Welcome to the “Officers’ Club” Students, faculty adjust to trailer classrooms Abigail Bessler, ‘13
Features Editor
On the first day of school, many students found themselves grappling with umbrellas on their way to class. They walked out the back doors, into the rain, down the stairs and into the latest addition to the school: trailers. Last year, many teachers had to share rooms and hallways were crowded. Even with reminders to use side staircases, the
trailers. Last year, Ms. Erkenbrack had to move rooms to teach different classes. “It sounded great to be stationary and in my own place,” she said. Some students are having a hard time adjusting to the new initiative. Senior Meredith Randle has two classes in the trailers—English and Generals’ Period. Randle was a strong opponent of the idea at first, but has since reconsidered. “My initial reaction to the addition of
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D I S IS N : H I T E U S IS
to have a 139.4% overcapacity, compared to Yorktown’s 114.8% and Wakefield’s 91.8%. The maximum class size as stated by Arlington Public Schools is 29 students, and this year the school has already been exceeding that barrier. This comes just three years after the school was completely rebuilt. Assistant Principal Mr. Paul Jamelske
Discover grade-specific tips on how, and how to not, conduct yourself for success this year and read reviews of books that might be assigned in your English class this year. Pages Two and Three
The teachers who teach in them have started referring to the trailers as the “Officer’s Club.” They are a temporary solution to the overcrowding, and school officials are unsure what will happen when enrollment numbers continue to rise.
main staircase continued to be brimming with students pushing and shoving to get to class on time. These problems led the administration to apply to add the trailers, which are now located in the Arlington Education Center parking lot behind the school. Arlington Public Schools agreed to the plan and in mid-summer, the relocatable unit was moved in, consisting of one large trailer with four inner classrooms. Ms. Kristina Erkenbrack, an English teacher, was one of the four teachers who volunteered to move their classes into the
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PHOTOS BY MANBIR NAHAL
Four teachers have chosen to have trailer classrooms this year. Because of their newness, the interior is so far undecorated and white.
the trailers was absolute outrage,” Randle said. “However, after having a few classes there, I think the trailers were a decent investment. While it is sometimes a pain to walk from the main building, I’m sure it would be worse if we were all crammed in there together.” Although the administration believes that the trailers will help with overcrowding this year, the real issue is whether or not the trailers will be an effective long-term solution. This year, the school is at 109.2% capacity. In 2016, the school is projected
Summer news highlights
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Hurricane Irene, which was a Category 3 storm when it formed in the Atlantic, hits Washington, D.C. as a tropical storm. Peak wind gust reached 60 miles per hour at Reagan National Airport and millions were left without power along the East Coast.
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NASA announced that its Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured photographs that contain evidence of In Sweden, the world’s first artificial organ their being water on Mars during warm transplant was attempted on June 9, and was Norway fell victim to twin terrorist seasons. deemed successful today. The patient was a 36 attacks in the government center in year old man with tracheal cancer, and he received Oslo and at a political youth camp in COMPIlED BY ISABEL LAROCCA, ‘14 an artificial windpipe coated in stem cells. Utoya. 76 people were killed. AND EMILY WALKER, ‘12
Editor-in-Chief: Emily Walker, ‘12 Managing Editor: Noah Pilchen, ‘12 News Editor: Isabel Larocca, ‘14 Features Editor: Abigail Bessler, ‘13 Sports Editor: Matthew Hirsch, ‘12 Opinion Editor: Andrew Dudka, ‘12 Special Section Editor: Paige Taylor, ‘12 Online Editor: Emily Cook, ‘12 Business Manager: Manbir Nahal, ‘14 Advisor: Ms. Kira Jordan
188 days
Senior
The United Nations declared that there was a famine in Somalia, the first famine in over 30 years.
B r i t i s h singer Amy Winehouse, famous for her single Rehab, was found dead in her London h o m e . Results of an autopsy were inconclusive. She was 27.
Following the shooting of 29-year-old Mark Duggan, a peaceful march in Tottenham, protesting the police action that caused Duggan’s death, turned into a riot which quickly spread to the rest of London. Looting and arson attacks characterized the rioting, and it was reported that rioters used their BlackBerry messaging systems to plan where they would meet.
2011-2012 Crossed Sabres Editorial Staff
Countdown
South Sudan declared its independence from Sudan, after 98% of voters voted in favor of secession in a January 2011 referendum. The split was followed by the new country being admitted to the United Nations on July 14, and came about because the Sudanese government was run by the Arabic-Islamic north, with little regard to those living in the African non-Islamic south.
A U G U S T
says a planning team will be taking a look at possible additions to the school building if trailers are not enough. “Trend lines tend to go up and down, so the team wants to make sure that the growth is long-term,” he said. For now, though, students will keep trekking to the trailers for class. Randle said class in the trailers has one definite perk. “The carpeting in the trailers is totally worth the extra minute and a half it takes to get there,” she joked. “It makes me feel cozy, and I learn best when I’m comfortable.”
Meet athletes from four fall sports and check out our top five recommendations on places to chat, sites to study from and more. Back Page
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September 15, 2011
FEATURE
Crossed Sabres
Crossed Sabres
FEATURE
September 15, 2011
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The DOs and DON’Ts of Washington-Lee Dear Freshmen, Welcome to your home for the next four years! While you are here, please...
Dear Sophomores, We are glad you came back for Round 2! Same rules as last year, but also...
Dear Juniors, Welcome to the realm of upperclassmen! You are not seniors yet, but you are almost there! Please keep in mind to...
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DON’T block
the hallways and stairwells, unless you want to anger other freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and faculty. Pretend that you are blood cells infected with hemophilia (ask your biology teacher about it).
DO
work hard in all of your classes. Nothing is more embarrassing than not dressing out in P.E. and getting a B as a result of it. It is much easier to maintain a good GPA than bring up a low one.
DO run for class officer and student council positions. In
previous years, freshmen candidates have all run unopposed because no one wants to take charge.
DON’T
forget that even though you were the top dogs in middle school last year, you are no longer the oldest people in the school. It is in your best interest to not annoy any upperclassmen.
DO get your driving permit as soon as you can. You will have more free time to get it this year than in the next two years. Plus, you do not want to be the person who has to mooch rides off of everyone.
DO sign up for classes that
interest you for junior year. With P.E. out of the way, you will have an extra period. Use it for a class that you want to take, not one that you think colleges will like.
DO continue to join new clubs, sports
and other activities. The earlier you join these, the higher chance you have to get leadership roles in future years. Similarly, colleges like to see that you have stuck with activities for a while.
DON’T freak out when you get your first piece of college mail. You do not
need to apply to schools this year, or even pick schools. Look through the mail though to see if any schools catch your interest and save those letters for next year.
DON’T freak
out. We understand that many people think junior year is the hardest year of high school (which is probably true), but you will get through it. It may take some all-nighters, but you have to power through those.
DON’T park in the senior lot. Although it
may be tempting to, pull it together and park in the junior lot. A 5-minute walk in the rain is better than a $50 parking ticket and 50 seniors giving you the stink eye.
DO
befriend your teachers. If you anger them this year, you may have some difficulties when trying to get teacher recommendations next year.
DO put SAT and ACT test dates on your calendar. Similarly, investigate which of the tests will fit you best. Do not assume that because your friends are taking the SATs, you have to take them as well. Talk to your counselors and take practice tests.
Dear Seniors, Put down your Common Application and just chill for 5 minutes. This is your last year of high school, so...
DO have fun! You have made it this far; enjoy your seniority and the final nine
months of high school. Embrace your newest privileges of going off campus for lunch and leaving for senior experience. Soak up your last months of free education.
DON’T haze the underclassmen. Remember that you were once
their height. You may get frustrated that they have better lockers, but that does not give you the right to stick them in them.
DO, if you still have the same one from 4th grade, make a new e-mail address. It may
will see your grades. Just because you are a senior does not mean you are done with school.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (tribal rituals + yams) * missionaries Sophomores Grade: C+
Lord of the Flies by William Golding (desert island + British school boys) ÷ (a conch shell + a pig’s head) Freshmen Grade: A
to do, but never did. Audition for the school play, tryout for tennis or join Model UN!
DO focus and work hard. Senioritis is contagious, but the schools you apply to
sound surprising, but baby_angelx69@hotmail.com does not sound very professional. We suggest doing this before you fill out your college application.
’ s l a r e n e G e h T Book Club
DO try new things. You have one last year to try all of the things that you wanted
The Stranger by Albert Camus (Crime and Punishment – Russia – an axe) + the beach + a gun Juniors Grade: BMacbeth by William Shakespeare kilts + daggers + imaginary stains + (tomorrow3) Seniors Grade: A+
1984 by George Orwell London – freewill – emotions + propaganda + rats Sophomores Grade: A+
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (teenage love + poison + a dagger) ÷ a family feud + iambic pentameter Freshmen Grade: C+
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (Easy A – teenagers) + Puritan Boston Juniors Grade: A-
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (Prometheus – Greek) + French + yellow skin Seniors Grade: A
COMPILED BY NOAH PILCHEN, ‘12
BACK PAGE
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Crossed Sabres
TOP
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Mountain Club
Sponsors: Mr. Richard Avondet and Mr. Robert Summers Club President: Thomas Fontaine Quote from Fontaine: “Mountain Club creates a rocksolid bond between people, friendship and nature.” Highlight from last year: Winter overnight backpacking trip
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Investing Club
Sponsor: Ms. Leah Young Club President: Charlie Argon Club Summary: Members have an online game set up so they can trade stocks without risking actual money. Looking forward this year: Possible spring field trip to Wall Street
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ACE Design Team
Contact: Mr. Richard Avondet and Ms. Jessica Baith Club Summary: The team learns about aspects of architecture, construction and engineering. Highlight from last year: Designed a retirement village for veterans and won second place in their category at the national contest
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Astronomy Club
Sponsor: Ms. Stephanie Magin Overview: The astronomy club holds meetings at the Arlington County Planetarium. The club also assists with fundraising events for the planetarium. Highlight from last year: A retired astronomer visited the astronomy club
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Dumbledore’s Army
Places to chat
(besides the main staircase) Kirby Miller, ‘13
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The back staircases
Lifestyles Editor
Seeing as how much people love talking on the main staircase, most people would think the back staircases would be just as popular, but they are not. So a word to the wise, if you are talking on the main staircase, stop, and switch to the back staircases. They are much less crowded and go to all the same floors as the main staircase.
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The side hallways
They are practically empty between classes and there are two on each floor. Lucky you.
September 15, 2011
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Walking through the hallways
I know what almost every veteran student is thinking. “What? Actually walk to my class before the bell rings?” It does sound crazy, but try it sometime. Not only will you be out of the way, but you will actually get to class on time for once.
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The fourth floor main hallway
The main hallway is a great place to talk, just not on the second or third floor. Please remember, people do actually have to walk through the hallway.
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The end of the hallway
Every floor has an end, and it is a perfect place to talk. It is right by a staircase, making it easy for you to run to your class after the bell rings. Also, it is out of everyone else’s way.
Websites to check out
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Paige Taylor, ‘12
Sparknotes
Special Sections Editor
mary on a topic you know little about, or just need a refresher on a subject, this website can prove very helpful. Using this website as a source for an essay, however, is not recommended as the information may not be entirely accurate. www.wikipedia.com
Procrastinators, pay attention. This website will be your lifeline in almost any English class you take during high school. Sparknotes offers general summaries of novels, as well as brief character analyses, themes and plots. The quizzes at the end of each section are great for testing your memory of the smaller details in the novel. www.sparknotes.com
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The Khan Academy offers great step-by-step instruction of math and science concepts. The videos are comprehensive and very easy to follow along with. The instructor carefully explains what he is doing for each concept. The topics covered range from factoring math equations to calculating the frequency of a wave. www.khanacademy.org
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Khan Academy
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Wikipedia
Although Wikipedia tends to get a bad reputation from teachers, if you are looking for a quick sum-
Q&A’s with the school’s top fall athletes
Sponsor: Ms. Nora Kelley Overview: Dumbledore’s Army is a club devoted to all things Harry Potter. The club watches the Harry Potter movies and tries out Harry Potter related activities. Highlight from last year: Held a Horcrux scavenger hunt, Has using clues to find different hidden items hidden through played golf out the school for a little over a year.
Shane McNamara, Golf team Q: Why do you like golf? A: I enjoy golf because I am able to compete individually without being dependent on anyone else. I am able to clearly see improvement in my Has game because my score reflects my performance. played field In a team sport like soccer, stats that reflect an hockey for two individual’s performance are hard to years. Sarah Bauman, Field Hockey Team come by. Q: In how many years will you be better Q: Do you have any unique pre-game rituals? than a young Tiger Woods? A: Before every game I listen to my pump-up A: Without a doubt, in 3 years I will playlist on my Ipod. It’s embarrassing but I defeat Tiger Woods at Augusta. love Justin Bieber! Q: Taylor Swift or Kanye West? Q: Ideal meal the night A: Taylor before a game? Q: On a scale of 1-10 how much swag A: Definitely pasta. do you think you have? Q: How do you motivate A: I strive for excellence in all facets of your teammates not my life and in regards to swag I’m only on the field but off? right around a 9. No one is perfect. A: As one of the youngest Q: If you were Barry Sanders would you girls on the team I just have retired or have stayed in the try to work hard at pracgame? tice and stay focused at A: If I was Barry Sanders I too would all times. have retired. He followed what his Q: Do you have any hidden talents? heart told him, football was no longer A: No, I can’t even whistle! as enjoyable as it had previously Q: Who’s your favorite professional athlete? been. A: Hope Solo.
Compiled by Emily Cook and Matthew Hirch PHOTOS BY MANBIR NAHAL
Questia
Questia is an online database of academic books and articles. This is incredibly useful for any research paper you may be assigned because it keeps you organized and all the books you need are right in front of you. Another helpful feature is the work cited page you can create online. www.questiaschool. com
History Resource Center
This website offers a wide range of reference books, history journals, primary sources, images and maps from before colonial times up to the present. ic.galegroup.com/ic/uhic For access to the History Resource Center or Questia, see the library staff. Has played W-L football for Sam Appel, Football Team two years. Q: Do you have any unique pre-game rituals? A: I don’t know if it’s a ritual but I can’t sit down before I play! I’m not sure if that’s due to nerves or just excitement. Q: Ideal meal the night before a game? A: Anything high in protein. Q: How do you motivate your teammates not only on the field but off? A: I get along with them so they want to play with someone they’re cool with. Q: Do you have any hidden talents? A: I know a lot about music! Q: Who’s your favorite professional athlete? A: Kellen Moore, but he’s not technically professional. Has played volleyDevon Brown, Volleyball team ball for three years. Q: Why do you like volleyball? A: Volleyball is such a fast-paced and fun sport to both watch and play. Nothing feels better than getting a kill or scoring with a stuff block. Q: Do you have a favorite volleyball player? A: I don’t really have a favorite, but if I had to choose I would have to say Erica Denney who plays for Penn State. She’s 6’5 and is an amazing middle blocker and hitter. Q: If you could choose three adjectives to describe yourself, what would they be? A: Friendly, outgoing, and tall Q: On a scale of 1-10, how much swag do you have? A: I am probably a 5. Q: What are your expectations for the volley ball team this season? A: This year we hope to have a solid winning record and eventually move on to region als.