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Vol. 6, Issue 1
Oct. 2015
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BACK TO
SCHOOL
EAGLE’S EYE NEWS
Getting Hype at Back-toSchool Rally pg. 4
New Student Council....pg. 5 Welcome New Staff....pg. 10-11 New School Year Goals...pg. 8 Fall Sports in Swing....pg. 16
Convocation Celebrations...pg. 2
[NEWS]
[PAGE 2]
Celebrating excellence
Carpenter rallies district; outlines major initiatvies for year By Luis Jimenez and Brianna Hull
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CO-EDITORS IN CHIEF
very teacher in the district attended the annual convocation on August 6 to create excitement for the new school year, reward past achievements and outline the new year’s goals. Rally towels and beach balls were passed out to create anticipation and excitement for the new year as the District’s Director of Public Information and Partnerships Ruth Terrell called out each school’s name. Superintendent Dr. Dennis Carpenter led the event by recognizing individual school achievements. At Ruskin, Carpenter recognized biology, communication arts, and American government teachers for increases in students’ end of course exams at the end Assistant Principal Carri Moutray (left), District Courier Kevin Waters (right) and other volunterers pass out District rally towels and beach balls to start off Convation festivities on Aug. 6. of last year. Carpenter also introduced all of the teachers of and how to successfully redirect student behavior, like not always the year including Ruskin’s science teacher Lamar Pearson, as well as Lisa Jennings and Sharon Heffernan as the have the last word with students. The consultants will continue to return to the school to monitor progress and offer suggestions for support staff people of the year. Carpenter also unveiled his three goals for improvement: cul- improvement and new ideas. ture and climate, literacy, and racial equality. In addition to this improvement of the culture and climate was the new dress code created by the Superintendent Advisory Council and then approved by the Hickman Mills C-1 School District Board of Education. The school also implemented small learning The first goal that Carpenter announced was his hope to improve communities for this year. When creating the S.L.C.’s, teachers the culture and climate inside the schools. were moved into the part of the building corresponding to their house, leaving little space for students to need to roam. It also al“As students, parents, and teachers we are working to change the lows students to move through their high school years with almost culture and climate for the better,” Carpenter said. all of the same teachers to create a closer community within the The first steps the administrators took for improving the culture school. and climate was hiring co-founders of Foundation for Educational “This work is important if we are going to create the necessary Success Reggie Beaty and Tony L. Owens, educators that bring conditions for our students to be successful in a place called in more than ten years of expeschool,” Carpenter said. rience from Georgia school districts with their goal to improve relationship between adults and children. They engaged the staff The second goal that Carin how to improve the culture and penter unveiled was his mission climate of the school by working to better literacy throughout the with all the teachers and staff district. during the summer vacation. “A student who can’t read on grade level at the end of third Together they advised the staff grade is four times less likely in developing programs that inthan his peers to graduate at age cluded the Standard Operating 19,” Carpenter said, citing a research study. Procedures (S.O.P’s) and classLiteracy continues to be a major district initiative. CarpenConsultant Reggie Beaty presents room management techniques, to the teachers strategies to improve ter said there was nothing more important than teaching students culture and climate. Photo by Laura like non-negotiable norms, how Williams. to follow-up with those norms,
Culture and Climate
Literacy
[NEWS] [OPINION/NEWS]
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Convocation (cont. from pg. 4) how to read. According to usnews.com, the use of social media has negatively affected student’s reading capabilities. ESL teacher Jed Yarick agrees. “Today there are just so many forms of entertainment in the form of gaming, social media, TV, movies, and such, I don’t think people read as much as they used to,” Yarick said, “I have found myself searching sites and looking at stuff on my phone and not reading as many books as I used to.” The number of high school seniors who read at or above “Proficient” has been declining since 1992, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress reading test. English teacher Kelly Pittard estimated that one third to one half of Ruskin students read proficiently at grade level. “The gap begins, especially in low income areas, before school even begins,” Pittard said. “The gap continues in elementary school especially if there is insufficient support for the school’s (teachers) to help with reading.” According to readingisfundamental.org, low literacy is more prevalent among older adults, minority populations, those who have low socioeconomic status, and medically underserved people. among fourth graders, 53 percent of African American students, 52 percent of Hispanic students, and 48 percent of American Indian students score below the “Basic” level on the NAEP reading test. To Assistant Principal Christopher Barker, overall literacy is hard to determine due to the individuality of each child’s situation. “Kids like to read many different genres and this affects their reading ability,” Barker said. Barker also believes that teenagers do not understand how big of an impact reading will have on their future lives. He said that being able to analyze documents such as leases and scholarship contracts can save you money and a help you buy home.
Ruskin Academics Recognized
Superintendent Dr. Dennis Carpenter recognized three groups of Ruskin teachers at Convocation for improving last year’s EOC (End of Course) exams scores from the previous year.
Sophomore communication arts teachers Shantelle Tomlin, Christa Smith, Kelly Pittard, Allan Colling, Carla Gunner, and Annette McDonald (front) are pictured with Ruskin Principal Dawn Smith and Deputy Superintendent Carl Skinner.
Racial Equality The third goal that Superintendent Dennis Carpenter unveiled is his mission for total district racial equality between the students and the district. In his convocation speech, Carpenter said that during the last school year, the district worked with the building leaders toward a common goal for all employees of the district to engage and dialogue about race to the students and how it affects them and how it will lead to the end of the processes that hinder racial equality. He also said the district wants staff members to understand the real issues that students have at home or outside school and prevent that from it being a distraction at school. “It has become too easy to put students in this pipeline to prison because it is a convenient way to respond to every unpopular decision that a child makes,” Carpenter said. Carpenter emphasized the importance of the work of educators. “The work we do is bigger than any one of us and it's not about us,” Carpenter said. Carpenter said that educators would know they succeeded when they realize and act on the fact that “many of our kids have See “Convocation” (cont. on pg. 15)
Biology teachers Mary Sawyer, Bethany Kelly, Marilyn Miller, Lee Crow and Annette McDonald are pictured accepting their award with Ruskin Principal Dawn Smith and Associate Superintendent Casey Klapmeyer.
American government teachers Kim Sixta, Will O’Brien and Annette McDonald are pictured accepting their award with Ruskin Principal Dawn Smith and Deputy Superintendent Carl Skinner.
[NEWS]
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Rally Rocks the House
By Jasmine Shelton & Dominique McClure
people to do better and make the best out of any situation. STAFF REPORTERS He was wrongly identified as The 2015-2016 school “Special Ed” and “At-risk” at a year kicked off with a bang at very young age but was able to the annual Back-To-School make a life for himself. His message for the Hickrally on Aug. 8 at the Hickman man Mills community was that Mills Freshman Center. The rally highlighted the best that every student in this district is this District had to offer includ- capable of turning their educaing the Ruskin High School tional life around. He also had football, dance, cheerleading, a message for the parents, and and soccer teams as well as the it was that it “takes a village to raise a child” and as the adults Golden Eagle Marching Band. The rally also highlighted in their students lives they need some of the issues that the dis- to step up and be a driving trict has struggled with includ- force. “When we work together ing literacy and the number of students graduating high our kids will grow together,“ school. This year, the district Brown told the parents. Brown invited a guest speaker to speak also incorporated the students, to the parents and students. faculty, and parents into his Keith L. Brown, better known speech pulling them out of the as “Mr. I’m Possible,” is a crowd to do dances including speaker who travels all over the “Whip and Nae Nae” and the country giving motivational the “Wobble.” He also used speeches and inspiring young senior Rhochard Lawrence towards the end of the presentation to prove the point that education was the most important thing that a student can ever get. “Speaking to Mr. Brown definitely gave Cheerleaders Dominique McClure, Emily Dyer, Antonia Smith, me hope beand Keianna Dawkins Jones show school spirit with the cause he told cheerleading squad during the back-to school rally. Photo by Jasmine Shelton. me that the
Hickman Mills C-1 School District Superintendent Dennis Carpenter speaks to the parents about this year’s goals for the district’s students. Photo by Jasmine Shelton.
football team could most defi“My favorite part of the ralnitely beat Grandview and that my senior year should be my best year,” senior Rhochard Lawrence said. T h e day continued out- Mr. “I’m-possible” Keith L.Brown speaking to senior Rhochard Lawrence. Photo by Jasmine Shelton. side where parents, students, teachers and com- ly was when Mr. Brown started munity members were able to speaking about him being claswatch the Ruskin cheerlead- sified as “special ed” and he ers and dance team perform as was talking to Rhochard,” juwell as a student fashion show. nior Eriana Darrington said. This performance showcased This year’s Back-Tothe new dress code. It included School Rally was an educationappropriate things and inappro- al and inspirational start for the priate things to wear to school. students of the District as well There were also booths for par- as the parents. ents to visit as well as a bouncy house for students to play in.
[NEWS] [OPINION/NEWS]
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House Council members campaign to lead RHS By Tierra Taylor STAFF REPORTER
RHS starts off the year with an all new student council. There are four houses for students. These houses are Health & Human Services, Engineering & Technology, Business & Finance and Arts & Communications. There were three students from every house selected from all three grades to serve their house council. In total there are be 36 students on the council. Student Council members from each grade are preparing to run for class president to
Junior Alex Wren, senior Marie Anippah, junior Erin Jackson, sophomore Domonique McClunie, senior Alicia Valdez, and junior Noel Alcantara team up to make a layout for students during a back to school workshop in the media center Aug. 3.
handle the business specific to each grade. For example, the junior class officers help plan Homecoming; and the senior class officers help plan senior activities. Students that are interested in running have written a brief campaign paragraph which will be posted on Infinite Senior Ricki Pierre-Canal, senior Alicia Valdez, junior Erin Campus. EvJackson, sophomore Michael Ricketts, junior Noel Alcanstudent tara, and senior Delshon Bradford play a team building ery exercise in the media center for a back to school workshop Aug. 3. The goal of the exercise was to lower the hula hoop in each grade
will have the opportunity to vote for their class’s president, vice-president, secretary treasurer. In addition, the student council’s leadership will be pulled from these class leaders. The senior class president will also serve as the student council president; the junior class president will also serve as the student council vice-president; and the sophomore class president will also serve as the student council secretary/treasurer. Junior Shelby Woodroof chose to run so she could make a lot of positive changes to the school. “I want to add more school pride along with changing a few rules,” Woodroof said.
Marla Converse has been a sponsor of student council for 14 years. On Aug. 3 Converse hosted a “Back to school workshop,” with a guest trainer. The purpose was for members to get to know each other, get ideas, and to set goals for the upcoming year. “I believe the members took away ideas for REALMS: Recreation, Education, Attitude, Leadership, Money, and Service,” Converse said. “The main challenge will be implementing the ‘regular council’ along with house council. This year I hope to improve the climate as well as the culture of the student body and staff.”
Please visit ruskinnews.com for the latest articles in pop culture, upcoming events at Ruskin, and so much more!
[NEWS]
Spring Improvements for Fall Fun
better place where students can learn.” New classes, new paint, new New pots with bloomcarpet, new flowers, new ing flowers greeted students whiteboards, and new tech- as they got off the bus this nology. Ruskin staff mem- year. The parking lot pot bers were super busy be- holes were also repaired. fore school started making Almost every teacher changes to the classrooms, is in a new location due to offices and other building ar- the implementation of Small eas to make the students and Learning Communities. staff more comfortable. Each wing of the school is now a New Prin“House.” cipal Dawn TeachS m i t h ers spent wanted time preto make paring and changes so decoratstudents ing their would feel new classmore comrooms, but f o r t a b l e Workers install a new white board in science before they c o m i n g teacher Robert Krieling’s room. Similar white did, Smith were installed in every classroom in to school boards the building, one of Principal Dawn Smith’s had almost every day initiatives to start the year with the tools every classand give teachers and students needed. room paintteachers ed. the tools they need to teach In the first few weeks students. Smith said she was of school, workers also inhonored to be asked to move stalled a new whiteboard in from Hickman Mills Fresh- every classroom. man Center to lead Ruskin Besides the new paint this year. throughout the school, ”I never thought to say workers put new carpet in no,” Smith said. “ I wanted the front office, and made to face new challenges this renovations to the teacher’s year and make the school a work room to include tables,
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By Tamaya Hagood STAFF REPORTER
Ruskin’s custodial staff cleaned and waxed the floors before the new school year started.
New Mac Labs! Technology employee Dan Hoskins installs a computer lab full of Macs in room 102 before school starts. Principal Dawn Smith decided that new Mac labs would be good for the students so they can finish their work on time, and to increase student technology at the school so teachers wont have to wait for the library to be available. “I wanted to face new challenges this year and make the school a better place where students can learn,” Smith said. Photo by Summer Love.
chairs, a new coffee maker dent in the Engineering and and a new refrigerator. The Technology house will soon maintenance staff worked be receiving an iPad. Smith chose to focus hard not only moving the classrooms, but also strip- on these things so she can ping and waxing floors and create a space of teaching painting the railings in the and learning for the staff as well as the students. She common areas. “The school changes make me feel like I can do better this year,” senior Shaniqua McDaniel said. To increase student access to technology, Smith arranged for each House to Dawn Smith wanted to create a space of teaching learning for the staff as well as the students. have a computer and Smith said she was honored to be asked to move lab. Two of the from Hickman Mills Freshman Center to lead Ruskin labs have brand this year. new iMac computers. The new Mac labs also wants to add more comwere added to each house so puters to student services, students have the access to where students can have get their work done on time, their own space if they can't and so teachers don’t have to go to the library or need to wait for the library comput- finish making up tests. The ers to be available. Teachers school is making improvein two of the four houses are ments so everyone that on track to receive MacBook comes can love coming to laptops soon, and every stu- school everyday.
[NEWS] [OPINION/NEWS]
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Back Into Action
Breakfast on the Go.
Sitting in class, sophomore Lonell Mason eats his to-go breakfast. Starting this year, students can grab a breakfast bag when they get to school inside the entrance where buses drop off. Inside the breakfast bags are nutritious snacks for the students to enjoy. “The breakfast helps me focus during class and so that I don’t have an empty stomach,” Senior Dajour Williams said. Photo by Mack Cooney.
Hard at Work.
In her new office location, Principal’s Secretary Elizabeth Romanchuck is hard at work with all of her responsibilities. Romanchuck moved into the old principal’s office for better accessibility and the entire front office was re-carpeted and painted before school started. The lounge area for teachers was also renovated with new carpet, new tables and chairs, a new refrigerator, and a new coffee maker. “I wanted to create a space for the staff to use because they deserve it,” Principal Dawn Smith said. Photo by Mack Cooney.
Making A Statement.
Quincy Cole, Lonell Mason, Jerome Greene, Darrell Harden Jr., Valerie Titalangha, and Mahreen Ansari show off their sense of style by wearing what they like. The Hickman Mills C-1 School Board approved the change from uniforms to dress codes at the end of last year after a presentation by the Superintendent’s Advisory Council and parent, student, and staff surveys.“I love it because it gives us the freedom to wear what we want when we want to,” Greene said. Photo by Mack Cooney.
Fetch A Snack.
Students buy a snack from one of the new vending machines in the cafeteria. Inside the cafeteria, the vending machines include include baked hot cheetos, healthy gluten free gummy worms, Doritos, and a few more to choose from. These vending machines do not have drinks inside them, but there are a couple around school where you can buy water and powerade. “I believe teens need more choice that’s why I pushed for them,” Assistant Principal Chris Barker said. . Photo by Mack Cooney.
[NEWS]
New Year, New You
What is your new SCHOOL year resolution? Senior Aryanna Gant:
“To graduate.”
Senior Centoria Bryant:
“No more fighting, no drama and to graduate.”
Senior Jazell Randolph:
“To get a 32 on the ACT.”
Soph. Alawnna Duncan:
and GPA high.”
“My new school year resolution is to not over-do anything and keep my grades
Junior Jasmine Ward:
“To keep my grades good. Since they have double block, I can learn more than I did last year.”
Junior Alisha Palmer:
“My school year resolution would be to pass. I wanna try not to get so distracted and focus on what’s important. Start to express my real potential.”
Senior Delshon Bradford: “To enjoy my last year and walk across the stage with or without friends.”
Senior Donte Tibbs:
“To boost my cumulative GPA and improve in basketball so I can help the team have a great season.”
Senior Yahzmine Jackson:
“I’d like to maintain a 4.0 throughout the year.”
Senior Marie Anippah:
“I wanna try my best to get A’s and B’s and be in as much stuff as possible.”
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By Summer Love STAFF REPORTER
Senior Kiera Briggs:
Senior Alicha Dooley:
Junior Allison Rainey:
Senior Vanesa Guardado:
“To be able to succeed in life and stand for something for everyone to remember.”
“To graduate from high school.”
“Well this year I plan to study more and be more focused than last year. I want to make junior year count because it’s the hardest year. I also want to be a leader and join more programs this year, and hopefully help make this school a better place.”
“To improve my ACT score.”
Senior Cierra Deshazer: “Graduate (Shout out to class of 2016) and go to the Army.”
Sophomore Jasmine Aguirre: “To pass all my classes and get good grades.”
Senior Edileidis Herrera:
“Get involve in everything I can, pass my classes, have fun being a senior and graduate. That’s my plan so far.”
Teacher Mr.Criniere:
“ Relax, smile, and take each day in stride. Don’t procrastinate. Be proactive instead of reactive.”
Senior Kristina Young:
I can get.”
“To Graduate, duhhh!!!! But also to leave this school with as many college credits
[NEWS] [OPINION/NEWS]
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Preppin’ New for the Year 1
1. New books for staff. Assistant Principal Carri Moutray hands science teacher George Miles his new Faculty Handbook at the first staff meeting of the year. The new handbook contained the school’s new “standard operating procedures” or “SOPs” as well as other important
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information for the new year.
2. Band wash bonanza. Golden Eagle Marching Band members stop for a quick picture during their band’s annual car wash fundraiser on Aug. 15 at the Walgreen’s on 95th Street. The band does many
fundraisers to raise money for their trips and other expenses. “The car wash was tons of fun,” junior Lashelle Austin said. “We raised over $400!” 3. Pumping up pride Junior Dominique Mcclunie is lifted high by senior Emily Dyer, senior Antonya Smith, senior Mikeyla Brady, and junior Brianna Robinson at a cheer practice before school starts. They have been doing a lot of practicing and stretching, spending time before school to prepare for future games and pep rallies. ”I’m looking forward to doing a lot of stunts,” junior cheerleader Symone Griffin said. 4. Breaking the ice. Drama Club members juniors Monah Isenhower, Sydni Ross and Lameia Oliver-Gutierrez play an improv game to get to know each other during Drama Club’s first meeting of the year. The Club met to review budgets, plan the first activities of the year and discuss the fall musical “Avenue Q.” 5. Journalism Jobs. Junior Jada Burse, junior Aaliyah Wilcox, senior Sumer Freeman, junior Alesia Davis, senior Anthony Glover, junior Jasmine Shelton and junior Sa’Rah Al Basir blows up balloons to find their new editor positions inside. They compete to see who can pop their balloon without using their hands. The JIII class is a new editorial leadership class this year. ”We had a lot of fun that day,” junior Desirae Ford said.
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6. Soccer meeting success. Soccer players including juniors David Diaz, Filiberto Morales, and Ricardo Martinez meet with new Varsity Soccer Coach Mario Barnes before their first summer practice of the season.They gathered to talk about the upcoming season.The coach talked to them about being more focused and active at home.”The most challenging thing was protecting the ball, and my ultimate achievement would be to help out the team as much as I can to get some wins,” Diaz said.
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7. Perfecting the pose. Dance team members junior Lajai Ivy, senior Antonya Smith, junior Aeriona Verge, sophomore Ava Lofton, and senior Alexus Butts improving their dance routine.
[NEWS]
Alesia Davis STAFF REPORTER
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Ruskin Welcomes
New Staff & Administrators join RHS for the 2015-2016 school year. They were all asked the following questions:
1. What high school did you graduate from? 2. What was your favorite school subject? 3. What college(s) did you graduate from? 4. What subject or course did you struggle most with in college? 5. Why did you decide to come to Ruskin? 6. What are some of your personal goals for this school year? Marquia Turner Communication Arts
Victoria Jones Science
1.Paseo High School 2.Creative writing 3.Rockhurst & University of MIssouri 4.None 5.“I love the students and district because I’m always learning something new.” 6.“To raise the ACT scores of my students, to teach my students to write good thesis driven papers and to become a superhero.”
1.East High School in Youngstown, Ohio 2.Biology 3.Youngstown State University & University of Central Missouri 4.Human Physiology 5.“I live in the district and was so happy to get a job in the community that I live in.” 6.”Get a lot of my biology students to proficient and advanced scores on the EOC.”
Michael Hutchins Social Studies
Julie Jones Special Services
1.Caesar Rodney High School 2.History 3.UMKC 4.Math 5.”I wanted to follow the Sophomores and watch them graduate.” 6.“To ensure that each of my students receive the best education and to use technology to power their way of thinking.”
Dion Lewis Business
1.Raysouth High School 2.Computer Applications 3.Community College of The Air Force, MidAmerica Nazarene University 5.Math 6.”I thought that the school system I came from lacked when it came to guidances, role models especially for the African American community, I wanted to be that example to give back to the students.” “Change the mindset of our up and coming students and give a lot of the students some different options as it relates to college, jobs, or military.”
1.Chaparral High School in Harper, Kansas 2.Physical Education and music 3.Park University, Avila University, Kansas State University 4.Diagnostic Summaries & Content 5.“Ms.Smith’s positive reputation and the diverse culture.” 6.To know students first names, to know teachers by their last name and to learn the programs and systems for teachers in the Hickman Mills School District.
Allen Saunders Science
Iowa
1. Washington Senior High 2. School in Cedar Rapids,
3. Chemistry 4. University of Northern Iowa, Western State University, English 5.“I wanted to teach chemistry.” 6.“Improve my organization and efficiency.”
Jimmy Conaway Physical Education
1.Raytown South High 2.English, social studies and physical education 3.Northwest Missouri State University 4.Science 5.“I am happy about the opportunity to teach physical education and health.” 6.“I want students to be successful in my classes and at the same time, improve their knowledge of the subject matter as much as possible.”
[NEWS] [OPINION/NEWS]
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New Staff & Administrators Assistant Principal Christopher Barker
1.Raytown South High in 1985 2.Latin 3.University of Missouri-Kansas CIty with a BA, Avila University with an MA and UCM with an EdS 4.Statistics 5.“Came to Ruskin 14 years ago to teach and coach. Loved the school and jumped at the opportunity to come back.” 6.”To help Engineering & Technology house roll out the one to one successfully and increase student achievement.”
Ashlee Foreman Physical Education
1.Central High School 2.Health and Terminology 3.University of Central Mis-
souri
4.Trigonometry 5.Chemistry and Earth science
Jomarie Infranca College Adviser
Assistant Pincipal Torrence Allen
Principal Dawn Smith
1.Estill High School 1.JC Hardman High School in Kansas City, 2.Government Kansas 3.Savannah State University, BS; Clar At2.Government lanta University, MA; Lincoln Memorial Uni3.Nielsen community college, UMKC, versity, Ed.S. Avila University, Emporia State University 5.“I am honored to have been selected to 4.Math come to Ruskin. We have great teachers and stu5.”It was an new opportunity,Ruskin was a dents here. I believe in our students.” great place to come and learn and grow.” 6. “To support teachers and students with 6. Meet new students Ruskin High School being Awarded with Distinction.”
Patrick O’Connor Special Services
Katie Roe College/Career
Diana Roldan Spanish
1.Raytown High School 2.History 3.University of Central Missouri 4.Algebra II 5.“I heard there was buried treasure here!” 6.“Get out of debt.”
1.Grandview High School 2.Math 3.Missouri State University, Avila University and Webster University 4.History of Dance 5.“Ruskin is a great opportunity for me to work with a new group of students and staff.” 6.“Hundred percent of seniors apply to 3 or more colleges, raise the ACT composite average above to 22 or higher, and to build a culture that is focused on all students being prepared for college or a career.”
1.Colegio Santa Rosa 2.History 3.Universidad de Puerto Rico 4.Tennis 5.“I like the enthusiasm and energy of High School students.” 6.“Get to know and help my students.”
1.Winnetonka High School 2.Theatre and English 3.University of Missouri 4.Economics 5.“I’ve always wanted to work with high school students and be a resource to them.” 6.“Meet all the seniors this year and help as many students as I can create a plan to follow their dreams.”
Other New Staff William Perkins Engineering Brandon Miller Cafeteria Manager Shaquella Moore Special Services
[NEWS]
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By Stephon Allen
Sophs check out Ruskin
S
STAFF REPORTER
ophomores came to Ruskin for Sophomore Transition Day on August 12 to get more acclimated to their new school. They arrived to teachers and administrators greeting them. “I thought it was going to be bad because of all the rumors that people have been telling me about,” sophomore Jaylin Kitchen said. Sophomore Zayhon Hicks agreed that Ruskin is a good school. “It’s better than my old school because of all the drama that went on,” Hicks said. The sophomores met their
teachers and other staff members, toured the school, and got a feel of the school and their Houses. After the introduc-
tion in the gym, students broke out into four different areas by House. Once in their House breakout rooms, students got schedules and locker assignments and found and opened their lockers. They also played icebreaker and get-to-knowyou games. “I like how the teachers were nice and kind to us and made us feel like we were at home,” sophomore Cortez King said. “I like how the school is set up and how the kids are liking the new setting.”
(Top)Sophomores arrive to Transition Day off their school buses. Busses ran their regular routes, picking up students. (Above) Communication Arts teacher Allan Colling helps a sophomroe with her locker. Students had a chance to find and open their lockers during one of the breakout sessions. (Left) FACS teachers Kayla Henderson and Michelle Ciafullo hand out schedules to students during Sophomore Transition Day.
Woodroof wins state position
Junior Shelby Woodroof with her State Board sash on at the Thespian Leadership Conference in Jefferson City, Mo. Sept. 12.
Junior Shelby Woodroof will serve the Missouri State Thespian organization as one of only four board members for the coming school year. “Shelby was nominated, gave an amazing speech and WON a position on the Student State Board!” theatre teacher Kelly Michael said. Woodroof represented Ruskin at the Thespian Leadership conference in Jefferson City, Mo., on Sept. 11-12 along with
three other Ruskin students and found out there that she had won the spot. “I ran for state board because not only is it a huge opportunity for me,” Woodroof said. “I get to help plan the state conference and represent Missouri at the International Thespian Festival, but I also get to shine a positive light out into the world about Ruskin. The media gets so caught up about the bad things Ruskin does they tend to fail to mention the good things we do.” Woodroof said she hopes
to accomplish teaching the Missouri Thespians how to advocate for what they love (theatre) and inspire them to go back to their communities and give back. Missouri State Thespians is affiliated with the Educational Theatre Association and its student organization the International Thespian Society. Established in 1972, their purpose is: to aid in the advancement and improvement of theatre arts in schools in the State of Missouri, according to the group’s web site.
[NEWS] [OPINION/NEWS]
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Perkins leads Eagles football By Sa’Rah Al-Basir STAFF REPORTER
Ruskin football has a new leader. Kansas City native William Perkins is the new varsity head football coach. Perkins attended Southwest High School and he’s coached football in
many schools around Missouri but last coached at Lee’s Summit High School. Perkins chose Ruskin because of the athletic advantage. A lot of great athletes are in the Ruskin area, and the young men need a head coach and a staff of
Coach William Perkins shouts instructions during the home opener game against Grandview. Photo by Sumer Freeman.
coaches that will be here for a while with them. Perkins has had a passion for football ever since his young days. He didn’t really have one person who was his inspiration to become a football coach it was more like a handful of coaches. But, his favorite football player is Derrick Thomas, who grew up in the 80 and 90’s and was a great Chiefs player but he loved what he did off the field with his “Third and Long” reading program in the city. He has seen a lot of great moments that were challenging. “Really more of me adjusting and understanding new procedures new ways of doing things, just getting use and adapted to a new school district but the kids
are great,” Perkins said. Perkins said the he’s not sure he’s seen his best moment so far at Ruskin “I don’t know if I have seen just that best moment,” he said “I know that’s it’s been great seeing the young men just improve each day and for me that’s pretty cool just to see the senior improve and to see theme excited about football.” Perkins wants success for the young men that he coaches. “Success is measured on and off the field,” Perkins said. He wants them to be outstanding students as well as outstanding athletes. His goal is to build strong men. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, we’re improving,” Perkins said. “We have young men that have a lot of athleticism and we’re working to get the athleticism to transition to talents to win on the field.” Ruskin fans plan to see big changes with the football team. “We look forward to having a good season,” Perkins said. “We have some good young men. We just need consistency and we’ll be okay.”
EAGLE’S EYE EDITORIAL POLICY DO YOU HAVE A COMMENT ON THIS OR ANOTHER ARTICLE? WE WELCOME YOUR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. SEE GUIDELINES BELOW. A. Forum. Eagle’s Eye News is the official student-produced medium of news and information published/produced by Ruskin High School’s journalism staff members. The Eagle’s Eye News has been established as a designated public forum for student expression used to inform, educate and entertain its readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to its audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publi-
cation or distribution. The content of Eagle’s Eye News is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials, the school, the Hickman Mills C-1 School District or any of its affiliates. Advisers may – and should – coach and discuss content – during the writing process. The Eagle’s Eye will print as many letters to the editor as space allows each issue. The Eagle’s Eye reserves the right not to print a letter. B. Format. All letters to the editor
must include the writer’s name, signature and class or position. Typed, double-space letters are preferred, but legible, hand-written letters are acceptable. All letters must be signed. C. Limitations. Letters should be limited to approximately 300 words, or about one-and-a-half double-spaced, typewritten pages. D. Editing. Letters to the editor will not be edited, except in rare cases to prevent legal liability (libel, obscenity, invasion of
privacy, etc.), to edit material that is in poor taste, or to fit space requirements. E. Address. Letters should be addressed to the editor, placed in an envelope and mailed to Eagle’s Eye c/o Ruskin High School; emailed to eagleseye@ ruskinnews.com, placed in Mrs. Williams’ mail box in the main office or hand-delivered to Room 103.
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FUN TIMESummertime Jada Burse and Desirae Ford STAFF REPORTERS
When you think about summer time what do you think of? S’mores around a bonfire, going to the beach, hanging out with friends, going to concerts, staying up all night to sleep all day? This summer was jammed packed with concerts, festivals, sporting events, teen nights and all types of things for students to do. At Longview Lake every Friday for $5 you could come and watch a movie as you sit in the sand. Penn Valley Park held this year’s Chipotle Cultivates. Pride fest was held at Riverfront Park. The students of Ruskin High School took advantage of every bit of it. “It was a fantastic summer,” senior Jacob Brown said. “I met new people, went to movies and there were a lot of concerts in town!” With big stars coming to Kansas City, there were plenty of things to enjoy this summer. Hot boy band One Direction hit Arrowhead Stadium with Icona Pop as an opening act on July 28. Junior Jenna Mulcher said “No Control” was her favorite song at the concert.
“I love that song and it wasn’t originally on the setlist and a lot of fans got together and made a huge project for them to sing it live and they saw it and added it to the setlist,” Mutchler said. Country superstars Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean followed up on their August 1st concert at Arrowhead. The Sprint Center is becoming one of the most popu-
lar venues in the country and bringing in names like the multi-talented Chris Brown who performed on August 12. His special guest performers included Kid Ink, Omarion, Fetty Wap, and French Montana, but junior Johnesha Mc-
Dowell said Brown was the highlight. “When Chris Brown first came out,” McDowell said. “His performance was amazing and he made the show successful, and the crowd was more excited.” Warren agreed that Brown was her favorite performer. “Because of how wonderful he performed and because I love him,” Warren said. Junior Alexis CarterTaylor said the concert was better than expected. “It was my first experience,” she said. “I didn’t know what to expect.” Even smaller venues like Kansas City’s Crossroads District hosted up-andcoming R&B artist Jacquees. Summer brought out outstanding entertainment on the big screen from movies that got inside your head to movies that made you want to hide under your seat. The new Disney movie “Inside Out” literally took a closer look at day-to-day emotions going on inside a young girl’s head. “Fantastic 4” transported audiences to an alternate universe where four young outsiders gained superhuman Kenny Chesney performs during The Big Revival Tour at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, June 11, 2015. (Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer/TNS)
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Chris Brown arrives at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
powers as they altered their physical form in shocking ways. And, the biggest blockbuster of the summer was “Jurassic World,” which brought in over $1 billion. “Jurassic World,” a sequel to the 1993 blockbuster “Jurassic Park,” was set in an amusement park where an experiment goes wrong and dinosaurs run rapid around the park. Not performing well at the box office, but still enjoyed by Ruskin students, “The Gallows” shows high school students that some things are better left alone as they try to recreate a school play that ended tragically. “I went to go see The Gallows over the summer,” junior Mariaelena Gramajo said. “It was a good movie. I liked that it was scary and that it had a little bit of mystery in it. Anyone who likes horror movies should see it. It was a thriller.” With so much going on this summer you can only imagine what the students of Ruskin High School have been up to.
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“Convocation” (cont. from pg. 3)
had adverse experiences and behaviors” and that some choices they make are the results of those traumatic experiences and not conscious choices. Carpenter said they should be asking themselves, “What is this child going through and what can I do to help? Not, what's wrong with this child?” In addition to the event, anti-racism advocate and writer Tim Wise delivered a speech on how it's important that the district is trying to improve the racial equality. “We all need to understand as educators, as parents, and as concerned citizens that the system of education in the United States school system wasn't built to create racial equality,” Wise said. “We need to know this so we can understand how to uproot that system.” Wise said education needs to be a “revolutionary act” and educators need to be the activists of change. “Be honest (with students) and let them know you know the deal,” he said. He said once kids have an ally who knows the education system and what it's doing and will fight to change it, they will engage in the fight for an education as well.
Speaker Time Wise spoke to the teachers about racial equality in schools and the best sterategies to incorporate it into every day classroom procedures.
Chemistry teacher Lamar Pearson (left) was honored by Hickman Mills C-1 Superintendent Dennis Carpenter as Ruskin’s chosen employee of the year from last school year. “I was truly honored because they chose me out of all of the teachers,” Pearson said.
Sharon Heffernan (left) and Lisa Jennings (not pictured) were recognized by Hickman Mills C-1 Superintendent Dennis Carpenter as Ruskin’s recipients of the Millie Harness Support Staff Award from last school year at district convocation.
Ruskin administrators and staff figure out how students will be greeted when buses arrive as part of the school’s new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) implemented by culture and climate experts Reggie Beaty (far right) and Tony L. Owens, consultants.
Meet the 2015-16 Eagle’s Eye Staff... Co-Editors-in-Chief: BRIANNA HULL LUIS JIMENEZ
Managing Editors: ALESIA DAVIS EAGLE’S EYE NEWS JASMINE SHELTON EAGLE’S EYE ONLINE
Business Editor: AALIYAH WILCOX
Graphics Editor: GILIBERTO MORALES
Photography Editor: SUMER FREEMAN
Contributing Writers: SA’RAH AL BASIR STEPHON ALLEN JADA BURSE MACKENZIE COONEY DESERAE FORD TAMAYA HAGOOD SUMMER LOVE DOMINIQUE MCCLURE SHANIYA SHELBY-FELL TIERRA TAYLOR
Students from Laura Williams’s journalism III class show their new editor jobs printed on a small piece of paper that was retrieved from a balloon during the “editor reveal” day. This is the first year for the new editorial leadership class.
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Fall Sports are in Full
Swing
Tennis
Football
Sophomore Valerie Titalangha focuses as her opponent prepares to serve. Photo by Naysha Boyd.
Senior Running back Rhochard Lawrence is tackled by Grandview defender. Photo by Sumer Freeman.
Volleyball
Soccer
The Lady Eagles volleyball team celebrates a good match. Photo by Elizabeth Moloto.
The boy’s soccer team huddles together before the start of the game. Photo by Mackenzie Mcoony.
Cheerleading
Dance Team
Senior cheerleaders Antonya Smith, Keianna Dawkins Jones, Mikeyla Bradly, and Erin Edwards hype up the crowd at the big Grandview football game.
The Golden Eagle band and Dance team open up for the football game against Grandview. Photo by Sumer Freeman.