Jan 30 2015 hi line

The

Mind Games

Tiger HI-LINE

Friday, Jan. 30, 2015

Studies pointing to physical benefits from pencil pushing/Page 2 Follow us on Twitter at tigerhiline, Facebook at TigerHilineOnline and on our website at www.hiline.cfschools.org

Volume 55 Edition 14

Fight brewing over school start date Since the law was created back in the ‘80s, Iowa code has said that schools may not start earlier than the last week of August unless some pretty restrictive exceptions are met.

However, this policy has not been enforced. Instead the state education department has rubber stamped virtually all district requests to start their school years earlier. Only two out of the 338 schools in the state followed the guideline for start dates this year; the rest were able to sneak past without much concern from the state.

Next year, however, Gov. Terry Branstad has said no more. He has directed the education department to follow the restrictive law and make getting a waiver to surpass the set start date a more challenging deed to conquer.

Schools must supply the Iowa Department of Education with

a detailed reason backed with evidence as to why starting earlier impacts their schools in a positive way.

State Education Director Brad Buck in an email to The Des Moines Register has said, “Earlier start dates would be considered only if a district demonstrated that starting later would have a significant negative educational impact.”

Senator Jeff Danielson from Cedar Falls said he thinks this infringes on the views of locally elected school boards and the communities they represent. He favors a later start date without waivers and an emphasis on quality while kids are in school, rather than quantity. “Current debates are too focused on calendars and not enough on children. If we don’t fully fund local schools, the calendar is a moot point.”

Danielson said that since the property taxes of local

citizens makes up a portion of school districts’ budgets, these districts should be allowed to start on their own schedules.

But, of course, most of district funds come from state taxes, so the greater enforcement of this law has been building up for over a decade, with the Iowa tourism aspect sparking a lot of the debate.

Starting school in early August cuts into the Iowa State Fair, which results in fewer youth being in attendance for the event. Business owners have also voiced their annoyance with the earlier start dates and the negative impact it can have on businesses that are only open during the summer.

On the other hand, educators have said that schools should be allowed to set their start dates based on what works best for the teachers

and the students. If required to follow the guidelines next year, schools would likely not be able to finish their first semesters before winter break.

Science teacher Scott Bohlmann said, “I am not in favor of [starting in late August] because in my opinion there is not a lot to do in August when it is super hot and humid outside.I would rather have summer start in June when the weather is beautiful, and I can do a lot more stuff outdoors. It is just more favorable weather.”

Many staff and students in the school district have similar opinions to Bohlman, wanting to start school in early August rather than September. If schools have to start in September, it will likely result in students taking finals after break, which could be seen as a drawback for students who would have to study during that time off.

Lawmakers have proposed a bill that would enable schools to take finals before winter break in reply to the concern from many schools. This law would implement longer school days, making it easier for schools to get the needed 540 hours of school time in before winter break. Two other bills that have been introduced to the Iowa legislature to allow district to have more freedom in determining their own start dates instead of being required to follow a set rule.

The restrictive waiver is only the starting point of the issue of an earlier start date.

The department of education and those who are proposing to change the law are hoping to find a compromise that is somewhere between what each party wants.

By Staff Writer Josie

SPELTZ

District Speech Team Groups

Speech sends 14 groups to State Amongst Union High School’s gym filled with hundreds of students coming from all over the state, one could hear noises ranging from choral readings to musical numbers to comedic improvisations. Such chaos and energy could only mean that the Iowa High School Speech Association’s district contest was taking place.

Last Saturday, Jan. 24, the CFHS speech team boarded a bus early in the morning to head to La Porte City so they could showcase all of their hard work that they’ve prepared for about two months.

The school’s speech team sent 17 groups to contest with the goal for each group to receive a Division I rating from the judges in order to advance to State.

The groups that made it to State include “Spring Awakening” - musical theater, “Legally Blonde” - musical theater, “KGHD” - radio, “Peng” - short film, “Pay It Forward”

- group mime, “Price of Freedom” - group mime, “Kelly” group improv, “Norby” - group improv, “Hettle” group improv, “10,000 Cigarettes” - ensemble acting, “Scary Questions” - ensemble acting, “Oreos and Noserings” - ensemble acting, “Lund” - TV news and “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” - readers theater.

Assistant speech coach Alex O’Connell has helped coach speech teams for two years, describing it as “one of the best experiences that a student can have in high school.”

The groups that he led this year include three group improvs, three group mimes and two ensemble acting groups.

Practices go for his groups begin around last November and rehearse for 45 minutes to an hour. They focus working on specifically is blocking, movement, articulation, emotion and acting.

“It’s kind of a combination of everything, but they’re really light-hearted,” O’Connell said.

“They’re a lot of fun, and they have a lot of good laughs.”

Senior Emma Reddington has been involved in speech teams since her freshman year, and this year she’s involved in two groups: readers theater, a group where everybody carries a script while they act out a short play, and group mime, where the group can’t talk and can only perform in motion.

Reddington said that out of the two, she likes group mime the most. “I like how you can show so many emotions without using words.” What Reddington enjoys the most about speech team overall is working with her teammates. “I feel like we all become friends when we work together, and we just have a good time,” she said.

On Feb. 7, the groups will head to Decorah and compete once again at State. Their goal this time will be trying to make it to All-State.

By Staff Writer Sarah

STORTZ

*Readers Theater: Bekah Bass, Emily Bruss, Sydney Coloff, Emily Fishel, Taya Herum, Val Komen, Olivia Mickey, Emma Redington, Mallorie Sckerl, Katarina Walther, Emily Wikner *Musical Theater: “Legally Blonde” – Reggie Baker, Sylvia Brown, Gabbie Holtzman, Abbie Lund *Musical Theater: “Spring Awakening” – Meron Abebe, Joel Bruss, Joel Ochoa, Mallorie Sckerl, Sydney See Musical Theater: “Matilda” – Aastha Chandra, Julia Corbett, Mary Lawson, Katelyn Robinson, Clare Rolinger *Group Improv: “Kelly” - Cameron Kelly, Daniel McVicker, Sarah Stortz *Group Improv: “Norby” – Gigi Norby, Katerina Walther, Noah Wolf *Group Improv: “Hettle” – Katia Haugstad, Arlo Hettle, Elise Leasure, Emily McVicker *Group Mime: “Pay It Forward” – Ellie Haan, Meghan Kern, Annabel Leasure, Sydney See, Tristan Snell Group Mime: “Game Day” – Meron Abebe, Alyssa Dekutoski, Miranda MacGillivray, Andrew McVicker *Group Mime: “Price of Freedom” – Alexa Balong, Tori King, Katie Klaver, Emma Redington *Radio: “KGHD” – Reggie Baker, Sunny Bock, Sammy Glaspie, Celeste Ki, Tori King, Mary Lawson, Josh Peterson *TV News: “Lund” – Bekah Bass, Cassidy Christopher, Ellie Haan, Taya Herum, Abbie Lund, Olivia Mickey, Alex Miller, Linda Peng Short Film: “Peterson” – Sunny Bock, Alyssa Dekutoski, Arlo Hettle, Brandie Kinman, Josh Peterson, Carolina Villavicencio *Short Film: “Peng” – Aastha Chandra, Miranda MacGillivray, Linda Peng *Ensemble: “Scary Question” – Alex Escalada, Emily Wikner *Ensemble: “10,000 Cigarettes” – Emily Bruss, Julia Corbett, Samantha Hanson, Jessica Huffman, Katie Klaver *Ensemble: “Oreos and Noserings” – Sylvia Brown, Cam McReynolds, Clare Rolinger, Sarah Stortz * - Denotes groups that advance to State on Feb. 7 in Decorah

2

The

OPINION

Thank a Vet

Tiger

HI-LINE

Friday, Jan. 30, 2015

Our View Recent studies paint arts as key to core

Show support for Travis Vaughn Travis Vaughn was a beloved student of Cedar Falls High School and graduated in 1999. After high school, Vaughn chose to join the United States military. He became a Night Stalker, a member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Tragically, on Feb. 17, 2007, Vaughn and eight others perished when their Chinook helicopter crashed in Suggested Items Afghanistan.

Vaughn’s parents felt a need for Donation to help other military families Shampoo after the passing of their child, Conditioner so they started Kandie’s Kidz, a Body Wash foundation that attends to the Deodorant needs of military families.

Toothpaste In order to help support his Toothbrush memory and his foundation, Denture Adhesive Vaughn’s father, Brad Vaughn, Denture Cleaner will be collecting many perSocks sonal hygiene items, including Shirts women’s nail polish and hair Nail Polish accessories, since there are Nail Polish Remover women in the veterans’ home Hair Dryer in Marshalltown, as well.

The deadline to turn in items to either the library, the guidance office or the Tigers’ Den is Feb. 17. There will also be a bake sale on Feb. 12 in order to raise funds.

Counselor Erin Gardner said that not enough has been donated yet.

“We haven’t even got close to our goal yet, but we still have a few weeks until the deadline,” Gardner said. “Last year was our best ever year, and it will be interesting to see how this year stacks up to it.”

Gardner also said that the donations really make a difference.

“The veterans are always excited to receive the items.

They usually don’t get enough from the home, and our donations can really help them,” Gardner said.

The brave men and women in Marshalltown have risked everything in order to preserve our country and our freedoms, and now, they barely have enough of the basic necessities for a normal life in Iowa.

It only takes a few dollars and a few minutes to make a difference.

These people defended us, and now it is our turn to give back, so please, donate.

Contact Us

The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes at Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613.

Our website is www.hiline.cfschools.org. The Hi-Line is distributed to CFHS students on Fridays to read during their fifth period classes.

Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hi-Line staff or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial is presented weekly in the editorial labeled Our View, and it is the view of the majority of the editors listed below. 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 Monday for publication in the following Friday edition. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Writers should include their contact information for verification.

Editor-in-Chief: Austin Anderson Online Editor: Zuhayr Alam Copy Editor: Annebeth Ahrenholz Staff Writers: Sommer Danielsen, Agatha Fenech, Taylor Hylton, Ben Louviere, Mikaela Mallin, Malcolm Musoni, Dino Odobasic, Josie Speltz, Skylar Starbeck and Sarah Stortz

In both elementary and secondary schools, recent studies are showing that recess, art and music may not getting the credit or attention for improving educational benefits that they deserve.

According to National Association for the Education of Young Children, the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act has caused 20 percent of elementary schools across the country to cut back on the time allotted for recess, art and music to allow for more in-class instructional time. Administrators in such schools believe students’ test scores will improve if they spend less time in recess, art and music classes and more time on their school work.

New studies, however, provide evidence of the contrary.

No research can be found that supports administrators’ assumptions that keeping children in the classroom all day helps achieve No Child Left Behind required test scores. In fact, schools that devote a substantial portion of their day to nonacademic activities, including art, music and physical activity actually see an increase in student test scores and academic attitude, even though less time is spent academically.

The Des Moines Register recently published an article reporting the results of a “Turnaround Arts” program. Des Moines’ Findley Elementary School has participated in the program since 2011, introducing new art, music, dance and theater classes to their students. The report highlighted the increase the incorporation of

art and music with core classes such as math, reading and science had on student math and reading scores, academic ambition, attendance rates, and overall school environment. Art and music classes also provide children with lessons not as readily available in the classroom.

Orchard Hill Elementary music Instructor Kim Kranz represents her early education music program online by posting, “Students are encouraged to appreciate music by learning music basics, along with lifelong skills such as: teamwork, self-discipline and creativity. Our classes use singing to not only learn musical skills, but to further our understanding of the value of music of the past, present and future.”

Just as elementary students are pressured to achieve certain test scores in order to advance to the next grade level, high school students are often pressured to fill their schedule with high-level AP and honors classes in order to advance to their next “gradelevel”: college. Secondary-level core classes such as math, English, science and social studies receive much more attention than elective classes such as art, music, drama and dance.

The truth is, those secondarylevel art and music classes, the ones that get pushed to the wayside, can benefit students just as much as core classes can. They often provide high school students with different methods of thinking, analyzing and problem solving, and they have been shown

to improve high schoolers’ test scores and academic attitudes just like they do at the elementary level.

CFHS art teacher Lisa Klenske shares the benefits of taking artistic classes, confirming that “It’s been shown across the board that students who engage in artistic endeavors such as music and visual arts do better on tests. I took a course through St. Thomas University ... all about how classes about the arts, whether they be theater, dance, orchestra, band or visual arts help the brain and creativity. It gets kids thinking in a different way.”

For example, she notices first year art students always limit themselves to one way of thinking about a project, but by the end of the year have learned the biggest lessons from an art class they can: “There are multiple ways to get to a finished product.” This is an academic lesson that not many core classes can provide.

The benefits art and music can have when enrolling for 20152016 classes are clear from last year’s trends. Enrollment in CFHS art and music classes have begun to increase over the past year.

Sophomore enrollment in beginning drawing has reached an all-time high, and women’s choir has nearly doubled in size. Let’s keep it up, taking advantage of the benefits art and music classe offer, and finally giving them the credit and attention they deserve.

By Staff Writer Mikaela

MALLIN

... and writing as potential body builder Dear diary, I’m told writing is one of the best ways to sort out my soul and heal my body. Is that right?

Decades ago, in 1986, momentous research was conducted

by Professor James Pennebaker, the Regents Centennial Chair of Psychology at the University of Texas and winner a numerous awards and honors. His research concluded that writing helps not only your emotional state of mind, but also physically.

He asked 46 robust students to write honestly about their lives for 15 minutes, four days in a row. Up to six months afterward, the students with traumatic backgrounds visited the health center less compared to those who wrote about inconsequential things.

One Cedar Falls student has personally found these finding to be true. “I believe it’s [helpful] emotionally,” junior Genna

Dayton said, “because when you write a paper about your life, it can be very emotional and healthy for you. I think it makes you feel better about yourself because you believe in yourself and you aren’t afraid of being who you are.”

Research done by Sian Beilock, associate professor in psychology at the University of Chicago, asked students to write briefly about their worries before taking a test. By far, the better of the grades would come from those who actually took the time to write.

According to Beilock, allowing students to write 10 minutes before testing calmed them. Not only that, but the part of the brain that worries about the test was more occupied with the writing.

That way their brains focused completely on the task of taking the test.

Another research case had participants write 15-20 minutes

for three to five days in a row. The researchers gathered enough information from the small research to say with finality that those who wrote were better psychologically and physically for a time afterward.

While writing is undeniably helpful during times of distress, professor Pennebaker warns that writing therapy is not for everyone. With this in mind, perhaps it is not the writing that allows one to feel better or do better, but rather the expression of oneself.

Junior Emily Winkner agreed.

“I was upset with a situation recently and wrote down every reason why I was upset. And I realized it wasn’t a big deal. Venting is great and allows you to see things in a new light.”

So in conclusion, the diary answered, yes, to the power of writing, but not in so many words.

By Staff Writer Taylor

HYLTON

The

Tiger

HI-LINE

Snap Crackle

Junior Mitch Dekutoski

Senior Emily Banes

Choir delivers night of personalized tunes

The choir pops concert took place on this past Tuesday, Jan. 27, and many students were involved, but there is something slightly different with this particular concert. For the pops concert all music sung by all three choirs has to be in some type of movie or show. Also, instead of students wearing the regular choir robes, they usually wear all black with a “pop” of a certain color.

Many students agree that it is nice to switch things up for a change. “This is many student’s favorite concert because we get to sing a wider variety of music and bring out our own character through solo acts and what we wear. It’s a lot of fun, and I know many people from the high school look forward to coming to this concert as well,” choir director Eliott Kranz said.

The songs have to be approved by Kranz, and this year’s concert consisted of four duet acts, five individual solos or acts, and three ensemble choirs: mens, womens and concert.

Junior Lizzy Swanson performed a solo, titled “Watch What Happens,” from Newsies the musical. She explained how it was a fun song and exciting to learn because she is familiar with the musical. “My family recently traveled to New York and saw the live performance of the Newsies.” But even with the familiarity, it was still a challenge. “It has also been quite the challenge because there are so many words in it, but I love how much I am able to get into the role of Katherine (the main female actress from Newsies) because I have a 1910 typewriter that I will be using.”

Senior John Nicol played a huge role in this concert. He performed in multiple acts, sang multiple solos and even got the opportunity to MC the concert along with junior Mitch Dekutoski. He also sang a duet with a surprise guest, choir director Elliot Kranz. They sang the song “The Confrontation,” from the movie Les Miserables.

“The pops concert came along great, and I would know, considering I participated in two choirs, with a solo in men’s choir, and I am singing a solo act, The Confrontation, from Les Miserables. I also got to MC the concert, and it was an absolutely fantastic time.”

Kranz spoke very highly of the performances of all of the music sang at the pops concert. “I was very pleased with all the choral pieces, and I thought all the individual acts that performed did very well also.”

Senior Brian Keiser along with junior Merlin MacGillivray sang together on “Agony” by Stephen Sondheim. Keiser was pleased with their duet experience, stating they kind of “just did it,” when asked how they got the idea to sing together. He recalled that “We kicked butt, not to brag,” talking about they way the performed.

Senior Lucia McNeal also sang a solo at the concert. She sang the song “It’s Time,” by Imagine Dragons, said she had a good experience and agreed with everyone else that the concert overall was amazing. “The pops concert was a great experience for everyone in the choir department, especially Mr. Kranz. It’s his favorite concert because he loves us and pop music. I had a great time performing last night.”

Other soloists who performed Tuesday night included Ian Tagtow who sang and play guitar to “Good Riddance” by Billie Joe Armstrong; Emily Banes who played piano and sang “All Time Low” by Steve Mac; and Mitch Dekutoski who sang “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. Other duets consisted of Savannah Lipinski and Claire Hamilton who performed “Hanging Tree” by James Newton; along with Mallorie Sckerl who sang and Anna Dvorak who played piano to “When She Loved Me,” by Randy Newman.

By Copy Editor Annebeth

AHRENHOLZ

FEATURES

3 Senior John Nicol and Choir Director Eliot Kranz

Pops

Friday, Jan. 30, 2015

Junior Lizzy Swanson

Singing their hearts out, senior Brian Keiser and junior Merlin MacGillivray perform a duet, complimenting their harmonious vocals with matching crowns.

Ending the pops concert with a literal pop of color, the CFHS choir inspires the audience with its fantastic energy and sound.

Photos by Olivia Mickey and Megan Wallace

4

The

Tiger

SPORTS

HI-LINE

Friday, Jan. 30, 2015

Athleteof Week the

Teacher victoriously skates into new season of roller derby

Cheering the men’s dance team at the McElroy Auditorium on Saturday, Jan. 21 is social studies teacher Traci “After School Special” Lake. Below, she attempts to jam through a wall of blockers from the Rockford Rage.

Agatha Fenech Photos

The smell of dust rose as skates scraped across the cement floor of the McElroy Auditorium in Waterloo on Saturday, Jan. 24. Number 305 swept to the right, blocking the opposing jammer yet again. The force of the block sent the jammer reeling, trying to regain her balance, but she toppled back, meeting the floor with the side of her body.

The back of player 305’s jersey read, “After School Special”. As the name leads you to believe, Special just might be one of the teachers here at Cedar Falls High.

Social studies teacher Traci Lake has been a part of the Push-Brawlers roller derby team since March of 2011, after being inspired to skate by her sister, who was on another derby team at the time.

Lake, like all other newbies, was required to endure 12 weeks of rigorous “fresh meat” training. During this time, skaters learn essential skills such as balance, blocking, strategy, rules and, of course, how to fall properly, utilizing protective gear. After completing 12 weeks of training, Lake competed in her first game, known as a bout, and hasn’t stopped since.

The Push-up Brawlers host bouts each season at the McElroy Auditorium. Each bout is divided into two 30-minute periods, and those periods are made up of two minute jams.

The team’s goal is to get their offensive player, known as their jammer, through the opposing team’s defense to score, while simultaneously blocking the opposing jammer.

This objective is anything but easy. All positions require a tremendous amount of athleticism and time to master. The Brawlers practice twice a week for two-three hours, with some of the members, like Lake, committing even more time to cross training, maximizing their performance.

This unique and arduous sport is not new in the United States, originating in the early 20th century, but is definitely gaining popularity. In the past, roller derby has been first and foremost, a source of entertainment, but the modernized sport has evolved into a highly

“It was fun for sure because it was something new, and also because we knew Ms. Lake.”

—Haley Alexander senior roller derby fan

athletic and competitive activity.

Jessica Scott, who works with the Brawlers, has really seen the sport grow. “In the five years that I have been with roller derby, it has exploded here in the Midwest,” she said.

“There are now 11 teams in Iowa.”

Cedar Falls High School is home to many roller derby supporters. Art teacher Lisa Klenske has gone to the derby since it started in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area. Klenske enjoys the bouts because “It’s a different kind of sport. It’s offbeat, and it’s fun when you know the players.”

Junior Andrew Nurse had the opportunity to watch the roller derby when he performed at halftime with the all male dance team. “I enjoyed the roller derby because it was quite inspirational. Seeing the women race around the track and pummel each other was an exhilarating experience.

Getting to perform with my teammates at such an exotic event made the derby so much more fun for us and the fans.”

Among the crowd that night was also senior Haley Alexander who enjoyed experiencing the Derby for herself. “It was fun for sure because it was something new, and also because we knew Ms. Lake.”

So far this season, The Brawlers have won their first bout by a landslide and are preparing for their next bout against Confluence Crush.

Come out on Feb. 14 at 6 p.m., to McElroy Auditorium in Waterloo and witness the derby for yourself. Chances are it will be more fun than any Valentine’s Day plans you have, and showing your support for the local derby will make it more worthwhile too.

By Staff Writer Sommer

DANIELSON

Adrienne Boettger

Basketball

Senior Adrienne Boettger has the women’s basketball team of to a great start this season at 9-4. Nearly averaging a double double, she leads the team in scoring at 14.4 ppg while shooting 57.6 percent from the field as well as leading the team in rebounds with 9.6 rebounds per game, fourth best in the state.

How did you fall in love with basketball?

It started in second grade. I was on the Starletts because my brother was on the Stars, and all the younger sisters started a team.

What do you think of the new coaches this year?

I love coach Groen and coach Conlon. They bring new energy.

They’ve been lots of fun.

Why is this team successful?

We have very good chemistry; we work well together. We hang out outside of b-ball. We have fun during b-ball, very unslefish team.

Are you thinking of playing in college?

I am. I am considering playing b-ball at Wartburg.

Tigers in

Action

Men’s Basketball Next up: Jan. 30 Dubuque Senior Home at 6 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Next up: Jan. 30 Dubuque Senior Away at 6 p.m.

Wrestling

Next up: Jan. 31 MVC Super Meet Dubuque Wahlert Away at 10 a.m.

Men’s Swimming Next up: Feb. 7 Districts Home 12:30 p.m.

Bowling

Next up: Jan. 30 CR Jefferson Home 3:45 p.m.