V2-I5 News
Cheering up the food pantry: Viking cheerleaders dropped off cases of donations to the Johnstown Area Food Pantry recently as part of an effort to give back to their community. "They were so happy to receive the donations," said Cheerleading Advisor Kass Salamone. The donations included canned goods and approximately $100 raised from selling spirit towels during the winter basketball season. Left to right are Marissa Mullen, Morgan Ulery, Haley Menix, Danielle Salamone, Sierra Sullivan, Little McKenna, Ellie Shedloski, and Shelby Ulery. Courtesy photo.
School board contemplates solution for excessive calamity days
By: Aili Barbee
NORTHRIDGE- Board members examined possible solutions for the accumulation of calamity days acquired this winter during their Feb. 18 regular board meeting.
Northridge has used seven calamity days this winter due to severe winter weather conditions. The state only allows schools to miss a total of five school days and requires the school to make up any days. There is a legislative proposal to increase Ohio’s permitted calamity days to nine for this school year. If this bill does not pass, students will make up any extra days during the first week of June. Although this is after the school’s proposed graduation date, seniors would still be required to attend school on these days. There is, however, a bill currently in the Ohio House of Representatives to exempt seniors from these add-on days.
Board member Doug Hart laughed and said that “if I was a senior, I would definitely be writing to my legislature.” In regard to closings and delays, Superintendent Dr. Chis Briggs expressed that “we have had a very unique winter. As the superintendent it is not an easy decision to delay or cancel, and I greatly appreciate everyone’s patience”.
The school board also discussed next school year’s calendar in regards to the transition from a required amount of school days to a mandated amount of hours spent in the classroom. This adjustment will give Ohio schools a total amount of 13 days that will be excused due to conditions that prevent the school from being in session. Dr. Briggs commented that even though two-hour delays will now count against our required attendance time, we will be able to recover these hours by omitting previously scheduled two-our early releases.
A Northridge parent, Ms. Marincheck, expressed her concerns to the board concerning a book that the freshmen English classes had been reading for class. This book, Speak, has been brought to the board’s attention in previous incidences due to “mature content” within it. The board is examining the situation further.
In other business, board member Jeff Schrock proposed the idea of having a Northridge student join the board during meetings as a student representative. This student would not be able to vote or make a motion, but would be able to discuss items and give updates that could possibly lead to a motion. Hart stated that the student “would have comments that I’d like to hear about.”
High school principal Amy Anderson commented during the meeting on the progress of the school’s winter sports teams. Anderson proudly announced, “the swim team and wrestlers both did very well. Our girl’s basketball team also got a great win.”
Most of the board meeting centered on a presentation by Dr. Sabrina Vallery, from the Department of Teaching and Learning. Vallery discussed different student assessments that the school has or will be participating in, such as MAP testing, pre- and post-assessments and OAAs (Ohio Achievement Assessments). She also explained several developments made in the gifted, RTI and special education programs.
Dr. Briggs will present his State of the School Address on March 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school media center. The board will meet again in regular session on Monday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. also in the media center.
Aili Barbee (’16) is a staff writer for The Viking Vault
By: Aili Barbee
NORTHRIDGE- Board members examined possible solutions for the accumulation of calamity days acquired this winter during their Feb. 18 regular board meeting.
Northridge has used seven calamity days this winter due to severe winter weather conditions. The state only allows schools to miss a total of five school days and requires the school to make up any days. There is a legislative proposal to increase Ohio’s permitted calamity days to nine for this school year. If this bill does not pass, students will make up any extra days during the first week of June. Although this is after the school’s proposed graduation date, seniors would still be required to attend school on these days. There is, however, a bill currently in the Ohio House of Representatives to exempt seniors from these add-on days.
Board member Doug Hart laughed and said that “if I was a senior, I would definitely be writing to my legislature.” In regard to closings and delays, Superintendent Dr. Chis Briggs expressed that “we have had a very unique winter. As the superintendent it is not an easy decision to delay or cancel, and I greatly appreciate everyone’s patience”.
The school board also discussed next school year’s calendar in regards to the transition from a required amount of school days to a mandated amount of hours spent in the classroom. This adjustment will give Ohio schools a total amount of 13 days that will be excused due to conditions that prevent the school from being in session. Dr. Briggs commented that even though two-hour delays will now count against our required attendance time, we will be able to recover these hours by omitting previously scheduled two-our early releases.
A Northridge parent, Ms. Marincheck, expressed her concerns to the board concerning a book that the freshmen English classes had been reading for class. This book, Speak, has been brought to the board’s attention in previous incidences due to “mature content” within it. The board is examining the situation further.
In other business, board member Jeff Schrock proposed the idea of having a Northridge student join the board during meetings as a student representative. This student would not be able to vote or make a motion, but would be able to discuss items and give updates that could possibly lead to a motion. Hart stated that the student “would have comments that I’d like to hear about.”
High school principal Amy Anderson commented during the meeting on the progress of the school’s winter sports teams. Anderson proudly announced, “the swim team and wrestlers both did very well. Our girl’s basketball team also got a great win.”
Most of the board meeting centered on a presentation by Dr. Sabrina Vallery, from the Department of Teaching and Learning. Vallery discussed different student assessments that the school has or will be participating in, such as MAP testing, pre- and post-assessments and OAAs (Ohio Achievement Assessments). She also explained several developments made in the gifted, RTI and special education programs.
Dr. Briggs will present his State of the School Address on March 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school media center. The board will meet again in regular session on Monday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. also in the media center.
Aili Barbee (’16) is a staff writer for The Viking Vault
Softball pre-season heating up
By: Megan Hatfield
NORTHRIDGE- Spring is coming right around the corner, and along with that softball season will be here. The Lady Vikings won the MBC last year, and this year are moving into the competitive Licking County League.
The LCL has many softball-successful schools in it, including last year's Division II state champions Licking Valley, regional finalists, Granville, and softball powerhouse, Lakewood. This will challenge the softball team and hopefully prepare them for their tournament games.
The softball team has been conditioning since November under a whole new coaching staff. This year the team has a new coach, Mike Pankuch. Pankuch said he has high expectations for the season and plans to be successful. The new assistant coach is Pat Shay, and the new JV coach is Amy Chambers.
Tori Hart ('16) played varsity last year as a freshman. Hart's goal for this season is to beat her home run record from last year. Hart said, "the team is full of talent, and I can't wait to see what we do with it all this season." Courtney Mann ('14) says that she has mixed emotions about being a senior, but that she hopes this is the most successful season yet. All the players have high hopes and big goals for the season.
The teams first day of practice was the February 24. The first few weeks of practice are inside before the team has a field day to get the field ready to be played on. Savanna Legg ('15) said, "I never thought grass could be cut up,and moved like we did. It was hard work, but we made the field look pretty nice." The team also had to repaint the dugouts, clean the concession stand, fix the fence, and smooth out the infield.
The softball team is counting on its hard work on and off the field showing in upcoming games this spring. The regular season games will start after spring break and run through state finals in June.
-Megan Hatfield ('15) is the Features and Photos Editor for The Viking Vault.
By: Megan Hatfield
NORTHRIDGE- Spring is coming right around the corner, and along with that softball season will be here. The Lady Vikings won the MBC last year, and this year are moving into the competitive Licking County League.
The LCL has many softball-successful schools in it, including last year's Division II state champions Licking Valley, regional finalists, Granville, and softball powerhouse, Lakewood. This will challenge the softball team and hopefully prepare them for their tournament games.
The softball team has been conditioning since November under a whole new coaching staff. This year the team has a new coach, Mike Pankuch. Pankuch said he has high expectations for the season and plans to be successful. The new assistant coach is Pat Shay, and the new JV coach is Amy Chambers.
Tori Hart ('16) played varsity last year as a freshman. Hart's goal for this season is to beat her home run record from last year. Hart said, "the team is full of talent, and I can't wait to see what we do with it all this season." Courtney Mann ('14) says that she has mixed emotions about being a senior, but that she hopes this is the most successful season yet. All the players have high hopes and big goals for the season.
The teams first day of practice was the February 24. The first few weeks of practice are inside before the team has a field day to get the field ready to be played on. Savanna Legg ('15) said, "I never thought grass could be cut up,and moved like we did. It was hard work, but we made the field look pretty nice." The team also had to repaint the dugouts, clean the concession stand, fix the fence, and smooth out the infield.
The softball team is counting on its hard work on and off the field showing in upcoming games this spring. The regular season games will start after spring break and run through state finals in June.
-Megan Hatfield ('15) is the Features and Photos Editor for The Viking Vault.
Northridge High School presents:
Seussical The Musical
By: Kyle Stermer
NORTHRIDGE- Northridge High School is proud to be presenting Seussical The Musical on March 14-16.
The storyline is based on the popular movie Horton Hears a Who, in which Horton the Elephant discovers a tiny community of "Whos" on a dust speck. Horton learns to stand up to the opposition, while he discovers that “A person’s a person no matter how small.” Dr. Seuss, author and musical namesake, has long been known for entertaining stories with an important message behind them. Director Jessica Weiss said, “Horton the Elephant is the ideal role model, standing up for his beliefs even when it is not the popular thing to do.” In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Today you are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is You-er than you.”
The show features 44 students who have been working hard to make the show a good time. They worked towards perfecting energetic dance numbers, colorful costumes, and their live orchestra.
Performances begin Friday, March 14 and run through Sunday, March 16th. On Friday and Saturday, performances start at 7pm, and on Sunday they begin at 3 pm. Performances are held at the Northridge High School Auditoria. Tickets are $10 for adults and students and $8 for seniors. To pre-order tickets, call 740.967.6671. Tickets will also available at the door before each performance.
Kyle Stermer (’16) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Seussical The Musical
By: Kyle Stermer
NORTHRIDGE- Northridge High School is proud to be presenting Seussical The Musical on March 14-16.
The storyline is based on the popular movie Horton Hears a Who, in which Horton the Elephant discovers a tiny community of "Whos" on a dust speck. Horton learns to stand up to the opposition, while he discovers that “A person’s a person no matter how small.” Dr. Seuss, author and musical namesake, has long been known for entertaining stories with an important message behind them. Director Jessica Weiss said, “Horton the Elephant is the ideal role model, standing up for his beliefs even when it is not the popular thing to do.” In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Today you are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is You-er than you.”
The show features 44 students who have been working hard to make the show a good time. They worked towards perfecting energetic dance numbers, colorful costumes, and their live orchestra.
Performances begin Friday, March 14 and run through Sunday, March 16th. On Friday and Saturday, performances start at 7pm, and on Sunday they begin at 3 pm. Performances are held at the Northridge High School Auditoria. Tickets are $10 for adults and students and $8 for seniors. To pre-order tickets, call 740.967.6671. Tickets will also available at the door before each performance.
Kyle Stermer (’16) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
February Frenzy drew a few "blanks"
By: Megan Dalton
Every February Northridge Academic Boosters runs a raffle with extravagant prizes to be won each day of the month, and this year a number of unsold tickets resulted in unclaimed prize opportunities.
Academic Boosters sold 337 of the possible 1,000 tickets for the month. By the third week of the "frenzy," only three of 20 days had seen a winner. The rest were unsold tickets. Still, the fundraiser garnered funds for the Boosters.
The raffle is based on the winning numbers from the Ohio Lottery Pick 3 (noon drawing). The tickets corresponding to the winning number win the prize that day. They have 1,000 tickets that are sold for $20 per ticket. The tickets are valid throughout the entire month, meaning that a tickets bought on the first can win on any day. The winnings are different each day. Most of the prizes are valued around $300: gift cards to places like Cabelas, Marathon, Kroger, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kenneth’s Salon, and many other places. Material items, like an Apple iPad-mini, Nikon cameras or accessories, and a few other prizes were also available. Susan Dalton, who bought a few of the raffle tickets, said she “gets so nervous to log on and hopefully see her name next to one of the fancy prizes each day.”
With the chances to win a prize each day from the raffle so high, one might expect to see more winnings. However, a large portion of the tickets are unsold, meaning no one gets the prize for that day. For example, say the winner for that day is ticket #916. If that ticket is not bought then no one receives the prize that day. The Boosters buy the prizes as they are won.
-Megan Dalton(16’) is a staff writer for the Viking Vault
By: Megan Dalton
Every February Northridge Academic Boosters runs a raffle with extravagant prizes to be won each day of the month, and this year a number of unsold tickets resulted in unclaimed prize opportunities.
Academic Boosters sold 337 of the possible 1,000 tickets for the month. By the third week of the "frenzy," only three of 20 days had seen a winner. The rest were unsold tickets. Still, the fundraiser garnered funds for the Boosters.
The raffle is based on the winning numbers from the Ohio Lottery Pick 3 (noon drawing). The tickets corresponding to the winning number win the prize that day. They have 1,000 tickets that are sold for $20 per ticket. The tickets are valid throughout the entire month, meaning that a tickets bought on the first can win on any day. The winnings are different each day. Most of the prizes are valued around $300: gift cards to places like Cabelas, Marathon, Kroger, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kenneth’s Salon, and many other places. Material items, like an Apple iPad-mini, Nikon cameras or accessories, and a few other prizes were also available. Susan Dalton, who bought a few of the raffle tickets, said she “gets so nervous to log on and hopefully see her name next to one of the fancy prizes each day.”
With the chances to win a prize each day from the raffle so high, one might expect to see more winnings. However, a large portion of the tickets are unsold, meaning no one gets the prize for that day. For example, say the winner for that day is ticket #916. If that ticket is not bought then no one receives the prize that day. The Boosters buy the prizes as they are won.
-Megan Dalton(16’) is a staff writer for the Viking Vault
Rule against hats still provokes and confuses students
By: Hugh Prentice
NORTHRIDGE-A rule at Northridge High School prohibits hats, and some students aren’t having any of it. The rule states that “Hats, sunglasses, coats/jackets, and other items normally worn outside are to be stored in lockers during the school day.” This rule may seem like a small and unimportant regulation, but recently there have been many incidents involving students and hats.
The rule is in the student agenda that NHS hands out to their students at the beginning of the school year and states that hats are to be put away in lockers during the day. It has been a problem at school, and teachers have taken to sending students to the office if they are seen wearing a hat. Some teachers are more lenient, asking students to simply remove their hat, while still others don’t care or even notice and allow students to wear them. This is causing a problem. Nobody knows what they should do: forbid them or allow them.
Students have mixed feelings on the rule and its boundaries. Tristian Kindred ('16) said that the rule is "actually understandable" and that "It’s such a minor rule, there’s nothing to be gained from arguing over it."
Other students are strongly against it, like Grant Prentice ('15), saying that "It’s absolutely ridiculous" and "The teachers shouldn’t worry about hats because they don’t disrupt the educational environment."
On the other hand, teachers have the same amount of mixed feelings over the rule. History teacher Mr. Bennett says, "I was brought up with taking off your hat as a sign of manners, or a sign of respect." On the opposite side is Mr. Russell, saying "As long as it doesn’t disrupt my class, or cause a distraction, it doesn’t bother me." Debate over this ‘minor’ rule has caused increasing disruption in the classrooms of NHS and has teachers and students divided.
This kind of division calls for a firm position by the school's administrator, Ms. Anderson, who retains the "no hat" rule out of courtesy for "old-fashioned people like me who see removing a hat in a building as a sign of respect." Punishments, she said, begin by just asking students to take the hat off. If it is an on-going sign of defiance, however, more disciplinary action will result. When asked if the hat rule will ever go away, Anderson replied: "Probably not while I'm here."
Hugh Prentice ('16) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By: Hugh Prentice
NORTHRIDGE-A rule at Northridge High School prohibits hats, and some students aren’t having any of it. The rule states that “Hats, sunglasses, coats/jackets, and other items normally worn outside are to be stored in lockers during the school day.” This rule may seem like a small and unimportant regulation, but recently there have been many incidents involving students and hats.
The rule is in the student agenda that NHS hands out to their students at the beginning of the school year and states that hats are to be put away in lockers during the day. It has been a problem at school, and teachers have taken to sending students to the office if they are seen wearing a hat. Some teachers are more lenient, asking students to simply remove their hat, while still others don’t care or even notice and allow students to wear them. This is causing a problem. Nobody knows what they should do: forbid them or allow them.
Students have mixed feelings on the rule and its boundaries. Tristian Kindred ('16) said that the rule is "actually understandable" and that "It’s such a minor rule, there’s nothing to be gained from arguing over it."
Other students are strongly against it, like Grant Prentice ('15), saying that "It’s absolutely ridiculous" and "The teachers shouldn’t worry about hats because they don’t disrupt the educational environment."
On the other hand, teachers have the same amount of mixed feelings over the rule. History teacher Mr. Bennett says, "I was brought up with taking off your hat as a sign of manners, or a sign of respect." On the opposite side is Mr. Russell, saying "As long as it doesn’t disrupt my class, or cause a distraction, it doesn’t bother me." Debate over this ‘minor’ rule has caused increasing disruption in the classrooms of NHS and has teachers and students divided.
This kind of division calls for a firm position by the school's administrator, Ms. Anderson, who retains the "no hat" rule out of courtesy for "old-fashioned people like me who see removing a hat in a building as a sign of respect." Punishments, she said, begin by just asking students to take the hat off. If it is an on-going sign of defiance, however, more disciplinary action will result. When asked if the hat rule will ever go away, Anderson replied: "Probably not while I'm here."
Hugh Prentice ('16) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Talent show slated for April 4
By Zach Hossler
NORTHRIDGE - Students will again be able to show off their talents in the annual Northridge High School talent show Friday, April 4 in the high school auditeria. It will be held third period. Cost for students to attend is $3, with funds going toward lowering the cost of Prom tickets.
Audiences can expect an even greater variety of acts this year, though the talent show has traditionally been dominated by almost professional quality musical acts. There are ten acts featuring 15-20 students.
Students not wishing to attend will go to their third period class instead.
This year’s talent show will be held the Friday after students return from spring break 3rd period. It will cost 3$ a person, and if a student does not wish to attend the talent show they will have class as usual.
Zach Hossler is a senior Vault staff member.
By Zach Hossler
NORTHRIDGE - Students will again be able to show off their talents in the annual Northridge High School talent show Friday, April 4 in the high school auditeria. It will be held third period. Cost for students to attend is $3, with funds going toward lowering the cost of Prom tickets.
Audiences can expect an even greater variety of acts this year, though the talent show has traditionally been dominated by almost professional quality musical acts. There are ten acts featuring 15-20 students.
Students not wishing to attend will go to their third period class instead.
This year’s talent show will be held the Friday after students return from spring break 3rd period. It will cost 3$ a person, and if a student does not wish to attend the talent show they will have class as usual.
Zach Hossler is a senior Vault staff member.