From tall buildings to tall trees: Darien and China exchange cultures

Written by Bailey Swiggett, Teen Times Reporter
Thursday, 29 October 2009 05:00

All the way from Shanghai, 10 Chinese students came to Darien High School this fall as part of an exchange program between China and the United States.

As soon as they began to settle here in America, they started to realize the cultural differences, several of the Chinese students said, and it made them realize how our lifestyle is different from theirs. It was not just the cultural differences that surprised them; it was a change coming from a big city in China to a small town like Darien.

Time for Darien teens to pull out fall fashion

Written by Jackie Winsch, Teen Times Reporter
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 02:00

The leaves are changing, the air is becoming cooler, and fall has finally arrived. Time to put away the colorful maxi dresses and flip flops, and pull out those long cardigans and plaid prints. While it may be disappointing to set aside bright summer colors until next year, the trends and styles for this autumn are so interesting that you won’t even miss those lazy summer days.

Unfortunately, the ending of summer means the start of shopping for warmer, heavier clothes. But sweaters are a great way to add a heavy layer without a bulky, puffy ski jacket. Long sweaters are being seen belted and wrapped, while heavier sweaters can even be used as coats this time of year. Dresses are another way to wear these cozy configurations, whether they are cable knit or cashmere.

Both Darien police and students preparing for ‘Mischief Night’

Written by Emily Clarke, Teen Times Reporter
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 11:00

Each year, teenagers go out in their neighborhoods and cause trouble on mischief night. This year, mischief night is on a Friday and this means some residents may have to look forward to cleaning up their neighborhoods a lot the next morning.

Teenagers in Darien High School have mixed feelings about this night and some are fairly uneasy about going out. There are also many things kids do when they go out on mischief night that may annoy most people. “I’m gonna go clickering!” says one student who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s when you take your own clicker and change the neighbors’ channels and freak them out.” She has never done anything on mischief night, but she says this year that might change. “It’s really good it’s on a Friday night this year, it will be exciting!” she added.

Movie Review: ‘The Invention of Lying’

Written by Charlie Salmans, Teen Times Reporter
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 05:00

“The Invention of Lying” opened in theaters on Oct. 2 earning a meager $7 million, something its distributor Warner Brothers is probably not happy about due to its star-studded cast. Additionally, the movie has not done great locally, as it seems that the majority of people surveyed haven’t seen it. But how successful the movie has been is not equal to how superb the movie was. It tackled many controversial topics while still being humorous.

Teen Times Editorial: Teens for Halloween treats

Written by Isabella D’Agosto, Teen Times Editorial Writer
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 14:00

Halloween night feels different from any other night; crisp enough to inspire a chill to gravitate down your spine yet warm enough to wear costumes without coats.

However, this chill isn’t only because of the weather — perhaps it’s due to the unsettling stories of the skeletons, monsters and ghosts that have been recounted to all of us since our tender years. Or maybe it’s just, well, the magic of Halloween.

Darien's Theatre 308: A ‘family’ within a school

Written by Marguerite Morgan, Teen Times Reporter
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 11:00

“I think the arts in general are important for all of us. They give us the chance to understand the human species and tap into our creative resources” said Nancy Herman, the director and founder of Theatre 308, the theater program at Darien High School.

Herman, an English teacher, came to DHS in 1980, with the understanding that part of her job description was to develop a theater program. However, Ms. Herman didn’t just create a theater program; she created a home where all kinds of high school students can fit in. She formed a place for the students to feel comfortable, be themselves, and be challenged intellectually in ways that school academics can’t.

Darien schools prepare for swine flu

Written by Nicole Meir, Teen Times Reporter
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 05:00

Along with leaves falling from the trees and the crisp refreshing air, comes runny noses, sore throats, and the bitter taste of cough drops. Yes, flu season has arrived.

Every fall brings the inevitable seasonable flu. This year however, it is supposed to be delayed, and seasonal flu is predicted not to strike until late-fall, early winter. “Symptoms include: sore throat, congestion, body aches, and fever,” Dr. John Dubaz, a physician at Darien Pediatrics, said.

The PSAT on Homecoming: A new tradition for 10th, 11th graders?

Written by Katie Stueber, Teen Times Reporter
Monday, 26 October 2009 11:00

Homecoming is a tradition celebrated at schools nation-wide. It is an event that every student eagerly awaits and is a time when the student body comes together to show their school spirit. The week proceeding Homecoming is full of special events such as field day and spirit days, which lead up to Homecoming Saturday with the parade, football game and school dance. It is almost impossible for students not to get excited. This year, however, Homecoming at Darien High School was different for nearly half of the student body.

Students in the sophomore and junior classes had to wake at the crack of dawn, arriving at school at precisely 7:30 a.m. with their pencils sharpened and minds ready for hours of testing. This is because the PSAT took place on Homecoming Saturday this year, instead of on a school day as in the past.

Darien kids brush business windows for Halloween

Written by Kate Fitzmaurice, Teen Times Reporter
Monday, 26 October 2009 09:53

Every October, kids from sixth grade to high school seniors have painted a variety of things during the town’s Halloween window Painting Contest including your average ghosts, skeletons, and graveyards. But some years, a few designs like a Wizard of Oz Halloween scene, ghosts with the heads of presidential candidates, and breast cancer awareness ghosts have really stood out to the judges.

High schoolers say they aren’t too old for Halloween

Written by Kylie Maier, Teen Times Reporter
Friday, 23 October 2009 08:25

When you hear “costumes,” don’t be thinking ghosts, ghouls, and witches. This year the halls of Darien High School will be filled with cowgirls, celebrities, and super-heroes.

Some might think high schoolers are too old or just too cool to dress-up for Halloween. However, many students would disagree. “Halloween is a great chance to be someone completely different and out-there,” Caroline Weihs, a freshman, said.