Offensive Word Used Too Much

The n word, n*****, is a big conflict in school.  It is used by many people on campus.  Marissa and I interviewed students and staff members asking them, "Was the n word abused when you went to school and how do you feel about it?"  For the students we asked, "How do you feel about the n word" and " Do  you take it offensively when people use it?"
"I despise the word because it promotes hatred, it's despicable.  When it is in music it is the same as someone saying it.  Just like the f word, if you heard it in a song it doesn't change the meaning." - Eric Dahlstrom
"No, it was and is a very derogatory word.  My African America friends in high school didn't use it either, it was very disrespectful." - Lori Henry
"No, actually, and as I got older and heard it used by individuals more often in jest and play with no understanding of the meaning of the word." - Jessica Roe
"When people say it, like white people, sometimes I would take it offensively and sometimes I won't." - Saebrena Houser
"I don't like it.  I can care less about it.  It's a weird word.  I don't like hearing it." - David Valenzuela
Harry Post had an interesting experience with the word.
"I'm not sure if it's being abused at our school.  I came from a community where that word wasn't used and I came from a middle school where it was mainly whites and hispanics.  It is extremely racist and harsh." - Harry Post
This word is not tolerated at our school, and you will be highly punished if you are caught using it.  This word is very disrespectful and we all know it.
Marissa Vickery and Morgan Henry

8th Graders on the Principal

Dartmouth has just been introduced to a new principal, Eric Dahlstrom, and clearly 8th graders have a lot to say about him.
We asked many 8th graders, "What do you think of the new principal, and is he changing the school in a positive way?"
Jordan Weaver explained his perspective with us.  "He's okay.  The school is better than last year.  He gets more involved than our other principal.  I don't like that he's a Tiger's fan, though. He's a weak baseball fan."
"He is really nice and strict, in a good way.  Yes, I think he is affecting the school in a positive way, The other principal didn't seem to care as much." - Cheyenne Darrow.
An anonymous 8th grade student decided to share their opinion with us, as well.  "He's hot, he is nice, too, and tall.  Yes he is much better than our other principal.  He gets more involved and seems to care more."
"He's a good principal.  Yes he definitely gets more involved than the other principals.  I will stay off his woodchips!", Huntyer Ruddell.
8th grader, Nathaniel E said, "He's freaking awesome...his is tiz to the tizight.  He is really cool.  MMM Yeah, I think he is changing the school."
Jacob Doane - "He's better than the last one.  My dad's here today.  He has a nice head of hair."
"He's cool, , and tall, and better than the last principal because he gets involved.  He has nice freckles, I think.  He also has a nice sense of style, he shops.",  Kyle Lamont.
Brandon Tucker also spoke his mind about Mr. Dahlstrom.  "He dresses nice, and has nice hair.  He has a smile, it's cute."
Journalist Morgan Henry , "I've never met a principal quite like Mr. Dahlstrom.  He really tries to cooperate with us and hear our side of the story.  He definitely is changing the school in a great way."

Marrissa Vickery/Morgan Henry

Uniforms Vs. Dress Code

The idea of school uniforms is not a new subject, but defiantly one very much talked about. The word is getting around about next years school attire of choice. After interviewing several students, I have found that they don't agree with the idea, telling me that its not allowing them to "express themselves" and that "school uniforms are such a small issue in our school".

Plenty of parents have explained how school clothes shopping gets more expensive every year.  

"With fashions constantly changing from year to year, and season to season, school uniforms will make appearances around campus a lesser issue." -Dartmouth Staff

School uniforms, as opposed to the "latest fashions", also may help children avoid ridicule, or embarrassment.

Although Dartmouth Middle School has not decided on whether to use this method around campus, there is still so much to say about it.

Opinion of the reporter is:  I am pro school uniforms.  I am totally for it.

Marissa Vickery

The Teachers Point of View

"I think teachers want us to participate in class and not have side conversations." Morgan Henry
"If there is one thing I've learned from teachers, it's that they want us to succeed on and off campus." Marissa Vickery
Our 7th grade math teacher, Tim Gillis, our music teacher, Rick Olsen, and our 7th grade honors social studies teacher, Liz White, each told me why they started teaching.
"It all falls back to my college days.  I was interning for the FBI when I came to the conclusion that teaching is my passion.  Instead of carrying a gun, I get to carry a yardstick that sometimes, accidentally, slips out of my hand and bongs people in the kneecap." Tim Gillis
"The reason I began teaching was to share knowledge of music with students and help them achieve the goal that they want." Rick Olsen
Liz White strived to be a teacher in the 7th gread.  She had a wonderful physical education teacher that inspired her in several ways.  She often let LIz lead the class, which made her hunger for teaching really grow.
Each teacher also told me something interesting, that each really made me think.
"All students are good students, just in their own way." Tim Gillis
"It's all about building relationships with the students." Rick Olsen
"ALL students can learn." Liz White
I only got to interview 3 teachers, and they truly have interesting and inspirational stories.  But don't take my word for it, just ask them yourself. 
Message to the students:  "Stay vertical." Mr. Gillis
 - Marissa Vickery/Morgan Henry