Volume 26, Issue 1

October 2012

The Eagle J o h n s o n - B r o c k P u b l i c S c h o o l s

J-B Jitters New school brings up new anxieties

By Shawna Newman Shaking hands steady themselves long enough

to push open the class room door. Two steps in and every conversation falls silent, every student

ceases work at his computer, every unfamiliar

face turns to stare. Being the new kid is scary, but being the new teacher is terrifying.

“I was just worried I’d have absolutely no clue

what I was doing,” Stephanie Holdsworth, J-B business room’s newest student teacher, said,

“What if they were all just out of control teenag-ers?” Those were her pre-JB fears

which were soon dispelled.

She grew up knowing she wanted to be a teacher, but nothing, not even

two practicums (one 20 hour at Platts-mouth, and an 80 hour at Nebraska

City Public) could prepare her for what Johnson-

Brock would bring. When scribbling down J-B at the top of her student teaching list, Ms. Holds-

worth didn’t have much more in mind than it was

the ideal size. “I just really like the small setting,” she said.

Initially, she described her stress level as very low, but she started with just two preps. “I’m not

that nervous since I’ve already got these classes

under my belt,” she said, “now I know what to

expect.” About a week of preparation is needed

per class, which mainly consists of developing lesson plans. On top of conjuring up assignments

and power points, Ms. Holdsworth also needs to

be on the lookout for her college supervisor, who

will be stopping in six times before the semester is out.

Her composed classroom conduct makes it easy to forget that Ms. Holdsworth is still a stu-

dent. Every morning, she winces and grumbles at

the ever irritating, shrill ring of an alarm clock, announcing that it is currently six a.m. and a

classroom of students awaits her instruction.

Then, careful not to wake any of her roommates (seven girls and one boy all in one house), she

carries out her morning rituals. “It’s not fair when I hear my friends talking

about sleeping in till 9, and

taking naps after class,” she said.

Ms. Holdsworth’s initial worries were thankfully

proven wrong. She’s been calm, cool, and col-

lected in the classroom. Throughout her student teaching experience, she’s developed a higher

understanding of her childhood dream. “Student

teaching here has made me realize that this is definitely what I want to do,” she said without

hesitation. When being thrust into a new school, it’s easy

to let the imagination run wild and construe eve-

rything as though it’s been copied and pasted

straight from the pages of a classroom from the

Black Lagoon. In reality, the horrors that wander-ing minds concoct are never quite as bad as they

seem, and Ms. Holdsworth can attest to that.

[Road to recovery]

#BandProblems page 3

page 5

page 6

page 4

Enrollment : 273 We’re not regular. Sometimes we’re bold or italic… But one thing is for sure.

we have issues!

“I was just worried I’d

have absolutely no clue

what I was doing,”

Stephanie Holdsworth

Mock

Trial

News

About

Michelle

From the depths of the

Black Lagoon

What do you fear

most from new

student teachers?

“They might come in too strict because

they want to do their best.”

-Erin Bohling

“There will be questions on a test we didn't cover.” -Sarah Wright

“They’ll try to use new methods they’ve

learned that don’t work for our class.”

-Rachel Denniston

Column Page 2 September 2012

Ride Your Carousel By Amzie Dunekacke

We didn’t haggle with the white-bearded man

selling carnival ride tickets, we even waited in

line like respectable adults alongside the funnel-

cake-fueled four-year-olds, yet the carousel

worker shook her head at us (a band of high

school girls) when at last we thought it was our

turn. Of course, the sticky preschoolers behind us

were admitted and even some of their parents

were allowed to tag along, but not the teenagers.

We were denied the opportunity to live out our

Marry Poppins moment and have a few laughs

because . . . well I really don’t know.

The obvious answer to everyone is this—we

were and still are too old, but really where is the

age line drawn? Is it somewhere after realizing no

murderous reptiles inhabit the home toilet? Per-

haps it can be drawn sometime before discovering

calling someone “stupid” or “jerk” is not cause

for social exile. Or maybe it is drawn before

acquiring a taste for that certain vegetable that

once haunted dinnertime. The discontinuity is that

we all grow up at different rates. Some people

never do.

On October 31, the prevalent trick-or-treating

age group will be candy-crazed third and fourth

graders, but I predict several high-schoolers will

also be scouring the neighborhoods, jack-o-

lantern candy carriers in hand. They will slouch

awkwardly, wear the most innocent looking cos-

tume, and act more immature than usual, hoping

to blend in with the rampant ten-year-olds and

dodge the stink eye when they pop the question

on the lit porch of an elderly couple.

Some might argue these teens have had their

opportunity and now it is time they let the tikes

wreak havoc all on their own. I might agree or I

might say don’t be so quick to discourage some-

one else’s chance to be young again.

Photos of the Month... Did you people know Johnson-

Brock had a pay phone??

Because even as the observant,

journalistic minded re-porters that we are, we hadn’t noticed!

That is until this man arrived one day & re-moved it!

So there you go. Need to make a call? Better just go visit Karen!

TOMORROW... Thursday October 11

+ Pumpkin Painting

ATTENTION FBLA

11a.m. — noon

The Art Room

Finished pumpkins will go

to the nursing home!

Is My Clever

–Check the

Records

Middle Name

The Tell of a Bad Day

Feature Story Page 3 September 2012

#Bandproblems

Musicians Sad To See Numbers Decline

By Shawna Newman

Twenty students, that’s all it is; twenty students flu-

ent in sheet music, slightly less than punctual on their

entrances, and flawless at improvising. Nonchalantly

slouched in the red plastic chairs that litter the three dif-

ferent levels of the band room, they chatter casually,

creating quite a ruckus. Unfortunately, the maximum

volume this class once reached has approached a decre-

scendo.

“When I first saw the numbers last semester, I was

very disappointed and worried about how the next year

would go,” J-B band instructor Dana Overfield said.

Johnson-Brock’s band department suffered quite the

loss over the summer going from the once small band of

32, to the diminutive size of 20. Although 9 of the lost

students were from the 2012 graduating class, the num-

bers are still dropping due to the hectic new class sched-

ules. “I feel that since we don’t have as many band

members, there aren’t as many people to learn from,”

sophomore band member Brooklyn Westenburg said,

“There’s really no one to bounce ideas off of.”

A sore jaw, a back row seat in the student section,

and a “band geek” reputation are simply downfalls to be

dealt with. There might not be many perks that come

with playing in the school band, but there certainly

shouldn’t have to be sacrifices. “I really enjoy playing

in the band,” Brooklyn said, “but because I’m playing,

I’m not able to take Mrs. Howe’s math class. It’s hard

because Mrs. Howe was my favorite teacher last year.”

Brooklyn isn’t alone in making this decision. Three of

her fellow sophomore class mates, Samantha Teten,

Scott Riley, and Kendra Alberts, all chose band.

For the 2012-2013 school years, high school band

was moved from its normal 8th period time, to 7th pe-

riod, to allow for the 8th hour study hall. “The more I

thought about it, I decided that 8th hour study hall is

really more academically beneficial to the students. In

the long run, it’ll be the best decision. It’s just going to

take a few years for the band to rebuild,” Mrs. Overfield

said.

The entire band program hasn’t necessarily suffered

from the drop in members; there are 34 students which

comprise the 5th and 6th grade band.

Upperclassmen have required credits they need for

graduation. Senior Mariah Snyder had to drop band, a

passion she’d held since 5th grade, in order to take

chemistry. “Music is my life, and I hate not being in

band,” she said. Mariah’s most disappointed that she

couldn’t finish out her high school career playing the

flute, an instrument that was passed down to her from

her sister. “Everyone in my family loves music, and it

really meant a lot to them that I played in the band,”

Mariah said.

Johnson-Brock’s band, although depleted in size, is

still expected to play as a 50 piece orchestra. “Although

we’re small,” Overfield said, “I feel like we’re a really

good group. I’m not worried because these students can

produce a very strong, mature sound.” Day after day

they sit, feet keeping time, horns at attention, and play

while still remembering their ambitious 5th grade selves,

who were so eager to join the band. Perhaps twenty stu-

dents, is all it will take.

Feature Story September 2012

J-B—A Welcoming Surprise Students option enroll for various reasons

Page 4

By: Jamie Zimmerman

“I wasn’t afraid of my first day at Johnson,”

said newly option enrolled junior Sarah

Wright, “It was just going back to school.” New

students have been arriving at Johnson-Brock from

neighboring schools. While some had no fear

about the change, some students

weren’t so sure. “I was afraid I

wouldn’t have any friends when I

came over here.” said Tennarea

Jones, who option enrolled her fresh-

men year.

It may seem odd that high school students are

stepping away from the schools where they started

out. It isn’t that common for a student to switch,

but some had strong feelings about changing. Ac-

cording to senior Lukas Buchmeier, he came to

Johnson to be with his real friends for his last year

of high school. Sophomore Brody Clark, on the

other hand, left his old school to get away from the

drugs and to be challenged in the

classroom. He said “I have no regrets about chang-

ing schools. I don’t miss anything.”

The first day of school was the initial test. “It

was a bit confusing but people were helpful,” said

Sarah. “I was relaxed when I first walked in.”

Sarah already knew a few people

from Johnson, including Mrs.

Richardson, Mrs. Broady, and a

few of the students. Tennarea,

however, remembers a different

experience. “I only talked to my

brother and a few of his friends when I first ar-

rived.” Brody said that he felt welcomed on his

first day at Johnson-Brock.

These students made a difficult choice whether

to change schools or to stay where they were. For

those who switched it was a new start. Option en-

rollment isn’t an easy decision and making new

friends is an issue, but for the students of J-B, it is

a chance worth the taking.

Road to Recovery Senior Nick Behrends bounces back from torn ACL.

By Curtis Karel

Nick Behrends started his senior year of football

bigger faster and stronger than ever before. He was

confident that his team was playoff bound. His

touchdown run in the season opener, following

three broken tackles, made Eagle fans confident

too. But 14 minutes into the

game with Johnson up 20-8, his

dreams of leading his team to a

winning season were shattered.

“I heard a pop in my knee then

hopped up and jogged to the

sideline,” said Behrends about the hit that robbed

him of his senior season.

Jogging off of the field showed Nick’s strength

and the power of adrenaline. Once on the bench,

the trainer told him to ice it, and he ran a quick

assessment. At halftime, the trainer didn’t have

good news. It seemed clear that Nick had torn his

ACL.

Although Nick was discouraged and upset, he

wasn’t ready to give up. He started physical ther-

apy the next week to strengthen his knee for sur-

gery. Nick now has physical therapy three days a

week trying to regain balance and the ability to run,

jump, and juke. He also does workouts at home

every day to strengthen his leg and re-

gain motion. His goal is to be back in

just four months before the end of bas-

ketball. He also plans on doing track so

he can strengthen his leg. He still plans

to play legion baseball next summer.

Nick had thought of playing college football in

the past, but he wasn’t sure. He now says that los-

ing his senior season has strengthened his resolve

to play at the college level. Even though he knows

his injury prevents him from playing Eagle foot-

ball, he continues to show his support for his team.

It’s difficult for him to watch, but he still goes to

every practice and game, including the game

against Exeter-Milligan two days after his surgery.

“I was afraid I wouldn’t

have any friends when I

came over here.” said

Tennarea

“I heard a pop in my

knee then hopped up

and jogged to the side-

line,” said Behrends

By The

Numbers

Friday Night Football

J-B vs. The Freeman Falcons

Also, come help support the J-B junior class in

their Washington D.C trip chili tailgate fundraiser! 6:30 p.m.—until pots are empty

1 cup of Chili (16 oz.): $2.00 + $.50 Dessert

Cheese & Crackers offered

October 12th Chili Tailgate at Field & Home Game

J-B opts 85 kids in

and 27 out

Where are students that opt

into J-B are from

-Rays X This man went

to the dentist in

regards to his

toothache and

found a 4 in.

nail lodged in

his head

This young boy swal-

lowed his magnetic

toys and as a

result the parts came back

together

Eager to get a

little fresh air,

this prisoner

swallowed a fork

and consequently

enjoyed a trip to

the hospital

Feature Story Page 5 September 2012

Life without Cheerleaders Student body learns to take the lead

By: Mariah Snyder

Walking through the doors of the J-B gymna-

sium, you’ll see parents on the right, students on

the left. The aroma of sweat and concession stand

food fills the air. This is a typical game night. But

something doesn’t feel right. Why is it so quiet?

Looking across the gym floor, you notice that there

are no cheerleaders. For the first time in school

history, the Eagles do not have cheerleaders. Ac-

cording to Principal Jacqueline Kelsay, declining

interest was the primary reason for the change.

“During the games it’s like something is miss-

ing,” senior Claire Rush said. The 6'4" volleyball

hitter says its' just not the same without cheerlead-

ers. According to Junior Shawna Newman, the

crowd is much quieter which she finds sad when

people don’t outwardly show support and cheer.

She admits that even though she never really paid

attention to the cheerleaders in the past, it is defi-

nitely different without them.

For now J-B will look to the band as a rallying

point for games. "The band is a great way to get the

crowd active, especially during time outs," said

Eagle announcer Karen Wolken. Her hope is the

band will stay for the game, joining the student

body for cheers but grabbing their instruments for

the breaks.

“If there is not going to be cheerleaders, then the

students should get up and yell,” staff member

Diane Stahl said. She added, "Maybe not having

cheerleaders, people will see the value of them.”

By Katie Jackson “I am more accepting of others and am more

appreciative of things other people take for

granted,” social studies teacher Mrs. Broady said.

Little things like playing sports, going out with

friends to the mall, and making independent deci-

sions are things J-B students tend to take for

granted. Lori Broady can’t let her daughter Mi-

chelle go out on Friday nights or drive herself to

school. Nor will she ever watch her spike a vol-

leyball during a game. Michelle

Broady has Down syndrome.

Mrs. Broady has to help Mi-

chelle with things that most teens

are capable of doing on their own,

but Michelle is working towards

independence. She does know

how to run a microwave and

stove. She’s now able to come

home every day after school and cook herself a

snack. Her favorite? Ramen noodles.

Michelle attends the ESU 4 Life Skills Pro-

gram in Auburn. It is there she made even more

friends; friends with her same struggles. She has

even met her boyfriend Wayne, who has replaced

Zac Efron from High School Musical. At her

school she learns life skills. When she returns to J-

B each afternoon she works on various tasks, like

shredding paper and cleaning the library. As Mi-

chelle grows, there will be bigger jobs she can do.

She will walk with the class of 2014 for gradua-

tion, but will continue learning more life skills at

SENDS in Auburn.

Over time, Mrs. Broady’s worries have de-

creased. “When Michelle was first born I wasn’t

sure if she was ever going to be able to read or

write. My goal was just for her to be able to say

mommy,” Mrs. Broady said “she has exceeded my

goals.” Goals have been set high for Michelle, but

Mrs. Broady believes she can achieve them.

Mrs. Broady is in hopes that someday Michelle

can indeed live on her own. “I want

her to live in a group home or with

someone else. Have a job, social

life, and as much fun as my other

daughters have had. As long as

she’s not living with her father and

me,” said Mrs. Broady. “If she

lives with us, she will revert to

imaginary friends and I want her to

have real friends.” She has gained her share of real

friends, including most of her classmates at J-B.

“Michelle threw the best birthday parties,” said

classmate Ashlyn Teten. “Even if some of us didn’t

get along; if we were around Michelle, we always

did,” reflects Shawna Newman.

In Michelle’s world everything is in black and

white. She has her good days and of course her bad

ones. Either someone’s getting a hug from her or

the occasional evil eye. But either way, Michelle

has a way of making everyone’s day a bit better.

Appreciate the Little Things Mrs. Broady talks about life with Michelle

“When Michelle was first

born I wasn’t sure if she

was ever going to be able

to read or write. My goal

was just for her to be able

to say mommy,” Mrs.

Broady

“Keep Laughing!”

Sincerely,

We all have something

good to say about our

favorite Mountain-

Dew drinking all-star.

Here, a few of Mi-

chelle’s classmates

have shared some

thoughts, memories,

and words of wisdom.

Dear Michelle,

“Remember when we

stole birthday cake out of your

parents’ hotel room while they were

sleeping? Fun times!” ~Erin

“You are the reason our class is so

close—thank you!”

~Micah

~Tori

“ Stay Classy, Michelle!”

~Michael

“Your shining face really just

cheers me up.” ~Kelsey

You have taught us so much.

Thank you for everything!

Your Class

Cheerleading Stereotypes

Revealed * 83% of

all cheer-

leaders

have a 'B'

grade point

average or

better.

* Most catastrophic

sports injuries among high

school and college athletes

occurred on the sidelines of

the big games.

* President

George W.

Bush was a

collegiate

cheerleader at

Yale

University

Quotable

Quotes...

*Setting: Advanced Math*

Emma: “Sooo...Buzz Lightyear doesn’t go

a place, he goes an IDEA?!”

*Referring to a recent sunburn* Erin: “YOU GUYS! I have SKIN ALL

OVER MY FACE!”

Sean: “No duh…”

Opinion/News Page 6 September 2012

Character Counts Controversy corrupts J-B

By: Sarah Wenzl

Controversy can be as simple as two kindergarteners arguing

over their favorite Arthur book. On the other hand, it can also be

as controversial as a blown NFL game-ending touchdown call.

Children can deal with the problem by inviting a third party, such

as their teacher, into the issue. This assures that coping skills will

be learned and the conflict will be dealt with so that the true busi-

ness of life can go on. When an NFL official makes a questionable

call, however, millions of people want a say in how the issue is

resolved and therefore the controversy becomes much more com-

plicated. Somewhere between kindergarteners and the NFL, J-B

has been struggling with how people react to controversy.

It’s not a matter of what the complication is, but

how the students deal with the issue at hand. How students deal

with problems says a lot about their character. Rather than dealing

with controversy by dividing the whole student body into groups

with different opinions, it’s best to settle the disparity one on one.

This method will eliminate other problems that are sure to arise if

everyone gets a hand in the issue. Students need to remember

when dealing with a discrepancy to look objectively. “Walk in

someone else’s footsteps” is an old saying that should always be

exercised.

Most importantly, learning from controversy is a key to re-

maining productive and achieving the desired outcome. Life will

always be messy, but it’s how we assert ourselves that will define

us. Choose wisely.

Indelible ‘13

Yearbooks are being sold in the month of OCTOBER! See Mrs. Wolken

Indelible ‘13

$40 * Sibling

discounts

available

The votes are in, J-B students have decided which

STUDENT is best fit to rule America and which

FACULTY member would be his/her vice president.

Ashley L.– Julia and Mrs.

Broady

Jaceey M. Curtis and Mrs.

Broady

Hailey D.-Makayla and

Mrs.Behrends

Dontavious S.– Tyler A. and

Mrs. Stahl

Isacc– Ben and Mr. Smith

Tori R.– Amzie and Mrs.

Wolken

Zach A– Makayla and Mrs.

Seeba

Erin B.– Julia and Mrs.

Broady

Sam T.– Julia and Mr. Davis

Julia For President!

By Sydney LaVigne

Isn’t it true, Mrs. Thundercloud that you based

your students’ grades on their voting ballot?” asks

lead attorney Nick Behrends. Hands sweating,

heart pounding, Emma Carr, acts her part as defen-

dant Dakota Thundercloud. She whispers a quiet,

“Yes it is.”

This year’s mock trial project includes three

teams; two from the senior government class and

one made up of interested underclassmen. Both

teams are sponsored by Mrs. Broady.

The case deals with teacher Dakota Thunder-

cloud who has been accused of bribing his high

school students with their grades in order to buy

their votes on local issues. Each team prepared both

sides of the case—one for the prosecution, the

other for the defense.

Mock trial isn’t a classroom requirement, but

it’s a choice the majority of seniors opted for. It is

meant to give students a more hands-

on way of learning. According to senior witness

Bryce Westenburg, it helps understand how the law

really works. “Mock trial has given me a better

insight on how lawyers actually think about things.

It’s kind of messed up to be honest,” said Bryce.

Although it is called “mock” trial, students take

this activity just as serious as a sporting event.

Each team has been practicing before school, dur-

ing class, after school, and even following sports

practices.

The teams also have Johnson County attorney,

Steve Mercure, as their volunteer coach. He helped

students with opening and closing statements, di-

rect and cross examinations, objections, and wit-

ness preparation. “I could care less if you win, but

if you know the basics, put forth effort, and have

fun, I’m proud of each one of you,” Mercure told

the competing teams.

The J-B mock trial teams will begin their adven-

tures this week as each team heads in opposite di-

rections, hoping to advance on to the next round.

Guilty or Innocent?

J-B Mock Trial kicks off season with help of Coach

What’s HOT

in the

Real Life

Court Room

Jerry Sandusky former Penn State football coach was sentenced Tues-day to at least 30 years in Prison.

Apple vs. Samsung In August, the jury returned a verdict holding that Samsung owed Apple $1.049 billion for copying Apple’s intellectual property.

Casey Anthony was acquitted of charges that she murdered her 2-year-old daughter by a jury of her peers in Orlando, FL last July.

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