TOP: Chris Berroth, in the black shirt, learns how to properly anchor the Expedio-nary Medical Support Hospi-tal.

BOTTOM: The base where the hospital is bening built. In the background are the shacks of the Haitian people. (Photos provided by Kansas Air National Guard)

Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 In our 80th year of publIcatIon

Futuristic views from SHS students/ pg . 4-5

The truth behind senioritis/ pg . 3

Issue 7 - 2009-10

SEAMAN HIGH SCHOOL4850 NW Rochester Rd.Topeka, KS 66617

As tragedy strikes, America’s heroes rise to the surface. When the Jan. 12 earthquake hit Haiti, Chris Berroth an ‘05 Seaman alumni, was one of the courageous to step forward.

When Chris’ parents, Bob and Karen Berroth, first learned of Chris’ decision they were ultimately concerned for their son’s safety more than anything.

“Bob and I had all these questions running through our minds. At first, no one knew what the unit would be doing, where would they be sent, and would it be safe there? There were still aftershocks taking place, and some Haitians were fighting with weapons for food and water. Would our soldiers be confronted with those issues?” said Mrs. Berroth.

Because of the conditions in Haiti, communication with home is rare. “We have spoken with Chris. He says it’s really bad over there. One can’t tell quake damage from poverty. He says it’s really sad when the kids come up to the fence begging for water, and the soldiers can’t give them any. They only have supplies enough for themselves and if they handed out a couple of bottles, the area would be mobbed by thousands of people.

Therefore, nothing is handed out. That’s left up to others that are

Tragedy strikes, heroes emergeby Ashley CraftCO-EDITOR

responsible for distribution,” informs Mrs. Berroth.

Chris’ responsibility as part of the National Air Guard is all about construction. For 150 days, from 5a.m. to 7p.m. he’ll be helping whenever he is needed. As of right now he’s working on expanding one of the medical triage facilities in Port-au-Prince.

Chris placed his life on hold to go to Haiti to help others rebuild their lives.

“Chris is attending Pittsburg State University, majoring in Construction Management. By volunteering for Haiti, he sacrificed attending spring semester at PSU. He was scheduled to graduate in the Spring 2011. However, now his graduation date will depend on what classes will be available for him next fall,” said Mrs. Berroth.

In the end Mrs. Berroth explains how pleased she is of her son’s recent decisions. “Not only is this an enormous responsibility, but a magnificent learning experience. Chris is involved with something, which will remain with him for the rest of his life. This is something he wanted to do, to help others. That’s why he signed up with the Air Guards and that is why he volunteered to go to Haiti.

When Chris expressed his wishes to help those in Haiti, which meant putting his life on hold, as parents, there is only one word that best describes how we feel. ‘Proud’.”

National Honor Society’s recent Adopt-a-Family was able to raise $100 from two bake sales in Janu-ary. NHS members also supplied the family with numerous clothes, toys, and games.

Snows affect school daysby Mandy SchimidtleinFEATURE EDITOR

Snow days this winter have already taken the long weekend in April. Many have asked if the weather gets bad again resulting in more snow days, will there be more school to make up?

According to Assistant Principal Dustin Dick, “We could miss another couple of days before we would have to do anything like cut into Spring Break. Since we are covering the days we missed a while back instead of having the scheduled long weekend in April, we can handle missing another day or two if it were to happen without worrying about making up school.”

Congratulations to the SHS debate team for advancing out of the four-year speaker regional tournament for the third year in a row. They also broke the single season trophy count and reoord for most medals in a season.

Feb. 26- SHARP Improv. Assembly during seminar.

March 1- All Spring sports begin.

March 8- Blood drive 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sophomore Haylee Good shows off her “sweet” moves at the recent Viking Variety Show held Feb. 10. (Photo by Trevor Kelly)

by Casey CarpenterCLIPPER INT ERN

USD 345 has planned $30,000 in budget cuts at Seaman High School for the 2010-2011 academic year. Principal Ron Vinduska says additional cuts will be experienced at the middle school level and will be seen from the basketball court to the teacher’s lounge. At this point, these cuts are guaranteed, but more may be implemented by April.

“These cuts must be made no matter what,” Vinduska says, “Next year we will stop receiving a new facilities state reimbursement of nearly $300,000 for the addition of the freshman center, but cuts without cutting people will be made first.”

The elimination of all field trips and a 7 period day are being considered, as well as no bus transportation for students living under one mile from their school. Students involved in high school athletics may also be presented with a pay-to-play option. This could mean paying up to $700 per person, per sport. “This would no doubt decrease student athletic participation,” Superintendent Mike

Budget cuts begin as district waits for legislative decisionsMathes says.

With rumors floating around Seaman High School hallways and North Topeka neighborhoods, Mathes states that the worst case scenario would be up to $1.5 million in cuts to the district with a $238,000 minimum budget reduction.

“These would be really painful cuts,” says Mathes. “We hope to carry $200,000 worth of savings from this year, but if that goal cannot be reached it could mean another $200,000 worth of governor implemented cuts by next year.”

Over $100,000 will be eliminated in coaching contracts, and this could result in up to 30 eliminated coaching or sponsor positions. Without these positions, some non-varsity sports will also disappear.

“People think cutting sports and supplemental contracts for coaches and sponsors will take care of all budget problems, but this is not the truth. Supplemental contracts only make up 1.1 percent of the budget,” Mathes and Vinduska agree.

Mathes has testified in front of the House Taxation Committee, the Senate Education Committee, and met

with representative Mike O’Neal, and he encourages those concerned with budget cuts to speak their minds as well. Mathes suggests contacting legislative members or governor to let them know that they currently support increased tax revenue that will result in further budget reductions in schools. “Tell them further budget cuts will not be tolerated,” Mathes suggests.

Many may be wondering with all the budget cuts, what will be happening to the sports in the 2010-11 year? Luckily there is only one sport being cut as of now which is, sophomore boys basketball. All Centennial League schools are making that cut.

Instead of cutting sports, expect other changes. All Centennial League freshmen, JV and Varsity boys basketball games will be played on

Sport transportation changes; one sport cutby Peyton MichalskiSTAFF WRIT ER

Tuesday and Friday nights. For both boys and girls, all three teams

will ride on fewer buses to and from away games. The only games/matches that will have an announcer will be all Varsity sports and JV wrestling. Swimming, surprisingly, is the most expensive sport per athlete. Every year, it costs $8,500 to rent out the pool at the YMCA.

Expect more change at the concession stands. Instead of getting paid from the school, workers are going to get paid from the group that is earning the profits from the concession stand.

For questions and comments concern-ing budget cuts and changes, contact the Kansas State Legislature at 1-800-432-3924 or send an email to an area rep.•Kansas House Representative, Rocky Fund: rockfund@hotmail.com•Kansas Senate Representative, Laura Kelly: laura@laurakelly.org•Or even email the governor by following this link: http://governor.ks.gov/comment

Check out pg 4-5 for future district plans.

News FEB. 19.2010

Co-Editors Christina Butler, Ashley CraftFeature Editor Mandy SchmidtleinStaff Writers Karisa Kirkendall, Peyton Michalski, Erin Sumner, Krysten Purkey, Lacey Cowan, Sydney Sloan, Tyler GarstPhoto Editor Trevor KellyPhotographers Paige Nicolay, Tyler Moon, Kaylee Bervert, Erika Workman, Victoria By rum, Ashley DeLorge, Jordan Messbarg er, Sheridan Daniels, Rachel Hutchings, Rachel Clarke, Brooke HarrisWeb Masters Tyler Moon, Justin ChristianAd Manager Morgan SimpsonCartoonist Caitlin Wienck Adviser Kelly Neiman

NHS students make senior citizens shineby Karisa KirkendallSTAFF WRIT ER

Elaborately dressed high school students, who have forfeited their Sunday afternoon plans to be at McCrite Plaza, spread out to talk among the senior citizens. The dance floor consists of both students and the golden-agers dancing to the 1950’s music that renders through the room. The senior citizens’ eyes reveal laugh lines from big smiles as high school memories flow through their heads.

Both Seaman and Hayden’s NHS were hosting the Senior Prom. Instead of meeting the McCrite residents in the “Pub,” (ballroom), the NHS students had to knock on each of the seniors’ door in the plaza and invite them personally to the Senior Prom.

“The best part about hosting the dance was not even the dancing,” said NHS sponsor Mrs. Kelly Muxlow, “It was seeing the NHS students conversing with the elders that were there. It seemed almost natural and worked much better than I thought it would. The students put out a great effort and the residents really enjoyed it.”

All participants worked to make it a memorable afternoon for the seniors.

“My favorite part about was getting to dance with one of the senior citizens, Frank,” says NHS president Kaitlin Pukach, “They were all so cute and seemed to be really happy we were there.”

NHS plans on hosting a senior prom at McCrite Plaza as a yearly event.

Prom dress exchange offers inexpensive alternative

by Sydney Sloan

STAFF WRIT ERA lot of girl’s will spend hundreds

of dollars on prom dresses to wear just once because who wants to be a “dress repeater”. Shawnee North Community Center offers a new alternative to the

Prom theme revealedVIKING VOICE:Who is your ideal prom date?

Savannah Skoch, 9- “Taylor Lautner.”

Dylan Kadous, 10- “Erin Greenwood.”

Paige Nicolay, 11- “Andy Samberg.”

Mack Owen, 12- “Tony Nelson.”

by Sydney Sloan STAFF WRIT ER

This year’s prom theme could be described as unusual and mysterious. Fancy dresses and a nice suit are common attire for prom, but this year students will be needing a new accessory. Masks!

“We chose masquerade ball as the theme this year because it hasn’t been done at this high school in a long time and

we thought the concept of masks would be different,” said Junior class sponsor Natalie Wolfe.

“A couple months ago we met with junior class reps and decided on [the theme] together,” said Wolfe.

The date for prom is April 24 so mark it on your calendar, grab a mask, and put on those dancing shoes!

(FRONT ) Allison Farr, daughter of Jon and Laura Farr; Jess Sowards, daughter of Keith and Linda Sowards; Alyssa Carver, daughter of Todd and Kim Carver; Alex Patterson, daughter of Kris Etzel and Rene Patter-son; Kaitlin Pukach, daughter of Terry and Walt Pukach. (BACK) Michael Swobda, son of Tegan and Cindy Swoboda; Matt Searcy, son of Doug and Nancy Searcy; Bryce Campbell , son of Drue and Mich Campbell; Alex Crume, son of Larry and Nancy Crume; James Adams, son of Joy and Alex Hoover

ETHAN WURTZ, Kaylee Bervert , Rebecca Manis, Tessa Graf, Adrianne Ralston, Ashley Miller and Krista Akers sit and talk with some of the senior citizens at the NHS Senior prom. (Photo by Ashley DeLorge)

hectic dress searching. Susan Hentzler,

center director, and Mary Yadon, recreation leader, offer a prom dress exchange for girls looking for new dresses on a tighter

Prom Dress Exchange

March 61-4 p.m.

budget or just not wanting to spend a whole lot for one night.

March 6 will kick off the first year for the prom dress exchange. It was established as a spring program for the community center.

The way the exchange process works is that there will be booths and tables set up to display the dresses that girls bring in, sort of like a garage sale setting.

The girls can either price their dresses or merely swap dresses with another customer. Shoppers can also win door prizes such as tanning and hair dressing.

“It’s a cheaper alternative than going to the store or for girls who are done with dances and want to clean out their closets,” says Mary Yadon. The exchange will be on March 6 from 1-4 p.m.

“I have daughters that buy dresses and they’re only worn once or twice and some were getting together with friends and swapping dresses for a change so this is a good alternative for girls on a budget,” said Yadon.

Compiled by Morgan Simpson

OpinionFEB. 19, 2010

To submit a letter to the editor, the letter must be 300 words or less in length. All cor-respondence must be signed.

The Clipper is published every three weeks by the students of Seaman High School.

The goal of the staff is to report school and community news and suggest ideas for im-provement. We welcome your opinions and will do our best to publish what you have to say. Views in this newspaper do not always represent those of the staff, faculty, or the school board of U.S.D. 345.

The Clipper reserves the right to edit or refuse publication of material that is li-belous, obscene, invading privacy, infring-ing on copyright or disruptive to the edu-cational process of Seaman High School.

Submit letters to the editors

by Erin SumnerSTAFF WRIT ER

For most students at Seaman High School it takes a lot of self-control

not to text during school and to keep our cell phone off during the day. It’s not fair that other schools in Topeka get to have their cell phones at least a little bit, while SHS has to keep them turned off.

But the administrator and staff has been deliberating making some changes in the policy, allowing use of phones on during lunch and passing period.

“The decision for this will be made in a couple of weeks after it goes to the board,” says Principal Ron Vinduska.

After speaking with Mr. Vinduska, his opinion is that cell phones should be turned off during school hours.

However, the administration is in the process of examining the policy on getting to have them during lunch and maybe passing periods. The only problem with this privilege is most students don’t know when to draw the line.

By this Mr. Vinduska means

by Mandy SchmidtleinFEATURE EDITOR

Every student has a lot of things to look forward to when becoming a

senior. There’s always that feeling of power and being the oldest in the school, having that front row at the games, the thought of high school almost being done, and then there are the shortened schedules.

Seniors have the choice if they want to take a shortened schedule their second semester, or if they want to finish the year off with a full schedule. Some students, if it works with their schedule, will most likely take a few hours off.

According to counselor Steve Alexander, “I’m all for seniors getting to have shortened schedules if that student has worked hard and done well then they deserve it. But if the student is going to take only one or two classes then hopefully, it’s for a good reason like a job or something, not just taking time off to sit around and watch television all day because then when they’re in college next year there will be a rude awakening

student’s text other students in class or forget to turn phones off before they get to class.

According to math teacher Mr. Don Rich, “Phones should be like mine during the school hours, off.” If he could change one thing it would be that if the phone accidentally goes off it shouldn’t be taken to the office. The teacher should politely ask for it to be turned off. But since the rules this year have not changed, he will take a phone away if he sees it.

Junior Haleigh Tenpenny’s perspective is, “It sucks not being able to have our phones like everyone else. But if we got our phones during lunch and passing period, I would be able to handle it and turn my phone off.”

Sophomore Patrick Abbott’s opinion “ I don’t mind if a cell phone goes off during a class. It doesn’t bother me at all.”

For those of you who absolutely have to have your cell phones, don’t get your hopes up yet, but there may be a possibility of getting to use them a little next year.

There should be exact answers to this discussion in a few weeks when Mr. Vinduska meets with the board.

Cell phones need to be allowed during school day

and they’ll regret not challenging themselves their senior year.”

Many choose to take mornings off and sleep in, while others prefer to come in the morning and leave earlier in the day. Others are at school all day just like everyone else, such as Josh Newland for example.

“I don’t have a shortened schedule because my dad doesn’t want me starting bad habits. I just love being at school all day long and studying as much as possible and cramming my brain with information. But if my dad would’ve let me, I most definitely would have taken some hours off.”

Just about every senior that has a shortened schedule has nothing bad to say about it. According to Allison Farr who takes mornings off, “I like being able to get extra shut eye so Mr. Brown doesn’t hit my desk when I fall asleep in his class.

Evan Arnold takes 8th hour off and enjoys her time off as well. “My favorite part about getting to leave school early is I can go run errands that I need to do, or go home and sleep, and I don’t have to watch Channel One!”

Seniors enjoy privilegeof shortened schedules

What if everyone’s conversations were released to the public? What if the horrible things you told someone in confidence was public knowledge?

Game Change by journalists Mark Halperin and John Heilemann did just that, by releasing politicians’ private conversations for the public to view.

With the 2008 heated campaign came discussions that many did not hear about until Game Change came out. Nevada’s Republican Party Chairman Harry Reid is under fire currently for referring to Barack Obama as “light-skinned with no Negro dialect.”

Many politicians are urging Reid to step down from his position for his unwise words.

As it shouldn’t come to any surprise bystanders commented within the book to Hilary Rodham Clinton’s reaction to her losing Iowa as a “bitter and befuddled reaction.”

Staff members assigned to Sarah Palin were quoted saying “Palin was mentally unstable.”

Another controversial topic is John Edwards’ infatuation with video maker Rielle Hunter who was “freaky, wildly inappropriate and all too visible,” towards Edwards. Rather than help his wife Elizabeth who has cancer his pull towards being with other women is all too public.

‘Game change’ shakes world of politicsby Ashley CraftCO EDITOR

Game Change has shaken up the world of politics and this is just the beginning. Within the next couple of months we should know more about whether or not Harry Reid will step down and if Sarah Palin is really going to run for the 2012 election given the comments she made and the comments made against her within the book.

Book review

by Lacey Cowanstaff writ er

Each year another senior class graduates from every high school in America, and each year some seniors do

Senioritis ‘affliction’ takes toll on grades, ambition

not graduate because their lack of motivation, A.K.A senioritis.

According to collegeboard.com, every year, colleges rescind offers of admission, put students on academic probation,

or alter financial aid packages as a result of “senioritis.”

Also, admission officers pay close attention to performance during senior year.

1. Maintain a challenging course load

2. Enjoy your senior experience- responsibly!

3. Keep a calendar of your activities and deadlines.

4. Don’t obsess over college admission’s processes.

Tips to stay on track

the last year of high school

Veteran political reporters John Heilemann and Mark Halperin write “an intimate portrait of the candidates and spouses who (in our judgment) stood a reason-able chance of occupying the White House.”

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:Where do you see yourself in 10 years?“ I see myself moving some-where warm, and maybe married.”-Laurel Boyd, 9

“I see myself as the next Vana White.”-Tyler Bushnell, 9

“ I see myself mar-ried, being a nurse and living in Law-rence.”-Michelle Treiber, 10

“I see myself out of Topeka, graduated from college, making big bucks and hope-fully starting a family.”-Alyssa Carver, 12

“I see myself helping high school students explore the wonder-ful world of music.”-James Adams, 12

“When I die I want to be on a billboard that says ‘ This is the birthplace of Skyler Schmidt’ on I-70.”-Skyler Schmidt,12

“I see myself owning a res-taurant some-where in Kan-sas City, and making lots of money.”-Calvin Lundin, 10

“I see myself definately not in Kansas, work-ing as an engi-neer, probably married and no kids.”-Corbin Reed 10

“I see myself opening my own slicky store.”

-Zac Mesecher, 11

“I see myself going to law school, liv-ing in Colorado, hopefully married with three girls and I will name them April, May, and June.”-Kathryn Brooks, 11

“I’ll probably be dead, or trav-eling from school to school teaching kids how to play COD at a professional level.”-Trent Johnson, 11-Alex Patterson, 12

“I see myself married and being a medi-cal scientist in Topeka, no kids yet.”-Julie Ungerman, 10

“Lead guitar for my band Department of Corrections.” The openers for my band will be Avenged Sevenfold.”-Patrick Abbott, 10

“I see myself being a pediatric nurse at a hos-pital, Not sure where at. Living in a small town house with my two dogs. I don’t ever see myself being married but that could change.”-Sam Minihan, 10

Very few people would be able to give a year-by-year plan complete with costs on the next 10 years of their life. However, Seaman school board is able to give a complete map of the plan for the district up through the year 2019.

The plan was established to guide the district’s construction plans from 2008 until 2019. After the Freshman Center was completed in 2008, the next project that the district planned was the Logan transformation into an elementary school. Then in 2009-2010 the elementary schools were changed in order to better accommodate student needs.

A 20-year agreement has been made with Washburn Institute of Technology (formally known as Kaw Area Technical school) that will allow Washburn Tech. to build “14 to 20 single family homes,” says superintendent Mr. Mike Mathes. Washburn Institute of Technology will pay $1 per year for the land and after the 20 years all property not developed will be returned to Seaman.

This agreement not only benefits Washburn Tech., but also the SHS students. “If any of our students enroll in the [construction] program they will be involved in the construction,” says Mr. Mathes.

begin construction on four classrooms and a multi-purpose room addition at West Indianola.

2016-2017 There are plans to build a new middle school

on the land next to Northern Hills. The current Seaman middle school will then be remodeled into an elementary school.

“[Since the bond will have been paid off] to build the new middle school, a new bond issue will be passed,” explains Mr. Mathes. Also, in the school year, additions to Elmont, North Fairview and West Indianola have been planned.

2018-2019The final school year for which the timeline has

been extended to is 2018-2019. This is when the 7th and 8th graders will move into the new middle school. Then Pleasant Hill students will be moved

by Christina Butler

by Lacey CowanSTAFF WRITER

Each year the United States invents another technology device that American citizens would have never thought of ranging from a G.P.S. on a cell phone to televisions in a car… so what’s next; a car that runs by a voice-activated device or never having to leave your house to go to class?

Christine Borgman, a professor at UCLA Grad School and Information Studies of Education, predicts in the year 2015 classrooms will not exist. Borgman believes school will consist of simulations, remote virtual labs and data visualizations, which means students and teachers will interact through virtual visualizations. Borgman refers to this as “cyber-learning”. Cyber-learning is defined as; learning that is mediated by networked computing

Constitution-World Wiki: globe and a map-U.S.A. Presidents: information on all the

Presidents-Star Walk: virtual tour of the universe-Formulae: provides math formulas-Recorder: ability to record lectures-Scientific and Graphing Calculators-Notes: take notes, receive and send notes

to students or classmates-Classics: book reader-iHomework: quick interaction between

students and teachers, gives courses and due dates.

All together the cost of the iSchool Initiative including costs of these applications and the iPod Touch is $212.91.

and communication technologies.Abilene Christian University in Texas already

has a head start. ACU is the first university in the nation to provide iPhones and iPod touches to receive homework alerts, answer in-class surveys and quizzes, get directions to their Professor’s offices, and check mean and account balances.

Travis Allen, a 17 year old ‘go green’ savvy from Georgia, has proposed an idea that could change education forever. Allen came up with a plan called The iSchool Initiative where students would be doing homework through an iPod Touch. Allen’s research shows us how we can communicate to teachers through an iPod Touch with applications such as:

-Email: send and receive assignments-Chemical Touch: exlplains elements on a

periodic table by touching it-U.S. Constitution: digital application of the

into the remodeled Northern Hills Elementary School. Rochester students will be divided into West Indianola, North Fairview and Northern Hills elementary schools.

USD 345 has been estimated to grow from 250-270 students per grade level to 300. The additions and remodeling work planned will accommodate the needs of the expansion. By the year 2019 the school configuration will be one high school (grades 9-12 having 1000-1100 students), one middle school (consisting of 7th and 8th grades with 500-600 students), five elementary schools (300-400 students each), and one alternative school (40-50 students).

All of the changes that are expected may leave taxpayers worried; however Mr. Mathes explains. “Additions will be financed through lease purchase arrangements,” said Mathes, “[That means there will] not be a significant tax raise.”

Student encourages paperless schools

School board’s 10-year plan keeps district on track = elementary buildings

= middle school/jr. high buildings

= Seaman High School

6- 8:30 p.m.

March 1 Reading W-19

March 2 English W-5

March 8 Math W-10

March 9 Science N-15

“I see myself not in Kansas, I want to be a broadcast journalist. I just want a good job living somewhere warm.”

“I see myself with a masters degree in genetics and Chemistry work-ing at a Universi-ty with a wife and three kids.”-Tyler Mezger, 11

2011-2012In 2011 or 2012 the school board plans to

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:Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

“I see myself liv-ing in Califor-nia working as an animator at Dream Works Studio, possi-bly married, no kids!”-Ciera Dowd, 11

“I see myself still at KU trying to be a pe-diatrician, and maybe married.”-Kimberly Meader, 10

“I see myself in the busi-ness world in a big city in the U.S, married with three or four kids.”-Jennifer Lonjin, 11

“I love my mom, so most likely in my mom’s basement, If I’m not traveling around the world and enlightening people with my colorful personality.”-Madison Kramer, 11

“I see myself liv-ing in Lawrence some sort of Doctor, married, and having kids.”

-Logan Skoch, 11

“I see myself living in Colorado, being a lawyer, married, and no kids yet.”-Riley Propps, 10

“I see myself as a teacher, mother of two, married, Hopefully living some-where around North Caro-lina. I will have purchased a house and have many

“I see myself as a doctor living in New York in a loft with 2 dogs, mar-ried and no kids.”-Alex Sumner, 9

“I see myself as a radiologist living in California, in a small house with one dog and en-gaged.”-Wyatt McKay, 10

”I see myself as a teacher married, no kids.”-Ashlie Newton, 10

“I see myself with one Chinese baby and mar-ried. Also touring with the New York City Ballet.”-Abby Lechner, 10

“I see myself as a nurse, married with three kids and a steady job with a wonderful husband.”-Sandra Hubble, 11

“I see myself being married, having two kids and being a manager of a hotel or ca-sino.”-Kasey Hiltgen, 11

“I see myself living in a fairly big house with a great husband and two kids.”-Jessie Fienhage, 12

“I see myself working as a psychologist and possibly married and living in a big city like Chicago or L.A.”-Meagan Sayler, 11

“I see myself mar-ried with a few kids and a big house in a warm state.”-Ashley Homer, 11

“Successful and not in Kansas.”-Colton Teske, 11

“I see myself as a pharmacist and married with kids.”-Danielle Slawson, 11

“I see myself be-ing a preschool teacher and mar-ried with one kid.”-Brecken Wienck, 11

Compiled by Krysten Purkey

Textbook revolution?

by Tyler HuddlestonCLIPPER INT ERN

Sophomore Brenna Morgart’s book bag weighs in at 20 pounds. Her bag contains two textbooks, three notebooks, a reading book, and her pencil bag. Yet the weight of backpacks may be reduced tremendously in the classroom of the future.

E-books, such as the Apple iPad and the Amazon Kindle, have taken center stage in the technological world. The iPad will be available in late March and students will be able to download their textbooks onto this revolutionary device.

With the iPad weighing 1.5 pounds and the Kindle barely 10.5 ounces, these kind of devices would reduce the load in Brenna’s book bag to around 10 pounds.

“My back hurts after school most days,” Brenna said. “If something could make my book bag lighter, I would try it.”

A book bag should weigh 10-20 percent of a person’s body weight according to doctors at necksolutions.com. Consistent with this data, Brenna’s book bag should weigh around 15 pounds.

“If I could lose those 10 pounds, my back probably wouldn’t hurt as much,” Brenna said.

Not only are these e-books going to make the weight of book bags lighter, they are also going to make it easier for students to study.

Imagine having all textbooks and notes taken in class all on a one-pound machine that has Internet access and the Microsoft Office package. The iPad and Kindle might just replace textbooks, note taking, and laptops all in one swipe.

“It would be really cool to have everything just there on one thing,” said Morgart.

The only problem with these tablets is the battery life. The tablets have up to 10 hours of life, so students would have to make sure they charge their devices every night for the eight-hour day ahead of them. Students plugging

in their computers during lectures and disrupting the rest of the class may bother some educators.

The Apple iPad comes enabled with the App Store. Some of these Apps include Classic Books and Textbooks ranging in prices. But other Apps could include games and shortcuts to websites like Facebook and Twitter.

Educators have to be aware of the apps that the iPad offers for users. Students may get bored in class and use their tablet for uses that teachers wouldn’t approve of or surfing the web for things not related to class.Apple has already created this problem with their iPods and iPhones.

“When class gets boring, I usually play games on my iPod,” said junior Ethan Beckett.

Schools would have to be wary of the cost of these hi-tech machines. The price of these tablets could widen the gap between the poor and the rich in schools, because with budget cuts and the state reducing funding in educations, the underprivileged students wouldn’t be able to have an e-reader.

If schools went all digital the books would have to be printed off for these students and the prices for the technology fee here at Seaman High would most likely go up. The fee now is $7, but printing off massive e-textbooks would make the cost skyrocket.

“We spend as much as we need to spend,” commented Principal Ron Vinduska, when asked about the current paper budget.

Expect lots of unanswered questions as the newest gadgets hit the classroom nationwide sometime this March. Only 1.5 pounds of information-packed technology.

Wouldn’t that make Brenna’s back happy?

iPad, Kindle change classroom

-Star Walk: virtual tour of the universe-Formulae: provides math formulas-Recorder: ability to record lectures-Scientific and Graphing Calculators-Notes: take notes, receive and send notes to students or

classmates-Classics: book reader-iHomework: quick interaction between students and teachers,

gives courses and due dates.

All together the cost of the iSchool Initiative including costs of these applications and the iPod Touch is $212.91.

According to Allen, the average cost per student with books, papers, writing utensils, book bag, and calculators is about $600.

with iPod additions

FEB. 19, 2010Features

Blood Drive @ SHS

March 8

8 a.m.- 3p.m.

by Krysten PurkeySTAFF WRIT ER

As children when asked the question “ What do you want to be when you grow up?” The usual response was princess or Superman. As the years have gone those big dreams have changed to nervous shakes about growing up and leaving the safety net of Seaman High School.

Many colleges in the Kansas have college visits for juniors or seniors to come and check out their campus. Colleges like KU, KSU, and WU are having spring visits for juniors.

by Christina ButlerCO-EDITOR

Flowers, chocolate, and teddy bears make most people think of Valentine’s Day. It’s a day that often brings thoughts of love but the history behind it is not necessarily a happy one.

It all started in 270 A.D. when the emperor of Rome, Claudius II, outlawed marriage. This law was created because Claudius believed that married men were hesitant to leave their families during times of war, thus making them poor soldiers.

Also, during this time Claudius had outlawed Christianity because he wanted to be “supreme god.”

There was a bishop during the time who was named Valentine. Valentine believed that everyone should be free to worship God and be married. Young couples in the area would come to him where he would perform secret weddings.

Day of love has historic significance

by Christin ButlerCO-EDITOR

Imagine growing up in a family where kids come and go. Just when the new children become accustomed to life in the new family, they are moved to a different home. Most people couldn’t imagine a life in which kids come for short periods of time and then leave; however, this is how it is for foster families across America.

One of SHS’ students, Raiven Knight, knows the feeling all too well of new children joining her family for short periods of time. The experience of being part of a family who participates in foster care all began for Raiven several years ago. When Raiven’s mother was unable to financially care for Raiven and her brother and sister, her grandparents became her adopted parents.

“My grandparents started doing foster care seven years ago,” said this sophomore. “Kids will get pulled from their families to try to keep siblings together, but if they can’t they have family visits once or twice a month,” explains Raiven.

At any given time the family has two to three foster children, based on foster care policies.

Student in the Spotlight:

When Valentine was caught he was brought to Claudius ll. The emperor tried to persuade Valentine to leave Christianity and serve the Roman Empire. If Valentine renounced his faith, he would be pardoned.

However, Valentine held to his faith and refused to denounce Christ. The emperor sentenced him to a three-part execution; beaten, stoned, and then decapitated.

Before his death, during his time in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailer keeper’s blind daughter, Asterius. While imprisoned, a miracle occurred and Aserius regained her sight.

The farewell note that Valentine sent to Asterius was signed, “From Your Valentine.” He died February14, 270, but his tradition of love is still celebrated.

So what started as an upsetting day has evolved into the kind of day that St. Valentine believed in, one filled with love between couples.

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College visits attract students

by Karisa KirkendallSTAFF WRIT ER

If you’ve seen the movie “He’s Just Not That Into You,” then you will find similar qualities in the new hit movie “Valentine’s Day.”

This movie contains about two dozen actors/actresses, including Jessica Alba, Bradley Cooper, Patrick Dempsey, Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift, Ashton Kutcher, Jamie Foxx and much more.

These people play the role of Los Angeles citizens who are seeking romance during the most “lovey-dovey” day of the year: Valentine’s Day.

Throughout the movie, the character’s stories mesh together and reveal secrets that will, indeed, shock the audience.

Instead of having all happy endings, there are stories that end in

Movie Review

To register for a visit, go to the chosen colleges’ website, or talk to a counselor. For some colleges there is a cost, but this includes meals and a t-shirt.

At a college visit the day is very structured. Check-in, usually included is a tour of the school and departmental tour. A look through the dorms and dining halls is also included. Through all of this, a parent or guardian and a tour guide generally are in attendance.

“College visits are a very good way to figure out what you are looking for in a college and to see where you fit in,” said counselor Steve Alexander.

“When I’m 16 we will be able to have four kids at a time,” Raiven said excitedly.

The children who usually come to the family range from infant to five, but the family has a 12 year old now. The longest time that Raiven’s family has had a child was two and a half years.

“A few years ago we had two little girls, Alexis and Natasha, and it was hard watching them leave,” said Raiven. “It’s hard not to get attached.”

Some foster families adopt the kids, but mostly children leave foster homes to be placed in new foster homes, adopted, or returned to their parents. “When they [the children] are adopted we can keep contact if their parents allow it.”

The organization that Raiven’s family works with is DECCCA. “The DECCCA agency does quite a bit with the kids especially around the holidays.

From the experience Raiven has most learned, “how to adapt and that love (or was it life) is crazy,” she says.

Will Raiven be a foster parent as an adult she enthusiastically replied, “Yeah, probably, it’s fun. It always keeps the house busy.”

Student’s family reachesout to kids in need

Home sweet home

disappointment. I think it makes the movie more realistic that not everyone ends up having a Valentine’s Day of their dreams.

I would rate this movie four out of five stars, because it was highly

entertaining and kept the audience on edge while mysteries unraveled.

If you’re looking to see a movie with comedy, romance, drama and tragedies, then “Valentine’s Day” is a suitable choice.

For mix of entertainment,check out ‘Valentine’s Day’

“. . .the character ’s stories mesh together and reveal secrets that will , indeed, shock the audience. “

SportsFEB. 19, 2010

Need a dress for Prom? Visit the Shawnee North Community Center dress exchange

March 6 from 1p.m.-4p.m.

by Tyler GarstSTAFF WRIT ER

The Lady Vikes are pushing strong in league play shooting for a Centennial league title. They are 8-1 in league heading into close match-ups with Manhattan and Emporia (Emporia being the only league loss). Playing well lately, the lady’s travel to Manhattan tonight for a showdown at the top of the Centennial league.

Going into tonight’s game, the Ladies have been on a roll, winning their last three games. Senior Erin Greenwood said, “We’ve been working harder and communicating more which has really helped.”

Finding themselves second in the league, there is no pressure being felt. “We like being ranked high, it gives us something to play for,” commented

Lady Vikingscontinue success

Final week of Boy’s Swimming Season

SPENCER Vanderbogart goes up for the shot during practice while scrimmaging teamates Adam Gill and Tyler Ward.

by Lacey CowanSTAFF WRIT ER

As the season wraps itself up, the Vikings head to Manhattan to take on 5A opponents, the Manhattan Indians. The last few years the Vikes struggled against this team no matter if they won or lost.

Senior leader Spencer Vanderbogart knows they have a tough game ahead

Vikings anxiousto take on Manhattan

of them. “They got good shooters,” said Vanderbogart. But the team hopes to keep up their hard work.

When asked what his team’s key to success is Michael Swoboda, one of the five starters, has no problem answering, “It’s our team’s togetherness.”

With high hopes to pull off another victory tonight, Vandy says, “Every game matters!”

Greenwood.Losing is not an option for the Vikings.

Junior Haleigh Tenpenny said, “We need to keep talking and playing together in order to win these next couple of games.”

by Tyler GarstSTAFF WRIT ER

Heading into the last week of the season, the swimmers are making it

“We’re really knocking our times down and getting more state consideration times.”

happen. Winning in their Bonner Springs meet and placing fifth in the Emporia meet, momentum is building.

As of late, the swim team has been qualifying more swimmers to State. “We are working better in practice,” says Junior Myles

Wyer.The team has a good amount of state

qualifiers and that number has been rising over the last couple of meets. “We’re really knocking our times down and getting more state consideration times,” says junior Devin Wittmaier.

Heading into state the swimmers are prepared and looking forward to competing. “I’m really looking forward to it. I am confident we will do well.”

The boy’s are in action Friday and Saturday at the 501 Natatorium for State.

Devin Wittmaier

Swimmers hit home stretchLast chances to earn State times

“We’ve been working harder and communicating more which has really helped. .”

ErinGreenwood

JACOB ISAACSON, junior, prepares to swim the relay at Hummer. (Photo by Kim Meader)

Illegal Holds

1 or 2 points

The wrestler can score points if his

oponent does an illegal move.

Sports FEB. 19, 2010

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Stalling

1 or 2 points

Not allowed. Avoiding wrestling by not

attempting to score.

by Tyler Garst STAFF WRIT ER

Undefeated yet that is still not good enough for the boy’s varsity bowling team. Some close calls have driven them to perform better and pull together as a team. Rolling through the last two weeks the Vikes are back to the lanes Feb. 24 at Gage North.

The Vikes are improving on spares more and more each meet.

Senior Michael Kanicki says, “Spares are

Bowlers determined to be bestby Tyler Moon

WEBMASTER

Tomorrow the Vikes travel to Shawnee Heights for the Regional Tournament, where the top four will move on to state which is next Friday and Saturday at the Wichita Intrust Center.

The Viking wrestling team headed to Emporia last week for the Centennial League Tournament.

Senior Steven Cooksley and junior Cole Schreiner both placed first. Senior Sam Blindt and junior Brett Simmons placed second. Senior Hunter Garrett placed third and senior Adam Tignor along with freshman Nate Stanley placed fourth. The team finished fifth out of 10 teams.

one of the most important elements in bowling. Sometimes it’s the difference between first and second.”

The team has been improving on spares each week. Junior Tate Lawson explained, “We have been more focused in practice and it has paid off in a couple of our close games.”

Each meet the Vikes get better. If a team member doesn’t do their best, the others pick him up. “That’s what drives us,” commented Kanicki. “We never give up. We have been having a really good season so far.”

For the amateur spectator, wrestling can be

confusing to watch. Just how do wrestlers earn

those points? To help develop better spectators,

the wrestlers demonstrate some of the major

ways points can be earned in a match.

Takedown

2 points

The opponent is taken down from a

neutral position (both standing up) to

the mat. The Viking gains control by

getting behind and on top of him.

How to Score Points in Wrestling

Escape1 point

The wrestle on the bottom escapes from

his opponent.

Reversal

2 points

The wrestler goes from the bottom to

the top position.

Near Fall

2 or 3 points

If the wrestlers opponent is on his back

and almost pinned, for 2-4 seconds it is

worth 2-points. If it is for 5 seconds or

more then it is worth 3 points.

No photo available

Wrestlers geared upfor Regionals