Last year was Fundamental Things Club’s first year at Urbana High School. The group’s goal was to give the fundamental things in life to people who might not have them otherwise, so they decided to raise money for Heifer International, a charity that sends animals to third world countries and teaches the people there to use them in a way that they can benefit the most from them. Fundamental Things sold t-shirts as a fundraiser, but many of their fundraising plans fell through.


This year, the group decided to start new with a smaller charity that they can work more closely with, called Kids Give. Senior Kirsten Slaughter, the club’s president, found out about Kids Give over the summer. 
“I believe that Kids Give is a great opportunity to start improving the world one child at a time. Education is such a valuable thing that everyone should be exposed to and have the opportunity cherish,” Slaughter said.

The organization began taking service trips to Sierra Leone in 2009, and their next trip is planned to take place in December 2011. S2S will be helping Kids Give award scholarships to students at St. Mary’s Secondary School in Kukuya, Kambia. This is the first and only high school in Kakuya. 


By joining SJC to raise money for Kids Give, S2S can get their name out there in a bigger sense. 
We are able to get the support of the school and really push to make a difference,” Slaughter said. “By working together we can bring the school together under one common cause of bringing social justice, not just to our school but to the world.”

To fundraise, S2S is going to have rake-a-thons on Sundays. 
The club meets every Wednesday in Foley’s room.
 “If you are interested in making a difference in the world then this is the place for you!” says Slaughter.

http://www.uhsecho.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/istock_6326911.jpg

http://www.uhsecho.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/istock_6326911.jpg

http://www.dimensionsguide.com/school-blackboard-dimensions/

As Urbana High School students returned to school on August 18 students had several concerns that were talked about throughout the building. This year’s discussions included stricter dress code enforcement, uneven classroom temperatures, and the building construction. One issue that was also discussed a lot was class sizes. Some teachers and students alike gave the impression that they thought the number of students per class had jump. However, school wide statistics give a much different impression.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Check out Meredith Headtke’s article on dress code and Dominique Style’s article on class room temperatures for more about these subjects.
In the 2009- 2010 school year, the average number of students per class at UHS was 13.8 according to the Illinois State Report Cards. The only school with a smaller average class size in the Big 12 was Bloomington, which had an average 13.6 students per class. The average class sizes for the other two twin city schools were much larger- with Central coming in at 22.1 and Centennial at 22.3.
“Teachers from other schools who now work here often talk about how where they came from their classes were much bigger – coming in at 32-38 depending on the subject area,” says UHS Principal Dr. Laura Taylor.
The average class size for the 2010- 2011 school year was slightly bigger at 17.9. “We are fairly certain it will still be among the lowest in the Big 12,” Taylor says.
A couple of years ago UHS had 1340 students and approximately the same number of teachers. Today, there are 1070 students. Just seven percent of classes have 30 or more students, the biggest class, excluding PE, having 32 students.
Some electives and the upper level classes have the most students, but UHS has many specialized elective courses that are fairly small.
Senior Ben Liebersohn says his classes this year are smaller than they have been before. “This year I have slightly more obscure electives and classes with many prerequisites,” he says, which causes the class sizes to be smaller. Liebersohn says his freshman year classes were “huge”, but he’s had less students per class consecutive year.
Many required courses also have a lower number of students than they used to. In 2004, PE classes often had 60 students. Today, most classes are usually in the 30’s, the largest classes having 45 students. This is an improvement that Taylor says is “much safer.”
American Government classes, another required course, have fewer students than they used to. Although the classes still have an average of 27.75 students per class, high for UHS, the numbers are lower than they were in past years when American government classes all had 30 or more students.
Teachers, by contract, can only have up to 165 students each semester (this excludes PE teachers.) At Urbana, the teachers with the most students have 150 per semester, but many have much less than that.
An area where the numbers of students have jumped is in the AP and college prep classes. AP Chemistry has 32 students this year and AP Biology has 27 students. Although 27 is not that big of a class, but is much larger than it has been in previous years.
“I have some very small classes but then some huge classes with 30 or more,” says Senior Kirsten Slaughter, who is enrolled in four AP courses. “From what I have heard many teachers are unhappy about the large class size. It is harder for them to teach with a large class in an environment that is controlled and engaging,” she says.
While not all teachers and students are too pleased with the sizes of their classes, the data shows that course sizes are generally not bigger than they have been in past years.
“I did look through our entire class count and while I do see some sections of classes that are at or just above 30, I don’t see any major differences from this year and last… At the high school level, having 30 in the class is really considered the norm in most schools like ours,” Taylor says.

http://crossways110.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/a-cause-we-believe-in-heifer-international/

Juniors Kirsten Slaughter, Mikhala Eveland and Elena Wentworth wanted to start a club to benefit people in poorer countries after learning about the conflict in Darfur in their AP Prep World Studies Social Studies class sophomore year. Fundamental Things Club is what sprouted from this idea.
This year Slaughter and Wentworth took charge of advancing the club which Social Studies teacher Mark Foley sponsors. Fundamental Things Club has been meeting once a week for lunch all year long to discuss world problems and the best ways to help.
“The Fundamental Things Club is dedicated to giving the fundamentals of life to as many people as possible,” Slaughter said. “We want to provide healthy nutrition, an income large enough for all kids to go to school, and a strong roof.”
Eventually, the group decided raising money for Heifer International, an organization that sends animals to people in poor areas and teaches them how to benefit from such animals, would be an effective way to help their cause. The group decided to work towards the goal of sending a “Milk Menagerie,” which includes a heifer, two goats and a water buffalo. A family who receives animals from the Milk Menagerie and training would be able to produce gallons of milk each day.
Fundamental Things Club came up with several fundraising ideas, like having a walkathon or benefit concert, but the idea that really stuck was to make t-shirts to sell. Junior Zelda Galewsky, a Fundamental Things Club member, designed the shirts. On the front the shirt reads “one love” and the back says “and one cow, one sheep, one goat, one heifer” to promote the club’s goals for fundraising for Heifer.
The group meets in Foley’s room each Wednesday at lunch. Shirts are for sale in Mark Foley’s room. Red shirts are $15 and white are $10. For more information about Heifer International visit heifer.org.
“Any student who wants to try to make a real impact on big problems like world hunger, poverty, or refugees should consider adding their energy to our group,” said Foley. “And sometimes we have free cookies. Which is a bonus.”

http://www.uscollegesearch.org/blog/category/college-admission

 said Math Teacher Davis Reif.

For the fashion industry, as well as many people around the world who take dressing as a serious hobby, four words come to mind each February- New York Fashion Week! New York Fashion Week always begins the fashion weeks, coming before London, Milan and Paris. This year New York Fashion Week was held from 10 through 17 of February. Here are the top five trends seen at this year’s fashion week:

Bright Red

Bright red will most likely be a very popular color trend for next fall and winter. Diane Von Furstenburg sent an entirely red look down the runway- from the boots, to the blouse, skirt, belt, clutch, bracelets, and lipstick.

Designers Jason Wu and Monique Lhuiller chose red for one and three evening gowns, respectively. The majority of both designers’ collections were black, white and beige apart from these cheery red frocks. Jason Wu sent out a flowing, floor-length strapless gown with gold detailing along the bust.

The first Monique Lhuiller dress was a knee-length, feathery material with a black bow that cinched the waist. The second gown was similar to the Jason Wu gown in its length and material, but stood out with it’s off the shoulder straps and textured seams. The third and final red gown at Monique Lhuiller was a full-length gown with a sleek top and ruffled bottom. These fiery gowns are good inspiration for prom dresses, and everyone can expect to see a lot of red in stores next fall.

Diane Von Furstenberg- http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2011-RTW/DIANE-VON-FURSTENBERG/DIANE-VON-FURSTENBERG#mode=base;slide=0;

Jason Wu- http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2011-RTW/JASON-WU/JASON-WU#mode=base;slide=0;

Monique Lhuiller- http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2011-RTW/MONIQUE-LHUILLIER/MONIQUE-LHUILLIER#mode=base;slide=0;

Graphic Prints

Bold prints took hold of New York Fashion Week. Geometric, colorful prints were especially prominent this year. Lela Rose showed a few main prints in a variety of forms- pants, skirts, dresses and tops. Preen went especially geometric, colorful polygons showed up on their sweaters, skirts and dresses. This trend is a fun one, but may be more difficult to find in stores than some other, more commercial trends.

Lela Rose- http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2011-RTW/LELA-ROSE/LELA-ROSE#mode=base;slide=0;

Preen- http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2011-RTW/PREEN/PREEN#mode=base;slide=0;

The maxi dress

The maxi dress first made its mark as a trend a few years ago for spring. Several big name designers are now showing for fall. BCBGMAXAZRIA showed a sheer, feathery printed maxi dress belted and layered over a white turtleneck. Charlotte Ronson put out a sheer, tribal print maxi print dress shown under a bulky sweater. Both looks put a fresh spin on the maxi dress, making it new and hip for fall. Although it may not be the most practical trend for high school, it’s clear that maxi dresses are here to stay among the high fashion set.

Charlotte Ronson- http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2011-RTW/CHARLOTTE-RONSON/CHARLOTTE-RONSON#mode=base;slide=7;

BCBGMAXAZRIA- http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2011-RTW/BCBG-MAX-AZRIA/BCBG-MAX-AZRIA#mode=base;slide=0;

Vintage inspired suits

Seventies inspiration was big for spring this year, and it seems it’s here to stay for next fall. Many wide-leg suits were shown on this year’s runways, from DKNY to Marc By Marc Jacobs. Neutral colored suits, such as tan at DKNY and grey at Marc By Marc Jacobs, paired with bright colors are big for next season. Although suits aren’t usually practical for high school students, they may be a good option for people with internships or jobs that require more formal attire.

DKNY- http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2011-RTW/DKNY/DKNY#mode=base;slide=0;

Marc by Marc Jacobs- http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2011-RTW/MARC-BY-MARC-JACOBS/MARC-BY-MARC-JACOBS#mode=base;slide=0;

Plaid

Plaid is pretty much a timeless print for fall, so it came as little surprise that this year’s runways were full of plaid. What’s interesting about this year’s plaid prints is that they are not restricted to miniskirts and jackets. This year at Derek Lam and Rag and Bone matching plaid skirts and pants were worn together. This is a trend that I’m personally not sure about, but the prints on pants or skirts alone is a simple, easy to wear trend.

Rag and bone- http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2011-RTW/RAG-BONE/RAG-BONE#mode=base;slide=0;

Derek Lam- http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2011-RTW/DEREK-LAM/DEREK-LAM#mode=base;slide=0;

http://blogs.mspmag.com/styleparlor/images/Boots.jpg

Fur
One of the top boot trends this season, as seen on the Fall RTW runways of Chanel and D&G, is fur. Not only is it in style for this season, but wearing fur boots is a great way to keep warm. If you’re trying out this trend this season beware of long, stringy fur that comes off as being tacky.

Knit
Another boot trend seen at D&G on the Fall RTW 2010 runways was knit. The tall knit slipper boots are especially popular around the hallways of Urbana High School. This casual trend looks good with jeans or leggings and comfy sweaters.

Over the Knee
This trend is a difficult one to pull off. To keep them modest and flattering, its best to pair knee high boots with simple items that keep the boots the main focus of the outfit. Another tip is not to pair them with miniskirts. Also avoid going too much above the knee, like thigh high. This style was seen at Burberry Prorsum and Christian Dior for Fall 2010 RTW.

Booties
This style has a wide range of options, from more casual styles to high-heeled dressier options. Usually, booties hit your ankle or slightly above it. To keep it flattering, avoid wearing flat booties with skirts, because it often makes your legs looks shorter then they are. This style was seen at Bottega Veneta for Fall RTW 2010.

Lace Up
Laced up boot styles appeared on the runways of Jill Stuart. There are two popular styles of laced up boots: laced up in the front and laced up at the sides. Both looks are versatile and cute, varying in boots that are high heeled, booties, over the knee, or flat. Avoid getting boots that are very tall and lace all the way up, because they take a long time to lace up and may come off as tacky.

Shearling
Shearling boots are a very popular new trend. We saw many shearling booties around UHS, as well as in stores this winter. They are a great trend because they have a cool, laid back vibe and will keep you warm.

Suede
This fabric has been especially popular in boots in recent season. Suede boots are available in many different colors, as well as a variety of diverse lengths and styles. We’ve seen navy blue, grey, black, white, and even purple just at UHS. Be careful not to get this fabric wet, though, because it will stain them. Suede boots were seen on Erin Fetherston’s Fall 2010 RTW runway in 70’s inspired looks.

Fringe
Fringe boots have been ever-present in stores and on runways for several years, which makes it clear that fringe boots are a very popular style for 2010 and 2011. Flat moccasins and fringe booties are styles that are commonly seen. This trend is available in countless colors and styles, which makes the boots easy to pair with almost any outfit.

http://www.autospectator.com/cars/files/images/2008-Ford-Focus-50.jpg

Going to the DMV to get your driver’s license is a special moment that many teens look forward to for years. For nine long months you’ve been able to drive, but only with a parent. Your new license signifies more than driving- it gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want (provided you have a car and insurance, that is). Even if you’re only driving to school or work, there is still a new feeling of control and freedom unlike anything else.
However exciting this prospect is, however, many teens may forget an important part that comes with driving- responsibility. Here are a few important statistics that teens should know as well as UHS students reactions to getting their license a being a safe drivers
Here are 10 facts about teenage driving that I bet you didn’t know:
1) One in six teens deaths was caused by a motor vehicle accident.
2) In 2006, one teen died every hour on weekends.
3) Twenty-five percent of all teen drivers killed have a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher.
4) Fifty-eight percent of fatalities didn’t buckle up.
5) Eight teens die every day in DUI crashes.
6) Males are twice as likely as females to die or become injured in a car crash.
7) One out of every five licensed 16-year-old drivers will be in a vehicle crash.
For 16- and 17-year-olds, carrying just one passenger increases the crash risk by about fifty percent.
9) Talking on a cell phone can double the likelihood of an accident and can slow a young driver’s reaction time to that of a 70-year-old.
10) Wearing lap/shoulder belts can reduce the risk of dying in a crash by fourty-five percent.
To sign a teen drivers pledge go to http://www.teensafedriverpledge.com/pledge
Sources :
-http://www.teensafedriver.com/facts/default.asp
-http://www2.courtinfo.ca.gov/stopteendui/teens/facts/teen-driving-crash-and-fatality-stats.cfm
-www.driverzed.org/zedalert/FactSheet_Teen_Driving_Stats.pdf
UHS Responds
How did you feel when you got your license?
“I don’t have my license yet, but I’m getting it in like a week, I’m really excited,” said Junior Loujain Fouly.
“It was exhilarating to drive freely,” said Junior Tessa Turner.
“ It’s not like a big deal, It just like learning to ride a bike it’s great at first then it gets terrible,” said Senior Jake Corley.
“Amazing, I felt like I had more freedom,” said Senior Jen Hart.
“Besides it being on a Monday before school, I felt personally good considering that I already had a car and had to drive places,” said Senior David Conover.
How are you a safe driver?
“I try and drive slow during the day,” said Junior Chris Fontaine.
“I wear my seatbelt!” said Junior Tiffany Walthour.
“I always make complete stops at stop signs,” said Junior Lexi Johnson.
“ I drive well, I don’t do stupid things,” said Senior Drew Martin.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Oi9vKnY5Pdk/TJ4WY6yL8GI/AAAAAAAAAk8/42eg9GgXJPU/s1600/camel+coat+collage+2.jpg

When the temperatures drop and the holiday decorations start to go up, you know its time for the winter coats to come out. Winter coat shopping can be difficult, seeing as there are many unattractive and unflattering styles. Here are four top styles with choices for under $50 and under $100in order to fit a range of budgets.

CAMEL
Camel is arguably the hottest high-fashion style to hit stores this season. Coats in the tan material were seen on the Fall ready-to-wear runways of big names such as 3.1 Philip Lim, Charlotte Ronson, Chloé, DKNY, and Hermès. Camel coats with toggle details are especially in this season, one look at Hermés.
Wool blend funnel neck coat, $89.99
Gap.com
Faux Camel Hair Coat, $37.80
Forever21.com
SHERLING
Sherling coats are another style seen on many high fashion runways, as well. This would be a great style to choose for Illinois winters since it is also very warm. Examples of this style were shown at 3.1 Philip Lim and Burberry Prorsum.
Vila Faux Shearling Jacket, $72.41
Asos.com
Fleece Trim Moto Jacket, $34.80
Forever21.com
FUR TRIMMED
I must admit, personally fur coats and fur collars, even if faux, are not my forte. Alas, fur was big on the Fall 2010 RTW runways, namingly Marc Jacobs and Chanel. What’s important to keep in mind when it comes to fur, is that it’s there’s a fine line to walk between tacky and classy. To do this, its best to keep the fur in minute amounts (say, trim) and to keep the fur from looking too synthetic.
Women’s Wool-Blend Trench Coat, $84.50
Oldnavy.com
Ecote Shawl Collar Surplus Jacket, $49.00
Urbanoutfitters.com
PLAID
Plaid has been a trend in coat for the past couple years. Its classic and easy to wear if done right. The trend was seen on the runways of Marc by Marc Jacobs and Tommy Hilfiger. The preppy trend can be done in many styles, as well, so it can suit several different styles.
Converse® One Star® Womens Warren Plaid Jacket – Grey, $59.99
Target.com
Plaid Woven Coat, $39.80
Forever21.com

http://www.uhs1980.com/images/UHS_drawing.jpg

The nineteenth annual Academic Monogram Awards Ceremony will be held on October 25 at 7:00 p.m. Students are invited based upon their academic achievements within the 2009-2010 school year. The event will commemorate those students, as well as the teachers that have made their success possible.
The Academic Monogram program includes students receiving their monogram letter, recognition of the top five students in each class, student speeches and a keynote speaker. Three students from each class are permitted to speak about a staff member that has helped them to gain academic excellence. Every student invited is also urged to invite a teacher they would like to recognize. The keynote speaker for this year’s event is the Community Connections Coordinator at Urbana Middle School, Barbara Linder.
At last year’s ceremony the top five students received a book, as well. Junior Taskin Sehitoglu was one of these students. “The book I got last year from Dr. Taylor I read over the summer and really enjoyed,” he says.
Justin Lopez organizes Academic Monogram. He says the event is an important one for students. “It is an opportunity to thank these individuals, a chance for the school to recognize student success, and a way for students to acknowledge and support the achievements of their peers,” says Lopez.
Lopez is not the only one who supports the event. Last year, D’mario Turner attended Academic Monogram the first year he was eligible, as a sophomore, and will be attending this year’s ceremony as a junior. Turner says “it’s a night to commemorate the students that achieved academic excellence in the previous year.”

http://c.complex.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/kid-cudi-lead.jpg

Last year Jay-Z performed at the Assembly Hall. The next day, Urbana High School’s hallways buzzed with talk ranging from Jay-Z’s shout out to a UHS student to Beyoncé partying at Canopy Club. It seemed the act could not be topped, but the Assembly Hall has produced another great series of concerts this fall. Kid Cudi, Passion Pit and Bob Dylan are set to perform this October. A country act, Jason Aldean will also perform as part of the Open Wide 2010 Tour.
Kid Cudi was the first of the acts to perform at Assembly Hall. His performance was on Tuesday, October 5, he will be followed by Passion Pit, Jason Aldean, and Bob Dylan performing on three consecutive days- Tuesday, October 20; Wednesday, October 21; and Thursday, October 22 respectively.
Bob Dylan is an American singer- songwriter and musician whose most popular work began in the 1960’s. He has been on his aptly named “Never Ending Tour” since the 1980’s.
Country singer Jason Aldean has had several Billboard country singles including “Big Green Tractor.” He will be performing with Luke Bryan and Thompson Square.
Passion Pit is an electro pop band originally from Cambridge, Massachusetts. Their 2009 album “Manners” had several single that were successful on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, including “The Reeling” and “Little Secrets.” They are playing at Assembly Hall as part of the Campus Consciousness Tour, which is a two week long tour of college towns that is meant to put a focus on eco-friendly living. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears and K.Flay are guest performers for the tour.
Singer and rapper Kid Cudi first gained popularity after the release of his 2008 mixtape “A Kid Named Cudi.” He has been nominated for three Grammy Awards and five BET Hip Hop Awards. His single “Day ‘n’ Nite” went to top five on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 2009. Jay Electronica opened for Cudi at Assembly Hall. Many UHS students attended the concert. One of them was Sophomore Mary Donahue. “It was awesome that Kid Cudi came to the Assembly Hall,” she said. “I thought the concert was great and he performed really well, but it was too short.”
For ticket information for any of the above concerts visit http://www.uofiassemblyhall.com/. Tickets are currently available for all of the concerts that have yet to take place.