Rouse Is Getting New Freshmen

RHS will soon have three different grades in the school. “Incoming freshmen should expect to take on more responsibility, projects, notes, and more,” said Ms. Neumann, a biology teacher at Rouse.

On the first day of school, freshmen should bring “Something to write with and a spiral notebook” said Coach Harrison. However, some teachers had a more joking opinion about first day supplies “Bring your teddy bear, in case you get scared. Some Play Doh, because you never know when you might need some,” said Mrs. Sneed. But there were also some serious suggestions given from her “bring your schedule, a flash drive, and a backpack.”  She explained that the schedule was so you could find the right class, the flash drive to carry any summer assignments in, and a backpack to help you not lose the papers you will be given. Freshmen will receive their books before the first day of school, and might consider placing those in a locker in order to not have to carry them on the first day.

“Millions of others before us have made it through and I believe the freshmen this year will too,” said Ms. Palazzolo who will be teaching World History next year. Freshmen should not be afraid to enter high school “as long as you do what you’re supposed to you’ll be fine” added Ms. Neumann.

Freshmen this year had knowledge that they wished somebody had told them at the beginning of the year. “Take good notes” said Jacob Fox. “Don’t skip school, because you’ll lose your exemptions” added Matt Doughty. “Turn your work in on time” said Nathan Knoblett. In general the opinion was: do your homework, make good friends, and learn your way around the school.

High school will definitely be a change from middle school, with lots of new things to get used to. “They will have to start keeping an assignment book, and deal with more responsibilities” said Ms. Neumann. Ms. Palazzolo agrees. “They need to get used to the six weeks marking periods and finals.” But, she also says that new freshmen should not be scared. “If you do what you’re supposed to, you’ll be fine. You have to try to fail.”

In the years since their high school days, the teachers said that a few things had changed, “Technology is definitely better and more helpful” said Ms. Palazzolo. “The teachers are definitely nicer and there is no more hitting with a meter stick” said Mrs. Smith. She later added “the hair styles today are a lot better than back in the 80’s!”

As a closing remark in most of the interviews teachers added “NEVER EVER TURN IN YOUR WORK LATE!” exclaimed Mrs.Smith.

TAKS week at RHS

April twenty-sixth through thirtieth was TAKS, or Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, week at RHS. There were mixed opinions from people around campus about the test. Some thought it was easy, others felt as though it was more difficult. Many people believed that the time length allowed to the test takers was long enough, however, some felt differently. “Some people aren’t good test takers, so the TAKS is not a good way to determine if they advance.” said student Toni Schmidt.
The TAKS test decides whether or not a student can move on to the next grade. This is considered fair by some; student David Carley believes that “It is a good way to tell, because TAKS is the basics of school learning. If you don’t pass it, you are definitely not ready for the next grade.” Others, however, feel otherwise. “It’s not fair, because you could have a bad testing day, but still be a straight A student.” argues Rayna D’Andrea.
So how is TAKS different from finals? For one thing, TAKS is over fewer subjects. Sophomores at RHS took a Math, Science, and World History TAKS while the freshmen class took a practice Science, real Math, and then a practice Social Studies. Finals are also often times longer and harder, and there is one in every subject.
The TAKS test is considered fair by some, however, some students, such as Jorge Mena say that “I don’t think a test should tell what you know. It’s not really fair.” Lauren Hammond agrees, “I think if you pass all of your classes you shouldn’t have to take TAKS.”
However, others disagree. Leslie Tate’s opinion is that “It’s the state’s responsibility to make us take TAKS.”
Louis Bonilla agrees, “TAKS is a great way to measure your abilities.”

RHS Thanked In Flag Ceremony

On March 12, 2010, RHS was thanked by the troops of Camp Adder for their donations back in August. RHS sent over donations for both the soldiers and the children in a local school. We sent supplies such as sporting equipment and beanie babies for the children. RHS was warmly thanked in a pep rally and flag ceremony. A few soldiers from Camp Mabry came, and presented Mrs. Scott, Coach Mann, and Mr. and Mrs. Rouse with a flag that was flown in a school in Iraq and a certificate of thanks.
One of the soldiers that came, Colonel Andy Hernandez, said that the soldiers at Camp Adder’s reaction to the donations were “One word, gratitude.” He says the donations made a great impact in the community by “Fostering communication between the soldiers and the locals”.
The donations were greatly appreciated by the soldiers; they “Truly appreciate it.” Says Hernandez. “A beanie baby is sometimes more important than a bullet.” The soldiers were very touched by Rouse’s kind gesture. Chaplain James Delgato, a speaker at the pep rally, says that “It’s been amazing; we’re so appreciative of all of your efforts supporting the troops. It’s harsh living in Iraq, so coming here and seeing the smiles and appreciation, it’s awesome.”
RHS was very warmly appreciated for their caring help to Camp Adder. Mr. Rouse says that he feels honored by this because it’s “A tribute to the students to be able to get the gifts and overwhelming that the students would do that for the students in Iraq. It’s a very warm gesture.”
Dr. Bret Champion, superintendent of LISD, says that “I am so moved by the ethical principles demonstrated but this school. If such community spirit can be felt in this school and across the school district, and can be felt across the world.”