Vol. 97; Oct. 3, 2008; Issue 1

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PHS undergoes renovations

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VOLUME 97

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ISSUE ONE

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OCTOBER 3, 2008

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PUYALLUP HIGH SCHOOL

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In less than a year, the first story of the new addition to Puyallup High School is scheduled to be completed.

“Work on the tennis courts is behind schedule, primarily due to the late issuance of permits. As for the rest of the project, we are working with the contractor to maintain a completion date of next summer,” Construction Manager Derek Rae said.

The opening date has yet to be set, relying on the 2008-2009 Puyallup School District bond. If the bond passes, construction will continue and a second and third floor will be built and opened in September 2011. If the bond fails to pass, the one-story building funded by the 2004 bond will open next September.

Puyallup High School is guaranteed a new automotive shop, an architecture/drafting room, a digital photography shop, lighting studio and video productions room. In addition, a culinary arts center will be included on the first story. The 22,000 square foot building will come SMITH equipped with state-of-the-art gadgets, including new kitchen appliances computers and video production equipment.

With the construction of the building, portables will be replaced with a paved student parking lot. In addition to the building construction includes a landscaped area behind the courtyard where students can eat lunch.

“The new building is a necessity because the campus is in need of new culinary arts, automotive and arts facilities. We need to connect the student body and get the students out of portables and into classrooms,” Principal Jason Smith said.

If the bond passes this school year, the second phase of construction will begin.

The second and third floor of the new building will include a glass link skyway connecting the main PHS building to the new addition.

“Building proportions, horizontal banding and reveals, window patterns, colors, building height and setbacks were influenced by the existing main building.

The design for the new addition took much of the architectural language from the existing main building in order to relate with the existing campus in lieu of designing a building that would depart from the existing campus architectural style,” Rae said.

Central High School, later changed to Puyallup High School, was founded in 1890.

The last major renovations done to PHS occurred in 1993 and 1994. Restorations were aimed at the main structure of the building. The new construction will blend S T U D E N T

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with the current architecture of Puyallup High School, while adding a modern element, according to Rae. “Since PHS is an integral part of Puyallup, Its history and its future, paying attention to the cities context was also an influence to the new addition. The specific elements may or may not be similar, but it’s more of an evolution of architectural styles as the city grows from a small home town feel to a growing modern city. The new addition reflects this evolution,” Rae said.

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Homecoming guest passes are available in the main office and are due Oct. 14. Guests must be at least a sophomore in high school but cannot exceed the age of 21. Forms are to be turned into the Security office.

TAILGATE TO RAISE SPIRIT

Sales of “White-Out” t-shirts for the Oct. 31 football game against Rogers has begun. To purchase a shirt, pay and pre-order at the tailgate party Oct. 3 from 5-6 p.m. or during lunch. Shirts will be on sale through Oct. 8.

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Other recent construction projects in Puyallup include City Hall, Puyallup Public Library, and the condominiums in downtown Puyallup.

“The context of the city is an important element in urban design. The City of Puyallup is rapidly growing with new construction projects popping up all over the city. There is a great diversity of building types; from well-established older downtown buildings to new modern styles,” Rae said.

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The lack of sidewalks forces students to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with cars after school Sept. 29. The addition of a new building in front of the existing main building has increased crowding and compounded existing parking problems, according to security guard Dennis Edwards.

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New year brings new schools

Construction begins on an addition to PHS while its opening date and scope remain in limbo.

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Bond impact grows

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The second annual tailgate party will be held Oct. 3 from 5-6 p.m. Admission is free, but food will cost $3. Attendees will walk to the game against the Spanaway Lake Sentinels with the band at 6:15 p.m.

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A rebuilt Aylen Junior High and newcomer Glacier View Junior High joined the Puyallup School District Sept. 3.

Students and teachers alike were welcomed with state-of-the-art technology and a learning-conducive floor plan.

Both junior highs are the result of $193.5 million bond passed in February 2004 in order to meet the growing needs of families in Puyallup. Aylen, at 106,000 square-feet, cost $35 million to build, while Glacier View, at 98,000 square feet, cost $35 million to build.

Both schools are two stories and can house around 800 students.

Aylen, which was once called West Junior High, was originally built in 1962 and hasn’t been remodeled since 1986, according to Puyallup city records. As for Glacier View it was the ever growing Puyallup School District, which accumulates an average of 250 new students a year, that called for the building of a seventh junior high.

District officials made sure incorporate room for technology when it came to making building plans. Included in most classrooms are interactive touch screen SMART Boards, a sound system and personal microphone that allow the teacher’s voice to be heard all around the classroom, document cameras and laptops that can be shared throughout the school.

“The sound system is great. It allows all of my kids to hear me, even in the back,” Aylen social studies teacher Tim Van Hulle said.

SMART Boards, which can be found in some classrooms at Puyallup High School, are effective in creating an interactive learning environment, according to Aylen principal Christine Moloney. The boards can be used for everything from graphing algebraic equations to drawing on maps in social studies.

The technology has also made the school a safer place, according to Van Hulle.

“We now have security cameras all over the place. It is much harder for kids to sneak into the back corners and make trouble. There is a much nicer climate [because of the cameras],” Van

See “JUNIOR HIGHS” page 10

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FINES MUST BE PAID IN FULL Students with unpaid fi nes will not be allowed to attend Homecoming Oct. 18. The fi ne list is posted outside the Bookkeeper, Main, Attendance and Student Services Offices.

PSAT REGISTRATION BEGINS Students may now register for the PSAT/ NMSQT by paying $20 to the bookkeeper to reserve their test. The test is available to sophomores and juniors and will be administered Oct. 18 from 7:30 to 11 a.m.

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POLICY CHANGE

The Puyallup School District clarifies its longstanding policy on student expression through 3220R, changing the way student publications operate. Student journalists react.

Karen Hansen.

“The policy has always called for a regulation,” Hansen said. “Over the years, we started a process of revisiting it and it was never completed.”

This regulation change comes as the district has The Puyallup School District enacted regulation 3220R, allowing school principals to practice prior review and received threats of litigation resulting from an issue of Emerald Ridge High School’s JagWire prior restraint over all forms of student focusing on oral sex. Though the JagWire expression, Aug. 26.

“IT OFFENDS situation did move the regulation change 3220R states that the district “reserves ME BECAUSE IT along, Hansen says 3220R was always in the right to control the content of school IMPLIES THAT sponsored (sic) student publications and S T U D E N T S D O N ’ T the works.

“It was always our intent to change productions.” Under 3220R, ultimate DESERVE OUR responsibility falls to the principal to C O N S T I T U T I O N A L the existing regulation,” Hansen said.

“When the ER issue broke, that’s when monitor all student expression and to RIGHT TO FREE we discovered the regulation wasn’t ensure that it does not cause a “substantial PR ESS.” completed.” disruption of, or interference with, Principal Jason Smith, the school’s school activities.” 3220R stipulates that HAYLEY EDMONSTON primary regulator of student expression substantial disruption can include fights, according to 3220R, says that the new excessive litter and student boycotts, regulation was designed to prevent harmful litigation. among others.

“The purpose [of 3220R] is to make sure that the 3220R’s primary purpose is to clarify how district policy 3220 pertaining to freedom of expression within schools publications come out balanced, fair and don’t put the should be followed, according to district spokeswoman district or anybody else in risk of a possible lawsuit,”

Smith said.

Prior to 3220R, student publications and productions operated under 5132, adopted Sept. 1, 1970. Though 5132 did provide for restriction of student expression in the event of substantial disruption, it did not grant any district official power to exercise prior review or restraint.

The adoption of 3220R has prompted a reaction from the journalism community. Hayley Edmonston, the Editorin-Chief of Rogers High School’s student newspaper, The Commoner, says the regulation infringes upon student rights.

“Yes it offends me because it implies that students don’t deserve our constitutional right to free press,” Edmonston said. “It implies that we aren’t responsible enough to be held accountable for our actions.”

Hansen, however, says the purpose of the regulation is not to prevent students from exercising legal speech.

“The purpose of the regulation is to make sure that student publications and productions are brought into line with existing district policy,” Hansen said. “It is not designed to make changes in what kind of stories are published or to stifle the content of the publication or production.”

Business teacher Kim Root also approves of this policy.

“I think the policy will be effective,” Root said. “The administration has been really on top of it, and has been fast to contact students about tardies.”

Root says she hasn’t heard any complaints about the new policy. She has worked with her students by telling them to let her know before they go somewhere else when class is about to start, such as the office or the bathroom, to avoid tardies.

She also said she has made accommodations for students with classroom locations that make it difficult to get to her class in five minutes.

“Kids and staff do what’s expected in any policy,” said Root. “As long as the students know the consequences, it’s fair.”

Root seemed casual about the change and hadn’t experienced any problems as of yet with her students.

Sophomore Chelsea Haskey says that the new policy won’t be as effective as intended.

“Everyone is late once in a while,” Haskey said. “Students shouldn’t get a detention on the first tardy.”

At other schools Haskey had attended, she says students who were late to class received two warnings, and then a

lunch detention. Detention and suspension seemed like harsh consequences to Haskey. But overall, Haskey hasn’t had problems getting to class on time, and there are only a few circumstances where the new policy has potential to affect her.

“I think that the policy is fair,” Root said. “As long as [the students] know the consequences, it’s fair.”

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New policy reduces number of tardies C O U R T N E Y A N G E L I N E R E P O R T E R

New modifications to the tardy policy went into effect Sept. 10.

The policy now states that for a student’s first tardy, the student will get a detention, the next tardy will earn the student a Tuesday school and the third offense will earn a suspension.

“Each day we get an attendance print out. If you go 1,700 kids times six classes, there’s a lot of opportunities to be tardy…we’re roughly only getting 15 to 20 kids that are tardy each day,” Eric Hogan, assistant principal, said.

Hogan said that the new policy has worked great so far.

The other high schools in the Puyallup School District have adopted similar policies. If he could change one thing about the policy, Hogan said he would make the third step (suspension until parent conference) more lenient depending on the situation.

It’s possible for a student to go through all three steps in one day, but Hogan says he thinks that’s fair because it’s apparent that the student isn’t putting forth much of an effort to abide by the rule.

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A small group of students were standing around the flagpole on the morning of Sept. 24. They weren’t protesting, they weren’t fighting a cause. They were praying.

See You at the Pole began unofficially one late Saturday night in Burleston, Texas in the early 1990s. A small group of teens drove to three different schools and prayed around the flagpoles for their friends, schools and nation.

Youth leaders in the state caught on to the idea of students across Texas coming and praying together.

At a brainstorming session the challenge was named See You at the Pole; the idea was then shared with 20,000 students at Reunion Arena ARNOLD in Dallas, Texas in June 1990.

Just a few months later, more than 45,000 teenagers met at school flagpoles Sept. 12 at 7 a.m. in four different states to pray before the start of school. One year later, 1 million students gathered at school flagpoles all over the country. “[See You at the Pole is] a day of prayer meant for us to reflect on our own lives and pray for our leaders in our school and in our country,” Bible Club president Chris Arnold said.

Chelsea Bennett, sophomore, attended See You at the Pole for the first time Sept.

24.

“You don’t realize how many people are just like you until you come,” Bennett said. “You get to know who’s there for you.”

Arnold says it’s important for See You at the Pole to continue.

“Not only for the people to come together, but to show the community we’re here for them,” Arnold said.

Andrew Gard, a young adult minister at Puyallup Foursquare, agrees.

“Anytime you do something that is symbolic it is a beautiful thing,” Gard said. “See You at the Pole shows people students do care.”

The students don’t have to ask for permission from the administration, according to Supreme Court precedent and the Constitution, since it is studentled, it’s before school hours and it is outside of any school building. Also, it does not cost the district any funds for students to meet to pray so they aren’t violating the separation of church and state using tax-payer money.

A student-initiated and student-led movement that began in 1990 grew so that in all 50 states, more than 3 million students take part in See You at the Pole.

Currently, students are praying in more than 20 countries around the world.

Gard says he isn’t surprised that the event has grown so much.

“Everyone wants to put their faith into action,” Gard said. “They want to see that this does work.”

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Boys tennis coach Brooks Hazen shows the varsity boys tennis team that he still has the skills to play competitive tennis. The new tennis courts across from the swimming pool are now open and ready for play. The boys tennis team was practicing their doubles skills and their serving Sept. 30.

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As a junior in high school Sam Cahill attended beforeschool practice sessions during the WASL for the 2008 AP English Exam.

“We took real tests from previous years which really helped because it was exactly what we were going to be doing on the exam,” Cahill said.

Many students of Puyallup High School are unaware of the benefits of taking AP classes.

“AP is a great way to practice standardized testing and recognizing secondary level exams,” Junior AP English teacher Toni Pursley said.

Puyallup not only offers AP English and U.S. History but also offers AP Senior Literature, European History, U.S. Government and Politics, Statistics and Calculus.

“Both the advanced placement Junior English and Junior U.S. History are classes that require higher-level thinking and are designed to test critical thinking skills and communicating one’s intake of the content taught,” AP U.S. History teacher Brooks Hazen said The AP test gives students experience with testing common at the college level.

The AP U.S. History exam has 50 multiple-choice questions followed by free-response essay questions. The AP English is fairly similar in structure but also includes a synthesis writing essay. More information on AP courses and tests can be found online, in the Career Center or simply through talking to teachers or peers.

If students are looking to attend college or an alternate secondary school, taking an AP class would also prepare them for college level thinking and testing, according toto Hazen.

“Colleges look to see that a student took an AP class but also look at the students AP test scores because so many kids are taking AP that it’s not enough to simply take the class,” Hazen said.

New teaching staff brings diversity

From cooking to Christianity, the passions of these new Vikings span the spectrum.

Karri Selby-Culinary Arts Karri Selby received her education in the CIA—the Culinary Institute of America, that is.

A graduate of Puyallup High School, Selby comes to Puyallup’s culinary arts program directly from the industry. After working as a personal chef for a family in California, Selby established two family culinary programs—one through Whole Foods and another through the city of Fairfield, Calif.

When Selby received a phone call asking her to take the helm of Puyallup’s culinary program, she

SELBY

was eager to make culinary arts programs a priority in schools.

“My hope is to make culinary arts a mandatory program for every high school in the United States,” Selby said. “Every single one of my students is worth me moving here to teach them.

Selby has wanted to be a chef since the age of 12.

“I watched Julia Child on PBS and told my family I was going to be a chef,” Selby said.

Selby’s favorite dishes span the spectrum of cuisine, though she likes making dishes with numerous ingredients, Selby also enjoys simple comfort foods like tomato soup and chicken stock.

In her spare time, Selby listens to music and spends time with her family. Though she does enjoy dining out, particularly at “Crush” in Seattle, Selby’s true passion is cooking for others.

“I’m happiest when I’m in my kitchen,” Selby said. “I’m really happiest when I’m feeding other people.”

-Danny Serna

Eric Hogan-Vice Principal Twenty-one years ago, Assistant Principal Eric Hogan student taught at Puyallup High School.

After moving through various teaching and administrative posts, including three years as principal of Franklin Pierce High School, he’s back. And so far, things have gone well for Hogan.

It’s the most welcoming school I’ve been a part of,” Hogan said.

“The people piece here has just been phenomenal. People seem to have accepted me right away.”

Hogan spent the bulk of his career at FPHS, beginning as a math and history teacher. After HOGAN two years as dean of students at FPHS, Hogan served as assistant principal at Bremerton High School for three years and as principal of BHS for one before returning to FPHS for his three-year tenure as principal. Hogan comes to us after a one-year stint as Ballou Junior High’s assistant principal.

Despite having served as a principal in the past, Hogan prefers the assistant principal’s role.

“I love being assistant principal,” Hogan said. “It wasn’t a step backwards—it’s a job I enjoyed more.”

Prior to becoming a teacher, Hogan attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Federal Way, where he was involved in cross country, wrestling and track. He then moved to Washington State University, where he ran cross country and track, majored in history and minored in math.

Hogan’s passion for helping high school students extends to his personal life, as well. Hogan has worked as a YoungLife leader for nine years and coached cross country, track and girls basketball at FPHS.

-Danny Serna

Leo Bullock-Work-Based Learning Leo Bullock is another new faculty member at PHS. He works here on Thursdays as a work-based learning coordinator. He helps students match their career pathways and learn skills for careers and future plans.

Not only does he do that at PHS, but also for Rogers and Walker.

Before coming here for work based learning, he taught business law, accounting, fi nance, Office I, digitools, career choices and work-based learning at Walker High School for four years.

“This was a new job opportunity,” he said.

Since coming to PHS, he’s enjoyed meeting new students and seeing familiar faces.

“I like the kids. They’re respectable and respectful,” he said. “I like seeing some of the kids I’ve had at Walker, I like to see teachers I’ve collaborated with over the years and I like to see what’s going on at Puyallup High School.”

-Ashley Ward Brett Palmer-KITE One of the new teachers this year is Brett Palmer, a KITE teacher from the Puyallup area.

Before teaching here, he taught at the elementary level in Kent. However, he says he enjoys teaching here a lot more.

“I like the atmosphere,” he said, “I like working with my mom.”

Palmer’s mother, Sharon Palmer, is a para educator at PHS. He also enjoys being back here—Palmer attended PHS when he was in high school. During his time as a Viking, however, he PALMER wasn’t always certain he wanted to be a teacher.

“I’ve always just liked helping people,” Palmer said.

“That’s what I wanted to do.”

It eventually led him to teaching.

-Ashley Ward

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COULD UNIFORMS UNITE CLIQUES? B Y

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Clique: a small exclusive group of friends or associates.

High school, without a doubt, is plagued the most by cliques, whether they’re grouped by race, class or popularity. Clothes are still the first thing you see. Take a look around at your next lunch; note each table, each group in the hallway. I’m certain you could easily sum each clique up in one word just by looking at them.

More than likely you won’t walk into school see a girl in “Tripp” (the “parachute pants” with the chains, straps, and studs hanging from them) pants, the latest Slipknot “All hope is gone” T-shirt, and a hair color more unnatural than cafeteria food taking a seat next to a girl who looks like she just walked off a runway and changes her nail polish more than we all change our underwear. Furthermore you won’t see a boy who’s never been in trouble at school except for when he’s reading while the teachers still finishing directions sharing lunch with a guy who can bench 350 pounds and is taking the cheerleading captain to Homecoming.

Clothes separate students because we are a people who rely solely on first impressions and unfortunately make assumptions about who someone is based on how they look, students miss out on a lot of really genuine people all because we pick up a stereotypical code telling us

what each “clique” has to wear, do, listen to and associate with. We’ve all been put into stereotypes like these: prep, goth, jock, punk, nerd, scene, over-achiever, slacker and the list goes on.

When thinking up this topic, uniforms automatically popped into my head.

I’ve never attended a school where uniforms are required but my friend in Tacoma was enrolled in a private school called “Life Christian.”

We still keep in touch and in midAugust, the time all of us start picking up those ads, searching through magazines and the Internet to try and find all our new threads, I got a phone call from my friend I started feeling bad when she told me what she had to wear. She described her new clothes to me; a pair of black, khaki and navy blue corduroys, white, grey, black and blue T-shirts. Later while we were talking about our hair she explained to me how she wanted to put some blue

or maybe purple in it but that if she did it agree. would be against her school’s rule stating Driving to school one morning I was that “your hair must be a color that can curious to know what my dad thought pass for natural” and that they’d have the about cliques. He said when he was in high authority to kick her out. school he was in a band, wore tight black Most of us would go (sometimes leather insane if we couldn’t pick pants), band tees. Well “WE’VE ALL out and buy our clothes.

I’ll put it this way he had BEEN PUT INTO Strict uniform and dress S T E R O T Y P E S L I K E the whole ‘80s hair metal T H E S E : P R E P, codes are a lot worse attire down. But back then your mom making G O T H , J O C K . . . T H E then it was still unusual L IST G OES ON.” you drag her along when to dress that way and school shopping, so she was often thrown into JESSICA ARMOUR can have her input on the generalizations that SOPHOMORE what she thinks is “in.” follow the scene There is a plus side to uniforms though.

When my dad turned 15 he was the first In some cases, it can be cheaper, as guy at his school to get his ears pierced most private schools have a financial aid and had to deal with a lot of harassment department. Uniforms are also known to and fights because of it. Later on, when he decrease theft, gang colors, violence and stepped out into “the real world” clothes some believe students who have to wear and popularity no longer mattered and uniforms perform better academically only certain things in the workplace are when they don’t have the distraction not allowed such as visible tattoos, some of a wardrobe to keep their focus off piercings and distracting clothing. schoolwork. But what I think the most Cliques will always exist, from when you important reason for having uniforms walk into junior high until you graduate. would be that it puts kids on a level-playing Uniforms could bring us together but what field. Students who otherwise couldn’t would happen to your individuality? afford “nice” school clothes wouldn’t have It’s really up to you as a student to make to worry about being harassed or feeling a choice. Cliques are just another problem out of place for what they wear. But don’t you have to deal with and eventually you get me wrong -- I don’t want to have to learn that life isn’t about what other people wear a uniform and most of you would see you as; it’s about what you are.

Family security necessary for happiness It’s dusk.

My mom, five-year-old cousin Savanna and I are driving home from a long day in Graham at my grandma’s house.

Above the Michael Bublé playing in the car, Savanna’s little voice is distinct above the music: “This isn’t the right way home.”

At first I’m annoyed: what does she know? I mean, she’s only five. Can she really recognize the route we drive to get to places and how to get home? I ponder these things aloud and my mom reminds me: “Think of what she’s been through. She’s scared that we’re going to take her somewhere other than home.”

Savanna has experienced a lot in her five years, things that people go their whole lives without experiencing, things no one should ever even have to go through in their lifetime. I guess that comes with growing up with a drugaddicted mother. She was taken away from her mother, my aunt, over a year ago and has lived with my family and I ever since.

While my mom, dad, older sister and I do our best to create a healthy family environment for Savanna to grow up in, the memories and emotional scars she possesses are G O

obviously still visible. It’s going to take us years to smooth over the rough patches of her life. What I have come to realize is she has little security and trust. Even after over a year with my family, she doesn’t fully trust that we’re going to do what’s best for her and keep her out of danger: she has no family security.

My whole life I have always trusted my parents. There was never a doubt in my mind that they would ever put me in a situation where something bad could ever happen to me. I didn’t really realize any of this until recently. It was just inevitable that when I’m with my mom and dad everything will be okay, I knew it without even thinking Savanna’s mother has never put her children first. When Savanna was living with her, my aunt put Savanna in dangerous, even life-threatening C. GRAY situations on an almost daily basis.

PRODUCTION I know for my parents, their children are their number one priority. For my aunt, her daily drug fix was her number one priority, and her kids were just

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along for the ride, wherever it may take them.

Savanna remembers the worst of her young life, and it affects her everyday. It affects her regular behavior and the way she reacts to situations. She becomes very attached to material possessions, because those are the things she can count on: they won’t let her down. She rarely cares about people as much as she cares about her stuffed animals and school supplies. She loves them she says, loves them as if they are a part of her.

I don’t know how long it will be until Savanna will be fully “okay.” I’m almost positive that all the hurt she has felt up until a year ago will be carried with her for the rest of her life. My parents take her to see a therapist regularly as well as taking every possible step necessary for her to live the rest of her life happily and safely, like parents/guardians are supposed to.

Family security is something humans need to live a happy life. Wherever it’s coming from, don’t ever take it for granted.

“Don’t you trust me to take you home honey, you know I wouldn’t ever try to hurt or scare you,” my mom said.

“Yes, mama,” Savanna says. “I do.”

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Q: Has the construction changed the way you function on a daily basis? How?

“THE FREQUENT EARTHQUAKES IN MY PHYSICS CLASS THROWS OFF MY BALENCE MANY A T I M E .”

“IT DOESN’T CHANGE MY DAILY LIFE; IT’S JUST IN THE WAY. I DIDN’T THINK WE N E E DE D A C H A NGE .”

“NO, I H AV E N’ T E V E N SE E N I T.”

“Y ES, BECAUSE IT WASN’T FINISHED FOR T E N N IS.”

“NO, BECAUSE I DON’ T DR I V E .”

WILL BEELER SENIOR

REGEN PICHA SENIOR

STEVEN FREDRICKSON JUNIOR

JACOB RHOADES SOPHOMORE

KELCIE BORING SOPHOMORE

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Recycling neccesary to move forward

Recycling can often be found synonymous with “inconvenient” or a “waste of time” but the little things Vikings can do could help prevent global warming and better the environment.

What do you want the world we live in to look like?

On a daily basis I see multiple students in Puyallup High School ignore the chance to better the environment.

Every day during lunch I walk through the cafeteria and witness everyone ignore the recycle bins and take the easy route and put their trash in the garbage bins.

I often think of what PHS would look like if everyone cared more about the environment and our school’s appearance. With a global climate change at an all-time high the concern has me wondering: what could PHS’s recycling system do to help the cause?

I’ve always recycled but after watching an Inconvenient Truth it showed me the effect global warming has had on our world. Every time I watch it I learn something that I hadn’t the previous time. If you want to learn more about the planet I would highly suggest watching it.

PHS just started recycling plastic this year and more people need to become aware and use the recycling system.

On average Americans use 2.5 million plastic bottles an hour and most get thrown away, according to MSN.com.

Society needs to realize what is considered recyclable: water bottles without lids and plastic. Look for that small recycling logo on the black bins in the cafeteria and atrium. Go to www.seattle.gov.com for a full list of items that are recyclable and what items are not. Don’t think that

those are your only options, in all the classrooms there are recycling bins for paper and cardboard. Think next time before throwing something away: is it recyclable?

Spread the news--don’t let your friends waste a good chance to recycle either, make sure they know how important recycling actually is. Tell them where the recycling bins are and what to put in there. All my friends care about the environment and do what they can to help.

I think that one person passes the idea along, and then it can start a chain effect.

Part of the problem with recycling is that Americans are not used to it. The majority of people don’t think that what they do will make a difference or they are just not willing to change their ways.

It does. If all of America’s newspapers were recycled, 250 million trees would be saved each year, according to Recycling-revolution.com. Be sure to recycle this newspaper when you’re done.

There are other ways to recycle than just at school. Now that recycling is becoming more of a need than a choice, families and households are becoming recycling prone which is a good thing because children growing up with recycling in the house leads for generations to follow. My family recycles every week. We started a few years ago and have ever since; it’s easy to get in the habit. We keep

a recycling bin in the kitchen with our regular garbage. So we never forget to better the environment.

One thing that could considerably help is putting recycling bins where all the trash cans are. This way it’s impossible for someone to ignore the recycle bin. They couldn’t use the excuse that they didn’t have enough time or they couldn’t find a recycle bin.

Not only should we recycle for the environment but we should also recycle for the respect of our living space. Recycling also gives a sense of pride; I know it gives me a feeling of pride. After I recycle I know that I have done something that will take S. SERVEN our world one step toward a better REPORTER environment. After all if you think about it, this is the world that generations to follow will be living in. I know that I don’t want my great grandchildren living in a world filled with trash.

For me recycling isn’t a choice; it just comes naturally.

Next time you go to the trash, stop, think and make sure that the choice your about to make isn’t going to affect the environment. Play your part in the contribution to our world.

Every year is worst than the last

This year’s theme: appreciate the present It is so cliché, but in all of my years I have spent since entering junior a group to the ninth grade dance. Oh, how high and now high school I have come to find that the common aspect naïve we were…

Tenth grade hit me hard. Do you remember

they all share is that they were “my worst year ever”. From seventh how my eighth grade self said it was only grade on I have yearned for the previous year, usually mourning old going to get more difficult? Well, it did. And

if you ask me it was like getting hit with a

classes, lost friends and that seemingly impossible project that later bulldozer. My grades changed, my friends looked inviting compared to what is ‘yet to come’ according to my new changed, my family changed, my own course’s syllabus.

Let us look back on my life for a moment.

In seventh grade I felt like a loser. I was the new girl from a small private school who hadn’t needed to make a new friend since second grade. That long year of being a “sevie” consisted of me wishing that I had stayed behind with my sixth grade class, one which consisted of a mere 13 children.

Obviously, in my new school of about 900 kids, I was a bit out my element.

Fast forward to eighth grade and you can see how it was a surprise to me when I realized how much I missed seventh grade.

Sure, I had a lot more friends, but I also had a lot more drama, a lot more homework,

and a lot more…um…social inadequacies as I would like to call them. Life was getting harder and it wasn’t difficult for me to realize that growing up was inevitable.

Ninth grade was a blur. What I can remember, however, is the unnecessary time I seemed to spend wishing that we were all back in eighth grade. Can you believe that? I missed those breezy days of being 14 and careless. Being 15 sounded far too old. I mean my goodness; I was practically in high school! And thus the year went by, my friends and me complaining constantly about homework, petty fights and the many complications of going with

beliefs changed…it was my own personal chaos. It took me all of two-thirds of the year to finally get everything straightened out, although regretfully not all the pieces made it back. And as you can predict there was much desire for everything to be the way it was in ninth grade.

We live in a very ironic world. Every year is our worst one. Every year is our best one. And yet, I look back on my life seeing mostly wonderful memories. Whatever unfortunate incidents that have happened to me are blurred, almost as if they were nightmares that I can only recall bits and pieces of. This only proves to me further that life is filled with much more joy than it is sadness, and if that is not entirely true I

can at least argue that joy is much stronger than the sadness.

This is my junior year. Slowly but surely it is dawning on me that I only have a couple more years until (gulp) the real world, something that up until this point has only been a goal and not entirely a reality. And consequently this is why I have chosen to appreciate the present. Yes, I will have a lot of homework; as I said, I am a junior. Yes, I will get in stupid fights with my friends and family. Yes, I will cry.

Yes, it will feel like the worst year of my life at one time or another.

But guess what? I will L. ANDERSON also have the best year REPORTER of my life, and I can guarantee that.

This year’s theme: Appreciate the present…

I want to enjoy this year as much as I can now, because knowing me I will always want to come back to it.

School board policy

Policy 3220 influences student publications The free expression of student opinion is an important part of education in a democratic society. Students’ oral and written expression of their own private opinions on school premises is to be encouraged so long as it does not substantially disrupt the educational process or interfere with the right of others in the unique circumstances of the educational environment. Such speech activity by students is solely their own expression of views and the District does not intent to promote, endorse, or sponsor any expressive activity that may occur. However, distribution of written material, oral expression, or any other expressive activity (including the wearing of symbols, clothing, hairstyle, or other personal effects) may be restricted where a substantial disruption of the educational process is likely

to result, or does result from such activity. Students are expressly prohibited from the use of vulgar, lewd and/or offensive terms in classroom, assembly, or other school settings. Substantial disruption includes: A. Inability to conduct classes or school activities, or inability to move students to/from class or other activities.

B. A breakdown of student order, including riots or destruction of property.

C. Widespread shouting or boisterous conduct.

D. Substantial student participation in a school boycott, sit-in, walk-out, or similar activities.

E. Physical violence, fighting or significant harassment among students.

F. Intimidation, harassment, or other verbal conduct (including swearing, disrespectful insulting speech to students, teachers or administrators), creating a hostile educational environment.

G. Defamation or untrue statements.

H. Statements that attack ethnic, religious, gender or racial groups or that tend to provoke a physical response (including gang or hate group symbols or apparel, insults, or other fighting words that could reasonably be anticipated to provoke a physical or otherwise disruptive response).

I. Speech likely to result in disobedience of school rules

See “Policy” page six

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“Policy” continued from page five or health and safety standards (such as apparel, advertising alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc.).

The Superintendent shall develop guidelines assuring that students are able to enjoy free expression of opinion while maintaining orderly conduct of the school.

A.Student Publications Student publications produced as part of the school’s curriculum or with the support of the associated student body fund are intended to serve both as vehicles for instruction and student communication. They are operated and substantively financed by the district. Material appearing in such publications should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics about which there may be controversy and dissent.

Controversial issues may be presented provided that they are treated in depth and represent a variety of viewpoints. Such materials may not: be libelous, obscene or profane; cause a substantial disruption of the school, invade the privacy of others; demean any race, religion, sex, or ethnic group: or, advocate the violation of the law or advertise tobacco products, liquor, illicit drugs, or drug paraphernalia.

B.Distribution of Materials Except as otherwise prohibited in this policy, publications or other material written by students may be distributed on school premises in accordance with regulations developed by the Superintendent.

Such regulations may impose limits on the time, place, and manner of distribution including prior authorization for the distribution of circulation of substantial quantities of printed material or the posting of such material on school property. Students responsible for the distribution of material which leads to a substantial disruption of school activity or otherwise interferes with school operations shall be subject to corrective action or punishment, including suspension or expulsion, consistent with student discipline policies.

WANT TO WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR?

Just fill out this form, sign your letter and return it to Sandra Coyer’s box in the main office to be published in the next issue of The Viking Vanguard.

Name: Grade: Letter:

Signature: LETTER POLICY: The Viking Vanguard accepts unsolicited copy from businesses. Only signed and dated letters with addresses and phone numbers from community members, or grade level from students will be accepted. Letters must be limited to 350 words and will be published as space is available. The staff reserves the right to edit any letter without changing its content. All letters are the sole opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the opinion of The Viking Vanguard staff. Letters to the Editor may be submitted by E-Mailing them to thevikingvanguard@gmail.com, or mailing them to The Viking Vanguard c/o Puyallup High School

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STAFF ESTABLISHES YEAR-LONG GOALS

For the 2008/2009 school year, The Viking Vanguard has established goals with readers interest as the number one priority If you’re reading this, we’ve made it. The first issue of The Viking Vanguard is in your hands, and we couldn’t be more ecstatic.

But before we delve further into our journalistic pursuits, we’d like to pause and establish goals for the upcoming school year. Consider it a contract enumerating what we as a staff hope to provide you, the reader.

Expanding Communication:

always open to outside opinions.

In today’s digital world, print media is quickly becoming obsolete.

Promoting Wellness: Rather than buck this trend and continue to force No, we aren’t going to lecture you on the horrors of print journalism down your throats, drug abuse or unprotected sex.

“WE’RE SEEKING we’re seeking to expand your access We do plan to cover various issues TO EXPAND YOUR to news through more efficient and relating to health and wellness. Look for ACCESS TO NEWS convenient mediums. To this end, we’ve stories about birth control, self-esteem THROUGH MORE established a blog and are in the early and physical fitness in the coming EFFICIENT AND CONVENIENT stages of creating a website. Look for issues.

MEDIUMS.” these changes throughout the year.

OUR VIEW Expanding communication means Discussing Race: more, however, than merely adapting to It’s been almost a decade since the rapid change taking place throughout the Puyallup School District was the journalism industry. sued for racial intolerance, and we’re still feeling the This year, we’re working to ensure that students at repercussions. We plan to revisit the lawsuit and examine Puyallup High School play an active role in the production how much progress has actually been made in increasing of The Viking Vanguard. Since we are a student newspaper, acceptance of minorities. our focus should be on the students—their needs, their So that’s it—our contract with Puyallup. If you’d like to concerns, their opinions. Please, don’t hesitate to write insert a clause or two, please let us know. We look forward a letter to the editor or inform us of a story idea. We’re to working with you in the year to come.

3220R

Negative policy affects staff paper’s shortcomings as well as celebrate its successes. The true religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging educational value—the real-world the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people experience offered by The Viking Vanguard—is essentially eliminated to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a by 3220R. 3220R’s negative ramifications redress of grievances.” extend far beyond depriving students of their constitutional right to free Hopefully, you recognized those 3220R attempts to limit.

We, as students, are not deprived speech. Right now, its effects will be 45 words instantly as the First Amendment of the United States of our constitutional rights when minimal—Vanguard will continue to Constitution—a compound, slightly we walk through the schoolhouse produce the high-caliber journalism wordy sentence which guarantees gate—Tinker v. Des Moines told us it always has, and will not shy you the right to speech, press, that, as did Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier. away from controversy. What will And contrary to popular belief, happen to future Vanguard staffers religion, petition and assembly.

But while Congress has no the Supreme Court’s Hazelwood when censorship has become the authority to limit such rights, the decision does not permit school precedent? When our brilliant adviser has retired?

Puyallup School District had few officials to exercise “3220R REMOVES The quality of qualms doing just that in approving control of student will if W H A T M A K E S T H E Vanguard Regulation 3220R Aug. 26. 3220R publications V I K I N G V A N G U A R D deteriorate, and severely restricts rights inherent to they have been SUCH A STRONG the students of the students, and we, the staff of The designated, whether EDUCATIONAL Puyallup will lose a Viking Vanguard, will not stand for by policy or practice, TOOL .” fundamental aspect as public forums. it. of the community.

We understand fully why 3220R The Viking Vanguard OUR VIEW The Puyallup School was enacted. It is the duty of the has been operating District will cease to school district to protect itself and as a public forum its students from harmful litigation. for over 30 years and is not prepared be known for its journalism programs.

3220R, however, hardly constitutes to see that status disappear with a Essentially, Vanguard as we know it will die, and that’s something we an effective means of combating mere pen stroke.

Why do we feel so passionately refuse to allow. litigation. Not only does it place This battle is far from over. We, as a additional liability on the school about this issue? Because 3220R district, but also it defies Washington’s removes what makes The Viking staff, do not and will not accept 3220R C o n s t i t u t i o n . W a s h i n g t o n Vanguard such a strong educational until it allows us full authority over Administrative Code 392-400-215 tool. The Viking Vanguard provides what we publish. We eagerly await the states that “all students possess students a venue in which to be day the district reverses its decision the right to freedom of speech and treated as adults—we, the student and returns to its old, constitutional press,” two critical liberties which editors, carry the burdens of the ways.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of

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E DI TOR-I N- C H I E F........................DA N N Y SE R NA MANAGING EDITOR.......................BECCA HARRIS GRAPHICS EDITOR.....................SYDNEY JENKINS SPORTS EDITOR......................FYLICIA KREHBIEL PRODUCTION EDITOR......................SAR AH KELLY PRODUCTION DEPA RT MEN T............CHEL SE A GR AY ........................................... ....ERIN SWENSON AD MANAGER..................................ALEX CROSS GR A PHICS & PHOTOS..............K ELSIE C AGA MPA NG ..............................................MADDIE HAMEL A RTIST..................................K Y L E PAT TERSON CIRCULATION MANAGER..................ERIN FOSTER REPORTERS..........................L AUREN ANDERSON ......................................COURTNEY ANGELINE ............................................JESSICA ARMOUR .................................................SAM BABBITT .........................................MARISSA EDWARDS ......................................ELLIOTT FITZGERALD ..........................................JORDAN REDINGER ..............................................SH AW N SERV EN .......................................JENNIFER SCHAFFER .............................................BR ANDI WALKER ................................................ASHLEY WARD ...........................................GARRETT WESTON ...................................................SAM WOODS ADVISER.............................SANDRA COYER, MJE PUBLICATIONS POLICIES: EDITORIAL POLICY:

The Viking Vanguard’s duty is to expand student perspectives, maintain community relations and act as a student publication advocating voice. Besides providing an opportunity for the exchange of viewpoints, The Viking Vanguard serves as an academic tool by which students can voice opinions as well as highlight issues facing today’s students.

LETTER POLICY:

The Viking Vanguard accepts unsolicited copy from businesses. Only signed and dated letters with addresses and phone numbers from community members, or grade level from students will be accepted. Letters must be limited to 350 words and will be published as space is available. The staff reserves the right to edit any letter without changing its content.

All letters are the sole opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the opinion of The Viking Vanguard staff.

Letters to the Editor may be submitted by E-Mailing them to thevikingvanguard@gmail.com, or mailing them to The Viking Vanguard c/o Puyallup High School ADVERTISING POLICY:

The Viking Vanguard publication staff accepts advertisements for most products available to the public. However, the staff reserves the right to reject, edit or cancel any advertisement at anytime. Advertisements shall be free of implications that the staff deems offensive in light of normal public standards and shall not identify students or athletes by photo or text (WIAA 18.20.0 and 18.20.1). Ads violating this policy will not be accepted. The staff will not accept advertising for products or groups which are racist, sexist or illegal for high school students. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views, endorsements and/or positions of The Viking Vanguard, student body, faculty, administration or school board.

CORRECTIONS:

The Viking Vanguard staff values accuracy, and wishes to correct mistakes made in previous issues. If you believe we have made an error, please contact us at: thevikingvanguard@gmail.com.

Do your part, recycle this issue of The

Viking Vanguard

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Do you have a hard time finding a place to park?

Do you want more places to park?

The construction on the new parking lot for the faculty and students is estimated to be completed by next school year.

The area located behind the portables is currently for staff parking only, according to security officer Dennis Edwards.

“Eventually, the plan is to take out all the portables and make that area for parking for students,” Edwards said.

Parking has always been a problem, Edwards says, but construction has forced the faculty to lose the parking lot behind the tennis courts, which has resulted in teachers sharing street parking with students.

“It has affected [the students] because now there is less parking. Last year there was a lot more places to park and now there are hardly any,” junior Derek Snyder said.

Assistant Principal Lori Hadley says she currently doesn’t park in the designated area for the faculty because she doesn’t want the loose gravel to chip her car.

“It will be nice once it is asphalted, because then not only will I be able to park there, but more faculty members will also be able to park there and get them off the streets,” Hadley said.

With the new parking lot, that should give about 100 more parking places for students, according to Edwards.

“One hundred more places is legit, but that still is not going to cut it,” Snyder said.

Edwards and Hadley also agree that the

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new parking lot will not fully clear up the parking problem.

“Yes, it will help a lot. But there are just way too many kids driving to school, and not enough parking places. Even with the new parking lot,” Hadley said.

Approximately 322 students have registered vehicles and 272 faculty members who also have also had their vehicles registered, according to school records.

“But that is not all at once, some students and faculty members have up to three or four cars registered in their name,” Edwards said.

Snyder believes that there are more than 322 students that drive to school.

“The streets are lined with cars. There are easily more cars than 322, no doubt about that,” Snyder says.

BY THE NU

1 new addition to 594 vehicles re 22,000 squa

T C U R T

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Construction irritates local r From the fall of the first tree to the constant as other neighbors. movement of bulldozers, I have been witness During the summer, my household to it all. received a notice stating the As a Puyallup Viking and water would be shut off due to resident of Pioneer Street, the construction, but there was no date construction at Puyallup High or time indicated on the posting.

School has surrounded me since Several days later, when I turned on its inception. the shower nozzle 4 or 5 drops of One early morning during water greeted me. I could not even my summer vacation, I awoke scrounge up enough water to wash to my house shaking violently; I my face; you could only imagine thought an earthquake caused the my disdain by that point. Later, S. BABBITT tremendous shaking. However, REPORTER we learned our other neighbors when I looked out of my window received notice of the date and time it was merely construction across the street. of the water shut off.

While I support the building of the PHS Not only does the construction affect my addition there have been certain incidents family and myself but it also influences the that have inconvenienced my family as well PHS community as well as the public at

large. Recently, I have had a difficult time walking home from school because there are not sidewalks along some areas of the construction. In certain instances, it is even unsafe. One morning, in an attempt to avoid a tardy and the consequent detention, I briskly walked across the street to make it to class on time. As I was walking oncoming traffic almost struck me. You can imagine my shock when I was nearly plowed down by a mass of chrome, metal and rubber hurtling at me at high speeds. Ironically, this occurred while I was making an effort to travel a safer route.

Another inconvenience for neighborhood residents is the traffic congestion around Puyallup High School. At times construction has closed roads. On occasion, the

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During the summer, construction began on a new wing of Puyallup High School, disturbing those in close proximity. But now that school has begun, students too have begun to feel the full effects of the construction.

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construction combined with Puyallup Fair traffic and parking has made downtown Puyallup a complete gridlock. If you are not susceptible to road rage, you certainly would be after experiencing a 30 minute backup.

As I look out my bedroom window, I can no longer admire the maple and fir trees or watch the tennis players practice. What I am welcomed with is the cold sight of demolition. The view from my window is forever altered.

I’m hopeful the new building and technology will compensate for all inconveniences associated with the construction. I look forward to enjoying the addition at Puyallup High School when it is completed. Until then, I remain on Pioneer sulking in inconvenience.

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Expansion brings commerce to community As Puyallup’s population swells, so does the number of restaurants and businesses providing services to residents.

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Students exit the newly-constructed Aylen Junior High Oct. 1. The building was first opened to students Sept. 3 and provides state-of-the-art technology for its students and teachers, including SMART boards, according to Aylen Principal Christine Moloney. Funding for the renovation came from the success of the 2004 Puyallup School District bond.

JUNIOR HIGHS, continued from page 1 Hulle said.

At Aylen the hallways are set up so that the seventh, eighth and ninth grades have separate hallways. Teachers who share similar groups of students are put next to each other so that they may communicate in the hallways between classes, said Moloney.

At Glacier View groups of students also generally share the same core classes of social studies, English, math and science.

The teachers for these students share the same planning time so that they may collaborate on teaching methods and plans, according to Principal Mark Vetter.

“This system is good for teachers and students, and not just academically. An example would be if a family member of a student died. All of his teachers would know and be able to work together to support the student,” Vetter said.

A difference between the two schools is Glacier View’s daily academic schedule.

Unlike Aylen where the same six classes and homeroom are visited every day, Glacier View works on a block schedule where three classes are taken on Monday and Thursday, the remaining three are taken on Tuesday and Friday, and all classes are visited Wednesday. On all days but Wednesday classes are one hour and 50 minutes long.

“I like the block schedule because in math class if you need extra help there is a lot more time for your teacher to help you

out,” Glacier View eighth grader Amanda Carpenter said.

Glacier View is located next to Emerald Ridge High School. Already, the junior high has benefited from the proximity of its big sister school.

“About 175 of our students are taking classes up at the high school, with 150 of them taking a foreign language class.

This gives them the opportunity to take a language of their choice for up to four years,” Vetter said.

Both junior highs share similar aesthetics and set up. They include natural lighting in almost ever area of the building, gyms that contain auxiliary gyms, weight rooms and large classrooms. Aylen freshman Zoe Vigna said that the attractiveness of a school is an important factor to learning.

“Kids want to try harder. They’re like, ‘Wow, this [building] is so cool’ and they want to take advantage of what [the school] has to offer,” Vigna said.

Van Hulle has also seen a change in students’ attitudes toward the school.

“I have to admit it: we were the ‘ghetto’ school,” Van Hulle said. “Now we have a building we can look at and are proud of in the community. It’s a great environment to teach and learn in. The kids enjoy being here and you can’t beat that.”

Glacier View also has the benefit of being a school that breathes 100 percent pure fresh air.

“This is a school based on research,”

M A R I S S A E DWA R D S R E P O R T E R

In the past few years, a Krispy Kreme, Forza Coffee Company and a Panda Express have been among the new businesses serving the Puyallup area.

In the beginning of 2009, Puyallup is going to have the first Sonic Drive-In in the Puget Sound region. The Sonic will be built on the corner of 136th Street East on South Hill, right across the street from Ballou Junior High.

“Enjoying life’s little indulgences just got a lot easier,” Sonic’s website stated.

Sonic is another American hamburger corporation expanding its business. Sonic is famous for their specialty drinks called slushes. They advertise their drinks for half price every day from 2-4 p.m.

“I want to get a cookie dough blast,” junior Del Stark said.

Sonic doesn’t just limit themselves to burgers. They have many choices including sandwiches, wraps, hotdogs, tacos, onion rings, slushies and tater tots.

Sonic also serves breakfast meals including burritos, French toast sticks and sandwiches.

STARK Right now, where the Sonic is planned to open, a strip mall stands. A Ted Brown music store is one of the stores going in the building; the other shops are currently vacant.

Also a Qdoba Mexican Grill and other companies will be expanding in Puyallup and surrounding area.

“People want fresh, great-tasting food even when they don’t have a lot of time,” Qdoba say publicly on their website.

Qdoba is a quick-serve burrito bar. They have signature burritos with different meats and vegetables. The restaurant will be located at the corner of 156th Street East and Meridian East.

“I want to see a Cheesecake Factory in Puyallup,” sophomore Jesse Ferguson said.

As Puyallup grows the population will rise and is estimated to almost 5,000 people every 10 years, according to Property Counselors Study. The City of Puyallup website estimates the population of Puyallup is at 36,930 people.

The unemployment rate is at 5.1 percent, and with more companies coming to the area more job opportunities are to come.

Vetter said. “According to that research the fresh air should make us a healthier school. We are also 25 percent more energy efficient than any other school in the district.”

Another improvement from the old Aylen is the elimination of most traffic problems, according to Moloney. Now, instead of parents and buses being in the same parking lot at the end and beginning of the day, buses come around back, reducing the congestion.

“This change has me very relieved,” Moloney said. “I used to be very worried about someone getting hit with all the traffic before and after school.”

The few complaints about both schools include the size of the cafeteria, as well as Aylen not being fully completed when school began.

“The cafeteria is way too small,” Vigna said. “So are the tables and the hallways. I wish that [construction] would have been done when we got here. During volleyball practice people are always coming in and messing with the lights or something. And because we don’t have lockers in the locker room yet we have to do P.E. in our school clothes.”

So far the new school year has been exciting, Moloney said.

“I think it is a privilege and an honor for the parents and residents of Puyallup to have approved the bond [for a new Aylen],” Moloney said. “I think the community is very proud of Aylen Junior High and its traditions, but we needed a new building.”

DEDICATIONS Dedications of the new junior highs are open to the public and will be held at the times and locations below:

Aylen Junior High 101 15th St. Southwest Puyallup, Wash. 98371 2 p.m. Oct. 4

Glacier View Junior High 12807 184th St. East Puyallup, Wash. 98375 2 p.m. Nov. 8

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The house Puyallup built “Home owning isn’t an American dream— it’s the foundation” -Tarah Preiss

With help from volunteers, Habitat for Humanity builds 1,050 square foot three bedroom two bathroom home at the Puyallup Fair for the Preiss family.

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abitat for Humanity, a Christian nonprofit organization that builds decent affordable homes, isn’t just popular in third-world countries, but is growing everyday and recently got their name out in the community at the Puyallup Fair.

Tarah Preiss, a mother of three, was the recipient of a Habitat for Humanity home constructed at the Puyallup Fair this year.

This is the first time that Habitat for Humanity has built a home in the Puyallup area.

“I was totally shocked, out of everybody who applied; I thought someone would need it more,” Preiss said.

To qualify for a Habitat for Humanity

home, the future homeowner has to put in 500 sweat equity hours, which are hours spent building the home. Taking classes on how to maintain and how to upkeep the new home is also required.

“Home owning isn’t an American dream—it’s the foundation,” Preiss said.

She says she plans to live in this house for the rest of her life, because it is the first house she will ever own.

“The best thing me and my three children are getting out of this is stability,” Preiss said.

An obstacle along the way was being apart from her children for long periods of time. Five hundred sweat equity hours takes time away from family and home

life.

“I explained that not being there was being there for them,” Preiss said.

Her children were so excited when they found out about the house.

“At first they thought we were going to be living in the Fair,” Preiss said.

Habitat for Humanity started designing the home in the middle of June and is hoping for the family to move in by November.

“The actual building of the home was started Sept. 5 and was completed Sept.

19,” Cassandra Jarles, Director of Volunteer Services said.

Carl, the site manager, who did not want to reveal his surname, started building the

house with help from volunteers the opening day of the Puyallup Fair.

“Over 270 volunteers worked on this house adding up to over 1,300 working hours,” Jarles said.

When the building started, all the pounding and hammering attracted an audience of fair-goers to sit around and watch.

“It feels like you are building in a fish bowl,” Carl said.

It was very easy to find volunteers to help build the house because everyone wanted to be a part of this, according to Jarles.

“At the end of the day the workers were sore, but a good sense of sore…the sense of accomplishment,” Jarles said.

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Bicycling gains popularity as gas prices soar B Y

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Imagine a 20 to 30 percent increase on current gas prices. University of Puget Sound professor Douglas Goodman believes the fossil fueled economic trends could bring this concept to reality within a year and a half.

Currently at $3.69 per gallon, prices at the pump are unbeatable. And with everybody driving, streets and parking lots are too congested for comfort.

Environmental and physical health concerns are at their highest. Carbon Dioxide and other green house gases are being emitted too rapidly for plants to absorb. Poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles are discouraged and are difficult to change.

Local changes have been made to promote a transition from reliance on motorized vehicles to bicycling.

Pierce County Public Works and Utilities adopted the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan in July of 1997. The plan focuses on non-motorized improvements regarding facilities designated for pedestrians and bicyclists.

“For county improvements, we’ll look back and refer to the community plans of the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan,” said Mike Galizio, senior transportation planner for Pierce County Public Works and Utilities. “It was a list of 20 year bicycle and pedestrian needs.”

The Transportation Improvement Program was approved by the Pierce County Planning Commission on August

26, 2008. The program includes a list of nonmotorized projects.

The Foothills trail offers a gas-free link between South Prairie, Orting, McMillin and Puyallup. Pierce County Parks and Recreation plans to extend the non-motorized trail into Sumner and connect to the Interurban Trail which extends through Auburn and Kent.

Junior bicyclist Jon Space vows to never drive or get his license.

“I think it’s ridiculous how most of the student body drives to school. I find it completely unnecessary,” Space said.

With approximately 1,700 students at Puyallup High School and only 237 available spaces in the parking lots, cycling offers a beneficial alternative to getting to school.

“People need to bike,” Space said.

Math and Physics teacher Michael Segers

bikes to work daily.

“I’ve been riding to college or work since I was 19,” Segers said. “I bike to work everyday, rain, shine or dark.”

Does biking have to be such a surprising habitual routine?

“Usually people go, ‘that’s cool! I wish I could do that.’ Then they come up with many, many reasons why it’s impossible for them,” Segers said. “It’s quite doable.”

Biking is not only environmentally salutary but physically healthy as well. According to the American Heart Association, bicycling reduces blood cholesterol and blood pressure and increases cardiovascular endurance.

“I open up my lungs and get the blood flowing in the morning,” Segers said. “On the way home I can unwind.”

Students turn to motorcycles for alternative transport Motorcycles provide efficiency not found in cars, some students say B Y

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As gas prices are on the rise and parking becomes more difficult with the constant construction, students are finding alternate ways of travel, such as motorcycles.

How does 50 mpg and parking almost anywhere you want sound? Motorcycles require little maintenances and can be used as a daily or recreational vehicles, according to senior Tyler Sliva. Motorcycles require regular upkeep such as oil changes every three thousand miles and fluid topoffs.

“I can park my bike anywhere I want because it’s so small, I usually park in between cars on the side of the street,” Sliva said.

Safety is important when riding a motorcycle, Sliva and senior Cody Miller

say they always wear a helmet, sunglasses need to be aware of this and use caution,” or some sort of eyewear, a jacket and never Kearney said. “The other issue with wear shorts. motorcycles is that they do not necessarily “All of our kids are very consciences have fender benders.” about wearing helmets, which is good If a bike’s power and speed are to see and they appear to be good riders; underestimated it can get away from they’re respectful of their bikes,” security the rider and hurt them and anyone else guard Dennis Edwards said. around, according to Most students do not Edwards.

“THE MAIN know that they can be PROBLEM WITH In 2006, arrested and or given a MOTORCYCLES approximately three IS THAT OTHER citation for reckless driving fourths of the 4,778 DRIVERS DON’T even if an officer does not motorcycle crashes that SE E T H E M,” see the driver being reckless. resulted in fatality were All the officer needs is a caused by a collision written statement from an ROB KEARNEY with another vehicle SRO eyewitness describing the which was usually an driver and stating the license automobile, according number, according to SRO Rob Kearney. to the National Highway Traffic Safety “The main problem with motorcycles Administration (NHTSA). is that other drivers don’t see them, riders “I know where to and where not to ride. I

Student Spotlight

The Viking Vanguard decided to interview

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The first year of high school can be an interesting experience, trying to get around a new school, having new classes and teachers and making lasting memories.

Viking Vanguard: Who are the members of your family and who do you spend most of your time with?

Arianna Todd: I have my mom, dad, stepmom, little sister and my baby sister. I spend the most time with my mom, and we like to go to movies or go shopping together when we have free time.

VV: Do you live in Puyallup? Have you lived in the same place all of your life?

AT: I lived in Federal Way for the first seven years of my life, and then we moved to Edgewood. My mom lives in the Summit-Waller area, so I’m basically in Edgewood and Puyallup for

don’t ride by people who are on cell phones or in other driver’s blind spots. I stay aware of my surroundings and my bike is loud, so drivers can hear it,” Miller said.

In order to get a motorcycle license, applicants must be at least 16 years old, attend a two-and-a-half day class and pass the written and riding test. It is easier for applicants to pass these tests and to receive a license if they have some sort of past experience with motorcycles or dirt bikes, according to Sliva.

This year there has been an apparent increase in the amount of motorcyclist, according to Edwards, but as the winter season approaches students may seek other forms of travel. Students have been carpooling, riding bikes and busses due to petroleum cost increases, Edwards said.

“The downside of motorcycles is that it is not fun to ride in the rain,” Sliva said.

Arianna

Todd to shed light on what her life is like.

everything I do.

VV: Do you play any sports or participate in any extra-curricular activities?

AT: Not any that I know of.

AT: I plan on doing swim team next year and I might do tennis team and Key Club this year.

VV: Have any relatives of your attended PHS? VV: What’s yours favorite class so far this year?

VV: What kind of music do you listen to?

AT: My favorite so far would be Drafting and Auto Tech because I want to be an architect so it’s relevant to my career path and I enjoy working with computers.

AT: I used to listen to a lot of country, but now I listen to a lot of different types of music with the exception of hard rock and rap.

AT: I go to school, come home and help my mom with my little sisters and work on my homework.

AT: When I’m not doing homework, I love to read, I read a lot. I also like swimming and I’m learning how to drive.

AT: I wish we had off campus lunch because I’m learning how to drive and that would be beneficial to me, but since lunches are so short it would be hard to get back on time.

AT: A trip to California I took with my family; it was a big deal and I helped raise money to go, and while we were there we went to Legoland, Knottsberry Farms and Disneyland.

VV: What is a typical day like for you?

VV: What are your opinions about closed campus lunch this year?

VV: What do you like to do for fun?

VV: What’s one of your favorite memories from childhood?

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With the explosion of celebreality have risen three reality megahits— “The Cho Show,” “New York Goes to Hollywood,” and “Brooke Knows Best.” But do they pass the review test?

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Margaret cho has hit gold with her latest endeavor, The Cho Show. not only is The Cho Show absolutely hilarious, it touches on and provides valuable insight into various social issues.

The Cho Show documents the life of Margaret cho, the legendary comedian whose routines have gained renown for their often racy and always controversial content. keep this in mind if you choose to watch The Cho Show—the easily offended will not be amused by cho’s antics. but for those able to look past or even embrace cho’s sense of humor, The Cho Show elicits nonstop laughter. in one episode, for instance, cho decides that the paparazzi should cling to her in the same way they cling to britney, lindsay and Paris. To this end, cho records a hit single and creates and leaks a raunchy, satirical sex tape involving cho, leather and gallons of chocolate sauce.

This fits my sense of humor to perfection, but others may not be amused. but The Cho Show isn’t all shock and awe. in another episode, for example, cho seeks to eliminate the ghosts of her troubled youth and to bolster the self-esteem of young people. as a child, cho was frequently teased for her appearance and grappled with self-esteem issues galore. To prevent other children from facing the same problems she did, cho coordinates the “Miss cho universe” pageant. Though cho and her riotous sidekick, Selene luna, rig the pageant to assure their victory, the episode comes to a surprising, feel-good conclusion that proves why The Cho Show is so fantastic. yes, The Cho Show makes me laugh. but it also makes me think about societal expectations and their implications.

That’s why The Cho Show deserves an “a” rating—it’s an uproarious comedy with a conscience.

Tiffany “new york” Pollard was born to be a star, though maybe not in the traditional sense. no, she doesn’t have the vocal chops to become the next aretha or gladys and no, her acting abilities aren’t quite up to par. but new york’s over-the-top personality and large bosoms make her one of network television’s biggest stars, making New York Goes to Hollywood an instant sensation.

New York Goes to Hollywood tracks the progress of new york’s fledgling career as a legitimate actress. Though new york proved herself to be an able dramatist on Flavor of Love and I Love New York, she quickly finds that making it in hollywood will be more difficult than making it on the reality circuit.

The series begins with new york’s search for an assistant able to cope with new york’s boisterous personality as well as help move new york up the hollywood ladder. What would be a relatively innocuous event for most people turns into comedic gold because of new york’s outlandish personality. new york’s ignorance regarding showbiz also makes for great television. in one episode, for instance, new york becomes irate when another hopeful for a role in a production tells her to “break a leg.” new york fumes, furious that someone would dare insult her, until her instructor informs her that “break a leg” is actually slang for “good luck.” new york is horrified but remains unable to apologize for her actions. What a character. at times, new york can be almost too ridiculous to handle. her shenanigans, though entertaining, can often be irritating, and her voice often induces cringes. Sometimes when i’m watching New York Goes to Hollywood, i find myself counting things i could be accomplishing in the time i’ve spent watching new york’s antics. despite these minor flaws, New York Goes to Hollywood is whimsical and borderline ridiculous—in a good way. new york personifies why reality is so necessary to our society. after all, it would be impossible to conjure a character as ludicrous and hilarious as Tiffany Pollard. There’s only one new york.

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i’m confused. What has brooke hogan ever done to merit her own reality show? granted, the stars of the other shows i’ve profiled may not be the most deserving, but they’ve all done something memorable—Margaret cho is hysterical, new york…is new york. but brooke hogan? not so much. and her show, Brooke Knows Best? a cheap hybrid of The Hills and Living Lohan that fails to entertain or educate.

Brooke Knows Best stars brooke hogan, daughter of quasi-legendary wrestler hulk hogan, and follows her as she fights her way through the cruel world that is Miami beach from her penthouse apartment. each episode features some conflict that the target audience can, like, totally relate to, and in each episode, brooke is forced to do something she totally doesn’t want to. in one episode, for instance, brooke’s friend and roommate, glenn, receives a call from a friend who needs a place to stay for a few weeks while his home is renovated. reluctantly, brooke obliges and allows this friend to stay in her penthouse, but things quickly spiral out of control.

The new roomie sleeps naked in the living room, brings girls home at all hours and even breaks the cardinal rule of hospitality—he pees in brooke’s bathroom and doesn’t even lift the seat. by this point, brooke seriously cannot handle any more of this guy and is forced to confront him. but omigod, brooke like totally hates confrontation (because the rest of us love it!) and struggles through the conversation.

Maybe i’m being a little hard on Brooke Knows Best. it attempts to instill some sort of moral values in its readers, and that’s admirable. but the execution is heavyhanded at best, and really, the entire premise of the show is ridiculous. brooke most certainly does not know best, as much as the show’s editors try to make that seem so, and her life is hardly any more interesting than yours or mine.

Try as it may, Brooke Knows Best fails to impart any lasting impression on its viewers. The three episodes i watched failed to change my perspective or entertain me in any way, and i still wonder why brooke hogan deserves to be on television.

B y D A n n y S e r n A e D i t o r - i n - C h i e f

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Athletic grade requirements increase

Athletes held to higher standards B Y M A D D I E H A M E L P H O T O G R A P H E R

trimester beyond normal grading periods,” states the WIAA Handbook for 2008-2009.

The updated mandates are working to ensure that Athletic academic eligibility policies for the 2008-2009 student-athletes truly are students fi rst. school year have been updated.

“Participation in athletics in the Puyallup School District policy now requires student-athletes to be passing five out of six classes and have at least a 2.0 District is a privilege that involves teamwork and GPA in order to be eligible to participate in sports for self discipline. Athletics is an excellent means of the 2008-2009 school year. This is a change from the bringing together home, school and community, as well as contributing to your previous requirement of passing four out “I HOPE THE NEW personal development, growth and of six classes.

REQUIREMENTS education,” states the Puyallup Junior Tyler Maxfield, who plays junior WILL HELP School District Athletic Handbook. varsity (JV) Water Polo, doesn’t see the STUDENTS Puyallup High School Athletic requirement changing his habits.

REALIZE THEY Director John Wetterauer views the While Maxfield said he didn’t have any NEED TO BE change with mixed feelings. concerns for himself in regards to meeting MORE INVESTED “We never want to discard any the new requirements, he did say if he IN THEIR athlete – for those who struggle in would modify the mandates so they would ACADEMICS AND school, I think the longer they’re MORE PROACTIVE meet individual needs.

IN THEIR “For some students, all they have going in the [athletic] program, the more E DUC AT ION.” for them are sports,” Maxfield said. “They opportunities we have to work with may not be ‘book smart,’ but are ‘field them so they’re achieving their BROOKS HAZEN smart’ instead. If they struggle in school and TEACHER maximum potential,” Wetterauer are kicked off the team, then they don’t have said. “But at the same time, the anything.” previous standards were way too low.”

However, Maxfield did see potential benefits from the U.S. History teacher and tennis coach Brooks Hazen updated requirements. doesn’t think the new requirements will have much of “I think people who otherwise wouldn’t care about an effect on his teams. school will work harder in their classes so they can “I expect my athletes to be invested in school continue playing their sport,” Maxfield said. academically – before sports,” Hazen said.

To ensure students are maintaining their academic Hazen also added his hope of the requirements eligibility, the Washington Interscholastic Activities providing an incentive for students to work harder in Association (WIAA) has standards high schools are their classes, but also expressed his view that academic required to comply with.

“To monitor a student’s continued academic standards should apply to all student activities.

“I hope the new requirements will help students eligibility, periodic grade checks within each three to six week period are required during the current semester/ realize they need to be more invested in academics and

proactive in their education,” Hazen said. “Involvement in high school is key, and it’s important for kids to fi nd their niche, but academic standards should apply to all student activities – whether it be athletics, leadership, theater, anything.”

Making the Grade To be eligible for PHS sports, students need at least: • 2.0 GPA • 5 passing classes

To be eligible for NCAA sports, students need at least: • 2.0 GPA • sum ACT score of 86 • combined verbal and math SAT score of 1010

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The United States is facing an economic crisis.

Unemployment rates reached 5.7 percent for the first time since 2004 in July, the collapse of venerated financial institution Lehman Brothers comprised the largest filing of bankruptcy in history, the DOW Jones Industrial Average became the equivalent of a roller coaster, falling 400 points Sept. 17 before jumping 400 points Sept. 18.

The Dominican Republic’s economy, meanwhile, is slowly improving. Since a series of economic reforms were implemented in the 1990s, the Dominican Republic has been growing at 8 percent a year, according to the United States State Department.

In the United States, more houses are being foreclosed. Owners of 303,879 properties, one in 416 United States households, got a default notice, were warned of a pending auction or foreclosed on last month, according to The Market Oracle.

More than 12 percent of the country lives below the poverty line, according to the Center for American Progress.

A New Perspective While America’s economy collapses and the Dominican Republic’s surges, 30 percent of Dominicans live below the poverty line, according to the United States Agency for International Development.

So while American families are losing their two-story houses surrounded by white picket fences, according to junior Conor Framke, some Dominicans haven’t gotten to the home in the first place.

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size of a classroom,” junior Conor Framke said. “There were dirt roads and little wooden run-down shacks and garbage and loose chickens everywhere.”

Framke recalls many memories from his mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Reality Sports baseball team, but one of the most rewarding experiences was helping in the poor villages.

“Some families were hesitant to take the food, probably because they were ashamed – but at the same time, they were really grateful,” Framke said.

The team also gave away over 100 bats, gloves and more, according to Marc Wiese, baseball coach and special education teacher who also went on the trip.

“Some of the kids had 30-year-old gloves and some whole teams only used one bat,” Wiese said.

Framke and the rest of the team went to the villages to both donate supplies and play baseball with some of the local children and teenagers.

The Reality Sports baseball team spent a week playing at least one baseball game a day. Some of the other students that went on the trip were from Puyallup High School as well, including juniors Garrett Picha, Conor Goodlet, Scott Kuzminsky, Brett Bitow and Neil Bitow and seniors Ryan Krohn and Adam Cimber.

“We went to a couple villages to play catch with the kids,” Picha said. “The whole village came out to watch.”

More Than a Sport The Dominican Republic has the second-highest number of baseball players in Major League Baseball (MLB) after the United States. However, baseball isn’t just a sport there; it is a significant part of the Dominican Republic’s culture, according to Framke. Most of the people that Framke,

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Picha and the rest of their team met were baseball players. “[Baseball] was like life for some of the kids there. A lot of them didn’t go to school; they’d just play baseball all day,” Framke said. “If you have a bat and a glove, it’s what you do.”

Not only did they enjoy playing baseball, but they had “raw talent,” according to Wiese. Playing baseball all day also added to their skill in the game.

“Here, baseball is just something we can do. Because we have money, we have other things that can occupy our time,” Framke said. “For them, they work in the fields or they play baseball.”

The team was in the Dominican Republic for a tournament and a mission trip.

However, the games that the teams participated in were less about winning for the boys.

“I wasn’t down there to win,” Framke said. “I just wanted to play with them.”

Breaking Through the Language Barrier Although Framke is a French student and Picha had only one year of Spanish education when he went on the trip, they have both succeeded in carrying on conversations with their new friends. Because of their limited vocabulary, Framke and Picha always have a Spanish dictionary nearby when they text their Dominican friends.

“At first, they were hesitant to talk because they didn’t speak English, but we became pretty close to some guys,” Picha said. “I’m still texting one, I have to use a translator online. They’re really short on supplies so I’m sending him a glove and I might fill the box with other supplies.”

The Dominican residents would do anything to help the team if it meant they got a little money, according to Picha. However,

Located at 124 S. Meridian Puyallup, WA 98371 253-864-7619

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one man stood out in particular to Wiese.

“A man who we played with in Santa Domingo, the capital, was a bat boy for the team. He got the kids everything,” Wiese said. “At the end of the trip, we gave him clothing and sunglasses. He showed up at the airport to carry our bags when we were leaving, none of us even knew how he got there.”

The experiences, people and culture of the Dominican Republic brought a perspective to the boys, according to Picha.

“We also went to two orphanages,” Picha said. “One was for physically deformed kids. I walked in and I just stopped and said to myself, ‘no way.’ It’s unbelievable that places like that actually exist.”

Reality Sports visited the children at the orphanages mainly because they rarely have visitors, according to Picha, but the simple trip turned into a life-changing experience for the players. In one orphanage, the boys were greeted by children who they played and interacted with. In the other, they were greeted by a picture beyond words, according to Framke.

“Going to the orphanage broke every single guy down. We all cried,” Framke said. “We saw a lot of kids with deformities. They even had a caged off room with guys my age in there naked because they were so mentally ill.”

Reality Sports’ plane landed at home with empty bat bags and money drained from their pockets but the boys came home with a lot more, according to Wiese.

“It really opens your eyes to see what we have here,” Wiese said. “I think all of us take things for granted, but then you look at the kids in the streets, their smiles and you realize what is really important in life. It’s not about money. It’s about being happy.”

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uccess

The Puyallup football team thrives in the beginning of the season with a 3-1 standing. With five games left in the season, the Vikings look towards the SPSL Championship and the Tacoma Dome.

Vikings emerged from the fi rst game with a 20-19 win.

After Qwest Field the team own at the five-yard line, the defense moved on to Decatur, Sept.12. pounded against the When the Viks reached half-time chests of their opponents, their they ran off the field with defeat, bodies slamming against the turf, the scoreboard read 0-10.

Returning in the second half sethe monstrous noise reverberatnior Jorey Johnson gave the team ing throughout the stadium.

Junior cornerback Andrew Bar- and fans hope for the game with a 67 yard touchdown. The Lions ry intercepts the pass. were sent home 21A moment 10. of silence, the “WHETHER YOU This year, the feeling of reWIN OR LOSE YOU H AV E A BROT H E R Vikings (2-1) goals lief spreads ON EACH SIDE OF are to make it t hroughout YOU.” through the rest of the Puyallup SEAN BARBER the season undestands.

SENIOR feated, win the SPSL The Puyal(South Puget Sound lup Vikings and Bellarmine Lions both were League) championship and make chosen to play in the Emerald it back to the Tacoma Dome, acCity Kickoff Classic at Qwest Field cording to linebacker Barber.

“Our team has the talent and Sept. 6.

“The different atmosphere, the the work ethic to make our goals size of the stadium, the fi rst game happen,” Boyes said.

With two games under their jitters and the unknown of the opposing teams’ capability made belt it was time to play one of the team anxious,” senior captain the toughest competitors of the season, according to coach Tom Sean Barber said.

Despite the difficulty level the Ingles, Graham Kapowsin at the B Y

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home stadium (Sparks).

Senior and wide receiver Justin Veltung helped lead the Viks through the game with eight catches, 194 yards and two touchdowns.

Six-foot-three senior running back Chris Ratteray from GK rushed the Vikings defense for 222 yards. Ratteray, with the help of teammates pushed the game into overtime with four touchdowns and 36 carries, the clock reached zero and the Eagles had defeated the Vikings 35-34, leaving the team at 2-1 in a three way tie with Rogers and Curtis High School.

Heading back to the Federal Way stadium and gaining a 50-0 victory against the Todd Beamer Titans, the Vikings are now 3-1 for the season and are still tied with Curtis and Rogers.

“My favorite part about being on the football team is getting to go to war with my team and friends every week,” Barber said. “And knowing whether you win or lose you have a brother on each side of you.”

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V A N G U A R D

The Vikings faced off against the Bellarmine Lions in the Emerald City Kick Off at Qwest Field, leaving with a 20-19 win over the Lions. Top right: Senior Brennan Boyes passes the ball to a team member. Middle right: The onlooking players root in preparation for the kickoff. Bottom right: The Lions watch in the background as senior John Buell and junior Dylan Warren along with the defensive end ready themselves to stop the offensive line. Bottom left: Quarterback Boyes looks to senior Tyler McGlothen to unify the offensive play.