Thursday, April 8, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Editorial: Students, too much stress?
Students are under too much pressure to be prepared for the future in today’s world. Many students, while they should be enjoying opportunities to grow as a person, are concentrating more on financial aid for college, and acing those two AP tests and a physics exam tomorrow. Today’s world is moving way too fast to enjoy the simple things; this is especially effecting our nation’s next generation. The first lady is endorsing a healthier next generation of children; therefore she might want to start with realizing that the students’ in the school system are being overwhelmed with the message that being too perfect is impossible. Because of this message students dive into their studies, and are strangled in a vast number of co curricular activities. I am in no way, shape or form questioning the validity and importance of academic studies and participation in co curriculars, in moderation. My point, however, is that students are not full grown adults, and won’t be until their mid twenties, and in having to live up to the expectations and demands that the world has for them, it makes it difficult to decipher when something becomes too much. Parents, teachers, friends and colleges tell students that part of being successful and going far in life is hard work, but in society today the definition of that has been revamped to an almost impossible level. The stress levels in school are sky high, and sleep deprivation is now considered a norm, with many students functioning with only 4 or 5 hours of sleep every night. At a vital stage in development in a teenager’s life, they should be getting, on average, 8 to 9 hours of sleep daily. So as healthiness levels depreciate, and expectations and amounts of homework rise, the one would hope that the test scores would also rise as well. However, in most cases, this is not true. If a student has more than 3 hours of homework a night, trying to balance that with a possible job, sports, clubs, friends and family their life comes to mirror that of a juggling act. Overall, in trying to surpass the expectations that the world has set for them, and be prepared for the future, students are totally and completely missing the great opportunities that fill today.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Rough draft of editorial
Students are under too much pressure to be prepared for the future in today’s world. Many students, while they should be enjoying opportunities to grow as a person, are concentrating more on financial aid for college, and acing those two AP tests and a physics exam tomorrow. Today’s world is moving way too fast to enjoy the simple things; this is especially effecting our nation’s next generation. The first lady is endorsing a healthier next generation of children, therefore she might want to start with realizing that the students’ in the school system are being overwhelmed with the messages that being too perfect is impossible. Because of this message students dive into their studies, and are strangled in a vast number of co curricular activities. I am in no way, shape or form questioning the validity and importance of academic studies and participation in co curriculars, in moderation. My point, however, is that students are not full grown adults, and won’t be until their mid twenties, and in having to live up to the expectations and demands that the world has for them, it makes it difficult to decipher when something becomes too much. Parents, teachers, friends and colleges tell students that part of being successful and going far in life is hard work, but in society today the definition of that has been revamped to an almost impossible level. The stress levels in school are sky high, and sleep deprivation is now considered a norm, with many students functioning with only 4 or 5 hours of sleep every night. At a vital stage in development in a teenager’s life, they should be getting, on average, 8 to 9 hours of sleep daily. So as healthiness levels depreciate, and expectations and amounts of homework rise, the one would hope that the test scores would also rise as well. However, in most cases, this is not true. If a student has more than 3 hours of homework a night, trying to balance that with a possible job, sports, clubs, friends and family their life comes to mirror that of a juggling act. Overall, in trying to surpass the expectations that the world has set for them, and be prepared for the future, students are totally and completely missing the great opportunities that fill today.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Pre-writing for Editorial
1. What is a problem/issue that our entire student body (our school, community, country, etc.) faces today?
The unhealthiness of school lunches/nutrition provided by the schools.
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation?
It needs to be improved and made more healthy to benefit the both the students' mental and physical health.
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
The possibilty of school lunch options changing to become more healthy.
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
- Provide the reader with a student's perspective.
- Give outcomes of changing lunches to a healthier option.
- Give facts as to why I believe that lunches need to be changed.
- Provide the reader with possible ways to go about changing the food program.
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
By providing sheer and honest numbers and opinions on why school lunches need to be changed, backed up by hard facts.
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
In making my opinion known to the public it will keep the word circulating that it's not just the faculty's opinion that school lunches need to be changed, it's the students' as well.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
For the Love of the Game: Feature Story
Ever since I was a little girl, the scraping of the blades across the ice and the cool breeze hitting my rose tinted cheeks, have always been an escape for me. No matter what curve ball life has thrown at me, or big decision I’m making, grabbing my skates and heading down to the ice rink across the street from my home, is always the perfect cure. The half flips, lunges, spirals and spins are things that come without effort, sort of like breathing, and as I glide around that rink, the world and its worries seem to melt away. The ice doesn’t judge, it just listens and has no choice but to accept me for exactly who I am. How does this happen? Why do you love it so much? Those are the questions I’ve been trying to answer for a majority of my life.
Triple back handspring, double back walk over, and cartwheel into splits. Her naturally highlighted blond hair falls in wisps across her light pink cheeks, having escaped from the floppy pony tail on the top of her head. Her breathing slowly returning to normal, she folds into a sitting position and, looking up, anxiously asks “How did I do?!” I tell her the truth; “That was amazing Mads!” Her lips fold into a repressed smile, knowing she got my validation, “You’re just saying that because you’re my sister” I shake my head and without hesitation give a quick and firm “Nope!” That answer couldn’t ring more true. Maddie is an eight year old firecracker. From soccer in the summer and fall, to ice skating in the winter and gymnastics, now, year round she is constantly on the move. Although she has talent in the other two sports, it was always evident that she had a raw and natural passion for gymnastics. When her mom signed her up for classes last year Maddie was “just excited to learn how to do more stuff!” and when asked if she was at all nervous she shrugs and says simply “nope, not at all!” Flash forward a little over a year and, at the rate she is excelling, impressing her teachers and really, anyone who watches her, you’d see that this little girl truthfully didn’t ever have any worries about her performance. When asked how she feels when she is performing and practicing she pauses and you can almost see the wheels turning in her head as she tries to come up with the best emotion. “Well I’m happy, happy that I can be really super good at something!” Ever since she started last year, Maddie has been eat, sleep, gymnastics repeat. Turning our living room into a gym, and the couch cushions into a landing pit of sorts. Being her big sister I could never imagine her life without gymnastics, “If I didn’t have gymnastics I would be sad, it’s where I learn new things and meet new friends, and when no one can play, I can always do gymnastics!”
“Since Kindergarten” she answers. For the past 12 years Dannie Erickson has avidly played and fallen in love with the game of soccer. Having been my best friend for the past five years I’ve experienced, first hand her obvious passion for the game, not only on the field but off it as well. A couple years back Dannie experience a knee injury that could’ve taken her out for the rest of her season, and if it didn’t improve, maybe longer. I remember being at a complete loss for words when she broke down crying at that possibility. Now she says “I would die if I couldn’t play anymore because it’s my steady; it’s the consistent thing in my life.” Presently in her senior year in high school, she has made a complete recovery from the injury and got right back into playing soccer full time. In meeting her, it wouldn’t take long to realize that her personality totally fits that of a person with a heart to play soccer. Determination and strength define Dannie, both are also traits needed to achieve success in soccer. Her passion for the sport is fueled by the way she feels whenever she plays, “it [playing soccer] makes me work hard and challenges me to get better as I grow older.” This is when you know that you’re a true “natural” at something, when, not only, are you good for the sport, in terms of being a successful player, but the sport is also good for you.
It’s a perfect 70 degree day; the greens of the grass and the shimmer in the pond on the Westfield golf course are sights that can not be ignored. The fairways are full and people of all ages are scattered about, including my 83 year old grandpa. Barky is out on that par 35 at least once every week, walking course with his clubs slung over his shoulder and his worn out baseball cap from back when he played in the minor leagues set secure on his head. He has been swinging on that same course since his mid twenties and from as far back as I can remember I’ve never seen him grow tired of it. Golf, after all, is a mental game, that tries your patience and, many would argue, is quite difficult at times. When asked why he hasn’t stopped playing he answers “its just fun, hanging out with the guys, keeping me moving, but at this point, it’s not like I’m going out to improve!” he says jokingly.
As a little girl I remember going out to Westfield to the driving range and being so incredibly frustrated that I couldn’t hit it as far or as straight as my grandpa could. One specific event that I’ll always remember took place on one of these outings with grandpa. My little brother and I tagged along with him to go practice for awhile and no matter how hard I tired I couldn’t get the ball to go very far, sometimes even missing the ball entirely. After what seemed like the millionth whiff I plopped down on the turf, crossed my arms across my chest and pouted, throwing my own little temper tantrum right in the middle of other golfer’s practice swings. My grandpa slipped the club he was using back into the bag and walked over to me. Standing at 6 foot 1, he towered over my balled up, petit 4’4 frame. Looking up, he held out his hand to help me up, and I realized I didn’t have any other option but to comply. I grumbled as I got to my feet, and he pulled out one of my clubs. For the next half an hour he stood behind me helping me swing and standing off to the side watching my stance. Almost immediately I noticed an improvement in my shots, and by the time the buckets were empty I didn’t want to go. Thinking back, it was in that lesson that I got to experience my grandpa’s passion for the game of golf, and perhaps that was also where the seed that blossomed into my passion for the game was planted.
Unlacing my skates for possibly the last time this winter season as the temperature crawls higher and the ice begins to melt, I believe I can answer the question that’s remained unexplained to me for quite some time. Passion for any sport or hobby isn’t an “acquired taste” its something you seem to be born with, that lasts a lifetime. It is not discriminate towards age or gender, size or IQ scores. Passion is a blessing, an amazing gift given to everyone, and whether or not you’ve unwrapped yours yet, it’s there, and it’s up to you to discover what it is, and what you’ll do with it.
Triple back handspring, double back walk over, and cartwheel into splits. Her naturally highlighted blond hair falls in wisps across her light pink cheeks, having escaped from the floppy pony tail on the top of her head. Her breathing slowly returning to normal, she folds into a sitting position and, looking up, anxiously asks “How did I do?!” I tell her the truth; “That was amazing Mads!” Her lips fold into a repressed smile, knowing she got my validation, “You’re just saying that because you’re my sister” I shake my head and without hesitation give a quick and firm “Nope!” That answer couldn’t ring more true. Maddie is an eight year old firecracker. From soccer in the summer and fall, to ice skating in the winter and gymnastics, now, year round she is constantly on the move. Although she has talent in the other two sports, it was always evident that she had a raw and natural passion for gymnastics. When her mom signed her up for classes last year Maddie was “just excited to learn how to do more stuff!” and when asked if she was at all nervous she shrugs and says simply “nope, not at all!” Flash forward a little over a year and, at the rate she is excelling, impressing her teachers and really, anyone who watches her, you’d see that this little girl truthfully didn’t ever have any worries about her performance. When asked how she feels when she is performing and practicing she pauses and you can almost see the wheels turning in her head as she tries to come up with the best emotion. “Well I’m happy, happy that I can be really super good at something!” Ever since she started last year, Maddie has been eat, sleep, gymnastics repeat. Turning our living room into a gym, and the couch cushions into a landing pit of sorts. Being her big sister I could never imagine her life without gymnastics, “If I didn’t have gymnastics I would be sad, it’s where I learn new things and meet new friends, and when no one can play, I can always do gymnastics!”
“Since Kindergarten” she answers. For the past 12 years Dannie Erickson has avidly played and fallen in love with the game of soccer. Having been my best friend for the past five years I’ve experienced, first hand her obvious passion for the game, not only on the field but off it as well. A couple years back Dannie experience a knee injury that could’ve taken her out for the rest of her season, and if it didn’t improve, maybe longer. I remember being at a complete loss for words when she broke down crying at that possibility. Now she says “I would die if I couldn’t play anymore because it’s my steady; it’s the consistent thing in my life.” Presently in her senior year in high school, she has made a complete recovery from the injury and got right back into playing soccer full time. In meeting her, it wouldn’t take long to realize that her personality totally fits that of a person with a heart to play soccer. Determination and strength define Dannie, both are also traits needed to achieve success in soccer. Her passion for the sport is fueled by the way she feels whenever she plays, “it [playing soccer] makes me work hard and challenges me to get better as I grow older.” This is when you know that you’re a true “natural” at something, when, not only, are you good for the sport, in terms of being a successful player, but the sport is also good for you.
It’s a perfect 70 degree day; the greens of the grass and the shimmer in the pond on the Westfield golf course are sights that can not be ignored. The fairways are full and people of all ages are scattered about, including my 83 year old grandpa. Barky is out on that par 35 at least once every week, walking course with his clubs slung over his shoulder and his worn out baseball cap from back when he played in the minor leagues set secure on his head. He has been swinging on that same course since his mid twenties and from as far back as I can remember I’ve never seen him grow tired of it. Golf, after all, is a mental game, that tries your patience and, many would argue, is quite difficult at times. When asked why he hasn’t stopped playing he answers “its just fun, hanging out with the guys, keeping me moving, but at this point, it’s not like I’m going out to improve!” he says jokingly.
As a little girl I remember going out to Westfield to the driving range and being so incredibly frustrated that I couldn’t hit it as far or as straight as my grandpa could. One specific event that I’ll always remember took place on one of these outings with grandpa. My little brother and I tagged along with him to go practice for awhile and no matter how hard I tired I couldn’t get the ball to go very far, sometimes even missing the ball entirely. After what seemed like the millionth whiff I plopped down on the turf, crossed my arms across my chest and pouted, throwing my own little temper tantrum right in the middle of other golfer’s practice swings. My grandpa slipped the club he was using back into the bag and walked over to me. Standing at 6 foot 1, he towered over my balled up, petit 4’4 frame. Looking up, he held out his hand to help me up, and I realized I didn’t have any other option but to comply. I grumbled as I got to my feet, and he pulled out one of my clubs. For the next half an hour he stood behind me helping me swing and standing off to the side watching my stance. Almost immediately I noticed an improvement in my shots, and by the time the buckets were empty I didn’t want to go. Thinking back, it was in that lesson that I got to experience my grandpa’s passion for the game of golf, and perhaps that was also where the seed that blossomed into my passion for the game was planted.
Unlacing my skates for possibly the last time this winter season as the temperature crawls higher and the ice begins to melt, I believe I can answer the question that’s remained unexplained to me for quite some time. Passion for any sport or hobby isn’t an “acquired taste” its something you seem to be born with, that lasts a lifetime. It is not discriminate towards age or gender, size or IQ scores. Passion is a blessing, an amazing gift given to everyone, and whether or not you’ve unwrapped yours yet, it’s there, and it’s up to you to discover what it is, and what you’ll do with it.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Feature Story
I will be writing about sports, arts, hobbies and loves. In writing the article I will make it a goal to answer the question; Why do these gifted people love what they do so much? I will interview a few "athletes" of all ages, from my 8 year old sister who is already a prodigy when it comes to gymnastics, to high school senior who have excelled at their own unique sport, to my 84 year old grandpa who still heads out to the course with his buddies every week to get a round of golf in. What is it that fuels these people's fires, to a point that surpasses a mere hobbie, and heads, full throttle, towards a pure passion.
Monday, March 8, 2010
DP budget cuts: Final Article
Entering through the doors of every high school across the nation, one would find study groups, friends gossiping, and last minute homework being completed. Potential district budget cuts would most likely not cross their minds. Submerged in their daily routines, they do not realize that budget decisions will impact their high school experience and future opportunities there. District 196 is one among many in Minnesota facing tough budget choices for the 2010-2011 school year. Many programs would experience changes; Developmental Psychology seems to be taking the hardest blow.
“Developmental Psychology is a unique program that has been around for over 30 years in District 196. It is the only program like it in the state of Minnesota. It is a peer to peer prevention program that deals with issues, like chemical use, self-image, bullying, values, whole health and positive decision making for life. It is a program where selected senior students teach 6th grade students at the middle schools about the issues identified earlier. Research from the Minnesota student survey suggests that peer to peer prevention works the most effectively and efficiently in teaching this type of information to 6th grade students” says Eastview DP teacher Krista Pawlicki. Broad and unclear at this point, budget cuts will most likely be changing the face of this program and, when asked if the program’s overall future was in danger, Pawlicki answered with a firm “yes” saying “There will most likely be more, and deeper cuts next year, so DP will be one of the programs that is likely to be up for discussion again…”
Developmental Psychology has been a high demand program beginning with the application process. Synonymous with applying to exclusive majors in college, there is a written application and interviews with peers, and individually with teachers. Less than half of those who apply are actually admitted into the program. Those select few consider it a major honor and privilege achieved.
In talking to current DP member Caitlin Ochtera, she was explicit in how much Developmental Psychology has impacted her life, “Outside of school I would say it helped me to stay confident in my choice of refraining from chemical use. There are ten other people with the same commitment,” referring to the chemical commitment each member signs at the beginning of the year. Breaking it results in immediate removal. “Inside of school it allowed me to meet a lot of people that I probably wouldn’t have gotten the chance to talk to, that’s the cool part about it; many of us are from different social groups, so at the beginning of the year, some of these kids were perfect strangers and now they're all my best friends…”
With major structural changes possibly occurring next year, Ochtera stated a few pieces that she thinks are non-negotiables of the program, “One aspect that shouldn’t be changed are the teachers. They know what they’re doing and how to do it right. They’re the foundation of the system; changing that would probably weaken the efforts that the teachers have worked so hard for so long to achieve. They also shouldn’t cut back on the course length; keeping it going throughout the entire year makes a big enough impact on both the students' and the 6th grader's lives”. Future member Mara Bertlesen is looking forward to the strong bonds formed and awesome impact she will get to have on her students next year. In analyzing budget items, one hopes that school board members will realize the DP program not only effects personal lives of high school seniors but also every sixth grader touched by this great interactive opportunity.
“Developmental Psychology is a unique program that has been around for over 30 years in District 196. It is the only program like it in the state of Minnesota. It is a peer to peer prevention program that deals with issues, like chemical use, self-image, bullying, values, whole health and positive decision making for life. It is a program where selected senior students teach 6th grade students at the middle schools about the issues identified earlier. Research from the Minnesota student survey suggests that peer to peer prevention works the most effectively and efficiently in teaching this type of information to 6th grade students” says Eastview DP teacher Krista Pawlicki. Broad and unclear at this point, budget cuts will most likely be changing the face of this program and, when asked if the program’s overall future was in danger, Pawlicki answered with a firm “yes” saying “There will most likely be more, and deeper cuts next year, so DP will be one of the programs that is likely to be up for discussion again…”
Developmental Psychology has been a high demand program beginning with the application process. Synonymous with applying to exclusive majors in college, there is a written application and interviews with peers, and individually with teachers. Less than half of those who apply are actually admitted into the program. Those select few consider it a major honor and privilege achieved.
In talking to current DP member Caitlin Ochtera, she was explicit in how much Developmental Psychology has impacted her life, “Outside of school I would say it helped me to stay confident in my choice of refraining from chemical use. There are ten other people with the same commitment,” referring to the chemical commitment each member signs at the beginning of the year. Breaking it results in immediate removal. “Inside of school it allowed me to meet a lot of people that I probably wouldn’t have gotten the chance to talk to, that’s the cool part about it; many of us are from different social groups, so at the beginning of the year, some of these kids were perfect strangers and now they're all my best friends…”
With major structural changes possibly occurring next year, Ochtera stated a few pieces that she thinks are non-negotiables of the program, “One aspect that shouldn’t be changed are the teachers. They know what they’re doing and how to do it right. They’re the foundation of the system; changing that would probably weaken the efforts that the teachers have worked so hard for so long to achieve. They also shouldn’t cut back on the course length; keeping it going throughout the entire year makes a big enough impact on both the students' and the 6th grader's lives”. Future member Mara Bertlesen is looking forward to the strong bonds formed and awesome impact she will get to have on her students next year. In analyzing budget items, one hopes that school board members will realize the DP program not only effects personal lives of high school seniors but also every sixth grader touched by this great interactive opportunity.
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