Opinion Piece #2

Ask the Passengers by A.S. King: "PHENOMENAL AND IMPORTANT"


Let me begin by saying everything about this book is pure and true. A.S. King, being one of my favorite authors of ALL-TIME, hooked me in by the time I finished the first chapter.

Ask the Passengers is beautifully poetic and intellectual. King offers controversial points to the reading without pushing it to a radical boundary. And King’s main character, Astrid, is a non-label, non-conformist senior girl in high school about to face the reality that is life. But the thing that keeps her from living the life she wants is not just her unloving mother, her pushy best friend, or the dull and shallow town of Unity Valley she was forced to move to- it’s falling in love.

Before you toss the thought of this book aside after reading that last line, please, hear me out. Astrid Jones is a compelling and intellectual character who isn’t afraid to question the important things in life. Being captivated by Philosophy, her only best friend is the famous philosopher Socrates who appears in her mind as a person of comfort when she grows lost. And by questing the acceptable things in this small town, Astrid finds a blossoming love for a girl. But she, for once, has no idea what to do or how she feels about this.

Set in a small, dull town where anything that’s against the normal, none popular traits in society are immediately a minority- an outcast. Having an obsessive mother against anything abnormal, Astrid’s developing sexuality is a challenge to come out with.

But there is something she can go to find a peace in this mad mind of her’s- airplanes. Laying on picnic benches around her small, stuck-up town she stares up at the skies to watch passengers in airplanes flyby. Using the love she keeps in, Astrid sends all the feelings and thoughts up to them with “I love you” ‘s and questions about what is right and what is wrong.

And these passengers receive the love, feel it- and it changes Astrid’s and their lives completely. With just a few simple, loving words.

This book confronts major social-acceptance problems. Intertwining philosophy, tough decisions, relevant arguments, and important topics, this novel will change how you see society as a whole. I see and think differently now after reading and thinking about the subjects brought up in King’s story- for the better. The characters are crafted nicely to fit within the different things we face and argue with in the social aspects of life, and allegories spring up through characters that make you think, and think, and think.

Being one of the top ten best books I have EVER read and also one of the best books I’ve read this 2014, Ask the Passengers is an unforgettable journey with concepts that will haunt you long after the last page is turned.

Editorials and Personal Columns

Ideas:

1. Social Acceptance: What is "Cool" and what is "Not" or what is "Acceptable" and what is "Not Acceptable" among each other and peers.
2. Testing towards what the STAAR and EOC's are over instead of what we individually need to learn and how we learn
3. Adjustments and Help for the Mentally Ill students: (Anxiety, Syndromes, Depression, etc.)

Someone who I go back to a lot to see their thoughts and opinions on issues are blogs about writing and  the act of writing. Also, another thing I really love going back to reading (on tumblr usually) are opinionative writings about how we live today, how we communicate, and who we are in a poetic sense. Sometimes they are just little snippets of thoughts while other times it's this whole, long article with facts and opinions to prove it. But it's almost always in a poetic or even surreal way of describing it.

Peer Reflection #1

http://lenasjournalism.blogspot.com/2014/10/opinions-writing-preview.html?showComment=1414516033269#c4385259399483991915

1. Who wrote the story?

Yelena James

2. What is their story about?

The piece was about their opinion on cafeteria food.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

I've had school lunch and some of it is not all that bad but also i gag at the smell of it.

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes, briefly

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

Yes, there were several times when the writer would say "not all of the school food is bad" but then they'd go off describing the gross things and then the good things. It was sort of all over the place.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

Yes, three

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

First person

http://emmaksjournalismblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/opinioncommentary-piece.html?showComment=1414516820142#c1785541005745651425

1. Who wrote the story?

Emma K

2. What is their story about?

The different type of twins and how they develop.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

"That supports the saying that twins have an unbreakable bond and are in a way “connected” to each other." This was the only thing I found close to an opinion. I felt like I was being educate din a lesson rather than hearing someone's thoughts or opinions about the subject.

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

No

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

There was no real opinion, it was all factual.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

1st

CE #2.7

1. Why were multiple same-sex schools started in AISD? Page A1 "New single-sex schools..."

To help improve suffering neighborhoods with test grades and also the education system of the schools.

2. What is the name of the first person who is the first confirmed case of Ebola in New York City? Page A3 "Physician in New York..."

Dr. Craig Spencer

3. Who is the current favorite to become the new governor of Texas? Page B1

Greg Abbott

4. What is former UT football star Vince Young's new job title? Page C1"Vince Young, diversity salesman"

A development officer for alumni relations in the university’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement.

5. In the Tech Extra section, on page SA3, which one of the 4 items in the main story on the page would you like to own and WHY?

I would like to own Ue Boom Bluetooth speaker because I love music and my speaker recently broke. Also, this one seems to be very resistant to dust and damage so it would most likely be worth the money.


Short Answer:

Read BOTH of the articles on page A11 at the top under the headline Balanced Views. What arguments are both making about the current political situation in the United States? Why do you think there are titles "From the Left" and "From the Right" on those two stories? Why would the newspaper put this in on the opinions pages? What the the newspapers goals doing this?

I see two arguments about elections and happenings from the democratic side and the promises from the Republican side of these two parties. The issues discussed are ISIS, foreign policy, and Ebola. I watch a lot of news and my mother has educated me on government and politics a bit so I do know what these terms are getting at. "On the Left" means the democratic side of things. "On the Right" means Republican side. Both of these parties are all about a certain opinion. Each side has a general opinion on how certain things should be run and carried out when it comes to politics and government. Both of them clash and disagree, having their differences in what they think is right and what is wrong. This makes these two articles an opinion piece even though they state facts within them. Newspapers put these out there for 1) educate the Americans on what their government's recent events and happenings have been, 2) Update them on the political parties' thoughts and opinions about recent happenings and 3) Show an actual Democrat or Republican's thoughts on a matter at hand.

First Opinion Piece

Judging Literature: Why Banned Books Are Trite


Literature has been an act of freedom and comfort for most writers and readers, especially for children. As an advocate reader and writer myself, I have read all sorts of books, most of them being controversial. But when good books are banned? That’s where the line needs to be drawn.

Last year, the banning of certain children’s books has resurfaced in schools and communities. 307 attempts were made to ban certain books from the shelves of libraries.

When I first came across this news I was shell-shocked. Through my eyes this is an idiotic rule to put down.  During one of my Teen Press Corps meetings at Book People, I was given a packet filled with names of recently banned books. My first instinct was to question it. Why take loved stories from children?

Having asked around and done research before, I gathered background information on the adults’ side of the story. For example, the number one most popular banned book is the beloved Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Parents argued for banning this series, saying it promoted witchcraft and was much too dark for children.

Other popular banned books include the Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, various John Green novels, and classics like To Kill A Mockingbird. It has been proved that most of these books were banned on behalf of “sexually explicit” content, “offensive language” and “anti-Christian acts”, all from parents’ point of view.

Addressing the point about “anti-Christian acts”, I am a Christian myself speaking out against this argument. I have read many books with magic, witches, and cruel behavior, but never has it given me any ideas on reflecting those actions in my own life.

Now, having the whole school’s library removed from owning a specific book is not only unfair to the whole schools’ students, but also everyone who is witnessing the banish. This has been a popular act that parents for banning-books from a whole group or community have been doing.

And let’s remember how some children use these stories as comfort. Being a type of person who loves books like friends and family, just the thought of having one of my favorite books be taken away from me hurts. Children all over are having intellectual and beautiful stories like these numbered few being banished from their ownership and mind.

As a result of banning books, authors have the freedom of speech and expression (as stated in the First Amendment) to publish works that may seem too violent or “promote” offensive actions. Authors have their right to get their work out there while not being attacked for the content they’ve put within it.

    Instead of entirely taking away a book from a whole community or group, there are solutions where a parent can regulate just their child's reading instead of taking that freedom from others at the same time. These books are part of our education, interests, and also our generation and history. The act of taking something from a whole group or community is not fair to the others.

On the other side, parents do have the right to regulate what their kids read. What they don’t have the right to do is take a whole group of childrens’ books away from them without their parents’ consent.

Banning books is something I look down upon and continue to do as more books are added to the banished lists. Books are a comfort, a joy, and a pleasure thing that some readers take personally. The act of taking away loved (and some being fairly important) stories is not right and shouldn’t be continued.

SNO Online Papers

Share the Memories

1. Who wrote the story?

Adelaide Risberg, Assistant Editor

2. What is their story about?

An overview of the new, summer movie The Giver and their own opinion about what they thought after seeing it and reading the book.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

"This movie was surprisingly good, even though the story strayed a little from the plotline; it resolved the cliffhanger which with Lowry ended the book."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

A little bit, but not much.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

Yes, the writer stated that if the movie had followed the book better it may have been even better than it is already.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No


7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

3rd person

The school should consider block scheduling

1. Who wrote the story?

 Courtney Stringfellow, Writer

2. What is their story about?

The writer explains her thoughts on why their school should have block scheduling to help with managing assignments and supports it with opinions, thoughts, and facts.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

"Additionally, block scheduling allows students more time to complete assignments."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

No

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, they were straight to their facts and opinions. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

1st

Student calls for change in grading policy

1. Who wrote the story?

Alaina Galasso, Opinions Editor

2. What is their story about?

The students' actions and thoughts on why the grading policy should be changed.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

"The grading policy should be rethought to promote learning and decrease the stress of students."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, they were not.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

3rd

Personal Essays

1. What was one idea that the writer gave in the Wide Range of Topics section that you can use as you start deciding on a topic?

"Bes sure your essay is about something care strongly enough about to wax eloquent and passionate about it." (I really liked this tip. It's simple, but strong.)

2. What was one idea the writer gave in the Opinions Pieces section that you should remember as you are writing your piece?

"Details draw the reader in, generalizations keep them out. Be specific. Avoid using abstract expressions and phrases such as “the best day of my life”, “my happiest moment as a parent”, “I’d never known greater grief” to describe emotions of love, loss, anger, joy, satisfaction, etc. Make these emotions real and immediate by noting specifics and details that draw the reader into the experience, rather than just setting them aside as observers."

3. List three suggestions the writer makes in the Personal Essays and Crafts section that you will use as you write.

1. Be sure your facts are accurate, but this is an opinion essay- it is not all facts but more on your own thoughts and opinion. 

2. Hook the reader right at the beginning to keep them wanting to read more.

3. Write as evocatively as possible. (Use imagery, poetic devices, figurative language, etc.)

CE #2.6

1. Where could one go to find out where they should vote and what hours they are open? Page A1 "Voters asked to..." (HINT: the answer is on this page)

Voting is through October 31st and people can find out where they go to vote at the bottom of the article, according to what county they live in. 

2. Why is Whole Foods launching a series of national ads? Page B9 "Whole Foods launching..."

There are several companies that have better prices that are rising, so they set out to use these national ads to rid themselves of their negative nickname and get back in the game.

3. What change could encourage football teams in Class 6A (which Bowie is in) to win their districts? Page C1 "District football champs…"

District champions will have home-field advantage in the first round of playoffs. The Higher seed would have the option of playing at home. 

4. What kind of things might one find at the City-Wide Garage Sale? AND where and when is it? AND have you been? Page D2 "...been to the…"

Furniture, clothing, jewelry, artifacts, house ware, etc. And almost all of it is vintage! It is at the Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs road this Saturday and Sunday. 

5. Read the first letter to Dear Abby on page D5 (it is at the bottom) about halloween costumes. Do you agree with the advice and should the little girl wear the costume she wants?

In my opinion I think it is completely okay for the little girl to have the toy gun with her costume. It wouldn't do harm and it is part of their culture in Montana where she lives anyway. So yes, I agree with the advice given. 

Short Answer:

Today begins early voting across the city. There are a number of important issues on the ballot and the last few days of the newspaper have been filled with information, advice and commentary. In addition, mailboxes across town have been filled with flyers and advertisements from people running for office. Do you think voting is important? Do you know if your parents vote? What do you think you are supposed to do as a responsible citizen in a democracy? Do you have any ideas what some of the major issues are this election? Do you think local elections play any role in the bigger national political process?

Voting is one of the most important laws and freedoms we have in America. My parents vote for anything they can and are able to vote for. As a responsible citizen in a democracy, voting is one of the major impacts you can do to help and contribute as a citizen. It gives your opinion, support, and can help change your community for the better. I'm not very sure what is going on in this election (surprisingly- I watch the news all the time) or what the topics are over. If it's a local one, it is most likely going to be about our city/state representatives and the issues of money going on. And local elections do have a major role in national, political processes. For example, if we got for a Democratic governor instead of a Republican that we've had in the past, it may change our chances in the national political voting's. 

Opinion Writing Preview

Dress Code? What's Dress Code?

1. Who wrote the story?



2. What is their story about?

The bad and opinionated sides of the Bowie Dress Code while also discussing thoughts/opinions on breaking the dress code rules.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

The writer thinks dress code is not useful and isn't relevant at all. "The dress code is frankly, stupid." (page 10)

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

They mentioned the other side and their reasoning, but it was not in depth. The writer stated it in a way where it was negative and not correct.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they ever go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, they did not. I never saw such a statement in the article.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

2nd person


Counselors have electives saying "Et tu, Brute?"

1. Who wrote the story?

Ashlee T.

2. What is their story about?

Schedule Changes and an idea for a new way to make it easier (and less stressful) on Counselors and Students. It's where the students change it at a specific deadline- not the counselors.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

"Counselors should still consider all problems and fix students' schedules for the students' benefit… instead of counselors complaining about helping a student in fixing their schedule". (page 10)

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Only a little bit, not very much though.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, I did not see any sort of statement in the article.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

Yes, one quote.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

1st person


The summertime blues

1. Who wrote the story?

Gabby B.

2. What is their story about?

Summer work and their own opinion on having it.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

"I think it is pointless to make students do summer work." (page 10)

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

No.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, there were no such statements in the article.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No


7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

1st person


Racism here at home

1. Who wrote the story?

Justice C.

2. What is their story about?

Ferguson racism story that occurred and using this to back up their opinions on racism and that it is still going on.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

"Racial profiling is an act that exists in our communities today… Racism still exists, and we allow it to thrive by ignoring it." (pg. 11)

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, not at all. This was a brilliant article, written beautifully and not even close to that.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

Yes, the writer quoted the Constitution at the beginning of the article.


7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

1st person


School improvements lacking

1. Who wrote the story?

Michelle M.

2. What is their story about?

The new school improvements are not helping the most important things that need to be addressed.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

"I believe that our school needs a lot of changes that have not been completed ro make this school look and feel good as good as I know it could be." (page 11)

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Only a bit.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, they were not.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No quotes in this story.


7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

1st person



Reflection Questions:

A. What do you think the major differences between a hard news story and an opinions piece? Come up with at least three.

1. Hard news is factual and based on facts.
2. You can have more imagery or creativity in opinion pieces rather than hard news.
3. There's not a real distinct or strict structure for writing opinion essays.

B. Why do you think there aren't very many photos on this page?

I think it's to help let the reader make their own images and graphics in their head about the opinion while also getting more writing and words on the page rather than photographs.

C. What are three topics you think would be good to write an opinions piece on?

1. World News or Outside of School (Austin, National, World, and events or current happenings)

2. Student Life thoughts and different happenings with people our ages

3. Anything that is really… moving or difficult to wrap your mind over. I love making people think in a new way or making my readers really think and question different things. I want my readers to see different perspectives and see through my eyes. I have a very wild and vast mind with lots of different thoughts. I like to make it interesting in a sort of other-worldy, poetic way.

Earthquake Story

Who: Jennifer Vu, Mike Beamer, Penny Gertz
What: An Earthquake occurred, causing several dead and injured.
When: Monday Morning, 8:12 a.m. PDT
Where: San Francisco Bay area
Why: Tectonic Activity under the Hayward fault
How:


Monday Morning, at 8:12 a.m. PDT an earthquaked occurred around the San Francisco Bay area.

The earthquake was a 6.4  on the Richter scale and was under the Hayward Hills according to Penny Gretz, a scientist from the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park. The earthquake occurred underneath the hills, along the Hayward Fault.

Two people were killed and six others were injured during a partial-collapse of McHenry's Auto Supply building at 2342 Plum St. Jennifer Vu, a public information officer from the Hayward Fire Department said the names of those killed are being withheld pending notifications of their families.

Using ropes, Hayward firefighters used ropes to stabilize the auto supply shop while also doing a search of the partly-collapsed building. They capped a gas line after finding a leak near the building.

Mike Beamer is a resident of Hayward who witnessed the earthquake. Beamer's apartment is across the street from McHenry's who said the feeling of a rolling motion occurred for 30 seconds. There was a big jolt in the middle, said Beamer.

“I was eating my breakfast when the room started rolling. I dove under the table just as I heard an explosion outside and a chunk of cement flew through my kitchen window. That’s when the screaming start across the street.”

There were twenty-one dire personnel, twelve police and five American Red Cross workers who came to the building collapse, Vu said. Three people were hospitalized for serious injuries at Hayward General Hospital. Vu added there are no other serious injuries in Hayward from the earthquake.

Huntington Story

Who: Janice Jones, Tammy Rye, Jone's Dog

What: Jones's dog knocked her 9 mm handgun and it discharged, shooting her in the leg and barely missing her vehicle's gas tank. 

When: 10 pm, Wednesday

Where: Barstow, California

Why: Her dog knocked the handgun down, causing it to discharge

How: '' ''

Janice Jones, 53, lives in Barstow, California. She was eating pork chips in the back of her motor home when Jones was shot in the leg. A California Highway Patrol witnessed the accident. 

Rye said Jones's dog had knocked the handgun off a sear. It hit the ground, causing it to discharge and shoot her in the leg, barely missing the gas tank of her vehicle. 

“It could have been worse,” Rye said. “The bullet hit two inches from the gas tank.” 

On Wednesday at 10 p.m., Jones was shot and was shortly transported to Huntington Beach Hospital. Later, she was transported to Irvine Medical Center, said Rye. She was treated at the hospital.

Jone's dog was given to the Huntington Beach Animal Control officers who are caring for it now. The dog is a Pomeranian who acted malnourished and had fresh cigarette burns on its forehead, said Janet Ngo, an animal control officer. 

“It could have done with a little less abuse and a few more of those pork chops,” Ngo said.

Jones is being filed against animal abuse charges and officers cited her for expired plates and for not having a gun permit for the gun, said Rye. 

CE #2.5

1. What percentage of Texas students are considered college-ready compared to the rest of the United States? Page A1 "Texas SAT scores..."

33.9 percent are college-ready

2. Which group has spent the most money lobbying about Proposition 1 AND are they for or against light rail? Page A1 "Spending heavy on..."

$840,000 and they are for light rail

3. Which philosophy or model is Webb Middle School using to keep at risk students in school and being successful? Page B1 "Webb, Reagan…."

They give extra time to those specific students. show them that they care, and use academic and social aspects to get them on the right track to their education.

4. What big change in sanitation recommendations will help canners this year? Page SA2 "Home canning now easier"

Wash the lids and use them at room temperature.

5. Of the three "Top Things to Do" on Page D2, which would you like to see or go do the most if you could AND WHY? Page D2 "Top Things to Do"

I'd want to go to NATURAL LIGHT” AT PHOTO MÉTHODE because I love photography and I find it absolutely fascinating and quite beautiful! I've never been to a photography galleria, so I believe it would be a great experience.

Short Answer: On Tuesday the United States Supreme court refused to hear arguments from multiple states about the Constitutionality of a same sex marriage bans which had been overturned in those states. Effectively the refusal to hear the cases means that those rulings will now stand, paving the way for same sex marriages in more than 30 states across the country. What do you think about this ruling and the result? Be sure to tell me why!!!

I'm not very happy about how the Supreme Court just refused to hear these arguments. We have a right to speak our minds and our opinions- being silenced by refusal is not right at all. But I do think same sex marriages in 30 states is a good thing. I don't ever really want to get into such controversial things like such, but I do respect it and accept the LGBT community and the same sex marriage. If you love someone, you love them- and that's the way you are! The acceptance by these 30 states is good news I believe, but I am just a student in High School- I do not know all the complex details to why there is acceptance of same sex marriage and why not. 

Lone Star Dispatch Evaluation #1

F1 'STEM's into school curriculum

Who: Mazda Company, Bowie High School Students
What: The Mazda Company came and promoted their new race-car for STEM students.
Where: On Campus, Bowie High School
When: September 16th, 2014
Why: To get students excited about STEM and careers that are out there for them.

How: Showcased the new prototype and explained all the mechanics/facts to the students 

The motor company Mazda came to our Campus to promote and present their new prototype the SKYACTIV-D to STEM students and people interested in cars and engineering. They also came to help raise awareness for the careers and interesting jobs out there- to help students get excited about the STEM careers out there.

1. Joel Miller, Direct Quote
2. Jill Harding, Direct Quote
3. Mazda Crew, Indirect Quote
4. Joshua Rocha, Direct Quote

Opinion: "made an obvious effect on campus". This is some-what of an opinion for others may not think this was such an impact or an effect for students on campus.

Heading: The Headline does confuse me a bit. The " 'Stem's Into"made me question a little, but I do see what the writer was trying to get at!

Art: Yes, there is a piece of art and it does relate to the article.

Who: Bowie Football Students/Fans, Bowie Football Players, Bowie Officials
What: Bowie Officials have changed rules involving the games and what you can/cannot bring or do.
Where: Bowie Football Games
When: Friday Nights
Why: There was an allergic reaction to Baby Powder, and behavior is getting 'inappropriate'

How: Students were being too rowdy or getting out of hand, so they changed rules up

Bowie Students have been given more restrictions for when they go to the football games. School Officials have cracked down on some rules and made things a bit more stricter- taking away and banning a few items or actions that students have been doing.

1. principal Stephen Kane, Direct Quote
2. senior student Melissa Pittman, Direct Quote
3. Varsity Football Player Cole Kuykendall

Opinion: I did not see any opinions in this article

Heading: Yes, the heading relates to the article well

Photo: Yes


Rebels protest policy at school in athletic shorts

Who: Bowie Students 
What: Students protest against the new rule about girls wearing athletic shorts
Where: Bowie campus
When: September 25th
Why: To show females deserve to wear athletic shorts just like the male students get to

How: Many female (and some male) students all wore nike shorts in a protest against the new rule.

Since Bowie Officials have made the announcement about nike shorts being banned from girls wearing them, students have broken out in protest to try and get equality between all males and females get to wear the shorts. 

1. junior Annie Lin, Direct Quote
2. male students, indirect quote
3. junior James Otello, Direct Quote
4. junior Justice Lozano, Direct Quote
5. Stephen Kane, indirect quote
6. ap Vincent Trevino, Direct Quote
7. senior Allie Clayboss, Direct Quote
8. Trevino, indirect quote
9. senior Kate Buffler, Direct Quote

Opinion: No opinions

Heading: Yes, it relates to the article

Photo: None


Go green to honor coach Landers

Who: Volleyball Varsity Players, Coach Landers, Bowie Students
What: Volleyball players will be raising awareness for Liver Cancer in honor of the passing of their coach.
Where: Bowie Gym
When: October 21
Why: To show respect for their coach and raise awareness for the cause that he died from
How: Selling tee-shirts, getting pumped for the game to raise the money and awareness, and wearing green.

Opinion: None

Heading: Yes, this heading is relatable

Photo: none


Annual homecoming dance returns

Who: PTSA, Student Council, 
What: The Homecoming dance returns to Bowie
Where: Bowie Campus, Courtyard
When: October 18th
Why: To keep up the tradition of Homecoming dances

How: Buying items and getting ready to host the dance while also getting students pumped for the dance.

Opinion: no

Heading: Yes, it relates to the article

Photo: None

Student of the Month Article

Currently at Bowie, school officials have decided on creating a Student of the Month- one student that will be shown with pride in their performance and studies involving the school. The first ever Student of the month is Chris M., a freshman. Teachers and Staff members elect several candidates and vote on which one is the best. This will be occurring at the beginning of every month of this school year.

Chris explained why he thought he became the Student of the Month. "Because I'm the best," said Chris.

One of Chris's favorite teachers Ms.Howard nominated him as the Student of the Month specifically.

"He has… Er, potential. And we know he has it but he needs to excel and put forth more effort," said Howard. We know he can do well, so he became the Student of the Month, as a sort of encouragement."

Going deeper into the election process, Principal Canne tells the steps for finding the right Student of the Month.

"We look at the students who are a bit outcasted and we look at what they're into and what they have accomplished. If they have met to quality standards, we like to get them out there, try more things, and excel rather than just… be in the background, I suppose."

Friends of Chris's have congratulated him on being titled the first ever Student of the Month. His best friend, freshman John Kirschtien, speaks out his thoughts.

"Chris is a good guy. Sometimes his head isn't in the right place with school, but I do think he was a good choice as having him be the Student of the Month."

Afterwards, potential future Student of the Months were revealed by Chris.

"I would nominate [one of] the mascot[s]," said Student of the Month, Chris M.