The following is the latest installment of Belle Plaine High School’s Plainsman Page.
April Fool’s Day
By Dustin Drexler
Every year on April 1st people of the Western world enjoy playing pranks, sending people on foolish errands, and trying to get them to believe in foolish things.
The custom of shouting “April fools!” was brought to the United States by the English, Scottish, and the French settlers in the early 1600’s. It is believed that King Charles IX from France had the New Year changed from March 25th to January 1st, which helped influence the start of the April fool jokes.
To be a good April fool’s prankster one must have a cool head along with good timing. A good prankster gets his victim first thing in the morning before that person realizes what day it is. However, it is wise not to play pranks on people who embarrass easily or on someone you do not respect, for this may be seen as anger or resentment.
In closing, it is said that pulling pranks on one another is just another way of showing that you care. So this April fool’s have fun and remember to be respectful and not hurt anyone’s feelings.
Belle Plaine All Weather Track
By Blake Eberhart
Belle Plaine High School is building an all weather track beginning the 2010 summer. The track will start being built immediately after the Belle Plaine Invitational, which is the meet Belle Plaine hosts. This new track will not only make our school district look better and hopefully improve our track team, along with the meets that we can hold, but overall benefit everyone in the community. With the all weather track practices can be held and others can walk on the track. We certainly won’t have flooding issues as we have in the past especially around the football season.
This improvement will also make our football field look better. It will also make our school look more up to date. This new track will help our school in many other ways. The new track will be 6 to 8 lanes and will be better to run on.
The all weather track that Belle Plaine is receiving has been much awaited. Our school will put it to lots of use. This track will be safer and more efficient for the Belle Plaine Athletes. This track will be used by both the physical education department and the athletic department alike.
BPHS Info
By Breanna Robertson
Miss Daily is the Belle Plaine School guidance counselor, which means she helps all grades preschool through seniors. Daily has a lot of responsibilities. She is always busy at the high school especially when it comes to schedules, transcripts, college visits, testing, and so much more.
What is one of the main things upcoming freshmen would need to know?
“Freshmen should be excited to actually have something printed on a transcript! They now officially have a high school grade point average and class rank. It is really important for all freshmen to examine their numbers and consider how they can improve their performance—there is always room for improvement.”
“This year all freshmen will be revising their 4-year plan on the I Have a Plan Iowa website. This website is a great tool for college and career exploration. I’ll be meeting with the current freshmen in small groups starting in March.”
Why is it important to plan your high school career?
“Planning your high school course of study is important because you need to plan for success. So take the courses that fulfill college admissions requirements, explore all the subjects, so you are exposed to a wide variety, and put yourself in a position to do anything you want to do after graduation. You have at least 16 opportunities for classes each year; that’s a whopping 64 different opportunities by the time you’re a senior!”
“Enjoy all that’s offered at Belle Plaine High School and the things beyond: like PSEO classes, TECH IV, and the Health Science Academy. The new Advanced Placement Courses at BPHS are a great way to challenge yourself and attempt to earn college credit in high school.”
“These four years will go by faster than you think…so that’s why you need to think before these years get away from you!”
What would you do to encourage mores students study?
“Ideally, all students would study because they want to do their very best. However, things can’t always be ideal. My hope is that high school students realize that at the end of four years their high school career is represented on two pieces of paper—a diploma and a transcript. Importantly, that transcript will reveal their grades in every course, their cumulative GPA, and their overall class rank. These are papers that prospective colleges, military branches, and employers will see in the future!”
Why is it a good thing to go out for sports in high school?
“Participating in extra-curricular activities is a great enhancement to one’s high school career. You can explore your talents outside the classroom. Each activity, whether a sport or club, allows students to excel both individually and as a team. Participating is a great way to make friends, develop your character, and build your Plainsman Pride!”
Why is it important to get good grades in your high school career?
“This question really reflects back to the previous answer on #3. High school is a stepping stone to the rest of your life. Build a solid foundation…and it will lead to great things!”
Miss Daily is an important person to know especially if you are a student at Belle Plaine. She is very significant person to our school system who values education and wants each and every student to succeed. Miss Daily makes herself available whenever possible to students, staff, and parents, so take advantage of her whenever possible
Cubs Baseball 2010
By: Kaleb Gorsch
The Chicago Cubs are hoping for a World Series Championship this season. It has been a very long time since they won the World Series.
In 1908, they won the World Series. In 2008, they were very close to winning the World Series almost breaking a 100 year drought. They currently have a 102 year drought meaning that they haven’t won the World Series in that many years.
The Cubs spring-training opener was March 4th against Colorado at Ho Ho Kam Park in Mesa, Arizona. The Ho Ho Kam Park is the Cubs “Home Stadium” for the spring-training season. Their regular season starts in Georgia on April 5th against the Braves. Their first home game in Chicago at Wrigley Field opener is April 12th vs. Milwaukee Brewers.
The Cubs are looking to make it to the World Series and break the long “curse.” The Cubs Coach Lou Piniella is looking forward to the future of the Chicago Cubs.
Gaming Systems
By Chase Bryant
There is a wide selection of gaming systems some students prefer. There are many opinions which differ widely. The systems are PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo, and Game Cube. One student has a very bold opinion about his favorite gaming system.
Austin Beck, a freshman, at Belle Plaine High School enjoys playing video games outside of school. I sat down with him and spoke to him about his favorite gaming systems and this is what he had to say.
What is your favorite game system?
“The Xbox 360, because the Xbox 360 has a wider variety of games to choose from, while the PS3 does not have much of a selection.”
What are some of the popular games?
“Halo, it is only for the Xbox systems, Halo is a multiplayer shooting game about saving the world from aliens.”
What are some gaming systems?
“PS3, Wii, Xbox, Game Cube, Nintendo, and Xbox is my favorite because it has more games to choose from.”
What is the cost difference in these systems?
“Xbox systems range from $199.00 to $499.00 depending on which Xbox system you get, and which one you prefer.”
Which system is the most popular?
“Xbox has a low cost of $200.00, and the online cost is $20.00 for three months, where the PS3 has free online, and a PS3 costs $300.00.
Playing video games is probably one of the most popular past-time activities for teenagers. With just the touch of a button you can play online on your phone, at home on your computer, or anytime on your gaming system.
Important Life Skills to Have Before Graduating
By: Christina Brake
By the time you hit high school you should have already learned to do all of the house chores such as; cooking, laundry, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, washing the dishes and everything else right? Wrong, some teens don’t know how to do the sweeping, mopping, or dishes and if so they rarely show it when it comes to their bedrooms especially if they aren’t very organized. No one is saying that they can’t clean up after themselves just that sometimes they choose not to.
This isn’t only about house chores though it is also about important life skills to know before graduating. When you become a ninth grader you need to start learning how to budget your money, fill out job applications, write resumes and make your own appointments. This will help you better prepare for the real world.
Independence is a big factor in preparing for graduation, so you should most definitely try to become less lenient on how much you depend on your parents. If neither of your parents feel like making dinner volunteer to make it on your own. If you don’t know how to mop or clean the bathtub or something ask mom or dad to teach you.
On the weekends if the house is looking a little messy tidy it up as well as you can. Learning to live independently may be difficult but you will get used to it.
Obesity
By Jordynn Puckhaber
Obesity has become a “huge” problem in America. Obesity is used to describe weight that is much higher than what is thought of being healthy.
An obese person has a high amount of body fat and is consider unhealthy and at-risk for many life threatening diseases. Some of these life threatening or changing diseases are: diabetes, stroke, hypertension, cancer, sleep apnea, infertility, arthritis, and gallbladder disease. If anyone is more than 100 lbs. overweight he/she is considered morbidly obese. If anyone has a body weight that is 20% more than what is ideal he/she is considered obese. A person can also calculate their body mass index (BMI) to see if they are at-risk of being obese. Body Mass Index (BMI) = (Weight in Pounds) x 700 divided by (Height in Inches)2.
There are healthy ways to get back on track to feel good about yourself. If you want to become healthier your main goal should be to learn new healthy ways of eating and participate in daily exercise. Ask your doctor to set a safe daily calorie intake that will help with weight-loss. If you drop the pounds slowly and at a steady pace, you are more likely to keep them off. Your doctor or a personal trainer can teach you about healthy food choices, proper exercise and fitness, appropriate portion sizes and new ways to prepare food.
A well-balanced lifestyle can help you lose the weight. Most people can learn to lose the weight by changing their attitude, making better choices in their diet, and exercising daily. Avoiding junk food and unhealthy cravings will ensure a much healthier lifestyle. So get motivated and decide to make some positive changes if you need to.
Silver Cord Hours
By: Christina Brake
Throughout their high school career BP students who want a silver cord start collecting the volunteer hours they have done or are doing. Making sure all of their forms from freshman year through senior year are filled-out to earn the cord and turning them in to the schools main office.
Earning silver cord hours can be as easy as volunteering at an animal shelter, helping set up for a concert in the school gym, volunteering as a counselor at your local churches Sunday school or vacation bible school during the summer.
Even though you must accumulate a total of 160 hours of work before you get the award which averages out to 40 hours per year it won’t take long to get them. Before you know it you will already have all 160 hours done and over with. Depending on what you decide to devote your time to while working towards getting that silver cord award, those hours might just fly by. Then the relief will stay with you while you beamingly smile on stage with the rest of the seniors who donated their time to earn the same awesome award as you.
Even though there are many ways of earning silver cord hours there are things you cannot do to earn them. Silver cord hours cannot be to satisfy a class or requirement/obligation for any agency, program or organization of which you are a member of. They also shall not be accepted for helping relatives nor can you earn them while making any pay or compensation of any kind.
Silver Cord Hours are a good way to meet people in the community, devote your spare time, and get recognized for bettering yourself and your community.
Student Recipes
By Alexandria Brown
Cooking can be a hassle, that’s why Mrs. Mast offers classes on cooking: Creative Life Skills, Foods I, Foods II, and Surviving Single. Let’s hear from some students and teachers that cook. What are the most popular dishes today? What does everyone like to prepare? What does everyone prefer to eat?
“The students usually compile the recipes they want to make, and that gives them incentive to do a great job because we’re a hungry bunch and we want to eat!!” Mrs. Mast, BPHS staff.
“I think what people prefer to eat is pizza cause it’s easy to buy and cook, or get delivered.” Kayla Bergom, freshman
“I think what people should eat and make are no bake cookies, they are quick and easy to make and they taste so delicious.” Christina Brake, freshman
“I love to cook; I make my four ingredients pumpkin pie around the holidays.” Cheyenne Robinson, junior.
“I like to cook on the grill, so it needs to get warmer outside.” Mr. Dahlquist, BPHS staff
“I like to make cheesecake. It is not very hard to make. It’s also enjoyable to eat and to share with friends and family.” Kaley Hamilton, freshman
“I don’t like to cook because I am not the best at it. My favorite food is probably ice cream or funnel cake. But I also like to cook with friends.” Hannah Bean, freshman
“I like to make brownies. They are very yummy to eat and very easy to make.” Cheyenne Markham, freshman
“I like to cook many different things. Breakfast is probly my favorite food to eat though, French toast, Pancakes, Bacon, eggs… YUM!” Zakk Buck, senior
“I’m not much of a cook… but I’m getting better.” Lisa Daily, BP counselor
“I look at food as an aesthetic art. Nothing beats a meal that encompasses all the senses. It also is a great way to bring people together.” Mr. Allen, Teacher
“I’m not allowed to cook when my mom’s not home. But I like my mom’s spaghetti, because it tastes really good.” Chase Bryant, freshman
“I think you cook the way you feel. When you’re happy you make something sweet. When you’re down you make something sour or bitter.” Alexandria Brown, freshman
Different people have different tastes. That’s one way to put it, and another is to say that some people can cook and others, well let’s just not leaves them out, and likes to be put because they can’t cook.
Making the Decision
Many seniors this time of year are realizing that it’s now crunch time and graduation is right around the corner. For many students, college is the next step of the new chapter of their lives. Before selecting the college many factors are typically pondered over before making the big decision.
Many seniors value things differently. Such factors include: price, distance from home, school size, and classes offered. In speaking to a few students we see what factors some are looking at before making the big decision.
Jessica Landuyt said, “The class size is the most important thing to me.”
Emma Northrop said, “The location is what she looks for most in a college.”
Tony Jones said, “The price and location are two big factors in his choice.”
As you can see students really must weigh the pros and cons before selecting the proper college.
So as we round our last corner in high school, we will be taking different roads come next fall. So whatever we value, I’m sure we will be successful in whatever we choose.
Surviving Single in Chicago
By Austin Brown
At its February 17, 2010 board meeting, the Belle Plaine School Board approved the Surviving Single class trip to Chicago.
Surviving Single is a class that is sponsored by Mrs. Mast. The class will be leaving for Chicago early Friday, April 9th and returning late Saturday, April 10th. The class consists of 22 students that will have the opportunity to go to Chicago and learn to survive on their own. Six adult chaperones will accompany the students on this trip. The trip is a wrap-up to an activity the class is currently working on.
The students have been participating in a simulation in which they have relocated to downtown Chicago. They have been given a job with a designated salary and college debt. Using the internet, they have to find an apartment, decide if they want and/or need a roommate, and decide what mode of transportation they will be using to get to and from work. They also have to learn to live within their budget and become familiar with the downtown Chicago area.
If all goes as planned, the students will have an opportunity to experience the Chicago Loop area, ride the El train, and see a comedy show. It will be an educational adventure and an experience to remember.
Technology Today
By Hannah Bean
What’s the new technology of today? What’s most popular? Cell phones, cars, electronics, or IPods, and mp3 players? Some BPHS students were interviewed this is what they said:
“Phones because it lets you talk to people you don’t get to see very often or you can arrange something to do.” Dani Chilcote, freshman
“I would say either Ipods or phones because people love listening to music and Ipods are very popular. Phones are also popular because all everyone does anymore is text, like me.” Kaley Hamilton, freshman
“Either phones or Ipods because you can communicate with phones and with Ipods you can listen to music, and people like to do both.” Breanna Robertson, freshman
Trends and technology are constantly changing. It makes everyone wonder what’s next. With technology come new challenges, but a lot of fun too.
What to Expect in 2010
By Tyler Schafbuch
What should society be expecting in 2010? What will happen with the recession and the stock market? What will happen in schools?
In the year 2010, companies are prospering again and people are going out and spending more money because their jobs are secure, their wages may be increasing, and more jobs are being created. The stock market is slowly going up, with a few downs here and there, but people are still regaining their money that may have been lost when it plummeted in the years past. People will not fully recover from this recession for quite a while, but at least the nation is beginning to come out of it.
What should schools be looking at in the year of 2010? Schools still don’t have very good funding through the state and federal government. In Iowa there has been a 10% budget cut that has taken its toll on the entire state, which is greatly affecting the school districts in Iowa. There won’t be as many school improvements, pay increases, job hiring, adding programs, or school trips. Many schools have become reliant on fund-raising and the community to help support the school and there programs.
Hopefully this economic slump will end soon and our country and schools will improve to create a more secure future.
