Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 2006)
News 2006 Students explore Oregon's past, present, future _ M ary S cofield _______ _ _ Staff Reporter Working together and communicating effectively are important skills that all high school students need according to Todd Jones, social Studies teacher. Without those skills their future can be challenging. The new social studies class, Oregon, helps students work on those skills and to learn about their home state. Jones and Monica Emerick, social Studies teacher, are teaching a class focused on the history, current issues, and future possibilities of Oregonians. One third of the semester will be history; including the study of Native Americans, white settlers and their economy and how that affects the present day. Another part of the semester is dedicated to current issues as well as the challenges of Oregon today including the elections in November. "If you know about something, you'll care about it," Jones, said. Parent chaperone Terri Bandel and Diana Simpson, senior, saw a log at a recent field trip for Oregon the People. During a lumberjack exhibition, Sara Moon, senior, and Jordan Martin, junior, watched the traditional cross cut saw demonstration. Photo by Nicole Hutchinson Salsa Club members mix rhythms, cultures, steps L exi W elp Staff Reporter Dancing to a mix of African, Cuban and other Latin American rhythms and tunes, Salsa Club members met for the first time on Sept. 29 and will meet every Friday at lunch in Room E203 to learn new steps. "I started out not knowing any steps but the awesome thing about Latin American dance is it's all about freedom and self expression," Nathan Gonzalez, senior, and the president of the club said. Each week Gonzalez brings music to dance to and welcomes newcomers to enjoy a unique dancing experience, regardless of any previous knowledge or past dance lessons. Gonzalez was inspired by his love of Latin and the influence of his Spanish classes. Crosby Kisler, senior, added, "It simply gives us a chance to dance." The 10 to 12 people who show up learn how to dance and then practice the steps. Those who are more experienced dance to music Gonzalez supplies. continued on page 16 Students will practice presenting in front of peers, discussing and debating issues in class. The rest of the semester is focused on the future and what ways a student can revolutionize the future. "Where is the future economy shifting to, where will the jobs and professions be?" "What do you need to look forward to?" Are just a couple of the questions that students in the class will answer. The class is offered to juniors and seniors. "This class is for anyone who likes Oregon, and who likes to have fun; we are already having fun," Jones, said. Oregon is also for those who want to accomplish many things; and those who want to make a difference in the present and future. The students will leave this class with the ability to work and communicate with others and a better understanding of the Oregon that is our home. "Most people don't know that the Oregon Trail ended in Oregon City, across the river; and it is good to know about your home," Emerick said. The concept for this class was born when ideas for Oregon's 150th birthday party, in three years, were floating around. It was then thought that it could be a two week curriculum course in most history classes. Jones and Emerick thought that the course could be a semester long class where Oregon's past, present and future were the main point, because the information is important for students to know when they Distant dream turns into reality S achìe H opkins Staff Reporter school in the Portland area to adopt a sister school through the Harambee Center. "Southridge (High School in Beaverton) took four students last summer to their sister During the second year of GATA's existence, a relationship began to develop with the Harambee Center in Portland. Students took a field "The goal o f the trip is to trip to learn about the either help our sister school chance to have a sister create a com puter lab, o r school, and to maybe to help fin d a reliable w ater travel to Africa. What source fo r the sch o o l," began as a distant dream David Frick, G A T A adviser has now developed into a definite reality. Last year West Linn adopted the Namwela school and the trip was Secondary School in Chwele, very successful," Frick said. Kenya. The relationship "However, our trip is taking began with last year's place on a much bigger scale.' freshmen sending pen pal Perhaps the most exciting letters to students there. part for most West Linn Many photos were received along with descriptions of a JH very different place. West Linn is the second National Merit Semifinalists have high hopes l i l i i i l Ifiif le iiliri________ n continued from page 1 History, AP Calculus AB, AP European History, AP English, AP Music Theory, AP Statistics and Spanish V. Alix Gerber Future plans: Hopes to attend Cornell University. Extracurricular activities: Enjoys stage managing and drawing in her spare time. Advanced classes: Spanish IV and V, Honors Humanities, AP English, Honors English, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Environmental Science, Physics, and AP Studio Art. Eric Nesbit Future plans: College, move to Europe Extracurricular activities: Symphonic Band and Jazz Band. Advanced classes: AP U.S. History, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus CD, AP Physics, Honors Humanities. Marta Hanson Future plans: Hopes to attend college and law school. She also hopes to travel a lot. Extracurricular activities: She is currently in the musical "Crazy for You," Jazz Choir, Symphonic Choir, National Honor Society, French Language Honor Society, Kaleidoscope, Thespian Troupe 1915, and takes private voice and piano lessons. Advanced classes: AP U.S. Audrey Riesen Future plans: Hopes to attend Santa Clara University to study engineering and is also interested in a pre-dental program. Extracurricular activities: WLHS theater production "Crazy for You," Bible Study and Youth Group. Advanced classes: AP U.S. History, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus CD, AP Physics, AP Studio Art, Honors Humanities, AP English, leave high school. "Since we live in Oregon, it is important to know about our state's background. Oregon has an interesting story... people thought that it was the Garden of Eden back then," Jeff Bandel, senior, said. So far this fall, students have already visited the Oregon Historical Society for the exhibit The First Peoples; the Portland Art Museum to learn about native peoples though art; the McLoughlin House studying settlers and Fort Vancouver because it is the most important settleAment in the Northwest. "I think that I will take away form this class respect for my state and home, and skills for the future," Bandel said. Honors Law A. Molly Robison Future plans: Anything art related. Extracurricular activities: Vice President of Green Team, takes classes at a recording studio. Advanced classes: Honors Humanities, AP Environmental Science, AP Calculus, Honors English. Heather Wallace Future plans: To travel and explore the world. Extracurricular activities: Enjoys theater, is also very involved in her church and is a Middle School Youth Group Leader. She also started an organization to raise money for a well in Africa. Advanced classes: AP U.S. History, Honors English, Honors Physics, AP Physics, Symphonic Band, AP English, Honors Humanities, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus CD. m. students is the opportunity to travel to Kenya from July 24 to Aug. 14 to visit the school. Approximately 20 students will be accepted after completing an application and selection process. Several staff members will chaperone the group. "The goal of the trip is to either help our sister school create a computer lab, or to help find a reliable water source for the school," Frick said. "The sister school project is an exciting, incredible, awesome way for West Linn students to create personal relationships and a cultural bridge to people their own age in Africa. This kind of project transforms lives." Vihmma MtoriMiq sctm, ..... p-D 00 X............. ....... ...... QÌMLI&.,....... .......... K£ff^A- *•<3* /jum / iòne. D tüf..,5 ociHip H Qfmns , p . Hü!lew,.ruj e mmö arc ... 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A pen pal letter written by Simiyu Marximillan, student of Namwela Secondary School to Sachie Hopkins, sophomore, as a part of the sister school relationship. Correspondence began between students at West Linn and Nemwela last year. Letters included information on everything from hobbies to family to school life.
