Jessica Tolboe, a ninth grade student at Mapleton Junior High, tests out what it’s like to be behind the wheel.

Several ninth grade students at Mapleton Junior High are facing the pressure of learning to drive. Before applying to a permit, students must prepare for the required written test by thoroughly studying the Driver’s Handbook. They must be at least fifteen years of age to qualify for the test and the permit and must go through a medical and vision screening. Once a student passes these requirements, they will receive their learner’s permit. They will then begin to learn how to physically operate a car. Once they have mastered driving, reached the age of sixteen, have driven for 40 hours with adult supervision (10 of those at night), and taken the full drivers education course, they can apply for a driver’s license.

Some adults believe that sixteen is too early to begin to drive on the roads. Some parents even believe that it is threatening to the teen’s life and possibly others. However, some believe that, although they are young, teens have matured enough by this age and are responsible. Nicole Padgett, a ninth grade student at Mapleton Junior High, said, “I am so excited to drive, but I am scared I won’t pass the test."

Because teen drivers are receiving their licenses at such a young age and are much less experienced, Utah has adopted a “graduated driver licensing” program for drivers under the age of 18. Under this program, the teen will have certain restrictions to follow to ensure the safety of themselves and others. The driver will be expected to follow the guidelines and will be accountable for not following the restrictions. The steps to become a legal driver may be difficult, but that doesn’t stop students’ desire to drive.

Spirit Club Advisor Alisha Adams explains What Spirit Club is all about to a packed classroom.

On September 10th, Mapleton Junior High teachers Suzanne Rowley, Britney Davis, and Alisha Adams spoke to over seventy students during the first Spirit Club meeting of the school year. So many students were interesting in participating in the club that some had to sit on the floor through the meeting. Rowley, Davis, and Adams, the club's advisors, where overwhelmed and enthused by the turnout.

The advisors tag-teamed a presentation in which they reminded potential Spirit Club members that they are the "ambassadors of the school" and that their job, as members of the club, is to represent the positives of being a Mustang. The Spirit Club at Mapleton Junior High organizes activities and events meant to build school spirit and pride. Events include lunch activities, class competitions, fundraisers, and a very memorable school talent show.

Students who join the Spirit Club are encouraged to give input on what they think will build school spirit. The club will begin planning activities for this year every second and fourth Thursday of the month.

Science student Katie Bennett makes waves at the Leonardo on Wheels Science exhibition.

The Leonardo on Wheels came to Mapleton Jr. High School this past week. The exhibit, which also held a community night, was an opportunity to see beyond the ordinary and discover more about the world. Leonardo on Wheels included many attractions like the Whisper Dishes, which allowed two people to whisper to each other from opposite sides of the gym as if they were having a face-to-face conversation. The exhibit also featured Micro Worlds where a pen-microscope magnified things like skin by 200 times! These were just a few of the many interesting things found at the Leonardo on Wheels at Mapleton Junior High.

Math students like these can help others and get help from others in the junior high's math lab.

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4 p.m., Mapleton Junior High School holds a math lab for anyone who wants some help in math or who wants to get homework done. This is a very educational activity, and it will definitely help students. The teachers and also peer tutors are ready and willing to help the students learn as much as possible.