AP IB Council held to address complaints

by Melissa Brisco staff writer For years, juniors have filled their schedule with as many AP classes in a quest for a spot in the top 25 percent, top 10 percent or even top 10 students. This year, with the introduction of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, the GPA race has become is becoming even more intense. Some students which decided not to join the IB program, and opted for AP classes instead think their class ranks are being negatively affected as a direct result of the IB program. Therefore, CHS administration decided to hold a GPA council to address the complaints. “Anytime students feel something is not fair, especially an issue as important as…

Puryear recognized by students, wins award

Satvika Ananth Staff Writer This Monday, International Baccalaureate director and chemistry teacher Jeb Puryear received a surprise worth a thousand dollars, quite literally. Puryear won an award through a joint United Postal Service and Dallas Mavericks teacher recognition program. Ten out of all the K-12 teacher applicants in the Dallas/Fort Worth area received the award. As a result, Puryear will receive $1000 for himself, $1000 dollars for the school, and also has tickets to attend the Mavs-Spurs game on Wed. April 14.  Mr. Hunt has also informed Puryear that the money donated to the school will be put in the technology fund. “I had no idea this was coming,” Puryear said. “It’s hard not to…

IB kids warm up CHS in time for finals

By Ashleigh Heaton Entertainment Editor With tempertatures continuing to plummet toward subzero levels, Coppell students and staff find themselves needing a warm pick-me-up as they make the morning trek through the chill from their toasty car to the heated school building. Starting next week, a select group of International Baccalaureate (IB) students will be there to help with a warm cup of hot cocoa. Just in time for finals week, IB students will set up outside the north entrance to the school near student parking armed with Styrofoam cups and thermoses filled with piping hot chocolate. For only 50 cents, students and staff can pick up their own on their way into the school in…

IB students broaden horizons with college visit

By Julia Kim Staff Writer The first X-Men film shown by Professor Timothy Richardson captured the awe of International Baccalaureate students at CHS as they re-watched the scenes from Magneto’s childhood. The students then dived into discussing psychoanalytical theory. On Dec. 7, IB students departed on a field trip to the University of Texas at Arlington to sit in for two college lectures. Students left around 9 a.m. and returned at 2 p.m., just in time for sixth period. Both IB English teacher Michael Vergien and CHS IB Coordinator Jeb Puryear served as chaperones for the five hour trip. “[The trip] was amazing. It was the best group of students I took,” Vergien said. Though…

IB more than just an academic program

Story by Ashleigh Heaton Entertainment Editor Video by Chloe Lanier KCBY Broadcast Reporting Though the students of Coppell High School are almost done with their first semester of the year, many have been too wrapped up in their own studies to notice the uniqueness of another faucet of the school: the IB program. With just over 40 junior students enrolled, it sanctions a small but distinct part of the high school’s structure – a program that is expected to grow in the upcoming years due to its unorthodox teaching methods. The International Baccalaureate (or IB) program at CHS is made for students who not only want to challenge themselves academically but also personally. It is…

IB students hike toward more hours

by Divya Kumar News Editor On Saturday, Oct. 10 the IB students are planning to take hike around Knob Hills Trail in Lewisville. The idea, proposed by IB English teacher Michael Vergien, was formed in order to help the students recieve ‘action’ and ‘creativity’ hours, which they need in order to graduate with their IB diploma. Starting around 4:00, the students are to meet at the trail wearing layers and coming equipped with water, bug spray, a flashlight and a sack lunch, for they are most likely going to be eating dinner out on the trail. Students have also been instructed to bring a composition notebook on the hike. Once they take a break, students…