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Volume 90, Issue 1
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Sept. 8, 2009 • Volume 90 • Issue 1
Dodge City High School • 2201 Ross Blvd. • Dodge City, KS 67801
the
Feature/Entertainment
DODGER 09.08.09 Contents
2
The Dodger is a publication produced by the Dodge City High School journalism department. The newspaper attempts to inform and entertain its audience in a broad, fair, and accurate manner on all subjects that affect the readers. The publication seeks also to provide a forum for the opinion of students, the staff of the paper, and the faculty to encourage an exchange of ideas on all issues of prominence to readers. The Dodger staff encourages letters to the editor, as they constitute avenue for student opinion. Due to space limitations, not all letters can be published. The editor reserves the right to edit all letters for appropriate placement as long as the meaning and intent remain unchanged. The letter must be signed to be considered for publication. The opinions expressed throughout the publication are not necessarily those of the faculty, the administration, or USD #443. Unsigned articles are a general consensus of the staff, while signed articles are the personal forum of the writer. All letters, columns, stories, photos and art become legal property of The Dodger at the time they are submitted.
Codi Ehrlich .....................Co-EditorAnthony Reardon .............Co-EditorTrever Otterstein .................OpinionLuke Bunker ........................OpinionKristi South ......................LifestylesJordan Stevens .................LifestylesMeghan Lee ............................NewsEthan Hutchcraft ....................SportsHunter Edwards .....................SportsCristina Yeverino................ReporterAlysia Garvalena ................ReporterErin Finley .........................ReporterKristine Rusinova ...............ReporterEthan Hutchcraft ........ PhotographerCindy Moore ....................... Adviser
the Dodger staff
Editorial Policy
LineupDodger
News
Sports
Opinion
Back to School Buys pg 10
Top Tens pg 12 Reviews pg 12
Are You Insane? pg 14
Standardized Testing pg 15
Fall Sports Preview pg 18
Scrimmages pg 20
Conferences pg 4
D-mart pg 7 Policies pg 17
Top Photo • Luke BunkerBottom Photo • Alonso Avecedo
09.08.09 DODGERColumn
3
Mr. Good BeanCoffee Trolley50¢ off
any medium or large drink
Cappuccinos • Mochas • Fruit SmoothiesLattes • Frozen Mocha • Chai Tea • Italian Soda
2701 Gary • Dodge City, KS
Expires Sept. 24, 2009
Northside Veterinary Clinic208 E. Frontview • Dodge City, KS 67801
620.225.PETS
Hannah Hoskinson, 11, is em-ployed at Northside Vet Clinic.
Over the past few years, spending money generally hasn’t been a problem for me. Whether it is in a vending, at my favorite local fast food chain, or on cloths online, I always somehow manage to blow half my paycheck on stuff that I really don’t need. Recently however, my frivolous spending has had to come to an inconvenient and somewhat annoying halt. Why you ask?
You see for some reason, the geniuses at this food chain I frequently visit have yet again managed to rip me off by ten bucks in change. And they do this even as I sit there and watch them count the full amount of change into my hand! How they manage to pull this magic trick is beyond me, but they are so skilled at it that they should get their own show in Vegas. Seriously. Complete with aerialists, white bangle tigers, fire breathers, and maybe even a bearded lady who sings show tunes, I don’t know -but I digress.
I have also managed to be ripped off by
the vending machines lately. Whether they’re stealing my Corn Nuts, giving me the wrong type of drink, or overcharging me by 76 cents, they never cease to find new ways to take my money. And yes, I checked, and I can get that same bottle of Life Water at the gas station for 99 cents. My question is where exactly are these 76 cents of mine going? Is the school keeping it? Or is the vending machine company using it? Or is the government the one hoarding my change in a last ditch effort to fund Health Care? And am I going to be in deep water for even bringing this up???
Another instance when my money has been unrightfully taken right beneath my nose is when I went online to buy some new clothes –and I did not intentionally make that rhyme. Anyway, it’s not so much that the online stores are taking my money, it’s that they’re falsely leading me to believe that I’m buying legit clothing when in all actuality it isn’t worthy enough to be near my closet, let alone in it. Example: I buy an $82 pair of black jeans that looked legitimately legit in an effort to enhance my wardrobe. When they arrive however, I discover that they are a pair of old man pants that go up to my sternum and require a pair of suspenders. To add to my disappointment, I somehow managed to not send them back in time, thus losing my $82 indefinitely.
All these instances have led to my forming yet another theory… EVERYONE is out to get me. It’s a conspiracy, really, and everyone is in on it. My parents, my teachers, the dentist, the mail man, that dude at the fast food place, the government, the U.N., that creeper staring at you right now, God, Megan Fox (allegedly),
Don’t Mess with my MONEY!!!!everyone else that was in Transformers, and even my own dog. It’s a conspiracy of the ages, bigger than Roswell, the Kennedy assassination, and the Denver Airport conspiracy combined.
I’m not exactly sure how I will handle this, but I will sure as heck not stand by and let this travesty continue to occur. I’m going to figure out who the brainchild behind this is. And when I figure it out, I will dig up all the dirt I can on you, and I’ll publish it in this paper. Have a great year!
Getting ripped off lately? Read this.
-Anthony Reardon MONEY QUIZ1. Who is the richest woman in the world? a. Oprah Winfrey b. Julia Roberts c. J.K. Rowling d. Christy Walton
2. What was the largest paper bill (in value) printed in the U.S.? a. $1,000 b. $10,000 c. $100,000 d. $250,000
3. How much did the most expensive pair of jeans sell for (on eBay)? a. $350 b. $1,200 c. $25,500 d. $60,000
Answers: 1-d, 2-c, 3-d
DODGER 09.08.09 News
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Bob SiedlOwner
Flatland Graphics, IncEmbroidery and silk screening
212 E. Frontview, Suite ADodge City, KS 67801
620.225.0091722.594.8372
[email protected]/flatlandgraphics
1712 Central • P.O. Box 176Dodge City, KS 67801
620.225.2888 • 1.800.779.0753Fax: [email protected]
Susie Reardon
620.225.5835$12 Advance Tickets
$15 at the Door
-Meghan Lee
The first Parent-Teacher confer-ence of the 2009-2010 school year is scheduled for Sept. 16 from 3 to 6 p.m. and on Sept. 18 from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Students will not attend class Sept. 18 at the high school.
Don’t know what to ask or discuss with a teacher at confer-ences? No worries, here are some basic questions for parents to ask a teacher.• What skills and knowledge will my child be expected to master this year? • What will my child learn this year in key subjects like math, science, history, and English? • Are there challenging academic standards in place at this school, and how do they compare with those at other school districts? • May I see them?• How do you inform students about the academic standards they’re expected to meet? • What kind of projects and as-
signments have you planned that will help my child meet higher academic standards?• How will my child be evalu- ated? • What kind of information do you use to evaluate students? • How do you know if they’re academically ready to move on to the next grade?• How are grades determined in your classroom?• What can I do to stay more in- volved in my child’s academic progress? • What can I do at home to com- plement what is happening in the classroom?• How can I know on a daily ba- sis what homework has been as- signed? • How can I support teachers’ efforts in implementing higher academic standards? • How do you accommodate dif- ferences in learning? • What if my child is a slow
Conferences scheduled for Sept. 16, 18 learner and falls behind, or is a fast learner and is bored? • Are summer school, tutoring, or other programs available for students who need more help?• How are older students prepared for further learning after high school? • Are children encouraged to think about a wide variety of ca- reer interests? • Are all students encouraged to take algebra by the end of eighth grade?
“I love the interaction between both parents and teacher. It is im-portant to meet face-to-face and establish a relationship. I really appreciate the time and effort that parents make to meet teachers be-cause I know that their lives are buys, too,” Laura Woolfolk, Eng-lish teacher, said.
Parents, ask your student’steachers some of these simple ques-tions:1. Does my child follow instructions?2. What are my child’s strengths? concerns?3. What skills and tasks should my child mas- ter?4. What are my child’s academic talents?
Remember, be open to sug-gestions from the teacher.
09.08.09 DODGEROpinion
5
1909 N. 14th Avenue • Suite C • Dodge City, KS 67801
620.338.8633
Rod Koehler, ATC • Cindy Fiegenbaum, CPTAWhitney Stapleton, PT
Commercial & ResidentialRemodeling • Additions • Acoustical Ceilings
Metal Studs •Reroofing •Roof Repairs
P.O. Box 997 • 1200 13th Ave. • Dodge City, Ks 67801620.227.6683 • Fax 620.227.6689
866.354.6683www.lrleecontracting.com • [email protected]
L.R. Lee Contracting
Complete Floral Service • Gifts Plants • Balloons
2600 Central • Gibson MallDodge City, KS 67801
620.227.6861 • 1.800.536.6861Sharon & Leon Wilson, Ownerswww.alshumbleflowers.com
The classified group of elite soldiers named the GI Joes star in their newest action packed movie GI Joes: The Rise of Cobra.
When Duke (Channing Tatum) and Ripcord (Marlon Wayans) are on a mission and the GI Joes show up to try and take over the mission Duke and Ripcord decide to join the team to overcome a common enemy.
The team of bad guys partially led by McCullen or also known as Destro (Christopher Eccleston) and The Doctor (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) send three nanotechnology or city destroying missiles after four major cities across the world.
This action packed movie also has a little romance involved. During the first scene of the movie, Duke realizes he is fighting against his ex-fiancé from four years
ago. Throughout the movie Duke and his ex have flashbacks of the relationship before it ended.
A few of the characters’ twisted pasts are intertwined into the story line, such as two brother-like characters. As children the characters, one good and one bad trained together as children and learn the skills of their ninja-like ways from the same master. After Snake Eyes (Ray Park) was able to beat Storm Shadow (Lee Byung-hun), Storm Shadow turned and killed their master for favoring Snake Eyes win. From there Snake Eyes took a silent oath. Snake Eyes finally gets his chance at revenge with Storm Shadow in a tense scene towards the end of the movie.
The movie begins with a battle and from beginning to end explosions and fighting take place for the two-hour movie. In almost every scene something is being blown up or someone is dodging a bullet, but towards the middle of the movie the fighting starts to get a bit boring.
I found myself checking to see how much longer the movie would last. I think the movie could have been little shorter. Most of the key scenes and moments had me entertained but some part just bored me. Overall I give this movie a 3 ½ out of five stars.
GI who???? JOE.-Alysia Garvalena
To the Right. One of the many movie posters used to advertise the summer blockbuster.
Chowing Down. Booster Club members serve up watermelon at the an-nual Watermelon Scrimmage Friday, Aug. 28. Fans enjoy an evening of sports and food as they came out to support the Red Demons. The first home football game is set of Sept. 11. Read more about it on pg. 20. • Photo Hutchcraft
DODGER 09.08.09 Sports Previews
6
1-800-658-1660 • Fax: 620-227-6216 • [email protected]
227-2101
Your Local Source For Discount Office Products
111 Military, Dodge City KS 67801
High Plains Land & TitleAbstracts & Title Insurance
Ford, Gray & Meade CountiesP.O. Box 878 • 107 Gunsmoke • Dodge City, KS
620.225.6574 • Fax 620.225.6576Toll Free 1.800.279.6811
[email protected] K. Lee
Licensed Title Agent & Closer
Big D continues to thrive, requirements changeThe coveted opportunity
known to students as Big D has new eligibility requirements that may make the path to Opportunity Period freedom a bit rockier.
Big D is a time where students may go to the Commons to work on homework or to catch up with friends. The cafeteria is open and serves breakfast to the students along with the snack bar, which also has candy and drinks. Colleges often visit the Commons to give students a chance to speak with representatives.
“In Big D I usually chat with friends and occasionally I get some homework done,” said Kellyn
Kulbiski, 12.In order to be eligible for Big D,
students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, not have any disciplinary referrals, have no overdue library books, and be a senior, junior, or second semester sophomore.
“It’s not really hard to get into Big D, you just have to make sure to stay on top of your homework and never forget to turn in those library books,” said Mallory Ratts, 11.
Getting a proficient score on the reading and math state assessments
is a new requirement added to the list of criteria. If a student did not score proficient on the assessments, their admittance into Big D is denied, and they will have another
chance to pass the assessment. If the second attempt is failed, Big D is not an option. This new requirement does not apply to 2010 seniors.
Another change to Big D that students will recognize is the
administration is cracking down on the electronics policy. Cell phones, iPods, and all electronics will not
be allowed during Big D.“Cell phones and iPods are
not allowed during class time and O.P. is considered class time,” said Michael Martinez, associate principal.
Although there will be fewer students attending Big D, those who do make the cut will still be able to enjoy the perks of working hard in school.
—Codi Ehrlich
Top: Students Peter Neidhart, Justin Dewell, Blake Rumbaugh, Trevor Kil-lion, Brad Roetzer enjoy a game of cards during Big D. • Photo Hutch-craft
Bottom Left: Vino De La Rosa and Luke Scheneweis chat it up with some friends. • Photos Reardon
Bottom Right: Jami Stecklein, Becky Bruton, Shelly Frangenburg, Tara Nich-ols, and Kayla Roenfeldt get their study on. • Photos Reardon
Getting a proficient score on the reading
and math state assessments is a new requirement added to
the list of criteria.
09.08.09 DODGERNews
7
Beginning on Monday, August 31, 2009, the DCHS school store, “D-Mart,” began selling several new items, including backpacks and messenger bags with the De-mon logo, as well as license tags and ceramic mugs.
“We have a new supplier,” said Melody Head, business teacher and FBLA/D-Mart sponsor. “We won’t have large quantities [at first], but we can get items here quickly.”
Items that were in the store last year, such as t-shirts, gum, lolli-pops, and school supplies, are also available this year. Most items cost between $0.25 and $1.50, while t-shirts sell for around $7.00 to $10.00. The new messenger bags and backpacks cost $25 and $14, respectively.
“[The D-Mart] gives me the opportunity to get materials that I forgot at home,” said Danielle Kenton, 11.
Even more new items are ex-pected to be added throughout the
year, as the marketing department runs surveys to see what students would like to see in the D-Mart, and as purchasing trends can be seen.
“Getting what the kids want [in the D-Mart] will be up to market-ing,” said Head.
Head’s main goals for the D-Mart this year are for the store to be “completely student-driven” and to “involve the whole business department” in the running of the store. The store might even be open during lunch later on in the school year, according to Head.
The D-Mart gives students an opportunity to “use what they learn in class,” according to Head. In addition to the marketing students running surveys, Business & Of-fice Technology (BOT) students will be ordering the items for the store this year, and the accounting classes will be keeping the books and records for the store.
Christina Young, 12, will be ordering and distributing the staff
shirts this year, a first for a DCHS business student. Other business students are also involved in mak-ing the D-Mart and business de-partment a success.
“I feel that this year’s class will make the store more profit-able,” said Micah Shaull, 11, who is currently in the BOT class that is partly responsible for running the D-Mart.
Student members of Future
Business Leaders of America (FBLA) will also be working in the store throughout the year to help raise funds that will allow them to travel to contests and for commu-nity service projects. All proceeds from the D-Mart will go to FBLA.
The D-Mart will be open from 7:30/7:40 to 8:00 every school morning, and is located just outside the entrance to the commons area.
School store features many new items
Cup of Jo-nesFree Medium Drink
Expires 9/25/09
Cup of Jo-nesFree Medium Drink
Expires 9/25/09
Cup of Jo-nesFree Medium Drink
Expires 9/25/09
Open before school. D-Mart showcases items that are available for purchase. • Photo Bunker
—Luke Bunker
D-Mart
DODGER 09.08.09 Sports
8
200 E. Wyatt Earp • Dodge City, KS 67801620.227.3171
buyfrontiermotors.com
-Erin FinleyAs the new school year launches at DCHS, unfamiliar faces can be seen throughout the halls, and it’s not just the freshmen. New teachers have been added to the jumble of people in the school. Some are new to DCHS and others are right at home. “I went to school here and so when I decided I wanted to be a teacher, DCHS was the first place I was looking to teach,” said Kayleigh Cecil, Algebra I. This is Cecil’s first year of teaching and she plans to “take it one day at a time and be flexible to the kids’ needs.” Fellow new teacher McKenzie Fergerson, who teaches Applied Biology and General Chemistry, also went to school at DCHS. Another new teacher embarking on her first year of teaching is excited to work at DCHS because of past experiences. “After student teaching at DCHS last year, I was really impressed with how dedicated the staff is to its students,” Jennifer Waldron, English said. “I wanted to be a part of that.” A few of the “new” teachers aren’t really new to this profession at all. Scott Krominga has been a teacher for 17 years and it seems as though he is as passionate as ever about science. “I believe I can spark an interest in my area and teach these kids the correct methods and procedures to tackle not only science questions but everyday life questions,” said Krominga, Physical/Earth Science and Biology.
Another not so new face to teaching is Penny Lopp. Lopp has been a teacher for 38 years. She was at the old high school from 1971 to 1978 and then moved to the Administration Building for 30 years. “Now I’m back to my old stomping grounds,” Lopp said. “And hanging out with a few of the folks I taught with before.” Lopp currently teaches English and work study skills. High school can be a tricky age level to teach but these new teachers don’t seem too scared. In fact many of them prefer this age level. “I have a recurring nightmare about masses of small children tearing me to shreds,” Waldron said. “Actually, I just like young adults. They are brilliant, creative, thoughtful and fun.” This nightmare of monstrous kindergartners doesn’t seem to be common though. It appears that just focusing on one subject and being able to thoroughly teach it is the incentive to work at the high school level. “[ At the high school level] I can concentrate on the subject I love and learn it better and more in depth instead of teaching three or four different subjects that I don’t know very well,” Fergerson said. Deciding to become a teacher didn’t happen overnight. Along the way each of them were inspired by someone in their life. Krominga was surrounded by educators as a child and that helped push him to become a teacher. “My dad was a teacher and
administrator so I was around it all the time, and a lot of the influential people in my life have been teachers,” Krominga said. Influenced by past teachers or family members, these teachers decided they wanted to help students get excited about learning and hopefully inspire a few students along the way. “I had fantastic and enthusiastic science teachers in high school and college that made science interesting and fun,” Fergerson said. “I wanted to do the same for high school students today.” As the teachers put on their game face and start the new school year, they too set goals, following the advice they once received as students. “[My goal is to] just get through the day,” Cecil laughed. When it all comes down to it, the new teachers and the veterans all have one common goal. They love what they do and just want to pass their knowledge on to students and help them become the best they can be. “I would like to inspire students to be and do their best,” Waldron said. “I have no illusions of becoming the world’s greatest teacher, but if I can make a difference for just a handful of kids, then I’ve done my job.”
New teachers join DCHS staff Top 10 Trade Fiction
Books1. The Time Travler’s Wife- Audrey Niffenegger
2. The Shack- William P. Young
3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo- Stieg Larsson
4. The Guernsey Literary and Potatoe Peel Pie Society- Mary Ann Shaffer
5. The Weight of Silence- Heather Gudenkauf
6. The Art of Racing in the Rain- Garth Stein
7. The Lucky One- Nicholas Sparks
8. Olive Kitteridge- Eliza- beth Strout
9. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies- Jane Austin and Seth Grahame-Smith
10. The Lovely Bones- Alice Sebold Source: New York Times
08.08.09 DODGERNews
9
Club Name: Friends of RachelSponsor: Counselors
What is it? A community service whose main goal is to start a chain reaction of kindness in our school and community.
Eligibility to join: Follow the five challenges in their everyday lives.
Advantages of joining: Stu-dents who join have the satisfac-tion of knowing they are helping others and at the same time giv-ing high school students a good reputation in our community.
Previous Activities: Coat & food drive, Staff Appreciation, New student breakfast, and Kind-ness Counts movie passes.
“It was so neat seeing so many diverse students doing great things for our school,” said Counselor Melanie Miller
Club Name: KAYSSponsors: Kirstin Bangerter & Alice TallentWhat is it? Kansas Association of Youth- a character-building, lead-ership-training service program. We focus on serving our school, community, nation and world.
Eligibility to join: Must be a DCHS student. Dues are $9.00 with a box of kleenex or $10.00 without.
Advantages of joining: Learn leadership, gain self-respect and a sense of community through service, and have fun with all your Kay friends!
Previous Activities: Candy cane and flower deliveries; balloon launch at football games, bows for kids’ sake, and more!
“KAY has taught me leadership skills, and the activities we do are good for the school and fun for everyone involved,” said Madison Reynolds
Club Name: Drama ClubSponsor: Anne Kaiser
What is it? A club for those who love acting and theatre.
Eligibility to join: A desire to be a part of their club participation and helping out and cleaning up what is done.
Advantages of joining: Stu-dents share the thrill of acting and doing activities together.
Previous Activities: Halloween costume party, Floorshow act, Drama and Forensics, activity workshop in Wichita, design T-shirts.
Club Name: Future TeachersSponsor: Michelle Reid and Deb-bie Jones
What is it? Club for students who are considering teaching as a career.
Eligibility to join: Anyone interested in becoming a teacher! Everybody is welcome!
Advantages of joining: Net-working for future, spending time with people who share same interests.
Previous Activities: Education week activities, guest speakers from universities etc.
Club Name: Heritage PanelSponsor: Maria Hernandez and Sandra Obando
What is it? A group of students who have a strong interest in breaking down communication barriers and prejudice among people of different racial, reli-gious and cultural groups.
Eligibility to join: Be very proud of your heritage and be willing to share the traditions.
Advantages of joining: Scholar-ships, community service hours, ect. Most importantly, learn about other peoples’ ways of thinking.
Previous Activities: Celebration of holidays from other cultures.
“Heritage Panel stresses the value of diversity as a source of richness in American life,” said Maria Hernandez
Club Name: FBLASponsor: Melody Head
What is it? A business organi-zation that helps students learn and experience leadership. This is a national organization that is recognized as a professional organization by businesses.
Eligibility to join: The only criterion for joining is to be inter-ested in business activities.
Advantages of joining: The advantages of joining are that you are given opportunities, experi-ences, and skills, and confidence to achieve your dreams.
Previous Activities: D Mart and annual Dodgeball tournament
“Meetings are held every sec-ond and fourth Tuesday of the mounth,” said Melody Head
Club Name: Student CouncilSponsor: Michael Pelton
What is it? Student leaders working to improve DCHS. The student organization at DCHS represents the student body and all clubs and organizations at DCHS.
Eligibilty to join: Good standing in the school. Club representatives are selected by each DCHS club/organization. Class representatives complete a petition and are selected/ ap-pointed by their classmates.
Advantages of joining: Get-ting to set up school events (homecoming, Fall Ball, Floor-show, etc.)
Previous Activities: Home-coming, Fall Ball, Regional Student Council Conference, and Floorshsow.
—Cristina YeverinoIt’s a new school year with new
seasons of football, volleyball, ten-nis, and soccer. While many stu-dents are involved in sports, many others opt to participate in other activities like clubs. Dodge City High School contains a variety of of clubs students can join.
Besides these featured clubs there are additional ones like Fel-lowship of Christian Athletes, FFA, HOSA, International Club, National Honor Society, Octagon Club, Quill & Scroll, Quiz Bowl, SADD, and Science Olympiad.
These clubs will be featured next issue to show details and in-formation needed to join.
To join any of these clubs, a stu-dent can talk to the sponsor or their counselor.
DODGER 09.08.09 Lifestyles
10
Vans Backpack$40.00
Armani Inspired Glasses29.99
Sunglassreplicas.com
Rue21 Plaid Shirt19.99
American Eagle TeeBuy 1 get one 50% off
American Eagle Belt$24.95 (save $5)
Buckle Sandles$7.37 (save about $22)
Rue21 Cologne$9.99
Pacsun Jeans$27.50 when buying two
One of the best things about going back to school is buying new clothes for new year. In most cases the clothes we want are not always in our price range, and even though most stores have sales not all are
really saving you money. It’d be nice to have a guide that tells you where to shop, what to buy that would benefit your style and your pocket which is exactly what we’ve tried to create.
09.08.09 DODGERLifestyles
11
Hollister Sweat Shirt 29.90 (save $10)
Aeropostale Shirts Buy 1 get 1 Free
Gucci Inspired Glasses$25.99
Sunglassreplicas.com
Vans Backpack$40.00
American Eagle Scarf$6.95 (save about $13)
Pacsun Jeans$27.50 when buying two
Rue21 Perfume$9.99
Buckle (Roxy) Shoes$5.00 (save $14)
One of the best things about going back to school is buying new clothes for new year. In most cases the clothes we want are not always in our price range, and even though most stores have sales not all are
really saving you money. It’d be nice to have a guide that tells you where to shop, what to buy that would benefit your style and your pocket which is exactly what we’ve tried to create.
-Kristi SouthAlysia GarvalenaJordan Stevens
08.08.09 DODGEREntertainment
13
Kelly S. Henrichs, D.D.S.
100 Ross Blvd., #2CDodge City, KS 67801
620.225.6555
Comanche Plaza1701 N. 14th • Dodge City, KS 67801
www.gohastings.com
620.227.7220
Books, Music, Video
1. Titanic
2. StarWars:Episode1-
ThePhantomMenace
3. JurassicPark
4. IndependenceDay
5. TheLionKing
6. ForrestGump
7. TheSixthSense
8. JurassicPark:
TheLostWorld
9. MeninBlack
10.Armageddon
Source: Music Information
Database
Top 10 Movies of the 1990’s
Imagineexpectingababy,andyou’rehoping for a healthy babybutwhen it comes,yourbabyhasadeadlydisease.
In “Handle With Care” byJodi Picoult, CharlotteO’Keefehas this dilemma.Her daughterWillow was born with a bonediseaseinwhichherbonesbreakextremely easy. If she trips onthestair,she’sbrokenabone,ifshe rolls off the couch, anotherisbroken.
Charlotte’s best friend washerOBGYNthough,soshouldn’tshe have known sooner thatWillowwashurt?
Throughout the bookCharlotteandherhusbandSeanstruggle with the questions ofWhatif?WhatifWillowwasneverborn,whatifwewould’veknownbeforeshewasborn?
Thisbooktoucheseverygirlandmotheroutthere, because who wouldn’t want a kid likeWillowwho’ssmart,funny,talented?Butwho
wouldwanttheirchildtosuffertheway that shedoes to liveanormallife?All the while,Willow’s oldersister Amelia has problems ofher own. Loosing her best friendbecauseofwhathermomdoesandnotfeelingthelovethatsheshouldfromherparents, shegoes throughsome tough times and has to getthroughthemalmostonherown.
This book lets you feel howevery character involved feels,goingfromoneperson’sperspectiveto the others. It’s a great book foranyonewho’swillingtoshedatearortwoandenjoysseetheloveofa
familygrow.
Picoult’s Latest toTouch Everyone’s Heart
-Kristi South1997
1999
1993
1996
1994
1994
1999
1997
1997
1998
Book Review
DODGER 09.08.09 Opinion
14
How do you stay sane in this insane world?
“By my family and friends that are keeping me up and going.”
“I try to live each day step by step, and doing right, not wrong.”
“I try to live day by day.”
“Not really caring what everybody else thinks.”
“By trying to keep a very positive attitude, see the best in peoople, and because I’m a reader, I read books that take me far away from my troubles.”
-Noi Siriphone
Senio
rFa
culty
Fresh
man
Soph
omor
eJu
nior
-Dakota Fisher
-Dee Stoecker
DODGER AsksAre You Insane?!?!
-Karen Rios
-Rigo Ramirez
-Trevor OttersteinInsane in the membrane. No
one said it better than Cypress Hill, but no one understands it more than your average high school student.
Daikly I wonder if the people around me are mentally stable, and then I’m stuck wondering how sane I actually am. But I could have possibly discovered a couple remedies for staying sane in this insane world of ours.
Whether you’re in awe of the homework you get everyday, the teaching style of your educators, or the personalities of your peers, the world can all be slowed to a neutral state through calm recourse. Half the time, I wonder why I’m even doing my homework, and I’m sure I’m not alone on that one. Especially when you get “Stare” work, or in other words, the homework you know you won’t finish from the get-go, because all you can do is look at it.
Let’s be honest, the concept of four long assignments a night is where we start to question the sanity of our educators just by their expectations! I’ve found the best cure for “Stare” work is getting friends who share your pain, and could help you just as much as you could help them.
Watch out though, you were up till 1 a.m. last night, and Mrs. Whatsherface has another late night waiting for you in her lesson plan. Yes, my sanity is starting to dwindle too, but it’s not lost yet. Those rascally role models of ours are a whole different battle all together.
Believe it or not, if you try and talk to this looney species, and perhaps decipher the way they see your learning, maybe you can start to understand the best way to go about their lessons. All of that
pressure can really put unwanted stress in your life, and can affect other things you do day to day. Practice or work has you thinking about all the tasks on your plate and how in the world you can even do them all!
However, I have small odd things that relieve my stress, and maybe you can find yours as well. Honestly, a nice relaxing cartoon session, such as an episode of Spongebob, makes me realize how life isn’t as terrible as it’s cracked up to be. I’m then in the calm mood for optimum homework capabilities, as well as in good position to not lose my mind once again.
Now cartoons won’t solve everyone’s stress, but if you take a deep breath and think about something that brings you joy and a sense of peace, you’ll most likely find that it can do wonders for you.
The same concept can apply to dealing with your peers, as that can sometimes be more confusing and stressful than any schoolwork or teacher you could encounter. Everybody around you has his or her own likes, dislikes, hobbies and personalities. Most of the time it’s not hard to find people you can mesh with and relate to, but not everyone is going to be thinking like you.
This simply can make a person seem a little wacky to you just because you don’t understand them, but odds are that they find the world quite insane as well. Getting involved in an activity with someone you don’t know well can help you learn more about them, as well as gauge how they deal with day to day issues in their world.
You’d be surprised at what small human traits you could relate to most people you meet.
Hopefully with the help of these tips you can break down those towering problems and stresses, and realize in the end, we all need to be a little insane to stay functionally sane.
08.08.09 DODGEROpinion
15
On this day....1966 - NBC premieres the first Star Trek series
1968 - The Beatles perform “Hey Jude” in their last live TV performance.
1974 - President pardons Nixon for the Water-gate scandal.
1979 - Pink’s Birthday
infor via www.wikipedia.org
“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s test time. Get out your #2 pencils, a sheet of blank scratch paper, and we will begin the standardized tests. Don’t be nervous - you’ll do fine; we’ve had plenty of practice. Good luck!” For many, these words can invoke at least three reactions - a) “I don’t care;” b) “I’ll do fine, because I’m good at taking tests;” or c) “I am going to FAIL THIS TEST - I am so nervous!” Tests, in and of themselves, are not all bad... If a teacher wants to make sure that a student is “with the program,” then tests can be a good measurement of learning. However, this is because the teacher usually makes up that test for his/her class, with regards to what was actually taught - it makes sense that a teacher wouldn’t test a student over something she didn’t teach. In regards to standardized testing, however, professional test-makers are involved, and things get a little more tricky, to say the least. In standardized testing, the tests are basically all the same, and teachers are forced, in many cases, to “teach to the test,” which takes up time they may have spent on more interesting and useful topics. Due to these reasons and others, it is my opinion that standardized testing is simply not good (or beneficial, for that matter) for our teachers, our students, or our country. Too often, curricula are focused around this “testable material,” rather than what I would consider to be “useful” material. Likewise, every student learns differently, not everyone can understand the wording of some of the questions on these tests (myself
included), and many people just aren’t good at taking exams or tests. Which is why, when I hear teachers say “This will be on the state assessment, so please pay attention,” I just roll my eyes and wonder why we will be spending the majority of class pounding this one point into our brains rather than learning something that might actually be useful. I remember, before No Child Left Behind (NCLB), when I learned what I would need to know for the future, not for some ridiculously absurd testing process. But it’s not the teachers’ fault that they are so concerned about drilling “testable items” into our heads - after all, standardized test results are, unfortunately, used as significant factors when the government determines funding and teacher/staff salaries for a district. And, as we all know, when money comes into the picture, things change. With so much riding on the results of these tests, teachers and administrators are placed under immense pressure to send in “good results” to the state and federal governments. Teachers are pressured to teach to the test so that test scores will be raised and their salaries won’t be cut, and can sometimes get so wrapped up in the standardized tests that they forget that there is more to the learning process than just taking tests. Likewise, administrators are concerned (as they should be) about funding, and are therefore pressured to meet sometimes unrealistic goals to ensure that the district is given proper funding to foster an ideal and proper learning environment. On that same note, I was reading an article online the other day that brought up a very good point - it seems that the government and Departments of Education in the U.S. spend so much more time punishing schools for “under-performing” than they do actually trying to help these “under-
performing” students and schools improve. Maybe if more time and manpower were spent trying to actually improve the learning process, there wouldn’t be so much pressure on teachers to teach to the test or for students to cram these things into their minds at test time. However, the biggest negative impact these tests have are on the students who have to prepare for and actually take them. I’m one of those people who stresses out about a test (and everything else, for that matter), even if I know I’m going to do good on it. But for so many students, tests can be some of the scariest things on the planet. Burnt out from the many days (if not weeks) of preparation, students are put into a mindset of “pass or fail”
for these tests, rather than “I can do this.” When students fail these tests, many become disheartened, and lose any motivation they may have had at one point to learn or to improve themselves or their test scores. Unfortunately, I don’t have any grand ideas on how to make an objective, standard testing process that is not similar to the current one. All I know is that something has to change, and quickly, before we have a generation of students who has lost the ability to look at learning as an opportunity to make themselves better, rather than being so burned out on tests that they lose the desire to learn more about and explore our world, and the many things it has to offer.
The “side effects” of standardized testingWhy it hurts our students, our teachers, and our country
-Luke Bunker
DODGER 09.08.09 News
16
So many teens these days go through grief or a time in their high school career where they talk to someone who’s going through the same situation as they are. At DCHS many groups of people are going through the same things, and they show their support for each other by meeting in Counseling groups. Most of DCHS students have seen the posters on the bul-letin boards for Teen Loss groups and Mom’s to Be groups and many more.
On average the group for teens dealing with loss has anywhere from 2-6 people at their meetings which meet in the Student Services once a week for six sessions. The Moms-to-be group meets also in the Student Services once a week until the delivery of the baby.
“In the groups the teens get to see that they’re not alone in what
they’re going through. They can share stories and the others will understand and it’s a safe confi-dential place they can let go of all the stress of being a teen mom or a member of a family who has lost a member,” said Melanie Miller, counselor.
In the Moms-to-Be group stu-dents get to tour the Women’s Center to see how the delivery and machinery work. Students also lis-ten to guest speakers, which may be former “Moms-to-Be” members or a nurse. They’re given packets of information that tells them all about their baby and how it’s grow-ing, how to feed it, how to care for it and pretty much just prepares them for what’s coming.
“The information that they gave us was really helpful in how to be a mom, showing us all the options and how things work,” said Carina
Perez, 12.They give the students books
and informational movies and websites that help them with the pre-natal care that’s needed for a healthy baby. On the website, the girls can follow and see how big their baby is, and its size compared to a fruit (“your baby is as long as a banana”). This information also helped the girls with the pain to expect during the pregnancy, and how to help it.
“They gave us a book that re-ally helped with what to and not to give the baby, as in what’s harm-ful to them. Like giving them too much water instead of formula,” said Christina Preciado, 11.
Another group that’s offered at DCHS is the Teen Mom’s group, which meets at Amy Falcon’s house. The group supports each other in their struggle as a teenage mom, and in each other’s goals to
do more with their lives. The stu-dents get the chance to write goals about what they’d like to do when they get out of high school (college, job, ect.). The group also helps the girls to stay abstinent and not have another child until they are fully ready. As the students learn and participate, they are given “teen mom bucks” in which they can trade in to a “store” and get dia-pers, bottles, and other things they might need for their child.
Mom groups are not the only groups that are offered though. There is a group for “Teens deal-ing with loss” for students who’ve lost someone in their family and a group “Teens Together” for stu-dents dealing with a family mem-ber who is incarcerated.
For more information on any of these groups contact Melanie Miller in Student Services.
Teen groups meet for peer counseling-Kristi South
Dates to keep your eyes on
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Sept. 10 • Volleyball Home Quad • Girls Golf Invitational
Sept. 11 • Football @ Home
Sept. 16 • Parent Teacher Confer- ences
Sept. 16 • Parent Teacher Confer- ences
Sept. 18 • No School • Parent Teacher Confer- ences
Sept. 22 • First day of Autumn
Sept. 23 • No School
Sept. 25 • Football @ Home
Oct. 16 • No School
Oct. 21 • Picture Retakes
Nov. 5 • Senior Class picture • Club/Group pictures
Dec. 12 • Floorshow
Dec. 22 • Winter Break • Last day of first semester
Don’t forget to purchase your 2010 Yearbook.
Only $45!Price goes up to $50
in January.See Mrs. Gobin
in the main office
09.08.09 DODGERNews
17
Changes in Big D; re-enforcing old policiesgives focus to new year
With the start of a new school year, DCHS has begun work on new policies and reinforcing the old.
“We are not ‘cracking down,’ just reinforcing the importance of it. With this increase in enforcement, we provide a safe and effective educational setting for all students,” said Michael Martinez, associate principal.
Along with the cell phone and electronics policies, DCHS has added some new ones to their roster as well, most relating to Big D. The biggest change in Big D is the new found eligibility. For the ones who thought it was hard getting into Big D last year, it’s harder than ever now with the added math and reading assessment policy.
“I think that most of the policies are reasonable and flexible enough, but I don’t like the new Big D policy because we already had enough requirements to be eligible last year,” said senior Tara Nichols.
But the faculty may disagree; in fact, Kelly Gobin, bookkeeper had this to say, “I think it is a good idea
for the changes in Big D. It should be a privilege, not a right.”
Along with the Big D changes, the school is hoping to put a new emphasis on the old policies. Martinez said that he hopes the student body would grow accustomed to the changes and the reinforcement of the old rules. He wants to go back to the “grass root” type of stuff, hoping that consistency will become second nature to the students.
Exchange student Sebastian Wevers of Germany thought that it’s really different on several points, but generally there were similarities in DCHS policies compared to theirs.
“In Germany, we also cannot use cell phones inside the school building, so I am very used to that,” said Wevers.
With all these policies, there will always be those who agree and those who disagree. However most of the students and faculty did share one thought in common, the policies are meant to help provide a more proficient learning experience for all students at DCHS.
—Jordan Stevens, Jean-Damien Bouyer
- Guadalupe Sanchez - Austin Ridenour - Parker Davis - Brendan Winzl
“I was worried about find-ing my classes.”
“I thought the first day of school was a new learning
experience in my life.”
“The best part was the freedom of not having to wear uniforms, and the
worst part was finding all of my classes on time.”
“I thought that my first day of high school was a new
step of learning and experi-ence in my life.”
What were you thinking on your first day of high schoool?DodgerAsks...
—Anthony Reardon Budget cuts are something that
many schools annually face. This year however, the cuts have been more drastic than previous years due to a lack of state support. Since last spring, USD 443’s funds from the state have been cut back twice due to the economic recession. The state’s reasoning behind these cuts is within the Kansas Constitution.
In this constitution, a cash-only law exists that states no money can be given by the state, if the state does not already have that money. Since the economic decline has led to a rise in unemployment, the state has had less money rolling in, which, in return, has led to less money to be distributed throughout the state. This is what has led to the two cuts in the school district’s funding already, as well as two more cuts that may occur in December and April.
Because of this, schools in USD 443, including DCHS, are not acquiring the amount of money
that have been used to receiving in the past, leading to cuts within the schools themselves.
“[The] students should not see any direct affects,” said Principal Jacque Feist referring to cuts made within the school. Feist went on to explain that the only cut within the school that students may notice is that intramural basketball has been cut because the city has offered to fund it instead. Whether or not the extracurricular activity will still
be held at the high school is still unknown.
Feist also made it clear that should further cuts to the district’s funds be made
in December and April, further cuts will be made within the school that would be more noticeable than the ones seen now.
Feist also stated her full understanding in why the school has its current lack of funding but mentioned her hopes for the best.
“Obviously it’s always nice to have a little extra money,” said Feist, jokingly. “Hopefully it will bounce back.”
District faces budget cuts
“Obviously it’s always nice to have a little extra money,” said Feist, jokingly. “Hopefully
it will bounce back.”
DODGER 09.08.09 Sports Previews
18
Head Coach: Justin Burke
# of Seasons As Head Coach:
Fifth year at Dodge(10th Overall)
Returning Starters:7 on Offense7 on Defense
Last Season’s Biggest Accomplishments:
Won the Hatchet GameMade it to State Play-off
Expectations:State Championship Run
Coach’s Quote:“This could be the best football team in Dodge City in a long
time. Team chemistry and staying healthy will be key
factors for us to be as good as we want to be.”
FootballHead Coach:
Jim Mapel # of Seasons
As Head Coach: 13 years
Returning Starters:Ali Bone
Brittany WaldmanCrystal Martinez
Friyana ShahLast Season’s Biggest
Accomplishments:WAC Champs
Placed eighth at StateExpectations:
To compete hard in every tournament.
Coach’s Quotes:“We are very excited
for this season.”
SoccerVolleyball
Head Coach: Katie Szymczak# of Seasons
As Head Coach:Third year
Returning Starters:Emily Sheck, A’zlynn
Thompson, and Codi Ehrlich
Girls Golf
Passing the ball. Throwing a pass to a receiver is senior Ty Tomas. • Photo Acevedo
Teeing Off. Junior Friyana Shah tees off at a home tournament. • Photo Hutchraft
Bump it up. Senior Tiffany Flax returns the ball to score. • Photo Hutchcraft
Last Season’s Biggest Accomplishment:
Finishing fifth at State and second in WAC
Expectations: To win WAC, continue building
a positive team and program, and play Saturday at State
Coach’s Quote: “We have experience and skill
and are working to pull it all together to become a
dominationg force on the court throughout the season.”
Head Coach: Virgil Hutchcraft# of Seasons
As Head Coach:Third year
Returning Starters:Arron Arrendondo, Joel Gallardo, Cesar Carmona, Larry Martinez,
Victor Millan, Ivan Peralta, Javier Rojas, Saul Sanchez
Scoring a goal. Senior Javier Rojas passes the ball to another teammate so he can score. • Photo Hutchcraft
Last Season’s Biggest Accomplishment:
We won the Titan Classic and won regionals and nearly won
our quarterfinal.Expectations:
To improve more and to push for the WAC Championship and a
state championship.Coach’s Quote:
We have a great core of young men. Once they believe in them-
selves and each other the sky is the limit.
08.08.09 DODGERSports Previews
19
Head Coach: Brian Lenz
# of Seasons As Head Coach:
11 yearsReturning Starters:
Maria Schmidt, Yael FelixLast Season’s Biggest
Accomplishments: Third at WAC
Expectations:Work toward improvement.
Accomplish as much our talent will allow.
Coach’s Quote:“We are off to a good start.
The girls are working hard and we are ready
to go compete.”
Head Coach:Buc Bolmer
# of Seasons As Head Coach: 6 years
Returning Starters:Peter Neidhart, Eduardo
Acosta, Ryan HayesLast Season’s Biggest Ac-
complishments:The team gelled together as a team and family. Everyone worked hard
and enjoyed being around one another.
Expectations:Try to win a WAC title and qualify
as a team for the state meet.Coach’s Quotes:
“This will be a young inexperi-enced team, that with hardwork
will be strong towards the middle and end of the season. Our team leadership will make sure every
runner will become the best runner possible.”
Girls Cross Country
On the Homestretch. Pacing herself to win the gold is sophomore Zhu Zhu Daniels. • Photo Rangel
Setting the Pace. Senior Peter Neid-hart runs hard during practice to build his endurance. • Photo Hutchcraft
Boys Cross Country
Girls Tennis
Head Coach:Tamie Preston
# of Seasons As Head Coach:
12 seasons(86-93, 06-09)Returning Starters:
Jenay Unruh,Tara Schubert,Kylie Newton,Danielle Jones
Last Season’s Biggest Accomplishments
Finished second in WACExpectations:
To win WAC and place at State.Coach’s Quote:
“This is a hard working group of young ladies, and the competi-
tion between the top nine players has been really close.”
Serves Up. Senior Jenay Unruh at-tempts a serve during practice one afternoon. • Photo Hutchcraft
DODGER 09.08.09 Sports
20
Volleyball scrimmage gives sneak peek on season
Scrimmage combinesfootball, watermelon
This year the Lady Demon Volleyball girls are looking forward to improving last season’s record and hope to finish at state. Last year the Lady Demon’s finished fifth at state for 6A VB and second in the WAC. Each girl on the team is pushing one another to their limits in order to accomplish this goal.
Head Coach Katie Szymczak is ready and prepared for probably the best season of her coaching career.
“This is going to be an excellent year for the Red Demon volleyball,” said Szymczak.
The team hosted a pre-season
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Hancocks of Dodge City, Inc.2300 First AvenueDodge City, KS 67801
www.WelcomeHomeDodgeCity.com
scrimmage Aug. 28, 2009. The girls played hard and enjoyed the scrimmage. The game was set to see what the team will look like this season and so far they are looking great as a team.
“The team looks good this year,” said junior A’zlynn Thompson when asked about how the team looked at the scrimmage.
“Although we may not have as much experience as last year, we still look good FO SHO,” said Thompson.
From how things are going so far, the girls look to make another appearance at state and hope to become WAC champions.
—Hunter Edwards
Setting the Ball. Junior A’zlynn Thompson sets the ball while senior Tiffany Flax prepares for a spike. • Photo Hutchcraft
Touchdown. Senior Landon Head dives for the endzone to score at the watermelon scrimmage on Aug. 28. • Photo Hutchcraft
Once a year in the Dodge City area watermelon, football, and barbecue create a mixture that gets people ready for the fall. It is known as the watermelon scrimmage.
The DCHS football team took the field in a scrimmage that featured the freshman team, the junior varsity team, and the varsity team.
The scrimmage is not known for showing a lot about the Demons. It just gives them a chance to go out and play.
“We were able to do a lot of evaluation of different players,” said Coach Justin Burke when asked about how the watermelon scrimmage went.
The Demons holds the scrimmage each year to prepare for the upcoming football season and to provide a sneak peek for the fan. The Demons will have a tough opponent in week one where they will face the Wichita Southeast
Buffaloes in Wichita.“We have a tough game in week
one which will really challenge us,” said Burke.
“We didn’t really show a lot, but I can say that we will look a lot different on Friday night,” said senior Layton Dowling.
The Demons will return seven people on offense and seven on defense which means that they will have some spots to fill. For many of the players, the scrimmage was a chance to show the coaches what they had.
“It was fun and a good way to get a feel of the game back,” said senior Ruben Vela.
Many of the fans enjoyed the game trying out the new seats at Memorial Stadium. Most of the seats are red but there are some white ones that spell out the letters DC.
The fans also got to enjoy a barbecue before the game and a watermelon feed afterwards.
—Ethan Hutchcraft
