paw print February 21, 2012 Jefferson High School Volume 4, Issue 2

weatherFebruary 21, 2012AM clouds, PM sunHi: 70°Low: 52°10% Chance of Rain

Spring TAKS testing

Simply Romantic Prom 2012

by Cassie VanWey

Yearbooks On Sale

Yearbooks are now on sale for $45.00. Please see Mrs.Phill ips in Room 110 for purchase.

Majorette Tryouts

Tryouts will be held in the month of March. The specific date has yet to be set.

Strutter Tryouts

New Strutter sponser, MrsAmanda Turner, has announced that tryouts will be held on March 10. To those planning to try out, we wish you Good Luck!!

News - pg. 2Opinion - pg. 3Sports - pg. 5Photos - pg. 6Ads - pg. 7 & 8

Index

Spring is just around the cor-ner, and TAKS is in the air. As the date draws nearer, students are diligently preparing for the most important tests of the year. Faculty and staff have a high opinion of how the tests are going to go as do many of the students.

Many students feel good about their chances of passing and even making Commended. Supportive administrators and teachers feel the same way.

Junior Michelle Rivers ex-plains that the junior class in particular is “going to do great.” She went further stating that the juniors are “smart on their own and very hardworking.”

In regards to the individual tests, many junior students and teachers feel that their strongest potential lies in reading and writing. Others

believe that math would be their strongest. The general consensus does seem to be that the science test will pose the greatest chal-lenge.

As for social studies, TAKS teacher Mrs. Duncan feels very confident. “They’ve been work-ing really hard. They’ve been identifying different civilizations and have been using various graphs, charts, and maps,” Mrs. Duncan said.

The senior class will not be taking the test. Many seniors are actively looking forward to TAKS week. During this week, other things will occupy their time such as preparing for col-lege and catching up on other class work.

Senior Reba Vanderventer comments on her first year not taking the test. “I’m glad. I feel like this is the first year I really don’t have

to worry about failing.” When asked about what she’ll be do-ing, she said she doesn’t really know but looks forward to the relaxing time regardless.

There is also the idea for a reward day. In the past, rewards have been given only to students who made commended on one test. Principal Evers has been aiming to offer a reward day to all passing students.

“I believe the students this year will not only achieve last year’s standard but go above. I was planning on having a water day last year, but it just didn’t work out.” If he had been plan-ning such a reward day then there may be the potential for one this year.

Mr. Evers had one last thing to add. “Bulldog students are definitely the best. I know they will live up to every expectation placed on them.”

by Kathryn LeBell

Tuxedos and crowns, high heels and tiaras; the excite-ment of prom fills the minds of the juniors and seniors of 2012.

This year’s theme for prom is Simplistic Romance; colors are light blue, silver and white. Prom will be held at the Carnegie Library in downtown Jefferson, Saturday, April 14, from 8pm to 11pm. Tickets are $25 for a junior

or senior; how-ever, there will be no charge for their dates.

There will be rules and guidelines at the prom. Students must be registered as a freshman and be at least 14 but no older than 20. Prom coordinator Tammi Whittington will be enforcing these rules.

“No unnecessay skin should show.

Girls and guys should dress ap-propriately.” Whit-tington said. “If you fail to abide by these rules, you will be turned away at the door.”

Senior Alma Jo Shipman is caught up in all the excitement of prom.

“I think it’s a really good thing,” Ship-man said. “Every-body gets to dress up

and feel beautiful.”

The students are busy preparing for prom: the perfect shoes, the perfect dress, the perfect guy, and the perfect night. As the juniors and seniors prepare to leave this school, they plan to make as many good memories as possible, and the perfect way to do that is PROM.

2take

notenews briefs, events, & activities

February 21, 2012

cale

ndar

mar/apr/may news

March

5th TAKS Retest

7th - 9th TAKS Retest

12th - 16th Spring Break 21st Sr. Girls’ Tea

26th – 29th STAAR

April

6th Good Friday

9th Cycle 6 starts

12th Report Cards

14th Jr./Sr. Prom

24th - 27th TAKS Retest

May

7th-18th STARR test

23rd Awards Assembly

Ask the Dawgs

FreshmanJ’kia George

SeniorJennifer Westbrook

The band members are preparing for their Universal Interscholastic League (U.I.L.) challenge that awaits them March 1, 2012. They are determined to do the best they can to show off all the hard work and dedication they have put into this program.

The contest will take place in Mount Vernon, and it is earlier than in years past, forcing students to work harder to be prepared.

The band director is counting the days, trying to get the students on the level they need to be.

“I`m excited about it. I think we`re on pace to do real well,” band director Dave Polk said. “We will just keep preparing until we are all comfortable with what we`re playing.”

Many students are confident they are on

track to performing at their very best. “I think we`re doing pretty good preparing

for contest,” sophomore J.D. Smith said. “We are getting better and better each day.”

Some aren`t so confident, but they are hoping to get a lot more practice in before the day of contest.

“I feel like we are not ready, but we are getting there,” junior, Kirsten May, said. “There needs to be a lot more fixed before contest arrives.”

Other people are confident in the band`s ability. These people have watched the band grow ever since the beginning of the year.

“I think the band has done a great job this year. They sound better every day. They have great potential, and I believe they will do well at their contest,” Principal Craig Evers said.

S e n i o r b a n d m e m b e r s are more ambit ious than they have been in past years. This is their last year, and they want nothing less than first division.

“Band has always been a big part of my life. I hope that the band will do their best if not for themselves then at least for us. This is my last year, and I would really like to finish it as a first division band,”senior Grace McDonald said.

The band`s hard work and diligence will not be in vain.

Band 2012

Q “It’s going okay for now. We

don’t really get to partake in anything because of all the

rules we have. We understand that we are supposed to be

learning, but we can have fun while doing

it. I would also like to give a special thanks to Mr. Jones. He

thinks highly of students.”

A

This semester, at the request of the students, the newspaper staff has provided students with the opportunity to voice their opinions and make themselves heard. JHS is full of students

with brilliant thoughts and ideas who deserve to be recognized, and that is exactly what we are going to do. For our first edition, we started off with very simple questions for the students. Senior

Jennifer Westbrook is looking for a little freedom while freshmen J’kia George is very thankful for our wonderful, student success oriented teachers that we are lucky to learn from.

“How is your year going so far?” Q “What are some

changes that you would make for Jefferson High

School?”“We need to be

served better lunches and have bigger portions and also be able to use cell phones. Our teachers need updated computers. We should be allowed to wear and show piercings and tattoos. We aren’t hurting anyone by it. We are just expressing ourselves in a different way.”

A

By: Tatyana Howard Reporter

By: Casey Galbreth

opinion _____ 3February 21, 2012

Speak OUT

“I was walking down the hallway once and saw this girl sitting on the floor crying after another girl called her ugly. I didn’t know what to do, so I just walked away.” Dalton Wolverton

“I’ve never been bullied, but I have seen it. I try to stop most of it, but sometimes it’s hard to just step in.” Daylon Johnson

“You shouldn’t bully anyone for any reason. It’s just wrong to even play around like that.”

Ashly Lawson

It wasn’t that long ago when Jefferson High School was considered an open campus. The last class to have the privilege of having an open campus was the class of 1986. When a campus is considered “open,” the students are allowed to leave campus for a brief time, usually 30 minutes, to eat lunch or relax away from the school. Some teachers are against the idea of having an open campus. “I don’t think having an open campus would be the best idea. There would be a possibility of students getting hurt while they were off campus,” Mrs. Stephanie Robinson said. Other teachers aren’t necessarily opposed to the idea of having an open campus. “The high school I went to did not have an open campus; however, I wouldn’t have a problem with ours being open,” Mrs. Terry Lee said. “I think it’d be a great idea. Students need a time of relaxation,” Mrs. Collie said. Several students would be ecstatic if the campus were opened up. “I think the campus should be opened. It would be a time of relaxation for the students,” Ronnie Bueche said. Some students don’t think having an open campus would be a great idea. “It would be very hard to get back to class on time,” Morgan Smith said. No matter your opinion, the students and faculty would benefit from having an open campus. by Dalton Wolverton

Students at Dairy Queen (1982)

TV monitors are a great source of information and entertainment at JHS. Students think they’re cool and interesting. The teachers think they’re instructional, informative, and technologically advanced. They are being used to show what happens in class and

also other activities. Some students think that TV monitors should show U.I.L events and the announcements in the morning. “I think it’ll be good if a group of students get together and update the TV monitors every day,” Mr. Peteet said.

Baseball, track, and other activities should be shown on the monitors. “I think the news, the stutters, and the cheerleaders should be on there and more of what the students are doing around the school,” Morgan Smith said. by Shilah Friday

M o n i t o r M a k e o v e r

Bullying has become the hot topic for many schools in the last few years. Though it has been exaggerated by the media, some will say that it isn’t as big of a deal as it seems. Students and teachers give opinions on bullying, and they almost never agree. Teachers may never see what the students see and likewise for the students. Report bullying to authorities.

Bullying

Students at JHS speak out about the effects of bullying.

By: Morgan Smith

4 _________featuresFebruary 21, 2012

Bulldog Once Again

Eight years ago the Strutters were started by Mrs. Evers. Under the direction of Mrs. Evers, the dance line proved to be an amazing organization. She scheduled practices every day to make sure that everybody got the dance down before the pep rallies. Mrs. Evers enjoyed being able to teach her students different dances. How-ever, the eighth year included some changes for Mrs. Evers’ schedule and commitments. It was difficult for her to have the time she needed to be with the

squad. “I didn’t want to quit; it was just that there was a lot going on,” Mrs. Evers said. It was a big surprise for this year’s squad when Mrs. Evers gave them the news that she had to quit. The Eighth Line was hurt by this, and with emotions this high, many of the girls had something to say. “I really don’t like it because it’s going to be a change since Mrs.Evers isn’t going to be over us anymore,” junior, Kailon Jackson said. “I wish she would have waited till the end of the year to quit,” junior, Deja Smith said. There will be a Strutter line next year with a new lead-er named Amanda Turner who will continue to bring out school spirit for the dance students. Miss Turner will contribute new techniques and different dances for the girls to do at the football games. There will always be a memory of Mrs. Evers start-ing Strutters and involving students in another activity.

Strutters Strut On

After Mrs. O’Neil’s emotional retire-ment, the high school counselor’s posi-tion was filled by Mrs. Cheryl Sterrett.

She comes to us from her previous employment at Timpson High School. With 17 years in education behind her, she is ready and willing to start fresh

here in Jefferson.

“I love Jefferson!” Mrs. Sterrett said.

This is her third time participating in an administration that is represent-ed by a Bulldog mascot. The thought of being a Bulldog once again makes her feel more at home. A workplace that feels like home makes things eas-ier and more serene. The atmosphere makes things simpler to understand.

The staff and administration at Jefferson support Mrs. Sterrett 100 percent.

“Mrs. Sterrett is an awesome, hard worker, and she is very optimistic,” assistant Sissy Mauldin said. “She shows up at six o’clock in the morning almost every morning; she loves the kids.”

Mrs. Sterrett’s main goal is to let the students know that she is here for them. She wants the students to

feel like they can come to her about anything and everything. Once all the paperwork is complete, and she is finally settled in, she plans to make frequent trips around the school to visit the students and teachers.

“It is all about the students. Every-thing revolves around them and their education. I cannot wait to make them feel more important and to let them know that the staff and administration are here for them,” Mrs. Sterrett said.

Mrs. Sterrett also said that she has never worked in a place that was so student-oriented.

“The students do not realize or see what goes on outside the classroom. There is a lot of effort that is put into making Jefferson what it is,”Mrs. Sterret said.

With that said, Mrs. Sterrett will be a great addition to the administration at Jefferson High. She has wonderful ideas in store for the future.

Reaching for the stars is a highlight story for the students that have gone above and beyond to score high on the ACT.

The ACT, American College Testing, is a standardized test consisting of four parts: reading, English Language, science, and mathematics. Each test is timed, and grades are based from 1 to 36 with the average composite score or whole num-ber average of the individual tests being approximately 21. Here at Jefferson High School, we have several students that scored in the higher range from 29 and above.

“In order to receive a high score on the ACT, a student should work hard in their current classes, strive to achieve a top score, and make great use of the study guides available. Teachers at Jefferson High School are wonderful resources for attaining a high score on the ACT,” counselor Cheryl Sterrett said.

Among these students is senior, Morgan Wallace. Morgan took the test a total of three times. She prepared by going to the counselor and taking practice tests.

“I would like to think I could get higher, but I don’t want to sit through it again,” Wallace said.

Next among the students interviewed is, senior, Zack Pow-ell. As far as preparing for the test, his only comment was “Listen in class.”

Last, but by far the least, of the students is junior, Kathryne LeBell. She prepared by going to the school library and tak-ing advantage of the ACT study books. She took the test three times. By taking the test multiple times, her composite score dramatically increased.

“I went to the library once a week at least, and I advise taking the test multiple times to allow for the highest score you can achieve,” LeBell said.

These students and others like them show that with effort and discipline anything is possible. These students will have the chance to go to nearly any college they would like, show-ing that hard work pays off in the end.

By Peyton Pierce

Reaching for the Stars

by Taira Edney

by Alma Shipman

sports 5February 21, 2012

There’s nothing soft about it

The first official practice for softball started January 20, Friday, ending at 5:30 p.m. “I think it went incredible. The girls worked really hard. It was like a college practice. Everyone was getting after it. It was a great start to our sea-son,” Coach Robinson said.

The Varsity softball team had their first scrimmage against Linden Kildare, February 3. They came out of the sev-enth inning with a win. “We’re a very young team, but I see a bright future ahead of us for the season and hopefully we see playoffs,” junior, Jade Turner said.

The J.V. team has yet to play but are optimistic about their future victories they hope to obtain. “ I’m very confi-dent in our team. I know we’re going to do great, and I’m extremely optimistic,” freshman, Morgon Smith said.

By: Helena D Westphal-Franklin

2012 Varsity 2012 J.V. Team Micah Ames, 10th Grade Nikki Nelson, 10th Grade Jaylie Abernathy, 9th GradeRobin Capps, 12th Grade Tyler Roberson, 10th Grade Kayla Belanger, 9th Grade Kenocha Epperson, 11th Grade Olivia Smith, 11th Grade Jodie Belknap, 11th Grade Merideth Eppler, 10th Grade Jade Turner, 11th Grade Emily Castleberry, 9th GradeRameha Green, 10th Grade Kahlia Ervin, 9th Grade Taishia Holt, 10th Grade J’Kia George, 9th GradeSamantha Kidd, 10th Grade Chelsea Jones, 9th Grade Kristin Leblanc, 11th Grade Mindy Moore, 9th Grade Amanda McGahen, 12th Grade Morgon Smith, 9th GradeCanstance Mosely, 12th Grade Tatyana Howard, 9th Grade Kaitlyn Whatley, 11th Grade Helena Westphal-Franklin, 10th Grade Trista Johnson, 10th Grade

Coach Brian Malone is leading the

Bulldogs to the playoffs with an over-

all record of 17-7, and in district they

are 8-2. In second place behind Tatum,

they have three games left to prove that

no matter what they are still the best.

Everyone is rooting for the Dawgs to go

all the way this year and come back as

state champions. GO DAWGS!

“We are doing exceptionally

well in district and making prog-

ress in practice and in our games.

We are thankful to have the support of

our family, friends, and school support-

ing us,” said junior, David Police.

“As my first year of being on varsity,

I would have to say that the Dawgs are

going all the way this year. We work

very

hard in

practice

which shows when we play in games.

I am very thankful to be a part of this

team and having the opportunity to

play with the boys. I know with God

watching us we can achieve many things

on the court,” sophomore, Devin Hodge

said.

Basketball on a roll...

Track team 2012 has started off on a good foot and is looking forward to a fantastic season.

Monday through Thursday this year’s track practices will be held at the Jerry Bennet Football Stadium four days week.

The track students have al-ready begun lifting weights and running to get into shape with help from Coach Chuck Lee and

Coach Willie McCoy. This year’s first track meet will start in Paul Pewit.

The Dawgs are looking for their first win of the season.

“From seeing some that are run-ning this year, I believe there is a good line-up, and that we’re go-ing to do great this year,” sopho-more, Peyton Pierce said.

“Even though we have lost some of our best runners, I think we will still have a chance at regionals,” sophomore, Jonathan Mathis said.

Through the past years, Jeffer-son has placed in all their district meets and even went to Austin and placed in regional’s.

By;Jason Mathis

G o i n g t h e D i s t a n c e

By: Tatyana Howard

photo op 6 February 21, 2012

Bulldog Pride Students at JHS are keeping busy this second semester. Baseball tournaments, softball games, track meets, and power lifting meets are filling up the schedules of students across all grade levels. With the baseball/softball season just beginning, both teams are working hard to get in shape and prepare for the district games. Meanwhile, the track team is practicing every day after school and working towards their first meet. The boys’ basketball team continues to push themselves as they play deeper into the play-offs. In the classroom, students are studying hard and preparing for the TAKS and STAAR tests that will begin in the spring. Whether on the field or in the classroom, it’s a guarantee that our students are always excelling!

Junior, David Police dribbles the ball in for two points at the basketball game against Joaquin. The boys took a win over Joaquin with a final score of 86-51. Left, junior, Kathryn LeBell practices hard in band. Far left, sophomore, Dalton Wolverton finishes his work in Coach Ep-pler’s world history class.

Top right: Senior Con-stance Moseley gets ready to hit a homerun at softball prac-tice. Below: seniors Carly Wall, Morgan Wallace and Dustie Swanson teach their third grade class..

7February 21, 2012

Bulldog Support

GO BULLDOGS!

Nash Trucking & Construction supports Jefferson ISD fromMicheal and Texie Nash

by Stacy HydeAds

February 21, 2012 photo opby Stacy Hyde8

Bulldog Pride

UniqUe gifts from aroUnd the worldSome items include: Himalayan salt rock lamps, bath soaps, souffles from Indonesia, essential oils for India goats milk soap lotion, Divas & Daisies brand of lotion and soap, handmade crosses, jazz candles, Jefferson Bulldog jewelry for all ages, picture frames and shirts, purses and billfolds, miche purses, baby clothes.

118 East Henderson Street Jefferson, Texas 75657 903-665-7055

Wedding creations We specialize in:-wedding cakes-wedding gifts-an-niversary cakes-tux rentals-shower cakes-specialty cakes-fresh flow-ers-grooms cakes-silk flowers-invi-tations We are a one stop shop for all your needs in weddings!