Kingwood Park Times, April 2020

NEWS, PAGE 3 AP students worry about still being prepared now that the College Board has changed its tests.

FEATURES, PAGE 4 Freshman Josie Winters makes her high school gymnastics debut.

SPORTS, PAGE 9 Allen keeps his focus as he prepares to compete at the University of Arizona.

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April 2020 Volume 6 Issue 5 Kingwood, TX 77339

Kingwood Park

TIMES

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Sophomore Kate Tiedtke puts on a Houston Fire Station 101 helmet on Feb. 21 at the station.

Tiedtke had the opportunity to thank the first responders and her neighbor who helped save her life in December. Photo by Kathleen Ortiz.

IN A HEARTBEAT

Tiedtke’s biggest challenge is not on the field or in the classroom A cardiac arrest four months ago drastically changed Kate Tiedtke’s life.

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FROM SOCCER GLORY TO FIGHT FOR LIFE The day before, Kate was playing soccer in front of more than 100 college coaches in South Carolina. She scored two goals during her team’s three games at a national showcase event from Dec. 6-8 and flew back to Houston late Sunday night.

Kate got home around 2 a.m. on Dec. 9. That same day she went through her regular school day, including soccer practice until 4 p.m. That’s when she noticed her heart was beating fast.

She wasn’t concerned. She was almost amused that it felt as though her heart were beating out of her chest. It became less of a novelty when it happened a few more times soon after.

Kate’s mom Laura Tiedtke called her pediatrician. Considering the circumstances - three soccer games, a plane flight and little sleep over the weekend - the doctor said Kate was probably just dehydrated.

She suggested Gatorade and food.

After picking up Culver’s and some Gatorade, Kate mentioned how tired she was to her mom as she headed to her

School goes online as pandemic hits

By Kathleen Ortiz Photography Editor

By Kathleen Ortiz Photography editor or 27 minutes, sophomore Kate Tiedtke lay on the floor, her gray Nike sweatshirt cut in pieces at her side.

For 27 minutes last December, it didn’t matter that the sophomore was ranked first in her class or that she was one of the best soccer midfielders in Texas. It didn’t matter that she was funny and kind.

All that mattered was that her heart wasn’t beating.

Time crawled as Kate was shocked five times with a defibrillator, injected five times with amiodarone and injected twice with epinephrine.

Her heart would not beat.

After nearly 30 minutes, she was injected with Magnesium Sulfate.

Her heart finally regained a beat.

The school remains empty as all classes are taught online until at least May 4. The last time teachers and students were in the building was March 6, which was the Friday before spring break. Phto by Kathleen Ortiz.

Kate Tiedtke holds “Firefighter Fred,” the teddy bear she received from the firefighters on Feb. 21. That night, after supporting Kate at the fire station, the girls soccer team traveled to Lake Creek and won 4-1. Kate is not allowed to play in any games in the 2019-20 season because of her cardiac arrest. Photo by Kathleen Ortiz.

room to start homework.

Kate was still doing her Algebra 2 homework when Laura went into her room and dropped off a pile of clothes. At that moment, Kate placed her homework down and then began to seize.

The 15-year-old was in cardiac arrest.

Kate’s body went stiff. Her skin turned gray. Her eyes were half closed. She wasn’t responding to her mom.

Laura yelled out to her husband, Darin Tiedtke. He saw Kate, and then he sprinted next door to get Katherine Brown, their neighbor of 21 years and retired nurse. As Brown and Laura lifted Kate off of her bed, Darin called 911.

Approximately five minutes later, Darin led firefighters from Houston Fire Station 101 to Kate’s bedroom, where the teenager lay on the floor as Brown administered CPR. They scooped Kate up and dragged her out of her bedroom to the hallway. There they cut off Kate’s gray Nike sweatshirt, put electrodes on her chest, and continued with CPR for

TIEDTKE, continued on PAGE 8

rincipal Lisa Drabing spent the past week and a half working to get electronic devices in the hands of students.

Humble ISD rolled out its fourth nine-week grading plan on March 29, and since then Drabing has made sure students can participate.

“Being able to assist stu“There were dents that need a device, times where I being able to put a device in their hands was a highlight,” just felt like the she said.

The district decided stu- whole world was dents would not receive ending. It’s hard more than six equally weighted grades during the to face our reality fourth nine weeks per class, right now.” and their fourth nine-weeks grades would not negatively - Kendall Syska, senior impact their semester averages or grade point average. The spring semester average will be calculated by the third nine-week average and the higher of the third and fourth nine-week average.

Schools will remain closed until at least May. 4.

ONLINE SCHOOL, continued on PAGE 5

Assistant principal Mack Malone and associate principal Wes Solomon work with the entire administration team to get computers in the hands of students so they can keep up with their school work at home. Photo submitted by Wes Solomon.

Seniors hope State berth still a possibility

By Gabby Norman Sports Editor

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Senior Jacob Bruce looks up the field to make a pass on Feb. 21. The team celebrated senior night at halftime of the game.

Photo by Eliza Gonzalez.

ith major events in the sporting world postponed, it was no surprise when UIL suspended athletic activities until at least May 4.

Campuses are closed and teams are unable to meet, leaving the boys and girls soccer teams still wondering if they will get a chance to make the postseason runs for which they had been building toward all season.

“It’s a season that only happens once in a decade or longer,” coach Ryan Searle said of the boys team, which was undefeated when the season was suspended and are ranked No. 1 in Region 3 5A. “It was exciting to see the accomplishments. The success this year has come from the boys working together as a team. They have estab-

lished a bond that makes them work for each other to accomplish their goal.”

The girls team was also in the middle of an outstanding season, ranked first in Region 3 5A. They had accomplished many of their goals already, and they were pushing toward a thirdconsecutive trip to the State Championships. For the 13 seniors on the team, this was their last chance for a title. They were semifinalists the past two seasons.

“Our senior class is huge and has a lot of experience,” coach Jess White said. “They are driven, selfless and believe in the potential of our team to do great things.”

White believes that with the versatility exhibited by the team, they have a

PLAYOFFS, continued on PAGE 5

NEWS

2

April 2020

Drabing earns honor for outstanding leadership

Drabing was honored as this year’s Region 4 Humble ISD Secondary Principal of the Year.

By Kathleen Ortiz Photography Editor

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isa Drabing was a ruthless volleyball and basketball coach long before she was a principal at Kingwood Park. Competitive and hard nosed, she allowed no nonsense.

She’s used many of the same tactics as the principal of a school that’s constantly growing and winning state titles and academic honors. This year along with a boys swimming state title and a girls wrestling state title, Drabing won her own award.

Drabing was named Region 4 Humble ISD Secondary Principal of the Year. All of the secondary campus principals and associate principals nominated the person they felt best represented Humble ISD. “I was very excited for her because I know the things that she does at Kingwood Park,” said Trey Kraemer, the assistant superintendent of Humble ISD. “She’s everywhere. She supports the kids academically, athletically, fine arts, all of it. She’s there.”

Drabing arrived at Kingwood Park as an assistant principal in 2000 when it was still a ninth grade campus. In January 2012, she became the second principal of the high school when founding principal Larry Cooper retired.

“I can’t say enough good things about [Mr. Cooper],” Drabing said. “He’s been a role model for me, a mentor and gave me an opportunity that I’ll always be thankful for. He is the one that set the basis and foundation for our school.”

Principal Lisa Drabing works at her desk earlier in the spring. In February, she was voted by secondary principals and associate principals the Region 4 Humble ISD Secondary Principal of the Year.

Drabing has been the head principal at Kingwood Park since 2012. Photo by Kathleen Ortiz.

Drabing has been at Kingwood Park since day one and has watched the school evolve.

“We’ve grown, but yet it hasn’t changed that feeling of this small community, this family atmosphere,” Drabing said. “I would like to say that we haven’t changed what we believe in and our philosophies about the culture of service and being kind and letting kids be involved in multiple ac-

tivities if they want.

“We just want to help kids have every opportunity that they want and have this be a school where they want to come to.

I hope none of that changed but that we only have been able to become better and be better at our craft and continue to make this a school where your kids want to come and want to be a part of.”

Auto Collision teacher Jeff Wilson was

also very happy she won the award. He’s known Drabing for 25 years since they taught together at Humble before they both moved to Kingwood Park.

“I have seen it as a coach, I have seen it as an associate principal and I have seen it as a principal,” Wilson said. “She is a huge part of Kingwood Park’s success, and her expectations since I have known her have always been at the highest level on the

court and off.”

She knew that when she got to Kingwood Park she would be there for a while, and she’s made her mark.

“She loves Kingwood Park,” Kraemer said. “She brings a passion and a level of commitment to excellence for all things at Kingwood Park. She’s driven and she wants nothing but the best for Kingwood Park.”

KMS prepares to make adjustments as construction nears

By Crosslin Silcott Features Editor

K

ingwood Middle School, built in 1977, is soon to be remodeled to provide students and teachers with a better learning environment. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall and finish in time for the 2022 school year.

The new campus, which is the primary feeder school for Kingwood Park, will be constructed on the school’s current football practice field and track. While this will affect outdoor athletic programs for the time being, it will allow students with an easy transition. Once the new building is open, there will be a few more months of construction while the original building is demolished and new outdoor athletic areas are built.

While principal Michael Curl anticipates issues with outdoor sports, noise and parking, the end result will be well worth it.

“The opportunity to work and learn in a school of tomorrow beaming with natural light, collaborative spaces, and outdoor learning opportunities will be beneficial to all,” Curl said.

The new building will not only offer a more modern look, but it will also bring

increased collaboration spaces, larger and more dynamic classrooms and a three story learning center for core instructional areas.

Curl said they are still working out the details on where exactly the outdoor sports practices will relocate for almost three years. But if the timing works out with construction, the indoor facilities will all be ready in just two years. Big improvements will be made in regards to collaborative spaces, class sizes and access to natural light.

“Though [the current building] has many memories and history, there are ideas and concepts that are needed for the learners of tomorrow that we can’t put into place here without significant costs,” Curl said.

The school turned to its staff when in the planning stages of the remodeling last year. This year, select teachers have continued to provide input.

“The reaction from all stakeholders thus far has been exceedingly positive,” Curl said. “I’m excited about having a building that will reflect the tremendous human capital that already exists at Kingwood Middle School. Our students, staff and community deserve a school built to meet the needs of the future learners of our community.”

The renderings for the new Kingwood Middle School show a more modern look and areas with natural lighting. The construction is slated to begin in August on the area that is currently the middle school’s football field. If plans remain on schedule, the new building is slated to open in August 2022.

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NEWS

April 2020

3

Students try to grasp AP changes

With 45-minute online tests at home, students worry about AP test results.

By Sara Geiger Editor-In-Chief

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n light of the nationwide school closures, College Board notified teachers, parents and students on Mar. 20 that all Advanced Placement tests would move online. Each test will cover all lessons and materials that should have been taught in class by March, when schools initially began to close. They will only have free-response questions to prevent cheating, and all tests will be 45 minutes long.

Students will be able to choose from two exam dates for each subject’s test.

“I think College Board has shown a remarkable effort,” said campus testing coordinator, Sarah Olesen. “Providing the flexibility for students to test at home during this time really highlights their desire to protect students’ best interests.”

While this situation is not ideal, AP teachers are doing what they can to make sure their students are keeping up with their work so they will be prepared for the test. Most of all, they are grateful students have the opportunity to earn credit for their hard work over the school year.

“I would encourage all students that have registered for the exam to give it their all,” said AP Spanish teacher José Sánchez. “It would be a shame to lose out on the opportunity to earn college credit.”

Some students, however, are not as optimistic about College Board’s restructured tests. Junior Jack Logan is planning on taking four AP tests this year. While he is an experienced test taker with five AP tests already under

Sophomore Amri Williams shows animals at the Humble Livestock Show in early January with the help of sophomores Mackenzie Dandridge and Holly Emms. She was also raising animals for the Houston Livestock Show but did not get an opportunity before the show was closed. Photo

by Alicyn Logue.

Canceled Houston livestock show leaves FFA students in limbo

Earlier this semester, junior Christopher Cardenas worked on a lab in Kristen Lynam’s AP Biology class. Now, students are adapting to online lessons and review as the preparation for the AP tests has changed with the new guidelines created by the College Board. Photo by Kylee Morrison.

his belt, he’s uncertain whether or not all of his hard work throughout the school year will be showcased in the new test format.

“I think the changes announced by College Board are extremely detrimental to people who spent a lot of time and money preparing for a specific kind of test that is now different,” Logan said.

With his concerns about the new AP tests, completing online assignments on time and social distancing, Logan

said his mental health has taken a hit in the last few weeks. The junior is finding it difficult to make a schedule and maintain organization while at home, however, he’s trying to stay positive amidst the chaos.

“My goals for the last nine weeks is to simply prepare for and pass my AP tests,” Logan said. “Now that more decisions are being made [by College Board], I have a clearer path to reaching this goal.”

Toth nabs National Merit finalist honor Senior is lone National Merit finalist for the senior class this year.

By Gabby Norman Sports Editor

W

hen high school juniors sit down to take their PSAT, outcomes are endless. For a select few, however, there is a goal they hope to achieve. Senior Travis Toth made that dream a reality when he was named a National Merit Scholar.

Due to scoring in the top 1 percent of Texas juniors, Toth was commended as a National Merit Semifinalist. He then filled out an application and wrote an essay. Toth was then selected to be a National Merit Scholarship finalist.

“I studied pretty hard techniques and strategies to take the PSAT,” Toth said.

“It’s kind of affirming. I’m grateful because I was blessed with the capability and skills to do well.”

Toth was sent to a PSAT “boot camp”

student’s animal sells during one of the auctions. With the Houston Livestock Show closed, students had to find ways to make alternate arrangements for their animals.

“They have choices,” FFA advisor GenBy Trinity Curl evieve Ubnoskye said. “They can proBusiness Editor cess the animals, give them away, give FA students spent months prepar- to a petting zoo, etc.”

Sophomore Amri Williams had raised ing to show their animals at the Houston Livestock Show. They were 75 chickens and 50 turkeys for this devastated when Houston Mayor Syl- year’s Houston Livestock Show. Wilvester Turner announced the livestock liams had poured more than $2,500 show was closing almost two weeks into her chickens and turkeys. Williams has already made arrangements for her early because of the coronavirus.

“I spent so much time with [my pig] turkeys and chickens.

“After the rodeo closed, I processed and did so much research on this pig,” junior Katelyn Spangler said. “To be my animals and gave them to friends told that I wouldn’t be given that op- and family,” Williams said.

Before the Houston Livestock Show portunity to show and gain that experiwas canceled, three FFA students made ence was heartbreaking.”

Spangler has raised three pigs and 30 an auction with their sheep. The four chickens in the past two years of FFA. other FFA students weren’t able to show their animals.

This was her first year The Houston Livestock preparing an animal is working with to show at the Hous“I spent so much Show surrounding commuton Livestock show.

Spangler was at home time with [my pig] nities to compensate and put on shows when she heard the and did so much for the students who rodeo was closing.

“First, my grandma research on this weren’t able to show their animals. For the called and said the news said they were pig. To be told that students who still have closing the rodeo; and I wouldn’t be given their animals, Ubnoskye is helping stuso I turned on the that opportunity dents make arrangenews to see if what she said was true,” Spanto show and gain ments.

“I am checking on gler said.

Missing the oppor- that experience was them via text and Ubnoskye tunity to show her heartbreaking.” Schoology,” said. “We are still figpig wasn’t only hearturing out what to do breaking for Spangler, - Katelyn Spangler, junior with the pigs.” but it also caused fiThree students have nancial stress. Spanbeen housing their gler has invested more pigs at the KHS/KPHS agriculture fathan $1,000 into her pig.

“Financially and emotionally, I have cilities. And each of them learned from put a lot into this pig,” Spangler said. the experience. Spangler remains posi“The rodeo provides quite a bit of schol- tive and is also able to learn a lesson arships and had I shown I would have from the Houston Livestock Show.

“From this experience I learned that had an opportunity to gain one of those life doesn’t go as planned and regardscholarships.”

The Houston Livestock Show gives less of the outcome you have to dust over $2 million to FFA students each yourself off and try again,” Spangler year. These scholarships are given to said. students regardless of whether or not a

Students had to scramble to make new plans after rodeo canceled their show.

after scoring very well on his ninth grade I made the team and played for six years PSAT. There, he learned many studying after that.” tips and skills that he used on the PSAT Toth has grown up as a competitive as a junior. After getting back from the person. He views academics just as ancamp, Toth continued to search for new other way to win. He doesn’t choose one tips and took the time to person to compete against brush up on basic skills necthough. He chooses to hold essary for PSAT. himself to a higher standard.

“In the English section, “I don’t really think it’s one they’re going to ask you quesperson, I think it’s just me,” tions based on stories,” Toth Toth said. “If I focus on one said. “Every answer has to be person, it’s like what if they found in the test, just because move down and I pass them they need to be standardized but still don’t get the rank as possible. I brushed up on that I want. I just do my very my grammar, especially combest that I can every single TOTH mas.” time, so it’s more of competToth has worked hard to find a balance ing against me. I feel like that’s the best with all of his activities, which include way to move up in rank.” multiple national honor societies, PanToth was relieved when he received his ther Pals, HOSA and STUCO. Toth was results, after waiting months for them. also on the varsity basketball team.”

He was surprised when he found none of “I enjoyed basketball,” Toth said. “It was his friends were even semi-finalists. really fun, a good way to get exercise. I “I was kind of surprised,” Toth said. “It started in sixth grade. My school brought was just a combination of hard work and in a coach, who had a summer AAU team. luck.”

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FEATURES

4

April 2020

Teachers use workouts to lose weight, stay fit

McLain and Taylor are among the teachers who have lost close to 100 pounds through training and healthy eating.

he could train better. As a result, he has lost 90 pounds. Losing weight wasn’t a goal of his, rather, it was a byproduct.

“Honestly, it wasn’t difficult,” McLain said. “I was focused on the training, and the weight just came off.”

McLain is currently training for a second Ironman, which he had hoped to compete in this month. He trains anywhere from one to six hours per day. He hopes to finish in under 12 hours this time.

By Crosslin Silcott Features Editor

W

ith the amount of hours teachers and coaches spend at school, it is often difficult for them to find time to focus on their own personal fitness.

Many have additional after-school commitments and families to come home to.

Despite the limited hours in a day, many teachers and coaches have had much success managing their time and dedicating hours to set and achieve fitness goals for themselves.

Joy. That’s the feeling that rushed through orchestra director Joshua Taylor when he first started noticing the numbers on the scale go down. After trying to lose weight on and off for years, he decided to give it another shot two years ago during spring break.

“I was on a plane and was nearly too big to put on the seat belt,” Taylor said.

“It scared me.”

He soon after began working out with the help of a personal trainer and changed his diet. After a year and a half of waking up at 4:30 a.m. to workout and planning his meals, he lost a total of 100 pounds.

“I did a little dance and teared up a bit,” Taylor said. “My next goal is to lose 75 pounds.”

Diet has been the biggest change for Taylor. He said he is a stress eater, and there are many days where he is tempted to go through a drive-thru and eat horribly. He had to completely change how he eats and what he eats, he said.

“A healthy diet is a game changer to making the exercise worthwhile,” said Sara Koym, head softball coach, aerobics PE teacher, and AVID teacher. “There are

Swim coach John Dissinger works out in the natatorium before school starts. Dissinger trains in his free time for open water races. Last April, he signed up to swim in a race from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island, which is supposed to be held in September. Photo by Crosslin Silcott.

temptations all around us, and it just really [takes] being disciplined enough to say no.”

CROSSFIT Outside of school, Koym spends much of her time as a nutrition coach, mentoring those who seek knowledge of the right foods to eat and when to eat them.

She said she is passionate about seeing other people achieve goals or doing things they never thought were possible.

“When I see people accomplish things that they just didn’t think they could do, as simple as passing up on a donut, it just makes me happy,” Koym said.

“That’s what makes me go.”

On top of her busy schedule, Koym works out five to six times a week. Four of those days are at 5 a.m. in the morning to do crossfit. Crossfit is a fitness program that uses strength and endurance training for short, high-intensity

workouts. The cool thing about crossfit is that it’s a community, Koym said.

Some days there’s five people that show up to workout, and some days there’s 17.

“My goal is to get in 16 cross-fit workouts every month, and the only time to do that sometimes is at 5 a.m.,” Koym said. “For me personally, it’s just [about] pushing myself, my mind and my body to another level: getting better everyday.”

Koym has participated in many marathons, but for right now she enjoys setting an example of a healthy lifestyle for her children. She said she looks forward to when her now two and three year olds turn five and six, and can work out alongside her.

“An ultimate goal of mine [would be] an Ironman, but I need my babies to grow up a little bit so I can train,” Koym said.

IRONMAN TRIATHLON Boys swim coach Greg McLain completed an Ironman on April 27, 2019, in the Woodlands, finishing in 12 hours and 46 minutes. Many of his swimmers that he coaches went out to support him, cheering him on during the race, along with his wife who presented him with his finisher medal.

“It was an emotional day to start with, since I trained a year to complete the race,” McLain said. “Having the swimmers take the time to travel there to cheer me on meant more than they know. I saw them about eight hours into the race and it really lifted my spirits each time I passed them.”

To train, he swam at the pool at Kingwood Park, rode a trainer bike in his garage or on his bike in Houston on some dedicated bike trails, and ran on the greenbelts around Kingwood. Additionally, he said he changed his diet so that

SWIM OF A LIFETIME After watching McLain train for his Ironman last year, girls swim coach John Dissinger was inspired and decided to get in shape as well. Already knowing how to swim, he signed up for the Alcatraz Invitational last April. Described as the “swim of a lifetime,” this swim is a little more than a mile crossing from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park Beach in San Francisco, California.

“Gotta have a goal to go for and I thought it would be a great experience,” Dissinger said.

To train, he swims with the Masters program at the YMCA and in the pool at Kingwood Park whenever he gets a chance. He said he tries to do five to six workouts a week for an hour at a time, typically early in the morning. Additionally, he said he has been trying to watch his diet as he trains.

“I’m doing things in practices I never thought I would do again,” Dissinger said.

Last year, Dissinger participated in three open water races. This year, he plans on doing six. He hopes to start doing some longer races in 2021. Particularly, he said he has his eye on a seven mile race, where he would swim around an island in Florida.

“Don’t give up, working out wise, like just show up,” Koym said. “Just [start] the process, just [walk] in the door somewhere and [ask] for help.”

Winters finds niche in gymnastics

By Sara Geiger Editor-in-Chief

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Freshman Josie Winters competes at the Kingwood gymnastics meet at Kingwood High School.

She joined junior Ashtin Nandlal as the only members of the Kingwood Park gymnastics team.

Photo by Sara Geiger.

ymnastics coach Justin James introduced each school over the speakers in Kingwood High School’s gymnasium as the women’s gymnastics teams from surrounding high schools lined up to pose for the crowd before the competition. When he called Kingwood Park High School, freshman Josie Winters proudly posed by herself.

“When I’m old and I look back and KPARK has this giant gymnastics team, I can be like ‘I started that,’” Winters said.

With only two members and at just three years old, the gymnastics program is still trying to establish a presence on the sports radar at Kingwood Park. Junior Ashtin Nandlal was the first student to inquire about starting a team for the school when he was a freshman, and he was the only member for two years until

Winters.

“At first I didn’t like [being the only female gymnast] because I didn’t get that team high school experience; but once I opened up to the Atascocita and Kingwood High School teams, it’s so much better because I feel like I’m part of them,” Winters said.

Because the competitions are split into girls and boys, Winters and Nandlal rarely cross paths on meet days. However, the pressure of representing the school inspires Winters to make every routine memorable.

“When I see people from other schools and I see who I’m competing against, the adrenaline gets to me and I get that rush; and I think ‘If I can do this well, they will remember me and the people in the stands will know who I am,’” Winters said.

Winters has spent nearly 10 years of daily gymnastics practices at Juergen’s

Gymnastics Academy in Atascocita. She said it has played a big part in who she is today. “[Gymnastics] has taught me so many lessons: it’s taught me how to track myself and make goals, it’s taught me to multitask with homework and practice, and it’s just taught me not to be a scaredy-cat or a snowflake,” Winters said.

“It’s given me good mental strength.”

Jon Winters, Josie’s dad, has been a great source of support and encouragement for his daughter since she first began participating in the sport. He and Winters’ mom attend every competition.

Jon said the excitement of watching Josie improve her skills and advance in competitions is something he will never forget.

“The memories made at each competition will always be among my most cherished,” Jon said. “[Her mom and I] are so proud of her.”

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April 2020

FEATURES

5

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

YouTube helps Reeve extend reach

Players continue to prepare for postseason PLAYOFFS, continued from PAGE 1 good chance of making it to the state tournament if given the chance. Since he does not know what UIL will eventually decide, he’s making sure his girls are staying connected and in shape.

“Control what you can control and be ready for any change we get,” White said. “They are doing their best to stay in shape and be sharp. They are maintaining or improving their fitness with workouts and runs, juggling the ball and “I hope that we working on their get our chance to ball control.”

Coaches and prove ourselves players are upset, but seniors on the field and are devastated, not be wishing worried their last chance of a state what could have title may slip away. been.”

“We have a very strong team and - Ryan Searle, are great at playboys soccer coach ing as a team,” said Cristian Bautista, a midfielder on the boys team. “We had a great run and seemed pretty unstoppable. I just think sometimes that I could have possibly played my last high school game and not even known it.”

Bautista said players should take this time to work on their game alone, but he knows it’s tough.

“I know they won’t be working as hard as they should be because we don’t have regular training and that definitely will impact us, and I know this because I’m included,” Bautista said. “Honestly, I’m

Prior to distance learning, Lauren Reeve started using YouTube to record class lessons and help students. It continues to help her now.

By Trinity Curl Business Editor

A

Girls soccer captains Leah Hoyt, Brianna Fuhre and Brooke Baldon hug after defeating Tomball, 1-0, to secure themselves another district title. The game was played over the span of two days because an injury to one of the refs on Feb. 28 forced the rest of the game to be played on the afternoon of Feb. 29. Photo by Alicyn Logue.

not really too worried because although it’s very disappointing there are bigger things that are more important right now.”

White is cautiously optimistic, he has hopes that an eventual return in May would allow for the girls to play out their postseason on a compressed schedule.

“I think the UIL is handling the situation well by being very deliberate in their decision-making,” White said. “They want to preserve as many opportunities for the student-athletes as possible. I’m not worried but would be disappointed if they ultimate-

ly cancel the rest of our season. I want this team and these seniors to have a chance to finish what they started with a great regular season.”

Although there was serious disappointment after the seasons were postponed, coaches and players alike know it is best for them and their community.

They simply hope their players get one more chance to chase their dreams.

“It was for the good for all,” Searle said. “There are more important things in this world than soccer. I hope that we get our chance to prove ourselves on the field and not be wishing what could have been.”

Teachers revamp semester plans after all classes go online ONLINE SCHOOL, continued from PAGE 1 “They wanted to come up with a plan that was not overwhelming for students, not overwhelming for teachers, something that was very doable with all that was going on and that it would not be harmful to the students’ grades,” Drabing said. “I think they accomplished that. I think for students it’s very fair and it gives them an opportunity to improve grades. I think they truly acted in the students’ best interests.”

With the majority of the final nine weeks being executed online, surveys were sent out to all students to ensure that they had access to devices at home. Drabing said the school heard from 100 to 110 students who need a device.

“I feel really good about the high number of students that we were able to contact and engage with and just reach out, do well checks on,” Drabing said.

The hard part for her has been thinking about the students who normally look forward to and take refuge at school everyday. She hopes that those students are staying connected to the teachers and adults who normally help guide them during the school week.

“I think that the hard part is knowing that so many kids do come here for the relationships that they have with adults on this campus and we can meet the needs and care for them in ways that maybe they’re not getting anywhere else,” Drabing said. “I hope that they have stayed connected to that teacher, to that adult, whether it’s through Zoom, email, Schoology, whatever it is because we are still certainly here for them.”

Changes have had to be made, however. For hands-

Zoom classes and tutoring sessions now fill students’ days.

Core teachers are required to offer four hours of tutoring throughout each week. Sessions are spread throughout the mornings and the afternoons. Photo by Kathleen Ortiz.

on classes like architecture, instructor Missi Taylor has not been able to simply transfer everything online. Her classes were one month away from completing construction of their tiny home. Now, the project is suspended until everyone is allowed to be back on campus.

“I miss [my students] terribly,” Taylor said. “I have taught most of them since they were all freshmen.

They have told me that they are using their skills they have learned at home helping their parents with house projects.”

While classes continue online, many events have

been canceled or are still in limbo.

No official announcements have been made regarding spring events planned for seniors, including senior picnic, prom and graduation. Concern that they will be canceled or postponed is at the forefront of many seniors’ minds.

“My heart goes out to them,” Drabing said. “To go through four years and then not be able to maybe celebrate traditionally as we would, you know we’re going to find ways to celebrate our seniors and their accomplishments.”

Senior Kendall Syska said that her greatest fear during all of this is missing out on prom and graduation. The soccer player and class officer said that the thought of having played her last high school game or already having her last day is really hard for her to accept.

“There were times where I just felt like the whole world was ending,” Syska said. “It’s hard to face our reality right now.”

Although Syska said she was devastated, her teachers have helped cheer her up and made the most of the situation during Zoom calls.

“I just hope that we all have a chance to relive part of our senior year,” Syska said. “Whether it’s prom, senior picnic or graduation... we deserve to have some of it back.”

Drabing hopes for the same.

“This is temporary,” Drabing said. “While we can’t be face to face, we’re still there for them in those other avenues. Eventually, we’ll be back together and pick them up and love on them and get them back in the school. We can’t wait to do that.”

fter hearing about Caroline Wick, Algebra 2 teacher, uploading YouTube videos of class lessons, Lauren Reeve, decided to do it as well.

“I don’t know why I haven’t done this since day one, but it’s helpful for my [students and] it’s helpful for me,” Pre-AP geometry teacher, Reeve said.

Having to keep track of 150 plus students is hard enough, but Reeve has found making geometry lessons on YouTube has helped balance the chaos that comes with teaching.

“It’s really helped in that aspect, not having to worry or if I’m out I can have a video [of the lesson],” Reeve said.

With teachers adjusting to the online curriculum, already having the YouTube channel has helped.

“It has been a smooth transition for Check out my students to conLauren Reeve’s tinue their work at YouTube channel home,” Reeve said. “I feel confident that it is providing the resources they need to continue finding success in my class.”

At first there was a learning curve for Reeve, but with the help from Wick it became easy.

“I had no idea how to use [YouTube] and it was so easy,” Reeve said. “I was like ‘Oh my god, I should be doing this!’”

Reeve uses an app called Doceri on her iPad that allows her to record audio, the screen, and annotate slideshows. All Reeve has to do is upload the finished video into Google Drive and then onto YouTube.

The student response to Reeve’s YouTube channel has been positive. They are able to refresh their knowledge over certain topics, catch up on lessons that they were absent for, and have a smooth transition to online classes.

While the YouTube channel helps Reeve’s students with geometry and Reeve with managing lesson plans, it also helps produce a good laugh.

The early videos were recorded while actually teaching in the classroom.

“It’s funny to go back and listen to all the things that people say that I don’t really catch during class,” Reeve said. “It’s hilarious.”

As Reeve continues to upload geometry lessons, she hopes her subscribers will go up.

“I hope by the end of the year I have about 158 subscribers, since that’s how many students I have,” Reeve said. “I’m sure it’ll skyrocket to the top of the YouTube world.”

Having subscribers is a plus, but Reeve is more focused on helping her students be the best they can be.

“I’m just happy for the internet,” Reeve said. “I’m happy I’m able to do things for [my students] that make [their lives] easier.”

Seniors hold out hope that some of their senior year activities will be salvaged

By Sara Geiger Editor-in-Chief

W

hen the coronavirus forced Humble ISD to close all of its schools through at least May 4, the class of 2020 was left wondering how their final year of high school would play out. The district has not yet stated whether they will postpone or cancel celebrations like prom, senior picnic and graduation.

“This is what we’ve worked for and looked forward to for so long,” said senior class president Olivia Fazzino.

Many students imagine themselves at these fun gatherings from the moment they start their first day of high school, and class officers strive to make it special for them and their peers.

“It would break my heart if prom or senior picnic got canceled,” Fazzino said. “The class officers and I have worked for four years to raise as much money as possible to have an amazing senior year.

[We’ve been] missing school to meet with decorators, having fundraiser meetings and dealing with finances. Given that [these events are] what most seniors look forward to, it would be really hard.”

Fazzino, a self-proclaimed hypochondriac, first read about the coronavirus in early January on Twitter and has continuously checked social media for updates ever since.

“I thought it was very scary but never thought it would affect our school, or Houston in general,” Fazzino said.

Once the virus grew to be a global pandemic, Humble ISD immediately put several measures in

place to ensure students in all grade levels have access to the resources they need to continue thriving in their academic and personal lives.

Free breakfast and lunch are available for students to pick up everyday at select locations, and all courses moved online.

“It’s pretty nice we can make our own schedules for learning instead of the same daily routine we’re used to [at school],” Fazzino said. “It is a lot harder to set aside time to learn when you’re not in a social setting like school, however, it’s a good way to learn self-discipline.”

High schools aren’t the only academic institutions to move their curriculum online. In fact, almost every level of schooling has access to digital educational resources. Most colleges across the U.S. have implemented a full-time distance learn-

ing program, as well as provided any additional resources necessary for their students.

Although she’s already been accepted to her university of choice, Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif., Fazzino advised other students who might still be weighing their options to research the actions the colleges they may be considering are putting in place to care for their students during this time.

Missing out on prom or senior picnic would be hard for all the seniors, but school officials all over the world agree that slowing the spread of the coronavirus and keeping students healthy is the first priority.

“This isn’t the way we want to end our high school experience,” Fazzino said. “Whatever happens, I think we can make the most out of it.”

FEATU

6 April 2020

CORONAVIRUS P

Alumni adjust to returning home, classes going online

By Kathleen Ortiz Photography Editor

M

egan Krippel had waited three years for this semester. The St. Mary’s University junior moved to France to study abroad in January. However, nothing has gone as planned. She spent the past few days in quarantine with friends: working on final projects, watching movies and trying to keep herself on as normal of a schedule as possible.

The former Kingwood Park soccer player is one of 66 million people in France on a 15day quarantine to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

All over the world colleges and universities are shutting down and students are being forced to do their schoolwork from home.

Many former Kingwood Park students returned home for the remainder of the spring semester. Others stayed put.

“Europe is the epicenter of the virus right now and everything I do is in consideration of the virus,” Krippel said. “My friends and I Notre Dame freshman Andie Unwin said she misses the friends she met at school in South Bend, Ind., this year. try not to let it take over our lives, but when She has returned home to Kingwood and is trying to stay on a schedule as she works on finishing her classes online. Photo submitted by Andie Unwin. you’re essentially stuck inside because of COVID-19 it’s hard to think about anything else.”

Notre Dame freshman Andie Unwin had her campus or at other events,” Kell said.

In the United States the level of precau- club volleyball season cut short. University of Kell and Unwin are both practicing social tion is varying. In New York, where former Texas junior Nicole Kell had her intramural distancing. Neither is particularly worried Kingwood Park baseball player Blake Ledoux soccer season end early as well. Now the for- about getting sick, but they are staying away is a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy, Gov. mer Kingwood Park students are staying at from others to make sure they don’t spread Andrew Cuomo ordered all workers of non- home again, trying to enjoy the extended time the virus if they have been exposed. essential businesses to stay they have with their families.

“I am young, and the ones studying this home beginning on the eveThey both have brothers at virus say that it is really not very lethal for “From the strikes Kingwood Park who are now young people,” Unwin said. “However, I ning of March 22. Ledoux is now staying at home with at the beginning of also doing coursework from would like to avoid it so that I do not pass it his parents in Kingwood, as home as Humble ISD has on to others who are more in danger.” the Corps of Cadets are not the year in France moved to distance learning While many are taking precautions, Baylor returning to classes at West to the COVID-19 due to the coronavirus until freshman Lane Stewart and Sam Houston Point until further notice. at least May 4.

State freshman Katey Searcy say they are not.

Under normal circumstanc- situation now, this “When I am at school in “My mom asked me if I wanted to get it, but es LeDoux only visits home semester was not Austin, I rarely have down- I don’t have it yet,” Stewart said. “If it hapfor two weeks in the sumtime,” Kell said. “I love be- pens, it happens in my mind. If I’m going to the best time to ing busy and involved and get it, it’s going to happen.” mer and two weeks in the winter. love being around people.

Searcy and Stewart visited the Frio River study abroad, but IAlthough “I prefer to be home beit has been nice to and Galveston over their spring breaks last it taught me so spend time at home with my week, but now they are struggling to find cause I never come home,” LeDoux said. “I like coming family, the whole social dis- places to go as businesses all over Houston much.” home, but I know this is gotancing thing has been a bit are closing. Searcy described her break as ing to make school probably - Megan Krippel, a Kingwood Park challenging for me because I “the suckiest spring break yet.” a little bit more difficult with alum studying in France this semester miss my friends.”

“It’s kind of like forced social distancing bemanaging your time because Kell is the president of her cause my friends aren’t allowed to hang out,” you want to do other things.” sorority and part of a min- Searcy said. “They’re taking precautions.”

LeDoux spent his last few days before com- istry called Ignite Texas. All of the sorority While Stewart and Searcy aren’t woring home at a baseball tournament in Florida meetings, volunteer events, and social events ried about the virus, they are worried about where he found out his season would end af- have been canceled for the rest of the semes- their classes. Both of their schools are movter only 15 games. ter. Everything for the ministry was moved ing classes online, but neither of them knew “We kind of thought it was going to come online. before they went on spring break. Stewart is to an end, but we didn’t think it was going to “I am an extrovert so I am really disappoint- missing books and clothes that he left at Bayend that early,” he said. ed that I won’t be able to see my friends on lor before break.

U.S. Military Academy Cadet Blake LeDoux was playing in a baseball tournament in Florida when it was announced his season was canceled. Photo submitted by Blake Ledoux.

“I only brought a backpack home,” Stewart said. “I have four pairs of shorts and three pairs of jeans for the rest of the semester at home. That’s an issue.”

Another concern for many college students is the lack of structure and lack of professor accessibility when working at home. Unwin created a schedule for herself. She encourages everyone else to do the same to stay productive and prevent “extreme boredom.”

LeDoux looks forward to the relaxed setting he’ll work in now, considering all of the military rules and bearings that are part of his daily life at the U.S. Military Academy. He can wear whatever he wants during his class video chats because the uniform and facial hair rules don’t apply over electronic devices.

The switch to distance learning will be an adjustment for many as the status of the coronavirus changes all over the world daily and hourly. Krippel said this experience is helping prepare her for anything life throws at her.

“This has taught me a lot about making the best of the situation I am in and being more confident in myself and my capabilities,” Krippel said. “I’ve learned how to adapt to different situations and make the best out of it. From the strikes at the beginning of the year in France to the COVID-19 situation now, this semester was not the best time to study abroad, but it taught me so much.”

Daily life juggle te

By Kathleen Ortiz Photography Editor

Health science students worry about those they worked with first semester

T

By Kathleen Ortiz Photography Editor

and that we can all do our part to avoid getting the virus, which will ultimately keep other people and the healthcare workers safe.”

Hill assisted residents at a nursing home hree times a week, Health Science II students traveled to a hospital in Kingwood during her rotations. She worries about those to attend rotations and learn about healthcare residents now.

“Anyone is at risk, but esin a more applicable way pecially people with weakthan they could in a regular classroom setting. Now, with “I wish that I could ened immune systems,” said. “I just hope they the cancelation of school unhelp in the hospi- Hill are getting the proper care til May 4 due to the coronavirus, their hospital experitals, but I can do they need and that both the workers and the patients can ences have halted.

The students’ interests in my part by staying stay healthy.”

Health Science II teachthe health field during this home and self-isoer Leanna Rockwell was pandemic have only been lating. Make sure warned prior to spring heightened though.

“My experience in my you stay home and break that extra protective measures were being added health science class has given me a different insight wash your hands.” at all facilities. The senior assisted living site notified to what many healthcare - Avery Hill, senior her that no visitors, includworkers do and are going ing her students, would be through,” senior Avery Hill said. “I realize how stressful the situation may allowed there. The hospital informed her that be to them considering that they are expos- students would be required to take a survey ing themselves and their families while trying and have their temperatures taken prior to to assist patients with COVID-19. It gives me entering through a specific door. Students a deeper respect for our healthcare workers would not be allowed to enter if they didn’t

Summer Creek graduate Sa tourist attraction was almos two months in her apartmen COVID-19. Photo submitted

T

The health science students spent three days a week doing clinical rotations at hospitals and nursing homes in the Kingwood area. The program was suspended when classes were moved online. A number of the students want to move into the medical field in their future. Photo submitted by Leanna Rockwell.

feel well.

All rotations were canceled when school was suspended. Now those students are at home focusing on their Patient Care Technician Certification.

“It is difficult,” Rockwell said. “We don’t get to practice the phlebotomy and EKG skills in class like I had planned on but they are receiving the information, taking quizzes to check for understanding, creating concept maps and spending more time on the specific skills.”

Junior Ava Lee misses rotations. Her highlight was witnessing a birth in the fall.

“Clinicals helped me open my eyes to the healthcare industry,” said Lee, who wants to

become a Physician’s Assistant in Oncology.

“And the class is not your ordinary ‘sit down and let’s learn about this.’ This class allows you to be hands-on and actually experience the hospital setting yourself.”

Lee and Hill both wish they could assist the healthcare workers they’ve met during this difficult time.

“I wish that I could help in the hospitals, but I can do my part by staying home and selfisolating,” Hill said. “Make sure you stay home and wash your hands. Everyone can do their part to help during this pandemic, no matter how big or small of a part you have.”

he schedule that alg Espinosa made fo Lilly was not very well r old drew an X through sented the lessons that Lilly then wrote, “D making her own sche consisted of a worko lunch, play time and tel “The little one, she racket,” Mrs. Espinosa s do we even go to scho get her to do her lesso a challenge.”

Mrs. Espinosa is one over the world who hav whole new job during demic: homeschooling. her algebra classes from is helping teach her tw and Lilly. It’s been a pro The amount of planni had to do to move her hard for her to work w the first two weeks they “I’m the worst homesc more or less, ‘I need y because I need to take c Espinosa said. “So it wo day and then at 9 p.m. you haven’t even read a It took a lot of work the technology. She alr

URE

April 2020 7

PANDEMIC

Former Humble ISD student adapts in China

By Taylor Rankin Staff Writer

than 60 or with pre-existing conditions have been the most vulnerable in China.

“This virus, while dangerous to people with n November, Summer Creek alum Sarah low immune systems or pre-existing health Smithson moved to Shanghai, China, to work issues, is not that big of a worry to the rest of at Disney English. The 2015 graduate was set to us,” Smithson said. “The mortality rate is low. spend 14 months teaching English to children in If you wash your hands you will be okay!”

China through a Walt Disney Company program.

Like many Americans, Smithson said jobs and “While I moved to Shanghai for my job with bills have been a concern for those in China as Disney English, I was also moving partially be- well. cause of the chance I would get to travel and see “I was supposed to return to work on Feb. 1, parts of the world that I may never get the op- after our Chinese New Year holiday,” she said. portunity to see again,” said Smithson, who has “Instead, it was pushed back to Feb. 9 and then an international business degree from Houston indefinitely.”

Baptist University.

Her program started teaching online classes on Her plan didn’t last long. Barely two months March 19. They are uncertain when their actual into her trip, the coronavirus center will re-open for face-tooutbreak - which began in Wuface classes with students.

“Eating all my han, China - left Smithson and In the meantime, Smithson meals inside my said life in China has definitely many others under lockdown with strict rules to contain the been different than what she apartment is outbreak. has seen happening in the U.S. “Things didn’t start to seem “Nothing has run out here,” getting old. But I too bad until right before I left she said. “At all times I was (on vacation) for Vietnam on am very lucky to be able to get what I needed: food, Jan. 21,” Smithson said. “By happy and healthy, water, toilet paper, even soap. the time we were flying back It’s interesting to see because so I am not on the Jan. 27, we had to sign the US panics and stocks up health waivers to get back into with more than they need, but complaining.” the country and we were rehere they continue their same - Sarah Smithson, a Summer quired to wear masks in pubshopping habits and there Creek alum working in China lic. Things escalated rather is plenty for everyone. Now quickly after that.” seeing everyone freaking out Like everywhere, Shanghai about something that I have has been working hard in getting the situation been dealing with for more than two months, I under control. People’s routines had to quickly am finding the panic to be a bit unnecessary.” change.

Many are ready to get back to their normal daily “People didn’t know what to think at first, but routines. Being trapped all day in her apartment, soon everyone rallied together and followed the Smithson tries to keep a normal schedule with rules set in place by the city,” Smithson said. “I work, watching TV shows and playing board wear a mask everywhere. I am not allowed on games. the metro train or most establishments if I do “Now that it has gone on so long, I am startnot have a mask on. When I walk into a building ing to get excited for classes resuming and things I have to get my temperature taken. Just in one getting back to normal,” Smithson said. “I’m a day, I have gotten my temperature taken over five teacher and I miss my students.” times. I don’t touch anything that I don’t have to, Smithson said some of her family and friends in and I wash my hands constantly.” the U.S. were concerned about her staying in ChiReports have shown China has more than na, but she insisted on remaining in Shanghai.

67,000 people infected with COVID-19. Of those “I believe that traveling in a plane -- sharing cases, more than 3,100 have died. Those older air with people I don’t know/don’t know where

I

arah Smithson stops by the Bund in Shanghai to take a photo. The usually crowded st empty because of the coronavirus outbreak. Smithson has spent much of the past nt in Shanghai since the school she teaches at had to temporarily close because of d by Sarah Smithson.

they’ve been -- would put me in more danger than I am here,” Smithson said. “My mom told me from the get-go that she would support whatever decision I made, and I still believe I made the right decision.”

Personally, Smithson has not been quarantined, but her friend Courtney has had to be quarantined because of her arrival to Shanghai from the U.S. “She had to stay in her apartment for 14 days without leaving,” Smithson said. “No one was allowed to go and see her or anything. She had groceries delivered and stayed by herself. We FaceTimed almost daily to keep her sane. She just finished her quarantines and came over to watch a movie and eat pizza.”

In the past seven weeks, Smithson has been staying with her friend Laura. Through the situation, Smithson said it has brought their relationship closer. Smithson has had no family affected by the virus personally, but many of her friends have returned home to the United Kingdom and the U.S. until it settles.

“Things are slowly starting to pick up again around here, more people are out, more businesses are open, and it seems like Shanghai is starting to run smoothly once more,” Smithson said. “That being said, it will not be back to ‘normal’ for months.”

Food services (equivalent to Postmates and Uber Eats) are open still in Shanghai and to get your groceries you can either have them delivered or you can go get them yourself, as long as you follow the rules of wearing your masks and getting your temperature taken.

“I chose to go to the store because it gives me a chance to get out of the house and walk around for a bit,” Smithson said. “I am very careful with washing my hands and disinfecting when I get back to my apartment.”

Smithson still is able to talk to friends and family here in the U.S. with WeChat, a messaging app used for mostly everything in China. The hardest part is for her not being able to go do anything.

“I can’t go to Disneyland because it’s closed, and I can’t go shopping because most of the malls are just now reopening,” Smithson said. “Eating all my meals inside my apartment is getting old. But I am very lucky to be happy and healthy, so I am not complaining.”

e takes new turn as many eaching, parenting

gebra teacher Kathryn or her kindergartner received. The six-yeareach heart that represhe would not do.

Do no lessons” before edule. Lilly’s daily list out, relaxation time, levision time. thinks school’s just a said. “She thinks, ‘Why ool?’ So me trying to ons everyday has been

e of many parents all ve been thrown into a the coronavirus pan. Along with teaching m home, Mrs. Espinosa wo daughters, Isabella ocess. ing that Mrs. Espinosa classes online made it with Lilly and Isabella y stayed at home. chool parent, so it was you to leave me alone care of my work,’” Mrs. ould be me working all . going, ‘Oh my gosh, a book today.’” for her to learn all of ready was videotaping

her lessons at school, but she struggled creating the specific assignments she wanted on Schoology. She didn’t want her classes to add stress to her students’ lives. She wanted her distance learning to look as close to her regular teaching as possible. She credits geometry teacher Lauren Reeve with helping her.

Mrs. Espinosa would send a text at 9:30 p.m.

“OK, this is what my assignment looks like,” Mrs. Espinosa would text. “I need it to look exactly like that on that screen. How does that happen?”

Reeve would always help.

As for her own kids, Isabella is an eighth grader at Riverwood Middle School and was receiving new assignments daily the first couple of weeks at home. Mrs. Espinosa said that Isabella had trouble keeping up with all of the work. Eventually her teachers started to scale back on the work they were giving.

“So, Izzy, who’s usually my loner, she’s usually the one that could care less about being around people, is now wishing she was at school around people,” Mrs. Espinosa said.

“So, I think she’s having a hard time not being able to see her friends.”

Mrs. Espinosa admits that she’s not really a distance learner either. The couple of classes she took online in college weren’t her best. She was a procrastinator, always the last to comment on discussions. However, now she’s beginning to see how helpful the technology can be and is looking to possibly implement it in at least some of her classes next year.

The schedule algebra teacher Kathryn Espinosa set up for her 6-year-old daughter, Lilly Espinosa.

Earlier this month, algebra teacher Kathryn Espinosa sits with her 6-year-old daughter Lilly as she works on her kindergarten homework. Photos submitted by Kathryn Espinosa.

“It’s not that it was a choice; but now seeing everything, I’m thinking maybe I’ll have pre-AP submit stuff on Schoology because that would be less paper for me to print,” Mrs. Espinosa said. “You could almost make it all online. But I’m still a little old school, so it’s kind of tough for me to say, ‘Let’s just do everything online.’”

Her 8 a.m. Zoom calls with students have been an adjustment. Cats were the topic of conversation during her first Zoom office hours. She misses real interactions with her students in the classroom.

“I’m actually kind of a non-social person myself, but I miss actually interacting with the students,” Mrs. Espinosa said. “Like, actual interaction. I mean despite them sometimes getting on my nerves, I kind of miss that --

believe it or not.”

Until she can see her students again, she’s enjoying the real interactions with her family.

They now go on daily bike rides.

“My kids are actually playing together,” Mrs. Espinosa said. “I mean it’s video games, but still. They’re actually in the same room, and I don’t hear any screaming or ‘Izzy’s being mean’ or anything like that.”

While the 6-year-old is tolerating her sister, school is a totally different story. Even getting her on an occasional Zoom with her classmates is considered a feat. The first time her mom suggested logging in to chat with her teacher and classmates, Lilly dismissed her.

“Hmmm. I don’t think so,” Lilly told her. “It’s not really my thing.”

The schedule Lilly Espinosa set up for herself, which included workout, relax, lunch, play time and TV time.

SPORTS

8

April 2020

Recovery continues for Tiedtke

TIEDTKE, continued from PAGE 1

another 22 minutes.

As Laura watched the paramedics trying to restart her daughter’s heart, she urged Kate to come back. “Come on, Kate; come on, Kate,” she thought, hoping her little girl would somehow sense her words. “You can do this, Kate; keep fighting, Kate.”

After 27 minutes of CPR, the firefighters and paramedics tried different methods to reestablish Kate’s heartbeat. Finally, Magnesium Sulfate worked.

Kate’s heart was beating once again.

A FAMILY IN CRISIS Kate was lifted into an ambulance and rushed to Kingwood Medical Center, where she was stabilized. From there she was taken to Texas Children’s Hospital.

Kate arrived downtown a little before midnight. Her older brothers Chase and Luke Tiedtke had already been there for more than half an hour.

Chase and Luke are both studying at the University of Texas at Austin. Luke was at an event with his girlfriend, and Chase was playing in an intramural basketball game when they received texts asking them to pray for their little sister.

“I couldn’t breathe,” Luke said. “I didn’t know what to do, what to say, what was going to happen because in that moment I had no idea what was going to happen to Kate. When you hear that someone’s heart isn’t beating you’re not really thinking the best, so I just was breathless.”

When Chase arrived home from his game he grabbed his keys and picked up Luke. Without music in the car or much conversation between them, they rushed back to Houston. They hadn’t packed any bags. They didn’t even worry about their upcoming finals.

When Kate arrived at Texas Children’s, the first thing the doctors told her parents was that her heart was not doing well. She already had a breathing tube.

Texas Children’s doctors inserted a central line to inject medication directly into her jugular vein and a line in her leg where they could measure her blood pressure and pulse rate immediately.

She was diagnosed with Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. That night the doctors worked to strengthen her heart.

“It was hard to watch,” Luke said. “Seeing your little sister with a tube down her throat sedated and incapable of speaking or pretty much doing anything is a difficult sight to see.”

LONG ROAD BACK Kate doesn’t remember anything from Dec. 9 to Dec. 11. But it was a time her family will never forget. She used sign language to communicate what she needed. She signed “hot,” “cold” and “water” among other words that could help her get her point across.

“Once she started doing sign language we were like, ‘you know what, she’s going to be fine,’” Chase said. “If it happened to any of us she was the one that was going to be the one to survive it.”

Kate was in the hospital until Dec. 16.

While she was adjusting to being back home, her classmates were taking their

Junior Lori Do places a toy firefighter helmet on sophomore Kate Tiedtke’s head on Feb. 21 during a visit to Houston Fire Station 101. Kate visited the firefighters to thank them for helping save her life after she went into cardiac arrest on Dec. 9. The Kingwood Park girls soccer team went as well to support Kate. Photo by Kathleen Ortiz.

Kate Tiedtke receives a teddy bear from Executive Assistant Fire Chief Isaac Gracia on Feb. 21.

Kate named the bear “Firefighter Fred” per the suggestion of Stephen Scott, a medic from Houston Fire Station 102. Photo by Kathleen Ortiz.

Kate Tiedtke runs to win a ball during the 2019 regional semifinal game against Port NechesGroves during her freshman year. Photo by Jayme Wilkey.

fall semester final exams. She didn’t The vest must remain on for at least take any finals or attend any classes the another three months. During a March week of Dec. 16, but she did visit her soc- 12 appointment, the doctors did an EKG cer teammates one afternoon. She was and a stress test where Kate ran for the greeted with big group hugs and ques- first time since before she went into cartions about whether or not she’d be back diac arrest. Kate had hoped that those on the field for the playoffs. tests would grant her the ability to get The answer was no. rid of the LifeVest, but Kate wouldn’t be playthe time frame for how ing soccer anytime “I don’t think long the vest would soon. The 2019 District on was lengthened things will ever be 20-5A Newcomer of the after the stress test Year would miss her be back to normal. showed some arrhythsophomore season. mia in the lower chamI think you get The LifeVest she was bers of her heart. given after she went Last year Kate had 15 better everyday, into cardiac arrest assists and two goals. keeps her from being but you’re always Now she gives out able to do anything that wondering if it’s hugs and advice on the could make her sweat, bench. including simply being going to come back, “I do enjoy watching outside at temperatures soccer, so it’s not that right? I think that’s bad,” Kate said. “I like above 85 degrees. It has three defibrillators on it normal for anyone.” talking to my friends and electrodes that are on the bench so it’s - Darin Tiedtke, Kate’s dad attached to her body. If fun and it helps me she is to go into cardiac socialize more in socarrest again, it will aucer because otherwise I tomatically shock her heart in order to would be playing, which wouldn’t be the put it back into rhythm. same. I’m already close with the girls that “If you look at Kate she looks perfectly are playing because I played with them fine and normal, and she goes about her last year, so it allows me to interact with day,” Laura said. “But the fact that she different people.” has to wear a LifeVest means that there Darin and Laura attend many of the has to be a significant reason for that, games. Laura is still the team mom. She that she’s still not out of the woods.” bakes cookies that the whole team eager-

ly anticipates.

Still, there is a void.

“I miss Kate being able to play soccer, to run around, to do the things she wants to do,” Darin said. “That’s tough. She’s fun to watch play soccer. She’s a smart player.”

Kate also had to pause her driving practice. She had her permit for about two months before she went into cardiac arrest. Now, she won’t be able to finish her Driver’s Ed course until she gets the LifeVest off. Her dad misses the half an hour that they would spend in the car where they were both fully focused on the road and each other.

“She’s pretty fun to ride with because you’re one-on-one,” Darin said. “She can’t be on her phone, she can’t be on electronics, so she drives for half an hour and she just talks.”

She can’t drive or play soccer. School has been the only place Kate has gone without her parents, other than the occasional bus rides home from soccer games. Even then, Laura’s car was always right behind the bus.

A New Normal Laura, Darin and Kate all look at her situation differently. Laura watched it unfold from the moment Kate slumped over on her bed. Darin made the calls to 911 and their family, and Kate was the one in cardiac arrest.

“The whole thing is just crazy because I don’t remember anything, and every

In a year like no other...

time I hear the story it’s just like storytime because it’s not like I was the one that was in the situation,” Kate said.

Laura and Darin remember it all.

“I don’t know that I have any sort of acute anxiety,” Darin said. “It just kind of looms over your head. It just is in the back of your mind all the time or a lot of the time; and if you ever stop and are quiet and think about it, it lives there.”

They’re ready for Kate to be able to do what she loves again. They want her to be able to play soccer, drive and hang out with friends without her parents so close all the time, but they don’t know when that will be.

“I don’t think things will ever be back to normal,” Darin said. “I think you get better every day, but you’re always wondering if it’s going to come back, right? I think that’s normal for anyone.”

While they can’t control how soon Kate is back to her usual routine, they’re focusing on being grateful for what they do have: Kate.

Laura often thinks about the “ifs.” If she hadn’t been in her room. If their next door neighbor nurse hadn’t been home.

If her husband hadn’t been nearby. If the fire station was farther away.

If any of those things had not fallen into place, things might have turned out differently. The stars must have been in the right place that day, Laura believes.

That’s why Kate is here today.

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SPORTS

April 2020

Senior sets sights on college, paralympic success

9

By Gabby Norman Sports Editor

interest and attention,” boys track head coach Chris Elliott said. “They have a very good support system in place for enior Jacob Allen has crossed the sea him to excel both academically and athin order to compete in races all over letically.” the world, and he credits it to one thing Elliott said Allen has been working -- his pre-race meal of chocolate cake. much more this year, increasing his “I eat chocolate cake every time,” Ja- daily mileage during practice and focob laughed. “Before just eat chocolate cusing on the small things to help him cake, it works.” shave off time.

In reality, Allen credits his successes “He has worked extremely hard for to much more than a simple dessert. this next step in his life,” Elliott said.

The senior was adopted after first com- “He is beginning to pay attention to the ing to the U.S. from Ukraine in 2015. It details. He has improved tremendously. was upon his initiation to his new way He is more powerful and stronger.” of life that Allen was first introduced to Over his time at Kingwood Park, Elthe idea of wheelchair racing. liott has created Allen’s workouts, reinWhen Allen was born, his spine and forced his technique, and developed the spinal cord weren’t formed properly, special bond between a coach and his a condition commonly athlete. known as Spina Bifida.

“He is a great young “He is a great This does not constrict man, and a big inAllen to a wheelchair, young man and a spiration to all that but he uses one as it know him,” Elliott big inspiration to said. “[My favorite provides smoother transportation and is all that know him.” memories are] haveasier on his body. ing the interaction Wheelchair racing has with him at practice, - Chris Elliott, proven to be a major getting him involved track coach benefit to Allen, who with his teammates has committed to atduring the off-season tend the University of Arizona on an and the respect he has gained from his athletic scholarship in the fall. He had teammates.” previously wanted to attend the UniverThis fall, Allen will be starting anew sity of Illinois; but after taking time to once again and he is hoping for the exevaluate their programs and facilities, perience of every other college student Allen chose Arizona. before him.

“I like hot weather,” Allen said. “In Illi“Living away from my parents would nois, when it’s winter it’s very cold; and be fun, they’re not controlling you, when I was looking at their program at not telling you what to do,” Allen said. the University of Arizona, it looked bet- “I think it’ll be a little bit harder, but I ter than the University of Illinois.” have friends there which will help me if Allen said this is a good for him and I have issues.” will provide him with better facilities.

Sheela Allen, Jacob’s mother, has no “[I am] excited and proud of the way concern for her son in college other he is developing and handling all the than his health.

S

Senior Jacob Allen competes in the 100 meter wheelchair race at a February track meet. While sports have been shut down because of the coronavirus, Allen has continued training in the streets in Kingwood and on the track at Kingwood Middle School. Photo by Richard Rivera.

“I will miss him, but my biggest concern is if he is sick,” Sheela Allen said.

“Will he have the care as he does here at the Texas Medical Center?”

Sheela Allen has high hopes for her son, knowing that his Ukrainian background could provide the basis for a strong role in the government as a translator.

“I think Jacob would do great in a government job where he could translate,” Sheela Allen said. “He speaks three languages. I want Jacob to be happy in a career with him having his own family, many years down the road.”

Allen has his sights set to compete for the US Paralympic team in Paris 2024.

This past summer, he was selected to represent the US in the junior world’s track meet in Notweil, Switzerland.

While Allen did not place, he gained experience to help him further.

For now, Allen competes in 10K races, half-marathons and marathons. As a varsity track athlete, Allen also competes in shot put, the 100-meter dash, and the 400-meter race.

“When he is at the University of Arizona, he will be doing more full marathons,” Sheela Allen said. “They will give him the training he needs to accomplish this.”

Allen isn’t concerned about college, it’s just another part of his journey. The facilities at the University of Arizona are especially accommodating.

“We have a lot of people in wheelchairs there, everything is fine,” Allen said. “There are ramps everywhere so you can go wherever you want to go on

campus.”

To Allen, college is something to get through, believing that finishing school is the only way to secure a good job.

“Just finish it and graduate,” Allen said.

“In the U.S., it’s a rule that if you don’t finish college, you don’t have a good job.

I want to be a coach or a translator.”

That journey started in Kingwood and will continue at the University of Arizona. Allen is determined to make his name known by representing his school and his family.

“I need to work harder on the track,” Allen said. “They gave me the scholarship. I’ll be wearing the uniform of the University of Arizona and making people want to come watch.”

Selvas appreciate support from soccer coaches, teammates

By Bailey Ricker Staff Writer

F

or over 11 years, the three Selva siblings Gabriela, Cristian and Armando have been active in soccer. Their parents have always been supportive of their soccer careers. They help drive the kids to push themselves and be successful.

However, the Selva family has been faced with an obstacle the past year.

Kristi Selva, their mom, was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer in May 2019.

“Since she’s been diagnosed it’s been harder; but she does her best to make it to everything, and she’s still very supportive,” said Gabriela, who is a freshman.

On Feb. 14, the boys varsity soccer team recognized Krista Selva. The team wore pink bands during the game. They also each gave her a rose. This was a nice surprise for the Selvas as there has been added stress in their lives.

“I thought it was really nice, and it made my mom happy,” said Cristian,

a sophomore who plays on the varsity squad with his older brother Armando, who is a senior.

“To say I was surprised is an understatement,” Kristi Selva said. “That was an amazing night. Both of the soccer teams (boys and girls) were wonderful to me. I was overwhelmed and felt so much love and support from everyone.”

Gabriela had an away game so she was not present. However, she was just as surprised as Cristian and Armando when they saw the setup.

Not only did the boys teams honor Krista, but the girls did also.

“The JV soccer girls team put together a darling basket with a signed poster and card, blanket, and lots of other goodies that are great for use in the hospital during recovery,” Kristi Selva said.

Kristi’s adventure, however, is not yet over.

“On average, I have to go to the doctor and physical therapist at least weekly, if not more,” she said. “Right now, I am doing every other week chemo treatments for another month and a half, then

The boys soccer team honored Krista Selva, the mom of Cristian and Armando, during their Feb. 14 match. Krista Selva was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer almost a year ago.

Photo by Trinity Curl.

weekly chemo treatments for 12 weeks, and finally six weeks of radiation.”

Kristi Selva, as a mom, is used to being the ‘giver’ and not the ‘getter.’ However, cancer has forced a change in perspective.

“I have always liked to be independent and the one taking care of others,” she

said. “My nature is not to draw attention to myself, so it has been hard becoming a burden on others and accepting help from others -- although we have so appreciated all the help we have received from family, friends, and community.

I don’t know how to thank everyone enough.”

Throughout all of this, Kristi said it has brought their family closer.

“We put our faith and trust in God that he will take care of us and anything that happens is part of his larger plan,” she said.

Cristian added, “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to not take things for granted because they can change.”

Kristi Selva likes to quote Jeremiah 29:11 to her children, “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you - declares the Lord -- plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a hope for the future.”

“We can trust in our faith to bring us through any adversities and give us hope,” she said. “I want to specifically thank the KPARK community for being supportive to not only me and my husband but to my children throughout this diagnosis. It brings me great comfort to know that the KPARK teachers, administration, and students are supporting both me and my children as I go through these treatments. My hope is that we can repay the favor at the end for others.”

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JOURNALISM Stacy L. Norman, DDS 281-359-9100 2325 TIMBER SHADOWS DRIVE, BLDG. A KINGWOOD, TX 77339

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OPINION

10

Travel bans end family trip to Greece abruptly

By Gabby Norman

“G

et up. Wake up, get dressed.

Pack your stuff, and help your sister pack hers. We have to go.”

My mom’s words, along with the light in my hotel room, are what woke me up at 4 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, in Athens, Greece. I slipped out of bed, confused, wondering what was going on.

“They’re closing the borders on Friday at 12 o’clock,” my mom said. “I’m trying to find us a flight, but we need to get to the airport to get one.”

My two siblings, parents, grandparents, and myself all piled into a van where a driver took us to the Athens airport. There, my parents spent a good seven hours trying to find us a new flight.

My siblings and I were bored out of our minds and worried. My sister and I scrolled through endless videos on Twitter, and reminisced over the past couple days.

Sitting in my living room on the Friday before spring break, I listened with dread to my parents talk about canceling our trip. I had always wanted to go to Greece, to see the Parthenon and the islands. My mom was adamant that it was a bad idea, but eventually, we won her over. Flying there, we saw people wearing masks, and even pulling their shirt or scarf over their mouths, but we weren’t concerned, it was almost amusing.

Sophomore Gabby Norman stands outside the Parthenon in Athens, Greece with her younger sister Julie. Photo submitted by Gabby Norman.

In Athens, we spent four days visiting museums, the Acropolis, taking a bus tour and eating all of the amazing food.

The streets were lined with orange trees, and they were so full of fruit that you could easily just reach up and grab an orange. We didn’t understand why thousands of oranges just fell to the ground and rotted, but it turns out they weren’t good to be eaten.

On Wednesday, my parents and I came down with some sort of foodrelated illness, so we went back to the

hotel to try and sleep it off.

The next morning, I was woken up to my panicked mother telling me we had to get out of the country, and we had no way to currently do so. As the oldest child, I had to take charge. I packed my bag and my little sister’s. At the airport, I tried to entertain her, we watched videos on Twitter and talked.

We were so tired and frustrated, part of me wanted to cry or do something.

Sitting there all day was horrible, I can’t imagine how it was for my par-

ents, they were ridiculously stressed.

Finally, after hours at the airport, we had a flight. We would fly to Frankfurt, Germany, spend the night, and then fly home the next morning. Germany, although we only had a few hours, was amazing. We walked to see the river that runs through Frankfurt and saw the most beautiful train station and church.

The next morning we flew home on an 11-hour flight, which was the longest flight I’ve ever been on. When we got home, I was so ready to just take a shower and get in my bed, which is what I did.

The next morning, I woke up and walked to the living room, where I was met with two words from my dad, “two weeks.”

Confused, I asked what he was talking about. He then told me we had to self-quarantine ourselves for two weeks. I had an overwhelming sense of dread, I was concerned if we would have supplies. Thankfully, we were able to get supplies.

My mom likes to say she was right, something did happen. It did, we almost got trapped in a foreign country.

I wouldn’t change anything, though.

Greece was beautiful, I intend to go back and see the islands like I had wanted to. Maybe mother does know best, but this is one situation where it was OK not to listen.

Many mistakes around the world cost us lives

By Sean Garvin

W

e all started hearing about the coronavirus in late January, right around the time when China pulled off the largest mass quarantine in modern day history, encompassing an upwards of 50 million people.

It emerged in America as non-threatening with many dismissing it as just a flu and being compared to the Ebola outbreak in 2014, which seemed relatively harmless as the majority of cases were reported within West Africa.

Flash forward to April, the coronavirus, now named COVID-19, has infected almost 1.5 million people, claiming the lives of 100,000. Eighteen million Americans have already filed for unemployment due to the virus.

In a span of two months, an unknown disease that we know little about has made its way outside China and into every corner of the world.

When the coronavirus became apparent in late-January, the United States should have immediately ramped up production of ventilators, medical masks, respirators and more as China’s hospital system was becoming overloaded and an outbreak in the United States was inevitable.

The only preventative tasks the U.S. did during the outbreak in China were to create some health screenings in airports, which were highly ineffective as you could still have the virus and be asymptomatic.

When Covid-19 started to emerge in China, I would have stopped all flights between China and the United States.

When infection rates started to rise in Italy, Iran and elsewhere, I would have just closed the borders completely.

If infections still spread internally, I would have shifted funding to provide Covid-19 testing kits so we know who has contracted it and who hasn’t. Strict quarantine measures should have also been put into place, penalizing anyone who disobeys those guidelines.

Taiwan implemented those rules and the island now has comparatively few cases, and it was much closer to the hot zone. I personally know

Coronavirus cases in U.S.

The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus climbed to more than 18,500 with the number of infections now over 500,000.

3-9 cases

1-2 cases 100-1,000 WA 487 OR 48

WY UT 17 AZ 97

CO 250 NM 19

AK 7

(DEATHS)

word stories COVID-19 edition

Please let us still have prom!!

Lauren Ives, 12

Senioritis doesn’t mix with online learning.

Morgan Eckerty, 12

Giving new meaning to “gettin’ paper.”

Jessica LaBello, English teacher

Lots of us are suffering mentally.

Melissa Rasmussen, 11

I’m not alone, but I’m lonely.

Kadee Tiner, 10

Now introverts have the upper hand.

Ellie Buchan, 9

Come closer and I’ll Lysol you.

Carey Beal, 10

I miss my students and coworkers.

Jim Dang, math teacher

This is going to be tough.

Bev Randall, French teacher

Zoom is fun.

I’m liking it.

Laurie Rosato, Chemistry teacher

Ready or not, life is changing.

Jessica Nolan, English teacher

Who’s up for a new adventure?

Michelle Neel, English teacher

HI 8

As of 11 a.m., ET April 11

people who lived in the hot zones and how drastic the measures have been.

Governments such as Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore were quick to act by containing the virus and putting laws into place to prevent further spread. Instead of following their lead, our government chose to wait until it started to rapidly escalate, endangering 330 million Americans, especially our older population who are more susceptible to the virus.

America’s lack of actions is in part due to China’s failure to alert the World Health Organization. They withheld crucial information. On Jan. 18, the Chinese dictatorship allowed a large festival which drew tens of thousands of people to Wuhan during the early stages of the outbreak, a probable

5,000+

25-100 cases

VT ME 19 25 ND MN 6 NY 8,627 NH 22 57 MA 599 WI SD MI NJ 1,932 128 RI 49 6 1,281 PA 446 IA CT 448 OH NE 31 IL IN 231 MD206 DE 32 17 WV VA 330 DC 38 MO 596 KS 5 130 KY 90 105 50 NC 85 PR 42 TN 98 OK AK SC 72 88 24 MS AL GA 93 81 425 LA TX FL 755 249 438

MT 6

ID 25

NV CA 102 598

1,000-5,000

10-25 cases

6

April 2020

Source: ncov2019.live, Johns Hopkins CSSE Graphic: Staff, TNS

reason as to how it dispersed globally.

Some journalists in China who have been documenting the events have also disappeared as Chinese state media prevents the distribution of information that does not go through their state censors.

The statistics on the deaths and infection rates in China could be 10 times higher than what’s being recorded, according to the CIA. Multiple reports of Chinese authorities have been forcibly removing citizens suspected of having the virus and throwing them into quarantine camps, increasing the probability of them contracting it.

Dr. Li Wenliang, who first discovered the virus back in December, warned a group of medical advisers of an impending disease and said it should be

thwarted before it spirals into a mass epidemic. China immediately reprimanded him for “spreading rumors.”

If Dr. Li managed to get the word out, this whole international predicament could have been avoided. A few days after being jailed, he caught the virus and died, causing outrage toward the Chinese communist party for their failure in trying to impede the virus.

It is a shame a lot of people had to lose their jobs and their lives. The government should have enacted evasive acts rather than waiting until it actually reached our shores and prepared everything last minute.

Grateful to have time to relax!

Casey Smoot, 11

We are all super duper bored.

Alaina Donovan, 11

OPINION

April 2020

11

Earth Day needs to be celebrated by all

By Trinity Curl

F

or the past 50 years the United States has celebrated Earth Day on April 22. Usually people skip over the holiday or the least they do is make a cute Earth Day craft or simply think to themselves, “Oh, today’s Earth Day. That’s cool.”

The last time I remember a public celebration of Earth Day was in Kindergarten. We made cute nature and earth-themed crafts.

With climate change, pollution, deforestation and animal protection being hot topics of today, Earth Day should be more relevant than ever before.

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970, when 20 million Americans protested for a new way to keep our planet cleaner. After these protests, many environmental acts were passed, such as the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.

Throughout the years more and more environmental conscious laws, treaties and bills were passed, but now there is a new challenge. There is a great division between people. While one group is planting trees another is chopping them down. Places that were once ice are now melting. While one group protects animals another is slaughtering them.

This Earth Day we need to remind ourselves everything our planet does for us. We need to set our pride aside and come together to help our planet.

A crowd of people gather near a large poster that shows a speach bubble from planet Earth that reads “Help!!,” on the first Earth Day conservation awareness celebration, New York, New York, April 22, 1970. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images/TNS)

Whether it is simply throwing your Coke can into the recycling bin or turning the lights off in your room when you’re not in there, do something to help the planet.

You may be thinking: I don’t know what else I can do besides recycle.

There are many ways to help, such as reducing the amount of trash produced by lunches. Swap the Ziploc bag for a reusable container. Replace those Ozarka water bottles for a Nalgene water bottle. Reduce paper consumption by printing double-sided, taking notes on your phone or laptop. If possible

try walking or riding the bus to school.

Purchase reusable Starbucks cups or mug to drink your morning coffee in.

That list is just a start.

Let’s bring Earth Day back. Celebrate knowing you’ve done something to help the planet. And after Earth Day continue practicing these pro-environment habits. Earth Day is an annual reminder to us all to keep protecting our planet everyday.

As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “A nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.”

Teens are often forced to grow up too quick

By Blanca Cantu

T

he past 20 years have no doubt resulted in some big changes when it comes to how young teens are expected to dress and act, especially when it comes to young girls. Nowadays you rarely see a young girl going through questionable fashion moments that all of us went through. Instead these new generations are being handed contour kits for Christmas and are expected to head to trendy stores and wear whatever short skirt or shirt a company deems right for them.

Now, it is not their fault. By being a younger generation they have grown up with a bit more technology than us; and therefore they were looking at makeup tutorials and the many fashion trends on social media way before any of us realized you needed to blend your eyeshadow if you didn’t want to look like a raccoon.

One of the best examples of this would have to be Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown. For some reason many celebrity magazines and sites love

to make comments on her many fashion choices. Back in 2017, when she was only 13 years old, Insider put her on their ‘Worst Dressed List’ because the simple white dress, perfect for someone her age, was shapeless and therefore unflattering to her figure.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but being concerned about if a young teen is doing enough to show off her figure is downright creepy and puts you under the “pedophile” category in my brain. A few months later a Spanish radio company by the name of PlayFM put Brown on their “Why TV is Sexier Than Ever” list alongside actors who are at least a decade older.

What makes all this even more interesting is that her style became much more intense and “trendy” around this time, which makes one wonder if it was all in order to keep red carpet fashion reporters, as well as the media, pleased.

The media certainly doesn’t help this situation, and one of the most obvious ways this is shown is through the many teen shows that have been coming out over the past few years. The biggest one

April 2020 Volume 6 Issue 5 Kingwood, TX 77339

Kingwood Park

TIMES

Kingwood Park High School 4015 Woodland Hills, Kingwood, TX 77339 281-641-6696 Editors Sara Geiger, Editor-In-Chief Crosslin Silcott, Features Editor Gabby Norman, Sports Editor Kathleen Ortiz, Photography Editor Blanca Cantu, Opinions Editor Trinity Curl, Business Editor

Writer and photographers Bailey Ricker, Zoie Rasmussen, Victoria Ramos, Natalie Saydyk Jace Butler, Taylor Rankin, Maria Landy Garcia, Eliza Gonzalez.

Adviser: Megan Ortiz Principal: Lisa Drabing

The Kingwood Park Times is a public forum for Kingwood Park High School and is distributed free to all students and staff.

Staff editorials will not be signed as they are a consensus of the staff.

Signed editorials are the viewpoint of the writer and not necessarily a staff or editorial board consensus.

being Riverdale, which showcases many actors, well into their early 20s, portraying characters that are at most 17.

Of course most actors who play teens are much older, but the ones chosen for this show clearly look like they don’t belong in any high school. Even that isn’t its biggest issue. Besides its horrible plot, the show contains many provocative scenes and outfits that portray teens as overly sexual children that don’t know how to tone it down.

Though this sounds horribly conservative, I only mention it to bring to light a very clear issue the media has when it comes to how it views young teens.

After all they are still just children attempting to grow and learn. They shouldn’t be expected to put on makeup or wear whatever cute mini skirt right when they are barely getting into high school. Yes, without fashion guidance they may end up making some horrible fashion decisions, but who truly cares?

It happens to everyone and is really just a part of growing up and being a kid.

Taylor Swift in “Miss Americana.” (Netflix/MCT)

‘Miss Americana’ documentary reveals new side of Taylor Swift

By Sara Snyder With the recent Scooter Braun scandal coming to a close and her Lover album frenzy turning into a feeling of contentment among fans, I didn’t think that Taylor Swift would put out anything new for awhile. Being a fan of previous albums, I was excited to hear that she put out a documentary.

Miss Americana was relatively easy for me to watch since it was launched on Netflix. The basis for the film was not what I was expecting when I went in to watch it. I expected it was going to be yet another celebrity-centered film on how they made it to fame.

The 96-minute film is an interesting look into how a celebrity with a wide fan base can use their voice to inspire change even through personal struggles. The documentary spans a total of about two years from the time of her Grammy news to the day she releases her album Lover. Within the documentary, Swift guides the audience along the process of her finally speaking out about her political views and about challenges in her career. There is a unique scene in the documentary where Swift receives the news from what sounds like her manager that she has not been nominated for Best Song, Best Album and other big name

categories. She handles it amazingly stating that she has to make a better album despite her manager’s reassurance that Reputation was good.

Along with showing the making of new songs and other songwriter tasks, the Miss Americana singer opens up about personal hardships. She mentions in the film that she had this whole foundation of being the “good kid” and being happy when people liked her. Her mentality was always trying to do the right thing and not cause trouble when “not needed.” She admits that she had to struggle to scrap that mentality and build a new one during the time between Reputation and Lover. Swift also discusses how she has struggled with how she viewed her body. The one thing she didn’t discuss was the conflict that made huge news which was the Scooter Braun conflict.

Miss Americana is a must watch considering how well it shows Swift to be a serious and talented musician. The documentary takes you behind closed doors and into the process of songwriting and how Swift has become the person she is today. At points it felt as if you weren’t watching a celebrity’s film but an inside look at another human’s story.

LAST LOOK

12

April 2020

Spring sports hope to return to competition

While many sports were wrapping up district competition when school was suspended for COVID-19, baseball, softball and track were just getting started. The teams are working out on their own in hopes of returning to competition as soon as classes are allowed to begin again.

Sophomore Taysia Constantino eyes the ball in a March 6 game at home against Lake Creek. The softball team was 5-2 before the break hit. They had only played two home games before the season was suspended. Photo by Alicyn Logue.

Junior Jacob Colby pitches against Atascocita in a preseason scrimmage on Feb. 17. The boys were 6-4-1 when the season was suspended on March 12. They had not yet started district play. Photo by Alicyn Logue.

Sophomore Liam Campbell just barely bumps the bar on the high jump in the Feb. 13 meet. The team had only two track meets before the season was suspended. Photo

by Richard Rivera.

Junior Paschal Kanu runs in the 4x400 relay in the Feb. 24 track meet. Kanu was new to the 4x400 team this year and one of its strongest runners. Photo by Richard Rivera.

Junior Ada Hammond competes in a long-distance event on Feb. 24. Hammond was the cross country team’s lone state qualifier this year. Photo by Richard Rivera.

Junior Lexi Cox competes in the hurdles at the Feb. 24 track meet.

The season was suspended, but many of the athletes hope to still be able to run track this season. Photo

by Richard Rivera.

Junior Matt King slides back into first after the pitcher tries to pick him off on Feb. 17 against Atascocita. After the first baseman missed the throw, King was able to scramble to second base on the error. Photo by Alicyn Logue.

Mike Woehst, DDS, MS s Orthodontist 1520 Green Oak Place s Kingwood, TX 77339 Member of American Association of Orthodontist

CLARITY ADVANCED CERAMIC BRACES

www.smilesbywoehst.com