HOPE Day 2019

by Katie Hull

On November 14, Rockwell students asked the community to join them in wearing yellow to spread suicide prevention awareness. Many students and staff supported the cause here at Rockwell. Students from Westlake High School, Cedar Valley High School, UMA and Lehi High School also joined Rockwell in wearing yellow. 

“I think it’s pretty rad that so many people are coming together to spread something so important,” said Rockwell junior Genevieve Garner.

From the years 2015 – 2017, the average number of suicides in Utah was 628 suicides per year, and in 2017 suicide was the leading death cause for kids 10-17 years old.  It is important for Utah to be aware of these statistics and do something about them. This Hope Day shows how much these students care about each other and how much they want to help and support. 

“We all fight our own battles but sometimes you need some support. I am supporting.” – Faith Lane, sophomore

“It’s cool that we are finally spreading awareness about something that isn’t talked about usually,” said Rockwell junior Hayden Giessing. “And it’s cool that so many people are supporting.”

There are so many people who can help and no one should feel alone. There are lots of  ways we can support those who are having a hard time but one thing everyone can do is just to be kind. In 2018, 1 out of every 5 students in Utah felt that they were getting bullied. We can all be more open and loving towards one another. 

“We all fight our own battles but sometimes you need some support,” said Rockwell sophomore Faith Lane. “I am supporting.”

Check out this Hope Day video, created by The Marshal Update:

 

Homecoming 2019: Goin’ Down the Bayou

by Katie Hull

Rockwell’s Homecoming, themed as “Goin’ Down the Bayou,” will be held on Saturday, October 12, from 8-11 pm.

Students chose the theme for Homecoming this year as they voted during their mentoring classes back in September. The choices were between Western, Bayou, and Alice in Wonderland, and Bayou received the most votes. The Bayou dance will be decorated with nets, jar lights, fireflies, fog, moss and water as the theme was inspired by the Disney movie The Princess and The Frog. Many students have expressed excitement about the theme and are excited to dress up with their dates.

“I’m excited to go to Homecoming and show off my dress,” said Rockwell junior Katie Lang.

Homecoming will be held on the stage at Rockwell. Tickets can be purchased in the office. Single tickets are $25 and couple tickets are $35 until Friday, October 11. On Friday, single tickets will go up to $35 and couple tickets will be $45. At the door, single tickets will be $40 and couple tickets will be $50.

“I’m excited to spend the whole day with my date,” said Rockwell sophomore V McCumber. “It’ll be fun to hangout with my friends at the dance.”

Homecoming Spirit Week will be held the week of October 7-11. Each day will be a themed dress-up day, and lunchtime activities will be going on all week surrounding these themed dress-up days. Students who participate in the dress-up days and lunchtime activities will be given raffle tickets that will earn them a chance to win prizes at the end of the week.

“Pajama day for spirit week was cool,” said Rockwell senior Kayla Teutschmann. “I love wearing pajamas because then I don’t have to get dressed.”

Homecoming Royalty nominations were announced Monday. Congratulations to the following students who were nominated:

Sophomores:
Ellie Anderson
Grace Maw
Faith Lane
Daniel Ortiz
Landon Henderson
Ethan Barrett

Juniors:
Dakota Dipo
Sophie Jaimes
Haya Al Hawari
Grey Edwards
Ryan Stearns
Mac Beck

Seniors:
Savanna White
Katie Hull
Aimree Swift
Isaiah Gale
Tait Schramm
Joshua Smith

Royalty will participate in lunchtime activities this week, and take part in an assembly on Thursday. King and Queen, Prince and Princess, and Dutch and Dutchess will be crowned at the Homecoming Dance.

The Blue & Gold Unwind: Dealing with Bullying and Gossip

by Katie Hull

Image via whyy.org

The definition of bullying is to seek to harm, intimidate, or coerce someone. Even though Rockwell is a smaller school bullying still happens here. I do believe it happens less than most schools because we all know each other more personally and the teachers know us. Gossip is a huge form of bullying. The problem is because we are such a small school, gossip spreads like wildfire. No one likes to be gossiped about so why does anyone feel the need to spread it about others? It doesn’t make sense.

The most important thing to know is that if somebody is spreading gossip about you, realize that they are trying to hurt you and remove them from your life. There is absolutely no excuse for gossip or bullying. It is harmful and hurtful to the person being gossiped about and the friendships that are involved. You need to know also that if they are spreading gossip about you, more likely than not, it is not personal. They are going to spread gossip about anyone and you happened to fall into the light this time. Don’t try to get back at them or get into a fight with them because in the long run it will not help or do anything positive for you or the other people involved. Just stay away from them. You do not need poisonous people in your life.

If you are the one gossiping or bullying others you need to take a long look at yourself and understand that it is not okay. You will get caught and you are hurting another human being. Nothing makes you better than other person. If you are doing this because your life is hard and want others to feel like you, realize that you have no idea what this person you are hurting is dealing with at home or when you aren’t around. It is also against the law to bully, cyber-bully, haze someone or be part of retaliation bullying. It is against the law for teachers to not report it to administration and for administration to not involve parents. If you endanger or purposefully distress another student or school employee, it is bullying and against the law. Bullying is wrong.

If you are getting bullied, harassed, or feel threatened you need to report it to a teacher or guardian immediately. It is not okay that this is happening to you and you need to realize what it is; it’s bullying.

The Blue & Gold Unwind: Dealing with Stress and Anxiety

by Katie Hull

Everybody deals with stress. I do too. I have an incredibly stressful life that sometimes overwhelm me. I have a job, go to school, deal with the stresses of having a social life and extra-curricular activities. It is normal to be stressed, it is okay to be stressed. It is okay to have a screaming all day breakdown. Don’t stay there. There are ways where you can find help; you can find outlets for this stress and you can find people who will help you and listen to you.

I had a lot of responses from my “How do you deal with stress and anxiety?” poll on Instagram this week. Thank you to all of those that did. One of the main responses I got was journaling and writing. Many people said that they feel better after they write down all of the stress they are feeling and why they think they feel this way. Another person said something similar, they make to do list so whatever they are stressed about they can figure out how to handle it one at a time. A few responses said that they cry or hold it all inside. Crying is a perfectly healthy way to let out your emotions and I fully support you. Holding it all inside is not a healthy way to deal with stress. I understand that you don’t want to hurt anyone but the people who love you the most will want to help you get through these things. You need to let it out.

Music. Music is a great way to block out the world and other people for a little while. It can also help some people to accomplish their work faster and better. Find a playlist that helps you release all these built-up emotions.

Another way is set aside some time for yourself. Spend at least ten minutes every day doing something you love. Reading, playing video games, singing, watching a movie, or talking with your friends, do something that makes you happy. Basically try to spend time doing something that gets you away from all of these stressful situations. The end of the term is almost over and fourth term can be a fresh start. You can do it. Summer is gonna be here before you know it.

Tell Your Story with the GSA

by Katie Hull

The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) is having a special meeting Thursday, March 7. It is at 3:00 pm in room 22.

This meeting is to share the stories of all those who have come out and have dealt with all of the effects afterwards. This is to make more people aware of the GSA as well as welcome anyone and everyone who would like to join. This meeting is to tell your story and hear theirs. You will be heard and welcomed in without a second thought. This meeting is to gain a new perspective on something that most people haven’t heard. Whether you are gay or straight this meeting is all about support and hearing one another.

“We hope this will be a good opportunity for anyone who attends to put themselves in the place of others,” said the GSA advisor, Mr. Hampton. “Whether you want to share your story or simply listen, we’d love to have you.”

The clubs’ students decided to do this because wanted to share their stories and have them heard. If you do not want to have your name on your story but still want it shared, Mr. Hampton has invited you to share your story anonymously. Send your story to his email, jhampton@rockwellhigh.net, and he will share your story without attaching your name to it. For and added bonus, snacks will be provided at the end! Hope to see you there!

Rockwell Students Flock to Eagle Mountain’s First Soda Shop

Photo by Cassandra Nelson

Eagle Mountain’s first-ever Quench It opened on January 25, 2019. This is the fourth Quench It to open, the original opening in Heber, Utah. This soda shop has lots to offer.

Customers can get any soda they want with as many flavorings as they can think of, including unique ones such as peanut butter and marshmallow. They also serve hot chocolate with special additions. They sell cookies, pretzels and different flavored popcorns. This is the closest soda shop for quite a ways if you live in anywhere in Eagle Mountain or Saratoga Springs. It has very quick service and all the workers are very kind and hard working. When I took a trip there, there was a full line in the drive-thru and a line in the shop. I still managed to get through the line to order two 44 oz drinks in 15 minutes.

“I was impressed with the service at Quench It,” said Rockwell sophomore Melaghan Lentini. “And their drinks are really good.”

According to employees, they have gotten a lot more business than expected and already are hiring more to keep up with demand.

There are perks to visiting Quench It, such as getting a Quench It loyalty card. If you have one of these, everytime you purchase a drink, pretzel or cookie, 10% of the price will be added to the loyalty card to use for a later free drink, pretzel or cookie. They also sell stainless steel reusable mugs with the Quench It logo in different colors for $25 each.

Inside the restaurant is a counter with stools for customers to sit on and well as quite a few tables and chairs. Hopefully when summer comes and weather permits it, they will be able to add tables and chairs outside. They have a shelf full of games for any guests to play and a T.V. for the enjoyment and relaxation of anyone who cares to watch. It is an inexpensive, delicious, fun place to get some snacks and relax with a drink. Quench It is a family-friendly restaurant that the whole city can enjoy.

“I love Quench It because it is super good and super cheap,” said senior Chandler Thurman. “It’s like Swig, but cheaper.”

S.A.D.: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Image via Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

by Katie Hull

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D., is a specific type of depression that is directly related to the seasons. The most common cases of S.A.D are fall/winter. The farther you live from the equator, the more cases of S.A.D. are found. According to the Mayo Clinic Staff, about 10 million people in the United States are affected by this, and 10 to 20 percent of people in the world are affected. This disorder is four times more likely to occur in women than men. This is a real thing. Most people tend to just write off their sad or hopeless feelings as “winter blues”, but it is more than that. It’s a real problem that has real solutions. You don’t have to feel that way anymore.

“I definitely think it’s real but I won’t pretend to [know] the science behind it.” Rockwell High school english teacher Jacob Hampton said. “I’ve noticed people in my class that get more depressed during the winter months. Although I do not have personal experience with this, it makes sense that people’s mood would be affected by the weather. As well as if there is less sunlight people will be more sad.”

One cause of this disorder is the decrease of sunlight. Serotonin levels decrease during these months. How much sunlight you get effects this chemical. This chemical regulates mood and social behavior. Melatonin levels also get disrupted because of the time changes. This means that people are getting less sleep and may not be thinking as clearly or be as happy specifically because of that.

“I just feel sad in general and you get sad over stupid things.” says Zoie Miller, 8th grade Rockwell student. “The sun isn’t out. It’s like those scenes in movies when it’s raining outside because everyone is sad. You aren’t really sad for any reason, it’s just outside is sad and you are too.”

Some symptoms of this disorder
Feeling depressed all day
Low energy
Losing interest in activities
Sleeping problems
Change in appetite
Feeling hopeless
Feeling agitated and tired
Trouble concentrating
Thoughts/actions of suicide or self-harm

Specific Winter/Fall S.A.D. Symptoms
Oversleeping
Appetite changes ( especially cravings of foods with high carbohydrates)
Weight gain
Tiredness/ low energy

Specific Spring/Summer S.A.D. Symptoms
Trouble sleeping (Insomnia)
Poor Appetite
Weight loss
Agitation or Anxiety

“Some mornings it’s just really hard to get up and move. Nothing’s easy to do.” says Rockwell junior Mckay Marinos. “It gets dark early and there is nothing to do because it is dark and cold outside.”

There is hope. There are treatments as well as home remedies that seem to work as well or sometimes even better than the other treatments. One of the best home remedies is to simply get more sunlight. Spend more time outside or open all the blinds in your house to let as much natural light in as possible. Soak up that sunshine. Another home remedy is music or art therapy. Listening to music, singing, or playing an instrument has been proven to calm and make people feel better. Or if music is not the way for you, spend time using art as a creative way to express yourself or emotions. Meditation is another home remedy. It is time to just focus on something simple and to feel more calm or to start the day with a slow and easy thing. If any of those home remedies don’t work, the next step is to seek professional help. If you continue to feel this way then medicine is the way to go. You don’t have to let yourself feel sad or hopeless. You are important and you matter.

Resources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-2036465

School Shootings: What’s the solution?

by Katie Hull

Image via Washington Times

As school shootings happen more and more frequently, people are looking harder and harder for different solutions to the problem. Most of the time people disagree with the one and agree with the other and so nothing is happening. It’s almost impossible to come up with a solution that pleases everybody. But something needs to be done. Innocent people are getting mowed down for no logical purpose. It needs to stop. A few of the most popular ideas brought up to solve this problem is stricter gun control laws, arming teachers with guns, arming schools with security guards and encouraging more mental health awareness. The most heavily topics debated are the first three. Most people seem to agree that there needs to be more mental health awareness. But no one is doing anything to accomplish this.

At this point in time, gun control laws are pretty relaxed. It is not difficult to get a gun, not even a military grade gun. The process does not require very intimate scannings. And it is fairly simple for someone to legally purchase a gun with mental health problems or a vendetta . There are twelve states where you allowed to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Some states you can get a AR-15 in a matter of 15 minutes. You can walk in, fill out some paperwork, and walk out with a weapon capable of a mass shooting. Most of the time you are required to do a background check, but this doesn’t prevent someone planning an attack. The Parkland Florida school shooting ended up with 17 people dead. The gun was purchased legally. The Sante Fe Texas school shooting resulted with 10 dead and 13 injured. The gun was purchased legally. More than 75% of the guns that are used in mass shootings are purchased legally. Nothing has changed. Gun laws have not gotten stricter. It is no harder to get a gun than it was 5 years ago.

Arming schools are another way that is brought up to solve these problems. President Trump suggested this himself. This would mean giving teachers guns so that they can defend their students and protect themselves. Some people agree that this is the best way because you would be fighting fire with fire. There are many people that disagree because they are worried about the immaturity of students. They are worried that the guns would be easily accessible. If this were to happen, the government would have to pay for all of these guns, as well as provide basic firearm training for the teachers. If the government were you able to get the guns on a discounted price the least it would be is 180 million dollars. If they weren’t able to get the guns on a discounted price, the price would be closer to 1 billion dollars including ammunition, training, and the guns.

Increasing security at schools could be considered the middle ground between these other two ideas. It doesn’t make stricter gun laws and it doesn’t put students in classrooms with guns. metal detectors are something that are commonly discussed when talking about increasing security in schools. The government has come out and said that if schools were to look at getting metal detectors a reasonably priced one would be approximately $4,000 to $5,000. If this also includes a security guard, they usually are about $10 to $12 an hour. So for the security guard to be there for a week, all day, this would be about $2,000. Of course, some people still believe that this would not stop a determined shooter. But is it worth it to make the kids feel safer, as well as the parents feel safer?

Rockwell can be the change. We can use our voices to inspire change. We can be a fighting force instead of laying down and watching these shootings happen. You can make a difference. Speak out against these injustices.

How to Save the Earth

by Katie Hull

Image via Zastavki.com

There are so many things we do to this planet that can only be construed as destructive. We choose to put toxic gasses into our atmosphere and dump thousands of pounds of garbage and plastic into our oceans. 100,000 marine mammals die from plastic each year. The Worldwide Health Organization estimates that 4.6 million people die from direct causes related to pollution. How long are we going to let this go on?

Rockwell students could help. We could make a difference. Some of the top ways to save the environment are ways that you wouldn’t think. They are simple, easy and cost effective.

1. Reduce the amount of meat you eat. Scientists have found that red meat is responsible for 10 to 40 times as many emissions as greenhouses! This doesn’t mean getting completely rid of meat. But if you simply reduce the amount you eat you could start helping the environment.
2. Reduce the amount of paper in your life. Almost everyone, if not all of us, have phone or access to a computer. 40% of the worlds trees that are being cut down is being used for paper.
3. Reuse water bottles. Or even better, don’t use plastic bottles. Spend the money on a five dollar water bottle and reuse it. Over all you will spend less money then buying single water bottles that cost give or take a couple bucks.
4. Don’t throw away just anything. Recycle when you can. Kitchen scraps can be used in gardens as fertilizer.
5. Take notice of how much water you use. Try not to overuse. Turn off the water rather than leave it on when you are doing other things.

 

Basically these are a free simple things we can all do to help the environment around us. The Earth is our home and we are killing it one day at a time. We need to work on keeping it alive. Wendell Berry said, “ The Earth is one thing we all have in common.” Treat it like you would a home because it’s all of ours.