Category: School Happenings

A 15-year-old girl steps into a high school hallway on the first day of her freshman year. As she walks to her very first class, she imagines all of the things that will take place while she’s here, both good and bad. Her first real relationship, football games,  late night cramming for finals, and of course, prom.

For many teenage girls, prom is one of the most important events in their high school career.  It’s an event that they can look back at and smile about, hopefully.

In order for prom to be the magical night that everyone hopes for, many things have to fall into place. First and foremost, you need a dress.

And that’s going to cost you.

Fifteen girls say they have set limits for the most they are willing to spend. Their limits ranged from $150-$600.

Senior Dessie Jackson says, “Its not that I don’t have a limit, but prom only happens once. I’m not sure [what my limit is], it would depend on how much I love the dress.”

Although there are varying opinions on what is an acceptable amount to spend on a dress, there seems to be an overall desire to find the perfect one.

And you can’t have the perfect dress with a not-so-perfect pair of shoes and old tarnished jewelry.

Depending on where you shop and the style of shoe you’re interested in, you could be paying anywhere from $15-120, and possibly even more than that number.

On top of this, you have to include the amount you may be spending on a matching necklace, earrings and any other jewels you will need to finish off your look.

Some girls, such as Kayla Kauffman, say they will try to wear some jewelry they already own. “If I have something to match my dress I’ll wear it, if not I’m buying something new.”

Kristina Mast says she too can cross something off her list of expenses since she already has a pair of shoes she is planning to wear.

Of course all of this means nothing if you aren’t going to prom, and you can’t go to prom if you don’t have a ticket.

In previous years, tickets have cost around $30, with an extra $15 tacked on if you are bringing someone who is not a senior here at Penn Manor. Add this all together, and you could be looking at an awfully large price tag.

On the plus side, the senior class this year has raised somewhere between $1,700-$1,800, according to class advisor and English teacher, Lisa May.

As a member of the senior class officers, Jackson says “We’re in a comfortable place as far as paying for prom goes. Freshman year we set a goal of how much [money] we wanted to raise and we’ve exceeded that.”

May also said that although an exact amount for ticket price has not been set yet, the senior class can expect to spend $25 ticket with a $5 additional charge of the regular ticket price for any students who aren’t a part of the graduating class.

The class is planning on keeping the costs as low as possible, and since the class has raised a large sum of money,  this should be a fairly simple task.

By Stephanie Carroll

Everybody likes to kick back and enjoy the occasional bottle of pop but the next time you do, you might be getting popped a little more than you bargained for.

Senate leaders are considering putting a federal tax on the sweet and sugary drink we know as soda.

They say that the tax is to try and eliminate the sugary drink from people’s diet. Since these sugary drinks contribute to obesity. This tax is like the one put on tobacco products because tobacco causes so many medical problems.

These taxes are supposed to be used as a deterrent to people who consume these products.

Some Penn Manor students feel that this tax is not just.

“That’s [lame],” said senior Garth Bolin about the proposed tax on soda.

Even if there was a tax on soda would it stop students from drinking soda?

“Probably not,” added Bolin.

Even non-frequent drinkers of soda are opposed to this tax.

“I don’t really drink soda but that tax would be [stupid],” said sophomore Marc Summy.

Summy also wanted to know where this tax money would be going.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, this tax money would be to help combat the cost of the national health care plan which may cost $1.2 trillion to implement.

Tax on soda sounds crazy but what’s next- tax on ice cream, pizza or candy?

While unhealthy and decadent treats are a detriment to our health, taxing soda because of its long term affects make it seem as if soda drinkers are comparable to tobacco users.

“Its ridiculous for them to compare tax on soda to tobacco tobacco kills people, soda never did that,” said sophomore Michael Andrusisin. “Also, if they put tax on diet soda that is messed up because that is trying [to get people] to be healthy.”

There are many questions about this proposed tax and for now not many answers.

But one thing is clear soda drinkers don’t want the tax.

By David Mohimani

A new fashion trend has hit Penn Manor and its all pink, all the time.

Many students can be seen throughout the halls wearing “I ♥ Boobies” bracelets sold by the “Keep a Breast Foundation.”  These bracelets can be found at popular stores in the mall such as Zumiez and Hot Topic, or they can simply be found online.

Although the bracelets are rising in popularity, not everyone cares about the significance.

In fact some students think that it’s all just one big joke.

“Students may be wearing [the bracelets], but they really don’t care about breast cancer,” said Eric Ederati.

“Kids think it’s funny when [breast cancer] is really a serious problem,” said Danielle Leon.

Derek Hollow, wearing one of the bracelets himself, acknowledged he wasn’t that interested in the charity.

“I got it from my brother and I just thought it was funny,” said Derek. “It’s like having a Livestrong bracelet; people wear them just to wear them.”

And then there was Anissa Gerlach.

“I think some students are wearing [the bracelets] for the right reason,” said Gerlach.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer can begin in various parts of the breasts. It is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells.

“In 2009, an estimated 192,370  cases of breast cancer were diagnosed among women in the United States. Pennsylvania alone had approximately 9,380 new cases of female breast cancer,” said ACS employee Danine Baird.

Understanding breast cancer and knowing the signs are two key factors to staying in control of your health.

Cancer is a serious disease, but the survival rate has gone up in the past 50 years from 80% to 98%, according to americancancersociety.com.

“The American Cancer Society patient services provide free support and educational programs designed to assist survivors in their treatment, educate patients and caregivers, and improve the overall quality of their life,” said Baird.

Breast cancer walks, such as the Relay for Life, and peer-support programs are growing in popularity.

No matter what the reason, breast cancer support rates are on the rise and Penn Manor has done more than just start a fashion trend.

By Emily Brody

A classic carnival popcorn machine has been wheeled into Penn Manor’s cafeteria and homemade ice cream is being churned and served.

But where you might expect someone like Vancouver’s ‘electrician’ from the Olympic closing ceremonies, there is a trio of students dedicated to easing the suffering in Haiti.

Working through the disaster relief fund of Compassion International, an offshoot of the world-wide child advocacy group, these volunteers, Becca Kyper, Lyndsay Funk and Grace Lefever, are using the most effective fund-raising method known to man: food.

“On Monday, we raised over $100, and now, we’re getting even more.” One hundred dollars is enough to provide medical treatment for fifty patients.

 “There’s not really a goal here. I mean it would be awesome if we made enough to build a house, but we just do what we can.”

The fundraiser runs through Friday, March 5, so go buy a sundae and save a life.

After a long sequence of winter storms, spring weather is coming for a change.

Snow, snow, snow is all Lancaster County has been experiencing for the last couple weeks. With record snow accumulation in the previous weeks, spring might finally be coming to put an end to the wintry weather.

According to theweatherchannel.com, Lancaster will be witnessing 40 degree weather through out the whole weekend. Friday and Saturday will be in the low 40’s for its high temperatures.

We may not know what to do with ourselves.  Afterall, Penn Manor has suffered or enjoyed four snow days this school year, depending on your point of view.

Sunday, however, we will have a high in the low 50’s which is a huge change to the recent weather Lancaster has been going through of late.

After this “heat wave” most the existing snow will be completely melted and for the first time in about a month, grass will be visible.

Spring has never been so welcome.

By Simon Zimmerman

It has been about a month since Lancaster has seen a glimpse of some grass since the county was struck by two large snow storms covering the region with the lingering powder.

Now with the anticipated spring season approaching fast, the people of Lancaster can expect their spirits dampened by the words “more snow”.

“This snow is horrible,” said Penn Manor junior, Ryan Pennell. “I’ve seen enough of it.”

WGAL Meteorologist, Matt Ritter, says that “tonight the snow will be heavier and winds will strengthen. Uncertainties still remain to how much snow accumulates as this is very complex system. East of the Susquehanna River should receive around six to twelve inches.”

When Penn Manor’s personal “weatherman,” David Bender was asked about tonight’s forecast he stated, “If we have any snow accumulation, we [Penn Manor] will more than likely have at least a delay because the winds are going to be so intense.”

Bender continued to say that the northern areas from Lancaster County along the east coast will have a larger snow accumulation.

With the storm approaching quickly from south, Penn Manor is well prepared with experience for this predicted snow storm.

By Cody Erb

Students at Penn Manor High School are feeling a little rumble of rage. Rumor has it that in order to graduate or move up a grade, they must pass yet another exam-the Keystone Exam.

The Keystone exams could be very beneficial, but everyone who has to take them may disagree. Kids already have a lot to worry about while they’re in school, like tests, quizzes, and projects-and now another really important exam?

The Keystone exams are similar to the PSSAS but will take the place of those tests which are administered in third, eighth and eleventh grades.  The main difference is that passing the Keystone is now necessary for students to graduate and to pass to the next higher grade. The state Board of Education approved it in 2009.  Students will take the first Keystone exams in biology, algebra I, and literature in the 2010-11 school year.

“The reason I favor the Keystone exams over PSSAs is because [the students] would take them as they finished the course,” said principal Phil Gale.  “The Keystone exams will give[the students] immediate feedback on the content knowledge.”

“First of all, it’s better,” said math teacher Kim Frey. “It’s a better evaluation than the PSSAs, the reason being is because we take it at the end of every course.”

Kids that are now in seventh grade will have to pass at least six Keystone exams to graduate. But, this is only possible if Penn Manor decides to use the exams over the PSSAs. The school will not make the students take the PSSAs and the Keystone exams together in the same year, officials said.

“Basically, I just think it’s pointless, the PSSAs seem much better than these exams,” said student Neisha Stoltzfus.

“For people who are moving along successfully in high school, I don’t think it should take 33% of their [class] grade,” said Jesse Millis a freshman here at Penn Manor.

“They’ll be easier to manage in terms of kids doing better on them,” said Frey.

Teachers will be able to preview the exams, which will make it easier for them to teach the kids the correct material in order to do well on the test.

“I would guess that the teachers will have the exams, they’ll be the same year after year after year… but know one really knows,” Said Ken Long, a former Penn Manor Board member.

The tests will look similar to Penn Manor’s final exams; all the students have to do is take initiative and study for them.

By Gabby Myers

Apple has plans to take over the world, including Penn Manor.

In the middle of dozens of rumors flying around about an ever changing cell phone policy, could the new Apple iPad be the perfect addition to the school’s already large collection of technology?

“We’ve been talking about it and it’s hard to make predictions without physically seeing it, but from what I’ve seen, it has its positives and negatives,” said Penn Manor’s head of technology, Charlie Reisinger.

The iPad, only measuring nine inches long diagonally, is a touch-screen computer made by Apple that comes with applications including Safari internet, e-mail, and podcasts.

“I think it will really be useful to a lot of people. Regular internet surfers and computer lovers are going to want one,” said sophomore Maranda Kurtz.

Computers, smart boards, digital projects, and technology courses have been changing classes already, but the iPad could advance the school in incredible ways never seen before.

Preloaded with a ‘Notes’ application, students could take unlimited notes resulting in saving thousands of pieces of paper school wide.

“I think it would be great for schools, especially if we could just e-mail all our work to teachers and use barely any paper in classes,” said Kurtz.

The downloadable application ‘iBooks’ could be the answer for English classes, allowing students to read and download books directly onto the iPad, and students would never have to share books in classrooms again.

“One of the positives is that it goes at least 10 times beyond the Amazon Kindle (a device that allows books to be downloaded and read portably),” said Reisinger.

However, is the price of $499 worth it?

“The price is better than most laptops and are closer to the cost of net books,” added Reisinger.

With something this new, people are always doubtful, and even Penn Manor has its fair share of ‘critics’.

“[Hypothetically] I don’t think the school should get them. We already have laptops and the capabilities are the same,” English teacher Holly Astheimer said, “Plus, iPads have applications and music in them which kids already have but shouldn’t have out anyway.”

“It would be very difficult to manage them remotely like we can with the laptops and as of now we aren’t sure which applications will run,” said Reisinger.

According to Rob Reynolds from 21^st Century Learning, “[iPad] Tablets will allow users to have the functionality they want at a price they can afford. More importantly, they will usher in a new era of learning material distribution and subscription models for textbooks. The net result will be lower education costs across the board.”

What Apple calls “Our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price” would change schools no doubt, but when it comes to deciding how, students and teachers will never be on the same page — web page that is.

By Mike Nitroy