The Scratching Post – The student newspaper of Vernon Hills High School

VHHS, D128 officials present future capital projects to public

Katy Brennan, Editor-in-Chief

December 20, 2018

Tuesday, Dec. 11 Vernon Hills High School and District 128 administrators presented to the public their plans for upcoming capital projects — namely the VHHS addition. The addition, which is set to...

This drawing illustrates the east side of the school once the additional eight classrooms and STEM lab (grey portion of the building) are complete.

VHHS, D128 officials present future capital projects to public
Mr. Pardun takes a unique approach to teaching

Maxwell Gordon, Staff Member

December 20, 2018

The hum of backpacks unzipping fills the room as Mr. Pardun begins reviewing the previous night’s activity. Yet, the few faces behind blank papers aren’t cowering in fear. Rather, most are hopeful ...

Mr. Pardun, math teacher, writes notes on the board for students.
Maxwell Gordon

Mr. Pardun takes a unique approach to teaching
Seniors say goodbye early

Anjali Parande, Staff Reporter

December 13, 2018

The majority of students look to their second semester of senior year with anticipation. Many imagine going to their senior prom and making lasting memories with their friends, but some diverge from the path ...

Zachary Estell smiles at the camera outside the school.

Seniors say goodbye early
Vaping on the rise at VHHS

Katie Hoffman, Reporter

December 13, 2018

Walking into any high school, it’s impossible to escape vaping. It consumes bathrooms, homes, social media, classrooms, parties. Anywhere that high school students go, vaping follows. The rise ...

Seniors partake in vaping at a higher rate than any other grade.
Maxwell Gordon

Vaping on the rise at VHHS

December 20, 2018

On Thursday, Dec. 13, Mimi Lutwak helped to bring a new form of therapy to VHHS: therapy dogs. Lutwak has been affiliated with these furry friends for a long time, and she decided to spread the unconditional love the...

Students fall in love with JSA at Fall State

December 19, 2018

‘Guy Poms’ to return in January 2019

December 19, 2018

Reckless driving concerns VHHS students

December 14, 2018

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Features

Seniors vs. Freshmen: One semester down, one semester to go

Katie Hoffman, Staff Reporter
December 19, 2018

On Aug. 13, 2018, freshmen entered VHHS for their first day as high schoolers. That same day, the senior class of 2019 entered the same building for their last first day. The end of this semester, marked by winter break, represents the completion of the very first semester in high school for the freshmen...

Dana Green directs orchestras with passion

Nadia Tourjman, Staff Reporter
December 19, 2018

Violin bows flow up and down as Mr. Dana Green motions for a faster tempo. He suddenly crouches down and whispers for the orchestra to be quieter, and slowly increases the motion of his arms, up to a large crescendo, when he starts to scream “Yes!” He cuts off the end of the song, and with a breathless...

Students use various methods to prepare for finals

Nikki Patel, Staff Reporter
December 19, 2018

Study (verb): The act of texting, eating and watching TV with an open textbook nearby. It’s the night before your first final. You’re stressed, thinking about whether reviewing is even worth it. You binge eat a big tub of ice cream. While this may be the easier route to take, effective study...

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Opinion

Bring back ‘a Festivus for the rest of us’
Every year during the holiday season, the vast multitudes of ethnic, national and religious groups celebrate their respective holidays. However, in...
Opinion: Additional armed guards would be unnecessary at VHHS
Last-minute gifts for everyone on your list
‘Hello Dolly’ showcases talent, innovation
Students of all ages should benefit from senior exemption policy
“Finals week” is a universally understood phrase. By simply reading them, those two words conjure up thoughts of Quizlet flashcards, all nighters ...