Volume 36 Issue 1 - Hoffman Estates High School

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2 Essentials Hawkeye View Summer 2008 The ace of books Sam Kubota Staff Reporter It is difficult to write about something that appeals to all types of high school students and manage to get a message across that actually means something. Somehow the author of I Am the Messenger did just that. Markus Zusak writes about being young and reckless, living in the not-so-nice parts of town and dealing with the not-sonice people who live there. Mostly believable characters dominate the story line; many of the characters are typical next-door-neighbor types that many students can relate to. Zusak’s frequent use of curse words renders the novel not “G-rated,” It can also seem appealing to many students who are looking for works a bit more rough around the edges and makes the book more applicable to “real-life.” I Am the Messenger is written at a level that is appropristudents. ate for all high school Unlike some of the previous works assigned, I Am the Messenger is hard enough to satisfy higher level readers, but not too difficult; even the incoming freshman can enjoy it. IATM is no Scarlett Letter, but it beats out The Magic Tree House in difficulty. In an effort to reach more students, Hoffman Estates High School has dropped the “One- Book-One-School” program for “Hoffman Reads.” Now students are given a choice between two books of different reading levels, with one preferred (IATM) choice. If students struggle with their reading skills or if their parents do not think they should read books Small Steps is not Holes 2 Afsara Zaheed Staff Reporter Louis Sachar, the author of award-winning bestseller Holes, comes back with another interestcharacter ing tale about Armpit, a released from Camp Green Lake in Small Steps. However, Small Steps is not “Holes 2.” The tone of the book is completely different from that of its predecessor. Although this book is about some of the characters from Holes, one does not need to read it to understand the plot of Small Steps. The book in interesting on its own but because the tone is so different, those who really enjoyed Holes may be disappointed. “Small Steps just didn’t have quite the same grip,” said Armpit learsn to take small steps to overcome obstacles. Photo courtesy of www.kidsreads.com IATM provides a unique point of view that is more relatable to Hoffman students than previous books chosen by “One-Book-One-School.” Photo courtesy of ebooks.metronet.lib.mi.us with inappropriate language, they can read Small Steps, a lower level book written as the sequel to Holes . Sayali Sakhardande ’10 says, “This is a better system…now more people will read the books, since they have a choice. They can pick what appeals to them.” The novel I Am the Messenger has another advantage over the previous required reading. In the past, the school required students to read books that were meant to be inspirational, but came across dull. This time, the story varies enough to keep the reader’s attention. This book is about a young Australian guy who drives a taxi and lives in the bad part of town. And in the end, the reader does not learn all about how he went to college and lived a great life, because that’s not the message from the messenger. The point is that by becoming people who care, we can all individually, yet together, better the world. Sayali Sakhardande (’10). According to a book review by The New York Times, “It is likable and readable, but it never quite emerges from the shadow of Holes.” The overall theme of the book is a positive one; it teaches how people can take charge of their lives, even though it may not always be easy. The book is an easy read with a variety of elements ranging from suspense to romance. One positive aspect is that this book’s variety appeals to many different types of readers. For example, those who like romance will be just as satisfied with this book as those who prefer suspense. The story focuses on Armpit, who is back at home in Austin, Texas, trying to turn his life around. The only person that understands Armpit is Ginny, his tenyear-old disabled neighbor. They both decide that together they will take small steps to overcome their obstacles. Things seem to look good for Armpit until a friend from camp shows up with a quick moneymaking scheme. X-Ray’s plan leads Armpit to a close encounter with teen pop sensation Kaira DeLeon. As Armpit’s life begins to spin out of control, he knows that one thing is certain: he will never be the same again. Even though Small Steps does not reach the caliber of Holes, Sachar’s story contains memorable characters and an interesting story. New school, new schedule Amita Prabhu Staff Reporter Entering high school from junior high can seem like a confusing and anxious time. In addition to getting to know a new school, incoming freshman at Hoffman Estates High School also have to get used to block scheduling. Though it is different from junior high schedules, it can be very easy to adjust to. With the block schedule, instead of having the same 9 classes every day, you will have 4 certain classes on an A day and 4 different classes on a B day. This means that you will only have each class 2 or 3 times a week. Each class is 94 minutes and lunch is sometime during your 3rd block for 30 minutes. Passing periods are 7 minutes. The first day of school is an A day so you will go to the classes marked 1A, 2A, 3A, and, 4A on your schedule. The second day will be a B day so you will attend the classes marked 1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B. The third day will be an A day again, then a B day and so on. Your schedule will be marked with either A, B, C, or D lunch for each day. If you have A lunch you would go straight to the cafeteria for lunch after second block. You would then go to class Block 1 Block 2 Block 3a Block 3b Block 3c Block 3d Block 4 7:30 - 9:04 9:11 - 10:45 Lunch - 10:52 - 11:22 Class - 11:30 - 1:04 for 90 minutes If you have B lunch you would go to class for 30 minutes, eat lunch, and then go back to class for 60 minutes. For C lunch you would go to class for 60 minutes, have lunch, and finish the last 30 minutes of class. Lastly, for D lunch you would go to class for a full 90 minutes, go to lunch and then go straight to your 4th block class after that. Depending on your schedule, you may have the same lunch every day or they may be different. If you are still left with some anxiety about adjusting to high school or this schedule, don’t worry. Tom Newton, Assistant Class - 10:52 - 11:22 Lunch - 11:26 - 11:56 Class - 12:00 - 1:04 Class - 10:52 - 11:56 Lunch - 12:00 - 12:30 Class - 12:34 - 1:04 Class - 10:52 - 12:26 Lunch - 12:34 - 1:04 1:11 - 2:45 Principal, offers some advice. “The best thing is to be organized. Make use of the planners we give you and write assignments down right away” Though the classes may seem very long and tedious at first, block scheduling can actually work to your advantage. Since classes are every other day, you have 2 days to do your homework. However, this doesn’t mean you should procrastinate and wait until the very last minute. Unlike other schools in the district, you are also able to fit an extra class every year. Even though it block scheduling seems confusing at first, there is no need to worry. It will all become much easier once you get used to it. Who’s Who in the HEHS administration? Theresa Busch is the principal of HEHS. She is the head of administration and oversees all aspects of the school and life in the building. This year will be Ms. Busch’s eighth as HEHS principal; she began her career at HEHS as an English teacher 25 years ago. She always is part of school assemblies and our school spirit. Tom Newton will begin his second year as HEHS assistant principal. He acts as an important liaison between students, staff, and Ms. Busch; usually stands in for Ms. Busch when she is out of the building; and manages the building and grounds, budget, school activities, and much more. His favorite thing about HEHS is our school spirit. Gwendolyn Bess is a new administrator at HEHS. If your last name is from “A” through “I”, she will be your administrator- who you will see for attendance, discipline, and other issues Mrs. Bess was formerly a high school English teacher in Dayton, Ohio, and her favorite thing about Hoffman is the diversity in everything—students, staff, and activities. Jaquese Gilbert has been an administrator at HEHS for five years. She will handle last names “J” through “O,” dealing with all discipline and attendance related issues. Mrs. Gilbert has been in education for 18 years beginning as a P.E. instructor and before coming to Hoffman as an administrator at Fremd H.S. Her favorite thing about HEHS is the energy the positive and involved staff brings. Jennifer Beers is replacing Dr. Samantha Dolen as Director of Student Services this year. She will supervise all psychologists, social workers, and counselors at HEHS, coordinate health services, and run high school examinations like the Explore and PSAE, among other roles. This will be her sixth year working in district 211. Her favorite things about HEHS are the staff and all the students. Jeremy Harkin is the dean of students at HEHS, and has been for three years. He has also been a math teacher at Hoffman for eight years. He assists the administrators in discipline. “Put yourself in a good position academically to succeed as an upperclassman” is Mr. Harkin’s advice to freshmen. Steve Lacni is also new to HEHS, replacing Gene Curran as athletic director. As athletic director he will oversee and administer the entire athletic program at Hoffman and ensure that student athletes have a safe, positive, and enriching experience. Mr. Lacni came from Elk Grove H.S. as a math and physics teacher, coach, and athletic director and this will be his twenty-first year in education. He would like to advise freshmen to “Get involved. There are so many great opportunities to try new activities or discover special athletic ability in high school.” Doug Schippel is the Building and Grounds Manager at HEHS. Wanting to create the best environment for students, he is responsible for the operation of the building, school grounds, and safety of students. He is excited for the completion of Hoffman’s additions and modernization, but his favorite thing about HEHS is the team atmosphere and our ability to accomplish a great deal. Doug Dannewitz is the assistant principal of discipline at HEHS and is administrator for students “P” through “Z.” His responsibilities include in-school suspension, the police consultant, bus transportation, and much more. This is his nineteenth year in district 211 and fourth year at Hoffman. His advice to freshmen: “Always tell the truth, honesty is always better in the long run.”.
Hawkeye View Summer 2008 Essentials 3 A Hof fman hello continued from p. 1 Besides classroom space improving, there are big changes at the front of the school. The main office, attendance office and student services department are centrally located at the front of the school, which is more accessible for students and parents. With centralized main offices, there will be more accountability for all visitors to HEHS. The main entrance will be the only door open during the school, with other entrances locked during the school day; in addition, student supervisors will continue to monitor the hallways. Newton has observed the construction since the beginning. He has witnessed the good, the bad, and the ugly. When walking through the new main entrance for the first time, With centralized main offices, there will be more accountability for all visitors to “HEHS ” Newton said it was great to see the construction all come together. He also thought that it was exciting to see people’s positive reaction to the school. The construction is not finished just yet. The “west wing” classrooms, on both the first and third floors are still going to be under construction during the school year. The library, newspaper/yearbook office, and student council office should be completed by the start of the 2008- 2009 school year, said Newton. Additional construction during the school year will include the addition of new classrooms and re-modeling of the science classrooms. Hoffman Estates High School is not the only school that is under construction. District 211 is working on all the five schools in the district as well as the administration building. The lunch bell rings Julia Hamlin Staff Reporter The cafeteria renovations are expected to be completed by the start of school. “The new cafeteria should eventually solve the congestion problems we encountered last year,” said Tom Newton, assistant principal at Hoffman Estates High School. Entering high school brings about many new challenges; what clubs to join, what people to hang out with, and, of course, how to navigate the cafeteria. However, take comfort in the fact that the sophomores, juniors, and seniors will be in the same boat. The cafeteria this year has been totally remodeled, so you won’t be alone in the confusion of not knowing what to do or where to go. This year’s renovated lunch room involves less waiting in long lines and more time to eat and socialize during lunch periods. There are now two entrances into the area where food can be purchased. Also, there will be four U- shaped lines to allow the maximum volume of students to wait at the same time and save space. Much thought and planning by district officials went into the design of the new cafeteria, and it should function much better than the previous one. This new, more efficient cafeteria will be an immense upgrade from last year’s, and it will prove to be a great improvement. School rules to live by at HEHS While a class is busy learning, a troublemaker uses her cell phone, which is against school policy. Photo of Raag Harshavat Mary Hacker Staff Reporter Being an incoming freshman may be tough. You are coming into a new school that is a whole lot bigger than your junior high. Being aware of the rules will make the transition much easier. The Hoffman Estates High School Discipline Committee says that the number one issue this year is cell phones. Tardies, dress code, and IDs have come into play with the discipline at Hoffman, also. The use of cell phones during class is an ongoing problem. “It is too early to tell what the committee is going to do about phones…we will be coming up with a plan,” said Jacquese Gilbert, assistant principal and discipline/attendance office coordinator. discipline/attendance office coordinator. The first time a student gets caught with a cell phone, they will be sent to their administrator’s office to be reminded of the discipline rules. If they get caught with it a second time, the student will get sent down to their administrator’s office and a parent/ guardian will have to pick up the phone at school. One day of Saturday School will be assigned. Once the student gets caught with their cell phone a third time, a conference about suspension will be set up by their administrator with their parents/guardian. “Until we can get the entire population to act maturely, the rules have to be all or nothing…no phones allowed at all,” said Ryan Brown, English Department. Phones must be turned off from 6:45 AM-2:45 PM. Teachers and hall monitors will be on the lookout. The Tardy Sweep came into effect last year because of the numerous amounts of tardies. Once the bell rings, all teachers will close and lock their doors. Any student who arrives late without a pass, or are not in their assigned seat, will receive a “tardy ticket.” This counts as one detention. The detention must be made within one week of getting the slip. It is at random; students will not know when a Tardy Sweep will happen, unless announced otherwise. Like junior high, there is also a Dress Code Policy at HEHS. This policy prohibits students to wear any clothing or accessory that does not meet decency or interferes with learning. The Dress Code Policy prohibits the following items to be worn by students: - Clothing with images of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances. - Clothing with sexual, indecent, or lewd messages. - Clothing which connects a student with a gang. - Wearing coats, jackets, caps, and hats while school is in session. - Clothing that may damage school property. - Clothing with violent graphics or wording. The dress code and wearing IDs go hand-in-hand. On the first day of school, all students must go to the North Shelf gym as soon as they walk in. They then have to pick up their ID. After they have their ID, they can get their schedule. Students cannot get their schedule without first receiving their ID. The ID will be attached to a HEHS strap (one must wear this strap and only this strap). All students, and even staff, must wear them at all times. The staff ID will be vertical while the students’ will be horizontal. Their picture will be on both sides of the ID. Five other schools in the district are doing this as well. “ID’s are a good thing because of incidents last year,” said Tom Newton, assistant principal and activities director. Wearing the IDs so they are visible is for security. It lets people know who belongs in the school. Last year, graduates got into the school when they did not even go there anymore. Teachers thought they were students because they looked like normal teenagers. “You can’t learn if you don’t feel safe,” said Gilbert. Students will be reminded of these rules in an assembly. They will be stated again on the morning announcements. Also, teachers will read them aloud in class. Students will then have to sign a waver saying they fully understand all regulations and consequences. Advice from HEHS faculty “Do your homework.” -Kevin Mallon Social Studies Department “One, get involved. Two, determine your greatest potential in the classroom and go after it.” -Fred Bryant, Buisiness Department “Get involved! And don’t loiter in the middle of the English hallway –there are carts!” Jasmin Chung, English Department “Bring your books to class and do your homework.” Tom Beebe, Social Studies Department
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Page 5 and 6: Hawkeye View Summer 2008 Activities
Page 7 and 8: Hawkeye View Summer 2008 Sports 7 S

Volume 36 Issue 1 - Hoffman Estates High School

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