New Staff Interview with Mr. Scholton!

1. So, how do you like Vanguard so far?
I love it! Now I get to know every student personally. It's really a great experience.

2. Did you always want to be in the teaching field?
Yes, I did. Growing up my mom was a fitness coach, so I would go to her workouts a lot. I basically grew up in the gym, and knew that I would love to teach fitness to other kids.

3. What were you like in High School?
I was really athletic, but I wouldn't say I was necessarily a "Jock." I just really liked staying active. And I NEVER wore the lettermans, because Elk Grove's were really ugly. (laughs)

4. What things do you like to do for fun, outside of school?
I like to work out, hang out with my family, and basically anything that has to do with being outside. I also just got engaged about a month ago, so of course I like spending time with my fiance.

5. What is the best piece of advice you've ever gotten?
Well, when I was little, my grandma always told me to "Eat dessert 1st." For some reason, that's always stuck with me.

6. What is your favorite book?
Actually, a guy I coached with, Joe Bush, wrote a book called "How About You?" It's an interactive workbook, and gives you lessons on how to be happy, and things like that. It's really inspiring.
(He had this book in his bag! He really likes it!)

7. What is something that most people don't know about you?
Something you don't hear about every day is that I have 3 sisters, all with the SAME birthday. Two of them are twins, and the other one just happened to be born on the same day. So that's pretty weird.

8. What would you say is your biggest personal accomplishment?
Definitely finishing college, and getting my masters as an administrative leader.

9. How would your friends and family describe you?
Fun loving, outgoing, upbeat, positive, and always with a smile on my face.

10. If you could live anywhere in the universe, where would it be?
I know it might sound kind of lame, but I would stick to the Northwest Suburban area, just because my family is here.

11. A time when you were embarrassed?
I can't think of one off the top of my head. I really don't get embarrassed easily.

12. What is a strange talent that you have?
I don't think it's really abnormal, but I can wiggle my ears without touching them.

13. What is the most adventurous thing you've ever done?
Well, last Summer, me and my fiance went mountain climbing, and white water rafting. It was a blast! I'm really adventurous, and I plan on going skydiving one day.

14. If someone were to make a movie about your life, who would you hope would

play you?
N/A

15. What changes do you plan on making here at Vanguard?

N/A

New Staff Interview!

So, many of you have probably realized, we have 3 new Vanguard staff members! These new staff members are: Mrs. Kraft, the new director, Mr. Scholten, a PE teacher, and Mr. Wrobel, who is also a PE teacher. Vipers wanted to know, who are these people, and what were they all about?

That's why I wrote my very own interview questions, and dug a little deeper into the lives of our new Vipers.

Here is my conversation with Mrs. Kraft

1. So, how do you like Vanguard so far?

I love it! I really like the non-traditional way that Vanguard approaches things, as well as it having a very dedicated staff, and being able to work with students on a more personal level. At a regular High School, you don't get that kind of connection.

2. Did you always want to be in the teaching field?

No, actually. When I was in college, I was going for Medicine, and I had a minor in coaching. It was in my Sophmore year in college that I realized that I wanted to be a teacher.

3. What were you like in High School?

Honestly, I was mainly focused on boys and sports (laughs). I got by on grades, but I very much was into the "Jock" scene.

 4. What things do you like to do for fun, outside of school?

Well, I have a two year old son, and my husband and I love to just spend time with him no matter what we're doing. But, we're also a very active family, and sometimes we'll just wake up on a Saturday morning and say, "Hey, let's take a day long hiking trip! Why not?" It's very spontaneous. 

5. What is the best piece of advice you've ever gotten?

Hmm. Probably, "Don't judge others if you haven't walked in their shoes." Everyone has day to day struggles, even if they don't seem like they do, and it's very important to keep an open mind.

6. What is your favorite book?

My favorite book would have to be "In the Lake of the Woods" by Tim O'Brien.

7. What is something that most people don't know about you?

Uhm, well, I'm really into watching Days of Our Lives (laughs). When I come home I love to just relax on my bed and see what new drama is in store!

 8. What would you say is your biggest personal accomplishment?

Most definitely helping my sister, who is special ed, lead a happy and healthy life. It was hard growing up, and watching her deal with the day to day struggles, but I never gave up on her. I was always by her side trying to help her accomplish her goals, and now she's a teacher!

9. How would your friends and family describe you?

They would probably describe me as private, goofy, funny, and family focused.

10. If you could live anywhere in the universe, where would it be?

Maui, hands down!!

11. A time when you were embarrassed?

(laughs) Well, during spirit week, and the topic for today was "Twin Day." And when I walked in this morning, every teacher looked like they were pregnant, even the men! It was pretty embarrassing, seeing as how they were trying to be MY twin!

12. What is a strange talent that you have?

Well, one thing I can do is say the alphabet backwards. Also, I love The Cardinals, and I'm really good at remembering baseball statistics. Like, you could ask me how many home runs they got 20 years ago, and I could tell you.

13. What is the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

Probably when I secretly ran away to Hawaii to marry my husband (laughs). We didn't want the stress of a huge wedding with 100+ guests and all the unnecessary expenses, so we went on a nice little vacation and when we got back we told everyone that we were husband and wife! Everyone was pretty shocked.

14. If someone were to make a movie about your life, who would you hope would

play you?

  Meg Ryan, she's great!

15. What changes do you plan on making here at Vanguard?

Well, Vanguard is a great school! So that's a tough question to answer. But my goal while I'm here is to have everyone leave Vanguard with a college credit, or with a certificate.

Interview by Gabriella San Felipe

Thanks For Donating!

A special thanks to all of the brave Vipers who donated blood at this years blood drive!

Students-
Mikey Pinal
Christie Ochoa
Armando Alvarez
Anny Vazquez
Xoraida Trujillo
Jorge Avila
Kevin Solano
Jasmine Estrada
Katy Monreal
Michael Ventrello
Shae Anders
Kaelyn Jones
Brandon mcMurray
Christian Reyes
Randy Santos
Melissa Doran
Austin Ryder

Staff-
Jean Mestizo
Dawn Garcia
Natalie Demeo

All students who donated blood got 6 extra service points, and more importantly saved 3 lives. With 20 people who donated, that's 60 lives!! So if you see any of your fellow classmates or teachers who donated, be sure to give them a huge thank you!

By: Gabriella San Felipe

Vanguard's Classified School Survival Guide

Hello, and welcome new Vipers! I hope you are enjoying your first year at Vanguard so far. Going to a new school can be tough, especially with a new environment and new classmates. Here are some school survival tips I've written to help you make it through your first school year:

1. Ask your teachers for help! Don't be shy-that's what they're here for!
2. Get close with your team! Your team members will always be there to support you, and help you with whatever you need. This also includes your team leader!
3. Don't slack off! If you do, you'll get behind, and it's hard to catch up after you've missed a couple of days. Don't risk your chances for graduating on time!
4. Try as many activities as you can! This will not only help you decide what you're interested in, but also help you meet new Vipers!
5. Pay Attention! Try not to fall asleep or zone out during your classes-you could be missing out on valuable information!
6. Read, read, read! Even if you aren't a reader, Vanguard emphasizes on reading A LOT, so it's good to have practice. Reading makes you smarter!
7. Bring your own (healthy) lunch! (Unless you actually like to school's food)
P.S. Heldmann in room 2 has a refrigerator you can store your food in.
8. Have a positive attitude! If you come to school saying "This sucks." then it definitely will. Try to keep a smile on your face, it could help brighten someone else's day too!
9. Pack your own shoes, and a jacket! In Gym you are required to wear gym shoes, so if you usually wear heels or flip flops, just throw a pair of Nike's in your locker. Also, some of your classes might be cold, so always keep a jacket in your locker as well.

That's all I have for now. More coming soon!

-Gabriella San Felipe

Standardized Tests

By: Emily Casey

 I'm sure you have a favorite day of the school year. Well, so do I. Wanna know what it is? 
Standardized Test Day! Woohoo!
 I really don't think testing periods are as bad as others make them out to be. Think about it:

• You don't feel like you are missing out on anything by going to sleep an hour or two early
• If you go to Vanguard, there are freaking bagels and cream cheese awaiting your arrival
• If you don't go to Vanguard, chances are your big breakfast request made to
  your mom will be granted
• You have complete silence for around 4 hours
• You get let out early

I mean, c'mon! This is a win/win here, people!
I do understand, however, that this day can be incredibly stressful for people. Let me tell you, though, studying really helps to calm the nerves. Proper preparation for things like this are key. It is really easy to saunter into the classroom with a ton of confidence- and then completely bomb the whole thing. I've done it, your parents have done it, your teachers have done it. In turn, it is also just as easy to be an anxious mess, receive your scores in the mail a couple weeks later, and be pleasantly surprised. Also, as bad as it seems having to take some kind of exam every year, it truly helps you out in the long run. If college is in the cards for you, you may find it extremely helpful to delve into your past scores and break down your strengths, weaknesses, and improvements. Tutoring is also an option. I know, I know, you're probably thinking, "Why is she giving this advice now? Exams are over!". My answer for you is simple: because I wish I would have better prepared. 

I'm confident in my intelligence and abilities,
but it never hurts to refine and sharpen the skills you already possess. 

I hope you all are satisfied with you performance-

if not, you can always retake it!

Good luck next year, Sophomores,

and "congratulations" to Juniors!

The Parking Lot is Flooded 

(and I'm Stuck on Compass Learning)

By: Emily Casey

Greetings, Vipers. 
Currently, the situation outside of our cozy school's walls looks a bit like this:

 (Lake Vanguard is awaiting speed boat season)

How this even happened, I am really not sure. Yesterday, I was enjoying a nice Chipotle burrito at lunch while watching the rain lightly drizzle onto the pavement. This morning, I woke up to cracks of thunder and lightning and a puddle several inches deep beneath my car door. I unwillingly made the trek to school in my not suitable-for-this-weather Honda Accord. Upon arrival,  I discovered a parking lot resembling the Great Lakes. Lovely. I quickly weighed my options. "Should I turn around and go home?" "Did my mom not tell me the school called to alert of a closing?" "Should I just drive around the dry parking lot and search for familiar cars?" I decided on my last thought and pulled around Forest View to find Mr. Gustafson looking thrilled to be outside. He ushered me into school where I carried on with a regular school day. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits, though all felt the need to vocally describe the depth and size of the pooled water. Thank you, by the way,  I hadn't noticed it on my half-hour parking adventure. Anyways, being holed up in school with 3 feet of water outside the doors is not very appealing. It seems to be making everyone more tired and irritable than normal, with me included. I have been watching U.S. History II unfold before my eyes via Compass Learning for the past 3 hours. This post is really just me ranting. Sorry. Not like you have anything better to do than read this, anyways. Unless, of course, you get the bright idea to go swimming in the street like I did in 2008. (By the way, you will be at risk for E. Coli. My mom didn't let me out for a week after that.) Enjoy your rainy day and don't drive, please. We already witness how bad Chicago drivers are when it is barely cloudy out, so I'd hate to see the traffic massacre that a flood would cause. Watch Netflix or something, kid. 
Lake Vanguard doesn't look like it will dry up anytime soon. 

P.S. The day already sucks, so why not make it worse?
Here is Chicago's pride and joy, sinking to a murky death:

  

 

Filling Your Bucket 
By: Emily Casey

 

In the beginning of the year, a lot of Vanguard students participated in a project of "bucket filling". This came about due to a children's book titled, "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" by author Carol McCloud. The story instills positive thoughts in young minds. However, the old and young adults at Vanguard were all very inspired. Our own Olivia Gabcova and Sam Schmidt have even been working on a "bucket" wall mural just outside of our library. Great stuff. Now, to get to the real point of this post. Summer is coming up quickly... in fact, at this very moment, we have exactly 41 days until our class of 2013 graduates (not including weekends). "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" brings tips on how to, figuratively, fill yourself up with happy emotions, thoughts, and a clear mindset. I thought it would be fun to fill a "summer bucket". Everyone always creates the ultimate goal list of things they want to do over vacation, but unfortunately, a lot of their plans are unrealistic and hard to attain. I'm not shutting down your dreams of going on an African Safari in Kenya, but I am going to give you some, well... cheaper and closer-to-home options to make your break off of school worthwhile!

I tried to accumulate events in and around the area, free and with a fee, and even some mid-day boredom crafts, workouts, etc. The goal is to find something safe, fun, and appealing to all interests. So, hopefully you get some ideas from this... let's begin!

        Concerts/Festivals:

•  Zac Brown Band
  Alpine Valley, June 8
• Black Flag and Good For You
  Reggie's Rock Club, June 8 - 9
• Spring Awakening Festival
  Soldier Field, June 15 - 16 
• Wavefront Music Festival
  Montrose Beach, July 5 - 7
• Justin Bieber
  United Center, July 9
• One Direction
  FMB Amphitheatre, July 13
• Bruno Mars and Ellie Goulding
  United Center, July 13
• Fleetwood Mac
  Allstate Arena, June 14
• Beyonce

• NKOTB, Boyz II Men, 98 Degrees
  Allstate Arena, July 18 - 19
• Pitchfork Festival
  Union Park, July 19 - 21
• Phish
  Charter One, July 19
• Vans Warped Tour
  FWB Amphitheatre, July 20
• Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake
  Soldier Field, July 22
• Taylor Swift and Ed Sheerhan
  Soldier Field, August 10
• North Coast Festival
  Union Park, August 30 - September 1
  
   Upcoming Movie Releases:
•  The Internship
  Owen Wilson/Vince Vaughn, June 7
•  This is the End
  Seth Rogen/James Franco, June 12
• Man of Steel
  Henry Cavill/Amy Adams, June 14
• World War Z
  Brad Pitt, June 21
• Monsters University
  John Goodman/Billy Crystal, June 21
• White House Down
  Channing Tatum, June 28
• Lone Ranger
  Johnny Depp, July 3
• Despicable Me 2
  Al Pacino/Steve Carell, July 3
• Grown Ups 2
  Adam Sandler/Chris Rock, July 12
• Elysium
  Matt Damon/Jodie Foster, August 9
  
  No Cost/Cheap:
  
  Free Museum Days:
  Adler Planetarium - June 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12
  Art Institute - June 5, 12, July 3, 10, August 7, 14
  Chicago Botanic Gardens - Every day, with $25 parking
  Lincoln Park Zoo - Every day 
  Museum of Sci. and Industry - June 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  Field Museum - Same as Sci. and Industry
  
  Navy Pier:
  Ferris Wheel, Swings, Mini-Golf, Fun House
  Fireworks - every Wed. and Sat., July to August 
  Shrek: The Musical - July 13 to September 1
  Cirque Shanghai: Dragon's Thunder - May 24 - Sept. 2 
  
  

  Random:
  
  - Lake Arlington Paddle Boats -
  - Community Pools -
  (Big Surf, Meadows, Pioneer, etc)
  - Skateparks -
  (Favorites include: Bolingbrook, Logan Square, Euclid)
  - Ride the train, get out anywhere, explore! -
  - Get crafty or bake something via Pinterest -
  - Go to the beach... duh! -
  - Indiana Dunes -
  - Wolff's Flea Market in Allstate Arena parking lot -
  (click here for days/hours/prices)
  - Get a job! Stay busy! Save up for the school year! -
  - Join a gym! -
  (Planet Fitness has locations all over, around $20 per month,
  free pizza 1st Monday of every month... uh, yes please!)
  - Save some money and use nature as your gym! -
  Bike the forest preserves and hike some great campgrounds!

  - Go camping/road tripping! -
  (Make sure you do some research on where is OK to set up camp,
  be prepared for the worst and expect the best!)

  ENJOY SUMMER 2013!
  
  
  

Bi-Annual Blood Drive!

A huge thanks to everyone that donated this April!

LifeSource, Vanguard, and bodies around the world are forever grateful!

Nick Childers

Krista Grein

Josh Chevere

Shae Anders

Miguel Marin

Olivia Gabcova

Jasmine Estrada

Katlyn Edgar

Pete Miller

Anny Vazquez

Randy Santos

Kelsey Ramirez

Brad Henning

Diana Bahena

Jackie Simons

Emily Laxner

Julia Fogarty

Ally Bednarak

Jorge Cervantes

Sam Schmidt

Krystal Garver

Danny Prado

Mr. Kain

Mrs. Meister

Mrs. O'Neill

Dr. Koralik

Mrs. Anzalone

Mr. Gustafson

Mrs. Garcia

Mr. Impastato

Also, thanks to those who brought/encouraged friends!
An honorable mention to Mrs. DeMeo for recruiting donors :)

St. Baldrick's 2013- a triumph!

By: Emily Casey

 

            One of the most talked about events of the year is always the hair-shaving, Cancer-fighting fundraiser known as "St. Baldrick's Day". Most of you know exactly what it's about, so I'll be kind and save you the length of that summary. However, I would like to touch on some feedback about the day's meaning, given to us by our own (Vanguard) students. Everybody who participated seemed to have some kind of backing story for their actions whether it was cutting off inches, receiving a green extension, or donating copious amounts of money to the cause.

            "St. Baldrick's Day has changed the way I look at a lot of things. There are so many generous people in the world and in our school. I started to get pretty emotional when the hair shaving started." - Amelia Ellis

            And then we have students, such as Vanguard alum Sabrina Cuevas, who are personally impacted by the horrors of cancer and the change that donations can make. Sadly, Sabrina was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 of the bones. She engaged in a lengthy visit with Mrs. Meister and was filmed speaking of stories from childhood and shedding positive light on what is such an unfortunate situation. Personally speaking as a friend of Sabrina, she is one of the strongest people I know- a real, self-made woman. When we had first met, I was inspired. She was attending school, working a full-time job, and still had the time and energy to look as beautiful as ever.

            The kindness and many emotions displayed on this day are overwhelming. Speeches are given that express love, loss, and hope. Common individuals donate hundreds of dollars. Students as young as sixteen voluntarily shave their heads to unify with those that lose their hair, not by choice, from the harsh drugs and treatments.

It really is a beautiful event and I highly recommend being in attendance any chance you get. Please visit www.stbaldricks.org to find an event near you, or information on how to volunteer and even host your own event! Remember, donations are accepted year-round!