SIBS raise outstanding amount of money in annual food drive

Juliana Discher I Staff Writer

Mason students served up a heaping portion of help through the SIBS club’s annual food drive held from October 20 through October 24.

According to SIBS advisor Jeff Schlaeger, the amount of money raised this year is phenomenal compared to last.

“This year we raised $12,734.43,” Schlaeger said. “We surpassed last year’s total of $10,000 big time.”

There were several reasons for the overwhelming success this year, said Schlaeger.

“The success can be accounted for really good project management,” Schlaeger said. “The credit is due to the SIBS and teachers. We have 113 SIBS and they each got assigned a second bell for the entire week. They owned their class: they pumped them up, inspired them, and gave them an incentive to raise the most money possible. We also had emcees who advertised in a goofy way at lunch.”

According to Schlaeger, the money raised goes directly towards the Mason Food Pantry.

“For every 14 cents the Mason Food Pantry gets, they can buy $1 worth of wholesale food,” Schlaeger said. “Then people in the greater Warren County area are able to get that food. Last year’s total allowed a walk-in fridge to be installed, in addition to all the food purchased with the money.”

Along with student and teacher donations, Schlaeger said that the James Horning Memorial Scholarship donated $1,500.

This year since Mason High School met their goal, social studies teacher Vance Reid and science teacher Cody Kreager volunteered to dye their hair pink. Schlaeger said this incentive helped to motivate some students.

“Throwing in a little gag helps raise money — last year it was me becoming bald,” Schlaeger said. “It’s not the sole reason why people donate, but it adds.”

Overall, Schlaeger said the most rewarding part of the week is witnessing the community unite for a common goal.

“I just love the week, as tiring as it is,” Schlaeger said. “I was in near tears on Friday. It’s so invigorating and inspiring to see the school community come together and say ‘Okay, this is a cause and we’re doing this, not because someone’s hair is going to be dyed a certain color, but because people need something and we as a community need to step up and provide.’”

Mr. Kreager and Mr. Reid pose with their newly dyed pink hair.

Full Story: http://thecspn.com/?p=25414

Zombie Bell

Zoning out inevitable in final period, stifling classroom productivity

Juliana Discher I Staff Writer

Seventh bell teachers beware, your final class of the day is occupied by zombies: a glassy-eyed, weary swarm of the walking dead.

As the school transitions to the last bell of the day, students struggle to remain attentive and participate in class, according to sophomore Andrew Grimes.

“During seventh bell, I tend to look at the clock a lot,” Grimes said. “Time crawls by.”

Grimes said the switch from trimesters to semesters contributes to the lack of attentiveness students undergo.

“You’ve been through the whole day, and with the new seven bells your brain is tired out from having to think about six different things already, and then another separate thing,” Grimes said. “In my case, it’s Spanish, which is a completely different way of thinking.”

Though it may hinder learning time, biology teacher Robert Mitchell said he understands why students feel  uninspired during seventh period.

“There are days when I am completely worn out by seventh bell and I don’t have anything else to give,” Mitchell said.

The resemblance of students to zombies during last bell is accurate, according to Mitchell.
“Folks don’t say much and sit there like a bump on a log,” Mitchell said. “They appear to be in agony.”

Even though it’s easy to zone out, Mitchell said there are still ways to remain optimistic.

“I don’t know if it’s because the light at the end of the tunnel is there after going through six bells, but I can become quite ecstatic knowing that when the bell rings, it’s over,” Mitchell said.

According to Mitchell, the only way for students to get the most out of the period is to go into it with a positive mindset.

“My marathon coach told me when I was training for my first marathon that you want to finish strong,” Mitchell said. “Just push through and you will be rewarded for that.”

Full Story: http://thecspn.com/?p=25074

Time

24 hours.

1,440 minutes.

86,400 seconds.

Yet I still don't feel like I have enough time in a day.

I've been in a slump lately where I feel as if I can't accomplish all of the activities I would like to.

Don't get me wrong, I know have a lot on my plate. Juggling homework, studying, family bonding, hanging with friends, playing soccer, writing for The Chronicle, being sophomore class president... the list goes on.

But I know the real reasons behind my struggle for more time are two things: procrastination and laziness.

I get home from school and lull around the house for two hours when I could be getting a start on my homework. After I do begin, I take the constant "mini study breaks"--which are anything but mini.

I find myself on my phone checking texts, which leads to scrolling through Instagram and Twitter, then replying to Snapchats. Half an hour later I realize that I just wasted precious study time.

Time is valuable; it's a gift. If I am going to complain about not having enough time in a day, then I need to utilize every second of it.