Sammi Carr's The Jaguars’ Spot column for Wed., Mar. 26, 2008

Tutor Your Own Horn!

We all got this quarter’s progress reports a couple weeks ago. I know some of us were very pleased with what we saw, while others were hoping they got to it with a bottle of White Out and an extra-fine Magic Marker before their parents did.

To those who did well these past six weeks, might I suggest helping a fellow classmate by tutoring them once a week in one of your favorite subjects? Here are some reasons why I believe it will benefit not only the person you're teaching but yourself as well:

>> You can make a little extra money to buy that awesome pair of shoes Santa forgot to bring.

>> Did you know that if you're in CSF, NHS or Key Club you get community service hours for tutoring -- just so long as you do it for free.

>> Let’s say someone needs help with geometry but it’s been a little while since you took that class. Do a thorough refresher beforehand and then give it a shot for a couple weeks, you might be surprised by how much you still remember.

Another plus: You’ve got an SAT test coming up pretty soon, right? Doesn’t hurt to go back over all that old stuff. Even if you’re currently IN the class, tutoring someone else helps you understand the material better.

Money or not, tutoring is just a good thing to do. It only takes an hour or so a week. If you're unsure how to start your new career in tutoring, see one of the guidance counselors in the office for more information.

Book Drive:

The Interact Club is holding a school-wide book drive this week. They’ll be collecting both brand new and lightly-used books for children aged 5 to 8. Bring any books you have to room 306. One hour of community service is awarded to every three books donated. Get them in quick ‘cause the deadline is March 31.

The “Battle” has been won!:

Battle of the Bands '08 was a huge success! The judges were music teachers Jeff Beck and Karl Rafto; League of Garage Bands club sponsor, Jason Poole; and English teacher, Linda Saffiote. Here's who won:

1st: Jonathan Rojas' Band

2nd: We Know Nothing

3rd: Real Brew

Event coordinators and members of the band Arcanic, Cameron Izadi and Evan Stumpges told me that they thought the evening went exceptionally smooth this year, but are always open to suggestions to make it even better next year!

Here's something I betcha didn't know:

(Bold on) Here's something I betcha didn't know: (Bold off)

The other day I was talking to German foreign exchange student Stefan Preuss. Stefan was describing all the things he was going to miss about America when he returns to Germany in a few months, along with pointing out some of the subtle differences between our two countries.

Some of the things he's going to miss are Dr. Pepper, cream soda and most importantly, ranch dressing! Ranch dressing, he says, doesn't exist ANYWHERE in Germany! Another thing he's really going to miss is the sun because it's cloudy most of the time in Germany.

As far as differences between Germany and America, the German alphabet has four extra letters. On their computer keyboards the letters "y" and "z" are switched because "z" is a much more common letter. Also, in Germany, teenagers aren't allowed to drive a car until they're 18, but ARE allowed to drive motorcycles at 16 with special licenses.

There’s more but I’m over my word limit. Grab Stefan sometime on campus and learn more!

Know something I don't know? Catch me on campus or send me an e-mail at sammi@carrfamily.com. See ya. Sam.