Monthly Archives: December 2010

The question is why does Meeker High School use Maps testing?  Most students who moved here from another school has never heard of the Maps test.  The test is used to track student progress in math, reading and writing, and science.  Mr. Henderson says, “The test came around about ten years ago. The curriculum started the maps testing.” He says that he likes the test because it gives you the results a lot quicker then the CSAP test does.  He likes that it gives scores instantly so you get it done faster.

Mrs. Collins says,”They help indirectly with applying for scholarships.”

Mrs. Mary says, that she sees the usefulness of the test when taken seriously but, she does not when kids just sit there and click through the test.

The question has been answered; why do we use Maps testing?  It is to track our growth in math, reading, writing, and science.

Body modification: is the deliberate altering of the human body for non-medical reasons, such as sexual enhancement, a rite of passage, aesthetic reasons, denoting affiliation, trust and loyalty, religious reasons, shock value, and self-expression. It can range from the socially acceptable decoration (e.g., pierced ears in many societies) to the religiously mandated (e.g., circumcision in a number of cultures), and everywhere in between.

Although body modification is getting more and more popular every day, some people look at it like voodoo.  There are many reasons for having a tattoo.

In the school there are only 3 kids with tattoos:  Sawyer Bivens, Caleb Dodds, and another student who would like to remain anonymous. Just as this one student would like to remain unknown about their tattoo, others like to flaunt it to the world.  Whether the tattoo is for aesthetic reasons or for deeper meaning, everyone has a reason for performing this social taboo.

“I really wanted something that could symbolize my inner strength as well as my outer strength” says senior Caleb Dodds, who has “strength” tattooed in Chinese and Japanese symbols on his forearm.

As for piercings, there are many different types. Piercings have been around since Otzi, an ancient mummified body discovered with earlobe piercings stretched to 7-11 mm. It made him the first man in history to have plugs almost 5,300 years ago. From ear piercings that are most common in women, but are a rising trend for men, to surface piercings on the chest, and stretched out ear lobes, often known as gauges.   Surface piercings are piercings of the skin where the bar runs underneath the skin.  Gauges are stretched holes anywhere on the body. Some of the biggest gauges in the world are almost 5.5 inches!!!   Johnny Wix and Colby Shaeffer are two former students to go through Meeker High School with gauged ears.

Even though we live in a rural area, these trends are slowly forcing their way into our little town.  These things are much more common in the city but in a few years, body modification will be the new pink.

This Thursday at 4:30pm, the Meeker High School girl’s basketball team will have their moment to shine. This season is filled with great expectations, as we have new team members as well as a new coach.Deena Norell and Katie Dinwiddie both said, “We are super excited for our first game!”

Seven girls are on the “C” team, trying to work their way up to junior varsity, or maybe even make it all the way to varsity. Indeed, this is a new year, and a new team, that are proud to welcome Coach Joy to the family! The possibilities are endless, and we here at the Cowboy Roundup with them the best of luck!

Tonight, December 1,2010, the third annual tree lighting will take place at 5:30pm on the Courthouse Lawn in downtown Meeker, Colorado. The Pioneers Medical Center, White River Electric Association, Rio Blanco County, Meeker Fire and Rescue, and Meeker Recreation Center would like to invite everyone to enjoy the performance by the Youth Choir. Also, there will be cookies, hot cocoa, and fireworks following the ceremony. The Meeker High School Student Council is asking you to bring your unused coats of any size or color to donate to familes in need. They will be collecting them throughout the festivities.