Current Event 9/28/14

Waivers Keep Worcester Student Athletes in the Game

Telegram & Gazette---> Front Page


In Worcester, Massachusetts the School Committee voted on September 18 to pass a one time waiver allowing student athletes who weren't making the grades to be able to play again. Daizy Santiago a Junior at Burncoat High School who plays volleyball is one of these students. Volleyball is important to Daizy and with her fourth quarter grade last year being a 68.78 rendered her from playing this year. The previous year students needed an average of between 65-69 to be allowed to participate. This year it changed and students needed an average of 70. It's hoped that if a student receives this one time waiver they will get their act together and bring their grades up.


I strongly disagree with this rule being passed. I am a student athlete at Burncoat High School and was aware of this situation/ problem. My mom is the treasurer for the Booster Club. At their last meeting parents came in very upset about their children not being able to play sports due to grades.  Sports are a privilege. If you really want to participate in athletics, you need to bring your grades up. Sports should be the motivation to bring  grades up. In the article, Daizy's mom said that they weren't notified with the change of rules of needing a 70 average in order to participate in school athletics. That is false because there was notification of the change. I disagree with the whole article, I understand what Daizy's mom was saying with some kids have a hard life and it can affect their academics but that's still not the full excuse. No matter what if you don't have the grades you shouldn't play, people can't keep bending the rules it's not fair. 

Current Event 9/21/14

Maine Bear Baiting Season, Maybe last, Closes

Telegram& Gazette---> Nation/World News


In Portland, Maine the season for hunting bears with bait came to a close six weeks before a statewide referendum could end the hunting method. August 25th starts the bear baiting season and it ends on Saturday. Bear baiting is the most practiced method used for hunting. This is one of three cruel ways to hunt bears; with the others being traps and dogs. A November referendum asked to ban these methods. If approved chase bear hunting will still remain legal.


When I first read this article I thought why is it that only bear hunting gets these rules. Hunters use baiting, dogs and traps when hunting other animals, so why is there a law being passed that it can't be used when bear hunting? Shouldn't all animals get the same treatment? Yes this is a cruel way to hunt the animal. In the end the hunters are hunting to keep the animal population maintainable. Using specific tactics just makes hunting easier for them. I don't agree with this law trying to be passed, the animal will most likely be dead before they feel cruelty.

Current Event 9/13/14

Dudley School Ordered to Serve Breakfast

Telegram and Gazette ---> Local News


Mason Road School in Dudley is one of the seven schools in Dudley-Charlton. Starting on October 1 they must start offering breakfast to students. "The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Office for Nutrition, Health and Safety" has mandated the school as a breakfast site. The decision was triggered by the school year 2012-2013 when data showed that 40% of the lunches were served to students who qualified for free/ reduced lunch. Another factor was in 2013 over 50 free or reduced lunch applications on file. The district will get federal reimbursement for the free/ reduced breakfast.


When I first saw this head line I was shocked that a school let alone it being an elementary school not serving breakfast. Growing up as a kid breakfast in the morning was always an option at every school I attended. Than again I grew up in a city and there are more students at the schools compared to a school in a small town. I'm surprised that the school has been going on for so long with out serving breakfast. As well as the school having so many students who are acceptable for free/reduced lunch. It's something you just wouldn't expect from a small town.

Current Event 9/7/14

Plenty of Light! Feds are Selling Off Lighthouses

Telegram& Gazette.com ---> Nation/World News


All through out New England, Michigan, and Wisconsin, Light Houses are being sold. This is due to technological advances and the desire to purge unneeded properties. Over the last 14 years over 100 light houses have been sold . Thirty six light houses  have been bought through auction, and have been turned into museums, bed and breakfast places and even homes. While Sixty eight have gone for free to preservations. The government is still planning on giving selling and giving away light houses.


When I first read this article I was shocked and sadden. I don't really like the idea of light houses being sold. I live down at the Cape all summer and there are a ton of them every where. It's part of the areas history and why would you want to sell history? Part of me still wants to believe that sailors depend on them and want them around still, but I know that with new technology they don't need them at all. The good news was they were given for free to preservations so not all of them would be getting altered. At the same time it's still pretty cool that people want to live in light houses and are turning them into bed and breakfast places. That would provide for a good experience. I also like how some will be turned into museums so people could learn the history about them.

Year Book Suggestion

• I really liked the Spot Light for Sports for the different Athletes
• Writing more for the high lights of each season. Mentioning senior captains, big accomplishments, etc.
• Keeping everything in color
• Make sure everyone submits a senior quote. It didn't look so nice with most people having a senior quote and there also being blank spaces with people who didn't submit any.

Practice Makes Perfect With Pictures

Google  1st Picture Posted