Griffin Rites Fall Issue by Griffin Rites

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GRIFFIN RITES • STUDENT PUBLICATION•

Winnetonka High School 5815 NE 48 Street Kansas City North, MO. 64119

GRIFFINRITES

CONTENTS ACADEMICS

04 LEARNING IN A PANDEMIC

Education is very important, especially in the North Kansas City School District. so how are the students feeling about it? How is it working?

NEWS

05 STALEMATE

FEATURE

08 RAISE A FIST

SOCIAL INJUSTICE

RAISE A FIST FOR RACIAL EQUALITY

How are Winnetonka students dealing with the death of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor? Does Winnetonka need to make a change?

OPINION 9 WALKOUT

Students at Winnetonka praticipated in a walkout to show that they believe black lives matter.

SPORTS

12 SPORTS THROUGH A PANDEMIC

Sports through Covid? Sounds impossible! Heres how our sports teams are adapting to the difficulties of a pandemic.

PRESIDENTIAL CANIDATES STANCES

NATIONAL NEWS 14 2020

2020 has been a challenging for Gen-Z. Death, politics, protests, and a pandemic.

STALEMATE

ENTERTAINMENT 15 GOT 'EMS

14 2020

Staff and students share their favorite jokes.

2020

CONTACT WINNETONKANEWS@GMAIL.COM

WWW.TONKANEWS.COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

03 ON THE COVER On the cover of the Griffin Rites is a photo of students visiting a mural celebrating black lives. Amaya Davis, Kyle Vilaverde, Jordan Prince, Sierra Mattingly and Jovan Satterwhite traveled to Kansas City, Kansas to take a photo of their support of the message and movement.

Griffin Rites strongly supports the first amendment and opposes censorship. Freedom of expression and press are fundamental values in a democratic society. The mission of institutions committed to preparing productive citizens must include teaching these values, both by example and lesson. We welcome letters to our staff and reserve the right to edit them for length and clarity but not to change ideas. Letters may be opinionated and argumentative but not hostile. They must be signed and submitted to F6 or mailed to "Griffin Rites Editor" at 5815 NE 48th St. Kansas City, MO 64119. Advertising space is available. Please contact Griffin Rites editor at winnetonkanews@gmail.com for more information. Our student news program is a member of JEMKC, MIPA, and NSPA.

LEARNING IN A PANDEMIC 2020 is a year like no other!

BY RUTH ESTRADA

This year we are saying hello to one another from a six-foot distance.

When students and staff are at home attempting the daily work can be difficult. Students may feel stressed and distracted. Teachers Approximately three-fourths of may feel overwhelmed and students is attending school in the frustrated. hybrid model. Students are attending school in person two Instructional Assistant Mingus days a week, and virtual three Craddock said, "Staying focused at days a week. But not all students home can be hard, but I just make went that route. At least onesure I don’t do my work in my room. fourth of students are doing all I usually go to the kitchen table, so I virtual learning. Virtual learning am not distracted." has both pros and cons. Some students are pro-mask for the "It’s hard but I manage to get safety of others and themselves. work done," freshman Joesiah All students are trying to keep Douglas said. others as safe as possible.

Most students are getting used to the new schedule for school. Some like the hybrid model, but some do not.

Communication is key between students and staff; especially now that forming that connection can be quite difficult.

"Although this school year has been difficult, I've kept a positive attitude by keeping in touch with family and friends," sophomore Molly Bryant said. "It's important to be patient, both with your school work and the pandemic because we have never faced anything like this."

“I think it’s good for the safety I just don’t like it 'cause it’s hard to breathe," freshman Kaydence Cramer said.

Schools Back! Lan-Lin Tran gives freshman Ava Dunlop a tour of Winnetonka High School on Sep. 2nd, 2020 during freshman jumpstart to help get students familiar to the hallways and the move from middle school to high school.

ACADEMICS

“It’s decent, I like doing half and half and online school is tolerable,” freshman Brenden Francis said. Even with everything happening, many students are making the most of their year. "Try to get involved with anything you can and leave your comfort zone," senior Jovan Satterwhite said.

Photos by Gage Skidmore and Shealah Craighead

BY: CHEYENNE BROWN This article was written on November 1 On November 3rd the presidential

Democratic presidential candidate;

candidates, along with the rest of the

Joe R. Biden Jr.

United States, began the anxious wait for the results of the 2020 presidential

Joe Biden was the longest serving

election. Democrat Joe Biden and

senator from Delaware, as well as Vice

Republican Donald J. Trump were

President of the United States in 2009-

presidential nominees competing for

2017. Biden's campaign is based on

the people's vote. The 2020 election

three visionary ideas: the need to

will determine who will represent the

rebuild the country's backbone;

thousands of American under the title

demonstrate respected leadership on

of president for a total of 1,461 days, or

the world stage; and to ensure that the

one term. Each candidate has their own

democracy includes all peoples of the

set of beliefs that represent the views

United States.

THE

PRESIDENTIAL

CANDIDATES'

STANCES BUILT

ON THEIR

of their political parties. The current situation is at a stalemate. With the

Racial struggles have been an ever-

ballots already cast, the countdown

rising conflict that recently received

begins.

major attention after the

NEWS

PLATFORM.

06 death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, as a result of police brutality. Racial equity is a key pillar in Biden's "build back better"plan. He does not support the calls to defund the police; instead his focus is on reform. The reform would include additional funding to the police to establish new training approaches for officers and additional resources such as body cameras. In the article, “Biden says he doesn’t support defunding police,” published on June eighth, 2020 on CNN Politics, writers Eric Bradner, Sarah Mucha and Donald Judd state, “Biden has called an additional $300 million in funding for the Community-Oriented Policing Services program; which would allow more officers to be hired and would pay for training on community policing approaches.” Biden also plans to edit the current immigration policies that have been set in place. Biden seeks to modernize America's immigration system, tackle root causes of irregular migration, and reassert America's commitment to asylum seekers and refugees. Biden opposes decriminalizing crossing the border without documentation, but the undocumented immigrants without criminal records should not be the focus of deportation. “I think people should have to get in line,” Biden said in an interview with CNN in July 2019, “but if people are coming because they’re actually seeking asylum, they should have a chance to make their case.” Biden believes that health care is a right for all. He seeks to provide an affordable and less complex health care system that every American would have access to. Biden is in support of the affordable healthcare act and stands to protect it. The former Vice President's health care plan expands upon Obamacare through subsidies to make health care less expensive. A new “public option” would be implemented with features akin to that of Medicare.

NEWS

We should not be starting from scratch.” Biden said on February 10, 2020, while attending the rally in Dover, New Hampshire, “We should be building from what we have. There’s no time to wait.”

Justice,” Posted on his campaign site, “We’re going to invest $1.7 trillion in securing our future, so that, by 2050, the United States will be a 100 percent cleanenergy economy with net zero emissions.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that while in public settings wearing a face cover would help slow transmission of the highly contagious coronavirus. Biden has reportedly stated that he would do everything in his power in order to issue a national mask mandate. Additionally, Biden's “build back better” plan seeks to rebuild the American economy after the pandemic. His plan will include providing healthcare workers and the community the tools that are essential to do their jobs safely.

In that same video Biden said, “As President, I will lead America- and the world -not only to confront the crisis in front of us- but to seize the opportunity it presents.”

In the article, “Meet the Candidates: Joe Biden,” published on February 19, 2020 on NewsELA, it states, “Biden's agenda would include a $700 billion investment in American industries such as tech and medicine. The plan would focus on job creation to combat high unemployment numbers as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.” Climate change is still relevant in 2020 among other causes for concern. If elected, Biden plans for the United States to reenter the Paris Climate Accord. Biden believes that the U.S. needs to embrace greater ambition to properly address this challenge, and that the environment and economy are completely and totally connected. The Green New Deal represents these beliefs. The plan calls for an end to government actions that lower the cost of fossil fuel energy, and prohibits any new oil or gas permits on public lands. In a video titled, “Biden Plan for a Clean Energy Revolution & Environment Justice,” Posted on his campaign site Biden said, “It outlines what we have to do to meet this challenge head-on, and how we’re going to get there,” Biden said in a video titled, “Biden Plan for a Clean Energy Revolution & Environment

Republican presidential candidate; 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. President Donald J. Trump became the 45th president in the presidential election of 2016, and has served for one term. Prior to his political career he lived life through his endeavors in business. Trump's campaign is centered on his mission statement; “We will make America strong again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again. And we will Make America Great Again.” Trump declared himself as, “your president of law and order” in the nationwide protests against racism and police brutality. He has reproved efforts to defund the police viewing them as disrespectful to their line of work. Trump instead pushes to increase training in deescalation and banning excessive force unless authorized. “The vast majority of police officers are selfless and courageous public servants.” Trump said at the Rose Garden address on June 16, 2020, “When others run away from danger, police run straight into harm's way; often putting their lives at stake to protect someone whom they don’t know.” In his 2016 campaign trump promised a wall on the border between the united states and Mexico. The wall is planned to be 722 miles long; the administration has secured 445 miles worth of funding; and 100 miles has already been constructed. He is also endorsing immigration policies000. On February second of this year the administration reported that the U.S. faces its lowest rate of illegal crossing

within the last two years, with less than 40,000 cases.

I want people to have a certain freedom, and I don’t believe in that,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News’ Chris Wallace, “And I don’t agree with the statement that if everybody would wear a mask, everything disappears.”

According to the “Trump Administration Immigration Policy Priorities” briefing statement, Trump plans to integrate a point-based system for legal immigrants and restrict sponsorship extended from legal residents to only include spouses and children under the age of 18.

On June first, 2017, Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accord; believing that the agreement was disadvantageous to the states. A study from the National Economic Research Associates demonstrates that by adhering to the terms of the Accord, 2.7 million jobs may be lost by the year of 2025. Alternatively, Trump proposed the Affordable Clean Energy Rule. The objective is to reduce greenhouse gasses, empower states, promote energy independence, and facilitate economic growth and job creation.

Trump agrees with the coalition of Republican attorneys, who believe the affordable healthcare act to be considered unconstitutional. The Coalition considers it as such due to congress repealing the individual coverage mandate; which required citizens to obtain health insurance to prevent unfavorable disadvantages directed towards certain parties of individuals. He aims to repeal the affordable healthcare act for above reason; he has yet to be successful but has been able to weaken it. The 45th president is focusing his efforts on drug pricing and in 2018 he presented his plans in order to reach said goal. According to CNN Politics, “Donald Trump 2020: Polls, news and on the issues,” it states, “In an effort to lower health costs overall, the administration also issued a rule requiring hospitals to lower health care costs overall. The administration also issued a rule requiring hospitals to post the rates they negotiate privately with health insurers, starting 2021.”

Other 10.1%

Donald Trump 34.3%

He has also joined the 1 Trillion trees initiative.

“I will work to ensure that America remains the world’s leader on environmental issues,” Trump said at an event at the White House Rose Garden on June First, 2017, “but under a framework that is fair and where the burdens and responsibilities are equally shared among the many nations all around the world.” “I will work to ensure that America remains the world’s leader on environmental issues,” Trump said at an event at the White House Rose Garden on June First, 2017, “but under a framework that is fair and where the burdens and responsibilities are equally shared among the many nations all around the world.” Winnetonka High school students took a poll on who they would vote for in the 2020 election. 34.3% of students would have voted for Donald Trump. 55.6% would have voted for Joe Biden. 10.1% would have voted for other.

Joe Biden 55.6%

On October first, 2020, the Trump administration announced that $20 Billion of additional funding would be invested in frontline providers for the pandemic. Health official under the administration have encouraged the use of masks and social distancing while in public settings. Trump has expressed that he doesn’t believe that issuing a national mask mandate is necessary. 2020 election political map.

NEWS

R A I S E

F I S T

BY DESTINY MATTINGLY

For eight minutes and 46 seconds, Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into the back of the neck of George Floyd, an unarmed black man. George Floyd was a 46-year-old man, who was killed after a convenience store employee called the police and informed the police that Floyd had bought cigarettes with a fake twenty-dollar bill. Exactly seventeen minutes after the first squad car arrived to the "crime scene" George Floyd was unconscious and pinned beneath three police officers. He was slowly losing his life. "The protest was from the voices of the unheard and I believe that mission was accomplished," senior Dorianna Braxton said, "but the fight isn't over. The protest was to show light on the racial injustices happening and it sure did." George Floyd is one out of many recently reported cases of police brutality in the United States. Breonna Taylor, a black woman,who was shot six times in a matter of seconds.

FEATURE

Authorities believed Ms. Taylor’s exboyfriend; Jamarcus Glover was involved in a drug ring and used her apartment to hide narcotics. After the apartment was searched, the police found nothing of evidence to support the claim and supposedly left. Not until after the gunshots were fired. “The murder of Breonna Taylor was unjust,” sophomore Paris Holley said ""She was a better version of me,” Ms. Palmer, a New York dialysis technician said. “Full of life. Easy to love.” The police’s report contained many errors. It claimed Ms. Taylor had no injuries even though she had been shot six times. “Breonna Taylor deserved so much better; she deserves justice," freshman Kylee Silvey said. While protests are spreading everywhere the pressure is on the police department to do something about police brutality.

“I don’t hate police offices are all that bad; I think they need to spend more time working and learning what is the right way to deal with the problems," Sierra Mattingly said. On November 13th, 2020 at Winnetonka High School, students decided to have a Black Lives Matter walk out to show their support. The purpose of this was to show that Winnetonka is one as a whole not separated by race or gender. "I strongly believe at Winnetonka that everyone can feel safe to be themselves and express themselves, its evident when you walk through the halls," Braxton said. "There are so many different cultures and groups of people that makes Tonka the place it is today." “I think Winnetonka does a good job of celebrating all races and making everyone feel safe,” Dr. Callaway said. “We Choose how we live. You make the choice to treat others the way you treat them, " English teacher be-Asia McKerracher said.

Personal accountability, collegial accountability, intentionally in what we teach and surround our kids with, the language we use, what we celebrate, is what leading for equity and change is about Winnetonka Principal, Dr. Eric Johnson

WALKOUT By Destiny Mattingly

Winnetonka students participate in a walkout to show their support for equality for all races.

This growth has emerged as events unfold to reveal racism in America. From the 1963 Civil Rights Movement to the murder of Rodney King in 1991 to the murder of Anthony Lamar Smith, and most recently, the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. Racism has been around since before World War One in 1914. This was not a sudden occurrence. People are angry and ready to take a stand in order to make a change.

On Friday, November 13, Winnetonka High school students participated in a walkout. According to a survey, 55.56% of students said they would be attending the walkout. By definition, a walkout is a sudden angry departure, especially as a protest or strike. However, that definition is not accurate in this instance. #BlackLivesMatter is not a new movement. For many it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a sudden feeling. It was a feeling that has grown over time.

Just since 2015, police have shot nearly 250 women resulting in their deaths. Just like Breonna Taylor, 89 of them were killed in their homes or in places where they resided. Police brutality is outrageous. The people who are supposed to be keeping us safe are the people beating and murdering our families. Police arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all bad, some go rogue and have sickening thoughts. Police need to spend more time being trained before being sent out into the work field.

Stand up for what you believe in! This was the purpose of the student walkout at Winnetonka High School on November, 13th, 2020.

EDITORIAL

Florence Nightingale helped revolutionize the way patients were treated based on her experience in the Crimean war. Just like with Nightingale, one person's actions can impact civilization as we know it. Martin Luther King was a civil rights leader. He paved the way for an equal nation. His dream has not been lost. Rosa Parks sat for her rights. Her actions, seemingly simple, inspired future leaders and activists. All of these people, ordinary people like us made a major change just by making their stand in what they believe in which is exactly what Winnetonka students are doing. People say All lives matter, I believe that, but the situation at hand is discrimination to African American and people of the black race community. If all lives really matter to you then don’t black lives? All lives can’t matter until black lives do. All live can't matter until there is justice for all victims. What can you do to make a change? What’s stopping you? Take a stand for what you believe in… make a difference in the world. You don’t have to be famous or have a high reputation. Anne Frank was only a child, an ordinary girl, but even today people are still inspired by her. Let our generation inspire the ones to come. You are enough, you can make a change! Support the surrounding people. “If you believe in a cause, be willing to stand up for that cause with a million people or by yourself," Otis S. Johnson said.

EDITORIAL

Winnetonka high school students participated in a black lives matter walkout on November 13, 2020. Senior Jordan Prine sang "Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday" to show his support.

SPORTS THROUGH A PANDEMIC

Batter Up! Riley Collins up to bat on Sep. 2, 2020 against Grandview High School. Photo by Ruth Estrada

Winnetonka VS Platte county! A game to remember on Oct. 9, 2020! On our home field Photo by Destiny Mattingly

SPORTS

SPORTS THROUGH A PANDEMIC By Isaak Peterson

Bobby Crawford carries the ball against Raytown South on Sep. 11, 2020 on our home field. Photo by Destiny Mattingly

Madison Buell and Savannah Ryun warm up catching the ball before a game on Sep 8th,2020 against North Kansas City High school. Photo by Destiny Mattingly

Winnetonka 2020 sports is very different from previous years. Rules have changed for the safety of students, staff, and also families of students and staff. These changes proved necessary for sports to occur at Winnetonka. For example, how sports must be played, practiced, and even watched. "The majority of regulations have not been set yet, providing the obstacle of not knowing how to handle certain situations. With baseball being a spring sport, there have not been any regulations set," Baseball Coach Heath Lay said. "If things don’t change between now and then, I know that we won’t be able to travel to one of our tournaments. Other than that, I will just have to wait and see how things develop over the next few months.” Where the situation seems unclear, coaches are left unsure on which calls need to be made. Athletes will also face the effects of the pandemic on their activities. "This year was so much more successful for our team and for the individual players," sophomore Krista Storms said.

Senior Dorianna Braxton cheers on the Winnetonka football team on Aug. 28, 2020 against William Chrisman high school . Photo by Kirstyn Crane

SPORTS

"It looks as though like in many other situations it is a very split ended story where some thrive others are struggling. Given the difficulties of COVID-19 some things are more difficult than others and this just goes to show that even more. Having seen how things have been operated during the fall,I don’t think that things will be harder." Heath Lay said, "I just think we will have to be stricter on the rules that we must follow to be eligible to play in the games." Despite being in a global pandemic, athletic departments aim to bring a sense of normality back into their seasons while following safety guidelines. Lay said, "My staff and I will be ready to adapt to any rules so that we can have a successful spring season." Missouri State High School Activities Association reminds you to wear a mask and stay six feet apart and take the proper safety precautions to protect yourself and others.

2020 By: Joshua Harper

For those who long for “when it will get better" you’re not alone. From the events of the year, and the voices of those affected by it: welcome.

January 15 The current US President Donald Trump is “impeached” for abusive use of power and obstruction of congress.

January 1

January 26

China announced its investigation of Wuhan, China, the virus (Covid-19) and its affliction to the respiratory system. This quickly escalated across the world. by forcing countries to go into lockdowns, social distancing, etc. “…my step-dad, he’s immunocompromised, so my mom and I have to take extra precautions," sophomore Cara Emerson said.

Kobe Bryant, his passing on the 26th left many basketball fans in shock, and the world in shock as his helicopter crashed. Killing him, his daughter, the pilot and other families on board.

January 20 The first case of Covid-19 was from a 35-year-old Washington man, who returned from China days earlier, was reported in the U.S. in his home.

January 3 A U.S. drone strikes Baghdad Airport and kills Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.

NATIONAL NEWS

January 31

Donald Trump bans travel to China, and vise-versa. The reported cases of Covid-19 increases.

March 13 President Trump declares coronavirus a national emergency.

February 2

The Kansas City Chiefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s win the Superbowl for the first time in 50 years against the San Francisco 49ers.

February 6

May 26

March 26

With over 85,000 confirmed cases, The United States has the highest number of coronavirus patients in the world.

Biden takes the Presidential primary by winning 10 states on Super Tuesday. shocking his Rivals.

June 6

The Black Lives Matter protests have officially reached their 12th consecutive day.

June 17

Oxford University announces its breakthroughs in treatment for COVID-19 by use of steroid dexamethasone.

NASAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s astronaut Christina Koch returns from a 326-day long space expedition on the ISS.

March 3

Black Lives Matter protesters gather at the site of where George Floyd died as a result from police brutality.

April 2

Number of coronavirus cases worldwide passes 1 million with more than 6.6 million workers file for unemployment in the U.S.

July 6

Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes signs the largest contract for an athlete in all of sports history.

March 9 President Trump claims to have the virus "very much under control."

NATIONAL NEWS

April 8

Bernie Sanders drops out of presidential race, clearing the way for Biden to win the Democratic nomination.

August 18

California declares a state of emergency as the wildfires continue to worsen with incoming heat waves. At that point in time more than two dozen fires were blazing across the Californian landscape. All photos obtained from pixabay.com

16 Laughed at by: Cheyenne Brown and Destiny Mattingly What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman? Frost bite!

How do you get an alien baby to sleep? You rocket. Submitted by Laura Ryczek

"What concert costs just 45 cents? 50 Cent featuring Nickelback!" Submitted by Jason Callaway

What did the right eye say to the left eye? Between me and you, something smells Submitted by Derek Walsh

Why was the fraction worried about marrying the decimal? Because he would have to convert. Submitted by Amy Sheehan

I was fishing with my cousin one time when I went back home and I caught a fish. As I was reeling it in, he looked at me and said, "you catch a fish?" I said "Nope, I just talked him into giving up. Here's your sign." Submitted by Brock Tiefenbrunn

What types of jokes are allowed during quarantine? Inside jokes Submitted by Jordan Chrisman

What does a zombie put on his Thanksgiving turkey? -GRAVE-y Submitted by Allison Maier

What do you get from a pampered cow? Spoiled milk. Submitted by Jason Callaway

What do you call a cow that has a mustache A Moostache Submitted by Marisa Pendergrast

What sound does a turkey's phone make? Wing Wing!!! Submitted by Asha Abott

How does Jesus make his coffee? Hebrews it Submitted by Alex Beynon

Submitted by Shannon LeGrand

"Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some simple advice: always be yourself. Never take yourself too seriously. And beware of advice from experts, pigs, and members of Parliament." Words Of Wisdom from Mr. Kermit the Frog