October 2012 J o h n s o n - B r o c k P u b l i c S c h o ... · best. ”-Erin Bohling ... ent in...
Transcript of October 2012 J o h n s o n - B r o c k P u b l i c S c h o ... · best. ”-Erin Bohling ... ent in...
Volume 26, Issue 1
October 2012
The Eagle J o h n s o n - B r o c k P u b l i c S c h o o l s
J-B Jitters New school brings up new anxieties
By Shawna Newman Shaking hands steady themselves long enough
to push open the class room door. Two steps in and every conversation falls silent, every student
ceases work at his computer, every unfamiliar
face turns to stare. Being the new kid is scary, but being the new teacher is terrifying.
“I was just worried I’d have absolutely no clue
what I was doing,” Stephanie Holdsworth, J-B business room’s newest student teacher, said,
“What if they were all just out of control teenag-ers?” Those were her pre-JB fears
which were soon dispelled.
She grew up knowing she wanted to be a teacher, but nothing, not even
two practicums (one 20 hour at Platts-mouth, and an 80 hour at Nebraska
City Public) could prepare her for what Johnson-
Brock would bring. When scribbling down J-B at the top of her student teaching list, Ms. Holds-
worth didn’t have much more in mind than it was
the ideal size. “I just really like the small setting,” she said.
Initially, she described her stress level as very low, but she started with just two preps. “I’m not
that nervous since I’ve already got these classes
under my belt,” she said, “now I know what to
expect.” About a week of preparation is needed
per class, which mainly consists of developing lesson plans. On top of conjuring up assignments
and power points, Ms. Holdsworth also needs to
be on the lookout for her college supervisor, who
will be stopping in six times before the semester is out.
Her composed classroom conduct makes it easy to forget that Ms. Holdsworth is still a stu-
dent. Every morning, she winces and grumbles at
the ever irritating, shrill ring of an alarm clock, announcing that it is currently six a.m. and a
classroom of students awaits her instruction.
Then, careful not to wake any of her roommates (seven girls and one boy all in one house), she
carries out her morning rituals. “It’s not fair when I hear my friends talking
about sleeping in till 9, and
taking naps after class,” she said.
Ms. Holdsworth’s initial worries were thankfully
proven wrong. She’s been calm, cool, and col-
lected in the classroom. Throughout her student teaching experience, she’s developed a higher
understanding of her childhood dream. “Student
teaching here has made me realize that this is definitely what I want to do,” she said without
hesitation. When being thrust into a new school, it’s easy
to let the imagination run wild and construe eve-
rything as though it’s been copied and pasted
straight from the pages of a classroom from the
Black Lagoon. In reality, the horrors that wander-ing minds concoct are never quite as bad as they
seem, and Ms. Holdsworth can attest to that.
[Road to recovery]
#BandProblems page 3
page 5
page 6
page 4
Enrollment : 273 We’re not regular. Sometimes we’re bold or italic… But one thing is for sure.
we have issues!
“I was just worried I’d
have absolutely no clue
what I was doing,”
Stephanie Holdsworth
Mock
Trial
News
About
Michelle
From the depths of the
Black Lagoon
What do you fear
most from new
student teachers?
“They might come in too strict because
they want to do their best.”
-Erin Bohling
“There will be questions on a test we didn't cover.” -Sarah Wright
“They’ll try to use new methods they’ve
learned that don’t work for our class.”
-Rachel Denniston
Column Page 2 September 2012
Ride Your Carousel By Amzie Dunekacke
We didn’t haggle with the white-bearded man
selling carnival ride tickets, we even waited in
line like respectable adults alongside the funnel-
cake-fueled four-year-olds, yet the carousel
worker shook her head at us (a band of high
school girls) when at last we thought it was our
turn. Of course, the sticky preschoolers behind us
were admitted and even some of their parents
were allowed to tag along, but not the teenagers.
We were denied the opportunity to live out our
Marry Poppins moment and have a few laughs
because . . . well I really don’t know.
The obvious answer to everyone is this—we
were and still are too old, but really where is the
age line drawn? Is it somewhere after realizing no
murderous reptiles inhabit the home toilet? Per-
haps it can be drawn sometime before discovering
calling someone “stupid” or “jerk” is not cause
for social exile. Or maybe it is drawn before
acquiring a taste for that certain vegetable that
once haunted dinnertime. The discontinuity is that
we all grow up at different rates. Some people
never do.
On October 31, the prevalent trick-or-treating
age group will be candy-crazed third and fourth
graders, but I predict several high-schoolers will
also be scouring the neighborhoods, jack-o-
lantern candy carriers in hand. They will slouch
awkwardly, wear the most innocent looking cos-
tume, and act more immature than usual, hoping
to blend in with the rampant ten-year-olds and
dodge the stink eye when they pop the question
on the lit porch of an elderly couple.
Some might argue these teens have had their
opportunity and now it is time they let the tikes
wreak havoc all on their own. I might agree or I
might say don’t be so quick to discourage some-
one else’s chance to be young again.
Photos of the Month... Did you people know Johnson-
Brock had a pay phone??
Because even as the observant,
journalistic minded re-porters that we are, we hadn’t noticed!
That is until this man arrived one day & re-moved it!
So there you go. Need to make a call? Better just go visit Karen!
TOMORROW... Thursday October 11
+ Pumpkin Painting
ATTENTION FBLA
11a.m. — noon
The Art Room
Finished pumpkins will go
to the nursing home!
Is My Clever
–Check the
Records
Middle Name
The Tell of a Bad Day
Feature Story Page 3 September 2012
#Bandproblems
Musicians Sad To See Numbers Decline
By Shawna Newman
Twenty students, that’s all it is; twenty students flu-
ent in sheet music, slightly less than punctual on their
entrances, and flawless at improvising. Nonchalantly
slouched in the red plastic chairs that litter the three dif-
ferent levels of the band room, they chatter casually,
creating quite a ruckus. Unfortunately, the maximum
volume this class once reached has approached a decre-
scendo.
“When I first saw the numbers last semester, I was
very disappointed and worried about how the next year
would go,” J-B band instructor Dana Overfield said.
Johnson-Brock’s band department suffered quite the
loss over the summer going from the once small band of
32, to the diminutive size of 20. Although 9 of the lost
students were from the 2012 graduating class, the num-
bers are still dropping due to the hectic new class sched-
ules. “I feel that since we don’t have as many band
members, there aren’t as many people to learn from,”
sophomore band member Brooklyn Westenburg said,
“There’s really no one to bounce ideas off of.”
A sore jaw, a back row seat in the student section,
and a “band geek” reputation are simply downfalls to be
dealt with. There might not be many perks that come
with playing in the school band, but there certainly
shouldn’t have to be sacrifices. “I really enjoy playing
in the band,” Brooklyn said, “but because I’m playing,
I’m not able to take Mrs. Howe’s math class. It’s hard
because Mrs. Howe was my favorite teacher last year.”
Brooklyn isn’t alone in making this decision. Three of
her fellow sophomore class mates, Samantha Teten,
Scott Riley, and Kendra Alberts, all chose band.
For the 2012-2013 school years, high school band
was moved from its normal 8th period time, to 7th pe-
riod, to allow for the 8th hour study hall. “The more I
thought about it, I decided that 8th hour study hall is
really more academically beneficial to the students. In
the long run, it’ll be the best decision. It’s just going to
take a few years for the band to rebuild,” Mrs. Overfield
said.
The entire band program hasn’t necessarily suffered
from the drop in members; there are 34 students which
comprise the 5th and 6th grade band.
Upperclassmen have required credits they need for
graduation. Senior Mariah Snyder had to drop band, a
passion she’d held since 5th grade, in order to take
chemistry. “Music is my life, and I hate not being in
band,” she said. Mariah’s most disappointed that she
couldn’t finish out her high school career playing the
flute, an instrument that was passed down to her from
her sister. “Everyone in my family loves music, and it
really meant a lot to them that I played in the band,”
Mariah said.
Johnson-Brock’s band, although depleted in size, is
still expected to play as a 50 piece orchestra. “Although
we’re small,” Overfield said, “I feel like we’re a really
good group. I’m not worried because these students can
produce a very strong, mature sound.” Day after day
they sit, feet keeping time, horns at attention, and play
while still remembering their ambitious 5th grade selves,
who were so eager to join the band. Perhaps twenty stu-
dents, is all it will take.
Feature Story September 2012
J-B—A Welcoming Surprise Students option enroll for various reasons
Page 4
By: Jamie Zimmerman
“I wasn’t afraid of my first day at Johnson,”
said newly option enrolled junior Sarah
Wright, “It was just going back to school.” New
students have been arriving at Johnson-Brock from
neighboring schools. While some had no fear
about the change, some students
weren’t so sure. “I was afraid I
wouldn’t have any friends when I
came over here.” said Tennarea
Jones, who option enrolled her fresh-
men year.
It may seem odd that high school students are
stepping away from the schools where they started
out. It isn’t that common for a student to switch,
but some had strong feelings about changing. Ac-
cording to senior Lukas Buchmeier, he came to
Johnson to be with his real friends for his last year
of high school. Sophomore Brody Clark, on the
other hand, left his old school to get away from the
drugs and to be challenged in the
classroom. He said “I have no regrets about chang-
ing schools. I don’t miss anything.”
The first day of school was the initial test. “It
was a bit confusing but people were helpful,” said
Sarah. “I was relaxed when I first walked in.”
Sarah already knew a few people
from Johnson, including Mrs.
Richardson, Mrs. Broady, and a
few of the students. Tennarea,
however, remembers a different
experience. “I only talked to my
brother and a few of his friends when I first ar-
rived.” Brody said that he felt welcomed on his
first day at Johnson-Brock.
These students made a difficult choice whether
to change schools or to stay where they were. For
those who switched it was a new start. Option en-
rollment isn’t an easy decision and making new
friends is an issue, but for the students of J-B, it is
a chance worth the taking.
Road to Recovery Senior Nick Behrends bounces back from torn ACL.
By Curtis Karel
Nick Behrends started his senior year of football
bigger faster and stronger than ever before. He was
confident that his team was playoff bound. His
touchdown run in the season opener, following
three broken tackles, made Eagle fans confident
too. But 14 minutes into the
game with Johnson up 20-8, his
dreams of leading his team to a
winning season were shattered.
“I heard a pop in my knee then
hopped up and jogged to the
sideline,” said Behrends about the hit that robbed
him of his senior season.
Jogging off of the field showed Nick’s strength
and the power of adrenaline. Once on the bench,
the trainer told him to ice it, and he ran a quick
assessment. At halftime, the trainer didn’t have
good news. It seemed clear that Nick had torn his
ACL.
Although Nick was discouraged and upset, he
wasn’t ready to give up. He started physical ther-
apy the next week to strengthen his knee for sur-
gery. Nick now has physical therapy three days a
week trying to regain balance and the ability to run,
jump, and juke. He also does workouts at home
every day to strengthen his leg and re-
gain motion. His goal is to be back in
just four months before the end of bas-
ketball. He also plans on doing track so
he can strengthen his leg. He still plans
to play legion baseball next summer.
Nick had thought of playing college football in
the past, but he wasn’t sure. He now says that los-
ing his senior season has strengthened his resolve
to play at the college level. Even though he knows
his injury prevents him from playing Eagle foot-
ball, he continues to show his support for his team.
It’s difficult for him to watch, but he still goes to
every practice and game, including the game
against Exeter-Milligan two days after his surgery.
“I was afraid I wouldn’t
have any friends when I
came over here.” said
Tennarea
“I heard a pop in my
knee then hopped up
and jogged to the side-
line,” said Behrends
By The
Numbers
Friday Night Football
J-B vs. The Freeman Falcons
Also, come help support the J-B junior class in
their Washington D.C trip chili tailgate fundraiser! 6:30 p.m.—until pots are empty
1 cup of Chili (16 oz.): $2.00 + $.50 Dessert
Cheese & Crackers offered
October 12th Chili Tailgate at Field & Home Game
J-B opts 85 kids in
and 27 out
Where are students that opt
into J-B are from
-Rays X This man went
to the dentist in
regards to his
toothache and
found a 4 in.
nail lodged in
his head
This young boy swal-
lowed his magnetic
toys and as a
result the parts came back
together
Eager to get a
little fresh air,
this prisoner
swallowed a fork
and consequently
enjoyed a trip to
the hospital
Feature Story Page 5 September 2012
Life without Cheerleaders Student body learns to take the lead
By: Mariah Snyder
Walking through the doors of the J-B gymna-
sium, you’ll see parents on the right, students on
the left. The aroma of sweat and concession stand
food fills the air. This is a typical game night. But
something doesn’t feel right. Why is it so quiet?
Looking across the gym floor, you notice that there
are no cheerleaders. For the first time in school
history, the Eagles do not have cheerleaders. Ac-
cording to Principal Jacqueline Kelsay, declining
interest was the primary reason for the change.
“During the games it’s like something is miss-
ing,” senior Claire Rush said. The 6'4" volleyball
hitter says its' just not the same without cheerlead-
ers. According to Junior Shawna Newman, the
crowd is much quieter which she finds sad when
people don’t outwardly show support and cheer.
She admits that even though she never really paid
attention to the cheerleaders in the past, it is defi-
nitely different without them.
For now J-B will look to the band as a rallying
point for games. "The band is a great way to get the
crowd active, especially during time outs," said
Eagle announcer Karen Wolken. Her hope is the
band will stay for the game, joining the student
body for cheers but grabbing their instruments for
the breaks.
“If there is not going to be cheerleaders, then the
students should get up and yell,” staff member
Diane Stahl said. She added, "Maybe not having
cheerleaders, people will see the value of them.”
By Katie Jackson “I am more accepting of others and am more
appreciative of things other people take for
granted,” social studies teacher Mrs. Broady said.
Little things like playing sports, going out with
friends to the mall, and making independent deci-
sions are things J-B students tend to take for
granted. Lori Broady can’t let her daughter Mi-
chelle go out on Friday nights or drive herself to
school. Nor will she ever watch her spike a vol-
leyball during a game. Michelle
Broady has Down syndrome.
Mrs. Broady has to help Mi-
chelle with things that most teens
are capable of doing on their own,
but Michelle is working towards
independence. She does know
how to run a microwave and
stove. She’s now able to come
home every day after school and cook herself a
snack. Her favorite? Ramen noodles.
Michelle attends the ESU 4 Life Skills Pro-
gram in Auburn. It is there she made even more
friends; friends with her same struggles. She has
even met her boyfriend Wayne, who has replaced
Zac Efron from High School Musical. At her
school she learns life skills. When she returns to J-
B each afternoon she works on various tasks, like
shredding paper and cleaning the library. As Mi-
chelle grows, there will be bigger jobs she can do.
She will walk with the class of 2014 for gradua-
tion, but will continue learning more life skills at
SENDS in Auburn.
Over time, Mrs. Broady’s worries have de-
creased. “When Michelle was first born I wasn’t
sure if she was ever going to be able to read or
write. My goal was just for her to be able to say
mommy,” Mrs. Broady said “she has exceeded my
goals.” Goals have been set high for Michelle, but
Mrs. Broady believes she can achieve them.
Mrs. Broady is in hopes that someday Michelle
can indeed live on her own. “I want
her to live in a group home or with
someone else. Have a job, social
life, and as much fun as my other
daughters have had. As long as
she’s not living with her father and
me,” said Mrs. Broady. “If she
lives with us, she will revert to
imaginary friends and I want her to
have real friends.” She has gained her share of real
friends, including most of her classmates at J-B.
“Michelle threw the best birthday parties,” said
classmate Ashlyn Teten. “Even if some of us didn’t
get along; if we were around Michelle, we always
did,” reflects Shawna Newman.
In Michelle’s world everything is in black and
white. She has her good days and of course her bad
ones. Either someone’s getting a hug from her or
the occasional evil eye. But either way, Michelle
has a way of making everyone’s day a bit better.
Appreciate the Little Things Mrs. Broady talks about life with Michelle
“When Michelle was first
born I wasn’t sure if she
was ever going to be able
to read or write. My goal
was just for her to be able
to say mommy,” Mrs.
Broady
“Keep Laughing!”
Sincerely,
We all have something
good to say about our
favorite Mountain-
Dew drinking all-star.
Here, a few of Mi-
chelle’s classmates
have shared some
thoughts, memories,
and words of wisdom.
Dear Michelle,
“Remember when we
stole birthday cake out of your
parents’ hotel room while they were
sleeping? Fun times!” ~Erin
“You are the reason our class is so
close—thank you!”
~Micah
~Tori
“ Stay Classy, Michelle!”
~Michael
“Your shining face really just
cheers me up.” ~Kelsey
You have taught us so much.
Thank you for everything!
Your Class
Cheerleading Stereotypes
Revealed * 83% of
all cheer-
leaders
have a 'B'
grade point
average or
better.
* Most catastrophic
sports injuries among high
school and college athletes
occurred on the sidelines of
the big games.
* President
George W.
Bush was a
collegiate
cheerleader at
Yale
University
Quotable
Quotes...
*Setting: Advanced Math*
Emma: “Sooo...Buzz Lightyear doesn’t go
a place, he goes an IDEA?!”
*Referring to a recent sunburn* Erin: “YOU GUYS! I have SKIN ALL
OVER MY FACE!”
Sean: “No duh…”
Opinion/News Page 6 September 2012
Character Counts Controversy corrupts J-B
By: Sarah Wenzl
Controversy can be as simple as two kindergarteners arguing
over their favorite Arthur book. On the other hand, it can also be
as controversial as a blown NFL game-ending touchdown call.
Children can deal with the problem by inviting a third party, such
as their teacher, into the issue. This assures that coping skills will
be learned and the conflict will be dealt with so that the true busi-
ness of life can go on. When an NFL official makes a questionable
call, however, millions of people want a say in how the issue is
resolved and therefore the controversy becomes much more com-
plicated. Somewhere between kindergarteners and the NFL, J-B
has been struggling with how people react to controversy.
It’s not a matter of what the complication is, but
how the students deal with the issue at hand. How students deal
with problems says a lot about their character. Rather than dealing
with controversy by dividing the whole student body into groups
with different opinions, it’s best to settle the disparity one on one.
This method will eliminate other problems that are sure to arise if
everyone gets a hand in the issue. Students need to remember
when dealing with a discrepancy to look objectively. “Walk in
someone else’s footsteps” is an old saying that should always be
exercised.
Most importantly, learning from controversy is a key to re-
maining productive and achieving the desired outcome. Life will
always be messy, but it’s how we assert ourselves that will define
us. Choose wisely.
Indelible ‘13
Yearbooks are being sold in the month of OCTOBER! See Mrs. Wolken
Indelible ‘13
$40 * Sibling
discounts
available
The votes are in, J-B students have decided which
STUDENT is best fit to rule America and which
FACULTY member would be his/her vice president.
Ashley L.– Julia and Mrs.
Broady
Jaceey M. Curtis and Mrs.
Broady
Hailey D.-Makayla and
Mrs.Behrends
Dontavious S.– Tyler A. and
Mrs. Stahl
Isacc– Ben and Mr. Smith
Tori R.– Amzie and Mrs.
Wolken
Zach A– Makayla and Mrs.
Seeba
Erin B.– Julia and Mrs.
Broady
Sam T.– Julia and Mr. Davis
Julia For President!
By Sydney LaVigne
Isn’t it true, Mrs. Thundercloud that you based
your students’ grades on their voting ballot?” asks
lead attorney Nick Behrends. Hands sweating,
heart pounding, Emma Carr, acts her part as defen-
dant Dakota Thundercloud. She whispers a quiet,
“Yes it is.”
This year’s mock trial project includes three
teams; two from the senior government class and
one made up of interested underclassmen. Both
teams are sponsored by Mrs. Broady.
The case deals with teacher Dakota Thunder-
cloud who has been accused of bribing his high
school students with their grades in order to buy
their votes on local issues. Each team prepared both
sides of the case—one for the prosecution, the
other for the defense.
Mock trial isn’t a classroom requirement, but
it’s a choice the majority of seniors opted for. It is
meant to give students a more hands-
on way of learning. According to senior witness
Bryce Westenburg, it helps understand how the law
really works. “Mock trial has given me a better
insight on how lawyers actually think about things.
It’s kind of messed up to be honest,” said Bryce.
Although it is called “mock” trial, students take
this activity just as serious as a sporting event.
Each team has been practicing before school, dur-
ing class, after school, and even following sports
practices.
The teams also have Johnson County attorney,
Steve Mercure, as their volunteer coach. He helped
students with opening and closing statements, di-
rect and cross examinations, objections, and wit-
ness preparation. “I could care less if you win, but
if you know the basics, put forth effort, and have
fun, I’m proud of each one of you,” Mercure told
the competing teams.
The J-B mock trial teams will begin their adven-
tures this week as each team heads in opposite di-
rections, hoping to advance on to the next round.
Guilty or Innocent?
J-B Mock Trial kicks off season with help of Coach
What’s HOT
in the
Real Life
Court Room
Jerry Sandusky former Penn State football coach was sentenced Tues-day to at least 30 years in Prison.
Apple vs. Samsung In August, the jury returned a verdict holding that Samsung owed Apple $1.049 billion for copying Apple’s intellectual property.
Casey Anthony was acquitted of charges that she murdered her 2-year-old daughter by a jury of her peers in Orlando, FL last July.
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