Breaking the Social Norm:
The South Central sociology class is anything but shy from taking experiments out of the classroom. Earlier this month, the class of 13 took on the challenge of breaking a social norm for an entire day at school.
This project shows the way the public reacts to the irregular and “unacceptable” things that others do. Most of the participants picked things that completely contradicted their typical actions. The energetic, break-out-in-song Emily Ames turned into an all black wearing mute. Her staring and silence triggered terrifying reactions from students. The quiet, Ethan Michaels, got out of his comfort zone by flirting with anyone and everyone… even Miss Tuholski!
Zoe Auskalnis and Tori Olling annoyed their classes by obnoxiously eating and tapping fingers throughout every single class. Edmund Paul Castle III dressed as a Mexican gangster (also known as a Cholo) and gained a following.
Myself, Madison Wolff, happened to dress in a crown and heels. Personally, I received many negative reactions. In my essay, I wrote the following, “[This project] made me realize how cruel teenagers really are. They shun and point fun at the differences in others that don’t fit their norms. It’s actually saddening how people who usually smile at me were avoiding me and trying to keep me out of the social groups. The social norm project was meant to show this. It shows the actions and reactions of the people that we judge every single day of our lives.
I know first hand (and now have a reminder) what it feels like to be put down and treated like absolute garbage because you look or act differently than everyone else. I learned that keeping your head up during the judgemental comments really does help. I wish I would’ve known that earlier in my life. Breaking the social norm was definitely an experience; good and bad, yet I appreciate every aspect of it.
The project taught each and every one of us the importance of acceptance and uniqueness of each and every one of us. If that isn’t a great lesson, I don’t know what it is.
Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Janssen
Teachers don’t have lives out of school… Right? That’s not true for Junior High math teacher, Mr. Janssen. Janssen spends hours and hours at the school to help students with academics as well as sports abilities.
Helping out with softball and multiple basketball teams at South Central, you’d think he would have no more time. That’s where you’re wrong. Janssen also supplies his assistance with pitching lessons for other students.
His extensive knowledge of the sport and ability to connect with youth makes him someone to look up to. Janssen will also find ways to drive the children in his class. Students will be rewarded with a game or a special chair for the best grades and getting work done. When he gets the time, Janssen enjoys climbing mountains, poking fun at T-Good, taking long walks on the beach with his wife, and cheering on the Packers (he still has some work to do on that one).
Even though his team of choice is not too wise, Janssen’s mind and charisma are an amazing addition to South Central.
Student Spotlight: Olivia Pisowicz
Softball, volleyball, track; she’s done it all! Junior, Olivia Pisowicz, has skills in many different sports. While her softball years are over, Olivia’s new passion of track has proved to be a good decision on her part. Her efforts are proving this as she tied for 9th place at the Indoor Hoosier State Relays his past Saturday.
Olivia’s goal? Get a higher personal record in high jump. While she is focused and ready to improve this spring, Olivia just really wants summer break. After that, Olivia will return for her final year. With all of the talent this girl possesses, you would expect her to spend countless hours to improve.
In fact, Olivia spends the majority of her time watching Criminal Minds and Breaking Bad, sleeping, and cuddling with her adorable dogs.
Attached to this article is a picture of her pug, Otis, in his cute Christmas sweater! Olivia’s plans for the future are to attend Purdue West Lafayette to be a veterinarian. Best of luck with your season as well as your life Olivia!
Construction:
This month, the long awaited day has come! The construction on the South Central High School side is complete. Since the beginning of the school year, workers have been putting in hours and hours to provide the finishing product we’ve been waiting for. The abandoned pool was filled in and the almost eerie benches were torn down.
The dormant area has now been turned into rooms that are sure to provide hours upon hours of use for the South Central students and faculty. First, the new choir room was built. This bigger room will provide a larger area for the classes to spread out. This is extremely beneficial for the elementary choir classes due to their constant energy and well- the fact that they’re kids!
The other room for a class is the band room. With the new band room, the students are able to spread out and don’t need to cram into a tiny room. The larger atmosphere provides a wonderful sound for the band. Having this sound can help the students to have a better understanding of the volume and tone of their instruments.
The last (and arguably the most exciting) addition to South Central is a new gym. This gym isn’t for the countless games we host, though. This new gym is to be used for the practicing of teams. South Central has so many sports teams trying to get their turn in the gym that it’s the smartest decision to make.
The Rockettes team praise this new addition by saying, “Maybe we won’t have to practice on the cafeteria floor anymore! That’s be nice.”
I think it’s safe to say the addition of the new gym as well as the band and choir rooms will be of great use to South Central!