September 2021

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BLACK AND WHITE SEPTEMBER 2021 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 1

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SEPTEMBER

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When 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.

2021

Cover- Marley Jenkins

Follow us on social media for more @JHSBlackandWhite @jhsnewspaper

@jhsnewspaper

FINE PRINT EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Sports Editor Online Editor Video Editor Print Editor Visual Editor Copy Editor

Noah Gilbert Nathan Anderson Laila Hasanovic Marley Jenkins Sabrina McGuire Alyssa Miner Catherine Reiher

MANAGERS Content Manager Visual Manager Visual Manager Morality Manager

Theron Luett Adian Topolinski Abby Lehan Eva Woznicka

STAFF WRITERS Nolan Akins Audrey Allen Jillian Blair Tatum Bermner Sofia Bristow Jordyn Butler Allison Christensen

Lily Flemming Kamryn Heron Maida Jusufovic John Kirkpatrick Van Proctor Liliana Santoyo Abigail Wharton

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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- Briefly

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6- Crash Course

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8- Structurely Sound

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10- Which Teacher Matches Your Vibe

Page 10

Back and Forth

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12- Back to the Bleachers

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16- For Which we Stand?

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18- Blocking Innovation

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-Noah Gilbert Editor-In-Cheif of the Black and White

20- Meet the Editors A&E

Photo by: Sabrina McGuire

Which new teacher do you vibe with the most?

espite our desires to leave the years of COVID-19 behind, we have found ourselves in a ‘Back and Forth’ battle with our desires and reality.

This year is more complicated then most, from having the fullest parking lot many can ever remember, to the Pledge being conducted in every class for the first time in years.

This first issue of the 2021-22 school year just goes to show the uncertainty of the times we are still living in. Highlighting the new and the old, our reporting also calls out those stuck in the past.

“Back and Forth” is about what we see now with the expectation that it can change at the drop of a hat.

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Commentary

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Editorial

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Feature

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News

Opinion Arts & Entertainment

FOR MORE STORIES AND ARTICLES GO TO OUR WEBSITE

jhsblackandwhite.com

Briefly...

Words | Macy Carmichael & Jordyn Butler

On Sunday September 12, 2021 students gathered on the football Jada Gyamfi ‘22 and her team celebrating a victory during the anual Rock Around the Clock Games.

RA TC

4 | briefly

field in 36 groups. They competed against one another in a series of games and activities. Each team had a sponsor teacher to help facilitate the activities and cheer on students. This was also a way to get staff involved in the homecoming week.

The students engaged in a number of activities such as cup stacking, hula hoop javelin, a slip and slide. High-fives were shared among teams, as each team not only supported their own, but also showed their support to opposing teams.

Layout | Noah Gilbert

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Photo by: Jordyn Butler

For the first time ever, Johnston High School hosted the annual ‘Dragon Twilight Invitational’ on August 28th. Nine visiting cross country teams competed against each other in the late summer heat. The Dragons did not disappoint as the boys finished first place. Carter Eckhoff 22’ (16:52.7) and Aidan O’Connor 23’ (16:59.1) were impressive, winning the race with a 1-2 finish. The defending state champion girls team also placed first, with Olivia Verde 22’ (19:33.3) being the first Dragon to cross the finish line.

Runners Jaxson Plum ‘23 (left) and Carter Eckhoff ‘22 (right) set the pace for the meet in the first annual Dragon Twilight Invitational on August 28, 2021.

Photo by: Lexy Urban

UPDATE WITH WOODS Zoey Buchan, Anna Van Roekel, Anna Gossling, and Sydney Kenny celebrating after discovering their Rock Homecoming Around the Clock team Photo by: Jordyn Butler week began on Monday, September 13, 2021 placed in the top five. This was announced during a pep assembly on Friday, September 17, 2021. with Pajama Day. Next, was Tropical Tuesday, followed by Country VS Country Club Day on Wednesday. Thursday brought Blackout Day and after school, students attended the annual homecoming parade. Shortly after the parade, students gathered at the football field for the PowderPuff game. The senior girls fought hard in overtime against the sophomores after the juniors lost to the sophomores during the first game. Friday was Spirit Day, and students showed their Dragon pride by wearing purple and gold. The school day ended with a pep assembly that included the marching band, cheer squad, dance team and a teacher dance performance featuring popular TikTok dances.

Johnston lost the homecoming football game Friday night 31-0 to Waukee Northwest.

The homecoming dance was held on Saturday, September 18, 2021. The theme was River Rendezvous. The DJ played hits from popular artists such as Lil Nas X and Lizzo. Despite the built up heat, students danced, jumped and sang along to songs until the dance ended at 11 p.m.

As the 2021-22 school year starts, there are

He also said kids crave a connection with

many differences to be found throughout the

teachers and how it is very important to him that

building. From new activities to a return to full

those relationships are established.

in person learning, there are many choices that

Later, he explained how it was difficult to

the administration has already made this year.

connect with students last year because of the

“I think a lot is going to happen at some level,”

many different learning platforms. “This year

Principal Ryan Woods said. Full of optimism,

we know the platform, it’s in person, so we can

Woods is planning to make this school year the best yet.

One of the top priorities for Woods is to ensure students’

success

and

social

connections.

“Coming off of a very unique year, we are trying to get kids connected to school, doing well in classes, extending and supporting those kinds of things,” Woods said, in hopes that these key things will eventually lead all students to

“Every year our goal is to provide our students with a tremendous high school experience and a top quality education and lots of opportunities to be in extracurriculars.”

-Ryan Woods

plan better and have kind of a better plan if we kind of know what’s coming,” Woods said.

Many things are impacted by on campus education, one of those being school spirit. When we are not in school it is harder to be involved.

As Woods said, “When our school spirit is high everything else goes with it. So the more kids we have doing things the better everything else gets.’’ When we aren’t in school it is hard to keep

graduation.

kids connected. Woods goes on to say how it is

Woods is also trying to find new ways to connect

much easier to learn and connect with kids when

to the students. “Honestly sometimes it’s just

there is an all in-person school environment.

before and after school high fiving kids saying

Unable to predict the future, Woods hopes, “we

good morning, seeing them in the hallway

can keep doing it through the school year.”

just those informal interactions is how I do it.”

Woods said.

6 | Commentary

Crash Course

Words | Aidan Topolinski Layout | Audrey Allen

I

n many ways, high school is practice

hurrying to get home, no wonder there are

for the real world. We learn about

so many accidents. While the building was

transactions, deadlines, and conflicting

designed for 1,800 students, the number of

views, but something we cannot seem to

students is currently 1,813, and that number

learn is how to make the parking lot less

is only rising. “At least let seniors leave [the

chaotic. There are many issues with the

parking lot] first!” is what Strobl had to say

parking lot, the notorious fender bender,

on the topic. Staggered release has been a

traffic jams and bad parking. Any parking lot

solution proposed by students and staff alike

can be treacherous territory for a new driver,

to ease the congestion.

so here are some tips and tricks to help stay safe.

WE ARE NOT ALONE @dmcparking

Des Moines Christian School

@nvms_parking

Ankeny Northview Middle School

It is a strange concept but the hardest part of driving is rarely the merging of a 3,000

The parking lot is infamous for the

pound vehicle onto a 70 miles per hour

number of student vehicles being damaged

interstate. Simply having the patience to slow

in major or minor ways. Poor driving causes

down and look both ways in a parking lot

problems for students and staff alike. It may

often escapes student drivers. Driving takes

be beneficial for the student body to refresh

responsibility, and with a little bit of thought,

themselves on driving etiquette. Something

the situation can improve.

needs to be done to reduce the number of dings, dents and scratches on vehicles. Quick Reminders: slow down, yield to pedestrians, yield to right of way and do not park in the cross hatches.

When it comes to parking there are few who have mastered the skill. The most difficult kinds are back-in and parallel parking. When in doubt or fear, find a pull-through spot.

Parking between two little yellow lines is apparently much more complicated than it sounds. Students have noticed that teachers are not immune to these struggles either.

When parking, remember to use your mirrors, back up camera (if applicable) and fix a bad parking job.

Another problem discussed by the student body is the lack of open spots. There are many students who routinely come into class late trudging in from the back of F-Lot. When asked about the lack of spaces Rebeckah Strobl ‘22 said, “Overall I just feel like we need more parking spots especially in the front of the building rather than down by the stadium.” There are a number of reserved parking spaces being unused, such as staff spaces and Dragon of the Week. Some students have even suggested assigning lots by grade.

At the end of school, another issue has arisen: a combination of capacity and limited exits. With so many people in the parking lot

“People need to take turns.”

-Drew Johnson ‘24

@ahsparkinglot Ankeny High School

@_chsparkinglot

Ankeny Centennial High School

8 | Feature have the chance of being essentially ignored.

y l l a u t c u r st

Concerning

n, Lily Fleming Words | Abby Leha tor Layout | Van Proc

statement is not presently acknowledged.

For a mentally unstable student for example,

Fleming said, “…Over free time … I’ll have so much pent up energy that I’ll lay in bed I have all this leftover addrealine from not doing anything.” At school, schedules keep kids occupied and get them moving, even if

grades on the academic scales. Although expectations in educational environments aren’t the sole cause for higher rates of academic success, familiar aspects of school like this significantly contributed to these rates. For instance, clear instruction and expectations put in place are helpful for countless students. Isaac Fleming ‘23 said, “Like I just do not trust myself. I benefit from being held accountable.” Fleming isn’t alone, not even close, accountability issues

n the year of a virus rampaging through

are something that impact students’ lives

students’ schedules, ruining the things

on a daily basis. With regards to the vicious

focus is finally starting to return and students are beginning to regain that structure that they previously lost after being thrown into the lazy chaos of summers and quarantine.

Experiencing an unprecedented academic year afflicted by Covid-19, on top of managing inconsistent learning plans was far from easy, however, it also posed an opportunity to learn more about ourselves as individuals.

“Like I just do not trust myself. I benefit from being held accountable.”

-Isaac Fleming ‘23

traditional

everyone. Regardless of the cause, this

at night and my chest just burns. All because

that they had grown used to, a sense of

the

structure of school does not work for

sound

I

education,

cycle that is procrastination, the importance of these aspects of structure only heighten.

In regards to school work during online and hybrid school, Lani Bradley ‘24 said, “it was easier...but then I also had no motivation to do it.” The topic of motivation continues further outside of school when kids have to take their own personal motives into account. For this reason, routines set in place help students to build time management and planning skills

For many JHS students, the year put into

through practice, even with simple tasks that

perspective the value of structure in our lives.

they need to complete in their daily lives.

In a school environment, having a set form

Further, the impact of lacking routine,

of structure helps students stay on track

consistency and overall structure in our

and up to date with their assignments. With

lives is also relevant to physical health.

a schedule propelling students to engage,

An example of this is the circumstance of

they will tend to fall into a trend of improved

being overcome by unproductivity. On this,

it’s simply to their next class or during gym periods. In terms of exercise, though this may strike many as a trivial effort, it’s important to keep in mind that anything is better than stagnancy, which was the state most of us were forced into during Covid-19 isolation and the 2020-2021 academic year.

On top of this, school settings open the opportunity for a wide range of physical exertion within sports and activities. Looking back at last year, Avery Gilbert ‘24 reflected, “... I can do cross country now. Covid really affected how much I could run, so I was doing a lot less running and had bad eating habits because I was at home all day so I could eat anything I wanted whenever I wanted.”

By comparing a school year with very little routine, consistency and organization to one with some, Gilbert reveals that structure is evidently immensely beneficial for physical health.

The elements of structure discussed have many profits, in addition to their relationship with

physical

health.

Some

of

these

include connections of higher productivity, enhanced work ethic and ameliorated school performance. However, it’s also important to bear in mind the aspect of mental health.

When the emotional well being of a student isn’t prioritized, structure and its benefits are

“I feel like I like to have some backbone or routine, but not too much because then I feel like I’m living life on repeat and it gets boring too fast.

So I need to mix it up every now and then, but I do kind of need a backbone to my day.”

- Avery Gilbert ‘24

academic success may be harder to achieve.

In this circumstance, supplemental forms of structure such as counseling are necessary. For others, this may merely be a result of having a brain that isn’t wired for the traditional structure of school; hopefully, reevaluations of the education system eventually take place to accommodate the needs of kids like this.

In summary, elements of structure present in a student’s daily lives are extremely important, not only for the sake of having a successful routine and healthy work ethic, but also on health rationales, may they be physical or mental. This year at JHS, regaining structure will be a process and something to readapt to for many, but will be beneficial in the long run.

Which New Teacher Matches Your Vibe?

Words and Layout | Sabrina McGuire and Maida Jusufovic Photos | Sabrina McGuire, Jordyn Butler, Noah Gilbert

Zombie apocalypse What is the number one thing on your bucketlist?

Would You Rather: Fight in a zombie apocalypse or a robot apocalypse?

Beach volleyball

Crowe

lover and you also enjoy indulging in the

P

Math

P

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Endless money Invisibility

What did you want to be when you were younger?

Teleportation In your opinion, what is the best song ever?

Famous A teacher

Anything by Pitbull, Mr. Worldwide.

What is your favorite ice cream topping?

Sprinkles Chocolate syrup

Juggling

Bertoche

Giudici

Would You Rather: Have endless love or endless money?

Endless love

Robot apocalypse

If you could win an Olympic medal for any sport, real or fake, what would it be?

Skydiving

START

10 | Arts and Entertainment

Child Development and Culinary

French

Robinson

Peelen

Enderson

Y

Y

ILA and Pushing the Limits

Chemisty and Forensics

Econ and Government

goal that you strive to achieve ev-

rious, but that doesn’t get in the way of

Y

uplifting others. You’re known for being

eryday. You keep yourself busy by being

Y

is a skill that you hold and constantly aim

enjoy. You love having a good laugh, and

world of fiction. You’re a foodie at heart

having fun. You’re a big fan of the out-

a big ball of bright energy, but you also

active, crafty, and creative. Punctuality

to improve. While you might be a worri-

tend to gravitate towards watching com-

with a taste for great good. You’re a fan

doors and exploring nature. Traveling is a

heavily value your sleep and downtime.

isn’t your greatest strength, but you make

er at times, you’re more than confident

edies. You greatly value your downtime,

of sitting down and watching sitcoms with

priority for you, especially when it comes

You strive to be successful in all aspects of

up for it with your optimistic thinking.

in your own skin. You’re very family ori-

and relaxation is one of your top priorities.

family and friends. Bringing good into the

to trying great food. Your kindness and

your life -- including simply being your-

You’re all about family values, including

ented, and you hold family values close to

You appreciate looking at life through

world is a daily goal of yours.

approachability are qualities that your

self. You strive to always be open with oth-

your furry friends. You enjoy oldies mu-

your heart.

multiple perspectives. Living a happy life

friends greatly value.

ers and create a safe space around your-

and leaving a positive impact is your main

self.

goal. Crank up the Pitbull, kick back, and

eople describe you as a very bubbly and lively person. You’re a supportive friend, and you like to

give more than you take. You’re an animal

ositivity is one of your greatest values. Having a good mindset is a

sic that leaves you with a light and happy mood.

ou believe that life is a journey and that patience is key. You may be a bit more reserved and se-

our welcoming energy naturally draws people towards you. You’re very dedicated to continuously

ou’re extremely passionate about the things you love and you like to keep yourself busy. Leadership

ou’re a natural introvert and can often be found lounging around.

Watching TV is an activity you

relax!

12 | in-Depth

I

t’s not difficult to spot differences

important it is to be cheering on the bench for

ongoing pandemic, but trusts fans to make

between this school year and last, but

your teammates, and having your peers from

their own decision according to their own

attend any athletic events and one

your school cheering you on is definitely

values. “They don’t have to come to the

difference becomes glaringly obvious: fans

beneficial to helping us play tougher and

games, though it’s something we definitely

are back and in full force. Any athlete could

more focused.” The new and improved

encourage

express just how much fans were missed last

student section hasn’t gone unnoticed, either.

concerned about anything affecting them

year, and loosening (at the moment) COVID

“When I was on varsity my sophomore year,

or their health, then definitely don’t come to

restrictions have allowed that void in fans’

before COVID, we only had a consistent group

the game, or wear a mask like you could at

lives to be filled once again. Fans are now free

of like five guys come. They were very loud,

school. If that’s important to you, do that.”

to return to fandom, while players enjoy the

so that was encouraging, but it was small

Photo By | Noah Gilbert

section

If

leader

they’re

Ryan

While it’s certainly enough for some

pandemic. When asked about the school’s

to simply go to games with friends and have

open attendance policy, King said, “I think

Words | Nathan Anderson Layout | Noah Gilbert

Student

appreciate.

King ‘22 doesn’t have a problem with the

benefits.

Back to the Bleachers

and

a good time, fans have a deeper impact on the game than one might think. Encouraging your team’s players and getting hyped after big plays can completely change the momentum. It can alter the flow of a game, simultaneously killing opposing momentum and getting in the head of that week’s enemy.

Linebacker Cade Godwin ‘22 has

been a mainstay on the football team’s defense for seemingly forever as a rare three-year starter. He is one of few players that has experienced fans before, during, and after COVID restrictions. When asked if he felt a difference from last year, Godwin said “Definitely. The fans play a part, a role in the game. Last year, it was silent, all the calls were easy to hear. But now this year it’s a whole different element, momentum is way more important, the crowd gets into it, and it’s a lot harder to communicate on the field.”

Despite it being more difficult to get the play call, Godwin views fans as a net positive. “... late in games, when you’re tired, and you feel like you can’t go anymore, the fans give you energy.” Godwin said. “It makes you want to

“Definitely.

The fans play a part, a role in the game... it’s a whole different element.”

-Cade Godwin ‘22

it’s important that the kids get to go to all the school events throughout their senior year and all their years in high school, because it doesn’t happen for the rest of your life.” King also notes that it has been a long wait for a lot of fans. “I do feel like there is a difference in atmosphere because [the student section] wasn’t there last year, and a lot of people were down about that,” King said. “But the first game back, it was kinda crazy.” Volleyball fan Lily Simpson ‘22 has been enjoying the student section too. “So far, the student section has been fire,” Simpson said. “I would just like to say that.” Simpson does see COVID as a potential problem, but not a world-ending one. “I think masks could also be helpful. I think if it gets worse, I think they should keep things open as long as people wear masks.

Because it’s not the same for the athletes, you know, at games and matches and stuff, when there’s nobody in the crowd,” Simpson said. “...there could be spreading, but some things are unavoidable. [Spreading] would happen anyway.”

This school year has been exciting,

compete even harder.” The veteran linebacker

serving as a return to normal for some of

isn’t too concerned about the pandemic, but

the upperclassmen, and an introduction

instead focuses on the positive impact for all

to normal for others. As the schools’ stands

spectators. “ I don’t see any negatives at all. As long as they’re being smart and safe, I think it’s a great thing and it helps the community.”

Godwin said. “I’d like to thank the fans who are coming now, who can be there, because they’re doing a great job and I think they’re really important.”

Over on the hardwood, volleyball

team middle hitter Mia Anderson ‘22 also appreciates some hometown moral support.

“We talk a lot, in volleyball, about how

and they didn’t really dress up. Then COVID happened, so we couldn’t really have fans in.

This year, I’d say we probably have like 50 people come out to each game, they dress up and tweet and all that kind of stuff, so that’s encouraging.” Anderson said. “Keep cheering, it sounds so cheesy, but it might seem like a simple thing to just come to a game, to goof off, but it is important to us.” Anderson also understands there’s an inherent risk with an

fill up once again for each game, there’s an energy for all involved that was sorely missed a year ago. Despite clouds of uncertainty hanging over the horizon, the consensus seems to be that Johnston fans are back where they belong.

14 | In-Depth

Photo By | Keke Patterson

There were almost 3000 paid spectators at the homecoming game on Friday, September 17, 2021

On average, there are around 250 paid spectators for volleyball games

“Keep cheering, it sounds so cheesy... but it is important to us.”

Around 250 paid spectators attended baseball and softball games

Mia Anderson ‘22

Attendance information provided by Activity Director Josh Tobey Photo By | Alyssa Miner

Photo By | Jordyn Butler

16 | Feature

For Which We Stand?

Words | Kamryn Heron

Layout | Noah Gilbert

Layout Assistants| Lilliana Santoyo & Jillian Blair

New Iowa law requires pledge to be conducted in classrooms, does not require participation.

Iowa has recently made a legislative change that has been commonplace in many states.

According to House File 847 of the Iowa Legislature, signed into law on May 21, 2021, public schools must conduct the Pledge of Allegiance. While conducting the Pledge is required, reciting it is not. If a student and/or their guardian(s) would not like the student to participate, they do not have to. Schools must also fly the American and Iowa flags when

a sermon in 1954 expressing his distaste for the

“I feel like it’s, as long as students have the choice, I feel like it’s an acceptable thing for us to have to do.”

- Aaron Eldridge

pledge not involving God. In his opinion, the

1942

Francis Bellamy changes the vow to a pledge to the flag.

National Flag Conference instructs people to put their hands over their hearts during the pledge.

ideal of life’. It was also a tool in separating the United States from communist countries such as the Soviet Union. Many people agreed as the act that added the phrase was signed into law by at the time President Dwight Eisenhower on June 14, 1954.

Although controversial to some in the

weather permits and show the American flag

community, saying the Pledge of Allegiance

in their classroom.

does not seem to matter all that much to

According to History.com, the Pledge of

students. “I don’t have much of an opinion on it,

Allegiance was initially created in 1885 when

it’s not my favorite thing,” said Kaitlyn Lippart

a Civil War veteran named Colonel George

‘23. Erickson ‘22 said, “I’m fine with it, It doesn’t

Balch decided to create a vow to the American

take up that much time so I don’t notice it that

flag. Initially, the vow went as follows; “We

much.” The reason it is not too controversial

give our heads and our hearts to God and

is likely due to it being an optional practice

our country; one country, one language, one

rather than something forced. “I feel like it’s, as

flag.” Then in 1892, a new one was written by a

long as students have the choice, I feel like it’s

man named Francis Bellamy to say, “I pledge

an acceptable thing for us to have to do,” said

allegiance to my flag and the republic for

English teacher Aaron Eldridge. Perhaps if the

which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with

law had been a forced reciting of the Pledge, it

liberty and justice for all.” In 1923 and 1924

would be completely differently perceived.

the National Flag Conference adjusted the

1892

‘Christian ethic’ was essential to ‘the American

At the end of the day, it is just another thing

wording to read “I pledge allegiance to the it written on the board,” said instructional we have added to our daily routine at Johnston flag of the United States of America.” Reciters coach, Julia Emley. Some teachers go the High School. It comes with trial and error, such would do a salute until 1942, when the National extra mile, playing videos or writing on the as forgetting to do it on Thursdays when the Flag Conference deemed it too similar to the board, while other classes are a bit more schedule starts with the second period rather Nazi salute. Instead, reciters were instructed to casual about it. “Recently it’s just been the than first. “I think it’s been hard to remember put their right hand on their hearts. Since the teacher saying it out loud and then you join to do it during period two at the beginning beginning of the pledge’s existence, schools in if you want to,” said Eli Erickson ‘22. because it’s not the first hour, it’s the second The portion of the Pledge of Allegiance hour and there’s like a different group of kids,” have adopted the habit of saying the pledge.

The requirement of saying the Pledge in our that breeds the most controversy is the Emley said. Forgetting will likely become more school is rather loose, so different teachers phrase “under God.” However, it was not and more of a rare occurrence as it becomes do it differently. Some teachers “have a slide always a part of the Pledge. According to second nature. With every change comes that has the words on it and they say it, or an article by the Washington Post, George different feelings and opinions, but students a Youtube video, or some classrooms have Docherty, a Scottish American pastor, gave and staff are executing this change diligently.

1885

1954

Colonel George Balch writes the first version of the Pledge of Allegiance, called a vow.

The phrase “under God” is added to the Pledge of Allegiance.

2021 Iowa passes a law requiring the Pledge to be conducted in public schools.

18 | Editorial

Blocking Innovation Layout | Noah Gilbert & Alyssa Miner

1 I 2

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 aproval vote was 5-7 with two members being absent. n a push for normalcy, the school’s

student relations. “That block time really

bell schedule* has been changed yet

allowed me to sit down with a kid or

again. But that does not necessarily

group,” Barta said. Touching base with a

mean it is for the better.

Way of Path Mascot time

3

Because of the ever-changing

in 45 minutes. “Sometimes in a non block

learning models, the block schedule

format, or traditional format, it’s hard to

was the saving grace to the stress and

find that time because it feels like you

uncertainty of the 2020-’21 school year.

gotta go, gotta go, gotta rush,” Barta said.

Although block scheduling was put in

The effect is not only felt by teachers but

place as a mitigation effort to help lessen the spread of the novel COVID-19 Virus, it also allowed students to get work done at school so outside of school they could focus on family, social lives, or even their part time jobs. Most ways of life under COVID-19 we can agree to leave behind.

But nonetheless, COVID-19 forced us to innovate our ‘traditional’ day to day lives. In some cases that innovation greatly improved student outcomes in and out of a global pandemic.

“I have a very busy after school

4 5 6 7 8

class full of 20-30 students is harder to do

schedule,” said Emily McGowan ‘22.

“Getting homework done every single night is hard when I have it for every

“I feel like in a block, you kinda get the kids comfortable, then you can really dig deep into your material for that day.”

-Michael Barta

students themselves as well, who truly benefit from genuine connections with teachers. “45 [minutes] goes by super fast and it’s not enough time to get to know people in the class,” McGowan said.

Our current system, modified block, has its fair share of fans, however. Science teacher Jennifer Lehman felt blocked scheduling

was

sometimes

both

too

much and too little class and lab time.

“On modified block I can teach a lesson Monday Tuesday and Friday and use the block days on Wednesday and Thursday to do our labs,” Lehman said. Math teacher Tony Kruse likes the advantage of seeing his students on a day to day basis. “I

single class.” Beyond the relentless daily

thought it was tough going every other

classes, the minimal class time also

day, with my geometry students so that’s

poses a struggle for McGowan. “[There

where we will see the benefit of seeing

is] pressure to get stuff done super fast and not have the time to work on it in class,” McGowan said. According to

*

The Bell Schedule refers to Blocked Scheduling and Modified Blocked Scheduling.

them every single day,” Kruse said.

Advantages and disadvantages from both learning models can be heard from

Blocked Scheduling- Students have 90 minute classes

anyone around the school. Complaints of

and less time to socialize and relax can

that meet every other day

shorter open periods and more classwork,

cause teens to become increasingly

Modified Blocked Scheduling- Eight 45 minute

as well as struggles to connect with

stressed and can even result in poor

periods a day, Monday, Tuesday and Friday. On

students, are common grievances against

eating habits.

Wednesday, odd periods meet for 90 minutes. On

our (kind of) new normal. However, we

Thursday, even periods meet for 90 minutes.

also see that students benefit from daily,

Oxford Learning, more at home work

The modified block also does not allow for a lot of in class work time. “Both

shorter classes in subjects such as world

of my classes need their share of work

language and math.

time,” Business and Dragon TV Teacher,

Instead of pushing to go back to normal,

Michael Barta said. Shorter class periods

we should push for going back to better

make having in class work time nearly

than normal. Improving our scheduling

impossible, forcing classes to become

style is just one of the hundreds of ways

more homework oriented than teaching

we can do so.

oriented.

Beyond the limited work time in class, the current schedule also strains teacher

Meet the Editorial Board “Why is Newspaper Important to You?” Nathan Anderson ‘22 Sports Editor

Words & Layout | Allison Christensen

Sabrina Mcguire ‘22 Print Editor

‘I suppose it’s just good to

“I think newspaper is im-

get sports news out there,

portant to me because its

both for the athletes and

a way to get your voice out

the school in general. It’s

there, tell the story and in

cool to be able to see a little

your own words and get

bit more of what happened

people the information they

if you missed a game.”

need and I think that’s super important.”

Photo by Noah Gilbert 22’

Alyssa Miner ‘22 Photo and Design

Marley Jenkins ‘23 Video Editor Noah Gilbert ‘22 Editor in Chief

Photo by Lindsay Dinkla

Photo by A.J Horan

‘I would like to do something different

Photo by Makenzie Burrlela

this year. I want to broaden our horizon and hopefully just put out a lot of good content and fun things.”

Laila Hasanovic ‘22 Online Editor

“I really like it because it’s a student-led class so I don’t real-

“I want it to be inclusive for

ly need to follow a curriculum.

everyone no matter your skin

I just get to do what I wanna

color, race, gender, sex, politi-

do and make sure it gets done

cal view, where you live, where

on.time, but other than that it’s

you’re from. I just want it to be

really honestly free reign.”

something that everyone can look at and be like ‘oh yeah

Catherine Reiher ‘23 Copy Editor

this is a representation of us, this is a representation of our school year, our class, of the student body community.’”

Photo by Advija Jusufovic ‘23

“Newspaper is important to me because I think it’s a fun way to express ourselves and also talk about topics and issues that are in our school. Kids will look to us to be their voice for things that are going around.”

Photo by Elizabeth Reiher

“First off i want to publish something that people are really proud of, and that our student body wants to read, but then also things that are really important and could create change in our school.”