V2-I5 Features
Teachers outside of school
By: McKenzie Messer
Just like students, teachers have a completely separate life outside of the school. Some students play sports, are in bands, workout, or create their own art. And honestly, teachers aren’t that different.
Two teachers, Mr. Kirtland (art teacher) and Mr. Wentz (history
teacher), are in a band together called the “Boondogglers." The band has five
members, with Kirtland on bass and Wentz on keys. They try to practice three
hours once a week. Kirtland said that they aren’t consistently being recognized
from their local band, but it has happened a couple times. The band has been
together for several years, but Wentz has only been in the band for about two years.
High school math teacher Miss Keane recently participated in a 5k. Now, this was not your ordinary 5K; it was the Warrior Dash. The Warrior Dash is a 27 obstacle course with fire, mud, wires, and too many different forms of water. She did training leading up to the 5K, and she said she just “went for it!” This was her first 5K run, and she finished in one hour and 40 minutes with her workout buddies. Her next will be the Tough Mudder in Mansfield this May. Keane says, “It’s going to be really fun! You’re supposed to get electrocuted!”
Miss Murphy, sophomore English teacher, really enjoys drawing.
She’s been drawing for a couples months and is focusing on faces, hands, and
eyes. She is currently using drawing pencils and will probably stick with drawing for a while. Murphy says, “My favorite part about learning how to draw is Mrs. Garee teaching me.” And Garee responded back with, “She’s really good, and you can quote me on
that!”
Junior English teacher Mrs. Garee loves to build dollhouses in her spare time. She originally started to make dollhouses because, as a child, she wanted a beautiful dollhouse of her own but didn’t have enough money to get one, so she created them out of cardboard and Scotch tape that would evidently collapse because it couldn’t support the Barbie’s weight. However, she was determined to make one for her future daughters. Garee says the hobby is “dramatic and intense,” not to mention extremely time-consuming and expensive. All rooms in the dollhouse have electricity, and she’s slowly furnishing the inside of the house she built over the summer and is saving up for a bedroom set. She’s actually making some of her own parts out of clay, including vases, dishes, and candlesticks. Her daughter Emma also wants to build a dollhouse, and Garee is helping her.
Sometimes when you think your teacher is a lame, spark up a conversation. You may have something in common.
PHOTO CAPTIONS: Top left: Mr. Kirtland battles Mr. Wentz with pool sticks between performances; top middle and top right feature the outside and living room of Mrs. Garee's dollhouse, all decked out for Christmas; bottom middle, Miss Murphy's pencil sketch of her hand holding a pear.
McKenzie Messer (‘15) is a columns editor, literary editor, and
a staff writer.
Two teachers, Mr. Kirtland (art teacher) and Mr. Wentz (history
teacher), are in a band together called the “Boondogglers." The band has five
members, with Kirtland on bass and Wentz on keys. They try to practice three
hours once a week. Kirtland said that they aren’t consistently being recognized
from their local band, but it has happened a couple times. The band has been
together for several years, but Wentz has only been in the band for about two years.
High school math teacher Miss Keane recently participated in a 5k. Now, this was not your ordinary 5K; it was the Warrior Dash. The Warrior Dash is a 27 obstacle course with fire, mud, wires, and too many different forms of water. She did training leading up to the 5K, and she said she just “went for it!” This was her first 5K run, and she finished in one hour and 40 minutes with her workout buddies. Her next will be the Tough Mudder in Mansfield this May. Keane says, “It’s going to be really fun! You’re supposed to get electrocuted!”
Miss Murphy, sophomore English teacher, really enjoys drawing.
She’s been drawing for a couples months and is focusing on faces, hands, and
eyes. She is currently using drawing pencils and will probably stick with drawing for a while. Murphy says, “My favorite part about learning how to draw is Mrs. Garee teaching me.” And Garee responded back with, “She’s really good, and you can quote me on
that!”
Junior English teacher Mrs. Garee loves to build dollhouses in her spare time. She originally started to make dollhouses because, as a child, she wanted a beautiful dollhouse of her own but didn’t have enough money to get one, so she created them out of cardboard and Scotch tape that would evidently collapse because it couldn’t support the Barbie’s weight. However, she was determined to make one for her future daughters. Garee says the hobby is “dramatic and intense,” not to mention extremely time-consuming and expensive. All rooms in the dollhouse have electricity, and she’s slowly furnishing the inside of the house she built over the summer and is saving up for a bedroom set. She’s actually making some of her own parts out of clay, including vases, dishes, and candlesticks. Her daughter Emma also wants to build a dollhouse, and Garee is helping her.
Sometimes when you think your teacher is a lame, spark up a conversation. You may have something in common.
PHOTO CAPTIONS: Top left: Mr. Kirtland battles Mr. Wentz with pool sticks between performances; top middle and top right feature the outside and living room of Mrs. Garee's dollhouse, all decked out for Christmas; bottom middle, Miss Murphy's pencil sketch of her hand holding a pear.
McKenzie Messer (‘15) is a columns editor, literary editor, and
a staff writer.
Seussical Cast Comes Together
By Lilly Chesser
Seussical is a mishmash of Doctor Seuss books, creating a fast-paced, kooky operetta-like musical. It is of many things including Horton and his egg, Gertrude Mcfuzz and her one-feather tail, and Jojo and her misunderstood “thinks”. It is Northridge high school’s latest play, which will soon be lighting up the stage with fuzz, feathers, and bright colors. In preparation for the play, students have been practicing for long hours after school and on the weekends, perfecting their songs and dance moves.
Director Miss Weiss says she wanted something that was different from last year’s musical, Grease, that would showcase the talents of all the students. “The work has been more than planned” says Weiss “this play is different from usual, there’s a lot more singing.” Her favorite number, and part of the play as a whole, is “Oh the Thinks You Can Think”, the opening scene which brings together and introduces all the characters. Ana Carpenter (’15), a member of the Greek-Chorus-like bird-girl troupe, agrees. “It captures the essence of the play. It’s really crazy and fun; everyone’s dancing around and interacting with each other.”
The narrator of the journey is the Cat in the Hat, played by Miguel Disbennett (‘16). The role, he says, gives him “creative freedom.” Disbennett’s cat is a “funny, mischievous” character, says Aili Barbee (’16) who plays a citizen of Who. “The best part about the plays is the friendships that are built” says Disbennett. Jessica Nincehelser (’14), Disbennett’s recent girlfriend and co-lead, agrees. “By the end of the plays, I know it sounds cliché, but everyone just kind of becomes a big family. A family that loves drama and dancing.” Says Hayley Curran (’14), Seussical’s “Thing 2.”
Many believe the best aspect of play is the ability to portray characters and switch personalities on stage. “My favorite part about my character, Mayzie Labird, is the challenge of playing someone that’s opposite of me” says Kaelin Curran (’16) “Mayzie is a diva” says stage crew member Adreona Perkowski, "and Kaelin is the sweetest girl you’ll ever meet, but when she’s on stage it’s like she becomes Mayzie. You hate her and admire her all at the same time!”
“I play the Sour Kangaroo” says Jamie Comisford (’16) “which is so much fun because she’s loud and larger-than-life.” The Sour Kangaroo is the unofficial queen of the Jungle of Nool, leading the creatures with her loud, sassy songs. “I love the belting!” laughs Comisford with her peers.
In contrast to these characters is the sweet, Who-dwelling Mrs. Mayor, played by Trisha McConnell (’16). McConnell says “getting out of my shell” is the most enjoyable part of musicals. In order to get over stage fright she stresses that you need to “tell yourself you’re good enough”, Comisford agrees, adding that you should “make yourself into your character” and the pressure melts away.
It’s “organized commotion” says bird-girl Carpenter. Adds Wickersham monkey brother, Brandon Eckstein (’14), “I’ve been monkeying around all my life. This play is going to be my magnum opus.” As the people get closer, and the performances all come together, directors Weiss and Ulery say they feel more and more confident about their vision. Says prop coordinator Leanne Barbee, “This is gonna be a really fun play!”
Lilly "the truth" Chesser is a junior staff writer for the Viking Vault
Seussical is a mishmash of Doctor Seuss books, creating a fast-paced, kooky operetta-like musical. It is of many things including Horton and his egg, Gertrude Mcfuzz and her one-feather tail, and Jojo and her misunderstood “thinks”. It is Northridge high school’s latest play, which will soon be lighting up the stage with fuzz, feathers, and bright colors. In preparation for the play, students have been practicing for long hours after school and on the weekends, perfecting their songs and dance moves.
Director Miss Weiss says she wanted something that was different from last year’s musical, Grease, that would showcase the talents of all the students. “The work has been more than planned” says Weiss “this play is different from usual, there’s a lot more singing.” Her favorite number, and part of the play as a whole, is “Oh the Thinks You Can Think”, the opening scene which brings together and introduces all the characters. Ana Carpenter (’15), a member of the Greek-Chorus-like bird-girl troupe, agrees. “It captures the essence of the play. It’s really crazy and fun; everyone’s dancing around and interacting with each other.”
The narrator of the journey is the Cat in the Hat, played by Miguel Disbennett (‘16). The role, he says, gives him “creative freedom.” Disbennett’s cat is a “funny, mischievous” character, says Aili Barbee (’16) who plays a citizen of Who. “The best part about the plays is the friendships that are built” says Disbennett. Jessica Nincehelser (’14), Disbennett’s recent girlfriend and co-lead, agrees. “By the end of the plays, I know it sounds cliché, but everyone just kind of becomes a big family. A family that loves drama and dancing.” Says Hayley Curran (’14), Seussical’s “Thing 2.”
Many believe the best aspect of play is the ability to portray characters and switch personalities on stage. “My favorite part about my character, Mayzie Labird, is the challenge of playing someone that’s opposite of me” says Kaelin Curran (’16) “Mayzie is a diva” says stage crew member Adreona Perkowski, "and Kaelin is the sweetest girl you’ll ever meet, but when she’s on stage it’s like she becomes Mayzie. You hate her and admire her all at the same time!”
“I play the Sour Kangaroo” says Jamie Comisford (’16) “which is so much fun because she’s loud and larger-than-life.” The Sour Kangaroo is the unofficial queen of the Jungle of Nool, leading the creatures with her loud, sassy songs. “I love the belting!” laughs Comisford with her peers.
In contrast to these characters is the sweet, Who-dwelling Mrs. Mayor, played by Trisha McConnell (’16). McConnell says “getting out of my shell” is the most enjoyable part of musicals. In order to get over stage fright she stresses that you need to “tell yourself you’re good enough”, Comisford agrees, adding that you should “make yourself into your character” and the pressure melts away.
It’s “organized commotion” says bird-girl Carpenter. Adds Wickersham monkey brother, Brandon Eckstein (’14), “I’ve been monkeying around all my life. This play is going to be my magnum opus.” As the people get closer, and the performances all come together, directors Weiss and Ulery say they feel more and more confident about their vision. Says prop coordinator Leanne Barbee, “This is gonna be a really fun play!”
Lilly "the truth" Chesser is a junior staff writer for the Viking Vault
Finding A Perfect Prom Dress That Won’t Break Your Bank
By Katelynd Havice
NORTHRIDGE- Prom, being one of the biggest and most important events of every teenagers dream, if not the most important, can sometimes be taken way too seriously when it comes to its relation to the bank account. On the one hand, Prom represents one night to get decked out and have the time of your life with all your best friends; on the other hand, it is still just one night. Many feel Prom night can be fun without spending huge amounts of money.
Some girls believe the only options they have to find a prom dress are at either Henri’s or Unusual Junction, two very expensive prom dress stores. Also, having the mindset that it’s impossible to find a nice prom dress for anything under $500 is more than common in the average girl’s head. Average Northridge girls, however, say all these statements are false, and many perfect alternatives present themselves at other stores.
Cayleigh Kerns ('15) decided to widen her horizon for prom dresses and had plenty of advice to offer. “Spending $800+ on a dress you're only going to wear once is just ridiculous, especially when you're not a senior! I can kind of see it if it's your last prom ever and you want to go all out, but otherwise, there's no point. No matter how perfect the dress is, it's not worth the money. I found THE dress of my dreams (basically could've been my wedding dress) my sophomore year at Universe & it was $850. I didn't even think about asking my mom to buy it, even though it was perfect, because it was way too much money for a 15 year old girl to spend on one dress.” Cayleigh continues to tell how she found her sophomore year dress at David’s Bridal for $99 and loved it! And the next year she spent only $99 again at Macy’s that she loved as well.
There are plenty of other stores to take into consideration, such as 21 Boutique and many other small boutiques all around central Ohio.
Cortney Schneider ('15) bought her sophomore dress at a small boutique in Mount Vernon called “Stairway to Heaven." She says that she loved her dress and only ended up spending $70 on it.
Another alternative way to find the dress of your dreams for a better price is to order your dress online. The only problem with that is not being able to try it on, but the prices are astoundingly lower.
Kerns comes in again and says, “Finding a dress that you love and that doesn’t break the bank is very possible, you just have to go look!”
Katelynd Havice is a junior staff writer for the Viking Vault
By Katelynd Havice
NORTHRIDGE- Prom, being one of the biggest and most important events of every teenagers dream, if not the most important, can sometimes be taken way too seriously when it comes to its relation to the bank account. On the one hand, Prom represents one night to get decked out and have the time of your life with all your best friends; on the other hand, it is still just one night. Many feel Prom night can be fun without spending huge amounts of money.
Some girls believe the only options they have to find a prom dress are at either Henri’s or Unusual Junction, two very expensive prom dress stores. Also, having the mindset that it’s impossible to find a nice prom dress for anything under $500 is more than common in the average girl’s head. Average Northridge girls, however, say all these statements are false, and many perfect alternatives present themselves at other stores.
Cayleigh Kerns ('15) decided to widen her horizon for prom dresses and had plenty of advice to offer. “Spending $800+ on a dress you're only going to wear once is just ridiculous, especially when you're not a senior! I can kind of see it if it's your last prom ever and you want to go all out, but otherwise, there's no point. No matter how perfect the dress is, it's not worth the money. I found THE dress of my dreams (basically could've been my wedding dress) my sophomore year at Universe & it was $850. I didn't even think about asking my mom to buy it, even though it was perfect, because it was way too much money for a 15 year old girl to spend on one dress.” Cayleigh continues to tell how she found her sophomore year dress at David’s Bridal for $99 and loved it! And the next year she spent only $99 again at Macy’s that she loved as well.
There are plenty of other stores to take into consideration, such as 21 Boutique and many other small boutiques all around central Ohio.
Cortney Schneider ('15) bought her sophomore dress at a small boutique in Mount Vernon called “Stairway to Heaven." She says that she loved her dress and only ended up spending $70 on it.
Another alternative way to find the dress of your dreams for a better price is to order your dress online. The only problem with that is not being able to try it on, but the prices are astoundingly lower.
Kerns comes in again and says, “Finding a dress that you love and that doesn’t break the bank is very possible, you just have to go look!”
Katelynd Havice is a junior staff writer for the Viking Vault
Seniors head to Armed Forces
By Morgan Wright
NORTHRIDGE- The Vikings always send a few graduates into the service of our country, and this year proves to be no different. The Class of 2014 includes some committed to protect and serve.
One of those seniors is Zach Hossler ('14), who plans to go into the U.S. Air Force and try out for the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP).
Hossler says, “It will be a couple years of difficult training, but it will be worth it in the end because I will get to do something I’ve always wanted to do and it will give me the education to get into a federal law enforcement agency.”
TACP serves with Army Rangers and other special forces to call in the air strikes and put lasers on targets to guide in smart bombs. Hossler first had to pass the PAST, the Physical Ability and Stamina Test, as well as have high enough test scores to get into TACP. This elite group calls for top physical fitness, strength, and speed.
Another graduating senior, Nathan Castle, might be looking into going into the Air Force through ROTC. Nathan says “It would be really cool to get into something like this and I have always thought it would be interesting to get into the Air fFrce and fly planes.” ROTC represents a way to become a member of the Air Force without taking the time to go to an academy. Nathan also added, “It is a long shot, but I am willing to work for it to get into a job that I will love to do every single day.”
Ryan Strong also plans to join the Air Force after graduation, with the goal of serving in Pararescue, a group that parachutes, scuba dives, or rock climbs into hostile territory to rescue wounded soldiers. The program represents the most extensive and difficult training the Air Force offers.
The senior class last year saw Brady Charles join the U.S. Marine Corp. Joey Richart went into the Air Force, and Justin Mullins went into Navy ROTC.
Morgan Wright is a senior staff writer for the newspaper staff.
NORTHRIDGE- The Vikings always send a few graduates into the service of our country, and this year proves to be no different. The Class of 2014 includes some committed to protect and serve.
One of those seniors is Zach Hossler ('14), who plans to go into the U.S. Air Force and try out for the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP).
Hossler says, “It will be a couple years of difficult training, but it will be worth it in the end because I will get to do something I’ve always wanted to do and it will give me the education to get into a federal law enforcement agency.”
TACP serves with Army Rangers and other special forces to call in the air strikes and put lasers on targets to guide in smart bombs. Hossler first had to pass the PAST, the Physical Ability and Stamina Test, as well as have high enough test scores to get into TACP. This elite group calls for top physical fitness, strength, and speed.
Another graduating senior, Nathan Castle, might be looking into going into the Air Force through ROTC. Nathan says “It would be really cool to get into something like this and I have always thought it would be interesting to get into the Air fFrce and fly planes.” ROTC represents a way to become a member of the Air Force without taking the time to go to an academy. Nathan also added, “It is a long shot, but I am willing to work for it to get into a job that I will love to do every single day.”
Ryan Strong also plans to join the Air Force after graduation, with the goal of serving in Pararescue, a group that parachutes, scuba dives, or rock climbs into hostile territory to rescue wounded soldiers. The program represents the most extensive and difficult training the Air Force offers.
The senior class last year saw Brady Charles join the U.S. Marine Corp. Joey Richart went into the Air Force, and Justin Mullins went into Navy ROTC.
Morgan Wright is a senior staff writer for the newspaper staff.
Pribonic's Passion for Basketball Shines
By Jamie Swickard
NORTHRIDGE- Sweat dripping down her face and blood coming out of her nose from contact in the previous play, freshman at the time, Sara Pribonic ('14) shot her foul shots to win the game for the Northridge Lady Viking’s basketball team against Utica, and now she recalls that as the most exhilarating memory in her basketball history.
Senior Sara Pribonic’s love for basketball started at the age of 8 during her third grade year when she began to play for the school’s league, NYAA. Pribonic said, “Well I’ve been around basketball ever since I can remember; everyone in my family has played so that’s how it started, and then I was getting pretty good at it.” Throughout all of Pribonic’s years of basketball, she says her biggest inspiration has been her family. “They’ve pushed me to be the best I can be and have been so supportive.”
While many kids' passion for the game begins to fade once they get into middle school or high school, Sara’s passion did just the opposite. Butterflies fluttering in her stomach, intense fidgeting and taking deep breaths, Pribonic gets ready to play a basketball game in front of college scouts that attended her game. Pribonic said, “I get really nervous when college coaches come to watch me, but once I get out there I forget about everything and just play like I know how to.” Pribonic plans to continue on to play college basketball. While she hasn’t committed anywhere yet, she wants to go to a medium-sized college in Ohio. Capital University, College of Wooster, Denison University, Washington Jefferson College, Kenyon College, Kent State, Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Ohio Wesleyan are all possibilities she is considering.
“Viking! Viking!” Are the words that usually come out of Pribonic’s mouth while she sprints down the court calling the plays for the team. While Pribonic is the point guard for the Lady Vikes, she hasn’t always been. In seventh grade, Pribonic was designated to the position of point guard. Leading up to that season, Pribonic had always been a post. Sara’s teammate since seventh grade, Heidi Wolfe, says, “She was always one of the tallest girls when I was younger so they had no choice but to play her at post.”
Although, once Pribonic hits the court for an Amateur Athlete Union (AAU) game, her role changes. While in AAU she plays as a wing or a guard for her team. AAU is a more competitive league in which girls from all over the state play. “AAU has made a huge impact on my basketball skills,” said Pribonic, who began playing AAU in sixth grade and has played ever since. Throughout Pibonic’s AAU career she has played for three different teams: Lady Mavericks, Ohio Ravens and SMAC Central Ohio.
No matter what level she plays at, Pribonic always has the same routine in order to prepare for every game. Hearing the crowd cheer, Pribonic gets mentally and physically ready for her game: “I prepare for all my games by listening to music, stretching and just getting loose and getting ready to go.”
According to teammates, Pribonic will always make a mark on anyone’s heart that she has played with. Sophomore Savannah Legg says Pribonic is a great leader and "one of the most supportive teammates ever. She knows when to be serious and when to mess around. Sara is an awesome person.”
Jamie Swickard is a sophomore staff writer for the Viking Vault
NORTHRIDGE- Sweat dripping down her face and blood coming out of her nose from contact in the previous play, freshman at the time, Sara Pribonic ('14) shot her foul shots to win the game for the Northridge Lady Viking’s basketball team against Utica, and now she recalls that as the most exhilarating memory in her basketball history.
Senior Sara Pribonic’s love for basketball started at the age of 8 during her third grade year when she began to play for the school’s league, NYAA. Pribonic said, “Well I’ve been around basketball ever since I can remember; everyone in my family has played so that’s how it started, and then I was getting pretty good at it.” Throughout all of Pribonic’s years of basketball, she says her biggest inspiration has been her family. “They’ve pushed me to be the best I can be and have been so supportive.”
While many kids' passion for the game begins to fade once they get into middle school or high school, Sara’s passion did just the opposite. Butterflies fluttering in her stomach, intense fidgeting and taking deep breaths, Pribonic gets ready to play a basketball game in front of college scouts that attended her game. Pribonic said, “I get really nervous when college coaches come to watch me, but once I get out there I forget about everything and just play like I know how to.” Pribonic plans to continue on to play college basketball. While she hasn’t committed anywhere yet, she wants to go to a medium-sized college in Ohio. Capital University, College of Wooster, Denison University, Washington Jefferson College, Kenyon College, Kent State, Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Ohio Wesleyan are all possibilities she is considering.
“Viking! Viking!” Are the words that usually come out of Pribonic’s mouth while she sprints down the court calling the plays for the team. While Pribonic is the point guard for the Lady Vikes, she hasn’t always been. In seventh grade, Pribonic was designated to the position of point guard. Leading up to that season, Pribonic had always been a post. Sara’s teammate since seventh grade, Heidi Wolfe, says, “She was always one of the tallest girls when I was younger so they had no choice but to play her at post.”
Although, once Pribonic hits the court for an Amateur Athlete Union (AAU) game, her role changes. While in AAU she plays as a wing or a guard for her team. AAU is a more competitive league in which girls from all over the state play. “AAU has made a huge impact on my basketball skills,” said Pribonic, who began playing AAU in sixth grade and has played ever since. Throughout Pibonic’s AAU career she has played for three different teams: Lady Mavericks, Ohio Ravens and SMAC Central Ohio.
No matter what level she plays at, Pribonic always has the same routine in order to prepare for every game. Hearing the crowd cheer, Pribonic gets mentally and physically ready for her game: “I prepare for all my games by listening to music, stretching and just getting loose and getting ready to go.”
According to teammates, Pribonic will always make a mark on anyone’s heart that she has played with. Sophomore Savannah Legg says Pribonic is a great leader and "one of the most supportive teammates ever. She knows when to be serious and when to mess around. Sara is an awesome person.”
Jamie Swickard is a sophomore staff writer for the Viking Vault
Technology Improving at Northridge High
By Mat Scott
NORTHRIDGE – Technology has been an issue for some this school year. There have been issues with computers, wireless networks and printers not working properly. At the beginning of the year, our own Viking Vault was unable to publish due to issues with computers. Now, midway through third nine weeks, these issues have been sorted out and the technology is running as it should be. Mr. Jack Kruse, Northridge’s IT manager, has been working all year to make sure that all students and staff have reliable access to computers and computer systems whenever they need them. Kruse also has big plans for the technological world at Northridge to be implemented next year.
Kruse was hired at the beginning of this school year to replace the previous IT manager. His goals for setting up personal student and staff logins to the computers and school network have already been put into motion. Each student and staff member has their own username and password, which allows them to access all school computers and servers. This means that any student can access their documents, files, and personal settings from any machine, rather than having to use the same machine or a jump drive every time. All files will be backed up on the server, and Kruse can fix issues in the network. The school’s network is only accessible when using school machines; personal devices are not able to access school networks or servers.
Kruse is also trying to get the school to use Google Apps, which would be accessible through personal logins. This would allow teachers and students to create, share, and grade documents, assignments, and projects online. Google Apps would be connected to the school server, and students would log into their accounts when they log into the terminal.
The computer labs have all been upgraded as well, moving computers from Windows XP, which will soon be unsupported, to Windows 7. Unlike last year, all of the machines work, so a teacher can count on having enough computers to allow a class to work simultaneously.
One of the biggest things that students will care about, however, is the usage of personal devices such as iPods/iPhones, laptops, and other wireless devices. Currently, these devices can access the school’s wireless Internet by using a password. Any device with wireless capabilities is able to access the Internet, but is unable to access the secure server.
Next year, Internet access will likely be allowed, but the server will be kept secure in order to protect against potential threats, such as viruses. If a computer infected with a virus were to access the secure server, it would open the door for that virus or hacker to access the entire network and do whatever they pleased behind the scenes. Internet access, however, will have restrictions in place. Allowing all personal devices on the Internet bogs down the network for everyone, and fourteen people watching YouTube videos at once eats up bandwidth that may be needed for other activities, such as administering testing.
Students will have personal logins to the Wi-Fi as well, allowing them to access the Internet using a personal username and password as if logging into a terminal. This would also allow the school administrators to see who is online when, and track possible threats or Internet security issues, as well as catch people such as those behind the infamous “Northridge Probs” Twitter account, which anonymously posted derogatory things about people in the school.
Mat Scott is the News Editor for the Viking Vault
NORTHRIDGE – Technology has been an issue for some this school year. There have been issues with computers, wireless networks and printers not working properly. At the beginning of the year, our own Viking Vault was unable to publish due to issues with computers. Now, midway through third nine weeks, these issues have been sorted out and the technology is running as it should be. Mr. Jack Kruse, Northridge’s IT manager, has been working all year to make sure that all students and staff have reliable access to computers and computer systems whenever they need them. Kruse also has big plans for the technological world at Northridge to be implemented next year.
Kruse was hired at the beginning of this school year to replace the previous IT manager. His goals for setting up personal student and staff logins to the computers and school network have already been put into motion. Each student and staff member has their own username and password, which allows them to access all school computers and servers. This means that any student can access their documents, files, and personal settings from any machine, rather than having to use the same machine or a jump drive every time. All files will be backed up on the server, and Kruse can fix issues in the network. The school’s network is only accessible when using school machines; personal devices are not able to access school networks or servers.
Kruse is also trying to get the school to use Google Apps, which would be accessible through personal logins. This would allow teachers and students to create, share, and grade documents, assignments, and projects online. Google Apps would be connected to the school server, and students would log into their accounts when they log into the terminal.
The computer labs have all been upgraded as well, moving computers from Windows XP, which will soon be unsupported, to Windows 7. Unlike last year, all of the machines work, so a teacher can count on having enough computers to allow a class to work simultaneously.
One of the biggest things that students will care about, however, is the usage of personal devices such as iPods/iPhones, laptops, and other wireless devices. Currently, these devices can access the school’s wireless Internet by using a password. Any device with wireless capabilities is able to access the Internet, but is unable to access the secure server.
Next year, Internet access will likely be allowed, but the server will be kept secure in order to protect against potential threats, such as viruses. If a computer infected with a virus were to access the secure server, it would open the door for that virus or hacker to access the entire network and do whatever they pleased behind the scenes. Internet access, however, will have restrictions in place. Allowing all personal devices on the Internet bogs down the network for everyone, and fourteen people watching YouTube videos at once eats up bandwidth that may be needed for other activities, such as administering testing.
Students will have personal logins to the Wi-Fi as well, allowing them to access the Internet using a personal username and password as if logging into a terminal. This would also allow the school administrators to see who is online when, and track possible threats or Internet security issues, as well as catch people such as those behind the infamous “Northridge Probs” Twitter account, which anonymously posted derogatory things about people in the school.
Mat Scott is the News Editor for the Viking Vault
New Chinese instructor adapts to life in the U.S.
By Trevor White
NORTHRIDGE- At the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year, Northridge students were introduced to another Chinese teacher, Yang Lao Shi. Hailing from the city of Quin Ming, China, she came to America in June to pursue a teaching career.
Northridge introduced the option of taking Chinese as a foreign language four years ago, and it has been a successful program. Although going through three different teachers in that four year span, students say they enjoy learning the language and learning about a new and different culture.
While leaving your home country and adapting to a completely backwards culture is difficult, it seems Yang Lao Shi has taken it well and is embracing a new style of life.
When asked what her favorite part about the United States is, she said, “The people, the air, and the food."
Her favorite foods are pancakes and steak. She is married, and her husband is an entrepreneur in the wine business. She loves animals and has four pets: a dog, a cat, and two turtles. Their names are “Eat Too Much” and “Too Much Eat," which are pronounced Chung Chung Yi and Yi Chung Chung. She currently resides in Johnstown but may possibly move to California with her husband this year because of his wine business.
Trevor White is a junior staff writer for the Viking Vault
By Trevor White
NORTHRIDGE- At the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year, Northridge students were introduced to another Chinese teacher, Yang Lao Shi. Hailing from the city of Quin Ming, China, she came to America in June to pursue a teaching career.
Northridge introduced the option of taking Chinese as a foreign language four years ago, and it has been a successful program. Although going through three different teachers in that four year span, students say they enjoy learning the language and learning about a new and different culture.
While leaving your home country and adapting to a completely backwards culture is difficult, it seems Yang Lao Shi has taken it well and is embracing a new style of life.
When asked what her favorite part about the United States is, she said, “The people, the air, and the food."
Her favorite foods are pancakes and steak. She is married, and her husband is an entrepreneur in the wine business. She loves animals and has four pets: a dog, a cat, and two turtles. Their names are “Eat Too Much” and “Too Much Eat," which are pronounced Chung Chung Yi and Yi Chung Chung. She currently resides in Johnstown but may possibly move to California with her husband this year because of his wine business.
Trevor White is a junior staff writer for the Viking Vault