Thoughts?

THOUGHTS?

CONTENTS

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 materials, 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 jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com.

EDITORIAL BOARD

STAFF WRITERS

THOUGHTS?

With over 1,800 students in our halls, there’s room for endless opinions, ideas, and creations. But as young adults, our views seem to be overlooked, even though our opinions matter just as much. From hallway traffic to Taylor Swift’s legacy, our theme showcases just a few of these student opinions, but leaves you with a lot to think about. So let us know, what are your thoughts?

Theron Luett

Editor-in-Chief of the Black and White

BRIEFLY

On Oct. 29, 2022

the boys and girls cross country team competed in the Iowa High School Class 4A Championships along with 32 other teams across the state at the Fort Dodge course. Both boys and girls cross country teams placed 2nd in state. “Our finish was really close, so I just had to gut it out and get to the finish as fast as I could,” said Olivia Verde ‘24.

For the first time in school history, the Dragons made it to the state football semifinals. Ending their season 8-4, with a loss to Southeast Polk on Friday, Nov. 11 at the UNI-Dome. The final score was 35-14 with Tatum Fox ‘23 scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. “The team this year wanted to be different. It [state playoffs] has been something we talked about since the beginning after coming off a tough season last year,” Jack Cihota ‘23 said. Last year, the dragons ended their season 4-6, losing to Southeast Polk 57-7 in the first round of playoffs. “We didn’t finish the job but I do believe that after the work this team put in, the next teams to come out of Johnston will be seeing the dome a lot,” Cihota said.

The

annual “Spooktacular” event was held by the student council on Nov. 26, 2022. Spooktacular hosted multiple student clubs and organizations that set up an indoor trick or treat night for the community. Kids of all ages attended, along with many Johnston staff members and their families. Claire Moorman ‘24, a student council member, helped work on planning Spooktacular. “We were able to see many creative costumes and high school kids being creative with their table set ups.” Moorman said.

Students in Theater and crew performed this year’s fall play “Macbeth,” on Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5, 2022. Peyton Brown ‘24 played the challenging role of Macduff. “This year is a lot different than previous years that I have been a part of [the play] because it’s Shakespeare. It’s proven to be a huge challenge, but one that myself and others have been able to have a lot of fun with!” Brown said.

Words| Noah Taylor, Theron Luett, & Catherine Reiher Spread| Anna Catlett

Photo| Catherine Reiher

Photo| Grace Anderson

Photo| Sam Mills

Photo| Jayden Anderson

Design| Catherine Pal Kueth

Taylor SwifT

The Icon Herself

Words | Catherine Reiher Layout | Audrey Allen

Taylor Swift is arguably the most influential singer of the last two decades – captivating audiences since her debut album “Taylor Swift”, released in 2006. Swift has remained relevant for the past 16 years by continuing to reinvent herself, charming fans with her heartfelt narratives, relatable interviews and Easter eggs. Let us discuss Swift’s most notable songs and appearances leading up to her newly released album “Midnights”.

Swift’s first studio album brought us iconic songs like “Picture to Burn”, “Teardrops on My Guitar”, “Should’ve Said No” and “Tim McGraw”. This initial album launched Swift into stardom, landing multiple singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and performing her song “Tim McGraw” on Good Morning America. The seemingly normal teenager from Pennsylvania moved to Nashville to pursue her dream of being a songwriter and Swifties everywhere could not be more thankful.

In 2008, Swift released her second studio album “Fearless”. That contained more heartbreak songs, where a naive Taylor discusses her high school relationships. Though Swift was 18 years old at the time one of the most notable songs from this

album is “Fifteen”, it depicts a relatable freshman high school experience. “Cause when you’re fifteen, Somebody tells you they love you, You’re gonna believe them.”

This song continues to gain popularity for its timeless message about love and young relationships. For anyone who’s been in high school, the anxious and excited feeling that falls upon you on the first day is relatable to students and staff alike.

The “Fearless” album also included power anthems: “Love Story”, “You’re Not Sorry” and “You Belong With Me”.

In 2009, the “You Belong With Me” music video won best female video, beating out Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies”, which prompted the ‘ringless’ dance most pop listeners have learned and love, appearing at weddings, bachelorette parties, and high school dances. Swift’s acceptance speech at the Video Music Awards (VMAs) for best female video of the year would become much more notable than anyone could have imagined inviting the feud between Swift and rapper Kanye West (Ye). For those who are unfamiliar with the iconic line from Ye as he interrupts Swift on the stage, “Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you, I’mma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time!

One of the best videos of all time!” This infamous interruption at the VMA’s would influence Swift’s sixth studio album “Reputation.”

“Speak Now” marks Swift’s third studio album and includes one of my personal favorites “Back to December.” Just two years later Swift released “Red,” her last Country album. This is where Swifties start to see Swift transition to a sound more reminiscent of Pop Music. Red is conceivably her most well-known album with “Red”, “ I Knew You Were Trouble”, “We Are Never Getting Back Together”, “All Too Well” and “22”. The more ‘Pop-y’ sound allowed it to gain further attention from Pop and Country music listeners alike and is likely one of the best career decisions that Swift has made.

Being Swift’s first official pop album after being deemed too pop for country, “1989” is a transition as she begins to reinvent herself dramatically with each album. “1989” includes “Shake it Off” which I can almost guarantee you have heard. 1989 is deemed by the 80’s inspired songs and Swift’s birth year, Dec. 13, 1989. It is well known that many of her songs are about relationships, “Out of the Woods” is the story of how Swift and fellow singer

Harry Styles were in a snowmobile crash. “Bad Blood” is about Swift’s public feud with Katy Perry. However, I am more engrossed in the music video which features a-list celebrities like Selena Gomez, Hailee Steinfeld, Gigi Hadid, Ellie Goulding, Cara Delevingne, Zendaya, Karlie Kloss, Jessica Alba, Ellen Pompeo, Cindy Crawford and Mariska Hargitay. Hargitay is famous for her role as Olivia Benson on “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit”. Swift, a fan of the show, named one of her cats Olivia as a symbol of female power.

In March 2016, Swift went on a hiatus, leaving social media. This was the first time in 10 years that Swift was not actively performing or making music. In August 2017 Swift ended her hiatus just in time for the release of Reputation in November. After all the hate and ridicule from the media, Swift reinvented herself once more with a darker sound and songs seeking vengeance. “Look What You Made Me Do” is rumored to be about Swift’s feud with Kanye West. “Reputation” even features Ed Sheeran in “Getaway Car” and Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ daughter James for the beginning of “Gorgeous”. Reputation was a power move for Swift continuing to shape her own narrative and fight the sexism she faced in the industry. In August 2017, the singer won a symbolic settlement of one dollar against former radio host David Mueller who was accused of groping Swift at a meet-in-greet in 2013.

“Lover” is Swift’s first self-produced album, and it covers her romantic relationship with Joe Alwyn and her battle with Scooter Braun. With fan favorites like “Lover”, “The Man”, “Paper Rings” and “London Boy”, the album displays a contrast between Swift’s new successes in love and the battles she is still fighting. In “Miss Americana”, Swift’s documentary released in January 2020, the artist opens up about her own struggles with eating disorders and body image issues. Being candid with her struggles is another reason why Swift continues to be popular with younger audiences. Aside from her fantastic music, fans are looking for someone they can trust and connect with.

Surprise! Swift stunned fans in the

midst of the Pandemic with not one but two studio albums, “Folklore” and “Evermore”. Both albums feature alternative music, a first for Swift, best described as more simplistic and raw. Again, Swift reinvents herself, but this time, it feels different. An era of Swift that tells stories not of her own but instead creative narratives.

Scooter Braun is a well-known name amongst Swifties, the former owner of Swift’s early masters came under backlash as he did not allow Swift to purchase her master from Big Machine Records. While I am sure Swift was upset by the unfair agreement and greed from her former producers at Big Machine Records, the entire fiasco brought Swift devotees (Taylor’s Version). Swift re-recorded “Fearless” and “Red” including more initial songs. Gems like “All Too Well 10 Minute Version) [Taylor’s Version] was born, along with 15 more songs and versions on “Red (Taylor’s Version)” and an additional 10 tracks on “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”.

In 2022, Dr. Taylor Swift earns an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts from New York University and gives a wholesome commencement speech. With 11 Grammys and a doctorate the singer, songwriter, woman of the decade, actor, producer, cat lover, activist and philanthropist continues to shock the world. On Oct. 21, listeners around the globe stayed up to hear Swift’s newest album, which exemplifies and ties together all nine other original albums and every era of Swift imaginable. At three in the morning, Swift released an additional seven songs making her newest album and 20-track masterpiece with several music and lyric videos directed by Swift to accompany. Including the music video for “Bejeweled” which some Swifties believe contains an Easter egg that Swift will be rerecording “Speak Now” next. 10 days after the release of “Midnights” Swift announced the Eras Tour starting in March 2023. The tour will include a whopping 34 U.S. performances with songs from all 12 studio albums. Simply put, Taylor Swift is not arguably the most influential singer of the decade or the last 2 decades, she is the most influential pop culture icon of the 21st century.

InKtober

Dory Holms Spread Dory Holms

Inktober is a drawing challenge that takes place in the month of October. Many artists and amateurs alike love to participate in this thirty-one-day challenge. In 2009 Jake Parker created Inktober to enhance his drawing skills and help him develop positive drawing habits.

Hallway Traffic

The first year that Inktober came out with an official prompt list was 2016. Before that people made up their prompts so it was not as organized. There was not as much of a following of the challenge. Once Inktober started coming out with official prompts the popularity of Inktober sky rocked. Now there is a fifty-two week challenge for artists who want to make more complex pieces that take longer.

Navigating the Nuisance of the Road to Class

Words | John Kirkpatrick Layout | John Kirkpatrick

The electronic ringing of the bell signals the end of one class period and the start of another. For many students, this is the start of a challenge, passing period.

“There’s a bunch of people walking slowly and just stopping everywhere and blocking up the halls,” Gavin Taylor ‘24 said.

This year Johnston has focused more on limiting tardies and absences. This means there are more students intent on arriving to class on time.

“People form walls in the halls, it’s really obnoxious and stops me from getting to class in a reasonable amount of time,” Thomas Kimm ‘24 said.

There are many challenges like students forming “walls” that arise when trying to walk through the hallways. The constant struggle of trying not to run into people, walking on the right side of the halls, people who walk slowly, and navigating around big groups of people are some of the many challenging parts of hallway traffic.

During passing period the halls become jam-packed with students on the way to their next class. The hallway feels very compact for the amount of people that go to this school. It becomes very difficult to walk in the halls when you’re shoulder to shoulder with other students. And it can be a challenge to peel off into your class when other people are pressed to the sides of you.

“I think that [students] should stand single-file and get to class,” Kimm said.

Students should walk on the right side of the hallway in order to keep a steady flow of students.

The jam-packed hallways filled with students are not the only struggles of hallway traffic. For some it comes down to how fast or slowly their peers walk. Everyone walks at their own pace, some faster than others.

“It’s annoying, I walk faster, and it really annoys me when I have to slow down and match other people’s paces,” Taylor said When students do walk slowly it can be harder to get around them. It can also be pretty irritating to have to be stuck behind a slow walker.

“It’s really annoying, all you can really do is yell at them to go faster,” Alex Moore ‘24 said.

One reason for slow-walking students is that they can have a tendency to want to talk to friends and gather in the hallway.

When students stop to talk to their friends they tend to cluster together and form groups that block parts of the hallway.

“I just get really annoyed because I just want to get to my class and get where I’m going, it just really slows me down,” Taylor said.

It is never a bad thing to talk with friends in the hallways. We all do it, but it becomes a problem when it interferes with other students. Forming groups jams up the

hallway and makes it difficult for other students to get around them. It becomes an inconvenience having to be stuck walking behind these clusters of students as you try to get to class.

A way that students can avoid clustering in the hallways is finding a space to talk with your friends.

“Go to the lunchroom if you’re going to stand and talk to your friends, don’t form a mass in the hallway,” Kimm said.

Using additional spaces can help free up space in the hallways for other students and prevents students from clustering up in the hallway.

While there is not a fix-all solution to hallway traffic there are steps we can take to help limit the problems. Walking on the right side of the hallway will make sure there is not as many jam ups. And finding a place away from the halls to talk will help stop the clustering of students and free up space for other people.

The one word that many students use to describe hallway traffic is annoying. It is always going to be frustrating to be stuck behind a slow walker or being crammed together with other students but what matters is we just move forward and continue on with our day.

“We have so many people in the building that it doesn’t matter what year it is we’re just always going to have a hallway crowding problem,” Kimm said.

Photos

Claire Bromel’s drawing using the “Farm” prompt.

Claire Bromel’s drawing based on the “Camping” prompt.

The 2022 official Inktober prompt list.

Theron Luett’s take on the “Armadillo” prompt.

A TRADITION WORTH SAVING

Words | Abigail Wharton Design | Sidny Pohlman

Johnston High School students have always participated in powderpuff during homecoming week – that is, of course, until this year. The long-lasting tradition generated school spirit and allowed girls to showcase their athletic abilities in a male-dominated sport. But only girls are invited to play, and to further enforce gender roles, their male peers are cheerleaders, referees, and coaches.

Our community has assumed that these gender stereotypes are the reason powderpuff was discontinued this year, but is that truly the case? Not exactly.

Let’s back up a little. Student council is responsible for all homecoming week activities and has hosted powderpuff for longer than anyone can remember. The tradition began nationwide during World War II when men traveled overseas to fight and

by Merriam Dictionary as “of, relating to, or being a traditionally male activity or event done or played by women,” and the term originates from a flimsy makeup sponge. So, why would we want to reinforce these outdated gender roles? We shouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean we need to get rid of a decadeslong tradition that fosters school spirit. Instead, we can reform it to be an inclusive and safe game for students to show their school spirit and participate in another fun homecoming activity.

Lindy Kramer ‘23 has participated in powderpuff in the past and believes it to be an exciting event.

“The origin of it sucks, but I don’t feel like it’s that deep anymore,” Kramer said.

Students should be able to acknowledge its past implications while moving forward and embracing what powderpuff is to so many now: an opportunity to embrace athleticism and school spirit.

Football player Jashua Anglo ‘25 takes “coaching” his powderpuff team very seriously. He enjoys helping others compete in the sport he loves and is completely open to newcomers, regardless of their gender identity.

“As a coach, I want to build a team. The more the merrier,” Anglo said.

Caryn Helgeson, the mother of three Johnston students and one graduate, is an active supporter of Johnston athletics. She was also under the impression that powderpuff was discontinued because of gender stereotypes; however, when Helgeson and other moms met with High School Principal Ryan Woods, he didn’t even mention that as one of the possible reasons for its discontinuation.

I sat down with Principal Woods hoping to get a more clear answer than Helgeson did. He explained that the only complaints of gender discrimination took place a few years ago when boys wore cheerleading uniforms to the sideline of the game. That was shutdown very quickly when the boys were told they could continue cheering as long as they wore shorts and t-shirts.

Woods indicated that one of the major problems was that not everyone who signed up was getting playing time.

“A homecoming event is different than a varsity sport,” Woods said.

The expectation is that all students are welcome, and all students actually get to participate. However, that wasn’t happening, and it was causing chaos.

Regardless of the reasoning for powderpuff’s discontinuation, the lack of transparency with students and parents is disappointing.

“I’m not quite sure what the real answer is,” Helgeson said.

Student council sponsor and science teacher Rachel Jensen declined to comment but directed inquiries toward administration. Principal Woods expressed his support for whatever decisions the student council makes, but the student council didn’t make this decision. District officials and a few staff members did– behind closed doors.

“Jensen and the school board decided not to do it,” Student Council President Maggie Miner ‘23 said.

Miner is disappointed that not even the student council executive board was included in the decision to remove powderpuff from the lineup of homecoming activities. Instead, they were told to find an alternative event to fill the slot.

“There was just a lot of backlash, and honestly, from me too . . . It’s a fun tradition,” Miner said.

Kramer is one of the many students upset by powerpuff’s absence this year.

“Why even have student council if teachers are just gonna overrule what the students want anyway,” Kramer said.

But hope isn’t lost. Miner said that we can still bring powderpuff back in the future. It may take a little reform, but the administration is by no means opposed.

“If they come to me with a new plan, as long as it’s legal, safe, and good for students, we’ll try things,” Woods said.

Kramer suggested that the event be held on Wednesday after service day instead of after the parade on Thursday. This would allow the event to be much longer so that more teams can play. Instead of just a sophomore, junior and senior team, there could be two or three of each. Or maybe a new combination entirely.

Students and parents agree that this established tradition is worth salvaging. Helgeson explained that they are willing and able to help organize students and make sure that things run smoothly. Her husband, Jeff Helgeson, is one of the varsity football coaches and is happy to help oversee the coaching aspect of the event.

Making sure that all students are invited, included, and participating is essential to the success of powderpuff in the future. Approaching the event with its past implications in mind is necessary to change what it means moving forward. It is an opportunity for athletes to display their abilities in a fun and welcoming environment, and parental oversight may be necessary to ensure the respectful and positive atmosphere is maintained.

“We think there is a solution other than just removing it. . . Let’s put our heads together and figure out how to do that,” Caryn Helgeson said.

1/1800 Jasmin Kaur

Words | Lily Fleming Layout | Corie Lies

From sophomores to seniors, one student was randomly selected to tell their story.

Twenty seven years ago, Mohan Singh emerged from India in Des Moines to help his son, Parvinder Singh set about a new restaurant. Parvinder Singh,“Baba”, was in his twenties at the time, and making his mark on the business world in the self acclaimed land of opportunity. The father and son opened the India Star Restaurant in 1997 and several years later Parvinder took own-

ership in 2001.

Initially Singh’s restaurant occupied Beaver Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa. Where better to share North India delicacies than Des Moines in the 90’s?

Then, in August 2006 India Star moved locations to Douglas Avenue in Des Moines, where it serves its many loyal customers.

Jasmin Kaur ‘23 sits in a blue sofa chair, in the backroom of the newspaper classroom. She wears a red and blue windbreaker, suited for the chills of

October and has a warm laugh while describing her family, interests, memories, hopes and dreams.

“My dad is like, very in the zone when he works, so I just learned not to bother him,” she said with a laugh, recalling his focus and passion in the restaurant throughout her childhood.

Born in the US, Kaur is a first generation citizen, “Yeah, so, my dad came here when he was 20, and then he moved back to India and got married to my mom, and then they both came here.”

Kaur’s family wouldn’t be where they are today without her grandpa, Mohan Singh.

“He lives in India right now, he just came here to kind of set up a foundation for my dad. He lived here a couple years and then he went back to India because all my dad’s sisters live there, and my dad, he’s the only kid that lives here,” Kaur said.

Naturally, the occupations of parents and other family members reflect what one’s youth looks like. In Kaur’s case, India Star was a major piece of this.

“My whole childhood was basically just hanging out at the restaurant because... my Uncle worked there, and I was so close with all of the workers and everything, so I’d just sit in the kitchen and watch everyone do their thing.”

Kaur looks up to her uncle.

“He’s just like the nicest person ever. Super giving, thoughtful… He worked at the restaurant for a while,” she explained.

Today, India Star is nothing short of a family business, as Kaur’s parents still own the restaurant.

“Both of them just run the restaurant. My mom mostly works in the front and my dad stays in the kitchen and makes

and then there’s his sous chef and everything,” Kaur said.

Moreover, Kaur has two siblings, an older sister who is a senior at Iowa State and younger brother in 8th grade.

“My sister and I are close, my brother is, like, too young to have… personality right now. We just don’t like the same things, so we aren’t super close, but I still love him,” she explained with a laugh.

Following in the footsteps of her dad, Kaur hopes to potentially have her own business someday. While she’s not exactly sure what that will be yet, undoubtedly her experiences with business thus far will put her one step ahead.

Kaur stated on her graduation plans, “Right now my plan is to go to Iowa and do something in business, but I’m not fully sure yet.”

Graduation plans set aside, Kaur is excited but unsure of her future goals.

“… It changes everyday really. One

second, I wanna be a businesswoman and do all the things my dad has done and the next moment I wanna be a vet. It’s just constantly changing,” Kaur said.

In the meantime, Kaur is set on getting through her last year of high school as a senior. A normal day for her starts off a little chaotic.

“I wake up at the latest possible time I can and rush out the door every morning to get here. And then, I don’t

have very many classes, most of my day is open so I just spend it in the library,” Kaur said.

Kaur enjoys spending her time there. Otherwise, in Kaur’s free time she loves watching hockey, reading (specifically any romance books) and hiking. And, if you’re lucky enough, you may find her working at the Urbandale Hy-Vee.

JASMIN’S FAVORITES

Color - Dark green

Food - Anything from her dad’s restaurant

Animal - Dogs, especially her beagle named Zoe

Artists - The Cure, Taylor Swift and Harry Styles

Classes- AP Psych & Sociology

Photo by Brett Parkhill

Photo by Brett Parkhill

Photo by Jaswinder Kaur

Photo by Jaswinder Kaur

Photo by Corie Lies Jasmin and her father in front of India Star, their family owned restaurant. all the food,

Mishaps of Many

A Collection of Tragically True Tales from Anonymous Students and Staff

I gotta go find another spot, tire still ya know empty and *imitates broken car noises. I make it like partially through C lot, and I’m like ‘no, I can’t do this anymore.’ So I pull in at the end into one of those not parking spots that ya know, isn’t a parking spot and that I make fun of people for parking in, and I’m like ‘well this fantastic,’ and then I get out of the car and look ya know, tire is in fact popped, shocking right? And I’m like, ‘well this is a problem for later cause I gotta go to chem,’ and I was late for chem and I reported the person for parking in my parking spot.”

Stair Scare

“One time in 4th grade I was avidly playing Build to Survive on Roblox and I had gotten so into the game that as I walked down the stairs, holding a 2011 Mac Book Pro, I slipped and slid down to the last floor, falling so hard on my tailbone that I ripped the back seam of my pants open. I never played that game ever again.”

Get Your Head in the Game

“One time in 9th grade I was in a volleyball game and I wasn’t paying attention, and the volleyball came straight at my head and instead of hitting it I kind of ducked and then I got a concussion and threw up in the bathroom.”

“I was in PE in 9th grade and we were walking around the track, it was like in May and I didn’t have any friends in this PE so I was walking by myself and I was distracted by some relationship drama happening across the track, so as I was watching them I walked into a hurdle, completely fell over, and collapsed on my face in front of the entire class and I cut my knee open. To this day I have a scar on my knee from it.”

He’s a Runner He’s a Track Star

“I didn’t sign myself up for track, one of my friends signed me up for track because I was fast...it was the first race of the season. I was wearing the Nike green camo jersey, everybody thought I was smoke, so coach put me in the sprint medley, 400 meter anchor, I had never ran a 400 so I took out off the gate on this bad boy I probably ran a 22.5 the first 200 meters. I got to about the 330 mark on the hundred straightaway, so I’m running this bad boy, first 330 was pretty quick and then I start to lose it as I’m coming around the curve at about 330, and then I kinda remember blacking out, tripping over myself and the sliding about five meters on the track-which doesn’t feel good.”

Day.”

“One time I had a crush on this person and I was driving out of the parking lot and I called my friend and was gushing all about them and then next thing I know they pull out in front of me and I hit their car.”

Tire Trauma

Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk

“One time in Lunch in elementary school I was going to the table and I was right in front of my crush and I was walking right past him and I totally tripped. My hot dog and chocolate milk went everywhere.”

“So I woke up this morning feeling like death, right? I check my phone and I realize I don’t have to go in for 1st period cause it’s blended us history and I’m like, ‘sick yo’ so then I went back to sleep and I got up again and I was like ‘gotta go to chem’, ‘cause ya know, AP chem, it’s a priority, always. So I get up and I go get in my car and then I’m like ‘I’m gonna get Starbucks.’ So I went and got Starbucks, and I’m turning into the parking lot and am like ‘this is a good day, little bit close on time but ya know I’m gonna make it.’ As I’m turning into the parking lot I barely tap the curb, and my tire explodes. Pew! And so I’m like ‘oh, that’s fantastic,’ so I’m like going into the parking spot, and I can hear the tire like *makes questionable car noises. And I’m like, just gotta make it to my dragon of the week parking spot, cause ya know, I’m the dragon of the week, proud to be it. Turn in, make it all the way to A lot and my car’s like, *continues to imitate broken car noises and I find my spot, and there’s somebody in my dragon of the week spot. ‘This is fantastic, this is fantastic.’ So now

The Big Bite

“In 4th grade, after recess I was just minding my own business and I was just standing in line waiting to go inside, when all of a sudden these kids just start absolutely sprinting down to the line and so one of them falls and BAM the other one falls BAM. It’s a domino effect and the kid right behind me has his mouth open and literally bites my head. His teeth go straight into my head so then my friend was like ‘woah, your hair is-your head’s bleeding’ and I was like ‘yo?’ And at first I was not crying and then once she told me and I put my hand on my head it was gushing-there was so much blood.”

“Me in PreCalc. That was Embarrassing.”

Math Mania

In my room, we have the stadium seating....high desks, medium high desks, and low desks. All the high/medium desks have chairs with wheels. A student was sitting in the back row of the class (in a high desk) and leaned over to pick up something off of the floor and fell out of his chair...due to the rolling chair moving out from under him when he leaned over. He fell into the back wall and his elbow went through the drywall. So, there was a big hole in the drywall.

The hole was right under an outlet. And

he was currently charging his iPad in that outlet. So, when he fell....his must have hit the wall....and his elbow must have knocked his charger out of the outlet on his way and, sure enough, his charger(brick) fell INTO the hole in the wall!

So, the student not only fell out of his chair....and made a hole in the wall....but now lost his charging brick because it fell INTO the hole in the wall!

Love Struck

“Everyday of middle school was a mishap. Every.

Words & Layout | Allie Christensen

Hurdle Horror

Draw This in Your Style

lines are limited: your recreation could be an exact replica of the work below, or simply something inspired by it, by

Read it more about the piece here. Find the shared Google form here.