My article- Max Bash

Alleged Discrimination at KO

Kingswood Oxford has been in the spotlight lately with the media portraying KO as an institution of discrimination, due to allegations arising that a recently hired supervisor for ServiceMaster fired workers for speaking Spanish on the job.

People that go to KO or are in the know realize that this type of behavior would never be condoned at KO. However, people away from KO may think otherwise based on the media reports.

Head of School Dennis Bisgaard mentioned that people do know there’s more than one side to the story. People are shocked by the reports. Some think that the media were biased and focused more on KO, than what they should’ve been focusing on. Mr. Bisgaard believes that there may be a private school stereotype involved. “The story covered the contrast between the tuition at KO and minimum wage workers, “ said Mr. Bisgaard.

Director of Communications Sonya Adams there was a stereotype in media reports. She described that there was a spotlight on KO’s tuition and that the media made the KO/ServiceMaster connection when they shouldn’t have. “The media focused more on KO than the ServiceMaster and worker relationship,” according to Mr. Bisgaard.

The media did what they did for ratings, not to report the facts. People already believing certain stereotypes, confirmed their beliefs, based on the reports, according to Mr. Bisgaard.

“There was a stereotype because the media made it seem like KO and other private schools only cared about money and are discriminatory,” said Freshman Julianne DeAngelo. She described how the media is making KO look bad by to showing us as the people who fired the workers, but in reality Service Master did.

Word choice was another problem with the media’s reports. “A Channel 3 reporter asked for me to go on air. I said no, but released a statement because this isn’t a KO issue,” said Mrs. Adams. The reporter actually went on to twist her words and say she declined to comment when she didn’t. The connotation of words affected public perception.

As for the picketers, KO was a convenient place to get their point across. Mr. Bisgaard pointed out, it has prominence in the community and the fired workers were from KO. They would receive an immediate presence.

This incident has invoked many to believe that KO may choose another company to do cleaning. “We also need to look at their work method. It’s an appropriate time for alternative options. ServiceMaster may expect this. To their credit they did offer to rehire the workers, but this was turned into a political issue,” said Mr. Bisgaard.

“I think we should because keeping them as our cleaning service vendor will only hurt us in the long run,” said Julianne.

One might think that KO should’ve said more in order to maker the media reports less biased. “We say little as possible and don’t want to condemn other organizations,” said Mr. Bisgaard.

The media may use excerpts for an alterior motive out of context. Even though KO barely said anything, the media was still manipulative. Julianne agreed with Bisgaard, saying that the more we say is the more they have against us.

Mr. Bisgaard felt that we should just let the incident fizzle out and not hold a press conference, because if one is held the media may manipulate the story again. “We might say something, if we get a new vendor,” he said

Mrs. Adams agreed with Mr. Bisgaard, saying that she doesn’t think it would be a good idea. The publicity KO got was unfair. “They have a way of twisting words,” said Mrs. Adams. KO will be keeping quiet.

“People who know ServiceMaster employees might think why did KO not do something and be a tad disappointed,” said Mr. Bisgaard. He made an announcement, but after the assembly, no one asked questions.

“Students care very deeply about things being right,” said Mrs. Adams. If they listened to biased media reports, they may have been disappointed. “No, I’m not disappointed because it’s not the school’s fault,” said Julianne.

Many have been worried that KO’s relationship with the community may change, but Mr. Bisgaard doesn’t think it will change. Mrs. Adams also believed this. “KO’s image will not be affected,” said Mrs. Adams. The allegations are against ServiceMaster, not KO.

Julianne disagreed, mentioning that people outside of the school may think differently, because they’ve only seen the media reports and may not know the school too well.

NGWSD

On Friday, February 17, Kingswood Oxford alumna Leslie Frank spoke about the importance of Title 9 and girls involvement in sports at the National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

The assembly, which has been held annually since 1997, fell on the same year as the 40th anniversary of Title 9. Mrs. Frank attended KO when Title 9 was created, which was one of the reasons she was chosen as the speaker. Since graduating KO, she has become a lacrosse coach and a nurse.

During her speech, she stressed the values of girls playing sports, not only to boost their confidence, but also to teach independence and how to overcome difficulties.

Mrs. Frank also spoke about how becoming involved in sports has enabled her to become a better coach, and how she believes her own success in coaching has come from her confidence, which was gained through playing sports.

In her presentation, Mrs. Frank offered some startling facts about how far women's sports have come."I was shocked to see the percentage of girls in sports from 1970 to today. It really shows you that we needed a law to give everyone an equal opportunity," said French teacher and organizer of the assembly Lisa Loeb.

Senior Emma Brennan said, "I really enjoyed the speaker. She was very motivational, and it was nice of her to bring the shirts for the questions."

Picking the speaker is just one of the responsibilities Mrs. Loeb has had since she started the assembly 16 years ago.

"I brought the idea for the National Girls and Women in Sport's Day assembly from Choate in 1997, and it has been an annual event ever since," said Mrs. Loeb. "I really like to make the assemblies fun by including movement and keeping them active. I don't think of it as work, because it's a time for me to be a role model," she said.

Emma has also been involved with NGWSD since she was a freshman at KO.

"I was really inspired by all female athletes, and Mrs. Loeb thought it would be a good way to give back to the KO community," said Emma.

In order to keep the assemblies different from year to year, Mrs. Loeb said that she tries not to repeat speakers, and also tries to change the sports, as they have had a football player, a swimmer, a basketball player, a track runner, and a film maker come to speak. She also said she likes women to speak at the assembly.

"I feel like it is better to have a female speaker represent NGWSD, because almost all of the other speakers have been male,” says Mrs. Loeb. “I don't even think we have ever had a female scientist come and speak.” The assembly was created for KO to look back on how far women in sports have come, so Mrs. Loeb believe it is good for girls to see a strong, independent female talking to them and encouraging them to follow their dreams.

One thing Mrs. Loeb doesn't want the assembly to do is come off as if it is just for girls, and not for boys. Both have to endure hard work and obstacles. "Both have learned to never take anything for granted. The second you turn your back, it can disappear," said Mrs. Loeb. NGWSD reminds athletes once a year to never turn their backs on great opportunities.

Senior Thesis

The senior thesis could be one of the busiest times for a senior at K-O. What the senior thesis is defined as is a “project undertaken in the third quarter to pursue an author or idea they specifically enjoy” said Margaret Kasprak. Every senior is required to write one, and KO dedicates a class specifically for it. The project is not designed to be stressful, but it depending on the person, it could be one of the most stressful times on someone’s life.

Some seniors really put in the time and effort needed to write a good thesis, while others might not. The stress level also depends on the type of person. Senior Matt Mulkern said, “I feel a lot of stress, it feels like there’s a cloud over my head constantly, cloud being the thesis.”

Other seniors said they had little to no stress at all. “I don’t feel a lot of stress because Mr. Monroe has been helping to us by breaking it down into little pieces to make it easier” said Michele Ruffee.

The seniors aren’t the only ones feeling stress though; this can also be a stressful process for the teacher’s as well. Mrs. Kasprak said, “The most stressful is responding to a lot of rough drafts at one time. It’s also hard to read long papers.”

The process for this paper is pretty straightforward. Just like most other papers, there’s a rough draft, which is then edited to make a “flawless” final draft. The rough draft is due around week six or seven, and the final draft is due at the end of week eight.

Most teachers don’t dim down on work, especially the AP courses since those are made to be very intense. “The amount of work demanded for thesis is hard to fit in with other classes,” said Matt. However, some teachers are very flexible with the amount of work they give and will push assignments back a few days to accommodate the needs for the seniors.

Handing in the thesis late leads to a deduction of the grade, and not handing in the thesis at all leads to failure to graduate. Most seniors said the deadlines seemed fair and they weren’t worried in handing it in late. “Its just there to make sure seniors don’t slack off. It’s just a long paper,” said senior Sam Mckeown.

News Story

            Recently in the third quarter the KO seniors have started working on their Senior Theses in their English classes. Their goal is to write a story completely their own and convey an idea that is completely original. Their work on this thesis will span through most of the third quarter and some say it will put an end to the senior’s hopes of an early start to the “senior slide”.

            Although the Senior Thesis is a lot of work, it is supposed to be a time where seniors can take what they have learned from four years at KO and come up with a paper that is all their own. “They are told to exhibit enthusiasm, commitment, and investigation while they work on their papers,” English teacher Asha Appel said.

            She believes that the “senior slide” occurs due to the seniors focus on the college process rather than high school and more importantly their theses. Their lessened work load in the fourth quarter is also a major factor due to the lecture-style teaching and movie watching the seniors will do.

            “They feel like they jumped through the final hoop”, Mrs. Appel said ,”and that high school is already over for them.” She feels that the Senior Thesis doesn’t ruin their “senior slide” at all and that only the third quarter is spent working on the Thesis.

            Senior Caroline Harvey was excited about the Thesis and ready to share an opinion on something although knowing it was going to be a lot of work. “It’s a great chance for us to voice our opinions after years of learning others’ opinions,” Caroline said.

            Although the year isn’t over Caroline admits that she thinks she’s done with college after her acceptance into college. She’s also a little disappointed that the thesis spans the entire third quarter and an end to an early “senior slide”.

            So even though the Thesis will take a lot of dedication and work, the “senior slide” will definitely still be alive by the star of the fourth Quarter. So until then the seniors will have to tough it out and be devoted for the little days they have left as KO seniors. 

-Mason

Annie

On the weekend of February 24^th, Kingwood Oxford’s very own theater program put on a production of the show “Annie”, and after long months of hard work, the show was a success

“Annie” in a show about an orphan girl living during the Depression era in New York City. While Annie (Olivia Kravetz) has been looking for her parents her entire life, she almost gave up hope when one day, Grace (Julia O’Connor) came along and she got to meet Mr. Warbucks (Blake Randall).

Mr. Warbucks presented the opportunity for her to search for her mother and father. After an expensive and somewhat extensive search across the country, he was unsuccessful. However, he did realize that he thought of Annie as his own daughter, and adopted her.

“We have been working on the production since December”, said Stage Manager Nicki Roth. “The play counts as a sport for everyone involved, so every day after school we all spend a few hours rehearsing”.

The many students involved in the production have enjoyed being a part of the show, and say it has been a lot of hard work. “We rehearse up to two and a half hours every day”, says lead role Blake Randall. “It has been more fun than stressful, though, because I love playing the part of Daddy Warbucks”.

The students enjoy being a part of the production, because they volunteer themselves to be a part of the show. Each person auditions for a role, and the director, Mr. Baldwin, decides whether or not they fit the part.

As well as the actors, there are students involved with “Annie” behind the scenes. One of the most crucial people in the process of putting on the show is Garrett Meccariello. He is the sound engineer.

“I control all the microphones, sound effects and run 24 microphones for the actors”, said Garrett. “I also balance the chorus over the orchestra”. Most people don’t really think of the sound engineer as being one of the most important people involved; however, without him, the actors would not have such hi-tech sound effects such as the wireless microphones.

This is Garrett’s eighth season working in the sound booth.

As many students not involved in winter theatre know, the week leading up to the play in February is the most stressful. Often called “Hell Week”, everyone has a good amount of work as well as long rehearsals leading up to the opening show, which is performed for the school.

“During the last week, the play is all we do,” said Nicki. “We spend all our time on it: we have a six hour or longer rehearsal every day for the whole week”.

After their opening show, the school soon realized that all of the cast’s hard work was worth the time and effort. Many students enjoyed the production, including sophomore Abbie Mancinelli.

She usually doesn’t like plays, but “Annie” was “energetic” and “fun to watch”.

“You can see how much work they put into memorizing their lines and getting the steps right”, said Abbie.

All in all, this show proved that Kingswood Oxford’s theatre program is extremely talented, and that the school can’t wait until next year’s production.

-Rachel Dietz

Dylan's 1st article

For my article I will be writing about the Forensic Union and their successes as a club at KO.

I will be interviewing Ms. Lynch and Kelly Lessard

Questions for Kelly:

• How did you get involved with the Forensic Union?
• What recent debates has KO excelled in?
• What makes Forensic Union a good club?
• How has Forensic Union impacted your life at KO?

Questions for Ms. Lynch:

• Has KO had any recent successes in their Debates?/ What events does KO compete in?
• How has the club changed over the years?
• What makes Forensic Union a good club?
• What advice do you offer to up and coming members of the club?

News Article

For my news article I am writing about how the Senior Thesis affects the seniors second semester of a lightened work load and how it affects their "Senior Slide". I will be interviewing Asha and a couple seniors.

Asha

• What is the main goal for the senior thesis?
• How much work actually goes into writing a thesis?
• How much of the second semester does the Senior Thesis take?
• Do you think that the Senior Thesis is too much work?
• Why do Seniors feel like the have it easy in the second semester?

Seniors

• What are your thoughts on the senior thesis?
• Do you think the senior thesis is too much work?
• Does the thesis create more stress for you or does it seem fun?
• How does this change your your  mindset of being done with school?

Reilly's Story

I am going to write about KO's new attempts at becoming a "greener" place, by placing new recycling bins across campus. They are trying to encourage students to recycle, and are hoping that the single stream recycling and the mini posters around school will make it easier for kids to help out. I am planning to interview Mrs. Horowitz and possibly Mrs. Bailey as well. Almost all of my questions would be suitable for either interviewee.

• What were your motives? Was it financial or purely for environmental purposes? Or maybe was this new system requirred by the state?


• How do you know if this is working? Is the amount of recycling being tracked somehow? If so, how and have these new bins affected the rates compared to last year?


• Did you set any goals?


• Are the efforts the same in the Middle School?


• What else would you do to further environmental success?


• Why are not all the bins "recycling bin blue"?


• Is this related to the Green Team?

Max's Story

My story idea is to investigate why KO is being so closely associated with the service master firings. Then I will go further in detail to see why KO is being picketed and the media manipulation. I will talk to Mr. Bisgaard (head of school), Mrs. Adams (director of communications), and possibly other faculty members. I will interview them about the current situation and what may happen in the future.

Possible Questions:

Mr. Bisgaard-

• Do you think KO is being manipulated by the media, because of the private school stereotype?
• Why would Ko be picketed, they didn't fire them?
• How come people are being close minded and don't realize that KO is a place of equality, no act like that would be tolerated
• Should we stop using service master?

Mrs. Adams

• As director of communications, how do you think KO's statement influenced the media reports
• Do you think we should've said more than we did, in order to stop media manipulation/bias?
• How will this incident affect KO's image?
• Should KO hold a press conference to clear things up?

Rachel's Article

For my story, I will be interviewing people who are in the production our school's putting on this Friday for the school (Annie). I will talk to Nicki Roth (state manager) and Blake Randall (Daddy Warbucks) and hopefully some other people who are helping out with, or who are in the play. I will interview them before the school sees the production this Friday morning, and then I will possibly have follow-up questions to ask afterwards.

Nicki:

• What do you do as stage manager?
• How long have you been working on the production?
• I have heard from students in the production that this week, the week following up to the show, is called "Hell Week", why is this? What is done the week of the production?

(After the play I would ask the following questions)

• How do you think the play went?
• Did everything go as planned?

Blake:

• Have you enjoyed playing the part as Daddy Warbucks?
• How long do you rehearse?
• Has it been stressful lately as one of the star roles of the production?
• (After) What have you enjoyed most about your part and being in this production specifically?
• What plays have you been a part of in the past? How was the this production of Annie unique?

Joe's News

For my article I am writing a story on how there have been no snow days this winter and also how this lack of snow has affected the lives and winter of KO students and faculty.
I plan on interviewing Mr. Adams and Peter Baczyk and possibly other students

Mr.Adams

• How has the lack of snow influenced the schedule for this years sports?
• Are you glad that there is such a lack of snow this winter?
• What are some of the advantages to having no snow this year?
• Previously how many basketball games have been cancelled due to snow in past years?
• Is this lack of snow beneficial to your job or a hindrance?

Peter Bacyzk

• You are on the ski team, how has the season been with very little snow?
• Do you think that the lack of snow this year has limited the teams ability to practice?
• Have you noticed that there are very few races due to the little snow?
• How many races have you had?
• How often do you have practice and how many times would you say its been cancelled this season?

Naomi's News

I am writing my article about the National Girls and Women's Sports Day Assembly.

I am going to interview Mrs. Loeb and Emma Brennan.

Mrs Loeb:

1. How long have you been involved in this assembly?

2. How did you pick the speaker for this year?

3. What were some key points you took away and hope that students also took away?

4. What do you think is going to happen next year when you are gone? Will it continue? Who will take over?

Emma:

1. How/Why did you get involved in this?

2. What did you think about the speaker?

3. Did you have any say in who was chosen?

4. Would you like to come back and speak at one of these assemblies after you graduate?

Natalie's Story

My story idea: I will be interviewing Mrs. Loeb, and talking about her career her at KO (mentioning the highlights), and her experience.

Who will you interview: Mrs. Loeb, Mary Colliton (Mrs. Loeb's student), Rachel Yirigian (Mrs. Loeb's advisee)

What questions will you ask?
Mrs. Loeb:
1. How many years have you been teaching at KO for?
2. What positions have you held at KO through the years (Form Dean, French teacher, etc.)
3. What events have you helped organize? (NWSD)
4. What do you like most about KO? What are some of your favorite events at KO?
5. Why are you leaving/Where are you going?
6. What are your feelings about leaving?

Mary/Rachel:
1. How many years have you had Mrs. Loeb as a teacher?
2. What do you think of Mrs. Loeb as a teacher?
3. Are you sad she's leaving?
4. What do you think of Mrs. Loeb as a form dean? Are you happy our grade got her as a Form Dean?
5. What do you think of Mrs. Loeb as an advisor?
6. What are some exciting things Mrs. Loeb has done that you appreciate?

Senior Thesis

Im writing my story on the Senior Thesis and the stress and the process seniors are taking to write it. I will be interviewing Mrs. Kasparak, and a few a seniors. Some questions I will ask are:

1. Do you think theres a lot of stress?

2. How much time do they get to write it?

3. Is there a page limit?

4. Do you think it's too much?

5. Are other teachers cutting down on work to supply the needs for seniors?

6. Do teachers feel a lot of stress?

Story Ideas

Potential Stories:

Naomi:

1.       Unique: Faculty talent show

2.       Mock trial starting in the high school: efforts to bring it to high school from middle school

3.       Form activities/advisee groups: what is currently being done.

4.       Snow day shoveling/hockey help/field maintenance: Buildings and Grounds

Natalie:

1.       What is going on at KO over March Break? Events?

2.       Vacations students are going on?

3.       Tobati trip

4.       Teaching candidates/rehiring/Mrs. Loeb leaving

Rachel:

1.       Sports teams changing: softball/football/hockey

2.       Community service trips (Tanzania): what can we do if we don’t go?

3.       Visitor’s view of campus

4.       What do department heads do? (Profile)

Mason:

1.       Sports news of underrepresented teams: ski teams, squash

2.       KO now as opposed to 50 years ago.

3.       Different styles of learning and Mrs. Rubin’s work

Dylan:

1.       Art Symposium

2.       Underrepresented clubs: bottle-blowing club, meditation club, RTS

Joe:

1.       No snow days and how it affects school

2.       Sports scores

3.       Band concert.

Max:

1.       Dress down days: legitimacy

2.       Homework load: what is acceptable

3.       Should KO hockey be removed from the Founder’s League?

4.       3 arts credits

Ryan:

1.       GSA hot cocoa social

2.       Russell Birchall’s work with technology

3.       Senior’s final months