Meet the Staff! 6

Mr. Patrick Kain has a long history here at Vanguard. He has worked here ever since the school opened in 1997. He has not always been our guidance counselor, camper extrodinairre, and intake director. Back in the day, Mr. Kain filled the position of Vanguard’s P.E. and health teacher. This hard-working, caring man has an essential role at Vanguard everyday.


AMS: What is your most embarrassing moment?
PDK: On my wedding night, I ran to the bathroom. When I got there, I noticed there were all women inside. I stood there for at least 10 seconds, I was so confused! They all laughed, and 2 minutes later, every one was talking about it.

AMS: If you could time travel, what year would you go to?
PDK: I would go back to when I was 3 or 4 to see how my parents raised me. I want to see what we did and where we went. I think it’s because I have small children of my own.

AMS: If you were stranded on a tropical island what are 3 things you would bring with you?
PDK: I’d bring a surf board, my family, and a fishing pole.

AMS: What is your best high school memory?
PDK: I went to state with my soccer team sophomore year. It was exciting, we played in front of over 5,000 people and got 3rd place.

AMS: What’s your dream job?
PDK: Working at Vanguard. And, I love having 3 months off every year. This is the perfect job for me.

AMS: What’s your dug out song?
PDK: Thunderstruck - ACDC. The intro is so cool.

AMS: Who would play you in a movie of your life?
PDK: Lee Dewyze.

AMS: What dance describes you?
PDK: The running man (A Vanilla Ice dance) because I’m a child of the ‘80’s.

AMS: What would be your last supper if you were on death row?
PDK: I’d have a burrito from Labamba Burrito.

AMS: Do you have Beiber Fever?
PDK: Totally not. His lyrics are so 50 years ago.

Interview by Annemarie Schaefer

Vipers Trot on Turkey Day Eve

Over thirty students’ service sites are closed the day before Thanksgiving, so staff thought it a good idea to cancel service for that day to kick off a new holiday tradition.

The day before our short Thanksgiving break, students and staff will be taking a three mile walk/run “Turkey Trot” in Busse Woods.

While walking, we will be cleaning up trash and litter. Ms. O’Neill says, “We want to nurture the relationship we have with the Cook County Forest Preserve.” Every Vanguard student is a member of the Preserve Keeper Corps.

The workout also benefits you! “This is for cardiovascular fitness, and service points,” states Mr. Marcos. Students will be earning up to 8 PE points. That’s close to two weeks of regular PE points.

According to student organizer Olivia Gabcova, students who get into the holiday spirit and dress as turkeys, pilgrims, native Americans, mashed potatoes, or anything related to the holiday, can earn bonus points.

According to staff, this new Turkey Trot tradition was inspired by a celebration students had with Ms. DeMeo and Ms. McCann after they wrote about their Thanksgiving traditions in class last year. Staff learned that some students didn’t celebrate the holiday, and some had no one to share the holiday with.
Many staff shared with me how the holiday season is difficult for many of our students. Ms. O’Neill has high hopes that the Turkey Trot will be a “service oriented, team-building, memory making experience for all.”

Since Chicago weather is bipolar, if there is lightning, we will watch a holiday feel-good film in the theatre. Students will then discuss the film in team. The title has not yet been released.

Please see Mr. O’Brien if you have any questions.

Story by Annemarie Schaefer

Vanguard First in District 214 to Eliminate Cabs From Budget

Vanguard recently switched things up a bit in the transportation department. Students who choose to stay after school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays no longer take cabs home. Instead three activity buses take them home. This change was effective October 25.

In the past, students signed up for a cab by noon when they planned to stay after school. Instead, at 3:15 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, there will be three buses outside the building. One goes to the north area of the district, one to the south, and one to the central. Mr. O’Brien says, “The buses are very flexible. If the stop is too far from a students house, we are able to change it.”

In this economy, everyone is trying to save money wherever they can. That’s exactly what District 214 is doing. Eventually, all schools in the district will have switched their cabs to buses. Vanguard was the first to make the movement, according to Mr. O’Brien.

Student Kayla Woodward took the activity bus a few times already and says, “I don’t mind it. The bus driver lets us put on the radio!” She went on to say, “the cabs would drop me off in front of my house. Now, I have to walk a few blocks. It’s not a problem for me, but it will be when it gets colder.”

“I hated the cabs. They would take a group of kids that live in opposite directions, so it took so long to get home. The cab drivers were really awkward, too,” states Maxene Reed.

Ms. Anzalone has the job of setting up cabs or buses, and making sure the students get on them. “Last winter, cabs would come up to forty-five minutes late. The buses are more dependable.”

According to Mr. O’Brien, the cab company Vanguard worked with in the past was not as reliable and efficient as they could have been. “The buses are on a schedule and we trust they will be here,” stated Mr. O’Brien.

Story by Annemarie Schaefer

Meet the Staff! 5

Dr. Robert Koralik is an integrated and history teacher here at Vanguard. He also teaches college courses at night at Concordia. He is a Doctor of Education. His witty and sarcastic personality make him one of a kind!

AMS: What is your most embarrassing moment?
RJK: I’ve never had one!

AMS:If you could time travel, what year would you go to?
RJK: 1968. It was the most important year in the last 100. I had just graduated college, it was time to move on. My life was very exciting.

AMS: If you were stranded on a tropical island what are 3 things you would bring with you?
RJK: I’d bring Walden (a book), a can of spam, and my Green Bay Packers hat.

AMS: What is your best high school memory?
RJK: Not going to my swimming class for a whole year and getting an A. I was friends with the teacher’s daughter so I got away with ditching!

AMS: Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
RJK: Sitting on a curb playing harmonica and guitar while wearing my Green Bay Packers hat.

AMS: What’s your dug out song?
RJK: Subterranian Homesick Blues. It’s the story of life. (He made me print out the lyrics and listen to the song during the interview.)

AMS: Who would play you in a movie of your life?
RJK: Sir Anthony Hopkins because Ms. DeMeo says so.

AMS: What dance describes you?
RJK: The polka!

AMS: What would be your last supper if you were on death row?
RJK: Fried spam, spaghettios, and a twinkie.

AMS: Do you have Beiber Fever?
RJK: I don’t want to hear any more about him!

Interview by Annemarie Schaefer

Vanguard protests against gang violence

Vanguard’s Culture Captains take a stand and speak out against gang affiliated violence.



Culture Captain Maria Garcia is working hard on the Gang Violence poster



The next “Big team” may be a little more exciting because it’s not Mr. Impastato doing his stand-up comedy routine. Instead, Culture Captains are working on a presentation about Gang Violence. They will perform it for the whole school on December 8. Culture Captain Maria Garcia says, “My goal is to turn on just one light bulb. As long as we get it through one persons head, we accomplished something.” They are also hanging signs and a poster on the walls.

According to FASTEN.com, there are approximately one-million gang members in America, and about forty percent are juveniles. So it’s not a surprise if you know any gang members. Being part of a gang is a high-risk situation. Every part of it, the initiation, actually being in the gang, and leaving the gang, which doesn’t happen often, is dangerous.

High school is one big mixing pot. You have your cliché cliques of jocks, nerds, hipsters, etc. There’s a chance that two or more different gangs may be placed in the same school, which causes a lot of drama. Unfortunatley last year, CPS lost over 30 students to gang violence. Some of these students were not even gang involved. These rates have been raising incredibly these past three years.

Reality check: This happens in suburban schools too, not just Chicago public schools.

Mr. Cortes stated that, “Even if we don’t have gang members at Vanguard, I hope this will bring awareness. Maybe students and staff will be more educated and keep out of trouble. We will inform them of the risky neighborhoods, gang colors and clothing, and so on.”

“In this economy people have more of a reason to join a gang,” says Police Liason Steve Hudgens. He went on to say, “with lack of money, citizens may find it easy to join a gang. It looks like an easy way out, and an easy way to get money.”

According to Highbeam Research, in 2004, deans of schools under District 214 were noticing more gang-like behavior in some of their students. That same year, the district passed a new code saying if a student seems to be gang affiliated, they will be watched under suspicion by the deans and security. All schools in the district have strict rules and consequences against gangs and gang violence.

Hersey’s code of conduct states, “The visibility of gang and ‘gang like’ activities/behavior cause a substantial disruption and/or material interference to the educational process as well as school activities of District 214.” It goes on to explain what passes as gang affiliation. The code of conduct states the consequences as, “a student violating the aforementioned procedures will be required to attend a parent conference with the Dean of Students and/or other administrator.
The school resource officer may be involved if necessary. Action will be determined based upon the severity of the current and previous offense(s). These consequences/interventions shall include:
· Formal warning
· Referral to outside community agencies
· Suspension
· 45 day alternative placement (for special education students)
· Expulsion
· Arrest for criminal offense”

Even with all these rules, the violence goes on. Last school year there were thirty-seven deaths and 290 shootings in Chicago Public Schools. The statistics are rising every year. Culture Captain Vanessa Cardona says, “We are trying to raise awareness of gang violence by making posters and videos. It affects our community and loved ones.”

You can also help. School should be a safe haven for students, not a fearful place. If you are personally in a gang, you can get out of it.

A former gang member told me, “Being in a gang changed my life, and it still does. Not every body knows that I’m out of it. It will follow me for the rest of my life.” The student also stated “I constantly have to be looking over my shoulder.”

From interviewing this former gang member, I got a feel of the horror of being in a gang. He told me stories, reasons, and consequences of his actions.

Don’t fret, there are so many people willing to help. If you have any concerns or information, please contact a teacher, parent, or adult. Here, at Vanguard, the staff are your friends, not enemies. Don’t hesitate to talk to them.

Staff member Ms. McCann is very intrigued by gangs. She moved here from Colorado, and had never witnessed such things. She stated that, “I think kids lose sight of what’s really important. I try to build relationships with students and help them.” She is a great candidate if you need some one to talk to!

“Once a person is actually in the gang, it is much harder to get out, but not impossible. They can talk to their school counselors, or discreetly talk to the police,” says Officer Sjodin.

There is hope!

Some books related to this topic are Street Pharm, Gangs and their Tattoos, and Street Wars.
For more information and ideas, please visit these websites!


　
Story by Annemarie Schaefer

Matt the Staff! 4

Amy O’Neill is quite possibly the busiest person at Vanguard. She is the service coordinator, English/Dr. Oz/sociology/psychology teacher, yoga instructor, journalism consultant, and a mother to a small child…all in one day…every day. Her corky personality brightens everyone’s days. She also loves some pretty sweet movies. Ever hear of Star Wars?

Little known fact: Ms. O’Neill is the original “Pasta.” Back in the day, when she was known as Ms. Schmaranzer, she was an instructional assistant.


AMS: What is your most embarrassing moment?
ACSO: I view all of my embarrassing moments as learning experiences and teachable moments.

AMS: If you could time travel, what year would you go to?
ACSO: 1996. I lived on my own, met people that became my soul mates, adopted a lot of animals, took road trips to concerts. I had a lot of fun that year.

AMS: If you were stranded on a tropical island what are 3 things you would bring with you?
ACSO: I’d bring Jonah, coffee, and my Lancome tweezers

AMS: What is your best high school memory?
ACSO: Taking pictures at concerts and sporting events. It was kind of a long time ago, I don’t remember.

AMS: Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
ACSO: Traveling around the world to book signings for my book, ‘Leprachaun.’

AMS: What’s your dream job?
ACSO: Same as Ms. DeMeo’s but the storefront would be located in Chicago. But I’d be more involved in the radio show, and I’d take pictures of kids and pets. Also, we’d have a bakery in the store. We’d sell dishes with treats on them. There’d be a teen center there, too that plays movies and concerts. It’d be the cool place, with no bad decision making.

AMS: What’s your dug out song?
ACSO: The Sanford and Son theme song. I’m a big mess. I’m like a junk yard.

AMS: Who would play you in a movie of your life?
ACSO: Natalie Portman with a shaved head.

AMS: What dance describes you?
ACSO: Elaine’s dance from Seinfeld. If you want to know why, refer to the ‘Dug out song’ question.

AMS: What would be your last supper if you were on death row?
ACSO: I’d have my Mom’s crepes. My Polish Grandma’s home made chicken, dumplings, and pierogis. My Austrian Grandma’s stuffed green peppers. Continental bakery’s butter cookies, Koralik’s coffee, and a lime juice.

AMS: Do you have Beiber Fever?
ACSO: Yes, Team O’Neill’s name is currently changed to Team Beiber.

Interview by Annemarie Schaefer

Idol Comes Home

“It was a beautiful day… Sky falls you feel like it’s a beautiful day. Don’t let it get away”- Lyrics from Beautiful day By: U2, Performed by: Lee DeWyze

It was definitely a beautiful day on September 24^th, when Mt. Prospect native Lee DeWyze returned to Arlington Park for a reprise of his sold out Homecoming concert back in May. As for the venue, there wasn’t as much “Lee-Mania!” going on amongst the people as there was during the first concert. The screaming fans were practically nonexistent this time around.

The concert itself was perfection. Lee performed like a pro and definitely worked the crowd. Lee did however look like he gained a little bit of weight from the Idol tour. During his amazing rendition of “Rocket Man” by Elton John, his D string broke, but he carried on like nothing happened and pulled it off with the greatest of ease.

He played twelve songs total. Five from his pre-Idol days, four covers from his time on Idol, two from the Idol Summer Tour, and one that was never before heard until that night. He had a full band, including 2 guitarists and a keyboard player backing him up.

The only negative comment I do have for Lee is that he needs a little more practice in front of such a large crowd. He seems slightly awkward and like he would be much more comfortable performing in front of a small coffeehouse audience as opposed to 40,000 adoring fans.

Overall the atmosphere was great, the music was phenomenal, and I cannot WAIT to check out his new album, entitled “Live it Up,” which hits stores November 16^th.

Concert Review By:

Allison Mory

Meet the Staff! 3

The arrival of Ms. Ngo is here! She will be here Mondays, Fridays, and half-days on Tuesdays. Her job here is "to support teachers, enhance academics, and guide teachers to learn and plan together to improve student learning," she said.

She has an bachelor's degree in international business, though she never went into business. When she first graduated, she got 4 job opportunities. Though, she took the lowest paying one because it was more community involved. Vanguard may just be the right place for her since we are so involved in the community!

"Vanguard's a very nice, bright, and friendly atmosphere. Every one starts their day with a big smile on their face," says Ngo. We all welcome Ms. Ngo and look forward to the upcoming year with her on the staff.

AMS: What's your most embarassing moment?
TTN:I walked into a glass window at the airport.

AMS: If you could time travel, what year would you go to?
TTN: I would travel back to ancient China. Growing up, I watched many Chinese soap operas, and most of them took place in ancient times. I'd like to go back and see what it was like.

AMS: If you were stranded on a tropical island, what are 3 things you would bring with you?
TTN: I would bring my family, a pair of shoes, and a knife.

AMS: What is your most memorable high school experience?
TTN: One year, my brother and I had three classes together. He was not very happy about it. He didn't want me hanging out with his friends. It turned out that I did, and I did better in class than he did!

AMS: What's your dream job?
TTN: My primary career girl is to contribute the growth of society, particularly in education right now. So, I am in my dream career.

AMS: What is your dug out song?
TTN: Anything Kenny G. He calms me, and focuses me.

AMS: Who would play you in a movie of your life?
TTN: I would.

AMS: What dance describes you?
TTN: The Waltz. It's smooth and graceful, and not so dramatic.

AMS: What would your last supper be if you were on death row?
TTN: A bowl of pho. It would have to be the chicken kind. Pho is a Vietnamese rice and noodle soup.

AMS: Do you have Bieber fever?
TTN: I definitely do not. My kids do though. I think he sings like a girl!

Interview by Annemarie Schaefer

And the winner is...

William E. Simons once said "Bad Politions are sent to Washington by those who don't vote." Well, don't you worry, Will! On Tuesday, November 2, Vanguard students and staff had their own election in the tech center. Here are the results:

U.S. Senator
Mark Kirk - 14
Alexi Giannoulias - 34
LeAlen Jones - 6
Mike Labno - 10

Governor/Lieutenant Governor
Bill Brady - 8
Pat Quinn - 29
Rich Whitney - 2
Lex Green - 4
Scott Lee Cohen - 5

Attorney Governor
Steve Kim - 14
Lisa Madigan - 26
David Black - 4
Bill Malan - 35

Secretary of State
Robert Enriquez - 12
Jesse White - 33
John Hanson - 4

State Comptroller
Judy Topinka - 31
David Miller - 25
Erika Schaefer - 4
Julie Fox - 6

State Treasurer
Dan Rutherford - 14
Robin Kelly - 23
Scott Summers - 3
James Pauly - 7

State Representative
Robert Dold - 18
Dan Seals - 30

Cook County Board President
Roger Keats - 9
Toni Preckwinkle - 29
Tom Tresser - 9

Cook County Clerk
Angel Garcia - 14
David Orr - 31

Cook County Sherriff
Frederick Collins - 8
Tom Dart - 26
Marshall Lewis - 9

Cook County Treasurer
Carol Morse - 13
Maria Pappas - 32

Cook County Assesor
Sharon Strobeck-Eckersall - 6
Joseph Barrios - 24
Robert Grota - 9
Forest Claypool - 5

Thank you for voting, every one! :)

Story by Annemarie Schaefer

Cooking Club on Wednesday

Hello, Vipers! Cooking club starts tomorrow after school with Ms. Mccann. It will be held in the kitchen. The club is making sushi, but you do NOT have to make fish sushi, it can be made with cucumber, avacado, etc. You'll regret it if you don't show!