The Class 2014 will allegedly be the first to graduate from the new building. The new school will include state-of-the art science labs, an auditorium capable of seating over eight hundred people, about 65 classrooms, a media enter, a multipurpose room, a health and wellness center, a reading resource room, and guidance and administrative offices.

The U.S. Green Building Council LEED-certified environmentally friendly atmosphere will include the use of a light control systems, the storage and collection of recyclables, low water consuming plumbing fixtures, and the use of recyclable materials throughout the building.

Construction will take place in four phases.

• Phase 1: Completion of football stadium (November 2012)
• Phase 2: New building (August 2013)
• Phase 3: Demolish existing building, new parking lot (April 2014)
• Phase 4: Other athletic fields (August 2014)

This project has been highly anticipated and fought for by school board member Edward Burroughs (Dist. 8),Oxon Hill High Principal Dr. Jean Paul-Cadet, Maryland State Board of Education School Architect Supervisor Gloria Mikolajczyk, County Councilman Obie Patterson (D-Dist. 8), PTSA President Tonya Lawson, and County Superintendent Dr. William Hite Jr, all of whom attended and spoke at the groundbreaking.

Attendees at this event included many officials, the school mascot “Clippey”, parents, as well as a high turnout of students. Both the marching band and Stellar Award-winning choir performed in the ceremony.

One such student was Student Government Association President and senior Brianna Savage who was excited about the school although she herself will not personally “reap the benefits” since the new school is slated to open August 2014.

However, with all this excitement some students were sad to hear that the new school will only be built for 1,200 students while the current student enrollment is 1,600 students.

“In the case that size becomes a major issue, an extra wing may be added if given tangible capital by the state,” said Director of Capital Programs Carmen N. Jackson-Brown.

“The school is designed to grow either vertically, by adding classrooms to the ones at the end of a hallway, or by adding another wing to the school.” Jackson Brown said. “If such funds cannot be allocated students will be taken to adjacent schools such as Crossland, Friendly, and Potomac High School.”

However, certain sections of the school will be built to hold a larger capacity. These sections are additions to the standard classrooms that are within the building. These standard classrooms include forty-nine normal classrooms, two English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classrooms,and fourteen special education classrooms. All of these classrooms are built with new state-of-the-art equipment to help better enhance the educational experience, said Rupert McCave, a Capital Improvement Program Officer

The sections of the building that can hold a larger capacity of students include the cafeteria, auditorium, and the Media Center. All of which have a capacity to hold 7,200 students combined said David R. Whaples, the Design Architect of WMCRP Architects.

The building is expected to be finished by August 2013.

“I am not very confident that it’s gonna be finished in time.” said Maria Mendoza, sophomore.

“I am happy about it,” said Jessica Davis, sophomore. “My only fear is future generations after us will not properly take care of it.”

Visit the Capital Programs page at http://www1.pgcps.org/cip/ for periodic updates on the project as well as a live view once construction starts.

Staff Writer Vidal Adams III contributed to this report.

With over 10 fights, a noticeable increase in hallway traffic after the late bell and numerous instances of theft since the lockdown, the Oxon Hill administration has started random hall sweeps back up in an attempt to restore order.

“Administration must continue the hall sweeps for those that are insubordinate but with an added layer of consequences within the class enforced by security and administration,” said 12th grade aministrator Mrs. Jones-Smith.

“The previous ‘lock down,’ though it had vivid results, they were temporary because it was one sided.” Smith said.

To many students, this isn’t a surprise. In fact, a number of students predicted this would happen before the lockout even ended.

“There will always be some type of drama among individuals,” said junior Jorelle Casumbal. “It’s inevitable in high school.”

The upcoming holiday breaks may have something to do with the behavior of late.

“There are just certain points during the school year where the behavior of the student body is at its worst,” said senior AaRae Alexander. “We’re getting closer and closer to winter break so students start getting reckless and stop caring.”

“They haven’t put into place a proper system of consequences for negative behavior,” Senior Class President Terrence Odom said of the school administration.

The school morale has been on the decline since the end of Homecoming Week as well, students said.

“School isn’t a place students want to be.” said sophomore Jasmin Johnson. “It isn’t a fun atmosphere that makes you want to get involved and learn.”

Whether the finger is pointed at the students, administration, or a combination of the two, the issue still remains. The question is, how does the school restore order? That question has yet to be answered.
“I actually think that the actions of the students have an affect on the morale of the school.” Odom said “Who in their right mind would take pride in a school where they are in fear of getting their belongings stolen?”

The nightmare for students is arriving at  the end of the month with the release of report cards next week.

There are students with good grades, average grades, and unbelievable grades. Since progress reports show a student’s progress, report cards are the final grades that show students’ accomplishments from the first quarter.

For some students, progress reports aren’t a big  deal, but report cards are.

”Report cards are 50/50 sometimes – you like then and sometimes you don’t, but I think in a way to show my progress that i have made,” said junior DeAndre Niel.

There are teachers that are helping students bring their grades up with extra credit and projects as well.

Freshman, Isaiah Burroughs said,” Not all my teachers give me extra credit, sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t”.

Students can check their progress and their grades through  SchoolMax, which shows what grades students received on quizzes, classwork, homework and as well projects.

“But why do we need report cards when we have SchoolMax”, said freshman Grant Rice.

Happy days and sad days will come Nov. 10  when report cards are distributed to students from their English classes. Some students who gave it all their best gave all they could to make their grades look good not only for their parents, but themselves as well. ]]> http://www.ohhssearchlight.com/news/2011/11/02/report-card-time/feed/ 0 http://www.ohhssearchlight.com/news/2011/04/17/obesity-in-america/ http://www.ohhssearchlight.com/news/2011/04/17/obesity-in-america/#comments Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:24:11 +0000 Brittany http://www.ohhssearchlight.com/?p=1305 “It’s nothing wrong with obesity except the health risks (diabetes, heart attacks, etc). In my opinion obesity is contagious even though it’s not a disease.” explains DeAndre Turrentine

Obesity is the number one killer (besides smoking) in America. Each year, about 300,000 people die from being obese and being obese creates a greater chance for getting a heart attack.

“Food has become a drug and fast food restaurants haven’t helped at all. They make dollar menus with the unhealthiest food on them making it cheaper to get bigger.” explains Bryan Edwards

The eating habits of Americans have gotten way out of hand. America never stops moving, it is a very fast paced country. There are many reasons to say why Americans are so obese, but the main one is not stopping to check their health. Many people are in denial about where they stand regarding their health. When it comes to the human body it’s good to know what’s going on with it at all times.

“It’s an epidemic. It’s something people can control, but won’t because of their unhealthy food preferences and lack of diet and exercise.” continues Bryan Edwards

In other countries most of the citizens walk to most of their destinations. So when they eat they already have a plan to burn the calories off. In America we wake up, go to work, eat and then go to sleep. There is no time for exercising because the normal day is just so tiring in itself. But then you see people who seem to fit exercising in their busy schedule. Why can’t others do the same?

“I think sports or physical training should be more mandatory for students in school and college. This could be a big help on the issue.” explains Brianna Baker

Is obesity just because a person eats unhealthy or could it be something else? People have so much going on that health seems to be the last thing on their minds. They could be stressed from work or family.

“It starts with something else like depression, verbal or physical abuse, etc. The problem is people just think that obesity is caused by eating and eating, but it’s caused by something deeper.” continues Brianna Baker

Motivation is the keep to living a better and healthier life, whether it has to be your doctor telling you that you’re on the brink of death or your own self motivation. In most cases obesity is hereditary. Families are born into obesity so it’s not much that can do right then and there. Then there are others, over time that just let their selves go completely.

“Obesity is very sad because it stops someone’s from enjoying or engaging in fun activities such as basketball, skating, dancing, etc.” explains Jarez Slater

Motivation can come from shows such as Biggest Loser or just running a marathon for a cause. You may not be first, but it’s the fact that you’re running for your health. I’m running a marathon in a few weeks. Although I may not be obese it doesn’t hurt to still stay in shape for you and help motivate others to do the same.

Wayne Watts, AT&T’s general counsel, says that there is plenty of competition and they are just trying to compete. Companies merging is new to the wireless business: Verizon purchasing Alltel Sprint’s purchase of Nextel and of course AT&T’s purchase of Cingular wireless. AT&T has already begun the process of acquiring T-mobile’s merchandise. T-mobile towers are being retransmitted to support AT&T’s 4G bands which will give them a large amount of coverage area.

T-mobile has recently put out numerous add campaigns against AT&T’s flagship phone the iPhone4 these ads will now have to be redirected at Verizon’s version of the iPhone4.  For the past several years AT&T and T-mobile  have shared the same 2G bands and at times have shared customers but one thing that they haven’t shared was their to unique billing strategies.

T-mobile’s billing rates have gone down in the past five years as AT&T’s has risen. This is because AT&T no longer offers unlimited data and charges by usages which can add up quickly, and T-mobile offers a purchase of a phone to be divided into payments with your bill. This is where the two companies clash.

Like many mergers the larger company AT&T will lead this partnership meaning that T-mobile will have to adopt there terms and conditions this means that T-mobile phones purchased before the deal is finalized will not work on AT&T’s 3G signals after the changes are made no matter the type. But the transition process will take several years so it will not interfere with a two year contract. By that time, AT&T will be offering more new devices that will be running 3G and possibly 4G. Either way this merge is going to make sprint and Verizon step there game up and will ignite so healthy competition. Sprint and Verizon are currently lobbying against this merger calling it an “anti-competitive acquisition” they are both strongly urging government not to let the merger get approved. Sprint and Verizon both say that they have no plans on merging anytime soon. Whatever the outcome is, hopefully it will benefit the consumer. Once the merging is complete AT&T will cover ninety-five percent of America’s population.

The various clubs in OHHS such as the Italian, Spanish, French, and Latin Honor Society along
with the International Club, Filipino American Youth Association, and the Anime Club, prepared
performances and cuisines from the regions that they represent.

“As usual, the food was spectacular,” said senior Bridget Amponsah. ‘There were less food and
people compared to last year,” she added.

As much as the people enjoyed the food, the performances were kind of lacking this year. The
clubs planned several performances for the night which included a dance, song, and a fashion
show. However, the only the fashion show went through. The PTA also wanted to contribute by
providing professional flamenco dancers. However, that didn’t follow through as well.

“I love the diversity of the food, and that is one of the main reasons why I enjoy attending.”
Senior Monica Parker stated. “But the performances could have been a little more prepared. Over
all it was nice experience.”

With a night filled with food and some entertainment, what could go wrong? The International
Night showed that experiencing different cultures can be rewarding. Maybe some ended up with
upset stomachs but to most a rewarding experience.

Where did Cloud 9 get their name from? “At the audition when the judges asked for our group name, somebody yelled Cloud 9 and we just went with that.” said Cloud 9 member, Xavier Johnson.

Xavier Johnson is a typical senior ready for prom and graduation.  This is Johnson first and last year in Oxon Hill High School. “Attending Oxon Hill, I’ve notice that I’m more focus.” said Xavier Johnson. If you attend Oxon Hill High School, walking down the hallways if you were to see any of the Group members of Cloud 9 you would see them dancing.  Xavier Johnson has been dancing ever since he was six years old. He didn’t attend dance classes.

Cloud 9 will be performing at Oxon Hill High School Apollo Night.  The Apollo Night is March 17, 2011. Come and support Cloud 9 and the other acts that will be performing as well.

“What our company does is help schools and other non-profit organizations in an exciting and extraordinary way.”

EZSwipe integrates the technology in any organizations website which allows their donors to go on the website and donate money. When donating money there is an option to choose what school activity you want to give money to. Whatever money is donated goes straight to the school.

“It is out vision to do this all over the world!” exclaims Michael Manley.

Mr. Manley, has visited the West Coast, South Carolina, North Carolina, New York and of course Maryland. He plans to expand EZSwipe. Mr. Manley wants to help encourage groups of kids to stop the ‘peddling’ of items.

“The percentages that the school is left with, candy is 50% and pizza is 60% and 70%.”

Groups and organizations are being cheated because most of the money is going to the companies and not the school. So with EZSwipe money goes directly to the schools. Mr. Manley has teamed up with partners such as Bern Nadette from ‘Good Times’ and Earnest Thomas from ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. Not only have they joined up with this beneficial company they help get EZSwipe more publicity.

“I heard that a school near by you [Oxon Hill], a group of kids that raised $1,900 in 2 hours.” explains Ms. Nadette “With something like that we can go around to different schools and we can help raise funds for each organization they’re involved in.”

Ms. Nadette’s daughter was trying to sell candy around her neighborhood, but with these conditions it just isn’t safe anymore. So what she did was give her daughter $150 and she would just take the candy, but what she didn’t realize was that $75 went to the candy company.

“If I would have known that I would’ve never given her the money for the candy. I would’ve just given money to the school that only belongs to the school.”

By using the internet to donate money to the schools it is much safer. Kids don’t have to walk around for countless hours trying to sell candy that doesn’t even benefit the school in funds. With EZSwipe a group of kids gather around and call each person in their contacts to donate money to the school. It’s simple.