Could Santa be Bringing Snow Already?

The clouds and wind may not go away anytime soon. So get used to them. And maybe, just maybe a bit of snow is coming our way.

Eric Horst, meterologist at Millersville University doesn’t predict a big storm any time soon. He thinks any precipitation this week will be a “mixed bag.”

That means a little rain, a little sleet and maybe a few snowflakes.

“The winds that we have been having, come from Canada due to the jet stream,” said Horst.  “Though we have had flurries, that may be it.  There will be a mixed storm trend but no threat of real snow (storm) like last year.”

And if you think it’s too cold for the beginning of December, you are right.

Wind and cold temperatures are making December feel like January.

“The temperature that we’ve been enduring is ten degrees below average for this time of year,” said Horst.   “The average is 45 degrees for this time of year and even though it’s this cold, we aren’t getting snow.”

The winds coming from Canada may bring about a foot of snow to mountainous regions, according to weather predictors. But for Lancaster County, we won’t be getting any real snowfall anytime soon.

Thursday skies are predicted to clear and the wind will lessen.  Clouds should begin to gather as a weak disturbance passes over the Northeast part of the state during the weekend.

“Sunday there may be some mixed precipitation and that trend will follow us all winter,” said Horst.

By Kim

Penn Manor’s Weight Lifting Team Looking for New Recruits

Notice the headline says “weight lifting,” the funny thing is many people don’t even understand what weight lifting is. Even when they think they do.

“Just going in the weight room and pumpin’ iron,” said Tanner Kennedy.

“Picking up some dumbbells in the weight room and starting to work out those biceps,” said Mark Curtin.

In reality, weight lifting involves only two lifts performed by the lifter. The first is called a “snatch” and the second is called a “clean and jerk.” Both of these lifts are performed at competitions where the best lifter in an age group and weight class take first place.

The team is on the lookout for athletes willing to try this challenging sport.

The weight lifting team now consists of two boys and three girls.

“We are always open to new lifters who are young and ambitious,” says Zajac.

The team has been around for many years. Russ McDonnell was the coach for multiple years. Currently, coaching the school’s weight lifting team is Jon Zajac. He is Penn Manor’s strength coach and now is coaching both a weight lifting and power lifting team for the school.

Several years ago, both the power lifting and weight lifting team were combined with Solanco because the sport was not very popular as it was and both schools had very few athletes involved in it.

The weight room where the team practices

Power lifting is much different from weight lifting. Power lifting if what most athletes do when they open the weight room doors and start “pumping iron.” Power lifting incorporates three lifts: Dead lift, bench press, and squat.

The power lifting team isn’t really present anymore due to most of the lifters graduating and some becoming injured. But the weight lifting team is very much alive and looking for new talent.

Jon’s current goal is to get someone on the team to qualify for a national meet.

The team doesn’t go to many competitions anymore because they are very young and Zajac doesn’t have much time to take lifters.

“The team is very good and has always been good. We plan to keep improving,” says Zajac.

The weight lifting team normally lifts on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

By Dillon Walker

Gas Could be Gone 100 Years Before We Have a Solution

Gas could soon be gone so the demand is higher, as are the prices. Photo courtesy of http://www.blog.newsok.com/

Imagine no way to get to school, how are you gonna mow your lawn? And imagine a cold winter night with no heat.

Picture a world without gasoline, and a 100 year gap in between no gas and the solution for it.

That’s what the world is looking at in the year 2041, about 30 years from now.

Recently researchers from the University of California at Davis did research on current share prices of oil and alternative energy companies. Their goal was to predict when replacement fuels will be ready to replace the ever quickly disappearing oil.

Based on what the researchers found, their was no good news to tell.

If in 2008 the world use of oil reserves was 1.332 trillion barrels per year, oil could be depleted by 2041, says the study published online by Environmental Science and Technology.

Through research, UC- Davis researchers found that the depleted oil solution wont be solved until the middle of the next century. The researchers looked over the share prices of nearly 25 oil companies world wide.

Along with filling up our tanks, oil is also used to remove tar, and start fires, while Polybrominated Biphenyls could be used as a fire retarder.

Student’s at Penn Manor had different opinions on the matter.

“I find it highly unlikely,” Said Kevin Kann. Like many others he seems to think that saying we’ll run out of gas is just a trend.

“When I was your age in high school, I was told gas would run out in 2000, that was back in the sixties. Highly unlikely,” said James Yearsley. “We’re smart enough to find a solution. The Germans had a solution called synthetic gas during the World War (WWII), they weren’t smarter than us.”

Although the University of California thinks we won’t have a solution for a decade, Senior Jaquan Presbery thinks otherwise. “By the time we run out of gas we will have hoover cars, so it doesn’t matter.”

By Brian Dunne

Still Missing, Still Searching-The Story of Toni Sharpless

Written by Sarah Garner

Over a year has gone by and she has yet to reappear.

In a case that is still being investigated, Toni Lee Sharpless, a 29-year-old nurse at Lancaster General, vanished.

A television drama recounting the disappearance of this local resident is planned for February.

The last time anyone saw her was last August in Lower Marion when her and a friend went to a club and then to a party at Willie Green’s home, a former Philadelphia 76ers basketball player.

Sharpless left the party after making an unpleasant remark to Green and drove away with her friend who she later kicked out of the car for being upset about what had happened.

Green was later cleared by police of any involvement.

“I search for her on a daily basis,” said Eileen Law, in a recent interview in Lancaster newspapers.

Law is the private detective that took her case. “I do absolutely believe she’s alive,” said Law.

About a month after she disappeared, a camera on a parked police car in Camden, New Jersey spotted a car with Sharpless’ license plate. Investigators on her case was not notified until days later.

They then sent Camden police and New Jersey State Police to the area where her plate was spotted and did a scope out of the entire area.

“They did a lot of work, going through neighborhoods, in hopes of finding it (the car) or finding it abandoned,” said Lt. Frank Higgins of Lower Marion Police Department. “Cars don’t usually disappear entirely. At some point in the future they turn up, whether it’s a junkyard or somewhere else.”

Not too long after their search, a non-profit organization for search and recoveries used sonar to scan the Schuylkill River to see if she accidentally drove into it, but were disappointed when nothing showed.

“We fear the worst because of the amount of time that has gone by, and, as a mom devoted to her daughter, it wouldn’t make sense for her to abandon her family,” said Higgins.

Law seems to think that Sharpless was spotted somewhere since she disappeared. She claims to have received 50 reports of people who say they saw her, and they all say they either saw her in Camden, Philadelphia or Lancaster.

Those who say they saw her say that she was with two men, one of which was a thin Hispanic man with a goatee and a large African-American with a build like a football player.

Law stated that she believes Sharpless is still alive but somewhere in another state and that drugs may play a part in her disappearance.

“I think Toni is a phenomenal person who has overcome a lot of things,” said Law. “She loves her daughter more than life itself.”

“But I sense that Toni thinks her daughter is better off now. I believe Toni feels she’s broken,” Law said.

“I don’t think she broken at all,” said Law. “I can’t wait for the day I meet her.”

Law has visited the areas where people think they have spotted her to hang posters and talk to the people.

She has also looked into all reports coming in about bodies that are found to see is they could be Sharpless.

“People want to know and we can’t give then any kind of closure,” said Higgins.

Law is determined to eventually give her family the news that they want, finding her.

“I will never give up,” said Law.

Penn Manor School Board Breakfasts at the High School

A milestone for Penn Manor staff and board members alike was marked with coffee and muffins Friday morning in the high school library.

It was the first time all of the school board members and staff had an official meet-and-greet and the outcome was reportedly positive.

“This is the first year we’ve had a meet-and-greet,” said district superintendent Dr. Michael Leichliter. “Last month was the first meet-and-greet with the Marticville staff. Next month’s in Conestoga.  It’s important for teachers and the school board to have an open and close relationship.”

Many teachers arrived early to get into the library for a quick bite and to shoot the breeze with school board members.

The newest school board member, Amber Green, who is filling a vacant position, was grateful for the chance to meet staff members as part of her responsibility to the board.

“It’s a very wonderful school board and there’s lots to learn, said Green, “I thought there would be drama, but there isn’t really. We work together to solve problems and they usually get resolved at the end of the meeting.

Teachers grab a quick bite during the Me
Teachers grab a quick bite during the high school's meet-and-greet Photo by Sarah Schaeffer

“There isn’t any cloak-and-dagger drama, like you see on TV,” added Green. “Everyone on the school board is really mellow.”

Green said she felt it was important for the school board to meet with the teachers and have a meeting that gave them some face time.

“Instead of just knowing their names,” said Green.

School board president Dr. Richard Frerichs said this was an opportune time to have a meeting with teachers and staff at various schools in the district.

Dr. Rich Frerichs addresses the board and faculty Friday morning. Photo by Sarah Schaeffer

“Now we have a governor that vowed to put money into public schools and we need partnerships with school board and teachers in order to make the best of things,” Frerichs said.

Staff members agreed.

“It’s helpful for a lot of teachers to gather,” said Teri Hay, an art teacher in the high school.

“There’s a lot of e-mail communication and open communication with Dr. Leichliter, Mr. Gale,” said Hay.  “I don’t have the e-mail addresses of the board members but if I needed them, I know I’d be able to get in contact.”

“Because of how big the building is, it brings all the different departments together,” said Krista Cox, an administrator in her second year of being part of the staff at Penn Manor.

By Ben Embry and Sarah Schaeffer

It’s Time to Start Calling Cheerleading a Sport

Dancing.

Stunting.

Working out.

What exactly is a real sport? Cheerleading definitely has all the qualities of a sport such as strength, agility, endurance, teamwork and competition. Many say that cheerleading is nothing but a distraction to real players. Others say that cheerleaders have what it takes to be real athletes.

Cheerleading does meet the dictionary definition of a sport. Going behind the miniskirts and the glittery makeup, you will see a very strong athlete who has confidence, courage and a high spirit.

Cheerleading is a sport, I can prove it.

Cheer practice will usually last around two hours every day, depending on the school. Practices include exercising and stretching, developing a dance routine, tumbling and of course cheering. The length and intensity of the practice is comparable to many varsity sports practices.

Cheerleaders at competition and cheerleaders at football games are very different. Sideline cheerleading at a high school football game? Not a sport. Professional cheerleaders at NFL and NBA games? Not a sport. Competitive cheerleading with tumbling, stunting, and dance that requires stamina, strength and endurance? A sport. The miniskirts and pompoms are just uniforms.

At competitions, cheerleaders show off everything they have learned while representing the school they attend. It’s just like every other athletic sport, giving 100 percent effort, and showing what they are made of.

Competitive cheerleading can be seen on the sports programming network (ESPN).

The skills involved in cheerleading leave no doubt that cheerleaders are exceptional athletes. To perform their activities, they must be as strong as any football player, as poised as any dancer and as flexible as the best gymnasts. They are athletes by every definition of the word.

Cheerleading is definitely a real sport.

By Mary Treier

Friday Reading Editorial

Penn Manor’s “Friday Reading” is a great way to get students interested in reading.

Yes it is, in a way, forcing them to read, but many students find themselves attached to their book, newspaper, or magazine when those fifteen minutes are over.

“Friday Reading time is great, it makes your classes go faster and I like the book I’ve been reading, so that time set aside is awesome.

Especially when your teacher goes over fifteen minutes and lets the class read longer,” said sophomore student, Jaime Reel.

It may be taking time out of learning in the classroom, but it allows students to teach themselves, in a way. They are able to use their imagination and explore their minds in different ways, rather than being forced to read something that they could care less about.

I like to read, and that's why I support Friday reading.

Not just Penn Manor sets aside reading time, but schools all over the world believe that setting aside time for students to read their own material, will increase their knowledge in vocabulary and comprehension in general, according to iteslj.org.

Although called “Friday Reading” at Penn Manor, in many other schools, this time set aside is referred to as “DEAR” (drop everything and read), “SQUIRT” (silent, quiet, uninterrupted individualized reading time), “USSR” (uninterrupted sustained silent reading) or “SSR” (sustained silent reading). No matter the title used, they all have the same basic principles.

Studies indicate that students who engage in SSR improve in both reading achievement and attitude toward reading, according to readingonline.org.

These programs for reading can only benefit students. There are no cons in allowing students to read material of their choice for a few minutes out of a school day.

By Jenna Reel

Penn Manor’s One Day Only Sale

It’s time to deck the halls and satisfy that sweet tooth, without dishing out your savings account.

Students in the Life Skills class at Penn Manor are having a Christmas Bazaar Dec. 2 at the IU13 building off New Holland Pike. The bazaar will run from 9am-1pm.

The Life Skills class having a discussion. Photo by Gabby Bauman

The unique part? The crafts and snacks that will be sold are homemade by the students.

Amy Reis, a teacher assisting with the event organization, said, “90 percent (of the snacks and crafts) are made by us.”

Candy kabobs, cocoa cones, brownies, rice Krispie treats, magnets, ornaments, holiday pins, garlands, homemade scarves, homemade dish cloths, and much more! This bazaar has it all.

But first, lets take a step back.

“This event is bi-annual and has been around for years, before I even started teaching,”said Melissa McMichael, another teacher involved.

And unlike other fundraisers, this one has no monetary goal.
“We don’t set a monetary goal. The purpose is to give kids a chance to work with people, socializing,” Reis said.

The students made cocoa cones and needed to learn how to run a business. Photo Courtesy of Gabby Bauman

Combining the skills such as math, communication, and entrepreneurship, the Life Skills kids are able to have a fun-day that is beneficial to their

education and allows them to experience how the real world operates.

“The kids would say the best part is a day out of school,” said Reis.

But whether it’s a day out of school or chance to fund raise, the bazaar represents all the hard work students have put forth.

What a way to represent a true meaning of Christmas, where money doesn’t matter.

By Christa Charles

Penn Manor Senior Wins National Science Prize

Ben Clark is now $100,000 richer in scholarship awards after winning a national prize over the weekend for his work in the field of astrophysics.

Clark, a Penn Manor senior, won for his project The Close Binary Fraction: A Bayesian Analysis of SDSS M Dwarf Spectra, in a national competition held by the Siemens Foundation, which encourages research and development in science, math and technology.

“This incredible young scientists has quantified the fraction of low mass stars with close companions, a major piece of work and a significant step in our understanding of star formation,” said competition judge Marla Geha, an Assistant Professor of Astronomy and Physics, Yale University in an interview with PR Newswire.

The national Siemens Competition was held in Washington D.C. Dec. 2 to 6.   It is a competition for some of America’s top young scientists and is aimed at inspiring innovation.

“Determining the fractions of stars that, unlike our own Sun, have a companion star is important to understanding how stars form,” said Geha about Clark’s winning entry. (This work) has implications for the number of planetary systems in the Milky Way.”

Ben Clark studied star formation with the help of a astrophysics mentor from Princeton. Photo by Liz Lawrence

Clark started off in his region with 1300 other competitors. Half of the competitors took part in the competition individually, while the other half worked in teams. Clark was an individual competitor. He beat the competition in the regional event, eventually claiming first place overall.

Clark, has a astrophysics mentor from Princeton University.  He described his project before the regional competition.

“I was looking for binary stars and I used a very large, low-quality data set, but through my analysis I was able to get useful results,” said Clark about the data he used in his research.

“These students inspire us all with their passion and commitment to serious scientific research,” said Thomas McCausland, Chairman of the Siemens Foundation, in a press release. “As America focuses on reinvigorating math and science education, they remind us of what is possible when young people are challenged to do science at the highest level.”

To see more of Ben Clark at the competition, go to this website:

http://inr.synapticdigital.com/siemens/Competition-2010/

By Brian Dunne

Penn Manor Adopts New Annual Tradition

This Thanksgiving the Penn Manor community wasn’t just stuffing their own mouths with turkey and pumpkin pie.

Penn Manor’s Student Council participated in a food drive organized by the YMCA of Lampeter-Strasburg.

Families were given food to prepare for Thanksgiving. Photo Courtesy of 2.bp.blogspot.com
Benefitting from this event were families right here in southern Lancaster County, including the Penn Manor, Lampeter-Strasburg, and Solanco school districts.

A social psychology teacher at Penn Manor, Maria Vita, was helpful in the organization and planning of the event.

Vita shared responsibility with Richard Brenton, a history teacher, in overseeing the Student Council club.

“Thanks to the wonderful staff, donated money helped feed over 100 families in the school district,” said Vita.

Through a $5 donation, teachers and staff were able to participate in “Dress Down Friday” where they wore jeans and T’s instead of dresses and ties.

“We were not sure how much we would raise, considering dress down is a teacher/staff choice, but we were pleasantly surprised with $753,” explained Vita.  “One teacher-aide donated $100 to the cause!”

Student Council members help pack boxes for the YMCA Food Drive. Photo Courtesy of Maria Vita

But the benefit was much more than a work day for Penn Manor personnel, there was work to be completed.

Packaging day had finally arrived.

The student’s got right down to it on Nov. 21 at the YMCA, putting together meals and decorating the boxes the meals would be delivered in.

The number of boxes reached 450, 150 boxes more than was packed by the YMCA last Thanksgiving!

Through raising funds in the form of direct money donations, vouchers, and food collections, the event proved to be very successful.

A new annual event is sure to continue.

By Christa Charles