DeSoto Eagle Eye

As second semester swings into a rapid beginning, many juniors have felt the challenging transition from pre-advanced courses to advanced placement courses. Not aware of what they were in for, many juniors soon experienced a challenge to maintain a stable grade point average, and be involved with a whole line up of extra curriculum activities.

“I am co-captain of the swim team and currently enrolled in two advanced placement level courses,” said junior Laura Lopez. Although Lopez is currently enrolled in two advanced placement courses, she has learned how to adapt to the ample amount of work in which advanced placement courses produc, all while maintaining her spot in the top twenty-five of her graduating class. “The moment I walk in into Mrs. Chastain’s English three AP instruction class, I expect nothing but work bell to bell,” said Lopez.

Although some students, who are experiencing the transition, have learned to adapt, others have learned the hard way, that it is pertinent to maintain both advanced level courses and extra curriculum activities on a healthy schedule.

“Advanced placement classes did become stressful at one point, because I had no idea of what I was getting into, and I had too much on my plate,” said junior Bianca Henderson. By being vigorously involved in tennis and advanced level courses, Henderson learned how to become a more organized student. “If I didn’t organize and learn from my mistakes, I knew things would get tough,” said Henderson.

Advanced placement classes can get rough and tough, and are thoughtfully designed for those determined headstrong students, however they do offer their perks and advantages. “I am enrolled in advanced placement classes not only to prepare myself for college work, but also for the learning environment,” said Lopez. While offering a chance to recevie college credits while still in high school, advanced placement classes do offer a positive learning environment in which the majority of the students enrolled in advanced courses have the same goals, to be successful in high school.

Aside from the double amount of work in which an advanced placement course provides than that of a regular course, advanced placement students also notice another difference in between the two. “In advanced placement classes the attention is focused on the students who really want to learn, and the immaturity is left outside, and more work is done,” said Lopez.

Overall, advanced placement classes are beneficial to those who are willing to commit to the work ad rigorous lesson plan in which an advanced level course offers. “By demonstrating that I am not afraid of trying something new that will benefit my accomplishments throughout the rest of my high school year is the true benefit of being enrolled in advanced placement classes,” said Henderson. After all, many advanced placement courses are actually college courses, so a high school attitude in an advanced placement course must be left outside the door.

Written By: Eboni Monroe Editor-in-chief

While lacking some of the upscale amenities such as the atmosphere and nice looking cups and glasses, the food here is nothing short of immaculate. Here at buzz brews you will find a funky eclectic environment with divine food and excellent service. The meals are always tax free and after enjoying a delicious stuffed crepe I was offered free coffee among other drinks because of the time of day, Happy Hour! If you are looking for a place where you need to dress up and work overtime just to eat their this is not the place for you. But, if you want real food and big portions without putting a whole in your wallet and budget Buzz Brews is the place for this.

Written By: Asa Woodberry Co editor-in-chief

At 211F, water is hot. At 212F , water boils. The only difference is one degree. By raising standards just by one notch, a great difference can be made. This is the concept behind the brand new motivational program at the campus that has students raising the heat to be successful academically, while demonstrating pride and responsibility through character.
` The program itself was proposed as a district wide initiative over the summer by district Superintendent Tredwell. Along with our campus, all public schools in the community will be turning up the heat a notch in order to push the student body, teachers and staff, past the minimum level of excellence. “We can all push ourselves to the limit.” said Principal Dr. Ensley. Along with staff support, the program has also gained much support from students at the campus.
“The new 212F program has been implemented into the district in a very clever and efficient way.” said junior class president Odion Mowoe. Introduced on the first day of school, the program has lifted off to a more positive start than imagined. Along with the theme of Eagle Pride and Responsibility, a new, more positive attitude is spreading through the air at the campus. Mowoe feels as if the new program gives students the motivation to turn up the heat and walk the extra mile in order to be successful in whatever they set out to accomplish. However, there are still some students that believe that the new program may have an ineffective outcome.
“I really don’t think that the new 212 iniative will make much of a differecene, students will mainly do what they always been doing” said junior Alicia Marcus. With the new 212F program being the first district wide motivational program being introduced at the beginning of the school year, there are a few doubts about the outcome of the success of this program. Some students are even reluctant into participating in turning up the heat for themselves. However, principal Dr. Ensley believes that with positive peer pressure and reinforcement, the small percentage of those individuals who don’t feel the urge to participate in this program will surely vanish. Although the program was thoughtfully revised by the district, it is up to the student body here at the campus to make the program successful.
“The program itself is very dependent on the students.” said Ensley. Along with acknowledging , and showing Eagle pride and responsibility, Ensley believes that the program could be an easy success at the campus. Students such as sophomore Gabrielle Lawson believes that the program should work without a doubt. “The program should work because not only are students becoming more motivated, it also influences teachers to increase comprehension.” said Lawson. Along with the students, teachers and staff members are also experiencing the new wave of motivation.
“Teachers and staff do something different every year, and each year it gets better. Along with catchy little slogans, teachers and staff are doing their best to motivate and encourage students no matter what.” said senior Dominiqua Wilburn. Teachers have definitely motivated their teaching mechanisms to get students more motivated to do well in not only TAKS, but be successful in the course, and improve personal character. The majority of senior classes have started the year fresh to motivate and prepare seniors for college applications, and mastering the SAT and ACT tests in order to guarantee college acceptance and success for the class of 2010. Underclassman teachers are not only instilling the core information needed for the course in order to master TAKS and the course itself, but are also drilling themes of good character and responsibility into their students’ head. Thus far, the program has given its supporters a positive outlook.
“The program is working wonderful. Students are definitely turned up the heat a degree, and students have embraced the idea that one little degree can make all the difference.” said Ensley. Already starting with a positive lead, students and staff are expected to keep the motivational spirit throughout the school year. By turning the heat up a notch, students and staff at the campus can accomplish the necessary skills needed to once again make our campus exemplary and produce successful, motivated young adults all at the same time.

Written by: Eboni Monroe, Editor-in-chief