Emergent health partners field trip

By Makenna Devine
and Lainey Ellis
Mrs. Cottingham who works at career prep high school set this up she said "I called last year and then called them again this year and they told me about this opportunity they were offering." She also said "they will be showing us the training for EMT and Paramedics and what they have to go through, this will show us what they do on a daily basis, we will also have 911 dispatch scenarios and hands on training for us." This is a great opportunity for students, especially if you want to go into the medical field. Emergent health partners is a non-profit provider located in Ann Arbor. They are a high quality ambulance and health transportation services. They also provide paramedic and EMT education programs. Western Career prep students will be going and this opportunity is also offered for Western High School students. Contact your counselor if you would like to go on this trip. "This will be a great opportunity and we will have more hands on learning like this." Mrs Callendar said.

WHS student have opportunity to take college classes while still in high school

By Makenna Devine 
and Lainey Ellis
Each semester roughly 20% of the student body at western high school takes at least one college class while still a high school student.
"About 100-120 juniors and seniors every semester dual enroll here at Western," said Mrs. Becky Callendar, guidance counselor at western high school.
Western offers a variety of options, on where you can dual enroll and what classes you are able to take. Most students enroll at Jackson College or Spring Arbor University. You can choose to do your basics or a class that falls within your major. Most students choose to take an English, math, or psychology course. Western covers $522.50 per class, if your class is over this cost you are required to pay for it along with paying for your textbooks and other materials you may need, you are also responsible for your own transportation. You can visit your counselor to set up a meeting for the 29th to talk about class options. You can also email your counselor to set up this meeting. Dual enrolling while in high school is a huge benefit. Not only does your high school pay for part of it but you get a college credit while still in high school. Dual enrolling also has some challenges which can sometimes become too much for a student. It could also be a challenging course that you may need to spend more time studying for. If you struggle with regular high school classes dual enrolling may not be for you. You should be able to maintain average grades in your high school classes, before you consider dual enrolling in a course.

Western Hemisphere Video: Question of the Week

Video Announcements on the Hemisphere Upload

Four Things I Learned Without Social Media

By Sophie Wood
Hemisphere Staff Writer

When people choose to give up social media, it can be to avoid drama, disconnect from their iPhone, or some other personal reason.
In my situation, I was forced to abandon social media as a punishment.
71 percent of teens use more than one social media app, and I had multiple as well. So it was a pretty big culture shock for me to go completely off all of the platforms.

1. There's more pressure to look good 24/7, when you don't take any selfies.

Whenever I posted a picture online, I was almost always wearing makeup. So on the days I didn't wear it, I pretty much just didn't post any pictures. This led to more pressure for me to look good all the time, since people couldn't just look on my Instagram to see me at my best.

2. It's really awkward to ask people for their number every time you want to talk to them. 

Usually, (wether you have a crush on someone or you're just friends) you just get their snap chat or Instagram, and you're instantly able to talk. But without social media.. it's a bit awkward to ask for someone's number without sounding like you're flirting.

3. It can be a bit freeing. 

Although social media is fun, not having to worry about followers and likes and if someone is posting about you, is also fun. It's nice knowing you have nothing to stress over.

4. Your friends get cut in half. 

Only having people's phone numbers, makes a lot of people inaccessible to you. Being such an extrovert, it's really lonely only talking to the (roughly) 100 or so people on your contacts.


When people choose to give up social media, it can be to avoid drama, disconnect from their iPhone, or some other personal reason.
In my situation, I was forced to abandon social media as a punishment. It's not fun and I miss it, but I learned these things.
.
Statistics:
http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/09/teens-social-media-technology-2015/

News Briefs Nov. 18

Senior Pics Reminder

Attention Seniors! The deadline to turn in senior pictures is fast approaching. Please check your email for the senior survey and fill out the form by Tuesday, Nov. 22. Senior pictures AND Baby pictures are due Thursday, Dec. 1. The form will also need you to submit your senior quote.

Please note that there is a $10 late fee for any pictures turned in after the due date in December. Pictures not submitted in December run the risk of not being published in the yearbook, or at least, being charged a $20 late fee.

Semester 2 Dual Enrollment

If you are a student who is interested in taking a Dual Enrollment class next semester, please email your counselor. You have the choice between taking classes from either JC or SAU; the class you want to take will be determined when you meet with your counselor and a college representative. Please also watch the dual enrollment video before making your decision. You can find the link to the video in the daily announcements!

 Theater Auditions for “Hello! My Baby”

This year, the theater department will be performing the musical “Hello! My Baby”. Vocal auditions will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 30, and Friday, Dec. 2, beginning at 2:45. To audition you must set up an appointment— to set up an appointment, go to the link in the daily announcements to fill out a form and choose an appointment time.

Additionally, anyone signing up for vocal auditions should prepare a short, 16-bar song that shows off your vocal range.

READING AUDITIONS will take place on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 2:45 until 4:00 with Mrs. McElhone. Only those interested in a speaking role must attend. Those who want to be in the chorus do not need to attend.

4. Boys Basketball Parent Meeting

Basketball season is just around the corner! There will be a parent/player meeting on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11:30 AM in the WHS library. Please contact coach Ryan Mulnix at ryan.mulnix@wsdpanthers.org if you can’t attend the meeting.j

–By Madelyn Polich

News Briefs Nov. 17

Fall Break

Western High School’s fall break will start Wednesday the 23rd and last until Friday the 25th. Classes will resume on November 28th.

Credit Recovery

Ten or more absences in one class constitutes lost credit in that class, according to Western High School’s attendance policy. Paper documents that prove there was a valid excuse for the absences can be given to Mrs. Blakemore. If there was no excuse, students will have to attend an after school Credit Recovery session in the SRC. For more details, see the student handbook (pages 20-23) or speak to Mrs. Price or Mr. Taylor. Students will have until January 12th to turn in or make up their hours.

Community Service Hours Submission

There’s a brand new way to submit your community service hours. Forget forms and paperwork, you can submit all your community service hours through this link: https://docs.google.com/a/wsdpanthers.org/forms/d/1jLt0yPWep8RY6UEVVOaGIgOStzo9IAzSlmtOb ev3IfU/viewform?ts=57b34511&edit_requested=true

Video Contest

Do you want $1,000, a chance to get your name out there, and great resources? If so, visit this link for more information: https://www.worldof7billion.org/student-video-contest/. Mrs. Callender is ready and willing to help contestants, and she would love to see your creations. The deadline for this contest is February 23rd, 2017.

-By Carmen Ortega

#MannequinChallenge Mr Meredith's General PE

News Briefs Nov 15

Nite Lights in Jackson
By: Logan Howe Nov 24-dec31
A Jackson tradition is returning! Nite Lights in downtown Jackson is coming back for a 22nd year starting November 24 through December 31. The light-show is for anyone of all ages and is a great way to get the family together during the holiday season. You just drive to the fairgrounds, tune into the listed radio station, and take a trip through the “Nite Lights Winter Wonderland”. It only costs $20 per vehicle, so stuff everyone in the car and hit the road.

Christmas Parade
By: Logan Howe
The iconic Jackson county Christmas Parade is taking place this week! On November 18 at 6:00, Christmas will explode into the lives of many Jackson Citizens. The parade begins at Blackstone and Michigan Ave and travels East on Michigan Ave, ending on Francis St. When you go to the parade, you will probably see many faces of people you know, and you might even see Santa. The parade is the kickoff to the holiday season in Jackson, so go celebrate with the community. Did I mention it’s free?

Spot Santa in Jackson
By: Logan Howe
There are many opportunities to tell Santa what you want for Christmas this year in Jackson County. The following is all the details you need to know on where you can find the fat man in a red suit:
Where: Westwood Mall
When: November 25- December 24
Pets: Monday, November 28, 2016 from 4pm-7pm
Monday, December 5, 2016 from 4pm-7pm Monday, December 12, 2016 from 4pm-7pm
Where: Jackson Crossingl
When: November 25- December 24
Pets: Sunday, December 4, 2016 12pm-5pm
Wednesday, December 7, 2016 4pm-8pm *Only dogs or cats on leashes are allowed*

Give a Thanksgiving Feast
By: Logan Howe
Thanksgiving is a week away which only means one thing... Food pantries are bare! Many people need food for their families around the holidays while they can’t afford it. They reach out for help at local food pantries but many are left bare with nothing left around the holiday season. Help the poor in Jackson this year and donate food to local food pantries. A list for local food pantries in Jackson can be found at http://www.foodpantries.org/ci/mi-jackson 

Professional after school tutoring available

Western students compete at highest levels of "brain sport"

Quiz Bowl is a what one could call a brain sport.
Contestants go against other contestants from other schools to see which teams are the smartest. Mr. Anderson described it as "an academic competition between different schools."
 The team has been doing very well this year, with varsity at 3-0 and JV at 2-1.
The teams get to go to a state league at Michigan State if they win. Mr. Anderson says he expects big things from the two Quiz Bowl teams in the future. You can come to practice on Tuesdays to watch or watch them compete in leagues every Thursday.
Come down and watch them and see if you want to join, as the teams are going to need new players after the seniors leave later this year.

–Joe Hendrickson

News Briefs Nov 11

The Turkey Trot will take place the morning of Thanksgiving, at 9AM. You can choose a 5K walk/run or a 10k run. You can pay $15 for either run, if you go through Mrs Pack! Is there any better way to start your Thanksgiving day? It is a beautiful scenic route through the wonderful county of Jackson, and a great way to burn some calories.

The Craft Show, taking place on Saturday, November 12th is looking for volunteers after school on Friday and Saturday, to take money, concessions, and walking around to watch over the entire show. If interested in helping, get ahold of Jessica Valentine, at 4jvalentine@gmail.com.

#MannequinChallenge Mrs. Prus' FLEX Class

Lady Panthers News

News and notes for the students of Western High School.

#MannequinChallenge 2nd hour Spanish w/Mrs Avina

#MannequinChallenge 2nd hour Strength Training

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, the second hour Strength class created a #MannequinChallenge video.

Western seniors awarded scholarships

Photos courtesy Mr. Josh Smith

​​"Congratulations to seniors Nathaniel Buchholz and Elizabeth Brugger, who were both awarded scholarships from Spring Arbor University," guidance counselor Mr. Josh Smith said. "Both will  receive annual amount$ that will total $48,000. Keep applying seniors, and way to go Nate and Ellie"

More Briefs for Nov. 4

Golden tickets
Remember students are still able to earn golden tickets with 4 or fewer absences and 4 or fewer tardies. Golden tickets make it available for students to take a day off during second semester without getting an absence held against you! But remember no more than 50 students will be able to take the same day of.

Community service hours
Community services hours are no longer submitted through forms or paperwork but through a link. You can access the link through the daily announcements that Mr. Taylor sends out.

Do you wanna be a pretty swell panther?
Remember students teachers and staff are on the lookout for pretty swell panthers. You can be nominated for good work ethic, citizenship, or being a good student. Students earn a $5 subway gift card if you are nominated and are entered in a drawing to win $100.

Reminder we are a closed campus!
Students remember that our school is a closed campus. You are not able to leave during lunch or leave freely. If you are leaving you have got to have parent permission to leave.

–by Makenna Devine

Chess Club moves students into winning position

The Western High School chess club is an after school activity that takes place in Mr. Kim’s classroom on Thursdays from right after dismissal to 3:30 where students can go to play chess against one another.
Anyone can come and go as they please, there's no sign up, anyone is more than welcome to come in and play. When asked about how it was coming along this year, Mr. Kim said, “Great. We get 10-15 participants weekly. We have all skill levels so it doesn't matter how good at chess you are, anyone will fit in.”
 The chess club president, Frank Ladwig, is currently searching for chess tournaments for the club to take part in. He says he has found one, but they need to start at smaller tournaments and build their way up to these bigger tournaments. And fundraising is another thing, as it costs money to get into these tournaments.
President Frank says they are also looking for ways to raise money so they can get involved in these tournaments.
“Yeah, you get to sit down and relax and Mr. Kim’s a fun guy unless you beat him,” he said. “We want to get more boards, so more people can play at once, and I’m expecting more people to come in and play. It's a pretty healthy club. We gain new members every week.”
 Come on down and join Chess club, Thursday’s after school, from dismissal to 3:30, no sign up, anyone is welcome.

News Briefs for Nov. 4

Western High School’s Annual Craft Show

On Saturday November 12th, Western High School will hold their annual Western Academic Booster Craft show. In order to make this year’s craft show a success we need YOUR help! We are looking for as many volunteers as possible for set up on Friday after school, and Saturday to take money. As well as, people to sell concessions, and walk around to provide general assistance. This is a great community service opportunity for students looking to get those awesome green cords when they graduate. All of the proceeds will go directly into scholarships for the seniors. If you’re willing to participate please contact Jessica Valentine at 4javalentine@gmail.com

Panther Competitive Tryouts Next Week

On Monday, Nov 7th through Thursday, Nov 10th from 3-5 p.m. in the WHS Mat Room. The final tryout day is Friday, Nov 11th, from 3 p.m. until completed. Who will make the cut? Better have your best flipps and tricks, because this year could be one to remember!  If there are  any questions  please contact Coach Jenkins at jaclyn.jenkins@wsdpanthers.org

Golden Tickets are Still Rolling

Do you have fewer than 5 absences and fewer than 5 tardies in each class this semester? You are eligible for a GOLDEN TICKET! Students will be issued golden tickets to take a day of and relax during the second semester without counting against absences or attendance total. The golden ticket must be signed by all of your teachers and approved by Mr. Taylor. No more than 50 students will be allowed to take the same day off, so do wait too long! Your golden ticket will expire by the end of the first semester. Golden tickets can be collected through Mrs. Price or Mr. Taylor. Keep up the hard work all you Golden Panthers!

By Kendra Swaenepoel

Panther Gossip previews upcoming events, and asks the Hot Question of the Week

Produced by Logan Howe and Carmen Ortega

The Hemisphere interviews captains from boys cross country and volleyball teams

Jake Jones sat down this week with Lake Buseth and Tristan Keller to talk about this Saturday's State Finals meet. He then interviewed Anna Moody about the end of the Panthers' volleyball season.

News Briefs for Nov. 2

Mr. Kim's room is hosting chess club every Thursday from 2:40 to 3:30! All skill levels are welcome to come.

Boys Basketball sign up meeting at 2:45, Friday, November 4th. The meeting will be about 20 minutes long. Additional tryout info is in the athletics office.

Dress code reminder that fingertip length is the shorts/skirts standard. See handbook for details.

November 3rd. 4th, 5th, and 6th are the days of show for midsummer night/jersey. Come out and support our Western actors.

by Sophia Wood

Dog Days, By Joseph Hendrickson