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Michael Pepin, News

PSAT purpose discussed among students, staff

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By Michael Pepin

The PSAT was designed as a preparation for the SAT, explaining its name as “Pre-Standardized-Aptitude-test.”  However is the four hour test really necessary for students? How does the PSAT compare to the SAT itself, and do students who have taken the test consider it to be helpful or a waste of time?

The PSAT is actually a retired SAT that is being reused to help students get a feel for taking the test. “The PSAT is to help students familiarize themselves with the SAT.  Sophomores can use it for career exploration, and juniors can use it not only to prepare for the SAT but also to qualify for National Merit Scholarships,” said counselor Mark Clark.

Many students find the test unenjoyable, but necessary. “My opinion is that it is a good thing, because it will prepare us for the real thing even though it’s not very fun,” said junior Alexis Martin.

Though the SAT and PSAT do not differ much, the most significant difference is that the PSAT has no on-demand essay. Instead, they utilize multiple choice questions over sentence structure. “The PSAT does not have the essay portion, so I think that it is the only flaw because the essay is a good part of the SAT.  The questions about sentence structure and writing do not compare to writing an actual essay,” said English teacher Wallace Austin.

The PSAT however, has another benefit to the students to help prepare for the important test. “Because of the high stakes for the SAT, students need to prepare and receive experience with standardized test taking. In addition, with the PSAT when you get your results back from the PSAT it shows you your skills and weaknesses so that you can know what to study and be better prepared,” said Austin.  When the results of the PSAT return, you are able to look and see which areas you need improvement in and which areas you are assured of passing.

A lot of the stress that occurs during the test arises not from the questions themselves, but the pressure to do well.  “It adds the experience of taking a standardized test and performing under a time limit.  The PSAT is to practice and prepare for the SAT,” said senior Rick Ellis, who had taken the PSAT last year and went on to take the SAT in the spring.  The strain of taking a long grueling test under a time limit is one of the harder parts of the test, said Ellis.

The differences in setting between the SAT and the PSAT prevent an actual reproduction of the situation.  “It is different with the PSAT because you are already at school and ready, but with the SAT you have to get yourself up and prepare for the test, which takes place inside of an unfamiliar school,” said senior Austin Adams.

The PSAT does not have the essay portion, so I think that it is the only flaw because the essay is a good part of the SAT.  The questions about sentence structure and writing do not compare to writing an actual essay.

While the PSAT’s goal is to prepare students to eventually take the SAT, it is important for everyone. “Why not give yourself options? Colleges require SAT scores, and you should take the PSAT in case you later change your mind and find a college you want and need a high SAT score to get into,” said Austin.

 
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Students use creativity to show school spirit

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By Michael Pepin

The hallways of FC have become a bizarre sight over the week, with students encountering anything from a full body white tiger outfit to a detailed costume of Legolas from Lord of the Rings.  This year’s spirit week has caught the attention and interest of many as the school spirit soars in preparation for the Homecoming.

“Spirit week is a great thing to have to show how much you appreciate your school,” said senior Whitney Batliner.  She said that dressing up is a great way to show school spirit and have fun at the same time.

On Monday, a dazzling array of colors confused many teachers who were not aware that it was Neon day, and on Tuesday many relieved the famous theme of the Madison Football game by wearing the nation’s colors.  For many students, this is their most memorable week of their high school year.

“I love it and wish more kids would participate.  I think it helps make memorable experiences of high school,” said librarian Pamela Poe, in a gold Star Trek outfit.  Wednesday produced the oddest blend of costumes.  The theme was movie character, but throughout the day anyone from Voldemort to Ghost Rider was seen.

“It’s pretty neat seeing all the people and how they dress up and show their school spirit” said junior Austin King.  There was certainly a lot of humor on Thursday when the theme was nerd day, and nearly every girl in sight wore pigtails and a pair of broad lenses glasses.  Some teachers even joined in on this theme, earning a laugh from many students.

“I think the purpose of spirit week is to see how many kids show school spirit and attempt to brighten other peoples days,” said King.  Even for those people who do not feel the thrill of dressing up in a ridiculous outfit for the duration of the school day, can feel the enthusiasm and thrill of seeing people they know, dressing up.

“Dressing up is a great way to show school spirit because it’s something everyone can do and even those people who don’t participate get to see all the cool costumes.   Plus it gets people ready for high school, pepping them up for the rest of the year,” said freshman Brandyn Magers.

Michael Pepin, News

T-shirt campaign escalates school spirit

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By Michael Pepin

The multicolored hoard of FC fans scream out “‘Merica!” as their team scores yet another touchdown against Madison High School.  “Green, gold, and white is the new red, white, and blue.”  The t-shirt was designed by a group of students, a product of the FC business class.

Each week, the students come up with a unique t-shirt design to sell for that Friday’s football game. “My students learn about the market process of designing shirts that people are willing to buy, doing some research into what people are willing to do, and working under a time frame,” said business teacher Chris Street.  Each shirt carries a theme that also serves to stoke the fires of the school spirit and give the students a chance to show their creativity in the real world.

Street and his class come up with the ideas by brainstorming, then collaborating with cheerleaders and the administration. “We talk with the cheerleaders and several ideas are worked out, and then take the one that wins to get it approved by the administration.  We want to be fun, but also respectful,” said Street.

The Providence’s “Four years, four wins” slogan, as well as “‘Merica!” and this Friday’s blackout themed Jeffersonville High School game were all ideas that they created using this process.  Out of all the shirts, the Providence’s theme shirt sold the best. The profits the t-shirts earn help fund the Highlander Outfitters store.

The class has students thinking seriously about life beyond high school. “For my future, I need to learn how the business world works, and I really like Mr. Street,” said senior Sarah Engle.  She said that she also uses the class to stay involved in the school.

This strategy is also helping students who take the class learn more about the business world. “My parents own a business, and one day I’m probably going to take it over, so I wanted to learn the ins and outs of it,” said junior Isaac Nasseem.

Selling t-shirts is not the only lesson the students learn in class, they also learn about real world businesses and how they operate.  The t-shirt campaign is a project by Street as a method of teaching the experience of running a business first-hand.

“You get to learn every aspect of running and maintaining a business. It’s a fun class because it’s hands-on and you learn valuable lessons you can take with you anywhere,” said Street.

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Summer jobs impact student lives

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By Michael Pepin

Is it the lure of hard earned cash, or the experience and responsibility of an after-school job that drives seniors to forsake the afternoon spent with companionship and fun for flipping burgers on a grill while an irritated customer revises her order, again?  Even those without pressing financial difficulties strive to get a job and provide their own cash flow with long hours of work spent in crowded restaurants or department stores.

To many, this is a form of independence and an opportunity to experience the real world.

“Instead of having to ask parents for this and that, they can choose where to spend their money and why,” said counselor Mark Clark.  In fact, the majority of students who chose to pursue after school jobs are motivated by factors other than dependency.  It is a way of providing the money for their own use, cash they can burn and save as they wish.  However, the long hours they cash in for a paycheck are not without price.

“They have to make their entire schedule around work, and it greatly affects their personal life. They could not end up going to a game or hanging out because they weren’t able to work it out with their employer,” said Clark.  With another element of juggling hamburger buns for several hours each day, student life becomes that much harder.

“Anything over 15 hours a week could be detrimental to a student’s life,” said Clark.  With after-school sports, homework, the pressure of friends, personal life, and on top of all that a part-time job, schedules can go haywire like never before.

“You have to balance your time,” said Kassie Dilling, a senior who works as a hostess for Beef O’ Brady’s in her free time.  She started working when she needed a way to pay for the gas in her car, and since then she has worked in her free time.  However, after-school jobs do not exist solely as a method to provide cash for high school upperclassmen.

“Sometimes you run into people who just want to work for the paycheck and they don’t put in the work they need to.  Being on time requires responsibility and dedication, which is essential to someone looking for a job,” said Dairy Queen manager Jermey Carroll.  Many employers look for those qualities when they are considering hiring anyone, be it a high school senior or an adult seeking a part-time job for extra income.

It never comes down to what is simply written within the application sheet, or what is exposed in an interview with the employer, said Carroll.  Unlike schoolwork, a person’s attitude and outlook on life and others is as important as performance and punctuality.

“It depends on how dedicated you are.  If you have a good attitude you won’t fail on either side, the academic or the personal side.  You have to make time for everything.”