by Lauren Mulkern
One thing that I have been looking forward to during junior year is being able to drive to school. I would no longer have to drag my sport team bags into school. Also, I would not have to wait until the late bus comes in between sport seasons for when I stay after. Another advantage of being able to drive is that I would be able to drive myself home after my sport practices.
However, none of this matters. Although I will be a junior next year, I will not be able to drive to school because of the amount of incoming seniors. I am quite upset by this. The juniors were able to drive this year along with the seniors. Unfortunately, they will be preventing me from driving to school.
I understand why our school does not have more parking but it upsets me because I will not be able to drive to school.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
History MCAS Blog
by Katie Jochems
On March 29 the junior class had to take a pilot MCAS US History exam. I, for one, thought it was a complete waste of a day. I took the AP US History exam a few weeks ago, and I had to endure a few hours of random, and sometimes embarrassingly easy questions by the state of Massachusetts just because they wanted to see how well we would do. Massachusetts, if you are listening please do one thing for me, go back to the times when only the fourth, eighth, and tenth grades took MCAS; Where it was only the core subjects and not things like US history, biology, and chemistry.
The only reason I slightly tried to do well is because Mrs. Lynch, whom I greatly respect, asked us to, not only for her, but for the entire history department. More than half of the students in my classroom finished far before the half way time was called, wasting most everyone’s time. I could have definitely used those three periods to help prepare for my finals in those classes. Instead I was stuck in a classroom with nineteen other kids who couldn’t care less about the silly MCAS US History test. Thanks for making me spend one of my last eight days of school doing something that will never count.
On March 29 the junior class had to take a pilot MCAS US History exam. I, for one, thought it was a complete waste of a day. I took the AP US History exam a few weeks ago, and I had to endure a few hours of random, and sometimes embarrassingly easy questions by the state of Massachusetts just because they wanted to see how well we would do. Massachusetts, if you are listening please do one thing for me, go back to the times when only the fourth, eighth, and tenth grades took MCAS; Where it was only the core subjects and not things like US history, biology, and chemistry.
The only reason I slightly tried to do well is because Mrs. Lynch, whom I greatly respect, asked us to, not only for her, but for the entire history department. More than half of the students in my classroom finished far before the half way time was called, wasting most everyone’s time. I could have definitely used those three periods to help prepare for my finals in those classes. Instead I was stuck in a classroom with nineteen other kids who couldn’t care less about the silly MCAS US History test. Thanks for making me spend one of my last eight days of school doing something that will never count.
Darfur
by Ryan Hennigan
Immediately following Christmas Vacation, Ms. Sauders, an English teacher, came up with an idea. She was aware of the violent on goings in Darfur and proposed to her period 3 class to help make a change after she educated her students on the issue. The students made posters and took direct action to attempt to make a positive change.
Many months later President Bush has finally taken action on the issue. He spoke of the issue and made a promise.
"I promise this to the people of Darfur: the United States will not avert our eyes from a crisis that challenges the conscience of the world," the president said.
He followed this up with fact.
"The world has a responsibility to put an end to it," Bush said.
Proposals have been made and they will be decided upon at a latter date. But one thing that is for sure is that the U.S. will no longer let the genocide that is taking place in Darfur continue.
Immediately following Christmas Vacation, Ms. Sauders, an English teacher, came up with an idea. She was aware of the violent on goings in Darfur and proposed to her period 3 class to help make a change after she educated her students on the issue. The students made posters and took direct action to attempt to make a positive change.
Many months later President Bush has finally taken action on the issue. He spoke of the issue and made a promise.
"I promise this to the people of Darfur: the United States will not avert our eyes from a crisis that challenges the conscience of the world," the president said.
He followed this up with fact.
"The world has a responsibility to put an end to it," Bush said.
Proposals have been made and they will be decided upon at a latter date. But one thing that is for sure is that the U.S. will no longer let the genocide that is taking place in Darfur continue.
Sex in sports
by Ryan Hennigan
The other day I was watching an ESPN program that was looking into the factor of sex appeal in sports. The program was interesting and it made me realize that sex and sports are more related than one would originally believe to be. This is true maybe even more so than most other professional jobs.
The program talked in-depth about the clear fact that old fashion knowledgeable man television sport reporters are disappearing. These men who are good at their jobs and know their facts about sports are rapidly and entirely being replaced by attractive young women who read what they say off of a screen behind the camera. And what ESPN found was that not only does what they say happen to be frequently wrong, that when they say something wrong the men do not really care. For example, at a game if there are two men who spot an attractive reporter, most likely they will not listen to what she is saying, rather just look at her.
This is a problem in sports, but the issue does not involve just women. Good-looking professional men who play sports usually make a lot more money than unattractive men with the same talent if they sell themselves. This is true as their faces and bodies are all over the marketing business such as in commercials. This can be seen with men such as Alex Rodriguez, Andre Agassiz, and Tom Brady. The worst case is when players who are not that good make a fortune just because of the fact that they are attractive. This is evident for Anna Kournakova who has made a lot of money just from marketing herself.
A further issue in sports is the reluctantcy of men sport players to admit that they are gay while playing. The first player to do this was David Kopay and there has not been an additional player to admit to being gay while he was playing ever since him. This may be due to the image of sports players as lady’s men, as there have been many to come out after they retired, but all were too proud to admit when they were playing.
Although most of these issues aren’t of great importance to high school sports, they are important to the high school sports players who have dreams of sports for their futures. High school players that go on to become sports reporters or players will come to know and deal with all these issues.
The other day I was watching an ESPN program that was looking into the factor of sex appeal in sports. The program was interesting and it made me realize that sex and sports are more related than one would originally believe to be. This is true maybe even more so than most other professional jobs.
The program talked in-depth about the clear fact that old fashion knowledgeable man television sport reporters are disappearing. These men who are good at their jobs and know their facts about sports are rapidly and entirely being replaced by attractive young women who read what they say off of a screen behind the camera. And what ESPN found was that not only does what they say happen to be frequently wrong, that when they say something wrong the men do not really care. For example, at a game if there are two men who spot an attractive reporter, most likely they will not listen to what she is saying, rather just look at her.
This is a problem in sports, but the issue does not involve just women. Good-looking professional men who play sports usually make a lot more money than unattractive men with the same talent if they sell themselves. This is true as their faces and bodies are all over the marketing business such as in commercials. This can be seen with men such as Alex Rodriguez, Andre Agassiz, and Tom Brady. The worst case is when players who are not that good make a fortune just because of the fact that they are attractive. This is evident for Anna Kournakova who has made a lot of money just from marketing herself.
A further issue in sports is the reluctantcy of men sport players to admit that they are gay while playing. The first player to do this was David Kopay and there has not been an additional player to admit to being gay while he was playing ever since him. This may be due to the image of sports players as lady’s men, as there have been many to come out after they retired, but all were too proud to admit when they were playing.
Although most of these issues aren’t of great importance to high school sports, they are important to the high school sports players who have dreams of sports for their futures. High school players that go on to become sports reporters or players will come to know and deal with all these issues.
Stupid rule
by Ryan Hennigan
What bitter man died and made the absolutely ridiculous rule that students can’t wear hats to school. Honestly, I don’t see the harm in them. And what good comes out of this rule? If anything, principals and teachers snatching off the hats of students and keeping them in the office is invasion of privacy and theft.
Although most regard the rule as clear-cut dumb, let’s consider the opposing point of view on the subject. The guess as to why the rule was put into place is that some older people regard hats being worn in school as disrespectful. Others say that they are distractions, causing students to snatch them off each others heads and doing other inappropriate things with them. Another obscure theory is that students may by accident hit each other with the bills of their hat when they are walking in the crowded hallways.
The last statement is downright out of the question, but the others are in need of some consideration. The myth that hats are irrespective is bogus. The people that believe this are usually old fashion and they don’t understand that that kind of child stuff is out of date. The spectrum of items that one can wear without being considered disrespectful has increased way beyond hats. Students can now be seen in school wearing clothes with fishnets, minnie-skirts, chains, and spikes. A lot of them even die their hair colors such as pink or green and put their hair into mohawks. These things now symbolize personality, no longer disrespect. As for hats being distractions, this is also a weak argument. Although it is true that some immature students trying to cause trouble can always snatch a hat and play a game out keep away, there are two strong arguments to go against this. The first is that if one was to attempt to steal something off a student as a joke, one could go to by other means also. One could, for example, snatch a barrette or a hair band off a girls hair or take a pin or sticker off someone’s shirt. Hair bands and shirt pins are both acceptable items to wear to school as decided by the school’s authoritative figures, yet they both could be disruptive just as much as a hat could be. Also, we are in high school, and to not trust us by suspecting that we would do these immature deeds is saying that we aren’t the young respectful adults as the majority of us are. To take away our right to wear hats because of a few immature derelicts is irresponsible of the school.
Others schools around Pembroke allow their students to wear hats, such as Whitman-Hanson and Marshfield, and they don’t have a problem with it. This, and all the other reasons, proves that it would be a good idea with a positive effect if students were allowed to wear hats here at Pembroke.
What bitter man died and made the absolutely ridiculous rule that students can’t wear hats to school. Honestly, I don’t see the harm in them. And what good comes out of this rule? If anything, principals and teachers snatching off the hats of students and keeping them in the office is invasion of privacy and theft.
Although most regard the rule as clear-cut dumb, let’s consider the opposing point of view on the subject. The guess as to why the rule was put into place is that some older people regard hats being worn in school as disrespectful. Others say that they are distractions, causing students to snatch them off each others heads and doing other inappropriate things with them. Another obscure theory is that students may by accident hit each other with the bills of their hat when they are walking in the crowded hallways.
The last statement is downright out of the question, but the others are in need of some consideration. The myth that hats are irrespective is bogus. The people that believe this are usually old fashion and they don’t understand that that kind of child stuff is out of date. The spectrum of items that one can wear without being considered disrespectful has increased way beyond hats. Students can now be seen in school wearing clothes with fishnets, minnie-skirts, chains, and spikes. A lot of them even die their hair colors such as pink or green and put their hair into mohawks. These things now symbolize personality, no longer disrespect. As for hats being distractions, this is also a weak argument. Although it is true that some immature students trying to cause trouble can always snatch a hat and play a game out keep away, there are two strong arguments to go against this. The first is that if one was to attempt to steal something off a student as a joke, one could go to by other means also. One could, for example, snatch a barrette or a hair band off a girls hair or take a pin or sticker off someone’s shirt. Hair bands and shirt pins are both acceptable items to wear to school as decided by the school’s authoritative figures, yet they both could be disruptive just as much as a hat could be. Also, we are in high school, and to not trust us by suspecting that we would do these immature deeds is saying that we aren’t the young respectful adults as the majority of us are. To take away our right to wear hats because of a few immature derelicts is irresponsible of the school.
Others schools around Pembroke allow their students to wear hats, such as Whitman-Hanson and Marshfield, and they don’t have a problem with it. This, and all the other reasons, proves that it would be a good idea with a positive effect if students were allowed to wear hats here at Pembroke.
Summer is here
by Ryan Hennigan
If one were to look up and down the school hallways, it would seem, as we approach the end of the school year, as if summer has made an early arrival. This is apparent as there has been an evident transformation of morale around the school that has most all its occupants acting differently. The same change seems to happen every year at about the same time, and it seems to have hit hard this year.
For some unexplained reason, at the end of the school year at a certain point the school atmosphere changes from gloomy to celebrative. Maybe this date is after Memorial Day long weekend, or perhaps preceding the final MCAS testing. The pattern seems to be that it starts around this time at a small level and gradually increases in level of happiness as the days unwind. Currently, Memorial Day has just passed and I have heard several teachers even boasting about the end of school and the arrival of summer.
“Ahhh, summer’s here, baby! No denying it,” proudly exclaimed Mr. Turley as he stretched out in joy.
And Mr. Turley is not the only teacher consumed in this near reality.
“Just a couple more days and it will be all over. It’ll be over sooner than we all think,” explained Ms. Saunders.
For whatever reason, a switch has been flicked and now we all seem to be on the easy cruise to the end of the year.
If one were to look up and down the school hallways, it would seem, as we approach the end of the school year, as if summer has made an early arrival. This is apparent as there has been an evident transformation of morale around the school that has most all its occupants acting differently. The same change seems to happen every year at about the same time, and it seems to have hit hard this year.
For some unexplained reason, at the end of the school year at a certain point the school atmosphere changes from gloomy to celebrative. Maybe this date is after Memorial Day long weekend, or perhaps preceding the final MCAS testing. The pattern seems to be that it starts around this time at a small level and gradually increases in level of happiness as the days unwind. Currently, Memorial Day has just passed and I have heard several teachers even boasting about the end of school and the arrival of summer.
“Ahhh, summer’s here, baby! No denying it,” proudly exclaimed Mr. Turley as he stretched out in joy.
And Mr. Turley is not the only teacher consumed in this near reality.
“Just a couple more days and it will be all over. It’ll be over sooner than we all think,” explained Ms. Saunders.
For whatever reason, a switch has been flicked and now we all seem to be on the easy cruise to the end of the year.
A Shock for Anti-Life Jacket Wearers
by Nicholas Papadopolous
Patriot’s Defensive Lineman Marquise Hill was found dead yesterday following a Jet Ski accident on Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans. Hill and a fellow woman were riding Jet Ski’s after dark without wearing life jackets when they encountered difficulties and they fell off the Jet Ski into the water.
The woman was rescued that night (Sunday) and when the rescuer went to save Hill, he had disappeared into the darkness because of the strong New Orleans’s current. Hill’s family reported that Hill was a good swimmer, but the girl couldn’t swim very well.
Why weren’t they wearing life jackets?
Since the woman wasn’t able to swim well, I think they were being rather careless by not wearing life jackets. I think of Jet Ski’s as motorcycles on water, they are both exhilarating and highly dangerous…And much like motorcyclist, some Jet Skiers refuse to wear the necessary safety equipment.
I think it should be a law in all states that anybody riding a jet ski must wear a life jacket. If that law was in effect, Marquise Hill’s life might have been sparred.
Patriot’s Defensive Lineman Marquise Hill was found dead yesterday following a Jet Ski accident on Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans. Hill and a fellow woman were riding Jet Ski’s after dark without wearing life jackets when they encountered difficulties and they fell off the Jet Ski into the water.
The woman was rescued that night (Sunday) and when the rescuer went to save Hill, he had disappeared into the darkness because of the strong New Orleans’s current. Hill’s family reported that Hill was a good swimmer, but the girl couldn’t swim very well.
Why weren’t they wearing life jackets?
Since the woman wasn’t able to swim well, I think they were being rather careless by not wearing life jackets. I think of Jet Ski’s as motorcycles on water, they are both exhilarating and highly dangerous…And much like motorcyclist, some Jet Skiers refuse to wear the necessary safety equipment.
I think it should be a law in all states that anybody riding a jet ski must wear a life jacket. If that law was in effect, Marquise Hill’s life might have been sparred.
Famous attraction tumbles to the ground due to cold hearted vandals
by Lauren Mulkern
Have you ever heard of T. Rex’s toppling to the ground in this day of age? Well on April 8, 2007, the famous orange T. Rex got toppled to the ground by cold hearted vandals.
This famous attraction for this miniature golf course has stood tall since 1960. Kids of all ages have gone to the course to admire this wonderful attraction.
Although the T. Rex was toppled to the ground, it will still recover from its current injury and rise again. However, this will mean that the owner will have to pay for lifting the huge dinosaur up with a crane and repairing the “broken bones” the dinosaur experienced.
So why would somebody vandalize such a wonderful thing on Easter Sunday? It is not uncommon for this vandalism to occur.
Ever since Pembroke High School has begun completing the high school, people find it necessary to vandalize the school. Why would people vandalize something that is getting completed for them? For example, students find it “cool” to urinate all over the bathroom walls. Another common thing is writing inappropriate messages on the walls. Well needed money is getting wasted on trying to repair the vandalized material.
So what do faculty members do to try to decrease the amount of vandalism? Teachers can’t be at every area of the school at every moment. One way to decrease the frequent vandalism is by installing video cameras in areas that are targeted for vandalism. Another solution is setting up a system where students can leave messages with information that they have.
Hopefully people will realize how many people they are hurting when they vandalize. These solutions will be a baby step to eliminating vandalism but it will be a start.
Have you ever heard of T. Rex’s toppling to the ground in this day of age? Well on April 8, 2007, the famous orange T. Rex got toppled to the ground by cold hearted vandals.
This famous attraction for this miniature golf course has stood tall since 1960. Kids of all ages have gone to the course to admire this wonderful attraction.
Although the T. Rex was toppled to the ground, it will still recover from its current injury and rise again. However, this will mean that the owner will have to pay for lifting the huge dinosaur up with a crane and repairing the “broken bones” the dinosaur experienced.
So why would somebody vandalize such a wonderful thing on Easter Sunday? It is not uncommon for this vandalism to occur.
Ever since Pembroke High School has begun completing the high school, people find it necessary to vandalize the school. Why would people vandalize something that is getting completed for them? For example, students find it “cool” to urinate all over the bathroom walls. Another common thing is writing inappropriate messages on the walls. Well needed money is getting wasted on trying to repair the vandalized material.
So what do faculty members do to try to decrease the amount of vandalism? Teachers can’t be at every area of the school at every moment. One way to decrease the frequent vandalism is by installing video cameras in areas that are targeted for vandalism. Another solution is setting up a system where students can leave messages with information that they have.
Hopefully people will realize how many people they are hurting when they vandalize. These solutions will be a baby step to eliminating vandalism but it will be a start.
Violence in Movies
by Nicholas Papadopolous
Saw 3, Hostel, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre; The Beginning, there are so many choices of horror films in today’s society with such amazing special effects that it is impossible not to enjoy the films.
Over the past year, or since I have taken a liking to horror films, I have noticed an abundance of violence in movies. Violence in movies doesn’t bother me, but the graphic displays in today’s theaters have several fans upset about the amount of blood and gore permitted in movies.
With many new films coming out that contain graphic violence, I wonder; Why do people like violence in their movies? The answer comes from the Greek Philosopher Aristotle, who said that people like catharsis, or the build up then release of tension, in their cinema.
It is apparent that fans in the U.S. do love catharsis, because the movies keep on coming. Hostel 2 is coming out June 8th 2007 after its predecessor Hostel came out in 2005 and grossed $78,477,326. The Hills Have Eyes 2 came out March 23rd 2007 and has already grossed $16,458,461 after the first Hills Have Eyes came out in 2006 and grossed $41,778,863. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre; The Beginning came out in 2006 making $39,517,763, after its predecessor was remade in 2003 and grossed $80,390,022. Finally, Saw 3 came out in 2006 grossing $80,238,724, while Saw and Saw 2 came out in 2004 and 2005 making $55,185,045 and $87,025,093 respectively.
However, there is an opposing side to my point of view. The graphic displays that can be shown today are somewhat disgusting. With special effects as real as they are, torture scenes can be made to look extremely life-like. Often times at Patriots Cinema, I see people leaving the theater because of the displays that movie’s can show.
Yet, I believe that if you enter the theater buying your ticket (hopefully), you should be expecting torture if the previews say “Rated R for brutal scenes of torture and violence”. So, I believe violence in movies is perfectly acceptable as long as it has the correct rating.
Saw 3, Hostel, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre; The Beginning, there are so many choices of horror films in today’s society with such amazing special effects that it is impossible not to enjoy the films.
Over the past year, or since I have taken a liking to horror films, I have noticed an abundance of violence in movies. Violence in movies doesn’t bother me, but the graphic displays in today’s theaters have several fans upset about the amount of blood and gore permitted in movies.
With many new films coming out that contain graphic violence, I wonder; Why do people like violence in their movies? The answer comes from the Greek Philosopher Aristotle, who said that people like catharsis, or the build up then release of tension, in their cinema.
It is apparent that fans in the U.S. do love catharsis, because the movies keep on coming. Hostel 2 is coming out June 8th 2007 after its predecessor Hostel came out in 2005 and grossed $78,477,326. The Hills Have Eyes 2 came out March 23rd 2007 and has already grossed $16,458,461 after the first Hills Have Eyes came out in 2006 and grossed $41,778,863. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre; The Beginning came out in 2006 making $39,517,763, after its predecessor was remade in 2003 and grossed $80,390,022. Finally, Saw 3 came out in 2006 grossing $80,238,724, while Saw and Saw 2 came out in 2004 and 2005 making $55,185,045 and $87,025,093 respectively.
However, there is an opposing side to my point of view. The graphic displays that can be shown today are somewhat disgusting. With special effects as real as they are, torture scenes can be made to look extremely life-like. Often times at Patriots Cinema, I see people leaving the theater because of the displays that movie’s can show.
Yet, I believe that if you enter the theater buying your ticket (hopefully), you should be expecting torture if the previews say “Rated R for brutal scenes of torture and violence”. So, I believe violence in movies is perfectly acceptable as long as it has the correct rating.
Schindler’s List
by Kerry Richards
The junior class watched "Schindler’s List" as an in school field trip. This movie is a horrific, detailed account of one man during the Holocaust. This film brutally depicts what happened to those who lived during this time period. However, you would never know this by listening to the audience. Giggles were often dispersed through the audience.
I understand that clearly teenagers have no perception of reality some times but this was a little much. If you didn't want to watch the movie, you didn't have to. Students could have easily opted out. If you just wanted to miss class, it would have been nice if you had just napped or something. Some people actually wanted to know what was happening in the movie. Although this was made hard by Pembroke High School’s inability to obtain a copy that didn't skip.
However, overall, the movie was a good experience for most. I feel as if I truly grasp the horrors of the Holocaust as best as I can now. It is one thing hearing about it and quite another seeing it play out in front of you. The movie, although quite long, did what it could to captivate and engage the audience. I would highly suggest that Pembroke High continue this tradition for next year’s juniors.
The junior class watched "Schindler’s List" as an in school field trip. This movie is a horrific, detailed account of one man during the Holocaust. This film brutally depicts what happened to those who lived during this time period. However, you would never know this by listening to the audience. Giggles were often dispersed through the audience.
I understand that clearly teenagers have no perception of reality some times but this was a little much. If you didn't want to watch the movie, you didn't have to. Students could have easily opted out. If you just wanted to miss class, it would have been nice if you had just napped or something. Some people actually wanted to know what was happening in the movie. Although this was made hard by Pembroke High School’s inability to obtain a copy that didn't skip.
However, overall, the movie was a good experience for most. I feel as if I truly grasp the horrors of the Holocaust as best as I can now. It is one thing hearing about it and quite another seeing it play out in front of you. The movie, although quite long, did what it could to captivate and engage the audience. I would highly suggest that Pembroke High continue this tradition for next year’s juniors.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Is it over yet?
by Katie Jochems
School is almost out, finals are coming, and two more major college tests are waiting. May and June may just be the death of me. Not only am I completely ready for summer, but I have almost no motivation to finish the concluding work at school. I don’t remember the end of May being this stressful, but man I just want it to be over!
I’m at that stage where I can see the finish line, so I slow down, and then I get passed by the others, but never actually attempt to pick up the pace. It’s an awful feeling, like I’m being weighed down and don’t know how to release some of the burden, so instead I’m just waiting until I finally pass through the finish, even if I am last. Maybe its anticipation of have a few months off, or maybe it’s how junior year has killed my spirit. Hopefully, I can come back next year much better than I am now.
School is almost out, finals are coming, and two more major college tests are waiting. May and June may just be the death of me. Not only am I completely ready for summer, but I have almost no motivation to finish the concluding work at school. I don’t remember the end of May being this stressful, but man I just want it to be over!
I’m at that stage where I can see the finish line, so I slow down, and then I get passed by the others, but never actually attempt to pick up the pace. It’s an awful feeling, like I’m being weighed down and don’t know how to release some of the burden, so instead I’m just waiting until I finally pass through the finish, even if I am last. Maybe its anticipation of have a few months off, or maybe it’s how junior year has killed my spirit. Hopefully, I can come back next year much better than I am now.
Best Buddies
by Lauren Mulkern
When I entered middle school, I considered what clubs I should start to participate in so when I got to high school, I would have and idea and experience of what I wanted to do.
This is how I first heard of the club Best Buddies. At this point, I only knew that it was a club where you get matched up with a fellow student who has disabilities. I was interested in this club so I decided to join in eighth grade.
It was the first year that Pembroke Community Middle School was open from a recent split from Silver Lake so the club was just getting together.
Even though we only had about seven consistent people who showed up, we had a very successful year where we hosted a talent show and a dance.
I had a fantastic time with the group of people that I wanted to continue participating in the club while in high school.
This year, I am a sophomore and I was chosen to be a peer buddy for a second year in a row. However, I was nervous because my buddy was different from the one that I had when I was a freshmen.
My new buddy’s name is Kelly Jacobs. I think that Mrs. Parrella did an excellent job choosing the pairs. We are both very friendly. Both my buddy and I enjoy hanging out and spending time with each other. We brighten each other’s day when we see each other at lunch or in the hall. The fact that we are so close and understand each other perfectly makes our friendship very successful.
Our friendship has many important aspects. One of these aspects is that we support each other. If one of us has a bad day, we will pick the other one up. This has been very successful throughout the year because we have so much support for each other. We care about each other’s feelings and we help each other when we are having a difficult time. Also, we spend some time each week listening to each other about things that are happening. We connect on a personal level when we discuss how our weeks are going with each other. There are many great aspects of our relationship.
My relationship with Kelly has benefited her so much. Kelly now has a person who she can depend on. When she is feeling sad or is just having a tough time she can discuss the problems with me. She is not afraid to talk to me. She was shy at the beginning of the year when I was first getting to know her and she has opened so much. She is comfortable to come to me and talk about anything and this is what helps her. She feels confident that she has a person to depend on.
Most importantly, this relationship has benefited me. I now understand when people are having difficult times and I am a person that they can talk to. When I am listening to them, I understand where they are coming from. This has helped me because I don’t judge people. Instead, I understand their situations. Also, I have gained patience. Now, I realize that the buddies in my chapter need extra time to talk and complete tasks. This is different from what I am used to. This patience has helped me because I am now a person who people won’t have a difficult time working with on a task. Instead of focusing on the differences that I have with Kelly, I focus on the common interests that we have. This is another thing that has helped me when it comes to judging people. This has been a great thing that has benefited me so much. I appreciate all the new qualities that Kelly has brought out of me.
Best Buddies has been a wonderful opportunity for me to realize that differences are not important, common interests are.
Our Best Buddies chapter is very successful and we do an excellent job making sure everybody is involved. We deserve some recognition for all the hard work that we have done.
When I entered middle school, I considered what clubs I should start to participate in so when I got to high school, I would have and idea and experience of what I wanted to do.
This is how I first heard of the club Best Buddies. At this point, I only knew that it was a club where you get matched up with a fellow student who has disabilities. I was interested in this club so I decided to join in eighth grade.
It was the first year that Pembroke Community Middle School was open from a recent split from Silver Lake so the club was just getting together.
Even though we only had about seven consistent people who showed up, we had a very successful year where we hosted a talent show and a dance.
I had a fantastic time with the group of people that I wanted to continue participating in the club while in high school.
This year, I am a sophomore and I was chosen to be a peer buddy for a second year in a row. However, I was nervous because my buddy was different from the one that I had when I was a freshmen.
My new buddy’s name is Kelly Jacobs. I think that Mrs. Parrella did an excellent job choosing the pairs. We are both very friendly. Both my buddy and I enjoy hanging out and spending time with each other. We brighten each other’s day when we see each other at lunch or in the hall. The fact that we are so close and understand each other perfectly makes our friendship very successful.
Our friendship has many important aspects. One of these aspects is that we support each other. If one of us has a bad day, we will pick the other one up. This has been very successful throughout the year because we have so much support for each other. We care about each other’s feelings and we help each other when we are having a difficult time. Also, we spend some time each week listening to each other about things that are happening. We connect on a personal level when we discuss how our weeks are going with each other. There are many great aspects of our relationship.
My relationship with Kelly has benefited her so much. Kelly now has a person who she can depend on. When she is feeling sad or is just having a tough time she can discuss the problems with me. She is not afraid to talk to me. She was shy at the beginning of the year when I was first getting to know her and she has opened so much. She is comfortable to come to me and talk about anything and this is what helps her. She feels confident that she has a person to depend on.
Most importantly, this relationship has benefited me. I now understand when people are having difficult times and I am a person that they can talk to. When I am listening to them, I understand where they are coming from. This has helped me because I don’t judge people. Instead, I understand their situations. Also, I have gained patience. Now, I realize that the buddies in my chapter need extra time to talk and complete tasks. This is different from what I am used to. This patience has helped me because I am now a person who people won’t have a difficult time working with on a task. Instead of focusing on the differences that I have with Kelly, I focus on the common interests that we have. This is another thing that has helped me when it comes to judging people. This has been a great thing that has benefited me so much. I appreciate all the new qualities that Kelly has brought out of me.
Best Buddies has been a wonderful opportunity for me to realize that differences are not important, common interests are.
Our Best Buddies chapter is very successful and we do an excellent job making sure everybody is involved. We deserve some recognition for all the hard work that we have done.
Roger Clemens
by Ryan Hennigan
Who died and made the rule that MLB players have to retire by the age of 40, or else they will be worthless? From my observations, the moment a player hits the big four-oh his value immediately sky dives down. This is true for all players no matter how talented they are, as major league clubs no longer want to trade for them, to sign them to big multi-year contracts, or play them as much as the players with youth. And even if they are Barry Bonds, Curt Shilling, or Roger Clemens, their team and the media is always underestimating them and labeling them with question marks as to how they will perform.
To me, and anyone who has had the honor of watching them perform, this question of age that lingers around some of the best players in the majors is ridiculous. The management of clubs that have these players have no need to worry, and here is why.
Players 40 or over have been putting up huge numbers ever since the game began. For example, at the age of 41, Ted Williams hit 29 home runs in only 310 at bats with a .316 batting average in his last year of play, 1960. Even before him, also at the age of 41, Ty Cobb hit in 93 RBIs with a .357 batting average.
Players of today put up similar numbers in their later years and also prove against the 40 year old limit. At the age of 41, Barry Bonds hit 26 home runs last season. He is now 42 and is 9 home runs short of breaking the all-time home run title held by Hank Aaron. Curt Shilling is now 40 and last season he won 15 games. The last two seasons, at the age of 41 and 42, Randy Johnson stacked up 17 wins each. In conclusion, these players are more than able to perform (maybe even more qualified than younger players), and furthermore their leadership abilities make them even more valuable.
Who died and made the rule that MLB players have to retire by the age of 40, or else they will be worthless? From my observations, the moment a player hits the big four-oh his value immediately sky dives down. This is true for all players no matter how talented they are, as major league clubs no longer want to trade for them, to sign them to big multi-year contracts, or play them as much as the players with youth. And even if they are Barry Bonds, Curt Shilling, or Roger Clemens, their team and the media is always underestimating them and labeling them with question marks as to how they will perform.
To me, and anyone who has had the honor of watching them perform, this question of age that lingers around some of the best players in the majors is ridiculous. The management of clubs that have these players have no need to worry, and here is why.
Players 40 or over have been putting up huge numbers ever since the game began. For example, at the age of 41, Ted Williams hit 29 home runs in only 310 at bats with a .316 batting average in his last year of play, 1960. Even before him, also at the age of 41, Ty Cobb hit in 93 RBIs with a .357 batting average.
Players of today put up similar numbers in their later years and also prove against the 40 year old limit. At the age of 41, Barry Bonds hit 26 home runs last season. He is now 42 and is 9 home runs short of breaking the all-time home run title held by Hank Aaron. Curt Shilling is now 40 and last season he won 15 games. The last two seasons, at the age of 41 and 42, Randy Johnson stacked up 17 wins each. In conclusion, these players are more than able to perform (maybe even more qualified than younger players), and furthermore their leadership abilities make them even more valuable.
Students are getting anxious about the end of school
by Chelsey Monks
With the school year coming to an end , classes are starting to finish up and students are getting anxious about the end of school. However with all of the talk of summer plans its hard to focus on the very last thing that students must finish…finals. how can a student possibly focus on 10% of their grade when they are tied up thinking about summer and the next year to come. Students are fooled when they think that school is over, but really they have four days of finals left. on June 8th classes stop on a Friday, it kind of seems like school would be over, but on Monday everyone has to come back for a few hours to take extremely long tests that you want to bomb because you are ready for summer to begin. After four long days of tests, school is finally over and the summer can finally begin. Time for concerts bonfires, friends and parties. Then at the end of august its back to school to be another year older and be another year closer to graduation, what everyone is looking forward to.
With the school year coming to an end , classes are starting to finish up and students are getting anxious about the end of school. However with all of the talk of summer plans its hard to focus on the very last thing that students must finish…finals. how can a student possibly focus on 10% of their grade when they are tied up thinking about summer and the next year to come. Students are fooled when they think that school is over, but really they have four days of finals left. on June 8th classes stop on a Friday, it kind of seems like school would be over, but on Monday everyone has to come back for a few hours to take extremely long tests that you want to bomb because you are ready for summer to begin. After four long days of tests, school is finally over and the summer can finally begin. Time for concerts bonfires, friends and parties. Then at the end of august its back to school to be another year older and be another year closer to graduation, what everyone is looking forward to.
Test dates too close together
by Katie Jochems
SAT’s, SAT II’s, ACT’s, MCAS, etc. All of these major tests for High Schoolers happen around the same time every year. Between the end of the school year and multiple major exams, May and June are some of the most hectic months of the year.
It seems that every major junior year test happens each Saturday in May and June. I can’t stand that they put every test one after the other when they clearly should spread them out more. Who cares if we have to take some tests at the end of June? I’d much rather have them during summer than week after week for one month straight.
College Board and whoever else has the authority of test date setting, please listen here. Spread them out and save hundreds of juniors across the country the anxiety and break downs that you put upon them.
SAT’s, SAT II’s, ACT’s, MCAS, etc. All of these major tests for High Schoolers happen around the same time every year. Between the end of the school year and multiple major exams, May and June are some of the most hectic months of the year.
It seems that every major junior year test happens each Saturday in May and June. I can’t stand that they put every test one after the other when they clearly should spread them out more. Who cares if we have to take some tests at the end of June? I’d much rather have them during summer than week after week for one month straight.
College Board and whoever else has the authority of test date setting, please listen here. Spread them out and save hundreds of juniors across the country the anxiety and break downs that you put upon them.
Red Sox Dominance
by Nicholas Papadopolous
The Boston Red Sox have been playing stellar baseball as of late. They are currently 8.5 games ahead of the Yankees who are in second place in the AL East.
The success in the team has been in their pitching. Curt Schilling has been leading the staff with a 4-1 record and a 3.63 ERA. Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Japanese rookie, has performed admirably and has a 5-2 record to show for it. Currently the best pitcher on the staff has been Josh Beckett. He has an amazing 7-0 record and a miniscule 2.66 ERA. Both Tim Wakefield and Julian Tavarez have been average, but are among the leagues top number 4 and number 5 pitchers in the league.
The sox bullpen, which hasn’t been near the top of the league in the past few years, has been doing great. Closer Jonathan Papelbon has been dominate and has saved 10 games in eleven chances. Fellow Japanese rookie Hideki Okajima has shut done hitters with a 0.48 ERA. The Sox are also eagerly anticipating veteran Mike Timlin’s return from the DL.
Once the Red Sox hitting heats up, the Red Sox will be nearly unstoppable. David Ortiz has been leading the offensive charge with 9 HR and 33 RBI’s while batting .313. Manny Ramirez has been having his usual slow start, batting .248 with 6 HR. Utility infielder Alex Cora has been the surprise of the year, coming through in clutch situations and batting .392.
All in all, the Sox are looking forward to the playoffs where they hope to win their 2nd World Series in 4 years.
The Boston Red Sox have been playing stellar baseball as of late. They are currently 8.5 games ahead of the Yankees who are in second place in the AL East.
The success in the team has been in their pitching. Curt Schilling has been leading the staff with a 4-1 record and a 3.63 ERA. Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Japanese rookie, has performed admirably and has a 5-2 record to show for it. Currently the best pitcher on the staff has been Josh Beckett. He has an amazing 7-0 record and a miniscule 2.66 ERA. Both Tim Wakefield and Julian Tavarez have been average, but are among the leagues top number 4 and number 5 pitchers in the league.
The sox bullpen, which hasn’t been near the top of the league in the past few years, has been doing great. Closer Jonathan Papelbon has been dominate and has saved 10 games in eleven chances. Fellow Japanese rookie Hideki Okajima has shut done hitters with a 0.48 ERA. The Sox are also eagerly anticipating veteran Mike Timlin’s return from the DL.
Once the Red Sox hitting heats up, the Red Sox will be nearly unstoppable. David Ortiz has been leading the offensive charge with 9 HR and 33 RBI’s while batting .313. Manny Ramirez has been having his usual slow start, batting .248 with 6 HR. Utility infielder Alex Cora has been the surprise of the year, coming through in clutch situations and batting .392.
All in all, the Sox are looking forward to the playoffs where they hope to win their 2nd World Series in 4 years.
But is it all really necessary? But is it all really necessary?
by Kerry Richards
This is the time of the year for juniors when test after test is being thrown at us. All promise to give us a better future. They promise to help us get into college or earn college credit. But is it all really necessary? This year alone I have had to take three three-hour long AP tests, the SATs, and upcoming I have the ACTs and the SAT IIs. All of these tests seem to stretch on for hours upon hours. Hours I will never get back. I feel like I could be getting so many better things accomplished in this time. After all, how effective are these test? I spent two years of my life preparing to take the AP US History Exam and all this boils down to three hours. To how well I can answer multiple choice questions and write a few essays. This just doesn't seem fair. None of the work I did over the past two years has any bearing on what comes out of it. Sure it was preparing, but in the end, the test and papers I had been writing seemed useless. As for the SAT and ACT, can one test really measure everything? I know this argument feels like it has been beaten to death, but it’s a valid question. These two tests are designed to give the best score. They supposedly measure different kinds of intelligence so a person can do well on one and not so great on the other. So how can these tests even begin to be compared to each other? Honestly, it doesn't seem to make much sense. Overall, its basically a sham. These tests are just one measure of how smart someone is. It doesn't seem fair to put so much reliance on three hours of ones life. Although I'm sure the College Board isn't complaining about the unbelievable sums they pull in each year.
Baby dies after becoming center of life support debate
by Mary Polleys
19 month old Emilio Gonzales died on May 20, 2007 after becoming the center of an ethical and legal debate: who should decide when life sustaining treatments are ceased?
Gonzales was believed to have Leigh's disease, a progressive illness which destroys brain functions and has been on respirators since December of 2006. While doctors sought to take him off the life giving machines insisting that there was no chance for recovery, his mother fought in court to maintain his medical care.
Because of this kind of situation, doctors want to invoke a state law (in Texas) allowing the hospital to stop life support after a 10-day notice for patients deemed medically futile.
Gonzales did not have his life support machines turned off due to a judge’s temporary decision to block the hospital’s move to end life support in April, but sadly he died anyways, only a month later.
While it may seem insensitive to even suggest to a parent that their child be taken off life support apparatus, the truth is that they are merely taking a human out of its misery. Someone, young or old, who has lost all cognitive function and can no longer move or do normal tasks on their own and has no chance for recovery should not be kept alive by a family member that is just not willing to let go.
Hospitals should have a policy and process they go through with each case that has the potential for being a similar situation to Gonzales. Guidelines should be established and followed and once certain facts have been established, the family of the person should be given a generous date. Either the family decides to take off the life support on their own before the date arrives, or the hospital will proceed on that date while making the proper arrangements.
19 month old Emilio Gonzales died on May 20, 2007 after becoming the center of an ethical and legal debate: who should decide when life sustaining treatments are ceased?
Gonzales was believed to have Leigh's disease, a progressive illness which destroys brain functions and has been on respirators since December of 2006. While doctors sought to take him off the life giving machines insisting that there was no chance for recovery, his mother fought in court to maintain his medical care.
Because of this kind of situation, doctors want to invoke a state law (in Texas) allowing the hospital to stop life support after a 10-day notice for patients deemed medically futile.
Gonzales did not have his life support machines turned off due to a judge’s temporary decision to block the hospital’s move to end life support in April, but sadly he died anyways, only a month later.
While it may seem insensitive to even suggest to a parent that their child be taken off life support apparatus, the truth is that they are merely taking a human out of its misery. Someone, young or old, who has lost all cognitive function and can no longer move or do normal tasks on their own and has no chance for recovery should not be kept alive by a family member that is just not willing to let go.
Hospitals should have a policy and process they go through with each case that has the potential for being a similar situation to Gonzales. Guidelines should be established and followed and once certain facts have been established, the family of the person should be given a generous date. Either the family decides to take off the life support on their own before the date arrives, or the hospital will proceed on that date while making the proper arrangements.
Now I am going to be an upperclassman
by Luren Mulkern
It seems like yesterday when I took my first steps in high school. I was a freshman transitioning in to a brand new building that was totally different from the middle school. I went from being in every club in the middle school to having no idea what clubs were offered at the high school.
It is hard to imagine that it was two years ago when I took my first steps in high school. I am basically now considered a junior but it has not hit me yet because it seems like it was yesterday when I was one of the underclassmen. Now I am going to be an upperclassman. I am the student who incoming freshman will be looking up to.
Now that the seniors are gone, the eighth graders are considered freshman, sophomores are juniors, juniors are seniors, and seniors are going into the real world. Some may choose college, or some may choose going straight in to a career. Whatever they choose, they are now in the real world.
I am now a junior and I have to start looking in to the certain colleges that interest me. I thought I had some time but in reality, senior year will come before I know it.
Two years of my high school career have gone by and I only have two more left. I now realize how little time I have left to enjoy high school before it is gone and I never get it back. I will soon be in the real world so I have to enjoy all high school has to offer.
It seems like yesterday when I took my first steps in high school. I was a freshman transitioning in to a brand new building that was totally different from the middle school. I went from being in every club in the middle school to having no idea what clubs were offered at the high school.
It is hard to imagine that it was two years ago when I took my first steps in high school. I am basically now considered a junior but it has not hit me yet because it seems like it was yesterday when I was one of the underclassmen. Now I am going to be an upperclassman. I am the student who incoming freshman will be looking up to.
Now that the seniors are gone, the eighth graders are considered freshman, sophomores are juniors, juniors are seniors, and seniors are going into the real world. Some may choose college, or some may choose going straight in to a career. Whatever they choose, they are now in the real world.
I am now a junior and I have to start looking in to the certain colleges that interest me. I thought I had some time but in reality, senior year will come before I know it.
Two years of my high school career have gone by and I only have two more left. I now realize how little time I have left to enjoy high school before it is gone and I never get it back. I will soon be in the real world so I have to enjoy all high school has to offer.
Last Day for Seniors
by Chelsey Monks
Today was the last day of school for seniors. They ran round, signed yearbooks , and reminisced with friends all day. Jealous of the fact that they got out of all of their classes, I started to think to myself about how in two years I’ll be in the same position. It’s scary to think that in that short period of time I will be visiting colleges, writing admissions essays, waiting for acceptance letters, and taking the SAT’s. Not looking forward to the most ridicule year of high school, junior year, I’m anxious to be a senior. I want to have it all over with, I think everybody does, I want to be accepted and know where I’m living for college and have a job on campus. It’s getting there that is the hard part. A little hard work now will make all of the essays, letter, and exams easier when I have to take them , so its worth the hour long homework in the end.
Today was the last day of school for seniors. They ran round, signed yearbooks , and reminisced with friends all day. Jealous of the fact that they got out of all of their classes, I started to think to myself about how in two years I’ll be in the same position. It’s scary to think that in that short period of time I will be visiting colleges, writing admissions essays, waiting for acceptance letters, and taking the SAT’s. Not looking forward to the most ridicule year of high school, junior year, I’m anxious to be a senior. I want to have it all over with, I think everybody does, I want to be accepted and know where I’m living for college and have a job on campus. It’s getting there that is the hard part. A little hard work now will make all of the essays, letter, and exams easier when I have to take them , so its worth the hour long homework in the end.
Graduation Requirements
by Kerry Richards
Graduation is fast approaching and it seems time to reflect on graduation requirements. Pembroke has the basic ones, passing four years of English, not flunking out, etc. But Pembroke also does something else, they require forty community service hours. By doing so Pembroke hopes to live up to its mission statement and improve the student body’s sphere of influence. They want their students to become involved in their community. Many students complain about this requirement. They feel like they shouldn't be forced to help out in their town just to graduate. They don't see it as necessary to an educational institute. Many also raise the point that it’s not really charity if it’s forced. However, I think this is a good requirement to have. It wouldn't even occur to the average highs schooler to volunteer, not because of a cruel viewpoint but because of an ambivalent one. By being “forced” into helping, it really is expanding the world teenagers know. It exposes people to a world they may not have known about, whether it be one of poverty or abuse or merely something simpler, like a possible career path. It also helps the community. It introduces a whole new slew of volunteer workers. Many places requiring volunteers are understaffed and teenagers are a welcome addition to the crew. The community benefits in every way. Overall, for many teenagers it may be a pain to spend forty whole hours helping others, but in the end, it does so much
Graduation is fast approaching and it seems time to reflect on graduation requirements. Pembroke has the basic ones, passing four years of English, not flunking out, etc. But Pembroke also does something else, they require forty community service hours. By doing so Pembroke hopes to live up to its mission statement and improve the student body’s sphere of influence. They want their students to become involved in their community. Many students complain about this requirement. They feel like they shouldn't be forced to help out in their town just to graduate. They don't see it as necessary to an educational institute. Many also raise the point that it’s not really charity if it’s forced. However, I think this is a good requirement to have. It wouldn't even occur to the average highs schooler to volunteer, not because of a cruel viewpoint but because of an ambivalent one. By being “forced” into helping, it really is expanding the world teenagers know. It exposes people to a world they may not have known about, whether it be one of poverty or abuse or merely something simpler, like a possible career path. It also helps the community. It introduces a whole new slew of volunteer workers. Many places requiring volunteers are understaffed and teenagers are a welcome addition to the crew. The community benefits in every way. Overall, for many teenagers it may be a pain to spend forty whole hours helping others, but in the end, it does so much
Spidey Returns
by Kerry Richards
One of the most eagerly anticipated summer movies came out this past Friday: Spiderman 3. However, the anticipation might not have been worth it as this movie was, in short, disappointing. There was too much plot, which is usually unheard of for an action movie. Each tiny part of plot made up about a half hour before a whole new plot was introduced. It seems as if the writers could simply not decide what they wanted this to be, an action movie, a romance, or a somber tale of revenge.
The movie's first plot was that of Mary Jane's, Spiderman's girlfriend's, failed attempt at being on Broadway and her dealing with her jealousy over Spiderman's popularity. Quickly her jealousy shifted from being about careers to being about love. This plot introduced Gwen Stacy, played by Bryce Dallas Howard. Howard managed to pull off quite a remarkable performance despite the little screen time she was allowed and the fact that no one ever bothered to develop her character beyond stock status.
Inner demons were the next conflict of the movie. Peter Parker, after being affected by some sort of never explained black slime, becomes cocky and overly sure of himself. This plot was merely used to make Tobey Maguire as annoying as possible. I fail to understand why the writers decided to turn us against our hero. However, this did lead to the next plot of Parker becoming jealous of Mary Jane and his friend Harry Osborn's new relationship. James Franco, as Osborn, pulled of the best performance of the movie making a somewhat annoying character into one that everyone rooted for.
Finally, the action kicked in with Venom, Topher Grace's Eddie Brock now being infested with the black goo, and Sandman, Thomas Haden Church, kidnapping Mary Jane. However, this action sequence wasn't even that interesting and by this time I had given up caring about what happened to any of them.
Overall, this plot was too much. It was convoluted and overdone. If the writers had simply chosen one plot and ran with it, this movie could have worked. If they had provided a back story for the new characters or kept them on screen long enough for the audience to see them as more than stock, this movie would have worked so much better. Luckily, the actors were charismatic enough to make the very weak plot somewhat bearable.
One of the most eagerly anticipated summer movies came out this past Friday: Spiderman 3. However, the anticipation might not have been worth it as this movie was, in short, disappointing. There was too much plot, which is usually unheard of for an action movie. Each tiny part of plot made up about a half hour before a whole new plot was introduced. It seems as if the writers could simply not decide what they wanted this to be, an action movie, a romance, or a somber tale of revenge.
The movie's first plot was that of Mary Jane's, Spiderman's girlfriend's, failed attempt at being on Broadway and her dealing with her jealousy over Spiderman's popularity. Quickly her jealousy shifted from being about careers to being about love. This plot introduced Gwen Stacy, played by Bryce Dallas Howard. Howard managed to pull off quite a remarkable performance despite the little screen time she was allowed and the fact that no one ever bothered to develop her character beyond stock status.
Inner demons were the next conflict of the movie. Peter Parker, after being affected by some sort of never explained black slime, becomes cocky and overly sure of himself. This plot was merely used to make Tobey Maguire as annoying as possible. I fail to understand why the writers decided to turn us against our hero. However, this did lead to the next plot of Parker becoming jealous of Mary Jane and his friend Harry Osborn's new relationship. James Franco, as Osborn, pulled of the best performance of the movie making a somewhat annoying character into one that everyone rooted for.
Finally, the action kicked in with Venom, Topher Grace's Eddie Brock now being infested with the black goo, and Sandman, Thomas Haden Church, kidnapping Mary Jane. However, this action sequence wasn't even that interesting and by this time I had given up caring about what happened to any of them.
Overall, this plot was too much. It was convoluted and overdone. If the writers had simply chosen one plot and ran with it, this movie could have worked. If they had provided a back story for the new characters or kept them on screen long enough for the audience to see them as more than stock, this movie would have worked so much better. Luckily, the actors were charismatic enough to make the very weak plot somewhat bearable.
Lunch With Lynch.
by Mel Nogler
All 175 seniors have a chance to eat lunch with Mrs. Lynch.
During your lunch block you get to have lunch with Mrs. Lynch and talk about anything you want, what is wrong with our school, what can we do to get better? How can we change the school for the seniors for next year?
She gets into to know you a little more. Mrs. Lynch and I have had our ups and downs to the point of her kicking me out of school, just because my behavior was not much fun.
I did not like being a junior, and I never liked that “one” teacher who always picked on me, and never really helped me out, and she gave me nothing but grief. So I have enough.
That’s When Mrs. lynch stepped in and said look, I have the power to have you removed from this school and NOT graduate. Or have you stay in this school for ever how long.
This frightened me a lot. So I drastically took measures. I thought about my education. I am the only one who can make that choice. So I began getting better, my “snotty” attitude changed, I stop being someone who I wasn’t. I thought I could make people laugh while I was trying to be the “big bad tough guy”; well I am not the class clown. And I will never be. I tried too many times to impress people that just didn’t care.
I turned into this student who didn’t care about anything. But I made a huge mistake by falling out of place, why do people care? Why do people need to know this? Its because I changed my ways, I look at all these immature freshmen, sophomores and SOME juniors,
And I realized that I was one of them, and that the way that they act, I acted. I think its pretty stupid and funny, because I neglected to care. Then I realized if people want to treat me like an adult, I have to act like one, I see most teachers (whom I’m going to keep anonymous,) favor students, yell at them, tell them that they are a “waste” of time, and that they should NOT stay in school, ive seen this, it really upsets me, that, that Teacher will not have the guts to Help that student who is struggling, and I just think that teachers used to treat me like that in my Marshfield school, and said that I was a Nobody, and that I shouldn’t graduate, and that school is a waste for me. And that is what stuck in my head, that that teacher tried to rule me, and make me give up on something that was REALLY important. I know that some teachers are only here so they gave a excellent paycheck, and not really help the students, and that they treat them like nothing.
That is why I gave up on school in my freshmen year. And again in sophomore year until I said to myself, that I have to get out of this place to better myself with better education.
And then junior year was a struggle for me, I did not want to try, I didn’t want to do anything. Until that day Mrs. lynch came up to me and tugged at my shirt and she gave me a bit of …. Things to say... that’s why I changed and im really glad Mrs. Lynch pushed me a lot more. Without her id be lost in this world. Im glad mrs lynch gave me a choice to eat with her. =)
All 175 seniors have a chance to eat lunch with Mrs. Lynch.
During your lunch block you get to have lunch with Mrs. Lynch and talk about anything you want, what is wrong with our school, what can we do to get better? How can we change the school for the seniors for next year?
She gets into to know you a little more. Mrs. Lynch and I have had our ups and downs to the point of her kicking me out of school, just because my behavior was not much fun.
I did not like being a junior, and I never liked that “one” teacher who always picked on me, and never really helped me out, and she gave me nothing but grief. So I have enough.
That’s When Mrs. lynch stepped in and said look, I have the power to have you removed from this school and NOT graduate. Or have you stay in this school for ever how long.
This frightened me a lot. So I drastically took measures. I thought about my education. I am the only one who can make that choice. So I began getting better, my “snotty” attitude changed, I stop being someone who I wasn’t. I thought I could make people laugh while I was trying to be the “big bad tough guy”; well I am not the class clown. And I will never be. I tried too many times to impress people that just didn’t care.
I turned into this student who didn’t care about anything. But I made a huge mistake by falling out of place, why do people care? Why do people need to know this? Its because I changed my ways, I look at all these immature freshmen, sophomores and SOME juniors,
And I realized that I was one of them, and that the way that they act, I acted. I think its pretty stupid and funny, because I neglected to care. Then I realized if people want to treat me like an adult, I have to act like one, I see most teachers (whom I’m going to keep anonymous,) favor students, yell at them, tell them that they are a “waste” of time, and that they should NOT stay in school, ive seen this, it really upsets me, that, that Teacher will not have the guts to Help that student who is struggling, and I just think that teachers used to treat me like that in my Marshfield school, and said that I was a Nobody, and that I shouldn’t graduate, and that school is a waste for me. And that is what stuck in my head, that that teacher tried to rule me, and make me give up on something that was REALLY important. I know that some teachers are only here so they gave a excellent paycheck, and not really help the students, and that they treat them like nothing.
That is why I gave up on school in my freshmen year. And again in sophomore year until I said to myself, that I have to get out of this place to better myself with better education.
And then junior year was a struggle for me, I did not want to try, I didn’t want to do anything. Until that day Mrs. lynch came up to me and tugged at my shirt and she gave me a bit of …. Things to say... that’s why I changed and im really glad Mrs. Lynch pushed me a lot more. Without her id be lost in this world. Im glad mrs lynch gave me a choice to eat with her. =)
Teens pushed too hard blog
by Katie Jochems
Teenagers are expected to do way too much for the amount of time in a day. The average teen gets up around six in the morning to get ready to catch the bus around seven. They go to school for six hours, learning, testing, and teaching each other. For the older teens who have vehicles, it is after school that they must work and make money. Personally, I have over $500 in bills each month, so I have to work every day after school in order to be able to pay them. It is after work that the teens have to go home, try to find to eat something, then do their homework. There is little time to relax seeing that they are up until almost 10:00 at night finishing the work teachers send home with the students. Teens then have to go to bed and rise approximately seven hours later to do it all again. Compared to some adults, teens do more in one day then they do in three. Between school, work, homework, and trying to keep up a social life, teenagers are some of the busiest people one can find in this country.
Teenagers are expected to do way too much for the amount of time in a day. The average teen gets up around six in the morning to get ready to catch the bus around seven. They go to school for six hours, learning, testing, and teaching each other. For the older teens who have vehicles, it is after school that they must work and make money. Personally, I have over $500 in bills each month, so I have to work every day after school in order to be able to pay them. It is after work that the teens have to go home, try to find to eat something, then do their homework. There is little time to relax seeing that they are up until almost 10:00 at night finishing the work teachers send home with the students. Teens then have to go to bed and rise approximately seven hours later to do it all again. Compared to some adults, teens do more in one day then they do in three. Between school, work, homework, and trying to keep up a social life, teenagers are some of the busiest people one can find in this country.
Friday, May 11, 2007
6 Days and counting
by Melissa Nogler
As a senior my last days are down to 6 days and counting.
Starting Monday, May 14 I along with the other 176 seniors will be having “senior week”
until Friday, May 18. Friday is our last day of school, but May 11 is our last day of classes. We come back May 21-25 and prom is May 31. I am really excited. I cannot wait.
What I'm going to miss the most when I look back is writing for the Pembroke High School Sentinel and working with everyone and sometimes being a brat about my stories.
But looking back at my 3 years at this school changes. I used to be this young punk kid who didn’t care about school and now I'm 2 weeks away from graduating. It gets to you.
Most people say, “Oh I hated school, but being a senior was fun...” and that is how I looked at it. It is scary going out into the real world. Next fall I will be going to the University of Maryland to major in Criminal justice and Journalism. I can’t wait to be successful. My dream is to at least make it on 7 News. I would love to be a reporter. I love to interview people. I like to talk about current events. I just do not like talking in front of millions of people. But I would love to have that chance, or also write for the Patriot Ledger. I met a woman who writes for it, and she interviewed me after my friend Brittany died, and she said if I ever need to get started in journalism outside of high school to give her a call. That made me really happy. I have achieved my goal.
Others might say its “stupid” but I believe out of 176 seniors graduating, I will be the most successful, I'm meaning it in a bad way but I know what I want and im going for it.
My senior week will be worthwhile. I know I can't do senior skip day or I will lose credit. Senior week is better than that anyways. I have shared so many memories being at this school.
As a senior my last days are down to 6 days and counting.
Starting Monday, May 14 I along with the other 176 seniors will be having “senior week”
until Friday, May 18. Friday is our last day of school, but May 11 is our last day of classes. We come back May 21-25 and prom is May 31. I am really excited. I cannot wait.
What I'm going to miss the most when I look back is writing for the Pembroke High School Sentinel and working with everyone and sometimes being a brat about my stories.
But looking back at my 3 years at this school changes. I used to be this young punk kid who didn’t care about school and now I'm 2 weeks away from graduating. It gets to you.
Most people say, “Oh I hated school, but being a senior was fun...” and that is how I looked at it. It is scary going out into the real world. Next fall I will be going to the University of Maryland to major in Criminal justice and Journalism. I can’t wait to be successful. My dream is to at least make it on 7 News. I would love to be a reporter. I love to interview people. I like to talk about current events. I just do not like talking in front of millions of people. But I would love to have that chance, or also write for the Patriot Ledger. I met a woman who writes for it, and she interviewed me after my friend Brittany died, and she said if I ever need to get started in journalism outside of high school to give her a call. That made me really happy. I have achieved my goal.
Others might say its “stupid” but I believe out of 176 seniors graduating, I will be the most successful, I'm meaning it in a bad way but I know what I want and im going for it.
My senior week will be worthwhile. I know I can't do senior skip day or I will lose credit. Senior week is better than that anyways. I have shared so many memories being at this school.
Spring is here
by Lauren Mulkern
Take a second right now to stop and breathe. Once the warm weather comes, people seem to have a lot less time to relax. It is go, go, go, because the warm weather is finally here and people want to do the wonderful things that they have missed during the winter. However, we are doing so much that it seems like the spring has flew by.
Varsity sports are well into their seasons even though it seems like we have just started. Seven weeks have already gone by for the spring sports. For softball, we only have three weeks left as of right now. However, this can change if they make tournament.
The point of this is to show you that spring sports go by so fast that you don’t even realize the season is close to ending. One reason we don’t realize is that they come up so fast. This is due to the fact that the spring sports begin before “spring” gets here. Another reason is the rain. This year, there was approximately about ten days that sports were postponed due to the rain. Then once the beautiful sun comes out, all these postponed games are rescheduled and teams have about four games a week which makes the time go by so fast.
Enjoy the last few weeks of spring sports because before you know it they will be over and your seniors from your teams will be graduating and you will start to look forward to the next season that is a year away.
Take a second right now to stop and breathe. Once the warm weather comes, people seem to have a lot less time to relax. It is go, go, go, because the warm weather is finally here and people want to do the wonderful things that they have missed during the winter. However, we are doing so much that it seems like the spring has flew by.
Varsity sports are well into their seasons even though it seems like we have just started. Seven weeks have already gone by for the spring sports. For softball, we only have three weeks left as of right now. However, this can change if they make tournament.
The point of this is to show you that spring sports go by so fast that you don’t even realize the season is close to ending. One reason we don’t realize is that they come up so fast. This is due to the fact that the spring sports begin before “spring” gets here. Another reason is the rain. This year, there was approximately about ten days that sports were postponed due to the rain. Then once the beautiful sun comes out, all these postponed games are rescheduled and teams have about four games a week which makes the time go by so fast.
Enjoy the last few weeks of spring sports because before you know it they will be over and your seniors from your teams will be graduating and you will start to look forward to the next season that is a year away.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Senioritis
by Jennifer Bayliss
I wish I were an Oscar Meyer wiener, that is what I’d truly like to be. ‘Cause if I were an Oscar Meyer wiener, everyone would be in love… oops.
Sorry about that, I’m a bit distracted now that the sun is shining and the weather allows me to wear short sleeves without freezing my derrière off.
Anyway…
Senioritis. Every senior gets it at some point. Everyone knows what it is. Even my spell check on the computer is accepting it as a word. Underclassmen even look forward to use the senioritis excuse. It’s such a great one… teachers even understand it.
We’re done. We have about 16 days left. If you have AP exams to take, you only have about two weeks. None of us want to be here. The weather has been becoming nicer and more spring-like, we’re ready to hit the beach. We’re tired of being in school and the teachers are becoming weary of our lackadaisical ways.
Some of the seniors in the school have suffered senioritis since mid-winter, it truly is an illness. Most have pulled out of the slump to muster enough effort together to do the last few pieces of coursework that they’re given. Others, well… they have continued to slack off, not a care in the world, and somehow seem to scrape by.
And now, I have fallen victim yet again to this illness known as senioritis.
I wish I were an Oscar Meyer wiener, that is what I’d truly like to be. ‘Cause if I were an Oscar Meyer wiener, everyone would be in love… oops.
Sorry about that, I’m a bit distracted now that the sun is shining and the weather allows me to wear short sleeves without freezing my derrière off.
Anyway…
Senioritis. Every senior gets it at some point. Everyone knows what it is. Even my spell check on the computer is accepting it as a word. Underclassmen even look forward to use the senioritis excuse. It’s such a great one… teachers even understand it.
We’re done. We have about 16 days left. If you have AP exams to take, you only have about two weeks. None of us want to be here. The weather has been becoming nicer and more spring-like, we’re ready to hit the beach. We’re tired of being in school and the teachers are becoming weary of our lackadaisical ways.
Some of the seniors in the school have suffered senioritis since mid-winter, it truly is an illness. Most have pulled out of the slump to muster enough effort together to do the last few pieces of coursework that they’re given. Others, well… they have continued to slack off, not a care in the world, and somehow seem to scrape by.
And now, I have fallen victim yet again to this illness known as senioritis.
Breaking In Blog
by Katie Jochems
A few weeks ago a Pembroke Student, whom I will keep anonymous, made copies of one of the school’s master keys after stealing it from a gym teacher. He was caught with the keys and was punished for his illegal activity.
It is kids like this that ruin it for everyone. The school had to spend the little money they have to get completely new locks for the entire school and maintenance men had to work extra days to put them all in.
I used to wonder why the school couldn’t just trust us and not lock every door after leaving the room, but now I can see the reason; stupid people who think that it’s funny to take a key and make copies of it.
It’s scary to think what that idiot could have done and thank goodness the key was found before he could, especially with recent going-ons at Virginia Tech, school security is a major issue and its all because of untrustworthy fools trying to do something “cool.”
A few weeks ago a Pembroke Student, whom I will keep anonymous, made copies of one of the school’s master keys after stealing it from a gym teacher. He was caught with the keys and was punished for his illegal activity.
It is kids like this that ruin it for everyone. The school had to spend the little money they have to get completely new locks for the entire school and maintenance men had to work extra days to put them all in.
I used to wonder why the school couldn’t just trust us and not lock every door after leaving the room, but now I can see the reason; stupid people who think that it’s funny to take a key and make copies of it.
It’s scary to think what that idiot could have done and thank goodness the key was found before he could, especially with recent going-ons at Virginia Tech, school security is a major issue and its all because of untrustworthy fools trying to do something “cool.”
VT
by Lauren Mulkern
On Monday 4/16/07, a student at Virginia Tech. murdered a total of 27 students and 5 teachers. This student was originally from South Korea and moved to the U.S. due to financial difficulty in South Korea. Classmates of this student mentioned that he was a very quite man.
ON the day of the massacre, he shot two students two hours before killing the other 30 people. During this two hour period, he prepared a package of photos and a video. Also in this NBC studio was a written statement. NBC released these disturbing photos, videos, and statements to the public.
The decision that NBC made to release items from this package, sparked a controversy. People are now arguing if this was the right thing to do.
The ultimate purpose of the newspaper/news studio is to make a positive change. Releasing devastating photos, videos, and statements to the public is a positive change? Personally, I believe that releasing photos that have guns pointing at you is horrific. Why does something that was so tragic to many people have to have things to show you what the 32 victims went through? These things show what the victims were looking at before the passed away.
On 4/19/07, I walked into a store to purchase the Boston Herald and Patriot Ledger. As soon as I looked at the newsstand, I was horrified. I had multiple guns pointing right at me. Of course they were not literally there but it was still horrifying. The Boston Herald decided to send a photo from the package with the murderer pointing a gun right at the camera on the front page. I personally don’t see the positive change in this situation. All I see is terrible images. NBC should have spent more time considering the consequences of releasing packages.
On Monday 4/16/07, a student at Virginia Tech. murdered a total of 27 students and 5 teachers. This student was originally from South Korea and moved to the U.S. due to financial difficulty in South Korea. Classmates of this student mentioned that he was a very quite man.
ON the day of the massacre, he shot two students two hours before killing the other 30 people. During this two hour period, he prepared a package of photos and a video. Also in this NBC studio was a written statement. NBC released these disturbing photos, videos, and statements to the public.
The decision that NBC made to release items from this package, sparked a controversy. People are now arguing if this was the right thing to do.
The ultimate purpose of the newspaper/news studio is to make a positive change. Releasing devastating photos, videos, and statements to the public is a positive change? Personally, I believe that releasing photos that have guns pointing at you is horrific. Why does something that was so tragic to many people have to have things to show you what the 32 victims went through? These things show what the victims were looking at before the passed away.
On 4/19/07, I walked into a store to purchase the Boston Herald and Patriot Ledger. As soon as I looked at the newsstand, I was horrified. I had multiple guns pointing right at me. Of course they were not literally there but it was still horrifying. The Boston Herald decided to send a photo from the package with the murderer pointing a gun right at the camera on the front page. I personally don’t see the positive change in this situation. All I see is terrible images. NBC should have spent more time considering the consequences of releasing packages.
JV Sports in a Varsity World
Nicholas Papadopolous
The affairs of varsity sports are widely known throughout the halls of Pembroke High School, while the jv and freshman sports are under the radar and are underappreciated.
An example of the breach in the support is apparent at several of the sports games. In hockey, the jv games are usually played an hour before the varsity plays, yet nobody can be found in the rink other than the few parents spread out through the bleachers. However, as soon as the jv players finish undressing and step back out into the rink, the place is so crowded that it is difficult to get to the exit. And once you do manage to get to the exit, there are still people in line waiting to pay $5 for a ticket to the game.
Another example is the football teams and their fans. For jv games and freshman games, there are usually more players on the field than there are in the stands watching. But when the lights come on and varsity steps onto the field, the bleachers are overflowing with fans hoping that the Titans will pull through.
The only reasons that fans only attend the varsity games are that the players are older and the talent is better. Let’s face it, everybody knows the senior athletes Mike Daniels and Paul Chiampa, but only the freshman and a few others are going to know the Jack Bandera’s and Pat West’s of the school. Not to mention that everybody will know about Rocco DeVincient’s last-second goal but nobody will hear about Ryan Hennigan’s 3-run Home-run to win the jv a game in extra innings. Also, the talent level is far superior at varsity games than at jv games.
Despite that, I think that Pembroke students should show more of an interest in the sports played by the younger student-athletes. After all, they are the future of PHS.
The affairs of varsity sports are widely known throughout the halls of Pembroke High School, while the jv and freshman sports are under the radar and are underappreciated.
An example of the breach in the support is apparent at several of the sports games. In hockey, the jv games are usually played an hour before the varsity plays, yet nobody can be found in the rink other than the few parents spread out through the bleachers. However, as soon as the jv players finish undressing and step back out into the rink, the place is so crowded that it is difficult to get to the exit. And once you do manage to get to the exit, there are still people in line waiting to pay $5 for a ticket to the game.
Another example is the football teams and their fans. For jv games and freshman games, there are usually more players on the field than there are in the stands watching. But when the lights come on and varsity steps onto the field, the bleachers are overflowing with fans hoping that the Titans will pull through.
The only reasons that fans only attend the varsity games are that the players are older and the talent is better. Let’s face it, everybody knows the senior athletes Mike Daniels and Paul Chiampa, but only the freshman and a few others are going to know the Jack Bandera’s and Pat West’s of the school. Not to mention that everybody will know about Rocco DeVincient’s last-second goal but nobody will hear about Ryan Hennigan’s 3-run Home-run to win the jv a game in extra innings. Also, the talent level is far superior at varsity games than at jv games.
Despite that, I think that Pembroke students should show more of an interest in the sports played by the younger student-athletes. After all, they are the future of PHS.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
How much should we support the arts?
by Kerry Richards
Pembroke High School has been criticized by some students for spending too much money on the arts. Students gripe that the school spent so much on a perfect auditorium, but a faulty gym. They complain that the drama club always has so much money (most of it from PAPA), while other clubs and sports can barely support themselves. Many even suggest that Principal Lynch would rather donate practically the entire B building to the Art department and neglect sports.
Is this worth it? How important are the arts to a high school education?
Our drama department is obviously benefiting as "The King and I" was recently selected to be part of the North Shore Community Theatre Spotlight Awards. They were nominated for Best Choreography, Best Technical Crew/ Execution, Best Leading Actress- Meghan Haskins, and Best Supporting Actor- Matthew Foster.
Jono King and Meghan Haskins will be performing at the Finale production number during the awards presentations.
This is a huge honor and means a lot to Pembroke High School. However, it raises the question of the importance of arts.
Art is no longer a requirement of graduation at Pembroke High, although it is at many others, and many students go through high school with out it.
Perhaps, this should not be the case...
- Secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs). — Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Report. Reported in Houston Chronicle, January 1998
- The very best engineers and technical designers in the Silicon Valley industry are, nearly without exception, practicing musicians. — Grant Venerable, "The Paradox of the Silicon Savior," as reported in "The Case for Sequential Music Education in the Core Curriculum of the Public Schools," The Center for the Arts in the Basic Curriculum, New York, 1989
- In an analysis of U.S. Department of Education data on more than 25,000 secondary school students (NELS:88, National Education Longitudinal Survey), researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show “significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12.” This observation holds regardless of students’ socio-economic status, and differences in those who are involved with instrumental music vs. those who are not is more significant over time. — Catterall, James S., Richard Chapleau, and John Iwanaga. “Involvement in the Arts and Human Development: General Involvement and Intensive Involvement in Music and Theater Arts.” Los Angeles, CA: The Imagination Project at UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, 1999.
- Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas studied the undergraduate majors of medical school applicants. He found that 66% of music majors who applied to medical school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group. 44% of biochemistry majors were admitted. — As reported in "The Case for Music in the Schools," Phi Delta Kappan, February 1994
- A University of California (Irvine) study showed that after eight months of keyboard lessons, preschoolers showed a 46% boost in their spatial reasoning IQ. — Rauscher, Shaw, Levine, Ky and Wright, "Music and Spatial Task Performance: A Causal Relationship," University of California, Irvine, 1994
All research points to music and arts having a positive impact. It broadens horizons and even helps students in other subjects. Perhaps, Pembroke should reinstate fine arts requirements. Can it really hurt with all of the courses offered here?
Pembroke High School has been criticized by some students for spending too much money on the arts. Students gripe that the school spent so much on a perfect auditorium, but a faulty gym. They complain that the drama club always has so much money (most of it from PAPA), while other clubs and sports can barely support themselves. Many even suggest that Principal Lynch would rather donate practically the entire B building to the Art department and neglect sports.
Is this worth it? How important are the arts to a high school education?
Our drama department is obviously benefiting as "The King and I" was recently selected to be part of the North Shore Community Theatre Spotlight Awards. They were nominated for Best Choreography, Best Technical Crew/ Execution, Best Leading Actress- Meghan Haskins, and Best Supporting Actor- Matthew Foster.
Jono King and Meghan Haskins will be performing at the Finale production number during the awards presentations.
This is a huge honor and means a lot to Pembroke High School. However, it raises the question of the importance of arts.
Art is no longer a requirement of graduation at Pembroke High, although it is at many others, and many students go through high school with out it.
Perhaps, this should not be the case...
- Secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs). — Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Report. Reported in Houston Chronicle, January 1998
- The very best engineers and technical designers in the Silicon Valley industry are, nearly without exception, practicing musicians. — Grant Venerable, "The Paradox of the Silicon Savior," as reported in "The Case for Sequential Music Education in the Core Curriculum of the Public Schools," The Center for the Arts in the Basic Curriculum, New York, 1989
- In an analysis of U.S. Department of Education data on more than 25,000 secondary school students (NELS:88, National Education Longitudinal Survey), researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show “significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12.” This observation holds regardless of students’ socio-economic status, and differences in those who are involved with instrumental music vs. those who are not is more significant over time. — Catterall, James S., Richard Chapleau, and John Iwanaga. “Involvement in the Arts and Human Development: General Involvement and Intensive Involvement in Music and Theater Arts.” Los Angeles, CA: The Imagination Project at UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, 1999.
- Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas studied the undergraduate majors of medical school applicants. He found that 66% of music majors who applied to medical school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group. 44% of biochemistry majors were admitted. — As reported in "The Case for Music in the Schools," Phi Delta Kappan, February 1994
- A University of California (Irvine) study showed that after eight months of keyboard lessons, preschoolers showed a 46% boost in their spatial reasoning IQ. — Rauscher, Shaw, Levine, Ky and Wright, "Music and Spatial Task Performance: A Causal Relationship," University of California, Irvine, 1994
All research points to music and arts having a positive impact. It broadens horizons and even helps students in other subjects. Perhaps, Pembroke should reinstate fine arts requirements. Can it really hurt with all of the courses offered here?
Save Darfur! Veronica Mars and Gilmore Girls!
by Mary Polleys
Speculation about the cancellation of long running Gilmore Girls and the relatively new but unbelievably clever Veronica Mars both on the new CW has fans, such as myself, panicking about where this will leave the characters they have gotten to know so well over the years, and what they will do with the two hour time gap on Tuesday nights.
Even though Veronica Mars is still in its infancy, on only its third season, the show has caught the interest of many viewers by telling the dramatic story of a teenage girl who doubles as a private investigator. From her cases that often put her in danger, to the sordid events of her, and other various characters, love lives, the show promises action packed episodes every week. So why would they want to CANCEL such a show?
Currently in its eighth season, the hit television series Gilmore Girls is speculated to be coming to its final hour on May 15, 2007. The show, which tells the story of Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory, was a unique show from season one. Its original writers, Amy Sherman, and Dan Palladino began the legacy of quick witted characters and obscure pop culture references, but have since left the show, their departure having a major affect on the quality of the show. However, the show has survived and is on its second season without the pair, who originally planned to end the series with Rory’s graduation from Yale University, which is upcoming in the story line. While it’s understandable for the actors to want to move on to new things and, as much as I hate to admit it, for the series to end, where will the writers leave the characters? Will Rory and Logan get engaged? Are Lorelai and Luke meant for each other? Or will they leave us open-ended, driving fans crazy for the rest of time?
A survey taken by E! online where people can vote for one show they’d like to see return for the 2007-2008 season revealed the two shows at places 1 and 2 on the favorites list, Gilmore Girls just ahead with 36% of voters, and Veronica Mars with 32%.
Other shows on the fence include Supernatural, One Tree Hill, and Scrubs.
Speculation about the cancellation of long running Gilmore Girls and the relatively new but unbelievably clever Veronica Mars both on the new CW has fans, such as myself, panicking about where this will leave the characters they have gotten to know so well over the years, and what they will do with the two hour time gap on Tuesday nights.
Even though Veronica Mars is still in its infancy, on only its third season, the show has caught the interest of many viewers by telling the dramatic story of a teenage girl who doubles as a private investigator. From her cases that often put her in danger, to the sordid events of her, and other various characters, love lives, the show promises action packed episodes every week. So why would they want to CANCEL such a show?
Currently in its eighth season, the hit television series Gilmore Girls is speculated to be coming to its final hour on May 15, 2007. The show, which tells the story of Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory, was a unique show from season one. Its original writers, Amy Sherman, and Dan Palladino began the legacy of quick witted characters and obscure pop culture references, but have since left the show, their departure having a major affect on the quality of the show. However, the show has survived and is on its second season without the pair, who originally planned to end the series with Rory’s graduation from Yale University, which is upcoming in the story line. While it’s understandable for the actors to want to move on to new things and, as much as I hate to admit it, for the series to end, where will the writers leave the characters? Will Rory and Logan get engaged? Are Lorelai and Luke meant for each other? Or will they leave us open-ended, driving fans crazy for the rest of time?
A survey taken by E! online where people can vote for one show they’d like to see return for the 2007-2008 season revealed the two shows at places 1 and 2 on the favorites list, Gilmore Girls just ahead with 36% of voters, and Veronica Mars with 32%.
Other shows on the fence include Supernatural, One Tree Hill, and Scrubs.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Could massacre have been prevented?
by Kerry Richards
In the past week our nation has suffered a tragedy that is virtually incomparable to any past events. Virginia Tech suffered the loss of thirty-three of their students. Thirty-two innocent students and one crazed gunman. This event is the worst act of school violence in memory.
In the past week our nation has suffered a tragedy that is virtually incomparable to any past events. Virginia Tech suffered the loss of thirty-three of their students. Thirty-two innocent students and one crazed gunman. This event is the worst act of school violence in memory.
Could this event have been prevented? I believe it could have been. There were plenty of warning signs. This student was clearly mentally deranged. As seen from papers and skits he wrote and passed in. Teachers should have made a bigger deal of this then what was made. Yes, this work was reported, but more steps should have been taken. As seen from Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, this work does indicate things that may come. When these two boys handed in a video project revolving around murder in their high school, nothing was done to remove them from schools. The same occurred in this case. The administration in schools needs to become more sensitive to this kind of cry for help. It's a lesson schools should have learned by now.
This was a student who exhibited many warning signs of potential violence. He was reported as stalking two female students. He appeared suicidal, and was even committed at one point. However, this care was listed as outpatient and thus Seung-Hui Cho was allowed to buy firearms.
It appears as if so much could have been done to prevent this tragedy. After Columbine, it seems many actions were taken to increase school security. However, it wasn't enough to stop this incident. What will be done now? School has yet to resume from April vacation, but when it does what's in store could be a much greater increase in how closely students are watched. A massacre like this one should be preventable by now.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Saw 3, The Hills Have eyes 2, is this really necessary?
Chelsey Monks
Why do people like to watch gory movies?
I don’t see any need for watching someone get hung , or watching a mutant rape someone. Really I don’t think there is any need.
Why do people like watching these things? Recently I saw "Saw 3" and honestly I shut it off in the middle where it got way to gory and gross.
Who thinks these things up?
Who sits down and writes a screenplay all about killing people, dismembering people of their limbs , or like Hannibal, eating people?
These movies do lock in to one persons emotions and make their biggest fears come to a reality , well in some sense.
My question is what drives people to be violent?
Could it be the raunchy movies that people watch where killing people in gross ways is a thrill? Or could it be that to us, being scared for some reason make our adrenaline rise and we keep going back for more?
Personally I think people who watch completely gory movies like saw and the hills have eyes and hostile have some viewers that belong in the Loony bin.
Who comes up with those bloody story lines…I don’t know , I guess the old babysitter watching the kids and there’s a stranger in the house and she doesn’t know who he is , is a thing of the past.
Why do people like to watch gory movies?
I don’t see any need for watching someone get hung , or watching a mutant rape someone. Really I don’t think there is any need.
Why do people like watching these things? Recently I saw "Saw 3" and honestly I shut it off in the middle where it got way to gory and gross.
Who thinks these things up?
Who sits down and writes a screenplay all about killing people, dismembering people of their limbs , or like Hannibal, eating people?
These movies do lock in to one persons emotions and make their biggest fears come to a reality , well in some sense.
My question is what drives people to be violent?
Could it be the raunchy movies that people watch where killing people in gross ways is a thrill? Or could it be that to us, being scared for some reason make our adrenaline rise and we keep going back for more?
Personally I think people who watch completely gory movies like saw and the hills have eyes and hostile have some viewers that belong in the Loony bin.
Who comes up with those bloody story lines…I don’t know , I guess the old babysitter watching the kids and there’s a stranger in the house and she doesn’t know who he is , is a thing of the past.
Respect in Our School
Nicholas Papadopolous
It seems that there is very little respect in this school from the teachers or from the students.
With the latest crime of the boy’s bathroom incident, it seems that the students are purposefully trying to deface the school. However, this is only the latest of offences of respect towards the teachers and school that students have committed.
Many students, myself included, wear their hats inside the school day in and day out. This is not a serious offence, however so many student wear their hats that Ms. Szostack has taken it upon herself to collect hats from students, only returning them at the end of the day.
Another offense is the vandalizing of the school building with drawings on the walls. I’m sure everybody remembers the time last year when every hallway had “Lynch *****” or “Ruthless”. Even now, there are stupid drawings of penguins outside near the senior parking lot.
The teachers and principals aren’t completely blameless. The tardy police are insanely harsh, with no room for error. Also, some teachers feel the need to lash out at every student who put a toe out-of-line.
To fix all these problems, I think that students should be more respectful to the school and administration of the building.
In return, I think that the administration should give students more leniency on the tardy policy and don’t yell at every little mistake we make.
It seems that there is very little respect in this school from the teachers or from the students.
With the latest crime of the boy’s bathroom incident, it seems that the students are purposefully trying to deface the school. However, this is only the latest of offences of respect towards the teachers and school that students have committed.
Many students, myself included, wear their hats inside the school day in and day out. This is not a serious offence, however so many student wear their hats that Ms. Szostack has taken it upon herself to collect hats from students, only returning them at the end of the day.
Another offense is the vandalizing of the school building with drawings on the walls. I’m sure everybody remembers the time last year when every hallway had “Lynch *****” or “Ruthless”. Even now, there are stupid drawings of penguins outside near the senior parking lot.
The teachers and principals aren’t completely blameless. The tardy police are insanely harsh, with no room for error. Also, some teachers feel the need to lash out at every student who put a toe out-of-line.
To fix all these problems, I think that students should be more respectful to the school and administration of the building.
In return, I think that the administration should give students more leniency on the tardy policy and don’t yell at every little mistake we make.
Pembroke facts at a glance
Jennifer Bayliss
· Pembroke is located 26 miles southeast of Boston, 16 miles north of Plymouth, and 14 miles east of Brockton.
· The current population is 18,270.
· Pembroke has experienced what can be described as spectacular growth over the seventy-year period 1930 to 2000. During that time the town has increased by over one thousand percent, from a population level of 1,492 in 1930 to 16,927 in the year 2000.
· Most of the growth occurred during the 1950’s when the population almost doubled from 2,579 to 4,919 and from 1960 to 1970 when the population more than doubled again, increasing from 4,919 to 11,193.
· Pembroke is only 23.48 square miles, but only 21.85 miles of land area.
· Pembroke has traditionally been an agricultural and industrial community, but since World War II has become primarily a residential community providing housing for persons working in the greater Boston metropolitan area.
· The Town of Pembroke was formerly part of Duxbury and was established in the year 1712.
· Earliest known settlers of Pembroke were Robert Barker and Dolor Davis in 1650.
· Native Americans settled along the North River to grow crops.
· Most notable of the town’s resources are its water resources which include the North River and Indian Head River; its ponds, Oldham, Furnace, Great Sandy Bottom, Little Sandy Bottom, and Stetson Ponds; and Silver Lake.
· The Town’s ponds, streams and marshes are the home of herring that were prized so much that in 1741, the Town began regulating the taking and preservation of the fish.
· The herring are celebrated each year at the Town’s annual “Grande Old Fish Fry.”
· The ponds and streams also provided power for various mills, including grist, flour and sawmills. Later, shipbuilding and box manufacturing became important factors in the development of the town.
· The Pembroke Iron Works was established in 1720 and used iron dredged from the bottom of the ponds. Ice was cut from the ponds, stored in icehouses, and used in the summer months for food preservation.
· Because of its proximity to timber and location on the river, the Town in its early years was known for its ship building industry. The North River was the location of five shipyards – Brick Kiln Yard, Seabury Point, Job’s Landing, Turner’s Yard and Macy’s.
· Between 1678 and 1871, 1,025 vessels were produced on the shores of the North River. The Brick Kiln Yard was where the Beaver was built; it was one of the ships involved in the Boston Tea party.
· Other famous North River Ships include the Columbia, the Bedford and the Maria. The Columbia was the first ship to sail around the Cape of Good Hope and the Columbia River is named after it, the Bedford was the first ship to sail into a foreign port flying the American Flag, and the Maria is depicted on the Town Seal.
· By 1924 there were 17 cranberry growers in the Pembroke directory, with 14 producers listed as having Bryantville addresses.
· In the same year there were 14 poultry farmers listed indicating that by that time poultry raising was well established in town.
· In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the ponds became an attraction for summer vacationers seeking relief from the heat in the cities. The Brockton and Plymouth Railway co. initiated trolley service from Brockton and facilitated the development of Mayflower Grove in Bryantville as a popular summer recreation venue.
· The attractiveness of the ponds for summer recreation led to the development of numerous, dense cottage colonies built along their shores.
· Pembroke's school system has adapted to reflect the population shifts and changing educational goals of the community.
· Pembroke has expanded to an independent PreK-12 school system to best meet the needs of an enrollment that is expected to increase by 17.32% over the next ten years.
· The newly established Pembroke High School and Pembroke Community Middle School as well as the recent expansion and renovation of the elementary schools are evidence of the community’s personal and financial support.
· The Pembroke Public School System consists of three elementary schools: North Pembroke Elementary, Hobomock Elementary, and Bryantville Elementary.
· In addition, there is a middle school and high school: Pembroke Community Middle School and Pembroke High School.
http://www.townofpembrokemass.org
http://www.pembroke.mec.edu/
· Pembroke is located 26 miles southeast of Boston, 16 miles north of Plymouth, and 14 miles east of Brockton.
· The current population is 18,270.
· Pembroke has experienced what can be described as spectacular growth over the seventy-year period 1930 to 2000. During that time the town has increased by over one thousand percent, from a population level of 1,492 in 1930 to 16,927 in the year 2000.
· Most of the growth occurred during the 1950’s when the population almost doubled from 2,579 to 4,919 and from 1960 to 1970 when the population more than doubled again, increasing from 4,919 to 11,193.
· Pembroke is only 23.48 square miles, but only 21.85 miles of land area.
· Pembroke has traditionally been an agricultural and industrial community, but since World War II has become primarily a residential community providing housing for persons working in the greater Boston metropolitan area.
· The Town of Pembroke was formerly part of Duxbury and was established in the year 1712.
· Earliest known settlers of Pembroke were Robert Barker and Dolor Davis in 1650.
· Native Americans settled along the North River to grow crops.
· Most notable of the town’s resources are its water resources which include the North River and Indian Head River; its ponds, Oldham, Furnace, Great Sandy Bottom, Little Sandy Bottom, and Stetson Ponds; and Silver Lake.
· The Town’s ponds, streams and marshes are the home of herring that were prized so much that in 1741, the Town began regulating the taking and preservation of the fish.
· The herring are celebrated each year at the Town’s annual “Grande Old Fish Fry.”
· The ponds and streams also provided power for various mills, including grist, flour and sawmills. Later, shipbuilding and box manufacturing became important factors in the development of the town.
· The Pembroke Iron Works was established in 1720 and used iron dredged from the bottom of the ponds. Ice was cut from the ponds, stored in icehouses, and used in the summer months for food preservation.
· Because of its proximity to timber and location on the river, the Town in its early years was known for its ship building industry. The North River was the location of five shipyards – Brick Kiln Yard, Seabury Point, Job’s Landing, Turner’s Yard and Macy’s.
· Between 1678 and 1871, 1,025 vessels were produced on the shores of the North River. The Brick Kiln Yard was where the Beaver was built; it was one of the ships involved in the Boston Tea party.
· Other famous North River Ships include the Columbia, the Bedford and the Maria. The Columbia was the first ship to sail around the Cape of Good Hope and the Columbia River is named after it, the Bedford was the first ship to sail into a foreign port flying the American Flag, and the Maria is depicted on the Town Seal.
· By 1924 there were 17 cranberry growers in the Pembroke directory, with 14 producers listed as having Bryantville addresses.
· In the same year there were 14 poultry farmers listed indicating that by that time poultry raising was well established in town.
· In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the ponds became an attraction for summer vacationers seeking relief from the heat in the cities. The Brockton and Plymouth Railway co. initiated trolley service from Brockton and facilitated the development of Mayflower Grove in Bryantville as a popular summer recreation venue.
· The attractiveness of the ponds for summer recreation led to the development of numerous, dense cottage colonies built along their shores.
· Pembroke's school system has adapted to reflect the population shifts and changing educational goals of the community.
· Pembroke has expanded to an independent PreK-12 school system to best meet the needs of an enrollment that is expected to increase by 17.32% over the next ten years.
· The newly established Pembroke High School and Pembroke Community Middle School as well as the recent expansion and renovation of the elementary schools are evidence of the community’s personal and financial support.
· The Pembroke Public School System consists of three elementary schools: North Pembroke Elementary, Hobomock Elementary, and Bryantville Elementary.
· In addition, there is a middle school and high school: Pembroke Community Middle School and Pembroke High School.
http://www.townofpembrokemass.org
http://www.pembroke.mec.edu/
The messy situation: a story of, well, feces…
Ryan Hennigan
“PHS is sexist,” were the first words that escaped freshman Matt Glancy’s mouth following the announcement on Wednesday, April 11 concerning the closing of numerous male restrooms. Glancy had been waiting patiently in study for his turn to go to the bathroom, but upon hearing the message he decided to wait as to not be falsely accused of “bathroom misconduct.”
As disgusting and serious as the incident is, one can not help to hold back a chuckle or two when thinking about it. The rumors created by students (some disturbingly may be true) range from feces smeared on the wall by hand to them being found in the urinals and the sinks to the culprit creating a paper-towel-and-toilet-paper nest in the middle of the restroom and defecating into the middle of it.
Although some of these possible occurrences may have been forged by the use of one’s imagination, it is also difficult to not imagine the perspective of the janitor or authoritative figure when they first entered the bathroom. The very thought makes one feel sick, however, there are even grosser perspectives to imagine. What if someone, presumably a student, had walked in on the culprit smearing feces on the walls with his hands or crouching down to deliver the deed into the paper nest?
…Enough with the nightmares for a minute, as long as low IQs and rebellious natures exist there will always be disturbed derelicts that want to stick it to the man…with poop. On a more serious note, the questionable matter at hand is how the school handled the incident. They closed every boys bathroom except for one, announced to male students that they could not go to the bathroom without first using a sign out sheet, and took all the male student suspects for interviews with the principals.
The first of several flaws with these actions is that the culprit could have been any disturbing male teacher or janitor or any adult looking to create chaos. If nobody saw the event taking place (which is rather odd seeing as how it is common to have up to four boys in the bathroom at once), this could even mean that girls are not exempt from being suspects. With the bathrooms usually being visited every several minutes by a different student, the chance of the guilty person having enough time to do his dead and leave without being caught is very low. Therefore, since the scene was discovered early in the morning, it could have been done the night before or before school started. Also, if it was performed when school was in session, there could have been an intricate plan with possibly more than one student involved.
Another problem with the actions taken by the heads of the building was the closing of all the boys bathrooms except for one. His clearly does not help the problem; rather it just increases the chance of innocent students wetting their pants in class. It is not like there were feces discovered in the other closed bathrroms or that the feces problem had been a reoccurring one. The action is all the more ridiculous with the fact that girls are allowed to go to any girls bathroom at any moment of the day without signing first.
“PHS is sexist,” were the first words that escaped freshman Matt Glancy’s mouth following the announcement on Wednesday, April 11 concerning the closing of numerous male restrooms. Glancy had been waiting patiently in study for his turn to go to the bathroom, but upon hearing the message he decided to wait as to not be falsely accused of “bathroom misconduct.”
As disgusting and serious as the incident is, one can not help to hold back a chuckle or two when thinking about it. The rumors created by students (some disturbingly may be true) range from feces smeared on the wall by hand to them being found in the urinals and the sinks to the culprit creating a paper-towel-and-toilet-paper nest in the middle of the restroom and defecating into the middle of it.
Although some of these possible occurrences may have been forged by the use of one’s imagination, it is also difficult to not imagine the perspective of the janitor or authoritative figure when they first entered the bathroom. The very thought makes one feel sick, however, there are even grosser perspectives to imagine. What if someone, presumably a student, had walked in on the culprit smearing feces on the walls with his hands or crouching down to deliver the deed into the paper nest?
…Enough with the nightmares for a minute, as long as low IQs and rebellious natures exist there will always be disturbed derelicts that want to stick it to the man…with poop. On a more serious note, the questionable matter at hand is how the school handled the incident. They closed every boys bathroom except for one, announced to male students that they could not go to the bathroom without first using a sign out sheet, and took all the male student suspects for interviews with the principals.
The first of several flaws with these actions is that the culprit could have been any disturbing male teacher or janitor or any adult looking to create chaos. If nobody saw the event taking place (which is rather odd seeing as how it is common to have up to four boys in the bathroom at once), this could even mean that girls are not exempt from being suspects. With the bathrooms usually being visited every several minutes by a different student, the chance of the guilty person having enough time to do his dead and leave without being caught is very low. Therefore, since the scene was discovered early in the morning, it could have been done the night before or before school started. Also, if it was performed when school was in session, there could have been an intricate plan with possibly more than one student involved.
Another problem with the actions taken by the heads of the building was the closing of all the boys bathrooms except for one. His clearly does not help the problem; rather it just increases the chance of innocent students wetting their pants in class. It is not like there were feces discovered in the other closed bathrroms or that the feces problem had been a reoccurring one. The action is all the more ridiculous with the fact that girls are allowed to go to any girls bathroom at any moment of the day without signing first.
NOG-BLOG
Mel Nogler
This week has been a mess ever since Mrs. Lynch went away to China.
There have been bomb threats in the boys bathroom, and some really nasty things while they are in there.
I thought we all were grown ups here. We are all in High School!
This is not Elementary school anymore. All these kids should grow up.
It’s really pathetic when we cannot use the bathroom anymore because certain students ruin it for us. It’s really sad to see freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors to sign out to use the bathroom.
I remember when I was a freshman in Silver Lake back in 2003. And there were so many threats in the girls and boys bathrooms, that it was really sad that someone would ruin other people’s lives, Its really ridiculous being in this school.
It seems like if Mrs. Lynch was here none of this “monkey business” would be happening, but I heard some kids in my study class say that Mrs. Stozstak does not know how to be like Lynch, and that she had no control of what to do. What is she supposed to do? All these young kids are immature, they don’t know what life is like, they don’t know ANYTHING yet.
Until they are out in the real world. And being a senior, then see how they really act, Which all these young kids look up to the older classmen. All these problems are giving us a bad name. All these kids want to be seen and be heard. Even if it has to put peoples lives in danger for their stupidity. This brings back the topic of the girl’s bathroom in march how some girls wrote threats, and saying they are going to “blow up Pembroke High...” that is really stupid.
All these kids want attention. And yet since this problem with the boys bathroom, so many kids are upset that they can’t use the bathroom anywhere. You wonder WHY!! It really makes me upset.
This week has been a mess ever since Mrs. Lynch went away to China.
There have been bomb threats in the boys bathroom, and some really nasty things while they are in there.
I thought we all were grown ups here. We are all in High School!
This is not Elementary school anymore. All these kids should grow up.
It’s really pathetic when we cannot use the bathroom anymore because certain students ruin it for us. It’s really sad to see freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors to sign out to use the bathroom.
I remember when I was a freshman in Silver Lake back in 2003. And there were so many threats in the girls and boys bathrooms, that it was really sad that someone would ruin other people’s lives, Its really ridiculous being in this school.
It seems like if Mrs. Lynch was here none of this “monkey business” would be happening, but I heard some kids in my study class say that Mrs. Stozstak does not know how to be like Lynch, and that she had no control of what to do. What is she supposed to do? All these young kids are immature, they don’t know what life is like, they don’t know ANYTHING yet.
Until they are out in the real world. And being a senior, then see how they really act, Which all these young kids look up to the older classmen. All these problems are giving us a bad name. All these kids want to be seen and be heard. Even if it has to put peoples lives in danger for their stupidity. This brings back the topic of the girl’s bathroom in march how some girls wrote threats, and saying they are going to “blow up Pembroke High...” that is really stupid.
All these kids want attention. And yet since this problem with the boys bathroom, so many kids are upset that they can’t use the bathroom anywhere. You wonder WHY!! It really makes me upset.
Mystery man is baby daddy
by Katie Jochems
Larry Birkhead has been officially titled Dannielynn’s father through a paternity test. This comes after months of debating who the real father is and many men came forth claiming it their’s. Birkhead is a 34 year old good-looking guy from Kentucky who no one knows anything about.
It came as a shock to a lot of people when finally the results were announced, but it makes sense, and poor Howard K. Stern can no longer call himself Dannielynn’s real father, even though he is listed as such on the birth certificate.
Stern says he is going to push for Birkhead to have full custody of Dannielynn, which is totally understandable. This unfortunate man had to raise this little girl by himself for some time while the trial was going on, now this goon from Kentucky waltz’s up and takes her away because he was stupid enough to knock up Anna Nicole Smith. Birkhead was even quoted saying “I told you so” to the camera’s after he found out the news, and all I can say is grow up Larry. I hope with all my heart Dannielynn can grow up to be normal and have a good life, and I hope Birkhead can begin to understand the amount of responsibility just placed on his shoulders. My deepest sympathies Mr. Stern.
Larry Birkhead has been officially titled Dannielynn’s father through a paternity test. This comes after months of debating who the real father is and many men came forth claiming it their’s. Birkhead is a 34 year old good-looking guy from Kentucky who no one knows anything about.
It came as a shock to a lot of people when finally the results were announced, but it makes sense, and poor Howard K. Stern can no longer call himself Dannielynn’s real father, even though he is listed as such on the birth certificate.
Stern says he is going to push for Birkhead to have full custody of Dannielynn, which is totally understandable. This unfortunate man had to raise this little girl by himself for some time while the trial was going on, now this goon from Kentucky waltz’s up and takes her away because he was stupid enough to knock up Anna Nicole Smith. Birkhead was even quoted saying “I told you so” to the camera’s after he found out the news, and all I can say is grow up Larry. I hope with all my heart Dannielynn can grow up to be normal and have a good life, and I hope Birkhead can begin to understand the amount of responsibility just placed on his shoulders. My deepest sympathies Mr. Stern.
"What about the hungry kids in Arkasas?"
Chelsey Monks
Recently I've been working with Mr. Mallon and a couple of classmates to begin a fundraiser that would help build a school in Sierra Leone. This is a country in West Africa with the highest death/crime rate from a group called the rebels and where the average life span is 38 for men and 41 for women.
Only one out of every five children lives in this country and parents don't name their children until their first birthday so they don't get attached to their kids and wont we as emotionally distraught if there kids die, which happens more likely than not. This fundraiser will be called "A Nickel a Day" and will start in September.
I was talking to my mom yesterday about how I will be helping in this fundraiser.
She said to me, "Okay, well what about the hungry children in Arkansas?"
Honestly I think she should shut her mouth, I'm doing something to help others which is way more than what she can say for not helping anyone, not even the hungry children in Arkansas that she claims are more important than those who are suffering from genocide in parts ofAfrica.
Our generation is one that needs to make change. Thinking about global warming, the amount of murders, hungry and homeless is rising, if our generation doesn't change anything, than who will?
We have come so far as a society from slavery to building a whole country, now we can only make it better, fighting ice ages and bring peace to other third world countries, and also taking care of our own country are all things that we need to do.
The more people taking part in these things, the more we will get done, all in all if you aren't doing anything to help stand your ground and support your opinion, then don't judge those who are.
Recently I've been working with Mr. Mallon and a couple of classmates to begin a fundraiser that would help build a school in Sierra Leone. This is a country in West Africa with the highest death/crime rate from a group called the rebels and where the average life span is 38 for men and 41 for women.
Only one out of every five children lives in this country and parents don't name their children until their first birthday so they don't get attached to their kids and wont we as emotionally distraught if there kids die, which happens more likely than not. This fundraiser will be called "A Nickel a Day" and will start in September.
I was talking to my mom yesterday about how I will be helping in this fundraiser.
She said to me, "Okay, well what about the hungry children in Arkansas?"
Honestly I think she should shut her mouth, I'm doing something to help others which is way more than what she can say for not helping anyone, not even the hungry children in Arkansas that she claims are more important than those who are suffering from genocide in parts ofAfrica.
Our generation is one that needs to make change. Thinking about global warming, the amount of murders, hungry and homeless is rising, if our generation doesn't change anything, than who will?
We have come so far as a society from slavery to building a whole country, now we can only make it better, fighting ice ages and bring peace to other third world countries, and also taking care of our own country are all things that we need to do.
The more people taking part in these things, the more we will get done, all in all if you aren't doing anything to help stand your ground and support your opinion, then don't judge those who are.
APs Cost
by Jennifer Bayliss
AP exams… oh the joys. Paying $83 per exam is such a wonderful price. By the way, did I mention how much I adore sarcasm? The increasing prices for these exams are maddening. Though I know the exams ultimately save me money in college, they don’t always tend to do so. Some colleges do not recognize AP classes or if they do, it does not get you any further then a few credits. If you don’t pass an exam or get only a three, some colleges won’t count the class you took in high school as an AP course.
Students can not always afford to pay such a grand amount for these exams, even if in some cases discounts are offered. There should be a cap implemented for the exams, in my wee opinion. Some students may feel that because you are required to take the AP exam at the end of the year and can not afford the steep price, that they can not take the class.
The increasing pressure on students to take AP classes is also resulting in higher class sizes, when AP classes are meant to be smaller for the students who can handle such material. Higher class sizes result in less learning because there is not enough individual attention given to students or in some cases not as much material can be covered before the AP exam in May.
Anyway, returning to my oh-so-lovely sarcastic view of the cost of the exams. It’s such a super bargain!
AP exams… oh the joys. Paying $83 per exam is such a wonderful price. By the way, did I mention how much I adore sarcasm? The increasing prices for these exams are maddening. Though I know the exams ultimately save me money in college, they don’t always tend to do so. Some colleges do not recognize AP classes or if they do, it does not get you any further then a few credits. If you don’t pass an exam or get only a three, some colleges won’t count the class you took in high school as an AP course.
Students can not always afford to pay such a grand amount for these exams, even if in some cases discounts are offered. There should be a cap implemented for the exams, in my wee opinion. Some students may feel that because you are required to take the AP exam at the end of the year and can not afford the steep price, that they can not take the class.
The increasing pressure on students to take AP classes is also resulting in higher class sizes, when AP classes are meant to be smaller for the students who can handle such material. Higher class sizes result in less learning because there is not enough individual attention given to students or in some cases not as much material can be covered before the AP exam in May.
Anyway, returning to my oh-so-lovely sarcastic view of the cost of the exams. It’s such a super bargain!
Sleep in
Lauren Mulkern
I have come to realize that my daily schedule has no time for me to relax in it. I wake up, get ready, go to school, stay after for practice which is sometimes at 4:30, and get home around 6:30. Then I have to do my homework.
I feel like I have no time to relax and gain some energy so I can restart the whole procedure the next day. I feel like I am constantly on the go.
I wish that school started at a later time so I could sleep in and gain some needed sleep. This would help the way I perform the next day. I always get everything done but I am so tired while doing it. The tasks that I complete come out nice but I am exhausted after doing them.
I think to solve this problem we should have more time in between all activities. For example, school should start at a later time or get out earlier. Another possible solution is to make practices so students don’t have to stay at school so long.
Of course, there is the situation with sharing the gym. However I think 4:30 is to late to have to stay here so long.
For now, I just have to look forward to the weekends when I can just relax.
I have come to realize that my daily schedule has no time for me to relax in it. I wake up, get ready, go to school, stay after for practice which is sometimes at 4:30, and get home around 6:30. Then I have to do my homework.
I feel like I have no time to relax and gain some energy so I can restart the whole procedure the next day. I feel like I am constantly on the go.
I wish that school started at a later time so I could sleep in and gain some needed sleep. This would help the way I perform the next day. I always get everything done but I am so tired while doing it. The tasks that I complete come out nice but I am exhausted after doing them.
I think to solve this problem we should have more time in between all activities. For example, school should start at a later time or get out earlier. Another possible solution is to make practices so students don’t have to stay at school so long.
Of course, there is the situation with sharing the gym. However I think 4:30 is to late to have to stay here so long.
For now, I just have to look forward to the weekends when I can just relax.
Oh deer!
by Melissa Nogler
This week has been really rocky, with the bomb threat, and the code yellow.
I do not know where to begin. But on April 4, 2007 at a little past 7:00 A.M my bus was on its way to come to school when suddenly my bus collided with a deer.
All I knew was my bus went “THUMP...” and a “bang” and we didn’t know what happened until we looked out the window and saw a huge deer that was lying on its side twitching.
I didn’t know what to think. I was shocked. My bus driver was so upset, I thought she was going to make a huge scene.My heart jumped out of my throat.
I poked my eye with my eyeliner while I was putting on my makeup.
This week has been really rocky, with the bomb threat, and the code yellow.
I do not know where to begin. But on April 4, 2007 at a little past 7:00 A.M my bus was on its way to come to school when suddenly my bus collided with a deer.
All I knew was my bus went “THUMP...” and a “bang” and we didn’t know what happened until we looked out the window and saw a huge deer that was lying on its side twitching.
I didn’t know what to think. I was shocked. My bus driver was so upset, I thought she was going to make a huge scene.My heart jumped out of my throat.
I poked my eye with my eyeliner while I was putting on my makeup.
Quit griping and do something!
by Katie Jochems
One of the most annoying things I am seeing recently around our school is that students complain way too much about Pembroke. Almost every day now I hear “God this school sucks” or “I hate Pembroke,” and its disconcerting in a way.
Pembroke is not that bad, and seriously, how bad can it be to live in a upper middle class small town in the suburbs of Boston? These kids either need to get a grip on reality, or just need to get a smack in the mouth.
If a student truly does feel like this about Pembroke, then why aren’t they doing anything about it! Its not enough to constantly complain about the school and the town. Find what is so bothering, and fix it!
If these spoiled brats could take a look around them and not just care about when they get to leave this town, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad for them to live here.
And where are the parents of these children? Did they honestly not teach them how to respect and be grateful for everything they have?
There is a brand new school in this town, and yes, it may need slight touch up here and there, but don’t let your children run around talking about how much they just want to leave this “hellhole.”
Grow up, and if there are students out there who legit do not like this place, then please, by all means go complain to your parents and get the heck out.
One of the most annoying things I am seeing recently around our school is that students complain way too much about Pembroke. Almost every day now I hear “God this school sucks” or “I hate Pembroke,” and its disconcerting in a way.
Pembroke is not that bad, and seriously, how bad can it be to live in a upper middle class small town in the suburbs of Boston? These kids either need to get a grip on reality, or just need to get a smack in the mouth.
If a student truly does feel like this about Pembroke, then why aren’t they doing anything about it! Its not enough to constantly complain about the school and the town. Find what is so bothering, and fix it!
If these spoiled brats could take a look around them and not just care about when they get to leave this town, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad for them to live here.
And where are the parents of these children? Did they honestly not teach them how to respect and be grateful for everything they have?
There is a brand new school in this town, and yes, it may need slight touch up here and there, but don’t let your children run around talking about how much they just want to leave this “hellhole.”
Grow up, and if there are students out there who legit do not like this place, then please, by all means go complain to your parents and get the heck out.
Fantasy sports
Ryan Hennigan
Millions of young children throughout the world dream of becoming professional athletes and then never succeed. They play sports throughout elementary school and high school, but then come to an abrupt end in sports on the last game of their senior seasons. However, for these inspiring high schoolers who dream of being out their throwing down a slam dunk or slugging a long ball out of the park in the bigs, they can have the next best thing.
Fantasy sports have become a big influence to high school students since their invention. No longer is it considered unusual for one to walk down a high school hallway and hear a friendly argument about who drafted the better players or how badly one fantasy team is crushing the other.
“Fantasy sports are a lot of fun. I’m playing fantasy baseball right now and I always get a kick out of it. It’s a great way to compete with your friends and share a couple laughs,” said sophomore Ryan Grindle.
Ryan Grindle is one of a large group of fantasy managers of a team that you can unknowingly come across in the high school hallways at every corner. Grindle spoke of a league of his friends that he was in, consisting of nine other PHS students and one from a private high school. Leagues can contain up to 20 teams and there is a large amount of leagues containing PHS students. Three of the many leagues with PHS students include The Super Cereal Manbearpigs [league], Damon is Lucifer, Not Jesus [league], and The Goldarn League 2007.
“I like them because I get to be in control of my own team and also because I can harass my friends when I beat them. I’m in like three leagues at the moment,” said John Prendergast, a Super Cereal Manbearpigs member.
Fantasy sports are growing in popularity with high school students because they are fun and competitive, yet this can sometimes have a negative effect in school terms as junior Kevin Daly jokingly admitted that he probably spends “more time on yahoo.com playing fantasy baseball than I do doing homework.”
Millions of young children throughout the world dream of becoming professional athletes and then never succeed. They play sports throughout elementary school and high school, but then come to an abrupt end in sports on the last game of their senior seasons. However, for these inspiring high schoolers who dream of being out their throwing down a slam dunk or slugging a long ball out of the park in the bigs, they can have the next best thing.
Fantasy sports have become a big influence to high school students since their invention. No longer is it considered unusual for one to walk down a high school hallway and hear a friendly argument about who drafted the better players or how badly one fantasy team is crushing the other.
“Fantasy sports are a lot of fun. I’m playing fantasy baseball right now and I always get a kick out of it. It’s a great way to compete with your friends and share a couple laughs,” said sophomore Ryan Grindle.
Ryan Grindle is one of a large group of fantasy managers of a team that you can unknowingly come across in the high school hallways at every corner. Grindle spoke of a league of his friends that he was in, consisting of nine other PHS students and one from a private high school. Leagues can contain up to 20 teams and there is a large amount of leagues containing PHS students. Three of the many leagues with PHS students include The Super Cereal Manbearpigs [league], Damon is Lucifer, Not Jesus [league], and The Goldarn League 2007.
“I like them because I get to be in control of my own team and also because I can harass my friends when I beat them. I’m in like three leagues at the moment,” said John Prendergast, a Super Cereal Manbearpigs member.
Fantasy sports are growing in popularity with high school students because they are fun and competitive, yet this can sometimes have a negative effect in school terms as junior Kevin Daly jokingly admitted that he probably spends “more time on yahoo.com playing fantasy baseball than I do doing homework.”
Thursday, April 5, 2007
It’s a High School Musical world and we’re all just living in it
by Mary Polleys
½ cup school spirit
1 cup catchy tunes
¼ cool dance moves
2 tablespoons cute boys
1 teaspoon Disney magic
And voila! The phenomenon that is High School Musical is born. And if you think only children through pre-teens are entranced by the film, think again. High schoolers, to college students, to fully developed adults fall prey to its trap.
Just saying the name High School Musical immediately prompts an outbreak of “We’re All in This Together,” by some fan or another. Zac Efron as Troy Bolton, practically household names due to the Disney channels far reaching influence.
Disney is even already advertising a High School Musical sequel, where the viewers supposedly get a choice in the major twists in the plot.
So what made this Disney movie so much more successful than the others? The fact that it was a musical was surely a factor, seeing as most Disney channel originals are not musicals. The story line seemed far more thought out, and the actors more carefully chosen, naturally because they had to act, sing (or pretend like they were), and dance.
High School Musical is the Grease of our generation. The story is of a boy and a girl, who meet on a vacation outside of school and (go figure) end up singing. The boy however, is the captain of the basketball team and doesn’t want his buddies to know that he’s found a new passion in singing. They have to overcome the cliques formed at their high school (“Break Free,” so to speak) to achieve their goals and end up together again for the happy ending. Sound familiar?
Despite its similarity to Grease and predictable nature, it has become the kind of movie that you watch over and over again, while memorizing the lyrics and learning the dance moves. Ipods allow you to have the entire songs complete with music videos with you at all times, and many people take advantage of that opportunity.
If you tune into popular adolescent shows at all, you’d know a couple of the characters from the shows. Sharpay is also known as Ashley Tisdale who is also known as Maddie on The Suite Life of Zach and Cody. Troy Bolton, also known as Zac Efron, played a supporting role of Summerland, a television show that also starred music star Jesse McCartney. Chad Danforth, also known as Corbin Bleu, went on to star in the Disney Channel original movie Jump In! With their all star cast and award winning director and choreographer Kenny Ortega, money machine High School Musical will not soon be forgotten.
½ cup school spirit
1 cup catchy tunes
¼ cool dance moves
2 tablespoons cute boys
1 teaspoon Disney magic
And voila! The phenomenon that is High School Musical is born. And if you think only children through pre-teens are entranced by the film, think again. High schoolers, to college students, to fully developed adults fall prey to its trap.
Just saying the name High School Musical immediately prompts an outbreak of “We’re All in This Together,” by some fan or another. Zac Efron as Troy Bolton, practically household names due to the Disney channels far reaching influence.
Disney is even already advertising a High School Musical sequel, where the viewers supposedly get a choice in the major twists in the plot.
So what made this Disney movie so much more successful than the others? The fact that it was a musical was surely a factor, seeing as most Disney channel originals are not musicals. The story line seemed far more thought out, and the actors more carefully chosen, naturally because they had to act, sing (or pretend like they were), and dance.
High School Musical is the Grease of our generation. The story is of a boy and a girl, who meet on a vacation outside of school and (go figure) end up singing. The boy however, is the captain of the basketball team and doesn’t want his buddies to know that he’s found a new passion in singing. They have to overcome the cliques formed at their high school (“Break Free,” so to speak) to achieve their goals and end up together again for the happy ending. Sound familiar?
Despite its similarity to Grease and predictable nature, it has become the kind of movie that you watch over and over again, while memorizing the lyrics and learning the dance moves. Ipods allow you to have the entire songs complete with music videos with you at all times, and many people take advantage of that opportunity.
If you tune into popular adolescent shows at all, you’d know a couple of the characters from the shows. Sharpay is also known as Ashley Tisdale who is also known as Maddie on The Suite Life of Zach and Cody. Troy Bolton, also known as Zac Efron, played a supporting role of Summerland, a television show that also starred music star Jesse McCartney. Chad Danforth, also known as Corbin Bleu, went on to star in the Disney Channel original movie Jump In! With their all star cast and award winning director and choreographer Kenny Ortega, money machine High School Musical will not soon be forgotten.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
by Mary Polleys
The new Harry Potter movie, based off of the 5th book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix of the series is scheduled to hit theatres July 13, 2007.
Daniel Radcliffe, the original actor cast to play Harry Potter, remains on the scene as well as Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger).
Newly cast is the actress to play Cho, the girl which in the novels, was supposed to be present in every year up until now, but has been MIA in the films. Those who also read the novels know that this year is the book in which Harry gets his first kiss, with Cho, which makes her a very important casting choice. True Harry Potter fans will be waiting for that scene.
Also introduced in the new movie is Dolores Umbridge, a perfectly detestable character, played by award winning actress Imelda Staunton who also played Mrs. Blatherwick in the movie Nanny McPhee.
The rest of the returning actors include Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall, Gary Oldman as Sirius Black, Alan Rickman as Severus Snape, Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, and Michael Gambon as Albus Dunbledore who has played in the series beginning with Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.
As most Harry Potter fans hope, the fifth installment of the movie portrayal should follow that of the book very closely. As Dolores Umbridge takes control of Hogwarts, Harry’s world begins to fall apart. The question is, will Harry be able to save the day, or will he have to sacrifice the life he has been dreaming of?
Also in question is the fate of the beloved series. Will the series end after the formerly projected seven novels, or will the success drive the series on for more of Harry’s life after Hogwarts? If J.K. Rowling does decidedly end the series, will she end Harry’s life in the process? As proven in previous books in the series, Rowling will stop at nothing to shock her readers. The title of the seventh, and perhaps final, book of the series is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which leans toward an unhappy ending for the students of Hogwarts and the fans of the imaginative series.
However, the fans won’t be entirely without Mr. Potter if the series ends, because the three main actors for the movie portrayal have already been signed and announced for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows scheduled to enter theatres in 2008 and 2010 respectively.
The new Harry Potter movie, based off of the 5th book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix of the series is scheduled to hit theatres July 13, 2007.
Daniel Radcliffe, the original actor cast to play Harry Potter, remains on the scene as well as Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger).
Newly cast is the actress to play Cho, the girl which in the novels, was supposed to be present in every year up until now, but has been MIA in the films. Those who also read the novels know that this year is the book in which Harry gets his first kiss, with Cho, which makes her a very important casting choice. True Harry Potter fans will be waiting for that scene.
Also introduced in the new movie is Dolores Umbridge, a perfectly detestable character, played by award winning actress Imelda Staunton who also played Mrs. Blatherwick in the movie Nanny McPhee.
The rest of the returning actors include Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall, Gary Oldman as Sirius Black, Alan Rickman as Severus Snape, Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, and Michael Gambon as Albus Dunbledore who has played in the series beginning with Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.
As most Harry Potter fans hope, the fifth installment of the movie portrayal should follow that of the book very closely. As Dolores Umbridge takes control of Hogwarts, Harry’s world begins to fall apart. The question is, will Harry be able to save the day, or will he have to sacrifice the life he has been dreaming of?
Also in question is the fate of the beloved series. Will the series end after the formerly projected seven novels, or will the success drive the series on for more of Harry’s life after Hogwarts? If J.K. Rowling does decidedly end the series, will she end Harry’s life in the process? As proven in previous books in the series, Rowling will stop at nothing to shock her readers. The title of the seventh, and perhaps final, book of the series is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which leans toward an unhappy ending for the students of Hogwarts and the fans of the imaginative series.
However, the fans won’t be entirely without Mr. Potter if the series ends, because the three main actors for the movie portrayal have already been signed and announced for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows scheduled to enter theatres in 2008 and 2010 respectively.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Spring sports start up again
By Chelsey Monks
Recently spring sports have started up again. High school athletes are into their old ritual of waking up early… really early, then off to school where our brains almost explode, then stay after to make things up, tests, quizzes, etc. And then off to practice for two to three hours of running, catching, throwing, and hitting, then home to take a shower to wash the sweat off, eat dinner, and do homework. Teen lives are absolutely crazy and the fact that parents complain about being tired is crazy. It may seem cliché but they couldn’t stand one day in our shoes. School is getting harder every year and the stress of getting into a good college or university doesn’t seem to help. Parents, coaches, teachers, and friends all challenge our patience and its not our fault that sometimes we explode. Wouldn’t you? Balancing a good relationship with parents, keeping on good terms with teachers, playing hard for coaches, and dealing with the ever so difficult social life is making me dizzy just talking about it.
However, at the end of the season and the school year and after finals are over, students are ready to embrace the summer. Thank goodness we have two months to collect ourselves before the cycle starts over again, if not I think all us teens would be basket cases by now.
“I have a bomb”
by Ryan Hennigan
Graffiti in the boys bathroom read “I have a bomb” on Wednesday March 27. Oh Joy, here we go again…
A code yellow, a police squad, bomb dogs, a hired detective, and an arrest were among the chaotic events that followed. And all over a small little note written in a stall right next to “Mike was here” and “50 cent sucks”.
The bottom line is someone needs to put an end to this. There needs to be another solution for events like these that don’t include bomb dogs. As long as there are kids who are looking for a day off of school, there will always be fake bomb threats. The reality is, if a person was considering bombing a school, they most likely would not let it be publicly known or at least not in script it in the bathroom stalls.
While I realize that a responsible school can not ignore the occurrence, I believe that there is a better and less disruptive way of going about it. For instance, the school could acquire a ready detective to access the seriousness of similar events. The detective could be given the authority to decide upon whether or not the threat is worth taking serious action. This would prevent the inevitable chaos that occurs every time some derelict decides to vandalize the bathrooms.
While I don’t believe this put an end to the threats or the chaos, I do think it would greatly reduce the occurrences. The school is giving the culprit exactly what he wants when they flip out and call the police or call school off. With the possibility of this being eliminated, students would have less motivation to take part in this type of ridiculous behavior.
The student-athlete’s life
by Nicholas Papadopolous
Homework causes student severe stress and causes them to live hectic day-to-day lives. In a poll taken about how much homework students have per night, I asked 15 student athletes and 2/3 of them said they have around two hours of homework each night.
With an average practice starting at 2:30 and ending at 5:30, student-athletes aren’t having enough free time to relax from their silly lives. After getting home at 6:00, students are eating, then doing homework, then showering, then going to bed, only to repeat the day tomorrow.
There aren’t many solutions coaches or teachers have about this problem. Many coaches urge their players to do some of their homework before practice, then yell at them when they lose track of time. Teachers often say “It should only take you half of an hour”, but when all six teachers say this, it adds up pretty fast.
I myself play High School hockey and baseball in the winter and spring respectively. Sometimes, I find that I forget to do some of my homework because I am too busy worrying about tomorrows game or today’s practice. Some of my teachers don’t understand the amount of pressure us student-athletes have to handle our lives.
On nights where the student-athlete has a project, an essay, a gorilla, and a book report due the next day, they can suffer academically and physically. Sometimes, I am forced to skip "South Park" just so I am not staying up until 1 a.m. finishing my homework.
Since there are no reasonable solutions to the problem at hand, the student athlete can do nothing but complain and try to survive.
Homework causes student severe stress and causes them to live hectic day-to-day lives. In a poll taken about how much homework students have per night, I asked 15 student athletes and 2/3 of them said they have around two hours of homework each night.
With an average practice starting at 2:30 and ending at 5:30, student-athletes aren’t having enough free time to relax from their silly lives. After getting home at 6:00, students are eating, then doing homework, then showering, then going to bed, only to repeat the day tomorrow.
There aren’t many solutions coaches or teachers have about this problem. Many coaches urge their players to do some of their homework before practice, then yell at them when they lose track of time. Teachers often say “It should only take you half of an hour”, but when all six teachers say this, it adds up pretty fast.
I myself play High School hockey and baseball in the winter and spring respectively. Sometimes, I find that I forget to do some of my homework because I am too busy worrying about tomorrows game or today’s practice. Some of my teachers don’t understand the amount of pressure us student-athletes have to handle our lives.
On nights where the student-athlete has a project, an essay, a gorilla, and a book report due the next day, they can suffer academically and physically. Sometimes, I am forced to skip "South Park" just so I am not staying up until 1 a.m. finishing my homework.
Since there are no reasonable solutions to the problem at hand, the student athlete can do nothing but complain and try to survive.
AP Fees
by Kerry Richards
The time has finally arrived for us to pay our dues for AP exams. How much does it cost for a student to try to go above and beyond? That’s right, 83 dollars every time a student tries to go beyond just the average. What is that for the three exams I have to take this year? 249 dollars.
How is this fair in any way? Because we, as students, choose to take classes that go above the norm, we are required to pay astronomical amounts for testing. Along with the fees for SAT’s, SAT II’s, and the ACT, of course. Sure, everyone claims it will save us on college tuition in the long run. However, I frankly don't see this happening. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel completely unprepared for any of my AP exams. There is just so much material to cover and practically no time left until exams. It seems utterly hopeless to hope for a four, let alone a five. It is possible, it’s been done, and at Pembroke no less, but that doesn't ease the fear that I've just wasted 249 dollars.
It seems as if this is a cost Pembroke High should attempt to cover. I understand that that is a lot of money. However, it seems unfair to make students pay this fee. Isn’t there some way to raise this money in a much better way? There must be a way through fundraisers or the such.
The time has finally arrived for us to pay our dues for AP exams. How much does it cost for a student to try to go above and beyond? That’s right, 83 dollars every time a student tries to go beyond just the average. What is that for the three exams I have to take this year? 249 dollars.
Next year, with my five exams, that comes to 415 dollars.415 dollars!! That’s three months of car insurance payments, 18 dinners at a restaurant, almost seven weeks worth of work.
How is this fair in any way? Because we, as students, choose to take classes that go above the norm, we are required to pay astronomical amounts for testing. Along with the fees for SAT’s, SAT II’s, and the ACT, of course. Sure, everyone claims it will save us on college tuition in the long run. However, I frankly don't see this happening. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel completely unprepared for any of my AP exams. There is just so much material to cover and practically no time left until exams. It seems utterly hopeless to hope for a four, let alone a five. It is possible, it’s been done, and at Pembroke no less, but that doesn't ease the fear that I've just wasted 249 dollars.
It seems as if this is a cost Pembroke High should attempt to cover. I understand that that is a lot of money. However, it seems unfair to make students pay this fee. Isn’t there some way to raise this money in a much better way? There must be a way through fundraisers or the such.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Term Ending Blog
by Katie Jochems
Now that terms have closed and I’m getting my grade for each class I’ve realized how bad it’s getting. I am slowly spiraling into the end-of-the-year student who does work merely to get a passing grade. I guess you could call it bare minimum. The worst part is, I really don’t feel too concerned with how this year is going to finish, and I have faith that I can end the school year with a passing grade in each class.
I don’t quite know what to call this because it’s the first year that I’ve had such a procrastination problem. Maybe I have an early case of senioritis, which doesn’t bring much hope for next year. I’m finding it way to comfortable to push things off until last minute, and my grades don’t seem to show that I’m struggling or anything, so the mystery illness continues. Junior year is coming to a close and I hope that as it does this motivation, or the lack thereof, doesn’t get any worse or my grades will begin to slip. And hey, vacation is only a couple weeks way, so why push myself to the brink when I can have all vacation week to catch up on work? Yep, this is getting bad.
by Katie Jochems
Now that terms have closed and I’m getting my grade for each class I’ve realized how bad it’s getting. I am slowly spiraling into the end-of-the-year student who does work merely to get a passing grade. I guess you could call it bare minimum. The worst part is, I really don’t feel too concerned with how this year is going to finish, and I have faith that I can end the school year with a passing grade in each class.
I don’t quite know what to call this because it’s the first year that I’ve had such a procrastination problem. Maybe I have an early case of senioritis, which doesn’t bring much hope for next year. I’m finding it way to comfortable to push things off until last minute, and my grades don’t seem to show that I’m struggling or anything, so the mystery illness continues. Junior year is coming to a close and I hope that as it does this motivation, or the lack thereof, doesn’t get any worse or my grades will begin to slip. And hey, vacation is only a couple weeks way, so why push myself to the brink when I can have all vacation week to catch up on work? Yep, this is getting bad.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Nog Blog: My countdown to a new beginning
by Mel Nogler
I just realized that [we] seniors have 32 more days left of school.
That is so frightening in many ways. This year went by so fast, it’s really scary.
It was like yesterday that I was becoming a freshman into a huge high school.
Sometimes it does hit me knowing that I only have 32 more days to do everything I want.
I know Graduation will be a piece of cake. I just want to pass school. It’s exciting in many ways to think about what you want to do after you get out of high school.
Some choose college; some choose to get a job. The thought of 5 weeks left of school; you try to fit in everything that you can. Because once you’re out of high school there is no turning back and that anxiety comes. It’s a good thing that you’re going to be in the real world, and have a job, a car to support you, but when you live on your own, it’s not easy as you think it is. And college life gets A LOT harder.
What really bothers me is that we seniors have end of the year finals.
Since I do not have a A+ in many of my classes, I still have to take them, which I know its going to be hard.
I just realized that [we] seniors have 32 more days left of school.
That is so frightening in many ways. This year went by so fast, it’s really scary.
It was like yesterday that I was becoming a freshman into a huge high school.
Sometimes it does hit me knowing that I only have 32 more days to do everything I want.
I know Graduation will be a piece of cake. I just want to pass school. It’s exciting in many ways to think about what you want to do after you get out of high school.
Some choose college; some choose to get a job. The thought of 5 weeks left of school; you try to fit in everything that you can. Because once you’re out of high school there is no turning back and that anxiety comes. It’s a good thing that you’re going to be in the real world, and have a job, a car to support you, but when you live on your own, it’s not easy as you think it is. And college life gets A LOT harder.
What really bothers me is that we seniors have end of the year finals.
Since I do not have a A+ in many of my classes, I still have to take them, which I know its going to be hard.
Fake bomb threats
by Jennifer Bayliss
Why is it that students feel inclined to write fake bomb threats on the lavatory walls? What do they think it will accomplish? Some may think we will be dismissed early: how often has this happened? None. Nien. Nada. If they’re so angsty about their lives, why not go speak to the guidance counselors about their situation or the school adjustment counselor. Don’t write fake threats on the bathroom walls or anywhere else. If anything, we’re stuck in class longer during a Code Yellow, which ultimately disrupts our entire school day. The budget does not allow for such false emergencies, and we can not afford to pay for them each time a student feels the need to write a comment so serious that could possibly endanger the lives of over 900 individuals.
Personally, I am tired of these bomb threats being written. After Silver Lake, where there was such a threat quite often, I found it a relief to be in a school where we had no threat under a false pretence. Being in a room under a Code Yellow for several hours is truly not appealing to me.
I wonder if the students writing the messages are aware of the seriousness of their words. Have they not heard of so many violent school attacks? Are they trying to appear “cool” for having our day disturbed and being locked in a classroom for a good amount of time while the school is searched? Our country’s school systems are now trying to become more conscious of possible events and how to prevent them: is it necessary for a student to test out the school’s protocol theories?
I suppose this is more of a plead then a news post. As a student however, I’m honestly tired of others disrupting our day when there is so little time left in the school year. If you want a day off of school, do the community a favor and just skip or fake an illness. So you’re labeled a truant, but it’s better then disturbing everyone’s learning process.
Why is it that students feel inclined to write fake bomb threats on the lavatory walls? What do they think it will accomplish? Some may think we will be dismissed early: how often has this happened? None. Nien. Nada. If they’re so angsty about their lives, why not go speak to the guidance counselors about their situation or the school adjustment counselor. Don’t write fake threats on the bathroom walls or anywhere else. If anything, we’re stuck in class longer during a Code Yellow, which ultimately disrupts our entire school day. The budget does not allow for such false emergencies, and we can not afford to pay for them each time a student feels the need to write a comment so serious that could possibly endanger the lives of over 900 individuals.
Personally, I am tired of these bomb threats being written. After Silver Lake, where there was such a threat quite often, I found it a relief to be in a school where we had no threat under a false pretence. Being in a room under a Code Yellow for several hours is truly not appealing to me.
I wonder if the students writing the messages are aware of the seriousness of their words. Have they not heard of so many violent school attacks? Are they trying to appear “cool” for having our day disturbed and being locked in a classroom for a good amount of time while the school is searched? Our country’s school systems are now trying to become more conscious of possible events and how to prevent them: is it necessary for a student to test out the school’s protocol theories?
I suppose this is more of a plead then a news post. As a student however, I’m honestly tired of others disrupting our day when there is so little time left in the school year. If you want a day off of school, do the community a favor and just skip or fake an illness. So you’re labeled a truant, but it’s better then disturbing everyone’s learning process.
TV studio deserves consideration
by Lauren Mulkern
When I entered High School, I considered the clubs and activities I would participate. One club that never crossed my mind was the newspaper. Now look at me, I am one of the editors in editorial journalism. I first began participating in the newspaper at the beginning of this year when I was enrolled in intro to journalism. I decided to sign up for this class because there were no other electives that sophomores could take that gave me a small amount of interest. I later found out that Mr. Turley was the teacher of this class. I already knew Mr. Turley because of volleyball. Entering this class I figured that it wouldn’t be my favorite time of the day. Now all I look forward during the day period six journalism. I guess the point of this story is to express the great interest that I now have for communications thanks to Mr. Turley. I know that most likely I won’t be a journalist. I still enjoy participating in the club at school. However, I do have a strong interest communications.
My dream has been to be the next Katie Couric. However, Meredith Vieira came along and stole my dream job. What was she thinking? This has to do with the fact that I want to be a news anchor. While I attended classes at the Columbia Scholastic Press Association I noticed how large my love for this is. I was also informed that we have a T.V. news studio. I got so excited and just thought about how much I could learn if I could take classes using this brand new studio. I attended a class at Columbia that was called “Bringing T.V. Broadcast to Your School”. I figured by the time I am a senior I can get this started. Of course it would take a lot of hard work and dedication but I was up for the challenge.
However, I was just informed that the T.V. news studio was going to be turned into a music room. Being a person who could care less about music, I was livid. However, I did put into consideration that there were other students in the school who did enjoy music. While I was considering this, I remembered that music has its whole section of the building. They have a wonderful auditorium, band/chorus classroom, and a dressing room. What more do they need? What does communications have? Oh ya, we have one tiny news room. Do you see how I can be so upset? I would be extremely happy if this was just a crazy rumor and I could still be able to learn in the T.V. news studio. However, for now I have to prepare myself with the horrific idea that this room will no longer be for T.V. broadcasting. How cool would it be to have morning announcements with people’s faces? I think it would be wonderful.
When I entered High School, I considered the clubs and activities I would participate. One club that never crossed my mind was the newspaper. Now look at me, I am one of the editors in editorial journalism. I first began participating in the newspaper at the beginning of this year when I was enrolled in intro to journalism. I decided to sign up for this class because there were no other electives that sophomores could take that gave me a small amount of interest. I later found out that Mr. Turley was the teacher of this class. I already knew Mr. Turley because of volleyball. Entering this class I figured that it wouldn’t be my favorite time of the day. Now all I look forward during the day period six journalism. I guess the point of this story is to express the great interest that I now have for communications thanks to Mr. Turley. I know that most likely I won’t be a journalist. I still enjoy participating in the club at school. However, I do have a strong interest communications.
My dream has been to be the next Katie Couric. However, Meredith Vieira came along and stole my dream job. What was she thinking? This has to do with the fact that I want to be a news anchor. While I attended classes at the Columbia Scholastic Press Association I noticed how large my love for this is. I was also informed that we have a T.V. news studio. I got so excited and just thought about how much I could learn if I could take classes using this brand new studio. I attended a class at Columbia that was called “Bringing T.V. Broadcast to Your School”. I figured by the time I am a senior I can get this started. Of course it would take a lot of hard work and dedication but I was up for the challenge.
However, I was just informed that the T.V. news studio was going to be turned into a music room. Being a person who could care less about music, I was livid. However, I did put into consideration that there were other students in the school who did enjoy music. While I was considering this, I remembered that music has its whole section of the building. They have a wonderful auditorium, band/chorus classroom, and a dressing room. What more do they need? What does communications have? Oh ya, we have one tiny news room. Do you see how I can be so upset? I would be extremely happy if this was just a crazy rumor and I could still be able to learn in the T.V. news studio. However, for now I have to prepare myself with the horrific idea that this room will no longer be for T.V. broadcasting. How cool would it be to have morning announcements with people’s faces? I think it would be wonderful.
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