Ridgewood Reporter

Ridgewood High School

Norridge, Illinois

December 1997

Volume 13, Issue 3

Board sets new criteria for diploma

By Iris Giannakis

Ridgewood High School graduates could leave the school with a "certificate of attendance" rather than a diploma under a new policy to take effect next year which requires students to meet state educational standards.

The new policy, which also incorporates a program to help poorly performing students catch up, is aimed at increasing the value of a Ridgewood diploma, ensuring students take standardized tests seriously, and making sure students do not coast through high school, a school official said. The Board passed the measure on November 17th.

"Everybody's griping about what a diploma means. I'm saying that a student has to meet certain standards," Superintendent Al Schau said.

The School Board says that withholding a diploma from poorly performing students raises the value of the diploma for students who earn one. In order to earn a diploma, Ridgewood graduates starting with the class of 1999 would have to meet the minimum state standards on the IGAP (Illinois Goal Assessment Program) test. Sophomores are tested in reading, math and writing; juniors in social studies and science.

Students who do not score high enough to meet the state standards in a subject would be required to take a remediation course in that subject. Ridgewood is calling the course an Encore Class. Encore classes will be held outside the regular school day. At the end of the Encore Class, students would have to score at least 80 percent on a "Mastery" test written by Ridgewood. If they fail, they must repeat the course until they are no longer deficient.

According to the policy, "Students not successfully meeting Illinois standards will receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than a diploma." The policy will take effect with the spring 1998 testing. Although the policy may sound harsh, it's not as bad as letting an ill-prepared student try to make it after high school, the Board says.

Students who blow off the test make Ridgewood look bad on paper and diminish the test's value as a tool for the school to evaluate its curriculum, school officials said. "Here is a chance to tell students that this is a serious thing."

Whether the policy may be unfair to students who don't test well, Schau

said the school will have to determine before Encore classes begin in Fall,1998.

Ridgewood is ahead of the curve with this new policy, Schau said. In the next few years, he expects Illinois to develop a "Prairie State" diploma, which would be a statewide honors diploma for students who exceed state standards.

Unspoken For Time

By Louie Mezzano

On November 20, 1997 I was privileged to sit in Ridgewood High School's auditorium and see the most inspirational play I have ever seen. Unspoken For Time is a play about a girl who was beaten and raped by her brother and his friend as a child. The play revealed the pain that the girl suffered throughout her life. "The play started off slow and had me wondering what was to come, but by the end it sped up and turned out to have a huge effect on me. It made me feel for the actress, and the whole time I just wanted to go help her," said junior Kristi Meyer.

The parts played by Annette Tylka, Dan Swibel, Anna Krokos, and Anna Wasilewski were powerful as well as overwhelming.

Annette Tylka the lead, who played the part of the victim, gave the audience what they came to see. Her performance let the audience know exactly what pain "Diane" the raped girl was feeling. "I really thought she was crying," said sophomore Michelle Heflin. After seeing Annette's performance, I don't think there was a person in the house who did not feel the pain and suffering of Diane.

Dan Swibel, "Joseph" in the play, was Diane's college boyfriend who was concerned with the pain Diane was going through. He was left in the dark throughout the play, but he did everything in his power to enter her life and show his true love for her. Dan is a powerful actor who has been in many plays at Ridgewood, and every time I see him perform, he gets better and better.

Anna Krokos as "Sammi" played the part of the humorous friend of Diane at Jordan College who was always there for her and helped her drive the bad thoughts and memories out throughout the play. Even though this is Anna's first play, she performed an outstanding role.

Anna Wasilewski as "Mother of Diane" played a great role, the overprotective mother. This is Anna's seventh performance at Ridgewood, and it was a performance that we as well as she will never forget.

I have been to many plays at schools throughout Illinois, and this is one of the best-performed plays that I have ever seen. The music, the lights, and the props were outstanding. The whole play was well put together by Mrs. Lewandowski and Mrs. Hansen. If I were to star this performance I would most definitely give it 4 STARS.

Time to Give Blood!

by Diane Guth

On December 12th Student Council will be holding its annual blood drive in cooperation with the Life Source organization. It will be held in room 122 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are to give blood, be sure to eat a good meal beforehand.

It is important that as many people as possible give blood because, since the end of the year is near, blood supplies are very low. One donation can save up to 5 lives!

Mrs. Netterstrom, a Student Council advisor, said a common fear holding students back is that the blood will be tested for drug and alcohol use. That, she says is untrue. If, however, a disease is detected in the blood, the agency will personally notify the student, and the school will not know about it. Thank you for your help this holiday season!

Please note: a new sterile needle is used for each person, each time.

School Closing

Radio:

WBBM AM 780, WLS AM 890, WGN AM 720, WMAQ AM 670, WLS FM 94.7, B 96 FM.

Television:

CLTV, FOX 32, WMAQ 5, WGN 9.

Final Exams are and are not

Final Exams are an optional choice for teachers this year under block scheduling. But whether or not you have finals, you will have a full day of classes on January 13 and a half day on January 14.

On January 13 you will have regular block 1 and 2 classes and finals in blocks 3 and 4. If there are no finals in blocks 3 and 4, you will have regular classes. On January 14 there will be finals or regular classes blocks 1 and 2, but then you will have the rest of the day free. There is no school for students on January 15. Second semester starts Friday, January 16.

New policy in IGAP testing

By Iris Giannakis

Ridgewood High School has adopted a policy to improve IGAP (Illinois Goal Assessment Program) test scores. "The policy would require students who do poorly on the state standardized tests in the spring to attend remediation classes," Superintendent Al Schau said.

The policy will help students who do not have mastery of a subject, and would influence some students to concentrate on the tests, which generally have little significance for the students.

This year's IGAP results were about on par with previous year's performances, except that reading scores plummeted to 205 out of 500 from 254, outpacing a statewide decline to 208 from 223.

The recently released IGAP results are from required state standardized tests taken in spring 1997; all grades refer to last school year.

Critics blame the statewide reading score decline on a new test format that had students choose the "most right" answer, instead of providing only one correct answer.

Ridgewood continued its high scores in writing, which is taken by 10th graders, scoring a 29.5 out of 32. That score was only slightly lower than last year's 29.6, which was the second-highest score in the state.

Schau has set a high goal for the school, saying he would like to see scores break 300 in reading, math, science and social sciences.

In the last five years, students have only once broken the 300-point barrier, when the class of 1998 scored 305 on their 10th grade math test.

The policy is pending school board approval. Remember, testing is one measure of who you are. It is not the only one, but it is important.

Who are all these people?

By Anna Kritikakos and Louis Mezzano

You have probably seen many new faces at school this year. I'm not only talking about students; I'm talking about teachers too. One of these new teacher's faces is James Gyori. James Gyori is a Physical Education /Spanish/Computer Aided Design teacher. He is an all in one teacher. Not only does he teach at Ridgewood High School, he was also a volleyball coach whose team did a great job this year.

He was born in Guatemala, but he went to Lincoln grammar School in Skokie. He then attended Luther North High School, where he realized that physical education was for him. His favorite high school sports were wrestling and football.

He attended the University of Wisconsin, where he wrestled, before transferring and graduating from Northeastern Illinois University.

He has taught at many different places. He taught for three years in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. He then taught for three years in Quito, Ecuador. He also taught for two years at a Chicago Public School.

He really likes it at Ridgewood because of the friendly nature of its students and faculty. Many of these people have helped him out a lot, and they are continuing to show him the "in" and "outs" of RHS. "Whenever you start at a new school there are always new things to learn," he said.

He likes block scheduling, especially in gym class, because you can condition as well as do an activity in one day. There also is a bad side to it because PE is only for a half of a year.

One thing he also likes about RHS is the students/faculty who show respect when people respect them. One thing he dislikes about RHS is that there is no swimming pool.

He also feels that for a small school, Ridgewood has a good variety and strong turnout in athletics. Mr. Gyori feels " that the coaches here are dedicated and enjoy what they do."

Some side notes are that he is married and has a two year old baby boy whose name is Nikolas. He met his wife in Ecuador. They moved here because his wife wanted to get her teaching degree.

Mathletes start competing

Information provided by Jason Jarosz

Ridgewood's Mathletes took third place out of nine schools in a competition at the Math and Science Academy in Aurora November 25. Jennifer Kirshenbaum got a perfect score in Binary Operations. Second place teams were the Senior Log Team, the Sophomore Polynomial Team, the Sophomore Systems of Equations Team, and the 8-person Frosh-Soph Team.

Mr. McCormick wins state competition

RHS Groundskeeper Dave McCormick honorable mention in a competition for the superb condition of Ridgewood's football field. Long recognized by area coaches and athletes, the field was selected by a fertilizer company over fields throughout the state.

Adult Center contributes to learning

Several people in the Adult Center have been helping students learn in sociology classes. Ms. Connie Coleman, Mr. Joe Randazzo, Ms. Lucille Rasmussen, and Ms. Helen Rickard were interviewed by the four Sociology classes about life as senior citizens and what it was like when they were in high school and early adulthood. Student Kim Melendez said, " it was neat seeing a high school year book from her school and time.'

Several other adults, including Marion Murray and Eleanor Zydlo, answered a survey project for a sociology student during second grading period.

The Adult Center was very cooperative in getting us volunteers. They reported that the volunteers were thrilled about their experiences with the Ridgewood students.

It is better to give, so Adopt-a-Kid

By Debbie Barnes

During the holiday season, there are unfortunate boys and girls who wish to have a gift from Santa Claus. Over 550 Ridgewood students and staff are helping to make their wishes come true through the Adopt-a-Kid program. Ten Block 3 classes have every member participating. They will be rewarded by Student Council with a pizza party. This is the highest level of participation ever for RHS. Be responsible and make sure that you buy the boy or girl you "adopted" a gift for Christmas. They are due on Friday, December 12. By giving these children a simple, meaningful gift for Christmas, not only will they feel happy, you'll feel happy and good as well, knowing that you brought a smile to their faces on Christmas Day.

Art Club McD's it

The Art Club recently decorated the windows of two area McDonald's for the holidays. The students who participated are Anne Caldarulo, Vince Ho, Tom Kacprzynski, Carlos Lopez, Diana Matis, Andrew Nunn, Andy Revelis, and Shelline Sayre. Art Club advisors are Mr. Gates and Mrs. Machaj. See the results of their work at Lawrence/Cumberland and Harlem/Addison.

Food Drive brings in cans

By Michelle Gulik

Congratulations to Mr. Glogowski's 1st Block class for bringing in the most cans for the Student Council Food Drive. The entire class was treated to breakfast at Denny's by the council for their great effort. In second place came Mr. Nordtvedt's class and in third was Mrs. Divita's Spanish II class. Over 2000 cans were collected in this schoolwide effort.

Outspoken Drama Club Delivers!!

By Debbie Barnes

RHS Drama Club's production of the play Unspoken For Time was a hit! Many students and teachers from RHS loved the play. Some thought it was "awesome!", many thought it was "good", and also just simply "great!". This play, of course, was evaluated by a theater committee, as part of the Illinois High School Theater Festival. The cast will have another chance to perform the play at Illinois State University since they were one of the 9 high schools chosen in the state by the committee. Congratulations to Mrs. Lewandowski and the cast and crew of Unspoken For Time, and "Break a leg!"

What's on tap for RHS Drama Club is the Variety Show and their Spring production of The Vindictive Will. The Variety Show is on Feb. 7, 1998, and auditions start on Jan. 21, 1998. The spring play is written by RHS's very own student, Michael Pauley. It is "...a comedic murder mystery for the entire family!". Watch the play March 12 - 14, 1998. If you want to be part of yet another "great" play, go to the meetings every Wed., at 3:15 in room 147 for more details.

NHS on volunteerism

By: Joanna Szyndlar

NHS helped as tour guides on December 2 during the 7th and 8th grade open house for students interested in attending Ridgewood next year.

On Wednesday, December 17th NHS, along with FBLA, DECA, and Band, will be caroling at the Norridge Nursing Home and at the Central Baptist Nursing Home.

There are 63 students who are academically eligible this year. There was a special meeting for all potential inductees on December 10th. You must attend this meeting in order to receive an eligibility form. The eligibility form deals with the other three criteria for membership - character, service, and leadership. The selection process will take place shortly after the forms are turned in. The induction ceremony for newly accepted members will be held in March.

People who are thinking about becoming a member, remember you need a 3.2 grade point average, service every year you attend Ridgewood, and recommendations for character and leadership. Plan ahead.

Class of 2001 welcomes Santa to RHS

By Anne Caldarulo

The freshmen class put on a new type fund-raiser Saturday December 6th, with guess who.....Santa Claus! About 20 kids from ages 2-8 attended. The kids made ornaments, decorated a tree, sang holiday songs, watched holiday videos and of course- had lunch with Santa. The class made about $200.

Class notes

By Iris Giannakis

Have any bright ideas sophomores? Come to the class meetings on Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. in Room 232 to tell. It's not too late to start thinking about the Prom and other important stuff.

Junior Class Notes

By Michelle Gulik

Attention Ridgewood! We need your help! The Junior class has recently sponsored two projects and needs your help for them to be a success.

Starting December 8th and wrapping up on December 19th , the Junior class will be sponsoring a mitten tree. A Christmas tree will be on display and be decorated with mittens and gloves donated by the student body. All gloves will be later delivered to the Salvation Army and distributed to those in need. Be a part of this helping hand.

The Junior class will also sponsor a rummage sale on April 18th and 19th. Donations, helpers, and buyers are all needed. Donations can be brought to Mrs. Hansen in room 229. Juniors -to be an elf next year participation in the sale is crucial.

At the Thursday meeting in November, Juniors voted in favor of a ring dance. The vote margin was narrow, but the dance passed. The dance will take place sometime in March and will be funded by Herff Jones.

Who gave us these red ribbons?

By Anna Kritikakos

The red ribbons symbolize being drug free. The ribbons were put together and distributed by the Anti-Drug Club. Many people came in and volunteered their time to help put them together. They also went and put red ribbons all around the school to show that Ridgewood as a whole is drug free and is working towards having a drug free community. The Anti-Drug Club is planning many more things for the coming year. If you are interested, the meetings are usually Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. in room 230. Please listen to the morning announcements to make sure.

Time is beginning to run out!!!!

By Iris Giannakis

Reminder: It is not too late to turn in your submission(s) to Creative Waves. Creative Waves is looking for submissions of poems, short stories, plays, essays, black and white artwork, and photography.

Turn in your submission(s) by January 23, 1998 to Mrs. Micklo in room 145 or to your English teacher. The magazine will come out some time in the spring. Hurry! Before its too late.

What is R&R up to?

By Anna Kritikakos

The first thing to note is that the group has now changed their name to Rebel Respect. To celebrate this change they are having a poster contest for a new design to signify Rebel Respect.

They are also working with the social worker about how it feels to be a newcomer to this country. Many students in the school do not know the feeling new to America students have.

The latest thing they accomplished is sponsoring Joe Takash, our speaker on December 3rd. Rebel Respect hopes to have an effect on more and more students as time goes on. Watch for future activities in classes.

Wojtow gets revenge

December 6

By Louie Mezzano

On the sixth of December the Rebel wrestlers went to Lisle to wrestle a dual meet. At this meet Brian Floral, Otto Barbanente, and Peter Wojtow had a mission. Brian and Otto were both defending undefeated records, and Peter was out for revenge against the 119 pounder from Lisle.

In this dual meet the Rebels first wrestled Joliet Catholic. The Rebels demolished Joliet in almost every weight class. After a break the Rebels faced off against their rivals. "If it were not for the forfeits we gave up, we would have won the meet," replied "Starvin Marvin" McManaman.

Those words were the truth. Peter Wojtow pinned the 119 pounder to reclaim his pride and have a new start for his season. During the first two weeks of the year Wojtow did not have the will to win, but after seeing his face at the end of the match, I can tell there is only going to be up hill from here. Brian Floral made six points by pinning his opponent with ease. Otto Barbanente not only fought off his back he also excelled several times to overcome his opponent.

Bring it!!!!!

By Louie Mezzano

Wrestling is starting this week and we are expecting to have huge success this season. We have three state qualifiers coming this year and a bunch of animals who plan on making it to state this year. After speaking with Tony Marti, this year he said "This isn't gonna be like last year. No messing around. All business and there isn't anything to do but do it."

Wrestlers to watch are Jay Holland, a transfer student from Notre Dame High School, who has potential to compete on the Varsity level as a sophomore and Bob McManaman, who has worked hard all year long to step it up his senior year.

I have been an athlete for many years and know greatness when I see it and when I look at this year's team I see the best Wrestlers Ridgewood has ever had. And those who don't believe it "Bring It!"

Slow Start

By Louie Mezzano

The Rebels led by Coach Wasserstrom headed for their first dual meet against Amundsen and Washington last week. The Rebels, led by captains Tony Marti and Brian Floral, destroyed both teams.

The team didn't look very good. Even though we won, I could see that Coach Wasserstrom was not happy.

On an up note my prediction, Jay Holland was very successful ending the day 2-0. Also, Emily Delvalle won 2 matches that day to have a 2-0 record.

a fabulous time with the one you're lovesick for. (How romantic.)

Leo- Expect a lot of social activity, mostly at your place this month. After having dated many dogs, you finally find a Prince / Princess and this new honey is going to be around for a great while. Who says there's no Aphrodite? (For those who don't know who Aphrodite is, Aphrodite is the goddess of love in Greek mythology.)

Virgo- It's a great month for entertainment at home. Your energy level is not high however. Have mellow friends over. (Looks like Aphrodite can't help you this time.)

Libra- Friends will want to fix you up with someone a bit older. (Aphrodite says "Don't go there.") Start keeping a journal: Lots of neat things are finally coming your way and you will want to remember them forever. (Trust me on this one.)

Scorpio- Emotions rule this month. Aphrodite and Santa are coming around the same time. (What were they thinking?) Don't worry. You'll get what you asked for.

Sagittarius- Sometimes you have a tendency to get cocky with people. That won't be the case for this month. You'll be warm, loving, patient, and understanding. People around you will flourish as a result.

Capricorn- You're lovesick this month and your sex appeal is in high gear. If you make your move now, things may not turn out quite as you hope for it to be. (Double double toil and trouble.)

Aquarius- Is someone trying to make you feel bad this month? Who do they think they are? God? I should say not! Don't worry. Sit back and relax. Next month will be better.

Pisces- You are always interested in taking care of others. During the coming months, you'll find it even more fun than usual.

Tournament more like war

Holy Cross Tournament

By Lou Mezzano

Saturday November 29th, the Rebels went to Holy Cross High School for their first tournament of the year. At this tournament, the Rebels saw and faced the hardest competition ever.

The Rebels, despite the competition took 4th in the tournament and had some placers in the top. Brian Floral and Otto Barbanente got first, Tony Marti and Jay Holland got second.

Even though this tournament was not well run, it was still fun because of the double A competition we faced. At this tournament, RHS proved that we can hang with the bigger schools.

How are the girls' basketball teams doing?

By Anna Kritikakos

The freshman coach is very excited because he has 24 girls on the team this year. Their record is 3-3. They are a very strong team with a lot of talent. They wish to achieve possibly a conference championship. "Our team has a lot of heart. They love to practice and love to play even more," said freshman coach Mike Pagliaro.

The sophomore coach is also excited because he has 11 girls on the team this year. Their record is 2-0. They have speed and quick reactions. Defense will be the key to maintaining their record.

There are two things they wish to achieve this year. One is team unification and communication. The other is to play with Rebel Pride. "This team is made up with student athletes who display a commitment to their goals," explained Coach Cortese, the sophomore coach.

****Horoscopes****

BY IRIS GIANNAKIS

THESE HOROSCOPES ARE FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!

For those born this month:

Is that Aladdin's magic lamp on your cake instead of candles? Oh boy! You're very lucky with games and romance this year. Your popularity goes through the roof, and you will have the company of both good and evil. Be happy with what you have. You'll get what you want soon enough. (Just be patient.)

Aries- You're learning a lot about nonverbal communication. You're picking up on the vibes around you. This month, you'll find an opportunity to practice these skills.

Taurus- Expect to play phone tag with your new honey this month. (Oh no) You'll get a surprise visit from your honey around the 17th. But is that the same honey who's going to send you holiday flowers or is there an Anthony / Cleopatra hiding behind the Christmas tree?

Gemini- Nothing can go wrong in your so-called life, right? Wrong. Watch out for your enemies this month. They'll make your life a living hell. (It won't last long.)

Cancer- It's a great month for romance, and making plans for the future. You should just relax and have

Happy Holidays to all

Boys Break Out

By: Sebastian Abbinanti

The Ridgewood High School boys basketball team has a very good outlook this year. The running Rebels have a good team, led by the four returning seniors, Brain Rzewnicki, Tim Pabich, Matt Altschul, and Rafal Lizak. Although the Rebels have a good team this season, coached by Ken Saam, their record doesn't show it. They are currently 0-4 and 0-1 in Conference play. Their losses were to Geneva, and two teams in the Chicago Latin Tournament. Their conference loss was to Evergreen Park. Their next game is December 13, at Riverside. Let's go REBELS!!

The Ridgewood Reporter Staff

Sebastian Abbinanti

Debbie Barnes

Anne Caldarulo

Iris Giannakis

Michelle Gulik

Diane Guth

Anna Kritikakos

Louis Mezzano

Advisors

Cheryl Flinn

Edith Sauter

Ridgewood breaks the gender barrier

Female grappler hits the mats

Ridgewood senior Emily Delvalle is the first female to join the wrestling squad. Following are comments she made in a recent interview.

Emily says that since her freshman year, Coach Sikora has been trying to get her to come out for the team. She wanted to join two years ago, but torn ligaments and cartilage in her knee prevented it. She started drilling and practicing with the team last year.

Since the beginning, her male teammates have supported her. Emily says, "We all have respect for each other." She feels her opponents are just looking for an easy win. "No one wants to lose, especially to a girl." She says the spectators have mixed reactions. Some think it's wrong, some think she's crazy, and some are proud of what she's doing. Emily says sometimes she notices members of other teams cheering for her.

Emily started competing last year. Her record was 1-4. This year she is on the Varsity team in the 103 lb slot. She says the coaches work her at least as hard as the male wrestlers. She says she's always learning and feels she'll get a lot more matches this year. Her record so far is 3-1.

Emily concluded by saying that, "Wrestling isn't for everyone. Anyone can try, but you have to be ready to work hard and be dedicated. Wrestling is a sport of endurance, strength, and technique. I would recommend wrestling to any athlete who is willing to step in the room and be ready to train hard. Once you're in the room ready for practice, you're not male or female, you're a wrestler."

Both of these teams are worth watching, just like football is. Out of all the winter and spring sports, Boy's Basketball wins the crown for attendance. Even though the basketball teams have outdone the other Ridgewood sports, it doesn't compare with the attendance from other schools when we enter their gym. The size of the crowd in their gym is what riles them up and gives them that home court advantage. If we could grab that home court advantage, it would be then much easier to steal the conference title away from Riverside Brookfield. We can do it with your support. GO Rebels!!!

-Tim Pabich

I Care About Child Care

By: Susan Shrake

As a student at Ridgewood High School, I was very disappointed when the child care program was dropped from the curriculum. The program was a two year class available to juniors and seniors that would allow them to receive a hands on learning experience with children. The reason the school chose to close the program was that there appeared to be decreasing interest in the class. The school also claimed the child care facility had become out-dated and unsafe for children.

I disagree that closing the program was the right decision for the school. I was a sophomore when the program was dropped, and the loss caused me to have to choose new classes for my junior and senior year. The child care program would have been a beneficial class for me because my planned future profession is teaching. The class would have helped me learn the needs of children and to better understand them.

The first reason that the school gave for closing the program was that there was not enough interest showed toward the program. However, I know many students who were disappointed with the loss of this class. The students were so disappointed that they even circulated a petition to try and bring the program back. Still, the petition was not successful in convincing the school board that the program was important to the students.

With the absence of the program, there is no other class that would replace it to help advance me into my teaching career. I find this hard to accept considering we have a wide variety of business programs to meet the needs of our school's future executives.

As for the fact that the child care facility was out of date, money does not seem like an issue. The school has recently remodeled four of the six bathrooms that we have. They have also put in brand new tennis courts that cost $100,000.

The child care program was not only important to me but also to many other students. Remodeling the child care facility may have been costly, but it would have been worth it to the students who have future plans in working with children. This program meant a lot to many students, and I believe that it should be brought back.

Several editorials were submitted as part of a class assignment

Dear Reporter,

I'm writing in regards to the parking at Ridgewood High School. The parking privileges are set up very unfairly. It says in the student handbook that parking in the student lot is a privilege, but what have I done to be denied the right to park in the parking lot? It says students are to park in the west or south parking lots, and parking passes are available in the Deans office.

In the handbook, nowhere does it state that you can only be issued a parking pass in the beginning of the school year. It says priority is given to seniors, work program students, students participating in dual enrollment classes at Triton, and students maintaining passing grades. I have worked hard to maintain my grades and keep a grade point average of 3.0 this year and I can't get a pass, whereas other students who are failing, show up at school late, don't care about their grades, and "live" in suspension, receive passes.

If passes are issued at the beginning of the school year, before some of the qualifications are determined, how is it decided who will be issued a pass? I noticed during the school day, as I walk through the hall to the IMC, that there are spaces still available, so how is it that there are no parking passes left?

I need a parking pass, not to show off the fact that I have a car, but because I have to pick up my little sister from school at 3:15, and it is difficult to walk all the way home, especially in the winter, to get my car and drive all the way to my sister's school to pick her up, and then drive all the way home and be at work by 4:00. If I had a pass, I could leave from school, get my sister and then go to work.

As a resident of Harwood Heights, I'm not allowed to park on Norridge streets. I can't park across the street on Fridays because of street sweeping. Also, on Montrose no one is allowed to park in the parking lanes.

The policy stated that the school encourages students to park in the parking lot and not on the residential streets, but then where am I supposed to park?

Sincerely,

An unhappy Junior

Dear Ridgewood Reporter,

I feel that the Ridgewood student body shows a lack of school spirit. Ridgewood High School has a very good winter sports program. The boy's Varsity Basketball team last year won the IHSA Regional against Montini. The girl's Varsity Basketball team had a good year, and Wrestling had an outstanding year where wrestlers went down state. In the spring time, the Track team sends many downstate, and Boy's Baseball and Girl's Softball each have good teams. The only problem is, there is little support.

Ridgewood's Varsity Football team just went to the play-offs this fall. Ridgewood football has always had the best attendance out of any of the sports, which is good, but it takes the crowds away from the other sports that make big contributions to the school's name. If Ridgewood shows spirit for football, why not show it for basketball and wrestling?

Editorial policy

The Ridgewood Reporter welcomes editorials. Editorials will be printed if they are signed and of general interest. Names may be omitted by request. The Ridgewood Reporter reserves the right to edit material for space, legal liability, accuracy, and appropriate language.

Dear Ridgewood Reporter,

Since the beginning of the year, I've been concerned about the new dress code at Ridgewood High School. As a student, I would like to wear comfortable clothes to school that are appropriate. I think the new dress code about the length of shorts and skirts is ridiculous.

According to the school's dress code a student's shorts or skirt have to reach mid-thigh. In the student planner mid-thigh is defined as being four inches above the knee. This rule makes it very difficult for students to wear shorts or skirts to school, especially for girls. As a girl, I know that fashion is very important to me and my girlfriends. We like the new trends and would like to buy some of the clothes, use them to go out and come to school. Don't get me wrong, I don't agree with people who come to school dressed in clothes that show buttocks or chest. I just think that some clothes can be shorter than four inches above the knee is to wear some athletic shorts that are either a size bigger of just longer for comfort. [sic]

It also aggravates me to see some teachers in our school not following the dress code and not being punished while the students are. If the students break the rule they get an hour detention and have to wear ugly and smelly Ridgewood green shorts. If we keep on breaking the rules, we could get suspended. I don't feel we come to school to get fashion advice. WE come to school for an education. I think that if the school board decided to make a rule, the whole school should follow it. This should include providing regulation attire for gym class, and team uniforms. Cheerleaders and Pom-Pon girls are allowed to wear their skirts shorter than the school's dress code because the skirts are owned by the school. No sympathy is shown to them, though when they want to wear Cheerleading and Pom-Pon outfits that they bought that are shorter than the dress code. Exceptions should not be made to the rule. The rule is the rule, and if students have to follow it, then the whole faculty should too. If the whole school doesn't want to follow it, then it shouldn't be a rule.

The following are shorts and skirts dress codes for high schools in our surrounding area:

High School and Length of Attire

Maine South High School, 6-8 inches above the knee

East Leyden High School, 8-9 inches above the knee

Lane High School, 7 inches above the knee

West Leyden High School, 8-9 inches above the knee

Maine East High School, 6-8 inches above the knee

I believe that if so many schools in our area can live with this 6-8 inch

shorts and skirts rule, Ridgewood students should also be allowed too. Obviously, it looks like this 6-8 inch rule doesn't affect the students' learning or else it would've been changed by their school board.

Stefania Laricchia

Class of '98

FBLA Has Worked Hard

By Dina Politis

On November 7th through the 9th FBLA officers Shawn Aguilar, Dina Politis, Chris Soszynski, Joanna Szyndlar and Joanna Wieczorek attended the 1997 National Fall Leadership Conference in St. Louis ,Missouri. They attended various workshops on how to make leadership fun and how to work towards your goals . These workshops will help to strengthen our chapter as a whole. The closing session speaker put several audience members under hypnosis as the rest of the audience watched in awe. It was a very worthwhile and exciting trip.

On November 12th, FBLA members helped out the Ridgewood Parents Club by serving pizza at the Fall Sports Banquet.

FBLA members have not forgotten about the upcoming Area Competition in January at Warren High School. Here members will go head to head against members from other area high schools. The winners will go on to State Competition in March.

With Christmas coming up soon, FBLA as well as DECA, Band, Chorus, and National Honor Society members have planned a Christmas caroling trip to two area nursing homes. This activity is part of ongoing community service projects that Ridgewood is involved in. It is hoped that this visit will spread some cheer to those senior citizens this holiday season.

The officers have also planned an ice skating trip and a Glow-Bowl trip for early next year.

Do you use the vending machines in the cafeteria? Well, FBLA maintains the ice cream, snack, Fruitopia, Powerade, Evian, and coffee machines. They are part of our service to you, the students at Ridgewood High. We have talked to students and this is why the machines are here. You, the students wanted snacks after school or coffee/hot chocolate or chicken soup on those cold mornings. We have listened to you and have these to better serve you. The money from these machines helps to fund our competitions and also our social events.

FBLA has also donated shirts and other assorted prizes for the R & R program. Also each year there are at least two scholarships available to seniors from Coca-Cola.

Dear Editor,

I'm writing this letter to you regarding the length of the gym periods here at Ridgewood. Since block scheduling has started I've been hearing complaints about gym, the length of the periods, amounts of activities that are being done, and the punishments that are handed out to the students.

Due to block scheduling, the hour and half classes in gym are getting totally ridiculous. Students have to run a mile to a mile and a half almost every day. After all the sweating, catching of breath, and feeling of soreness all over their bodies, these students still have to do more straining activities.

A few students stated that there is only a very short break in between every activity. "We are only allowed 5 minutes for cool down; that is not enough time to rest." Grace Rihani stated. Five minutes cool down is not enough time for someone to catch his or her breath.

Some days the students might not be up to running so much or would not be up to doing so many straining activities, yet they're almost forced to because of the punishments that they will receive, such as a failing grade for that day. This would probably put us a letter grade down on our report cards.

Students are not even given enough time in the locker rooms to shower and change after all the sweating that they did. Students have to go through the rest of the day feeling the discomfort and the smell of overheated bodies. This might effect their performance in other classes.

The solution for this is easy. It would make more sense to split the period in half, half gym, and half study for the whole year. This way students would benefit from this in two ways. They would have a shorter gym period and time to study and catch up on schoolwork.

Administrators, you have to remember we're human too.

Nour Fakhoury, Senior

Reporter needs writers.

We desperately need sports and news writers or suppliers of information. Let the school know about your hard work and practices. See Ms. Sauter, Ms. Flinn or one of the staff members if you can help. You can join the staff or you can complete the assignments on your own.

As a staff member, you will learn to write news articles. You can use this experience to apply for jobs as a newsletter writer for many companies. Public relations is another possibility. This is also a great activity for college and scholarship applications and our own NHS.

We meet on Tuesdays from 7:15-7:55 a.m. in Room 224. Visit us and see what is happening. Remember, this is your school newspaper. It should reflect your views.