OldeSchoolNews.com

   PDA's in schools, although not permitted, are a complicated issue, leading to confusion between two OCHS administrators.

   PDA's, or pubic displays of affection, are a variety of behaviors that express affection. Hugs, kisses, hand holding, and lap sitting are just some of the many types of PDA's. All PDA's are banned at school, but OCHS administrators disagree on the finer points of what counts and why.

  Alan Stroh said,"It's really hard to give an exact definition of PDA. There are so many gray areas when it comes to this stuff, and everyone interprets things differently. What Bobby Joe and Suzy Q think are appropriate, may not be ok with Johnny and Mary. It just depends on the circumstances and the people involved as to what happens next, or the actions that the school must take from there."

    OCHS staff and students have become curious and concerned due to an upcoming technology known as nano wiring that can possibly take place within the next twenty years. Nano wiring is a future effort to insert tiny bundles of nano wiring thinner than the lines on a piece of paper into the blood vessels of our brains and then use them to sense nerve impulses of neurons right beside these blood vessels. This new interaction between ourselves and the world around us will create many possibilities.  
    According to 22^nd Century, a new PBS show, these wires could “stimulate the senses directly - creating visual perceptions, auditory perceptions, movements, and feelings. Deep brain stimulation could create the ultimate virtual reality.  Not to mention, direct communication between man and machine or human brain to human brain could become a real possibility.”   

“This has been an ongoing problem,” said Paul Francisco, assistant principal from Olde Columbine High School.  He stated that there have been many reports of gang activity and incidents involving tagging of the logo ICP. He stated that it wasn’t the fact that they were offended or had anything personal against them; the ban was handed down to the school from the district. The fact that these groups have been established as a gang and are affiliated as a gang in the law’s eyes is why the ban is in effect. The ban is followed at many schools, the approximate number is 9 high schools in the district; it is also banned at many other school nationwide. There have been reports of people using ICP as an insignia for their gang and baseing their crimes and life around the rap group and what they represent.  This isn’t necessarily ICP’s fault; it’s the people who are using their style and music lyrics as a way of life.

Throughout the U.S. underage drinking is huge. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did research on underage drinking throughout high schools in 2003. They found that one out of two high school students drink some alcohol, one out of four binge drink one out of four had their first alcoholic drink before thirteen and one out of three ride with a driver who had been binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as having three or more drinks in a row for women. For men it’s having four or more drinks in a row. Looking at these stats it goes to show that about half of the U.S drink or have drank.                         

On the first of January of 2007, the Boulder, CO Polar Bear Club put on the 24th Annual Polar Bear Plunge. The turn out was tremendous with over four hundred people, according to the club,  who came for one thing: to strip down to their swimsuits, to jump in toan ice-covered lake and feel the chill and refreshing water embrace them.

I was there and I believe it’s a great way to start off a new year. The experience of the rush that you feel from the icy waters of winter is unmatched. It’s like snatching life from the jaws of death. I do it for the feeling of satisfaction I get when it’s all said and done. To know that I do something that separates me from so many others is very satisfying, too.

             On Friday December 1, the St. Vrain Valley FFA held the Chrismas Dance at the Boulder County Fairgrounds.  All members in the St.Vrain FFA, was invited and also most classes from the Carrer Develompment Center.

           "It was fun, but it wasn't as big as I was hoping even though I did get caught for doing doughnuts in the parking lot," said Richy A. from Erie High School.

          The FFA had a D.J, and lots of snack foods.  It was all paid for by the fundraiser they had, which they made home-made Christmas Wreaths and sold them.

             Waterfowl hunters crowded ponds and corn fields in Colorado early morning of November 25, waiting eagerly for the second season goose hunt.  The second season for geese started on November 25 and lasts until February 18.

            “I have been waiting for this day since the goose hunt ended last year,” said Pat Davis, who was one of the many Colorado goose hunters.

St.Vrain Valley Future Farmers of America members flew into Indianapolis, Indiana for the 79th National FFA Convention in late October. The National FFA Convention is a meeting where people from every FFA group throughout the nation meets for activities and to choose new National FFA Committee Members.

    The 79th Convention took place on October 25 to October 28 of 2006, with nearly 50,000 people showing up. Rebecca Huth who is the St.Vrain Valley FFA advisor, took eight St.Vrain FFA members to Nationals. According to Brian B. who is a Longmont High sophomore, they all had a good time. Other students that went were- Katie G. who is a Skyline junior, Cashley A. who is a Longmont junior, Kim S. who is an Erie junior, Mitch R. who is a Skyline junior, Josh H. who is a Lyons junior, Ryan B. who is a Skyline sophomore, and Clint J. who is a Lyons junior.

          The Firestone Chapter from Ducks Unlimited met at 120th and 1-25 at the Greystone Castle on November 1st for a Chapter Meeting.  They discussed on the Firestone Banquet for Ducks Unlimited and the Chapter itself.

         The next banquet for the Firestone Chapter will be held on March 10, 2007.  The location is undecided, but more information will be released on the Ducks Unlimited website.  There will be a silent auction, dinner and activities. Tickets will vary from the price of $25 up to $500, and can be bought on the D.U. website.

Early Voting Ends Friday, Nov. 3

Early voting locations:

Boulder (2 locations) -
1750 33rd St.
or County Courthouse, 2025 14th St.