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Change is coming

Zach Hopper — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:37:45 +0000

On Wednesday, April 28, 2010, the monthly Noblesville Chamber of Commerce was held at Purgatory Golf Course, and the major topic was the highly anticipated State of the Schools Address by Superintendent Libbie Conner.

In this annual address, Conner showed that test scores are rising and are among the best in the state and the country. Also, as the school offers more AP and ACP classes, more students are taking advantage of these. Noblesville has been nominated for an All-American city this year, and the schools have played a large part in the nomination. Unfortunately, these are not the only things on the rise.

Each year, class sizes are growing, and currently, there are around 800 first graders. This year’s graduating class is 578 students. The major point she stressed was that the schools we currently have in place will be over their capacities by the year 2012 at best, and that’s only if there is absolutely no population growth in the city over the next few years.

Conner made the upcoming referendum vote a major point as well. She explained how pivotal the vote is for the future of Noblesville Schools.

If the proposed tax increase does not happen, then not only will the schools become grossly overcrowded, but they will also have to fire many teachers, causing class sizes to rise to unprecedented levels.

Conner encouraged all to vote yes for the referendum and “Keep Our Schools Strong.”

The vote for this referendum is Tuesday, May 4, 2010.

Varsity baseball pulls out a late come-from-behind thriller

Nathan Brown — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:52:24 +0000

The boys’ varsity baseball team managed to beat Lafayette Jeff’s varsity squad 8-7 with a three-run last inning last Thursday April 30 at Hazel Dell fields.

The Millers started the game quick, scoring four runs in the first three innings with junior Ryan Byrne holding Jeff scoreless, but Byrne gave up seven runs in the fourth and fifth innings combined, and the Millers saw themselves behind 7-5 after the bottom of the fifth. But, they made a late bottom of the seventh inning rally, scoring three runs, and ended up to top.

Byrne pitched all seven innings, striking out 13 batters, allowing six hits, and only walking one batter. He gave up seven earned runs. Seniors Jake Yeary and Kyle Guariello lead the Millers, both scoring two runs; Yeary connected on three hits and Guariello had two.

The varsity Miller baseball team is back in action this Friday May 7 when they travel to Avon to take on the Oriole varsity baseball team at Avon High School. The game begins at 5:30 pm.

Track and field teams perform well at Southport Invitational

Sarah Boyum — Mon, 03 May 2010 01:05:48 +0000

The day after a long night of prom festivities, the girls and boys track teams traveled to Southport, Indiana on April 24 for the Southport Relays. This meet features different relay events not found at a normal track meet. Some of the relay races include a shuttle hurdle relay for sprinters and a 4-by-mile relay distance runners can participate in.

The girls took fourth place out of eight teams, breaking four school records in the process. The 4-by-mile team of freshman Kendra Foley, sophomore Hannah Pimley, senior Megan Bowles, and freshman Renee Studt scored first in the meet and set a new school record. Other school record-breaking events included the distance medley, which consists of 1200, 400, 800, and 1600 meter distances; it was set by the team of sophomore Helen Willman, senior Alex Kacer, Pimley, and Foley. Senior Emily Goggin, sophomore Tori Mumaw, sophomore Liz Potee, and senior Charlie Maxwell set a new record in the shuttle hurdle relay. Senior Isabelle May also set a new record in the discus.

The Lady Millers won six of the fifteen events the meet offered, including the 4-by-mile, long jump, discus, 4-by-800 meters, shuttle hurdle relay, and distance medley.

The boys scored third place out of eight teams. Junior Jake Bates scored second place in the shot put. Sophomore Daniel Purvlicis and junior Leroy Bibbs captured first place in the team pole vaulting event. Christian Bowers got first in the 2 mile run, running a personal best of 9:46.

The girls’ and boys’ next big meet is this coming Friday, May 7 at The Hamilton County Meet, hosted by Carmel.

AP Test Schedule

Paige Owens — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:08:53 +0000

The 2010 AP testing schedule provided by guidance counselor Mr. Joel Wittstein is as follows:

May 3rd
8 a.m.- United States Government and Politics
Noon- Comparative Government and Politics

May 4th
8 a.m.- Computer Science A and Spanish Language
Noon- Statistics

May 5th
8 a.m.- Calculus AB and Calculus BC
Noon- Chinese Language and Culture

May 6th
8 a.m.- English Literature and Composition and German Language
Noon- Japanese Language and Culture

May 7th
8 a.m.- United States History
Noon- European History and Studio Art

May 10th
8 a.m.- Biology and Music Theory
Noon- Physics B and Physics : Mechanics
2 p.m.- Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

May 11th
8 a.m.- Chemistry and Environmental Science
Noon- Psychology

May 12th
8 a.m.- English Language and Composition
Noon- Art History

May 13th
8 a.m.- Macroeconomics and World History
Noon- Macroeconomics

May 14th
8 a.m.- Human Geography and Spanish Literature
Noon- Latin: Vergil

What do students think about the referendum?

Hannah Davis — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:23:43 +0000

After a dozen public forums and numerous meetings throughout Noblesville, the Noblesville Schools Board of School Trustees has voted to take a $63.6 million building project, and a $5 million operational referendum, to the voters of Noblesville Township in the May 4 primary election.

If passed, already-capped property taxes must be increased. Otherwise, teachers will be nixed and funds will be further cut. The news is causing quite a commotion within the community, but what do students think about it?

Senior Nathaniel Staggs

“I’d like to think that I’ve built a bond of friendship with many of my teachers, to the point where I can talk to them about not only schoolwork, but my life outside of school. We, as voters, have their livelihoods in our hands, and I personally think that a simple ‘yes’ on a ballot is worth the time. I know many students think that they’ll never use anything they’ve learned these past four years ever again, but the truth is, we didn’t learn the quadratic formula, Avagadro’s number, or the Spanish “passive se” so much as we learned how to learn. Honestly, as cliché as it sounds, my teachers have taught me far more than just their subject matter. I think a simple vote is the least I can do for them.”

Junior Ashley Wilson

“I truly believe that this is a referendum worth voting for. It isn’t asking for money to build more athletic centers or buy better homecoming decorations, it’s asking for money to keep teachers who deserve their jobs and keep classroom size at a manageable level, not at 35-40 kids in a classroom. Honestly, if this doesn’t pass, I don’t know what the schools will have to do next. Over half of the so-called nonessential programs have to fund themselves as of next year and many more, such as sixth grade band, choir and strings, as well as middle school, may very well be cut all together.”

Senior Austin May

“Although I will no longer be in school, I want the kids below me to have the same fulfilling experiences I had in the Noblesville school system, and if that means increasing taxes to avoid staff and funding cuts, so be it.”

For more information about the referendum, visit www.educatenoblesville.org.

Photos provided by students

NHS grad runs for school board

Jenna Larson — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:56:09 +0000

Evan Elliott, a 2009 NHS graduate, has recently announced he is running for a position on the Noblesville School Board. The election will be held on May 4.

Mill Stream: What inspired you to run for election in the Noblesville School Board?

Evan Elliott: I have been inspired by the concerns and ideas of teachers, students, parents, and community members. Right now, we are facing a time of great growth, and these concerns and ideas must be brought forth by an energetic voice who is ready and willing to work hard for Noblesville Schools. I have a very strong interest in preserving the high quality of education that I received just a year ago.

MS: What do you hope to achieve if chosen?

EE: I hope to create more transparency between the school board and the community. We are facing a pivotal point in the future of Noblesville Schools and every voice must be heard. I also look to work more closely with teachers to make sure that they receive fair treatment during state budget cuts. One of my main goals will also be to work with YOU, the students, so that your voice is not lost among the conversation.

MS: How has your experience as a student at NHS prepared you for a position on the Noblesville School Board?

EE: I have worked my way through the Noblesville school system in its current state. This is a great advantage, not only for the schools, but for the community. I have walked the halls of each school, meeting friends, acquaintances and administrators. I know how to relate to today’s average teenager and am familiar with the concerns and ideas of students and their parents.

MS: What do you have to offer as a new member of the school board if elected?

EE: First and foremost, I offer a common sense approach to the problems faced by Noblesville Schools. I want to bring my everyday experiences and those of the community to the school board. If money is appropriated in large amounts, it should be for the sake of education. If someone has a concern, I will listen. If a group of students are struggling, let’s personally pinpoint the problem and work towards a solution. In today’s society, too many people take a scientific approach into the educational environment. My motto: Serve the community, Listen to each voice, and Protect the interests of hard working students, parents, and teachers, even in tough economic times.

MS: What are you doing to ensure votes?

EE: I will be holding a fundraiser in the coming weeks so that I can meet the community and share my thoughts. Ultimately, voters will choose who they think will best represent their voice on the board. If voters believe that my perspective is best suited for the community, I would greatly appreciate their vote on May 4th.

MS: Why did you decide to run?

EE: I have decided to run because I believe in the school system. The proposed referendum foreshadows an exciting time of growth for Noblesville, and I am enthusiastic and ready to work alongside everyone involved in the process.

MS: How will your prior experience in student government help you if elected?

EE: My experience as Student Body President was invaluable. I managed a small budget, planned events, worked with other officers, and maintained close contact with teachers and school administrators. This was truly an inside look into Noblesville High School, which I believe could serve as a great insight for the board.

Junior Carson Wallace dies

Dianne Osland — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:23:50 +0000

Junior Carson Wallace passed away Tuesday, Feb. 9 during surgery at Methodist Hospital after receiving a gunshot wound at his home earlier Tuesday.

Students wore camouflage and green in his memory on Wednesday.

According to Principal Annetta Petty, grief counselors have been made available for students.

The viewing will be held Friday 3-8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church on Monument St. The funeral will take place at the church on Saturday at 11 a.m., Petty said.

Famous faces: influential people of the 2000s

Dianne Osland — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:45:48 +0000

Photo illustration by J. Klave

Check out the names to the faces of the Mill Stream staff’s picks of some of the most influential people of the past decade. Don’t agree or think someone’s missing? Let us know by commenting below.

Row 1: Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Patrick Swayze, Tony Dungy, Steve Carrell, LeBron James, Ellen DeGeneres

Row 2: Miley Cyrus, Michael Jackson, Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), Al Gore, Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie, Arnold Schwarzenegger

Row 3: Peyton Manning, Sarah Palin, Dick Cheney, Jay Leno, Will Ferrell, Lance Armstrong, Kobe Bryant

Row 4: George Clooney, Kobe Bryant, Conan O’Brien, Oprah Winfrey, Tina Fey, Nancy Pelosi, Kelly Clarkson

Row 5: George W. Bush, J.K. Rowling, Tom Anderson (MySpace), Heath Ledger, Steve Chen (YouTube), Michael Phelps, Steven Spielburg

Caboose: Best of the Rest

Molly Crump — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:42:22 +0000

CD releases

2/2

A Chorus of Storytellers – The Album Leaf

Smoke &Mirrors – Lifehouse

Body – Jamie Foxx

2/9

Soldier of Love – Sade

Thug Motivation – Young Jeezy

2/16

Raymond v. Raymond – Usher

Constant – Story of the Year

2/23

Everything Comes and Goes – Michelle Branch

New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh – Erykah Badu

Of Men and Angels – The Rocket Summer

Live Shows

ES Jungle

A Skylit Drive

Feb. 10

Murat Egyptian Room

Killswitch Engage

Feb. 21

Jack’s Mannequin

Feb. 24

The Emerson

Get Carried Away

Feb. 5

Conseco Fieldhouse

Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy

Feb. 6

Cirque de Soleil: Alegria

Feb. 11-14

Northside News Cafe

Pholly

Feb. 13

School Events

ACT Testing

Feb. 6

ISSMA
Feb. 6

Academic Success Night

Feb. 12

Winter Formal

Feb. 20

Faculty Night Live

Feb. 25

Orchestra Concert

March 16

Physics competition gives NHS’s best and brightest a chance to shine

Nathan Brown — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:11:20 +0000

One would normally associate the summer months with an escape from school, a joyous time where the right side of their brain was hardly stressed. A time of relaxation, hanging out, and time spent on the on the beach rather than with one’s nose stuck in a book. “School’s out for summer” as Pink Floyd famously screamed. Right?

Physics teacher Charles Emmert and the U.S. Physics Team feel differently. The Team selects students from across the entire nation to join their very select program, where they train students in June for the International Physics Olympiad in the summer each year. Students willing to vie for a spot must take two qualifying tests, and the best and the brightest, the most knowledgeable about the Laws of Physics, will compete with the team in the summer.

For the past several years, Emmert has facilitated gathering students from NHS to take the test in hopes of even just one advancing into the regional round, or maybe even winning a spot on the team. Emmert teaches a two-semester AP Physics course to primarily seniors. This year, after his first semester was completed, he took a look at his students’ grades and handpicked the ones he thought would best succeed with the test. He set the bar at an A-, and everyone with that grade or above was not only permitted, but also encouraged to test the knowledge they learned first semester against the exam.

“I wanted to offer recognition for those students who were successful and hardworking last semester,” Emmert said. “And really, only the top students would have a reasonable shot. I feel like there were several students that would do just fine taking the test, but you have to draw the line somewhere.”

The 13 students that Emmert selected will take a 25 question multiple-choice test during the last week of January, mainly testing their knowledge on the mechanics of physics. Any student who scores high enough on the preliminary exam will take a much longer, more in-depth test in the spring over a much wider range of topics.

NHS has had only one student move on to the preliminary exam in the past, and no one has made the U.S. Physics Team before. Emmert thinks this year’s group has some good potential, but that, “Even one or two making it to the second test would be great, and if any one of them were to make the national team, that would be incredible.”