Talisman vol 51 iss 2 december 3, 2015 sheldon hs

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TALISMAN a student-edited newspaper

Yarn

Bomb

Yarn: the new graffiti page 4 Sheldon High School

New student union page 5 vol. 51│iss. 2│Dec. 3, 2015

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Dec. 3, 2015

Opinions

the Talisman

IHS vs. Honors vs. regular Rachel Bang staff writer At Sheldon High School there is an everlasting argument on which program is harder; Honors or IHS? Each having difficulties, students tend to vouch for the program they are in as the hardest, but students outside of IHS do not have an idea of what the program is like. IHS has its own classes such as Econ, Literature and History but students from Honors, IHS and regular have the same core classes together such as math and science usually. There is an option that IHS students have to be a full IB candidate which includes all IB classes as well as IB tests taken with history, economics, literature, language, science, math, and an “Extended Essay”. Students undertaking this challenge of being a full IB candidate have a lot of work on their hands that Honors and regular program students do not. The IHS program is the hardest program offered because of its level of difficulty and immense amounts of time that it takes to do well.

the difficulty of IHS, “it prepared me for college because it pretty much is college, and I would absolutely do it again.”

Students in IHS are challenged daily with their workload, but the strong relationships built throughout the four years of high school make it unforgettable and worthwhile.

The International High School (IHS) program is a separate program for students with an interest in worldly studies and international issues. Nigel McKinnon, a graduate from Sheldon High School and the IHS program said, “IHS helped me prepare for college by expecting more of me. IHS pushed me to do better work and be more creative at the same time.” IHS is known for its workload and rigorous courses junior and senior years including the dreaded “Extended Essay”, a 4000 word research paper that takes junior and senior year to plan out and write.

With so much to do, it is easily one of the hardest and time consuming projects in the program. The workload is seen as busy work to many students and McKinnon shares that he could have gotten more from the activities and work, plus, with so much to do, there was always a rush. Despite

More often than not, the bias goes toward the program the student is in. Haley Knapp, a junior at Sheldon High School, said that she has enjoyed her high school experience in Honors even though some of the classes have proved difficult for her, “I’m glad that I am in honors because I think that IHS wouldn’t have been a good fit for me. IHS students learn very different things than what honors kids do, I feel like,” says Knapp. Although true, IHS students have mainly the same core classes as Honors and regular program kids. “The difference is that IHS is basically college from junior year on and it never gets easier”.

Honors and IHS are both great programs and, like Knapp said, each program fits different kinds of people. The IHS program is loved and hated by its students but almost all can conclude that it made their high school experience one

Illustration by Olivia Barnhart

famous through traditional media.

CLICK Sam Fox co-editor-in-chief New forms of entertainment, such as YouTube, Vine, and Netflix, are such generational things that it is no surprise they are receiving a large helping of backlash from the generation before ours. A video released recently to the YouTube channel, “The Game Theorists,” titled “Leave PewDiePie ALONE!” focused on how traditional TV and movies, and their stars, are starting to fear a loss of viewership. As a method of fighting this growing trend, the traditional media people have started to publicly slam YouTube, YouTubers, and young stars that haven’t become

Matthew Patrick, or MatPat, the producer of “The Game Theorists” channel, starts his “Leave PewDiePie ALONE!” video by parodying the viral video, “Leave Britney Alone,” using Felix Kjellberg, the Sweden personality better known as PewDiePie, in place of Britney. Patrick then gets down to business, talking about the trends with traditional media’s opinion towards YouTube. He talks about three videos that late night TV show host Jimmy Kimmel has had on his YouTube channel, slamming the YouTube gaming culture. “After [Kimmel sparked] controversy with his first video, which you can imagine came with the requisite angry, defensive comments, the next two [videos] handpicked some of the worst, meanest replies to the video – simply adding fuel to the fire,” said Patrick. “But the ‘Kimmel situation’ is just the most recent of a growing trend, where traditional media outlets outright attack YouTube communities and talent, simply for clicks… Clickbaiting 101: ‘Hey, these people are popular! Let’s bash them and then get all the views as the fans come in to defend them!

Mmm… so many views!’” Patrick joked.

But it’s not just the videos and the gaming that is being

to always remember.

Senior Aubri Rodriguez shared, “I went into IHS to challenge myself.” She continued on to say that she loved the IHS community and how close she was with her peers after having the same classes together throughout each year of high school. Most IHS students, if not all, relate to the heavy workload and the strenuous hours of dedication to get the grade. Rodriguez said, “it got to the point where I would go home and start my homework and wouldn’t finish until I had to go to sleep. I couldn’t handle it anymore.” After junior year and many challenging IB classes, Rodriguez decided to drop out of IHS. The IHS program is difficult and can be overwhelming, ending in many IHS dropouts every year. IHS is known for a beyond difficult junior year with IB testing beginning as well as the “Extended Essay” leading into senior year. The IHS program, despite its hours and hours of hard work and dedication, is absolutely worth it to many of its students. The community and classrooms are family because everyone goes through the difficulties of the IHS experience together. attacked. The entire idea that a person might have a career through these new forms of entertainment, as an entertainer, is incomprehensible to some people. Almost any YouTuber will joke about how they’ve disappointed their parents through having this career, or recount stories of how they had to make up a fake career as being a YouTuber wouldn’t make sense to a landlord. Senior Ian Henry said, “YouTube was just the start of vlogging [careers]…

[But] YouTube will never disappear, unlike AOL, Blockbuster, and other pioneering companies.” Henry later added, “YouTube careers are [also often] ways for people to be seen by corporations and jobs. YouTube has so many uses for the people making videos and is so diverse.”

This seems to be a painful trend, with a barely visible end, but if fans of the YouTube franchise wish to keep YouTube around, we simply need to stick to our guns.

Patrick concludes, “It’s a weird catch-22: when these dismissive articles or videos happen, we want to defend our favorite personalities or reach out and educate these writers and celebrities about the stuff we really care about.

And yet, in doing so, we deliver the clicks they’re hungry for.”

Sports Highlights

the Talisman

Dec. 3, 2015

Varsity volleyball team takes 4th in State

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of the team was to get ready for the high level of competition they would see at State. Sheldon practiced at a high level, much like a practice at the University of Oregon. Meininger said the team was loaded with talent this year, “We wanted to up the intensity this year, so we could have a shot at winning State.”

Melissa Berry and Kenadie Kucinski staff writers The Sheldon High School varsity volleyball team has had a very successful season.

Through long practices, hard work, and dedication to the sport, the team won the district title.

Cal Young Middle School eighth grader Grace Brennan, stats keeper for the JV 2 team, has attended most of the varsity games. Brennan said, “The varsity team had a successful season! They are a very strong team and are fun to watch.”

At State, the tough competition started when they played five sets of games against Central Catholic; in the end, Sheldon won two sets and Central Catholic won three. Later, they lost against Clackamas.

They placed 4th, which is an outstanding ranking for the Sheldon Irish.

The Sheldon varsity volleyball team is coached by Gary Meininger and assistant coach Elizabeth Brennar. The team has thirteen skilled players and each one brings a lot to the team. Senior Avery Housley stated, “My favorite part of the season has been playing with my team because we are all pretty close and have a good time together.” Housley has been on varsity since she was a freshman, and her love for the sport started as a third grader. She will be continuing her volleyball career at the University of Idaho.

As for the future of the team, they will lose eight seniors who have all contributed to the team’s success: Cheyanne Broten, Allyson Crisp, Alli Fuller, Jada Glass, Avery Housley, Jenna Kuehn, Emma Peters, and Marin Radloff. Fortunately, they have players in the program who can fill those vacancies. Overall, the varsity volleyball team has accomplished a lot this year and has truly shown that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Coach Meininger said, “The league isn’t as strong as it has been in the past year.” The focus

Sheldon soccer’s outstanding season Isaac Grossberg, Solomon Faulkner, and Kalea Nyby staff writers

Sheldon High School has been known for its success in athletics, especially in football. This year the attention has been more widely spread throughout fall athletics due to the recent success of both the boy’s and girl’s soccer teams. They both reached another level this year having hoped to achieve the greatest success of all: a state championship. Both teams have had prosperity in the past, but this year’s teams have had record-breaking seasons. Their achievements

brought to light the true quality of Sheldon athletics by the level the soccer teams hit. According to Sheldon’s Athletic Director, Matt Binkerd, “It’s neat for the [boys and girls] soccer programs to get to that next level and be [ranked] a powering fifth in the state for both teams.” This shows the potential for the teams and how good the two programs looked going into the state playoffs and hopefully contending for the state championship.

The boys’ team league record of 8-1-3 got them second place in their league.

The last time a boys’ soccer team had done this well for Sheldon was in 2002.

Since then, the program had slumped into consistently mediocre or below average performances. In 2011 a new coach, Zach Lazar, came to the program. His youthful energy and commitment to making smart players out of natural athletes has led the team to victory. This year, he is finally reaping the rewards of his hard work with a large group of players who have shown incredible talent.

Senior Pascal Konyn has been under Lazar’s

coaching since his freshman year when Konyn made varsity. Konyn stated, “We have a big group of dedicated seniors that are willing to do what it takes.” He led the team on and off the field with inspirational dedication.

The girls’ team finished their season with a record of 13-3 and got first in league for the first time since 2009, which was also head coach Adam Barton’s first league championship at Sheldon. The girls also finished as one of the top 16 teams in the state.

This year was a different year for the girls with their successes and achievements. Not only did they win league, but they won without losing once, compared to last year where they barely finished league in fourth place. Senior and four year varsity player Taylor Carman gave her thoughts on why this year’s team was more successful than last: “This year we have great team chemistry and everyone is very dedicated to the team. Our team strengths are that we work so well together, we have great [ball] possession, and

Cross Country goes to State Harrison Nabors staff writer

The fall athletics season experienced a lot of energy emitting from cross county. While it hasn’t quite stacked up to sports like football, soccer, or basketball in terms of fan base following amongst Irish students, it has been a good source of competition. With a total of 82 athletes, 49 girls and 33 boys, cross country has become relatively large in size and continues its popularity. At State, Sheldon girls came in third to Sunset and Jesuit. Boys took tenth, with Central Catholic claiming first.

Melissa Berry, who led the varsity girls throughout the season, took tenth with a time of 18:57. Previously in the season she had a lifetime best of 18:17.8 for 5000 meters,

placing seventeenth in Oregon. Jackson Mestler, who led the varsity boys, took fifth in his race with 15:50.

Mestler had a lifetime best of 15:16.0 this season at the Country Fair Classic in Elmira. Mestler is ranked ninth in Oregon and is 70th of all high school cross country athletes in the nation.

Other notable performances were by Mestler’s sister, sophomore Caramia Mestler who is ranked 31st in the state and also senior Jacob Shelton, with a time of 15:49.5, is ranked 37th.

Cross country athletes

Illustration by Maddie Honey

everyone on our team is very talented.”

The girl’s and guy’s soccer teams ended their seasons very successfully. The boy’s team made it to the first round of the playoffs and the girl’s team made it to the second round.

Although neither team achieved the ultimate goal of attaining a state championship, both had record- breaking seasons and look to maintain this momentum in the years to come.

are successful for a variety of reasons. Some enjoy the glory. Freshman Kai Kelley said, “I will do cross country till the day I die.”

Sophomore Jackson “Dave” Skortman said, “The most important thing about cross country is the team aspect, because you can’t do it by yourself.” A lot of socialization occurs at practices and especially meets, due to a lot of excess time around the 15-30 minute races, which means that close friendships will be made. Friendship, especially in cross country, sometimes results in athletes gaining a nickname. “Peabody” is a traditional nickname that has been passed down. Sheldon cross country is gaining in popularity. Its momentum is building and there is a bright future ahead.

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Sheldon Spotlight

The fulfilling career of Special Education Cassidy Logan & Kaylee Alexander staff writers Deanne Herman, who works at Twin Oaks Elementary said that teaching Special Education “just kind of chose her.” She has been working in Special Education for twelve years. Herman volunteered in classrooms a lot, until someone suggested that she teach for a living. “The best thing about working in Special Education is the look on a child’s face when they read something their peers are reading,” said Herman. Kids who are in Special Education tend to miss out on things that those in General Education get to participate in. When there is a challenging assignment, it might have to be modified or shortened.

Each child is regularly tested to identify what support is needed.

Instruction is delivered in small groups and it’s always very specific to the student’s needs. Kids with behavior problems need to be in General Education classes so their learning can improve along with the other kids. There are behavior support plans for elementary age kids when they have these issues. It does take a lot of effort from classroom teachers to handle certain behaviors.

All kids have to be held to a standard. Kids in Special Education are just kids. Things may be modified, but teachers have to be consistent with discipline. Herman doesn’t know if she would ever work in General Education: “Special Education is working well for me,” she said.

The Special Education schedule is just like the General Education schedule. There are numerous techniques in place to calm kids down; they include body bags for kicking, weight vests to help students feel safe, and headphones for listening to calming music. One especially interesting technique involves the sense of smell; kids put candles up to their noses and the chemicals in the candles calm them down.

Special Education biology and earth science teacher Kurt Goldenstein, had his start in Special Education by getting a job in a state mental hospital and youth detention center for two years in Larend, Kansas. Then he worked in Germany teaching science classes for Special Education and for people who needed extra credits. Goldenstein said, “Helping students makes me feel like I’m helping them accomplish their goals.” On the downside, he said,

“the paperwork is very time consuming, and also the legal works is very difficult to deal with.”

Goldenstein motivates his students by helping them set goals depending on their skill level. He said, “Reducing the work load makes my students feel less stressed and less overwhelmed.”

Special Education teachers monitor their student’s progress by yearly meetings and by meeting with their case managers. Golden said, “Being a Special Education teacher is a suitable job for me because I have smaller classes, which makes teaching smoother and more efficient.”

Teaching Special Education can take up a lot of time from your personal life. Goldenstein said, “Disciplining kids isn’t a big factor in my class because I’m pretty easy going, and my classes are much smaller which makes things less stressful. If there are any conflicts or issues, I promote ROSE here at Sheldon and in my class as much as I can.” Some calming methods he uses are having periodic breaks throughout the day and not over whelming them with so much work. Overall, Special Education is a rewarding career.

Yarn bombing: “clothing for inanimate objects” Ryan Fields & Tyler Coombs staff writers A new class at Sheldon may fill your DIY sprit. Art teacher Ms. Herbst has worked hard to get a textile class at Sheldon, the only school in the Eugene area to offer this class. It is open to all grades, with no experience necessary. The class will teach quilt making, yarn techniques, embroidery, weaving, and more. This is a fun new way to earn a half credit in fine arts. The class is currently offered once a year, but if more people participate the class will become open all three trimesters.

Yarn bombing is also a part of the class. Yarn bombing is, according to Herbst, “clothing for inanimate objects.”

When looking around the school, students can find a couple of things already being yarn bombed. The bike racks at the front of the school have been yarn bombed. A tree in one of the C-hall planters has been yarned bombed.

This class was originally at Churchill High School but when Ms. Herbst left to come to Sheldon the class

was taken out. Ten years later it has appeared at Sheldon. English teacher Ms. Tierney, who had a knitting club in Arizona called Knotty Knitters, gave a generous donation of twenty boxes with different kinds of yarns, threads, and much more.

Sophomore Daniel Choi, a student in the textile class, said he loves yarn bombing because “it’s a new experience and I love 3D creative activities. The highlights have been shaping and creating a stamp, and the quilt with the ink design has been very fun, too.”

Choi recommends and encourages others to try this class.

Sophomore Bailey Prusz does not like the class, adding, “It is hard using fabric and [it’s] not an easy thing to learn. With a little more practice I could like the class, and I would be interested in taking the class again.”

Community Spotlight

Willamette Valley Student Union forms Ayla Bussel co-editor-in-chief South Eugene High School senior Emmy Lindsey and Academy of Arts and Academics (A3) in Springfield senior Cas Nelson, have formed an alliance called the Willamette Valley Student Union, a group of high school students hoping to make a difference in the Willamette Valley’s education system.

Lindsey, who plans on studying a form of engineering at a four year university, said, “The idea for starting a student union came from the efforts that Cas and myself put forward last year against standardized testing. Originally Cas and I were working alone in our own school[s] and we achieved a lot individually but when we met for the first time this summer I realized how the power we had as individuals grew exponentially when we worked together.”

Lindsey added, “I believed that if we could get an entire group of students together across the Eugene/Springfield districts we could really make a difference in the way all students in the area are educated.”

Lindsay said, “We plan to continue to fight until the high stakes standardized testing system has been abolished.

However, the student union was founded with the idea that all students could join and rally together around any issue that they believe is in need of reform in our education system. In fact, Cas and I discussed the issue of fighting for a better special education system when we first conceived the idea of a student union.” Nelson agreed saying, “Special Education needs and grading fairness are issues we’d like to tackle. As the year progresses, any concerns students express can become part of our agenda. Student voice is the single most powerful tool of change in the education system, we believe. It is up to us to orchestrate discussion of students to facilitate this power.”

Sam Krop, a humanities teacher at A3, quoted in EugeneWeekly.com, also agreed with Nelson and Lindsey’s statements saying, “For any social justice issue, it’s important for the group that’s directly impacted to have their voices heard the most… Students are the ones whose graduation is being threatened because of the tests. They have to sit through them. It has to be led by students.”

Many people argue that students who opt out of the new

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Smarter Balanced test are harming schools because the fewer students who take the test the less funding schools receive. Nelson responded, “Schools are typically ranked according to student test scores, and schools with higher ranks tend to be better funded. With a test that has such a high failure rate and curriculum impossible to study, it harms school’s funding, whether you take it or not.” She added, “When government takes the curriculum out of the hands of the teachers to teach to a test, they take away their freedom in the classroom.”

When asked what she wants to achieve with the formation of the student union, Lindsey responded, “The current main goal of the student union is to get rid of Smarter Balance and high stakes testing. The overarching goal of the union is to improve the quality of education in the area in whatever regard students believe is necessary.”

Lindsey added that all students in the area are invited to attend meetings and become members of the student union. Their next meeting is December 5 at 2 p.m. at The Boreal (450 W. 3rd Ave., Eugene).

Illustration by Maddie Honey

UCC community in recovery after attack Patri Cagiao & Sam Lawson opinions & social media editor Sarah Cobb, a 2015 Sheldon graduate, was one of the students at Umpqua Community College during the shooting on October 1. Cobb said, “[At] first, I did not realize it was a gunshot, but once I saw people running, I knew immediately what it was. I kept my head and found a safer place to be. I was absolutely terrified and had never been more scared.” Cobb mentioned that the “lock down drills” don’t prepare students enough for a situation like this. “My class ran and got out as quick as possible. One of my classmates, Chris Mintz, went back to try and stop the shooter. Another class had the gunman right outside their door so they couldn’t run. They stayed in their classroom next to where people were being killed.”

Kerry Levett, Dean of Student Affairs at Lane Community College, said, “UCC is strong and determined

to continue providing quality education to their community.

I was on campus the day they reopened that following Friday, and students were going to classes, using the library, and hanging out in the Student Center.” Levett has been helping out at Umpqua Community College and checks in from time to time to check in on the school’s improvement. Teachers and students on campus have been recovering strongly and are trying their best to move forward. Levett added, “I am looking forward to my next visit to the campus to see the continued good work of this resilient community.”

heart aches for your families. I heard stories from other students about their lives and their future hopes. Your loved ones were brave in the face of danger, and are an example to all of us.”

Lily Moorhead, Sheldon’s senior class president gave information on how the community could help the victims of the UCC shooting. “[The] Go Fund Me project is for the victims of the shooting that were taken to the River Bend hospital,” Moorhead said. All of the money goes towards medical costs of the patients, but that’s if Sheldon’s leadership team gets enough donations. “[There are] multiple ways you can help [with the Go Fund Me project]: donate, we need publicity so tweeting and going on Facebook [could help]. [The] donations do not have to be local,” Moorhead later added.

Helping the school has taught Levett some important things in life. “It has been [an] honor and a privilege to be invited into the UCC community at such a fragile time for them. Honestly, I learned so much from the staff and faculty about leading, caring, courage, and determination.

The Sheldon staff and student body would like to give A part of me will always be a part of the UCC team,” our condolences to everyone who has been affected by this Levett added. To all of the families who have been affected tragedy.

We hope Roseburg can continue to stay strong. by this, Levett would like to say, “I cannot express how my

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Variety

Dec. 3, 2015

the Talisman

Twitter: the newest platform for bullying?

Lindsay Kitzel, Breanna Lindsey, and Martín Delgado Caballero staff writers Cyber bullying is a big issue we are facing today. Twitter and other forms of social media give cyber bullies easy access to their victims. Why is it so easy? Cyber bullies can easily make fake accounts to start their cyber attacks on people. However, people also continue to use their own accounts to harass and attack others.

Another big issue, specifically on Twitter, can be Twitter fights. The main thing people see in a Twitter fight is “bigot” behavior toward users with different opinions. Freshman Daniel Harms stated, “I don’t see a lot of fights on Twitter but when I do, they are usually about religion.” Harms later added, “I find Twitter fights to be quite entertaining, [and] if you don’t like it, then don’t comment.” This would be a good way to prevent cyber bullying attacks. Although Twitter tries to find its own ways to prevent cyber bullying, the measures in place do not always work and are often flawed.

Bullying has been a continuously growing problem, especially cyber bullying. Due to the growth of technology, social media allows more opportunities for cyber attacks. Do Twitter fights count as cyber bullying? Sophomore Bailey

Prusz answered, “Technically yes, but I don’t think it actually affects a person like face-to-face bullying.” This may be why cyber bullying is growing so rapidly: people do not take cyber bullying as seriously as face-to-face bullying.

An account mainly based on Eugene high school students, “@Oregon polls,” is a good example of cyber bullying on Twitter. “@Oregon polls” along with other accounts (“@Eugene polls” and “@SHS polls”) use twitter to target people. Another account that was about Sheldon students was called “@Oregon High School confessions.” Junior Carmen Shelton stated, “The twitter accounts are both negative gossip and rumors.”

These type of accounts are the reason why there are more Twitter fights and cyber bullying in general.

Whatever we do, cyber bullying will continue to be a problem. However, the way we all deal with it can help lower the chances of cyber bullying attacks on Twitter and social media. Social media fights cover a big spectrum of topics. Social media websites are trying to resolve these issues.

However, it is mostly up to the users of all accounts to help prevent cyber bullying actions. There is no doubt that our generation is very technology-dependent, but with great power comes great responsibility and we can use this power to stop negative activities. In other words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” illustration by Isaac Grossberg

Apathy of young voters is a growing concern Brady Akins staff writer On November 5, 2016, Americans from all across the country will gather at ballot boxes to once again

voice their opinions on who the next President of the United States should be. The tradition of voting in the U.S. has existed for hundreds of years and in this day and age with the media that we have, it feels like the process has never

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been more publicized. Although the presidential election gets plenty of media coverage, the interest in voting amongst young potential voters is at an all time low. According to census. gov, only 38% of people ages 1824 voted in the 2012 presidential election, which is a major decrease compared to 1964 when over 50% of people in that age group voted.

Such a major decline in voting is a statistic that cannot be ignored, and it begs one question: what has changed between then and now?

Many young voters, especially in the state of Oregon, are concerned that their vote doesn’t matter. Due to the electoral college, the state of Oregon seems to hardly matter on the political landscape. Many potential voters don’t bother to take time out of their lives to educate themselves on many nationwide issues, because they feel like even if they do vote it will hardly matter in the grand scheme of things. Although sophomore Payton Vanlier said that “every vote counts,” there are a good amount of people who don’t feel the same way.

Other eighteen year olds simply aren’t concerned with politics at all. A fair amount of young voters feel like what happens in national politics doesn’t affect them, and in return they don’t vote in presidential elections. Senior Allison Shirtcliff said, “I don’t want to get wrapped up in politics; I feel like its pointless.”

While a good amount of young American’s don’t vote, there are still some who believe in the importance of the democratic process, no matter where they are located. Senior Jacob Klinko is planning on voting in 2016 and speaks very highly about the importance of voting. Klinko defended his belief in voting, “How else would you get the government to work for you?

If you aren’t voicing your opinion by voting, your opinion won’t be heard.”

It certainly feels like interest in voting among young adults is declining at a rapid pace, and no matter what their feelings are on voting, they should expect to have less of a “voice” on nationwide issues because of it.

the Talisman

Variety

Pros and cons of tech in classrooms Bretton Lloyd and Kai’li Matiaco staff writers Electronic technology, which used to not be essential, is now part of our everyday lives. It has also made its way into our schools. Some teachers find technology helpful and have accepted it as a necessity in their lessons, but that’s not the case for every teacher. It seems that some teachers are rejecting the advances in technology, and even punishing kids for using it regardless of whether it helps students or not.

It’s true that some kids do goof off with phones and computers, but for the ones who don’t, technology can be a very helpful thing. Most phones have utilities like calculators and internet access which provides a substantial amount of help on homework and everyday class work. “Textbooks are just outdated,” said social studies teacher Mary Youngblood-Lee. Computer Fundamentals teacher Les Phillipo

sees the benefit of having technology in the classroom as well. “It’s the world of tomorrow,” said Phillipo. In our world today, we see technology like cell phones and TVs everywhere. Phillipo’s classroom is a good example of how the rise in technology is helpful. His class uses simulators on the computers every day that are helpful teaching tools.

Junior Miranda Bucholtz said,“I like using my phone in class; it makes it easy to study or research topics. It’s sometimes easier than listening to a teacher.” Teachers sometimes aren’t enough; however, technology, in turn, can be a huge nuisance to others who are trying to get work done. There are still a lot of classrooms, including Mr. Wright’s that don’t allow technology because of how distracting it is.

As technology continues to advance and becomes an even bigger part of our lives, so will this argument of whether it should be allowed in the classroom. The end decision is most likely never going to be set, but instead, will be up to the teacher. After all, Illustration by Maddie Honey it is his or her classroom.

Disneyland in December Maddie Honey and Hope Bolivar staff writers Disneyland Resort, in Anaheim, California, is a magical place all throughout the year, but during December the resort really likes to turn up the magic in terms of food, rides and even special seasonal activities. Each year the Disneyland staff sets up a Christmas tree in the park’s town square that is wrapped in 48 miles of lights; they even cover the castle with 50,000 lights to give it a magical holiday glow at night.

On an episode of Guy Fieri’s show Drivers, Drive-ins, and Dives: Guy’s Disney Holiday, Fieri said, “The most popular treat during the holiday season is Disneyland’s handmade candy canes. They only make so many once a week, three times a day, and once they’re gone - they are gone!”

One ride that Disneyland changes for the season is The Haunted Mansion ride which is decorated like The Nightmare Before Christmas from October to December. Another ride that is decorated is the It’s a Small World ride; Disneyland workers decorate it with lights, and a few years ago they added a 14-foot-tall crystal snowflake-snowman, lit with thousands of lights.

Disneyland is a very popular place to go all year round but it gets much more popular during the holiday season. People who don’t like crowds wouldn’t like Disneyland during this time of the year like. Senior Lina Cruz would not want to go back to Disneyland in December because “it is very crowded and there

are too many people around to be able to get the full experience.”

Tom Bricker on the Ultimate 2015 Disneyland Christmas Guide explains in his article two activities that Disneyland changes during this time of year. One activity is their A Christmas Fantasy Parade, and the other is the normal fireworks show to the Believe… in Holiday Magic! fireworks show. Bricker said, “The [firework] show concludes with the Hub and Main Street a-glow in white lights and falling snow, which is a real ‘WOW’ moment.”

These are just a few of the amazing changes and activities that Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, does in winter. To find out the rest of the amazingly magical things that go on at Disneyland especially during the holiday season, Photo by Rachel Barnhart you’ll just have to go visit and find out for Dancing reindeer during yourself and have fun!

Disneyland holiday parade.

Dec. 3, 2015

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Holiday shopping tips and tricks Olivia Barnhart staff writer Millions of Americans will be going out shopping on the evening of Thanksgiving and the following morning, on a day we know as Black Friday. But there are many other ways to get your loved ones amazing gifts for amazing prices this year. While some people prefer to start early on their holiday shopping to find the perfect gifts, many others tend to procrastinate or be tied down because of having a lower budget. Here are some tricks you can use if you belong to the latter crowd.

It has always been said that it’s the thought that counts when it comes to presents. Putting effort into a sentimental gift can be challenging, but worth it and often less expensive. Freshman Carson Walter said, “Make something... base it off of their personality [and] if you ever see something [that reminds you of them] then get it; it’s cool that way.”

She later mentioned that gift baskets are a nice way to show your thoughtfulness, by buying or crafting several small items that you know the person will appreciate. It shows that you put time into gathering things that they will truly enjoy.

Freshman Hailey Harrison said, “[My favorite gift I’ve received would be] something someone took the time to think about.” Even if you don’t have the ability to plan out a gift which would take a lot of time to create before the holidays, there are other options that you can quickly make that will mean just as much. One idea is to find a mason jar and decorate the outside with ribbon, paint, or glitter. Fill it with a treat that your friend would love. Whether it be the measured out ingredients to their favorite hot chocolate, their favorite candy, a small manicure set, or something homemade, the gift will surely be meaningful.

Freshman Audrey Wilson said, “It means a lot to me when people buy me things [that] they know me well enough to know I like.” Most people can agree. As long as you put the effort into a gift, whether it is handmade or store-bought, it’s likely to feel personal if you put thought into the right present.

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