The Bison – May 31, 1991

By the beginning of the 1996-97 school year, Outcome Based Education (OBE) will be implemented by all of Minnesota’s 430 school districts. The Minnesota Department of Education has recently voted unanimously in favor of the OBE process and is well on it’s way toward a final ruling. “This thing is going to pass,” said Douglas Wallace, chairman of the board’s Education Standards Committee, as quoted in the StarTribune. “This board is so committed that if it could act today, if it didn’t have to go through the process, it would be a done deed.” OBE is an educational system by which a student’s graduation would not be determined by the number of classroom hours, but by how well the student has accomplished seven “outcomes” and 63 “competencies” (See Chart). Under OBE, students may have to work harder, but would be better prepared when they graduate. “Potentially, I think it’s a great system, but I think it’s going to take a lot of work,” said English teacher Judy Jacobson. OBE would allow gifted students to move ahead in education, while less than average students would be held back until mastery of his/her level is attained. “I think it’s great because you can work at your own pace,” said freshman Becky Mackey. “You don’t have to keep up with everyone else.” Supporters of OBE point out that students react to the system with better grades, better attendance, and higher self esteem. Letter grades remain, but in addition, three new performance levels will be considered: adept, advanced, and exemplary, with “adept” being the lowest passing grade. Minnesota would become the first state in the nation to implement OBE statewide. The switch to OBE would be the first major change in Minnesota schools’ curriculum in decades. Some feel that the current curriculum is outdated and needs to be changed. However, adding more classroom hours may not be the answer. OBE was created with four overall goals in mind for the learner: To apply active listening and oral communication skills. To read and write independently as a tool for learning. To expand ones vision through literature. To adjust one’s communication mode for various areas and situations. Some students favor the possibility of a new system of education. “I think it’s a very good way to handle [education],” said freshman Zara Akin. “It allows gifted students to move on.” Students aren’t the only ones who will have to work harder under the new system. “I can’t see this working until we see some teaming of teachers or a more flexible schedule,” said Jacobson.

By the Buffalo area. The final step is a poll to determine whether or not the citizens of Buffalo are interested. The poll is to be sent via phone bills. The poll is then sent to the phone company with the phone bill, and views that not received, are counted as a no-vote. Most students in Buffalo do not call other cities in District 877, while students in Hanover and Corcoran (Who already have a metro line) refrain from calling Buffalo, both because of the expensive phone bills. “I’d call Buffalo more often if it had Metro Line,” said senior Eddie Brockman. Many students would be less concerned about calling the metro area if they were paying the phone bill. “I wouldn’t have to do as much explaining to my parents,” said junior Shawn McClellan. “It would be a relief.” Many students have high phone bills and wish to lower the expense. “It would be a lot easier and cheaper [To get a metro line],” said freshman Emily McPheeters. Some feel that the need for installation of a metro line in Buffalo is long overdue. “It would be a great improvement,” said junior Kim LaFave. Others feel that they could get their homework done if they could call friends to get some help. In the long run, E.A.S. will be cheaper for those people that frequently make long distance calls to the Metro Area or Buffalo, than those people that rarely use the phone. There is no exact date as to when the service will be installed in Buffalo, or whether the service is definitely going to arrive, but very few have been encountered who are against it. “It can only benefit everyone, I can’t believe we don’t have it yet,” said McClellan.

Recently the idea of building a new high school in District 877 has arisen. The Bison thinks this has many advantages.

Why should BHS move? The Bison feels this school is too small. When it was built, only three grades were in attendance. When the Junior High got too small, the ninth grade was moved here. All was well. Currently the halls are so crowded that you're lucky to get to class on time.

In the next five years, they are anticipating 252 more students. That would be like adding another whole grade. Where would we all fit? By adding more students traffic parking can only get worse.

The Bison thinks BHS needs an auditorium. For plays we are forced to go to the Junior High. Concerts are held in the mall. The Bison feels that we should be able to perform in our own auditorium.

Basically, BHS has few meeting places. For lectures that involve many classes, the gym is used. A lecture hall should be built for that special purpose.

What would we give up?

The swimming pool. The Junior High uses it more for their Physical Education classes than we do for ours. Why should we have it?

There is however, the track. After spending all the money to build it, we can’t just abandon it. BHS uses it for track team and Physical Education classes. Would everyone be pleased to hear that we have to build another one?

How about the eight new tennis courts? Not only are they going to be built for the tennis team, but Physical Education classes, too. Again, will people be pleased to hear we're just leaving them and wasting all that money?

The Bison believes that times are changing and the world is progressing. A new high school is in the future, so do we want it now while there is time to plan what we want, or later when there is no time?

Equality.

Think about it. Has equality been reached?

The Bison feels it has not.

Many females are out there who'd love to join the football team. But females aren’t supposed to want to play a “rough,” contact sport.

What about the males who want to join swimming or gymnastics? Those are called “girls” sports. If you pay any attention, you may have noticed that males are in the Olympics competing in swimming and gymnastics.

BHS had one male cheerleader this year. Where are the rest of you guys? Not exactly supporting your brave fellow student. He was willing to cross the invisible boundary to do what he wanted to. If this guy can join a “girls” sport, and not diedoing it, why don’t you guys who want to be swimmers or gymnasts try to get on the team?

Why don’t you girls who love football try out?

The Bison doesn’t say it will definitely change, but it won’t work if you don't try.

So, while they're working that out, let’s try to get things equal in the halls of BHS. Guys, next time you carry your girlfriends books to class, be a gentleman and let her carry your books to your class.

To the Editor:

I have been in this school for three years now. This provides me with a good perspective on how the school is run and the different rules used to enforce conduct.

The principals spend more of their time enforcing rules than they do on learning. And just what are some of these rules? You are tardy for being late to class, even by one second. R-mods if you're caught in the halls when you’re “not supposed to be.” Detention for skipping a class. We have bells that tell us when we are supposed stop learning one subject and start another. If you are caught without a pass you are instantly considered guilty and dealt with no respect or trust. And as of lately, those of us who drive to school are not to stay in our cars once we get here. I believe, that things have gotten out of hand and the principals are getting a bit too power hungry. Even many teachers are squelched by the overbearing efforts of the administration.

The school is more of an institution like prison rather than an institution of learning. I would like to think that the school is here for me. But I get treated like I am here for the school.

We have to live every day with Big Brother watching over us. We are taught to not have a mind of our own. To not use it freely or creatively.

To get students to want to be here, the school has to open up and be more liberal. The principals need to concentrate on teaching and learning, not punishing. The rules need to be reformed. I will never see this day while I'm in school. I can only hope that when I send my children to school, they won’t have to feel like they’re behind bars.

Andy Foster
Junior

You won't have Heather Bakke to kick around anymore. That's right, I’m outta here. 'Nuff said.

No kidding.

You (my faithful readers) don’t need to hear my rambling on about this being my senior year. Right now, the entire senior class is wandering around talking like a bad imitation of Saturday Night Live's “Grumpy Old Man.”

“When I was a freshman we didn’t have any of those juice machines, I drank so much Coke my eye balls turned brown.”

“And another thing is that we didn’t have lockers in the hallways, we had to share.”

No kidding.

Enough of the drama. Seniors are a very vital part of our school. Think about your favorite senior... Me.

What if I, Heather Bakke, would have attended military school? Would BHS be the same happy place it is today?

For the next year’s freshmen it will be a BHS without Heather. They will not know what “Heather Knows Best” means. They won’t even know of the great Eric Bakke; keeper of the English language, Herbert Hoover historian, and my brother.

Next’s years Homecoming Queen will not have to worry that a plain Jane with a dream will try to steal her crown. Or her boyfriend.

Just Kidding. Change in life is good.

The wrestling team can look forward to a manager who doesn’t sing showtunes while mopping the mats. I guess not everyone likes “Hello, Dolly.”

The Bison will be losing a procrastinator and a space filler.

My Dad will be losing a person that bugs him about the unfairness of life. But my brother will be here next year to fill in that void.

I will miss the office people who were so nice to me during my time of confinement.

The administration will miss a columnist who doesn't look for the problems of BHS.

I wish I could blow up the track and restructure the student council. There's my controversy.

Now that I think about it, I guess the administration won't miss me. I didn't want to be known as a person who had nothing to say.

But that's another story. But this time you won't hear the end of it.

No Kidding.

This past year, many events have shaped the course of time. So, besides my farewell to BHS, I would like to start a tradition with the Susies. You all have heard of the Oscar, Tony, and Emmy. The Susie is an award given to a select person or group of people, for something significantly they have contributed to the school, world, or society.

The Frank Viola Nasal Spray Award

This award goes to the track team. For those of you who don’t remember, after single handedly winning the World Series, Frank Viola demanded a raise, or else he wouldn’t play for the Twins anymore.

He is now on some other baseball team that doesn’t deserve my recognition. The track team has proven to everyone that if you whine and complain enough, everyone will eventually get sick of hearing from you and give you whatever you want just to shut you up. Gee, didn’t we have to send Buffalo kids to the Montrose school this year? Maybe we should give our money to someone that deserves it.

The Cinderella Pumpkin Carriage Award

This goes to all of the North Stars fans, I mean, bandwagon jumpers. I bet you think the puck is a mythical half man half goat, much less explain a power play. And icing is not a cake decoration. Okay, I’ll admit it, at first I thought that the Stars didn’t have a chance, but when they played Toronto for a playoff spot, I started watching and I was rather impressed with what I saw. Now anybody who is anybody loves hockey and the North Stars. All I can say is, good luck Stars. Especially Mr. Nose, Young Hot One, and The Wild One Who Never Plays.

The Nexus Award.

Mr. Styrwoll gets this one, for his cool new do. Seriously, Mr. Styrwoll, I like it. Your coif makes you look ten years younger.

Husband of the Year.

Jon Grunseth earns this title. He can come in my pool anytime. Looks like we have another JFK in the making. Did he spend much time with Marilyn Monroe?

Don’t think you have seen the last of Susan A. Hundt, budding author. One day, you’ll walk into B Daltons or Waldenbooks and see a huge display devoted to me, for writing another best seller. And it is with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow I write the phrase of the year for the last time.

Trust me.

Warning: the writer of this column takes no responsibility to anything that happens as you read this column.

The good news is, there are only four days left of this year.

The bad news is, those four days will all be packed with finals, except for Thursday. All your finals will be on Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday. Why? All your teachers tell you that they’re not giving their final on Thursday because they don't want you to be overloaded with finals on that day.

Now is the time to dig through your old notes and try to decipher them. If you can’t do that, at least try to remember what the general topic was that your teacher taught about. (Catch all that?)

When digging into the depths of your locker trying to find your notes, you might find some interesting and odd things.

You might find that library book you lost doing your English paper in January.

You may also find that unrecognizable object that was causing the bad smell ever since the beginning of the year.

You also may find five old copies of The Bison. Take them out and read them -- except the Sports section, don't read the Sports section. When you’re done reading them, recycle them, or take them home to reread them some other time.

While going through those papers you may start to reflect. Sitting at this computer in a zombie-like daze has given me plenty of time to reflect over this year.

This year we are losing columnist who had a dream of becoming homecoming queen. And another who dreams of being a great author. You're gaining a columnist with higher aspirations. My dream doesn't get me a crown, it gives me power. I am planning to be the first female president of the U.S.

I have my reasons for becoming the president. My main reason is that I really couldn't think of anything else that an insane person could do. Not to mention that a president has not yet come from Minnesota.

For those of you who hate those sappy good-byes, stop reading, because that is my next and last topic.

Good-bye to all the seniors and anyone else who is leaving the building. I wish you the best of luck in the future. Come back and visit us poor souls still striving forth in our education, and be sure to vote for me in 21 years when I run for the Presidency. (I still need one to be my vice president. Any one want to volunteer?)

As for the rest of you, see you next year as we continue on our way toward graduation.

Until next year.

You won’t have Heather Bakke to kick around anymore. That’s right, I’m outta here. ’Nuff said. No kidding. You (my faithful readers) don’t need to hear my rambling on about this being my senior year. Right now, the entire senior class is wandering around talking like a bad imitation of Saturday Night Live’s “Grumpy Old Man.” “When I was a freshman we didn’t have any of those juice machines, I drank so much Coke my eye balls turned brown.” “And another thing is that we didn’t have lockers in the hallways, we had to share.” No kidding. Enough of the drama. Seniors are a very vital part of our school. Think about your favorite senior... Me. What if I, Heather Bakke, would have attended military school? Would BHS be the same happy place it is today? For the next year’s freshmen it will be a BHS without Heather. They will not know what “Heather Knows Best” means. They won’t even know of the great Eric Bakke; keeper of the English language, Herbert Hoover historian, and my brother. Next’s years Homecoming Queen will not have to worry that a plain Jane with a dream will try to steal her crown. Or her boyfriend. Just Kidding. Change in life is good. The wrestling team can look forward to a manager who doesn’t sing showtunes while mopping the mats. I guess not everyone likes “Hello, Dolly.” The Bison will be losing a procrastinator and a space filler. My Dad will be losing a person that bugs him about the unfairness of life. But my brother will be here next year to fill in that void. I will miss the office people who were so nice to me during my time of confinement. The administration will miss a columnist who doesn’t look for the problems of BHS. I wish I could blow up the track and restructure the student council. There’s my controversy. Now that I think about it, I guess the administration won’t miss me. I didn’t want to be known as a person who had nothing to say. But that’s another story. But this time you won’t hear the end of it. No kidding.

This past year, many events have shaped the course of time. So, besides my farewell to BHS, I would like to start a tradition with the Susies. You all have heard of the Oscar, Tony, and Emmy. The Susie is an award given to a select person or group of people, for something significantly they have contributed to the school, world, or society. The Frank Viola Nasal Spray Award This award goes to the track team. For those of you who don’t remember, after single handedly winning the World Series, Frank Viola demanded a raise, or else he wouldn’t play for the Twins anymore. He is now on some other baseball team that doesn’t deserve my recognition. The track team has proven to everyone that if you whine and complain enough, everyone will eventually get sick of hearing from you and give you whatever you want just to shut you up. Gee, didn’t we have to send Buffalo kids to the Montrose school this year? Maybe we should give our money to someone that deserves it. The Cinderella Pumpkin Carriage Award This goes to all of the North Stars fans, I mean, bandwagon jumpers. I bet you think the puck is a mythical half man half goat, much less explain a power play. And icing is not a cake decoration. Okay, I’ll admit it, at first I thought that the Stars didn’t have a chance, but when they played Toronto for a playoff spot, I started watching and I was rather impressed with what I saw. Now anybody who is anybody loves hockey and the North Stars. All I can say is, good luck Stars. Especially Mr. Nose, Young Hot One, and The Wild One Who Never Plays. The Nexus Award. Mr. Styrwoll gets this one, for his cool new do. Seriously, Mr. Styrwoll, I like it. Your coif makes you look ten years younger. Husband of the Year Jon Grunseth earns this title. He can come in my pool anytime. Looks like we have another JFK in the making. Did he spend much time with Marilyn Monroe? Don’t think you have seen the last of Susan A. Hundt, budding author. One day, you’ll walk into B Daltons or Waldenbooks and see a huge display devoted to me, for writing another best seller. And it is with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow I write the phrase of the year for the last time. Trust me.

Warning: the writer of this column takes no responsibility to anything that happens as you read this column. The good news is, there are only four days left of this year. The bad news is, those four days will all be packed with finals, except for Thursday. All your finals will be on Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday. Why? All your teachers tell you that they’re not giving their final on Thursday because they don’t want you to be overloaded with finals on that day. Now is the time to dig through your old notes and try to decipher them. If you can’t do that, at least try to remember what the general topic was that your teacher taught about. (Catch all that?) When digging into the depths of your locker trying to find your notes, you might find some interesting and odd things. You might find that library book you lost doing your English paper in January. You may also find that unrecognizable object that was causing the bad smell ever since the beginning of the year. You also may find five old copies of The Bison. Take them out and read them -- except the Sports section, don’t read the Sports section. When you’re done reading them, recycle them, or take them home to reread them some other time. While going through those papers you may start to reflect. Sitting at this computer in a zombie-like daze has given me plenty of time to reflect over this year. This year we are losing columnist who had a dream of becoming homecoming queen. And another who dreams of being a great author. You’re gaining a columnist with higher aspirations. My dream doesn’t get me a crown, it gives me power. I am planning to be the first female president of the U.S. I have my reasons for becoming the president. My main reason is that I really couldn’t think of anything else that an insane person could do. Not to mention that a president has not yet come from Minnesota. For those of you who hate those sappy good-byes, stop reading, because that is my next and last topic. Good-bye to all the seniors and anyone else who is leaving the building. I wish you the best of luck in the future. Come back and visit us poor souls still striving forth in our education, and be sure to vote for me in 21 years when I run for the Presidency. (I still need one to be my vice president. Any one want to volunteer?) As for the rest of you, see you next year as we continue on our way toward graduation. Until next year.

“People should be treated the same no matter what sex they are”, said freshman Jeanette Geronsin. Students are faced with equality problems at home and at sports. At school some students have to work harder than other students just to keep up while other students don’t. “In math class, girls definitely have to work harder than boys to achieve their [the boy’s] level”, said mathematics instructor Peggy Pasche. Although females generally must commit more time and effort to understand mathematics, that is not always the case with other subjects. “[Where as] in english the highest grades mostly go to girls” English teacher Jean Pehl comments. Even though females may have to work harder in some subjects their grades tend to show better results. “More girls are on the honor role than boys”, Pehl commented. “In the [Academic Excellence] awards forth the girls took three times as many awards than the boys did,” said Pasche. The standard of excellence also differs between genders in physical education. “Boys have to work harder in Presidential fitness tests,” said Gym teacher Sherie Danner. Also, the curriculum for males and females is not the same. “In gym class the girls have to do aerobics that even the boys could do but the teachers make the girls do it”, said Geronsin. Extracurricular sports is another area where there might be an equality problem. The school pays more for boys sports than for girls. For example, last year $32,160 was spent on the football program ($251 per participant) compared to $3095 for the girls swimming and diving program ($55 per swimmer). There was $30 more spent on baseball players than softball players. Students feel that the availability of sports for both genders is not equal. “I think that more sports should be co-ed. like for example, a girls football team,” said freshman Charity Christenson. Another one of the gender-related problems facing students at the BHS is harassment. “Students have been harassed both verbally and physically because of there sex” commented counselor Gloria Rose.” It’s definitely happening”, added Rose.

Students are not treated equal, at least in school. Research has shown that teachers often ask boys more complex questions that force them to use more critical thinking. Boys are most likely to be commended for their school work by teachers and when girls don’t they blame it on their lack of ability. What many girls need is a encouragement. Seventy-five to ninety percent of the brightest high school graduates are women. Minnesota schools are by law supposed to be “genderfair”. A possible problem is leadership, almost all Minnesota school superintendents are white men. Most often teachers treat boys and girls equally, but for those who don’t, training is an option which will help eliminate this problem. Behavior can be so deep-seated that teachers often miss what they are doing. With the massive task schools face, the process of equality can be slow.

Education has come a long ways since the time when females, exclusively took Home Economics and only males took Industrial Arts. Yet, there are still some problems. “Sexism in schools for the most part, is subtle,” said guidance counselor Gloria Rose. Up until a few years ago, most science, history, and math textbooks showed pictures only of men and the majority of pronouns were either he or him. Heroes in history have also been predominately male. Teachers are now trying to find curriculum that deals more with women. That includes female authors of novels and poems and female composers of music. This change, in itself, will force more publishers to make an effort to print more broadly focused issues into their curriculum. This includes, not only more women, but people of other races and the disabled. Teacher attitudes are also important in the battle against sexism. “There are some teachers that favor males more than females and vice versa,” said junior Laura Eich. In ninth grade physical education females and males do different activities. For example, girls do aerobics while the boys did other gym activities like floor hockey and ragball. “You have to have so many units to get through the year. So, aerobics is offered for the girls and wrestling for the boys. It’s a fact of life that girls and boys are different,” explained Sherie Danner, physical education instructor. Fifteen years ago, a policy was made that requires schools to take gender fairness into consideration. As of two years ago, a law was passed which stated that films, textbooks, attitudes, and teacher presentations should not be sexist. A year ago Buffalo Senior High, submitted a plan which, if approved, will go into effect at during the ’91-’92 school year. This plan includes information on all people’s rights and how they are to be fair to others if they expect the same in return. “This plan requires changes in not just staff attitudes, but also students, parents, and the (school) board,” said Susan Hagstrum, Director of Curriculum.

In dating, a problem couples face is who will pay for it. “It’s really up to the couple to decide who should pay. Too often sexism is from the vantage point of females. In addition, our society treats males differently,” said counselor Gloria Rose. In the past rules for dating were simple. Males were expected to hand all expenses for dating. Todays society no longer except these rules, instead couples agree that both should contribute to the expense of dating. “Why should the guy have to spend all his money?” questions freshman Tina Szarke. Members of both genders observe equality as being an obstacle in dating. “If they want to be treated equally to men, then they should pay sometimes,” said Adam Betker. Others are confused by the contrast between the old idea of male dominance and the relatively new concept of female independence. “It’s a male ego thing for a guy to pay for a date. But, some times you have to let the girl pay for the date so she can feel liberated,” said sophomore Brad Eo. Parents are also concerned with the issue of dating equality. “If the guy pays for everything, he’s going to want something in return. So, if the girl pays, she shouldn’t feel obligated to go any farther,” said Jim McCarty.

Education has come a long ways since the time when females, exclusively took Home Economics and only males took Industrial Arts.

Yet, there are still some problems.

“Sexism in schools for the most part, is subtle,” said guidance counselor Gloria Rose.

Up until a few years ago, most science, history, and math textbooks showed pictures only of men and the majority of pronouns were either he or him. Heroes in history have also been predominately male.

Teachers are now trying to find curriculum that deals more with women. That includes female authors of novels and poems and female composers of music. This change, in itself, will force more publishers to make an effort to print more broadly focused issues into their curriculum. This includes, not only more women, but people of other races and the disabled.

Teacher attitudes are also important in the battle against sexism.

“There are some teachers that favor males more than females and vice versa,” said junior Laura Eich.

In ninth grade physical education females and males do different activities. For example, girls do aerobics while the boys did other gym activities like floor hockey and ragball.

“You have to have so many units to get through the year. So, aerobics is offered for the girls and wrestling for the boys. It’s a fact of life that girls and boys are different,” explained Sherie Danner, physical education instructor.

Fifteen years ago, a policy was made that requires schools to take gender fairness into consideration. As of two years ago, a law was passed which stated that films, textbooks, attitudes, and teacher presentations should not be sexist.

A year ago Buffalo Senior High, submitted a plan which, if approved, will go into effect at during the '91-'92 school year.

This plan includes information on all people’s rights and how they are to be fair to others if they expect the same in return.

“This plan requires changes in not just staff attitudes, but also students, parents, and the (school) board,” said Susan Hagstrum, Director of Curriculum.

In dating, a problem couples face is who will pay for it.

“It’s really up to the couple to decide who should pay. Too often sexism is from the vantage point of females. In addition, our society treats males differently,” said counselor Gloria Rose.

In the past rules for dating were simple. Males were expected to handle all expenses for dating. Todays society no longer except these rules, instead couples agree that both should contribute to the expense of dating.

“Why should the guy have to spend all his money?” questions freshman Tina Szarke. Members of both genders observe equality as being an obstacle in dating.

“If they want to be treated equally to men, then they should pay sometimes,” said Adam Betker.

Others are confused by the contrast between the old idea of male dominance and the relatively new concept of female independence.

“It’s a male ego thing for a guy to pay for a date. But, some times you have to let the girl pay for the date so she can feel liberated,” said sophomore Brad Leo.

Parents are also concerned with the issue of dating equality.

“If the guy pays for everything, he’s going to want something in return. So, if the girl pays, she shouldn’t feel obligated to go any farther,” said Jim McCarty.

At the beginning of the 1991 school year, there will be some very noticeable changes on the BHS grounds. Eight tennis courts are to be installed over the summer. They will be located on the west side of the water tower. “It’s going to be great having them here [at BHS] for the tennis program,” said Coach Charley Kiefenheim. The players and coaches both agree that not having to go over to the junior high for practices and matches will be more convenient and time saving. “It gives more people a chance to play,” said junior Nathan Marty. According to the school board, the bidding for these courts will start on July 1, and construction is to take place in July and August. “I’m hoping [the courts] will be done before the end of the girls’ season next fall,” said Kiefenheim. The courts will be lit, but there will not be a parking lot made solely for the people that use the courts. They will be expected to park in the old parking lot or on the street. The intense need for these courts gave the school and the city no choice but to meet the demands. Experts that have been brought in to look at the old courts said that it would be impossible to repair them without future problems arising. Another change is being planned for the school grounds this summer. The student parking lot will be expanded, as soon as the old tennis courts are demolished. The expanded parking lot will hopefully cut down on the number of people that park on the road. “There’s about 60 to 70 cars on the road so it’s a good short-term solution,” said Assistant Principal Lloyd Styrowoll. The cost of this $200,000 project will be shared between the school and the city with each paying half of the total cost. Both will be selling seven year bonds to get the money, since a budget was not created in previous years.

Teamwork and confidence have proven to be a winning combination this season, for the Bison softball team. The Bison finished 13-8 overall and 6-3 in the conference. According to Coach Dave Alto it is the most impressive Bison softball record ever. “It was a very successful season,” said Coach Alto. “The girls played hard.” On May 20, the girls beat Prior Lake in the first round of regional play, 11 to 1 in five innings. The Bison were defeated in the second round 9-2 by Mankato West on May 23. Two players named All-Conference this year were senior pitcher Shelly LaFave and junior catcher Kim Ibs. Senior outfielders Tammy Bechtold and Angie Antil, junior first baseman Amy Stueve and junior second baseman Becky Antil received honorable mentions. Coach Alto credits their success to teamwork. “I feel the team’s greatest asset was that they played as a team, not as 18 individuals,” said Alto. As of May 21, the girls batting average was .335, led by Ibs’s .536 average. One obstacle that the players had to overcome was in the area of fielding. “[The team] had some trouble fielding the ball at the beginning of the season, but as we got into our winning streak, we eliminated our mistakes,” said Alto. The future looks bright for BHS softball. The Bison have 14 players returning next year. “We should be very competitive [in upcoming seasons],” said Alto.

Even with the poor weather conditions, the track team continues to dominate opponents in the North Suburban Conference. The track team has made vast improvements, mainly because of the new all-weather track. Most of the runners admit that the frequent use of the track for practice gives them a better understanding of what is going to happen at a meet. “Everyone has improved because you can use the track more often,” said freshman Kim Kobensky. The track is an advantage to the coaches as well. “We [the coaches] can take the more technical things and do a much better job at coaching,” said Head Coach Ed Saxton. The time and energy that goes into practicing is infinite. Runners continue to practice throughout the year, even if they are just out for exercise. “Sometimes we run on our own, just for fun,” said freshman Nicole Bahneman. Injuries are a frequent sight on the track team. Muscle strains happen often while running, due to the fast pace and long distances. “Injuries are common, but the track helps. The injury percentage decreases [with a good track],” said junior Rob Kruck. The level of support and understanding from not only fans and spectators but, from fellow teammates remains high. The support kept the team spirit high throughout the season. “The age difference keeps one another in their place,” said Saxton. Even the older members, who are usually able to get away with more, agree. “The older teammates treat the younger runners the same as anyone else,” said Kruck. The attitudes of the players seemed to remain upbeat throughout the season. With the new track as an incentive, the number of spectators at home meets has increased, ranging from 150-300 people. “It pushes you harder when you hear cheers coming from the stands,” said Bahneman.

“I’m kind of nervous and excited,” said Nicole Rumpca. Nicole Rumpca, a Special Needs student, will be representing BHS in the 1991 International Special Olympic Games.

The games will be held this year in the Twin Cities Area and are scheduled for July 19-27. Rumpca will be competing in four of the swimming events: the 50 meter backstroke, 50 meter freestyle, 100meter freestyle, and the 4-by-25 meter relay. The swimming meets will be held at the new University of Minnesota Swimming and Diving Complex, across from Williams Arena.

Accompanying Rumpca will be Lori Seestrna, head coach of the Special Olympics at Buffalo.

“The best part about going to these events is meeting people from different countries,” said Seestrna.

In all, there will be 6,000 athletes competing for gold metals.

“[I like] meeting new friends, getting to know people, and working hard for the gold medal,” said Rumpca.

The slogan for the Special Olympics is “Winning Over the World”. Rumpca is out to do that and more.

Volunteers are still being sought for the Special Olympics. If you would like to become a volunteer, contact the head office at (612) 337-1991.

The boys' golf team ended their regular season successfully, considering many drastic weather changes.

Due to extreme weather conditions, players were frustrated when their scores weren't what they had thought that they could get.

“The rain doesn't affect the playing, because we play in anything except strong winds, but rain does affect the players' attitudes a little,” said Coach Pete Specht.

The rain makes the course very soft and wet, but despite that, they kept playing.

“A soggy course is not meant to be hazardous and in general, it doesn't affect their playing,” said Specht.

There are many players on the Bison squad, which is an advantage over other teams.

“You have to choose between them when you have a match. We have no seniors, nine juniors, one sophomore, and 13 freshman, all who have a great deal of talent,” said Specht.

The attitude of the team through all the discouragement has remained in good spirits.

“The older players have very little, if any, contact with the younger ones, but they do sympathize with one another,” said Specht.

Team members feel that the reassurance of their teammates is a key in playing well.

“We do get discouraged, but you just have to be there for one another and say encouraging words like 'hang in there',” said freshman Chris Nevinski.

The Bison varsity baseball team was eliminated from postseason play in a game that could have gone either way.

On Thursday, May 24, the Bison were ousted from the region playoffs with a first round loss to Hutchinson 5-4 in nine innings. The Bison beat St. Francis 2-1 on Monday, May 20, to finish off the regular season.

The Bison pitchers kept the team in the hunt for a playoff birth this year. Senior Paul Wright and junior Tedz Rust fueled the Bison pitching squad, even with the unpleasant weather this year.

“It’s hard for [the starters] to throw a complete game [with this rainy weather],” said junior Brian McNulty.

Defense was also another strength for the Bison. For the first time in the 13 years of Coach Leroy Erickson's coaching career, the number of games the team played was higher than their number of errors.

“That’s been one of the things we've done the best,” said Erickson.

Buffalo's batting proficiency has also been affected by Mother Nature. Coach Erickson, however, feels that the decrease in the amount of hitting the ball isn't the only thing affecting the batting average.

“You can hit the ball hard three times and go 0 for 3 because you hit line drives,” said Erickson.

Even the team admits that the batting could have been improved upon.

“[The batting average] has been lower than we expected,” said senior Johannes Haller.

Teamwork and confidence have proven to be a winning combination this season, for the Bison softball team.

The Bison finished 13-8 overall and 6-3 in the conference. According to Coach Dave Alto it is the most impressive Bison softball record ever.

“It was a very successful season,” said Coach Alto. “The girls played hard.”

On May 20, the girls beat Prior Lake in the first round of regional play, 11 to 1 in five innings. The Bison were defeated in the second round, 9-2 by Mankato West on May 23.

Two players named All-Conference this year were senior pitcher, Shelly LaFave and junior catcher, Kim Ibs. Senior outfielders Tammy Bechtold and Angie Antil, junior first baseman Amy Stueve and junior second baseman Becky Antil received honorable mentions.

Coach Alto credits their success to teamwork.

“I feel the team’s greatest asset was that they played as a team, not as 18 individuals,” said Alto.

As of May 21, the girls batting average was .335, led by Ibs’s .536 average.

One obstacle that the players had to overcome was in the area of fielding.

“[The team] had some trouble fielding the ball at the beginning of the season, but as we got into our winning streak, we eliminated our mistakes,” said Alto.

The future looks bright for BHS softball. The Bison have 14 players returning next year.

“We should be very competitive [in upcoming seasons],” said Alto.

Even with the poor weather conditions, the track team continues to dominate opponents in the North Suburban Conference.

The track team has made vast improvements, mainly because of the new all-weather track. Most of the runners admit that the frequent use of the track for practice gives them a better understanding of what is going to happen at a meet.

“Everyone has improved because you can use the track more often,” said freshman Kim Kobensky.

The track is an advantage to the coaches as well.

“We [the coaches] can take the more technical things and do a much better job at coaching,” said Head Coach Ed Saxton.

The time and energy that goes into practicing is infinite. Runners continue to practice throughout the year, even if they are just out for exercise.

“Sometimes we run on our own, just for fun,” said freshman Nicole Bahneman.

Injuries are a frequent sight on the track team. Muscle strains happen often while running, due to the fast pace and long distances.

“Injuries are common, but the track helps. The injury percentage decreases [with a good track],” said junior Rob Kruck.

The level of support and understanding from not only fans and spectators but, from fellow teammates remains high. The support kept the team spirit high throughout the season.

“The age difference keeps one another in their place,” said Saxton. Even the older members, who are usually able to get away with more, agree.

“The older teammates treat the younger runners the same as anyone else,” said Kruck.

The attitudes of the players seemed to remain upbeat throughout the season. With the new track as an incentive, the number of spectators at home meets has increased, ranging from 150-300 people.

“It pushes you harder when you hear cheers coming from the stands,” said Bahneman.

Guest Writer

Students of BHS are working together to save the environment.

The disposal of solid waste, air and water pollution, landfills, endangered species, land use, and basic ecology are only some of the many topics examined by the Environmental Science class.

The class is an elective that was started 10 years ago, rotating every year between teachers David Fiedler, Clifford Wold, and Boyd Emmel. Student demand was one of the main reasons behind the development of the class.

“Our main goal is to raise awareness and consciousness on what the issues are and how it effects us now and in the future,” said junior Troy Hanson.

One of this year’s largest projects was recycling. During mods, students collected and recycled aluminum cans, paper, glass, etc. The class has earned over $350 by recycling aluminum cans this year alone.

“It’s a very worthwhile class, one of the most important,” said Fiedler.

The students can save $200-$300 in their homes from what they learn in the class. The class teaches basic steps toward environmental conservation, such as turning ones’ water heater down 20 degrees. By doing this, up to $100 per year could be saved.

The environmentalists group also does things to help the environment. The group was started two years ago. They assemble 10-15 times a year, usually during mods.

Their main activities were centered around Earth Day and student knowledge of the environment, but they continue to do other various activities.

“I wish people would get more involved with helping to clean up the environment,” said junior Sarah Scheibe.

Around Earth Day, the group sold trees during mods and planted about 700 trees on their own. Another activity included writing letters to President George Bush.

Lack of student interest continues to be a problem for the group. If others do not join, the organization may not survive next year.

“I’d like to see more people get involved with letter writing and maybe join the group,” said junior Jon Kujawa.

Anyone can help, by cleaning up the road or by recycling things like: tin, glass, and paper products.

“As a teacher you really hope that there are students who will do things to help,” said chemistry teacher Charlie Kiefenheim.

Last year, the group had guest speakers come in from 302 various places. They informed the students on a variety of environmental problems and concerns.

“[I] am proud that there are some students who believe that they can make a difference and are willing to do something about it,” said Kiefenheim.

Staff Writer

The 1991 graduation ceremony will be held the night of June 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the old gym, as has been done in the past. Anyone interested in attending the ceremony will be allowed to do so, seating room permitting.

Included in the graduation program will be students who will be speaking about their high school experience.

“The speeches that the students give are only about three minutes long so, the ceremony doesn’t drag out and the people that are there won’t lose their attention,” said senior Bill Zimmerman.

Tradition will play a large part in the ceremonies for the graduating class of 270.

The traditional all-night graduation party will be held on June 7, soon after the ceremonies.

“They used to have a graduation banquet for the seniors, but they quit that about six or seven years ago,” said senior Dan Miller.

“I like the all-night party better. It sounds like more fun.”

The all-night party holds a lot of importance for some of the seniors.

“The party is really special, because it’s the last time we’ll all be together,” said senior Lynn Dykhuizen.

Post high school plans are to most significant decisions at for the majority of graduates.

The specific plans for after graduation vary from person to person.

“The majority of the students are planning to go to college. That may be a four year college, a two year college, or even a technical college,” said counselor Gloria Rose. “There are a wide variety of skills in this school which would work well in work settings or college settings.”