by Charles Condro, Jabberwock Staff Reporter
Throughout the city and across the nation, elections for positions of every level from the town hall to the oval office are winding down to the final weeks. One candidate hoping to be elected on November 4, is former MLWGS sophomore-junior guidance counselor Ms. Dawn Page. She is running for the Richmond City School Board from the eighth district.
Ms. Page, who has been working part-time for Hanover Public Schools since leaving MLWGS after last year, decided to run so she could try and improve the public school system.
“As a product of Richmond Public Schools,” said Ms. Page, “I want to improve the quality of education by ensuring accountability, fiscal responsibility… and increase parental and community involvement.”
The eighth district is in Richmond’s Southside, on the border of Chesterfield County. Ms. Page is running against Mr. Charles Willis.
Mr. Willis works as the director of Willis Entertainment, a special event consultant agency. He had worked in Richmond Public Schools for thirty years before leaving in 2003.
“I started in the eighth district thirty years ago as a janitor and I eventually worked up to becoming an administrator,” said Mr. Willis.
Funding for MLWGS is one of the many topics that have come up in this election.
“I will continue to support funding for MLWGS,” said Ms. Page. “MLWGS is a wonderful learning environment for all to explore endless educational opportunities.”
“I fought for its funding and since then [the beginning of the school],” said Mr. Willis. “I’ve always supported the mission of that school.”
While Ms. Page no longer holds a position at MLWGS, she has left an impression on her fellow counselors.
“Ms. Page is a wonderful person who always has the interests of the students at heart,” said Guidance Director Mr. Karl Zweerink. “She would make an excellent addition to the School Board.”
“She has a very warm personality,” said senior guidance counselor Ms. Penny Deck. “She has a very good rapport with youth.”
The election of all of the School Board members has significance to MLWGS because of the funding that the Board sends to MLWGS. Several students, particularly in the eighth district, will have a chance to have their input on the election by voting on Election Day.
“She did a lot of great work at our school,” said Chris Richardson (’09), a resident of the eighth district. “If I had the opportunity [to vote for Ms. Page], then I would.”
Staff writer Danny Yates contributed to this article.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Green Machine on Probation
by Ginny Cross, Jabberwock Staff Reporter
Most people remember the annual field hockey homecoming game as a high-spirited event with loud cheering, human tunnels, and painted stomachs. However, following news of a suspected two-week suspension of the MLWGS Green Machine, the tone of Wednesday's homecoming game was somber and unusually subdued.
"I felt like no one even was watching the game," said Hillary Hurd ('09), a member of the varsity field hockey team.
Although leaders of the Green Machine were notified of a two-week ban just prior to the homecoming game, MLWGS director Mr. Douglas Hunt announced during a meeting held Thursday afternoon that the probation had been shortened from two weeks to three days. However, many students are unhappy that the suspension had to be enacted in the first place.
“There’s a Green Machine ban… [but] there’s also no more fun or dancing,” said Brennan Dolson during the homecoming game. “Actually, I may have just mixed up the ban with the plot of Footloose.”
The probation was a result of a string of complaints from parents, coaches, and referees that the Green Machine was disrespectful to opposing sports teams. Members of the Green Machine argue that any cheers against the other teams were far from malicious, and that the mission of the club has always been to support the MLWGS sports teams.
"The purpose of Green Machine is to cheer our team to victory," said Erik Fox ('10). "We may have a few people who take it too far, but that is not what we are here for." Some members of Green Machine believe the energy put forth by the group to support MLWGS teams may surprise parents and coaches from opposing teams.
“What it comes down to is they aren't used to having fans like that for games other than football and basketball," said Ese Shaw ('10), the founder of the Green Scream and a co-president of the current Green Machine.
The Green Machine was created in the fall of 2006 by Andy Rudd ('07), Keith Moran ('07), and Nathan Lautzenheiser ('07) as a student cheering section exclusively for MLWGS basketball games. The Green Machine itself remained solely for basketball, but last fall a group of sophomores formed a new cheering group, the Green Scream, which was intended to support a wider range of MLWGS sports teams.
"As an athlete, I know what it’s like to have just your parents out there," said Shaw . "When you have a crowd of students, it makes it so much more fun to play and gives you a stronger desire to win. I wanted to spread... the atmosphere of basketball games."
At the end of last year, the Green Scream merged with the Green Machine under the Green Machine name, and the club moved forward under the leadership of the former Green Scream. This fall, the "Green Machine 2.0" has cheered on varsity field hockey and both varsity volleyball teams.
Although the school has received numerous complaints throughout the season, some believe the final straw leading to the probation was a girls' varsity volleyball game against Patrick Henry Tuesday night. At the game, some members of the Green Machine chanted, "you should be on JV" when a player on the other team missed the ball.
According to Ms. Paige Hawkins, MLWGS co-athletic director, the disgruntled Patrick Henry coach notified the Patrick Henry athletic director Tuesday, who then called Ms. Hawkins to complain about the conduct of the MLWGS fans.
"As a whole, nothing out of the ordinary happened at the volleyball game. We were just cheering," said Norris Guncheon, a Green Machine member who attended the game. "I think the parents who complained need to realize it's all for the fun of the sport. We were there to hype up our own team, not attack the other."
Many members of MLWGS sports teams, as well as parents of athletes, have agreed that the turnout of Green Machine pumps up the team. Out of the 11 games that Green Machine has attended this fall, MLWGS has won nine.
"I've enjoyed having the Green Machine at field hockey games, said Ms. Kathy Spraggins, parent of varsity field hockey player Carly Spraggins ('11). "They lend a lot of spirit and excitement to the game, and the players are absolutely more psyched up when they have a large crowd."
"Although students are encouraged to show enthusiasm for MLWGS teams, there is a careful balance that must be struck between showing support for the MLWGS teams and resorting to poor sportsmanship," said Mr. Phil Tharp, Coordinator of Administration.
“If the derogatory comments toward specific players continue after the end suspension, I don’t know if we want the Green Machine to be representing the school in the future,” he said.
Although the official suspension has been considerably shortened, the behavior of the Green Machine will be kept under a close watch.
“I can’t say this clearly enough: do not single out individuals,” said Mr. Hunt. “Other than that, you’re back in business from next Wednesday on.”
Most people remember the annual field hockey homecoming game as a high-spirited event with loud cheering, human tunnels, and painted stomachs. However, following news of a suspected two-week suspension of the MLWGS Green Machine, the tone of Wednesday's homecoming game was somber and unusually subdued.
"I felt like no one even was watching the game," said Hillary Hurd ('09), a member of the varsity field hockey team.
Although leaders of the Green Machine were notified of a two-week ban just prior to the homecoming game, MLWGS director Mr. Douglas Hunt announced during a meeting held Thursday afternoon that the probation had been shortened from two weeks to three days. However, many students are unhappy that the suspension had to be enacted in the first place.
“There’s a Green Machine ban… [but] there’s also no more fun or dancing,” said Brennan Dolson during the homecoming game. “Actually, I may have just mixed up the ban with the plot of Footloose.”
The probation was a result of a string of complaints from parents, coaches, and referees that the Green Machine was disrespectful to opposing sports teams. Members of the Green Machine argue that any cheers against the other teams were far from malicious, and that the mission of the club has always been to support the MLWGS sports teams.
"The purpose of Green Machine is to cheer our team to victory," said Erik Fox ('10). "We may have a few people who take it too far, but that is not what we are here for." Some members of Green Machine believe the energy put forth by the group to support MLWGS teams may surprise parents and coaches from opposing teams.
“What it comes down to is they aren't used to having fans like that for games other than football and basketball," said Ese Shaw ('10), the founder of the Green Scream and a co-president of the current Green Machine.
The Green Machine was created in the fall of 2006 by Andy Rudd ('07), Keith Moran ('07), and Nathan Lautzenheiser ('07) as a student cheering section exclusively for MLWGS basketball games. The Green Machine itself remained solely for basketball, but last fall a group of sophomores formed a new cheering group, the Green Scream, which was intended to support a wider range of MLWGS sports teams.
"As an athlete, I know what it’s like to have just your parents out there," said Shaw . "When you have a crowd of students, it makes it so much more fun to play and gives you a stronger desire to win. I wanted to spread... the atmosphere of basketball games."
At the end of last year, the Green Scream merged with the Green Machine under the Green Machine name, and the club moved forward under the leadership of the former Green Scream. This fall, the "Green Machine 2.0" has cheered on varsity field hockey and both varsity volleyball teams.
Although the school has received numerous complaints throughout the season, some believe the final straw leading to the probation was a girls' varsity volleyball game against Patrick Henry Tuesday night. At the game, some members of the Green Machine chanted, "you should be on JV" when a player on the other team missed the ball.
According to Ms. Paige Hawkins, MLWGS co-athletic director, the disgruntled Patrick Henry coach notified the Patrick Henry athletic director Tuesday, who then called Ms. Hawkins to complain about the conduct of the MLWGS fans.
"As a whole, nothing out of the ordinary happened at the volleyball game. We were just cheering," said Norris Guncheon, a Green Machine member who attended the game. "I think the parents who complained need to realize it's all for the fun of the sport. We were there to hype up our own team, not attack the other."
Many members of MLWGS sports teams, as well as parents of athletes, have agreed that the turnout of Green Machine pumps up the team. Out of the 11 games that Green Machine has attended this fall, MLWGS has won nine.
"I've enjoyed having the Green Machine at field hockey games, said Ms. Kathy Spraggins, parent of varsity field hockey player Carly Spraggins ('11). "They lend a lot of spirit and excitement to the game, and the players are absolutely more psyched up when they have a large crowd."
"Although students are encouraged to show enthusiasm for MLWGS teams, there is a careful balance that must be struck between showing support for the MLWGS teams and resorting to poor sportsmanship," said Mr. Phil Tharp, Coordinator of Administration.
“If the derogatory comments toward specific players continue after the end suspension, I don’t know if we want the Green Machine to be representing the school in the future,” he said.
Although the official suspension has been considerably shortened, the behavior of the Green Machine will be kept under a close watch.
“I can’t say this clearly enough: do not single out individuals,” said Mr. Hunt. “Other than that, you’re back in business from next Wednesday on.”
Local Leaders
It has been almost two years since Senators Obama and McCain launched their campaigns for the White House. For more than 21 months we’ve been bombarded with the media fanfare and national spotlight on a seemingly endless, knock-down, drag-out presidential campaign.
There is so much money, energy, time, and hype devoted to familiarizing us with McCain and Obama, but I bet only one out of ten voters knows the name of the candidates for mayor, city council, county superintendent, or school board in their district.
Stop and think about this for a minute.
Who is responsible for running your neighborhood’s schools?
Who determines your property tax?
Who manages your municipality’s police, fire, and emergency response services?
Who allocates the money to repair your roads?
Who supervises your trash removal, recycling, and sewage?
The answer to all these questions and many more is found in the daily agenda of your local government’s leaders!
Local elections have the greatest bearing and impact on our daily lives of any other election. Therefore, we must invest research, time, and commitment to making the right choices.
Your school board member’s position on how to fix local schools is ten times more important than Obama or McCain’s viewpoint on secondary education
Your mayor’s choice of police chief is twenty times more important than McCain or Obama’s choice of Secretary of Homeland Security.
Recently, five MLWGS seniors had the opportunity to meet all five Richmond mayoral candidates at a community forum. The candidates spoke for ninety minutes about the best ways to fix the city’s biggest problems.
Everything from the benefits of city charter schools to the future of the James River was discussed during the mayoral debate. And, this forum was only one of the almost twenty debates in which all five candidates are attempting to gain the confidence of city voters before Election Day.
At another mayoral forum, four candidates spoke about, or were asked by the Jabberwock to speak about, their opinion of MLWGS and the “diversity issue.” Issues that directly affect you, me, and the Richmond community are being proposed, discussed, and argued at events like these.
On Monday, October 20 at 7 pm, candidates seeking local office to represent MLWGS’ Newtowne Neighborhood will visit room 153, meet community members, and discuss the issues that matter. Interested students should attend and show our neighbors that we care about MLWGS and the people who live nearby.
Similar candidate forums are held in every locality across the region for every locally elected office – county supervisor, city councilperson, school board representative, and even sheriff!
So don’t be lazy! Get out and meet the people who are seeking your vote for local office. Check out their websites or read about their positions in the newspaper.
Attend a debate, or just open the door and listen with an open-mind if a candidate comes to your house while canvassing. Volunteer if you find a candidate whose positions resonate with you and your beliefs!
If you are old enough on November 4, be proud when you go to the polls. When you look at the ballot, don’t let yourself be one of those uniformed voters who cannot recognize your local candidates’ names.
Choose the members of your local government wisely, because when it comes down to the issues that matter, these people are the ones that make choices which affect you each day.
There is so much money, energy, time, and hype devoted to familiarizing us with McCain and Obama, but I bet only one out of ten voters knows the name of the candidates for mayor, city council, county superintendent, or school board in their district.
Stop and think about this for a minute.
Who is responsible for running your neighborhood’s schools?
Who determines your property tax?
Who manages your municipality’s police, fire, and emergency response services?
Who allocates the money to repair your roads?
Who supervises your trash removal, recycling, and sewage?
The answer to all these questions and many more is found in the daily agenda of your local government’s leaders!
Local elections have the greatest bearing and impact on our daily lives of any other election. Therefore, we must invest research, time, and commitment to making the right choices.
Your school board member’s position on how to fix local schools is ten times more important than Obama or McCain’s viewpoint on secondary education
Your mayor’s choice of police chief is twenty times more important than McCain or Obama’s choice of Secretary of Homeland Security.
Recently, five MLWGS seniors had the opportunity to meet all five Richmond mayoral candidates at a community forum. The candidates spoke for ninety minutes about the best ways to fix the city’s biggest problems.
Everything from the benefits of city charter schools to the future of the James River was discussed during the mayoral debate. And, this forum was only one of the almost twenty debates in which all five candidates are attempting to gain the confidence of city voters before Election Day.
At another mayoral forum, four candidates spoke about, or were asked by the Jabberwock to speak about, their opinion of MLWGS and the “diversity issue.” Issues that directly affect you, me, and the Richmond community are being proposed, discussed, and argued at events like these.
On Monday, October 20 at 7 pm, candidates seeking local office to represent MLWGS’ Newtowne Neighborhood will visit room 153, meet community members, and discuss the issues that matter. Interested students should attend and show our neighbors that we care about MLWGS and the people who live nearby.
Similar candidate forums are held in every locality across the region for every locally elected office – county supervisor, city councilperson, school board representative, and even sheriff!
So don’t be lazy! Get out and meet the people who are seeking your vote for local office. Check out their websites or read about their positions in the newspaper.
Attend a debate, or just open the door and listen with an open-mind if a candidate comes to your house while canvassing. Volunteer if you find a candidate whose positions resonate with you and your beliefs!
If you are old enough on November 4, be proud when you go to the polls. When you look at the ballot, don’t let yourself be one of those uniformed voters who cannot recognize your local candidates’ names.
Choose the members of your local government wisely, because when it comes down to the issues that matter, these people are the ones that make choices which affect you each day.
Mayoral Candidates Speak About MLWGS
Four of Richmond's 2008 Mayoral Candidates* Spoke with Danny Yates During a Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce Forum on October 7.
The Candidates Spoke On the Question of Diversity and the MLWGS Admissions/Hiring Process.
Question: Currently the number of African American Governor’s School students from Richmond is disproportional to the percentage of African American students in RPS.
This past June, the Maggie Walker Regional School Board voted to spend $70,000 to hire a consulting firm to assess the level of diversity in the school and to propose methods for increasing minority representation.
The question is this - would you support a race-based affirmative action program in the school’s admissions and hiring procedures to increase minority students and faculty?
Their responses are listed below (in the order which they spoke)
Councilman William Pantele, Local Attorney and Richmond City Council President:
“...in that case there would certainly be something that would merit review and study, of course, I think it also illustrates one of the issues with charter schools...one of the risks is, charter schools tend to gravitate towards cherry-picking students … The Governor’s School is a great facility it has to be accessible to all of our students who qualify where there is a slot available. I’m glad the school is looking into the diversity. issue and I will be interested, in fact, I will insist on a copy of the results. “
Lawrence Williams, Local Architect and Richmond Public Schools Parent:
“I don’t think you need to waste money on a consultant. Many of these things, people of good
common sense work out over time … Robert and I are from John Marshall when it was being integrated and because of that we had some major opportunities. I was able to go to the University of Virginia and Harvard University from there….Very frankly, once you have those opportunities, you have a different perspective and you care about where you came from. Pantele will not go to Fairfield court and fight to the death to make sure that that community changes. I will, and that is just a fact of life.”
Robert Grey, Local Attorney and Former President of the American Bar Association:
“I don’t think you have to hire anybody for $70,000 to figure this out. This is a community that has always had difficulty with race, and we have got to start getting a handle on this by making sure that we provide equal opportunity to all students to attend whatever school we have, and I mean that throughout the city. ...There is no perfect system to do any of this. It requires people of good will, good conscience, and it requires people of commitment to a city that will grow through the strong diversity of its neighborhoods…”
Delegate Dwight Jones, Local Pastor and Member of the Virginia House of Representatives:
“I didn’t know that there was a 70,000 dollar contract out there to just bring diversity to the Maggie Walker high school. If I had known, I would have put a bid in. That’s an easy job. And I probably would have done it for 35 (thousand). The question is easily answered. We have got to have the leadership that requires that there is diversity in all places, and that requires intentionality, somebody who is going to push the envelope and have these conversations that are somewhat difficult to have.”
The Candidates Spoke On the Question of Diversity and the MLWGS Admissions/Hiring Process.
Question: Currently the number of African American Governor’s School students from Richmond is disproportional to the percentage of African American students in RPS.
This past June, the Maggie Walker Regional School Board voted to spend $70,000 to hire a consulting firm to assess the level of diversity in the school and to propose methods for increasing minority representation.
The question is this - would you support a race-based affirmative action program in the school’s admissions and hiring procedures to increase minority students and faculty?
Their responses are listed below (in the order which they spoke)
Councilman William Pantele, Local Attorney and Richmond City Council President:
“...in that case there would certainly be something that would merit review and study, of course, I think it also illustrates one of the issues with charter schools...one of the risks is, charter schools tend to gravitate towards cherry-picking students … The Governor’s School is a great facility it has to be accessible to all of our students who qualify where there is a slot available. I’m glad the school is looking into the diversity. issue and I will be interested, in fact, I will insist on a copy of the results. “
Lawrence Williams, Local Architect and Richmond Public Schools Parent:
“I don’t think you need to waste money on a consultant. Many of these things, people of good
common sense work out over time … Robert and I are from John Marshall when it was being integrated and because of that we had some major opportunities. I was able to go to the University of Virginia and Harvard University from there….Very frankly, once you have those opportunities, you have a different perspective and you care about where you came from. Pantele will not go to Fairfield court and fight to the death to make sure that that community changes. I will, and that is just a fact of life.”Robert Grey, Local Attorney and Former President of the American Bar Association:
“I don’t think you have to hire anybody for $70,000 to figure this out. This is a community that has always had difficulty with race, and we have got to start getting a handle on this by making sure that we provide equal opportunity to all students to attend whatever school we have, and I mean that throughout the city. ...There is no perfect system to do any of this. It requires people of good will, good conscience, and it requires people of commitment to a city that will grow through the strong diversity of its neighborhoods…”
Delegate Dwight Jones, Local Pastor and Member of the Virginia House of Representatives:
“I didn’t know that there was a 70,000 dollar contract out there to just bring diversity to the Maggie Walker high school. If I had known, I would have put a bid in. That’s an easy job. And I probably would have done it for 35 (thousand). The question is easily answered. We have got to have the leadership that requires that there is diversity in all places, and that requires intentionality, somebody who is going to push the envelope and have these conversations that are somewhat difficult to have.”
Four Richmond mayoral candidates spoke at a recent forum. From left they are Bill Pantele, Robert Grey, Lawrence Williams, and Dwight Jones. Photo by Danny Yates
*Candidate Paul Goldman did not attend the forum due to a religious commitment. On repeated attempts for contact, Goldman was unavailable for comment.
*Candidate Paul Goldman did not attend the forum due to a religious commitment. On repeated attempts for contact, Goldman was unavailable for comment.
Pep Rallies Serve Purpose
by Logan Ferrell
As the week draws to a close, and the events of Wednesday become purely memory, the school finds itself again in an unsettled post pep-rally frame of mind. This year, as almost every year before, when the cheering fades, the grumblings of a dissatisfied few begin to grow louder and more unanimous. So, what is there to say to this group, who feels that pep rallies in their current state, may be either unnecessary or detrimental to the school and student body? That response must surely be the decision of each individual. As for myself, the idealistic goal of pep rallies, to bond the school in a common and competitive spirit, remains a symbol of tradition for the school itself.
The pep rally, as it is today, remains one of the few outlets for raw emotion in our hectic, academic environment; it harnesses that emotion as support for a common interest. What may seem like just an hour of cheering and chanting, in reality is the fulfillment of the students’ role in the sports arena. Even if one doesn’t play for the team, for this one moment, he is a part of their success, cheering them to an eventual victory.
This opportunity, to provide support and acknowledge the achievements of our athletes, forms the inherent link between player and athlete. It unites the two under a common banner; not some athletes and some not, but rather all proud Green Dragons.
That said, there remains some who would argue; that the pep rally event is not a unifying event at all, but rather a widening of the rift between classes. Sadly, there will always be a select few who indeed take their grade spirit too far, and use it in inappropriate ways; but the tradition cannot be spoiled by a destructive handful. Indeed, the competition between classes is always aimed at producing more positive spirit that hurt feelings.
While the freshmen and sophomores may squabble over the assigned colors of their shirt, at the end of the day, they are cheering for the same team, regardless of who cheers louder.
These healthy rivalries, when exposed, act not only as an outlet for spirit but also as an equalizing factor. Where else in day-to-day school life, does a freshmen have the power to challenge the superiority of a senior? So, to answer those already disgruntled, the class competition of pep rallies, is simply another way to unify the student body in a common spirit and goal.
In the days after a rally, the spirit begins to wear off somewhat, it is true. Some may return to a disinterested ignorance of sports, and many will return to bickering for personal interests.
However, we must not forget, that for one hour, on one day; those personal qualms were shed for the spirit, which unifies us as students. That is what a pep rally is truly about.
As the week draws to a close, and the events of Wednesday become purely memory, the school finds itself again in an unsettled post pep-rally frame of mind. This year, as almost every year before, when the cheering fades, the grumblings of a dissatisfied few begin to grow louder and more unanimous. So, what is there to say to this group, who feels that pep rallies in their current state, may be either unnecessary or detrimental to the school and student body? That response must surely be the decision of each individual. As for myself, the idealistic goal of pep rallies, to bond the school in a common and competitive spirit, remains a symbol of tradition for the school itself.
The pep rally, as it is today, remains one of the few outlets for raw emotion in our hectic, academic environment; it harnesses that emotion as support for a common interest. What may seem like just an hour of cheering and chanting, in reality is the fulfillment of the students’ role in the sports arena. Even if one doesn’t play for the team, for this one moment, he is a part of their success, cheering them to an eventual victory.
This opportunity, to provide support and acknowledge the achievements of our athletes, forms the inherent link between player and athlete. It unites the two under a common banner; not some athletes and some not, but rather all proud Green Dragons.
That said, there remains some who would argue; that the pep rally event is not a unifying event at all, but rather a widening of the rift between classes. Sadly, there will always be a select few who indeed take their grade spirit too far, and use it in inappropriate ways; but the tradition cannot be spoiled by a destructive handful. Indeed, the competition between classes is always aimed at producing more positive spirit that hurt feelings.
While the freshmen and sophomores may squabble over the assigned colors of their shirt, at the end of the day, they are cheering for the same team, regardless of who cheers louder.
These healthy rivalries, when exposed, act not only as an outlet for spirit but also as an equalizing factor. Where else in day-to-day school life, does a freshmen have the power to challenge the superiority of a senior? So, to answer those already disgruntled, the class competition of pep rallies, is simply another way to unify the student body in a common spirit and goal.
In the days after a rally, the spirit begins to wear off somewhat, it is true. Some may return to a disinterested ignorance of sports, and many will return to bickering for personal interests.
However, we must not forget, that for one hour, on one day; those personal qualms were shed for the spirit, which unifies us as students. That is what a pep rally is truly about.
Pep Rallies Are Pointless
By Mitch Caudill
I don’t expect to be very popular for this opinion, but I’ll write it in hopes that somewhere out there in the school there are fellow non-supporters like me. Mainly, I find the idea of pep-rallies to be absurd. Acting crazy, shouting and screaming over something as uncontrollable and as unimportant as grade level strikes me as particularly illogical.
In fact, I did homework during parts of it. Furthermore, many of problems the administration cited with the pep rally come from the very fact we are divided into classes.
When you are asked to call up energy and support for something which has no controllable basis, to claim something is good, one instead must point out that something else is bad. I hardly doubt the administration would allow distinctions on controllable and truly important things. “Let’s go A students!”
Furthermore, if students could gather up even half the energy they put into preparing and acting at the pep rally, there is no doubt in my mind we could double our GPA and club activities.
I realize and agree that it’s nice to get a break from class every once in awhile, but why can’t we instead find spirit in things which do not divide us, and are productive. If not, I suggest at the next pep rally, we organize ourselves by height.
I don’t expect to be very popular for this opinion, but I’ll write it in hopes that somewhere out there in the school there are fellow non-supporters like me. Mainly, I find the idea of pep-rallies to be absurd. Acting crazy, shouting and screaming over something as uncontrollable and as unimportant as grade level strikes me as particularly illogical.
In fact, I did homework during parts of it. Furthermore, many of problems the administration cited with the pep rally come from the very fact we are divided into classes.
When you are asked to call up energy and support for something which has no controllable basis, to claim something is good, one instead must point out that something else is bad. I hardly doubt the administration would allow distinctions on controllable and truly important things. “Let’s go A students!”
Furthermore, if students could gather up even half the energy they put into preparing and acting at the pep rally, there is no doubt in my mind we could double our GPA and club activities.
I realize and agree that it’s nice to get a break from class every once in awhile, but why can’t we instead find spirit in things which do not divide us, and are productive. If not, I suggest at the next pep rally, we organize ourselves by height.
A Conversation with MLWGS' Own Mr. Irvin Charles
Maggie Walker Alumnus and MLWGS Head of Security shares his thoughts
Have you found new “marquee attendants?”
We’re still looking for replacement sign changers. Ms. Noe-Payne and Ms. Diakum are still searching. Let me say this, if anyone is interested, they should contact either of those two, or me.
Tell me about your middle school visits…
I did two middle school visits yesterday. We went to Martin Luther King and Boushall. They both went great! Ms. Davis, and two students, Ms. Carter and Ms. Lewis were just great. They gave them [the middle schoolers] the real deal. They poured their hearts out, talking about how in middle school things came so easily, but now how at Maggie Walker you have to work much harder.
What sort of questions did you get?
At every school the students, sixth through eighth grade, were very attentive. We got a couple of questions about sports, band, and there were a lot of questions about foreign languages. One thing I have to say, we are very fortunate to have Mr. Zweerink. He is knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging.
Do you have any overall observations from the visits?
One thing I realize is the school districts need to do a better job of preparing their middle school students to come here, and we need to work harder to tell middle school students about MLWGS. Another reason why I really enjoy doing these visits: At all the city schools, I can share with the kids how I grew up in that area, and how going to a school like this will be a huge benefit in life.
Any major security issues so far this year?
None yet. Well there is one thing. Parents that drop off their kids in the morning need to be mindful from 8:15-8:45 when they are not allowed to drive through the bus lot. Also, when students walk off campus in the afternoon, they need to go together in groups and be observant and aware of their surroundings.
Homecoming Advice?
This is supposed to be a time to promote school spirit, so let’s not have any issues.
Have you found new “marquee attendants?”
We’re still looking for replacement sign changers. Ms. Noe-Payne and Ms. Diakum are still searching. Let me say this, if anyone is interested, they should contact either of those two, or me.
Tell me about your middle school visits…
I did two middle school visits yesterday. We went to Martin Luther King and Boushall. They both went great! Ms. Davis, and two students, Ms. Carter and Ms. Lewis were just great. They gave them [the middle schoolers] the real deal. They poured their hearts out, talking about how in middle school things came so easily, but now how at Maggie Walker you have to work much harder.
What sort of questions did you get?
At every school the students, sixth through eighth grade, were very attentive. We got a couple of questions about sports, band, and there were a lot of questions about foreign languages. One thing I have to say, we are very fortunate to have Mr. Zweerink. He is knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging.
Do you have any overall observations from the visits?
One thing I realize is the school districts need to do a better job of preparing their middle school students to come here, and we need to work harder to tell middle school students about MLWGS. Another reason why I really enjoy doing these visits: At all the city schools, I can share with the kids how I grew up in that area, and how going to a school like this will be a huge benefit in life.
Any major security issues so far this year?
None yet. Well there is one thing. Parents that drop off their kids in the morning need to be mindful from 8:15-8:45 when they are not allowed to drive through the bus lot. Also, when students walk off campus in the afternoon, they need to go together in groups and be observant and aware of their surroundings.
Homecoming Advice?
This is supposed to be a time to promote school spirit, so let’s not have any issues.
*Q&A by Danny Yates on October 14, 2008.
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