Bear FactsNovember issue voL. 32 issue 1 betheL high schooL 1067 big betheL rd. hamptoN , virgiNia 23666

Bruin Pride is

on the risePg. 4

Bear FactsBear FactsBear FactsBear FactsBear Facts

cheerleadingchamPs Pg. 6

Staff ReportersElizabeth Clay

Steven DeShongKatelyn Donnally

Jatia EleyIsha Ewing

Aren FloryanziaMelissa Giuliana

Marvin Greene-BoydZachariah GuionLucas HammellMakaila Harney

Regine HendersonApril Hill

Kelsey Jackson-WeaverIndaya Lyles

Kareem MauriceJordyn McConville

Kaitlynn MillerShakira Mills

Emily MitchellJamesha NurseDakota PantelSara Peartree

Brendon SalvatoreJamecia StampsDaphne Straley

Lindsey ThompsonEmily Townsend

Emily VeronieChauncey Wiggins

The Bear Facts 2

Our purpose is to serve the students of Bethel High School as a forum for student expression. Editorials and opinion pieces will be clearly labeled as such. The Bear Facts is a self-supporting publication, and advertising revenue pays for publications costs. We encourage readers to submit ideas for stories, letters to the editor, photos, and art. We also encourage com-ments and suggestions about the newpaper.

E-mail us at hcs-bhsnewspaper@hampton.k12.va.us

Editor-in-ChiefJames Parker

We feature stories and pictures on our online site (http://my.hsj.org/schools/newspaper/tabid/100/view/frontpage/newspaperid/192/default.aspx). Go to the site and check them out! And don’t just do that—become involved with us. If you have photos or story ideas—things you want to read about—send us an e-mail or stop by and talk to us: How big is the magnitude? Is there a competition or conflict? Who is involved? Are there consequences? Does it have human in-terest? Or spark strong emotion? Also, tell us if you have any ideas to help us improve the look of the paper. You are newsworthy--you have a presence in this school and this world. This is the students’ paper; we want to hear from you, so let’s col-laborate and spread the news.

Class of 2012 is here and ready! The expectations are high, but the help is low. Consisting of about 20 students total, the focus of the first senior meeting was finances and end of the year activities. So far a senior picnic, a lock-in, traditional “senior skip day,” and a senior car wash, one of which took place this past October, are being dis-cussed. These activities sound fun, as well as expensive. It takes thousands of dollars to fund these events; so why not plan a trip that wouldn't require any school funding at all?

Amongst a larger group of students, seniors Nicole Copeland and Diamond Robinson suggested an unfunded trip, just between the seniors. “We could meet up at Sandy Bottom one day and just caravan to Kings Dominion or somewhere,” said Copeland. Not everyone in the senior class knows each other, so not only is this a good way to have fun without breaking the bank, but it would bring stu-dents closer together as a class. This is only one of the many suggestions students have, but have yet to voice. Senior class officers can use all the ideas they can get.

Fundraisers are a huge part of making se-nior year happen. Many are not aware that over $10,000 goes into prom alone. Class dues are $90 this year, which is 10 dollars more than last year, but there is a rea-son. The list of what has to be paid for can go on for days. If goals are to be met, then promotion, as well as participation, needs to expand. Post-ers, announcements,

Facebook, and Twitter statuses can all be used to encour-age students to pay their dues on time, and participate in the fundraisers. The Internet is going to be a major tool in the decisions made this year. Even this year's prom theme was voted for through our senior Facebook page. Tell your friends to tell their friends to get involved.

Aside from money issues, school spirit is something we do have and something we should keep. During homecom-ing week, the hallways were lively and full of excitement. Green and gold is grand and Bethel High School Class of 2012 is making their mark.

Shakira MillsStaff Reporter

Cartoon by Rebekah Rossman.

Senior Class officers want to make this year amazing, Now they need your help

We need our dues, in order to DO!Editorial

I’m addicted. I spend hours upon hours on Facebook a day. I send and receive several thou-sand texts a month. I text during the majority of my class periods behind teacher’s backs. I simply cannot imagine living my life without technology. However, I am not alone.

The average teen sends at least 100 texts a day(tecnhnolog.msnbc.msn.com), 16.7 hours weekly online, and 13 hours a week watching TV (msnbc.msn.com). Between the frequent Facebook updates, con-stant fixation on a phone screen, and millions tuning in to nightly television, the infatuation with technology is at its peak – and will only grow larger.

Not only are teens depending on technology for social satisfaction, but education is becoming more dependent on technology as well. York County has established a new program called Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT). Stu-

dents are being encouraged to bring in their personal devices such as smart phones, iPods, and laptops. Teachers monitor usage to ensure it is for only educational purposes.

Hampton City Public Schools rate a 4 out of 10 in terms of standardized test scores. Bethel individually rates a 4 as well. York County Public Schools rate an 8 out of 10 (greatschools.org). Although York County has half the stu-dent population as Hampton, their advanced use of technol-ogy, such as the BYOT program, could be the reason for their higher rating.

The social skills, study skills, and educational environments of this generation in comparison to previous generations are tremendously different, and the ever changing world doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

Emily TownsendStaff Reporter

Gotta Have It: Advisor:Beth Hoer

Teenagers’ addictions to technologyand how schools are adapting to it

November Issue 2011

What is

Gothic?

November Issue 2011 The Bear Facts 3

Enter the small town of Derry, Maine. Twenty years ago, seven teenagers escaped a terrible death by a shape-shifting menace, but now that it has returned, they must return to Derry and reunite to de-feat it once and for all. The first few chapters introduce all of the characters and talk about their lives since they left Derry, exemplifying King’s penchant for developing ex-ceptionally round characters. The group of friends, called the “loser’s club” in their youth, comes together

after they re-encounter “IT.” The shape-shifter warns them to leave the town by midnight, and they all see it around town as what they fear the most.

IT is an excellent exam-ple of King’s talent as a writer and draws you in from the first scene. Want to know if the es-tranged group of friends defeats the monster ravaging Derry, Maine? Then read the 1,142 page behemoth of horror mastery.

A gothic romance with a satirical twist, “Northanger Abbey” is quite different from

what you might expect from Jane Austen, who wrote such classic romances as “Pride and

Prejudice” and “Emma.” Cath-erine Moreland, a clergyman’s daughter, is the unwonted hero-

ine of the story. Catherine grows up to be a pretty girl, and is invited

to join a family friend in Bath, Eng-land for the holiday. During her visit, she becomes acquainted with Henry Tilney and his sister Elea-

nor, who invite her to join them at their family estate, Northanger Ab-bey. Catherine is a great reader of gothic romances, and the decrepit castle creates a backdrop for her to scare herself with the things she imagines. She starts to think that there is something sinister behind everyday happenings at the Abbey.

Full of mystery and intrigue, this novel is not just a parody of gothic thrillers of the time but also a commentary on the some-times horrific workings of ‘polite’ society of 19th century England.

“Rachel had taken a trip to Plym-outh to visit an old school friend named Abbie Gorman...and never returned home. Her body was found the following morning in a remote moorland field about a mile from the village. She’d been raped and bat-tered and strangled.” There’s a 19 year old girl dead and a cloud of mys-tery and uncertainty surrounding her death. Her two brothers, Ruben (14), and Cole (17), return to the town

where she was murdered to retrieve her body from the morgue so that she can have a proper burial. The town’s po-lice and residents are reluctant to help, and do what they can to thwart the brothers’ plans.

A murder mystery with plenty of graphic violence, “The Road of the Dead” is sure to keep your heart pounding through the final showdown.

FRIGHT NIGHT READSElizabeth ClayStaff Reporter

For the Scare JunkieIT by Stephen King

For the RomanticNorthanger Abbey by Jane Austen

For the Thrill SeekerThe Road of the Dead by Kevin Brooks

According to Bethel’s library staff, many students come in looking for books that fall into the horror genre

• Romantic tales set in

medieval castles• Dark undertones• Sophisticated language• Authors like Mary Shelley,

Bram Stoker, and even Jane Austen

ReadingDifficulty

IT:• Over 1,000 pages• Complex literary devices• Moderately difficult

Northanger Abbey:• Neoclassical English speech• Very Difficult

The Road of the Dead:• Fun, easy read

IT:The Movie

The film has generated mixed reviews, but many book purists have shunned the movie as highly disappointing and do not think it lives up to King’s writing.

The Bear Facts 4 November Issue 2011

As a mascot runs down the side lines to orchestrate a ‘wave,’ green shirts, paint, and noise makers illu-minate the stands and fans scream. For Kecoughtan High School sup-porters this is as common as in-tercom announcements at Bethel. “Guys show up with paint on and no shirt… they’re at every game,” said Ke-coughtan senior Amber Gaddis. Beth-el school and student leaders have noted a lack in spirit and are taking new strides to reinstill Bruin pride. Senior class president Madelynn Poulson and her officers created a collection of ideas to increase liveli-ness. “With more avenues for school spirit we can get people excited,” said Poulson. She and her committee are anticipating their first event of the year, the over night senior lock-in, to be a successful fundraiser and morale motivator. They plan to fill both gyms, and the wrestling room with enthusiastic seniors, ready to eat, watch movies, and play games. When Poulson browses Face-book she sees ‘extreme spirit’. “Ev-eryone else seems to be having a lot of fun. I hope Bethel steps it up my last year,” said Poulson. Homecom-ing was the first time for students to exhibit their school spirit, and while some students were in full support, participation was not as

high as planners hoped. “The mo-rale has not been good the last few years,” said principal John Bailey. Student council association ad-visor Sherry Hildebrandt and SCA members worked for weeks to create a memorable homecoming parade, game, and spirit week. Fall pep rally entertainment included; a new mas-cot, drum line solos, school chants, and competitions between classes. “It takes each individual student making the choice to take pride in their school and getting involved,” said Hildebrandt. The holiday cart, seat belt challenge, and the basket-ball season are upcoming opportuni-ties for participation. This year’s survivor theme allows students to engage in competition as well as build a better environment for others. Under the theme, the Senior Class is advocating against distracted driving, the juniors are fighting against breast cancer, sopho-mores are supporting war veterans, and the Freshmen class will rally be-hind sickle cell anemia. The school website lists various clubs and in-formation for students to take part in, but “It’s not going to grab you and pull you in, you have to knock on the door,” said Hilderbrandt.

James ParkerEditor-in-Chief

Rock the Green & ...

school spirit

A School UnitedSpirit seems low but motivation is high as Kecoughtan and Bethel rally to create exciting, spirited, and positive events.

Top right: Kecoughtan supporters during their homecoming game. Photo by James Parker. Top left: Kecoughtan mascot cheering on the team. Photo by James Parker. 2nd right: Kecoughtan fans with body paint. Photo by James Parker. Bottom left: Bethel students on wacky tacky day. Photo by Rebecca Williams. Bottom right: Homecoming king Christian Walker and queen Kendra Pittman. Photo by James Parker.

White?

The beat goes on

“The drumline is disciplined on a level of accountability,

meaning we do not allow excuses to make for lateness or

lack of knowledge of music,” said alumni Brian Heyward.

Senior Denzil Brown holding his bass drum. Photo by Jamicia

“Every time I hear the drum-line play at the football games, I feel a lot of excitement and school spirit,” said junior Innocencia Miller. With the help of two alumni volunteers, Shawn Hall, a 2004 graduate, and Brian Hey-ward, a 2009 graduate, the drum-line has high expectations for the school and most importantly the band.

Section Leader“I want to help the rest of the

line to be the best they can be,” said senior Joseph Whiteman, the second section leader to take the job this year. Playing in band since 7th grade, Whiteman has always played the snare drum. After he graduates, he plans to go to Old Dominion University and possi-bly play in their drumline.

DevelopmentDiscipline is the biggest key

to their success. Hall has been helping the drumline for 3 years. He makes the drumline practice four to five days a week from 3:20 to 6:30. “I set the bar very high and expect nothing less than the

best,” said Hall. There are days where the team might be off task or unfocused, but Whiteman al-ready knows what to do in that situation. “I would make them do pushups,” said Whiteman.

Heyward, who has been help-ing with the drumline for 2 years, is on a higher level. “The drumline is disciplined on a level of ac-countability meaning we do not allow excuses to make up for a lack of knowledge of music or for lateness,” he said.

At one point, Heyward used to march with the Spartan Legion Band at Norfolk State University, “We use the same format of disci-pline that they taught us,” he said.

Competition StageIn the last year, the drum-

line has been to competitions at Heritage High School, Highland Springs High School in Henrico County, Virginia, and Warren County, North Carolina.

“Before a competition, I usu-ally put together a show for the line. We usually spend a couple of weeks cleaning it up and working out all the minor problems,” said

Hall.Final Result

They were ranked first in two of the competitions and ranked second at the other. However, second place did not satisfy Hall. “I look at second place almost like failure. If it is not first place, then I do not want it. Second place is like the first loser,” said Hall.

Senior Denzil Brown, who is the bass line captain, had simi-lar feelings. “When we won first place it felt great, because all our hard work paid off. However, when we won second, it didn’t feel as good but it made us work harder for next year,” said Brown.

As alumni volunteers, Hey-ward and Hall care about their alma mater and want to help teens become future musicians and make them better. “I feel it is good that they want to come back and help out their old school when they could be doing something else with their time,” said Brown.

Jamicia StampsStaff Reporter

Graceful Gems, LLCStirred... But not shaken

Shelley DavisJewelry making for you!gracefulgems77@yahoo.com757-303-9415I do some repairs.

See my pictures on Facebook on the “Graceful Gems” page

Alumni volunteers motivate the drumline

Summer Residential Governor’s School

A month long residential program for 10th & 11th grade students who wish to study Agriculture,

Humanities, Life Sciences, Medicine, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Marine

Science during the summer on a college campus.

See Mrs. Hoer by Nov. 18

Stamps.

November Issue 2011 The Bear Facts 5

Welcome New Staff to a Bruin Tradition of Excellence

Built in 1968 Bethel High School is the biggest school zone in Hampton, and takes it name from the Civil War battle of Big Bethel. It is the first and only high school in America to have an arena racing team. Bethel students demonstrate excellence in athletics, Army JROTC, the arts, and academics.

First-year men’s volleyball team shows promise

Cheerleaders’ success continues

The Bear Facts 6 November Issue 2011

5-peatShayna Garner, Captain-“I had more fight in me this year. I feel like I have to do more for my team, so I put them on my shoulders.My teammates motivated me, especially Alexis Lee, be-cause she couldn’t cheer and she really wanted to.”

Maya Sapp, Co-captain-“I’m in more of a leadership position, and that made me mature, so I think about the team when I do anything.When they said we won, I was relieved and I felt like a gagillion pounds was lifted.”

Tichira Smith“We had finger, ankle, elbow, & knee injuries, and then there were all the kicks in the face.When we walked onto the mat, I was so nervous but I knew we could do it.”

Varsity cheerleaders have five consequetive first place finishes. With another district title, they qualified for the regional competion, where high spirits helped the team overcome a disappointing finish.

“At least we’re all leaving with smiles on our faces. We left that gym too many times crying,” said senior cheerleader Maya Sapp while leaving the regional competition.

Photo by Erin McCoy.

Squad Conquers Districts

“We’ve been through a lot this year, but somehow we pulled through,” said senior cheerleading co-captain Maya Sapp. For the fifth year in a row, the cheerleaders won 1st place in the district competition held on October 22. They contended with injuries, outside disputes, and technical issues, all in the name of victory. Many squad members can list their injuries, and some of their wounds are still healing. “It gets real in cheerleading. Destiny [Jones] broke her thumb, but by the grace of God, she was cleared for districts,” said senior captain Shayna Garner. Once all eligible athletes were on the mat, another problem arose. “Our music skipped, so everybody was on a different count,” said Garner,

who overcame a two week concussion earlier in the season. The team counted their triumph over these challenges as a testiment to their strength, but doubters saw these as reasons for a sure loss. As complaints came in on Twitter and Facebook from rival students that disputed the win, Bethel cheerleaders defended themselves and their title. In response to the opposition, Sapp said, “The best team won, no matter what anybody says.” Her fel-low members agreed, as did their supporters. The team had a forcefield of fans in the crowd, counteracting the negativity. “My family and friends came and supported me, made signs and prayed for me throughout the whole process,” said junior cheerleader Tichira Smith. The team was

also congratulated on the school announcements and marquee, and over social networking sites. “At the end of the day we got the trophy, and our legacy continues,” said Smith. Garner set the goal for regionals high. “I want to place in the top four, because we deserve it,” said Garner. However, at the regional competition on October 29, the team didn’t place as high as in districts, even though they had previoulsy beat an advancing team. With numerous practices, long awaited uniforms, and new stunts, the team survived both competitions. “We smile and continue on,” said Garner.

James ParkerEditor-in-Chief

Every Bruin team member knows that once the ball passes the net, it’s anybody’s game. Only three hits are allowed so every hit must count. Who-ever makes the hit has to apply the right amount of force and direction so that the opponent on the other side can’t retrieve it. No other sport has this type of intensity, which makes volleyball stand out from all the rest.

Volleyball is new for almost everyone in Hamp-ton City Schools, except for Coach Lindsey Bomba who is an avid beach volleyball player. Well quali-fied for this first-year job as the coach of the boys team, she has been playing volleyball for over 15 years. “I love volleyball because it’s a fast-paced team sport that is not only loads of fun but a sport you can play for the rest of your life.”

Over half of the team members are seniors. “I do not think the team will be much affected when the seniors leave because everyone was on the same playing field; starting out this year with no experience, and the returning players are extreme-ly solid,” said Bomba.

Sophomore Dashawn Barton knows for a fact he is going to play next year. “I wanted to try some-thing new, and I’m glad this is the sport I chose,” said Barton, who switched from playing basketball last year. The whole idea never crossed his mind before. “I didn’t even know high school volleyball

existed,” said Barton.Even though it’s only the first year, Coach

Bomba didn’t waste any time on fundraising. The team held a fundraiser for money towards “DIG PINK”, which helps to benefit the re-search of breast cancer. By selling t-shirts, raf-fle tickets, and baked goods, they raised over $200 and hoped to reach their goal of $500 by the end of the season.

Coach Bomba is proud of this year’s team.“I am extremely excited about the accomplish-ments that we have made in our first season” Making it to Districts against Woodside is one of them.”We have many talented ath-letes who are eager to learn.Two of them are Conner Henderson who made first team all-district and Barton who got honorable men-tion.

Now that the word has spread about volleyball, she hopes more boys will try out and there will be more great athletes to choose from. “I have enjoyed coaching the boys at Bethel and hope to continue in the future,” said Bomba.

Regine HendersonStaff Reporter

First-year men’s volleyball team shows promiseCoach Lindsey Bomba has high hopes for next season

Cross Country 2011Boys Cross Country placed fourth in the district. Senior William Brown came in 1st during the meet with a time less than 17 minutes. To an or-dinary XC runner, a time less than 19 minutes is good (about 6 and a half minutes a mile for 3 straight miles!) and for Brown’s first place time, he averaged a speedy 5 and a half minutes a mile.

November Issue 2011 The Bear Facts 7

Bethel Boys 2011-2012 Volleyball Team. Photo by Lindsey Bomba.

season outComes9/12 Mon. Gloucester - Home 9/14 Wed. Hampton - Home 9/19 Mon. Denbigh - Away 9/21 Wed. Phoebus - Away 9/26 Mon. Gloucester - Away 9/28 Wed. Hampton - Away 10/3 Mon. Denbigh - Home 10/5 Wed. Phoebus - Home 10/10 Mon. Heritage - Away 10/12 Wed. Kecoughtan - Home 10/17 Mon. Warwick - Away 10/19 Wed. Menchville - Home 10/27 Mon. Woodside - Away

WinWinWinLossWinWinWinWinWinWinWinLossLoss

His good deeds and personality speak volumes for varsity football quarterback Frank Brown, IV. A philanthropist and humanitarian, Brown IV volun-teers with kids as well as the media ministry at two local churches. He balances his time after school between the audio and video technicians at Bethel Temple, with feeding the homeless, working in community clinics, and teaching and helping chil-dren at Langley Chapel.

Brown IV credits his success and character to his upbringing. “My family plays a really big role in my life. They showed me that I have to earn things,” said Brown IV.

His father, Frank Brown III, who introduced him to football, still holds the record for complet-ing the most passes during a single season at Bethel. Like his son, Brown III was also the starting quar-terback during his senior year in 1978. Brown IV said, “My dad played, and I wanted to play like him.”

Once he fulfills his family and community com-

mitments, Brown IV turns his focus to golf and foot-ball.

Bethel’s number six, has been named in the Daily Press as the player of the week, stat leader, as well as a standout player. His accomplishments on the field this season include 1,991 yards, but he is determined not to get a big ego and fumble his opportunities in the future.

With his many civil duties, his career achieve-ments are easy to foresee. Brown IV dreams of ma-joring in civil engineering at Auburn University, in Alabama, while playing football. Even though he is seriously interested in playing professionally, he finds the design and construction of various struc-tures to be interesting and beneficial.

As a quarterback, Brown IV is the leader of the offense, but as a humble individual, he is a leader in every sense.

James ParkerEditor-in-Chief

Day Date Opponent LocationBasketballTues. 11/29 Gloucester AwayFri. 12/2/11 Hampton AwayTues. 12/6/11 Denbigh HomeFri. 12/9/11 Phoebus HomeTues. 12/13/11 Heritage AwayFri. 12/16/11 Kecoughtan HomeTues. 12/20/11 Warwick Away SwimmingWed. 11-30-11 MHS, HHS MidtownWed. 12-07-11 WarHS, GHS MidtownMon. 12-19-11 PHS HollandWed. 12-21-11 DHS,Her MidtownTrack Fr/Sa 12/2,12/3 Icebreaker SportsplexFr/Sa 12/9&10 CNU I CNUMon. 12/12/11 Pen. District#1 SportsplexMo/Tu 12/27&28 Winter Invitational SportsplexWrestling Wed. 11/30/11 Hampton BHSSat. 12/3/11 York Duals YorkWed. 12/7/11 Kecoughtan KHSWed. 12/14/11 Heritage HerHSThur/Fri 12/22&23 Nansemond River NRHS

November, December sports calendarBuilding on the Brown legacy

The Bear Facts 8 October Issue 2011

At the start of the 2011-2012 school year, Bethel introduced new high school teachers. These teach-ers each have unique personal anec-dotes, characteristics, and inspira-tions for teaching.

Jessica GavinoThe twenties are definitely cali-

ente for new Spanish teacher Jessica Gavino. Originally from Roanoke, this passionate maestra takes “pride in facilitating knowledge to younger generations,” said Gavino. She also took pride in her own school work, graduating early as a junior from Sa-lem High School in Virginia Beach with an advanced studies diploma. A new teacher, as well as a huge

New England Patriots fan, Gavino loves to travel. Her favorite foods are “Viel picatta with capers, spicy tuna rolls, spicy volcano rolls, and Pepperoni Digiorno Pizza.” Like many of her students, Gavino loves the movies “White Chicks” and “Mean Girls,” amongst a few oth-ers. Her biggest fashion fad in high school was “FRESH SNEAKS,” Air Maxes to be specific. As fresh as she was, Gavino was also a very busy teen, being a member of her school orchestra, tennis team, class secre-tary, SCA and spanish club. Because of how early she graduated, Gavino never received a senior superlative. She loves to teach, and she cares a

lot for her students. “I am so glad I came to be a part of the Bruin Fac-ulty,” said Gavino.

Tracy Rice-WeberAny normal introduction for

this returning teacher would be an understatement. Actions, as well as memorable, random yet brilliant quotes tell her story better than any article in the Bear Facts Newspaper. Specializing in English and Creative Writing, Rice-Weber also known as R-Dub, was born and raised “in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Moun-tains of Lynchburg, Virginia”, she said. Aside from teaching, her chil-dren have become her outside hob-bies. “Believe it or not”, Rice-Weber

was Prom Queen of Suffolk High School and voted most school-spir-ited. Anyone who takes her class is more than likely to agree with this. High school was her kingdom—be-ing a cheerleader and participant of the drama club with a fashion fad of Earth Shoes. “Why not ask me something like, if you were a shoe, would you have laces or be a slip on? Boxers or briefs? Toast or Muffin? Gum or mint?” With a creative spirit like hers, this is not the last Bethel has seen of Tracey Rice-Weber.

Let’s be honest, studying is boring and no-body wants to do it. However, it is a necessity in receiving good grades and if we do not know how to study effectively, then how are we supposed to impress colleges on our application? Think of it as a chain reaction: If we study, we get good grades. If we get good grades, then we go off to a good college. Let’s start this school year off with good studying habits to help us excel academically.

Back in middle school, I was in the “gifted” program. I normally took learning for granted. I always did my homework, classwork, paid atten-tion, and participated in class discussions. Junior Ryan Chanza never studies because he does not have time due to his job. “If you pay attention in class and do your homework and learn quickly, then studying isn’t really on the to-do list,” said Chanza. Even when I was a lower-classman, I saw studying as just a suggestion. Juniors, such as Tyler Fauntleroy, find that studying is now a ne-

cessity instead of a suggestion. “I normally study once or twice a week in classes such as chemistry, Spanish, and U.S. History” said Fauntleroy.

For students that study a foreign language, try connecting words with English words. For example, the Spanish word for “to sing” is cantar. I clearly can’t sing so when I see the cant- in this Spanish verb, I already know what it is. The same concept applies for both German, French, and Latin. As well as having sound-alikes, each lan-guage has some form of cognate—a derivation of another language. Most foreign languages offered at Bethel have some sort of connection with Latin.

In other harder subjects such as mathematics, how exactly would someone go about with study-ing numbers? Well that is not really necessary—just go that extra mile on homework and class-work. If a problem is to be solved algebraically, take the time and effort to write out every step of the process. If a sign is accidentally changed,

the whole problem will be wrong. Yes, it is really tedious but it will make you more prepared for that future tests that calculators can not be used on. Always double-check the long problems by plugging in the variable into the equation or the problem into the calculator. Whenever given an opportunity for help, take it. Math teachers, such as Joe Sweat, Neil Eggleston, and Lindy Heffner, are here before school to help students with con-fusing homework problems.

The best way to retain information is to take it in as many ways as possible. “Reading the text-book, watching it on a PowerPoint, and listening and writing on the subject help students study the best outside of school,” said Theresa Dough-erty, the College and Careers teacher. “An even better way to study is to teach it to somebody else. That is when you know you really grasp the subject.”

Steven DeShong

Time Spent Weekly

Techniques

Success Rate

In Class

Students that Use These Techniques

No Studying Casual Advanced

-Simply sleep. -Talk with friends.

-Listen to teacher.-Take notes.

-Take detailed notes.-Edge of your seat listening.

10 minutes (all of which are right before a quiz or a test)

Cram before a test (most of the time the end result isn’t a good one).

Students who don’t care what their grades will end up looking like.

Very unsuccessful in the end.

Students who want good grades but don’t want to do a large amount of extra work.

-Make flashcards.-Get quizzed by a parent or friend.

Successful overall, but you could do a little better with a little more effort.

High success rate. You deserve a medal.

Read the textbook even when not required. Make questions for yourself at the beginning and see if they can be answered after you read.

Students who strive for nothing but the best grades. They put in the extra time and when the time comes they are able to deliver 110%.

Straight studying. (How do they do it?)About an hour a day or less.

Teacher Feature

How ToLose an “F” in 10 days

Staff Reporter

To see more profile stories pertaining to the new teachers at Bethel, check the Bear Facts Blog on our website.