The Dart: Vol 76 Issue 1

THE

DART

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWS SOURCE OF ST. TERESA'S ACADEMY | KANSAS CITY, MO

TRACKING THE DIGITAL AGE

From STA's new Surface Pros to new tracking apps on smartphones, the Dart explores the reasoning behind technologically monitoring the habits and location of the public.

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P. 12 | TESTING FOR TROUBLE: DRUG TESTING IN SCHOOLS AND AT HOME

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P. 4 | STA DEBUTS WRITING CENTER

FUN FA ON N CTS TEAC EW HER P. 30 S

CONTENTS

STA SINGERS TRAVEL TO POTOSI FOR WEEKEND RETREAT

4. STA WRITING CENTER, "STARWRITE," TO OPEN THIS FALL

6. KEMPER ARENA TO BE CONVERTED TO YOUTH SPORTS

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8. Q&A WITH NEW SPANISH TEACHER, MARIA LOPEZ 11. HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FRANK OCEAN ALBUM DROPS

ON THE COVER

12. DRUG TESTING AT STA AND ROCKHURST

TECHNOLOGICAL PRIVACY WITH PHONES AND SURFACE PROS

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21. PREPPING THE PEP RALLY SKITS: Q&A WITH MEG ROHR 25. OPEN LETTER TO OBAMA FAMILY

NEW COACHES FOR FALL SPORTS SEASON

28. ROPE PARKS POP UP AROUND KC

30. GETTING TO KNOW THE NEW TEACHERS September 12, 2016

22 cover designed by Helen Wheatley back page designed by Linden O'Brien-Williams

Letter

FROM THE EDITORS

THE STAFF Adviser 2016-2017 Brad Lewis Editors-in-Chief Linden O'Brien-Williams Helen Wheatley

WEB

Managing Web Editor Madi Winfield Scheduling Editor Katie Gregory Multimedia Editor/Videographer Alex Davis Breaking News Editor Victoria Cahoon Social Media Editor Catherine Ebbitts Social Media Team Members Kate Jones, Anna Louise Sih

PRINT

Hello readers, For every student at STA, technology has become a routine in our daily lives.

Whether or not we realize it, every use of technology impacts our individual privacy. In this issue’s centerspread, we decided to explore the relevant issue of technological privacy in this day and age. From sending private texts on our phones to posting public stories on Snapchat, we expect privacy when it comes to our media usage, but we at the Dart feel that a deeper investigation is necessary. Gwyn Doran and Zoë Butler’s in-depth piece explores issues from parents tracking phones to our rights to privacy on school-issued devices. To technology users across the STA community, we encourage you to take a look at our centerspread coverage for information and viewpoints that will widen your perspective.

Also in this issue is Claire Molloy’s story on drug testing in high schools.

Drug usage and drug testing are common topics of conversation in teenage circles, so we wanted to spell out what you need to know on STA’s policies and how they stack up to those from area schools.

On our news pages, be sure to read

Gabby Mesa’s story about the new writing center STA will feature, along with Katie Donnellan’s story about the renovations coming to Kemper Arena in the next year.

You might notice the Dart is looking different this year, and we’re proud of our new look. Staff structure is changing too, so we’re hoping for some positive change.

Finally, this cycle we have some killer coverage for you online, so be sure to check out our multimedia pieces and our great breaking news coverage, updated everyday!

We hope you enjoy! Feel free to let us know what you think.

Managing Print Editor Mackenzie O'Guin Visual Illustrator Ellie Grever Photography Editors Paige Powell, Cassie Hayes Page Designers Helen Wheatley, Zoë Butler, Julia Kerrigan, Gwyn Doran, Claire Molloy, Gabby Staker, Kate Jones, Maureen Burns, Mackenzie O'Guin, Gabby Mesa, Hannah Jirousek, Lily Manning, Ellie Grever, Madi Winfield, Linden O'Brien-Williams

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Opinion Editor Gwyn Doran Sports Editor Katie Donnellan Features Editor Zoë Butler News Editor Lily Manning Lifestyles Editor Claire Molloy Staff Photographers Gabby Ayala, Meghan Baker, Helen Krause, Gabby Martinez, Meggie Mayer, Riley McNett, Anna Kate Powell, Sophie Sakoulas Staff Writers Cece Curran, Alex Frisch, Annabelle Meloy, Katie Mulhern, Margaux Renee, Isabel Shorter, Sophy Silva, Anne Claire Tangen, Natalie Telep, Lucy Whittaker

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page design by Zoë Butler

STA NEWS

Editorial Policies Ownership and Sponsorship

DartNewsOnline and the Dart are created by the student newspaper staff and are maintained and published by general operating funds of St. Teresa’s Academy, a Catholic institution sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

DartNewsOnline and the Dart will not publish opinions that contradict the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic church, whether on a diocesan or worldwide level.

english department introduces new writing center

by Gabriella Mesa | Staff Writer

Editorial Policy

The staff of DartNewsOnline and the Dart are subject to prior review by the St. Teresa’s Academy administrative team in circumstances that concern Catholic doctrine, student safety or illegal behavior. DartNewsOnline and the Dart will not publish reviews of student work or performances. Personal columns reflect the opinions of the writer, not necessarily the staff or school.

Letters & Reader Interaction Policy

DartNewsOnline and the Dart encourage the community to post comments on the website. Letters to the editors can be sent in the following ways: in person to Brad Lewis in Donnelly room 204; by mail to St. Teresa’s Academy, Attn: Brad Lewis, 5600 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64113; by email to blewis@stteresasacademy.org or to dartpaper@gmail.com. DartNewsOnline and the Dart staff reserve the right to edit or shorten letters for publication.

Comment Policy

DartNewsOnline and the Dart encourage readers to comment on all posts. However, DartNewsOnline and the Dart reserve the right to monitor and edit all comments on DartNewsOnline. Comments that disagree with the editorial policy will not be published.

Photo Use Policy

Photo illustrations are conceptual photos that combine drawing and photography.

All photos on the website are free for public use. If a reader is interested in highquality copies of photos, please email DartNewsOnline at dartpaper@gmail. com.

Corrections Policy

DartNewsOnline and the Dart will publish corrections as soon as possible after the error is discovered.

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Supervisor of the writing center Michelle Johnson works on her computer as she moderates the center. photo by Meggie Mayer.

The Starwrite Center is open in room M211 for help with writing of all kinds Freshman Lily Altenhofen restlessly stood in line minutes before the bell sounded to declare the end of second activity. She was waiting to get help with her research paper, which would ultimately make up 100 points of her final grade. With deadlines nearing, other students like Altenhofen had decided to congregate in English teacher Carrie Jacquin’s room. The room was stuffy, loud and crowded. Altenhofen finally reached the front of the line, with little time left to get the needed help. The bell sounded and she was sent on her way.

The Starwrite Center was created this year to avoid situations like these.

This fall, the English department is introducing Starwrite, STA’s new writing center located in room M211, the same space as the M&A printer. The center was opened as a resource for writing help of all sorts on Sept. 6.

Writing center supervisor Michelle Johnson explained all the Starwrite Center's potential uses.

September 12, 2016

“The Starwrite Center [is] a resource for all of the girls who attend [STA] who want assistance writing their papers, college essays, or any project that involves writing,” Johnson said.

According to Johnson, to utilize the center, students can either make an appointment in advance or walk in and sign up.

“If there is a specific writing project you want to work on we can help you with that,” Johnson said. “You can sign up for a 20-30 minute slot with a tutor.”

Johnson explains the Starwrite Center is a peer tutoring program supervised by herself and English teacher Diane Hirner.

“We have approximately 30 seniors who have signed up and received training to be tutors,” Johnson said.

English teacher Katie Weber stressed the importance of the peer tutoring aspect, explaining how sometimes students are more receptive to the words of their peers.

“Teachers like to get technical and get into the details,” Weber said. “[Peer tutors] can explain things in ways that make better sense.”

While the center is for help with assignments, Johnson stressed it is not

The center, located on the second floor of M&A, will be open all periods for students to come and work on their writing. photo by Meggie Mayer.

an open room. ““This is not a hangout place, this is a place that is very purposeful,” Johnson said.

Johnson described this new addition to campus as another aspect of STA's college preparatory experience.

“When you go to college,” Johnson said, “writing centers are very common on campus.”

According to Weber, who worked in a writing center at Rockhurst University, the Starwrite Center will be helpful for students and teachers alike throughout the entire essay writing process. Instead of visiting a teacher’s room, students have the option of visiting the Starwrite Center.

“It will save time,” Weber said. “During the writing process [students] will have the opportunity to work with someone who is specialized in a facet of writing.”

Johnson also commented on how the center will be helpful to both teachers and students.

“Hopefully this will be a benefit to the teachers also, because they're so busy assigning the work and helping the students get through it,” Johnson said.

This is just another resource to not have

everything fall on them.”

According to Weber, the center has been in creation for over a year.

Chemistry teacher Mary Rietbrock, who plans to utilize the center, explains why she believes the center was started.

“I think there was a desire on the part of all of the faculty to assure that our girls could be good writers,” Rietbrock said. “Not just in their english classes but papers for social studies or for science or other areas.”

Rietbrock encourages students to try the writing center even if it’s not for an

assignments that are fun,” Johnson said.

Weber highlighted the importance of creative, fun writing and explained how writing has become nothing more than an assignment to most girls.

“Unfortunately I think writing is one of those things that has become labor to most people," Weber said. "It is hard to find people nowadays that truly enjoy writing. There has been such an emphasis on writing as a thing you do to get a grade on. It’s a lot like test taking.”

Weber says that good writing is an important skill no matter the field

“I’m going to offer creativity workshops once or twice a month during the activity periods so that girls can do writing assignments that are fun,” Michelle Johnson English paper. As a science teacher, she refers students to the center for help with lab reports.

“Technical writing, which is used in the sciences for instance, is a little different than writing an essay,” Rietbrock said. “However, there are things that are common in all types of writing that can be stressed through the writing center.”

Johnson reiterated that all types of writing can be practiced in the center, even creative writing.

“I’m going to offer creativity workshops once or twice a month during the activity periods so that girls can do writing

page design by Julia Kerrigan

you may enter post STA, and Johnson agrees.

“No matter what your job is, if you have the ability to think outside of the box you're an asset,” Johnson said.

With her workshops, Johnson hopes to bring some of the fun back into writing.

Whether for English, science or creative writing, the Starwrite Center is a resource and teachers encourage students to utilize it.

“Don't hesitate to use the writing center,” Rietbrock said. “If you think that it can benefit you, please go take advantage of it.” H

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LOCAL NEWS

FOUTCH BROTHERS TO CONVERT KEMPER

story by Katie Donnellan | Sports Editor photos by Gabby Ayala | Photographer

The ticket booth for American Royal Center. photo by Gabby Ayala

Kemper Arena will offer schools a second option for sports space.

Steve Foutch of Foutch Brothers, LLC, announced May 18 at Kemper Arena plans to convert Mosaic Arena, formerly known as Kemper Arena, to a youth sports complex. The company will renovate the arena while preserving the facade of the building.

Foutch Brothers, LLC, plans to start construction on Kemper Arena January 2017. The renovation to a youth sports complex should be completed by January 2018.

Mosaic health care, offers healthcare services in and around St. Joseph, Missouri and Kansas City Northland, will be opening a facility inside of the arena and will also be the name on the front of the building. According to Steve Foutch of Foutch Brothers, LLC, this is a marketing boost for the healthcare company and follows the Kemper family’s wish of taking their name off the building.

The building currently has one main level with an arena floor that is able to convert from a basketball court to a circus arena. After construction, the building will have three levels to accommodate an expected

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1,000 people on weekdays and 3,000 to 5,000 people each day of the weekend.

According to Foutch, these extra levels increases the usable space by 200%.

This extra space allows for versatility in the spectrum of sport and activity.

According to Foutch, the arena can be converted into spaces for different sports. The final product will include space to host twelve basketball courts or twenty-four volleyball courts. In addition to the courts, the facility will have a 350M indoor running track, fitness and strength training by specialty instructors, on-site speciality sports health clinic and an indoor pool that can be converted to a rowing tank.

This rowing tank will be a rowing shell placed inside an indoor pool. This accommodation will be available for the Kansas City Boat Club, located across the street, to use as well as people to swim in.

For STA, the Kemper Arena renovations will affect many students who play sports, including the rowing club, which currently has 12 members.

Senior Claire McCann is one of these 12 and is also a member of the STA swim team, which currently practices at Longview Community College in Lee’s Summit. McCann feels that this September 12, 2016

space could benefit athletes due to its accommodations and location.

“Being able to use [the new rowing space] to simulate rowing would be great because there are periods of time we are taken off the river due to rain levels or weather,” McCann said. “The tank would be better simulation than [the ergs, our current simulation method] to practice technique.”

Beyond the benefits for the rowing team, McCann believes the space would help the swim team, too.

“Also, I think STA should look into using it for swimming because it is closer to school than Longview.” McCann said. “If rowing ever became a school sport, the two teams could practice near each other.”

According to Foutch, the arena is a private, “rental” business. Foutch Brothers have already been contacted by schools to rent the facilities. Schools will have the same ability to use the space as club sports teams.

“We will be larger and have more specific things that schools don’t have or can’t afford to own,” Foutch said.

According to STA athletic director Mark Hough, the pool, indoor track and rowing tank are all accommodations STA does not have. The extra space

could allow all levels of a sport to practice at the same time. This could let coaches handle the tryout process easier and allow teams to exchange players. If the costs are reasonable, Hough is open to the idea of finding a new practice space.

“We are always looking to consider any good options,” Hough said.

The arena will also have advantages for club sports, including team rooms to rent during tournaments. These rooms will be in the old Kemper suites and will have space for teams to relax, eat, discuss game plans and store their gear.

As far as scheduling accommodations, tournaments and leagues will reserve far in advance. Then, the open spots in weekday nights will be filled with team practices and adult recreation.

“The building is open during the day like a YMCA,” Foutch said.

In addition to the space for sports, 12,000 square feet on level 300 will be leasable for retail. This retail space will be located near the entry of the building and will offer opportunity for a specified sports minded audience. The retail space also adds to the current retail and restaurant space in the neighborhood.

“This is a catalyst for other projects to get started, and likewise we will be happy to have more neighbors to be regular users of the facility,” Foutch wrote, “Our daily continuous traffic is a key factor in developing retail.”

Additionally, Foutch remarks that he Kemper Arena is one of the key current West Bottoms developments, along with lofts and new restaurants. The arena renovation could add 500,000 to a million visitors per day. H

the NEWS FEED

by MADI WINFIELD | Web Editor

Each issue, the Dart highlights groundbreaking events in the world, US, Missouri and KC.

in the world New York won the Little League World Series Aug. 28, beating South Korea 2-1. Each year, one team from the United States League and one team from the International League compete for the title of Little League World Champion. The 70th annual final, held in Williamsport, Penn., was the first victory for the U.S. since 2011.

in the u.s.

After spending a year in near isolation in Hawaii, six scientists finished a successful Mars simulation Aug. 28. The scientists from France, Germany and the U.S. spent a year in a dome on the Mauna Loa peak and could only leave the dome in spacesuits. When the six emerged, they told journalists that they believed “a mission to Mars in the close future is realistic,” crew member Cyprien Verseux said.

in missouri Enrollment numbers for Missouri colleges have been released, and the University of Missouri - Columbia appears to be the only Missouri school whose enrollment has decreased for the 2016-17 school year. The Columbia Daily Tribune suggests the drop in enrollment came from last year’s race-based protests.

in kansas city

Behind the arena are rusty poles. Kemper Arena was built in 1974. photo by Gabby Ayala

page design by Gwyn Doran

Rally Mantis, Jr., has officially been retired from the Royals dugout. The Rally Mantis tradition began in early August, when a praying mantis joined the Royals in their dugout right before the team began a winning streak.

The mantis soon became a symbol of the Royals’ victory.

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STAR SPOTLIGHT

Maria Lopez story by Lucy Whittaker | Writer photo by Cassie Hayes | Photo Editor

What brought you to Kansas City and St. Teresa’s?

"We moved from Florida. My husband was in the military for ten years... He's in the army and now he transferred to the reserves, which is kind of like a part time army. He got a job working for the government. He's working for immigration and citizenship. So that's what brought us here."

So you moved here from Peru?

"I moved here four years ago from Peru, I got married four years ago and after that-the wedding was in Peru- after that, we moved to the US. Then we lived in Washington, Oklahoma, we moved to Florida and then we’re here."

What is your favorite or least favorite thing about having an advisory?

"I don't have a least favorite thing, I like the advisory. I like the fact that you can get to know your students better, their likes, dislikes and just to feel that community and sisterhood, that sense of belonging.

That's what I like about advisory. A time to have fun, to talk and share experiences."

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Do you think that being at an all girls school made your transition to teaching here easier?

"Definitely. I'm used to rules all my life so‌ I came from a Catholic school very strict, there were nuns, Canadian nuns. It has definitely made that transition smoother. I remember interviewing with [Principal for Academic Affairs Barb McCormick].

This is my dream job, this is home. I'm coming back to my younger years."

September 12, 2016

Were there things that surprised you about STA?

"...something that actually surprised me was the beautiful campus, the history, and they have a lot of archives.

When I was doing my orientation they gave us a tour and took a look at all the archives and old uniforms they had on display, so that surprised me." H

THE MONTHLY QUESTION

BITS & PIECES

by Linden O'Brien-Williams | Editor-in-Chief

If you could be any age for a day, what age would you choose and why?

“I’d want to be 21 so I know what it’s like to be in college.”

- Freshman Sophie Slocomb

“I would probably be 40 or 45 because I would have a family and be settled down so it’s not really hectic and just to see what it’s like to have kids.”

- Junior Clare Ryan

"I think I would stay my own age because I’m surrounded by the best people right now and there’s nothing else I’d want to be doing except being a student at St. Teresa’s.”

- Senior, Mary Keller

“Okay well, I feel like it’d be really cool to be 1,126 because I’d, you know, have all the wisdom and I’d just be really looked up to and then I could just say I’m 1,126 and that’s the dream right there.”

- Sophomore Polly Johnson

MY LIFE SUCKS

MY LIFE ROCKS

by Isabel Shorter | Writer “It was my first day of school and I was so excited, especially for the yummy lunches.

I grabbed a plate, resisting the urge to scream. I suddenly tripped and dropped my whole plate of delicious food down the stairs. I thought this was the perfect way to start my first day at St. Teresa’s Academy.”

- Sophie Brown, freshman

“I won a Twitter contest with Mix 93.3 to go to a meet-and-greet with THE Mackenzie Nicole. I totally retweeted Steve Serrano’s tweet to be entered as as a joke, but then I actually won!

Then Mackenzie texted me and we both thought it was hysterical.."

- Claire Franey, senior

I N S TA G R A M S OF THE ISSUE

by Linden O'Brien-Williams Editor-in-Chief

Each issue, the Dart highlights students' instagrams. This month's theme: summer.

"dream team " photo by Josephine McCray @_jmccray_

"'Tis I, the frenchiest fry " photo by Kathleen Graham @kathleeengraham

THAT'S WHAT

SHE SAID

Each issue, the Dart shares entertaining student tweets.

SENIOR JEANNIE O'FLAHERTY @xelenjiagh

complied by Linden O'Brien-Williams Editor-in-Chief

This morning I tried to prop open the door for

SENIOR LIBBY TERRIL

SOPHOMORE MARGARET JORDAHL

@libbyytibbyy

@margaretjordahl

I’ve been congested since 2007

If I could go one day without spilling hot tea all over

a sophomore but I ended up kicking the door at her and spilling her hot coffee all over her

myself that would be great

page design by Claire Molloy

"Conquered the wilderness..

Aka ellies backyard" photo by Molly Winkler @mollymwinkler

Use the hashtag #dartnewsonline for a chance to be featured in our next issue.

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REVIEWS

Ocean's new albums a "reel" catch

by Anne Claire Tangen | Writer

Frank Ocean's long anticipated album was worth the wait.

Within the span of 48 hours, Frank Ocean dropped two albums after being dormant in the music industry for four years. In 2012, Ocean released his debut album, "channel ORANGE," which was described as “one of the best albums of the year” by The Guardian. "channel ORANGE" set the scene for what Ocean and his music are all about: honesty and storytelling.

After the "channel ORANGE" craze blew over, fans started wondering what comes next and, more importantly, when. In short, Ocean, being just like any other boy, has led us on and played with our emotional heartstrings for the past four years by tempting us with a new album. But unlike the typical teenage boy, Ocean was setting us up for the most epic record of 2016.

"Endless," Ocean’s visual album was released Aug. 18th, sending everyone on Twitter into chaos. The album depicts Ocean building a staircase in black and white. Endless is mostly instrumentals, but no worries- it

sure won’t put you to sleep. Ocean isn’t afraid to throw in his infamous high notes and some of his soulful rap. His variety of music will keep you intently listening for the entire 45 minutes. Ocean changes from calming background music and smooth vocals to silence in a heartbeat then starts back up with futuristic rhythm.

Would I recommend you play "Endless" at a party or before a basketball game?

Heck no. Would I recommend you play it while roasting marshmallows with your best friends? Heck yes.

When I first listened to/watched "Endless," I thought nothing of Frank building a staircase and assumed it was a metaphor for the time it took to create the album. I realized I was wrong a few days later- the staircase being built in "Endless" was leading to "Blond," the album Ocean dropped Aug. 20. As it turns out, "Endless" was a separate project from "Blond."

To say the least, "Blond" was definitely worth the wait. It combines everything

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you would expect from Ocean: his deep thoughts and candid feelings poured from his heart to the record, but he adds a new layer of depth with psychedelic beats.

The first three and last two songs happen to be my favorites on "Blond" because they effectively open and close the album. The first song, “Nikes,” reminds me of “Consideration” by Rihanna (feat. SZA) because of the voice modifier and the slower tempo. It has been described to be a “masterpiece” by MTV and will give you all the feels.

“Ivy” and “Pink + White” the second and third songs, are the the first parallels to "channel Orange" with messages of unrequited love and failed relationships.

Although they are very different - in “Ivy,” we get the first taste of Ocean’s prominent vocals, while the vocals in “Pink + White” are much more laid back-they are cohesive setting the tone for the album.

Skipping ahead to the second to last song, “Godspeed,” Frank begins to conclude the album by "wishing you godspeed." The song is nostalgic and reminiscent of church with soft organs playing in the beginning.

As we reach the final song on the album, “Futura Free,” we are reminded of “Pyramids” from "channel ORANGE" - both are about ten minutes long and separated by quiet interludes. In this song, Ocean finds himself reflecting on several topics found throughout the album, including race, religion, and sexuality.

I have a playlist that I call my “late night vibes,” which is compiled of slower smoother, songs that you want to listen to at 11:00 p.m. when you’re doing your homework on a Thursday, when you’re eating cookies at 1:00 a.m with your friends, or if you just can’t sleep. I could put the entire album on that playlist and be completely satisfied. But be warned.

Finishing this album is bittersweet. You’ll find yourself wondering: two albums in 48 hours? How long are we going to have to wait until the next one?H

Experience heaven via fusion sandwich

by Margaux Renee | Writer

iPho Tower delivers the perfect sandwich you never knew you wanted.

It’s the basis of every Reese's peanut butter cups commercial. How could such an odd pairing, chocolate and peanut butter, create the perfect marriage? That was the very thought that overtook my mind as I bit into my Vietnamese-French Specialty Sandwich from iPho Tower in Westport.

The restaurant itself charms with its unconventional looks. Vibrantly-colored lanterns cover every inch of the ceiling and mismatched chairs line the floor.

The sprawling décor also includes a

giant golden statue of the Buddha next to an abnormally large canvas painting of Marilyn Monroe. The sounds of Olympic basketball are projected from the numerous televisions mixed with fist pumping music at a speaker-damaging volume is a lot to take in. Fortunately, all of the quirks of this hole-in-the-wall joint located across the street from the Uptown Theater faded away the moment my sandwich was placed in front of me.

A beautiful piece of French baguette sliced in half was stuffed with marinated beef and pork, cucumbers, shredded carrots, mint, cilantro and dauntingly huge slices of jalapeno. Each ingredient complimented the other in an unparalleled mixture of spicy, sweet and sour. A waitress with short, cropped hair and a slight, unidentifiable accent

explains why adding chiles to the sauce makes it so special. She continues on about what makes it so addictive, but there is no rousing me from the sandwich-induced trance I have just entered - a happy place where every flavor is in sync and nothing could ever come close to being as delicious. Taking a healthy bite of a centimeter-thick jalapeno snaps me out of it.

Because I am blinded by some sort of sandwich sorcery, I’m probably not the most reliable source, in that I have no negative feedback whats over. iPho Tower lets you experience the mind blowing fusion of two cultures via sandwich and only get set back $5 or $6.

I cannot possibly recommend it more.H

Where to find Kansas City's best cupcakes

by Sophie Silva | Writer

What I learned from visiting three different Kansas City bakeries.

I wanted to try out three different bakeries in the Kansas City area, to see which one had the best cupcakes.

Since I never get to eat cupcakes, I was quite curious to see if there were any noticeable differences between different places.

Dolce Bakery My first stop was Dolce Bakery in Prairie Village. When I first walked in, I noticed how homey the place looked. It also smelled just like fresh baked goods, which I did not expect to be so strong. I almost got distracted by all of the cookies and pastries that were at the counter, and I ended up having to force myself to only buy cupcakes.

The cupcakes were the size of golf balls, so I was skeptical about buying the for the price of $2.75. However, they were totally worth it. The Chocolate Blackout

cupcake really did live up to its name, and it was definitely my favorite. I never knew that something so small could have such an intense flavor, and I will definitely be coming back again.

Small Cakes After I went to Dolce Bakery, I decided to head over to SmallCakes at Crown Center. The shop was also rather small, with only a few chairs and tables in sight.

It was very brightly colored and mostly with shades pink, blue, and brown all over the walls. The cupcakes here were about the size of a small orange, and around $4 each. Many people I knew praised SmallCakes, so I was expecting something even better than Dolce’s cupcakes.

However, my experience was a little bit different. The coconut and vanilla cupcake that I tried first was a little bit dry and was not as flavorful as I anticipated.

The other cupcakes were better, except for the chocolate with the chocolate icing.

The icing was a little bit too thick, and it was also too dark for my taste. I would page design by Gabby Staker

not say my experience was terrible, but I would have to say that SmallCakes is a tad overrated.

McLain's Bakery I was feeling done with tasting cupcakes over and over again, but I eventually dragged myself over to Mclain’s Bakery. The building looked small from the outside, but it was much larger inside. There were not as many cupcakes left, since it was about to close.

The hours were very weird, and it closed at 1 p.m. on weekends. My friends always got other baked goods from here, so I hoped for the best as I purchased my cupcakes.

The cupcakes were amazing, and I just noticed that they also had glitter on them.

The cream cheese icing was definitely the best part, and it was not too thick or sweet. They were also not too pricy, and I was surprised at how fresh they were for being some of the last ones. I would have to give McLain's a 4 out of 5 stars, mainly because of their weird hours. H

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FEATURES

Testing for troUble: Drug testing in schools and at home story by Claire Molloy Lifestyles Editor

Drug use is becoming more common among teenagers.

Here is a closer look at drug usage and testing It is first period on Monday morning when the teacher calls his name. He gathers his things and makes his way through the empty halls. He finds the correct room. He realizes his hands are sweaty as he tries to open the door. He keeps asking himself the same question over and over again: “What if I don’t pass?” He sees a lady who seems nice enough waiting for him. She gets out her scissors and cuts a chunk out of his hair and puts it into a bag. That was it, he is done. Now all he has left to do is wait.

This is how some students at Rockhurst High School on any given Monday feel. Pieces of paper are given to the teachers in every classroom with students’ names on them. These are the students who have been randomly selected to be drug tested.

For the past four years, Rockhurst has been randomly drug testing students. According to STA principal of student affairs Liz Baker, STA will not be following suit.

Rockhurst assistant principal for student life Chris Bosco is in charge of which students are selected for the drug tests.

“I use an online random-number generator that selects numbers that I match up against a spreadsheet listing each student alphabetically,” Bosco wrote. “No student is selected by me or singled out by me or

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Former Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Bob Stutman addresses students during an assembly. photo by Gabby Martinez

anyone else unless the student is due to take his retest after having a previous positive result.”

Psychemedics, the company Rockhurst uses to drug test, uses a hair follicle test, which can detect the use of a variety of drugs and alcohol in a student’s body. The test is capable of identifying the substances as far back as 90 days from the drug test date.

Pediatrician and St. Teresa’s Academy mother, Dr. Marion Pierson, believes that the use of drug testing as a way to identify young adults needing help is a good idea. However, Dr. Pierson does not believe that drug testing should be used as a threat or as punishment. “...Young people experiment with a lot of things, not just drugs, but life is an experiment in adolescence,” Dr. Pierson said. “But penalizing kids for experimenting without really trying to develop a holistic plan to help them is really not the best way to go,” Dr. Pierson said.

According to Bosco, Rockhurst started drug testing to promote health and wellness among their students. Similarly to Dr. Pierson’s philosophy, Bosco states that Rockhurst seeks to help students rather than target them for their drug use.

“As we say to our students, our purpose is not to catch students to *names have been changed to protect sources' identities September 12, 2016

punish but instead to find students to help,” Bosco wrote. “We see the use of drugs and alcohol among our students as poor, unhealthy decision-making with lifelong implications for the developing adolescent.”

According to the Rockhurst handbook, the drug testing program does not punish a student for using drugs if they test positive for drugs or alcohol for a first time. The goal of the program is to help students who are abusing drugs and alcohol.

“As this is a Health and Wellness program, there will be no disciplinary consequences at this time; the purpose of the meeting is to encourage the family to seek the necessary help and interventions,” the Rockhurst handbook states.

Students may be tested up to three times before expulsion. Ninety days after the first positive test, a student must retake the test. If he tests positive again, he will be retested in 45 days. However, if he tests negative, he will be placed back into the group for random selection, according to the Rockhurst student handbook.

“If these individuals test positive at any time during their remaining years at Rockhurst, they will be considered a disciplinary risk and placed in

the category of a ‘Third Positive,’” the Rockhurst student handbook states. “A student is given only one opportunity to successfully complete the program of drug remediation.”

While Rockhurst’s drug testing has been operating regularly since 2013, drug testing at STA will not be occurring any time in the near future, according to Baker.

“We are honing you young ladies as leaders,” Baker said. “We trust you will come to school not being impaired.”

Baker’s term ‘impaired’ not only includes the use of drugs, but also the use of alcohol. STA has a breathalyzer that is present at all school dances, but is rarely used. Unlike STA, some local schools like Notre Dame de Sion High School conduct random breathalyzer tests upon entering a dance. However, according to Baker, STA’s breathalyzer may be used at any time when it is deemed necessary by staff and administration. “[STA doesn’t] do random drug testing purposefully,” Baker said. “Unless we feel like there are reasons to randomly drug

test, [our decision] is more about your right to come to school without having to have [the stress of a drug test] on your plate.”

Although STA administration does not deem it necessary to drug test, the school is allowed to do so if they ever feel it becomes necessary, because it is a private institution.

Public schools are prohibited from conducting random drug testing. They are, however, allowed to randomly drug test students who participate in extracurriculars and athletics, according to a Supreme Court ruling in 2002.

“In Pottawatomie County v. Earls, the court ruled to allow random drug tests for all middle and high school students participating in competitive extracurricular activities,” the National Institute on Drug Abuse states. “The ruling greatly expanded the scope of school drug testing, which previously had been allowed only for student athletes.”

While the prominence of drug testing varies from school to school, some students are drug tested at home. Drug testing kits requiring urine samples are sold at many different drug stores. Then a strip is placed in them to see if there are drugs present in the urine.

STA student Sally*, has been drug tested by her parents twice. The first time, they woke her up and gave her a cup to go pee in. This specific drug testing kit tested for Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cocaine and Marijuana. More recently, she was drug tested again

because she was caught by a friend’s mother. Because the drug test kits are common, Sally had done her research to avoid being caught by her parents.

“I was tested, and I had fake pee ready,” Sally said. “There was a gas station that my friend knew that sold packages -I believe the brand is Quick Fix Plus. It is this sample of things that essentially add up to be the same thing as urine, but it’s not. It’s synthetic urine. You heat it in the microwave, which somehow I figured out how to do that before the drug test. I put the heating pad on, and then [my dad] drug tested me. And I filled [the cup] up and I passed it. Now my parents think I’m clean.”

Dr. Pierson wants all people, but especially children with growing brains, to actually "be clean" of substances because she believes that people should only put things into their body that they know are good for them.

“We know that growing brains are subject in a much greater way to negative effects from all kinds of things,” Dr. Pierson said. “So we would say, as a pediatric group, as a group of professionals trying to help young people, ‘Don’t open your body up to harm because your brain is still developing.’ There are going to be new things that science discovers about medicine and drugs and how it affects our bodies, but we want to say, ‘Do things you know are helpful to your bodies.’” H

In a survey of 365 students, the Dart asked...

Column1

Column1

THE DETAILS compiled by Katie Mulhern | Writer Nationwide, 21% of students use drugs at schools that did have drug tests while only 19% of students do drugs at schools that didn’t test

Do you think STA should begin drug testing students?

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED DRUGS?

91.8% of high schools in the USA drug test their students 89.3% No

no

9.6%other Yes yes

1.1% Other

page design by Kate Jones

69.7% No

Yes yes19.9% no other

10.4% Other

13

FEATURES

STA SINGERS EMBARK ON BONDING RETREAT

by Katie Gregory Scheduling Editor of Web

The STA Singers departed for Potosi, MO. to learn new songs and bond with each other Aug. 19.

Sophomore Reilly Donnelly gives sophomore Margaret Jordahl a piggyback ride at the STA Singers retreat Aug. 20. photo by Madi Winfield

Choir members in the soprano II voice part practice a piece of music at the STA Singers retreat Aug. 20. photo by Madi Winfield

A fire is crackling and Courtney is laughing and singing with her friends.

She looks up and sees her marshmallow has gotten just the right amount of burnt and she quickly makes a s’more and eats it. It scalds her mouth when she bites down and she is going to itch with bug bites for the next week, but she doesn’t care because she is with the people she has developed new memories with over the past two days. She is sad that she has to leave this weekend behind, but she knows that she will continue to form friendships with these girls throughout the upcoming year.

Junior Courtney Talken and many of her fellow STA Singers recently went on a 3-day bonding retreat in Potosi, Missouri. The retreat was planned by director of choirs Steve Perry, who has been coordinating and attending retreats of this nature since 1990.

“The retreat was held at the YMCA of the Ozarks, which is also known as Trout Lodge,” Perry said. “Our focus was on team building, so we did a lot of get-to-know-you type

activities for developing trust and a common goal. We also rehearsed and got a head start on the year. We essentially learned two songs while we were there.”

For the students, however, the most memorable part of the retreat seemed to be the outdoor, “summer camp-like” activities. “[At the retreat] we sang, mini-golfed and played tetherball,” sophomore and STA Singer Margaret Jordahl said. “We did a lot of team building activities. We went zip lining, which is apparently a team building activity. We threw pool noodles at each other while we were zip lining, it was fun.”

The Ozarks YMCA is known for these types of activities, listing many of them on their website and boasting “the experience of a lifetime” for their customers. "[The retreat] was like a summer camp kind of thing” Talken said. “People swam, and there were paddle boards.

I went sailing, and people went on canoes. We had a campfire and s’mores.”

Despite the popularity of this retreat among attendees,

this is the first year that STA has held an event like this.

Although Perry has been coordinating choir retreats for 26 years, this is only his second year teaching at STA and his first year implementing the retreat.

“As far as I know, this is the first year STA has done a retreat like this,” Perry said.

“I held this because STA Singers is our select choir and when seniors graduate, we need to develop a new sense of team so that everyone is comfortable. It helps introduce the new singers to the choir and to what we do. We get to know those singers and they get to know us.”

If team bonding was the objective of the retreat, Perry certainly seems to have accomplished it in the eyes of the STA Singers.

“Going in, I had hoped that the choir would grow closer as a group unit” Talken said.

“I was excited to grow closer to all the new sophomores in STA Singers and all the upperclassmen too. I think we established a good group dynamic, which is hard to get, having just one class per day.

It’s hard to establish that in 40

page design by Maureen Burns

minutes.”

Jordahl agrees that she grew closer with her classmates. Ultimately, she feels the STA Singers grew closer as not only a choir, but also as friends.

“The sisterhood was very present at the retreat,” Jordahl said. “We would do things where we would say affirmations and stuff to everyone and people started crying. It was so emotional. I feel like by the end, everyone knew each other.”

Perry agrees that the sisterhood was present at this retreat.

“I think that the choir program is a natural window into the sisterhood,” Perry said. “I felt that it was actually a very easy step for our choir to develop a sense of team because of the sense of sisterhood and the focus on sisterhood here. We really strive to bond with one another and to recognize that each person has her own unique gifts that are a valuable contribution to our team and to our choir.” H

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THE DART TAKES A CLOSER LOOK INTO THE REASONS BEHIND PARENTS TRACKING STUDENTS' PHONES AND TECHNOLOGICAL PRIVACY REGARDING SURFACE PROS. story by Zoe Butler | Features Editor Gwyn Doran | Opinion Editor photos by Riley McNett | Staff Photographer Catherine Ebbitts | Social Media Editor

16 September 12, 2016

Junior Mary Kate Armstrong’s headlights gleam down the mainly empty road of Ward Parkway as the car’s digital clock switches one more antagonizing minute to read 11:08 p.m.

Already eight minutes past her curfew, she tries to think of excuses to tell her parents as their text messages are sent in 30 second intervals.

“Where are you???”

“Call me now.”

“Are you on your way home?”

“You’re supposed to have your phone charged before you leave.”

“Why isn’t your phone charged?”

Mary Kate is one of many STA students whose cell phone is tracked by her parents, so situations like these are frequent. From a recent study by Pew Research Center, 16 percent of parents with children ages 13-17 use monitoring tools on their teen’s cellphone to track their location. Although a recent phenomenon, apps like Find My iPhone, Find My Kids ~ Footprints and Family Tracker use the GPS locator in smartphones to track family members.

Along with saving the time of sending a text or calling, the main reason Mary Kate’s father, Matt Armstrong, tracks her and sophomore Caroline Armstrong’s phones is for safety.

I try to respect [Mary Kate and Caroline’s] freedom and independence,” Matt says, “There’s never been any issues that would cause me to question those

things, so I feel fortunate in that effect.”

Mary Kate says she understands why he tracks her location, but still feels frustrated.

“He wants to make sure that I’m not doing anything that I’m not supposed to be doing, which I completely understand, but usually I’m not,” Mary Kate says. “I don’t really do anything ‘bad.’ I agree with him, but at the same time it’s just annoying because I want to be able to make decisions on my own, whether it’s a good or bad idea, and not have my parents right behind me saying what I can and can’t do. One day, I’m not gonna have them there.”

While Matt monitors his daughters’ technology, he acknowledges there is a line that shouldn't be crossed.

“It’s a very regular occurrence for [some parents] to get their kids’ phones, go through their phones, go through their text messages, their pictures, their Instagrams,” Matt said. “I don’t think a lot of these parents should interrogate their kids’ phones, because it’d be the equivalent in my time frame of going through my daughter’s journal or something along those lines...It’s a very personal thing.”

Although the phones are easily accessible, Matt believes open communication is simplest.

“For a lot of people these days, their phones have become a combination of things that used to exist separately, like albums, journals and planners, that it’s probably tempting to go this onestop shop where I can get all of these things,” Matt said. “But the girls, their mom and I have a reasonable amount of conversation around things that are

page design by Mackenzie O'Guin

going on, and the girls also develop the trust that as long as they’re sharing what’s going on and what their thoughts are, there’s not as much need to go in and look at these things.”

Guidance counselor Kelly McKee also tracks her daughter, junior Ruthie McKee, tracking infrequently and strictly for safety reasons. Ruthie is not especially opposed to her mother monitoring her phone, mostly because she trusts her mother’s mindset toward the subject.

“I think that with [my mom’s] attitude towards it, it’s fine, because I know that she’s not gonna be keeping tabs on my every move,” Ruthie said.

Kelly’s approach to parenting involves keeping a healthy relationship with her kids, without hovering, which influences her take on her children’s technological privacy.

“I would much rather monitor and engage with them personally to find out their plans and where they plan to go and what they’re doing,” Kelly said. “I think in the event of an emergency, it’s a nice option to have, but I really don’t think of it as an option on a regular basis.”

However, Kelly believes monitoring can be harmful if used excessively as a parent’s main source for their children’s lives. “[Phone monitoring] could come between a parent-child relationship in the sense that a child might not feel that their parents trust them if they feel like they hover and track their every move,” Kelly said.

Sophomore Jordan Klumb’s parent also expresses concern with safety and

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CENTERSPREAD tracks her and her brother’s phones.

Klumb feels that especially when it concerns her brother, her parents are overbearing with their phone monitoring habits.

“She tracks [my brother] so much, because he’s 16, so he can drive everywhere,” Klumb said. “So he always gets food and is hanging out with his friends, and she texts him asking, ‘Why are you here?’”

Because of their aversion to being tracked or monitored, many kids are

coming up with ways to maneuver around it.

“Sometimes my brother turns his phone off so she can’t track it,” Klumb said. “Or, if his phone died, it’s obviously not gonna work, but she thinks he turned it off on purpose.”

In an era of constantly evolving technology, parenting today has adapted to methods not available in the eighties.

STA theology teacher and parent Jenny Greene remarks on the difference that recent technology makes in a teenager’s

PARENTAL

PRIVACY

compiled by Julia Kerrigan

Three-hundred students filled out a survey asking about how closely their parents monitor their phones.

18 September 12, 2016

life. Greene sees phone monitoring as beneficial, no matter the time period.

"Looking back, [tracking] would have benefited me,” Greene said. “Maybe I would have made some better decisions.”

Matt Armstrong also contemplates how his life as a teenager would have changed had his parents had the means to track him.

“None of this technology existed when I was a kid, and if it did I wouldn’t want my parents tracking every single movement,” Matt said.

BEYOND CELL PHONES Though smartphones are omnipresent in the teenage world, computers and the Internet generate more questions about privacy. Beyond parents monitoring children’s media usage, STA’s recent switch from netbooks to Surface Pros sparks old questions about what remains private on school-issued technology.

According to academic principal Barbara McCormick, technological privacy at STA is not guaranteed as students make certain agreements.

“The tablets issued by STA are secured with filtering software to be in accordance with the Child's Internet Protection Act,” McCormick said. “In addition to that protocol, STA completes random screenings of various users.

Should there be any material or content in question the IT department, administration and guidance team will discuss policy, procedures and consequences…The machines are the

property of STA, therefore privacy is not warranted with the machine.”

STA’s technological support Jeff Zimmerman specifies that administration can access information like who last logged into it, where it is based on WiFi location, what is installed, and Internet history. Regarding general Internet usage, Zimmerman recommends putting as little as possible online.

“Very few people read the clauses of Acceptable Use Policies or User Agreements that may contain phrases about allowing the issuer rights to record, track and/or monitor you,” Zimmerman wrote. “It is also even easier to think you are secure, let your guard down and assume that technology will keep you safe...even on platforms such as Facebook. Keep in mind that once you put anything out on the internet, it is always on the internet. There is no real way to ‘erase’ anything.”H

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"I think that it is okay for parents to follow their kids on social media, my parents do just because they like to see what I post and what is going on in my life. However I think it is an invasion of privacy for them to go through their kids phones."

page design by Mackenzie O'Guin

"My parents don’t personally go through my phone or social media, but I think it is an invasion of personal space, because it is my own personal and private business."

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Parents should respect

children's privacy when tracking them

TECHNOLOGY TRACKING CAN BE A VERY VOLATILE TOPIC IN PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS, AND IT IS IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS TO BE AWARE OF THEIR CHILD'S PRIVACY WHEN DECIDING HOW FAR THEY SHOULD LET THEIR TRACKING GO. You’re driving home from work on a regular Thursday night. After a busy shift at work you can’t wait to crawl into bed and get a good night’s sleep before you’re back at school the next morning.

You glance in your rearview mirror and see a car - a car that has been following you for your last few turns. You being to worry - should I make a few weird turns and try and throw him off? What did I do if he’s still following me when I get to my house? Then, just as suddenly the car appeared, it disappears and you begin to realize you panicked for nothing. Little do you realize that the device where anyone could be stalking you is sitting in the cup holder next to you - your beloved cell phone.

We think we are protected as long as our social media accounts are on private and we don’t put any personal information in our biographies, yet we often don’t think of the other apps we use everyday and our cell phones themselves being easily used to monitor and track our location. Parents tracking their children plays a huge part in this and it’s something that happens extremely often with today’s advancing technology.

Whether it’s ourselves or a friend, it seems as if almost everyone we know is being tracked by their parents. Some parents are honest with their children, and let them know they monitor their every move. Other parents do it more discreetly. I think parents and their children need to have an open, honest conversation about today’s technology tracking.

Many kids may not be too fond the

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idea of being tracked, while parents may worry about their child’s whereabouts in an unpredictable world. Privacy is something that is very important to me and I would imagine plenty of other people feel the same way. I think no matter who you are or what you do you have a right to personal privacy. Technology tracking, in my opinion, is in invasion of privacy no matter the extent to which one is tracked.

I think the respectful thing to do is be aware of the privacy of the person being tracked. Therefore, I think it’s important that parents set boundaries and be aware of their children’s privacy.

illustration by Ellie Grever September 12, 2016

We are all bound to make mistakes, and it’s these mistakes that shape who we are. If your parents want to try and stop you from making inevitable mistakes by tracking you, so be it. But, I think it is vital that parents are honest with their children about this for the sake of their parent-child relationship. H

6 out of 8 editors voted in agreement

A&E

The Prepping BEHIND THE PEP RALLY Senior Libby Terril practices for the annual fall sports pep rally along with Junior Mia Schloegel and senior Gabby Ayala. photo by Cassie Hayes

President of spirit club Meg Rohr shares details of the behind the scenes process that goes into the pep rallies.

The Planning Q: What’s the hardest part of planning the pep rallies?

A: “Agreeing on things, agreeing on themes and where to film and who gets what part, because it’s not one person that decides, everyone decides together. That’s why that part’s so hard, because everyone disagrees on different things, so it takes a long time to figure everything out.”

Q: How many times does spirit club meet to plan the pep rally?

A: “Around pep rallies we meet a couple times a week, and during filming week we meet almost every day, so a lot.”

Q: What’s the preparation process before filming?

A: “We’ll usually have a google document with the script so people look over it but a lot of times we don’t take a lot of time to practice before filming because it’s a lot funnier when it’s improv.

story by Victoria Cahoon | Breaking News Editor photos by Cassie Hayes | Photo Editor

The Video Q: Can you describe the process of making the videos?

A: “First we decide what theme we’re gonna do, because we usually base it off a movie or a TV show and when we pick out a theme everyone has a say it’s not just what the seniors want but what everyone wants. Once we decide [the theme], we figure out who wants a big part, but anyone who wants a part, gets a part. Then we start making a script that’s shared with everyone that wants a part and finally we start filming as soon as possible because usually we’re rushed, so it’s hectic and not very well organized, but it always works out.”

Q: How much time does it take to create the entire skit plus edit?

A: “Overall, around a month, because from the time we start thinking about themes and then how long it takes to film, when not everyone can be there everyday. And then editing takes a long time on top of that.”

page design by Gabriella Mesa

The Product Q: What’s the best part of doing the work?

A: “During filming when someone forgets their line and you just keep going and everyone’s laughing, it’s like being on SNL or something. Or it’s watching the video, during the pep rally and it’s your first time seeing it since you filmed it cause you never know which parts are going in.”

Q: What’s spirit club’s main goal?

A: “Getting people excited, getting them to support everyone; the debate teams, FBLA and all the sports. To [help] amp them up because being in a group, and getting support helps you do better. H

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SPORTS

PLAYERS ADAPT TO NEW COACHES FOR NEW YEAR story by Annabelle Meloy Writer photos by Paige Powell Photo Editor

New seasons always bring change as athletes come and go, but this year, both volleyball and cross country will experience playing with new coaches, not just new players.

Cross country has added new theology teacher Andrew Boland to the staff as the latest assistant coach.

“Through the sport, I feel more engaged with the team,” Boland said.

Boland knew he was interested in cross country and soon asked to be a part of it.

“I talked to [athletic director Mark Hough] over the summer and told him I was interested in coaching,” Boland said. “One of the coaches just had a baby,

so she was pretty busy, so I offered to chip in, and it kind of went from there.”

According to Boland, his coaching style is mostly positive, and the runners agree with him.

“This year feels slightly different because all coaches bring something unique to the team,” cross country runner sophomore Olivia Robertson said. “The new coaches really put in a good effort in getting to know us and giving good advice.”

The cross country team has now had multiple new coaches the last couple seasons, most recently the replacement of former theology teacher and cross country coach Robert Tonnies by Boland.

“I think getting a new coach can either help or not help your performance,” cross country runner sophomoreTalia Parra said.

“This year the new coaches are definitely helping me improve.”

For Boland, it’s all about work ethic by both the

runners and the coaches.

“Honestly, just continuing to put in the work that the girls are doing by running with them and showing them that we’re all kind of in it together,” Boland said. “I would say we’re all equals, the coaches and the runners.”

Head coach Moran has been in the system for eighteen years helping new assistant coaches and runners reach their goals.

“Since the head coach is the same, the system hasn’t changed too much,” Parra said. “We do ab workouts differently now, but it’s nice to hear the new coach’s advice.”

Boland agrees that the cross country team feels good and steady through the work of coach Moran.

“I really don't see much of a dropoff,” Boland said. “I think the important thing is that coach Moran has been kind of a constant. It’s her program so I think we're all, us assistants, we're just reiterating what she's saying.

But I think that's the reason we've been able to keep it

together as a group.”

“I think the nice thing too when we go on runs, [the runners] don’t really just see you as the coach standing on the sideline,” Boland said.

“We’re running with them, we’re feeling that pain that they’re feeling.”

Volleyball has also seen a change as Lauren Brentlinger will also replace former volleyball coach Lauren Mathewson.

According to Brentlinger, STA was attractive to her because of its legacy, history and the kinds of players who compete.

“I found out in April, and I heard about the job through club volleyball contacts,” Brentlinger said. “I was just very excited, because I knew the history here and how good all the athletes are.”

Brentlinger has been coaching volleyball for six years, and it has become a passion for her.

“I love it,” Brentlinger said.

“I was kind of unsure when I got into coaching if I would like it or not, but I do love it.”

For varsity volleyball

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Volleyball and cross country welcome newest coaches for upcoming season

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September 12, 2016

player junior Megan Cotter, these words resonate in the coaching style of Brentlinger.

“I really like [Coach Brentlinger],” Cotter said. “She motivates us and pushes us.

She wants us to win state.”

Cotter believes nothing has changed much, and their objective has remained the same, regardless of who is coaching.

“It feels the same because both of their names are Lauren,” Cotter said. “They both have the same goal, which is to win state, and we were so close last year, so coach Brentlinger is basically saying the same thing. Our goal is to get back to state and do whatever we can to get there.”

Brentlinger thinks otherwise, knowing different coaches can have an effect on players from year to year.

“I definitely think it affects the athletes,” Brentlinger said.

“I think that it’s hard for them to trust a new coach coming in that first season. I know from a coach perspective, it’s harder to build those relationships. I was at Raytown before this, and they had five head coaches in five years before I came there so there was no structure, there was no tradition. It makes it tough.”

Brentlinger knows how hard it is to come in as a new coach, but has plans to get more comfortable with the players.

“We had a lot of workouts this summer, and we competed in team camp over the summer basically outside of Saint Louis in Edwardsville,” Brentlinger said. “Through all of that and through our team bonding, I’ve gotten to know the girls and they’re goofy and funloving. They’re awesome.”

For Cotter, getting to know the new coach means putting

5 in the work and time to make an impact on their relationship.

“It makes us all want to impress the new coach and work for playing time because if you have the same coach every year, they could just know you, but having a new coach makes you work harder and work for playing time since she doesn't know you and exactly how you play.”

Brentlinger understands what putting in time and energy into something she loves means. The work that’s put in is what will show on the court.

“I think it’s just important to trust yourself, and if you put in all the work and all the effort, usually things end up how they’re supposed to end up,” Brentlinger said. "As long as you just put in the hard work." H

1. Andrew Boland poses for a picture before cross country practice.

Boland is an assistant coach for cross country. photo by Paige Powell 2. Sarah Flogel poses for a picture during cross country practice.

Flogel is an assistant coach for cross country. photo by Paige Powell 3. Sami Sell poses for a picture before volleyball practice. Sell is the new sophomore team volleyball coach. photo by Paige Powell 4. Lauren Brentlinger poses for a picture before volleyball practice Aug. 25. Brentlinger is the new head varsity volleyball coach. photo

by Paige Powell 5. Volleyball coach Lauren Brentlinger instructs the varsity team in weight training Aug. 25. photo by Paige Powell 6. Sophomore coach Sami Sell watches as her team practices serving. photo by Paige Powell

page design by Hannah Jirousek

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SPORTS

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW All summer, student athletes and coaches have been preparing for success in the fall sports season. Softball, cross country, golf, volleyball, tennis and dance teams have had practices and tryouts, and varsity and JV teams have been established. Several student athletes and coaches have expressed their expectations for the season. story by Natalie Telep | Writer photos by Anna Kate Powell | Photographer SOFTBALL

According to head softball coach Tyler Abney, there will be seven new freshmen, one new sophomore, and two returning juniors.

“This softball season is different mostly because it is my senior year, but also because we have been moved to a new district, which will provide a new challenge for the team,” varsity softball player senior Martina Florido said. "The new freshmen have added a lot of new talent to the team and will provide us with a needed boost that will help the team for the next couple of years.”

CROSS COUNTRY

The STA cross country team has been training all summer, running distances up to nine miles in preparation for the regular season.

"We're doing a lot better than we were last year," cross country runner sophomore Alex Dalecky said. "I heard a lot of girls say that we want to get our whole team to State."

Varsity Districts will be held at a location that is to be determined Oct. 22.

GOLF

The STA golf team started practice Aug. 1. They have been practicing by running through practice rounds, or golfing at a driving range. The team is now led by new Coach Martha Linscott.

"I think that we have a pretty good chance of going to State," golfer sophomore Brie Arello said. "I for sure hope we go to Districts and Sectionals...

We have a good start so far."

Districts will be held Sept. 23.

Sectionals are scheduled for Oct. 8.

"I'm excited to be part of the team," varsity golfer freshman Mary Massman said.

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DANCE

VOLLEYBALL

The volleyball team hopes to continue their success from last year.

The varsity volleyball team finished second at the MSHSAA Class Four State Championships in Cape Girardeau, MO. “The team is totally different” because six varsity seniors graduated last year, assistant coach Amanda Hanneman said. “The chemistry and growing together will be pivotal for this year...we really have to focus on the little things."

“Our confidence is definitely higher than last year, and it’s something that we want so bad,” Hanneman said. “I expect great things.”

The STA Dance Team performs regularly throughout the school year.

They often dance during basketball halftime or school pep rallies. They will be performing at the Missouri Dance Team Association State competition Feb. 20 at the Kemper Arena.

The goal for the dance team "is to become closer as a team and really bond with each other throughout the year,” said freshman dance team membrs Annie Riffel, Carley Donnelly, Sadie Shugart, Maggie Thompson and Emily Lanning.H

TENNIS

Last year, the tennis team finished off the season with a 10-4 win to loss ratio.

The team has been practicing at different tennis courts in the area, including the Plaza Tennis Courts.

"Practices are really good," varsity tennis player freshman Thais Montagner said.

"We're all bonding.

I hope that we win State, or at least we get to go to State. That'd be great."

Sophomore Audrey Davis runs in the JV cross country meet at Johnson County Community College on Sept. 3. photo by Anna Kate Powell

September 12, 2016

Being biracial doesn't mean I have to choose black or white

PERSPECTIVES

by Alex Davis | Multimedia Editor

Amidst the racial discrimination and oppression in America, being in both the white community and the black community is more complicated than ever.

I

find myself saying the phrase "I am biracial, my mom is white and my dad is black' so often that now it doesn't even phase me anymore. And don't get me wrong, it's important to clarify who you are and where you come from. But the problem that I face with being biracial is often one that people may not even think of. I'm living my life treading one foot in the black community and the other in the white community, having to deal with not only the fear of not being accepted into either of those communities but also with having to deal with the complicated racial discrimination and racial manslaughter.

Community is essential to how society functions. It gives people something to identify with, something that unifies them. But the issue at hand is who has an inherent right to be in those racial communities and what has become of the communities themselves.

I should have the inherent right to be in both the black and white communities because I am both black and white. I was raised with the privilege of being able to experience firsthand what these communities have to offer. But it's soon because of those privileges that I began to feel like I actually didn't belong at all.

When I'm with the black community, do they only see the white in me? And when

I'm with the white community, do they only see the black in me?

I recently attended a seminar focused on women of color, and at the end of each day there would be caucuses designated for people of color and then for white people. I was conflicted with which caucus to go to, and in the end I went to the POC caucus. Everything seemed to be going fine until I had made the comment about being biracial. And it was at that point when another black person, someone who I originally saw as

"I began to feel like I didn't belong at all." being an equal, began to verbally attack and criticize my actions for essentially being "too white". And it was in that instance where I realized that within these communities, there will be times that biracial people will be singled out, just like I was, for not being "fully" black or "fully" white. This notion of having to be fully white or black honestly coincides with the constant conflict that surrounds these two particular communities.

Trayvon Martin. Philando Castile.

Alton Sterling. Ferguson, Missouri. The Black Lives Matter Movement. The onslaught of racially charged shootings, police brutality, the racial discrimination in our very own streets, our neighborhoods, our work places, our media. It's all toxic to these communities, forcing them to be at each other's throats and to fight a war that's been around since before America page design by Lilly Manning

was even conceived. And in this fight, we are forced to pick a side. Either we are fully on the black side, or we are fully on the white side. I didn't choose to be black. I didn't choose to be white either. And yet, here I am, being forced to choose either the black side of me or the white side of me so that I can "fully" be on one side or the other. I'm forced to watch the two communities I have been a part of destroy one another, and I'm somehow supposed to say, "I'm only for blacks" or "I'm only for whites"?

I refuse to choose only one side. To denounce one half of myself for the sake of the other would be an insult to who I am. I am proud to be biracial, proud to be both black and white. I am proud that I have the privilege and the capability to be a part of both the black community and the white community.

I get the opportunity to feel the pains of these communities and to celebrate the successes of these communities.

I don't have to choose a side, nor do I need to. Instead, I choose to fight the hate and the discrimination. I choose to use my privilege of being biracial to call out that racial discrimination isn't as black and white as it seems. Because in the end, despite the differences in the colors of our skin or the differences in our culture, we all are still human beings tied together in the single community of the human race. And it's because of that fact alone that we should come together to end the hate that's tearing us apart from the inside.

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PERSPECTIVES

Olympics cater to athletes and apathetes alike

by Julia Kerrigan | Page Designer

I really don’t care about sports, but I really love the Olympics.

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efore we begin, let’s get one thing straight; I’m the type of person who is unathletic, jaded by sports and not especially patriotic.

However, that doesn’t stop me from keeping my eyes glued to every second of the Rio Olympics, from taekwondo to table tennis. I’ll find myself sitting on the couch for hours watching archery between Sweden and Mexico, and ask myself, “How did I end up here?”

In his opening ceremony speech, the president of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, said, “In this Olympic world, we are all equal.” I see where Bach is coming from, but in the context of such a rigorous competition entirely based on deciding who is best at what and placing the said person on a literal pedestal, that statement seems silly.

Let’s turn it around, because we know not all athletes have the same skills and strengths, and are decidedly unequal in their abilities. Let’s apply Bach’s quote to

the viewer.

For two weeks, everyone is on the same page. Twitter is flooded with Michael Phelps’s angry face and Final Five appreciation. Every channel’s run time is jam packed with ads inexplicably advertised by McDonald’s. The sense of community is overwhelming, and the earworm that is the Olympic theme is being whistled and hummed by all as primetime begins. There is one common focus, which is cheering our athletes on while sitting on the couch eating excessive amounts of cereal with Simone Manuel’s face plastered on the side of the box.

Half the events at the summer olympics are completely beyond my sports knowledge. What do you mean a handball player can only hold the ball for three seconds? And as far as I’m concerned, Aly Raisman’s entire score relies on if she sticks the landing. After watching with others, I’ve noticed that many are in the same boat. Oh, boats in

rowing are called shells? My bad. When covering such a wide variety of sports, it seems impossible to watch everything, let alone know the actual rules, even for athletes. I fit in perfectly.

The London 2012 Olympics reached 3.6 billion viewers, according to an IOC study. A grand 219.4 million of these people were American, and if any of them watched in the way I do then it involves donning stars and stripes socks, American flag tees and chanting “USA! USA!” at the television. It’s catered to the world, not a sports audience, with its emotional origin stories and triumphant victories. Is it one huge marketing ploy?

Definitely. Do I care? Absolutely not, because as long as Ibtihaj Muhammad and countless other athletes are overcoming the odds, I’ll feel athletic and inspired without even leaving the couch.

H

Other columns this cycle...

MEDIA OFFERS GIRLS UNREALISTIC IMAGES OF FRIENDSHIPS

by Lily Manning | News Editor

26

women ARE SUBJECTED TO SEXISM IN THE OLYMPICS

by Lucy Whittaker | Writer

September 12, 2016

HOMECOMING DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT

by Anna Louise Sih | Social Media Team Member

An open letter To the obama family

by Margaux Renee | Writer

Let's take a moment to reflect on just how amazing our first family is.

D

ear Obamas, Let’s get my bias out of the way first. I love you guys. My political views align perfectly with the president’s.

My love for the first lady and the causes she fights for is unparalleled. My envy for Sasha and Malia’s beauty and brains is also something I can’t hide. However, even though I fangirl over you, First Family, as most teenage girls would over 5 Seconds of Summer, I will try to tone it down a notch for the sake of this letter.

First families have always been expected to embody perfection. The president must have the bravery and intelligence of a great leader, the first lady must be a caring mother figure - and do so with elegance - and the first children must always be full of promise and poise.

But you, as a black first family, have no wiggle room. Conservative Americans are constantly on the edge of their seats waiting for a reason to strip you of your power. Their propaganda includes the infamous birth certificate scandal as well as the fan favorite, the claim that Barack is really a Muslim. Not only have you ignored this racism and disrespect, but you have made monumental, needed change in spite of it.

Recently, a video surfaced of Malia allegedly smoking marijuana at a popular music festival, Lollapalooza, in Chicago, Il. The internet ignited and millions of people voiced their outrage. Sure, I find

drug use to be irresponsible too, but the majority of those outraged were merely seizing yet another opportunity to bash you. But Malia, those arguing that you set a terrible example for their children conveniently leave out the fact that you will be attending Harvard University in the fall. You have handled this controversy with class and dignity by not lowering yourself to make any comment. Social media makes conflict so easy, and I’m in awe of how you’ve avoided it.

Michelle, you on the other hand, are untouchable. You perfectly fit the description of first lady. You are intelligent, passionate, caring and

"Not only have you ignored this racism and disrespect, but you have made monumental, needed change in spite of it." devoted to the American people. Your work in poverty awareness, healthy eating and physical activity has been revolutionary and far surpassed progress made by past first ladies.

Yet, I think you have made greater change by being the role model that you are. You are the perfect example for every girl in America, not to mention young girls of color, who previously had not seen a woman who looked like them in such a position of power. Even your fashion and beauty have shaped the nation. The standard of beauty in America has always been white and you have not only defied page design by Lily M

the norm, but you have redefined it.

You as a family will always be near and dear to my heart. From Michelle’s Car Pool Karaoke with James Corden to the President’s effortlessly delivered jokes at each White House Correspondents’ Dinner, you have charmed the nation with your wonderful sense of humor. You have truly created a legacy and for that I thank you. I thank you for being so devoted to the future and the America we want for our children. I thank you for taking a stand on gun violence. I thank you for affirming the truth that love is love and finally, I thank you for doing so with unimaginable grace and style. You have made great change to be proud of and during your last days in office, I can only hope for a president that will not only honor but build upon your legacy, whomever she may be. H

27

COMMUNITY

NEW ROPE PARKS SPRING UP OVER KC

(Top) Molly Roudebush and Max Baker, both 6 years old, swing at Valley Park in Grandview, Missouri Aug. 21 (Left) Molly Roudebush, a first grader at St. Thomas More Catholic School, goes down a slide at Valley Park in Grandview, Missouri Aug. 21.

Photos by Meghan Baker

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September 12, 2016

By Cecelia Curran | Writer

Since 2014 when the first rope park opened, rope parks have been under constant construction, and extremely popular all over KC.

A

ll over the Kansas City area a new kind of playground is being brought to life. Starting in Grandview, MO., the first rope parks opened in 2014. These parks include a number of different things, but the most captivating element are the towering rope structures. Valley Park or what Grandview Parks and Recreation Director Sue Yerkes says is sometimes called the “Spider Man park,” was one of the first rope parks in Kansas City.

“It seems to draw a lot of people from everywhere,” Yerkes said regarding visitors of the park.

The park has around 90,000 yearly visitors, clearly exemplifying how popular these parks are becoming. These parks are also free to climb without any harness or safety feature, the structures made of incredibly strong rope.

Designed by the German company Berliner Play Equipment, the rope is extremely durable.

“Basically you cannot cut these, they are made up of a fabric that you can’t just take a knife to and cut,” Yerkes said.

Depending on the park, they can include slides, swings or a zip line. The tube slides can be up to 55 feet long, and can be reached by making the climb to the top of the rope structures.

Being quite an expensive investment, the money for Valley Park in Grandview

a

y Ellie tion b

Illustr

came from the public through bonds.

There are now 15 parks that were all renovated back in 2013-2015. Since then, more parks have started being developed.

As teenagers, a target job is babysitting. This job definitely isn't hassle free. With kids complaining of boredom, they crave something new and exciting. The rope parks can provide this easily with its new and improved playground design.

Visited so frequently, these parks have been a big hit. They are a great place for families and people of all ages.

“I nanny three kids and it’s hard to find free stuff to do, so we just go there.” sophomore Maggie Hart said.

Hart’s favorite part of the park are the “tire swings” although not all rope parks include these, they are usually located under massive tents or picnic shelters which provide a great place to cool off.

These parks are tip top ways to entertain on a boring day. “[The rope structures] are like big pyramids made out of rope that you can climb on,” Hart said.

Intricate and creative, these parks bring fun to a whole new level.

r Greve

page design by Ellie Grever

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LAST LOOK

TEACHERS

W E N

story by Maureen Burns page designer photos by Sophie Sakoulas staff photographer

New STA faculty members were interviewed about everything from what class they teach to their favorite spot in Kansas City.

LAURA REYNOLDS

mathematics teacher What class do you teach?: I teach Algebra I. Do you help coach any sports or moderate any clubs?: I

moderate [the Student Community Organization club].

Are you from Kansas City?: I'm originally from Springfield, Mo., but I went to Rockhurst University for college, so I came here.

What are you most excited for this year at STA?: I'm excited about being a high school teacher. I've always taught middle school, and this freshman class seems like they're really ready to learn and they're excited to be here. So I'm ready to see what they grow into.

ANDREW BOLAND theology teacher

What class do you teach?: I teach Gospels & Christology and Theology & Film.

Do you help coach any sports or moderate any clubs?: I

coach cross country and basketball, and I just became the moderator for [Philosophy of Mugs].

Are you from Kansas City?: No, I am originally from St. Louis.

What are you most excited for this year at STA?: Really just getting to know everybody and just being a part of the community.

What is your favorite spot in KC?: My favorite spot in Kansas City is Minor Park.

MICHELLE T. JOHNSON creative writing head

Did you go to STA?: I did. I graduated in 1982.

What class do you teach?: I am one of the coordinators in the new

[StarWrite Center] that opens the week of Labor Day. I will be coordinating and running the writing center with English teacher Diane Hirner.

What got you started in writing?: I’ve just always been a writer, probably going back to when I was your age. In my life, I’ve been a journalist, I’ve written nonfiction books, I’ve been a columnist and I’m a playwright. So I’ve always been a writer.

What are you most excited for this year at STA?: I’m excited about helping girls be excited about writing. Writing is my love and my passion, in addition to other things I’ve done in life. I’ve been a journalist and I’ve been an attorney, but writing has always come first. And I want to help nurture that in girls who know in their hearts that they’re writers, but being a high school student may not always feed that love.

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1. Mathematics teacher Laura Reynolds poses in her Donnelly second floor classroom.

2. Theology teacher Andrew Boland smiles in the basement of M&A near his classroom.

3. Michelle T. Johnson poses by the entrance of the StarWrite Center.

4. Social studies teacher Casey O'Flaherty smiles while working on her computer.

5. New English teacher Jennifer Quick poses in her classroom on the third floor of M&A. 6. AP Environmental Science teacher Maddie Lueke poses in her office on the third floor of Donnelly.

7. Spanish teacher Maria Laura Lopez Gonzales poses next to her souvenirs from Peru.

September 12, 2016

CASEY O'FLAHERTY

social studies teacher Did you go to STA?: I went to STA, and my sister and cousins went here.

One of my cousins, Jeannie, is a senior this year. It’s fun to see her in the halls.

What class do you teach?: I teach World History, Sociology and Pscyhology.

Do you help coach any sports or moderate any clubs?: I moderate [the Students Against Desctructive Decisions club]. I played golf in high school here, so I’d like to help out maybe next year.

Are you from Kansas City?: I grew up in KC, went to college here and the only time I left was to get a master's in Dublin, Ireland. I can't stay away.

What are you most excited for this year at STA?: I’m most excited to get to know all the students in my classes and to go through all the fun events here I remember as a student. [I’m] really excited for the auction skit.

What is your favorite spot in KC?: My favorite spot in KC definitely depends on the weather, and I love KC in the fall. Sitting outside with a hot cup of coffee when it’s cold outside and the leaves are turning is my favorite place to be.

JENNIFER QUICK

Did you go to STA?: I did not go to STA.

English teacher

What class do you teach?: I teach three different classes Advanced World Literature, World Literature and Speech.

Do you help coach any sports or moderate any clubs?: I am going to cosponsor Spirit Club.

What is your favorite spot in KC?: Definitely the Nelson-Atkins Museum [of Art]. I am a volunteer tour guide and just went through the training. I just find that no matter the whirlwind of the day, no matter the season, I go inside and just automatically feel calm.

MADDIE LUEKE

science teacher

Did you go to STA?: I went to St. Teresa's.

What class do you teach?: I teach AP Environmental Science, and I'm also student teaching biology this semster.

Do you help coach any sports or moderate any clubs?: I coach

freshman volleyball and I am also going to coach freshman basketball.

What are you most excited for this year at STA?: One of the things I valued the most when I was here was the relationships I made with teachers, so I'm really excited to get to make that connection with some of my own students.

What is your favorite spot in KC?: My front porch is my favorite spot in Kansas City. I like to sit out there in the mornings and at night and... relax with my puppy and unwind. H

Read about

Maria Laura Lopez Gonzales, another new teacher this school year, in her Star Spotlight profile on page 8.

page design by Madi Winfield

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IN THE DNO

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HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW ON DARTNEWSONLINE ALSO ONLINE THIS CYCLE

CAMPUS KITTY: Truman the cat coverage by Hannah Jirousek POP CULTURE HAPPY HOUR: Podcast by Helen Wheatley STARGAZER: Podcast

MEET OUR SENIOR TRANSFERS

by Mackenzie O'Guin

PROFILE BY ALEX FRISCH, PHOTOS BY MEGGIE MAYER

GALLERY: FROSH FEST

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PHOTOS: KATE JONES, ANNA LOUISE SIH S OW U L L O L F OCIA S N O IA MED TWITTER: @DARTNEWSONLINE

FACEBOOK: /DARTNEWSONLINE

SNAPCHAT: @DARTPAPER

YOUTUBE: DARTNEWSONLINE

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