Issue 1: In with the New

Volume 113, Issue 1, October 2017

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Design: M. Bohall

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@northhighoracle

nhs_oracle

Homecoming Pep Rally: Friday, Oct. 6 Homecoming: Saturday, Oct. 7 Theme: City of Lights Thursday, Oct. 13: 9 a.m.- Class of 2018 photo will take place in the gym.

Everyone needs to be there.

Spirit Week: Costume Monday

Celebrity Wednesday

Tie-dye Tuesday

Generation Thursday

Friday: Spirit Day

News Flash:

Rose Wallace-Smith, senior, has been recognized as a commended student for the National Merit Scholarship.

->North vs. Hoover: North-200 stroke/ Hoover-199 stroke -> North vs. East: North-182 stroke/East176 stroke

GOLF

->North vs. Council Bluffs: North- 62, CB- 63 ->North vs. Southeast Polk: North- 25, SEP- 135 -> North vs. Hoover: North- 57, Hoover- 58

SWIMMING

-> North vs. Osceola: Lost 0-3 Sets -> North vs. Urbandale: Lost 0-3 Sets -> North vs. PCM, Monroe: Lost 1-3 Sets -> North vs. Marshalltown: Lost 0-3 Sets -> North vs. Hoover: Lost 2-3 Sets -> North vs. Roosevelt: Lost 0-3 Sets -> North vs. Lincoln: Lost 0-3 Sets -> North vs. Clarke: Lost 0-2 Sets -> North vs. West Central Valley: Lost 0-2 Sets -> North vs. Saydel: Lost 0-2 Sets -> North vs. Panorama: Lost 0-2 Sets -> North vs. Ottumwa Lost 0-3 Sets

VOLLEYBALL

->Freshmen vs. Waukee: North-30/Waukee-36 ->Varsity vs. Waterloo East: North-0/Waterloo-38 -> Freshman vs. Dowling North-14/Dowling-0 ->Varsity vs. Sioux City West North-6/SCW-44 -> Varsity vs. Newton North-2/Newton-60 -> Varsity vs. East North-0/East-62 -> Varsity vs. Council Bluffs North-13/C.B.-50

FOOTBALL

CROSS COUNTRY

->Boys JV, placed 6th at Johnston invitational ->Boys Varsity placed 7th at Johnston Invitational ->Girls Varsity placed 5th at Johnston Invitational

@northhighoracle

North High Oracle

Best Times: *50Y Freestyle: Emma Mattes with a time of; 29.11 *100Y Freestyle: Emma Mattes with a time of; 1:06.13 *200Y Freestyle: Leah Rice with a time of; 2:22.63 *500Y Freestyle: Leah Rice with a time of; 6:31.08 *100Y Backstroke: Kaitie Oosterhuis with a time of; 1:32.05 *100Y Breaststroke: Emma Mattes with a time of 1:25.54 *100Y Butterfly: Kaitie Oosterhuis with a time of 1:12.41 *200Y Individual Medley: Emma Mattes with a time of; 2:41.81

Design: K. Schnathorst

4 Being a new principal, Ben Graeber’s relationship with the students is important to keeping the culture of North and making it better for the next years to come. This day he made a paper to give to Polar Bear Crew members to write about their concerns at North. Photo Credit: Jasmine Inthabounh

Polar Bear Crew is a student leadership group that meets during Polar Bear Time every day to break into commitees to enforce positive leadership around North.

This day, there was a speical guest, Principal Ben Graeber, who wanted to hear concerns straight from the students.

Photo Credit: Jasmine Inthabounh

Polar Bear Crew member Caleb Slater directly talks to Principal Ben Graeber about the teacher and student relationships in the classroom. Photo Credit: Jasmine Inthabounh

News

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Jasmine Inthabounh, Editor-in-Chief Over the years, North has created a contagious culture that accepts the differences among people and focuses on core values like courageous, passionate and relentless. Today, as we enter the 2017-2018 school year, we welcome our new principal and former teacher, school improvement leader, Ben Graeber. This culture will continue to thrive and blossom with our school in his hands.

As some of us walk fresh into the halls of North High, for the rest, North High has been our stomping grounds for the past four years. But just like Graeber, we all know what it’s like to step into crowded hallways, the hot sauna of the gym but most importantly ,we all know what it means to be a Polar Bear.

It seems like all his life Graeber has been devoted to the Polar Bear Way, but before coming to North to teach journalism and conquer more, Graeber graduated from Roosevelt High School. Growing up all his life in Des Moines, he had a thirst to get out of the city, but not too far from Mom and Dad. Graeber attended Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin, and he enjoyed the experiences he had there. He was able to play basketball, do newspaper and be in small classes. Further on, he came back to Iowa and in 2001, he started his first couple years at North before going to teach in Seattle, Washington. From Wisconsin, to Iowa and then to Washington, it was never hard for Graeber to find his way back home and back to the Bears’ Den. Prior to this year, Graeber had

spent eight years total inside the walls of North High. Even after all those years, something kept Graeber here. That was this position. He expressed that when this position was open, it was a complete surprise but he knew that it was something he had to take a shot at. He was able to convey his growing passion about North in his interview, in a way that showed how fitting he was for the job as principal. His passion for helping and changing norms to make sure that students become successful in the shoes of a teacher and administrator, stood out.

“As a teacher for 15 years, five of them in this building, I understand teaching and I understand the grind. The day-to-day grind. The why did I apply is because I couldn’t live with myself if I wouldn’t have applied, truly. It was something I had to do,” Graeber said.

When an opportunity arises, take it and run. That’s exactly what Graeber did. This is his dream job.

North has everything to offer to him, which is why at 40 years old, being the principal at North is his last stop. In his eyes, he made it to his destination. His past experiences as a teacher has shown him ways to be better than his past worst bosses or just as good as his best bosses. Graeber could’ve been a teacher his whole career and would’ve been just as happy ,but he strived for more. He wanted to be a change in the world of school administration and coach teachers on how to motivate students to be more than just average inside and outside of school.

Graeber explained, “If a teacher’s struggling, it’s probably something they know how to do but they’re just not understanding that they’re not doing it. Coaching teachers and being a part of that change. You know, I’m going to have teachers and students that don’t like me, I know that. But I’m not going to be like my previous bosses where people walked into their jobs and they didn’t like coming to work. People are going to like going to school here and like coming to work here and that’s one of my goals, that we have a good culture and strong community.”

Community is a large factor in why North is such a tightknit family environment, which is why Graeber wants to make sure that the community is aware of everything that is going on at our school, in all departments. He wants to focus on supporting the fine arts and give them outlets in order for them to continue creating their magic.

“I think we have some of the best teachers we could possibly have in those areas. Rooms keep growing. I just want to support that with time, energy and money as much as we can,” Graeber said.

With all the increasingly great things happening it’s hard to keep track sometimes. Although, after years and years, North was always labeled an underdog in comparison to our surrounding schools.

This is something Graeber found important to the culture of North and honestly was one of his favor-

ite parts of this school. Being the so called, “underdog” and then rising to the top in activities like Robotics or sports like basketball, remixed the culture and views from the outside world about North.

Graeber went on to explain, “There are so many examples of programs that are some of the best in the city. Sometimes, the best in the state. Going through that transformation from underdog to champion, from perceived underdog to, ‘Oh my gosh, what’s going on over there at North?’ That’s really fun.”

Ultimately as principal, Graeber’s major concern is the student’s’ success. What the students strive to be is what he strives to make happen and focus on. The outside world still goes on and life still goes on but when at North, Graeber wants students to know that it’s about them and how they’re doing.

“I think that fact that, students can be challenging at North, but as soon as you show that you truly care about them and you want to help and you want to challenge them, it’s the fact that they step up to the plate. I think that’s what is the most fun about being at North,” Graeber said.

At the end of that day, North is where Graeber wants to be. Many students weren’t very fond of the idea of having a new principal, especially when this year is the last for some. But excited and relief exploded when it was announced that Graeber was the new principal of North, someone who truly represents the Polar Bear Way.

Design: J.Inthabounh

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Sarahi Peralta, Reporter On Sept. 5 the Trump Administration ultimately rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). DACA was set up in 2012 by former President Barack Obama. DACA is an immigration policy that allowed some individuals who came to the United States as children to work and study. It does not let you leave the country for vacation. According to an article in Newsweek, in 2016 this affected 741,546 individuals referred to as Dreamers; as of 2017 this affects 800,000 dreamers nationwide. This affects students here at North High, here are some of their stories.

Jose Perez:

Photo Credit: Sarahi Peralta

A senior at North High was born in Michoacån, Mexico. At the age of six Perez came to the United States. Coming directly to Iowa, Jose has always enjoyed playing soccer and fishing with his uncles. Growing up Perez’s passion for cars; has led him to buy two cars he plans on fixing and selling this summer. When he was seven he started working in the family business washing dishes, sweeping, and running errands for his uncle.

News

Photo Credit: Sarahi Peralta

Yeraldi Nabor:

Junior at North High, Yeraldi Nabor was born in Guerrero, Mexico. When she turned two she came to the U.S. along with her older brother, who at the time was five. Before living in Iowa, Nabor stayed in Chicago for a while then came to Iowa to stay with her aunt while her parents came from Mexico. She spends her free time doing her makeup, drawing and spending time with her dog.

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Hilario Callejas:

Hilario callejas is a senior at North High and was born in Sensutepeque Cabañas, El Salvador.

Callejas was two when he came to the United States with his parents.

Hilario enjoys hanging out with his friends and playing soccer with his brother. Callejas also enjoys school because “it’s a benefit that not many other kids in other countries have, and I never take it for granted.”

Photo Credit: Sarahi Peralta

Why did you come to the U.S? JP: “My parents would work from sunrise to sunset harvesting fruit and only make $5 a day. We didn’t have money. We struggled with putting food on the table, for a pair of jeans my parents would have to work a whole week. My parents knew that coming to the United States would be a challenge, but they were willing to sacrifice themselves to make sure I had the right to a good education.”

YN: “My mom didn’t want me to go through the struggles that she went through. My mom wanted to give me and my brother a better life, and the possibility to become somebody”.

HC: “Back in El Salvador there is lots of gang violence, and it’s very dangerous. My mom knew that here in the United States I would be safer. My mom also wanted to give me a better life than the one El Salvador had in stored for me.”

What age did you receive DACA? JP: “14.”

YN: “15.”

HC: “15.”

How did it make you feel when you heard DACA was being rescinded? And why?

JP: “It made me angry. Angry because they are taking something away from me that made me someone in this country. I had worked so hard for an opportunity like this and the day to the next it’s gone.”

YN: “It made feel sad, because I already had my future, dreams, set. Taking DACA away is like taking my dreams I’ve worked so hard to chase away. And that’s not fair.”

HC: “At first I was in denial. I didn’t want to believe it was true.

But once I came to realize that it was I felt sad because that was my only chance I had to work and to help my family out.”

How did DACA change your life?

JP: “DACA opened so many doors for me. I was able to get my driver’s license, work permit, and thanks to DACA I bought my first car.”

YN: Because of DACA I was able to get my work permit, my social security and other things that make me like every other American.”

HC: “I was able to get my first job, my drivers permit.”

How does DACA being rescinded change/affect your future?

JP: “I won’t be able to go on to further education, and pursue my dreams.”

YN: “With DACA being rescinded it changes everything. My dreams that started to look like reality will now again become dreams.”

HC: “I won’t be able to keep working and I won’t be able to go to college.”

What are your goals?

JP: “To own my own body shop, and customize cars.”

YN: “I want to go to cosmetology school and own my own beauty salon.”

HC: “I want to go to college to become either a physical therapist or a teacher.”

What do you wish more people knew about Dreamers?

JP: “That we’re like everyone else.

That being born in another country shouldn’t define us.”

YN: “I wish people knew what being a Dreamer is really like. We are hardworking people who will sacrifice so many things in order to be successful and to make our families proud.”

HC: “I wish people that are against DACA knew that if Dreamers get deported we’d be getting sent to a country we don’t know. That’s not our home anymore. This is.”

Design: S. Peralta

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An AP Literature class full of students, who are doing their best to learn in a big class enviroment.

Photo Credit: Mya Alexander

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Breana Petersen, Editor It seems this year classes are full, and the halls are even fuller, which has made parents and students questioned why and if learning is going to be impacted. The answer to that question is yes and no.

The student body as a whole has grown a little bit. As of September 1, the number of students at North is 1,343, which is only 35 more students than the same day last year, at 1,308. Last year the number dropped a little and so will the number this year, at this time, but for the most part that’s where North will stay. Each grade level has about 300 students, with Freshmen at 341, Sophomores at 355, Juniors at 344 and Seniors at 303.

With those numbers in mind there’s still the question of why classes seem so crowded, even though classes have seemed to even out since the first week. Benjamin Graeber, North High’s Principal, gives some reasons why.

“We did have a little bit of a dip in students attending Central. Not a drastic dip, but even 20 students not going [makes a difference]...

Usually you go down there for two or three blocks, so that right there made an impact,” Graeber said.

Graeber also explained that some teachers started to teach fewer blocks to fit in planning time, which also made an impact in class sizes. It seems to be almost a state-wide situation and it’s going to take the government, along with the school system, to work on making classes a bit smaller.

The most popular classes at North are the electives, which in turn means they have large class sizes. In elective classes, and in all other classes as well, teachers are finding it a little challenging. Kirby Gilson, P.E. teacher at North, explained how his large elective gym classes are coming along.

“Definitely [my teaching pattern has become] a lot more [of] creative ideas to deal with the larger numbers,” Gilson said.

A lot of teachers, including Principal Graeber, have said that the ideal class size would be 25. But the teachers are doing their best to teach every student the best they can.

The overcrowding of 30 or more students in a class has brought up some concerns with students. Many students have voiced their concern that bigger classes are a louder and more rowdier environment.

“I do think we are impacted because now there’s more people messing around and causing distractions,” said Giorgio Rossi, senior at North.

Another fellow student explains how she sees some peers dealing with the larger environments.

“Bigger classes can result to a more louder environment, and for me it doesn’t bother me, but I know many of my peers do not like it.

It’s definitely a lot more rowdier with a bigger class,” said Cheri Tran, senior at North.

Now while most students are seeing how hard it can be in a large class, there are some students who know how to overcome that challenge.

“I believe bigger class sizes can become challenging because the ratio from students to teacher is very wide... However, I believe that as long as you keep your eye on the prize and don’t let anything get in your way you can be successful in any class that is any size.

Remember that you are in charge of your own learning and success,” said Stephanie Ramos, senior at north.

The larger classes will impact students.

It’s going to put some responsibility on the student about their own learning.

“I think some students who are quiet, whether they are quiet and they’re good at

class or they’re quiet and they don’t get it, are gonna get over looked... Some that are quiet [that may] need more help are going to fall behind a little more... [Teachers] don’t notice because you’ve got that many more students you are trying to keep track of,” said Sara Stieler, government teacher.

The fear of students not being able to learn from larger classes doesn’t seem to be real for several teachers, because their experience shows them differently. They are seeing students take on their learning and help their peers do the same.

“In classes where so many students are self motivated, or you guys [students] kind of help motivate each other... In that sense its really nice to have all of you in there,” Stieler said.

Students are showing understanding about the situation and taking responsibility for their learning.

“More students are understanding what proficient looks like and are doing a better job of monitoring themselves,” Gilson said.

Students, if you enjoy a class stick with it and dive into it. The learning gets higher and the classes get a bit smaller because students don’t normally take the second level of a class.

“Just taking the lowest level elective on every course is not very fulfilling, I don’t think... When you dive into a elective for a second year or a second semester... I think that’s where you can really impact your life,” Graeber said.

It’s also up to you, students, to inform yourself on all options available to you. Whether it’s all the classes you could take, at North or at Central, or all the help you could get. There is so much after school help and if you asked any teacher they would be very willing to help.

Design: Breana Petersen

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Mya Alexander, Managing Editor At the start of the 2017-2018 school year, students and teachers may have noticed a little something different; new supplies were everywhere. From the student center to the classrooms, every room had new tables and chairs that were in an odd triangle shape.

“It’s not an accident that they fit together the way they do,” said Principal Ben Graeber. The way they fit together is either one of two ways, in pods of three or four. This pod or “team” method is used to try and help encourage students to talk to each other.

The other use of the new seating arrangements is to approach a new learning style that Hig can reach out to hlig hte r- 3 8.2 4%

a new area of students. “[We] need to think about strategies to reach every single kid,” Graeber said. This way, no matter how you learn, your education can flourish.

Also, to help extend the students’ learning, binders and pencil pouches have been purchased. Not only is there one for each student, but there is one for each student in all of their classes separately and are to stay in that class.

Outside of the classroom, if you were to look into a high schooler’s bag you may not find the common notebook, pens or pencils. Some students don’t even bring a bag to school. The new purchase of the binders and pencils was to “help bridge that gap” and “just to make learning better,” Graeber said.

The hope administration has is to make sure every student has what they need to be successful in the classroom. This means that a daily routine of a classroom is to grab a binder and look at their tracking sheet to see what it takes to get a three for that block. “I think students will appreciate that the key assignments

are always in the same spot,” Graeber said.

All these updates come alongside the fact that North High is now a year-two School of Rigor demonstration school. As a school we hope to amplify all of our participation and test results in the classrooms. Principal Graeber’s goal is “that infinite campus and gradebooks look a lot more student friendly”.

In the words of Principal Graeber, “Year one was really the goofy year, year two we’re looking for stability”. Between tables, chairs, binders and pencil pouches, North High has improved a lot from School of Rigor year-one to year-two; but we’re not done yet.

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Design: M. Alexander

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S T A N D Breana Petersen, Editor It’s that time of year again, where Sundays and Monday nights are all about football. But this year is a bit different because this past Sunday, Sept. 24, and Monday, Sept. 25, many NFL teams, players, coaches and even their owners all took a knee and linked arms, or didn’t even come onto the field, during the National Anthem.

Many people are quick to jump to conclusions without knowing the facts and called it disrespectful.

It started a year ago when the 49ers’ quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, kneeled during the National Anthem to protest injustices that were, still are, going on. He protested a series of police shootings that involved the deaths of African Americans. He started this protest movement against police brutality and is meant to be nothing but peaceful.

Opinions

Some American sports people followed and knelt in protest with him, while others criticized him.

Kaepernick is not an NFL player anymore. Because of that, it calmed down during the start of this season. What was the tipping point that made whole teams and owners, link arms and kneel during the National Anthem? The answer would be President Donald Trump.

Tr u mp m a d e com-

Knee ments Friday, during a campaign rally in Alabama, about the players kneeling during the National Anthem. He said that the players kneeling should be fired, in fact he said that owners should push to “get that son of a b---- off the field.”

That led to the mass protest we saw on the football fields and in the locker rooms. Many protesting equality and freedom of speech.

It’s not disrespectful because they mean no disrespect to veterans or even to the country, they just want to shine, yet another, light on the injustices going on about race.

The powerful message behind the kneeling is what is important.

This movement was started to protest racial inequality. It’s about unity and bringing everyone as a whole together. It’s about stopping the violence and the fear that has taken over our nation.

The brutality and injustice that black people in America have to deal with is concerning; the amount of deaths of unarmed men is something that needs to stop. That’s what this movement is about: Unity for people

and the violence to stop.

Social media has been taken by storm and many people are blowing it out of proportion; while others are kneeling with them.

On social media you can find a trend called “#takeaknee”, where people are choosing to take a knee with the NFL teams. There is even a 97-year-old WWII veteran who was taking a knee in front of the flag to show support for the movement, saying, “these kids have every right to protest.”

This movement wasn’t started to be disrespectful, or violent, it was started to peacefully kneel for what they believe in. It’s a call upon this country, the people, to unite and kneel against police brutality and race inequality.

The teams that players were from that took a knee during the National Anthem -Atlanta Falcons -Baltimore Ravens -Buffalo Bills -Cleveland Browns - Denver Broncos -Detroit Lions -Greenbay Packers -Miami Dolphins -New England Patriots -New York Giants -Orlando Raiders -Tennesse Texans

Design: M. Alexander

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Do, show up prepared and on time

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Do, participate in school activities

Showing up prepared and on time This may seem like is a very important an obvious request for multiple reasons. for some, but for When you show up others this is crucial on time it shows your advice. Not only is teacher that you care going to activities about the class and such as sporting even if you secretevents, pep rallies ly don’t want to and dances a fun be at passingtime to get school. you through high Showing up prepared is so easy and crucial because school, but it’s also how many times have you showed up prepared for where the best memories are made. In class, having to wait 10 or 15 for some other student ten years you won’t remember that hard to get a paper or pencil? The wait can be extremely exam or the big project that you failed, frustrating.

Megan Bohall, Editor you’ll remember all the memories you made while laughing with friends.

Do, get to know your teacher

Do, participate in a club or sport

We all have hobbies whether that’s football or academic decathlon, so even if you When entering high school there a few think you might want rules one should follow, here are the do’s to join a club or of high school and why they are sport, do it, because important. in the end you only go to high school once, so make it matter. Also, joining a sport or club is a great way to make friends who also share the same interests or hobbies as you do, therefore making high school a lot more fun and enjoyable.

Having a teacher-student connection is key to high school. Getting to know your teacher and building a strong connection can help so much with staying on top of your school Surviving high school is hard. work. If your It’s not the greatest thing in teacher feels you the entire world, but if you care enough about ask any upperclassmen or the class to ask graduated student their favorquesttions they ite memory in high school, it probably includes their will make sure you have the tools friends. There isn’t much that will make high school the to get your work done. In the end they best time of your life, but one thing that makes high may even help you with recommendation school something letters to get into college or get a to take advantage good job in the future. of, and to enjoy while it’s still here, is making memories that will last a lifetime with people who will be there for you, for a lifetime.

Features

Do, make new friends

1 4 Don’t, be a traffic jammer

Being in a school with more than 1,300 students, the hallways get to be a little crowded and have a lot of people during passing time. But there are those students who like to stop in the middle of the hallway and stand in everyone’s way while they talk to their friends.

If you are one of

Don’t, settle for “less”

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Everyone in high school should always have goals that they want to accomplish before they graduate. If you have high expecIn high school there will be times where you tations for yourself will get confused or stressed about a certain then don’t settle class. But trust me, we’ve all been there. for Whether you’re a senior who’s about to anything less graduate, or a new than that, freshman who just these students at North, please for every- only settle for something that’s better than what you started their high one in this school who is trying to get to wanted in the first place. If you think there’s room for school journey, we all class on time, do us a favor and move to improvement then there probably is, you can always need help at some the side in the hall even if you don’t care succeed and get the result you want. point. Please do not be to get to class, some people do. scared to ask for help, Laura Christensen, Managing Editor it is your education and most likely, someone else has the same question.

Even if you don’t want to ask in front Just like there are those important the whole class, ask the teacher indithings you should do in high school,

When students are in high vidually at some point because all the North there are also those things you should school, they don’t always tend to try new teachers would be more than happy to help you not do in high school to be a responsible things because of if you’re having trouble. student. what their friends might think of them depending on what they want to do. If you want to do something, get involved with it. These four years you get at North as a student are going to fly by, one second you will be a freshman and the next it will be There are always those few death shattering assignyour last day walking through ments or tests that students will stress over and worry these halls. So, if you want to get about it until it comes to that very minute it’s hapinvolved in a club, sport or any activity, pening. Most likely that test isn’t going to drastically do it and don’t regret it later. affect your grade for that semester. Yes, it could bring it down a bit, but you can retake that test, study really hard and get that 4 or 2.5you’re striving for.

Don’t, be afraid to ask for help

Don’t regret decisions in high school

Don’t obsess over an assignment/get stressed over one thing

Design: L. Christensen/ M. Bohall

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Jenna Post, Reporter “See a need, fill a need.” This is the motto of the Polar Bear Crew.

The Polar Bear Crew is responsible for planning dances, tailgates and pep rallies, but their primary purpose is to mentor freshmen.

Their goal is to build relationships between upperclassmen and freshmen, so they feel welcome and comfortable at North High.

In previous years they’ve done this, but this year the crew plans to step it up.

Amy Rost, one of the teachers in charge of the group, says that the crew is going to start attending freshmen PBT (Polar Bear Time) more regularly to strengthen their relationships with the freshmen and to spread Polar Bear pride.

Rost says her favorite part of Polar Bear Crew is, “seeing the

Features

students better the North High community”.

Aside from mentoring the freshmen class, the members of Polar Bear Crew also plan to better the community by completing several school improvement projects this year, including putting up a Polar Bear pride mural.

If you’re proud to be a Polar Bear, and helping strengthen the community is something you’re interested in, you may want to become a member next year. If that’s the case, be on the lookout for applications this April.

There will be a summer training program for those whose applications are accepted.

Students who would like to be involved can go to Rost or Mercer for additional details.

What do you hope PBC accomplishes this year?

Mary Zarwie, junior, speaks during a Polar Bear Crew meeting.

Photo Credit: Caleb Slater

Alissa Cavanh and Paw Mu Soe work on homecoming parade posters.

Photo Credit: Caleb Slater

Design: J. Post

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Abbie Primrose, Arts and Entertainment Editor, and Melanie Carmenatte, Reporter What is a class president? By school spirit, was on every social munication as a whole. Knowing definition a class president is “the media out there possible and was a students want to try different acleader of a student body class, voice for all the students in North tivities but not knowing how to and presides over its cabinet or High. He had organized many get involved was difficult last year. organization within a student events including prom, by find- Lastly, he enjoyed how everyone council.” But a president doesn’t ing the venue himself and making is a family and just come down to a definition. A sure everything was taken care does every president is also someone to look of and in place. When Harry and crazy event toup to, someone you rely on, who Jessie Masteller, went to the venue gether. is a leader, who is courageous, to ask if he could use it for prom There is kind and passionate, among other he took full control of the situa- a class presicharacteristics. tion while Masteller stood in the dent but there Amy Rost, the drama teacher, back as the adult in the situation is also a vice gave some insight on how to be- and let him make all of the points president. Last come president if you wanted to and do what he needed to do. He year North’s run. “To become president you specified how many times it is im- vice president have to be a part of Polar Bear portant for the president to have was senior Crew, we promote them to senate a relationship with not only the Darrick Burif they want to be president,” Rost people that you come in contact rage! Some exDarrick Burrage, last year’s North High vice president. says. There are certain duties to with but as well with the admins amples of a vice Photo Credit: Abbie Prirmose being a president in their senior and the students as a whole. “They president’s role year and many more years after need to understand the student’s is to help as much as they could in somebody’s name,” Burrage said. that. “ We prefer the president to purpose, the faculty’s purpose and programs such as Polar Bear Crew For some advice he has for future be a senior so they can speak at most importantly, the Polar Bear and Senate. “ I was looked at as vice presidents is, “Don’t take it as class day and graduation, do that Way,” Nguyen said. One thing he more of someone who would help second place. It is something to kind of welcome thing, but it’s wanted improved was more com- in directing in some of the things”, be proud of. You can still have a not necessarily a requirement.” In Burrage says. Even though the voice and be seen just as equal as regards to what a presvice president’s role the president.” ident does, a president isn’t as big as the presA class president is a voice and runs all of the senate ident, it is equally as a loud one. A president has a lot meetings, they will run important. “ I tried to of impact and has a major influall the informational do as much as i would ence on so many people. It can be meetings when meetmake myself to do, and looked at as a guide and someone ing with the principal, help out the president to look up to in the the midst of they will be in charge of as much as i could. In circumstances or occasions either the welcoming speech most terms the vice joyful or tragic. That’s why North during Class Day and president is looked at president needs to be someone graduation and are in as someone who fol- who is courageous, passionate, recharge of all the class lows behind the presi- lentless, and can always make it a reunions in the years to dent, I think it should great day to be a polar bear. come. have more as me to also In regards to the leadbe somebody people ership ,the president last Harry Nguyen, winning class president last year, congratulaed by many. could look up to and Photo Credit: Megan Bohall year Harry Nguyen had not just a tag-along on

Features

Design: A.Primrose/M Carmentte

16 Laura Christensen, Managing Editor At the beginning of each new school year, there is an election to select the new student body president out of the senior class. The president is chosen by the students of North through voting polls that will happen the week of homecoming and will be anncounced at the homecoming pep assembly. Here are the candidates. Hopefully this will give you a more inside scoop on what it would be like if they were elected.

Somerle Rhiner

Q: Why do you want to run for student body president/what made you want to?

A: I want to run for student body president because I feel like I’ll make a change and/or try and make North better by the time I graduate. North is great now but there is always room for improvement and I want to bring that improvement. Also, Mr. Graeber influenced me to become class president, which gave me the motivation to try.

Q: Do you have any changes you want to make about North? If so, what are they?

A: I would want to increase activities that get students involved maybe even start up a club for girls, maybe a mentor group. I met a girl when I was doing freshmen orientation and she seemed like she needed a shoulder to cry on so even if I don’t become student body president I still want to attempt to enforce this.

Features

Q: If you become class president, how would you address students and their requests for the school?

A: I would take everyone’s opinion and always put it into consideration; students at North have wonderful ideas. It’s always nice to have a voice that is not in Senate/ Crew to tell me what they think and how they feel because that’s what really matters as being student body president.

Q: What do you have to offer North that the other candidates don’t?

A: I offer a lot of fun if I get elected as student body president, but I can also be strict, I want everyone to be successful: get them to classes, raise money for our programs, and make sure everyone has the chance to graduate and move into college. I can’t say that about the others. I want everyone to be proud when someone ask “where did you graduate?” and they say “NHS”.

Who Should You Pi c Senior Clas s

Shannon McGuire

Q: Why do you want to run for student body president/what made you want to?

A: I would love to run for student body president because North has always been a huge part of me. I want to use my love for the school to bring joy to others in the hopes that North will become a second home to them just as it has been to me.

Q: Do you have any changes you want to make about North? If so, what are they?

A: As a leader in this school, I will use my power and use everyone’s voice in order to make the school fill everyone’s needs. One thing I believe will be a good attendance incentive is earning extra time for lunch by consistently showing up for skinny. This is something I will work on with the staff and my peers to accomplish.

Q: If you become class president, how would you address students and their requests for the school?

A: My goal as student body president is not only to make North a better and bigger family, but also to have everyone’s voice heard. In order to do this, I want to make a box for students to write down ideas to help improve the school.

Every Friday or Wednesday either me and some teachers will go through or Polar Bear Senate will read and address each note, this includes writing back to whomever took their time to give us ideas.

Q: What do you have to offer North that the other candidates don’t?

A: I’m not only a hard-working student in the classroom, but also outside of the classroom. I am a very passionate leader not only in school, but also in my personal life. I intend to use my communication skills from working in a hospital to be relatable and welcoming to each student.

i ck for your 2017-2018 s s President?

17

Darrick Burrage Q: Why do you want to run for student body president/what made you want to?

A: I want to run for president because I want to accomplish the goals I set out for my previous run for president last year that as vice president I don’t believe I could truly accomplish as desired.

Yair Gomez

Jasmine Inthabounh Q: Why do you want to run for student body president/what made you want to?

A: I’ve always wanted to run for student body president; it’s been something I wanted to do when I came to high school and I feel like I have a big personality and I’ve always loved being a leader. Another reason is, in the last three years there hasn’t been a girl as a president.

Q: Do you have any changes you want to make about North? If so, what are they?

A: I don’t want to make a lot of changes because they don’t make a lot of changes, they make them known to the principal and work things out with them, but I kind of want to change the culture a little bit just because there’s so much negativity going on in the world right now, I want make North a positive place.

Q: If you become class president how would you address students and their requests for the school?

A: I don’t really know what people will request, but right now I’m in charge of the Bears Den Twitter and people ask me to change themes sometimes, but there’s not too many drastic changes, but I will take everything into consideration.

Q: What do you have to offer North that the other candidates don’t?

A: Something I want to make prominent to everyone is, even if I’m not president that I’m still going to be a leader in the school and a positive light in the school. I’ll still shed all my spirit and I think that’s something that’s important because even if I don’t become president, I don’t want to say all this stuff I would do, but then not do it just because I don’t become president. It’s always something I wanted to do and I want to finish high school strong and I want everyone to know that.

Q: Why do you want to run for student body president/what made you want to?

A: My senior year I realized how much I am involved with North and with that comes a passion for the school, so I decided I can give back by becoming class president.

Q: Do you have any changes you want to make about North? If so, what are they?

A: I want to make North more open and welcoming. I want to let students know it’s a safe place and to be who they are. Also, to encourage students to get involved at North.

Q: If you become class president, how would you address students and their requests for the school?

A: I am a determined and passionate and not to mention a loud person so I will make the student’s voices heard to the best of my ability.

Q: What do you have to offer North that the other candidates don’t?

A: I can offer North my determination, my time, my passion, my enthusiasm, my energy, and my high level polar bear spirit.

Q: Do you have any changes you want to make about North? If so, what are they?

A: Just like I said last year I want to be the “Voice of the Voiceless” something that I believe is truly needed in order to not only represent the student body, but help it.

Q: If you become class president, how would you address students and their requests for the school?

A: If I became student body president I would be 100 percent open to hearing students’ opinions, problems and ideas about things at North. The student body president role should not be looked at as just a tagline onto a students’ name but as a role they use more than just showing school spirit.

Q: What do you have to offer North that the other candidates don’t?

A: I truly care about the student body. I personally believe that the way the elections go that it becomes more of a popularity contest. I myself have felt voiceless at North. With 1,000-some students it is extremely easy to be that way.

If elected I would make it so I am looked at as a beacon of possible change the student body can count on, something I think past presidents haven’t done and the other candidates won’t do.

Design: L. Christensen

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Kenzie Schnathorst, Editor

LORENZO CASTELLI Lorenzo Castelli is 17 and a senior this year from Italy. He wanted to be a part of the exchange program because he likes everything about the United States. He would like to understand the lifestyle and language.

Castelli has never been an exchange student before this year. His favorite part so far is having this experience to grow. He said it is hard being far away from his friends and that he misses them.

It isn’t quite that hard to be away from home just yet, but it will be later in the year.

PHUTAWAN SAELEE Phutawan Saelee, also known as Grace, is 16 and a junior from Thailand.

She wanted to be part of the foreign exchange program because she wants to gain a lot more experience and improve her English.

This is her first time being an exchange student, and her favorite thing about being here so far would have to be the food. Her favorite is Taco Bell. Saelee’s least favorite thing is that some of her classes are difficult for her.

The hardest one for her is theatre arts because she has to use a lot of new words she’s never used before. So far it has been hard to be away from Thailand. She misses her home, family and food the most.

Features

JINHYUNG CHOI Jinhyung Choi, also known as David, is 15 and a sophomore from South Korea. Choi’s favorite thing about his adventure so far has been the food.

His favorites are pizza, cheeseburgers and just fast food.

It is a little difficult for him to keep up in class while still learning English. He joined the exchange program because his friend had been in the program last year and thought it would be a cool experience.

He said, “You all talk really fast.” It takes him longer to process each sentence. That would have to be his least favorite thing.

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NATTAWAT SIRIPANICH Nattawat Siripanich, also known as Putter, is 16 and in the 11th grade from Thailand. He wanted to be in the exchange program be to improve his English skills and to learn new things.

Siripanich is excited to be learning English and to be playing sports all the time. His favorite part so far would have to be playing soccer.

As of now, it isn’t too difficult to be away from his family in Thailand, but it will eventually get harder for him, he said.

YE JU WANG

Ye Ju Wang, also known as Nicole, is 15 and a sophomore this year from South Korea. She wanted to be a part of the exchange program because she wants to go to an American college and thought it would be a good idea to get to know the culture and the ways of America first.

Wang has been in America for the past eight months already, and only has four months left of her exchange. Her favorite part has been going to the Bahamas because it was her first time being on a cruise. She has also enjoyed being a part of the varsity soccer team.

Wang’s least favorite part has been all the stress put on her this year by going to Central Campus for five out her eight classes. She has missed being away from home and is happy to be going back, but is also sad to be leaving.

Design: K. Schnathorst

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Mackenzie Thornton, Vanessa Vorasith, Reporters Over the years, North has grown from hundreds of students to as many as 1,350 students in this 2017-2018 school year. North welcomed 15 new teachers and five additional staff members, including administration. Read to meet a few of the new leaves to North’s family tree.

(Left)Sherri Meza, Photo Credit Mackenzie Thornton. (Right) Meza and daughter Photo Courtesy: Sherri Meza

Features

(Left) Julia Learned, Photo Credit: Mackenzie Thornton. (Right) Learned and husband Photo Courtesy: Julia Learned

(Left) Elizabeth Martinez, Photo Credit: Vanessa Vorasith. (Right) Martinez and daughters Photo Courtesy: Elizabeth Martinez

Design: V. Vorasith / M. Thornton

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Illustration Credit: Camry Upton

Caleb Slater, Editor North High has had a brief history of implementing technology in the classroom. For the past three school years, North High students have been granted their own iPads from the school for personal and educational use.

However, this year, that has been changed.

Michael Lucht, math teacher and tech office worker, explained, “When (former North High Principal) Vukovich was here, he kept talking to Dr. Thomas Ahart, the superintendent of schools. His idea, for the last three years, was to try to get to a one-to-one something.” According to Lucht, a certain portion of funding given to the school was required to be used on technology.

Before former Principal Vukovich and the school’s administration decided on iPads for all students, they tried laptops; each student got a personal Macbook laptop that they could take home and work on so long as it was returned in one piece by the end of

Features

Illustration Credit: Camry Upton

the year.

“The breakage on those was unreal, and that’s part of the reason we moved to iPads,” says Amanda Dvorak, another tech office worker and math teacher.

Nonetheless, a new district-wide initiative puts laptops back in every classroom: this time, for every student in the Des Moines Public Schools area.

However, there is one crucial difference between the system before and the laptop initiative today: the computers cannot leave the classrooms.

For teachers, the iPads being gone has had a relatively positive effect. When asked if behavior has changed for the better or worse since the implementation of laptops, Joseph Van Haecke, an English teacher who utilizes technology for a large majority of classwork said he saw more focus.

“Already, I see students a little more focused on what’s going on in the classroom, and less time being sucked into their apps,” he said.

Although a good thing for some

teachers, Dvorak says that in her classroom, “It’s no different.”

Even so, the jobs given to the tech office have changed now that iPads have become a symbol of the past. “As far as what we do, we’re dealing more with students’ account issues,” which Dvorak says were done before the year even started when it came to the iPads.

Certain students, however, aren’t entirely on board with the new laptops so far. “It’s kinda

lame because we don’t get to take our iPads home, or do our work at home,” said Kevin Rodriguez, junior, says “We’ve got to just wait until the next class day and do our work on paper.”

Sophomore AJ McGuire, on the other hand, said he noticed “people are on their technology less” now that iPads are gone.

All in all, only time may tell how these new laptops affect the education of our student body.

32 68

The Oracle surveyed 100 people to see what the student body thought of the change. 68 students preferred iPads, while 32 preferred laptops. Graphic credit: Caleb Slater

Design C. Slater

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. fie sel Lee e a ia tak Kass ee, sy: a L te ssi our Ka to C o Ph

well,” Lee said. cesses that they have seen in the Flex During her time in Flex, she said, Academy. Lee is now at Iowa Western there were a few teachers that were al- College for education and English. ways there to help her, and that were very supportive while she was working toward success. A couple of the teachers, who helped her succeed in making up all of her credits and supFlex Academy room shows students working hard. ported her throughout her time in Photo Credit: Maluhkai Van de Boe Flex were Ms. Quinn and Ms. Schafer Keelyn Simpson, Reporter They said Lee was an amazing student North High School’s Flex Academy was and that she is one of the best sucset in place a few years ago to aid students who fell behind, in result making up the credits that they need to graduate.

Kassia Lee is a graduate of North as of 2017. She is the second oldest out of five children, has lived in Iowa most of her life, and was raised by her grandmother, who Kassia says is basically her mom.

When asked about her time in Flex Academy, Lee explained that, while it definitely wasn’t easy, making up those credits saved her chance to graduate on time. “Work on making up your credits as fast and efficiently as possible, so you can move on if you have other class credits to work on as well. Don’t just do the work during class time, do it at home, on your phone, and on the computer as

Features

Design: M. Van De Boe

23

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I want my school to change Oh yeah Nah, I’m good I think north should be a place to be proud of Of course

I want a president who has already shown tons of polar bear spirit Im okay Definitely with not

I want student activity to increase No way, Jose

I want my president to be LOUD Yup

Lol nope

I think the school’s culture could be more positive Yuh Not likely

Sure I want my president to be an experienced leader

I want a kind of strict president That’d be cool

Doesn’t have to be

Uh-uh

It could.

Hmm Interesting

It’s fine.

I think incentives could be helpful Yeah

Darrick Burrage

Yes

I think North could be more welcoming

I want my president to be less well know It doesn’t matter to me

I’d rather not

Somerle Rhiner

Yair

Gomez

Shannon McGuire

Thumbs down

Jasmine Inthabounh