By Rhett Everhart
Driver’s Education is an extra-curricular course provided by TAHS that is held after school from 3:15-5:15 every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, for five and a half weeks every marking period to provide students who are acquiring driving permits with the rules of the road.
“I love the time I get to spend with the students and I love teaching Driver’s Ed,” Mr. McNitt, Drivers Ed instructor, said. “It’s perhaps the only class offered here where the lives of so many are at stake. What you learn as a student can literally make the difference between life and death.”
Driver’s Ed is held in 4 sessions during the school year (one every marking period.)
There is also a course over the summer that runs for two weeks, for three hours a day.
“I’m thinking about taking behind the wheel in the summer because that way I can get my license even sooner through the school,” Nathan Sechrist, sophomore, said.
If the course is successfully completed and behind the wheel training (B-T-W) is done through the school students will receive a discount on their car insurance.
“The advantage to taking Driver’s Ed here is that you can take the test here too! When you are done with both elements you are then eligible for a discount on your insurance, this is something that your parents love,” McNitt, said.
Throughout the marking period classes must go for a minimum of 34 hours because this is the state standard of class time to qualify for the discount along with six hours of B-T-W for a total of 40 hours of training.
“It was a lot of work when I took it, but I think it was worth it because now I know how to stay safe on the road when I am driving,” Tyler Divley, junior, said.
A student can still obtain a learner’s permit without taking Driver’s Ed, but according to McNitt, “Students who complete the classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction are far better drivers than those who don’t,” so it is recommended.
Once the learners permit is obtained through The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the student must log at least 65 hours of driving time with a parent total before they can go for a license.
These 65 hours consist of 10 hours of night driving, 5 hours driving in bad weather, 2.5 hours of parking practice, and the rest of the time is normal, daylight, driving.
Next year the Drivers Ed program is remaining at TAHS after school just like it is this year.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Advice Column
By Sadie Jackson
Dear Eagle Eye,
I feel like I am losing all of my friends. I feel like I am a horrible person because it isn’t really affecting me. I’ve found a lot of new friends that are better for me as a person because these friends aren’t trying to pressure me into doing things I don’t want to. What do I do?
Sincerely, Breaking Stereotypes
Dear Breaking Stereotypes,
I know losing friends can be hard no matter who they are and what the circumstances may be, but in my opinion, I don’t think that you should be hanging out with people who are dragging you down with them by wanting you to make the same bad decisions they make. If you feel like these friends are bringing you down and you want a new start, slowly let them go. Don’t be rude; just let the friendships break off on good terms. And enjoy spending time with your new friends!
Sincerely, The Eagle Eye Staff
Dear Eagle Eye,
My younger brother and I have been fighting a lot. Part of me thinks I should be nicer but then another part of me thinks he deserves it. I’ve been really stressed lately and this doesn’t help. What Should I do?
Sincerely, Big Sister
Dear Big Sister,
Dealing with family is hard, and dealing with siblings is even harder. Family fights. When your brother calls you names and starts on you—take a step back, breathe, and let it go. If needed, turn and walk away from him. Refrain from calling him names as well. Try to say only nice things to him.
Sincerely, The Eagle Eye Staff
Dear Eagle Eye,
Someone’s locking my locker every day, and I hate it. What can I do?
Sincerely, Unlocked
Dear Unlocked,
Whoever is locking your locker may be just looking out for you. There has been a lot of theft in the school these last few years. Try to remember your combination, put it in your phone as a note or a draft or write it down and carry it in a purse or pocket, something that will be with you every day.
Sincerely, The Eagle Eye Staff
Dear Eagle Eye,
Every single day lower classmen walk on the wrong side of the hallway and they always run into me. They need to learn to respect upper classmen and get out of our way!
Sincerely, Right Side of the Hall
Dear Right Side of the Hall,
When this happens to you, kindly explain to the underclassmen to walk on the right side of the hall. Just think of the hallway as a road; always “drive” on the right side.
Sincerely, The Eagle Eye Staff
Dear Eagle Eye,
I feel like I am losing all of my friends. I feel like I am a horrible person because it isn’t really affecting me. I’ve found a lot of new friends that are better for me as a person because these friends aren’t trying to pressure me into doing things I don’t want to. What do I do?
Sincerely, Breaking Stereotypes
Dear Breaking Stereotypes,
I know losing friends can be hard no matter who they are and what the circumstances may be, but in my opinion, I don’t think that you should be hanging out with people who are dragging you down with them by wanting you to make the same bad decisions they make. If you feel like these friends are bringing you down and you want a new start, slowly let them go. Don’t be rude; just let the friendships break off on good terms. And enjoy spending time with your new friends!
Sincerely, The Eagle Eye Staff
Dear Eagle Eye,
My younger brother and I have been fighting a lot. Part of me thinks I should be nicer but then another part of me thinks he deserves it. I’ve been really stressed lately and this doesn’t help. What Should I do?
Sincerely, Big Sister
Dear Big Sister,
Dealing with family is hard, and dealing with siblings is even harder. Family fights. When your brother calls you names and starts on you—take a step back, breathe, and let it go. If needed, turn and walk away from him. Refrain from calling him names as well. Try to say only nice things to him.
Sincerely, The Eagle Eye Staff
Dear Eagle Eye,
Someone’s locking my locker every day, and I hate it. What can I do?
Sincerely, Unlocked
Dear Unlocked,
Whoever is locking your locker may be just looking out for you. There has been a lot of theft in the school these last few years. Try to remember your combination, put it in your phone as a note or a draft or write it down and carry it in a purse or pocket, something that will be with you every day.
Sincerely, The Eagle Eye Staff
Dear Eagle Eye,
Every single day lower classmen walk on the wrong side of the hallway and they always run into me. They need to learn to respect upper classmen and get out of our way!
Sincerely, Right Side of the Hall
Dear Right Side of the Hall,
When this happens to you, kindly explain to the underclassmen to walk on the right side of the hall. Just think of the hallway as a road; always “drive” on the right side.
Sincerely, The Eagle Eye Staff
The Inside Scoop: What it was like to play in the talent show
By Ron Greene
To most the 2012 TAHS Talent Show is about showcasing talents, but if you dig deeper, you realize it can actually be very mentally cleansing for some. Those who simply attend the talent show and screwed off in the audience gain nothing of the same effect.
Auditions were kind of nerve-wracking because I imagined the act to be a lot different than when the finalized product was. It was supposed to be a group act. Caleb, Lucas, and I were going to cover a Red Hot Chili Peppers song called “Tear”, but people procrastinated, as did I, and things didn’t go to plan. Being the driven young chap I am, I decided to audition solo.
For days leading up to the talent show, the suspense flowed in like a river, constant. Me, Courtland, Coleman, Sierra, Donna, Meredith, Heather, Hope, Rebecca, Bree, and a few others ran through the show time and time again, filing the grooves and creating a semi-smooth, yet slightly abrasive surface. What I’m saying is it wasn’t perfect, but perfection wasn’t our goal, at least not mine…
Finally, Friday had arrived and we were as ready as ever, after bowing a thousand or so times of course. ;)
We received our programs and were assigned our duties.
But to make a long story short, it was exhilarating. We truly put on a show.
Of course being the first act was a little nerve-wracking, but that’s what the show bizz is about.
I assume that the audience full of my loving peers helped to tame my anxiety a bit. It was refreshing to see all these people, all of my friends, all of my equals, altogether and having a fantastic time.
I laughed, I ran, I jumped, maybe even cried a little…but all in all, I had a great time and am extremely thankful that we were able to have a talent show this year.
I would like to cordially thank Mr. Yoder and Ms. Dobrowolsky for making all of this possible. You are good people!
To most the 2012 TAHS Talent Show is about showcasing talents, but if you dig deeper, you realize it can actually be very mentally cleansing for some. Those who simply attend the talent show and screwed off in the audience gain nothing of the same effect.
Auditions were kind of nerve-wracking because I imagined the act to be a lot different than when the finalized product was. It was supposed to be a group act. Caleb, Lucas, and I were going to cover a Red Hot Chili Peppers song called “Tear”, but people procrastinated, as did I, and things didn’t go to plan. Being the driven young chap I am, I decided to audition solo.
For days leading up to the talent show, the suspense flowed in like a river, constant. Me, Courtland, Coleman, Sierra, Donna, Meredith, Heather, Hope, Rebecca, Bree, and a few others ran through the show time and time again, filing the grooves and creating a semi-smooth, yet slightly abrasive surface. What I’m saying is it wasn’t perfect, but perfection wasn’t our goal, at least not mine…
Finally, Friday had arrived and we were as ready as ever, after bowing a thousand or so times of course. ;)
We received our programs and were assigned our duties.
But to make a long story short, it was exhilarating. We truly put on a show.
Of course being the first act was a little nerve-wracking, but that’s what the show bizz is about.
I assume that the audience full of my loving peers helped to tame my anxiety a bit. It was refreshing to see all these people, all of my friends, all of my equals, altogether and having a fantastic time.
I laughed, I ran, I jumped, maybe even cried a little…but all in all, I had a great time and am extremely thankful that we were able to have a talent show this year.
I would like to cordially thank Mr. Yoder and Ms. Dobrowolsky for making all of this possible. You are good people!
Song of the week: “Shut Up Train”
By Sadie Jackson
This week’s song is “Shut Up Train” by Little Big Town.
To enjoy this song you can’t take the title and lyrics literally. You have to read between the… lyrics!
The chorus is one of my favorite parts of this song:
“Every time the front door shakes
Every time I hear the breaks
And that long whistle cryin’ through the night
I'm reminded of the way I feel
Just like that cold black steel
Gettin’ crushed by your wheels tonight
I don't need no more pain so shut up train”
You can find this song on Little Big Town’s album The Reason Why, which was released August of 2010.
This week’s song is “Shut Up Train” by Little Big Town.
To enjoy this song you can’t take the title and lyrics literally. You have to read between the… lyrics!
The chorus is one of my favorite parts of this song:
“Every time the front door shakes
Every time I hear the breaks
And that long whistle cryin’ through the night
I'm reminded of the way I feel
Just like that cold black steel
Gettin’ crushed by your wheels tonight
I don't need no more pain so shut up train”
You can find this song on Little Big Town’s album The Reason Why, which was released August of 2010.
Summer classes can be taken at TASD
By Rhett Everhart
At TASD summer classes are offered to all students.
Classes are available to students who wish to acquire extra credits for classes in the upcoming school year or classes are available to students who have failed out classes the past year so they can make them up and pass.
The classes for students who have failed are in place so that students can complete the courses over the summer and they won’t have to take them the next school year.
Some of these classes are available directly through TASD and others are held at Altoona Area to accommodate for the size of the classes because students from other school take them as well.
Summer gym is a class held at TASD that allows students to take gym in different time slots over the summer.
If students were to take this class they would get the half credit just like they would if they took it during the year.
The only change is that the physical education course is condensed and it will free up the next year’s schedule for the student.
“I am taking summer gym to open up my schedule next year so I can take college classes,” Alyssa Brisbin, junior, said. “If I take these college classes I will get college credits so I can get a head start. Also I believe these summer classes at TASD are a great option for students.”
Other classes are also available for students to take such as some of the five core classes so students can get credit for the course without having to take it during the school year.
“Summer programs help the school,” Mr. Everhart, English and summer school teacher, said. “On the student’s end, the advantage is a chance to keep on track for the diploma—summer school helps some kids to recover lost credits either because a course was too difficult or because they did not apply themselves.”
The classes are English, gym, and math.
“I’ve considered taking summer classes so I can get credit for my core classes but I haven’t yet. I might this upcoming year so I have a flexible schedule my senior year,” Jared Beckwith, sophomore, said.
Alfie Dehil, senior, has taken summer gym at TASD for the past two years because he is enrolled in Votech at Altoona studying heating ventilation, and air conditioning.
All students who take Votech at Altoona during the school year must take summer gym due to scheduling.
“I really like summer gym because it is condensed and everything is fast paced and my favorite unit in summer gym is the swimming unit,” Dehil said.
At TASD summer classes are offered to all students.
Classes are available to students who wish to acquire extra credits for classes in the upcoming school year or classes are available to students who have failed out classes the past year so they can make them up and pass.
The classes for students who have failed are in place so that students can complete the courses over the summer and they won’t have to take them the next school year.
Some of these classes are available directly through TASD and others are held at Altoona Area to accommodate for the size of the classes because students from other school take them as well.
Summer gym is a class held at TASD that allows students to take gym in different time slots over the summer.
If students were to take this class they would get the half credit just like they would if they took it during the year.
The only change is that the physical education course is condensed and it will free up the next year’s schedule for the student.
“I am taking summer gym to open up my schedule next year so I can take college classes,” Alyssa Brisbin, junior, said. “If I take these college classes I will get college credits so I can get a head start. Also I believe these summer classes at TASD are a great option for students.”
Other classes are also available for students to take such as some of the five core classes so students can get credit for the course without having to take it during the school year.
“Summer programs help the school,” Mr. Everhart, English and summer school teacher, said. “On the student’s end, the advantage is a chance to keep on track for the diploma—summer school helps some kids to recover lost credits either because a course was too difficult or because they did not apply themselves.”
The classes are English, gym, and math.
“I’ve considered taking summer classes so I can get credit for my core classes but I haven’t yet. I might this upcoming year so I have a flexible schedule my senior year,” Jared Beckwith, sophomore, said.
Alfie Dehil, senior, has taken summer gym at TASD for the past two years because he is enrolled in Votech at Altoona studying heating ventilation, and air conditioning.
All students who take Votech at Altoona during the school year must take summer gym due to scheduling.
“I really like summer gym because it is condensed and everything is fast paced and my favorite unit in summer gym is the swimming unit,” Dehil said.
Patton and Myers go to health conference
By Ashley Hamilton
Mrs. Patton, school nurse, and Mrs. Myers, health and science teacher, drove three hours down to the Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington DC on April 9th and 10th to go to the 2102 National Health Promotion Conference. The conference was all about programs to promote health and prevent disease.
One of the speakers was Regina Benjamin, the 18th Surgeon General of the United States. Dr. Benjamin holds 15 honorary degrees. According to the Surgeon General website, some job duties include: “fulfill statutory and customary Departmental representational functions on a wide variety of Federal boards and governing bodies of non-Federal health organizations, provide leadership and management oversight for PHS Commissioned Corps involvement in Departmental emergency preparedness and response activities, and protect and advance the health of the Nation through educating the public.”
“She seemed to be a down-to-earth woman. Someone you could have dinner with without feeling uncomfortable,” Myers said.
“[She is] very knowledgeable. Considering what an important position she holds for our country, she seemed very friendly and likeable,” Patton said, “she had a really fun sense of humor.”
Mrs. Estep, the curriculum director, suggested Myers and Patton attend because there was grant money available to pay for conferences about health promotion.
“It was pretty much pre-approved before I even knew about it,” Patton said.
“Mrs. Myers already has some ideas about that. It’s a little different for me in the Health Suite, but I have some ideas to suggest to Mrs. Estep for new health promotion activities, and it gave me ideas for my bulletin board for next fall. I have the first one all planned, based on a saying I heard from the surgeon general- ‘Health begins where you live, work, learn, and play,’” Patton said.
Myers is going to use what she learned from the conference by helping her students “live longer, healthier lives.”
Myers’ favorite part was getting on the Metro for the first time with Patton. Patton’s favorite part was the Surgeon General’s speech, and she feels Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of Health and Human Services, was a good speaker.
Mrs. Patton, school nurse, and Mrs. Myers, health and science teacher, drove three hours down to the Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington DC on April 9th and 10th to go to the 2102 National Health Promotion Conference. The conference was all about programs to promote health and prevent disease.
One of the speakers was Regina Benjamin, the 18th Surgeon General of the United States. Dr. Benjamin holds 15 honorary degrees. According to the Surgeon General website, some job duties include: “fulfill statutory and customary Departmental representational functions on a wide variety of Federal boards and governing bodies of non-Federal health organizations, provide leadership and management oversight for PHS Commissioned Corps involvement in Departmental emergency preparedness and response activities, and protect and advance the health of the Nation through educating the public.”
“She seemed to be a down-to-earth woman. Someone you could have dinner with without feeling uncomfortable,” Myers said.
“[She is] very knowledgeable. Considering what an important position she holds for our country, she seemed very friendly and likeable,” Patton said, “she had a really fun sense of humor.”
Mrs. Estep, the curriculum director, suggested Myers and Patton attend because there was grant money available to pay for conferences about health promotion.
“It was pretty much pre-approved before I even knew about it,” Patton said.
“Mrs. Myers already has some ideas about that. It’s a little different for me in the Health Suite, but I have some ideas to suggest to Mrs. Estep for new health promotion activities, and it gave me ideas for my bulletin board for next fall. I have the first one all planned, based on a saying I heard from the surgeon general- ‘Health begins where you live, work, learn, and play,’” Patton said.
Myers is going to use what she learned from the conference by helping her students “live longer, healthier lives.”
Myers’ favorite part was getting on the Metro for the first time with Patton. Patton’s favorite part was the Surgeon General’s speech, and she feels Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of Health and Human Services, was a good speaker.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
New germ posters
By Karah Postreich
Tim Luke, a senior student, went to English teacher, Ms. Dobrowolsky, on January 27, and told her that he was sick of seeing fellow classmates walk out of bathrooms without washing their hands. This simple statement sparked a germ of an idea.
“I think it’s awesome that Tim Luke saw an area of need and wanted to do something about it,” Dobrowolsky stated.
Ms. Dobrowolsky emailed Mrs. Patton, TAHS school nurse, and business teacher, Mrs. Dolney, about the idea for the posters. Mrs. Dolney had a few of her multimedia students design the posters that are now hung up around the school. Mrs. Patton had the idea to get the posters laminated in order for them not to be destroyed.
On March 14, the posters were hung up around school.
Luke said, “It is cool that someone actually listened to me for once.”
Tim Luke, a senior student, went to English teacher, Ms. Dobrowolsky, on January 27, and told her that he was sick of seeing fellow classmates walk out of bathrooms without washing their hands. This simple statement sparked a germ of an idea.
“I think it’s awesome that Tim Luke saw an area of need and wanted to do something about it,” Dobrowolsky stated.
Ms. Dobrowolsky emailed Mrs. Patton, TAHS school nurse, and business teacher, Mrs. Dolney, about the idea for the posters. Mrs. Dolney had a few of her multimedia students design the posters that are now hung up around the school. Mrs. Patton had the idea to get the posters laminated in order for them not to be destroyed.
On March 14, the posters were hung up around school.
Luke said, “It is cool that someone actually listened to me for once.”
April Operation Our Town Meeting held
Rebecca Fry and Kylie Barony
This month’s Operation Our Town meeting was held on Wednesday, April 11 at 7:00 a.m. at the Bull Pen.
First on the agenda was Tyrone’s April 21st Clean-Up Day in celebration of Earth Day, which was April 22. 50 Boy Scouts, 10 Girl Scouts, and 10 Grier School students were expected to help with the clean-up. Last year 83 workers took part in the event. This year they expected to have around 100 workers total and planned to feed them lunch.
In terms of the Neighborhood Watch, small magnets with many emergency phone numbers were created for distribution. At the Neighborhood Watch meetings, the leaders discuss with volunteers how to know what suspicious behavior is, how to report suspicious behavior, and how to be involved in this program.
Also noted in the meeting’s minutes was the fact that three police officers were recently hired in Tyrone, for a total of six full-time police officers. In addition, Tyrone Police Officers will now be trained to ride bicycles around town in a way that can be more successful in locating crime without scaring away suspects.
The Illegal Drug Update portion of the OTT meeting reported that150 PA stores have been shut down for selling premium ultra-glass cleaner, marketed for $28. The group member also shared that heroin is becoming more common in Blair County and is sold for $40-$50 per bag, which is an increase. In addition, the committee member shared that Tyrone is known to be one of the hot spots for bath salts.
Other discussion topics included gas prices, the June 9th Faith Day at Reservoir Park and a potential tobacco-free law at the Northern Blair County Rec Center.
This month’s Operation Our Town meeting was held on Wednesday, April 11 at 7:00 a.m. at the Bull Pen.
First on the agenda was Tyrone’s April 21st Clean-Up Day in celebration of Earth Day, which was April 22. 50 Boy Scouts, 10 Girl Scouts, and 10 Grier School students were expected to help with the clean-up. Last year 83 workers took part in the event. This year they expected to have around 100 workers total and planned to feed them lunch.
In terms of the Neighborhood Watch, small magnets with many emergency phone numbers were created for distribution. At the Neighborhood Watch meetings, the leaders discuss with volunteers how to know what suspicious behavior is, how to report suspicious behavior, and how to be involved in this program.
Also noted in the meeting’s minutes was the fact that three police officers were recently hired in Tyrone, for a total of six full-time police officers. In addition, Tyrone Police Officers will now be trained to ride bicycles around town in a way that can be more successful in locating crime without scaring away suspects.
The Illegal Drug Update portion of the OTT meeting reported that150 PA stores have been shut down for selling premium ultra-glass cleaner, marketed for $28. The group member also shared that heroin is becoming more common in Blair County and is sold for $40-$50 per bag, which is an increase. In addition, the committee member shared that Tyrone is known to be one of the hot spots for bath salts.
Other discussion topics included gas prices, the June 9th Faith Day at Reservoir Park and a potential tobacco-free law at the Northern Blair County Rec Center.
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