The Panther 2020-2021 Issue 1: Pandemic Perspectives

PANTHER

the

V 63|N1

Miami Palmetto Senior High School

7460 SW 118 Street, Miami, FL 33156

Monday 2 November 2020

pandemic perspectives

october contents Arts for Change

Trends of Quarantine

Stay Home or Back to School

GYms are Back

School Involvement in Politics

STAFF Editor-In-Chief

COVER

ON

THE

Nicole Markus

Print Editor-In-Chief Jane Heise

Online Editor-In-Chief Jack Meyer

Valentina Caceres (12) takes a picture of Ella Sleeman (12) attending school via Zoom, while Michael Angee (10) attends in person.

Managing Editor Kate Stuzin

Senior Copy Editor Priscilla Bermudez

Senior Design Editor

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Sydney Campbell

Senior Multimedia Editor Valentina Caceres

Business Manager Sofia Vinueza

Feature Editor Ana Martinez

Contents Editor Katriona Page

News Editor

www.thepalmettopanther.com

Julia Strasius

news briefs

Allison Gould

Daniella Levine Cava and Steve Bovo will face off in November’s general election for Miami-Dade mayor, after making it through a primary with six candidates present. With almost 95% of precincts reporting, Levine Cava and Bovo were nearly even, with Bovo receiving 29.41% of the vote and Levine Cava at 28.62%, according to the county’s elections office. Levine Cava would be the county’s first female mayor if elected. She resigned her county commission seat to run for mayor, and, if elected, says her first move would be to take a more diligent approach to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bovo is another county commissioner looking to upgrade to the mayor’s post. Coming in third place with under 25% of the vote was Alex Penelas, who had been seeking to get his job back after already serving as Miami-Dade

National

On Monday, Oct. 27, Senate Republicans confirmed President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett. The Senate voted 52-48 to confirm Barrett to the Supreme Court, just about a week before Election Day and 30 days after she was nominated by Trump to fill the seat of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, was the only Republican to vote against Barrett’s confirmation. All 45 Democrats and two independents who caucus with the Democrats voted against Barrett’s confirmation.

International

Europe is seeing a surge and second wave of coronavirus infections, particularly in Italy and France.

Spain and France have reached over 1 million coronavirus cases each while the U.K. has just over 792,000 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University. Italy, where the virus first emerged in Europe in February, and Germany, have around 449,000 and 398,000 confirmed infections, respectively. The World Health Organization released case records showing the rise of infections to nearly 465,000, most of which are in the organization’s Europe region. As a result, new restrictions are being implemented

by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and regional leaders. Bars, pools, gyms, schools and restaurants are now closed, and these new constraints will cost the restaurant industry around an extra €2.7 billion.

Life Editor

Sports Editor Bella Martin

Opinion Editor Jacob Grindstaff

Multimedia Team

Camilla Bondy Isabel Lopez Isabella Hewitt Amy-Grace Shapiro Samantha Elkins Valentina Arias

Copy Team

Cristele Moztarzadeh Angelina Astic Kate Markus Katriona Page

Design Team

Gianna Hutton Ana Martinez Julia Strasius Ella Pedroso Michael Angee

Staff Writers Gabe Salvat Tomas Curcio Luca Rodriguez

Adviser

Laura Aviles

04 | NEWS

NO CUT corners

MPSH enforces COVID-19 safety guidelines On Wednesday, Oct. 7, freshmen and sophomores returned to in-person school and on Friday, Oct. 9, juniors and seniors returned. This return to school results from the Miami-Dade Public School Board’s final decision to re-open schools earlier than expected. Consequently, many of Miami Palmetto Senior High School’s teachers, staff and students alike had to prepare for a quick, yet safe, return.

On Tuesday, Sept. 30, the Miami-Dade School Board decided to begin staggered in-person schooling on Oct. 5, after a multiple hour meeting consisting of votes and debate. The decision gave parents the opportunity to choose whether to keep students at home — learning virtually — or let them return to physical school.

Prior to the reopening of schools, Palmetto prepared for students’ return by conforming to the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) COVID-19 guidelines.

The school implemented social distancing markings on the floor, removed excess furniture in classrooms, designated oneway hallways to ease traffic flow and created three different lunch periods.

Moreover, the

Palmetto PTSA donated plexiglass protective partitions, KN95 masks and air filters for all classrooms.

“We decided to donate over $20,000 of supplies to the school because while the district supplied some items to keep out teachers, staff and students safe, the parents and PTSA did not think they provided enough,” PTSA recording secretary Elyssa Lewis said. “[So,] we conducted a survey and asked parents what they thought was most beneficial in keeping teachers safe.”

Teachers prepared for the return to school in their own classrooms. Palmetto AP U.S. Government and AP Comparative Government and Politics teacher, Kenneth Spiegelman, took extra precautions when preparing his classroom for students’ return.

“I was one of the teachers who came in to clear out some materials [and] furniture to space out the desks,” Spiegelman said.

“I purchased some plexiglass on my own to block off my desk [and had] tape on the floor to create a buffer zone.”

On Oct. 7, teachers and staff welcomed back freshmen and sophomore students who came to Palmetto two days prior to juniors and seniors.

“When the seniors and juniors came in that first day, we [thought] are we still going to make people feel safe?,” Palmetto Principal Victoria Dobbs said. “Those are the things that we think about when they come in, but it was good to have kids back on campus. It makes me really happy to have the kids back.”

The completed staggered return has brought new rules to Palmetto to create

a safe environment for all students, such as a staggered dismissal bell (which releases half of the student body five minutes before the 2:20 bell rings).

Behind the scenes, the school custodians keep the school clean by constantly wiping down frequently contacted surfaces, such as doorknobs or flat surfaces for hours a day. Twice a week, the custodians cover themselves up in hazmat suits and use very specialized cleaning products in classrooms and locker rooms to eliminate germs.

“It is more than mopping, wiping down and cleaning bathrooms,” Dobbs said. “It is using procedures that specifically go ahead and attack any kind of germ.”

At school, teachers and staff must balance time between in-person and online students. Currently, Palmetto estimates that 52% of students learn through MSO and 48% of students learn in physical school.

Nevertheless, as the month of October progresses, students and staff continue to adjust to the “new normal” at Palmetto, hoping for the best.

“My hope is that eventually we all get back to what life was like before March 13,” Spiegelman said. “I don’t know how long it is going to take us, but I would like to see that for the kids, [and] teachers.”

Ana Martinez

Feature/Design Editor

a.martinez.thepanther@gmail.com

PHOTOS BY VALENTINA ARIAS DESIGN BY GIANNA HUTTON

05| NEWS

STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS class of 2024

At the start of every school year, the freshmen class conducts elections for student council officer positions, which include: freshman class president, vice president and secretary. The two treasurers apply for an interview with activities director Elizabeth Valero.

After the interview process, Valero selects the treasurers. This year’s elections had many candidates running for each position. On Friday, Oct. 15, elections took place and the Class of 2024 elected their new board. Read below for information on each elected/appointed officer.

Emma Behar President

During her campaign, Behar used the slogan “Let’s do this together,” to rally support and highlight her goals. She believes that, since freshmen come from various middle schools, planning events and activities can benefit the Class of 2024 by bringing them together. With COVID-19 restrictions permitting, she hopes to coordinate with the class board in order to plan social mixers and ice breakers to achieve this goal of unity. Behar plans on trying to make all students feel welcomed, listen to everyone’s ideas and use her position to fulfill everyone’s needs. Behar said she is very excited to join the board as she loves to work with other students and be involved with events happening at school. She looks forward to building new bonds and making memories that can last a lifetime.

Emma Weinberg vice President

Weinberg’s campaign slogan stated “Vote Emma so she can solve your dilemma,” a nod to her goal to help every student get involved and use their voice. Weinberg is extremely excited to become a part of the freshman board and wants to bring positive change to the school. She aims to make freshman year fun and fair for the whole class.

Kate Markus treasurer

As freshman class treasurer, Markus plans to conduct fundraisers that follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, and help to raise funds for the class. In order to keep everyone informed on upcoming events, she would also love to increase social media presence. Markus said that she is super excited to join the board this year because she thinks that with everyone’s collaboration, fun and important fundraisers could be planned in order to raise money for the freshman class and to have a great year.

Marly Young Secretary

Young emphasizes the importance of every student getting involved and having their voice heard in her campaign. She said she hopes the freshman class can approach her and other board members if they have any ideas or concerns, as communication is very important to her. Young is very excited for this school year and for the chance to work with her fellow officers to represent the freshman class.

Bella Martin Sports Editor

b.martin.thepanther@gmail.com

Nicole Markus

Editor-in-Chief

n.markus.thepanther@gmail.com

Sophia Graff treasurer

In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, Graff hopes to create a lot of fun and safe fundraising events in order to raise money for the freshman class and help them succeed. Graff said that she is excited to join the board because she loves working with other people towards a common goal. She also hopes to make freshman year memorable and the best one yet.

DESIGN BY GIANNA HUTTON

PHOTOS BY ISABEL LOPEZ AND VALENTINA ARIAS

06 | NEWS

Through Art

Art has been around since the beginning of time, and has been used as a way to express beliefs and ideas. In more recent times, artists use it as a tool to convey the importance of social justice throughout the world. Many have begun using their platforms to raise awareness on issues in present-day society.

“Art is a vehicle to express what we want to say. Art affects the way we live because we are constantly influenced by images which changes our opinions, communicates ideals, and expresses our cultures through images, sounds and stories.” AP Art History teacher Christine Moros said.

Earlier in July, Miami visual artist and activist, Vanta Black, created a mural in Wynwood to honor victims of gun violence. This mural lies on the west side of the Bakehouse Art Complex. Black intended to keep the piece simple to bring justice to those who have suffered from tragic acts of violence. The short phrase painted on a black canvas reads “Say Their Names” in three languages: Spanish, English and Creole. Despite the project starting in July, Black continues to add names to the wall. The list of names honored exceeds 350 people, all who have lost their lives as a result of gun violence. Black painted the names in white to starkly contrast the black background, catching the eye of passersby.

Black’s mural began as a collection of about 200 memorial portraits of those who have died from gun violence and police violence. To highlight the significance of each person, Black transformed the faces into names that are arranged on the wall.

“I started with one portrait of King

Carter and then in that research I came across other victims and their stories, and then it went on from there. Families started to contact me and asked me to tell the stories of their loved ones,” Black said. “It is important to remember names and say them because there’s love and remembrance there.”

Jadyn Sabina, a sophmore and art student at Miami Palmetto Senior High, said that seeing all those names on the wall forced her to realize that those victims lived everyday lives just like her.

“You can post on Instagram a million times everyone’s names. Everyone who has been affected by an injustice. Everyone who has been treated differently. Everyone who has had something happen to them that the media isn’t paying attention to,” Sabina said.“You could do it a million times, but until you’re standing next to that wall... that’s when you can understand best.”

With the presidential election coming up on Nov. 3, bringing awareness to the importance of voting has become increasingly important. As a result, many artists have used their talents as a way to encourage people to vote. Celebrities and politicians have raised awareness regarding the impact that a single vote can have and how important it is that every eligible U.S citizen votes.

“You have the power to decide on the quality of life you want for yourself and future generations. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about.”

Moros said.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama now leads a digital murals project based around voting. With support from co-

chairs Lin Manuel Miranda, Janelle Monae, Selena Gomez and a few others, she founded the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization When We All Vote. In a combined effort with Goldman Global Arts, the organizations selected 13 artists to create digital murals portraying the importance of voting in hopes of sparking participation.

The organizations plan to exhibit the murals in locations such as the Chicago Bulls’ and Chicago Blackhawks’ United Center arena, Miami Heat’s American Airlines Arena and Times Square in New York City, along with nine other locations.

Beau Stanton, one of the 13 featured artists for the digital murals, previously created a mural based in Wynwood depicting Lady Liberty drowning, with her torch being the only item above the water.

The mural reads “Vote to Light Our Way Forward.” Stanton’s digital mural displays a similar message, urging every American to vote.

Art has the power to influence society and people’s treatment towards one another for the better. Artists truly display the ability to drastically change lives and affect the way that everyday citizens are treated.

“Art can be a representation for social change that you would like to see in the world or a personal belief of the artist.”

Moros said.

Gabe Salvat Staff Writer

s.salvat.thepanther@gmail.com

Amy-Grace Shapiro Multimedia Editor

a.shapiro.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY GIANNA HUTTON PHOTO BY VALENTINA ARIAS

DESIGN BY GIANNA HUTTON PHOTO BY VALENTINA ARIAS

QUARANTINE TRENDS

PANCAKE CEREAL

SOCIAL MEDIA STORES

Over the long quarantine, many Miami Palmetto Senior High School students took the free time as an opportunity to rummage through their closets and partake in a sort of spring-cleaning. Eventually, a trend circulating on Instagram popped up in which many students started to sell their clothes.

Because COVID-19 has modified many activities, new methods of fundraising have arisen. Lots of Instagram accounts have clever names and now donate a portion of their proceeds to charities of their choice.

“I started selling [my clothes] so I could raise money for this orphanage in an easy and safe way,” Palmetto senior Gabi Rousseau said. “I raised $400 totally and donated all of it to an all-girls orphanage in Jamaica.”

A popular “DIY” trend that emerged involved making pancake cereal.

This idea stemmed from the social media platform Tik Tok, where users made pancake batter and cooked mini pancakes, then added them into a bowl with the milk of their choice. This trend quickly gained traction and spread to many people around the world for the pleasant and cute aesthetic. It later transformed into making other foods into mini cereal, such as cookies, brownies and even cinnamon rolls.

CHLOE TING AND JABS BY GINA One of the more athletic trends over quarantine included a spike in interest with exercising. Chloe Ting, a 34- yearold YouTuber, statistician and blogger, posts her various workout routines on her channel for anyone to watch for free.

The majority of her workouts last 10-15 minutes, and she makes sure to reach out to fans to see and show off their progress. Ting also has challenges posted on her page, the most popular one being the “TwoWeek Shred.” After her classes, many viewers came out of it feeling better about themselves, as they released endorphins during this strenuous time.

Another popular workout trend is Jabs by Gina. This is a virtual kickboxing class on Zoom, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour long. They offer a wide variety of classes, focusing on different muscle groups. Depending on the class taken, prices range from $5 to $10. While the classes are not free, the program still keeps people in shape and feeling good about themselves. They focus on body-positivity and emphasize that anyone can be an athlete.

“I like the positivity that they spread throughout each class and that we are one big team. Before Jabs, I was so self-conscious about my body and myself. It changed my perspective entirely. I feel stronger and more confident as I do each class,” Palmetto senior Emily Cohen said.

Camilla Bondy

Multimedia Video Editor

c.bondy.thepanther@gmail.com

Sofia Vinueza

Business Manager

s.vinueza.thepanther@gmail.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF ISABEL LOPEZ DESIGN BY JULIA STRASIUS

LIFE |07

JEWELRY Jewelry-making trends spiked at the beginning of quarantine, with teens creating their own jewelry and selling it on social media. Not only did this present a way for them to earn money, but it also kept them busy and entertained throughout the difficulties associated with social isolation.

“I started because there are so many little jewelry accounts and some of them are expensive and I wanted to give people good jewelry for a good price,” Palmetto sophomore Alexa Kates said.

These supplies can be bought at Michaels or any other craft store at relatively cheap prices. The jewelry can be worn during any season, and many Instagram stores allow the buyer to customize what they want, such as initials, charms or colors.

Many of these business owners have kept their accounts alive throughout quarantine, and take genuine pleasure in creating things for others.

“Yes, it was worth starting it, and I really enjoy it!”

Kates said.

A few Instagram accounts that gained recognition for their jewelry are: @ emmjewels, @charmed_bym and @lex.beadss. .

08| LIFE

SOCIAL MEDIA’S AFFECT ON THE Human Psyche

Social media has become an integral part of a majority of students’ everyday lives. Teenagers often spend their time trying to capture the perfect pictures for their social media accounts or scrolling through their feed, scrutinizing everyone’s posts.

While there is nothing wrong with wanting to encapsulate a pleasant moment, sometimes a picture does not turn out exactly as the subject wishes. As a result, t h e y tweak the pictures to fit society’s standards. People editing their photos t o an extent where it looks unrealistic can have an immense effect on users’ moods and perception of themselves.

infographic provided by @thepantherpaper

DO YOU USE SOCIAL MEDIA EVERY DAY? 92% 8% YES NO HAVE YOU EVER FELT NEGATIVELY ABOUT YOURSELF AFTER SEEING CELEBRITIES’ POSTS? 52% YES

48% no

“There are studies that have looked at the overuse of social media and the impact it has on mental and physical health, as well as grades. Some studies suggest that those who spend more time on social media tend to report more sick days, more depression and worse behavior in school.”

Miami Palmetto Senior High School AP Psychology teacher, Gwendolyn Schoolar said.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reported that 51% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 check their social media daily.

Since March, screen times have reportedly skyrocketed.

The Panther’s recent Instagram polls revealed that out of 86 M i a m i Palmetto S e n i o r High students, approximately 81% of them have used social media more since quarantine started.

With not much

else to do, teenagers stuck at home find themselves on social media platforms quite often, watching others live their “best life.”

“I tend to get a great deal of anxiety when I see or watch celebrities and friends on social media doing things. I feel as if I’m in my prime time of my life where I’m supposed to be living it up with my friends, but with this whole pandemic, it’s like I’m missing out on life,” Palmetto senior Priya Mahabir said.

Another possibly damaging element of social media is photoshop. It does not simply entail the altering of one’s body or face in an image, but also creates a false sense of reality, which can be damaging to the human psyche.

Many celebrities Photoshop, whether they own up to it or not.

Some do unabashedly, such as Youtuber Tana Mongeau, while others, such as the Kardashian clan, have been suspected of photoshopping but deny the act when called out.

Even those who do not

alter their appearance tend to heavily edit pictures in hopes of enhancing reality.

“Social media posts, especially those that feature celebrities, are carefully curated and staged to create a vibe or image that is desirable. Most of the posts depict ‘peak’ experiences that don’t reflect real life,” Schoolar said.

People altering their photos before uploading them remains incredibly common in this day and age, so if one finds themselves stuck at home and beginning to obsess over someone else’s posts of them “living the life,” they have to remind themselves that a picture shows just one moment of the other person’s day and it does not reflect their seemingly flawless life.

“I remind myself not everyone is perfect and that everyone has problems. You never know what it took to get that picture perfect. Be thankful for what you have,” Mahabir said.

Cristele Moztarzadeh Copy Editor

c.moztarzadeh.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY JULIA STRASIUS

LIFE |09

Celebrating Autumn in South Florida The COVID-19 pandemic caused various exciting events to shut down for safety purposes, but since fall’s commencement, new, modified events in Miami have sprung up, such as SWARM, Live 305 Entertainment and Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Below are some thrilling and COVID-friendly events to take part in during the fall season.

Not So Spooky Adventure & Harvest Market: Drive-Thru Pumpkin Patch

The Not So Spooky Adventure & Harvest Market announced a drive-thru pumpkin patch, located in Tamiami Park, for families to celebrate fall while following the Centers for Disease Control guidelines. The event operates on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., from Oct. 3 to Oct. 31. Tickets are available for $45-55 per car. This experience allows people of all ages to trick or treat, pick pumpkins and take festive pictures while social distancing.

In addition, the organizers allow pets and encourage visitors to dress in Halloween costumes.

The Horrorland Horror House

Known as the first drive-thru Halloween experience in South Florida, Horrorland calls all horror fans to engage in live and thrilling entertainment. Located in Miramar Regional Park, the attraction operates from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays

through Sundays, from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31.

Tickets vary from $38 to $68 per car. From the safety of your car, the attraction lures you into a special haunted house while following social distancing guidelines.

Horrorland encourages parental guidance for children ages 10 and under, as it features creatures intended to scare you.

The activity has six different passages the car drives through one at time, with the drive-thru lasting a total of approximately 35 minutes from beginning to end. To ensure the safety of the actors and people in the car, participants must wear masks if the windows are rolled down.

“I thought it was fun and unique because it was interesting to be in a car and experience such a spooky and scary event,” Miami Palmetto Senior High School senior and Horrorland attendee Tricia Centeno said.

Frost Museum: Spooky Science Monster Mash

to museum exhibitions, the aquarium, live science demonstrations and a Frost Planetarium show. This event also gives guests the chance to discover the new exhibition “Nature’s Superheroes: Life at the Limits,” which demonstrates natural selection and highlights mysterious creatures in the museum. Participants may also take a picture with Frankenstein, find pumpkins in Frost Science Museums exhibitions, walk through a “Mad Science Lab” and more. The event aims to teach children how interesting and entertaining science can be. Children may wear their costumes, but must follow the museum’s rules, as they have to meet the CDC safety protocols.

During this latest stage of COVID-19, Miami continues to follow guidelines to promote safety. Fall season activities aim to ensure the citizens’ protection at all costs.

“I hope these events will be safe and successful. It is up to the organizers and community to mutually work together to ensure safety and likewise bring a semblance of fall back,” Palmetto senior Michelle Guan said.

This year, the Frost Science museum plans to host their fourth annual Spooky Science Monster Mash, but with added COVID-19 guidelines to create a fun yet still safe ewwewwxperience for all fall lovers. This event occurs on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and takes place at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Tickets for adults cost $29.95 and tickets for children cost Isabel Lopez $21.95, but museum members may attend Multimedia Video Editor for free. These tickets also include access i.lopez.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY MICHAEL ANGEE

FEATURE|11

panthers return to

in- person school

Miami Palmetto Senior High students and employees had a decision to make before Oct. 5: would they stay home, or would they return to school? Here, The Panther explores the different perspectives that the entire Palmetto community took into account before making this important decision. No matter what choice they made, though, staying safe remained the first priority.

DESIGN BY ANA MARTINEZ

staying safe 12|FEATURE

PALMETTO PANTHERS DECIDE WHETHER TO STAY HOME OR RETURN TO SCHOOL staying home: When schools shut down mid-March, many felt that this decision reflected the grave importance of containing such a contagious disease.

“I honestly thought this was going to become a serious problem, so I was happy that they shut it down early...they were taking action earlier than I expected,” Palmetto senior Samuel Zelaya said.

Zelaya has taken this disease extremely seriously, as his mother and sister both have pre-existing conditions that make them more vulnerable to falling fatally ill due to COVID-19. He feels an extra sense

of added pressure whenever he leaves the house, knowing that he could accidentally infect his loved ones if he lets his guard down. Seeing the rest of the country seemingly ‘go back to normal’ amid this deadly pandemic has altered his perception of others, and has affected the way he views some of his friends.

“It’s changing my depiction of the way the world works and my trust in people...I lost trust in the people that I usually surround myself around,” Zelaya said.

Zelaya chose to remain in My School Online, despite Florida Governor Ron Desantis reopening schools at the beginning of October.

“It was a complete joke, and I think Ron Desantis did it for the full reason for making it seem like coronavirus was just not a thing anymore and people are able to go back, and we’re back to real life. It’s just people don’t realize the reality,” Zelaya said. “Someone that I know, that I used to play basketball with...his aunt died.”

Zelaya understands that schools provide necessary resources, such as free lunch and other programs to the students who need it most, but he maintains that schools should only allow these specific children to attend physical school.

“They should cancel school again,” Zelaya said.

AP Art History teacher Peggy Falagan also remains weary

of re-entering school due to health issues and fear of contracting the virus. According to her, she leaves the house no more than twice a week, typically only to visit the grocery store.

“I had previously, December through March, been undergoing treatment for pneumonia,” Falagan said. “My pulmonologist warned me not to eat out or even consider take-out, which we haven’t.”

Falagan teaches MSO students, though she says she remains eager to return to a sense of normalcy.

“Once the vaccine is introduced, I will take it,” Falagan said. “We need to move forward and put this in the past. I’m anxious to get back to my classroom and see my students.”

Falagan and her husband have both worked from home since the virus became widespread in March.

“That Friday before it was announced that schools would shut down, I had already told all my periods that I had left lesson plans for the following week because I was afraid to come back,” Falagan said. “I even told two colleagues in my department as I was leaving that I didn’t think we would be back, and I knew I wouldn’t.”

IN THE MIDDLE: While some members of the Palmetto community find that the benefits of staying home outweighs the consequences, others remain unsure of the better option. Many people chose the in-person schooling option but take extra precautions to ensure they do not contract the virus.

AP Macroeconomics teacher Joel Soldinger uses a clear shower curtain as an extra layer of protection from him and his students. He, like some others, thinks that reopening came a little too soon.

“I’ve always thought that safety should be the first priority, and once the safety was taken care of, everything else will take care of itself,” Soldinger said. “And so, you know, I’ve sort of been willing to roll with it and be safe, so the opening back up I wasn’t too excited about. You know, we’re getting into the flu season, we’re reopening stadiums in the county and masks aren’t mandatory. So I just thought we should be erring on the side of caution rather than throwing caution to the wind.”

However, Soldinger also noted that the transition to teaching both online and in-person students at the same time was not too much of an issue for him, a concern that students and teachers alike had regarding returning to an in-person schoolhouse model.

“I’ve used online platforms a lot anyway so that wasn’t a huge stretch for me to make that transfer between the two,” Soldinger said. “Again, I think that’s a better question to ask my students rather

FEATURE|13 FEATURE|09

than me, because I’m pretty biased, but I think all things considered, I think I’m doing okay.”

Senior Moutaz Talas feels that returning to school has allowed him to feel more like a student again, leaving behind the difficulties of learning from home.

“It was kind of emotionally challenging to be at home all the time by yourself, and during school I felt like I was distracted and I wasn’t really paying attention, especially in Calculus…” Talas said. “I felt like being in [physical] school allowed me to take notes and didn’t really give me a lot of distractions and, at the same time, I got to see more of my friends.”

Talas has kept his friend circle close during the last 8 months, so as not to contribute to the accidental spread of COVID-19 as more and more cases of teenage, asymptomatic carriers pop up

throughout the country. However, he notes the frustration he feels when he sees other teenagers his age not abiding by the same moral compass.

“I’ve seen thirty kids on a boat and been like ‘damn.’ This is the reason why we’re having to struggle so much and why so many people are dying,” Talas said. “It seems like a lack of respect, especially because I’m sure their parents aren’t losing their jobs, you know. It’s a little disrespectful in my eyes, especially to people that have lost loved ones.”

Talas notes that Governor Ron Desantis’ reopening of schools earlier than originally expected has had some consequences, such as certain things feeling rushed or disorganized, but he has a generally good feeling about the way Palmetto’s reopening has gone so far.

“They’re doing pretty well, honestly, for a 3000 person school. I’m pretty impressed,” Talas said.

LET'S GO BACK:

Still others remained excited and less worried to return to an in-person schooling model. These members of Palmetto’s student body and staff felt it necessary to learn and teach in person, and, while still remaining cautious, felt less concerned they would contract the virus.

Palmetto junior Emily Shermer reflects this mindset. She missed school over the extended break, and felt that her relatively low risk status allowed for her to return to an in-person education.

PHOTO BY VALENTINA ARIAS AND VALENTINA CACERES DESIGN BY ANA MARTINEZ

14|FEATURE “I’m fortunate enough not to have anybody in my family that has pre-existing conditions,” Shermer said. “I love school, I love going to school, so I was really happy to finally have that social interaction… I was just happy to be back in school and I was having focusing issues being at home. So I was really excited when I found out that we’re going back.”

Over the summer, Shermer traveled to see her family. She took precautions, like disinfecting the area around her, which minimized her risk of contracting the virus.

“I got periodically tested to make sure I was okay hanging out with family and was not getting anybody sick,” Shermer said.

Palmetto Senior Gabrielle Rousseau

similarly wished to return back to school, as she already had the virus earlier in the summer.

“I was excited to come back to school to see the friends I couldn’t see who were quarantined most of the summer,” Rousseau said. “Since I already had the virus, I felt more comfortable because I knew I most likely wouldn’t get it again and if I did, I knew I would be fine, because I didn’t have any symptoms the first time.”

Aside from the precautions, Rousseau also feels that she learns better in an inperson setting, another reason she wanted to return to school as soon as possible.

“I definitely get more done, especially with college applications,” Rousseau said.

Rousseau felt the school’s reopening came right on time.

“I think it was the right time. I don’t think we should have opened any later, a little earlier wouldn’t have been a problem,” Rousseau said. “I think that we need to open because no matter what, it’s always going to be a threat as of now, and I think being in school isn’t really that unsafe. The school is taking good precautions.”

Nicole Markus Editor-in-Chief

n.markus.thepanther@gmail.com

Jane Heise

Print Editor-in-Chief

j.heise.thepanther@gmail.com

unmasking the facts

palmetto's adaption to in person school

33% of students SURVEYED

PHOTO BY VALENTINA ARIAS DESIGN BY ANA MARTINEZ

switched their decision at one point in the 2020 school year.

53% of students surveyed SURVEYED use the MSO school model. infographic provided by @thepantherpaper

SPORTS | 15

the heat is on...again HOW THE MIAMI HEAT SHOCKED THE ENTIRE NBA WORLD IN THE BUBBLE +2067. According to Sports Betting Dime, those were the odds that the Miami Heat would win the Eastern Conference this season. If someone placed a $100 bet that the Heat would make the NBA Finals before the season began, they would be $2,607 richer right now. After stunning upsets against the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, the fifth-seeded Heat shocked the NBA world and made their first NBA Finals appearance since 2014. Although Miami lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Heat exceeded the expectations of fans, fellow players and analysts, all while never backing down in a long and difficult season.

The Heat entered the 2019 off-season after the end of an era. Dwyane Wade had just played his final NBA game, and questions loomed about whether Miami could continue to contend for the playoffs or if they should begin rebuilding their roster.

The Heat seemingly answered that when they acquired then four-time All Star Jimmy Butler from the Philadelphia 76ers in a signand-trade deal that landed Miami a feisty yet competitive leader. Butler had gained a reputation for ostracizing his teammates and being a “bad leader,” but the Heat saw Butler as a strong leader that fit within the team’s culture. The Heat also drafted Tyler Herro, a young but skilled shooting guard from the University of Kentucky. These two moves proved huge for both the Heat’s regular season and postseason success.

The Heat got off to a quick start in the regular season, bolstered by Butler’s leadership and the emergence of young players like Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson. Adebayo made his first All Star game appearance alongside Butler, while Robinson established himself as one of the league’s premier three-point shooters. The team also received numerous contributions from Kendrick Nunn, Meyers Leonard and Goran Dragic, all of whom played key roles in the Heat’s rotation. Later in the season, the Heat traded for swingmen Jae Crowder and Andre Igoudala, both of whom brought a gritty playstyle to Miami and immediately fit in with the team.

The Heat’s focus on playing basketball as a team helped them stand out from

their biggest competitors, especially in the playoffs. Most of the league’s top tier teams usually have a superstar (or two) that leads the team to victory, while the rest of the roster plays around them. The Los Angeles Lakers have LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Boston Celtics have Jayson Tatum, the Los Angeles Clippers have Kawhi Leonard and the Milwaukee Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat, however, focused more on team basketball, and can turn to a different player on any given night to win. That is one of the main qualities that has made this team so dangerous.

“I think what sets [Miami] apart is our will to win and that underdog mentality,” Miami Palmetto Senior High School senior Jake Glidden said. “It’s what got us through the playoffs against the best teams in the East that no one said we could beat, and yet we still pulled through.”

Once the regular season ended, the Heat ended up as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and easily swept the Indiana Pacers. However, while Miami’s victory against Indiana did not shock many, their second-round opponent, the Milwaukee Bucks, forced the Heat to step their game up to a whole new level. As the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Bucks had their eyes set on the NBA Finals and analysts across the league foresaw a quick exit for the underdog Heat squad.

Miami remained undeterred by the skepticism and proceeded to shock the NBA world. Not only did they knock out the Bucks, but they did so with ease, eliminating the Bucks in only five games. It took several strong efforts across the roster, from Butler and Dragic putting up multiple high scoring performances throughout the series to stout defense from Adebayo and Igoudala.

While the Bucks had one of the best players in the NBA, the Heat showed more grit and determination to win the series.

Despite knocking off the best team in the Eastern Conference, many still saw Miami

as the underdog in their Eastern Conference Finals matchup against the Boston Celtics.

In a tightly contested series full of jaw dropping moments, the Heat came out on top in six games and won their first Eastern Conference Championship in six years. In the face of constant adversity and doubt from fans across the league, the Heat only grew stronger en route to their sixth NBA Finals appearance in franchise history.

“Looking back on it, it’s surprising that we’ve made it this far,” Miami Palmetto Senior High senior Ethan Josefsberg said.

“But at the same time, I’ve had confidence in us for every series throughout these playoffs.

We’re a team of fighters who don’t give up easily.”

Despite a loss in the Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers, it became clear that the Heat never doubted themselves for a single moment in the playoffs. The fire that this Miami team showed demonstrates that their future remains bright. At times, it appeared that the entire NBA turned their backs on the Heat and that no one believed in them. But that only added more fuel to Miami’s fire.

Jack Meyer

Online Editor-In-Chief

j.meyer.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY SYDNEY CAMPBELL

16| SPORTS

THE REOPENING OF GYMS AND FITNESS

During the last seven months, gyms remained closed due to risks regarding COVID-19. Recently, they have begun to reopen with extreme safety precautions. Both staff members and gym-goers have experienced changes throughout the stages of reopening.

Initially, many gym employees suffered financially because they became unemployed or underemployed when the gyms closed down.

“I only worked two days out of the week when I used to work five days out of the week, this really made me dip into my savings,” 21-year-old LA Fitness worker Lauren Romero said.

Even after gyms started re-opening, many gym employees continued to struggle. Their work days and hours received drastic cuts which in turn, reduced their income. When working at the gym, they had to begin implementing new safety measures, like wiping down all the equipment, staying six feet apart and making sure everyone wore their mask, even during intense training.

While many have returned to the gym since the reopening, those who are uncomfortable leaving their house and exercising around other people can instead utilize apps and YouTube videos as a replacement. There are countless available regimens and videos online to fit someone’s specific exercise goals.

“I would personally recommend using the Nike app and Madfit on Youtube,” Romero said.

While Romero quarantined at home, she still tried to stay active by following exercise YouTube videos by Madfit. Other apps like Fitness Coach, NikeRunClub, MyFitnessPal and Planet Fitness help with staying fit when unable to go to the gym. She highly recommends that anyone staying home tries the videos, as they provide a great alternative to a physical gym and help users stay in shape despite not being able to work out at the gym.

Miami Palmetto Senior High cross country runner Camryn Givens uses NikeRunClub. She uses the app to achieve goals she has set for herself while she competes at cross country meets.

“My favorite thing about the NikeRunClub app is it keeps me updated on the paces I’m running so I know how much faster I have to go to reach my time goal,” Givens said.

Halle Segura, a member of Palmetto’s Variations dance team, has used the app MyFitnessPal to stay in shape while in quarantine. It helped her stay in shape so she could properly execute her dances once practices began again.

“What I liked about the app was that it helped me stay in shape while my dance team wasn’t able to practice much, so when we came back, I was prepared to dance and keep up with the choreography,” Segura said.

Angelica Callery, who does Olympic Weightlifting, continued working out even when gyms were closed. She followed exercises shown on Instagram accounts like “NCFit” and “Street Parking,” and came up with workouts on her own. She decided to return to her gym once it reopened, as she believes that the gym she uses

takes proper precautions. She also feels that going to the gym better suits her fitness needs.

“For myself, the equipment I would need costs thousands and requires lots of space, so going to the gym is my only option for how I prefer to workout,” Callery said.

Callery believes one’s personal preference and comfort play a part in their decision on going back to the gym because of the presence of other people at the gyms.

For those who do not feel comfortable going back to the gym, many other alternatives remain for staying in shape.

“What I would recommend to those that are working out at home is to think outside of the box.

Many common household items can be used to workout, such as water jugs, chairs or benches.

I would also recommend to just move around in general,” Callery said.

Whether someone chooses to go to the gym or stay home and remain cautious, therew is many different ways for one to stay fit during the pandemic.

Gym employees will continue to do their jobs while easing back into the process of taking care of themselves and those around them.

“Employees continue to do the best they can to take care of everyone who decides to go to gyms, but if one still isn’t comfortable then they can use different alternatives to stay fit and healthy,” Segura said.

Valentina Arias Multimedia

v.arias.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY SYDNEY CAMPBELL PHOTO BY ISABELLA HEWITT

THE EFFECT OF COVI D-19

SPORTS |17

ON FALL SPORTS AND COLLEGE RECRUITING With a semi-full schedule of high school football games scheduled for Miami Palmetto Senior High School, the highly anticipated season unfolds with uncertainty.

As Palmetto prepares for their season opener against Booker T. Washington High School, they face the extra opponent of COVID-19 and its restrictions. Due to the highly shortened season, the threat of COVID-19 could potentially wreak havoc as an outbreak means an early end to the season and disqualification in the playoffs. Thus, the Palmetto football team must follow very stringent COVID-19 protocols to ensure they have a chance to compete for a state championship. The team aims to become the first football state champions in school history.

These restrictions do not just apply to football, but all for all sports teams as well. With a shortened season and no JV teams, the Palmetto sports season already looks very different compared to last year. Additional restrictions include shortened practices, daily temperature checks and symptom questionnaires, along with mandatory social distancing at all times while not actively playing or practicing.

“This year, it’s been difficult to play volleyball and train, but we have managed to get through it. For practice, we must wear masks at all times, which isn’t too much trouble...We are not able to have spectators in our games so parents, friends, and family may not be able to come and watch their friends and family play,” junior and team member of the Palmetto girls’ volleyball team Isabela Mendez said. “Of course, it isn’t the best but we are getting a chance to play which makes it manageable...I believe that enforcing these rules can prevent the spread of COVID.” College sports recruiters and recruits also have a different process this year. Many college-bound athletes have been left with many questions about recruiting and their futures as student-athletes.

Palmetto junior Mike Jackson, number seven on the football team, is considered one of the fastest high schoolers in the nation. He clocked a top speed of 21 miles per hour during the Panther’s national TV game last year against Cardinal Gibbons. To put that in perspective, the fastest run in

the NFL last year was 23 mph. The young player captured the attention of Division 1 coaches across the country. Jackson has received offers from schools including LSU, Georgia and Maryland.

“We all know how serious COVID is, but I feel great and safe in regards to playing through it,” Jackson said. “When it comes to recruiting, I have not been able to go on physical college visits, which makes it harder on knowing what school is the best for me, but I still am in contact with all the coaches that have offered me.”

Typically, interested coaches look at films, invite players to their camps, and scout at games in order to find new prospects.

This year, however, all of these are in jeopardy, due to camps being canceled throughout the county. On top of this, limits on in-person attendance, and possibly film for games, may pose an issue for coaches seeking to observe players’ abilities or view footage of them playing. Additionally, the number of games the teams will play, if any, is still unknown.

However, despite these issues, college recruiters still believe that they can find the right recruits for their programs. Similar to how college admissions officers will place a larger emphasis on character due to schools going test-optional this year, recruiters will likely do the same. Since recruiters will have less film to evaluate, they plan to look at players depending on whether they think they are a good fit for the locker room and program as a whole. High school coaches’ recommendations will also play a large part in a player’s recruitment process.

“Recruiting this year has been different. I have received a lot more mail and been in contact with [more] college coaches than ever before,” Head Coach Mike Manasco said The games, practices, and lives of our student-athletes have changed significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with new safety protocols, student-athletes have the ability to adjust to the situation and get back to doing what they love.

Luca Rodriguez Staff Writer

l.rodriguez.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY SYDNEY CAMPBELL PHOTO BY ISABELLA HEWITT

18| OPINION

FIRST TIME From a young age, my parents have instilled the importance of voting in me. As a first-generation American, my parents have repeatedly reminded me of my privilege once I turn 18, a privilege many of my family members struggled for many years to earn due to their immigration status. This year, I will turn 18 before the Nov. 3 election. This year, I have the opportunity to place my vote.

The 2020 election has been a difficult one to keep up with, especially for someone like me who has not had the experience of keeping up with past elections. Social media contributes to much of today’s misinformation, and I have had a difficult time trying to find news sources that give the cold, hard facts without bias. I have a huge responsibility to base my opinions on news sources without bias and must educate myself on the candidate’s policies on topics like abortion, immigration, climate change and more. I need to learn about their opinions to see if they truly align with what I believe will benefit the American people the most.

The difference of this election compared to prior elections has greatly affected my mindset when voting in this election. This election has caused a more divisive and tense atmosphere than prior elections, with people cutting relationships with those supporting an opposing candidate. I have also repeatedly heard how the first presidential debate that aired on Sept. 29 does not represent a normal presidential debate; in fact, it did not really represent a debate at all.

Since I am a first time voter, this marked the first debate I had ever given my full attention to, giving me the impression that debates normally operate like this.

Through the vice presidential debate, I saw more closely the difference between the political parties and how both candidates seem to hold completely opposite opinions and distrust for each other. This election, from what I have witnessed, has revolved more around attacking the other candidate for their faults rather than logically speaking about policies that affect the lives of American citizens. Though I know that elec-

VOTER

tions normally do not run a course like this one, I now have a feeling that elections will look similar in the future, since I can only base my knowledge on this current election.

The pandemic has also had an effect on my experience with voting. Vote-by-mail has been an important topic of discussion throughout this election season due to the high volume of votes through absentee ballots. Many citizens want to exercise their right to vote but do not want to risk exposure to the virus. My family and I debated whether absentee ballots would be the way we would exercise our right this year; we decided that going to the polls would be the closest thing I would have to a normal first voting experience.

Participating in this year’s elections has taught me the importance of active citizenship. I realize I need to stay aware of the news and educate myself on the issues going on in our nation and what measures are being taken to address them. I realize I can use my vote as a way to speak out on what I believe our government should stand for. This Nov. 3, I am proud to have the opportunity to fulfill my civic responsibility as an American citizen.

Priscilla Bermudez Senior Copy Editor

p.bermudez.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY ELLA PEDROSO

OPINION|19

SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT IN PROTESTS HAS GONE T OO FA R AND SOMETIMES NOT FA R ENOUGH

The increasingly divided political climate in America has spurred highschoolers nationwide to take to the streets in the form of political protest. With the presidential election rapidly approaching, students have amplified their voices through attending political rallies and wearing merchandise for candidates that they support.

This month, students returned to physical schooling, so schools must find a way to establish a middleground for students to voice their political opinions; schools should not directly support any political campaign or sponsor protests for or against social movements, but they should allow their students to do so.

While schools should not state their own beliefs, students have the right to show their support for political and social movements — as long as they remain respectful to their peers and their respective schools remain neutral. This can take place in the form of pins, armbands, lanyards, shirts, but interestingly enough, not in the form of masks within Miami Dade County Public Schools. “...face coverings shall not be used to promote a political party or any individual seeking elected office,” a safety protocol sheet students received states.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the only exception to the right of wearing clothing or accessories with political messages at school would be if the school’s dress code banned all types of messaging, regardless of the message. As far as my extensive research into the dress code tells me, nowhere in the MDCPS dress code does it state anything about banning political messaging on students’ clothing, so what difference does it make for one’s political views to appear on their mask?

This goes back to the 1969 landmark Supreme Court case ruling Tinker v. Des Moines, which cemented students’ rights to free speech. The court ruled 7-2, deeming it constitutional for students to wear a black armband in protest of the Vietnam War. On the other extreme, some schools choose to not only allow their students to protest certain political movements or social agendas, but they go as far as to sponsor and encourage certain ones.

For example, pro-life clubs are a common sight in religious high schools throughout the country. The main chapter in Miami, Florida — the Respect for Life Club — hosts pro-life protests directly on school grounds. The club even takes place at all boys’ schools.

The main problem with this resides in the fact that some schools support controversial clubs like this one. It can make students who have opposing views feel that the school administration does not respect their opinion, which by extension, may make them feel unwelcomed on campus and isolate them from their peers.

The ACLU states that schools cannot punish students who choose to terminate their pregnancy, yet Respect for Life Club protests run rampant on many schools’ campuses, serving as a form of mental punishment and bullying towards pregnant or once-pregnant students.

In general, protesters shout blasphemy at students with opposing views; this should not be tolerated on a school campus. Currently, women in this country do have the right to an abortion, and schools that endorse the Respect for Life Club advocate for taking this human right away.

As conveyed through the above examples, schools have fallen on opposite sides of the same coin when it comes to the right to protest. In order to foster a school environment that makes all students feel welcomed, administrators in schools nationwide must come to the consensus that students have the right to protest their respective beliefs, but no one school should outright support any social or political ideologies.

Kate Stuzin

Managing Editor

k.stuzin.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY ELLA PEDROSO

FACE OFF: HAVE AWARD SHOWS LOST THEIR CREDIBILITY?

OPINION|20

NO

Award shows have not lost their credibility and still accurately represent the talent and achievements of the nominees.

Since 1999, the Teen Choice Awards has remained a credible award show. Fans complete the voting process through the Teen Choice website, and judges are not the only ones deciding; individuals 13 years old and older can register to cast their vote. The process has three periods in which one can vote and make their decision. The outcome, based solely on the views and opinions of viewers and fans that support the artists, represents the credibility of the process. Another example includes the People’s Choice Awards. Through their website, voters may express their opinions on many categories, such as movies, television, music and pop culture. Voters make their decision and in no way would it be a sham or not credible since voters’ viewpoints decide the results.

The main categories also have sub-categories like, Social Star of 2020, Movie of 2020, etc. As one submits their vote, they must agree to the show’s Terms and Conditions, which further amplifies credibility.

A few more award shows that continue to ensure credibility and reliability through their voting systems include the American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, BET Awards, the Tony awards, the Grammy awards and the Emmy awards.

The Tony awards have strict rules and regulations for their voting. The process, according to the Tony Awards online rules and regulations, reads as follows: online balloting takes place weeks before the June awards ceremony, then strict precautions are enforced to ensure that no one knows the name of the winners until announced live during the Tony telecast. Many other shows have similar systems of voting and share the necessary attribute of credibility. Therefore, viewers can still trust these shows and continue to support and vote for their favorite movie, actor, show, or artist.

Credibility has always been and continues to be a key component in awards shows and still occurs in the present time.

YES

It started in 2015 with the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite.

Then, in 2016, director Spike Lee and actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith announced they would not be attending that year’s Oscars due to the lack of diversity in the nominees and awards recipients. In 2017, Frank Ocean boycotted the Grammys for the same reasons as Smith and Pinkett-Smith, calling the nomination and awards system “dead;” shortly thereafter, Justin Bieber and Kanye West announced that they, too, would skip the show, despite being nominated for awards. Both opted out on the same grounds as Ocean. Since then, countless A-list celebrities have chosen to bow out of awards shows that could once be considered career highlights. With the lack of representation, antiquated judging process and artistd that choose not to attend a show or submit their work for consideration, the shows become less and less credible.

According to USA Today, in 2015 and 2016, all 20 actors nominated for leading or supporting roles were white, and, of the 350-plus acting awards the Oscars have given since its founding in 1929, only 19 have gone to Black actors or actresses — less than 5%. With such a disparity, it makes sense to question whether the people receiving the awards are the ones who truly deserve it, or whether they are receiving the recognition because whole categories of people have been shut out of consideration.

The inequality likely stems from the judges and judging process itself. In 2012, The Los Angeles Times reported that 94% of Oscar voters were white and 77% were men. When the composition of decision-makers reflects an enormous imbalance, it only follows that the results will be skewed, too. The Oscars themselves have acknowledged that voter eligibility requirements need to change, and have promised to make it easier for younger and more diverse individuals to become voters.

Skipping indicates that the celebrities think the shows are not worthwhile and do not hold much weight, signaling to the audience that they should not care, either. Additionally, if artists refuse to submit their work for consideration — such as Ocean did with his sophomore album — the pool becomes much slimmer and the awards do not take into account work that may deserve it more.

Isabella Hewitt

Katriona Page

i.hewitt.thepanther@gmail.com

k.page.thepanther@gmail.com

Multimedia Photo Editor PHOTO BY VALE ARIAS

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THAT’S HOT, Voting for the candidates VS. YOU’RE NOT Write ins

Kanye West’s announcement that he planned to run for the 2020 presidential election in early July sent the internet into a frenzy. Though the majority found humour in West’s statement, some showed support for the rapper. The CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk, went so far as to endorsed him. To actually cast a vote for West, however, voters must write him in to their ballots.

With election day fast-approaching, West has shared pictures on his social media platforms of his friends writing him in, and fans of the rapper have flooded social media platform feeds with posts in support of his campaign. But, I must say this: in an election that holds the power to completely alter the course of history, now is the worst time to waste your vote. Have we really not learned from our past mistakes? The 2016 election saw internet meme Harambe earn thousands of votes - votes that could have gone towards legitimate presidential candidates. Just because you might think the results of the election will not affect you directly does not mean you can put the future of millions of Americans in danger.

Keep your comedy off your ballot, and save it for your twitter drafts. Every vote counts.

Valentina Caceres

Senior Multi-media Editor v.caceres.thepanther@gmail.com

STAFF EDITORIAL An Open Letter To People Who Wear Their Mask Under Their Nose As students return to in-person school, safety remains key to avoid an outbreak of COVID-19.

The school has implemented numerous safety precautions to ensure staff and students’ safety, such as using hand sanitizer, adding a third lunch and changing the bell schedule to block scheduling.

Wearing a mask can especially reduce one’s chance of becoming infected or spreading the virus; according to the acclaimed medical journal The Lancet, mask-wearing reduces transmission of COVID-19 particles by 65%. Mask wearing is mandatory for those returning to in-person school, but only effective if worn properly. The top of the mask must be worn over the nose and fall under the chin to prevent nasal droplets from traveling and infecting others. So, to everyone that refuses to wear their mask correctly: wear your mask over your nose! Not under it, not pulled down past your chin and not dangling from your ear. It looks foolish and defeats the whole purpose of wearing a mask in the first place. COVID-19 precautions are a team effort, and you present a danger to yourself and others if you wear a mask incorrectly. Despite the shortness of breath, mask-sweat and discomfort, keep your mask tightly over your nose and under your chin to help keep everyone safe.

MISSION STATEMENT The Panther staff aims to inform fellow students and parents about school-wide, local, national, and international news. The Panther’s content aims to represent the student body. Editorials feature the opinions of staffers. Features of other students, teachers and clubs further promote the spirit, culture and personality of Miami Palmetto Senior High School.

EDITORIAL POLICY The Panther is a monthly publication of Miami Palmetto Senior High located at 7460 S.W. 118th Street Miami, FL 33156, (305) 235-1360 ext. 2337. The views expressed are solely those of The Panther staff. Students who wish to respond to an article in this publication or discuss another issue may write letters to the editor and submit them to room 1124 or e-mail us at n.markus.thepanther@gmail.com. The Panther has professional membership in NSPA and CSPA. The Panther prints 1,400 copies per issue for distribution. The Panther is distributed for free to all students in school. Please visit our paper online at thepalmettopanther.com.

BYLINE POLICY:

All creative work (such as illustrations, graphics, photos and writing) excluding staff editorials and staff member pictures will include byline credits.

CORRECTION POLICY:

Any errors in print will be acknowledged in the next print issue in a correction box. Any errors online will be acknowledged immediately. Errors include facts, figures, misquoting and name misspellings.

ADVERTISING POLICY:

Ads will be designed by the advertiser and include all information the advertiser wants included. If the advertiser asks the staff to design the ad, the individual who sold the ad will design the ad or the Ads Manager will. Ads will be approved by EICs, the Advisor and the Ads Manager. If an ad produced is illegible, contains false information, or the advertiser does not like it, they will receive a free ad in the next issue. If you would like to advertise, please contact us.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY The School Board shall comply with all Federal Laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education. The Board will enforce its prohibition against discrimination/harassment based on sex, race, color, ethnic, or national origin, religion, marital status, disability, age, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, gender identification, social and family background, linguistic preference, pregnancy and any other basis prohibited by law. The Board shall maintain an educational and work environment free from all forms of discrimination/harassment, which includes Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX prohibits sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct such as unwelcome touching, graphic verbal comments, sexual jokes, slurs, gestures or pictures. All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging, and reporting any form of prohibited discrimination or harassment against students by employees, other students and their parents or guardians, or third parties. This policy prohibits discrimination and harassment at all School District operations, programs, and activities on school property, or at another location if it occurs during an activity sponsored by the Board.