Peer Reflection #1

1. Who wrote the story?

Elizabeth

2. What is their story about?

School threats on social media

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

She talks about the dangers of the issue, but doesn't exactly state what she thinks of the threats. She does think campus security should be taken seriously. "I think most of the threats on high schools, like the clown threats, are formed by students that have no idea what they are getting into and what the consequences are."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes. "Students think that the ideas they have in mind are entertaining."

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, she mostly spit facts about what's been happening with the school threats, but she did only take one side throughout. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
1st

Commentary Story

Animal Experimentation

Current Events #2.3

1. Why is Austin police chief Art Acevedo threatening to fire certain police supervisors?
Austin police chief, Art Acevedo, is threatening to fire certain police supervisors who fail to report their complaints and issues to the department's Internal Affairs unit.

2. Why are some individuals who are being required to buy federally mandated health insurance choosing to pay a fine instead of pay for the insurance? 
Some individuals who are being required to buy federally mandated health insurance are choosing to pay a fine instead of pay for the insurance because it can sometimes be less expensive to pay the Internal Revenue Service than an insurance company.

3. How could a future Bowie student earn a "micromajor?"
A future Bowie student could earn a "micromajor" because a new program called TEXAS MicroMajor is being launched that allows high school students to take college courses developed by UT faculty.

4. Who won the Formula 1 race at COTA last weekend and who was the headline performer at the concert that night?
Lewis Hamilton won the F1 race, and Taylor Swift was the headline performer. 

5. Which of The Long Weekend five things to do would you like to go to if you could this weekend?
If I could do one of these activities, I would chose to go to the BBQ Fest.

6. Long Response
I think Texas has "turned purple." The gap of "blue vs red" voters has significantly shrunk in the past few elections. At this point in the presidential race Clinton and Trump are very close because so many likely voters don't have a strong opinion on who they want to vote for. I think the poll didn't include Jill Stein because the race is basically between Clinton and Trump. The Green Party is practically irrelevant and the poll was mainly about Clinton and Trump. I think the biggest contribution to the shift towards blue is the generation gap. Most of the voters on the younger side of the spectrum support Clinton. Many voters in the generation above them, like their parents, are siding with Trump. The poll was conducted online and over the phone, and I think it is fairly accurate. The biggest issues that concerned those who were polled were immigration, the economy, education, and taxes. I definitely think those are all very important issues to consider when picking a president. To me, the most important issue is probably the economy and taxes.

Huntington Story

53 year old Janice Jones was shot in the leg in her own motor home when her gun was accidentally discharged on Wednesday night.
"Jones was eating pork chops in the back of her motor home, which was parked on Beach Boulevard near Highway 1," California Highway Patrol press liaison Tammy Rye said. "When her dog knocked her 9 mm handgun off a seat."
Tombo, Jones' Pomeranian, was placed in the care of Animal Patrol while Jones was transported to Huntington Beach Hospital and later to Irvine Medical Center.
"The dog seemed to be malnourished and had fresh cigarette burns on its forehead," Janet Ngo, one of the animal control officers, said. "It could have done with a little less abuse and a few more of those pork chops."
Officers on the scene made note of the many violations on Jones' property.
"The county’s district attorney’s office was considering whether to charge her in relation to the gun accident," Rye said. "Jones doesn’t have a permit for the gun"

Car Accident Story

Paramedics responded to a two car collision at the intersection of 1st Street and Slaughter Lane this afternoon. Driving one car was Roger Clementine, a 13 year old boy, and his unharmed mother.
"It was a very suspenseful wait for the ambulances," Roger Clementine's mother, Clara Clementine said. "But we were glad help arrived before too long."
Roger was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for his minor injuries.
"I was very scared in the moment, but was mostly worried about my mom and the people in the other car," Roger Clementine said.
In the other car was John Jacob Jingleheimer-Smith, 91, and his wife, Melba, 67. They were taken to the same hospital.
"The most recent I've heard was that the doctors were taking him for a CT," Melba Smith said. "All I can do is sit here and hope for the best."
The weather was sunny. The road was not slick. All people involved are from Austin.
"The traffic flow in our city has gotten so congested and the condition is very bad right now," police officer Elizabeth Bowen said. "All drivers on the road need to be especially cautious when driving during rush hour."
The Smiths had ben driving a 1989 Yugo Firebelcher, which was a total loss after the head on crash with the Clementine's 1948 Studebaker. 
"On top of everything, that car was my husband's prize possession," Melba Smith said.
Roger Clementine was cited for driving without a license, speeding, and for driving in the wrong lane.

Current Events #2.2

1.Why is the city of Austin considering how its DNA lab works and handles its cases?
The city of Austin is considering how its DNA lab works and handles its cases because they need to separate their labs from the police department because some of their techniques were questionable.

2. What is the "stance" or opinion of the writer in the story "Texas convicts sentenced to death...."?
The opinion of the writer in the story is that you have to be very careful when using the death sentence, and make sure to only be executing the correct people.

3. What is 1 of the 3 problems with transgendered legislation in the Texas courts, according to the story "Judge clarifies transgendered...."?
One of the problems with transgendered legislation in the Texas courts is "whether any part of the federal transgender guidelines can be reinstated if offending passages are removed."

4. Why was T-Mobile fined $48M?
T-Mobile was fined $48M because they didn't specify to customers that their "unlimited" data plan was not actually unlimited.

5. Who do Kirk Bohls and Cedric Golden think should start for the Dallas Cowboys at QB for the rest of the season?
Kirk Bohls thinks Dak Prescott should start for the Dallas Cowboys as QB for the rest of the season.


6. Long Response
The third and final presidential debate was held on Wednesday, October 19. Their debate focused a lot around the supreme court and issues that involved citizens rights to bear arms and abortion. Both candidates challenged each others honesty and integrity. They also spent a lot of time bashing the other about why they wouldn't be fit for presidency. The next president will likely have the task of picking a new justice for the open seat in the court. The reasons why the Supreme Court was a big topic was because the next president will be in charge of big decisions, for example regarding abortion and the right to bear arms. I personally support the second amendment because I see guns as safety weapons. A citizen should have the right to own a gun if they are trained properly. i do think gun laws should be more strict and regulated than they are currently. The topic of abortion is a very difficult topic for me to have a solid opinion on, however I am pro-life as long as it includes exceptions. I do not think the government has the right to say what you do with your baby, especially if you are a teenager, or were raped. So I have to say I am (for the most part) on Trump's side concerning abortion policies. Hilary is pro-choice and would allow an abortion to take place at any stage in the pregnancy. I believe in the pro-life side with exceptions such as rape, incest, and if the mother or child is in grave danger. I also believe you should decide within the first trimester. I don't think abortion should be outlawed, because that would really just outlaw safe and official abortions. People would find unsafe alternatives. I am on Hilary's side regarding the second amendment right to bed arms. I think these are two very important topics to voters when thinking about who to elect. The people, like me, who side with different candidates on different topics it would be very hard to support on or the other.

Personal Essays

1. What was one idea that the writer gave in the Wide Range of Topics section that you can use as you start deciding on a topic?
When deciding on what to write about, pick a topic that you feel very strongly about. Controversial topics that get you heated allow for a lot of potential in writing.

2. What was one idea the writer gave in the Opinions Pieces section that you should remember as you are writing your piece?
When you are writing your piece, remember to avoid cliches and generalizations and zone in on specific feelings.

3. List three suggestions the writer makes in the Personal Essays and Crafts section that you will use as you write.
The writer suggests to write an intriguing and unique hook, "keep [your essay] personal while relating to a wider world," and "provide a rhythm and pace to your piece."

SNO Online Papers

Daycare and online class can help teen parents
The Eagle's Eye, Akins HS

1. Who wrote the story?

Lala Villegas

2. What is their story about?

Adding a child development center on campus

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

Lala believes her school "should do more for the teen parents that are actually trying to finish their education."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
Yes.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
1st

Should I do community service hours?
The Viking Voice, Lanier HS
1. Who wrote the story?
Liz Becker

2. What is their story about?
Students volunteering

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
"Students should perform community service hours because it'll help you improve some skills."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
No. 

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.
No.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?
Embedded quotes from another article. 

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
3rd

Feminism strikes against male sexism
Texans Talk, Sam Houston HS
1. Who wrote the story?
Gloria Gatica

2. What is their story about?
Modern feminism

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
Gloria is a feminist because she doesn't "think it's fair for women to have less rights or to have less opportunities."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
Yes.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.
No.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?
Yes.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
1st

Opinions Writing Preview

Changes to schedule cause issues both in school and after school
1. Who wrote the story?
Ian Miller

2. What is their story about?
AISD schedule change

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
Ian thinks "these changes made to the schedule are extremely unnecessary and unfair."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
Yes.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.
No. He repeated his opinion and gave strong examples as to why the schedule is bad. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?
No.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
1st

Epipen costs raise concerns over financial problems
1. Who wrote the story?
Maria Dimopoulos

2. What is their story about?
Raised epicene costs

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
Maria thinks the new pricing is "ridiculous for something that's so small and needs to be replaced and bought repeatedly." She also hopes "this controversy ends immediately and the prices reduce to a more affordable price."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
Slightly. "As hard as it is to believe, the reason they did this is simple: because they can."

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.
No. She really emphasize how unfair the prices are and how she would be "fuming" if put in that situation.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?
No. 

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
1st

Inequalities evident in campus sports
1. Who wrote the story?
Editorial

2. What is their story about?
How it isn't fair that girl can't practice sports at school in their sports bra.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
They believe "girls should be allowed to remove their shirts and just wear their sports bra to cool down as long as guys are allowed to run without a shirt."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
No. 

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.
No. They continually talked about how sexualizing young girls is not okay, and how both genders should be allowed to cool off in the same way.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?
No. 

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
3rd

Changes in the iPhone 7
1. Who wrote the story?
Harrison Louis

2. What is their story about?
iPhone 7

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
Harrison believes "the updates to the iPhone 7 are fantastic."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
Yes. 

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.
No. He gave many examples of iPhone updates and explained why they are so cool.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?
No.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
1st

Stricter finals incentive
1. Who wrote the story?
Douglas Smith

2. What is their story about?
New finals incentive

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
When Douglas "found out about the limiting of all our incentives [he] was initially confused and somewhat aggravated.

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
Yes.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.
No, he repeated how aggravated he was about the unfair incentive changes.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?
No.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
1st



A. Three big differences between a hard news story and an opinion piece would be that an opinion piece may not have quotes, while a hard news story is backed up by quotes. An opinions story does not have as strict of a format and the author does not have to sound as professional. Opinions pieces are encouraged to have a strong bias, while hard news stories are simply reporting facts.

B. I think there aren't very many pictures on this page because there are a lot of stories that aren't tied to events, and therefore don't require a visual.

C. Three topics I think would be good to write opinion pieces on are animals being used for medical research, legal ages for drinking, driving, etc., and gay marriage.

Lone Star Dispatch - News Evaluation

PAGE 1
Lets leads school into new year
1. Who: students
What: getting used to new routines
Where: Bowie HS
When: the 2016-2017 school year
Why: lots of differences this school year
How: new schedules and new staff members

2. The story is about all the changes Bowie is going through this school year. Changes like having Mrs. Leos as interim principal and having FIT everyday have gotten positive feedback. However, the new A/B schedule has gotten mostly negative responses.

3. Principal Susan Leos, directly quoted
Stu Co. president Dawson Warnken, directly quoted
Stu Co. president Evan Samon, directly quoted
AP Marie Prescott, directly quoted
Coach and teacher Chanel Dobrzenski, directly quoted

4. No opinions.

5. The headline summarizes the plot of the story sufficiently.

6. Yes.

PAGE 2
Dresses come out of the closet
1. Who: choir department
What: donating old uniformsWhere: Bowie HSWhen: beginning of the school yearWhy: help less fortunate schoolsHow: donating

2. The Bowie choir department donated their old choir uniforms to less fortunate schools in the area. They recieved a uniform grant so they could update their dresses, so they decied to give away their old ones.

3. Choir director Caitlin Gasco, directly quoted
Student Sam Searles, direcly quoted
Student Lily Ang, directly quoted
Student Clarisse Burns, directly quoted

4. "The dresses help the people receiving them feel more secure and ready for a performance."
It is a personal opinion on what makes a you feel secure and ready for a performance.

5. The headline doesn't include anything about choir or donations, which is what the entire story is about.

6. Yes.


New and old Spanish teachers combine different ways of teaching to strengthen 'experiencia de aprendizaje'
1. Who: students
What: were surprised
Where: Bowie HS
When: beginning of the school year
Why: Changed Spanish department
How: over half the teachers are new

2. Over half of the staff in the Spanish department is new. They have a challenging time teaching kids a new language, so they use specific techniques in their teaching. 

3. Teacher Kelly Tagle, directly quoted
Teacher Sandra Salgado, directly quoted
Teacher Felipe Mendoza, directly quoted

4. No opinions.

5. The headline summarizes the plot of the story sufficiently.

6. Yes.


PAGE 3
Cancer claims teacher
1. Who: Teacher Nikki Vohl
What: passed away
Where: Austin
When: July 24
Why: she had brain cancer
How: cancer

2. Teacher Nikki Vohl passed away from cancer over the summer. She was a huge impact on students and staff at Bowie. She fought harder than ever the past year, and her legacy will stay at Bowie.

3. Coach Cindi Carroll, directly quoted
Teacher Jessica Davis, directly quoted
teacher Nikki Vohl, directly quoted

4. No opinions.

5. The headline summarizes the plot of the story sufficiently.

6. No.


Harley Fetterman loses extended battle with Leukemia over summer
1. Who: Harley Fetterman
What: passed away
Where: Austin
When: over summer
Why: lost a battle with leukemia
How: cancer

2. Harley letterman passed away this summer because of leukemia. He was a really good sport and had a great sense of humor. He will be missed a lot by his classmates and teachers.

3. Teacher Whitney Shumate, directly quoted
Teacher Ruth Narvaiz, directly quoted

4. No opinions.

5. The headline summarizes the plot of the story sufficiently.

6. No.


NHS & Key Club lend a helping hand
1. Who: Jyoti Luu
What: found a way for NHS and Key Club to help out more
Where: Bowie HS
When: this school year
Why: help struggling kids get tutored, help students earn service hours
How: NHS and Key Club members can tutor kids

2. NHS and Key Club members have the opportunity to tutor struggling kids to earn service hours. The kids getting tutored can pay in school supply donations.

3. Student Jyoti Luu, directly quoted
Key Club member Alison Segura, directly quoted
NHS member Alex Reyes, directly quoted
Sponser Henry Bostwick, directly quoted

4. No opinions.

5. The headline doesn't mention anything about tutoring, which is what the story is about.

6. Yes.

Current Events #2.1

1. What is the average maximum life span in years?
The average maximum life span is 115 years.

2. What were two of the four major violations found by the US Labor Dept. at various restaurants in the Austin area?
Two major violations found by the US Labor Dept. at various restaurants in the Austin area are "requiring workers to work exclusively for tips, regardless of minimum wage standards," and "paying straight-time wages for overtime hours worked."

3. Why is Austin Energy planning to use drones?
Austin Energy is planning to use drones to inspect power lines for damaged equipment. 

4. Where is the UT versus Oklahoma game scheduled to be played this Saturday morning?
The UT vs. oklahoma game will be played at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

5. Which of the 5 things on page Page D2, "The Long Weekend: 5 things" would you like to go to if you could?
I would like to go to the Austin Seance at the Highball if I could.

6. Long Response
I am not typically afraid of clowns, but to be completely honest this whole clown thing really scares me. I think it is a big deal that people think it is ok to terrify people, bribe children, and threaten schools, especially without motive. I feel safe in general because I am always surrounded by people, but I do get freaked out thinking about it, and I do think through scenarios in my head if these threats weren't a hoax. I am so glad they are taking care of the student who made the threats. He is being charged with terrorism threats, but he is only 17 so I think he should be charged as a minor. I don't really know what the police or district officials have done to get the information they say they have, and I don't know how reliable that information is considering the threats are still happening and there ar still clown sightings in neighborhoods near me. The fact that there are specific dates for when the "clowns" are coming to specific schools is very scary to me. I feel like our Public Saftey deparments aren't really doing anything. Even if all the posts are hoaxes, they aren't informing the public on how they know or how it's being taken care of.

The Big Day

Who: A man who is deperatley in love
What: He is running late to a wedding
Where: He is driving to the chapel in his Volkswagon
When: During the wedding ceremony
Why: He wants to stop the girl from marrying another man because he loves her
How: He drives fast then runs into the chapel



A man, Corey, is desperatley in love with Kendall. Sadly, it is Kendall's wedding day, and she is getting married to Lucas.
After pacing back and forth for hours, Corey finally decides to follow his heart and get the girl. He hops into his new Volkswagon and races to the chapel in hopes of stopping the wedding.
Without a thought out plan, Corey becomes frustrated with all the slow cars in his way. His heart is beating nearly out of his chest.
All this time Kendall is taking as long as possible getting ready to walk down the aisle, glancing out the window every few seconds.
It gets to the point where the wedding can't wait any longer, and Kendall plasters on a smile as she makes her way to the man she will spend her life with. Her mind, however, is full of thoughts of Corey.
Once the cermony begins, Kendall loses more hope with every passing minute. Just as the pastor is saying "speak now or forever hold your peace," none other than Corey bursts through the doors of the old church. Knedall's head turns and their eyes meet. They know nothing will get in their way now.


-The man in the car (Corey) is very frantic
-The girl (Kendall) is nervous, she hopes Corey will come
-Her family is anxious 
-Nobody except her dad really notices her stalling, he keeps checking his watch
-She does a double take when she sees him, with happiness and relief in her eyes


Corey paced in his room for a solid 2 hours, weighing the pros and cons of the situation before making his decision.
He was desperately in love with Kendall, as he had been for 3 years, and he realized nothing could stop him from chasing the girl of his dreams. Not even her wedding day.
Without waiting another minute, Corey grabbed his keys and ran to his car.
At the same time, Kendall's family couldn't wait another minute to begin the ceremony. 
She looked out the window every couple of minutes hoping to see Corey's familiar Volkswagen Jetta.
Corey sped through forests, down the coast, and weaved his way through endless fields in order to get to the wedding chapel that held his fate.
Corey got frustrated with the unplanned traffic. Trying to keep himself together he let his stress out by yelling at the seemingly endless line of cars in front of him.
It was then that Kendall began her walk down the aisle to meet the man she would spend the rest of her life with. Her head was full of thoughts of her and Corey.
Kendall lost more hope with every passing minute once the ceremony started.
Just as the pastor was saying the fateful words "speak now or forever hold your peace," none other than Corey burst through the doors of the old church.
Kendall turned her head slowly and her eyes met Corey's.
They knew nothing could get in their way as they sped away from the church together in his Volkswagon Jetta.