by Serena Wells
Jump. Duck. Run in place. These are just some of the things you have to do while playing the new X-Box 360 game with Kinect. In this game, the player is the controller rather than having an remote type of controller. There is a camera and everything you do while playing, the camera sees and your character does the same thing in the game. The cost for Kinect alone is around $150 but you could also get the new X-Box with Kinect for $300. Kinect is an interactive game which keeps players on their toes while playing. Much more is planned to be added to Kinect in the future. Kinect is similar to the Wii console but instead of having a controller, your entire body is the controller. I talked to a couple of our students who have played with Kinect and for their opinions on the game.
“I think it’s really fun, and it’s really entertaining”, says Jordan Butler. “Kinect has much better graphics than the Wii and also a better workout because you use your arms more than you do with the Wii”, Jordan added. “It is the most super duper fantastic game in the universe”, says Allie Caldwell, “And I’m real excited for it to reach its full potential”.
Kinect is still new on the market and is already very popular. If you are wanting to try out Kinect, WalMart has it set up for people to try. With Christmas right around the corner, it’s definitely something to add to your Christmas list.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Shop with a Cop
by Olivia Underwood
With Christmas just around the corner, what are you doing to spread the Yuletide joy? There are people all over the world without the means to have dinner tonight, let alone a Christmas for their kids. What is being done to help those of us who can’t celebrate one of the most important holidays of the year? Well, this year, the PCHS Key Club is participating in Shop with a Cop to help the Paris police department give underprivileged children in the area a Christmas to remember.
Early in the year the police department begins collecting money for the Shop with a Cop program. How this charity works is rather simple. The police department finds children in the area in need who are not likely to receive much, if anything, on Christmas morning. These children are then invited to Shop with a Cop for Christmas presents such as clothing and toys. The tags and receipts are then thrown away so that the present cannot be returned for money, this way the children benefit from them. This charity strives to make a difference in the lives of children who need it.
“Key Club's role is that of telemarketers,” explained Mr. Doughan, a PCHS English teacher and sponsor for Key Club.
Some of Key Clubs members are also helping with the Shop with a Cop event itself. This year at least some of the children who really need a Christmas are getting one thanks to the Paris Police Department and PCHS Key Club.
With Christmas just around the corner, what are you doing to spread the Yuletide joy? There are people all over the world without the means to have dinner tonight, let alone a Christmas for their kids. What is being done to help those of us who can’t celebrate one of the most important holidays of the year? Well, this year, the PCHS Key Club is participating in Shop with a Cop to help the Paris police department give underprivileged children in the area a Christmas to remember.
Early in the year the police department begins collecting money for the Shop with a Cop program. How this charity works is rather simple. The police department finds children in the area in need who are not likely to receive much, if anything, on Christmas morning. These children are then invited to Shop with a Cop for Christmas presents such as clothing and toys. The tags and receipts are then thrown away so that the present cannot be returned for money, this way the children benefit from them. This charity strives to make a difference in the lives of children who need it.
“Key Club's role is that of telemarketers,” explained Mr. Doughan, a PCHS English teacher and sponsor for Key Club.
Some of Key Clubs members are also helping with the Shop with a Cop event itself. This year at least some of the children who really need a Christmas are getting one thanks to the Paris Police Department and PCHS Key Club.
The Holidays Mean Something Different to Homeless Animals
by Kayla Foushee
Have you ever seen the commercials about all the abused and abandoned animals? Have you ever noticed how many TV shows there are about animal abuse and rescuing animals? Do you know how many animals are abused and abandoned every day?
Every year over ten billion domesticated animals are killed: twenty-seven million each day and nineteen thousand each minute. People all over the world mistreat, abuse, and even kill animals.
Animals are dumped at humane shelters all the time year round. Sometimes it’s because people can’t afford to take care of the animals or are just too inconsiderate to take care of them. People don’t take into consideration that animals are like people. They live, breath, and eat like all of us. Animals can feel pain, and they don’t forget.
So many animals are abandoned around the holidays because people can’t afford to take care of animals. “A lot more animals get dropped around the holidays than any other part of the year,” stated Ms. Earlywine, foster mom to countless animals throughout the years. People don’t know how many animals are lying in cages with hundreds of other dogs and animals around them, but also people don’t realize how many animals are being kicked and beaten. There are on average 15 billion homeless animals in the U.S.
It’s hard to imagine that so many animals are abused, abandoned, and killed each year, but it’s also hard to imagine that people like you and I would even think about hurting animals. Animals are living, breathing things, and it’s absolutely outrageous to think about people hurting them.
Have you ever seen the commercials about all the abused and abandoned animals? Have you ever noticed how many TV shows there are about animal abuse and rescuing animals? Do you know how many animals are abused and abandoned every day?
Every year over ten billion domesticated animals are killed: twenty-seven million each day and nineteen thousand each minute. People all over the world mistreat, abuse, and even kill animals.
Animals are dumped at humane shelters all the time year round. Sometimes it’s because people can’t afford to take care of the animals or are just too inconsiderate to take care of them. People don’t take into consideration that animals are like people. They live, breath, and eat like all of us. Animals can feel pain, and they don’t forget.
So many animals are abandoned around the holidays because people can’t afford to take care of animals. “A lot more animals get dropped around the holidays than any other part of the year,” stated Ms. Earlywine, foster mom to countless animals throughout the years. People don’t know how many animals are lying in cages with hundreds of other dogs and animals around them, but also people don’t realize how many animals are being kicked and beaten. There are on average 15 billion homeless animals in the U.S.
It’s hard to imagine that so many animals are abused, abandoned, and killed each year, but it’s also hard to imagine that people like you and I would even think about hurting animals. Animals are living, breathing things, and it’s absolutely outrageous to think about people hurting them.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Romeo and Juliet on Spruz
Left: Mr. Ogle's freshmen literature class reads a scene from Romeo and Juliet.
by Rachel Kenderdine
Romeo and Juliet: it’s not just a love story anymore. For freshmen enrolled in English 9L this semester, the characters have been brought to the future, and into the modern world of computers and social networking sites.
While students cover the unit on Romeo and Juliet, they will be using technology to enhance their understanding of the characters, said Mr. Nathan Ogle, English 9L teacher. “The Romeo and Juliet project is an interactive project that we have set up on a private social network called Spruz,” he said. “All the students in English 9L have been assigned a group and a character in that group, and over the course of the play, they will interact with each other.”
“It’s like Facebook and MySpace,” said Alexis York, a freshman who says that she likes the project. “It relates to our life outside school.”
The project, Mr. Ogle added, has two major parts, the first being the design and use of the profile page (background, layout, “about me,” and song) as their characters, and the second being their daily homework and discussion. “Instead of having them read and answer questions out of the back of the book every night, they are able to use the social networking page. It’s not a worksheet, it’s something that they would do on their computer at home,” he said.
Additionally, becoming one character from the play helps students to focus and allows them to really get into the play. “It causes them to think very deeply about their character,” Mr. Ogle said. “For the requirement to have a song, they have to think and infer about what profile song their character would have on their page.”
“My favorite part is when I’m going through and checking the comments, and checking the forum posts, and I see students really looking into character motive and getting deeper into the play,” said Mr. Ogle. “Their favorite part, I think, is pimping their profile.”
Trip to Costa Rica - Summer 2012
“On the edge of Costa Rica,” or at least that’s where one lucky group is going in June of 2012 to explore its travel attractions and experience its unimaginable beauty.
Mrs. Kelsheimer and Mrs. Wilson are sponsoring an eight to ten day trip to Costa Rica for all PCHS students and their parents are also welcome to go. You don’t have to be a student when they go, so all juniors and seniors currently here at PCHS are welcome too; you just have to pay before the trip. The cost is still undetermined, but it’ll be based on the tour group being used, excursion choices and the sign up dates. They should have the prices ready by the group meeting. The group meeting will be held soon to check for interest in the trip, so listen to the announcements for the date. Every person will be required to have a passport to go on the trip, so make sure to have one by then.
One possible itinerary or guide is as followed:
Day One: Fly to Costa Rica
Day Two: San Jose Arenal region
Day Three: Arenal region (volcano area and soak in the Tabacon hot springs)
Day Four-Five: Monteverde (cloud forest with zip line sky trek through the rain forest)
Day Six: Carara-central pacific coast (Jaco beach and Carara biological reserve with plentiful wildlife)
Day Seven: Manuel Antonio National Park (white sand beaches and rain forests with squirrel monkeys, three- toed sloths and orange-purple crabs)
Day Eight: Sarchi- San Jose- (possible white water rafting or kayaking)
Day Nine: Depart for home
This trip is going to be an unforgettable experience. It may be a little on the pricey side for most, but that’s why we’re being told this early so we can save up for the trip.
Mrs. Kelsheimer and Mrs. Wilson are sponsoring an eight to ten day trip to Costa Rica for all PCHS students and their parents are also welcome to go. You don’t have to be a student when they go, so all juniors and seniors currently here at PCHS are welcome too; you just have to pay before the trip. The cost is still undetermined, but it’ll be based on the tour group being used, excursion choices and the sign up dates. They should have the prices ready by the group meeting. The group meeting will be held soon to check for interest in the trip, so listen to the announcements for the date. Every person will be required to have a passport to go on the trip, so make sure to have one by then.
One possible itinerary or guide is as followed:
Day One: Fly to Costa Rica
Day Two: San Jose Arenal region
Day Three: Arenal region (volcano area and soak in the Tabacon hot springs)
Day Four-Five: Monteverde (cloud forest with zip line sky trek through the rain forest)
Day Six: Carara-central pacific coast (Jaco beach and Carara biological reserve with plentiful wildlife)
Day Seven: Manuel Antonio National Park (white sand beaches and rain forests with squirrel monkeys, three- toed sloths and orange-purple crabs)
Day Eight: Sarchi- San Jose- (possible white water rafting or kayaking)
Day Nine: Depart for home
This trip is going to be an unforgettable experience. It may be a little on the pricey side for most, but that’s why we’re being told this early so we can save up for the trip.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Talk of a New High School
Over one hundred years of memories have been built up into one building. What are your thoughts of the building of a new high school for our town? There are many disadvantages as well as advantages to having a new school. I talked to two teachers and got their input on the whole idea. One of the two asked to remain anonymous, and the other is Mrs. Rodriguez.
The first question I asked the two about the school was just for their general opinion. Rodriguez said, “I believe that having a new high school would greatly help the attitude of the students in the high school to be positive. It would also give more students school spirit because they would be proud to claim they are part of Paris Cooperative High School.” The second teacher stated that “a new school would be a simple way to address the educational and accessibility needs of students, staff and community members”.
I asked if they thought it was necessary and both seemed to agree that it was. “I fear that the community cannot handle the added expense, particularly at a time when the economy remains somewhat depressed.” Has this thought been thought of by others? I asked for what they thought the benefits of a new building would be and Rodriguez said, “Students could have more freedom to be involved in class activities. At this current school, students and classes are very cut off from each other and it makes it hard for students from different classes to interact. If there was a more open school, students could more easily interact across the curriculum. Ag students could work with foreign language students to make a project or foods students could work with chemistry students to find the chemical properties of different types of food.”
The meeting that was held a few weeks ago with the architects was brought up, anonymous says “There were some great suggestions to improve the educational environment, however the cost-benefit analysis was not addressed. I would like more information on the expenses before and after the ‘extras’.”
The idea of a new school is great, but the way the economy is right now, is it really feasible? However, being closer to the top of the list for federal funding money in Illinois, now may be Paris's only chance for a new high school for a while. Everyone involved is moving as quickly as possible so that this opportunity does not pass us by.
The first question I asked the two about the school was just for their general opinion. Rodriguez said, “I believe that having a new high school would greatly help the attitude of the students in the high school to be positive. It would also give more students school spirit because they would be proud to claim they are part of Paris Cooperative High School.” The second teacher stated that “a new school would be a simple way to address the educational and accessibility needs of students, staff and community members”.
I asked if they thought it was necessary and both seemed to agree that it was. “I fear that the community cannot handle the added expense, particularly at a time when the economy remains somewhat depressed.” Has this thought been thought of by others? I asked for what they thought the benefits of a new building would be and Rodriguez said, “Students could have more freedom to be involved in class activities. At this current school, students and classes are very cut off from each other and it makes it hard for students from different classes to interact. If there was a more open school, students could more easily interact across the curriculum. Ag students could work with foreign language students to make a project or foods students could work with chemistry students to find the chemical properties of different types of food.”
The meeting that was held a few weeks ago with the architects was brought up, anonymous says “There were some great suggestions to improve the educational environment, however the cost-benefit analysis was not addressed. I would like more information on the expenses before and after the ‘extras’.”
The idea of a new school is great, but the way the economy is right now, is it really feasible? However, being closer to the top of the list for federal funding money in Illinois, now may be Paris's only chance for a new high school for a while. Everyone involved is moving as quickly as possible so that this opportunity does not pass us by.
Friday, November 5, 2010
New Curriculum Director at PCHS
by Andreanna Smith
For many years, students and teachers alike have been dreaming for a new school. For Paris High School plans are coming together to create that new school. With the plans come the thoughts of curriculum. For PCHS, curriculum is coming before the new school.
Ms. Hill, our former full time librarian was added to the administration this year as our curriculum director. With this new job comes new responsibilities. The main responsibility for Ms.Hill is to read all of the course standards for Illinois and for her to work with the teachers to mix the course standards of each class with the course standards of Illinois. Once she is finished with the conferencing, she has to type up course descriptions with the information based on what the teachers tell her. When asked if she would still be the librarian next year, she stated”That depends on whether or not the board rehires a curriculum director. I like being the librarian and also the course director. I am thankful for Mrs. Wegner for taking over the library in the afternoons. She is doing a great job!” In the morning, she is in the library as our librarian, and in the afternoon she works on course descriptions.
With all of the talk of a new school, Ms. Hill says that yes we would have the same courses but it depends on money for the staff and additions into the new school.
Next year, there will be multiple new classes added to the curriculum if approved by the school board. Some of the classes that Ms.Hill would like to see in PCHS are Clothing/Textiles I, Music Appreciation, and Earth Science. The Clothing/Textiles II would be an extension on Clothing/Textiles II. Music Appreciation would be an elective and wouldn’t require for a students to be in band, it also wouldn’t be a dual credit class. As far as dual credit classes, she would like to see dual credit Chemistry II and a dual credit business class. Again, these classes may not be added to the curriculum unless approved by the school board.
Another change to the curriculum for next year would be that the freshman and sophomores next year will have to take English I and II, which will be writing intensive classes. If passed, students will move on to electives. The electives will be semester classes and will include the following Journalism, Creative Writing, World Lit, American Lit, Monster Lit, Composition, Memoirs and Autobiographies.
Take a Stand Against Cyber-Bullying
by Allison Pardi
Imagine you were in a world where every day you were harassed, everywhere you went people made fun of you. You go to school and you get names screamed at you, go for a walk and people lean out the window to scream at you. Eventually you would just stop going to out places, possibly even school. If you were bullied, would probably feel lonely, depressed, and insecure. Now picture the only safe place you have is your home. You go to your bedroom, log on to the computer to do your homework. Awaiting you are hateful Facebook comments and harassing emails. Your cell phone buzzes, and it’s a hateful message from an unknown number. Do you still feel safe?
Everybody has gotten bullied at least once in their life, and it probably hurt their self-esteem. You would think as common sense people wouldn’t want other people to feel the way they did as they were bullied. However, it doesn’t really work that way. Unfortunately, the more people were bullied as a kid, the worse they bully other people. Now that most people have a computer, more people are being bullied over the internet, or cyber bullied. It’s not hard to make fun of someone over a computer, because you’re hidden behind a box. On the other hand, it is harassment and if they wanted to turn it in, there would be something they could do.
“I have been cyber-bullied; it doesn’t make me feel good about myself. In fact, it makes me feel pretty worthless, and as if nobody loves me. Nobody understands exactly how bad words really do hurt,” said a PCHS student.
“When I was cyber-bullied, it made me feel horrible. With all of the name calling it just felt like I didn’t have anybody there for me. I felt … alone,” states Kaylinn McGuinness.
Paris Cooperative High School, unfortunately, is not free from cyber bulling. An issue was recently brought to the administration’s attention in which cyber bulling was occurring on the school grounds on school laptops. Proper action and discipline was taken but that doesn’t always fix the hurt it caused to the victims. The stand against cyber bullying may be supported by administration and teachers, but the real change must begin with students. If you or anyone you know is being cyber bullied, tell an adult: a parent, a relative, a teacher, a counselor, or an administrator. They are here to help. And most importantly, every time you post something on Facebook, or send an email or text message, think about how your words might make someone else feel.
Imagine you were in a world where every day you were harassed, everywhere you went people made fun of you. You go to school and you get names screamed at you, go for a walk and people lean out the window to scream at you. Eventually you would just stop going to out places, possibly even school. If you were bullied, would probably feel lonely, depressed, and insecure. Now picture the only safe place you have is your home. You go to your bedroom, log on to the computer to do your homework. Awaiting you are hateful Facebook comments and harassing emails. Your cell phone buzzes, and it’s a hateful message from an unknown number. Do you still feel safe?
Everybody has gotten bullied at least once in their life, and it probably hurt their self-esteem. You would think as common sense people wouldn’t want other people to feel the way they did as they were bullied. However, it doesn’t really work that way. Unfortunately, the more people were bullied as a kid, the worse they bully other people. Now that most people have a computer, more people are being bullied over the internet, or cyber bullied. It’s not hard to make fun of someone over a computer, because you’re hidden behind a box. On the other hand, it is harassment and if they wanted to turn it in, there would be something they could do.
“I have been cyber-bullied; it doesn’t make me feel good about myself. In fact, it makes me feel pretty worthless, and as if nobody loves me. Nobody understands exactly how bad words really do hurt,” said a PCHS student.
“When I was cyber-bullied, it made me feel horrible. With all of the name calling it just felt like I didn’t have anybody there for me. I felt … alone,” states Kaylinn McGuinness.
Paris Cooperative High School, unfortunately, is not free from cyber bulling. An issue was recently brought to the administration’s attention in which cyber bulling was occurring on the school grounds on school laptops. Proper action and discipline was taken but that doesn’t always fix the hurt it caused to the victims. The stand against cyber bullying may be supported by administration and teachers, but the real change must begin with students. If you or anyone you know is being cyber bullied, tell an adult: a parent, a relative, a teacher, a counselor, or an administrator. They are here to help. And most importantly, every time you post something on Facebook, or send an email or text message, think about how your words might make someone else feel.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Red Ribbon Week
Pictured: Denver Brewer, LeiLani Reyes, Samantha Creech, Brandon Maloney, and Mickaela Clark wear red for Red Ribbon Week.
by Valerie Lau
Each year, SADD members set up the anticipated, fun-filled, Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is a fun way for students to show that they are against using drugs by wearing their “we are drug free” bracelets and dressing up according to the day. Last week, students were able to participate in all the dress up days.
“My favorite day was definitely when we wore red,” said Kaytlyn Elledge.
Monday, students showed they can stomp out drugs by wearing their boots. Tuesday was crazy socks day, and students socked it to drugs. Wednesday, students showed they can team up against drugs by wearing their team shirts. Thursday, was drug free red day, and students wore red. Finally, Friday was inside out day, and students wore their clothing inside out to show that they would not let drugs turn them inside out.
“Throughout the week we saw a lot of support from the student body. It was pretty awesome,” says Maddie Johnson, SADD member.
SADD is a dedication to helping people in our community. SADD is in charge of different things at our school such as highway cleanup days among other things. If you’re interested in joining SADD, talk to Ms. E. Anyone can join.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
October Is More Than Just Halloween in Parke County, Indiana
by Andreanna Smith
It’s October and to most people across the country that means that it’s almost Halloween time, but for one county in Indiana, it means more than that. To the people of Parke County, October means get out the yard sale equipment and get ready for customers, because Parke County, Indiana is home to the Covered Bridge Festival.
Every year for ten days after the first Saturday of the month, the Covered Bridge Festival is held. This year was the fifty-third annual Covered Bridge Festival. From Bridgton to Rockville, every community is in on the festival. There are multiple things to do during the festival. Some of the activities are shopping, hiking, and tours of the 28 covered bridges in the county. People come to the festival from all across the world.
Kelsey Fuqua, a sophomore at Paris High School was one of the many people to come to the festival. Kelsey went to Mansfield and Bridgeton. When asked what her favorite part was, she along with many other people, including junior Erin Marietta stated simply, “The food.” To many people this is a time where you can try new and unique food choices, for example just some of the many festival food was fried pickles and sirloin tips. When asked what she would like to see improved for next year, Kelsey stated that she would add more vendors for different sweatshirts and more jewelry vendors. Erin Marietta also stated that if she could improve anything for Rockville, she would have added more places to shop.
If you missed out on this year’s festival, don’t worry. Next year’s festival is already being planned.
It’s October and to most people across the country that means that it’s almost Halloween time, but for one county in Indiana, it means more than that. To the people of Parke County, October means get out the yard sale equipment and get ready for customers, because Parke County, Indiana is home to the Covered Bridge Festival.
Every year for ten days after the first Saturday of the month, the Covered Bridge Festival is held. This year was the fifty-third annual Covered Bridge Festival. From Bridgton to Rockville, every community is in on the festival. There are multiple things to do during the festival. Some of the activities are shopping, hiking, and tours of the 28 covered bridges in the county. People come to the festival from all across the world.
Kelsey Fuqua, a sophomore at Paris High School was one of the many people to come to the festival. Kelsey went to Mansfield and Bridgeton. When asked what her favorite part was, she along with many other people, including junior Erin Marietta stated simply, “The food.” To many people this is a time where you can try new and unique food choices, for example just some of the many festival food was fried pickles and sirloin tips. When asked what she would like to see improved for next year, Kelsey stated that she would add more vendors for different sweatshirts and more jewelry vendors. Erin Marietta also stated that if she could improve anything for Rockville, she would have added more places to shop.
If you missed out on this year’s festival, don’t worry. Next year’s festival is already being planned.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Fall Attractions in Paris, IL
by Rachel Kenderdine
(Pictured: Pumpkin Works (above), Halls of Madness (right)
Costumes, scares, candy, and trick-or-treating. All are staples of Halloween, right? But in Paris, Illinois, there is more to Halloween than just the holiday. Two popular local attractions bring people from everywhere to celebrate the Halloween season.
One such attraction is the Halls of Madness, a haunted house that can be found just outside of town, on Route 16. Open every weekend in October, the Halls of Madness draws in crowds looking for a scare each season. Now in its seventh season, the Halls is staffed by members of the community who enjoy the thrill of seeing others scared.
One such person is Katie Garver, a junior at Paris Cooperative High School. She, who got involved because her family works there, has been working there for three years. “I enjoy doing that sort of thing, scaring people,” she said. She also has a favorite part of the job. The best part, she said, was, “seeing the look on people’s faces.”
Another attraction that is popular with fun-seekers of all ages is Pumpkin Works, which is open through Halloween. In operation for seventeen years, Pumpkin Works started as a pumpkin patch with a corn maze and haunted house and has grown to a prime Halloween destination with eleven mazes, strawberries, and the original pumpkin picking patch, according to its website.
“It’s fun when you’re with a lot of friends,” said Mary-Hunter Smittkamp, a sophomore at PCHS. “I liked the more challenging mazes.” The only downfall to Pumpkin Works? “I didn’t like how expensive everything is,” Mary-Hunter said. “Twenty-five dollars barely got me through half the mazes.” But that appears to be the only downside to a day of fun.
Both the Halls of Madness and Pumpkin Works have special hours for their seasons. These hours, along with the rest of their information, can be found on their websites. Click on the following links:
Halls of Madness
Pumpkin Works
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
No More Textbooks?
by Meredith Penczek
New this year are EBooks. Ebooks, text books over the internet, are used in all of the biology classes. EBooks were introduced into PCHS as a step to moving into the technological age of teaching. EBooks are also helpful because more students are signing up to take biology classes. All biology students, even those without internet, were asked to set up an EBook account. Many students had trouble creating their accounts. Most of the problems were caused by issues with creating a username.
Freshman Renna Throneburg said, “I had to try three or four times because it would not take my username.”
One of the main pluses to having EBooks is having one less book to lug home with you when there’s homework. On the other hand, one of the downsides is the students with slow or no internet still have to take the book home. Also, students with slow internet take longer on their homework because unlike with a physical book, the EBook has to go page to page instead of just flipping to the section you need if you don’t know the page number.
Many students find it easier to read through the book on the computer though. However, using the internet does cause problems. Some students have already had problems with their internet being down so they can’t do the assignments, and some students have trouble focusing when they know sites like Facebook and Myspace are only a click away.
Freshman Quinn Shockely said, “Yeah, I have drifted off from reading to check status updates, but I’m getting better at waiting until I’m done with my homework or studying.”
It sounds like the new EBooks do have their upsides as well as their downsides. The big questions most students are asking is, "Are they here to stay?"
New this year are EBooks. Ebooks, text books over the internet, are used in all of the biology classes. EBooks were introduced into PCHS as a step to moving into the technological age of teaching. EBooks are also helpful because more students are signing up to take biology classes. All biology students, even those without internet, were asked to set up an EBook account. Many students had trouble creating their accounts. Most of the problems were caused by issues with creating a username.
Freshman Renna Throneburg said, “I had to try three or four times because it would not take my username.”
One of the main pluses to having EBooks is having one less book to lug home with you when there’s homework. On the other hand, one of the downsides is the students with slow or no internet still have to take the book home. Also, students with slow internet take longer on their homework because unlike with a physical book, the EBook has to go page to page instead of just flipping to the section you need if you don’t know the page number.
Many students find it easier to read through the book on the computer though. However, using the internet does cause problems. Some students have already had problems with their internet being down so they can’t do the assignments, and some students have trouble focusing when they know sites like Facebook and Myspace are only a click away.
Freshman Quinn Shockely said, “Yeah, I have drifted off from reading to check status updates, but I’m getting better at waiting until I’m done with my homework or studying.”
It sounds like the new EBooks do have their upsides as well as their downsides. The big questions most students are asking is, "Are they here to stay?"
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Homecoming Dance Is a Hit for Many!
by Olivia Underwood
The lights pulse, the beat pounds, and you and your friends dance until you collapse. This weekend’s homecoming dance was like that for Kenzie Vansickle, a junior here at PCHS. Kenzie, along with many others, enjoyed the annual dance on Saturday, September 18.
“This was my first time,” Kenzie says of the dance, “and I enjoyed it a lot even though I got really hot and sweaty.”
Kenzie wasn’t the only one to enjoy the dance! This year’s Homecoming was a great success with Millie Arp and Ethan Mason being crowned as Homecoming King and Queen. Homecoming is open to all students of PCHS and has been a tradition for many years. A lot of students have been going since their freshman year like Tabi Wimsett, a senior this year.
Tabi said, “I’ve been every year to homecoming, this is my fourth time.” Many girls spend a lot of time and money each year to look their best at the dance and Tabi is no exception. Like many students, Tabi and her friends take pictures of their dresses and dates to post on Facebook or print for their parents.
“I don’t spend all day doing my hair.” Tabi told me, “I usually get ready for like an hour and a half before the dance for pictures.”
This year, as always, homecoming was planned and set up by the members of student council. D. J.-ing this year was interesting because as well as providing music for the dancing; there was a large projection screen with dance videos playing throughout the night. I think Kenzie said it best when she said, “I had so much fun! I would definitely go again.”
The lights pulse, the beat pounds, and you and your friends dance until you collapse. This weekend’s homecoming dance was like that for Kenzie Vansickle, a junior here at PCHS. Kenzie, along with many others, enjoyed the annual dance on Saturday, September 18.
“This was my first time,” Kenzie says of the dance, “and I enjoyed it a lot even though I got really hot and sweaty.”
Kenzie wasn’t the only one to enjoy the dance! This year’s Homecoming was a great success with Millie Arp and Ethan Mason being crowned as Homecoming King and Queen. Homecoming is open to all students of PCHS and has been a tradition for many years. A lot of students have been going since their freshman year like Tabi Wimsett, a senior this year.
Tabi said, “I’ve been every year to homecoming, this is my fourth time.” Many girls spend a lot of time and money each year to look their best at the dance and Tabi is no exception. Like many students, Tabi and her friends take pictures of their dresses and dates to post on Facebook or print for their parents.
“I don’t spend all day doing my hair.” Tabi told me, “I usually get ready for like an hour and a half before the dance for pictures.”
This year, as always, homecoming was planned and set up by the members of student council. D. J.-ing this year was interesting because as well as providing music for the dancing; there was a large projection screen with dance videos playing throughout the night. I think Kenzie said it best when she said, “I had so much fun! I would definitely go again.”
Friday, September 10, 2010
Italy Isn't So Little in Clinton
by Andreanna Smith
The 45th annual Little Italy Festival was in Clinton, Indiana this weekend. Festivities began on Friday night at 6 p.m., with the annual parade, and continued until Monday at 9 p.m. with the Trip to Italy drawing and the annual fireworks finale. At 7:30 on Friday night the Little Italy Festival President and the Mayor welcomed visitors with the introduction of the 2010 Re and Regina and the Queen of Grapes and her royal court. This year the Festival Grape Queen is Michelle Natalie. The Queen of Grapes is a tradition that has been around since the festival started, the queen has responsibilities for the weekend, she along with the annual Re and Regina preside over the many events of the festival. The Re and Regina are kind of like the king and queen of the festival, and even though her title is queen, the queen of grapes is kind of like the princess of the festival. This year, the Re and Regina has been named Dick and Delcie Fossi Meyer.
Some of the festivities that people took part in this year was the annual grape stomping at the wine garden every day at 3:30 p.m. , the Spaghetti dinners , and the never ending entertainment at the main stage. Although the grape stomping is great, many people come for the spaghetti dinner. Sophomore Eleanor Holley admits that her “favorite thing is the annual Sacred Heart spaghetti supper.” A new feature this year was at the wine garden. Over the summer, there was a glass mosaic put in at the back area of the band stage. The mosaic is of a view of Tuscany and looks very nice.
Of course, another festivity that visitors took part in was the food vendors, amusement rides, and shopping. When asked if she would change anything for next year, sophomore Eleanor Holley stated, “I’d have less food vendors and more local shops, that way more people would come again. It was pretty dead this year compared to years past.” In fact, it did seem as though this year was lighter in the crowds than usual, but there were still a lot of people, that could be because there weren’t as many tents for shopping as there were food vendors.
If you are interested in going next year, the festival is always on Labor Day weekend on the banks of the Wabash in Clinton Indiana.
Picture: The Re and Regina ride the gondola in the Little Italy Festival Parade. (picture taken by Andreanna Smith)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Dress Code Change Has Students Talking
by Rachel Kenderdine
No tank tops. No spaghetti straps. No exceptions.
This, the new restriction placed on the Paris Cooperative High School Dress Code, has caused quite a stir amongst the student body.
“I feel that we should be able to wear tank tops as long as they’re appropriate,” said senior Nora Wright.
Senior Gretta Patrick, on the other hand, had a slightly different view. She said that the new rules don‘t bother her that much because, “Most of my classes are air-conditioned anyway, so I don’t really need to wear them.”
So what exactly does the handbook have to say about tank tops? Rule number seven of the dress code states, “No tank tops worn by either sex will be permitted, nor are tops with plunging neckline or plunging armholes.”
The restriction, no matter how new, is still very strongly enforced. If a student violates any part of the dress code, they are sent to the office. If a tank top is worn, it must be covered somehow, like with a sweater.
This rule replaced the former “three-finger-wide” rule, and generally students seem to agree on why it was created.
“People abused the right to wear tank tops and took it too far,” Gretta said. Nora agreed.
Junior Meredith Blanford also said that part of the problem was that, “People took advantage of their small fingers,” when it came to the “three-finger” rule, and added, “I saw people walking around with three spaghetti straps on. That’s not the same as a tank top.”
Students’ views on the new rule’s fairness, however, varied.
“I can understand it because people abused the right to wear tank tops. Also, tank tops are for weekends and sports practices, not to wear to school,” said Gretta.
Nora, on the other hand, had a different point of view. “I think that as long as you’re covered, you should be okay,” she said.
Either way, a tank top at PCHS…could spell trouble.
No tank tops. No spaghetti straps. No exceptions.
This, the new restriction placed on the Paris Cooperative High School Dress Code, has caused quite a stir amongst the student body.
“I feel that we should be able to wear tank tops as long as they’re appropriate,” said senior Nora Wright.
Senior Gretta Patrick, on the other hand, had a slightly different view. She said that the new rules don‘t bother her that much because, “Most of my classes are air-conditioned anyway, so I don’t really need to wear them.”
So what exactly does the handbook have to say about tank tops? Rule number seven of the dress code states, “No tank tops worn by either sex will be permitted, nor are tops with plunging neckline or plunging armholes.”
The restriction, no matter how new, is still very strongly enforced. If a student violates any part of the dress code, they are sent to the office. If a tank top is worn, it must be covered somehow, like with a sweater.
This rule replaced the former “three-finger-wide” rule, and generally students seem to agree on why it was created.
“People abused the right to wear tank tops and took it too far,” Gretta said. Nora agreed.
Junior Meredith Blanford also said that part of the problem was that, “People took advantage of their small fingers,” when it came to the “three-finger” rule, and added, “I saw people walking around with three spaghetti straps on. That’s not the same as a tank top.”
Students’ views on the new rule’s fairness, however, varied.
“I can understand it because people abused the right to wear tank tops. Also, tank tops are for weekends and sports practices, not to wear to school,” said Gretta.
Nora, on the other hand, had a different point of view. “I think that as long as you’re covered, you should be okay,” she said.
Either way, a tank top at PCHS…could spell trouble.
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