A year of school flies by fast

Eight months of schooling can cause change inside its buildings and outside its four walls. While the 2010-2011 school year is coming to a close, looking back on it the changes are more obvious now then they were at the time.

“It’s weird how much can change in only one school year,” said freshman Brianna Jackson.

The first day of school was Aug. 9th, as new freshmen bustled in, the new seniors took their place. Schedules were handed out and throughout the day friendships were forged between people who had only just met each other.

Students came back into school, sporting the newest fashion trends such as off-the-shoulder shirts for girls and the v-necks for guys.

But while school was coming back into focus, Operation Iraqi Freedom was reaching it’s end. President Obama declared it over on Aug. 19. Soldiers would finally be coming home after seven years of war.

Picture day fast approached students and teachers; the picture taken on that day would live on for generations in a yearbook. While the girls primped and prepped, the boys smoothed and tucked for just one good picture to be taken on Aug. 26.

More important than a school picture; sports such as football, golf, and volleyball roared to life in the first month of school. The first pep rally was held on Aug. 27, where the seniors beat everyone out with their “battle cry” and the freshmen got their first taunting.

Girls broke out their pea coats and UGG boots, which were plentiful around campus, and the guys brought out their leather jackets and tennis shoes as the cooler weather settled over the city.

The first week-long break emerged on the scene with much anticipation on the week of Oct. 18-22. Students took the time to relax their brains from the new knowledge being poured into it and teachers got to relax their nerves with no students to watch over.

On Oct. 29, the school participated in the blood drive, hoping to beat out Bolton for more blood giving. That day was full of fainting, mass blood loss, and sleepy students from the pints of blood given from those who participated.

The day that many avid baseball fans wait all year for finally came. On Nov. 1 the World Series game was played and the New York Giants took the title for the first time since 1954.

“I was so nervous for that PLAN test when I heard it was like the ACT,” said sophomore Cassidy Cook.

The PLAN Test may have freaked the sophomores out but on Nov. 2 they overcame the test. Though it was not nearly as hard or long as the ACT, it helped sophomores know what they needed to work on to be prepared for the next year.

On Nov. 13 the annual dance Snowflake commenced, and while relationships began there, friends were also found. This was the last all-school dance for seniors and it hit a melancholy key.

Nov. 22 the annual Miss BHS pageant came into play, where Grace Burgess passed on her crown that she had won only as a sophomore to senior Reykisha Stewart. The night was full of girls decked out in their best dresses and the baseball team dressed as sharp as a tack.

The three days of Nov. 24-26 came as a welcome of family and bonding when Thanksgiving Break set in.

After gaining 10 lbs., students and teachers returned to tackle mid-year exams. While the freshmen got their first taste of high school exams, most seniors hoped it would be their last. The exams were held on the 16 and 17 of Dec., in which the 17 was shortened after completing all the exams.

Then came Winter Break. The temperature was colder, the days seemed to fly by, and sleeping in became a constant. As the passing of a New Year came and went, school reared its ugly head. Only this time it didn’t anticipate the weather would rear its head too.

Another fashion trend popped up after the holidays, a trend that helped more than the buyer. TOMS spiked in popularity as a shoe that not only helped those less fortunate get shoes, but also held comfort and thick, warm material for the cold months. They popped up over campus in every color from bright blue to sparkly black.

School resumed Tuesday Jan. 4 with no delay, but that very next Monday snow hit the world and left Shelby County all out of school. While many were thankful, some were trying to re-plan lessons. It really didn’t help when school was canceled the next day either, a rare treat in the Memphis-area.

The day of return, on Jan. 12, report cards were sent out for parents to see how their kids first semester went. While some kids had to be pulled from classes, others jumped with glee at making it by.

Students and teachers got another day off that next Monday on Martin Luther  King Jr. Day. To make this week shorter the weather had a trick up its sleeve, on Friday Jan. 21 another blanket of white covered our town bringing shouts of joy from small children and worry for school administrators in Shelby County. All hope was not lost because they announced a few months later that the snow days did not have to be made up.

On the week of Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, Winterfest commanded the school. Nerd day was a popular hit, as well as red-and-blue day. People’s school spirit began to shine through and as the pep rally came it was a sad one. The seniors realized this would be their last one, and their time at high school was closing off.

February was a quiet month compared to the months ahead for school, even though basketball was riled up and taking the court.

A day a football fan lived and breathed for came about on the calendar. Football fans gathered from all around on Feb. 7 to see the New Orleans Saints take the Super Bowl XLIV championship.

Then a crash back to reality sent many reeling in disbelief. On March 10, Japan was struck with an 9.0 magnitude earthquake which caused a tsunami to hit the island country. The tsunami at it’s highest point was 124 ft tall and traveled nearly 6 miles into the country. The National Police confirmed 14,238 deaths, 5,314 injured, and 12,228 people missing as well as 125,000 destroyed or damaged buildings.

Spring Break lifted everyone’s spirits in the month of March. Students took on the break with excitement, taking family trips, visiting colleges, and sleeping the day away. Teachers took their time and relaxed, as they had finished their grades the week before.

The blood drive came back to Bartlett on March 30 and more fainting, blood loss, and sleepy students ensued. Those that did not get the chance to be involved last time took glee in finally being 16 and able.

The dance everyone had anticipated came to school at last, Prom. Where the seniors felt the anxiety of their final farewell and the two people were selected for the coveted title of Prom King and Queen. Domenic Martini and Janyl Iganda were selected to have these honored titles.

“It just went by too fast!” said senior Xavier Lawrence.

Even with a year of ups and downs, it is easy to look back and see the unshakable memories and the new friendships forged.

Survival of the fashionista: How to survive in sky-high heels

Almost every fashionable lady owns at least one pair of heels, but all ladies have yet to  master how to walk in them. Just how do those high-heel steppers last all day?  High heels are the perfect way to dress up any outfit because they can add a classy and sophisticated look instantly. They are also essential when attending any formal event. However, high heels can be tricky for many girls.  The best way to start is with baby steps.

Bartlett High School has the perfect event for gorgeous high heels to be worn. The 2010 Snowflake Formal Dance is fast approaching. Nov.13 will be the day for girls to debut their new skills in walking in heels. It’s hard to watch a girl who does not normally wear high heels clomping on the dance floor in a beautiful dress that no one will notice. They may be watching to make sure she does not fall down instead of taking notice of her beautiful gown. Girls should be prepared to look elegant and walk gracefully at the Snowflake Dance.

Beginners should start with short three-inch heels and swing their arms back and forth while taking even and smooth strides to maintain balance. They should always place the heel on the floor first, just as if they were walking in any other type of shoe. Girls who take really long strides when they normally walk, should consider taking shorter strides, because it’s easy to slip and fall that way. After mastering these techniques, the beginner is now ready for a more advanced type of heel.

The wedge heels are fairly simple to walk in, no matter how tall or short they are. Because they have a flat sole, walking in them resembles walking in any other shoe. Good posture and balance will always be the key to success when walking in any type of heel. The pump is another easy heel to walk in because they don’t expose the toes. The platform can make walking very comfortable as well. They help the wearer keep her balance, and they are fashionable right now.

All heels aren’t created equal. Girl should not buy heels just because they are cute. Comfort is the most important factor in walking in high heels all day or all night long. Quality is essential.  Sometimes the most inexpensive heel isn’t the best to purchase because  they can cause a lot of damage to the feet. Wearing liquid bandages on places where the shoe may rub can prevent blisters.

Girls who stand or walk for long periods of time all day or dance all night should bring an extra pair of flats. They should also avoid walking in heels on grass, because skinny heels can sink into the grass and cause embarrassing moments, such as tripping or falling. They should make sure the entire foot is planted at once on each step, when traveling up and down stairs.

Heels can be tricky for some ladies; others are a natural. With posture and balance, and a little practice, girls can learn to walk in any type of heel out there. Anyone can survive in heels.

Styling for Snowflake

Whether it be the perfect dress that fits just right or the accessories that complement it, everyone wants to look perfect for the Snowflake dance. While guys only worry about what colors to wear, girls can drive themselves crazy deciding what type of dress to get, what style, pattern, and texture; eventually it can all become a big blur.

The new season is kicking, and it is getting colder outside, but that doesn’t stop the fashion. From accessories to the shoes, every detail on an outfit counts. Snowflake attire is cute and fun, yet elegant and classy and a little black dress will not do for the occasion.

First things first–the dress. Since the dress is the “thing,” girls can have a really tough time making a decision. For a more classic, elegant look, a long formal gown is the way to go. However, for a more fun and flirty feel, a shorter, cocktail length will suffice. One way to narrow down the choices is to stay within an affordable price range and to look for a style that suits the personality.

In Style Magazine says that fall’s hottest colors are strong jewel tones: cobalt blue, gold, purple, emerald green, and bright red. These colors are bold, yet reserved, and give a cool type of look. However, choosing other colors beyond these won’t hurt, like light pastel colors (baby blues, light pinks, and lime greens). For neutral colors, camel  and sheer black reflect fall’s seasonal
changes.

Accessories are another big part of style, and it is for certain that they have to complement the outfit. Many factors can determine the type of jewelry that girls should wear. For example, an elegant long dress should be complemented by a delicate pearl or diamond necklace and a pair of long earrings. Hair is also another determining factor. For girls who would rather wear their hair in an up-style, stud earrings would add more elegance to the dress. But for girls who prefer their hair down, then long earrings would be more appropriate since the hair would overwhelm anything smaller.

Along with accessories comes finding perfect shoes. The first rule is being sure the shoes are comfortable and easy to walk in. Because shoes have to stay on during the entire Snowflake dance, most girls take extra shoes to change into. However, watching a girl teeter on her new stilettos, no matter for how long, is sure to bring on the laughter. No one wants to make an entrance looking like an awkward giraffe. Finding a nice pair of “comfortable” pumps is not a very hard job. The main key to finding shoes is finding something that goes well with the dress but also feels good.

“Glamour” Up

Once getting past finding the dress and perfect accessories, make-up and hair are next on the list. With hair, go with how the dress feels. If the dress is long and elegant, use an up-style to show off any accents that may be on the dress and to also stick to that classy look. And if the dress is short and fun, hair should hang to keep the look fun as well. Make-up should be fresh; maybe a little eye liner and blush won’t hurt, but girls should keep it clean just in case they sweat while dancing.

Snowflake is all about fun, and girls should dress that way. Squeezing into an uncomfortable dress or too-tall pair of shoes will ensure that girls have a difficult time relaxing and enjoying the night. Finding what suits is the best way to go and finding it in style. These tips will get girls to the perfect Snowflake night, fashionably.

Why can’t we just dance?

I remember the good ol’ days from middle school when we had dances about five or six times a year. A disco ball would shine its shimmering lights on the walls, a DJ would play his funky music, and students could buy a plethora of junk food, sometimes even pizza. Why can’t we go back to those times when the two or three-time a semester dance could let us get footloose after a month or two of hard work?

Bartlett only has two total dances every year: the semi-formal Snowflake in November and the formal junior-senior prom in April, which underclassmen may only attend as guests of a junior or senior. Allowing the underclassmen to attend only one of two dances the entire year is a grave injustice. To be fair to them, Bartlett should hold a few more informal dances so that the freshmen and sophomores can enjoy themselves just as much as the upperclassmen. Hosting more dances for the underclassmen can also help encourage class unity and boost school spirit?

Bartlett clubs can also find a reason to host informal dances: money. For example, at Elmore Park Middle School the cheerleaders, the basketball team, and the band sponsored the main dances. All the profits from the $5 ticket sales and the concession sales would go toward activities—such as tournament travel and end-of-season banquets—that those groups would be unable to pay for otherwise. Clubs here at Bartlett can do the same thing. For example, the Spanish, French, and German Clubs could use the money to cover entrance fees for Foreign Language Fair. Also, Infinity Club could pay for water and snacks for the participants in the Special Olympics in the spring. These and other clubs could benefit from the sponsoring of informal dances.

Students can attend these events on the nights when they have absolutely nothing to do. Plus, some students do not have the money for a trip to the movies or a spree at the mall. The minimal cost of attending dances make the event ideal for lower income students and students who do not find that midnight shows and shopping sprees are their cup of tea.

Everyone can benefit from having informal dances at Bartlett. They can help keep students out of trouble by giving them a safe environment to enjoy. Also, these events provide an atmosphere promoting social interaction and goodwill among fellow students. And let’s not forget the joy we derive from dancing til we drop and then going home to a warm, soft bed!

So please, Bartlett, in the words of Lady GaGa, let us “just dance” and “spin that record.”