Tis’ the season for warm sweaters, apple picking, and terrifying haunted house rides; what could be better? One simple solution to that question would be: Homecoming! As the first month of school fades to October, there is always one thing on every high school student’s mind: ‘What in the world should I wear to homecoming?’ Now, all jokes aside, this high school event is (in my opinion) the best that the school has to offer. I am a senior here at HHS and I would like to cordially invite students of all ages to this event, as it is going to be a night to remember. Even as cliché as that may sound, it’s true. This is an event that truly introduces you into the whole “High School Experience.” Whether it be meeting new friends or seeing old ones on the dance floor, there is so much that can be taken from it.

In years past homecoming has raked in a lot of kids. The exciting festivities range from not only the thrilling football game but to the wacky and crazy music that may be played.  I remember one year students cleared a circle for others to have a dance off, everyone’s jaws dropped for that one student who could break dance. Another year, everyone in the gym was swinging their arms dancing to ‘Gangnum Style.’ At other times I remember my friends and I would always be in a group dancing and having a great time. There is a lot to be taken from this dance: the memories, the superb food, the pictures, and most importantly; the dancing. What’s better than food and dancing with your friends? Now I understand homecoming isn’t for everyone, but I would suggest attending this year whether it be your first, or last year attending. If none of that has sold you, just know that I have never heard of someone regretting going to the Hanover High School homecoming.

For this event it is highly recommended for you guys to dress up in a suit and tie, or dress pants and dress shoes. For you girls, it is simply a semi-formal dress and usually heels. Before the dance begins students will be breathalyzed at the door and will be motioned to gather around the cafeteria to take pictures and meet up with friends. After, doors will open and the dance will commence. The dance usually runs about three hours, 7:30 to 10:30. In years past we have had no problems and safety has been well-maintained. The dance is a safe and friendly place where all students are welcome. So what are you waiting for? Get up and practice those dance moves! Homecoming is just around the corner!

The dance will be held on October 26th in the high school gymnasium. Tickets are on sale now and are $30! Get yours before it’s too late!

By Marijke Fulton and Jackie DeFerrari

The days of gym classes where we can just relax and socialize with friends may be long gone at Hanover High. The new gym class policy has caused a stir of annoyance among students, but others, especially teachers, deem it necessary. In the past, many students have viewed gym class as simply an elective, slacking off when it comes to participation, claiming that gym counts as barely anything on a transcript; however, that’s all about to change.

The new rules basically consist of three parts:

1) Students are now required to make up gym class when they are absent to avoid losing credit, (8/10 points for one makeup, 6/10 points for the next, 4/10 points for the one after that, and a detention for the last)

2) Students are now to be graded on participation, whether or not they’ve changed, and on their attendance. Each gym class is an opportunity to receive any number out of a maximum of 10 points.

3) Students MUST be wearing gym clothes that have been changed into in order to participate; “just sneakers” is not acceptable as of this year.

Now there are no jeans, skirts, dresses, heels, boots, or flip-flops allowed at all for participation credit, even for walking. (Then again, how many of us really feel like power-walking the mile in heels?)

The good news: our teachers will post on the bulletin board in the gym hallway which days are available for make-ups, and have graciously offered up extra pairs of clothing articles and shoes so we can at least participate…sadly, even then, there’s still no credit to be had.

When asked her opinion on the recent changes, HHS gym teacher Mrs. Bostwick commented, “I think it’s good; it holds people responsible and accountable for the decisions they make.”

HHS student Chris Greeley, who has stayed after to make up a gym class, calls the new gym rule a “good extra credit or make-up opportunity.”

One senior claims that the new rule is “annoying, but undoubtedly necessary …although it’s a bit strict, having to change every single class, no matter the time of day, and then having to stay after even if you forget your clothes in the rush to go to school at 7am, it at least provides structure so that students might be motivated to put in the extra effort for the grade.”

No matter what your opinion on the issue is, I think we can all agree that gym is getting more and more difficult to retain that ‘A’ status by the year. Many students feel that the new rules are too harsh for an elective, and that gym should be an easier class – that the severeness of having to stay after school (which could potentially cut into the clubs, sports, or other extra-curricular activities) in order to retain credit when something as simple as the changing into gym clothes isn’t put into action is a bit too much of an extreme.

However, is making PE more challenging necessarily a bad thing? It’s great to be active, it’s required by law in Massachusetts Public Schools, and the health benefits are immeasurable – the way in which exercise is executed, however, is what marks the difference between motivation and procrastination.

Complaints of  monotony in the singular class have been heard, and this year in particular, the upperclassmen have been given a wider range of activities to participate in, such as Ultimate Frisbee, tennis, and tennis baseball thus far. Still, many have claimed that “more fun” classes, such as capture the flag or dance, are still a high demand.

The idea of a more diverse gym class is much more widespread than just Hanover. According to their school website, Duxbury High in Massachusetts has multiple gym electives, ranging from Project Adventure, a course that allows students to participate in “cooperative game presentation[s] to the class, knots, belay techniques, and beginning level climbing…” and is “…designed to reinforce the importance of cooperation, communication, building self-esteem, self-confidence and decision making skills…” to a ‘Health and Nutrition’ course, specializing in “…addressing personal health and life issues. These issues…include AIDS/HIV, interpersonal relationships, human sexuality, refusal skills, violence prevention, drugs and alcohol, smoking, and family living issues.” and ‘Lifetime Individual Physical Education’, which includes “individual type sports: Archery, Golf, Badminton, Tennis, Yoga, Aerobics, CPR Training, and Weight Training…students learn the importance of maintaining a healthy life-style by participating in sports that they can continue throughout their lifetime. Students learn the skills, theory, and strategies needed for each lifetime sport.”

While it would be great for Hanover High to invest in similar activities, either monetarily or with support, the idea of simply creative and innovative P.E. elective options is on the table. That’s not to say that we’re unappreciative – we’re really immensely thankful for the effort of our teachers!

For the time being, whether we agree with it or not, gym is still a graded class, and like any class, work must be made up when you are absent, and you must come prepared. Good grades are possible, but the effort must be put in to get them.

So the next time you’re about to wear flip-flops to school on a gym day, think again. Your grade could depend on it.