Headlines

Senior Stockings

By: Alison Hickey

Christmas is a time for giving, and that is exactly what Central City's very own Cheryl Hagerman is doing for the seniors that go to her for help with their schoolwork.

She has made a single stocking for each and everyone of her seniors to enjoy. Cheryl has even put her own money into the gifts she put into the stockings. Cheryl is showing us that even that in today's tough times to keep on giving this Christmas season.

"Thank you Cheryl. We love you," said by Brooke Bickel and numerous other seniors.

4^th Grade Mock Election

By: Alison Hickey

The fourth grade mock election was a project based learning assignment.  The students started off doing their own research on the election process and we then determined what was needed to have our own mock election.  Just as in a real election process we first had a primary election and then narrowed it down to the final two candidates.  The remaining students were split up between the two candidates to help them with their campaigns.  They made commercials, buttons, and posters to campaign for their running mates. 

The objective of this assignment was to learn about the election process but to do so in a way that was relevant and they could connect to the real world.  The students could not participate in the real election going on around the country but they were able to feel like they were still part of something similar. 

Each of the candidates gave a speech and presented their commercials to the other 4th grade class and the 6th grade class, who then voted for the candidate of their choice.  I am extremely proud of the class; everyone worked together, encouraged each other, and consoled those that didn't win.  Many things in life have a winner and someone who didn't win.  Learning to accept not winning graciously is also a life lesson.   

We first had a primary election where Brennan Tye, Evan Owens, Trenten Port, Emma Tritle, Gracie Van Amerongen, Penny Blackmore, and Matt Uhlenkamp ran as candidates for President.  Emma Tritle and Trenten Port were the two finalists to run in the main election.  Trenten Port was the winner of the final election. 

Trenten's platform was to make sure that everyone is being kind and that our school is picked up and looking nice.  He now makes sure everyone in our class is being kind and caring and makes sure things around the school are picked up and clean.   

Brady Kouba said, " When I first found out we were doing the project I was really shocked and happy."  Brennan Tye said, " I was excited that I was getting to run for President.  I felt what it was like to win."  Maggie Opher said, " I felt confident in the two remaining candidates."  Matt Uhlenkamp said, " I was really excited about the project and I felt like I learned a lot about the election process by doing this."  Gracie said, " I learned a lot about how the process works and how it feels to lose.  Overall, I thought it was really fun." 

I will definitely be doing this again.  I feel like the kids’ learned a lot and had fun doing it.  They learned some life lessons, which I feel is important.  I feel like the project was a major success. 

Photo Caption: Emma Tritle and Trenton Port with their candidate posters

Robotics

By: Matt Knudsen

            Are you interested in engineering, problem solving, programming and design? Maybe you should look into joining Robotics. Robotics has a lot to do with engineering, problem solving, programming, design, teamwork and sportsmanship. Robotics is a competition held at many different schools.

            Central City has two teams and so far they are having a successful season. One of the teams, 14567, has made it to state. Competition and the class number decide the team’s names or number.

            The basic objective of the competition is to pick rings up off of a ring dispenser and put it on to another ring dispenser that has different height pegs. The competition is scored by where the rings are and how many. There are three different height pegs. The lowest height is worth five points. The middle height pegs are worth 10 points. The highest peg is worth 15 points. If you get three rings in a row, like tic-tac-toe, diagonal, top to bottom or left to right, that is worth and extra 30 points.

            The challenge is that the robot can only be 18 inches by 18 inches. Another challenge is pieces of the robot not fitting together. "A hard thing about it is things not wanting to work like how you plan for them to work," said sophomore Jesse Lafler.

            Anyone in grades 9-12 can join. The goal of the team is to be good at the game, teamwork, and meeting other students. The biggest goal is to get to state.

The robot that is going to state.

The ring dispenser with the pegs

Central City High School Dance Teams Go To State Championships!

By: John Langer

            On Thursday, November 29, the Central City Sassmeisters and the all male dance team were in Des Moines for the Iowa State Dance/Drill Team Championships. This competition is the largest annual state championship in the United States. Over a two-day period, there were 270 high schools, 23 colleges, and 576 performances.

            The Sassmeisters performed a hip-hop and pom routine in which they received two division one ratings. The all male dance team performed a routine to a Michael Jackson tribute including "Gangnam style.” Their performance earned them a division one rating and a third place trophy.

             It was the first time in Central City history that an all male dance team went to state. The all male dance team members include:  Skyler Matthias, Storm Matthias, John Langer, Josh Langer, Noah Swanson, Josh Kerslake, David Mosher, Nick McCarry, AJ Lucas, and Avery Luedeman.

 State Stages: This is where all of the dancers performed their routines at the State Championships.

Sassmeisters: (Top Row) Sam Crist, Shelby Malone, Alexa Starry, Mikayla Hartle, Ingrid Martinson, Ashley Kerslake

(Bottom Row) Josie Caspers, , Katelyn Powers, Kailey Tyne, Izzy Betzer

Sassmeisters: (Top Row) Mikayla Hartl, Nicole Uhlenkamp, Shelby Malone, Alexa Starry,  Katelin Power, and Sam Crist,  

(Bottom Row) Ingrid Martinson, Kailey Tyne, Josie Caspers, Ashley Kerslake, and Izzy Betzer

Indoor 300

By: Katie Sackett

            On November 18^th, Tessa Engen, Tryston Engen, and I (Katie Sackett) went to Waltonian to attend an archery competition. It was called an indoor 300-target shoot. We went to compete for our JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Division) team. Tessa shot her hunting bow, Tryston shot his recurve, and I shot my competition Genesis Matthews bow for NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program).

We were all in different divisions because we had different bows. Tryston and Tessa have sights on their bows and I don’t. Tessa and I shot at 20 yards and Tryston shot at 10 yards. Tessa shot a 395, Tryston shot a 374, and I shot a 343. Our score was out of 450 points.

 We had a small paper target that we had to put on a big target to shoot at. First, we had the paper target on the top of the big target. After 7 rounds, we had to move the paper target to the bottom of the big target.

All three of us won first place in our division. One of our coaches told us that he was extremely proud of us and how well we shot. He even said that I did wonderful with shooting at 20 yards and being the only one that didn’t have any sights. Great job archers!

National Honor Society Helps with Central City Thanksgiving Dinner

By: John Langer

            On Wednesday, November 14^th, a few of the Central City National Honor Society (NHS) members helped serve food and refreshments at the Civic Center in Central City. The members took time out of their school day to help their community. Along with the leader of NHS, Katie Delaney, the NHS members who went were; Mikayla Edwards, John Langer, Miranda Tumilty, Kelsey Kellogg, Sam Koehn.

             All the people who attended the Thanksgiving lunch got serve a nice meal consisting of: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, water-gate salad, and a dinner roll. The dessert was a pumpkin bar.  Their refreshments included, coffee, water, and a milk of their choosing (chocolate, skin, and 2%). The NHS will also help with a Christmas dinner on December 21st.

Image: NHS members holding refreshments

Archery at Central City

By: John Langer

            The Central City Wildcat Archery program began six years ago by head coach Bryan Ellis and his wife Shelly Ellis. The first Central City archery team consisted of Bryan and Shelly's daughter Kyra and three of her friends. They went to league events and were able to go to the state archery in Des Moines and placed their first year.

After the first year, Bryan decided to recruit 4th-12th graders at Central City Schools and received access from the superintendent to practice in the school's multipurpose building ("the multi").  He submitted a grant to get some initial equipment and he would like to thank North Linn Fish and Game Club's generous donations for getting the Wildcat Archery Program started.

            There are 85-90 student archers participating in the program, doubling every year since the first year. Bryan also asked the help of some of the archer's parents to coach with him. These assistant coaches include: Kirk Silver, Chris Engen, Lloyd Waybill, and Chris Sprague.

            Over the years the Wildcat Archery team has had many successes including: four team state titles, two top ten national teams, and overall are three time state champions. However, if you ask any of the coaches or student archers, they would say it's not about winning. It is a fun sport that encourages improvement in themselves and others and once they hit a "bulls eye" they are hooked.

            As the only senior in the Wildcat Archery program, I, personally, would like to say that my experience has been unforgettable. There are many smiling faces at each practice and it feels great to improve each day. I would recommend any 4th-12th grader at Central City to join this great team of students and coaches.

 Arrows- these are arrows on the line during a practice.

Archers on line- a few of the several archers lined up to practice.

Bullying/Hazing

By: Tom Alatalo

Bullying and hazing are becoming a hot topic in Central City. As stated in the handbook, “Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the Board” (13).  If anyone sees any type of bullying or hazing they should report it to a staff member immediately. If you think you’ll get in trouble, you won’t. Here’s the policy,

Any person who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports and incident of bullying or harassment under this policy to a school official, shall be immune from civil liability relating to such report and to the person's participation in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding relating to the report.  Individuals who knowingly file a false complaint may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. (14)

The reason we want to stress this issue is because more and more people are beginning to get seriously injured. On November 5, there was a sixteen-year-old boy on the football team in Bedford, Iowa, who was beat in the head with a football by his teammates. The next few days he started getting headaches, then got a droopy eye and mouth, he had to go into brain surgery and was put in a coma.

If you feel like you are being bullied or part of a hazing, tell someone. It is not normal. Bullying and hazing is cruel and can cause serious injury.  You can review what the Board prohibits as harassment in the school:

The Board prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization, of students, based on any of the following actual or perceived traits or characteristics, including but not limited to age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.  Harassment against employees based upon race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age or disability is also prohibited. (13)

Please do the right thing if you see or hear bullying or hazing and report it! For further information on the topic, please consult the student handbook or the school.

Skyler's Trip to St. Louis

By: Tom Alatalo

            October 20 through 23, 2012, Skyler Matthias went to the Town Meeting on Tomorrow (TMOT) in St. Louis as part of the National Council on Youth Leadership (NCYL). The Cedar Rapids NCYL chapter paid for all of Skyler’s expenses.

            In order to be accepted to attend the Cedar Rapids chapter of NCYL, Skyler had to fill out an application and write an essay. After his essay was accepted he had to participate in an interview and a two –day conference in Cedar Rapids where he was awarded a $500 scholarship. Along with the scholarship, he was offered the trip to TMOT in St. Louis.

Skyler said, “I learned a lot about ideas and concepts that I can apply to my community and school. I had the opportunity to meet a lot of amazing youth from all around the country. We discussed issues in our schools and community and thought of ways to solve them. It was a great experience and I made a lot of great friends."

Congratulations Skyler!

 Skyler Matthias with his scholarship

Brennan Silver, Sam Nielsen, Skyler Matthias, Josie Caspers, Sam Koehn this students all attended the Cedar Rapids NCYL.

National Honor Society

By: Jeff McGovern

Central City would like to congratulate the following students for achieving the high honor of being in NHS: Skyler Matthias (President), Sam Koehn (Vice President), Sam Nielson (Historian), Brennan Silver (Brennan Silver), Mikayla Edwards, Kelsey Kellogg, Laurel Murphy, Noah Swanson, John Langer, Miranda Tumilty, Chauvoni Cooke, and Colton Visek.

 In order for students to be part of National Honor Society, students have to have a GPA of 3.5 (or above) and demonstrate qualities in three pillars: leadership, service, and character.

Regarding leadership qualities, a student must demonstrate leadership in the classroom and school activities, and successfully hold school offices or positions of responsibility. Demonstrating service qualities means a participant will volunteer for various services to the school, and in committee or staff work. Students who demonstrate character qualities need to promptly meet individual pledges and responsibilities to teachers and the school. NHS participants are required to demonstrate the highest standards of attitude toward honesty, reliability, courtesy, fairness, and tolerance.

Once a student is inducted into NHS, they are required to participate in several events. Some of those events this year include: Thanksgiving Service Day (City Hall), Veterans Day Assembly, Christmas Dinner (City Hall), Coins for Cancer, and shoveling sidewalks around the community.

 The ceremony for the new inductees is November 20, at 7:00 P.M. Please come and support the new and returning members of Central City’s National Honor Society.

 Top Row: Mikayla Edwards, Randi Tumilty, Chauvoni Cooke, Colten Visek, Skyler Matthias, John Langer, Noah Swanson, and Kelsey Kellogg

Bottom Row: Sam Nielsen, Laurel Murphy, Sam Koehn, and Brennan Silver

(L-R): Sam Nielsen (Historian), Skyler Matthias (President), Sam Koehn (Vice President), and Brennan Silver (Secretary)

Post Prom Fundraisers

By: Adam Krog

It’s that time of the year again where the Central City High School juniors and seniors will collect cans and bottles for their Post Prom Can Drive.

On November 3rd, if you have any cans or bottles place them on the curb and the students with their parents will come around and pick them up. If you like, you can also drop them off at the Howe building located next to the new concession stand.

All the money from this can drive goes to funding post prom. Juniors and seniors are also being asked to sell Younkers coupon booklets for $5.00 each. Each booklet sold is 100% profit for the students.

If you have any questions regarding this can drive, or wish to make a monetary donation or help out in some other way, please contact Susan Matthias at (319) 521 - 8690. Thank you for your support!

Grease the Musical!

By: John Langer

            The Central City Drama Department invites you to experience a night of fun entertainment, laughs, music, and dance routines that will get you moving in your seats! Grease the musical is a mind-blowing performance that will be unforgettable.

            The curtains will open and the stage will light up on November 2 and 3. The musical starts at 7:00pm in the old gym (located in the elementary wing of the school). The admission price $7 for adults and $5 for students.

            Come travel back in time to the 50's and watch Danny Zuko (Skyler Matthias), Sandy Dumbrowski (Randi Tumilty), and the rest of the Greasers and Pink Ladies show you a life of humor, love, and fight scenes throughout.

            This spectacular performance was directed and choreographed by Nina Swanson and Jason Levenhagen.  Don't miss this spectacular production!

 Greasers- (From left to right) John Langer (Sonny), Storm Matthias (Roger), Skyler Matthias (Danny), and Colton Visek (Kenickie)

Pink Ladies- (Top row) Rand Tumilty (Sandy), Chauvani Cooke (Rizzo)

(Bottom row) Alison Hickey (Jan), Alexa Starry (Marty), and Ingrid Martinson (Frenchy)

School Cents

By: Katie Sackett

            It is that time of year! School cents is up and running again this year. The schools are into their second week of competing. So far Central City Community Schools are in first place with a total of 651 points. Alburnett is in second with 320 points, and Springville in third place with 309 point.

            How does school cents work? You shop or eat at any place that is involved in school cents. Then you get your receipt and turn it in at the mall, at the school, or have the receipt stamped at the mall. Then Central City earns points. We are competing against 14 other schools. The school that has the most points could win $8,775. When students bring in receipts to the school it will help their class win a prize halfway through the program and at the end.

            Each dollar spent at all Lindale Mall stores and outside properties is worth ten points. Outside stores include: Arby's, Hy-Vee, Red Lobster, Burger King, JoAnn Fabrics, Village Inn, Chick-Fil-A, Pizza Hut, Firestone, and Planet X. Each dollar spent at the food merchants inside the mall will be worth 100 points. These merchants include: Cranky Hanks Pizza, Maid Rite, Subway, HuHot Mongolian Grill, L&J BBQ House, Panda Express, Great American Cookie/TCBY, Pretzel Maker, Sabarro, Tidbits Baker, Tic-Tac-Toe Bakery & More.

            There are three double point weekends: October 19-21, November 23-25, and December 14-16. So go out and buy, buy, buy to support Central City Schools!

Homecoming Follow-Up

By: Tom Alatalo

                On October 6^th, the Homecoming parade was a complete success! Each class made a very creative float, while each Homecoming couple rode in a Corvette. After the parade, there was an assembly on the football field where the Homecoming candidates were introduced and the king and queen were announced.

At halftime of the varsity game, the Homecoming king and queen were announced. The king was Colton Visek and queen was Promise Wright.

At Friday’s game, the Central City Football Team walked away with a Homecoming victory scoring 48 points in the first quarter. The final score of the game was Central City 70 and Cedar Valley Christian 16.

On Saturday night, a DJ kicked off the Homecoming dance. Overall, the Homecoming week at Central City was successful and everyone had a blast!

A Preview To Homecoming 2012

By: Adam Krog

The 2012 Central City Homecoming theme is 'Greasing The Huskies.' The word “Greasing” is taken from the school’s play production this year, Grease.

This year’s Homecoming will begin with the Homecoming Days of the Week.

Monday, October 1: Pajama Day


Tuesday, October 2: Costume Day


Wednesday, October 3: Color Wars


Thursday, October 4:Era Day


Friday, October 5: Spirit Day

The Homecoming Parade lineup starts at 6p.m. and the parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Please take some time to come out and support the students and their creative Homecoming Floats. The floats will have a throwback theme that coincides with the movie Grease.

The Homecoming game will start at 7p.m. Central City will play Cedar Valley Christian. Bring your school spirit and support to the game. Also, be sure to come and see who made Homecoming King and Queen at half time of the game.

This year's Homecoming Court: Calvin McGovern and Promise Wright, Colton Visek and Lexi Pavlis, Tom Alatalo and Kate Shoop, Sam Koehn and Tyler Oberhauer (not featured in the picture), Patrick Klinge and Haley Ciha, Matt Knudsen and Sam Nielsen.

Central City Student Leaders

By: John Langer

                The Central City Student Council is an important, hardworking, dedicated, group of high school students. These students plan and fundraise different events at Central City Schools. Student council members get into some events free. For example, these members do not have to pay to get into the Homecoming dance. They all enjoy having this leadership position and are considered to be the voice of the students.

Student Council Group Photo-

Top Row (From left to right); Skyler Matthias, Brianna Parks, Sam Koehn, Kelsey Kellogg, Haley Chia, Mikayla Edwards, JD Waybill

Bottom Row (From left to right); Myranda Appelhans, Alexa Starry, Drew Mollenhauer

                Class Officers also have a great deal of responsibility when it comes to leadership; however, there responsibilities focus mainly on their own class (Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, Senior). There are four class officers per class; President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Their classmates vote all officers on. They all feel honored to be leading their classes and have many goals. Their goals include organizing events, getting students involved in events, increase school spirit in all classes, and make it a school everyone would like to come to.

Class Officers-

(From left to right) Freshmen; (President) Olivia McGovern, (Vice-President) Storm Matthias, (Secretary) Annie Detweiler, (Treasurer) Isaac Campbell (not present). Sophomores; (Treasurer) Josh Langer, (Secretary) JD Waybill, (Vice-President) Gabby Appelhans, (President) Lucas Kramer. Juniors; (Treasurer) Mikayla Edwards, (Secretary) Rachel Shoop, (Vice-President) Laurel Murphy, (President) Kelsey Kellogg. Seniors; (Treasurer) Brennan Silver, (Secretary) Josie Caspers, (Vice-President) Sam Koehn, (President) Skyler Matthias.

iPads Now Enter Classrooms

By: Katie Sackett

            The school year is up and running at Central City Community School District and iPads have been implemented into the first grade through fourth grade classrooms. In Kindergarten, each classroom has five per room. In first through fourth grade each student has one that they use in the classroom. Ms. Zach (seventh and eighth grade language arts teacher) has a cart of the iPads in her room. Her kids use them when needed. All of the kids that use iPads use them for math and reading centers. They also read books and take tests on the iPads.

            Preparing the iPads is an overwhelming task for many, but one person who worked and worked to get the iPads up and going was Ms. Calhoun. When asked how long she spent working on the iPads she said, "I started in May, then I took a month off in the summer. I spent a bunch of time at the beginning of the school year to get the iPads up and going." In order for all of the iPads to charge and sync Ms. Calhoun places all of them inside of a cart. The cart syncs 150 apps on the iPads within an hour of plugging them into the cart. All in all she really likes them because they are convenient for the kids to use. For example, the kids use to have to share computers and it would be inconvenient if they were doing math and they both were on different problems or levels. "Now it's easier because each kid can work at their own pace,” says Ms. Calhoun.

             When asked what they liked most about the iPads a second grader, Cami Ellis, replied, "I really like playing games on the iPads. At the same time we still have to do math, take tests, and read books. So they are fun but also very resourceful.” From the schoolwork to the games, Central City Community School District now has iPads in classrooms.