+PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ERIN HEN-
NW Passage
The
Freshman Mag • Vol. 51 • Aug. 13, 2019
The Basics
Inside Northwest
51 Things
Everything to know for your first year
Your guide to Northwest
Ultimate Northwest bucket list
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Aug. 13, 2019
Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 7-7:30 a.m. Thursday: 8-8:40 a.m. Friday: 7-7:30 a.m.
14752 W 107th St, Lenexa, KS 66215 (913) 693-4130
NORTHWEST PASSAGE Fres hm a n M a g V o l . 51 A u g 1 3 , 2 01 9
TOC | 03
TABLE OF
CONTENTS 4
The Basics
Everything you need to know to get through your first year at Northwest
8-9
Inside Northwest Your guide to Northwest
51 Things To Do Before You Graduate
10-11
New Staff
12-13
Your ultimate Northwest bucket list
OUR PASSAGE:
Up on stage, senior David Torres drums the beat of the new halftime show, “Simple Gifts,� in the Greg Parker Auditorium, Aug. 4. +PHOTO BY +PHOTO BY NICK STYERS
The purpose of the Northwest Passage is to relay important and interesting information to the community, administration and students of the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. As a news magazine, the Northwest Passage will cater to the interests and concerns of the student body. Outside concerns and activities will only be covered if they somehow affect the school or students. The Northwest Passage is a 20-page news magazine. The paper will be distributed every four weeks during fourth hour. Subscriptions will be available to the community for $25. The Northwest Passage firmly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. The content of the newspaper will be determined and created by the entire staff. When questions concerning word choice, legal problems or ethics arise, the editorial board and adviser will discuss the problem to find the solution. In these cases, the editor-in-chief and editorial board will have the say in all decisions. Letters to the editor will be accepted and encouraged. The staff reserves the right to edit for grammatical mistakes, length and good taste. Letters may attack policy but not people. In no way will ideas or viewpoints be changed. The editor-in-chief and editorial board reserve the right to refuse any letter.
STAFF: PUBLICATION OVERSIGHT: Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief
Rylee Garrett Annalissa Houser
CONTENT MANAGEMENT: Photo Editor Photo Editor Photo Editor Managing Editor Copy Editor Assistant Copy Editor Ads Manager STAFF WRITERS: Emily Alexander Alex Barfield Zachary Dulny Lauren Mcfarlane Sonni Meyers Anika Paulette Angelina Ortega ADVISER:
Erin Henton Dylan Mitchell Claire Moore Elizabeth Kuffour Rory Dungan Stella Grist Cate Taggart STAFF DESIGNERS: Erin Albers Kasi Maniktala Alden Norberg Ethan Schreiber
Susan Massy
This photo illustration shows how this issue of the NW Passage is dedicated to the incoming freshmen. We hope it serves as a guide to the 2019-2020 school year. +PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ERIN HENTON
Aug.13, 2019
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The
Basics
Daily Schedules: Regular Schedule: Monday, Tuesday and Friday Hour 1: 7:40-8:30 a.m.
STORY BY ROXANNA RODRIGUEZ & STELLA GRIST + DESIGN BY ERIN ALBERS
Hour 2: 8:35-9:25 a.m.
Names to Know:
Hour 3: 9:35-10:25 a.m.
Principal: Dr. Lisa Gruman Associate Principals: Connie Springfield Eddie LyDay Jack Johnson NURSE: SALINA RUCKER
Athletic Director: Angelo Giacalone Receptionist: Mary Akagi Bookkeeper: Kathy Nicholson Librarian: Meghan Stigge Attendance: Jamie Prosser
Even Block Schedule: Thursday (Late Start)
Hour 5: 11:25-12:50 p.m. Hour 6: 12:55-1:45 p.m. Hour 7: 1:50-2:40 p.m.
Seminar: 10:20-11:10 a.m.
Odd Block Schedule: Wednesday Hour 1: 7:40-9:05 a.m.
Stand up, we are the Northwest Cougars
Hour 3: 9:45-11:10 a.m. Hour 5: 11:15-1:10 p.m.
may our minds and hearts triumphant soar,
M-ROb Marybeth Green Roc-z
jessica Andrade
Social a-l Robin Sutton m-z Melissa Osborn
Excused Absences: 1. Personal Illness: (Doctor/Dental/Medical appointments) The school may, with notice to the parent, require verification from a physician that the student had an appointment.
3. Obligatory religious observances 4. Emergency situation requiring immediate action. 5. Participation in as a Kansas State High School Activities Association activity, a district approved function or a school sponsored activity. 6. An absence that has been requested in writing and approved in advance by the administration
Important Phone Numbers: School Office: 913-993-7200
United stand we arm in arm,
Athletic Office: 913-993-7400
We raise our banners to fore,
Attendance Office: 913-993-7245
Remember, we are the Northwest Cougars, Cougars now and evermore!
David mesh
Hour 7: 1:15-2:40 p.m.
Kings of mountain, plain and shore, We are the Shawnee Mission Cougars,
F-L
TCB- 9:10-9:40 a.m.
2. Serious illness or death of a family member.
School Song:
Academic A-E Rick Rogers
Hour 2: 8:50-10:15 a.m.
Hour 4: 11:15-1:10 p.m.
Hour 4: 10:30-11:20 a.m.
counselors:
Dance Dates: Freshman Mixer August 16 Homecoming October 5 MSFD November 16
ALL DAY Absence Line: 993-7245 Arriving Late or Leaving Early: 993-7242 Bookkeeper: 913-992-7210
Women Pay All Feburary 8 Prom April 4
I
“
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b E t s y t a s
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w f g a u b Y
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opinion | 05
+DESIGN BY KASI MANIKTALA
All figured out? You may think you know how these next four years will go, but trust me, things change Walking through the doors of the the best friend group and the best classes gym on the first day of my and how we would never stop being freshman year, I thought I friends and I would never take a had it all figured out. I sat regular level class. Now, here I am, with all of my best friends starting my senior year, and there’s in the cheer uniform that I so much I wish someone would have was ready to let define me. told me. I prayed that one of the Don’t be afraid of change. Be Link Crew leaders ask me unique, nobody wants to be friends +BY ANNALISSA HOUSER with an exact replica of themselves. to participate in a game Co-editor-in-chief because, even though I Take an elective that none of your seemed to exude confidence, the last thing I wanted was to stand out. I was ready to make myself fit the cookie cutter of all honors classes and posting Snapchat stories of sleepovers every weekend like I was supposed to. I was ready to show off my Vera Bradley backpack with the matching lunch box and my new brown Birkenstocks. As if every single other freshman girl didn’t have the same thing. I sat in my room after the first day and thought about how good I had it. How I had
friends signed up for. You’ll meet someone new, I promise. Enroll in regular level classes if you don’t feel comfortable with a higher level. Math was hard for me and I’m glad I figured out being able to say I was in AP math classes wasn’t worth ruining my GPA. It’s okay to do something your friends aren’t. I know it stings to hear now, but the people you just walked in these doors with, probably aren’t the people who you’ll be taking graduation photos with. If
you want to audition for the play or try out for a team and none of your friends will, just do it. Yeah, maybe your first practice will be lonely and awful, but, remember, someone else feels the same and it always gets better. You are you, not them. Branch out and do your own thing. You might lose a few people on the way, but remember that whatever you lose was never really yours. If your tried and true girl gang is making up drama and rumors about you every other week, drop them. Choose people who choose you. It’ll be hard for awhile, I know, but you’ll come out of it so much better. Freshman year, I had it all figured out. Now, three years later, I’m not even sure I like the classes I’m signed up for, I have no clue where I want to go to college and I have an entirely new group of friends. And, you know what? I’m okay with that.
“It’s okay to do something your friends aren’t.” —Annalissa Houser
Welcome to high school
It’s not always easy, but it’s never impossible
Let’s start with might still have some toxic people in your “Congratulations!” life but this school is big. Cut them You’ve made it through out. Join activities where people middle school. share your interests. You can meet If it makes you feel any some friends there. better, we’ve all been here. On the first day of my freshman Everyone, even those big year, I remember my mom dropping tall seniors you’re going to me off at the back of the school see towering over you this and telling me to have a good day. +BY ANIKA PAULETTE Next thing I knew I was suddenly year were once like you — Staff Writer the wide-eyed freshie with sitting in the middle of a crowded a much-too-heavy backpack filled with gymnasium, on cold plastic bleachers school supplies and anxiety. surrounded by classmates who were way I was that at one point, too — well, that too close. one point was last year. Don’t be afraid to Don’t worry. It all goes up from there. talk to people and make new friends. You’ll eventually find your way around, High school might not be just like learn your locker combination and what you saw in the movies, but it can be remember the routes to your classes — all full of life experiences, good and not-sothe basic stuff.. good, that can help you grow and change I would be lying if I said I never as a person. I started my freshman year struggled with my classes. I know a lot of uncomfortable. I wasn’t sure where I fit in, students breezed through, I just wasn’t but I think I came out a little bit smarter. one of them. My best advice is not to You can, too. worry about your freshman classes too Expect your classes to be harder, but much. Or too little. Honestly, just do your social life may be a bit healthier. Sure, you homework. Take the electives that appeal
to your passions and take required courses at levels you’re comfortable with. Get to know your teachers. Most of them are genuinely interested in your success. Ask questions. Let yourself be noticed. Stop by after school for help if you need it. And don’t be afraid to ask for the help you need. Sometimes your best assistance may come from a fellow student or from your counselor. Regardless, even if you ask a “dumb question” in English class, nobody will remember (or care) the next day and, frankly, half the people acting like it was a “dumb question” probably wanted to know, too. Good luck, I’ll be seeing you around.
“High school might not be just like what you saw in the movies, but it can be full of life.” —Anika Paulette
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Aug. 13, 2019
STORY BY ANNALISSA HOUSER + DESIGN BY RYLEE GARRETT
I wish i knew... “Don’t be afraid to extend your friend group. Moving from middle school to high school causes big changes and you might find new people who share those changes. The more friends the better.”
“Don’t slack off. You won’t get into a good college if you don’t try now.”
— senior Emma Fowler
— senior Nura Ghasempour
— senior Kiara Stamati
“Try to branch out early and meet new people instead of relying on the same friend group.”
“Go to as many events as you can to support all of your classmates, because everything is more fun with someone cheering you on.”
— Junior reanne debose
— senior Chase Garrett
“Don’t stress yourself out. If you need to take a break, take it. Your mental health is more important than a homework grade.”
— junior Maggie Dolinar
“Be yourself no matter what. Have fun and enjoy the moments and memories you make throughout the years.”
— Junior Ty Black
“Everyone will tell you that high school is the worst four years of your life, but that’s not the case. Get involved, go to social events, go to dances and just make new friends. Cherish every moment. It will be over before you know it.”
“Do not wait until you are an upperclassman to be your true self. The sooner you realize who you are, the sooner you will be happy and be able to love yourself.”
“Grades are more important than you think and your GPA matters 110 percent. Getting involved is great advice, but staying on top of grades and not letting clubs take away from that is one of the most important things.”
— senior Kate Rivera
— senior Ki Nilges
“Get a planner so you make sure to turn your homework in on time.”
— senior Will Crafton
“There are so many fun clubs and sports to join at Northwest. It makes your high school experience one million times better, and you will meet some of your best friends through it.”
— senior Gracie Goodpaster
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smnw.com
Best Class I’VE Ever TAKEN
Upperclassmen share the classes they most enjoyed taking and what made them so special STORY BY RORY DUNGAN + DESIGN BY KASI MANIKTALA
dsey logy – Lin Demke d as] cool an “Demke [w rtaining, te en s as makes cl e an ways mad and she al u yo if e e ther effort to b .” p needed hel ez Juan Gom — senior
Environm
Honors Bio
Honors C hemistry – “Even th ough it w Johnny Winston as really times, I co challeng u ing a in that cl ld always count o ass. Win n laughin t ston was g weird th always d ings like oing standing quoting on tables, Shakesp eare or th ‘ninja-k re ick’ som eone in th atening to I could a e forehea lso d. somethin always count on le g new ev eryday. It arning class tha ’s t you don ’t get bore an engaging you have d to be pay ing atten in because you very tion or e we lse importan ll could miss som t. Even th ething v ery ough the super ha rd, Winst class was on was v which m ery enco ade me w uraging ant to lea —junior rn.” Jillian M eister
Bo Black Weights – Advanced because s as this cl “I enjoyed many to meet so I was able tes le h at d s an new friend t ea gr f. It is a like mysel ter and et b t ge to e atmospher part of ess to any apply succ your life.” rell andyn Lutt — junior L
a Ojed lissa t E – a ra 2 g th a lgeb thin g ors A ’t some t havin n o H h isn oves, bu obvious of t a s t “M one l d ou y show ever er that ort in an subject a h p teac nd sup makes uch a so m s the care assroom easiest a w e, cl the sn’t the da for m rant to i e s help that fun. Oj way e ld al r for any not.” mor er I cou e r do h to h teac r come h-relate o t a s d k n m l i a ded, ah M I nee ior Sar n u j —
ental Edu
AP European History –Matthew Wolfe “[I enjoyed this class] not as much for the actual material taught, even though a lot of it was really interesting, but because the teacher made it a really interesting class to go to everyday and gave me plenty of learning opportunities. Plus, the windows are nice.” — junior Nessie Gragg
IB European History – Todd Boren “I love European history, and Boren is one of my favorite teachers. He teaches the class things outside of the curriculum that I would have never learned from a textbook. We also have lively discussions that go off subject, guaranteeing everyone’s attention. They can vary from talking about taking a field trip to Boren’s house to visit his cats named Lovey and Dovey, to Boren quizzing the class to see if we know the name of the band that sings one of his favorite ’80s songs.” — senior Spencer Shreve
Spanish 3 – Jennif er Word “It was a ehoff su practiced per fun class beca use we speaking a lot, so we were it felt lik really usi e ng what learned. we had Senora W ordehoff the best w beca as also how much use you could ju st tell she loves wants us the langu to succee d. After th age and foundati on, I felt at strong really pre my Span pared for ish class es to com quite a fe e. We ha w langua ve ges to ta Northwe ke here a st, so if y t ou have in one yo an intere u should st definitely — senio r Alyssa enroll!” Murray
cation -
Mike Pisani y Comm itment “They bo th offer re - Sarah Dent ally uniq experien ue ces that have imp me in m acted y career interests. have] ex [I now perience with kids elementa at ry level, which no an high sch t many ool kids get the ch receive.” ance to — senio r Eliza Kid der Cougar C
ommunit
erg ign – Jan B Digital Des as e b to le “You are ab u want to be, yo creative as your t to make and you ge ally re h ic h ns w own desig elf in rs u press yo lets you ex ” t. an w u any way yo c mma Mlivi — junior E
ching and Cadet Tea – Debbie nal Skills so er rp Inte Jenkins ause I get vorite bec “It’s my fa d become an h t, teac to help ou great y h so man friends wit class we, at th In . ay ts with kids everyd en d u st help improve the cadets, s ie al disabilit tu ec ll te in skills.” their social lan Taylor al C r — junio
arah ouncil – S Dent me t has beco “Mrs. Den me, to m o m a second fun provides a t and StuCo en m n enviro and loving er th o unlike any na n I’ve bee organizatio part of.” nson ugene Joh —senior E
Student C
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Aug. 13, 2019
INSIDE NORTHWEST
first floor faculty RestroomS
692 339
517 516
110 112
Locker Numbers
116 117 137 138 107 106
114 115 109 108
338 1
101
128 129 119 118
163 162
105
153 154
gym 1 pool
office
3
2
1
cafeteria kitchen
gym 2
gym 3
att e off ndna ice ce
Little theater
Auditorium
10 12 14 16 18 11 19 13
9
157
counselors
nurse
the mall 4
library
Coffee shop
155
Locker Numbers
103 104
151 152
156
113 111
126 127 121 120
102
123 125
124 122
869 868
Locker Numbers
139
We know it’s probably confusing to see four different gyms when it really only seems like there’s two. The Main Gym (combination of Gyms 1 and 2) is where assemblies, varsity games, crowning for dances and other major events will take place. The Main Gym is split allowing two gym classes to use the space at the same time. Gym 3 is also known as the gymnastics gym or stage gym, and is generally used only for gymnasts and gym classes. However, it is also used in the spring for softball batting
1054 693
102
GYMS:
131 130
fl
150
135 134 133 132
15
17
7
8
6
backstage
Aux gym N
KEY: ELEVATOR
E
W
STAIRS
BATHROOMS
s
37
38
39
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Second Floor 232
230
229
228
2108 1733
220
219
218 217
209
213 214
236 237
206
203
238
204
241
1233 1232
205
243
trainer
Boys’ Team Locker room
coaches office
m
boiler recieving room room
242
TEACHER OFFICES: Each department at Northwest has an office, from Math to English. This is where you can find teachers if they are not in their classroom to get extra help or make up an assignment before and after school.
Weight room
girls’ team locker room
n
The left side doors of the cafeteria are where full meals are served that change daily. On the right side is the a la car line that serves chicken sandwiches and hamburgers, along with other similar items.There is also Pizza Hut pizza located in the mall near the office. The fourth option is located on the side of the main gym and serves cookies, sandwiches and other snack type items.
240
ROOMS I, K, AND L: These are all rooms located in the basement and each serve a different purpose. I is the weight room, K is the ISS room and L is the copy room. Also located in the basement are room’s N and M which are the health rooms, a required class to graduate.
copy room
girls’ locker room Wrestling room
THE CAFETERIA:
239
Boys’ locker room POOL
such as Cappuccino Day, Crepe Sale and Club Day take place.
1565 1564
Locker Numbers
202
The central socializing spot on campus located between the office and main student entrance doors right next to the cafeteria. This area is very popular before and after school along with during passing periods. This is also where special NW events
234
215
208 207
1400 1055
201
216
235
Locker Numbers
211
210
233 1901 1900
225
223 224
1732 1401
212
THE MALL:
226
Locker Numbers
222
221
227
IMPORTANT LOCATIONS
j
k g
d
BASEMENT
C e
b
a
40
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51 things TO DO BEFORE
STORY BY EMILY ALEXANDER + DESIGN BY RYLEE GARRETT
Aug. 13, 2019
Have no clue where to start at Northwest? Start right on this page at number one. Try and accomplish everything on this list to ensure that you’ve made the most of your four years here. Some of these won’t happen for a couple of years, but be sure not to forget the importance of staying involved.
YOU GRADUATE
1 2
Dance your heart out at Freshman Mixer
Be part of a class skit
3
Find all of the Waldos hidden in the murals in the academic wing
8 9
Join or start a club
Buy cookies or drinks from CCC’s Cappuccino Day
15 16
Go watch the Cougar cheer squad compete at state
Explore your religious side at YoungLife or 180KC
10
Buy an Orange Army t-shirt
17
Go on a school trip
4
Attend the Bonfire assembly
11
Go to the Homecoming football game and dance
18
Get community service hours through CCC
5
Buy a yearbook (lowest price available until Winter Break)
12
Help build a Homecoming parade float
19
Stay updated on school news at Smnw.com
6
Get messy at Muckfest
13
Ask someone to a dance with a big poster
20
Watch the marching band light show during the halftime of a football game
7
Try out for a sports team
14
Win the Spirit Stick at an assembly with your class
21
Take a picture with the school mascot
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22
Watch the drumline perform before school
32
Dress up every day of a Spirit Week
42
Surprise your first hour with donuts
23
Go to a band, orchestra or choir concert
33
Go out for open lunch with friends as a senior
43
Earn an academic or sports letter
24
Kick off winter sports season at Not-So-Late Night
34
Win a prize from Tuesday Trivia on the announcements
44
Vote on a Spirit Club twitter poll
25 26 27
Sign up for Powder Puff football (for the girls) or volleyball (for the boys) junior or senior year
28
Buy someone a rose to be delivered on Valentine’s Day from Prom Committee
Throw a holiday party for a child in need during Adopt-a-Tot
Take a foreign language
35 36 37
Win a Cougar paw from a teacher or administrator
Buy a small gift for your teacher to show appreciation Check out the art gallery by the front office
45 46 47
Get nominated to be on court for a school dance Sign up for the Rock-Paper-Scissors tournament
Attend After Prom and win prizes
38
Do a random act of kindness
48
Buy something from the Student Council garage sale
29
For $1, find your soulmate with Student Council’s matchmaker
39
Ride the spirit bus to support a sports team
49
Attend the spring musical
30
Attend the WPA (Women Pay All) assembly and dance
40
Attend the dance team’s Spring Special
50
Take an AP or IB exam
Attend one event for each sport
41
Sit with someone you don’t know at lunch
51
Attend Final Forté, the choir’s final concert of the year (watch the calendar for the date).
31
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Aug. 13, 2019
MEET THE NEW Tim Vermeer instructional coach
Q: What is your job? A: I am an instructional coach here. I’m kind of a communication piece between administration and teachers, helping with different teaching strategies, technology, facilitating meetings and things like that. Q: How many years have you been teaching, and where? A: This will be my seventh year teaching. The first year I taught was in [northwest Iowa]. It was a small school with about 40 students in a class, and I taught all the high school science there. After we got married, my wife Amy attended dental school in Iowa City, and I taught five years there teaching high school biology. I also did one year of teaching at a place called Tanager Place, working with students with behaviors and disabilities, and then I came here. Q: What drew you to teaching as a profession? A: I had excellent teachers growing up, and I always really enjoyed technology, so I’ve always wanted to get into a role where I could use technology to help teaching and students.
JASON FRIZZELL DISTRICT RESOURCE OFFICER Q: How many years have you been in this job? A: This is my first time being a DRO. I have been a police officer for nine years. Six years in patrol in Paola, Kansas, and I worked three additional years in Paola as a detective. Q: What drew you to this profession? A: Before being a police officer, I was an EMT. While I was doing that, I was a volunteer firefighter for the Paola Fire Department. I have always wanted to be a police officer, so I just went for it. Q: What would you most like to accomplish at Northwest? A: I believe I can point students in the right direction and be a good mentor to them. I would like to show all of the kids that law enforcement are just people.
Stephanie Kates Art
SALINA RUCKER NURSE
Q: How many years have you been teaching? I have been substitute teaching for probably about 10 years now. Maybe even more. In between that I have also been doing the stay-at-home mom thing and working part time. I have been working on my own art during that time as well. I did a lot of subbing in SMSD and at St Paul’s.
Q: What drew you to nursing as a profession? A: Helping people. I just enjoyed the broad sense of nursing, where you can do a lot of different things. Working with young people, old people, babies and everything in between. It has been a good career. You can shift around and change whenever you get bored somewhere.
Q: Why do you believe you can make a difference as a teacher? A: Well, I am an artist, so I know how to be creative and I know how to talk about creativity and I think that it’s really fun to explore ways to express yourself with kids. So, I am hoping to bring my personal experience as an artist to the classroom so that kids can see how to do that better.
Q: What would you most like to accomplish at Northwest? A: Helping students learn how to take control of their own healthcare and helping them to transition. Maybe as they come in as freshmen, they don’t know how to take care of themselves as much, but when they leave as seniors, hopefully they feel more confident and are taking more ownership of how to take care of themselves and are ready to move onto college.
Q: What would you most like to accomplish at Northwest? A: There are so many things it’s hard to pick one. One of my primary goals is to create a classroom atmosphere where everybody feels really comfortable and safe exploring and trying and not being afraid to fail. [I would like students to feel] comfortable pushing their boundaries and being out of their comfort zone.
Elliot Dominick English 10 and 12
Q: How did you end up teaching at Northwest? A: My wife grew up in Parkville, Missouri. Our kids have grown up and flown the coop, so my wife and I said it was time for us to make a change. She wanted to move back close to some family, so we made the decision to move back over this way [from South Carolina]. I was very fortunate to find a position here at Northwest. Q: What do you most look forward to this school year? A: I look forward to just building relationships with students. I’m a firm believer that if any student is going to be engaged in the classroom, regardless of whatever class they’re taking, it really is built on the relationship between the student and the teacher. I am really looking forward to meeting all of the students, not only in my classroom but in the whole high school as well. Q: What would you like to accomplish at Northwest? A: One of the things I’d really like to try to do in the classroom is to help students to understand how the things you do in the classroom apply to life outside the classroom. I want to put things into a perspective that will help them understand how reading, writing or the use of technology prepares them to work for a company.
Q: Why do you believe you can make a difference as a nurse? A: I hope that students feel welcome and if they feel stressed out they can take a deep breath in here. [I want them to] realize that when they feel the weight of the world on their shoulders, that it can just leave for just a little bit.
Eric Williams
English 9 and Honors English 10 Q: What drew you to teaching as a profession? A: Teaching, for me, is about relationships. I want to be a positive influence with teenagers. I’ve tried teaching middle and elementary school and it’s not my speed. I like to connect with older youth and try to make an impact in their life. Q: What do you most look forward to this school year? A: I just look forward to getting involved in the community and figuring out what it’s like to be at Northwest. It’s a new building for me, it’s new students, it’s new traditions, new everything. I want to go to as many football games, plays and recitals as possible, and see all that Northwest has to offer. Q: Why do you believe you can make a difference as a teacher? A: I think the greatest value in education is building up the next generation and preparing them to take off and take charge and become leaders. And then when my students are in their 20s and 30s, hopefully they can pass on the same lessons.
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W STAFF
+ STORY BY ELIZABETH KUFFOUR, STELLA GRIST, EMILY ALEXANDER, RORY DUNGAN + DESIGN BY ETHAN SCHREIBER + PHOTOS BY DYLAN MITCHELL , ERIN HENTON
ROBIN SUTTON SOCIAL WORKER
Q: What drew you to this profession? A: My dad instilled in us very young the importance of helping others and giving back. So I always knew I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people somehow. I knew I loved working with kids and with teenagers, so I fell into social work. Q: What would you most like to accomplish at Northwest? A: The one thing I am really excited about is building relationships with my students. I am also going to be an assistant girls’ tennis coach. Merging those two roles and just being able to build relationships with my students is something I am really excited about. Q: Why do you believe you can make a difference as a social worker? A: I just think it comes back to building relationships. I love getting to know my students, or all students. Just any student who is in need. I like to have an open door that is a safe space for students to come talk about whatever they need.
Kristen Reyes World Regional Studies/ Modern World History
Q: How many years have you been teaching, and where? A: This is my thirteenth year teaching, and my first year at Northwest. The last six years I’ve been at Westridge and before that I taught in Indiana. Q: What drew you to teaching as a profession? A: I’ve just always wanted to be a teacher. I was that kid who played school when they were little. Growing up, I was a lifeguard, I taught swim lessons, I worked at Safety Town—I’ve always loved working with younger people. Q: Why do you believe teachers can make a difference? A: We spend so much time with students and have an opportunity to really make a connection with them. The people in your life are some of the most important means of change and means of pushing you to pursue your dreams and achieve your goals.
MICHELLE TITUS ENGLISH 9 And 10
Q: How did you end up teaching at Northwest? A: Last year I spent the year researching schools that I was interested in and basically toured about 18 different schools. I was looking for somewhere where I felt like the teachers were really excited about what they did, the students were really diverse, came from lots of different experiences and backgrounds and had a lot of community support. I was really impressed with the administration. This was my top choice so I was very excited to get this job. Q: What drew you to teaching as a profession? A: I always knew that I wanted to work with youth, so initially I thought maybe social work. Then I realized that would be too hard for me emotionally. I’ve always been an avid reader and I love to write, so teaching English is just kind of a natural profession for me because I love to share that with others. Q: Why do you believe you can make a difference as a teacher? A: I truly believe that everyone has something really important to say and contribute. I want each of my students to know that they're seen and that we all have so much value to give to the world.
Brittany Wasko Orchestra
Q: How did you end up teaching at Northwest? A: I was doing all of the Northwest area elementary schools, and then Dr. [Jeffrey] Bishop decided to teach only at Trailridge, so they asked me to come teach orchestra here. Q: What would you most like to accomplish at Northwest? A: I would love for orchestra to have a more school-wide presence. I don’t know that much about Northwest as a school, because I’ve never taught in the building, but I would like for the orchestra to be more present and for more people to know about it and come hear us perform. Q: Why do you believe teachers can make a difference? A: I think a lot of students don’t feel as comfortable telling parents things that they tell teachers. [Teachers] see you all the time, and interact with your peers in a way that your parents never get to see, so they can make a huge difference in that way.
SUSAN SPECHT PHYSICAL ED AND HEALTH Q: How did you end up teaching at Northwest? A: I’ve been wanting to get in the building since I’ve been a coach here. Since Coach [Jessie] Rood went to part-time and Coach [Lisa] Morstadt took on Health 2 this year, it opened up a little of availability for me to teach Health and P.E. Q: What do you most look forward to this school year? A: I am excited to be in the building with all of my athletes, both softball and volleyball. I am excited for building relationships outside of athletics, seeing them in the hallway and talking about their days, not just about the sport. Q: What lesson do you want to teach your students? A: I want all my athletes and students to know that they are seen. They have a purpose in life, they are here for a reason and I want them to know that they are cared about.
Mary Werly English 10
Q: How did you end up teaching at Northwest? A: [Before Northwest] I was at Center High School in Kansas City. I had the opportunity to go part-time here so I’m doing that. Also, my husband went here so that was part of the choice. Q: Why do you believe you can make a difference as a teacher? A: I love literature and sharing that with students, and I also love working with kids of all ages. I think it’s so important for students to have a love for literature as well and I want to help them discover that. Q: What would you most like to accomplish at Northwest? A: Just getting to know the staff and the students and feeling like a part of the school spirit.
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Aug.13, 2019
+ DESIGN BY ETHAN SCHREIBER
smnw.com
Upcoming Events at northwest In the chaos of your first few weeks of high school, it is easy to lose track of events you might want to attend. Here is your guide to make sure you don’t miss a moment.
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Back to School Night Thursday, aug. 15 AT 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Shawnee Mission Northwest
Have your parents come to the building to meet all of your teachers. You may want to tag along. This is the one time of the year where the mall is actually a place where you can shop. You’ll find an amazing assortment of spirit wear for sale along with Chik-fil-A sandwiches
STORY BY RORY DUNGAN + DESIGN BY ERIN ALBERS
Freshman Student Council Elections Wednesday, Aug. 21 during the school day The auditorium Listen to speeches from hopeful StuCo candidates from your class. Voting will take place immediately after and winners will be announced at the end of the day, so make sure you stay tuned.
Fall Sports Meeting Monday, Aug. 26 at 6:30 p.m. The auditorium If you are looking into playing a fall sport, be sure to attend this informational meeting with a parent or guardian to find out things you need to know before participating.
Thespian Ice Cream Social Thursday, Aug. 22 The cafeteria
Interested in becoming a thespian of Troupe 888? Attending the ice cream social will allow you to meet new students with similar interests and give you an idea of what to expect in the program.
Bonfire Assembly Thursday, Sept. 5 at 7 P.M. Main gymW
Be sure to make it to the first pep assembly of the year! This assembly will kick off the handout of the spirit stick to the most pumped-up grade. Afterwards, a bonfire will take place in the parking lot. The week of Sept. 2-6 will also be the first Spirit Week of the year, in which themes will be chosen for each day leading up to the assembly.
First football game
Cappuccino Day
Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27, hours 1-4
SM North District stadium
The Mall
Make sure to arrive early to find a seat and kick off football season. The first game is even more special this year as we play our biggest rival, SM West. In addition, K-8 cheerleaders will join your JV and varsity squads cheering on the sidelines.
Every year, members of CCC (Cougar Community Commitment) volunteer to run this drink and bake sale. For $1 each, students can purchase lemonade, cappuccinos, hot chocolate, cookies and more. All proceeds from this event go to a NW family in need of financial assistance.
Senior Lucas Pfeifer plays the trumpet during the marching band’s summer band camp. Marching band members attended camp roughly eight hours a day for five days, alternating between field and indoor practice.
“[At band camp I] get to meet the freshman and reconnect with old friends as well as get into the mindset of working hard for the rest of the season.” — Lucas Pfeifer, senior
NW PASSAGE