Eric Perez
Assistant Editor Standardized testing is right around the corner. This year the third trimester brings testing to the junior class, one of those tests is the ISAT. The ISAT is the Idaho Standards Achievement Test. The Scholastic Aptitude Test or the SAT is another test, it is an extremely important test that could just get somebody a scholarship. A high score on the test looks tremendous for college or university and could give someone opportunities that someone with a bad score would never have recieved. Standardized testing has always been a pain for high school students, however the SAT is one of the most important tests if someone is wanting a college education. All high school students must take tests whether it is the ISAT, the SAT, or any test. The ISAT is more of a check up test which is a Comprehensive Assessment Test. There are three subjects tested in the ISAT’s: English, Science, and Math. Along with ISAT testing, juniors in addition to the ISAT need to take the SAT. The SAT is an extremely important test for all juniors, and students are advised to take the test. One school day each year is set aside to give the students a chance to take the test. An excellent score on the SAT could just get someone into a college. The test is made to help college admissions, help a student look professional, and show potential. A scholarship or a superb college admission could mean the world to students, and the SAT can do that for any juniors who are shooting for a high score. The tests will be split throughout the whole month of April. The first week of ISATS is always the hardest for most students. Getting into the groove of testing is difficult at the beginning, however during the second week there will be a break because the SAT is that week. Wednesday the 12th is SAT’s which means the juniors will not need to take the ISAT that week. High School testing can be an amazing opportunity. Students should pace themselves and study for third trimester testing. Having an exceptional test score has too many benefits to throw away. ISAT’s, SAT’s, with any other tests can be difficult for any student; however, once the student has started testing it should not be taken lightly.
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Roman Davis
Staff Writer A whisper or story of sorts has been spread throughout Bonneville High School, favored toward those with preferred names and anyone under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. The story entailed a list of students' preferred names and pronouns, and circulated many of these individuals that have had their preferred names listed on some counseling notes and addressed by their preferred pronouns. With countless students left wondering, an interview was conducted with Bonneville's very own Mr. Jared Smith, one of the school's three counselors. After an interview with Smith, the tale was neither confirmed nor denied, leaving much to speculation. Is there a list or not? After being asked about the story circulating, he did say, "There might or might not be a list. [W]hat matters is that you learn to accept yourself.” His answers mostly talked about self acceptance, as many students are trying to discover themselves while attending high school. In addition, Smith also mentioned that being a counselor involves assisting others with figuring out who they are and who they want to be. One sagacious question became the theme of the interview: “At the end of the day, is it the list or the self-acceptance?” After all, does the school district agree with the use of students' preferred names and pronouns? Along with the talk about the supposed list, a few questions about the district’s policy on preferred names and pronouns were asked. Smith explained, “because most students are still minors, we have to respect the parent’s decision. I do try to make them feel welcome and accepted. Our job as counselors is to help students find their own path to make.” While the district does not allow students to put their preferred names in PowerSchool, most teachers make an effort to try to use them. While District policies are not subject to change, the acceptance both the teachers and counselors give is something like no other. Speaking on the district policy and PowerSchool, a statement was given by BHS' principal Levi Owen. He said, "I don’t know that I have a lot [to] add on the pronoun story, honestly. We work with kiddos everyday to try and make our school welcoming and inclusive. I have outlined my expectations of office staff and shared the attached document with each counselor, secretary, and [administrator]. As for any 'lists' or what is in PowerSchool, we simply follow board policy. If individuals choose to utilize different names, that is their prerogative. We have several students who go by 'nicknames'" Most schools in the past would not have been as accepting as BHS to the current students under their school, showing just how much today's society has changed. While the whisper will still make the rounds, think back to what Smith said: “At the end of the day, is it the list or the self-acceptance?” After all, does anyone need a list to show who they are? Grisel Gonzalez
Staff Writer There is an important group of students within Bonneville High School that is in charge of various events. The Student Council (STUCO) at BHS is responsible for organizing occasions such as assemblies, dances, after-school events, spirit week events, fundraisers, and student council meetings. This group allows students to develop leadership skills and gives them an opportunity to discover more about themselves and their peers. Getting involved in school activities can also help students perform better academically and excel in several areas. Being a part of Student Council requires students to be well-spoken and responsible individuals. Mrs. Yorgason, the staff advisor for STUCO, arranged a meeting in her office a few weeks ago for anyone interested in running for the 2023-2024 school year. At the meeting, Yorgason provided everyone with an application form that they were required to fill out. The application allowed the students to indicate what position they were running for and answer other additional questions. After students turned in their filled out applications, they were allowed to bring small treats and to “begin campaigning or making posters to encourage other students to vote for them,” as stated by Yorgason. The elections were held for an entire week; voting opened on Thursday, and closed on Friday. Anyone at BHS could easily vote for their preferred candidate via an email-based survey sent on Thursday. This survey tallies up the votes and reveals the candidate with the most ballots. Anyone who was not voted in who ran for a position still had another chance to be a part of the student council. “Petitioning onto the council” means that students are allowed to be interviewed a week after elections are over. These interviews took place in Yorgason’s room after the elections were over. The two highest interviewees from each grade level were chosen to be “STUCO representatives'' for their class. So, the Student Council gives students multiple chances to take part in their association and contribute to the school. Being involved in STUCO provides plenty of opportunities and gives students a better high school experience. Ash Merritt
Staff Writer Each year the choir students go on a tour; this year they went to American Leadership Academy (ALA) and Arizona State University (ASU). The team takes this trip to bond as a group, become a part of a family that will last a lifetime, and learn to have a wonderful experience even in uncomfortable situations. Making a family out of a team is a bonding experience and gives the students a way to learn together. Alexis VanLeuven a senior alto explains that, “It is a week of sharing our music and talents across the states while learning how to grow independently and as a family. We get to grow special bonds with each other and continue to grow friendships that will last a lifetime.” Building friendships is key to making the students feel comfortable around one another. This comradery aids in the groups togetherness in their singing. In addition to building friendships, learning together creates a special connection between the students. Choir students were pushed out of their comfort zones while being far away from home. “On this tour I learned how to push myself out of my comfort zone more than I ever had before tour. And I truly felt like I belonged,” a bass and junior , Brooks Marler declares. He explained that although the trip was not completely enjoyable, the tour did provide a great experience and a new comfortability for many students. In addition, sophomore Aubrey Barnard another alto mentions being taken out of their safe space as well: “ I talked to people who I wouldn't normally do and did things that were out of my comfort zone. It was wonderful!” Even though both Marler and Barnard were taken into uncomfortable situations they still had a fantastic time. Choir took this retreat to help vocalists learn more about their craft and build stronger bonds amongst the group. Jaden Brighton, a sophomore bass, expresses, “I was almost in tears for those who couldn't make it because I knew it would be a life changing experience. Needless to say, I was correct.... ASU was a destination that still quakes in my heart. Dr. Jace Saplan taught us exercises and a mindset that I will never forget.” This event brings a new perspective to the way choir students are studying and gives them a chance to explore more about musical study. “Final night, we had a Sum It for the tour in which a lot of people got up and said what had impressed, improved, and connected among the choirs.” Ammon Creager, another sophomore bass exclaims, finding new ways to learn and adapt together as a big group had helped the students work more with what they could expand on and what they could fix within themselves as a family. |
CampusCampus News is where stories relating directly to Bonneville reside. Most are reports on school activities and events. Archives
May 2024
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