The Squall, January 2013

Dexter High School 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter, MI 48130 www.thesquall.com

January 25, 2013. VOL. 18. Issue 4.

Index On The web

The Squall Page 2 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

3 4 7 12 14 20 18

Follow us on twitter @DHS_Squaller or visit our website at thesquall.com.

4 News

New laws affect students and teachers alike.

7 Feature

Gay-Straight Alliance starts for support

12 Sports

Students get involved with sports outside of school.

15 Interactive Spread Winter driving tips.

How to destroy a snowman.

17 Opinion

We are an over-sensitive generation.

19 Get Involved

THE

Squall

The story of a blind date between two seniors.

Letters to the Editor Policy: The Squall encourages letters to the editors. They can be emailed to dextersquall@gmail.com, dropped off in room 407 or given to a staff member of The Squall. Letters may be edited for length and unprotected speech. Letters should be 250-300 words in length. Requests to withhold a writer’s name will be considered by the editorial board.

Contact us at: 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter MI, 48130. (734) 426-4240 Editors-in-Chief Cameron La Fontaine Levi Kipke Head Designer Abby Mesaros Photo Editor Miranda Mors Assistant Photo Katie Vontom Web Editor Teddy Grammatico

Business Manager Erin Lashbrook illustrator & Design Drew Daugherty Graphics Jordan Romanowski Center Spread Editor Lauren Kimmel News Editor Morgan Van Hoof Feature Editor Aman-Vir Mandair Opinion Editor Erin Lashbrook

Entertainment Editor Dan Edwards Sports Editor Nate Nuttle Get Involved Editor Carolin Schade YOU page Editor Andrea Scheffler Design Team Ben Grover Sydney Swigart Jagger Davis Brandon Otto Guy Burke Staff Writers Aman-Vir Mandair

Cover Photo Illustration: inggmartinez, Cam LaFontaine, Abby Mesaros

ext: 7407. dextersquall@gmail.com

Dan Edwards Kaitlyn Eekoff Luke Hannah Mitch Kimball Lauren Kimmel Tracy Koenn Kenzie Mader Bryce Pederson Jacob Rich Carolin Schade Andrea Scheffler Zac Sharp Parmeda Sokansanj Morgan Van Hoof Zeke Breuninger Colin Meldrum Scott Rogers

Noah Mellifont Ben Breutsch Photographers Jack Donevan Casey Hansen Kathryn Pisano Haley Quinn Olivia Stagg Andrew Milkey Kyle Vandusen Nate Nuttle Aubree Whitley Lindsay Henderson Adviser Rodney Satterthwaite

Staff Editorials:

Editorials represent the majority opinion of the editorial board. Editorials are unsigned. Columns represent the opinions of the individual staff members who wrote them.

Staff Policy:

The Squall is a student publication distributed to students, faculty and staff of Dexter High School. The Squall is also distributed by subscription to the Dexter community. The Squall has a press run of 1700 copies and is printed by The Argus-Press in Owosso, Mich. The paper serves as a public forum with student editors making all content decisions.

Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of Dexter Community Schools.

Memberships:

The Squall Page 3 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

News German program to be eliminated Scott Rogers Staff Writer As a result of declining enrollment in German classes over the past few years, German I will no longer be offered at Dexter High School beginning in the 2013-14 school year.

Principal Kit Moran said that he made an administrative decision that German is no longer sustainable.

“I’m not making the decision because I don’t like German,” he said. “It’s just that when people don’t take the classes, we stop offering them.”

Moran added that without students enrolled in German I, it is unlikely that any other German classes will last long.

“It’s probably going to be the end of the German program,” he said.

Unlike DHS, Mill Creek Middle School will retain the German I class for the 2013-14 year, to accommodate a group of 7th grade students who are currently taking a German enrichment class.

Moran said these students were promised they would have the chance to take German I. However, 2013-14 will be the last year that German is offered in Mill Creek, as well.

In addition, every student currently enrolled in the German program will be able to finish. However, students beginning their two-year foreign language requirement will now have the choice between only Spanish and French.

Junior German student Kourtney Koch is enrolled in German IV and said she was upset when she heard that German would be eliminated from the curriculum.

“Cutting out the German class would be taking away an opportunity for kids with a German heritage to learn a language that members of their family know how to speak,” Koch, who has been in the German program since 8th grade, said. “I like the aspect of learning a foreign language,

especially a language that runs in my family.”

Rumors did appear on social networking sites such as Twitter that the German program is being shut down in part due to the International Baccalaureate Programme’s growth since there are no IB German classes offered, something Koch thinks has some truth to it.

“I don’t think IB is the main reason, but I think it’s unfair to cut German when there are so few kids in IB,” Koch said.

But Moran said that there is no relation between IB’s growth and German ending.

“German had this problem before,” he said. “Even if we had an IB German class, numbers would still be going down.”

Moran also said enrollment in German classes started declining years ago and that the conversation to end German began years ago, before DHS had an IB programme.

He also said from his point of view, no student will be directly affected by the end of the German program. Students will simply have fewer choices when it comes to choosing a foreign language.

German teacher Katherine Schmid, on the other hand, said she will be significantly affected by this move. She said she was saddened when she was told German would be eliminated, especially because so much of her life has been affected by German.

Schmid will continue to teach German until it is no longer available, and will transition to teaching English classes afterwards.

As far as IB goes, Schmid said there has been some tension since no IB German classes have been offered in the IB Programme.

However, she said she does not believe IB was the main reason for the dropping numbers in German or the end of the German program.

“I don’t have a clear answer,” Schmid said. “The decision was based on many factors.”

Photo Credit: Haley Quinn

German teacher Frau Schmid gives her German II class instructions to complete their daily activity. Because of low enrollment, the German program is gradually being phased out

Schmid also said her primary concern is not about the blame or even about her own future. She is concerned about students not being able to learn a language that she considers important and beautiful.

“Study of a world language is very important and having options is very important,” she said. “It worries me that we’re heading in a direction of only offering Romance languages.”

German has been such a large part of Schmid’s life, and teaching it has been something she very much enjoys and she said it will be hard for her when the program ends.

“Some of my best friends in my life [I met] through German,” Schmid said. “I met my husband because I could speak German. I have every one of my teaching jobs because I could speak German, and I really like teaching kids German.”

News Despite protests, legislature passes controversial ‘Right-to-Work’ laws

The Squall Page 4 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

Andrea Scheffler Staff Writer

Lawmakers pass ‘Right-to-

The Michigan legislature passed a so-called Right-toWork Law in its December lame duck session by a 22-16 vote in the Senate and a 58-51 vote in the House. This law is made up of two separate bills.

Rebekah Warren (D), state Senator for the 18th District, which includes Ann Arbor and Dexter, said, “The first was Senate Bill 116, which applies to private employees like those that belong to the United Auto Workers and the second was House Bill 4003, which applies to public employees like those that belong to the Dexter Education Association.”

This new law gives workers the right to choose whether or not they want to belong to a union. It also prevents unions from requiring union dues and excluding non-union workers from the labor contract the unions negotiate for.

During the passing of the law, many union members gathered in protest at the capitol building in Lansing. The protesters say this law will have negative repercussions on Michigan and its economy.

Joe Romeo, Dexter Education Association President, agrees with this.

Romeo said, “In the first place, the name of the law is misleading. A more fitting name would have been the ‘Right to be Represented Without Paying’ Law. Before the passing of this law, teacher unions already had to represent all teachers regardless of if they paid or not. After the passing of the law, the only thing that has changed is the fact that teachers don’t have to pay to be part of the union.”

Gov. Rick Snyder, in a recent video promoting the Right-to-Work Law, mentioned two main reasons why he said the law should be passed.

“First, it’s about being pro-worker,” he said. “It’s about hard-working Michiganders having the freedom to choose who they associate with. The second one is about being more healthy in Michigan in terms of our economy. Indiana has become a Right-to-Work state, and they’re significantly increased the number of businesses looking to come to Indiana and grow in Indiana due to this legislation.”

Romeo disputes this, however.

“Teachers will be affected the most by this,” he said. “Salaries and benefits will decrease. In the general population, trends suggest that unemployment rates will also increase.”

For this and other reasons, Warren said she voted against both of the bills. She said, “I voted no on each of these bills because I believe it will have a negative impact on our workers’ ability to negotiate with their employers for fair wages, adequate healthcare coverage, and safe working conditions.”

Snyder, however, does not share the same opinion. He said the law will boost Michigan’s economy.

In the video, he said, “We’ve lost over 750,000 jobs during the years 2000-2010. I want to see that rate go up, to even be bigger and better. When I looked at Indiana, here’s an opportunity to see that rate increase.”

Protesters rally outside the capital building, picketing against Michigan’s “Right-to-Work” law. Michigan is now the 24th “Right-to-Work” state

“Right-to-Work” pros and cons Supporters say:

Detractors say:

•Worker freedom increases

•Unions become weaker

•Workers are no longer obligated to pay fees to unions

•Union members may earn less and have fewer benefits

•Unions give monetary support to Democrats which creates a problem if an employee does not support Democrats

•Wages are generally lower in RTW states

•RTW states generally have higher per capita income growth than non RTW states

•Non-RTW states have a higher percentage of employees with health insurance

•Injury rates in RTW states are higher

•Attracts large businesses

Photo Credits: Aaron Kuhn

News

The Squall Page 5 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

EAA laws could change public schools Could we feel the effects?

Noah Mellifont & Zac Sharp Staff Writers The Michigan Education Achievement Authority brought forth the EAA charter bill may be only the beginning of policies created by the state legislative that affects the way Michigan schools do things.

A new version of the EAA which would allow students alternative schooling options. They would be able to go to a different school to take certain courses or take an online course.

Part of this proposal will likely include language that says that the bottom 5 percent of schools in Michigan are absorbed by charter schools. Schools must accept any student who lives in their district.

This law also states no matter where a student goes, the school in their region is responsible for the student’s graduation.

Why should I have respon“My personal opinion is it’s not very good for sibility for a student’s gradupublic education,” Principal William Moran said. “I ation, who I never get to still have many questions that I need to ask.” “Why should I have responsibility for a student’s graduasee? If the kid plays sports tion, who I never get to see? If the kid plays sports and takes classes at several and takes classes at several schools, what school would schools, what school would the student play for,” Moran said. the student play for.

People like Moran do not think the bill would be beneficial for public schools.

For example in Muskegon Heights, a city and district plagued with economic and social issues. The William Moran public school system was taken over and turned into Principal privately-run district.

However, one in four of the newly-hired teachers quit within the first few months of the new school year. Though the school is struggling, the company that is running it is still making profit.

Dexter Education Association President and computer tech Joe Romeo said there are many reasons such as these to oppose the EAA. “Charter schools have been shown to be no better than public school at improving test scores,” he said. “Parents would have no say in the school’s policies and could not vote its officials in or out of office.”

But to some people like Governor Rick Snyder say the bill will help the state’s education system.

In a video interview, Snyder said, “The goal of EAA is not to be this monolithic thing across the state to take over all the schools. The goal is to help the places that are most challenged.”

For junior Derek Seidl there are way more benefits to a system that allows students to move district to build stronger sports programs.

“It would benefit the school and sports programs, with athletes coming from different areas,” Seidl said. “With more students, the school would be able to gain more money.”

“With everything going on, the EAA Charter Bill is still very questionable to me,” said Moran.

“

”

“Students deserve an education that can best prepare them to succeed after graduation.”

-Gov. Rick Snyder

“I strongly feel that the EAA is solidly based on a number of reform practices and new education models that I believe are so good they’re not going to (just) be utilized by the EAA, (but) that other districts will want to use them.”

-Roy Roberts, financial manager for Detroit Public Schools

“This is Lansing’s attempt to revamp K-12 education.”

-Principal Kit Moran

“The bottom line for us is it’s really not about the size of the district or the number of schools, it’s actually about providing a new model -- this new creative, innovative way that could help turn around struggling schools.”

-Sara Wurfel, spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Snyder

News

The Squall Page 6 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

Interim Superintendent Dennis Desmarais meets with students to introduce himself and discuss what they would like to see in a new superindent. Desmarais will lead the district until the end of the year.

Photo Credit: Lexi Wajda

Board chooses interim superintendent

Former head of Riverview schools takes over until the end of the year Kait Eekhoff & Tracy Koenn Staff Writers

Where in the world is Mary Marshall?

For over 15 years, ex-superintendent Mary Marshall was a part of the Dexter community. However, after she accepted a new position as the superintendent and principal of Pentwater Community Schools, the board of education needed a new superintendent.

That’s where Dennis Desmarais, a retired superintendent from Riverview Community Schools in Wayne County, comes in. The board recently named Desmarais as the interim superintendent for the rest of the school year.

“I was drawn here more by the similarities than the differences,” Desmarais said of Dexter. “Both districts reflect a great deal of pride in their schools and communities. The students reflect the highest standards and reflect those qualities to their families, schools and community. Both teaching staffs hold high expectations for their students and themselves.”

Although Desmarais’ position is a temporary one, he said he is ready and eager to meet the challenges.

“My goal is to have a smooth transition into the role of interim superintendent,” he said. “I am excited about meeting students, staff and community. I know, from past experience, that the last few months of a school year pass very quickly, especially for our seniors.”

While Desmarais takes over for the remaining year, the board of education is searching for a permanent superintendent. And to this end, meetings were held across the district to take in the input of all community members.

Freshman Lexi Heath, and sophomores Steven Robards and Jess Black all took part in one of these meetings at the Dexter High School.

The topic of the meeting revolved around what the students wanted in their next superintendent. Some of the

Mary Marshall worked as the principal of Creekside Intermediate School for nine years before working as the superintendent for three years in the Dexter Community Schools. Marshall has worked a total of 20 years as a part of the school district. She has now made the move to Pentwater Public Schools accepting the job over three other applicants as their new superintendent and principal. Pentwater is 80 miles north of Grand Rapids and has all grades, K-12, in one building ideas brought up included the AP vs. IB debate, the change from trimesters to semesters, students experiences with the previous superintendent, the professional relationships between teachers and students and the advantages of Dexter as a community.

The students at this meeting seemed specifically aware of the advantages that DHS provides for them.

“We’re well-rounded,” Robards said. “Many students who graduate go off to good schools.”

As the meeting adjourned, the ending consensus was that Dexter was a great community.

“Dexter is a great town,” Heath said. “ So we need a great superintendent.”

Desmarais said, “Though my time in Dexter will be short, I hope to embrace the culture of this school community and leave it a better place.”

Feature

The Squall Page 7 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

Gay-Straight alliance formed Carolin Schade & Lauren Kimmel

Dexter High School GSA Goals and Objectives:

Staff Writers Junior Jimmy Messmore told his parents he was gay in the eighth grade.

“My mom’s first reaction was, ‘Wait, you can’t be gay because you don’t like shopping,’” said Messmore with a laugh. “I told her, ‘No, Mom, I just don’t like shopping with you.’”

Messmore said his parents were relatively accepting from there on out. The only thing they suggested was that Messmore keep it from his grandmother.

“I was hurt at first, but the older I get the more I understand,” Messmore said.

A few weeks prior to telling his parents, Messmore said he had begun to tell his friends. While most of their reactions were accepting, a few began to grow distant, and eventually stopped talking to him altogether.

“Although no one said anything to my face, I would hear about people talking about me behind my back,” he said.

Despite some negative feedback, Messmore said he has grown more comfortable and accustomed to his sexuality and has even been able to use it to help others.

In late October, Messmore was called down to the principal’s office. He, along with 10 other students, led by teachers Autumn Campbell and Jessica Baese, had been selected to attend a diversity seminar, which addressed issues such as racism and homophobia, at Eastern Michigan University.

Seven of those 10 students ended up traveling to Eastern to listen to a presentation about diversity and talk in small groups about their experiences.

After Messmore shared his story, the student next to him said, “I wasn’t going to say anything, and then I heard everyone else share. So here’s my story.”

This specific event stands out in Messmore’s mind as a moment of inspiration for creating a more comfortable environment for students dealing with their sexuality.

“I thought, if I could make that one student come forward, maybe I could help other students feel comfortable as well,” he said. “Dexter is not exactly a comfortable environment. We agreed to try to make a difference.”

At the end of the seminar, Messmore and the other students who were chosen to attend sat down with Baese and Campbell to have a debriefing session. The students expressed a need for more support for diversity in general in Dexter, and specifically made evident the lack of structured support in Dexter for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

Dexter has a strong Christian-Catholic back bone,” Messmore said. “This leads to people not coming out and feeling like there was no one to talk to.”

Campbell agrees and while she saw a lot of resources in Ann Arbor for students struggling with their sexuality, like Riot Youth, GSA, PFLG and Neutral Zone, she didn’t see much in Dexter.

“Students were attending things outside the community, and it’s important to bring that environment to this community. The students approached me and Jessica Baese, and we’re whole-heartedly excited to attend to the needs of all our students,” Campbell said.

Messmore is now President, with Campbell and Baese as advisers, for the Dexter: Gay Straight Alliance (GSA).

Although Campbell and Baese are the advisers, Campbell believes in keeping the club student run.

“I feel very strongly that I am just a facilitator” she said. “It’s their group. I am literally just there to help.”

And she is leaving the club in good hands.

As President, Messmore has proven himself to be quite the

•Educating students and faculty about sexuality and gender identification •Empowering students to break down stereotypes about sexuality and sexual orientation •Highlight what can be done to alleviate unnecessary hardships for students of sexual minorities •Maintain complete confidentiality

Important People of Group: President: •Jimmy Messmore Vice President: •Alicia Klocek Secretary: •Kari Hart Staff Facilitators: •Autumn Campbell •Jessica Baese

Dexter High School GSA Mission Statement: The Dexter High School Gay Straight Alliance mission is to promote accepPhoto Credit: Kyle VanDusen

Gay-Straight Alliance President Jimmy Messmore leads the club at its first meeting. Advisers for the club are art teacher Autumn Campbell and science teacher Jessica Baese

leader according to Campbell.

“Jimmy is such a good role model. He is so knowledgeable and positive. He makes sure that the GSA is comfortable for everyone,” Campbell said.

Messmore is happy to be a key part of an exciting and positive change in the community.

“It makes me feel like I’m actually supporting something,” Messmore said. “I’m making a legitimate effort to change people’s viewpoints.”

tance for full sexual spectrum students, eliminate bullying due to sexual orientation and gender identification, and create a safe environment for students to share their experiences.

Feature Study shows increase in cheating

The Squall Page 8 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

Experts say more college-bound students are likely to be dishonest Morgan Van Hoof & Zeke Breuninger Staff Writers

James, a junior who agreed to be interviewed only if we didn’t use his name, knew he wasn’t prepared for his Chemistry test later that day. It’s not that he forgot about it. It’s just that he didn’t have time.

Between wrestling practice every night, keeping up with other homework, and trying to find time to just eat dinner and get to bed at a reasonable hour, there just wasn’t enough time for him to sit down and study.

He couldn’t bomb this test though. He hadn’t done well on his last test, and his grade was suffering. There was clearly only one option left: James needed to cheat.

“Yes, I’ve cheated,” James said. “Mainly I’ve put my review on my desk while taking a test, or I’ll write on my hand. I’ve never been caught, though.”

However, James isn’t alone. Statistics from a study on cheating done by professor Drew Nelson at Stanford University show that cheating among high school students has risen dramatically during the past 50 years.

Nelson’s study found that in the past it was the struggling student who was more likely to cheat just to get by.

Today, it is also the above-average, college-bound students who are cheating.

Nelson’s study also showed that academic cheating begins to set in at the junior high level and increases due to pressure for high grades. It doesn’t end at graduation, though.

Dexter High School staff members agree. Cheating is not limited just to homework, tests, and projects that students complete for a grade, they said.

“It goes beyond academics; there are more profound ways,” counselor Geraldine Holmes said. “There’s a rising trend in students and adults not taking responsibility in life and relationships. People lie so they don’t have to face the consequences of their actions, and that reflects your internal moral compass. Don’t underestimate the far-reaching implications.”

English teacher Deborah Marsh agrees. In fact, Marsh said cheating has become almost cultural.

“People cheat all the time in the real world,” Marsh said. “Heck there are TV shows based on cheating. ‘Suits’ and ‘Leverage’ are two that come to mind right away. Everywhere we look there is cheating. Pop singers voices are auto-tuned, sports players ‘juice,’ and so on. So much of our world gives messages that cheating is what people do.”

Nelson’s study also showed that cheating no longer carries the stigma that it used to. Less social disapproval coupled with increased competition for admission into universities and graduate schools has made students more willing to do whatever it takes to get the A. Grades, rather than education, have become the major focus of many students, his study found.

And, according to the study, students who cheat often feel justified in what they are doing.

They cheat because they see others cheat, and they think they will be unfairly disadvantaged. The cheaters are getting 100s on the exam, while the non-cheaters may only be getting 90s. Not to mention, most of them don’t get caught.

“There’s such a weak punishment for cheating, considering what it is that they’re doing,” Vice Principal Ken Koenig said. “The teacher decides the punishment specific to their classroom.”

Because of this, Marsh has compromised her teaching style in an attempt to eliminate cheating in her classroom.

“I am so reluctant to give tests and quizzes and prefer students to create projects, do presentations, etc. to show mastery of a concept,” Marsh said. “It’s such a huge problem at DHS. I think a lot of students share answers, copy homework, work together on individual assignments, look on each others’ papers and such.

The kids don’t really see it as cheating. That’s what’s so puzzling to me.”

Although all varieties of cheating cause concern among teachers, technology adds a whole new level to the lengths to which an individual can cheat.

“When you think of the ability of kids to access technology--through texting, the Internet, plagiarism, etc., there’s probably more ways of cheating than we even know about,” Holmes said.

Although cheating seems like a viable option to many students, and technology can open up new avenues for it, some students still believe in the value of their own work.

“If you get credit for your work, it should be your own

Photo Illustration: Casey Hansen

work. It’s a simple concept. You do your own work,” junior Louie Kurcz said.

Holmes agrees. She said no one cares more about grades than students themselves.

“I think students cheat because there’s an expectation put on them,” Holmes said. “Maybe by themselves, or their parents, or for a school. They feel under pressure to

No cheating allowed: Cheating typically begins in middle school

41%

of the public believe that cheating is a

problem in this country

Cheating does not end at graduation. For example, resume fraud is a serious issue for employers concerned about the level of integrity of new employees.

Photo Credit: Nate Nuttle

Follow us on Twitter or Facebook! @DHS_squaller The Squall

Information from a study done bye Drew Nelson at Stanford University

Entertainment

The Squall Page 9 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

A made-up journey: my trip to 'the Hobbit'’

Dan Edwards Staff Writer

It’s a Saturday night, and I’m in Colin Meldrum’s car gripping the armrest, hoping I make it out alive. He has reached the unparalleled speeds of 105 mph, and I had no idea his rustbox of a car could reach such speeds; I was surprised to say the least.

“Home Sweet Home” by Mötley Crüe was blasting in the background as we barreled down the icy roads desperately trying to make it to the cinema on time to see “The Hobbit”.

When we got there, the parking lot was packed, and it was nearly impossible to find a parking spot. We ended up having to park in the very back of the lot somewhere that is probably not even marked on the map of Ann Arbor.

We finally reached the theatre and went up to the ticket kiosk to purchase our tickets. The man behind the desk had his back turned to us, but for some reason, the back of his head looked familiar.

“Two tickets for The Hobbit, please,” I said.

To my surprise, the man taking tickets at Quality 16 was none other than Neil Patrick Harris.

“Hello, boys,” he says with a grin.

“Neil Patrick Harris?” we both said in shock. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, did s--- get too Neil for you? Can NPH not take a job as a normal man?”

As star struck as we were, we were in a hurry to see the film. So we took the tickets from Neil’s golden hands and made our way to the theatre.

The movie had already started, so we had to quietly sneak our way in.

When we got there, we were puzzled for

a good 10 minutes, and for some reason, we couldn’t really understand why Bilbo Baggins was trying to get accepted into Monsters University. Turns out, we had gone into the wrong cinema and were watching “Monsters Inc 2: Monsters University.”

We finally found the correct theatre and looked for a seat. The theatre was packed, and we were forced to sit in the front row, craning our necks upwards.

Beside me sat a sports legend, Tamir Goodman, AKA the Jewish Jordan.

“Shalom, Goodman” Colin said to Tamir.

“This movie is about to be DOPE!” he said back.

As the movie began, I began to think in depth about a lot of things: First off, this movie is awesome and the “Misty Mountain Cold” song the dwarves sing throughout the movie is extremely well-done.

Any of the scenes with the Dwarves were awesome, actually. Especially when they all crashed Bilbo Baggins’ house at the beginning of the movie.

Speaking of Bilbo, Martin Freeman was wonderful in his role. In the book, Bilbo was portrayed as annoying and whiny. But in the film he was made to be more likable, heroic and welcoming.

Regardless if you liked the movie or not, the thing I know everyone can agree on is the CGI in this movie is incredible. The high frame rate made the movie so much more clear and enjoyable to see. I’d compare the image quality to looking out of a window, that’s how clear it is.

It had a sense of realism that a lot of movies lack, but at the same time it was sort of unrealistic. It was unrealistic in the sense that it was too bright and too clear. It lacked a certain cinematic feel, the feel of true grittiness and darkness that exists in the real world. But still, I won’t complain, it looked amazing, and I’ve seen nothing like it before.

As most people know, “The Hobbit” is the

prequel to The Lord of The Rings, and the movies are pretty similar but not completely.

For example, there are three LOTR films, and there will be three Hobbit films. But in the LOTR films, each film tells its own story that eventually ties up at the end. But in The Hobbit series, it’s one story split into three different films.

Toward the end of the movie, some guy started whining because there was not as much action as there was in the LOTR movies.

Of course not. This is the first installment of the series. There was a fine amount of action that balanced the development of the characters and story. This movie was meant to be more of a playful reintroduction to Tolkien’s magical world.

The Hobbit is a lot like a good breakfast: it has small parts of good things mixed with some not so great things that get combined to make a tasty concoction of a film. The Hobbit is definitely a tasty film.

And for anyone who complained about the lack of action, the second and third films will have much more action because of Smaug and more Elves and Orc battles.

This is a quality film, and the 48 frames per second makes a world of difference because it pretty much transports you to a whole different world. It’s unlike anything you will ever see in a movie (take that James Cameron’s Avatar). Everyone should see it for the special effects alone.

I had my own unexpected journey and if you see this movie, I’m sure you will too. I cannot wait for the next Hobbit film. I can only imagine what sort of adventure Neil Patrick Harris will lead me into next.

Graphic Credit: Jordan Romanowski, all images used with permission of Warner Bros./Newline Cinema

Spread

The Squall Page 10 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

The Squall Page 11 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013 Graphics Credit: Jordan Romanowski

Addicted to technology 93%

The abundance of technology continues to grow, and it’s affecting teens everywhere in ways both good and bad

of teens

Cameron LaFontaine Co-Editor-in-Chief

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SOcial media What piece of technology can you not live without? *For all polls, 630 DHS students were surveyed

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According to Pew Internet Research, in 2012, 77 percent of teens in America ages 12-17 owned a cell phone, 93 percent went online and 69 percent owned their own computer. Technology is becoming more prevalent in the lives of high schoolers. But how is it affecting education?

In a poll of 630 DHS students, 43 percent said they’d be more productive without technology, while 34 percent said they wouldn’t. 23 percent said technology improves their productivity. With the majority of students saying technology reduces productivity, how do students prevent themselves from becoming absorbed into the addiction?

English teacher Jo Muszkiewicz, who reads a lot about brain research, said technology is having a huge affect on the human brain.

“Technology is really re-wiring our brains and not in a good way,” she said. “We are developing shorter and shorter attention spans because we use so much technology. I find that frustrating not just with my students but the fact that I’m developing those habits as well.”

Junior Evan Morrison is one of these students. He said technology affects his productivity as he is almost always using it.

“Yep, I would say I’m addicted to technology,” Morrison said while searching his Twitter feed. “I’m on a piece of technology whenever I’m bored, out of school, even in class.” Morrison said that he and probably a lot of people would be much more productive with schoolwork without technology.

“If it was a 30-minute assignment, it’ll take me double the time,” he said.

Junior Kat Kerska also said she is addicted to technology, as she is not using a piece of technology only when she is sleeping.

“Take the number of hours I sleep and subtract it from 24. That’s how often I’m on technology,” she said laughing. “I’d say it takes me two or three times as long to finish my homework because I’m just constantly on my phone.”

A large reason for lack of productivity can be directly related to smart phones that have abilities to surf the web, go on social networking sites and more. Morrison said he couldn’t live without his iPhone.

“I text. I tweet. YouTube. Netflix. Play games like Ruzzle. Go online. Just everything,” he said.

Kerska also said she couldn’t live without her iPhone because of things like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and games.

Pew Internet Research also found in 2012 that 73 percent of American teens belonged to a social networking site. Additionally 29 percent of teens say they have posted mean information, embarrassing photos or spread rumors about someone and 56 percent of teens say they have been the target of some type of online harassment.

Morrison, who said he usually tweets at least once every hour, has seen bullying on Twitter.

“I’ve seen bullying,” he said. Mainly sub-tweeting (tweeting messages usually aimed at another person without mentioning their name). I’ll do it too sometimes. I can’t say I don’t. Like when the Chelsea-Dexter hockey game was about to happen, that was pretty bad.”

Assistant Principal Ken Koenig deals with cyberbullying incidents, but said they’ve declined recently because of parents getting involved.

“It has become less and less of a problem in the past five years,” he said.

“When Facebook really hit big five years ago, and Twitter, and the affordability of a smartphone became simpler, kids had them, and (cyberbullying) was something big. We were dealing with it probably on a weekly basis. Texting really brought it on, with texting wars back and forth. I think what’s happened is that parents are now up to speed with social networking to where they monitor their kids Facebook or Twitter account where in the past the kids are further ahead with what was the happening thing.”

Koenig also said, though, that when new ways of social networking come out, parents struggle to keep up.

“I’m sure a lot parents don’t know about Snapchat right now, where some people are taking inappropriate photos and Snapchatting them to each other. As we start having more incidents of this, and I’m calling parents, and I start saying well there’s this thing called Snapchat, and they go on and check it out, they start to regulate it. But kids will continue to move on to something else after that. It’s this technological chase game that constantly goes on.”

Despite the negative affects on productivity, technology does have the ability to make life a lot easier according to Morrison.

“I think technology makes my life easier because I can easily just whip out my phone and look something in a matter of seconds. It’s just really helpful,” he said.

Morrison also said social networking and the Internet are his main sources of news and the way he found out about the elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn. last month.

“Twitter was the way I found out about that, and then I was able to look it up online, and I was shocked,” he said.

While technology can make life easier for some students, it can cause even more problems for teachers.

The English department keeps a list of students who are caught using cell phones for communication in class. The punishment for being on this list means that the student cannot receive a letter of recommendation for college from anyone in the English department.

As an English teacher, Muszkiewicz upholds this rule but said there are times when smart phones are useful in the classroom.

“The rule is that students should not be using their cell phones for communication purposes in class,” she said. “I let my students use their smart phones to look things up on the Internet. Sometimes there aren’t enough computers to go around so they’ll use their smart phones. There are legitimate classroom reasons for phones, and I’m perfectly willing to let students use their phones for those purposes. I particularly don’t like kids texting in class because not only are they not paying attention in my class, they could very well be interrupting someone else’s class.”

According to Koenig, a decrease in productivity is caused by the distractions that technology presents. He said it’s nothing new to humans, but this form of distraction is larger than ever before.

“For anybody technology is a time-sponge. It just soaks up time,” he said. “There’s instant access to Facebook, to Twitter, to Snapchat. Your attention span only lasts so long. It’s the modern day water-cooler at work. Now people are taking a mental vacation through technology. It’s not a different behavior that anybody has ever had either through school or work. It’s just a different form of the behavior.”

What social networking site do you use the most?

215 191

Twitter Facebook

36 35 25 23 There are

74

91.4

Pinterest

Instagram Tumblr Other

31

million

Reddit

None

smart phones in

America

alone

265 217

Do you feel you would be a more productive student without technology?

148

Yes

No

Technology improves my schoolwork productivity

Sports

The Squall Page 12 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

Senior Devin Wilson, a long-time snowboarder, breaks in his new board at Mt. Brighton during the holidays.

Photo Credits: Jack Donevan

Junior Jeff Wicks hits a jump at one of the many slopes in Colorado.

Sophomore Sam Ketzner skids to a halt at the bottom of a Mt. Brighton slope.

Non-school sports offer new opportunities Kenzie Mader Staff Writer

Snowboarding, recreationally and competitively, has broadened junior Jeff Wicks’ horizon by granting him the opportunity to see parts of the US he might not otherwise have been able to.

In the winter he travels to different places in Michigan and even out of state to Colorado.

According to Wicks, snowboarding has also opened the opportunity to make many new friends and meet great people. In addition, he said snowboarding is different in the west than it is in Michigan.

“Everything out west is 100 times bigger and 100 times more intense. All the snowboarding you see on TV and in the magazines is mainly out west,” Wicks said.

For example, he said the jumps in Michigan are around 40 feet, whereas the jumps out west can get as big as 100 feet.

“Michigan just doesn’t have big enough hills and not enough snow,” he said. “The difference is like night and day.”

Wicks travels to Colorado about once a month, and he has been to Nationals for snowboarding five times. At Nationals he has been ranked as high as seventh in the nation.

Because of these opportunities, Wicks sees sports that are not affiliated with the school as a chance to broaden his

opportunities and make friends who live in towns other than Dexter.

Senior Rylie Damm agrees. She said she has made many new friends through horseback riding outside of the school equestrian team, which she actively participates in during the winter and throughout the whole year. “(Riding) is not a school sport, so you can make friends from other schools,” she said. “I met my best friend Amy through riding at age 11, and we have been friends ever since.

She goes to Pioneer, so I never would have even met her if it wasn’t for horses that brought us together.”

Senior Lauren Wilson has had the same experience with her dancing. She said by participating in a non-school affiliated sport, she has been able to broaden her circle of friendships.

“At the dance studio, there’s girls from all over: Pinckney, Saline, Dexter, and Ann Arbor,” Wilson said.

Many students who are involved with sports that are not affiliated with the school have been involved in the sport for many years, and many of them are actively participating in their sports year round.

In addition to the extra friendships and broadening of horizons, those who participate in out-of-school activities

say they do it because it helps them fit in somewhere and become better people.

Damm, for instance, said the commitment of taking care of her horse and participating in equestrian events helps to keep her physically fit.

“I think riding is the hardest sport because you can’t take a season off,” Damm said. “You have to take care of (the horses), which helps you and the horse stay in shape.”

And according to Wilson, dance is just as essential for her.

“I dance because it’s just something I know,” she said, “It’s a way to express yourself besides verbally.”

And Wicks’ favorite part about snowboarding is the culture that surrounds it.

“Snowboarding can either be very laid back or super intense. It’s just how you make it, and that’s why I love it,” he said.

In the end, participating in non-school affiliated sports has helped these students meet new people, go places they might not have normally been able to go and become more aware of the world around them.

Damm said, “When you ride horses, you have to travel a lot for horse shows. That has given me the opportunity to meet many new friends and great people.”

Sports

The Squall Page 13 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

Chirping about Dexter Graphic: Jordan Romanowski

Anti-Dexter Twitter account heats up rivalry Jacob Rich Staff Writer

Principal Kit Moran chuckled as he shook his head and looked back at the newspaper staff.

“All I know is if our football team was beating them 49-0 our student section would not be celebrating politely.”

Moran was referring to the heated rivalry between Dexter and Chelsea, which reached an all-time high this year during the Dexter-Chelsea football and hockey games. He shook his head again and looked at the ground.

“I’m not 100% certain we would have good sportsmanship ourselves.”

Both Dexter and Chelsea students have differing viewpoints on the strength of Dexter Football and the validity of the rivalry, but facts are facts: Dexter hasn’t won the Chelsea football game in over 18 years, before almost all of the current varsity players for both teams were born. Mike Bavineau, Dexter’s current athletic director, said he finds this quite odd, but understandable.

“We’ve been successful against them in other sports.

Football is just one of those things we’ve had trouble with them in. They’ve established themselves as a successful program.”

Lately, however, the healthy competition brought out by such a passionate rivalry at such close proximity has turned sour, as the conflict on the field has gotten physical and chirps had flown between the student sections.

“I’ve coached here for quite a long time,” Bavineau said. “At first, it was a healthy rivalry. The past few years, though, it’s taken on a more personal tone. It’s definitely become a little more personal instead of just having a healthy, fun rivalry between two schools.”

Adding to the controversy, an anonymous Twitter account called “IChirpDexter” was created. The account harshly berated Dexter schools and Dexter sports using curse words and anti-homosexual slurs.

The account quickly gained almost 150 followers. Numerous Dexter students engaged in virtual crossfire with the account, which had also posted pictures of Dexter students with insulting captions.

“Facebook and Twitter... have added a lot to the personal back and forth between the two schools.”

Bavineau said. “I just don’t think there’s any place for it. It’s probably just one or two individuals painting this picture; I’m sure if you took a poll of the over-

all (student body) I’m sure they wouldn’t agree. People can always make these comments and say these things, but if the comments are turned around on them they’d feel differently about it.”

Dexter students Brennan Maisch and Joey Barlett have been very vocal about Dexter’s superiority.

However, even Maisch confessed that Chelsea has the advantage in certain areas.

“Chelsea has the edge in a few sports... I would say quantity-wise, Dexter is better at more sports, but like in football and hockey and wrestling they’ve got the advantage,” he said.

Barlett quickly added an addendum, however.

“Terrible people, terrible place. I hate them all. You know, you see all these little kids in Chelsea, they go to all the football games, and they’re like 6 or 7. And they just harass all the Dexter players. I thought one of them was giving me a high five once as I was coming off the field, but he was just saying ‘You suck, You suck’ as we all walk by them. So you get a generation of those kids, a bunch of jerks. Then, they grow up and they raise a generation of jerks that are even jerkier than they are when they get older, and yeah, that’s how it works in Chelsea.”

On the other hand, Chelsea’s Audrey Bloom said she had little interest in the rivalry.

“I only really care about the rivalry when people I know are involved, otherwise I just don’t really worry too much about it. I like school rivalries. It gives schools something to look forward to and cheer against, but they take it way too far.”

Sample rivalry chirps:

IChirpDexter stopped posting in early December of 2012, a couple weeks after the Dexter-Chelsea hockey game.

The rivalry itself, however, will likely continue to blaze in other sports and in school years to come.

Bavineau offered advice on what kind of competitive attitude to have going forward.

“We put too many eggs in one basket, like it’s the ultimate thing to beat them,” he said. “We need to do what we can do to make ourselves the best we can, and if we do that, maybe we’ll be able to beat them down the road.”

Interactive Spread

The Squall Page 14 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

THE FIVE BY FIVE Josh Kimball Freshman

Photo Credit: Lindsay Henderson

Maddie Kurcz Sophomore

Ben Bruetsch, Luke Hannah, & Mitch Kimball Staff Writers Teddy Walton Junior

Brennan Maisch Senior

Ellen Degeneres Celebrity

What’s your best pick-up line?

Hey, I’m a Kimball. Wanna’ date?

Once someone used a pick-up line on me.

Hey, you look like glue. I should stick to you.

Did you have Lucky Charms for breakfast? Because you look magically delicious.

Did you fart? Because you blew me away.

Give me your best joke.

What’s a snake’s favorite subject? Hissssstory.

What did the lawyer say to the other lawyer? We’re both lawyers.

The WNBA.

Why’d the golfer wear two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one.

Go to bed in your fireplace.

You’ll sleep like a log.

My hobbies include powerlifting and candle making.

Scrapbooking, collecting postcards, making snow angels or grass angels in the summer time. I also like petting kittens.

Attracting mates, swimming, baseball, soap carving and eating.

Dancing, listening to music, loving my life.

Do you really want to know?

Long walks alone in the woods, by myself, with nobody else.

Just me.

Well, I have two dogs and three cats, so you do the math.

Rugged yet sophisticated, I’ll take you on a hiking trip through the mountains then play you a ballad on the violin. I’ll patch up some much-needed roof repair then recite Shakespeare.

I’m a famous celebrity.

That’s pretty unusual.

What are your hobbies?

Not doing homework, sleeping, watching movies and eating ice cream out of the carton. Yeah, I’m in touch with my feminine side.

How do you spend your alone time?

Play some soft jazz, light some candles.

Laughing at how funny I am.

Describe yourself, do you have any unusual features?

Once again, I’m a Kimball. I also like to take jogs on the beach in the winter time?

Humble but cocky. I get it done.

Quaint. I’m strong like an ox with the will power of Jaimie Foxx.

Photo Credit: Kathryn Pisano

Q&A with Noah Knoerl-Morrill Q: You’ve been described as the best male singer in choir.

How would you respond to that?

A: I’m not. My voice is still changing and overall it’s not good for my vocal quality.

Q: Would you consider yourself metro?

A: No, I would not.

Q: Describe your sense of style in a couple of sentences.

A: Non-existent and based almost entirely off of poor-quality science fiction shows.

Q: What’s being in a boy choir like?

A: It’s like being in any other choir except you sound better and do more challenging music. At least in the Ann Arbor Boy’s Choir.

Q: Scarlett Johansson or Emma Watson?

A: Oh, Emma Watson easily. I actually don’t find Scarlett Johansson that attractive.

Q: Would you rather be a werewolf or a vampire?

A: Vampire because they’re more controlled. It’s ironic because I’m a vegetarian and because turning into a shadow and drinking blood is pretty cool.

Q: There are rumors of an affair between you and Harrison Kane. Is this true?

A: (Laughs) Absolutely. Well, I mean, since we are both in Chamber Choir we have been getting close. This had to come out sometime. It’s “totes cray.”

The Squall Page 15 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

Fake Winter Driving Tips Ben Bruetsch, Luke Hannah, & Mitch Kimball Staff Writers

Disclaimer: Please don’t take these seriously Driving in winter weather isn’t for the faint of heart; Michigan’s winters are known for causing inexperienced drivers havoc. Thus, we have crafted this fine list of driving tips to keep you safe. Follow these tips or get off the road: Break at the last moment: This is the most essential aspect of winter driving. Stopping slow and steady will not do the job in the snow.

Slamming on the breaks is the only option. Trust us: this will prevent you from ending up in the middle of intersection, and it’s actually better for your car.

How to DESTROY a snowman

Who else hates snowmen? The one you try to make is never as good as the neighbors’, and it’s always standing there, smiling at you, just rubbing it in day after day. Well, we decided to take a stand and let you in on our favorite methods of destroying the evil that is the snow man.

Drive faster than usual: “Mythbusters” proved this one. If you drive slower in the snow, your chances of crashing increase 10-fold. Driving at a higher speed allows your car to glide over the snow rather than getting stuck in it.

Drive with your lights off: No matter the time of day, driving with your lights on will increase your chances of getting into an accident. Bright car lights reflect off of the snow and make it harder to see. Let the snow alone illuminate your way.

Make sharp turns: Ever wonder why people drift? It’s because it’s much safer. Rather than taking slow, steady turns, jerk the wheel and stay at a constant speed.

This allows for not only a safer driving experience but also one that is also more entertaining.

Multitask while driving: Studies have shown that drivers who participate in multiple tasks behind the wheel have greatly enhanced driving performance. Tasks such as texting, putting on makeup and making a new playlist all increase mental stimulation, thus allowing you to focus on what’s really important.

Drive on the wrong side of the road: It’s always cleaner on the opposite side of the road.

Always. Make sure to drive on the left; Europe clearly knows what’s up. Just dodge the oncoming traffic. We can assure you it’s safe.

•A swift Chuck Norris roundhouse kick to the carrot.

•Torture the snowman by individually taking each of his features off, one by one.

•Wait a day and Michigan weather will take its toll.

•Push him down a hill.

•Line up in a four-point stance and tackle him like the Waterboy.

•Act like Marquez and drop him with one shot.

•Have a proper burial and send him six feet under.

•Plant C4 on his body and watch it blow.

•Use a predator drone to attack him.

•Use matches to slowly melt that piece of manshaped snow.

Illustration Credit: Drew Daugherty

Opinion

The Squall Page 16 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2012

Levi Kipke

Co-editor-in-chief

Athletes should get PE credit

Illustration Credit: Drew Daugherty

Why so serious?

Our generation has become overly sensitive and spoiled Colin Meldrum Colin Meldrum Staff writer Staff Writer

Suspensions because of an exaggerated tweet? Bullying over a cartoon? Racism because of a word?

Surprisingly, these events actually have occurred in the past six months. As outrageous as they may seem, a wave of overly-sensitive citizens are now censoring and criticizing anything they may not be comfortable with.

Because of anti-bullying campaigns, whenever there’s any type of media that someone doesn’t agree with, it’s easy to call it bullying. But in reality, this is called conflicting view points, which occurs all the time.

Parents have taught their children to be more sensitive than they were when they were kids. This isn’t always a bad idea because it teaches kids that hurtful language is not OK. Bullying is then stopped at a younger age.

But many parents, students and school officials take it too far. Along with parents teaching their kids to cry bully, they also enable their kids too much.

Countless times, I’ve seen kids who are faced with a difficult test panic. Some choose to cram the rest of their notes and get a last-second study session.

However, I’ve also seen students call their parents so they can get out of school early and not have to take the test. The kids are not to blame for this: the parents are, for enabling the student.

Missing a test is just one example of parents babying their kids. Back in freshman year, I saw parents email their kid’s teacher because they did badly on a test.

The parents have nothing to do with the test, and if the student has a problem with his grade, they should be the one emailing the teacher. This one’s for you, Mr. Lindke, and all the freshman parent troubles you’ve been put through.

Bullying doesn’t just occur in high school, it can involve even the most prominent celebrities.

Dark humor is a type of comedy that many can mistake for bullying. Television stations host burns, or roasts, that make fun of the celebrity of the night. The one being hosted knows the jokes directed at them are supposed to be humorous and not to be taken seriously.

Another form of knee jerk reaction with censorship is when a potentially racist statement is said.

After years of work and recovery, America has tried to eliminate racism as best as it can. Now in the year 2013, it is very tongue & cheek to put something in the media that could be seen as racist.

Quentin Tarantino was recently called racist for his work in his new movie, “Django Unchained,” by New York Knicks season ticket holder Spike Lee. However, Tarantino was defended by African-American actor Don Cheadle, who said that the director was just depicting antebellum south to the best of his ability.

Tarantino is just another person who was accused of racism because of an overly-sensitive critic who was quick to judge which is indicative of the nation as a whole.

I’m not saying racism is OK or bullying should be accepted, but I believe society as a whole should take everything they hear with two grains of salt.

“Pass the ball, pass the ball,” I shouted to my teammate across the pitch. “I’m open!”

The ball came sailing over the field, landing right in front of me. Quickly, I looked up, searching for someone else to send it on to. I launched the ball ahead to one of the forwards, Bobby Toth, on my team. It landed in front of him and he ran on to it, sprinting towards the goal, beating the other team’s defenders.

I watched, my role in the play over for the time being. Toth kept going. Closer, closer, closer to the net. One more step and he was close enough to shoot the ball. Close enough to have a chance to score the goal that would put us ahead, with only minutes left to play.

He slowed down, he lifted his foot, he shot. Goal! The entire team screamed in celebration, everyone crowding around my teammate and cheering as loud as they could.

We held our lead and won the game. Everyone on the team left that night and returned the next morning to school still exhausted, physically, from the exertions of the game.

I was so sore I could barely walk up the stairs, much less run. But how much did this matter to my P.E. teacher?

Zero. I still had to go to gym and participate fully, knowing that if I didn’t put in full effort, I ran the risk of getting my grade marked down.

Why aren’t I exempt from gym class? I wondered.

At least take it easy on me for one day. But my teacher wouldn’t take it easy on me, regardless of the fact that I had contributed to a win for the school yesterday, and there’s one simple reason why: varsity sports don’t count as gym credit.

I don’t understand why not, though. An athlete on a varsity sport works as hard as they can every day to become better at their sport. Meanwhile, the average kid in gym class probably exerts more effort to lift their pencil in math class than to actually participate in the activities in most gym. The fact is, kids just don’t try as hard during gym as they do during sports.

So wouldn’t it make sense for varsity sport athletes to get a free pass for gym class? The state of Michigan only requires one gym credit, but DHS feels that this is not enough. They require another half credit. That’s right, a whole half credit.

According to Principal Kit Moran, when the high school moved to the Michigan Merit Curriculum, which reduced the minimum number of gym credits necessary for graduation, DHS kept several remnants from their original graduation requirements, including the extra half gym credit.

Beyond this, the high school’s reasoning for requiring this extra half credit is because Dexter is a school that tries to set the bar high for all academics. This means that we should want to have more than just the bare minimum, according to Physical Education teacher Angie Scott.

Scott also said that because of the variety of activities that kids in a gym class participate in throughout the semester– such as stretching, calisthenics, and lifting weights–sports practices are not as useful educationally as gym classes.

I disagree. I learned all I needed to know about the technique and structure of my workouts during Lifetime Fitness, which is the state-required credit.

I can use that information during my soccer practices. I don’t need to take another gym elective to learn the same information all over again. Scoring on the soccer field is not the same as running a lap in gym class. It’s better.

Editorial

The Squall Page 17 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2012

Would you rather take classes at DHS, online or another school?

Garret Schliebe: I would stay at DHS because part of coming to school each day is seeing my friends. Plus, online courses just allow me to procrastinate, rather than take the course.

Amelia Sadler: I would choose to stay at DHS because I am in IB, and I already have a full, planned-out schedule.

Rachael Skye: I would take classes at another school, only if it was not offered at DHS and if I really wanted to take the course. Other than that, I’m happy here.

Brenden Ritter: I would choose to stay here at DHS because I only have to stay at one school.

Illustration credit: Drew Daugherty

Our view

EAA is an attempt to destroy public education Editors’ Vote

The Educational Achievement Authority, a state-wide school system set up to operate the bottom 5 percent of schools in the state was supported by Gov. Rick Snyder and most Republicans in the legislature.

A proposed update to the legislation which created the EAA would make it possible for public schools to switch to being run as charter schools with a majority vote from parents within the school district.

It would allow low-performing districts to be taken over by the state and unused school buildings to be sold, and it would basically create a statewide super district focusing on students through online courses and charter programs.

The update to EAA should not be passed for many reasons.

A quality public education is one of the most important components of our nation. But merely enrolling students in online courses and creating intense competition between districts does not center around the student’s best interests or improving education in the state. It focuses on creating a profit and an imbalance in the educational quality of our state’s schools.

The current version of the EAA is estimated to impact 46,000 students and more than 2,000 teachers within 10 districts. Including Kalamazoo, Flint, Lansing, Saginaw, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Pontiac, Port Huron and Southfield. An expanded

version of the law could affect hundreds of thousands of students and thousands more teachers.

While private schools often are seen as offering a better education than public schools, charter schools pose a different problem. Since private companies are contracted by the government to run the newly-imposed charter schools, it becomes less about education and more about profit.

For example, in Muskegon Heights, charter schools and the EAA have decreased the quality of education. One out of every four teachers in the Muskegon Heights District has resigned within the past year, and the district’s test scores have sunk. Yet, the private contractor is still earning a large profit. Students should not be suffering while companies turn their educational opportunities into a race for more funding.

Speaking of funding, EAA proponents would also like to see students coming from public schools take their funding with them to the charter schools. This is troubling especially for low-quality districts that don’t receive enough funding now. It’s also troubling that charter schools can also accept candidates as they see fit and can exclude special needs students and others who don’t fit their educational model.

Currently, public schools are responsible for providing an equal education for

12 0 0

...........No to the legislation

............Yes to the legislation .............Not Present

students with disabilities, while charter schools would have the right to deny these students from even enrolling in their districts. In other words, the rich get richer as the poor get poorer. This cycle would only be capitalized on by the EAA. Low-performing districts could also potentially be taken over without parental consent within the district, even though taxpayers would be providing funding for the imposed charter school.

While supporters of the EAA claim that its structure gives students a variety of ways to learn, these are unnecessary and inefficient. A large component of EAA is increasing the availability of online courses, which are educationally unproven and provide opportunities for cheating that the EAA never addresses.

Public education needs to be preserved within the state, not modified for profit.

Get Involved

The Squall Page 18 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25,2013

Age: 17

Joey Barlett

Height: 5’ 10”

Sports played : Hockey and football Possible colleges : MSU or Miami of Ohio What makes him dateable: “Nice guy, low key, easy to talk to, likes to have fun, can make time more pleasurable.”

Age: 17 Height: 5’ 2” Sports played: Water polo and swimming College: U of M nursing school What makes her dateable: “Nice, outgoing.”

Caroline Rossini Going in blind for Valentine’s Day The Squall sets up two students to see if they will make a love connection Parmeda Sokansanj

“I was really hungry so I was happy when I saw the chocolates. I definitely broke into those that night,” said Barlett.

Although a little awkward at first, things started to move In honor of all the single students out there and the along as they both ordered dinner. The big icebreaker upcoming St Valentine’s Day holiday, The Squall decided came when the server accidentally spilled salad dressing on to set up a blind date.

Rossini’s dinner. All in all, they agreed the food was great We selected two seniors, Caroline Rossini and Joey and the atmosphere perfect for a blind date.

Barlett.

“This is my first blind date,” Barlett said. “I was kind of Rossini is a swimmer and will attend the University of nervous at first, but it got better when we started talking.”

Michigan after graduation. Barlett is a senior hockey player The conversation landed on different topics and lead to and still is deciding between Miami of Ohio and Michigan things the two have in common. Rossini is a hockey fan and State.

Barlett a hockey player. Rossini is a vegetarian and Barlett’s Members of The Squall combed through past yearbooks sister is too. searching for the perfect match.

“He is really easy to talk to and he We kept in mind people with was very down to earth,” Rossini said the same disposition and their when describing Barlett. likeliness to get along. They had And he in turn referred to Rossini to know of each other, but they as “low key,” and, “fun to hang out couldn’t know one another too with.” well.

Barlett later agreed with Rossini The evening started out and described the date as “fun.” with a romantic dinner at Barlett said he did not like surprises Weber’s Restaurant on Jackson but Rossini, on the other hand, said, Road sponsored by Michigan “I love surprises!”

Academy of Dance & Music in “I don’t like surprises because I Dexter. Barlett arrived early like to know what’s going on, and and was seated in a vintage, there is no sure fire way to know the curtained booth in The Bistro outcome,” Barlett said . Rossini said dining room where he waited Seniors Caroline Rossini and Joey Barlett chat with a that her last surprise was a birthday Squall reporter between games at Belmark Lanes. for Rossini. party friends threw for her freshman When she walked in, it was clear year. She said she didn’t figure out the both Rossini and Barlett were totally surprised. They later birthday party or her blind date. said that they expected it would be someone they knew After dinner, their date continued with a round of bowling pretty well. They were wrong. at Bel-Mark Lanes just down the street. Because they were After hearing a Squall member slip Barlett’s name in chaperoned by a Squall reporter and photographer, the class, Rossini said she wasn’t completely shocked that he was couple insisted they join them for bowling. Rossini ended her date, but she did say she was relieved it was somebody up beating Barlett 103-76. who seemed chill and not obnoxious.

“I told you guys I suck at bowling, what can I say?”

When Barlett saw Rossini he said, “I was excited. I don’t Barlett said after being defeated by his date. really talk to her much so I was kind of nervous.”

So it is never what you expect, a blind date that is. And Barlett presented Rossini with a bouquet of flowers you never know what might happen or who you might meet. donated by Hearts & Flowers in Dexter. Rossini, too, But both agreed they would try it again. was prepared with a box of handmade chocolates from “It was fun getting to know someone new,” Rossini Schakolad in Ann Arbor. said. “It was exciting to try something new. You don’t need “The exchange of our gifts was the most awkward part to worry about it. Chances are the other person is just as of the night, but the flowers were still really pretty,” Rossini nervous too. Just relax and have fun.” said.

Staff Writer

Photo Credits: Casey Hansen

Barlett gives Rossini a bouquet donated by Hearts and Flowers.

After their date, Barlett and Rossini went bowling.

Rossini beat Barlett 103-76.

YOU Pa­­­ge

The Squall Page 19 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25,2013

How to properly wish for a snow day Luke Hannah, Mitch Kimball, Ben Bruetsch Staff writers

•Lock and then unlock your door seven times. Deadbolt a minimum of five.

•Tickle your dad.

•Make a naked snow angel.

It’s Wednesday, just after dinner, and your homework is sitting there. Staring at you. Daring you. Instead of actually getting it done, though, why not try to create a snow day? Yes, you read that right. You can create a snow day.

The procrastinator’s dream come true: the snow day ritual.

The superintendent does not often do the student population any favors in regard to snow days, but we are honored to. We have traveled districts far and wide - Google included - and have come up with the finest collection of snow day rituals that will guarantee you a day off. Trust us, we use the Internet.

Here is out comprehensive list, in order of most successful to least successful: •Wear the opposite sex’s underwear to bed. #pantyraidtime •Make a number two and don’t flush the poo.

•Throw one of your shoes on your roof and never get it back.

•Do all of your homework in case school actually meets.

•Put a spoon under your bedsheets.

•Eat an absurd number of flap jacks.

•Yell “snow day” into your freezer.

•Go to bed in wash cloths. Only wash cloths.

•Pour a Capri-Sun into a glass and drink it.

•Eat a banana then drink sprite, the rest is history.

•Call a friend and tell them that you really want a snow day.

•Call that same friend proposing to them.

•Now call a different person and spread the word.

Everyone must do their part. We put our time into making this list. Put yours into using it.

If all goes according to plan, and you do indeed tickle your dad, you will wake up to a yard full of snow and a bed full of warmth. However, if you disregard our list then you better bet your sorry butt is waking up for school.

Snow day superstitions: • Wear your pajamas inside out and backwards.

• Put a wooden spoon under your pillow.

• Flush ice cubes down the toilet.

• Dance with a penny.

• Put a potato by your alarm clock.

• Do the snow dance.

• Sleep with a spoon under your pillow • Flush three ice cubes down the toilet • Yell “Snow Day!” in your freezer Illustration credit: Drew Daugherty

Photostory

The Squall Page 20 www.thesquall.com Jan. 25, 2013

‘Into the Woods’ set to open Aman-Vir Mandair Staff Writer

Senior Sammi Watkins and junior James Fischer act out scene 1.

Senior Lindsey Ebling who plays Cinderella’s step-mom and senior Sarah Keen who plays Cinderella debate about going to the festival.

Watkins and Sophomore Sydney Eisele sing “Maybe They’re Magic.”

It starts every day after school, immediately after the 2:51 bell rings. Junior James Fischer and his fellow drama club members head down to the CPA and music rooms, putting their backpacks away back stage or into the sides of the music hallway.

After a brief 10 or 15 minute period where Fischer and the other students chill out by talking or doing whatever they want, they begin reciting lines, dances and songs, while band members in the pit begin practicing their pieces.

Fischer plays the lead as the baker in the drama club’s spring musical, “Into the Woods.”

“My character is on a quest to start a family, and goes through a transformation throughout the play,” he said. “He has never seen death before, but when he loses people who are close to home over the course of the play, he learns about life.”

“Into the Woods” is based on the book of the same name

by James Lapine, which was produced into a successful Broadway play in 1987. The story is a mash-up of several fairy tales, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood.

It involves a baker and his wife who try to start a family. A witch, played by Junior Natalie Burdick, places a curse on them. The couple also interact with other fairy tale characters along the way.

Drama club director and history teacher Erin Palmer organizes and coordinates the

actions of the cast and crew.

Palmer deals with all the budgets and funds for the production, which range from $1,200 to $22,000. Because of the size of the program and cast and her job as a teacher, she said that the multitasking involved in being a director makes the job like managing a full time theatre company.

“This is the first time we’ve done an operata, which is a play that’s dominated by music lines and with very little talking between songs” Palmer said. “It’s a testament to the vocal talent of our cast and chorus.”

The combined efforts of the technical crews also bring ambience and atmosphere into plays, and according to senior tech crew member Drew Bowen, the contributions of the crews behind the scenes can make or break a play.

“Very often, one of the things that audiences look for when watching plays is how professional they look and are produced, especially at the high school level,” Bowen said. “Our job is to make the technical effects, set pieces, and lighting as good as possible, so that the audience is transported into the world of the play. If a high school play just looks like a high school play, then audiences will likely lose interest in it.”

Trying to keep up with this level of quality can make doing homework a difficult task to those staying for practice.

“Before break, practices went until 6:30, but now, after break, practices are going until 8:00” Fischer said. “You have to take advantage of little breaks during practice to do homework.”

Palmer also mentioned the difficulties that the students have recently had with juggling academic and Drama Club responsibilities.

“The switch to semesters was hard,” she said. “Finals are a week before the show, and so I’ve been trying to give as much homework time to the kids so they aren’t stressed out academically.”

Photo Credit: Katie Vontom, Miranda Mors

Members of the orchestra practice their music for the drama club’s production of “Into the Woods.”