October 2020 - North Star Newsmagazine

| DISCOVERING NEW MUSIC PAGE 02 | THE CLASS OF 89-90 RETURNS

PAGE 15 |

BE A MAN CULTURE PAGE 42 |

NORTH | STAR

FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH | ST. CHARLES, MO 63303 | 10.02.19 | VOL 34 ISSUE 01

HALF CHARGED OR HALF EMPTY? FIND OUT HOW FHN STUDENTS AND STAFF FEEL ABOUT PHONES IN CLASSROOMS AND HOW IT AFFECTS ACADEMIC SUCCESS.

FHNtoday.com

CONTENTS

26

The co-owner of Alex’s Grill & Ice Cream waits for cutomers to enter the diner. The local restaurant is located in St. Peters and serves everything from greek cuisine to burgers. The diner’s mission is to make it’s food affordable for nothing on the menu is over $10. (Photo by Addy Bradbury)

ENTERTAINMENT 1 Gaming Consoles See what gaming consoles have been the best recieved over the decades

2

Finding New Music Learn new ways to discover artists and albums and broaden your musical taste

NEWS 7 Break or Bust The busing system has undergone some changes for this school year

10

Prevent Over Punish The new drug policy focuses on helping students get over addiction

FEATURES 15 Blast From The Past Alumni from the first FHN graduating class return to the school for a tour

18 Prep for Homecoming

Read about how to prepare and other tips for the Homecoming dance

SPORTS 35 Carrying the Legacy

Younger Wortman sister plays volleyball and continues her sister’s legacy

38 State Swimmer

Sophomore Logan Schelfaut won state in swim and dive last year

OPINIONS 42 Be A Man Culture Toxic masculinity is an issue that can harm the mindset of young boys

43

Coping With Stress Find ways to cope with stress in school and how to manage time better

ON THE COVER

A phone battery sits on the front cover. This issue addresses the phones in classrooms debate. It addresses the issue from the not only the student’s but also the teacher’s perspective. (Illustration by Gracie Bowman)

FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | CONTENTS

10

Tucker Manthey dressed in his sunday best, his taco costume, smiles at the camera at the dog park. Tucker and his sister, Lola were trying on their outfits for Dogtoberfest which will be on Oct 12. (Photo by Ella Manthey)

35

Junior Cat Connelly cheers after her team score a point in a junior varsity game against Fort Zumwalt West. The knights won the second set 25-20 but fell to the FZW Jaguars. (Photo by Anna Hollinger)

PAGE BY KARSYN WILLIAMS

TOP VIDEO GAME CONSOLES These are some video game consoles that have been well received throughout the industry in America (Content by Justin Christensen)

The Atari 2600

The Atari 2600, released in 1977, popularized the usage of ROM cartridges to store games instead of storing the games on the unit itself. Its success came partly from its own version of Space Invaders, originally an arcade game. As a result of this success, Activision was created as a major third party game developer.

The Sega Genesis

The NES Released in 1985, the Nintendo Entertainment System helped pick up

the video game industry in North America after the crash of 1983. The NES sold over 61 million units, and introduced Mario as one of the flagship video game characters.

The SNES

Sega responded to the success with a console of their own three years later. The Sega Genesis sold over 35 million units worldwide, and the console included Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega’s flagship character that would compete with Nintendo throughout the console wars.

In an era of 32 bit gaming consoles, the 16 bit Super Nintendo Entertainment System was surprisingly competitive among the market.

Within its nine year lifespan, the SNES sold over 49 million units.

The Playstation

The Nintendo 64

The Playstation was the first ever console to hit 100 million sales.

Released in 1995, the Playstation established Sony as a big competitor in the video game console industry dominated by Nintendo and Sega.

The Playstation 2

The Nintendo 64 is one of the most widely recognized consoles of all time. Even though demand was very high, the cartridge format the N64 used for it’s games caused a lower pace of production.

The Xbox

Selling over 138 million copies, the Playstation 2 has sold better than any other console. It also had one of the longest lifespans of 12 years, from 2000 to 2012. The PS2 also supported online gaming..

The Xbox was the first major console to be made by an American company since the Atari Jaguar back in 1996. The Xbox has sold over 24 million units, and has many accessories like a Music Mixer, a DVD playback kit and even supported a wireless controller.

The Nintendo Wii

The Xbox One

The Nintendo Wii was unique in that it featured a remote which could detect movement in three dimensions. It has sold over 101 million units, edging out the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 in terms of worldwide sales.

“My favorite console is the Xbox. I’ve always had it in my household, and it’s one of my favortie pastimes.”

Calvin Causwell, 10

PAGE BY JUSTIN CHRISTENSEN

“I have always loved my Playstation.

Even though it’s old, it’s still very fun to play on.”

Zoe Barron, 9

The Xbox One features Kinect, a motion detection system that allows you to control some aspects of the console through your hand. Microsoft has confirmed that one million consoles have been sold within the first hour of its release, going on to sell about 41 million units through 2018.

“The Xbox One has a lot of cool stuff.

There are also so many games for it, I’ll never get bored of it.”

Trevor Gestring, 11

“The NES was one of the first consoles I ever played on. It has always been associated with me.”

Collin Peck, 9

ENTERTAINMENT | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

01

(Photo submitted by Gracie Bowman)

FINDING NEW MUSIC

Five ways to find new music that’s special to you or deepen your connections with music you already love (Content by Jack Cleaveland)

THE MINER IN ME Created on May 17th, 2009 was a revolutionary sandbox game where you can fight skeletons and pixelated brocolis, eat cooked chicken and pumpkin pie, and get so lost in caves you begin to cry and dig straight up only to realize you were 10 feet away. This was called Minecraft, and it took the world by storm.

It garnered hundreds of popular YouTubers who played it, Merchandise, and a cult following. Fans were in love with the endless possibilities with creative mode and the challenging and enthralling survival mode.

Unfortunately, over the years, the social acceptance and trend of Minecraft was dying out. Last year it gained 20 million players, though playing it wasn’t so cool. Fortnite was the brand new shiny obsession most gamers had, but when it came to the variety of things you were able to do, Minecraft came out on top. Fortnite even made creative and playground options to broaden its horizon, but efforts to meet the wide array of options in game play were ultimately a Check out more fun facts failure. about Minecraft here: It became bit.ly/2mkVnFx clear that most games could never match what Minecraft has built, starting the resurrection of a game once thought to be long dead.

Junior Phillip Linarasi has been playing for five years and currently plays weekly. His friends on Xbox got him back into it and, with the help of social media and YouTube, he thinks the resurgence will last a few more months. Though it does distract from homework, he finds the game very relaxing.

“You can play for really long without realizing,” Linarasi said.

Art teacher Courtney Flamm has also witnessed the resurgence from behind her desk.

“I don’t know much about it, but I appreciate how imaginative it is and it gives kids the opportunity to be creative,” Flamm said. (Brief

by Minnie Adams )

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FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | ENTERTAINMENT

Just think, there is a never-ending plethora of music sitting in your pocket right now. If the same everyday music is getting boring to you, it doesn’t have to be that way. Just like learning to swim or training to throw things really far, being able to listen to music and establish meaningful and powerful connections with the music you are interested in is a skill that can grow with you as your repertoire of music also expands.

1. UNDERSTANDING GENRES Genres are the broadest classifying tool for music. There are also sub-genres which are nice blends of two or more genres at once.

Two common genres are Rock and Electronic.

Sub-genres of both of those genres would be Post-Punk Rock and Detroit house music.

Being able to understand and respect these are your first step to enhancing your listening experience. If there’s a genre you think is interesting, look it up, learn about it and its sub-genres to gain a real understanding for the artists and content involved.

2. USING GOOGLE Surprisingly, Google has a great system to help you understand and explore new genres. If you go to Google and enter a genre with the word “bands/ artists” after it, take “technical death metal” for example. When you look up “technical death metal bands”, you get a list spanning a ton of tech death bands from a range of different years. Click on a band that you think is interesting and read about them. Listen to an album or a few of their best songs and try to pick apart your reactions. Try to think about what you really like and really don’t like about what you’re hearing.

3. ARTIST’S PERSPECTIVE Obviously, to make an emotional connection with something, you have to establish your own personal associations to your life through words, music and feelings expressed by the artist. For example, if you’re listening to a rapper like Kendrick Lamar, you may not relate to his songs’ messages completely, but you can understand the power and emotion he put into his songs from his perspective and appreciate it more.

(Illustration by Jack Cleveland)

4. RESEARCH ARTISTS Being able to know everything about an artist can also impact your feelings about their music. The best case of this is perhaps the case of Vaarg Vikernes or “Burzum”. If you stumbled upon his music without doing some light research on Wikipedia, you may just think he’s a normal artist when in reality, he’s played a lead role in the Norwegian black metal scene he helped shape into what it is today, along with many other insane and somewhat unrelated things he’s done throughout his career. Many would have never guessed what else he had done over the course of his career until they look him up. Not all artists are amazing people, but you can take them as an artist and a person in two different respects.

5. DEEP LISTENING Music is great white noise, just sitting there in the background while you’re chilling, sure.

Music is also an art. Many people forget that every song ever made required years of experience and thought just to come into existence. It is nice to take a few minutes and really dive into a song or album and soak up every detail. Focus on the artist’s words, listen to the mixing of the instruments and try to pick apart the artist’s message that they’re trying to convey in the song. It is pretty surprising how much more meaningful a song can become to you if you sit there and read the lyrics and think about how the artist felt as they wrote the song. You may be surprised how sad some of the happy songs on your playlist will sound after you do this.

PAGE BY JACK CLEAVELAND

LOOKOUT LIST

See what music, products, movies and shows are trending now and what will be coming out soon.

(Content by Bree Ammons)

TO ANTICIPATE

OUT NOW Oct 1

MUSIC

Imaginary Friend by Steven Chbosky This is a book about a single mother with her seven year old son. After going missing, the boy returns with a mission from the voice in his head.

Hot Girl Summer by Megan Thee Stallion, Ty Dolla $ign, Nicki Minaj This is a perfect song to hype you up and transform a boring day.

Oct 4 Big Mouth Season 4 A new season of the not-so-PG cartoon will be on Netflix

Circles by Post Malone Post’s tone in this song combined with the mellow, slightly sad instrumental of the song is perfect to listen while you are doing homework.

Takes you, Even farther by Max Leonard, Garret Sparrow This is a great song to listen to while driving and it has a groovy, 70s style beat.

PRODUCTS

Oct 8

sss

BEACOO Apple Charging Amazon $24.97 With this dock, you can spare a few outlets and charge all of your devices in one place.

Stress Less Cards Amazon $12.45 UBeesize Phone Tripod Use these cards as a reset button when Amazon $18.00 you are cramming for your next test.

A cheap tripod that can help you with anything from vlogging to tik-toking.

Mighty Patch Original Amazon $12.50-20.89 Flathead Silicone Straws The mighty patch is the perfect last Amazon $8.95 minute fix for a stubborn pimple.

Perfect straws for saving the turtles.

Thumb book page holder Amazon $10.00 This page holder will let you hold open your book and enjoy a snack with ease.

Bliss Jelly Glow Peel Amazon $10.00 A gentle exfoliate for all skin types that leaves your skin hydrated and primed for makeup.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Sephora $6.70 This serum is a good go-to for reducing puffy eyes and dark circles.

Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment Sephora $18.00 This product works for all skin types for redness, uneven skin tone and acne.

Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF Amazon $8.97 This oil-free face sunscreen is perfect for athletes. It prevents sunburn and resists rubbing, sweating and wiping.

PAGE BY KARSYN WILLIAMS

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo Ninth House is about a high school dropout who falls into a shady downward spiral and ends up the sole survivor of an unsolved multiple homicide. When offered the chance to go to Yale University, all she can she think is “What’s the catch?”

Horror Stories by Liz Phair Phair’s memoir goes through the stubborn, regrettable, and unique moments of her life in an attempt to go against the grain and expose her “most intimate junctures”.

Oct 9 Rhythm + Flow This new hip-hop competition show will be on Netflix

Oct 11 El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie The “long-rumored” movie will be on Netflix

Oct 22 Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren Twice in a Blue Moon is about a pair of ex lovers who reunite on a movie set. When forced to confront him, the main character asks herself if “once in a lifetime” can happen twice.

Nov 1 The King This adaptation of plays about King Henry IV and Henry V by Shakespeare coming to Netflix Queer Eye: We’re in Japan You can watch the Fab 5 take on Japan on Netflix

Nov 5 The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern The main character finds himself in a new realm after picking up a mysterious book and, with some new friends along the way, he ultimately finds his purpose.

ENTERTAINMENT | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

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comic central OVERDRAMATIC

HOMECOMING

(llustration by Kiley Beiner)

GOING BANANAS

(llustration by Maya Helbig)

04

ENTERTAINMENT | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

(llustration by Sky Hebisen)

PAGE BY MAYA HELBIG

comic central HALLOWEEN FAVORITE TEACHER

(Illustration by Ryleigh O’Donnell)

WHAT GOES ON IN THE FREEZER

(Illustration by Nico Boenitz)

PAGE BY RYLEIGH O’DONNELL

(llustration by Minnie Adams)

ENTERTAINMENT | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

05

After school junior Brandon Bridgeman walks to his bus to go home. Starting in the 2020-21 school year, school will not be able to start until two weeks before the first Monday in September. “There’s so many things to consider in the calendar,” Lisa Simpkins, co-chair of the Calendar Committee, said. “There’s so many different perspectives and different ways to manipulate the calendar [that] affect different people in different ways.” (Photo by Sam Watkins)

CALENDAR MOVES FORWARD

FHSD Calendar Committee meets to propose a new calendar for the 2020-21 school year after new Missouri law states that schools can start no sooner than 14 days before the first Monday in September

by Emily Hood

The Calendar Committee has certain priorities when creating a calendar, such as including a fall break, creating an even amount of days in each quarter and Eliminating fall break, taking finals after Christmas break and continuing school semester, ending first semester before Christmas break and ending the school beyond Memorial Day were changes to the FHSD Calendar that were considered year before Memorial Day. These parameters have historically caused the first day after new legislation changed the rules for school districts across Missouri. of school to be pushed into early August.

FHSD called a Calendar Committee, made up of teachers, parents, and other Due to the new legislation, the committee discussed which parameters are most stakeholders, to listen to feedback from members of the district and recommend important to the students and faculty of the district, while still meeting Missouri’s a new calendar for the 2020-21 school year that adjusts to the new law. Under the 1,044 hours of required school instruction and the new required start date. new law, the first day of school for next year can be no sooner than August 24.

“I think all of these things are going to continue to be super important, but now “With this new change, in the start of the year, we felt like we have to figure out, ‘How can we get as much of this that we feel it was a good time to bring the committee back together to is important in Francis Howell, and meet the new requirement of get stakeholder input, before we made decisions on how to starting on August 24 in 2020-21?’” Simpkins said.

Check out more move forward with the new start date,” Lisa Simpkins, the In 1969, to accomodate for overcrowding in the district, FHSD information about the Co-Chair of the Calendar Committee, said. elementary schools adopted a year-round calendar, where calendar comittee here: On July 11, Governor Mike Parsons signed into law HB 161, students would be in school for nine weeks, and then get three bit.ly/2jGCtZK stating that Missouri school districts cannot begin school 14 weeks of break. When Francis Howell decided to opt for a more days before the first Monday in September. traditional calendar for the 2011-12 school year in elementary The bill was signed into law in an attempt to increase tourism throughout the schools, fall break was added to help students and parents adjust to the new state by providing more time for families to take vacations and students to work. system.

“I thought it was disappointing that our state legislature and the governor The committee will recommend keeping a week-long fall break at the end of decided to choose the Travel and Tourism lobby over what’s best for our October in their draft calendar after many parents and faculty members voiced students,” Michelle Walker, mother and FHSD School Board member, said. concerns about removing it.

“What’s best for our students is to let the local educators determine what’s best for “Not a lot of schools have a fall break,” Nellie Craver, a parent of four children at our students, because they’re the experts.”

Harvest Ridge Elementary, said. “[When you go] on vacation for fall break, you get emily@emilyhood.com | @emilyreneehood

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FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | NEWS

PAGE BY CHLOE HORSTMAN

Mary Hendricks-Harris has been the superintendent of FHSD since 2016. She is retiring after years of being in the district and she hopes to make the most of her time left. (Photo by Phoebe Primeau)

SUPERINTENDENT A NEW AND PLANS TO RETIRE

a better deal. You get less crowds. It’s really nice to have that option for families that want a vacation around that time.”

When creating the calendar, FHSD looks to create an even number of days in each quarter and semester. Because of the loss of 10 days at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year and priority to keep fall break, finals could have to be taken in January. In the current proposed calendar, students could have six days of review before taking finals on Jan. 13-15.

“As a mom, I don’t want my daughter to end up having to study throughout Christmas break, because she’s going to have finals,” Walker said. “I just don’t think it makes good sense to have a break right before that.”

The new calendar could create a required student attendance day on Good Friday, but could give a day off to students and faculty on April 5, the Monday after Easter.

“With the goal of still trying to get out before Memorial Day and still trying to get in a full week of fall break, still trying to get in spring break and Christmas break, we had to start finding some days somewhere,” Simpkins said.

The later start date also results in less time for instruction before AP exams at the high school level, causing AP teachers to

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PAGE BY CHLOE HORSTMAN

re-evaluate their plans to ensure all material is covered.

“We have luckily built in, in our curriculum, just a couple of weeks that we can play with,” William Crow, an AP U.S. Government and Politics teacher, said. “It will not be life or death for us, but in some classes, it might be a little bit more intense.”

With these adjustments to the calendar, the last day of school could be Friday, May 28. If students would have any snow days during the year, the last day of school could be pushed to June 1.

“I feel like by the end Learn about the of the year, kids do lose history of the that motivation to keep FHSD calendar: bit.ly/2mdyiV7 going because we’re getting in the heat and the summer feeling, so I feel like the earlier we can stop school, the better it would be better for us,” sophomore Rana Shaker said.

After the Calendar Committee submitted their final draft, surveys were sent to the community on Oct. 1 to get feedback on the draft. The Board of Education will vote on the calendar in December to make a final decision.

“We are really considering everyone’s input, not just our own personal agenda,” Simpkins said. “We are creating a calendar that’s good for our students.”

Mary Hendricks-Harris announced that she will be stepping down as FHSD superintendent in an email sent to parents and community members on Sept. 20, after asking the board of education to accept her resignation in a private meeting the night before. This news came as a slight shock to many school community members.

“I was surprised to hear she was stepping down,” senior Josie Santel said. “She did a really great job, hopefully whoever is next will be just as good.”

The 2019-20 school year will be Hendricks-Harris’ fourth and final year as superintendent, but she has been working in FHSD since 2006. First as the lead in professional development, and later becoming the Chief of Academics, before finally taking on the role of superintendent in 2016, a job she has enjoyed.

“I’ve liked the ability to impact a lot of students,” Hendricks-Harris said.

The decision to retire was not easy for HendricksHarris, but after months of deliberating, she decided it was time to focus on her family and her health.

“The superintendent position is an all-encompassing position, so even when you’re not in your office you are working, or thinking about work,” Hendricks-Harris said.

Hendricks-Harris is excited to spend more time with her children, but not before finishing the current school year. Before retiring in June, she would like to make a complete plan to fully fund all of the districts facilities.

After the 2019-20 school year is over, Hendricks-Harris isn’t sure exactly what she’s going to do in a professional sense.

“In the coming months I’ll be debating in what capacity I’ll continue on,” Hendricks-Harris said. “I don’t really know what that next step is. It took all of my will power and decision making to pull the trigger on retirement.”

No information regarding the search for her replacement has been released yet, but according to Hendricks-Harris, the board of education will be meeting in the coming weeks to determine how they would like to proceed. Until the day her resignation on June 30, Hendricks-Harris plans continue to work to push the district forward.

“It has been such a joy to work here in Francis Howell, to be part of this community,” Hendricks-Harris said. “It’s an amazing community.” (Brief by Sophie Carite)

NEWS | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY.COM

07

UPCOMING EVENTS

October

2

Wednesday

During the school day, music plays over the intercom for students walking through the halls. Songs can range from country to rap, as long as it’s school appropriate.

“It’s a good idea and people being able to recommend songs is cool,” junior Brandon Bridgeman said. (Photo illustration by Addy Bradbury)

Powderpuff Time: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Stadium

October

10

Thursday

Parent Teacher Conferences

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Where: Large Gym

Rehearsing their lines, junior Megan Miller and sophomore Bryce James practice for the upcoming play “Lion and the Mouse Stories”. The play was preformed on Sept.

26, 27, and 28. The next two plays are set to happen in late November and early April.

(Photo by Anna Hollinger)

MUSIC POLICY HOLDS GREAT PROMISE

FHN DRAMA CLUB PUSHES THEMSELVES

During the start of the 2019-2020 school year, a new procedure in the hallways was set. This new procedure makes it possible for students to suggest songs to be played on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and teachers to suggest songs for Tuesdays and Thursdays. These songs will be played over the intercom system during passing periods. During the back to school spirit week, music was played on the intercoms and had positive feedback.

StuCo President, junior Caroline Blanke is working to change the procedure. Blanke has been working hard and planning to get this new procedure in order.

“During our spirit weeks we had music playing in the hallways,” Blanke said. “Whenever we did that, we got a lot of positive appraisal. Enough people liked the music, so we asked if we could do music all the time.”

The initial date for it to begin was Sept. 3 but was pushed back for safety reasons. While music playing may not

In FHN’s past, theater usually wrapped up in September, they will produced one play at the beginning work on a second play, Once Upon a of the year and one at the end. This Pandora’s Box. As a big finale, drama year, the drama club has a surprise for club is preparing the world-renowned FHN. They will prepare not two but musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie three plays in total, so two plays will Brown. be hosted in the fall. The season will “I am super excited to have new wrap up in the spring with the annual people in drama with us, there’s lots musical. of members who bring all sorts of new “I am pretty excited ideas and help make to be doing more the show special,” said shows since each drama club member Read about the next show ends up coming Lara Traversy. play, “Once Upon a together so well,” The addition of the Pandora’s Box” here: Megan Miller, vice shows is a welcome bit.ly/2mBWQro president of drama change of scheduling club, said. “Plus, it and is brewing gives us even more of an opportunity excitement in drama club. There are to include many who want to be about 35-50 people working on each involved in drama club.’’ show between the set, costumes and The opening show for this fall was the performers.

The Lion and Mouse Stories. The play “I’m most excited to see what kind was actually four short stories put of magic we can make happen with into one show. In true Aesop fashion, hard work and dedication we put into they featured a very clever mouse and each show,” Miller said. (Brief by Julia an arrogant lion. Now that show has Sampolska)

08

seem like an issue, there are some safety concerns that go along with the procedure. Even just a few minutes of the day where there are issues with communication to the school could be dangerous.

“When there’s music playing on the intercoms, no one else can cut in and make an announcement,” FHN Principal Nathan Hostetler said. “If there’s ever a major event, a shooting or a tragedy of some sort then not being able to communicate is a big issue.”

Even though there are some technical issues, the initial idea had good intentions. Hostetler and other administrators are in the process of contacting the intercom manufacturers to find a solution so they can cut in to make announcements. Blanke, Hostetler and many others have a very positive opinion of this change.

“I’ve definitely heard lots of positive things about it,” Blanke said.

“Everybody’s really looking forward to it.” (Brief by Ivy Lowery)

FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | NEWS

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October

18

Friday

Marching Band Super Regionals Time: All Day Where: The Dome at America’s Center

October

26

Saturday

At the snack table, junior Brandi Stover hands money to a parent volunteer. The snack table has a variety of snacks for students and staff members to choose from.

The money collected will go towards the Senior All-Knighter. (Photo by Allie Moore)

FHN SNACK TABLE IS BACK IN BUSINESS

FHN students returning to school this year may have been confused about the lack of the snack table outside the commons. This familiar sight, which was made to raise money for the All-Knighter, finally opened on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

“We had a few problems starting up,” Holly Gannon, co-head of the snack table, said. “We’ve been having a challenging time getting parents to join, and we are still without a chairperson for the table.”

The main reason for the delay in the snack table opening was the lack of parent volunteers. Parents are hesitant to volunteer due to the number of hours they would have to put in. Another reason that the snack table was delayed was because getting its previous year’s bank account transferred made problems become evident. That money is used to purchase more snacks for the table.

These problems have, for the most

PAGE BY MACY CRONIN

part, been fixed, but the table could still use more volunteers.

“I went to the snack table pretty much everyday last year,” sophomore Jack Luong said. “I had money thinking the snack table was going to open but I got sad when it wasn’t there.”

The snacks on the table were the same but not present: gummy worms missing and no fruit roll-ups being sold. Parents can help the snack table by volunteering, either by working the table or getting snacks. Parents can visit the FHN website to get in contact with the snack table and All-Knighter heads. With more parent involvement, the snack table looks to add new items and make sure to be open every school day.

“I know how much the students liked the snack table,” Shelby Witherbee, cohead of the snack table, said. “I have no idea how you could replace it. It just seems impossible.” (Brief by Aadhi Satishkumar)

ACT Testing

Time: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Where: FHN

November

2

Saturday

All Knighter Craft Fair Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: FHN Gyms

At the football game on Sept. 6, sophomore Rylie Miller plays the alto saxophone in Knightpride’s new marching band show, “Freeze.” This is Miller’s second show with the band. “I enjoy experiencing band memories with my friends,” Miller said. (Photo

by Avery Witherbee)

MARCHING BAND WORKS HARD TO WIN

FHN hosts a marching band Friday each week, to be prepared for competition on Oct. 19 called Music in their competitions on the weekends.

Motion, though they will not compete “The way we practice for competition in it. They will they be competing is just playing music and ironing out in high school level competitions, the rough parts until it’s nice and including two Bands of America (BOA) smooth,” rack player Trevor Gestring competitions. said.

“I’m so excited for the competitions,” As it turns out, band is not just a saxophone player Rylie group of musicians, Miller said. “I love waiting but more like a family for the results after a that travels to achieve really good run and musical successes Learn more about getting to be competitive together. Members of marching band’s routine here: with other bands across the marching band bit.ly/2mCdZ43 the region.” recall how important This year, marching the band is to them, not band’s music repertoire only in the moments includes some new, fresh songs like when they create music together but Cold as Ice, Freeze, Winter and the also in their private lives. well-known song “Let It Go”.

“I started marching band because “We perform one song formed out of I enjoyed music more than the multiple short segments of other songs alternative of soccer, but as time went at competitions,” said snare drum on and as I connected more with my player Andrew Reese. “The only place section, my reason has shaped into we play more than one is at football wanting to spend time with the family games.” we’ve built and have fun with them,” Marching band practices Monday to Reese said. (Brief by Julia Sampolska)

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NEWS | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

09

An FHSD school bus sits in the parking lot after school waiting for students to board. The buses all have different routes they drive in order for students to get a ride to school and back home. (Photo by Courtney Wortman)

FRANCIS A NEWHOWELL AND STARTS IN-HOUSE IMPROVED PLAN TRANSPORTATION During the summer, FHSD dropped its contract with First Student, a busing organization providing transportation for Francis Howell for about 30 years.

The district decided two move to provide transportation by the district itself, instead of using a separate company.

The reason for the change was cost, as it is cheaper in the long run to have independent transportation.

With this change, the district bought a new fleet of 170 new buses, along with 21 used buses, all in good condition, and changed bus routes.

“It’s hard to compare cost, as we must wait till the end of the year to truly find out the real cost of it all,” Jennifer Simpson, head of transportation for the district, said. “The goal is to break even in the first few years, and eventually lower costs.”

With this change came a few problems, such as a rule stating that bus stops must be 500 yards apart.

Due to this, some students have to walk further than past years to their stops.

Along with this, the district was short on drivers and monitors, which led to some students not having stops when school started.

“Buses get to school a lot later than they did last year,” said sophomore Haley King. “My bus gets to school at like 7:15, when class starts at 7:20.”

Administrators say that there were some problems with bus times at the beginning of the year but most have been resolved at this point. The estimated time for bus arrival is at 7:06 a.m. Parents can fill out forms for alternative bus routes and turn them into the school or call the transportation office for any remaining questions or problems.

“So far, we are doing the best we can,” Lisa Spravale, a bus driver, said. “The people I answer to, my bosses, they’re doing a great job. At the end of the day, we have a job which is getting students to school and home safely.” (Brief by Aadhi Satishkumar)

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FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | NEWS

Getting BUsted, Getting Help

The district’s change in the drug policy is pushing students to better themselves instead of just punishing them.

by Liy Taliaferro

liytaliaferro@gmail.com

A

t the beginning of the school year, the district introduced a new policy regarding the penalty for substance related offences.

“What really happens is that kids are actually away from the building for 10 days, but they get all of their work while they’re over there at Union, they get additional support in terms of what they’re struggling with and then we’re able to bring them back a lot faster,” head principal Nathan Hostetler said. That’s good for the school district because that’s fewer days out, that helps our attendance rates. There are fewer mistakes, and kids aren’t falling behind this quickly.”

The previous policy stated that students in violation of the policy were suspended from the district’s schools for 10 days where they would later have a Committee on Conduct (COC) hearing where they would decide on an additional penalty depending on that student’s specific violation.

In the new policy, students who are under the influence or in possession of drugs on campus are suspended for one day and then go through Alternative Intervention Program (AIP) for the next nine days. The district is trying to center their attention towards helping students instead of reprimanding them by using AIP, which offers counseling under approval from parents or guardians. This program was created by the district for first time offenders and allow

PAGE BY IVY LOWERY

After playing in the park, Ella Manthey’s chocolate labrador retrievers Tucker and Lola take a quick rest. The dogs try on their costumes for the upcoming Dogtoberfest celebration on October 12 at Wapelhorst Park. (Photo by Ella Manthey)

A DOG’S A NEWTAKE AND ON OKTOBERFEST IMPROVED PLAN

An evidence file and an intervention program flyer rest on the Dean of Students, Mike Parkers desk.

When a student is found going against the FHSD substance use policy, they will be suspended, however this suspension may be reduced if the student is willing to fulfill certain obligations. (Photos

by Jordyn Sgroi)

them to work through their problems with drugs and still be caught up with their studies at the same time.

“From there, working with the parents, we can determine, ‘What course of action does this student need? Is it outpatient? Is it inpatient? Is it day treatment?’” Robert Gaugh, the principal at FHU said. “There’s a whole bunch of different options, but that’s all worked out through Preferred Family Healthcare and the parents.”

FHU is a school known to help students make up credits, but it also serves the purpose of supporting students who struggle with drug related problems and other issues. The smaller classrooms have a more focused atmosphere for students to learn and receive the help that they need regarding their mental health and educational setbacks. The school isn’t directly involved with the help their students receive, however they do help with bridging the gap between students and their parents, and the people who can help with that student. Teens often resort to drugs to cope with other problems that they are dealing with, and AIP opens a space for students to

PAGE BY IVY LOWERY

work through some of those emotional struggles by teaching students coping skills as an alternative to substance abuse. A lot of students like how the policy is focusing on helping students quit rather than punishing them for their addiction.

“I feel like it’s better that they’re trying to help them,” Trent Clifton, a sophomore at FHN said.

“Punishing them doesn’t really stop them or get them off of drugs.”

Although a lot of students approve of this change, some believe that it’s excessive compared to the old one. However the district is set on their goal of helping students instead of just punishing them.

“There are other kids that the road is a lot rougher and the rough part is a lot longer and that’s really tough to watch and , there’s some kids who just make a couple of really dumb decisions, get wrapped up in something, and then they’re able to move forward,” Hostetler said. “So we’re hoping to, with the idea here is to take on those kids with these really long, rough patches, and start to shortcut part of the journey.”

On Oct. 12, the City of Saint Charles Animal Control will be hosting their 12th annual Dogtoberfest in Shelter Three at Wapelhorst Park.

“It’s just a fun fall event we have where people can dress their dogs up in costumes and participate in fun activities that we have,” Rachel Winchester, an animal control officer for The City of Saint Charles, said.

Any dog is welcome to the festival as long as they’re under control and on leashes at all times. Saint Charles Animal County will be a vendor this year for the festival.

“Saint Charles County has laws about making sure that animals are kept safely and securely,” Doug Bulnick, public informationist at Saint Charles Animal County, said.

“One thing that we do is enforce that law, and we also run an adoption facility.”

Pet owners can get tracking devices for their dogs called microchips and learn how to properly care for their dogs at their booth. In addition to Saint Charles Animal County, some of the other vendors attending include All Paws Rescue, Tempo of the Dog, Dogs on Duty, Saving St. Louis Pets and there will be a food truck for dogs.

“So, we don’t have it set up completely for this year [yet],” Winchester said. “So we’re going to have to think of a couple of new events that we haven’t decided yet.”

Another event at the festival is the small parade around the park. As dogs participate in the parade through the park, judges inspect each dog and their costumes to determine the first, second and third place winners of the costume contest. Winners of this contest will receive prize baskets.

“We’re just trying to have a fun, dog-friendly event where people can come out and meet their local animal control, ask questions if they have them, and maybe adopt a dog,” Winchester said. “You know, it’s just like a fun, free thing to do with your dog.” (Brief by Liy Taliaferro)

NEWS | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY.COM

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After school has been dismissed, Kevin Williams finishes cleaning up. Williams has been a custodian at Francis Howell North for four years, working a shift that lasts him until 11p.m. “I enjoy being able to work on my own,” Williams said. (Photo by Aidyn Gleason)

THE HEROES OF THE HALLS To celebrate National Custodian Day today, the North Star asked students why they are grateful for our custodians (Content by Gracie Bowman) “The staff is very helpful.

They always keep the area clean. I appreciate them very much.”

Robert Otte, 9

“I like custodians because they create an environment that allows us to work and learn in.” comfort.”

Evan Becker, 10 “They do so much behind the scenes work that no one takes into consideration. They do the jobs that no one else wants to do without complaining.”

Brandi Stover, 11

“They are super nice and they help make the school a good environment to be in.”

Adria Schmidt, 12

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FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | FEATURES

Hanging her weight under the pegs, freshman Laramie Horstman focuses on making it through the obstacle. She began training for American Ninja Warrior about two years ago. “I would spend everyday and every minute in here if I could,” Horstman said. (Photo by Riley Witherbee)

WORKOUT WARRIOR

Freshman Laramie Horstman trains to be an American Ninja Warrior

by Maya Helbig

reached. It could take 100 tries, but when it’s finally achieved, it’s something meaningful.

Doing pull ups, mountain climbing and overall “It’s really exciting when she sets a goal for herself a lot of exercise, freshman Laramie Horstman is on an obstacle,” Wendy said. “Then when I go to training to be an American Ninja Warrior at just 14 pick her up from Kor Komplex she’s excited to tell years old. me that she managed to conquer that obstacle.”

The summer of 2017, Wendy Horstman, Laramie’s Training at Kor Komplex two to three times a week mother, set up a birthday party when she turned 13 and keeping her strength up at home hasn’t always at an obstacle gym called Kor Komplex and Laramie been the plan for Laramie. took a liking to it.

“In elementary school she absolutely hated gym “Whenever we were younger, my sisters and I class, so now she’s like the polar opposite of how would watch the show with my dad, and then I she used to be when she was younger,” Wendy said. started watching it again the summer of 2016 and I “I mean polar opposite. Now she loves to work out, was like, ‘You know what, that would be so cool if I and she’s interested in health and fitness.” could do that,’” Laramie said.

She’s still going strong, training She started with just a home all the time and meeting new workout, doing weighted pull ups people that become close friends.

Check out the American and weight lifting to gain strength, They all give their support and Ninja Warrior site here: and now focusing on specific celebrate the hard work they put bit.ly/2mQcb7M muscles. in.

“You can’t let yourself be scared “The people that I train with are of [obstacles], and I feel like I super awesome,” Laramie said. struggled with that a lot and it takes me a while to “They’re like part of my family. Everybody there is warm up to things,” Laramie said. there for you and not against you. They’ll always Since going to Kor Komplex, Laramie has been push you to exceed your limits and they’re always trained by Kyle Stradtman, who was on season 10 there to help you when you’re scared or haven’t of the show American Ninja Warrior. They’ve trained been able to get something down right.” together for around a year, learning new obstacles The journey doesn’t stop here. It’s a long road, but and celebrating new strengths. her big dream is to one day be a contestant on the “She’s willing to try stuff even if she’s like, ‘I don’t show American Ninja Warrior. know about this’,” Stradtman said. “I’m like, ‘no “I think it would be cool to continue doing this you’re safe’. Usually she’ll at least try it and realize kind of stuff as long as I possibly can, until I’m an ‘Oh hey, that wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going old lady because there are some older people who to be.’” can do this stuff and I think that’s amazing,” Laramie Setting new goals to overcome when training can said. “I think it would be cool to try out for the adult be a huge accomplishment when the goal is actually show whenever I turn 18 and just see how far I get.” mayabean10@gmail.com

MORE INFO

PAGE BY AADHI SATHISHKUMAR

The originals RETURN HOME

The first graduating classes of FHN, 1989 and 1990, are returning for the homecoming football game and a tour around the school Since the times have changed, so has the social aspect. The classes all felt so close and that there weren’t as many problems as today. he original class of 1989 and 1990 are returning “It was a lot of positivity,” Babb said. “I don’t ever to the place they graduated from and the place recall feeling unsafe in my school.” that holds all their high school memories for A few of the alumni will be seeing each other for the a tour of the school, plus their class reunion. The first time since the last reunion, or even graduation. original class was the first graduating class of FHN. Seeing some old familiar faces will be refreshing for The tour is right before the homecoming football some. game on Oct. 4. There will be seats reserved in the “What I’ve noticed while giving tours is they stands for the classes to watch the game all together. will listen very politely when I want to tell them “I’m happy and excited for them,” biology teacher things or say important Steve Kelly said. “It will be weird seeing information,” Hostetler them because it’s been 30 years and TOP SONGS OF 1989: said. “But in large they are Rhythm Nation they’ve probably changed and grown up talking with one another

by Janet Jackson so much.” and reminiscing about I Won’t Back Down Nathan Hostetler, the head principal,

by Tom Petty things.” will be giving the tour around the school Pump Up The Jam Sports and extracurricular at 5:45 p.m. right before the game. The

by Technotronic activities then and now game starts at around 7 p.m. The tour will Every Rose Has Its Thorn have changed. There only take about 45 minutes to an hour and

by Poison was no turf field back Love Shack will start in the main office and then will then, it was all just dirt by The B-52’s go through the cafeteria, the gyms and and grass. There wasn’t Like a Prayer classrooms.

by Madonna any track either, it was “I am very interested in their perspectives Free Fallin’ just a practice field. The and reflections and what they have to

by Tom Petty students had to park say,” Hostetler said.“There has been some Bust A Move across the street in the pretty significant changes since then, I’m

by Young MC new neighborhood sure.”

Miss You Much because there was no

by Janet Jackson The building has changed drastically student parking lot. in some areas. There is a new science “For our home football games we had to go to hallway and they built the big gym in attempt to Francis Howell High to play,” Kelly Martin, class of expand the building even more. FHN started out as 1989, said. “The women’s soccer team had to practice a middle school called Henderson. A decision was behind Hollenbeck Middle school.” made since there was only one high school in the That Saturday, Oct. 5, is the class of 1989 and 1990’s area, Francis Howell High, to change Henderson into 30th year high school reunion. They decided to FHN the year 1986-1987. The class of 1989 went to combine the two class reunions due to everyone Barnwell their freshman year then they all transferred being so close. to FHN. The classes had the opportunity to pick “The reunion is going to be at a new place in the school mascot and the colors since FHN was St. Peters called Water’s Edge,” Babb said. “Our considered a new school. committee of 12 has been planning this for almost a “I think it will be neat and a fun time for them to see year. There will be a photo booth, a dj, an open bar all the changes of the building,” activities director and a sit down dinner. I think it will be a lot of fun.”

Mike Janes said.

Because of the generosity of the two classes, Babb Back in the late 80s and early 90s there is a lot that helped set up an enrichment fund for students. is different and that’s changed from then to now.

The classes are donating money to help out and They didn’t have computers and cell phones to raising money at the reunion they are holding. It communicate and do school work. is a fundraiser foundation for the school and the “We had to write our notes on paper and our class students. The reunion is an all around benefit. papers on old typewriters,” Victoria Schmitt Babb, “It is just a way of giving back and to help students class of 1989, said. “If we had any projects due with who don’t have the dollars to play sports,” Babb partners we used the home phone to call since there said. “I love knowing I helped impacted someone and wasn’t any texting or we would meet up somewhere helping others.” like Dairy Queen.”

by Anna Besancenez abesancenez03@gmail.com

T

FHN Alumni Kelly Martin poses to replicate her senior year yearbook photo from the class of 1989. Martin was on Knightline and played soccer during her time at FHN and was able to play recreational soccer after high school. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t know what I wanted to be...I worked at Schnucks as a part time hire and I’m still working there as a department manager now. It’s been 31 years,” said Martin. (Photo by Phoebe Primeau)

PAGE BY ANNA BESANCENEZ

FEATURES | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

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The cat Truffle plays with a boa and poses for a photo that is to be posted online. Truffle is the main focus of an Instagram page ran by sophomore Rana Shaker, her owner. (Photo Submitted)

The famous dog Simba poses for the photo that is to be posted online. Simba is the main focus of the instagram page run by junior Natalia Salazar, the owner. (Photo Submitted)

NAMES FOR THE ROAD Find out about some of the stories behind FHN students cars

Holly Willett, 11 Car Type: Toyota Avalon Car Name: Edward “The first name that I thought of when I saw my car was Edward so that’s what I named it,” Willett said.

PICTURE PURR-FECT

Students of FHN are making separate Instagram accounts for their pets

According to Shaker, her family also enjoys Truffles’ Instagram, finding the posts fun and the comments Not many people would consider making a social amusing. Although Shaker wasn’t too excited at the media account for their pet, but for junior Natalia idea of getting a cat at first, she instantly fell in love Salazar and sophomore Rana Shaker, that’s not with Truffles. The family got Truffles only a little over the case. Both students have created and curated a year ago and plan on getting another cat.

Instagram for their friends with fur, and have turned “I didn’t really think we needed a cat, but now I love these accounts into their own relaxing, stress-free her so much,” Shaker said. hobbies.

Salazar’s dog, Simba, is a two-year-old In November 2017, Salazar goldendoodle, loved by all of posted first on her account, Instagrams To Follow Salazar’s friends and family. While she @simba.salaza, which is never had strong ambitions for the @simba.salazar made just for her dog, Simba. account, she thought it would be a Made for SImba the dog Following about year later, in fun way to show off her dog. @tr.uwu.ffle November 2018, @tr.uwu.ffle “When I first made the account, it Made for Truffles the cat was made by Shaker to post was just for fun,” Salazar said. “I never pictures of her cat, Truffles. really set a goal for the account.”

“I really like taking Now Salazar and Shaker continue memorable pictures of her and sharing them,“ to post for fun and Simba and Truffles continue to Shaker said. “She is pretty much my baby. I love the model. Both Shaker and Salazar plan to continue comments that the posts will get too.” posting updates on their pets through Instagram.

The comments normally are positive and funny“When I post it makes me feel happy because it’s never anything negative- ranging from declarations fun and I’m not really worrying about anything like of love to a variety of emojis. school or the real world,” said Salazar.

by Skylar Vogel skyvog@sbcglobal.net

Junior Natalia Salazar and her dog Simba pose in matching jackets for an Instagram post. (Photo Submitted)

PAGE BY JUSTIN BREWER

Sophomore Rana Shaker takes a picture with her cat, Truffles. (Photo Submitted)

Riya Contractor, 11 Car Type: 2018 White Mazda CX-3 Car Name: Max “I named my car Max because my best friend’s dog is named Max and it’s also white,” Contractor said.

“We decided on that name together and I named my car after that dog because they are both very special things to me.”

Luke Feldman, 12 Car Type: 2006 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Car Name: Sarah “It’s after my favorite movie, The Crow,” Feldman said. “A character’s clothing matches the colors of my motorcycle.”

(Photos by Adam Hogan) (Content by Sydney Ellison)

FEATURES | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

17

homecoming 2019 do’s and don’ts FHN gears up for this year’s homecoming on Oct. 5. Take a look at some of the top places for pre-dance pictures, the dos and don’ts of the dance and what parts of the dance students are most excited for (Content by Ashlynn Perez) Find a place to keep your phone.

If you plan on taking pictures or videos throughout the dance, or will need to communicate with friends and family, set up a game plan on how to keep your phone with you. Find someone trustworthy with pockets (or a fanny pack) and make sure you keep track of them throughout homecoming if phone accessibility is necessary.

Wear comfy shoes.

To keep a balance of dancing through the night and not getting foot-aches, pick shoes that fit well. Walk around in them at home to try them out, and make sure you’ll be able to stand on them. Checking your shoes and going barefoot is an option, but the risk is run to be stepped on.

MORE INFO Check out photos from last year’s homecoming: bit.ly/2mnBZaY

Try your hair and makeup in advance.

This will let you see the way it looks before the commitment of wearing it to pictures and the dance, preventing last minute panic. Consider an updo to avoid tugged hair.

STUDENT TAKE: WHAT PART OF HOMECOMING ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR?

“I’m most excited to hang out with friends and take lots of pictures.”

Maddie Swart, 9

Plan out rides too and from the dance beforehand.

While this may not be a problem for students who can drive themselves, it’s important for underclassmen to figure out who is driving to the photo place and the dance, home from the dance, and any pre- or post-dance get-togethers. This will prevent extra hassle or stress on the night of homecoming.

Consider hanging out with friends before or after the dance.

Spending quality time with people can be a good time to hype up for a night of fun or to wind down after the dancing’s done. Some ideas are going to restaurants for a pre-dinner or for a late night snack.

Be careful about what you eat before homecoming.

Food can cause cramps if eaten right before a dance. Give a big meal one and a half to two hours to digest before hitting the dance floor to avoid stomach pain.

“I’m looking forward to dancing and having fun with friends.”

Rajat Nepal, 12

“I’ve gone to homecoming all years with my best friend and I’m looking forward to the final homecoming with her.”

Grace Bales, 12

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FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | FEATURES

PAGE BY ASHLYNN PEREZ

OH SNAP! PLACES FOR PICTURES MAIN STREET S Main Street, St. Charles Walk the cobblestone streets, lined with the small businesses that stay true to St. Charles. Main Street is a popular destination for homecoming photos because of its comfortable atmosphere and historic feel. The gazebo arrayed with plants and flowers offers picture promise. It’s also just a short walk to the river for a nature scene.

“My favorite part was how pretty it was for

pictures,” junior David Lopez said.

In addition to the nice background, it is Main Street, and the area is lined with coffee shops and places to grab a bite to eat before the dance, making it convenient for students who choose this spot.

“I would recommend it because you can easily take pictures and then go walk to a nearby restaurant,” Lopez said.

Junior David Lopez and his group of friends pose at a spot on Main Street, near the river, before homecoming 2018. (Photo Submitted)

BEHIND THE FOUNDRY ART CENTER Behind 520 N Main Center, St. Charles For an industrial look- bricks and glass and old doors- consider taking photos behind the Foundry Art Center. Old factories can contrast nicely with dresses and suits, offering variance in texture and a stand-out look for photography.

“I liked taking the photos there because of all the architecture, with the brick and the metal,” junior Sydney Giacomarra said. “I liked how all

the different textures went with the different styles of all the dresses.”

This area is empty of traffic, giving people more room to take pictures freely and avoid running into others or waiting for a shot.

“It is less crowded than Main Street, but still really beautiful,” Giacomarra said. “And it is more secluded so you aren’t running into people everytime you want to take a picture.”

Junior Sydney Giacomarra poses for a picture in front of an old door behind the Foundry Art Center.

She and her friends took homecoming pictures there last year. (Photo Submitted)

WAPELHORST PARK 1875 Muegge Rd, St. Charles Wapelhorst Park- away from the wellknown waterslides- contains picture perfect water, rocks, and trees for a natural look to homecoming pictures. You can pose by the lake and its fountains or under the trees. This is perfect for an outdoorsy look to photos.

“The trees and the lake are very serene, so I enjoyed taking pictures there,” junior Shivani

Bondada said.

The park offers plenty of space to take photos flexibly and freely, and the calming nature scenery is a mellow way to start the night.

“The park is pretty vast, so you can take pictures at different places within the park,” Bondada said. “And plus, taking pictures in nature is just calming.”

Before homecoming 2018, junior Shivani Bondada sits in front of the Wapelhorst lake. She went with a group to take pictures in the park. (Photo Submitted)

PAGE BY ASHLYNN PEREZ

FEATURES | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

19

At Missouri Boys State, Will Schellman prepares a candiate for his party caucus speech. Schellman was Chief of Staff for the Governor during the week-long youth program. Missouri Boys State is reserved for juniors in high school who want to go into government. (Photo submitted)

On campus at Missouri Boys State, Will Schellman walks with a fellow student to the second drafting legislation. Missouri Boys State is sponsored by the American Legion.

There is also a separate program for girls sponsored by the American Legion Auxillary.

(Photo submitted)

ALL THE GOVERNOR’S MEN

How senior Will Schellman used his powers to maneuver his way to number one at Missouri Boys State

by Connor Peper

officialconnorpeper@gmail.com

“Larry Eugene,” announced Matt Dameron, the director of Missouri Boys State. cabinet, they chose a different write-in candidate to be the governor.”

The 1000 citizens of Missouri Boys State broke into thunderous applause. This The real mastermind of the dubbed “Mayor’s Plot” was Schellman, who called was democracy in action. The next Missouri Boys State governor, as voted by the meeting of all the mayors. Schellman felt that the candidates were chosen for the people, had arrived. However, for senior Will Schellman, his applause was a their nicknames: Ethan “Dilley Dilley” Stone (F) and “Big Tuff” (Tuff Harris) (N), and celebration of himself and all the hard work he’d put in through the week to get to they wouldn’t uphold the dignity of the office. this moment.

“We were maintaining the integrity of the governor’s office, and maintaining the “Horrendous acts of corruption,” senior Suhas Andavolu, another Boys State democratic Republic that is Missouri Boys State,” Schellman said. participant, said. “I guess you could say Will was the Dick Cheney of Missouri Boys To accomplish this, the mayors sought the help of Nationalist attorneyState.” general nominee, Andavolu. He was asked to promote and publicize the chosen The program was created in 1938 by the American Legion as a pro-democracy candidate of Larry Eugene at the expense of his own chances of winning. alternative of youth indoctrination programs that Nazi Germany was engaged “Right before I was going to give my speech, Will Schellman and a group in. Missouri Boys State is a week-long program where high school juniors build a of mayors came up to me and convinced me to endorse the candidate, their functioning government from the city, county and state level. candidate,” Andavolu said. “I agreed to join the mayors’ plot, because like the “Boys State paints a positive picture of democracy, if you’re a mayors, I too was dissatisfied with the nominees. I thought they were citizen,” Schellman said. “It paints a realistic picture if you’re within very incompetent.” the government and you’re in the political realm. I think it all While Andavolu would go on to lose his election, Eugene would live comes down to perspective.” to win his. As Missouri Boys State gathered at the University of Central Follow this link to view Schellman’s perspective was through the eyes of the governor’s Missouri basketball gym, Eugene would be announced the winner.

Missouri Boys State chief of staff, an administrative role with responsibilities including Schellman’s hard work in tearing down the two major candidates and website making sure the governor’s political agenda is efficiently and building up his own had paid off, not in small part contributed to a moboysstate.org/ effectively carried out, and that agenda is communicated to the nickname of Eugene’s own: “Living like Larry.” While “Governor Eugene” General Assembly, the legislative body of Missouri and Boys State. had every right to sack his cabinet and appoint a new one, Schellman “I tried to be the governor’s right hand man; regardless of my met with Eugene in advance to ensure that didn’t happen. thoughts or my personal opinions on what the government was doing,” Schellman “I took on a bigger role with Larry because he didn’t know what he was doing said. “My views were what the governor wanted or didn’t want. My entire job was compared to Albert [the previous governor], as he’d only been governor for like a to serve at his pleasure.” day,” Schellman said. “So, I made even more larger decisions and got more bills Schellman would abandon this view when the office he served came under passed.” attack: the governorship, a high office deserving of respect. When the two A governor in name only. By the end of the week, the person calling the shots major parties of Boys State, the Federalists and Nationalists, nominated weak was Schellman. The King of Boys State. candidates, powerful figures began to move.

“I was making all of the important decisions,” said Schellman. “I wouldn’t say “A lot of mayors who actually wanted a strong central leader,” Andavolu said. “So there was a shadow government, but I would say there’s more power than should what the mayors did, along with some of the members in some of the governor’s fall into the Executive branch.”

WATCH

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FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | FEATURES

PAGE BY SKYLAR VOGEL

Sophomore Brianna Hennessey models her hands in front of her face to show off her nails. Hennessey has been doing nail art since her sixth grade year, making this her fifth year. She grew up in her mom’s sewing room and enjoyed doing nails so she combined both to start making art on nails.

Alex’s Grill and Ice cream has various menu items including American and Greek style dishes.

They offer something for everyone, including a handscooped ice cream bar near the front entrance of the building. Alex’s features checkered floors and 50’s themed walls. (Photo by Addy Bradbury)

BRING BACK THE GOLDEN AGES

Nail artist, Brianna Hennessey, shows off the detail and shine of her nails in the light. Hennessey shapes her nails the same every single time she does her nails, in an almond shape. “My favorite thing about doing my nails is how calming it is,” Hennessey said. (Photos by Sky Hebisen)

NOTHING BUT NAILS

Sophomore Brianna Hennessey makes a hobby out of making nail designs

by Ryleigh O’Donnell odonnellryleigh@gmail.com

S

ince sixth grade, Brianna Hennessey has been doing nail art, and continues to do it as a hobby now simply because it makes her happy and it looks nice. Her mom has always had nail stuff in her sewing room so she would go in and try it out.

She uses gel builder kits that require the person doing it to find the tips, put on a layer of gel, add activator and repeat that until they have a nice film. After all that they file and then paint the nails.

“It’s very frustrating and time consuming, but I think the end result really makes up for it,” Hennessey said.

Hennessey paints her nails almost every other week or every week. Her mom thinks it’s crazy, but she enjoys doing it. Her way of doing nails is buffing her nails so she can prime them, then putting on a PH balancer. She then sizes the tips and puts them on.

After that, she applies gel so they’ll be smooth, then she buffs it, and paints. The way her friends describe her style of nail art is edgy because she uses a lot of dark colors and uses sparkly top coats.

“I really like her nail art, she always sends pictures to the group chats that I’m in and I always really like how

PAGE BY ANDREW REESE

she does it,” her friend Caitlyn Hodges said. “I think her nail art is really interesting. She’s pretty good at it and I think she really knows all the skills to do it.”

Nail art is very time consuming, so if Hennessey has to be somewhere she can’t necessarily finish all 10 of her nails and be there on time. Sometimes she shows up with half her nails done and the other hand plain.

Sometimes it can take one to two hours for nails to dry if they’ve used a base coat, a couple coats of nail polish and a top coat. It can be frustrating to do something that takes so much time and focus.

“It’s a really long process and it takes a lot of practice to get it to look right,” Hennessey said.

Even though she spends a lot of time doing her nails, Hennessey doesn’t plan on doing anything with nail art in the future. She sees it as a fun hobby to do when she wants her nails to look good, or to do when she’s bored. Nail technicians don’t always receive large pay, so she would rather do it as a hobby.

“My best advice is to take your time,” Hennessey said.

“You won’t be perfect from the get-go and it takes a lot of patience to do them.”

Alex’s Grill and Ice Cream opened late June of 2019 by Ari Mehmeti and part time owner Redona Kume. Alex’s is a mixture of American and Greek food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“It’s 50s themed,” Kume said. “There’s lots of pictures of Elvis, Marilyn and Audrey. There is also lots of old records on the walls too.”

Nowadays most restaurants have a certain vibe instead of a specific theme but Alex’s has a unique theme like the 1950s.

“The look of the restaurant keeps it going,” Mehmeti said. “Diners were very popular back then.”

Their popular American-styled food includes hamburgers, wraps, sandwiches, ice cream and sundaes. The Greek specialty plates are Gyros, Moussaka, Avalemono, and the Baklava sundae. The Baklava sundae is vanilla ice cream in a food cup with a special nut sauce.

“We have ice cream to make milkshakes and sundaes to fit the 50s,” Kume said.

Opening a business or restaurant can take Check out their website: quite a long time bit.ly/2kwCf78 but for Alex’s it only took a few months.

It can also be a very difficult process with getting all of the requirements done.

“We had to get permissions from St. Charles and St. Peters,” Kume said.

Alex’s is family owned. There are three other restaurants in North Carolina and they are wanting to make it into a franchise.

“Alex is a family name and it is also my son’s name,” Mehmeti said.

Mehmeti has been in the food business for more than 20 years and loves the restaurant and the business.

“It is important that there is a good combination for everyone and everything is all home made,” Mehmeti said. (Story by Anna Besancenez)

MORE INFO

FEATURES | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

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23

HALF CHARGED OR HALF EMPTY? Phones have both the ability to activate and hinder education. Their postitive feedback from students when used in the classroom can’t be denied but their use also comes with plenty of potentional distractions. This issue dissusses the two sides phones play in our relationship with education. (Design by Gracie Bowman and

Sydney Ellison) (Illustrations by Gracie Bowman)

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FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | IN-DEPTH

PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN AND SYDNEY ELLISON

connected in classrooms Engaging students through something they are excited about brings to light how phones can be used in classrooms

by Sydney Ellison

I

sydney.ellison55@gmail.com

f a phone was out in class 15 years ago, it would have caused a shock to go through the room because a mobile phone was a new, intriguing concept. Now they are a regular part of students’ lives. In a 2018 study done by the Pew Research Center, 95% of teens have a smartphone or have the ability to access one.

“I think you’re doing a disservice if you’re acting like technology isn’t important and continuing to be a part of our lives,” English teacher Kristen Johnson said.

Classes across FHN differ greatly in their phone policies, but teachers like Johnson are continuously trying to find ways for students to utilize their phones in their classrooms. She claims that phones are nothing to fight but something to use in a positive, teachable way.

“Now everyone is so used to going to the internet for answers and instead of denying that as a teacher, she is embracing it and using it as a tool,” junior Angela Cuccio said.

From 2014-18 there has been a 22 percent increase in the number of teens that have access to a smartphone, according to the Pew Research Center. It can be seen that a trend is occuring in the increasing amount of smartphones. However, their place in the classroom is still up for debate in 2019.

“Phones, they can be really valuable tools or they can be relentless distractions,” head principal Nathan Hostetler said. “They can be really good or really bad, it really just depends on the use. It’s like a car, they are invaluable but sometimes they can kill someone.”

In history teacher Zachary Fettig’s classroom, phones can be considered a necessity to some. Notes are available on his website and can make following along to his lectures easier. He has little to no strict rules or policies against phones.

“Students are going to figure out a way to use their phones regardless,” Fettig said. “I think being a little more lenient in my case maybe will keep a kid from getting in trouble with their parents or something along those lines.”

The use of smartphones in class can be felt by students as seen in a 2017 survey by Top Hat which states that 94 percent of students want to use smartphones in class for academic purposes. Apps and digital services like Kahoot, Quizlet, Nearpod and more are ways that digital learning can brought into classrooms.

“I really feel like there is a place for them [smartphones] and I want to find exactly what that place is in terms of how it can be something that allows students to be successful,” Johnson said.

misuse and Mistrust Phones in classrooms can cause disruptions and decrease learning ability.

by Sydney Ellison

sydney.ellison55@gmail.com

T

he students walk in the room. Right away they know what to do: phones get put in the pouch. It’s the longstanding phone policy of teacher Donna Malkmus. At the end of class, students may get their phone back in their possession. This is how life works in Room 182.

“If their phone is a distraction, you need to take that away,” Malkmus said.

“It shouldn’t be an option.”

With notifications continuously popping up on screens, distractions can be constant. Texts from friends and a tweet from a celeb are as tempting as candy for some.

“They don’t have the discipline to ignore it and to keep concentrating on the task at hand,” teacher Amy Barlow said. “And so if they answer that message, they may miss a very important point.”

In a study done by the University of Chicago, they conclude that smartphones reduce available cognitive capacity. That means the brain retains less information at any given moment when a phone is present. This can have disastrous effects on a student’s grades. Tests rely on memory and understanding; with a distracting phone out, it can be easy to lose focus.

“As much as we would like to multitask we aren’t really very good at

PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN AND SYDNEY ELLISON

it,” teacher Kim Landman said. “So, if you’re on your phone, you aren’t learning.”

Having a phone policy on the stricter side has use outside the classroom as well. According to Malkmus, her husband worked in military security and at no point was he allowed to bring his phone in the building. A “no phones in class” policy can help prepare students for those situations later in life. “[Students] need to realize that once you get out in the world, unless you’re gonna work for yourself, you’re working for somebody else and that person is going to have some sort of policy about phones,” teacher Kim Coil said.

Barlow, Coil and Landman all have memories of repeated abuses of the times they allow phones in class. Landman describes one situation of a student complaining of wasting phone battery when they were doing an activity using phones in class. All three mention seeing students doing some activity on their phone rather than doing schoolwork.

“At first when they started integrating technology into the classroom, I thought it was a really great idea,” Barlow said. “However, what I’ve noticed over the years is that it’s usually not used for its intended purposes.”

IN-DEPTH | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY.COM

25

TRADING TEMPTATION FOR FOCUS

Junior Jordyn Inman puts her phone away to give full attention in class

by Chloe Horstman

G

clshorstman@gmail.com

oing from one challenging course to the next, junior Jordyn Inman walks to her AP Language class, ready to learn. After school, she’ll walk to the tennis courts for practice, if she is not going to a meeting for HOSA, StuCo, Science Club or volunteering for NHS. With such a busy schedule, it is hard to stay caught up with school, but Inman manages by paying attention and turning down the tempting distraction-- she keeps her phone away during class.

Inman gives her full attention in class and believes that being on her phone during class would interfere with her learning and academic success.

“I think I would probably not do as well [in school] if I was on my phone,” Inman said. “I wouldn’t be getting the information in full, you’re kind of skipping some parts and filtering in your brain what you’re actually hearing versus what’s actually being said.”

After all the activities her day demands, Inman sits down for an average of three to four hours of homework each night, the heaviest loads being from AP Chemistry and Honors Algebra 2. Inman’s mother Kari Fichter takes note of her

daughter’s commitment to her education.

“I’ve seen her notes that she takes during classes,” Fichter said. “I just can’t imagine that she would have time to be on her phone at the same time and getting that type of work done at school.”

Rather than giving in to the temptation of scrolling through her phone during free time in class, Inman keeps it away. Instead, she uses her free time to work on homework assignments that she knows she will have a limited time at home to complete.

“I’ll put it in my bookbag or sometimes I’ll just be too overwhelmed with homework to even think about doing something for fun,” Inman said.

Junior Sydney Giacomarra sits across from Inman in third hour AP Lang class, and the two participate in attention demanding class discussions frequently.

Even though Youtube, Student Campus, and text messages from friends are calling for her attention, Inman instead chooses to go against the grain and resist the urge to pick up the phone when a notification rings.

“I’m pretty pleased with the student she is,” Fichter said. “I think that there’s a time for phones and a time for no phones, and I would think in class would be a time when phones should be put away.”

OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF mind To prevent students from being distracted, Spanish teacher Valerie Green has them put their phone away away entirely during her class

by Karsyn Williams

Karsyn.williams15@gmail.com

I

t’s difficult to try and teach an entire class of students who aren’t paying attention, and are more focused on their phones than the lesson. Spanish teacher Valerie Green knows this problem all too well. Students were unfocused and not fully understanding the material, so Green decided to take action and remove what was distracting her classes.

“It can be very distracting for some students,” Green said. “I’ve noticed the kids productivity has gone down over the years as cell phones have gotten more prevalent. I’ve watched kids grades go down the more they use their phones in class.”

Staying focused for seven hours of classes isn’t easy, but the addition of a cell phone only makes it harder. Interesting lessons or activities sometimes aren’t enough to keep students focused, and teachers often have to find ways to eliminate the distractions.

“Our phones distract us from doing our work,” sophomore Riley McBride said. “It takes up a lot of our work time that we have available in class.”

Green allows her students to be on their phones for about five minutes at the start and end of the hour. But during class, phones are to be put away in their backpack. If a student wants to charge

26

FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | IN -DEPTH

their phone or just wants to keep it away from them to avoid being tempted to check it, Green has a space in her room with holders for phones right next to an outlet power strip. The holders are optional for students but if they take out their phone when it’s not allowed, they are told to put them in the holders.

“I think [Green] could be more loose about it and less strict, but I like how she extended our phone time in the beginning of class,” sophomore Cailyn Hodges said.

With students attention drawn away from their phones, they’re able to take notes, ask questions and learn the information being taught to them. According to Green, this has led her classes to be more productive and have a better understanding of the subject.

“They’re paying attention more and retain more of the information because their attention isn’t divided,” Green said.

Technology in classrooms can be useful, such as the use of smartboards or online learning programs, but the distracting factor of cell phones can affect a student’s ability to learn in class.

“It’s good to engage kids with technology, as I do a lot, but kids also need those social skills of actually talking to each other face to face and working on paper to maintain handwriting,” Green said.

PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN AND SYDNEY ELLISON

facing the black mirror Similar to many teens nowadays, senior Joey Albers Prize spends much of the day on his phone, but it may not affect his grades like expected

by Karsyn Williams

karsyn.williams15@gmail.com

T

hroughout the day, his headphones are in and notifications are popping up consistently. For at least 10 minutes each hour, senior Joey Albers Prize is on his phone. While much of that time is spent checking social media or playing games, a lot of it is also spent studying for his next test or checking when an assignment is due.

“I feel like [frequent phone use] would bring your grade down just because if you’re always on it like you could be distracted from homework or distracted during class,” junior Hannah Stoltman said.

As technology is used more and more in the daily lives of teenagers, a new age issue has come up about how it affects their academic performance.

Albers Prize, like many students, uses his phone during classes and frequently throughout the day.

“Whenever I’m in class and using my phone, I usually don’t end up doing my homework and my grade drops,” senior Joshua Wright said.

As cell phones can be very distracting, it’s difficult to see how it can actually be used to their help their education. Albers Prize finds educational benefits with his phone by using apps like Quizlet. The app can be used as a study tool similar to flashcards and many students use it to help review for classes.

Since many teachers have begun to post lecture notes, video lessons, due date reminders and other resources on their personal websites or Google Classroom, Albers Prize uses these to help him stay up to date in his classes.

“Sometimes when I procrastinate on homework I go on my phone and it distracts me a lot more than it probably should,” Albers Prize said. “I use [my phone] to study a lot. If I didn’t have Quizlet I would not be studying as much because it’s so much easier to just study whenever you’re checking your phone for a couple minutes,” Albers Prize said.

Despite phone usage being widely discouraged in classrooms, Albers Prize maintains good grades. He has found a balance between being productive and relaxing alongside his frequent phone use. A student being on their phone too often can result in their grades declining, but with proper time management and staying off of their phones during classes, one can still learn the material and perform well academically.

“I feel like technology is coming much more prominent and teachers can use that in a good way, and it kind of takes away from the view of technology being bad,” Albers Prize said.

to each his phone

Steve Willott is using phones to make learning easier and more enjoyable

by Andrew Reese

officialandrewreese@gmail.com

C

oming after the short era of flip phones, smartphones are quickly becoming a staple in the average student’s toolbox. But, the limitless potential of smartphones makes it easy for students to find themselves straying away from their classwork and slipping into a game or social media platform.

“I’m pretty sure if you walked into a classroom and watched everyone in the class, each person would check their phone at least once,” senior Emilee Statzer said.

The usage of smartphones in class has increased exponentially over the past 10 years. This means teachers, such as math teacher Steve Willot, have to constantly adapt to the new trends and changing features with phones. Even before the smartphone came out teachers had to deal with advanced texters on flip phones.

“A lot of the kids were really good at staring at you with their hands in their pockets typing a text to their friends,” Willott said.

Willott is restyling his lesson plans in order to take his students phones and use them for more educational material. From PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN AND SYDNEY ELLISON

Kahoot to Desmos, the online graphing calculator, Willott’s students have no shortage of fun activities that utilize their devices.

“It’s just a way faster, better use of our time,” Willot said.

However, the convenience of smartphones is a curse as much as it is a blessing. With the abundance and popularity of smartphones, they’ve become a constant nuisance for teachers trying to give lessons. Student’s reliance on their phones for entertainment and help with everyday tasks creates a strong pull to use them.

“I think if it’s just sitting there at least half of you wants to pick it up and not do anything productive for the next hour,” junior Jay Scott said.

Despite this downside, Willott has overcome it by making sure his students balance their electronic and non-electronic school work.

“There’s plenty of times where I’m not expecting the kids to bring the book with them,” Willott said. “I’ll say, ‘Just look this up.

You can find this online,’ or something like that.”

IN-DEPTH | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY.COM

27

SURROUNDED BY SCREENS In a world surrounded by screens, everyday students make the choice of how long they want to be on their phone (Content by Macy Cronin)

What Does FHN’s Screentime Look Like?

We surved 132 students of FHN to find out their average screen time and the apps they use the most Average Daily Screen Time Five hours and 33 minutes

Percent of Students With Most Used App, YouTube 34 Percent

Percent of Students With Most Used App, Snapchat 25 Percent

Percent of Students With Most Used App, Instagram 12 Percent

Name: Ian Kelly Grade: 9th Average Screen time: 4 hours and 26 minutes

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FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | IN-DEPTH

“A lot of classes have had me need programs that they put homework and notes on, so I need to use my phone for things like that. My phone also gives me something to do when I have a little bit of downtime during the day.”

His most used app is YouTube with an average of 1 hour and 34 minutes per day.

Name: Katie McNevin Grade: 10th Average Screen time: 6 hours and 37 minutes

Her most used app is GroupMe with an average of 1 hour and 35 minutes per day.

Name: David Lopez Grade: 11th Average Screen time: 6 hours and 35 minutes

His most used app is YouTube with an average of 1 hour and 30 minutes per day.

Name: Silvana Wang Grade: 12th Average Screen time: 3 hours and 59 minutes

Her most used app is Safari with an average of 1 hour and 20 minutes per day.

What are the effects of phones and technology on your school year so far?

Why do you think you are drawn to certain apps more than others throughout the day?

“During the school day, I am more drawn to apps that don’t need WiFi, because the WiFi in school sucks.

If I’m bored in class and I’ve done all my work I’ll play games on my phone.”

Tell about what point would you have to reach for you to think you were addicted to your phone?

“At the point where I don’t what to do anything else. I [don’t] put it down for school work or I [don’t] want to go out with friends or do all that.”

What is your honest opinion of screen time and its impact on today’s society?

“There are benefits, but right now when we are using our phones it’s affecting us in a negative way. There are going to be people who don’t use it but for a lot of us it’s easy to get sucked in.”

PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN AND SYDNEY ELLISON

balancing the scale Phones in an acedmic setting can have both amazing and harmful results. They can help students learn by using something in class they are excited about, but they are also very easy distractions.

Here are some ways to create balanced phone use in the classroom for both students and teachers.

(Content by Sydney Ellison)

TRY USING ONE ACTIVITY ON THE PHONE EVERY WEEK Start slow. Don’t dive head first into phones in the classroom. Pick one activity to do and master it. If you rush ahead into something, nothing is going to stick.

START A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR TEACHER

Come up with ideas on different applications of phones in class then present them to your teacher. Explain how technology can help advance the classroom’s learning through apps or activities.

TALK TO STUDENTS ABOUT THEIR PHONES Listen to their ideas of how phones and technology can be used in the classroom. Explain the room’s phone policy and how it came to be. Make sure the explanations are clear.

TURN OFF AND PUT AWAY ELECTRONICS When there is a no ph0nes allowed policy in your classroom, be respectful and remove your phone from the equation. It will be easier to focus. Students will find they are getting their work done faster.

HAVE A NO PHONES ALLOWED CONFERENCE DAY To help prepare surdents for the situations in life where smartphones are’nt accessible, have a few days during the year where everyone just sits down and talks. This type of communication can be used in any class. Whether it’s a friendly debate, a mock meeting or a math activity, these activities could advance communication skills.

SET TIME RESTRICTIONS ON YOUR PHONE Most phones have the feature of being able to set a time where the phone restricts usage. It can help students during studying or homework, so they can’t get distracted by their phone. If this feature isn’t an option, a timer can be used.

PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN AND SYDNEY ELLISON

IN-DEPTH | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY.COM

29

Knightsound boys grab and pull on Sophomore Chase Oncken. Knightsound runs through “Aladdin” on Sept. 3 after school. Each Tuesday for two weeks, Knightsound stayed after school until about 8 to learn choreography.

Knightsound stands and points out as the final chords in “Aladdin” plays. Knightsound will be re-learning this choreography closer to the performance in May 2020.

30

FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | PHOTO

Sophmore Kaylie O’Dell smiles while waving around her at the rehearsal.

PAGE BY RILEY WITHERBEE

PRACTICING, SINGING AND DANCING WITH A PROFESSIONAL

nd her scarves

For the past three years, FHN Knightchoir brings in Broadway star Nikki Snelson. Snelson was the original Brooke Wyndham in “Legally Blonde”. She now travels and choreographs shows for schools and theaters. Snelson choreographed “Aladdin,” “Waitress,” “Hairspray,” and “Zazz” this year for choir’s broadway concert in May 2020.

(Photos by Kaili Martin)

Snelson watches and taps the beat as the choir

Senior Hunter Labarge dances as others watch

Knightsound girls dance around sophomore Chase

students put their all into her choreography.

admiringly during rehearsal.

Oncken as he sings “One Jump” from Aladdin.

Snelson demonstrates a move to junior Robert Fairless and senior Josh Robinson.

PAGE BY RILEY WITHERBEE

Sophomore Zoe Meier sings wih passion and attitude. Meier is playing the singing part of Genie in Aladdin.

PHOTO | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

31

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SENIORS PAINT NEW RESERVED PARKING SPOTS For the first time, seniors were able to buy their own personal parking spaces are were given a chance to paint them.

DECA and FBLA held a fundraiser, and seniors could pay $20 to reserve their spot. Many drew inspiration for their parking spots based on activities or

Az Anderson gives the pros and cons of some of today’s current issues, including universal healthcare.

sports they participated in throughout high school, their favorite video games, or quotes from the past year. In this video, the Seniors describe what their designs are and what they mean to them. (Video by Carson Ramirez)

THE HISTORY OF FALL BREAK IN FHSD Fall Break has been a staple of the Francis Howell School District.

Find out the history of Fall Break and why FHSD continues to have the tradition.(Video by Carson

THE HOOD REPORT Emily Hood discusses important events from across the country, like a look into the latest updates to the iPhone.

Ramirez)

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FHN This video will give you tips on how to plan your classes, navigate the halls, and more to help relieve stress during your first years at FHN. (Video

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TEACHER FEATURE | DENISE MAPLES This episode of Teacher Feature interviews Denise Maples.

Maples teaches Intro to Art and Printmaking at FHN.

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YEARBOOK: MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME Be sure to order your 2019-2020 yearbook while you can.

The price is currently $55, but the price increases to $60 just before Fall break. You can buy online with a card or with cash or a check made out to FHN with Mrs. Kiel in room 131. Please email jordyn.kiel@fhsdschools.org with questions.

Check here to see if you’ve purchased: https://tinyurl.com/yearbookorders2020

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Just fill out the bottom portion of this form and mail payment to: Balfour P.O. Box 150069 with Mrs. Kiel in room 131 or the main office. .

A $10 fee is applied to all canceled orders. Your check payment may be converted to an electronic payment - your account could be debited the same day as payment is received and the original check will not be returned.

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After a good play, Senior #11 Courtney Wortman cheers on her younger sister, Freshman #5 Brianna Wortman, from the sidelines of the Girl’s Varsity Volleyball game on Sept 24. Both the Wortman sisters play on the Varsity Volleyball team and have played on club teams like HP, PAO, and Elite. “We always get excited together when we’re playing.

It’s just really fun when we get points and cheer for each other,” Brianna said. (Photo by Ella Manthey)

LEAVING IT ON THE COURT Wortman sisters spend Courtney’s final year and Brianna’s first together on the varsity volleyball team.

by Riley Parrot

stress.

“I was really excited when I made varsity and kinda surprised, I thought I was s they stand together in their backyard, the two sisters, Courtney and going to make JV,” Brianna said. “It is good to know and to feel like I am really Brianna Wortman, bump the volleyball back and forth, sharing smiles close with someone and to be with someone I know. It will be different with her and laughs together. The Wortman sisters have played volleyball their being gone, after playing with her so many times in our backyard.” whole lives, growing up with a father who has a great impact and influence on Since it’s Courtney’s last year on the team, she was very excited to play with a them. Senior Courtney Wortman, has been playing volleyball for seven years and new group of girls including her sister. To help Brianna become familiar with how Freshman Brianna Wortman has been playing for five. the FHN girls volleyball team works, Courtney has been giving her tips including “My father inspired me to play volleyball,” Courtney said. “We advice on how high school volleyball is different than club and used to pass the ball back and forth all the time.” what to expect between games. Unfortunately, Courtney sprained Courtney has played on numerous teams before joining her ankle near the beginning of the season and has only played the FHN volleyball team including HP, PAO, Elites and CYC for one game with her sister, but the two are looking forward to Check out the girls varsity Saint Elizabeth. Joining her freshman year, she made the JV conitnue playing together later in the season after her recovery. volleyball stats for 2019-20: bit.ly/2n1WOZN team, and when trying out sophomore year, she made varsity, “Courtney was definitely my inspiration to play volleyball,” holding her spot since.

Brianna said. “We’ve always got along really well and I’m really “My freshman year was great,” Courtney said. “It was one excited to be on varsity with her this year, even though it’ll be the of my favorite teams, the people I played with were great and my coach was last time we play together.” awesome. She helped me grow a lot as a player.”

Both sisters plan to soak in all of the memories and time spent playing together After loving the team so much, Courtney began to convince Brianna to join the during this season since it is Courtney’s final year on the team, but Brianna plans team her freshman year. Not knowing what team Brianna would make, since to continue playing throughout high school. volleyball was such a large part of her life, she decided to try out anyway. After “It is definitely bittersweet just because all of the emotions are a lot to take tryouts, Brianna was told she made the varsity team. She was nervous being in,” Courtney said. “My goal for this season, since it is my last, is to just make a freshman on varsity, feeling anxious about not knowing many people on the memories. It is the last time, so try to have the most fun and enjoy it the most.” team, but having her older sister on the team helped to alleviate some of the rparrott03@gmail.com

A

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SPORTS | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

35

UPCOMING GAMES

October

2

FR Boys’ Soccer Time: 4:00 p.m.

Where: FHN

Wednesday

Senior Zack Koester tackles the competition after the start of a play during the Varsity Football team’s game against FZS on Aug 13. Koester has played for FHN’s football program all four years of his high school career. The Knights won their first game of the season against the Bulldogs 35-21. (Photo by Riley Witherbee)

RETURN OF FRIDAY KNIGHT LIGHTS

The annual Homecoming football senior tight end Drake Whitehead said. game on Oct. 4 will be hosted by FHN “I mean, two teams who really don’t against conference rival, Francis Howell like each other who really want to win Central (FHC). The game’s theme, Black are playing.”

Out, will continue to follow the years The players and coaches for FHN before and will be supported by staff have been pushing each other and and students. The team hopes to bring themselves for this season; especially home a win. this game. They plan to use that effort “I expect us to win overall and and hard work in this game to bring play the game play home a win. by play,” middle “I’m going to push linebacker Lucas myself to the max Neuchwander said. so we definitely win Check out the football game phto gallery here: This year, FHN’s because the coaches https:// football team is want us to beat them,” a smaller team Neuchwander said. compared to last With the FHN year. Every player on the team is student section, the Goonies and the important. With one player injured, it parents of the players cheering them creates a challenge for the others on on, FHN football is ready to take on the team. But the team won’t let that whatever they need to to win this stop them. year’s Homecoming game, especially “We have a really small team this for those who won’t have another one. year,” Neuchwander said. “I feel like we “The difference between this game are way more connected than years for me and others is most still have before this.” another year or maybe to play, but for FHC is currently one of FHN’s biggest us seniors it’ll be our last,” Whitehead rivals. FHN and FHC compete in the said. “It’d be really nice to win the same division which will add to the Homecoming game.” (Brief by Abby excitement of the game.

Martinez) “I think it will be wild, honestly,”

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36

FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | SPORTS

October

2

JV Softball Time: 4:15 p.m.

Where: FHN

Wednesday

Running through Forest Park, Sophomore Macy Cronin focuses in during the Girl’s Cross Country meet on Sept 13. The team is looking forward to prepare for the GAC meet on Oct. 10, held at McNair Park. (Photo by Isabel Bira)

A LOOK AT CROSS COUNTRY’S GAC’S

The girls’ cross country team has continued to improve throughout the season. The Gateway Athletic Conference (GAC) meet is on Oct. 10 at McNair Park. Sean Fowler, who coaches the cross country team, has high hopes this year.

“We have a lot of strong athletes this year, and are expecting a lot of athletes to move up to varsity as the season goes on,” Fowler said.

Over the past couple years, the team has had a decrease of athletes joining, which is one of the struggles that the team perseveres through. The lower number of athletes affects GACs by not filling all the varsity spots, which can reflect on how FHN performs at GACs. Currently, FHN has two varsity athletes on the girl’s team, but that number is flexible, and usually increases as the season progresses.

“We seem to have in all various sports less participation among students at North. The coaches and I look forward to helping change that,’’

Fowler said.

To prepare for this meet, athletes are working hard in practices so they can come out on top. Ellie Miller, an athlete for the team, hopes to perform well at GACs. “Working hard at practice helps build speed, endurance and strength,” Miller said.

Getting to run a course more than once allows the runners to better pace themselves and mentally plan for an aggressive final push around the last bend of the race. FHN’s cross country team competes in this course three times this season, so that gives an advantage to the team. While the familiar course will help, Fowler says there’s something else than can help the runners reach their potential.

“Mentality is a big component when running, and even if you are a good runner, you will never succeed if you quit,” Fowler said. (Brief by Andrew Tueth)

PAGE BY LIY TALIAFERRO

October

2

-Powder Puff Time: 6:00 p.m.

Where: FHN

Wednesday

October

3

Thursday

During the game against FHC on Sept 4, Freshman XXX Blanke tries to get the ball from the other team. This was their first game of the season, however the Knights fell to the Spartans 0-4. (Photo by Pavan Kolluru)

OLD RIVALS BRING NEW CHALLENGES

The Francis Howell North Knights JV forward to creating that bond with the and varsity soccer teams will be taking new players. on the Christian Brothers College High “[The bond]’s good right now, and I School (CBC) on Oct. 10 at 4:00 pm. think that as the year moves on it will The Knights will be playing at home get better,” Shah said. “If it’s anything for this matchup. These two teams like last year, by the end of the season will play each other the team will be like once this year. This brothers.” game will bring new The team is excited challenges this year to overcome new and Watch the Varsity Boys’ as both the Knights old contests together.

Soccer livestream here: bit.ly/2kSzFZd JV and varsity teams One key aspect to have new players overcoming their that will have to get challenges is the teams used to the team. bond and how well they play together.

“I’m looking forward to new The team is looking forward to playing opportunities with the freshmen together this season. that are playing with JV this year and “I’m really looking forward to the CBC teaching them new things and playing game, because I feel like every year with my friends,” sophomore and JV that’s a challenge,” Shah said. “If we player Khalin Shah said. could overcome that this year it would According to players, last year the be a good accomplishment.” (Brief by team had a great bond. By the end Abigail Akers) of the year, some of the players said the team had become close to one another. Returning players are looking

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JV Softball Time: 4:15 p.m.

Where: FHN

October

4

Varsity Football Time: 7:00 p.m.

Where: FHN

Friday

XXXXX prepares to hit a tennis ball during a game against Howell. The FHN lady knights were all able to compete due to Howells large girls tennis team.

Unfortunetly, the knights lost against the vikings 1-8. (File Photo)

NEW SEASON COMES WITH NEW SENIORS

This new year came with different seniors compared to last year, which in turn came with all new responsibilities.

These new responsibilities include being a leader and someone who other students can look up to.

This year there are four seniors: Amanda Hassenbeck, Courtney Peper, Daniela Negrete and Gabi Negrete. Last year there were 12.

“It is hard to tell if the seniors are going to make a bigger impact than last year because there is less of them and the season just started,” junior varsity player Iris Lee said at the beginning of the season.

“Now that we are a couple of games into the season the seniors seem to be making a large impact on everyone even though there are less of them” Lee said.

The girls tennis coach, Samantha

Soltysiak, wants this year to be different from last year by emphasizing and pushing for a community. She is doing this by mixing up who is playing on which court and trying to get the seniors to help with that.

Students use the seniors as an important resource for help and advice. “ I hold the seniors to my highest expectations because they are my top players and have been there the longest,” said Soltysiak.

“The other students look up to the seniors mainly because of their experience,” Lee said.

Soltysiak says that one of the main jobs of the seniors is “encouraging the underclassmen that it is okay to be on junior varsity and if they keep working they can be on varsity,” Soltysiak said.

(Brief by Jon Fitch)

SPORTS | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

37

Freshman Lucy Fatita prepares to hit a softball during practice after school. Fatita has her mom to thank for her love of the sport. “My mom played college softball and really got me interested in the sport,” said Fatita, “She’s my biggest motivator.” (Photo by Phoebe Primeau)

STARTING ON A HIGH NOTE This year, the varsity softball team has a starting freshman on the team: Lucy Fajatin who is a starting outfielder and has been hitting, fielding and playing well. On her very first at bat she hit a home run. She is very excited to be a starter on the varsity softball team and looks to get better as a teammate and player.

“Everyone is so nice and so welcoming,” Fajatin said.

According to head coach Mike Freedline, Fajatin has been showing a lot of promise. He and the team are proud to have her as a part of the softball program.

“Just knowing that we’ll have her for four years, going down the road [is] really going to make a big impact on Upcoming our program,” Softball Games: Freedline said. “Just to 10/03 at 4:15 p.m. at Troy 10/08 at 4:15 p.m. at FHC keep hitting, get better at playing her position as she get’s used to playing three years above them since she’s been playing her age group.”

Overall, the team is very happy to have Fatita on the team, her and the team are all expecting a great season.

“Well, this year it’s cool that we have girls of all grades on the team,” pitcher Audrey Sevier said. “So it’s cool to mix around with different classes and I think we’re going to have a really positive team.” (Brief by Parker Kilen)

36 38

FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | SPORTS

During an intense golf match on Sept. 25, freshman Chloe Perkins croutches as she analyzes the course. This is Perkins’ first year on the team. “My first season is about my experience and growth,” Perkins said. “We have a team with a lot of potential and I can’t wait for next season.” (Photo by Nadia Absoud)

FRESHMAN HAS HIGH HOPES FOR GOLF

Chloe Perkins has been playing golf for years with her family and after working hard she was able to make the FHN girls golf team.

by Meranda Derosier

As Perkins continues to play golf with her family and friends, she hopes to get a scholarship and play She finally has accomplished a goal she has been golf in college at Harvard or Stanford University. working toward. She started at age seven, and after “All of us girls on the team get along great. We’ve hours, weeks, months and even years of practice, had a team bonding night which really brought she could finally say that she did it-- freshman Chloe us together. We support each other, and have lots Perkins became a part of the FHN girls golf team. of fun, “ Perkins said. “I feel like I’m close to all my “I loved watching my mom and dad play golf when I teammates. For example, at the FHN summer golf was very little,” Perkins said. “I always wanted to play, camp, I met another freshman, Leah [Heindsmit], and so my dad got me golf clubs and I’ve a senior Leann [Smyth]. We all instantly been playing ever since.” got along great, and have been friends Upcoming Clearly, she’s no stranger to the sport. ever since.”

“Golf is important to me because my With this being Perkins and Golf Games: whole family plays it and it’s something Heindsmit first year playing together, District - 10/07 we can all do together for fun,” Perkins Perkins really likes having Heindsmit as Sectionals - 10/14 State - 10/21 said. “Plus, it would be great to get a a teammate because she encourages scholarship for college.” her to do better.

Even though Perkins has been playing “I really like Leah as a teammate, she for years, she still gets nervous feelings before she is easy going and funny. Leah is very dedicated to starts. Sometimes she stresses that she won’t make golf,“ Heindsmit said. the first hole.

Coach Malkmus and the girls are excited and have “Before I tee off the first hole, I’m a bundle of high hopes for the season. nerves,” Perkins said. “I get overly anxious expecting “For this year I’m excited to see what the girls can to play the perfect round. However, after a few holes I do this season. They have all been working so hard settle down and relax. Then by the end of the round, and I think that after more practice it will be great,” I’m ready to play another nine holes.”

Malkmus said. mderosier205@g.fhsdschools.org

PAGE BY ANDREW TUETH

Sophomore Rana Shaker stretches before cross country practice. Cross country has annual team bonding activities such as team dinners before meets, initiation, team games, etc. “Team bonding brings us together to give each member a feeling of acceptance and to help all of us feel included,” Shaker said. (Photo by Alayna Furch)

GOING FROM A TEAM TO A FAMILY Sophomore Logan Schefaut dives off the platform into a somersault. This is Schelfaut’s second year on the team. Last year Schefaut was the only boys diver for the swim and dive team. (File Photo)

IMPORTANT DIVE Previous state winner of swim and dive, sophomore Logan Schelfaut discusses his plans for the current 2019-20 season

by Alise SImons

school, go home after school and sleep, and head to the Rec-Plex for practice from 8-10 p.m. Swim meets During the school year last year, then freshmen are an exciting time for both Schelfaut and Grapenthin.

Logan Schelfaut left the Rec-Plex, in St. Peters winning The meets usually lasts for about an hour and a half. the diving state title on Nov. 8 , 2018.

For the 2019-2020 school year, Schelfaut is planning “I was actually there for state, I watched the entire on working on the same dives and strength training, three hours or so, and I mean it was to try to win state for the second time. just amazing because our school won He went into the season with goals of state,” varsity swimmer and junior getting all of his practices in everyday and Devon Grapenthin said. “So that’s just working with his coach to improve on his Follow this link to watch a big accomplishment for form. It paid off, and Schelfaut qualified an interview with Logan [Schelfaut].” for state.

Schelfaut: Winning the state title was a huge “[I qualified for state] by going to bit.ly/2mLGEDL deal for the FHN swim and dive team. practice and working on my dives every There were schools gathered, building night and improving,” Schelfaut said. competition for the winning spot.

Both Grapenthin, and Schelfaut enjoy “I was pretty happy,” Schelfaut said. “I was kind of cheering on their team and the competition of the surprised.” sport and at the meets. From spending time together Schelfaut performed an advanced backward flip. at practice to working with coaches, Grapenthin This success shocked his family, friends, coaches, and and Schelfaut both believe that with dedication and teammates and the FHN community. motivation, anyone can improve and accomplish great “It’s a really fun experience,” Schelfault said. things.

“Especially when you cheer on those who are “I think I’ve improved quite well,” Schelfaut said. “I’ve swimming or diving.” gotten a couple of new dives and feel like I’ve been On a normal day of practice, Schelfaut would go to doing a little better than last year.”

asimon468@g.fhsdschools.org

WATCH

PAGE BY JULIA SAMPOLSKA

Team bonding is an important factor in the cross country team’s minds. The FHN cross country team holds bonding sessions before meets as a way to join together and build strong team spirit and relationships.

“I do legitimately think that it helps [bond the team],” junior Sam Adams said. “I mean we get everybody together, we eat some dinner together and talk about other team stuff.”

These bonding sessions come in many different forms, whether it’s a dinner before the meet or an annual Hibachi trip. The team gets together usually a couple of days before the meet, most frequently at Olive Garden or Pasta House, to interact in a more relaxed setting. It gives the runners a chance to hangout in times not restricted to practice.

“I just think it’s fun, the sort of just silly things that we’ll do,” Adams said. “We go on a little adventure.”

The tradition of team bonding sessions is not a new tradition to the cross country team.

It is a timeless tradition that has been passed down through past years and will continue to be passed on to teams to come. Head Coach Kimberly Martin has been at FHN for seven years and she says that it’s been a tradition since before then.

“I think it helps athletes bond together, especially if they weren’t originally friends before they joined the team and they may not have known each other,” Martin said. “So, it kind of helps them get to know each other in a kind of more chill setting where it’s not just the athletic setting.” (Story by Justin Brewer)

SPORTS | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

39

CELEBRATE YOUR 2020 GRAD

CELEBRATE YOUR 2020 GRAD

PURCHASE AN FHNADYEARBOOK PURCHASE AN FHN YEARBOOK TODAY PARENTS AND FAMILY: Don’t miss this opportunity to applaud your child’s achievements and send them your love with this special opportunity. Celebrate with photos and words of congratulation, praise and encouragement.

STUDENTS: Recognize and celebrate the relationships you’ve formed on teams, in classes, in clubs and in the hallways.

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PARENTS AND FAMILY: PARENTS AND Don’t FAMILY: Don’t miss this opportunity to applaudto applaud QUESTIONS? miss this opportunity Contact Yearbook Adviser your child’syour achievements and sendand send child’s achievements Jordyn Kiel: 1. Visit Balfour.com and find Francis Howell North 636-851-5048 themwith your love with ads” this special them your love special 2. Click “yearbooks,” thenthis “yearbook jordyn.kiel@fhsdschools.org 2.PURCHASE Select the opportunity. adCelebrate size you’d like to purchase Celebrate withand photos and AN FHN YEARBOOK AD TODAY opportunity. with photos 3. Click “add words to cart” of andcongratulation, Checkout praise and words congratulation, praiseviaand 4. Sendofthe info, photos and message the instructions PARENTS AND FAMILY: Don’t in the Balfourencouragement. email received after ad purchase encouragement. miss this opportunity to applaud

CELEBRATE YOUR 2020 GRAD

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BOYs will be Boys How “be a man culture” affects young boys’ minds and what society can do to stop it

by Gracie Bowman

graciebowman310@gmail.com

W

e see it everywhere. In movies, television shows, teen fiction and social media. Mostly everyone at some point in their lives has seen or heard the phrase, “Real men don’t cry.” This is just the tip of the iceberg into the bigger picture that young boys have to face. Whether they are told to “man up” or “be a man,” these small comments have an impact on young boys as they get older.

What is “be a man” culture? Think about the images or words that flood your mind when you think of the word “man.” What are they? Like me, you may see almost a superhero like being. Muscular and built, smart and good with the ladies. This man doesn’t shed a tear, he’s confident.

This picture that seems to be burned into not only my mind, but a lot of people’s minds is that same picture that is detrimental to our boys’ emotional wellbeing. The pressure to be that man we envision in our heads is be a man culture. The mental image of that man a lot of us seem to have has been put into our heads from television shows and movies since we were young kids.

Without even realizing it, young men have an idea of what being a male is from an early age. They want to fit into this mold because they feel that’s how they should be. Society puts them into this small box when really, it’s unfair.

Male leads in television shows and movies show men to be athletic or extremely smart. They may be extremely wealthy or the world’s super hero. No matter what role they play, they all seem to have something in common. Men in television screens show little to no vulnerability. It makes the man look weaktherefore boys think they will look weak.

We don’t just see it in the media. Parents can push their young boys into fitting into this mold as well and most of them don’t realize they’re doing it. We tend to see it more often from fathers than mothers, though it may not be true for every family. Fathers like to see their son playing baseball like they did as a kid, they tell them to “rub some mud on it and toughen up.” These comments don’t seem like a big deal. A father making sly comments about his son being in choir rather than football doesn’t seem like a huge problem.

Then we put the boys into school, where they have to figure out where they fit in to. The pressure is to be the fastest to run the mile in gym class and never be caught crying because, as we all know by now, boys aren’t supposed to cry.

What’s the overall issue here? What are the consequences of all these things?

Even if we can’t see a sudden change, over time this desensitizes boys to their feelings. So, when they mature into young adults, they bottle up their emotions, making it harder during adolescence for teenage boys. They contort themselves with their emotions and insecurities to fit into this box that society puts them in. Bottling emotions can create unhealthy habits and be a heavy weight on someone’s chest.

Parts of society have worked on eliminating gender roles, for example, men didn’t play as big of a role in our beauty community as they do now. Activists have also played a role on social media to address this issue. But I don’t think gender roles are our only problem here. I think to resolve this issue, we need to introduce young boys to talking about their feelings at a young age.

We should normalize men having feelings and eliminate the stereotypes in men. Parents should try methods of talking through their emotions with young boys. Make it known from an early age that it’s okay to feel certain ways and it is okay to want to talk about it with someone they trust.

This way, men can feel safe being more vulnerable with their friends and family. Not only will their mental health improve, but so will their relationships.

By normalizing emotions, society can change the phrase, “be a man” into a more positive saying.

42

FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | OPINIONS

(Illustration by Minnie Adams)

PAGE BY MINNIE ADAMS

HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS Time management is one of the best ways to handle stress

by Liv Engle

OEngle158@g.fhsdschools.org

Students and teachers both struggle with handling stress in and out of school.

Everyone gets overwhelmed with school at some point, whether that is grading assignments, dealing with homework or a job, and trying to have enough time for a social life. If you are anything like me, you probably stress a lot and don’t always know how to relieve that stress.

There are so many ways to handle stress: talking to someone, finding a hobby or taking a break. Without any strategies, stress can build up over time and affect yourself, your relationships, your hobbies and your daily life. One of the best ways to cope with stress is managing time. Plenty of teachers and students have problems with grasping ways to help their time management with their everyday life. It’s hard to get routines to stick as well. Time management is important because of how much it can affect your daily life. With no planning, many due dates or important times will go in one ear and out the other.

Students and teachers need to have a break from school and work. Without any planning involved for the grading,

assignments, jobs and activities, there will be little to no time to have a healthy social life outside of the stress.

Focus on developing ways to balance your time within your daily routine, like keeping a planner. Make a schedule and stick with it. Once time management is easier to handle, you won’t feel as overwhelmed. With a schedule, tracking any important information will work wonders. All the information you need to know or important news that cannot be forgotten about can be written down and easily accessed, that way there is no way to forget it. Keep the schedule in a place that you will look at often and won’t lose it.

Have a calendar within the schedule, where notes can be written about certain days of the week along with specific times or due dates.

There are plenty of factors that add to students and teachers everyday lives.

Planning and scheduling in multiple aspects will relieve plenty of that stress.

Although there are numerous amounts of ways to deal with stress either in or out of school, time management is the most important when facing stress for students and teachers.

Students and teachers were asked about stress and time management...

“I would say not stress, but time. Planning and grading takes a lot of time outside school and sometimes you have to choose or minimize.”

William Crow, Teacher

“Time management can be stressful because of all theb assignment deadlines and grading deadlines.”

Denise Maples, Teacher

“Yes, Time management is a big factor of stress. If I’m procrastinating, that is when I get stressed out. Also, I see a lot of students do the same, they put off projects or assignments and it stresses them out.”

Stephanie Johnson, Counselor

PAGE BY LIV ENGLE

“Yes, time management is crazy. I have to balance work and trying to keep a social life.

It’s very stressful because of school on top of my job and out of school life.”

Ava Clintsman, 11

“I think it’s important for students to manage their time better so they aren’t as stressed.”

Jeremy Kiel, 12

“When I had my job, I went straight from school, then worked all night, then had homework so it took the whole day.”

Leah Parker, 10

(Photos by Salam Abouchleih)

(Illustration by Gracie Bowman)

OPINIONS | 10.02.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

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STUDENT TAKE: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE POSSIBLE NEW SCHEDULE? “I think getting out later will cause us to miss summer since most people take their vacation early.”

Jenna Brook, 9

“By the time we get back from winter break, everything we learned would be forgotten. Break is the time for fun.”

Mario Delapaz, 12

“The consumerism lobby shall not determine school schedule for the entire state. It should be the districts.”

Rylie Miller, 10

"I think classes would still be the same but towards the beginning of the year and the end of the year it'd be a little wierd because it's not what people are used to.”

Cate Hahn, 11

“It sucks because I like the system now. It’s been this way for so long.”

Chloe Averbeck, 10

“I think that we shouldn’t take the finals when we come back, we’re gonna forget everything. No one studies over break.”

Grace Moseley, 11

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FHNTODAY.COM | 10.02.19 | OPINIONS

NORTH STAR TAKE:

SUMMER FOR SENIORS The Class of 2021 should be released early from school at the end of the year to avoid boredom and problems with graduation On Behalf of the Editorial Staff @fhntoday.com | @FHNtoday

I

t’s the last day of school of the 2020-21 school year. The class of 2021 anxiously sits in their seats, awaiting the final bell of their high school career. The past two weeks have been filled with movies, parties, and busy work. AP tests are over, and many seniors who take these tests have already covered all the material needed for their classes and will not need to take many finals at the end of the year.

With the changes to the 2020-21 calendar due to Missouri’s new school start date law, the end of the school year could be extended into the last week of May. It could potentially move into June past graduation, depending on the

amount of snow days next year.

Here are three reasons why we believe the class of 2021 should be released from school five days early at the end of the year.

Once AP Testing is Finished, There is Little Material Left to Cover in Class Many AP teachers look to cover all the material for their class before the AP tests to help their students succeed on their exams.

Even though the end of the school year could be at the end of May or beginning of June depending on snow days, dates for AP tests remain during the first two weeks of May. This could result in two weeks of school after AP PAGE BY CONNOR PEPER

North | star Editor-in-Chief: Grace Bowman Copy Editor: Ashlynn Perez

(Illustration by Jena Pae)

tests have finished.

Letting seniors out of school five days early would still allow them time to finish up any remaining second semester finals while reducing the time spent sitting in class with little content left to cover.

Many Things Need to be Finalized Before Graduation If enough snow days occurred during the 2020-21 school year, the last day of school could be pushed beyond graduation on June 5. There are many things that must be finalized before seniors can graduate, like honors points, cum laude titles, A+ eligibility, and second semester grades.

Graduation is always held on the first Saturday in June at the Family Arena for all three Francis Howell high schools. The date of graduation cannot be moved, as Francis Howell has a contract to host graduation on that specific weekend.

By giving seniors five days off before graduation, this would give the counseling and registrar’s office plenty of time to ensure that everything is up to PAGE BY CONNOR PEPER

date before seniors walk across the stage and give their diplomas.

Underclassmen Could Use the Time to Prepare for the Coming Year Underclassmen would still be able to use class time to review and do other enrichment activities to help prepare for their future years at FHN. Underclassmen could work on school service projects, like helping to clean the school, or write letters to Veterans through organizations like Bright Flight. Classes like Publications could plan for next year’s newspaper, yearbook, or web content.

Counselors could meet with students to discuss next year’s classes, extracurriculars, and plans for after high school. Using this time would be a great opportunity to build the FHN community and get students excited for the year ahead.

Avoid the busy work, parties, and boredom that comes with the end of the year. Make sure seniors are ready for graduation by allowing them to end the year early.

Entertainment/Opinions Editor: Justin Christensen News Editor: Macy Cronin Features Editor: Sydney Ellison Sports Editor: Karsyn Williams General Staff: Minnie Adams Abby Martinez Kiley Beiner Ryleigh O’Donnell Anna Besancenez Connor Peper Justin Brewer Andrew Reese Jack Cleaveland Emma Rohrbach Olivia Engle Julia Sampolska Maya Helbig Aadhi Sathishkumar Chloe Horstman Aliyah Taliaferro Ivy Lowery Andrew Tueth Skylar Vogel Editor-in-Chief of Photography: Phoebe Primeau Newspaper Photo Editor: Kaili Martin Yearbook Photo Editor: Ella Manthey Sports Photo Editor: Riley Witherbee Photographers: Salam Abouchleih Isabella Manthey Addalynn Bradbury Allison Moore Alayna Furch Jordyn Sgroi Bryanna Ginn Rachel Stover Aidyn Gleason Samuel Watkins Sky Hebisen Sarah Williams Adam Hogan Avery Witherbee Anna Hollinger Riley Witherbee Pavan Kolluru Courtney Wortman Editor-in-Chief of FHNToday: Sophie Carite FHNtoday Managing Editor: Carson Ramirez Web Staff: Abigail Akers Taylor Hill Brianna Ammons Eva Kaminski Isabel Bira Parker Kilen Sumi Chen Julia Kristensen Jonathan Fitch Rocio Romero Carly Gordon Uma Upamaka Bret Hammond Mya Walker Adele Higgins Lauren Willerton Michael Willmann Executive Producer of Video: Emily Hood Chief Editor: Jena Pae Podcast Editor: Tom Jamison Promotions Manager: Emily Zhang Associate Producer: Francisco Jimenez Segment Producer: Azariah Anderson Video Staff: Nadia Abusoud Michael Mellor Anjolina Blackwell Louis Primeau Nico Beonitz Raymond Shea Victor Escobar Cole Sherman Morgan Hanson Coong Tran Reinita Lee Jacob Willmann Gabriel Lobato Joshua Wright Advisers: Aaron Manfull Jordyn Kiel

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