East Scroll issue 3

The Spring Edition

Hope

ful

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Sunshin

Scroll ISSUE 3

VOLUME 90 Happi

ness

Table of

Contents

March 2021

Turn to pages 8 and 9 to learn more about the sports and athletes here at East!

Tune in to Aiom’s podcast on page 5. Includes interviews with East students Lyric Sellers and Endi Montalvo-Martinez on the removal of SROs in DMPS!

Turn to pages 10 and 11 to learn about The Pink Tax and laws affecting the rights of transgender people!

Principal: Leslie Morris Advisor: Natalie Niemeyer-Lorenz Staffers: Ny’Asiah Gully, Ryleigh Hayworth, Aiom Makier, Alejandro Miranda, Kylea Tackett, Kirsten Pierce, Ptolemy Rimmer, Shukri Abdirahman co-Editors-in-Chief: Ryleigh Hayworth & Sawra Selema Design Editor: Maria Hernandez Feature Editor: Joselyn Hildebrand Multi-Media Editor: Kylea Tackett Front cover: Kylea Tackett

Letter Policy: The Scroll welcomes letters but reserves the right to edit for space as needed. Outside cntributions are subject to the usual restrictions of libel and obscenity and must conform to general paper policy, which is available upon request. Signed commentaries represent personal opinions, not views of the staff. Also, your letter needs to include your full name and grade. Unsigned letters can not be printed. You can deliver your letter to Natalie Niemeyer in room 3060N. District Educational Equality Statement: Des Moines Public Schools prohibits discrimination in educational and employment programs and activities based on age, race, creed, color, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. In addition, the District prohibits acts of intolerance or harrassment toward employees or students that are not related to the individual’s employment or education Ad Policy: Ads are available in quarter page, half page, and full page sizes. Ad inquiries should be directed to Natalie Niemeyer at natalie.niemeyer@ dmschools.org. The Scroll reserves the right to reject ads deemed not in the best interest of East students. The paper is printed by Wilcox Printing in Madrid, IA.

Hate crimes against Asian Americans We all experience racism differently, but we all share the same goals to overcome racism Story/ A.Miranda

Page editior/ A.Miranda

Hate crimes against Asian American communities continue to grow, it has been over a year since the pandemic has been declared a state of national emergency and the violence towards Asian Americans has continued into 2021. According to the Los Angeles Times, since the start of the pandemic Anti-Asian hate crimes have gone up 1900 percent. As cases started rising, so did fear and racism in communities. There are multiple ways you can help the Asian community.

Asia is a big continent, and many people think every Asian [person] is Chinese,” senior Sujata Bajgai said.

This proves how little people are educated about Asia and the people who live and are from there.

Just a simple signing of a petition can go a long way, there are hundreds of petitions.

The petitions are aiming at trying to stop the violence and get justice for the Asians who were attacked. There are multiple ways you can find petitions to sign, Google it. An easier way is by going on social media, like Instagram, and searching the hashtag #StopAsianHate or #HateIsAVirus.

“Asian hate crimes are a thing, and it cannot be ignored. My skin is not a virus, I shouldn’t have to fear walking on the streets going to the grocery store,” East High alumni Soe Meh said.

Famous brands such as Nike, Adidas and The North Face are standing with Asians.

Many other streaming channels are also standing with the Asian community like ESPN and the NBA. These big brands are encouraging others on being aware of the situation and donating to stop the violence.

“My race is not a virus”

Sign Petitions

Educate

We must educate ourselves and others during a time like this. The increase in violent crimes targeting Asians, particularity the elderly, is frustrating and saddening. COVID-19 is not called “Kungflu” or the “China/Chinese virus”; all Asians aren’t “Chinese” we must educate others and encourage others to read books like “Minor feelings” by Cathy Park Hong or “The Joy Club” by Amy Tan. Other ways on educating others are by going on the news, websites, reading articles, and just looking it up on a social media platform you use every day.

Asia is the largest continent in the planet, with over 50 countries and over a thousand different languages.

“We need to educate others about Asians -

If you see something speak up, your voice can go a long way.

“If you see something, say something.

Listen to your POC (person/people of color) it is hard being a victim and speaking up to someone about the trauma that has happened that they never thought would happen,” Meh said.

People of color all experience racism differently, but we all share the same agendas and goals to overcome racism.

“Listen to others when injustice is happening towards them, it is not towards everybody.

A white person does not have to be scared to go on the street, but Asians are,” Bajgai said.

Share

Discrimination and racism against Asians is rising in the US and a lot of people aren’t aware of it. The reason is because American

Anti-Asian hate crimes have gone up 1900 percent.

media doesn’t cover content like this. So many incidents go unreported and many of us aren’t aware of what is going on. Share posts on social media, read articles and amplify your voice.

Some high profiling cases in Oakland is a 91-year-old Chinese man was assaulted and push to the ground, in San Francisco, an 84-year-old Thai elder was shoved to the ground and later died. Another case in San Francisco is a 64-year-old grandmother was robbed in broad daylight.

“They’re just targeting people of color even though they are saying it is going to end, it is not. If we’re being honest, racism is a thing that never is going to stop [and] it’s just going to continue,” senior Saham Salim said.

Together we must all unite, we are all human. No one should ever feel guilty about what color their skin is.

Listen up

We need to listen to learn. It is important to listen to others when they are affected by an issue. Listen to AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islanders) about their problems and feelings.

The defenseless and elderies are mainly being targeted.

More then half a million dollars has been donated to stop the violence.

Between march through December 2,800 Asian hate crimes were reported.

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Out with the old Learn about the removal of SROs in DMPS story/K.Tackett

page editor/K.Tackett

An SRO is a Student Resource Officer. These officers have been a fixture in Des Moines Public Schools for 10 years. But what happens when students feel that these officers are doing more harm than good? It was brought to the attention of the school board that DMPS contract with DMPD contributed to the school to prison pipeline. Meaning, once a student has a run-in with law enforcement, they are more likely to be involved with the law again in the future. Many DMPS students, including senior, Endi Montalvo-Martinez and junior, Lyric Sellers, saw a problem with this and fought for SROs to be removed from the district and replaced with other resources that help students deal with mental health, trauma, de-escalation, etc

Let’s start at the beginning, the work of removing SROs from DMPS has not been a short battle. This process took nearly a year to complete, and it was worth every second. Sellers mentioned that the work began at the beginning of quarantine, picked up over the summer, and hasn’t stopped since.

“We’ve been very intentional about our process. We wanted to make sure we were constantly liberating the voices of our students and especially our marginalized students. Every move we made had intention behind it,” Sellers said.

This process began because many students, including Sellers and Montalvo-Martinez recognized that having law enforcement in schools was not a good idea. They were able to recognize that a healthy learning environment does not need police present.

“Cops do not belong in a learning environment. It is actually concerning to think that there are many people who cannot envision a productive learning environment without cops being involved,” Sellers said.

A big factor in this decision was the amount of money being put towards SRO’s every year that could be put to better use. According to Montalvo-Martinez, the city and DMPS each paid $725,000 a year. Together, that’s around 1.5 million dollars going towards SROs. So where does this money go now?

“This money will be reinvested into mental health services and support staff like restorative justice facilitators and help with training on trauma informed de-escalation,” Montalvo-Martinez said.

It has been clear to many students, adults, and administrators that SROs seem to target students of color in certain situations.

“It’s hard not to come to the conclusion that SROs in schools marginalize students. The data has been very clear regarding that. SROs also don’t make schools safer,” Director of school climate for DMPS Jake Troja said.

Many hope that this will be a way to create supportive communities inside of our schools, without the police department involved. This could create a much stronger support system.

“We are trying to build communities, build individual school communities that support each student to feel safe and be safer on campus,” Troja said.

Depending on if you are an adult or a student, you may have a different idea on what this means for the future of DMPS. Either way, there is no denying that this will have a positive impact.

“Cops

do not belong in a

learning environment,”

“There are so many people who have opened their minds and hearts to come around to re-imagining safety. This is a big, radical change,” Sellers said.

East High Scroll

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Student Resource Officers Removal with Aiom Makier Listen to podcast

Photo Credit/N. Niemeyer

Junior Lyric Sellers

Senior Andi Moltavo-Martinez

East High Scroll

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New Social Studies classes Students will be able to choose inclusive electives for next school year

G

lobal Black history, Indigenous people’s history, Intersectional Feminism, Latinx history, and Asian American history are some of the many new social studies classes that are being offered to students at East High School next year. These classes were added to the curriculum after a push from students for social studies classes to be more inclusive.

“I feel as if history is/was not taught thoroughly and not as much as it should have been taught. So many important things were left out or taught in a way that made history not as relevant,” junior Alana Chanthavong said.

Global Black History Global Black history is a course in which students will be taught the raw truth about their history. They will learn about the history of black people even before the slave trade. Students will also be taught about black leaders that most people have not learned about because unless you do your own research, you were only taught about Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Malcolm X. They were great leaders who were important to black history, but you will learn about more people like them as well.

Indigenous/Native people’s History Indigenous/ Native people’s history is also another course that you can choose.

Students are not usually educated about Native American history, their cultures, and languages. According to a 2015 study at Pennsylvania State University, “87 percent of content taught about Native Americans includes only pre-1900 context.” In this course, you will learn about the oppression of Indigenous people, and the many nations within the geographic areas.

Intersectional Feminism Intersectional Feminism is a course in which students will learn about the history of feminist movements from the 18 century to modern day era. It will be centered around the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Women. Students will be taught about

East High Scroll

women of all identities and what they have faced throughout history.

Latinx History In this course students will explore Latin American history. (Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean). According to the Des Moines Public School’s 2021-2022 course catalog, “Students will analyze colonization through an intersectional lens and its direct effects on social injustice in Latin America.”

“As a Latina myself I have had to learn from what my parents and family tell me…

The culture, heritage, and ancestry of LatinX people is versatile and being able to learn just a bit more about it would be amazing,” junior Marisol Argueta-Hernandez said.

Asian American and Pacific Islanders History Students will learn the history of people of Asian and Pacific Islanders ancestry in the US. Students will also investigate issues that the Asian American community face today. They will also learn about the Model Minority Myth and Civic interactions.

Students will explore many Asian ethnicities and their similarities and differences. As stated in the course catalog, “A central goal of this course is to leave students feeling empowered and recognized throughout history.”

“It’s amazing the number of classes that are being considered for next year and I just hope people take this as a sign to charge for rightful change in BIPOC representation at East High,” Argueta-Hernandez said.

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Student opinions: I cant wait to see whats stored next year for these classes- Jenifer Andrade- Hernandez, 11

I wasn’t aware of these new social studies classes, but now that I am, i’m 100% for it- Kristen Phomsouvanh, 11

Its great that they are offering different history classes...its nice to see a change- Dol Aden, 9

story/S.Abdirahman

$aving for college Want to go to college but not sure if you have the money? Follow these easy steps to make sure you do.

Story/N.Taylor Page editor/N.Taylor

Pass on going out to eat, reconsider going shopping with your friends. When you do not save up for college or look for scholarships and financial aid during your final years of high school, it can increase the amount of student debt you will have. Here are four ways you can save your money, budget, and find financial help.

Financial aid Financial aid helps students, and their families pay for college. Financial aid covers educational expenses including tuition and fees, housing and board, books and supplies, and transportation. There are several types of financial aid, including grants and scholarships. How do you get financial aid? First you should Call the college financial aid office to ask about the appeals process for students, which is just calling and talking to financial office about applying. After you get a hold of the financial aid office you should identify the exceptional circumstances that affect your ability to pay for college, like you are unable to provide parental information, you’re at risk of being homeless, or you are seeking an unsubsidized loan only. Then write an appeal letter and wait for them to get back to you.

“At first, I did not have to worry about a car payment, but I was also getting financial aid for my first year of college so that helped a lot. But after the second year, some things happened in my family where I had to pay for my sister’s things before, she was in the hospital for quite a bit. That made it harder to save for college because I already was not making enough at work to pay for a car payment and these other bills.

Plus, I was not getting anything from financial aid in the second year,” Des Moines Area Community College student Taylor Wick said College classes in high school Many community colleges allow high school students to take certain classes. Sometimes high school students are only able to enroll in introductory classes while in high school, and they

Photo/N.taylor Wanting to save up in high school may come as a challenge to some people but it is very important to many becuase it can make less studet loans you’ll have after college. may also be required to submit their high school transcript or a teacher recommendation as proof that they can handle a college level course. By taking college courses in high school, it boosts your chances of qualifying for more scholarships and can improve your odds of graduating from college on time or early.

“We 100 percent recommend that students take college classes while in high school if they are academically able. These classes will help prepare them for the classes they will take when they go to college. When you go to college you have to PAY to take classes, or you can take some of them in high school for FREE! It gives you a head start once you get to college, helping you graduate from college early or take more classes of interest,” TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) Coordinator Sarah Clark said.

Setting up a Budget By creating a realistic spending and budgeting plan, you can keep track of your spending’s and plan financially for the future. The average high school student pays around $42-$55 going out to eat per week. When you are wanting to save money for college but need to go grocery shopping instead of going out to eat. Fill your fridge with some heathy or some snacky foods. Here are a couple cheap snack items you can buy, •Cheese sticks- these are a good on the go snack if you are in a hurry •Fruit- fruit is very heathy and can be good breakfast foods •Trail mix- this snack has lots of nutrients and a good amount of fiber.

Using a budgeting notebook or a normal notebook you can plan out how much rent, bills, etc. will cost for the month and you can add in your paycheck and see how much you have left after bills to save or spend responsibly.

Educational Talent Search (ETS) ETS is a program for kid’s six through 12th grade to help them better themselves for college.

Educational Talent Search (ETS) is 100% funded

by the U.S. Department of Education. They split students up by grade level and do meetings to talk about budgeting, different ways to get into college, and different types of colleges. To be in ETS, students must always keep a GPA of 2.0 or higher. This program helps kids understand how colleges work and to be ready for the future and is offered all over the United States.

“I have been in ETS for two or three years and it helped me prepare of the future. It also helps me learn about collage and how to get in to collage. Some of the things that I learned in ETS is how to budget your money and the different types of collages there is,” ETS student Caitlin Taylor said.

Finding different ways to save money and find programs to help you get into college is important because having a college degree can help you find your dream job.

Need more help?

Here are some Career and scholarship websites.

www.mynextmove.org/

www.futurereadyiowa.gov/ high-school-students www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org/?navId=bf-lu

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Working student athletes Students work 10-35 hours a week and play sports. How do they do it?

Story/ A.Miranda It’s a frigid Friday night, a home game for the Scarlets. Entering the East gym, you see the bright lights gleaming from the scoreboard, you can hear the crowd roaring, you can feel the tension and anxiousness of everyone in the auditorium. Basketballs dribbling on the wooden floor, shoes squeaking, kids chasing the ball, smiles on everyone’s face. This is what you would typically see during a basketball game. In 2021, things are significantly different. Crowds are smaller, you see coaches and fans wearing face masks... sports are different this year senior night doesn’t feel as special as it used to be. Being a busy student athlete during COVID-19 has been difficult.

It may look a little different for these seniors this year, but they make it work. Some sports were cancelled last year, but this year they came back and better. Most of these students are full time students, have part time jobs and have played sports on the side for years. They’ve got a lot on their plate and with a global pandemic it makes it even more stressful. How do they do it?

“I am a senior at East, and I have been playing for East for all four years. The goal I set for myself each year is to have a good season every year. While sports are fun, I also have a part time job. Being a busy student is a lot but for me I just put my mind to it and do it,” basketball player Berhane Mikele said.

Mikele has always been playing sports but he started a job to pay for bills, He has been working long hours and works weekends, he also has school and plans to not stop playing sports

East High Scroll

Page Editor/ A.Miranda anytime soon.

“My advice I would give athletes that also have school and a job is to do what you want to do and achieve them, then repeat. Set new goals, keep working hard and you can do it. It may seem tiring at first, but you’ve got this. I don’t regret doing sports because of the best moments like creating new friendship and opening opportunities,” Mikele said.

If you want something, achieve it and work hard for it, you’ve got this.

“I am a senior at East high school. I love playing sports, in East I did swimming since I was a freshman. I was always busy with sports I was dedicated by staying late and practicing early and just always being focused,” swimmer Alicia Camarillo said.

This year was Camarillo’s last year in swimming, she was also stress with a lot of things such as school and a new learning environment, but she does not regret doing swimming all four years “What I miss this year was having a great senior night, COVID-19 took away my senior night. Crowds we’re also much smaller but the people who motivated me the most was my teammates and my coaches. My coaches push me to do my best and are so understanding. The key is to communicate with your coaches. They know you have other things going on and as long as you have a good relationship with your coaches it makes it ten times more fun.” Camarillo said.

For the most part coaches understand. They understand that we’re busy students they just

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want you to have fun.

“It Is really difficult to work, be a full-time student, and a student athlete. We encourage kids to work less during the season,” East coach swimmer Erinesa Lowe said.

Swimmers need a lot of rest to prepare themselves for their best at championships. Each year swimmers come back and are better.

“Life is all about balance, you must make sure you stay on top of things. Worry and stressing about things doesn’t help it is terrible for your mental health. It is all about time management and using that time wisely. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. Some people accomplish great things in those 24 hours, others waste it.

You don’t need to take naps and spend hours on social media. You focus on one thing at a time, you would be surprised of how much you can get done,” Head wrestling coach James Giboo said.

Coach Giboo has made positive major changes in wrestling; they were fortunate enough to win four out of five last conference titles.

“This is my last year in East high school. I have played track for East all four years. What motivates me and makes me stand out from the rest of my teammates is being the only Muslim girl on my team. My coaches motivate me, they push me hard and see potential in me,” track runner Hamdi Abdirahman said.

Abdirahman has been working during the pandemic, she also plans on continuing track and make her last season on the field her best season.

She also plans on still running for track when she graduates high school “I have worked at Men’s Warehouse for a while, I also had to adapt to a new learning environment. My advice for people who want to do sports and have a job on the side with school going on is to stay focus in school.

Work weekends until you are comfortable with extending your hours. Your job will always be there for you. High school is only a one-time thing. What I regret is not joining more sports on my free time. Pursue actives that interest you, you won’t regret it,” Abdirahman said.

Try out for that sport you’ve wanted to play.

You won’t regret it.

“I like to tell the swimmers that you have your entire life to work, right now just enjoy being a kid. I don’t like to see teenagers growing up too fast, they only get to be a kid once, there is no going back,” Lowe said.

Coaches understand that we’re all busy students, they’re willing to work with anyone with a good attitude who wants to be better and gain valuable life skills.

“I am always looking for anyone interested in wrestling boys and girls. It is a sport that will teach your life lessons that you can take with you for the rest of your life. It is one of the few sports where size doesn’t matter... If you are interested in joining, just stop and see Coach Giboo to find out about off season training.”

Giboo said

Track season ready for fresh start

After Covid-19 cancelled 2020’s season

Story/A.Makier

Photo/ G.Schoon

I

t’s the first week of March 2019, both Drake Relays, State meets, and just competEast boys and girls track teams have ing in general. There are some juniors from a meet at the University of Northern last year that are now seniors that are ready Iowa UNI dome, competing with more than 15to get back to the game plan. other teams. The ride there is long, teammates “Covid messed up my opportunity to try cracking jokes, eating, and some are sleeping. and get into Drake Relays and go to state Once the teams arrive it’s time to set up camps for the second time. I’m 100 percent ready and compete. Did we all think this would be for my last high school track season and the last track meet in 2020? Well it was. hopefully make it to state this year,” East “Covid cancelled our last track season and High senior Portia Jones said. has delayed our recent season as well, and we’re unable to have indoor meets,” East High senior Abbi Webb said.

Since last spring break in March 2020, DMPS canceled spring sports, proms and performing arts events through the end of the school year, and instead planned personal commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020.

The remainder of the 2019-20 school year was moved to distance learning.

“Since we haven’t been in school fully since From incoming freshmen to experienced March, I’m not sure which freshmen are com- scarlets are ready to go out and show out ing out, I just hope they come out this season for East High 2021 Track season. Sprinters and enjoy it,” Webb said. have their block starts right, Field athletes East High 2021 track season is slowly and hurdlers both have their steps down, approaching and most of the athletes are ready, and lastly long-distance athletes have their they’re even more ready to see the incoming pace ready. freshmen. With everything trying to get back “I finally got my steps down and I’m to normal, all track athletes are physically, emo- ready to show how much I improved,” tionally, and mentally prepared.

Brown said. She has been hurdling since a “I’m super ready, I’ve been ready for my freshman and has improved throughout her next track season since forever, since last year track experience. we never got a season I’m excited and can’t Most of East High athletes participate wait for this season,” East High junior Alexis in multiple sports, from volleyball, football, Brown said. to basketball. Others who didn’t participate Most athletes were bummed out there in sports this year work out with Becca wasn’t a season last year. They were ready for afterschool in the weight room. Anyone

“We have great potential in this years season.”

can work out with her, and she works out with students very well.

Building athletes is a specialty for the scarlets, every athlete in any category of sports at East High has potential.

“We could use this year to build a strong two class base for the future,” East High boys track coach William Larkin said.

The scarlets encourage anyone to come out this track season, new or experienced, you’re still included. For more information about joining East High 2021 track season you could reach out to Coach Morton

2021 season by the numbers 346 days since last season 10 days till new season Approx. 43 girls Approx. 31 boys

17 track meets for our scarlets

to show out

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The Pink Tax

Persona Women’s 5 Blade Razor

Undercover misogyny Story/K.Tackett

The average cost of razors: Women’s vs.

Men’s.

Womens: $2.99 Men’s: $1.66

Same Persona Men’s 5 Blade Razor

Brand!

East High Scroll

Page editor/K.Tackett

It is not uncommon for women and men to be treated differently in society. This is seen in pay gaps, underrepresentation, and women being taken less seriously in professional settings. But a difference that is often overlooked is that many products targeted to women are way more expensive than the same products targeted towards men. This is often referred to as “The Pink Tax.” “The Pink Tax is just another form of misogyny that we have normalized so much that it is overlooked. It’s not serious enough for anyone besides those affected by it, therefore advocating for change is difficult,” Ankeny Sophomore Aryana Lewis said.

Many products suffer from this “tax.” They are all products targeted specifically towards women, usually in pink or more fem-

is very costly compared to men’s for no specific reason.

“I personally buy sweaters and t-shirts from the men’s section and yet they are cheaper compared to the womens.’ Alot of people say to just buy the men’s products but it’s ridiculous that is something we should do to avoid The Pink Tax. Why do I have to pay more for something my body needs just because I am a woman?” DMACC Freshman Fabiana Centeno said.

Many women feel as if society is made against them, often called “a man’s world.” Which can, at times, be frustrating. It is considerably harder for women to get a leg up in the world, as there is a

“Why should I have to pay more

for something My body needs inine packaging. This could include deodorant, razors, shaving cream, clothing, conditioner, etc.

“I noticed a wide variety of products including period products like pads, tampons, and hair products that are directed towards any type of woman, as well as anything pink like razors, shampoos, and more. You can walk into any store and buy a comb that is pink and buy a comb that is black or blue and the pink comb will be taxed higher,” Ankeny Centennial Sophomore Kylie Lerberg said.

It’s not only products on store shelves. Many women recall being overcharged for services done by male-dominated professions. An example of this is vehicle repairs. Since many mechanics are male, many tend to talk women who are alone into paying for other services or paying more for something not worth that much money.

“Women being overcharged for male dominated things is completely true. Women are expected to be unknowledgeable in “male” topics, making them more vulnerable to being taken advantage of. This happens often, and in more situations than imaginable,” Lewis said.

Many times, even the most basic products carry a higher price when targeted towards women. There is usually little to no difference in these products but because they are more feminine, they are overpriced.

“I believe that male products, which are typically cheaper, are often better. I’ve seen this with razors and deodorants the most. I believe that the companies are able to sell women’s items for more based on their demand and “feminine” packaging,” Lewis said.

It is not only hygiene products that are overpriced for women. It can also be seen in clothing and even girls’ toys. Many times, women’s clothing

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Just because i’m a woman?” gender pay gap and at the same time, women must pay more for basic products.

“I see a correlation between it (gender pay gap and The Pink Tax), but not a logical one. The average woman is still paid less than the average man, yet they want us to buy ourselves even more, expensive products, it’s almost a loophole,” Lewis said.

The biggest argument of all, which is even sometimes split for women, is whether or not feminine hygiene products such as pads and tampons should be free for all women. As periods are a natural occurrence that cannot be controlled. Some women don’t think they should be free, but do believe in easier access.

“This is a difficult question because they aren’t free to make, and someone has to earn something for the materials and time. I definitely think they should be way cheaper and easier for more people to access,” Lewis said.

Some women have views that are different and believe that all period products should be free.

“I think of this in a similar way to the way libraries function. Granted, you return books back to a library, and I assume no one wants to have a hygiene product returned to them used. However, libraries are government run using federal and state taxes to provide people with education whenever they want, which is considered a right in America.

Why should women be denied free products to manage a cycle they can’t control?” Lerberg said.

It’s become clear that many women living in “a man’s world” struggle with undercover misogyny.

The Pink Taxis not widely talked about enough. It is important to raise awareness so that we can change things that are unfair in our society.

Transgender Rights in Iowa

Opinion/ K. Pierce

New Bills targeting transgender people LGBTQ+ is a fantastic group of people that should be accepted in society. However, some people would disagree, this is shown in the new bills that are being considered by the Iowa legislature. The bills are specifically written to impact the lives of transgender people. The first bill states that if a school decides to teach anything about gender identity, then they also must include gender dysphoria, transition regret, and detransition. The second bill states that gender identity cannot be taught in kindergarten and it also cannot be taught in grades 1-6 without parent/guardian permission.

Senate file 167 by Carlin, Schultz, J. Taylor, Johnston, Klimesh, Sinclair, Rosenboom, and Shipley states, “The curriculum provided to a student in accordance with this subsection shall not include instruction relating to gender identity, as defined in section 216.2, unless the school district or accredited nonpublic school obtains the prior written consent of the student’s parent or guardian. If a parent or guardian does not provide written consent, a student may opt out of instruction relating to gender identity” (28-35). This actively demonstrates that students must have a parent/guardian’s permission to take a gender identity class. This could result in problems due to parents not agreeing with the concept of gender identity, then having their kid not take the class.

This could be bad for the kid because they might be confused about their identity. So, this bill could be prohibiting students from

learning bout themselves.

This senate file also states, “An accredited nonpublic school must meet the requirements of this subsection only if the nonpublic school offers a kindergarten program. The curriculum utilized for purposes of this subsection shall not include instruction relating to gender identity as defined in section 216.2” (9-15). This demonstrates that gender identity cannot be taught in Kindergarten. This is bad because there is a chance that younger kids might be confused because they do not feel like they are in the right body so, this bill is preventing these kids from not only learning about gender identity but also learning why they might not feel comfortable in their own body.

“I am disappointed that they are even considering making these bills. I wish I would have learned about gender identity when I was young, I feel if I did it would have made me more understanding of transgender people.” junior Ava Williams said.

House file 326 states,” If a school district offers curriculum that provides instruction or information related to gender identity…(it) must also include educational materials and references to gender dysphoria, the existence of transition regret and detransition, and the potential harm… of social and medical gender interventions” (3-8). This suggests that if gender identity is taught, then it also needs to include gender dysphoria (Discomfort that might

take place after transitioning), transition regret (The feeling of regret after transitioning), and detransition (Reversal of the transition). I do believe that these should be taught, however, they should not be used as weapons against transitioning. If someone thinks that it would be best for them to transition, then they should transition.

“In the senate legislation states that social and emotional needs should be met and then goes on to specify that a certain group of humans should be concealed from public eye. This sabotages said social and emotional education those students would receive as well as creates a less safe environment for those students whose identities are being canceled in the curriculum.” GSA advisor Joseph Thering said.

These bills that are going through the Iowa legislature are going to affect the community, specifically transgender people and if these bills do pass, they are going to do more harm than good.

“As for the house legislation, it demonstrates a different form of ignorance if not conservative religious propaganda. It requires language no longer in use in medical or mental health fields to be included if consent for curriculum granted. Further, the language they require shows how little legislators know about the issue; they seem to believe that people proceed with gender confirmation without very, very thorough guidance from therapists and medical doctors.” Thering said.

Amazing LGBTQ+ creators: Nikkie de Jager- @NikkieTutorials on TikTok and Youtube Spencer- @spencewuah on TikTok

Honorable mentions:

Starr Mcqueen- @starr_mcqueen_ on Tiktok Nathan Doyle- @tranquil_trans on TikTok Crystal Jade- @cjtooicy on tiktok

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How online learning affected student’s grades DMPS grades dropping due to remote learning

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es Moines Public Schools started the school year online, then moved to a hybrid model. In the end of the first semester, students moved in the building full time.

Due to this, students and staff have all seen a decrease in grades and student’s attendance has gone down rapidly. When the first report card went out after the first term, there was a substantial increase in failures and extraordinarily low grades for many students.

With the startling total of low grades, this should provide plenty of evidence on how many kids are struggling with remote learning. If students don’t understand what is happening in class, how are they going to be able to take a test and get a passable grade?

Various students and teachers didn’t have a quiet place to sit and teach or listen because of siblings, parents, children, pets, etc. This made¬it hard to focus on what your teacher or students are saying.

“When I was going online to do my classes, my siblings were also home going to their classes it made it difficult for me to focus or even want to photo/ N.Taylor join my classes,” freshmen Jocelyn Housley said.

For teachers who have not had to teach online Remote learning can be stressful for many students and teachers. When students are working at before, this year has been harder for them to home, they can get distracted easy and then have a bunch of work to do at the last minute. support their students and explain the assignment to them in detail. But when students were able to come in the building to learn, they had a better understanding of what they are supposed to be Now that students are back in the building many weeks now, and most of us have more molearning. full time, Des Moines Public Schools has started tivation now than we did virtually. Being a teacher “Teachers online just tell us to do the work a night school program to provide students with is an emotional and physical job-meaning we need but not how to do it so it makes it harder to get extra help from teachers to help bring up their physical and emotional contact with students and it done and then you just give up but when I’m in grades.

It started February eighth, Mondays – other staff in order to be super effective. The person they actually try” freshmen Tristin Green Thursdays, 3:45-5:45 pm.

This program is open disconnect I’m seeing right now is getting our stusaid. to all students and is free. You can go into the dents on that same level. Factors like distractions, A large handful of cafeteria to sign in and then phones, and attendance are causing this disconteachers have reported “Teachers online just tell us go into the classroom that nect to get in the way of some students finding that not even half of to do the work but not how to fits your needs for the subthat motivation. their classes haven’t been do it so it makes it harder to get ject you are needing help in I also deal mainly with freshmen; this means showing up to the live it done and then you just give that day. Also, snacks will be that some of my students don’t fully understand online classes that were up but when I’m in person they provided by the school for the consequences of them failing classes and the being held on the Teams students. impact it will have on their future high school actually try,” app. This caused many “I definitely prefer 100% career. The class I teach is required for graduation, freshman Tristin Green said. students to fail classes or in person, but also know that and I tell students every year if they don’t pass drop the class. there are some students that 100% online is their it then they will have to retake it. This is another “We are at about 50 to 60 percent attendance preference and are really doing well. I think that reason I offer my time and support for night but in person I know who is here and if you are the virtual classroom continues to evolve and will school,” algebra teacher Justine Rinker said. here, I know if you are paying attention or not. be a powerful resource and opportunity for a lot Being back in the building full time has taken When your online, I don’t know even though your of students and families from here on out.

I am off a lot of stress for students and teachers for logged into the meeting, I don’t know if you’re happy we were able to make both a reality this the most part. paying attention,” algebra teacher Robert Bagley year and am proud of our teachers and staff and “I’m not every good with technology so, I said. their work in this endeavor,” associate principal Jill think I do a better job explaining to students When DMPS had all students doing remote Versteeg said. when I have a white board and draw, appose to learning it caused students to lose some self-moLots of students feel like they have more using technology,” Bagley said. tivation. lots of students need motivation from motivation to get work done and come to school Working online can be a struggle for many stutheir peers and teachers to feel like they can get because of being in the building rather than at dents but with Des Moines Public Schools having their work done, but when doing online schooling home doing remote learning. Being able to talk us do full in person has helped bring up student’s it’s harder for students to feel like they have any to teachers face to face is making learning much motivation at all. Several students don’t even get easier for many students. out of bed to join class, they lay in bed and somestory/ N.Taylor “As a teacher, it has been great being back in times fall back asleep or join class and play video Page editor/ N.Taylor the classroom. Teachers have been full time for games or play music and zone out.

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Maxboost mask filters, are they any good?

A review on one of the many ways thousands of people protect themselves Disease, viruses, sickness, and general unwellness.

All these things can be floatyou. ing through the air and can be inhaled at any moment. Face masks are recommended as a way of keeping these things at bay, but what about mask filters? Mask filters are filters that can be placed in both disposable and reusable masks and add an extra layer of protection. These filters can be made up of materials ranging from cotton to activated carbon.

Maxboost PM2.5 filters are a type a filter that uses both, and this review will help you determine if this filter is right for

Effectiveness and execution

When using these filters, the first thing I noticed was that they are more breathable when placed directly into a mask than put into a mask pocket. This is because the mask pocket forces the filter closer to your face and makes it harder to breathe. These filters are made with five thin layers of material and are a thick fabric, so breathing directly through them is difficult. When it comes to effectiveness against things in the air, the filters work well. Masks already help protect someone from particles floating around but filters really add that extra layer of protection. Since one of the layers is activated carbon, the filters can also help protect against volatile compounds that are usually found in household products. Since the filters add an extra layer, they create more heat on your face.

This could be very uncomfortable if you are doing everyday things, but it could help a great deal if you are in a cold environment.

Price and quality

The filters came in a pack of thirty for $7 but that price has now raised to $10 They were one of the cheapest options when I searched for mask filters, but the quality is still great. Each filter is small enough to fit into most masks and could even fit into children’s masks. If you were to go running or jogging with a mask, I would not recommend using the filter. The filter will make it much harder to breath and you could even risk breathing in your own carbon dioxide, which is very dangerous. Even when walking around or just sitting in place the filters make it a bit harder to breathe, no matter how you place them in the mask. I would recommend folding them in half as the instructions state because this creates a gap between your mouth and the filter.

This makes it much easier to breathe.

Further instruction

Most effective type of face mask and why.

Face shield An article in the JAMA network showed that face shields reduce immediate viral exposure by 96% when worn within 18 inches of a cough or sneeze

Surgical mask

A research study found that surgical mask were three times as After you are done using these filters, effective at reducing the inhalayou are supposed to throw them away tion of respiratory droplets as a and rewash your mask or throw that homemade mask. away too. If you are ready to throw away a mask, always cut off the ear straps.

This could prevent animals from getting stuck in it and dying. Always wash your hands after touching a used filter since there could be viruses on it from breathing with it on. Never reuse a filter twice as you risk breathing in whatever is on it.

And there you have it; you now have the information needed to decide whether these masks are good for you.

Remember to always wear a mask even if you are not using a filter and stay safe.

Story/Ptolemy.R Design/Ptolemy.R Illustrations/Ptolemy.R

Homemade mask

A recent study found that stitched cotton mask only allowed sneezes to travel two point 5 inches. The CDC recommends using a two layer 100% cotton mask.

Source/ hackensackmeridianhealth.org

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Social Isuues Adressed in Long Time ABC Show,

Grey’s Anatomy

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omestic abuse, police brutality, racism, addiction, and substance abuse are some of the many social issues that long time ABC show, “Grey’s Anatomy” highlights. Grey’s is a well-known medical series with 17 seasons.

You can watch it on Netflix, Hulu, and many other platforms. It’s been around since 2005 and most shows back then did not usually incorporate controversial subjects into their shows, but the writers of “Grey’s Anatomy” have been adding relevant issues into their character’s storylines for a long time.

“The types of shows and movies that I watch that address social issues have definitely evolved (and expanded) over the years.

Right now, I am really enjoying listening to podcasts about various social justice topics,” East High counselor Natalie Madsen said.

The show is a medical drama, so it focuses on the doctors dealing with their patient’s medical issues, but the show does not dismiss the staff ’s own medical struggles. A recurring aspect of health that is addressed is addiction. Former Chief of Surgery, Richard Webber, is one of the characters whose alcohol addiction is mentioned throughout the years.

It focuses on his recovery, but he falls off the wagon in season 6 and the other doctors help him get back on his feet, especially the main character, Meredith Grey. Meredith advises him to step down from being chief and get some professional help and tells him his job is waiting for him.

“They (shows/movies) can also be helpful

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in showing people that they are not alone in what they are going through,” Madsen said.

Webber is not the only character on the show who deals with addiction. Amelia Shepard, later named Chief of Neurosurgery, also deals with addiction and so does a young teenager that she takes in. Her name is Betty, and her storyline talks about how she was an athlete and an injury led to her opioid addiction. It shows how hard she was trying to change for her son, but she kept going back to the drugs and it was hard for Amelia to watch her go through the same thing that she did. This kept happening until her boyfriend died from an overdose and she almost did as well. Amelia took Betty in because she saw a fellow struggling addict and she wanted to be there for her, just like how she wished

“They (shows/ movies) can also be helpful in showing people that they are not alone in what they are going through.”

Betty in, because they were like the same person, and she really helped her,” sophomore Amina Ali said.

Camilla Luddington is a British- American actor who plays the role of Jo Wilson. In the show, Jo is a survivor of domestic abuse, and when she finds out that her abuser, Paul, was getting married, she tries to talk his fiancé into reporting him to the police so that he can’t get away with what he is doing any more. The actor who plays the role of the fiancé is Bethany Joy Lenz, and she is a survivor of abuse in real life which is why she took the role in that episode.

In season 15, Jo builds a strong bond with a patient who had also experienced assault. Season 15 episode 19 is one of the most powerful episodes. Abby comes into the hospital because she had a bruised abdomen. When the doctors realized that she had been abused, they offer her the option to get justice, so they collected evidence. Abby said she did not want to see any men’s faces.

So, all the women in the cast and crew of “Grey’s Anatomy” lined up in the hallways standing in solidarity in support of Abby.

“That episode gave me goosebumps... it was a breathtaking scene,” sophomore Ruweyda Abdi said.

Another social issue that is mentioned in “Grey’s Anatomy” is racism and police brutality. In season 14, a young black boy is brought to the hospital with a gunshot wound. He was shot by local police officers who claimed that he was breaking into a suburban house, but the house was his family’s.

The police try to get a statement from the young boy, and they want to handcuff him because they believed he was dangerous.

One of the surgeons, Jackson Avery, stands up for the boy and denied them. He was shot because the police assumed he was a black kid breaking into homes in a wealthy neighborhood.

The cast of “Grey’s Anatomy” is diverse and have all experienced different things, and the show adds relevant issues to represent all the people that come and go from their show. The writers address these tough topics so that the audience can relate and know that they are not alone in what they are going through.

“Even if these shows/books/podcasts are tough to watch or listen to, I think they can help everyone make sense of their world,” Madsen said.

someone were for her.

“I found it kind of cool how she took

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story/ S.Abdirahman

A review of:

story/K.Tackett

page editor/K.Tackett

All The Bright Places A 2020 film

“All the Bright Places” (2020) is a film based on the book by Jennifer Niven. It follows the story of Finch, the “freak” who is constantly waiting for his day to die, and Violet, the quiet girl who recently tragically lost her sister. In the beginning of the film, Finch meets Violet standing on the edge of a ledge, overlooking a river that she is contemplating jumping into.

Throughout the movie, it becomes increasingly clearer that Finch suffers from multiple mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and depression. He spirals through several manic episodes, while Violet struggles to support him.

The two characters are partnered together for a school project where they are tasked with exploring the many wonders Indiana has to offer. Through this we see Finch’s new and heart wrenching outlook on life, while he helps Violet heal from her past. Unfortunately, in the end we are reminded of reality, as Finch tragically drowns himself in a lake they had previously visited. Violet is left where she started, heartbroken and alone.

“you are all of the colors in one, at full brightness.”

This film does a really good job at showing how real mental illnesses are. Often, mental illness is romanticized by the media, not showing how devastating it can be. Showing not only Finch’s episodes, but the effect it has on the people in his life is a good connection to make. It also makes two key points. One, everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing of, and two, mental illnesses are not all-consuming. There is a side character in the film named Amanda. Amanda suffers from an eating disorder, but no one knows. She keeps her popular girl image up and her suffering quiet. I also like that Finch’s whole personality isn’t his illnesses. He still has a beautiful outlook on life, and it makes his character loveable. My favorite quote from Finch is, “you are all of the colors in one, at full brightness.” I think that without Finch being so in touch with his emotions and his illness, he wouldn’t be able to have this outlook that humanizes him and makes his character so loveable.

“You’ve got atleast a thousand capacities in you. Even if you don’t think so.”

This film was heartbreaking, eye-opening, and overall amazing. It somehow breaks your heart and gives you hope at the same time. If you or someone you love is struggling with a mental illness or going through a rough time, this movie can help you see the beauty and see everything you’d miss out on if you weren’t here.

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Climate change: Ruining the

WORLD

What happened in Texas and what it means for the rest of us

Story/Ptolemy. R Illustration/Ptolemy. RDesign/Ptolemy. R It’s 3 a.m. and you wake up in your own home. You feel the cold freezing your bones as your body shivers with pain. You have no power, no water, and the realization that there will be no help hits you like a bus. This is what the people of Texas went through on January 20th.

This winter, Texas has been experiencing below zero temperatures that are unusual for the state because of climate change.

Houses and apartments are not built for this kind of weather, so the people have been left freezing. On top of that, many residents have been without power and water for weeks now.

This freezing weather has caused many peoples pipes to freeze over causing them to build up which makes them burst. Burst pipes are not only a flooding hazard but also a fire hazard and a building

collapse hazard. Many people have gone homeless because of the damages caused by these conditions, and its only getting worse.

People are freezing to death in their own homes and the government isn’t helping. Former Texas Mayor Tim Boyd said quote “No one owes you or your family anything” and “Only the strong will survive” during a recent social media rant. He then later resigned but this just shows how little the local government actual cares for it’s people. Some Texas politicians have also falsely blamed frozen wind turbines and renewable energy as the reason for the power outage. This boldfaced lie serves no other reason than to slander renewable energy and persuade the publics opinion on whether or not it’s a good option. In fact, most of Texas’ power comes from natural gases as well as coal, neither of which are renewable energy. Another example of corruption is the price

Countries that emit the most carbon

5.41Gigaton 2.65Gigaton 10.06Gigaton

“No one owes you or your family anything” -Tim Boyd

Source/ ucsusa.org

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of electricity going up at such a time like this.

ERCOT manages 90 percent of the state’s electric load and has been raising the price of people’s electric bills. Many people cannot even work or get to work so they can’t pay a bill that unnecessarily high. And considering many people don’t even have power, demanding that residents pay more is absolutely absurd. The Texas situation shows us that climate change is real and we should be doing something about it. A very terrifying realization, however, is that it’s most likely too late. We can’t convince the people that are in power and it is taking too long to put new people in power.

The only thing we can do now is educate the American population.

Start putting the effects of climate change in science classes, start teaching young voters what their rights are. Stop letting people get away with the things they’re doing.

As citizens, we have the right to control what happens in all levels of government, and we need to start using it.

U.S.A. India China

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