A Lot To Talk About

Table of Contents

This is a special edition of The Oracle that Intro to Journalism students created in the spring semester of 2019.

Teacher Inspiration Life of A Principal, Page 3 By: KaNya Harris Masters’ Journey, Page 4 By: Gabriella Zanders Greatest Teacher Ever, Page 5 By: Madison Lauer Teacher Inspired by Students, Page 6 By: Hayley Stewart Welcome to a New Start, Page 7 By: Brooklyn Gruber Polar Bear Crew, Page 8 By: Robbie Streeper Getting Through A Stressful Year, Page 9 By: Grace Poweh Joanna’s Journey to College, Page 10 By: Kendra Lu Senior Signing Day, Page 11 By: Nya Mach Three Days Without a Phone, Page 12 By: Lorpu Williams Why Schools Should Ban Cell Phones, Page 13 By: Kaitlyn Oxenreider

Review Time!

Warriors Review, Page 21 By: RJ Adams Avengers Endgame Review, Pages 22-23 By: Yazmine Hernandez

What We Should Know The Political Sphere of North High, Page 24 By: Theodore Israel A Tradition of Time, Page 25 By: Yuset Quintanar My Life as a Muslim, Page 26 By: Hanif Mujahid Racism, Page 27 By: Rebecca D. Gaypia Currently Deciding Pagees 28-29 By: Tamaiah Crawford Suicide Education in Schools Page 30 By: Trinity Allen The Voices in Des Moines Page 31 By: Serena Miller The Blind Can Do It Too Pages 32-33 By: Angela Wittrock

Student Spotlight Video Games, Page 14 By: Lorenzo Baeza Experiencing the Life of a Twin, Page 15 By: Jaylen Parker From Student to Star, Page 16 By: Xavier Cone The Secret Behind Playing the Piano, Page 17 By: Adan Delgadillo

Sports Adan’s Road to the Show, Page 18 By: Tristin Six Soccer Love, Page 19 By: Fabiana Quiones Velazquez The Outcome of Sports in High School, Page 20 By: Jasmine Thompson

Summer Time!

K-Pop Misunderstood Page 34 By: Said Perez Diaz The LGBT Teachers of North Page 35 By: Saraya Waters Scientific Things You Should Know Page 36 By: Kenya Foster Summer Fun Page 37 By: Alexa VanAuken Two Dishes to Make During Summer Break Pages 38-39 By: David Amezcua The Summer Learning Loss Page 40 By: Carizma Guggisberg

Editors: Trinity Allen, Tamaiah Crawford, Brooklyn Gruber, Yasmine Hernandez, Nya Mach, Said Perez Diaz, Hayley Stewart

There’s More Than What Meets the Eye: The Life of A principal By: Ka’Nya Harris

Benjamin Graeber replaced Mike Vukovich as principal of North High School in 2017. Photo credit: Des Moines Public Schools

There’s more to being a principal than just showing up to pep rallies, speaking at graduations, walking around the school, and greeting students. North High School’s school principal is no different. Although he speaks at pep rallies and greets students, our principal has many grueling and exhausting jobs to get done while on the job.

It’s only his second year Most principals hold their positions from anywhere between five years and 20 years. It’s our principal’s second year here at North High School. When asked about his transition to North, he said that it has been an amazing, life changing experience. “This is my dream job,

“This is my dream job, I’ve enjoyed building a relationship with the students”

3 I’ve enjoyed building a relationship with the students, and with the staff as well. Even though it’s only his second year being a principal at North, he has really made a dent in the climate here at North. “The students are hungry to learn, and they greatly appreciate educators who go the extra mile for them,” he said. “I look forward to building and expanding on my relationships with them.”

New year, new administration All good things come to an end.

That’s what’s going through Graeber’s mind as he prepares for next year.

Come August, Graeber will have a brand new administration team.

With vice principal Joseph Green going to Hiatt next year to be principal, and others going other places, Graeber will be the last man standing.

He’s going to have a completely new administration for the 2019-2020 school year. “I’m really optimistic about the new team; I’m hoping that we will be able to reach new heights and do new things and take North to the next level,” Graber said.

Work work work Being a principal is no easy job.

There’s a lot of work involved in being principal of a high school. Graeber had to develop the curriculum, watch the budget, hire and evaluate new and current staff members.

Graeber is also in control over the safety and emergency procedures.

He also has to attend after school activities, such as sport games, band and choir concerts, school plays and musicals, and school board meetings.

He does all this while also socializing and getting to know the students of North. “It’s a lot, but it’s worth it. This is my dream job, I wouldn’t trade this for the world,” he said.

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masters’ journey to north By: Gabriella Zanders

The hardest thing about being a teacher is balancing out work and home life. “I have two young kids...Like last year, late at night I would be at work and I didn’t Addison Masters has been working for Des Moines know what I was going to teach the next day and I it was schools since 2007. He started when he was just 17 years like ‘what am I going to do?’” Masters said old, but the story of how he was first a custodian then Masters still does custodial work outside of his teachgot here and became a teacher is a unique one. ing job. “It keeps me humble,”he said. He also applies Masters first started with Metro Kids. Metro Kids humility to his classroom. One saying that Masters uses is a before and after school daycare for Kindergarten is “To own the building, you have to start by mopping through fifth grade. He started doing that at Greenwood the floor.” His mindset in the class is you must start Elementary and eventually somewhere. went to other schools, such One thing Masters wants as Oak Park and Hillis Elehis student to learn is to just mentary. be successful in whatever He left Des Moines they do and have a work schools for three months ethic. “If they go to college, working at a factory and hopefully I prepared them came back as a custodito write a thesis statement... an. He did custodial work or if they get a job, they still at Roosevelt for about five have that work ethic, and years. Masters enjoyed bethat’s why I still do custoing a custodian because he dial work, it’s a work ethic,” could just listen to music Masters said. or a podcast, do the work, then get paid. “Cleaning is a job that’s not stressful,” said Masters.

Masters said students would often look down on the janitors or think of it as a bad job. “But they don’t know what the custodian has done to get there or how much they get paid or YOU GOT THIS. Masters explains the targets met in class. Photo what they do outside of that Credit: Gabriella Zanders job... Some of the smartest people I know are custodians,” said Masters.

Masters originally wanted to start his own business.

He went to get an entrepreneurship certificate and took intro to education as a night class, but the teacher he had didn’t make teaching seem that great. “She didn’t make teaching sound too appealing,” Masters said. He dropped the class, but as a custodian and over the years of being a custodian, he thought “Yeah,, I could be a teacher.”

“It keeps me humble.”

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Dryden and Sinnwell at the Polar Bear Gala. Photo Courtesy: Jennifer Dryden

Greatest Teacher Ever: Sinnwell moves forward By: Madison Lauer Lindsey Sinnwell is a student teacher at North High School teaching English one.

Sinnwell is in college trying to earn her teaching license. Iowa State University sent her to student teach at North from there she has been teaching.

Sinnwell wants to be close with students she said, “I want to be able to build relationships with students because when you build a relationship it helps promote them socially and emotionally but also their academics.”

Sinnwell said her proudest moments are the moments when she connects with the students and knowing she made a positive impact in their life.

Sinnwell used to be a preschool teacher working with four-and five-year old’s teaching them colors and shapes but she said, “yes those little kids are cute and fun but for my career I want to work with older kids.”

“I want to feel like I’m making a positive impact on the world and I love kids especially teenagers and I also love English, so it just combines the two things I really love to want to become a teacher,” she said.

When Sinnwell was in high school she had a favorite teacher who just loved English so much and she was also into her students.

Sinnwell said, “you could tell she really

loved her job and it just made me want to become an English teacher.”

Even though Sinnwell is looking forward to the kids she said “It’s going to be hard being able to balance everything because it is challenging and I just want all the kids to succeed and sometimes it’s hard no matter how hard you try to get them to where your’re hoping you can get them.”

Sinnwell’s cooperating teacher Jennifer Dryden loves Ms.S. She said, “ Ms.S is one of the best teachers that I have worked with and she’s not even a real teacher yet,” Dryden says Sinnwell is very hard working, and works really well at building wonderful bonds with students, and works really hard in and outside of school.

Dryden mentioned Sinnwell is really fun to work with. She said, “she is very smart with her content of English and journalism but also she is just personable; she can connect with students.” She said even if students don’t connect with her, she keeps at them and if they need help with anything or getting caught up, she doesn’t give up.

Dryden said, “that’s a really good attribute in being a good teacher.”

Dryden believes Sinnwell has what it takes to become a teacher. She said, “if I had to bet on anyone it would be her.” Job applications and interviews call Dryden from different principals all the time and Dryden said, “whoever gets stuck with her is going

to be blessed having her. They have nothing to worry about. She will be a really really great teacher.”

Dryden said she was super nervous getting a student teacher but when she met Sinnwell she was super surprised. She said, “me and Sinnwell had so much in common.”

“Sinnwell came in and took on all the responsibilities and put all the work on her back and she hasn’t folded yet,” Dryden said. Dryden said she can see herself getting another student teacher but not next year.

Fun Facts *Sinnwell has twins *Sinnwell became a teacher *Dryden loves Taylor Swift *Dryden has six tattoos

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Teacher inspired by Students World History teacher, Jason Danielson, works at Central Academy trying to inspire the students who inspire him. There is a level of hope he sees in his students that you don’t tend to see as people in older. “I like being a teacher because I don’t have to work with adults all day,” Danielson said. The students, energy and buzz that comes from them gives him hope for the future.

Just like any teacher, Danielson has a life outside of school as well. He spends his time with his wife and kids, playing basketball, football, and going to see movies. Danielson is very dedicated, kind, and loves dad jokes. His wife inspires him as a person because the way she handles things he isn’t very good at. “It would be really weird to survive without her,” Danielson said.

Danielson didn’t always plan on being a teacher. He spent several years in college not knowing what he was going to do. In college, he came across history classes and loved it. He is happy to be a teacher at Central because his students inspire him. Danielson has a special passion for music. He planned on being a musician instead of a teacher. When he was in college, he started out trying to be a music major. He planned Teacher inspired by students! Jason Danielson is to go to New a teacher at Central Academy. He cares about his York and students and is happy he ended up being a teacher. become a “I never really liked history in Photo Credit: Hayley Stewart jazz piano

He has had many experiences as a teacher high school but turns out I just player.

good and bad. He likes the different va

didn’t like the way it was taught

variety of kids and life experiences he

gets to witness like when he sees to me,” Danielson said. a student who gets into a good college. He doesn’t like the diminishing public support for his mission. For example, budgets keep getting smaller and the people who keep shirking teachers budgets keep getting elected. That showing that a lot of people are okay with it. It makes short sighted thinking for children as teachers get cut and classes get larger. Kids start to fall through the gaps of it all.

By: Hayley Stewart

Welcome To A New Start

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This school has been standing for more than 130 years. The front of North High School on spring day. Credit: Brooklyn Gruber Ring! Last day of 8th grade I was so excited to finally get out of that old school. But was nervous to move into a bigger, more intelligent school. All I thought about was it’s going to be like the movies? Get bullied, party at some senior boy’s house drinking it up, or having homework that piled up over my head? I really didn’t know. The time flew by so fast that high school was starting, and I knew I wasn’t ready.

Drama. One thing everyone enjoys hearing but not being a part of. From another student’s point of view, it’s going to happen. There’s nothing going to stop someone from “putting your name in their mouth” or “she said, he said”. Just try to ignore the situation or confront it but don’t let it control your life. It’s literally high school drama, it’s going to last maybe a week and next week, it’s a new drama.

It’s not that scary, don’t over think it.

– Gabriella Zanders Don’t be stupid .

– Adan Delgadillo Don’t skip class.

- Kaitlyn Oxenreider

Broken friendship. Let me guess, you have a group of friends that you trust. You guys tell each other Go to class, everything. I did too. But over time drama broke do your work, us. They no longer talk to me or talk to me as much and keep your as they use to. I felt horrible, like I couldn’t trust grade up. anyone any more. Listen don’t really dwell on it too - Kendra Lu much, it’s a new start, you will meet new people, find a new friend group. They will still be in your life, just not as close as they used to.

Skipping class. I’m going to be honest, I have skipped class and left early. But it’s not worth it.

If you keep your grades up now you will have the opportunity to have free periods in the next couple years. Yeah it seems cool and fun but it’s literally a waste of time. Teachers will be at you in the halls saying go to class, annoying you, just go to class, period.

Get involved. Have school spirt, when you go to games and go to prep rally’s it’s more enjoyable to come to school. You have things to talk about, and you get to have more good memories about freshman year. One of my favorite memories was a football game. Yeah, we lost but it was fun to hang out with the older kids, screaming at the coaches, and singing the chants with the cheerleaders.

Don’t procrastinate. Just try to get your homework and extra work done quickly because it’ll be easier for you. You won’t get stressed about turning your work in on time because you’ve already done it. In second semester, you have only a couple of months to have all your stuff together if not you can’t do anything to upgrade it. Don’t even try to turn to summer school because there is already a long list and you may not even get in. All I’m trying to say is, try to stay on deadlines.

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Benefits and history of Polar Bear Crew By:Robbie Streeper

Class president Jenny Nguyen and senior William Rassavong on march 16th, the two members of Polar Bear Crew are standing in front of North High School’s polar bear holding a sign for Polar Bear Crew recrutmint. Photo Credit Robbie Streeper

Polar Bear Crew is the leadership group in North High School. Polar Bear Crew has been around about four years now. Polar Bear Crew works with other schools and even goes to elementary schools a few times a month. Some information was gathered from the Polar bear crew adviser Amy Rost about what Polar Bear Crew does.

“We do pep rallies, freshman orientation, school décor,” she said. Her proudest achievement is being able to work with other schools and have Harding students come in. One of the questions that was asked was is there anything that students don’t know about Polar Bear Crew?” ”I think some of the people didn’t know how to get in.

We handed out applications and hung posters to help with that”, she said.

William Rassavong ,a senior at North High School, was interviewed about Polar Bear Crew as well. His thoughts on

it is it’s good and full of opportunities when asked how his experience in the group has been has been, he responded, “pretty good it; educated me” When asked educated how, he responded, “Just meeting new people and helping out in the community.” Will had advice for people who are thinking about joining Polar Bear Crew: “If you want to make a difference in your community you definitely have to join”.

North High School class president, Jenny Nguyen was also interviewed about Polar Bear Crew. She has been in Polar Bear Crew for two years and said Polar Bear Crew is challenging but welcoming. “It’s been really fun and welcoming” she said. She has a message for other students who want to join the group. “They should join, it’s really fun!

You get opportunities other students wouldn’t get, you meet new people you normally wouldn’t and make new

friends.”

Polar Bear Crew also gives members something called silver cord hours the more you get you can get a scholarship and when you graduate you get to wear a silver cord. It also looks good on collage applications. So, there is only one question left to ask when the opportunity comes: will you take it?

“If you want to make a

difference in your community you definitely have to join.”

William Rassavong

Getting through a stressful year By:Grace Poweh

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North High School, senior Tema Tendee finishes her class work. Tendee’s attitude changed towards school and the work. “I really wanna walk that stage so I’m going to try my best.” Photo Credit: Grace Poweh

For Tema Tendee’s senior year it Tendee struggled a lot in algebra was a stressful year. Tendee’s year because it was her first block and was a crazy year after being absent she said, “It’s hard to wake up in from 449 the morning,” but “I know he wants me to class perisince it was the class graduate and if I don’t, I ods. she needed most, Tendee don’t want to disappoint she decided to start had missed him so even when I want to going. Tendee said many days her reason for going give up I don’t, instead I tell of class due was because of her myself you’re doing it for to the fact biggest motivator, that she was him and that he would be her dad. “I know he always skip- proud of me if he was still wants me to gradping, or she uate and if I don’t, alive.” was at apI don’t want to pointments. disappoint him so At this point in time she started to even when I want to give up I don’t, comprehend that she was not going instead I tell myself you’re doing it to graduate with the grades she had. for him and that he would be proud Tendee said, “I had to be focused, of me if he was still alive.” so I stopped skipping and started Tendee’s advice for lowerclassmen going to class.” is “Stay focused even when you see

your friends skipping and it looks like much more fun and better than what you are going to do in class just go to class because at the end of the day all those missing assignments are going to add up and make you fail the topic, which means you fail the class. During your senior year, it’s going to be hard because you will need to redo classes that you didn’t pass, that’s when you’re going to realize you should not have been skipping for the reason that you’re going to be rushing and trying your best to get those grades up. You’re only going to be stressing yourself out, so just go to your class and do what you got to do. Don’t follow those kids who decide to skip cause that’s going to be a problem for them in the future, just don’t ruin yours.”

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Joanna’s journey to college

By Kendra Lu

hard in school and why I applied to a lot of scholarship,“ Espitia said.

Espitia’s favorite class is yearbook because she gets to express her creativity and take on a responsibility that was more different with her other classes. She is a coeditor in chief in yearbook because she accomplished many creative things on her own.

“She’s a good leader and she’s very creative, and she gets things done so she’s a hard worker,” Yearbook teacher, Jennifer Dryden said.

When she was younger Espitia wanted to be a doctor, now she will be double majoring in nursing and liberal arts. She plans to see which one she likes betSenior Joanna Espitia studies her geometry book a week before her ter either becoming a nurse or doing something more last day at North. Espitia will be attending Grand View University to towards being a lawyer. Her biggest accomplishment become a nurse. Photo Credit: Kendra Lu is her GPA and she’s thankful to the amount of help offered to her by her teachers. Espitia gets her inspiWe're all waiting for the day until we graduate high ration from her sister aside from her parents. Espitia’s school. This year 18-year-old Joanna Espitia gets to favorite memories are the prep rallies at North. She walk the stage and receive her diploma. Espitia has been hopefully sees herself graduating college and living in Florida in the next 10 years. at North High School for two Espitia advice for incoming years. She was born and raised in Des Moines and has two siblings, “They literally had nothing, they freshman is: “Never let your one older sister and one younger knew nobody here and they were GPA drop you because you albrother. In her free time, she likes able to overcome that and create a ways have to try. It’s really really hard to get your GPA up, so if to dance, listen to music and go beautiful family.” you start off good most likely on runs. Espitia knew she always you’ll end just as good. Don’t wanted to go to college especially procrastinate don’t put things off to the side you need because of her older sister, her sister set the bar high and it’s now an expectation for her to go. Espitia has re- to do it. Espitia said. ceived more than three scholarships but will be attending Grand View University through a four year scholarship called ‘Immigrant Iowan Scholarship’.

The Immigrant Iowa Scholarship covers full tuition, room charges and fees for an incoming freshman. Espitia met all the qualifications, some of them are: having born immigrant parents or being one, demonstrated financial need, high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.

“I came from immigrant parents, they both came here with nothing, they’ve provided us with everything we need financially and I feel like for that reason I really feel like I have to give back to them for all they’ve done for my siblings and I, which is why I always try really Photo Credit: Kendra Lu

Senior Signing Day! It’s Graduation Month! By: Nya Mach

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Lights, Camera, Graduation!

May 2nd was the 1st annual Senior Signiing Day at North High School.Seinior signing day is a day where Seniors get to get up and tell everyone where they will be going to after graduation. Cielo Castillo(left) and Aurthur Sumie(right) from North High School walk the first ever Senior Signing Day. During this event students spoke on stage and presented where they will be going to college once they graduate.Before these seniors presented where there were going they were given a shirt,

banner, etc. to represent the college they are going to.”Senior Signing Day did not perpare me for college I’ve been perpare since day one,” said Summie.

On May 2, North High School celebrated their 1st annual Senior signing day. Senior Signing is a great event for the graduating seniors to help them get excited about college, or whatever plan they have after graduation. Many administrators were a part of this wonderful day and got to help and cheer on the seniors and congratulate them on their success and where they’re headed in the near future.

Julie Charikov a counselor at North is one of them who set up and was a part of Senior Signing Day. Charikov was very excited about this day and to be a part of something new and awesome.

“Senior Signing Day is a day where our graduating seniors get to get up and say what their plans are for their next step in life and be celebrated by friends and family,” Charikov said. Senior signing day was an awesome event and something fun, but there were many things behind the scenes that we couldn’t see that were very challenging. Charikov said, “because it was the first-time, kids didn’t understand what we were doing.”

“Senior signing day did not prepare me for college, I’ve been prepared since day one.”

Cielo Castillo, a Senior at North,

committed to DMACC and is majoring in early childhood to be a teacher.

She is very excited to be part of something new and to prepare for the month of May because it’s graduation month.

Graduating for her means a lot and she’s very blessed for this month and being so close to graduation.

North has also helped the seniors get to where they’re at right now. Also, North has molded the seniors to greatness and pushed them further.

“North has prepared me for college by challenging classes like AP classes, which is like college classes.” Castillo-

said “Mr. Jenkins, for sure Mr. Rost and Ms. Wilson has helped me for my future in college, also North has helped me improve my social skills and I-JAG because I’ve been a vice president of social speaking.” Castillo said.

Arthur Sumie, another Senior at North, gave his input about Senior Signing day. Sumie is committed to William Penn University for wrestling and Interior Engineering. Sumie said, “Senior Signing Day did not prepare me for college I’ve been prepared since day one, since middle school I’ve had my eye on college, but North has prepared me for college because of my wrestling skills and charismatic with people I feel like I’m bolder and more outgoing.”

As a result to Senior signing day it was an ecstatic experience to be a part of interviewing and see North’s pre-graduate students walk across the stage and prepare for graduation.

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Three days without a phone By: Lorpu Williams

Image going without a phone for three days. I’m going to be talking about my experience, how it was like and how I benefited from it.

Going without my phone for three days was a challenge, but at the same time helpful. Not having my phone was challenging because I couldn’t connect with my friends and I was off social media. But it also helped me pay attention in class. Before I decided to go three days without my phone, I was slacking in my school work and was not focused in class even when the teachers were giving instructions. and my grades was dropping.

I asked teachers to see how technology impacted their classroom.

Ms. Leigh Stamer, a Power English teacher at North High School, was asked how technology impacts her teaching. She said, “technology have a negative impact in my teaching because it’s a constant distraction and students don’t use their cell phones for educational purposes.” She also said, “if there was no technology, my class would not be affected, because students can simply read on paper, rather than on computers.”

Students were asked how tech-

nology impacted their learning in class and relationships with family and friends. Ruth Togba, a senior at North High School. Was asked how long she can go without her phone.

“I can’t go long without my phone because I be feeling alone because I didn’t know what is happening around me”.

I can't go a day without my phone for even a day because I would feel disconnected from everything that happening on social media,” said Togba.

She also said “my phone is a compete distraction to me sometimes because when I'm in class I’m always on my phone and even with my family or friends. I don’t communicate with her family or friends because we’re always paying looking at on your phones even at dinner. They don’t talk because everybody so focused on their phone. What I did to disconnect myself from my phone was I find a book that interested me, and I read the whole time, so I didn’t have time to be on my phone.

So, my tips on how to disconnect from your phone will be anything you find yourself being on your phone find something that interest

Ruth was paying attention on her phone she forgot she was supposed to be walking in P.E. Photo Credit: Lorpu Williams

you such as: reading, playing with your sibling, walking your dogs, and watching movies with your family but do somethings that has nothing to do with your phone.

Nick was was so focused he forgot he was supposed to be working out in the workout room. Photo Credit: Lorpu Williams

Why schools should ban

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cell phones

By: Kaitlyn Oxenreider

Beep beep beep! Outside of North High School, students Jasmine Thompson and Angela Wittrock are glued to their phones. During the school hours you’ll see many students looking down at their phones, as presented. Photo credit: Kaitlyn Oxenreider

The idea of banning phones to students may seem like a terrible thing, but is it really? The main purpose of going to school is to learn. Phones can be a big distraction to the learning environment because it’s tempting to get on social media or text your friends when you get a notification.

So why should schools ban phones?

Schools that ban phones have higher grade averages. For example, on the website Soeonline. american.edu says that “Researchers found that students in schools with phone bans earned higher test scores and that low-performing students benefited the most”. So, if more schools around the area ban phones our grades as a community will go up. And who doesn’t want that?

Another reason why schools should

ban phones is because teachers struggle to get students’ attention while they’re on their cell phone. According to the website Soeonline.american.edu, “Teachers already struggle with maintaining students’ attention during class, and with cell phones’ are providing other ways to “escape” the classroom,

On the issue ‘why schools should ban cell phones’ I interviewed Yuset Quintanar, a freshman at North High School.

Upon asking the question “Should cell phones be banned in school” Quintanar said, “I think they shouldn’t be fully banned but there should be some restrictions.” Even students can agree that phones can be an issue during the school hours, and something needs to change to fix the problem. I also asked Quintanar, “Do you think phones affect students’ grades?” Quintanar said, “I think it doesn’t affect every grade just how the student uses it, but if they aren’t responsible, they’ll fail.” If phones are allowed in schools, they should only be used for educational purposes. I believe schools should ban phones for the right reasons.

“Schools that ban phones have higher grade averages.” many teachers feel that students’ grades have declined as a result”. If we didn’t have cell phones this problem wouldn’t be happening. Teachers should be able to teach without having to stop class to tell a student to get off their phone, and students shouldn’t be having such a hard time paying attention.

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Battlefield 5

Rainbow 6 Siege

This may be at the lowest of the list but that does not mean it’s not fun.

This game takes place in WW2 and is a first-person shooter of 32v32 players going head to head in allout war using tanks and airplanes and that looks at some weapons used during that time. The reason I made this the lowest is I rarely play it but when I do it’s fun until it gets boring or I get annoyed and stop playing. Overall I rarely play it and it gets boring quickly. But it is a very good game if you like high amount of action. I would recommend it if you like fast pace and big battles happening.

Rainbow 6 siege is a 5v5 first person shooter that has many things that make the game unique. In the beginning it may be difficult to understand because there are many things you must remember like what noises mean what and how to control your recoil. When you figure it out, this game is amazing, and I absolutely recommend it if you’re thinking of buying it but be warned players can be annoying or toxic. Other than that, the game is lots of fun and is good if you like playing somewhat strategically.

Overwatch This game is also somewhat difficult to learn. There are 30 characters in the game with each doing different things and with different weapons, hit points and special abilities. If you frequently play, it will get easier and more fun. Something you should try to remember is what some of the characters do so you can be prepared defeat them. Eventually you will know enough to not die every time you see an enemy.

By: Lorenzo Baeza

Sea of Theives Sea of thieves is a first-person game with much to offer. If you like to be aggressive you can hunt down players or ships to destroy and take their loot or you can try to take on a fortress for some high-risk high rewards. If you like to be more passive you can do quest looking for buried treasure and deliver items to people in the world. If you like to explore you can do that to this game, and it looks amazing and There is many islands around the map that have secrets and some rare treasures that have high value to sell. I would absolutely suggest that you get this game there is some much to do no matter who you are. This game has an awesome sound track to really get you in to the spirit of pirating.

Experiencing the life of a twin By: Jaylen Parker Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a twin?

After years of answering question after question about being a twin, my twin and I answered a few common questions we’ve been asked.

Many people always ask the same question, “Is it weird being a twin?”

As my personal answer I say yes, it is a weird experience because it’s rare to see twins, so we’re often stared at and asked obvious questions like “are you two twins?” with that being said it is pretty annoying to always

be asked questions every time we are in public.

Another reason I find it weird is because there is someone walking around with the exact same face as mine, which I find creepy. Jayla Parker (my twin sister) answered as, “I don’t look at it as weird, I find it interesting. I don’t look at you [Jaylen] as a twin I see you as just a normal sister plus I’ve never experienced life without a twin so to me it’s normal”.

Another common question is “what do you like about being a twin?” I like that there is always someone I can count on to talk to

15 when no one else is around and no matter what she always has my trust.

Her answer was “I’m never alone everywhere I go and everything I do I’ve got someone to do it with me”, Jayla said.

Something I don’t like about being a twin is, people assuming me and her like the same things and same people, which is not the case. Even though we’re so much alike, we are also very different in many ways.

A few things I don’t like about being a twin is getting so many obvious questions, for example: “are you two twins? How do you know you’re you? Do you get a lot of questions?” people ask questions knowing the answer to them, even if just for fun it gets pretty irritating. Also, people treat us as if we’re one person. They don’t understand that I like things that she might not”, Jayla said.

A question that few people think about is, does being a twin bring competition to each other. Like any other brother or sister, popularity is different for most and my answer is yes, it does bring competition to us. There are so many of the same things Jayla and I both love doing, but someone will always be better even though “we’re the same person”.

“Being a twin does bring some competition that we bring to ourselves, like for example trying to become friends with each other’s friends. It doesn’t always work out because like said before, we have different personalities that not everyone may like” Jayla said.

Jayla and I may have some different opinions on being a twin but in the end, I think me and her both enjoy it, and there’s no one I would rather spend every day with than her.

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Chirtsian Granillo: From Student To Star By: Xavier Cone

Christian Granillo’s two newest subscribers, Hanif Mujahid and Lorenzo Baeza.

Photo Credit: Xavier Cone

It’s the summer of 2017, he’s 13 and Christian Granillo isn’t sure what to do. He was bored out of his mind and that’s when he decided that he would become a youtuber.

He had always loved making jokes for his friends and he loved being a content creator.

Christian Granillo is a youtuber and student who attends North High School in Des Moines, Iowa and is 14 years old. He blew up with 128 subscribers and has exactly 18 videos. His favorite video out of the ones he’s made so far is “dysfunctional family.” He loved this video because he thought it was his funniest one, but his most viewed video is “girl’s night”. I asked him who most inspired him and he replied with Danny Duncan. He also said his friends and his sister inspired him to start the YouTube channel.

He hasn’t posted a video in a little over two years and he said he hasn’t posted them because he was ‘done with YouTube.’ I asked him if he would ever get back into You-

Tube and make more videos and he said no and that it was a waste of his time. I also asked him what he will do with his channel now and he said that he will leave it alone and just watch other videos on it. Now since he doesn’t have anything in his way and doesn’t have to make any videos he plans on graduating high school and having a good rest of his life.

I interviewed Hanif Mujahid and Lorenzo Beaza that don’t know who Christian is and had them watch three of his videos; “Lelea the crackhead”, “Girls night”, and “Dysfunctional family”. They both fell in love with his videos and had subscribed right after watching them. Mujahid liked the videos and said, “Dysfunctional Family” was his favorite.

When I asked him about the videos he watched he couldn’t do anything but laugh and try his hardest to keep a straight face but when he finally got the words out he just continued to laugh hard.

When I interviewed Beaza he had kept a straight face the whole time

Christian Granillo pursuing his goal to graduate high school. Photo Credit: Xavier Cone

and laughed a little bit. He said that they were funny but also a little bit childish. His favorite video was “Girls Night” but wasnt sure why.

Both Mujahid and Beaza didn’t have the same opinion on the videos, but when I asked them if Granillo should continue, they answered with yes.

Follow his YouTube channel: Christian Granillo

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The Secret Behind Playing The Piano By: Adan Delgadillo

Saraya is finishing her final project in her Jounalism. Photo Credit: Adan Delgadillo

“I feel like it helped me memorize and focus in class more.”

For many student’s school can be a hassle and hard to understand what’s going on in the classroom. An many of student don’t want to resort to cheating on tests. Instead they could learn to play the piano to help their brain to grow in power. This will help them perform better in a classroom and learn a new instruments. Saraya Waters uses her ability of playing the piano to “distress” and “clear her mind.” This is an upside to learning the piano, but Waters said she never struggled in school, so she never saw a difference once she learned to play. There has been recent research behind how playing the piano enhances the brain power and helps students in the classroom Playing the piano is basically working out your brain to train yourself to multitask and memorize the song. Another benefit of knowing how to play the piano is it zzcan make you a brighter and more creative

person.

Agustin Oropeza is a freshman at North High School. Agustin takes most of his classes at Central Academ,which is an advanced placement program. This also may come with some stress. Oroperza learned to play the piano when he was in eighth grade when he first started at Central. He said, “I feel like it helped me memorize and focus in class more”. Oroperza knows numerous songs from classic to modern hip-hop. He still attends Central Academy and is doing a good job with his grades and still is playing the piano and keeps on trying every day to learn new songs and expand his knowledge on the piano.

Playing the piano comes with various benefits and “helps with stress” and “helps me memorize” in reference of Oroperza and Waters. I would also draw attention to how it helps in the event of when someone is struggling in school or in life in general. Playing the piano may not help everyone in the same way it can benefit many others in many ways.

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Adan’s Road To The Show By: Tristin Six

Adan Delgadillo is currently a varsity baseball player for North High School. He mainly plays pitching and first base.

Delgadillo is very passionate in the sport. He started playing baseball at the age of four because he saw his brother playing baseball and decided he wanted to play too. Eventually he got hooked into the sport and followed through because his grandfather also played baseball and he got invited to play in a tournament team for Grandview University’s little league.

He continued to play for Grandview and eventually went to USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) later when he was nine and they got second in state for his team.

He started playing high school baseball when he was 13. His current coach, Harry Kramer, has very high hopes for Delgadillo and is very confident in his playing ability, he said, when I asked “Do you see Adan having a future in baseball? Such as going to the MLB or anything higher?’ he answered with, “I think Adan could get all his college paid for from playing baseball. Making it to the MLB is something he can accomplish but it takes a lot of hard work and luck. I really think

Play ball! Adan Delgadillo standing at the pitchers mount, Adan is committed into baseball. Adan’s adviec for other pitchers is to “play hard!” Photo Credit: Tristin Six

Adan has the right mind- ball program and he wants the game.” But lastly, Delset.” Delgadillo has a lot of to be around his family gadillo wants to play for good people around him that live there. He wants the Dodgers. He hopes to make it to the MLB and play for them because he “...MLB is something he can was raised in a Dodger accomplish but it takes a lot of family and hopes to one hard work and luck. I really think day make his family proud by being a future MLB Adan has the right mindset.” player. and his teammates to encourage him and lead him in the right direction.

When Delgadillo gets older, he hopes to play for UCLA because he says he loves the school, the base-

to be a pitcher for UCLA because it is his favorite position to play. He likes playing pitcher because he said he can “basically control the game as a pitcher and control the pace of

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Can soccer change a person?

A story aboutr a student that soccer changed his life.

By: Fabiana Quiones Velazquez

Jefferson Castillo is a sophomore at North High School. He was born in Guatemala and is 15 years old. He moved to Iowa two years ago. He loves to play soccer. Castillo started playing soccer when he was three years old. He is on the soccer team at North High School. To be able to enter on the team he had to have good grades and had to take a physical exam. He is on the team, but at the first game he could not play because he had bad grades. For two weeks he had to improve his grades. When he did, he started playing soccer.

He felt very happy because he is fulfilling his dream.

In one of his games when he was playing, he injured his ankle and thigh. He felt very bad when he got injured. Castillo was very sick of his ankle he could not play; he was sad. “I felt sad because soccer is

something that I love,” Castillo said. He was at rest for three weeks, doing massages on his ankle. His parents during the weeks that he was at rest always supported him and they tried to cheer up him so that he could not be sad.

When the rest was over, Castillo again began to play. Since he started, he is playing well. Some of the games he has played have made several goals.

Sometimes Castillo’s ankle hurts.

Castillo’s dream is to be professional player. He will do everything he can to fulfill his dream. “Being a professional player is something that I have wanted since I was child.

Soccer is something that I love, and I feel I can improve every day,” he said.

There were people who did not want him to play, but he never wanted to stop playing. His parents

Atention polar bear! On May 14, 2019 at North High School the soccer team played against Dowling Catholic Schools. North High School lost 3-2.

are his biggest inspiration. His dad has been his coach. His dad since childhood was always supportive and always had a smile in the games. He wants to be professional so that his parents feel proud of him.

He will do everything he can to make that possible.

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The Outcome of Sports in High School

By: Jasmine Thompson In America there are 15 million U.S children. one out three live without a father. And Andrew Phillps is one of those kids, He grew up without a dad because his dad did drugs, When you hear father’s leaving their kids for drugs, we all think “oh that kid is going grow up doing drugs or end up drinking, end up in jail or have anger issues.” Phillps was one of those kids who ended up proving people wrong and growing up with no father and kids who has a dad who does drugs that there is a light at the end of it and there is always something good that can happen to you out of all of this.

“I really don’t remember my dad; he was on drugs.

When I was five years old my mom moved me away from him and the environment he put in my life when I was born, all I remember is him coming in and out of my life he only showed up on some birthdays I had and when he did he still was on drugs so I really don’t remember the real guy my mom fell in love with before he got on drugs and before his whole personality changed.,” he said “I never really cared about my dad being gone

for a while because I had my mom and that is all I needed. She worked hard for me to have a life with no drama about my dad and the stuff he did. She put me into sports and that was really big impact on my life I stayed out of trouble because of sports, my grades were always up because of sports. I was always in class because of sports, everything I did was because of sports. I got put in sports by my step-dad; he came into my life when I was five years old, but I knew he was not my real dad, but he was there more than my dad was. If my step -dad did not put me in to sports, then I don’t know what I would be or where I’ll be at right know. We didn’t know when I join sports that it would change my life for the better,” he said.

“Reason why sports were a big deal for me to keep me out of trouble is because no good grades, no sports. No showing up to class no good grades, and no sports. So, when everyone else was skipping and doing no -good things I was in class get my education. Reason why I was there was for to get education so why not show up and not do what you supposed to that was what I thought and reason why I mostly stayed

out of trouble.” he said I asked Phillps what was there moment that you wanted your dad or if you needed him? “Of course, there was moments where I did need a father but my step -dad was there to fill in his steps I needed to learn how to become a man and then when I got my knee injury I wanted a dad too be there to tell me there is going to be a big comeback from this slight setback but my step dad was there to tell me that.”

“Reason of my dad not being there, I knew that I need to be better than him be there for my family will be there for my kid no matter what. My outcome out of this is really a big impact for my family, I got lot of college scholarships for football.

And because of his absent in my life it motivated me to be the best I can be for myself, my family, and my future family. There was some days and parts in my life, of course, I wanted him but if not for him being out of my life I am the best that I can be and I am glad I was one of those kids to have a big impact and changed my life for the better, “

“Because of his absence in my life, it motivated me to be the best I can be for myself and my family and my future family.”

“Andrew Phillps celabrating his catch and making a touch down against east high school.”

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Warriors book review by: RJ Adams If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live your life through the eyes of a feline, then I have the books for you. Made by author Erin Hunter, The “Warriors” is a book series based around four clans of wildcats living in the forest and their everlasting struggle against threats to the clan life and the Warrior code. In the first book, we meet Firestar as a young “kittypet” named Rusty who eventually trails out into the woods with a dream of living like the wildcats. He soon has a run-in with a cat named Graypaw(Graystripe) and the “Thunderclan” leader Bluestar. After his suprise meeting with these cats, he asks to join them and without knowing of a prophecy given to the clan leader that “fire will save the clans” is eventually accepted by Bluestar.

As he joins the clan and gets his apprentice name “Firepaw”. Throughout the rest of the book set, he is forced to deal with the struggle of being accepted as a clanmate and gaining his clans trust. Learning the way of the warrior code, his adventures lead him through the clans, getting into trouble alongside Graypaw and facing off against dark threats lurking throughout the forest such as packs of wild dogs, bringing back an entire clan from exile, and facing an evil tyrant and traitor who still fights to rule the clans through until the last hope. Throughout the rest of the series it follows different groups of clan cats and their stories and prophecies. Through the book set “the new prophecy” it follows a group of cats each from a separate clan, all given a dream stating they must travel to the “sun drown place” and their adventure of traveling out of the forest and across mountains

to bring their clans to a new home, far away from the looming threat of the twolegs destruction in the forest.

In the book set, “the power of three, it follows three littermates; Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and Hollyleaf as they try to figure out their own destinies and the purpose they serve in prophecy stating they shall “wield the power of the stars in their paws”. Throughout this set and the (currently finished) final set “Omen of the Stars”, the mysteries around the prophecy are revealed with a new fourth cat. Secrets are revealed, betrayals are made, unexpected friendships are formed, and cats will be forced to face the truth in their pasts as the final battle approaches, bringing forth a prophecy older than the clans themselves to finally be fulfilled after “countless moons” of wait with a thrilling conclusion. The series is a great read with plenty of books including tales of when the clans first came to be, the adventures of major characters throughout the series and their own personal conflicts, and even stories of great historical events that have left marks in the clans for “moons” to come. With every book filled with fulfilling stories of love, betrayal, action, suspense, and thrilling and satisfying conclusions, The Warriors is one of the best series you can find. So go find a copy at your closest store or library and dive into the world of Warriors.

Spoiler Warning!!!

Avengers: Endgame Movie Reveiw

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By: Yazmine Hernandez

If you’re a Marvel fan, or even if you’re not, you’ve likely already seen Avengers: Endgame by now, but spoiler warning if you haven’t. The movie broke box office records across the globe. Bringing in $1.2 billion only on its opening weekend. It has also now passed The Titanic as the second highest grossing film and is catching up to Avatar. So, I think it’s safe to say the film has been anticipated for a very long time.

The film follows the original six Avengers, Ant-Man, War Machine, Nebula, and Rocket Raccoon on a mission to get the Six Infinity Stones before Thanos does. In order to do so, they split up into groups and use the Quantum Realm to go back in

time to a place in which an Infinity Stone is set. Then they are planning to use a new model of the Infinity Gauntlet to undo the Snap

Romanoff (Black Widow) in Vormir. They’re willing to sacrifice themselves for the others to be reunited with everyone else after the misEnd Game brought in $1.2 sion.

O n billion opening night. the othby snapping again. er hand, there were many I really love how this parts of the movie that I movie portrays love and af- didn’t really like at all. For fection. When Tony Stark one, I strongly disliked (Iron Man) was letting out the way they used Thor’s how he felt about the past obvious depression as years when Steve Rogers comedic relief. I feel like (Captain America) wasn’t that would’ve been a great there was heartbreaking way to show the viewers and amazing at the same who struggle with detime. It really showed how pression that it isn’t a joke much it affected Tony and and that even the stronthat he really does care gest avengers deal with it. about him outside of just They could’ve also used it being team members. We to show character develalso see this platonic af- opment in him and that fection with Clint Barton he is no longer the same (Hawkeye) and Natasha arrogant and childish king

he once was. I also feel like they killed Natasha too soon. She never really got the chance to prove that she is more than just a weapon and that she could also be happy despite the things she went through.

Overall, Endgame was a very good movie in my opinion. The way all the actors delivered their performances and the amount of work that was put into the visuals and effects. Even though we’re hurt after the events in the movie, it was an amazing wrap-up for the original Avengers and a great beginning for the next big superheroes. We will always remember the characters, actors, and staff as legends for decades.

Thank you, Avengers, we love you 3000.

Opinions Jennifer Dryden: “My favorite part was when all the females all got together and stood there in the midst of war and just had that look of determination and girl power, that was really cool.” On Captain America giving Falcon the Sheild, “I think what they did was that, Captain America has our countries name in his title and so to give it to Falcon, who is played and casted as a black man, to say ‘you are now Captain America’ I thought had so much power of like today’s society and like creating more equality and equityand like showing the face of ASSEMBLE! Captain America (center), Iron Man (top mid- Captain America is no longer this dle), and their team mates are pictured above for the Avenger’s white man but this black man who Endgame movie poster. They are ready for the fight of their lives is just as powerful, I thought that and will do whatever it takes to succeed. Photo Credit: Yazmine was a really cool change.”

Hernandez

Sarah Mieth: When I asked what her favorite part was she said, “Any part when the original six Avengers like; Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hawkeye, and Black Widow, when they were all together.” She goes on to say, “I liked how they tied in the previous movies, that was really cool and clever.” I asked her which parts of the movie she thinks could’ve been improved and she replied with, “I did not like how they portrayed Thor, I didn’t think it was necessary to make him fat, I’ve been complaining about that all weekend. I thought a lot of parts with Hulk were kind of awkward and wierd, and I wish we would’ve seen Captain Marvel more and I wish we would’ve seen Okoye from Black Panther more.”

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THE POLITICAL SPHERE OF NORTH HIGH Written and designed by Theodore M. Israel

the reviews were You wouldn’t think mixed; a message that a high school that was very reocwould be a place curring was students where anyone feels felt that the environunsafe due to their ment – including political views – isn’t educators and stua high school supdents – is particposed to be where ularly left leaning diverse thoughts and liberally biased, flourish? However, at however a lot of least at North High, people also said a lot a survey revealed at of students seemed least 12% of students misinformed, or not of roughly 80 stuinformed enough. dents surveyed have Overall, the pofelt, or feel, unsafe litical environment due to their politics. at North is tense Sofie May Rivero, a freshman at North, TALK TO ME. North freshman Sofie May Rivero poses under the Amer- – however, this was very open with ican flag after she expressed her opinions on hot button topics in the US, doesn’t mean we can’t conversations. her views on politics expressing her eagerness to talk to those with opposing views. Photo have Credit: Theodore M. Israel A lot of students, not and the sphere at the just ones like Riveschool. ro, seemed incredibly “I definitely have my or otherwise – but she isn’t the last. views, but I’m also definitely open The survey revealed that the majority of willing to converse with those to other ideas and being persuaded,” people surveyed at North were democrats, on ‘the other side’, which leaves a Rivero said. She seemed very keen and they took the cake at 39.5% - only 5.3% lot to be learned from the kids at on the idea of dialogue and talking were republican, while the others a mixing North. We can only hope that the to those who differ politically, and pot of more ‘uncommon’ stances. Out of the rest of the world will follow. obviously welcomed conversation entire survey sample, only 55.6% said they with open arms. for sure have a staff member or somebody “A lot of people have told me beto go to if they were being harassed, either cause I am mixed that’s why I’m so for politics or otherwise. A little under half open. I’ve definitely been told stupid either said no or that they weren’t sure. comments like I shouldn’t have any Oddly enough, the number between those say in certain conversations because who have felt unsafe due to their politics it doesn’t affect me,” Rivero said. seems to be not far off from those who flat This is only one person in the wideout said no, as those who said they definitely ly spread group of people at North don’t have someone to go to is at 11%, while who’ve expressed distaste for the those who have felt unsafe is at 12%. current political climate, at school When asked if they felt North was biased,

“I’m definitely open to other ideas and being persuaded.”

Sofie May Rivero

A Tradition 25

of Time

By Yuset Quintanar Surprise! Freshman Sofia Rivero at a downtown park. She has been planning her Quinceanera for months now. “I ‘m so excited for my day.” Photo Credit: Yuset Quintanar

For girls with Mexican heritage, having a Quinceanera is a thing of tradition. What is a Quinceanera? When a girl turns fifteen, in Mexican Catholic culture this girl is seen as a woman.

To celebrate this, they throw the girl a big party and she must go to Mass with her family and court of honor. No Quinceanera is the exact same.

There is so many factors into the planning process that each Quinceanera is unique for each girl.

Sofia May Rivero, freshman at North High School, is currently in the planning process. She admitted that for years, she wasn’t planning on having a Quinceanera, but recently decided against that idea. When asked why she changed her mind, she answered, “I saw it as a waste of money and not a need but then I decided I should embrace part of

my culture and just have fun.” Rivero comes from a big family and didn’t want more expenses added on to her family. Planning is a very complicated process. From picking a dress, booking a venue, invitations, catering, and learning dances. There are three main dances, father-daughter dance, Vals (slow dance), and the Sopresa (surprise dance, typically fast songs). To help with expenses, the family will gain the help of sponsors, typically called Madrinas and Padrinas. They will help by paying for something specific, like the cake or dress.

The dress is a special part of the process. Sofia talks about her experience with her dress saying, “I remember when I first tried on my dress, I felt confident and it just made me even more excited for my Quince.”

Another freshman

from North High School, Yazmine Hernandez is also planning for her Quinceanera in August.

While visually, their Quinceaneras are different, they still both face the same problems. Hernandez faces the problem of not having the same taste as her mother, so that can create a few problems while planning.

She also did not originally want a Quinceanera, in place she was going to get a car, but also decided to instead have a Quinceanera.

When asked what part of their party they are most excited for, both girls said the father daughter dance because it is a very moving part of the experience. Both also gave similar advice for other girls having a Quinceanera, both saying to not let the stress get to you, and to just enjoy your party, because it’s your special day!

“ I saw it as a waste of money and not a need, but then I decided I should embrace part of my culture and just have fun.”

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My Life As A Muslim By: Hanif Mujahid

My name is Hanif and I’m Muslim and it’s Ramadan.

Ramadan is when you would wake up in the morning and eat suhoor(breakfast) before then sun comes, and you wouldn’t eat or drink until the sun goes down.

We do this because it’s supposed to remind us to stay humble because not everyone can eat a meal every day.

Fasting is not the main thing of Ramadan, it’s a part of it the focus is to be humble, kind, not lose your temper and be the best Muslim you can be. Ramadan lasts 30 days and it starts at a different time each year because the Muslim calendar and the normal calendar have the same months and number of months.

The Muslim calendar has twelve months and the normal calendar has 12 months. Those months are Muharram, Safar, Rabi’ul awwal, Rabi-al-thani, jumada al-Ula, jumada al-akhirah, sha’ban, ramadan, shawwal, dhu al-qa’dah, and dhu al-hijjah and then there are the normal month January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The date of Ramadan varies each year and

is determined by the cycles of the moon. Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, and it officially begins the morning after the crescent moon is visible. The months in Islam also have different meanings behind their names Muharram means forbidden, Safar means void, Rabi’ul awwal means the first spring, Rabi-al-thani means the second spring, jumada al-Ula means the first of parched land, jumada al akhirah the last of the parched land, Rajab respect honor, sha’ban means scattered, ramadan means burring heat, shawwal raised, dhu al-qa’dah means the one of truce/sitting and dhu al-hijjah the one of pilgrimage.

To further explain about Ramadan, I interviewed my cousin Muhamad Yahya He is also Muslim and going through Ramadan. What’s it like to be Muslim in this school? “It is easy to be Muslim in this school because people are very excepting”. Do you have a place to pray?

“Yes, I do”. What do others think of your religion? “They are fine with it”. How is fasting? “fasting it’s easy and not uncomfortable”.

This is the symbol of islam it is a cresent moon with a star in the center of it.

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By: Rebecca D. Gaypia Imagine living in a racism free that look like a suspect without any world. Yeah, it’ll be nice, huh? Don’t questions ask?

People believe that going pro have to worry about if you’re the next victim when you walk out your black is anti-white. But that’s not house or not having to worry about true, being proud of our blackness people looking at you every time does not mean we hate the whites, you walk in the store. Racism is de- we just hate the way they treat us. stroying the world but mostly in the The whites act like they are better black community. For an example than us or worth more than us. Take there are tons of kid who are waking the Jim Crow law for an example, up every morning without a father The Jim crow law was “typically reor mother in their lives because an fers to repressive laws and customs officer fears the color of a black per- once used to restrict black rights” son or they think they bring harm (History Stories).

During the time of Jim Crow law, to the world. Every day on the news it’s a differ“Never be limited by other peoent African ple’s limited imaginations.”

A me r i c an name we’re —Dr. Mae Jemison, first Afrihearing. can-American female astronaut We need to take a stand for what’s right because how many of us blacks, immi- they separated the whites from the grants, and those who are not white blacks. The white people would alhave to die before they get that our ways have more freedom. If you lives matters too? The list of inno- were black and you ride the bus, you cent names that died based on their can’t not sit in the front the bus because that’s where the white people skin color is too long.

Stephon Clark got shot eight times, sat at. Even at schools the black and eight freaking times. Not once but white folks were separated.

Black people and white people eight times. All because the police officer thought he saw a gun, which were not allowed to learn in the turned out to be his cell phone. same building so they would put Trayvon Martin got shot because back people in a tore up building he looked like a “suspicious guy” and give them torn up textbooks (Trayvon Martin Biography). So, is while the white folks had brand new that the new law now? Kill anybody textbook, pencils, computers and other stuff and they building would

be really nice.

Even our own justice system is racist. I mean what’s the point of having a “Justice system” if it just justice for one side. Take the Ynw Melly case for an example, Ynw Melly is a 20-year-old African American rapper who murder two people and is now being sentence a death penalty but if it was going to be a white person they would’ve said “oh he’s not mentally stable,” like they did with the guy that did the Florida school shooting.

We need to put an end to all of this now!

Nay Gay and Eyifehn Forfor whom attend North HighSchools sitting down in the workout room.

Photo Credits: Rebecca Gaypia

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Currently Deciding:

Changing our beliefs or, otherwise, keeping them.

By:Tamaiah Crawford

Nirvana Perez Diaz is a 9th grade student at North High, right by the window in room 1433 Green, wondering why others act the way they do.Photo Credit: Tamaiah Crawford.

We all have morals that we stick determining on so many factors that in. Do they stick to those morals to, everyone has a preference on life, are presented to me daily, which is for so long, or are they easily influand reasons that can be simple, or completely normal, I try my hardest enced? very convoluted. But as teens shift- to understand my surroundings.

Ben Nguyen, a ninth-grade stuing toward adulthood, there will But what I found interesting, was dent full of inspirational advice and be a lot we change about ourselves. beside me. Do other students real- a person who believes in logic more And it’s not expected that what ly think in depth about this subject? than false evidence, is one of those we believe in can “… everything living dies for internal reasons— lucky individuals change too. who has answered Talking about becomes inorganic once again—then we shall be this question. this subject is com- compelled to say that ‘the aim of all life is death’ “Ideals change plicated as philosoovertime,” Nguyen phy is never simple and, looking backwards, that ‘inanimate things said. “Even if they to understand, bethink one way, it’ll existed before living ones’” cause it’s our prefeither give them erence on things. confidence, or What we think is -Sigmud Fred in“Beyond the Pleasure Principle” change on how they right or wrong, our see it.” He also went own behavior and interpretations, Or is it just common to get in a dis- on to say there are always two sides, beliefs, and much more, is what we cussion with something like it. And and that not all morals will apply to can understand as the reality we see. so, I asked three individuals for their everyone. Arguing for a good cause It’s a perspective of life, more im- opinion. Each gave a compelling re- and having a reasonable solution, portantly, it’s a study on what people ply, which I was absolutely surprise he believes with these should only perceive. But for me, and the entire at, but most the questions I’ve asked apply to any kind of discussion, deworld, I’m still growing to under- still gave them more of an insightful bate or argument, and only be those stand such a thing, which is why I’m look. One question asked, and this reason why you should change perfascinated by the subject, so I can is where one of them gave me more spectives. never decide on what I believe. Still than intended, is what they believe

29 “Sometimes I must portray them, them. for the sake of my pride,” Nguyen said. It shows much on how he values into his words; which I see to why he sticks to them.

Another student, like this, has great insight from a different question I asked. Personally, it was a discussion, but none the less the answer was still something that struck me. I shared my personal journey of why I change perspectives when I learn something, upon which she hesitated at first, but still was able to answer my question.

Paige Stanley, a tenth-grade student who sticks to what she believes in and is understandable to other opinions, is the one who brought a great point in that discussion.

“Everyone in some way has a journey to find themselves,” Stanley said.

“To choose to take the journey or not.” Meaning that people have their own choices if they are wanting to change or not. But it also depends on the person, Stanely believes that in the vast population with many differences, it’s impossible to determine if they’ll change or not. Which I think is important, but I also believed that everyone can’t change, unless it’s necessary.

From receiving both students and their looks on what they value, it answers my question quite clearly on their views of the world. That everyone has their own views. I might not be able to learn from my first client, but I was able to recognize why I didn’t change my views much. Because I stick to them. It might’ve been my pride that I didn’t change my views, or that I believe it wasn’t something I entirely agree with them. Whatever it is, it’s your decision, and if your views aren’t respect then it’s your decision again if you want to change them Or stick to

30

Is suicide a topic that should be taught about in schools?

By: Trinity Allen

North High School needs a better support system. High schools all over the world need to have their students better taught about suicide. So many kids commit suicide based off of in-school problems they have. “North and many many other schools are needing that extra help,” Jaylen Parker, freshman at North, said. Photo Credit: Trinity Allen

What is suicide, for those who the fact that suicide is often not cov- School named Jaylen Parker was don’t know Suicide, or ending one’s ered by insurance, the loved ones of interviewed and asked a few quesown life, is a tragic event with strong people that have committed suicide tions. “I don’t think there is much, emotional repercussions for survi- sometimes they don’t have money to if any, help here for people with vors and for families of its victims. give them a proper funeral the are suicidal needs.” When Parker was There are many ways to commit sui- often left with no other option to asked if she thought that schools cide, some of them include: shoot- not file their death as “suicide”. like North High educates stuing, hanging, carbon monoxide poiIn 2018 the number of suicide at- dents enough about suicide and soning, poisoning by drugs, jumping tempts in America was standing at a if it could be one of the reasons of buildings/in areas of rapid water, large number of 1,400,000 (Ameri- why so many people commit suistabbing, drowning, asphyxiacide, she stated, “No they don’t plastic bag and struck by train/ “I don’t think there is much teach kids about suicide that vehicle. There are many ways much, no I don’t think um, people kill themselves but those if any help here for people that not talking about it is the are a few. reason for suicide but I think with suicidal needs.”

Suicide is more common than talking about it would help if you may think, although there students felt like they actually is never a way to be for sure how can Foundation for Suicide Preven- had someone to talk to.” many people commit suicide each tion). That shows you that suicide Students should be taught about year, the number is greater than you is gradually growing and it can and suicide in schools to help them figmight think. In 2017, there was ap- should be taught with in schools , ure out other options besides suiproximately 47,173 Americans that that would help kids with depres- cide. How could you help somedied by suicide that was recorded ( sion or anxiety realize that there I one with signs of suicide?

National suicde prevention lifeAmerican Foundation for Suicide another option for them.

Prevention ).I say recorded due to A student attending North High line: 1-800-273-8255 Call or Text

The Voices Of Des Moines

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Keep the Movement Going

On April 19, at the finals of the Des Moines poetry slam, one of North’s very own Jocelyn Rifas preformed three poems in hope to make this year’s BNV (Brave New Voices) team.

“When I was up on that stage it didn’t feel like I had something to be scared of,”Rifas said.

Rifas started her Movement 515 journey in 7th grade being taught by that year’s BNV team. `“At that point I knew I wanted to be in Movement.”

Now a junior, Rifas followed her dreams and was the only North student to compete and win a spot out of six, on this year’s BNV team. “As I was looking at my team, I was like dang, I’m here it’s actually real!’” she said.

One of the people to help make this happen and be supportive was Words Taylor, one of Norths coaches; he impacted Rifas. Not only as a poet but as a person, giving her an outlet and someone to talk to. “Words is hands

creative way but in everyday life and in education. “It’s allowed me to be a better listener and influenced the way I think about public education and the role of the teacher within the classroom,” Lang said. “It helped me grow; it helped me see who I wanted to be,” said by Rifas.

Movement 515 has also had their fair share of struggles like maintaining growth and recruiting. “Movement 515 is a creative community where you can be your true self, experiment with art forms, express, and get free,” Lang said. People that are a part of Movement 515 love

“Even on my worse day, I would still go home and write.”

it. “Even on my worse day, I would still go home and write.” Movement is always open to new family members and ready to support anyone who will let them, so join the fam next school year. By: Serena S Miller

Jocelyn Rifas won one of the six spots to this years BNV team. Photo Credit: Rushaun Johnson

down one of my biggest mentors,” Rifas said.

Movement 515 was founded in 2011 by Emily Lang and Kristopher Rollins in the library of Central Campus. Movement 515 was made “to provide young people access to art forms such as spoken word poetry, graffiti writing, and hip-hop dance, and platforms to speak their truth!” said by co-founder Emily Lang. Movement is a nonprofit that goes through schools and gets help from the community from their events like poetry slams. They have after-school programs in elementary, middle and high schools open to anyone.

Movement 515 is home to anyone who wants to come and get free. Movement changes people not only in a

“Your hands are just as dirty as the men that write your paychecks.”-Jocelyn Rifas Photo Credit: Russhaun Johnson

32 SPRINTING FORWARD Riawna Hunter, senior, passes the baton to Angela Wittrock, freshman, to continue the race at South East Polk High School on April 2 2019. Photo Courtesy: Nirvana Perez Diaz

BY: ANGELA WITTROCK

THE BLIND CAN DO IT TOO

How do you run? How do you swim? How do you play any sport when you’re blind? These are questions that I get a lot. Hello, my name is Angela Wittrock.

I am fifteen years old and I was born with cataracts in both eyes, which is clouding in the eye lens that prevents vision.

I was born completely blind but had two surgeries when I was four and six months old to remove the cataracts and have two fake eye lenses put in. Today I have a little vision in both eyes, but I still cannot see as well as most people can. Therefore I am still considered “visually impaired” or “legally blind.”

I use a cane in unfamiliar places, just in case there’s a curb or something that I may not see.

But I tend to hide the fact that I am partially blind very well so when I do not use my cane in pub-

lic many people do not notice, but when I do use my cane in public many people stare. Even though I can’t see them when I am out in public many people stare at my cane as I walk by. I do not always know if people stare because they are curious, confused or amazed with how a blind person gets around so easily. For example, one day I was at Walmart with some of my friends that also have a vision impairment and as we walked by a lady, she turned to someone and said, “they aren’t actually blind, they are just faking it.” Another example is was when I was at a varsity track meet at Saydel High School and as I walked by with my cane a high school girl turned to my track coach and told her how amazed she was that I can run track even though I am blind.

The sports I participate

in at school are track, cheer and cross country.

I also play other sports through the Iowa Braille School through the North Central Association of Schools for the Blind conference such as goal ball, swimming, beep baseball along with track and cheerleading as well. We also participate in forensics, which isn’t quite a sport because it’s speech, but forensics is still a part of the conference. We go and compete with around 12 other schools that have visually impaired kids in the midwest. It’s nice to go and compete against these other schools because you get to compete against an even playing field with other kids our age that can relate to us in a different way other kids don’t at a public school.

Although I love having the experience of traveling across the country

to compete against other kids that are also visually impaired. I also really enjoy participating in sports at my public high school because when I go to track meets, I get the opportunity to compete against other girls my age that can all see a lot better than I can.

That might sound weird, but I love being able to show everyone that I can run long distance races even though I cannot see well. On top of all that, I love the feeling of knowing that even though I am legally blind that doesn’t stop me from doing what I love.

Ashlyn Schulz, an athlete on the Iowa Braille School team, says, “Well being visually impaired comes with many obstacles but the one good thing that has come out of it is getting to meet other people who share the same problems and experienc-

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TAP TAP. As soon as people hear that sound or see my cane many assume that I am not capable of doingthings that everybody else can. But being an athlete with a vision impairment proves the exact opposite. Photo Credit: Angela Wittrock

es. My vision impairment can hold me back from doing things I want to or being an average student in school and such, but it helps us get to do things that average high school students do but comfortably and fair for us.”

Cobe Berglund, another student with a vision impairment that plays on the Iowa Braille School team, says, “Having a visual impairment makes sports very different for me, and makes some sports just not possible. It’s nice to have the NCASB sports to do and the people I do it with. Competing in school sports is definitely possible, like track and swimming, but baseball and tennis would be impossible to adapt. Being able to go and compete with other blind athletes is nice since there’s a level playing field.”

Oliva MidCalf, who’s

also an athlete for the school, said, “As a person with a visual impairment, sports can be a good and bad thing. One downfall is that things aren’t necessarily adapted for me.

In public school, the mass majority of people can participate in everyday sports and activities but it’s not as easy for me. Easy things like catching a ball aren’t. It can make things difficult. There are several good things about being visually impaired. It has really made me know my abilities. There are some days that are harder than others knowing that I can’t play sports like everyone else. But it has made me a stronger person.”

Even though there are many daily obstacles that come with not having perfect vision I wouldn’t trade it for the world because being partially blind has given me the opportuni-

ty to meet many amazing people and form some everlasting friendships.

Honestly, I really like being a little different from everyone else because it makes me who I am today!

“Being visually impaired comes with many obstacles but the one good thing that has come out of it is getting to meet other people who share the same problems and experiences.”

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K-pop Misundestood

By Said Perez Diaz According to the website Amino, a misconception is “a view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding”, which is not rare to have in a world where the prejudices domain. Also, the definition of K-pop is “a genre of popular music originating in South Korea.” While the modern form of K-pop can be traced back to the early 90s, the term itself has been popularized since the 2000s.

But, how are these two definitions related? There has been a common issue recently, with the popularity the musical genre K-pop has reached, it has gained as many positive as negative opinions. While some think it’s “good”, “with meaningful lyrics”, and “really interesting”, other people think that “they’re mostly Korean guys that rely on autotune” and “have an annoying fanbase” or “Crazy Hivemind Fanbases”, as some call them. However, these negative opinions are mostly made by people who don’t really have knowledge about K-pop and have their own misconceptions.

According to a junior at North High, Daisy Arriola, “K-pop it’s our International genre that pulls people into Korea... I think it’s good, I love it. It helps people who are really depressed and suicidal. Listening to K-pop helps them, it’s just a good kind of marketing way for Korea to become very successful,” she said.

Also, on a survey done to the North High students, an anonymous user wrote, “I support it. The groups themselves discuss topics such as LGBTQ, mental illnesses, politics and media a lot in their music, and make things known to fans in ways American artists wouldn’t. The BTS Love Yourself: End Childhood Violence campaign is a great depiction of that as well as the Love Yourself album trilogy the group recently wrapped up, which features songs about loving yourself and loving others.”

But with versions like those, why are there still misconceptions? Well, recently there have been many scandals and rumors circling in the social media that have involved some idols, like the drug scandal with T.O.P, from the K-pop group BIGBANG, or

SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF. A student of North High represents her musical tastes by showing a picture on her phone when asked what kind of music she likes to listen to at North High School. Photo Credit: Said Perez Diaz the prostitution scandal that involved some members of other groups. However, these are not the only kinds of rumors there are about idols. Some of those rumors include discriminations against idols, like judging them for their physical appearance, whether they use or not makeup, have tattoos, if they have darker skin, have other nationalities, or even doubts about them composing and singing their own songs!

To this affection, a sophomore at North High, Kiana Knight said “some of the misconceptions are absurd, and how would you get that from the whole K-pop thing?

Some of them are true, but not all idols are perfect and everything.” And honestly, it’s true, the idols might not have light skin or have a full Korean origin, but that does not mean that their music should be judged.

Arriola also said that a bit of good advice for people with those misconceptions about K-pop “could also do a little bit more research in onto their stuff and see what they’re really into. Don’t judge if you really don’t know, because you can’t talk about it, K-pop you should be free.”

The music is a universal language, so why not respect it?

Some of the main misconceptions made about K-pop are: • Idols can’t sing and rely on autotune • Idols are not real artists • All idols do plastic surgery • You must be Asian/ Korean to like K-pop • You can only like music that you understand • Boy groups work harder than girl groups • They have homosexual tendencies* *This misconception should not be made and criticized since it’s the idol’s personal information/ life.

It shouldn’t be either supposed or denied, and should be respected*

m 35

The LGBT Teachers Of North By: Saraya Waters Being a female in this world is hard enough, what about being gay as well? Well, at North there are two people taking on that task and doing their best while at it. Jennifer Dryden and Jean Schwendau are both teachers here at North High with experiences to share. Dryden has been teaching for six years, her first year being at East High School. She currently teaches English 1, Journalism, Yearbook, and Newspaper, next year she will be changing English 1 to English 3 and adding Creative Writing. Dryden loves teaching depending on what she’s teaching and the mood of school. Dryden has “always felt like it was in my blood to be a teacher.” A lot of her family were teachers, so Dryden said, “I feel like it was inevitable for me to be a teacher.” Dryden grew up in a classroom and worked at a daycare. When asked about LGBT teachers, Dryden believes they are important to have a diverse staff whether that means sexualities, cultures, ethnicities, genders; it shows kids representation and no barriers for a career in teaching or education in at least public schools, good to interact with people whether they know or don’t know about people’s sexuality, if and when they find out those things they have a chance to grow in their opinions, if they were once biased towards certain sexualities or genders they may build a relationship really well with that

teacher and then say “oh well this doesn’t really change my opinion of them, maybe I should change my opinion of how I feel about this identity.” Gay-Straight-Alliance, also known as GSA, is a group who discusses LGBT topics and how to help fix or make them better. Although Dryden wasn’t in charge of GSA this year, she will be taking it over again next year, with a history of being involved two years ago. Dryden had to step away because she was very busy and having to get that ground steady was important. Dryden came out at 27, it took her dad a few weeks to come to terms and has lost a couple of friends due to religion, but most were happy she was happy. Dryden doesn’t let any discrimination get to her, except when LGBT words get thrown around in a bad way, she started calling them out. Dryden doesn’t think that it is not necessary for students to downgrade others, she believes everybody is on their own path in life and should be celebrating our growth.

Schwendau has been teaching for 35 years, teaching chemis-

try, biology, ap biology, physics, general science, ell science, and physical science. Schwendau loves teaching because of the kids.

Schwendau said, “I think I’ve always been a teacher, like I was born a teacher.” She loves learning and helping people learn. Schwendau doesn’t catagorize people on who they are, so to her LGBT people are people, but also, they are needed because it helps students identify with someone like them.

Schwendau ran GSA this year with that being the only LGBT group she is involved in. She is out to friends and family and has been judged for it but has not been discriminated against from what she remembers, since she hid it for so long. Schwendau also believes it is not good that students downgrade each other, saying, “We need to all stand together, there’s enough bad things happening outside here.”

TEACH. Jennifer Dryden teaches her Journalism 7th block class about their final project in her class. Photo Credit: Saraya Waters

36

Scientific Things You Should Know By: Kenya Foster Hey everyone my name is Kenya, I’m a 9th grader at North High School and I’m going to be telling everyone about essential molecules.

First off, we need essential molecules to survive. Essential molecules are very important to life. We need to eat to get energy, if you don’t eat then you have no energy and by having no energy this can affect the molecule.

Our bodies take out what we need for this molecule mostly the (important stuff) and disposes what it don’t need.

After you eat your food, you are what you eat, period. If you eat fattening foods you are most likely to gain weight. This is not good because when you gain weight you start to get lazy and if you eat too much fat this can cause heart problems and also loss of a gal bladder.

Healthy foods are used for energy, you need this energy to help with the molecules. Make sure you eat at

Eating healthy young builds you to have a strong body. photo credit: kenya foster

least one fruit a day this summer and drink plenty of water. If you don’t try, this can cause a lot of problems.

You need protein too, but don’t eat too much. This is going to help you become stronger. Make sure you eat a lot of veggies because you need them to grow. Try not to eat a lot of potato chips, soda and other bad foods because this can burn up the inside of your body.

If you have a lot of medical conditions, make sure you really eat healthy because if you eat too much junk, this isn’t good. We need you to exercise to keep your body in shape so when you get older your body is healthy and the only way your body can be healthy is if you eat healthy.

Like I said, drink a lot of water, eat a lot of protein, and you should be cool.

Definitions Essential – important, keep up to date

Molecule-

a group of atoms bonded together, representing the small fundamental unit of compounds that can take part in a chemical reaction

Summer Fun

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By:Alexis VanAuken

DON’T GET TOO TIRED. Carizma Guggisberg a freshman at North High School, enjoys a nice summer day pushing a random tire.

Have you ever been bored at home with nothing to do? Do you ever find yourself wanting to do something, but never having the time or money? Well, here’s an article that might help you out. This article will be about what to do with friends, or just what to do when you’re at home.

It will also give you ideas on how to earn money to do these things.

There will also be ideas on how to have some family fun.

could do: you could tan, binge watch a new show, take a bubble bath, watch the stars, clean your room, catch fireflies, workout, get a mani/ pedi, write, read, or just vlog. Those are just some of the things you can do alone in the summer, there are thousands of options, but normally you aren’t alone.

Some kids can’t go anywhere in the summer while their friends are on vacation, or simply just busy. So, what a lot of kids do is hang out with their family rather than being alone.

Not many decide to do this, but it is an option. If you think hanging out with your family is boring, here’s some ways to make it fun: grab a board game, garden, do a family cleaning thing, have a jam out to your parents music, go to a movie, bake or cook with them, or just talk to them.

Photo by: Alexis VanAuken

You Could Also...

•Go for a drive •Build a fort •Go to Adventureland •Mow the lawn •Do a face mask •Have a water-balloon fight •Go to the park •Have a picnic •Have a throwback party •Go for a jog •Ride your bike •Go to a camp •Go camping •Go kayaking

Some people like to just chill and be alone, while others prefer to go out and have fun with friends.

Carizma Guggisberg, a freshman at North High School, stated, “With friends, because then I’m more social and I’m not just spending time at home.” She also said, “We like to just like walk around and go to each other’s houses and go to the pool.”

Some things to do during the summer to earn money to do all these things are, sell your old clothes, In conclusion there are many walk dogs for $10, sell candy, sell things you can do during the sumchips, or sell other small items, pet mer you just have to think. But sit or babysit. those are just some of the ways to make your summer great.

If you’d rather just be alone this POOL TIME FUN. Here’s Serena Miller a freshman at North High School having fun in the pool on a cool summer, here’s some things you summer day.

Photo by: Alexis VanAuken

38

Honey-Sauce Glaze Steak

Summer break is something that many people enjoy and wait for.

During summer break lots of people try new things and end up enjoying it. Also, people are interested in getting out of their comfort zone and trying something different for a change, and that could be cooking.

Here are my two favorite dishes to try to make during summer break.

Steak is something many people enjoy, so you should try a recipe from Tasty that I’ve found and really enjoyed.

First, you’ll need a fine piece of steak, which could be either skirt steak, or any 2-inch-thick steak.

Next after that, turn the stove on to a high heat of 6 or 7, and put a pan and 1 tablespoon of oil on it.

After that, you should get a cutting board and start seasoning your steak with salt and pepper on both sides and rub the steak with olive oil to make the steak have a nice crust.

Ingredients

Utensils

•Steak •Oil •Pepper •Salt •Soy Sauce •Honey

•Pan •Cutting Board •Tongs •Knife

Make sure to clean your cutting board because you will have to reuse it again.

Then get a small bowl, and measure out one table spoon of soy sauce and honey. Get a little bit of water in your hand and flick it on the stove to check if the pan is ready, if you hear the pan to sizzle it’s an indication that the pan is ready for the steak.

Then place the steak slowly on the pan and move your pan around, so all the oil gets spread out into the steak evenly. Leave the steak one sided for about 1 ½ minutes, or until you see a nice brown crust then repeat. If your steak has a fatty side, sear that until brown (optional).

Then turn down the heat to a medium or low heat and drop the honey sauce, you made earlier, onto the steak. You should see lots of bubbles so just mix your pan around, after the sauce made a nice coat around the steak, turn off the heat and place

your steak on your cutting board.

Let it rest for 1 minute, after that cut a little strip of the steak and check if the steak is cooked enough for you.

If your steak is pink and you don’t like it that way turn the pan on to a medium heat and cook it for another 30 seconds to 1 minute per side but keep a close eye on the steak not to burn it. After, cut another piece of steak and check if that is the way you would like it, if not still repeat the process.

Once your steak is the perfect way you like it, place it on a plate with maybe a side of rice or something of your choice. Then get the left-over steak sauce on your pan and lay it across the steak to amplify the flavor and enjoy.

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2 Dishes To Make During Summer Break Another dish you could make, came from my mom, which I always enjoyed. They are mashed potatoes mixed with queso fresco and mozzarella cheese, in a shape of a Pattie and breaded with fried panko bread crumbs.

To be able to make them you will need to peel and boil potatoes for about 20 to 25 minutes or until they are soft. While they are boiling, you will need to get a small bowl and crack 1 egg, have 2 tea spoons of milk, and salt, then mix evenly.

Then get a plate for 1 cup of flour, and a plate for 1 cup of panko. Once your potatoes are finished boiling, you will have to put them in a big bowl and start mashing them. Then you will put queso fresco, mozzarella, and salt (which is optional) depending on how cheesy you want them and mix until you don’t see large chunks of cheese. You will then find that the texture will start get-

ting thicker and that will be when to because it will come in handy and is lots of fun in my opinion. start the breading process.

Then you will have to put your stove on for 6 on heat and put a large pan on top of it and cover the surface of the pan with oil. Then you could get an ice cream scooper to measure out your potato mixture you made earlier, and put it in your hand and make 1-inch thick patties and put it in the flour then carefully into the egg wash so the Pattie doesn’t crumble and lastly evenly coat with panko, repeat with the remainder of the potato mix, then start frying.

You should be able to put them for 1 minute each side or until golden crispy but be careful because they can break very easily so you will have to use 2 spatulas.

Then after you can serve and enjoy.

These were my 2 dishes you By: David Amezcua should try to make during summer break, it’s nice to know how to cook Photo Credits: David Amezcua

Ingredients

Utensils

•Potatoes •Salt •Egg •Milk •Queso Fresco •Mozzarella •Flour •Panko Bread Crumbs •Oil

•Pot •2 plates •Potato Peeler •Small Bowl •Big Bowl •Potato Masher •Large Pan •Spatulas

Crispy Potato Patties

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The Summer Learning Loss

How students lose knowledge during the summer and how we can fix it By: Carizma Guggisberg Did you know according to Oxford Learning, it can take up to two months for a student’s brain development to get back on track? This means that during the first two months of school students are not achieving their maximum potential.

The summer learning loss is slowly becoming a big problem.

Every year more and more students are losing knowledge and falling behind even more.

According to NWEA, most students lose two to three months of reading skills. Usually most students only have a reading class for one semester, which is usually three or four months. So, these students are losing more then half of their knowledge every year. The loss doesn’t just stop there.

On average, two and a half months of math skills are also lost over the summer. These students that experience going through the summer learning loss over the years are more prone to fall behind. They can fall two years behind their peers.

Just like every problem, there is a solution. The solution to this problem is rather easy to follow. We could have our schools go to year-around schedules. Year-round schools are more effective then most people may think. The usual schedule for year-round schooling is the 45-15 plan. Students go to school for 45 days then get three weeks (15 days) off. The holiday breaks are still in the schedule too.

There is a lot of good things about this. The big one is that students will not suffer the summer learning loss. Since the breaks are not three months long, students are less likely to forget the stuff they learned.

Student’s also notice that they lose knowledge or start to fall behind.

she gets behind other people too.

Summer learning loss is this bad if students can tell they’re forgetting things.

If we don’t do anything about this then it will just continue to get worse than it already is. I think we need to make sure all students are not falling behind and if they are then we should take time to make sure they get back on track.

Said Perez, sophomore at North, said, “I think I lose 75 percent (0f my knowledge)’.’

Said Perez, sophomore at North, also said that she does feel like

SUMMER FUN. Alexis VanAuken runs in the nice summer weather. Alexis VanAuken is a freshman at North High School. She enjoys going outside during the summer. Photo Credit: Carizma Guggisberg