New SHS Teachers
The Talisman Staff
Boys’ Water Polo
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centerspread
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the Talisman a student newspaper
Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401 vol. 42 Issue 1 Oct. 12, 2006
Renovations irk Sheldon students Administrators claim the new additions are safety measures intended to protect students while on school grounds by Woohyun Kweon sheldon news editor Upperclassmen have diligently noticed the new additions to our school. However, the idea behind the renovations may not have yet sunk in for the freshmen, seeing as many freshmen interpreted them as just a part of the school. School administration prepares plans throughout the year in order to ensure a strong community and environment. Two particular projects took most of last year to complete. Sheldon had the pleasure of receiving new additions, in-
Lockdown
cluding the glass doors and the hi-tech signboard. School administration had the projects completed last summer. Many students have asked, “What’s the point?” “Why were there new additions?” Security has been a big factor in putting up the glass doors and pull-down gates. The 4J district took further measures and made an effort to ensure the safety of students and staff. In addition to Sheldon, the district funded Churchill High School’s secure entry way. Vice Principal Watson said, “Vandalism was an issue that Sheldon wanted to eliminate.” Watson pointed out that vandalism has been an issue these past years. Although most students here at Sheldon are pleasant to be around, Mr. Voss expressed that students lingering around campus may result in accidents that may not occur if the campus closed after school. In case of future intrusions, the gates can be dragged down to secure the area. As mentioned before, a hi-tech signboard replaced the previous board. Sending a person trudging through mud
to change the old board was problematic. Now, the new orange letters flash information of upcoming events. Watson said, “There has not been, and I do not think that any new additions will cause problems with the students and faculty.” Watson explained that the new structures should eliminate problems. However, some students’ opinions differed. “It’s pointless; I feel confined,” junior Olivia Davis pointed out. Davis continued, “We have to go around the doors, instead of walking right through.” Students also have different thoughts about the signboard, and think the budget should’ve been used for something else. “Hallway doors should be automatic. It gets so crowded,” sophomore Chen-Yun Yang stated. Some students also thought windows in classrooms would create a brighter environment. It seems that attitudes toward the renovations differ, especially between students and administrators. In time, perhaps everyone can become accustomed to the renovations and think of them as a part of their daily lives.
New renovations, good times
Former Sheldon student sends the school into lockdown while police and staff work to keep students safe by Deidre Jones assistant editor
The morning of September 27 progressed as a day here at Sheldon High usually does. The only differences were the police vehicles that were parked around the school. The confused students were soon enlightened as the familiar voice of Principal Dr. Bob Bolden’s voice came over the intercom. He explained to students that there had been a threat made to several students, and that while there was no immediate threat at the time, Sheldon was told to be prepared for lockdown. Other students, such as junior Chris Brumley, joked about the incident. Brumley exclaimed in mock fright, “I’m gonna call my mommy! I don’t want to die!” The day continued as expected. Students and staff alike discussed the threat, and all pondered its reality. Dr. Bob kept the school informed during the day of the status of the attacker. He reminded the students that they were taking the necessary precautions to ensure the school’s safety, making the building secure, and ascertaining the validity of the threat. Dr. Bob commented, “We took the information seriously. Our main concern was everyone’s safety, but we also wanted to make sure we were constantly in contact with the police department.” Halfway into third period, at about 1:15, Vice Principal Johnson and a police officer could be seen hastily making their way to a police car, and immediately thereafter the campus security simultaneously rushed students out of hallways and into classrooms, officially going into lockdown. For roughly fifteen minutes, students waited anxiously to hear the results of the chase. Students and staff sat semi-patiently in their classrooms, wondering what was happening and when the madness would be over. The lockdown finally ended at approximately 1:30, when Dr. Bob’s welcomed voice enlightened Sheldon. “We have apprehended the suspect, and he is currently in custody.” Sheldon rang with sighs of relief. Incidentally, the suspect was a former Sheldon student. Authorities were informed of his possible actions early that morning by a relative of the attacker. Staff members and police made certain to be aware of the situation and to not treat the threat lightly. When asked about the suspect, Dr. Bob added, “My hope is that he gets some help.” What does this teach us? “It’s real good to take all our practice drills seriously,” said Dr. Bob. Aside from the gloomy aspect of it all, there is light, Sheldon. In a Portland newspaper, a journalist covered the story. The headline read, “One school that did it right.”
Emily Higgins photo
Senior Elina Levkovskaya and her freshman sister Valeria enjoy the warm fall weather. The Levkovskayas enjoy spending some quality time together outside between classes. The new doors allow them to avoid the wind or the sun, depending on whether they stay inside or out.
Scores drop on new SAT test Changes to the test have lead to the lowest scores ever reported, while these failing scores and increased cost have lead to fewer re-takes by Jamie Burns centerspread co-editor The first class to take the new SAT test showed the lowest scores in over 30 years. The drop in scores raised numerous questions about the quality of the new test. The class of 2006 saw several differences between the two tests, including a writing section, advanced algebra, and elimination of analogies. Senior Julia Chang believes the scores are lower because, “They added an essay and removed analogies.” Many experts also claim these changes are the cause of the decrease in scores. Fewer students than previous years took the SAT test twice in the class of 2006.There are multiple reasons officials think that less people took the test a second time. The SATs are now three hours and forty-five minutes
long compared to the former three-hour test. Many students do not want to retake a test that long. The price of the SATs increased to $41.50 from the previous amount of $28.50. High school students may not have the money or not want to spend their money on taking the SATs. The average score went down a total of seven points. The math section had an average score of 518 which is two less than the previous score of 520.The average score in reading went down five to 503. The new writing section includes multiple choice and an essay. In the writing section girls got an average score of 502, which is 11 points higher than the boys’ average score. Females are actually better than boys at writing the essays; however, males scored higher in both reading and math sections. In the writing category, students who wrote in first person point of view received lower scores than those who did not. Several people are questioning whether making a new test was a good decision or not. Senior Jenny Batson said she thought the new test might switch back to the way it used to be, “Because the essay is hard to grade on a standard level.” Whether the new test is the cause of the dropped scores or not it is certain that something must be changed to raise SAT scores.