Freshman Magazine: Becoming a Northwest Cougar

NW PASSAGE

AUG. 15, 2016 VOL. 48 FRESHMAN MAGAZINE

becoming a northwest

cougar

+ PHOTO BY SHELBY BEAUMONT

Contents FRESHMEN MAGazine Staff:

PUBLICATION OVERSIGHT:

Editor-in-Chief

CONTENT MANAGEMENT:

Online Managing Editor Copy Editor Co-Design Editor Co-Design Editor Co-Photo Editor Co-Photo Editor Ads Manager

T

SECTION EDITORS:

Grace Gorenflo

Jack Lynch Cadence Elder Shelby Beumont Makaila Williams Taryn Smith Maddy Manning Sara Babcock

Entertainment & Communications Opinion & Lifestyle Sports & Communications

STAFF DESIGNERS:

STAFF WRITERS:

Benjamin Becker Asher Norberg Matthew Owens

Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer

Agnès Aycock Kasey Gardner Anastasia Kling Michael Rock Jackie Sayers Josh Sherfy

Staff Designer Staff Designer

Our Purpose:

he purpose of The Northwest Passage is to relay important and interesting information to the community, administration and students of the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. As a newsmagazine, The Northwest Passage will cater to the interests and concerns of the student body. Outside concerns and activities will only

02 AUG. 12, 2016 | Vol. 48

be covered if they somehow affect the school or students.

The Northwest Passage is a 24page newsmagazine. The paper will be distributed every four weeks during second hour.

Subscriptions will be available to the community for $25.

The Northwest Passage firmly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. The

content of the newspaper will be determined and created by the entire staff. When questions concerning word choice, legal problems or ethics arise, the editorial board and adviser will discuss the problem to find the solution. In these cases, the editor-in-chief and editorial board will have the say in all decisions. Letters to

Rachel Albers Mia McDonald

the editor will be accepted and encouraged. The staff reserves the right to edit for grammatical mistakes, length and good taste. Letters may attack policy but not people. In no way will ideas or viewpoints be changed. The Editor-in-Chief and editorial board reserve the right to refuse any letter.

5 13 5 6 8 13 14

8

6 14

rumors vs reality

We tell you what really happens in high school

48 things

A list of 48 things to do at Northwest before you

your passage through northwest Having trouble getting from first to second hour?

Here’s your guide to all locations at Northwest.

looking ahead

The school year begins with events you do not want to miss

falling into sports What to know about fall sports

NW PASSAGE | TOC 03

A new perspective My realization of a good high school experience +BY ANASTASIA KLING

I

used to hate high school.

I didn’t like the neverending competition, whether it’s who has the most expensive shoes or car.

I hated all the couples: I couldn’t get past them in the halls while they held hands, and sometimes they even blocked my locker. I didn’t like the seemingly irrelevant courses and lessons we had to learn. I hated that I felt expected to show school spirit and have a date to school dances. I despised high school’s popularity contest, where we all strived to be so perfect for other people’s approval.

I hated that I felt the need to please everyone else when I should’ve been finding myself.

I didn’t used to be excited to go the opportunity to travel. I have to school. I always told my dad that changed my opinion on high school as soon as I got to school, my day and I want at least one other person took a turn for the worse. to experience that, too.

It was proven as my coffee I have learned that when I “I didn’t slipped out of my hand or as want something, I need to go used to I dropped my sweatshirt in a after it. I learned to take part puddle. be excited in as many things as I could, But my entire perception and to become involved in to go to changed when I joined the my school. I learned not to school, I school newspaper.

The get caught up with people used to people and the environment who made me feel inferior to have made me into a better them. I wouldn’t encourage dread it.” student and classmate. anyone to live like they are Don’t get me wrong, I still better than everyone else, have my moments, as we all do, but but everyone should feel like they in the journalism program, I have belong here. I have realized that made a lot of new friends and had having a lot of friends doesn’t make

me popular or better than anyone.

All anyone needs is a couple true friends who will be there through everything.

The biggest piece of advice I can give freshmen is: forget about what others think of you. People can criticize and be rude all they want, but the thing that matters most is what you think of yourself. Self confidence is key in high school.

Always look on the bright side; try to see the positive in every situation.

Get involved.

I just needed to be part of something special to realize how good high school could be. I thank Room 151 for that.

Five Schools, Four Years Changing schools taught me to be independent +BY KASEY GARDNER

F

ive schools in four years. That’s how my high school experience has been.

Plenty of students go to the same high school all four years. They graduate with the same friends they grew up with. They get involved in numerous activities and really get to make a difference at their school. I have not been that fortunate.

I went to Tonganoxie H.S. during my freshman year and was pretty confident that that was where I was going to graduate —after all, I had lived in Tonganoxie the majority of my life. I had a ton of friends. I got involved in debate, band and book club. I even tried a few sports — which I soon discovered were not for me.

The summer after my freshman year I had some health issues that put me in the hospital for four months, forcing me to attend classes there.

When I got out, I ended up going to Basehor-Linwood H.S., but only briefly. After the first quarter of my sophomore year, I was back in the hospital where I finished up the semester.

04 AUG. 12, 2016 | Vol.

When I got out again and winter who dressed differently than I did. break was over, my dad decided to My dad would ask me why I wasn’t move, this time to Johnson County. making friends and I simply told him When I got to my new home in that I was too different from them. He Overland Park, things were so urged me to get involved in activities different than the life I was used to and groups, but I refused. Joining a in a small town. I had never visited bunch of groups and clubs where I the city before and I felt didn’t know anyone didn’t completely out of place. sound very appealing to me.

“As scared I thought taxicabs only I finished up my as I was I existed in movies, and I sophomore year at South had never seen buildings with only three actual managed like the ones downtown. friends. My dad and I talked to grit There I was, a small town over the summer and my teeth, girl who likes to go mudding decided that I would move hold my and hunting in her spare schools, again. I definitely time, in a city where most didn’t want to go to another head high people barely knew what new school, but I knew and walk mudding and hunting were. that I would be absolutely through the On my first day at SM South, miserable if I had to spend doors of my I wanted to cry. It was the two more years at South. biggest school I had ever I made a promise to fourth high seen. As scared as I was, I myself that my junior year school.” managed to grit my teeth, at Northwest would be hold my head high and walk different. I was going to through the doors of my fourth high make a lot of friends, have a good time school. and get involved in the the things I Day after day, I went to a school liked, whether I knew people or not. where people didn’t talk like I did, That’s exactly what happened. had different hobbies than me and My junior year I signed up for

newspaper, which gave me a chance to explore my passion for writing and I even got to start my own book blog on the newspaper’s website. In addition to newspaper, I also joined the writers’ workshop class and helped start a book club. When I joined, I didn’t know anybody in those groups and classes, but I figured I’m never going to know anybody if I don’t put myself out there. Right away I met people with similar interests and made a ton of friends. I was happier than I had been in years and my dad could see a difference as well.

If I could go back and change one thing I did during my high school years, it would be getting involved.

Even though I was only at my other schools briefly, it would have made things a lot easier if I had gotten over my social anxiety and done the things I liked. Changing schools taught me to be independent enough that I no longer needed to rely on others to make me happy. I just needed to get involved and find my place.

Rumors Reality vs

We tell you what really happens in high school

Hazing — No high school sports movie would be complete without a scene where upperclassmen torment the new players as a sort of “initiation” to the team. This really does only happen in those movies. There are few accounts of hazing at Northwest and all coaches have a low tolerance for any kind of tomfoolery at practice. Join any sport you want, and give new sports a try — nothing bad will happen to you.

You won’t make any friends — Come on. You’re merging into a building with more than 1,800 people and you don’t think any of them will like you? Start a conversation with your neighbor in biology, or join an activity and, by default, people will have to hang out with you for at least a couple hours every week. Just talk to people and you will make friends. We guarantee it.

Bullying freshmen — It rarely, if ever, happens. Everyone has been a freshman at some point. Everybody understands the mix of hesitation, anxiety, excitement and confusion that you will feel in the coming days, weeks, months and year. The vast majority of the student body is supportive. You will be fine.

Judgment — High schoolers are petty. Most of them are too concerned about their own appearance to pay any attention to your mismatched outfit, or the zit that decided to bunker down right smack dab in the middle of your forehead the night before.

No, your peers will be too busy hoping they’re not being judged to even have time to judge you.

+BY BENJAMIN BECKER AND JACK LYNCH

Detention — Listen to your teachers and do what they say and you won’t get detention. And, if you do, it’s not the end of the world. You may just have to clean out cages for Mrs. Brewer or clean all the desks for Ms. Morstadt. You will survive.

Homework — You will not have 10 hours of homework every night. Some nights you can finish your homework relatively quickly and some nights you’re going to have to stay up late. The best way to avoid the latter? Do not procrastinate. When you have five chapters of Great Expectations to read and annotate in a single night or a map due for World Regional Studies the next day, you will regret waiting until the last minute. So don’t.

You have to pull all-nighters — Do not, ever, pull an all-nighter.

Rest. Instead of sacrificing your sleep and health to finish a project at 4 a.m., just stop at midnight. Your teachers understand.

They will not be happy and they will chastise you, but they care more about you and your health than that day’s biology notes or the latest Latin worksheet. Teachers will know when this trust is abused. Life and school will be far easier when there is mutual trust between teachers and students. It is in your best interest to keep it that way.

Popularity — It isn’t everything. In fact, it is nothing. No one cares if you hang out with the right people, or if you say the popular things. There will always be people, places, groups that will be accepting. You just have to find them.

NW PASSAGE | opinion05

48 things

to do

13.

Attend school plays and musicals, and be sure to hang around to congratulate the cast afterward.

before 14.

you graduate

Walk through the art hall and gallery to see student works.

15.

Attend an orchestra, band or choir concert.

+COMPLIED BY GRACE GORENFLO/GRAPHICS

BY SHELBY BEAUMONT

1.

Attend the annual bonfire to kick off the year.

2.

Join one of NW’s numerous clubs to get involved.

3.

Perform an original, spoken word poem in front of the school at the annual Poetry Slam.

06 AUG. 12, 2016 | Vol. 48

4.

7.

Take a an art class, even if you aren’t artistic.

Buy the yearbook (The Lair) all four years of high school.

5.

10.

8.

Try out for a sport; you could surprise yourself with your hidden abilities.

6.

Attend at least one event for every sport.

Dress up every day for each Spirit Week.

9.

Perform in the annual Talent Show.

Respond to an article or bring up a topic for the school paper, The Northwest Passage, to cover by tweeting us @smnwdotcom.

11.

Pose for a photo of you and your friends taken in the yearbook photobooth this spring.

12.

Lead an elementary school class on a tour of the environmental lab during Environmental Education.

16.

Sit in at a new table for lunch.

17.

Participate in Adopta-Tot with your class and throw a Christmas party for a local child in need.

18.

Audition to be in the cast or sign up to be on a technical crew for a play or musical.

19.

Attend the College Clinic at SM East in October to learn about local colleges.

20.

Volunteer for StuCo’s Halloween Carnival.

21.

Help make a homecoming float to outdo all the others.

22.

Go to Muckfest at Theater in the Park.

23.

Persuade a teacher to teach class outside.

24.

Dance along with the drumline when they march through the halls before school.

25.

Buy as much spirit wear as you can to show your Cougar pride.

26.

Opt out of a final your senior year by maintaining an A and taking the AP test.

27.

Comment on a story on smnw.com to let us know what you think and make your voice heard.

28.

Participate in StuCo’s annual Sleep-in-aBox event to raise money for a local homeless shelter.

29.

Junior or senior year, sign up to participate in Powder Puff football (for the girls), or volleyball (for the guys).

30.

Dance to the minute bell music.

31.

During your junior or senior year, take Cougar Community Commitment (CCC) to volunteer in the community.

32.

Take a College Now class, and earn college credit by passing with a B or better.

33.

Attend Spring Special, the dance showcase performed by the drill team in May.

34.

Find the 60 Waldos hidden throughout the hall murals.

35.

Become friends with a foreign exchange student.

36.

Perform in a class skit at an assembly.

37.

Go to the last home game of the football season to see the Marching Cougar Pride’s Light Show performance.

38.

Buy a rose for your crush from Prom Committee and have it delivered on Valentine’s Day.

39.

Go to every school dance.

40.

Help your class win the Spirit Stick at an assembly.

41.

Buy a photo from SMNW Photos (smnwphotos.com).

42.

Read every issue of The Northwest Passage.

43.

Go to a state game on the spirit bus.

44.

Try out to be a NW cougar mascot.

45.

Be recognized by a NW media publication. Be retweeted by @nwmedia or featured in a picture on smnwphotos.com.

46.

Submit a story idea to The Northwest Passage or The Lair.

47.

Go out for open lunch during your senior year.

48.

Find a place where you feel like you belong at Northwest. Find your home.

NW PASSAGE | feature 07

science english Foreign language ELL

Your Passage Through Northwest

HAVING TROUBLE GETTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND HOUR? HERE’S YOUR GUIDE TO ALL LOCATIONS AT NORTHWEST Important LOCATIONS

THE MALL: This is the “lobby” of the school. It is between the open space between the West and East entrances, in front of the cafeteria. It is where many students gather before and after school to socialize. It is also used during lunch periods as a seating area.

Science Special education Fine Arts physical education math

LOCKER ROOMS:

facs

The boys’ and girls’ locker rooms are used for gym classes and are located in the basement on the west side. The team locker rooms are also located on the basement level and are used for extracurriculars after school.

business restrooms elevator

TEACHER OFFICES: SHORTCUTS: Bathrooms: Instead of walking around the corner to class in the next hall, use the bathrooms to avoid hallway traffic and get to class faster.

Basement: Using the stairs in the art wing to go to the basement, instead of using the stairs in the mall, can be easier to get to rooms A, C and D. Elevators:These are typically used for student with a disability to make it to class. The elevator found in the first hallway goes to only the second floor. To go to the basement, use the elevator next to Room 37.

08 AUG. 12, 2016 | Vol. 47

This is where teachers can be found if not in their rooms. The social studies offices are rooms 123 and 125. The world languages offices are rooms 110 and 112. The English offices are rooms 118 and 136. The math offices are rooms 220 and 222. The science office is room 240.

ROOMS I, K, AND L: All these rooms are located in the basement of the school.

Room I is the weights room, room K is the ISS room and room L is the copy room.

NW PASSAGE | feature 09

94%

7:33 PM

NORTHWEST

MAN S S A L C R UPPE h ADVICE ssmen wis ercla What upp wn freshman kno they hadER ELD +BY CADIE

GIF

10 AUG. 12, 2016 | Vol.

71

Tweet

NW PASSAGE | feature 11

& QA

Meet the new NW staff members +BY GRACE GORENFLO

SARA DZIADOSZ, BEHAVIOR DISORDERS TEACHER

PHOTOS BY BRYCE REX & TARYN SMITH

KIMBERLY SHOCKEY, PHOTOGRAPHY & GRAPHIC DESIGN TEACHER q: a: q: a: q: a:

What will your position be on the Northwest staff?

I will take over Mrs. Heaton’s position as the photography and graphic design teacher in the art department. I will be at Northwest in the mornings and [SM] West in the afternoons.

Where were you before coming to Northwest?

Prior to taking this position, I taught graphic design and drawing at [SM] West in the afternoons. I also paint commissioned pet and people portraits.

What are you most looking forward to at Northwest?

I am probably most excited for my new classroom. We will have access to a darkroom, photoshop and scanners, so the potential for projects is endless.

q: What will your role be in the Northwest community? a:

I will be heading up the Move Program, a new program for students with high emotional and/or behavioral needs, based out of Northwest. This lets kids who need some extra help and support get to be at school, [where they can take] classes with their friends.

q:

What are you most looking forward to in your time at Northwest?

a:

Seeing all my old teachers and colleagues. I am a Northwest alum (1994).

I did my student teaching here at Northwest, and I spent my first three years in the profession as an English teacher here.

q:

In one sentence, how would you introduce yourself to the Northwest community?

a: They

call me ‘The Boomerang’ — because I always come back to Northwest.

DAVID MESH, COUNSELOR F-MAD ADAM SHIRLEY, SCIENCE TEACHER

q: a:

What are you most looking forward to at Northwest?

I’m glad to be back. When I was here as an English teacher, my older kids were students here and I had them in my English classes. Now, my two younger kids are students here: Dawson, a sophomore, and Tavin, a freshman. I’ve come full circle in a way. Northwest feels like home to me.

q: a:

What will your position be on the Northwest staff?

q: a:

Where were you before coming to Northwest?

q: a:

What is your favorite part about teaching?

q:

My favorite part about being a science teacher is getting to express my inner-nerdiness as much as possible.

In one sentence, how would you introduce yourself to the Northwest community?

a:

The once and future Cougar.

I will be teaching biology and global issues in the science department, and I will be an assistant wrestling coach.

Before coming to Northwest, I was in school to obtain my education certification from Pittsburg State University. I was also working full time at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department as a 911 dispatcher.

q: a:

What is your favorite part about being a counselor?

Working with students. In some small way being a part of the “village” that gets to positively (hopefully) impact a student’s life.

JENNIFER FONTAINE, COUNSELOR ROC-Z q: a: q: a:

12 AUG. 12, 2016 | Vol. 48

What are you most looking forward to at Northwest?

I am looking forward to working with high school students. I am especially excited about helping students navigate their future plans.

When you envision your future, planning your path becomes an adventure.

What is your favorite part about being a counselor?

I love that each day is different. When I wake up in the morning, I have a plan for the day. Sometimes that plan goes out the window depending on what challenges walk through the door.

Erin Meyer, Spanish teacher

Looking Ahead The school year begins with events you do not want to miss

+BY CADIE ELDER

q: What are you most looking forward to at Northwest? a: Speaking in español, of course. Building those relationships and getting students enthusiastic about Spanish.

q: a:

In one sentence, how would you introduce yourself to the Northwest community?

Spanish is my passion, I love traveling, I love teaching, I love my family and I’m really looking forward to building a strong foundation for Spanish students to pursue careers in Spanish or study it someday.

q:

What do you think is the most important thing about high school students being bilingual?

a:

It just opens doors. Learning another language gives you so many more experiences. You can travel, you can be more marketable, you meet people who speak the language.

AUGUST 15

d ID photos Yearbook an e first day n th will be take of school.

AUGUST 18

AUGUST 12 A school Freshman Mixer: shman fre ly on t tha dance 7 p.m. attend tonight at t, run It is a casual even cil, that

by Student Coun to meet allows freshman to new people.

Back to School Ni ght: 6:30- 8 p.m., Thur sday.

Parents have the chance to meet their stu dent’s teachers and lea rn about the agenda each class has.

Students do not have to attend with their parents.

SEPTEMBER 5 No School

SEPTEMBER

1

SEPTEMBER 30

e elebrate th ith Bonfire: C sports w ll fa of g beginnin onfire at bly and b an assem p.m.

7

l

Early dismissa

VONDA MORRIS, GIFTED EDUCATION SPECIALIST a:

q:

Where were you before coming to Northwest?

I was hired in 1999 to teach gifted students at Trailridge and Westridge.

After two years, I was moved to full time at Westridge. Six years ago, funding cuts caused a significant reduction in gifted education staff. I was placed on excess and moved to Trailridge where I taught seventh and eighth grade science.

q: a: q: a:

OCTOBER 8

g Homecomin rday in tu Sa , ce n da teria the NW cafe

What are you looking forward to at Northwest?

I know many of our students, and look forward to continuing my relationship with them and watching them mature, develop their skills and pursue their dreams.

What is your favorite part about being a teacher?

Facilitating students’ desire to learn, think and express themselves in ways that make our world a better place for all. I enjoy connecting students with mentors in the community, exploring the most current events and discoveries, and helping students problem solve. Every day is different and I get to continue to be challenged and learn alongside my students.

OCTOBER 7 Homecoming assembly

OCTOBER 13

Early dismissal

NW PASSAGE | feature 13

falling into

SPorts

What to know about fall sports + MATT OWENS & JACKIE SAYERS

football Coach: Bo Black Contact Info: nwblack@smsd.org Last Year’s Record: 1-8 Coach advice going into tryouts: “No tryouts. Everyone makes the team. Be there everyday, and get better.” — Head Coach Bo Black Player Quote: “It’s a good environment to make friends and to get involved with the school and it keeps your grades up. It also keeps you out of trouble.” — senior Noah Roberts

volleyball Coach: Susan Specht Contact Info: spechtsusan@gmail.com Last Year’s Record: 6-18 Coach advice going into tryouts: “The three main things we look for in our volleyball athletes who are trying to make a team is work ethic, attitude, and volleyball skill. So, as parents, encourage your daughter to work hard each day at tryouts, have a good attitude and show her excitement and enthusiasm in trying out for the NW volleyball program.”

— Head Coach Susan Specht Player Quote: “Girls should try out this year because, with our new coach, Susan Specht, we are focusing a lot on team unity. It was one of those things we sort of lacked in prior years so she is really making sure we work on it now. This year’s seniors really realize how important freshman are to the program so we want to make sure they feel welcomed and excited about volleyball. ” — senior Britta Coleman

cross country Coach: Van Rose Contact info: nwrose@smsd.org Last year’s record: Guys 11th at state / Girls 6th at state Coach advice going into tryouts: “You have to run 150 miles before you will be fit enough to run in a meet. The count begins May 30 and continues into the season. You must be able to run three miles the first practice without walking.” — Head Coach Van Rose Player quote: “Cross country is a no-cut sport, and, no matter how much running experience you have, everyone is really accepting. It’s a great way to meet new people. The best part is the people. Practice can be hard sometimes, but you’re never going to be alone. Coach Rose makes sure of that.” — senior Camille Henderson 14 AUG. 12, 2016 | Vol. 48

gymnastics Coach: Jessie Rood Contact info: jrood42@gmail.com Last year’s record: 3rd at State Tournament Player quote: “Gymnastics is a really good sport to get into if you can. The experience is fun and everyone is just so nice. At meets, we talk and make friends with gymnasts from other schools and we all bond before and after the competition. I really encourage people to try it out. It was a good experience for me, and I still had time for other school activities and clubs.” — sophomore Zoe Kopp

girls’ golf Coach: John Reiff Contact info: nwreiff@smsd.org Last year’s record: 11th at State Tournament Coach advice going into tryouts: “Golf is both an individual and team sport. If a girl is athletic, but does not play in any other fall sports, then golf is the perfect activity to be involved with.” — Head coach John Reiff Player quote: “It is a wonderful way to get to know other students, especially upperclassmen. The team needs as many girls as we can get because we lose great golfers each year in the senior class. Golf is a way to help support our school and show other schools we compete against how great Northwest is.” — junior Cassie Gomer

girls’ tennis Coach: Ken Clow Last year’s record: Tied for 10th at State tournament Contact info: kpclow@sbcglobal.net Coach’s quote: “Take some lessons, hit a lot of balls, play some matches, and get used to the heat.”

Player quote: “Freshmen should try out because practices is really entertaining and, even if you’re bad, you will have a lot of fun. If you decide to play with some friends you will probably be doubles partners with them and it makes the matches so much fun. I didn’t think it would be that fun because I barely knew how to hit the ball over the net, but I had a blast and I promise you will too.” — junior Melissa Schmidt

boys’ soccer Coach: Todd Boren Contact info: nwboren@smsd.org Last year’s Record: 12-4-2 Player quote: “Freshmen should try out for soccer because it’s a great way to meet people and get some huge calves.” — senior Drew Vander Leest

NW PASSAGE | sports 15

NW PASSAGE

“I think [this club] is kind of my home at Northwest.

Before I joined, I was never one of those people who always had someone to wave at in the hallway.

Now, I see our club members everywhere in the school.

I think it really helps them to remember Northwest is a safe space,” — alex kendrick .

+ PHOTO BY CHANDLER BADO