The Eagle Eye

By Hanna Vander Ploeg

You finger your extra change in your hand, wondering what to do with it.  All your friends have cookies that they heated up in the microwave — maybe you should get a cookie even though you’re not hungry. With your friends you migrated over to where the coin war is set up. You decide just to put your change in there and not waste it on some cookie that you would end up giving to your friends or throw away. After putting the change in the jug, you get handed a slip of paper to write your name so you could possibly be chosen to pie a teacher. You walk away, satisfied that you didn‘t waste your change for some stupid cookie.

This year’s coin war was to help the Lamers family earn money towards an addition for their house and a wheelchair accessible van.  Lots of students donated to the Lamers family, in fact, as a school we raised $2,291.20.  But not many students understood Brodie’s condition or the situation the Lamers family is in.

BMS Student Council members reveal the grand total raised for the Lamers family through the Coin War. Photo: Mrs. Ghysels

It’s been a long and emotional journey for the Lamers family but they’re getting closer to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  As of January 6, the Lamers family has $22,035.04 to the rough total of $35,000 (addition- $20,000 and wheelchair van- $15,000 and those are just rough estimates!!).

“We have just looked over the 2nd rough draft to the addition and it is great… we are so excited!” Tisha said.

It seems everything is going smoothly with the plans for the addition and the Lamers family is now looking for people willing to donate materials towards the addition. With a lot of supporters, that shouldn’t be very hard!

“Please know that we are so thankful to you all in your support and prayers… we feel it and are completely humbled by your love,” Tisha  said.

Brodie Lamers and his family accept BMS's donation at the Christmas Assembly. Photo: Mrs. Ghysels

By Taylor Gilbert

Cheerleading –  many people consider it a sport, while others do not. Students at BMS were interviewed on this subject.

When eighth grader Megan Stacy was asked what she thinks when people say cheer, she responded with “popular.” But do students have to be  popular to be a cheerleader?

When eighth grader Ally Boomsma was asked if she thought cheer was a sport she answered, “Yes because I’m in cheer and it’s hard, and if basketball or football players were to come to our practice, they would die.”

When eighth grader Curt Doornbos was questioned about if he thinks cheer is a sport he answered, “No, because it has nothing to do with a ball.” But in order for a sport to be considered a sport, does it have to involve a ball? What about swimming and hockey?

According to ABC news, cheerleading is now more popular than ever. “By one estimate, 3 million young people cheer, more than 400,000 at the high school level. And cheerleaders are no longer only on the sidelines — many cheer competitively.” ABC News also said among all sports cheer might be the most dangerous.

According to the dictionary on Ask.com,  the word “sport” is defined as a “physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively.” It is the last part of the definition “engaged in competitively” that makes considering cheerleading a sport difficult. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation the following criteria has to be met to be considered a sport.  But there isn’t only  side line cheer, but  now there is competitive cheer too,  so are both considered  sports?

When eighth grader Maddy Jones was asked if she thought cheer was a sport she answered, “ Yes, because it takes athletic ability.”

When eighth grader Lauren Ward was questioned if she thought cheer was a sport she said, “No, it’s a hobby.”

When eighth grader Maddy Jones was questioned about if she does cheer she said, “No because I can’t pretend to be happy when I’m not.”  So now, it’s up to you, do you think cheer is a sport?

By Alexis Bigler

Image source: www.your-home-theater-design.com

You walk into the dark theater, popcorn and pop in hand, the credits are just starting to play, and you have been waiting to see this movie since the day you saw the previews.  Whether it be action, comedy, romance, or a little bit of everything, movie “junkies” continue to flock to the theaters to get their fix, no matter what the cost.

The typical price for a ticket to a movie in the U.S. is $7.20, but on top of that you have the price of concessions.  On average, one bag of small popcorn in the US will cost you $4.75.  So, it would cost you about $12.00 per person to go to the movies.

The cost of the movies has some moviegoers coming back for more, while others say no way to the rising prices.  Tonya Bigler, a parent, said that the price of movie admission is high but “The cost of the concessions is more ridiculous.  A family of four could easily spend over $50.”

Tori Essex, an eighth grade student at Baldwin Street, also shared the same feeling, that the concessions are what make the movies so expensive.

Some people don’t really mind the prices and continue to go to the movies.  Andrew DeVries, an eighth grade student at Baldwin street, said “I don’t think the movies are overpriced.  I haven’t heard any complaints about the prices.”

Andrew Devries said that he dose not pay for himself when he goes to the movies, “I can get money easily from my parents.”

The highest percent of admissions to the movies, about 38%, is made up of 12 to 24 year olds.  Most kids around the younger ages might go to the movies to hang out with friends or just to get out of the house, but who pays for the entertainment, the kids or the parents?

Tonya Bigler, a parent, said that she pays for her kids to go to the movies, “It entertains them and they don’t have money of their own, yet,” she added.

We all have our different reasons for going to the movies whether it be to hang out with friends, relax, have a good laugh, or just to be by yourself.  Even with the movie prices on the rise most people will still want to get their fix of the big screen.  So once you buy your ticket you settle into your seat, while the lights dim around you, getting ready to enjoy the show.  The question many have on their minds as the movie begins is not how much did I spend and was it worth it, but I wonder what this movie is about or will I get a good laugh?  So what will you have on your mind when you settle in for the show?

By Tyler Lippenga and Dan Madalena

One rule changes everything in the National Football League.

“The new rules are excessive and just plain stupid,” said eighth grader Jordan Saenz, when asked what he thinks of the rules.

Here are some of the new rules for the 2009-10 season are: a 15-yard penalty is given for delivering a blindside block with a helmet, shoulder or forearm to an opponents head. Some other new rules are contact to the head of a defenseless receiver will also draw a 15-yard penalty .

When asked if he thinks the new rules are fair, Corey Longstreet, eighth grader, said “No, because football is a sport about getting hit hard and risking getting hurt.”

One of the concerns of the NFL is the number of concussions that players receive.

Jake Snead, eighth grader, doesn’t like the new rules. If it were up to him a new rule would be to add padded helmets.

Matt DeWyse, eighth grader, said “If the quarterback doesn’t see you blitzing you can’t hit as hard,” when asked what would he do to reduce concussions.

On average every NFL teams deal with at least five concussions a year. This year there were 106 concussions.

Concussions have taken a toll on the NFL; that is why they added the defenseless receiver rule.

We will know at the end of the season if the new rules will reduce injuries.

By Anthony Mattingly

Ever since the ninety’s when the NBA finally got there reputation back as a sober sport it was flying high above most other sports like the NFL, MLB, and the NHL.  While most of those sports were filled with HGH and steroids in the 2000 the NBA was the cleanest sport in the sense of HGH and steroids.

Yet one little slip up in the NBA messed that all up.  In early 2007, Tim Dongahy a NBA referee was caught and convicted on betting on games, some he reffed and others he didn’t.  From the way he bet he was winning 80% of his bet and he was flying high.

Tim Dongahy, former NBA referee, scarred the image of league by betting on games. Photo source: http://doubledribble.files.wordpress.com

Then the unthinkable happened and the mob found out and also wanted on the action and money that Tim was getting.  Tim had to make a decision whether to help the mob or to deal with the threats that were thrown upon him.  The mob was full of threats, they said that they would “hunt down his family in Florida kill them all then come and find Tim and kill him too.”

When Tim finally got caught, the FBI did a full investigation on his scandal and found out that his betting’s never influenced on the way he reffed the games.  When Tim actual placed down the bet on games he never really put the bet in himself — he always had a friend do it because he was so scared of getting caught.

Tim was sentenced to 12 months of jail and suspended  from reffing the NBA.  Once in prison he was beaten severely within the first couple of months and was also threaten by a claimed “mob” member that he will blow his head off and break both of his knee caps. So, ever since Tim Dongahy’s betting scandal the NBA has been under heavy scrutiny from fans to journalist.

By Seth Diepenhorst and Dakota Prince

Time ticks down and the final shot of the NBA finals is about to go up.  Who would make the shot in this situation? Only the best of the best.

In the last few years Lebron James has been dominating the NBA with Kobe Bryant close behind. Seth Lamire, eighth grader, believes the best player of all time is Lebron James. “Lebron James is the best,” he answered.  “He has a long range shot and he still dominates the lane.”

Others responded that Michael Jordan is still the best for now, but Lebron James is on his way to being the best of all time. You might ask what makes Lebron and Michael the way they are. When Logan Magsig, eighth grader, was asked this, he responded by saying, “Their work ethic and determination to be better makes them the best of the best.”

Mason Opple, seventh grader, said,”Their attitude toward the game drives them to make plays other players can’t. Also just the pure determination.”

According to some BMS students, Lebron James is on his way to becoming one of the best NBA players of all time. Photo source: artfiles.art.com

Many others have pushed themselves to be the best, but when it comes down to the end, Michael and Lebron pushed just farther than the others to be what some say are the most outstanding players in NBA history.

Lebron and Michael are both high point players. Lebron averaging 27.6 points per game and standing at 6ft 8in, 250 lbs. Michael on the other hand scored an average of 30.1 points per game and he stands at 6ft 6in, 216lbs.

People say the skill level has changed from Michael’s time to Lebron’s. When asked how the game of basketball has changed in the last 10 years Logan Magsig eighth grader said, “What has changed the most in the last 10 years, was the speed and athleticism of the players has increased tremendously. Also the size of the players has changed. You didn’t see someone like Shaquel O-neil 10 years ago. A monster like that can get 15 rebounds a game.”

People like to watch players like Lebron play. When asked who their favorite team was people usually pick the team that the good players are on.

When Curt Doornbos eighth grader was asked what his favorite team was he answered, “The Cavs, because Lebron is on it.”

Seth Lamire eighth grader answered, “Miami Heat, mostly because Dwayne Wade makes it interesting.”

The game gets even more exiting in the spring when the playoffs come around.  That is when most of the players get most of their awards. Michael Jordan who has won six NBA championships, five MVP awards, ten time all NBA first team, defensive player of the year, rookie of the year, 14 time all star, three all star MVP awards and two Olympic gold metals.

Lebron James has also won some awards, but not as many as Michael but he has had a short career so far. The awards are best male athlete, NBA MVP, Eastern conference champion, co-MVP, two time all star MVP, NBA all defensive first team, five time NBA all star, five time all NBA, NBA all defensive and three time Olympic champion.

Those are all the statistics, but now it’s time for you to pick. Who do you think is the best NBA player of all time?

By Taylor VanderLaan and Caleb DeJonge

How do you feel about mom and dad friending you on Facebook? Source: ABC News

You log onto your Facebook and to your surprise you find “I LOVE YOU” written all over your wall from your mom. You see she has just uploaded embarrassing pictures of  you when you were little. This just makes  you wonder if parents should even have a Facebook account.

Students at Baldwin Street Middle School have a growing concern about their parents having a Facebook. When asked about her take on parents having a Facebook here is what eighth graders Cami Mastenbrook and Katie Livingston said, “I think it’s annoying because then they ask questions about it.”

Cami Mastenbrook and Katie Livinston aren’t the only students at BMS with this opinion. This same question was asked to eighth grader Sammy Warners. She said, “They shouldn’t, because they don’t need  to be involved in your personal life.”

But there are upsides for having your parent having a Facebook. Alexis Dunbar, an eighth grader, was asked what is good about parents having a Facebook account, and she said,“I think it can be a good idea because they can check up on their kids and see who and what they talk about.”

But what are the downsides to your parent having a Facebook?  Eighth grader Ryan Blair, says that “They post pictures of their kids and they talk about their kids and they invade their personal space.”

We know that parents give their kids rules on Facebook , but do kids give parents rules for Facebook? According to eighth grade history teacher Mrs.Debniak,  parents should have an “understanding” of Facebook.

But is it okay if parents add their kid’s friends as their own? When Lia Devries was asked this question she has this to say,“I don’t think so…  it is none of their business and it is creepy.”

Parents just don’t get Facebooks to harrass their kids, do they? Mrs.Debniak was asked why parents get Facebooks. She believes,“It’s a good way for parents to stay in touch with their friends.”

This will be an endless debate. Should parents have one or shouldn’t they? This debate will go on until Facebook is no longer the number one social networking site.

By Catie Brandt

You walk through the gym doors and the boys are already playing basketball. As you look into the stands you see that they’re packed and you’ll be lucky if you can find an open seat. A few weeks later you go into the gym again and this time girls are playing basketball, but the stands are a little more roomy. You won’t have too much trouble finding a seat.
What are the main differences between guys and girls sports? What makes guys sports more popular for spectators?

“Boys are always more aggressive and seem to make it more intense because they’re always so serious about it,” according to Abbey Kracker, eight grade student at BMS.

Eric Chamberlain, another eighth grader said, “Boys are more competitive, but girls are more just for fun.”

When asked which gender gets a larger crowd, eighth grader Krissy Fordon said, “Boys. Because more boys play sports.”

Mrs. Moore, athletic director at BMS answered, “It depends on the sport itself, but overall, I think that boys bring in more fans.”

Cheyenne Comier, grade eight, said this when asked what her favorite sport to watch was, “Guys. You see the NFL and the NHL and then the NBA, they just get more attention. You see them more than girl sports.”

“There’s more opportunities in the real world for pro sports for boys,” said Eric Chamberlain.

In recent years, the state changed the sports schedule in hopes that both guys and girls would get a more equal amount of spectators. Is it working? Mrs. Moore replied, “I agree with the reasoning behind it, but I don’t think it’s working out for anybody. It’s not gaining the benefit like it was meant to.”

Does it matter that boy sports get more attention? Can we do something to help with girl sports? You decide.

By Brad Veltema

There is an hour before the big football game. Here comes the players and coaches from the locker room. There is one big difference from last year, Duram’s not head coach. Beginning next season,  he is stepping down as head coach, but still be on the coaching staff.

After an 133-55 record as head varsity coach, why would Duram want to step down?

Source: www.hudsonville.k12.mi.us

“Got tired of coaching,” guessed Ben Sayles eighth grade BMS student.

It is said in an article in the Grand Rapids Press by Jane Bos that Duram just got tired of administrative duties.

He was state runner up three times, regional champs four times, and went to ten different playoff appearances. Scott Veltema, BMS parent, said “He was one of the more successful coaches at Hudsonville.”

Ben Sayles, eighth  grade BMS student thought he was a good coach “because of his winning record.”

Did he disappoint players by stepping down because they can’t play for him?

Scott Veltema, said, “I would hope that he did not step down because of the pressure from parents and school, but that he wanted to step down.”

Zach Reynolds eighth  grade BMS student was questioned if he thought Duram was going to coach longer. He responded “Yes, I did not expect him to step down.”

Scott Veltema, said “I was surprised that he was not head coach until he was a state champ.”

So the fact is, Hudsonville has now named Dave Lidgard, the former offensive coordinator, as the new head coach next year. He will still get help from Duram because he will remain on staff as a linemen coach.

By Tyler Phillips

Source: www.projectmessrocks.com

You hear a crack from a can opening and see everyone staring at the person who opened it. Jealousy comes as he or she takes the first drink.

Kids nationwide are drinking energy drinks at schools nationwide. Monster, Venom, Rockstar, and Redbull are the most popular energy drinks, but in the classroom, do they help the students or cause trouble?

When asked the question “Do energy drinks distract you from your school work?” eighth grader Devan Jaime said, “No, they enhance your body and mind.”

Also asked the same question, Cory Foster, an eighth grader said, “No.” He doesn’t feel that energy drinks in the classroom are a negative thing.

Quite a few students say that energy either don’t affect them or help them concentrate.  In all energy drinks there is roughly the same amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee.

Caffeine usually stays in a person’s system for about three to 12 hours. Three to 12 hours of being able to be alert and boost energy, wouldn’t that help most students focus on their work during school?

Depending on which energy drink you get, they will have a lot of sugar. Even though the students may get hyper they will most likely still be able to be on task.

With more and more kids getting hooked on these questionable drinks, we will see in the future how they affect them.

By Maria Flory and Elizabeth Carlson

It’s noon, and your stomach is rumbling as you wait in line for your healthy lunch. Many BMS students claim they eat hot lunch, but do they enjoy it? Is it healthy?

BMS has changed many of their lunch choices from unhealthy to a more healthy selection, like many other west Michigan school districts. According to the Food Service Director, Stacy Wykoski, we have changed this because “There is a growing obesity problem with young people across America today.” Also she says,”We are such a fast food society that I think children are raised from an early age to eat foods loaded with fat and high calories.”

Due to this, the food service reviews their menus a few times a month to see which foods would be considered healthy and those that are considered unhealthy. Although Stacy Wykoski says “I personally believe that there are no bad foods but rather bad food combinations.” This helps students choose from a variety of healthy food choices.

Our school's food service has put an emphasis on making sure student meal choices are low in fat, implementing things such as baked fries. Photo: Maria Flory

The food service has changed to healthy choices, but do the students like it? Eighth grader Lauren Reminga said,”When some things are baked they can be nasty.”

Elementary schools don’t offer as many choices as middle schools do, but are the students at middle schools choosing the healthy foods? If students only make the choice to purchase the snacks at school lunches, their lunches may not be as healthy as if they bought a meal.

However, the food service tries to limit the amount of high-fat food available. “We do try to ensure that all of our snack items have no more than 49% of calories from fat,” says Stacy Wykoski.

Although the food service doesn’t keep track off what students buy, students seem to still buy some of the healthy choices such as pizza. Stacy Wykoski says, “Most of the pizza we offer has a lower fat content than regular pizza and is made with a whole grain crust.”

When asked if he eats more or less healthy food since the changes have been made, 8th grader Kyle Remenap responded,” Pretty much the same amount.”

Alexis Dunbar has a different opinion, “I usually do eat less food because of the healthy changes.”

Although many students complain such as 8th grader Lauren Reminga who says, “We need yummier food.”

Principal Dave Powers explains why these changes have occurred.”The healthy changes are all controlled by the federal government. That was not a decision we made. It is a regulation made by the government.”

Students may not think they have a variety of good lunch choices, but they have a lot more choices than in elementary school. Even though some lunch choices have become healthier, it’s still the students’ choice whether they eat healthy or not.

Source: Discovery Education

By the Eagle Eye staff

It’s six a.m. Thursday morning and you’re under the covers of your brand new Temperpedic bed when the phone rings. You know exactly what this means — snow day! You turn off the alarm clock, roll over in bed, and try to go back to sleep, thinking of snowboarding, sledding, and building snowmen.

The night before you flushed an ice cube down the toilet and wore your pajamas inside out. These are just a few of the routines that students go through the night before a snow day.

What determines when a snow day is called? “Principals have zero input in the decision of whether or not we have a snow day,” said Mr. Powers. He said the choice is up to the superintendent and the head of transportation.

What do students do on snow days? “Usually I hang out with my friends or go to the mall,” said eighth grader Hailey Stanford.

For some, wintry snow days are perfect for outdoor activities. “I snowmobile with my friends,” said Ryan Blair.

According to Mr. Powers, snow days are good for sleeping in and hanging out.

With no plans or school, are students bored on snow days? It doesn’t seem like it.  “I read and play the Wii,” said Katlin Schaffer.  Kyle Taalman says he usually plays outside and watches movies.

A snow day might be all fun and games for some, but others are stuck doing things that may not be so fun and exciting. “I snow blow my driveway,” claimed Briona Hagadorn.

Mr. Powers said he still works on snow days. It gives him an uninterrupted day to work on things like staff evaluations and the master schedule for the next year.

What do parents do with their kids on a snow day? “I let them do what they want,” said Karen Veltema, BMS parent.

Kerri VanderPloeg, another BMS parent, says that she enjoys when her kids have snow days “in February, when they need a break,” but she’s not as excited about snow days earlier in the season.

Just because school is canceled due to weather conditions, do students stay at home and off the roads? Not necessarily, says Bethany Hop. “It depends on the weather,” she said. “If there is bad driving conditions, I stay home, but if there are good driving conditions, I go to the mall or something.”

“I don’t run errands because I don’t like to drive on icy roads,” said parent Kerri VanderPloeg.

Do students sometimes put off their homework thinking they are going to get a snow day? “I do my homework the night before because I don’t want to do my homework on snow days,” said Bethany Hop.

By Kristen Shaffer and Kayla Toay

It’s midnight — the night you’ve been waiting for. New Moon is finally out! Last year, the Twilight movie, based on the bestselling book, took the world by storm, and so has New Moon this year. But which one is better?

Twilight and New Moon are part of the popular Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. The series is about a girl named Bella who moves to Forks, Washington to live with her dad, Charlie. While she’s there she runs into a family of vampires — Carlisle, Emse, Alice, Jasper, Rosalie, Emmet, and Edward Cullen. Little does Bella know that Edward, her new boyfriend, is a vampire.

When the novel Breaking Dawn came out, it sold 1.3 Million copies in the first 24 hours it was available. It came out on August 2, 2008.

Jacey VanDyk, 19-year-old, is a fan of the books. When asked what she liked best about the series, she said, “Probably the story line, it’s got a little bit of everything — a love story but it’s also got some action, so it appeals to a lot of people.”

The Twilight series has been popular with many teenagers. But there are a few exceptions; some, like Kalani Tanis, eighth grader at BMS, don’t like the series. He said he doesn’t like the books because “there’s vampires, fighting,  and love stories.”

“I don’t really like how creative all the characters are,” said eighth grade student Rachel O’Connell, when  asked if she liked the series.

For those who are obsessed with the Twilight Series, which one do they prefer? New Moon or Twilight?

Eighth Grade BMS Student Kate Shaffer said she liked the movie better. She said, “They’ve got a new director so the characters are better.”

BMS Student Rachel O’Connell said she liked the New Moon movie because in Twilight they’re just setting the series up.

“New Moon, because it moves the plot along,” replied eighth grader Kara Toay when she was asked which Movie/Book she liked better.

It definitely won’t just end at Twilight. Throughout the world, Stephenie Meyer has been famous for the Twilight saga and the book known as The Host. It seems this young author gets more famous by the second.

According to School Library Journal “The novel’s danger-factor skyrockets as the excitement of secret love and hushed affection morphs into a terrifying race to stay alive. Realistic, subtle, succinct, and easy to follow, Twilight will have readers dying to sink their teeth into it.”

Eighth Grade teacher Mrs. Vanderlugt told us what she thought about Twilight and New Moon, and which one she thought was better. “I think Twilight was a little more engaging,” She said. “New Moon was a little slow. I hope when boys break up with girls, the girls don’t act like Bella in New Moon. Her obsession with Edward worried me.”

Is everyone as worried about Bella as Mrs.Vanderlugt is? Most people don’t even think about what happens to Bella after Edward breaks up with her. There are many more characters besides just Edward and Bella. Which characters in Twilight are people are talking about? Which characters are peoples favorites?

“I like Alice because she’s honest and wants the best for everyone. Charlie’s very endearing, I don’t want anything to happen to him,” said Mrs. Vanderlugt.

When we asked Jacey who her favorite character is, she said that Alice would have to be her favorite because she’s quirky, is a good friend to  Bella, and has a cool ability.

Another issue Twilight fans are debating about the huge phenomenon is whether readers are Team Jacob or Team Edward. Edward and Jacob are the two love interest that Bella is trying to decide between.

“I guess I’ve always kind of liked Edward better, but really I’m team Bella. So if I had to chose, I guess Edward, even though Jacob was pretty fine in New Moon,” replied Jacey when we asked her what team she was on.

Emily Paul was asked which team she was on, she replied. “Team Jacob, because werewolves rock.”

The Twilight mania will continue with the movie Eclipse as it is scheduled to come out on June 30th.

http://images2.fanpop.com

Source: http://twilightdiary.com

by Jesse Johnson

Many people think that the Saints will go to the Super Bowl.

When asked who will go to the Super Bowl, Logan Magsig of eighth grade said, “I think the Vikings and the Saints — the Saints because they have a great offense and the Vikings because they have Brett Farve.”

When asked this same question, Curt Doornbos of eighth grade answered, “The Saints because they’re 13-0 and the Ravens because they have good defense.”
Many people have parties to “watch the biggest game of the season,” said Mark Dieterle, eighth grader.

The game of football has changed over the years the players have gotten better and the level of the game has rose to an unbelievable level. Why do we have a Super Bowl — to show the best pro NFL team.

By Erika Jarchow

Students in classrooms around the country are now using iPods for lessons.

While many teachers opinions vary, students are united. Using ipods in class is the issue, whether for personal or educational use.

Most students at BMS have an iPod or mp3 player. According to an Eagle Eye survey, 97% of eighth graders have some sort of portable music player.

When you get on the bus, most of the kids have headphones in their ear playing a song of their choice. But would that be allowed in class? Most teachers would rather use iPods for educational use only, but students would rather have a song blasting in their ears, even when they are learning a lesson in class.

From teaching lessons to homework, many schools are beginning to use iPods for educational uses.  Duke University now allows students to use iPods in specific courses where the professors have plans to use the tool. Some educators believe that the iPods portability and digital content storage make it a great educational tool.

Would parents buy their kids iPods for school if they were used for education? No, said 53% of eighth graders.

When interviewed, Mrs. Ware said, “The iPods could help review, but not really learn. Teaching in front of a class helps develop a relationship with the kids, rather than to be on a machine.”

Mrs. Vanderlugt added, “iPod ‘lessons’ could help the kids with homework outside of class, if they are being used as a tool for review.” Also referring to teaching she said, “I would be more naturally comfortable in front of a class, I would feel like I had to rehearse more for the iPod.” That is if the school ever allows them.

“I am not aware enough of all the benefits” said Mr. Powers. “It is different for every kid helpful to some, but distracting towards others.”

This is true because many kids would rather listen to a new song that they downloaded, rather than listen to a school lesson.

But Mr. Powers said that he doesn’t foresee a time when the school would spend hundreds of dollars on iPods for the kids, that they would rather spend money on laptops than on the iPods.

Maybe there will be a day when the school will use iPods besides at lunch or before and after school.