachers will be the expectation,” Powers said. The portal also has other features in addition to grades and attendance. “There is an Assessment button which will provide ITED test score history. Eventually we will offer credit summaries and transcript summaries. For the current grade reports, there will also be a To-do list option that will show you whatís unaccounted for,” Powers said. In schools that have used similar programs in the past, students with a poor test score or grade will try and cover it up, but the Infinite Campus system wonít allow that. “Students will have a separate login from parents so that they won’t change their parents’ passwords,”
Powers said. The Infinite Campus portal will solve many scheduling issues as well. “In the past, our scheduling accuracy rate for studentís choices of classes was at 60 percent. This program will help get 90 percent of students’ schedules correct,” Powers said. Overall, the hope of the portal will be increased communication between the school, students and parents. The number one complaint parents have is the school lacks in communication with them. In the future, this technology will help that change. “We have discontinued Back to School night, but we are looking at moving conferences to week four or week six in the fall so parents and teachers can be sure students’ grades start off well,” Powers said.
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As for all teens, homeschoolers defy stereotype Ellen Wrede Editor-in-Chief
“Do you have school in your pajamas?” Socially inept “Do you have any friends?”
Nerd These are just some of the stereotypes homeschooled kids are used to hearing on a daily basis from people everywhere. “My favorite one is that all homeschooled children are sheltered. I would watch Monty Python’s Flying Circus and read Agatha Christie novels when I was 10,” Monica Reida, now a senior at CFHS said. She was homeschooled until she joined the CF district in 8th grade “Homeschooling” is really quite self explanatory. Students are taught at home by their parents, by other students’ parents (as in a co-op) or are taught by a tutor. The reasons for homeschooling are many and varied. Anna Danforth, a CFHS world language teacher, was homeschooled because she lived in a village in Africa. “We had a little room where we were set up, with my myself and my
not at the exact same speed as kids in public school. This is true with all kids. You just tend to notice it more in homeschooled setting.” Wrede also homeschooled her own children for seven years. “I think homeschooling in elementary school is a good thing. You can protect them a little more, while still giving them a very solid foundation in the basics of school. Once you know your kids can read, write and do math, everything else will fall into place,” Wrede said. Children of missionaries in foreign countries, like Anna Danforth, often find homeschooling to suit their family better than a public school. “There’s so much curriculum out there, and you can do so much with it. You can taiHonor Heindl Photo Illustration lor it to your own family and your own lifestyle to Ann Wrede, a certified teacher who has been supervising homeschool- make it work,” Wrede said. Homeschoolers are often given ing families for 16 years, mentioned another conflict: “People wonder if a bad rap that, but just like public the kids are really learning,” Wrede school students there is no such thing said. “They definitely are, just maybe as a “stereotypical homeschooler.”
older brother and my little brother. My parents tried to make it interesting. They would have reading competitions to see who could read the most books and things like that, to keep us motivated. A lot of it was also cultural studies because we were living in a village. They would send us out and have us do case studies on our friends’ homes,” Danforth said. One of the perks of being homeschooled is the ability to work at your own pace. “That is a big one really,” Reida said. “If you understand a concept, you can move on. That’s my biggest problem with education in general is that the kids who understand ideas and concepts have to wait for the rest of the class to catch up,” Daniel Veenstra, a CFHS senior, was homeschooled during the afternoons. Diagnosed with turrets syndrome in elementary school, Veenstra he has had his own struggles with people who stereotype homeschooling. “People occasionally think that homeschooling is a lot easier. I did have a more flexible schedule, but my school work keeps me busy most of the time. The curriculum I used
was quite challenging.” Veenstra was enrolled in an online course, where he emailed his assignments to his teachers and could chat online with students taking the same course. Students who have been homeschooled but have made the leap to public school are often regarded as quiet and studious by their teachers. “ U s u a l l y they’re more motivated. They take school a little more seriously. It comes after social life,” Danforth said. Homeschooled students do tend to miss out on a few things that public school offers. Veenstra, for instance, came to the public school for chorus, and Reida missed having art and writing classes. Homeschooling comes under fire from various sources about a wide range of topics. Whether homeschool-
ers should have to take standardized tests is among the most vehement. Homeschoolers in Iowa are not required to take the ITBS or any other sort of standardized test. Instead they submit a portfolio review by a licensed Iowa teacher or have a supervising teacher during the school year.
is important, and she wanted her to have consistent teaching. “The good thing about being homeschooled is you can work at your own pace, and it’s much easier to learn things if you aren’t having to deal with everything else,” Meghan said. Although Meghan is not going to a regular school, Debra said that she still views school as school, but she gets so much more freedom. “I love that you can pick your own curriculum. You can chose what
you want to do instead of going with what the set curriculum is at a regular school,” Meghan said. But there are some downsides to the homeschooling experience. “There is a lot of paperwork to fill out,” Meghan said. “You have to register with the school district every year and tell what subjects you will be studying and how long you will be studying them.” But overall, homeschooling seems to be a good thing according to the Reidas.
“I love being able to spend time with my mom since I wouldn’t normally do that if I was in regular school,” Meghan said. Her mom agrees that this is one of the many attributes. “Because she’s at home more often, we are much closer,” Debra said. But even though she’s not around her peers as much as she would be if she were at the high school, she’s still connected. “Even though you’d think home-
The perks of being homeschooled: Monica Clark Staff Writer
Studies have shown that there are 30 percent more kids being homeschooled now than in the mid-1990s. The Reida family is contributing to this percentange “I love being homeschooled because it allows me to focus so much better,” student Meghan Reida said. Meghan’s mom Debra Reida wanted her to be homeschooled because she thinks that education
Student speaks of advantages of learning lessons at home
schooling would cut you off from everyone, it really doesn’t,” Meghan said. “There are so many other opportunities that come up because you’re not in a formal school setting, like me being more involved at the theater.” Being homeschooled also allows students to get things done at a faster rate. “In a year and a half I will be done with school, even though I’m only studying three hours a day,” Meghan said.
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Open access to student grades will create infinite headaches
Students are not oblivious to the changes in the grading system that the switch to Infinite Campus has brought. Soon, these changes will be magnified beyond the grumbling of teachers and confusing grade printouts. Students’ grades, and eventually their standardized test scores, will become accessible online. The grades will not only be able to be viewed by the students themselves, but also by their parents. Although parents will only be able to access the grades of their children, we believe any parental access to grades is cause for concern. As students, we are all aware, sometimes painfully, of the highs and lows that grades at times experience. However, parents checking up on their children’s grades may not be so understanding. We are all stressed enough as students, and the thought of parents obsessively monitoring grades would only increase this stress. Also, we believe that in a way allowing parents access to the grades of their children is undermining student’s responsibility. Students that are concerned about their grades will diligently work to correct any problems, not only to satisfy their parents with good grades but also themselves. Infinite Campus may have the potential to make students more stressed, but it is already creating more stress for teachers. The new grading system has made grades more confusing and difficult to enter. Also, teachers will now have to continually update grades in addition to their other responsibilities, and they may receive criticism from parents and students who disagree with their children’s or their own grades. Although we believe that the transparency Infinite Campus allows for students to view their own recently updated grades could be beneficial, the potential stress of parent access to grades and potential problems for teachers created by the new grading system is not enough to justify the switch.
Contact the Tiger Hi-Line
The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes of Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division St., Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. The Hi-Line is distributed to CFHS students on Wednesdays to read in their DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) classes. Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Hi-Line or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial staff view is presented weekly in the editorial labeled as Our View. Reader opinions on any topic are welcome and should be sent to the Tiger Hi-Line staff or delivered to room 208. All letters must be signed. Letters must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Thursday for publication the following Wednesday. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Include address and phone number for verification.
Editorial Staff
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Editors-in-Chief: Honor Heindl, Kellie Petersen and Ellen Wrede Business Managers: Jill Dally and Alex Entz News Editors: Arlene Freudenberg and Sara Strever Opinion Editors: Maggie Devine and Vincent Stigliani Sports Editors: Jackie Jordan, Nick Penticoff and Paul Strike Feature Editor: Honor Heindl On-Line Editors: Torie Jochims and Ellen Wrede Entertainment Editors: Maggie Devine and Torie Jochims Photo Editor: Honor Heindl Cartoonist: Katie Dexter Graphic Artist: Tasha Woods
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All children deserving of education Greg Mortenson, author of Three women in Pakistan and Afghanistan Cups of Tea has changed the world what they wanted most, they said, not only with his book, but with his “We don’t want our babies to die, life-changing goals to do good will. and we want our children—including In 1993, to daughters—to go to honor his sister school.” Christa after she The Council on Fordied of epilepsy, eign Relations explains Mortenson the key ingredients for decided to climb successful and withPakistan’s K2, standing girls’ schools. the world’s They say schools need second highto be built near the girls’ est mountain in homes, they need to the Karakoram be run by the comrange. munity, they need to But he didn’t be “girl friendly” with make it to the private bathrooms and top and he fell walls, they need to have seriously ill and female teachers, focus Monica Clark on quality education, and had to walk back Staff Writer down the mountain invest in school health without reaching his programs. goal. In the village called Korphe, There are other worthwhile outthe people graciously took him in comes that occur when women are to recover. When he walked by educated. When women get married, some children in the dirt writing they leave home, and the ties with with sticks, Mortenson asked them their family are often severed. If they what they were doing. They told would learn how to write, then they him they didn’t have a school and could maintain the connections with their teacher was in another village their parents and siblings through because they couldn’t afford the letters. $1 per day tuition. At that point he Women who are educated also promised them that he would return live better, healthier lives. They to build them a school. contribute to the family income, This would become the first of 78 insist that their own children are eduschools established in rural regions cated, and help nationally provide of Pakistan and Afghanistan. These economic growth and prosperity. schools provide education to more It also boosts farming productivity than 28,000 children, and 18,000 and promotes more representative of these students are girls. More governments. Educated women often children in Afghanistan are going have lower infant mortality rates, to school than have been in years. and they are more likely to stand up In 2008, 6 million students were for themselves and resist violence. enrolled, comparing to 800,000 in Mortenson’s book has even af2000. fected people in high power. U.S. Mortenson’s primary goal is to Army Lt. Col. Chistopher Kolendo provide education to girls who would read Three Cups of Tea, and he otherwise have no means of receivcontacted Mortenson in an e-mail. ing it, although sometimes it is very He wrote, “I am conviced that the hard for girls to get an education long-term solution to terrorism in even if a school is built. The Taliban general … is education. The conflict banned the education of women in there will not be won with bombs, Afghanistan, militant leaders say that but with books and ideas that excite teaching girls goes against the Koran the imagination toward peace, tolerand parents often aren’t comfortance and prosperity …” able with their girls walking long It is very easy to see how distances to get to school especially Mortenson’s work has inspired in rural areas and war zones. people throughout the world, and I But when Mortenson asked believe Mortenson to be a very great
person in that respect. For someone who was a nobody who helped children and communities in foreign counties, to help them obtain higher ground in this world is someone I admire thoroughly. It is so amazing to me how someone with practically no money can bring millions of people together for one cause—to help those in need. In Pakistan, when you drink the first cup of tea, you are a stranger, the second, you are a friend, and the third, you are family. I think that explains Mortenson’s work perfectly. When he first met the people in Korphe, he was a stranger to them. When he came back to build the school, he built on those relationships and became a friend, and when he sustained those friendships, he became part of their family. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all could accept one another as family? If we honestly took time and money to care for those who live in this world? It would be wonderful for people to follow in Mortenson’s steps to help those around the world, but first the steps for equality need to be fulfilled. In America, children in this country dread going to school. We grumble and complain about the unfairness of homework and tests. I think that we become selfish when we don’t realize that others don’t receive the same opportunities as we do. In America it’s mandatory to go to school; in countries like Afghanistan, it’s a privilege. We don’t realize the danger and fear that children have when they can’t walk safely from town to town, the long distances it takes to earn an education, and the sacrifices children make to attend school. Even with our current economic crisis, I think it is important for us as Americans to step back and look at the picture as a whole. The truth is that we are far better off than many countries around the world. We need to realize that an education is the most important thing right now, especially for girls. Like the African proverb says, “If you educate a boy, you educate an individual. But if you educate a girl, you educate a community.”
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School blocking system overly restrictive site”(despite the number of CFHS Like a good journalist, I always research my articles before writing students using the website), the other websites them. But one day, I went baffled me. searching for information For example, for an article on upcomthe arts blog ing plays in Eastern Iowa, and I typed in the address written primarily by Wall for Theatre Cedar Rapids Street Journal and received a screen telling me the website was theater critic Terry blocked. I typed it in again Teachout was with the same result. blocked. I then went to the webThis is an site for the Black Hawk unrealistic Children’s Theatre only to action by the receive the same result. Cedar Falls My anger had Community climaxed. Earlier, I had Monica Reida School District suffered the same frustraStaff Writer and AEA 267, tions with Twitter and several not just for blogs suddenly being blocked. journalism students but for all of the Although I could understand Twitter students. being blocked due to it’s frequent I can understand the blocking of classification as a “social networking
Facebook and MySpace; personal information is frequently shared and both can be sources of bullying, explicit content and time wasters. But while blogs and Twitter are frequently considered to be social networking websites, they are ultimately a class all their own. Many blogs, mainly those on Blogspot, Typepad and Wordpress, are a source of discussion or a prompt for the discussion of current events. Many blogs will have news and are ultimately harmless. To liken Twitter to its rogue counterparts is extreme. All Twitter is is a listing of short thoughts by the user and other users. Maybe a short bio, a link to the user’s website and a userpic. There are no phone numbers, no home addresses, no lewd pictures. Just words. News sources have taken to using Twitter. The New York Times,
Variety, BBC World News, St. Louis Post-Dispatch are all using Twitter for short newsfeeds. Individual journalists even use it. In fact, when the plane went down in the Hudson River, Twitter updates were up quicker than a story on the New York Times’ website. Blogs are being kept by professional journalists and are frequently linked from the websites for the newspapers or television stations they work for. From the major newspapers to even tiny newspapers such as the Waterloo Courier, there are journalists writing even tiny news briefs on a blog. Blogging and Twitter have just become the latest phase in the evolution of journalism, and the blocking of Twitter, un-obscene blogs and websites is a totalitarian move on the part of the Cedar Falls Community School District and AEA 267. Not
only does it make the jobs of the Tiger Hi-Line staff harder, but it also keeps the students from knowing the news. What is an even better question is why isn’t YouTube blocked? I’m sure that there is actual content on there that parents would object to. It is one thing to block a website due to perverse content, which has a different definition in everyone’s mind. It is a different thing to block informative, intelligent websites. Such an act borders on censorship. If anything, the district needs to change this for the journalism department to make the job of the Hi-Line staff easier. It would be nice if they also made this even throughout the high school. It would be also nice if the websites were consistantly blocked or unblocked. But the school district is probably too busy to be consistant.
Bottled water recycling can Grieving a pet can ease environmental impact be lengthy process In a recent update of the recyattention: bottled water. cling program at Cedar Falls School As I go throughout my regular District, a few very school day, impressive numbers came I can’t help up. In the year alone, but notice the Cedar Falls Schools mannumber of kids aged to recycle 45.5 tons sporting either of material, which in turn bottled water saved: or permanent •774 trees water bottles. •3,180,500 gallons of Does it not water make sense to •17,290 gallons of oil buy a stainless •4,050 cubic feet of steel or hard landfill space plastic water In addition, the energy bottle and to saved during the past year refill it instead totaled up to be enough of just conBen Sadkowski to power 22.75 homes for an tinually buying Staff Writer entire year. These numbers bottled water? are extremely impressive and This is not the students of the district deserve to only much cheaper for consumers, congratulate themselves, but this is but it also reduces waste. only the beginning of what could be Bottled water produces amounts another powerful change. of plastic waste as high as 1.5 milHowever impressive these lion tons per year. Over 80 percent numbers are, a lot of work is left to of consumers do not recycle their be done, and I have noticed one parbottles, but rather throw them away ticular product that requires special because it is simply easier; however,
littering rates are also on the rise, which represents an entire plethora of new issues including damage to natural environments. Plastic containers can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade naturally, the thought of them simply corroding away is not a very attainable dream. Finally, the argument of taste comes up. Many people claim to not enjoy the taste of their municipally provided tap water, which prompts them to switch to bottled. A much more sensible and inexpensive alternative would be to go ahead and buy an indispensable container along with a purifying attachment to your sink faucet, which would effectively purify your water at a tiny portion of the price of bottled water over time. Overall, these problems can be avoided through the use of a little common sense and zest. It is not too difficult to purchase a reliable bottle that can use time and time again instead of constantly burning your money on a bottle of water that can (and consistently is) thrown away the moment the last drops are gone.
to me. I recently had a family member Shadow was someone who was die: Shadow. She was an 18-yearalways there. I never old, grey and white, fluffy Persian. She really thought that was in my famshe would die and not be there, but she ily longer than I’ve did die, and I have to been alive. deal with that. Some people think of a cat or dog Pets are always as just a family pet, there when you need someone. They’re but Shadow was and there in the good and is so much more especially in the bad. than that. She was They’re always there and always will be a member of my for you when you need someone to talk family. to or just to cuddle People say that, with. “They’re just a Lauren Bonner People can learn pet. Get over it and get Staff Writer another,” but it’s not that a lot from their pets. easy—especially when What I learned from Shadow is to live your live to the you had a special bond with them. fullest every day because you never Sometimes getting another pet can know when it’ll be your last. help, but sometimes you need time Even though Shadow was more to grieve. However, grieving can take time. my sister’s cat, I still miss her a lot. I’m still not over my dog’s death, I will never fully be over her death, but you have to remember the and she died over eight years ago. good times that you had. She meant and still does mean a lot
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Ent i m nT t r
N eW Rel eases
Music:
•U2 No Line on the Horizon •The Bran Flakes I Have Hands •Lamb of God Wrath •Bell X1 Lights on the Runway
Movies:
•Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience •Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li •Assassination of a High School President
F eature Pod cast
This week’s feature podcast as well as eight others that are updated every other week can be found on The Tiger Hi-Line Online (http://www. cedar-falls.k12.ia.us/buildings/cfhs/ journalism/index.html) by following the podcast links. Internet Explorer does not work for viewing this site. Use Safari, Firefox or Opera for best results. The website is also linked off the high school’s website.
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Feb. 24, 2009
Blink is Back
After four years, infamous pop-punk group reunites Katie Dexter Cartoonist
On Dec. 16, 2004, the infamous pop-punk band, Blink-182, put on what the world thought would be their last show ever. Teenage hearts were crushed and thousands mourned the end of “the best poppunk band of all time.” Throughout the years, Blink182’s music has continued to stay popular, all the while being missed indefinitely. Four years and a plane crash later, Blink-182 is back. The hugely catchy pop-punk band announced its reunion at the 2009 Grammy Awards and stated on their official website, “To put it simply, we’re back. We mean, really back. Picking up where we left off and then some.” Before the break-up, Blink-182 formed in Poway, Calif., in 1992. At this time, Tom DeLonge (vocals, guitar), Mark Hoppus (vocals, bass), and Scott Reynor (drums) were originally known as Blink. Later, in 1998, Travis Barker replaced Reynor halfway through their summer tour and formed Blink-182. In 2004, conflicts in the band
photo from Blink-182.com
Recently reunited Blink-182 is set to give a stellar 2009 tour. arose. The members decided they were taking an “indefinate hiatus” to spend more time with their family, enjoy life and be away from each other, for reasons nobody is quite sure of. DeLonge was the first member to state that he was leaving the band for good and later joined the group Angles & Airwaves, an alternative
rock group. Meanwhile, Barker and Hoppus played music with +44, an alternative rock and pop punk band, but neither of these bands became as successful and well-liked as Blink-182. In addition, Barker was involved in a near fatal plane crash last September that hurt and helped the time and reformation of the band.
The accident added a few months to when the punk trio were going to start playing again, but also brought Mark, Tom and Travis together again to reform old friendships. With four other passengers in the plane, Barker and celebrity disc jockey DJ AM were the only survivers. +44 and Angles and Airwaves have possibly called it quits on their upcoming tours and recordings due to Blink-182’s reunion. The band says punk bands such as Descendents and Screeching Weasel have been big influences on them, although they are mainly driven by a pop sensibility. Blink-182 is known for their simple melodies, teen angst and crude humor along with their hit singles “What’s My Age Again?,” “All the Small Things,” “Adams Song,” “First Date” and “The Rock Show,” each about relationships, teen struggles and growing up. Blink-182 said this of their future: “Preparing to tour the world yet again. Friendships reformed. 17 years deep in our legacy. Summer 2009. Thanks and get ready.” With this comment, they prepared millions of fans everywhere for the return of a lifetime.
‘Confessions’ lives up to romantic comedy label Maggie Devine
Political Scoop with host Tony Wright
Every other week, I will check in with the latest developments in the world of politics and offer my own thoughts about what I find. Feb. 19/ Episode Ten Today junior conservative Alex Entz adds his input into the recent stimulus package signed into law recently by President Obama.
Entertainment Editor
Confessions of a Shopaholic was one of the most anticipated movies yet this year for me. I felt like, because of the commercials and trailers I had seen on TV, it looked like a silly, cute chick flick that I could enjoy with some girlfriends. Due to the long lines at the movie theater concession stand, I had decided that I would leave during the movie to get my soda and popcorn. I never got my popcorn. Confessions absolutely lived up to my expectations with its random,
completely silly humor and loveable characters like Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher). Rebecca is a charming New York City journalist who has landed herself $16,000 in debt due to her shopaholicism. It’s a serious topic really, perfect for the recession, but you never feel the weight of the issue due to the humor. Primarily, Confessions of a Shopaholic is a comedy. There’s some romance and some seriousness, but nothing measures up to the amount of silliness. The random singing homeless lady that keeps popping up and the never-ending one-liners from
Rebecca will keep you laughing the whole way through. The entire film centers around Rebecca becoming a successful financial columnist whilst dodging a very persistent, very creepy debt collector (Robert Stanton). Rebecca dreams of writing for a major fashion magazine Alette, but instead lands a job writing an advice column at a financial magazine. Ironic? Yes. But most of the movie is just that ridiculous, and when I say ridiculous, I mean it in a totally cute and loveable way. Cue Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy), the editor of said financial magazine. The complete opposite of
Rebecca, the audience immediately knows the two are destined to be together. Luke knows that Rebecca’s not exactly a financial guru, but he has no idea of her immense debt. Rebecca struggles throughout the entire movie to keep that secret from everyone, especially Luke. And when the creepy debt collector, Derek Smeath, visits Rebecca at her office, she goes as far as to fib and say that he is her stalker ex-boyfriend. While Confessions of a Shopaholic is a very cute, very comedic film, it does pull on your heartstrings. But all and all, you’ll leave the theater feeling thoroughly entertained.
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Feb. 24, 2009
Kelly takes gold, Brock finishes 1-2 Paul Strike & Jacqueline Jordan Sports Editors
As the dust settled on the mats Saturday at the state wrestling meet in Des Moines, one Tiger remained standing. Cedar Falls junior Michael Kelly proved his domination by winning the state meet at the 145 lb. weight class. After taking 4th place last year, Kelly had a little something to prove in order to proclaim his wrestling dominance, and nothing was going to stop him. He faced some pretty tough competiton obviously on his way to the gold, including previously undefeated Chad Lowman of Des Moines Roosevelt. The match almost
seemed like a formality for Kelly to obtain the crown, as he won easily with a 7-1 decision. “I expected to win; I knew I was going to come out on top,” Kelly said. Kelly, a junior, will have a chance to retain his title next year. Senior Aiden Brock also finished his wrestling career at CF strongly by going 1-2 in his matches at State. This was his third year participating in the state wrestling tournament. Sadly, Brock ended his career on a losing note. “I was in shock. I didn’t believe it at first,” Brock said. Still, Brock had many good memories to take out of his wrestling experiences at CFHS.
“(My favorite memory was) my sophomore year qualifying for State, was my first time, new experience,” Brock said. Overall, the state wrestling tournament proved a success for the two Tiger wrestlers, though they thought there could have been even more success. “It went pretty well, though it Chris Pierce Photo would have been better if Aiden Michael Kelly. Champion. placed better,” Kelly said.
Girls, seniors finished off at West Sarah Byerly Staff Writer
CFHS women’s basketball faced an end to its season at the first regionals game last week on Wednesday versus Waterloo West. “Our girls played very hard but just could not combat the hot threepoint shooting of West’s transfer from Des Moines East, Shelby Smith,” Coach Dan List said. The girls played hard throughout the game but did not have a follow through. “They are a very physically talented team, and we had problems matching up with them,” List said, “The girls competed with them for the first three quarters but could not manage their balanced attack.” Seniors are disappointed not to have made if further into regionals. After playing 25 games this year Cedar Falls was seeded in fourth place at regionals. “The girls were very competitive in a very tough conference and fought hard to gain 4th place,” List said. He added, “We will miss the eight seniors who were great to work with and are great role-models for the younger players, both on the court and in the classroom.”
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Athlete Week of the
Michael Kelly Wrestling Junior
Junior Michael Kelly knows where he stands when it comes to competition. Kelly left State taking first being the third person from his family to recieve a state championship. 1. How long have you been wrestling? Thirteen years. 2. What do you like most about wrestling? Competing and getting to spend time with all of my teammates, just the environment. 3. How do you prepare for meets? Get a good hard warm-up in, and then just prepare mentally and focus. 4. Do you plan on wrestling in college? Yes, I plan on wrestling in college. I’m not really sure where I want to go yet. 5. Is there anyone that you look up to? I look up to my father. 6. When is the most amount of pins that you have recieved? This year is the most that I have gotten in a season.
Tigers in Action
Kristen Aldrich Photo
At Senior Night, the last game for these girls vs. West High are Brooke RArgotsinger, Kara Fisher, Elsa Jehle, Lindsey Morris, Haley Patterson, Natalie Patterson, Melissa Solberg and Jillian Zapitul. The seniors that will be leaving the team this year are Brooke Argotsinger, Kara Fisher, Elsa Jehle, Lindsey Morris, Haley Patterson, Natalie Patterson, Melissa Solberg
and Jillian Zapitul. Looking forward to playing next year, List said, “It was a lot of fun and hard work this year. We have a good group of juniors returning next
year led by Laura Johnson, Courtney Dreyer and Linden Terpstra. We are looking forward to combining the junior class with some promising younger players for next year.”
Men’s Basketball (12-7) Beat Linn-Mar 63-52 Next: Played Newton 2/23 (CFHS @ 7 p.m.) Women’s Basketball (9-12) Lost to Waterloo West 54-35 Men’s Bowling Placed 6th at Regionals 2/21 Women’s Bowling Placed 2nd at Regionals 2/21 Wrestling Michael Kelly placed 1st at State Aiden Brock finished 1-2 at State
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Cap r d tu
Songs To Live & Love By.
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Feb. 24, 2009
Liz Fuller & Tyler Schaub Photographs
Natalie Takes (’09) sings “The Rainbow Connection” by Jim Henson with her dad & sister Sam Takes (’11) at the Vocal Pops Concert last Monday.
(Above) Sophomores Sarah Postel, Melina Gotera & Karly Fuller render a heartwarming performance of Ingrid Michaelson’s “The Way I Am.” (Left) Sam Lilja (’09) gives a solo performance of “Any Dream Will Do” (Andrew Lloyd Weber), accompanied by Joe Fagersten & the concert choir. (Right) Tyler Brewer (’10) plays “Mona Lisa” by The All American Rejects with Mason Meyer (’11).
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(Below) Amelia Gotera (’09) & Joe Fagersten blow the crowd away with their original composition “I Will Follow You Down.”