March 28 2018 Issue
Category Archives: Volente
RRE girl youngest to climb Kilimanjaro
“I hope I remember this for the rest my life. I wrote in my journal about it every day,” said Montannah Kenney, 7, after climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News
River Ridge Elementary second grader, Montannah Kenney, 7, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro over spring break and stakes her claim as the youngest female to do so.
Montannah began her trek on Saturday, March 10 and made it to the summit on Friday, March 16 with her mom, Hollie, at her side every step of the way.
Mount Kilimanjaro located in Tanzania, Africa and is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, standing at 19,341 feet. Continue reading
LISD, Vandegrift increases anti-vaping efforts, education
By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News
(The online edition of this story was updated March 22, 2018 at 3:18 p.m.)
The numbers of vaping infractions at Leander ISD is on the rise. This school year already, there have been more than 160 discipline incidents regarding the use of a tobacco product on campus, including e-cigarettes, and more than 30 at Vandegrift. Vaping is against school rules and it is illegal for those under the age of 18, and since it is still relatively new, LISD is grappling with the issue of e-cigarette usage on school campuses.
Vaping at school and the selling of e-cigarette paraphernalia presents a unique challenge to schools separate from the use of traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes or chewing tobacco.
One family’s experience with vaping
Editor’s note: This story was of one student’s perspective. The student makes broad and general statements that were not verified by Leander ISD. Leander ISD’s spokesperson Corey Ryan said that the claim that “everyone does this” is misleading and not reflective of Vandegrift High School. Also, Ryan said “Leander ISD schools and employees promote drug, alcohol and tobacco free choices for students and strictly prohibit the use of those substances on school grounds and during school events. We encourage any parent, guardian, employee or student who sees illegal or prohibited activity happening on a school campus, including the use or sales of vaping products, to immediately notify a principal, teacher, coach or counselor, or to utilize the Anonymous Alerts program.”
By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News
Chris doesn’t have any reason for vaping other than,”My friends were doing it so I did it,” starting in the 8th grade.
Now a freshman, Chris was caught vaping on campus. “They took (my e-cigarette) away and I got ISS (in-school suspension) for a week.”
The punishment, though, didn’t change his attitude toward vaping or act as a deterrent. Chris continues to vape on campus, as do all of his friends.
Majestics dance shines at FPMS
By KIMBERLY STRENK , Contributor
For the last five years, the Majestics have consistently produced a high-impact, award-winning dance team under the leadership of director Kelly Mabry at Four Points Middle School. This season, two dances are particularly noteworthy: the Ghoomar and Lifeboat.
Eighth grade Majestic, Anna Zavelson known for her budding recording and acting career, was given a challenge by Mabry to compose an original song for the entire team to perform during this year’s competition season. Zavelson wrote, produced and recorded a lyrical song, “Lifeboat” which tells the story of what being a part of the Majestics has meant to her. The dance, choreographed by her teammates, also won several best-in-class awards this season.