The Hoofprint – October 1, 2009

On Thursday September 17, 2009 at approximately 6:45 PM, the Buffalo Police Department, Fire Department, and Allina Ambulance, responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a train.

The incident occurred on the railroad tracks on the south side of Highway 55, about 250-300 feet east of the intersection of Highway 55 and 2nd Street South. This incident was not intersection-related.

The 16 year-old female, identified as Tyler Wood of Buffalo, Minnesota, was walking west, when she was struck from behind by a west-bound train. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The train was a Canadian Pacific train, which was loaded and bound for Glenwood, Minnesota.The engineer reports that he observed something on the tracks some distance ahead of the train, and that he sounded the train’s horn numerous times. Witnesses in the area reported hearing the horn sounding unusually often and for extended periods of time. The engineer attempted to make an emergency stop, but was unable to stop the train in time. The engineer also reported that the girl made no apparent effort to move from the tracks prior to being struck.

Investigation indicates that the victim may have been listening to music on an iPod or iPhone type device, and that she may have been unaware of the train’s presence.

The Buffalo Police Department is investigating this matter in conjunction with the Coroner’s office.

As students padded into school on the early morning of September 8, 2009, President Barack Obama finalized for an educational speech at Wakefield High School in Virginia. The main topic of his speech was encouragement for students, teachers, and parents at the beginning of a new yaer.

The speech faced a lot of controversy among parents debating whether it should be shown publicly in schools or not. Faculty decided it would be best not to require students to watch it, but allowed the option for them to see it during lunches.

“The feedback I received was more from parents and their opinions than students,” said Principal Mark Mischke, “but I’m glad our building decided not to require it. I didn’t want to make a decision based on the different opinions of an entire student body.”

Obama showed great interest in the future of our generation throughout his speech and stressed the importance of education and hard work.

“Education isn’t just important for your own life and your own future, but what you make of it will decide nothing less than the future of this country,” said Obama. “What you’re learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future. We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don’t do it- if you quit on school- you’re not just quitting on yourself, you’re quitting on your country. ”

Recycling, assigning online homework, and switching off lights are some of the things Buffalo High School is doing to go green. There is even a school organization, The Green Team, dedicated to encouraging the use of greener resources and recycling. The newest endeavor is a 115 foot tall wind turbine that will be built for the school as well as the city of Buffalo.

In an attempt to meet the new energy laws, where 25% of electrical energy must be provided by renewable energy sources, Buffalo will be the first of ten Minnesotan cities to receive refurbished wind turbines. The wind turbine is expected to provide one to ten percent of Buffalo’s energy needs depending on the wind.

“It will be enough energy to power about 200 homes as well as bring down the cost of energy for the high school,” said Laureen Bodin, Assistant Administrator of the City of Buffalo.

The City of Buffalo is a partner with the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, or MMPA, which is providing the turbine in exchange for the use of the Buffalo High School land to construct it on. Each 160-kilowatt windmill costs roughly $300,000, and the whole project has cost around $3.6 million, according to the MMPA. Some people have been skeptical about how practical the turbine will be.

“I think the whole thing is a waste of money,” says Sophomore Kenton Anderson, “That money could have gone to much better projects I think.”

Studies done by Avant determined that the windmill will harvest the most energy near Buffalo High School, due to the high amount of wind. Beyond providing energy, the turbine will also be used to teach students and businesses about green energy options.

“It’s a great learning opportunity for all of us, having a great energy source so close to the school,” said Science Teacher Charley Keifenheim.

The wind turbine is up, but is not currently running. Due to some delays it isn’t expected to be finished until November.

“It will be interesting to have in a wind turbine at the high school,” said Sophomore Micheal Bischoff. “It will be good for us to be using multiple options for energy.”

“I’m really excited about the turbine,” said Spanish Teacher Nancy Eiynck. “I always try to recycle here at school and feel that we shuold try more as a school to put forth the effort to incorporate cans and bottles into our recycling. I think it would save us a lot of money.”

On November 3, 2009 voters will once again be in line waiting to vote for the renewal of the levy. For the past two years in voting, the district has been unsuccessful in attempts to pass a levy. The district will not be asking for additoinal money and will not ask for residents to pay higher taxes; the district will simply continue with what is already in place.

Superintendent Jim Bauck made a recommendation to the board to focus on trying to maintain a stable budget for the district. According the School Board meeting held in August, the amount of the levy renewal is $110.55 per student and would be levied in 2011. Bauck suggested they concentrate on the renewal of a current levy that is set to expire after taxes payable in 2010.

“It will provide stability in the budget, but state funding continues to be very unpredictable...” Bauck commented. Bauck stressed the importance of the levy passing and the district’s overall well-being.

According to the School Board minutes, the district continues to face an uncertain financial future and new funding is needed. During the School Board Minutes meeting Bauck suggested that while the economy seems to be holding its own, perhaps coming back, and the correct thing to do is ask for a renewal and not create any additional hardship.

“The renewal will provide budget stability for the district to the degree we can control locally, without raising new, additional taxes,” said Bauck.

With a new year comes new clubs and organizations to be a part of. This year’s newest addition to the school is the Bison Broadcasting Team, run by Special Ed. Instructor Will Floersheim and Activity Director Tom Bauman. The Bison Broadcasting Team uses students to film and narrates live events hosted at home, including football, volleyball, soccer, and, most recently, Homecoming coronation and AAA events.

“I think it’s a really great idea,” said Senior Drew Maas. “It allows for my friends and relatives to watch me from home if they can’t make it to a game, and it also is a great chance for me to play in a game and then go back later and watch myself to see where I need to improve, which is nice. I hope they use it for all of the games and other activities this year.”

The events will be broadcasted on webcast50.com. Another source students may find helpful will be hoofprint.net, which features stories about the school written by students.

This year’s senior class is the fi rst class ever to fall under the State No Child Left Behind graduation requirements for the MCA Testing. Only 60.2 percent of last years Juniors and 82.9 percent of last years Sophomores met the benchmarks.

Over the summer 84 Seniors spent their time in classes to help them improve their scores and 34 students have since met the requirements.

“The math test is different than the reading test,” said Principal Mark Mischke. “Instead of having to pass they have to retest at least twice and participate in school remediation efforts.”

The state leaves the remediation up to the particular schools and for Buffalo High School students it was 24 hours of classroom study over the summer or during the upcoming school year. Letters from Assistant Principal Brandon Prell were sent out to students explaining the situation.

“I went to the math classes during the summer and failed the second test by two points,” said An Anonymous Senior. “I was defi nitely not the only person to fail twice--a lot of people did. I sometimes felt like the teachers who helped us were acting like they had better things to do, and I think that the teachers were part of the problem for why so many kids failed it.”

If the scores continue to fall under the required benchmarks the high school will be restructured by the state. Curriculum, staff, and leadership would be investigated and tweaked. With this in mind and the large number of students facing the possibility of not graduating, last year’s administration created opportunities during the school year for the students who did not meet the graduation requirements. Students will go through similar experiences this year.

“Those who didn’t meet the reading standards spent all of last year in special SSR groups, tutoring, extended day classes, and school day curriculum changes,” said Mischke, “where they would take a different course based on the fact that they haven’t passed, such as Read 180. This year it will be the same remediation intensified.”

With programs set up to help the students throughout the school year, the administration hopes that all of the 185 Seniors who did not pass the GRAD portion of the MCA will be able to graduate.

“This spring will be interesting,” said Mischke. “It would be really diffi cult to tell a student, ‘Oh, you passed every class at School X, but you don’t get to graduate.’”

October 12 rolls around and twenty Buffalo students board a bus to Elk River High School. When they get to Elk River, a performance awaits them. This performance starts off phase one of the New Wilderness Project.

“The New Wilderness Project happens in three phases,” said Diversity Coordinator and Administrative Assistant Vicki Cary. “The students there will have a combination of large group speakers and small group sessions that focus on student leadership, cultural issues, and how to be good stewards of the world. At the last session, students will be required to create something to bring back to school to share what they learned.”

Cary chose twenty students to represent the high school at the three sessions. Students of all grades as well as from various cultures and backgrounds were chosen. The fi rst phase will involve a multi-media performance to create trust between three local schools: Elk River, Buffalo and Rogers.

“I think that the program sounds like a really cool idea,” said Junior Michael Deisting. “It’s nice that there isn’t just one speaker for the whole day. The students actually get to be involved, which gives them a chance to really meet and make friends with new people.”

Last year, Elk River High School invited Rogers and Buffalo to take place in the New Wilderness Project in 2009-2010. The Project takes place on three days of the school year. This fi rst day is October 12, the second day is in January, and the third day is in March. Next year, Buffalo plans on hosting the exchange.

“I’m looking forward to giving kids an opportunity to come together despite all the differences between them,” said Cary. “I also like that’s it’s not just a one-shot deal. You get to meet people and then bring ideas back to your school. I think the concept of continuity through this year and into next is a great idea.”

Nearly a month into a new school year, it is evident that changes have taken place at BHS. Activity and lunch fees are higher, and class sizes are larger. However, the staff of The Hoofprint would like to assert that while these and other changes appear to be negative, there are still many reasons to take pride in our school. We encourage students to continue to have a positive attitude, because a great atmosphere not only shows visitors our pride, but helps to remind ourselves as well. Although the past two years have not proven successful in passing levies that would increase the money given to our school, we believe the levy lined up for this Fall should and will pass, because community members have the ability to take pride in our accomplishments. It asks to sustain the funds already in place, instead of asking for more. We feel that the district will support us and want to preserve our spirit.

The Buffalo spirit shines through many different areas, such as the numerous successes of our sports and activities, and the genuine interest students show in helping each other. Many students participate in peer tutoring, help transition eighth graders to the high school through impact retreats, and offer assistance on the seventh and ninth grade retreats. And behind all of these always lies a caring, talented staff member. Perhaps one of the biggest assets of BHS is the staff, and we recognize them in hopes that other students will as well. Our school is unique in this regard, providing unlimited support and trust from nearly every teacher and administrator. They are the ones that make much of what students do possible.

We feel it is the job of the students to embrace the changes taking place around us, and make them work in a positive way. The staff of The Hoofprint reminds students that while we may have lost a few perks, we have by no means lost necessities, and on top of those we have retained the key factors that make Buffalo High School what it is: The terrific students and staff.

“I want to make the most of it,” said senior Amanda Pederson, “It’s senior year, this is the last homecoming we’ll get. Hopefully it’s a good one,”

As seniors transitioned from blue to black, they came closer together as a class.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the classes decked out,” said senior Ben Henson, “especially the senior hallway.”

In school, everyone is against each other in for certain competitions, but all are united for the football game under the Friday night lights.

“I like,” said senior Taylor Zook, “how even though on Thursday all the classes split up, on Friday we can all come back together for the football game.”

Buffalo High School has a lot of school spirit and it is evident through all the students.

As the week of homecoming started there were plenty of seniors that dressed up but some were more dressed up than others. Monday was “Neon Day” and many students wore a neon t-shirt, but The Neon Day Winner Senior Tim Ruter had on a neon skirt.

“I just wanted to look good,” said Ruter, who later won an award for the day.

Another Buffalo Homecoming week has come and gone, but not without many memories to be treasured.

Thursday, September 17th, was when it all started, a pep fest was held to prepare us for the week ahead and to announce the candidates for the 2009-2010 Homecoming King and Queen.

After the 2009-2010 mixing spoons were announced, Social Studies Teacher Will Floersheim, and Math Teacher Emily Greeley, it was time to call 16 seniors to the floor. To start out the excitement, Senior number one, Frances Varner, was called, followed by Seniors Domanick Bainey, Maggie O’Donnell, Billy Ogdahl, Kristen Grundman, Neil Gleason, Ashley Michalko, Tucker Vogt, Brielle Colbank, Joel Morehouse, Kristin Jeske, Robert Malmstein, Hannah Brecht, Jake Letsinger, Lizzy Lundebrek, and last but not least, Brent Kettenacker.

After Thursday’s pep fest when Homecoming King and Queen Candidates were announced, 1,700 students voted for who they wanted to become their Homecoming King and Queen. The days prior to Coronation were anxiously anticipated by students. When 7:30 Monday night came around, students, parents and staff started to file into the PAC. First to be crowned was was Junior Royalty, Alex Mischke, daughter of Principal Mark Mischke, and Avery McCallum, son of English teacher, Ryan McCallum. Finally, it was time to bring out the Senior Royalty Candidates.

Before the crowning of King and Queen, Sophomore Frannie Pearson entertained the crowd with a solo performance, singing Crazier by Taylor Swift. The first Senior to be crowned was Kettenacker, runner up for Homecoming King. Michalko soon had a tiara on her head as well, runner up for Queen.

To finish off the night, Ogdahl was crowned King and Varner Queen.

“I wasn’t really paying attention, just looking at the floor, listening to the music,” said Varner, “Then everyone started looking at me, I realized what had just happened, and immediately put my hands in front of my face, because it’s just something I do. This is just going to be a great learning experience.”

Budget cuts, a failed referendum, high percentage of math MCA fails, and economic recession. All and all, not exactly one of BHS’s better year. Despite setbacks, students and staff remain positive about this school year. With good reason too. School staff has been working diligently through the summer to come up with solutions to the these problems.

“No matter what happens, look on the bright side and be positive,” said Math Teacher Michelle Macalena, “Even with budget cuts, there are students who depend on you [teachers] to do your best in the classroom regardless of circumstance. If these things are out of your hands, there’s no point in dwelling on it.”

Although Buffalo has suffered another round of budget cuts, most classes and activities will be continuing this year, along with the popular block schedule.

To deal with the latest cuts another referendum is in the making, not to get more money, but simply to maintain current funding without more cuts. It’s not all loss though. Nine new staff members have been hired to fi ll gaps in various departments, as well as the school gaining funding for a new track, tennis court, and wind turbine.

“The teachers here are really great,” said Freshman Cody Theien, “Even though they don’t have as much money they manage to teach us what we need to know.”

Adapting to these problems hasn’t been easy, but school staff is managing to make the best of it. Dealing with cuts means less money, but we have managed to fi nd innovative ways to save money. Having students use more internet resources such as Google Docs, students gain more technology experience, and the school saves several thousand dollars in paper.

“These changes were necessary,” said Sophomore Erik Jergensen, “It might make it a bit harder but everything runs pretty normally, which I’m thankful for. BHS Staff did an outstanding job to make that happen.”

Tough times lie behind us, and tough times might be waiting in the future, but we’re making up for it as best possible. It’ll take more persistence to get up and go the distance this time. There are things that I look forward to this year, such as an extended winter break, and the up coming Seussical. BHS still has the best staff, facilities, and students, and will continue to be one of the best schools in Minnesota.

So fi re up!

With an already astonishing 11,054 cases in the United States, including 17 deaths as of June 4th, it’s no wonder the Swine Flu has this country in a frenzy. But is it really all that bad?

In 1918 “Spanish Flu” gave H1N1 its pivotal moment in history eventually killing 50 to 100 million people worldwide. Although through the years, the virus’ strength has dissipated, it later appeared in Fort Dix, New Jersey end this time was able to spread through coughing or sneezing. Most recently, Swine Flu forced 175 students from Eastview Elementary in Lakeville to stay home because of prevention of further illness and student safety. Even with such high infection rates, it isn’t as deadly as made out to be.

The current swine fl u circulating around the world is more than likely as dangerous as any other seasonal virus, mainly because it lacks the molecular protein that caused the old 1918 pandemic to spread. Not only that, but with vaccinations and treatments greatly improving over the years, your chance of prolonged sickness is low. Based on what is known from the structure of the swine fl u, the FDA-Approved drugs/vaccines should prove highly effective against the H1N1 virus.

The real reason this disease is making headlines is not because of the fl u itself, but the worry it is causing amongst people worldwide. The placebo effect that this virus has caused is almost as bad as the fl u itself. It’s making people think they need to get vaccinated, when in fact, all they should be doing is staying calm. It’s time for everyone to understand that you wont die a horribly painful death if you catch it. You more than likely won’t even die at all. That isn’t to say that you shouldn’t take care of yourself or the people around you if you catch it, but don’t expect any symptoms necessarily worse than a simple fl u. If the world chooses to lie in panic, then so be it. I’ll be surviving these days with a sense of peace, knowing that there’s truly nothing to worry about.

For further prevention, you can follow the standard protection procedures such as covering your cough or sneeze, washing your hands often, using one of the many antibacterial hand washes around the school, and getting a fl u vaccination.

Emcees welcome all to the 16th annual Tri-M Variety Show while audience members applaud—but performers are too busy with last minute preparations to notice. With hearts pounding and nerves kicking in, hard work is about to pay off.

The Variety Show was founded 15 years ago by Music Teacher Mike Walsh, when students asked him for more solos in musical productions.

“It’s a great way for the school and community to hear and see the talent of BHS students,” said Walsh. “It’s huge; some years the show and talent is unbelievable.” The Variety Show will be held October 10 at 7:30 pm; tickets cost $5 for students and $7 for adults. All proceeds collected are distributed to students through various music scholarships by Tri-M (the international music honor society).

“The scholarships really mean a lot to the students,” said Walsh. “They can have such a positive effect on the recipient.”

Auditions were held on September 29 and October 1. Every grade was represented with acts including ballet, songs, hip-hop dance, and comedy acts until a fi nal lineup was produced.

“All of the participants have put a lot of time into their acts,” said Junior Mallory Nelson, “After the audition process is over, the entire experience is stress free.”

The acts for the upcoming Variety Show include Juniors Max Lundeen, Matt O’Leary and Sam Bergstrom of Icicles to Eskimos new song: ‘Make it Better.’ Nelson along with Junior Nina Downer will be singing a duet.

“I like playing at things like this because it’s a good way for people to hear our band,” said Lundeen, “It’s very exhilarating. At every show we play I get butterflies in my stomach, not because I’m nervous, but because it feels so great to share our talents with others.”

The music starts, the curtain goes up and--wait, is that the Cat in the Hat? Welcome to Seussical, the musical that is 100% rhyme and made up entirely of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters.

“This musical is bright, and very family-friendly,” said Senior Bobby Person. “There’s real character and charisma in the music, it’s going to be great.”

After a year of three dark shows fi lled with suicide, war and lots of dead people, the hopeful auditioners graciously welcome this comic-relief show.

“Even though I’ve auditioned a lot already, it’s still nerve-wrecking,” said Senior Wesley Miller. “But after a while, the butterflies go away and I can focus on how cool the show is.”

Director Tracy Hagstrom-Durant picked the show based on several things: the actors that were auditioning and their voice parts, the themes in the show (a person’s a person, no matter how small), and the fact that the world needs a show that will make the audience laugh.

“I believe in the basic theme of the show,” said Hagstrom-Durant. “It doesn’t matter what you look like, what your shape is like; you’re still valuable. We are also in a time when the economy is terrible and there are very few things that are ‘fun’ right now, and we have to work really hard to maintain that light at the end of the tunnel.”

Music Director Mike Walsh is also very excited, not just about the music, but also what happens on stage.

“I really love how the way the different arts combine in theatre,” said Walsh. “I get to direct the pit orchestra, I get to work with the singers who are putting their music into characters, and we combine that with the visual aspects of the set, costumes, dance and everything else.”

“[After seeing the show], people will leave a ton happier than when they walked in the door,” said Hagstrom-Durant. “Where else can you pay fi ve dollars and be transported to a place where we all go back to our childhood?”

Football season in Buffalo is underway, and it is always a time of excitement, not only for players, but for the fans as well. Spectators pile into Cummings Field on Friday nights in high hopes of cheering the Bison on to a victory.

There’s nothing better than a Friday night football game, running onto the fi eld and seeing the stands filled is a great feeling.” said Senior Buzz Tryggeseth.

Filled with anticipation for the 2009 season, the team began practicing on August 17th, and has been hard at work ever since. With 34 returning seniors, and many first time starters the team is at a learning curve. The team is supplied with lots of talent this year, and all players are working on understanding and mastering the concepts that the coaches are teaching them.

“We hope to go one game farther than last year in sections, and make it to the quarter fi nals,” says Offensive Coach Scott Palmer. “We just need to keep getting better each game.”

The 2009-10 captains consist of Seniors Ben Hensen, Josh Gaughan, Aaron Duske, and Nick Vetrano. All agreed that the new responsibility was something they were enjoying, although they feel more pressured as a player and to be a good example.

“Being a captain you can’t fl y by under the radar anymore, its a lot differ-ent from last year. I just hope I can pass on good work ethic to this years sophomores and juniors,” said Hensen.

With four conference games left the team will continue to strive towards their goals and a successful season

The track has became cracked and the rubber has became lose over the past 15 years and 8,000 dollars was put into the track in the past five years to kept it in able shape. After the 15 years and one recent track and field state championship the Bison will be running on a new track next spring.

After the district launched a 351,000 dollars project to repair both the track and the tennis courts. The money couldn't be used for staff or funding of activities. This money by law had to be used to repair current structures in the district.

The new track and tennis courts will not cause a new tax or any new budget cuts. This money came from a bond that was voted on in 2003.

"This bond went to pay for a North Winds Elementary, BHS Activity Center, and addition for the Middle School, Ha- nover Elementary, and Montrose Elementary,” said District 877 Director of Finance and Operations Chuck Klaassen.

“The track and tennis courts had to be done. If we didn't re- surface the track and the tennis courts now it would be four to five years later before it would of be redone."

“If we hadn’t spent the money on the track and tennis courts,” said BHS Activity Director Tom Bouman, “The mon- ey would go away and the rest of the bond would be gone.”

The track won’t need any major repairs after the track will get laid down and the lines being painted during this week. The tennis court will cost 15,000 to 20,000 dollars in ten years to repair the cracks and repaint the lines.

“The track and tennis courts is like a new car.” said Direc- tor of Buildings & Ground Eric Hamilton, “we are always gonna have to do some kind of repairs to the track and the tennis courts.”

The tennis courts through this process were made easier to fix. instead of the whole tennis courts being one slab, there were saw cuts put to divide the the courts into individual courts making it easier to repair the courts that need it.

“We hope they did a good job,” said Head Varsity Ten- nis Coach Charley Keifenheim. “The tennis court before was bad it made the ball bounce inconsistently. The lines were peel- ing badly so you couldn’t tell whether the ball was in or out.”

“The track will be a lot nicer,” said Senior Jake Letsing- er. “I think it’ll be a lot less ankle injuries and there will be a new excitement to practice and to the team.”

Two years ago Sophomore Annika Bordak made the record for fastest backstroke as an eighth grader. This fall she broke her own record, beating her old one by more than one second, with a time of 1 minute, 3 seconds, and 14 hundredths. In other words, this girl can swim.

“The first time I broke the record I didn’t really realize what was going on. It didn’t sink in until the next day, and then I was really excited!” says Bordak. “The second time it wasn’t as big of a deal because I’d already broken it once, I remember being really tired after. It was still really cool to get out of the pool and see my time on the clock.”

The swim team has practice every day from 3:45 to 6, except on Fridays it is from 3- 5 pm. They have meets every Tuesday and Thursday, and invites on Saturdays. Bordak has been on this team since middle school, coached by Ryan Rehnstrand.

“Annika is so much fun to be around and has such a bubbly personality,” says teammate and Junior Molly Sandahl. “She works so hard in practice; she definitely deserved to break the record.”

Seniors Ali Geelan and Megan Davis cover the net during a match against Monticello.

Senior Michael Bonde and Junior Ian Robinson wrestle in the mud during the second annual Mud Bowl at Buffalo Evangelical Free Church.

Sophomore Prentice Basten works to create a sign featuring homecoming events during a student council worknight.

Freshman Tyra Whisler limbos during the Battle of the Sexes competition.

Seniors Lizzy Lundebrek and Megan Ackermann cheer on fellow seniors on Class Color Day.

Senior Jessica McGinty laughs with a friend on Ja’Makin Me Crazy day.

Junior Sam Bergstrom pays attention during Biology.

Homecoming King Billy Ogdahl and Queen Francie Varner walk together after competing the the Battle of the Sexes hula-hoop contest.

Sophomore Erika Doimer protects the ball against a Brainerd player.

Junior Nicole Nystrom laughs while dressed up on Neon Day.