Save the Ta-Tas

About one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their life time. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and this year is the 25th anniversary to awareness, education, and early detection.

Breast cancer is the fifth deadliest form of cancer worldwide, and the second most common cancer among woman. In 2006, almost 200,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and almost 41,000 women died from it.

Every year, mothers, sister, aunts, etc, are diagnosed with breast cancer; some survive, but not everyone is lucky enough to fight off this terrible disease. This is why we have Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to find ways to save more lives.

Creekview contributed towards the Breast Cancer cause by holding fundraisers through selling cookies at the school store. A portion of the proceeds and donations go towards breast cancer research. The cookies sold raised about $200, and some of the proceeds went to funding the Georgia Cancer Foundation. Also, during the third week of October, many people wore pink to raise awareness.

Carley C, a junior, said, “I know quite a few families that have people in their families that have breast cancer, so I think it’s great that our school is doing something to help.”

All throughout the nation, people and organizations are showing their support for the “ta-tas”. The NFL (National Football League) had all the teams alter their uniforms so that they had pink on their jerseys and helmets.

With the help of our school and foundations around the world, we can help suppress the number of Breast Cancer victims. So thanks to those who participated in the schools attempt to cure Breast Cancer.
Written by: Sammi Urban

Rifle team

Creekview’s JROTC officers have created our school’s first ever Rifle Team. Although the team is JROTC related, it is not just limited to JROTC students. In fact, any student that follows Creekview’s sports eligibility rules can qualify to be on the team. The team’s practices will be held at least two times a week in the mornings and afternoons to prepare the team members for their competitions. The season starts in January and ends in April.

During the practices and competitions, the team will shoot against other school’s Rifle Teams in competitive air rifles. Their stances include laying on the stomach, kneeling, and standing.

LTC Holly is dedicated to the team and believes “ this is a sport that requires you to be more precise and calm than other sport.”

The conception of the club arose from the use of it at other schools. Before being able to start the team, Creekview had to wait for permission due to safety measures. The rifles were retrieved from the United States Army. The team is now ready to start their season’s first practices.
Written by: Katelyn Presnell

Academic Team: High Q

Creekview High School’s Academic Team was on WSB-TV’s hit television show, High Q. High Q is a captivating question-and-answer game show that appears weekly on WSB-TV Channel 2. Each week, the unique program features scholastic competition between high school students across north Georgia. This program is hosted by famous Channel 2 Action News anchor John Bachman.

In their debut on the game show, Creekview High School’s Academic Team, consisting of Kyle Stancil (captain), Caleb Cochran, Alex O’ Connor, Beatrice Torralba, and Willie Burke (alternative), played against Alexander High School in Douglasville on November 17, but the show aired on November 28. The team answered dozens of challenging questions on a wide array of subjects including literature, math, history, science, and the arts. Questions also comprised of modern news of the day dealing with the current events making headlines each week. As the team went through multiple rounds, they never lost focus throughout the entire competition, and as a result, they beat Alexander High School! Creekview ended up with a score of 730 and Alexander with a score of 515. Therefore, they have advanced to the next round!

“Our team worked very hard with researching and actually competing against the internet by watching the High Q competition online. It made us more comfortable when we got on set since we had done this before, just in room 2205, instead of WSB studios,” stated Mr. Martin, the coach of Creekview’s Academic Team.

It was a close match throughout the entire game, with the scores seesawing back and forth, but in the end, Creekview was able to stand out and lead in scores. The Creekview team was supported by its fans; among them was Dr. Eddy, who was extremely proud of Creekview High School’s outstanding Academic Team. Because the team is moving on in the competition, their next round will be played on January 30, and will be aired later on. The winning team who goes all the way to the championship round will receive a $1000 scholarship and a trophy for each member. The second place team will receive a $500 scholarship for each member as well. Catch the show, featuring our Academic team by clicking on this link! (http://www.wsbtv.com/video/25838195/index.html)
Written by: Maida Ahmad

Creekview students become lawyers

Creekview students took on the role of lawyers at the Georgia Youth Assembly Program at the State Capitol. Creekview seniors, Alex O., Nathan K., Josh P., and Ashton C., were participants of the Judiciary program. In the program, the students defended and prosecuted a case in front of mock judges, who were professional lawyers. Alex and Josh were a team of co-counsels while Ashton and Nathan were another team.

These students argued in a Mock Supreme Court format in a mock Appellant case. The case was about personal rights of students. The summary of the case was whether or not the use of dogs to search for drugs was invasive because the dogs were physically touching the students during a search and sniff procedure at a school. This mock case dealt with the personal privacy and rights of children at school. The teams had to analyze their case and review it to make the best arguments possible. They spent their time working together on the correct diction and helped build up their public speaking skills.

Coming back for a second year, Alex O. (senior) stated, “As a ‘veteran’ I felt slightly more confident when I went down to Atlanta to present the case to the judges. However, since the case is different every year, it is still a new experience learning case-law and organizing an argument. Also, I had to guide my new co-counsel in the way to present the argument and write a brief. I encourage the underclassmen to take the initiative to get involved in this program and enjoy this amazing experience.”

The 3-day mock legislature gave students from around Georgia a chance to learn firsthand the practical operation of state government. Students have the choice of attending the conference as a senator/representative, judicial participant, lobbyist, or media representative. It is open to students of all grades and is a beneficial learning experience for one who is interested in law, politics, or journalism.

The State YMCA of Georgia, the coordinator of the program, made sure the procedures done at Youth Assembly was as close to possible to those followed by our actual state legislators and lawyers. Their purpose of the program is the hope to produce citizens for the future by letting students learn through action. Former Secretary of State, Cathy Cox stated, “I fell in love with legislative politics because of my participation in Youth Assembly as a teenager. I believe there is no better program for young people to get involved in government than the State Y’s Youth Assembly program.”

This is Creekview’s second year at program and hopes for the program to build. Sponsors Mr. Ard and Mr. Hunsucker encourage students to take part in an experience to see firsthand the process of the government and law in action.

Written by: Beatrice Torralba

The Great Halloween Fundraiser

It is October 31 and you know what that means. After a long wait, it is finally Halloween! People of all ages are getting into their costumes; some are going trick-or-treating while others are attending Halloween parties.

As for Creekview’s Habitat for Humanity Club and Cultural Diversity Club, members had a completely different mission than getting bags of candy. On this important day, these dedicated students tried to raise money for those in need. Money was raised for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Habitat for Humanity.

“Raising money for UNICEF was a great time. Not only do you get to spend time with your friends making the truffles and selling them, you know you are doing it for a great cause, which made it feel even better,” stated Manoucheca L. (sophomore), Vice President of the Cultural Diversity Club.

The Habitat for Humanity Club went out in their easily recognizable shirts, flyers, and empty milk jugs on Halloween. They rang each doorbell confidently and waited as a homeowner approached the door with a basket of candy. These students then explained that they were not there for candy. In fact, they were planning to build a house in spring but in order to do that, they needed to raise money. Many generous neighbors dropped spare change and wrinkled bills into the jug. As the jug got heavier and heavier, spirits were lifted. Mr. Sinco, the club’s advisor, concluded the club had raised over $2,000! Additionally, a silent donor from the school promised to match the amount of money raised up to $1,000!

The Cultural Diversity Club, on the other hand, raised money through the school. Thus, they made delicious Oreo Truffles and sold them during the lunches. The money raised will help improve the lives of impoverished children around the world. In fact, the hard-raised money assisted in buying immunization, clean water, necessary food, and educational supplies for many deprived children. Students were able to savor the taste of the Oreo Truffles knowing that they had improved a child’s life.

All in all, Creekview High School’s Habitat for Humanity Club and Cultural Diversity Club both benefitted the world in some way. Both clubs dedicated some time in their life to helping people that were in need of a helping hand.

Written by: Maida Ahmad

The Librarian’s on a Roll!

She has done it again! After just receiving awards such as the National School Boards Association Technology Leadership Network "20 to Watch" 2010, the http://www.techlearning.com/article/32466, the 2010 Georgia Exemplary High School Media Program, and the 2010 GLMA North Central Georgia District Media Specialist of the Year Ms. Buffy Hamilton picks up yet another prestigious award. All her hard work, such as the introduction of Kindles, Nooks and iPads into the library, garnered recognition, and resulted in her winning the GLMA/GAIT Georgia School Library Media Specialist Award. This award is a key step towards the technological innovation and incorporation of school libraries in the 21st century’s education.

Ms. Hamilton was ecstatic at her being chosen as the recipient of such a prestigious award. Her family and colleagues, however, were not so surprised; everyone knew how hard she had been working and could not imagine the award going to anyone else.

The goal of the library, according to Ms. Hamilton is, “To improve our collaboration with classroom teachers and supporting the integration of digital, information, and new media literacy into content area instruction.” Ms. Hamilton also hopes to continue to find new ways to invite students to actively participate in the library’s program. That is why she is so eager to introduce new technology such as Kindles, Nooks, and iPads; students probably will not be able to resist checking out such popular gadgets. Additionally, these new tools will allow students to get books without waiting for the printed copies to arrive on the shelves. However, before the library purchases the e-readers on a large-scale, the library is waiting for feedback from the students so they can buy the most popular one.

For 18 years, Ms. Hamilton has been in the media field and she would not have it any other way. She has always been interested in working in the library, showing interests in: participatory librarianship, social media, connectivism, transliteracy, social scholarship, and library 2.0 applications. Even though Ms. Hamilton plans on remaining a school librarian for her K12 career she wishes to go back to school and get her PH.D in Library and Information Science and teach on a college level or work as an academic librarian. Ms. Hamilton is always pushing herself for success and striving for innovation and collaboration in the library. It is no wonder that she won the District award. It is her efforts that give the library such a good shot at winning the American Library Association’s Office for Information Technology Policy’s nomination for “libraries using cutting edge technology,” an award that would be a huge achievement for Ms. Hamilton, her co-workers, and Creekview. With all the hard work the librarians are putting in to the advancement of the library, their chance of victory is looking promising.

Written by: Taylor Gates

Adopt-a-Teacher

In order to promote Creekview’s 2010 wrestling team, the coaches have put together the first ever “adopt-a-teacher” program. Each wrestler and manager picked a teacher who they felt would encourage their class to be “the most involved in supporting the team” by attending the wrestling meets. The selected teacher chosen has to get their class to attend at least two of the four home meets. If the teacher agrees to do this, then they will receive a free t-shirt and thirty student admission tickets for each home meet. After the attendance totals are tallied, the class with the highest record at the meets will be rewarded with either a breakfast or pizza party, depending on what time of day the class is held. The rewards are provided by the wrestling team in gratitude for the class’ participation and support.

This program has been used in a couple of high schools in Cherokee County by assistant wrestling Coach Judkins and has become a success.

“Being the first year, there is obviously some trepidation as to how the program works from both staff and wrestlers but in past years, there has been tremendous feedback from everyone involved.”

Coaches and wrestlers are both excited to start the new tradition at Creekview and hope to see more people attending the wrestling meets in turn.

The dates of the home wrestling meets are 12/8, 1/5, 1/19, and 2/2. Tickets for the students in the chosen class are free, which is even more of an incentive to go out and cheer on the wrestlers.
Written By: Katelyn Presnell

Creekview takes over Georgia Tech!

Creekview was present at this year’s Georgia Tech Model United Nations Conference (GTMUN) for the third year in a row. Representing the countries of France and Egypt, our student ambassadors to the UN made speeches, prepared draft resolutions, negotiated bills through debate caucuses, and attempted to solve worldly issues such as international terrorism, rights of children, nuclear arms disarmament, world healthcare issues, and much more.

Today’s world never ceases to produce problems such as war, famine, and people’s rights. As citizens of the world, it is our duty to resolve these issues and cooperate to empower and provide for nations to create world peace. The United Nations has accomplished goals for economic development, social progression, and human rights of countries around the world. This peace-keeping organization has benefited the world nation.

To bring the United Nations to high school students, the Model United Nations is a simulation of the bodies of the UN. Students assume the role of a diplomat and take on the global perspective of world events. Creekview’s strong Model United Nations team presented their delegations by closely researching their designated country’s impact to the issue addressed before them and thinking of possible solutions to improve conditions around the world.

As advisor since the team’s conception, Mr. Hunsucker was pleased with the conference and observed, “The experience members increased their knowledge of the process. Meanwhile, the new members learned how to interact with the other delegates through debates. The conferences are great to network with new friends.”

Creekview’s Model United Nations Team is comprised of students from all grade levels. Their upcoming conferences for the year include the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University. Anyone is welcome to join. Model UN strives to provide students with an opportunity to put into action the principles of international politics that they are taught in the classroom and see occur in the world everyday. For more information, please see Mr. Hunsucker.

Written by: Beatrice Torralba

Winterguard: the sport of the arts

As the fall season comes to a close, winter sports like basketball and wrestling are starting up. One winter sport that always seems unnoticed is Winterguard. Winterguard is referred to “The Sport of the Arts.” It is not an aggressive sport but winterguard possess the techniques of flag spinning along with dancing to variations of ballet.

Creekview’s very own award-winning Winterguard is just starting their season. The guard has competed in area competitions and has graced the dance floor with their sabre, rifle, and flag routines.

This Thursday, November 18, Winterguard will be having tryouts for their 2010 season. It is open to everyone, boys and girls alike. This is an opportunity to letter in a sport, while at the same time being a part of a team and cultural arts. Tryouts will start at 5:00 pm in the Band Room. No formal training is necessary. For any questions, please see guard captains, Ashley H and Damarys W.

There is no substitute for blood: Creekview vs. Sequoyah

Every minute of each day there is a person in need of blood. The only way that this blood supply can be obtained is from courageous donors. Creekview High School offers the chance for students age sixteen and older to give blood to LifeSouth and in turn, the gift of life to those who are in need.

Creekview and Sequoyah competed in the Blood Donor Challenge. Sequoyah had LifeSouth come to their school on October 15th and the company was at Creekview on November 3rd. Sequoyah ended up winning the competition because they had the most donors sign up for the blood drive out of eligible donors (sixteen or older and of a certain weight). Their school received a trophy recognizing them as the winner of the Fall 2010 Blood Drive Battle. The winning school’s individual donors were also entered into a drawing to win a Blu- Ray player. There were other rewards LifeSouth offered to its individual donors. With every donation, a fun t-shirt is given along with a recognition program.

Mr. Peacock, Creekview’s Healthcare teacher, is the coordinator of the drive at Creekview. He encouraged all his students to participate.

Most donators “want to help people and feel good when they donate because they feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves.”

On the other hand, senior Ansleigh G., saw another benefit in giving blood and said, “I did it because I got a free t-shirt.”

Whatever their reasons for giving, these people are heroes to at least three people each time they donate blood.

Written by: Katelyn Presnell

Senior fall field trip highlights

After three long years of work in high school, the seniors were rewarded with a fall field trip to Stone Mountain Park while the underclassmen took the PSAT. There were plenty of exciting activities reserved exclusively for the Creekview students.

Entering the park, many of our students took on the challenge of the Sky Hike ropes course in the Crossroads section of the park. The ability to balance was tested on three levels of difficulty of tight ropes, swinging ropes, planks, and rope bridges. Other entertainment on the trip included a mini golf tournament, touring the antebellum plantation, taking a hike to the top of the mountain, or playing Frisbee on the spacious memorial field.

Senior field trip coordinator Mrs. Dicks said, “We chose Stone Mountain Park for the field trip because the park provided a variety of activities for the seniors to participate in. I also felt like the trip was a huge success because the weather was gorgeous and everyone had a great time.”
The teens also had the chance to enjoy a cookout in the park’s pavilion. After eating, they had a chance to have fun by dancing to the D.J.’s music, participating in limbo, hula hooping, sack racing, or tossing water balloons in various contests.

“I had a great time participating in the limbo, cupid shuffle, and sack race at the pavilion. The games helped to contribute to a fun, care-free day. It was a pleasant escape from the overwhelming stress that our final year of high school withholds,” said student Jill T.

Over all, the trip seemed to be a success and gave everyone a nice day off.
By: Katelyn Presnell

Creekview's adopt a tree project

On October 24, 2010, the Creekview Parent Teacher Association (PTA) sponsored the “Adopt a Tree Project” on the Creekview campus early Saturday morning. Volunteers showed up to help plant the new trees as part of Creekview’s “beautification project.”

Equipped with shovels and gloves ready to work, the volunteers helped to plant the trees. The only problem: the ACT. The clash in testing schedules and tree planting was quite an issue, but the project continued.

As it stands, all of the trees for the project were planted but, to do so, the PTA spent around $2,300. The rest of the trees were donated by Buck Jones Nursery. These trees can be adopted in honor of someone special, or represent businesses, schools, or civic or church grounds; the possibilities for adoption are endless.

The trees vary in size and in price, ranging from $65 to $95, the trees available for adoption are: October Glory Maples, Crepe Myrtles, Bosque Elms, Pin Oaks, and Green Vase Zelkovas. To adopt a tree contact Creekview PTA.

The money to buy the trees came from the PTA member charge and all proceeds will go to “help Creekview go green and continue the beautification process all across campus,” stated President of PTA Barbara Arthur.

By: Brooke Gunsauley

Congratulations Counselor!

Ellen Ewers is a Success!
Creekview is lucky enough to have talented teachers and counselors. Our teachers are often rewarded for their hard work with awards, but it’s not often that our counselors are awarded. That’s why the zone award that Mrs. Ellen Ewers won is so special; it’s the first of its kind.

She’s the first counselor in the area to receive such an award, and she can’t help but be proud. She believes that, “This award isn’t just about me; it’s a reflection of all the people in Student Services.” All the hard work Student Services has put into Creekview has succeeded in establishing a great counseling program.

Yet even though Mrs. Ewers knew how great the counseling program is, she was still taken aback when she won the award. Her family, however, wasn’t so surprised. “They know that I truly care about our students and take pride in my work ethic,” says Mrs. Ewers. Humble as always, Mrs. Ewers isn’t letting this award get to her head. She’s still working as hard as ever.

Mrs. Ewers has been a counselor for 15 years, so she has gained a lot of experience. But she wasn’t always a counselor. She used to teach Health and Physical Education along with coaching basketball, softball, and volleyball. These may seem like strange careers for a counselor, but when you realize her motive, it all makes sense. Because when asked why she wanted to be a counselor she had no trouble answering, “I’ve always wanted to help young people reach their goals and enjoy observing their path to adulthood.” For Mrs. Ewers, helping kids succeed is what she’s all about.

As a closing statement I asked Mrs. Ewers what her best piece of advice was, she readily answered, “Always know where you want to go and be aware of how to get there. Have a passion for what you do.”

By: Taylor Gates

Tension Rise, Tempers Flare

Tensions Rise, Tempers Flare

“GAME DAY!!!” Students shout and cheer as a few seniors run round and round the cafeteria. The air is thrumming with the excitement and cheers emanating from the students. Loud blasts from vuvuzelas break up the shouts, each blast getting louder in an attempt to beat out one another. Every student is looking forward to the football game against Sequoyah. This year Creekview is going to do it again! This game was going to be huge! In fact, it even got its own webpage on Facebook, Creekview vs. Sequoyah. At the game the schools are separated by a field full of players, but when online students can interact and converse freely with one another, this connection quickly got heated.

The real drama started before the actual game day, on a Facebook page dedicated to Creekview’s football team. At first it was just a few, “GO GRIZZLIES,” or, “GO CHIEFS!” But the conversation quickly escalated. Coaches were kept busy editing the page of overly offensive comments, but they weren’t quick enough to block them all.
Sequoyah seniors and Creekview juniors had the majority of the comments as they retaliated back and forth. And one Creekview senior edited grizzly bears and word bubble that read, “S**T,” into a Sequoyah football picture. Sequoyah fought back mainly by trying to twist Creekview students’ comments and make them seem self-insulting. They did a pretty good job of this but in the end it didn’t really matter. Actions will always speak louder than words, and that Friday night Creekview was the loudest!

It doesn’t seem likely that future football game pages will get as heated as this one, but who knows? After all even the most surprising people can get riled up when a competition is at hand. Based on this year though, next year’s facebook page for Creekview vs. Sequoyah is going to be even more heated. After two years of defeat Sequoyah is going to be dying to win, and messing with Creekview kids will be a way to elevate themselves. Creekview kids living in the Hickory Flat area, Sequoyah’s domain, are still being assaulted and bad mouthed by Sequoyah kids. When a group of Creekview students went to eat at McDonalds everything was fine until they told a few curious kids where they were from. Immediately the restaurant went quiet. Tension will probably always be in the air between these two new rival schools, and the webpage helps it last even longer. Next year it would probably be a good bet to just forego the pages, after all the primary focus should be on the game, not the smack talking.

(Photo: Will Kirby, 10th grade)

By: Taylor Gates

Are You Going to Take the AP Exam?

With the crunch of the economic downfall, the state of Georgia had to make several budget cutbacks. Among the many budgets affected the Advanced Placement (AP) testing price rebate have been removed from the budget and has become the responsibility of Georgia students. Instead of paying the discounted price of $8 for an AP subject test, Georgia students now have to pay the full price of $86. This news hits hard to many families across Georgia who are affected with the economic crisis. This matter is causing many to become unsure of the hopes of taking the exam and receiving well-deserved college credit.

At Creekview, AP teachers are encouraging their students to take the tests that, in the long run, will save students hours of college courses and tuition money. AP United States Government and Politics teacher, Stan Hunsucker, stated, “Though it will be hard for students to find money in this recession, students will be more dedicated and serious about the subject causing scores to go up.”

With the high testing scores exhibited by the students at Creekview, it is no shocker that many of our bright students are taking multiple AP courses. On among our numerous variety of esteemed students, William Burke (12) is taking five AP courses (Biology, Physics, United States Government and Politics, and English Literature) and is working rigorously in those classes. He knows that the classes will save him thousands of dollars in tuition and class time. Because of the big amount of money that Burke will have to pay for his numerous AP courses, he said, “my parents and I are splitting [the cost]. With this new rule, I am more motivated to make the very best on the exam.”

Despite the financial downside, many of the AP teachers have found positivity due to the fact that many of the scores will possibly increase and more devotion might be presented in their classes. The AP scores range from a 1-5 scale, with 5 being the highest grade and 3 being the starting passing mark.

The cost for each Advanced Placement exam is $86 and will be given by the College Board. Testing will take place starting in early May 2011.

By: Beatrice Torralba

Creekview High School Welcomes the Class of 2014

As several area schools transition back to school and back to order, Creekview High School starts the year with prospects of new undertakings for the school.

At a breakfast held on August 11 to welcome the parents of the freshmen class of 2014, the school’s PTSA and principal, Dr. Bob Eddy, introduced the parents to the goals and programs planned for the school year and how much involvement is needed to accomplish them. Dr. Eddy stressed the importance of involvement and praised the PTSA for the success of the beautification of the school and several other projects that have been accomplished.

Among the numerous projects that the PTSA plans to tackle this year, the second phase of the beautification of the school is on top of the list. Set to be completed by this fall, the beautification committee has outlined a plan by adding trees to the landscape project. The committee is working hard on getting the Grizzlies to “go green” and adopt a tree.

Along with the beautification of the exterior of the school, the PTSA has set an agenda for donating $500 to the school’s media center, which was named Exemplary Media Center for the state. Other tasks the committees plan to endeavor this coming year include hospitality breakfast for teachers, book scholarships for seniors, and SAT prep courses to juniors and seniors. .

The PTSA officers, Barbara Arthur (president), Valerie McClendon (vice president), Helen Stancil (treasurer), and Darrell Caudill (secretary), ask for parents to connect with the school by becoming a V.I.P. (Very Involved Parent) and joining the PTSA. There is no fee to volunteer your services and talent for the school but being a member, for $50, entitles you to discounts throughout the community in restaurants, businesses, and ticket event prices. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more to become a member, please contact Barbara Arthur at bjearthur@comcast.net.

By: Beatrice Torralba

Blue Ribbons for the Unquiet Library

Every student has visited the Creekview Unquiet library or if not, they will at one point in time. Whether to learn about LibGuides for the 8 billionth time, check out a book, visit the coffee shop, or simply just go for leisure, the library is always packed with students and teachers. This year there are a few changes to the library, some subtle and some not.

One of the biggest changes to the library this year happens to be the award the librarians diligently work for. The Unquiet Library was awarded one of two of the Exemplary High School Media Programs for 2010 in the state of Georgia by the Georgia Department of Education. The other award went to Kennesaw Mountain High.

“We were very excited [about the award],” says Buffy Hamilton, head librarian. “It was also a very humbling experience.”

The award gives each winning library state wide recognition and a certificate. The library was nominated for the award by Principal Bob Eddy. To enter into the run for the prestigious award the library had to submit an application. Then each one was reviewed with a rubric.

The library media program must meet certain requirements such as: “The library media program fosters critical thinking skills and independent inquiry so students can learn to choose reliable information and become proactive and thoughtful users of information and resources. The Library Media Specialist and classroom teacher collaborate using Georgia Performance Standards to plan and teach the units of study. The library media program uses the AASL standards to help shape the learning of students in the school.”

Not only this, the library must also encourage teachers to participate in the process of media, and the media has to appeal to all students with different learning styles. The library works extremely hard making every students life easier. Research papers or projects are almost handed to students with LibGuides. These are used by almost every teacher and student. Clearly, this award is wanted by many; however our library and our librarians came out on top with all their hard work.

But the library hasn’t stopped running yet. New computer screens and, as always, new books can be found in the library as well.

Kindle eReaders are also being delivered to Creekview in October for students to check out. A form will go out to the student interested. This form must be filled out by the students and their guardian to ensure safety of the Kindle. A librarian will then give a quick lesson on how to use the Kindle which will have best sellers, Peach Books, and classics loaded onto it. The check out time will be the same for any other book, two weeks, but in these two weeks a student can read as many books available to them.

“We also are forming a student and faculty blogging team to contribute guest posts on our blog,” informed Ms. Hamilton. Such blog can be found at http://www.theunquietlibrary.wordpress.com/

Anyone interested in writing book reviews, gaming reviews, or other topics of interest should see Ms. Hamilton.
By: Brooke Gunsauley

Photo used with permission from the Georgia Department of Education

Creekview High School Commits to End Texting and Driving

In the United States, over 5,870 people died and about 515,000 people were injured in 2009 due to accidents from distracted drivers who text. Many students overlook the graveness of this subject. In an effort to raise awareness of the importance of this issue, Creekview’s Student Leadership Team organized a campaign to get the school on board with the new texting and driving law, recently placed on July 1st of this year and to make the students aware of the dangers from texting and driving.

The Student Leadership team invited Greg and Amy Heil to speak on behalf of their daughter, Victoria Heil, who tragically died texting and driving. Victoria was a senior at Woodstock High School, who was killed in an accident in 2008 after her jeep overturned on I-575. In addition, the Canton’s Sherriff’s Department was also present to discuss the consequences of texting and driving.

With the new texting and driving law enacted July 1, 2010, if any person at any age is caught texting while driving, they are subject to a $150 fine and one point off their driver’s license. Shocked faces filled the gymnasium as the students absorbed the severity and possible consequences of texting and driving.

During the lunch periods, the Student Leadership Team encouraged students to pledge their promise to not text and drive and keep the roads safe. After stamping their pledges with blue ink, Morgan M. (12), Ashton C. (12), and Jacqueline A. (12) proudly proclaimed saying, “We’ll form a pact because of the BFF pledge. The stickers we got will serve as a reminder as we see it on our windshield.” On this momentous day, Creekview students changed their lives and maybe someone else’s forever.

By: Maida Ahmad and Beatrice Torralba

Creekview Changes

Have you noticed?

Just like an I Spy game or the Where’s Waldo books, you have to look close to notice the changes, but they are definitely there.
Back and better than ever, the Media Center has students lined up waiting to take advantage of the exciting new changes. Some kids have already noticed the new, wide screen computers. It was those fabulous computers that helped Creekview’s media center earn an award. The coffee shop that was installed last year is also helping the media center get nation-wide recognition and county-wide envy.

Another severe change is the doing-away with detention that has been enacted this year. Now when you get a few tardies it’s straight to Saturday school. Students sum up their feelings for this change with one word, “Harsh.” But schools have been forced to make budget cuts, and getting rid of detention was an option the staff felt was a necessary to ensure that other programs were kept.

Have you noticed the cramped and crowded classes this year? If you look around you will probably notice a few faces are missing, that’s because a number of teachers moved away. A lack of teachers, an increase in students and a downfall in the economy are what caused the large classes, which now max out around 35 students. While some kids enjoy the crowded classes because they get to see more of their friends, others don’t like the fact that they have less one-on-one time with the teacher. Yet many are just thankful that Creekview has not had to use trailers. But for the time being everyone will just have to keep it together, after all, adjusting to changes is just another part of high school experience.

Yet the most surprising change this year has been the change in Freshman Friday. What was once thought of as a myth has now proved itself real. The first Friday of the school year presented a new problematic situation for Principal Bob Eddy. Upper classmen went around the halls “marking” freshmen with sharpies, sometimes going as far as pinning them down and drawing on their clothes and faces. A few freshmen even got dumped in trash cans and dumpsters. Principal Bob Eddy caught only a few students, those he did were punished. But he can not prevent kids from being kids, besides it is all just part of the high school experience, this being the part that makes Fridays a little more exciting.

John Kennedy puts it best when he says, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” High school is the part in our lives where everything is constantly changing, but dwelling on the negative will get you nowhere good . Change is inevitable, you cannot prevent it or predict it, but that’s why it is exciting.

By: Taylor Gates
(Thanks to Cherokeetribune.com for the photos.)

Too Hot to Handle

Intense summer heat has hit Georgia hard this year with continually soaring record breaking high temperatures hitting the 100 degree mark. Students at Creekview have been trying to find ways to stay cool and hydrated during these dangerous, scorching days.

Teams practicing outside for after school sports have to endure the sweltering afternoons. Football practice was even moved to the very early hours of the morning so players are kept cool.

“The mornings are the coolest part of the day right now, so we have to get up at 5:30 a.m. and practice until 7:45 a.m., but it makes it hard to stay awake throughout the school day,” stated Creekview junior, Joe H.

Band students are also taking on the heat. They practice outdoors two days a week for a total of five and a half hours. Many of the students have had signs of dehydration and were forced to sit on the sidelines for a break to drink water. Occasionally, sectionals are held by the discretion of the section leader. This means that space is limited and students of groups such as color guard are forced to practice outside. Due to the high temperatures, the band students now practice from 6-9 in the evening when the sunlight is not so direct.

Band member Jessica K. says, “It may seem hotter than it really is because we practice on the black concrete, but the heat does not stop us. The safety of the band members is our number one concern, so we go on water breaks quite often.”

Other issues with high temperatures include dress code and sitting outside in the courtyard. The two go hand in hand with the heat problem. Students may not sit outside in the blazing sun of the courtyard during lunch if they choose to wear jeans and long sleeved shirts. Therefore, many students have been breaking the dress code just to stay cool in the day.

Additionally, revenue for the café has been increasing due to the heat wave as well. The Lazy Bear Café has been crowded because students want the icy cold frappuccinos after walking through the steamy parking lot in the mornings or riding in a stuffy bus.
“I tend to go to the Lazy Bear Café at least three times a week to get a chilled drink. It cools me down in the morning classes,” stated Brooke J., senior.

Creekview students started school the first week of August, but some schools, such as those in Fulton County did not start school until Monday, August 23rd. Their high schools may have the benefit of not having to deal with the effects of the heat.

By: Katelyn Presnell