May 2020 Volume II Issue VII
Dripping Springs High School, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
mydshs.com
The Paw Print The Class of COVID19
Bad Thyme(ing) 2 Going the Distance 4 Alternative Graduation 5 News 2 Entertainment 3 Features 4 Opinion 5 Sports 6,7 Student Life 8 The Paw Print’s core purpose is to serve the students and staff of Dripping Springs High School, as well as the surrounding community, with the most meaningful news and content regarding our school’s culture and the student body that influences it. From students, to students.
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Photo by Cover Design: Ramsey Hutton Tessa Stigler
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The Paw Print May 2020
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News Dear Seniors, We Love You Students Create Class of 2020 Highlight Video Cady Russell Online Editor The end of the year is uncertain as developments with the COVID-19 evolve daily. The senior class has been left wondering how their final weeks as seniors will play out as they miss those key moments like prom. So, in the wake of this uncertainty, several juniors have come together to create a video that highlights the year seniors have had, the Dear Seniors Project. “I got this idea, actually a couple of months ago, because I have a lot of friends who are seniors, and I was like, ‘Oh, that’d be cool to have a little ending video,’” junior Emily Pundt, founder of Dear Seniors said. “Then, Portrait of senior Morgan Dalton recently, I go Photo by: Enrique Bermudez to a summer camp, and I was rewatching an end of the two weeks video, and I was like, ‘Oh, my God. I love that, because it reminds me of all the memories we went through.” Pundt teamed up with junior Trevor Burk and junior Rachel Reeves to gather materials and put together the video.
“I think just because we are juniors, we are probably the closest with the Class of 2020,” Burk said. “And due to this pandemic, we’re not going to see a lot of them anymore, and they don’t get a lot of the things that they just have worked so hard for and deserve, so we wanted to just do whatever we can to recognize them and Portrait of senior Crystian Zamora show them that we do Photo by: Melina Guerra care about them and that we’re going to miss them and just do out part to give them their proper moment.” The video will probably end up being 20-30 minutes long, maybe longer, depending on the number of entries. “It’s going to show the seniors and their friends and family, all of the fun they’ve had, all the fun their classmates have had,” Burk said. “It’s basically just to preserve the memories, the good memories that high school has given them this year, since they don’t get to make a lot of new ones and get those final ones.” Submissions can be sent in through the Google form which is linked on the Dear Seniors Instagram, found at @dshs_dearseniorsproject. “I emailed [Principal] Gamez talking about getting DSISD or DSHS involved,” Burk said. “So, she’s going to push out a form for people to submit photos to, pretty
much to all of the high school so that their parents, coaches, friends, and seniors, in general, can submit photos to us.” Submission ends on May 1, so that there is ample time for the students to put together the video. “I felt like it fit perfectly with what’s going on right now,” Portrait of senior Juliana Ussia Pundt said, “because Photo by: Melina Guerra not only is the future unexpected for everybody right now, but it’s a good way to close the year, because I know a lot of seniors just don’t know what’s going on right now.” The Dear Senior Project asks that people share their posts to spread awareness of the project and also submit as many photos and videos of seniors as they Portrait of senior Aidan Willcox can. Photo by: Paige Miller “I can’t imagine doing high school without y’all,” Burk said. The project also plans on asking the other classes to give a statement to the senior class.
Bad Thyme(ing ) Garden Club Overcomes Delay of Project Evelyn Peterson News Editor
The coronavirus has caused a halt in many of the plans that the Garden Club had been researching and planning out for some time. However, the club has decided to continue and study and perfect their plan. Due to the recent pandemic called the “We had plans to expand the garden and transform coronavirus, many school projects and clubs have had it more, including a butterfly garden, and a Texas native to make adjustments or cancel their meetings/projects. plant garden,” Luikart said. “We also typically check over Before the break, Garden Club had started a project our plants daily for bugs or other infections that need to with nursery plants and flowers in the courtyard, but it be treated. We are continuing to design and research had to come to a stop because of our garden and how we can COVID-19. expand and decorate it to “We had made spring break become an enjoyable place preparations to take home all our for all who attend.” nursery plants, so we ended up being With this extended break, more prepared for the virus than we it has given the Garden Club would have been had there been members a chance to work no spring break,” junior Garden Club on experiments with plants member, Emma Luikart, said. “But, we and learn for when they can are still being affected by having our continue their project in the outdoor beds at the school with no next school year. daily care for them, and harvest dates “We are continuing with the needing to be pushed back.” growth of our nursery plants Although many plants were saved and seedlings to see which from being stuck at the school, there ones can survive the best in the were still several plants that were left Texas sun and heat,” Luikart Courtyard garden between B and C halls. Photo provided by: Kathy Sheperd to fend for themselves in the Texas said. weather elements. The coronavirus has affected “Two teachers have gotten permission to go and tend more than just projects; it has affected the students to our garden when it is needed and safe to do so,” as well, and how they used to live their life; it has led Luikart said. students to realize the things they miss and how they are
being affected throughout the pandemic. “[The virus] has affected my ability to express many hobbies during the virus,” Luikart said. “From gardening to technical theatre and photography. It keeps me limited.”
First harvest of green onions. Photo provided by: Kathy Sheperd
Garden Club was an outlet for students to do something different, get out in the elements, and get away from the busy life of homework and school work. “I miss the peacefulness of it,” junior Aidan Gore said. “It’s not a difficult task, and it’s quiet and comforting.”
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The Paw Print May 2020
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Entertainment Binge Worthy Watches
The best shows and movies to watch while locked inside
Andrew Spiegel Entertainment Editor
While we’ve all been locked inside during these trying times, Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services are thriving. Everyone and their mothers are turning to streaming services to pass the time. But with an end to the lockdown not yet in sight, there is a limit to what we can watch and re-watch. With that being said, here’s a breakdown of the best things to watch to pass the time in these uncertain times.
> To start, let’s break down the king of streaming services, Netflix. When it comes to Netflix everyone thinks the same thing, “I’ve already seen everything worth seeing on Netflix.” rest assured, there are so many things below the surface of Netflix that are worth the watch. The latest and greatest show to come from Netflix is the world-renowned, “Tiger King.” “Tiger King” is a single series documentary following a small zoo owner in Oklahoma. While that seems boring enough, the documentary captures a murder investigation, animal trafficking, and the crazy antics of zoo owner, Joe Exotic. While we’re on the topic of shows, go ahead and rewatch “The Office.” This comedy TV series which started in 2005 has chiseled itself into television history. With its quick-wit and dry humor, “The Office” is arguably the most successful sitcom on Netflix. Other than shows, Netflix comes equipped with some top-shelf movies. “Marriage Story,” is a love story, but told from the perspective of a soon-to-be-divorced couple. Although this story may sound dark, director Noah Baumbach drops in consistent humor to keep the viewer attached. Another amazing movie that Netflix has to offer is Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver.” “Taxi Driver,” tells the story of a sleep-deprived taxi driver in New York City. After many sleepless nights, the cab driver, played by Robert De Niro, slowly loses his grip on reality and starts to fantasize about cleaning the streets of NYC. “Taxi Driver” currently sits at 97% on RottenTomatoes and is regarded as one of Scorsese’s best films. On a lighter side, “Step Brothers” starring Will Smith and John C. Reilly is a perfect late-night comedy. “Step Brothers” revolves around two middle-aged men who still live at home moving in together after their parents get married. The comedy in this film stems from the conflict of the prideful stepbrothers trying to remain top dog. Netflix has countless other shows and films not mentioned worth watching, so keep an open mind and listen to your friend’s suggestions.
Maddie Lewis Staff Writer
> Hulu is oftentimes left in the shadow of Netflix, but I’m here to tell you to stop sleeping on Hulu!
NET FLIX
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Things to Do in Quarantine
As we all scroll through Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, the days of self-isolation seem to be running together with a major lack of stimulation. With each day feeling the same as the last, here’s a few ideas on how to switch up your day in quarantine.
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Do you drive? Pick a meeting place with your friends, pack a lunch, and stay in your car. A social distancing picnic, if you will. There are plenty of parking lots around drip, and you could even have your own drive-in movie night.
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Get outdoors! Social distancing can make everyday feel foggy, but the weather in Drip has been top shelf. Go skate, bike, or even chill in your backyard with a good playlist going.
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Pick up some new hobbies. Try out cooking, art, Photoshop, or even reading a book you usually wouldn’t have time to read during the school year. This is the perfect time to try something new, don’t let this time go to waste.
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Organize! That drawer in your bathroom you’re too scared to open, and the clothes you haven’t worn since 7th grade in the back of your closet deserve to be cleaned. Get rid of that year old chapstick and your crusty Nike elites, they’re haunting you, bro.
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If you can give, give! There are so many people and organizations that need all the help they can get. If that means donating clothes, give money to a non-profit, or helping a homeless person on the side of 290, do it. This is a time of need for everyone, so if you can, lend a hand.
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Have your own photoshoot! Get out of your pajamas for a day, throw on your favorite outfit and get that self-timer going.
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Support local businesses. Order curbside from Mazama, Thyme and Dough, or any other small business around you. COVID has taken a toll on small businesses and just one coffee or sandwich order goes a long way.
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Rearrange your room! We’re spending so much time in our own homes, a change of scenery can switch up your mood!
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Get a good workout in. Whether it’s an ab workout or a quick run around your neighborhood, working out is scientifically proven to better your mood and increase your dopamine levels.
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Set up a zoom with your friends or family. We all need some personal connection in a time like this. And although we can’t be around others physically, supporting your friends and family emotionally through this pandemic is much needed.
For starters, Hulu carries “Rick and Morty,” an animated series that follows a crazy, super-scientist that uses his homemade gadgets to take his grandson on wild adventures in different dimensions. Hulu also carries “30 Rock.” This show, created by Tina Fey, was inspired by Fey’s years on “Saturday Night Live.” With the same, dry humor that you get from “The Office,” “30 Rock” is a great comedy for people with a mature sense of humor. Other than an abundance of great TV shows, Hulu carries the Academy Award for Best Picture, the winning film, “Parasite.” Get your reading glasses because this Korean language film is all in subtitles. This film is a tragic comedy that displays the different lifestyles of the poor and wealthy. Without giving much away, this film shows how a poor family finds new ways to wealth. Hulu also carries “I, Tonya,” which is a dramatic retelling of the true events of Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie). Tonya Harding was the first woman to ever successfully land the triple axel but was still snubbed a spot on the Olympic team. It wasn’t until Harding’s husband injured skater Nancy Kerrigan, to the point where she cannot skate, that Harding got to compete. This film sits at 89% on RottenTomatoes and even scored an Oscar. Other than the films and shows listed, Hulu has a lot to offer and is worth the free trial. Now, there are other streaming services out there but, Hulu and Netflix are the most popular by far. Disney+ is good if you love nostalgia and “Star Wars” but other than that there isn’t much to offer. Always remember, if all else fails, turn to YouTube.
Blurring Lines of Gender Confines Music Industry’s Changing Ideals of Proper Sexual Orientation Ethan Everman Staff Writer “Yo perreo sola.” Translation: (I twerk alone) With this simple lyric, Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny shot into a realm of feminism that seemed out of the ordinary and that was before the song’s music video was released, one where we see him transform into a woman. The transcendence of gender has slowly been popping up within pop culture, flashes of indifference toward the classic lines that divided people throughout society before. Likewise, the music industry has hit a new height of gender identity; even before Bunny, we saw a Prince in eyeliner and heels, a David Bowie drifting through different forms of gender, even a Kurt Cobain performing in dresses. However, it seems as though modern musicians have found more freedom in their own form and style. The advancement of the internet has done many things including providing an outlet to let artists control their own artistic expression. The rise of music streaming platforms has also aided in this expansion of ideology. We see genderfluid artists craft and create music in a way that shows their identity strayed far from the influence and controlling nature of record executives. These artists, instead of focusing on radio success, rely more on their ideal musical influences to dictate their identity to an audience of willing listeners. With the rising societal changes, we see new up and coming members of the community who blur more lines than one, namely drag queens. Within the Brazilian music scene, there has been an uptake in gender expression that strays from the usual
and one forerunner lists Pabllo Vittar. Garnering just under eleven million on Instagram, this singer-songwriter has impacted the music industry with his electro-pop sound. Another such queen illustrates Trixie Mattel, a folk/country personality that pushes deep into the mid-twentieth century feeling. Musicologist Leo Treitler describes music as “an essentially gendered discourse” and meaningful only within a context of “…gender, race and ethnicity.” Cultural marginalization and appropriation or “being a Culture Vulture” create a constant struggle within the music industry as it battles with problematic ideas, however, a recent push from underserved and disenfranchised minorities within the industry has led to major breakthroughs. The culturally African American genre, Hip Hop/Rap, saw a huge expansion and pop culture breakthrough since the turn of the millennium; in accordance, genderbending consistently resurges within the public consciousness (through artists like Bad Bunny). These artists may see a break into the mainstream also. Moving at a glacial pace, gender fluidity establishes an identity outside of the realm of femininity and manliness. In a time not that long ago, record labels would have dictated the public image of an artist successfully cutting them off from their own expression. However, in the age of social media, we can see a new group of musicians that relay their message and personality through their own willingness and artistry.
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The Paw Print May 2020
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Features eH om CO e VI , D19
How Animal Crossing Killed Me, Then Brought Me Back to Life Earlier this year, I worked at a locally-owned pet food store. Three days a week, I would drive there after school and work till closing, and I loved it so much. When it hit about 7 p.m., the ebb and flow of customers would die out, and I would wander around the store, looking for something to do. After a minute, I would always pull the paper towels and the Windex out of the back and start wiping the windows down. There was something so peaceful about watching the fingerprints wash away while I listened to my coworker tell a story. If the whole store was quiet, though, I could hear the voices in the coffee shop next door; they were laughing, happy, and full of warmth. I couldn’t help but smile as I wiped the dirt away. For a while, this private ritual was my favorite part about working. Then, one Monday in March, I had to quit my job because of the coronavirus pandemic. It was a decision I made willingly; I felt I was endangering my parents by continuing to come into contact with upwards of 100 customers each day and going home afterward, and however much I valued the structure that my job gave me, it was more important to me to keep myself and the people around me safe. The rest of the week, I felt an overwhelming wave of emotions - sadness that this thing I loved so much was gone from my life, fear that this was a sign that no one’s life was going to be the same after this, and guilt that I was feeling sorry for myself while so many others were suffering tenfold. And underneath all that was a deep and painful empathy; every article I read about all the awful things that were going on felt like a gut-punch, and the worst part was realizing that as a 17 year old, I couldn’t do anything about it; when faced with the regular complexities of the world, I was powerless, but in a
situation such as this, I felt like an ant. That weekend, Animal Crossing: New Horizons was released. I played Animal Crossing: City Folk and New Leaf when I was younger, so naturally, I bought it, and those first few hours felt like a pain reliever. It was a much needed distraction from the news and I welcomed it perhaps a bit too readily. If you could play Animal Crossing, a game centered around making friends with cartoon deer and buying cute little furniture sets for your house, violently, then I deserved criminal charges. I would spend hours fishing on the dock to the point where I had caught every single fish available at that time. I spent days making an orchard with each type of fruit tree in the game, taking care to place fences and plant saplings with excruciating attention to detail. I fixated on things like fossils and flowers and other collectables to the point where I would get headaches from staring at the screen for too long. The point of Nintendo’s whimsical life-simulator is that there is no wrong way to play it, but my increasing dependence on a virtual town proved that there was definitely something flawed about my approach. I ended up taking a break from the game for a week because school was starting back up, and in that time, I thought about why a game which others praised as soothing made me feel like I was rushing against the clock. Evidently, I had felt a hole in my life where there was order. When I quit my job, and I replaced it with Animal Crossing. Alone that concept is fine, but I was overcompensating by holding myself to impossible standards in a video game. So, yes, I had to cut down on how much I played it, but there was something else - I used the game as an escape from the cruel outside world, and something about that seemed wrong to me. Animal Crossing’s thesis is that being kind to yourself and the people around you is the most important part of being alive, and disappearing for hours into a game is not in line with that idea. So, I started to take it slow. I would play the game for only an hour at a time, using the rest of my day to do homework, talk to my family, call my friends, and take walks. It was then that Animal Crossing began to work the healing magic that I had heard of from others. It provided the sense of structure I
Teachers’ Take on Distance Learning How has your experience with distance learning been overall?
“Distance learning has presented all of us
with challenges and opportunities for growth. No, it’s not perfect, but we are making the best of a difficult situation, and that in itself is an achievement.” - English I Teacher Megan Harper What was the transition like from in-classroom to online lessons?
“The hardest part about transitioning
to online learning is not being able to see emotion or reactions from students throughout the learning process.” -English I Teacher Megan Harper
“As an elective teacher, we had different
guidelines than core teachers. I think the biggest issue is trying to communicate that, as well as stay on top of our expectations, which changed frequently.” -Business Teacher Jennifer Riddlebarger What were some of the difficulties you experienced during this transition?
“Teaching is relationship-centered and
communication is a huge part of our job as teachers. You miss a lot of this when you don’t have face-to-face interactions. I also have had some trouble reaching a couple of students and I hope they’re doing all right. -Business Teacher Jennifer Riddlebarger What has been the highlight of your experience with distance learning?
“My kids are great. They have been
coming to Zoom on a regular basis. I love to see them. THAT is the highlight of my job right now...meeting with them 30 - 60 minutes a week.” -English II & III Teacher Yvonne Kaatz
Tessa Stigler Editor-in-Chief
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Madeline Tredway Staff Writer
Students Vote on Perks of Social Distancing
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Student Struggles in Self-Isolation
Katie Haberman Features Editor
Free time
30%
Extra sleep
20%
Self-paced work
16%
Family time
13%
Learning new skills
10%
Communication with friends
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Organization
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was missing, but instead of treating the world like something to binge, I took small doses of its peaceful atmosphere, and it set the right tone for me - instead of reading the news and immediately letting all that sadness go to my head, I went outside to play with my dogs, or I helped my dad cook dinner, or I FaceTimed my friend so we could do homework together. Instead of reading the news and worrying about the insignificant amount of impact I can make on this situation, I did things that were small but helpful to myself and others, because that’s all that I can do right now. Yesterday, I was playing Animal Crossing pretty late into the night. In the game, I was watering my flowers while two of my villagers chatted with each other in the background. As I played, making sure to get each flower and listening to my villagers’ voices, I realized how familiar this scene was. Simultaneously, I realized ewhat I liked so much about that ritual I had. It was such a small but significant way of connecting - listening to its people as they talked - while taking a minute to take care of the world around me. I miss that routine so much, but there are always little things I can do to help others and keep myself happy - even if it’s watering virtual flowers.
Going the Distance
Senior Discusses ADHD, Online School Madeline Tredway Staff Writer After the call connected, Cassie and I exchanged greetings, and as she spoke, I noticed her laptop and a notebook sprawled out on her coffee table and a pencil in her hand. It was nearly 10 p.m., and I assumed, like me, Cassie did all her schoolwork during the day, so I asked her about it. When she said she was working on homework, I asked her why she started so late she told me she started that afternoon, the same time I did, but just couldn’t focus. “A video and quiz for calculus is supposed to take 60 minutes,” Cassie said. “But it takes me three times that long.” A senior, Cassie has predominantly inattentive type ADHD, a disorder that manifests itself in distractibility and inattention to detail. Through medication and routine, Cassie has successfully made her way through high school, albeit with the struggles that come with ADHD; but as her senior year closes, online learning proves to be a new challenge. “People with ADHD work well with structure,” Cassie said. “When you’re directly held accountable, it makes things so much easier, but I obviously don’t have a teacher in my home.” Cassie has tried to set a schedule for herself, but attempts at that have been unsuccessful. School used to start at nine, and if you didn’t attend, you were marked absent and missed a day of class - but attendance isn’t counted virtually, and without that threat, Cassie ends up missing a lot. “It takes so much for me to sit down and do my work because
it seems like the worst thing in the world,” Cassie said. Cassie’s struggle with the workload comes primarily from the fact that when teachers post assignments for the week, they label each assignment with the approximated time it should take, usually being 30 minutes to an hour. However, these assignments take much longer than that for her because of her low attention span, which can be a source of guilt for her. “I work on something for so long, and then I’m just frustrated because I think, ‘If that was supposed to take 60 minutes, then I really failed,’” Cassie said. Cassie elaborates on this, saying that distractions are plentiful in her home due to her pets, other chores and responsibilities, and even decorations on the wall in her workplace
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Ca causing lapses nv a.c in attention. She om . goes on to say that the inherent switching of environments - from school to home - is troublesome on its own, as she had gotten so used to working at school. “It’s difficult to be forgiving of breaking focus when I know how much more efficient I would be if I were working in an environment that reinforced these things,” Cassie said. Cassie’s worst experience so far has been in calculus, where the subject’s difficulty has increased exponentially since
online learning. “The other day I realized that in calculus, I just missed a whole assignment because I just forgot to look at it,” Cassie said, laughing. Conversely, Cassie cited macroeconomics as a course that was “user-friendly”. Her teacher, Jason Wahlers posts videos of concepts from the course being taught by teachers from Khan Academy, a popular online resource used by students, and Cassie finds it helpful as someone who is a visual learner. “When teachers try to put those resources out there, they’re taking it upon themselves to do what’s best for students instead of trying to stick with what was the ‘regular’ style of teaching,” Cassie said. “Teachers have been great at being patient and listening to feedback that students have.” Although Cassie feels that online learning has been a struggle for her, she wants to make sure teachers know that it isn’t just online learning that is disproportionately worse for students with ADHD and learning disorders. Students like that are often discouraged from academics early on. “Learning is a really personal thing, and it’s different for everyone for a variety of reasons,” Cassie said. “And any sort of discouragement from learning, whether it’s intentional or not, is just going to push students back.” Overall, Cassie encourages students with ADHD to push through, take medication if prescribed, and know that their difficulties do not equal laziness. “When you’re diagnosed with ADHD, you almost feel this sense of relief,” Cassie said, “because a lot of times you feel gaslit from people telling you you’re lazy. You’re not lazy. You care.”
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The Paw Print May 2020
mydshs.com
Opinion “Words of Daggers” By Clay Patterson
Short Story Featured in the Meraki The sun began to dip below the deep blue sea as the gallery filled. The clack of shoes and heels echoes on the polished floor of the hall. Sat on top of a teetering precipice, the hall was the birthplace of democracy for the island. Crafted out of rich wood and carved out of the side of the mountain, the meetings there decided fates of people and empires alike. This meeting had been of the highest concern for its members, the tides of power would shift monumentally after this night. What no one expected, was that there would be two fewer faces in the crowd after today. The brazen hall began to swarm with constant chatter and clothes of riches, but nothing less was expected, as the succession of the king was imminent the following day. As a cloak of whispers set in, two members eyed each other from across their respective circles. A lady that stuck out with a blue dress that complimented her bronze skin clung to her group. Known as the Stone Wife, she was equally revered and feared by the room for her intelligence. Her easy flow of talk and poise barred no disbelief for her skill at deception. The ironic nickname had spawned from her past of turning away countless suitors—men and women looking to leech off of her political power or simply fell under her mysterious charm. No one had enticed or offered her enough of a political advantage to warrant a bland marriage. But she did not care for the comment or all of the rumors that surrounded her; she would secure the favour of the successor at any cost. Keeping the Wife in their vision but without drawing any unneeded ire, the sandy-haired Spaniard flowed from group to group. The Spaniard wore a traditional military outfit with medals that marked countless campaigns both off and on land. New to the politics of the land, he was often dismissed as a fool by those born into the political game, but he was as cunning as they come. Strategy and planning was second-nature to the man. His abilities were only enforced by the uncanny ability to
Dr. Gardner’s Types of Intelligence Skilled in writing, reading, and articulating. Can easily learn new languages.
Logical-mathematical intelligence
Skilled in athletics and hands-on activities.
Spatial intelligence
Musical intelligence
Skilled in using reason Skilled in spacial awareand analysis to evaluate ness in critical and creproblems and situations. ative ways. Usually good Often skilled in math and at activities involving logic based activities. hand-eye coordination.
Interpersonal intelligence
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
Naturalistic intelligence
Skilled in understanding music in ways such as rhythm, performance and composition.
Intrapersonal intelligence
Skilled in their interactions Skilled in understanding Skilled in understanding with other people. Ofnature, such as intertheir own thoughts and ten considered “people acting with plants and emotions. Often have a smart”. animals. strong sense of self-awareness.
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May 2020 Volume II Issue VII
mydshsnews mydshssports
my_dshs_news Dripping Springs High School, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
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School May Not Focus On Your Intelligence
Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences is widely accepted in the field of psychology. Dr. Gardner’s research suggests that schools and standardized tests only focus on two out of the eight types of intelligence. This leads to students not being able to reach their full potential and can lead to self-esteem issues. Schools need to be making an effort to teach everyone’s learning and thinking styles. (see infographic for a breakdown of the eight types of intelligence) In his research, Dr. Gardner found that schools teach mainly to those with high linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence. This teaching style leaves many students frustrated and lacking an understanding of self. Many students at our school who score poorly on a test or an
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Letters
The Paw Print encourages the student body to submit letters to the editor. Letters, guest columns, and all material submitted for publication must include the writer’s name and stay under 400 words. The Paw Print does not guarantee to print or online publish work submitted. The meaning of any submission will not be altered, however The Paw Print reserves the right to correct spelling, grammar and punctuation when necessary, as well as condense. Additionally, The Paw Print refuses to print criticism which is not constructive or unsupported by credible evidence. Email submissions to dshsstudentmedia@dsisdconnect.com.
Editorials, Columns, and Letters mydshssnaps
“A strum
Which Smarty Pants Do Sam Moore You Wear? Opinion Editor
Potential ways to celebrate our seniors. Graphic by Tessa Stigler.
Linguistic intelligence
detect and note lies, rumored to be the trick of an Islamic interrogator, but who enacted the interrogation was left unknown. He ignored all the snide remarks and underhanded assumptions that raked him; he would secure the favour of the successor at any cost. A strum on a violin and the whole crowd turned. A man with a booming voice that matched his stature welcomed the guests and officially began the evening. Clinks of drinks and laughs of carelessness exploded into the room. The two kept each other in their sights, but the ruse was broken and they knew that this was the time to strike. The Wife flowed and gently brushed past the groups, matching the Spaniard’s own speed of dodging and breaking through groups like a rushing rhino. The two found themselves at the center of the room, eyes locking in inquisition. Without a word said or motion made, the two struck a pose and began to dance. The two danced in seamless harmony, a blur of majestical blues and formal reds. Each step and word attempted to throw off and deceive the other, always believing the upper hand was theirs. A master of deception and politics, who’d weathered the tides of betrayal and manipulation, battling a commander, veteran of campaigns that had cracked open countless human intention for all to see. No other guest noticed or cared to see the war of threats and bargaining between the dancers. A loud thud echoed throughout the room, drawing scores of eyes upon the source. There lay a mess of cloth and limbs, but no blood was to be seen, only the bubbling foam from each of their mouths.
Opinions expressed in editorials, columns, and letters are those of an individual and not The Paw Print, Dripping Springs High School, or its faculty.
For more information on The Paw Print and its policies visit mydshs.com The Paw Print is a member of the following organizations: CSPA, NSPA, ILPC, and ASPA.
The Paw Print’s core purpose is to serve the students and staff of Dripping Springs High School, as well as the surrounding community, with the most meaningful news and content regarding our school’s culture and the student body that influences it. From students, to students But this one is just for fun.
Awards NSPA Best of Show 2020 ILPC 2018-2019 Honor CSPA 2018-2019 Second Place ASPA 2018-2019 First Place
essay, perform well when given things such as open-ended prompts and creative projects. These students that don’t excel in linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence are likely gifted in another area, and they might doubt their intelligence due to the common misunderstanding that there are limited ways to be smart. If students were to be provided information to help them determine their type of intelligence it would not only help them academically but socially as well. Teachers could provide options when assigning summative assignments, such as letting the student choose between a test or a project. Determining these types of intelligence would provide teachers with the ability to better understand what their students need.
Meet the Staff Editor-in-Chief Tessa Stigler Sports Editor Rigley Willis
Features Editor Katie Haberman
Online Editor Cady Russell
Entertainment Editor Andrew Spiegel
News Editor Opinion Editor Evelyn Peterson Sam Moore Staff Writers Madeline Tredway, Ethan Everman, Maddie Lewis, Grey Patterson, Grant Williams Byline Illustrator Cat Covatta
Advisor Jessica Stamp
The Paw Print is inserted inside the Century News, and distributed to racks next to the front office, CL&I, and the student media room. 2,000 copies are printed.
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The Paw Print May 2020
Sports Thank You, Adair Through the lens with athletic photographer Ronnie Adair Grey Patterson Staff Writer
Known throughout Dripping Springs for his photography, Ronnie Adair has played a big part of our high school’s sports
for many years. “There’s nothing more important in my life than your senior year in high school,” Adair said. “Make the kids feel like rock stars. If I can get one kid an absolute picture that he can remember back on, that he can take and show his kids, that he can put on his wall, that is what is important to me.” Adair started taking photos of our athletes in 2010. At this time, Adair’s son was a sophomore playing defensive end for the Tigers. “I started with football Friday Night Lights, never ever could you get enough Friday Night Lights,” Adair said. “I started with softball right after football and that led into another coach and that led into another coach from another sport.” Since 2010, Adair now takes photos for football, softball, baseball, basketball, track, soccer, volleyball, swim, and lacrosse. “I can’t go to enough games,” Adair said. “All the love I receive from the pictures, I decided I would want to do this till I am a wee old man if the coaches will have me. I get to live through you guys. The kids in this world are what makes the world go round, that’s
how I view it.” You can find the photos Adair takes on his photography page on Instagram (@adairphoto1), Twitter (@adairphoto16), or his website (https://adair.smugmug.com/). All of his photos are free of charge and can be found at these locations. “It’s not right to make money off of children,” Adair said. “It’s not right to boost yourself through children. Number one, it’s for your kids. It’s for memories; there’s not a dime that should be charged for a memory.” Adair has befriended many of our school’s athletes and some of those friendships even last past graduation. “I get to continue outside of the school and be friends with all you guys,” Adair said. “People come up to me to talk about pictures I took years ago. That means a lot to me.” Throughout the years, Adair has touched the hearts of many at our high school. If it hasn’t been said enough, we greatly appreciate who you are and what you do for our community. Thank you for all the time and effort you have put into photographing our athletes and giving them something they can reflect on for years to come. Thank you, Ronnie Adair, for everything you have done for our high school.
Photos courtesy of Ronnie Adair.
Olympic Break Grant Williams Staff Writer
Graphic by Tessa Stigler.
With the rise of the COVID19, many events are canceled due to social distancing rules, one event being the Olympics. This being postponed not only makes us have to wait to watch the greatest sporting event worldwide, but the biggest impact is on the athletes. Because these athletes go through so much training for three years awaiting the coming of the Olympic games. They start their training with plans of when each of their goals to reach the games will be accomplished
during their training time. This one year break that the athlete’s experience is a break in their preparation because they now have to change their schedule for accomplishing a goal. While they would have been prepared if the Olympics had not gotten postponed now they have to expand the amount of time spent on training for the games. The extra year causes a period of time where the athletes have reached their goals but now must maintain their already hard work. This virus has a much greater impact on many various parts of all our lives than most of us know.
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Sports
Lifestyle, Motivation, and Well-Being
Easy Ways to Stay Active
How students stay fit during isolation
This is a time where we are all isolated in our homes and trying to stay active can be a little hard to get motivated about. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be doing it though. It is time to start doing things that we only do because on a normal day we need to. For all of you who are feeling this way here are some easy ways to stay active even when you can’t leave your home. Take a jog/walk around your block Do an ab workout Yoga Bike rides Stretching Body weight workout All of these things will help you to stay in shape through this time when your first thought is to sit and be a couch potato. If you try to do at least one of these things a day it will help you to keep yourself from being too lazy with your time trapped at home.
Maddie Lewis Staff Writer
As each day runs into the next, the shelter-at-home order can make us students feel bogged down, tired, and even a little bit worthless. It can feel difficult to keep a routine, or to feel a sense of accomplishment while we’re self-isolating. I spoke to two students who have been encouraging others to stay fit and moving throughout this time. Senior Alexa Smith has always been a workout junkie and she started her fitness Instagram @fitaustinfoodie in 2018. Smith works out 5-6 times a week, and on her off days she likes to bake, or eat something that she’s been craving all week, and spend time with her family. “When I moved to San Antonio, I had no friends, so I would just go with my dad and find really awesome food places, and I started taking photos of it and talking about it two years ago,” Smith said. “So the foodie part is more so like a sentimental thing, because it was filling a void in the best way possible.” The stay-at-home order has given us a lot of free time, and most of the time, we don’t know how to spend it. Smith explained how working out keeps her sane during this self-isolation. “I feel like I have to fill my time, otherwise I’ll go crazy,” Smith said. “I’ve been working out more, but it’s a lot more stuff that I would never do in a gym. It’s kind of cool; I’ve found more ways to be minimalistic.” Social media has been an escape for all of us students, and for Smith, she’s found a way to get herself even more motivated to get moving throughout this time off. It’s also been a makeshift therapy for the fitness fanatic. “I definitely feel more inclined to workout since I started posting more on my Instagram,” she said. “It’s a hobby, and it’s such a fun part of my day to post about it. It’s also been therapeutic to write a caption because I’m just talking about something I love.” Senior Virginia Peterson, another workout junkie, also started a fitness Instagram at the beginning of April, @vfit_inspo. Peterson started her Instagram after Alexa Smith when Smith told her that it keeps her going with workouts and provides accountability during this time of self-isolation. We’re all looking for a sense of motivation and something to look forward to, and Smith explains that she wants her Instagram to also be something that could help others, while also keeping herself accountable.
Photo by Melissa Richardson
“I think my Instagram makes me want to help/inspire other people to be better,” Smith said. “During quarantine, it’s hard to stay motivated, and having my Instagram account has kept me going and makes me feel like I’ve made a commitment to working out, ” Peterson said. “It’s also to motivate people. Just get up and do it! It’ll maybe take 30 minutes to an hour of your day.” When talking to Peterson about staying motivated, she says that she wants to get something out of this time of being home. “I don’t want to just waste away this next month or two, I want to come out better at least in some areas,” she said. “Working out also helps me improve my way of thinking, which I’m really big on. When I’m having an off day mentally, I make sure to go work out and it clears my head.” Peterson says that the main reason she works out is for her mental health. She stopped playing sports for a couple years and realized how much it affected her drive and motivation level. “Working out and knowing that you accomplished something helps you want to push yourself and strive for more in every aspect of your life,” Peterson said. Mental health and stability during this time can be a bit of a rocky road for all of us during self-isolation. It can be hard to have motivation or something to be excited about for your day or week. “I work out for my mental health,” Smith said. “It doesn’t do anything bad for me; it just makes everything better, even when things are really bad.” During this time, it’s easy to compare yourself to others. We can feel like someone else is doing better than us, or that they’re spending their time better than you, which in the end just makes you feel more bogged down. “I don’t think this time is a productivity contest, or a who can get in the best shape contest like a lot of people are making it out to be,” Smith said. “Even if it’s just going for a walk, it can make you feel better. It makes you feel stronger, not only physically, but you’re disproving every thought in your mind that says, ‘I should just quit,’ and it just goes to show you that you have so many capabilities, and you’re stronger than what you think.” The two fitness gals want to encourage others to get moving, no matter how much it is. It’s not about what everyone else is doing, it’s about helping yourself, your wellness, and your mental health. Follow these two girls on Instagram for some workout inspiration, and overall just some positive words of encouragement.
Photo by Luke Reed
Photo by Melissa Richardson.
A Letter from the Sports Editor Well, here we are, the last paper of the 2020 year, and it’s a special one for sure. COVID-19 has caused the 2020 schoolyear to suddenly end without any means of a heads-up. And while, yes, we are still attending school virtually within the safety of our own homes, it feels as if everything has been turned off, rather than paused. The sports world has been highly impacted during this pandemic breakout, we’ve seen tons of professional athletes contract the virus and, at this point, every single sporting event, league, practice has been canceled indefinitely. For all sports fans, this has left a massive hole in our hearts. We’ve resorted to rewatches, the Ocho, and the new Michael Jordan documentary, which is pretty amazing actually. But, no matter, we still don’t have our up-to-date, daily sports, and it pains me. We’re missing out on things such as March Madness, the NFL Draft, the NBA season, the NBA Playoffs, and the start
Rigley Willis Sports Editor
Grant Williams Staff Writer
of the MLB season. This time is supposed to be one of the best in all of professional sports, but, I’ll say it once more, it’s not. We got the short end of the stick. There, let it out. What we as sports fans really need to pay attention to now that we have a break from the continuous action of professional sports, are the people around the world right now, fighting this pandemic that deserve MVP. Essential workers from doctors to stockers risk their health every single day as they try to make self-isolation a much easier thing for those at home. Politicians, who are working with people around the globe, to find a cure and a solution to the issue at hand. Owners of businesses, who are paying for their workers salaries. Scientists, who have been working in labs filled with the virus, that are aiming to find a vaccine within the month. I know I am missing some people, but to any and all aiding this country during one of our darkest times, thank you, with every contributing hand, we are one step closer to putting this virus behind us.
Photo by Melissa Richardson
Photo by Max Levey
Photo by Kayla Cox
Photo by Kayla Cox
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The Paw Print May 2020
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Student Life
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In response to the recent pandemic, members of the community stockpiled grocery essentials like toilet paper, soap, face masks, and food. As a result, many grocery stores like HEB ran out of stock and imposed purchase limits for customers.
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Thanks for Reading
The above art pieces were created by senior Hailey Kirkup surrounding COVID19. “Although both of these pieces are inspired by the recent COVID-19 outbreak, they are two very different takes on how the virus has affected individuals. The scratch board piece represents fear of the unknown. I tried to capture emotions of stress, trauma, and fear within the girl’s face. I feel that this piece is important to share because it is okay to be afraid during such uncertain times. The mixed media piece represents overcoming negative thoughts. The first woman’s face shows subtle hints of anger, maybe from the passing of a loved one, or the thought of this virus taking a loved one away from them. The transition face depicts the defeating feeling that there isn’t much she can do to stop the sickness that is affecting so many families. Finally, the last face looking off into the distance represents the overwhelming determination to stay positive. This piece is important to share because I believe it can give people the courage they need and remind them that we are all in this together.”- Hailey Kirkup
I had an amazing time putting together The Paw Print this year. Thank you to every student, staff member, or parent who took the time to read our publication. Thank you to my amazing editors Rigley Willis, Andrew Spiegel, Cady Russell, Evelyn Peterson, Sam Moore, and Katie Haberman. Without y’all this could have never happened. Thank you to our amazing writers: Ethan Everman, Grant Williams, Grey Patterson, and Madeline Tredway. Each of you are amazing writers and made this publication so special. I know all of these editors and writers will go on to do amazing things (in journalism or not). I hope I get to see y’all at graduation!! Thanks for reading the last issue of the 19-20 Paw Print. I hope you read along next year :) -Editor-in-Chief Tessa Stigler
Spread Design: Tessa Stigler