A LETTER FROM THE EDITORS It is true, as the Chinese proverb states, that we live in “interesting times.” For some, the last several months have been a placid chapter of sitting on the couch, waiting for the pandemic to pass. For others, there’s been a chapter of advocacy and picketing. Regardless of what you protested for or the amount of times you’ve rewatched “Criminal Minds,” one thing is true: We are all in the same boat. As a school, we find ourselves caught in a limbo, unsure of what the future holds, waiting for normalcy in a familiar, yet foreign world. The classrooms are spaced out, designed to combat a virus and limit interactions. And the passing periods, once packed with legions of laughter and voices, are now diluted versions of what used to be. In these unprecedented times, the FOCUS has also gone through many changes and drawbacks: dealing with a hybrid schedule, training a new staff and a change of format.
Despite these curtails, we’ve (hopefully) brought forward a newsmag of considerable quality and effort. We’ve created a new logo that emphasizes the importance of us. For the time being, Falcons will have to work together from six feet apart. Knowing our community, that won’t be a problem. So, our goal for the year ahead is for the FOCUS to become the connecting liaison, soul and embodiment of Perry Meridian- a publication that unites a diverse audience and engages its readers. As another Chinese proverb states, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Perhaps that step is simply turning the page. Your managing editors,
2019-2020 FOCUS Staff Krissy Brzycki Bryan Aung Synthia Davis Madison Leonard Evan Taylor Hannah Hunt Genevieve Holt Bawi Zing Austin Ward Frederick Seddon Lyndsey Spoonamore Ella Bennett Blake Hall Joslynn Roll Katlyn Hadley Raechel Johnson Emily Wilson Daniel Schoch Kert Boedicker
Co Managing Editor Co Managing Editor News Editor Community Editor Sports Editor Feature Editor Entertainment Editor Page Designer Page Designer Page Designer Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Adviser Principal
Students react to Harris pick for VP nomination Blake Hall
Staff Reporter
At a divided point in United States history, Sen. Joe Biden declared that his running mate is Sen. Kamala Harris of California. Harris is now the first Black woman and person of South Asian descent to be nominated for a major party ticket in American history. Harris has used her position as a vocal supporter of racial justice legislation in light of the tragedies that include George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Atatiana Jefferson, Stephon Clark, Ahmaud Arbery, Jacob Blake, and countless others. Many students are hopeful for the Biden-Harris duo in November. Senior Skylar Moore rejoices that it is so “nice to see a woman” in a
Biden announced Harris as his running mate on August 11. (Photo from News 18)
“big seat like this,” and that “Harris and Biden have ideas and values that are ideal for the American people.” In a juxtaposition, the Republicans stand by President Donald Trump.
With claims from President Trump that Harris is a “nasty” politician and that Biden is “sleepy,” conservatives stand by the current administration to “Keep America Great.” Senior Jeff McClure be-
lieves Harris’s nomination is just a ploy for “Biden to appeal to the Black community that he has talked down upon for years.” To McClure, there is no doubt that President Trump “will win again, especially against a man that cannot speak complete sentences.” Former Vice President Biden essentially catapulted Harris through the barrier of modern-day America; Biden has given citizens the opportunity to vote for a woman of color on a major party ticket–something that otherwise would have taken decades to achieve. So the question is, on Nov. 3, 2020, will the United States elect to “Keep America Great” or “Build Back Better?”
Music classes hit hard by COVID-19
Lyndsey Spoonamore Staff Reporter
Like a staccato, many are hoping COVID-19 will be short. Safety guidelines have changed almost everything for students, and those changes don’t stop at music classes. Choir director Melissa Walsh has made numerous adaptations based on scientific studies to better understand the virus and keep her students safe. “[The safe distance] when you’re singing is actually 10-12 feet apart,” she says. “I actually measured the auditorium and all the seats and made sure that nobody
in the auditorium is even near 10 feet.” “What rehearsal looked like, we’d do warmups everyday,” she says. “Then we’d rehearse very specific sections of our music. We do a lot of self-critiquing. [Now] choir is meeting in the auditorium. We go outside every day. The classes are already smaller, so that helps.” Band director Michael Richardson admits that last year was a “challenging” year, and emphasized that “a full performance calendar” makes for a packed schedule. “The basis of performance music classes is that we are
able to come together in large and small groups to make music together,” he says. “COVID has made that nearly impossible.We are only permitted to play for 45 minutes.” Orchestra director Christina Crawford shares many of Richardson’s concerns. “[In] a normal class, we’d be able to see each other and hear each other,” she says. But now with social distancing guidelines, “[Students] feel like they’re the only one on their part… they feel very far away from each other.” Despite the challenges, however, the potential for student growth is signifi-
Photo by Lyndsey Spoonamore
cant. “I think what will make students grow the most is to… feel confident in their own ability and their own problem solving,” Crawford says. “[Students] are going to grow so much this year.”
A day in the life: Custodians adjust to COVID-19 Bryan Aung
Co Managing Editor
In early March, when the agile, springtime wind still blew a welcoming aura, Eubus “JB” Jackson, a well-known member of the Perry Meridian custodial force, entered the halls of Perry Meridian as he would any other day. In his office, he would check his email for the day’s tasks: stocking copy machines, unloading packages, and stacking bookshelves. Several months later, on the eve of August, Jackson and the custodial staff found themselves eye-toeye with the spectre of COVID-19 and entered a changed atmosphere. Jackson now finds himself in a different world. The custodial office is filled with new chemicals and tools to sanitize a COVID-haunted school.
Graphic by Bryan Aung
“I thought it was kind of nuts, but I didn’t know how bad this stuff was, you know,” Jackson says. “But I’m going to try and keep everybody around here safe.” Charlee “Char” Bailey, a friend and co-worker, reiterates the rigor of the new procedures. “When lunch lets out, [and] you guys get to your destination–a new crew comes in, and we go out and wipe the door handles and all the railings,” she
says. “It’s all new for us.” With the new changes, possibilities of infection are limitless, yet Bailey speaks confidently of the effort by the custodial staff. “It’s not been bad, actually,” she says. “The biggest fear is when we know cases that’ve happened, and how much exposure we’ve had to them. But I feel pretty safe.” Groundskeeper Sam Ralston, is often brought inside to help with the
new sanitizing process. “I don’t know a whole lot because I’m outside mostly,” he says. “But they’ll pull me in every now and then because they have to wipe [the school] down all the time.” However, the man–or in this case, machine–of the hour is the fogger: a device worn on the back and sprayed using Virex 256, a non-toxic chemical recommended by the CDC. Every day, sitting coyly on the side of the custodian’s office, the fogger awaits. Complementing Jackson’s neon yellow and orange vest and lapis jacket, the device completes the outfit in a Ghostbuster-esque style. Heading into the hallway, JB turns a small notch and, after clearing the path, he begins to mist.
New parking schedule causes concern Frederick Seddon Page Designer
The peculiar emptiness of the student parking lot leaves some students wondering why they are paying for a service that doesn’t seem necessary. However, administration has an answer to these concerns. Lucas Klipsch, assistant principal of team 2021, outlined a plan made by Sarah Wood, secretary of team 2021 and 2022, that gives two parking spac-
es to each student. The first parking space listed is the one the student is parked in now, and the other space is reserved in the event that students go back to full-time. In autumn, parking spots get occupied quickly as new drivers get their licenses. Tracking for the amount of available parking is important to make sure those new drivers will also get spots if the school goes full-time. The school needs them
for security precautions too. “We need to know every car that’s on our lot,” Klipsch explains. “We have people trespass… because of something they’ve done here that we don’t want on our lot.” Parking permits are also a way to maintain the lot, as the funding required is not given by citizen tax dollars. “We can use that money to resurface the lot and to repaint the lines, and
if something breaks,” Klipsch says. However, according to Klipsch, the number of student drivers is down this year from over 350 to under 300. The lack of drivers means a lack of funding for the lot. “The service we’re providing is you get to have your car close to the door of the school and you get to walk in and you get to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of being a student driver,” he says.
The Debate: Canvas vs Google Classroom Hannah Hunt Feature Editor
First, a crumbling stub of chalk. Then, a sleek Expo marker. Now, an index finger, expectantly poised over a Chromebook touchpad. Education is never static, especially as it grows closer to technology. At Perry Meridian, technology is accessed through Canvas, a Learning Management System (LMS) that is accessible to both hybrid and virtual learners. Google Classroom is now a thing of the past, leaving its supporters with no other option than to adapt. Spanish teacher Emily Burchfield finds that while Canvas does offer a
variety of useful features, including its organization, Google Classroom is overall more user-friendly. “I’ll compare [Canvas] to my knowledge of Spanish,” she says. “I know so much, but there’s so much yet to know.” Starting this year, the seventh year Spanish teacher “just kind of dove in” to Canvas and now spends approximately five hours a week per class creating her modules — significantly more time than when using Google Classroom. But the biggest problem Canvas has presented to Burchfield? The fun. “Such a big piece that is missing is in-class interaction,” Burchfield says, re-
calling the ability to read emotions on maskless faces and play games in class. “We have to bring the fun back.” Like Burchfield, math teacher Chris Allen is able to appreciate the human connection found only in in-person learning. It’s preferable to him because “you don’t get that back-and-forth humor” from video lessons. But between Canvas and Google Classroom? “I think Canvas is superior,” Allen claims. “I don’t miss Google Classroom at all... no offense, Google,” he jokes. Allen, who has taught for 20 years, is familiar with online learning, especially beyond Canvas.
Many years ago, prior to PMHS officially adopting any LMS programs, he created his own website for content, called allenmath.com. Nowadays, he prefers Canvas due to its organization and structure. All students and staff, regardless of their opinions, are learning. Whether this learning takes place in the classroom or virtually, after years of experience with Canvas or only a few training sessions, what matters is that it involves us all equally. Pro-Canvas or Pro-Google Classroom, Falcons are all in a position of transition—reminiscing the fun once had and bracing for a future of change.
A window into college planning during COVID-19 Raechel Johnson Staff Reporter
As the looming presence of college application deadlines creeps ever so close, many seniors are starting to question whether their freshman year of college will look similar to the circumstances they face now. With the future unclear, much has changed for this special senior class. One notable difference includes the structure of applications, as many universities like UIndy no longer require SAT or ACT scores. Students have mixed reviews of this news. “My
applications have been set very far back because of COVID,” senior Alyssa Debrular says. “My SAT has been canceled twice now.” However, others believe the virus has actually made the application process easier in some ways. Senior Jill Wycoff thinks the process has “been a lot smoother,” and the COVID related questions that have been added to many applications allow her to “express time spent in quarantine.” This addition to the application lets students discuss how the pandemic has affected them personally.
The discussion of COVID-19’s effects goes beyond college applications, though. Even with the hope for a vaccine in the near future, senior Ridge Falco believes “there will still be some policy changes that will affect colleges,” echoing the sentiment that university campuses will look the same for a while. Currently, it is difficult to say how the pandemic may shape the future, but Falco believes the “financial crash” will play a huge role in students’ lives A big question mark still surrounds what classes, rooming, social gather-
ings and remote learning will look like. Multiple campuses, like Indiana University, have cancelled college tours, meaning some students may be applying to their top choices without having set foot on campus. Because of this, seniors are also unable to decide if the universities they are applying to are the best fit for them. It is as if the class of 2021 is applying blind and hoping for the best outcome possible. “I’m trying to stay positive about everything and just keep a good mindset,” Debrular says.
Welcoming new teachers to a newer world Austin Ward Page Designer
Entering her eleventh year teaching, Melanie Magdalinos is staying student-focused as she navigates a new school and new procedures. “It’s all a learning curve,” she says. The new science teacher feels students and teachers are overloaded with new procedures to learn, just to get through the school year. She also admits that, although the school year may feel awkward, “My endgame is their success.” Social studies teacher and girls basketball head coach Jessica Johnson is back at her old stomping grounds for her seventh year in the classroom. A 2009 PMHS alum, she is
New staff members will face harsh challenges this year, having either changed schools or teaching for the first time, all while adhering to policies and procedures laid out by the Marion County Health Department.Three of the newest Falcon teachers reflect on how this school year will affect them and what their plans of attack might look like.
Melanie Magdalinos (Photo By Austin Ward)
embracing new challenges as they emerge with an eye on the future. “It’s definitely difficult,” she says, and “for basketball, it’s kinda the same.”Her plan for this
year involves staying “super far ahead.” Fresh into his first year of teaching, English teacher Jake Pattinson admits he had a few nerves entering the school year.
“I of course felt some trepidation about starting the year with so many unknowns, but these worries were erased as the school year began,” he says. “This journey has taught me to have an open mind about anything.” Pattinson is doing his best to keep a strong mindset in facing the COVID-19 year. “Thinking too much about things I cannot control will always result in anxiety and dread,” he says. “With all the new changes going on, I have strived to focus on what is really important, and why I went into teaching in the first place: to foster meaningful relationships and challenge students to think creatively about the world.”
StuVo promises to adapt, engage with school Bawi Zing
Page Designer
Student Voice, or StuVo, is responsible for uniting the school in the shape of a student government. The goal of StuVo is to provide activities for the school, such as class competitions, and to be a resource that students use to find out about information and other events. The question remains, however, how class competitions and activities will work with a hybrid schedule and social distancing guidelines. English teacher Jacqui
Sheehan, a StuVo sponsor, is letting StuVo leaders from each class think of ideas and activities that could be done while still meeting COVID guidelines. StuVo held its first meeting to discuss actual plans that could be implemented soon, though nothing is set in stone as of now. Junior Abby Mercer, the newly elected Team 2022 class president, has been a member of StuVo for three years. She was a class representative for her freshman and sophomore year and won the presidency this year.
As a class president and leader, Mercer believes the most important thing is “providing encouragement and promoting involvement.” She plans to collect ideas from the students in her class to help with class competitions. She will also utilize social media, announcements, Remind, and personal invitations to help students feel welcome and be a source of communication. Additionally, Sheehan mentions that this year they would like to get as many students as connected as possible. To do
that, StuVo has added a council, whose role is to advise StuVo leaders with ideas, get more people involved and help spread announcements out. “The concept of StuVo council is very new this year, and I’m glad to be a part of it,” junior Elly Kimbual, a member of the council, states. “This year it’s so important that we have everyone involved, and I love that Sheehan is coming up with different ways to help our student body with that.”
Furry friends find homes during quarantine Ella Bennett Staff Reporter
Baking, watching movies, and playing video games are only a few of the new hobbies people picked up over quarantine, but these activities still weren’t enough to stop boredom from consuming families while stuck inside. During times of isolation, people search for new sources of companionship, and the perfect match for that is a new pet. Pet adoption has dramatically increased during quarantine, including in Indianapolis. Rebecca Stevens, the president and CEO of the Humane Society of Hamilton County, says that pet adoptions have been excellent this year. Quarantine presented the perfect opportunity for many families to adopt. Sophomore Joseph Ashbrook adopted from a family who was looking for a good home for their puppies. He saw quarantine as a chance to bond and train his new dog. “I knew that we would be out of school for the rest of the year, so I
would at least have the summer to train him,” he says. Websites have even helped people find adoptable pets digitally instead of in person. “We decided to adopt a dog because it’s something we’ve always wanted to do, but have never found the right time,” sophomore Alec Klonne says. “For about a month we scoured websites like Petfinder to find a good match, and finally found a lab mix named Wanda.” Adopting pets hasn’t only bonded owners with their pets but has also brought families together. “Ever since we got Wanda, our family has been much closer,” Klonne says. “We go on walks, take her places, and just generally work together to take care of her.” Pets are always surprising their families and bringing a sense of excitement into their home. Caring for new pets causes families to spend time together that they may not have before. “We’ll all be in the backyard sitting around talking and laughing at whatever stupid thing Wanda is up
to,” Klonne says. “We didn’t used to do stuff like that. We’re definitely a lot closer because of this little dog.” Pet adoption not only has a positive effect on families, but on the community as a whole. “I think that economically it has had a good impact,” Ashbrook says. “Something a lot of people haven’t thought about is you need food and toys and vet care, which keeps people employed.” The number of pets adopted from shelters has increased dramatically during quarantine. Increased pet adoption helps shelters have better conditions and finds more pets happy homes. Websites such as Petfinder have had an 110 percent increase in adoptions. “I definitely think it’s a good thing that more pets are being adopted,” Klonne says. “If you know anything about me, you know that I love animals, and the more that are adopted and are out of shelters the better.” Pet adoption has also helped boost community spirit within Perry Township, even in individual neighborhoods.
Enviro Club gains new leadership, new goals Austin Ward Page Designer
How has the Environmental Club kept up with COVID? Over the summer, members were not able to tend to the school garden, which has led to an overgrown mess. However, co-presidents of the Environmental Club, Emily Bower and Hayden White, as well as English teacher Jessica Hunter, made serious efforts during the rare summer days they were allowed access to the school to rebuild. “We have a really good start on our garden,” Bower says. The club has also begun brainstorming new ways to reaching out to all students.
The club has already begun to harvest produce, like cherry tomatoes, in the garden. (Photo provided by Hayden White)
“We are going to try to be more active on social media and use electronic resources that students are familiar with,” she says. Club members plan to become “Influencers” and share their eco-friendly posts to “boost up one an-
other without having to come into close contact and putting ourselves at risk,” according to Bower. Even in the midst of chaos, the Club is keeping itself strong and is coming up with more and more ideas to live eco-friendly.
What is one thing you’re looking forward to this year and why? “I’ve been looking forward to having some of the good teachers because they really help make the content intriguing. I’m also excited that I get to start off my cross country season without a broken leg.” -Jude Hunt ‘24 “Fridays. My classes that day have the best people in it and they make school 10x more enjoyable. I’m also actually looking forward to working through the new work schedule. I think this will help me learn to not procrastinate, preventing it from being a major issue in college.” -Olivia May ‘23 “I’m really looking forward to the football games. That’s something that as of right now is for sure happening and that I know I will get at least one in, even if everything shuts down after that.” -Kayleigh Cooper ‘21
BALANCING THE EXPERIENCE Evan Taylor Sports Editor
The COVID-19 virus can’t stop the fun at football games. The Marion County Health Department is limiting football games to 1000 people. Accounting for players, the marching band, and staff, around 700 tickets are left for families and fans.
While lack of fans may cause games to look a little different and sound a bit quieter, head coach Brett Cooper isn’t too concerned. “The crowd doesn’t really influence the game, but it is more about the experience,” he says. This is seniors’ last chance to make Friday night memories, but while experience is important, find-
ing a balance between safety and fun is the school’s priority. At home games, fans are permitted to sit on X’s to social distance throughout the bleachers, allowing everyone to cheer and stay safe. “I wish it could be like it used to be,” senior Gabe Sulya says. “But I think the current protocols keep us safe and allow us to enjoy games.”
New head coach Brett Cooper graduated from North Park College in Chicago, majoring in Physical Education. He became a coach because of the influence of his father, who was a college football coach. Cooper is tasked with building a positive, competitive culture. “Culture to me is accountability held within a team,” he says, “and that starts with a level of respect for each other no matter people’s backgrounds. We just need to respect each other and trust each other.”
Coach Cooper leads the team in exercises before the senior night game. (Photo by Evan Taylor)
Freshman football and weights coach Chris Massaro graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a degree in Sports Science and a master’s in Sports Management. He wanted to continue being around the game of football as a hands-on weights coach, developing future Friday night football stars.
Coach Massaro analyzes the game versus Franklin Centeral. (Photo provided by Lauren Mervar)
Trainers serve the school in subtle ways Evan Taylor Sports Editor
In prior years, the role of an athletic trainer has been to help injured players, healing them through exercises,
and providing quick relief during games. This year, the job description now includes even more sanitation procedures. They are in charge of refilling water bottles and keep-
ing track of whose water is whose and cleaning every chair that is used after games are finished. These simple measures help keep the Falcon Family safe.
Marina Abbott - Abbott went to the University of Indianapolis and majored in Athletic Training with a minor in Gerontology. Her interest piqued when she took a sports medicine class as a junior at Perry Meridian High School, and she knew she had found her calling.
Wolf helps player James Barnes off of the field. (Photo provided by Lauren Mervar)
Davids pictured before a football game. (Photo provided by Lauren Mervar)
Jamie Wolf - Wolf attended Indiana State University, majoring in Athletic Training. She earned her master’s degree in Education from the University of Texas at Tyler and became a trainer because it allowed her to be around sports and be in a health profession.
Ashleigh Davids - Davids also graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. She became a trainer because she was close with her trainer in high school, and she knew she wanted to do something in the health field.
Abbott helps a player stretch after an injury. (Photo provided by Lauren Mervar)
Marching band overcomes misfortune Bawi Zing
Page Designer
Marching band is a beloved tradition of Perry Meridian High School and for years has participated in ISSMA competitions as well as performances at home football games. Due to the nationwide pandemic, however, there have been mandated changes and restrictions implemented throughout the state. The most impactful change has been ISSMA’s mandate to cancel all marching band competitions for this school year. Without any state competitions, they are restricted to half-time performances during home football games as well as some small invitationals.
Junior Hunter Case has competed with the marching band for three years. “Competing is really fun, but it’s also a lot of hurry up and wait,” Case states . Case also a has concerns regarding team bonding. Students are not allowed to face one another while playing their instruments and don’t have time to bond with each other like in past years. And, like all competitive activities, stress is a factor, but students like sophomore Luke Marlatt embrace it. “I really enjoyed the competitions because you really get to know the bands you’re going up against,” Marlatt says, “and it really added a competitive aspect to the whole activity.”.
To accomodate hybrid schedules, practices have been moved to 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and practices have been added to the weekends. Another change is a new band director, Daniel Klipper. The band directors are working together to keep students motivated and enjoying this year’s experience despite the pandemic. Students are saddened there are no competitions, they realize there is very little that can be changed about competitions and find pockets of joy in performing at football games and small invitationals. “I think it’s a sad thing that we’re not competing but as long as we still get to perform for someone I am fine with it,” says Marlatt.
Imagine sitting amongst friends in a class, yet feeling totally excluded. Imagine being innocently greeted by a teacher but, deep down, feeling invalidated. For transitioning and nonbinary students, these can be everyday experiences. A few staff members at Perry Meridian, however, have become more involved in making everyone feel welcomed and included. From asking students their pronouns, to creating an open environment for all students, teachers are helping to change the culture at PMHS. Asking students their preferred pronouns when first meeting them, for instance, is a sign of respect and aids in expression without adding to the feeling of discomfort. Students are not obligated to tell a person their pronouns, either. “Names are one of those first identifiers we learn about someone,” English teacher Stefanie Davis states. “Whether it’s a nickname or it’s a name that closer aligns to someone’s gender identity, it’s important to use that and pronouns as well.” Because gender is fluid, changing a gender identity, even after coming out as another gender unassigned at birth, is more and more common--and so is using correct pronouns. Senior Benjamin Sandefer uses they/them pronouns and identifies as non-binary, formerly identifying as a trans male and using he/him pronouns. “Nonbinary” means that a person’s identity doesn’t align
with the typical gender binary of male and female. Not only do trans and nonbinary students have to face daily struggles at school but they are also moving against history. “It is important to see yourself reflected in your own history books,” Davis states. “It is hard to see yourself as part of a community if you don’t see yourself anywhere else. It is hard for people to understand that aren’t in that population if they don’t see it at all.” For instance, black trans women are considered the
and gender-nonconforming people are “being murdered for just wanting to be themselves.” Since LGBT history is not extensively taught in schools, the internet has played a major role with helping people figure out their identities and helping to normalize diversified communities. “If I didn’t have the internet and wasn’t able to access the tools I needed to research [being trans], I probably wouldn’t have known anything about myself,” sophomore Keith Purvis states. “I just would have had crushes on girls and thought I was a lesbian and that would’ve been that.” Both Purvis and Sandefer explain how both of their safe spaces are in art teacher and speech coach Christine Dearth’s room. Dearth recognizes the importance of making sure that all students feel welcomed and have a safe space here at PMHS. “My room is a place where students can express themselves without judgment,” she says. Trans and gender nonconforming students have both admitted that their student peers are less welcoming towards their identities than the staff. When asked if students treat him differently after finding out his identity, Purvis states, “They often act weird about it so I try to distance myself from talking to them after they do that.” In the current world of “distancing,” imagine an environment where closeness is easier than ever before.
“It is hard to see yourself as part of a community if you don’t see yourself anywhere else.” -Stefanie Davis backbone of the LGBT community. They sought freedom for LGBT rights throughout the Stonewall riots and still push for equality today. The Stonewall riots took place from June 28 to July 3, 1969 after a police raid at a gay bar in New York City. After the riots, 29 states legalized homosexual activity, the other 21 not legalizing it until 2003 when homosexual activity was legalized federally. The Obama administration legalized gay marriage federally in 2015. Even with this progress, Sandefer acknowledges that trans
FROM THEN Racial protests spark conversation around how students are taught Black history. By Genevieve Holt The uproar of protests and new attention brought to the Black Lives Matter movement calls to question why more Black history is not taught in school. The first mention of “African Americans” in a U.S History textbook starts with their enslavement within the U.S colonies goes little beyond that. Today within the U.S there are no national standards for how Black history is taught. Only a few states--Arkansas, Mississippi, Illinois, Florida, and New York--have mandated curriculum to ensure certain points in Black history are taught in public schools. “I think that we can always do more, I believe that wholeheartedly,” U.S. History teacher Joseph Cunningham says. He explains that how history teachers teach the curriculum is really up to them, as long as they meet the standards. History books tend only to cover the more violent parts, skipping over African culture. “It’s extremely watered down compared to the actual history,” says sophomore Julianna Jera, who has done personal research on the subject. “The coverage over Black/African history is almost nonexistent. Black America is rarely ever taught besides slavery and the three main West
African empires.” Junior Areiona Millbrooks is also critical about how Black history is taught in the school. “Just have more fun and explore more into the subject/topic,” she says. The way history books coverabout Black enslavement depends on the state. Some are more honest with the dark spots in America’s history. Others prefer to gloss over the years of oppression and violence. “I know that the school board is very interested in changing those things, and I wouldn’t be surprised if in the near future we see a change, I think that the protest that was at the middle school this summer, talking to the people that I know at the school board, at a district level I think they heard loud and clear.” says Cunningham. He reminds students to, however, that we must be realistic and patient with our school board. “Yes change needs to occur yes, we probably need to change how we teach things, but it takes time, and it takes manpower, and it takes money. And those things are hard to come by in education. Not a lot of people want to do this job and there’s not a lot of people to do it.” Perhaps, changes will be made
sooner rather than later. Implementing these changes could include more projects and activities covering topics like Black empires and kingdoms or learning more about African spirituality and religious beliefs.
N
TO NOW PMHS students demand equality to reflect diverse community By Madison Leonard
Ruth Gakunga spoke at the rally and continues to advocate for racial justice online.
The people shout for a better future, where all will be seen as equal. They need their voices heard and want the security in knowing that future generations will live in a place filled with love, equality and hope. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, an African American man, was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a result, protests broke out across the country, leaving millions outraged and embracing the Black Lives Matter movement. Students from Perry Township also assembled to speak out against racial injustice. Megan Hurst, a 2020 Perry graduate, along with Southport junior Ellie Brown, organized the rally as a result of activity on Twitter. “Perry is so diverse, and I don’t think they saw ahead that there was going to be a rally about things going on at Perry because they think everything we’re doing is okay,” junior Ruth Gakunga says. “But there’s this disconnect from administration and students, so the administration thinks it’s okay, but the students are feeling left behind.” Even with this perceived disconnect, some staff members want to see change. Science teacher Nicole Knight attended the protest. “We have to recognize why
we were in school, in athletics, or were in just events that we just need to treat everybody equally and the same. So I hope that it continues and I hope the conversation keeps going,” she says. Principal Kert Boedicker also urges students to voice their concerns about racial injustice. “I think it’s important that people know that one of the things that we really want to try and install in our students is their voice,” he says. “I remember coming here three years ago. I talked about rights and responsibilities, and some students were like ‘we have rights?’ Absolutely you have rights, and we want students’ voices to be heard.” For Perry to move forward, administration wants to find more ways to gather student input to know what to fix and change. “You tell us how we can make Perry better,” Boedicker says. “We need to hear from our students.” To Gakunga, the environment Perry creates is of the utmost importance. “If we don’t uplift [BIPOC] and make them feel like Perry is a home for them, then it starts to become this breeding ground of hate, bullying, racism and bigotry, and I don’t think that’s what Perry is standing for.”
ONE OF THESE DAYS, I’M GONNA GET ORGANIZ IZE Tips From Students and Teachers D! for Staying Organized By Erick Seddon
Be consistent! Normalcy is key to staying together during hybrid and online learning. As English teacher Jacqui Sheehan says, “The more consistent you are, the more likely you are to benefit.” Have a place for all studying purposes Having a dedicated location promotes an environment of learning with fewer distractions. When
you sit down here, you will think of learning. School is still five days a week! You can’t ignore school... Even when you aren’t going to school. On virtual days, try to do your schoolwork during school hours. Plan your schedule for the week Planning ahead lets you know how much work
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you have and how long you should spend on assignments. Look at your online instruction from teachers, as missing out on this will get you lost in the class. As English teacher Ben Tatum will tell you, “Discipline equals freedom.” Talk with your teachers Email, message, or participate in video chats with your teachers, asking any and all questions about as-
Fluorescent orange seems to be the color of reminder at Perry. In years past, the color prompted students to remember their lanyards, so as to not be forced to wear a clementine necklace of shame. Now, the hue stands out on the floors, guiding through the new one-way layout of the halls. One-way hallways were one of my biggest concerns going into this year.
By Krissy Brzycki
With a shortened passing period, how was I supposed to make it from class to class without taking the seemingly quickest route? Would kids even follow them? Should I buy a FitBit so I can count my steps? From what I’ve seen and experienced, the hallways are one of the most followed new protocols. I barely see anyone break the lanes, and when they
Keep healthy, consistent sleeping habits This will help with maintaining a schedule. A steady sleep schedule, even on virtual days, will allow you to wake up on time and be engaged for school.
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do, there’s a teacher reminding them of the proper way to go. Surprisingly, our high school is doing better than grocery stores, where the suggested one-way aisles are neglected. For the majority of my schedule, I’m not making a long journey from point A to point B. And it’s been great to see administration open to minor changes for safe convenience.
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signments. They are there to help you learn.
TWO HALLS DIVERGED, AND I TOOK THE ONE MOST TRAVELED BY
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It’s precautions like these that will keep my fellow Falcons and me safe and healthy. Following these guidelines is our best option in delaying the inevitability of an all-virtual environment. In the meantime, I think I’ll be saving up for that FitBit.
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LIBRA
Rise above the haters. Don’t take criticism from someone who can’t read an analog clock.
Cut out all the negative people in your life. Yes, including that person. Especially that person.
The investigators are close, put your money in a swiss bank. Now.
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TAURUS Scrolling through the “educational” side of TikTok doesn’t count as studying. Go prepare for your test.
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Please prepare a well chopped salad with an all-vegan dressing from Fresh Thyme and leave it at your doorstep by midnight. That’s all you need to know.
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SCORPIO
AQUARIUS
The winds of fate are changing. What do the winds smell like? Lysol and a fez-wearing monkey. Prepare for strange times.
Beware any multilevel marketing schemes coming your way. It is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and smells vaguely of essential oils.
This is your time to invest in the stock market. Just please, don’t post about it on social media. Your friends couldn’t care less.
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VIRGO
SAGITTARIUS
You are a person with a wonderful personality and beauty that is ever present today, but, Timoothee Chalamet is never going to marry you. Get over it.
You may be known as the overthinker in the friend group, but don’t forget to let your brain go completely empty once a day for routine maintenance.
We can see your messy room during Zoom calls. You know that, right? Try a different angle next time.
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CAPRICORN
CANCER
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You and Mr. Cunningham dress alike, this is true. But you will never be as cool as he is. Don’t be a creep.
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ISSUE 1