The Thunderbolt
Legacy High School
2701 West 136th Ave.

Broomfield, CO 80020
legacy.journalism@adams12.org
Issue Date: 12/07/08
Issue: Volume 1, No. 3

Your online source for Legacy news

 

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Sports:

Broncos lose
After the embarrassing loss against the Chicago bears last Sunday, Mike Shannahan and the rest of the Bronco coaches have been under fire from the press about how they gave up a game that should have been over at the half

 

Teens talk about sex
by Gen Jauregui

Denver Public Schools are considering providing their students with birth control and other forms of contraception.


photo by Gen Jauregui

 

A parent's signature would be required to obtain this type of assistance. A bold move like this raises several questions: Is it the school's place to take action? How would parents respond to this change? Whose responsibility is it to lower teen pregnancy rates? Which schools should provide this service? What about Legacy?

The teenage years are known for self discovery and experimentation. One major part of this process is sexuality—developing a stance on whether or not to engage in sex and determining limits. Students get the general rundown through health classes that touch base on sexual activity and related diseases. “Kids are going to have sex no matter what, so they might as well be safe,” says senior Jessica Anders. The health curriculum covers the basics about sex including the risks involved and ways to prevent pregnancy and avoid STDs. The health program does not, however, distribute contraceptives.

“Prevention is the key here. I'm not sure [school] is the place for it. I'm not sure I'm opposed to it though,” states teacher Charlene Campbell. According to teenpregnancy.org Colorado is ranked 29 of 50 for the highest teen pregnancy rate. Although Legacy does not have a particularly high teen pregnancy rate, prevention is the priority for most teens engaging in sexual activity. “Having contraceptives available would make teens more likely to use them,” says sophomore Jackie Brand.

The first step in getting teens to understand the importance of practicing safe sex is to educate them. Brand says that she has a very open relationship with her family and trusts that she can talk to her mom about anything. “If you're going to get [contraceptives] a parent should know,” suggests social worker Janice Howes. Ms. Howes states that abstinence is the best form of contraception. “[Sex] can't hurt you if you don't do it.”

 

 

 


 

 

 

Health:

Addicted teens might have help
T eens who take antidepressants and who attend therapy on a normal basis can in fact put a stop to their addictions

Vaccinate or wait?
So far, the state of Colorado has not made it mandatory for girls to get the Gardasil vaccine.

Prescription drugs carry risk

School:

Extra credit?
Seniors forced to take classes they neither want nor need tend to slack off, which has the potential to lower a student’s GPA.

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