ECHOES Issue 2 | Volume 114September 2014

2014-15

ALECHOES.com

UpcomingEvents

The Independent Voice of Abraham Lincoln High School | Council Bluffs, Iowa | ALechoes.com

AL employs new grading policy

Oct. 10:

No school

Oct. 25 :

ACT Testing Day

Oct. 31:

Halloween

The 2014-2015 school year brings tons of new changes to our school. From the new people, rooms,

and teachers, to the new district policies. The new school year can be exciting for some, but the newly added policies might to be a huge wake up call to people.

The CB school district Committee of Board Members meets every five years to discuss changes in our policies. The board recently met before the start of the new school year, and decided that kids needed an extra boost. Nowadays, some kids go off to college and may find themselves stuck. The districts’ goals is to not only raise attendance and graduation rates, but most importantly to prepare kids for life after high school.

“We changed the policies because it’s the right thing to teach kids, so when they leave high school they are successful whether they chose a career or they choose to go to college,” Principal Todd Barnett said.

Critics claimed the retired district policies made it far too easy for students to slack on their

work. The old grading scale was typically based on a 30 percent practice task value and a 70

percent performance task value depending on the teacher. With the new policy in effect

practice tasks the performance/practice weight varies depending on the class. The new policy

challenges students to do more of their work, and in return it should result in an increased final grade.

“It will benefit our school because it makes people do their homework, before you didn’t have to do any homework and you could still pass,” junior Kevin Lin said.

The vintage attendance policy was abused by students on a daily basis and was becoming a huge problem for the school. The new attendance policy will ensure that kids develop better habits. It’s simple, 10+ excused or unexcused absences and you fall into a “pass-fail” status, however there’s an appeal process if you have an long term illness.

“It will increase our attendance and graduation rates because students have more of a responsibility and are obligated to go to class,” junior Joshua Johnson said.

The new policies are intended to prepare kids for life after high school, whether it’s a job or college, kids need to be ready. The Committee of Board Members will meet once again in five years, but until then the policies will remain in effect.

“When the policy changes were put in effect really it was what is best for the kids, they have to have academic skills, but they have to have professional responsibility and we would rather teach that now rather than waste it later,” Barnett said.

Tanner HochstetlerVisual Reporting Specialist

Science:60 % Performance40 % Practice

English:51 % Performance49 % Practice

Social Studies:55 % Performance45 % Practice

Mathematics:67 % Performance33 % Practice

Selected Electives

Foods:60% Performance40% Practice

Music:51% Performance49% Practice

Illustration By: Kelly Hickey

News2 EchoesNathan Vorce | News Editor

NHS hosts annual Walk for the Animals, 5K Run

AP summer assignments jump start classes

American Legion donations benefit ROTC

A lot of things have changed this year, but possibly the big-gest change is all the new teach-ers. It was time to say goodbye to the staff members that were known and get ready for the new ones to respect, and learn from. These new teachers teach many subjects such as english, math, social studies, foreign language and physical education. Though it may be a new school, some teachers may have not been ner-vous on their first day.

“I wasn’t as nervous as I’d thought I would be,” science teacher Kyle Gann said. “I’ve had a lot of meetings several days before so I was just ready to get started. I wasn’t really ner-vous I was more excited.”

Gann was a substitute teach-er last year at Thomas Jefferson High School. This is also his first year as a full time science teacher.

Perhaps the methods of teaching the students could be different than that of previous years. Some teachers trained in programs over the summer to prepare themselves for the up-coming year.

“I trained in Capturing Kids Hearts over the summer,” span-ish teacher Heather Hall said. “I also developed a social contract where the kids make up the rules for the class.”

Hall taught for 17 years in-cluding Thomas Jefferson High School before coming to ALHS.

This may not be a big deal seeing a couple new teachers. But there are more than a couple.

Even though hiring was

tough for the principal, he was not alone in the process.

“It wasn’t just me on my own,” Principal Todd Barnett said. “There was several people involved during the process.”

Barnett has been a principal since 1992, and has been princi-pal at AL for 4 years.

12 of the 17 new staff members are teachers. No mat-ter if they’re a teacher, a coach, a counselor, a custodian, or a registrar, or any other school em-ployee, they’re all here to make this school a better place by helping the students population in whatever way they can.

Recently the JROTC pro-gram at AL received a check from the American Legion to help with costs of drill meets, honor guard hats and color guard equipment. The grant was for $1000 and junior John Scheffler appreciates the support from the American Legion to their pro-gram.

“The grant for the program means a lot and offers assistance for the Corps and it also means

that we have outside support from people outside the school,” Scheffler said.

Junior Trevor Dicolandrea, who agrees with Scheffler that the funding shows outside sup-port from the community.

“The donation from the American Legion means that we are receiving outside sup-port from the Legion and it helps even more that since the govern-ment has decreased our funding for the program, that we really appreciate their assistance,” Di-colandrea said.

Dicolandrea also believes that, this has changed his mind-set on how the American Legion appreciates what the unit does to continue the start of dreams of

being involved in the military.“It helps that we receive

support from the Legion and that they respect what we are doing as a Unit,” Dicolandrea said.

Dicolandrea concluded by describing how the unit was cho-sen for the grant.

“All we did was apply for the grant and due to the past suc-cess of receiving grants from the Legion, we felt confident that we could get it again, which we did,” Dicolandrea concluded.

Scheffler and Dicolandrea agree that the donations from the American Legion not only help the Unit with costs of equipment but, the signs of respect from the ones who previously defended our country.

Students often find the sum-mer as a time to unwind, hang out with friends, and postpone the thought of school and home-work. However, a new summer homework policy has been put in place that requires a summer homework assignment for those enrolled in advanced placement (AP) classes. Any teacher who teaches an AP class was required to give a homework assignment at the end of the last school year to those who had enrolled in the

class. Most teachers view this summer assignment as an excel-lent way to set the tone for the class, and show how AP classes require extra work.

“(I gave a) two part assign-ment. The first part was to log twenty current events in a journal log, and the second was an essay topic of choice,” AP government teacher Bryan Pregon said.

Pregon, along with many other teaches, believe that hav-ing a summer assignment is ben-eficial to the students and their adjustment to the class and the work that goes along with it.

“My hope was to get them to understand current events and to get them connected with the class, so it can be easier to

learn,” Pregon said.Other teachers echo Pre-

gon’s belief about the summer work, such as AP Microeco-nomics teacher, Myron Wilder. Wilder believes that having the summer assignment has helped jump start his class.

“It sets the tone for the class, and covers some ground before-hand, so kids know a bit more about the class,” Wilder said. “There’s an expectation in an AP class, you’ll have to do work, and the assignment gets them used to that.”

AP Music Theory teacher Mark Mendell agrees with Wild-er’s sentiment.

“Summer assignments re-ally reflect the baseline for stu-

dent knowledge for the class,” Mendell said.

Some students have been in many AP classes prior to this year, and have had experience with AP summer assignments, such as senior Kahlin Dankiw, who felt the assignments were a big help.

“I feel like I was more pre-pared for the class rather than jumping in, sink or swim,” Dankiw says.

Overall, students and staff alike all agree that AP sum-mer assignments are beneficial to the class. They lay down the blueprints for what is required and expected. It allows the stu-dents to become used to the work needed for the class.

AL staff adds 17 new members

A 5K run isn’t as “ruff” as it seems when you’re rais-ing money for the Nebraska Humane

Society. The 25th Annual Walk for Animals and 5K run will be held this Sept. 28. The point of this event is to raise money that will go towards keeping the ani-mals healthy that are sheltered at the NE Humane Society. Ac-

cording to Gordon Krentz, di-rector of events, “Things like specialty surgeries, spay and neuters, microchipping, vacci-nations, medications, food and their every day while they are with us.” Those are just some things that the money being raised goes towards.

900 to 1000 people have registered to participate and are raising money to help the cause. You can sign up as an individual or you can join a dog pack. Dog Packs are teams of individuals who work together as a group to

raise money for the walk. They have to raise $1000 or more to become a dog pack.

This year’s animal mascot is a black lab named Buddy Wolterman. Buddy was adopted from the Nebraska Hu-mane Society after his owner saw him in the animal parade at the previous Walk for Animals. How does an animal become the animal mascot for that year? “The individual who raises the most money is given the honor of having their companion ani-mal be the Mascot for the Walk

for the Animals the following year,” Krentz said.

If you’d like to go check what this walk/run is all about, you can show up to the Nebraska Humane Society campus on Sept. 28. Registration begins at 8 a.m., the 5K run is at 9 a.m., and the walk is at 10 a.m. You can also donate now on the Nebraska Humane Society Walk for Ani-mals website. When you see all the animals running around you might say to yourself, “Who Let the Dogs Out?”

“Summer assignments really reflect the baseline for student knowledge for the class.”-Mark Mendell, AP music theory teacher

Cadet David Stephenson, Mr. Doug McGinnis, Lt Col Steve Ament, Mr. Virgil Steenbock, and Cadet Jon Scheffler. Photo submitted by Steve Ament.

Emma SeilstadReporter

Ethan ThomasReporter

Nathan VorceCo-Editor in Chief

Will SchademannSports Editor

Kelly HickeyReporter

Spanish teacher Heather Hall is one of the many additions to the AL staff. Photo by Nathan Vorce.

Arts &Entertainment 3Echoes Kendal Bainbridge | A&E page editorSeptember 2014

‘If I Stay’ impassions readers minds

Band marching to a different tunePhoto by Hailey Carson

Often times school activities and events not only promote learning, but they also endorse and encourage a strong sense of leadership and camaraderie. The AL marching band has tried to produce and emulate these positive ideas through a close relationship between march-ers.

“Leadership becomes an important role in march-ing band. You learn to build up leadership to pass on to future seniors, so they know how to lead the lower class-men,” senior Taylor Wood, Drum Major in the marching band said.

Although marching is an important component of a music program, it is only

a small part of a much larger musical agenda. Addition-ally, the publicized nature of this small part provides a stark contrast between other facets of a musical program.

“Marching band is dif-ferent from orchestra, con-certs, and solos. Marching band is when you’re out on a field competing against area and state teams. When you’re done performing, you feel a sense of pride,” senior Kevin Roark, Principal Trumpet in the marching band said.

Also, marching band of-fers a change in action in a school year; transitioning from more static activity to-wards a more operative form of learning and creativity.

“Marching band pro-vides a change of pace dur-ing the school year. It’s an active class and you get to be outside enjoying the fall

weather. In marching band, you’re able to reach a larg-er audience than any other component of the band pro-gram, so we make sure we do a great job,” Band teacher Mark Mendell said.

Sometimes it is easy to overlook the important les-sons that students learn while participating in activities, but understanding how to effec-tively manage and succeed is a priority in the highly in-volved process.

“Marching band is a very goal-oriented activity. All students are involved in working over the course of a trimester to build a visual and musical product. Learn-ing to play an instrument and march also develops a stu-dent’s understanding of how their part fits into the whole,” Mendell said.

One important compe-

Kendal BainbridgeA&E Editor

tition that members of the band attend during the year is the Waukee Marching In-vitational.

“Every year our march-ing band attends the Waukee Marching Invitational. It’s a huge competition and the bleachers are packed with fans who come to see all of the Southwest Iowa bands perform,” Wood said.

The judging process for the activity includes a specif-ic apparatus of officials who each look at a separate aspect of presentation.

“One judge only judges a specific thing. There’s a general effects judge, a pro-jection judge, and an ex-ecution judge. Sometimes we take chances that maybe one judge likes, but another judge doesn’t. It’s all about trying to find that happy medium,” Roark said.

Caleb HolderReporter

Don VinkenburgReporter

The Guardians take a standFilm tops Box Office with $16.3 million opening week

The end result of ac-complished marching and presentation is not the only definitive aspect of march-ing band. It can be defined as a collaborative effort of

judging, creating, and refin-ing that eventually results in what spectators see on the field and during competition.

Photo by Tanner Hochstetler

A fairy tale is spun withinthe book “If I Stay”; and a fairy tale of life is what Mia experiences; she has a wonderful pair of punk rock parents, a talented and ador-able little brother, an ever supportive best friend and a gorgeous guitarist boyfriend. She has gotten an audition to the school of her dreams, and has huge plans for her fu-ture, bright plans in fact, that include every one of those people.

Soon after Mia formu-lates all these plans though,

a fateful incident in the car with family occurs. Mia’s mother and father face im-mediate and tragic death in this automobile accident, but her little brother Teddy hangs onto life with desperation, and the reason why is un-known, and untold within the story. (Although Gayle For-man who is the author, states this was the inspiration to his tale). Teddy hanging on to life is one of the main things that keeps Mia from depart-ing from this world. There always have been life alter-ing choices, but which are correct to choose? Mia’s life

plans began to be shattered by these choices. The author plans theses choices step by step in a perfect rhythm that matches the intense pace of this story.

An out of body experi-ence drives Mia towards re-alizing who she is and what she wants to do. As in does she really want to stay true to her innermost cellist or does she want to become the girl she believes the world wishes to see. Does she really want to stay in her hometown with her rising star boyfriend, Adam, or go to her dream school Juilliard in New York?

The most difficult challenge she will have to overcome though would be the ques-tion of leaving everything she knows behind, and this keeps readers at the edge of their seats.

Mia experiences the worst of created sorrows, with those feelings chasing and constantly pulling her away from the rest of her friends and family. While this is happening, her best friend Kim, boyfriend Adam, and her Grandma and Gramps frivolously hope that she will stay. But when Teddy leaves, she begins heading closer to

infinity. In the end, there is only

one choice that will affect her, and it is the only choice to be made. The reader along the way has grown fond and attached to Mia and her fam-ily, so it is truly heartbreak-ing when she learns Teddy is gone, because the writer has created an attachment that binds the reader to the book.

Mia stays behind and contemplates whether or not she should leave or stay, and this draws the reader further inwards

“If I Stay” is the kind of page turner that creates feel-

ing with each and every word that procures within the pag-es and makes the reader think about their own life in retro-spect with tears of sadness in their eyes. Forman goes back and forth from present tense to the past in a way the is spellbinding and imagi-native, holding the read-ers interest with those bits and pieces. This is a story about love, loss and life, and pulls the reader down under alongside it. This fairy tale is beautifully woven with truth-ful words and incite upon the real story that inspired this book.

The next big Marvel movie isn’t directly linked to “The Avengers”, but this group of misfits are a force to be reckoned with. The Guardians of the Galaxy comic was first introduced to the world in January 1969; in the Marvel Superheroes is-sue #18, now 45 years later in 2014 it was finally made into a movie. It has reached number one in the box of-fice. Film critics have rated Guardians of the Galaxy the number one Marvel movie to this day with over $37.8 million collected from the box office. It got a rating of 92/100% by Rotten Tomato on the movie, Is it worth that? Or should it be worth more than what the review-ers gave it?

Let’s start with the Guardians themselves. Pe-ter Quill, the leader of the

Guardians who was played by actor Chris Pratt. Gamora, the most deadliest assassin in the Galaxy and daughter of Thanos who is played by actress Zoe Saldana. Drax the Destroyer, a warrior out to seek revenges is played by Dave Batista. Groot, a living tree who roams the Galaxy is voiced by Vin Die-sel. And Rocket Raccoon, well you guessed it, is a ra-coon. This is a fan favorite, voiced by Bradley Cooper. The character development for Star Lord is over the top. Everything every word, ev-ery scene that he is in only gets better and better. Peter was perfectly played and the choice for the actor that played him was nothing but perfect, no one could of done it better then Chris did.

The Guardians are five bandits that lived in the gal-axy and they all meet and come together to form the Guardians who become the saviors of the galaxy.

This is one movie you are gonna wanna watch even if you know nothing about the Guardians. It’s packed with plenty of action and more humor than you would ever believe. The movie may even make you cry if you like that kind of stuff in a movie. Each scene will have you on your toes and at the edge of your seat. The Guardians have a really big chance of having a cross over with the aveng-ers soon in the next movie or two. In the newer comics Iron man has quite a connec-tion to the Guardians of the Galaxy and there has been other small leaks leading to this so expect them to meet on the big screen something in the future.

Director James Gunn, who has brought a new side of things when he got to make his version of the Guardians movie. James has packed this movie with full of surprises, easter eggs and cameos that will have all marvel fans hap-

py as can be. When James is making a movie he is in a whole new mind set every time and he never thinks the same way. “I think that for me, making a movie is a little bit like a Nirvana song. It’s slow and long, and then big and fast, and slow and long, and big and fast. And I re-ally like those—sort of going from really small to really big.” One of the many quotes that he told the interviewer.

Will James Gunn’s be the director for the next Guard-ians movie? The answers is leaning too a big yes. James did an outstanding job with the first Guardians of the Galaxy and the second one will live up and be nothing but better and greater. At least that’s the idea of what was leaked about the new movie so far. Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is coming out in 2015, so hold on to your seats ladies and gentlemen and get ready for the next big sequel to come out!

Feature4 5Spread Designed By Jessi BorwickSeptember 2014

Looking Back: Students chill out for ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS, as it is more popularly known, has been getting a lot of attention from the media since early July. In an effort to raise money for the disease known as ALS the Ice Bucket Challenge was begun. The challenge was to either donate money for this cause or to dump a bucket of ice water on oneself. This strange sounding task was started by Pete Frates. Pete was a college baseball player for the Boston Blue Sox and was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2012. Today, he is blessed with the birth of his daughter and his beautiful wife. When Frates found out he had ALS he devoted the rest of his life to finding a cure and a way to raise money for this terrible affliction.

Sean VeazieReporter

This challenge went viral and not only flew through social media, it also went from celebrity to celebrity in their own videos. Not only have the celebrities raised awareness for this disease they have also donated a very generous amount of money. Some big names are Bill Gates, Jon Bon Jovi, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and the entire New York Jets team on top of countless others. Over $100 million in donations have been collected by alsa.org in the search for the cure. What exactly is Lou Gehrig’s disease? Many people do not know what the disease affects, who Lou Gehrig is or what the Ice Bucket Challenge was for. “Not that I don’t care about the cause, if I had money to donate I would, but I used this as an excuse to cool off with my friends”, said senior Lorenzo Beck. Breaking down its words reveals that “A” means “no,” “Myo” refers to “muscle,” while “Trophic” translates to “nourishment.” No muscle nourishment. Lateral is a part of the spine where the most important nerves are affected, and Sclerosis refers to hardening. Basically, Lou Gehrig’s disease is the hardening of the nerves in the spine because of the lack of nourishment. The muscles

start to dry out and get thinner losing all body strength, which makes the person weak lowering muscle strength, slowing or stopping muscles that affects speech, swallowing, or in the arms hands feet and legs and in a worldwide symptom is total paralysis and progressive muscle weakness. The symptoms are different for every person and it all affects them in different ways and orders. There is no cure and there is no treatment for this damaging disease. Only one drug can help Lou Gehrig’s disease, Riluzole, which can only prolong the life of the persons affected. The cost of medical bills is very expensive and can make many suffer unless covered by health care such as Medicare, SSA, and Veteran affairs benefits. What can you do to help in the search for the cure or treatment of Lou Gehrig’s disease? Donations can be sent at alsa.org which will go to benefit the search for the cure or the treatment of ALS. Although the Ice Bucket Challenge seems like a fun opportunity to soak friends, family, and others, it has raised awareness for Lou Gehrig’s disease tenfold. There has been tons that have helped this cause greatly.

To increase your knowledge...1. Over 5,600 people every year are diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

2. Generally people aged 40 - 70 years of age are diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease with 55 being the average age that it is found in.

3. ALS is not contagious.

Want more information?4. ALS can strike anyone.

5. ALS was first found in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, but it wasn’t until 1939 that Lou Gehrig brought national and international attention to the disease.

*For more information about the organization and ALS go to alsa.org

There is no cure and there is no treatment for this damaging disease. Only one drug can help with Lou Gehrig’s disease, Riluzole, which can only prolong a persons’ life...

Photo submitted by Emma Seilstad

Photo submitted by: Emily Scheffler

Opinion6 EchoesDani Rambo | Opinion Editor

Homeschooling vs. Public Schooling

What is so interesting about records? Its just like a

giant version of a CD, right? Not to a record collector, or any fan of vinyl. Being a collector of vinyl, I most definitely prefer a record to an mp3 or CD. There is something about the sound that makes it worth your time.

The sound of a new record is going to be clean and crisp. By new record, I mean a new pressing. Even in 2014 they are still manufacturing records. It’s not even classic rock either. It’s today’s pop and indie music. Even though it’s a new record, it

sounds different from what you hear on the radio and on your phone. When you play a record it sounds a bit grainy. It’s a very unique sound that really can’t be replicated anywhere else.

For people who are record collectors, older, original pressings are more popular. The older the pressing of a record the more unique the sound will be. The sound of the scratches is what makes original pressings different. I love the idea that each record is different based on the care that they have received by

the previous owner. When you play a record you hear things you can’t see. I am a huge fan of the Beatles and Wings. Every record that I have bought in the last six months is better than the version on my phone. I actually own three new pressings of Beatles albums and they aren’t as fun to listen to simply because they don’t have a “staticy” sound. The tiny scratches and static sound are what make every record different.

Besides amazing sound, records are very different

because you can’t have a playlist. It’s either every song or none at all. It gives you a chance to listen to other songs you’ve never heard and maybe never liked. I’ve found songs on records that have become some of my favorites simply because I listened to something I would’ve skipped on my phone. Once you find a record like that you can sit and listen to one side for hours because it’s all so new to you.

Another plus to collecting records is the

occasional surprize you get with it. Sometimes I’ll buy records, sight unseen, like a mail order bride. I don’t look at the record itself or the packaging. I just buy it simply because it had one good song on it. The I’ll get home to find that my ‘78 pressing came with the ‘78 poster as well. Its the same when you buy them online. You don’t see the record you buy it based on the description. Then it arrives a few weeks later with a 30 year old poster or even stickers.

Education can instill a great sense of pride and confidence in a student, but for those who are lost, education can instill the reality of fear. In making this comment, I am sure that I will find many students who can describe themselves as the latter. From the earliest years of my schooling, I had a very real and frightening disposition towards math. I was the model student for test anxiety and often times I would simply give up before finishing a test or an assignment. These deeply rooted feelings of anxiety derived from a lack of self-confidence. I felt that the outcome of a test or

assignment would decide much more than a grade.

Due to the indoctrination of importance that was placed on assignments and tests and the gravity of the situation, in my mind, the results would determine how my fellow students viewed me. I didn’t want to be seen as lazy, but my fears clouded my ability to learn.

This pattern of unsuccessful learning and sluggish improvement continued until my third grade year at Hoover Elementary. That year my academic life changed when I met Mrs. Kocina.

Instead of focusing on the sole weakness of my abilities, Mrs. Kocina learned to embrace my strength in writing and reading in order to improve my mathematical skills. More importantly, Mrs. Kocina would not let me give in, always assuring me that I would get the job done. As I learned to persevere through certain situations, I also grasped the mantra of endurance. Soon my efforts were rewarded and from that point on I learned to accept a personal standard of a hard work.

By receiving the best of what public schooling has to offer, I was able to be exposed to a defined and established curriculum. Additionally, I was able to socially interact with my fellow peers, while learning how to appropriately address certain problems and how to resolve them.

However, even the most technical and elaborate of systems have issues and problems that need to be resolved. In order to establish our own educational standards and goals, we should have more than an abstract idea of what we are hoping to accomplish. By looking at the success of other countries in the realm of education, we can confidently envisage a reformed system, because of a confidence in information.

For example, the Nordic nation of Finland achieves some of the highest scores in reading and writing in the world. It may be perplexing to some how a remote country is able to set the bar for academic excellence, but success isn’t based on power, population, or even wealth. The Finnish system of schooling doesn’t aim at solving issues with statistics and graphs, but it places trust in its teachers to teach the way that they see fit. And with confidence placed in the educator, prophetic messages of doom for the American public schools can finally be put to rest.

As with my public school experience, my teacher was able to instruct me in a way that adjusted to the contours of my mind and abilities. Doing away with a false one size-fits-all rationale for teaching, my teacher ascended above parameters, so her students could create objectives of their own.

In our younger years of life, we need guidance to grow and succeed. Some need more than others, and some receive more than needed. Parents who hover and control their children’s lives deprive them of their ability to become their own choices and self dependant.

In middle school, there’s a little more freedom when picking classes. By then most of us have certain interests and maybe even

an idea of what we want to do when we are older. Unlike middle school, we change classes and are responsible for getting there on time. We meet a lot more people and become more independent, much to some parents dismay. My mom had a hard time letting me go to the mall or places alone with my friends, but she got over that pretty quick when I started learning how to drive. In high school, we can

choose from a bigger variety of classes that help prepare us for what we want for when we graduate and go to college. My parents help me decide which classes I should take, but they have never told me what I can or can’t take. I know people whose parents are that controlling and it makes me sad. They want them to go into a certain field even if that’s not what their child wants. Classes are boring even if you are

interested in it. So it must be bad if you didn’t even want it in the first place.

Besides school, we should have friends and be able to hang out at an appropriate time and place. My friends are everything and I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. I have always had opportunities to hang out and see them outside of school, but sometimes I befriended somebody whose parents

wouldn’t let them out much and those friendships didn’t develop too much.

Parents can’t be there our whole life to show us what to do and who to be. Of course children shouldn’t be running around on their own all the time, we need to learn how to follow rules and manage time and how to be a successful person. We need more freedom to figure out who we want to be, and how we want to spend our lives.

Dani Rambo Opinion Editor

Calab HolderBusiness Manager

Taylor DaughertyE-Tube Staff

Hailey CarsonReporter

Records creating more retro music style

When parental control becomes overbearing

Homeschooling itself can be a pretty foreign concept to most public schoolers because not a lot is known about it and most homeschoolers don’t dual enroll. There are many arguments as to which is a better education system and it will probably be an ongoing argument just because of the diverse opinions about the two. I think homeschooling can be just as effective or even better than public schooling. I am in no way bashing public schooling because I still attend public school and I know some very great teachers here that work hard at what they do and I appreciate them. However, in the past I have had some classes where I really needed some one-on-one time with my teacher and that wasn’t available for me.

I understand a teacher cannot possibly do one-on-one sessions with all their students with the little amount of time given, nor would I expect them to. This is where the advantage of homeschooling comes in to play. When I’m not at A.L. I am at home working on my online classes. With the help of my parents, they help me stay engaged during the lesson and I have more time to go over the material. I am no longer stressing about whether I understood the lesson or not

because if I didn’t get it the first time I can go back over the lesson again until I do. In the past for many students including myself, the study routine consisted of briefly going over the information, taking the test, passing, and then forgetting everything. That isn’t even considered learning anymore. The homeschooling method has actually helped me to retain the information. So the “I won’t use this later in my life” excuse is no longer acceptable for me.

Last year when I was at public school full-time, I felt like there was a lot of pressure to get a good grade instead of making the lesson stick. It was very stressful for me but this year has opened up a great opportunity. I was that kid that didn’t always grasp things immediately, but rather would need teachers to explain the information multiple times including my parents before the connection finally kicked in. I know students just like me who have felt stupid because they didn’t get it and that caused them to not understand their homework, which then led to a bad grade. Sticking to one style of learning will not help people succeed, when you open up new styles this will help people succeed and want to give more effort into their education.

Albert Einstein once said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing

that it is stupid.”This quote is a perfect

example of how things are set up. We are not the same, we are all smart and we all pick things up differently from other kids. You can’t expect one style of learning to teach all types of learners. The style homeschooling has brought to my life has helped improve the way I study, the way I learn and the desire to want a better education for myself and to just do well in general.

I believe homeschooling has more to offer because of the great experience it has given me, the more time to put into my education, the different schedule it gives everyday and the different way to learn since I am a different learner.

Photo by Nathan Vorce

ECHOESEditors-in-Chief

Jessi BorwickNathan Vorce

Section EditorsDani Rambo

Kendal BainbridgeWill Schademann

Graphic Design EditorDon Vinkenberg

Visual Reporting SpecialistTanner Hochstetler

Business ManagerCalab Holder

ReportersKelly HickeySean Veazie

Hailey CarsonAlyssa ClaytonLogan ErwinAudrey HaysJake PetersonEthan ThomasAnthony Ruiz

E-Tube ProducersTaylor Daugherty

Ali McDougleBreana RochaEmma Seilstad

Los EcosFrancisca Aguilar-Padilla

Edwin LopezRicardo LopezRaquel LopezJuan Nunez

AdviserGerry Appel

The Echoes is published by the newspaper staff at Abraham Lincoln High School, and exists to serve as an open forum for the students, faculty, administration and community.

All state and federal laws regarding the publications of student materials shall apply, and the Echoes will not publish materials which also fall under the guidelines established by the Council Bluffs Public Schools system, and are deemed libelous, obscene, or a material and substantial disruption to normal classroom activities.

The views expressed are not those of the Council Bluffs Public Schools, faculty, or administration.

Any student, faculty, or staff member wishing to contribute materials will need to submit a letter to the editor within deadline restriction; however, final publications is at the discretion of the staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged, and must be 400 words or less in length and signed; letters will be printed as received. Every attempt will be made to verify the authenticity of the author and no anonymous letters will be published.

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Opinion 7Echoes Dani Rambo | Opinion Editor

Daily life of a high schooler:Staff Editorial

High school can be a very stressful time. Classes, hormones, and drama can weigh heavily on a student’s mind and body, but there is an easy way to make school enjoyable. School events can brighten up a dreary day. Pep rallies, in-class parties, and incentives are some of the most common. Some clubs such as Robotics and Speech to sports such as football and basketball can make a massive difference. Even teachers can give you guidance and help through school if you aren’t interested in any activities. All activities usually fall into three main categories: clubs, sports, and music.

Sports are most likely the most popular activity at school. The football team is celebrated constantly with pep rallies and school

pride. Seas of crimson and blue are flooding the stands at Council Bluffs Stadium. But there’s more than the football team of course; basketball, swimming, and cheer are also very popular. When you’re an AL athlete, you become famous with fans and recognition of your physical prowess. Sports are a great way to make new friends, hone your skills, and give back to your school.

Music courses are a little more on the academic side of school activities. From band to choir, there are many opportunities to stretch your vocal cords or learn a musical instrument. Mrs. Boyd teaches the fine arts of concert, jazz, and show choir. Mr. Mendell teaches concert, jazz, and marching band while Mr. Ellifson teaches string instruments

in orchestra. Music is not only enjoyable, but can also entertain others with your musical talent.

Last but not least are clubs. They fall into the category that is more specific than music or sports. Some examples are: ROTC, Robotics, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the list goes on and on. Most of the clubs take place during school and/or after school as well. ROTC, Robotics, and Speech have competitions of varying categories, either in a group or solo. Clubs are usually more short term than sports or music, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less fun.

School isn’t as bad as people make it. All teachers are friendly and work well with students, they never go out of their way to harm

the learning environment of AL. Meeting new friends can kind of spice up your social life and even create new interests. Some students are even going as far as creating youtube channels, practicing

Hello again! It hasn’t been too extremely long since I wrote for the Echoes, but I do have an abundance of things to talk about. To fit in my word count though, I will narrow it down to a few.

Number 1:

College books are expensive. I feel you should all be made aware of this, because I wasn’t. College books can be anywhere from $30 to $300 and you will have to buy numerous books a semester! Cherish those free high school books while you still can, because once you hit college you will be dropping big bucks for textbooks.

Number 2:College is the scariest/

coolest thing ever, so take it by the reigns. I say scary because it’s an entirely new experience: new friends, new living environment, new school environment, new everything! I will be the first to admit that I was absolutely petrified going into college. I was scared to be going

two and a half hours away from my home, my friends, my bed, and the town I had grown up knowing. Don’t let the fear of going away hold you back from where you want to go though, I ended up absolutely loving being at Simpson College. It’s taken some adjusting to the new life, but it’s been fantastic so far.

Number 3: Don’t put off packing for

college until the night before you leave. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that this only leads to about 4-5 hours of packing in one night. Slowly pack stuff as you go along, you will thank yourself later.

Number 4:Be friendly. Simple as

that, talk to people, get to

know others. The other day, I ran into a guy who thought I wasn’t a freshman because I talked to him. Being social will make you friends. As I talked to that guy, I found out he performed with the Des Moines Orchestra a few times. Super cool! I wouldn’t have known that if I hadn’t said hi. You can learn some really interesting stuff if you just talk to people.

Number 5:Get involved. I know,

you will hear this from everyone, but it’s true. Getting involved and being social sort of go hand-in-hand. The more social you are, the more you will find out about cool things to get involved with, and the more you get involved in things, the more people you will

want/get to socialize with. Number 6:This one will be sad, but

true. You will lose touch with friends you have now when you graduate. Unless you both make an effort to stay in touch with one another, you will most likely never talk to that person ever again. Heck, I try to keep in touch with my best friends and we still barely have time to talk anymore.

Number 7:Last, but certainly not

least, have fun. The whole point of college is to get an education, yes, but if you don’t take time to have a little fun you won’t enjoy your college experience.

Okay, well, I guess this is it from me for now. Enjoy the upcoming year!

rifle drills, and performing music outside of the school. Overall school is beyond boring, activities are one of the greatest ways to spend your time here at AL.

Staff vote: 15 yes, 0 no

Freshman year was a tough time for me. This was back in Fresno, California where I lived for about 7 years. I made friends, made enemies, passed classes, failed classes, lost friends, had fun, and it was boring overall. At first going into

freshman year, yeah I admit I was scared a lot but I was super excited at the same time. It was a sign of me growing up but in a way I didn’t want to grow up. I wanted to stay young, be with family, and goof off with my friends. Compared to junior year, freshman year was really horrible. Looking back if I saw myself I would just slap myself for some of the things I done because I needed to grow up. People who know me now know that I’m a quiet, shy, calm guy but I’m also a little more sad in a way but in a strange way I’m more social.

My opinion on freshman year is that it was horrible and I absolutely hated it and I just wanted for the year to be over and move

on to sophomore year. Sure I had some fun moments but the boringness of the year overwhelmed most of the good times and created a boring year of school work. In general freshman year you’re mostly busy from your everyday classes or you’re busy from extracurricular activities. Its a time to work hard, pay close attention, and get good grades. At the time I thought it was fun and all but compared to my junior year and my senior year so far I just hated it so much nothing really good came out of it but a lot of school work. Probably because I couldn’t handle all the work and stress my teachers were putting on me.

Freshman year is supposed to be a year of

trying to get ready for the other upcoming years that are rapidly approaching beyond the horizon, but to me it is just a time to make mistakes, get lost and feel dumb. In general it’s the year of learning the year to make mistakes and learn from them to get better for the next three years ahead of you. Sure it gives you the chance of learning about the school you’re going to and its surroundings, but you will always feel lost in the vast corridors of your school. It also gives you time to learn the environment of the school and how everyone judges you but to me it is like a time to make mistakes and feel bad about yourself while you make yourself look like a fool.

You get to meet your teachers and find out where all your classes are so you don’t get lost or anything like that. I liked how I got to be with friends and make some new friends but still most days just got repetitive and boring but still we would have a crazy moment from time to time. Freshman year if I were to take it all back and replace it with crazier and more funner memories I would do it in a heartbeat. You may have tough or boring times like I did but from time you will have a pleasant memory or two that you will always treasure till the end of time. Even though freshman year is in a slightly different league than other grades it is just as important as the rest.

Anthony RuizReporter

Britteny JohnsonAlumna

Alumna shares college adviceECHOES FOREVER

The how-to on being a go-getter in high school

Ultimate guide to freshman yearPhoto by Nathan Vorce

Sports 8Echoes Will Schademann | Sports Editor September 2014

Audrey Hays & Tanner Hochstetler

Reporters

Girls swimmers excited for promising season

Alyssa ClaytonReporter

The girls’ swim team has dove into a new year, and they are ready to

break some records. This year the swimmers are even better than the last, or so they

say. As the season takes off, the members have faith they will do their best.

“The team seems promising, and I think we’ll do better. Everyone seems really serious about it this year,” sophomore Makenzie Ayers said.

The team is made up of a combination of Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Saint Albert’s students, five of which are from AL. Within the large swim team, there is a core team that goes on to the state competition at the end of the season while the rest of the swimmers do not compete. They are chosen

from the swimmers that have scored the most points in the swim meets’ challenges.

Coach Moon is a biology and chemistry teacher at TJ. He is helpful and is there when the swimmers need him. “Coach really pushes us to do our best,” said sophomore Andrea Milstead, “and he’s very encouraging.”

Girls’ swimming is a fall sport, running from August to October, but there are a few meets in November. The core team will compete in relays, diving, and general swimming. When it is a dual meet, they are up against schools like Lewis Central, or

schools from other districts. In the past, the team has competed against other teams from Des Moines, Sioux City, and many more. The swimmers are excited, and with a few meets scattered with some competitions, they’ll be busy, but that’s how some people want it to be.

“I joined to stay fit and keep me active.” said Milstead. In comparison to other sports, you are using almost all of your body, unlike other ones in which you only use your legs, like in track, or mainly your arms, like in tennis. The freestyle

Golf players feeling positive

is the most common stroke, and is possibly one of the easiest. It is the technique in which your arms are digging into the water and pushing your body, while your legs are propelling you forward. There is the breaststroke, which uses most of the upper body, from the chest up, and it incorporates the legs using circular motions. The butterfly stroke is considered the most difficult technique. It uses the arms, shoulders, and lower legs. There are many other types of strokes that can be used. It is a demanding sport, but the payoffs are well

worth it. Hopes are high for this season’s competitions and duals, and with many chances to show off their best, it looks like it’s going to be a great one.

“It should go pretty well, maybe we’ll break some new records.” said freshman Jenna Welch. The swim team members believe that the girls’ records are going to be off the charts this year, due to some phenomenal new swimmers, in addition to the more experienced members. We are counting on the team to represent our school well at the state competition, and there is no doubt they will.

Birdie, bogey or away, A.L. golf has truly gained r e l e v a n c e .

Many would say golf is for fun, but the A.L. golf team makes it described by some as, intense, electrifying, and unforgettable.However, the AL golf team has also become a tightly wrapped group of players on and off the course. Many people wonder how fun golf really is, senior Ryan Edmundson enjoys it as much

as anyone. “I really enjoy playing for

A.L. because right after school I can go and play a sport I love. It’s a sport that’s fun to play and spend time with friends,” Edmondson said.

A.L. has really put themselves in the drivers’ seat due to all the talented individuals. Criticism or not senior Beau Ryba believes the team is on the right track.

“I think the team is heading in the right direction,

guys are stepping up and leading our team,” Ryba said.

The question is now can the A.L. golf team finish towards the top, many people think so including senior Dalton Ryba certainly thinks so.

“I think the golf team has improved this season because us top golfers are always working to get better every day, and we are starting to shoot lower scores,” Ryba said.

A lot of controversy perhaps about where they finish, but hopes are very high. Tensions have built over for this season. Champions will be made, names will be prestige in the world of AL golf, and history will be made in the world of AL golf. The biggest question though that still remains is where AL will finish. Many questions are left unanswered at this point for the AL society, but we will know for sure by November.

A.L.’s new football coach John Wolfe and injured senior Billy Ehrenberg Photo by Don Vinkenberg

Jake PetersonReporter

Despite injuries, Lynx continue to fight on

Senior Billy Ehrenberg has embraced the sport of football ever since he can remember. His love for the sport has been demonstrated through his hard work on and off the field for many years. Playing a full contact sport poses an increased risk of concussion and injury. Unfortunately the events during the Sept. 5 LC vs. AL game left Billy with a compound fracture to his tibia and fibula. Ehrenberg was overran by offensive players during the 3rd quarter kick off causing the fracture. According to medical terms, a compound fracture occurs when the bone pierces through the skin. This fracture can be very serious, and can have an extended recovery period. Although the recovery period can be lengthy, recovery for Billy is going better than expected, and his goal is to heal up before the last game.

“Coach Wolfe has handled it very well losing two starters David and I on both sides of the ball.” senior Billy Ehrenberg said.

hobby of interest. By seeing AL as somewhere to start forming a goal for physical education and football during his schooling, he surrounded himself with the game until graduating senior year. Before taking role as Abraham Lincoln’s new coach, Wolfe coached at Adair-Casey Community School. With Wolfe no longer playing in the game itself, he believes becoming AL’s coach is a great opportunity.

“Now that I can’t play, I’m doing the next best thing, which is coaching,” Wolfe said.

Looking at the differences between Adair, he sees that AL’s football program offers a lot more assistance and resources. While Wolfe has to transition himself back into the school, the players seem hopeful for the season. Sophomore Joseph Hill holds a good feeling for his coach.

“I think he’s (Coach Wolfe)is a very good coach,” Hill said. “It’s nice to have a very young coach to interact with you, it’s a very good change.” Junior Elijah Bennett knows the way Wolfe coaches benefits the team.

“I think he’s (Coach Wolfe) a pretty good coach, he works us hard,” Bennett said. “I can tell he knows what he’s doing.” With the players hopeful for their new coach, Wolfe had this advice to his

players.“Practice, practice like you wanna play,” Wolfe said.

With the season schedule already taking off, the players and coach are hopeful that the focus is on the plays

Being a senior, this will be his last year playing for the Lynx, but he will forever be a part of the family.

“The thing I will miss the most is not being able to be with the guys out there every friday night, but we are a family and will always remain as a team in each others’ hearts.” Ehrenberg said.

Ehrenberg’s dream is to play college football, but he’s currently undecided on his whereabouts after high school. He plans to go to college and earn his degree. With the progression of his injury underway, fans hope to see Billy under the lights before the end of the season. Along with the 2014-2015 school year, this football season has an another addition to the AL football team. Former coach Justin Kammrad resigned in the spring after leaving for Lewis Central, creating an open position for new head coach, John Wolfe. Wolfe grew up in Council Bluffs and with attending Council Bluffs Schools for his 12 years of school, he found himself active in sports, mostly football. Active in four sports during school, football always had been his

they cover and perform to gain a chance at winning the playoffs. and coach are hopeful that the focus is on the plays they cover and perform to gain a chance at winning the playoffs.

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Swimmers hoping to break records, improve their performances