Benefits of High School Activities

SUBMITTED BY JOHN HLUBEK, ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR

The following excerpts are taken from “The Case for High School Activities” published by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

At a cost of only one to 3 percent (or less in many cases) of an overall school’s budget, high school activity programs are one of the best bargains around.

 

ACTIVITIES SUPPORT THE ACADEMIC MISSION OF SCHOOLS. They are not a diversion, but rather they are an extension of a good educational program. Students who participate in activity programs tend to have higher grade-point averages, better attendance records, lower dropout rates, and fewer discipline problems than students generally.

 

ACTIVITIES ARE INHERENTLY EDUCATIONAL. Activity programs provide

valuable lessons for many practical situations. Through participation in activity programs, students learn teamwork, sportsmanship, winning and losing, the rewards of hard work, self-discipline, build self-confidence, and develop skills to handle competitive situations. These are qualities the public expects schools to produce in students, so they become responsible adults and productive citizens.

 

ACTIVITIES FOSTER SUCCESS IN LATER LIFE. Participation in high school activities is often a predictor of later success - in college, a career, and becoming a contributing member of society. A 1989, nationwide study by the Women’s Sport Foundation indicated that athletes do better in the classroom, are more involved in school activity programs, and stay involved in the community after graduation. The study, based on an analysis of data collected by the U.S. Department of Education’s High School and Beyond Study, indicated that girls receive as many benefits from sports as boys. Sports involvement was significantly related to a lower dropout rate in some school settings and minority athletes are more socially involved than non-athletes. Research conducted by Skip Dane of Hardiness Research, Casper, Wyoming in 1991 revealed the following about participation in high school sports: (1) By a 2-to-1 ratio, boys who participate in sports do better in school, do not drop out, and have a better chance to get through college. (2) The ratio for girls who participate in sports and do well in school is 3-to-1. (3) About 92 percent of sports participants do not use drugs. (4) School athletes are more self-assured. (5) Sports participants take average and above average classes. (6) Sports participants receive above average grades and do above average on skills tests. (7) Student-athletes appear to have more parental involvement than other students.

 

New Additions to the Bobcat Family

New Additions to the Bobcat Family: Mrs. Waterman

 

PHOTOGRAPH BY KAITLYN SOLA

INTERVIEW BY SARA MCAULIFFE

 

Are you enjoying being a Bobcat thus far? Yes, I love it.

Why did you decide to come to our school? I wanted to be a mom and a teacher at the same time!

How do you think the choirs are doing this year? They are doing really well; I am overly impressed with all the talent and dedication.

What made you want to become a choir teacher? When I was pre-chiropractic, I found myself sitting around a piano or singing at weddings to fulfill my soul.

What is your favorite song the choirs are singing this year? I can’t choose; I love all the songs and choirs equally.

How is the Aristocats choir doing so far? Aristocats has been a lot of fun, and they have the desire to be great, which I adore.

How do you think the Aristocats and concert choir will do? I think we shall do well, and we will have a lot of improvement vocally and with the choreography by the time competitions come.

What do you teach? I teach treble choir, Aristocats, voice lessons, and kindergarten at Farley.

 

 

 

An Interview with Ms. Digmann

PHOTOGRAPH BY KAITLYN SOLA

INTERVIEW BY MARCUS INGLES

 

 

Why did you decide to become a teacher?  I enjoyed working with kids in sports camps and enjoyed communicating with people.

What made you choose WD?  I was informed by a family member about the opening, and it was close to home.

How do you like your experience so far?  I’m really enjoying all the staff and students; it is really a great experience so far.

How much schooling do you have?  I have my high school diploma and five years at the University of Iowa.

Where else have you taught?  I was a long-term sub at Cedar Rapids Kennedy, and I also got the opportunity to student teach over in New Zealand.

Are you furthering your education?  I am working to get all my social studies endorsements.

Are you helping with any after-school activities?  I am coaching eighth grade volleyball at Drexler Middle School, and I am hoping to get more involved as the year goes on.

What do you like to do in your free time?  I like to read, work out., watch movies, and sports. 

 

 

 

Welcome, Ms. Rose!

PHOTOGRAPH BY KAITLYN SOLA

INTERVIEW BY JOHNNY MOLONY

 

What classes do you teach here at Western Dubuque? I teach Intro to Business, Computer Applications, Personal Finance, Business Law, and Economics.

How are you liking things at Western Dubuque? I am loving it!

What activities or groups are you a part of, and what do you plan to do with these groups? I’m one of the co-sponsors of FBLA, and we are working on the blood drive in spring, the state competition, amusing fundraisers, and advancing to Nationals this summer in Anaheim, California.

Where did you go to college? St. Ambrose University.

Have you always lived  in Iowa? Yes, Donohue is my hometown.

What are three facts people would be surprised to know about you? I’m a sports fanatic and a big Hawkeye fan! I was a Kosama instructor in Davenport. Kosama is an eight-week workout plan that works to reduce fat and build lean muscles through strength training, aerobic stretching and polymeric exercise such as kickboxing. I’ve also been to five countries in Europe.

 

Stop Here and Meet Mr. McLaughlin

 

PHOTOGRAPH BY KAITLYN SOLA

INTERVIEW  BY MEGAN KEMP

How long have you been teaching?  I taught in Algona from 1973 to 1979. I became a Chevrolet car dealer that year. In 2005, I started Autowise Driver Education.

What classes do you teach?  I teach Introduction to Technology, Manufacturing 1, Manufacturing 3, Fundamentals of Manufacturing, and Autowise Driver Education.

What do you like about teaching at Western Dubuque High School?  The students are really great. It’s really fun seeing kids learn new things.

What town do you live in?  Cascade, Iowa.

What are some of your hobbies?  I love to ride motorcycles. I like picnics and hiking. I really love stargazing; I even own a telescope! It’s so cool looking at all the constellations. I’m a big fan of college and high school football. My favorite college team is the Hawkeyes. I also enjoy woodworking. I build grandfather clocks, cradles, toy boxes, and baby beds for my family.

What is your favorite color?  Red.

What is your worst fear?  I don’t really have a fear. In the past, everyday has been a challenge, and I’ve had to rally up to the challenge. Everyone should accomplish goals, but they need to challenge themselves.

If you could live on any planet, which one would you live on?  I would love to travel the whole universe, but if had to pick just one it would have to be Mars. Right now, we are really close to being able to walk on Mars. I think it would really cool to experience, and I’m a big Trekkie.

 

 

¡Hola Senora Olivera!

PHOTOGRAPH BY KAITLYN SOLA

BY OLIVIA NAUMAN

 

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with one of our new teachers, Ms. Olivera, to get to know her a bit better. Olivera is a freshman and sophomore Spanish teacher here at Western Dubuque High School. Before teaching here, she taught at Lady of Guadalupe, a Spanish-American school. Originally, she was born in Argentina and moved to Spain at the age of 4. Ms. Olivera worked as an architect for five years before becoming a teacher. She attended University of Granada in Spain. When asked what she enjoyed most about teaching at WD, she happily said, “The fun students!”

 

 

 

An Interview with Mr. Rolwes

 

PHOTOGRAPH BY KAITLYN SOLA

INTERVIEW BY MEGAN SAMSON

 

What classes do you teach?  Accounting 1 and 2, Entrepreneurship, and Personal Finance.

Where did you graduate from?  Western Dubuque High School and Simpson College .

What made you want to become a teacher?  I enjoy working with kids and watching them progress throughout their time in High School.

What are you most excited about teaching at WD?  It is fun to be back and see things from the staff’s point of view.

What are your plans for FBLA?  This first year my plan is to learn as much as I can about FBLA and try to keep the membership number up. I think last year they had around 100 members, so I hope we can have that many kids involved again this year.

How tall are you?  6’3”.

Did you play sports in high school? Yes, cross country, basketball, baseball, and tennis.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time? Hang out with friends and family.

What is your favorite NFL team? Packers.

Which class is your favorite to teach? Accounting or Entrepreneurship.

 

 

 

A Summary of Homecoming Week

BY BREANNA REISEN

Homecoming Week was full of excitement! This year Homecoming Week was Sept. 24-29, and the theme of the week was Bobcat Olympics: The Bobcats Go for the Gold. On Saturday and Sunday, students came to the school to decorate their hallways and the town. The week started off with Beach Day, where all the students dressed up in their most festive beach attire. Also on Monday, all of the students took part in voting for Homecoming king and queen. The extended-fourth Olympics began; the first game of the week was the claw walk. On Tuesday, students impersonated their favorite celebrities for Celebrity Day. The extended fourth Olympic game of the day was powder-puff football. Meanwhile, in the old parking lot, the car show had begun. Mathletes vs. Athletes was Wednesday’s dress-up day. The game of this day was the three-legged race. Thursday was Hunting/Camouflage Day, and the extended-fourth activity was tug-of-war. And, of course, Friday was Spirit Day, where all of the students dressed in their most spirited Bobcat wear. Friday also brought the pep rally and the parade. Finally, later that day, there was the big game, where Western Dubuque took on Oelwein, which was followed by the Homecoming dance on Saturday night.

*Due to the publication date of the Bobcat Bulletin, these events have been summarized prior to their occurrence. For more information, check the Western Dubuque High School Westerner Website: www.westerner-wd.blogspot.com, or see our publications in the Dyersville Commercial and the Cascade Pioneer.

 

Partner’s Club

Front, left to right:  Nathan Laughlin, Brandon Klein, Sabrina Vonderhaar, Brittany Schmitt, Sam Donovan, Michelle Neumann, Stacy Kass, Amber Gansen  Middle, left to right:  Zach Sargent, Lee Greenwood, Crystal Brown, Meranda Gaul, Caleb Ernzen, Jeff Leibold, Brennen Koopmann

Top, left to right:  Allie Girard, Janelle Morrison, Mark Zalaznik, Shelby McDermott, Jessica Schmitt, Katie Turnmeyer, Miranda Thomas, Andrew Burns

Missing from the photo:  Marilu Gomez, Lizzy Goedken, Nicole Meyer, Brandon Weber, Abby Japser, Rebecca Hoefler, Samantha Link, Jaclyn Sahm, Amanda Fritz, Danielle Schmitt, Emily Schlarmann, Chelsie Pfeiler, Emily Goedken, Shelby Heiderscheit, Jeremy Feldmann, Kaylee Petersen, Marla Schreiber

 

BY LAURIE FALLON, STRATEGIST II SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

There is a new club at Western Dubuque High School: Partner’s Club. This year, there are currently 36 members of this club at WDHS.  What is it?   It is a unique school-based program that teams students with and without intellectual disabilities together.  Partner’s Club members spend time together enjoying social, academic, and recreation activities in the school and community.  It provides opportunities to build student character, increase acceptance of “different abilities,” and develop leadership skills. Partner’s Club works very closely with volunteering to help with the Special Olympics team at Western Dubuque High School.  One of the platforms of the Partner’s Club is the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign, which raises awareness of the derogatory use of the “R-Word” (retard or retarded) and its negative effects on people with intellectual disabilities, as well as their families and friends. It is also about changing attitudes of segregation and hate into attitudes of acceptance and respect.  Look for some great things to happen with the Partner’s Club this school year!

 

Mole Day!

BY JERRY ROSS, CHEMISTRY INSTRUCTOR

National Mole Day is celebrated annually on Oct. 23 from 6:02 a.m. to 6:02 p.m.  Mole Day commemorates Avogadro’s number (6.02 x 1023), which is a basic measuring unit in chemistry. As 12 is a dozen things, a mole is 6.02 x 1023 things. Mole Day was created as a way to foster interest in chemistry. Schools throughout the United States and around the world celebrate Mole Day with various activities related to chemistry and/or moles.
 

Western Dubuque students will celebrate on Oct. 24 and 25. Students will research the National Mole Day Federation Web Page (www.moleday.org) and bring mole-related treats, or anything they can relate to the mole to celebrate mole day.  See your resident chemistry student for more information on Mole Day.

 

Yearbook Information

BY BEN RESSLER, YEARBOOK ADVISOR

Attention Seniors: Senior portraits are due to Mr. Ressler by Dec. 14.  Contact your photographer and have them email a copy to Mr. Ressler (ben.ressler@w-dubuque.k12.ia.us) ASAP.  If you are unable to get a hold of your photographer, you can bring in a wallet of your portrait as a last resort. 

Books for Sale: The 2013 Yearbooks are on sale for $57.  March is your last chance to order a 2013 Yearbook.  We order the exact number of books purchased, so don’t miss out!  This year’s book is the largest book yet!  The yearbook class has already taken over 3,000 photos and hopes to take another 3,000 during homecoming week alone!   Get your yearbook today!  Bring a $57 check to Alice in the activities office to reserve yours today. 

 

Fall Concert

BY CHRISTINE TIPPLE, VOCAL MUSIC DIRECTOR

On Tuesday, Oct. 16, the Vocal Music Department will be presenting their Fall Concert beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the old gym.  This concert will feature the Concert Choir as well as the newly formed Treble and Bass Choirs.  The students auditioning for All-State will also be performing.  Admission is by donation. 

All-State Auditions:  On Oct. 20, eight Western Dubuque singers will travel to Manchester to audition for the Iowa All-State Honor Choir.  Thousands of students from every high school in Iowa will be trying out for the 600 places available in the choir.  The auditioning students have been working on the music since August.  Each student attends the Meistersinger All-State Camp at Wartburg College to begin learning the music and then practices each week in the morning until the audition date.

For the auditions, students must prepare seven pieces of very difficult music written in a variety of languages (including Haitian!).  On the day of their audition, they will be given a small section of each piece to audition on and must audition a capella (without piano accompaniment), either alone in front of the judge or in an ensemble of two-four, one on each voice part.

The audition and selection process is extremely difficult, and the students have been working very hard.  The students auditioning are as follows: Brooke Bockenstedt – soprano; Kirsten Anderson – soprano; Katelyn Soat – alto; Brianna Kennedy – alto; Ashley Snyder – alto; Ali Brown – alto; Luke Maiers – tenor; and Devin Watters – bass.  Best of luck!

 

Changes for WDHS

WRITTEN BY BROOKE BOCKENSTEDT

 

Western Dubuque High School is changing —big time! The high school’s library is barely recognizable with its new carpet, chairs, and much-needed computers. The library additions now enable the students to study in an inviting area, but the biggest transformations are yet to come.

 

Music facilities are on the horizon for WDHS. New choir and band rooms, as well as an auditorium, are in the sketchbooks for Western Dubuque. The school’s musicians will have many more opportunities with these additions.  The music groups will no longer need to compete with sports for the gymnasium. Not only will the groups have the chance for more rehearsals, but the rehearsals will also be more efficient and consist of higher-quality music making. Nearby classrooms will not be disturbed by the rehearsals, and the groups will be able to break off into more sections for practice. The performers will not be the only people who benefit from the auditorium. The audience will receive better sound from the entertainers, and the seating will be more comfortable.

 

The construction schedule is scheduled to begin in the spring/summer of 2013.  Ms. Tipple and Mr. Omarzu, along with the music students, would like to add their thanks to all those who helped make this project possible. The bands and choirs are eager for the upcoming opportunities!

 

Congratulations to the Fall 2012 Westerner Staff

The Fall 2012 Westerner Newspaper Staff

Chief Co-Editors – Emily Vaughan & Brooke Bockenstedt

Chief Copy Editor – Ana Barrett

Additional Copy Editors – Johnny Molony & Sydney Lundgren

Web Designer – Brad Prier

Web Photo and Text Editor – Emily Costello

Photo Editor – Nikki Cupps

Arts (Art, Music, and More) Section Editors – Megan Lenane & Bre Honkomp

Creative Writing Editors – Colleen Hoffmann & Nikki Cupps

Book Reviews Editor – Cheyenne Puetz

Events Editor – Molly Becker

Sports Editor – Abbey Koerperich

Senior Spotlight Interviewer – Miranda Hogan

Photographers – Megan Lenane, Kaitlyn Sola, Olivia Nauman, Jarraka Elsner, Ally Zauche, Brad Prier, Cheyenne Puetz, Niki Clemen, Abbey Koerperich, Emily Costello, Sara McAuliffe, Morgan Tomas-Klostermann, Miranda Hogan, Marcus Ingles, Bre Hohnkomp, Nikki Cupps, & Megan Samson

Writing Staff – Creative Writing and Journalistic Publications Classes B1 & B3  

Writers/Staff Members Not Listed Above Include:  Megan Kemp, Breanna Reisen, Jake Barnwell, Megan Demmer, Rachel Jackson, Sara McAuliffe, & Brittni Wendling

School's Back in Session

Students will be returning to Western Dubuque High School on Monday, August 20th. We will have a staff update as soon as possible. This year the internet department is hoping to get a website run on our own domain. Stay tuned for a new domain and staff list, first month of stories will be up sometime in September.