Homecoming Traditions - Clinton Community School District

October 2014
Edition 1
VOLUME
The
The Clintonian
HOME OF THE RIVER KINGS & QUEENS
Homecoming Traditions
By Anna-Marie Black
Homecoming is a time of year
that warrants fun, enthusiasm, and
pride. Clinton High School has a rich
tradition of encouraging the spirit and
energy of the students. Homecoming
is a favorite time of year for many,
and there are lots of exciting things
that make it great.
The week kicks off with dressup days. Students come to school
donning extravagant costumes. In
recent years, we’ve had people dress
up as the opposite gender or their
favorite sports team. Dressing up
may feel a little silly, but it’s a longstanding tradition here at CHS. For
example, during Homecoming 2001,
they had similar themes such as
farmer day and superhero day.
Throughout the week there
are various activities that students
can participate in. “We’re doing
things like flag football and Ultimate
Frisbee, says student body president,
Nick Beckwith. “Our mission this year
is to make school a fun place to be.”
Friday morning marks a late
start and a pancake breakfast. The
breakfast is a community event, and
many students have been going
since they were in elementary
school. According to CHS senior Kim
Kaster, it’s the highlight of the entire
week. “The food is amazing, and it’s
a lot of fun.”
Then, of course, comes the
Friday night football game. CHS
pride is in rare form at these games,
and the turnout is generally better
than that of normal home games. For
some people, like CHS senior Malika
Usmanova, the game is the best part.
“I always enjoy the energy and
enthusiasm of the crowd.”
The week culminates in the
homecoming dance. Now, the dance
is a large, fairly unique event, taking
place in Yourd Gym, but it hasn’t
always been this way. “We had
casual dances after every home
game,” remembered 2005 CHS
graduate, Elise Black. “All dances
were held in the commons, including
homecoming. Homecoming was
basically the same as all the other
Friday night dances, just with fancier
clothes. It wasn’t as big of deal
then as it is now.”
Homecoming is now not
just a game or a dance, but an
opportunity for students to come
together and show pride in their
school. The dress-up days, the
after school activities, the
Photo By Mrs. Nelson
Door decorations are a homecoming tradition. This is one
example from the 2013 homecoming door decoration com-
Say Yes to the Dress
By Alice Lind
The homecoming dance is
one of the many exciting elements
during the Clinton High School
homecoming week. After five
continuous days of crazy dress-up
themes, king & queen coronations,
and a football game, the
homecoming dance is the cherry-on
-top to a school-spirited week. The
dance is also a time for the perfect
outfit, whether it’s a suave dress
shirt and tie, or a glamorous mini
dress. But just how much are
students willing to pay for
perfection?
According to statistics by
CNN Money, most high school girls
are willing to spend a minimum of
$100-$220 on a homecoming dress,
not including new shoes, dinner,
manicures, and transportation.
Even with smart-shopper
secondhand stores scattered all
throughout Clinton, Dewitt, and
Davenport, most girls are looking to
high-end malls and online stores for
the newest and the best.
“This year, I spent one
hundred dollars on my dress,” said
Rachel Winter, a CHS senior. “One
hundred is my max.”
Winter also sets the same
$100 limit for new shoes, with a $15
limit for dinner.
“The price is worth it. You
can always sell the dress afterwards
to get your money back. It’s just
nice to dress up once in a while, to
put your money into something fun.”
But it’s not just the girls that
empty their wallets for
Homecoming. The same moneymax standards apply to the guys.
CHS seniors James Shemwell and
Brandon Clark say what they’re
willing to spend for their
homecoming attire.
“I’ll probably buy a new shirt
for Homecoming,” said Shemwell.
“My max is about thirty dollars, but
it’s worth it.”
Clark agreed, saying, “It’s
usually just a shirt and tie. Most
guys already have dress pants and
shoes. I’ll usually spend forty
dollars, maybe more, for clothes.”
There’s one other expense
that guys put special care into: the
homecoming proposal. Both
Shemwell and Clark agree that
simple gestures are the right way to
ask a date to Homecoming.
“Some people go
extravagant and buy big posters,”
Clark said, “but simple and easy is
better. It’s just homecoming, not
prom.”
With prices on clothes, cars,
and food constantly on the rise, the
expenses needed for nights like
homecoming and prom make it hard
to have a good time. To keep any
formal occasion special without
bending a budget, here are three
key money-saving tricks:
When looking for the perfect
outfit, check out second-hand
stores, like Goodwill or De JaVu; or
discount racks at places like
Dillard’s, Target, and Kohl’s. Any
dress can be tailored, or
accessorized to have that extra
glamour.
Large restaurants can be
busy and time-consuming
(especially on homecoming night).
Try making dinner plans at home or
in a small café. It’s much cozier
(and much less pricey) than any
extravagant restaurant.
Finally, travel smart. Join a
group of friends and ride to the
dance together. Carpooling is much
more efficient, for both parking AND
environmental reasons.
With a smart plan and the
right
Photo by Indya Sorrell
Homecoming Week Dress-Up Days
By Elisabeth Eggers
Homecoming. We all think of
something when we hear that word.
It could be the dance, the parade, or
the dress-up days. You may be wondering what exactly is included in the
dress-up days this year. Here's a
breakdown:
Monday: Monday is zombie day.
Dress like a zombie and look scary.
Tuesday: Tuesday is Disney day.
Dress like your favorite Disney character.
Girls can wear skirts or dresses.
Boys can wear a dress shirt, dress
pants and a tie.
Friday: Friday is red and black day.
Wednesday: Wednesday is toga day. Let's get out there and show we
Dress like an Ancient Greek or rohave the most school spirit.
man and wear a toga.
Dress-up days are one of the best
Thursday: Thursday is dress- up day. parts of homecoming. Let's go all out
Student Organization Highlight: Student Council
Student Council is a student leadership
organization whose members are elected by their
classmates. They plan homecoming and Pride Week
activities, community service projects, and they are
also a voice for students.
Students can be involved with student council
by attending meetings on Tuesday mornings in room
275. So far Student Council has planned the parade,
pep assembly, dress up days, float building, door
decorating, and so much more for homecoming.
Get in contact with your student council
members to voice your opinions. Students can also go
to Mr. Endress in room 275.
Bump, Set, Spike! An Interview with Volleyball
Assistant Coach
By Celeste Padilla
I recently interviewed the volleyball team's assistant
coach, Ms. Richmond, about the team’s season so far.
Here's what she had to say.
and Saturday tournaments), we have won 12. Our 12-7
record doesn't truly reflect how much the girls have improved with each game. The girls continue to improve
as individuals but also as a team.
How do you think the team is doing so far this year?
The team as of September 17th has a record of 127. With this said, the team is doing pretty well. They
seem to improve with each game and learn from each
other. The team has been through their ups and downs
but continue to fight with each practice and game.
Have you seen growth in the players since the beginning of the year?
Absolutely! Each player is cognizant of her goals
with the entire season and continue to work hard each
game. The varsity volleyball team may have low numbers, but the girls work so well as a team and continue
to play as a team with each game. Coach Massey and I
are both very proud of the improvement our team has
How do you think being involved in volleyball has
helped the players?
My involvement with the volleyball team allows players an extra support figure not only during games and
practice, but also during the school day. I offer the advice I can when necessary and also lend an ear to
those who just need someone to listen.
What is your favorite thing about being a coach for the
team?
I am blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of
the River Queen Volleyball family. My favorite thing
about being a coach for the team is getting to know
each and every player on a more personal level on and
off the volleyball court. These girls are truly wonderful
young ladies with bright futures.
shown.
How many games have there been so far and how
many did you win/lose?
Out of 19 games (including Tuesday night matches
Photo by Miss Omaits
Coach Massey gives advice to his players
Back in Red and Black: Sports Preview
By Lillianne Nelson
The week of homecoming is
always a happy time for the students
of CHS. Many fun activities and dress
up days go on during the week, but
what many people look forward to are
the sporting events.
Our swim team may be small
but we have strong-willed girls. “At
any given time we have 10-12 girls.
That gives an advantage to the other
teams but we always swim our hearts
out,” says first-year swimmer senior
Sasha Motes. The girls swim team at
CHS is always setting personal goals.
River Queen fans can catch them
meeting more goals on Tuesday,
September 30th at 6 PM in the Bettendorf Bulldog pool.
Not everyone likes to run, but thank goodness
we have some runners at Clinton High. Cross country
runners are always training and always running. “Now
having a bigger team this year and more experienced
runners, we are super excited to see how the year
plays out,” says sophomore runner Amber Buer. Buer
expressed her team pride over the team bests and
personal bests that they have achieved this year.
Check out the Kings and Queens running their hearts
out on Saturday, October 4 at 9:40 AM at the Erickson
Center.
Sophomore and Varsity
volleyball player Mckenna Greenwalt
expressed great confidence in the
River Queen volleyball teams when
asked about the North Scott game.
She said, “I think we have a defensive
advantage over the Lancers. All the
[Clinton] teams are usually successful
in their plays and playing as a team.
The Lancers are a scrappy team, but
when we put our heads together and
play as a team, we can conquer the
court.” Go cheer on the Queens as
they take on the Lancers. Freshman
play at 4:30PM on September 30, at
North Scott. The sophomore, JV, and varsity teams will
follow.
Football is everyone’s favorite time of year.
Night games, sweatshirts and cheering on the River
Kings! Gage Harris, who was asked about his
confidence in the team on homecoming night, replied
with “I’m pretty confident. I think we will play great.
We’re a good team and play well together.” Go cheer
on the River Kings in your homecoming t-shirts on
Friday night. Sophomores start at 4:45, Varsity at
Real Care Baby for Infant Development
By Angela Thompson
In Mrs. Barnes’ Infant Development class students complete an assignment where they have to take
home a baby simulator called the Real Care Baby. To
take care of the baby you have to do all of things you
would do to a real one such as feeding, supporting the
head, changing diapers, and rocking. There are sensors all over the baby that record how you take care of
it. Also, as part of the assignment, you must wear a
bracelet at all times to register with the baby every time
you take care of it, and there is a paper diary that you
have to use to record everything you do.
I had to do the assignment twice because I did
not support the head enough the first time I took it
home. In order to get a chance to redo the assignment,
you have to write a report on what you did wrong and
make sure to include citations. Then, if Mrs. Barnes
approves the report, you can redo the assignment. The
first time I took it was for a weekend and then another
night. The baby cried all night when I had it and made
me want to tear my hair out! So my personal experi-
ence was tough and extended! But I highly recommend
that you take the assignment seriously because it is
worth a grade, and it gives you a very realistic experience.
Timeline of the Real Care Baby:
6:00-6:05 PM
6:15-6:31 PM
6:46-7:01 PM
7:50-7:55 PM
8:02-8:07 PM
8:17-8:20 PM
8:21-8:34 PM
8:46-8:52 PM
9:10-9:21 PM
5:02-5:04 AM
5:10-5:16 AM
7:13-7:15 AM
Diaper Change
Rocking
Bottle
Rocking
Diaper Change
Diaper Change
Bottle
Bottle
Bottle
Diaper
Bottle
Diaper
The King’s Jester
Horoscopes
Aries:
(March 21st – April 19th)
You tend to be forceful or
intimidating, but that's only because
you have great desires. Don't let a
bad rep determine what you feel! As
you dive into Fall, remember that
there's a real you inside, and others
don't have to see it. It's yours to
keep, and yours to share with those
most deserving.
Taurus:
(April 20th – May 20th)
The planet Uranus will be
passing your stars soon, which will
bring unforeseeable changes, new
situations, revolutions, and
disruptions. Uranus is dominant but
also very dry. Don't let this lack of
human warmth push others away.
Let your actions towards others
contribute to the betterment of the
world.
Gemini:
(May 21st – June 20th)
Although you don't let
emotions carry you away, an
opportunity for emotional difference
is approaching. Try thinking with
your heart instead of your head. You
might just discover something
special.
Cancer:
(June 21st – July 22nd)
You may start to experience
vivid dreams soon. As you go into
Fall, think about what's REALLY
impacting your life, and what the
things around you really mean.
Words can pierce, but your shield is
strong. Remember, comfort and
security is crucial.
You will have the power as the
planet Mars passes your stars. Be
Leo:
strong, and let your heart take
(July 23rd – August 22nd)
courage.
The planet Jupiter is passing Sagittarius:
your stars, which entails wealth,
(November 22nd – December 21st)
glory, and honors. Expect great
Your optimism is infectious
moments or feelings of success. The and your confidence is on the up.
danger comes in exaggeration and
The bubbly personality you have
pretentiousness, so stay humble,
goes nicely with your charm, so
and don't promise more than you
don't force it. Not all things are black
can deliver. Your support and
or white. Keep peace in mind, and
protection will be greatly appreciated have fun at Homecoming!
(as well as your charisma).
Virgo:
(August 23rd – September 22nd)
Looking at the planets,
Venus is close by you. Now is the
time to show those around you that
you care. Avoid doing this the wrong
way; criticism can be taken
negatively. Positive words will come
easily to you, and sincerity will be a
virtue.
Libra:
(September 23rd – October 22rd)
You may have a decision to
make in your love life, something
new or reoccurring. Since your
symbol is the Scales, it's easier for
you to find the middle ground, rather
than choosing one or the other.
Don't let others determine your
choices! It's completely unlike you to
do anything you don't agree with.
Capricorn:
(December 22nd – January 19th)
When you speak, you have
the ability to tell someone they are
rude while also being rude yourself.
This is a double edged sword. Don't
let your high expectations of others
affect how others view you. You
have the confidence to run yourself.
Own that.
Aquarius:
(January 20th – February 18th)
You enjoy the thrill of life's
treasures, but can have a certain
"nervous tick." Slowing down and
taking your time does not mean you
aren't smart; it just means that you
have to be patient with yourself. As
the moon passes your stars, your
imagination and memory will be
strong, but laziness might be an
issue. Stay focused, and don't push
others if they aren't ready.
Scorpio:
(October 23rd – November 21st)
As the school year
progresses, you may feel a bit of the Pisces:
world on your shoulders.
(February 19th – March 20th)
Understand that you are in charge of
The planet Neptune is close
you; others only control themselves. to you, which brings imagination,