Hazelwood and Benson Case: Write a five paragraph essay on Hazelwood and Benson, five similarities for both and three differences. Using your Venn Diagram 

         Don’t you ever wonder what happens when the freedom of press is violated? Is it a giant courtroom brawl? Or is it a small disagreement settled by a little talking? Not really. Just a discussion between adults, or in this case a mature conversation. These are two different cases with several things with several things in common.

       The Hazelwood case started as some students wrote an article about teen pregnancy and divorce. They saw nothing wrong with it since they used initials and didn’t use and specificity. Shortly after the article was released in the paper the principal saw it as inappropriate. The article was removed even though it was too late for them to write a new story. The principal held the students responsible for the article instead of the staff. The students took the principal to district court on a violation of the first amendment. The court sided with the school saying that the school was allowed to control what went into the paper. Then they went into the US Supreme Court. The Supreme Court sided with the school. 

      The Benson case was just a couple students writing an eight page spread to inform people on the use of the n word. They used the other students and staff for more than their points of view. They showed the article to the principal who said that as long as it was worded correctly. The students printed the article and it was sent out in the school and posted to the school’s website. The school began getting calls from offended parents and inhabitants of Benson. The school put the principal on administrative leave but it wasn’t released. After the school launched an investigation, an OPS staff member  informed the residents of Benson that they would be taking appropriate action. Though it got major publicity the case was never actually taken to court.

       Even though there is plenty different between both cases there are some things that are similar. Like both cases violated the freedom of press on school grounds. Both quickly became very public very quickly. Both papers were allowed by staff to be published also in both instances the paper was removed from where people could see it.

        Overall when the freedom of press is violated it isn’t a huge fun or funny experience. It’s boring and drawn out. The Benson and Hazelwood cases are perfect examples of that. It’s a little ironic that both cases are so similar yet so different even though they’re years apart from each other.

Something Big: Obviously words are very powerful. Words start (and end) wars, start (and end) friendships and relationships, and they start (and end) every single day. In journalism, words and their context can shape an opinion or immerse a reader in a story that can't be told any other way.  After reading the information about the cases we have and what we know about bias, reflect on a time when your words have started (or ended) something big.

       Personally I don’t think that I have ended anything by saying something wrong but I had a best friend in elementary. We met in preschool and were friends for what felt like an eternity. Once we got to fifth grade she stopped hanging out with me so much. One day she told me that she didn’t want to be friends with someone like me because I wasn’t cool enough for her. After that day we just stopped being friends but every so often she would try and act like she did nothing wrong. We never really went back to being friends again... meh.

Fairy Tales: Create a doc called "Fairy Tale". First: Link to your "original Fairy Tale" at the top. Then put your 5Ws and H (listed). Start your lead and write the draft. Also you will need to get an edit and revise the Fairy Tale story. You need to use a partner you have not worked with before. Watch spelling, punctuation, grammar. Also make sure it wasn't just a summary of the story! Use the rubric (above). Make this your best editing you've done.

Ex-Queen Sentenced To Death

   The now Ex-Queen sentenced to the punishment of death for the attempted murders of Sleeping Beauty and her children. Today, an uproar nearly tears Council Bluffs apart over if King Thomas or Queen Anastasia should be punished.

   “The King was very off whenever he came to visit Sleeping Beauty.” Said Sleeping Beauty’s former neighbor, Snow White. “Very shady.”

   At the time Snow White had no knowledge that King Thomas was still married to Queen Anastasia when Sleeping Beauty and the King were seeing each other.

   We picked up on this story because of two separate stories we’d done before the first about the curse from the wise woman which put Sleeping Beauty into an eternal rest and the other about Queen Anastasia believing that King Thomas was being unfaithful to their marriage. 

     Supporters of the impeached Queen Anastasia have begun to protest the police in their acts of keeping the Queen in prison until the sentence is finalized and target supporters of the King. Followers of Sleeping Beauty have tried to calm the people but nothing seems to cure the anger and unrest the dwells in the Kingdom.

   This problem has almost all of Council Bluffs divided, protesting, and fighting. Many people of the town are in danger.

Facebook Interviews: Facebook interview: 3 quotes For or Against Facebook in school, Personal reflection (why). Create a doc called "Facebook Interviews" and write your hard news structured article. The topic is Facebook in school. The focus is "being for or against using facebook for education in school". Both sides of the story are important. But don't just try to "get a quote."  Use what we learned for structure as well.

     Students weigh in on school Facebook be allowed in school. This Monday at Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa the administration banned Facebook from every student laptop that was lent to the students for learning purposes. When asked the administration had no comment on the issue.

        Since this issue affects the students we caught up with a few and asked their opinion.

Madisyn is a Thomas Jefferson student.

       “I am against it because I think that it distracts people  from their work.” Said Madisyn. “And that we don’t really have a use for it.”

        Next we interviewed Brianna. She’s a freshman at Thomas Jefferson.

           “No because I feel like learning is more important and there’s no purpose.” Said Brianna.

      Last we interviewed Abigail. She’s also a freshman at Thomas Jefferson.

           “Yes because in some classes Facebook can help with certain things.” Abigail said.

     When we asked the administration for an interview they declined and had no comment on the matter. The ban of Facebook in Thomas Jefferson is a good thing, it will stop one of the many easy phone distractions.

Puppy Mills Kill Dogs: Work must be completed on the feature story before the final draft will be graded. Double check class web site for the relevant information.

      Puppy Mills are killing dogs that don’t profit them. This has caused the recent outbreak of controversy over Puppy Mills being legal or illegal. So far the Council Bluffs, Iowa police department has refused to comment on the issue.

      This got us thinking on how terrible Puppy Mills really are. Yesterday we started to interview some local dog owners.

      “It’s completely wrong. I guess I don’t understand why they can’t give them to the Humane Society at least.” Says Danielle Hanslip.

      Puppy Mills aren’t just breeding grounds for puppies with staff who murder older dogs and female dogs that can’t reproduce. They are legal centers for dog neglect. Many puppies from Mills end up malnourished, dehydrated, and disease ridden.

      “I think that it’s a terrible thing that shouldn’t be legal because it’s torturing dogs.” Says Danielle’s son, Cole.

      Puppy Mills don’t give the dogs veterinary care or a safe living environment. And since there’s no regulations at Mills, no one cleans up after the dogs. There’s no protection from the weather and they’re allowed to live in cages for their entire lives.  

      “Puppy Mills should be illegal. They’re incredibly inhumane and cruel. Until the laws change we are basically telling people it’s okay to force animals to live in cages and have litter after litter just so that person can put money in their pockets.” Said LeAnn Robine.

      At Mills it’s highly common to find dogs with their collars fastened so tightly that they’ve become imbedded in the dog’s neck. No only are these Mills almost completely legal, the breeders make more than $300,000 a year off of the puppies.

      After going to the Humane Society there are many dogs that were bought at Mills and then abandoned or left to the streets. Having gone to Tully’s Kennels, a local Puppy Mill, the only dogs that can be seen are the ones being held in cages outside while their owners are off on vacation.

      The female dogs at the Mills are bred twice a year and burn out approximately at the age of five, at which point they are euthanized. Dogs from Puppy Mills have many different health risks that could be deadly if not treated properly. Puppy Mills are all still open and still legal.

Otaku Club: My article for the school newspaper. 

Otaku Club

     Otaku Club is one of many different clubs at TJ, they play card games, have video game tournaments and watch anime.

     Otaku Club meets every Thursday after school from 3:00-4:00 inside of Mrs. Leader’s room, B Wing 212. However, the club may be moved to a different location temporarily.

     The club encourages people to get involved with extracurricular activities. It also allows people to be themselves with others who are interested in activities that are not popular. This club encourages everyone to participate and pushes people to be themselves without fear of being judged by others.

     “This should be the one place in school where you can feel safe while liking unpopular things,” said Otaku President, Dillon Smith.

     “After the previous 2 presidents graduated, we took it upon ourselves to make the club again. I guess one thing I wanted to stress this time around was the fact that it's ok to be a complete and total dork.” Dillon explained.

     Activities in the club include things to make everyone happy so no one is left out. Otaku Club also gives kids with a great interest a way to make friends with people who have things in common.

     “I do recommend people to join the club if they like things that are what Otakus like. For example, if you like video games then you could go and play games with others that have the same game. People can play card games if they like that, they can also watch anime with others too. It is also a great place to make new friends that have common interests. I made some friends there and we talk outside of class about these topics a lot,” said a member of the club, Cheyenne Thornburg.

     There are currently 25-28 people in the club. Otaku club is open to anyone and everyone and takes place every Thursday. New members are asked for an email address to be updated on what the club is doing. The club is currently accepting any new members that want to show up.

Yearbook Cover Revealed: Newspaper Article

After months of anticipation, the yearbook staff finally revealed this year’s yearbook cover.

The theme of “Being Bold” was the focus for this year’s yearbook. Adjectives are used throughout it to show the individuality of every student and group in the school.

“Me and my section editor Jenefer were looking at different ideas that had been at conventions and chose the orange for highlights on the focus of the pictures,” explained yearbook editor Nick Mitchell.  

Many people may find themselves on the cover along with friends, showing school spirit or participating in activities or clubs.     

This year’s yearbook is predicted to be out sometime in May or June. You can purchase your yearbook online at jostensyearbooks.com or recieve more information from Mr. Lindquist in room C128.

Future Preperations: Newspaper Article

At TJ, there are many clubs and classes to help you prepare for college, which can be a very difficult process.Although, college is also a very serious and stressful choice that you have to make, it’s important to take the necessary steps to choose what you would like to do.

One club that can help out a lot is Upward Bound, a group for people who need the financial help for college. This club hand picks their applicants and assists them in choosing and affording colleges.

“You can join Upward Bound as a freshman. They tend to recruit new members in the fall,” said Mrs. Galloway. “The number of spots available varies from year to year depending on how many seniors graduated out of the program the previous year.”  

As for sophomores to seniors, there’s ACT Prep which prepares students for their ACT’s. It is a very good idea to take ACT prep to get ready for your ACT’s rather than just winging it.

There is also Money Matters, as a class for Juniors and Seniors which teaches how money works and help students decide their different career paths.

Also as for different career options, there are many different and unique classes that will help students decide what they want to do in the future. Many of those classes also show students that they would like to pursue different dreams.

Bomb Threats: Newspaper Article

Bomb threats at schools are increasing rapidly and schools barely use basic safety precautions to ensure the safety of their students. Most bomb threats towards schools are from non credible sources, like the one we experienced here at TJ. On April 13, 2016, the Council Bluffs and Sioux City School Districts received phone calls at about 8:00am saying there were bombs in some of the schools.

What are we supposed to do at TJ to ensure the safety of the students?  We’re simply supposed to stay in class and wait for professionals to see if the threat came from a real source.

While it’s right to make sure that it’s a legitimate threat, there needs to be extra precautions taken.

Things such as professionals trying to evacuate classes, checking security cameras for suspicious characters, and even doing what they are already doing.Tracking the source of the threat is a good thing to do, but just keeping kids out of the hallways to protect them isn’t enough.

Keeping the students out of the way is a good thing but not when their safety is jeopardized by being in the school. Other serious problems that may occur because of bomb threats are school shootings, anxiety attacks/troubles, and  even intruders inside the school/classroom.

Bomb threats are highly serious and call for highly serious measures. One study by SchoolSecurity.org showed that only 30% of 800 schools had evacuated due to a bomb threat or school shooting.

While schools are trying to find out if a threat is really from a credible source, class goes on almost as normal. There aren’t lockdowns or any safety measures specific to bomb threats. At TJ, we were put on a Hold. During a hold you stay in the same class until the Hold has ended.

There are other precautions that can be taken to make school a safer place during a bomb threat. These precautions would include getting under the desks or other sturdy furniture and staying away from windows.

Having a Fire Drill is also a great way to get the students out of the school without causing unnecessary panic.Overall, additional safety precautions should definitely be enforced in the event of a bomb threat and these threat should be taken very seriously.