“There is an intruder on campus, the police have been notified and are en route, teachers please enact lock down procedure.”

This is the announcement that is made during every intruder drill and which would be made in the event of an intruder on campus. After the announcement, school would go on lockdown and the building would fall silent, as students waited in silence for the all clear to be given. In the wake of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown Connecticut it has prompted school officials to think twice about safety.

“There is an on going review throughout the region, assessing overall safety at the school,” Principal Dave Wedlock said.

In the event that the school were to go on lockdown, teachers are directed to hold all students, lock and barricade all doors, turn off lights and close all blinds, and keep students quiet. No one is allowed to leave or enter the room, and the names of everyone in the room will be communicated through telephone or email to the office. This district emergency binder lists this procedure and the binder is given to all teachers. The lockdown procedure was adopted in 2008. In the wake of recent shootings, the district has made many changes regarding safety at each school.

“In consideration for safety, the district has elected to take down all the maps of the schools off the district website. They have also elected to not make the lockdown procedures well known to the community,” Wedlock said.

In recent weeks, St. Charles County convened a task force to inspect schools for safety. Taking part in this research is Rick Pavia, the school district’s facilities and operations director.

“We’re reviewing all of our practices and procedures, and we’re compiling all of the information out of Sandy Hook, comments and ideas from our students, staff and parents and will be reviewing that in the future,” Pavia said. “We haven’t identified any major safety concerns at this point.”

Jan. 29, the district held a safety forum at Saeger Middle School, and held another one Feb. 5 at Warren Elementary.

“We want to inform the community on all that FHSD does to make sure that our students and staff are safe. We also are very interested in the community’s input and any ideas they may have to improve our overall safety,” Superintendent Pam Sloan said.

In the event of an intruder on campus, the district has many measures in place to get law enforcement dispatched as soon as possible.

Every school has intruder locks on all classroom doors and a rapid notification system to alert the police in the event of an emergency. Also the district has Twitter and Facebook to keep parents informed.

“Once we get input from our community, the safety task force that was formed to study this issue will make some recommendations to administration and the board,” Sloan said.

Chief Financial Officer Kevin Supple also deals with safety and Jan 29. he revealed many of the

plans that schools have in the event of an emergency.

“FHSD is well ahead of other entities in terms of providing enhanced safety measures, such as the updated security camera systems,” Supple said.

While the overall school safety may be in good standing, some still worry about the what-if scenarios.

“I think that the overall school safety is very good, but no matter how safe our school seems, it only takes one person to come in when the students are coming in, and them wanting to do something bad, for all that security not to matter,” junior Jenna Galbierz said.

The St. Charles Sheriff ’s department works with school

officials and has for years.“Our SWAT team has had

training days here at Howell, and during that training period they practice what is called ‘active shooter training.’ They practice it as though it were the real deal. In the event that there was an active shooter on campus, law enforcement would first make sure the threat has been eliminated and no other threats exists. The fire department and law enforcement agencies would then secure the area and get the injured to proper medical treatment,” school resource officer Jeff Warner said.

Overall, the district has taken many precautions to keep everyone safe while pursuing their education.

“In addition to our lockdown drill, the district has taken measures to place school resource officers in our high schools along with security officers. They have also placed SROs at the middle school, and DARE officers randomly at our elementary schools. Due to the recent mass shootings, the district is looking into additional security for the elementary schools,” Warner said.

Security guards declined comment for this story.

Francis Howell High 7001 S. Hwy 94St. Charles, MO 63304

Vol. 42, Issue 3Feb. 13, 2013

www.fhhstoday.com@FHHSTODAYFriend us on Facebook

In BriefGriebenow named Teacher of the Year:Math teacher Kelli Griebenow receives 2013 Teacher of the Year accolades posthumously, Friday, Jan. 25.

JV dance team wins big:The JV Dance team received a first place in pom, first place in jazz, and a second place in hip hop at the St. Charles Dance Invitational.

Sweet success: Both culinary arts teams qualified at Regionals for the FCCLA State competition, which occurs April 6-9.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 18No schoolPresident’s Day

Feb. 20Spring sports Meet the Coaches night, 6 p.m.

Feb. 22FBLA trivia night, 7 p.m.

Feb. 28Junior college parent night, 7 p.m.

March 5 & 7Parent teacher conferences, 3:30-7 p.m.

March 11-22No SchoolSpring Break

March 28First quarter report cards distributed

March 29 No schoolGood Friday

April 1No schoolEaster Monday

April 4NHS Induction, 7 p.m.

page 4 page 6 page 8

Larry Guessfeld: Co Editor

Officials Confirm School SafetySchool district studies security, works to ensure that campus remains safe, holds parent meetings

spotlight

Larry Guessfeld: Co Editor

No One Fights AloneMath teacher Kelli Griebenow loses her battle with cancer Jan. 1

Jan. 1, 2013, math teacher Kelli Griebenow passed away at the hospital, surrounded by family and loved ones, after a battle with cancer.

“As we struggle to make sense of this I do know one thing. Kelli inspired the best in all of this. I have never witnessed such generosity as I did from all of you who helped Erik and the family cope with Kelli’s illness. The family is deeply grateful. Now more than ever your prayers and concern are needed as

the family recovers and attempts to rebuild a life without Kelli,” counselor Darci Hillyer wrote on Griebenow’s Caringbridge Jan. 1.

Even though Griebenow had taken leave, she wasn’t forgotten. She received many well wishes from staff members.

“I spent more time with her than ever before, a one-on-one time. I spent the night Christmas Eve and woke up with her going into Christmas day, and when we woke up she was so peaceful and

so happy, we spent all Christmas together,”Hillyer said.

In the weeks since her death, a committee nominated Griebenow for 2013 teacher of the year. She will receive the award posthumously.

“She always took her time with each student, looked to see how they learn. She was a teacher who truly cared. She made sure we all understood what she was teaching, she’s going to be missed,” senior Alex Hepburn said.

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Kickin’ it for trivia: Math teacher Kelli Griebenow attends a trivia night held in her honor, April 20, 2012. “It is so overwhelming, and it means so much to see all the students come out and support me, this is amazing,” Griebenow said during the event.Story continued on page three.

Security guard Donovan Luken reports for his daily duties. “For me, this school is a good fit and a good place to work, “ Luken said. Photo by Katie Roberts

OPIN

ION

Spotlight

In My Opinion

Hits and

[a quick Howell about the good and bad]

Misses Hats Off to Hat DayStudents show their acceptance and appreciation for children with cancer and donate to Friends of Kids With Cancer to participate in Hat Day

Wrestlers Get RowdyThe wrestling team is predicted to have several students make it to state after placing in top five in the last few tournaments, including the Kyle Thrasher Memorial tournament

Support TeamWith her green bracelet trending, students aren’t holding back to wear their love for Kelli Griebenow on their wrists.

Uno Dos Don’t Age old rockers, Green Day, fail to impress with the trio of albums, Uno Dos Tre.

Wacky WeatherAs the temperature dropped from 70 degrees to 17, students changed from shorts and T-shirts to boots and coats.

I Can’t Hear YouThe gym sound system failed to impress as students struggled to hear over the screech and static during the winter pep assembly.

Francis Howell High Schoolhttp://www.fhhstoday.comVol. 42, Issue 3Feb. 13, 2013

Love is in the air... but some are holding their breath. We all know the significance of Feb. 14, and the

anticipation that Valentine’s Day brings. Nothing quite compares to the butterflies in a girl’s stomach, when he shows up at the door with roses. Or, the excitement in his eyes when she bakes him those heart shaped cookies. It’s the cheesy, lovely wonders of this holiday that leave Americans spending 13.19 billion on average on their loved ones each year.

However, Valentine’s Day is all too often labeled as a holiday only for those in a relationship. In fact, if you look for it, you can even find “Anti-Valentine’s Day” cards at your disposal, as well as those celebrating disgust for the holiday. A simple Google search can connect you with a community of holiday-haters, some single, some not, who find themselves unimpressed with the holiday celebrations.

While the commercial world often places emphasis on couples in order to promote products, the love that this holiday represents extends far beyond a few flowers or a couple having a fine dinner.

Whether you are single, in a relationship, married, or widowed, the spirit of Valentine’s Day extends far beyond just one day.

Love is present and it’s present 365 days a year.

Don’t have a boyfriend? Consider delivering those cookies to a local nursing home. Chances are, there’s a widowed woman who will be incredibly touched by the gesture. Don’t have a girlfriend? Take the money you would have spent on that pricey necklace, and donate it to your local United Way (www.stl.unitedway.org), which works to spread the loving spirit of Valentine’s Day, year round in the St. Louis community. Surprise your mom with a hug, and remind her you’re still her baby. Thank dad for loving you enough to put those snow tires on your truck, before the weather gets rough. Small gestures can reap grand results.

If there’s one thing the Howell community has learned over the course of the past month, it’s that life is short. Embracing the spirit of this holiday year round, regardless of your relationship status, can make every moment count...because you never know when it will be the last.

So take a deep breath, let it in, and spread the love.

StaffEditorial

2Getting Ready for Love

I’m going to the movies and then to the Cheesecake Factory.

I’ll be at dance, just like any other day.

the

– sophomore Varun Mohan

I am constructing a love potion that I will use on my one true love.

– senior Alex Hepburn

What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?

– freshman Demesha Griffin

I am buying another cat.

Face in theCrowd

– junior Dylan Pritchard

I will be at home eating chocolate and watching The Notebook.

– sophomore Jaci Putnam

With the start of the new year comes new goals, ideas, and resolutions. The famous “I am going

to lose 10 pounds,” or “I am going to work out every day,” is what many tell themselves, but never seem to follow through.

Maybe this New Year’s Resolution failure comes from making unrealistic goals, especially with the lifestyle teens live today. All the chips, sour patch kids, and fattening food that have become a major component in young people’s diet is most likely the culprit for resolution failure.

According to livestrong.com, the normal amount of fat intake for a healthy female should be anywhere around 50 to 70 grams, while a healthy

male should consume 61 to 86 grams of fat per day.

To turn this year around and achieve resolutions, teens need to make realistic goals that are challenging but manageable.

According to sandspringsleader.com, 24 percent of people that make resolutions fail every year. That’s one in four people that make unrealistic goals every year, and don’t follow through.

In making a resolution, changing one’s lifestyle to incorporate more physical exercise and healthier foods is inevitable, and teens need to be open to these changes to see results. Overall, New Year’s Resolutions can be accomplished, it just takes a little effort and dedication.

I am going to hang out with my boyfriend.

– junior Deidre Gerdes

I normally sleep, go to school, hang out with friends, then spend time with my girlfriend. – junior Jordan Kaiser

I will go to dance class because I don’t believe in such a corporate holiday. – sophomore Kirsten Hizer

I am going to the movies to see Mama.

– freshman Anthony Berg

I am having a candle light dinner with my dog.

– senior Tommy Shereck

I will be with my friends seeing the movie Warm Bodies.

– freshman Megan Kelley

Kayla Calandro: staff writer

Purpose“Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...”

––The First Amendment The Francis Howell Spotlight

is the official student newspaper at Francis Howell High School. The Spotlight began as a Francis Howell publication in 1971. The Spotlight believes it is essential to preserve the freedom of the press in order to preserve a free society and its purpose is to inform, interpret, and entertain through accurate and factual reports.

Therefore, this school newspaper will serve the best interest of the students of Francis Howell and keep itself free from any other obligation; the staff of the school newspaper will accept guidance from its adviser, but will make its own editorial decision; only the editorial board may veto any material intended for publication, judged to be in violation of the FHHS Publications media editorial policy; and this school newspaper will vigorously resist all attempts at censorship, particularly prepublication censorship; the school newspaper will serve as an educational laboratory experience for those on staff.; the school newspaper will run as a designated public forum; the goal of the school newspaper is to cover the total school population as effectively and the staff will strive to be impartial and responsible in its coverage of issues. The full media policy is available at fhhstoday.com.

AdvertisingAll ads must be approved. Ad rate schedules and policies are available by calling 636-851-4820 or going to www.fhhstoday.com

Spotlight

Letter PoliciesAll letters to the editor should be sent to Mrs. Dunaway in room D118 or emailed to spotlight letters@gmail.com. Letters will be printed on the editorial page. All letters must be signed, be under 400 words, and contain appropriate material. Material will not be printed if content is obscene, or if it invades others’ privacy, or if it encourages physical disruption of school activities and/or if it implies libel. The editorial board has the right to have letters edited for length, grammar, punctuation, clarity, etc. The school newspaper will only publish one letter per author per issue and all letters become the property of the school newspaper upon receipt and will not be returned.

FHHS PublicationsStaff Members

We are one converged staff, with a publication class hour, who publish the Spotlight newspaper, FHHSToday.com, the Viking Report broadcast, and the 320-page Howelltonian yearbook.

Larry Guessfeld, social media and co-newspaper editor; Gaby Keim, co-newspaper editor; Shelby Steingraeber, web editor; Katie Roberts, photo editor. Staff writers: Olivia Beilman, Emily Aiken, Lauren Bethmann, Kayla Calandro, Megan Golliver, Monica Khatri, Alex Martin, Sonya Naemi, Kayla Schweikard. Michele Dunaway, MJE, adviser.

Valentine’s Day is not just for couples

Resolutions can be accomplished with effort

Lauren Bethmann: staff artist

Following Through

Library announces winners of annual Stuckey essay contestThe library sponsored the Robert J. Stuckey essay contest through the English department. The winner is sent to Mizzou to compete in the state wide essay contest. The winners are:1st: Chloe Devos2nd: Renn Cameron3rd: Andrew Frasca4th: Austin Brady

Parking passes awardedAll sophomores involved in a varsity sport and all juniors get parking passes from here forward

Dunaway wins awardThe Journalism Education Association named yearbook adviser Michele Dunaway a Distinguished Yearbook Adviser of the year. Dunaway will receive the award in San Francisco in April.

Putting on the hatsFor charity, any student

who purchased a $1 sticker could wear a hat Friday, Feb. 1. Proceeds went to cancer research.

Limelight Theatre presents Elephant GraveyardFeb. 7-9, the Drama Club presented a sob story instead of a musical.

FCCLA qualifies for stateThe following students qualified for the FCCLA state competition:•Maggie Day•Tiffany Johnson•Sam Middeke•Tim Montgomery•Tyler Hoeferlin•Adam Fazio•Cole Lematser•Zac McLean•Jeremy Schroeder•Whitney Adams•Alec Thompson

ImPACT test arrivesEveryone who is trying out for baseball, soccer, pole vaulting, or high jump and is a freshman,

junior, or an new student to Howell, will need to take the ImPACT test before trying out.

Senior reaches milestoneReaching beyond his Eagle Scout award, senior Michael Carter succeeded in earning all 134 Boy Scouts of America merit badges, being the 175th person in 100 years to complete all the requirements for all badges.

Get Ready for Mr. VikingViking Way hosts the annual Mr. Viking competition, Saturday, March 2 in the auditorium. Admission is $5.

Golden Helmet a SecretInstead of finding out from a teacher like previous years, Golden Helmet nominees won’t know who nominated them until the actual ceremony. Letters inviting recipients will start arriving over Spring Break.

Note: Golden Girl results were not available at press time.

Fast, simple, easy. Online registration began with

selected students last year with successful results, so the method was applied to the entire student body this January.

“We started online registration with the senior class last year to prepare them for using it in college, and received positive feedback,” Principal Dave Wedlock said.

“I heard back from students who said learning this method in high school helped them save time in college. The school board decided on doing it this year for all grade levels,” Wedlock added.

The new method allows parents to have a direct input on their child’s classes and career goals by submitting schedule requests via the parent portal.

“It’s always taken me awhile to choose the classes I’ve wanted to take. Even though I can never make up my mind, I don’t need my parents help in helping me decide,”

freshman Johnny Evans said. “But it did save time having to not fill out everything on paper and then erasing it all just to start filling it all out again.”

The biggest challenge for students and their parents was understanding graduation requirements.

“I was confused last year on what courses I wanted to take, but my counselors were free to meet up and there to help,” sophomore Danielle Crosno said.

“Unfortunately, I waited until the last minute this year to register online and didn’t know how to maneuver parent portal, and nobody was there to walk me through it,” she added.

Wedlock continues to support online registration because it’s eco-friendly and students are able to submit students schedules all at once. This allows for instant computer compilation.

In the past, one person had to input all

the data on 1,700+ forms.“It is confusing at first, I will admit.

But it’s there to move the process along at a faster pace once people get accustomed to it,” Wedlock said. “Our counselors and

I are willing to help with the adjustment, because it’s something we plan on sticking with. It will definitely help.”

NEWS 3Francis Howell High Schoolhttp://www.fhhstoday.comVol. 42, Issue 3Feb. 13, 2013@FHHSTODAYFriend us on Facebook

Starting her teaching career 19 years ago, Griebenow quickly became friends with Hillyer.

“Starting our teaching careers together, we were the new kids on the block. We co-sponsored the math club together, taking kids around to math competitions. A few times I even ran across the hall and would ask her how she taught the last lesson because my kids just didn’t seem to get it. She always had a funny and witty way to teach the concept,” Hillyer said.

Griebenow developed a way to teach the quadratic formula through song.“It is because she taught me the song that I was able to remember the

quadratic formula on the ACT,” senior Kayla Thompson said.As the end for Griebenow neared, teachers wore green t-shirts that said

“Kickin’ in for Kelli.” They wore these to the memorial Jan. 12.“I only broke down once in front of her, and she knew exactly what to do,

she moved over in her bed, patted it and invited me in. We held hands so a while and talked, she was truly an amazing women,” Hillyer said.

While Griebenow touched many of staff members, she also touched her students lives.

“She was truly a beautiful person inside and out,” senior Brooke Wager said.The senior class started selling green rubber bracelets that read ‘Kickin’ it for

Kelli.” The reverse side has her date of death. “I bought a green bracelet to honor Mrs.Griebenow as well to support her

family. Even though I didn’t have her as a teacher, we are connected as a Howell family and it was the least I could do,” senior Jack Whiteman said.

The business department raised money to purchase a brick paver with Griebenow’s name, and her teacher of the year title placed on it.

“FBLA and DECA worked hard to honor Griebenow’s memory. We took up a collection among the business classes throughout the day. In two days we raised 100 dollars and purchased a paver, with an engraving to commemorate her career here, and also recognized her teacher of the year award,” FBLA sponsor Sandi Sewing said.

Griebenow touched many in her career in the math department.

“I had her for homeroom, and if she could tell something was wrong she would sit down and talk to us about it, she truly cared about her students,” junior Alex Overton said.

“The sub we have now is a good teacher and teaches really well, but I just miss her good attitude,” senior Jamie Walsh said.

“She was truly an angel on earth,” Hillyer said. “Someone who truly cared and was a genuine person.”

Going GreenRegistration goes entirely online to save paper, timeMonica Khatri: staff writer

Before meeting with his counselor, junior Josh Krone starts registering for next year. “It gives me a lot more freedom with pick-ing my classes,” Krone said. “But it’s a lot harder than just having your counselor doing it for you.”

No one fights alone...continued from page one

Kelli Griebenow

In Brief

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Mid Rivers Music 355 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. * Sales *

Open: St. Peters, Missouri 63376 * Service * Mon – Fri 10 – 8 Ph: 636-970-3385 * Rental * Saturday 10 – 5 www.midriversmusic.com * Lessons *

Serving the St. Charles Area for 17 years

Don’t miss out on the photos of the year. Check outside room D118 to see if you’ve purchased a book.

Mid Rivers Music355 Mid Rivers Mall Dr.St. Peters Missouri 63376636-970-3835www.midriversmusic.com

•Sales•Service•Rental•Lessons

Serving the St. Charles Area for 17 years

OpenMon-Fri 10-8Saturday 10-5

4 FEATURESFrancis Howell High Schoolhttp://www.fhhstoday.comVol. 42, Issue 3Feb. 13, 2013@FHHSTODAYFriend us on Facebook

Metal crunching. Smoke flying. Heart pounding. Blood running down their faces. Juniors Erin Kane and Jordan Neu rolled out the side doors of their totaled car and crawl to safety Jan. 5, 2012.

“We were on our way to school last year when the driver took her eyes off the road for a few seconds. We were going about 40 miles per hour when she smashed into the car in front of us,” Kane said.

The passengers suffered injuries.“There were four people in the car.

No one was hurt too badly. I was the only one with actual blood on me. I split my head open when I smacked into the airbag. It wouldn’t have been so bad if I had worn my seat belt,” Kane said.

“I was wearing my seat belt but because we stopped so quickly, and the seat belt cut into my skin and caused it to bruise,” Neu said.

The collision caused a five car pile up on Highway 94, consisting of students, teachers, and businessmen.

Aug. 27, 2011, senior Cody Berry experienced a car spin out.

“I was driving down highway F and

I overcorrected. I spun out and the back of my car hit the ditch, then I spun again and the front of my car hit the ditch as well,” Berry said.

The fear of the accident caused Berry to panic.

“My car was smoking and it smelled weird, so I thought it was on fire. My door wouldn’t open so I had to ram it to get out,” Berry said.

While Berry totaled his car in a ditch, senior Brandon Suwanpratest was T-boned on the way to the first varsity football game Aug. 24, 2012.

“I was on my way to team dinner when I was turning into the back parking lot, I saw an open lane, so I guess I just misjudged it and a car came by and T-boned me,” Suwanpratest said.

Dec. 12, 2012, junior Matt Gensler was rear ended.

“I was on my way to school, and I was stopped on 94, the driver in the car behind me wasn’t paying attention. The police report said she was doing her makeup,” Gensler said.

Gensler’s car was totaled.“My car ended up being totaled

which I wasn’t too happy about,” Gensler said.

By experiencing accidents, some students develop safe driving habits.

“After experiencing that crash, I now always wear my seat belt, and I do not get in the car with a large amount of people anymore. The driver can’t focus,” Kane said.

Other students are paranoid of

traveling the same route.“I never take highway F anymore. It

just has bad memories,” Berry said.According to the National Highway

Traffic Safety Administration, young people aged 15-20 make up 6.7 percent of the total driving population in this country but are involved in 14 percent of all fatal crashes.

“I honestly never thought I would get in an accident on the way to school,” Neu said.

Sixty-five percent of teen passenger deaths occur when another teenager is driving.

According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association in 2010, the latest year for which data was available, motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death among 13-19 year-old males and females in the United States.

“I wouldn’t put it past any teenager here to get in an accident. I mean it’s teenagers driving,” Kane said.

“It’s not your driving you have to watch out for, it’s everyone else,” Suwampratest said.

1.) Move off the road2.) Check to see if anyone is hurt3.) Call 9114.) Turn on your hazards5.) Exchange name, address, license number and insurance6.) Stay at the scene7.) Contact insurance agency

What to do in an accident Top Accident causers

1.) Distracted driving 2.) Speeding 3.) Drunk driving 4.) Reckless driving 5.) Tailgating 6.) Running red lights 7.) Running stop signs 8.) TEEN DRIVERS 9.) Night driving 10.) Unsafe lane changes

-

“It’s not your driving, it’s everyone else’s.”

– senior Brandon Suwanpratest

“It’s Not Going To Happen To Me”Alex Martin and Megan Golliver: staff writers

Student drivers face harsh realities of wreckless decisions

CAUTION CAUTIONCAUTION CAUTION CAUTION

Explosion: Senior Cody Berry’s airbag deployed after hitting a ditch on the way to school Aug. 27, 2011: “My leg was bleeding and I couldn’t get out of my side door,” he said.

Information according to the San Diego Personal Injury Office Study

Information according to Dmv.com

Photo credit: Cody Berry

5FEATURESFrancis Howell High Schoolhttp://www.fhhstoday.comVol. 42, Issue 3Feb. 13, 2013@FHHSTODAYFriend us on Facebook

traveling the same route.“I never take highway F anymore. It

just has bad memories,” Berry said.According to the National Highway

Traffic Safety Administration, young people aged 15-20 make up 6.7 percent of the total driving population in this country but are involved in 14 percent of all fatal crashes.

“I honestly never thought I would get in an accident on the way to school,” Neu said.

Sixty-five percent of teen passenger deaths occur when another teenager is driving.

According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association in 2010, the latest year for which data was available, motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death among 13-19 year-old males and females in the United States.

“I wouldn’t put it past any teenager here to get in an accident. I mean it’s teenagers driving,” Kane said.

“It’s not your driving you have to watch out for, it’s everyone else,” Suwampratest said.

-

Taking a hit: After tumbling through Highway F’s ditch, senior Cody Berry totaled his car. “There was just way too much frame work to fix so it just ended up being totaled,” he said.

CAUTIONCAUTIONCAUTION CAUTION CAUTION

Lauren Bethmann: staff artist

Photo credit: Cody Berry

Ten things to know while taking your drivers test

1.) Know your car’s buttons

2.) Check your mirrors constantly

3.) Break and stop easily

4.) Use your blinker for everything

5.) Double check intersections

6.) Stop completely

7.)Use your parking brake

8.) Follow cars at a safe distance

9.) When parking, turn wheels towards the curb

10.) Relax

Information according to drivingtest.org

For more than 30 years, Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill has been a landmark for fine Italian dining in The Hill neighborhood of St. Louis, Mo. Opened by Charlie Gitto Jr. at 5226 Shaw Ave. in 1981, the restaurant still operates today at its original location, as well several additional branches at locations including Hollywood Casino, Chesterfield, and Kansas City.

One of Charlie Gitto’s signature dishes is the toasted ravioli . It’s birthplace is the

kitchen of Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill, when in 1947 a chef at Angelo’s (the name of the restaurant at that time) accidentally dropped a ravioli in hot oil instead of water. Charlie Gitto’s is filled with wonderful traditions and great scenery that will throw you back in time.

A particularly delicious dish offered is the tortellini ala panna. A decadent, rich cream sauce accompanied by tender pasta makes for an explosion in your mouth. Bits of prosciutto, peas and fresh

parmesan complete this filling dish, offered during dinner hours. In case that dish isn’t rich enough for your taste pallet, we recommend the lobster bisque, featuring real lobster bits swimming in a smooth, flavorful, cream based bisque. The texture contrast is flawless and the soup could serve as a meal alone in itself. It’s filling.

However, save room for dessert. At Charlie Gitto’s, a classic Italian dessert is a must have. The tiramisu was irresistible, cool, and fresh. Even on a full stomach, it’s

satisfying and light. Not to mention,

the restaurant excels in serving up dinner for special events and occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or graduation celebration, large parties of guests aren’t a large feat for servers, who treat every guests as a top priority. Nothing is forgotten, and everything is cared for with grace and care.

If you’re looking for a laid

back and casual scene with fabulous service, this is the place for you.

Francis Howell High Schoolhttp://www.fhhstoday.comVol. 42, Issue 3Feb. 13, 2013@FHHSTODAYFriend us on Facebook6 ARTS

I was a fan of the band Green Day. The keyword here being... “was.”

After listening to the band’s latest album, ¡Tre!, my views changed. Granted, you should never judge a band based on just a single work. After all, Green Day has been making music since the band’s formation in 1987, and this is their 11th studio album. In the music world, a shelf life like that is no easy feat. Most, if not the majority, of Green Day’s work is absolutely blissful. But with their recent album, the band has illustrated that maybe it’s time to hang it up, and retire.

The instrumental, guitar licks, tempos, and even lead singer Billie Joe

Armstrong’s vocal range prove to be rather repetitive and basic. Same five notes, same 4/4 beat...after a while, it becomes robotic. While simplicity deserves appreciation, nothing on this album show’s maturity musically. Green Day’s original songs from their early days were fantastic. However, an album full of tracks identical to the works that once made headlines, merely sucks the life out of the music. The tracks become products of a few washed up rockers.

The lyrics, unlike the musical technique, do display some growth and maturity within the band. I particularly favored the track “Brutal Love,” which demonstrates a deeper,

emotional side to Armstrong’s vocals. Tracks like “Walk Away” and “99 Revolutions” prove to be the anthems of the empowered, and strong. While “A Little Boy Named Train” may sound like everything else on the album, it’s incredibly poetic and complex. The track “X Kid” displayed a catchy guitar lick, and steady drum beat. The song was a perfect “jam out in your car” song, without question.

Ultimately, I’m unimpressed with the work Green Day displayed in their 11th album. If the band continues to digress, and this rate, the green is going to stop rolling in...and things might be rather blue.

.

Not worth the download

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SPORTS 7Francis Howell High Schoolhttp://www.fhhstoday.comVol. 42, Issue 3Feb. 13, 2013@FHHSTODAYFriend us on Facebook

Shelby Steingraeber: staff writerFor some students, the final bell at 2:20 p.m marks a trip to the gym, for the typical

after school practice. However, practice times vary for the varsity swim and dive teams.The typical practice time is 8-10 p.m at the St. Peters Rec Plex. Senior Heather

Gerard has adjusted to fit this schedule, as a four year member of the team.“I feel practice times are too late in the evening. After I get home from high school

classes, college classes, and climbing the last thing I want to do is practice from 8-10. If practices were earlier in the day, it would be easier on all the swimmers in terms of school work, and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule,” Gerard said.

Other find themselves unphased by the late night swims.“I don’t think the practice time affects my swimming. I like the practice times

because I can get my homework done and take a nap so I’m well rested for practice. I don’t think they can be improved,” sophomore Ashley Joyce said.

Practice is more then just a normal race, averaging about 4000 yards a night swimmers take on physical activity that they may not encounter any other night.

“At practice we swim about 4000 yards every night. We do a warm up, a main set, and a cool down,” Gerard said.

These practice times apply for both the fall and winter months, during both the girls and boys swim and dive seasons.

“It affects school work greatly, and my sleep schedule. It ends at 10pm, and by the time i get home it’s 10:45. It would be easier to swim and an earlier time. If swimming was right after school, then I could get to bed earlier and be less tired at school,” junior Eric Kuehner said.

Up All NightSwimmers and Divers adjust to inconvenient practice times

Mickey Mouse, ESPN, and high school dance teams don’t always come together as one. But when they do, it’s at UDA nationals.

“We add an extra practice on Tuesday and practice longer hours to lead us up to nationals,” senior Bridget Phillips said.

Since the beginning of the school year, the team has practiced their routine.“It’s a lot of work. We have been practicing these routines since August,” senior

Marleigh Anderson said.To clean up their routines, the Golden Girls perform at school sporting events.“We perform at basketball games and wrestling meets to get ready,” sophomore Angie

Gerst said.Other than sporting events, the Golden Girls perform at out of school events to gain

experience for nationals.“We learned routines in August and competed at Lindbergh and the Mall of America,”

Anderson saidAfter perfecting their routines, the Golden Girls went to Orlando for the competition,

which occurred Feb. 2-3.“It is very intense at first we practice in the parking lots until 2 a.m., then we do

semifinals to see if we get to finals. Then we compete in finals at the ESPN Wide World of Sports and find out our rankings. Last year we got second in hip hop and 12th in jazz, in the nation,” Anderson said.

Nationals draws the top teams from across the United States.“There are a lot of teams from around the nation, maybe 40 in each category. The

categories are hip hop, jazz, pom, and high kick,” senior Ashley Holland said.The majority of the United States is represented in Orlando.“Over 30 states are represented I think last year there were around 500 teams,” senior

Kayla Hutfless said.

The team performs on the grounds of the ESPN Wide World of Sports, and often receives ESPN air time on national television, based upon final scores.

“I’m excited for performing on the nationals stage at the ESPN field house,” Holland said.

Following competition, the girls receive some down-time before heading back home.“Besides dancing I’m excited to hang out with friends in Disney World because it is

the happiest place on earth and I can’t wait to put it on the floor and do my absolute best,” Anderson said.

In Front of the Nation Golden Girls travel to Nationals competition in FloridaSonya Naemi: staff writer

BOYS BASKETBALL Hoping to better its record of 3-16, the team takes on Howell North, Feb 15.

GIRLS BASKETBALLThe varsity basketball team’s record is 7-11. They take on Howell North, Feb 15.

WRESTLING The season starts off winning season with a current record of 22-3. The team will make its way to state Feb 14 with six wrestlers traveling to compete.

SWIMMING & DIVING Completing the regular season with an 8-2 record, the team will make its way to state Feb 15 to compete.

Sophomore Jennifer Wood swims butterfly against Howell North and Timberland. “It was a close meet, we worked hard and we beat them in the

end,” Wood said.

Playing against Timberland Junior Laren Carlson (24) attempts a lay up,while being gaurded by Andrea Romero (15) Jan. 22. “It was against our old coaches and it was a good game and it was intense. We played hard,” Carlson said.

Senior Larry Prade attempts to pin his oppenent Jacob Mattson from Francis Howell Central. “I was trying to turn the guy down to his back to get points and win the match,” Prade said.

Sophomore JD Koehler (23) plays defense against Lafayette’s Cameron Kennedy (14). “We played really bad first half but fought and played back in the second half,” Koehler said. The Vikings lost the game 60-38.

Taking center stage at a varsity girls basketball game, the Golden Girls prepare for their Jazz routine. The girls perfect their performances at games to take to the National stage. “The floating ESPN camera and the feeling of being on the team is what I’m looking forward to,” sophomore Angie Gerst said. Photo by Katie Roberts

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8Francis Howell High Schoolhttp://www.fhhstoday.comVol. 42, Issue 3Feb. 13, 2013@FHHSTODAYFriend us on Facebook

Valentines Day with that special someoneCupid’s Arrow

What to do if You’re a Couple

•Movienightin•Goiceskating

•Gobowling•DoaDrive-inmoviein

Belleville,IL•Gotoaconcert

What to do if You’re Single

•Havefriendsorfamilyoverforavalentine’sdayparty

•GototheZoo•Gotoamoviewithfriends

•Pamperyourself•Order-indinner

Valentines day over commercializedFlowers. Chocolate. Advertisements. These may come to mind with the

mention of Valentine’s Day. Many view this holiday with much scrutiny as the question is raised whether its meaning has been lost, or if it is still relevant to young people today.

“Valentine’s Day still has meaning to me. I think it is all about showing how much the people in your life mean to you,” sophomore Sophia Calandro said.

The over-commercialization of Valentine’s Day products can be a turn-off, and causes speculation to whether this holiday is just for the profit of major

businesses.“I think it is a little over-

commercialized because businesses can make it all about products and not the actual holiday,” sophomore Hannah Bayer said.

Sometimes the meaning of Valentine’s Day has not been compromised, as traditions and the meaning of Valentine’s Day have not changed for some students.

“My traditions haven’t changed much. I’ve stuck with having dinner and then hanging out, and it’s still a holiday for celebrating love,” senior Josie Greenamay said.

Kayla Calandro: staff writer

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