Issue 1 - 2020-2021

Quarantine and Chill Lofi Hip Hop

FALL LOOK BOOK

QUARANTINE LIVING

THE FUTURE OF SPORTS

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The style trends that have come into effect during a national lockdown

How the pandemic has reshaped everyone’s lives

SPOTLIGHT Pg. 4-5

Fall sports move to spring and all the coaches and players have to adjust

SPORTS Page 8

SPOTLIGHT PG. 6

THE PEPPER BOX RITENOUR HIGH SCHOOL

ISSUE 1, VOLUME 98

9100 ST. CHARLES ROCK ROAD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63114

OCTOBER 2020

COVID inspired absentee voting will likely mean record numbers The politicization of COVID and the need for alternate voting opportunities is bringing out more voters TYRA SMITH Pepper Box Staff In a year that has been completely transformed by the country’s response to COVID-19, the entire future of voting might be changing as well.

In an interview with Reuters, Dr. Michael McDonald, an associate professor of political science at the University of Florida, said that this year’s election could bring a record-breaking turnout.

McDonald predicts the 2020 election will be decided by 150 million voters, or a 65% turnout of registered voters. If this prediction is correct, not only would the November election surpass the 2016 presidential election by 10 million voters, it would reflect the highest voter turnout percentage of any general election since 1908.

One factor McDonald attributes to the influx of voters is the accommodations states are making because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With remote methods like mail-in ballots being expanded, the process of registering for, in addition to actually casting ballots, has made voting more accessible than ever.

Government teacher David Bishline believes that the need to update voting options due to the pandemic is going to make people feel more connected to the process.

“It is awesome to hear that a record turnout is expected.

The more that vote the better chance we have to make our democracy work. One of the

biggest reasons I do believe in record turnout is that many people are starting to vote early or in the mail. I think that is helping numbers [to rise], plus I think with all that has happened since March, people on both sides feel the need to have their candidates in power,” Bishline said.

An estimated 6 in 10 Americans are expected to vote in-person, while 4 in 10 Americans are predicted to vote by mail.

Republicans and Democrats are expected to take different approaches when voting. A reported 8 in 10 Republicans claim they will vote in person. Only 40% of Democrats have reported to do the same.

Another potential reason for the increased participation is an increased political interest in voters. According to an August Pew Research survey, a record setting 86% of Democrats and 85% of Republicans say the outcome of this year’s election matters.

Compared to the 2000 election, only 50% of voters thought the elected candidate would have a different impact in their presidential term compared to their opponent.

“If you look back at a good number of elections in American history we have heard that ‘this is the election of your lifetime.’” Bishline said. “I listen to a podcast called ‘Wicked Game.’ It is about presidential elections in the past. If you think that politics is bad now, in a good number of elections things have been as bad or worse. I would say that all presidential elections are important. I do

feel we are at a turning point in American history where many Americans are tired of the status quo and the injustices that are occuring that they want a change.

In my lifetime, I have not seen a presidential election where people are so set on one candidate like this one.

I think I saw an article that only 2-5% of people are undecided. That is a crazy small amount. What is interesting about this election and specifically President Trump, is people either love him or really do not like him.“ 77% of Republicans and 78% of Democrats have claimed to think “quite a lot” about this year’s presidential election.

“I’ve been counting down the days until I was 18 and could vote since I was like, 13,” first-time voting senior Isabelle Rohlfing said. “I think that the pandemic and people seeing the way politicians handle certain things has encouraged them to have a voice. For me, learning about suffrage and the struggle for minorities in the United States to gain the right to vote really pushed me to register.

People fought for this right for years that I have without even trying; I would feel awful to ignore that. I believe that it is important for every person to have a voice in who governs us.”

Similar to Rohlfing, Bishline also believes that the pandemic has influenced voters to participate.

“I do think some people feel that leadership at all levels and both parties have

Photo by Ron Steinschriber Voters wait in line at the County Government Center in Northwest Plaza for absentee voting. An expected increase in voting is happening due to the presence of COVID-19, so absentee voting has expanded in this presidential election cycle.

failed the American people.

That is both sides and at all levels. The pandemic, like most things in the world, has become politicized,” Bishline said. “So, anytime you politicize something of this magnitude it will get people to vote. I want to say this will affect future elections, but you never know. Once the pandemic ends and we return to a more normal lifestyle, people may forget or maybe view voting as not as important.”

More than 4.7 million Americans have already cast their vote, which in states such as Wisconsin and Virginia, has exceeded the total number of ballots cast in the 2016 election by 15%.

By voting, an individual is able to represent their diplomatic stance.

B Because the political propositions with the most votes are materialized, an increase in participation means voting can function more effectively. If a larger

portion of the population votes, the percentage of votes more accurately represent that population’s desires.

“Voting is incredibly important,” history teacher Joe Scheidler said. “It symbolizes ‘the will of the people’. The economy, tax laws, national security, public health, and safety is all impacted with who we vote for. Our representative democracy, or republic, is the envy of the world and the act of citizens voting is a huge part of it. ” If this year’s voter trend continues, the efficiency of the 2020 election could set a precedent for future elections to come.

“Our government is chosen based on the idea of ‘one man, one vote.’ A change in government officials could mean a change in the system.

In order to make that change, everybody who can vote, has to vote. Voting is the best way to let your voice and opinion be heard,” Rohlfing said.

Dual enrolled students find tricky learning path Students earning college credits through St. Louis Community College are often double booked MAX BEE News Editor

The experience of Ritenour students who participate in early college at Saint Louis Community College has been altered drastically by the push to online learning.

Due to restrictions for on-campus activities, dual enrolled students have returned to this year with a new learning model in effect.

Among the already present complications of distance learning, there are unique challenges that come to face when two institutions expect students to function independently in a joint program with little to no cohesive planning.

Managing scheduling has been made more difficult

IN THIS ISSUE

due to the nature of online learning. In the past students had been asked to meet with program advisors at the community college and collaborated with counselors on the high schools staff to ensure schedule continuity, however, due to remote learning all registration was moved to online.

As a result there are scheduling conflicts for part time students where they now have to choose which classes to attend and have their attendance counted.

“Overlapping schedules for part time dual enrolled students is sort of an issue. I personally have been marked absent from my classes here at Ritenour sometimes,” senior Daniel Marcuti said

Contacting and communicating with professors has changed since the pandemic pushed classes online. Online lectures make class time less engaging and increases the struggle of balancing workloads.

“This year is being run better than how it was in the spring. I think that sometimes teachers just need to give us, as students, more time to learn the material as we did in previous years, rather than just assigning it and allotting a short time until it is due,” Marcuti said.

Little is done in the online setting to keep up the same integrity of an in-person lecture. Tutoring sessions and study groups through the college and program are no

longer available due to the campus’ limited access.

“I believe that moving the courses online has made it more difficult. Online is not my favorite option.I wish that I could hear them during these times. It is easier for me to learn in person. I wish that I could have spent more time with my professors or even been tutored with the Academic Success team,.” senior Jayla GordonSpraggins said.

Senior Madison Secrease agrees with GordonSpraggins in the assessment that this move has forced the dual enrollment students to become even more selfsufficient than they had already expected to be while taking college classes in high

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DIFFICULT ONLINE TRANSITIONS

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school.

“I wish we could’ve made other accommodations for more classes. Most of us cannot learn like this. I am pretty much on my own,” Seacrease said. “ I feel we haven’t been given time to learn material on our own, especially in completely online courses where we’re teaching ourselves advanced information straight from a textbook.”

This pandemic has changed how students learn and meet in classes. Taking on early college is a challenge in and of itself without added special circumstances, but despite campuses being closed the students are finding ways to make the most of the semester.

QUARANTINE HOW FALL SPORTS LOOK BOOK HAVE COPED PAGE 7

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Opinion

October 2020

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PEPPER BOX STAFF Visual EIC: Jordan Fritzsche Content EIC: Faith Boyd Production EIC: Samia Fouche Spotlight Editor: Kayley Norman

Opinion Editor: Kayla Baker Sports Editor: Darleen Garcia News Editor: Maxine Bee Online Editor: Miranda Martin Business Manager: Sammy Lewis Photography Editor: Nikya Hourd Special Editions Editor: Lizbeth Hernandez Social Media Manager: Jessica Murillo A&E Editor: Chris Campos Art Editor: Veronica Susovica Video Game Editor: Toni Taylor Staff Members: Ashley Bryant, Tyran Cooper, Jersie Cox, Isabella Crawford-Greer, Michelle Everett, Chanel Foster, Kaitlyn Hurst, Maricela Nunez, Maryjo Ramirez, Kaylyn Riggs, Tyra Smith, Peter Tran, Deaunzze Trotter, Jordyn Williams

Editorial Policy: The Pepper Box is designed and created by members of the newspaper staff of Ritenour High School. The purpose of the newspaper is to provide a forum for the students to focus on issues, give opinions, and share information with the Ritenour High School community. The opinions expressed in this paper do not reflect opinions of our faculty or administration.

Get out to vote in the most important election of our lives Next week’s presidential election can potentially change the course of a strange year

Editorial As we all watched the ball drop on December 31, 2019, collectively as a society, we were not prepared for what 2020 would bring.

Wildfires, a pandemic, the deaths of childhood role models, and nationwide

protests and riots due to racial inequality in America following the murders of George Floyd and other black men and women have flooded 2020. Though we weren’t prepared for those events, for the past four years we have been preparing for the most important election in history.

On November 3, the American people will be

faced with an opportunity to decide the course of this country over the next four years. Though socially, we are distant; politically we may come together to choose officials who will chart the course through the situations we are currently faced with and those that will arise.

During the trying times of COVID-19, we find it harder

Virtual word on the Jayden Bock Sophomore

What has been the hardest transition to virtual learning?

to do normal things in life.

However, 2020 has brought us the most dire election in history and COVID-19 should not be the one thing to stop us from voting.

If you are a registered voter, we implore you to go out and have your voice heard. Please show up and show out at the polls on November 3. If you have

already voted through early voting or mail in ballots, encourage those in your circle to exercise their right. If our vote was not important, there would not be so much pressure to try and stop us from having our voice heard.

Now more than ever, it is important to exercise your right to vote.

“The hardest transition to virtual learning was the social aspect and the motivation. Not being able to actually see my peers and having breakout rooms without any conversation; that can take a toll on people’s mental health. Also, making that student-teacher connection has cha nged. I believe the icebreakers that we do help a little, but not being able to see staff in person and really build that classroom bond makes things more difficult. I also think that working from home and being on the computer all day can make it difficult to be motivated.”

“Personally, the hardest transition to virtual learning is staying focused in class and managing my time to get all my work done. A lot of the times it is not just homework I have to Yemil Lopez - get done, but I also have to teach myself some Junior topics that I may not have understood in class.”

“It is hard not being able to easily ask teachers questions one on one.”

Bella Rohlfing Senior

Comics Sinister Seals - Kayla Baker

Waffles Veronica Susovica

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Opinion

October 2020

The supernatural and serial killers take center stage The Secret Column of Bee’s

Max Bee Ghosts and serial murders are highlighted in popular culture, whether it is through media such as shows like Netflix original “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” or even more unassuming elements such as the popular game Among Us. The thrill of fright factor

has entirely permeated into our culture and society. Their popularity raises the question of which is the superior scare, and why the pair garners so much attention.

What aspect of these stories is appealing? Why are they told in such close proximity? Their similarity highlights the slight difference in the reactions and emotions thay they evoke, and the surrounding circumstances that give them their trademark apprehensive feeling.

Both are a frequented medium and source of inspiration for entertainment, however the paranormal is more associated with the horror genre whilst crime has been somewhat normalized

into an everyday find in places like the Investigation Discovery channel.

The festivities and traditions around Halloween make for an increase and a hyperfocus on ghosts and the supernatural, with a lean into superstitious beliefs.

Real stories such as that of the Lemp Mansion have been turned into tourist attractions, capitalizing on fright factor loosely based on true events.

In order for there to be ghost stories, people have to die; oftentimes not pleasantly.

This brings to rise the vengeful spirits driven by unknown causes, which is our interpretation of ghosts.

The difference between the two is a fear of the unknown

Political Cartoons

versus a fear other people. It is a two for one- you get all of the tragic backstory and the murderous intent, except now it sticks around and you have got no idea and cannot even see it. Cute right?

The reason paranormal is such a popular genre in media and entertainment is because of how open it is to interpretation. There isn’t one single right or wrong way to tell a story within lore allowing for so many variations on content with similar origins. For instance, players in a game getting chased by an alleged killer with a knife can get boring after a couple repetitions, but the loose recurring theme of hauntings allows for certain unique variations to keep up

engagement.

Ghosts aren’t based in any logical school of thought, or even a confirmed existence, which makes them such an unsettling threat. There is no proven defense to be taken in that situation. What do you do if you’re being hunted by a ghost? Any resources that you may have had against a material threat are gone, because it is a ghost. At the very least in the case of a serial killer there are the appropriate authorities.

While neither are a very common or likely occurrence, the idea of being helpless is enough to make note of that sense of danger. In this time of Halloween, these two tropes will continue to play on a loop.

“Hocus Pocus” needs less focus Puttin’ on the Fritz ‘

‘

Jordan Fritzsche

Illustration by Kayla Baker

Illustration by Veronica Susovica

On September 30, Freeform released its 31 nights of Halloween schedule.

As this is arguably the only thing I look forward to during the year, my heart swelled with joy.

However, my bubble was shortly burst after I noticed the lack of variety and the overwhelming amount of plays “Hocus Pocus” was getting.

I am not one to hate on the classics, but who is going to be watching “Hocus Pocus “every single night thinking ‘yup, this is where it is at?’ It is the candy corn equivalent of Halloween movies. The hype around “Hocus Pocus” is not content centered, it never has been, and never will be.

There is no need for Freeform to air “Hocus Pocus“ 14 times over the span of 31 days, with a double airing on Halloween. At this point it is just disrespectful. This valuable runtime should have gone to other “family friendly” films such as “Frankenweenie” or even “Mostly Ghostly.” “Hocus Pocus” has the substance of a saltine cracker; it comforts you, but it doesn’t make you feel any better. It just makes you realize the situation that you are currently in; sitting by yourself, eating fun sized Snickers out of a trick or treat bowl on Halloween night, reminiscing on your childhood amidst a pandemic.

What the Sanderson sisters have to offer is a sense of the Halloween spirit without any actual depth. Childhood familiarity, and the bop that is Jay Hawkins “Screamin’ (I Put a Spell on You)” is cause for the film’s cult following.

“Hocus Pocus” certainly is not one of those movies that the more you watch it the better it gets, it is just subpar. As with most Disney films, the plot is vanilla and generic.

Spotlight

October 2020

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Quarantine Living

COVID etiquette and guidelines Americans have had to use these six main precaustions as they live during the COVID pandemic NIKYA HOURD Photography Editor The COVID-19 virus, or coronavirus, brought loads of anxiety, fear, illness and death upon the world. As of Oct. 28, 2020, there are a total of 8,779,653 COVID-19 cases and 226,723 deaths related to COVID-19 in the United States.

Since February, COVID-19 has become a prominent part of the lives of all citizens of the world. Americans were all asked to change their daily lives in an effort to stop its spread. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) stated that the virus can stay in the air for up to three hours and remain on plastic/steel surfaces for up to three days. Over 115,000 Missourians were infected with the virus and, due to its ability to be easily spread, the number of cases continue to rise each day.

Whilst talk of a COVID-19 vaccine is also spreading, it is still everyone’s job to keep both themselves and others safe. People are being encouraged to follow these safety precautions and guidelines.: 1. Wear a mask - This guideline is very important as it is seen everywhere in public and online. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 95% of small particles are blocked from spread by a mask.

2. Keep six feet away - People in public areas must keep a 6-foot distance from each other. Many companies and businesses have made this easier with floor directions and signs.

3. Quarantine - Even though the public is fully functioning and open now, people are all still asked to stay home as much as possible, and quarantine if there has been possible COVID exposure. Going out instead of staying in increases people’s chance of catching the virus.

4. Always cover your mouth - This is a rule that is supposed to be learned as children, but people still need reminders. When sneezing or coughing, people can help others be safe by covering their mouth to prevent spreading germs.

5. Check Your Temperature - When going out in public or going to work, remember to do a quick temperature check for safe measures. While there are people who have COVID and are asymptomatic (showing no symptoms), it is still important for everyone to check their temperature before and after going out.

6.Wash Your Hands Often - Due to the easy spread of germs, it is best for everyone to wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or higher) if soap and water are unavailable.

Illustration by Kayley Norman

Infographic by Nikya Hourd

What is on your quarantine playlist?

No Idea Don Toliver

“No Idea” was a massive hit during quaran tine. One of the main reasons this song gained popularty was through the app, TikTok. TikTok had a huge breakthrough during quarantine due to COVID-19.

This song was used for a dance trend that consumed just about anyone with a phone during quarantine.

“Dynamite” was written during quarantine by the world famously known K-Pop band, BTS. To make light of this crazy time in the world, they created

Dynamite BTS

There is nothing theator fans love more! “Hamilton” is such a lively production, and everyone needs a little “Hamilton” in their life. When “Hamilton” was released on Disney Plus during

The Schuyler Sisters Hamilton

“Quarantine and Chill” was made

by Lofi Hip Hop. This artist is known for making study and relaxing beats, fortunately they came out with a new album

Quarantine and Chill Lofi Hip Hop

this upbeat and fun song to help fans and even non fans feel happy and ignite a spark in their lives. This song was also used on TikTok!

quarantine, many people could not stop watching. The sliver of happiness that was brought to the world when this was released was such an amazing feeling.

including this song. Here’s a tip: Take a nice bubble bath, read a book, and play this song in the background.... you’ll thank me later ;)

Cabin Fever Jaden Smith

“Cabin Fever” is one of the best songs people can listen to during quarantine.

Not only is the title relatable, but the lyrics and relaxing vibe it has can maintain anyone’s sanity during these troubling times.

For those who want to kick back and read a book or cook dinner, this is a relaxing song to play in the background.

Spotlight

Page 5 October 2020

Virtual Learning Dictionary The decision to start the year virtually led to an increase in certain words being used in the field of education, and this list helps define many of those new words in people’s vocabulary TONI TAYLOR Video Game Editor

Under the current circumstances, a lot of things have changed in the lives of students and teachers. Now that online school and virtual learning have started, there are a series of new words that have found themselves in the everyday vocabulary. This Virtual Learning Dictionary was created to help understand the new words and phrases with which people might be struggling.

A: Asynchronous Learning: A general term

used to describe forms of education, instruction, and learning that do not occur in the same place or at the same time. Example: After my teacher teaches the lesson, she lets us work by ourselves during asynchronous learning time.

B: Bitmoji: A little cartoon

person that you can make look like you. Example: Since we cannot see each other in person this year my teachers made a bitmoji to look like them in their place.

spaghetti.

D: District expectations: The guidelines the district sets for us so that we have the best online virtual learning experience we can have and get the fullest out of school.

Example: Student:“Mrs. Smith, why do we need to be in classes all day?” Mrs. Smith: “ Because following this schedule is a part of the district’s expectations.”

E: Everyone turn on your cameras: When your teacher is reasonably strict you might hear them say this and then you see all of your classmates’ faces pop up.

Example: Student 1 “ Yeah everyone in my class had their cameras off.” Student 2 “Yeah my class was like that too until the teacher said “everyone turn your cameras on.”.”

F: Flipgrid: A website that you can use to film videos of yourself for your class.

Example: For one of my ice breakers I had to make a video on FlipGrid about myself.

“SjfDsh *static noise*” Teacher: “Ummm just use the chat.”

K: Kami: An app you can

open any google doc with, usually used if one needs to annotate or mark through an reading assignment online.

Example: My English teacher wanted me to annotate an article using Kami.

M: Mindfulness: The

time you get before class to just think and gather your thoughts together, and to try to find a positive mental space to get through the day. Example: During mindfulness time I remembered I almost forgot my pencil.

online meeting app you can use to talk to other people.

Example: Some people’s teachers use zoom to have their class meetings most of mine use Google Meets.

C: Can you see my screen??: 1) The words a

teacher utters when they are trying to share their screen on a zoom call. 2) The words you utter when your wifi starts acting up and you do not know if anyone can see you snaking or not. Example: “OMG can you see my screen!?” - Jayla spat out as she was devouring a bunch of

Yoga is one of the mindfulness methods that is being introduced to staff and students during virrtual learning.

I: Intervention: A period

N: no

J: Just use the chat: The

phrase you hear when your microphone is clearly not working. Example: Student:

Being educated or taught online instead of in school.

Example: Virtual learning has been the new way to learn these days since the Coronavirus struck.

W: Wifi is down!: When

Photo courtesy Christina Melly English teacher Christina Melly shows off her mask and cleaning supplies during the large shutdown that took place in March. These tools have been used to combat the virus.

Q: Quarantine outfits:

This is usually consistent with pajamas or some sort of leisure wear. Example: Jamie’s quarantine outfits usually are just some Mickey mouse pajamas and a headband just for some extra spunk.

R: Restorative Practices:

schedule that would provide both virtual learning and in person learning. Example: Once the positivity rate amongst high school aged students starts to go down, we might be able to move to a hybrid schedule in Phase 2.

Illustration by Kayla Baker

class call with your teacher you may mute or unmute yourself depending on whether you want to speak or not. Example: Mrs. Heart called on me so I had to unmute myself to answer her question,

V: Virtual learning:

Support you can get from your teacher before and after class or during lunch.

Example: At lunch I decided to ask my teacher if they could give me some learning support. I really needed help with the math.

G: Google Meets: An

during lunch where you can talk to your teachers about something you’re having trouble with therefore intervening before your grade drops. Example: I had to set an intervention with myself before lunch because I noticed my productivity went down and I wasn’t doing any work

that’s prevalent over a whole country or the world.

Example: The spread of the Coronavirus has caused a global pandemic.

L: Learning Support:

H: Hybrid schedule: A

English teacher Ron Steinschriber created a bitmoji when virtual learning was first announced. He is one of the teachers at Ritenour who has used it in the virtual setting.

P: Pandemic: A disease

Improving and repairing relationships or productively building on what you have.

Example: The teacher used Restorative practices in my math class to help bring us together.

you are trying to get on the Zoom or Google Meet, but your wifi is acting up and you cannot log in. Example: I got into the Zoom call, but as soon as I tried to turn on my camera, my wifi went down.

X: Xenophobia: dislike

of or prejudice against people from other countries.

Example: Xenophobia has found itself very prevalent now against Asian people because of the Coronavirus. It is absolutely awful.

Y: You’re on mute:

What you hear when you’re trying to answer a question thinking everyone can hear you. Example: Emily was in the middle of explaining why frogs hop when her friend Jessica blurted “You’re on mute!”

S: Synchronous Learning: refers to a

: To refuse sarcastically. Example: Due to coronavirus we are going to have to have online school.

Everyone: no O: Open Google Classroom: What you hear when your teacher assigns you a new assignment now that everything is online.

Example: Teacher: “Okay class open Google Classroom to see your new 500 page essay assignment.”

learning event in which a group of students are engaging in learning at the same time. Example: When we are in synchronous learning time my math teacher is sure to tell us what we will be doing in class.

T: Tik Tok: The new

social media craze that has been taking up most of our time since the pandemic began. Example: Since i’ve downloaded Tik Tok I spend like 20 hours a day just watching videos.

U: Unmute: When in

a meeting. conference. or

Mute Microphone by James from the Noun Project Senior Madison Secrease tries to speak on a call but does not realize that she is muted.

Zoom: A video meeting app that you can use to talk to other people online.

Example: My teacher sent the Zoom meeting link earlier so I’ll be able join when class starts.

Mainly due to TikTok’s rise in popularity, a number of songs became the sound of the quarantine JESSICA MURILLO Social Media Manager

Savage Love Jason Derulo

“Savage Love” is yet again, another catchy and upbeat song that was widely used on TikTok. The cute and charming song can give you a beach-like vibe.

Listening to this will make you forget all about COVID-19 and drama within this world.

“Sunday Best” got really popular during quarantine due to TikTok, once again. Noticing a pattern? This song was widely used by users for ironic videos,

“Safaera” was made by the well known Puerto Rican singer/ rapper, Bad Bunny. He released this and a list of other hits on his new album, “YHLQMDLG.” This song went viral on TikTok as well as many other songs during quarantine. This was one of the

Though the summer of 2020 was not what anyone anticipated, “Watermelon Sugar” gave people a sense of freedom and

Sunday Best Surfaces

Safaera Bad Bunny

Watermelon Sugar Harry Styles

dances, and humorous memes.

Listening to this is music to your ears... literally. Want a serotonin boost? give this song a go!

most upbeat and funky songs that made people want a socially distant dance party in their living rooms. This song made people want to turn on their LED light strips on, grab a soda, mask, and get their groove on!

happiness. This is one of the top songs to blast during a barbeque with the family on the back porch.

Rocketeer Far East Movement

Everyone at some point had a little blast from the past moment during quarantine.

“Rocketeer”was popular during 2010 when it was released. This was an absolute cultural reset. Listening to this during quarantine is such a nostalgic feeling that everyone needs during this crazy time.

Spotlight

October 2020

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Teachers get creative for difficult virtual subjects Classes like choir and physical education had to take dramatic shifts to move virtual KAYLEY NORMAN Spotlight Editor Empty hallways, empty bottles of hand sanitizer, and a bell that still rings only for the halls demonstrates the complete void of any teenager that had once walked it.

Ritenour School District and many others across the country were shut down in March due to the outbreaks of COVID-19. Shortly after schools closed down, the decision was made to shift into virtual online learning in order to keep students and staff members safe. This decision was then extended into the new school year after the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States only continued to rise. This meant that classes would not be attended within the Ritenour district in-person, but rather online.

Currently, classes at Ritenour are structured to allow students to access most class materials and assignments online. Some classes require students to pick up necessary materials from the school. This, of course, is done so in a maskfriendly and controlled environment in order to assure the safety of students and staff. This is currently the safest and easiest way for students to receive the necessary items that they may need as they carry on into the semester.

While this type of structure may function well for some classes, there is a question of whether this method of learning can work for all classes. Classes that normally rely on in-person interaction and activities have had to switch to utilizing different platforms in order to get work done. New ways of interacting with each other during classes have had to be

Photo by Miranda Martin Freshman Nickolas Martin does push ups in his house as part of his virtual physical education program. The students receive exercises that they are to complete and then they must complete them in their house during their class period.

implemented, such as Zoom Breakout Rooms or other online applications used to track students’ progress in class. Without face-to-face interaction, some classes have had to face a very intense shift in what it once was.

Theater Arts and Stagecraft teacher Greg Jones has had to completely change the way he teaches his courses in the virtual setting.

“I completely understand and support why we need to do this virtually, it is just a lot harder for some of the classes that rely on group projects and hands-on learning this semester.” Jones said. “Theatre Arts is usually a group project based class with a lot of acting. That is really difficult to try, since most of the students do not use cameras.

It is hard to see someone act without being able to see them.”

There are other teachers at Ritenour who agree that this change has been difficult,

even if it was necessary.

Classes that require being in a certain environment or classroom, such as physical education classes, have had to endure a large adjustment because of this.

Coach Jennifer Wakefield, is teaching Aquatics, Beginning Aquatics, and Lifetime Fitness this year.

“The biggest difference is that I can not teach people to swim through a computer.

They can not just fill up their bathtubs and float,” Wakefield said.

Rather than filling up bathtubs from home, Wakefield has decided to focus more on getting her students active.

“Right now, my current goal in all of my classes is getting up and moving around. We are all sitting too much with virtual learning,” Wakefield said.

Teachers are not the only ones who have found that these transitions have shifted

their class experiences.

Students too have found that attending more handson and face-to-face classes from home has been a much different experience than what it used to be. Senior JoAnna Ostoff has found difficulty in participating in choir the way she did in person.

“It is strange doing work in choir, it is hard to sing at home because I have siblings doing school right next to me and I cannot be too loud,” Ostoff said.. “It is also weird because everyday we do something with notes and he (Dr. Bell, the Ritenour choir teacher) says to us “sing along” and you can only hear him singing because if we unmuted ourselves, it would sound crazy.”

At-home instruction has been a change for almost everyone who previously was involved with Ritenour High School. Teachers, students, and staff alike have

had to make changes to what their day to day looks like in order to keep others safe and healthy. Matt Elder is teaching six sections of ninth grade physical education, and he said all the changes have kept him actively working throughout the semester.

“The biggest difference I have seen is that I do not get to see the students in person and I do not like that! I also do not get to evaluate their progress in our workout sessions and provide feedback to them the way I would like to,” Elder said. “Teaching online is different, it has made me more organized as a teacher. I have to have all of my ducks in a row before class and that requires more organization on my part.

That has benefitted me a great deal. I am putting in more hours as a virtual teacher than I did before and that has been surprising to me.”

Young enterpreneurs experience early success Three Ritenour students have started their own business and provide resources to the community MARICELA NUNEZ Staff Reporter As a result of starting up their own businesses, several Ritenour students are able to not only help the local community but also build a path for their own futures.

Senior Carmen Bradley, the owner of Charming Carmen, is one of those Ritenour students who has focused all of her energy on a company that she has built on her own.

“I quit my job in July, so it is now my full time job. I plan to expand my business after college,” Bradley said. “If you are needing last-minute gifts or outfits along that line I can help you out.”

Bradley was initially given inspiration by her mother, and she has explored the idea of expanding and going nationwide. Right now her work is local, but it gets sent throughout the world.

One of the big parts of a business to Bradley would be the pricing strategy for the service or product that she sells. A lot can go into considering how much they will sell their service.

“I price off of what you are needing because the job can either take a lot of time

or just a few minutes. The material gets more expensive as you want more detailed stuff,” Bradley said.

Bradley maintains that the only way to really ensure success when starting a new business is to have it be something you love.

“Make sure this is something you want to do. It may seem easy and fun, but a lot of work, time, and money has to be put in it,” Bradley said. “Only the strong will survive,” Another Ritenour student who created his own business is sophomore Kyle Williams, the owner of Kyle’s Creations.

He also creates customization and personalization of various products.

Williams got this idea from Rachel Schafer, a teacher at Hoech Middle School.

“My middle school teacher, Mrs. Schafer, always had different projects to do and sometimes needed help, so I was always the one to help her. After getting the hang of things, I decided to get my own machines and start my own business,” Willams said.

Although WIlliams is currently just working out of his house, he has plans for the future of the business.

“My business headquarters is located in my home at the moment, but I hope when I get more customers that is when I want to expand my business further,” Williams said.

Williams enjoys when he sees his creations out in the community, and it gives him a sense of connection.

“I would say that my company helps the community, it makes great advertisements, gifts, decorations, household items, and more,” Williams said.

A different type of business besides the personalization companies of Bradley and Williams is Jakaila Braids, created by junior Jakaila Smith. This company is focused on providing different types of hair and braids for people.

“I got the idea from watching other professional stylists become global. I decided that is something I would love to do in business,” Smith said.

Her personal and company goal for the future is to become a worldwide traveling stylist.

“Well I have been doing hair since I was eight and started playing with dolls. I have loved doing hair ever

since,” Smith said. “I would love to become a worldwide traveling stylist, traveling around the world doing something I enjoy.”

Smith believes that she is helping the community through her work, as she knows that not everyone can afford the price and time it takes to go to a professional salon. She is using her own expertise, as well as what she is learning in high school.

“I try to stay reasonable; everybody does not have the same income or time to get their hair done,” Smith said. “Right now I’m working in my home but I am going to North Tech for my cosmetology license. I am also working towards my braiders certificate, which will allow me to be in a shop.”

All three of these young entrepreneurs are working hard at building their brands and creating quality products.

Williams acknowledged that while money does play a role in starting a business, that can not be the only reason to do it.

“You can not just be doing this for money. You actually have to want to do this and be willing to do whatever it takes to fit the customers’

needs,” Williams said. “Also, it is okay if you are not able to do something. It is better off telling someone that you are not able to do something than to do something that is not up to par and get a bad review.”

Photo courtesy: Kyle Williams Sophomore Kyle Williams runs his own business, “Kyle’s Creations” out of his home. He personalizes items, including the shirt that he is wearing in the photo. This business is a labor of love for Williams, who said that he is in it for more than just the money.

Page 7

A&E

October 2020

Pepper Box monthly rankings - Top five online tools SAMMY LEWIS Business Manager

#3 Edpuzzle

#1 Zoom Zoom is the best tool, even though many people have been plagued with audio and or internet issues. Regardless, it is the one online learning tool that students use every day. Zoom even allows users to change their background and apply filters, unlike the other online learning tools on this list.

Photo courtesy Marco Verch via Flickr

English teacher Colette Love used Padlet during the initial school closure in March to keep up with her students.

#2 Padlet Padlet is second on this list due to the fact that it lets students’ and teachers’ creativity really flow.

Depending on what a teacher asks their students, they can really post any idea they have that fits onto this classroom message board. The best part is that students do not even have to sign in to post. They can stay anonymous and post their ideas without worrying about being judged.

Edpuzzle ranks third due to it is bland nature. Sure it is annoying that it does not let users switch to another tab without the video pausing, but that is about it. It is actually quite easy to answer the questions that pop up on screen as users can rewind the video back at any time. The drawback to this, however, is that it does not allow users to skip forward until they have already watched the video.

#5 Google Meet

Photo courtesy Michael Buist via Flickr

#4 Flipgrid

Flipgrid is second to last on this list as it is a mashup of Edpuzzle and Padlet. Students can let their creativity flow and bounce ideas off of classmates, but they have to do it in a video format. It is like Zoom, but instead of talking in real time, students just react to the video they published. Most students would rather not have their Photo courtesy Marivi Pérez via cameras on during this time Flickr and this tool forces the video to not just be a black screen like Zoom.

Google Meets ranks last on this list due to the fact that unlike these other online learning platforms, it does not let users start before their teacher gets logged in. If the teacher does not have the meeting started on the dot, then students will be forced to exit out of it and try the link again and again and again, desperately hoping that their teacher will just start the meeting already so they can get settled into class.

Photo courtesy Pixel Icons via iconscout.com

Quarantine Lookbook - style during a pandemic Starting school virtually has changed the way that high school students dress for class CASUAL EVERYDAY LOOK

FALL FASHION

ZOOM ATTIRE

A casual everyday look for lounging around the house or running errands. The look is a simple black t-shirt paired with a light grey zip up jacket and leggings as bottoms. It is all put together with some Nike socks and a pair of white Crocs. Crocs have slowly begun to emerge into many everyday outfits in the past year. The neutral color sets have made a comeback to this year’s fall fashion.

This is a very “chill” stay at home ready to learn look. It is the everyday quarantine Zoom class look. A simple long sleeve Pepper Box logo shirt with a pair of everyday white shorts. Students can never go wrong with fuzzy socks to stay comfortable while they are in any class.

A great outfit for a night out around the town (socially distanced and with a mask, of course). A cashmere dark pecan turtleneck sweater embodies what fall is this year, and blends well with black ripped jeans and ankle high dark mocha colored boots. A staple fall fashion trend for women this year are the name necklaces, adding a personalized touch to any simple outfit, while adding flair to ensure standing out in any crowd.

Need to run to the grocery store to get some more toilet paper? Keep it casual with something similar to the model’s outfit. This year’s fashion includes “simpler equals more”. This casual everyday look for men consists of the staple white undershirt with the iconic gray Nike sweatpants. This outfit includes just a pair of Nike socks.

An everyday Zoom class look for lounging at home while working on assignments.

Quarantine will not stop anyone this fall from adding some fall fashion to everyday looks. A short sleeve black Pepper Box logo t-shirt is combined with simple burgundy jogger pants. White socks with simple black and white slides match with the whole outfit.

A fashion look for anyone looking to venture out of their normal pair of jeans and hoodies. A pair of dark olive green ripped jeans with some brown combat boots.

Turtlenecks in men’s fashion have made a comeback this year.

The model is wearing a silver chain to take a simple black turtleneck into a next level outfit for fall fashion, accessorized with a light peanut colored satchel worn across the body.

Among Us takes country by storm, sequel planned The online social deduction game is looking to expand its success with Among Us 2 TONI TAYLOR Video Game Editor It is the game that has currently swept the world by storm, the game that most teenagers and young adults have been spending their time playing, and also the game that has made them lose trust in them friends.

Among Us is an online multiplayer social deduction game. It is a multiplayer online game where players play as crew members who have to finish tasks to win the game.

This may sound simple, but there is also an imposter “among us.” The cruel, evil imposter is able to kill the players and their friends so that they can win the game.

Players have to remember that their friends can and will be the imposter and so will they eventually. To stop the imposter, the crewmates either need to vote the imposter out or finish their tasks, and if they do not, the killers win.

Now that everyone has been playing together, and even watching famous people,

like Alexandria Ocasio Cortez play online, they can start getting excited about the sequel. The estimated release date for this new game is August 2021, so there will be just enough time for people to get bored of the first one and get excited for the new game with more added features.

Innersloth, the developing company of the game, has said they want to keep all of the simplicities of crew mates and imposters. They said will probably not be keeping the same maps, but there will be other new options and a few

little tweaks and balances here and there. Innersloth has also said that they are going to expand the amount of people that can play a game at once to 12-15 players instead of the current maximum of 10.

Another thing that the developers are thinking about putting in is a new mode that is popular among players called the “Hide and Seek” mode. In this mode, the brightness will be turned all the way down and everyone will know who the imposter is. Instead of voting them out

though, players will have to finish all of their tasks before the imposter kills them.

With Among Us 2, players will now actually be able to make accounts and connect with friend groups to play with them more than once.

The last thing that Innersloth may add is more roles to the game instead of just crewmates vs imposters or a greater complexity within these two roles since now it is sort of easy to get bored of just having two roles over and over again.

Sports

October 2020

Page 8

Fall sports pivot as they move to special spring season With the hopes of being back second semester, fall sports were pushed back to a new start date DARLEEN GARCIA Sports Editor After the Ritenour School District chose to start the year virtually and postpone fall sports, a decision was made that the athletes and coaches would not miss their whole season, but instead see those games played in a new season that starts after winter sports, but continues at the same time as some of the spring sports.

“The district and school level administrators made the decision to move the fall sports to the MSHSAA alternative fall dates since we are 100% virtual,” Athletic Director Drew Lohnes.

Changing the fall sports season to be during the spring season has caused some students to have to choose between one sport or the other.

Students now have to decide if it is worth playing more than one sport at a time while also having to do homework and have jobs.

“My first initial reaction was this is going to mess with everything because I play soccer in the spring and now that softball for the high school is moved to the spring I am going to have to choose what I want to do,” junior Christyna Borders said.

Still, other students believe

that once they know how things will work out they will be fine playing both sports.

“I think playing both sports could affect me because I will have to figure out a schedule for both sports, but once I do get a schedule of how things will work I think I should be fine,” senior Kenya Gomez said.

With the changes, the athletic director’s office is working hard to create a schedule that will have no to little effect between fall and spring seasons.

“The alternate fall season will have minimal impact on the spring season. Our plan is to start practices for spring sports one week later (March 8) than a normal year. We looked at many factors with our dates and did not want to take the ability of the students to participate in a fall and spring program,” Lohnes said.

Yet other students believe that it can be harder to keep up with work while being in one or more sports.

“Keeping up with grades will become harder and also getting enough sleep. I personally do not think this is going to work,” Borders said.

As of now this is the official plan, but it is possible that more changes could be made before the seasons actually begin.

“We are constantly re-

evaluating the situation.

Nobody knows what the next year will bring but we are working very hard to provide as many opportunities to as many students as possible,” Lohnes said.

The winter season has still not been officially determined, and will not have any decisions made about it until students can return to the high school.

“We are waiting to see when it will be safe to allow students back to RHS. We meet weekly to re-evaluate our options while keeping Photo by Jessica Murillo safety of the students in mind,” Lohnes said.

Members of the girls volleyball team hold a socially distanced workout on their own. The team will not be able to practice as an official RHS sport until the spring.

Photo by Ron Steinschriber Moore Stadium sits empty during the fall season. Normally there would be football games and practice occurring and softball going on on the back fields, but due to the pandemic these fields have been empty since the summer began.

Zooming through the fall sports season Fall sports teams are figuring out how to stay together as their realities change constantly SAMIA FOUCHE AND JORDAN FRITZSCHE Production EIC and Visual EIC The athletic world remains on-pause for the Ritenour Huskies with both county and district guidelines placing restrictions on sports for the 2020-2021 season.

St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page’s guidelines for fall sports were announced on Sept. 9, initially leaving many student athletes with no season. But after days of “Let Them Play” protests outside of Page’s house, rollbacks for certain restrictions on sports were placed. While tournaments and showcases are still not permitted, these new rollbacks would allow athletes at the high school level to compete in “moderate-contact sports” such as soccer and baseball.

Although summer practices were held for sports such as football and volleyball, Ritenour maintains a “No building, no field” approach for the school year, pushing fall sports with alternative schedules into the spring. This move allows for more control of an athletic environment in hopes of bringing normalcy to the season and allowing for practices, competitions, and spectators. The decision was made after The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) changed its initial stance on COVID-19 restrictions and allowed local schools to decide on their plan opposed to MSHSAA’s directive.

“Our district has held the position that as long as it is not safe for students to come back to the classroom, we

will not bring them back for any activities. We desperately want these students to get back on the playing fields but health and safety will always guide our decisions. Athletics and activities play an important part in the school experience and the benefits for students go well beyond physical wellness,” Athletic Director Drew Lohnes said.

“As far as the rest of this year and the 2021-2022 school year, we just do not know. It has to get to the point that it is safe enough for kids to start attending school for inperson learning before we get back onto the field.”

For athletes, sports can be a safe space outside of the classroom and they also serve as a gateway into college.

“For a lot of our students, sports and extracurriculars are the reason why they are here. Some students only survive through school because of sports, it is their motivation and drive.

Our seniors are missing experiences like senior night, homecoming, and recruiting.

It kills the recruiting process for guys like Trey Moore who deserve to play at the college level. I am fighting to get him somewhere,” football coach Kyle Wagner said.

Wagner was holding practices with his team over the summer before the decision was made to shut down entirely in the fall. He had to find another way to keep in touch with his players once he was no longer able to see them face to face.

“There is an app that we use called TeamSnap, where I can send emails to players and their parents. We also have a chat, and we have been having Zoom meetings per

Photo courtesy: Ellen Kim The volleyball team has tried to stay together during the fall semester by joining each other on Zoom calls. Coach Ellen Kim says that it has been a challenge to get the team together on the calls, as not everyone can make it to an after school meeting with all of the individual responsibilities they have in their households.

position group every week.

Once we got shut down, it was up to me to evaluate what we needed as a program as far as communication and what that would look like,” Wagner said.

Volleyball coach Ellen Kim is in a similar position. She had been holding workouts in the summer, but has found it difficult to keep up with her athletes without seeing them in person.

“We have a team GroupMe set up, a Google classroom and Google site. We also have weekly Zoom meetings on Tuesday evenings at 5pm,” Kim said. “The challenges are getting everyone together not everyone can attend the Zoom meeting, not seeing

each other and not getting to play volleyball right now.

I also notice some student athletes struggling with their grades during this virtual setting and it is hard to help in this environment, but we know grades have to be good in order to play this spring.”

Having school online has not only been an adjustment for student athletes sportswise, teams have also faced many challenges with being placed online for the time being.

“I knew that us going full virtual was going to be super different from when we are in person. I know some students do not learn best that way. I met with my staff and said that we are going to stop the

meetings every week, but at the end of each week I am going to check grades. We have completely shifted our focus to academics,” Wagner said.

Even during a time like this, coaches are finding ways to keep students motivated.

“Right now we have 28 kids who have 3.0 GPAs or better. We do announcements on perfect attendance and we do a “Core Values Player of the Month” every month.

Those players are the ones that are representing our program the way we feel they should be representing the program. They get something written about them, a shirt, and free lunch on me,” Wagner said.