Issue 2 October 2013

The Northmen’s LogOak Park High School | Issue 2, Vol. 49 | October 2013

Oak Park’s primary news source.

>> triplets share lives, laughs>> skaters shred in the parks, rails

>>

staff & policies O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 | T h e N o r t h m e n’ s Lo g

Letter from the editorAs a staff, we hope you are as pleased with this issue of the Log as you

were a month ago. This newsmagazine has taken some getting used to for all of us, and we are so glad that you like the improvement.

Every issue, our highlight colors, the arrows, colored words, etc., will match the season. It’s just something else we decided would make this little thing look even nicer and help you readers find what you want and need. To match the beautiful autumn full of leaves changing colors, we chose reds and oranges for the October issue.

We are so grateful for all of the compliments we have recieved from the previous issue. It’s really nice to look around and see my peers actu-ally reading the stories I put a lot of effort into, instead of just throwing the

magazine away.In this issue, you can find a story about depression along with hotline

numbers for you, your friends, or anyone else you know who is suffering. On a lighter note, you can find out how the school security protects our

school, plans StuCo has for the year, and why students choose alternative sports which do not have a team at OP.

We would still love if you gave us your feedback for all of the changes! Please visit http://svy.mk.189bSC4 to let us know what you think, or stop by E134 with your letters to the editor.

Our staff and our policies“The Northmen’s Log” will publish eight times during the school year.“Log” staff strongly supports the First Amendment and opposes censor-

ship. Freedom of expression and press are fundamental values in a demo-cratic society.

Therefore, “Log” encourages readers to participate in the discussion by submitting Letters to the Editor in room E134, by email to [email protected]. Letters cannot exceed 350 words and must be signed. “Log” will not run letters that are libelous, obscene or that may cause a verifiable disruption of the education process of Oak Park.

Advertisers may contact the business manager at 413.5352, [email protected], or 825 N.E. 79th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64118.

Subscriptions are available, $20 for a mailed copy, $10 for an emailed pdf version, or $25 for both.

Opinions expressed in “Log” do not reflect student, staff or school district endorsements of that opinion, product, or service.

“Log” is a member of NSPA, MIPA and Quill and Scroll. “Log” is affiliated with JEA and JEMKC.

maggie nolan>>managing editor

hannah will iams>>e ditor - in - chief ; cover, content s , ar t , an d feature s e ditor ; w riter an d p h otog ra -p h er

mag gie n olan>>managing , n ew s , opinion , an d p h oto e ditor ; w riter an d p h otog rap h er

gabie kreut zjans>>s o cial manager ; sp or t s , p e ople , enter t ainm ent e ditor

olivia eissler>>w riter

amb er h o utman>>w riteralon dra n ovoa>>w riterte ssa m cginnis>>ar tis tsam rogers>>w riterma dis on r ussell>>w riterkelsey shann on>>w riter an d p h otog rap h erb ren en s t ansb ur y>>w riter an d p h otog rap h erchris tina geab har t>>a d viser

Senior Naithan Bakas shreds a gnarly nose grind on Wednesday, August 28. “I [started skateboarding] mainly to look cool, but after a while I realized it’s some-thing I like to do,” Bakas said. “It gets me out of the house so I’m not sitting at home playing videogames.” Bakas has been skateboarding for six years.

maggie nolan >> managing editor

6

contents 1O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 | T h e N o r t h m e n’ s Lo g

news >>School security>>StuCo plans>>Room decorations

On the cover:

opinion >>Hard vs. easy classes>>Attitudes are better>>Planners = Waste of money?

>>Alternative sports

>>Remembering a teacher>>The Ballard family>>Fashion trends

>>Alternative options

>>Excuses>>Sharknato sucks>>Lorde: Gains momentum

>>Macs have changed the classroom>>Room decorations

photo essay 6

people 9

sports

recreation

feature

On Wednesday, August 28, senior Ar-mando Gonzales jumps off of a ramp at the local skate park. Gonzales has been skateboarding seriously for two years.

hannah williams>> editor-in-chief

photo by hannah williams >> editor-in-chief

Seniors Spencer, Emily and Connor Ballard joke around and laugh together, trying to find the right pose.

brenen stansbury>> photographer

7

5

13

12

11

4

2

Who are they? What do they do? Why are they here? “I remember my freshman year there were a bunch of

fights and now going into my junior year there was that one freshman fight and that’s about it,” said junior Jomarie Cir-cello.

Campus supervisors could be an every day school super hero. They are here to keep students safe and out of trou-ble, trained in CPR, help students in the time of need, lock the doors from possible shooters, etc.

“Personally, I find Oak Park safe,” said Principal Mark Maus. “The previous school I had been working at had left three doors open to return to the building where Oak Park only has one.”

Administrators control much of the campus environment; and determine how much security is needed.

“I think it would be kind of over the top to have security guards at almost every class room door,” said Circello.

Even with shootings at other schools across the nation, and social media asking questions like whether teachers should be armed, students and staff feel safe.

“Really nothing has happened to make me feel not safe,” said computer applications teacher Tom Svehla.

Administration and teachers want the kids to feel safe in the school and to feel like they can come and actually learn.

“[I’m] wanting to make a difference and help the kids,” said campus supervisor Danny Pearson.

Security guardsprotect school, students

sam rogers >> writer

2 news O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 | T h e N o r t h m e n’ s Lo g

“From my view, this leadership class is capable of so much more than last year,” said senior Kelli Reichert.

StuCo plans changes and adapts with the rest of the school. Members have new ideas they said they are excited about.

They are reattempting some events initiated last year, such as Miss OP, and are hopeful that it will be more suc-cessful.

Miss OP, for example, will be altered a little bit. “The actual event the night of will have a little less trivia

and a little bit more one-on-onetime with the candidates,” said sponsor Bryan Edinger.

None of the big events of Miss OP will be changed, but some things will be to be more appealing to the student body.

“There will be a few small changes based on the feedback we got last year that the event kind of dragging on too long.”

This year, StuCo members have some different things go-ing on. They have a spirit committee, and they will be hav-ing trick or treat for cans for Harvesters again on Thursday, Oct. 31.

“It’s a lot about getting people involved this year,” said ju-nior Maria Cerv. “Like that’s what it’s all about.”

StuCo plans yearkelsey shannon >> writer

Miss OP features new format

Last winter, 2013 graduate Maryssa Loehr answers a trivia question.

file photo, Katelyn Ramsey, Cambia

2013 graduate Abigail Henning plays a game during the Miss OP competition.

file photo, Katelyn Ramsey, Cambia

year

book

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* www.yearbookforever. com* in the main office* online with the district

$70

news 3O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 | T h e N o r t h m e n’ s Lo g

madison russell >> writer

Blue locker, blue locker, blue locker. Last year at Oak Park, this was all you could see when you walked down the halls to your next class: an endless wave of blue.

“There were too many fire hazards,” said activities di-rector Casey Vokolek. “We were told to take down all of the decorations, posters and even some bulletin boards.”

Enough parents com-plained about the issue last year, saying they should be given the opportunity to cheer on their sports teams and players. The issue was then taken to central office, and the rules were changed within the year.

“Locker decorations are allowed,” Vokolek said. “The main rule is that no more than 20 percent of lockers in the entire school can be covered.”

The rules for decorating lockers have also improved. Students and parents are getting more creative, covering whole lockers with paper decorations, streamers, letters and even glitter. Students and teachers like the opportunity given to them to be able to decorate freely.

“I like them,” Vokolek said. “They’re a good way to display school spirit and recognize the teams.”

Many members of sports teams also enjoy the decora-tions and recognition.

“I like them a lot,” said JV tennis player sophomore Ka-tie Watkins. “They allow you to express yourself and show pride and spirit for your teams.”

However, some students have other opinions on the decorations.

“It’s a hassle,” said freshman Andrew Macken. “If I take them down, I feel kind of guilty because my parents spent a lot of time putting them up, but in some ways I also like them. I always know which locker is mine and I like getting recognized for what I do.”

photos by Maggie Nolan, managing editor

>>Administration

reviews locker

decoration policy

>>

V S.

Walking around the hallways, I notice that not only are the faculty genuinely happier to be here, but so are the students.

I was walking with my class a while ago, taking a “hike” through the school, and Principal Mark Maus came outside of his office and asked us what we were doing.

My teacher explained that, as a part of being a journalist, it’s important to know where to find people and what’s important around the school.

When Mr. Maus went back in his office, every-one in the group, me included, rambled for five seconds about how much we love him.

I don’t think I stand alone when I say this sort of situation would not have happened last year. With so many positive changes around the school, students are happy to be here, and don’t dread coming to school (as much as they used to).

When I asked my friends what they liked about this year compared to last year, all of them said

something about Mr. Maus. It is noticeable we have more school spirit and

less skipping classes.Having more freedom is another popular con-

versation in the hallways. I don’t necessarily think we have more freedoms than we did last year, but students aren’t afraid when the principal comes into the classroom and starts having a conversa-tion with you. Students are more eager to have conversations with administration.

Overall, I think OP is a better place. Students are happier to be here and are more

motivated. This year, the whole attitude of the school is focusing on the positives, which is a much-needed improvement. I don’t still try to hide my face or walk faster when I see the princi-pal standing in the hallway. I willingly walk up and say “hi.”

This year, I’m proud to say I go to OP. I’m proud to tell people who our principal is, and it is notice-able that the teachers feel the same way.

Attitudes are better, principal to thank

Every year we’re given these obnox-ious planners to help guide us on our way and keep us on track.

They are very strongly encouraged by the faculty, but we all know that they eventually end up at the bottom of our backpacks.

Some students, the diligent, success-ful ones, use their planners to record their assignments and due dates for different classes.

This is the smart thing to do. The rest of us just sit back and de-

pend on our minds to simply send us a reminder.

I think that the planners could be very useful, but all we really use them for is to get out of class. If I were to write down my assignments in it, I would most likely be a lot more suc-cessful in my classes.

Because honestly, there is no way I could remember that in College Alge-bra I had to complete problems 36-126 evens on page 457.

The best thing for the student body would be to use the planners, but I feel like we’re all just too lazy.

No worries, though. We still have our dignity, right?

Planners = Waste of money?

Late nights, tired eyes and oceans of paper. This is everything that comes with my challenging classes. Some may say

that I’m crazy, but I love taking on the challenge of difficult classes. It makes me feel like I have accomplished something at the end of the school year.

I take honor classes because I know they will help me get into a good col-lege and increase my chances of getting scholarships.

When I take AP courses, the classes I take can turn into college credit, if I get a certain score on the exam at the end of the year. Free college credit can save you thousands of dollars.

Another benefit is when you take a dual credit class in high school you can receive college credit at a greatly reduced cost.

They also help my GPA and class rank by adding distinction points. When you take more challenging classes and study hard to excel in them, you will be better prepared for your college classes.

Finally, I like taking more difficult classes because the students in my classes all work hard and strive to do their best. I love taking harder classes and I wouldn’t take any other classes than the ones I am in now.

Classes: hard vs. easy, why to choose themolivia eissler >> writer


kelsey shannon >> photographer

4 opinion O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 | T h e N o r t h m e n’ s Lo g

It is noticeable we have more school spirit and less skipping classes.Students are more eager to have conversations with administration.Overall, I think OP is a better place.

V S.The reason I like easier classes is they are easier to pass and when I had honors classes in middle school, it was the same lesson with a lot more work. Which is why I haven’t taken them freshman or sophomore year.

The tests in regular classes require less effort and make things go by faster and simpler. I also enjoy classes that are easier because it allows me to help other people that need it, and I score much higher so it looks better on my overall GPA.

Normal classes may not be as much help academically, or make you chal-lenge yourself as much as an honors class would. But they make getting a better grade much more attainable and simple.

Regular classes don’t look as good on your college applications, but they make high school more fun because you don’t have to worry about as much school work and you can spend more time worrying about your personal time.

Non-challenge classes allow you more social time within the class as well. All around honors classes are better for you academically, But normal

classes are much more fun and easier to pass. Given the opportunity though, I would much rather take honors classes

for the opportunities they help supply you with later on down the road.

Classes: hard vs. easy, why to choose thembrenen stansbury >> photographer

opinion 5O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 | T h e N o r t h m e n’ s Lo g

Talk

ing

Nor

thm

an

wan

ts y

our

advi

ce!

cartoon by tessa mcgiggins >> cartoonist

I need your help!

How can we

improve OP?umm. . .

6 photo essay O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 | T h e N o r t h m e n’ s Lo g

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, senior Armando Gonzales jumps off of a ramp at the local skate park. Gonzales has been skateboarding for two years.

hannah williams >> editor-in-chief

Sophomore Anthony Bonacorso grinds his skateboard on a rail on Wednesday, Aug. 28.


Senior Armando Gonzales jumps off of a ramp on Wednesday, Aug. 28.hannah williams >> editor-in-chief

photo essay 7O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 | T h e N o r t h m e n’ s Lo g

Senior Naithan Bakas shreds a gnarly nose grind on Wednesday, Aug. 28. “I [started skateboarding] mainly to look cool, but after a while I realized it’s something I like to do,” Bakas said. “It gets me out of the house so I’m not sit-ting at home playing video games.” Bakas has been skateboarding for six years.


Sophomore Anthony Bo-nacorso begins to shred his skateboard down a ramp on Wednesday, Aug 28. Bonocorsa does not like showing off his skate-boarding skills, but would rather skate just to skate.


Senior Armando Gonza-les rolls down a ramp on Wednesday, August 28.


Skateboardersshred, grind

See page 11 for a story re-lated to this topic.

Have you?

q Bookmarked www.NorthmenNews.com.

q Followed @NorthmenNews on Twitter.

q Liked NorthmenNews.com on Facebook.

q Watched The Axe on OPTV daily.

q Bought your 2014 Cambia yearbook.

q Watched OP videos on the YouTube

NorthmenNews channel.

q Followed NorthmenNews on Instagram.

q Emailed your OP news ideas

to [email protected].

New stories all the time!

Daily updates,

The only way to hear who won the game and what’s

going on daily.

All your OP memories

in one place.

Tell us what’s going on so we can be there and write, take pictures or make videos of

you and your friends.

Watch all your favorite videos again and again.

>>

q Bookmarked www.NorthmenNews.com.

q Followed @NorthmenNews on Twitter.

q Liked NorthmenNews.com on Facebook.

q Watched The Axe on OPTV daily.

q Bought your 2014 Cambia yearbook.

q Watched OP videos on the YouTube

NorthmenNews channel.

q Followed NorthmenNews on Instagram.

q Emailed your OP news ideas

to [email protected].

people9O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 | T h e N o r t h m e n’ s Lo g

The Ballards share much“I love having my best friends with me all my life. They are always there,”

said senior Emily Ballard. If you have ever thought it would be cool to be a triplet, then welcome to

the Ballard’s lives.“We experience a lot of things together,” said senior Connor Ballard.If you could never tell the difference between Spencer and Connor, then

you’re not alone.“People get us mixed up all the time. If they can’t remember which one we

are they just call us both Ballard,” said Spencer Ballard.All three of the Ballards are very involved with school and sports. Both of

the Ballard brothers play soccer.“I stay up till 1 or 2 a.m. doing my homework,” said Emily Ballard.Emily Ballard plays tennis, basketball, soccer and is president of both

NHS and Key Club.“With everything being so busy,” Emily said, “you have to learn what’s im-

portant.”Emily Ballard said that sometimes on weekends she has to give up hang-

ing out with friends and doing fun things to get her schoolwork done. ” You have to have time management,” said Emily Ballard.

Like all siblings, the Ballards said that they don’t get along all the time, but it is mostly just being competitive with each other. They said that all three of them are really close.

The only time that all three of the Ballards have been in a class together was their first block of freshmen year, when they all were in English lan-guage arts teacher Sara Hantzis class.

Emily Ballard said it was cool having their very first class all together, be-cause they were all three scared freshmen, and it made it better to have their siblings in a class with them. Over the years they said that they would have a class with one of their siblings because they all took the same classes, but other than freshmen year, they have never had a class with all three of them in it.

The Ballards said their favorite part about being triplets is that when they wake up in the morning, they always know they will never be alone and that it won’t be quiet in the mornings like other students who siblings have left and gone off to college.

“It’s awesome being in the same grade as my siblings,” said Spencer Bal-lard.

photo by brenen stansbury>> photographer

olivia eissler>>writer

>>

10 people O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 | T h e N o r t h m e n’ s Lo g

In a typical high schoolers life, fashion is pretty important and it’s totally encouraged to be yourself. At OP, some of the trends would include

“Most definitely combat boots, patterned leggings, sweaters, high rise pants,” said se-nior Marissa Balmer.

Many of these trends are evident throughout the school.

“I think [these trends] should be popular because it kind of describes our whole gen-eration,” said sophomore Ryan Manahan.

Everyone definitely has their own opin-ion on them though. The students have to be aware of their outfits because at times, they are pretty inappropriate. We, as a student body, have to think of the people that are seeing us on a regular basis and what they may think. Being ourselves is completely okay, but to a certain extent.

“In general, it’s much tighter fitting than when I was in high school; and there’s less fabric,” said teacher Tim Rupp.

That isn’t exactly the best representation of our generation.

These trends mentioned previously, are totally okay to be worn, but with discretion.

Fashion report: Tighter and less describes generation

photo illustration by gabie kreutzjans>> writer

You always remember those people who make ev-ery day fun and exciting. They impact your life and encourage you to do your best at everything you do.

That was science teacher John Dedrick, to every-one who knew him.

“He was my friend, mentor in physics, and he was always there if I had a question about physics,” said science teacher Chris Goll .

Mr. Dedrick was inspirational to everyone.“He was like a father figure,” said science teacher

Jillian Boman. Goll and Boman worked with Dedrick in the sci-

ence department since they both started working here.

Dedrick wasn’t just a regular physics teacher. He made learning physics fun. Students were always excited to see what they were doing next in his class, whether it was setting up an obstacle course and having competitions with the whole class, or watching videos about how to make music from PVC pipes. There was never a dull moment in his class.

“He inspired me to take an interest in science,” said junior Myriam Pani-

agua, who was in Science Olympiad her sopho-more year with Dedrick. “He was really sup-portive, always helpful and exciting.”

Walking in the hallways, students knew they always would get a good morning “hello” and a welcoming smile when they passed by Dedrick’s room. Dedrick didn’t just see a student as an-other person to teach physics to. He cared for each and every student as a real person, and he was always there to talk on a good or bad day. If students needed help with homework or didn’t understand something, Dedrick would always put aside whatever he was working on to help.

“He had a servant’s heart when it came to the kids and learning,” Goll said. “He worked hard and was dedicated.”

Dedrick brought a whole new meaning to learning and understanding physics.

“He illustrated a confident master teacher,” Goll said.

Remembering the king of physics: John Dedrick


kelsey shannon>>photographer

He inspired me to take an interest in science. He was really supportive, always helpful and exciting.

myriam paniagua>> junior

www.NorthmenNews.com * @NorthmenNews * NorthmenNews.com

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people 11O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 | T h e N o r t h m e n’ s Lo g

“My favorite part is learning new skills and knowing that you’re getting better,” said junior Karissa Bruner.

Bruner has been involved with gymnastics since she was four years old. Bruner started gymnas-tics because her mom didn’t finish gymnastics, and she wanted her daughter to do it, since she didn’t get to fulfill her own dreams.

“I practiced four hours a day for five days,” said Bruner.

She competed in gymnastics for 12 years, but due to a shoulder and back injury, she had to quit at level nine. There are ten levels in gymnastics. Level six to ten is con-sidered the elite of gymanastics. She says that one of her biggest role model as a gymnast is Nastia Lukin, the 2008 Olympic Cham-pion.

“I love the feeling of getting high in the air,” said junior Tosh Newton.

He started skate boarding when his dad first taught him how. He doesn’t compete, but he says his favorite role model is Danny Way who is a professional skateboard-er. Whenever he gets time, New-ton skateboards.

“It is so cool to have an animal that you can trust with your heart,” said junior Chandler Templeton.

She grew up in Polo, Mo., where her dad rode horses. She showed horses in the third grade and was the Reserved Champion for the American Royal. She works at a horse farm and whenever she has a break or some down time, she goes out and rides her horses. She said she loves horseback riding be-cause it is the best feeling knowing that the horse you are on is so big and could hurt you easily, but they trust you and you trust them.

See page 6 and 7 for photos re-lated to this story.

Alternatives practice too


>>

12 recreation O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 | T h e N o r t h m e n’ s Lo g

>> I did it, but I left it at home.

>> You didn’t ex-plain it clearly.

>> I had to go to the ER.

>> I didn’t have time.

>> I had a family emergency.

>> “He that is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” Ben-jamin Franklin

>> “Leadership is about taking re-sponsibility, not making excuses.” Mitt Romney

>> “If you really want to do it, you do it. There are no excuses.” Bruce Nauman

>> “You can make excuses or you can make progress, but you cannot make both.”Mia Love

>> “Ninety-nine percent of failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.” George Washing-ton Carver

First, in late September, I started seeing the captions and statuses on social media.

“And everybody’s like gold teeth, Greygoose drippin’ in the bathroom; bloodstains, ball gowns, trashing the hotel room…” And I immediately became happy. I heard the song Royals in late May on an alternative radio station. It was late at night, like one or two in the morning, where they play all of the newer music. I fell in love instantly, for a lot of rea-sons.

By the stage name of Lorde, Ella Yelich-O’Connor is a singer from Auckland, New Zealand, and is starting to gain momentum in the states. Rightly so, considering as a 16-year-old she has all the ingredients to dominate pop music.

“Royals” is a song, according to the singer herself from a Q&A in the Huffington Post, about a “normal...super mun-dane,” teenage life. The lyrics themselves detail about a dream of “driving cadillacs” and things like that. I think this is a fresh, new spin on the lyric industry. Most chart-toppers, from my observation, are about break-ups, or love, which she clearly states is not one of her top priorities in song-writing, according to the Huffington Post. Her lyrics are very haunting and extremely beautiful, even if they are just about dreaming.

The vocals are a refreshing sound as well. Since Lorde was scouted by Universal Studios at the age of 12, after singing in a talent show at her school, she has been working through “school holidays,” on recording her debut EP, The Love Club, which was released in 2012, according to The Post. It shows through with the mix of an eerie, beautiful

sound that’s not comparable to anything I’ve ever heard on the top charts. Her voice reminds me somewhat of the lead singer of Daughter and Ms. Mr., both alternative bands, but Lorde’s way of almost rapping and still using a choral sound is something completely new.

Overall, I am, and have been for a few months, in love with this artist. Not to mention she’s a feminist and is also the first solo female artist since Tracy Bonham, in 1996, to reach the top of the American Billboard Alternative Charts. This is a feat for any artist, not to mention she’s only 16. Her debut album, “Pure Heroine,” is out now. I would highly rec-ommend getting your hands on it. She’s going to be the next big thing.

Royals tops charts

Sharknado is a sci-fi movie that thoroughly dis-appointed me. The movie is about a group of people try-ing to stop a series of giant tornadoes that spew man-eating sharks all across Los Angeles. The movie looked wonderful and exciting in the previews, but sitting down and watching it was a different experience en-tirely.

The movie looked like a low budget, lazily thrown together 90-minute waste of time. There was absolute-ly no realism whatsoever and the only way they could make that movie better is by not making it at all. The acting was atrocious, There was not much of a plot, and if there was it was so ter-rible I couldn’t figure out what it was, The animations were below par, and the

best part of the movie was when the credits were roll-ing. In one instance an actor ripped a shark in half out of the air with hedge trim-mers. Another time a differ-ent actor shot a shark with a 9mm pistol and it went flying off in a completely dif-ferent direction. Tara Reid has a lead role in the movie and that was one of the rea-sons I wanted to watch the movie because she usually acts in good quality movies. This was not one of those movies.

The only entertainment value this movie has is that it is comically horrible. I would not recommend this movie to anyone. Ever. It was a waste of my time and anyone else’s who watched it. I will never watch the movie again and I would not wish it on my worst enemy.

Sharknado movie bites

photo credit to Billboard

photo credit to movieweb.comgraphic by maggie nolan >>

managing editor

There’s no excuse for yourexcuses

hannah willams>>editor-in-chief

brenen stansbury>> photographer

study

feature 13O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 | T h e N o r t h m e n’ s Lo g

Have you ever walked into a teachers room and been mesmerized by how their room is set up? You may get this if you ever walk into ELA teacher Callie Smother’s room or Social Studies teacher Jake Voos’ room.

“I hunger for positive inspiring messages,” said social studies teacher Jake Voos.

Students who walk into Voos’ room, are welcomed by baseball bats, quotes and historical figures.

“Everything is on purpose. My past and hobbies inspired me.”Voos has baseball bats in his room because in college he played baseball

at K-State. “I let students write quotes that inspire then.” Voos put up paper on the back wall of his classroom just for students to

put their favorite quote. Usually a classroom would be set up in rows, but Voos arranged his room

in a U shape because, “it is good for discussion.”“It promotes more collaboration between students,” said Smothers.

In Smothers room, students could feel at home. Smother’s room is set up with couches in the front of her room and desks in the back.

“Students can focus better, move comfortably, and the distractions aren’t as much.”

Smothers was inspired by her sister who first decorated her room like this. Smothers’ sister teaches a second grade class and arranged her room in a comfortable manner because students with ADD could focus better. It was mostly desk free.

“Students get overly excited,” Smothers said.Smothers is strict about the couches, but she and her students have

found a good balance.“It is a comfortable environment,” said senior Casey Newton who had

Smothers her sophomore year for.“Decorating and making your room comfortable is not for everyone, but

it makes a better environment,” Smothers said.

Teachers spice up their classroom

How many times have you, while your supposed to be doing some kind of assignment, have kept the assignment open when your teacher is looking, but as soon as they weren’t anymore, went right back to scrolling through Tumblr or Twitter?

At Oak Park, it’s becoming a distraction to students who need to get their assignments in.

“I like them, but they are distracting. I’m addicted to Tumblr, so if I ever get on, I’ll start scrolling and won’t stop,” said senior Makena Fashenstock.

Tumblr is one of the many social medias available for students to get on because it’s not blocked.

“The Macs work just work for certain things. Good for writing assign-

ments because I don’t like to write. But can be distracting because of social media, like Twitter,” said junior Chase Ballard.

Though some students find the Macs helpful in some situations, they are often distracting, while students have access to movies, games, and social media sites such as Twitter and Tumblr.

“They are too distracting. We have access to games and social media sites like Twitter,” said Jesaiah Cole.

The Macs often get in the way of doing homework and other in-class work because there is no way for the teachers to monitor what the stu-dents are doing. And if there is no way to monitor it, students will think in their heads, that they have plenty of time to do their work.

How Macs changed class

Mr. Potatohead and his family smile out of the window in the special education office.

erica dykes>>free lance photographer

Ducks of all different shapes and sizes are lined up in a row in science teacher NeQuelle DeFord’s science room.

ibtisam jeilani>> free lance photographer

hannah willams>>editor-in-chief

gabrielle kreutzjans >> social manager


Rooms relax to help students

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Stay connected with the latest in OP news....

SportsRunner sure cross country will cross finish line The cross-country team has been training all summer, running mile after mile all to beat their personal best in the 5k. Senior William Henry has been on the team for three years, and spoke about the team and their accomplishments. Read more at: NorthmenNews.com

Breaking News2013 Homecoming Queen AnnouncedSee video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3HRAvJ_MnE

All School EventsPies fly through the sky for fundraiserSee the photos online at: NorthmenNews.com or on Instagram.

Club NewsDebate strives for another championship year After going to nationals last year, the debate and forensics team hopes for another nationally ranked team. To prepare, the team is working hard inside and outside of class. “We are already writing cases and keeping up with political events,” said vice president junior Lauren Mills. Read more at: NorthmenNews.com

Important AnnouncementsThe Twitter and Facebook feeds offer daily im-portant notes and celebrations for students on a variety of topics.

Archived StoriesNorthmenNews.com stores all past stories, photos and videos on its site.Issuu.com offers past issues of The Northmen’s Log magazine and newspaper.

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The Northmen’s Log

Oak Park High School | Issue 1, Vol. 49 | September 2013

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Issue 2 October 2013