Tri-Color Times 2009-05

Gra nger High School

Tri-Color Times an open forum for student opinion and expression

Special edition! The staff steped out of their comfort zone to make the last newspaper unique. Read about their successes and failures with these experiments.

Hey everybody On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say that my social skills would rank a 4.

It’s not very easy for me to be able to meet new people and talk with them. It would take some time and a lot of hellos in the hallway for me to be able to talk with that person freely. Even simply greeting new people is hard for me, because I have

some serious rejection issues!

If you see me in the hallway by myself, I would probably look at you and not say hello.

It’s natural for me to just walk and greet people with a slight nod or wave. In the end of April, I was challenged to greet a variety of people and

s h a k e their hands.

The first time I set out to attempt the challenge I was extremely nervous. I was going to talk to strangers! Not only was it nerve racking, but I started this challenge when people were getting paranoid about the Swine Flu. I thought this rapidly growing concern would take a toll on people’s willingness to greet me, therefore leaving me with more rejections than I would typically get.

Because of this fear, I would attempt to wash or sanitize my hands before approaching every person, hoping this would cut down on my chances of rejection.

I was very hesitant and lazy to go out, so Megan McManama (12) had to drag me out to the drinking fountain, and I agreed to greet everyone who passed by. I introduced myself, and then held out my hand for a handshake.

I was perfectly fine until I sat down and realized that my legs were shaking.

Since the challenge was for two weeks, I really tried to set out and do my best.

Sometimes when I would offer a handshake, I got turned down. I think rejection was a whole different part of why it was hard for me. I was afraid of being rejected! When people would reject me (which didn’t happen often, by the way), I would just move on. It was a little sad, but it was all good.

My memory is a funny thing.

When I would get a very cool memorable memory, it tends to get blocked out. So all the amazing people who decided to go along with my challenge were amazing people I could not have remembered. I wish it would block out my bad memories and not the amazing ones. So thank you to everyone who accepted my greeting and those who didn’t, too.

Hopefully I will be able to greet you all someday and actually remember it.

What’s inside? Take a look.

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MAY 2009

E x p e r i e men ts, h as th e s taf f learned any thing?

C ol l a ge : L u n c h time P h o to Sp ectacul ar Op i ni on: M eg an s ay s h e r g o o dbye N e w c h e erleaders - 2 b o y s o n team nex t year Fe a t ure s: Sir Je ll y B ean’s A dventure end s E nte r t a i nmen t: L o u is h eard what?

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Relieving stress Juggling at MEDITATION was a peaceful thing for me. It threw all my problems away my goal for two weeks was to achieve a peaceful state of mind and I did a few

times when I was meditating.

At first I thought it was dumb and stupid because I was supposed to sit down and say “hum” but it made me feel peaceful and helped my mind go blank.

What I mean by that is that I sat down and thought about nothing. It felt like I was in a dark room, but my eyes could see everything and it was only my eyes just looking around in that dark room.

I visited that room a few times I liked it because there weren’t any worries or problems, nothing but my two eyes looking around.

My first few days were complicated because I couldn’t stay focused on anything. I kept getting distracted so eventually I had to shut out all distractions.

I turned off my phone, my iPod, TV, games, everything had to be off. When it finally was it made everything a lot easier.

I Finally got down to meditation and it made everything a little better for me. It helped me become calm and mellow and noT so tense and uptight.

Article or a diploma?

FOR the past two weeks I had to try something new. After picking and choosing and being given so many options I found the perfect thing to try. I have always done pretty well in school and take pride in my good grades.

I figured trying something new would be not trying as hard. I didn’t try to be on time to class and I wouldn’t give my best effort on assignments.

I chose this experiment because I wanted to see how hard students really had to try to get passing grades. Some students rarely come to school but still manage to get passing grades and receive credits. I wanted to test how lazy I could get before my grades are suffering.

This is very new to me because I always do well in all my classes.

This has been a risky experience because I am a senior and I’m graduating in less than three weeks. All I could think about was if this was a good idea. Was it worth risking my grades and my high school diploma to try to write an interesting article?

After two weeks of slacking off I regret what has become of my

May 2009

grades. Not all of my classes have been bad but the ones that matter have been. I feel like I lost respect from my teachers and they don’t take me seriously anymore. I have a sense that my teachers are annoyed with me and that they don’t care to help me when I ask for help in class. This kind of makes me feel for the kid that doesn’t mean to slack off but just doesn’t understand something and the teacher is rude to them.

When the two weeks passed I finally checked my grades and I was surprised by how good some of them were. I only had one bad grade! Does that mean students really don’t need to try as hard and complain as much as they do?

Not necessarily, Students shouldn’t just try to fly by with a passing grade. Unfortunately, getting good grades is not hard, it doesn’t take a lot of effort or time, but students are distracted by cell phones, iPods, and friends. Some

kids don’t want to try to get good grades because they’ll look like a “nerd” or “loser” to their friends, but getting good grades shouldn’t be something you are made fun of. If anything they kids that get 4.0’s and honor roll are respected more by their peers and teachers.

If every student gave in a little more effort more seniors would

its worst!

JUGGLING was a catastrophe. I had no one to teach me but I thought hey, it is just throwing stuff in the air and then catching it again right? Wrong.

It takes a lot of hand-eye coordination and some mad skills. In short, I got hit in the face many times. I started out with apples and oranges because they were a bit bigger than juggling balls and easier to catch. One day when I was practicing an apple fell onto the floor and exploded. My mother was not happy with my juggling act, especially when I tired juggling breakable or valuable things. Juggling was fun to try, but I would not take it up as a hobby. At least not until I develop some of that handy coordination.

I met one boy who could actually juggle. It was amazing to watch him juggle.

It was so easy for him. As for me though, I am going to stick to guitar.

Tardies add up I WAS challenged to be punctual for two weeks. Not only was I supposed to be on time to all my classes, it also meant meeting all deadlines, due dates for homework, and curfews.

To any other student being on time might not seem like a big deal, but to me it seemed like an assignment that would be almost impossible to accomplish. My usual school schedule would look

be graduating this year and not worrying about making up credits in these last few weeks.

like this: Wake up at about 7:30 – 8:00 am, get ready, and be at school on time for second period.

That’s on a good day.

My most successful attempt at being punctual was waking up in the morning and getting my lazy butt up for school. I made it an astounding three out of the ten times I tried getting to first period.

For the other seven times I tried, I, like any other student would, tried making excuses. I blamed my phone saying the alarms didn’t go off. I would blame my sister for playing her music too loud so I couldn’t get to sleep.

I even blamed my mom saying she wasn’t ready to take me right when I needed her to.

In the end the only one I could honestly blame was myself. I had to take responsibility for not getting myself up and ready and for not thinking ahead. It sucks knowing my experiment failed miserably, but at least I can say it was a good learning experience and it might help me better prepare myself for my future and the “real world”.

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Little old Nichole NEVER in my high school years did I think I would ever need a thimble. Or a needle and thread, for that matter. But for my newest project, these simple objects were a must- have.

Embroidery is very different than sewing, knitting, or stitching; and is much more complex. When I started this challenge, I thought how hard could it be? Just choose the color I like and poke the fabric a few times. Little did I know.

Soon I was battling miles of thread knotted together, bleeding fingers, and getting a headache from concentrating so hard on each and every single solitary stitch.

Patience is a virtue. This trait was learned the hard way for me while attempting to embroider my handkerchief type thing.

First, I had to learn the vocabulary of this sport. It was not called thread, it was called floss. To me,

floss was a tiny white string that tasted like mint used to clean your teeth, but apparently it goes way beyond dental hygiene. Then I had to choose the correct size of needle. As far as I knew, needles only came in one size, but I’m too scared of needles to ever look into it any further. The needle couldn’t be too fat, or it would tear a hole in the fabric. Ugh, so many rules!

A flower was my first hurdle to attempt. Apparently, you have to use a different technique when you sew a flower petal and use a new technique when sewing the middle. I learned how to knot the floss the correct way so that it would make the center of the flower. At first, the only knots that I could make were on the wrong part of the flower. Then I had to battle the little squiggly lines that ran around the border. These were by far the hardest, because you have to go underneath each stitch every time.

Have you ever seen those happy little grandmas stitching and acting all content? That is NOT how I looked while I was trying

to embroider. I could not relax at all- it was just too hard! It took all of my energy concentrating on something so precise and beautiful. Soon I realized that my biggest worry was undoing my mistakes, as opposed to worrying about regular teenage stuff.

Maybe that’s why high school teens don’t embroider!

All in all, it was a good experience for me to learn embroidery, because it taught me more than just how to stitch! So if you’re looking for an activity to pass the time, maybe you could try to tackle embroidery, Lancers!

I’m not listening

SO HAVE you ever thought about doing what you’re told backward? Have you ever thought that if you did then it would be better to rebel? For the last two weeks I’ve done the opposite of what I have been told.

“Do the dishes!! Do your Laundry!!” Mrs. Peterson said. My mother told me to do the dishes, to do my laundry I refused to do what ever she told me or didn’t do it at all. There were consequences. Since I didn’t do the dishes, my family had nothing to eat on. Since I didn’t do my laundry I had nothing to wear the next day.

When I do something different than what I am told, I know there will be consequences good or bad.

On April 28, 2009 I went to basketball practice, my coach said, “OPEN YOUR EARS!” I thought that if I didn’t listen, I wouldn’t have to do anything except practice the way I wanted to. That turned out different from what I expected, after practice. I had to run 10 ladders, do 100 push ups and jump and touch the back board 50 times. I was so sore after that. It was terrible, the running and the jumping made me want to listen to my coach

May 2009

during practice.

Another example, has someone ever told you, “Don’t touch that.” or “Can you please leave that alone?” or even “Aren’t you listening to me?” well Madison Peterson, Chelsea Yazzie, and I went to the mall and we had a blast at this store Thanksgiving point Museum. The manager of the store had signs on certain types of sculptures and the sign said “Please do not touch”. We decided to touch it and broke it we ended up paying for it. It wasn’t

very smart. Do you wonder why we do things we’re not told to?

Very strange don’t you think?

I think it’s because we want

to be able to do something and not have a consequence but turns out everything does. How funny is that, everything we do has a purpose and we need to know the good and bad? Listen to my parents or don’t listen to my parents, I am not saying go home and ignore what they have to say, but just notice that everything you don’t do will come with consequences. I like to listen to my parents and get rewarded for doing the dishes, picking up my room, setting the table, etc. but when you don’t listen to your parents you hear, “Go to your room” “You’rerounded” “No i Pod” “Give me your cell phone”!

I like listening to whoever is speaking to me and tells me what to do, like my teacher, boss, officer, parents, family, etc. They know what’s better for you and you can learn what to do and what not to do. It’s just like we’re still babies and you can hear your mother saying “Don’t put that in your mouth” or “Spit that out” yes, you’ve all heard this once. Just in the past two weeks I’ve learned good and bad consequences to my actions and I think I’d rather have it hard now and learn everything I need to and have it easier when I know everything is going to be ok with my life and I’ll know how to do the exact same thing with my own life.

BFF, to enemy

HAVE you ever had a really good friend in elementary school that ditched you for the wrong crowd in high school? I have. My best friend since elementary school stopped talking to me once we entered high school. She started doing things that I didn’t want to be involved in.

Her friends and her would call me and say things they thought would bother me. When they realized prank calling me wasn’t working out, to my surprise, they completely ignored me as well.

I would see her at couple of parties and a few Bosnian concerts. We never said one word to each other. She had her friends and I had mine. Once she moved to another school I didn’t see her for 2 years.

When we were assigned to do an article about something we

experienced out of our comfort zone for our journalism class, I decided to call her. I wanted to ask her why she treated me so poorly in high school, and why we stopped being friends. Her mom picked up the phone, and she seemed really surprised to hear me on the other line. After she asked me about every detail of my life, she handed the phone to her daughter. The phone call was very awkward.

The next day she showed up at my house. When we started talking, I asked why she treated me they way she did. Her answer was, “because I felt like it.” She told me I was stupid for even thinking we could be friends again. I told her to leave my house, and while walking out; she picked up my mom’s shoe and chucked it at me.

I ran after her and pulled her by her hair. My brother ran outside to split us up. She left my house and I haven’t seen her since.

Things didn’t work out, but I am not disappointed. Friends come and go. It is your responsibility to choose which friends are good for you or which friends will stab you in the back.

Be decisive For two weeks I was supposed to be more decisive. For me, that is a challenge because I am a fairly indecisive person. I tend to procrastinate and make things like major decisions at the very last minute.

In the beginning, decision making seemed to be a breeze.

I was making choices left and right. That’s when it dawned on me, who wants to read an article about the little yes-no decisions that Lisa makes? I decided enough of these simple choices, was going to make a bigger slash more important decision.

I waited, and waited, and waited, but no significant decisions came my way. Nobody had any super duper choices to make me choose between, nothing.

Finally, I gave up. I was having a battle inside myself, I was either, A) asking Carlisle if I could write a different article, or B) figuring out a way to write the article I was assigned. It was another seemingly simple decision for me, because I quickly chose A. Unfortunately my article change request was denied. I had to write the article, whether it was about succeeding or failing at my experiment.

It seemed like it could be a good idea to attend Decision Day and observe students who had made life altering decisions, but I once again procrastinated and didn’t get the permission that I needed to go.

This is the product of my experience: A short, quote-less, picture-less article.

Even though I failed, the moral of the story is not entirely lost.

I learned a bunch about myself and the importance of decision making. I will definitely continue making an effort at being more decisive.

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Dang, I look good in golf pants WHENEVER I thought of golfing, I usually thought of a group of little old men with funny hats and argyle socks, being really quiet and clapping when someone got the ball in a hole. Nothing very interesting and definitely something I would never want to spend the time to learn. Well, I guess that assumption was wrong.

I decided to learn how to play golf, for our “try something new week”, since I could not really think of anything new that I would be completely willing to try. I will admit, I resented the game even before I tried to learn it, probably just because it was so boring on T.V. I called my Aunt Lisa and set a day for her and I to go to her golf course. When we finally arrived, I was already in a not-so-positive state of mind, and it got much worse before it got better. Not even 10 minutes into the game I was ready for it to be over. I tried everything I could to hit the golf ball, but every time I thought I had it right, I aimed and swung, and would completely miss the ball! I’m sure I looked extremely

idiotic to others, since each time I missed I jumped up and down and/or let out a shriek. The only good that seemed to come was that Aunt Lisa was getting a good laugh out of it.

After missing the golf ball about four times, I started getting some serious pointers about my aim, and how hard I swing. Lisa showed me how to tilt the clubs and angle them, as well as which clubs to use for each par.

Luckily the game did improve after that. I started understanding the different areas of the course, and some of their terms for things.

By the end of the game, Lisa and I had a rather enjoyable time.

The concentration is fun and actually really intense. I think it’s a really good technique to have in your life. Yes, it does take a while to get used to it and understand the terms and ways of playing, but it is actually an exciting game and a great hobby to have!

So after all of my hate and discontent, I really did find out that golf is a good game after all.

I think it just looks boring on T.V because you aren’t there playing it yourself!

If anyone would like to try the experience I did, go for it. We have a golf team here at Granger High School. If you have any questions, ask the counselor and coach of the team, Mr. Platero.

THINK CALM AND RELAXING THINK calm, relaxing thoughts.

Breathe in and out slowly. Keep a straight face and relax, don’t think about it. Sound familiar? This is what people tell themselves to calm down.

For one week I have tried to keep calm and relaxed. It wasn’t entirely hard at school. Classes were the same, and activities with friends were normal. Things at home were more difficult. To stay in a relaxed state, I listened to music and meditated.

It’s helpful to have a calm, serene type of music playing such as maybe the sound of the ocean.

Also, candles and/or incense are a great way to calm your atmosphere and help you get into the relaxing mood.

The music I listened to varied.

I tried rock, techno, classical and so on. The music that calmed me down the most were classical and techno. Those styles let me not think of anything but the rhythms and beats. It was easy to not think of anything else.

Camille Waddops (11) says,

“The way I calm down is listening to rock music.” Spencor Dunn (11) also listens to music to attempt to calm down. He says he listens to screamo or techno.

Meditation is another way of calming down. During meditation, you relax all muscles and lower you’re breathing while thinking calm, relaxing thoughts.

If you don’t want to meditate, maybe you could try yoga. Just like meditation, you control your breathing. Yoga also consists of stretching your body. Unlike typically stereotyped, yoga isn’t for just women. Men can also enjoy it, too.

“It takes me a long time to calm down”, Waddops says.

On the other hand, Dunn said, “It’s impossible to be calm all the time”, “I’m never just calm,” staying calm is extremely hard!

Before blurting out harmful, rude things because you’re angry, try these steps. I discovered really helped: 1. Count to 10. This especially helps if you lose your temper.

2. Think things through. Not just from your point of view but from the other’s point of view.

3. Restrain yourself from hitting people. If you need to take anger out punch a punching bag or a pillow.

It sounds childish but it really does help.

4. Most importantly, remember no one means what they say. Everyone loses their cool once in a while.

A simple way to calm down is being like Dunn and Waddops and listening to music. Find your favorite song and listen to it.

Block out everything and focus on the lyrics or rhythm.

Finding ways to distract yourself is a relieving way to keep your mind off the things that are bothering you. It can calm you down enough to think clearly.

Relax, breath, count to ten, listen to music, meditate, distract yourself, paint, draw, or read. All of these things can help you calm down and relax.

A calm, relaxed attitude can infect others, too, altering their mood from angry to calm, relaxed and potentially happy. Be calm, not only for yourself, but for others. You will find it will make problems easier to fix and you will definitely be in a better mood.

BY: Nancy Vongsengkeo May 2009

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Page after page It’s the code

I HAD a two-week “try something new” challenge seated upon my shoulders. No, I did not attempt to only eat sugar for two weeks or take two weeks of dead silence.

Instead, I settled for reading.

I challenged myself to read three novel series within a two week period: the four novels from, the Leven Thumps series

by Obert Skye, the seven novels from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, and the four novels from the Lord of the Rings series

by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Page, after page, after page—it was definitely a hectic schedule despite my rather steady reading ability. My schedule was shaped around nearly one book a day.

However, as the two-week deadline drew near, all seemed impossible.

I did it even with the intent to fail. I finished every page of every novel in each series.

It is understandable that several individuals consider books to be overwhelmingly boring.

Nevertheless, despite this lengthy process, due to this two-week challenge I gained new insight.

May 2009

For one, this challenge has taught me to manage my schedule more efficiently.

Secondly, it has taught me that reading in poor light will damage your eyesight.

Thirdly, true growth of vocabulary words and grammar appears directly from reading.

For instance, I now may use words such as phenomenon or indubitably.

Fourth, educated by this challenge, I have learned that novels are tremendously successful stress relievers.

However, I experienced quite a few difficulties from my reading experience, For one, my brother sat playing video games in my room and I told him to leave so I could read. Long story shorthe wacked me in the face with a mirror.

It was a very stressful process struggling to jam all of these books into a two-week period.

On the other hand, this project allowed me to realize that books are more than just paper, ink, and glue; they are stories of lives

similar to our own.

Although I read only series of fiction, it exposed truths that practicality conceals.

From within novels, one can observe delicate notions without actually infringing upon into, or examine an unpredictably dangerous concept without the anxiety that it will disappoint.

A book is an entirely unique world one can evaporate them and discover total privacy but exasperation and tranquility at the same moment in time.

You may consider that I am nerd or possibly blowing the whole concept of reading out of the water. Nevertheless, if you basically select an excellent novel, or several for that matter, you may stumble upon the exact same mind-set. Stop using illegal substances or diving off cliffs— read a book!

I’VE always been told leave some things to the imagination, so why do many students come to school half naked? It shouldn’t be okay for girls to come to school in super short shorts. I come to school in the morning and see girls with shorts that are barely big enough to be underwear, and at the end of the day they are wearing the same shorts. I do not understand why teachers do not say something about every time they notice it.

Length and size of clothing sometimes aren’t even as bad as the messages and pictures that are printed onto the clothing. Students wear shirts that say unimaginably inappropriate things that teachers don’t even understand. Teachers simply cannot know the message is meant to be sexual or gang related if they don’t understand what it means.

Some say that small tank tops and shorts aren’t allowed because they are a distraction to our learning, but what about all the colors and costume like outfits that students wear? Neon leggings with colorful clothes are also distracting to our learning.

Why aren’t those students told to change?

When I wore a tank top from the locker room to dance I got asked by an administrator if I had something else to change into.

Since then I have been wondering what tricks students use to keep from being seen when they dress inappropriately because apparently I cannot do it. How do some students get away with wearing the clothing they wear?

Students go to school all day and are bound to see at least four teachers. It doesn’t make sense why the teachers do not say anything. Maybe they are intimidated by the student and just can’t say anything. Or maybe the student is stubborn and won’t listen, so the teacher simply gives up.

My opinion is that people aren’t trying to get negative attention, but are just trying to get into the latest fashions. A lot of students are getting ready for the summer so they think they should wear clothes to show that.

Personally, I think students shouldn’t be testing the chances with teachers and administrators.

Like everyone else, they should respect the school dress code and all the consequences that come along with breaking those rules.

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Granger High 2009 lunch time

Granger High School Tri-Color-Times

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Granger High School Tri-Color-Times

Lancy says Goodbye Granger “I quit!”

Do you have a problem, or just need advice? Well Lancy can’t help. You won’t get answered because she‘s gone bananas.

Thanks for reading while it lasted.

Dear Granger Nut-Cases, Y’all are crazy, yo!

You have some serious issues! I’m not sure I can help out with your problems anymore.

Judging by the content of Lancy’s locker, I suggest you get some professional help. If you have a third arm, leg, or any other body part I suggest you visit a doctor. If your 60 year old girlfriend refuses to love you, maybe you should try going for someone who is a lot closer to your age range, like 16 or 17. You have no idea how frustrating

I ENTERED this position with the intent to change the newspaper. I’m glad to say I’ve seen immense progress. What used to be a random assorment of articles is now a organized collection of facts and opinions. The class used to be students transfering in, and out, a new crew every month.

Now the reporters are writing consistantly, and they’re always in the room.

I’m happy to say we have a strongly opinioned editorial section, which gets quite a bit of at-

Copy Editors Sam Candland Sanja Tursic Chelsey Delgado Layout Design

Ivette Agulaira Megan McManama Advisor John Carlisle

it is to give wacky advice all of the time. I’m so done. By June, I’ll be out of here!

Peace! Lancy

IT HAS troubled me that people here can’t just get along. It doesn’t make any sense. We all basically like the same things, such as music and hanging out. So a little bit of trash talk gets thrown out there, who cares! It isn’t any reason to fight. I can’t wrap my brain about this! Why do some students think it is okay to hurt and abuse one another?

Could it be that we have all grown up around some all-toocommon violence in the movies and television we’re exposed to? Even when we were little toddlers we saw how the Little

Section Editors Chelsie Bolding Sam Candland Nina Malufau Louis Cordero Journalists

Mermaid almost had poor Sebastian chopped into pieces.

But even if some students had been influenced by the media, their conscious would guilt them from hitting each other’s faces, or shoving each other into lockers.

Would this mean some people possibly have no conscious or no respect for the fragile human bodies that hold us concentrated into a living person? It must be that because there is no way a person with a conscious would be able to justify punching somebody because they said some mean things about them.

Perhaps it is a combination in which the desire to be cool had

actually masked the emotions that tell you enough is enough.

Maybe I’m completely off and it isn’t lack of manners and too much television. It is probably the individuals short fuse that, when lit, blows up, starting a wildfire that burns and burns and burns…

If there was a single answer, I’m sure it would have been found and a program of some sort would have been started in schools world wide. But we all know there isn’t just one reason why kids fight, so there isn’t only one answer. I think that just a few more years will lead us to realize there are more important things in life than having false respect from your peers.

Ivette Aguilera

Lejla Becirevic Chelsie Bolding Nichole Butters Samantha Candland Louis Cordero Haylee Jensen

Commitees solve all our problems

Journalists

Nina Malufau Megan McManama Mario Palacios Whitney Perea Rosa Perez Mariah Peterson Melissa Reed Enli Reyes Mackenzie Rushton Patrick Seuili Kariann Waldman KC White Sarah White

The Tri-Color Times serves as a student forum for student opinion and student expression. The views expressed herein reflect neither the opinions of Advisor John Carlisle and Granger High School, nor those of Granite School District. The Tri-Color Times invites and publishes letters to its editorial board; all letters will be edited for taste, length and content. < Granger High School 3690 South 3600 West Valley, UT 84119 > < 801 646-5320 >

May 2009

I’ll resort to throughout my life.

Thank you Mr. Carlisle.

I encourage community to become more involved by contributing article ideas. We have assigned more than 400 articles ideas this year.

In the end we worked best when I managed, Sam edited, and Ivette designed, but it is all the reporters who make this paper such a treat.

One of the perks of being involved in this paper is I have the opportunity to send my message throughout the school, whatever it may be.

The Tri-Color Times needs to tell the stories of the diverse students of Granger High School, and I know those stories will be honored by our future reporters.

Mind your manners

Tri-Color Times Staff Editor Megan McManama

tention. I have seen the writers and and staff evolve into a team.

I know it will continue next year with Sam as the articles editor.

In particular, the entertainment section has really grown into a power house-jam packed, with sassy excitment. Reading the articles makes me laugh every month.

I want to thank my friends and family for their support in my long hours put into this paper. I want to thank Mr. Carlisle for three years of training, and dedication. He has sat patiently while I worked on the paper well past the school’s final bell. He has taught me not only about grammar, leadership, journalism, how to win a debate, and but lessons

TWO committees are being revitalized with new members for this next year.

The Morale Committee and the Fellowship Committee. They are both designed to make our school a better place.

The Fellowship Committee is meant to help the faculty feel more comfortable and welcome.

Remembering things like birthdays, deaths, illnesses, and family losses are some of the duties of the committee.

Ms. Spencer is the new chairperson of the committee.

Spencer said, “The main point is to make the faculty feel like they belong and that they are appreciated.”

The committee hopes that faculty members will feel more

like fellows and unite like a team.

The main goal of the Morale Committee is to boost attitudes and morale. Ms. Gardner, the chairperson of the committee, said, “The Morale Committee was made to increase morale, attitudes, participation, and to unify teachers.”

The group will organize activities to accomplish this goal. Something like “Wacky Wednesday” is a possibility.

Teachers would have the chance to change their everyday gear into something a bit more bizarre. These simple ideas could help relieve stress and make a more pleasant environment for everyone.

The committees have organized plans and ideas to improve our school for next year. Students and staff can embrace this change that comes with a new year. Hopefully the new members of each group can bring a new flavor to the school and help develop a better standard of schooling

Volume LI, Issue 11

Granger High School Tri-Color-Times

Summer lovin’ SO HAVE you ever thought about doing what you’re told backward?

Have you ever thought that if you did then it would be better to rebel? For the last two weeks I’ve done the opposite of what I have been told.

“Do the dishes!! Do your Laundry!!” Mrs. Peterson said.

My mother told me to do the dishes, to do my laundry I refused to do what ever she told me or didn’t do it at all. There were consequences. Since I didn’t do the dishes, my family had nothing to eat on.

Since I didn’t do my laundry I had nothing to wear the next day.

When I do something different than what I am told, I know there will be consequences good or bad.

On April 28, 2009 I went to basketball practice, my coach said, “OPEN YOUR EARS!” I thought that if I didn’t listen, I wouldn’t have to do anything except practice the way I wanted

to. That turned out different from what I expected, after practice.

I had to run 10 ladders, do 100 push ups and jump and touch the back board 50 times. I was so sore after that. It was terrible, the running and the jumping made me want to listen to my coach during practice.

Another example, has someone ever told you, “Don’t touch that.” or “Can you please leave that alone?” or even “Aren’t you listening to me?” well Madison Peterson, Chelsea Yazzie, and I went to the mall and we had a blast at this store Thanksgiving point Museum. The manager of the store had signs on certain types of sculptures and the sign said “Please do not touch”. We decided to touch it and broke it we ended up paying for it. It wasn’t very smart. Do you wonder why we do things we’re not told to?

Very strange don’t you think?

I think it’s because we want to be able to do something and not have a consequence but turns out everything does. How funny is that, everything we do has a purpose and we need to know the good and bad? Listen to my parents or don’t listen to my parents, I am not saying go home and ignore what they have to say, but just notice that everything you don’t do will come with consequences.

I like to listen to my parents and get rewarded for doing the dishes, picking up my room, setting the table, etc. but when you don’t listen to your parents you hear, “Go to your room”, “You’re grounded”, “No iPod”, and “Give me your cell phone!”

I like listening to whoever is speaking to me and tells me what to do, like my teacher, boss, officer, parents, family, etc. They know what’s better for you and you can learn what to do and what not to do. It’s just like we’re still babies and you can hear your mother saying “Don’t put that in your mouth” or “Spit that out” yes, you’ve all heard this once. Just in the past two weeks I’ve learned good and bad consequences to my actions and I think I’d rather have it hard now and learn everything I need to and have it easier when I know everything is going to be ok with my life and I’ll know how to do the exact same thing with my own life.

feat u r es 9

Sports

Cheerleaders

THE new Granger cheerleaders are finally chosen. Twenty-seven have made the cut. Surprisingly two out of 27 are male, RJ Error (11) and Scott Ho (10). The two had very different reasons to why they tried out for cheer. When Error was asked why he tried out he said, “I thought it would be fun.”

Ho said he thought it would be unique because he was a guy.

Beautiful toe touches,

team spirit and enthusiasm what the two of them say will bring to the team. Error mentioned that one of the reasons he tried out for cheer was to be on the team with friends.

Ho said, “Energy and school spirit is why I tried out.”

The new cheerleading team will be great next year.

Having two males on the team will possibly bring them to the COED division, because it will no longer be an all girls team.

This year’s cheerleaders worked really hard and they won the nationals. Who knows, the Granger cheerleading team might win again next year.

Party all No advice for you! night long MOST kids on graduation day spend time on the bed at home reminiscing on how great the year has been. How they received their diploma and celebrated with their parents. You were playing Monopoly, and watched a movie right? Then go!

Thus the “School Breakout Party” was created by the PTA for students to hang out with friends on graduation day. The other purpose is to keep kids off the streets so they can avoid accidents.

“The School Breakout last year was super fun and there were a lot of activities too,” said Kat Kalmar (11). The party starts at 11 pm to 3 am and the lock in starts from there.

“They’ll let you out if your parents come and pick you

May 2009

up or when the party ends,” said Leah Johnson (12).

Jordan Johnson (11) said, “I didn’t know that it was a lock in.” So be warned that you cannot escape unless you have permission.

Rachel Higginson (12) who went last year said, “It’s so so fun and there are many activities to do like rock climbing, water slides, free caricatures, and Guitar Hero.” When asked about the feeling of being locked in she says “I didn’t really care, I was with my friends and was having fun.”

Joe Fatani (12) said, “I’m going this year and I can’t wait to stay up the whole night and try out all the activities.”

If you don’t know what to do on graduation day except play Monopoly with your parents, come over and join the wild side, wild on the safe side.

ON THURSDAY, April 16, the Leadership Committee of Granger High had a meeting discussing the possible advisory plans for the next year. The plans--referred to throughout the meeting as “Gene’s Model”--explained the idea of having an advisory period four days a week. The students would get to choose the type of advisory course they would like to attend, ranging from hardcore academic classes to classes like athletics, business, or art.

At the teacher meeting the day before, this plan was presented to all of the teachers, preceding a unanimous vote to decide on whether or not these plans should be put into action. A majority of 67% of teachers voted yes, but it was not enough to meet the required 80% needed to put them into action.

“We took one in the chin.

It doesn’t mean we’re out, it doesn’t mean we’re down,” said Principal Cox, looking to keep the committee’s hopes up. The reason he liked the model was because it met the “three R’s” he was looking for: Relevancy, rigor, and relationships.

Cox explained the two main concerns teachers voting against the plans posed: Four days might be too long and the student’s seriousness towards this program.

Ms. Robinson took an unscientific poll in her classes, explaining the ideas to her students. She said her students reacted positively towards the ideas. “They’re definitely interested in it.”

Some of the teachers who talked to members of the committee said they would vote yes if they could revote after a few concerns had been cleared up on a one-on-one basis. Ms. Harrison asked several questions to clear up some issues she was had with voting, “I was unclear as to what we were even voting on.”

Other teachers who voted no talked within their departments, getting mixed emotions throughout the faculty. Mr. Van Kurren said a couple of people in his department would vote yes instead of no if given the chance again.

On the other hand, those residing in Ms. Atkin’s department said they were glad it didn’t pass.

Atkin believes some of the teachers just want advisory gone.

She said, “This was a vote to see if we wanted to work harder and get paid nothing more.

By the end of that meeting, the faculty had come to the conclusion

of going back and talking to their departments about what they had discussed as a committee. They decided to meet up again on April 23 to review the opinions and information they gathered.

On April 23, they met as planned. A member from each department explained the idea their coworkers had decided upon. Though no members from several departments attended the meeting, other faculty members still properly and efficiently expressed their absent colleague’s opinions.

Beginning alphabetically with the art department representative, each teacher seemingly conveyed similar dislikes and interests with the plan. Teachers from the athletics department were concerned with four days a week being too much. The English department agreed, with Ms. Bird saying, “Four days a week is a big bite.”

Another topic in the dislike category many teachers consistently referred to was the failing Annual Yearly Progress, or AYP. Granger High is continuously not making enough progress in reaching higher test scores and grades in its math and reading academics. Not only was

continued on pg. 10 Advice

Volume LI, Issue 11

10 Feat u r es

Granger High School Tri-Color-Times

Fun= library card

HAVE you ever wondered what our fellow peers here at Granger read in their spare time? Well, there is more of a variety in book choice with teens today than most could think of.

Modern novels are being written with a more abstract and dramatic approach to the romantic and tragic ideas, while classic novels like “The Great Gatsby” or “To Kill A Mockingbird” are dripping with the lifestyles, languages, and cultures of our past. There are so many different books people get engulfed with it all.

Reading and literature has been an enormous part of our societies for hundreds of years. Noticeable changes have created a more intense way of telling the story in a way that catches the reader’s attention with details and words that can help us create a better look at what the author is saying.

All of us have our own preferences, kind of like food. Some of us may like a certain food, and others do not find it

tasteful at all. That is definitely one thing that is wonderful about the books we have today. If someone does not like long novels, and really likes pictures, then they can go for a comic book.

There is such a variety today that it would almost be impossible to never find a book that suited our interest. And if we were not able to, we have the knowledge to write our own.

After a while of wandering Granger’s halls and classrooms, I noticed a few books that are becoming more popular amongst young adults, such as: “Harry Potter (1-7)”, “His Dark Materials (1-3)”, “Twilight (14)”, and “Speak”. Most of these books have a fantasy/Sci-Fi kind of setting and theme to them. This style is becoming very common amongst this era of writing.

There are many books out there that you will find interesting.

Even though reading may seem nerdy or boring, more people than you think go home and sink right into their favorite book.

If vampires and a teenage wizard are not exactly what you would find interesting, then go to a local book, or even comic book store. Browse around. You never know what unique and interesting places your imagination can go to when reading an awesome book.

Teachers letting kids out early

BEFORE class gets out Granger has students in the hall. Students have teachers in this school that just let them out. A lot of kids say that their teachers don’t care whether they leave early or not. Kids say that some teachers seem eager to get them out early so they just let them go.

Students say that some teachers don’t even pay attention to the door so kids can go in and out them whenever they want.

Michael Darling says that most kids leave because teachers are boring.

Darling says that his cool teachers are; Vk, Paur, and Dimas. Darling says that most teachers are boring, so kids sneak out.

Advice

it another concern of the English department, those residing in the math department were uneasy about it, also.

Some pros the faculty saw as a whole was the extra time to put into grades, taking less time out of regular classes for assemblies, and using the advisory as a study hall for students who need the extra help.

One compromise almost the entire faculty decided upon was that there did, in fact, need to be a compromise. Many members of the faculty are concerned Granger is and will become the next Granite High School. Fuller believes it could be because “we’re getting too many messages from too many places saying we’re not doing a good enough job.”

These messages apply to the student body, as well. Judy Petersen, a former Granger counselor, is very concerned with the negativity directed at the students. “How many times do kids want to hear their failures before they give up?”

Something made clear by the entire faculty is if they don’t want a government-ran school, Granger High School, including advisory, needs a serious change. Instead of just dropping these possible ideas all together, along with trying to respect the faculty’s vote, it has been decided advisory will not be a part of the first semester of the 2009-2010 school year. It will only be reinstated once the faculty has come to a holistic negotiation.

They are hoping to reach such a middle ground by the beginning of next year’s second semester.

May 2009

Yearbook stomp!

Why wait? Get your yearbook early!

June 3rd 6:30pm-9pm $3 with student ID $5 without student ID Located at the track! aka the jousting field We’ll see you there!

Bring a friend! Get your yearbook signed

I asked, “How do you guys get always with leaving class early.”

Students say, “When teachers are distracted, they leave early by just simply walking out.” Other students say, teachers don’t care, or pay attention to who comes in or out, so they can go without even being noticed.

If you look at it carefully, it goes both ways. Students that leave early make it a choice to do

Don’t let senioritis get you down IT’S May, and there are only a few more days ‘til the long awaited June. June, where school ends and summer begins. You mustn’t forget we are still in school and there are still things to finish. Here are ten items or ideas to do before school is officially out for summer: 1. Don’t sluff class or get “senioritis”. You still will be marked absent. An unexcused absence can still harm your citizenship.

the bad thing and leave early, then again teachers who really care; if they do care would enforce a strict rule and pay more attention to the door.

Kids now days are smart and they come up with plans to get out of class. I asked one student how he gets away with sneaking out, he said, “I get my friends to distract the teacher so that I can just walk out, without the teacher noticing.”

I would consider that smart, in a sad and very dumb way. Students don’t follow up on this idea; it’s the wrong way to go. The only kids in the school that have an excuse to leave early are the GTI kids.

The majority of students that leave early with the GTI students don’t even have GTI. It just gives them an excuse to get out 20 to 25 minutes early, way before class even ends or gets out. One kid says that when it gets to a point where they can’t stand the teachers, they fake being sick to get a note to get out.

Our school needs a system that will help kids stay in class until the bell rings. It’s not completely a bad thing if the students are out about 5 minutes before just for lunch or at the end of the day.

The fact that there are kids out in the halls after every class period is a real problem. One little problem could turn into a really big mistake.

Teachers who don’t pay attention to those who come in and out could be a problem. It starts from some kids hanging out in the halls early to the majority of the school trying to leave class early. Our school needs a system that will actually work.

Maybe every teacher should start taking 2nd roll call every day 5 minutes before class gets out tracking on students.

2. Hand in missing work. It will help your final grade for the quarter.

3. Make up tests. They will also make your grade more satisfactory.

4. Pay fees. Library fees, class fees, book fees. They don’t just go away. If you’re a senior, you cannot walk until you pay your fees.

5. Return books. If you don’t you will face a fine.

6. Clean out your lockers, Gym and hall. If your stuff is left in the lockers they will either be donated or thrown away.

7. Don’t be late to class. You are still able to receive tickets.

8. Don’t get into fights. You will still be suspended or some other type of punishment.

9. Dress appropriately. The weather is warmer and people wear less clothing.

You still need to be covered up. It is the end of the year, but teachers are still looking for inappropriate dressing.

10. Cell phones need to be out of sight. They will still be taken away. Your parent or guardian will have to come get it whether it is the end of the year or not.

Consider these things, check them off your list, and remind others. Once it’s all done you can have an amazing summer!

Volume LI, Issue 11

Granger High School Tri-Color-Times

Gaming vocabulary connection to a game.

Noob – Somebody new at a game that has no skill.

E n t e rta in me n t 1 1 Wh at is Gr a n ge r liste nin g to...

Reyes “Shorty is a Ten” – The Dream

Pwn – It means to own you.

IMAGINE you’re walking in the halls on the first day of school.

You accidentally trip in front of a huge group of people, spilling your books across the floor. In that crowd of people you hear somebody shout, “Noob!” while the rest of them giggle. You’re probably wondering what in the world does that mean?

It’s a term that gamers use when they play games online such as Halo 3 or World of Warcraft.

Gamers tend to use acronyms or sometimes create entirely new words to express people, items, or even insults.

A lot of these words created by gamers are used outside of the electronic world in reality. Here are several words that gamers might use or you might have heard:

Frags - A kill.

Ping

-

To

test

your

Camping - Waiting in a particular spot for players to come to you

FPS shooters.

First

person

Pixels - How good your TV is.

LAN - Local area network used to play games on a system link.

System link - Connects two or more systems to play a multiplayer game.

Router - A box that’s used to split an internet connection up to four or more ports.

Ashlynn Johnson “Slow Dance” – Framing Haley Abigile

Mikey Pedro “They Like me” – Shop Boys

Destin Mulder “Heart Shaped Glasses” – Marilyn Manson Melanie Sessions “I Don’t Care” –

Fall Out Boy Gene McCoy “Don’t Trust Me” – 3OH!3

Artisha Denet “Gangster” – Winsin y Yandel

Maddie & Maranda Moore “Five Minutes to Midnight” – Boys Like Girls

The final part of a short story by Jessica Knight

May 2009

at the ball.

I wish I could say he missed; however, Sir Jelly Bean was caught within the action and was forcefully flung across the gymnasium.

Sir Jelly Bean startlingly hit the brick wall with immense speed.

His body snapped effortlessly in two.

Whitney Williamson “Take a Picture” – Filter

Written by Kariann Waldman

The Adventures of Sir Jelly Bean

Within the time a Mustang can reach the speed of 60 miles per hour, Sir Jelly Bean had sliced a jelly bean sized hole from within the plastic egg and disappeared from sight.

Sir Jelly Bean raced across the gymnasium floor. He understood that time was precious and before long, his family would be eaten alive.

Considering the strange reoccurring weather, half of the gymnasium was covered in P.E. kids playing a violent game of soccer.

Sir Jelly Bean took notice of the danger ahead but had no fear.

He pushed onward between the stampede of threatening tennis shoes, dodging left and right.

He smiled in relief, for nearly conquering the athletic battle field; the gymnasium doors stood just seconds away.

A worn out twelfth grader by the name of Tyler Moore jogged back and forth. He had not scored a goal since, well, since he had ever been born. The game was now tied and the soccer ball rolled towards him, gliding into his shoe.

He quickly glanced to the left and to the right of him, well aware of the deafening pressure and suddenly found himself kicking

Spencer Fairclough “Pay to Play” Nirvana

He let out a slight whimper.

Sir Jelly Bean was done. He knew this was the end of his journey but still wished for some sort of miracle.

Suddenly, a broken toothpick rolled across the floor towards him. A burst of inspiration filled his tiny mind and he swiftly stuck the two pieces of his body back

together.

Sir Jelly Bean glided under the gymnasium door quite speedily considering he was now held together by only a toothpick.

He glanced down the hallway searching for the large green bag of jelly beans. It was simply a miracle! Harry was standing just feet away from Sir Jelly Bean distributing a large bag of jelly beans to Katie Rubio, his sworn enemy.

His eyebrows rose in anger and his sword was brandished in hatred.

Disregarding the pain crippling his body, he rushed across the hallway towards Katie Rubio.

Sir Jelly Bean never believed in such a thing as an adrenaline rush, however, miraculously he plunged onto Katie and scaled her pant leg in less than three seconds.

He then leapt onto her hand and jabbed his sword into her knuckle.

In shock and fear, she rapidly dropped the large bag of green jelly beans and it plummeted to the floor.

The jelly beans scattered ubiquitously.

Sir Jelly Bean had saved his family.

I am depressed to state that this story did not end here.

As all the jelly beans, including Sir Jelly Bean, joined a request for a family hug, the Granger High School janitor swept them into a dustpan and continued to clean the school.

Interested in

journalism?

Your article could be here!

All traditions are being lost thanks do new technology this will be the first of many years to come were ask yearbooks will ONLY be viewable via pdf (portable Documents format) for those of you who are unclear of what that is. Let me sum that up for you ,pdf files are viewable and printable on virtually any platform however that program used to view the files charges 35 dollars for the first viewing of five years. After that your membership expirers and you must pay 25 dollars a year for all access. Do you remember yearbook signing will be Myspace style with a few minor differences such as ; only one font will be available and only one All traditions are being

lost thanks do new technology this will be the first of many years to come were ask yearbooks will ONLY be viewable via pdf (portable Documents format) for those of you who are unclear of what that is. Let me sum that up for you ,pdf files are viewable and printable on virtually any platform however that program used to view the files charges 35 dollars for the first viewing of five years. After that your membership expirers and you must pay 25 dollars a year for all access. Do you remember yearbook signing will be Myspace style with a few minor dif you who are unclear of what that is. Let me sum that up for you ,pdf files are viewable and printable on virtually any platform however that program used to view the files charges 35 dollars for the first viewing

See Mr. Carlisle in room 216, Sign up for Journalism Volume LI, Issue 11

12E n t e rta in me n t Guess who’s comin’ to town Upcoming events in West Valley City May 29 – Basshunter – A Pajama Jam @ The Great Saltair May 29 – X96 Big Ass Show @ USANA June 4 – Relient K @ Murray Theatre June 5-7 – Utah Pride! @ 450 S 200 E June 5-7 – Evolution/Heaven on Earth Festival @ Wind Walker Guest Ranch June 12 – Get Funky W/Paul Van Dyk @ The Great Saltair June 14 – Sounds of the Summer @ Liberty Park June 26 – Infected Mushroom @ The Great Saltair

Granger High School Tri-Color-Times

Yep-thats what I heard

Do you hear weird things in the hall? I hear them all the time. So with that for motivation, I started recording the strange things I heard. I now cruise the halls, quietly eavesdropping on many conversations, collecting the most random comments here for your enjoyment. crime.

Don’t be a ding dong eating cookies the entire time.

I love when you get excited.

Do I work there? I don’t Give it to him give it to him, work there.

When you drink alcohol stop smiling. you become stupid.

What’s the problem with He is going to breathe fire at women?

Then they ate the rabbit you. and they grew hair on Are you trying to say we’re their toes!

You have a different teaching more emotional? class.

Are you sassing me?

I have eating disorders.

You got a problem with people who had a baby?

What is anorexia?

We’re winging it today.

I can’t have a sub teach schizophrenia.

Global warming is a myth.

You’re

my

partners

in

June 27-29 – Summer Festival of Arts @ Liberty Park

July 13 – Haste the Day Scream the Prayer Tour 2009 @ The Great Saltair July 16 – Incubus @ USANA

Adrian Zavala (11) Birthday is June 6 th 1992

August 3 – Crue Fest 2009 @ USANA

May 2009

You’re making me selfconscious.

I got worked up by so many guys over those dating years.

Gemini May 21 – June 21 With the weather changing you are looking forward to getting out more, but do what you need to do first. Do not blow off your responsibilities.

I chewed threw my glow stick and my mouth started glowing.

Senior Breakout

It’s Your Time. . . Class of 2009!

Friday, June 5th 11:00pm-3:00am @ West Valley Fitness Center

$10.00 in advance $15.00 at the door There will be swimming, volleyball, basketball, character portraits, a live DJ along with prizes and a goody bag for PTA members.

Horoscopes Libra September 23 – October 22 Your creativity shines bright, but sometimes you hide it.

Leo July 23 – August 22 Your temper needs to be controlled. Try playing a sport where you can take out your anger in a positive way.

Let it show.

Scorpio October 23 – November 21 Your frustrations with other people are stressing you out.

If the people around you want to be idiots, do not let it get to you.

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Being alone is not an option; make plans to do a fun group activity.

Virgo August 23 – September 22 Your work is beginning to pile up. Cut playtime short and take care of your responsibilities.

Capricorn December 22 – January 19 You are a trendsetter! Do not be annoyed by your followers, it is just their way of showing you their admiration.

Cancer June 22 – July 22 It is a good thing that you are friendly, but do not let people take advantage of your friendliness.

August 8 – Vans Warped Tour @ Utah State Fair Park August 26 – Nickleback W/Hinder, Papa Roach & Saving Abel @ USANA

You’re a woman so you’re an expert now?

He was in the fetal position and couldn’t take it.

June 28 – MeWithoutYou W/The Dear Hunter, Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground @ The Avalon July 2 – Nightmare of You @ Murray Theatre

You’re the reason I cut myself.

Aquarius January 20 – February 18 You are frustrated because people are not giving you what you want. You need to tell them what it is you want and communicate better with the people around you.

Pisces February 19 – March 20 It is time for an intervention.

If you are worried about a persons’ odd behavior recently, talk to them about it.

Taurus April 20 – May 20 Stay away from negative people. Try to have a positive energy around you; it will be easier to deal with problems that way.

Aries March 21 – April 19 Focus on the important things. Do not stray from what matters most.

Volume LI, Issue 11