Lakewood High School - Sept. 22, 2010
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Spartan News Network
The face of
New principal Bob Vicari has big plans for Lakewood Pages 4-5
CHANGE
the hub
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A word from
SNN By TAYLOR LAPUMA SNN Editor in Chief
SYLVIA CZYSZCZON | SNN
Junior Cole Hardman flips through the air during a swim meet at Northeast High School on Sept. 2. Lakewood won the meet. For a slideshow of images from this event, and other SNN projects, go to snntoday.snn.pcsb.org and click on multimedia.
Did you know… • Over the summer CAT was ranked 15th in the nation by Newsweek magazine. • Principal Bob Vicari’s favorite sport is ice hockey. • Science teacher James Kostka had a baby over the summer. Kotska’s baby is named Meaghan.
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• Computer teacher Anthony Snead and his wife, math teacher Syreta Snead, also had a baby over the summer. Their baby’s name is Ellise. • SNN is now being distributed on Wednesdays instead of Thursdays, like last year. - SHERRISH GAINES, CHELSEA GADBOIS AND KASEY DILLLARD
From the street, our school looks the same. Same buildings, same signs, same huge Spartan heads adhered to the bricks and the same blinding yellow letters insisting “Spartan Power.” What you can’t see, though, is how much Lakewood is actually changing behind the walls. Not only do we have a few new teachers but we have new policies, new rules and biggest of all … a new principal. The state has made its presence known by coming in and out of our classrooms, analyzing our routines. Administration has cracked down more than ever on electronics and dress code, teachers have strict instructions to create a word wall, and have the four questions: “What are we going to learn today? How will we learn it? How will we use it? And how will we know we’ve learned it?” displayed in the room. This is where we come in, to get all the details about what’s going on around us. It’s our second year as a newspaper and our goal is to continue to deliver the facts as we hear them, so we’ll be keeping track and keeping you informed with running articles. The changes are definitely something we’ll all have to get used to, and although we’re not all new here, we still have to adjust to the brand new Lakewood. The state has given our school $500,000 dollars to put toward improvements. So far, a few changes have been made: new carpet in the media center and CATCOM, the air conditioning and the roof have been repaired (no more “leaky Lakewood!”), and new flooring is to be put in the Hub. Principal Bob Vicari said that he’d like to ask the students what they think he should put the rest of the money toward, so it’s up to you, Lakewood. What do you want to see improved? Send us a letter to the editor and we’ll be sure to pass the word along to Vicari. Through all the changes, one thing is still clear: Lakewood High School will still be the best school in the universe. Front page photo illustration by KATIE ATKISSON | SNN
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SNN Staff Editor-in-Chief: Taylor LaPuma Opinions Editor: Sofia Damos Sports Editor: Julia Pohlmann Design/Copy Chief: Spencer Blevins Graphic Designers: Chris Deister, Kristen Hardy Multimedia Editors: Katie Atkisson, Maddie Glassman Online Editor: Molinseai Elcius Ad Managers: Keyata Seymour, Kamdon Martin, Aaron Parry SNN is produced by the students of Lakewood High School. 1400 54th Ave. S St. Petersburg, FL (727) 893-2916 SNN is printed by Lakewood’s business partner, the St. Petersburg Times.
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news
What did you do this
Double trouble at Lake Vista Park summer? By DEONNA MIMS SNN Staff Writer
The first two weeks of school at Lakewood High saw a lot of and stab the victim. We were just shocked, scared but mostly action. A stabbing and gunshots fired near Lake Vista Park put a shocked,” said a Lakewood girl. (SNN is not releasing her identity damper on the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year. because she was a witness to the crime). First, a Lakewood student was stabbed in the stomach on Aug. In the second incident near the end of the Friday night football 25, while walking home from school at Lake Vista Park, just south game, gunshots were heard off campus near Lake Vista Park. Stuof the Lakewood football stadium. The boy had minor injuries and dents, teachers and families emptied the bleachers and the game was back in school the next day. was ended with about five minutes left. One week afterward on Sept. 3, unknown individuals began Although no one was injured, the incident scared the commushooting into the air outside the football stadium at the end of the nity. “I thought it was very unnecessary that we couldn’t enjoy our game between Lakewood and Gibbs high schools. game; I also thought it was childish,” said senior Brandon HeyAlthough the first incident did not happen on Lakewood’s ward. “At first I thought someone was getting shot, like a vendetta campus, the school went into a mandatory lockdown for about 15 situation.” minutes. Heyward said he ducked behind a news van and ran to the “We don’t know exactly what parking lot. happened,” principal Bob Vicari Campus monitors and “The students and faculty need to come said. “But (the man charged in the school resource officers stabbing) had marijuana on him—so together with an agreement that they will plan on doing everything we’re not stupid. You pretty much they can to make the no longer allow that behavior.” know what was happening here… school safe for all students, but the fact that drug activity is takVicari said. ing place at a park not too far from Media specialist Mi- Media specialist Michael Pates, St. Petersburg school, that disturbs me.” chael Pates of the St. PeCampus monitor Derrick Pollock tersburg Police Department Police Department. saw the man suspected in the stabsaid stopping this kind of bing in Lakewood Estates later in the activity is a “joint effort” afternoon. of the Lakewood com“I was able to spot him out because of the description off of munity. “The students and faculty need to come together with an the security cameras that we viewed,” he said. “I followed him agreement that they will no longer allow that behavior,” he said. through Lakewood Estates and I continued to do that during my But Vicari said he doesn’t want to overreact. phone call to (School Resource) Officer Lerric Boyd; that way “I don’t want this to seem like a Gestapo camp…I just want they were able to know exactly where he was.” everyone to have fun,” he said. But he is still taking precautions, Antwrane Thomas, 18, was charged with possession of mariincluding prohibiting parking on 16th Street S during football juana with intent to sell, carrying a concealed weapon, aggravated games. battery and armed trespassing on school property. “You got one choice,” football Coach Cory Moore said right Many Lakewood students were disturbed about the incident after the game. “You can either choose the American dream or the because many of them live nearby. “I thought they were just havAmerican nightmare.” ing a little argument, words would be exchanged, they might get -SNN Staff Writers T.J. Perry and Kayla Garcia contributed to into a little fist fight, but no one expected him to pull out a weapon this story.
Teacher transitions: Cory Scott
“I hung out with James Lynch, we went to Kissing Cuzzins Restaurant.” -Junior Tyler Bentley
“I hung out with Bently and played (Call of Duty). I hit up the gym and got ‘swole’.” -Junior James Lynch
“I went on a family vacation and I went and looked at colleges in Miami. I also got a job and went to the beach a lot.”-Senior Madeline Christman
By SHERRISH GAINES SNN Staff Writer
ALANDRA PRYOR | SNN
With a new principal, new renovations and new rules, Lakewood High School is undergoing change after change, another being the transition of teachers. But where old teachers are leaving the school, new teachers are beginning to leave their mark. Make your way to upstairs C-Wing, C207, and meet new World and American History teacher Cory Scott. Scott grew up right outside of Washington D.C. in Fairfax County, Va. until he moved to Florida where he graduated from the University of South Florida - Tampa. Starting his first year of teaching, Scott is excited to interact with the personalities that shape LHS. “My favorite thing about teaching has to be the personality of the students. Every
day I get to see 120 plus kids who are all different and impact the class positively in different ways,” said Scott. “Lakewood has been amazing. Every teacher I’ve met has been welcoming and nice. Some even go out of their way to help me find my way into the swing of things.” One thing you’ll always find in his classroom? “My students know, or will know shortly that they can always find someone who cares in my room. Not just about their grade in my class, but their grade in every class and their success in general. I make it a point to make students realize, even though they may hate us at times, teachers genuinely care about their success in life.”
“This summer I went to New York and went to a couple of football camps. I also chilled with some friends.” -Senior Max Thuriere Quotes compiled by Kayla Garcia and Kasey Dillard. Photos by Molinseai Elcius
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Can Hollywood High m
State stalks Spartans By SHANTE’ SHEDRICK SNN Staff Writer
Little laughter filled the library on Aug. 31 as the state Department of Education devised new and improved ways to make learning better for students. A team of reading coaches, administrators and department heads observed classes for two days, while another team gathered around a library table dispatching ideas. “Lakewood is like a body, and we are the doctor who calls in specialists to try and make the body better. We’re here to do system checks and take diagnostic steps to get the body ... on the right track,” said achievement specialist Michelle Dennard. The state is here because Lakewood has failed to make enough academic progress. “The stares the state gave, made me feel uncomfortable,” said junior Brandon Klase. One of the many improvements already in effect is the implementation of the four questions on every teacher’s board. “The questions don’t help. It’s ridiculous because no one pays attention to them,” said Klase. Others are optimistic about the future. “Although it puts a lot of extra requirements on teachers, it helps us retrain on what the state considers important for students’ education,” said science teacher Dr. Garbutt. But he still says “the jury is out” on whether the changes will be effective for students. During the visit in August, the state didn’t name specific areas that needed improvement, but principal Bob Vicari did. “I expected to see all classes do well; instead only 70 percent made me proud. I can’t have students learning from busy work, and that’s what I saw in the other 30 percent,” said Vicari. He said when he first came to Lakewood, he was told about 30 percent of the students are struggling. But “after what I saw, 30 percent of teachers are struggling as well.” This visit was one of many scheduled to happen this year. In addition to the scrutiny, the school will be awarded a school improvement grant, which consists of $500,000 to make improvements at Lakewood. Vicari will work closely with administrators, teachers and department heads to focus on how the money can be spent wisely. Vicari said he has good things in store for Lakewood this year. “Students deserve more; they should be able to walk away from any class saying, ‘Wow, I really got something out of that lesson.’”
TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN
Above: Collie Kolosey gestures as she speaks to other state and county staff assigned to Lakewood High School at a meeting on Aug. 31. Left: Members from the state have been filling out forms like this one during tours throughout Lakewood High School.
ALANDRA PRYOR | SNN
make an about-face? Schedule shuffle
Vicari promises
By CHRIS DEISTER SNN Staff Writer
This year at Lakewood more than 600 students were left without a schedule on the first day of school. “It’s terrible. It’s embarrassing,” said new principal Bob Vicari. The problem happened because Pinellas County schools switched from one computer program to another over the summer. The new system is called PCS Portal. It allows parents to log in and check their child’s grades, attendance and discipline, similar to Parent Connect. The new Portal is a one-stop-shop for parents and teachers. While everyone agrees that Portal might be good in the end, when the school first switched to the new system, “it was a mess,” said Vicari. In the first week, guidance counselors and assistant principals fixed about 90 percent of the schedules. However, principal Vicari did not think that was good enough because it was not fair to the other 10 percent of students who did not have the right classes. “Everyone has seven classes, but we need to put kids in the classes that they need,” said Vicari. “They’re heading in the right direction. … We’re doing it as fast as we can.” Sophomore Bailey Kay had some problems with her schedule. “It took like three
KATIE ATKISSON | SNN
Junior Steven Doyle, center, waits with other students experiencing schedule problems in the CAT Auditorium on Aug. 24. There have been large schedule problems because of a new computer program being used in Pinellas County schools. or four days (to get it fixed),” she said. She had to sit in the CAT auditorium and to turn in one of the forms for a schedule change. “(It was) extremely frustrating because it’s not fun sitting in the CAT auditorium for three or four periods.” Vicari said he will bring staff in even if he has to pay them overtime to make sure that this does not happen again next year. “Next year, I guarantee this will not happen… we will look over every schedule by hand. We will make sure that you won’t be sitting in the auditorium for two or three days,” he said.
1. Classes need to be more engaging. “Too many kids are tuning the teachers out.” 2. Up the level of instruction. “We need to get rid of busy work and give students good, strong, productive work. Every student needs to feel as if they gained something from everyday” 3. More school spirit. “We want to create a school where everyone is proud to be (attending)” 4. Facility needs to be improved. “Walking on to other campuses like Gibbs, it’s beautiful. But our school has sheets of paint off the doors, and some of the flooring looks like it’s cobblestone with all of the gum stuck to it.” 5. People need to see our school as a good school. “I don’t want people saying ‘oh that’s the school where the kid got stabbed at the park next door.’ We want to be seen like we’re the best. We want parents to say that they want their kids to come here after middle school.” - Taylor LaPuma, SNN Editor in Chief
KATIE ATKISSON | SNN
No more small learning communities By CHELSEA GADBOIS SNN Staff Writer
Lakewood is going through some major “restructuring,” said principal Bob Vicari. One of his goals for the future of Lakewood is to divide the school into multiple strong academies, like AMSET, and the soon to be Journalism Academy. This means he had to do away with small learning communities like Business and Technology and the Program for Arts and Culture. His goal is to have five or six strong academies, with clear purposes and curriculum. Many students are unaware that their SLC no longer exists. “(SLCs) didn’t really matter,” said senior Ashley DeCecco-May, who was part of the BAT program. “I’m still taking digital design...I can still get the scholarship, so it still counts.” The main goal of making these changes
is that when a student graduates from high school, Vicari wants them to have a specialized set of skills that they can use in the real world. He believes that giving Lakewood an “academy theme” and providing students with classes that they are interested in will help do that. One of the programs in the process of becoming an academy is the journalism program, “I’m really excited about it; I think it’s a great step, and I think it will help us fix some of the bureaucratic challenges we’ve had such as in transportation and registration for the program, and I’m really excited about trying to involve more students,” said Journeys in Journalism coordinator Cynda Mort. “I want to try to come up with interests for everyone,” said Vicari. A major
complaint he said he has heard throughout his career from students is, “they will never use this (information) in the real world.” Vicari wants to change that. He wants to give students an opportunity to learn about things that they want to learn about, along with their mandatory core classes. Although the goal is to come up with several different academies that many people will be interested in, Vicari knows that not all students will fit into one of the academies. However at the very least, when they graduate from high school, they will have those specialized skills, and from there, they can do what they want with them, he said. “I’m glad to hear that,” said math teacher Laura Lake. “I think it’s all good stuff.”
MADDIE GLASSMAN | SNN
New Lakewood principal Bob Vicari speaks with members of the SNN newsroom staff during third period on Aug. 27.
opinion
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Editorial
I s c ha n ge ≥ g o o d ? Is all change, good change? Change is the transformation from someone or something’s original nature – which is exactly what has occurred this year at school. Due to Lakewood’s failure to make progress academically, the state has come in, switching up our way of doing things, teachers and students, alike. The changes themselves aren’t severe: no giant rulers for hand-slapping . . . Yet. The changes are so simple; it makes us question how this is going to help. For instance, have any of you noticed that your teachers’ rooms are a bit tidier this year? The state’s doing! Or that the boards all display the same format, a rectangular figure on one edge (typically with tape) with in-depth instructions. Again, the state can take kudos for that. The question we find ourselves asking is: Are we the only ones who feel like we’re in elementary school again? While welcoming our new principal, Bob Vicari, we had to accept a number of changes within our rules and regulations, that hadn’t been enforced to the degree that they are this year. Is cracking down
really going to have an effect? Or is it a futile effort on our principal’s part? One thing we know has affected the majority of the population at Lakewood is the new cell phone policy. We don’t believe that the state is the main factor in its change; rather, we believe that should be pointed in our principal’s direction, who ever-so graciously allowed us a 15-minute reprieve during break in “break areas,” and after school at lunch. We know it’s hard to resist the temptation of just sending that one text message, but with the new rules and punishments for those who disobey them in place, is it worth it? We’ve had to comply with quite a number of changes this school year, and it’s too soon to form an honest opinion on how this will work out for all of us. We hope it will. The jury’s out, Lakewood; even with all the transitions, the one thing you can count on, is that we’ll keep you updated. This editorial reflects the opinion of the SNN staff and was written by editor of editorials Sofia Damos.
Share Your Opinions Letters to the editor should be sent to tobink@pcsb.org. They should concern an opinion on a featured editorial or news story. They must be signed, accurate and at most 150 words. Letters may be edited for taste, length and grammar.
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AARON PARRY | SNN
Column
Senior scoop:
A word from the wise
By DEONNA MIMS SNN Staff Writer
Filling out college applications and taking four-hour exams, I have to admit - I didn’t expect this. I wonder this: what happened to all the fun I saw seniors having freshman, sophomore and junior year? Even though I’m not seeing the benefits of being a senior just yet, I’m still able to share some of my knowledge on how to make your overall school experience the best. Freshmen: This is the “pioneer” year for you. Grades are extremely important, so take it seriously. You’ll have time to play later. Teachers still baby you, but it’s also your responsibility to get your work done and turned in on time. Also, it’s a great idea to begin a study group now; it will always be easier to call up your study partners and ask for help on a homework question if you don’t understand.
Sophomores: You guys are somewhat used to the routine, but don’t get too excited. You still have to work hard at maintaining your grades --college isn’t as far away as you think. Juniors: Because I was a junior only a few short months ago, I feel your pain, and I’m going to share some real information with you. This year will be your hardest year ever, and you will suffer from what I like to call “junioritis.” You know you only have one year left, so you throw in the towel way too early. Whatever you do, don’t do this. I’ll admit I wasn’t eligible for the “Perfect Attendance” award last year, but I still knew the importance of keeping on top of things. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, is cute about being a “super-senior.” Seniors: Filling out college applications early and getting your ACT and SAT scores up are extremely detrimental to how much money you receive toward your education as well as your admission. This is the time to focus on making every day count and mooching off parents for as long as we can. Let’s all graduate and leave no one behind, and most importantly enjoy senior year!
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Spartan sports roundup By JULIA POHLMANN SNN Sports Editor
Football “It’s a long season, a long year,” Coach Cory Moore said in the postgame talk to his players after the 35-14 loss to St. Petersburg High. Although Lakewood won against their rivals, the Gibbs Gladiators (32-12), Moore has many things to change with the team. “Things gotta change: our work ethic, in the classroom and on the field,” he said. Because of the tense rivalry with Gibbs, the game was sold out and many fans were turned away. Lakewood faces Dixie Hollins High on Friday with a record of 2-1. Volleyball The volleyball team, which made it to
the semifinals of regionals last year, is looking forward to an impressive season again. With returning young players like Berkley Whaley, the team has the skill to go far. “Many players played in the offseason so now it’s just (about) putting it all together,” said Coach Sean O’Flannery. The volleyball team has played and won against Northeast High and Boca Ciega High. Their next home game is on Sept. 28 against Osceola. Swim The swim team, under the guidance of new head coach Katie Davidson, is expecting a good season. “The kids are working really hard and now they’re ready to step up,”
Davidson said after their meet on Sept. 7. Coach Davidson took over for previous coach James Kostka after he left the team because he and his wife had a baby daughter. Davidson has been coaching various swim teams for eight years while teaching kindergarten. “She has some really good ideas that (have) helped the team a lot,” said one of the senior captains of the team, Sean Kendrick. The swim team has had four meets so far, all going well but Davidson said that they have to work on their relay teams. Their next meet will be against Gibbs on Sept. 24-25. Cross Country Cross Country coach Royston Dillon has high expectations for the Cross Country team but does not think he has a “championship team” at the moment. “The boys’ team has the potential and ability to be in the top five percent of the Pinellas County Cross Country teams,” Coach Dillon said. The girls’ team, however, is lacking in players due to the girls interested in volleyball or soccer instead. The girls’ team isn’t full and Coach Dillon is encouraging any girl soccer player or other athlete to come out for cross country to “get in shape.” The Cross Country team’s next meet will be the North Point Invitational on Sept. 25. - SNN staff writer Kayla Garcia contributed to these briefs.
Bye-bye Bauer By JULIA POHLMANN SNN Sports Editor
Kenard Davis (8) reaches for the ball under heavy defensive pressure during a game against Gibbs at Lakewood High School on Sept. 3.
New “man” in charge By JULIA POHLMANN SNN Sports Editor
Assistant principal Deb Fabrizio was named new athletics and activities director this year after last year’s director, Javon Turner, took a new position as an assistant principal at Gibbs High School. Principal Bob Vicari said he chose Fabrizio as the new athletics director because of her experience in the same position at Dixie Hollins High. Fabrizio said she is expecting more than just athletic excellence from the athletes this year. “It’s the integrity of the athletes that I’m (more) worried about… Wins and losses will come but you have to set the example in the classroom,” she said. Vicari also expects the athletes to perform well in the classroom. He believes that the relationship between the coach and the student is important because it is what can keep the student performing well in school and in their sport. “(Students should) use sports as a vehicle to raise grades and get the best of both worlds (on the field and in the classroom),” he said.
Rob Bauer was the boys’ soccer coach at Lakewood for six years but will not be coaching again this year. Bauer said he resigned because he needed to decide the direction his life would be taking. “I’m 30 years old. Either I go back to school or not,” said Bauer. He said he talked with his family and friends and chose to go back to school and further his education. Bauer said he’s looking forward to watching what he thinks will be a successful season for the team. He especially is looking forward to seeing the “young ones” shine on the field. “I can’t wait to sit in the stands… As a coach you’re not having that hot chocolate, you’re analyzing (the game).” Bauer expects that there are many applicants eager to coach this team that has “a tradition of success.” Along with the boys varsity soccer coach, other coaching positions are still vacant, including girls JV soccer coach and boys varsity basketball, athletic director Deb Fabrizio said.
sports
Rising rookies SNN asked the coaches of the fall sports who on their teams were rookies to watch out for. Here’s who made the cut:
Football
Sophomore Logan McNeil Position: Left tackle Why he thinks Coach Cory Moore choose him: “I try my hardest. …I’m pretty good, not jockin’ on myself.”
Volleyball
Sophomore Leigh Butner Experience: Four years Position: Outside hitter What she says she can contribute to the team: “I can contribute my enthusiasm and skill.”
Golf
Sophomore Devon Rogers Experience: Seven years What he says he can contribute to the team: “(My golfing experience will) help (the team) have someone to lead and make sure we can stick together and win.”
Cross Country
Sophomore Craig Saldanah Experience: Four years What he says he can contribute to the team: “I try to motivate the younger grades and keep them going when ... the leaders of the team aren’t around.”
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Samantha Myrthil came from Lealman Middle and thought high school would be like everything she had seen on television and movies. She is looking forward to soccer, but the new early start time makes her cranky.
Dejsha Simmons was looking forward to attending Lakewood from Azalea Middle because she would be surrounded by her cousins. Simmons was surprised at how fast the day goes by. So far, her favorite teacher is Faith Walker. “She is very easy going,” Simmons said.
Rhianna Alejo came from Tyrone Middle School expecting hard teachers. Her perspective changed when she met teacherAntez Brinson, who conducts more engaging activities. She is also looking forward to the Dance Team.
Isaiah Wynn came from Bay Point Middle and was looking forward to attending Lakewood to join the football team. Wynn’s favorite teacher so far is Cory Scott. “He’s fun, acts like a kid,” Wynn said.
F A C E S OF F R E S H M E N Portrait series by
Katie Atkisson and Maddie Glassman SNN multimedia editors
Jessica Madden was worried about being at the bottom of the food chain, the workload, being picked on by seniors and strict teachers. Her favorite teacher so far is Chris Borg. “He’s entertaining,” Madden said. She is looking forward to FBLA. “I’ve heard it’s great.”
Aaron Stubbins was looking forward to the start of school at Lakewood to “see if it was hard” and to meet new people. His favorite teacher is Joshua Plant, who nicknamed him ‘Elbows.’
Sabrina Schmidt, who attended Bay Point Middle, was mainly concerned about academics in high school. “I was scared out of my mind…thought I was going to fail,” she said. She is looking forward to track, soccer, and maybe basketball.
Jakob Barker, who attended St. Pete Christian (6th) and Thurgood Marshall (7th8th) is looking forward to the CAT program at Lakewood because he is excited about attending “a really competent school.”