munster high school issue one volume 55 Sept. 4, 2020
8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321
photo by Anthony Young
LOGGING ON TO LEARN Setting up Blackboard Collaborate for his English 10 class, Mr. Benjamin Boruff, English teacher,manages his laptop, “I’ve been exceptionally impressed with the students and how they’ve abided by everything,” Mr. Boruff said. “I will say it’s definitely weird to look in the hallways and see how empty they look, just day-by-day.” photo by Gia Cvitkovich
LEARNING REIMAGINED Navigating her laptop in Geometry class, Kylie Madura, freshman, completes her school work. Classes have taken on a new look this school year, with plastic dividers, masks and new furniture in general.
Divided, yet united
photo by Madi Green
A NEW TERRAIN Logging onto her Powerschool, Kate Krawczyk, junior, checks her grades, ”I feel very safe at home,” Kate said. “I know if I were at school I’d be super nervous the whole time. At home I feel free to just go to the bathroom when I need to and not worry about whether or not someone with COVID was in there.”
Students and staff reflect on adjustments made for the current school year Atarah Israel Managing Editor
When school started for Zach Lenaburg, junior, learning as he knew it had been dismantled, rearranged and reshaped to fit the confines of a 13 inch Dell laptop. For students like Kenna Teske, junior, learning took a step closer toward normality, yet was far from what it used to be. For Mr. Benjamin Boruff, English teacher, an entirely new terrain waited before him, one that, in like manner, required an entirely new approach. For all three parties, one truth has become clear— school no longer meant school, but a new dimension of adversity faced in the midst of a pandemic.
Zach Lenaburg, eLearning
A typical day for Zach entails waking up, logging on to Blackboard for school for about seven hours,
heading off to football practice, returning home to complete any homework and hauling off to bed to repeat the next morning. Throughout his schedule, however, he has discovered deviations from a traditional in-school schedule, largely made possible by eLearning. “During my extended MRT, if I’m just exhausted that day, I just nap,” Zach said. “I’m not productive if I don’t have sleep in me.” Like most, the choice to return to school as an eLearner stems from multiple reasons for Zach. His most prominent reason is a concern for safety, but not solely for himself. “My sister went in-school at first, but I was just always nervous,” Zach said. “I just didn’t want to catch [something] and then be the reason it spread to my mom or dad. I 100 percent think I made the right choice. I do better here. My sister, actually, just switched to eLearning.” Despite his confidence in his decision, a troubling challenge he has faced as an eLearner is managing classes from home, especially more rigorous classes. “I know multiple people who are having trouble dropping down to regular classes because they originally thought they could do the AP, but can’t handle it now with eLearning,” Zach said. “The school is not being very lenient on people dropping
classes [and] it’s just hard. [With] eLearning, you don’t want to go to school and expose yourself but at the same time you also want to pass classes and some AP classes are hard to pass at home.”
Kenna Teske, in-person Fueled by a desire for teacher interaction, the choice to return to school physically was straightforward for Kenna. “I chose in-person because I figured that getting to know my teachers would be more beneficial,” Kenna said. “They would actually be able to see my face, and actually help me out more than just at home. [In-person learning] is probably more efficient because you can actually go to your teachers whenever you want to get help.” Along with the benefits of in-person learning, concerns for safety are also prevalent among school-goers. “I know people are starting to get concerned and get tested here,” Kenna said. “I know LC [Lake Central] just got their first confirmed case, so that kind of scares me.”*
Continued on page three Interested in more? Visit www.mhsnews.net to access school news from anywhere!
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NEWS
Munster High School Crier - Sept. 4 2020
You asked, we got the answers A COVID-19 FAQ page with questions from students, and answers from principal Mr. Mike Wells and athletic director, Mr. Ira Zimmer Alison Lee Copy Editor
Exam Questions
What is the plan for exams? We are in the process of discussing this with the department chairs. They in turn will discuss this topic with other teachers in their departments. What is the plan for immuno-compromised students? Teachers are working on alternative exams such as authentic assessments as they did in lieu of final exams in the spring. Options such as at-home students coming into the school in the evening are also being explored. How will cheating be prevented in eLearning without an open-note policy? There are programs like turnitin to prevent cheating with writing submissions. All teachers have the option to utilize this program. Open-note policies will be discussed with the department chairs in the very near future.
Safety Questions What is the procedure for closing schools and infected students? The School Town of Munster is working in collaboration with the Lake County Health Department. Both entities will make a decision if school closure is needed, and if the school is notified that a stu-
Pick & choose
0 %to 5%
Students make a tough choice between online and in-person school
dent/staff tests positive, the school will contact the Lake County Health Department. The LCHD will ask who are considered close contacts for the infected individual. Who does the student contact to switch to online if they feel endangered? As of right now, all changes in placement need to be formally requested to the principal. What is the purpose of plastic shields? They are considered to be an extra barrier for germs in case someone sneezes or coughs. Why do we have one-way hallways? It goes along with the same logic of students facing one direction in a classroom. If students are facing the same direction, germs are less likely to be transferred. Will kids have to wait in an actual fire? If there was a real emergency students would not have to wait. Why aren’t we doing remote learning after the confirmed case at FHH? The district will likely not shut down for a single case of COVID-19. It will communicate with the LCHD to determine what is in the best interest for the students of STM.
Blackboard Questions How will the school accommodate for students with slow Wi-Fi and computers, or if their Wi-Fi goes out? They should contact support@student.munster.us to troubleshoot computer issues. Are there any tutorials on how to use Blackboard? Yes, Mr. Wells sent out tutorials through school messages before school started. If there are specific things a student needs, they should contact administration. There are links on page 13 of the Munster FAQ page that has nine different videos to watch.
6 %to 10%
Page Editor
Activity Questions
Does COVID-19 not affect football players the same way it “harms” choir members? STM decided that if band and choir were able to go outside and socially distance, singing would be able to take place. How will extracurriculars work? A number of activities and clubs are being done remotely or using social distancing recommendations. Seating charts are being used for in-person meetings. Furthermore, there is a new 60 foot bulletin board between the main office and guidance. This board will post happenings, events, etc. for each club. What’s happening with dances, spirit week, and assemblies? There will be no assemblies or dances at this time. Student Government is actively examining alternatives for our homecoming festivities. What will you do if you are actually sick with COVID-19? Students are considered to be medically excused and they will be given a commensurate amount of time to make up the work.
13% and Higher
Public School Injustice August 7th Amount of students online and in person between Aug. 7th and Aug. 26th. Source: Mr. Bob Snyder, assitant pincipal.
63%
Both online and in-person school were offered to students this year. It is optional to do in-person if families feel it is safer to stay at home. As of Sept. 1, there has been one confirmed positive COVID- 19 case within MHS.
How are games going to work? Our football stadium, soccer stadium, as well as the field house has a maximum capacity set forth by the Lake County Board of Health. We are following their guidelines and practicing social distancing. What is happening with athletic passes? The only season tickets being made available are to parents of our athletes. As of right now the season passes will only be seasonal: Fall, Winter, Spring. If there are tickets remaining for events, we are selling in the athletic office. Anyone may attend the game if they have a ticket. All tickets are pre-sold, and there will be no ticket sales at our events.
illustration by Henry Hofferth
37%
Alexis Perez
11 %to 12%
Athletic Questions
August 26th
In-person - black At Home - gray
43.94% 56.06%
The Indiana State Legislature has discussed cutting school funding by 15 percent for schools that only offer virtual instruction.
“The fact that public schools have to worry about having aid taken from them when we’re in the middle of this deadly public health crisis, speaks volumes about the way our state values Public Schools.” -Eddie Melton State Senator
A Message from Mr. Mike Wells, principal “We ask that all students be patient as we work through the start of a new semester. There are always unknowns that will arise since there was no playbook written on how to run a school during a pandemic. Staff members are doing everything they can to make learning at MHS rigorous, but safe. We will work through the challenges and use our determination to provide an excellent education for all MHS students. That has always been our goal.”
Munster High School Crier - Sept. 4 2020
Continued from front Mr. Boruff, English department One of the most pivotal factors involved in the formation of this new school year are the teachers. Teachers this year must balance two different landscapes of education simultaneously, while also maintaining the quality of the class. “Teaching in general is kind of a performative thing,” Mr. Boruff said. “Imagine going to see a play and half of the props are gone, because in classrooms even some of the literal furniture is gone. Half of the audience is gone, which means that applause and laughter is oftentimes awkward and uncomfortable, and instead of getting a playbill you got a Dell laptop with five different log in codes and an assortment of PDFs. ” Despite having to face systemic challenges, a major concern for Mr. Boruff is student involvement. “The biggest frustration for me is it’s difficult to build rapport [and] establish those connections with students,” Mr. Boruff said. “It’s a lot trickier than it would otherwise be, and it’s not just the virtual students, but even the in-person students.” In order to motivate and build bonds with his students this year, Mr. Boruff has taken to continual virtual engagement. “I think one thing is to check in on students as much as possible,” Mr. Boruff said. “I try to send positive emails and positive messages as much as possible when students do things well, just to show them that I notice and that I care.” The process of almost completely transforming a class to become adaptable for both eLearners and inschool students has been difficult, according to Mr. Boruff, however, goals for this year are not completely unattainable. “It’s not easy,” Mr. Boruff said. “I’ve gone home frustrated for several days, because you want every lesson to be good, and I don’t like the idea of just sitting, talking to Blackboard Collaborate and then giving students time to work. I think there is a way to make it work somehow, or at least a little bit better. It’s just a matter of trial and error.”
Kate Krawczyk, junior, eLearning Of all the terms associated with this new school year, safety has become a crucial point of discussion. Whether it be concerning precautions or an overall state of mind, safety, like school, has taken on new meaning. For Kate, safety meant considering those she cared about. “The main reason I chose to do eLearning was due to the fact that my mom has an auto-immune disorder which makes it crucial that I don’t get COVID-19, because if I spread it to her, it could be life threatening,” Kate said. “The second reason is the fact that I spend every day with my grandma, and I can’t
risk her getting the virus as she already has many ongoing medical conditions.” eLearning, like physical school, carries its own set of risks, such as technical difficulties or less interaction with teachers. Both means of education, however, are equal in content. “Compared to quarantine in March, I would now say that eLearning and in-person are the same level of difficulty,” Kate said. “I can see everything kids in class see when my teachers share their screen, and I receive the same assignments.” Another aspect of eLearning this school year is the reinstatement of extracurricular activities and sports. Although for some this change is a necessity for the school year, for others it is an addition not worth including. “I do believe that it was okay to have both options, but I do not think it is okay to still be hosting school functions,” Kate said. “Yeah, they’re a lot of fun, but is it worth the risk?”
Timing the change
Timeline of the schedules of a virtual student and an in-school attendee 6:15 a.m. Kenna wakes up and eats breakfast
*MHS has confirmed its first positive COVID-19 case as of Sept. 1
7 a.m. Kate wakes up and prepares for the day
9:05 a.m. Kate eats brunch
Mr. Leroy Marsh, physical education Inventiveness and innovation were key tools when strategizing the new way in which classes must operate, physical education requiring even more ingenuity. “I am currently teaching online PE, which is very challenging,” Mr. Marsh said. “This requires a lot of cooperation from the students to figure out ways to stay physically active. We use different assessment techniques like videotaping [for] testing.” Despite the challenges faced, allowing two options for learning were critical when reopening the school, according to Mr. Marsh. “I think giving students two options was very necessary for two reasons,” Mr. Marsh said. “Firstly, both students and parents could choose what method they thought as most effective and safe. Secondly, without some students staying home to eLearn, it would have been impossible to safely set up the classrooms to socially distance. I thought Mr. Wells, his staff and custodians did a great job making the building as safe as possible.” In the midst of the stress and panic COVID-19 has caused, particularly on the school system, many say braving the unknown and acting in unity is crucial, especially when faced with calamity. “This whole situation is no one person’s fault,” Mr. Marsh said. “We need to care about our friends and neighbors and do our best to take care of each other. As a COVID-19 survivor this summer, I was very thankful for the help I got from total strangers at Munster Community Hospital.”
3
NEWS
7:35 a.m. to 11:05 Kenna goes to two or three of her classes, depending on the day
10:35 a.m. During her MRT Kate packages earring orders, or waters her flowers
11:10 a.m. Kenna eats lunch
11:45 a.m to 2:35 p.m. Kenna finishes her school day
1:05 to 2:35 p.m. Kate attends her remaining classes photos by Anthony Young, Madi Green
In a class of their own Classes heavily impacted by Covid-19 safety guidelines share their thoughts Gage Hoekstra Page Editor
Choir
Following the resignation of Mr. Andrew Robinson, the former choir director, last year’s student teacher Mr. Luke McGinnis, choir director, has been brought on to fill the position. Mr. McGinnis’s familiarity with his students has been a great help for the class. While Choir will not be able to conduct their usual events, Mr. McGinnis is planning several units, including music theory, music in film as well as music and math, providing Choir members with some exciting new challenges. “I couldn’t be happier with Munster’s decision to hire him,” Anna Speckhard, senior, said.
assigned lockers, all six feet apart. Other precautions are wearing masks while indoors and participation in individual activities instead of team sport activities. “eLearners have to check in with each class and receive activity instruction from the teacher,” Ms. Charity Schmidt, physical education teacher, said.
Band
Preparing for a virtual performance planned for October 14, Band is in full swing, but not without some restrictions. Aside from precautions set by administration, both ISSMA and Bands of America have canceled their competitions. While these setbacks are unfortunate, Band members are not foreigners to tribulation. “My goal for the year is to enjoy performing without competition,” Mr. Bret Winternheimer, band director Gym class is seen as way to meet said. “If the band can learn to enjoy new friends and have a fun break from performing with the lights turned off, we photo by Cali Petersen the rigors of academia. This year gym will be even better performers when we STRETCH IT OUT Adorned in her mask, Emma Jez, freshman, stretches students face quite a few obstacles. get to turn the lights back on.” during her physical education class. Students have assigned seats and Read the entire story at www.mhsnews.net
Gym
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INFOCUS
Munster High School Crier - Sept. 4 2020
There’s no substitute for substitutes Permanent subs available for teachers every day Name: Ms. Maria del Carmen Bermudez Education: Saint Xavier University and finished at Chicago State University education department How many pets do you have? I have a six-year-old Green Cheek Connor, the little miss diva’s name is Baby. She’s very lovable and loves to hang around your shoulder. And yes, we spoil her. That’s why she’s a little diva we let her do what she wants. Have you always wanted to be a teacher? I was a bilingual teacher for Chicago Public schools for 16 years but I had to leave due to safety reason for my children and myself. I always wanted to be a teacher. When I was little I would play school, my brother and sisters were my students and I was the teacher, of course. We would play in my back porch. Name: Mrs. Janice Dobrinich Education: University of Evansville and then transferred to Purdue Calument my junior year and graduated with a degree in B.A. Communications and Public Relations How many pets do you have? I have one pet. My son bought me my 1st pet named “Milo” our mini golden doodle last Christmas. I know why people love their pets unconditionally. I love my boy. Who is your role model? My daughter Sara attended MHS 2004. She is talented actress and lives in Brooklyn NY. She has become a writer, director and performer and whe she isn’t creating she sells real estate to pay the bills. She is the kindest person I know and her charisma makes her a joy to be around. I am in awe of her grace, wit and perserverance. Name: Mr. Mark Kolodziej Education: Purdue University Calument ‘76, BPE; ‘87 AA in IET additional work at Valparaiso University What is your favorite part about teaching? Seeing young minds maturing into a great hope for the future. Who are your role models? Dean Kamen and Bill Gates What are you most looking foward to this year? Challenging On-line classes. Name: Mr. Don Bugaski Education: I earned a degree in Math with a minor in Business from Purdue University in West Lafayette (God’s Country). I earned a Masters in Math from Purdue University Northwest. How many pets do you have? I have one small green parrot, who I named Fairway, as I enjoy golfing. Have you always wanted to be a teacher? I originally became a teacher as I wanted to coach. I started and built the Girls’ Cross Country program at Lake Central High School.
Name: Ms. Nakiyah Cooper Position: Student Services Education: I went to a trade school for pharmacy. How many pets do you have? I have one dog Who is your role model? My Aunt What are you most looking foward to this year? Things going back to normal.
Name: Mr. Dillon Thompson Classes: AP Biology, Chemistry, Biology Education: Yale University What is your favorite part about teaching? My favorite part about teaching is showing students that science can be fun, exciting, and interesting! What do you like best about MHS? The best part about MHS is the sense of community. From teachers to administrators to students, everyone’s on the same team. Who is your role model? My role model is Mr. Franklin, who was my AP Bio teacher when I went here (I’m also an MHS alum). Mr. Franklin was the happiest guy and always had a smile on his face.
Name: Mr. Luke McGinnis Classes: Choir and Piano Education: Valparaiso University What do you like best about MHS? What I like best about MHS is the students. Their enthusiasm, talent, and kindness inspire me everyday. What are you most looking foward to this year? Although this year is full of uncertainty, I am most excited to work with the students of MHS by creating beautiful music and learning together the many wonderful aspects of choral music and beyond.
Munster High School Crier - Sept. 4 2020
New year, new faces
How many pets do you have? I recently bought a Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Toy Poodle) and his name is Fisk, named after the Hall of Fame pitcher Carlton Fisk. Who is your role model? My role model is my husband. No matter the situation, he always encouraged me to keep moving forward. You are allowed to have a bad day or two, but after that you need to pull yourself together and move
Cali Petersen, Anna Evilsizor, Thomas Zangrilli
photo by Cali Petersen
Name: Mrs. Nikki Olsen Position: Main Office Secratary “I came from Eads Elementary where I worked as an instructional aide for almost 10 years. I am new to MHS but not to the School Town of Munster. I love seeing the Eads children who are now high school students. Working in the high school office is a win-win for me. It allows me to go back to my business roots and still work with the students. I look forward to a healthy and great year for all.” Name: Ms. Alexandra Blank Classes: Composition, English 9, and Earth Space Education: Purdue University with my bachelor’s in Elementary/ Special Education How many pets do you have? I have one dog, his name is Bronko. He loves to play fetch and go on walks. What is your favorite part about teaching? My favorite part about teaching is setting high expectations for my students thereafter seeing them rise up and reach new heights they never knew they could. So far, MHS has shown they have a very supportive staff, especially for us new teachers, and leaders that have high expectations—which is a wonderful thing.
Name: Ms. Charity Davis Classes: PASS Education: Indiana University Northwest How many years have you spent teaching? I spent two years teaching in Beijing, China. This will be my first year teaching in America. What do you like best about MHS? I graduated from here so seeing my old teachers and working alongside them is cool. Who is your role model? My mom because she continues to push me to be the best version of myself. What is your favorite part about teaching? Getting to know my students and hopefully making a difference in their lives. Name: Mr. Micheal Kakalow Classes: Health Education: Auburn University What is your favorite part about teaching? My favorite part of teaching are the “light bulb” moments when a student gets exactly what I was attempting to teach. Have you always wanted to be a teacher? I didn’t always want to be a teacher. It kind of came to me while in college. However, now I can’t see myself doing anything else. I truly love my job. Who is your role model? My Grandfather is my role model. He taught me by example how to live a good life.
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Name: Mrs. Lacie Myzack Position: School Nurse Education: Ivy Tech Community College in Gary
MHS welcomes new teachers and staff amid ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic Head Photographer, Photgrapher, Page Editor
INFOCUS
forward. What do you like best about MHS? Munster is all about what is best for our children, and as a mother of three girls in the STM system, this is very important to me.
Name: Mrs. Katy Waldrop Classes: Foods and Interpersonal Relationships Education: Purdue Calumet (now Purdue Northwest) How many years have you spent teaching? This is my first year teaching and I am incredibly excited about the material we will cover in not only the classroom but the kitchen as well. Who is your role model? My role models would be my parents. I am lucky enough to have more than two parents and they all possess qualities that I have been fortunate to learn from throughout my life. They have faced various forms of adversity in their lives and taught me how to rise up with dignity and
grace.
Name: Ms. Zayra Salinas Classes: Spanish Education: Purdue Northwest Have you always wanted to teach? Yes, I used to pretend that I was a teacher since first grade and even imitated my teacher when playing school. How many pets do you have? One dog, Mia, a Teacup Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) What are you most looking foward to this year? COVID-19 to end, learning all the technology that can be incorporated in my teaching. Name: Ms. Janet Gibbs Classes: English and Earth Space Education: Moody Bible Institute (BA) and Lamar University (MEd) What are you most looking foward to this year? Finding my way around MHS without getting lost. What is your favorite part about teaching? Seeing students prepared for life after high school. Have you always wanted to be a teacher? No. This is my third career.
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OPINION
Munster High School Crier - Sept. 4 2020
Together with
teachers opinion by Linda Ramirez
2020 is undoubtedly a year of its own creation. It seems that every month is another failed roll of the dice, bringing about more uncertainty into our collective minds. Even so, time marches forward without a single look to the past, and so it is with great caution we return to school. At least, most of us will. For a number of various reasons, students have opted to begin the school year learning from home, effectively “splitting” the student body. However, teachers and staff members are always assuring us that learning from home will not isolate us. My teachers have always shown extra care in involving eLearners with the lessons of the day, and engaging us with our classmates. Furthermore, teachers have made themselves and other resources easily accessible to all students regardless of red or white days. A lot of issues can surface when relying as heavily on technology as we are. There is always someone with a missing camera or mic, a bad wifi connection or simply issues with the websites being used. Yet, as agitated as some of the teachers may be, I have yet to witness anything but troubleshooting and offering help. It seems that some teachers feel unprepared, like they are scrambling to hold their classes together. They have been honest that this ordeal is stressful and a little hectic, and that there are many shortcomings on their own parts. I have also witnessed intensive concern about safety and health in the classroom. Each teacher has to assure the desks are sanitized, and check that all students are following regulation. With the many responsibilities placed upon our educators, it is near compulsory that we as pupils do our very best to provide them with support in return. Just be considerate and respectful, and go the extra mile to be pleasant to work with. Small talk is a great way to check in on them and might make their day a little friendlier. Be willing to help out another student or to troubleshoot your own problems. With all the catches of everyday learning they will appreciate independent thinkers. Finally, say thank you. Nothing is more gratifying than hearing appreciation for all of your hard work.
CRIER
illustration by Gernie Galvan
EDITORIAL
An uncertain tomorrow
Roughly six months ago, the STM system shut down all of its schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19, forever altering the course of the 2019-2020 school year. What followed was a period of uncertainty, uneasiness and anxiety in regards to the future. Our everyday routines were disrupted, and the expectations for every new tomorrow were a blur. The pandemic has altered what the meaning of school has become since our last normal day back in March. When quarantine began, many teachers scrambled to create an alternate version of their curriculum to fit the remaining quarter of the year. MHS was unprepared for what was to come, but worked to the best of its ability, despite the circumstances. The beginning of this school year looks more different than anyone could have ever imagined. Face coverings, plastic dividers on every desk, less students in the halls and classrooms—it feels like we’re living in a surreal alternate dimension. Yet, with as many accommodations as the school has implemented, things aren’t perfect. Between both eLearners and inschool students, there has been a large learning curve in terms of adjusting to the new year. Every teacher has seemed to interpret it in their
Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached via mail at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321; via phone at 219-836-3200, ext. 3443; or via fax at 219836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement. Crier’s official website is accessible at www. mhsnews.net. •The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community. •Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence. Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2. •Opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration. •Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are
own way, doing whatever works students to allow for social interaction again. If students are supposed best for their respective class. Blackboard poses its own prob- to stay silent in every class period, lems. How can teachers guarantee a aren’t guaranteed a seat by friends student at home isn’t watching Net- at lunch, and have less time to catch flix or playing tetris while they are up in the hallways, where are we lecturing? How much can teachers supposed to socialize? Doesn’t this system contradict one trust that students aren’t of the main points of napping when they click keeping our schools away from the collaborate call? In addition to Students should open? Plastic dividers promic and camera problems respect school vide an extra measure at home, students online guidelines refor precaution. They arhave found it difficult to garding safety en’t used in the cafetefollow conversations when ria or fieldhouse, where only the teacher is wearing measures and a mic. Homework agendas be patient with students eat and converse without masks— are also now more difficult teachers. the only place where to understand when postthe dividers logically ed, if at all. While it is easy for us to complain would provide the best defense. that we were given too much or These dividers aren’t completely not enough work in a class period, transparent, making it difficult for teachers are the ones scrambling to students to see the board, and even make sure that both sets of students more difficult for teachers to see in each class have the same educa- students—making any chance of a tion so that one is not at more of an real-life connection and relationadvantage or disadvantage than the ship almost impossible. Change is difficult, and will posother. Teachers are now working sibly take months to adjust to. While twice as hard than ever before. Between desks and lunch seats problems have always been inevispaced out to accommodate for so- table, we can contribute positively cial distancing, to shorter passing by acting courteous, being patient periods, the ability to have social in- with technology, and making sure teraction has become limited. While that we closely follow every safety it is understandable for safety pur- measure, otherwise it’ll be March poses, school opened to in-person 13, 2020 all over again.
welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed and should be either emailed to the editor (lana.salahieh@gmail.com), given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155, one week prior to publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors. Crier will accept letters from anyone, provided that the content pertains to school or school issues. Feedback may also be submitted on Twitter @munstermedia. •Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Digital issues can be found on issuu.com. Crier is published 13 times a school year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request.
Our take
Copy Editor Alison Lee Design Editor Alexis Perez Page Editor Gage Hoekstra, Linda Ramirez, Thomas Zangrilli Graphics Editors Henry Hofferth, Anthony Young Head Photographers Max Lindenmayer, Cali Petersen
Our Staff
Chief Photographer Madi Green
Editor-in-Chief Lana Salahieh
Photographers Anna Evilsizor, Dominik Chudziak
Managing Editor Atarah Israel
Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman
7 Return of the teams SPORTS
Munster High School Crier - Sept. 4 2020
Beginning their seasons, fall sports start up again with precaution
Alexis Perez and Gage Hoekstra Page Editor
Boys’ (2-1-0) Girls’ (2-1-1) Soccer
With the soccer season kicking off, players and coaches alike are setting to work maintaining both the teams’ skill and safety. “Our safety precautions are not unlike those we undergo inside of the school—maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and understanding when it’s okay to remove masks,” Charlie Mason, junior said. “To avoid the spread of the coronavirus, we have been working closely with the athletic training staff and adhering to health and safety protocols and doing our best to ensure the safety of our players, coaches and spectators.” For Girls’ Soccer, their success this season has not been without some difficulty. “Not having June definitely hurt us,” Ms. Valerie Pflum, soccer coach and math teacher, said. “We are photo by Max Lindenmayer out of shape. The girls do not click like they normally GAINING A GOAL Afam Oniah, Gavin Kinsella, and Nana Nnuro, would because they have lost bonding time and seniors, celebrate a goal at the corner flag putting them up 2-0 practice time together.” against Lake Central. The game ended 4-1.
Tennis (5-0)
With the season starting on the Aug. 19, it is safe to say that Tennis is now up and running. The team has already taken the same safety precautions as other sports teams, wearing masks, social distancing and not sharing equipment. Despite these obstacles, many claim that there has not been any significant change in the team’s ability to play or practice. “I feel like the steps our team has taken are bringing us closer together,” Charlie Morton, junior, said. “We are all in the fight together for one goal. Since the entire team wants to keep their loved ones healthy, we are all cautious.” The team has already begun bringing back wins from Lake Central to Plymouth, and the team plans to continue their season as normal. “We have always been the pride of region tennis,” Patrick Sphor, tennis coach, said. “I feel that is something that will not change this year.”
FEARSOME FOCUS (left) Ethan Park and Louis Wolf, juniors, get in position to return Valparaiso’s strategic hit. photo by Anna Evilsizor
Football (0-2)
Football games have a limited amount of students going to the games to ensure students safety. Only those who have purchased tickets in the athletic office are permitted to attend. Social distancing is also maintained, the student section and open areas having to be six feet apart. The team is also actively doing drills six feet apart with masks on as well. The coaches are a key point in keeping the players safe. “Regardless of the amount of games we play I feel that the season is worth it,” Aleks Maric, junior, said. Football had a home game Aug. 28, losing against Hanover Central, photo by Mia Terek leaving their record 0-2. There is a SIDELINE SHUFFLE On Thursday Aug. 27, Austin Talbot, junior, walks the sideline after home football game tonight at 7 p.m. finishing a drill.
Dance
The Dance team has just begun practicing again. They are maintaining social distancing by dancing six feet apart. Due to the new regulation of masks, they have to take more water breaks in which they further distance their positions. “Our season definitely had a rocky start,” Taylor Olmstead, senior, said. “We had tryouts the week before school, but we used to have them late May.” They have to take their temperatures as soon as they get to practice, and are also questioned about any possible symptoms that they may have. Despite the changes, the girls are eager for a new season. “I think every season spent with the team is a season that is worth it,” Avery Beerling, junior, said. “Dance is still going to be able to perform at football games and seniors will still be recognized.”
Cheer
The Cheer team is starting off a little different this year. Ms. Szafasz, cheer coach and social studies teacher, ensures safety among the teammates which requires being six feet apart at all times. She is doing her best to make sure that her team is able to have a season this year even regarding the obstacles. The team has workout classes on Tuesday and Thursdays as their regular practice. “I feel very safe at practices and now there are no competitions scheduled for our season,” Bailee DeJarlais, junior, said.
Volleyball (9-2)
Volleyball is starting by going back to practices and maintaining safety precautions. They are still having games and practices each week. “Volleyball is an amazing sport that my team and I will never take for granted,” Emma Miles, junior, said. Students are allowed to go to the games. Students do have to purchase tickets for the game, as well as have to pay for football games. They also must stay six feet apart with masks on as well.
Girls’ golf (6-0)
Having played their first game August 5, both golf teams is starting off the year. “We are already 6-0 and halfway done with our season,” Mr. Bill Smitka, golf coach and history teacher, said. They have daily temperature checks, self-health reports, social distancing, and masks. There are still some concerns from the team’s members. “These precautions haven’t affected out team’s ability to practice and play, except when it comes to weather,” Ashley Burgess, junior, said. “Some days it is very hot, and passing out from the combination of a mask and the extreme heat is a concern for our team.”
Boys’, Girls’ Cross Country
With a mask and races to finish, the team endures both difficulties and rewards. With the Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country seasons starting, both teams are content thus far. “I have no doubt in my mind that this season will be worthwhile,” Juan Olivencia, senior, said. “With my four years on Munster’s Cross Country team, I can confidently say that we have gotten better each year.”
8
STUDENT LIFE
Munster High School Crier - Sept. 4 2020
BACKTALK On this day, Romulus Augustulus abdicated his throne. If you could be ruler of anything, what would it be? “The ruler of this gaming company called Naughty Dog.” —Josh Serrano freshman “Definitely Canada.”
—Fifi Pirok freshman
“I would be ruler of Taco Bell.” —Sarah Pruzin sophomore “I would wanna rule TikTok to keep it from getting banned again.” —Lucy Macdonald sophomore “I would be the Dairy Queen.” —Bailee DeJarlais junior
photo by Henry Hofferth
TEACHING IN STYLE During sixth hour Ms. Hannah Fus smiles for a picture wearing her clear mask. Facial expressions are a crucial component to learning ASL. “Some issues I’ve come across is being able to read the students faces,” Ms. Fus explains. “I wear a mask with a clear part around my nose down to the chin so the students can see my facial expressions without too much trouble.”
Mask Life
Students and teachers explain their issues with wearing masks everyday Lana Salahieh Editor-in-Cheif
Fogged glasses and “maskne”—a miniscule price to pay to save millions of lives. On July 22, Governor Eric Holcomb announced the statewide mask mandate, making it a requirement for appropriate face coverings to be worn in public. Masks are necessary to flatten the curve, but pose as inconvenient for those who wear them. “The main difficulty I have while wearing a mask is feeling like my breathing is constricted,” Libby Fesko, junior, said. “It can also hurt my ears at times if the mask is too tight.” Since schools now require students to wear masks, many are finding it difficult to make the adjustment. “Personally,” Libby said, “I do think that it’s harder to learn with a mask on since it’s an added distraction. Masks pose as a problem not only to students, but teachers as well, who spend hours a day communicating with students and other faculty. “It’s actually been more of a hindrance for me than my students,” Ms. Beth Raspopovich, math teacher, said. “By that I mean I can’t see their faces. As a teacher, you can look at a kid’s face and see them making certain facial expressions that let me know they understand or don’t understand. Certain facial expressions let you know, ‘Hey, I got it, call on me,’ or ‘don’t call me out’. So when you can’t see the kid’s face, trying to read the room is a little more difficult. I (also) have a super hard time hearing a lot of kids when they talk.” While it has been a struggle to navigate the new school year, each teacher has taken to their own method of approaching the school year. “We decided to do what’s called flipping the classroom,” Ms.
Raspopovich said. “Flipping means masks aren’t available to the entire (that) instead of doing notes and population, leaving those who are going home and doing problems, your Deaf or Hard of Hearing affected in a homework is going to be to watch unique way. “While it may seem contradictory, the notes. And then in class, you’re going to do (the) exercises. I feel like having hearing loss means that I need by flipping the classroom there’s no to see in order to hear,” Ava Quasney, advantage or disadvantage to either senior, said. “Relying on audio will never be enough for me; instead, I try being in-person or being online.” to communicate Unfortunately, through both what figuring out a Mask up Mustangs I can hear and what safe approach to I can see while learning is more When wearing a mask, lipreading.” difficult for some you should follow the CDC Masks pose not d e p a r t m e n t s Guidelines only a physical, but than others. •Pinch top to secure to also an even further “Teaching social barrier to this ASL with masks nose community. definitely has “The pandemic its challenges,” has been extremely Ms Hannah isolating for me Fus, American as a Deaf person Sign Language and has made teacher, said. c o m m u n i c a ting “With ASL, •Fit it snugly against almost impossible,” integral parts the sides of face Ava said. “I can’t join of spoken in conversations languages, •Cut mask strings before with friends in like volume, throwing away public because I pitch and tone •Wash your hands before putdon’t understand of voice, are ting on your mask what they’re saying all expressed •Put it over your nose and while wearing through facial mouth and secure it under your masks. Going to expressions. chin the grocery store Signing with •Refrain from touching front of or ordering food no expressions mask without someone to is similar to interpret is out of speaking in a monotone voice with no fluctuation, the question. As masks have become which isn’t natural. Facial expressions increasingly mandated in our area, are a natural and important part of I’ve lost my independence and my ability to communicate effectively with ASL.” To assist students’ learning others.” To ensure the most efficient experiences, language teachers have communication for everyone, Ava made special accommodations. “I would prefer if I could only wear suggests several ways to be considerate a face shield to provide a clearer of DHH (Deaf/Hard of Hearing) people. “To hearing people: use more than access to my expressions, but masks feel safer, as masks have no exposed just your voice to announce your opening like face shields do.” Ms. Fus presence in a room, always; wave said. “I have masks I ordered back and make eye contact to add visual in July that have a clear window that cues for communication; use a clear starts around my nose and goes down face mask or face shield if possible below my chin. This definitely helps (they tend to fog up, so look online the students with seeing my facial for easy tips to prevent this); and if expressions and seeing the language you notice someone is having issues modeled in its true form. Next, I need communicating or understanding— to figure out how to keep it de-fogged DHH or not—try using another method like pen and paper or your notes app all day!” Unfortunately, these clear on your phone.”
“If I could rule anything I would definitely be the ruler of Idaho. Idaho needs a step in the right direction, and with me at the front of it, we could expand our land to become bigger than Texas.” —Gabe Tienstra junior “I’d be the ruler of BackTalk so I can just ask whatever I want.” —Stephen Heritage senior “I would be the ruler of corn, welcome to Indiana.” —Natalie Mansour senior “I would like to be the ruler of time.” —Mrs. Jessica Baird math teacher “I would be the Queen of Munster High School and teach Life Lessons 101 with my homie, Mrs. LaPorte.” —Ms. Beth Raspopovich math teacher
SPOTLIGHT Meet the student body President and Vice president
Hobbies? calligraphy, baking, bullet journaling, tennis, and word searches If you were ruler of the world, what would you do first? I would make sure all endangered animals get instant protection.
Hobbies? biking, running, listening to music, and baking If you were ruler of the world, what would you do first? I would make society a more inclusive place for all races, religions, ethnicities, etc.
—Shriya Iyer —Maureen Van Matre President Vice President