Talisman volume 50 issue 1 oct 9, 2014

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TALISMAN a student-edited newspaper

SUPER GEN

How we find the superhero in all of us page 4

small words, big impact page 2 Sheldon High School

sports rivalries page 3 vol. 50│iss. 1│Oct. 9, 2014

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Oct. 9, 2014

Opinions

the Talisman

Should students grade teachers?

Rachel Barnhart & Gracie Thompson staff writers

As students, we are constantly being tested, ranked, and monitored on our progress and effort in the classroom.

The grades we receive reflect our overall effort and successfulness in our classes. Most students would say that the grades teachers send home inspire us to try harder and push ourselves further. What would happen if teachers were tested the same way? Would their performances and effort increase? Or would it be against unspoken rules for students to reverse roles with the instructor? Should students be able to grade their teachers?

On the topic of the grading system and the communications with teachers, sophomore Maya Dickinson said, “[the grading system] is okay, it could be better because effort and ethics should be more emphasized in the grading system.”

Dickinson later added, “Some students have trouble approaching teachers. I think that teachers should check in with students individually, but it is also important not to embarrass the students.” Should students be able to grade teachers? Dickinson said, “Yes, because I think it will benefit teachers to improve the way they teach to the student body.”

Sophomore Ellie Yamamoto said that students should be able to grade teachers, “It’s good feedback for teachers to know what we want from them.”

Tenth grade honors history teacher Jesse Lawton said, “I feel like here at Sheldon, [grades] are something that students care about. I think that they are things that people

able to grade/evaluate their teachers: “It depends on what process you’re proposing. It’s important for students to have opportunities to provide feedback to teachers and to have value. I think that they act as an incentive.” Lawton added, “In avenues for indicating what is working for them and what is retrospect, there are some teachers that I want to thank… But I not working well for them. Many teachers already seek out had some teachers that were pretty bad. I would like to [say], you that input from their students formally or informally. Furtherprobably should have gone into a different field. You didn’t enjoy more, all schools have processes in place to address concerns what you were doing; you didn’t like [the students].” He also when those arise. However, a process of having students grade agreed that students should have the ability to grade their teach- or evaluate their teachers would be fraught with problems if ers. Lawton said, “That’s a it was not well-conceived. For great idea! I would like to example, if you had asked me to get more feedback. If we grade my parents when I was 15, could do some more constant I likely would have given them feedback, I would like that. a ‘D’ or an ‘F’, depending on the Because a lot of times [the moment, because they weren’t as students] are so polite, and if fun, lenient, or cool as I thought I’m doing something confusthey should be. My perspective ing, I feel like a lot of times later in life is substantially difpeople won’t tell me that they ferent, and I recognize not only don’t get it or I’m going too what a tremendous job they did fast or too slow… I think that raising four children but also if it was done well it could how challenging their role was. improve things drastically.” Ellie Yamamoto & Jessie Lawton photo by Rachel Barnhart That said, conversations about English teacher Andrew Cabrera shared his thoughts on stuteacher effectiveness would be incomplete without incorporatdents being able to grade their teachers: “It’s OK. In college it’s ing student perspectives since our work is all about students standard evaluations. It might not be super helpful, but not that and student learning.” In Oregon, there is currently not a forit couldn’t be.” About the current grading system, Cabrera said, mal way for students to evaluate teachers. Killen said, “To my “It’s not perfect; the proficiency model dictates no penalty for knowledge, there is no plan to put a formal process in place for late work, which I don’t believe is good for teachers or stustudent evaluation of teachers. We would always encourage dents… It doesn’t help them stay organized.” teachers to gather input from their students about how they can Principal Carey Killen shared her thoughts on students being help students improve skills.”

Athletes drinking and abusing other drugs If a student gets caught drinking, the punishment should not be too severe. Junior Pascal Konyn said “High school students make stupid decisions all the time and so does everyone else.

Students in modern day high schools, especially athletes, face I don’t think students should be punished so badly.” Konyn a lot of social pressure when it comes to alcohol and other echoes how many people feel on this controversial topic. drugs. Athletes need to excel both in and outside of the classStudent’s lives should not be ruined because of drinking or room and additional peer pressure can push them to abusing abusing substances one time. However, this tolerance should substances. When these athletes get caught drinking or using only be practiced to a point; if students are caught abusing other narcotics, the stories are usually a large headline and they drugs multiple times or using illegal drugs then they should be get severely punished. Some people feel like the punishments severely punished. are too harsh and the athletes have made nothing more than On the other side of this controversial topic are the people poor choices that everyone makes at some point in their high who believe students caught abusing substances should be school career. There is lots of controversy over these cases and punished harshly and not given a second chance. If a student is a topic that a lot of schools address often and publicly.

athlete gets caught by the police abusing substances the offense will go on their permanent records and dash their chances in school and on the field. Freshman and Sheldon varsity boys soccer player Giovanni Vasquez said, “People make mistakes, but that is too big of [a mistake] to be given a second chance.”

People are not perfect, but people cannot accidentally have a momentary lapse in judgment and make such a large mistake.

Abusing substances are serious offences that should not be taken lightly no matter what the circumstances, but there should be a level of forgiveness for athletes who have only, for example, drank alcohol once. If athletes are caught more than once, which happens often, they should be punished harshly and have more long-term consequences.

had that are similar. The same principle applies to many book and movie characters; if their personalities are limited enough, it gives the audience more of an opportunity to impose themselves over the character.”

English teacher Ms. Tierney looked at the issue from the viewpoint of language. “As human beings, we’re human beings that encounter a complex world, and really the only way we have to show someone what we think or feel is through language. From an English teacher’s perspective, abstract nouns are really interesting territory because they represent something that we agree exists, but that we can’t truly define. Take love for instance; to quantify love is the stuff of poetry and songs, it’s subjective. So when you can describe a moment really well, where you can share that empathetic understanding between you and another person, that’s really powerful.” It truly can be powerful. Language is a distinctive feature of humans; while other animals may have the ability to communicate, we are the only known species capable of such a massive means of communication, able to express an emotion in only a few simple syllables.

But what allows specific, miniscule phrases to communicate

such vast emotions? Campus supervisor Darren Henry said, “I would guess because of people’s own interpretations. Like when I read your [six word story] ‘mother taught me how to shave,’ the author had his own story in his head, but to me it was immediately my relationship with my mother and the things she taught me after my dad passed away, that a father would usually teach you. So I instantly derived from it the strength of a woman and women in general, the loyalty that they can have. If I’d have read a five page story, it wouldn’t have been open to interpretation. It wouldn’t have caused me to reflect on my life.”

A few words really can have a much bigger impact than many. Most people don’t have the whole “I have a dream” speech memorized, rather just that famous line. Yet those four words communicate the entire range of emotions behind Martin Luther King, Junior’s speech – the sense of injustice, the need for peace, the demand for equality. All of those and more are told with four simple words. Nothing more than words are needed to accomplish huge feats – everything from toppling nations to mending a broken heart can be done with a few tiny words.

Jonah Jellesed opinions editor

Six-word threads can have a strong impact Ethan Hauck managing editor

Some words will always hit us hard. “I do,” or even a simple yes or no can permanently change the direction of our lives. There have recently been threads on reddit.com and imgur.com asking people to write an emotional story in six or fewer words. Among the most powerful were these: “The smallest coffins are the heaviest”; “Dad left; a flag came back”; and “Jumped, then changed my mind.” These tiny sentences can convey the entirety of human emotion, and do so with a simple finesse. My question is this – why can these minuscule statements so powerfully affect us?

Often, the things that we most easily identify with are song lyrics - you would be hard pressed to forget the lyrics to your favorite song. Not only are we so easily able to remember these, but many people draw emotional connections to song lyrics, choosing separate songs for different moods. Senior Jarod Bays shared his thoughts on this: “Often the message of these stories, lyrics, or quotes is barebones enough that we are able to fill in the details with personal experiences we have

the Talisman

Opinions

Oct. 9 2014

Should there be home-ec classes?

economics and management of the home and community. It teaches students how to run a family environment and prepares students for Nash Coleman homemaking and professional careers that may staff writer come in their future. Some of the things taught Over past years budget cuts have taken their toll on in home ec include cleaning, child development, clubs, programs, and classes in schools all across the nacooking, nutrition, and sewing. Occasionally tion. Without the money and resources needed to support sexual education and drug awareness would be the teachers and classrooms it would be very difficult to taught. However, this practical class hasn’t been reintroduce these programs. However, some students have offered at Sheldon High School for many years. hope that some of these electives will come back to ShelBringing home ec back to Sheldon would be don – particularly home economics. a big benefit to our students and overall school Home economics is an elective that focuses on the environment. This elective class would give stu-

Home ec used to be an elective

dents the skills they need in the real world instead of other things we learn in school that we may only use once or twice in our lifetime. Home ec would also be a fun class while providing us with a break from our other classes.

A home ec class would provide students with a more interactive learning experience. Junior Seth Donaldson said, “Home ec would be a new and more interactive class than the just sit and listen

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class.”

Despite our lack of budgets, home economics would be a Gracie Thompson illustration practical and fun class that should be offered as an elective at Sheldon High School to prepare students with real world skills and experiences.

Should schools offer home-ec classes?

Eating disorders: serious problem among teens More education could help teens

by the concept of sports and athletics. “A potential cause for guys developing an eating disorder might be that they feel the need to put pressure on them to be fit or not lazy,” Molly Love Tierney said. staff writer As a community we could stop body shaming by giving people more praise and noticing their accomplishments, Among the many teens in the world there is something making them aware that others are noticing their good acvery common - eating disorders. Eating disorders are tions and that they are doing a good job. Statistically there developed from a wide range of causes. English teacher is a correlation between people who have depression and Ms. Tierney said, “I think girls develop eating disorders people who have an eating disorder. Most people who have because they need to find self worth.” Many girls judge an eating disorder suffer from depression and vice versa. others and pick out all the small ‘flaws’ that would make There are a lot of ways to bring others down, whether it someone not ‘perfect.’ Having some sort of control over is in person, or over social media. Online people are always what people say and think is also a big part of how females’ minds might operate when it comes to others’ views accessible. Anything that is put online is out there forever.

Once you post a picture, you don’t know who has seen it or on them. if it has been saved. If people were to exclude themselves Although there is a large population of girls who have eating disorders, there are also many guys who have them from social media forever, or just for a period of time, I as well. According to anad.com, 95% of students, male and think there would be much less body shaming and self hate. Once you put yourself out there, you are just inviting female, from age 16 to 25 have an eating disorder. A big part of the American high school atmosphere is surrounded others to judge you. Some people are kind to others online,

while some are extremely cruel and judgmental. By not putting yourself online you are creating one less opportunity for people to hate on you.

Although there is already some education about eating disorders in schools, there should be more education on the topic. Classes about eating disorders in general should be a mandatory requirement for graduation, in my opinion. As well as education on the actual eating disorders, there should be education about recovery as well. Having recovery (rehab) facilities just for teens could be a really effective recovery method. “I do think they should be gender separated,” Tierney said; “If I had to enforce some rules at the rehab facility I’d say no media, no praise or criticism, and no mirrors.”

School rivalries have negative consequences Isaac Meyer contributing writer When Sheldon’s football team beat Jesuit on September 12, it was a moment for celebration. The game was significant not only because Jesuit is a formidable team but also because many Sheldon students see Jesuit as a rival. It is clear that rivalries can build school spirit and muster support for the team. But can rivalries, both at the high school and college level, be damaging beyond the sports field?

While rivalries certainly exist at the high school level, perhaps their effects are most clear on college teams.

Some schools take advantage of long-time rivalries to accomplish great good. For example, the week before UCLA’s football game with arch-rival USC, UCLA students engage in a variety of activities to “get out the red” (USC’s color) that also benefit the community. Among other things, students engage in mass blood drives to rid their bodies of “the red,” and they donate their red clothing to benefit those in need.

But rivalries can also go awry. In 2013, some students at Lockney High School in Texas created an uproar when they released a video showing them urinating on and burning two stolen flags from rival Floydada High School. That same year, teacher and assistant football coach Michael Schmitt, of Tennessee’s Marion County High School, was arrested on suspicion of vandalism. The

catch: school officials came to believe he actually vandalized his own school in an attempt to frame students from rival South Pittsburg High School and therefore boost morale toward his own team.

Closer to home, new trash can lids at Autzen Stadium depicting a victorious duck throwing a beaver into a trash can led many to question whether sports rivalries had gone too far.

But how do rivalries arise, and why do they lead to such unsportsmanlike behavior by competitors and fans alike? While winning is obviously important, this alone fails to explain why a victory over a specific rival can be of so much more symbolic importance than a win over a similarly matched competitor.

But recent psychological research has shown that competitors behave differently when competing against a familiar opponent than an unfamiliar one, and this applies to both individuals and teams.

And when two specific individuals or teams are routinely matched for high-stakes competition, especially if their skill levels are closely matched, they also tend to play more aggressively than otherwise. While psychologists cannot yet agree on an explanation for this, one possibility is that when the focus becomes on a single opponent, competitors see victory as defeating that opponent at all costs.

(In contrast, when victory is seen as the cumulative effect of many wins over a variety of opponents, competitors are more likely to focus on building up their own skill rather than tearing down other competitors.) This can lead athletes and even fans to engage in unsavory behavior in the name of their team. So-called “intergroup bias,” in which team members or fans tend to see themselves as fundamentally better than their competition, only worsens the problem.

This effect can be seen off the sports field as well. In auctions, two competitors can become engaged in a “bidding war” and the ultimate winner ends up greatly overpaying; in this case, the competitors may begin to view victory as preventing the other bidder from obtaining the item at any price, rather than simply as obtaining the item they desire at a reasonable price.

Even nations can engage in rivalries: it can be easily argued that the Space Race between the US and Soviet Union was as much about preventing the “other side” from winning at all costs as it was about more practical issues such as national defense.

So should rivalries be embraced for their positive effect on school spirit and camaraderie, or are their side effects simply too damaging? If

recent psychological work is correct, rivalries are inevitable any time closely-matched teams compete on a relatively frequent basis, on the sports field or otherwise. Nevertheless, with a few changes in mindset, we can help keep our strong feelings about our rivals in check. We need to remember that no matter what the symbolic stakes may be, it’s still a game. And by being aware of our tendency toward intergroup bias, we can avoid projecting our negative feelings toward another team on its fans. We can become friends with people from different schools despite our unavoidable negative feelings toward their schools’ sports teams. By doing so, we can keep the positive energy of our rivalries while avoiding the misbehavior and ill will that sometimes result.

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Features

A superhero-loving generation Sam Fox variety & social media editor Tragic back stories, incredible fights, superhuman qualities, and one fatal flaw. We all know these basic traits of superheroes, but what we don’t know is why we relate to them or why we love them so much. Maybe we find their flaws to be similar to ours, or maybe we just admire the way they seem to stand out from the rest, but the fact remains - we love superheroes. Senior Khalia Solar said, “I love superheroes. Growing up, I was always reading and discussing comic books with my uncles. [Superheroes] still play a huge part in my life because of [the] life lessons and fun, different ways [they seem] to look at life. Superheroes and super villains are a nice break from everyday problems.”

Perhaps that is why we love superheroes so much - because they offer some sort of escape from the real world allowing us to hide from our problems, if only for a moment. Maybe the strength and superiority of superheroes is what draws people’s attention in. “We need superheroes to tackle problems that are too tough for mere mortals to handle,” said David Wright of ABC News. “Superheroes play a role in distraction, imagination

and entertainment. [They] are a nice break from everyday problems,” said Solar; “[Superheroes] give us hope in some sense.”

It is also possible that people like superheroes because they give us some sort of look into the human experience, like a thirdperson view into an exaggeration of our own lives. “Superheroes are the Greek gods of secular modern life – otherworldly figures able to tackle the problems of this human world. Like the gods of Greek mythology, they can be flawed. In fact, some argue that we need them to be flawed. Part of their appeal is that we can relate to them, despite their being superhuman,” said Wright.

Another possibility is that it is simply fun to get an adrenaline rush out of watching your favorite superhero beat the snot out of some villain from the darker side of life. “For some people, it’s an escape, an oasis where crappy things don’t happen and you can write yourself a great ending. For others, it’s for the thrill of being the hero, of seeing your favorite hero beat the odds and save the planet,” said Joe Thomas in a blog on moviepilot.com.

A final possibility is that it is all of these things combined that makes people so invested in the lives and story lines of these fictional demigods. Perhaps we love them because they not only offer some sort of escape from reality, but they protect us from what we

Will Generation Z step up to the challenge?

Ben Ely editor-in-chief & features editor

want to escape in life; and in doing so, they thrill us through their adventures while simultaneously giving us an outside look into the human experience. They allow us to see that even these otherworldly beings are flawed, and perhaps they enable us to accept our own imperfections. “Superheroes represent values, they represent idealized forms of who we are, like epic heroes,” said English teacher Mrs. Tierney; “[Superheroes] are similar to epic heroes; they show how we are supposed to be.”

Outrageous debt, worsening climate change, and miniscule resources - these are just a few of the factors that threaten our generation, known as Generation Z (Gen Z). Gen Z is the name used to describe the generation after the millennial generation. It’s generally classified as the group of people born in the mid to late 1990’s to the early 2000’s, which includes Sheldon’s entire student body. It has been said that our generation is too lazy and unaware to actually fix the many problems we will face in oncoming years. But as with any argument, there are two sides to this claim.

Technology is becoming increasingly helpful and innovative in the world, and connectivity is at an all-time high. However, it can easily be argued that potential problems are worsening at a rate too fast to actually be stopped, if even delayed. Both of these claims raise an interesting question: will Gen Z step up and

Some states in our country have made schools limit their classroom sizes to a small amount of students. They’ve called this Class Size Reduction. Having a small classroom could have its benefits. Many people, including students, have their own thoughts about this situation. Is class size reduction really worth it? Junior Carmen Shelton said, “I don’t think it really matters.

I mean either way it depends on the person in the class if they want to be there or not. I don’t think class size really matters.”

Either way there are pros and cons. Shelton also said, “[In smaller classes] there [aren’t] as many distractions and you get to focus and learn more.” Smaller classes can also have a down side. Shelton said, “You can’t get into the class that you want as easily.”

Sophomore Emma Seidman said, “I feel like you get a better education in a big class and teachers feel more obligated to teach.” Seidman added, “[But the] benefits of having a small class is you’ll get done with lessons faster.” Most students and teachers like

seeing lessons go fast. From Seidman’s experience in small classes, she said, “The class could be more sociable and not educational.”

Small classes can lead to big problems, such as cutting elective programs to get more core subject classrooms for the students and teachers. That’s what led to the next question. What do you think others thought of programs being cut for more classrooms? Seidman replied, “I’m not a huge fan of art [a program that is typically cut], so I really don’t care, but I’m in between.” Shelton said, “They shouldn’t cut programs, because that would be ridiculous.”

Sophomore Grady Bunce, had a different response. When asked about class size reduction, Bunce said, “Well, if you were bad at math and have to go to a smaller class, I guess it would be worth it.” Bunce added, “If [classes] were too big it would be harder to teach the students.” Afterwards, Bunce was asked what

Gracie Thompson illustration

for smaller core classes doesn’t seem worth it. We need programs for people who love art or need to be in a specific program. Having a minimum student limit in each class would bring more problems to a school.

Newest additions to the teaching staff James Bollig staff writer This year several new teachers began teaching at Sheldon. New teachers are often viewed with interest and curiosity, since many students wonder what they are like and how they teach. Because they are new, only a small amount of students have met them and fewer still have been able to talk to them for any length of time. Without having a class taught by them or a friend in one of the new teachers’ classes, most students won’t experience their teaching techniques. Since most students will not have a class with these new teachers, interviews are the only way in which the majority of students will find out anything regarding these educators.

According to the Institute of Education Sciences, as of 2011 there were 26,791 full time equivalent secondary school teachers in the state of Oregon. Of those 5,972, are teachers who have changed schools or have been hired for the first time. These

system; give students and staff the real amount of time it takes to do what we have to do.” Often students will form bonds teachers are spread across 221 school districts at 1,261 with certain teachers; these bonds can be schools. About forty percent of these schools are high beneficial to the teachers and the students. schools. Now that averages out to be just fewer than five new teachers every year, however, this number will vary. These bonds, while helpful, are not necessary. David Libby, a junior, who With five new teachers each year, it’s clear that not was a student of Sra. Newton-Bruzza all of them stay on and continue teaching after that last year, stated, “Her program was a first year. Since so many teachers are coming and go- little different than the class I had taken ing each year it’s hard to get to know any of them that the year before. It was harder in the aswell. One of those teachers is Señora Stevens-New- pect that it was a higher level than what comb who has been teaching for more than twenty-five I took the previous year, but the curyears. Stevens-Newcomb said that Sheldon “Students riculum worked well and wasn’t overly are great; they try hard and most have good attitudes.” challenging. I learned a lot that year. ” With so many educators moving from school to school and the new hires, many of these educators will be unable to form bonds with their students. When asked what she thought schools should do to help students learn Sra. Stevens-Newcomb suggested to “go back to the semester

As mentioned earlier, technology is becoming increasingly innovative. Not only has it connected people in amazing ways, enabling us to share ideas to further evolve common life, but it has also innovated health, bringing critical advances to hospitals and improving the general health of the public. Furthermore, technology could very well be the way that Gen Z overcomes future issues. Many of us are exceptionally savvy with electronics, and more and more entrepreneurs are bringing new technologies to the market. And it seems that entrepreneurship is a major trend for Gen Z. According to Entrepreneur.com, 17% of Gen Z “said they wanted to start a business and hire others.” And if future entrepreneurship keeps up with the current trend, then tech companies would be a popular choice when it comes to starting a business. Basically, designing new technology is a piece of cake. But while technology could be a solution, relying too much on it could be harmful. Technology can always malfunction or fail to perform the task it’s intended for. This means that we would have to come up with others ways to tackle problems we face, specifically social changes.

Technology can’t get us out of everything, by now that’s a statement that we should all accept. For example, climate change can be tracked with technology and maybe temporarily prevented, but the best way to combat it is to

adopt different behaviors. By now we have heard plenty of PSAs about how we need to use less energy, use less water, carpool more often or take advantage of public transport. Some people have made changes to their lifestyles, but Gen Z hasn’t exactly wanted to change. We rely on our phones 24/7, and generally don’t care about what effects something might have on the environment. We drive to school because it’s the cool thing to do, and don’t pay attention to where we throw away a recyclable.

It seems that Gen Z isn’t exactly rising to the occasion when it comes to stopping climate change. Our generation is stuck in its ways; most of us don’t want to make changes to our lifestyles.

So what could that say about our initiative in the future? Will we eventually act once climate change is out of control? Or will we just leave all the problems behind and let future generations find solutions? The latter may seem tempting, but there’s no guarantee that the next generation will rise to the occasion. So instead of being a bystander waiting for someone else to step up and find solutions to the many problems, we must make a small lifestyle change, and if we all do, then maybe, just maybe, we’ll be able to back out of this corner. Otherwise, we’ll be punishing future generations for our incompetency.

expensive compared to the regular salary of an average employee.

Outside major city, people are less open-minded and refuse the relations between different sexes outside the framework of kinUsually, I go to a gym on school days, but it is hard to do that ship and the people are more religious than in the modern cit- because if you care about your studies, you won’t have time ies. These cities have average houses, some buildings, and few- to do other things - which is why I usually go to the gym at 9:00 Being an exchange student provides an opportunity to learn more er services because its population is smaller than the big cities. p.m. after I finish my homework. However, sometimes I finabout other societies and even your own. I chose to be an exchange ish my homework too late so I can’t go and I don’t go to the gym My lifestyle in Jordan is a combination of the lifestyles that on days with exams at all because I don’t have enough time. student to gain that experience. Also, I did it to share with others my lifestyle and experiences. One of the problems that face I have mentioned above. I live in Irbid which is an hour from many of the exchange students is making close friends because the capitol. It is a city that has people from both of the lifeDuring the weekend I study, visit my relatives and we are new and we are not going to stay for a long time. Anoth- styles. It has the famous brands, a lot of services, and it grandparents, hang out with friends, watch mover is that exchange students carry the responsibility of showing has people who have different relations between the sexes. ies and do things that I couldn’t do during school days. people accurate impression of exchange students’ home countries.

My school’s system is different than here and much harder. I Being in America is not that big of a difference than living in JorThere are different lifestyles in Jordan. Some of them are very have two semesters, thirteen classes, seven per day. My school dan. Everything is almost the same. Only the school’s system, the similar to the American lifestyle. The capital Amman, offers starts at 8:00 a.m., but the classes start at 8:30 a.m. because we type of the relationships between all peoples especially those of difthe brands teenagers like including clothes, food, businesses have “morning line,” where we do some physical exercises, sing ferent sexes, and the food is different. We have American and other and hotel companies. These cities have a modern way of life the Jordanian anthem, listen to the holy Quran and listen to some foreign foods, but we don’t eat them very often. I used to eat a lot of similar to that in America. They have high buildings, modern, paragraphs of different subjects. I finish school at 2:45 p.m. How- American food in my country so that it was not a problem for me. international school systems, modern cars and more openness in ever, some schools with different schedules start earlier or finish terms of relationships between all people and especially those of after. I have to mention that we can’t choose any electives or class- I like having time to do sports after school and I enjoy being a part of opposite sexes. The population of these cities compromises the es in my school and other schools. We have some schools which Sheldon’s Water Polo team. Another thing I like about Sheldon is that the majority of the population of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. use the American system of learning, but most of them are very majority of people here are friendly so we are like a family in this school.

Wasseem Al-Qudah staff writer

a class’ size limit should be. Bunce said, “Twenty. It would be easier on the teacher and students, since you’ll get help easier.”

Bunce said of having a small class, “You get more help and support, which makes it easier.” When asked about how he felt about being in big classrooms, Bunce said, “It doesn’t really make a difference to me.” Some students don’t think being in a big or small class makes a difference.

In conclusion, everyone’s opinions on this topic are different. You can have a variety of different opinions. Classroom sizes can also have an effect on teachers as well as students. Teachers would have less work, stress, and students to take care of in class with smaller classes. On the other hand, larger classes are rarely in danger of being cancelled. Cutting elective programs to make room

take on the challenge of defeating the many crises threatening the world, or will we leave behind a world that’s even worse for future generations?

From Jordan to U.S.A.: welcome, Wasseem

Should there be a classroom limit?

Sam Lawson opinions editor

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Features

While a teacher that has been teaching at one school for several years is more comfortable and prepared, new teachers are still effective despite the challenges that they have to overcome.

Schools in other countries Maya Dickinson staff writer High schools all around the world vary in class size, subjects taught, grades offered, etc. Ever wonder how Sheldon falls on an international scale? Continue reading to discover what school is like for kids elsewhere.

Here at Sheldon, students are offered three different learning programs: comprehensive, honors, and international. Despite the difference in learning objectives among the three different programs, there are still many similarities and facts that apply to the entire school. A typical class at Sheldon usually consists of 30 to 40 students. Each student is given a schedule with five separate class periods, with first period beginning at 8:30 a.m, and fifth period ending at 3:25 p.m. Students are in 9th-12th grade, and while some classes are required, others can be chosen by students and/or their parents. Subjects offered include: language arts, math, social studies, science,

world languages, computer skills, business technology, arts, physical education, etc.

Student athlete and sophomore Rachel Schnapper said, “Sheldon is a great school but we focus too much on sports rather than academics.” However, Schnapper later explained, “I like Sheldon’s relaxed schedule.”

High schools in Mexico differ slightly from Sheldon. Depending on the location, high school times can vary, either being the standard 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., or 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. A typical schedule consists of around seven class periods, with classes being only about 30 minutes long each, while lunch is about 35 minutes. Instead of middle school, Mexican education usually has junior high school, making high school 10th-12th grade.

Subjects offered typically include math, philosophy, science, social studies, ethics, business, language arts, etc. Like Sheldon, students may also have free periods included in their schedules.

In Japan, both academics and extracurricular activies are taken very seriously. A normal day at school might start at 7 a.m., and end around 4 p.m., with six class periods, a lunch break, and a morning assembly to divide the school hours. Because of the strong enforcement and expectation to join sports or clubs

from both teachers and parents, it’s rare to come across a student involved in no extracurricular activities. Sports practice usually happens five or six times a week, keeping students busy everyday after school until around 5 to 6 p.m. Once students leave school for the day, it’s common for students to go to an after school learning centers to improve their studies. This tends to keep students busy for another two hours, until they finally arrive home at around 7 to 8 p.m. Students are expected to complete all homework and turn it in the next day. Despite high school being incredibly hard on students, college education is easier, and less overwhelming, opposed to how education works in the U.S. High school in France is also taken seriously, with a typical day from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The average amount of students per class is 23, making student-to-teacher interaction easier than classrooms with a larger quantity of student. Class schedules vary depending on what days certain classes are assigned. Subjects usually include: language arts, science, art, math, world language, physical education, social studies, business, etc. Due to a strong enforcement of sepa-

ration of religion and state, religious symbols and strong influences are typically banned from school.

However, like Sheldon, individuality is appreciated and most public high schools do not require uniforms.

Schools in different countries have a variety of teaching methods, and when asked if his opinion changed after learning how schools in different countries teach compared to Sheldon, sophomore Alex McEntarffer replied, “Yes, I think that Sheldon could be a lot more than it is, and compared to places such as Japan or France, our academics are lacking and we do not force extracurriculars which could be problematic when students begin to apply for colleges.” Sophomore Madison Zemba added, “I would benefit from smaller classes.” Zemba later explained her opinion on whether students in Japan and France could achieve higher education by having longer school hours, “They may become a little smarter in certain subjects, but in the long run most college graduates don’t use some of what they learned in middle/high school. Everyone who goes through with their education will end up able to get a job, no matter what country they live in.”

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Sports & Entertainment

the talisman

The young and the old Sheldon football Team A look at the team dynamics within the Sheldon varsity football team Jack Forrest & Solomon Faulkner sports and entertainment editor & staff writer Football is the most popular sport in America, not only is it popular at the higher levels, but also in high school. Here at Sheldon High School, our football program is taken very seriously. With four state titles in just twelve years, the system seems to be working and will hopefully continue to work for years to come. As sophomore varsity player Cody Shear said, “It’s really cool to play for a school with a football program as good as Sheldon’s.” Many players in this excelling program feel the same as Shear and feel honored to get to play on such a prestigious team.

Shear is one of the few young sophomores playing on this incredible varsity football team. When asked

how it feels to be starting on the varsity team, Shear replied, “It’s just special to play Sheldon football overall.” After losing many key seniors in last year’s graduating class the coaches decided to bring up younger players to fill the empty positions.

One might think being young in this prestigious program would add pressure to the already stressful job of up keeping the Sheldon name, but Shear said, “The coaches put us in a position to win every game, and we are all playing the same game.”

Much like Shear, Kellen Strahm is a minority on the Sheldon football team, but in a different way. Strahm is one of the few senior leaders on the team after some were either hurt or transferred. After asking Strahm how it felt to be a leader on this team, he said, “A lot of people look up to you even more that you’re a senior.” Although one may think that this would add

pressure and affect play, Strahm seems to believe differently, “When we are on the field age doesn’t really matter.” This really applies to any age in any skill level on the football field because age shouldn’t dictate the way the game is played.

Head varsity football coach Lane Johnson has led Sheldon football to many years of success. This year, Coach J (as the players call him) had to make a decision to pull up younger players to make up for such a small senior class.

However, Johnson said, “The seniors we do have, have done a great job [as leaders].”

Not only have they done a great job leading the team, but they have also been playing well and giving the other players a good example, “We have always stressed leading by example, not talking…They have all done a great job of leading by example not just yapping at people.” Said Johnson.

For this great Sheldon team, it’s good to have younger players on the varsity team to give them experience for the future, “It bodes well for the future that we have some sophomores and juniors that can play,” said Johnson; “They’re doin’ a good job this year, but even better for our program - they’ll be even better next year.” Overall the team seems to be holding its own in this challenging league, and with both the younger and older talent, their future is looking bright.

photo by: Greg Cantwell

The newest weapon against bullying: Shaking it off Taylor Swift “shakes it off” Sabrena Saggaf staff writer Over the years, Taylor Swift has written many inspiring and heartfelt songs. From songs about the tragedy and emotions you

go through during heartbreak, to songs about going into town and having fun with friends. So it’s no surprise that her newest song Shake it Off has fans going crazy over it, but there’s something different about this song, from its upbeat rhythm that make people want to get up and dance, to its inspirational message about how to deal with bullying. In this song, swift tells her fans that there are going to be haters and fakers in life, but you’re just going to have to shake them off and have fun with your life.

The video for this song shows Swift thrown in the middle of professional dancers while she does her own thing. Swift shows fans that it’s okay to do your own thing, and that it’s okay to be yourself. Sophmore Daniella Maldonado said, “I believe people should follow the advice of this song because it sends a good message to be you. If you’re not yourself then who are you?” Maldonado later said, “I relate to this song on a personal level, because I have been bullied.”

The message of this song has touched many fans across the world that have, or are currently being bullied. Swift was even bullied throughout middle school, but she never let it get her down. That is another point Swift was trying to get across to her fans through this song. That you should never let the bullies succeed in getting you down.

There’s been a definite increase in bullying throughout our country in the past couple of years, causing more teens gener-

ally to start cutting or taking suicidal actions. There are more ways that have been popping up to give people the opportunity to bully or harass someone. From verbal bullying to cyber bullying, the possibilities are almost endless.

The most common way for bullying in today’s society is cyber-bullying. This seems almost obvious considering the fact that most people use the internet on a daily basis. Cyberbullying is often described as the easiest way for someone to get bullied. Over the internet you don’t have to be face to face, it’s fast, and it’s right at our fingertips. Cyber-bullying may be the most common way of bullying, but that doesn’t mean that the other forms of bullying are not as important.

Sophmore Marriah Haith said, “Everyone at some point gets bullied, but nobody likes how it feels.” If everyone is bullied at some point then why does it happen? Is it because some people are so insecure they try to get comfort by making others feel the same? Maybe because it’s fun to take down someone’s self esteem. Whatever the reason, bullying is something that creates a negative environment for people everywhere.

People should learn how much we are destroying each other’s self esteem through our words and actions.

Maybe it’s not the bullies who get people down. Maybe it’s your own reaction. It is your choice whether you choose to shake it off and live life your own way, or if you let other’s words take over your mind and destroy yourself image.

Variety

the Talisman

Oct. 9 2014

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The never ending freshman-senior battle Haley Knapp & Emma Duvall copy editor & staff writer Going into high school, we are all faced with stereotypes regarding the incoming freshman class and the graduating senior class. The nervous, yet excited, freshmen who are coming into a big school are now at the bottom of the food chain, and wanting to fit in with their entirely new experience of high school. Then, there are the seniors who practically run the school, don’t really care about anything, and can’t stand the “little freshman”. To find out whether these stereotypes have any merit, it is necessary to find out how some of the freshmen and seniors feel about one another.

There are many different views about freshmen. Some people find them annoying and immature, while others just ignore them or think that they’re just like everybody else. In senior Tyler Furgason’s opinion, “I think the freshmen think that they’re ‘all that,’ when in reality, they’re not all that.

They think that they’re so cool, cruising around the school making their little herds in front of lockers, and blocking the hallways. But really, it’s just annoying. You’re not cool and you won’t be cool for another three years - now get over yourselves.” However some people see past the stereotypes and like the freshmen. Senior Elizabeth Laing said, “They’re awesome!”

Similar to the freshmen, the thoughts on seniors vary widely. Freshman Kira Ward said, “I haven’t been here for that long but so far all of the seniors who I have had classes with

have been nice.” However, there is also the typical seniors bullying freshmen. Freshman Jackson Skortman said,“ The seniors are nice I guess, but sometimes they harass me.”

The stereotype of careless seniors is sometimes true as Mrs. Youngblood-Lee said, “Seniors, a lot of them, seem to be a little bit lazy. It’s worrisome for what their future is going to be in the next few years because they aren’t used to having to study very much, and work hard, and have a full schedule of classes, and that’s not how college is, or how the real world is.”

Despite what people actually may think, many of the freshmen and seniors have conceived thoughts of how others see them. In most situations they think too highly of themselves.

Skortman said, “ Honestly, my physical appearance is at a ten, so I’m guessing that they like me.”

Furgason boasted, “[The Oct. 9 2014 freshman] probably think all the seniors are super cool; we can drive, and we blast Queen on the way out of the parking lot every day. And I feel like they look up to us, even though we don’t look at them.”

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We see that there is cycle to the stereotypical behaviors of freshmen and seniors. More than likely, in three years, the current freshmen will think and act the same as the seniors do now. And the incoming freshman will probably act like they do now. Even though the freshmen and seniors do not quite get along all the time, they’re still both just trying to get through high school. There will always be differences and the freshman and senior classes will never be perfect but…get over it.

photo by Haley Knapp

How to avoid getting your brains eaten Bailea Nance staff writer What would you do if there was a zombie apocalypse tomorrow? What things would you want to take with you and what would you leave behind? Well, if I were you, I would bring food and stock up on it. I would also recommend bringing an animal for a look-out and close family, because I know that I wouldn’t want to be left on my own and they might have some skills that I don’t. It would be smart to have some sort of weapon with you, unless you wanted to become a zombie.

According to blog.estately.com, these things could help you survive a zombie apocalypse: “Active Military Personnel: States with more soldiers per capita means states with more people who are physically fit, trained to fight, and have access to weapons; Physically Active: States with residents who rarely get out of their Laz-E-Boy will not escape the zombie menace; Martial Arts Enthusiasts: Hand-to-hand combat is an important skill when the ammo runs out; People with Survival Skills: In the long run, knowing how to survive

without modern conveniences in a collapsed society will be critical; Laser Tag Enthusiasts: Few things prepare you more for a zombie attack in enclosed space; People with Guns: Shooting a zombie in the head is really the best way to defeat a zombie, and to do that you need a gun.”

preparedness for a hurricane can be essential to survival; Safe Water: We take water for granted - until we’re dying of thirst and kicking ourselves for not being prepared for a disaster or learning what it takes to find and procure safe drinking water in any environment; Survival Plan: Disaster strikes when we least expect it. If your loved ones are in different locations, and communications are lost, how will any of you find each other? A good family survival plan is essential!

Now that you have some ideas of what might happen, what are you going to do when it inevitably happens? Hopefully, you would stay alive. But what would you do if a natural diIt really is essential to have a plan for any occurrence. The saster occurred? What do you think would be the best course of action, in this case? The secretsofsurvival.com shows many point is to have a plan in case these things really do happen.

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Editor-in-chief & Features editor Ben Ely Managing editor Ethan Hauck Opinions pg. 2 editor Jonah Jellesed Opinions pg. 3 & social media editor Sam Lawson Sports & Entertainment editor Jack Forrest Variety editor & social media editor Sam Fox Copy editor Haley Knapp Graphics editor Gracie Thompson Staff adviser Greg Cantwell Staff writers Wasseem Al-Qudah Rachel Barnhart James Bollig Nash Coleman Maya Dickinson Emma Duvall Emily Ely Solomon Faulkner Molly Love Isaac Meyer Bailea Nance Sabrena Saggaf cover photo by Ben Ely cover model: Solomon Faulkner

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