Guest Opinion: You’re Literally Speaking Incorrectly

by Jake Klein

There is an epidemic that has plagued our nation. People all across America have been speaking incorrectly. They have been using the word “literally” incorrectly or unnecessarily in their everyday speaking. The incorrect use of this word is like a social trend: it came out of nowhere, and now it seems everyone is doing it.

I am what most would call a grammar Nazi. Because of this, I’m going to give you a quick crash course on how to use this word correctly so that many years from now you won’t say to your college English professor, “I literally did my homework last night.”

“Literally” can be used in three different ways. The first is in translations of foreign languages. With translations, literally means ‘word-for-word’. For example, someone may ask, “How do you say ‘My name is’ in French?” To which you could reply, “Je m’appelle, which literally translates to ‘I call myself,’ but basically means ‘My name is’.”

The second use is with exaggeration. You may say to your friend, “I called you a thousand times last night! Why didn’t you answer?” Now, you most likely did not call him 1,000 times, but you were exaggerating. However, if you actually did call him one thousand times, you could say, “I literally called you a thousand times last night!” 

The third use of the word is with commonly said expressions. For example, “raining cats and dogs” is an expression meaning it is raining a lot. But if for some strange reason, cats and dogs are falling from the sky, you could correctly say, “It’s literally raining cats and dogs!” A more realistic example is the expression “it blew me away,” meaning it was very impressive or surprising. “The scientist’s project blew me away!” If the scientist’s project was demonstrating a giant fan that physically pushed you across the room, you could humorously say, “The scientist’s project literally blew me away!”

Here are some words/phrases that can be used instead of the word literally: seriously, honestly, honest to goodness, totally, not-even-kidding, and really. 

So what did we learn today? The word “literally” can be used only

1. When explaining a translation word-for-word.
2. When the rest of your 100% honest sentence may be taken as exaggeration (called you a thousand times), or as an expression (blew me away).
3. When using a differentiating between a common expression like figures of speech and real situations 

So many people today are using this word incorrectly that the correct definition and use of the word, sadly, is dying. Sound smart, be smart, speak correctly, and the world will be a better place, literally. 

Want more info on the correct use of the English language? Watch Weird Al Yankovic’s “Word Crimes,” a parody of “Blurred Lines,” on YouTube.

Guest Opinion: There's No Code for Sexualization

by Akeeya Sylvester

Imagine this: your five-year-old daughter was sent home because her skirt rode up a little too high. You say it’s no big deal, but is it? What is this teaching her?

A five-year-old little girl should be worried about what color crayon she wants to use, not worrying about “trusted” teachers and older men goggling at her skirt and tights. The problem with the dress code that has been drilled into a girl’s head from a young age is that it’s teaching girls that they should be viewed as sexual beings. Look at it like this: a young boy can take off his shirt and run around without the worry of an older woman wanting to sexually harass him. A young girl will wear a shirt that exposes her shoulders, and instantly, adults are drilling in her head that “flaunting” around a body like that will attract predators.

Why are we putting all this pressure on the girls? It’d be simple to drill it into a young boy’s head that touching any girl without consent is inappropriate, so we could prevent events like rape and sexual harassment from happening. “Let boys be boys” is no excuse; a boy is taught the way he acts by people he looks up to and by never being taught what he’s doing is wrong. Instead schools and media focus in on body parts on girls, like showing bit of stomach, shoulders, or thighs. Simple body parts that could easily have no meaning are given a reputation to be viewed as sexual. It does not have to be that way.

For example, at the age of 12, I was sent to the office because my shirt was cut “too low.” I was pulled out of class to go to the office and hear a lecture about my body, concerning the way it was covered. Who reported it? An adult.  

When young children are put in a classroom, they pay attention to the teacher. Some students may doodle and some may talk when they’re not supposed to, but I have never in my life known students in middle school or younger pay attention to the way their classmate’s collar bones show. At that age most young girls are not even fully developed, yet they’re still being sexualized for something they don’t have yet. Young boys may be curious, but something as innocent as shoulders showing should not drive their imagination wild. It shouldn’t for adults either.

A child or teen with a pair of shorts that fit above mid-thigh or a top that has spaghetti straps/no straps most likely walked out of the house with her parent or guardian viewing what she chose to wear. A school is meant to be a learning environment and should have adults capable enough to not view girls as sexual objects and instead as human beings. If a boy can wear a muscle tee with his entire side being shown, a girl should be able to show her shoulders in her favorite dress, for example. Unless there is a very vivid view of a girl’s privates I don’t believe they should be distracted from learning to be told they could be distracting others. Isn’t the school the one distracting the student? The amount of time a girl spends calling home, changing, or sitting in the school’s office is taking away from her time to be learning in class.

If we put a stop to sexualizing young girls and start teaching young boys the word “no,” then girls could grow up feeling safer and more confident in their skin. I believe our next generation could start a revolution for girls and their children’s future education system. So the next time you look at a young girl and only pay attention to her so called “revealing” shorts, remember in that moment of time you are sexualizing a minor for legs that could easily be viewed as we view boys’.

From the Desk of the Editor: Referendum Edition

by Saafia Masoom
 

Platteville School District's referendum will fund updates in all our buildings.

    On the day of the Newtown shooting, we walked to our last classes of the day with heavy hearts. We’d just had an assembly to discuss the horrific tragedy, and I’ll never forget the grief that I saw in one particular teacher’s eyes as he told us how brokenhearted he was to know that his kids might not be safe at school.

    There are a lot of reasons to care about the district’s referendum on April 7th, and this is one of them. You can’t put a price on safety in Platteville Schools.

    If this “Blueprint for the Future” doesn’t pass, we’ll deny the next classes to walk PHS’s halls safety, but also the chance to have top-notch science labs. We’re telling the kids at Westview and the middle school that it doesn’t matter that they’re crowded and going to school every day in buildings that are falling apart. It really doesn’t matter that they have gym class in the same space they eat lunch.

    There are a lot of reasons people may say no on April 7th, but I’m asking you to look past the “I won’t even be here, so why should I care?” Let’s look beyond the politics, the volleyball controversies, and the even simple costs that are worth it at the end of the day. (Taxes are not going up with this plan. They’re simply not decreasing like they were supposed to when the 1996 referendum was paid off.) What we’re doing here is defining the direction our district will head in for the next 20 years.

    It’s a common occurrence to hear during passing time that our school “sucks” or is “so lame.” Maybe we can do something about that. We have the capability.

    So rather than harping about consequences, let’s talk possibilities. As mentioned before, the science labs are a major component of the renovations funded by the referendum. Biology teacher Ms. Kroncke has said she’ll be able to do more labs with her classes, and Mr. Heer will do the same with his physics classes, something he can’t even think of without any lab space now. I’ve even heard one former PHS student note that the science education we get now feels somewhat incomplete because of the current state of the facilities.

     If you’re still not convinced this is the best option, frame it this way: building on Westview and moving 1st and 4th grade there sounds a lot better than addressing capacity issues by moving 7th, 8th, or even pre-K to the high school. When considering operating costs, re-opening OE Gray isn’t a logical choice, either.

    For our future students, teachers, and community members, it’s time to show our Hillmen Pride. This referendum is worth it.

    Sure, a lot of us don’t even know what a referendum is. And why should we? Most people in this school can’t vote. It’s fourth quarter; we could care less.

    But I’ll ask you this: Will you ask your friends, your parents, your neighbors, your grandma’s hairdresser’s son’s dog’s friend’s owner’s sister’s uncle to vote yes? Are you willing to take just a minute to fight apathy because you can?

Madison Shooting Sparks Controversy

by Claire McMannes

     On March 6th a Madison police officer, Matt Kenny, shot 19-year-old Tony Robinson, and since then the controversy of the story is still hot to the touch.

     The story starts with a call from a source saying that a young male was yelling and jumping in front of cars. Another call came in saying Robinson was getting physical and tried to strangle someone. Shots were fired only seconds later. Four minutes later Kenny showed up and forced his way into the apartment. The shooting reportedly took place in the stairway of Robinson’s apartment when the officer fell off balance and shot the unarmed man out of self-defense. Robinson died in the hospital. He had three bullet wounds: one to the head, another to the torso, and one in the upper body.

     Protests broke out in Madison over the controversial shooting, much of which stems from the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Several protesters chanted “Black Lives Matter” while others seemed to be protesting police brutality against unarmed civilians at the Dane County Public Safety Building.

     Madison police chief Mike Koval stated during a conference, “He was unarmed. That’s going to make this all the more complicated for investigators, for the public, to accept.”

     For many, this is the exact mindset they have. With the many recent deaths of unarmed African Americans, people are starting to believe that there is a major problem with the police force. Although it is claimed that Robinson had prior criminal activity, one of which was an armed robbery that took place in April. He pleaded guilty in December and was put on probation. But despite his history, people still rally around his cause with over hundreds of peaceful protesters outside of where the alleged shooting took place.

     Cases much like Robinson are starting to catch the news scene more and more as they pile up with controversy and protests. One of the most famous ones was the Ferguson, Missouri shooting where an officer killed an unarmed Michael Brown.

     At least a thousand people attended Robinson’s funeral at Madison East High School Saturday. The number of people exceeded space so much that many had to watch the procession on screen. Many came over two hours early to get a spot to pay their respects to the young man and his grieving family. People were asked to leave their protesting signs outside to show respect for him.

     The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Justice was to give its reports in late March following an investigation.

First and Last Year: Assistant Principal Resigns

by Beth Gardiner

     Platteville High School students have been pushed to “Strive for Excellence” and to build on the excellent traditions our school offers. This way of life would not be possible without outstanding administration and staff encouraging, leading, and guiding the student body each step of the way. This year has brought many changes to PHS due to changes in administration, and the community recently found out more changes are on the way. Mr. Eric Newton, PHS assistant principal and athletic director, has turned in his resignation and will be leaving after this school year.

    Mr. Newton has made such a positive impact on PHS during his short time here. Losing one of the best will be hard, but the school is very excited for all that Mr. Newton’s future has in store for him.

    The student body got to know Mr. Newton a bit this school year. Not everyone may know that Mr. Newton played football in Germany for four years where he met his wife. Mr. Newton will be returning to Germany after this year to be with his wife and already has plans to work in an international school as the athletic director.

    The fabulous office ladies have four words to say about Mr. Newton’s resignation, “Resignation is not accepted.” The administration staff has loved working with Mr. Newton this year and is sad to see him go. Mrs. Helbing shares, “Mr. Newton is very organized and pays close attention to detail. He is great with the kids, very personable, and just very well all around.”

     Mr. Newton says of his time at PHS, “I’ve loved working with the staff and student body. It has been a great experience, and I wish it was longer. I have enjoyed my time here and wish you all the best.”

    PHS has been incredibly fortunate to get to work with Mr. Newton and is thankful for one more semester under his leadership. The staff and student body wishes him and his family all the best, too, as he heads back to Germany.

 

Fan-Da-Monium At Wizard World Comic Con

by Claire McMannes

    Thousands of comic enthusiasts, TV show obsessed fans, cosplayers, and collectors united for a weekend of panels and fan-da-monium at Wizard World's first Comic Con in Madison Wisconsin’s Alliant Energy Center on the 5th-8th of February. Stars such as Ian Somerhalder (Damon, Vampire Diaries , Christian Serratos (Rosita, The walking Dead), Brett Dalton (Grant, Agents of Shield), Michael Rooker (Yondu, Guardians of the Galaxy), William Shatner (Captain Kirk himself) and more.

    Not only were there panels of some of our favorite TV show and movie characters, but there were even comic book artists ranging from Marvel’s Spiderman, DC's New 52, and Image Comics’ The Walking Dead -- you actually receive a copy of their first issue upon walking inside.

    An entire third of the Wizards event layout was dedicated to autographs on prints or comics from the talented artist of the comics. you could even get a quick picture with them. Another part of the layout had all of the TV and movie celebrities just waiting to take a picture with you and/or autograph for a hefty price of $25-$50. But hey, you get a pretty cool photo right and get to interact with your favorite character!

    Another part of the event was dedicated to comic book lovers and amine obsessed fans. From the classic Teen Titans of 1964, before it became a terrible television show for your average four year old, to Duel Masters anime. Boxes and boxes of the classics to the updated versions could be found throughout the jumble of aisles while the vendors, not only sold, but bought and traded over the phone.

    The popular four-sided Funko Pop Figure wall was also present at the event along with collectible toys that got parents reminiscing about their childhood. But don’t be fooled, Comicon is not just for comics; it is also for collectors. Toys from the classic Frankenstein and Dracula movie could also be found, along with merch for SuperWhoLock fandom.

     But this event is not just held to see comic book artists, vendors, and your favorite TV show heroes. It gives you a chance to be one, or the opposite. Cosplayers (people who dress up like fictional characters) including; Captain America, Arrow, Deathstroke, Castiel, Dean Winchester, Harley Quinn, Batman, The Doctor, Joker, Flash, Deadpool, and Mr. Freeze could be found ready to act out their parts as convincingly as possible. Some were even willing to share their experiences with The Voice. .

    When asked why he cosplays ‘Arrow’, as one individual  liked to be called, he answers, “It’s really fun to be someone else for a day instead of your ‘regular self.’ I would do it more often, but it probably wouldn’t look very good if some dude walked into Walmart with a cape and mask on.”

    Another cosplayer, ‘Captain America,’ chips in, “It’s also really cool to see little kids look up to you the way they do. To them we really are the heroes they see, and it’s really exciting for them to see us and talk to us. Plus, it’s cool to have so many people walk up to you and want to take a picture with you because they think your cosplay is that good.”

    Along with cosplayers, metal based celebrities were also there. The original Batmobile from the 1960s series starring Adam West and Burt Ward was also there. You could even sit it the car and get pictures in it for only $25. Another car was the Delorean from the Back to the Future movies, you could also get a picture with it.

    The Wizard World Comic Con is an impressive, fun, and entertaining event for all ages so check out the next closest one in at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago on March 7-8th!

Bizarre Diet Fads: Problem or the New Norm?

by Allie Serres

    Dieting is no longer just for people trying to lose weight or to get into shape, It has become an american fad. Diets have been gaining popularity since the 1980s, and are now a common thing we see in everyday life. The old way of dieting was just eating healthier, and maybe cutting out carbs, fats and/or sugars, but now there are so many more ways to diet.

    There are many safe ways to diet and stay healthy, such as the paleo diet. This is at times known as the “caveman’s diet” because of the guidelines one must adhere to in order to follow this diet. People who choose to follow the paleo diet only eat foods that come directly from the earth, meaning no processed foods allowed. This type of diet is good in that you can nourish your body with healthy choices without getting all the fat and excess sugars along the way.

    Of course there are also some ways of dieting that can be very harmful to the body, such as the cotton ball diet. In this diet, people eat cotton balls before a meal so that they won’t be able to eat as much. Cotton balls are not really made of cotton. They are a polyester and chemical blend, so basically what a common T-shirt is made out of. Cotton balls have little to no nutritional value and do not digest easily, which has the potential to cause malnutrition or even to damage digestive tracts. Some healthier alternatives for this diet would be to eat sugar free jello, or drink more water in order to feel fuller and eat less.

    As long a dieting is done in the correct way, it isn’t a bad thing. It can help people lose weight or just simply feel better about themselves because they are eating healthier. However, eating healthier doesn’t have to mean dieting. Simply choosing a healthy choice instead of a sugary or fatty one can go a long way. This is not to say that dieting is bad. Dieting can be a great choice as long as it is done in moderation. Another factor that needs to be taken into consideration is safe choices. Research needs to be done on the choice diet to ensure that it is being done correctly, and that it won’t be harmful to the body.

   

Speed Dating School Board Candidates: Primary Election Results Are In

by Anna Greenhalgh

     Speed dating-- yes, that’s right. You’re reading it correctly.
     The “School Board Candidate Meet & Greet” took place on February 11th as an opportunity for the community to put names with faces before the primary on February 17th where Steve Obershaw, Colleen McCabe, Eric Fatzinger, Matt Zielinski, Curt Timlin, and Jamie Brogley prevailed.
     Walking into the room, there were no rows of chairs facing a panel of candidates, but rather seven separate tables with the candidates’ names on them. There was one chair placed behind and two in front for interviewers  and **SURPRISE** snacks and refreshments. If people had come prepared for a very formal meeting, they would likely be surprised by  the relaxed environment.
     The “hostess,” if you will, explained to the group  everyone had eight minutes to talk to a candidate and ask them a few questions off the candidate’s  prepared list or some of the interviewer’s  own if he or she had any. Promptly at six o’clock, the quizzing began.
     There was quite a turnout, close to thirty people throughout the evening, but the eight candidates had important messages to deliver to the public about their concerns for the district.  Mr. Matt Zielinski, for example, shares that he is for the renovation referendum and his main concern for the district is the safety and security of our schools.
     Incumbent Mr. Steve Obershaw mentioned in his eight minute interview with The Voice that he was most concerned about, “the budget,” with no further elaboration.
     Also in attendance was Mr. Brian Brown. He, too, is for the referendum. He even asked a question of his own, saying “I’ve answered your questions; would you mind if I asked you a question?” And he asked for thoughts  on the referendum.
     The next and last person this reporter got to that night was Mr. Curt Timlin. His answer to what his main concern was, could be considered outside the field of common responses from the candidates.  “Teacher morale,” says Mr. Timlin. “Teachers have been beat down, just in general, and their moral needs to be boosted.”
     Colleen McCabe, Jaimie Brogley, Eric Fatzinger (I), and Jeremy Johnson were also a part of the hotly contested race with their own individual goals, issues of concern, and reasons for running, though Jaimie Brogley was not present at the meet and greet.

Nostalgic Kingsman: The Secret Service Impresses

by Matt Schaefer

    Nothing brings more joy to this critic’s face than watching a movie that makes me feel like a little kid. When I sat down in the theater to see Kingsman: The Secret Service, I was immediately reminded of the old days, playing imaginary games in my backyard and on the playground, wanting desperately to be a spy when I grew up. And as glamorous as Kingsman makes the profession look, I certainly remember why.

    The tale of Kingsman is a classically simple one: big bad guy with a plan for global attack, a small agency discovers the plot, and the new recruit that takes on the threat. Taron Egerton plays Eggsy, the son of a deceased Kingsman who is recruited by “Galahad,” played by Colin Firth. These are just two of the exceptional performances in this film, which also includes Samuel L. Jackson as the film’s villain, Michael Caine as the head of the Kingsman, and Mark Strong as “Merlin.”

    The movie is chock-full of spectacular action, accompanied with innovative and tight camera work. Never before have I seen action look quite this slick and intense, and the use of “Freebird” during the church brawl is on par with the 2Pac scene in Django Unchained in terms of awesome absurdity. Backing the action is a tight and hilarious script, pairing the espionage of James Bond with the over-the-top comic bookiness of Batman.

    If you’re looking to treat yourself to an exciting action film or enjoy the exciting and somewhat silly nature of the old 007 films, Kingsman: The Secret Service earns a high recommendation from this critic. You’ll laugh, you’ll wince, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat the whole time. Plus, it may just rekindle your childhood fancy.

The Snapchat Snafu: Woe Be to Users Since the Update

by Max Frommelt

    Snapchat has become the major social media of today. The newest update, released in January, has upset so many people that its power as a “social media king” may start to plummet.

    Snapchat, originally, is a simple social media platform that enables you to take a picture, add a caption, and send it to a friend. That was all it was: simple, easy, and free.

    Now the new update has been made and has merged the beloved photo sending frenzy with a news network. While this seems like a simple thing, Snapchat changed majority of the user interface to do so. This has angered many people and has created a growing group of unhappy users of the system. Snapchat has always been known for its simplicity and ease of use as a social media. People now have doubts about the applications original use and simplicity of the software.

    Anna Greenhalgh (‘16) says that, “It is unnecessary; if I wanted a news application, I would have downloaded one.” This seems to be the main response from snappers or “snapchat users.”

    The issue that the mass majority of snappers are upset with is the removal of the “Best Friends” system. Snapchat used to be able to mark three people as “Best Friends” because they are the top three snappers you send snapchats to. This system has now been dropped, and for heavy snappers, this is a major problem.

    Here is the interesting part: after getting used to the update, some snappers have had a change of heart, but many never had a problem with the update at all. Hannah Connolly (‘18) states, “The update is easier, I actually like it!”

This Is How We Referendum

by Melanie Schaefer

     Many questions have come up concerning the proposals for the school district's referendum. The biggest one is, “What is $17.2 million going toward?”

     The key projects of this referendum include renovations to the science, technology, engineering, and math departments. The science classrooms will be favored for $2.5 million. For example, Mr. Heer’s room will gain windows, a lab section, and double doors, just to name a few renovations.  All of which are not currently part of his classroom. Storage space would also be increased for all of the science classrooms. Mr. Heer, Mr. Molle, and Ms. Kroncke recently went to Sun Prairie High School to see what has been done in science classrooms there.

     All four schools will have $4.6 million dollars distributed between them for projects concern safety, maintenance, and code compliance. Safer, more secure entrances will also be installed.     Chris Schaefer, a support staff substitute in the Platteville School District, occasionally works in the offices. She says, “These security modifications are a necessity to guarantee the safety of the students and teachers.”

     Due to first and fourth grade moving to Westview, the gymnasium will be expanded and a two-story addition will be added for $9.7 million. Meanwhile, the size of the kindergarten rooms will be expanded at Neal Wilkins for $300,000.

     The vote for this referendum will be approved or denied on April 7th. This is the same date that the school board election will be held.

Winter Sports Come to a Fantastic Finish

By Anna Skubal  

    “The winter sports seasons all exceeded expectations,” says athletic director Mr. Newton. Two sports had individual athletes qualify to go to state and one even qualified as a whole team.

    The boys’ swim team had a slow start to the season, placing last in their conference relays held at the beginning of the season. Things quickly improved, with the boys shaving off eight seconds from their 100 freestyle’s average time by the end of the season. (Eight seconds is a lot of time in the world of swimming.) They also had one swimmer go to the state swim meet. Sam Iselin (‘15) placed 13th for his 100 butterfly. A lot of the team’s best swimmers were seniors this year, but there are plenty of great athletes to take their places for next year.

    The girls’ basketball team had a good season. Having Jim Lawinger as a new coach this year certainly helped the girls gain some new skills. They were 4-6 in their conference. The boys’ basketball team placed 3rd in their conference with a record of 4-6. This year’s team consisted of mostly juniors, so next year they hope to come back even stronger.

    Platteville/Belmont Wrestling had a rather unfortunate season this year. It was looking pretty good at the beginning of the season; the team had a higher number of participants than in past years, including a foreign exchange student. However, a couple decided not to finish the season. For many, including Luke Fugate with a torn ligament in his shoulder, injuries shortened their seasons. The others on the team had to work even harder to try and compensate for the loss of their teammates. Isaac Wiegel, an wrestler from Belmont, qualified for state, ranking 9th in his division and weight class.

    Meanwhile, Platteville/Lancaster/Belmont Gymnastics had a fantastic season. The girls didn’t win the conference meet but went to state as a team, placing 8th overall. Grace Hammermeister (‘17) placed 2nd with her floor routine. There was only one graduating senior this year so the girls hope to come back even stronger in hopes of making it to state again and placing even higher next year.

ACT Mania: Juniors Take State-Mandated Tests

By Anna Greenhalgh

    This year, for the first time in Wisconsin, all high school juniors were required to take the ACT and the ACT WorkKeys tests. This is new to the Wisconsin SAS, which stands for the Wisconsin Student Assessment System. The Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE test), for example, is from the Wisconsin SAS. Wisconsin finally jumped on the wagon with other states that have been requiring their students to take these tests for years already.

    Presently in Wisconsin, students in high school take tests to prepare for the ACT before being in junior year such as the Explore, Plan, and Aspire tests.

    All Wisconsin’s juniors took the two tests on March 3rd and 4th, respectively, with the exception of those who made up the tests on March 17th and 18th. Some of the preparations for the PHS juniors leading up to the testing days  took place in class. With English, Reading, and an essay to write on the ACT, Mrs. Kies stepped up to the plate and did daily preparation with her English classes well before the tests. Math classes also had specific preparation with Mr. Sponsler in Algebra II. Mrs. Finnigan even made an appearance in the classrooms as she taught juniors how to prepare academically and mentally to “attack” the tests. The ACT College and Careers Standards, which double as the standards for Wisconsin education, are what guide teachers’ curriculum up to the test. You are tested on everything you have learned from kindergarten to junior year. Unlike most tests, you are penalized for missing questions, so it’s to your advantage to get an answer down - and yes, you may guess - for all the questions.

    “The ACT,” explains Mrs. Finnigan, “is more of an academic assessment, whereas the ACT WorkKeys is for career and workplace.” You can obtain a National Career Certification with WorkKeys; students going to college, whether it be a four-year or two-year, can use their ACT score in their portfolio now because of another new aspect: all Wisconsin technical schools accept the ACT.

    While the juniors slaved over papers to study and prepare, the PHS staff made  sure everyone was in the system so they could be tested, guaranteed that all students were registered, filled out paperwork, and more! They also reserved Ullsvik Hall for juniors to test in. Testing for the ACT is taken extremely seriously; Cuba City had a delay on the statewide testing day, and weren’t able to complete any testing at all due to the setback.

    “The students were phenomenal; I was so proud to look out into the sea of students and notice that every person in the room was taking the test intensely seriously,” Mrs. Finnigan expresses. “This is a high stress, high stakes test and the environment was perfect. It allowed people to have room, while the acoustics are perfect for absorbing sound. I could see a student tapping his foot, but you couldn’t hear it. The students could focus on testing rather than distracting noises.”

    “My brain wasn’t just fried after testing, it was deep fried.” Student Ivan Acierno (‘16) joked about the ACT. Of all the juniors who took the test, only seven were required to come in over spring break to make up the test. Mrs. Finnigan commented on how none of the students batted an eye at sacrificing their break to take the tests. A plus is that spectacular turnout on test day will get PHS  a good grade on our district report card.

    Results should be in towards the end of April, five to eight weeks after the make-ups are taken. The results will be mailed to each students’ respective homes to see even before the district sees them.

Focus in On This New Crime Thriller

by Matt Schaefer

     Every so often when you go to the movies, it’s more fun to root for the people that do the dirty work. Whether it be going for a bit of the old ultra-violence with Alex and his droogs in A Clockwork Orange or trying to determine the rat in the pack in Reservoir Dogs, bad guys can be just as fun as the good guys. And when that bad guy happens to be the king of cool Will Smith, it just makes the cheers come easier. Such is the case in the new con-artist flick Focus.

    What’s interesting about Focus is that it doesn’t have a typical plot. Instead, the movie follows the life of Nicky (played by Smith) as he meets a younger and less experienced con named Jess (played by Margot Robbie). We go along as these two as they play the streets for everything they’re worth and break the rules of the game by falling for each other.

    The writing of Focus is definitely its strongest suit, ending up being a cross between The Sting and Now You See Me. We immediately are intrigued by the characters the writers establish in this world of thievery and end up enjoying every step of the criminal thrill ride the characters go on. The cinematography accompanies the script brilliantly. There are moments of the film that are blurry, often during emotional scenes, which regain focus when clarity is achieved. We follow each member of Nicky’s ring as he or she picks and nicks everything that strikes his or her fancy. It’s a cool touch being able to see how the lifestyle works, but it’s also a very frightening concept that it can be just that easy.

    However, the story isn’t 100 percent sound. The attempt to establish an antagonist in the final act of the film isn’t very interesting when the film has been so successful without having a typical good guy/bad guy story. And as much as I love Will Smith, I feel like he’s been playing the same character since he came to cinema (think Hitch as a professional thief).

    In the end, Focus was a very cool film to sit through. The artistic filming techniques and solid script kept me entertained the whole way through. Just don’t go in expecting anything earth shattering. It’s just Will Smith doing what he does best: being cool.

Thinking Spring: Fashion Tips For 2015

by Pauline Justal

     Spring is here. Even if you can’t see it or feel it, it is here. This year’s spring trends vary from dreamy, ’70s-style Bohemia to no-nonsense, military-inspired styles. Every year pastels are a spring favorite and this year is not an exception. As the Chilean poet-diplomat and politician who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971 Pablo Neruda said “You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep spring from coming.”

     But this spring is special. Don’t you think it isnt fair that fashion is stereotypically for girls? This season is going to be different, though! Spring trends 2015 for MEN are here with a little advice from Ivan Acierno (‘16), “Light colors are always the way to go.” But to Hayley Strong (‘15) spring is just an in-between season to buy winter clothes on sale until it’s too warm and then you  move on to summer clothes.

     As one of the easiest patterns to pull off, stripes continue to hold their place in the modern gent’s wardrobe year after year. While the traditional Breton T-shirt is a typical spring/summer classic that hasn’t and will never fall out of fashion. This pattern has been re-imagined for the coming months.

     As said before, designers have been inspired by the ’70s this season . Many people will instantly think of the ’70s as one of the least stylish decades in recent memory. Perhaps it’s time for the skinny jean and slim-fit buttoned-up shirt to make room for something looser.

     But what do you think? Would you wear clothes that were popular in the ’70s? Or do you think flares, exaggerated collared shirts, and florals should remain in the past?

AP Literature Class Remakes Hamlet

by Melanie Schaefer  

     Everyone knows the normal route of an English class: read a book, take a test, move on. But instead, the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition class focuses more on projects along with writing an occasional paper. Hamlet was read individually with small assignments throughout the reading. Hamlet is a typical Shakespearean tragedy that takes place in olden day Denmark. Hamlet’s father had recently been killed and his ghost demands that Hamlet seeks avengance. Hamlet’s mother married his Uncle which set the story up for its’ fair share of dramatic scenes.

     Students were able to sign up individually for one of the five acts of the play upon completing the reading. Once the groups were formed, one person from each group drew a time period out of a hat. Modern day, the 1920s, 1950s, and the 1980s were all included.

     Now with this information, groups have to rewrite Hamlet in a way appropriate to their time periods and perform it. Spoiler alert: there were multiple “hey man”s in the 1950s group’s project. They then had to put together costumes and props to film their Hamlet act. Two weeks seems like plenty of time until the students started working. The project was assigned on March 2nd and was due on March 13th. But they buckled down and you can even watch some of the finished projects on YouTube.

To Dream of An Education: Schools For Haiti

by Beth Gardiner 

     Schools for Haiti is an organization supporting almost one thousand students in four schools, four principals, over thirty teachers, two cooks, several aids and helpers, security guards, and directors in Haiti. These numbers are only increasing as Schools for Haiti is making a bigger difference in the lives of Haitian people.

     Schools for Haiti has been working in the Mirabalais area of Haiti since 2004. It was started by a Cassville man named Len Demert who dedicated his life to the orphans and the people of Haiti. After seeing the conditions they were living in during his trip to Haiti, Demert decided it would be his mission to provide education to better the lives of the children there. Many children in Haiti cannot afford the tuition for school or only attend when they can pay for tuition. Schools for Haiti has had a mission of providing free education to the poorest children. Since Demert’s passing, his family has continued on his legacy of helping orphans receive education. These kids now have a better hope for the future.

     Last summer Schools for Haiti raised over $20,000 to provide school books for Haiti. This summer they have the same goal of raising $20,000. The goal this year isn’t just books, but includes playgrounds, bikes, a kitchen/cafeteria, dormitory doors, and library books. Schools for Haiti can’t do this on their own, and everyone has the opportunity to help!

     How can you help? Great question! With spring coming that will mean new shoes for your sports, the latest sandals, and a lot of old shoes just sitting in your closet. Don’t let them say there any longer! Schools for Haiti is collecting any type of gently worn footwear. Shoes will be collected during April, May, and June. The shoes will then be given to any organization that gives Schools for Haiti money for the shoes. The goal is to collect 400 bags of 25 pairs of schools. That’s 10,000 pairs of shoes! They need your help! Be listening for ways to donate shoes at PHS, and please contact Beth Gardiner if you have any questions.