The Saintinel

Cyber bullying, against the law or just kids being kids

Saintinel Staff Writer — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:56:32 +0000

Bullied, taunted, made fun of, these are all ideas that come to mind when you think of cyber bullying. Some may not even realize the consequences on both sides. Some examples of cyberbullying include sending threatening emails, text messages or comments to another person, tricking someone into saying private or embarrassing things and sending it to others, “hacking” someone’s email or social media account and sending false messages to others while acting like they are this person, and making web pages to make fun of another person. Ten percent of children are being cyber bullied and bullied at school ranging from ages 7 to 19 and possibly higher, and now that there are computers in their reach, it just makes a whole other way of doing it. Some schools are making it a law that if the safety of students or staff members is being threatened, and they have concrete evidence that they are being threatened, they can suspend or even possibly expel the student to blame. A lot of people think that it’s not just computers that are to blame for cyber bullying; back about 30 years ago, people would still say mean things and bully other kids, the internet is just another way to do it. People also think that cyber bullying increased as the popularity of the networking sites increased, because instead of saying it face to face they can hide behind computers, which is pathetic. A popular networking site, “Facebook,” is launching a new program that is intended to help people who are being cyber bullied, and to make sure those that have not yet been cyber bullied, stay that way. Other people noticed that kids aren’t the only ones being cyber bullied, that high school students, public figures, or online bloggers get hate mail and death threats and even down to a little snide comment on their Facebook wall. Now that 95% of teenagers are now online, and 80% are now using social media sites, 40% of those that have been surveyed have said that they are being bullied, or have witnessed bullying on those social sites. Sometimes cyber bullying can even be accidental in some scenarios because when you text or write someone you lose the feeling and emotion of the words being said, and sometimes they can be misunderstood. A regular conversation can be misread as a “bullying” conversation which may most of the time just be an ego-based one which goes along the lines of “your wrong, I am right, and I am going to make you believe that I am right.” Cyber bullying is so nation wide that there is even a specific month called “No Name Calling Month” in January. A lot of kids don’t tell their parents or adult figures when they are being bullied because they feel embarrassed or scared that if they tell, the bullying will just get worse, Which brings about the question, what are the effects of cyber bullying? Even though the bullying is not face to face, it still has the same effects if you were to be face to face; peoples emotions are still shattered, the hateful remarks still play on and on in their head, and their self confidence sinks to the floor when they know that someone out there does not like them. Cyber bullies are more likely to say more mean words online or by text messaging because they don’t have to say it to the other person’s face or fear their reaction. Some teenagers or even adults feel that they are not safe any more because the identities of the bully might never be revealed so they don’t know who it could be, or even if their sitting right next to or working with him or her. Thirty percent of the people that are getting cyber bullied often commit suicide because they feel there is no way out of the torment that is going on behind their computer screen. While others keep their feelings bottled in and later in life have to go to therapy because they never learned how to reveal what they are feeling. A lot of people think that the reason why people cyber bully is because they do not like the person. Yes, that does play a part in the action, but not fully. The real reason is that they themselves are the self conscious ones and they try to get other people before they could get them. Therapists and other wise adults believe that when the bully was young they were bullied also and for the years that they were bullied it made them cold and not have feelings, so then they bully people don’t feel any sympathy because they are getting back at or seeking revenge on the person that bullied them, even though realistically the victim was not the one that bullied him or her. Bullying has been around for many years and some people would say that it is just a part of growing up. Parents often tell their children “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.” In this case, tormenting words may break more then just your bones

We need a longer lunch!

Saintinel Staff Writer — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:16:31 +0000

At JHS the time to eat lunch is VERY inexcusable. We only get a half an hour to stand in the lunch line, get our food, then sit down and have to shove the food down our throats. We have about 600 students and only 3 lunch lines to get food, not to mention how long it takes just to put in your student ID, and sometimes when the computers crash we have to converge the whole line into one.

I don’t think it’s very healthy that we only have 15 minutes to sit down and eat. Students then go to class or home with stomach aches because their body doesn’t digest the food as well as it would if we had longer time.

Sophomore Briennah Duncan states, “I really don’t like the fact that we have so little time to eat because personally I like to take my time and not have to rush.”

So there you have it from the words of JHS student’s: a longer lunch is a necessity. What are your thoughts student? Please comment.

Students Get Inducted for National Honors Society(:

Saintinel Staff Writer — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:43:44 +0000

November 10Th, 2011 NHS students and staff members gathered together to celebrate the ceremony of being officially inducted in to National Honors Society. The night was filled with joy and NHS students were ecstatic that this was their special night. Family and friends all came together to see this wonderful night and to have an amazing Italian dinner.

NHS stands for National Honors Society and this is a society and you have to have a GPA of 3.5 or higher to be in it. NHS also does volunteer work to help out the community. This is a huge opportunity to be in this for your junior and senior year because it looks really good on a college application, but not only that it shows that you were committed to do good and school and to stay in it both years. “I am very happy and excited for what we are going to do in NHS,” explains Justice Mitchell.

Invitations were sent out that stated the family was cordially invited to this ceremony and to go up and put an NHS pin on their shirt above their heart. After the ceremony families and staff members had the chance to sit at a beautiful table with a nice center piece and enjoy some Italian food. “Out of my family my mom, sister. and little brother came to support me at the Induction Ceremony,” said junior Jessica Vien.

National Honor Society is going to make each and every person in the society bond and learn new things about each other. The Induction Ceremony was wonderful. “The most memorable part about the whole night was saying the pledge and lighting the candles, because by doing that we committed ourselves to National Honors Society,” proclaimed Jessica.

NHS has a lot of meaning to the students that are in it and I believe that they all had a different time that they knew this was serious and was a huge deal. “I noticed that NHS was really important the night of the Induction ceremony when I was getting pinned and we lite the candle,” explains junior Francisco Aguilar. Students are now officially members of the NHS family and they hope to keep it that way till they graduate.

Most high school students would try so hard to be in this because it is such a good academic society to be in and it is really good and colleges would look at their college application over other people. “I know that I was chosen to be in NHS because I show a lot of effort academically, and in my character and many other things. Im am hoping to be in NHS next year as well,” proclaims Francisco.

Jefferson High NHS students were happy when they found out that they were chosen to be in this society, but even more excited when they found out that this was really good because colleges would look for this. National Honors Society will benefit every single one of the students because they will learn how to come together and help the community, bond with one another, and learn a lot of new things. “I know that this will benefit me in the future because this may help me get in to a good college and not only that it will teach me self discipline so that I have to keep my grades up in order to be in NHS my senior year,” explains junior Klarissa Vick.

Overall the night was wonderful and it was great to see everyone dress up and come together to join the National Honors Society as they got Inducted in to the society. The students were very happy and they are looking forward to what the future holds for them and to what great memories they are going to share.

Saints Against Texting and Driving

Saintinel Staff Writer — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:33:30 +0000

On November 15, 2011 at JHS there was a campaign that FCCLA set up about texting and driving. There was a short 5 minute video shown in advisement, where students watched it and then were dismissed to sign the big banner made, plus they got a no texting and driving button.

The campaign went great, and there was a lot of students supporting the issue. Everyone knows it is wrong to text and drive especially knowing the fact that it can kill someone, or even yourself.

After watching the video, every one’s emotions were all different. Maybe they have experienced it or maybe the video touched their heart. I felt something in my heart because I know it is wrong, plus I even watch people do it, but don’t say anything.

Sophomore Meghan Sweitzer explains, ” The video reminded me of my childhood.”

Freshman Yaline Baca said, “I think it is sad how one text can take away someones life.”

I have never been affected by the issue, but I know people who have. Many people have seen and experienced or have been in a situation that suits texting and driving.”

“Yes, I have been affected by the issue because my uncle almost got in a car wreck with me and my brother, until I screamed, moreover warned him that we were really close to a car,” junior Val Vargas exclaims.

Many students changed their mind about texting and driving, because they know it’s not safe at all. “This campaign changed my opinion on texting and driving because now I know it can kill me or I could end up being disabled, or injured very, very bad,” freshman Jose Ramos confirms.

I think everyone who supported the campaign has a heart and now they know right from wrong. Don’t ever text and drive, moreover let everyone know how dangerous it is. Nobody deserves to get their life taken away over a message that isn’t even worth looking at on the rode.

FCCLA Official members

Saintinel Staff Writer — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:00:00 +0000

In a lot of schools in Colorado and in other states as well, there is a program called FCCLA in which a lot of students are now participating. The students gets a $1,000 dollar scholarship for any college of their choice. As students and teachers have said, it is a great program. Moreover, the students get to do many activities and attend many gatherings. Each student that is in this program gets affiliated at some point. Well, here at JHS it’s about that time!

Affiliation means a lot to people, especially if you give all you got to the program. Freshmen Amber Entity-Dreyer explains, “I am glad I have been accepted into something!”

There are many opportunities people may take advantage of in this program. “I receive a scholarship for $1000,” senior Audrey Aragon exclaims proudly.

Being an official member makes you feel great and accepted. The word around is people should join whenever to experience new things, and to be a part of something. Don’t hesitate, JOIN!

Jefferson Saints Vs. Denver West Cowboys

Saintinel Staff Writer — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:08:57 +0000

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 Jefferson Saints boys basketball team went up against West high Cowboys. Our JV team walked away with a win!

The varsity boys played their hardest against Denver West, and lost the first home 78 to 41. Though it was a close came, it doesn’t get the team down. They would love for people to come out and support them, and join Junior Alex Gallegos’s grandparents as they come to every home game and hold a concession stand outside of the gym.

“I Love basketball!” exclaimed Sophomore Joey Gomez.

Junior Jay Ryan explained, “Basketball is my life.. I joined the team to have good grades and to get noticed for something!” Most of the boys were joining to be active, get better at basketball, because they love the sport, or just because coach Sangeline encouraged them to join.

The boys were asked how they felt about the 1st home game. “Anticipation!” answered Sophmore Jorge Padilla.

Junior Maximus Watson said, “I feel that if we win, our team will have a lot of motivation going into our next game.”

“I feel we will beast today!” said Jay. “The varsity team only has 3 seniors, and starting 5 are juniors,” Jay explains the difference from last year’s basketball team.

Senior Omar Ovalle, told us, “I have a higher role, and more to worry about.”

“I actually play varsity, and it’s a lot faster!” exclaimed sophomore Dontae DeLoach.

Senior Manny Garcia told us, “We have lots of people out for basketball. I have a bigger role as a senior.”

The team has high expectations for the season. Dontae predicts, “I think its going to be a winning season because we’re more prepared.”

Jay said, “My season prediction JV 18-0 Varsity 17-0.”

Ozni forecasts, “I think we can do really good because we’re a great team but we just need to stop missing shots.”

Manny tells us, “I expect to have a good season, but we take one game at a time and hard work pays off.”

The boys basketball team would like spectators this year. Jay encourages, “Come watch the JV and Varsity beast, just mainly Juniors. Thanks!”

Ozni points out, “We are a GREAT team!”

Omar wants everybody to know, “We’re ready for anything!”

Breaking Dawn

Saintinel Staff Writer — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:47:39 +0000

Twilight’s saga Breaking Dawn Part 1 was this year’s hot box movie, earning 41.7 million dollars by November 28th. Millions of teenage girl camped out side of theaters to get first look at the wedding and unplanned pregnency.

Team Edward or Team Jacob: can both teams ammerge to save Bella and her unborn child? Will she become a vampire?

All of these are many question fans had about Breaking Dawn.

I Don’t Want To Be Crazy

Saintinel Staff Writer — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:58:18 +0000

This book is an autobiography by Samantha Scout. The story of her life is very intense and brings you different parts, feeling of her life all at once. Even though this is written in short poems, it is very easy to read and follow, making the longest “chapter ” only about two pages long. She starts off by first telling the reader how alone she feels while all her friends are slowly leaving for college one-by-one, leaving her behind.

Samantha decides to go to a college in a more rural part of New York where she knows no one. This is the point where her life will be changed forever. Samantha finds out through all the stress of being alone and finally on her own that she has a mental health problem. She goes through many ups and downs, making the book very hard to put down at some points.

The reader will just want to read more and more to find out what happens next and to see how this fresh out of high school girl deals with all of this. This book shows that just any “normal” teen can have their lives changed dramatically just by going out on their own and finally discovering who they truly are.

This book helps show a more personal view on mental health problems and what it really feels like to be “crazy”. Samantha travels and tries her best to be as normal as she can be. With all the new prescriptions, she gains a new hope and more positive outlook on life believing there might actually be a cure.

Reading this book gives the audience a better understanding of mental health and its many effects on everyday life. Samantha’s only goal is to be “normal”, to be able to handle everyday situations like everyone else, wishing everyday that she might get better on her own. This book is very well written with detail making the reader feel like they are standing right next to the author as she goes through her everyday challenges.

Hate List

adviser — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:18:13 +0000

HATE LIST, a story of death, guilt, and the strength to keep moving forward when everything goes wrong.

It was just suppose to be a list. A little harmless list to document the people they hated, but one day it all went wrong.

Valerie Leftman and her boyfriend, Nick, have aways been the outcasts of their high school. They made a list, but the list was taken way too far when Nick opened fire in the cafeteria. Now Valerie returning to school to complete her senior year is going to have to deal with the events of that tragic day. Now Valerie is going to have to face the facts that she had a role in the shooting and she is responsible for saving the life of one of the victoms, the one she risked her life for.

Happy Feet 2

Saintinel Staff Writer — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:34:15 +0000

After throwing a fit of not being accepted because he looked different than the other penguins and he could not dance like the rest of them. Erik decides that he was going to take an adventure with two other little penguins. Mumble and Gloria’s son Erik is reluctant to try dancing as most of the penguins in Emperor-land do. Erik’s first attempt at dancing embarrasses and outcasts him from the rest of the penguins. After Ramon’s misguided advice that Emperor-Land isn’t fit for outcast penguins like themselves, Erik and his two friends Boadicia and Atticus follow Ramon back to Adelie-Land. When Gloria and Mumble discover that Erik is not anywhere to be found, they get a little worried and Mumble wants to go out and look for him.

On the way back from Adelie-Land Mumble and the little penguins discover that there is a perilous ice bridge that might be in the way, and they might have to find another way to the other side to get back to their empior. Meanwhile little Erik decides that he does not want go all the way around and starts to cross the dangerous ice bridge. While trying to cross they encounter Bryan the Beach Master and his two young sons, who refuse to let the penguins by. Suddenly the ice gives away and Bryan is trapped in a deep crevice below the ice.

When Mumble and the penguins return to the emperor they are shocked by what they see. Thy discover that a large ice burg has struck their home and that all of Emperor-Land is trapped below large walls of ice. Mumble is now the only one that all the other penguins are now going to depend on to get food for there children.

When he discovers that its going to take more than just himself and the little penguins to get food he thinks of sending one of the little penguins to go back to Adelie-Land and asking Ramon and and his emperor to help and get food until they could get out. Ramon and his emperor help a great deal and than they start to think of ways that they could get them out. Mumble remembers that when he helped the elephant walrus get out of the ice crevice that he said he would help him with anything. Mumble goes to find the walrus and they come to help. After a lot of dancing to break the ice so that they could all climb out they are soon reconnected with their family.