I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and I really just don't know what to write about, similar to how other students in this class are feeling. So, instead, I've been thinking. About the future, about college, jobs, homework. Nothing really all that exciting. Homework seems to be bogging me down lately. I'm up late at night trying to perfect every little thing. I'm a perfectionist if you didn't know that already. Everything must be in the right place, at the right time, in the right order. I think I get it from my dad. So I haven't been up to anything lately or writing about anything. I'm just kind of empty at the moment. Hopefully something will catch my interest soon because it's getting just plain boring around here.
Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Advisory must go
My thoughts have been on the future lately. I have been contemplating what my career will be, which college I should go to, and something of equal importance but in the much nearer future-- which classes I will take in the next two years. This would not be such a difficult choice if our ineptly-named "advisory" class did not get in the way.
Of course, I will have to take the required English and social studies courses. As far as math goes, I know that I will take pre-calculus, followed by calculus in my senior year. I will take physics as a junior, but I'm undecided on my science credit the year after that. A lab science would be preferable, though. So this takes care of my core classes for the most part. No problem there.
But what about electives? I am planning on taking anatomy, psychology/sociology, Spanish III and possibly Spanish IV. I do need to fit an art credit in there somewhere, too. In an ideal situation, I would also take Journalism. However, the situation is far from that. With the introduction of advisory, our yearly elective hours are cut down to two instead of three. If I am required to obtain a certain amount of credits of a specific type, such as art credits and foreign languages, how will I take the classes that I want? The classes I want to take are subjects that will most benefit my career and my chances of getting into a good college. A great big thanks goes out to whoever thought of the horrible idea for advisory.
Not only are our elective hours restricted, we also are gaining less credits per year. Advisory only counts as half a credit. Where is the sense in this? Shouldn't our school be trying to help us make the best of ourselves through their curriculum?
Some would argue that advisory is doing just that. The goal of our half-hour class is to prepare us for college and life in the real world by improving study habits, morals, and social skills. However, most of the "morals exercises" and "career etiquette" activities they make us do were already given to us last year in Career and Technology Foundations. The studying, reading, etc. skills they are trying to teach us have already been introduced to us. The so-called curriculum is useless. And when there is no lesson planned for the day, students use it as a study hall. The only good thing to have come out of this disastrous idea is the enrichment classes, which everybody seems to love. Other than these once-a-week enjoyments, advisory is a complete waste of time. Time which could be spent on far more important subjects.
Why? Why would our administration allow everybody to have free time almost every day when it would be so much more beneficial to give us our other elective back? It does not even have to go that far. If our faculty is reluctant to change our schedule back to how it was last year, then I suggest a compromise-- allow us to have our enrichment class Monday through Friday instead of advisory. A whole week would greatly benefit all of the programs, giving the classes and students more time to grow and develop. Think of how much help it would be to math reteach.
I'll admit that whoever came up with the idea for enrichment really had their head on right. With so many intriguing and fun options that appeal to all genres and interests, these weekly sessions give students something to look forward to. Classes like college prep are excellent for students focused on making it into good colleges. The survival skills and lifetime running programs help students build up practical and healthy habits. Other classes provide a time to enjoy a hobby or sport, relieve stress, develop a personal talent or skills you may need in your career, test your mechanical or strategic knowledge, and pursue new interests. My hope is that with a little more development, some of the enrichment classes will become real hour-long classes for a full credit. I for one would definitely take Sports Medicine if it was offered as an elective.
Even if some of this cannot be accomplished, one certain fact remains: Advisory must go.
Do you agree? Disagree? Leave a comment and let me know where you stand on the issue. If enough of us believe strongly in this, we can make them change it.
Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Of course, I will have to take the required English and social studies courses. As far as math goes, I know that I will take pre-calculus, followed by calculus in my senior year. I will take physics as a junior, but I'm undecided on my science credit the year after that. A lab science would be preferable, though. So this takes care of my core classes for the most part. No problem there.
But what about electives? I am planning on taking anatomy, psychology/sociology, Spanish III and possibly Spanish IV. I do need to fit an art credit in there somewhere, too. In an ideal situation, I would also take Journalism. However, the situation is far from that. With the introduction of advisory, our yearly elective hours are cut down to two instead of three. If I am required to obtain a certain amount of credits of a specific type, such as art credits and foreign languages, how will I take the classes that I want? The classes I want to take are subjects that will most benefit my career and my chances of getting into a good college. A great big thanks goes out to whoever thought of the horrible idea for advisory.
Not only are our elective hours restricted, we also are gaining less credits per year. Advisory only counts as half a credit. Where is the sense in this? Shouldn't our school be trying to help us make the best of ourselves through their curriculum?
Some would argue that advisory is doing just that. The goal of our half-hour class is to prepare us for college and life in the real world by improving study habits, morals, and social skills. However, most of the "morals exercises" and "career etiquette" activities they make us do were already given to us last year in Career and Technology Foundations. The studying, reading, etc. skills they are trying to teach us have already been introduced to us. The so-called curriculum is useless. And when there is no lesson planned for the day, students use it as a study hall. The only good thing to have come out of this disastrous idea is the enrichment classes, which everybody seems to love. Other than these once-a-week enjoyments, advisory is a complete waste of time. Time which could be spent on far more important subjects.
Why? Why would our administration allow everybody to have free time almost every day when it would be so much more beneficial to give us our other elective back? It does not even have to go that far. If our faculty is reluctant to change our schedule back to how it was last year, then I suggest a compromise-- allow us to have our enrichment class Monday through Friday instead of advisory. A whole week would greatly benefit all of the programs, giving the classes and students more time to grow and develop. Think of how much help it would be to math reteach.
I'll admit that whoever came up with the idea for enrichment really had their head on right. With so many intriguing and fun options that appeal to all genres and interests, these weekly sessions give students something to look forward to. Classes like college prep are excellent for students focused on making it into good colleges. The survival skills and lifetime running programs help students build up practical and healthy habits. Other classes provide a time to enjoy a hobby or sport, relieve stress, develop a personal talent or skills you may need in your career, test your mechanical or strategic knowledge, and pursue new interests. My hope is that with a little more development, some of the enrichment classes will become real hour-long classes for a full credit. I for one would definitely take Sports Medicine if it was offered as an elective.
Even if some of this cannot be accomplished, one certain fact remains: Advisory must go.
Do you agree? Disagree? Leave a comment and let me know where you stand on the issue. If enough of us believe strongly in this, we can make them change it.
Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Front page
On the front page of the newspaper this week, it said that the prison project is still up in the air. I think that it is ridiculous. Wickenburg is already known for major addiction rehabilitation centers, we don't need a prison on the list.
Even though Forepaugh is out in Aguila, we don't need something like that here so close to home. The jobs would be nice, but are they worth it? A lot of the new employees would be from out of town anyway.
And think about all the people in Forepaugh. Think about their families, children, and animals. They moved out there to be in the tranquil, open, Arizona air, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A prison in view of their front porch is exactly what they don't need.
If the state wants a prison, go put it out in some other section of the boonies. This one is inhabited.
Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Even though Forepaugh is out in Aguila, we don't need something like that here so close to home. The jobs would be nice, but are they worth it? A lot of the new employees would be from out of town anyway.
And think about all the people in Forepaugh. Think about their families, children, and animals. They moved out there to be in the tranquil, open, Arizona air, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A prison in view of their front porch is exactly what they don't need.
If the state wants a prison, go put it out in some other section of the boonies. This one is inhabited.
Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
If you're going to San Francisco
Mr. Burd made a really good point. I know quite a bit about San Francisco and, since it's all that's on my mind lately, I'm writing a blog about it. In exactly 140 days I'm moving away. My best friend, Paige Fekete, and I are packing up what little belongings we have and finally starting our lives. The last few months we've been looking at living expenses and I know we can make it. Mainly because we don't want a better living condition than the one we have, we just want to maintain our standard living plus rent. I've also been looking at apartments and there are a lot of good options. We can manage living in a nicer place because there's two of us and my dad agreed to help with rent for the first four years, as long as I'm in college.
Even though we can afford a nice place, chances are we'll be living in either the Mission (Not the safest neighborhood but defiantly not the worst. Has more of a college feel to it, it's almost bohemian.), Tendernob (Which is south of Nob Hill, a very rich neighborhood, and north of Tenderloin, a more industrial section of the city.), or North Panhandle (Another not to great neighborhood.) San Francisco is a unique city that cannot be understood unless you've been there. It's almost magic. The city itself can taunt, frighten, and seduce you. Every region, from Haight- Ashbury to the Fisherman's Wharf, is totally different from one another.
From the time we were ten Paige and I have been talking about San Fran. We always spoke of it as if it were a dream, like flying or walking on the moon. It wasn't until the beginning of last year that we realised, this could happen. We could do this and we could do it right. We can live the way we've wanted to for so long. And although we may not be able to afford that Victorian duplex on Haight street just yet, we will someday. Although my name isn't listed as a staff writer in the San Francisco Chronicle now, it will be someday. Although I don't have the ocean air through my hair today, I will someday. I'll get there, I can feel it.
Some people are born to do certain things. Whether it's save lives, live in a different country, or rob banks. Those actions obsess these people. It's all they think and talk about. They eat, sleep, breathe this one thing. I didn't know what my one thing was. All I knew was that I was obsessed with getting away. I never wanted to be in one place, until I saw San Fran. I could honestly live my whole life in that area and die completely happy. Writing in San Francisco is my one thing. My obsession, my dream, and soon my reality. I hope you all find yours.
Janaye Campbell
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Janaye Campbell
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Zero
I honestly have nothing to blog about. This part of the class just stumps me. I'm not a very open person. I mean if you ask me a question I'll answer it honestly, but this whole rant and rave on the Internet thing just isn't my style. I don't like to vent. The way I see it, the problems I have are there so I can figure out how to overcome them on my own. Some of my "issues" involve family and what happens in my family is no one's business but ours. So, what does that leave me to talk about? Music? My friends? San Francisco? (Four months before I'm out of here!) I have nothing interesting to fill this screen with. I have no inspiring words of wisdom to bring to my fellow classmates. I'm sort of a blank canvas at this moment in time.
Janaye Campbell
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Janaye Campbell
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Wednesday's current events quiz
Current Events Quiz
Week of Jan. 25 – 29, 2010
Questions:
1. What automobile maker told dealers to stop selling eight car models for at least several weeks because of a problem with accelerator pedals?
2. What speech is President Obama giving Wednesday night?
3. One of the things he is expected to cover in the speech is putting a freeze on spending for some domestic programs and even some White House officials’ salaries. How long is the freeze expected to last?
4. What company comes out with a much-hyped 10-inch multimedia tablet device this week?
5. In what country this week did U.N. troops have to fire tear gas and warning shots to prevent a mob from taking aid supplies?
6. After last Sunday’s games, two teams are left to play in the Super Bowl Feb. 7. Name one of them.
Extra credit: Name the other
7. This week, what surpassed “Titanic” as the highest-grossing movie ever?
8. North and South _____________ exchanged artillery fire this week.
send your answers to rickburd@cox.net.
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
Questions:
1. What automobile maker told dealers to stop selling eight car models for at least several weeks because of a problem with accelerator pedals?
2. What speech is President Obama giving Wednesday night?
3. One of the things he is expected to cover in the speech is putting a freeze on spending for some domestic programs and even some White House officials’ salaries. How long is the freeze expected to last?
4. What company comes out with a much-hyped 10-inch multimedia tablet device this week?
5. In what country this week did U.N. troops have to fire tear gas and warning shots to prevent a mob from taking aid supplies?
6. After last Sunday’s games, two teams are left to play in the Super Bowl Feb. 7. Name one of them.
Extra credit: Name the other
7. This week, what surpassed “Titanic” as the highest-grossing movie ever?
8. North and South _____________ exchanged artillery fire this week.
send your answers to rickburd@cox.net.
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
Last year
I know this is going to sound like me crying and moaning, but last year as a freshman I was told "Seniority, Seniority, Seniority!" We basically had it pounded into our heads that, in theater, the upperclassmen always got the bigger roles. This year two freshmen got both the lead and 2nd lead roles for Annie Jr...... I suppose I should just stop whining but I am just rather upset.
Amanda Aliser
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Amanda Aliser
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Our admin rocks!
I've been heavily involved in following the trials and tribulations of journalism advisers across our nation. You would be astounded to read about the various brouhahas that take place between some of the staff and advisers, or advisers and administration, or staff and administration.
I posted a link here for you to take a look at one example that recently gained national attention. As I follow a few of these stories, I have to think how lucky we are at WHS to have such a supportive administration. In case you guys did not know this, over the past two years as an adviser, I have received only positive feedback or positive redirection from our admin--never negative criticism, never blanket censorship.
Best,
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
I posted a link here for you to take a look at one example that recently gained national attention. As I follow a few of these stories, I have to think how lucky we are at WHS to have such a supportive administration. In case you guys did not know this, over the past two years as an adviser, I have received only positive feedback or positive redirection from our admin--never negative criticism, never blanket censorship.
Best,
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Weather causes complications (obviously)
The wrestling meet at Mohave, scheduled for Friday and Saturday of this week, has been cancelled due to weather conditions. As this was supposed to be a very big meet, and one the team would have to spend the night at, this news comes as a huge disappointment.
Mohave is about three hours northwest of Wickenburg. The drive there would travel through mountainous areas, which would be a problem for the vans given the current state of affairs.
The next meet will be the Wickenburg Invitational. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 27!
I would also like to remind everybody to keep working on your stories. I know it's a little complicated without Mr. Burd here, but the paper must be printed. Without everybody's input, it will not be possible. If you are finished with your assigned articles, brainstorm some more ideas. Run these by Hannah and Shayna, and then get working on them. We don't have a lot of content right now, so every little bit helps. The deadline will come up on you faster than you can imagine.
Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Mohave is about three hours northwest of Wickenburg. The drive there would travel through mountainous areas, which would be a problem for the vans given the current state of affairs.
The next meet will be the Wickenburg Invitational. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 27!
I would also like to remind everybody to keep working on your stories. I know it's a little complicated without Mr. Burd here, but the paper must be printed. Without everybody's input, it will not be possible. If you are finished with your assigned articles, brainstorm some more ideas. Run these by Hannah and Shayna, and then get working on them. We don't have a lot of content right now, so every little bit helps. The deadline will come up on you faster than you can imagine.
Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
I refuse
So there is probably going to be a million-and-one posts on this thing about the weather and how it's raining and what not. But me, I refuse to talk about the weather and be an individual because let's be honest people, how many times do you want to read the words "it's raining"? Continuing on with more important news, if you haven't heard already, the third issue of The Wrangler Gazette has been pushed back to the the week before Valentines Day. I know that we made a huge deal about getting your articles done in a matter of a two weeks, and I'm sorry for that. Things just change, and Hanna and myself realized that it just wasn't possible to get four issues done this semester, so we are cutting it to either two or three. Mr. Byrd wants it to be three, but we kind of think otherwise. There just really isn't that much to write about. Which brings up another point of mine, if you have any ideas for articles, please write them down because we really need more articles. Also, we have absolutely no pictures, so if you feel like taking a picture of something that interests you, do it, and then maybe you can work an article out of the picture.
Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
It's raining, it's pouring
...The old man is snoring. I wish I was the one snoring right now though. Whole districts up north are getting snow days; some are getting snow weeks!
There were a whole bunch of rumors that school would be let out early for everyone, or just some people who lived in hard to reach places because of the flooding. Just now, Mrs. Jacobson put those rumors to rest. But Whispering Ranch students couldn't even get to school because of this amazing rain, and it is only supposed to get heavier.
Hopefully, by some miracle of whatever deity you believe in or just a random act of nature, we get rain like this more often. It is refreshing, exciting, and instills the love of the outdoors again to us crusty, dusty Arizonans.
Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
There were a whole bunch of rumors that school would be let out early for everyone, or just some people who lived in hard to reach places because of the flooding. Just now, Mrs. Jacobson put those rumors to rest. But Whispering Ranch students couldn't even get to school because of this amazing rain, and it is only supposed to get heavier.
Hopefully, by some miracle of whatever deity you believe in or just a random act of nature, we get rain like this more often. It is refreshing, exciting, and instills the love of the outdoors again to us crusty, dusty Arizonans.
Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
It's Wednesday. Current Events.
I know. I know. I still owe Lucy a king size Hershey bar with almonds. I'll get it there.
This week's winner gets her choice of any king sized Hershey bar.
Email me at rickburd@cox.net
Current Events Quiz
Week of Jan. 18 – 22, 2010
1. Those in Massachusetts voted this week to decide who would fill the late Sen. Edward Kennedy’s spot. To what party does the winner belong?
Extra credit: This is important because what has changed in the Senate now?
2. Getting aid to what earthquake-ravaged country has been a major problem this week?
3 -4. What two former presidents are working on relief for this country?
5.The Golden Globes this week kicked off the season of movie and television awards. Which movie won the best motion picture () OR which won the best motion picture (comedy or musical)?
6. Eight people were killed, according to Tuesday night news reports, near what historic location?
7. What state was hit Tuesday by a powerful storm with a tornado, at least four water spouts, winds up to 80 mph and torrential rains?
8. What commemoration Monday meant most schools and many businesses were closed?
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
This week's winner gets her choice of any king sized Hershey bar.
Email me at rickburd@cox.net
Current Events Quiz
Week of Jan. 18 – 22, 2010
1. Those in Massachusetts voted this week to decide who would fill the late Sen. Edward Kennedy’s spot. To what party does the winner belong?
Extra credit: This is important because what has changed in the Senate now?
2. Getting aid to what earthquake-ravaged country has been a major problem this week?
3 -4. What two former presidents are working on relief for this country?
5.The Golden Globes this week kicked off the season of movie and television awards. Which movie won the best motion picture () OR which won the best motion picture (comedy or musical)?
6. Eight people were killed, according to Tuesday night news reports, near what historic location?
7. What state was hit Tuesday by a powerful storm with a tornado, at least four water spouts, winds up to 80 mph and torrential rains?
8. What commemoration Monday meant most schools and many businesses were closed?
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
A curious question of birthdays
Does it seem like there are a lot of birthdays today and over the past few days? I know for a fact that my brother's, Dylan's, is today, as well as someone by the name of Caleb, according to the signs coming down the school driveway. Among the teachers, Ms. Drexel and Mr. Elinski are celebrating their birthdays. Tanner Walker's was two days ago, on January 17, and Dylan claims that somebody else in his grade also has their birthday today. I find it strange that so many birthdays are over the same few days. Maybe I'm just reading into it too much, but it's still surprising.
What do you think of all this celebration?
Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
What do you think of all this celebration?
Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
So exctied!
Today are the dance auditions for Annie. I am freaking out right now. That's how excited I am! Is anyone else auditioning??
Amanda Aliser
WHSWickenburg, Ariz
Amanda Aliser
WHSWickenburg, Ariz
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Long winter stretches on
Hello, staff.
I hope you all know how much I appreciate you. I really wish I could have been there with you these past two weeks. However, my recovery from cancer surgery has not gone as well as I hoped. I will not be in this week, either.
I've often thought that it would be delightful to have a lot of time off to just relax and dabble around on projects that are of interest to me. But, as I am sure you are all aware, pain and discomfort remove any desire to do anything. I've had very little interest in projects of any kind.
I have been at home (with a few exceptions) continuously for the past four weeks. My sole desire has been to get well again. Patience has never been my greatest virtue. So, I take my walks, and my naps, and my meds. And I wait.And I hope. And I pray.
"I have measured out my life with coffee spoons." T.S.Eliot (my favorite poet)
So please carry on. Take pictures, do interviews, write stories, blog, submit articles for the online paper, ask for stories, poems, puzzles, comics. Work as a team. Do your best. I am so proud of all of you.
I hope to see you next week.
Journalistically yours,
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
rickburd@cox.net
I hope you all know how much I appreciate you. I really wish I could have been there with you these past two weeks. However, my recovery from cancer surgery has not gone as well as I hoped. I will not be in this week, either.
I've often thought that it would be delightful to have a lot of time off to just relax and dabble around on projects that are of interest to me. But, as I am sure you are all aware, pain and discomfort remove any desire to do anything. I've had very little interest in projects of any kind.
I have been at home (with a few exceptions) continuously for the past four weeks. My sole desire has been to get well again. Patience has never been my greatest virtue. So, I take my walks, and my naps, and my meds. And I wait.And I hope. And I pray.
"I have measured out my life with coffee spoons." T.S.Eliot (my favorite poet)
So please carry on. Take pictures, do interviews, write stories, blog, submit articles for the online paper, ask for stories, poems, puzzles, comics. Work as a team. Do your best. I am so proud of all of you.
I hope to see you next week.
Journalistically yours,
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
rickburd@cox.net
Friday, January 15, 2010
SMILE!
Brighten up someone's day! If you see a complete stranger with a sad face, go and tell them the funniest joke you can think of. :) One day in the future, when you're not even thinking about it, someone will come and do the same for you. Even if they are complete strangers. So try and make someone's day, who just looks like they need a helping hand.
Caitlin Farrington
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
Caitlin Farrington
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
No school!
The weekend is upon us, and many people are surprised to find that there is no school on Monday. This is not a rumor. It is true. Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
So make sure not to come to school on Monday unless you really just have nothing better to do.
Have a great extended weekend!
Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
So make sure not to come to school on Monday unless you really just have nothing better to do.
Have a great extended weekend!
Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Dinner Theater
Yupps, Modz's 7th hour Applied Theater class has been working very hard on a dinner theater, and its tonight! Tickets are $30, it would be great if anyone could come! There are two very funny shows that are actually pretty short. I am sure every one would enjoy it!
Amanda aliser
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
Amanda aliser
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Schedule
I really like how today's schedule went. Lunch was based on advisory, which meant it was based on grade. I got to hang out with friends that I don't have classes with at lunch and never see outside of school.
It was pretty awesome. We had a ton of fun, reminiscing about the days when we all had the same lunch. Seeing people in the morning isn't the same as having laughs at lunch; we're not even alive that early.
If we do end up keeping this ridiculous advisory deal, I think it would be a good idea to base lunch on that instead of whatever they do now. That, and the clubs, are the only good things that have come out of this whole mess.
Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
It was pretty awesome. We had a ton of fun, reminiscing about the days when we all had the same lunch. Seeing people in the morning isn't the same as having laughs at lunch; we're not even alive that early.
If we do end up keeping this ridiculous advisory deal, I think it would be a good idea to base lunch on that instead of whatever they do now. That, and the clubs, are the only good things that have come out of this whole mess.
Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
It's Wednesday! Current events quiz
Current Events Quiz
Week of Jan. 11 – 15, 2010
E-mail me with your answers, OK? First one with all correct answers gets choice of Hershey's chocolate product.
rickburd@cox.net
Questions:
1. What former vice presidential candidate is now going to be a television news contributor?
Extra credit: Which channel?
2. What comedian, moved to prime time from late night in September, will be pulled from that spot before the Olympics begin in February?
3. A trial got underway this week to try to overturn California’s Proposition 8, which is a ban on what?
4. What state legislature this week approved medical marijuana for the chronically ill and its governor said he would sign it into law? (HINT: It’s the 14th state to do this but one of the few on the East Coast.)
5. What state has had such cold weather in the last week that both its major orange crop and its iguanas (which fell out of trees when they were too cold to hold on) are in danger?
6. One hundred-year-old Miep Gies died this week. She was the Dutch woman responsible for saving whose diaries in 1944?
7. What country had a major earthquake registering 7.0 near its capital Tuesday?
8. The Supreme Court refused to hear a case this week about a student in Texas who wanted to do what?
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Week of Jan. 11 – 15, 2010
E-mail me with your answers, OK? First one with all correct answers gets choice of Hershey's chocolate product.
rickburd@cox.net
Questions:
1. What former vice presidential candidate is now going to be a television news contributor?
Extra credit: Which channel?
2. What comedian, moved to prime time from late night in September, will be pulled from that spot before the Olympics begin in February?
3. A trial got underway this week to try to overturn California’s Proposition 8, which is a ban on what?
4. What state legislature this week approved medical marijuana for the chronically ill and its governor said he would sign it into law? (HINT: It’s the 14th state to do this but one of the few on the East Coast.)
5. What state has had such cold weather in the last week that both its major orange crop and its iguanas (which fell out of trees when they were too cold to hold on) are in danger?
6. One hundred-year-old Miep Gies died this week. She was the Dutch woman responsible for saving whose diaries in 1944?
7. What country had a major earthquake registering 7.0 near its capital Tuesday?
8. The Supreme Court refused to hear a case this week about a student in Texas who wanted to do what?
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Friday!
This Friday at six o'clock in the cafe, the theatre department is holding a Dinner Theatre. It's thirty dollars for a four course gourmet meal and two plays. Both plays are comedies and, if I do say so myself, hilarious! Our class has been working on them for weeks and they are being fine tuned this week. I'm directing one of them called "Twitch". It's about strange neighbors moving in next door and things not being quite what they seem. The second show is The Keystone Knights, directed by Sarilda Grantham. It's about three bumbling knights and an easily annoyed dragon. So please tell your friends and family to come support the theatre department by coming to our Dinner Theatre!
Janaye Campbell
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Janaye Campbell
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Wrestlers place well at Round Valley
The Round Valley wrestling tournament, which took place on January 8-9, wound down to a close with three Wickenburg wrestlers receiving medals. Sophomore Austin Uecker for the 119 weight class placed 3rd in the A Bracket. The lower bracket, B, saw both sophomore Dakota Downing (130 lb) and junior Josh Nelson (125 lb) place 4th.
The results (wins-losses) for the first day are as follows:
119- Austin Uecker: 4-1
125- Josh Nelson: 2-3
130- Dakota Downing: 4-1
135- Dylan Prevost: 3-2
140- Blayke Davis: 2-3
160- Tyler Wickham: 4-1
171- Dalton Hayes: 5-0
189- Bobby Campbell: 4-1
215- Carlos Molina: 1-4
Wickham was seeded 7th in his weight class, Hayes was 8th, Uecker was 2nd, and Bobby Campbell was 4th.
Results for the second day are:
Uecker: 3-1 (3rd place, A Bracket)
Nelson: 2-2 (4th place, B Bracket)
Downing: 1-3 (4th place, B Bracket)
Prevost: 0-2
Davis: 0-2
Wickham: 0-2
Hayes: 1-2
Campbell: 1-2
Molina: 0-2
The team will travel to Parker on January 16. Don't forget that the one and only home meet is on January 27!
Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
The results (wins-losses) for the first day are as follows:
119- Austin Uecker: 4-1
125- Josh Nelson: 2-3
130- Dakota Downing: 4-1
135- Dylan Prevost: 3-2
140- Blayke Davis: 2-3
160- Tyler Wickham: 4-1
171- Dalton Hayes: 5-0
189- Bobby Campbell: 4-1
215- Carlos Molina: 1-4
Wickham was seeded 7th in his weight class, Hayes was 8th, Uecker was 2nd, and Bobby Campbell was 4th.
Results for the second day are:
Uecker: 3-1 (3rd place, A Bracket)
Nelson: 2-2 (4th place, B Bracket)
Downing: 1-3 (4th place, B Bracket)
Prevost: 0-2
Davis: 0-2
Wickham: 0-2
Hayes: 1-2
Campbell: 1-2
Molina: 0-2
The team will travel to Parker on January 16. Don't forget that the one and only home meet is on January 27!
Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Surviving the first week back
Well the week is officially over and we all survived as far as I know. I personally think that this past week was rather easy, but waking up early wasn't all that exciting.
Next week be prepared for the teachers to start slamming down huge work loads again. After all, fun wasn't intended to last forever. Also, note that next week in Algebra II on Thursday in Ms. Webb's class there is a unit test. So study up.
Enjoy your weekend people.
Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Next week be prepared for the teachers to start slamming down huge work loads again. After all, fun wasn't intended to last forever. Also, note that next week in Algebra II on Thursday in Ms. Webb's class there is a unit test. So study up.
Enjoy your weekend people.
Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Robert F Kennedy Award for high school journalism
I absolutely believe that there are several students in our class who could win one of these highly prestigious awards. What an honor it would be for any student to be selected by this marvelous organization and to receive national recognition for your journalism efforts.
Check it out at this site. You must scroll down to the high school category for an application. Deadline for submission is January 28.
Also, please keep the articles and photos coming to both the blog and our on-line newspaper. If you're unfamiliar with either of these two sites, please ask one of your colleagues.
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
Check it out at this site. You must scroll down to the high school category for an application. Deadline for submission is January 28.
Also, please keep the articles and photos coming to both the blog and our on-line newspaper. If you're unfamiliar with either of these two sites, please ask one of your colleagues.
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
Enrichment time change
I heard from a couple of teachers that the Advisory Enrichment was going to be extended to an hour by taking five minutes off of all the other classes. I think that sounds pretty cool. I mean, by the time roll gets taken and everything, the class is half over.
And then there is the Cross Country, Dance, and Yoga classes too. Once they get changed into their work-out clothes and do their warm-ups, they only have a few minutes to do their main activities before getting changed again. An hour is a much better idea.
Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
And then there is the Cross Country, Dance, and Yoga classes too. Once they get changed into their work-out clothes and do their warm-ups, they only have a few minutes to do their main activities before getting changed again. An hour is a much better idea.
Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Wrestling meet at Mingus
(Right: Tyler Wickham gets his opponent into a "cradle" for the pin. Photo by Tori Wickham)
The wrestling team traveled to Mingus Union High School today for the Yavapai County Multi. Teams in attendance were WHS, MUHS, Chino Valley High School, Prescott High School, and Bradshaw Mountain High School. Team scores are as follows:
WHS: 24 vs. CVHS: 43
WHS: 6 vs. MUHS: 74
WHS: 0 vs. PHS: 81
WHS: 42 vs. BMHS: 18
Weight classes and individual scores (wins-losses) are:
119-Austin Uecker: 3-1
125-Josh Nelson: 0-4
125-Josh Nelson: 0-4
130-Dakota Downing: 2-2
135-Dylan Prevost: 1-3
140-Blayke Davis: 0-4
160-Tyler Wickham: 2-2
171-Dalton Hayes: 3-1
189-Bobby Campbell: 2-2
215-Carlos Molina: 1-3
The wrestler with the most pins for this meet is sophomore Austin Uecker with three pins. Seniors Tyler Wickham and Dalton Hayes are close behind with two pins each. Wickham had the fastest pin at only 20 seconds.
The team leaves tomorrow at 3:30 pm for the Round Valley Tournament, which is about a six hour drive away in a van. The tourney is held on Friday and Saturday. They will lodge at Round Valley for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and return home on Sunday.
Mark your calendars! The only home wrestling meet of the season is on Wednesday, January 27 at 2:00 pm. Come and support your Wranglers!
Who's teaching whom?
I just finished watching a fascinating movie. It's a movie I never would have watched if I weren't a teacher. I watched it because one of my students in the journalism class listed it as her favorite movie of all time.
This type of educational experience happens to me quite often. I'll find a student talking about a book he read or a CD she listened to or a web-site he visited. Whenever I follow up on the tip, I always find myself experiencing something marvelous. I learn. I learn something new, interesting and unique.
Teachers often consider themselves the dispensers of knowledge and students as the empty vessels to be filled. That is a monumental error. High school, or any school for that matter, is a learning community. We are teaching each other. We are all collaborators in the educational process. I learn from you; I hope you learn from me.
And so, I highly recommend the movie 8 Seconds.
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
This type of educational experience happens to me quite often. I'll find a student talking about a book he read or a CD she listened to or a web-site he visited. Whenever I follow up on the tip, I always find myself experiencing something marvelous. I learn. I learn something new, interesting and unique.
Teachers often consider themselves the dispensers of knowledge and students as the empty vessels to be filled. That is a monumental error. High school, or any school for that matter, is a learning community. We are teaching each other. We are all collaborators in the educational process. I learn from you; I hope you learn from me.
And so, I highly recommend the movie 8 Seconds.
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
Sport Over looked
OK, so most of us hate the cheerleaders. Which is fine and also something to be expected, but did you know how hard those girls work out? It's nothing compared to say track or softball, but the amount of physical activity and also the amount of time they put into staying in shape almost, well , shocked me. I don't know if the cheerleaders deserve respect, but they do deserve some credit for what they do.
Amanda aliser
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
Amanda aliser
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Apologies from Camacho
I don't know if you have noticed but Alexandra Camacho is no longer in our class because
she switched out. She feels pretty bad about it. I know it sounds weird coming from me and not from her personally, but she sends her apologies.
I hope you guys all had a great break !
Amanda Aliser
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
she switched out. She feels pretty bad about it. I know it sounds weird coming from me and not from her personally, but she sends her apologies.
I hope you guys all had a great break !
Amanda Aliser
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
My New Year's Resolution.
In case some of you don't know, I take part in the nastiest of habits... a very common yet lethal habit. Yes, I am a smoker. No, it wasn't peer pressure that dragged me into it, nor was it an act for attention.
My whole family smokes, and research shows if both parents smoke, you're most likely going to smoke, also. (I'm not blaming them; it's just statistical probablilities).
Smoking is a disgusting habit; I wish I never got into it. I can tell it has made a negative impact on my health. I can't run very long without struggling to breathe; I can't laugh too hard because I will go into a coughing spasm; and I can't go to sleep until I have a cigarette before bed.
I want to share with you HOW BAD smoking and it's addictions are. So when my parents didn't know I smoked, I would go around my yard looking for half smoked butts to finish off. I would go at this for hours until my craving was satisfied. I would go completely mad if I didnt have a cigarrette; in fact, I still do.
I am not proud of smoking. When I'm in public, I'm embarassed to light up, but my craving for nicotine pushes past my embarassment. I go through a bottle of perfume per month to try to cover up the smell and sometimes it doesn't work. I hear people say "OMG, someone smells like an ashtray!"
Guys, this stuff hurts. Addiction doesnt care who you are, how old you are, or how important you are... Addiction will pull any one in at anytime. It doesnt care if you want to or not; it doesnt consider your feelings. ADDICTION WILL CATCH ANYONE! So for my new year's resolution, I am going to try my hardest to quit smoking!
My whole family smokes, and research shows if both parents smoke, you're most likely going to smoke, also. (I'm not blaming them; it's just statistical probablilities).
Smoking is a disgusting habit; I wish I never got into it. I can tell it has made a negative impact on my health. I can't run very long without struggling to breathe; I can't laugh too hard because I will go into a coughing spasm; and I can't go to sleep until I have a cigarette before bed.
I want to share with you HOW BAD smoking and it's addictions are. So when my parents didn't know I smoked, I would go around my yard looking for half smoked butts to finish off. I would go at this for hours until my craving was satisfied. I would go completely mad if I didnt have a cigarrette; in fact, I still do.
I am not proud of smoking. When I'm in public, I'm embarassed to light up, but my craving for nicotine pushes past my embarassment. I go through a bottle of perfume per month to try to cover up the smell and sometimes it doesn't work. I hear people say "OMG, someone smells like an ashtray!"
Guys, this stuff hurts. Addiction doesnt care who you are, how old you are, or how important you are... Addiction will pull any one in at anytime. It doesnt care if you want to or not; it doesnt consider your feelings. ADDICTION WILL CATCH ANYONE! So for my new year's resolution, I am going to try my hardest to quit smoking!
Resolutions
Things have changed as 2010 has approached. Many Americans make a new years resolution to start off the year right. So what are your resolutions? All the classes have had all the kids answer all the same questions, what did you do for break and what are your new years resolutions? But many of the teenagers don't conduct these kinds of goals. In many ways resolutions could be a great way to start off the year, and everyone should make one of them.... BUT not everyone does. Should we all be making these? Anyways, whatever your resolution may be, I hope that all they all work out and have a great 2010!!!!
Caitlin Farrington
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
Caitlin Farrington
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz
Friday, January 1, 2010
The Final Story
I just wanted everyone to know that I am still in this class, but just as a T.A. I have told Hannah that I will finish out the stories I have been assigned, but will not be continuing with you all this next semester.
I hope you all had a great break! I also want to wish you all a great semester.
Shelby Bishop
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
I hope you all had a great break! I also want to wish you all a great semester.
Shelby Bishop
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.
New day, new year
Greetings, staff. Welcome back.
It is a delight to have so many marvelous students in one class! I hope you had an incredibly splendid Christmas break.
There is much to learn, and there is much to do. Hannah, Lucy and Shayna are going to need your stories ASAP. Your guest teacher, Ms. DiSciascio, is quite familiar with journalism. She should be able to give you some wonderful insights.
Take advantage of the writer's club for their photos, poems and stories.
InDesign CS4 has some very helpful instructional videos. I put a link on our links column (left).
Work together as a team, and stay focused on the goal: a WHS newspaper that you can be proud of.
See you in a few weeks. If you need me, I'm at rburd49@gmail.com.
Thanks so much,
R.Burd
It is a delight to have so many marvelous students in one class! I hope you had an incredibly splendid Christmas break.
There is much to learn, and there is much to do. Hannah, Lucy and Shayna are going to need your stories ASAP. Your guest teacher, Ms. DiSciascio, is quite familiar with journalism. She should be able to give you some wonderful insights.
Take advantage of the writer's club for their photos, poems and stories.
InDesign CS4 has some very helpful instructional videos. I put a link on our links column (left).
Work together as a team, and stay focused on the goal: a WHS newspaper that you can be proud of.
See you in a few weeks. If you need me, I'm at rburd49@gmail.com.
Thanks so much,
R.Burd
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