news – Roncalli Media

New first period tardy system

August 28, 2018

Starting off the school day with a tardy is not a way students like to begin their day. However, with the previous tardy rule, not only were students late, but if there was a test or quiz that period, they didn't have the full period to make it up. Administrators made a change to solve the problem. “Inequity in the old policy made it unfair,” dean of students Mr. Tim Puntarelli said,“Two stu...

Milking some money

August 27, 2018

State fair season breeds all kinds of interesting deep-fried delights from food trucks and stands around the fairgrounds. However, all are mere pawns when compared to their big brother counterpart, the “Dairy Bar.” This non-movable, dome-shaped structure sells all kinds of State Fair tier dairy snacks (excluding applesauce) such as ice cream, mozzarella sticks, and grilled cheese. While they soak...

Teaching in a new setting

August 27, 2018

The Providence House is the first house on the right side of La Salle Street, home of fifth and sixth-period Nutrition and Wellness classes. This is the new setting for the class which was previously taught in room 109. Now, the class has a homier feel as the students learn about food in a place where it will be best applied- at home. Sophomore Chloe Clawson enjoys this set up for the course. �...

Indiana teacher shortages

August 27, 2018

A new issue has arisen in Indiana with fewer students earning a teaching degree than ever before. Between 2004 and 2014, the amount of teaching degrees earned has dropped 37 percent, according to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. The demand is growing exponentially as more people attend school and there are fewer teachers to satisfy the demand. This issue is likely caused by a major disad...

Succession planning at Roncalli

August 23, 2018

Mr. Kevin Banich recently took the position as Roncalli’s vice principal of student activities after former vice principal for student activities, Mrs. Shellie Hartford, moved to Florida. Banich says he took the position because he enjoys it and believes the position is one of the best jobs in the building. “It is a honor to be the voice and advocate for the students,” Banich said. Principal Mr. ...

Locking the door

August 21, 2018

Since the start of the academic year, students arriving at school have only been let in through four doors due to security concerns. These doors are the main entrance, the auditorium entrance, the bubble entrance, and the athletic hallway. Each door has an administrator positioned at it to welcome students. “It has nothing to do with a lack of trust,” director of campus ministry Mr. Jeff Traylor said. �...

Smash Spectacular

May 22, 2018

On Monday, May the 14th, following the final bell, around 30 students amassed in the auditorium and the green room of the Fine Arts wing to compete for both bragging rights and a large plastic trophy. Their sport: Super Smash Bros. Smash is a fast-paced 2D fighting game developed by Hal Laboratory and Nintendo. The roster of playable characters includes iconic Nintendo mascots such as Mario, Pikachu,...

Japanese students visit Roncalli

April 25, 2018

On Wednesday March 28, Roncalli hosted 44 students from Shonan High School in Japan. The students visited through the US chapter of Global Partners Institute (GPI US), a program aimed at empowering youth through teaching “leadership skills, cross-cultural understanding, critical thinking, and comprehensive English communication” according to its website. “I want to work with foreigners in the fut...

Vaping fad creates concern

April 5, 2018

The Roncalli administration started a campaign against the JUUL when it realized its popularity among students was growing. In fact, its appearance in the halls (and bathrooms) of Roncalli has led to numerous student disciplinary actions. But to analyze this in the most effective and fairest light, first it must be explained what a JUUL is and why it has started such a controversy. A JUUL is a sle...

School safety walkout

April 3, 2018

A small group of students huddled at the side of the school, shivering in the below freezing March air as senior Connor Mahern stood on a bench and delivered a speech. “We as young people won’t stand for our legislatures not representing their constituents’ right to peace of mind,” Mahern said in his speech. Mahern’s address voiced what some Americans, both young and old, are calling for...

Keeping cool as tests approach

April 3, 2018

Every spring, juniors prepare to take tests that they are told will determine their future. Stress runs rampant, numbers are crunched, practice tests are taken and all final preparations are made as students schedule tests at various testing centers. Yet a lot of the stress of taking the SAT and ACT can be avoided the earlier test preparation is started. “I’ve taken the ACT three times since se...

Mental health initiative

April 3, 2018

The Inspiring Change program has made people laugh, breathe deeper, meditate and be happier within in the school environment. e program took place during a six week period from English department co-chair Mrs. Kim Striby and Roncalli social worker Ms. Kelley Fisher put a lot of thought into the program “ e SAP group always wants to address mental health in school, [so] wanted to co...