Editors' Notes
As another school year starts up, you new students and freshmen may be wondering how to make your high school experience all that it can be. Being juniors this year, we have found that the key to the ultimate high school experience is to get involved.
Our freshmen year was not as good as it could have been. Our sophomore year, however, was much more fun. We got involved in our school and by the end of the year we were sad to see it come to a close.
Here at Toledo High School we have a number of ways to get involved.
Ms. Groat offers a Leadership class second period for any student that is interested. Her students are always having a blast. They’re always dreaming up new ideas to make our school year more interesting and bearable. From making posters that visually enhance the school to tweaking the Homecoming plans; they’re busy all year long.
Want to get your opinion heard by the entire student body and community as well? We get ours heard every month by writing in the coveted school newspaper through Journalism offered first period by Mr. Vince.
If long term publications are more your style, bring your creative expertise to the yearbook staff.
If you’re unable to squeeze Leadership, Journalism or Yearbook into your very busy schedule, you can always join one of our remarkable clubs.
We and a group of our friends are planning on starting up Pep Club again this year. Pep Club includes attending every football game dressed up according to designated theme.
If the medical field is where you’re headed, you might look into joining Club Med. This group of students meets throughout the year and goes on exciting field trips to various medical places.
Looking to get in some community service and have fun doing so? Join the Interact Club. Last year they set up a compost center outside of the cafeteria and other various recycling projects. It’s not just work and no play; they enjoy fixing up the community, going on crazy fun field trips and strutting their stuff while wearing their styling sweatshirts.
If you still haven’t found anything that interests you SMILE might put a smile on your face. It stands for Science Math Investigative Learning Experience and helps underrepresented groups get prepared for college.
For you Native American students there is TNASU. You’ll make great friends while learning about your Native American culture and going on fun field trips.
Still haven’t found anything that catches your interest? Join one of our spirited sports teams. Stay in shape while having a blast blowing away the competition.
If you’re more of the type of person to watch than to do, then attending sporting events is guaranteed fun. Sitting on the side lines and cheering on our Boomer athletes to victory (while chowing down on delicious concession stand food) makes a person feel like part of the team.
Sporting events are not the only after school activities full of good times. Dances and camps are also great places to make memories. Over this past summer Ashley and I attended a three day long editor’s workshop at OSU. We stayed in the dorms, met plenty of fellow school newspaper editors and learned lots of new techniques for this year’s Boomerang issues.
For those of you not happy with how your school is being run, do something about it and run for student council or ASB. This is a great way to be the change you want to see in the school.
As Homecoming sneaks up on us, planned for September 15th through the 20th, it brings many opportunities to get involved. Dressing up with the rest of the student body and helping to decorate the halls are ways to show your school spirit.
But these aren’t the only ways to get involved. All you need to do to feel like a part of the student body is socialize. Don’t think you’re better than anybody else here. Interact with the different grade levels and don’t be shy or intimidated.
By adding just one of these activities to your daily life, it will enhance your transcripts for college and we guarantee your school year will turn out better than if you hadn’t. With a wide variety of friends, there’s always something to do and not a moment of boredom.
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Some Random Guy...
ASB President, Guy Leech
A few family vacations, a few sunburns, and a few months later, old friends and new faces alike come back together to do it all over again here at Toledo Jr/Sr High. When the smell of falling leaves and new shoes fill the air, you can probably bet that once again, “Its Boomer Time!”
If you’re like me, a new school year means more than just a bigger locker, harder classes, and new clothes. It means new opportunities to expand your friend circle, go out for new sports, or to even try doing this weird thing called “homework”. And this year, I think that blue and gold, could be the new black.
The rest of the ASB and I tried to sum it all up in one sentence in our vision statement: Through unity and participation, we the Toledo High School ASB officers will open the windows for change and progress by enriching the students’ relationship with the community and strengthening the perception of Toledo High.
We talked about a lot of things at the ASB retreat this summer. And believe me, “make this year the best ever”, was at the top of our to-do list. We might not have gotten much else done, but when it came to mapping out all the necessities for an amazing year, I would say that we’ve got it covered. I’m not going to let you in on too much, but I will let you know that you can look forward to better pep assemblies, a rooter bus full of highschoolers in Halloween costumes, and can you handle TWO homecomings? Not to mention a Doernbecher week, and canned food drive that will blow your mind!
I’m no television buff, and maybe you’re not either, but when it comes to the years 2008 and 2009 at Toledo Jr/Sr High, this is no re-run, its “must see” TV.
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The Flan Man
Dear Students-
Welcome back all of you who are returning, and welcome all new students to the 2008-09 school year at Toledo Junior/Senior High School!
I would like to start by thanking all students who helped with the following this summer: painting the gym, putting new irrigation systems in our athletic fields, cleaning up around campus, and decorating the halls. You and the Toledo community have made a very large time investment in making this a better place. Your hard work reflects two goals for this school year—showing respect and taking responsibility. This is your school.
Link Crew students have picked the theme of “Kickin’ it up a notch!” This fits perfectly with what the staff is hoping to see—students taking ownership. With your help and student leadership, this school will achieve great things. We will be giving students more opportunities this year to voice their opinions and help shape the future of Toledo. Student representatives will be invited to join site council and our building climate committee.
As a staff we are committed to being caring and supportive as you reach for your goals. We will be respectful in working with you and each other. We expect you to respect yourself, each other, staff, and visitors. As you show progress in your goals, we look forward to celebrations of your success—extra-curricular events (such as all-night basketball), new school clubs, a senior class trip, etc.
Finally, I challenge all of us to think beyond ourselves. What can we contribute to the Toledo community? Once a year students support a food drive to help those who are hungry. We work as a school during Doernbecher week to support the health needs of children. What can we do throughout the year that will have an impact?
And what about the world beyond Toledo? A 2003 Toledo High graduate, who is now in the PeaceCorp, is working in The Gambia (Western Africa) building schools and helping provide clean water to the people of her town. Far too many people die each year from lack of clean drinking water. What can we do as a school to help support the work of this alumnus?
I know that you are up to these challenges. When I first came to this school the first thing I noticed was that Toledo students have heart. They support each other. As a student body you are capable of great things. What will you accomplish this year? What am I going to be able to brag about at this year’s graduation ceremony?
Welcome back. I look forward to getting to know each of you better this year.
Sincerely-
Brian Flannery
Principal
Toledo Junior/Senior High School
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New faces around the school...
Name: Ms. Reed
Classes Taught: Jr. High math, 7th Grade Language Arts, Jr. High Newspaper
From Where: Colorado
Why she started teaching: Because she’s always wanted to be one
Hobbies: Reading, hiking, biking, skiing, spending time with her cat
Favorite ice cream flavor: She doesn’t like ice cream
Her favorite class in high school: English
Random Fact: She’s starting up a Jr. High Newspaper
Name: Mr. Berenson
Classes Taught: Chemistry, Calculus, Integrated Science, Jr. High Math
From Where: Started in New York, then went to Alaska, then to Idaho and now Oregon
Why he started teaching: He enjoyed the challenge of getting people to think
Hobbies: Horseback riding, motorcycles, kids
Favorite ice cream flavor: Phish
His favorite class in high school: Chemistry
Anything else: He’s looking forward to meeting everyone, even if they're not in one of his classes. His door is always open to talk with anyone.
Name: Mr. Chase
Classes Taught: Health 1 and 2, 7th and 8th Grade Wellness, Rec Games
From Where: Midland, Michigan
Why they started teaching: Was a football coach and enjoyed working with students
Hobbies: Lifting weights, taking long walks on the beach with his puppy, chilling
Favorite ice cream flavor: chocolate
His favorite class in high school: Recess
Random Fact: He’s already proud to be a Boomer, whatever that is.
Name: Mr. Browning, also known as Mr. E
Classes Taught: Science and Math
From Where: Michigan
Why he continues teaching: To help kids
Hobbies: Anything to do outside. Camping, hiking, and he used to climb
Favorite ice cream flavor: Some kind of Italian coffee flavor
His favorite class in high school: Science
Anything else: He’s going to try to make it to every home game, no matter the sport.
Name: Ms. Sanders
Classes Taught: 8th Grade language arts, High School Art
From Where: Bellingham, Washington
Why she started teaching: Because it’s an important thing to do
Hobbies: Swimming, hiking, snowboarding and learning to surf and skateboard
Favorite ice cream flavor: lemon or raspberry sorbet
Her favorite class in high school: Art!
Random Fact: She’s a master gardener
Name: Ms. Clark-Upton
Classes Taught: 7th, 8th and 9th Grade Resources
From Where: Utah
Teaching background: She earned a degree in psychology/sociology, then earned a master's in special education and taught Jr. High for 17 years.
Hobbies: Photography, training service dogs, bird watching
Favorite ice cream flavor: Rocky Road
Her favorite class in high school: English because she had a fantastic teacher
Anything else: It’s hard for her to meet students, so come in anytime. Plus, she’s trying to set up a peer tutoring program.
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A letter from Romee Cnossen
Hey Boomers!
How have you guys been? It has been such a long time since the last time we talked. At least 2 months I think, isn't it? I can't believe time flies by so fast. On one hand, it seems like yesterday that I woke up in Toledo every day. On the other hand, so many things have happened this summer that it feels like at least a year went by already.
As soon as I landed on Dutch ground, I was kept busy basically all the time. There was so much catching up to do with friends and family! I didn't even have time to recover from my jet lag, which resulted in falling asleep at my brother's graduation and at a party for my grandparents...
About the same time as Toledo's summer festival, the summer festival in Nijmegen (my city) started. It's always a week to look forward to, even though I would've loved to see what the Toledo summer fest was like. Every day my friends and I would go to the beach or a park or whatever during the afternoon to just hang out and then in the evening/at night we would go and see bands perform and just have fun together. The most memorable performance was one by one of my favorite artists: Gabriel Rios. This was an acoustic set in this really old church. I'm really glad I went there because it was a really great gig!
After this exhausting week my family and I went to the north of the country, "Groningen", to stay in this old farm for a week. It was my grandparents' 50th anniversary, so they rented a farm so we could stay there the whole week. There wasn't much to do, except for hanging out with my cousins and aunts and uncles and such. There was an indoor pool and a Jacuzzi, so we spent most of our time there. I even took some time to practice my strokes again, so now J-bird can be proud of me! I also taught my cousin how to swim the butterfly. Everyone who has seen me swim the butterfly might understand how hilarious that must have been like to see. It was fun to just goof around and be with my family again after missing them for a whole year.
Then it was time already for the next trip: Italy! We went to a place called Marone to go camping. It's situated next to the Iseo Lake. We have been going there for the last couple of summers, so it's always nice to come back. It's so pretty over there! There are mountains, or hills, all around the lake and the weather is always good. The whole day we would just hang around at the campsite and have a good time. Of course, we went swimming in the lake a lot. Kinda scary sometimes, because there were tiny water snakes and really big fish too, but, luckily, I didn't see those close to me! Friends had their boat with them, so we spent a lot of time on that boat. I tried to water ski, but, sadly, I couldn't really get the hang of it. All in all, it was a great trip and I still have a nice tan to show off ;)
My first day at the university will be on the 1st of September. I just got back from the introduction period. This is something the university organizes every year for the new first years. With a small group from the English department we got introduced to the "college life.” We got to meet our professors (one of them is from Seattle, fun!), got introduced to our new subjects, tried out lots of sports (I even played some rugby and volleyball) and tasted the college night life. With our group we also went on a weekend trip where we celebrated a bunch of holidays just for fun. At "New Year’s Eve" I even won a dance competition together with a group-mate. All 10 days were a total blast and I got to meet so many nice people! It's nice that I now already know a bunch of the other "freshmen" and have people to hang out with.
In the near future I hope to join the college swim team (thank goodness they accept everyone) and find a place to live on my own. I'm not sure how hard university will be. Apparently, there is lots and lots of reading involved. Jane Eyre probably will be the first book to read, so I guess I lucked out with Ms. Groat's English class from last year! Other than reading, I'll have to learn a lot of vocab(though I'm pretty sure I'll never learn as much slang as I picked up last year), British and American history, American government(thanks to Mr. Hahn I will look like a total genius talking about the 14th amendment!), British and American culture, pronunciation, syntax and much more. Secretly, I can't wait to start.
So, my life is going pretty well, even though I miss America a lot. Not a day goes by without thinking about Toledo, the people I've met over the year and the things I've done. I still haven't found tasty burgers here, nor delicious American-Chinese food. Bummer. I can't wait to hear what all you guys been up to!
Lots of love,
Romee, the Dutch girl.
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It's Sakiko! :)
Hi guys!
Do you remember me?
I
t’s me! SAKIKO!!!
I miss you guys like crazy!!
Two months have passed since I have come home. That was so hard for me, having to say goodbye to all you guys and to my host family. Because I love America and I LOVE TOLEDO!!
It’s so weird that I speak Japanese all the time.
I’ve done lots of things since I’ve been home. I had a party with my friends, I went to karaoke with my friends, and a lot more. I also went to study camp! (I call it NERD CAMP!) The reason why I call it NERD CAMP is….. all we do is study!! We studied 11 hours a day. That was pretty crazy! But I had lots of fun though. :D
I go to high school in Nagasaki now. I’m a senior AGAIN! We have to go to school almost everyday. Even on weekends. :( My high school is SUPER strict! We have to wear a uniform. We have to go to school at 7:30 in the morning, school ends at 6:00 in the evening, and we can’t wear make-up. Don’t you think that’s crazy???
But don’t worry, I’m having fun and I’m used to my normal Japanese life again.
BUT!! I really liked Toledo High School. :) I want to go to Toledo right now! I had so much fun when I was in America. I love all of Toledo High’s teachers and students! I had a great time everyday in Toledo. I Miss you guys soooooooo much!
So how’s volleyball going? One of my favorite memories in America was volleyball! Football too! I know you guys are going to do super good this year! Good luck! :)
I think I’m going to visit Toledo next summer, hopefully! So, see you guys then! :D
Thanks to all of you guys who made my life in America amazing!!! I miss you guys so much!
Well, talk to you guys later! :)
Love, Sakiko
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Sports
It's that time of year again, you know what I'm talking about? Friday night football games, exstatic late night volleyball games, and crazy long cross country running. You got it, it's fall sports season! Let's take a look at how the football, volleyball, and cross country teams prepared for this upcoming season! Here's what THS's sports teams are all about. Daily doubles, pictorial style.
Feel the burn! Football coach Sid Richardson talks with the team as they work out their thighs and minds.
With a new head cross country coach this year, Roger Johnson, the XC team is always having a blast conditioning for their next big meet.
Senior Megan White sets to the outside during the volleyball team's hard core daily doubles.
Student prospects for the year
"To get straight A's!"
-junior Allie Marchant
"To get good grades, first team all state again in football, and stay out of trouble."
-senior Kamron Sjostrom
"Get the best grades that I can, look my best everday, and always have a smile on my face!"
-sophomore Jess Thompson
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Rock Art Of The Month
The lovely art work of Guy Leech and Dillon Blacketer won this week's title of Rock Art of the Month! Right on the mark guys!
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Issue 1 Contest
Where in the school are the following items located? Think you know the answers? Submit them to Mr. Vince. First correct series of answers will get $10 worth o fyou favorite candy!
Congratulations Winners:
ANTHONY HERNANDEZ and JAYME BABINSKI
Ms. Groat's Room
Ms. Scharf's Room
La Sala de Español
Computer Lab in Video Production
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