New Year, New Lindbergh
Pilot Magazine
Table of Contents News Student’s Mask Habits- 9 Late Lindbergh- 10
Feature The New Organization- 4 LHS Environmental Club- 5 Flex Program- 6 The Hello Girls Musical- 7 Orchestra: Music To Our Ears- 8 New Library Fun- 11 COVID During the Holidays- 12
Profile Coffee Cart- 13
More stories online at lindberghlookup.com
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Contents 12.21.21
Pilot Staff Elaine Ottens Elowyn Wells Audrey Branding Isabella Capriglione Alanna Castillo Amira Dower Callie Dynes Sam Elliott Ella Fleming Olivia Lowe Farley Nelson Maddie Woods Sophia Miller
Editor-in-Chief Web Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer
Pilot Policy Pilot is a monthly newsmagazine published by students enrolled in the Pilot Publications class at Lindbergh High School, 5000 Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri, 63126. The publications office is currently located in Room 39. Opinions of Pilot writers or the Editorial Board are not reflective of the opinions of the staff as a whole, the Pilot, or the administration. The Pilot welcomes responses and letters to the editors. These may be submitted by email to lhspilot@ lindberghschools.ws or by signed letters brought to Room 39. The Pilot reserves the right to edit submissions as long as their original intent remains unaltered, and to refuse to print material for any reason the Editors in Chief and adviser deem appropriate. More stories can be found online at lindberghlookup.com.
The 2021-22 Pilot Newsmagazine Staff Photo Credit: Mrs. Hoisington
Letter From the Editors
The Cover Story
Welcome back Flyers! This semester, our school has seen many new rules and regulations, from mask mandates to Power Lunch changes and everything in between. This issue focuses on new things students have experienced this year. It is Pilot’s first issue back since last year, and our writers are so excited to share their stories with all of our readers. Thank you for reading the Pilot, and we hope you have a great winter break! Elaine Ottens Pilot Editor-in-Chief
This month’s cover is four masks in the new commons. Set on one of the new tables by the gym, and in the distance the phrase “Home of the Flyers” hangs above the gym doors. Photo Credit: Elaine Ottens
Contents 12.21.21
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The New Organization Known as CAPP and What it Means for LHS Students Alanna Castillo
Staff Writer
The organization that is guiding students through the college admissions process
CAPP advisors from left to right (top) Vernon Lin, Chinmay Kumar, Jacob Kronelin,(bottom) Althea Bartz-Willis, Madi Sweet, Mallory Broom, Shua Jeon, and Jasmine Sholy. Each of these advisors mentor members of CAPP in different ways about a variety of topics. With the college admissions process catching up to some high This is especially important as the reason CAPP was formed school students, many are left wondering what to do and where was that Bartz-Willis started her college admissions journey to start. But being a member of the College Advice and Peer this past summer. She realized the complicated system and Preparation or CAPP might help ease those concerns. CAPP is wanted to start an organization that invited anyone at any a new organization run by a team of student advisers, includ- phase in the college admissions process to a safe place that ing Althea Bartz-Willis(11), focused specifically on academics. allowed students to succeed together. With an advisor like Ku“I am very proud to be part of CAPP and I’m so proud of the mar helping to bring equality to CAPP, the goal was realized other advisors,” Bartz-Willis said. and felt by its members. “I felt like it was a really important mission just to make tutoring in general and CAPP meets every Tuesday during power College services available to students,” Kumar “We’re helping to lunch A in room 51, the group aims to said. create an inclusive and equitable envibring equality to the ronment for all Lindbergh students. The Giving students a safe place to strive for sucCollege admissions peer tutors teach about standardized cess and push their limits during the college tests, college essays and the admissions process, getting every- admissions process has shown to be desirable process to suit what each member needs. its current members. CAPP strives to push one on equal footing” for Every week CAPP focuses on a subject members for more and feel more confident in ~ Chinmay Kumar, 11 the admissions process and advisors such as to help holistically prepare its members. But that’s not all they do. The group also Kumar aim to help members learn things they plans to progress and build their memberare confident with while also getting reviews ship. Bartz-Willis said, “We are planning three big events after from other advisors who are more confident with other subwinter break: a fundraiser at the Kirkwood Chipotle, an Adjects. While also learning from other advisors “It’s extremely missions Game Night/fundraiser, and in March an after-school noble of them to use their talent and success to give back to higher education prep week,” Bartz-Willis said. their community” said Bartz-Willis.
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Chinmay Kumar (11) feels CAPP is a helpful reWhile CAPP is still developing, they have a strong initiative, source. “We’re helping bring equality to the College dedicated advisors and a motivated founder working to build admissions process, getting everyone on equal foot- the students of Lindbergh up to their full potential. ing,” said student and advisor for CAPP.
LHS Environmental Club Collects Film Plastic to Compete in Nationwide Contest Delaney Yocom and Mrs. Oesch are teaching students and staff proper recycling habits by encouraging participation in the NexTrex plastic collection context. Elowyn Wells From now until April 15, 2021, LHS will be participating in the nationwide NexTrex plastic film collection contest. The goal is to collect as much plastic as possible to provide to the LHS Environmental Club. The prize is a commemorative bench to adorn the new school. The LHS Environmental Club is working to spread the message about the need for more efficient ways to reduce people’s waste by creating better recycling habits. By participating in the NexTrex contest, the school can help put in the effort to collect materials found in waste to create more sustainable products. “It’s not too late to start being sustainable and reusing...If we start little and take baby steps, we can get everybody involved and make the community more aware,” said Delaney Yocom (11), president of Environmental Club. In order to take steps forward for change, the club is making an effort to inform students about recycling. Mrs. Oesch, the Environmental Club sponsor, has a goal to educate the people of Lindbergh High School to make better choices about their part in the recycling process. “The NexTrex contest can be a part of educating everybody about what their role is in that post-consumer waste, getting it recycled, keeping the cost low, reducing the energy consumption, and making sure that they’re increasing the chances that that material gets reused,” said Oesch. “The goal, as a teacher for me, is to teach students how to learn and how to take responsibility.”
President of Environmental Club, Delaney Yocom (11), collects the plastic film from room 109 to be weighed and added to the increasing collection.
Website Editor
An example of the poster for the NexTrex plastic film collection contest. It includes examples of types of plastic to drop off in room 109, the counseling office, and the 9th grade office. With this contest being the first of its kind here at LHS, Oesch and Yocom want to foster participation across the high school. “Anybody who purchases an object is generally given a bag at checkout, which is such a huge waste of plastic. However, even if you forgo the bag, you’re still getting products in bags --your cereal, your bread, anytime you get a package in the mail from Amazon. Plastic is ambiguous in terms of distributing products,” said Oesch. “So any human being, in Lindbergh that is the recipient of products, is going to have excess plastic that is film. So we really would like all the students, their families, all of the adults, the staff, and their families to participate.” So far, two of the three bins placed outside the counseling office, 9th-grade office, and in-room 109 filled up quickly just within the months of November and December. In all, community initiative is the most important objective for the club. “We’re actually being activists,” said Yocom. While practicing environmental activism through this contest, students are beginning to establish proper recycling habits. Whether or not LHS wins the new bench, students can practice becoming more environmentally conscious. “It’s just as simple as understanding the ins and outs of plastic recycling or just having certain kinds of habits,” said Oesch. “Because really, honestly, that’s all this is. This is habits.”
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The Flex Program OLIVIA LOWE
Staff Writer
working. Besides that, no minimum There are roughly seven choice programs for enrolling senior students to amount of working hours are required to reach each week. participate in. One in particular- the Flex Program- gives them the chance to end their “So I go to school from about school days early and enter the workforce. 8-11, I only need to take my required “The Flex Program gives Winkler (12) takes a selfie before heading to Target to classes which are four classes. students an opportunity to get work a 6 hour shift. Once my four classes are over, real world experience that will I get to leave campus and go to give those students an advantage work depending on when I am when it comes to future careers,” Mrs. Kristi Kienzler, scheduled to work,” senior Isabella Winkler said. 12th grade counselor, said, “But the Flex program is not Winkler is one of the few students that get the for everyone. For some students, it can opportunity to leave the LHS “I love the extra free be tricky to balance both schoolwork and campus to work at Target after their career path. her shortened school day. While time I have and the Additionally, students do not reher peers are at school learning in opportunity to make ceive high school credit for this program.” a classroom, Winkler is at Target money while getting an learning real-world skills such as The program is offered through the state customer service, time managefor public schools to offer it to senior high education.” school students as they please. Only about ment and problem solving. ~ Izzy Winkler, 12 ~ fifteen to twenty senior students are par “I would only recommend this ticipating in the Flex Program this year, program to students who are not which is less than last year, most likely due athletes or participate in after to the pandemic. school activities like marching band that take up lots of “The Flex Program requires you to maintain time,” Mrs. Kienzler said. your GPA, a 95% attendance rate, and class credits,” Holding a job and going to school can be stressful Mrs. Kienzler said. Students participating in the program on any student, even if their school day gets shortened are expected to email their pay stubs to Mrs. Immer, the because of it. When a student is already participating administrative assistant in the 12th grade in an extracurricular activity that requires lots of time office, to make sure students are continually to be taken out of the day, participating in this program may not be the best option for them.
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The Hello Girls Musical SAM ELLIOT
Staff Writer
After the exciting play Clue in October, the thespians began preparations for the new musical, The Hello Girls. For the auditions, students came in groups of five based on the order they turned in their show contracts. Each student interested in cast, crew or pit must complete and sign a show contract as well as a parent/legal guardian to be part of the performance. Then, acting and dancing was the next day.
her whole life everyone telling her she has a baby face, she now finds herself playing an older, more mature character. Rest assured, this musical is gonna be good. “I am an extremely picky musical person. I majored in it in college and, man, do I hate most musicals. Thus, I only do shows with good music and a message I can get behind,” Winingham said. Winingham also felt the musical and it’s history holds an importance for women of WW1, who were denied their veteran status. “They fought in court for 60 years to win their rightful place in history and to receive their benefits. It is an important part of our history and of women’s history that we all should know,” she said. Charis Peters (12), has participated in many musicals and plays but found this audition to be particularly enjoyable. “The auditions were really fun! I audition a lot for community theaters and college programs and all of them are a lot more stressful than auditions at school. Everyone’s super supportive and hypes each other up and I didn’t even feel that nervous! Everyone had to prepare a song beforehand and then we also had some acting and dancing. It can be a little scary, but it’s fun I promise!” Peters said. Cast and crew watching a documentary about The Hello Girls Peters explained that it’s an amazing musical, and and taking notes in Winninghams room. Photo Credit: Ms. she can’t believe they are doing it. “The music is some of the Winingham best in contemporary musical theatre I’ve ever heard, and the story is absolutely heartbreaking and deserves more recognition,” she said. While she finds the songs to be difficult due to “The students are broken into two the need of some well timed harmony, groups: One group starts with me in acting “ I couldn’t be more hon- she can’t help but admire their beauty. and one goes to dancing. An hour in, we switch. This is really creative and this year ored to portray the role “I would definitely say the songs are the best part of the show!” she said. was no different. Super fun dances and big choices in terms of characters and accents,” of Grace Banker, she was Winingham, having directed and Jessica Winingham, LHS’s drama teacher a wonderful, empathetic, played a huge role in the process of many musicals and plays, strongly besaid. The musical is the story of the first and powerful woman. I’m lieves in the cast. “They did a killer job. ever American female soldiers and their excited to bring her story The five lead females and one lead male all got their first choice roles, which has stories as telephone operators during World to life!” never happened before. They all zeroed War 1. It leads to an interesting cast with in on the characters and prepared and several newcomers and some familiar faces ~ Kylie Reuter, 12 ~ made sure they did what needed to be being set to return. Such as Charis Peters done to secure the role. It was very excit(12) as Helen Hill , Kylie Reuter (12) as ing!” she said. Grace Banker, and Elsa Davinroy (12) as Bertha Hunt. New Though the musical isn’t very dance heavy, that isn’t er people to the scene include Mary Vollman (12) as Suzanne stopping the choreographers from working hard to make the Prevot, and Ashton Devan (11) as Cpt Joseph Roser. show the best it can be. And this is adding to Peters’ confidence “She is 33-years-old but has a youthful spirit. She in the show, “I have so much confidence in this show and can’t joined the war to help the troops since her husband is also wait to see how it turns out!” With Winingham’s in the war,” Elsa Davinroy (12) said about the character she plays, Berth Hunt. Davinroy had a blast playing the character, confidence alongside her, it seems LHS is in for a good show. going as far as to say, “I love her character so much, and the songs she sings are so fun!” She also finds it funny that despite
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Orchestra: Music To Our Ears Amira Dower
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Staff Writer
The orchestra rehearses for their newest show. Photo credit: Samuel Caldwell
he orchestra is excited to be back in person and couple kids compose some ideas themselves and I know to have regular practices. one for sure wants us to learn his piece and conduct it at There are many things orchestra members are the spring concert.¨ Kizer said. ready for including regular events of the season. The orchestra community at Lindbergh is very They are most excited for their festival which was one of tight knit and personal to the people within it. During their last events together before Covid-19 started. ¨It’s last year, the orchestra tried their best to bring their something that really motivates us. The last time we had music into a new type of learning experience both online festival in person was 2020, and it was and in person. However, Ms. Kizer “I am so greatful for the the last day before spring break,¨ Ms. expressed that it just wasn’t the same. Kizer said. Although there were struggles team that we have” The Orchestra’s teacher, Ms. last year, the administration still ~ Ms. Tara Kizer ~ Tara Kizer, attended Lindbergh and continued their strings program for the was in the orchestra during her time elementary students. Ms. Kizer said, ¨I here. She has continued the strolling am so grateful for the team that we have.¨ strings program and this year is the 30th anniversary of Samul Codwell, a senior, is also excited to be back this program. in person. He started orchestra in the fourth grade on The strolling string is an extended musical the cello. Sam said one of his biggest supporters has been program that any string player can join if they’d like. Ms. Kizer. ¨I intern with her and she really pushes me to The former orchestra teacher, Ms. Sue Rola, is the audition for things and push myself,” he said. founder of the program and Ms. Kizer is excited to He also shared that he is ready for the festival continue Ms. Rolas legacy. season, spring concert and is ready to enjoy the ¨She was such a huge figure within the orchestra’s end of the year picnic. The picnic is where community both the St. Louis teacher community and the orchestra gets together, discusses the highlights of Orchestra community and everybody knew her and she the year and says goodbye to the sensors. ¨Our end of the had built the program up to such an amazing level,¨ year picnic where we all get together and talk about what Kizer said. happened throughout the year and say goodbye to the She also wants to add some of her own ideas to seniors,¨ Sam said. the Orchestra program. She said that she In their own way, the Lindbergh Orchestra is a has been considering opening up the option family and they embrace each other’s musical curiosity. for kids to compose their own pieces at the Students and staff are thrilled to have them back 12.21.20 spring concert this year. ¨We have had a in person.
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Student’s Mask Habits Callie Dynes
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Staff Writer
workspace,” said Dr. Cochran. he student mask policy has been in place From a teacher’s viewpoint, the results for a little over a year now. Many would are not much different with masks. “I would agree that being a world without the need for say I have to remind a student to wear their such a police is more ideal. Here at Lindber- mask correctly about 10 times a day,” said gh High School, masks being worn correctly health teacher Ms. Wallner. Although not has become a bit of an issue. “I would guess everyone might not be adhering to the mask that I have to ask a student to adjust their policy, Charlotte Zink, a senior, said she’s mask at least 100 times per day,” said Main seen the opposite inside her classes. “Personally, around the halls I see many kids wearing their masks incorrectly (under their nose or sometimes not at all),” said Zink. “In my classes, however, most everyone (are) wearing their mask correctly.” Outside the classroom, such as during sports, masks may be a challenge for athletes because of the movement and need for Some students tend to forget their masks in places on campus such as their classes and hallways. oxygen. The mask policy seems slightly different for members of the sports teams, Principal Dr. Cochran. “There are definitely depending on their coach and what sport more students wearing their masks correctly they play. as they navigate the hallways than not.” Zink, who is also an athlete, said, The school’s policy “Currently we don’t have states masks should be to wear masks while worn to cover both the playing, which I’m very “The district is actively nose and the mouth at thankful for,” However, Will discussing a time in second all times while in the semester when we may be able Stockmann, another senior building, except for when athlete, said, “This year, we to shift to mask optional.” a student is granted a don’t really have to wear Dr. Cochran, Main Principal staff approved mask masks with the new rule break or while they’re with (asserting?) yourself, eating lunch. However, so I like it a lot because further exceptions can obviously I can breathe be made for staff. “The much better,” said Stockmann. only exception is that staff members are As COVID-19 continues, it is advised as allowed to take their masks part of current school policy that all students News off if they are working alone wear their masks over both their noses and 12.21.21 and by themselves in their mouths while in the school building.
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Late Lindbergh Audrey Branding
Staff Writer
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issues with other aspects of school and their actions can have a profound impact on their fellow students and teachers. Getting to school on time has also been an issue for lots of students at LHS. For some students, traffic in front of the school and on their way to school has played a major role in why they are late to class in the mornings. ¨I get to school early and I still have problems with the traffic in the morning-I can’t imagine the traffic right before school starts. The issue is the multiple lines of traffic in the parking lot including construction vehicles and the buses entering and leaving the school parking lot.¨ Sydney O´Brien (11) said. Consequences are expected when it comes to an issue that arises in a school. Due to the increase in tardies, admin is trying to come up with the best solutions possible to help curb the lateness of students. .¨The key to tardies is consistency and The halls at LHS after the final bell for 5th hour rang at 9:45 high expectations. As a school, we need to track the a.m. most flagrant tardy violators and we need to give consequences that will ensure they get to class on time. Our goal with tardies is to get students into the the hallways after the bell rings to begin class. This is classroom immediately so we can maximize the learning especially true after Power Lunch.¨ Students have been time available between teacher and student. It also stopping in the bathroom for an excessive amount of creates safety concerns when students are not where time during passing periods, as well as remaining in the they are supposed to be during class time.¨ said Dr. lunchroom despite the bell ringing. Maddie Heine (11) Cochran. He feels this is an issue said, ¨as a student I do think a lot of people are in the bathroom after “Our goal with tardies is to get that needs to be fixed quickly. Since the bell. I think the teachers and students into the classroom safety is such a concern for the Lindbergh admin, you can expect students should work together and immediately so we can consequences for students that are help get each other on time. In some maximize the learning time commonly tardy. cases, some may just be going to the available between teacher and Hall sweeps have been done bathroom just because they could’ve student.” in previous years when needed but been busy all of PL. If it gets worse, I think admin should start to monitor it - Dr. Cochran, Main Princi- since tardiness is a bigger issue this year, the principals and staff at more closely by having teachers check pal Lindbergh have been doing them from time to time.¨ Heine is not the more often. ¨Hall sweeps are being only person that feels this way. used mostly after Power Lunch According to Douglas Powell, because many students are abusing the time we are a writer for Jones International University, , ¨Students giving them for Power Lunch. They have a full hour to who arrive to school and class late adversely affect get their lunch and get back to class. With this, there classroom time consume teacher attention, become significant disciplinary problems; decrease instructional really is no excuse for students not to get to class time, and can decrease the quality of the other students’ on time during their first class after lunch.¨ said Dr. education.¨ Cochran. This shows that students who are late to class also have News or teachers at Lindbergh High School tardies have become a huge issue. This is especially true after the 10 minute passing period after power lunch. Dr. Eric Cochran (Main Principal) has been very vocal about administrator’s and staff ’s concern regarding tardiness.. In an email sent out on October 31, he said,¨Too many students are taking advantage of our passing periods and are in
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New Library Fun Ms. Pulley and a New Edition Ella Fleming
Ms. Pulley and Ms. Whitehead smiling under their masks in the Lindbergh High School library.
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Staff Writer
Ms. Pulley on the right Ms. Whitehead on the left
This year has been considered a tough year for the indbergh High School has recently introduced library, but Ms. Whitehead said Ms. Pulley “jumped in a new librarian to start the 2021-2022 school with both feet!” Ms. Pulley has taken it upon herself to do year by the name of Chelsea Pulley. She had her best to make everything easier for everyone especially originally come from being a high school librarian considering this difficult time. “She definitely has made this at Oakville High School and is one of Lindbergh’s Staff tough year easier,” Whitehead claimed. members hired this year. Ms. Pulley isn’t the only new addition to the Ms. Pulley had went to the University of Missouri - St. Louis and got her certification to teach high school library. Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Pulley have both expressed English. She ended up spending a year in South Korea to their excitement for the new library currently being teach English as a second language to built. The new library will include two young children. When she returned, stories and be much more enclosed in “Ms. Pulley is so helpful she taught high school English for five comparison to the one now. “I think from years, all while getting her masters in around the library and a supervision point in the new library Library Science to be able to become a could be tricky but we will make do!” has such creative ideas. itexpressed librarian. She started her career working Ms. Whitehead. You can tell she really at a public library while she worked her Also, Power Lunch is expected to way up to become a high school librarian be much easier with the extra space and loves her job!” which she has been for the past three more closed off areas. Power Lunch has ~ Ivy Bani, 10 ~ years. been the hardest challenge to face this Ms. Pulley had heard great school year. “Very full and busy place, things from people inside and outside of the Lindbergh but for the most part it’s great. But, some days are better district, ultimately influencing her decision to work at LHS. than others, or worse than others,” said Ms. Whitehead. “I loved the idea of working at a bigger school, I thought While adjustments will have to be made to the new it was really important that the community supports the library later on, Ms. Pulley credits Ms. Whitehead with district,” Pulley explained. helping her adjust to the library now. “Ms. Whitehead has Anna Whitehead is the librarian working alongside been a really great co-librarian and she has helped a lot in Ms. Pulley. She had only optimistic things to say about Ms. understanding how everything is set up. In how we can help Pulley. “She works so hard; she is always very positive; she teachers and the community and it’s support has been is always willing to help, and I really something to look forward to,”explained Pulley. Feature could not have asked for anything Ms. Pulley has already made her mark on the 12.21.21 more in my new library partner,” said library and is excited for the experiences and future Whitehead. ahead.
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Holiday’s During COVID-19 Isabella Capriglione
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any people in the Lindbergh community travel for the holidays and during the global pandemic, that makes it hard for everyone to see their loved ones. This includes the loved ones that are older or that have health problems, such as immune issues which puts them at higher risk of getting COVID-19 and not being able to recover from that. Holiday plans and gatherings were affected by COVID-19 last year due to the outbreak in January of 2020. A school-wide recent poll showed roughly 69.6% of staff and students at Lindbergh didn’t have their holiday plans messed up by COVID because they had planned to stay home anyway. However, 26.1% of staff and students did in fact have their holiday plans affected.“Last year, part of my family was quarantined due to a COVID exposure. We had to cancel everything on Wednesday (the night before) Thanksgiving. So hopefully that will not be the case this year. We have several family members who are not coming to be cautious. We also have some who will be there, but not eat because of COVID,” said teacher Victoria McCarty. Many families have places they either would like to visit or plan on visiting because they have family there, but for the last year, it has been limited on where people can go due to possible Covid exposure. The poll also showed about 34.8% of staff and students plan on traveling during this holiday season. “Going to Kansas City the weekend before Christmas to visit my wife’s family,” Government teacher Mr. Butler said. For many people, visiting their family, especially the ones they haven’t seen for a few years because it was safer for them to stay away than risking a loved one’s health, is important around the holidays. But, that doesn’t mean everyone plans to travel. The poll also showed that 65.2% of staff and students are not going anywhere for the holidays break.
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Feature 12.21.21
Staff Writer
The holidays at Lindbergh are different for everyone because staff and students either go places or stay at home. “Normally seeing extended family but to reduce the exposure people had to limit the number of people we saw,” teacher Erin McGrath said. English teacher Madeline Cocos was also looking forward to seeing her family members around the holidays. “Visiting my grandma’s house, hugging my family members, cooking with my family members, participating in a cookie exchange party, and traveling. I am so happy that my family is vaccinated so that I can be with them without fearing for their health,” said Madeline Cocos. The same can also be said for most students. “Get together with all my family. Last year we just got together with immediate family,” said Macy Gillick (12). According to the poll, about 69.9% of Lindbergh felt they are safer because of the new things that we can do to protect ourselves against the virus, like getting the vaccine and wearing a mask, while 17.4% of Lindbergh felt they don’t feel safe with the Coronavirus disease. Meanwhile, 4.3% of Lindbergh has a saying that it’s becoming normalized so it’s neither safe or unsafe. Still, 4.3% of people at Lindbergh felt the same throughout the entire pandemic. While 4.3% of Lindbergh staff and students who aren’t immune compromised feel like they have never felt unsafe.
Coffee Cart Maddie Woods
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fter a long time of being shut down due to COVID-19, the Coffee Cart, which has been a tradition in Lindbergh High School for at least a decade, is finally back up and running. Coffee Cart makes its way through the halls every Wednesday during fifth and seventh hours and Thursday during fourth hour, usually towards the beginning or middle of the class. The Coffee Cart program is designed to provide necessary skills for students with disabilities.
Paige Dequire(12) stands behind the Coffee Cart, excited to serve customers.
“Coffee Cart is a program that’s designed to provide pre-vocational skills training for students with disabilities. The students of the program practice multi-step directions, money skills, social- communication skills, food safety and sanitation, and among other skills,” explained Mr. Steven Winkler, the Special Education teacher who helps with the Coffee Cart. The students in the program go around with a cart that contains coffee, water and snacks, like Oreos and Little Debbies, to name a few. The Coffee Cart only provides pre-packaged items to ensure safety and reduce handling of food items. The prices for all of the items on the cart run between 50 cents to a dollar. Coffee Cart is a great way for those students to interact with each other. “I love being a part of Coffee Cart. I love being with my friends and seeing other friends buying what I’m selling,” said Paige Deguire, a senior and Coffee Cart member. Although it is well-known by people in the school when Coffee Cart comes around, not everybody is able to get it since the Coffee Cart is only during fourth hour and only located in the 300’s building.
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Staff Writer
As the students push the cart around, they go to classrooms and announce “Good morning, Coffee Cart is here,” and then wait for people to come outside their classrooms and purchase the goodies. The reason the cart is only in the 300’s building is because the students who work the Coffee Cart are in a program called the Essential Skills program. They learned a variety of jobs and it all takes place throughout the 300’s building. In addition, there’s an off-campus Community-Based Vocational Instruction, CBVI, program for students who are more independent and still need job skills. All of the money that Coffee Cart receives goes towards the supplies for the next week so it can remain fully stocked. The school also helps finance some of the cart’s supplies. “One of the most rewarding benefits of the program is seeing the positive social interaction of students of various abilities. It really highlights how we are all more alike than we are different. I continue to be amazed by the respect and support we receive from our student and teacher customers,” said Winkler. Oftentimes, you’ll hear not only students but also teachers saying that they can’t wait until Coffee Cart comes to their area because they need a snack. The Coffee Cart is a big topic for many students and staff on the days it’s active. One of the cart’s customers, Amy Kaiser, a math teacher here at Lindbergh, loves Coffee Cart and often asks the students in her class if they would like anything. “I love Coffee Cart! It’s a great way for the students to interact with each other and a great way for them (Coffee Cart workers) to learn skills. It’s at the perfect time of day for a snack and drink,” said Kaiser. Coffee Cart has been a tradition for well over a decade and those folks working alongside it hope it continues for years to come.