The Northwest Passage, Vol. 53, Issue 2

NW PASSAGE

Page 8 | CONSTRUCTION CHAOS

Rundown on the Mall remodel

PAGE 15 | STUDENT DRIVING Corralling students in the st side parking lot we west

Shawnee Mission Northwest Issue 2 Vol. 53 Sept 23, 2021

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TOC | 03

Contents 4

Northwest Passage issue 2 vol. 53 sept. 23, 2021

The reallocation revolution

The U.S. budget needs to reallocate money from the defense budget to programs that better benefit citizens

5

columns

Hear from two NW Passage staff members on finding solice in fiction and discussing the stigma around weight

7

Construction Chaos

10

We Heard You

With the mall cordoned off many students are curious about the construction in the mall and what it took to get there

Students weigh in on mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations

11

Current Events

12

Northwest Newbies

14

Forks Down: Cafeteria Edition

This months global and local news include, the Texas abortion bill, University of Kansas sexual assault allegations and the KC Chiefs taking on another season

Introducing the new Northwest staff members to kick off the new year

Our Passage: 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 24-page news magazine. The paper will be distributed monthly as possible.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 power to make the final decision.

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.

Title

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Are school lunches up to the test, or should they be thrown on the chopping block?

15

StafF The Wild, Wild, West Side

As more new drivers fill the student parking lot, caution is advised

Just past the scaffolding, a worker takes a break before continuing efforts towards the brand new mall area.

The current plan hopes to have all construction conluded by the 2023-2024 school year.

Publication Oversight: Editor-in-chief Editor-in-chief

Content Management: Managing Editor Veronica Meiss Copy Editor Morgan Tate Online Editor Grace Logan Photo Editor Claire Moore Design Editor Livi Nagorka Asst. Photo Editor Sophia McCraney Asst. Photo Editor Sidra Sakati

Football Coach Billy Dent yells at players Sept. 2 at the SM North District Stadium. Dent is head coach of freshman football, but is the “get back” coach for varsity games. “Not only do I tell the players to get back, but I also have to remind the coaches, because they get excited,” Dent said. “Sometimes they go out onto the white line or even onto the field and the referees could penalize them for that.”

Social medias

Staff Writers: Staff DESIGNERS: Yeretzy Blanco Macy Malik Izak Zeller

Adviser:

Susan Massy + photo by Claire Moore + cover design by Livi Nagorka

Stella Grist Ally Pruente

Ellie Zeller

@smnwdotcom @smnwdotcom

Check out our latest online stories and additional content.

04 | staff ed

Sept. 23, 2021

the REallocation

Budget Breakdown

r e v o l u t i o n $705.4 The U.S. budget should reallocate money from the defense budget to programs that better benefit citizens For decades, the United States has been known as an immensely powerful military force.

With a $740.5 billion budget for national security, $705.4 billion of which is allotted to the Department of Defense, U.S. foreign policy places heavy emphasis on military intervention. In most cases, this is far from the most effective approach.

The U.S. military budget not only ranks number one in the world, but exceeds that of the next 11 countries combined. This extreme disparity is unnecessary in any context. A portion of these funds should be reallocated to other areas of the budget, including Veterans’ Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Health and Human Services.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES As a result of President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, plenty of funds are available to reallocate to helping Afghan refugees and stabilizing the country.

This incredibly controversial decision allowed the Taliban then took over the government within days of removal.

As a result of the Taliban’s actions prior to U.S. intervention in 2001, many citizens tried to flee Afghanistan and seek refuge in other countries. According to The New York Times, there were too many incoming Afghan refugees for the processing centers to keep up with. According to Business Insider, it costs about $15,000 to initially resettle a refugee to the United States, eventually adding up to at least $4,600 each year for 20 years. Budget reform would allow for more refugees to settle in the United States at a rate that can come closer to keeping up with the incoming people. The United States should have expected the removal of the troops to cause a rapid influx of refugees and should have accounted for that.

VETERAN’S AFFAIRS Veteran welfare is another huge issue in this country. Veterans account for 11% of all homeless people in the United States and 40,000 don’t have a roof to sleep under at any given time.

Although the U.S. government does provide financial help for veterans by providing them with education, a place to live and supplementing their family’s income. However, in far too many situations, veterans are unable to re-acclimate into society after their time serving and are left with slim to none. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in 2015, 11.9% of veterans aged 18-34 lived in poverty. Disabled veterans face even more dire statistics, with more than 14% of disabled veterans aged 18-34 living below the poverty line, according to the U.S. Census making less than $13,171 a year. These statistics grow worse as the age of the veteran increases.

The suicide rate for veterans increases every year, with 6,435 veteran suicide deaths in 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Additional mental health services should be made available to this demographic due to their specific life experiences and vulnerability to mental illnesses, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mental health issues make holding a steady, well-paying job difficult. As a result, veterans fall into poverty at extreme rates. These issues need to be addressed in favor of those who have served our country by creating more accessible, mental health services specifically designed for them.

Increasing the Veterans Affairs budget would allow for positive changes to be made.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Another major concern in need of immediate attention and significantly increased funding from the government is the threat of climate change. For decades, activists have been warning of impending destruction as a result of human actions. Now, climate change everywhere on the planet. With flash flooding and intense wildfires, it’s hard to deny that climate change poses a detrimental threat to the planet. The U.S. budget only allotted $6.7 billion to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while the military budget is 105 times that amount. As the effects of climate change are becoming more and more destructive, it is absolutely necessary that more time and funds be invested into damage control.

A mere 20% of the Department of Defense budget ($141.8 billion) could make a massive difference if redistributed to other departments in the U.S. budget. If $50 billion of that went to Veterans Affairs, that budget would be increased by almost 50%.

This money could go to making veterans hospitals and mental health services more accessible across the country. If $25 billion was reallocated t to the Department of Health and Human Services, the United States could provide better healthcare to a wider range of people, better combat the opioid crisis and improve mental health services. An increase of $45 billion for the Department of State would provide assistance for 300,000 refugees resettling in the U.S. Finally, if $20 billion was allotted to the EPA, their budget would grow by almost 300%. This could be used to further environmental research and provide incentive for large corporations to alter their means of production to lessen the pollution and environmental repercussions.

Our defense budget is being spent on military intervention and weapons at a rate that far outpaces both our allies and our enemies. Let’s reallocate a portion of that massive budget to directly benefit our own citizens, our veterans and the refugees

13 / 0 agree

$

$

$$$ $$$$ Does our spending reflect our values?

billion

Department of Defense

This portion of the budget supplements the U.S. military. This includes widening U.S. missiles, funds new artillery, improves cyber capabilities and ensures the country’s status of maritime

$105 Veterans Affairs billion

The Veterans Affairs budget goes toward veteran medical care, drug prevention programs, mental health services, memorial benefits and modernizes Veterans Affairs infrastructure.

$94.5 billion

Department of Health and Human Services

This department of the government deals with combatting nationwide drug abuse, increasing mental health services, provide Medicare and address needs of unaccompanied immigrant

Department of Education

disagree

The Department of Education aids with providing schooling for disadvantaged communities, providing resources for disabled students, lightening the student loan burden and federal student aid programs.

$40.8 billion

Department of State

This portion of the budget is allotted to protecting America’s interests abroad, promotes women’s economic empowerment and overall U.S. humanitarian assistance to other countries.

Environmental Protection Agency The budget for the Environmental Protection Agency includes investing in water infrastructure, reduces lead exposure in communities, supports promoting air quality standards and conducting environmental research. * All information taken from the Budget of the United States Government, Fiscal Year 2021 + design by Stella Grist

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opinion | 05

Real to Me

Despite books being fictional, they’ve been a real comfort over the years I lie down toward the front of my bed, my mind absorbed in this land of magic and wizards. It’s around 11 p.m. when Dumbledore is killed, his body pushed off the + by Morgan Tate astronomy tower at Hogwarts.

I’m in shock. I try not to make any noise — don’t wanna wake up my parents — but that doesn’t mean I don’t start crying.

Books have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved them, always loved delving into the many worlds fiction presents, loved reading picture books about talking pigs, loved books about murderous phantoms. For me, books are an escape, friends and entertainment.

Sometimes the world is cruel. I sit down as my dad turns on the nightly news and I hear about a car crash on a highway. A hurricane sweeps through the East Coast, two children are swept from their dad’s arms. People die in riots in the Middle East. It’s easier for me to sit down with a book, a book that has a neat and tidy ending — the villain is defeated, the good guy wins. I know

the book lacks the complexity of real-life, but at the end of the day, I don’t have to worry.

The first people I really knew as a child — outside of my family — were all fictional. Fancy Nancy, the seven silly eaters and Olivia were my first companions. As I grow, fictional characters frequently become a source of comfort for me.

I feel what they feel, and I frequently mourn as they fall. Characters like Christine Daae and Harry Potter became as real to me as my father and mother. They made me feel something very real, despite their status as fictional.

I get bored very easily, I can’t sit still somewhere without fidgeting with something.

Books give me something to stifle that boredom.

Instead of sitting on my dull couch with nothing to do, I can be under the sea fighting off a large Kraken trying to kill me. That’s much more entertaining.

I really thank books for the service they’ve done for me — for helping me escape, for comforting me, for conquering boredom, but most of all, for sharing themselves and the wonders of their worlds.

+ by Ally Pruente

September 24 - Varsity Football Game NW plays SM North at their home stadium

October 1 - Homecoming game

The Cougars play Lawrence High School at SM North stadium at 7 p.m.

October 13 - Early release day Grades 9-12 get dismissed early from school.

October 2 - Homecoming Dance Our homecoming dance will take place on the SM North football field from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased during lunch prior to the dance. See smnw.com for updates.

The Carnival In a world where being thin is the goal and being “other” is seen as wrong, an amusement park is a dangerous place I’m a big person.

It can be hard sometimes when everyone else around you is thin and you’re the only plus-sized person for 100 miles. Everyone is + by Izak Zeller always nice about it, but it doesn’t lessen the embarrassment.

During June, I went to a carnival with one of my best friends. The carnival had all sorts of flashing lights, big signs and, of course, rides. When I drove up to the entrance, all of the sounds and music were blaring through loudspeakers, tactically placed around every single inch of the place.

My bestie and I spent $25 each on wristbands which should have allowed us unlimited access to all of the rides. I walked up to Zero Gravity, a ride that uses centrifugal force to pin you against its walls as it spins around and eventually rises to a 70 degree angle. I walked up the tall aluminum steps that lead up to the ride. I wrapped the safety strap around myself. It didn’t click. I remember trying, and trying again.

Nothing.

I was forced to walk back down those steps in front of everyone.

I decided to try a different ride at that point. I didn’t fit on that one either. One by one, my ride options dropped like flies. The feeling of having the seat belt not fit, and being forced to

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walk off of the ride again in front of everybody felt like an anxiety attack. Whether everyone was watching me or not, I felt they were and every time it hurt a little more.

My best friend left me sitting alone on a curb while he and a group of friends we ran into enjoyed every ride in the park. I spent the evening holding everyone’s food. It felt like my life was over. Then the lyrics “Hello darkness my old friend” began to play over the loudspeaker.

I started to reflect on my life as a whole.

All my friends, every interaction I’ve ever had.

My phone died.

“Are you okaaaay, honey?” a carnival worker asked.

What did I truly want?

Did I want to sit there by myself, being a guard dog?

Did I want to try a little confidence?

What did I have to lose?

I got up.

I walked over to the ride that started it all, Zero Gravity. I got on for the second time. I wrapped the seatbelt around myself and — Click!

The seat belt fit!

The ride started to spin. I started to realize that my life shouldn’t revolve around my weight.

I may have some work to do but I shouldn’t let my weight or the weight of my thoughts control my self worth.

October 18 - start of second quarter October 15 - No school No school for Pre-K through 12 for a teacher workday.

October 20 - Parent conferences District night for middle and high school parent teacher conferences.

October 21, 22 & 23 - Fall Play

The fall play, “Backstage,” written by 2020 graduate Zach Dulny, will be presented by the theatre program each night in the Greg Parker Auditorium.

October 22 - no school

Continuation of parent teacher conferences, no school for students Pre-K through 12.

+ design by Livi Nagorka

Do you want your business advertised in The Passage?

Contact: Grace Logan (Ads Manager) smnwadvertise@gmail.com

Shawnee Mission Northwest H.S. 12702 W. 67th St. Shawnee, KS 66216 Journalism Room: (993)-7286

SMNW YEARBOOK:

The Lair $56.38 Prices will increase on Jan. 1

To Purchase: Contact - Susan Massy nwmassy@smsd.org

Proudly serving our community for over

65 years 15320 Midland Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66217 www.mcananyconstruction.com

smnwadvertise@gmail.com

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package | 07

s o a h C n o i t c u r t Cons

Sept. 23, 2021

08 | package

Construction Chaos With the parts of the mall behind plywood walls, students wonder what’s going on and when it will be done + by Morgan Tate, Veronica Meiss & Yeretzy Blanco

Introduction The occasional whine of a drill and clank of metal tools as they drop onto concrete floors has left the student body what is going on behind those walls in the mall? How much will it cost?

When will it be done?

The construction in the mall is a part of a

three-phase plan proposed by the Shawnee Mission Board of Education which will fix several faculty and facility needs throughout the district.

Here, the plan pays for televisions in every classrooom, new furniture and a mezzanine level in the mall.

Design Looking for a place to study, collaborate or look at some cool art? Look no further than the newest renovations to the mall. Opposite the cafeteria, a mezzanine level will overlook the mall. This balcony area will have several collaborative spaces that small groups or large classes could use to work. These spaces are very open and flexible to accommodate a variety of student needs. “[The collaborative spaces will provide an] opportunity for students to work on group projects or to do some homework in the morning,” principal Lisa Gruman said. “I really see it being utilized that way, just a complete flex space the kids can make what they need it to be.”

The mezzanine level will also contain smaller nooks that utilize booth seating. These nooks are multipurpose and can be used for studying during lunch as well as before or after school. In addition, the art gallery space by the office will

be renovated “[I think] updating our art gallery [will benefit students and staff],” Gruman said. “I think that’s going to be a really lovely display case for our students. The teachers could take a class [there] if they’re doing a critique on a particular display.”

Other additions to the mall will include a new school store and a conference area for meetings.

Although the new construction seems to be reducing the amount of space in the current mall or making it seem crowded, Gruman says usable space will be increased. “[The space is] going to be repurposed and then we gain space by adding a balcony level,” Gruman said. “Those little cubbies, where there were trophy cases, are now usable spaces for kids. We’re repurposing that space to meet our current needs.”

Tools and machinery are spread across a hallway of construction Sept. 12 in the mall. + Photo by Claire Moore

Construction Construction began in May after students left for the summer. The construction should be completed before school begins in the fall of 2023.

The construction will occur in phases. Phase 1, the current project, focuses on the balcony or the mall area, and the bathrooms nearby. In Phase 2, they will focus on the office area of the building.

Finally, in Phase 3, they will be focusing on the walls dividing the cafeteria and the mall area, the walls will be all glass.

While the beginning of the school year has affected the construction process, the impact has not been significant, although the construction has affected the students.

“We’ve actually been able to accommodate our lunch tables, as well as provide some additional seating down the hallway [by the theater],” Gruman said. “Other than that it’s worked out pretty well. Students have been rolling with the noise.”

The “clouds” that helped dampen the echoes of the concrete mall have been removed and other methods of noise control will be installed in addition to updated lighting.

The general feel of the mall will be updated with graphics and more color than in the past.

This year’s juniors and seniors will graduate before construction is completed just before students return in the fall of 2023.

smnw.com

package | 09

A stack of wooden boards are laid against a pillar Sept.

12 in the new construction area. There will be two separate levels in the new mall. + Photo by Claire Moore

Student & Parent Involvement Before designs were made or construction started, community meetings allowed parents to provide input and prioritize renovations.

“It was an open forum, so whoever wanted to come could speak,” Gruman said. “We had a few community members, mostly parents, and a few students who shared their thoughts.

Our project includes upgrades to the theater lighting as well as updating the mall by creating more usable space for students and a more welcoming appearance for guests.”

Later in the design process, members of Student Council (StuCo) were invited to see and critique the proposed designs.

The students saw a 3D mock-up of the mall via virtual reality (VR) headsets.

“It was really cool to experience,” StuCo president Sophia Brewer said.

While using the VR headsets, they also saw much of the new furniture to be included in the mall in addition to a peek at the new look of the mall.

StuCo members were excited to learn about the changes and provide feedback.

“It’s a weird transformation that’s going to happen,” Brewer said. “ It’s going to look different and newer, so I’m excited for it.”

Conclusion As the year continues, the sound of drilling will become a source of background noise for students. By the time this year’s freshmen are seniors, the construction will be finished: a balcony and school store will be added and the art gallery will have a new look. Classrooms will boast all new furniture and bathrooms will be upgraded. It requires a lot of money, time and patience, but the changes will be worth the wait.

The renovated mall, viewed from the west entrance, will feature modular, multi-use furniture as well as flexible study spaces on the mezzanine addition and directly below it. These new spaces will allow students to utilize the space for collaborative or individual work during lunch as well as other appropriate times. The renovation will be completed before students return to school in the fall of 2023. + from the Concept Development drawings by the DLR Group

+ design by Livi Nagorka

$

Budget for Construction In the 2021 bond issue, taxpayers approved $264 million to update facilities and rebuild five elementary schools.

It will also move custodial and maintenance salaries into the capital fund which will free up money in the general fund to reduce the number of classes assigned to teachers by hiring additional instructors.

Northwest’s mall renovations. will cost approximately $4.6 million. In 2023, SM Northwest will receive $2.6 million worth of new classroom furniture. Restrooms will also be renovated and the roof will see significant repairs.

Sept. 23, 2021

feature | 10

WE HEARD YOU Students weigh in on mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations + by Izak Zeller & Macy Malik

“I would vibe with that as long as they had medical exemptions [for people who] really couldn’t, but I would really like that.”

— junior Alyson Ramsey

“The vaccine and COVID-19 are schemes for public control and political power. I [will] not take part in the left’s agenda to take over America. The infrastructure of America is totally in shambles due to this mild cold-like disease. [There are] complete jokes in office. We are living in a scary time.”

—junior Jack Overesch

"I believe that your medical choices should be confidential and not forced upon someone to make a decision they aren’t comfortable making."

— freshman Taytum Hollingsworth

“I think I would feel much safer coming into school [if vaccines were required] and I would definitely socialize a lot more.”

— sophomore Natalia Ramirez

“I wouldn’t be mad about it. A lot of students don’t like to wear masks so it would make a lot of people feel better” — freshman Maddie Eaves

“Honestly, I would feel better coming to school, because now not everyone has [the vaccine] so it’s not as safe. If everyone had it, I would just feel more comfortable coming to school.”

— senior Raquel Ramirez

“I would be very unhappy if they

made the vaccine mandatory to go to school because it should be your right to choose if you want an experimental vaccine put in your body or not. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t have a choice because us students have no say in anything and I don’t plan on dropping out.”

— senior Jack Meylan

“It would not affect me because I am fully vaccinated but I feel that people should be able to choose what goes into their body. I do not believe that they should [be excluded] from school for not getting a shot.”

— sophomore Anderson Walsh

+ design by Ellie Zeller

news | 11

smnw.com

current events This months global and local news include, the Texas abortion bill, University of Kansas sexual assault allegations and the KC Chiefs taking on another season

+ design by Ally Pruente

TEXAS ANTI-ABORTION LEGISLATION by: Veronica Meiss

THE HEARTBEAT BILL

Texas lawmakers have banned abortion past six weeks of pregnancy, despite the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade to ensure abortion as a constitutional right. This new law is called The Heartbeat Bill.

While other states such as Virginia and Georgia have attempted to create similar laws, they have run into legal troubles. Texas is the first state to implement this law. The Supreme Court refused to overturn The Heartbeat Bill on a five to four vote on Sept. 1 because of the way the Texas law was written. In normal cases, when a law is created, the state or federal government enforces it. With this new Texas “Heartbeat” law, private citizens enforce it.

If a citizen finds that someone has had an abortion past the six-week deadline, they are able to sue the individual and anyone involved in the abortion for $10,000. The biological male who got the individual pregnant is not seen as responsible for the pregnancy or abortion. Because citizens are enforcing the law, it is not seen as an obstruction of Roe v. Wade.

Any individual who has had their first period, including those under 18, are subject to this new law. Minors are required to obtain their parent’s permission to get an abortion. The law does not make exceptions for cases of rape and incest. The only health exceptions accepted are cases where the pregnancy will endanger the pregnant person’s life.

According to The New York Times, abortion providers in Texas estimate 85% of patients seeking abortions are past six weeks pregnant. Many pregnant individuals do not know they are pregnant until six to eight weeks after conception because of their irregular menstrual cycles.

The Department of Justice has publicly expressed their want for a federal judge to temporarily block the enforcement of the Heartbeat Bill, claiming it is necessary to protect the constitutional reproductive rights of every individual who can become pregnant. President Joe Biden called the bill extreme and says it violates Roe v. Wade.

Allegations against phi kappa psi

by: Ally Pruente

All eyes are on Phi Kappa Psi, a fraternity house at the University of Kansas (KU), after a member was accused of sexually assaulting another student. The allegations have not been confirmed by the Lawrence Police Department.

Protests have taken place in front of the fraternity house, with hundreds of KU students attending according to an article by the Kansas City Star. KU freshmen and 2021 NW graduates Evan Battles and Jackson Reese were present at the Sept.15 protest.

“I am shocked and horrified that something [like] this happened a three minute walk from where I live,” Battles said.

February of last year marked the 140th anniversary of the Kansas Alpha chapter of Phi Kappa Psi. The fraternity, like many, values the continuous improvement of their members

on a local and national level. But now, due to the allegations, the idea of joining any type of fraternity life has been shaken.

“It’s definitely a major push factor from Greek life,” Reese said. “I was heavily influenced [by this and was] considering joining a frat, but now I’m not sure I want to possibly be associated with people like that.”

As for what the future holds, a spokesperson for the National Fraternal Organization spoke on the issue in an article with the Kansas City Star. “[The fraternity] takes these allegations very seriously and will fully cooperate with law enforcement.” The organization was notified and informed by NW alumni Lili Bowen stands outside the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house in protest of sexual assault allegations within the fraternity. university officials.

Once more information is released on the allegations check “We all have a voice,” Bowen said. “Lets use it for those who can’t.” + photo from Lili Bowen smnw.com for updates.

Football is back in full swing by: Macy Malik

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes holds a fist in the air during the Championship parade in February of 2020. The Chiefs hope for a good season and fans are hoping to see another Superbowl victory + photo by Abby Ryan

The Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 12 at Government Employees Health Association (GEHA) field at Arrowhead Stadium.

It was a long-fought battle between two teams. The game was relatively close, until the end of the fourth quarter when the Chiefs were able to secure a win.

To start the fourth quarter, the Browns were ahead with a score of 29-20. There were a few events that happened back-toback which allowed the Chiefs to pull ahead.

The first impactful play was quarterback Patrick Mahomes escaping pressure from the Browns by throwing the ball 75 yards, connecting to wide receiver Tyreek Hill to score a touchdown.

After the touchdown, the Browns brought their punter Jamie Gillan on the field, who received the snap but managed to drop the ball. He quickly picked it up and began to run, but was tackled in the red zone.

Mahomes was able to find tight end Travis Kelce for another touchdown. The Chiefs gained their first lead of the game.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was highly impressed with how the Browns were able to compete with the Chiefs.

“What a game,” Reid said in an interview with the Kansas City Star. “My hat goes off to the Browns.”

Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu did not play in the game on Sunday. Mathieu was cleared to play on Saturday from the reserve/COVID-19 list, but Reid held Mathieu out. Reid is taking the COVID-19 protocol seriously.

“I just thought it was the right thing to do,” Reid said. “I don’t want to take any steps back.”

The Chiefs then played the Baltimore Ravens in Maryland on Sept. 19 for the second week of NFL play.

The Ravens grasped the win with a score of 36-35 to put them at 1-1, the Chiefs having the same record.

12 | feature

Introducing NW’s newest staff members + BY STELLA GRIST, GRACE LOGAN, VERONICA MEISS, YERETZY BLANCO & IZAK ZELLER + DESIGN BY VERONICA MEISS

BARB LEGATE

School Counselor What makes Northwest stand out from other schools?

[Everyone] comes from diverse backgrounds and they manage to work well together. It’s really a model for other schools.

What are your goals for the year?

To help as many students as I possibly can, whether that be academic or personal struggles. Doing anything to help students is what I love about this profession.

THE NEW KIDS

Sept. 23, 2021

BRITT HANEY

ANTHONY SPENCER

How can students contact you?

The easiest way to contact me is to email me at @smsd.org.

(Haney, a former NW teacher, left to become an assistant principal at SM East several years ago and rejoins the staff this year.)

What makes Northwest stand out from other schools?

Our diversity. I feel like the number of different kids we have from races to genders to whatever they classify themselves as is amazing.

JENNA BUDNEY

STEVEN CORTEZ

Associate Principal What inspired you to go into this field?

I really like helping people and doing some problem solving, and every day I get to [do so]. When there’s a problem, I solve it and move on to the next one.

MOVE Teacher What inspired you to go into this field?

Right after I got done playing college basketball, I got right into teaching and coaching. I get a better fulfillment giving back than I would have ever got playing professionally.

Social Studies Teacher and JV Dance Team Coach What does your position entail?

I teach World Regional Studies, along with Economics, and I am the Junior Varsity coach of the dance team.

Industrial Technology Teacher What inspired you to go into this field?

I really didn’t feel like I wanted to be a minister, but I wanted to be a teacher and I wanted to work with kids. So, I became an industrial tech teacher.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to making connections with my students and colleagues. I’m excited to be back in the classroom and being able to teach my students face-to-face.

What are your goals for the year?

I want to be a positive influence on kids, that’s my biggest goal. I want to create a safe place for them to come and feel comfortable learning. I accept one and all.

CONNOR DAVIS

SARAH HINK

ZACHARY DAVIES

What makes Northwest stand out from other schools?

I’ve appreciated how welcoming and supportive it is. As a staff and with students, it’s very supportive and really emphasizes collaboration.

What inspired you to go into this field?

I went to SM West and I had a teacher that some are familiar with named Ann Flurry. She inspired me to be a teacher. I hope I can do the same for my students throughout my teaching career.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

There is so much potential here and in this community. I’m looking forward to just getting to know everyone and embed myself within

College Adviser What inspired you to go into this position?

I think I’m really passionate about education equity. Also reaffirming and validating all student needs and wants, and that those routes look differently for everyone.

English Teacher and Head Gymnastics Coach What makes Northwest stand out from other schools?

The community within Northwest is something I have always appreciated. The staff, the students, and everyone here made me so excited to come to this school in particular.

Business Teacher, Head Wrestling and Assistant Football Coach What inspired you to go into this field?

I grew up being around educators and coaches, so I knew that’s what I wanted to be. I wanted to make an impact on the lives of youth like I saw my father and grandfather doing.

ON THE NW BLOCK

smnw.com

KEVIN MURPHY

Social Studies Teacher What makes Northwest stand out from other schools?

In all honesty, the culture is something that was a game changer, overall, that I knew I wanted to be a part of.

What inspired you to go into this field?

My aunt passed away when I was younger. She was a counselor at an inner city school district in Chicago and [I saw] the impact that she had on students.”

JACOB NICHOLS

Science Teacher What makes Northwest stand out from other schools?

Northwest has one of the best support systems out there. There hasn’t been a moment where I have felt like I have been on my own.

Highlight of the year so far?

I was a judge for [Bonfire]. [It was cool to see] how passionate all the students are from freshmen to seniors about their school and supporting each other.

EMILY PINKSTON

Math Teacher What inspired you to go into this field?

I always wanted to help people. I’m really passionate about making a difference in other people’s lives.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Building relationships with students. The best part about teaching is getting to know people and the feedback I get from students is that this is the first time they’ve enjoyed math class. I’m hoping that I can create that environment for students this year.

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AMY TRAYLOR

LISA JONES

What is one thing you would say to the NW student body?

I’m glad to be here. I’m excited to see what types of awesome things that we can create in art. I’m excited to see everything that’s created, excited to see what the future holds.

What is one thing you would say to the NW student body?

Education is valuable and it breaks my heart when I see kids struggle... You just have to remember that you have people around you who want to help.”

Art Teacher What inspired you to go into this field?

In middle school, I started to really get into art even more...

When I got into high school, that’s when I really felt like I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

LINZIE PFLUMM

Receptionist What inspired you to go into this field?

I actually went to school here, I graduated in 2003. When I was offered this position, it was kind of exciting because I’ve been here before. I know the area.

What is one thing you would say to the NW student body?

I can be that person that can lend an ear if you need someone to talk to, if you have a concern or a question or need some help, I’m happy to be that person.

Counseling Secretary What do you find special about Northwest?

I live in the Northwest school district and I have a son who’s here, he’s a tenth grader. I’ve always liked this school and I thought the job was interesting.

WENDY WOODS

Nurse What does a day in your life look like?

I have students in and out all day, answering a lot of emails and I spend a lot of my time doing paperwork.

What is your highlight of the year so far?

I have learned a lot about nursing practices in a school setting. I love to learn.

TINA CLARK

KATHY CLARK

What makes Northwest stand out from other schools?

One of the things I love about Northwest is the diversity of our student population here. I think it’s a huge asset, and I love how we even capitalize on that a little bit and make sure it’s known about us.

What makes Northwest stand out from other schools?

I love the friendliness of the students and the staff, the administration is so fantastic with their leadership. I’ve felt so welcomed.

Social Worker What is one thing you would like to say to the NW student body?

This is not a place where you’re going to come and I’m going to judge you. This is a place where I’ll listen and help with whatever I can.

SPED/Gifted Facilitator What inspired you to go into this field?

When children come along into this world, they’re like sponges, and they just can’t get enough. They’re just so eager to learn and I found that continues on with gifted children, as even as they grow.

Forks

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Sept. 23, 2021

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CAFETERIA FOOD EDITION + by Grace Logan, Yeretzy Blanco & Izak Zeller + design by Stella Grist + graphic by Sofia Nash

From a young age, children are spoon-fed the idea that school lunch is practically slop. In our experience, that idea is outdated. Here are a few of our favorite cafeteria dishes:

ELEGANT ENTREES Mandarin Orange Chicken and Waffles Rating: 8/10

+ by Izak Zeller I’ve always liked fried chicken strips.

I’ve always liked waffles. Chicken and Waffles however, has always seemed like a hodgepodge that should never be eaten together. I have always gotten the chicken sandwich or the pizza but one day, I wanted to try something new. I walked in the cafeteria and picked up the first thing I saw.

When I noticed it was chicken and waffles, however, I rolled my eyes. I sat down and begrudgingly took a bite. To my surprise, it was tasty, especially with the little box of syrup. It was filling, too. The chicken to waffle ratio is perfect and the syrup ties it all together by sweetening everything a bit.

This was a surprisingly pleasant entree that satisfied my taste buds.

Chicken

Rating: 7/10

+ by Yeretzy Blanco I have always enjoyed orange chicken. No matter where it’s from, it has always been one of my favorite entree options. Before this, I had never had the mandarin orange chicken from the cafeteria. The chicken itself is very good, it was just the right amount of sweet. The chicken was juicy and flavorful. The white rice is a hit or miss. The rice is sometimes overcooked to the point where it tastes like plastic, but other times it is cooked perfectly. Honestly, the chicken makes up for the rice. Since then, I have had this dish multiple times and thoroughly enjoyed the chicken. I usually tend to go for a slice of pizza but this has definitely given me another option to enjoy during lunch.

SNACKWORTHY SIDES Potato Smiles Seasoned Fries Rating: 9/10

+ by Grace Logan All of us have silly guilty pleasures. Mine just happens to be a crispy little circle of joy and laughter. Despite the slander often spread about cafeteria Potato Smiles, I thoroughly enjoy them. They do taste good, but the main reason I am so emotionally attached to them is they help me reconnect with my childhood. They remind me of old and forgotten friends, the smell of a fresh box of crayons, the sharp pain when your skin is pinched in the swings and, overall, just simple, happy memories. Growing up is difficult. It’s important to find little things that help us reconnect with our childhood. For me, Potato Smiles do exactly that.

Rating: 8/10

+ by Yeretzy Blanco The seasoned fries have always been my favorite. Ever since they were introduced to the school cafeterias, I’ve never hesitated to pick them up. They are seasoned perfectly and go hand in hand with some ketchup or ranch. There are sometimes where they are perfectly crisp and other times they are just normal potato slices. But the flavor is what really makes them special. Overall, I will continue to enjoy these wonderful little potato treats, especially when accompanied by some ranch.

Yogurt Parfait with Granola Rating: 7.5/10

+ by Grace Logan I’ve tried many different diets throughout my 16 years of life. As a result, the yogurt parfait has always been a go-to option for me when eating at school. It’s on the healthy side, but still tastes sweet, which helps with my daily battle against cravings.

Hunger can be extremely distracting during class. I don’t ever remember an occasion when I was hungry after eating this perfectly proportioned parfait. I never took a bite without some combination of each ingredient. Overall, it is a great entree if you feel like eating something sweet and refreshing.

Tater Tots Rating: 9/10

+ by Izak Zeller I love tater tots.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not obsessed.

At drive thrus, diners and burger joints, I always get the fries like everyone else, but I always eye tater tots as the waiter takes my menu away. So when I saw those glorious little cylinders of potato available in the cafeteria,, I snatched them up immediately. As I popped the salty side dish into my mouth, I noticed the crunch. The crunchy, flaky texture pulled the whole side together for me. Overall, a grade A side that’s definitely worth picking up.

DELECTABLE DESSERTS Chocolate Cake Cookies Rating: 10/10

+ by Yeretzy Blanco, Grace Logan & Izak Zeller Chocolate cake is an all time classic, which is exactly why we all agree it is the best dessert offered in the cafeteria. It can fully back its fame with taste; the sweetness of the icing balances the fluffy cake without overpowering the dessert. The rare sighting of chocolate cake makes it a priceless artifact among students.

Rating: 7/10

+ by Grace Logan In the cafeteria dessert hierarchy, the cookies offered are a close second to chocolate cake. These cookies are the definition of delicious, with the crunchy outside complementing the gooey inside. The only complaint I can give is that they aren’t always warm, but this would be difficult to achieve considering the large number of students served over multiple lunches. Aside from that, they are a great dessert that I would recommend.

Nothing is as timeless as milk and cookies.

15 | feature

Sep. 23, 2021

Wild, Wild West Side As more new drivers fill the student parking lot, caution is advised

+ by Ally Pruente & Macy Malik

A tumbleweed bounces across the bland landscape. Dust blows only slightly when the wind picks up speed. Only the toughest animals can survive here. No resources, not even water, could be found nearby. During the daytime, only a few travelers pass to go out to open lunch, or a doctor’s appointment. Everything is serene and silent. Until the chaos begins.

Engines rev loudly as student drivers honk their horns one after another until the air is filled with noise. The fight between the 67th Street traffic and the population of our high school begins. Some students ride the bus, some walk, some carpool with a friend or a family member and others get behind the wheel themselves. As we come together for in-person learning, we also adjust to how our student body manages the wild west side parking lot.

During the first weeks of school, junior Paige Mullen collided with another student vehicle, totaling her car. She advises her peers to be extra careful in the mornings.

“Just be safe. Don’t be in a rush, so you can be focused [and have] no distractions.”

Junior Michael Hauser was involved in the same accident and is thankful the damage wasn’t any worse.

“Drive as if everyone else doesn’t know how to,” Hauser said. “Drive

[as] carefully as possible, paying attention with eyes everywhere.

I’m happy neither of us got hurt. What else can you say, it’s a learning experience.”

School Resource Officer (SRO) Mark Coenen spends the first 15 minutes before school and the last 15 minutes after school managing the student parking lot traffic. Coenen has noticed a change in driving this school year compared to the past.

“Right now, it’s a little bit worse,” Coenen said. “People aren’t used to [driving here]. We’ve basically had a year and a half where we haven’t really had everybody here at school. It has been [a long time] since we’ve had this volume of students.”

The first weeks of school always feel hectic to Coenen, but more younger drivers and parents who aren’t quite used to the routine are making the parking lot more chaotic than usual.

“Parents are actually only supposed to pick up on the east side [of school],” Coenen said. “But a lot of parents don’t realize that. I’ve been going out [to the student lot] to tell them to just pick up on the other side. That circle drive after school is only for buses.”

Senior Rese Lamons rides with a parent to school each day. Lamons thinks one perk of getting a ride with an adult is their increased driving experience, but still notices changes in the overall school

Photo 1

rules of the road From 7:20 to 7:30 a.m. you cannot leave the student lot.

From 2:40 to 3:00 p.m. you cannot enter the student parking lot.

A yellow curb indicates a no parking area.

The west side circle drive is for buses only after 2:00 p.m.

Don’t park in handicap stalls.

Parking in the faculty lot on the East side is prohibited and a ticket-able offense.

passing the test

pick-up and drop-off process.

“In previous years, I feel like going home was super quick but this year it takes eight minutes to get out,” Lamons said.

Parking in the student lot requires more than just your license. As in previous years, Coenen wants to remind students of the importance of having an up-to-date parking pass (see sidebar).

“We’re still [going to] have the parking passes this year,” Coenen said. “We normally give everybody some leeway and don’t start enforcing [parking passes] during the first couple of weeks of school. We want everybody to get a chance to get settled in.”

As someone who deals with student driving every day, Coenen thinks students are facing more driving challenges, but that things will work themselves out as they always do.

“You have a lot of inexperienced drivers, as well as a small area where we have a [high concentration of] people,” Coenen said. “I think that as the weeks go by, it’s gonna get easier and easier.”

Photo 1: A parking pass hangs from sophomore Catherine Ancell’s rearview mirror Sept. 13 in the student parking lot. Everyone is required to have a parking pass to park in the student parking lot. “I really enjoy being given the opportunity to drive myself to school,” Ancell said. + photo by Ashley Broils Photo 2: Cars come head to head the morning of Sept. 13 at an exit from the Student Parking Lot. In the first four weeks of school, there have been four collisions and a rollover incident. + photo by Julia Mcnish

Photo 2

Why do I need a parking pass?

Parking passes allow for a student to park in the West student parking lot, without one you could be ticketed. Passes do not allow you to park in the East side teacher parking lot during school hours. You do not need a parking pass to park on the city street.

Where do I get one?

To purchase a parking pass, you can see the bookkeeper in the office. Passes cost 60 dollars. To pick up a parking pass once you’ve purchased it, visit Officer Hardman in the West security office before school or during your lunch period.

How often do they even check for parking passes?

Our school SRO officers begin checking for parking passes approximately two-three weeks into school. After that, they will continuously check throughout the year. + design by Ally Pruente

NW PASSAGE Senior Tate Burns applauds Sept. 2 at the SM North District Stadium. The theme for the first game was “Cougar Crazy.” “It was finally a chance to get back into our school spirit by showing support for our football team,” Burns said. “Everyone went all out for the theme and no one held back on cheering for their team. ”