Top Testing Tips | All About EOCs, Volume 3
Kennedy Appiah | April 2023
With only two months of school left, there is at least one thing on everyone’s mind and that’s finals. Whether you’re prepared for it or don’t care too much about it doesn’t matter, because I’m here today to give you the scientifically proven and highly recommended test taking strategies!
Answer Questions you Know First
When first passing the test, you should always answer the questions you know first, skip the answers you don’t know so it won’t slow you down. This technique doesn’t always work depending on what you're taking your test on (computer) but it’s important not to rush to have guaranteed answers.
Check your Work
If you happen to finish your test early, you should check back on the work you did. Typically, it is best to do this with an essay to make sure your grammar, punctuation, is on point. If it’s a multiple-choice test it’s best if you do short answers as they will have a higher chance of you choosing the correct answer, especially if it is math.
Don’t change your answers
Now I know this goes against what I just said but hear me out. Most times when you change an answer you change it from the answer that was previously correct, it’s best to analyze the question and make sure it is 100% incorrect before changing.
Eliminate Wrong Answers
This works the most with multiple choice answers, if you don’t know the correct answer then just check off the incorrect ones, this is a double-edged sword trick when you don’t know what is incorrect, but this brings up the next technique.
Make a High Guess
Remembering facts is key to taking a test. The information you have in your brain might be able to help you as common sense can get you closer to the correct answer. You can even write down this information on a separate sheet of paper if you are allowed to.
Change your question if it was answered later by a different question
Sometimes a test question may give you the answer to a previous question you have done before, go back to find the question and change your answer.
Have Positive Thoughts
When you’re having negative thoughts, it can curb your enthusiasm and you won’t feel as determined to pass your test if you doubt yourself. You don’t have to be a ray of sunshine but cut yourself so slack.
Make sure your Test is Complete
Once you answer all the questions make sure to double check to see if you answered every single question, it is common to skip a question by accident unintentionally.
Re-read the questions
Read the questions thoroughly so that you won’t make the mistake of choosing an incorrect answer. It’s easy to misinterpret a question even when you read it for the first time.
Take your Time
You should not skim through the test so early, only rush at the end when there is only a couple of minutes left.
Takes breaks and focus
It’s hard to focus on your test if you're sitting in your seat the whole time staring at it. Take a mini break occasionally to keep your focus, but don’t stay distracted for too long, time can pass by if you're not paying attention.
Sign your name
It might seem silly but on average many students’ tests end up ‘’missing’ because they forgot to sign their name on their paper, this won’t be an issue for you if you're testing on a computer.
Sources:
12 Test taking tips for high school students — The Experienced Graduate
14 Tips for Test Taking Success - Harvard Summer School
With only two months of school left, there is at least one thing on everyone’s mind and that’s finals. Whether you’re prepared for it or don’t care too much about it doesn’t matter, because I’m here today to give you the scientifically proven and highly recommended test taking strategies!
Answer Questions you Know First
When first passing the test, you should always answer the questions you know first, skip the answers you don’t know so it won’t slow you down. This technique doesn’t always work depending on what you're taking your test on (computer) but it’s important not to rush to have guaranteed answers.
Check your Work
If you happen to finish your test early, you should check back on the work you did. Typically, it is best to do this with an essay to make sure your grammar, punctuation, is on point. If it’s a multiple-choice test it’s best if you do short answers as they will have a higher chance of you choosing the correct answer, especially if it is math.
Don’t change your answers
Now I know this goes against what I just said but hear me out. Most times when you change an answer you change it from the answer that was previously correct, it’s best to analyze the question and make sure it is 100% incorrect before changing.
Eliminate Wrong Answers
This works the most with multiple choice answers, if you don’t know the correct answer then just check off the incorrect ones, this is a double-edged sword trick when you don’t know what is incorrect, but this brings up the next technique.
Make a High Guess
Remembering facts is key to taking a test. The information you have in your brain might be able to help you as common sense can get you closer to the correct answer. You can even write down this information on a separate sheet of paper if you are allowed to.
Change your question if it was answered later by a different question
Sometimes a test question may give you the answer to a previous question you have done before, go back to find the question and change your answer.
Have Positive Thoughts
When you’re having negative thoughts, it can curb your enthusiasm and you won’t feel as determined to pass your test if you doubt yourself. You don’t have to be a ray of sunshine but cut yourself so slack.
Make sure your Test is Complete
Once you answer all the questions make sure to double check to see if you answered every single question, it is common to skip a question by accident unintentionally.
Re-read the questions
Read the questions thoroughly so that you won’t make the mistake of choosing an incorrect answer. It’s easy to misinterpret a question even when you read it for the first time.
Take your Time
You should not skim through the test so early, only rush at the end when there is only a couple of minutes left.
Takes breaks and focus
It’s hard to focus on your test if you're sitting in your seat the whole time staring at it. Take a mini break occasionally to keep your focus, but don’t stay distracted for too long, time can pass by if you're not paying attention.
Sign your name
It might seem silly but on average many students’ tests end up ‘’missing’ because they forgot to sign their name on their paper, this won’t be an issue for you if you're testing on a computer.
Sources:
12 Test taking tips for high school students — The Experienced Graduate
14 Tips for Test Taking Success - Harvard Summer School
How can I be Exempt from my Exams? | All About EOCs, Volume 2
MacKenzie Palone | April 2023
Currently, final exams are the main obstacle for students’ easy transition into summer. After the number of tests and benchmarks students have taken in 2023 so far, everyone is trying to find a way out of another assignment to study for. Luckily, these exams are some of the few tests where one can skip entirely if they follow these requirements.
Finals are not the same as state EOCs. Finals are made by teachers, and their type and length can vary from class to class. Teachers can use these as extra credit, a benchmark, or decide not to assign one at all.
You can be exempt from testing for finals. Schools use attendance and grades to know whether to test what you have learned. For a full year class, for example, a student with an A in their class and 8 total absences can be exempt, while a student with a D can only miss two while still being qualified. The requirements are:
Full Year Class One Semester Class
8 Absences A Average 4 Absences A Average
6 Absences B Average 3 Absences B Average
4 Absences C Average 2 Absences C Average
2 Absences D Average 1 Absence D Average
These exemptions would not apply to anyone who has been suspended. If a student is absent for certain school-related activities, such as field trips or some college visits, the absence will not be held against them.
There is currently a lot of focus on testing and studying past units in a short amount of time. However, now you will be able to just open Skyward to find which classes you should be prioritizing. Using resources such as this article and the Rockvale website, you should be able to prepare for exams easier.
Currently, final exams are the main obstacle for students’ easy transition into summer. After the number of tests and benchmarks students have taken in 2023 so far, everyone is trying to find a way out of another assignment to study for. Luckily, these exams are some of the few tests where one can skip entirely if they follow these requirements.
Finals are not the same as state EOCs. Finals are made by teachers, and their type and length can vary from class to class. Teachers can use these as extra credit, a benchmark, or decide not to assign one at all.
You can be exempt from testing for finals. Schools use attendance and grades to know whether to test what you have learned. For a full year class, for example, a student with an A in their class and 8 total absences can be exempt, while a student with a D can only miss two while still being qualified. The requirements are:
Full Year Class One Semester Class
8 Absences A Average 4 Absences A Average
6 Absences B Average 3 Absences B Average
4 Absences C Average 2 Absences C Average
2 Absences D Average 1 Absence D Average
These exemptions would not apply to anyone who has been suspended. If a student is absent for certain school-related activities, such as field trips or some college visits, the absence will not be held against them.
There is currently a lot of focus on testing and studying past units in a short amount of time. However, now you will be able to just open Skyward to find which classes you should be prioritizing. Using resources such as this article and the Rockvale website, you should be able to prepare for exams easier.
When are my Exams? | All About EOCs, Volume 1
Mac McDaries | March 2023
Exam season is coming up, so that leaves the question hanging in the air: when are our EOCs and finals? The answer to these questions will be found here, in the first volume of the Satellite’s EOC series.
EOCs, otherwise known as End of Course exams, are state exams in tested core subjects. This includes math, english, biology, and U.S. history. EOCs will begin April 17th. This is what that will look like:
Monday, April 17: English I & II Subpart 1
Tuesday, April 18: English I & II Subparts 2 & 3
Wednesday, April 19: US History Subparts 1 & 2; Biology Subpart 1
Thursday, April 20-Thursday, April 27: Integrated Math I, II & III Subparts 1, 2 & 3
Friday, April 28- Make up exams
As for final exams, those come a bit later. Final exams are not mandatory, and you do not have to come to school if you do not have any finals (more details coming in the next volume of our EOC series!). Furthermore, you can leave school early once your final exams are complete. For seniors, these tests will be May 1-4, with a make-up day on the 5th. But for everybody else, final exams will be from May 18-May 24. This is what that testing schedule will look like:
Thursday, May 18: 7th period exam
Friday, May 19: 1st and 2nd period exams
Monday, May 22: 3rd and 4th period exams
Tuesday, May 23: 5th and 6th period exams
Wednesday, May 24: Make-up exams
Now you know all you need to know about the exam schedule for the 2022-2023 school year. If you need more information or have any questions, ask a teacher.
Exam season is coming up, so that leaves the question hanging in the air: when are our EOCs and finals? The answer to these questions will be found here, in the first volume of the Satellite’s EOC series.
EOCs, otherwise known as End of Course exams, are state exams in tested core subjects. This includes math, english, biology, and U.S. history. EOCs will begin April 17th. This is what that will look like:
Monday, April 17: English I & II Subpart 1
Tuesday, April 18: English I & II Subparts 2 & 3
Wednesday, April 19: US History Subparts 1 & 2; Biology Subpart 1
Thursday, April 20-Thursday, April 27: Integrated Math I, II & III Subparts 1, 2 & 3
Friday, April 28- Make up exams
As for final exams, those come a bit later. Final exams are not mandatory, and you do not have to come to school if you do not have any finals (more details coming in the next volume of our EOC series!). Furthermore, you can leave school early once your final exams are complete. For seniors, these tests will be May 1-4, with a make-up day on the 5th. But for everybody else, final exams will be from May 18-May 24. This is what that testing schedule will look like:
Thursday, May 18: 7th period exam
Friday, May 19: 1st and 2nd period exams
Monday, May 22: 3rd and 4th period exams
Tuesday, May 23: 5th and 6th period exams
Wednesday, May 24: Make-up exams
Now you know all you need to know about the exam schedule for the 2022-2023 school year. If you need more information or have any questions, ask a teacher.
The Contributions Black People Gave to Society
Kennedy Appiah | February 2023
Black History month is now here and there’s a lot to be discussed, Rockvale is taking personal time out of their schedule to celebrate the liberation and stories of past African Americans and the prejudice they overcame in American society. The achievements and hardships black people have faced both past and in the present is important to remember and keep legacy of, as to utterly understand why this month is so special. Today however, I specifically want to talk about the achievements; specifically, the inventions that Black Americans have given to America despite the little acknowledgement given to them.
{Patent: a government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention.}
Starting off with our list is: Lewis Latimer
He got hired at a law firm in 1868, he taught himself mechanical drawing and was promoted to being a draftsman and even worked with Alexander Grand Bell on making the telephone. While Thomas Eddison made the electric light bulb, Latimer created the model. In 1881, he received a patent for inventing a method of producing carbon filaments, which made the bulbs longer-lasting, more efficient, and cheaper. He also had patents for a water closet on railroad cars and a predecessor to the modern air conditioner.
Next up: Sarah Boone
One of the first Black women in U.S. history to receive a patent, she improved upon the original Iron board (which was a bunch of wooden blocks placed horizontal) In 1892, She would make additions to the invention such as making the board more narrow and curvier; it easily helped improve the handling of clothing. This led to the modern design of iron boards that you see today.
Third up: Garrett Morgan
Despite only having a middle school education, Morgan was a quick learner. As a repair person he taught himself how sewing machines worked and later would open his shop selling and repairing sewing machines. While trying to find a fluid that would polish needles, Morgan discovered a formula that would straighten human hair — his first invention. Troubled by how many firefighters were killed by smoke, Morgan developed what he called the safety hood (gas mask). This hood, which went over the head, featured tubes connected to wet sponges that filtered out smoke and supplied fresh oxygen. The mask became a sensation in 1916 when Morgan ran to the scene of a tunnel explosion and used his invention to save trapped workers. In 1923, as automobiles were becoming more common, Morgan developed an early prototype of the three traffic signals after seeing too many collisions.
Fourth in line: Mary Van Brittan Brown
As a nurse living in Queens, New York, Brown spent many nights alone in her home due to her husband being away. During this time, the safety of a black woman (and sadly is to this day) was not a thought worth thinking, so she made a device that would put her mind at ease about the high crime rates in her neighborhood. During 1966 she used a camera that could slide into and look through four peepholes in her front door. The camera’s view would then appear on a monitor in her home so she could survey any noticeable threats. Brown would later add a microphone button to speak to anyone at the door, a button to unlock the door, and a button to contact the police. She and her husband took out a patent for the system, and she was awarded the patent three years later in 1969. Home security nowadays takes many inspirations from her design.
Fifth: Frederick McKinley Jones
Jones had multiple patents throughout his life but one of the most important was for the roof-mounted cooling system that’s used to refrigerate goods on trucks, during extended transportation in the mid-1930s. He received a patent for his invention in 1940, and co-founded the U.S. Thermo Control Company, later known as Thermo King. The company was especially important during World War II, which was used to preserve blood, food, and supplies.
Sixth in line: Sarah Breedlove (Madam C.J Walker)
In the early 1900’s, black woman suffered extreme hair loss due to scalp disease, poor diets, damaging hair products, and infrequent washing, Breedlove was no different. She first worked with Annie Malone and was an agent selling her products but at 37 years old she would soon break off and start a business of her own. Having a previous knowledge of black hair thanks to her brothers, Walker would soon create the recipe for Pomade (wax that gives hair a shiny/slick appearance). This product worked and helped her and many other black women. Soon she began marketing, ’Wonderful hair Growth’ in 1905. In 1906 she used direct sells, hired woman to serve door-to-door salespeople, and over a lifetime employed 40,000 people (about twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden) in the US. She also improved upon the straightening comb design which helped scores skyrocket. She tutored many black women during her time to not only be independent but also appreciate their hair for what it is.
Seventh: Alexander Miles
When elevators were first made, they would need to shut the shaft manually before riding in it. This led to multiple accidents with people falling down the elevator shafts, one of those people being Miles’s daughter. In 1887 he took out a patent for a mechanism that automatically opens and closes elevator shaft doors.
Eighth: Sarah E. Goode
Goode would move to Chicago and open a furniture shop at the end of The Civil War in 1850, after being a slave and finally gaining her freedom. She produced an idea that would bring more urban residents within the limited space of her store. She invented a folding cabinet bed. The piece of furniture could be used as a desk, and at night, it could be folded out into a bed. After thirty-five years, in 1885 she became the first ever black woman to receive a patent.
Ninth in place: Granville T. Woods
Controllers were previously used to communicate landing planes and only planes, until Woods created a device that would help train conductors do the same, the multiplex telegraph, in 1887. This device allowed dispatchers and engineers to communicate with moving trains as well as conductors. This also decreased train collisions prior to 1887. However, a certain salty man named Thomas Eddison would claim that he was the first inventor of the multiplex telegraph and took the issue to court, he lost the case. He would later receive a patent for the steam boiler furnace in trains. He would go on to have sixty patents at the end of the 19th century.
Coming up in tenth: Jan Matzeliger
Born in South America, Matzeliger would soon move to the US when he was twenty-one years old in 1873. He didn’t know English, yet he moved to Massachusetts and went to night school to learn how to speak the language. While in night school he also learned about science and manufacturing and due to having no money he created models from spare parts and scraps. Finally, after years of studying he invented a shoe lasting machine which could repair 150-700 pairs of shoes a day. Unfortunately, Matzeliger would die young of tuberculosis at age thirty-seven, yet his legacy left more affordable shoes to the public.
Eleventh place: George Crum
In 1853, Crum worked as a chef in Saratoga Springs, New York. One day a customer threw a fit about their French fries being too thick, too mushy, and not salty enough, Crum then cut the potatoes as thinly as possible and fried them until they were crisp and threw a handful amount of salt on them. To Crum’s surprise the customer loved the dish and soon it became a popular snack at Saratoga Springs. Later, Crum opened a restaurant which had potato chips at every table. Crum would never patent his invention, but now more and more people are beginning to recognize the rightful inventor of this favorite snack.
Twelfth place: Elijah McCoy
After escaping slavery with his parents using the underground railroad, McCoy would soon go to Scotland for school and came back as an expert mechanic and engineer in 1860. Yet when the only job a black man could have in the late 18th century was either a firefighter or railroad mechanic, he worked in the Michigan Central Railroad. His job at the railroad was to walk around the train and remove the oil parts by hand, a challenging task. He invented the automatic oil cup (Automatic Lubricator), which would lubricate the train's axles and bearings while the train was in motion. As a result, trains didn't have to stop as often, which cut down on costs, saved time and improved safety. However, many imitators would try and knock off his invention for a quick buck, yet true engineers only went to McCoy for the actual product.
Thirteenth in line: Philip B. Downing
Before 1981, public mailboxes were always open which made it easy for people to steal mail and for natural elements like the weather to damage those letters. This was until Downing entered the scene and added the outer safety door that could remain closed and prevent thieves and the weather from hurting the letters. How it worked was that the outer door would stay closed and then the safety door would open and deposit mail into the box. Downing was born in 1857 and worked a lengthy career as a clerk for the Custom House of Boston. There are sadly no historical photographs of him.
Fourteenth: Charles Richard Drew
After gaining a M.D and a Mastery of Surgery degree from Columbia University, Drew would later earn a Doctor of Medical Science Degree in 1938. Drew discovered the method of separating red blood cells from plasma and storing it in two separate components. This process allowed blood to be stored up for more than a week, which was impressive for the forties. Drew first worked for the military and then appointed director for the first American Red Cross Blood Bank, this blood bank was for the U.S. Army and Navy that served as the model for blood banks today. However, Drew resigned his position because the armed forces insisted on separating blood by race and providing white soldiers with blood donated from white people. Drew felt that this unnecessary segregation would cost too many lives. Drew returned to private life as a surgeon and medical professor at Howard University. He would later die in a car accident in 1950 but his brilliance helps many lives both in the past and present.
Fifteenth: James E. West
In 1962, West alongside his German colleague, Gerhard Sessler; West would invent the foil electret microphone, which was less expensive to create than the typically used condenser microphones. Two years after it was invented, the final model of the microphone was finished in 1964. They patented the landmark invention and four years later, the new microphone was in wide production. It was being used in hearing aids, tape recorders, most telephones and baby monitors.
Last but not least: Mark E. Dean
Mark Dean began working for IBM as a chief engineer in the early 1980’s. He made up a team of twelve people who would make the very first IBM PC. He worked to develop the color monitor and led his team to create the first gigahertz processor. The massive chip, built in 1999, would allow for higher processing rates at faster speeds within PCs. This would lead to the creation of many things such as flat screens, hi-definition LCD monitors, PC displays, which were no longer tethered to limited processing power.
Sources:
8 Black Inventors Who Made Daily Life Easier - HISTORY
Top 10 Inventions by African Americans | HowStuffWorks
Black History month is now here and there’s a lot to be discussed, Rockvale is taking personal time out of their schedule to celebrate the liberation and stories of past African Americans and the prejudice they overcame in American society. The achievements and hardships black people have faced both past and in the present is important to remember and keep legacy of, as to utterly understand why this month is so special. Today however, I specifically want to talk about the achievements; specifically, the inventions that Black Americans have given to America despite the little acknowledgement given to them.
{Patent: a government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention.}
Starting off with our list is: Lewis Latimer
He got hired at a law firm in 1868, he taught himself mechanical drawing and was promoted to being a draftsman and even worked with Alexander Grand Bell on making the telephone. While Thomas Eddison made the electric light bulb, Latimer created the model. In 1881, he received a patent for inventing a method of producing carbon filaments, which made the bulbs longer-lasting, more efficient, and cheaper. He also had patents for a water closet on railroad cars and a predecessor to the modern air conditioner.
Next up: Sarah Boone
One of the first Black women in U.S. history to receive a patent, she improved upon the original Iron board (which was a bunch of wooden blocks placed horizontal) In 1892, She would make additions to the invention such as making the board more narrow and curvier; it easily helped improve the handling of clothing. This led to the modern design of iron boards that you see today.
Third up: Garrett Morgan
Despite only having a middle school education, Morgan was a quick learner. As a repair person he taught himself how sewing machines worked and later would open his shop selling and repairing sewing machines. While trying to find a fluid that would polish needles, Morgan discovered a formula that would straighten human hair — his first invention. Troubled by how many firefighters were killed by smoke, Morgan developed what he called the safety hood (gas mask). This hood, which went over the head, featured tubes connected to wet sponges that filtered out smoke and supplied fresh oxygen. The mask became a sensation in 1916 when Morgan ran to the scene of a tunnel explosion and used his invention to save trapped workers. In 1923, as automobiles were becoming more common, Morgan developed an early prototype of the three traffic signals after seeing too many collisions.
Fourth in line: Mary Van Brittan Brown
As a nurse living in Queens, New York, Brown spent many nights alone in her home due to her husband being away. During this time, the safety of a black woman (and sadly is to this day) was not a thought worth thinking, so she made a device that would put her mind at ease about the high crime rates in her neighborhood. During 1966 she used a camera that could slide into and look through four peepholes in her front door. The camera’s view would then appear on a monitor in her home so she could survey any noticeable threats. Brown would later add a microphone button to speak to anyone at the door, a button to unlock the door, and a button to contact the police. She and her husband took out a patent for the system, and she was awarded the patent three years later in 1969. Home security nowadays takes many inspirations from her design.
Fifth: Frederick McKinley Jones
Jones had multiple patents throughout his life but one of the most important was for the roof-mounted cooling system that’s used to refrigerate goods on trucks, during extended transportation in the mid-1930s. He received a patent for his invention in 1940, and co-founded the U.S. Thermo Control Company, later known as Thermo King. The company was especially important during World War II, which was used to preserve blood, food, and supplies.
Sixth in line: Sarah Breedlove (Madam C.J Walker)
In the early 1900’s, black woman suffered extreme hair loss due to scalp disease, poor diets, damaging hair products, and infrequent washing, Breedlove was no different. She first worked with Annie Malone and was an agent selling her products but at 37 years old she would soon break off and start a business of her own. Having a previous knowledge of black hair thanks to her brothers, Walker would soon create the recipe for Pomade (wax that gives hair a shiny/slick appearance). This product worked and helped her and many other black women. Soon she began marketing, ’Wonderful hair Growth’ in 1905. In 1906 she used direct sells, hired woman to serve door-to-door salespeople, and over a lifetime employed 40,000 people (about twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden) in the US. She also improved upon the straightening comb design which helped scores skyrocket. She tutored many black women during her time to not only be independent but also appreciate their hair for what it is.
Seventh: Alexander Miles
When elevators were first made, they would need to shut the shaft manually before riding in it. This led to multiple accidents with people falling down the elevator shafts, one of those people being Miles’s daughter. In 1887 he took out a patent for a mechanism that automatically opens and closes elevator shaft doors.
Eighth: Sarah E. Goode
Goode would move to Chicago and open a furniture shop at the end of The Civil War in 1850, after being a slave and finally gaining her freedom. She produced an idea that would bring more urban residents within the limited space of her store. She invented a folding cabinet bed. The piece of furniture could be used as a desk, and at night, it could be folded out into a bed. After thirty-five years, in 1885 she became the first ever black woman to receive a patent.
Ninth in place: Granville T. Woods
Controllers were previously used to communicate landing planes and only planes, until Woods created a device that would help train conductors do the same, the multiplex telegraph, in 1887. This device allowed dispatchers and engineers to communicate with moving trains as well as conductors. This also decreased train collisions prior to 1887. However, a certain salty man named Thomas Eddison would claim that he was the first inventor of the multiplex telegraph and took the issue to court, he lost the case. He would later receive a patent for the steam boiler furnace in trains. He would go on to have sixty patents at the end of the 19th century.
Coming up in tenth: Jan Matzeliger
Born in South America, Matzeliger would soon move to the US when he was twenty-one years old in 1873. He didn’t know English, yet he moved to Massachusetts and went to night school to learn how to speak the language. While in night school he also learned about science and manufacturing and due to having no money he created models from spare parts and scraps. Finally, after years of studying he invented a shoe lasting machine which could repair 150-700 pairs of shoes a day. Unfortunately, Matzeliger would die young of tuberculosis at age thirty-seven, yet his legacy left more affordable shoes to the public.
Eleventh place: George Crum
In 1853, Crum worked as a chef in Saratoga Springs, New York. One day a customer threw a fit about their French fries being too thick, too mushy, and not salty enough, Crum then cut the potatoes as thinly as possible and fried them until they were crisp and threw a handful amount of salt on them. To Crum’s surprise the customer loved the dish and soon it became a popular snack at Saratoga Springs. Later, Crum opened a restaurant which had potato chips at every table. Crum would never patent his invention, but now more and more people are beginning to recognize the rightful inventor of this favorite snack.
Twelfth place: Elijah McCoy
After escaping slavery with his parents using the underground railroad, McCoy would soon go to Scotland for school and came back as an expert mechanic and engineer in 1860. Yet when the only job a black man could have in the late 18th century was either a firefighter or railroad mechanic, he worked in the Michigan Central Railroad. His job at the railroad was to walk around the train and remove the oil parts by hand, a challenging task. He invented the automatic oil cup (Automatic Lubricator), which would lubricate the train's axles and bearings while the train was in motion. As a result, trains didn't have to stop as often, which cut down on costs, saved time and improved safety. However, many imitators would try and knock off his invention for a quick buck, yet true engineers only went to McCoy for the actual product.
Thirteenth in line: Philip B. Downing
Before 1981, public mailboxes were always open which made it easy for people to steal mail and for natural elements like the weather to damage those letters. This was until Downing entered the scene and added the outer safety door that could remain closed and prevent thieves and the weather from hurting the letters. How it worked was that the outer door would stay closed and then the safety door would open and deposit mail into the box. Downing was born in 1857 and worked a lengthy career as a clerk for the Custom House of Boston. There are sadly no historical photographs of him.
Fourteenth: Charles Richard Drew
After gaining a M.D and a Mastery of Surgery degree from Columbia University, Drew would later earn a Doctor of Medical Science Degree in 1938. Drew discovered the method of separating red blood cells from plasma and storing it in two separate components. This process allowed blood to be stored up for more than a week, which was impressive for the forties. Drew first worked for the military and then appointed director for the first American Red Cross Blood Bank, this blood bank was for the U.S. Army and Navy that served as the model for blood banks today. However, Drew resigned his position because the armed forces insisted on separating blood by race and providing white soldiers with blood donated from white people. Drew felt that this unnecessary segregation would cost too many lives. Drew returned to private life as a surgeon and medical professor at Howard University. He would later die in a car accident in 1950 but his brilliance helps many lives both in the past and present.
Fifteenth: James E. West
In 1962, West alongside his German colleague, Gerhard Sessler; West would invent the foil electret microphone, which was less expensive to create than the typically used condenser microphones. Two years after it was invented, the final model of the microphone was finished in 1964. They patented the landmark invention and four years later, the new microphone was in wide production. It was being used in hearing aids, tape recorders, most telephones and baby monitors.
Last but not least: Mark E. Dean
Mark Dean began working for IBM as a chief engineer in the early 1980’s. He made up a team of twelve people who would make the very first IBM PC. He worked to develop the color monitor and led his team to create the first gigahertz processor. The massive chip, built in 1999, would allow for higher processing rates at faster speeds within PCs. This would lead to the creation of many things such as flat screens, hi-definition LCD monitors, PC displays, which were no longer tethered to limited processing power.
Sources:
8 Black Inventors Who Made Daily Life Easier - HISTORY
Top 10 Inventions by African Americans | HowStuffWorks
Building Inspiration
Connor Hudgens | October 2022
The Rockvale machine shop has been open for 3 years promoting manufacturing and machining and students love it.
What Inspired you?
I went around and asked a few students about what inspired them join the manufacturing and machine trade.
“I got interested into the trade at a young [age] from watching my grandfather and mother and just being able to create and design the world in my own vision has always been cool” says new president Lawson Brandon.
“Well, I have always cared about building and design, but the career field pays well so yea” said vice president Michael Sexton.
What Inspired you?
I went around and asked a few students about what inspired them join the manufacturing and machine trade.
“I got interested into the trade at a young [age] from watching my grandfather and mother and just being able to create and design the world in my own vision has always been cool” says new president Lawson Brandon.
“Well, I have always cared about building and design, but the career field pays well so yea” said vice president Michael Sexton.
A Dying Trade
Due to the world advancing in technology, a lot of people are put out of the job. Then a lot of the specialists in the trade are retiring at a high rate. However, at Rockvale students are learning the specialist jobs and welding so that the students can bring something old to something new.
Due to the world advancing in technology, a lot of people are put out of the job. Then a lot of the specialists in the trade are retiring at a high rate. However, at Rockvale students are learning the specialist jobs and welding so that the students can bring something old to something new.
A New Trade
Students learn new advanced skills such as coding, programing, designing and machining systems. These skills are in high demand in Tennessee and the rest of the country and would result in more advanced technology as years go on but right now the students are just learning the basics to start off, just like any other profession.
Students learn new advanced skills such as coding, programing, designing and machining systems. These skills are in high demand in Tennessee and the rest of the country and would result in more advanced technology as years go on but right now the students are just learning the basics to start off, just like any other profession.
Seniors Face Anxiety as they Prepare for the ACT
Makayla Judkins | October 2022
With the senior ACT approaching at Rockvale High School on October 18th , many students feel as though their anxious thoughts about the test are going to get in the way of their desired score.
At Rockvale, seniors must take their ACT at least two times to graduate. One of these occurs in the spring of their junior year and one occurs in the fall of their senior year. With this daunting date approaching, many seniors are beginning to let their nerves sink in, subconsciously lowering their scores.
According to nbci.gov “25-40% of all US students suffer from test anxiety.” Test anxiety is a physiological condition in which people experience extreme stress, anxiety, and discomfort during or before taking a test. This high stress, “can drastically hinder an individual’s ability to perform well” (nbci.nlm.nih.gov).
When asked about this statistic, students Camdyn Mendoza and Julianne Nunez responded with, “I feel that it relates a lot to how American education is in general because its full of fear-if you’re not successful academically; if you’re not doing good on tests then you’re not going to get into a good college, you’re not going to get to go where you want to go.” (Camdyn Mendoza)
Julianne had similar feelings. “Honestly, I would like to say I'm surprised but I'm genuinely not, like it's obviously disheartening to hear that that’s the case, but at the end of the day we’re just a number to these teachers.”
Students at Rockvale High School feel failed by their education system and teachers for forcing perfection upon them, however they are not surprised. With this weight of perfection lingering, it is highly likely that test anxiety will take a toll on Rockvale High students ACT scores in October.
Camdyn Mendoza says she, “feels a looming anxiety at school” which takes a toll on her preparation for tests and her overall ability to test. According to Kidhealth.org, “The more a person focuses on the negative things that could happen, the stronger the feeling of anxiety becomes. This makes the person feel worse and, with a head full of distracting thoughts and fears, can increase the chances that he or she will do poorly on the test.”
Ashleigh Chokshi, a school counselor at Rockvale High School, said she experiences students in her office over the topic of their anxiety, “2-3 times a week at least” and, “it will increase as the year goes on.” When asked if she noticed anxiety symptoms coming from students she meets with about general topics like graduation or grades, she quickly answered, “Yes! Everyday. I experience student's fidgeting, students needing to take lots of notes, or kind of just the overwhelming look on their face.” It is clear there is a lot of underlining anxiety occurring at Rockvale High School that will potentially lead to lower test scores.
While the overwhelming fear of the approaching ACT is nerve wracking, there are many ways to cope with the anxiety that is created from test taking. Kidhealth.org provides a list of coping mechanisms to conquer your test anxiety, some of which include:
Anxiety can be detrimental to a test score which is why many colleges no longer require the submission of an ACT or SAT score within a student’s college application. Mrs. Chokshi leaves the seniors with some words of advice as their ACT quickly approaches, “The test score does not define who you are, and it will not define your future!” She explains that “It may affect scholarships, but it is not going to affect your career and what you can become. It is about your work ethic, and what you are willing to go through, and overcome throughout college. Your work experience and college experience will be what will get you further in life than any test score you could ever earn.”
With the senior ACT approaching at Rockvale High School on October 18th , many students feel as though their anxious thoughts about the test are going to get in the way of their desired score.
At Rockvale, seniors must take their ACT at least two times to graduate. One of these occurs in the spring of their junior year and one occurs in the fall of their senior year. With this daunting date approaching, many seniors are beginning to let their nerves sink in, subconsciously lowering their scores.
According to nbci.gov “25-40% of all US students suffer from test anxiety.” Test anxiety is a physiological condition in which people experience extreme stress, anxiety, and discomfort during or before taking a test. This high stress, “can drastically hinder an individual’s ability to perform well” (nbci.nlm.nih.gov).
When asked about this statistic, students Camdyn Mendoza and Julianne Nunez responded with, “I feel that it relates a lot to how American education is in general because its full of fear-if you’re not successful academically; if you’re not doing good on tests then you’re not going to get into a good college, you’re not going to get to go where you want to go.” (Camdyn Mendoza)
Julianne had similar feelings. “Honestly, I would like to say I'm surprised but I'm genuinely not, like it's obviously disheartening to hear that that’s the case, but at the end of the day we’re just a number to these teachers.”
Students at Rockvale High School feel failed by their education system and teachers for forcing perfection upon them, however they are not surprised. With this weight of perfection lingering, it is highly likely that test anxiety will take a toll on Rockvale High students ACT scores in October.
Camdyn Mendoza says she, “feels a looming anxiety at school” which takes a toll on her preparation for tests and her overall ability to test. According to Kidhealth.org, “The more a person focuses on the negative things that could happen, the stronger the feeling of anxiety becomes. This makes the person feel worse and, with a head full of distracting thoughts and fears, can increase the chances that he or she will do poorly on the test.”
Ashleigh Chokshi, a school counselor at Rockvale High School, said she experiences students in her office over the topic of their anxiety, “2-3 times a week at least” and, “it will increase as the year goes on.” When asked if she noticed anxiety symptoms coming from students she meets with about general topics like graduation or grades, she quickly answered, “Yes! Everyday. I experience student's fidgeting, students needing to take lots of notes, or kind of just the overwhelming look on their face.” It is clear there is a lot of underlining anxiety occurring at Rockvale High School that will potentially lead to lower test scores.
While the overwhelming fear of the approaching ACT is nerve wracking, there are many ways to cope with the anxiety that is created from test taking. Kidhealth.org provides a list of coping mechanisms to conquer your test anxiety, some of which include:
- Use a little stress to your advantage; Let stress remind you to study well in advance of a test. Chances are, you will keep your stress from spinning out of control.
- Ask for help: a teacher, a school guidance counselor, or a tutor can be good people to talk to test anxiety gets to be too much to handle.
- Be prepared; learn good study habits rather than only soaking up information during class.
- Accept mistakes; everyone makes mistakes, and you may have even heard teachers or coaches refer to mistakes as "learning opportunities.”
- Watch what you are thinking; watch out for any negative messages you might be sending yourself about the test. They can contribute to your anxiety.
Anxiety can be detrimental to a test score which is why many colleges no longer require the submission of an ACT or SAT score within a student’s college application. Mrs. Chokshi leaves the seniors with some words of advice as their ACT quickly approaches, “The test score does not define who you are, and it will not define your future!” She explains that “It may affect scholarships, but it is not going to affect your career and what you can become. It is about your work ethic, and what you are willing to go through, and overcome throughout college. Your work experience and college experience will be what will get you further in life than any test score you could ever earn.”
How Does the Music Program Influence Our School?
Hear from Mr. Luker and Mr. Marks about the impact of music on Rockvale High School.
A Day in the Life of a Rockvale Student, featuring Agriculture and Jazz Band
Halli Boatright | April 2022
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Photographs by Topanga Scism and Michael Bullard
Rockvale: Preparing for the Future!
Autumn Williamson, Mackenzie Tinker, Taylor Patton, Alexis Katz
How to Be a Successful Student
Alexis Katz | April 2022
Success is a difficult term to define. After all, it is subjective. Some students have a clear-cut idea of success: a high GPA, a good ACT score, and school involvement. Many students want to strive for this type of success but don’t know how to do so. So, we made a survey and gave it to some successful students- juniors in AP classes- in order to examine how younger students can be successful.
As we have discussed prior, success is subjective. Even “successful” and high achieving students disagree on what exactly success is. In fact, most students who participated in the survey didn’t even cite GPA as an attribute of a successful student. A lot of the participants gave adjectives such as “hard-working” and “determined” as characteristics of a successful student. Even if you aren't a studious person, you can absolutely still be successful. Others defined success as “balanced” and “organized” as characteristics. It is clear to see that as long as you “try” and are determined to succeed, you can be successful.
Being a successful student does not mean you have to sacrifice your free time in order to be successful. Most of the successful students that participated in our survey tend to spend less than two hours a night. These students are involved in extracurricular activities and other activities outside of school. A lot of successful students do sports, have jobs, and participate in clubs. This balance of school and personal life is a hallmark of success.
Another topic that students want to be successful in is their college search. Many students don’t even know where to start and that is seen in our survey. A lot of students know their intended major but not where they want to go. It's clear why this task is so difficult; it will possibly dictate your next four years after high school. It is important to ask yourself what you love and what you want to gain out of college.
Despite the fact that most of the students who participated in our survey have 3.5-4.0 GPA’s, most of the participants still felt that they could become a more successful student. Many discussed how they wanted to be more proactive with their work or that they could manage themselves better. On top of this, most students suggested taking only two college level- AP or Dual Enrollment- classes each year. Take this advice, it will allow you to maintain your mental health as well as succeed in school.
In the end, it is important to understand that success is subjective. Success can be something totally different depending on the person and what they want to achieve in life. Success isn't defined by a 4.0 GPA, it isn't defined by a college degree, and it isn't defined by the difficulty of the classes you take. Success is defined by the pride you have. So, no matter what path you take, make sure you remain proud of your decisions.
Alexis Katz | April 2022
Success is a difficult term to define. After all, it is subjective. Some students have a clear-cut idea of success: a high GPA, a good ACT score, and school involvement. Many students want to strive for this type of success but don’t know how to do so. So, we made a survey and gave it to some successful students- juniors in AP classes- in order to examine how younger students can be successful.
As we have discussed prior, success is subjective. Even “successful” and high achieving students disagree on what exactly success is. In fact, most students who participated in the survey didn’t even cite GPA as an attribute of a successful student. A lot of the participants gave adjectives such as “hard-working” and “determined” as characteristics of a successful student. Even if you aren't a studious person, you can absolutely still be successful. Others defined success as “balanced” and “organized” as characteristics. It is clear to see that as long as you “try” and are determined to succeed, you can be successful.
Being a successful student does not mean you have to sacrifice your free time in order to be successful. Most of the successful students that participated in our survey tend to spend less than two hours a night. These students are involved in extracurricular activities and other activities outside of school. A lot of successful students do sports, have jobs, and participate in clubs. This balance of school and personal life is a hallmark of success.
Another topic that students want to be successful in is their college search. Many students don’t even know where to start and that is seen in our survey. A lot of students know their intended major but not where they want to go. It's clear why this task is so difficult; it will possibly dictate your next four years after high school. It is important to ask yourself what you love and what you want to gain out of college.
Despite the fact that most of the students who participated in our survey have 3.5-4.0 GPA’s, most of the participants still felt that they could become a more successful student. Many discussed how they wanted to be more proactive with their work or that they could manage themselves better. On top of this, most students suggested taking only two college level- AP or Dual Enrollment- classes each year. Take this advice, it will allow you to maintain your mental health as well as succeed in school.
In the end, it is important to understand that success is subjective. Success can be something totally different depending on the person and what they want to achieve in life. Success isn't defined by a 4.0 GPA, it isn't defined by a college degree, and it isn't defined by the difficulty of the classes you take. Success is defined by the pride you have. So, no matter what path you take, make sure you remain proud of your decisions.
How to be Successful in your College Search
Con-GRAD-ulations Seniors!
An informational text for seniors being aware of what will be happening for the last weeks of school. This also includes tips and tricks to the way of adulthood and upcoming seniors for the 22-23 school year.
Hannah Lennon | April 2022
Attention Seniors at Rockvale High School:
The Class of 2022 Graduation Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Murphy Center on the campus of MTSU on Saturday May 14, 2022, at 10:00 AM. Our mandatory Graduation Practice will be held on Friday, May 13th, at the Murphy Center on the campus of MTSU from 8:25 AM -11:00 A.M. This is a required practice. Students will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony without attending the entire practice. Graduation Rehearsal will be held at Murphy Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University on Friday, May 13, from 8:25-11:00 A.M. Students do NOT wear their cap and gowns for rehearsal/practice, but must still wear school-appropriate clothing
Ceremony Information from Rockvale High School: To participate in the ceremony, students must order a cap, gown, tassel, diploma, and diploma cover from Jostens. Although tickets are not required for the ceremony, the seating is first- come first- serve; The doors of Murphy Center will open at 9:00 A.M. Students are required to meet the Senior Attendance Policy to be able to participate in the graduation ceremony. This requirement is met when a Senior has ten or fewer unexcused absences from school (in the entire Senior year). This function will last around 90 minutes.
Graduation Requirements:
23 specific credits needed for graduation.
Graduation with Honors:
Meet ACT Benchmarks
English 18
Mathematics 22
Reading 22
Science 23
The dress code for Graduation: Dress pants, collared shirts, and dress shoes for men. Dress skirt, dress, or dress pants, and dress shoes for women. No jeans or casual wear along with no tennis shoes. No specific colors are required for clothes/shoes and caps may not be decorated. All students must wear a black cap, gown, and tassel.
Prom Information:
This year's prom will be held May 7th, 2022, from 7pm - 11pm at MTSU's Student Union in the ballroom. Students may choose to wear either a dress or a suit that follows the guidelines. The prom is considered a formal event, so formal wear is required. Formal wear may be a dress, party gown, formal gown, or suit. Guests must be pre-approved to attend Rockvale High School prom and are expected to adhere to the established RVHS standards in appearance and behavior.
Rockvale High School visitor permission form:
https://4.files.edl.io/31e1/03/02/22/013406-3e29ff12-e0ed-415d-903e-47ec5d9bd6ce.pdf
Rockvale High School Prom Behavior and formal wear guidelines:
https://4.files.edl.io/eed8/03/02/22/013309-52eb2275-28da-4b74-8a46-7c11219097f6.pdf
How Senior Year Starts Off vs. How it Ends: To begin with, coming into senior year can be stressful for some students; most are excited for their last year in high school. Many students consider this a year to relax and prepare for the transition out of their old lives into college/university or the workplace. This is the time when students grow up and start getting engaged in the adult world. Making sure to maintain good grades and stay actively involved in extracurricular activities is a way to enjoy senior year. Encouraging the students to take the SAT or ACT again to try to improve their scores will be helpful in the end for colleges. Create a calendar that tracks the application deadlines for college admission, scholarships, and financial aid. Remember to stay up to date on senior information at school. (Senior pictures, graduation meetings, mandatory scholarship meetings, senior meetings with your counselor, college week, fun events)
When senior year comes to an end, it can be very emotional for students. Work hard your senior year and have fun! Take time to reflect on possibilities for your future and seek out additional resources to make smart, post-high school decisions. Being prepared for college can include saving money, keeping an eye on grades and GPA, giving yourself choices, and getting organized. It is important to spend as much time with friends and family as possible before you head in different directions. This is a new chapter in life for graduating seniors and the days may drag on, but senior year will fly by.
Many things in life change when high school ends and adulthood starts. For example, you become more independent. After you get your high school diploma, you can make more money. While in college, you can choose your own schedule, professors, classes, and times. This helps some students who can work full-time as that takes place around the classes.
Beneficial Life Skills that Can Make a Positive Lifestyle include:
Time Management: set high goals, get a good night's sleep, plan ahead, Eliminate distractions.
Communication Skills: confidence, respect, active listening, feedback, do not be afraid to say no.
Financial Skills: learn to prioritize expenses, track your income and expenses, plan your purchases.
Responsibility: being organized, attending classes on time and regularly, getting work done before deadlines, being prepared.
The Class of 2022 Graduation Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Murphy Center on the campus of MTSU on Saturday May 14, 2022, at 10:00 AM. Our mandatory Graduation Practice will be held on Friday, May 13th, at the Murphy Center on the campus of MTSU from 8:25 AM -11:00 A.M. This is a required practice. Students will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony without attending the entire practice. Graduation Rehearsal will be held at Murphy Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University on Friday, May 13, from 8:25-11:00 A.M. Students do NOT wear their cap and gowns for rehearsal/practice, but must still wear school-appropriate clothing
Ceremony Information from Rockvale High School: To participate in the ceremony, students must order a cap, gown, tassel, diploma, and diploma cover from Jostens. Although tickets are not required for the ceremony, the seating is first- come first- serve; The doors of Murphy Center will open at 9:00 A.M. Students are required to meet the Senior Attendance Policy to be able to participate in the graduation ceremony. This requirement is met when a Senior has ten or fewer unexcused absences from school (in the entire Senior year). This function will last around 90 minutes.
Graduation Requirements:
23 specific credits needed for graduation.
Graduation with Honors:
Meet ACT Benchmarks
English 18
Mathematics 22
Reading 22
Science 23
The dress code for Graduation: Dress pants, collared shirts, and dress shoes for men. Dress skirt, dress, or dress pants, and dress shoes for women. No jeans or casual wear along with no tennis shoes. No specific colors are required for clothes/shoes and caps may not be decorated. All students must wear a black cap, gown, and tassel.
Prom Information:
This year's prom will be held May 7th, 2022, from 7pm - 11pm at MTSU's Student Union in the ballroom. Students may choose to wear either a dress or a suit that follows the guidelines. The prom is considered a formal event, so formal wear is required. Formal wear may be a dress, party gown, formal gown, or suit. Guests must be pre-approved to attend Rockvale High School prom and are expected to adhere to the established RVHS standards in appearance and behavior.
Rockvale High School visitor permission form:
https://4.files.edl.io/31e1/03/02/22/013406-3e29ff12-e0ed-415d-903e-47ec5d9bd6ce.pdf
Rockvale High School Prom Behavior and formal wear guidelines:
https://4.files.edl.io/eed8/03/02/22/013309-52eb2275-28da-4b74-8a46-7c11219097f6.pdf
How Senior Year Starts Off vs. How it Ends: To begin with, coming into senior year can be stressful for some students; most are excited for their last year in high school. Many students consider this a year to relax and prepare for the transition out of their old lives into college/university or the workplace. This is the time when students grow up and start getting engaged in the adult world. Making sure to maintain good grades and stay actively involved in extracurricular activities is a way to enjoy senior year. Encouraging the students to take the SAT or ACT again to try to improve their scores will be helpful in the end for colleges. Create a calendar that tracks the application deadlines for college admission, scholarships, and financial aid. Remember to stay up to date on senior information at school. (Senior pictures, graduation meetings, mandatory scholarship meetings, senior meetings with your counselor, college week, fun events)
When senior year comes to an end, it can be very emotional for students. Work hard your senior year and have fun! Take time to reflect on possibilities for your future and seek out additional resources to make smart, post-high school decisions. Being prepared for college can include saving money, keeping an eye on grades and GPA, giving yourself choices, and getting organized. It is important to spend as much time with friends and family as possible before you head in different directions. This is a new chapter in life for graduating seniors and the days may drag on, but senior year will fly by.
Many things in life change when high school ends and adulthood starts. For example, you become more independent. After you get your high school diploma, you can make more money. While in college, you can choose your own schedule, professors, classes, and times. This helps some students who can work full-time as that takes place around the classes.
Beneficial Life Skills that Can Make a Positive Lifestyle include:
Time Management: set high goals, get a good night's sleep, plan ahead, Eliminate distractions.
Communication Skills: confidence, respect, active listening, feedback, do not be afraid to say no.
Financial Skills: learn to prioritize expenses, track your income and expenses, plan your purchases.
Responsibility: being organized, attending classes on time and regularly, getting work done before deadlines, being prepared.
Senior Year at Rockvale High School
Tune in as Isaiah Wilkins interviews a Rockvale senior, Emerson Johnson, and Jonathan Heard-Alderson interviews Journalism's own Alexis Katz about preparing for senior year.