It’s 7:55 am at Linwood Elementary School–the quiet before the storm. Michelle Riffel prepares her room for her 4th grade students.

She’s been teaching at Linwood for 26 years so she knows her way around. Riffel projects a few morning math problems on the wall and makes sure she has all the assignments she needs. They’re probably some of the same assignments I did as a fourth grader six years ago.

Stepping into her cozy room at the very end of the building brings me back to when 9-year-old me flounced in every day with my Kim Possible backpack, filled to the brim with several books I was reading all at the same time. Cubbies still occupy the corner with hooks underneath them waiting for backpacks and lunch bags.

Of course some things have changed a little since I was there. A new smart board hangs on the south wall and the room divider is drawn to make room for fifth graders. The bulky Apple desktops have disappeared from the teachers’ desks to make room for new laptops. Even the students have a mobile cart and computer lab to themselves.

The students in question bang at the closed door and Riffel rushes to open it. She stands outside and tells the waiting fourth graders that they have a new student. They’re excited. I’m almost sad when they walk in, see me, and realize their teacher has played a joke on them. Riffel explains that I am not, in fact, an actual fourth grader, just masquerading as one for the morning.

“There’s an open seat there,” Riffel points me over to a large table in the middle of the room.

I’m a source of awe for my tablemates. “Are you really a fourth grader?” A girl next to me asks, “Because it would be cool if you were.” I smile and tell her that I’m really a junior in high school. I can tell she doesn’t understand how the hierarchy of high school works.

None of them do, and it’s endearing.

My new classmates line up beside me and, one by one, tell me their siblings are in their “first year” or “last year” of high school and ask if I know them. Mrs. Riffel has to explain that “first years” are called ‘freshmen’ and “last years” are called ‘seniors’.

With the question and answer session of the day over, Mrs. Riffel tells them to work on their assigned math problems.One by one, they get out dry erase boards and begin working the problems (67 X 34 and 97 divided by 3). I remember using the dry erase boards, too. Technology, though, has changed the morning math problem for fourth graders.

When I was in fourth grade (2005), our math problems were projected–just like theirs–but from an overhead. One of my two fourth grade teachers–Mrs. Riffel or Miss Cole–would have to hand write every problem, then go through the trouble of erasing it. That, if I remember correctly, is how we learned everything in fourth grade.

These fourth graders get the privilege of a smart board hooked up to a laptop.Riffel says that technology has changed fourth grade. She says the technology is more available to work with. It’s affected her teaching, too. Riffel says that now that there are firmer state standards in place, she has to plan her curriculum more carefully. Thanks to technology, she can find lessons online that meet the state requirements.

Riffel compares fourth grade today with her fourth grade experience–her classroom didn’t even have calculators! Because of this lack of technology, Riffel learned other things, such as knitting. One of her favorite times of the day was when she learned certain crafty things. Another favorite was, of course, recess.

Though the structure of the days is different, fourth graders are still learning some of the same things they were years ago.After the math problems are completed, Riffel begins a lesson with her students about figurative language. This, she says, is something that’s a little harder for fourth graders to grasp. The literal 9-year-olds are surprised to discover that having eyes in the back of your head doesn’t mean you’re a mutant and that you can live through something that blew your mind.

The students gather around to listen to a book and hear her explain what different idioms mean.

Mrs. Riffel hopes to expand books into her favorite subject to teach–math. Fourth graders learn a lot of math. In(continued on next page)

Fourth Graders Have All the Fun! By: Maddy Mikinski

a single year they cover double digit multiplication, long division, and basic geometry concepts.

Both fourth graders I talked to, Tara and LJ, listed math as one of their favorite subjects. Tara says that the best things she’s learned this year are multiplication and division because they’re a continuation of things she learned in third grade.Both kids admitted to being nervous for fourth grade but, with Mrs. Riffel’s help, they ended up liking it. That’s now, though.

I asked them where they saw themselves when they’re juniors in high school. “I don’t know,” Tara says, “there are so many things I can do.”

That’s understandable, for a 9-year-old. Seeing eight years into the future is a big stretch. LJ, though, has it down. “I want to get a job as a video game designer,” he says, then tells me about his favorite game, Modern Warfare 3.His determination reminds me of myself when I was a fourth grader. I thought I was going to do everything: be an astronaut, be president of the United States or a cat lady.

This determination is something not often seen in BLHS, and maybe it’s time to recapture it. Mrs. Riffel, from years of experience, has learned how to do this, “They are so eager to learn and try at everything they do.”

It’s very apparent from how hard they work that what she says is true. Don’t go back to fourth grade just to learn life lessons. Go back so you can see how simple life is when you don’t know what a ‘sophomore’ is and have never heard of the quadratic formula.

Special thanks to Michelle Riffel’s 4th grade class at Linwood Elementary School for allowing Maddy to join their class for a day.

Boys Basketball Wins 4A State TitleThe BLHS boys basketball team enjoyed a great deal of success over the last two weeks. After blowing past Perry Lecompton and narrowly defeating rival Bonner Springs, the Bobcats avenged a previous loss and defeated Topeka Hayden in the Substate championship game.

The Bobcats faced Wichita Collegiate in the state quarterfinals, where they fought from behind for much of the game and came out on top. The Bobcats then faced undefeated Pratt in the semifinals. Once again, the Bobcats came from behind and advanced to the title game.

A dream matchup awaited BLHS. Of its three losses on the season, the Bobcats had avenged two against Lansing and Hayden. The only loss yet to be avenged was Ottawa. Their opponent in the championship game? Ottawa. A rare chance for vengeance. A chance to say they beat every team on their schedule. A chance to win their second state title in four years. A chance for seniors Brad Waterman, Colin Murphy, Ryan Murphy, and Ryan Shaffer to cap their careers with a title.

The result? A hard fought game and a 56-52 decision in favor of the Bobcats. Sophomore Chase Younger led the way for the Bobcats with 18 points. Ryan Murphy finished with 12. Check out blhsnews.com for more extensive coverage of the state champions.

Photos contributed by Ashley Razak

BLHS Powerlifting Teams Continue 4A Dominance

The BLHS men’s and women’s powerlifting teams continued their impressive streaks of state championships. Both teams dominated their divisions. The men’s team finished with their highest total ever at 104 points. The women’s team doubled up the next closest team and scored 105 points. This was the third consecutive state title for the men’s team and the fifth consecutive state title for the women’s team.

Individual State ChampionsJonathan Oliva (114)..........585 TotalEric Purrington (123)..........615 TotalAustin Sinclair (132)............695 TotalDeric Brannan (148)............795 TotalTrevor Hickman (220).......1045 Total

Dakkota Edmonds (105)...............400 TotalCourtney Leive (140).....................540 TotalMallorie Belke (Powerweight).....585 Total

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English TeacherMichelle VielhauerMichelle Vielhauer was recently recognized as one of the Kansas Teachers of the Year. Vielhauer hosted the KTOY nominees on a visit to BLHS on March 13.

1. Did you always want to be a teacher?Yes, but I wanted to make more money so I planned on being a child psychologist. After talking to a couple of my high school teachers who had always told me I would be a teacher, I followed my heart.

2. What is your favorite class to teach?The combination of teaching seniors and teaching British literature is ideal for me.

3. What is your favorite book?My all time favorite is Handmaid’s Tale but right now I am obsessed with the Hunger Games series.

4. How long have you taught at Basehor-Linwood?This is my 6th year at BLHS. I taught at Blue Valley Northwest for 12 years before I came to BLHS.

5. If you could teach any class in the world, what class would it be?English IV is really my ideal job. I love working with seniors, and I love the literature and writing that we do at the senior level. I’m not sure if there is a better class to teach (for me).

6. What is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?When you teach, you don’t always see the pay off in the moment. Sometimes it is weeks, months or years later when students finally understand why we teach certain skills or pieces of literature. Each fall in October I start getting emails from graduates saying, “Thank you” or “You were right.”

7. What is the best part of being a Teacher of the Year?Having the chance to meet, talk with and visit teachers from other districts has been terrific. We get the chance to talk about what we are doing and get new ideas that have worked for others which is inspiring to me.

8. What are some tips you would tell aspiring teachers?Go in with your eyes wide open. I ran into a graduate at the library recently. He finally gets that, if you are doing it right, teaching is a lot more than just opening the textbook.

BLHS junior Ben Johnson recently gave his verbal commitment to KU football coach Charlie Weis to play tight end for the Jayhawks in 2013.

1. What made you want to play football for the University of Kansas?The pro-style offense new KU football coach Charlie Weis will implement attracted me to the program.

2. Was KU your first option?Yes. I’m a Jayhawk in the heart.

3. Why did you verbally commit so quickly?It relieved stress, and it’s good to know where I’m playing.

4. Why did you choose football over basketball?I’ve always excelled more in football.

5. What do you expect for next year’s football season?I expect to win the Kaw Valley League.

6. What do you like about Coach Weis?His coaching style and character

JuniorBen Johnson

Tones & Phones Contest!1. Mrs. Loney2. Mrs. Verbenec3. Mr. Schwartz4. Miss Dreiling5. Mrs. Matthews6. Mrs. Shields7. Miss Knowles8. Mrs. Snyder9. Miss Harris

a. Strumb. Beverly Hills Copc. Hasn’t figured out new phone yetd. Old phone...e. So old it doesn’t do ringtonesf. Can a good thing last forever?g. Guitarh. Ringtone never oni. Salsa

The Express caught up with some BLHS teachers to discover their ringtones. Guess which teacher goes with which tone. The first person to bring the correct answers to Room 212 (Mrs. Loney’s room) with all correct answers gets a candy bar. The contest begins at the time of this newspaper’s distribution.

Spring SportsPreview

Boys GolfCoach: Bruce Courtney

Seniors Lost: 3

Top Returners: Alec Otting, Brett Fritts, Neal Dickinson

Coach Courtney’s Expectations: “There are some promising new faces who we’re looking forward to putting in the mix.”

Alec Otting’s Expectations: “We’ll be better this year than previous years. There are a lot of people who are working hard.”

Fun Fact: A BLHS golfer has qualified for state each of the last 8 years

First Meet: March 29 at Bonner Springs

Girls SoccerSoftballCoach: Susan Mayberry

Last Year’s Record: 11-12 Seniors Lost: 2

Top Returners: Olivia Cowan, Brooke Redmond, Courtney Rist, Hannah Tush.

Olivia Cowan’s Expectations: My expectations for this year are the same they have been every year, to continue to improve, and be as competitive as we can be.

Fun Fact: The original “softball” was a rolled up boxing glove. The original bat was a broom handle.

First Game: March 27 vs. Blue Valley/Blue Valley North (at Lansing)

BaseballCoach: Brian Lohafer

Last Year’s Record: 11-12

Seniors Lost: 5

Top Returners: Tyler Ogden, Skyler Barnes

Drew Potter’s Expectations: This year I hope our team makes it back to state, and have an above .500 record.

Fun Fact: The average life span of a major league baseball is 5-7 pitches

First Game: March 26 @ Mill Valley

Coach: Derek Mazeitis

Last Year’s Record: 4-13

Seniors Lost: 5

Senior Returners: Cortney Wise, Ellen Farris, Jane Heinen

Fun Fact: A single soccer player runs and average of 7 miles per game.

First Game: March 28 vs. Baldwin

Boys & Girls TrackCoach: Steve Hopkins

Senior Returners: Trey Kincheloe, Lane Young, Ben Johnson, Tyler Simpson, Johnny Olivia, Jesse Hiss, Dakkota Edmonds, Bailey Hooker

Trey Kincheloe’s Expectations: To place at state as a team, and to have individual state champions

Fun Fact: The world record long jump is 30 feet

First Meet: March 30 at Baldwin Invitational

A lot of high schoolers like to go tanning. Girls and guys alike are starting to like this new trend, but why do we do it? Tanning is known to have a direct link to skin cancer.

Researchers disprove the theory that UV rays are safe for us. They penetrate deep into our skin and destroy skin fibers, but yet we still go risk the chance of getting it.

“It makes people feel good about themselves. But if you do it too much, it’s harmful. And you can look orange, which isn’t a good thing,” freshman Alexis Nichols said.

People’s motives for tanning could be many different things. In general most people are doing it for a good appearance or maybe even to fit in with everyone else.

Freshman Lindsey Schubert said, “I know it’s not safe, but I still do it.”

Tanning is promoted in many different ways. It is now celebrated on television shows. For example, Jersey Shore is all about being tan and having a perfect appearance so when you go out, everyone will want to party with you. Whenever you think of the stereotypical perfect guy or girl they usually have very bronze skin. It is now being looked upon as something everyone wants.

Taylor Keesee said, “It is really damaging to your skin, but will make you look good. Although it is unnatural for your skin, and it makes girls that can’t tan look bad.”

Going tanning has its advantages too. Recent studies show that new tanning beds’ UV lights help your body create a natural supply of Vitamin D. Many high schoolers also say it just relaxes them. After a hard day of school, many say it is nice to get away and have a little time for yourself, which tanning can provide. Overall, students say tanning makes people feel good about themselves.

Nathan Kenton said, “I don’t go tanning, but it makes the girls look a lot older and respectable.”

Some students don’t go tanning because their skin burns easily. Other students’ parents disagree with the whole concept of tanning and risking your life to just have darker skin.

Freshman Abi Batesel said, “I would go tanning, but my mom doesn’t allow it.”

Some simply can’t afford it. Tanning packages are expensive. They can be anywhere from $40 to $100 or more. Single tans can be pricy as well, and it starts to add up when you have to go every week just to get results.

So is tanning worth it? There have been so many advancements in the technology of tanning to provide safer options. People can also try spray tanning or lotions to help if they need alternatives to tan their skin. People always have various opinions, and whether you think tanning is right or not is your choice.

Too Orange?

Fail, Fail, Fail. This seems to be the recurring nightmare of many seniors when the topic of college comes up. The biggest worries among the senior class about college is not making new friends or moving away from family, but the big fat red F that they are all terrified to receive.

Another great worry that many high school seniors have is money, which puts a stop to the rumors that teenagers are irresponsible and unaware of the sacrifices made in order for them to attend college. Many students plan on helping to pay for their own college education.

Paying for college is a huge responsibility taken on by young adults, but with all the worries about going off to college, many seniors can’t wait to get out of high school.

Many seniors won’t miss too much about high school but it was surprising when Kelsey Fenton said,“absolutely nothing”.

Some students just have too much on their plate to stress out about that English paper due next week or that math assignment that’s missing. Seniors have huge life-altering decisions to make, and high school worries are slowly being pushed out of the equation.

After four long years filled with homework, crowded hallways and cafeteria food, the seniors of Basehor-Linwood High School are ready to say goodbye to high school and hello to college.

“I’m excited about everything in college, “ senior Emily Engler said, “especially not living with my parents anymore.”

While many seniors share Emily’s attitude, some students have a little less enthusiasm about moving away. Many members of the Class of 2012 have chosen to stay close to home and attend college in Kansas. While there are many advantages to staying close to home, some seniors want to get as far away from Basehor as possible.

“I’m just worried that I’m going to college too close to home,” senior Tanner Schoeflin said.

For other seniors, being far away from friends and family is not an issue. Kelsey Fenton, who will attend KU, said that she wasn’t worried about the distance, but is concerned about rooming with a complete stranger. “I just really hope that I don’t get stuck with a dirty roommate,” Kelsey said.

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by guest writer Bailey Hooker

by guest writer Sarah Ford

Opinions:Bobca

tParking Lot Etiquette

Responsibility | Drew PotterScratches, dents, dings, broken side mirrors, and even tail lights. What does this remind you of? If you are a student driver at Basehor-Linwood High School, you or one of your friends knows exactly what I’m talking about. Reckless, careless, non-attentive drivers that flood the student parking lot each and every morning and afternoon.With more than 3/4 of the student body driving a vehicle each day, there are many opportunities for mishaps. Whether drivers are texting, talking on cell phones, or joking with friends, distractions are obvious if one just sits in the parking lot and observes.I have witnessed several accidents where the driver has backed into a vacant parked vehicle and just drove off as if nothing had happened. Many other witnesses act as if it just a normal everyday occurrence. Think about the opposite end of the spectrum, which I have also been a part of. In the past year, I been falsely

accused of hitting someone’s parked car twice. In the first incident, I was contacted by a Basehor police officer and questioned. I didn’t feel comfortable doing this since I was not involved with the incident. In the second occasion, a student’s mother called my house and told my mother I was involved in a accident- Oops wrong “Potter”. It’s easy to see the frustration students have when acts like these have taken place.What’s the solution? I believe that the administration at BLHS should petition the school district to install better video cameras in the parking lots that are motion activated. This way any incidents regarding students and their vehicles will be on tape and easy to prove. No more false accusations against innocent drivers. One single resource officer can’t be everyone at once. Cameras would create a strong sense of safety and would make offenders think twice before driving off and not taking responsibility for their actions.

It’s Called ‘No Parking’ For a ReasonMaddy Mikinski

Once upon a time there was a stairway. Hundreds of people climbed it every day to get to school because it was the only way out of the parking lot. Unfortunately, someone parked their humongous SUV in the stairwell. Yes, they totally ignored the white line surrounding the stairs and parked there anyway. Every single day.They couldn’t have been late–it was ten minutes before any bell rang. They couldn’t have had a handicapped pass–handicapped parking is right next to the building.So, what’s up?The answer: why walk when you can be dropped off practically at the door?Drivers, have you ever considered why that little space is roped off? No?

Here it is…Sally Student is rushing to her car for an after school

oboe lesson. She’s running a little late because her locker decided to jam. Sally looks over her music one more time as she runs through the pick-up line. Sally isn’t looking and she trips down the parking lot staircase. Sally has broken her leg in three places so she can’t move. The medics are called.Here’s a little known fact about EMS personnel: They like to do their work with as few obstacles as possible.

Your F-550 is an obstacle.

Enter you, the person who parked there: Your car is being towed in order to help a student in need. Now does that make adding 300 feet to your daily walk less daunting?I understand that this is a pretty dramatic scenario but it’s probable. So, next time, think before you park…and walk; exercise is good for you.

Read much? I sure do, not just because it is fun and lets you escape reality but for the benefits that you gain from it. Let me tell, you there are plenty of benefits from reading, from helping lower stress to making you smarter overall. Studies say that the number of teens that are reading for pleasure has gone down drastically since the ever-growing Internet was introduced. Personally I use the Internet plenty in my spare time, probably too

much, but it never stops me from picking up a great book.The benefits of reading are hard to ignore. Those of you that do read know what I am talking about. Before we get to the benefits, let’s hit up the resources we have today. We have access to any type of tablet that you prefer from the Kindle to the iPad. And if you like hard copies better, there is always a book store around. I’d say the best source for books is the library. Why, you ask? Libraries are definitely

a resource that we should not take for granted. You have thousands of books to loan for free right at your fingertips. Why would you not take advantage of that?Finally, the benefits. When you read, you improve your brain. One of the areas it affects the most is your analytical skill. You improve your general knowledge, and you spot patterns faster. Most of you know that reading also strengthens your memory and expands your vocabulary.

With all that reading, your writing skill improve. Are you stressed? Pick up a book! Books are shown to lower stress levels and leave you in a tranquil mood.For a long time I never read. One summer I picked up a book. From that day on I found myself addicted. I instantly saw some of the benefits. The ones I use the most are my newfound love for writing and budding vocabulary to express that love.

Read Much? | Shelli Brannan

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Maddy Mikinski Editor-in-Chief Shelli Brannan News EditorDrew Potter Sports EditorTrey Kincheloe Around KC Editor Kristen Loney Adviser

BLHS Express Staff Interested in advertising in the next print edition? Contact Kristen Loney at kloney@usd458.org.Questions? Comments? Suggestions?

Email us at expressblhs@gmail.com or visit us at blhsnews.com!