Directions Volume 32, Issue 2
December 18, 2009
Winter Formal
by Natasha Redlin
The sophomore class of 2012 is sponsoring the first Knox High School winter semi-formal Saturday, Jan. 16. Freshmen through seniors are welcome to attend, and others from outside of Knox High School may come with prior approval from Mr. Bendicsen. Rumors of the dance being shut down and only open to sophomores are completely false, according to class sponsor Mr. Elliott. Tickets are $7, while refreshments and snacks will be available for a small fee. The sophomore winter formal committee
Knox High School
Knox Hosts First Winter Formal
is setting aside all collected funds from the dance to apply toward the 2011 prom. “From an economic standpoint, I think it’s a good idea to raise money for the 2011 prom,” said sophomore Jacque Ryan. Freshman Erica Pick added, “I think it’s a great idea to help raise money, and we’ll be having a great time dancing and spending time with friends.” Attire for the dance is semi formal. Boys should wear dress pants and a nice shirt with an optional tie; girls are encouraged to wear dresses. Jeans are not permitted.
Fundraising for the formal is underway with committee members looking for donations to be used for auctions at upcoming basketball games. Anyone with items to donate for auctions should contact Mr. Elliot in the band room. Plans are also in the works to host a fish fry at the Moose Lodge next month. Junior Grant Warren said, “I think the formal is a good idea. It’s always good to get ahead with fundraising for prom. It also gives everyone a chance to look fly.”
Bikers Roll in for Christmas
by Rachael Winebrenner
The time of year when the spirit of Christmas fills the air and the stores are never empty is here again. But while most children are anticipating the arrival of Santa and are busy making lists and checking them twice, other children are not so lucky. It isn’t news to anyone that America’s economy is in a funk; unfortunately, that means for some, Christmas shopping is not within the budget. Lucky, caring volunteers are changing the holiday outlook for them. In our own Starke County, A.B.A.T.E motorcycle organization helps unfortunate families during the holidays because volunteers believe no child should wake up on Christmas morning with empty stockings. A.B.A.T. E. stands for American Bikers Aimed Toward Education, and members Terry and Debbie Young plan and organize Toys for Kids, an outreach program designed to help families in need. A.B.A.T.E works year-round to collect donations for Toys for Kids, and the program has seen much success in its nearly 20-year existence. This year, A.B.A.T.E has raised $9,000 and will be assisting 77 families (that’s 182
await delivery in car trunks outside. Besides gifts and a Christmas party, this year members David Winebrenner and Jeff Weber were able to procure 109 turkeys donated from Nash Finch where they both work, which means that each family will also receive a turkey for their Christmas dinner. For people interested in helping A.B.A.T. E., it isn’t too late to donate. Although the shopping has already been done for this year’s Christmas, the organization accepts donations all year round and stockpiling has already begun for next year’s holidays. Drop boxes can be found at many local businesses in Starke County, and donations such as new and gently used toys, cash or checks are encouraged. An A.B.A.T.E member tries out one of the new “hogs”
children) in Starke County. Money raised is used for shopping at Walmart in Valparaiso, where presents and a new bike are purchased for each child. Fifty to 60 volunteers invite the children to a Christmas party, where they receive stockings stuffed with goodies and sit with Santa, while stashed presents
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Santa’s A.B.A.T.E. loot is stashed away until the big day.
OPINION Redskin Talk by Alexis Sheets
Q: What do you want for Christmas? “A Spartan sword and shield.”
“A VW Bus.”
-Emi Kajer, sophomore
-Mike Soto, senior
“A GI Joe and a Barbie.”
“A green turtle sandbox.”
-Mike Shwanke & Shaun Pier, juniors
-Joel Bailey, senior
“My two boys home safe for Christmas.”
“My two front teeth.” -Caity Farus, junior
-Mr. Owens
“An Oscar Meyer weiner mobile.” -Aaron Everage, junior
KHS Gives Recognition to Students November winners
No Referrals: Sean Lynch Perfect Attendance: Hannah Folkers No ZAPs: Sara Young
Directions Staff
Kaitlyn Betz Stefanie Bradley Natasha Redlin Brittany Rowe Rashya Davis Cassandra Glover Samantha Snyder Rachael Monicca Guise Winebrenner Becca Hardel Layout Editor: Alexis Sheets Adviser: Mrs. Kubaszyk
November
December No Referrals: Josh Cook Perfect Attendance: Danielle Lardino No ZAPs: David Williamson
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December winners
Sports Lady Redskins Keep Eyes on the Prize by Kaityln Betz
Making the leap from fall sports into basketball season with a lot of “good feelings” is the goal for both the girls’ basketball team and their coach, Mr. Huizenga. From practicing together through many sunny summer days to most of the Lady Redskins, old and new, being teamed up for volleyball season this year, Mr. Huizenga explained that, “The attitudes and work ethics of this group are much improved, and we could have a very good year.” Since officially starting their basketball season Nov. 7, Mr. Huizenga said he believes that, unlike past years where having new freshman players normally takes some getting used to, “both the old and the new players have [adapted] very well to each other since the beginning of the season.” This year, hopes are up and the coach said he is feeling confident in his team, welcoming new players following the loss of last year’s graduates, which isn’t anything new to this coach of 12 years. “It is different, but you get used to it,” Huizenga said. “You realize every year is different. You miss the kids, but you learn to move on quickly.” With the girls’ volleyball team sectional win this year setting an invisible bar in the girls’ minds, focusing on
Janyl Zachary tips for control of the ball
Opinion: This Writer Wants a Soccer Team for Christmas
new goals instead of past ones is a must. “Our two big dreams are to compete for the conference and sectional championships,” stressed Huizenga. “The sectional is a goal every year, and we hope the volleyball team’s experience will help us in February.” In order to meet their goal, however, many opponents will have to be taken down. “I think we have a very good chance against all of them, but the best ones left are Jimtown and Andrean,” Huizenga stated. “In reality we want to treat everyone as the most important. That is the attitude best teams have.” The girls have been working very hard in preparation for the games that lie in front of them, many of which help out a good cause. Profits and money raised at some games are sometimes donated to charity organizations. For instance, last year’s Coaches vs. Cancer game not only helped raise money for the cancer research but helped to raise cancer awareness. This year, the Dec. 5 game helped raise money for Hoops for Hope, “which is an organization that raises money for kids in Africa that have been orphaned due to AIDS,” Mr. Huizenga said. Another Coaches Vs. Cancer game is also being planned for this season.
Boys’ Basketball Updates
by Brittany Rowe
It’s winter sports season, but that means it’s the perfect time to talk about making some changes for next year’s sports schedule. One addition that the school to take into consideration is soccer. Knox High School currently has no soccer team, which is a real disappointment. Teachers and staff at Knox talk about wanting students to be more involved at school, and starting a soccer team could definitely lead to increased participation. Also, the girls on the Starke County soccer team play and work hard, and yet they can’t earn a letter or earn any recognition because their sport isn’t organized through the high school. Mascot Keisten Childers cheers on the If someone would start a high school Redskins soccer team, it would be a great asset to the school and would also have boys and girls alike more involved.
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North Judson: 40-39 Morgan Township: 53-38 Tippy Valley: 45-44 Culver: 58-45
Girls’ Varsity Basketball Updates December 03 vs. Argos: 67-61 WIN December 05 vs. Triton: 58-34 WIN December 11 vs. O-D: 54-48 LOSS December 12 vs. Culver: 66-60 WIN
Feature Online Credit is an Option for Some by Sam Snyder
With first semester finals coming to a close some Knox High School students may find themselves falling short of necessary credits. However, hope is still available from such shortcomings via an online credit recovery program called NovaNET. The program begins in January 2010 at the high school. According the Dr. Ratliff, NovaNET is considered a highly qualified teaching tool for the State of Indiana. The program offers a variety of coursework in the subjects of science, social studies, language arts, and math. Dr. Ratliff said that in the years to come, it is also likely that KHS will offer SAT and ACT studying help through NovaNET. Additionally, a student who may have missed a significant amount of school could benefit from the program as well. NovaNET is tailored for individual student needs, letting each progress at his or her own pace. If a student understands a concept, the program progresses to the next step. Students may take just
Miss Bailey reviews with Katie Cooke the NovaNET tutorial online.
one course or multiple courses without waiting for a new semester to beginning. NovaNET also allows students to re-take a class privately, avoiding the possible
embarrassment that repeating a class can cause. Currently, the Knox NovaNET can only accommodate three students at one time, and those with the highest need will be given first priority. Students from the class of 2010 in danger of graduation failure will receive first priority, followed by struggling juniors. Now that the first half of the 20092010 school year is concluding, at-risk students might want to explore NovaNET as they work toward their graduation requirements. Students are welcome to take the tutorial to see if NovaNET is a resource to consider for helping them meet graduation requirements. Juniors and seniors interested in the program or who have questions can go to the guidance office for additional information or check out the NovaNET web site at http://www. pearsonschool.com.
Creative Corner
Q: How long have you been drawing?
Q: Do you plan on pursuing a career in art?
Jimmy: Since I was in first grade.
Jimmy: No, it's just a big hobby of mine.
Q: What’s your favorite media/art style?
Jimmy Krause transports his love of Star Trek to the sketchpad with his drawing rendition of Captain Kirk.
Jimmy: Drawing with pencils. Q: Why did you draw this piece? Jimmy: I really liked the movie Star Trek. Q:What is the worst grade you’ve ever gotten in art? Jimmy: A 95% percent
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Q:What is your most memorable moment in art class? Jimmy: In intro art class when Jake and Joe [Rietow] fought. Joe destroyed Jake's clay house and Jake ripped up Joe's paper.
Feature Senior Spotlight by Cassandra Glover
Jake Rietow
Joshua Minix
Q: What occupation are you most interested in pursuing?
Q: Where do you want to go to college? For what major?
A: Pharmacy.
A: Brown Mackie College. I want to go to become a physical therapy assistant.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most after graduation? A: The freedom of no school and finally being able to do what I want to do.
Q: Is there any particular reason you chose Brown Mackie? A: It’s close to home.
Q: Of what accomplishment are you most proud?
Q: Are you going to miss high school after you graduate?
A: I guess staying first in my class, being valedictorian.
A: No! I’m not going to miss it because I’ll be out of these classes, and I’ll finally have the day to myself.
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Mystery Teacher
?
Can you guess this month’s Mystery Teacher? He/She has been teaching for 12 years and attended eight years of college, first at the University of Vincennes and then at Indiana University, South Bend, before graduating. As a young man/ woman, this teacher had aspirations of joining the Army. The Mystery Teacher has a competitive spirit and enjoys a good game of Scrabble or Pictionary to show off his/her skills. December’s Mystery Teacher also watches football regularly, closely follows the Minnesota Vikings, and is a Bret Farve fan. On a quiet Friday night, visitors might find the Mystery Teacher at home with his/her family watching Adam Sandler movies or reading to his/her child. He/She also enjoys meatloaf, farms, reads nonfiction and hates his/her spouse’s dog. Who is this month’s Mystery Teacher?
http://www.lifevesting.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/
Entertainment Horoscope Fun by Rashya Davis
Get Munked! by Becca Hardel
In 2007, Alvin and the Chipmunks made their first big screen premiere. In the storyline, the musically inclined chipmunks are found in a Christmas tree that was cut down and sent to Los Angeles. Once in Los Angeles, the Chipmunks meet David Seville, impressing him with their singing. David takes them in as long as they promise to sing songs he has written. The Chipmunks learn a hard lesson when they betray Dave in exchange for the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Eventually, the chipmunks become pop stars while singing Dave’s songs. The Chipmunk saga continues in the upcoming movie: Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. When Dave ends up in the hospital, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore end up in the care of Dave's nephew, Tobi. The Chipmunks have to put their stardom aside and return to school. With the school at risk of
losing its music program, it’s up to the Chipmunks to save the day. The boys enter a battle of the bands competition in their efforts to win $25,000. In the battle, however, the Chipmunks meet their match in three, singing Chipmunks known as The Chipettes. Romantic and musical sparks are ignited when the Chipmunks and Chipettes square off. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel casts Justin Long, Anna Farris, Jason Lee, Jesse McCartney, Amy Poehler, Christina Applegate, and many more. Catch it in theaters Wednesday, Dec. 23.
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Aries ~ December may be a rocky month. Beware stubbornness doesn’t hold you back from achieving your goals. Take your friendships more seriously, especially during the last week of the month. Taurus ~ This month has you mixed up in relationship conflicts, and you may find that you are angry with yourself. You may also find that you are adoring someone new, but don't worry. It will work out soon. Gemini ~ Something big is going to change and you’ll find a little happiness. Still, you have to face one or two difficult challenges around New Year’s Day. Cancer ~ Your competitive feelings challenge you to apply yourself more. You also have the temptation to pursue romance, but keep your emotions in check to avoid a broken heart. Leo ~ You will begin establishing healthy patterns as part of your New Year’s resolution, eliminating destructive behaviors. You will also find the freedom to explore your imagination. Virgo ~ You are all about schoolwork this month and you are starting to feel the pressures of your routine. Face the difficulties head-on and you’ll be fine. Libra ~ There's no room to be lazy this month. Your extra work will be recognized and rewarded. A big change is coming your way that will show that you are stronger and wiser than you think. Scorpio ~ You are stressed this month from problems at home, which has the potential to really make things rocky. Take a break to go shopping or hang out with friends. Sagittarius ~ Service, spirit and self-awareness are three major areas of interest for you this month. Focus your attention on meeting your obligations. Capricorn ~ This month will demand more than physical work from you. Some things won’t go your way, but consider them life’s little challenges. If you just stay on top of things the challenges will shake out. Aquarius ~ Don't fantasize about the future because it can always change. If you are looking to help out, community service is always a good thing. Pisces ~ Your dreams will come into focus, reality bringing you to realize your life’s desires. Also, beware of those individuals who don't respect you; you’ll have more control.
Entertainment Fun Facts
Wint er
by Becca Hardel
*The coldest place in North America is Snag, the Yukon Territory of Canada, with a recorded temperature of -81.4° F on Feb. 3, 1947. * Snowflakes are really ice crystals in varying patterns. *According to the International Commission of Snow and Ice, snowflakes have these general forms: 1.Plates 2.Stellar crystals 3.Columns 4.Needles 5.Spatial dendrites 6.Capped columns 7.Irregular forms *The world’s largest snowflake was 38cm wide and 20cm thick and was found at Fort Keogh, Mont., on Jan. 28, 1887. *The most snowfall within 24 hours in the U.S. was 63 inches and occurred in Georgetown, Colo., on Dec. 4, 1913. *We’ll have a cold winter if: *Animals have thicker coats of fur. *Squirrels build their nests low in trees and gather nuts early. *Ants build their mounds high. *Large numbers of spiders are seen in the fall. *A heavy crop of berries is found on holly and dogwood trees. *Birds are seen migrating early or huddling on the ground. *Woolly worms have heavy coats and they have a wide black band.
No Blue Christmas for this Indie Rocker by Stefanie Bradley
“Sit down in our thinking chair and think…think…thi-iink!” Many of us remember Steve’s words from that favorite TV show, Blue’s Clues. But where is Steve Burns now? Many might be surprised to discover that Burns has evolved into an underground indie rocker! Yes, the same guy who helped us – and Blue – solve clues years ago has recorded 11 new songs. But that turned out to be the easy part. The hard part for the 28-year-old Brooklyn, N.Y., resident is getting a label to release his work. “I really don’t care who puts it out,” Burns said in an interview with Jo D’Angelo for MTV.com. “At the end of the day, I just want people to like it. I want as many people to hear it as possible, and I hope it finds a happy home somewhere.” Music isn’t a new area for Burns, who said he has played in bands since he was in high school where he was a member of Sudden Impact. After that, he rocked out with Nine Pound Truck and the Ivys. Burns worked on material for Songs for Dustmites, his CD, for nearly two and a half years. He said he messed around, trial-anderror style, until he found something he liked for his record. Burns no longer spends his morning solving clues with Blue, and he hardly resembles the Steve Burns who did. He told MTV.com “he shaved his head the day after his final episode was in the can.” It was something he’d wanted to do for years, but Blues Clues wouldn’t let him. It’s also more than likely you won’t find him wearing his trademark khakis and green rugby shirt at his local indie-rock bar.
Source: http://nutritionfitnesslife.com/ winter-fun-facts/
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“Blue skidoo, we can, too!"