Page 6

April 2007

 

Features

(Continued from page 1)

     President Beth Bacon comments that, “If you have a hidden passion for anime/manga or if you are just interested in learning more about it, don’t hesitate to join AMC and unleash your inner otaku (oh-tok-oo)! Anime is full of action, comedy, horror, romance/drama, and fantasy.  If you love any of these genres but aren't sure about anime, then please come to one of our screenings, and I will personally find an anime that meets your demands and one you will enjoy.”

     “Every week, whether they’re in the club or not, people will be watching the shows and laugh with us,” the Vice President adds, while drawing herself at the top of Mr. Beattie’s board. “And if nobody understands anything, we’ll be happy to help out, we are otaku.”  Otaku means anime and/or manga fans.

     When the question was posed, “What were your first thoughts when they asked for an anime club?” Mr. Beattie answers “I thought that they really liked animation and that they would be creating anime on the computers,”

     “Which we will,” the club members say before the VP adds “Just when we’re official,” the others laugh and do a group “Ya!”

Bored?

Read a Book!

By: Ryan Weiss

     Many students I know at Bishop Dunne don’t read books unless it’s required, and some don’t even read those. Why is that? Maybe because the books presented to students have little or nothing to do with actual student issues. At the same time, however, books are something that help you mentally and emotionally. With that said, I have some great book recommendations that are both appealing and relevant.

 

 

 

 

Fences

by:

August Wilson

Length:

120 pages

 

Fences is actually a play, so it’s not a lengthy read. The story is about Troy Maxson, a middle-aged black man who tries to overcome life’s obstacles. It is set in 1950s Pittsburgh, and all of the acts and scenes are set in Troy’s front yard. The most poignant element of the play is the conversations between Troy and his friends and family. For example, Troy will just talk about little things like baseball, and then change the topic to more serious issues, like marriage and raising a family. It’s like the comedy Clerks, where the main characters will have long conversations about random things and will later just forget about it after their done. Fences starts out slow, but you will not be disappointed by the end.

 

 

 

Carrie

by Stephen King

Length: 272 pages

This novel centers on a lonely high school scapegoat named Carrie. Carrie is socially hindered by her peers and her hysterically religious mother. However, once she discovers that she has telekinetic powers and that she can only use these powers under stress, her revenge begins. While I’m sure you’ve seen the movie, the novel offers a better understanding of Carrie and her telekinetic powers. Once you start reading it, you will not put this book down.

 

 

 

Choke

by Chuck Palahniuk

Length: 304 pages

Choke offers a glimpse into the life of drug addict, Victor Mancini. He is a twenty-something, medical school dropout who hits rock bottom when his mother needs her medical bills paid. Since his minimum wage theme park job isn’t enough, he decides to become a “con- man.” He frequents high class restaurants and purposely chokes on his food. Once a good samaritan saves his life, Victor tells them about his mother and they give him money. Chuck Palahniuk is also the author of Fight Club. So if you liked that book/movie, you’ll definitely like this one.

 

Homeroom: A Critical Review

By: Guest Columnist Jonathan Nguyen from Ms. Kearney’s 8th grade pre-AP class

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although many middle school students argue that it is unnecessary and extremely inconvenient, homeroom has some benefits. Many consultations with the underclassmen of Bishop Dunne show that homeroom is nothing more than an annoyance that interrupts the flow of their daily routines. However, the teaching staff claims that homeroom improves the overall quality of education for the students and the condition of the school community as a whole.

     Homeroom commences at 8:00 a.m. During this time, middle school students are required to congregate in an assigned classroom. When the students are accounted for, they are strongly encouraged to work on homework or to study for upcoming tests.

     Before this policy was implemented, when a middle school student arrived at school, he or she would go to his or her locker and exchange books or fetch any needed materials for the school day. However, with the new rule, a middle school scholar who shows up after 8:00 a.m. will have to report immediately to his or her homeroom for attendance. Then, he or she must request a pass to attend tutoring or go to his or her locker.

     Many middle school students believe that homeroom is unruly and more of a hindrance than a help. But that is only one end of the argument.

    It would make sense for the staff to apply a rule that benefits them. Various teachers say, “Homeroom keeps the halls decongested in the mornings at Bishop Dunne.”

     Also, homeroom gives students a place to go in the morning if they need to study. Sometimes the library is full and there is not a peaceful study area open. Now that homeroom is required for students who come to school before 8:30 a.m., there are many rooms and opportunities to get in the extra study time that some students need. Another positive aspect of homeroom is the increased sense of community. Homeroom gives people the chance to socialize and to strengthen friendships.

     Although these facts may be true, there are also many flaws in the homeroom structure. Students think homeroom is unfair because they do not have the freedom that they used to possess.

     Also, the middle school is accused of roughhousing in the halls. Although this may apply to some boisterous students, this statement cannot be justified for the collective body of the middle school.

     Christopher Martin says, “I have a locker in the 100 hall. I don’t like walking all the way to St. Mary’s to get a pass, then walking back to my locker.”

     If students need to attend tutoring, and they check in at 8:10 a.m., they cannot waste time waiting on the pass in homeroom.

     In conclusion, there are many diverse perspectives about homeroom in the middle school community. Some people believe that homeroom creates a positive contrast, although the majority of the students consider it an aggravation. Disregarding opinions of the students, homeroom does help. It forms a system of organization where students or teachers can be easily located. Although students have the inclination to hate the system, it was implemented for the betterment of Bishop Dunne.

 

 

Teachers hope that homeroom will help students focus