Winterizing your home
By LIAM SUTTLES
There are many things that you can do to prepare your home for winter. The first day of winter is December 21st, but in Iowa, many people start to run their furnace in October. Here are some winterizing suggestions that will help you save money.
• Change the furnace filter
• Run fans in reverse to circulate the warm air
• Turn off exterior water spigots
• Drain hoses and stow them away
• Remove window air conditioning units
• Lower the water heater to 120 degrees
• Install storm doors and windows
• Have your heating system checked and tuned up
• Install a smart meter that can be programmed to turn down the heat when you’re not home
• Install window insulation or plastic to cover them
• Use caulking and weather-stripping on corners, around chimneys, where pipes & wires exit, along the foundation, and around windows (inside and out)
• Turn the heat down and wear more clothing at home
• Add insulation to walls, in attics, and basement ceilings
• Insulate pipes
• Seal ducts
These are a few things you can do to prepare for winter. Take the time and winterize your home and you will find that you may have some extra money to spend.
Running out of time
The Yearbook staff would like to remind you that you must have a senior portrait and a baby picture turned in by January 20th 2010. This picture must be vertical in order to fit on the page. If you are unable to meet this deadline please contact Deb Maxwell so that arrangements can be made to have a picture taken or if it will be a later arrival on the photo. It is very important that we receive their pictures as soon as possible so that we can get them in the yearbook, so if you have them done please bring them in.
Dawn will also need to have three pictures turned in. The pictures are for prom, the newspaper, and the class composite. Please do not turn in a black and white photo for the newspaper. All of these pictures must also be vertical. In all we need four pictures turned in of your son/daughter in addition to the baby picture.
Once again please get these pictures turned in as soon as possible. Everybody wants to be in the yearbook, so get your pictures turned in. Thanks again for your time and if you have any questions please contact the Belle Plaine High School.
Meet Ariel
By TUCKER GERARD
Ariel Hawkins is a senior at Belle Plaine High School. Ariel participates in many school activities and is well known. For those of you who don’t know Ariel here is some information regarding one of her favorite activities, band.
What is it like being the marching band director?
“It’s a thrill! There are good and bad parts as with any thing else but overall, I enjoy it.”
What did you have to learn to do to lead the band?
“I personally went to band camp the summer before my junior year, but not everyone does that. Learning how to conduct in four isn’t enough, though. There’s a lot to it.”
How long have you been the drum major?
“Two years”
What do you like about it?
“I like seeing a bit of what it’s like to be a real band director and watching the band improve as the season goes on.”
Do you plan on going to college and participating in the marching band? If so, where?
“Yes, I plan to attend UNI.”
What are marching practices like?
“The practice depends upon the day; however, our normal practices include running our half-time show and perfecting the music, steps, transitions, and more.”
What are your goals for the marching band?
“I hope that they improve, both musically and stylistically. They can definitely push for better scores at contest! I have every faith in their ability to improve.”
What are your plans for after high school?
“I plan to attend UNI, majoring in instrumental music education and English education.”
What activities, trips, and extra-curricular events have you been involved with?
“I have been involved in too many activities too list! However, some of them include singing the musicals Once Upon a Mattress and Ellie Greenwich: The Life story, participating in individual and group speech, being in all available forms of cheerleading, running in track for a couple of years and cross country for one, playing for honor bands, honor choirs, and more.”
Why do you think it is important to get involved in school activities?
“School activities help students develop skills that aren’t taught in the classroom. More often than not, active students are better able to push themselves, strive for their best, and be successful. Being involved is an important way to learn and grow, and learning is much easier when it is time to show those on your team just how dedicated you are to becoming better.”
For those of you who have never met Ariel seek her out and introduce yourselves. She is a great example of one of Belle Plaine High School’s finest.
Help Us Stop Hunger Program
By Kaleb Gorsch
Last year over 7,000 deer were donated to the HUSH Program, which donates deer meat to the needy. Iowa hunters, locker owners, DNR, Food Bank of Iowa, and volunteers have come together to create Help Us Stop Hunger (HUSH).
The program promotes hunters to buy antlerless tags to help reduce the deer population and provide unwanted meat to families in need. In the 2008-09 deer hunting season the donated deer meat provided 1.3 million meals for families in Iowa. 90 Iowa lockers participated in the program last year and received $65.00 per processed deer. HUSH also requires each deer tag to charge an additional $1.00 to help fund the HUSH program.
The 2009-10 shotgun deer seasons begin with 1st season being from December 5th through the 9th, and second season is from December 12 through 20th. Antlerless seasons are November 27 through 29th and January 11 through 31st.
Keys to successful Christmas shopping
By STERLING FORMANEK
It is as good of a time as any to start your Christmas shopping. Christmas is in a few weeks…just around the corner. Here are some helpful hints for a successful shopping experience.
1. Make a list of who you need to buy for…don’t forget the teachers
2. Write down your budget and split it up
3. Find out what people want in casual conversation
4. Shop around since you have plenty of time
5. Start now to avoid the crowds
6. Look for discounts and early bird sales
7. Buy the “wanted” gifts now before everything is picked over
8. Stocking stuffers can wait until last because they don’t get picked over as much
9. Find ways to save money by creating or making your own personal gifts
10. Shop online and only shop where there is free shipping
11. Buy more than one gift online & at the same store, so you receive free shipping
12. Watch for coupons in the local papers or in magazines
13. Get gift certificates for those hard to buy people
14. Cash is always a great gift for teens
15. Wrap your gifts at home instead of at the store/mall to save money
If you follow these tips you will have a stress-free holiday season. Start now and you won’t regret it.
Christmas Concert
By ALEXANDRIA BROWN
Christmas is just around the corner and with Christmas comes snow, caroling, and Jack Frost nipping at your nose. Christmas concerts will also be under way to show holiday and Plainsman spirit, for the 7-12th grade students of Belle Plaine, directed by Mr. Allen and Mrs. McFate for PreK-8. In speaking with Mr. Allen and Mrs. McFate, a good deal of information was revealed.
Mr. Allen how long have you been a music director?
“This is my sixth year.”
What are the selections the band and choir are playing for the Christmas Concert?
“The band is playing Greensleeves, Deck the Halls and God Rest you Merry Men. The choir is singing In December’s Keep, Carol of the Bells and Believe.
What is your favorite selections that are going to be played at the Christmas Concert and why?
“For band, Greensleeves because it is one of the best pieces of concert band literature, choir Carol of the Bells.
How are the band and choir starting off this year?
“Band is right on pace, but choir is a little ahead of things.”
Is there anything you do different from most music teachers?
“I really don’t think so, most music teachers just want their students to work hard and do their best.”
What is the most memorable thing you have ever seen while being a music director?
“I have many memories, but my most memorable, and recent memory is receiving a division one rating at state contest last year.”
What are some important qualities that you try to teach your students?
“Being on time, being well prepared, and teamwork”
What is your favorite part about being a teacher?
“When all of our hard work comes together and we truly learn something.”
What is your favorite Christmas Song, and why?
“The Christmas Song!” (Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire)
Is their any advice you would like to give to your future or present students?
“PRACTICE!!!”
Mrs. McFate, when is the Christmas concert and what are the grades participating?
“There are two. December 7 will be PreK, first, kindergarten, second, third, fourth, fifth, fifth band, sixth, and sixth band. December 16 will be JH choir, JH band, HS choir, and HS band.”
What are the selections the PreK.-8 shall be singing?
“I like to save this as a surprise. There will be a few traditional and a few newer pieces.”
How is each of the choirs doing individually?
“Very well!” (Don’t tell them that because I want them to achieve more.)
What is the funniest Christmas concert you’ve ever been to?
“The first Christmas Concert I did here, when I fell into the hole while conducting a song, I kept going.”
How long have you been a music teacher?
“16 years!”
Do your selections contain any soloists, who and what song?
“Not this time!!”
Is there anything you do different from other music teachers?
“I am a different person with different specialties in music, so of course. We all have the same goal of excellence and achieve wore each time.”
What is your favorite part about being a teacher?
“There’s never a dull moment, and I love it when a student “gets it” and appreciates music as much as I do.”
What are some things you try to teach your students?
“All music has some value and purpose. I like to leave them with exposure to the basics of all music.”
What is your favorite song to be sung by the choirs?
“Wow, I have many favorites. Asking that question is like asking me which parent I like the best. I want it all!”
Well now you know, the PreK through 6th grade Holiday Concert is December 7th and the 7th through 12th grade Holiday Concert is December 16th. Mrs. Mcfate has fallen into the hole on the stage, in the Lee gym, (before it was covered up) and Mr. Allen loves the classics.
And the wrestling season begins
By LANCE HINSCHBERGER
The Belle Plaine wrestlers are gearing up for another successful season. The season started on Nov. 16. Zakk Buch and Tony Jones, a couple of wrestlers who have had quite an impact on the Belle Plaine wrestling team for the last few years, have a few things to say about BP wrestling.
Zakk Buch, Belle Plaine, Senior, had the following responses:
What do you like about wrestling?
“I like the one-on-one aspect of wrestling and also how everyone’s individual match score is combined into a team score and it then becomes a team sport. I also like that it is the best conditioning and workout that anyone can get.”
What is your most memorable moment from wrestling?
“Wrestling in the State Finals last year and receiving a team trophy following the finals.”
What are a few of your goals for this wrestling season?
“I want to be an undefeated State Champion. I also want the team to be a place winner at the state duals and be in the top five at traditional state.”
How do you think the team will perform this year?
“Everyone knows that we lost a good class last year but we still have half of our state qualifiers returning for another year. Also, with the underclassmen standing up and the incoming freshman class, I still have high expectations for our team.”
Tony Jones, Belle Plaine Senior, had the following responses:
What is your favorite thing about wrestling?
“The things you get from the sport, such as hard work, dedication, determination, teamwork, winning, losing, and overcoming fatigue.”
What is your most memorable moment from wrestling?
“Winning my first round match down at state over a ranked opponent” But there are more moments on the horizon.
What are a few of your goals this wrestling season?
“To take one match at a time and get better with every match" If I do, we will see how I will finish”
How do you think the team will perform this year?
“I think we will win Conference and surprise some people this year by winning Regionals to qualify for State Duals.”
These two senior wrestlers have been in the program for quite a while and they are looking for another dominating season. Come and watch the teams at all of our dual meets and our home tournament on December 5th to cheer on our wrestlers. Have a great season and good luck!
Really?
By ALEX GALLARDO
Reality TV has become more popular throughout the years. It first started with MTV’s Road Rules and Real World. Today, there is not a night of the week on a station that doesn’t feature some kind of reality show.
Here are just a few…
• American Idol
• America’s Got Talent
• Dancing with the Stars
• So You Think You Can Dance
• Real World
• World Strictest Parents
• Survivor
• Amazing Race
Phillip Farr, freshman, said, “I like to watch Most Shocking. It is intense to watch
people crash and get hurt.”
Dakota Hamilton, freshman, commented, “Myth Busters…because they put everything to the test.”
Mrs. Drexler, BPHS staff, mentioned, “My favorite reality show is Wipe Out. I like to see people get punched in the face and fall in the water due to wiping out.”
Julie Long, freshman, said, “My favorite reality show is 18 Kids and Counting. I like to watch it because it is awesome that a family can be that large and still be healthy and functioning properly.”
Freshman, Christina Brake said, “My favorite reality TV show is American Idol. Watching the auditions can be hilarious and being able to see good singer be judged by Simon Cowell can also be funny.”
Dustin Drexler, sophomore, commented, “Wipe Out because it’s funny.”
Shelby Markham, senior, mentioned, “Real World because it’s funny to see all the drama that goes on outside of Belle Plaine.”
Kayla Bergom, freshman, commented, “America’s Got Talent…I like to see all of the weird talents out there.”
With so many reality shows out there, who knows what they’re going to come up with next, but there are plenty for all kinds of viewers to watch and enjoy.
Yearbooks make a great Christmas gift - order yours today
Belle Plaine is offering a great way to purchase the best book-of-the-year, the 2009-2010 yearbook, From Blueprints to Footprints directly through the mail or online. The 2009-2010 yearbook would make a great Christmas gift for your son or daughter, so if you have not ordered one please do so now.
In a partnership with Jostens, our yearbook printer, Belle Plaine is offering a program for purchasing yearbooks from the home. This simple method will eliminate the need for students to bring money to the school and allow parents the opportunity to discuss purchase decisions with students at home. Yearbook purchases will be made through the mail, Internet, or by simply calling a toll-free service hotline, 1-866-282-1516. Additionally, a special feature of this program allows parents the option of an installment payment plan. If you would like to order through the school please contact Mrs. Maxwell.
In October, students should have received complete details to order their 2009-2010 yearbook, available options and ordering instructions. This is the only opportunity to purchase the yearbook this year, so make sure you get your yearbook ordered. If you have not received information and would like to purchase a yearbook you may contact Jostens directly or contact Mrs. Maxwell with any questions. You do not want to miss out on the opportunity to order a yearbook. There will not be extra yearbooks ordered this year, so please get yours now so you don’t miss out on the special moments of the school year.
The Belle Plaine, 2009-2010, From Blueprints to Footprints is being produced by the yearbook staff under the directions of Adviser Deb Maxwell and edited by Editor-In-Chief Jessica Landuyt and Brian Crow, seniors.
Helping local animal shelters
By KAYLA BERGOM
Just like people, pets come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and attitudes. Sometimes a pet may not fit in to a family or get along with another pet and would have to find another home. There are many local animal shelters and humane societies that can help, but people should know that they too can help these animal shelters as well.
Some ways people can help is by donating money to help pay for pet supplies, donating bags of food, cat litter, toys, bedding, and grooming utensils. Another way to help is to volunteer your time by cleaning dog kennels, walking dogs, grooming animals, and doing other odd chores. Many shelters also have a foster program where animals are kept in homes until adoption.
Some local shelters are…
Cedar Valley Humane Society
7411 Mount Vernon Rd. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA
Website: www.cvhumnane.org
Friends of the Shelter Inc.
5999 25th Ave Trail
Vinton, IA
(The shelter does not have set open hours but you can call the shelter (319-472-4623) to set up an appointment or email. jdcasey@hughes.net)
Tama Co. Humane Society
1406 E. 5th St.
Tama, IA
Contact Lori at 641-691-7676
Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown
1921 Taylor Avenue
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641)753-9046
Website: www.arlmarshalltown.com
Belle Plaine wrestling
By CHRIS ROTH
The 2009-2010 season of wrestling at Belle Plaine has begun. In sitting down with Coach Yilek, we find out how he feels the wrestling season is going and how it will continue to proceed. Coach Yilek had the following to say:
What is the team outlook of the season?
“We want to work hard and become the best individuals we can be.”
Do you appreciate the new coaching staff?
“I always appreciate our staff and what they give to the program. We would not accomplish what we have without them.”
Who are the new coaches this year?
“Tim Fisher a Prairie graduate; is new. The other coaches are Kurt Hinschberger, Jim Drahos, and Nick Gallagher.”
How long have you been coaching?
“This will be my 25th year.”
Have you coached any where besides Belle Plaine?
“Carlisle, Woodbine, and Vinton”
What do you look forward to going into the season?
“The opportunity to work with great young men and help them achieve their goals”
What are your goals for the season?
“As Always: Conference Champions, State Champion, and for all the wrestlers to take some of this great support that they have and use it later in life.”
As always we would like to wish our wrestlers and coaches the best of luck during the wrestling season. We would also like to see as many fans as possible get out there and support our wrestlers. Go Plainsmen!!
Belle Plaine basketball 2009-2010
By COOPER NORTHROP
With the 2009-2010 basketball seasons fast approaching, the Belle Plaine Plainsmen have started preparing for their big season. The Plainsmen have two returning starters from last year’s 12 win and 11 loss season. They also have quite a few juniors that have some experience to help in assisting the team. To see what Coach Northrop thinks about the upcoming season I sat down and asked him the following questions:
What do you think the Plainsmen’s biggest strengths and biggest weaknesses will be this year?
“Our biggest strength will be the quickness and athletic ability. We have great leadership in the senior class and some underclassmen that have played a lot of basketball. The area that we will have to start improving in from day one will be building depth. We have a lot of talented basketball players, but not a lot of game experience at the varsity level.”
Where in the conference do you think the Plainsmen will stand at the end of the season?
“We have the ability to compete with anyone. We had a very successful summer and played some very good teams. Our conference will be very competitive with a few teams that could very well be in Des Moines at the end of the year. I truly believe if we play to our ability that we should be in the upper half of the SICL. Basketball is a great game because anyone can have an off night and be upset.”
What do you like most about coaching basketball?
“Coaching is something that I grew up with. My father coached football, basketball, golf, and track. At a very young age I believe I picked up on the coaching mentality. I find it very challenging and really understand the privilege that I have to be around young men. The X’s and O’s of the game is only just a part of coaching. Getting young men to push themselves and help them realize their full potential is what I love about coaching.”
So there you have it, Coach Northrop has some pretty high expectations and is looking forward to the basketball season. Good luck Plainsmen!
Counseling Office News
By LISA DAILY
TAKING THE ACT? Be sure to pick up a “Preparing for the ACT” practice packet in the guidance office BEFORE you take the test.
THE BPHS FALL BLOOD DRIVE WAS A SUCCESS! On Monday, Nov. 23, 81 students and community members volunteered to donate blood. The Blood Center of Iowa collected a total of 69 units!!! Forty-one people were first time donors. Thanks to all the donors and workers who helped make our blood drive a success!!!
A CYCLONE CAME THROUGH BPHS: Paige Henning ’09 returned to BPHS from Iowa State University to share some words of wisdom with Mrs. Coffman’s classes. As a 2009 winner of the Christina Hixson Scholarship, Paige gave great insight on preparing for college and succeeding once you get there. Thanks, Paige!
NOVEMBER PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES AT BPHS. Thanks to all parents and students who attended our fall conferences. It was a great opportunity to get an update of student performance and progress. Here’s the final tally on conference attendance: 84 percent of the freshman class; 65 percent of the sophomore class; 73 percent of the junior class; and 78 percent of the senior class. Congratulations to Mr. Dahlquist and his advisees; they had 100 percent attendance at conferences.
SILVER CORD REMINDER: Want to be recognized for your devotion to our community at your graduation ceremony? If you have 160+ hours of community service, silver cords will be yours! Opportunities for community service are all around us. See Miss Daily for more information.
SILVER CORD OPPORTUNITY: The Salvation Army needs volunteers for their Kettle Campaign in Cedar Rapids. Kids of any age may assist with bell ringing throughout the entire holiday season (under age 14 requires adult supervision). Volunteers are also needed on Dec. 14th to set up the Toy Shop. If you cannot provide your own transportation, a local community member is interested in volunteering also.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
East-Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative is awarding 10-$500 scholarships to the children of members who want to continue their education. It will also award up to 2-$1000 scholarships to children of members who are accepted to, and attend, the Powerline Technology Program at Northwest Iowa Community College. Our very own Ben Novak & Paige Lohf each won one of these last year! Ask your parents if you are an REC customer. See Miss Daily to pick up an application. DEADLINE: Due in REC’s office no later than 4 p.m. on March 1, 2010.
The Dale Schroeder Memorial Scholarship Program is for legal residents of the State of Iowa that reside in a community with a population between 1 and 10,000. The award can be up to $15,000 per year for a student’s undergraduate study! Scholarship candidates must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and pursue a bachelor’s degree at Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, or the University of Northern Iowa. Complete your application online at www.act.org/daleschroeder. The online application is available from January 1 through April 5. DEADLINE: 5 p.m. on April 5, 2010.
Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go Scholarship recognizes high school seniors who understand and value the limitless possibilities that education can offer with a scholarship award. One $5000 scholarship will be awarded based upon your essay submission. Deadline is February 15, 2010.
Second semester planning is underway! All schedule changes have to be made by December 9.