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