Patriotshawnee mission south | DeCemBeR 2010 | volume 45 | issue 4

taking a stand

teacher Philosophies

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DecemberContentsIssue04

04 | NEW S BR IEFSCurrent happenings in and out of school

05 | ON THE WEBWeb-only new and upcoming features

06 | A IRPOR T IN - SECUR I T I ESFull-body scanners put into perspective

07 | BREAK ING BOUNDAR IESStaff member urges her peers to branch out

08 | TEACHER FEATUREDiscover the teaching methods of some South educators

10 | BUNDL ING UPHot styles for cold weather

11| WINTER WONDERL ANDPrairie Village house displays holiday spirit

12 | REV I EW SThe latest in movies and music

13 | SPOR T S BR I EFS A recent update on winter sports

14 | R ISE OF THE WRES TLERSWrestling team begins season with high hopes

15 | ROCK ING OUTAn intimate glimpse into the life of a school mascot

16 | SPO TL IGHT Headstart participant bonds with local child

ON THE COVER : Senior Tre Humphrey prepares to pin his Olathe South opponent.photo by Ellie Carter

PatriotSHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH | DECEMBER 2010 | VOLUME 45 | ISSUE 4

Taking a Stand

Teacher Philosophies

Southʼs Pep Icon

4

8

15

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Editor-in-ChiefOpinions

Terriss Ford

News Jimmy Langton

FeaturesDavey Jackson

DesignA&E

Danielle Pham

SportsCasey Lee

AdsAshley Black

PhotosEmma Hardwick

Ellie Carter

Web DesignPatrick Weaver

Staff WritersAlma Velazquez

Hunter Young Hannah Strader

Staff PhotographersGrace PritchettEmily Jackson

AdviserJennifer Funk

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C O N T E N T S | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | 3

New activism club speaks out against genocide

c r aze

STANDtake a

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When senior Sam Reichman’s dad mentioned the Genocide Intervention Network over the summer, Reichman knew he wanted to do something. But, like many students, he was busy with activities, like cross country. After the season ended, however, he knew it was time to make a change and organize STAND, the student led division of the network. He registered as a member online, held an informational meeting, and began trying to make an impact.

“[STAND’s] goal is to create a lasting and responsive anti-genocide constituency, meaning that we are working with all these students across the nation in order to get them informed and mobilized so that when genocides occur, we can advocate to our elected officials,” Reichman said.

Junior Daniel Kusko attended the informational meeting and joined because of the group’s broad focus.

“I just felt like it was a good group because it covers all the areas of human genocide and not just a specific area,” he said.

Sponsor and Arabic teacher Anni Hasan feels as passionate about the cause as the students. Though STAND meetings are student-led, Hasan felt sponsoring a group with an anti-genocide message was a great idea and wishes she could have been part of a similar group in her high school.

“I’m always passionate about peace and humanitarian work, so this is the type of organization

that I would want to be a sponsor of,” Hasan said. “Really, I’m just extremely impressed with our student body to even think of something like this. It was on their own. I didn’t approach the students, the students approached me.”

One of the motives behind such student involvement may be the commonly used term that genocide has become. Students hear this word frequently, whether from history class or on CNN. One of the most recent genocides is the Rwandan genocide of 1994 in which 800,000 citizens were killed over the span of 100 days. It was this particular genocide that put the STAND movement in motion.

STAND, which currently has 31 members, has met twice so far, during which they came up with ideas for events and fundraisers. But Reichman said their current goal is to contact state senators in the hopes of getting them to co-sponsor senate concurrent resolution 71, which states that it is in the national interest of the United States to prevent human genocide.

“We’re a bit more focused working on advocating to elected officials, meaning that instead of doing mostly fundraisers and awareness [...] we also want to get legislation through our government,” Reichman said.

Kusko said that although fundraisers are not the main focus, ideas have been circulating.

“We talked about what kind of fundraisers we

could have, like bake sales or activities like calling senators and talking about congress bills to help prevent genocide,” Kusko said.

Hasan has a hopeful attitude toward the group and the awareness its raising.

“There’s a lot of different things they’ve been thinking about and going about planning, like sending out letters, petitions, making phone calls, putting out posters, a lot of that,” she said.

Keeping such a large group motivated for a cause that doesn’t specifically involve them seems like it would be a big challenge, but Reichman is confident in what he started.

“What keeps us motivated is the fact that the world still has a lot of problems, basically. As long as there are going to be human rights abuses, we are going to be actively trying to stop them,” he said. “I would encourage anyone who is concerned about human rights abuses or really just anything they see wrong with this world to talk to a STAND member or to me and join up.”

TSA imposes new invasive security measuresChanges in national security measures taken by the Transportation

Security Administration (TSA) have given rise to a storm of discontent among airline travelers. Seemingly intrusive body scans and enhanced pat downs have caused many to question the lengths that must be taken to ensure safety in the skies.

Last March, the TSA began issuing new machines capable of producing high-quality full-body images, which can detect weapons and other dangerous materials during airport security screenings. According to the TSA, the purpose of the scanners is to help provide a safe traveling experience.

Since the installation of these scanners, people have debated whether they are a necessary precaution or simply invasive. Along with concerns regarding the images there has also been discontent with the way TSA employees have carried out the measures.

While standard procedures are supposed to govern the way employees use the scanners and administer pat downs, reports of misconduct have sprung up.

In 2009, U.S. Marshalls in charge of body scanners at a Florida airport leaked nearly 35,000 images produced by the scanners. While the images did not show anything revealing, the incident did prove that because the

photos could be saved and viewed by the public, the system is prone to misuse.

Government teacher Tony Budetti said if the TSA does not respond appropriately to concerns, they will face continued anger from the flying public.

“I just went through security on my way to Tampa and noticed a young child being frisked aggressively,” Budetti said. “I thought common sense had left the building. The system is not working, and poor TSA practice will lead to less cooperation from the public.”

Despite initial resistance, however, a recent Washington-Post-ABC News poll showed 64 percent of Americans support the new scanners. Though half continue to maintain the pat downs go too far. Even so, the TSA maintains the measures are just another step in ensuring public safety.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a recent press release, “Deploying advanced imaging technology at these airports strengthens our ability to protect the traveling public in the face of evolving threats to aviation security.”

by Terriss Ford

by Hannah Strader

4 | N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | N E W S

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Take a picture of yourself, friends or family during Winter break while you’re on vacation or just relaxing in Kansas, and you could get featured online on the front page! Just send your picture on an attachment via e-mail to smspatriot@smsd.org with a brief description of the photo and your name.

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1. Mrs. Hilty presents a visual Powerpoint to her physical science class.2. Madame Gehr uses games to help her students learn French vocabulary.3. Mr. Allen leads his honors English class on a discussion over A Tale of Two Cities.4. Ms. Anderson and her former student, Elizabeth Allen, sr., discuss one of their favorite books before school. 5. Mrs. Hilty carefully demonstrates an experiment for her class.

photos by Grace Pritchett

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quick glance around a typical high school classroom sparks many thoughts. Most classes have a blend of several types of stu-dents: the two guys yelling across the room, the quiet girl who writes in her journal, and

the gossiping best friends. In the middle of it all, stands the teacher, just as different as the students.

The teacher however, is rarely thought of. While some are chatty and social, others incite laughter, and others stick strictly to teaching. Just like each class holds a diverse group of students, the school itself is home to a variety of different teachers, each with his or her own style.

New research from the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory shows that there are several teaching methods with proven success such as creat-ing orderly classroom settings and providing opportu-nities for group work and to apply learned skills — all tactics utilized by several SMS teachers.

Crea t i ve Cu r r i cu l umMarissa Gehr, known as Madame by students taking

French, describes her teaching style as adapting to the needs of her students in order to help them reach a final goal. Her approach begins with determining these needs.

“I’m not going to reach every student in the same way. Some students respond to different things than others,” she said.

Her class projects and activities reflect this idea, as she tries to mix games and group work into her cur-riculum.

“I remember as a student myself, I always enjoyed when I could work in a group, or do something hands-on, or move around or play a game just to make the monotony of the day a little bit easier to handle,” she said.

Studies conducted by neuroscientist Sara Bernard show that group work turns the classroom into a posi-tive environment where kids are motivated to learn.

Physical Science teacher Beverly Hilty, however, feels her situation is a bit different. Filled with large, bright, informative posters, her classroom demands hard work and serious thinking from her students; she doesn’t feel group work is an option until individual understanding is in place.

“If they don’t work on it individually, then they don’t have the reality of what their job really is [in a group]. If they work cooperatively with someone, they’re going to take a free ride on what that person does a lot of the time. So I think the individual part is very important,” Hilty said.

Aside from her classroom decorations, she also likes to incorporate visual elements in her assignments. An example of this is Hilty’s representation of ionic bonds

as a bride and a groom. She said identifying with a fa-miliar concept helps students grasp new, abstract ones.

Bernard’s research also shows that tying new learn-ing to existing issues in students’ lives helps them situ-ate themselves and create learning goals.

Sophomore English teacher of 35 years, Keith Al-len also strives to tie his teaching to real life. He pre-pares students for the future by incorporating what he feels are life skills into his curriculum.

“I hope what we’re looking at would be lifelong learning. So if we go into a research project, we’re not doing it just for the sake of doing our research project; it’s about trying to show them [...] how to document articles. It doesn’t have to be re-taught to them, they can do this almost off the top of their head,” he said.

He also recognizes the importance of both structure and enjoyment in the classroom setting. Describing his style as serious yet silly, he tries to show students how to have fun with English.

“My kind of Golden Rule is I always take this job very seriously, but I never take myself too seriously,” he said. “Many teachers do; they don’t let their hair down. They can’t laugh at their own silliness. Kids are silly, so are adults.”

Similarly, junior English teacher Amy Anderson utilizes her quirky enthusiasm to discuss life issues with students during class.

“I would say my teaching style is inspiring, based on looking at something not just in an intellectual point of view but trying to make it alive. That’s my goal,” she said.

Studies show that this type of learning, with light moods and discussions, helps challenge students in a positive way.

Studen t -Teache r BondsAnother aspect of teaching is how to deal with the

students in addition to the curriculum. This is gener-ally where students make the most distinction between their teachers.

Hilty, who describes herself as traditional, waits un-til later in the year to establish a certain closeness with students.

“The first of the year it’s pretty businesslike, and I’m not too friendly,” she said. “But when we get past Halloween then I kind of loosen up. I try to be a little more humorous and friendly with them.”

She feels the relationship between student and teacher is much like that of a married couple.

“Well, it’s just like [marriage]. The success of getting married [is based on communication]. How is that go-ing to come down? There’s so many factors involved,” she said.

In contrast, Anderson jumps right into the social atmosphere she feels high school has to offer. Though

she admits her knowledge of current pop culture is relatively little, she doesn’t feel it affects her efforts to get to know each student.

“I think that my students trust me as a person that’s kindhearted and really cares about them. So I do a lot to get to know students individually,” she said.

However, Anderson also recognizes the dangers of becoming too social with students and losing authority as a consequence.

“There’s a difference between being chummy and being friendly and kind,” she said. “And I think being chummy is dangerous, but being friendly and kind in a way that’s still commanding respect is necessary.”

Gehr also hopes to establish strong, positive rela-tionships with each student. She feels she is receptive to her students’ issues and helps as much as she can.

“I would say the hardest thing is not being able to help them at home. I can only help them when I’m with them,” she said. “I can only give them positive vibes and send them off thinking, ‘Madame Gehr cares about me and what I’m feeling like.’”

As a foreign language teacher, Gehr has opportuni-ties to build ties with students outside of school such as international trips, French Club and French Honors Society.

“A lot of those students don’t come after school to hang out so [extracurricular activities] give me a chance to get to know them more personally outside the setting with everyone in class. I definitely feel like I can connect with them in class, but I think that outside interaction helps,” she said.

Allen has a somewhat different approach when creating bonds with students, preferring to stress the material taught rather than working to create more comfortable relationships.

“I used to worry that the students didn’t like me, [but] now I don’t care. Liking me is not important; lik-ing our curriculum to me is very important,” he said. “When you get old, you don’t feel the need to be liked. My own children might not like me, but they know that what I’m doing for them is the right thing. Now, stu-dents don’t come and tell me about their boyfriend or girlfriend problems, but they might come to me when they need help on important projects.”

Differences like these highlight each teacher’s in-dividual personality.

With such variety, certain teachers are more prone to criticism than others, usually as a consequence of being misunderstood. Though at times difficult to see, all teachers care for their students and only act on what they feel is best for the student to learn as much as possible.

Hilty said, “I try really hard to get around, to see as many people as I can, to call on them, to ask questions of them, to show them I care whether they’re getting it or not.”

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F E A T U R E S | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | 9

Four South educators discuss their personal approaches

toward teaching

By Alma Velazquez

teaching artof

the

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puffer coat - $149, The North Face cashmere cap - $20, Target

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puffer coat - $60, American Eagle peruvian hat - $13, JC Penney

convertible gloves - $24, Urban Outfitters

military-style coat - $33, Aeropostale trapper hat - $20, JC Penney

navajo scarf - $28, Urban Outfitters

lookbook

1 0 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | A & E

winter

beat the blustery blues in high style with these winter looks

feelelectric Think Vince and Associates’s light display is impressive?

Instead of going corporate, try a local wonder. At 76th Street and Falmouth is a gem that has been around for more than 40 years. Prairie Village native Mike Babick, 69, spends a month decorating his house to create a Christ-mas display like no other, equipped with neon lights and more than 1,000 animatronic figures.

photos by Emily Jackson

Boy’s BasketballRecord: 1-2Most Memorable Moment: Probably our victory on Friday when our best player Jake got hurt and our kids responded and showed a lot of resilience and fought through that horrible moment and just played together as a team.Stand-out Players: Dylan Christie and Jake ReidUpcoming Games and What to Expect: Olathe Northwest, Friday, Dec. 17 and Shawnee Mission Northwest, Tuesday, Dec. 21 and they’re both very good. Now with Jake out , we hope younger guys will step up and fill that void and hopefully we’ll be successful.-- Brett McFall

Girl’s BasketballRecord: 1-1Most Memorable Moment: I feel like we got off to a really good start in the first game, probably the most threes that we’ve ever scored in a game. Stand-out Players: Mariah Marusak and Emmy Allen are kind of leading us.Upcoming Games and What to Expect: Monday, December 13, against Shawnee Mission East. If we go play well and play hard we’ll be okay. -- Ron Millard

Swimming Record: Third in the Lawrence Free State Invitational and winner of the dual against Shawnee Mission West.Most Memorable Moment: None stick out, but all of the members have been progressing well. Stand-out Players: Patrick O’Connor, Tommy Leach and Alex Brown Upcoming Games and What to Expect: Monday at East Invitational. Most of the top teams in the state will be there and I am hoping we will get some qualifying times for State.-- Bruce Bove

BowlingRecord: First match on Tuesday, January 11.Most Memorable Moment: Lots of talented freshman and sophomores trying out as well as five of the six top girls from last year and two of the top boys from last year. Stand-out Players: Girls- Shelby Byrnes and Jessie Steffee Boys- Eric Steffee and Nick BrownUpcoming Games and What to Expect: Tuesday, January 11, against Shawnee Mission North and Sumner Academy. I feel optimistic. Our goal this year is to get back to State for both boys and girls. Last year we placed eighth and this year, if we don’t get first, we want to be in the top three.-- Kent Thompson

WrestlingRecord: 4-3Most Memorable Moment: Watching wrestlers defeat someone who they have lost to before.Stand-out Players: Everyone on the team; returning state qualifiers and varsity letter-man. Upcoming Games and What to Expect: Johnson County Classic, to improve on last year’s finish.-- Joel Rios

S P O R T S | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 | 1 3

--Friday Dec. 10, during the game against Mill Valley, senior Jake Reid was injured. We love you Jake, and you have our undying support.

Patrick O’Connor swims freestyle during a meet against Lawrence Free State.photo by Grace Pritchett

SportsBriefs

“Headstart was fun and I think the kids really had a great time. I like to influence kids’ lives positively.”Senior Deaven Jensen shows off with his breakdancing Headstart buddy Tyree.

Photo by Emma Hardwick