News - Boone TV

Turning Back the Clock This Homecoming

9/29/2015

By: Amanda Bryant @18bryana and Erin Peterson @Erin_18_Kathryn

This upcoming week is one of the fall’s busiest for every section of the high school. Every year, though crazy and for some students, incredibly stressful, is always worth it’s weight in fun.

In previous years we’ve had some crazy themes and done some fun activities that united us as a school and really showed off what it really means to be a Toreador and have school spirit.

This year's theme is “Remembering the Past”, and while freshman think of previous decades such as the eighties and nineties, the sophomores, juniors, and seniors will all be remembering the same thing. The homecoming dance and how it has always been held in the gym. We’ll be remembering the water bottle, the balloons, the dark heat, and so much more.

Because we have a new commons area, it has been discussed that homecoming would be held there instead of the gym due to the gym’s lack of air conditioning. But as of a few days ago, after much debate, it was finally decided. The 2015 homecoming will be held as it always has, in the gym.

The homecoming dance is by far the most anticipated part of the week, but in all reality, the entire week is fun. As most people know, there are new things every day to do. This year, we are following the theme “Remembering the Past”, starting with this Friday’s adopted new tradition, the Dance dub. Being a huge success last year, we have decided to do it for many years to come.

Along with our themed days, we also have the tradition of holding contests. This year we are holding contests (shown in sidebar) while pictures will be taken in the new commons before school.

Homecoming Week

9/27/2015

By: Gabie Osborn @18osborg

Homecoming is approaching, which means everyone is trying to figure out what they will wear to the dance. But, there are other outfits you should be looking for too. A tradition at Boone High School, is that every year the week leading up to homecoming is known as dress up week. Everyday, there’s a theme and students wear outfits to match that theme.

The student council decides what the day's theme should be. This year, they have decided on ‘Merica Monday, Twin Day Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Decade Day Thursday, and finally Flashback Friday and Boone Spirit Day.

I encourage everyone to dress up and be apart of the fun. Dressing up is part of the excitement of homecoming and a reminder that homecoming is right around the corner. Sophomore Molly Roden said, “I am looking forward to doing it this year because I did not get into it as much last year, and it is a fun thing to do.” It is also entertaining to see all the creativity everyone has and everyone’s great ideas.

There will also be a daily contest for best costume on each day. All you have to do is dress up for that day and get your picture taken by Mr. Kramer before school. Then your picture will be posted on the Boone TV facebook page, where everyone can vote for their favorite costume. If you get the most likes for that day you can win a free ticket into the dance. Don’t forget to go like your favorite picture each day!

National Honor Society Postponement

9/25/2015

By: Jason Mui @JasonMui17

Every year, the National Honor Society selects a group of juniors and seniors at Boone High School who have shown extraordinary skills in leadership, service and character to help out in various activities for the Boone Community. Last year, the main service project for the National Honor Society was raising money for the HOPE Foundation in many different ways in the Boone Community.

With the school year just starting Caroline Sallen, the Boone High School’s National Honor Society adviser, is recruiting new members and is strongly recommending any student who makes the requirement to become a member. The National Honor Society is still accepting application until Friday, September 25th. Due to this the yearly induction that was set for Monday, September 28th has been postponed until Monday, November 9th.

“Students should get involved in National Honor Society because we always have monthly meetings and service projects which get students involved in the community and school.” said Sallen. “ It is a wonderful organization and an extremely high honor for students selected into membership.”

When asked why the National Honor Society is a great thing to be associated with, Sallen began to dive into her own personal reasons for being a part of this organization.

“I was a member of National Honor Society when I was in high school and I think it is a wonderful organization. I enjoy working with the students and planning service projects and events for our members to help out with. I absolutely love my job because I am a special education teacher during the school day, but get the opportunity to work with some of Boone’s most extraordinary students as the National Honor Society Adviser. “

As the school year is just beginning, the National Honor Society is looking to continue their yearly organization by recruiting new qualifying members in efforts to improve the Boone Community; and strongly recommends anyone who qualifies for the membership to apply so more people can have the opportunity to help strengthen our society.

Boone High School or Dance Floor?

9/25/2015

By: Libby Pennick @lmpenick

On Friday, September 25th, Boone High School’s hallways were filled with screaming, running, and altogether very ecstatic students and staff.

After Boone High principal Kris Byam and seniors Nathanial Brown and Erin Kinne took to the halls, camera and radio in hand, Boone High’s halls became dance floors. Boone High School put on a DanceDub to kick off homecoming week. It was an evolution of dance, starting with music from the 1950’s and ending with today’s music. The DanceDub started in the History area of the school where the “old school” era of music and dance took place. It ended in the gymnasium with the entire student body and staff dancing to the music of today.

The main purpose of the DanceDub was to bring the school together to show off all of Boone High’s clubs, sports, students, and staff and the wonderful relationships between them all. Sports teams were highlighted in different sections of the school, as well as all the school clubs.

Senior Erin Kinne says, “It was exciting for me to help set up something that involves every student and staff member at Boone High.” Kinne had been planning the DanceDub for a week prior to the event. Kinne put together a mashup of all the music that was used, and walked the path the camera would follow many times to count everything out and make sure it all fit together. Mr. Byam and Kinne worked closely together with the cameraman, Nathanial Brown, and the staff and student body to ensure the DanceDub was a great time for everyone.

Boone High Welcomes Noor Almanslamani

9/22/2015

By: Dresden Wilson @dreswilson22

After the four flight, 21.5 hour trek over the summer from Palestine, Israel to Boone, Iowa, Noor Almanslamani, finally arrived at Boone High School.

“The culture is a lot different from here, first, girls aren’t allowed to wear shorts. Some of them also wear head scarves. The main religion is Islam, but there are small groups of Christians and Jewish,” Noor said while describing Palestine culture. There are some cultural changes such as, it is frowned upon that young women dye their hair at a young age.

It is also not just the style of dress that was a cultural shock for her. “Back home, people eat out at fast food restaurants once or twice every couple of weeks. Here it seems like they do it just about every other day. Here they have McDonald’s, Burger King, and other stuff. The only thing we have is KFC and Pizza Hut.” she said. “We eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.” A popular dish from Palestine is named Msakhan which is bread, onions, pine, and chicken.

Schooling is much different in the two places. In Palestine you only take two subjects, Literature, and Science. In a year of literature you get subjects like Geography, Math, Arabic Literature, and English all packed into one. If you take Science, you get Geography, History, Chemistry, and a harder level of math. Once you’ve taken one of the two you can branch off, there’s more to branch off on in Science than there is in Literature.

Back in Palestine, Noor was involved in reading, and she says that ever since she left home she hasn’t had time to read. The things that fill her time while in the States are participating on the swim team. She says she will join the speech team this winter, and plans to join the girls soccer team this spring.

Tradition is Irrelevant at BHS

9/21/2015

By: Lance Losh @Losh65

Reports have surfaced this week of a homecoming dance relocation. It has been confirmed that the 2015 homecoming dance will be held in the new commons.

In year’s past, the gym has been the site for annual slow dancing and good fun with friends. The new school addition has thrown a curveball into homecoming tradition. On Friday, Student Council got together and discussed this matter amongst each other. School counselor Megan McIntyre and Principal Kris Byam proposed this idea to the council and ultimately made the decision to move the dance. Principal Byam was unable to be reached for comment on the subject.

Sophomore Mitchell Moore says it will be different, but better because of the air conditioning situation. He also hopes the school employs a better DJ than last year. Here are some points that need to be made; the dance has been in the gym since anyone can remember, and I think that Boone High should stick with tradition. The atmosphere at school dances is fantastic and gives me goosebumps every time. I recognize that the new commons has air conditioning, but how can administration change something that is so great? Also, there are tables along the sides of the walls that are unable to be removed because they are attached to a pole permanently. This could cause injuries and general inconvenience.

On the other side of the issue, there are poles lining the ceiling in the commons which could be used to hang lights on and create a nice atmosphere. The cafe will be a nice place to serve drinks and snacks out of. Senior Eli Hicks says he really enjoyed dances in the gym and is sad to see tradition altered. All in all, this decision could either strike gold or garner criticism from the student body. I guess we’ll all find out October 3rd.

Boone High School’s Integration of Technology

9/18/2015

By: Jason Mui @JasonMui17

This year the Boone Community School District has taking a gigantic leap into improving their education system by integrating into the new One to One Initiative. The One to One Initiative supplies every high school student with a Google Chromebook in efforts to enhance the student’s learning experience. This move forward for the Boone Community School District has been very beneficial to many students because of all the school’s inconveniences and hassles the new available technology has been able to improve.

A common issue that Chromebooks have solved for many students including myself is the lack of organization. With less papers and worksheets being handed out and more online assessments being assigned; it allows the student to have everything they need all in one location. Greatly reducing the chances of the student misplacing any assignment. Another task the Chromebooks have majorly improved for me and I’m sure many other students is the ability to take notes. I personally do not have very legible handwriting so when it comes to note taking I abbreviate and shorten anything I can. With Chromebooks now I am able to to organize and take more in depth notes that have been able to help me improve my studies significantly.

As technology becomes more innovative it allows more opportunities to improve school’s education in ways that wasn’t available before. Boone Community School District has taken this opportunity in the new One to One Initiative and has drastically improved their ways of education. While eliminating common problems and strengthening students weaknesses the One to One Initiative has been a great base that the Boone Community School District can build off of in their continuous journey of improving their education.

Appropriate Dress?

9/18/2015

By: Amanda Bryant @18bryana

Previous years in Boone High the dress code has been strict and enforced. The 2015-2016 year has neglected these rules. In the handbook this section has been changed from certain rules to ‘Cleanliness and appropriate dress contribute to a positive learning environment’. There is no source to why this section has changed to something so broad.

Around the school the students here seem to be affected by this year’s change, wearing what they see as appropriate for them. After asking around a group of girls stated they felt great and didn’t care what people had to say about them. To them they feel they’re expressing themselves which is good for their self esteem.

Teachers don’t seem to know the handbook or what appropriate dress is. Executing this rule on the male students for wearing a head wrap, yet not even batting an eyelash at the girls who walk in with their midsections showing or who wears the shorts with the pockets longer than the denim itself.

With this issue being sent to Mr. Byam for any response, none was received. On the contrary students piled up with comments like, “I don’t see how girl get away with wearing revealing stuff like that”, “Guys get in trouble with their headbands when girls wear them all the time”, “It’s not like it’s hard to chose a different shirt or shorts for school, it’s school not a club”, no specific person wanted to give out their name. Which is right, this is a school of learning, not a club.

A line like ‘Cleanliness and appropriate dress contribute to a positive learning environment’ there’s a lot to think about. It should be more direct and should actually be enforced. It would make such a difference in the school with behavior, the atmosphere, and attention of the students. Now think if we can’t trust our teachers and higher authority to follow their own rules and know what appropriate is, how can we follow anything else?

The Freshman Initiative

9/17/2015

By: Elizabeth Pfannes @lilliz121

Huge changes are underway at Boone High School. With the new addition to the west side of the school now completed, a new policy has been set for Freshman. This year, as a change to the way BHS has previously been run, Principal Kris Byam and the school district have set in place a Freshman Academy. According to Byam, the freshman academy has been talked about for years. When addition to the school began it was decided to put into the floor plans, a separate wing for freshman alone, where they could learn and grow, working side by side with a team of teachers.

“The Freshman Academy has a team of teachers, who work together with each other and the students. There is one teach for each of the core class; Mrs. Schuler for English, Mrs. Hyman for Algebra, Mr. Bachman for American History, Mr. Caminish for Science, Mr. Sallen for Spanish, as well as Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Jenkins, and Mrs. Hanson for Special Ed.” Byam explains that these teachers were put in charge of the academy because of their unique ability to build strong, lasting relations with their students. “ The purpose of the Academy is to give support to the Freshman as they transition to the high school. The transition between eighth and ninth grade is one of the hardest for students to get used to. In middle school grades seem to not matter as much, you just have to pass, but coming into high school, we want the students to be ready for that change where grades become important for their future.”

The Freshman Academy is designed to teach the students how to be responsible, and hardworking. One thing set in place to ensure this was the Freshman Focus program. The Freshman Focus program is during ninth hour, it is a study hall for all ninth grade students where they can work with their teachers on anything they need, working one on one with struggling students, and creating an easy access location for an open relationship between student and teacher. The teachers in the ninth grade academy are also in the process of arranging for older the older 10th to 12th grade students to take leadership and mentor Freshman in the need of help. Byam, ninth grade teachers, and the counselors have chosen who they believe would be good role models for the younger students, and have asked them to step up and take part in the Freshman Focus.

Another support set in place for freshman was the zap program, which works on building a strong backbone for students and makes sure that students not doing their work get discipline as well as support so they can achieve their goals. All of these things set in place give way to better results in the way the students act and treat each other as well as the teachers,= and administration later down the line as they go through 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. Mr Byam says, “Freshman year is what shapes your whole high school experience. Our ultimate goal is to set standards for how the students are expected to act early on so they can have the best four years at Boone High School that can be had.” That being said, he believes that the hard work the students put in during Freshman Focus and their classes deserves to be recognized. When goals have been met, and people work together and with the teachers during Freshman Focus, Byam arranges for other activities during that time once a week as a reward.

Byam, the counselors and freshman teachers have high hopes for the academy.

As far as they have noticed, behavior in freshman has improved, as well as attendance and grades. “ Though it is hard to say for certain so early on, things are going well in the Freshman Academy.” Principal Byam says.

Styrofoam Block to 3-D Art

9/16/2015

By: Tessah Boggess

Over the past week, Pam Pomerenk’s beginning sculpture class took ordinary styrofoam blocks and turned them into strangely shaped 3-D works of art. The students started this project by drawing an abnormal shape on a piece of paper and tracing this shape onto a block of styrofoam. They then used different tools to carve the block into a three-dimensional version of the shape they drew.

According to Pomerenk, the objective of this project was to go from shape to form, in other words, 2-D to 3-D. The final products were supposed to be abstract forms with no representational factor. They were to be completely random in shape. The students of these beginning sculpture classes had a full week to draw the shape, carve it out, and use sandpaper to smooth the surface before moving on to the next step. They then had half of a school week to paint their sculpture however they chose. Many students did solid colors, but some did patterns on their projects.

When asked their opinions on the level of difficulty for the assignment, the students had responses ranging from a five to a seven on a scale from one to ten, ten being most difficult. Senior Briley Ahrens said that the project for him was about a seven out of ten. His reasoning for this was that after he spent so much time painting, it would stick to things when drying and the paint would peel back off. Sophomore Jordan Trowbridge also said the project was fairly difficult, rating it a five. She said that for her the carving was difficult. On the other end of the scale, some students found the project to be easy and not as challenging as they would have thought it would be.

Overall, the project was a fun way for students to begin getting a feel for what beginning sculpture is all about. The final class day for working on this project was Wednesday, September 16.