The I-Search Paper

Middletown High School’s Student Newspaper
www.ri.net/middletown/mhs/wave/index.html
The Wave
Issue I
October 2008
Was the New Summer Reading Plan a Success?
The book selection and the idea of testing
didn’t go over as well with
Did you do your summer reading? Well, as you all
other community members.
know, everyone here at MHS was required to read a single book
“I love the idea of
selection for summer reading, Three cups of Tea by Greg Mortone book one school, and
enson and David Oliver Relin. At the end of last year a lot of
loved the themes, but I
people were worried and skeptical about how this summer read- noticed it was difficult to
ing plan would go over.
get through the book,” said
“I was nervous,” said senior Savoy K.
English teacher of 9th, 10th,
According to English teachers, the English department
and 12th grade, Mrs. Mary
chose the book because it was highly recommended and it would Guerrera. “More failed the
open our eyes to the world outside of our country.
test then passed, but I wish
According to Mr. Steven Ruscito, 283 students passed
it had gone the other way,
the objective test administered on the first day of classes and 280 and students input should
failed the test.
be included in next year’s
book selection”.
“Although I would have hoped for more, I think we
Some students
should be extremely impressed for the first cycle of whole one
Two hundred and eighty three students
book, one school philosophy,” said Mr. Ruscito. “Seeing that we also agreed with Mrs.
passed the summer reading test.
Guerrera.
have faculty, staff, and student body with many different ideas
(Photo courtesy of Laureen O)
“I don’t think
and perspectives. It brought the school together. I really enjoyed
they should have chosen
the class discussions.”
Alicia P
Staff Writer
(Continued on page 6)
The I-Search Paper
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE
•
•
•
•
•
MVP of the Issue (page
15 )
Restaurant Reviews
(page 3)
Mr.Mcdevitts’ Speeding
Crackdown ( page 5)
Dedication to Mr. Burns
(page 10 )
Intro to Staff (page 17)
Capstone project takes new shape in junior and senior English classes
Laureen O
Staff Writer
When the Capstone project began just a few years ago, it was just an exhibition project
that gave students the opportunity to practice applied learning skills, according to English
Department Head Mrs. Laura Yentsch.
What has changed most since the project began is that the Capstone project is now
a graduation requirement for MHS students and at its start it was completely optional. The
change from voluntary to mandatory came in recent years when the State Requirements
were modified and they added the completion of an exhibition project to the list of necessary
tasks. So instead of going with another exhibition project, the school stuck with what was
familiar and continued on with the Capstone project.
In the last couple of years with the Capstone project, students were encouraged to
take the Capstone class, either over the summer or during the school year, to help them prepare for and have success with their projects. Although the project was mandatory for
graduation, the course itself was optional.
This year, however, there are no longer any Capstone classes and all students will
instead be exposed to the project guidelines during their English courses.
(Continued on page 2)
Page 2
The Wave Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Krystal P
News Editor
Amber C
Opinion Editor
Krystal P
Special Sections Editor
Laureen O
Sports Editor
Sara A
Style Editor
Jordan P
Staff Writers
Kyle B
Elizabeth H
Kelsey M
Kaci N
David P
Alicia P
Rachelle P
Breegan S
Andrew S
Advisor
Ms. Lisa Clark
Middletown High
School
130 Valley Road
Middletown, RI
02842
News
Continued from page 1
“The success rate in Capstone class was poor,” said Mrs.
Yentsch, “A lot of the students did
not complete all of the required
parts of Capstone.”
With the percent of students who completed capstone
being very low, it was clear that
the classes weren’t working for the
students taking them, and the
change was issued.
“I just hate that everything is gonna be so different,”
says junior Emily J, “because everyone who worked on it last year
did a lot more work, and the kids
that already did it already accomplished so much, they just shouldn’t have t do it again.”
It will be the juniors and
seniors of MHS that really have to
focus on the completion of their
Capstone projects this year, but
freshmen and sophomores will
also be exposed to the basics of
working on an exhibition project.
The upperclassmen will be given
the criteria and guidelines for their
project and will be expected to
finish all of the steps involved in
Capstone process.
“I think it’s fine because
the I-search paper is just replacing
a research paper that we would
have to do on Anglo Saxon Literature,” said senior Kayla T. “I
would much rather do it on something I know really well like my
own capstone project.”
The underclassmen will
instead be indirectly exposed to
how an exhibition project like
Capstone must be executed
through various assignments
through the year to build the
needed skills.
Most students are now
familiar with what the Capstone
project entails, but in a brief, it is
simply a project, in which the student must pick a topic of interest,
find a specialist of the topic to
serve as the student’s mentor, research the topic, and set up a goal
one can achieve after research is
completed that incorporates putting what they learned into action.
The topics themselves can be any-
thing; baseball could even be one
example. With baseball, one could
find a professional baseball player
or coach to be their mentor, research all of the elements of the
sport, and then make it their goal
to teach baseball to a group of kids
based on what they themselves
learned. The biggest thing to remember when choosing one’s
topic is that it must be centered on
the three applied learning standards of A1a, A1b, A1c; which
can all be found on pages 30-33 in
the student handbook.
The biggest thing that
students may not aware of is all of
the steps they must complete in
order to pass the Capstone project.
One of the most challenging and
“I expect
the students to be
learning the skills
that are part of the
Capstone project,
said Mrs. Yentsch
important of those steps is writing
the I-Search paper. Due on December 15 for juniors and November 21 for seniors, the I-Search
paper is a 5-8 page long reflection
on their project thus far, including
what they know about their topic,
what they want to learn, their compiled research, what they ultimately learned, and who their
sources were.
Although the paper is to
be separated into five different
parts, and there needs to be a minimum of at least five pages for each
paper, the corresponding numbers
have nothing to do with the layout.
With differing projects and students, there will be a range of
lengths in every student’s response
to the five parts of the paper.
Those who opt for the maximum
of eight pages in their I-Search
papers will simply provide more
information and longer reflections,
for the five parts they respond to,
most likely in the research part of
their paper.
“The first two parts
would probably be about a page
long,” said Mrs. Yentsch, “the
research section of the essay
should be the longer pages.”
In clarifying this, Mrs.
Yentsch also advocated that the
paper have a continuous flow like
any essay would; only breaking up
the paper to identify which of the
five parts you are responding to.
The only part of the paper to be
given its own page will be the annotated bibliography, which does
have its own specific format to
embody but is basically just a site
page to list one’s sources during
their research. This page will list
all of the student’s sources in
MLA format, with an annotation
under each source.
The most intimidating
thing about the I-Search paper is
that it will serve as the mid-year
exam for all students with Capstone incorporated into their curriculum (juniors and seniors). Although it will be the mid-year
exam, the paper will not be an ondemand task, but instead due prior
to the regularly scheduled on December 15, 2008. Passing in the ISearch paper late will result in a
10 point penalty for every day it is
late, until December 19, 2008
when all students who have not
handed in their papers will receive
a 0 for their mid-year exam grade.
This school year will be
the first in which these Capstone
elements will be reflected on and
taught in regularly scheduled English classes, but compared to the
previous methods practiced, for
informing students on the project
and reviewing their work, this new
set up is predicted to be successful.
“I expect the students to
be learning the skills that are part
of the Capstone project, in English
for this coming year and in other
disciplines for future years,” said
Mrs. Yentsch of her hopes for the
project, “and since its now embedded in the curriculum, I expect to
see juniors and seniors completing
their Capstone project with a passing grade.”
News
Page 3
What is adaptive physical education?
Andrew S
Staff Writer
Have you ever wanted to
help your peers that have a
physical disability? Or if you
have a medical condition that
doesn’t allow you to participate
in gym class, find a way to get
phys ed credit? Well, here is your
chance to do just that.
In the P.E classes at
MHS, you are allowed to participate as a peer leader in the Adaptive P.E classes. A peer leader is
a student that assists the teachers
and students with the activities.
Students from grades 9-12 that
want to do it would have to go
see Mr. Alyward. He is the
teacher of Adaptive Physical
Education. In the adaptive gym
classes, there are 17 students, 814 paraprofessionals, and 3 student assistant peer leaders.
“We teach all activities that
are stated in our program studies.
However, we modify curriculum
to produce student success,” said
Mr. Alyward .
The activities that the P.E
classes do are the same as any
other. The activities would help
the students get stronger physically and help their esteem too.
In previous years, there used to
be a Peer Leader Program. To be
apart of that program, you would
have to have at least a 1.66 in
Health and Physical Education.
You would need to show leadership and your behavior would
have to be acceptable. That
means there is no record of you
being suspended, violating
school rules, and no civil offenses.
Sophomore Nicole F is a peer
leader now.
“It wasn’t like something I
would choose to do, but then
when I started to do it I found out
that it was fun, and I get to help
people so that’s cool too,” said
Nicole F.
Nicole could not do P.E
because she has a medical condition. So she decided to become a
peer leader. She started helping
the Adaptive P.E class after the
eye, height, and weight exams.
According to Nicole and
Mr. Aylward, more students are
going to join after the survivor
challenge in gym.
T.A.D.A
Teens Against Domestic Abuse is hoping to
recruit new members to our group. Throughout the
year we raise domestic abuse awareness to our peers
and faculty through informational bulletin boards and
workshops. This October we are holding our second
annual Halloween dance, proceeds will benefit the
Woman’s Resource Center in Newport, RI. Please
come and join our group where we hold meetings
“ At first, I did not know
what I would talk about to the
Adaptive P.E students, but I
started talking to a student named
Contessa about English class and
what she was reading, now we
always talk about English,” said
Nicole.
This experience has
changed Nicole. At first she was
shy, but now she is friends with
Contessa.
From this experience, Nicole
said, “ I am joining best buddies
this year.”
This could influence a lot of students to do this.
Take it from Nicole that went
through it.
every Thursday in Room
219. Be sure to keep your
ears open for upcoming
information about the
dance; any questions ask
Sara G, Sarah S, or Jessica V.—From staff reports
NEWS
Page 4
School Briefs
Mr. Burns Memorial Walk
MOCK ELECTION
October 26
Begins at 9:00 am
at Middletown High School
MHS students have chance to vote in
mock election October 29th
Senior Deadlines
•
•
Senior pictures due October 24th
Quotes and Blurbs due October 31st
SAT and ACT DATES
November 1
Registration deadline
September 26
December 6
November 5
www.collegeboard.com
ACT
December 13
www.actstudent.org
Homecoming
Spirit week• Movie Monday
• Time warp Tuesday
• Wacky Wednesday (mix match)
• Hallway day
• Blue and White day
Homecoming game
October 24th @ 7
Homecoming dance
October 25th @ 8
November 7th
MHS CHORAL NEWS
Holiday Concert @ Belcourt Castle
December 4, 2008 7:00 PM
NECAP TESTING
BAND NEWS
October 14-16 the NECAP state assessment
will be administered to all juniors.
MHS Islander Band will be playing in the
Columbus Day parade in Newport on October 13th
Do you know the role
of student government this year?
council” meetings to plan school activities.
It was hard for students to make it to all of
the meetings we had.
Last year, we tried a new way of
In previous years, Student Council has always been one group of students holding meetings. Student Council was
who wanted to be involved in school
split into two where students who wanted
events and improvements. Council memto focus on their class and make money for
bers from each grade would have to go to their grade would join class council and
meetings with their class to plan fundrais- students who wanted to plan school events
ers, and then they would go to “big student like Pep Rallies, Spirit week and fundraisAmber C
News Editor
ers, would join Student Government. The
money from the fundraisers would go to
charity or scholarships. Splitting up the
councils made it easier for class council
members to focus on their class, and student government members to focus on the
school. Anyone is welcome to come to the
Student Government meetings that are held
on Monday afternoons in Ms. Smith’s
room (219) right after school.
News
Page 5
Mr. McDevitt’s speeding crackdown
Breegan S
Staff Writer
“Menaces to society.” That’s how Mr. McDevitt refers
to the speeders on Aquidneck Avenue that he and his classes
have made an effort to slow down.
Yes, those “disinterested high school students” sporadically placed along the road were members of Mr. McDevitt’s
advanced physics class. They put their foot down, taking a stand
against speeders in both an interesting and informative way. After
a few calculations in the class room relative to velocity, Mr.
McDevitt allowed yet another class to take part in an almost traditional event.
“I appreciate any science person who is trying to take a
more realistic approach of physics, outside of the books,” says
Principal Steven Ruscito.
It all started by heading up to Aquidneck Avenue starting the 2nd week of school, with a class separated into three
groups of students, one to signal others when they saw a car
coming at them quicker then it should, one to calculate the exact
speed, and another to photograph their license plates. Mr. McDevitt certainly completed what he set out to do.
“I tried to make a practical approach of a physics formula,” Mr. McDevitt spoke with eyes glistening with fancy,” I
wanted to make it more realistic.”
There is no doubt that this was successfully reached by
his numerous classes, but after a few mishaps, the event almost
never was.
In 2007, he took his students out as well, although they
were slightly rowdier then expected.
“Last year, they really enjoyed it, but instead of taking
pictures, they screamed at the cars to slow down [as instructed],
Said Mr. McDevitt. This caused a problem and the police intervened. We weren’t allowed to have any interaction with the drivers.”
While others may have found this hurdle too difficult to
overcome, Mr. McDevitt did just that and then some. He decided
instead of ordering the speeders to slow their roll, he would instead let the authorities deal with it. Officer Mello of the Middletown Police Department commented on Mr. McDevitt’s antics
after a moment of pondering.
“Of course we appreciate the
help. I believe that anything that
keeps the town safer is good,” said
Officer Mello. “You just have to be
sure that you go about it right.”
The Middletown Police Department will be receiving a
packet in the mail with photographs of the speeder’s license
plates. Mr. McDevitt isn’t anticipating much in the prosecution of
the “criminals”, due to the lack of authoritative presence at the
scene of the photography. Senior Dillon Whitney is outraged,
“Children’s lives are at stake!”
Most found their project thoroughly enjoyable. Senior
Ryan H said,
“I thought it was fun because we got to learn physics in an interesting way and also help out society.”
Not much complaining was coming from the students,
but that doesn’t keep Mr. McDevitt’s mind from racing. “I worry
about safety issues all of the time. In the back of my mind, I always wonder if something will go wrong.”
Worries don’t seem to be the end of the clearly enjoyable advanced physics class, for he has similar projects up his
sleeve for what remains of the year.
When asking about his own track record, Mr. McDevitt
sheepishly relays his own speeding experiences. “I don’t have
any tickets in Middletown, but I do find it difficult to go as slow
as 20 MPH at times.” Never one to admit defeat, he quickly adds,
“I try.”
(Photo by google images)
Who will you vote for?
In the 2008 MHS Mock Election?
Page 6
news
Mrs. Larson, the new dean, makes impact
David P
Staff Writer
Have you noticed the new dean
pulling students out of classes and talking
to them?
Mrs. Colleen Larson, who was
previously in charge of graduation requirements, is the new dean at MHS .
“Has she made my job easier?
Yes,” said Mrs. Marybeth Murphy, a math
teacher. “The kids are afraid of her. They
would rather be here in class than dealing
with her, which is good. She is consistent
and she stays on top.”
After Mrs. Kern retired last year
and the position opened, Mrs. Larson soon
saw it as an opportunity to vary her career.
“I think the reason I considered
the position is because discipline-wise in
my 17 years of teaching, I’ve always had a
mutual respect with and for students and
not had discipline issues,” said Mrs. Larson.
Mrs. Larson has said she has
some goals for the year. She hopes to keep
up communication with the faculty. Already she has distributed a newsletter in
October called “As the Windmill Turns”,
which provides her concerns about discipline and beahior in the school. She also
wants to start a program called “Random
Acts of Kindness” in which students model
good behaviors.
The people that haven’t heard of
Mrs. Larson are mostly the sophomores
and freshmen because most of them haven’t worked on their Capstone project yet.
Now that Mrs. Larson is the new dean she
will be recognized by all students in all
grades.
Her being dean probably would
free some time up in her schedule.
“I wanted to spend more time
Mrs. Larson checks up on students and assigns detentions throughout the
day.
(Photo courtesy of David P)
with my son,” said Mrs. Larson. Last year
Mrs. Larson would be to the late hours of
the evening correcting papers for Capstone.
“I loved my old position so
much, but it was so much work, but I loved
it,” Mrs. Larson said.
For every kid that graduated last
year , he or she needed 20 hours of community service done, 12 portfolio tasks
with at least a 3 on it, and they had to present there Capstone project. Mrs. Larson
was the one that had to organize of all that.
Now that Mrs. Larson does not
have to worry about any of that she has a
lot of other things she could do on her free
time.
“On my spare time I am usually
planned? As you can see our teachers seem to believe that the one
the book for us. I think we should
book one school idea in fact is the
have been able to vote for the selec- right way to go, but in the future
maybe we should get a choice or an
tion,” said junior Jackie D., who
didn’t think the book selection was input in what our summer reading
selection will be next year!
good for our students.
So was the new summer
reading idea indeed a success, or did
it not go as well as the faculty
Summer Reading Continued…..
playing trains with my two year old,” Mrs.
Larson.
Mrs. Larson is a good fit to be a
dean at MHS. She is very nice and many
of the upper classmen are familiar with
her.
“Deans have to be able to explain
to kids what they’ve done is wrong, not
just give them a detention, and I feel she
does this well. Also, she is familiar with
some of the kids here so that’s a plus,” Mr.
Ruscito.
Mrs. Larson said she plans to be
the dean for years to come, and any time
soon she will be a familiar face to all students.
– Staff contributed to this report.
Write for The Wave.
See Amber in Room
106 during C period.
Issue
IV
Issue
V
Issue I
April
2006
March
2005
October
2008
opinion
History in the Making
Inside the Upcoming Election
As you all may know, 2008 is a big year when it comes many years to come.
to politics. This upcoming presidential election will go down in
Just like when the nineteenth amendment was ratified to
history as nominees Republican John McCain and Democrat
allow women to vote in 1920 and the importance of the civil
rights movement , it has taken our country over fifty years to
Barack Obama have both made this race memorable. At first,
when Democrat nominee Hilary Clinton was in the race, she
have a change either from the typical male or Caucasian domicould have become our very first woman president if she won,
nance in the white house if the result of the election is either
but Obama succeeded her. Obama himself has created a buzz not nominee. Hopefully McCain or Obama can bring positive change
just in our country, but in other countries as well. If Obama wins to our country. Now, when it comes to the war, people in the
the November elections, he will be our first AfricanUnited States either find the war in Iraq to be a good
OUR VIEW
or bad judgment on our countries part, but no matter
American president.
Now, if McCain wins he would be our oldest
your opinion on the issue, the outcome of this election
president in his term by being the age of seventy-two and with his will also interfere with our current status in the war.
Vice President choice, Sarah Palin, would become our first feWhen it comes to the war, Obama has stated that if he
becomes president, he will pull military force out of the Middle
male Vice President. As you can see, no matter who the winner
is, the outcome of this election will be history in the making.
East. McCain, a Republican like our current president, feels we
There is a need for change and change is what we will be receiv- should continue the war. When publicly speaking, both nominees
ing no matter what. The beliefs of each political party will inter- make good points. We feel that whoever wins it, will benefit our
fere with the United States stability. Even though you may not be country in the long run, and they will continue to make the
United States a wonderful and powerful place.
the voting age of eighteen, try getting involved, as this race will
be one of the most memorable events of this year or maybe even
Does Raising the Driving Age Raise the Amount of Responsibility?
Staff Writer clubs and sports and this can create problems for the families affected by this new
Will you be driving soon? Well if law. By raising the age, it is putting presyou were born in 1993, I doubt it! Due to
sure on parents to cart around their kids
the number of deaths to teenagers that are longer than they should even when the
behind the wheel, Rhode Island along with child is more than old enough and respona lot of other states, will be raising their
sible to drive.
drivers license age to 17 ½ or even 18. As
Here at MHS, our students have
you can suspect, teenagers that fall under
too been affected by the raising of the drivthat age category are not at all pleased with ing age. Even though we are a high school
the new law. I must say I also do not agree that already has juniors and seniors that
with this new age for driving.
have their license and permits, we also
That is have a student body full of sophomores
because it’s not fair and along with a lot of and freshman who don’t appreciate the
other people, I don’t support it. At this age new laws.
in a typical teenagers life, they are busy
“I don’t think it’s fair, why did
cramming everything into every minute of they have to raise the age at our year?”
every single day and believe me we are
said Stephanie T, a sophomore here at
pretty busy. So, how would the state exMHS, who doesn’t think it’s a good idea to
pect a busy working parent to go pick up
raise the age because it concerns her on
their child or children and chauffeur them how she is going to get around next year.
to everything they want to do after school? A lot of students went along to agree with
Many people are involved in after school
Stephanie saying it’s not fair and it should-
Alicia P
n’t be done.
Another student here at MHS,
Jackie D, who even though she already has
her permit said, “ It’s not fair how they are
going to raise the age. I know what it feels
like not to have a ride and having to walk.”
So at Middletown High School it
is pretty obvious that this law is not at all
supported. I believe honestly that the driving age should indeed stay the same. High
school students need to learn to have independence and responsibility. By raising the
age you are in fact enabling them to cling
to their parents even longer. So even
though you may believe that making 17 ½
or 18 the age to drive solo, I believe it
should remain the same to help promote
our independence.
Page 8
opinion
Three Cups of Tea:
Was it A Good Book Choice?
Andrew S
Staff Writer
Either you liked it or you did not, the book “Three Cups
of Tea” by Greg Mortenson was a reading requirement over the
summer. They were many issues when it came to this book, but
one important issue that a lot of students including me had was
that the book started off being too bland. It had great accurate
facts and you could learn a lot from his experience. However, it
wasn’t a type of book that I would have wanted to read. We
should have read a book that was more interesting and one that
grasped the reader’s attention. Last year the seniors had a choice
of reading, “Harry Potter and Deathly Hollows.”
The Harry Potter series are interesting books to read.
It’s all on fantasy and magic, which grabs the readers attention
and makes them believe that they are actually there. There are a
lot of books out there just like Harry Potter. “Three Cups of Tea”
could have been a book that we as a school could read in a History class. That’s because it’s based on the history of Pakistan,
Afghanistan, and the horrific day of 9/11. Reading over the summer should be about fun and we shouldn’t have to read a book
that is uninteresting to us. The summer reading books should be
interesting, but also our grade level.
The summer reading testing that happened on the first
day was terrible. I personally did not like the idea of taking the
test on the first day. The first day should be about settling into
your new classes. The tests should be given out maybe on the
third day we are back. The test could have been easier for all students, but it wasn’t. The reason I think it wasn’t was because the
book lost the readers attention because so many events were happening in the story. This is why I think we should read a book of
our choice and on the third day we can take the assessment. I
believe the test grades would improve if we were able to do this.
Not to mention the students would be a lot happier.
In addition, according to Barnes and Nobles book
stores, it would be in the best interest of the school to alert local
book stores about the book list. Therefore, the bookstores would
have enough copies for each student. This will help the students
as well so they don’t have to go out of their way to find a book.
In addition to that, students that have siblings at the school can
get one book. So there can be enough copies for all the students,
because Rogers and Portsmouth High School had to read this
book as well this summer. This is how I think as one school we
can improve the summer reading at Middletown High School and
schools all around Aquidneck Island.
A Positive Change That Was Made
attend more meetings. Club participation is a good thing, especially on college resumes.
I do understand that at one point last year advisory time
Advisory has been around at MHS for four years now.
did get out of hand with students roaming through the halls with
The point of advisory is to get to know one teacher that you could out passes and attendance not being done properly, but I feel that
go to for help or pretty much any thing for the next four years
this year it will work if students get passes before that advisory
that you are at MHS. In the school year of 2007, advisory
day and if they are only allowed to go to that one place.
changed from 15 minutes everyday to an hour every three days.
This time was to be used for students to get help from teachers
and for clubs to have their meeting during this time. This school
year, we started off once again not being able to leave advisory
and the student body was upset.
However, our new dean of students, Mrs. Colleen Larson and others evaluated advisory after the first few weeks and
decided that students could leave as long as they had permission
from the teacher who they wanted to go to during advisory.
Now that they have evaluated advisory, I feel that they
have made a good decision. Students can continue to get the help
they need from teachers during this time. Also, different groups
can meet. Another thing that students can do during this time is
check out the career center in the library for information on colleges.
I am the president of SADD this year and I find it very
hard to have meetings after school because many students are
involved in sports and many have jobs. Now that we are allowed
to leave during advisory with a pass more students will be able to
Sara A
Sports Editor
Got an idea you’d like to
share or an opinion you’d
like to voice?
Email The Wave at
[email protected]
opinion
page 9
New School Year Equals New Students
classes listening to everyone talk about how excited they are to
see each other and you not knowing anyone.
"It was awful," said freshman Kayla S. "I was nervous
Coming to Middletown High School was a
that people wouldn't like me. I'm not like anyone else here."
difficult change for me. My last school was four floors, had more
It was difficult finding people to talk to. It seemed as if
than 1,200 students, and was pretty easy to navigate the halls
everyone else already knew each other and nobody was interested
despite the school being much bigger. Now, here there are about in meeting anyone new. Soon enough though I found people who
630 students, with two floors, and in my opinion it is
I can eat lunch with, and now call friends. It was
definitely much harder to navigate through the halls "Middletown
hard to make this move, especially as a sophomore
really knows how going into a new school not knowing anyone, but
because since MHS is small, the hallways are
crowded, making getting to class more difficult.
to accept new stu- the teachers and students that I have met so far have
"Coming to Middletown High from South
made the transition so much easier. MHS does
dents because of
Dakota was a dramatic change," said sophomore
the navy base right make an effort to make everyone feel comfortable at
Jessica S. "I came to this school not knowing anyone
school, whether you're new or have been attending
or anything that goes on, but I have made many new near by...”
this school for three years.
friends that are very kind."
"Middletown really knows how to accept new stuWhile the adjustment was hard, the people I have met so dents because of the navy base right near by,” commented Jesfar have definitely made it better. The first day was certainly the sica. “They are used to new students coming in all the time."
worst. It was like a stereotypical first day of school from a movie
Students here at MHS know how to make students feel
like not knowing where to sit at lunch and not wanting to sit
accepted and if you’re a new student like me, you just have to
alone. Also, not knowing where you are going while everyone
give it time.
else looks like pros getting from class to class, and sitting through
Elizabeth H
Staff Writer
The Attitude Towards Passing Your Classes
grade, of course.) If I had never failed any
classes, not only would my cumulative
GPA be higher, but I would not be retaking
Senior year is supposed to be
a course that is similar. Retaking a course
your most enjoyable and memorable year, is not exactly fun. Take that from an upbut that only applies to those who passed
perclassman who is in a class in which the
their courses. If you’re an underclassman, majority of the students are freshmen.
don’t think that just because you may have
Do you honestly want to struggle
three more years here at MHS that you can to graduate? I feel that those who do not
afford to fail even one course. Not only
make any effort should really think about
will it bring down your overall GPA, it
their future. Even If you are one of those
will make your years here more stressful.
students who dislike school, wouldn’t you
Most importantly, when it comes time to
want to graduate on time? I know many
apply to colleges, you will find that you
people who have failed their whole entire
have limited choices due to your overall
year and they now wish that they had done
grades.
their work because they are now working
Last year, when I was a junior
much harder to graduate on time with their
and had to pick classes for my senior year, class. In the long run, this turns out to be
I wanted to choose classes that were more more stressful than just trying really hard
laid back, but since I had failed important the first time around.
classes that were required to graduate, I
Some individual’s attitudes tocouldn’t. Instead I am now retaking some wards school have drastically changed
classes. If I could go back to those years
because they had not cared before, but now
where I slacked I would have put forth
they do. That’s because they realize they
more of an effort.
will not graduate with their friends. HomeWhen I review my transcript, I
work is a huge component of your grade,
realize I could have done more to pass
so make the time to do it. You will be glad
with at least a “D” in the subject, (although you did a couple of years down the line.
you should always aspire for a higher
Don’t let homework be the reason why you
Krystal P
Editor-In-Chief
fail a class.
Start this year out on the right
track. Make sure you do your homework,
participate in class, ask for help when
needed, and study hard because your life
after high school can be impacted by your
performance during your high school
years.
Attention Seniors!
If you haven’t
signed up for SATS
already, sign up by
November 5th,
2008 for the December 6th testing
day!
Sports
Inside This Issue
MVP of the Issue
15
Olympic Overviews
16
A Note
From the Editor:
Have you noticed how
many sets of
siblings we
have playing
together this
sports season?
Some siblings
include Ben
and Danny
playing on
boys’ Varsity
soccer, Alison
and Emily on
the girls’ volleyball team.
Then there is
Sarah and Katie
also on the volleyball team.
Next time
when you are
at these games,
see if you can
spot these people.
~Sara
Issue I
Issue III
Oct.
Oct 2008 December 2006
Inside MHS Sports Teams
7p.m.
Scituate
more experience and age this sea- Nov. 14
10a.m. Portsmouth
son. Last season’s freshman sen- Nov. 27
sation Rico comes into this season
September is here and fall with a lot of weight on his shoulOur Volleyball team won
sports are underway. There are a ders having such an impressive
the 2007 Division III championlot of questions to be answered
first season. When asked what his ship last season. But this year they
going into this fall. Will the foot- secret was he responded “A lot of will have to over come a lot to get
ball team bounce back from a dis- practice, and hard work.” Sure
back to that title spot. Having lost
appointing 3-7 season?
their two middle hitters
Can the volleyball team
Ashley (5’ 10”) and
repeat another Division
Marjorie (6’ 3”), and
III championship with
also acquiring a new head
the loss of their front
coach Karen there will
line? Boys’ soccer is a
be a lot of adversity in
completely new team
their way to the champithis year after losing 13
onship game. Senior
seniors and 9 starters
Captain Sarah was a
can they post another
huge asset to last year’s
good record like last
championship run and one
years 11-5-2 season?
of two returning varsity
The girls’ soccer team
members along with
has a new coach this
sophomore Grace , who
year, Dave , a former
will try to pickup where
Rogers High School
the dynamic duo left off.
coach. Can he turn this
The team is very young
team around after a
this year only having
devastating loss to Linthree seniors on the roster.
coln in the first round of
Home Games
the playoffs last year?
Senior Pat # 21 jumps up to head butt the ball durHow about the tennis
Oct. 1
4p.m.
Shea
ing the game against the Warwick Vets.
team with a lot of exOct. 10 4p.m.
Hope
Photo by Kyle
perience having the
Oct. 15 4p.m.
Fatima
luxury of not losing
Oct. 24 4p.m.Central Falls
anybody? Will they be able to go enough in Middletown’s season
Have you been to one of
back to the championship and
opener Rico rushed for 149 yards the boy’s soccer games and not
win?
on nine carries and two touchrecognized anybody? That’s beLast fall all of our teams downs. He also ran back a 79 yard cause it’s a completely new team.
together had a record of 38-27-7.
kick return and had a 53 yard fum- After last season they lost 13 senHopefully this year we will have a ble recovery. He led Middletown iors and 9 starters from the varsity
more impressive resume for the
to a 36-24 victory over arch rival
roster. It now is made up of 4
fall.
Rogers for the first time since
seniors, 7 juniors, 10 sophomores,
“This year there are no
1997.
and 5 freshmen, as you can see we
excuses,” said Coach Andy Leys.
With an impressive
are a very young team. We only
You might see the football players opening game for the team hope- have two returning starters from
wearing their shirts with this say- fully this will lead to good things last year, senior Ryan and junior
ing on it. This is the football
to come.
Bowen whom both played deteam’s motto for this upcoming
Home Games
fense.
season. After coming off of a dis- Oct. 24
7p.m.
Hope
appointing 3-7 season, the team
Nov. 7
7p.m.
North Provi(Continued on page_17_)
comes to the gridiron with a little dence
Kyle
Staff Writer
Page 15
Kelsey
Staff Writer
sports
MVP ofRico
the Issue
It is only the first month of
school and he has already scored five
touchdowns and is on his way to become an even more talented football
star.
This issues MVP is sophomore
Rico . He is a member of the MHS
football, basketball, and track team.
However, he puts one hundred percent
into working to his full potential,
whichever sports he plays.
“Rico plays great in the games.
He’s very unselfish and always thanks
his team mates when he does well,”
said MHS head football coach Andrew
Leys.
His teammates enjoy playing
with him on the field and believe that
he is an extraordinary athlete.
Senior captain Nathan said,
“Playing with Rico is always fun and
he runs so pretty. He’s a good player
on and off the field. He’s my boy,
Kelsey: If you were to go pro,
what team would you want to
Rico: I think I’d want to play quarterback.
be on?
Rico: Dallas Cowboys.
Kelsey: How are your practices? Are
they always really tough?
Rico: They are semi-tough. They tend
to vary from day to day. It all depends
on what kind of mood coach is in.
Kelsey: What inspired you to start
playing football?
Rico: It’s a funny story actually. When
I was in second grade, my best friend
Thomas tried to get me to play with
him all the time at school and I never
would. Then when I got to Rhode Island, I realized that it was a sport that I
would probably enjoy and have been
playing ever since.
Kelsey: Do you prefer defense or offense?
Rico: I would much rather be on offense. I’m not a big fan of hitting people.
Kelsey: What is your jersey number?
Rico: 44.
Kelsey: What are your goals during
this football season?
Rico: My goals are to win as many
games as possible and get 1,000 yards
while I’m at it.
Kelsey: What do you feel makes you a
good player?
Rico: I think that practice, determination, and motivation are what makes
me a good player.
Kelsey: Is there a special routine that
you follow to get you in the zone?
Rico: Before a game I usually listen to
music to pump myself up and remain
“Rico is a great teammate and Kelsey: How long have you been play- silence to concentrate on the game
playing with him out on that field is an ing for?
that’s ahead.
honor,” said other senior captain AnRico: 4 years now.
drew .
Good sportsmanship and deNot only does he get the sup- Kelsey: Who are your biggest support- termination, it is no wonder why Rico
port of his teammates, but also from
ers?
was chosen as this issues MVP. He
those that are looking on as he steps
Rico: My parents, of course. Courtney works hard and does not let anything
onto the field.
and my BFF J.P .
stand in the way of achieving his goals.
“It’s great being at the games
Next time you go to a boys’ varsity
and watching him do so well, he’s got Kelsey: Being a sophomore and alfootball game make sure to keep an
a lot to be proud of,” said MHS cheer- ready having so much success, can you eye out for number 44, Rico !
leader and girlfriend Courtney .
picture yourself continuing into college
Moreover, many students want and possibly as a profession?
to know who is the real Rico ? Here
Rico: I hope to one day play college
are some questions that I had for this
football and maybe after playing at the
amazing athlete.
college level I’ll know if I want to go
pro.
Kelsey: What positions do you play in
football?
Kelsey: What other sports do you
Rico: I play running back and outside play?
line backer.
Rico: I run track and also play basketball.
Kelsey: If you could play a different
position other than the ones you alKelsey: Is football your favorite sport?
ready play, what would it be?
Rico: Yes.
Sports
page 16
Olympic Overviews
David
Staff Writer
This year’s summer Olympics started on August 8th
with an amazing opening ceremony demonstrating the creative
mind of Zhang Yimou, the man who directed the opening ceremony. 91,000 people watched the opening ceremony and over
100 world leaders were there as well. Some of the major events
between August 9th and 12th included Michael Phelps setting an
Olympic record in the men’s 400m. U.S.A. basketball got a 11070 victory over China. The United States set a world record in the
men’s 4 x 100m freestyle with a time of 3:08:24 beating France
by 0.08 seconds, in one of the most exciting events of the summer games. Michael Phelps setting another world record in the
men’s 200m freestyle and Natalie Coughlin of the U.S. becomes
the first athlete to defend a gold medal women’s 100m backstroke.
The major events of the days August 13th through Auth
gust 18 included the Chinese gymnastic team winning their first
ever team gold medal. Also, Michael Phelps set the record for
most gold medals by an athlete with 11. Nastia Liukin of the U.S.
wins gold in women’s artistic individual all-round for gymnastics, and Shawn Johnson took silver, this was the first time where
two teammates took the top two spots in an individual all-round
event.
“The girl’s gymnastics winning this event was my most
memorial event from the Olympics,” said Principal Mr. Ruscito.
Jamaica’s Usain Bolt wins gold in the men’s 100m
with a world record time of 9.69. Michael Phelps won gold in
men’s 100m butterfly by 0.01 seconds; this was the closest he
came to loosing in the summer games. China won their 33rd gold
medal beating there previous record of 32 in the Athens Olympics. In Michael Phelps 8th and final event of the Olympics he
won gold, winning his 8th gold medal.
“Michael Phelps winning 8 gold medals was the most
exciting moment of the Olympics,” said sophomore Matthew on
Michael Phelps winning eight gold medals.
For the final days of the Olympics, August 19th to the
th
24 , there were many surprises. Argentina beat Brazil 3-0, who
was the favorite to win gold, in the semifinals. Shawn Johnson
won gold in women’s balance beam. Usain Bolt set another
world record in the men’s 200m with a time of 19.30. Team Japan upset team U.S.A. in the finals with a score of 3-1. This was
Team U.S.A. first loss since 2000 and first time they didn’t win
gold. Team U.S.A. took gold in women’s soccer and basketball.
Argentina won gold in men’s soccer. Team U.S.A. beat Spain
118-107 in the finals of basketball, this was U.S.A.’s first gold
since since 2000.
After all the events had finished the U.S.A. had the
most total medals with 110, this includes gold medals, silver
medals, and bronze medals. We had 36 gold medals, 38 silver
medals, and 26 bronze medals. China had the 2nd highest amount
of medal with 100. China had 51 gold medals, 21 silver, and 28
bronze. Overall this year’s
Olympics has been very
exciting and there has been
many surprises.
The Latest Additions to MHS Fall Sports
This Seasons New Coaches
Kyle
Staff Writer
Both the girl’s volleyball team and the girl’s soccer team have a new Head Coach going into this season.
The volleyball team who is coming off of a Division IV championship now goes into this season not only with out their two
key players from last season, but now with a new coach, Karen Massaro. She is our physical education and health teacher here at the
school and is now open to the task of coaching our team hopefully to another Division IV championship.
The girl’s soccer team is coming off a first round loss in the playoffs last season to Lincoln. Now in steps new head coach
Dave Kolator. Coach Kolator has plenty of experience in coaching he previously coached the Rogers team before coming over to
help out our Islanders.
Hopefully both these coaches will lead their teams to victory and much success. They are both being thrown into teams with
lots of talent and high expectations since both teams made playoffs last season. Lets see if we can get both these teams back to the
playoffs this season and hopefully another Division Championship.
Page 17
Sports
(Continued from page14)
Bowen’s outlook on this season was “even though we
lost a lot of seniors hopefully we can end off at .500 and make
playoffs.” Another big quesition this season is can Cam fill
the shoes of All Division goalie Tory ? Bowen’s comment on
this subject was “Cam’s a freak athlete and will get the job
done.” Hopefully this young team can bring the Islanders back
to the playoffs this season after last years loss to Mount Pleasant in the quarter finals.
Home Games
Sept. 25 6p.m. Cranston West
Oct. 1
6p.m. East Greenwich
Oct. 6
6p.m. Cranston East
Oct. 14
6p.m.
Westerly
Oct. 16
6p.m.
Pilgrim
Sports
Briefs
Outside of school there is plenty going on in professional sports to write about for days.
•
ries for the first time in their 11 year history.
•
Tennis team is definitely a group of girls that you
want to go and check out. Last year they posted a 16-3 record
and lost to Providence Country Day in the Division IV- East
championship. They have an extremely experienced team this
year having lost no seniors last year. Now having said all of
this the number one singles player is a freshman, Kristin .
Senior Captain Cate had this to say about their young star
“She works really hard, and it is paying off, obviously if she is
a freshman and she is the number one singles player”. The
team is made up mostly of seniors having eight seniors on the
team. With a lot of experience hopefully they will get back to
the championship this year.
Girl’s varsity soccer team is coming off of a one and
done playoff run from last season. Coming into this season
they have are hoping for a little better luck. The new head
coach in Dave , who was the coach for Rogers High School.
The team might’ve suffered the worst blow of the season
though by loosing senior captain Erica for the season due to
injury.
“It stinks being hurt because I want to play so bad,
but our team is going to be fine.” Said captain senior Erica.
The JV team is full of young talent anchored by and
overwhelming amount of underclassmen which is great for the
future. Hopefully our girls will be able to overcome the devastating loss to their roster and still have a winning season.
This fall is going to be a very up and down
fall with all of our young teams. Hopefully the Islanders will
not fall to the fact of inexperience but will flourish, and attack
the task at hand. As a whole Middletown went 38-27-7 last
fall. Hopefully we can have more wins and fewer ties to make
our fall resume look a little better. Hopefully the fans will get
to these games and show the Islander pride and show a little
support for our friends and classmates. They can not do it
without the fans!!
Tampa Bay Rays will make the World SeNew York Yankees played their final game
in the old Yankee Stadium, and had a huge
ceremonial tribute to all of the past greats.
Also the Yankees missed the playoffs for
the first time in 13 years.
•
United States wins Ryder Cup over Europe
for the first time since 1991, with the score
of 16 ½ to 11 ½
•
Tom Brady is out for the season and Matt
Cassel leads the Patriots to their first loss in
23 regular season games.
•
Lance Armstrong will return to the Tour De
France to try and win his eighth Tour De
France.
•
O.J. Simpsons is convicted on al 13 cases
in court.
•
NASCAR now holds the right to drug test
drivers for any drug and at any time.
( Compiled by Kyle )
Page 1
Sports
Issue
Issue
IVIVI
Issue
V
Issue
April
2006
February
2007
October
2008
March
2005
Life & Style
What is 5 inches?
Is the dress code truly fair to everyone...
Kelsey M
Staff Writer
When shopping for a cute skirt, how
many girls actually think about the dress code at
their school? On page five of our high school
handbook, it states “all hemlines (including
dresses, shorts, skirts etc.) can not be more than 5
inches about the knee.” Seems like a simple and
pretty lucid rule; however, it causes a chaotic
amount of confusion amongst the 324 females
that attend MHS. Questions pertaining to fairness,
as well as clarity of the rule itself often are sought
when a girl is asked to change her outfit. Honestly, what is five inches anyway? And is it fair
for all girls, short or tall, to have to abide by this
strictly enforced rule?
Mrs. Colleen Larson, the new Dean of
Students, here at MHS, has had 50 to 60 incidents
of girls that have disobeyed the skirt rule since
the beginning of this school year alone.
“Basically, I think it’s a more than reasonable rule. If someone is wearing something
inappropriate, I simply ask them to call someone
and get a change of clothing. When the girls question the length of the skirts, that’s when I actually
pull out the ruler and measure,” says Mrs. Larson.
Mrs. DeBlois, Academic Dean of Students has this to say about the five-inch rule. “I
agree with the
(Continued on Page 24)
How many girls try to
hide? Here, an instance
where a student sees the
dean approaching and
quickly tries to hide, using the lunch table.
Pictured below, Kelsey M, standing tall for a clear length check.
Above, another student, much
taller, poses to prove her dress
was not challenging the code
of conduct.
(Photos taken by Kelsey M & Timmy M)
Driving with Cell Phones ….
that paying attention to what lies ahead
should be the number one priority while on
the road.
Officer Josh Mello’s illustrious
Cell phones have become increasapproachable demeanor and soft eyes sud- ingly intricate over the past few years; you
denly harden when asked of his opinion on can flip, slide, swivel, and adjust your way
using a cell phone while driving. “Famous to get in touch with a contact of yours.
last words. ‘I wasn’t paying attention, I
These maneuvers all contain movements
was checking my cell phone.’ Those are
and brain cells that would be better used
the famous last words.”
focusing on the car ahead of you.
Insight into the world of car
Slamming on your brakes at the
wreckages leaves us with an understanding last second to avoid wreckage is scary for
Breegan S
Staff Writer
anyone; take it from Senior Kendra S.
“I think it is a really bad idea [to
use your cell phone and drive]. My sister
does it and I fear for my life. I wish she
would stop.”
Using your phone while in motion
can put you into extremely scary situations, but furthermore, it endangers those
around even if they are fully focused on
the road.
“Recipe for disaster,” was the
simplest way Officer Mello could navigate
(Continued on Page 19)
STYLE
PAGE 19
Dolce and Gabanna, Fendi, and the Donna Karan:
A look at what’s hot this season: Around Town and On the Runway
Rachelle P
Staff Writer
So, Fall is just around the corner and it’s getting to the
point where those gladiator shoes and the accented miniskirts you
see so much of around school, as well as the summer dresses, just
aren’t going to cut it anymore. But now the wait for the new fall
update is finally over. Deep colors like reds, plums and all the
variations gold, greens, silver, black, white, and navy blue are
being brought back to the fall of 2008.
“I’ve seen a lot of scarves, and ballet flats with the
skinny jeans around school. Those are okay, and I like designers
too, but I get most of my clothes from Wet Seal, and as long as
it’s cute, I’ll buy anything,” says sophomore Omani W.
It’s most likely going to be cold this fall, so the best way
to warm up are boyfriend styled sweaters, available almost anywhere. If you’re not quite into the whole sweater thing, then why
not try long fitted shirts with a button up jacket or zip up/ pull
over hoodie? Oversized layers look
droopy and can make you look like
you might have gained a bit. Figure
flattering is a better way to show off
your curves.
Also the buttoned, knee
length jackets along with any type of
black pants with an accented belt is a plus to keep your legs from
freezing. These make your form appear much narrower.
As for shoes, the peep-toes are back! Soft colors like
gray, red, and black are good to make your shoes look awesome
with the new fall theme. Whether they are ankle boots, knee
his mind
around cell
phone usage during driving.
“Enough accidents that shouldn’t
have been caused involved cell
phones, too many.”
As it is, 26% of all drivers
have been involved in an autoaccident within the past five years,
but the most troubling part seems to
be that 25% of those crashes were
cell phone related, an easily avoidable circumstance. While some admit their wrongdoing, the troubling
thought remains that there are many
on the road that still may not be
paying attention.
Many will even admit to
their wrong doings. For instance,
senior Valerie H. says “I’m guilty,
when I drive around I use my phone
(Continued from page 18)
high’s, or those cute platforms…these colors will knock those
last season gladiator shoes out of the water.
We all love the fashion week, the outfits, and the designers. From Dolce and Gabanna, who was our top fashion designer of the month, to Vivienne Westwood as our number 10, who is also the
infamous designer of Carrie Bradshaw’s
wedding gown in Sex and the City: The
Movie.
Remember every woman’s little
black dress? Instead of plain and simple,
on the runway we’re seeing frills, bows,
and even faux fur are making the dress that
much more sexy and bold.
Lastly, the bows are back! Bows
on dresses, pants, coats, and shirts, have this season in a praising
up-roar. To make the “Bow Effect” even cuter, add one to your
hair. “I like bows, when I think bow, I think
girly, and it just makes me
feel good about myself because it’s cute,” says sophomore Karesse A.
There’s your fashion for this
fall! New colors and a new
variation to the things of the
past, you can never go wrong
with a classic iconic dress or
anything else for that matter and brightening it
up.
to text. I know it’s wrong but it’s
hard to stop.”
It is recommended for drivers to pull over into a gas station or
a parking lot if it becomes imminent that they use their phones for
any reason.
A distraction on the road is
never a good idea, as Senior Savoy
K, relays, “I recently got into a car
accident so I think any distractions
from the road won’t lead to anything good. I wasn’t even using my
phone! Imagine what would have
happened if I was.”
The Rhode Island law states
that within the first year of having a
license you may not use your phone
for any reason on the road. If
caught, you will immediately have
your roadway privileges taken
away until you turn eighteen. Doesn’t sound worth it to make that one
phone call, does it?
STYLE
Page 20
Coffee from Around the World:
An inside look to some of the most Worldly Inspired Coffee Houses here in Newport
made to be a log cabin, but don’t let that fool you. Their coffee
comes from the Arabian Peninsula and is very laidback and relaxed. High demands of the House blend cup is at its peak, along
Believe it or not, there are coffee houses in our surwith the chocolate chip cookies and Panini’s. This wonderful
rounding areas that are very worldly inspired by different cultures little shop sells all three courses including dinner! Take home
around the earth. From the Forests of Latin America to the rolling dinners like Fettuccine and Lasagna are very popular. Workers
hills of Europe down to the oasis of Arabia, these coffee houses
here are wonderfully optimistic and love to answer any questions
have been selling products like there’s no tomorrow.
you may have. The store offers extra occasions like Wednesday
night reading group for young children at 9:30 every week and
they also cater parties. It was nominated the “Readers Choice
Starbucks:
Award for the Best Coffee in Rhode Island” by the Rhode Island
The first on our list is Starbucks. As I recently found
out, Starbucks receives its coffee from a variety of places in Latin Monthly, in 2008.
America, the Asian Pacific, and even small parts of Africa and
Arabia. This is where the “believe it or not” part comes into play;
I did some background research on Starbucks at their main website, and found that these places are where the coffee from that
store
comes
from. Interesting
isn’t it?
What’s
great
about
Cappuccino’s:
With coffee imported from Italy and pastries made with
Starbucks
a special Italian flare; Cappuccinos makes a perfect place to have
is that it’s
a one-on-one close up on Italy. You can’t get better than that can
just one of
you? Of course you can! The food and coffee is tremendously
those
authentic as is the scenery inside the café. The Tosca Almond
places
Bar’s and Cocoa Mocha Bar’s are extremely popular as are the
where you
say “Hey! This is good! Let’s get another round!” East Main road Mocha and Espresso drinks among the teenage crowd. Extra services include wedding and special event cakes, a bakery shop,
is the home of our very own Starbucks. It’s a great place just to
and lunch specials every day, also every Wednesday is a buy one
hangout and get some great coffee, not to mention really good
pastries as well. Speaking of pastries…the high demand of the
get one cupcake free day. Workers here are friendly and make
sure you get you order under 5 minutes! They cater for parties
cookies and other baked goods makes it nearly impossible to
and make small cookie and chocolate favors which can be that
keep them in stores! Same goes with the Lattes and Frappuccino’s. Starbucks not only sells its own coffee, but cute mugs to
elegant touch to any party. Located on 874 West Main Road,
purchase also. This place is a great place to hangout and crash
Middletown, RI, in the Home Depot and Cinema Shopping Cenafter a hard day at school, or if you were walking around town
ter, this
and happened to want a quick caffeine boost. Check it out, bemay not
cause not only will you get what you want, but great service from be the
your naturally relaxed and cheerful employees as well. Though,
best
don’t get saddened by the thought of only one Starbucks, there is place to
actually two close to our town, the one in Middletown and there put a
is the one in Newport. So Enjoy!
coffee
shop…
but the
Custom House Coffee:
So, there’s a huge football game tonight and you want to interior
kill some time before the game. Unfortunately, you’re too exoverhausted from a day at school. Why not head to Custom House
rules
Coffee? There are two, one in Middletown and another in Ports- that to a
mouth. The one I wrote about is right off of Rt. 114 at Clock
max.
Tower Square, in Portsmouth RI. This place looks as if it was
(photos taken by Rachelle P)
Rachelle P
Staff Writer
STYLE
page 21
Bachelor
: Dan
Cooney
Bachelor
: Mark
G
Kelsey M
Staff Writer
Editor’s note: The bachelor and
bachelorettes are selected by the
staff to represent single students
and should be recognized for their
easy going and friendly personalities.
They are good friends who may go
unnoticed in the school.
The Wave: Have
Ladies, look out. There is a single foot- any pick-up lines?
Mark: I don’t need
ball hunk on the loose! Mark G, or as his
friends like to call him “Marky,” is 5’9”, sen- one. The way I apior at MHS, a stud looking for that lucky lady proach the ladies
speaks for itself.
to spend all his time with.
“Mark, hm. He’s tall and a little shy, but
once you bring out his personality you realize The Wave: Where can you be found when
your not in school?
he’s a funny dude and mad chill. He’s got
some swagger. My boy is a real ladies man,” Mark: I’m either playing football or basketball and when I’m not doing that just chillen
said best friend, William S.
“He’s a funny kid and has great style,” with my friends.
said fellow classmate Allison V.
The Wave: If you could change one thing
Amber S who has had the pleasure of
dating Mark says, “Marky is a nice boy and is about yourself what would it be?
Mark: I wish I could be a little taller to imvery respectful.”
prove my athletic skills.
What girl wouldn’t want this amazing
man in her life?
The Wave: What is something no one knows
The Wave: What is the first thing you look for about you?
Mark: Most people don’t know that my midin a girl?
dle name is Terrell.
Mark: Um, probably their eyes.
The Wave: What do you consider your biggest turnoff?
Mark: I don’t prefer girls with big teeth.
The Wave: If you could plan a perfect date,
what would it be like?
Mark: First I would take her out to dinner at a
nice restaurant and then take her to a movie of
her choice.
The Wave: How would you describe yourself
to someone who just met you?
Mark: I’m athletic and have a great sense of
humor.
The Wave: Would you prefer boxers or
briefs?
Mark: Boxers.
Favorites:
Celeb Crush– Beyonce
Movie– Harold and Kumar
Food– chicken
Color– blue
Future Aspirations– wants to own his
own business/corporation
(photos courtesy of google images)
STYLE
page 22
Bachelorettes: Katie & Cassie O
Jordan P
Style Editor
Along with her close girlfriends, one thing Katie O loves
to do is dress up and gallivant through Newport for a night out on
the town.
“Katie always dresses so cute, I love all of her outfits,”
says fellow classmate Sarah J.
Besides looking fabulous she is quite the mathematician.
She is currently studying Accounting and Algebra II honors. She
may come off as quiet at first, but once you get to know her she is
quite the wild thing.
To many, she is a great friend, to family, she is a wonderful sister, and to one lucky fella, she can be the best thing that
ever happened to him.
Below The Wave gets a more in depth look at the real Katie
O.
JP: What do you look for in a man friend?
KO: “Just a good personality and he has to make me laugh.”
JP: At first sight, what do you find most attractive about a
guy?
KO: “The first thing I look at is his teeth and his hair,. His teeth
have to be nice.”
JP: One thing that would repulse you.
KO: “Greasy hair and not knowing how to dress. Absolutely no
sense of style is the worst.”
No doubt Cassie O has swept many off their feet, but at
this moment in time she is single and ready to mingle. She is
known to be quite the heart breaker, but her charming smile and
her happy-go-lucky personality is definitely worth the effort.
“Cassie is hilarious, she has something to say about everything, and it always cracks me up,” said junior Rachel P, a
friend of Cassie
Cassie is very blunt and will always tell it how it is. She
almost seems opposite from her sister at times, and she loves to
gossip, but at heart she is an honest, loving person who will continue to be there for you, listen, and support you in what ever you
do. Cassie is a genuine young lady and any man would be lucky
to call her his “girl”.
After reading this short, but very sweet interview The
Wave conducted with our very own bachelorette of this issue, if
you like what you see, then don’t be shy to hit that up.
JP: What do you look for in a man friend?
CO: “Intelligent, hard working, and a good sense of humor. Oh,
and good looking.”
JP: At first sight, what do you find most attractive about a
guy?
CO: “His teeth, his style, and their first impression on me.”
JP: One thing that would repulse you.
CO: “I hate it when they have nothing to talk about, zero conversation starters in mind.”
JP: How would you describe yourself to someone who has yet
JP: How would you describe yourself to someone who has yet to me you?
CO: “I’m always happy, very optimistic thinker, and friendly.”
to me you?
KO: “I’m outgoing, fun to be around, funny, very loyal, and a
good listener.”
JP: Do you generally look for someone with the same interests as you?
CO: “No not really, I like them to be more athletic and always up
JP: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
for anything.”
KO: “Gymnastics and shopping.”
JP: Do you generally look for someone with the same interests as you?
KO: “No, I’m more into guys who do manly sports, surfers are
usually pretty cute.”
JP: Describe your perfect date with a man friend.
KO: “Well, he would pick me up in a sexy car, preferably a
Porche, take me out to dinner, then we would catch a movie either out or back at the house.”
JP: If you could secretly giggle at one thing pertaining to
your sister what would it be?
KO: “She’s, no doubt, into the blondies.”
JP: Describe your perfect date with a man friend.
CO: “First, he’ll pick me up, then we’ll go out to a nice dinner or
some coffee, he pays of course. More specifically, if it were during the summer time, we would spend the day at the beach and
have some fun in the sun.”
JP: If you could secretly giggle at one thing pertaining to
your sister what would it be?
CO: “Well, I would have to say she is ridiculously obsessed with
the entire Beckham family.”
JP: Any pick up lines?
CO: “If I could rearrange the alphabet, I would put “U” and “I”
together.”
STYLE
Page 23
Bachelorettes continued...
Favorites:
Subject- Math
Food/Restaurant- Steak with A1 sauce and
mashed potatoes
Season, why?- “Tie between winter and summer, summer you can wear cute dresses and go
downtown without getting cold.”
Fashion Icon- Victoria Beckham and Whitney
Port
Celeb Crush- David Beckham
Movie- The Breakfast Club
TV Show- Desperate Housewives, The Hills,
and Beverly Hills 90210
Ice-cream- Peanut Butter Cup
Starbucks- “Caramel Macchiato or Frappachino, depends on the
day.”
Favorites:
Subject- English or Spanish
Food/Restaurant- Mashed potatoes and gravy
Season, why?- “Fall because I love all the
changing colors.”
Fashion Icon- Kristen Cavalleri
Celeb Crush- Jesse McCartney
Movie- “There’s a lot, I don’t really have a favorite.”
TV Show- Beverly Hills 90210
Ice-cream- “I’m lactose intolerant.”
Starbucks- Pumpkin Spice latte
(Photos couresty of Google.com)
STYLE
Page 24
Amber C
News Editor
What are your first thoughts when you wake up in the
morning?...
“Food!”- AJ J (12)
“Yay! School!”- A.J
S (9)
“I have to pee.”- Brittani M. (12)
“Oh what a glorious
day!”- Brian A (10)
“Where’s the
snooze button?”- Chelsea
W. (11)
(Continued from page 18)
school rule because its not punitive and not
meant to punish. Rather meant to establish
an acceptable standard in academic setting.”
Despite the amount of issues that
Mrs. DeBlois, as well as Mrs. Larson has
had with girls who refuse to see the rule as
fair, they hold a firm belief in a modest
dress code.
Although she has not had any
issues this year, in previous years another
faculty member that has played a huge role
in enforcing the five-inch rule introduced
the mathematical aspect of the issue.
“Mathematically it is fair for all
girls because on every girl (give or take a
little depending on height) will have 60%
of their [top] leg covered,” says math
teacher Deana Smith.
On the contrary there are members of the female student body that disagree with the rule and consistently try to
get away with wearing their skirts. The
idea that height differences make the skirt
rule unfair is constantly on the minds of
those girls aforementioned.
“To be honest not many girls own
skirts that are five inches above the knee,
not cute ones anyway. And as for being
fair, shorter girls may seem like they have
an advantage because when your tall its
more obvious but we get in trouble just the
same,” says junior Cassie O who has had
numerous altercations with the deans about
her skirts not reaching the five-inch mark.
“I hate being tall,” says senior
Erin H who has also been told to change
her outfit due to dress code violation. “I
could be wearing the same skirt as someone else and it would automatically be
shorter on me.”
In the midst of the disagreements
between the girls at MHS and the faculty,
there also lies the opinion of the male student body.
“I think in some cases the rule
should be applied, but in others it’s a little
excessive. There are some girls who abuse
the rule and wear really short skirts, but
“Oh God, I
have Amber in
class.”- Mr.
Eric Godin
then there are others who do their best to
abide by the rule,” says senior Pat W.
The rule has brought much controversy into the halls of MHS and from
that tension has erupted. There have been
several meetings and attempts at making
the rule more agreeable. It is evident that
the faculty is doing their part in revising
the rule because the new rule that is being
enforced is that the hemline must be five
and a half inches above the knee rather
than just five inches. As the faculty endeavors to amend the rule, the students
could do their best to abide by the rule and
challenge it on a different level then disobeying the rule completely. Is there an
end to this on-going fight in sight, or will
girls still fidget with their skirts when passing a teacher? The basic belief is that the
teachers of MHS hold the deciding vote on
the dress code. The question is will the
students and teachers work together to
revise the rule or will it remain the same?