WEST SIDE
STORIES June 2012
Superhero Special P. 4
• Wauwatosa West High School • 11400 W Center Street, Wauwatosa WI • Volume17, Issue 1 www.wauwatosawest.com
Recent Violence Raises Safety Concerns In light of tragedies, district and local police force proactive about school safety Mark Salamone g Website Editor
Caylin Rosene g Photography Editor
The Aurora, Colorado movie theater shootings. The Sikh temple shootings. The more recent killings near the Texas A&M Campus. These are the latest mass killings to occur in the United States. The stories of these shootings have been plastered all over newspapers, televisions screens, and the web for the past few weeks, as politicians and concerned citizens alike search for ways to stem the apparent tide of bloodshed. As a solution, the political left calls for an increase in gun regulation, but the right demands the loosening of that same regulation. Concern about the risk of a school shooting is relatively low amongst the student body of Tosa West. John Schmutzer, a junior, believes that the risk posed to the school by a shooting is minimal. Speaking of the Sikh temple and Aurora, Colorado movie theater shootings, Schmutzer said, “These were simply two crazy people acting alone and on their own accord.” However, some students don’t feel quite as sure, among them Davon Hughlett, a senior. “The world is crazy,” says Hughlett, “so there is no telling what can happen next.” The future may be a mystery, but the past lessons are crystal clear. On December 1, 1993, a former student of Wauwatosa West entered the building and fatally shot Dale Breitlow, West’s Associate Principal. Partially as a result of this, several mechanisms now exist to help the district and local police to reduce the likelihood of a similar event occurring in the future. These mechanisms include security cameras in the school, and a buzz-in system for the main doors, the latter of which is used when school is in session. The school has also partnered with local law enforcement in employing a School Resource Officer. The School Resource Officer is a police officer who works in the school, helping to ensure that order is kept in the school, and whose job it is to help coordinate with police in the event of an attack. In the 20112012 school year, the job was filled by officer Doug Braun, but for the 2012-2013 school year the job is being held by Officer Farris Griffin. Another product of Wauwatosa West’s coordination with law enforcement is an emergency response plan, says Griffin. “We have a plan that goes through steps of basic things,” he says, “like getting students to safety and helping the [police] officers.”
A Police vehicle driving towards Whiman Middle School in the simulated hostages situation on May 19th, 2012. According to Officer Doug Braun, the simulation was necessary so officers could if “what we had prepared on paper would work in a real crisis situation and to see what we need to work on and improve yet.”
According to Griffin, were an emergency to occur, with the plan “everyone would know their roles and responsibilities.” On Saturday, May 19th, 2012, students, police officers, firefighters, and faculty members staged a drill at Whitman Middle School that was intended to demonstrate events and situations that might actually occur in the event of an attack on the school. Though the drill was performed successfully, it was a solemn reminder of the district’s history, and the need for vigilance and preparedness in schools. However, in the past two decades schools have had to cope with the possibility of being attacked by gunmen. The high-profile murders at Columbine High School in 1999 and Virginia Tech in 2007 have elevated concern over school shootings to attention at the national level. In both instances, shooters were able to kill multiple victims in what had previously been considered relatively safe areas.
Dear Freshmen Advice from the West High community
Stephanie Eberle g Editor-in-Chief
Deanna Ross g Editor-in-Chief
Entering high school for the first time can be nervewracking. Figuring out your scheduling or finding somewhere to sit at lunch can be difficult at first. But one thing is certain; the vast rest of the population in this school has survived freshman year. So we asked them for some advice to help the adjustment to be a little easier on you, starting with the teachers. “Get involved,” Lena Patton, Associate Principal, Brian Hoffman, Guidance Counselor, and Kosta Zervas, a Student Supervisor, all offered as the same piece of advice. Candice Miller in the activities office, said to “Please turn in your forms for your athletic activities.” Jan Donahou, the new librarian, reflected that “Your freshman year is the chance to remake yourself. To be whoever you want to be.” Moving on to editors’ advice, Jack Wongtam, Layout Editor, shared, “Get to know your teachers. They can help you with more than just the class they are teaching you, and a lot of them have really
interesting stories.” Jennifer Flynn, Copy Editor agreed. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help if there’s something you don’t understand. And don’t blow your grades off--studying doesn’t have to be the center of your life, but you’ll thank yourself later if you keep your GPA up right away and don’t have to try to improve it to put on your college applications someday.” Caylin Rosene, Photo Editor, mentioned, “One thing to make sure you do before you leave high school is to enjoy all of the opportunities given to you. Also, have fun with the different spirit days (Homecoming). I know when I was a freshman I wasn’t sure how far people go with the spirit days. Needless to say, I have seen some interesting things in my three years of homecoming week experiences!” Mark Salamone, Website Editor, said, “Get wild on Homecoming week. If you like to wear crazy costumes, or want to have fun at least once a year, you simply cannot let this week pass you by.”
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Features
WEST SIDE STORIES
WEST SIDE STORIES
June, 2012
June, 2012
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Pencils... Notebooks... Folders... Make sure to prepare...
Jennifer Flynn g Copy Editor
Once again, school is in the air. With sales ads and checkout lines rivaled only by those of the holiday season, you would have to live under a rock to not know when the school year is about to begin. Every year, the arrival of commercials, coupons, and everything in between plastered with “Back to School” marks the beginning of the end of summer. Indeed, death and taxes are not the only certainties in life; you can also expect a wonderful slap back into the 7 hours a day, 5 days a week reality of school come early September—including but not limited to homework, tests, and waking up at ungodly hours of the morn. Of course, undertaking such an endeavor involves some preparation. Whether you’re a back to school shopping enthusiast or a believer in the “If I don’t think about school, maybe it won’t happen” methodology, chances are, you did a little bit of getting ready. Besides, one must admit—even if reluctantly—there’s something kind of enjoyable about getting ready for the school year. It’s nice to have pencils fresh from the package rather than salvaged from a classroom floor. It’s nice to pick out the supplies you like, whether they’re solid-colored, four-for-a-dollar notebooks or something with a little more pizazz. Long-gone may be the days when everyone had a backpack featuring their favorite cartoon character, but you wouldn’t be hard-pressed to find a Batman notebook or Hello Kitty folder being used somewhere in the school. And perhaps most exciting of all is receiving your class schedule and comparing it your friends’. Supplies and going to registration aren’t the only ways to ensure a successful school year, however. There are always new things to get involved in and new people to meet, especially if it’s your first year of high school. Often, the new experiences start before the first day, and range from band camp to numerous fall sports to just writing down your name and email for an interesting-sounding club at registration. Different people find different ways to get started on the year early. “I joined tennis to meet new people,” said incoming freshman Claire Kartz, who is a
member of the team that has already been practicing and having matches for nearly a month. Along with the decisions students might make to prepare for the year, there are also certain factors we don’t have a choice in—like our circadian rhythms. While many students have jobs or other activities that require them to get up at a regular time throughout the summer, there are also many for whom nights of 3 a.m. bedtimes must come to an end—or for whom 5 Hour Energy may soon become a diet staple. “I’m enjoying sleeping extra while I still can,” said sophomore Faith Lewis. Classmate Meron Ciha has been taking a different approach. “I’ve been waking up early as practice for when school starts.” And then there are those who go with the flow. As of registration, senior Susie Shively hadn’t done anything to prepare. “I’ll probably start doing more in a few weeks, but for now, it’s too early.” Others look forward to returning to school, whether because of summer boredom or the enjoyment of seeing friends everyday and taking interesting classes. One such student is Ella Hagopian. “I’m really excited,” said the freshman. As of mid-August, she had her backpack “all packed and ready to go.” Soon enough, all the planning and adjustments are forgotten. Pens are lost, it feels like there was never a time when you slept past 7 a.m., and new school picture outfits become regular old clothes in the closet. But that doesn’t mean the preparation won’t pay off. Whether you welcome in the new year gladly or try your hardest to forget that summer will end, it’s helpful—and less stressful—to do a little bit of planning ahead. After all, there will be plenty of opportunities for procrastination later.
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Get to know...
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new teachers
JoAnn Novotny, Business
Amy Harrington, Guidance From: Milwaukee, WI Family: Her husband Jim, daughter Mazie, and an unborn son Food: Peas, she ate them all the time in college when she was broke Pet Peeve: People who talk to much Why be a Guidance Counselor? Likes kids and enjoys helping them
From: Edgerton, WI Family: Two daughters Food: Fruits and veggies Pet Peeve: Students not having their homework done Why be a Business teacher? She loves kids and loves business
Mike Pietrowiak, Tech Ed.
From: Milwaukee, WI Family: Wife Nancy, a son, and two daughters Food: Fish fry, enjoyed fishing when he was a kid Pet Peeve: People who don’t listen Why be a Tech Ed. teacher? He likes to work with his hands and teaching allows him to interact. and coach.
Kelly Hetzel, English
Quenton Cartier, Science From: Wauwatosa, WI Family: Married and has four kids Food: Broasted chicken Pet Peeve: None Why be an Earth/Space teacher? His first experience with working with teens was coaching high school intramural sports and he liked it.
From: Franklin, WI Family: Not married, no kids Food: Deep fried mac and cheese Pet Peeve: Interrupting other students Why be an English teacher? She loves kids and learning.
Jessica Gall, Social Studies
Jennifer Mitten, Latin From: Hinsdale, IL Family: Daughter Pet Peeve: Noisy eaters Food: Saginaki (flaming cheese) Why be a Latin teacher? Her high school teachers taught her to have a lifelong passion for learning and to serve others. She wants to pass that on to others.
From: West Allis, WI Family: Not married, no children Pet Peeve: People who don’t go through with their plans Food: Ice cream Why be a Social Studies teacher? She has always wanted to become a leader.
Anne Jacobson, English From: Des Moines, IA Family: Not married, no kids Food: Ice cream Pet Peeve: Paper clutter and disorganization Why be an English teacher? There was nothing else she could find herself doing.
Officer Griffin, SRO From: Milwaukee, WI Family: Two sons and a daughter Food: Pizza and foreign food Pet Peeve: Tardiness Why be a SRO? He wanted to see a more positive side of police work.
Megan Arndorfer, Health From: Wauwatosa, WI Family: Husband who is a coach and teacher at East Pet Peeve: Having a dirty house or classroom Why be a Health teacher? She always wanted to teach Phy. Ed. and loved helping people when she was a volunteer for her sister’s volleyball and basketball team
Jan Donahou, Librarian
Neal Storey, Mathematics From: Pasadena, TX Family: Married with two adult sons Pet Peeve: Varies Food: Medium/Rare Rib Eye Why be a Math teacher? He worked in construction and was tired of the job and likes to work with young people.
From: Memphis, TN but went to school in Ozark, AK Family: Two children, second adopted this summer Food: Gumbo Pet Peeve: Tailgaters Why be a Librarian? She loves books and wants to share them in a non-threatening way.
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Features WEST SIDE STORIES
September, 2012
ENTERTAINMENT
Superhero Craze Holy Superheroes, Batman! There are a Lot of Movies! Deanna Ross g Editor-in-Chief
Erin Ritenour g Illustrator
The start of summer usually involves a variety of activities such as swimming, suits, sleepovers, sunglasses, and sand. But the summer of 2012 could easily be described by a more non-traditional S word: superheroes. Over the course of the past summer, several superhero movies debuted in the box office, including “The Amazing Spider-Man” and “The Dark Knight Rises.” Right before summer began, in April “The Avengers” busted into theaters. At the end of 2011, “Captain America,” “The Green Lantern,” and “Thor” all exploded to the big screen. However, those are only the titles that made a significant splash. There were even more hero movies that flew just under the radar within the last two years, including ‘X-Men: First Class,” “Chronicle,” and “Ghost Rider.” But why have these most recent two years become the most superhero action-packed years ever? People have multiple theories as to why so many theaters have been filled with superhero movies. Some choose to keep it simple and say that it is just coincidence or that the world was about due for some awesome entertainment. Some more complex developments are out there on the other hand. Another possible factor may be that the major superhero franchises have been twisting the last two years into their own battleground and that the prize is the big box office bucks. The big players here are Marvel and DC. Marvel owns all of the Avengers
(Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow, etc.) and all of the X-Men (Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, etc.). Green Lantern, Batman, and Superman all belong to DC. Marvel and DC are notorious rival comic brands and have been waging and will continue to wage war for the top box office spot. Who’s currently the top ranked comic brand? It seems that Marvel is. Not only do they outfox DC in terms of movie count, their most recent movie, “The Avengers,” swept the title by earning $207,438,708 on opening night. DC sits in second with “The Dark Knight,” earning nearly $160,000,000. One more point to factor into the big question of why there is such a craze of superhero movies is that they are strategically spaced out. For example, Marvel’s “The Avengers” was a movie three years in the making. “Thor,” “Captain America,” and “Iron Man” each had their own individual movies that had to come before the actual Avengers movie to explain each of their superheroes’ histories. Also, at the end of each respective hero’s movie, hints about the upcoming Avengers movie as well as clues to who had an individual movie coming next were dropped for fans. To introduce the secret agency SHIELD, the assemblers of the Avengers, agents were incorporated into each of those as well. In total the Avengers were a four-movie project with more films to come. The final theory mentioned to me briefly was that superhero movies have become increasingly popular. “The
increasing population is definitely affecting the production,” said Rachel Ross, a recent West graduate and a self-proclaimed film fanatic. Ross explained that the special effects are now, well, more special due to the latest technology, and that character development is becoming a bit more humorous and entertaining. This catches the younger generations. Not only young people come to see these movies either. Everybody likes to see a classic remade, especially those who saw the originals. Because the crowd is growing for superheroes that anybody can relate to somehow, the demand for the movies is becoming a huge deal. The battle of Marvel and DC will continue to be fought on in 2013 and 2014 with the releases of “Iron Man 3,” “Wolverine,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” and a few others. If you enjoyed “The Avengers,” you will have to wait until 2015 for that one. So stay tuned in the future for more superhero movies and wander down to the theaters to see the latest superhero movies. No matter the reason for the cranking out of these sorts of films, they usually make for pretty spectacular entertainment adventures. Alec Kirtley, a sophomore, made a lasting impression on this topic when he mentioned: “We have numerous problems looming ahead of us and when we watch superhero movies, our hope is renewed. Maybe there is someone to fix things.”