All posts by jlang@nafcs.k12.in.us

Features, Jonathan Blaylock

Goforth injects fun into his science lessons

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Science teacher Ron Goforth teaches his fith period class on genetics.
Science teacher Ron Goforth teaches his fifth-period class on genetics. Photo by Jonathan Blaylock.

By Jonathan Blaylock

When a school is built it can last for years and nothing exterior or interior can change. But one thing that does change are the people inside.

Students come and go every four years and teachers do as well. Last year science teacher Kirk Moldenhauer retired after almost 20 years of working at FC. Since he retired he left a job opening for new biology teacher Rod Goforth.

“Ever since I moved in the area, I thought it would be great to be able to teach close to home,” said Goforth.

After graduating from Jeffersonville High School, Goforth went to IU Bloomington and graduated with a degree in environmental science. He first worked at the Indiana American Water Company. As time passed he did not enjoy it and did not see a future in the career.  He then started teaching at the Indiana University Southeast and taught biology of birds. He then started teaching at the Louisville Nature Center, which is a part of the Louisville Zoo.

“After a few years I decided to do something that would make a little bit more money. I started my family at that time and my sons were born, and that’s kind of when the whole transition started,” said Goforth.

He first taught at Valley High School for two years and then Seneca High School for six; both schools are in the Jefferson County district in Kentucky. After teaching at these places he transferred to New Albany- Floyd County Schools where he met  Moldenhauer’s son, who told him about his father retiring. He kept a look out at FC, submitted his resume and has been teaching biology since August.

Since his arrival he has brought new things to the science department.

“We started Science Olympiad back up. It hasn’t been going on for several years. What it is is 23 different events in the course of the day and there are 15 people on a team and they all break up into pairs and they each go to different events.”

Goforth has also added a few new members to the class.

“We have a pet snake, a piranha, some turtles, some geckos,  some cockroaches — some interesting things that make it a little bit real,” he said.

In general he said that he just want to make class fun. He tries to make it enjoyable everyday because if he is not having a good time, he believes the kids will not either. It turns out the kids usually have quite a good time.

“I really like him. I think he is a fun teacher. He really gets the point across,” said freshmen Ryan Roles.

At the end of the day Goforth not only teaches biology but has made it an interesting way to learn the subject. Goforth believes the key to running a successful classroom is to actively interact with the students while also making sure they are enjoying themselves.

News

Upcoming events arouse excitement in the Senior Class

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By Delaney Smith and Rachel Lamb

As the school year is starting to come to a close, annual events for seniors are coming up quickly. Some upcoming events are:

May 1- Senior Class Day 8:30 a.m. : Day in which seniors are honored with awards, not including scholarships. “My favorite senior event is senior day, because we get to dress up,” said senior Alex Kennedy.

May 12-16 Senior Week : Week of events for seniors, such as Baccalaureate and Senior Class Night. Special lunches from outside venders are also brought in. “Senior Week is my favorite week of the year, since I don’t have to eat the school food,” said senior Ashley Apple.

May 12- Baccalaureate 7 p.m. : An end of the year ceremony that honors seniors. “We have have the choir perform and an inspirational speaker that gives them a look back and a look forward into the future. It can be emotional, since it is the last time they are together, except graduation,” said principal Janie Whaley.

May  14- Senior Class Night 7 p.m. : Night in which seniors are honored with scholarships. ” I am enlisted in the marines and not going to college right away, so this event will not affect me as much as others,” said senior Alyson Gill.

May 17- Prom 7 p.m. : School dance for juniors and seniors only. “I am most looking forward to prom considering it is my senior year,” said senior Scott Schuchardt.

June 8- Graduation Commencement Ceremony 2 p.m. : Ceremony where graduates are given diplomas, class president and faculty speak. “Saying goodbye to all the friends that I have made over the years is going to be tough,” said senior Timon Stermer.

A&E, Isaac Mathewson

‘Scarlet Pimpernel’ leads talk about their roles

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By Isaac Mathewson

Last weekend, FC Theatre’s production of The Scarlet Pimpernel opened to good reviews and modest box office take-ins.

Because many people are still skeptical about this show, the two leads have decided to share their thoughts and feelings about their characters and their roles in the hopes of encouraging more people to see this show.

Senior Collin Jackson, who plays Percy a.k.a. the Scarlet Pimpernel, has described his character as being larger than life and is always trying to make a joke about the situation, no matter how serious it is.

“I’ve never played a character like this; it really expands my acting career.”

Jackson enjoys working with the other leads and he says that they are hardworking and are very funny. He has worked with them for years now and gets along with them really well.

Junior Madeline Coffey, who gives another terrific performance as Percy’s lover Marguerite, says that she is very privileged to play such a different role than what she is used to.

“She is very conflicted, but is very strong and like me she is very straightforward and over-the-top.”

Coffey was very excited for this role as it provided her to take up new acting opportunities, most notably learning how to swordfight.

“This makes a good addition to my acting resume.”

Coffey and Jackson are very happy about their roles in this huge production. Both of them encourage more people to see it because it is funny and has great music.

The Scarlet Pimpernel is about to start its second weekend with performances on tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m. 

Columns, Forum

#SPEAKOUT: Columnist reflects on self-help book

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By Danielle Sheally

One of the most despised books at Floyd Central by far is the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. I can understand why students feel this way, but if they actually read in detail I feel like the response would be different.

The career information class in which we read this book is required for every FC student. The 7 Habits book is actually stemmed from a book the author’s father wrote called The 7 Habits of the Highly Effective Adult. I don’t know about the adult version but, in the teen version it covers things from being the best person we can be, to what we can do if we’ve been in an abusive relationship. The books passages aren’t very long but if we get bored with that there’s always pictures or quotes from people on every page. What makes this book so effective, is that it gives personal accounts from people who are going through a certain situation in each section. This helps us feel like we’re not the only ones going through a certain problem.

Even though this book is required at Floyd Central in taking this class, students learn how to take a rough situation and turn it into a positive experience. Also, this books helps teach time management and gives us tools towards managing out time successfully throughout life. The book gives us suggestions like making charts so we can see how much time we’re spending on things throughout the day. He suggests to us to get the important stuff out of the way first so we can do the things we want to do later in the day. With this book I’ve been able to implement several of the tools he teaches into my life.

The 7 Habits have taught me to get over things I can’t control in my life. When I am in control I need to find something like my reaction to problems or how I do in school to focus on. Something that really affected me was when he talked about the differences between proactive and reactive people. I learned that a proactive person thinks through problems and goes after what they want. A reactive person never thinks ahead and waits for things to happen to them (I’m about 80 percent proactive and 20 percent reactive).

So, after you hear the mixture of negative and positive about this book, I challenge you to see what side you’re on.

 

Uncategorized

Junior tennis player balances activities, schoolwork

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By Sydney Sears

As junior Erin Patterson enters into school each day, she has more than just her school work on her mind.

“I play varsity tennis, I sing in a Cappella choir and chamber singers. I am also secretary of student council for this 2013-2014 school year. I am also traveling to Washington, D.C. with the constitutional government debate team this April,” said Erin.

Along with all of Erin’s extracurriculars she is also one of the top ranked students in the Junior Class. Erin shares that although it is hard to keep up, she tries not to procrastinate.

“Erin is an exceptionally fast learner. She can read or listen and comprehend things usually on the first pass through. She also has a sharp memory that allows her to recall things exactly as presented,” said Erin’s father, Kevin Patterson.

He also shared that Erin is extremely driven and completes her homework as soon as she arrives home from school.

These qualities, along with others, have allowed Erin to persevere through high school and prepare for her future.

“She’s not afraid to speak her mind and stands up for what she believes in,” said junior Bailey Smith.

Tennis coach James Markert has also seen Erin’s characteristics in tennis.

“As good as our teams have been over the years, our personality qualities have been even better, and Erin definitely showcases this.  She’s competitive, she’s a team player, she’s always willing to help her fellow teammates for the betterment of the team, and she likes to have fun on the court, which is crucial to our success,” said Markert.

Her parents have also helped her with preparing for the future.

“Hopefully, we have helped Erin by providing her the tools to be successful. Whether it is a computer, car, racquet, book or tennis shoe, we have tried to make sure she has what she needs,” said Kevin.

With all the activities Erin participates in, tennis is what she enjoys the most.

“Tennis is my favorite activity. I have been playing for years and I really enjoy the sport and the people with whom I play,” said Erin.

Markert has seen Erin improve vastly.

“I’ve seen her tennis skills improve every step of the way because those are more visibly noticeable, but she’s also making mental strides, as seen in some big wins last season during the heart of the run to state,” said Markert.

He has also seen Erin’s personality qualities shine.

“As good as our teams have been over the years, our personality qualities have been even better, and Erin definitely showcases this.  She’s competitive, she’s a team player, she’s always willing to help her fellow teammates for the betterment of the team, and she likes to have fun on the court, which is crucial to our success.”