CCHS - Battle of the Gamers: XBox One vs. Playstation 4

There has been much talk and debate around the high school about which console is better: the Xbox One or the Playstation 4. The new gaming systems Xbox One and Playstation 4 are being released and put on the shelves soon. Have you ever wondered which system is better? Which system has better graphics and processors? Comparing the Xbox One to the Playstation 4, reviewers say that the Playstation 4 is 50 percent better than the Xbox One. They state that the Playstation 4 has a 50 percent quicker memory reader, as well as faster Arithmetic Logic Unit (processor).Tested in comparison, the Playstation 4 runs at 30 FPS in 1980x1080, and the Xbox One runs at 20 FPS in 1600x900. IGN reviewers claim that the Playstation 4 is both significant and obviously better in many ways. Both consoles are being released in Mid-November. Which console is going to hit the big bucks, and which company will be eating dust? Some Calvin Christian High School students are eager to find out!

- Bob Allwine

The Elephant in the Room? Experiential Learning Project

Experiential learning projects have been very interesting this year, and this is not excluding Ian, Karl, and Andrew’s project. Ian Krueger, a junior, and Andrew Thomas, a senior, explain what their project is about. They plan to look into politics from a Christian perspective, and to show how Christians should be approaching them. Ian says, “Basically, it is about the difference between the GOP and the DFL, which one is is best for America, and which is more Christian.” They have planned to interview politicians and other authority figures such as pastors, which they hope will help them understand what it means to be in politics and how to to look at it from a Christian perspective. They hope to bring knowledge to themselves by sharing the information with the students. Andrew says, “I hope that students will learn how to approach politics without feeling hindered by religion or having to ditch religion by the door.” Karl says, “Our goal is to provide. . .the parties stances. . .ideological differences. . .and motivate our generation to take an interest and have a concern for how they are governed.” Overall they want to understand more about politics and how we Christians can take a stance involving them.

- Ava Kreuger

Calvin Art: Highlights

 

Many talented students here are showing their skills through art. The freshman class was expected to create a cover or whatever they wanted. The goal was to create a strong composition that attracts the viewer and makes their eyes go all of the piece. Sophomores did something called a process drawing. This means that over threes week they could draw and erase their drawings as many times as needed - till the desired look. Sunnie Zhou did figurative study and Abby Peterson did portraits for an Art Independent Studies. You can find the artwork hanging in the stairway, and hall for display. We have many talented students at CCHS and we are thankful for Mrs. VanGeest for tapping into these strengths.

-Angela Balboa

Matt Johnson Awarded for Efforts in his Civil Air Patrol Unit!

On October, 20 October 22, Calvin Christian High School junior, Matt Johnson, received two awards in his Civil Air Patrol unit. His first award was the Billy Mitchell Award; this award promoted him to a 2nd lieutenant making him an officer in his unit. He said this award was important to him because “I now take on the added prestige and responsibility that comes with officership.” He also gained the Outstanding Staff Member Award for his outstanding dedication and leadership to the Minnesota Leadership Academy. He said “It is wonderful to know that I am appreciated and it will help him get future events. Overall, these were important awards that will impact his future in C.A.P. and Calvin Christian High School is proud of his efforts.

- Connor Bartz

Monsoon Flooding: Natural Disaster in India

Back in June, Uttarakhand, which is in Northern India, had experienced horrible flooding. This flooding costed 6,000 lives, and some visitors the Hindu pilgrims of the temples. Just recently, on September 27th, in Ahmadabad 13 people were pronounced dead because of the monsoon flooding. Many families were forced out of their homes about 12,000-17,000 people. Some even took refuge in shelters located in Gujarat. Even after all of this destruction, in some parts of India there are being threaten to massive monsoon raining yet to come. Many aid workers who are trying to deliver food, and “other basic goods”, are blocked from getting to people who need it because of landslides. The impact is still felt today as they struggle to regain stability.

- Angela Balboa

Technology: Calvin Style

Calvin has been providing it’s students with a personal laptop since 2003. Why, you may ask? The man who helps maintain the laptops, Bruce DeVries, says that “The idea is to get students comfortable with technology most of you will use in your future careers.” Calvin does it’s best to supply students with “business class” laptops. The current operating system Calvin uses is Windows 7, but an upgrade to Windows 8 is planned in the future. The word processor of choice is Microsoft Office Pro, and Calvin typically uses Dells, HPs, Lenovos and Acers. Two pieces of hardware that are always included are the Intel processor and an integrated webcam. Calvin is constantly trying to provide its students with the best technology has to offer.

- Ian Krueger

MEA Weekend

Why we have it and what do students actually do

What do we do during MEA break? Do we find something productive and fun to do or are we couch potatoes? Do we even consider why we get this free time? Some of the students have mentioned some things they did over the weekend. Anna Silker, a freshman, says,“I was on my computer and I made glycerin slime. I also cleaned out my aquarium and cleaned out the guinea pig cage.” Gabe Modder, a sophomore, says “I went to the range, and went small game hunting. I celebrated my father’s birthday, and my cousin’s birthday, and I went to a movie.” Josh Moberg, a junior, says, “What did you do over MEA weekend? I watched TV, I played some video games, and went to a sleepover with one of my friends.” But do we ever really considered why we really have MEA break? Anna Silker guessed that they did our grades, and Josh Moberg said it was to recharge our brains. Miss B., one of CCHS’s teachers, tells us what MEA really is. “It stands for Minnesota Educators Association, so it is a time for teachers to come together to have some professional development time, and to collaborate to become better teachers for our students. It is beneficial for teachers to have a chance to step back from the classroom and evaluate better teaching practices.” She also says, “Teachers have time to be more creative in how they present information to students, and it provides space for teachers to share ideas amongst each other so that students can benefit.”


- Ava Krueger

First issue of the year!

Our first issue for the year!

Issue 1

Check it out! Our second issue!

Take time to read our second issue!

Issue 2

Mayhem in the Mall: The Tragedy That Took it’s Toll

On September 21st 2013 a group of terrorists known as the Al-Shabaab attack the Westgate mall in Nairobi, Kenya. The shooting began downstairs followed by explosions of grenades, as a group of attackers moved in on the first floor. During that time there was also a children’s bake contest going on in the car park next to the mall. A second group of terrorists entered in that area and killed them, some of them having been shot up to five times.  From then on it was panic as mall goers fled for their lives into whatever they thought would be safe, back of stores, service hallways and bank vaults. Two squads of attackers roamed through the mall, as an atmosphere of fear reigned in the hearts of the hidden. Of the hostages that were taken, the Muslims were allowed to leave in peace. In the following hours pockets of people trickled out as the undercover police moved in. Then as night fell the Kenyan military moved in and was able to secure the mall. 61 people were accounted for as dead, with many wounded and some still missing. As grief and suffering continue to tear apart the world that we know, we must continue to draw strength from above as more is soon to follow.

Recently, a Navy Seal team( the same that killed Osama Bin Laden) attempted an attack to capture one who is suspected of being high in Al- Shabaab.

- Gabe Modder

Independent Project: Dance

There are many interesting independent projects that develop at CCHS, including sophomore Angela Balboa’s project on dance. She researched how dance can communicate to people. She explains why she chose the project: “It is something I am passionate about, and it’s something I want to share with people and inform them that it is more than just moving your body.” Angela explains, “I hope to teach others that it’s more than just a hobby and it’s a career and a lifestyle to some people.” She did a dance at the beginning of her presentation and talked about dance at the end. What do you think about dance?

-Connor Bartz

Inge Auerbacher Joins CCHS

On Sunday October 6th, here at CCHS, Inge Auerbacher came and shared her story. Inge, a Holocaust survivor, told of the events in her life that she went through involving Nazis, concentration camps, and dealing with death. The trials and hardships that she went through among millions of other people were hard to hear. Even so, she showed us the star that was sewn onto her clothes as a child, and it was very striking to see. We should feel so lucky to hear first hand of someone who has experienced such an event like this. If you missed the event and would like to find out more about Inge she has written multiple books. Such as I Am a Star, Beyond the Yellow Star to America, Running Against the Wind, and Highway to New York: A Lady Truckdriver Adventure.

- Angela Balboa

History Through Arts

As part of the freshman World History class, the 9th graders went to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to look at the art, and also to find out how Greek and Roman history connects to it. They took notes about what they saw on the different paintings and how they relate to what they learn in history. After getting the chance to see the art up close, they noticed more things than they could just sitting in class. Freshman Mollie Kelderman, says, “I noticed that there was a lot of art that was falling apart, and I noticed a lot of sculptures of their gods and goddesses, because they valued them.” Mollie also noticed that their art was what Greeks and Romans valued in their culture. John Erickson, a freshman, says, “We appreciated this field trip both for learning and for the values.” Freshman Connor Bartz says, “It helped me get a broad overview of the art that we learned in class." To conclude, Mollie stated, “We got to see the art and not just imagine what it looked like, and we got to go places and experience things, and not just hear things.”

- Ava Krueger

Environmental Studies Trip: Learning and Connecting By Spending Time With Nature

Can a class trip really help students learn more about their subject, or is it just an excuse to spend time out of class? The senior’s Environmental Studies trip shows us that, while a field trip can be fun, it's more than just hanging out with friends and skipping class. 

Lydia Marcus, a senior, says, “We began by collecting seeds at Baker Park Reserve, which will be used to recede a prairie area after a burn. We also took a survey of the forest at Baker, went on a night hike, watched the sunset, and sorted through invertebrates we found.” She also says, “We spent time admiring creation in a way we couldn’t during an hour class period in a school building.”

Andrew Thomas, a senior, says, “Getting out of the classroom is the best part of any trip because having things hands on is better for a person, working within the world actually helps a student learn more progressively than being in a classroom 7-8 hours a day.”

When asked if they like the class better because of the trip, Lydia said, “Yes, the trip was very enjoyable, and we were able to have a lot of hands-on experience.” Andrew said, “It’s not so much liking the class better because we got a couple hours out of school, it’s how we can like the class more from studying the things in it.”

Participating in this class involves being able to connect God, nature and hands-on science. Most schools don’t get the chance to experience God in science, so this is an excellent opportunity for students and everyone should get the chance to take this class.



- Ava Krueger

American Government Shutdown: What do we do now?

As of yesterday, October 1st,  after 17 years, the American federal government has shut down. The reason for the shutdown is that lawmakers and Senate could not make a decision on a spending bill to fund the government. The government has shut down all services not considered “essential”. A few services that continue to remain open are fire fighters, police, and armed forces. National zoos, parks, and museums have all been shut down with no visitors allowed. Small business owners have to wait if they're in need of a loan from the government. All N2.1 million federal employees don’t have a job at the moment. Not only does the government being shut down right now affect us, but when it re-opens it will cost a lot of money. Something we can do right now is pray that God gives wisdom to our political leaders and that He will watch over the American government.

-- Angela Balboa

Experiential Learning: The Experience of Veterans

Experiential learning covers a broad range of topics. Josh Scherrer, a senior, and junior Josh Moberg decided to do their experiential learning focusing on war veterans and what happens to them returning from war. They want to inform people about the hardships these soldiers faced coming back home through creating a documentary. “Josh and I really like the army and what they are doing for us. We wanted to do this so we can show the hardships of being overseas, because a lot of people take the life of a soldier for granted.” said Josh Moberg. One thing these students are looking forward to is learning about what happens to soldiers over there and how it affects their lives after they return home and how they can educate others about these issues.

-- Angela Balboa

Calvin Christian Challenge

The Calvin Christian Challenge, also known as the CCHS marathon, is a fundraiser for all three of the Calvin campuses. Students are asked to go out into their community and ask friends, family and neighbors to support them in biking, walking or running a 5K. This event has been one of the school’s largest fundraiser and it is going to be the 35th year Calvin has participated in this event. The event will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2013. The goal for this year is to raise 72,000 dollars. The marathon will be held at Lake Harriet Regional Park 4135 West Lake Harriet Pkwy Minneapolis, MN 55419. The 5K starts at 9am and the walk and bike starts at 10am. Different games and food will be provided after the events. Come and join us!

-- Connor Bartz

Holocaust Survivor at CCHS

Holocaust Survivor in the Twin Cities

The “1%” comes to tell us her story

We may be the last generation to have the opportunity to hear a Holocaust survivor’s story first hand. You could take advantage of this occasion this weekend! Come join us on Sunday, October 6th at 4:00pm at Grace Evangelical Free Church. Holocaust survivor Inge Auerbacher is speaking and telling the story of her time as a child in a Nazi concentration camp. Inge was assigned to Camp Terezin for 3 years and is part of the 1% that survived the camp. She travels the world telling her story and speaking out against racism. Inge won several awards including the Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Please come listen to her speak this Sunday!

- Bob Allwine

Torrents of Water in the Rockies

  A Calamity Strikes Colorado

cnn.com

Recently a calamitous event has ravaged the area near Denver in Colorado. The likelihood of such an event happening was one to one thousand. An event like this is supposed to occur one time in every thousand years to pass. In three days alone the amount of precipitation that was supposed to fall in half a year fell. This led to flooding on a huge scale. Already existing bodies of water increased in size and mud moving at a rapid pace became an issue in steep locations. The results of this torrent of water have been bad. Ten people have lost their lives to this wave of chaos. The whereabouts of one hundred and forty people are still a mystery and one thousand and eight hundred people lost their property. This resulted in near two billion dollars worth of wreckage. 

This was quite the travesty that took place in Colorado, and we should remember them when we pray.

sources:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/14/colorado-flooding-climate-change_n_3926284.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/20/us-usa-colorado-flooding-idUSBRE98I0YX20130920

-- Rick Derfus

Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education

Bringing Students closer to God and Nature

Every year at CCHS, juniors and seniors who are not in Spanish have the option of taking Outdoor Education. The goal of Outdoor Education is to help students become more in touch with nature, more in touch with other people, and more in touch with themselves. As an additional goal, Outdoor Education also plans to help nurture a growing relationship with God. Students in Outdoor Education spend about half their time in the classroom and the other half outside in nature. Bob Allwine, a junior, stated that “It is very hands-on, and I like it.”

- Ian Kreuger