December 2009 Colony High School Volume 8 Issue 3December 2009 Colony High School Volume 8 Issue 3

The Knightly News

What’s Happening? . . . . 2

Opinions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Photo Spread . . . . . . . . . 10

Activivties. . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Opinions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

What’s Happening? . . . . 2

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Photo Spread . . . . . . . . . 10

Activivties. . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Opinions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

INSIDE

By: Eva Colberg

As the holidays draw near, it is always nice to spread good cheer. Community service and leadership organizations throughout the school are working hard to make this season a meaningful one for those in our community who might not otherwise have one.

Peer Helpers have already collected Thanksgiving baskets full of turkey and other food items to give holiday meals to local families in need of them. In total, 54 baskets were gathered. Second period classes competed for the greatest amount of complete baskets to be donated on the 24th of November and the prize of a pizza party, and Mrs. Graham’s class tied with ROTC for fi rst place. Of course, every class was a winner in the sense that they were all contributing to a good cause.

Beginning January of next semester there will be three teachers taking on new classes due to one teacher switching it up.

M s . Plunkett becoming librarian creates a hole in the schedule. With fi rst hour prep, one senior AP Literature class, two junior AP Literature classes, and two freshmen English classes, this challenging schedule needing r e p l a c e m e n t t e a c h e r s immediately.

Taking on senior AP Literature class is Mrs. Brunner stepping to the plate. While Brunner currently has a full schedule, only one of which is a senior elective, she does have experience in AP Literature. “Before I came to Colony I taught AP Literature at East High School,” she explained. While this sudden and short notice may bring some

anxiety to Plunkett’s current students, Brunner’s past experience should help bring some closure. Brunner

stated, “I am going to try and make as smooth a transition as possible for the students when I begin in January.” For the seniors taking AP Literature, and the juniors intending to next year, Brunner plans on teaching this course for years to come. To truly comprehend why there are two AP Literature classes, one designated specifi cally to juniors and the other to seniors, this year must be

recognized as the year of English transition. Last year when the current seniors were juniors, Honors English III was still an available course. This year in an effort to increase AP options the administration

Due to Plunkett “bookin’ it” to the library, Mrs. Brunner and Mrs. Thaler will be fi lling in for her classes.

With a successful turkey drive behind them, Peer Helpers’ next project will be sending holiday boxes full of necessities such as toothpaste and socks to troops in the Middle East. A member of Peer Helpers, junior Oreana Powell, says that the operation is perfect for the holidays, and that Peer Helpers in general is a “wonderful opportunity to help others”.

Key Club members will also participate in the giving season by volunteering their time to ring bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle

Christmas campaign at grocery stores.During the winter

holidays, gift-giving is an ancient tradition, which puts people in a charitable mood. It is the perfect time to contribute to the community, country, and world by giving just a little bit, be it a can of potatoes, a pair of socks, or even a little spare change.

Get Ready to Give

By: Eva Colberg

Former CHS staff member Mrs. Byrd offi cially retired last year, only to return for part of the fi rst quarter this year to serve as a long-term substitute for Mrs. Thaler. Thaler eventually returned, though, and Mrs. Byrd departed once more, but now Colony High will welcome her into these halls for one more semester.

Mrs. Byrd’s return is due to several factors, which all began when Mr. Thompson left his post as head librarian last year. Mrs. Adams fi lled his position for a while, but only as a substitute. A more permanent librarian was needed, so English teacher Mrs. Plunkett will take over. Fellow English teachers Mrs. Brunner and Mrs. Thaler will take some of Plunkett’s classes, but there will still be some English classes left without a permanent instructor.

Mr. McMahon, the assistant principal, describes the whole situation; “There has been a shuffl e of all the classes now.” Administration was running short on time, and called Mrs. Byrd back once again, to fi ll in for the semester until a

permanent teacher could be found English teacher Mrs. Plunkett will take

over the position of head librarian after the winter break, leaving her current classes. Mrs. Brunner will then take over Plunkett’s AP Literature for seniors, and Mrs. Thaler will also share some of the load by teaching two AP Literature classes for juniors. To make time

for these additional classes, though, Thaler and Brunner will need to adjust their schedules, leaving four freshmen English classes and

one Mythology class without a teacher. Mrs. Byrd will take over Mrs. Thaler’s second period English I class, Mrs. Brunner’s sixth period English I class, and two of the English I classes and Mythology that Plunkett is giving up.

Allison Webster, a dedicated student in Brunner’s sixth period, says, “I already have been with Brunner for a whole semester, so a new teacher

would be hard to adjust to. Besides, Mrs. Brunner is pretty tight; she makes class enjoyable.” Mrs. Brunner had only just delivered the news to her class.

Mrs. Thaler’s classes will not fi nd the transition so diffi cult, if only for the reason that they have already been through a similar change earlier in the year. Mrs. Thaler took part of the fi rst quarter off to care for her newborn child, leaving former CHS staff member Mrs. Byrd as a substitute. Now Mrs. Byrd will return to fi nish the school year with Thaler’s classes.

The assistant librarian, Mrs. Robertson, will welcome Mrs. Plunkett when she replaces the current librarian, Mrs. Adams, who is only a long-term substitute. “I think that Prudence Plunkett is very qualifi ed for the job, she is obviously an English teacher. I look forward to working with her,” says Mrs. Robertson.

Colony’s lack of a long-term librarian will end once the new teacher arrives at the start of the second semester, allowing Mrs. Plunkett to assume the role of full-time librarian. From new classes to new teachers, second semester will bring about many new starts.

Instructor Shuffl e

Bookin’ ItBy Casey Branch

Food items donated by CHS students wait to be packaged into the turkey basket char-ity drive, organized by Peer Helpers.

Mrs. Robertson will welcome Mrs. Plunkett to the library, as Mrs. Byrd returns to CHS to teach some of Plunkett’s classes.

See Bookin’ It on Page 12

2

From the runways of Paris to the streets of Anchorage, the season of warm clothes and big winter jackets is here, fi nally.

This chilly season calls for warm overcoats. “This winter, I think big and puffy overcoats are going to be in fashion,” says sophomore Szchalimar Champagne. On the runways models might wear a thick pea coat, or an army fashioned frock, though the sights on the asphalt are not all that much different. Men are returning to the masculine, form fi tting, leather.

With the nippy winds, the perfect co-ed, fashion accessory is a plaid scarf. Match this with a riding styled hat, or a beret, to cover up ones’ hair extensions. Whether those locks are straight or curly, the characteristics of this winter are not of the short in measure. “I think the style will be curly. More people have curly

Très BelleBy: Ema Reuter

hair,” says freshman Elizabeth Washam.

With the snow, one needs a pair of both practical and eccentric, shoes. On the runways there are heels of all shapes and sizes. Boots are tall, reaching from ankle to thigh. The more outrageous the style of shoe is the better, for any fl avor of fashion. Sophomore, Lexi Swihart, informs us of her thoughts of this winter, “Ugly, furry boots, plaid and suede boots,”

Although the number one rule of ones appearance for everyone, guy or gal, is not to wear one solid color throughout the whole outfi t, one fi nds this more and more on the runways of fashion everyday. Prints such as zebra and snake, are becoming less and less rare. The tan and homemade feelings of the ‘70’s’ are

returning. Name brand logos will appear less frequently, replaced by heavy beading and oceans of

color, from black and white to orange and pink. Accessories will include monumentally sized necklaces and earrings. Bags will range from mammoth to lizard sizes. This winter calls for replicas of trends one might have seen about 40 years ago. “It has been said, there is nothing new under the sun,” says senior Sophia Fouquet. This spell of time will be relaxed, but chic. Elle and The Vogue are just some of the many different stylish agencies that replenish their audiences with new ideas from the runways. Although there are such a variety of trends around the world; the basis of all fashion is to bring oneself out and into their clothes.

Kaetylin Martel poses to show off her fashion.

Since it re-opened in May 2009 the Mat-Su Animal Shelter located on 49t street near the Palmer landfi ll has become the perfect place to be during the holidays.

The animal shelter is not a completely brand new building, it was refurbished last year and had a grand opening in August. For people who remember this shelter as the old, small pound they will not recognize it. There are 67 dog kennels, 42 cat kennels, and 72 livestock stalls. This does not even include the rollaway kennels, the non adoptable animals, and that there may be more than one animal in each kennel.

There are two entries to the shelter: drop offs or adoptions. When an animal is dropped off it has to wait three days under observation before being adoptable. If the animal has identifi cation of an owner they have six days to be picked up. Animals are classifi ed into three groups when they arrive. Observation is the typical classifi cation, this is the stage that all animals go through to wait the three day period. Isolation is where infected animals that are contagious are kept. Finally there is quarantine, this is typically for dogs that are too aggressive and bite. These dogs are unadoptable and have to wait three days before euthanasia, or six days if there is an owner. The reason a dog would be quarantined would be by the owners neglect, it is not uncommon for these owners to not retrieve their pet

because they do not want to pay the euthanasia fee. When entering through the adoptions area there is a cattery, puppy pens, and adult dog kennels. The cattery was fi lled in the fall, the main time for kitten litters. For puppies the main litter season is in spring, C h r i s t m a s time is the second. Last year when the shelter was under construction p u p p i e s were sent to the Dog and Puppy Rescue, now however the shelter is booming with adorable puppies. With new puppies being released every day this is a prime time to make a family addition. Adult dogs are also being released every moment, the community must remember these abandoned animals need a secure home just as much as the new puppies. Christmas is a time for

Adopt a Friend for the HolidaysBy Casey Branch

giving and nothing gives more than a loving companion. “If it is a carefully thought out decision pets can make great gifts,” stated shelter veterinarian

Katrina Zwolinski. While a pet is an ultimate gift for some people is should not be a sudden decision and the owner needs to be prepared for the responsibility. “We have seen people that rush into adopting a dog for someone and soon enough these dogs return to the shelter,” said Zwolinski. Adopting a living animal is making

a commitment and this should be taken very seriously. To adopt a dog the animal needs shots, to be spayed or neutered, and a microchip, which

comes to a total cost of $119.50. Animals are not cheap, or disposable. If adopting an animal is not a wise decision right now, the animal shelter does have a volunteer program. An application and class are required to make sure the volunteers are serious. While there are many names on the list of volunteers, only about 40 people are active on a regular basis. “I really like volunteering at the shelter because I get to help the animals that don’t have homes yet. I walk dogs, play with puppies, and occasionally I can watch the veterinarian during surgery,” stated sophomore Makenna Wyatt of Colony High School. For hardworking

animal lovers, volunteering this holiday break may be the perfect way to spend the next two weeks. With the holidays coming, pet lovers should not forget the Mat-Su Animal Control Shelter. After being refurbished, this center is a great place for the community to fi nd their new furry friends.

This golden retreiver/chow mix is four years old and one of the many dogs in need of a home.

Mat-Su Youth Court, MSYC, is a restorative justice program within the valley aimed at helping youths correct and learn from their mistakes. It is a sixty member group of youth who together aide their peers in understanding the circumstances of their actions, while also restoring justice and deterring further actions.

Youth Court deals only with fi rst time misdemeanor charges meaning students who are sent to

Youth Court are given one opportunity at making up for their actions and moving on. Crimes that are dealt with by the youth court do not remain on a students’ permanent record, instead, if an offender complies with their sentencing they are free to move on and grow from the experience without a record hanging over them. However, this is only a onetime chance, if a student were to choose to reoffend then they would be sent to an adult court room to be judged by adults with

harsher punishment, a permanent record, and what could arguably result in less knowledge of how their actions directly effected their peers. During a sentencing hearing at Youth Court, one judge, named the presiding judge, has an opportunity to speak directly with the offender. It is at this moment that offenders, who might not yet have taken the student-led hearing seriously, start to understand the importance of the program. Frequently judges will inform

offenders of how they contributed to the degrading reputation teens face. For example, in the scenario of a misdemeanor theft case, judges generally inform offenders of how they contributed to the loss of trust store owners and managers have in teens all through out the valley. “In Youth Court, basically as well as giving a sentence we attempt to encourage the defendant to make better choices and

Restorative Justice at its Best: Peer to PeerBy: Kayla Anderson

See Justice on page 8.

FeaturesThe Knightly News

December 2009

3The Knightly News

December 2009

Sports

By Tommy Class The road to regions started with a huge head of steam. The Colony Wrestling team acquired a great momentum boost after the CHS Varsity wrestling team dominated the Diamond High School tournament . T h e t o u r n a m e n t started with duels on N o v e m b e r 20th. Then the real meet c o n t i n u e d N o v e m b e r 21st. T h e CHS wrestling team has a lot of talent and, an outstanding three time state championship reign. Head Coach Mr. Dave Booth said, “This team is as good as any other I’ve coached. We have a strong core. When you wrestle on our mat, you had better be tough” Booth has been coaching for a vary long time. “I have been here for 19 years.”

The senior class has been wrestling with each other for at least 3 years. The team has been through a lot with each other. Some of the wrestlers went on to do great things. Sinior, Eric Fan is one of the top wrestlers in the country. Fan said, “My favorite memory was win I came in second at nationals.” The team has changed

Knights on the Mat

since the first state championship. Senior Varsity wrestler Kinney Boykin has mixed feelings. “The team is awesome, however I think there is a lot of room to improve.”

S o m e wrestlers had more competition in the past. Boykin was no exception. Boykin said, “My Sophmore year was my favorite year, because I got more competition in my matches.” All those who are wrestling at regions are expecting to go to state. Senior

Logan Elliot said “I hope to get at least third place in state.” Even a force as great as the wrestling team must have people to hold it together. The CHS wrestling Managers do just that. Managers Macela and Mariah Wolfe both said, “As managers we are in charge of many different things. We take records and record stats just to name a few.” Wrestling Manager Amanda Booth said “As managers it’s our responsibility to take care of the med kit.” The CHS wrestling team is trying for a forth state championship. If history repeats itself they should have a good chance.

Chase Montgomery and Alex Jones prepare to battle it out at a wres-tling meet here at Colony.

By Kayla Anderson

After an unexpectedly long drive through a white winter wonderland, the Colony High ski team made it to the top of Lookout Mountain just in time for the Varsity boys to begin their classic race Friday, December 4.

Without time for a proper warm-up the boys took their places on the starting line to race the 3k course (1.86 mile) with hope that they would still do their best. The Colony Varsity Boys pulled a great race in spite of their absent warm up. “The course was very technical and a lot of things went wrong,” said sophomore, Schyler Knopp, who finished 3rd in both his races for the weekend. “I’m still happy with the team’s performance as well as my own.”

M u l t i p l e Knight skiers made top finishes including; Caitlyn Skvorc who got 9th place in the classic race and 14th in the skate race, Abe Meyerhofer who placed 5th in the skate race, and Clare Murray who placed first in Junior Varsity in the classic race and second in the skate race.

Despite the boys’ lack of preparation, the Varsity girls did not suffer too much from the delay in arrival. However, the entire meet was

more rushed than usual. “The whole weekend was pretty intense,” reported senior Caitlin Skvorc. “We were rushed getting to the first race and we forgot some equipment but I’d say it was a pretty successful weekend of races for the whole team.”

Saturday’s skate race, though, was not a much better scene. Although the team knew where the race would take place and was there ready and prepared to compete

on time, the weather was uncooperative. “The wind got progressively worse, by the community race we couldn’t find the course it was so windy,” claimed Coach Skvorc who placed 2nd in the skate race. “I lost the course and ended up on the road.”

O v e r a l l , the weekend was a success in spite of weather and location. “The conditions were horrible but everyone enjoyed themselves

and had lots of fun,” exclaimed freshman Natasha VinZant. “For everything wrong and forgotten it was a really good weekend,” said Coach Skvorc. The Knights overcame all obstacles and once again came out victorious.

Abbie John slides across the trail during her 3k race.

Homer Hoopla

4 EntertainmentThe Knightly News

December 2009

By Elena Gorovaya

Aries (March 20th – April 19th):This month Aries will feel a thirst for new knowledge. The process of learning will be really pleasant for you at this period of time. December is going to be the best month for working with any of your scientific problems or research work. Make your dreams come true, especially if you dream about going on a trip or travel, because this is a good time for these also! Aries will think about their goals in life and the meaning of life more often than usual. You will analyze and correct the things that are connected with that. The second half of December might bring some unexpected and unusual ideas. Listen to your intuition – that will help you find these ideas and maybe make new discoveries. Aries will make some more new friends, but the old bonds will become even stronger. You’ll put some more faith into your close friends.Taurus (April 20th – May 20th):December might involve some adventures for Taurus. You will have a desire to visit some new and interesting places or to take an unusual trip. Taurus will try to find their adventures everywhere. While Taurus will communicate with their relatives they will be straight in expressing their thoughts. The only question here is if all your relatives and close people are ready for this. That’s why Taurus can’t avoid some argues and conflicts in December. But the second part of month will bring you great opportunities at your job. If you want to improve your career you better listen to your intuition and use your “farseeing” for finding new perspectives.Gemini (May 21st – June 20th):December will bring harmony into Gemini’s and their partners relationships. You’ll become more open and accurate with expressing yourself, which will help also. While December lasts, Gemini will be bothered by financial questions. If you are planning to deal with them then you should do it during first half of the month. The second half of the month will be a good time for far traveling, religious activities or philosophy.Cancer (June 21st – July 22nd):Cancer’s importance at their job will increase, and everybody will notice this. Relationships with your co-workers, especially women, will be in harmony. December is the perfect month for working and getting paid – you will have a lot of energy and enthusiasm. If you want your relationship with your partner to improve, now is the perfect time for deep conversations and important questions. But if Cancer plan to have any important conversations then it is better to be done at the beginning of December. Your private life will move in a pleasant direction in general though.Leo (July 23rd – August 22nd):Leo will be very active during December. Your level of energy will increase and you will not be able stay away from everything that is going on around you. The important thing for Leo now is to find the best thing for you to do! Don’t ignore physical exercises either It will have a good influence at your health and serve as an outlet to your overflowing

energy. Also December will bring many romantic adventures, dates and meetings. You will have a new relationship at the first half of the month which will improve and grow stronger during the other half. On top of all that your intellectual skill may be used for certain things though all analytic (analyzing, concluding, observing) work would best be left for the second part of December.Virgo (August 23rd – September 22nd):December should be devoted to your family. If there are any problems with your relatives or questions that must

be solved then it is a good time to do so. You have a chance to harmonize and establish peace within your family. You can also work in your house and make it more comfortable. December is an ideal time for Virgo

to be artistic. You’ll remember your old hobbies and activities, and you might meet old friends with whom you started artistic project long ago. December is a good time to take care of your health, as well.Libra (September 23rd – October 22nd):Libra’s December will be all about communications. Relationships will improve on every side – family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and others. If Libra will have any competitions with their friends it won’t have an aggressive mood. Besides it will only help you to be more determent to do something. Libra will have questions about their

personal belongings through-out the month. You can make a decision right now or analyze the situation as well. The second half of the month will bring you an unusual romantic adventure or unexpected platonic attachment to somebody. Scorpio (October 23rd – November 21st):December is a good time for Scorpio to manage finance. Your income is going to increase, especially if you work hard. But December is a good time for spending, too. Your bargains will be pretty lucky. But if you planned any trips for December it would be better to take them during the first part of the month, otherwise they might not go as

planned. The second part of December is better for analyzing and making important decisions. Besides Scorpio might have some nice surprises in their family during December.

Merlin’s horoscope for December 2009!

Sagittarius (November 22nd – December 20th):Sagittarius should use their charisma to attract more people and become their true self in December. Also, you may change your style or get a new haircut. Plan your finances and avoid lying. Don’t exaggerate while telling your stories. The best use for your active imagination right now is writing. Maybe you’ll discover a new talent – who knows?Capricorn (December 21st – January 19th):Capricorn will spend their first half of December learning and improving skills. But the other half will be spent for analyzing your behavior, making conclusions and fixing your mistakes. Also you should take a proper rest and just relax. You don’t need any kind of stress right now. There is a probability of you making good decisions about your finances.Aquarius (January 20th – February 17th): The attitude and the mood in the group of people with whom Aquarius communicate with will become better and harmonized. This will allow you to feel more self-confident and comfortable. These are the reasons for you to show yourself and your skills. Your relationship with your partner is not peaceful, but still you are able to discuss all topics as honestly as possible. Aquarius’s intuition will increase during the second part of the December, though you will be under somebody’s influence.Pisces (February 18th – March 19th):December is the lucky month for Pisces so do what you want and what you like and success will most likely come to you! The first half of the month will be all about making new friends and having new hobbies, while the other half will be quite the opposite. The second part of December will be filled with your old activities and meetings with old friends. December is a good time to analyze your past.

Root for us with your hearts!

5The Knightly News

December 2009

Entertainment

School Daily Schedule

Inspiring Knights!

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Falling Behind in 2009By Meghan Gonski, former student of Colony High School

When my eyes scan the back of a video I am searching for one thing; a black and white CC sign alerting me that the broadcast will be in typed words. It is surprising how many I have to put back before I fi nd one with the CC image. CC stands for Closed Captioning, a timed script that appears on the bottom of the TV screen for the hearing-impaired. The term “closed” in Closed Captioning indicates that not all viewers see the captions — only those who choose to activate them. This distinguishes from “open captions” which are visible to all viewers. The hearing population found the open-captions distracting therefore Closed Captioning was invented.

In 1996, Closed Captioning was required by Congress for all video programming distributors. As of January 2006, the Federal Communication Commission mandated all broadcasters of video programming (i.e., television stations, cable operators, satellite providers, etc.) provide 100% of its new, non-

exempt programming with captioning. But when I rent videos or watch DTV, I don’t see this required component - because the responsibility of adding CC is at the mercy of the video-program’s producers. Closed Captioning is expensive; still, the producers need to start viewing it not as an act of kindness but as part of the regular production cost, just like the production cost of sound.

The FCC website states “Closed Captioning enables more than 24 million hearing-impaired Americans to understand programs and advertising messages.” However, Closed Captioning doesn’t just help the hearing impaired; it helps the older-generation, children learning to read, and foreign language persons learning English. Closed captions are also used in public hearing environments, such as bars and restaurants, where patrons may not be able to hear over the background noise, or where multiple televisions are displaying different programs.

The new age broadcasts more and more information online. Television shows such as Lost and news stations broadcast entire episodes and “more of the news story” on websites. Also, YouTube and other citizen-generated video websites hold a variety of information. However, an extremely thin number of these videos are Closed Captioned. Even though these episodes have CC when broadcast on TV, they do not when broadcast over the internet. If a deaf person misses a show, they miss it. They can not watch it online. How is that justifi ed? It is not.

The bill HR3101, (Twenty-fi rst Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009) needs to be passed by Congress requiring CC on the internet. It is extremely important HR3101 is made into law for the benefi t the benefi t of

defendant to make better choices and consider all the repercussions such as giving teens a bad name,” stated Colony High School senior McKenzie Merrill. According to a recent article written by Colony High School senior Sofi a Fouquet, 140 of the 167 cases from January to October had been successfully completed. Not only were these offenders successful in complying to their sentences and making better choices, but they also provided 3002 hours in community work service to the valley. Benefi ting the community in a time of need, while helping the offenders learn from their mistakes. “I love Youth Court because we aren’t there to punish kids, youth court is all about restorative justice, we try to restore the community, the defendant, and the victims of the crime,” Merrill added. Along with helping the offenders, Mat-Su Youth Court is also

a great learning experience for the teen attorneys and judges who gain valuable skills from in depth training from local attorneys. These skills include: public speaking, knowledge of law, work in community service, and a strong will to abide by laws set forth by the justice system. As the holidays near, the community cannot over look the positive infl uence of the local Youth Court. The program has proven the effectiveness of peer to peer justice. The solution is not always having an adult judge sentence an offender or even to be harshly sentenced at all, that will help deter unlawful activity. Often, the most powerful reinforcement can be hearing from people just like the offender the wrong within their actions. The beauty of Youth Court lies in the programs ability to establish justice in a way that also helps minor offenders personally.

deaf citizens.. Help get this bill passed by

writing to your local representative asking them to co-sponsor this bill, HR3101. Citizens who rely on CC for their media information should not be denied in the 21st century.

Email: https://donyoung.house.gov/Contact/ContactForm.htm?Zip5=99645 and select “telecommunications” in the issues part of the email processWrite: WASHINGTON, DC OFFICEOffi ce of Congressman Don Young2111 Rayburn House Offi ce BuildingWashington, DC 20515 Call or fax: T (202) 225-5765 F (202) 225-0425Meghan, 19 is a deaf BYU online student. She uses CC for her news and entertainment.

Justice Continued from Page 2

Save the EarthJoin Conservation Science Institute

www.conservationinstitute.org

Opinions The Knightly News

December 2009

9

12The Knightly News

December 2009

News

and the CHS English department decided to replace honors English III with AP Literature. This created two levels of AP Literature, one for seniors, one for juniors, both preparing for the same AP test but with different curriculum. Next year there will be no need for senior AP Literature and there will be AP Language. Brunner will teach the senior class, while Mrs. Thaler accepted the role of instructing AP Literature for the juniors. Thaler presently has a complete schedule consisting of one, Mythology English classes. Although this will be her first experience instructing an AP course she has taken the necessary AP training. “I am very excited to begin the class, it will be something new to both me and the students, and I hope to continue teaching this class next year,” stated Thaler. In January, Brunner will be switching one of her freshmen classes

for the AP course and Thaler will be giving up two of her freshman classes for the AP courses, as well Plunkett’s two remaining freshman classes. In result, five freshman English classes will be receiving an altogether new teacher. Mrs. Byrd, a previous teacher of CHS, will return only for the second semester to teach these freshmen. Although the permanent position has yet to be appointed, a new staff member of the Colony High School English department can be expected to start next school year. While the only AP English teacher, Ms. Plunkett, will leave her classes, becoming Colony’s new librarian this creates tremendous change for the transitioning English department. For those students affected this will be a prime opportunity to clean the slate and begin the next semester fresh.

Bookin’ It Continued from page 1