New Textbook Policy Takes Place

After years of students not paying fees, the administration has introduced a new textbook policy. If a student receives a textbook or novel for a class, the student must return it at the end of the semester. If the student fails to return their book, they will not be eligible to take their semester final on the regular final day. The student may take their final on a make-up day.
“I think the policy will be really effective,” sophomore Alexis Ortiz said. “A majority of students might find it reasonable, but I’m getting a feeling some might be angry when the policy affects them.”
In previous years, students were told that they wouldn’t receive their schedule for the upcoming school year if they did not pay their textbook fees. It was nearly impossible to refuse a student their schedule every year, however, so students couldn’t receive their diploma at the end of their senior year until they paid their book fees.
“I think if we as teachers stand on top of it, I think students are going to start caring,” English teacher Diane Fingers said. “The fees kept piling up, piling up and piling up. It became a huge financial burden to the school. Something had to change.”
Administrators hope that the new policy will be more effective. It has proven to work well in other schools, such as FHHS, according to Fingers.
“I really hope it’s effective,” Fingers said. “I don’t want to see kids’ grades suffer from the lack of a book.” (Brief by Grace Bowman)

StuCo Prepares for Homecoming: A Knight in Paradise

Homecoming’s theme this year is “A Knight in Paradise.” StuCo members will decorate the gym in beach and summer-like decorations for the dance on Sept. 23. There will be refreshments in the wrestling room, a DJ,  a photobooth and a bag check-in to hold students belongings.

“I’m looking forward to my first Homecoming,” freshman Katie Forth said. “It’s my first high school dance. I’m excited to buy a dress and have the full experience.”

Even though Homecoming is only days away StuCo has been preparing for it for weeks. The dance will be held from 7-10 p.m.

“I know how much work gets put into it,” StuCo President Jamie Sneed said. “It’s not easy. We all work really hard, and it’s a really good time.”

Tickets are $20 and are sold during lunch hours through tomorrow.

“Homecoming is something fun to do with your friends,” Sneed said. “Homecoming helps you get involved.” (Brief by Grace Bowman)

KOE Gets Pumped Up for Powder Puff

Junior and senior girls will play a game of football on the football field in the upcoming Powder Puff game, run by KOE, tonight at 6:30 p.m. The game lasts around two hours. Tickets are $3 in advance and $5 at the entrance. The money goes to school funds and KOE. Around 750 people, parents, students and friends are expected to come, according to one of the game’s officials.

“This year’s interesting, because there’s exactly the same amount of girls playing as last year which would be around 81 girls,” KOE sponsor Lindsey Scheller said. “It’s cool how many girls come to play from different backgrounds.”

Math teacher Charles Lott, a referee for the game, addressed the rumor that all football teams would play with smaller footballs this year, saying that, to his knowledge, the balls would be the same size.

“Back in the day, I coached,” Lott said. “It’s a lot of fun, and I like being involved and educating people about football.”

The game is split into two sides. On one side, the junior girls play on offense, and senior girls on defense. On the other side of the field, it’s the opposite. On the sidelines, junior and senior boys put on wigs and other accessories for their roles as crowd pleasers, acting like girl cheerleaders.

“It doesn’t get too fiery, it’s kind of a friendly competition,” junior Elise Gordon said. “I have a lot of friends who are seniors, so I’m excited to go up against them.” (Brief by Sophia Schmidt)