OCTOBER 2010

VOLUME XLIII ISSUE II

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2010

Human Spirit, Heavenly Hats: class raises money for cancer cause

By Nora Weiske

Random Quotes from around Berlin High School “Bologna, yummy bologna,” business teacher Therese Tuinstra-Blunck said as she bit into her sandwich.

“I hate bologna.”

“R.J., you’re so loud!” senior Megan Denton said during Homecoming court pictures.

“Megan, I am 300 pounds. I can do whatever I want!” senior R.J. Adame said.

“Emily, watch out for the crusty spaghetti on the floor. Oh wait, that’s just a silly band,” senior Bryan Brisky said to senior Emily Engels.

“Welcome to the twenty-first century!” Engels said in response.

“I got kicked out of Walmart for asking people to complete this survey,” senior Rob Schrader said.

Every year, Gary Knoke and Amy Wenig’s Human Spirit class puts together a fundraiser for a special cause.

In late September, the class decided to raise money to buy hats for cancer patients.

“Mr. Knoke and I asked the class to brainstorm various organizations that they would like to donate their money to. The reoccurring theme to their answers was something to do with cancer research,” Wenig said. “I had gotten an email about Heavenly Hats and knew that this organization would benefit from our donations.”

The Heavenly Hats foundation was founded by teenager Anthony Leanna out of Green Bay. He started this foundation after seeing cancer patients in the hospital with no hair when his grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

During Homecoming week, students from the first hour Human Spirit class sold stickers during lunch and Primetime to allow a student to wear his or her hat to school on Friday.

The Human Spirit class was sur-

Photo: H.Prachel First hour Human Spirit raised money to buy hats for cancer patients. “For only a $2 donation, students could wear their favorite hat to school,” teacher Amy Wenig said. prised at how many people participated in the fundraiser.

Involved in the fundraiser was junior Amaya Bruce-Allington.

“I am proud that our class could come together to help make adifference,” Bruce-Allington said.

Not only was the Human Spirit class involved in raising money for Heavenly Hats, but so was the Student Council and Key Club.

“It is a tradition that the Student Council puts on a penny war during Homecoming,” senior Greg Klassa said. “We donate the money to a good cause and decided to team up with the Human Spirit class.”

All of the money raised from the Homecoming penny war was donated by the Student Council to the Human Spirit fundraiser.

High expectations for first year poll

By Halle Daul Young votership has been in a decline, so many schools are encouraging students to be involved in the polls and to vote. History teacher Andrew Kasuboski is doing just that.

“This is an opportunity for students to learn and experience an important part of our government,” Kasuboski said.

After Kasuboski confirmed with students about what was happening, it seemed like they jumped at the chance to get involved, including senior Susan Murkley.

“I wanted to get involved with the polls because I thought it would be an excellent experience,” Murkley said. “I hope to find out more about how the polls work and learn about the experience.”

Kasuboski assigned different

students to different areas of polling, depending on where they live.

“The polls are at the VFW in the city of Berlin and at town halls of nearby municipalities,” Kasuboski said.

Though many of the students have never voted before, or may not even be of age to vote, they are still eligible to participate in the polling after they meet few requirements.

“In order for students to work the polls they must be 17 years old, carry a 3.0 GPA and get the approval of their parents and Mr. Mork,” Kasuboski said.

Kasuboski said that involving students now will help to keep them voting in the future.

“We hope that this will lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of the American political system,” Kasuboski said.

Murkley also thinks that starting

the voting process early will keep students coming back for the future and help encourage other students to vote, as well.

“I think that starting the process early will get teens more involved and they will want to vote again,” Murkley said.

Though this is the first year for Berlin High School students to work the polls, there were more who got involved than expected.

“A handful of students have signed up to work and there are more who will be volunteering or observing,” Kasuboski said.

Murkley said that this year’s participation was high, and thinks that in the future more students will get involved.

“I think that in the future more students will want to help with the polls and get more involved,” Murkley said.

“The students raised $782.39 with the help of Student Council and Key Club,” Wenig said.

Both Knoke and Wenig are already looking forward to next trimester’s Human Spirit fundraiser.

“We believe in the idea that positive change can start with the actions of just one person. Just think what a whole class can accomplish,” Wenig said.

Students visit Supreme Court, meet with Justice

By Karnpal Cheema Each year, history teacher Gary Knoke and the students of his Law and Criminal Justice class take a trip to the state capital in Madison to visit the State Supreme Court.

At the Supreme Court, students take part in the State Bar’s Court with Class program.

Students start with a tour of the entire capitol building that comes to an end at the Supreme Court itself. There the students watch a case being presented before the seven Supreme Court justices. After the hearing, one of the justices remains with the students, and gives them a lesson about the court system.

Continued on pg. 2

In This Issue

In-depth series on using technology in the classroom pgs. 4-5

News................................................. 1 Opinion............................................ 2 Feature............................................. 3 Arts & Entertainment.................... 6 Sports............................................... 8

Red ‘n’ Green

Page 2

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Red ‘n’ Green

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Page 3

NEWS CONT. /OPINION

Feature

Supreme Court continued from pg. 1 The hearing the Law and Criminal Justice class sat in on was a family dispute appealing a previous judgement in circuit court, with millions of dollars at stake.

Many who attended the hearing were surprised that a family dispute was taken as far as the Supreme Court.

“I was pretty surprised that a family dispute like this one went all the way to Supreme Court,” Knoke said.

Knoke’s students were also surprised by the case.

“The thought of having a family dispute make its way to the Supreme Court shocked me, although the case in general interested me,” junior McKala Nitzke said.

After the hearing, Supreme Court Justice Patience Drake Roggensack conducted a lesson for the visiting students explaining the nation’s court system.

Roggensack said that the judicial

brach of government is often overlooked, but the Court with Class Program addresses and attempts to correct the issue.

“Most people never go to court, and they think that it really doesn’t apply to them,” Justice Roggensack said. “The Court with Class Program helps people learn in what ways the court system applies to them.”

Knoke shares these views with Justice Roggensack.

“It’s important for all citizens, not just students, to know about our court system, whether or not they will be involved in it,” Knoke said.

The fieldtrip was appreciated by both the students and by Knoke.

“From the tour of the capital building to the actual Supreme Court case, we learned a lot and I was glad we had the chance to go,” Nitzke said.

The Red ‘n’ Green Berlin High School 222 Memorial Drive Berlin, WI 54923 920.361.2000 redandgreen@berlin.k12.wi.us

Photo: K. Cheema Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice, Shirley S. Abrahamson, and her six fellow justices listen to an attorney’s argument while presiding over a case.

Editorial: Holy cow Halloween Spooky decorations are beginning to appear as Halloween approaches.

A classic ghost and some pumpkins are festive, but when one’s yard or house is completely obscured by giant Halloween characters and fake spider webs, call it overboard.

Decorating for any holiday can be exciting. Decorating too much is unappealing to the eye and decorating too early is outrageous.The beginning of October is a perfect time to start decorating for Halloween.

The ever-so-popular inflatable Halloween decorations are everywhere. From ghosts and

goblins to cemetery arches and more, these inflatable decorations can cost a pretty penny.

Blow up decorations are found at nearly every store in the state.

For $80 at WalMart anyone can own a skeleton head with moving eyes.

Unfortunately, that does not include the cost of the electricity. Running the electricity all day long for a multitude of inflatable decorations could put a large hole in one’s pocket.

Save some money and embarrassment and keep it simple with a few decorations here and there.

ber.

Editor-in-Chief: Julie Kalupa Business Manager: Nora Weiske Reporters: Karnpal Cheema Halle Daul Jostun Pomplun Quinn Thompson Free Lance Reporters: Caleb Draves Amberlee Perry Hailey Prachel Peter Schrader

Pop culture trends, divine or disaster:

Ninja, or not so Ninja?

By Nora Weiske In my search for the latest pop culture trend, I came across a circle of my friends swatting and swinging at each others’ hands.

The game of Ninja is an action game designed for a small group of people.

Standing in a circle, everyone assumes their Ninja position. Each player is allowed one move per revolution. It is the player’s choice to choose either a step, pivot or quick attack with an arm movement.

If one chooses an arm movement, he swings his arm at his opponent and tries to hit the opponent’s hand. If the hitter succeeds, the player who took the hit is out.

However, the person who is being attacked can dodge the hit.

When I was watching a group of my friends play, it was the first I had seen or heard of the game.

My first reaction was that they must be really bored because that looks really lame. After I learned the object of the game, I thought they were crazy.

To be fair, I thought I should play Ninja before I start throwing stones.

Knowing the Unknown:

By Julie Kalupa

Photo: S. Kuehmichel Fellow Red ‘n’ Green writers Halle Daul and Julie Kalupa took me under their Ninja wings and showed me the Ninja way.

When they told me to assume my Ninja position, I felt like the biggest goober in the world. I thought to myself, “Nora, what on earth are you doing?”

After getting the hang of the game, it was not so bad. But, I was not as intensely into it as Daul and Kalupa were, so I stepped back to watch.

The game became so intense and fast-paced, I did not even know whose turn it was.

I have to say, this game won me over. It is perfect for quick entertainment.

Ninja: Jackie Chan has nothing on this game. Divine, 100 percent.

The Red ‘n’ Green is printed monthly by Berlin High School and circulated free to students.

The purpose of the Red ‘n’ Green is to be a public forum for our staff, students and readers. We want to create close ties between the administration, faculty, students and the Berlin community. We will give readers the opportunity to voice opinions. The Red ‘n’ Green will accept only signed letters to the editor, although names will be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to return letters for corrections before publishing. The staff will not print any material that is libelous, obscene or malicious.

Editorials are unsigned as they reflect the majority opinion of the staff.

Editorial topics will be covered in a fair manner. However, controversial topics will be covered.

Subscriptions are available. Please contact the business manager at the above email address or phone num-

Ghosts: from bedsheets to shadows

With Halloween right around the corner, it is only proper to write about ghosts. Ghosts can be classified into many different types; unfortunately the “friend under a white sheet” type is not included.

Phantom Hitchhikers can be seen as human forms waiting on the side of the road. They may also be apparitions that are hit by vehicles. “I’m sorry, Officer, I did not intend to flee the scene. I thought he was a phantom hitchhiker!”

Incubi and Succubi are male and female demons. They have extremely good looks that they use to convince sleepy humans to get busy with them. I wonder what kind of baby that would create…

Shadow people are ghosts that appear within a living being’s shadow.

They are often depicted as a dark blob or a stream of dark smoke. Moral of this story, if one’s shadow looks a little too heavy, blame it on a shadow person.

Residual Hauntings are the most publicized type. These ghosts of human form hang around the

Photo K. Cheema place of their death, which was often a violent one.

Poltergeist Hauntings are characterized by objects having the ability to move on their own. However, most households that experience a poltergeist haunting have a daughter undergoing a traumatic or hormonal change. It is frequently believed that she may be subconsciously performing the deeds. I sure wish I could subconsciously cause my homework to complete itself.

Autoscopy occurs when the image of a living person is viewed in two different locations at the exact same time. This may also be called a wraith when the image of a dying person is viewed prior to his or her death. This is especially cool. How sweet would it be to exist in two places at once?

Advisor: Shannon Kuehmichel

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor, As our “Boys of Fall” end their season, it seems that they’re not only weak on the field, but weak off the field, as well.

A four-year veteran of the football team was hospitalized with pneumonia earlier in the season. As a member of the varsity team, it seems right that he would be mentioned, or that maybe a coach would call to check up on him.

But, no, nothing.

What happened to what a team symbolizes? Even if a team isn’t winning, they should still stick together. “A band of brothers” obviously isn’t out there on that field, or in the school halls.

Mariah Minzer

Student athlete earns prestigious award

By Halle Daul October’s Student of the Month has been awarded to senior Breanna Polk.

“It is an honor to be chosen as Student of the Month. It shows that working hard pays off in the end,” Polk said.

Polk has participated in many sports throughout high school: basketball, swimming, soccer and volleyball. Basketball coach Joel Johansen feels she is a top candidate Student of the Month.

“Students of the Month have to be able to express themselves to their peers and to teachers. Without these qualities it is pretty hard to get noticed,” Johansen said.

“Breanna does this very well. She takes an interest in her school studies and it shows by the way she presents herself.”

Along with all of her sports and honors classes, Polk still finds time to be a true Indian fan.

“I love going to sporting events and cheering with my classmates,” Polk said. “That has to be one of the things I love most about school.”

Science teacher Dave Reich thinks that Polk is an inspiration to Berlin High, and that it is easy for not only underclassmen to look up to her as a mentor, but classmates

Student makes top ‘Marks’ Upcoming

By Karnpal Cheema

Photo Submitted can look up to her, as well.

“Breanna is an academic leader in Advanced Biology. She is a great influence on students around her to try harder academically,” Reich said. “She is always willing to help others and is dependable.”

High school is a time to grow for Polk, but she is eager to start life in the real world.

“I am excited for the opportunity to choose my own path, make mistakes, learn and make a difference,” Polk said.

Johansen feels that Polk can achieve anything she wants to.

“As the music group Timbuk3 said, ‘Her future is so bright, she’s gotta wear shades.’ Yeah, corney, I know,” Johansen said.

Among Berlin’s many gifted students, the honor of Student of the Month has been given to senior Peter Marks. “I feel honored to be Student of the Month, and I feel that my hard work has paid off,” Marks said.

Faculty and coaches alike have noticed Marks’ academic passion. “Peter has a great work ethic,” social studies teacher and head football coach Bob Prellwitz said. “He does all of his work, and it is always done at a high level.”

Aside from being a diligent student, Marks is also on the varsity football and wrestling teams.

As an athlete, Marks is accomplished. Few know of Marks’ athletic prowess more than wrestling coach Dave Parker.

“I see Pete putting forth maximum effort in most things he attempts in life,” Parker said.

Marks currently is planning ahead to college and beyond.

“I did get accepted into Carrol, where I’ll probably go,” Marks said. “I was interested in going there because they have a really

Events November 1-5: Operation Christmas Child collection November 10: Operation Christmas Child box packing LMC

Photo Submitted good physical therapy program, and I plan to pursue that.”

Marks plans to become a physical therapist, but also wants to keep other options open in fields related to physical therapy.

“All my years of high school I have worked hard and I wanted to do well,” Marks said. “This award makes me feel that I accomplished that.”

What Marks has accomplished has not gone unnnoticed. Parker is among those who see this.

“Any accolade that Peter has earned is very well deserved,” Parker said. “He is a good student and he is a good leader who puts forth his best effort.”

November 11: Clay Lamberton Veteran’s Day Program 8:30 a.m.

Rolls and coffee for veterans prior Contact Scott Bartol or Pam Ekis at 361-2442 November 12-13: “Beauty and the Beast” Friday 7 p.m.

Saturday 2 and 7 p.m.

All seats are reserved $6 in advance, $7 at the door November 14: Drama Club will see “A Chorus Line” at the Fox Cities PAC. Tickets $25 Contact Angela Femali November 15: Wrestling practice begins November 19: Spanish Club Holiday Folk Fair Milwaukee Cost $8.00 per ticket plus cost of bus Contact Melissa Daubner

Who’s That Student: Nancy Rodriquez

By Quinn Thompson Students have challenges that they have to face everyday in school. Junior Nancy Rodriguez, however, is faced with a challenge to which few people can relate.

Ever since she was young, Rodriguez has had the challenge of living with a hearing disability.

School in particular can be especially difficult for her.

“My classes can be hard for me because I have to watch my interpreter and then take notes later when the teacher is done talking,” Rodriguez said.

She first learned sign language when she was only two years old.

She relies on signing as her way of communication with others.

Rodriguez has two interpret-

ers that work with her during the school day.

Dawn Heitman, who works for CESA 6, interprets for Rodriguez from first through fourth hour.

Cindy Platz is Rodriguez’s fifth hour teacher who knows sign language and can interpret for her.

Rodriguez has undoubtebly left an impression on many people.

“Nancy is an awesome kid. She is a hardworking student, she is responsible, she is committed and she is a joy to work with,” Platz said.

Rodriguez is not sure of her plans for the future, but she tries to follow her own advice.

“Be sure to work hard and not be lazy,” Rodriguez said.

Photo: Q. Thompson Cindy Platz signs to junior Nancy Rodriguez about Practical Politics homework.

Foreign exchange student settles in, adjusts to Italian cultural norms, host family’s rules

By Amberlee Perry A foreign exchange student could be prepared to confidently cross the bridge from American culture to her host country’s culture, and then arrive to find she still has a lot to learn.

For foreign exchange student Crystal Mattice, an everyday activity as common as wearing socks in the house could be foolish in the eyes of an Italian.

“My host mom asked me why I had been wearing socks in the house,” Mattice said. “She said that without house slippers my feet would get cold and that was bad for my health.”

Students interested in foreign exchange not only need to know

about their country’s culture, but they should be aware of the rules, expectations and the qualities one must meet to qualify for foreign exchange.

When applying through Rotary Youth Exchange, a local organization, the process starts with an application and an interview.

“We do an interview to make sure the student would be a good representative,” Keith Yedinak, Rotary’s Youth Exchange Coordinator, said. “It is very important because this student will represent Rotary, Berlin, Wisconsin and the United States.”

During the interview, Rotary looks for qualities in the student that will contribute to success.

“Most importantly, we want a

student who is willing to leave; not many students want to leave their home to live in another country for a year,” Yedinak said. “We also check their grades and make sure they do well in school. We want students who are mature and outgoing. They have to be right for the opportunity.”

Upon acceptance, the process of becoming a foreign exchange student only becomes more complicated.

One of the most difficult requirements students have to meet is making up for the credits they need for the year they will be abroad.

“Credits are not transferred over,” Yedinak said. “So, if students don’t take care of their credits be-

fore they leave, they will have to take an extra year of school.”

Along with receiving and completing countless amounts of paperwork, students must attend meetings explaining further information about foreign exchange, guidelines on how to live in a foreign country, challenges they may face and rules they must follow.

“We make sure that by the time the students leave, they are ready,” Yedinak said.

The rules students have to follow are simple and straight forward.

“Students should have limited contact with their parents in the first three months,” Yedinak said.

“There is no smoking, no drinking, no drugs and no dating.”

If students fail to follow the Rotary’s rules, they can be sent home.

Students are also warned of hardships they may experience while studying abroad.

The transition from the student’s culture to another culture can be exciting, but also difficult. Culture shock is common among foriegn exchange students.

A big challenge students have to overcome is homesickness. However, Mattice is as yet unaffected.

“I really only get homesick when I talk to my mom,” Mattice said. “I missed doing certain things and eating certain foods, but I’m used to it now.”

Students are required to stay in their host country for about a month after school ends, but they are welcome to stay as long as they wish.

Red ‘n’ Green

Page 4

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Red ‘n’ Green

Page 5

District Embraces New Technology Smartboard: board with a brain

By Jostun Pomplun

Technology and machines make people’s lives easier. One of the new technologies recently added to the Berlin Area School District is the Smartboard.

First introduced in 1991, a Smartboard is an interactive whiteboard that uses touch for user input, much like a computer uses a mouse. Students and teachers can draw on it like a whiteboard, but it is much more advanced.

Every year, more Smartboards are installed in Berlin classrooms.

Currently there are 20 Smartboards in the school district with plans to add four more this year.

“It is new technology for students. It’s interactive and kids love it. They also learn a lot more, especially in the digital age,” AV Co-

ordinator and IT Specialist Adam Umbreit said.

There are many differences between Smartboards and whiteboards. The main difference is that a Smartboard uses software.

The software is able to interact with both the computer and its users.

The markers on the Smartboard are also special. When the marker is picked up, a sensor in the tray detects its absence and the color displays digitally on the board where the marker’s touch is sensed.

Teachers can create their own activities with the software and other teachers are then able to use them. They are also able to load various programs from around the world.

“I can access my notes, answer key or internet and get Power-

points or other interactive tools,” said math teacher Nicole King.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to using a Smartboard in the classroom.

Advantages are the interactivity and the different learning techniques available to students.

Smartboard disadvantages include the extra work required to prepare an activity for the students. The cost of each Smartboard is also very high.

The total cost of a Smartboard is about $2,500. This includes buying the product and having an electrician install it.

Students like to use Smartboards because using technology to learn keeps them interested and involved.

“There are more programs, it is more fun and it is more interesting,” junior Andy Krueger said.

Despite the new technology already implemented in the Berlin Area School District, the school looks to continue with its progress and use more technology to enhance the learning environment.

The Technology Committees were created about 25 years ago.

There is one committee for each school in the district. High school committee member Kay Rossow believes that the committees have been very influential in the district.

“The committee has evolved tremendously in those years,” Rossow said. “I think it’s a really important group to have because the discussions about future changes in the district are extremely valuable.”

The committee has strict guidelines about what they aspire to acoomplish in the upcoming years.

“Every district has to submit a technology plan every couple of years. The committees decide where they want to be at the end of those years and what they are go-

ing to do to get there,” Curriculum Director Penny Gillespie said.

Recently, the sound of power drills indicated new technology was being implemented in the district.

“A couple years ago very few people even knew what a Smartboard was and now we have them in the building,” Gillespie said.

This year, the teachers all have new computers. Windows 2010, InDesign and other new software have all been added to various computers in the building.

At the most recent meeting, the Technology Committee focused their attention on new online grading systems.

Mike Roush, committee member, introduced Web CT, Maple TA and SciLinks to the committee.

These are all different programs with which teachers are able to upload questions. Students then are able to answer the questions online and receive instant feedback.

Another website introduced at the recent meeting was called My-

BigCampus. It is a website that is very similar to Facebook and will allow students to create their own accounts. They then would join their classes much like a Facebook user joins a group.

“Most college classes are either totally online or a hybrid of online and face-to-face,” Gillespie said. “We feel like we would be doing our students a disservice if we did not at one point during high school force them to take one class with an online component. The future is definitely moving in the online direction.”

In order to convert to online classes, all students must be able to access a computer with internet from their homes.

One-to-one computing is a program nearby schools have designed to solve that problem.

“Each student would have a device, most likely a labtop or notebook, to use both in class and at home that could access the school network and high speed internet,” IT Specialist Dave Wojtowicz said.

Photo: J. Pomplun Math teacher Nicole King teaches a lesson on least common multiples to her Trans-Algebra class with the help of a Smartboard. The Smart Notebook program she uses has a random name generator to call on students, tools to implement into her notes like graphs, number lines, dice, algebra tiles and many more pictures or interactive tools.

Students make use of technology

Junior Paola Samano uses Photoshop in the Mac lab. Samano places a photo that represents life today inside the jar picture.

Her task is to effectively layer the photos, arrange the lighting and eliminate dark spots.

“The Gobbler” Thanksgiving Day 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 25

All donations go to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund)

First 100 people to register receive a FREE t-shirt!

Thanksgiving bake sale provided and free HOT apple cider.

Junior Vincent Owens films the school news. The news is produced during Primetime by students and Adam Umbreit in the studio behind his office.

Sophomores Shayla Ferrel and Kayla Konen use the more traditional technology of the darkroom. Ferrel and Konen use film developer in lightsafe canisters.

Photos and text by Jostun Pomplun

To Berlin High School’s Production of

Race starts at 9:00 am

Beauty and the Beast

Sponsored by: BHS Student Council

iMacs two summers ago. The graphics lab required new software because the old software was not running properly.

“Some of the computers were seven years old! When the graphics lab’s turn came on the district’s technology plan, we were able to get new computers.

The software is about three years old and we should be getting new software next year,” Johansen said.

Photoshop is a key program in Johansen’s classes. It allows the students to edit pictures in various ways.

“I really like Photoshop because it lets you do amazing things with the pictures,” sophomore Shayla Ferrel said.

Every classroom in school uses technology despite the subject. Teachers use their computers to type papers, enter grades and they use the Smartboard for class activities.

“We are introducing students to computers and want BHS kids to have every edge possible for post graduation. We decided Apple iMac best fit our needs. They are faster and less costly in the long run,” Johansen said.

Traci Henger, owner of Berlin

Photo: H. Prachel Working on the new Apple iMac computers, sophomore Laura Trochinski makes a picture on picture for Joel Johansen’s Media Production class.

Trophy, said she would perfer to hire someone who is comfortable with using computers and is eager to learn.

“Businesses like mine are much into designing graphic art, and you have to want to learn the program,” Hegner said.

Trochinski is aware of this and intends to be prepared for life after graduation.

“I think that Media Production is preparing me for the future because everything revolves around technology,” Trochinski said.

To iPod or not to iPod: Teachers, students debate classroom use

By Peter Schrader Bill Degroot really does not like iPods. He has never owned one and never intends to own one. He always used to be with the music trend. He had eight-tracks when eight-tracks were popular, he had cassettes when cassettes were popular. After cassettes, Degroot did not think anything better could come out, so when CDs and iPods came out, he never bought either.

In his mind, his cassettes were the best.

“I’m kind of an old school person, and I believe that they (iPods) truly are a distraction. That may be advanced technology and all of that, but I think they interfere with whatever is supposed to be happening in the classroom,” Degroot said.

Degroot feels that he is just a twentieth century man living in

a twenty-first century world. He feels out of place, and he really dislikes iPods, so there is no iPod playing in Room A241.

“I just feel like it is the way I was brought up. We always tried to eliminate distractions and this is just one of the modern distractions. The students’ focus is not on what it should be,” Degroot said.

Degroot thinks students need to be focused on more than just the latest Top 10 hit. He said that students need to be focused on their homework so that they can get into a good college and get a good job. He thinks that a teenager’s job in high school is getting good grades.

“On occasion, there will be some students that try to listen to their iPods in class. They all claim that I’m the only person on the planet that doesn’t allow iPods,” Degroot said.

Almost all students disagree with Degroot about using iPod’s in class, and that is not likely to change. There will always be kids asking him to use iPods, and they will continue to argue with him on the subject. He knows that some will try to sneak in iPods, and Degroot also knows that he will not be able to see or catch all of them.

“I’ve talked to many other teachers in and around school. Some allow iPods and some don’t allow iPods. All I know is that I’m not the only teacher in the world that doesn’t allow iPods,” Degroot said.

Consumer education teacher Candace Neumeier is another that feels strongly about using iPods in class. She feels the same way as Degroot. She absolutely will not allow iPods in class, now or ever.

She said that they are a nothing but a distraction.

“All I have to say is no, just no,”

Neumeier said.

Neumeier can see how it helps children learn because some students prefer some background noise. However, she said she still does not feel that they are necessary in her class because her students are always out and about doing hands-on lessons and projects.

Neumeier also knows that many music devices have been stolen in years past. She said that if people do not have them on school grounds, they will not be stolen.

Student opinions differ from those of the faculty. Sophomore Alyssa Potratz’s opinion is typical of a teenage music lover. She thinks that everyone should be allowed to use iPods in class.

“I think we should be able to use iPods in class. It’s not like we are going to get our answers from music. I can work better when I have music playing,” Potratz said.

Tickets Available!

Registration begins at 8:30 am

Event begins and ends at Nathan Strong Park

No registration fee - Register day of race.

Accepting donations!

By Hailey Prachel Year after year researchers have modified and developed new technology. If it is not a new cell phone, then it is the latest ipod.

Many schools have a hard time keeping up with trends in technology. Berlin High School, however, has some of the latest Apple iMac computers.

Joel Johansen is one of the three Technology Education teachers. He teaches many classes including Media Production, Graphic Communication, Small Engines, Advanced Digital Media Production and Photography.

Media Production is a class where the students learn how to develop and take pictures and use new computer programs.

“My favorite part about Media Production is being challanged to do things on the computer that I’m not used to. But it’s really hard to remember all the shortcuts for the keys and what he tells us,” sophomore Laura Trochinski said.

The school purchased the new

Technology committee looks to online programs

By Julie Kalupa

Updated Mac lab prepares students for digital world

November 12 at 7 p.m.

November 13 at 2 and 7 p.m. $6 in advance, $7 at the door Available at Berlin High School Office and at Berlin Printing

Students who are willing to be part of a winning tradition.

We want YOU to join one of the most challenging and rewarding sports - WRESTLING. (Our goal is at least 10 students per class year.) Look/listen for our organizational meeting.

Red ‘n’ Green

Page 6

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Red ‘n’ Green

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

arts & entertainment

arts & entertainment

Long lines haunt at The Burial Chamber

By Karnpal Cheema Seeing as October is the month of the ghoulish and the foolish, it only seems natural to review a haunted house.

The haunted house of choice this month is The Burial Chamber in Neenah, WI. The “Largest Haunted Complex” in the Midwest offers two haunted houses, a haunted woods and a burial simulator.

Tickets at the Burial Chamber are not available after 11:30 p.m., but the tours of the haunted house are ongoing throughout the night.

After arriving well before the 11:30 deadline, specifically at 10:20, my fellow “haunted housers” and I waited nearly two and a half hours in line for fifteen minutes of getting scared out of our minds. Imbalance? I think so.

The Burial Chamber staff is aware of the long waits, so to help pass customers’ time in line, an endless feed of music videos, stand up comedy and advertisments broadcast on two billboard-size screens.

After our very long wait, the first haunted house we toured was named Adrenaline. From clowns breathing down visitors’ necks to simulated blood splatterings patrons are sure to scream.

We arrived at the next haunted house, Insanity, at around 12:50 a.m. We were only in line for about 10 minutes. Those 10 minutes were just long enough for senior Emily Engels to be brought to tears by the Grim Reaper.

Insanity, which has been dubbed “a haunted house on crack,” is a one way street to the realm of crazy people.

The tour starts with a lovely British witch guiding visitors into a room where they watch a short film about what the patrons are about to experience. After the video, the tour begins.

The haunted house is pretty original with a butcher shop where the meat of the day is human and a trippy, spinning tunnel in which no one could keep his footing.

Insanity took nearly 20 minutes to tour for our party of seven, and by the end of it, we were all sure not to look back.

After Insanity, we casually strolled to Phobia Haunted Woods, which all of us were sure would be nothing special.

We were right. The haunted woods was a complete and utter disapointment. After being in haunted houses that had a new ghost or devilish figure to scare

visitors with every step, the woods had a sparsely located bunch of ghouls every thirty or so feet.

The woods were a sham, that is until the very end.

As we reached the end of the haunted woods, out of the treeline behind us a large man with a chainsaw roaring in his hands pursued us.

At the sound of the chainsaw, Engels took off into the parking lot, knocking over another member of our party to do so. I quickly followed suit when I saw the chainsaw speeding toward me.

With both its high points and significant downfalls, the lines being at the forefront, the Burial Chamber was mediocre at best.

Rating out of 5:

Pay It Forward

Pay it Forward teacher of the month – Sarah Gietzel! Gietzel always goes out of her way to help teachers and students alike.

Any question is answered quickly. If students casually mention they have an interest, she finds books for them or gives them information on how to find things for themselves.

Students who Paid It Forward this month include: Morgan Rohrbaugh Morgan Ondrejka McKayla Nitzke Kattie Gregor

– Keep up the good work everyone!

Passion ‘Manners’ helps broaden Reel Talk Pit: indie rock genre ‘The Karate Kid’ strikes back

By Caleb Draves

Mention the word “indie” to any music fan and images of guys in v-necks and skinny jeans playing catchy rock hooks immediately come to mind.

Lately though, the indie scene has broadened to include some dance and electronica influenced bands.

One such band, Passion Pit, leads the pack in this new face of indie-alternative music.

Formed in 2007 by Michael Angelakos, the music that would eventually make up Passion Pit’s first EP, “Chunk of Change,” was composed in a dorm room as a Valentine’s Day present for his girlfriend.

After Angelakos’ first live show, which included him, a synthesizer and his laptop, he was approached

by Berkeley College of Music student Ian Hultquist who asked him if he wanted to start a band.

The duo’s debut album, “Manners,” is still making waves in the alternative pool, almost a year after its release date.

The group’s sound is difficult to place. Although they share many

characteristics with similar indie acts like Ra Ra Riot, MGMT, or Matt and Kim, Passion Pit falls into their own musical category.

Like most electronica bands, the heavy use of synthesizers and dance beats dominates much of “Manners,” but every song has something that makes it that much better than the competition’s music.

For example, “Sleepyhead,” arguably the most popular song from the album, uses chimes and a lone soprano in the distance, along with Angelakos’ falsetto, to accent the trance-like rhythm section.

Although the entire album is superb, there are a few standout tracks.

After a single listen, “The Reeling” became one of my favorite songs ever. It begins its four and a half minute journey with a dirty, sweeping synthesizer loop, followed by a heavy, driving beat.

From there, lighter synth sounds flutter in on top of the thick mat that is the rhythm section.

Another notable track is “Folds in Your Hands,” an upbeat dance tune with subtle 80s disco influences that is sure to get any

Photo: berkeleybeacon.com

crowd on their feet.

As the album progresses, Passion Pit continues to approach their basic idea of synth-driven dance rock, each time in a slightly different manner, pun intended.

Good albums can be listened to from beginning to end without skipping a song, and Passion Pit has provided music enthusiasts everywhere with one such album, as well as fronting an entirely new style of indie rock.

Rating out of 5:

Must Download: “The Reeling,” “Eyes As Candles,” “Folds in Your Hands,” “Sleepyhead”

By Halle Daul

Though new faces have appeared on the big screen for the remake of “The Karate Kid,” there are so many similarities that viewers wonder if they are watching the original.

Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) is a young boy who moves to China with his single mother, Sherry Parker (Taraji P. Henson.) He has difficulty making friends, and in fact, makes enemies.

While Dre struggles to get along with classmates, he meets a repair man from his apartment complex, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and the rest is history.

Parts of the movie are nearly identical to the original. In the first fight scene, the camera angles, the way Dre was lying on the ground and the dialogue was exactly the same. Though it may seem like too much, somehow it works in this film’s favor.

In the movie, Dre develops a relationship with classmate Meiying (Wenwen Han), who is the only person to accept him for who he really is.

Along with some insane and out

of the ordinary karate moves, this PG movie is for all families.

The final scene in the film will make movie goers want to laugh, cry, jump out of their seat to cheer and maybe even try to imitate some of the moves.

Kids today will enjoy the film because of high-flying kicks and comedy, but adults will enjoy it for a totally different reason.

The way the new “The Karate Kid” incorporates the original makes parents reminisce about famous scenes, but with a little twist.

Instead of “wax on, wax off,” it is “jacket on, jacket off,” but with the same outcome.

Most of the time, remakes fall short of the original, but this new film definitely satisfies and then some by keeping audiences intrigued and focused throughout the whole film.

Being the karate guru I am, this movie captures all the effects of natural and cinematic karate without sacrificing plot or the emotional development of the characters.

Rating out of 5:

Roving Reporter: Which Halloween costume was your childhood favorite?

“An M&M. It was just two big pillows stuck together.

I could fall down without getting hurt,” senior Katie Krouse said.

“Big Bird because I really liked watching the show,” sophomore Laura Trochinski said.

Hunting Licenses Sold Here!

Wednesday 99 cent Movies Sunday 2 for 1 Movies

“Tinkerbell because I still like to pretend that I am a fairy,” sophomore Emily Jones said.

“A big pumpkin. It looked really funny because it was way too big for me,” junior Austin Doro said.

“Spiderman because I could pretend I could climb walls,” freshman Ryan Viertel said.

Text and Photos by J. Kalupa

Ask the Nurse: “What can I do to keep my lips and skin healthy as winter approaches?”

By Terri Maul, RN, BSN, NCSN Winter is just around the corner, and with it comes the bitter cold and dryness of the season.

There is less humidity not just outside but indoors as well where the heat is drying. Skin begins to dry and can cause feelings of roughness, tightness and itching. It may even flake, scale, peel, crack or bleed. It is important to maintain a barrier that will keep moisture in the skin.

Here are some ways that may help: 1. Moisturize your skin. There are four kinds of moisturizers: ointments (the most oil dense), oils (such as mineral or baby oil), creams (Eucerin or Neutrogena creams) and lotions. Lotions can be either water-based or oilbased. Oil-based moisturizers are better at sealing in moisture.

2. For facial moisturizer, look for a product that says it is “noncomedogenic” which means it is not supposed clog pores and cause pimple formation. Avoid harsh facial peels, masks and alcohol toners or astringents which can strip the skin of oil.

3. Your hands need extra attention because the skin on our hands is thinner than the rest of our skin. Wear gloves or mittens in the cold. If the gloves get wet, change them as soon as possible

as cold and wet will cause irritation of the skin.

4. When bathing, avoid hot water—use lukewarm instead. Take a quick shower instead of a bath as there is less exposure to the water. Use mild soaps such as Caress, Neutrogena or Dove and use them minimally.

5. Humidifiers in the house will increase the humidity in the air and thus help prevent water from evaporating from the skin.

6. Drink fluids. Though it takes severe dehydration to truly affect the skin’s hydration status, it is still a good idea.

7. Eat a healthy diet. Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help produce the skin’s natural oil barrier which is needed to keep skin hydrated.

8. Protect your lips using oilbased lubricating cream or lip balm. Vaseline works well. Avoid licking your lips—saliva evaporates quickly leaving your lips even drier than before. Avoid flavored lip balm so there is less of chance of licking them.

If you still have skin dryness problems after trying some of these interventions, it may be time to see your family doctor or a dermatologist.

Take care of your skin—it is the only natural barrier we have to the elements!

Get In Shape!

Want to be in the best shape of your life?

Open Monday--Saturday 9 a.m to 9p.m.

Page 7

Need to lose a few pounds and “Tone up”?

Photo: J. Kalupa Senior Rick Krause and his Mustang enjoy the warm weather and being King of the Lot.

By Julie Kalupa October’s King of the Lot goes to a very deserving senior, Rick Krause, and his “blueish-purple” 2003 Mustang.

Lucky for Krause, his parents are the ones with good taste in vehicles. “My mom picked it out for me,” Krause said. He received this car as a gift on his sixteenth birthday.

Krause’s Mustang is a “Pony Package,” which, contrary to popular belief, does not mean actual ponies live under the hood. It instead means that his is a limited edition model.

Although real ponies do not live under the hood, a V6 engine does. Despite the urge, Krause has not maxed it out to discover how fast his Mustang can truly go.

“My favorite part is that it drives nice and can go really fast,” Krause said. “I’ve gotten it up to 95, but I know it can go faster.”

Not only does the vehicle have classic looks on the outside and a smooth ride on the inside, but it also has a surround sound stereo. “It came with surround sound inside and a six-disc CD player,” Krause said.

Krause believes that he deserves to be King of the Lot this month for a pretty simple reason.

“I have an awesome car,” Krause said.

If you have a recommendation for King of the Lot, submit it to Ms. Kuehmichel in room T115.

RIPON JACKET OUTLET STORE A Retailer of Ripon Athletic

- JOIN the WRESTLING TEAM!

CUSTOM FITTED LETTER JACKETS • DISCOUNTED ATHLETIC WEAR, T-SHIRTS, HOODIES AND MORE! Bring in your letter (s) and/or year date to be sewn on.

A $30.00 deposit is required MONDAY: CLOSED for all jacket orders •

LUNCH & NIGHTLY SPECIALS HOME OF THE EUREKA BURGER Just Across from the Fox River 3105 W County Trunk K, Eureka 920- 685-2662

VARSITY WRESTLING MANAGER

to assist the coaches/wrestlers during the upcoming season.

(Can earn a school letter for this position.)

275 June St Berlin, WI 920-361-7297

Tuesday-Friday: 9:00AM to 5:00 PM Saturday: By appointment only

Red ‘n’ Green

Page 8

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

sports

Swim team looks to sectionals, eventually state

By Quinn Thompson

The conference swim meet is almost here and the girls swim team is ready to compete. Throughout the season, the girls dedicated their time to practicing in the pool.

“I hope that we do well at conference and then hopefully win sectionals again,” team captain Courtney Clewien said. “We work hard in practice and we stay positive.”

When the conference swim meet comes to a close, the girls swim team will turn their focus to the sectional meet on Nov. 5.

Sectionals is so important to the swim team because all the work that has been put into the season comes down to how well they are going to perform there.

A swimmer’s performance at sectionals dictates whether or not she will advance to the state tour-

Future Sports: James brings the Heat

By Quinn Thompson The 2010-2011 NBA regular season may be the most anticipated season in the history of the NBA. The reigning two-time MVP of the league, LeBron James, awaits his first NBA championship with the Miami Heat, not the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It is difficult to comprehend that LeBron James will not put on that number 23 jersey for the Cleveland Cavaliers anymore. However, it should not be so difficult to comprehend that an athlete chooses winning over super-stardom. Unfortunately, James has gotten a bad rap for making a decision that was his own to make.

James’ decision to leave the Cavaliers and join the Heat has turned out to be the best choice that he could have made. That was clear when Cavaliers fans began burning his jersey moments after he announced his plan to take his talents down to South Beach. It was clearest when Cavaliers majority owner, Dan Gilbert, released a letter to Cavaliers fans bashing the man that gave them seven prime years of his NBA career.

James chose winning over money. He followed the rules and he kept his composure through adveristy. He truly is a model athlete.

As for the Miami Heat in general, there is no doubt they will contend for an NBA championship every year. They have put together a team that was never thought possible, until now.

nament.

Even though a lot is riding on one swim meet, senior Morgan Rohrbaugh does not let it phase her.

“I am not worried because we have all improved this year,” said Rohrbaugh. “I think we are going to do awesome, and I think we have some strong relays this year.”

The girls swim team has trained thoroughly for the upcoming events, and that is evident to Rohrbaugh.

“People are getting best times this year and they are still improving a lot,” said Rohrbaugh.

“We definitely want to get people to state and hopefully some relays.”

Siri Smits and Courtney Clewien represented the Berlin girl’s swim team last year at the state tournament.

The state swim meet is on Nov. 12 in Madison.

Photo: EDGE Photography Junior Tori Cassidy competes in the 50 meter freestyle. She also competes in the 100 meter free.

Season ends with loss, team disappointed

By Jostun Pomplun

The boys varsity soccer season ended with a 3-1 loss to Kiel in regional play.

The Indians’ record for the season was 6-13-1 overall, 1-7 in the Eastern Valley Conference.

By the team’s standards, this was less than they expected.

“We started out with a couple wins and tried different formations, but the season was not what we thought it would be,” senior Jake Sedarski said. “We thought it would be better.”

With the new field not ready for play, the Indians had to play every one of their games on the road.

“It is very tough because the transportation time can get to

you,” junior Ryan Plantz said.

The new “Pasture” should be ready by next fall’s soccer season, but coaches hope some girls’ games can be played on it in the spring. The district has a plan for making it a complete soccer complex with concessions, fencing and bench shelters for the players.

Now that the season is over, the Indians can focus on next year. The team has a list goals for improvement.

“Passing and trapping are the basic skills we improved a lot on, but we need to be better at trapping,” Coach Don Demick said.

“Teamwork is also essential in soccer; it is the ultimate teamwork game.”

Senior Jake Sedarski fights for possession of the ball in an Eastern Valley Conference matchup against Winneconne as teammates junior Ryan Plantz, sophomore Michael Falk and sophomore Drew Dretske wait to help clear the ball.

Open Gym: Proper form for bump, set, spike Photo: J. Pomplun

Varsity volleyball players Lisa Schram and Kattie Gregor show proper form for bumping and setting a volleyball. Gregor takes the low stance required for an acurrate pass to Schram.

Photo: M. Rhein

Photo: EDGE Photography Freshman Kinsey Harmon (pictured above) is ready to run at the state level. “It’s been a great year and I am really excited to run,” Harmon said.

By Jostun Pomplun Many volleyball players hit the ball with improper form, causing pain and possible bruising.

Senior Lisa Schram describes the correct way to pass, set and spike a volleyball.

1. Bump/Dig “You want to stay low on the serve receive, and on digs you also want to stay low and watch the ball hit the platform of your arms. Then, pass it to the target. Once the ball is passed to the target, the setter takes the ball,” Schram said.

2. Set “You want to set the ball to a hitter, which can be on the back, the middle

or the left side. You want to watch the ball hit your fingers. Keep a V between your fingers and put your fingers around the ball. Bend your knees and lift your elbows straight up.

3. Spike “You want to keep your arms straight and snap your wrist when you spike the ball. You should hit the ball with the palm of your hand,” Schram said.

Most spikers use the three step approach.

4. Three step approach “The three step approach is before you hit the volleyball. If you are right handed, your feet go left-rightleft and if you are left handed you go right-left-right,” Schram said.

State Hopefuls

State Qualifiers

Girls Swim Team

Cross Country

Watch these runners race at the state meet on Saturday at Wisconsin Rapids Golf Course.

Photo: EDGE Photography

Photo: EDGE Photography

Photo: EDGE Photography Photo: J. Kalupa Former State champion Siri Along with Smits, Courtney Clewien (pictured above), VanSmits plans to race the individual essa Blake and Celia Mueller hope to make the cut in both 100 butterfly and the 100 back. the 200 medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay.

These swimmers race in sectionals on Nov. 5 in Stevens Point.

This meet determines who will race at the state meet in Madison on Nov. 12.