March/April 2022 by JHS BlackandWhite

b&w

BLACK AND WHITE March-April 2022 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 5

Elsewhere

March-April 2 0 2 2

Cover| Noah Gilbert & Alyssa Miner

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Sports Editor Online Editor Video Editor News-Brief-Editor Print Editor Visual Editor Copy Editor

Noah Gilbert Nathan Anderson Laila Hasanovic Marley Jenkins Theron Luett Sabrina McGuire Alyssa Miner Catherine Reiher Aidan Topolinski Audrey Allen Eva Wozniczka

STAFF WRITERS Nolan Akins Jillian Blair Tatum Bremner Sofia Bristow Jordyn Butler Macy Carmichael Allison Christensen

6/7- Students For Hire 8/9- Into Autism 10/11- Stand With Ukraine 12/13- Dual School Athletes

MANAGERS Visual Manager Visual Manager Morality Manager

4/5- Briefly...

Lily Fleming Mae Glass Maida Jusufovic John Kirkpatrick Ella Obrien Van Proctor Abigail Wharton

14/15- Virtue Signalling 16/17- Crypto Crazy 18/19- A Success Story...

What is an NFT? Find out more on page 16

s the school year comes to an end, our knowledge of the world around us should expand to new lengths. There is no fallacy in the fact that the past three years have been nothing but crazy, and 2022 has been no exception. Because of the unpredictability of the times, it is easy to stick to your own bubble, oblivious to the world around you. This issue, ‘Elsewhere’, focuses on topics that directly and indirectly effect us. With stories such as this issue’s editorial, ‘Stand With Ukraine,’ to ‘What Went Wrong?’ about why there is a lack of success with recent graduates, we deep dived into hard hitting stories that Johnston students need to know about.

-Noah Gilbert Editor-In-Chief of the Black & White Johnston students should care about the war in Ukraine, learn how you can help!

Read the B&W’s Editorial on page 10

Read about what current legislative bills effect public education Find out more on page 22

20/21- What Went Wrong 22/23- Bills on the Hill 24- Scan & Go

hen Jay Rice ‘94 brainstormed the name of our paper in 1991, it was not because of the ink color. For the last 28 years, our mission has been to bring our audience stories from the school, community and nation, told clearly and without exaggeration--in black and white.

Scan here for more Content

Elsewhere...

Social Media @jhsnewspaper @jhsnewspaper @JHSBlackandWhite

FINE PRINT Black & White is published solely by the Johnston High School newspaper staff. It is an open forum. In accordance with Iowa law, students assign, edit material and make all decisions of content. Editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the editorial board. Editorial and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the advisor, school officials or the district. Letters to the editor must be signed. Like all material, letters may not be libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. To write a letter to the editor, or report an error in the issue, please contact the editors at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com.

4 | News

Briefly... Words | Ellla O’Brien Layout | Mae Glass

Tyler Hannon ‘22 playing against Ankeny Centenial. Photo by Jake Jordan.

irls track and field kicked off their outdoor season with third place in

Annmarie Scott ‘24 leading off in the varsity distance medley. Photo by Nolan Atkins.

varsity and first in JV at their first

home meet on April 1st. They competed against

Valley,

Ankeny

Andrew Bradshaw ‘22 holding his “backpack” for “Anything But a Backpack” day. Photo by Ella O’Brien.

ohnston’s varsity show choir group, Innovation, had a majorly successful show choir season. They had a total of

Centennial,

and Dowling. They had numerous wins throughout the night in multiple relay

Sophie Ruddy ‘23 singing for Johnston’s top show choir, Innovation. Photo by Sam Mills.

three grand champion wins and went to four competitions. Innovation is made up of sixty-

Abbey ‘24, Jayce Blanchard ‘23, Aleah Tenpas

bring different items to school in place of a

It was an extensive twenty-hour trip that they

Centennial, winning with a score of 5-1. They

This is an opportunity to perform alone or

six years and have had positive experiences.

‘22, Anna Gossling ‘22, and Alyssa Miner ‘22.

backpack. Students brought a variety of items,

experienced all together, on a charter bus. The

continued with another big defeat against

with a few other students. Students have been

Gabe Nadler ‘22 explains how the Johnston

These girls with the addition of many other

sleds, trash cans, shopping carts, even tires.

students were accompanied by band director,

Des Moines Lincoln, for their first official

preparing with their group or an accompanist

show choir program affected him, “I’ve made

talented runners will make for an eventful

Drew Johnson ‘24 went so far as to bring a

Stephen Kellar, and a group of chaperone

game of the year. The final score was 10-0 due

for many months. There were about 70 kids

many meaningful relationships that have

year.

push lawnmower as his backpack for the day.

parents. The band has been practicing and

to the mercy rule at minute 69. This season

from band participating. Matthew Mikels ‘24

helped me get through many hard times in

On Tuesday, March 29th, boys track and field

Even though this was a fun day, the Student

preparing for this special event all school

they will have a total of nine away games

said, “We had a lot of fun performing the piece

high school.”

had their first meet of the outdoor season.

Council’s main intention was to collect

year and it was a success. They performed at

and six home games. The boys finished their

together…ensembles are always fun and less

On March 25th, there was a final performance

They got overall first place and had winners

backpacks, bags, and totes for donation. The

one event in Universal Studios and also did a

2021 season with an impressive record of 18-3

stressful than solos.” The final performance

showcase that the Johnston show choir

in multiple races. Boys track has two state

donation was in an easy drop-off format, in

workshop at Disney World. “Overall, the trip

and this season is looking promising as well.

takes place in front of a small group of

students put on for parents, friends, and

qualifiers returning, Drew MacGregor ‘24

front of the cafeteria doors. These items will

went very well,” Lauren Hendrickson ‘24 said.

Grant Strickler ‘23 said, “I think we’ll win state

critique judges that provide feedback, they

family. The showcase also featured a special

and Carter Eckhoff ‘22. Eckhoff had a good

all be donated to local foster care agencies to

“I had a lot of fun performing and getting to

this year… I think we’ll win every game.”

also evaluate each performance on a specific

exhibition of the senior’s parents. The final

night with a first place win in the 1600. He

help those in need.

run around the parks with all my friends.”

rating scale.

performance was the conclusion to the

races. Girls track and field also has many state qualifiers returning, Sydney Hodges ‘24, Krissy Spear ‘24, Olivia Verde ‘24, Hannah

nything but a backpack day was a trendy way to have a fundraiser. On this day, students were instructed to

n Thursday March tenth, a select group of 117 Johnston band students began their trip to Orlando, Florida.

oys soccer had their first scrimmage on Friday, March 25th. They played at home and competed against Ankeny

n March 31st many choir and band

two members, a crew of ten, and a band of

students will be participating in the

twenty-five. Many seniors in Innovation have

annual solo and ensemble festival.

been a part of the Johnston show choir for

seniors’ successful journey in show choir.

was followed by Jaxson Plumb ‘23 in second,

Vocal Music Director, Laura Grimm, speaks

Plumb is a transfer from Roosevelt that has

very highly of her group of students, “They

quickly become a major asset to our team.

are great leaders, always working on creating

Not only did we have triumphant distance

an inclusive environment where everyone

runners, we also scored wins in multiple relay

feels accepted and valued.”

races. These boys have had great success in the past and they will have many opportunities to

Boys and Girls Track

Anything but a Backpack Day

Orlando

Boys Soccer

Solo and Ensemble Festival

Show Choir Final Performance

6 | Feature

Hyvee

Students for Hire

Words | Maida Jusufovic Layout | Sabrina McGuire

(866) 239-0843

Iowa Workforce Development is a goverment agency that oversees Iowan’s unemployment, workplace safety and more. Contact the number below for more information.

(866) 239-0843

it away to give it to the customer.”

Working while in high school provides

Elise Lambert ‘24.

Having a job does not always have to be

many benefits, especially related to

The

stressful, as jobs come with many good

finance and money. “I get decent money

employee, combination these

things. “One thing that I absolutely love

from working. I can go out with my

factors can create

all

about the job is that even when people

friends and have fun,” said Cochran.

aren’t working, we still come in and visit

Adams shares her take on the financial

schedule. “A lot

irregular

the people that are working because we’re

benefits of working, “I am a very big

of times, I just

all so close and we’re good friends,” said

money person… I like saving money…

have a lot going on

Adams.

You know how your mom is always like

in my life. There

Kajtazovic shares her similar experience

‘You should marry rich.’ I’m going to be

will also be times

with her job, “My favorite thing about

that person.”

where I just don’t

working

The benefits of working in high school

work

for

there is the people I work with. I feel like

like a month, and

the culture is really chill.” Cochran also

then I would come

expresses the parts of her job that she

back

all

expand beyond just money. “It gives you more time to adjust to having

Scooters Employee

more things on your plate and having

work

loves, “My favorite thing about my job is

for a month. It’s

just working with kids. I especially love

get the ‘Karens’ that come in and complain…

professional. When you get a job after

that I’m in my second semester of senior year,

so sporadic but it’s also fine, because that’s

working in the baby room. It’s just so fun.”

It’s just those random little things, like people

college and you’re starting your career, it

I could not have any more free time than

honestly what I like about it. It’s so flexible…

Every job has highlights, but every job also

getting mad at you every time,” said Adams.

helps you have a base for professionalism

I have right now. I’m on shift a few days a

It’s nice to not have a set schedule all the

unfortunately has challenges that come

Some work challenges are unrelated to

and the idea of what it’s gonna be like to work

week and I just pick up some shifts if they’re

time,” said Adams.

along with it. “I feel like with any job

customer interaction. “I have the biggest

available,” said De Rice hostess, Emma

On the other hand, some students may not

where you have to talk to customers on

classroom in the whole building, so

Kajtazovic ‘22.

find it that difficult to maintain a stable

a frequent basis, sometimes they can be

keeping it clean and stuff is really hard,

everyday

and

Taylor Adams

bigger responsibilities and being more

and

schedule. “It’s pretty easy. I’m only there for 3

mean and express all of their built-up anger

especially with the time limit that we

extracurriculars, the scheduling conflicts get

hours a day so it’s not really hard to balance

to a teenager. That’s definitely the most

have,” said Cochran.

challenging. When they’re training us for

Challenges

these positions, they don’t train us on how to

interaction may also revolve around

When

you

factor

activities

unrelated

customer

even more complicated. “It’s not as much

school and work,” said Cochran.

fter 8 hours of school or a long

balancing school and work as it is balancing

Working

week of repetitive classes, some

work and activities… It’s a little hard. I don’t

responsibilities. “From 4:30 to 5, I’m just

react when a customer cusses you out,” said

personality. “The main challenge for

students get the

work as often as I like. It can work out but

prepping the restaurant… Once we open up,

Kajtazovic.

me is I’m more of an introverted person

chance to spend their extra time relaxing

it also just be overwhelming and stressful at

I take takeout orders through the phone or

Many customer service jobs have an element

when I’m with friends. At work, if I want

at home. However, some students do not

times,” said Scooters barista, Taylor Adams

online… Then, when customers come in for

of unknown for every customer

to make tips, I need to be extroverted…

end their day when they exit the doors of

‘23.

dine-in, I seat them and overall do a lot of

employees interact with, which may present

It’s helped me grow as a person though,”

JHS. Instead, they get to transform their

Many students have to find ways to work

front work,” said Kajtazovic.

many challenges. “Every once in a while, you

said Kajtazovic.

status from a student into an employee. JHS

around their

However,

students hold a variety of jobs, from baristas

scheduling

jobs

to daycare workers.

conflicts.

varying duties. “You

related to pay. “The

With 8 hours of the day being taken up by

“Sometimes

have to get all your

only thing that I don’t love most of the

full time,” said Adams.

school, students have to find a time

chores

time is just the pay. If the pay could just

High school is the ideal time to jump into the

to fit in working a job. “I work from 3 to 5:30

request work

drinks,

be one or two dollars more, I would be

workforce, and many JHS students take

PM basically every weekday. On Thursdays,

off on days

customers,

perfectly happy with it,” said Adams.

advantage of that opportunity. “It’s helped

I work from 8 to 11:30 AM, leave, and then

that I know

all that fun stuff,”

Some

me be more financially responsible and

come back from 3 to 5:30. That’s just the

I’ll have an

said

challenges, and vice versa. “I definitely

understand that I want to go through with

typical shift. Once I’m out of school, it’ll be

after

school

comparison, Lambert

like that it keeps

further education… I have fun at my job but

more hours,” said Little Endeavors employee,

club,

shares her typical job

me busy and I’m not just standing

I just don’t see myself really experiencing

Makayla Cochran ‘22.

on Tuesdays

tasks, “As an online

a lot of career growth if I don’t further my

Fitting a job into your weekly schedule can

sometimes

Emma Kajtazovic

there. I’m walking around the store the whole time… but after 8 hours, it

education. That really motivates me to do

cause some conflicts for many

well in school and continue,” said Kajtazovic.

students. “I used to work primarily Mondays

request work

De Rice Employee

gets tiring and my back hurts and my

and Wednesdays after school and then when

off,”

school got a bit busy, I took Mondays. Now

have

to said

Elise Lambert HyVee Employee

job

comes

with

handling

Having a job in high school may

different

come

done,

make

attend

Adams.

also present difficulties that are

with

to and In

shopper, I have to find items, scan them, and put them in the cart

highlights

may

also

Makayla Cochran Little Endeavors Employee

legs hurt. They don’t really give us very

for the customer…

much of a break. That’s really the only

Other people will take

hard thing,” said Lambert.

∞

8 | Commontary

I nto autism Words | Sofi Bristow Layout | Van Proctor

utism is a heavily stigmatized and an inaccurately portrayed neurological disorder. When many neurotypical people think of autism, they may think of someone who is severely handicapped. Someone who is inept in most areas of their life. While some autistic individuals may need high levels of support, a lot of us blend into the shadows of society. Most people that I interact with do not even realize that I am autistic. Once people find out, they label me as “high functioning”. Being called high functioning is not a compliment. Being called high functioning makes me feel like I am being classified solely on how well I can blend in with my peers. I appear as a normal person to everyone because I am, in fact, a normal person. Autistic people can live functioning and productive lives, just as neurotypicals Autism is a spectrum, as the name

“Autism Spectrum Disorder” implies. I do not look and act like every kid you see in a special ed room, or even your loved ones that may be autistic. The fundamental traits of an autistic person include social and communication difficulties, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors. While those are very general descriptions, there are a lot of different traits one can display. My autism is incredibly detailed, so it would be next to impossible to outline every way in which my autism manifests and affects my life, but I do have traits that present themselves among all three of those categories. My autistic traits affect me everyday I have difficulties with picking up on social cues, understanding boundaries, and oversharing, like…a lot. I have been able to work around these, some in ways that are not particularly healthy. I mask a lot. Masking is comparable to turning into

∞

a chameleon. I suppress my natural self frequently both at school and in other public spaces. I feel like if I do not, people will think less of me. The only people that know the full extent of who I am are my girlfriend, family, best friend and therapist. No one else has seen my true self. It is exhausting. I have a different version of myself for everyone that I interact with. I also have a script I stick to when making small talk. It repeats in my head every day so I know what to say, otherwise I will forget. Sometimes the script gets messed up and I say the wrong thing. Sometimes, I will say something rude and I don’t even know it until it is too late. Other times, I do not understand why it was rude because I was just being honest because I cannot see it from another person’s perspective. I also take everything people say way too literally. After those interactions, I attempt to add that lesson to the list of the many social rules I have

had to remember. That is just the social aspect.There are so many more experiences I could describe, but we would be here all day if I did. Ian Saulnier ‘24 says, “I have ‘high functioning’ autism, which is the common way to say it. So, I basically function like a neurotypical person with slight differences in how my brain works and how I perceive actions. I tend not to socialize with many people as other people do, and most of the time I don’t even tell people that I am autistic for the simple reason of it’s hard for them to notice if I don”t tell them, so why would they need to know? Autism is best described as a spectrum. There are very few similarities besides the name.” There are many misconceptions and stereotypes about autism that autistic people unfortunately face. Autistic people are often portrayed and thought of as helpless, noticeably disabled, and unable to regulate themselves on their own at all. Autism may even be associated with being less attractive or even unintelligent. A lot of autistic people do not fit those stereotypes, and a lot do. Whether or not autistic people fit into boxes should not determine the validity of their autistic experience. In Honor of Autism Awareness Month, many non autistic individuals have been using the color blue as well as puzzle pieces for their activism. This is actually something that many people do not realize actually harms autistic people. The color blue and puzzle piece symbol was coined by Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is an organization that has been critically acclaimed for its advocacy of autism. However, many people are not aware that there has been

“Autism is best described as a spectrum. There are very few similarities besides the name.” - Ian Saulnier ‘24

some dark controversy surrounding the corporation. Autism Speaks has openly endorsed very harmful ideas, such as finding a “cure” for autism and implying that vaccinations might be linked with autism. They also had some incredibly morbid and downright offensive portrayals of autstic children in their commercials. One commercial was titled, “I am Autism,” and the script was demonizing autism and making it seem like autism was a horrible burden that ruins families. The mission of autism speaks has never been to uplift and empower autistic individuals, it has always been to make “less” autistic. Which is impossible, by the way. To counter this, a counter movement emerged called #RedInstead as well as using an infinity symbol to illustrate the infinite spectrum that autism exists on.There are also many alternative organizations to support, but my personal favorite is The Autistic Self Advocacy Network. It is a non profit organization run by and for autistic individuals. The ASAN puts their money directly towards teaching autstic people how to advocate for themselves and living happy, fulfilling, and productive lives. So, instead of using the blue puzzle piece, opt for red and infinity signs! Non autistic people overstepping and speaking over autsitc people is something that autistic people, myself included, are actively harmed by. If there is anything that I want non autistic people to take away from this article, it is to always listen to autistic voices and prioritize them in conversations about autism before anyone else. Autism is such a broad spectrum, so it is crucial to accept and uplift autistic people and treat us like you would to anyone else.

10 | Editorial

Стоячи з Україною

Stand With Ukraine

The editorial is an opinion held by the editorial board of the newspaper and is a collaboration of the board. It needs a simple majority to pass. The approval vote was 8-0 Words| Theron Luett Layout | Noah Gilbert

helps our military and volunteering at green stations because right now it’s really tough…” said Hodun. Donating to Ukrainian help websites, such as the Ukrainian Red Cross, will help give Ukrainian refugees shelter, food, medical care and more. Supporting local Ukrainian journalism

extremely

important,

journalists risk their safety to give the world updated news on the war. Supporting their work will not only educate yourself and others on daily events happening across seas, but will provide different perspectives. Many young people from around the

protect media groups and targeted groups

eye. These graphic images showed burned,

world have been showing their support

Ukraine after tension between the two

such as LGBTQIA+ people.

tortured, and mutilated Ukrainian civilians.

virtually. TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and

countries over Ukraine wanting to join

In December, Biden announced that he

Bucha is a city in Ukraine, where Russian

Twitter platforms have flooded with media

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).

would not be sending American troops to

soldiers killed more than 300 Ukrainian

coverage of the war, educating millions and

This is not the first time Russia has invaded

fight in Ukraine, but will be sending over

civilians, adding to the growing death toll

spreading empathy for Ukraine. Substantial or silly, each post brings attention to what’s

More than a month ago, Russia invaded

military equipment along with neighboring

from the war. According to the Washington

independence after the fall of the Soviet

countries. Controversy has spread among

Post, the Bucha massacre has marked a “grim

Union in 1990. Russian troops have been

many Americans over whether America

turning point in Russia’s war.”

placed in Ukraine since 2014 but have just

is doing enough. Should President Biden

Tragedies such as the Bucha massacre

recently broken their peace agreement.

send troops to Ukraine? Will this lead us to

will continue to happen as long as we fail

Ukraine

since

Ukraine’s

declaration

Scan this code to see how you can help!

Since the start of this recent invasion, over 10

to step up. Iryna Hodun ‘23 is a foreign

million Ukrainian citizens have been forced

exchange student from Ukraine. She urges

to flee their homes, leaving more than half of

the importance of other countries helping

these refugees homeless. With incoming help

Ukraine, as she believes this won’t be the

from surrounding countries and countries

end of Russia’s war.. “...The thing is that we

around the world, such as offering homes to

[Ukraine] kind of work like a shield in Europe

refugees, donations, medical aid and more,

right now, so he’s not gonna stop in Ukraine

it’s clear Ukraine has allies. But there is still

and we all understand this…Our people

more to be done.

dying right now and we need help just to

NATO announced that they have no plans

stop [Putin.] If we have more power from

to let Ukraine join their alliance soon. If

European countries and [the] United States,

Ukraine were a member, NATO would be

we would stop them faster and less people

obligated to defend Ukraine against Russia.

would die. ”said Hodun.

But as of now, concerns of becoming the next

There are many ways to help Ukraine while

direct targets of Russia override that decision.

in the US, even when it seems like nothing

happening. Allowing strangers to connect

President Zelensky, the president of Ukraine,

you can do will help. Attending protests and

and understand the situation Ukrainians

continues to call on America and European

volunteering is a great way to be hands on

are being put in. As the war continues to

countries for help despite the threat of the

and make your voice heard. As people rally

go on, and countless people die, we cannot

war expanding.

in support for Ukraine all over the world,

sit in silence and hope for the best. This is

In a statement from President Biden’s

a third world war that America hesitates to

protests throughout Des Moines and college

a war that innocent civilians didn’t ask to

Administration on March 24, the United States

act on? Or are we already doing too much,

campuses in Iowa have shown their support.

go through, and they should not have to

has donated $4.6 billion in humanitarian food

and should keep ourselves isolated from the

“I think regular citizens are doing a really

fight alone. By taking action, donating, and

and nutrition assistance to Ukraine, and is

unknowns of war?

good job because, firstly in a lot of cities they

continuing to educate yourself and others,

equipped to donate $1 billion to humanitarian

As Ukraine continues to face massive

are protesting. In Iowa there’s already two

you can help Ukraine and its citizens. With

assistance. America is currently accepting up

destruction and countless murders, calls to

protests to support Ukraine, and I think that

foreign exchange students in our midst,

to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. In Biden’s

change our war effort have only increased.

it’s like really cool that people doing that.

let’s make them feel supported and heard

statement, the plan discusses the start of a

Following the recent retreat of Russia from

I’ve been in [the] Des Moines protest, it was

by standing together for Ukraine. Visit the

European Democratic Resilience Initiative

Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, images of the Bucha

cool like uniting…The thing is people [are]

QR code for access to donation websites and

(EDRI), which will mainly support and

massacre in March were released to the public

donating a lot, and it’s really good it really

more information on the war.

12 | Feature Words | Nathan Anderson Layout | Tatum Bremner

Dual School Athletes T

lacrosse. Ames is a little bit smaller so they do

or basketball players, or friends with them

are plenty of Johnston kids, so maybe in the

a scrimmage type season, they don’t have a

so there’s always a rivalry, even in practice.

future. But as of now, it would be hard to

real “play for the championship” type league.

Even on the team, between Johnston and

manage and put together a team especially

The Quad Cities have a team too but I haven’t

Waukee we grow close because we’re on

playing in a league so early. A lot of people

heard of them in a while.

the same team but we kind of joke around

would lose hope, I think, because we would

like ‘Johnston’s better than you at football,

lose a lot, and also finding people to coach

basketball, baseball, whatnot’.

would be an issue. So as of now I’d say no,

Q: Do you guys have to travel out to Nebraska every weekend then?

but I could definitely see within the next

A: Yeah, we go to Nebraska probably two-

five or so years, I could definitely see them

thirds of the time during the actual season, and the other times they come and play us at the Waukee Timberline field which is now a turf field just for lacrosse, which is pretty cool. During the actual season, it’s usually Omaha, sometimes Lincoln, and then during the preseason and fall ball, it’s usually Kansas City

here’s no love lost between most

Johnston

looking for a team and

and

Waukee

students

when it comes to sports. Both

(‘22).

went

Johnston student and Waukee goaltender Alex Kim guards the net for Waukee in a game against Owasso Oklahoma. Photo from March 26 taken by January Kim.

did some research and

schools consistently play each other in high-

found that Valley was the

stakes games, including three basketball

nearest team, a 20-minute

championship games in two years between

drive. So, we played at Valley

the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. Football

for a couple of years. It was kind

season always brings a heated rivalry game,

of a pewee club, and it was a lot of

and both schools are always competitive in

fun. And as lacrosse grew, because

most other mainstream sports. It would make

it’s growing very quickly at the high

sense to be confused if you saw a Johnston

school level, Waukee started a club team,

athlete wearing Waukee apparel, but lacrosse

and then we all moved there because it’s

players at JHS become part-time Waukee

closer. Now there are four of us seniors who

Warriors during lacrosse season.

play, maybe three juniors, and quite a few

because lacrosse is very big there. The most recent weekend we went to Kansas City and played a team from Oklahoma. Sometimes you’ll play teams from like Minnesota or other neighboring states.

Johnston students Max Goodwin ‘22 (left) and Kade Gustafson ‘22 (right) converse midgame, presumably about game stratagies. Photo from January Kim.

Q: How did you get involved with lacrosse? A: My brother got started because of football, he had a lot of injuries in football and he was looking for another alternative contact

“I think if more people were exposed to it around the building, if they saw more lacrosse players or even attended a game, I think a lot more people would gain interest in it.” - Max Goodwin ‘22

Q: How many kids from other schools are there on one team? How many schools are

sports in the United States, more and more

for Waukee. It’s pretty cool to see it grow

up playing at the University of Louisville.

represented?

Johnston athletes every year choose to spend

around the school.

He came back here, and Iowa and Iowa State

A: On Waukee itself, it’s based more off where

both have club teams and he was playing

they live so Dowling being a private school,

Johnston doesn’t have the numbers to start a

Q: And all the Johnston kids play for Waukee?

for Iowa State for two years before coaching

a lot live in the Waukee area and play for

team quite yet, so athletes are forced to seek

A: Yeah, everyone from Johnston. The grade

Ankeny for a little bit. I saw him playing and

Waukee. I would say there are like five kids

alternative schools to play for. Max Goodwin

above us, the class of 2021, two of them played

thought it was really cool, a new sport that I’d

that go to Dowling. Lacrosse is also a really

‘22 of Johnston (most of the time) is one of

for Ankney who also had a team. But Ankeny

never heard of, and tried it and loved it.

big offseason sport for Hockey players too, so

these players, walking the line of an intense

is the furthest team compared to Waukee and

rivalry to pioneer an emerging sport in the

Valley so we kinda moved to Waukee.

a lot of Hockey players do online or private Q: What’s it like playing for a rival school?

online school and play for the team. There’s

A: There’s definitely a good rivalry between

also Norwalk, there’s DCG, and for Valley’s

Q: How many schools do have lacrosse teams

Johnston and Waukee, and it’s kind of

team it’s mostly Des Moines and West

Q: What does organized lacrosse look like

around here?

funny. Like today I wore a Waukee lacrosse

Des Moines kids, and some Urbandale.

outside of Johnston?

A: In the metro area, it’s Valley, Ames,

sweatshirt, there have been times where

A: We used to play for another club, Valley,

Ankeny, and Waukee and then all of

teachers and students comment like ‘Woah,

Q: Do you think Johnston should

because I learned about lacrosse from my

us play in the Nebraska Lacrosse

what is that doing here? Why are you wearing

have a lacrosse team?

brother who played in college. Obviously

League,

Waukee?’ people don’t really care, but I’ll

A: Now? I think it’s a little

going to Johnston, we didn’t know about

Elkhorn, Millard West, Creighton

respond like ‘Tell Johnston to get a lacrosse

early for it, on an actual

it, we were the first kids to play lacrosse at

Prep, and other big Nebraska

team then’. People understand. It’s kind of

varsity roster there are

Johnston… Me, Kade Gustafson (‘22), Alex

schools. In Nebraska, just

interesting, going to Waukee and most of the

24 spots. On the 14u

Kim (‘22), and Ethan

about

kids I play with are Waukee football players,

and 12u teams there

every

school

has

like Kade Gustafson advances the ball across the feild. Photo from January Kim.

don’t know, even that I play lacrosse for Waukee, or even know what Lacrosse is about and how it’s played. I think if more people were exposed to it around the building, If they saw more lacrosse players or even attended a game, I think a lot more people would gain interest in it. But as of now, it’s hard because it’s just a Waukee club team, so not many people recognize that there are lacrosse players at the school, and they don’t even think it or what it’s about.

kind of a good mix of everything and it’s a so he started playing at Ankeny and ended

schools

A: Yeah, definitely. I think a lot of people

had high stamina. He found that lacrosse was better way to not get concussions or injuries,

playing

did have a team?

to consider looking into

sophomores that attend Johnston and play

Des Moines metro.

Q: Do you think more kids would play if we

sport that also required stamina because he

Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing

their springs on a lacrosse field. However,

considering putting in a lacrosse team.

14 Opinion 8 | |Feature

VIRTUE SIGNALING

The action or practice of publicly expressing opinion or sentiments intended to demonstrate one’s good character or the moral correctness of one’s position on a particular issue. Words | Cathrine Reiher Layout | Noah Gilbert Layout Assistant | London Hiem

For individuals, avoiding misinformation

advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. It all boils down

Z is on Instagram and 64% are on TikTok. But

and virtue signaling means really thinking

to what will make the biggest impact on you,

not just because it is widely used. According

about the content you share, why you are

the consumer. Flashy colors and big, overly

to Pew Research, 48% of American adults

sharing it, and if the content is factual. A

publicized statements are more effective for

use social media to stay informed on current

simple Google can tell you a lot about the

the consumer even though they may be less

events and news. Keep yourself well informed,

post you are about to share, and if something

effective in supporting their actual cause.

look at all sides, be outspoken about issues

seems far-fetched, it might be. Companies

Social media is a very powerful tool.

and organizations are going to produce

According to Forbes India, 67% of Generation

virtue signaling.

content and posts that drive a reaction out of you in hopes that you will engage with it and increase their following. Content may

12:00

be taken out of context or perspective or dated. Oftentimes misinformation is created to make you alienate a group, party, or

and do not let companies fool you with their

JHS BLACK & WHITE

individual.

ocial media is an extremely powerful

an individual, business, cooperation, or

with content surrounding the Black Lives

Social media has so much promise in

tool.

It serves as a platform for

otherwise publicly expresses their views on

Matter Movement. This was a peak of virtue

displaying creative works and bringing

creativity, marketing, and connecting.

a certain issue or topic just to demonstrate

signaling, with many individuals including

attention

We love to share our lives: the music we

that they are morally or politically correct,

myself shared content in support of the

educational information from a trusted

listen to, the pictures we take, the people

or in other words…virtuous. This has been

movement outraged by what was occurring

source is a great way to support a cause while

we love and our opinions and experiences.

seen in recent years with Climate Change,

to Black Americans, but in the months that

avoiding virtue signaling and misinformation.

As with any public display, humans like to

the Parkland School Shooting, the #MeToo

followed, that support dwindled. Though

Instead of simply saying you support a cause,

show their best selves on social media. They

Movement, coronavirus, the Black Lives

many did care deeply about what they were

you can include ways to help: volunteering,

market themselves in a way that is friendly,

Matter Movement, the January 6th attack

sharing, a portion of the shared content was

participating in demonstrations, contacting

interesting and likable. Unconsciously and

on the capital, COVID-19 vaccines, women’s

virtue signaling, posted merely to fit in or

local representatives or donating money and

consciously, we care a lot about what others

reproductive rights, and most recently the

feel satisfaction.

goods to assist those in need.

think, and it can lead us to create a persona

Russian conflict in Ukraine. Virtue signaling

On the other hand, some have argued

Spotting virtue signaling is difficult, and

on social media, comment things we do not

often occurs on widely used social media,

that all content, including virtue signaling,

you really will not know how someone feels

mean and share posts we do not care about,

including Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

helped gain media attention for the Black

about an issue unless they do something that

important

causes.

Many joke that each year of our lives

Lives Matter Movement and contributed to

contradicts their statement. Or, their reaction

recently has been an AP U.S History or AP

its success. This opinion has been seen in a

might be so limited it is a public relations

World History document-based question

New York Times article, “Don’t Be Afraid to

(PR) stunt, to make you feel good about

(DBQ), and I have to agree.

Virtue Signal — It Can Be a Powerful Tool to

following a certain celebrity or shopping at

Generation Z (Gen Z) has

Change People’s Minds”. Virtue signaling can

a specific store.

“[We are] hoping to complete the mural while the protests are still relevant and the boards are still up, ideally no later than this coming Sunday.”

lived

be a very persuasive tool, but that also makes

-Microsoft & McCann advertising agency to BiPOC Artist

just because everyone else is doing it. It is the bandwagon effect. Virtue signaling, coined in 2004, is when

through

lot

defining life events. Gen Z

it very dangerous.

shelves to boycott the war in Ukraine, and

social media, standing up for

virtue signaling and misinformation can

while they have good intentions, the action

social justice and things that

be very persuasive and misleading. Instead

of pulling a label or two of Russian-made

really matter.

of resources, information, and news, social

vodka will not have a significant impact on

With such large social media

media is flooded with opinions and jarring

the crisis in Ukraine. This is an example of

campaigns,

and

information that could lead to uneducated

virtue signaling, and while the companies

immense amounts of support

and uninformed decisions. This flood of

have good intentions, they are really just

for a cause or an individual,

content can take away from the experiences

attempting to make you (the buyer) feel

one is destined to come upon

of individuals that help users to understand.

better about supporting them.

two things: virtue signaling

Social media can also be harmful because of

Several companies did similar initiatives in

and misinformation. It is

echo chambers, specifically on controversial

support of Black Lives Matter in the summer

very possible that you have

or political topics. Social media is a business,

of 2020. We also often see this phenomenon

been guilty of one and you

and to keep you engaged, the algorithms

in June for Pride Month. Again with good

just did not know. You likely

will show you what you want to see, not

intentions, but rebranding a company for 30

had good intentions. Let us

necessarily the full picture. This is why it is

days will not bring change. Oftentimes, these

look back to June and July of

important to be careful where you get your

ad campaigns lack action. I would rather

2020. Instagram was flooded

information on social media.

companies donate to trans-youth programs or

“WE STAND”

Russian

have pulled Russian vodka from their

The danger is that in large quantities,

Black Out Tuesday

Generation_Z

Recently, several stores and even states

has been very outspoken on

however,

PRIDE MONTH

Sharing

DONT

8,675,309 Likes

Generation_Z

BUY

Vodka

They make vodka... right?

16 | Feature

Crypto Crazy Words | Laila Hasanovic Layout | Alyssa Miner

What’s An NFT

n NFT is a non-fungible token. This

CryptoPunks, a series of collectable digital

means that each NFT represents

characters traded through NFTs,” according

something unique; it can not be

to National World. Now, they are a way to

exchanged with something of similar value

trade a number of digital assets including;

like a currency can. NFTs started in 2017,

digital art, music, or videos.

Let’s Talk Bitcoin

“when American studio Larva Labs developed

One

What are the benefits?

How is it obtained?

Similar to Bitcoin, NFTs are also on a

What is it?

Where it it stored? was

Much like physical currencies, Bitcoin is stored in

NFTs can be purchased through NFT

launched following an economic recession.

a wallet–a digital wallet. As mentioned in an article

blockchain network, providing security to

marketplaces such as OpenSea, Rarible, and

It was created by an unknown individual

by the Security Organization, there are four types

both buyers and sellers. The most appealing

SuperRare. There, individuals can put NFTs

behind the alias Satoshi Nakamoto. The idea

of wallets Bitcoin can be stored in; mobile, desktop,

feature of NFTs is the ability to transfer

up for sale where they can be sold at a fixed

of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, in general,

web, and hardware. These wallets can be “cold”

ownership of an asset. Many critics state that

price or put up for auction, the highest bidder

is that transactions can be made without a

meaning not internet-connected, or “hot” meaning

you could take a picture of an NFT and it

getting the NFT.

third party, essentially meaning no banks.

internet-connected. The difference is simply that

would be the same thing, however, possessing

Although this is not why cryptocurrencies

the entry keys to “cold” wallets are the physical

that image is not the same as being the owner

machine, which is the highest level of security a

that they will go up in value so individuals

digital wallet can have.

The

Derek Dodd holding an NFT art example by Van Proctor ‘22.

first

cryptocurrency,

Bitcoin,

What are the downsides?

Where it it stored?

appeal to most, many buy them in hopes

be more benefits to come as the fairly new

One downside to NFTs is that owning an NFT

Cold storage hardware wallets are the most

can earn money by trading them. With a

concept grows, “I feel NFTs are a futuristic

does not mean you have power over the asset.

secure way to store your NFTs.They provide

fluctuating value, Bitcoin’s first price increase

and innovative concept that has not reached

In other words, people will still be able to

maximum security for your digital assets

was $0.09 per bitcoin and reached its highest

it’s final form of use cases yet and i believe

share copies of the asset online, regardless of

because all of your sensitive data is saved

value at $68,990.90 in November of 2021.

that they have a secure spot in the future,”

your ownership. Another drawback is that it

offline. Additionally, all of your information

said Kaden Long ‘23.

is a very high-risk market. The prices of NFTs

is password-protected for an extra layer of

fluctuate heavily as there are no regulatory

security.

of the NFT itself. Some believe that there will

What are the benefits?

fixed standards on each type of asset.

benefit

Bitcoin

that

decentralized. This means users do not have to rely on third parties because the network is distributed globally across thousands of computers and millions of users. Another advantage to Bitcoin is its anonymity. “When you use Bitcoin, you don’t need to provide your email, name, social security number, or any other identifying information when making peer-to-peer Bitcoin transactions,” as stated on Bitcoin.com. Bitcoin also offers security due to its use of the blockchain. Some feel that Bitcoin will become an even more popular currency in years to come, “I believe that cryptocurrency as a whole has a

What are the downsides?

very permanent place in our world and will

The largest downside to Bitcoin is that the

and I believe currently bitcoin is the most

value is constantly changing drastically. Alex

stable and reliable currency at the moment

How is it obtained?

Wear ‘23 said, “The entire concept of ‘investing

and will continue to be at the top,” said

in crypto’ is really more of a gamble than an

Kaden Long ‘23.

You can buy Bitcoin directly from their

investment… the issue I have is that the only

website Bitcoin.com using your debit/credit

incentive to purchase crypto is this notion

card or other payment methods such as

that its value will go up, yet there is no way to

Apple Pay and Google Pay. You can also buy

predict success, and there is no corresponding

Bitcoin through online platforms where you

business to signal that either.” Although

buy and exchange cryptocurrencies such as

Bitcoin has unique security features, wallets

Coinbase, Gemini, and Kraken according to

can still be stolen. If an individual’s funds

Ryan Harr, former personal finance reporter

are not stored in a secure place, they can be

for NextAdvisor.

compromised.

become more prominent in our society…

What is a blockchain? “A blockchain is a list of transactions that anyone can view and verify. The Bitcoin blockchain, for example, contains a record of every time someone sent or received bitcoin,” as specified on Coinbase.com. Essentially, a blockchain is what makes it possible for values to be transferred online without a third party. This offers security because it is extremely difficult to manipulate. If anyone attempts to, the link will be broken and it will be visible to the entire network.

18 | Feature

happened that ended up leaving me out in

that has student loans. But, I think that was

that I’m putting in quotes, the hardship that I

and he stuck with it busted his tail to get

the cold a little bit and I ended up calling the

a big one and then mentally it was hard for

went through ultimately put me in a position

better, went to many different places to

university of San Diego and they essentially

me to be a backup to Anthony who’s one of

to be where I am today and I don’t think I

improve his skill and then he became our

told me I should get in and I have a chance to

my best friends now. We had a competitive

would be in the spot of it weren’t for that.”

relationship and it was really, really good for

Barta: “He met obstacles just as every kid did,

starter his senior year of high school so he

go for training camp and I stuck it out there for 4 and a half years. 4 of those years I was

me in the long term, but I always felt like

it could be an obstacle on the baseball field or

he had a tremendous senior year and playoff

a backup to a two time conference player

there was opportunity for me to contribute

the football field, but he just kept overcoming

team, wish we could have gone a little bit

of the year, Anthony Lawrence, who holds

to our team in college, and I feel like there

those obstacles where a lot of kids become

further but Reed was a very good leader for

a lot of career records at USD and that was

were times that I got a fair opportunity to do

very defeated. He wanted to overcome it and

us his senior year. Nothing but good things to

challenging for me being a backup. When I

that and that’s challenging, you know. I’m an

it motivated him more.”

say about Reed.”

Reid Sinnett ‘15, goes from being the starting quarterback his seinor year of high school to being a quarterback for the National Football League’s Philadelphia Eagles.

got a chance to be a starter my last season I

athlete. To have what you think is the talent

was able to take advantage of the opportunity.

or ability and not get the chance to do it... So

What Set Sinnett Apart?

Career

Words | Allison Christensen Layout | Noah Gilbert

I had a couple good teammates that were

I felt like that set me up to compete and put

Barta:: “He was such a great leader. That’s

Sinnett: “I’m currently with the Philadelphia

A SUCCESS STORY

was a one year starter here. Then I thought

drawing NFL scouts to practice and things

myself in a good position once I was out there

what people don’t understand about how

Eagles and I have been with them since about

High School Life

like that and eventually they saw me because

on the field as a 5th year, senior. I think all

influential that can be for a team, very vocal,

week 9 of this last season, and then before that

Reed Sinnett ‘15:“I graduated

they were coming to watch other guys and

that played out well enough for scouts to be

always hard working. When he was older, in

I was in Miami with the Dolphins for about a

from Johnston in 2015 and I went

so I ended up getting opportunities through

interested and I think it taught me a lot about

his junior and senior year he was always the

year, and then the team I initially started with

to the University of San Diego

that. So, the season ended and I went to an all

myself in ways now that I’ve contributed in

guy that I would message and ask like ‘how

was Tampa bay.”

and I graduated from there in

star game called the NFL PA collegiate bowl.

the NFL quarterback room that I wouldn’t

are the guys feeling?’ ‘what do they want?’

the fall of 2019. I did baseball,

I played really well in that game and practice

have been able to if I were a 4 year starter in

Reed would always give me good feedback

basketball and football, I was

throughout the week, so going into the draft I

college.”

and he was a really special baseball player

on the student council. I loved

thought maybe I could be a late round pick or

video production with Mr. Barta.”

a drafted free agent. I ended up having some

Michael Barta: “Reed signed up for all of my classes and I loved

for us. We made some really good runs when

options of where I could’ve gone and I chose

What is one quality you think is important for success?

to go to Tampa Bay to play with tom brady,

Sinnett: “I think that doing something

program and was a very

him, he was one of my favorite

and I ended up being there for 4-5 weeks. I

that you’re passionate about makes a huge

memorable player for

kids because we would talk

got signed back on sunday after training

difference. I love competition, I love football

me.”

about everything everyday. We’d

camp and then cut in the same day while I

specifically and playing quarterback is one

Woodley: “I loved his

have some great arguments, we

was at Ikea buying furniture. They wanted to

of my favorite-probably is my favorite thing,

perseverance,

thought alike in some cases, we

bring in a guy who was a former first round

and I don’t know that I would have been able

junior year actually he

were both really competitive, we

pick and with covid rules they were able to do

to stick out some of the situations I was in

was in a quarterback

were both huge sports fans, so

that so I kinda went from absolute elation of

if I didn’t love it, and I think having that

competition

I’d look forward to it everyday.

feeling like I was gonna be around for a year

perseverance and that want to get better

didn’t

Infact, he was a part of some

to now being out in the dark again. I got a

and find ways that I can improve myself as

starter his junior year,

of my favorite periods that I

tryout in Miami and then I ended up sticking

a player and as a

remember to this very day.”

around there so that’s how I got to start in

person, I think really

Brian Woodly: “I think Reed was

the NFL”

put me in a position

well liked by the facility, he has

that lead to success.

Photo By | Ashley Long ‘16

a very good, open personality. He’d always come in and ask questions not only to myself, but his position coach, or any coach he had, he was always asking questions ‘what can I do?’ ‘what should I do better?’ and that’s a key trait to have in any life.”

What did your jouney to the NFL look iike? Sinnett:“It was a crazy one. So even going all the way back to when I was in Johnston, I only started for one year on the football team. My senior year I started, we had some talented guys and I thought I was gonna go to an ivy league school to play football. There was some coaching changes and some stuff

“When I was in Johnston, I only started for one year on the football team.” -Reid Sinnett ‘15

What were some of the biggest obstacles you faced?

Everybody has ups

Sinnett: Especially in highschool, I felt like I

roadblocks that they

did enough to play when I was a junior and

have to get passed

the coaches decision was that I was gonna be

but

backup and I didn’t play for a few weeks and

one at a time and

then I guess I earned the spot when I was a

really trying to push

senior, and that leads to a lot of changes in

through

recruiting. It becomes challenging to get

that you know are

attention from coaches and bigger programs,

challenging

and so I ended up going to a school that didn’t

difficult

offer scholarships so I was paying $65,000 a

making you a better

year to play college football which is kinda

person on the other

absurd, and I would be willing to bet that I’m

side and I think all

the only one in our locker room right now

and

downs

and

taking

the

them

things

end

and up

‘hardship’

he was apart of our

because

and

become

he the

Photos Provided By | Reid Sinnett

20 | Feature

What Went Wrong?

time, familiar with managing multiple responsibilities (school, job, extracurriculars) In addition to personal reasons and the research based factors above, a high school

with pathways, the counseling newsletters, talk about a chance to reassess after you’ve and all the parent meetings, and the junior shown you’ve done some new learning, meetings and senior meetings that have been that’s about holding you accountable to the learning. What we try to avoid is just chasing happening.”

College readiness indicators and performance data are not lining up

success and readiness. In the earlier described

Furthermore, these changes bring up points to get a grade. Because yeah, the grade questions of educational philosophy. is important to some extent, but what’s more

Words | Lily Fleming Layout | Marley Jenkins

measures of postsecondary readiness such

Reassessment

as percent of students that take the ACT,

Johnston once again has slightly lower stats

t the high school, trends show

performance stating, “We are very much,

in completing their program. Relative to

students have very high graduation

as a state, in the middle of the pack for full

schools similar to Johnston (both schools

rates,

completion of two and four year schools.

in Waukee and Ankeny for example), these

And it’s even worse if you begin looking at

numbers are slightly better.

but

lower

postsecondary

“success” rates. Iowa ranks number one in the United States

demographic data. Our demographic data

On the other hand, throughout the United

with a state average four year graduation rate

across the state is fairly abysmal. Like our

States, low completion rates of post high

of 91%. For Johnston, a suburban and relatively

black and brown students are not going to

school plans are a common trend and

affluent public high school, this four year

postsecondary, there’s not the tools and the

unquestionably not unique to Johnston.

graduation rate is even higher at 97.85%.

resources that will help assist them.”

Regardless of this fact, this is a vast area of

These numbers, as reported by the

concern. The unease stirred is neither

Iowa School Performance Profiles, are

a question of finishing post-grad plans

great news and remarkable attributes,

under a certain timeline, nor the result

but what happens next for graduates of

of graduates’ changes in plans.

JHS and other schools alike? To answer this question, there are several

measurements

utilized

determine postsecondary success and readiness. Johnston instructional coach Julia Emley gave some examples of these measurements, including the percentage of students who: took the ACT, took career and technical educational courses, completed their FAFSA, and completed a degree at a two or four year college. Within the listed measurements,

“When we talk about a chance to reassess after you’ve shown you’ve done some new learning, that’s about holding you accountable to the learning.”

loans and they don’t have a credential whether it’s a diploma, a certificate, a two year [degree], a four year [degree]. They don’t have that and they still

- Ryan Woods

split, they were doing a little bit better than us in the postsecondary readiness index, like 5% higher. And then, Ankeny Centennial was 3% higher, Ankeny High School was like 1% higher… So we have some work to do and

if you follow educational trends, that trend classrooms, structure and value education, of standards referenced or standard based and utilize local resources. Our community grading practices, is kind of — everyone’s is working toward ensuring each child the moving in that direction, even colleges to academic future they choose and deserve to some extent … It’s not just a high stakes, one some extent, and only time will tell if these chance, if you don’t do well, too bad. When we changes will have the desired impact.

I think this year we’ve made great strides

Overall Performance

54.7% out of 100

still talking a huge discrepancy as far

Graduation Rate (5 yrs.)

Growth (Eng. and Lang. Arts)

93.79% out of 100

50% out of 100

as you’ve spent this money and [do not] have this completion. It’s just, what happens to that 40%? And that’s a lot of kids. It’s 100+ kids that, what’s

State Average

you do next?” said Woods-Schmitz.

for success at the end of high school,

There are countless reasons for why

some people change their minds and

one’s initial post grad plans didn’t work

choose alternative life paths, or do not

out. However, revisiting the concept The Iowa Postsecondary Readiness Reports,

of postsecondary readiness, research

next level. The data is still valuable, however,

a website run by the state government,

suggests there are three major factors to this:

as it shows us a gap between expectation and

reflects data consistent to Woods-Schmitz’s

reality, and gives our school an indicator that

point. Of Johnston students, about 80% will

classes that challenged them

things need to change.

go to a two or four year college when they

Community support: from a financial, as well

High school counselor Erica Woods-Schmitz

graduate. From there, and over the next six

as emotional, standpoint.

discusses one aspect of lower postsecondary

years, just 60% will have been successful

have the skills needed to succeed at the

like Waukee High School, this is before they

have to pay those loans back. So you’re

figure out what [to] do then? What do

performance–despite high indicators

“When you look at the schools around us,

up for success at college? Ryan Woods, readiness factors and actual performance, we Johnston’s principal, counters, “Well I think, need systemic changes to how we fund our

“Worst case scenario, they took out

their plan B and how do we help them

and

this area for growth, noting some solutions,

deadline

percent that don’t finish raise concern.

difference

readiness

than those of similar schools. Emley addresses

policies important really for us, is that you actually at Johnston High is a whole separate learned the stuff to get the grade.” To make measurable improvement to conversation in itself, but does the practice of these structures realistically set students the discrepancy between postsecondary and

Woods-Schmitz elaborates on how the

it’s important to acknowledge the between

also plays an essential role in academic

56.3% out of 100

Academic preparedness: the student took

Time organization: ability to budget

Our School Average (2021)

State Average

36% out of 100

97.7% out of 100

Our School Average (2021)

22 | Feature

HF 2577

F 2577 would require school districts to publish all instructional materials that are being used in classrooms.

In a statement, the district said, “The Johnston

SF 2369

The Iowa State Education Association

stakeholders, including parents. In Johnston, we

says that the program would, “divert

already have many processes in place to review

public school resources to private schools.”

instructional materials. In addition, parents

The voucher system was formally SSB 3080

have the option to choose whether or not their

which our school board expressed opposition to.

public schools, opposes this legislation on

governor signed it into law. The law

these students to receive an education from an

need for schools to partner with all of our

organization that advocates on behalf of

File 2349 on party lines, and the

across the state. The vouchers will allow

institution that is not their local public school.

The Iowa State Education Association, an

he house and senate passed Senate

provide 10,000 vouchers for students

Community School District recognizes the

students receive certain instructional materials.”

enate File 2369 would use state funds to

HF 2416 “A reminder to trans kids today: you aren’t alone. You are seen. And you belong just as you are. You, my friends, are so, so loved.” -House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst

prohibits transgender girls from participating in girls sports in both public and private schools from kindergarten through high school in addition to the collegiate level. The school district responded to questions from The Black and White in a statement saying that they are awaiting further