Penn Points Online

Penn Manor Aims for Repeat at Rocket Nationals

By Simon Zimmerman –

Penn Manor rocketeers strive to repeat.

On May 14th Penn Manor Rocket club will send six different rocket teams to Manassas, Virginia to compete in the Team America Rocketry Challenge, otherwise known as Rocket Nationals.

The team claimed the title last year and looks to retain it once again this year.

Since February, the 25 students of Penn Manor High School and Marticville Middle School have been launching their rockets at Manor middle to try and reach the exact height and the amount of time they have been putting so much effort in for.

5095292926_4dd2b1cf52 — President Obama shakes hands with Osmolinski. Photo courtesy of www.aia-aerospace.org

“I can certainly testify to the commitment and hard work these kids have put forth on the weekends at Manor Middle,” said Brian Osmolinski, adviser of the Rocket Club.

This year the Rocket Club will have a high of six teams going to compete at Nationals. This is new to the club and has never been tried before.

The six teams consist of:

Team 1: Alex Cauler, Mark Raymond, David Herr, and Jonathan Martin.
Team 2: Maggie McClintock, Jesse Burkholder, Eric Keefer, Jake Schick, and Ian Tahmasbi.
Team 3: Andrew Lobos, Cate Shipley, Gabbie Bauman, and Chris Cuascut.
Team 4: Lars Anderson, Peter Ashworth, Haley Blazer, and Alec O’Rourke.
Team 5: Zach Kauffman, Brendan Woods, and Eric McMahan.
Team 6: Jesse Stoner, Tom Sowers, Wyatt Shiffler, Curtis Herr, and Shawn Stone.

With all of these different teams to judge for Penn Manor, the likeliness of winning nationals once more is much higher.

These higher odds go along with the high expectations.

Tomorrow, the Penn Manor students who are competing in this contest, will travel to Manassas and try and meet those expectations.

How will Newt Change the GOP – and who is he anyway?

By Vaughn Stetler and Ryan Krause –

Newt Gingrich, former leader of the House Representatives, announced Monday he is running for president. He announced it on Twitter and the reason he may have done it this way was to connect to a younger generation.

Many students at Penn Manor, even the politically astute, don’t even know who Newt Gingerich is.

According to MSNBC, In 1994 Gingrich led Republicans to their first majority in the House in four decades and then served four years as House speaker.

In an interview with Fox news on Wednesday Gingrich said, “This is not about one person in the Oval Office. This is about millions of Americans deciding that together we can win the future with the right policies leading to the right outcomes. And then we have to … win the argument that President Obama has the wrong policies, and they lead to the wrong outcomes.”

Newt Gingrich. Image by blogs.orlandosentinel.com.

In the interview, he went on to say that Republicans need to aim even higher and try to add 12 seats in the Senate and about 40 in the House.

Gingrich also said that his first executive order would be to eliminate Obama’s so-called policy “czars,” but his greater goal would be to balance the budget over several years by growing the economy. He did not explain how he planned on making the economy grow.

Fox News said, “Gingrich brings considerable name recognition to the Republican field, a quality candidates, like former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, have been working furiously to attain.”

However many students and local community members were at a loss at the mention of his name.

Trevor Troup, a senior at Penn Manor, who said he was a Republican, noted, “I have never heard of him.” He was referring to Newt Gingrich.

Tyler Beckley a Penn Manor senior who didn’t affiliate himself with a particular political party said, said, “I have heard of the name but did not know that he was running for president.”

Cody Welch, a senior at Penn Manor, said that he was a Democrat and that he didn’t know Newt Gingrich was running for President.

Nicholas Crowther, a tech teacher at Penn Manor said, “Social media is not really good for a teacher to use.” He noted that Gingerich’s use of Twitter wouldn’t reach older audiences.

Crowther went on to say, “Newer tools will help a younger generation to recognize Newt better.”

Scott Hertzog who is an English teacher at Penn Manor said, “Twitter is good to use for a presidential candidate because you get information out faster than if you were to use television or a newspaper.”

“Obama used social media as well,” Hertzog recalled.

Read the rest of the interview, and watch the video at http://www.foxnews.com/.

Check Mate! No Way?

By Corbin Gillichbauer –

Students at Penn Manor attend Chess Club not only to play the game but to have fun and take a break from school for a short period of time. Chess can be played by anyone, good or bad, it is just how you “play the game” that determines your fate.

Zach Miller a senior at Penn Manor high school said, “It works my brain, plus I can come up with some cheesy pun lines. Like I will pawn you in chess…oh yea that’s a good one.”

Some students think that chess club should be a respectful situation and players should not scream across the room to ask how was your weekend or what did you do with this move.

Thinking of the next move. Photo by Corbin Gillichbauer

Brendan Carroll a senior at Penn Manor high school says, “It’s always the underclassmen that are annoying, it not because I know them, it is just that they come in groups and know how to be pungent and make my ears bleed, hypothetically.”

Chess club is a way to help students pick up a new game or to help students get better at chess and think outside the box just a little bit further to predict the next move.

Logan White, a junior on the chess team says, “There are some basic things you need to know when playing chess. First is don’t be stupid. Second is control the center of the board and third don’t call the knight a horsey.”

Chess club does not just exist to play and get better, but to have fun and play against your friends. You may want to try stiffer competition and play against Penn Manor’s chess team. Penn Manor chess team plays other schools in the district.

The Chess team has a record of 2-5-1 and are fifth in the league.

White said when playing Carroll, “He forgets everything I teach him, he listens for one second then he makes a bad mistake.”

Carroll retaliated and said, “I’m here because this isn’t homeroom, I am having fun, I don’t care if I lose.”

Chess club is more then meets the eye. Anyone that wants to come try it out is more then welcome next year to join and try to beat the adviser, James Yearsley.

Terp’s Legend Retires

By Marc Summy –

After 22 seasons as Maryland University men’s Division 1 basketball coach, Gary Williams throws in the towel.

Williams, who retired Thursday, May 5, noted that, “It’s the right time.”

While under Coach Williams the Terrapins went 461-252.

A state away, the Terrapins coach retirement was noticed here.

Gary-Williams — Coach Gary Williams celebrates after earning a W. Photo credit (http://www.washingtonvoices.com)

Avid sports fan and Penn Manor teacher Gordon Eck says, “He is a really good coach. The reason that the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) is so good, every year, is because of coaches like Williams. He has helped to raise the level of the conference.”

Not only has Williams earned an impressive record but has also led his team to the NCAA tournament 14 times, won or shared three ACC titles, reached the Final Four twice and won a National Championship in 2002.

The humble Williams had this to say about his coaching experience, “My entire career has been an unbelievable blessing. I am fiercely proud of the program we have built here, I couldn’t have asked any more from my players, my assistant coaches, the great Maryland fans and this great university. Together, we did something very special here.”

Gary Williams arrived at Maryland in 1989 where he inherited hefty NCAA violations. After taking over the basketball team they suffered two straight losing seasons before making it to the NCAA tournament. The Terps never struggled again having above .500 seasons each year.

Among some of the greats that have now gone to the NBA, Coach Gary breed winners Walt Williams, Juan Dixon, Joe Smith, Greivis Vasquez and Steve Blake.

Mr. Eck believes that some good will come from Williams’ retirement.

“It’s time for them (ACC) to get young coaches. You see how great young coaches can be, referencing to 35 year old Brad Stevens, who made it to back to back National Championships in 2010 and 2011. It gives an opportunity for a young coach to come out and make their mark,” Gordon Eck states.

2011 NFL Draft May Help Area Teams

By Hayden Gonzalez –

Throughout the entire National Football League, viewers have been anticipating their favorite teams on the field. With a lot of speculation on when the football season will start, a lot of people have been awaiting the 2011 draft picks.

“There is a lot of potential that is being brought into the NFL this year, so it’s kind of hard to predict who will be a team changer from the beginning,” said Antonio Vega, a 14-year-old freshman from Penn Manor High School.

Cam Newton from Auburn University was the number one draft pick this year for the Carolina Panthers.

The draft picks coming into the NFL in 2011 will impact the following season

Von Miller, Marcell Dareus, A.J. Green and Patrick Peterson were drafted in the first round by either the Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals or the Arizona Cardinals.

“All the players coming from the college level and going up to the national level are all very talented. It’s just a matter of time before each one of those draft picks fill in their role on their team, then they will be more established as a better player,” said Henry Kohler, an 18-year-old senior from Penn Manor High School.

The order of the draft picks this season goes the Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, San Fransisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers.

Cam Newton is valued at such a high pick because during the 2010 season he threw for 30 touchdowns, he ran for 20 touchdowns and he also passed for 2,854 for the Auburn Tigers.

“He is one of the best quarterbacks all around that I’ve seen,” said Vega.

Yet, Newton isn’t the only important draft pick.

A wide receiver from Alabama Crimson Tide named Julio Jones is also expected to be a big game changer, similar as to what Dez Bryant was considered as when he entered the Draft.

Jones, a member of the Atlanta Falcons is 6 feet 2 inches, weighs in at a staggering 220 lbs and he also runs a 4.39 seconds in the 40 yard dash.

“Jones is a beast,” said senior Matt Aston. “Probably the most underrated player that went in the first round.”

There are many people who agree with these draft picks but it won’t be proven false or true until the National Football League is under way.

What Microsoft May Do with Skype

By Ryan Krause –

They spent 8.5 billion dollars on it, but now what?

On May 10, 2011 Microsoft bought Skype for 8.5 billion dollars in cash. According to MaximumPC, both Google and Facebook were also interested in this service.

But Microsoft won and it may be a great move by them.

Microsoft could license parts of Skype to Facebook and earn money that way. Plus buying Skype before Google keeps them from owning every big thing on the web.

Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer gave a speech on the acquisition of Skype when they released the information.

Miscosoft and Skype together. Image owned by CBSNews.com.

According to CNN the following five possibilities of Skype were discussed in his speech:

1. Integration with Xbox Live.

According to CNN, about 10 million users have a camera connected to their Xbox 360. Having Skype added to Xbox Live would open the possibility of video and voice chat support.

2. Application to Windows Phones.

Having a solid application with the Windows based phones would boost their popularity. Let’s be honest, the iOS and Droid based phones overshadow the Windows devices.

3. Addition to Facebook.

It would be great for both Facebook and it’s users to have video chat integrated into the regular Facebook chat. With Microsoft owning rights to Skype, they could easily license it to Facebook and earn a lot of money from it.

4. Beef up Hotmail.

Hotmail may have tons of users world wide, but how many are actually excited about it? Skype’s technology would allow more attractive additions to Hotmail and could potentially boost its popularity.

5. Be at a meeting without actually being there.

Cisco is known as the largest corporation for telecommunication according to CNN. And with Microsoft owning rights to Skype, Microsoft’s big name could boost the popularity of itself. Maybe even over Cisco. It’s rumored that there will be integration with Microsoft Office with this newly acquired technology.

Can Microsoft successfully pull all this off without losing money?

Is there a chance that additional fees will be introduced?

Penn Manor Shows its Artistic Talents

By Lizzie Pflumm –

Art will be the word at Penn Manor High School tonight.

Penn Manor will be hosting an art show tonight, May 12, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

It is free and open to the public. It will be showcasing the varied and amazing talents of students in the Penn Manor School District.

art display — Art work will be varied and interesting at the May 12 art show. Photo by Lizzie Pflumm

Every school in the district will be participating. The 13 art teachers across the district who teach grades K-12 have selected pieces to display.

Each art teacher will be showcasing about 50 pieces of work each. There will be around 700 pieces on display in the high school. The teachers each hand picked art work to be hung in the halls of Penn Manor, according to Penn Manor art teacher Karen Gingerich.

The art show will be held in the art wing of the high school. Rooms 335 , 336, 341, 343 and 344 will also have art work on display.

The art show will have a wide variety of art forms. It will consist of black and white photography, color photography, watercolor, acrylic painting, pencil drawings, charcoal drawings, distressed paintings.

art sign — Art will be on display for the public May 12. Photo by Lizzie Pflumm

Although not officially for sale, Gingerich said “someone could (make an) offer if they are truly interested.”

Come support Penn Manor’s artists.

Girls Soccer Stays Alive

By Connor Rowe –

On May 10th the Penn Manor girls soccer took on Donegal for their opening round in league playoffs. The comets won 1-0 which puts them into the semifinals vs. Conestoga Valley to be held Thursday at 7:00 pm at Manheim Central High School. Coach Zapata and his girls are already passed last seasons mark, but are not settling yet as they hope to reach a state championship. This game meant everything, senior offensive star, Emmy Hess said. “We have not won a league game in five years,” Hess said.

The Return of the Whiteboard

By Lyta Ringo –

Is there anything smarter than a smartboard? Turns out for this school district there is.

Way back in the 2008-09 school year, Penn Manor was given a grant to upgrade to smartboards.

The smartboard allows teachers to project their lessons and instruct students more easily. But as we all know technology does, it’s upgrading again. Only this upgrade, will allow us to down grade a bit.

Instead of having an interactive (Polyvision) board, the new device created by Mimio, is a thin device that goes on the side of a regular white board.

“All of the Polyvision boards will be removed completely (eventually).” said Charlie Reisinger, the head of Penn Manor’s technology department.

According to a presentation about the boards given by Shelby Foster, in the cottages at Manor Middle, the board comes with a USB drive that plugs into your computer, and in order for the board to actually work you must use the pen that comes with it. The nice thing about this is its completely covered. So say you drop the pen and it breaks, or a student would steal it, it has a full warranty and a new device would be received.

The Mimio boards offer a lot more than the current smart boards. For instance, as learned at the presentation, Mimio runs off of a program called notebook. Notebook allows you to access more areas of technology then ever before. An example being a function called glass mode. Glass mode allows you to be on the internet and write notes over top of your page. Which we can do on the current smart boards, except now if we scroll down our notes don’t move, and they no longer makes sense where they are placed. With notebook your notations move with you, the notes will also save in your own personal gallery under the notebook features.

Notebook contains replicas of all the programs students and teachers are used to. There is programs like word, excel, and PowerPoint. Except now they all run as one. Making it easier for teachers to create lessons on multiple programs but share it on a single one.

Another positive about the new boards is the hiding ability. With the current smart boards in order to not show the screen you have to close a slot on the projector. Which is fine except for its on the ceiling, and pulling a chair over isn’t really ideal in the middle of class. However, with Mimio their is a feature called reveal. This feature pulls up a black screen over the entire projected area, and you can move the screen from all areas of the board letting the teacher be in control of what their students are seeing. Also allowing a teacher to show a problem but easily keep an answer covered.

Since the Mimio boards are a lot smaller, the installation time is a lot faster then our current Polyvision boards. For the Polyvision boards a wooden box has to be built over top of the existing white board. The Polyvision board was then mounted over the box, and their not light either. With the Mimio board all it does is magnetizes to the far side of any regular white board.

“The installation is much easier with these new boards,” said Reisinger.

Reisinger also commented that the Mimio boards are much less expensive costing about $700, whereas the Polyvision boards can be anywhere from $1000 on up.

Elementary schools are currently receiving the boards as the schools are being renovated. One board exists in the high schools agriculture wing, which was received as a gift. However we will hopefully be seeing these Mimio boards popping up in the high school over the next few years.

Girls Soccer Forsees Glory

By Connor Rowe –

The season continues.

The Penn Manor girls Soccer team just finished their regular season with a record of (14-3-1). This season the Comets had something to prove with their last season ending without a playoff birth.

The soccer club proved their franchise had a fluke year and that they are back on their mark as they qualified for both league and district playoffs.

The improvement from seasons wasn’t a surprise for the girls.

“Our team chemistry is a lot better,” senior Emily Hutchinson said.

“There aren’t any clicks on our team; we’re a family,” she added

The Comets will open up their playoffs with Donegal tonight at 7 pm at Warwick High School

“This is the first time we played Donegal in about 10 years and we want to beat them. They were back to back state championships,” Hutchinson said.

“We need to play hard, but more importantly, play smart,” Sophomore Lindsay Hutchinson said.