September 2012

northridgereporter.wordpress.com

Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, Al.• 35406

September 24, 2012 • Volume 10 • Issue 1

Rate of

Do you like the seven period schedule?

69

Yes

81

No

Which schedule do you like the most?

23 %

B A/

Change

7P erio 20%

d

Block 57%

150 students polled Designed by: Alex Hauser Information compiled by: Jakailah Cooper

New schedule implemented, gets mixed reviews Photo by: Alex Hauser

Alex Hauser Editor-in-Chief

For the second consecutive year, the school’s schedule has changed.

After the disapproval of the A/B block schedule, the school decided to implement a seven period schedule.

“The initial reason for changing the schedule had to do, in very general terms, with overall student performance.

We felt as if the block presented barriers to student learning that could be corrected with year-long classes,” Isaac Espy, principal, said.

Espy said the block schedule had two main disadvantages—consistency and the length of class.

“Many students found it difficult to concentrate for an hour and forty minutes,” he said. “The pace, at times, tended to be slow.”

Espy said another benefit to the seven period schedule was having class all year because it “eliminates semester and year-long gaps in crucial areas of study.”

“The seven period day is a ‘normal’ school schedule.

George Washington had a seven period day when he was

in high school. [And] thus far, the schedule has been well received,” he said.

Espy said the new school year will be “re-energized” with a faster paced schedule, although Kearston Wells, senior, said the classes are “pressed for time.”

“I like that the classes are shorter, and you don’t lose focus. But it’s too short because the teachers are stressed and struggle trying to get everything done in that time period,” she said.

Wells said another downfall is the inconsistency in class times.

“It’s really unfair because first [period] is super short with announcements and fire drills and second [period] is really long if you keep your bonus period. So the only class you really get the most time in is second,” she said.

“So teachers are like ‘Oh I have more time I can teach you and do fun activities,’ but the other classes are so pressed for time, they can’t get as much done and have to cut out all the fun stuff and get straight to work.”

Nancy Reed, history teacher, said she prefers the seven period schedule.

“I like the consistency that it provides, and I believe it

Cash in your scores

serves most students the best. It also helps alleviate discipline issues in the classroom from my experience,” Reed said. “For someone like me who loves to lecture [the seven period schedule] just works best for me.”

Scott Johnson, math teacher, said he “think[s] [he] likes the seven period day.”

“I think it’s better for the kids to have math and reading [all year]; there’s not as many gaps,” Johnson said. “I’m hoping [scores] will go up.”

Amanda Burns, senior, said she likes the seven period schedule, although there are some flaws.

“I’ve only had seven periods my whole life, and when I came to Northridge they were on the block, and I hated it,” she said. “[With the new schedule] I don’t like the bonus, and I don’t like how we lose a credit because we don’t have eight periods like we used to.”

Burns said she likes the shorter classes, and it will just take time to adjust.

“Teachers have to adjust to the time change, but I think it will work out. Only time will tell,” she said.

Continued on page 6 See Schedule

AP passing rate beats area schools, AP students earn cash

Site helps students contribute to yearbook

Hillcrest game Page 7

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Sixty-two percent of the 231 students that took AP exams passed.

Dr. Isaac Espy, principal, said that Northridge surpassed other schools in West Alabama like Bryant, Central, Hillcrest and Tuscaloosa County High school, whose passing rates were 21%, 2%, 46% and 47% respectively.

“I am extremely proud of the great work of our students taking AP courses, and the teachers who worked with these students,” Espy said. “I was honestly stunned at the results.”

Espy said the passing rate two years ago was 67%, but that only 173 students took AP exams.

“We had a 26% increase of students passing tests,” Espy said. “We pushed far more students out of their comfort zone and into a major challenge.”

The AP Grant that was initiated last year promises a $100 reward to students who pass an AP English, math or science exam.

Espy said the money will be rewarded to Hudgins said she feels students who do the appropriate students at an assembly the well on the AP exams are properly recoglast week of September. nized.

Jane Yu, senior, took and passed the “Especially those who are named AP AP Composition, Statistics, Calculus scholars,” Hudgins said. “I would love for BC, Physics and Chemistry exams in the us to do more, but funding receptions is spring. nearly impossible.”

“The AP Grant has helped make AP Zoe Bakker, senior, took and passed the classes more appealing for students be- AP Calculus, Chemistry and Composition cause of the incentive the money reward exams in the spring. gives,” Yu said.

“The money reward didn’t have a huge However, Yu said she would have want- affect on me, but it was a nice bonus,” ed to pass her exams even if there was no Bakker said. “I would have wanted to pass Julia Hocutt monetary reward. even without it.”

“AP courses are helpful when it comes However, Bakker said she believed the Staff Writer to getting ready for colleges. I’ve already money reward is what “caused a rise in ReplayIt is an interactive, community figured out what I like to do because of students joining AP classes, many of which wide picture sharing website. Students can them,” Yu said. “Also, I think it’s a once in didn’t even pass.” a life time opportunity to explore as many “When you have a class of 35 people, and upload personal pictures from their phones, subjects as you want without the huge cost at least five don’t even want to be there, it computers and other devices to the ReplayIt “time capsule,” so the school yearbook of tuition.” makes it hard to learn,” Bakker said.

Jacqueline Hudgins, guidance counselor, Upon hearing that the school’s passing staff members have more picture options to said it’s too early to tell if the money had rate was 62%, Bakker said the school needs put in the school’s yearbook.

With the program, student body mema serious effect on increase in AP students to put more focus on people who do well. and AP passing rates.

“The school system puts so much focus bers who aren’t apart of the yearbook com“We ho mad always have students who on people who fail the graduation exams. mittee now have the opportunity to help e w fi work hard because they made Rather than changing our o made th out their staff and participate themselves. ts h f en who “I really like how the whole school ud have a determined nts schedule to help a n w e can get connected and involved,” yearwork ethic, and few people with d book editor Katherine Duckworth, juthey understand their graduation nior, said. the value of AP in exams, we should do “ReplayIt is a great way for students to preparing for college,” what’s best for the whole share their pictures with other classmates.

Hudgins said. “However, school,” Bakker said.

Being a member of the yearbook staff, who wouldn’t want $100 for Designed by: Alex Hauser I would love students to upload their fun passing a test?”

Information compiled by: Jakailah Cooper pictures,” Hallie Young, junior, said.

St ud e

Renu Pandit Feature Editor

Zoology Page 8

2 Opinion

The Northridge Reporter September 24, 2012

Our Thoughts

HALT: take a stand against bullying

Changes need to be studied

T

hey say change is good.

But too much change can wear you down.

For the past three years the school has seen drastic changes in schedule. Seniors and juniors have been through the four-block schedule, A/B schedule, and now a seven period day. Also, the bonus block was added mid-way through the 2010-2011 school year.

These changes have led to new exemption policies and different credit requirements for incoming freshmen each year.

Trial and error is inevitable as we constantly try to improve the system with new ideas; but it also leads to flustered students and teachers who get uprooted each year, having to learn to work a different way each time. Students and teachers never seem to get accustomed to the changes before things are changed again.

Last year students and teachers expressed their opinion about the schedule change; it does not seem like they were listened to.

The Northridge Reporter feels that if future changes are made parents, teachers and students should have a say.

agree (18) disagree (0)

Art by: Katie Poore

How did you ask your date to homecoming?

An n a

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& John Todd

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[My girlfriend] was excited. I asked her with a guitar pick puzzle. I gave her an envelope with all the picks in it that said “unscramble” on top, and it spelled out “HOMECOMING?” when you solved it. She tweeted me a picture saying a yes.

Thompson Schille, Sophomore

I made a slideshow of embarrassing pictures and videos I had of my boyfriend, and at the end it said ‘now that I’ve embarrassed you, will you go to homecoming with me?’ I played it in front of our whole youth group. He said yes, of course.

Katie Hauser, Sophomore

I asked Anna to homecoming by making it a question on her history test. I thought it was a good idea. She was surprised and really excited.

John Todd Livingston, Junior Thompson Schille

Photos by: Julia Hocutt

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Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 759-3734 ext. 295 Editor-in-Chief *Alex Hauser Managing Editor *Raiha Bajwa Feature Editor *Renu Pandit News Editor *Sarah Katherine Barnes

Entertainment Editor *Raiha Bajwa Sports Editor Abby Allen Opinion Editor *Raiha Bajwa Beat Editor *Alex Hauser

Editorial Policy: The opinions in The Northridge Reporter are those of the students and not of the faculty or administration of Northridge High School or the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education. It is the policy of The Northridge Reporter to publish all non-obscene, non-libelous, signed letters to the editor, regardless of the opinion expressed in them. Letters must be submitted to Susan Newell in room 109 or emailed to northridgereporter@gmail.com. The

Copy Editors Rabisa Khan, Jared Lotfi, Kelly Burnham Infographics Editor Jakailah Cooper Art Editor KanJalla Dancer Artists CheQuita Burrell, Katie Poore

*Denotes state, regional and national Business Manager award winners *Raiha Bajwa Photographers Morgan DeWitt, Julia Hocutt, Jared Lotfi Staff Jordan Hutchinson, Victoria Love, Savren Nelson, Kayla Pate Adviser *Susan Newell

Northridge Reporter reserves the right to edit letters and verify allegations. The newspaper is distributed monthly.

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Advertising & Subscriptions: Contact The Northridge Reporter Staff at (205) 759-3734 ext. 235 or snewell@tusc. k12.al.us to advertise in or subscribe to The Northridge Reporter.

School population Students: 1238 Faculty and staff: 90

3

Entertainment

The Northridge Reporter September 24, 2012 Art by: Sarah Katherine Barnes

Thespians awarded superior at International Convention Sarah Katherine Barnes Staff writer

Sweet CeCe’s is fun

Sarah Katherine Barnes Staff Writer

Sweet CeCe’s yogurt bar, located on University Blvd. is a very cute and happy place.

They have fun specials every day of the week written on a chalk board in the front such as “dress up like a hula dancer for 10 percent off” and “bring your pooch and get a free dog treat.”

The offers change constantly.

As for the yogurt, they offer a decent amount of flavors, and an enormous variety of different toppings to choose from; 60, to be exact. Toppings include several types of breakfast cereals and candies.

All yogurt flavors are under 115 calories per serving, and are all gluten-free, with the exception of cake batter, cookies and cream and red velvet cake flavors.

Sweet CeCe’s gets 4 out of 5 stars for the bright atmosphere and wide selection of toppings.

Lope’z disappoints

Sarah Katherine Barnes Staff Writer

When I ate on Sept. 2 at Lope’z Mexican restaurant, formerly Lupe’s, the meal was not impressive. The chips and dip were good, but my quesadilla was sort of raw and limpy and tasted a bit like how I would imagine diesel to taste.

I was the only one in the restaurant besides the waiter, and the whole time I was eating, a Spanish soap opera was playing on the TV in the corner. It was quite loud and obnoxious.

There were a few decorations, including several types of beer advertisements and some sombreros hanging on the wall.

Lope’z Mexican restaurant deserves 2 out of 5 stars, one star for the outside deck in the front which was quite nicely decorated with flowers, and one star for the cheese dip and salsa.

Glory Bound Gyro Co. offers unique Greek cuisine Sarah Katherine Barnes Staff Writer

Created by Chris McDonald and Will Taylor, the two good friends who created Mugshots Bar and Grill down the street, the atmosphere at Glory Bound Gyro Co. is fun and laid back, with several posters, paintings and logos on the walls.

According to the story on the front of the menu, “Glory Bound Gyro Company is a product of two southern guys traveling Greece and finding a love for Greek cuisine.”

Glory Bound is best known for their hummus, which they offer in 8 different flavors. There are 24 different gyros to choose from and there is even a “glory bound grocery” section on the menu where customers can purchase dressings and sauces used in the restaurant by the bottle.

I had the cheese rolls appetizer, and it was very satisfactory.

The four cheeses, breaded and deep fried, come with lettuce and dip. I give Glory Bound 5 out of 5 stars, for the scenery and the taste of the food, as well as the exceptionally wide and diverse selection.

This summer, the Thespians Society took a trip to Lincoln, Nebraska to attend the International Thespians Convention for one week with advisor Donna Wright.

There, they went to workshops and classes headed by professionals from all over the nation.

They also saw plays performed by other schools.

Three of the members: Nick Motz, senior, Katelyn Lipscomb, senior, and Alex Stella, 2012 alumni, were entered into the individual event showcase, where they performed for judges. All won superior placing.

“I did a solo song from the Adams Family,” Lipscomb said. “But my CD broke when I got there, and I was disqualified.”

Nick Motz said he did a duet comedic act with Stella, but performed over the time limit, and they were disqualified.

“One of the judges came up to us afterwards and told us we would have won first place if we hadn’t gone on too long,” Motz said.

The duet was the same act Stella and Motz performed and won first place with at the state convention.

The Drama Department will be performing Of Mice and Men in early to mid November.

Wright said she has been waiting to put on the play for a long time but never had the perfect cast.

“This year, I think we have the key actors that we need,” Wright said.

Northridge Drama Department will perform

Of Mice and Men November 10-11

Homecoming Dress-up Days

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Favorite College Team Nerd day Senior Citizen/Baby Day Tacky Holidays School Colors

Lawless reboot tries but falls short of becoming a classic Jared Lotfi Staff Writer

L

ately, the action genre has mainly concentrated on superheroes and sci-fi thrills from The Avengers and The Amazing Spiderman to Prometheus.

Yet for fans who enjoy a little more than the standard “run and gun” plotline found in titles like The Expendables 2, Lawless promised to bring out some of the quality found in the crime and historical genres while holding on to some genuine emo-

tional value.

The film was a healthy attempt at creating a classic but just managed to miss the mark.

The story is a Prohibition-era tale based on Matt Bondurant’s fact based The Wettest County in the World.

The story centers on the Bondurant family who lived in Franklin County, Virginia, still known as the “moonshine capital of the world,” mostly in commemoration of the estimated 99 out of every 100 residents who were involved in the illicit sale of alcohol during the 1920s.

Shia LaBeouf plays the foolhardy Jack Bondurant, set on edging his way into a bigger role in the family’s under-the-table business, run by his brothers: the stoic Forrest (Tom Hardy) and Howard (Jason Clarke).

The brothers run afoul of a district attorney who seeks to cash in on the lucrative moonshining and appoints a federal agent named Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce) to coerce the locals into giving in.

Unwilling to “lay down for anyone,” the Bondurants strike a deal with gangster Floyd Banner (Gary Oldman) and play a

dangerous game of cat and mouse with the law.

Oldman took on an uncustomary back seat role but didn’t fail to give a solid performance as the brazen gunslinger.

Tom Hardy played his typical macho figure with a well-practiced presence, putting on a convincing southern accent, and served as a good contrast to LaBeouf’s boyish and nearly innocent character.

An excellent re-portrayal of one of the most controversial segments in American history, Lawless will surely entertain but not necessarily thrill.

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4

Feature

The Northridge Reporter September 24, 2102

9/11/01 5:45 a.m.

8:14 am:

8:20 am:

8:46 am:

9:37 am :

Hijackers pass through Security.

Flight 175 takes off with 5 hijackers aboard.

Flight 77 takes off with 5 hijackers aboard.

Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower.

Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon.

9:57 am: Passengers aboard flight 93 start organizing an attack on the hijackers.

10:03 am: Flight 93 is crashed 20 minutes away from the White House, killing all 40 passengers.

7:59 am:

8:19 am:

8:42 am:

9:03 am:

9:45 am:

9:59 am:

10:14 am:

Flight 11 takes off with 5 hijackers aboard.

Flight 11 crew member, Betty Ong, alerts ground personnel that they have been hijacked.

Ground personnel tells the FBI.

Flight 93 takes off with 4 hijackers aboard.

Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower.

The White House is evacuated.

South Tower Collapses.

Pentagon E ring collapses.

Information compiled by Savren Nelson from http://timeline.national911memorial.org/ Designed by Renu Pandit

All artwork by Renu Pandit

A worldwide Impact 9/11 attacks alter those outside U.S. borders Kelly Caroline Burnham Staff Writer The aftermath of 9/11 did not pertain only to New Yorkers. It spread past the American border and across the Pacific, affecting people across the other side of the globe.

Ayesha Tariq, mother of senior Raiha Bajwa, was in Karachi, Pakistan at the time of the terrorist attacks.

“It was supposed to be just another regular day until my husband came home from work and told me about this horrible event,” she said.

She said that the attacks have had a bigger affect on the eastern communities “than anyone in the western world can imagine.” The violent acts were the beginning of “rampant terrorism in Pakistan.”

“It makes me feel insecure no matter where I am,” Tariq said.

She said if she is in Pakistan, there is a risk of being blown up.

If she is in the United States, there is a risk of being scrutinized simply for being a Pakistani and a Muslim.

“I think it has caused a permanent change in the world we live in,” she said.

Timothy Rutley, senior, who had family in New York City when the attack occurred, said, “I remember everyone crying,” while at school in Niagara Falls, New York.

He said his class watched the burning tower on the TV and witnessed the second plane hit the towers, keeping the lights off in respect. His school was under lockdown the whole time.

“I was a little kid, about five or six years old, so I was scared,” Rutley said.

His parents, he learned, were crying and trying to call his family in New York City.

“I thought, maybe, some of my family had died since they live there,” he said.

Kaitlyn Duren, junior, said she remembered her mom and dad being very upset, but couldn’t figure out why.

“I remember looking at the television and witnessing the towers fall down. It was horrifying,” she said.

Do you feel safer after Osama Bin Laden’s death?

42 35

34 30

28 21 14

Photo by Mike Hvozcla

7

Yes

No

64 students polled. Information compiled by Kelly Burham and Kayla Pate. Deigned by Renu Pandit.

Remembering: Tribute in Light Memorial lit in remembrance of the 9/11 attacks.

The tribute is produced by the Municipal Art Society of New York, and uses massive searchlights to create two vertical columns of light where the twin towers stood.

The lights illuminate over Manhattan annually. “The idea is creative and a beautiful way to honor those who died,” Kathleen Kennedy, junior, said. Photo from flickr. com.

The Northridge Reporter September 24, 2012

11:02 am: Evacuation of Lower Manhattan.

10:28 am: North Tower collapses.

Feature

flashback

5

Dèjá Vu: 9/11/12

Middle-Eastern attacks wreak havoc upon U.S. Jared Lotfi Staff Writer

A

flurry of newscasts bombarded sleepy Americans as the fact that the United States had once again come under attack became known.

Bullets and rockets flew into the US embassy in Benghazi, Libya killing Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans as well as several Libyan staffers.

Officials originally suspected that the cause was backlash at the release of a film online depicting Mohammed as a child molester but the assault is believed to have been a premeditated attempt to strike at the United States on the anniversary of the 2001 World Trade Center attack.

Radical militant groups, however, quickly began using the film to incite anti-American sentiments throughout the Middle East.

President Obama condemned the attacks and said that the Libyan government’s actions would determine the extent of US involvement according to the Charlotte Observer.

“Now is not the time for an aggressive stance,” Parker Evans, junior, said. “President Obama made the right

decision.”

Senior Kyle Anderson said, “There will always be radicals, and we shouldn’t overcompensate for that fact.”

Yet not all citizens place faith in the nation’s foreign policy.

Kate Marie Davis, junior, said that she saw a Fox News bulletin after school on the eleventh and was appalled. Davis said the United States should make a show of force in defending the embassies.

“Middle Eastern relations and foreign policy in general is a disaster,” she said.

On the following Thursday, US embassies in Egypt and Yemen suffered similar raids, and the violence continued to escalate as protests flared up in Tunisia, Sudan, Morocco, and Kuwait according to Reuters.

Despite the risk of angering militant groups further, the Yemeni government allowed a platoon of US Marines to enter the country and secure the area.

Protesters continue to clash with police forces in countries across the Arab world.

Will we ever recover from the aftermath of 9/11?

Hindsight “When the towers were hit, I was in my European History class at Tuscaloosa County High School. I was in disbelief, and I think it’s changed us permanently,”

-Stephen Black, Spanish Teacher Black

42 38

35 28

“I was teaching at Hillcrest when we were attacked, and I was shocked, really. I couldn’t believe something like that happened on American soil. I can’t believe it’s been 11 years,”

-Carter Hill, English Teacher Hill

26

21 14

Spencer

7

Yes

“We had orange popsicles for lunch and the rest was history,”

-Vaughan Veillon, senior

No

64 students polled. Information compiled by Kelly Burnham and Kayla Pate.

Deigned by Renu Pandit.

“I remember being in my 1st grade classroom playing when my teacher got some news and turned on the TV. They were showing the towers falling over and over again, and I was a little too young to understand, but it was still sad. I saw people falling out of windows and hanging from sides of the buildings. People were running from big clouds of smoke trying not to suffocate. I remember hearing and seeing ambulances try to bring people to safety. I’ll never forget that day, it brought the U.S. together as a whole,”

-Brittany Spencer, senior

Veillon

6School fails AYP, state moves to end of year tests News

The Northridge Reporter September 24, 2012

Raiha Bajwa Managing Editor

E

ach year a school’s academic progress is measured through a program called AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress).

In the past AYP has been based on students’ performance in state issued graduation exams, which tested skills in math, language, reading, science and social studies. The goal was to have all students scoring at or above grade level to achieve AYP, by the spring of 2014, but new rules state that the graduation exam be omitted.

Progress will be measured using ACT scores and end of the year examinations administered in math and English beginning this year with 9th and 10th grade.

Isaac Espy, principal, said AYP was an unfair representation of students’ abilities.

“Let’s say we would require students to run a ten minute mile in order for everyone to be in shape,” he said. “The first year your goal will be for 70 percent of students to achieve the goal, next year it would be 75 percent, then 80 and so on.”

“A ten minute mile does not necessarily mean you are a

good athlete,” Espy said.

“It may be an indicator of a basic physical competency.

To expect all students to run a ten minute mile is a difficult task, especially when you have athletes that are training to run a five minute mile,” said Espy.

“That is AYP,” he said.

Beth Allaway, science teacher, said she does not agree with the format that is currently used to track AYP. “It was a poor attempt by the government to track student progress,” she said. “It just shows who can pass the test, the number of dropouts you had and the percent that graduated.”

Allaway said it does not fully represent the student achievements.

“It doesn’t show where the student was at the beginning of the year and how far they have come.”

The school has a tradition of academic excellence, Espy said, but in the 2011-2012 school year, the school did not reach its goal for AYP. “Despite outstanding ACT scores and AP scores, we need to correct student deficiencies in basic reading and math skills,” Espy said. “That is important.”

Espy said he thinks that ACT scores are a better way of

recording AYP. “The ACT is a more accurate measure of the abilities of students learning at higher levels,” he said.

Laura Worley, junior, said she thinks that the ACT might make AYP drop.

“Graduation exams aren’t really overtly difficult; people just don’t try,” she said. “[The ACT] is more difficult than the graduation exams; people who don’t pass graduation exams won’t work harder to score well on the ACT.” Worley said a reward might help students be more motivated.

“I feel like the grant was a good idea for AP exams to make people pass,” she said. “So I think if there was a reward for good scores other than scholarships people might care more.”

Espy, who introduced the bonus period to the schedule, said prep classes have helped students’ scores.

“Students will do as well as their preparation allows them to be,” he said. “Our ACT scores began to spike when we introduced the bonus period spring 2011.”

All city schools now follow the bonus block.

“I guess that makes me a hero,” he said. “Depends on who you ask.”

Secret: Principal Isaac Espy shows off the AllAcademic team mascot.

All-Academic Team inducts new members Photos by: Jared Lotfi

Hands-on : Cody Harris, senior, solders in Philip Howell’s wiring class at TCT, while students take notes in Sally Latham’s HOSA class. Howell retires this year. HOSA students start clinicals at the end of the nine weeks. Senior HOSA student Vaughan Veillon said his class is studying health safety and medical abbreviations to prepare to shadow different health care professionals.

TCT students adapt to new schedule change Kelly Burnham Staff Writer

The city’s technical education center, TCT, is directly affected by even the slightest change.

This school is dependent on all three of Tuscaloosa’s public education facilities: Bryant, Central and Northridge, and the new change in schedule affects them as much as it affects Northridge.

Kathleen Hughston, TCT principal, said the change should not adversely affect the school.

“It’s too early to make that judg-

Schedule

ment; this is not a new concept. I am confident we can make this work,” she said.

Hughston said when looking at it realistically, the schedule is going to challenge those students who are not used to having good time management and organization skills.

She said that TCT is striving to adapt to these new changes.

Charlie Gross, senior, said he is taking a two-period HOSA course at TCT. “[The class periods] are a little shorter than what we’re used to, but it’s not that big of a deal. It has its

Continued from page 1 Because the classes are shorter, teachers have had to change their lesson plans and omit activities that take too much time.

Johnson said he had to “reduce the amount of practice [in class].” Wells said she liked being able to work together with her classmates during the block schedule.

“I miss the group stuff.

You had more time to think together, and do things together, and learn together.

Now it’s like you do a group [activity] and it’s not any longer than five minutes and you don’t learn anything,” Wells said.

Karsyn Nunley, junior, said school seems to “fly-

ups and downs, but overall I think HOSA is worth it,” he said.

Kathleen Kennedy, junior, said she hates the new schedule.

“I hate it, but I love the feeling of driving away because I’m leaving all that work behind… it messes up my entire schedule because I didn’t take AP US History last year. HOSA takes two periods, and I play a sport, so that leaves two periods for academics,” she said.

“They put me in AP Lang, and I didn’t want it until my senior year, and I miss forty minutes of practice a day. I have five times the amount

by” with the seven period schedule.

“You get a change in scenery every so often and the day seems shorter,” Nunley said.

The new schedule keeps students from taking both AP math classes during high school, but Johnson said this could be correct-

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of homework and get home at six o’ clock… do the math.”

“I think in my senior year it will be worth it, but not right now,” Kennedy said.

Ellie Cauthen, senior, said, “I like it a lot better because I get to go there every day and stay for first, second and bonus period.”

“It’s much longer [than the fortyseven minutes at Northridge], so that’s really no change.” she said, “There are so many courses you can take there that our schools don’t offer, and it can help you find a career,” Cauthen said.

ed by allowing students to double up on certain math classes such as geometry and Algebra II or Precalculus and AP statistics. “[The state] will have to change the prerequisite,” he said. “It presents more challenges, but I like a challenge.”

Johnson said students seemed to lose focus dur-

ing the previous hour and a half class, and that the day seems shorter with the seven period day.

“I’ve been teaching the block since 1995; I’m tired of it any ways,” Johnson said. “Once everyone gets used to [the seven period schedule], it’ll be fine. Students just need to give it a chance.”

By: Kayla Pate Staff Writer The All-Academic Team now has 25 members after inducting nine new students Thursday, Sept. 6.

Principal Dr. Espy said a student must make at least a 30 on the ACT to become a member of the team.

He said be prepared for the ACT and go to tutoring.

“It is great to take the ACT as many times as possible,” Espy said.

Espy said the team has a secret mascot, the armadillo, and you have to become a member to understand the mystery.

Will Stewart, sophomore and a new member of the All-Academic Team, said he was excited to be inducted. This summer was his first time taking the ACT. “I just wanted to see what it was like,” Stewart said.

Since being inducted, Stewart has learned a lot about the secret mascot.

“I’m not allowed to talk about the armadillo,” Stewart said, “If you want to know you have to become a member.

Dr. Arti Pandey, MD Internist 4810 Harkey Lane Tuscaloosa, AL (behind McDonald’s on Rice Mine Rd., near Lake Tuscaloosa)

Sports

The Northridge Reporter September 24, 2012

7

Volleyball team beats Hillcrest Katie Poore Staff Writer The girls varsity volleyball team won their second game of the season, defeating Hillcrest High School within the first three matches on Sept. 6.

The volleyball team won their matches with scores of 25-7, 2522 and 25-15.

Kiana Johnson had two kills, three digs, one ace, 15 assists and two blocks.

Amanda Guarisco had five kills, four aces and one block.

Anna Lee Petitt ended the game with three kills, three aces and Photo by: Alex Hauser one block.

First Down: Hillcrest defenders try to stop the Northridge offense, Phillip Cunningham, (80), C’yonati Lewis, (88), Keyon Handley, (75), The varsity team now has three and Daryl Pham. (70), from widening their lead. Northridge won 23-15 on Sept. 7. “The team played strong,” Lewis said. wins and zero losses for the season.

They will play at the HewittTrussville Tournament on Sept.

22.

I think we did great in the second bringing the score to 9-8, Patriots. ing them to victory.

Morgan DeWitt Mike Smith, head football half to pull through the game.”

A game-changing touchdown Staff Writer James Cox, senior and wide Volleyball games at NHS with a two-point conversion was coach, said the game was imporComing off of a 40-30 win scored with 5:32 left in the fourth tant because it was a “regional receiver, said, “Every mistake we Hillcrest Sept. 27 5:00 against Bob Jones on Aug. 31, the quarter, bringing the score to 16-9 and in-town rival, and they were made was made only by us. It was Oak Mountain Oct. 2 5:00 the last team to beat us at home in us holding us back during the first football team beat the Hillcrest Jags.

Brookwood Oct. 4 5:00 half. This game was a real team The celebration was short-lived the 2012 season.”

Patriots 23-15 on Sept. 7.

Holy Spirit Oct. 9 5:00 “Our defense played well but effort. It was a tough win.”

The game started with the Pa- when the Patriots came back and The student section celebrated Area Tounament Oct. 18-20 triots getting a safety in the first scored another touchdown to tie our offense was not on top,” the win by storming the field. The quarter and a touchdown in the the game, only to have their ex- Smith said.

Bo Scarborough, junior, gained senior class was exceptionally tra point blocked, bringing the second.

Football scores The score at halftime was 9-0, score to 16-15 with the Jags in the 160 yards on 24 carries and ended excited to beat Hillcrest this year the game with a 30 yard touch- after a 14-35 loss last year.

Bob Jones 40-30 Patriots. The team came back in lead.

Taylor Goodall, senior, said, In one climactic moment, the down run, bringing the score to the third quarter, scoring a safety Hillcrest 23-15 “We overcame all of our obstacles followed by a touchdown, but Jags scored a final touchdown at 23-15.

28-13 “We didn’t execute during the and got our momentum back. The Minor the intensity heightened when the the end of the fourth quarter to Patriots blocked the extra point, bring the score to 23-15 and send- first half,” Scarborough said, “but crowd played a huge part.

Football team beats Hillcrest at NHS

‘Starbo’ commits to UA Georgia, Clemson, and Auburn were a few colleges where Scarbrough could have made his next move.

“I felt like it (Alabama) would be the In the eyes of football player Bo Scarbrough, the only thing better than being a best place for me,” Scarbrough said.

Scarbrough said he has always wanted junior and already committed to playing college football is having committed to the to play football but not necessarily at Alacollege of the number one football team in bama.

“I used to dream about playing at Oklathe nation.

Two weeks before he committed, homa University,” he said, “but you know, 6-foot-2, 218 pound, running back on the dreams change.”

Head football coach Mike Smith, said he football team, Bo Scarbrough, had already decided he wanted to play football at the first knew Scarbrough’s talent when he saw him play in middle school.

University of Alabama.

“When you see his speed and watch him While standing on the football field imbounce around like a pinmediately following the ball because he is so much win over Hillcrest, Scarbigger than everything else brough verbally committed out there, you realize he is to playing at Alabama. a special player,” he said “It takes a lot of pressure Scarbrough said comoff of me,” Scarbrough mitting to play for Alabama said, “I have nothing to will not affect who he is or worry about because I’ve how he plays during his jualready made my decinior or senior year. sion.”

Photo by: Beth Allaway “I’m still the same person Although he decided on Alabama, he said it was Run: Bo Scarborough, junior, and player I have always not the only college on his runs the ball during the game been,” he said, “and that’s not going to change.” mind. against Bob Jones.

Abby Allen Sports Editor

Buy a Large Big Mac Extra Value Meal and get a second Big Mac sandwich FREE when you bring in this ad!

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Gordo Chevron “We sell Hunt Brother’s Pizza” Phone: (205)-364-220

The Northridge Reporter September 24, 2012

Beat

Photo by: Morgan DeWitt

8

Bookworm:

Andrew Allen, senior, works on his classwork during Zoology.

“I pretty much took zoology to have a pet, and now I’m stuck in a class that’s not fun,” Allen said.

@ohjags, “Let’s release wild animals into moved into her new classroom she didn’t the halls of Northridge to let everyone even know where the animals went. She said she asked around and nobody knew know we want zoology pets.”

“I’ve been waiting since freshman year what had happened to them.

“I don’t know if they were released to get to be in zoology and take care of a pet,” Hubbard said. “It’s disappointing into the wild, sold to a pet store or takto finally get here and miss out. The class en somewhere else. Nobody knew,” she said. is just a According to The bunch I’ve been waiting since freshman Seattle Times, school o f districts have begun work; year to get to be in zoology and take adopting policies in it’s not care of a pet.

It’s disappointing to firecent years that in as fun.” many cases limit or nally get here and miss out.

New even ban animals in Jameson Hubbard, senior zoolthe classroom unless o g y they’re part of science teacher Krystal Flantroy said she’s glad there’s a projects, such is the case at Northridge Principal Isaac Espy said, “It is not regulation for the animals.

“Animals need to be kept and main- typical practice to house animals on a tained by their owner, not a group of long term basis in a school classroom. people, not one person one week, and Upon the adoption of the pets, the stuanother person the next,” she said. “What dents keep detailed journals on the concerns me is that at the end of the year health, behavior and daily husbandry of these animals were just being given away. these animals.”

To ensure that the animals make the The students are going to college, and they’re not going to take the animal with switch from owner to owner at the end of them. Sometimes the students don’t even the year, safely and humanely, students make sure their animal is being taken to a have been required to have a post-project placement plan. safe environment.”

Flantroy said that by the time she

Zoology loses pets, students’ interest

Sarah Katherine Barnes Staff Writer

W

ith potential liability concerns, the state is asking school districts to draw up policies on what animals, other than service animals, should be allowed in schools.

Zoology teacher Kris Strickland said the rule states that the school may not have any animals inside the building. The rule is upsetting for students in zoology classes.

On Facebook Colt Wrobel, senior, posted, “No pets in zoology? There goes my senior fun. #lame.”

Wrobel said he would have wanted a snake or a lizard to study and take care of in the class, had the rule not been introduced.

“I would have chosen some sort of reptile,” he said.

“I don’t know exactly why there’s this new rule. I heard from a few people though that having the pets inside the school was illegal, but that Northridge had been disobeying that law for years and someone finally put their foot down on the issue,” Wrobel said.

Jameson Hubbard, senior, tweeted

It’s

Photo illustration by: Alex Hauser

northridgereporter.wordpress.com

time

September 24, 2012 Volume 10 Issue 1

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