by Will HastingsMaking Noise For Climate Change
by Will Hastings
College Countdown
by Colleen Britain
The beginning of the year can be a very ominous time for all seniors. Applying to college, deciding where to go, and figuring out what to study are only a few of the decisions that a high school senior faces. These daunting tasks don’t have to stress the seniors out as much as they think. If taken one step at a time, the process will not seem as overwhelming.
The college process should start as early as freshmen and sophomore year, but at that point no one can know where they want to go, or what they want to do. In these first two years of high school keeping your grades up is the most important thing. Many freshmen aren’t thinking about college this early, so the thought of preparing for it seems ridiculous. The truth is, though, colleges see your grades from all four years of your high school career. The actions taken the first two years will affect college decisions.
Mr. Fox, who doubles as a guidance counselor and the college go-to-guy, says that you should really start thinking about college January of the junior year. At this time the student should start thinking about many different decisions, such as what to study, size and location of the college, and how far away from home that you want to go. All of these thoughts are vital to selecting the perfect college.
Once a list of schools has been made (done in the spring of junior year), the college visits start. Over the summer between junior and senior year is the perfect opportunity to visit these colleges. When at the visits, ask questions and engage with the staff at the colleges. At most colleges there is a specific admissions counselor assigned to our area of the country; get to know these people because they are usually the ones who read your application and decide whether or not to admit you. If they have a friendly face to associate with your name, it can help.
Once you have been accepted, Mr. Fox wants you to tell him, and “watch me do the dance of acceptance.” The most common problem with accepted seniors is "senioritis", or lack of trying in school. It is important that this does not happen! Many seniors do not realize that colleges can revoke their acceptance, leaving you scrambling. Most importantly, celebrate. The beginning of the year can be so stressful, so make up for it and enjoy the rest of your senior year.
The beginning of the year can be a very ominous time for all seniors. Applying to college, deciding where to go, and figuring out what to study are only a few of the decisions that a high school senior faces. These daunting tasks don’t have to stress the seniors out as much as they think. If taken one step at a time, the process will not seem as overwhelming.
The college process should start as early as freshmen and sophomore year, but at that point no one can know where they want to go, or what they want to do. In these first two years of high school keeping your grades up is the most important thing. Many freshmen aren’t thinking about college this early, so the thought of preparing for it seems ridiculous. The truth is, though, colleges see your grades from all four years of your high school career. The actions taken the first two years will affect college decisions.
Mr. Fox, who doubles as a guidance counselor and the college go-to-guy, says that you should really start thinking about college January of the junior year. At this time the student should start thinking about many different decisions, such as what to study, size and location of the college, and how far away from home that you want to go. All of these thoughts are vital to selecting the perfect college.
Once a list of schools has been made (done in the spring of junior year), the college visits start. Over the summer between junior and senior year is the perfect opportunity to visit these colleges. When at the visits, ask questions and engage with the staff at the colleges. At most colleges there is a specific admissions counselor assigned to our area of the country; get to know these people because they are usually the ones who read your application and decide whether or not to admit you. If they have a friendly face to associate with your name, it can help.
Once you have been accepted, Mr. Fox wants you to tell him, and “watch me do the dance of acceptance.” The most common problem with accepted seniors is "senioritis", or lack of trying in school. It is important that this does not happen! Many seniors do not realize that colleges can revoke their acceptance, leaving you scrambling. Most importantly, celebrate. The beginning of the year can be so stressful, so make up for it and enjoy the rest of your senior year.
Fall Recipes: Apple Cheesecake
by Cristina White
INGREDIENTS
- CRUST:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
- APPLE TOPPING:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 dash ground nutmeg
- 6 Granny Smith or baking apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- FILLING:
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Combine crust ingredients; press into bottom and 1-1/2-in. up sides of a 9-in. springform pan. Refrigerate. For topping, place sugar, lemon juice, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in Dutch oven; mix well. Add apples. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer 15 minutes or just until apples are tender. Gently stir as needed. Remove from heat; carefully stir in pecans. Cool to room temperature. Set aside 3 tablespoons of topping; refrigerate the rest until serving time. For filling, combine cream cheese, eggs, sugar and vanilla in a large mixing bowl; mix until well blended. Pour filling into crust. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50 minutes. Turn oven off, but leave cheesecake in oven with door ajar for another 1 hour. Cool to room temperature; chill at least 4 hours. Before serving, top with Apple Topping.
Ask Bertha
Dear Bertha,
I just started my freshmen year and I am a bit overwhelmed. I can’t get over the fact that it is so much different than eighth grade. One thing that is so different is that the homework is so much harder. Do you have any tips on adjusting and tips of how I can manage the homework load?
Sincerely,
Fumbling Freshman
Dear Fumbling Freshman,
The amount of homework is a huge difference between middle and high school, and being conscientious about it is very important. My advice is to figure out how long each assignment will take. Get assignments that will take a long time out of the way first thing each night. I’m sure you’d rather be working on a quick assignment later in the night than a paper. However, if you have a week or longer to work on the paper, save that until last, so you can work on it a little each night, but don’t get side tracked doing too much of an assignment that’s not due the next day.
The most important advice that I can give is don’t procrastinate. Staying up all night never makes for a good essay or project. For shorter assignments, make sure you get them in on time—having to make something up later will just add to your homework load another night. If you have extra time in study hall or at night, it’s a good idea to get started on something that’s due in two days. Homework doesn’t only have to be done the night before it’s due during the week. You also shouldn’t save homework due Monday for Sunday night. Spread it out over the weekend, and you won’t have to spend a long block of time on Sunday completing it. You will feel like you had a more relaxed weekend.
Sincerely,
Bertha
*If you would like to submit a question to Bertha, send an email to tunderwood@hopkintonschools.org*
Combined Forces = Friendly Outreach
By Dorothy England
Mrs. Sintros, with the help and assistance of Mr. Kelly, Mrs. Shaefer, Ms. Underwood and Mrs. Moskal, has combined Peer Outreach and Friends of Rachel groups from last year into one. She believes that a teacher is not only there to instruct, but also to facilitate a supportive and healthy environment. Mrs. Sintros is hoping to support students to get along with others in their community. She also wants to provide them with a safe and positive climate. Mrs. Sintros choose to combine the groups to increase the numbers of member. Also, both groups are similar in their goals and approaches to treating others with genuine kindness. It goes much deeper than that though; combined, both the community and school will be benefited. With the help of fundraisers and assemblies, a more positive environment will be created for everyone.
Last year, this was fulfilled. 'Make a Wish' Foundation and 'Save Darfur' were only some of the projects completed in the Middle school and High school last year. Some goals Mrs. Sintros hopes to achieve this year include mixing social groups, such as athletes and artists, studious and musical students together. This she hopes will create a friendly atmosphere where those who feel like they may not belong can participate in. As Mrs. Sintros mentioned, the sky is the limit. Bowling and movie nights can be organized for anyone and everyone to participate in. Thus, friends can be made; even a big brother/sister sort of approach can be established.
Excited for the coming year and the various possibilities this group can fulfill, Mrs. Sintros encourages students to reach out to others who may feel like they don't fit in. She wants people to be comfortable in saying hello to a new face and introducing themself. Mrs. Sintros mentioned that when she was in high school, there wasn't a Peer Outreach group, but there was a Social Awareness group at the past school she taught at, of which she was an advisor. At her college, the motto was 'men and women for others'. Obviously, Mrs. Sintros knows her stuff and is well suited for leading this group.
The first kickoff meeting will be Friday, October 3rd, at 7:30 in the morning, room 202. All students, grades 9-12 are welcomed to attend; middle school has their own group. Students will be permitted to include their own input and ideas for the group to do. So all who are able and willing should come. Who knows you could make a new friend in the process; the smallest interaction can make the biggest difference.
Spirit Skatepark
by Jake Lessels
For the past seven years, people of all ages have flocked to the Spirit Skate Park. Josh Lessard has been riding the park for the last four years and has loved every second of it. He spends at least six hours a day there riding his BMX bike. “I have been riding since I was 13, and I cannot get enough of it,” Lessard said. During those four years, Josh has been practicing his tricks; on the ramps and on flat-ground. He has mastered all the tricks from a basic J-hop to tail whips and 540’s.
Josh’s most memorable moment at the park was the Brace Jam. This event was an annual get-together of skaters and riders. It was held by local skaters and bikers that just wanted to have a good time. The Jam included live bands and food. Lessard liked it because it gave young kids a chance to have fun with older skaters and bikers before they became professional. “It was a blast,” Lessard told me. He wishes that another event like this one could be held at the skate park.
For the past seven years, people of all ages have flocked to the Spirit Skate Park. Josh Lessard has been riding the park for the last four years and has loved every second of it. He spends at least six hours a day there riding his BMX bike. “I have been riding since I was 13, and I cannot get enough of it,” Lessard said. During those four years, Josh has been practicing his tricks; on the ramps and on flat-ground. He has mastered all the tricks from a basic J-hop to tail whips and 540’s.
Josh’s most memorable moment at the park was the Brace Jam. This event was an annual get-together of skaters and riders. It was held by local skaters and bikers that just wanted to have a good time. The Jam included live bands and food. Lessard liked it because it gave young kids a chance to have fun with older skaters and bikers before they became professional. “It was a blast,” Lessard told me. He wishes that another event like this one could be held at the skate park.
Unemployment Rates in New Hampshire vs. United States
by Dan Lux
One year ago citizens of New Hampshire were worry free of being unemployed, with the unemployment rate at only 3.7%. But as the earth spins, unfortunately so does the unemployment rate. In October of 2008 the unemployment rate rose from 3.7% to a whopping 6.6% in March of 2009. Since the unemployment rate stopped at 6.6%, it has kept changing a steady pace. Since March the Unemployment Rate has gone as low as 6.4% and as high as 6.8%.
As for the United States as a whole, the Unemployment Rate is at an all time high of 9.7%. Other than this year the highest Unemployment Rate was in 1992 at an 8.2%. It is believed that the Unemployment Rate rose to where it is now because more people are actively seeking work, but unable to find what they are looking for. The United States has lost more the 216,000 jobs in this economy since August of 2009. As it seems of right now, the effectiveness of Obama’s economic recovery does not seem to be working, or it is taking longer than projected.
As for the United States as a whole, the Unemployment Rate is at an all time high of 9.7%. Other than this year the highest Unemployment Rate was in 1992 at an 8.2%. It is believed that the Unemployment Rate rose to where it is now because more people are actively seeking work, but unable to find what they are looking for. The United States has lost more the 216,000 jobs in this economy since August of 2009. As it seems of right now, the effectiveness of Obama’s economic recovery does not seem to be working, or it is taking longer than projected.
Trading Kicks for Sticks
by Mimi Ramsdell
Every Wednesday, for the last six years, about sixty girls congregate on Hopkinton’s field hockey field. Their skills range from barely being able to hold a field hockey stick, to being a starter on the Varsity Field Hockey Team. This production, known as Buddy Field Hockey, is headed by Varsity Coach Connolly.
On the first day, every younger girl, from second to sixth grade, is assigned a big buddy on either the JV or Varsity Field Hockey Team. For the next five weeks the little buddy will learn the basic skills and rules of field hockey from her big buddy. The season is ended by a large, multiple town, Buddy Field Hockey Jamboree.
But why would Coach Connolly rather have her players playing and joking around with young girls instead of practicing? There are multiple reasons. Buddy Field Hockey keeps Hopkinton’s field hockey program strong. Girls can play soccer as soon as they can run, but there are fewer opportunities to learn field hockey. This program attracts girls who would usually be playing soccer, but learn they love field hockey.
Additionally, as Coach Connolly points out, this is one opportunity for the older girls to give back to the community. The older girls become role models for the younger girls. The older girls take pride in teaching and setting examples for the aspiring field hockey players. Some of the older girls were younger buddies when the program first started and are aware of how enjoyable the experience is.
Overall, for twenty dollars, not only does a young girl learn the basics of field hockey; she is able to meet new people, gain a role model, and have fun.
Attention all Gleeks!
by Cristina White
Find yourself tuning in to Glee weekly? Even if you don't, you deserve to know what's going down on the new Fox series. High school Spanish teacher Will Schuester takes the Glee club in a new direction. Members of the Glee club include: Rachel Berry, Kurt Hummel, Artie Abrams, Mercedes Jones, Tina Cohen-Chang, and Finn Hudson. These students are considered the “underdogs” and Schuester wants the community of McKinley High to realize their true potential. Schuester is prepared to do whatever it takes to make Glee club the best that it can be. He is up against the coach of the “Cheerios” Cheerleading squad, Sue Sylvester. Sylvester believes that the Glee club is a joke. Sylvester schemed to have some of her “Cheerios” audition to be a part of the Glee club. Her plan was to destroy Glee club, but by the looks of it her scheme is not going as planned. The Glee club produces great music which can be heard on iTunes. Some of their recordings include “Don’t Stop Believin” and “Gold Digger.” Next time you find yourself flipping through the channels on Wednesday nights around 9pm EST, check out Glee on FOX.
Making a Racquet
by Maddie Durant
You may have walked into school on Wednesday, and noticed three boys dressed in tennis clothes. Or maybe you noticed that our usually empty tennis court was a bit busy that afternoon. Or you noticed nothing at all, and have no idea what I’m talking about. Fact is: Hopkinton’s tennis team had their first practice on Wednesday.
Of course, ‘team’ and ‘practice’ are the operative words here, but there were four young men out playing tennis on Wednesday. Players Ben Dalzell, Sam Hayden and Ben Spaulding, with Coach Max Sink, held their first practice out on the tennis courts, with all intentions of having a good time getting out and doing something. As they played, people started to show up. I love tennis, and followed them right to the courts. We were soon joined by numerous JV boys’ soccer players, and a few others. Racquets were passed around, and everyone who wanted to got a chance to play. A few even went or called home to get their own racquets.
After a short warm-up, the guys had their first game. Ben and Ben versus whoever had the racquets on the other side of the court. The key rule of the game: there are no rules. If the ball was moving and in reach of someone’s racquet, then it was still in play. In the end, our tennis team won. But seeing how it was half the team versus the other half, everyone won. It was all in good fun.
Tennis is a great way to get out and do something. Whether you never held a racquet in your life, or you’ve been taking lessons and playing with siblings since you were little, anyone can come out and practice with the Hopkinton tennis team. It’s not about how good you are, or whether the ball lands within the lines every time, it’s about having fun. So if you want to come to the next practice, listen to the morning announcements; practices will be announced over the intercom. Bring your racquet, bring some tennis balls, maybe bring some food to share and go play some tennis!
You may have walked into school on Wednesday, and noticed three boys dressed in tennis clothes. Or maybe you noticed that our usually empty tennis court was a bit busy that afternoon. Or you noticed nothing at all, and have no idea what I’m talking about. Fact is: Hopkinton’s tennis team had their first practice on Wednesday.
Of course, ‘team’ and ‘practice’ are the operative words here, but there were four young men out playing tennis on Wednesday. Players Ben Dalzell, Sam Hayden and Ben Spaulding, with Coach Max Sink, held their first practice out on the tennis courts, with all intentions of having a good time getting out and doing something. As they played, people started to show up. I love tennis, and followed them right to the courts. We were soon joined by numerous JV boys’ soccer players, and a few others. Racquets were passed around, and everyone who wanted to got a chance to play. A few even went or called home to get their own racquets.
After a short warm-up, the guys had their first game. Ben and Ben versus whoever had the racquets on the other side of the court. The key rule of the game: there are no rules. If the ball was moving and in reach of someone’s racquet, then it was still in play. In the end, our tennis team won. But seeing how it was half the team versus the other half, everyone won. It was all in good fun.
Sie sprechen Deutsch?
By Dorothy England
This past month, Hopkinton High School was very privileged to welcome 15 German exchange students. Not only did they visit our school, they also went to Boston, where they saw a buffalo farm, and Maine where they experienced the White Mountains. Their favorite place though was Manhattan, New York City because it was exciting.
They said they really appreciated Hopkinton for people's genuinely kind and open-minded attitude they received and all but one wished to stay longer. They thought Hopkinton was awesome, even though they thought Hopkinton was too small (probably after seeing NYC) and the school hours were too long.
They were especially surprised at the freedom of selection students had in their choice of classes. Back home in Germany, they are only allowed to choose a language but the rest of their classes are required. As for languages, most of them, if not all know at least three languages; some even know four. These languages include German, English, French and Latin. An additional language they admitted to is a non-spoken, verbal language consisting of hand motions that they use in class when they don’t want their teacher to notice.
Another difference between our schools is while our school offers a vast amount of sports to participate in, German sports are separate from their schools. They were intrigued by our school spirit, which includes consisting of purple headbands and/or flannel shirts.
Lastly, you may be wondering what America's greatest influence is on Germany; it is not in fact the food (which they consider unhealthy), but instead, our music including rap and hip-hop.
It was awesome having them here and we were as they were sad to see them go. But as the Germans say, ‘auf wiedersehen!’
They said they really appreciated Hopkinton for people's genuinely kind and open-minded attitude they received and all but one wished to stay longer. They thought Hopkinton was awesome, even though they thought Hopkinton was too small (probably after seeing NYC) and the school hours were too long.
They were especially surprised at the freedom of selection students had in their choice of classes. Back home in Germany, they are only allowed to choose a language but the rest of their classes are required. As for languages, most of them, if not all know at least three languages; some even know four. These languages include German, English, French and Latin. An additional language they admitted to is a non-spoken, verbal language consisting of hand motions that they use in class when they don’t want their teacher to notice.
Another difference between our schools is while our school offers a vast amount of sports to participate in, German sports are separate from their schools. They were intrigued by our school spirit, which includes consisting of purple headbands and/or flannel shirts.
Lastly, you may be wondering what America's greatest influence is on Germany; it is not in fact the food (which they consider unhealthy), but instead, our music including rap and hip-hop.
It was awesome having them here and we were as they were sad to see them go. But as the Germans say, ‘auf wiedersehen!’
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