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Controversy roars over GrendelJohn Lee

C o p y e d i t o r

Five years ago the book Gren-del was added to the Accelerated English 10 program. However, the past two years have produced con-troversy over the addition of the book. Because some concerned parents have had issues with the

“obscene and vulgar” content of the book, its place in the cur-riculum has been challenged and rose as a top issue at the October 14 school board meeting. This year, permission slips were sent out to parents of students who were enrolled in the Accelerated program for the book. The permis-sion slip stated that “some of the monster’s language and actions in Grendel are offensive.” At the school board meeting a group of parents believed that this wasn’t enough. The Portland Tribune

reported Mike Grubbe, a parent who spoke at the school board meeting, suggested that the book be removed from the curriculum. His comment “was met with loud applause.” Among the parents who spoke out against the book was Maria Dowdle, a parent of sophomore and junior student, Kyle Dowdle, who seems to parallel his mother’s

views. “Even though we might see this material on a daily basis, we don’t need to be exposed to it here at school,” said K. Dowdle. He did not read the book and instead read Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame in the hall outside of the classroom. Another alternative is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. “There are other books that cover the topic of human condition,” said K. Dowdle. Maria Dowdle, according to the Portland Tribune, stated that read-ing a different book in the hall “is

Grendel has been part of the Accelerated English program for five years, but recently parents have have challenged its crude content.

Parents question novel, english teachers defend the classic

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not an educationally appropriate alternative.” While some parents at the meeting considered a separate, unique assignment singling stu-dents out, Russell Panter, head of the English department, dis-agreed. “If the definition of being singled out is being ostracized by the rest of the classroom commu-nity, then no, they are not singled out,” said Panter. Lori Cowan-Lane, executive secretary and parent, said that she “would hate to see curriculum that is approved for the school removed because there is a cer-tain section of people who don’t agree with it.” As a parent and teacher, engi-neering teacher John Niebergall stated that the book “doesn’t fit at that age group.” Although students may be exposed to the crude material presented in this book, “students don’t need to be exposed here at school.” Marissa Ranno, a senior who excels in her studies and is a self-described conservative, actually enjoyed the book. “Besides, it’s all in context,” said Ranno. But Niebergall mentioned that “that context shouldn’t be here.” Cowan-Lane stated, “As far as curriculum, I do trust that our public education teachers will present the material in an appro-priate and mature way.” As far as whether or not the book is too mature, she said, “Public educa-tion is public. It’s exposure.” Seventy-four students were enrolled in Accelerated English 10, and 70 were allowed to read Grendel. Jared Jones, Acceler-ated English teacher, stated that Grendel is able to describe the human condition “in a way that neither Hugo nor Shelley’s books are able to.” He also mentioned that reading Grendel right after Beowulf gives perspective into the whole novel. Niebergall said, “Just because you read X doesn’t mean you should read Y.” Currently, the school board has no intent on removing this book from the curriculum. The parents had requested a vote on its removal, but the school board stated that the forum of that meet-ing was not appropriate.

Fall sports turn up the

HEATas the temperature drops, athletes look to make their closing statements

see pages 6-7Photos courtesy of Google Images

Volleyball

On November 12, The school board will vote on a plan that would make the last Friday of every month an “Early-Release Friday.” In order to avoid losing class time, seven minutes would be added to each school day. This is an alternative to the plan

proposed last year that would have allowed for “Late-Arrival Wednesdays.” If approved, this plan will begin in January, and will continue until its evalua-tion in June. You can send your comments to earlyrelease@sher-wood.k12.or.us

Photo by Jenna Mackowiak

The young team improved drastically throughout their season, and played their last match on October 23.

See page 8 for full coverage

Boys’ soccer

Photo by Josiah Marshall

The team took down Hillsoboro on October 23 in a tight 2-1 win, scoring the league title as well. Their first playoff game is November 4.

See page 9 for full coverage

Girls’ soccer

Photo by Chi Harris

The league champions battled Liberty in their first playoff game on October 28. Their next game is on November 4.

Cross Country

Photo by Josiah Marshall

At the October 21 District championships, the girls took 2nd, qualifying for the Novem-ber 1 State meet. The boys’ team placed 5th.

See page 9 for full coverage

footballAfter crushing the Wilsonville Wildcats on October 24, the league chanpions face off against St. Helens tonight, October 31.

See page 8 for full coveragePhoto by Josiah Marshall