Str

eets

boro High School

The

Seniors may exempt finalsrbiter

Addition to weight room doubles square footage, space for agility training

>> Natalie PinkermanSenior Editor

City council researches two possible locations for new building

Boys’ basketball ranked second

after win against Kent

Roosevelt Page 8

Valentine’s guide reviews the sweet and

sour sides of the holiday Pages 4 & 5

>> Chelsey CarpenterEditor in Chief

Continued on Page 7See “City Hall”

Tuesday, February 14, 2012Streetsboro, OhioVolume 33 Issue 4

Exemption plistA or B in the class

Taken the ACT or SAT

5 absences max

No office discipline

Photo by Chelsey Carpenter

FALLING APARTBuilt 60 years ago, city hall’s single-pane windows and overall appearance illus-trate the need for a new building. See page 7 for more photos.

Seniorfinalexamexemptionsare being offered to “ward off cases of senioritis,” Principal Eric Rauschkolb said. The opportunity to exempttwofinals this semester is beingoffered to seniors for the second year.Afewqualificationsmustbemet for a senior to be granted this privilege, however. Some students have questioned why the option to exempt is only offered for the

second semester. Students may have preferred to exempt coreclasses they had in just the firstsemester. “If you get A’s, why shouldn’t you be able to exempt,” seniorAmanda Barile asked. Barile tookgovernmentfirstsemester and earned an A both marking periods, but did not have the opportunity to exempt thatfinal. “It just doesn’t make sense,” senior LaRae’ Nevels agreed. Senior Alex Landgraf saidnot being able to exempt first

semester did not really bother him because his classes were not very hard. “Havingfinalsfirstsemesteractually helped keep senioritis away,” Landgraf said. Government teacher Kristopher Gaug said he thinks students should have the option toexemptthefirstsemester. “It’s still the same concepts. Howisitfairfirstsemestercan’t,but second is able to,” he said. Rauschkolbsaidexemptionsare offered specifically in thesecond semester because that

is when he sees senioritis at its strongest. “It almost encourages students to take harder classes second semester so they can exempt,”Gaugsaid. Journalism teacher Polly Dierkens said she saw the exemptions make a positiveimpact on seniors last year, especially with attendance. “It made my job easier because when you have lots of absences it hinders instruction. You have to repeat yourself a lot,” Dierkens said.

A new city hall could be built west of Target (off of Seasons Road) or by the police station on Route 303. The current 60-year-old city hall building is not working out anymore, Mayor Glenn Broska said. “We need a building that is designed as a city hall,” said Broska, who took office in 2011. “It’sa bad impression to the community and businesses that want to build here.” City hall houses council offices, parks andrecreation offices, a seniorcenterandthefirestation. The building alone costs$250,000annually toheat, which is five timesthe amount it should cost, Broska said.

“We’re throwing good money for bad,” said Broska. Original, single-pane windows, heating vents, tile flooring and waterpipes are still in the building, he said. Water jugs are brought in because the water is unsafe to drink, he added. A tour of the building last month, showed a floodedbasement, that houses the broiler, which Broska said always floods after a hardrain. Storage is also an issue in the current building. After the rooms filled up, the gymnasiumstage had to be renovated into a storage area. In addition to these

issues, the city sunk $60,000 in repairs to the leaky roofs last year, Broska said. Streetsboro needs a building that “looks good

but doesn’t need to be full of bells and whistles,” the mayor said. An architectural firmis currently under contract

with the city to study the different possibilities with the two land properties. “The project they proposed to us was a lot more then we want to spend,” Broska said. Similar construction plans are going to be reviewed for a more affordable cost. A Route 303 resident, who attended Wise School in the same building that is now city hall, is concerned about the city building on the land west of Target. “The way the

property is, being wetlands, the construction may not hold up to the elements,” said the resident. “I’d be disappointed if the city hall

was built here. I’d have moretraffic.” Flooding on 303, and reaching residents across the old railroad tracks, would be a commotion, he added. Thecityowns120acreswest of Target, and recently purchased 140 as result oflawsuit. Seventeen acres of the property are privately owned, and would most likely need to be purchased later, said the 303 resident, Broskaconfirmed. “Mostly every town I go to the city hall, firestation and police station are all together, so why not be in the same building,” said the resident. “They’re using tax dollars to drivefrom building to building.” He suggested city council

>> Mikaela DombrowskiStaff Writer

1,200 sq. ft.

30 x 40 feet

30 x 80 feet

2,400 sq. ft.

Twelve more feet of ceiling and 40additional square feet of space in the weight room, offering room for agility training usingbands,plyosandexercisebikes,arehoped to be completed by spring break. Head football coach John Arlesic, his wife Gina Arlesic (who is also a middle school teacher) and student liaison Joseph Huber obtained the $21,000 grant fromLowe’s to make this addition possible. The Gridiron Club and Streetsboro Brown Backers also contributed almost $9,000. More athletes will be able to use the space at one time and not be crammed, thanks to the addition, Arlesic said. “I think the addition will benefit allour athletes in the school district,” said head track coach Tom Fesemyer. Mixing rubber band systems in withall the other equipment made everything really crowded in the past, said Fesemyer. The addition will provide new space for

stretching and to hold team meetings. Use of the weight room is not limited to athletes and coaches. “The emphasis would be put on the athletes, but off-season workouts have always been open to everyone,” said Arlesic. Varsity volleyball coach Bill Smerglia has been using the weight room for off-season workouts with his players on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “My conditioning/training regiment involves more dynamic movement and with the addition, there will be more room to move,” Smerglia said. He will be including more bands and weights into his players’workouts as a result of the extraspace, he added. He called the addition a “real positive” for the athletic programs. “I’m very excited for the addition,”

Continued on Page 8See “Addition”

w

Before

1,200 sq. ft.

After

Prior to the addition of the weight room the building’s dimensions were 30 x 40 feet. The building has since doubled in size, offering athletes an area other than school hallways for workouts.

Graphic by Chelsey Carpenter

EditorialsEditorials Follow “The Orbiter” on Twitter

Tuesday, February 14, 2012Page 2

The StaffHannah Benson

Chelsey CarpenterEditors in Chief

Natalie PinkermanSenior Editor

Mikaela DombrowskiFatemah Gill

Maddie OslejsekTaylor White

Staff Writers

Tyler SandersWebmaster

Polly DierkensAdviser

Contact us1900 Annalane Dr.Streetsboro, Ohio

Ph: (330) 626-4902Fax: (330) 626-8103

4x4 block fits students’ schedules better Orbiter Staff

Online at streetsboroschools.com/orbiter

As upperclassmen whose schedules have changed three times over our high school careers, we prefer the 4x4, 80-minute block over all the other schedules we have had to deal with.

An 80-minute period allows for better class discus-sions. The extra time gives the opportunity for all students in the class to participate and form their own opinions.

When a class only lasts 40 minutes, it feels like as soon as you get into a good flow the bell rings, and it takes just as long the next day to get back into a good discus-sion.

Taking only four classes provides a better opportunity to focus on just those classes. We like how the homework you get from only four classes gets a lot of attention and you are able to put all your time and energy into fewer assignments so they are the best they can be. On the other schedules, we find ourselves spread too thin over many

assignments. We like how an 80-minute class gives you more of

an opportunity to get one-on-one time with your teachers. With only 40 minutes, teachers barely have enough time to get through a lesson, let alone offer students one-on-one time.

As soon as homework gets discussed and reviewed, it is time to go to another class. Teachers ultimately have to assign homework, even on content they did not have time to cover.

The more classes students have, the more supplies they must carry. During class changes, if students do not have enough time to travel across the school building or outside, they must carry their belongings.

Having six or more classes can ultimately take toll on a student, seeing as almost all classes have textbooks that need to be brought to class.

Block scheduling also affects finals. On the 4x4 block schedule, a student only has to study for two finals per day. Students can study more for each subject and earn better grades on their exams. This not only affects their exam

orbiterboard, to fall under the legal definitions of mate-rial that is libelous, obscene, materially disruptive of the school process, an unwarranted invasion of privacy, a violation of copyright or electronic manipulations changing the essential truth of the photo or illustration, or which advertises illegal products or services. Specific definitions for these instances of unprotected speech can be found in Law of the Student Press. With this in mind, student journalists have sole right to determine content of official student publications. By not interfering with the content of The Orbiter or other publications, school officials are therefore not liable or responsible for content. Likewise, The Orbiter adviser will do just that: advise students through each step of the publica-tion process, but will not act as a censor. The paper has the right to praise or construc-tively criticize individuals, organizations and policies in an objective manner. Editorials reflect the majority opinions of the editorial staff -- not the faculty or the administra-tion -- and do not need to be signed. If a division exists among the staff, the paper may print both opinions. An editorial commen-

As preservers of democracy, our school pub-lication shall protect, encourage and enhance free speech and exchange of ideas as a means of pro-tecting our American way of life. The Orbiter, the official newspaper of Streets-boro High School, has been established as a fo-rum for student expression and as a voice in the uninhibited, free and open discussion of issues. The Orbiter and its staff are protected by, and bound to, the principles of the First Amendment and other protections and limitations afforded by the Constitution and the various court decisions implementing those principles. The function of the paper is to inform, influ-ence and entertain; to serve as a record of events; to educate student journalists; and to provide a forum for free expression to those within the Streetsboro High School community. The paper has the freedom to cover news not only within the school, but also the local, state, national and international news through direct reporting and editorial comment in compliance with the First Amendment. The Orbiter will be free from all prior re-straints and censorship. The paper and its staff will strive to avoid publishing any material deter-mined by student editors or the student editorial

Orbiter Code of Ethicstary differs from an editorial that reflects an indi-vidual’s opinion, and must be signed. Opinions can be expressed in Letters to the Editor, guest features or guest columns, provided they are 300 words or less and contain the au-thor’s name and grade. Names can be withheld for valid reasons. All letters will be verified by an editor or by the adviser as to the author of the statements and the authenticity. The editorial staff has the right to edit the spelling and grammar of all materials submitted for publication. Should a letter contain additional errors in fact or be too long, it will be returned to the au-thor for resubmission. A letter or column may be returned to the author for more information, if editors determine the piece contains items of unprotected speech as defined by this policy. Deadlines for letters and columns will be no later than two weeks before the next publication date. If questions arise over specific copy as de-fined within this policy, advice from a communi-cations attorney with the Student Press Law Cen-ter is recommended.

grades, but their overall final semester grades.Students who participate in post secondary and TOE

also benefit more from a block schedule. Post students are able to schedule college classes easier with the block.

On this modified block we have been on the last two years, post students are often late to their classes at the high school.

Not only are students affected by the modified sched-ule, but we have noticed teachers also have more on their plates with less time to handle it all.

On the block schedule, teachers only had to worry about three classes a day. With the most recent schedule, it is possible for them to be teaching up to six classes a day.

With more classes, teachers have more work to grade and lessons to plan. Because of this, teachers must take more work home and find themselves more overwhelmed than ever.

The 4x4 block schedule seemed best for everyone in-volved. We are sad to hear that next year’s schedule change will not be back to the 4x4, it will be another new version for everyone to adapt to.

Want to have your voice heard?As a forum for student expression, the Orbiter will

publish letters to the editor, provided they are 300 words or less and contain the author’s name. Only on rare oc-casions will the Orbiter publish letters with the author’s name withheld. When this occurs, the editors need to know the identity of the author.

We reserve the right to withold a letter or return it for more information if we determine it contains libelous, obscene or improper material.

Letters will be edited for grammar and spelling er-rors, and they may be verified by the editors for factual errors. Should a letter contain errors of fact, excessive grammatical errors or be too long, it will be returned to the author for revision.

Letters may be edited for space during the layout process.

The editors are under no obligation to print all letters to the editor.

Orbiter letters policy

What: Letters to the editor give students the opportunity to express their opinions about anything. Letters are not limited to opinions just about the school; however, letters must be 300 words or less and may be edited for space.

Write a letter to the editor!

How: E-mail The Orbiter at orbiter@rockets.sparcc.org and attach the file containing your letter.

When: Have your letter submitted by March 16 to see it in the March issue of The Orbiter.

‘Woman in Black’ delivers chills EditorialsEditorials

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Page 3

Maddie Oslejsek

Film Critic

Online at streetsboroschools.com/orbiter Friend “The Orbiter” on Facebook

Movies to see on

Valentine’s Day

“The Vow” (PG-13)•“Beauty and the Beast 3D” (G)•“One for the Money” (PG-13)•

“The Notebook” (PG-13)•“A Walk to Remember” (PG)•“Titanic” (PG-13)•“50 First Dates” (PG-13)•“P.S. I Love You” (PG-13)•

Spine-chilling, edge-of-your-seat fear make “Woman in Black” a film to watch!

“Woman in Black,” starring Daniel Radcliffe, has a very meticulous plot. It is one of those movies where if you blink, you’d be utterly confused.

Three little girls are sitting in the middle of a bedroom playing with dolls when the movie opens. The dolls themselves give you an eerie feeling right from the start.

As the girls look up, they seem to be frightened by something, startled. The girls put down their dolls, stand up, go over to the win-dow, and jump. You hear a

woman outside screaming, “No, my babies! No, some-one help!”

After the shrieking, the focus is to Radcliffe, portraying a lawyer named Arthur Kipps, and his char-acter’s family.

Arthur’s son, Joseph, is played by Misha Handley. Handley, though young, is a wonderful actor. He seems like the sweetest little boy in the world, making you scared for him throughout the entire film.

Joseph draws his fa-ther a picture showing Ar-thur getting on a train with a frown and Joseph waving goodbye.

Arthur is going on a business trip to another part of England.

“Why am I frown-ing?” Radcliffe’s character asks Joseph after seeing the drawing. “That’s just how your face looks, Daddy,”

Joseph says. Arthur’s wife had

passed away right after giv-ing birth to Joseph. A nanny helps take care of him now.

While on his trip in the remote village, Arthur discovers something dis-turbing about the village. A revengeful ghost inhabiting an abandoned house is kill-ing children left and right.

While Arthur is travel-ing through the village one afternoon, he sees children outside of their home. The children’s father comes outside and gives Arthur a nasty look while telling the kids to go inside. Ar-thur is perplexed by this at first. Later on in the film he learns this was because people knew he’d seen the “woman in black” and that she would begin killing children he came across.

I think Radcliffe did an amazing job in this movie!

Compared to his role as Harry Potter, I’d say he more than lived up to my expectations. Radcliffe managed to bring a fatherly attitude to his character, vi-tal to the role of Arthur.

You could feel his character’s fear, causing you to look all around the screen, almost looking out for him.

Some of the moments meant to startle you were a little less than scary. You could tell they were sup-posed to scare you, which took away the horror.

At times, the people sitting near me in the the-ater screaming or gasping became scarier than the film itself.

I’m not sure if I’d clas-sify this as a “scary” movie, but I would definitely say it’s a thriller! I may feel a little differently when I see women clad in all black…

Watch at home:

Movies to go to:

Bad driving seemed to have become a habit for me after I backed into a street sign and a boulder, ran a couple stop signs, swerved through traffic and got into two car accidents.

I had only had my li-cense for five months be-fore it was suspended for three months due to my two accidents. I will not get it back until April 19.

I was only ever cited for my two accidents. If I had been cited for anything else, however, I would most likely have had my li-cense suspended for longer, meaning I would end my senior year without one.

My first accident hap-pened on the way home from church September 11. I checked my passenger-

side mirror, and when I looked forward again the cars in front of me were stopped. I was still going about 45 miles per hour. Al-though I quickly braked, I could not stop fast enough, and rear-ended the car in front of me.

The driver was a very kind middle-aged man. Af-ter the police cited me and gave me a ticket, the man came to me and told me I handled the situation well and that it was not a big deal. It was to me, how-ever.

Now, every time I am riding in a car and someone begins to break I grab the door.

I was also supposed to work that night of my first accident, but called off because I was upset and had anxiety. My anxiety stemmed from a fear of car accidents that began when I was 11 and lost my uncle in one.

About a month after my first accident I got into another one. My brother, Cody, was supposed to drive me to school that day but he told me to just take his car. I decided to go to Dunkin Donuts because I had not had breakfast.

In a rush, I decided to turn left, heading towards the school. I learned, how-ever, how dangerous that turn can be, when I T-boned someone.

My mom took away my driving privileges after this second accident, al-though I ended up losing it in court December 6.

I now ride the bus and have to find a ride to work every Saturday morning because my parents work that day, too.

From these experiences I have learned cautious and alert driving is important, because when driving, I am responsible for myself and everyone else around me.

TaylorWhite

Staff Writer

Distracted driving teaches lessonFatemah Gill

4 Ways to Impress a Girl“Being kind and respectful because nobody likes a guy who is too cocky.” Freshman Elizabeth Maxwell

2 Be yourself. Do not be two people: the person your friends see and the person a gir sees.

3 Apologize, admit sometimes you are wrong, and be sincere.

4

Be athletic, said se-nior Mercedes Oliver. “They can’t ride the bench.”

4 Ways to Impress a Guy

Sophomore Moe Cooke said the best way a girl can impress him is by showing she actually likes him: walk-ing with him in the hallway, holding his hand and hugging before going to class.

2

Senior Zach Rosser said he is most impressed if a girl is “fresh” by always dressing nice and changing up hairstyles.

3By “making me laugh, because any girl who can make me laugh is a good girl,” junior Johnny Kelly said.

4

“She has to be outgoing, funny and she has to respect herself and others,” Mani Gill said.

11 3

4

11 3

2 4

2

SweetSweet

Search for “StreetsboroHigh” on Twitter

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Online at streetsboroschools.com/orbiter

The official Orbiter guide for

2+ years

1 year

6 months

1 week

1 month

3 months

What is the best gift you got on Valentine’s Day?

“Syd[ney Jennings] bought me a ‘Toy Story’ blankey, because I love ‘Toy Story,’ three pounds of Sour

Patch Kids, five pounds of Twizzlers and gave me an opportunity to spend my day with a wonderful

girl.”Senior Marcel Verdell

Boro Babble

What should I get her?Gift ideas for your girl:

If you’ve been dating...

Plain White T’s - “1,2,3,4”Kenny Chesney - “The Good Stuff”Chuck Wicks - “Stealing Cinderella”

Brad Paisley - “Little Moments”Tim McGraw - “It’s Your Love”Katy Perry - “Teenage Dream”

Big & Rich - “Lost In This Moment” Lady Antebellum - “Just A Kiss”

“I met my wife, Valentine’s weekend, at a school

dance, 1982.” Social studies teacher

Jerry Judd

Places to eat on any budget

Bonnie and Jerry Judd (as juniors) 1982

Flowers

Teddy bear and chocolate

Tie blanket and mixed CD

Necklace

Pandora bracelet

Promise ring

Flipside Located in Hudson, best known for their organic burgers.

Giovanni’s Ristorante Located in Beachwood, Italian menu.

Mike’s Place Located in Kent, menu includes bbq ribs, pancakes and apple pie.

LockkeepersLocated in Valley View, serves both Italian and seafood.

Grovewood Tavern Located in Cleveland, menu includes many pasta dishes.

Applebee’s Located in Streetsboro, menu includes burgers, buffalo wings and bruschetta.

Steak ‘n Shake Located in Streetsboro, best known for their steak burgers and milkshakes.

Rico’s Restaurant and LoungeLocated in Kent, with a classic pub menu.

Key per meal $0-5$5-10$10-15$15-35

Page 4

SourSourTuesday, February 14, 2012 Page 5

Friend “The Orbiter” on FacebookOnline at streetsboroschools.com/orbiter

10 Things I Hate About Valentine’s Day . . . 1. It’s not real.

“I hate Valentine’s Day as much as Sweetest Day. They aren’t even real.” - Senior Travis Smosny

2. You have to buy a gift.

“Girls expect nice things while all a guy gets is stupid chocolate.” - Senior Chris Lahm

3. The celebrity you’re dating forgot about you.

“Ashton Kutcher and Justin Bieber forgot to ask us out!” - Freshmen Brooke Bolyard and Bethany Gency

4. Makes you realize you are forever alone.

“It’s just another reminder that I don’t have a boyfriend.” - Freshman Natalie Schneider

5. The girl/guy you want does not feel the same.

“The girl I want isn’t my valentine.” - Sophomore Moe Cooke

6. Being forced to watch couples love each other.

“I have to see all these couples eating each others’ faces.”- Freshman Brooke Bolyard

7. It brings back bad memories.“Jacob and I broke up two days before Valentine’s Day last year. It sucked.” - Junior Paige Verma

8. You have to listen to all the single people complain.

“I have to see all the people on Facebook whining about not having a valentine. I just want to tell them to shut up.” - Senior Jessica Oktavec

9. Everyone is happy.“I’m a cold-hearted person.” - Junior Jordan Matusik

Three Days Grace - “I Hate Everything About You”Christina Perri - “Jar Of Hearts”Adele - “Rolling In The Deep”

Taylor Swift - “Last Kiss”Shontelle - “T-Shirt”

Chris Brown - “She Ain’t You”New Boyz - “Tie Me Down” Justin Bieber - “That Should Be Me”

“It’s like New Year’s and they already have Valentine’s Day stuff out.”- Senior Carly Kreierhoff

10. Every store is decked out in Valentine’s Day decorations.

Being single on Valentine’s Day is not all as bad as it seems. Those who consider them-selves “forever alone” do not have to dread Valentine’s Day any longer. It takes two to be a couple, someone else is bound to be sin-gle. Grab a buddy who is riding solo and celebrate Valentine’s Day in a different way. Throw a singles party if there are more single people in your area. Together, it can be a night of venting about the opposite sex or just a movie marathon night. “[I] usually go to a friend’s house and watch a movie,” senior Ben Gency said. Last year, he watched one of the “Paranormal Activity” mov-ies with his friends. It is also an option to stay home and try to catch up with

>> Fatemah GillStaff Writer

things you have been meaning to do. Living in a fast paced world; another option is to take this day to do something you have not had time for. This is the perfect time to have a good laugh while catching up on favorite sitcoms, cleaning your room or working out. Drive up to Cleveland or to Akron’s downtown and try to find a new restaurant to try out. Science teacher Amanda Hudnall boycotts Valentine’s Day and said she thinks there are more

important things to focus on. She said she believes prepar-ing for college, making money and earning A’s and B’s are far more important than worrying about Valentine’s Day. Senior Jessica Oktavec agrees with Hudnall’s boycotting strategy and said she will not log into Facebook or Twitter today because couples are “annoying.” Volunteering at a nursing home is another option. Making cookies and valen-tines with the elderly may be re-warding. Sharing stories of past Val-entine’s Days can offer joy yo the elderly. Spanish teacher Courtney Ruggaber suggests people buy themselves a gift. Shopping for items the day of Valentine’s Day, or after, is a great way to get quality sale items at a low cost. If worst comes to worst, hang out with your parents.

“Senior

Jessica Oktavec

I usually sit on my couch, watch a movie and cuddle

with my kitty.”

Alternatives if ‘forever alone’

anyone on V-Day

Breakup recovery tips for the aftermathAct happy around your •ex. Do not let them see you upset. It’s hard, but acting happy leads to be-ing happy.

Listen to sad love songs; •hearing how much another person’s life sucks makes yours seem better.

Sleep; if you’re not awake •to think about it, it won’t hurt so much.

Take a jog; exercising •boosts confidence.

Watch every sappy •romantic movie you have. Chances are, you will cry, then you won’t have any more tears.

Get rid of/box up •everything from your relationship. It represents closure. Hopefully, then, you can move on.

1. Join a gym

2. Walk laps around a store while shopping

3. Run on a treadmill

4. Play/do an indoor sport (basketball, yoga, etc.)

5. Go to Fun ‘N Stuff to rollerblade, play laser tag or rock climb

6. Play fitness video games (Zumba, Just Dance, Wii Fit)

7. Use the stairs instead of an elevator

8. Buy and use a fitness DVD

9. Embrace winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, sledding)

10. Find an indoor pool and swim some laps

News & FeaturesNews & FeaturesFollow “The Orbiter” on Twitter

Tuesday, February 14, 2012Page 6

GETTING YOUR HANDS ON EDUCATION

7075 State Route 88 Ravenna, OH 44266

330-296-2892 www.mwood.cc

After watching a de-pression video in class dur-ing her seventh grade year, freshman Hannah Saucier thought she might be clini-cally depressed. She was feeling stressed out and sad.

Saucier later learned, after being analyzed for clinical depression for three months, she had seasonal depression. Ever since her seventh grade year, Saucier said she feels depressed af-ter winter break.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or seasonal de-pression, is described on WebMD's website as a "type of depression that affects a person during the same season each year.”

While anyone can be diagnosed with SAD, it is more common in women, people ages 15 to 55, and those who live in areas where the amount of day-light varies with the differ-ent seasons, according to WebMD.

Guidance counselor Kelly Simmons said symp-toms of SAD (which are similar to those for clini-cal depression) are loss of

Exercise combats seasonal depressionenergy, social withdrawal and loss of interest in work and other activities. People diagnosed with clinical depression typically lose weight, while those dealing with seasonal depression have an increase in appetite and weight gain.

SAD is caused by lack of activity and fresh air in the winter months, as peo-ple stay indoors and do not see the sunlight, Simmons explained.

"Unless you’re a per-son who really likes cold, you’re probably more in-clined to stay indoors," Simmons said. "So you’re not getting fresh air from the outside, you’re not get-ting sunlight, you’re stay-ing cooped up."

Junior Jillian Meising-er said she eats, cries and stresses more in the winter when she is not involved in a sport.

“I cry a lot more be-cause I am more stressed out because usually when I'm in a sport, the sport re-leases my tension and my anxiety,” she said. “When I don't have that sport there, I kind of just take it out with tears.”

Although Simmons said she has not counseled

>> Hannah BensonEditor-in-Chief

anyone specifically with SAD, she has observed a difference in the school as a whole when the weather is sunnier.

"I think you really see it if you just think of spring time; the first really nice day when we come to school and everybody is in shorts," Simmons said. “Even though it is still kind of cold, people are just in a different mood. There is just a different energy with those first spring days that tend to be a little bit warm-er."

She said SAD is dif-ficult to diagnose because it is easy to mistake with clinical depression. She suggests talking to a doc-tor, family member or school guidance counselor if the symptoms seem less restricted to a particular season.

"Clinical depression has to last for a duration of time for it to be diag-nosed, and if it’s seasonal, it doesn’t really follow the same rules," Simmons said.

While staying active, going outside and seeing the sunlight are the best ways to overcome SAD, lightbulbs simulating sun-

light are not as reliable, Simmons said.

“They do have these special lightbulbs that you can get that mimic sunlight and I think the jury is kind of out on that one whether they work or if it is just a gimmicky thing,” Simmons

said. “It could be like pla-cebos where you think you feel better.”

Saucier and Meisinger both said staying active helped them cope with be-ing depressed.

“I remember I used to throw myself into my

school work and sports,” Saucier said.

Meisinger suggested getting a gym membership or joining a club, but also added not to get involved with anything that adds more stress because it could cause more depression.

Ways to Stay Active During the Winter:

Online at streetsboroschools.com/orbiter

News & FeaturesTuesday, February 14, 2012 Page 7

Friend “The Orbiter” on FacebookOnline at streetsboroschools.com/orbiterNews & Features

Three international teachers joined the staff January 26.

Hosts are English teacher Maria Judd, science teacher Amanda Hudnall and gov-ernment teacher Kristopher Gaug.

Judd is hosting Ivanete Landim, from Brazil; Hudnall: Mpho Matloga, from South Africa; and Gaug: Lawrence Odu-poi, from Kenya.

Gaug said having an international teacher benefits his class because “in typi-cal American high schools, we offer only American government courses and Ameri-can students tend to be very unaware of other governmental systems. Hopefully this will provide an opportunity for our students to become more aware of the world around

International teachers join staff>> Taylor WhiteStaff Writer

them and the governments, and their ef-fects on the people, in that world, and, just maybe, gain an appreciation for the many l u x u r i e s they have as A m e r i c a n citizens.”

This will be Gaug’s first year hosting an international teacher. He said he is “excited to have Mr. Odupoi,” so they can share experiences as teachers in different countries.

Before Gaug, social studies teacher

Sherry Maruna participated in the program for three years. Maruna said she “constant-ly referenced the teachers and Indonesia”

in her lessons because it authenticates what her classes read about other cultures.

Maruna did not par-ticipate this year because she wanted to “get other teachers in-

volved,” and Gaug had expressed interest, she said. “I’ve noticed male international teachers express a cultural bias towards

male teachers… and they want to know American politics.”

Landim, Matloga and Odupoi spent four days in Washington D.C. before com-ing to Ohio. They are hosted, for a 10-week internship, by Kent State University, along with 15 to 20 other international teachers.

KSU receives a grant from the Inter-national Research and Exchanges Board to pay for these teachers’ major expenses such as housing and dining.

Teachers are taking classes at KSU during their 10-week internship. They are coming to the high school every Thursday in February, and Wednesdays and Thurs-days for the first two weeks in March. They will then end their internship after co-teaching with Judd, Hudnall and Gaug for two weeks in April.

“Government Teacher

Kristopher Gaug

Hopefully this will provide an opportunity for our students to

become more aware of the world around them.”

City HallContinued from page 1

look into purchasing and remodeling the vacant Wal-Mart building on Route 14. City council member Chuck Kocisko said he is not in favor of a new building. City hall should be centrally located, in the same area it is now, he said. Kocisko brought up the idea of building a city hall behind the existing structure, and then tearing down the existing one after the new construction is complete. The former site could then serve as parking space. “This land is very valuable if used as a commercial property,” Broska said of the current city hall site. He said he would like to sell the current building to a business owner, increasing its value. Kocisko said he believes “we’re in pretty good shape where we’re at

now.” He is also unsure where the money to build a new building would come from. “We need to get financially set,” said Kocisko. “I think we have too many items in the fire to take out another loan,” he added. “I think we need a new city hall building, just not this second,” agreed the 303 resident. A property survey was done five or six years ago, when the city was not yet ready for a new building, Kocisko said. The city should not be wasting money on a survey again, he added, as they will need another survey in a few years, when Streetsboro is actually financially stable enough to build. The fate of a new building ultimately falls upon citizens of Streetsboro, Broska said, and whether they will pass a levy for one.

BriefsBaseball team fundraiser Feb. 22

Pasta event to benefit weight room

‘Fangs’ video release party April 5

Treble ensemble sings for Akron U

Heavenly theme for C-wood game

Treble ensemble will sing the national anthem at the University of Akron Feb. 22. Game time is 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $9.

Dress as angels, Greek gods or wear all white to sup-port the boys’ basketball team for the “Down with the Devils” game February 24 at Crestwood High School.

JV plays at 6 p.m. and varsity plays at 7:30 p.m.

A music video release party for “Fangs,” which fea-tures cast members of the school production, “Lady Drac-ula,” will be held April 5 at Stringz and Wingz.

Doors will open at 7 p.m.Live music and dancing by the cast will be featured. While admission is free, proceeds from food and drink

purchases will be donated to fund the production of “Lady Dracula.”

Burger & Nacho Night to benefit the baseball team will be held February 22 from 5-6 p.m. at StringZ and WingZ, 9244 Market Square Drive.

A $10 charge covers food and beverages. Raffles and prizes will take place throughout the night.

Live music will begin at 9 p.m.

A dinner fundraiser to help complete the weight room addition will be held from 3-6 p.m. February 19 at StringZ & WingZ, 9244 Market Square.

The $10 charge will cover an all-you-can-eat pasta dinner, including salad, penne pasta, meatballs and bread-sticks. Dinner will be served from 4-6 p.m.

Activities will include door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and Chinese auctions. Chomps, the Cleveland Browns’ mas-cot, will make an appearance from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

The Boro Browns Backers are sponsoring this event.

SportsFriend “The Orbiter” on Facebook

Tuesday, February 14, 2012Page 8

Sports

Family atmosphere helps girls improve overall record

Boys could share PTC with Kent>> Mikaela DombrowskiStaff Writer

Fighting to cross half court at the Jan. 6 Field game is junior Jordan Matusik.

Photo by Allana MiuraDRIVE

Online at streetsboroschools.com/orbiter

>> Hannah BensonEditor-in-Chief

With girls’ basketball captains and coaches step-ping up their leadership and helping the team become more of a family, the girls have compiled a record of 4-12, surpassing last year’s 3-18 record.

Senior varsity captain Rachael Kolke is the team's leading scorer averaging, 8.2 points per game, as of press time. Freshman Sha-nia Williams is the team's leading rebounder, averag-ing 6.1 rebounds per game, as of press time.

"We are definitely fur-ther along fundamentally this year,” Kolke said.

Learning how to trust the coaching staff and their

fellow teammates has en-abled the players to have more fun, varsity coach Al-lison Carey said.

“They would run through a wall for one an-other,” Carey said. “We don’t have team drama which allows everyone to have fun and enjoy basket-ball.”

“We've had more wins than past seasons and we haven't had any drama on the team,” varsity captain Colleen Rimmel said. “We are a family.”

Rimmel, Kolke, and fellow varsity captain Mer-cedes Oliver all agree the team is closer this year ver-sus previous seasons.

“The season has been a lot better,” Oliver said. “The team is like one big

family we get along better. The mindset of the girls is a lot more positive, which is a huge difference from

previous years.”Carey attributes these

improvements to the cap-tains’ leadership.

“They have really taken pride in the program

from top to bottom,” Carey said. “They come to fresh-man games to show support even when I don’t require it

of them. The younger play-ers really look to those three for leadership every day in practice and in games. Without leadership from my captains, I don’t know

where I would be. They are a big part of our improve-ment and success.”

Supporting and en-couraging their team is the main focus for Oliver, Rim-mel and Kolke as captains. They all said they realize how much the support of their captains means to the underclassmen.

“The underclassmen look up to us and it's our job to show them how to be good leaders,” Rimmel said. “I think all three cap-tains are very good leaders because we take respon-sibility and we are always there to help out and pick others up when they are down.”

Kolke said she goes to the freshman games be-cause she supports the pro-

Due to the 71-58 win over the Rough Riders, the varsity boys’ basketball team is only one game behind them in the stand-ings. The boys may end up sharing the Portage Trail Conference title with Kent Roosevelt.

Leading the Rockets in their victory, senior Sawyer White recorded 23 points, while senior Ben Gency added 16 points and junior Brandon Gency had 15.

Ben Gency led the team with 12 re-bounds on the night.

“Having it be my last time I play Kent my senior year it felt amazing,” said White.

The 49-45 victory over Poland Febru-ary 7 also helped boost moral and hopes a division title.

Last year the Rockets lost to Poland in the district tournament.

“This season is going pretty well. Our goals are still intact,” varsity head coach Nick Marcini said.

Those goals and expectations were 15 wins, capturing the conference title and ad-vancing beyond sectionals, Marcini said.

The boys have lead in a majority of their games but needs to finish them out,

Marcini said.While everyone has stepped up and

rose to the challenge of playing in the Met-ro division, he pinpointed Brandon Gency and fellow junior Jordan Matusik as con-sistent player this season.

In the second half of the season the boys defeated the Akron-Springfield Spar-tans 67-39, then lost to the Hudson Explor-ers January 24 by a score of 73-57.

Marcini said he and the team are moti-vated to win by their past successes and the stronger competitors in the Metro.

Confident in winning out the rest of the season, junior Brandon Gency said the team is coming together more and there is a better team unity.

“I feel like we’re doing quite well, be-ing new in the Metro conference I feel we are proving ourselves,” said White.

“I think they [opponents] view us as representing a pretty decent program,” Marcini said. “We have a bullseye on our back,” for being a winning program.

The boys play Norton Friday and Se-nior Night will be February 18 when they host Chagrin Falls.

The last league game will be at Crest-wood February 24, which will be a Rocket Rowdies - themed “Pack their house” game.

71-58 home win against Rough Riders Jan. 31 boosts team to second place

gram in its entirety, not just the JV or varsity teams.

While the captains said they were disappointed in how many games they have lost, because they thought they would win more, Carey said she has enjoyed watching the team improve, regardless.

“One of my favorite moments is when [junior] Shannon Blondeaux took a charge against Springfield,” Carey said. “While I have girls on my team [who] have taken multiple charg-es throughout the season, like [junior] Megan Dens-more, Shannon has always been the girl to try to block the shot and pick up a foul. When she took the charge I was proud to see how far she has come.”

“Varsity Coach Allison Carey

They would run through a wall for one another. We don’t have team drama which al-

lows everyone to have fun and enjoy basketball.”

Addition Continued from page 1

said girls varsity basketball coach Allison Carey. “It will help my strengthening and conditioning.” Like Smerglia, Carey plans to use the weight room for off-season workouts with her girls. At all the home boys basketball games, head coaches are raising funds through 50/50 drawings and half-court shot contests to complete the work on the facility. “I think this is the first step to allowing our student athletes to be on an equal playing field with neighboring schools, having adequate facilities,” said Arlesic. “If used properly by athletics, we could be a power-house in the PTC.” To complete construction, $5,000 is needed, due to an improper estimate. To support fundraising, attend the Boro Backers fund-raising event at Stringz and Wingz.

Senior Alex Todd has signed on to play football at Indiana University, a “Big Ten” school.

Todd officially signed with IU February 1, but had committed to the school June 12, after IU offered him a full, five-year schol-arship.

“I’m excited to play college football at a higher level with better competi-tion and better players to challenge me and make me better,” said Todd.

>> Orbiter Staff

Todd signs with Big 10 schoolHe described his sign-

ing with IU as the “most exciting” event of his entire high school career.

Head football coach John Arlesic said Todd is the only football player from Portage County to be signing with a BCS school and the first ever from Streetsboro High School.

“I think it’s a great op-portunity for Alex to attend a big ten school,” Arlesic added. “It goes to show Streetsboro has the ability to send its young people to

do whatever. Alex’s overall work ethic will allow him to push himself to get better and better every day.”

Athletic director Ran-dy Tevepaugh agreed with

Arlesic. “Alex is an excel-lent athlete and a very good student and I’m sure he will represent Streetsboro very well at Indiana,” Tevep-augh said

Signing with Indiana University with his dad, principal Eric Rauschkolb, and his football coaches is senior Alex Todd.

Photo by Debbie StockardOPPORTUNITY