Surprise snow day

Today was the mark of the first strong snow fall in our area. At 9:10 this morning the students of Loyalsock got a wake up call they all were hoping for. What was thought to be a long day for the high school turned out to be the opposite. 

This morning Dr. Reitz came on the intercom announcing our 12:15 early dismissal due to the snow. As the class began to cheer the snow did everything but clear. Although students were excited they also hoped for Wednesday off as well however that mystery is still un solved. 

Although no one likes the work that comes with the snow or the chills it brings there is one aspect to it that everyone except some teachers enjoy. It provides both an excellent reason to get out of school and screams hot chocolate and a warm blanket. 

Kaila enjoying the snow. 

Lunchroom troll

A lunch lady serves popcorn chicken and noodles to the students.

Today's lunch really psyched a lot of students out. Today, we had popcorn chicken with noodles. However, when we hear popcorn chicken, our minds automatically drifts to one thing; Popcorn chicken bowl. 

Popcorn chicken bowl is a craze at Loyalsock. You never fail to see teenagers running to lunch on the days that it is served. Nothing surpasses the crispy chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, warm gravy and zesty corn. It is loved by most, and enjoyed by all. 

Popcorn chicken bowl is one of the greatest traditions at Loyalsock that will hopefully live on; not be replaced with less enjoyable things, such as whole wheat noodles.

Snacks for class

While reading Hamlet in Mr. Smith's English 11 class on Thursday, November 21, 2013, his students got to enjoy Little Ceasar's pizza and soda.

At Loyalsock Township High School on Thursday afternoon on Novemeber 21, 2013, Mr. Smith's third block English 11 class got to enjoy fresh pizza from Little Ceasar's and a nice cup of soda. Mr. Smith stated in the beginning of the semester that he was the kind of teacher that loved to enjoy snacks during class due to the fact that he, and many other students, eat a very late lunch.

Students love that Mr. Smith is willing to order pizza for the class and are very understanding that students are responsible for bringing in a few dollars per person in order to pay for the food and drinks.

SPaCE

One program that many senior students get involved in every year is SPaCE Senior Professional and Career Experience. This allows the students to intern at a job they plan on doing after they graduate college and to make sure it is the right choice for them. Instead of having a regular block class the students go to their job location and spend an hour and a half there interning and getting an idea of what it's like to work on a daily basis.

Senior, Allison C, is currently interning at Susquehanna Health Physical Therapy located on River Avenue. She stated "SPACE has assured me that the career field I'm interested in is definitely the right one for me. I am grateful to have this opportunity so I know what I am getting myself into to." 

Loyalsock's Bold New Flavors

Students enjoying a new entrée 

This year, the cafeteria workers at Loyalsock have really battened down the hatches to provide the students with new meal choices. Today's lunch featured, what most students would consider awe-inspiring, pizza pasta as the main meal.

With increasing standards for school lunches being pushed by the government, one could see it as being difficult to expand the menu. Increased fruit and vegetables, fewer calories, and less fat are all being enforced, so options are slim. Thankfully though, Loyalsock provides top-tier cuisine that still meets the increasingly difficult requirements.

Teaching Unbalanced Forces in a Creative Way

Ryan Muggleton demonstrating the lab

This week in Physics, as well as AP Physics, Mr. Peterman's class has been going over unbalanced forces. Today, he took the class on an in-class field trip to participate in an activity using a scale and the school's elevator. Students measured their weight, and recorded the difference as the elevator proceeded to move.

While Physics may not be every student's favorite class, Mr. Peterman makes an effort to teach in interesting ways that captivate and motivate students. This unit was no different, as he included something as trivial as a bathroom scale in an elevator to provide a top notch explanation of how things work in the world.

New $100 Bill

New bill compared to old

The Federal Reserve Board recently released the new $100 bill, and most are not happy about it. Some have even said that Benjamin Franklin himself would be sad about it. Whether the opinions are right or wrong, the bill will be put into circulation October 8, 2013.

Of all people though, the youth seem to be the least bothered by it. It may be because of the fact that many teens will never hold a $100 bill, or it may be that change is, most of the time, good. With these changes, a large amount of anti-counterfeiting strategies are now in play. These include, but are not limited to, the funky, blue line that goes through the middle of the bill, which is actually a 3-D security ribbon, as well as a bell semi-hidden in the inkwell.

If an individual disagrees with the changes, they can certainly agree that it is a step in the right direction to stop counterfeiting.

Picture: http://www.enzocreative.com/blog/?p=2201

Twist in time

Twist in time

Time to bring out your old records and throw your hair into a bright colored scrunchy. Yes, it is Throwback Thursday.

Students and faculty here at Loyalsock Township High School, spent the Thursday of Spirit Week dressing in some of their favorite throwback clothes. Outfits varied between generations from as early as the Prohibition Era of the 1920s, to the grungy 90s look. It was great to see so many people participate in such a fun activity the week of homecoming.


                           

On the fast track to fiddler

It's the middle of November. You know what that means at Loyalsock...Musical auditions! This year Loyalsock's choir teacher, Mr. Saville-Iksic and the elementary's Mrs. McQue, agreed that this years musical would be the famous, Fidler on the Roof.

Students of Loyalsock have been anxiously awaiting auditions for Fiddler and today was the day! Seniors including Jasper VD, Andru M, Anna and Emily H have all been preparing for their final audition. Juniors Connor M, Brennan H and Alexis C, planned their auditions between today and tomorrow. The students are very excited for the up n' coming show. 

Good luck to all those auditioning! We can't wait for the musical production awaiting us in March! 

Picture: http://www.cressonlake.com/2012/10/30/fiddler-on-the-roof-june-20-july-6/

Naming the US

Above shows a practice worksheet Mrs. June sent around to her students to complete. 

Mrs. June's AP Language and Composition class has been studying language and education over the past couple of days. Today, students took turns filling in a blank chart of the United States. After the first few easy states were recorded, students struggled to correctly place the remaining states.

While discussing an area where the educational system has failed, some students agreed that a general knowledge of US geography was lacking. Senior Allison C. explains, "I never learned my states because we were never forced to in school."

This topic brought up questions as to what else our educational system is failing to provide for students. Is it lack of passion of teacher, lack of interaction in classes, or lack of scheduling organization? Most everybody has issues with the current educational system, it is our responsibility to identify and fix these problems.

Artwork on All Hallows' Eve.

On October 31, Loyalsock high school celebrates with fun treats and little tricks. 

Although not everyone did anything on the spooky day one student went to the lengths of getting on a student teacher's nerves in order to complete a masterpiece with oil paint. Sabrina a very art crazed girl spent the day creating this master piece that caught the attention of both faculty and students. 

Although our school does not go all out like others we do have students like Sabrina to give the day it's spooky feel. 

Artwork by Sabrina S.

"Work for treat"

All students who have, or who have had Mr. Smith has an English teacher at Loyalsock Township High School know that his candy box is full all year round and not just on Halloween. Even though it's the day before Halloween, Mr. Smith had no intentions of saving his candy stash for the children tomorrow night.

Mr. Smith is not secretive about his love for candy and is surely not one to be greedy with it either. Any time the class is working on a worksheet or participating in any class work given for the day, his candy box comes out from hiding and students have the opportunity to earn a piece of candy. The students like this because it's always nice to get a little snack during the long school day.

If students do their work consistently and work diligently in Mr. Smith's classroom, it could be considered Halloween every day of the year.

The end of football means the beginning of basketball, and this is certainly going to be an incredible season. Not only will the team be supported by their family and friends, but this year is the first time we are going to have our band play at all games. We asked coach Ron Insinger what he thought about the idea and he said, "I think it would be positive and maybe get the crowd into it more." I also asked player Omar L. what he thought and he said "It is going to make the games crazy with our band and our student section." We will see how it works out and hopefully we can have it happen again next year.

The end of a season

Above, the Lancer football team gathers for one last group prayer. 

Tonight, the Loyalsock Lancers were defeated by the Danville Ironmen. The game ended with a score of 21-28. The Lancers held the lead going into the locker room at half time, but the Ironmen came back with a fight. Both teams did an incredible job tonight, especially the Lancers who fought until an interception was thrown with less than a minute on the clock. Unfortunately, the loss of this game ends any hopes the Lancers had of winning a championship this year. 

For many football players, cheerleaders, and band members, this football game was their last night under the lights. As tears filled up her eyes, senior cheerleader, Addison R. said, "I can't believe its my last game."

This is the second time these two teams have played each other this year. Danville won the earlier game by just one point. Loyalsock - Danville football games have become an exciting event, and who knows, maybe one day a rivalry will form between these two teams. 

Friday Night Football

This Friday the Loyalsock Lancer Football Team will be traveling away to Danville to play the local team. The team has had a good streak going with some very exciting wins, so it will be interesting to see how they perform. Danville has managed to beat Loyalsock off of very close games in the past two years, so this should motivate them to play as hard as they can, not to mention that this is a play-off game. Only time will tell with what happens tomorrow!
I talked briefly today with senior Robbie N., a member of the football team, about what to expect for the game tomorrow. He told me to "anticipate a close game," and he explained to me a bit about the previous games they have played against Danville. Robbie definitely seemed excited to play and seemed passionate about his sport.
Tomorrow night's weather is supposed to be cold but that won't stop the fans from showing up to the game. The stands should be packed with tons of fans for both teams and the parking lots will be filled. I know that many of students will be on the field and in the crowd so it will be a fun event for the school. Just be sure to dress appropriately for the weather! Come on out and support the school team!

(Courtesy the Lancer Football Homepage)

"Gravity"

I recently previewed the movie "Gravity" which stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. In the movie the astronauts are on a a routine  mission to service the Hubble telescope. The mission goes horribly wrong. It just so happens that the Russians try to remove a defunct satellite from orbit and they fail and send the satellite crashing through space. This leaves the two stars stranded in space, unable to make contact with mission control. While watching the movie you feel as thouhg you are adrift in space, absolute total and complete isolation. The acting is superb, as you actually get a strong sense of Bullock's character through her backstory. Mr. Clooney plays himself, in a space suit so what else do you want?

Now, because this is the 21st century I am going to tell you about the special effects. They were brilliant, and even in 3D, it added more to the film. Normally I think 3D is just extra money for a headache. But this movie utilizes it brilliantly.  It really gives you the vast depth of space. Oh, and the debris flying at you through the screen is pretty mind blowing. 

I rate this movie a 9 out of 10. I personally feel that the only weak point is the ending(I promise no spoilers).  This weekend you should take your daddy and go see Gravity.    

                                                              

Mrs. H-The New Beiter

Mrs. Beiter's time to depart has finally come; but not before training her new replacement.  Mrs. H certainly carries a similar persona to Mrs. Beiter, similarly providing a smiling face at all times. Though new to the senior english classroom, Mrs. H is not new to teaching or even to Loyalsock High School. In 2008, Mrs. H did a long term substitution for our very own Mr. Joe Smith. During the following fall, Mrs. H headed down south. Teaching seventh graders language arts in Greensboro, Mrs. H said it was awesome being able to teach the fundamentals of reading and writing. During her time in Greensboro, Mrs. H simultaneously studied at the University of North Carolina for her masters in Women's and Gender Studies. In 2012, she moved to Washington DC to teach ninth grade English. She remained there until 2013. Mrs. H pointed out that teaching ninth grade is different from seventh grade because it is no longer about teaching fundamentals, but rather reinforcing previously learned skills.  Since arriving at Loyalsock, Mrs H. said that she enjoys being more of a facilitator and less of an instructor. With a class of seniors, the students are easy to oversee; it is more about applying the learned skills and working on their own. Most of all, Loyasock is a breath of fresh air for her. The students are motivated, the faculty is welcoming, the technology is awesome and the possibilities are endless. Mrs. H said that teaching at Loyalsock High School would be her ideal teaching job; and it's great to have her aboard!

Veterans Day

Today, on November 11th, Veterans Day is observed. It is an official United States holiday that honors all people who have served in armed service. On the exact same day, in 1918, an armistice was declared between the Allied Nations and Germany after the World War I. In 1938, Veterans Day became a federal holiday in the U.S.

In Loyalsock, this day was observed as well. The day started with a moment of silence to honor veterans. However, this was not it. At the end of the day, during reach, a short video filmed by History club (Anastasia K., Emily K., and Micah R.) was shown to the students. In the video, some of the students in Loyalsock were interviewed; they were asked to state how the fact that someone in their family is in the military influenced them. It was a great way to honor veterans and remind students of their great service. 

Sock tore up Towanda

Loyalsock killed Towanda in the quarter finals with a score of 48-20. Well, Loyalsock had a total of 500 yards, it was a good game on both parts but Loyalsock came out ready to play and ready to win. Kyle Datres had 5 rushing touchdowns. Kyle had 233 yards of rushing last night putting him at 1,129 rushing yards and throwing 1,374 yards. Omar little also had a good game he had an interception and a touchdown. Robert Klein the first year senior also had an outstanding game, in the game against Lewisburg he had two high ankle sprains, but that did not stop him last nigh he had a touchdown.  Next week they will play Danville at Danville hope they can come home with the win. 

Vroom vroom

The fun began at 1 pm outside the football stadium on Friday, October 11. With the help of Ms. Warren, everyone was able to get into their parade positions.

The parade was a way to end Homecoming Week with a bang; it was also a way to start off the annual Homecoming pep-rally. The whole high school came outside to watch clubs display their floats, football players proudly sport their jerseys, and to watch the Homecoming court ride in on the off-road golf carts. There was a miscommunication of the parade route to the cart drivers which made the transition from parade to pep-rally a bit hectic. However, all in all, the parade was a success!

This was the first year for both the outdoor parade and for these interesting buggies. When asked for his opinion on the form of transportation this year, two-time escort Ryan L. responds, "It sucks that ours is the only one without a roof but at least we don't have to walk!"

(Leah N., Ryan L., and Ryan M. waiting for the parade to begin)

The yerds go marching one by one

November 7th was an important day for the yearbook staff. When the bell rang at 12:19 pm, everyone on staff began to diligently wrap up the work-week. 

Today was a day to "tie up loose ends" and make the finishing touches on some projects the yerds have been working on. The first official candid assignment was due by the end of class, both business and student life sections were stuffing and licking the last batch of envelopes, and several groups were getting together to complete a 50 point weekly assignment due tomorrow. Obviously, the hard working yearbookers never stop creating a high-quality product.

The completion of these few projects marks the start of a whole new cycle for a couple sections. The senior section received their portraits today and the business section is preparing for a big wave of personal ads coming in tomorrow.

(Jarred B. displaying a "word-splash" on golf)

Fresh Meat-ing

The freshman class has undergone some primary initiation in the first marking period, but now it's time for them to get down to business! The class of 2017 had their first meeting today and started to form bonds that would last all through high school. These bands were not only between the class members themselves, but also between the class's advisors and their students.

The advisors of the class of 2017 are Mrs. Sekel and Mrs. Remsnyder, two young and driven individuals that will promote a hands-on and energetic class! The freshmen have already proved themselves with spirit, but they still have a few things to learn. The meeting today was preliminary and worked to set up a system for electing class officers and creating a class budget. This budget will be used for events such as prom and the senior trip. When asked for her opinion of the freshman class, Miss Girio responded, "I think that they are adjusting really well into high school and they seem really outgoing and will bring a lot of positive energy to the school."

Overall, the freshman class has a lot of work to do, but meetings like they had today will help keep them focused and involved. Remember: high school is a place full of hard work, but it can all be made fun if your doing the work with your class!

Baby Bump Beiter

We've all been thinking it: how is Mrs. Beiter still fighting through a school day? She's certainly brave. Not only has Beiter battled many rough school days, she hasn't even been phased. She still shows up everyday with a smile on her face and a seemingly positive attitude.  However, it's probably safe to say that we can start counting down the minutes until Beiter goes into labor; it's also safe to say that she will be missed. As a yerd, it's going to be tough to walk into a classroom everyday and not be met with Beiter's charming greeting. It won't be the same to have to work under new authority; to be trained by a new face. So, if you see Mrs. Beiter in the halls, make sure you wish her the best and let her know that you'll miss having her around.

Beiter beams a smile with Hannah, one of her students

Mrs. Carpenter

Just two weeks ago, the loyalsock marching band ended their season finishing 9th in districts. The color guard instructor was one of the proudest members of the group. This was her first year here as a lancer. And she sure enjoyed. "It was really great and helped me get to know the kids better" Carpenter said, "Im definitely doing it again next year." Band is'nt all Carpenter does. She also teaches LIFE, Computer Apps, and Intro to business. "I think Mrs.Carpenter is a fantastic teacher" Said Josh Grove from Intro to Business, "No other teacher in the school has better relations with kids. Welcome to Loyalsock Mrs.Carpenter!

Battle of the bridge

Battle of the bridge

The stands, as well as hills, were filled last Friday night as students, parents, and alumni came out from rivals Loyalsock and Montoursville high schools.

The games was intense from the start, a quick earned tie at 7 points each. Montoursville surprised us all with a field goal adding three points to their tally. The game was 10-7 Montoursville. The second half excited us all when Sock scored the winning touchdown leaving the field with 14-10, ruining Montoursville's chance at a perfect 10-0 season. Students congratulated the boys by running onto the field in a whirlpool of excitement over one of our most important victories. Displayed proudly in the high school is our new favorite trophy, the bridge.