julia's spring 2021 portfolio

julia’s portfolio 2021

reflection one It is the eve of my last day of high school.

Looking back over the past four years feels absolutely surreal. So many memories swirl in my head. From starting digital journalism to becoming an editor my sophomore year, and then finally rewarded with the title— and responsibilities—of editor-in-chief.

This semester wasn’t so much about learning things myself, but rather learning how to teach others the skills that I have gained. I was able to contribute and teach more since I was in the classroom this semester. It was refreshing (and wonderful!) to be back in class with the people who have been with me every day for the past few years. I feel like I also started to learn how to run a classroom and all of the work that goes into it. It was a maturing experience. My eye for design and editing has improved a lot this semester. Without having Adamson to rely on all the time, I had to come up with creative design ideas and look out for design techniques in the paper.

As usual, I was a bit late when it came to turning in work, but I always got it done!

In April, I signed up to write two articles and one sidebar, which was the most I had done in a long time. Somehow I managed to complete everything before it was due. This was a shock to me, and it made me feel very motivated and proud of myself for how far I have come. If I can continue to get work done like that in the future, I will not be as stressed.

This semester challenged my ability to be more of a mentor than a peer in some situations. Because Ms. Hart wasn’t there for a while, the editors-in-chief had to step up to keep everyone on track. I do not like confrontation, so I was able to work on being more direct with other

students.

At this point, the importance of ethics in journalism is engraved in my mind. This semester was filled with checking stories for journalistic integrity and truthfulness.

It has become normal to make sure all of the staff writers are reminded that they must abide by the ethics in journalism when writing their stories.

I feel like I was more dedicated to the paper than ever this semester. After each production day, I made sure that I had a complete copy of the paper to edit, and each time, I tried my best to catch as many errors as I could. Over the years, I have fallen in love with editing, and I can genuinely do it all day. Though it was a lot of work, it was something that I always looked forward to. I also love that I can get a complete look at the paper before it is printed.

This semester in newspaper was amazing.

I feel like I grew closer to everyone, and we all became a family. Room 609 has been my safe space and my favorite place to go at school over the past four years, and I am going to miss it and everyone so much. The relationships I developed with Claire, David, Erika, Ryan, and the others on our side of the room are something I am so grateful for. I feel like we are all able to be so honest with each other, and we are always there for each other. It will be weird without them. Ms. Hart coming back was one of the best parts of the semester, but I also enjoyed the experience we had while she was gone. It was a lot of fun having Brian as our sub, and I did miss him when Ms. Hart came back. My biggest problem that I face every semester is finishing deadlines on time, but I still tried my best this semester. I am so sad to be leaving.

reflection two

4 ● MARCH 19, 2021

THE CSPRESS

THENEWS

David Lane

Newsies stop the world

staff writer

March 19, 2021 Volume 12, Number 3

Cactus Shadows High School, Scottsdale, Arizona

MAKING DO WITH LESS

District budget cuts include loss of teaching positions

Julia Knies and Ryan Bartholomew editor-in-chief and sports editor

I

N FEBRUARY, DUE to a projected $4.1 million shortfall

for next year, new Superintendent Dr. Cort Monroe announced budget reductions, beginning with a reorganization of the District Office.

On March 1, Monroe sent out a letter to the community announcing a potential budget shortfall in fiscal year 2022. The main reason for the budget cuts is that, over the past year, district enrollment dropped from 5,488 to 5,100. This led to a “budget reduction of over 11 percent,” which, combined with other cuts in revenue, will create a $4.1 million shortfall. The District is tasked with figuring out how to cut this money from next year’s budget.

“When we started looking at the possibility of having to reduce the budget for this next year, we went back to basics,” said Tim Leedy, Chief Financial Officer. “When it all came down to it, over 60 percent of the reductions were either in district departments, special education, and only about 30 percent came out of the instructional side.”

According to Leedy, the district started by looking at the basic requirements from the Arizona Department of Education - what do students need to take in order to graduate? Then, they built up from there. First, they looked at cutting things that do not directly impact students.

“District office personnel, not that those positions are

any less important, but in terms of affecting student outcomes,” said Leedy. “Some of our counseling positions, the warehouse, things like that.”

District office reorganization

The first step was a reorganization of the district office.

In Teaching and Learning and Special Education, several positions were eliminated and a new organizational structure approved for next year. The district has already hired for two of the new positions, Executive Director of Elementary Leadership and Executive Director of Secondary Leadership.

“I wish that we didn’t have to choose [between teachers and programs], but I do think that teacher pay needs to increase because, at the end of the day, we don’t need more chrome books, we need to be keeping teachers,” said Kiera Reinhard, junior.

Even with focusing on cutting in non-instructional areas, the district will have to let go of teachers. In the March 8 Governing Board packet, 55 positions were eliminated for next year, including 22 teachers. Of those, six are from the high school. Called “Reduction in Force,” these positions are non-renewed due to lack of funding. If funding increases for next year, with more students enrolling, some of those positions could return.

“I think if they need to cut classes, they should be the classes that aren’t as popular or that have similar counterparts that could even possibly be combined,” said Annaleigh Niedzielski, senior. “For example, we might be able to combine some digital media classes into a single period.”

One reason CCUSD funding is so low is due to the state’s low property taxes. The average rate is 0.62 percent, compared to the national average of 1.07 percent. According to the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, about half of public school

funds come from local property taxes. To make up for this gap in funding, school districts in Arizona have the ability to pass overrides. This gives them more money through an increase in taxes, and the law allows for districts to raise up to 15 percent of the state provided budget. These are passed by voters within the school district; however, CCUSD has not passed a Maintenance and Operations override since 2007.

Lack of override

“Our district doesn’t have any kind of additional override, which would add to the secondary tax rate,” said Leedy. “So we have the lowest tax rate of any unified school district in Maricopa county. It’s a combination of several things, mostly the size of our property wealth.”

This makes it significantly more difficult for the school district to have enough funding for all of the programs offered. To understand the significance of this, Cave Creek is the only unified district in Maricopa County that does not have a current override. Arizona school funding does not provide enough money for schools to meet their budget requirements, which is why overrides are so important.

“It’s been about 14 years since one passed,” said Monroe.

“There are 41,000 registered voters in the district, three quarters of them are over the age of 50.

see District Budget Cuts on page 4

NEWSIES CAST MEMBERS take their places before the musical

number “Seize the Day.” The musical focuses on the plight of newspaper delivery boys, called newsies, who were underpaid and overworked.

Adam Schwartz, a junior, Maya King, a senior, Keira Reinhard, a junior, and Devon Breese, a sophomore, all play the parts of these delivery boys. 4David Lane

District Budget Cuts continued from page 1 As the population gets older, they are not as invested in education. These people outnumber parents with children in the district by a pretty large margin. So it’s not if we can or can’t, it’s if the voters will approve of it. That’s what I really have to try to figure out as superintendent if we want to keep all of these great programs,” said Monroe.

The Excellence Committee, made up of community members, parents, teachers and administration, has been meeting this year to weigh the options of going out for an override and or bond in November.

I think my most significant piece this semester was the front-page story about the district’s budget cuts. I had to do so much research for this story because I did not know anything about what was going on.

For some reason, I decided that it would be a good idea to sign up for a front-page story during the month that I was missing Production Week due to a trip. Before I left, I was able to interview students and my French teacher; however, I did not set up an interview with the superintendent. This quickly turned into a problem because he was completely booked up by the time I reached out to him. Thankfully, Ryan was able to get the interview and help with the story. Though I got help, I am proud of myself for even attempting to write such a long article on a topic I knew nothing about. I am glad I had that opportunity before graduating. Picking up the newspaper and seeing my name on the byline of the front page was a very rewarding feeling.

“You have to think about the demographics here, if you look consistently across the Valley, the places with higher amounts of retired people likely have lower chances of passing an override,” said John Trenton, french teacher.

Furthermore, the district has “the lowest combined tax rate of any unified school district in Maricopa County of $1.8155,” and unlike other districts in Maricopa County, CCUSD is the only one to not receive “additional funding from either Maintenance and Operations, Capital Outlay override, bond, or all three.”

At the end of the 2020 fiscal year, CCUSD was placed on an “approaching highest financial risk” watchlist by the Arizona Auditor General’s Office. One reason for this is the decline in student rate, and in his letter, Monroe points out that the current capture rate for the district is about 50 percent.

This means that only half of the school-aged children living within district limits are attending their appropriate school.

“There’s probably a higher rate of home schooling in this area than others,” said Trenton.

Arizona 48th in Funding CCUSD is not alone in its budget difficulties. As a whole, Arizona

Cactus Shows Drama Club is performing the hit broadway musical, Newsies, this month at the Fine Arts Center. Unlike traditional productions, this one will have a dual cast, each one performing on different days.

The play is based on the Newsboy Strike of 1899,a musical that tells the story of Jack Kelly, a newsboy who dreams of moving away from the big city out west. However, after news tyrant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies go on strike. Aided by female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of the newsboys.

“I think it was a good idea to dual cast this show. The club is full of really talented people and I'm sure casting was a hard decision to make so I like that there are that many more opportunities for people to show off their abilities. It's a little bit confusing sometimes to remember who is the opening cast and who is the closing cast. To combat this, we call Crutchie on their off night “ensemble Crutchie” and same for all the double cast leads,”said Cheyenne Yerkes, a senior member of the drama club.

Like most plays this year, it can be viewed from home via zoom link, as well as in person, with social distanced seating. Each ticket will cost 15 dollars per person. In person viewers must wear a face mask at all times throughout the show.

“Rehearsals are always busy. We run everything multiple times so we can switch between casts, so it gets a bit hectic at times. Other than that, everyone has a lot of fun working together,” said Brooke Kilgore, a junior in Drama Club.

This production has been unlike any other spring play in Drama Club history. Due to actors getting quarantined, the rehearsal process has had to be faster than ever to maintain a March 18 debut.

“I think it’s really great that we put together a musical that would have taken eight weeks usually in the span of about five. We all got quarantined for the first 10 days of rehearsal and I had to teach the entire show over zoom using drawings and figurines to represent everybody moving around the stage,” Andrew Cupo, the Drama Club advisor, said.

The opening cast will perform on March 18, and March 20 at 2pm, and the closing cast performs March 19, and March 20 at 7pm.

comes in at 48th in funding and 49th in spending in the U.S. The state receives $1.2 billion, or $1,274 per pupil, from the federal government. It divides $3.6 billion, or $3,896 per pupil, among the public schools from the state’s money. Lastly, local funding comes out to be $4.1 billion, or $4,475 per pupil. This means that Arizona’s total education fund is $8.9 billion, or $9,645 per pupil. Conversely, New York comes in first in spending and second in funding, with $28,228 to spend on each student.

This reorganization is Monroe’s first step in handling the budget shortfall in the upcoming year.

Though the district has faced budget difficulties for many years, this

is by far the most significant change that will have been made in recent years. There are other areas Monroe plans to look at.

“I’d like to do a program review,” said Monroe. “I’d like to look at fee structure, what are students paying for sports, AP, IB, our counseling program, our band program, CTE programs. I want to see how those programs are, do we need to bolster them? Those are some of the high school areas I would like to look at, to see how robust those programs are and if we do, in fact, need to bolster them.”

With the budget cuts implemented to date, the district is still only part way through what is certain to be a difficult process.

reflection three Health

Vitamin D and the fight against COVID Julia Knies editor-in-chief

F

ORTY-TWO PERCENT OF Americans have a vitamin

D deficiency according to the Mercy Medical Center. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that vitamin D levels and the severity of COVID-19 cases may be linked.

Various groups, such as the University of Chicago Health Lab, have conducted studies on how vitamin D deficiencies and supplementing vitamin D affects the body’s response to COVID-19. In the University of Chicago’s study, they found that patients with a deficiency were about two times more likely to test positive for the virus. Another study published in a journal called Endocrine reported that patients with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to

he ways to test for COVID-19. Max the drive-through test at Walgreens.

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FEBRUARY 12, 2021 ● 17

once the sample is sent out.

“I haven’t had to receive an at home test, but I feel like it would be a better option because then you could possibly limit the spread by not going to get a test,” said Lazzaro.

Recently, president Joe Biden signed a $230 million deal with an Australian company called Ellume. They created a 15-minute at-home test for COVID-19 that showed 96 percent accuracy in U.S. studies. This test does not require a prescription, and it is a shallow nose swab.

Once the company begins production in the U.S., the tests are expected to cost about $30.

There are a variety of different testing options, such as tests that require the patient to spit in a tube, as well as the nostril ones. The molecular test using a deep nasal swab is the best option for accuracy according to the CDC. “The ones that go deep in your nose are the most uncomfortable, but I wouldn’t say that it hurts,” said Andrea Davis, a substitute teacher.When choosing which place to receive a COVID-19 test, one must keep in mind multiple things, including how long it will take to receive results, which type of test, and how far away it is.

\Zander Bezotte

This was the first article I wrote after coming back to school in person. It was super interesting to learn about how important vitamin D is. It was a little difficult to get interviews just because people Style don’t know know too much about it. I am happy with how this article turned out and how I was able to include the research about the potential link between COVID-19 and vitamin D.

require hospitalization after contracting the virus.

“I don’t necessarily know that there is a direct corre- lation between people who are having issues related to COVID-19 and vitamin D deficiency, because people who are vitamin D deficient are usually older or have some other pre-existing condition.

Those are the people who are also more prone to having issues with COVID-19,” said Danae Sprouse, a biology teacher.

One of the main purposes of vitamin D is to help the body with the absorption of calcium; it helps build strong bones and to prevent bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps the body fight off viruses or bacteria, along with other general body functions.

Some studies, such as one posted in the Journal of Internal Medicine, report that supplementing vitamin D can help ease the symptoms of depression. Other studies have shown that deficiencies 10and ●APRIL 16, 2021 can lead to higher levels of anxiety depression as well.

“I think that eating a balanced diet and going outside a lot can be better than taking a supplement,” said Ashley Ramirez, a senior.

Deficiencies also can lead to osteomalacia, which is pain and weakness in the bones; other general aches and pains; fatigue; and stress fractures, among other symptoms.

One of the easiest ways to get vitamin D is by going out in the sun, as the Judy bodySilva absorbs it staff writer through ultraviolet light. However, the exact amount of time required outside is variable due to WAVE OF spring colors is starting to trend in fashion.

NEW many factors, such as the season, clouds, and each Every year admired fashion companies release springtime clothing that body being different. fall into some kind of color palette.

Dminder is an app that tracks when the sun rays “I have seen a lot of pastel colors such as purple, yellow, green and pink,” are the strongest throughout the day. It can be a said Katelyn Schifferdecker, a senior. good way to start getting out in the sun more and Brands such as Hollister Co, American Eagle, Urban Outfitters, and PacSun use this getting vitamin D. “Being outside in the sun more always makes pastel color palette consistently in the springtime. Pastel colors are less saturated than me feel more alive,” said Ramirez.the normal primary colors, making them feel light, soft, and overall calm. Pastels work Some other ways to get vitamin D besides going well alongside neutral colors which fits into springs’ earthiness and sense of renewal. outside include eating certain foods, such as centuries, cheese, fatty fish, egg yolks, andFor certain fortified people have associated spring with pastels, it can be seen in past architectural builds foods. Most cereals and milks are fortified with and other art forms. According to X-Rite, a company with experts in vitamin D and other vitamins andblending minerals. the art and science of color, people can experience the psychological effects “Fast food is a lot more accessible now,all so day it’s and marketers use that to target customers’ emotions. These effects of color easier to eat that way without as come much nutrients,” from all types of colors, not just pastels. said Eva Penington, a junior.

“I prefer to wear the bright and warm colors once it gets closer to spring,” said Alexis Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. This means Huss, essential skills teacher. that it does not dissolve in water, and it isan absorbed Vibrant and bright colors make an appearance on anything from t-shirts to flowy in the body through fat. Other fat soluble vitamins include K, A, and E. These vitamins stay stored in springtime. Colors such as aquamarine, violet, leaf green, and most coldresses in the body fat and the liver until the body to use quite fit into the neon territory are commonly used. These colors are ors needs that don’t them. another marketing tactic because they attract the eyes of current and potential cus“Vitamin D is good for the immune system, so to keep if it turns out that [does help withtomers COVID-19], you buying clothes. Patterns also make a big impact on the fashion industry.

Tie dye and floral patterns make a comeback all over the market during the springtime. might as well take it,” said Sprouse.

Most people While the research is still being conducted, con- don’t know why tie dye is associated with the spring, but history is a key tacting a medical professional tofactor. ask about supAccording to Mary Hanbury, a senior retail reporter at Business Insider, in the plementing vitamin D may be beneficial, not dye only was seen as a symbol of the counterculture, a way to escape from the 1960s, tie as a precaution for COVID-19, but also to ensure strict social norms of the 1950s and express freedom and individuality. The springtime good bone health and general wellbeing.

This was another article from April. It was a lot of fun to write because I love docs. Interviewing people was cool too because I got to hear about how long people had been wearing them and how they like to style them. I also finished this story before it was due, so I am proud of myself for that.

THE CSPRESS

Spring colors A

also falls into the freedom and growth symbolism. The floral design speaks for itself, flowers are blooming and plants begin to grow once again. The patterns can be seen with light and soft colored flowers on top of a darker material or vise versa. Another important part of spring attire are the different pieces of clothing worn.

“Once it becomes spring I like to wear more shorts and lighter clothing,” said Andrew Barab-shedd, a senior.

Long sleeves and pants become unreasonable to wear in the ever growing Arizona heat, so tanks and shorts become the new style. Since it isn’t officially summer weather wearing a sweater or baggy pants are still options. Skirts and dresses fit in with the season and stay trendy as well. According to Vogue, a fashion magazine, jackets and coats are in and cashmere tracksuits are out. Their goal is to channel positivity through their clothes due to the pandemic.

WORK BOOTS TO TRENDY FASHION

a Miah T hirion

TAKING A STAND, Ella

Skov, a senior, often styles her white Doc Martens with a simple pair of cropped jeans and a comfy flannel. 4 Miah Thirion

Doc Martens have come up from being a $3 work boot to a closet staple for teens Julia Knies editor in chief

Dr. Martens boots have evolved over the last century from a work boot to a staple piece in many people’s closets.

While they are most commonly associated with the punk or alternative scene, nowadays, you can find almost anyone wearing a pair of Docs.

“They seem to be more mainstream now. When I was in high school and college, not as many people were wearing them or it was limited to a few stereotyped groups, said Tracy Clay, an English teacher.

However, they have not always been associated with the alternative or punk scene. They first started gaining popularity in 1945, once Dr. Klaus Maertens invented and marketed the air-cushioned sole

with his friend, Dr. Herbert Funk. Using leftover military supplies, they were able to start creating boots.

In 1960, the Griggs shoe company in England obtained a license for the aircushioned sole. From there, the paradigm for the brand was created: an eight-eye black leather boot with yellow stitching, otherwise known as the 1460.

“Every generation seems to experience a reemergence of punk or grunge in some form, and Docs are the easiest way to add that to an outfit. Ever since the brand gained traction in the 60s, people can’t seem to get enough of them, and I don’t blame them at all,” said Tilda Hanlon-McGregor, a junior.

In the 60s, the working-class punks began to wear the shoes, and once Pete Townshend of The Who started rocking them, they became a symbol for the punk and alternative scene ever since.

“They’ll definitely be around for a long

time because they’re made to last and you can wear them with pretty much anything no matter what your individual style is,” said Lindsay Koch, a senior.

With the standard price being about $150, they are a bit on the pricier side; however, they are made to last.

“They only get better with age—I’ve been wearing my purple pair for 7 years— and they’re super durable,” said HanlonMcGregor.

Because they are leather, Docs are known for being difficult to break in.

Layering socks, using Wonder Balm sold on the Dr. Martens’ website, and wearing them often are the best ways to break them in.

“Best advice - start with short bouts of wearing them and wear thicker socks.

Lace them up tight so that they can start molding to you,” said Clay.

the News

4 ● APRIL 16, 2021

Sweeps return to get students to class Administration implements sweeps to encourage kids to arrive on time Julia Knies editor-in-chief

I chose this article because it was just a simple school news story. This was from April, when I signed up for two articles and a sidebar. It was easy to write and get interviews. I liked how it turned out and I am proud of it because I finished it on time.

Due to a high amount of tardies, both reported and unreported, Administration decided to enact random “sweeps” at the end of passing periods.

The tardy sweep is a stricter way of counting students tardy, and repeatedly being late can lead to detentions very quickly.

“If we don’t make it a priority to start class on time, why should you make it a priority to be at class on time?” said Jeff Wead, Dean of Students.

Wead and Principal Tony Vining, both reported that the main reason Cactus Shadows decided to do sweeps was because they noticed an increase of students lingering

outside of their classes after the bell rang.

“If you’re here on campus, you need to be in a classroom. I don’t feel like going from Point A to Point B is that difficult.

You should be able to be in class on time,” said Vining. “I think there’s plenty of time for students to interact and talk to each other.”

This is not the first time Cactus Shadows has implemented a sweep. In the early 2000s, they would sweep students up at the end of each passing period and make them sit through a detention for the period. A high amount of tardies and detentions led to suspension. “[The punishment] depends on you. It depends on how many tardies you have,” said

“

Wead. “We fight for every educational second we have.”

If we don’t make it a priority to start class on time, why should you make it a priority to be at class on time?”

Jeff Wead, Dean of

Students.

While students at Cactus Shadows may receive warnings before detention, other schools’ students may

not be as lucky. According to an article in the Olympian at Castro Valley High School, a message plays over the intercom that tells all of the late students to report to the cafeteria to receive detentions. The threat of detentions provides students with an incentive to get to class on time.

“If students [don’t have time to] use the restroom between class, and they don’t want students to disrupt the class, when are we supposed to go?” said Aidan Vance, a junior.

If students pay better attention to their attendance and avoid being late, the school will stop the sweeps.

SWEPT UP. Students hang out outside and talk before class begins. Sweeps were recently reimplemented due to the large amount of students loitering after the final bell rings. 4Miah Thirion

FPS develops critical thinking skills Livia Lowe staff writer

Future Problem Solvers (FPS) is a club that focuses on developing students’ critical thinking skills, problem solving and decision making

from across the world. First introduced in 1974 by Dr. E. Paul Torrance, FPS provides competitive and noncompetitive elements for today’s curriculum by using a six-step model which teaches

solve the problem.

“The average meeting lasts approximately 45 minutes, during which students research their competition topics and discuss possible solutions.

Additionally,

this year it was really hard to get registered,” said Emily Watters, a senior.

Despite the restrictions, FPS recently had their international competition which was completely online.

Crisis h the bor Peyton Marinelli staff writer

Since October, thousands of crossed the border from Mexic States with the hope of immig According to the Departm Security, the number of minors crossing the border las fifty-thousand. That number doubled in the past few mont children are arriving from Ce Salvador, Honduras, and Gua rest come from Mexico. The r families have been sending the United States is to escap and gangs. Once crossed, the with relatives already in the s families don’t realize is that b immigrate illegally cannot sim “I’m sure there are a lot of f in mind and consider what t going through. I’m sure the they need and what they can whatever that might be,” said a junior.

The main reason the gov an immigrant is because of th individual could be a possib threat. When someone is cau border illegally, Border Patrol the individual to the closes station to be processed. If have the right to remain sile an attorney. According to U March 2021, Border Patrol Ag more than fifteen-thousand children in custody. These c kept in detention centers, crammed and unsanitary, for seventy-two hours before bei the custody of health officials Refugee Resettlement.

“I think the impacts of borde people’s attention than they midwest or near the Canadi depends where they’re at geo Steven Mitten, a history teach Since the beginning of Joe Biden has been working immigration restrictions i Trump. These actions includ refugee admissions and depo those who immigrated to the Biden has also created a task migrant families who have b the border by Trump’s 2018 strategy. The policy that con and questioning people acting

tear sheets

Health

THE CSPRESS

FEBRUARY 12, 2021 ● 17

Vitamin D and the fight against COVID Julia Knies editor-in-chief

F

ORTY-TWO PERCENT OF Americans have a vitamin

D deficiency according to the Mercy Medical Center. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that vitamin D levels and the severity of COVID-19 cases may be linked.

Various groups, such as the University of Chicago Health Lab, have conducted studies on how vitamin D deficiencies and supplementing vitamin D affects the body’s response to COVID-19. In the University of Chicago’s study, they found that patients with a deficiency were about two times more likely to test positive for the virus. Another study published in a journal called Endocrine reported that patients with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to

SALIVA TESTS are one of the ways to test for COVID-19. Max

Sotelo, a senior, goes through the drive-through test at Walgreens.

4Brian Bunkers

COVID-19 testing ramping up in AZ Kolton O’Connor staff writer

WITH THE REOPENING of many

schools and businesses, getting tested for COVID-19 has become more important than ever.

One place to get tested near the school is at the Holland Center next to the YMCA. It is a drive up testing center, and it is free. Other places to get tested nearby include CVS, Walgreens, and Safeway.

“The whole process at the YMCA was super quick and easy.

All that I had to do was drive up, and they were super quick to test me,” said Gianna Lazzaro, a junior.

The Cardinals’ Stadium is another place to get tested as they have partnered with Arizona State University and work with the med students.

Testing takes place in the parking lot at State Farm Stadium.

They administer a saliva test. In the future, the stadium will also be used as a space to give vaccines.

“The tests are super easy in my opinion and usually the people working there are super nice and make it easy for you to get the test,” said Sophie Arnett, a junior.

Currently, Safeway offers an at-home test option. It is a saliva test, and the turnaround time for the test is about 72 hours

once the sample is sent out.

“I haven’t had to receive an at home test, but I feel like it would be a better option because then you could possibly limit the spread by not going to get a test,” said Lazzaro.

Recently, president Joe Biden signed a $230 million deal with an Australian company called Ellume. They created a 15-minute at-home test for COVID-19 that showed 96 percent accuracy in U.S. studies. This test does not require a prescription, and it is a shallow nose swab.

Once the company begins production in the U.S., the tests are expected to cost about $30.

There are a variety of different testing options, such as tests that require the patient to spit in a tube, as well as the nostril ones. The molecular test using a deep nasal swab is the best option for accuracy according to the CDC. “The ones that go deep in your nose are the most uncomfortable, but I wouldn’t say that it hurts,” said Andrea Davis, a substitute teacher.When choosing which place to receive a COVID-19 test, one must keep in mind multiple things, including how long it will take to receive results, which type of test, and how far away it is.

\Zander Bezotte

require hospitalization after contracting the virus.

“I don’t necessarily know that there is a direct corre- lation between people who are having issues related to COVID-19 and vitamin D deficiency, because people who are vitamin D deficient are usually older or have some other pre-existing condition.

Those are the people who are also more prone to having issues with COVID-19,” said Danae Sprouse, a biology teacher.

One of the main purposes of vitamin D is to help the body with the absorption of calcium; it helps build strong bones and to prevent bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps the body fight off viruses or bacteria, along with other general body functions.

Some studies, such as one posted in the Journal of Internal Medicine, report that supplementing vitamin D can help ease the symptoms of depression. Other studies have shown that deficiencies can lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression as well.

“I think that eating a balanced diet and going outside a lot can be better than taking a supplement,” said Ashley Ramirez, a senior.

Deficiencies also can lead to osteomalacia, which is pain and weakness in the bones; other general aches and pains; fatigue; and stress fractures, among other symptoms.

One of the easiest ways to get vitamin D is by going out in the sun, as the body absorbs it through ultraviolet light. However, the exact amount of time required outside is variable due to many factors, such as the season, clouds, and each body being different.

Dminder is an app that tracks when the sun rays are the strongest throughout the day. It can be a good way to start getting out in the sun more and getting vitamin D. “Being outside in the sun more always makes me feel more alive,” said Ramirez.

Some other ways to get vitamin D besides going outside include eating certain foods, such as cheese, fatty fish, egg yolks, and certain fortified foods. Most cereals and milks are fortified with vitamin D and other vitamins and minerals.

“Fast food is a lot more accessible now, so it’s easier to eat that way without as much nutrients,” said Eva Penington, a junior.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. This means that it does not dissolve in water, and it is absorbed in the body through fat. Other fat soluble vitamins include K, A, and E. These vitamins stay stored in body fat and the liver until the body needs to use them.

“Vitamin D is good for the immune system, so if it turns out that [does help with COVID-19], you might as well take it,” said Sprouse.

While the research is still being conducted, contacting a medical professional to ask about supplementing vitamin D may be beneficial, not only as a precaution for COVID-19, but also to ensure good bone health and general wellbeing.

february

4 ● MARCH 19, 2021

THE CSPRESS

THENEWS

David Lane

Newsies stop the world

staff writer

March 19, 2021 Volume 12, Number 3

Cactus Shadows High School, Scottsdale, Arizona

MAKING DO WITH LESS

District budget cuts include loss of teaching positions

Julia Knies and Ryan Bartholomew editor-in-chief and sports editor

I

N FEBRUARY, DUE to a projected $4.1 million shortfall

for next year, new Superintendent Dr. Cort Monroe announced budget reductions, beginning with a reorganization of the District Office.

On March 1, Monroe sent out a letter to the community announcing a potential budget shortfall in fiscal year 2022. The main reason for the budget cuts is that, over the past year, district enrollment dropped from 5,488 to 5,100. This led to a “budget reduction of over 11 percent,” which, combined with other cuts in revenue, will create a $4.1 million shortfall. The District is tasked with figuring out how to cut this money from next year’s budget.

“When we started looking at the possibility of having to reduce the budget for this next year, we went back to basics,” said Tim Leedy, Chief Financial Officer. “When it all came down to it, over 60 percent of the reductions were either in district departments, special education, and only about 30 percent came out of the instructional side.”

According to Leedy, the district started by looking at the basic requirements from the Arizona Department of Education - what do students need to take in order to graduate? Then, they built up from there. First, they looked at cutting things that do not directly impact students.

“District office personnel, not that those positions are

any less important, but in terms of affecting student outcomes,” said Leedy. “Some of our counseling positions, the warehouse, things like that.”

District office reorganization

The first step was a reorganization of the district office.

In Teaching and Learning and Special Education, several positions were eliminated and a new organizational structure approved for next year. The district has already hired for two of the new positions, Executive Director of Elementary Leadership and Executive Director of Secondary Leadership.

“I wish that we didn’t have to choose [between teachers and programs], but I do think that teacher pay needs to increase because, at the end of the day, we don’t need more chrome books, we need to be keeping teachers,” said Kiera Reinhard, junior.

Even with focusing on cutting in non-instructional areas, the district will have to let go of teachers. In the March 8 Governing Board packet, 55 positions were eliminated for next year, including 22 teachers. Of those, six are from the high school. Called “Reduction in Force,” these positions are non-renewed due to lack of funding. If funding increases for next year, with more students enrolling, some of those positions could return.

“I think if they need to cut classes, they should be the classes that aren’t as popular or that have similar counterparts that could even possibly be combined,” said Annaleigh Niedzielski, senior. “For example, we might be able to combine some digital media classes into a single period.”

One reason CCUSD funding is so low is due to the state’s low property taxes. The average rate is 0.62 percent, compared to the national average of 1.07 percent. According to the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, about half of public school

funds come from local property taxes. To make up for this gap in funding, school districts in Arizona have the ability to pass overrides. This gives them more money through an increase in taxes, and the law allows for districts to raise up to 15 percent of the state provided budget. These are passed by voters within the school district; however, CCUSD has not passed a Maintenance and Operations override since 2007.

Lack of override

“Our district doesn’t have any kind of additional override, which would add to the secondary tax rate,” said Leedy. “So we have the lowest tax rate of any unified school district in Maricopa county. It’s a combination of several things, mostly the size of our property wealth.”

This makes it significantly more difficult for the school district to have enough funding for all of the programs offered. To understand the significance of this, Cave Creek is the only unified district in Maricopa County that does not have a current override. Arizona school funding does not provide enough money for schools to meet their budget requirements, which is why overrides are so important.

“It’s been about 14 years since one passed,” said Monroe.

“There are 41,000 registered voters in the district, three quarters of them are over the age of 50.

see District Budget Cuts on page 4

NEWSIES CAST MEMBERS take their places before the musical number “Seize the Day.” The musical focuses on the plight of newspaper delivery boys, called newsies, who were underpaid and overworked.

Adam Schwartz, a junior, Maya King, a senior, Keira Reinhard, a junior, and Devon Breese, a sophomore, all play the parts of these delivery boys. 4David Lane

District Budget Cuts continued from page 1 As the population gets older, they are not as invested in education. These people outnumber parents with children in the district by a pretty large margin. So it’s not if we can or can’t, it’s if the voters will approve of it. That’s what I really have to try to figure out as superintendent if we want to keep all of these great programs,” said Monroe.

The Excellence Committee, made up of community members, parents, teachers and administration, has been meeting this year to weigh the options of going out for an override and or bond in November.

“You have to think about the demographics here, if you look consistently across the Valley, the places with higher amounts of retired people likely have lower chances of passing an override,” said John Trenton, french teacher.

Furthermore, the district has “the lowest combined tax rate of any unified school district in Maricopa County of $1.8155,” and unlike other districts in Maricopa County, CCUSD is the only one to not receive “additional funding from either Maintenance and Operations, Capital Outlay override, bond, or all three.”

At the end of the 2020 fiscal year, CCUSD was placed on an “approaching highest financial risk” watchlist by the Arizona Auditor General’s Office. One reason for this is the decline in student rate, and in his letter, Monroe points out that the current capture rate for the district is about 50 percent.

This means that only half of the school-aged children living within district limits are attending their appropriate school.

“There’s probably a higher rate of home schooling in this area than others,” said Trenton.

Arizona 48th in Funding CCUSD is not alone in its budget difficulties. As a whole, Arizona

Cactus Shows Drama Club is performing the hit broadway musical, Newsies, this month at the Fine Arts Center. Unlike traditional productions, this one will have a dual cast, each one performing on different days.

The play is based on the Newsboy Strike of 1899,a musical that tells the story of Jack Kelly, a newsboy who dreams of moving away from the big city out west. However, after news tyrant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies go on strike. Aided by female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of the newsboys.

“I think it was a good idea to dual cast this show. The club is full of really talented people and I'm sure casting was a hard decision to make so I like that there are that many more opportunities for people to show off their abilities. It's a little bit confusing sometimes to remember who is the opening cast and who is the closing cast. To combat this, we call Crutchie on their off night “ensemble Crutchie” and same for all the double cast leads,”said Cheyenne Yerkes, a senior member of the drama club.

Like most plays this year, it can be viewed from home via zoom link, as well as in person, with social distanced seating. Each ticket will cost 15 dollars per person. In person viewers must wear a face mask at all times throughout the show.

“Rehearsals are always busy. We run everything multiple times so we can switch between casts, so it gets a bit hectic at times. Other than that, everyone has a lot of fun working together,” said Brooke Kilgore, a junior in Drama Club.

This production has been unlike any other spring play in Drama Club history. Due to actors getting quarantined, the rehearsal process has had to be faster than ever to maintain a March 18 debut.

“I think it’s really great that we put together a musical that would have taken eight weeks usually in the span of about five. We all got quarantined for the first 10 days of rehearsal and I had to teach the entire show over zoom using drawings and figurines to represent everybody moving around the stage,” Andrew Cupo, the Drama Club advisor, said.

The opening cast will perform on March 18, and March 20 at 2pm, and the closing cast performs March 19, and March 20 at 7pm.

comes in at 48th in funding and 49th in spending in the U.S. The state receives $1.2 billion, or $1,274 per pupil, from the federal government. It divides $3.6 billion, or $3,896 per pupil, among the public schools from the state’s money. Lastly, local funding comes out to be $4.1 billion, or $4,475 per pupil. This means that Arizona’s total education fund is $8.9 billion, or $9,645 per pupil. Conversely, New York comes in first in spending and second in funding, with $28,228 to spend on each student.

This reorganization is Monroe’s first step in handling the budget shortfall in the upcoming year.

Though the district has faced budget difficulties for many years, this

is by far the most significant change that will have been made in recent years. There are other areas Monroe plans to look at.

“I’d like to do a program review,” said Monroe. “I’d like to look at fee structure, what are students paying for sports, AP, IB, our counseling program, our band program, CTE programs. I want to see how those programs are, do we need to bolster them? Those are some of the high school areas I would like to look at, to see how robust those programs are and if we do, in fact, need to bolster them.”

With the budget cuts implemented to date, the district is still only part way through what is certain to be a difficult process.

march

THE CSPRESS

Health

MARCH 19, 2021 ● 15

The dos and don’ts of masking

SHANE DOUGLAS, A SENIOR, demonstrates double masking. Removing a mask by the ear loops rather than pulling down on the nose reduces chance of spreading germs.

Washing masks and double masking are some of the top tips for protection during the pandemic

a Miah Thirion

Zach Valentine staff writer

T

HERE ARE CERTAIN everyone should fol-

low in order to make a mask most effective in protecting yourself and others against the spread of COVID-19.

According to Pfizer, wearing face masks can protect people’s health and slow the spread of COVID-19. They not only protect the wearer but also those around them. This is because the virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets that get into the air from sneezing, coughing, or speaking.

Proper use However, a mask is only effective if worn correctly. Dr. Abraar Karan, a physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, recommends a multilayered single mask that fits comfortably snug over the nose and mouth. The CDC also advises against the use of masks with valves or vents.

“Some things I hate about wearing a mask are after a while, it starts hurting your ears and irritates your face,” said Cooper Roderick, a junior. “You also can’t see anyone's face, so you never know if they are smiling.”

Double masking Recently, the CDC recommended double layering masks.

This increases the effectiveness

COVID-19 has adverse effect on mental health Katelyn Pinkham staff writer

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns over mental health have grown substantially.

“Anytime there is an environment of isolation, mental decline often follows; it’s easy to be distracted and not deal with mental health issues when the normalcy of life is not happening,” said Jenna Kuster, a Clinical Nursing Professor at Grand Canyon University.

The pandemic has created an environment of isolation, fear, and anxiety for many people. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), a non profit organization that provides health information to the nation, about four in ten adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder during the pandemic, a share that has been largely consistent, up from one in ten adults who reported these symptoms from January to June 2019. A survey conducted by the KFF also found that 36 percent of adults have experienced difficulty sleeping or eating during the pandemic,

along with 12 percent saying they have increased their alcohol consumption or substance use.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a national public health institute under the Department of Health and Human Services, public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make one feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety.

“I think the pandemic is a legitimate cause for the decline in mental health, school is an issue, and people haven’t been able to do their normal stress relievers, like being outside,” said Carson Pershina, a junior.

The World Health Organization (WHO), an agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health, conducted a mass survey of over 130 countries that shows the devastating impact on mental health. Over 60 percent of the countries reported disruptions to mental health in vulnerable people, including children and adolescents, older adults,

and women requiring antenatal or postnatal services.

Demand for mental health services and support are higher than ever. Although 89 percent of countries reported in the survey that mental health and psychosocial support is part of their national COVID-19 response plans, only 17 percent of these countries have full additional funding for covering these activities. The WHO also states that around three-quarters reported at least partial disruptions to the school and workplace mental health services provided.

“Mental health services have always been under funded, but we need more support for them, especially right now,” said Calista Giles, a junior.

Routine, work, school, friends, family, responsibility, and more can serve as a type of distraction. When these things are diminished or taken away, one is just left with their thoughts. For many people, this can be difficult, especially people who have underlying, undiagnosed mental health issues. This environment will bring these to the surface.

against the spread of COVID-19, especially with the new, more contagious strains beginning to spread.

Reusable masks should be washed after each use, and disposable masks should be replaced often. If you do not want to constantly throw away disposable masks, containing them in something like a paper bag and letting them sit for a few days to allow any bacteria to die has been shown to be effective as well.

“In my opinion, [you should] regularly clean masks if they are washable, and replace them if they are disposable,” said Hoveeg Boyadjian, a geometry teacher.

Effectiveness A study done at Duke University tested how effective different kinds of masks people tend to wear are. They found that bandanas, neck gaiters, and handkerchiefs are not very effective against protecting oneself and others. The study showed that some materials, such as a polyester spandex material that neck gaiters can be made out of, do not stop the particles coming out of one's mouth but break them up into smaller particles. This essentially counteracts why people wear masks.

“Disposable masks are my favorite because they can be replaced every day. Also people shouldn’t wear two masks. It makes it way too hard to breathe,” said Cole Caruso, a senior.

Homemade, surgical, and N95 masks were the best. Due to medical professionals needing surgical and N95 masks, it is recommended to avoid using those when it is not necessary.

Wearing a mask is one way to help protect yourself and others against COVID-19. These guidelines help ensure that they are working the best they can.

POLL: How often do you wash/ switch out your mask?

Daily/disposable - 27%

3-4 times a week - 23%

Weekly - 39%

Monthly - 7%

Never - 4%

Based on a poll of 100 Cactus Shadows students on February 26th

W philip Tate

april THE CSPRESS

APRIL 16, 2021 ● 9

Ice cream parlor brings the News homemade Sweeps return to get students to classto Crisis hits treats the Creekthe border 4 ● APRIL 16, 2021

Lending a helping hand

Cave Creek offers many great volunteer opportunities, ranging in everything from helping out at a library to checking gym members in at the YMCA. Many students need volunteer hours for the Superintendent’s Challenge, so here are some spots to check out:

FooThillS aniMal reScue

THE CSPRESS

Volunteer opportunities for animal lovers. Their mission is to save lives through the rescue, care and adoption of homeless cats & dogs. They are located on Bell Road. For more information, call (480) 488-9890

Administration implements sweeps to encourage kids to arrive on time Julia Knies

“

not be as lucky. According to an article in the Olympian at Castro Valley High School, Peyton Marinelli staff writer a message plays over the intercom Since October, thousands of immigrants have Paul Wernes that tells all of the late students to report crossed the border from Mexico into the United If we don’t travel editor to the cafeteria to receive States with the hope of immigration reform. make it a The Creek Cookies and Cream is anAccording ice cream detentions.

The threat of to the Department of Homeland priority to start shop detentions provides studentsof flavors Security, the number of unaccompanied that offers a variety of homewith an incentive to get to minors crossing the border last year was nearly class on time, made ice cream. class on time. fifty-thousand. That number has just about why should ¨We offer [don’t ice cream “If students have timesandwiches, doubled floats, in the past few months. Most of these you make it a to] use the whips, restroom between children are arriving from Central America: El cones, dole and bowls to our customers. andeverything they don’tfast want and Guatemala, and the priority to be at Weclass, make and theSalvador, cookiesHonduras, are students to disrupt the class, rest come from Mexico. The reason why these class on time?” always said Jenna Shea, an employee. when warm,¨ are we supposed to go?” families have been sending their children to The Creek Cookies and Cream also offers said Aidan Vance, a junior. the United States is to escape poverty, crime, Jeff Wead, Dean of students pay treat better enjoyed and Once crossed, the goal is to reunite DoleIfWhip, a famous bygangs. millions Students. attention to their attendance with relatives already in the states. What many at and Disneyland and Disney World.

You don’t need avoid being late, the families don’t realize is that by law, those who pack will ourstop bags have this treat, it is now the to sweeps.

While students at Cactus to school immigrate illegally cannot simply be sent back.

Shadows may receive offered right here.

“I’m sure there are a lot of families that keep warnings before detention, mind and consider what those families are “I thought that the Dole Whipin was better other schools’ students may going through. I’m sure they’re doing what POURING here, than at Disneyland… it was more refreshthey need and what they can to help them out, said Warren Lasater, ing,” said Gabe Griffin, a customer. whatever that might be,”PANCAKES, Emma Russello, a junior.

The ice cream offered at The Creek Cookies The main reason the detains angovernment employee of and Cream is homemade, setting it fromis because of the belief that the an apart immigrant Cave Creek's large ice cream chains like Coldstone Creamery individual could be a possible public safety Cookies adds to threat. When someone is caught crossing the and Baskin Robbins. the richness of the border illegally, Border Patrol Agents will take The warm cookies that they offerthe canindividual be used to the town Max Sotelo closest4Border Patrol 10 ●APRIL 16, 2021 THE CSPRESS for ice cream sandwiches and canstation be putto into be processed. If detained, they have the right to remain silent, and speak to bowls for extra flavor. attorney. According to US Media, as of “I really liked how sweet my iceancream was.

March 2021, Border Patrol Agents are holding I also bought a warm cookie to more go with than the fifteen-thousand unaccompanied children in custody.

These children are then cookie dough ice cream” said Eliya Rogoff, a kept in detention centers, which are often customer. crammed and unsanitary, for the legal limit of The shop offers 10 ice cream flavors, seven seventy-two hours before being transferred to cookie flavors, and 16 toppings. They also offer the custody of health officials in the Office of Judy Silva Resettlement. staff writer gluten free ice cream, expandingRefugee options for “I think the impacts of border states get more NEW WAVE OF spring colors is starting to trend in fashion. those who cannot eat gluten. people’s attention than they would say in the SWEPT UP.Every Students hang out outside and companies talk before class begins.

Sweeps were recently reimplemented due to the large of stuyear admired fashion release springtime clothing that On Fridays andamount Saturdays they are open or from midwest near the Canadian border. So It 4palette.

Miah Thirion dents loitering after some the final bellof rings. fall into kind color depends 1-9 PM, and on all other days they are where open they’re at geographically,” said Steven Mitten, a history teacher.

“I have seen a lot of pastel colors such as purple, yellow, green and pink,” from 2-8:30 PM. Since the beginning of his presidency, said Katelyn Schifferdecker, a senior.

Joe Biden has been working to reverse the Brands such as Hollister Co, American Eagle, Urban Outfitters, and PacSun use this immigration restrictions implemented by pastel color palette consistently in the springtime. Pastel colors are less saturated than Trump. These actions include plans to boost the them feel light, soft, and overall calm.

Pastels work this year it was really hard refugee admissions and deportation relief for solve the problem. from across the world.

First Livianormal Lowe primary colors, making staff writer well alongside neutral colors which fits into springs’ earthiness and sense of renewal. to get registered,” said Emily those who immigrated to the U.S. as children.

“The average meeting lasts introduced in 1974 by Dr. E. Watters, a senior.

Biden has also created a task force to reunite 45 minutes, Paul Torrance, FPS provides Future Problem Solvers (FPS) For centuries, people have associated spring with pastels, it can approximately be seen in past archiDespite the restrictions, migrant families who have been separated at during withwhich students competitive andX-Rite, nonis a club thatand focuses on forms. tectural builds other art According to a company experts in FPS recently had their the border by Trump’s 2018 ‘zero tolerance’ theireffects competition competitive elements fortheresearch developing criticalof color, blending the students’ art and science people can experience psychological international competition strategy. The policy that consists of stopping topics and discuss possible today’s curriculum by using a thinking skills, problem of color all day and marketers use that to target customers’ emotions. These effects which was completely online. and questioning people acting suspicious. solutions.

Additionally, six-step model which teaches solving and decision making come from all types of colors, just pastels.

“If you are interested in “It’s hard to say if there should be stronger they engage in a number and creative thinking, through competitive and non- notcritical “I prefer toconferences. wear the bright andproblem warm colors once gets closerofto spring,” said Alexis STEM, and you are looking for a security at the border or not because people activities, such as skits, solving, anditdecision competitive unique opportunity to explore should be able to cross, but it’s also important brainstorming, or vocabulary making.

“Students in FPSskills are able to Huss, an essential teacher.

STEM-related topics (with the to keep things safe,” said Logan Polvorosa, a building games that allow six step model that from develop their solving,make The Vibrant andproblem bright colors an appearance on anything t-shirts to flowy possibility of travel thrown in), freshman at PVCC. with the use startsviolet, withleafthem decisionin the making, creativity dresses springtime.

Colorsstudents such as aquamarine, green,toandengage most colI’d highly recommend joining While this situation seems to be solely in topic in different ways,“ said identifying the challenges, and critical thinking skills, all ors that don’t quite fit into the neon territory are commonly used. These colors are FPS,” said Thomas. the government’s control, there are ways to Thomas. then selecting an underlying of which are useful beyond the another marketing tactic because they attract the eyes of current and potential cusFPS meets after school on help. The U.S. Border Children’s Relief Fund is COVID-19 has restricted problem, coming up with high school classroom, “ said tomers to keep buying clothes.

Patterns also make a big impact on the fashion industry.

Tuesdays and encourages accepting donations to ensure children will be many clubs from having a possible solutions to the Angela Thomas, an economics Tie dye and floral patterns make aproblem, comebackgenerating all over the market springtime. everyone who might be protected. Writing emails to policy makers and normalthe year and FPS is no and during teacher. interested in joining the club speaking out about children’s rights will help exception. selecting the criteria, applying FPS people is an don’t international Most know why tie dye is associated with the spring, but history is a key spread awareness about the current situation “Everything the criteria and lastly program that to Mary involves factor.

According Hanbury, a seniorchosen, retail reporter at Business Insider, inisthe online, to come and see what FPS is Creek Road, turn west and drive straight allJulia about.Knies at the border.

Internationals was online and creating an action plan to thousands of students yearly editor-in-chief

Due to a high amount of tardies, both reported and unreported, Administration decided to enact random “sweeps” at the end of passing periods.

The tardy sweep is a stricter way of counting students tardy, and repeatedly being late can lead to detentions very quickly.

“If we don’t make it a priority to start class on time, why should you make it a priority to be at class on time?” said Jeff Wead, Dean of Students.

Wead and Principal Tony Vining, both reported that the main reason Cactus Shadows decided to do sweeps was because they noticed an increase of students lingering

outside of their classes after the bell rang.

“If you’re here on campus, you need to be in a classroom. I don’t feel like going from Point A to Point B is that difficult.

You should be able to be in class on time,” said Vining. “I think there’s plenty of time for students to interact and talk to each other.”

This is not the first time Cactus Shadows has implemented a sweep. In the early 2000s, they would sweep students up at the end of each passing period and make them sit through a detention for the period. A high amount of tardies and detentions led to suspension. “[The punishment] depends on you. It depends on how many tardies you have,” said

FooThillS caring corPS

Wead. “We fight for every educational second we have.”

Spring colors A

Caring for older adults and people with disabilities who live in the Northeast Valley/Foothills Community. Their mission is to help these people remain living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. For information about how to volunteer, call 480-488-1105.

Wild aT hearT

Rescue, rehabilitation and release center for birds of prey. Its primary purpose is to rescue injured owls, hawks, falcons and eagles; rehabilitate them; and, ultimately, release them back into the wild. Its guiding mission is to do what is in the best interest of these magnificent birds. For information, call (480) 595-5047.

cave creek MuSeuM

Preserves the local archaeology and history of Cave Creek. For more information, call 480488-2764.

FooThillS Food Bank

Style

Provides food, referral information, and financial assistance to individuals and families in need without our service area. (480) 488-1145.

TriPle r horSe reScue

Teaches volunteers how to care for horses so they can complete everyday chores on the ranch. For more information, check their website: https://triplerhorserescue.com/ volunteer

3Owen Taylor

FPS develops critical thinking skills

Searching for sunsets in the Creek

1960s, tie dye was seen as a symbol of the counterculture, a way to escape from the strict social norms of the 1950s and express freedom and individuality. The springtime also falls into the freedom and growth symbolism. The floral design speaks for itself, flowers are blooming and plants begin to grow once again. The patterns can be seen with light and soft colored flowers on top of a darker material or vise versa. Another important part of spring attire are the different pieces of clothing worn.

“Once it becomes spring I like to wear more shorts and lighter clothing,” said Andrew Barab-shedd, a senior.

Long sleeves and pants become unreasonable to wear in the ever growing Arizona heat, so tanks and shorts become the new style. Since it isn’t officially summer weather wearing a sweater or baggy pants are still options. Skirts and dresses fit in with the season and stay trendy as well. According to Vogue, a fashion magazine, jackets and coats are in and cashmere tracksuits are out. Their goal is to channel positivity through their clothes due to the pandemic.

editor-in-chief

to the end of E Surrey Drive.

Surrounded by mountains, Cave Creek has many lookout spots to enjoy the sunset.

Surrey

The lookout spot on Surrey Drive is quick to drive to, and there is also a hiking trail right there. To get there from Cave

The Wagon Wheel

Next to the restaurant, the Wagon Wheel, there is another lookout spot to drive to.

From Cave Creek Road, turn east on East Carriage Drive, and stay on Carriage until the end of the road.

TAKING A

WORK BOOTS TO TRENDY FASHION

Thirion

Doc Martens have come up from being a $3 work boot to a closet staple for teens Julia Knies editor in chief

Dr. Martens boots have evolved over the last century from a work boot to a staple piece in many people’s closets.

While they are most commonly associated with the punk or alternative scene, nowadays, you can find almost anyone wearing a pair of Docs.

“They seem to be more mainstream now. When I was in high school and college, not as many people were wearing them or it was limited to a few stereotyped groups, said Tracy Clay, an English teacher.

However, they have not always been associated with the alternative or punk scene. They first started gaining popularity in 1945, once Dr. Klaus Maertens invented and marketed the air-cushioned sole

with his friend, Dr. Herbert Funk. Using leftover military supplies, they were able to start creating boots.

In 1960, the Griggs shoe company in England obtained a license for the aircushioned sole. From there, the paradigm for the brand was created: an eight-eye black leather boot with yellow stitching, otherwise known as the 1460.

“Every generation seems to experience a reemergence of punk or grunge in some form, and Docs are the easiest way to add that to an outfit. Ever since the brand gained traction in the 60s, people can’t seem to get enough of them, and I don’t blame them at all,” said Tilda Hanlon-McGregor, a junior.

In the 60s, the working-class punks began to wear the shoes, and once Pete Townshend of The Who started rocking them, they became a symbol for the punk and alternative scene ever since.

“They’ll definitely be around for a long

Lastly for spots to drive to, there is a lookout on Stagecoach Pass. To get there from Cave Creek Road, turn east on Stagecoach, right on N 62nd St, and drive to the end of the street.

sunset, the best in town is Black Mountain.

The trailhead is found on Schoolhouse Road near the Villas of Cave Creek. It is 2.2 miles long, and it is frequently busy; however, the view is rewarding. Along the trail, there are shoot offs if you do not want to hike all the way to the top.

Black MounTain

If you are looking for a hike to enjoy the AT STAGECOACH PASS, A sunset shines over the mountains of Cave Creek.

a Miah T hirion

STAND, Ella Skov, a senior, often styles her white Doc Martens with a simple pair of cropped jeans and a comfy flannel. 4 Miah

STagecoach PaSS

time because they’re made to last and you can wear them with pretty much anything no matter what your individual style is,” said Lindsay Koch, a senior.

With the standard price being about $150, they are a bit on the pricier side; however, they are made to last.

“They only get better with age—I’ve been wearing my purple pair for 7 years— and they’re super durable,” said HanlonMcGregor.

Because they are leather, Docs are known for being difficult to break in.

Layering socks, using Wonder Balm sold on the Dr. Martens’ website, and wearing them often are the best ways to break them in.

“Best advice - start with short bouts of wearing them and wear thicker socks.

Lace them up tight so that they can start molding to you,” said Clay.

4Miah Thirion

april

THE CSPRESS

Health

APRIL 16, 2021 ● 17

Erika Potter staff writer

ARIZONA IS KNOWN for it’s “dry

heat” climate, and it is hard to go outside in this state without being exposed to the sun. While the sun provides important vitamin D, too much exposure can lead to skin cancer. The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect skin from UV rays.

Some claim that getting a “base layer tan” helps prevent damage done to the skin while out in the sun; however, this claim is not true, according to Naiara Barbosa, director of Mohs Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology.

The safest way to tan is to use self-tanning products or get a spray tan. Most self tanning products and sprays are safe and FDA approved.

These products do not cause harm to the skin like UV rays, but instead, just coat the outer layer of skin. Using tanning products with SPF will also help to minimize

skin damage.

“I prefer tanning on the sun because spray tans honestly scare me. I feel like I would mess up,” said Kayla Witzig, a senior Tanning beds should be avoided. The UV rays are too close to a person’s body, whereas outside, there are more barriers protecting from the UV rays, according to Barbosa.

“If you want to spend time outside, protect your skin. When I was younger, my friends and I would just slather oil on and that did a lot of damage to me later on in life,” says Heather Nickel, a long time tanner.

The good news is that with the right protection, you can safely spend time in the sun, and then get your “tan” from a bottle. Spending less time in the sun will also help prevent sunburn and other adverse effects of UV exposure.

“Wearing sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher,

and reapplying it at least every 2 hours is one of the best things you can do to protect your skin. Hats, sunprotective clothing, and umbrellas can help as well,” said Adeline Kikam, specialist in dermatology.

Covering all exposed areas, including the ears, lips, face, and back of your hands and avoiding the sun during its peak hours, usually from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is helpful while avoiding harmful sun exposure.

Application of sunscreen will determine how much protection your skin will get.

The most common mistakes when applying sunscreen are not applying enough and not applying it evenly. Sunscreen should be applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure for the most effective protection.

People with sensitive skin and people who burn easily should take extra precautions to ensure the protection of their skin.

APPLYING SUNSCREEN at least 15 minutes before going outside makes it most

effective. Mikki Warriner, a senior, catches some rays, but not without the protection of sunscreen. 4 Miah Thirion

Vaccines available for teenagers Justin Wong staff writer

I

N THE STATE of Arizona, those ages 16+ are now

eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Teens across Arizona were waiting in lines for hours in order to be some of the first in the age group to get the newly available vaccines. Vaccines have been long awaited as the key to the end of the pandemic.

“I recently got the Pfizer vaccine, and it feels nice to be able to do what I want now, without having to worry about getting COVID,” said Thomas Gray, a junior.

Many other students like Gray are able to get the vaccine since it has been made available. It will help with their peace of mind and allow them to go out if they have elderly or susceptible family members living with them.

Many people believe that the vaccine being available to teens is a great thing and that most teenagers should get it. However, there are still people who oppose it and believe that it should not be given to younger children or even teens for that matter. This would be because it has not been tested on them, and the vaccine was made in a very short time, compared to vaccines that have been made before.

The only available vaccine for teenagers currently is the Pfizer vaccine. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine along with the Moderna vaccine is only available for people that are at least 18 years and older. As of now, there are no approved vaccines for use on people

under the age of 16.

“I personally would not take the vaccine, because I do not think there has been enough research done on it yet, but I am not against others taking it,” said Declan Hill, a sophomore.

On the contrary, a lot of people think that everyone should get the vaccine no matter what.

“I think that teens should be able to get the vaccine if approved for their age group. I do not believe in a requirement, but would hope enough people have confidence in our doctors and science experts that they would want their families vaccinated so that we could stop the circulation of COVID-19,” said Kristina Bootz, a teacher.

Different circumstances prohibit different responses to how someone deals with COVID-19, thus why some people choose to opt-out of taking the vaccine.

This divide in beliefs is a large problem in getting everyone together to fight against COVID-19. Even though everyone may not get the vaccine, teenagers getting it is an important part of fighting against the virus. This is because a certain percentage of people need to get the vaccine in order to gain herd immunity from COVID-19.

Once this is achieved the cases will gradually continue to lessen, until almost all the cases are completely gone. This is the most likely way that COVID-19 will become almost completely obsolete, and teenagers getting the vaccines will play a large part in achieving that goal.

Will you get the vaccine when it isyes available fornoyou?

60

53 45

30

23

24

15

0

yes

no

undecided

From a poll of 100 students taken on April 7, 2021.

3 Jaden Lea

undecided

Comment

THE CSPRESS

MAY 14, 2021 ● 5

The Editorial: As We See It

The enemy in the mirror

Cactus Shadows High School, Scottsdale, Arizona

Editors in Chief Online Editor in Chief Opinion Editor News Editor Sports Editor Food Editor Creeker Editor Spotlight Editor Photo Editor Travel Editor Style Editor Global News Editor Technology Editor Health Editor

F

OR NEARLY THIRTY years, the political divide in America has drastically grown,

to the point where it has now reached an intolerable level. Instead of using debates to come up with the best solution, people have turned on each other and become unwilling to “meet in the middle” and work together. With serious problems facing our nation, including dealing with the pandemic, human rights, and climate change, now is an especially important time to come together and agree on creative solutions to many issues. Disagreement is a key part of creating change; however, America’s political polarization has gotten to such an extreme level, it is not productive and it needs to stop.

Once upon a time, people had friends from both parties. There may have been heated arguments, but these discussions weren’t nearly so personal. It was about ideas and not the person voicing the ideas. This is where we must return to if we are going to tackle the biggest problems we The EDITORIAL represents the face today. consensus view of the members of Sadly, we seem to be moving further apart rather than closer. In the Editorial Board. a Pew Research study, about polarization, “Nearly two-thirds (63 The Editorial Board members are percent) of consistent conservatives and about half (49 percent) of Julia Knies, Grace Carey, Max consistent liberals say most of their close friends share their politiSotelo, Miah Thirion, Jo Breese, cal views. Among those with mixed Ryan Bartholomew, Claire Geare, Michael Kaegi, Cait Bunkers, Emma ideological values, just 25 percent Weaver, Mikki Warriner, Paul say the same. People on the right and Wernes, Max Hancock, and Philip left also are more likely to say it is Tate. important to them to live in a place where most people share their political views, though again, that desire is more widespread on the right (50%) than on the left (35 percent).” The situation has gotten so bad that we don’t even want to live near people who think differently than us.

The problem with living in a vacuum, where everyone agrees with everything we say, is that we lose touch with reality. Research conducted by Northwestern University revealed just how wrong we are about the “other side.” “Republicans estimate that 32 percent of Democrats are LGBT when in reality it is 6 percent; Democrats estimate that 38 percent of Republicans earn over $250,000 per year when in reality it is 2 percent.” If we actually spent time with the “other side,” we’d learn something very important, which is that which unites us is much stronger than that which divides us.

Interestingly enough, a new report by the Center for the Future of Arizona and Gallup reveals that most of us feel the same about issues that concern us: 92 percent of Arizonans agree that the protection of wildlife is important, 74 percent support the use of clean energy, and 77 percent favor automatic voter registration when applying for a state ID or driver’s license. The truth is, we are much more similar than we are different from each other.

So let’s take a cue from two important Arizona figures from opposite sides of the political spectrum.

Gabby Giffords, who was a Democratic Senator when she was shot in the head during a political event in Tucson and almost lost her life, recently wrote an opinion piece in the Arizona Republic with Jeff Flake, who served as a Republican senator for many years. These two voted opposite of each other almost every time, but managed to become close friends, and worked together on several bi-partisan initiatives over the years. Together with the University of Arizona, they have created a new National Institute for Civil Discourse. “We did our best work when we avoided demeaning language about one another’s point of view and instead listened, explained, listened more, and found common purpose or compromise.”

Let’s follow their lead and spend more time listening than shouting.

Grace Carey Julia Knies Max Sotelo Claire Geare Michael Kaegi Ryan Bartholomew Emma Weaver Cait Bunkers Jo Breese Miah Thirion Paul Wernes Mikki Warriner Max Hancock Philip Tate Julia Knies

Staff David Lane, Jaden Lea, Livia Lowe, Peyton Marinelli, Kolton O’Connor, Katelyn Pinkham, Erika Potter, Judith Silva, Owen Taylor, Zachary Valentine, Justin Wong Advisers Lori Hart, Robert Adamson

It’s time to find common ground again.

Editorial Policy: The CSPress is published by the Journalism class of Cactus Shadows High School.

The newspaper serves the students and staff of Cactus Shadows High School and as a connection to the surrounding community.

The objective of the CSPress is to publish a factual, informative and entertaining NEWSpaper, and to provide a forum for the expression of diverse viewpoints.

The Comments and views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, the adviser, or all CSPress staff members.

The CSPress is also published online, at cactusshadowscspress.com.

The editors reserve the right to reject any material that is libelous, obscene, or poses an immediate and material disruption to the educational environment.

WE VALUE YOUR Comment. EMAIL YOUR LETTER TO CSPRESS. Comment@gmail.COM The CSPress values Comments from its readers.

If you have something to say about anything you have read, please write a letter to the editor and send it to cspress.Comment@gmail.com. Letters must be typed, less than 100 words in length and signed. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit for length. The CSPress will not print letters that are obscene, libelous or that target an individual.

Advertisements that are obscene, misleading, or illegal to minors will not be printed. The CSPress reserves the right to reject any advertisement. To place an ad, contact the adviser or the Advertising Manager at (480) 575-2493.

The CSPress is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, the Journalism Education Association, and the Arizona Interscholastic Press Association.

The CSPress Cactus Shadows High School 5802 East Dove Valley Road , Scottsdale, Arizona 85266 tel. 480-575-2400 May 14, 2021, Volume 12: Issue 5 wSchool enrollment: 1822 Number of copies printed: 1100

\David Lane

april

may

Health

THE CSPRESS

MAY 14, 2021 ● 15

COVID-19 winds down?

Liquid chlorophyll sweeps the web Trent Stevenson with additional research from Jaden Lea digital journalism staff and staff writer

C

HLOROPHYLL IS THE pigment that makes

plants green and healthy. Plants use chlorophyll and light to make food. It has been used all over the world for a variety of treatments, and recently, it has blown up on the internet, and it is all over platforms such as TikTok. There are many claims about chlorophyll's ability to promote many health benefits, including weight loss, skin healing, blood builder, and that it can serve as a natural deodorant. Although there are claims that chlorophyll has all these health benefits, the evidence backing these statements might not be tested enough.

“I’ve noticed quite a drastic difference in my skin. It’s been a lot more clear, and feels much healthier,” said Courtney Straub, a Pinnacle senior who owns liquid Chlorophyll.

A few drops added to water are supposed to treat acne, prevent cancer, detoxify the body and boost energy levels. While chlorophyllin has been used since the 1940s to neutralize certain odors, studies are outdated and show mixed results.

“I take liquid Chlorophyll every day by dropping three drops into a glass of water and drink it each day to ensure I get the maximum effects of it,” said Kelsey Morris, a junior who owns liquid chlorophyll.

This new discovery has intrigued scientists to take a closer look to see if the talks match up. Chlorophyll is already all around us found in many foods the human population already consumes, such as spinach, salad, and many products on the market according to Oregon State University. In the United States, eight million dollars has been spent on chlorophyll in the past year up 72 percent from previous years.

“Liquid Chlorophyll has been super popular

recently and a lot of people have been coming in to purchase it mainly due to the exposure of it on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram”, said Gary Rotsenburg, a worker at GNC. Studies have been recorded and analyzed debunking TikTok’s claim of this so-called miracle drug. The before and after of these famous TikTokers show the power of liquid chlorophyll changing acne-covered face into a smooth young look. Some have been called out and admitted to using makeup in their “after” photos in order to get views and likes.

Lab studies published in Science Direct have shown that “chlorophyll may contribute to antioxidant properties, which help to combat the damage to cells caused by harmful molecules.” The only issue is these tests have only been formed on animal-related studies and haven't yet been researched on the human body.

There are so many products on the market that not only have the same benefits but are actually backed up by research and science. Although it is unclear whether liquid chlorophyll affects the skin and body, scientists report that the effects would be very minimal, if anything. The improvement in the skin could be related to a placebo effect as acne is caused by stress. It comes as no surprise that some people have seen improvements as they believe and trust taking a pill will clear all their acne as the TikTok stars show.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do after the pandemic is completely over?

I want to go to concerts, especially Lil Uzi.

Alexandra Miller digital journalism staff

ADDING A FEW DROPS of liquid chlorophyll to your water provides magnesium, iron, calcium, and other vitamins.

4Miah Thirion

I want to go to an amusement park and ride a roller coaster.

It's been so long.

C hristian waters

junior

Marcus galeano

junior

I want to see my other family outside of the state without any risks. I also want to travel and go on vacation.

Brendan R ojas

junior

I would like to travel the world and go out of the country without any Covid restrictions.

Nelson Lee

sophomore

After Covid, I will definitely want to travel a lot more.

C ooper R oderick

junior

I would try to return to normal. I would still wash my hands all the time.

Z ander Bez otte

junior

3Lokela Ibarola and Trent Stevenson

ON MARCH 11TH, 2020, COVID-19 was declared a national pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Roughly a year later, and COVID-19 is still a major concern worldwide. As the pandemic enters its second year, the question remains as to when it will be over and life returns to normal.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pandemics can end in three different ways; a vaccine is found, the infection and death rate plummets, or a social ending. The only two ways that actually result in the ending of the virus are through a found vaccine or the infection and death rate plummets, according to Avera writers, health institute in Sioux Falls, SD. However, a social ending, which is where people live as if the pandemic is over and there is no reason to follow procedures, shows an interesting perspective of the human mentality.

“People who turn their nose up at it (COVID-19) and just think it’s over, it’s their loss. It’s mostly ignorance, and ignorance is bliss isn’t necessarily true,” said Cadence Presta, a sophomore.

Searching back into another pandemic’s past shows a possibility for how COVID-19 will end. The Spanish Flu started in 1918 and was estimated to have infected 500 million people and killed 20 to 50 million. People were ordered to follow standard procedures such as wearing masks and staying home when sick, according to History.com editors. The virus ended in the summer of 1919, as the infected died and the remaining population gained immunity through herd immunity.

COVID-19 has had roughly one-fifth of the cases compared to the Spanish flu but there is a chance through herd immunity and the advancement in vaccines, that COVID-19 can be something of the past by the end of 2021.

“We need to know more before we are ready to make big decisions (ending the virus),” said Grant Pipher, a sophomore.

Currently, around 28.5 percent of Americans are vaccinated with both doses, 42.2 percent have taken at least one of the vaccine doses, according to the CDC. As more people get vaccinated, herd immunity is the goal.

Herd immunity is when a certain percentage of the population is immune to a disease.