Staley High School, Talon magazine, Volume 15, Issue 1, October 2022, Kansas City, Mo.

Contact Us

Talon publishes quarterly issues during the school year. Talon will accept letters to the editor in CR202 or at cherie.burgett@nkcschools.org. Before the letter is published, we will need to verify the writer’s identity. Letters may not exceed a length of 350 words. We will not publish letters that are libelous, obscene or that may cause a veritable disruption of the education process at Staley High School. Anonymous letters will be discarded. Advertisers may contact the adviser at cherie.burgett@ nkcschools.org, (816) 321-5330 or at 2800 NE Shoal Creek Parkway, Kansas City, MO, 64156-1313. Opinions expressed in Talon do not express the staff’s endorsement of the products or services. Talon is a member of NSPA, MIJA, Quill and Scroll, JEA and JEMKC.

On The Cover

On the cover: Young adults and teens in Kansas City are facing a crisis surrounding the use of fentanyl. This watercolor painting depicts the dangers.

By Grace Winkler

STAFF EDITORIAL: CELL PHONE POLICY

Cell Phone Ban Restricts Students

Cellphones are the school's newest target in the shift toward restricting student freedoms.

On Aug. 14, the North Kansas City School District announced a classtime cell phone ban. High School students can check phones at passing time or lunch.

While administration likely had good intentions – increasing student engagement – it's just one more policy restricting students.

The reality is that technology is an integral part of society. Being able to responsibly use a phone at work or college is important. Students have been stripped of the opportunity to learn this necessary skill.

If school is meant to prepare people for the future, administration needs to give them enough freedom to learn boundaries.

Students hold jobs, leadership roles and take multiple advanced courses. They fulfill these roles while being

Talon Staff

treated as incapable of using a phone responsibly.

With the majority of students being members of cocurricular and extracurricular activities, they need to stay connected.

It is unfair to penalize the entire student body because some students can't handle the responsibility. Administration should restrict those who can't be responsible rather than restricting the entire student body.

To support overall student success, admin needs to drop the ban and trust that students are able to learn a healthy balance with technology when given the chance.

Fallyn Kowalski

Editor in chief Editor in chief Photographer Copy editor Reporter Reporter

editor

Smith

Brianne Tremper

Grace Winkler

Alex Bermudez

Elyse Bredfeldt

Lily Carmichael

Aeyika Hatch

Marier

Schulz

Editorial cartoon by Grace Winkler

Reasons Research

Experiences, Interests Guide Research Topic Choices

SeniorGabriela Hejde's research topic was developed from her personal experience moving from Brazil and discussions she had with foreign exchange student friends.

"I thought it was really interesting how foreign exchange students come from a completely different culture," Hejde said. "I had to move here freshman year, and I was friends with other foreign exchange students, and they would talk about how different it was here."

Originally, Hejde intended to focus on culture but shifted her

Anappreciation of music was what drew senior Heath Martsching to his research topic.

"I knew I wanted to do something music related because it’s the topic I have to stick with all year," Martsching said. "If it’s something I enjoy, it'll make the class that much easier."

Martsching said his project focused on visualizing how most rock music stemmed from African American delta blues singers.

topic to address homesickness and adaptability among that demographic.

During the research process, Hejde planned to interview foreign exchange students.

"It’s really cool that I'm going to be talking to students at Staley about how this affects their life," Hejde said. "I get to speak with people that come from all over the world about their culture and their experiences. Each one of them will provide completely different information."

He planned to analyze the development of guitar-based rock music from the blues musicians to the contemporary form. Martsching said he was glad his research would give credit to those who grew the genre from its roots.

"It’d be cool to be able to prove and credit the African American artists that basically invented that style of music," Martsching said. "It’s cool that all that music originates from the same place."

Whensenior Rylee Proudfit was searching for an AP Research topic, she looked to her favorite childhood movie for inspiration. Proudfit said "Alice in Wonderland" had always been her favorite, so picking a content analysis of the story was natural.

"Mrs. Toney said just pick something you really love, and that’s my favorite movie," Proudfit said. "Since I was a kid, I’ve loved it. It’s so interesting and chaotic."

While there were many odd and whimsical elements on the surface of the story, Proudfit said further research revealed deeper themes.

"I found out about content analysis and did some more research into the themes and the purpose of the movie," Proudfit said. "That led me to gender roles in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and how that played out."

Written by Elyse Bredfeldt Graphics by Grace Winkler

Gabriela Hejde, 12

Heath Martsching, 12

Rylee Proudfit,12

Topic: How does Alice in Tim Burton’s "Alice In Wonderland" (2010) challenge the traditional gender roles perpetrated by mass media?

Topic: To what extent do contemporary rock guitar players draw from early recordings of African American delta blues singers?

Topic: What is the ideal way host parents can help foreign exchange high school students adapt to life in a midwestern suburban high school?

Haunting High Schoolers

Scarers Share Experiences Working At Haunt

Whileteenagers often see their part-time jobs as mundane or boring, some students get to spook and scare people at their job.

Every fall season, Worlds of Fun hosts a well-known event called Halloween Haunt. The park transforms into all things Halloween, haunted mazes, scare zones and other spooky festivities, as well as typical rides.

This Haunt season was senior Malary Scaggs’ second, and she worked in "Zombie High." She wanted to work at Haunt because of nostalgic childhood memories.

"Growing up, my family has always gone there and visited," Scaggs said. "It just always looks like so much fun, and Halloween is my favorite."

Scaggs enjoyed the familylike dynamic she experienced with her coworkers.

"My first year I didn't know anyone else who did it," Scaggs said. "I just signed up for it because it pays really good, and I thought it would be fun. But then, immediately, everyone just surrounds you."

Senior Camden Gardner worked in "Ripper Alley" as Jack the Ripper. "Ripper Alley" was based on the story of the serial killer, Jack the Ripper from London in 1888.

"I am really into scary movies and giving people a good scare," Gardner said.

Senior Christina McLaws worked in "Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater," an outdoor house in one of the scare zones which featured a town cursed by a witch.

"People at the front kind of greet you, try to warn you," McLaws said. "Some of us are more deceiving than others, and the farther you get in, the more twisted the people become and the more they’re screaming and yelling at you to get out and run before the curse takes hold."

McLaws said being a Haunt character required a lot of preparation. Characters got their makeup and hair done by professionals, so while Haunt started at 6:00 p.m., characters often started prep at 4:30 p.m. McLaws said people would be surprised how intense being a Haunt character was. Characters had rules to not touch guests, but sometimes guests didn’t reciprocate that courtesy.

"They think it’s OK to touch us, shake us, scream at us, to try and scare us," McLaws said. "It can get really intense."

While there were some difficult times, McLaws said Haunt was a fun experience overall.

"You get to know the people in your house and the ones from the other houses, and you all just grow to become really good friends," McLaws said.

The event began in midSeptember and continued through Oct. 29 on select nights.

Written by Fallyn Kowalski Graphic by Grace Winkler

Photos courtesy of Malary Scaggs, Christina McLaw, and Camden Gardner

'Fear The Flock'

Parts Of Being In The

What do you like about being part of the Flock?

John Vavak, 12

Noah Cooper, 9

"It's a fun environment to be around with all the people cheering."

"I just like seeing people cheer and be happy."

Delaney Bowers, 10

"I just like to be able to interact with the school and be a part of the student body."

During the blackout game Oct. 14, senior Chase Maddox cheers on the team with the Flock. Varsity won the game against Park Hill High School 48-33. "The whole crowd is ecstatic, and it's a good mentality to be around," Maddox said. Photo By McKenna Armstrong

Two Golfers Place At State Swinging To State

After four-time state qualifier

senior Jaylee Castro and junior Madison Zubeck competed Oct. 3 in the suburban conference championships, Castro became the back-to-back district champion –breaking her previous score of 76 with a 74, just 2 over par. Zubeck ended her round with an 83, placing third overall in districts at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex.

Both earned themselves a trip to the 2022-2023 state match Oct. 10 and 11. Punching their ticket didn’t come easy, but Castro led by example this season, and Zubeck took full advantage of it.

"She would come to practice, and after practice hit range balls, then go work on her short game or whatever was lacking at the time," coach Richard Tingler said of Castro. "She finally put everything together at districts, which was pretty amazing. She shot a personal best, and it was really fun to see that happen."

Zubeck and Castro dealt with inclement weather during the state cup, as day two started off with a frost delay. There was a low of 28 degrees at tee time and a high for the day of 45 degrees. That made the 6,061 yard course more difficult. Despite the issues Castro encountered, she was proud of the effort she displayed.

"While I would’ve liked to end my senior year on a good note, the conditions and the course itself was set up hard," Castro said. "While it frustrates me, I can confidently say I put everything I had out there."

Castro shot an 80 the first day and a 79 the next, for a combined score of 159. Par for the state course was 72, meaning Castro shot 15 over par. She earned an 8th place finish. Although she hoped to place higher, Castro reached the goals she set as a freshman, following a finish in 20th place at state during the 2019-2020 school year.

"It was really cool to be the first girl golfer to make it all four years," Castro said. "After my freshman year, I set a big expectation for myself to not stop and only keep getting better the next three years."

Zubeck ended with a 102 on the first day and 99 the second. While Zubeck’s first state appearance was not what she wanted, Zubeck said she wasn’t deterred by it.

"I feel like I could do better," Zubeck said. "I’m definitely excited for my senior season and improving more than I already have."

Although not a storybook ending, both Castro and Zubeck were proud they made it that far and were able to represent their school and their team.

Written by Joe Smith Photos by Collin McGinley Graphic by Grace Winkler

Madison Zubeck, 11 Jaylee Castro, 12

During individual districts Sept. 26 at Park Hill High School, freshman Chloe McClendon swings at the ball. Varsity won the meet 6-3. “It's really exciting because I really like to win,'' McClendon said. “When I'm winning, it's always a fun day.” Photo by Collin McGinley

Serving Success Varsity

Girls Tennis Racks Up Wins

girls tennis served up wins, with an overall season record of 21-3, and sophomore Ella Gates made it to the Individual State Tournament. Assistant coach Samantha Bennett said the team’s attitude contributed to their progress.

"The overall attitude of the team got so much better because the girls realized that you have to always have a positive attitude," Bennett said. "Tennis is a sport that it’s not over until you say it’s over. You could be down 7-1 in games, and you can come back and win, and I think they definitely progressed in that mindset."

Varsity beat Park Hill High School Sept. 26, a long-awaited victory that hadn’t happened in eight seasons.

Varsity captain senior Ava Gates

said walking into the match she wasn’t sure how it was going to go, but the team had high hopes.

"We knew that their No. 1 player was injured that day, and so everyone was having to play up one, and so that gave us hope," Ava said.

Junior Carli Hurtt said beating Park Hill was exciting.

"They are our rivals in tennis, so it felt good to beat them this year," Hurtt said.

In the Class 3 District 8 Tournament, they beat Oak Park High School Oct. 3 and continued the next day, beating Park Hill 6-3. They went on to play Liberty High School Oct. 5 in the Sweet 16, losing 2-5.

Ella Gates competed at state Oct. 13, finishing 1-2 in her matches. She was one win shy of being a medalist.

At individual districts Sept. 30, sophomore Nekerra Neel prepares to hit the ball. Neel said the final round that determined whether she would qualify for state didn’t go as well as she’d hoped. “I did kind of choke during that final round to make it to state,” Neel said. “That won’t happen next year.”

"The state tournament was a great learning experience," Ella said. "I enjoyed having some of my teammates there to support me."

The team attributed their success to their dynamic, and senior Breanne Garstang said they had a connection.

"Even though tennis is more of a quiet sport, we were still able to cheer on people," Garstang said.

Bennett said having four captains, with two who were "in training," there was significant team leadership.

"We had a sophomore and a freshman captain in training, and so the young leadership was really awesome in learning from the seniors," Bennett said.

Written by Fallyn Kowalski

Photo by McKenna Dubes

On the court, sisters senior Ava Gates and sophomore Ella Gates dance Sept. 30 at Park Hill High School during individual districts. Varsity won 6-3. “Having my sister be my doubles partner this year has made me become a stronger player,” Gates said. Photo by McKenna Dubes

Survey Shows Cell Phone Ban Unpopular

The cell phone ban has its share of critics. In a survey of 204 students, 28% were in support of the policy, and 72% were against it.

Phones were banned during class time, which has brought out some strong opinions.

Junior Lauren Dyke said her phone was confiscated when she tried to check a GroupMe message for a school activity.

"When we have our stuff done, it is unfair to not let us be on our phones," Dyke said. "I got my phone taken away for a school activity."

In August, the district announced the class time phone ban, with lunch and passing time being the exceptions. Students caught using their phones during class face consequences ranging from security taking their phone to lunch detention, and it can go as far as out-of-school suspension.

Though the rules and consequences were laid out in the district’s announcement, the reason was unclear.

Superintendent Dan Clemens, Ed.D., said building principals led the discussion and decision making on the policy.

"All four high school principals noticed returning from COVID that our phones were being attention getters during class time," Clemens said. "They built the policy themselves amongst the four high school principals."

Principal Larry Smith, Ed.D, said principals discussed how to increase student engagement and collaboration.

"One of our focuses is student-to-student collaboration," Smith said.

"Working together in class to solve problems, analyze things, create things, design things. When we were talking about that instructional model, we started to talk about barriers to that, and cell phones is something that came up."

Clemens agreed that the goal was to increase engagement, and said the ban was going well.

"I have been in all four of our high schools, and from a staff perspective, they do think engagement is up," Clemens said. "Student engagement and student interaction is up."

While in the minority, there are students who are fine with the policy. Junior McKenna Armstrong said she felt it increased connectedness among students.

"People interact with each other more than they did before," Armstrong said.

Clemens also said the ability to use technology responsibly is a skill needed for the future.

"I also want kids to learn how to utilize electronic devices in a means that will support them when they get in the professional world," Clemens said. "I want students to understand this can be a potentially really good thing to learn this balance here."

Clemens said he believed the ban would be a long-term change. However, he did say future changes in the policy would likely be dependent on building-level administration.

"It would be unfair for me to sit at central office and tell you what is best for Staley High School," Clemens said.

Written by Elyse Bredfeldt Graphic by Grace Winkler

System Update

Smart Move Or Overreach?

Policy Connects Classes

Thecell policy is a good thing for our students.

As many know, cell phones can be very distracting, and when they are not present, the ability to concentrate on the topic at hand is a lot easier. Several students are not necessarily a fan of the policy, but I can tell a difference with my classes this year.

I am sure several of our students have experienced a time when they were talking to a friend, family member or an adult when they felt they were not being heard because the other person was too involved with their cell phone.

Cell phones have created limits or stops to social interactions with each other, as you can see when walking

Phones Connect Students

Idisagree

with the phone policy because it is excessive to ban our devices during class when we should be old enough and mature enough to handle them. Being in high school and being 14- to 18-yearolds who go to school, drive themselves and have jobs, we should be trusted enough that our school work will get done. Personally, when we didn't have the phone policy, I didn't see a lot of students get on their phones, and they had the choice during class to pay attention. However, now that the school district has taken away that privilege due to some misbehavior and bad choices, everyone as a whole student body is being punished for it. This shouldn't be the case.

Punishments such as detention, suspension or confiscation should have been utilized more efficiently instead of putting the phone rule in place. Phones aren't only used for social media and can be used as a very important and convenient mode of communication between students and the outside world if they are needed.

The very sudden change of rules led to a lot of students wanting to rebel and finding new ways to be on their phone. It has shown to be counterproductive as students are more inclined to hide it and use it.

down the hallways or at the lunch tables.

Yes, it is how we all communicate, but the school is not asking students to leave them at home all day. I also understand many juniors and seniors have matured enough to know how to manage their time.

However, looking at your phone can sidetrack you and take valuable time away from your task at hand.

Personally, I find myself spending time on my phone when I should be working on something else. It can be a nice brain break, but everyone must learn to manage their time effectively, and it is a great skill to learn while you are young.

George Adair, Math

Grace Cuellar, 11

Facing Fentanyl

Illegal Drug Plaguing Metro Area

abuse has risen among youth and young adults, killing thousands nationwide and has hit Northland youth hard.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an opioid often prescribed for chronic pain, but drug dealers are creating fake prescription pills that look authentic and selling them to people looking to get high.

They look almost identical to the real ones, like Xanax, Oxycodone or Adderall, but some are multicolored and look somewhat like candy.

"It has to be sent to a laboratory to be tested by a chemist to determine it," Clay County Sheriff's Drug Task Force detective Mike Nelson said.

Drug use is prevalent in the United States. According to PEW Research Center, 46% of Americans know someone struggling with substance abuse. Senior Kozmo Guerra-Harris said their brother battled substance abuse but has since overcome it.

"Talking to him was really hard because he would be really short or really rude to us," Guerra-Harris said. "It got to a point where he would start verbal fights."

Fentanyl Is Deadly

Street Fentanyl is incredibly lethal because it is made by people who aren't professionals. The amount distributed in the pill is unbalanced,

which makes it much easier to overdose. It only takes 2-3 milligrams to overdose, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency.

"One pill will kill you," Nelson said.

Most cases the Clay County Drug Task force has seen were in young people between the ages of 17-22. The task force worked around the clock to get the crisis under control.

Fentanyl use wasn’t a notable issue 10-20 years ago, but now it is at the forefront of drugs law enforcement wants off the streets. In 2021, opioid related deaths rose 73% in the Kansas City Metro area, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The Clay County Sheriff’s department combats Fentanyl by arresting dealers, not their victims.

"Unfortunately, there's victims, and the victims are kids and family members," Nelson said.

Pills' Looks Are Deceiving

It is difficult to identify what a Fentanyl pill looks like, as the ones made by dealers look nearly identical to the ones produced by pharmacists. They are often white or blue circular pills with M30 stamped on them.

However, there has been a rise in brightly colored pills that contain Fentanyl, which makes it more appealing to young people, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. The rainbow pills could also be in cube form, which resembles chalk.

In many cases, people are looking to buy other drugs but instead are sold pills containing Fentanyl. People who produce the pills lace them and often don’t tell the people purchasing them, though some users do know that they are purchasing Fentanyl.

"They’re almost looking for something like an MDMA and ecstasy pill where they’re producing them identical to that," Nelson said.

Metro Area Hit Hard

Fentanyl has no zip code. It

doesn't care about age, gender, socioeconomic status or health. In a recent case, one Johnson County, Kansas, girl died from an overdose.

"We had a couple of girls who came over here to Kansas City, bought Fentanyl pills, not knowing there was Fentanyl in them," Nelson said. "They broke it in half. She took one, the other took one. The girl that took half of the pill, everything was good. The second girl that took

in the U.S. Senate, after the death of a 16-year-old who overdosed after taking a pill he thought was Percocet that turned out to be Fentanyl.

The law would require social media sites to work with authorities to stop the sale of illegal drugs. The law has since passed.

There is something that has been able to revive people after an overdose. Narcan can usually stop an overdose, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Its full medical name is Naloxone, and it can come as a nasal spray or can be injected into a person, like an EpiPen. Nelson said some drug dealers include a box of Narcan with the sale of Fentanyl pills.

the other one overdosed and died."

In Belton, Missouri, there have been fatalities from Fentanyl in recent months – a recent high school graduate, a student and another student suspected of an overdose last school year. Parents have started an organization, "You Matter Belton" to combat the problem.

Social Media's Link

Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall proposed the Cooper Davis Act

In an age where people can get most anything at their fingertips, it's easier to obtain drugs like Fentanyl. Nelson said a majority of Fentanyl sales are done on social media, with the main platform being Snapchat. Users think the messages disappear after they are sent, but police are able to subpoena messages which are to be used in a court of law.

"I can’t bring your son back or daughter back," Nelson said. "I wish I could, so let's give them justice."

Written By Brianne Tremper Graphic by Grace Winkler Photo courtesy of Drug Enforcement Administration

Narcan can usually stop an overdose, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It is a nasal spray or can be injected into a person like an EpiPen.

"The girl that took half of the pill, everything was good. The second girl that took the other one overdosed and died."- Detective Mike Nelson

rewing Up New Grounds

Pathway Works To Open Coffee Shop

There will soon be an easier way to stay awake during the school day. Students in the Public Service and Communications Pathway have been planning an oncampus coffee shop to visit before school. Teachers were recruiting students to help with the planning stage and to run it in the mornings.

"I really wanted to buy better, cheap coffee and not have to wake up earlier and go out of my way, and it would just be here at school," said SOARBUCKS president senior Quinn Golden.

Teachers Emma Taylor and Sarah McDaniels work with special education students and hoped to include them in the SOARBUCKS shop. Having previous experience with the coffee shop at Liberty High School, Taylor believed the experience could be a good opportunity.

“It is 100% run by students with disabilities,” Taylor said of Liberty’s shop. “People would just come, and even if they didn't buy things, they would just hang out with the kids and talk to them. I think that changed the dynamic of the school.”

Lannigan said it would also be a good way for any student to earn volunteer hours. Those who joined the coffee shop would learn to use equipment and make a variety of different drinks.

“We have talked to Parkville Coffee about getting a signature blend for Staley,” Lannigan said. “We are hoping to run a legit coffee shop, not just pots of coffee, but also espresso and smoothies.”

Groups on the committee were focusing on different aspects of the shop, such as decisions on forms of payment, equipment to buy and marketing methods. Students will be employees and supervisors. Lannigan said SOARBUCKS planned to donate proceeds from the sales to different charities around Kansas City.

The coffee shop was expected to open second semester.

Written by Reagan Schulz Graphic by Grace Winkler

Pulled From Shelves

District Removes Books, Again

As the new school year starts, some titles have been removed from the school library. Missouri passed a bill in August banning "sexually explicit material" on school property.

If library media specialists find a book that falls into that category, they must take it to the library coordinator who takes it to the library committee, where they make the decision to keep it or pull it. That has led to eight new books being banned from classrooms and libraries in the North Kansas City School District.

"It will further divide us in school, and minorities will face more prejudice," said junior Katherine Crist. "Hiding information from us makes us trust them less. Taking these books away leads to discrimination."

Missouri Senate Bill 775 led to the district removal of books due to "sexually explicit visuals." Those include, "Handmaid's Tale: The Graphic Novel," "Fun Home," "Gender Queer," "Flamer," "The Sun and Her Flowers," "Home After the Dark," "Be Gay, Do Comics," "This Book is Gay" and "Zahara's Paradise." "Any obscene material or performance depicting sexual conduct" Bill 775 states. Now,

libraries have to be more thorough when looking at books with graphics.

"Anything that is considered sexually explicit material," library media specialist Ashley Bennett said. "It's really focused right now on visual depictions."

Since the new bill passed, teachers and libraries across the state have had to ensure they don't have copies of these books by removing the books and deleting them from the records.

"By law, we are legally bound to take those off the shelves, for our jobs," library paraprofessional Kristen Taylor said.

If a classroom or school library is caught with one of these books, the staff could be severely penalized. Teachers, librarians and any school employee could end up with a year in jail for providing a student with one of these books.

This new law also brought up concerns about the groups targeted by the law. From the new list, six out of eight of the books are about the LGBTQ community. The book ban not only affects libraries but communities of people as well. There has been a trend in LGBTQ books being pulled.

Some believe the law was snuck

in. The book-ban wording was added to a much larger bill meant to help survivors of human trafficking and sexual assault.

"When the law was presented, both sides are going to look at the title of the law and say, 'Who's going to vote against that'," Taylor said.

The bill was written in a way to make legislators choose between helping sexual assault and trafficking survivors or refusing to ban books. As more books leave school libraries across Missouri, the question becomes, "What books will be targeted next?"

Written by Lily Carmichael Photo by Lily Carmichael Graphic by Aeyika Hatch

Showing Sexism

Female Characters Face Higher Standards

Women

are judged harsher than their male counterparts. Whether it is their appearance, their actions and behaviors or the way they parent, they are expected to adhere to unmanageably high standards. When a woman does make a mistake she is held to an elevated ethical standard

compared to men, according to a 2018 study done by The Academy of Management on Gender and Ethics. This concept is evident in female characters in film and on television.

People will often say their opinions are justified because the character isn't real, but it just shows how they think about women in real life. The entertainment industry must fix the

way that they depict female characters.

They feed into the whiny and bossy stereotype that women are faced with. They need to present the women the same way that men are presented.

Skyler

White is arguably one of the most hated women on TV, when in reality she was just a mom trying to look out for herself and her children. While no character in "Breaking Bad"

was inherently good, Skyler was one of the better people in the show. Some may argue that she was whiny, but she was manipulated by her husband repeatedly into thinking he wasn't a drug lord.

When she learned the truth, she was justifiably upset and took steps to leave a toxic situation.

As a result, her son turned against her, and most people sided with her son.

In

a show full of terrible characters, one of the worst was the title character, BoJack Horseman. A big decision she made was leaving BoJack because

she couldn't handle being with him anymore. They were bad for each other. It seems to be a common trope in the media that women are supposed to stick around and put

Viewersbelieved

Pam and Jim were meant for each other. However, that isn’t an excuse to attack Karen. She was a woman who knew what she wanted from a relationship. She was

their physical and mental health at risk to maintain a relationship. In reality, women shouldn't have to hang around to better a grown man.

also career-driven and wanted someone who was mature enough to realize that. People only hated Karen because they compared her to Pam. Later in the series when she was brought back for a cameo, she was

portrayed as a joke. Her boyfriend was silly, and she was pregnant. She was depicted as if she shouldn't have been happy or successful after she broke up with Jim in the season 3 finale.

Written by Brianne Tremper Graphics by Grace Winkler

Skyler White, 'Breaking Bad'

Diane Nguyen, 'BoJack Horseman'

Karen Phillipi, 'The Office'

Monday Blues

Requirement Invades Home Life

Written by Fallyn Kowalski Cartoon by Grace Winkler

The new school year came with a few changes, one being the name change from Falcon Time to WIN Time and another being the addition of Mentor Monday.

Mentor Monday is a designated no-travel day during WIN Time to allow students to check grades and email their parents or guardians an explanation of how they plan to spend their school week and support their academic success.

Teachers also schedule their WIN Time students who have not already self scheduled for the week during this time. Teachers are tasked with making sure each of their W.I.N. Time students send the email.

While Mentor Monday has some good benefits as it is meant to help

students stay on top of their school work and keep parents informed, it can also be bothersome to students and their parents.

Mentor Monday is just another way administration controls students, only this time it is infringing on their life at home.

Although Mentor Monday is meant to have students connect with their parents about their academic progress, that’s not always a good thing. Some students do not have a great relationship with their parents already, and grades and homework can be a touchy or volatile subject.

Some parents have high expectations for their kids when it comes to grades, and a weekly email about this topic is just another way for them to monitor their child’s

accomplishments and progress strictly. For those who struggle with school or with motivation, it can be a day each week they dread going home.

Instead of requiring students to email their parents or guardians, students should be trusted to care about their grades with their own responsibility.

A required email creates a feeling of distrust and incompetence regarding grades, and self scheduling should be open for students to change their schedule at all times so they can get the help they know they need.

Written by Brianne Tremper Graphics by Grace Winkler

"Marcel

The A(24) List A24

Reviewing A24's Best Movies

was the production company behind some of the most popular shows and movies in recent years, such as "Euphoria," "The Florida Project" and "Uncut Gems." The independent production studio, headquartered in New York City, was founded in 2012. A24 has released films that pushed boundaries, informed people and left audiences questioning the world around them. Their best movies were "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On," "Amy" and "LadyBird."

the Shell with Shoes On" followed the story of a oneinch shell who had a sudden rise to internet stardom.

Marcel just wanted to find his family but was faced with the downsides that came with internet stardom.

He found that his grandma’s life had been put in danger, and his privacy had been invaded.

This movie was nearly perfect but so heartbreaking.

I didn’t expect to become emotionally attached to a shell over the course of an hour and a half. This movie was heart wrenching. I cried so hard that I left the theater with a migraine.

AmyWinehouse was one of the best artists of her generation, one who died too soon. "Amy," the documentary was a compilation of archived footage of Winehouse as well as never-before-heard songs. This documentary followed her from the time she was a child to her death in 2011.

What made this one of A24’s best movies was how it painted Winehouse with dignity and respect, unlike how the tabloids

Bestfor last. "Lady Bird" is one of my all time favorite movies. Greta Gerwig’s stylistic choices showed the awkwardness, excitement and anger that came along with being a teenager in the early 2000s. Lady Bird followed a high school senior who wanted to leave Sacramento, California, and attend college in New York City.

Lady Bird attended a private Catholic school but lived in

treated her in her lifetime. Tabloids painted her as a drunk and a junkie, when she was a human who had depth. "Amy" showed that celebrities were much more multi-dimensional than the media makes them out to be. The movie showed what she loved and how she lived her life. This was honestly one of the best documentaries ever created.

an area which most of her classmates couldn't fathom because as Lady Bird had said, it was on the "wrong side of the tracks." This showed the role that social class played in the relationships that high schoolers had with others. "Lady Bird" played a vital role in my early high school years, and although I’ve seen it more times than I could count, it always elicited an emotional response.

Under The Sea

Disney Announces 'The Little Mermaid' Remake

Written by Fallyn Kowalski Graphic by Grace Winkler

WhenDisney first released "The Princess and the Frog," I remember my mother vigorously decorating the bedroom my sister and I shared with all things Princess Tiana, from a themed bedspread to bright green curtains and posters.

I didn’t understand then, but I now know how important it was to be surrounded by it all because it allowed me to see representation and have big dreams and goals.

Disney released the trailer for a live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid" Sept. 9. This edition features a Black lead.

Ariel is played by Halle Bailey, who is known for singing with her sister Chlöe Bailey and for their roles as twins Sky Forster and Jazz Forster on "Grownish."

She is the second Black princess in Disney history. The first was Tiana in 2009. The Black community hasn’t seen new title character representation from Disney until now in the film coming out in May 2023.

Since the trailer came out, positive feedback has poured

in. This film allows a generation of Black children to realize that Disney princesses can look like them.

Countless social media videos show young girls, boys, grown women and even grandparents astonished and squealing with excitement at the sight of Ariel, who features brown skin and ginger locs.

While many children love Disney princesses, seeing one that looks like them allows them to connect with the character on a deeper level. Those grandparents and parents grew up without Black Disney princesses. Representation matters.

It shows children what is possible. Seeing Ariel played by Halle Bailey signifies that they too can play big roles and can have an impact on the world. Young Black girls can not only have dreams, but reach them.

The film has also sparked conversation, allowing people to talk about the importance of diversity in movies. Inclusion is important because people of color are seeing more actors who look like them

on screen, and that normalizes the Black experience outside of stereotypes.

While a Black Ariel is a good thing, Disney has still yet to release a new Black princess. Tiana was a step in the right direction, but "The Princess and the Frog" included negative stereotypes the Black community faces daily. Tiana was a poor girl from New Orleans who liked to dance to Jazz music, and she had a rich, white best friend. The movie doesn’t truly represent the Black community and didn’t fully convey a positive message about people of color.

The Black community deserves to have a princess that not only looks like them but shares more diverse life experiences. Our princess shouldn’t have to borrow a dress from her white friend to impress a prince.

Having a Black lead is important because it shows young Black children that they can be whoever they want to be and do whatever they want to do and that they are beautiful too. It also normalizes Black people and characters for children of all backgrounds and ethnicities.

You Say Goodbye,

"Make smart choices."

"Bonjour Tout Le Monde."

Carrie Bowman Social Studies

Susan Downey Modern Language

I Say Hello

Teachers’ unique greetings or goodbyes are something students have come to expect.

"I look forward to greetings from teachers," senior Kadyn Claussen said. "It just makes class more fun."

Three teachers with memorable sayings were Social Studies teacher Carrie Bowman, ELA teacher Karen Eickhoff and Modern Language teacher Susan Downey. Most of these greetings started when the teachers began teaching, with the exception of Eickhoff who began using her phrase in 2012.

Bowman ended each class saying, "Make smart choices." It used to be a much longer phrase, but over time it became the shorter version than it is today.

"It’s really to remind kids that when you leave the room, I still care about what you're doing," Bowman said. "I don't have to see your name on the ISS list."

Eickhoff began each Mythology class by saying, "Hello, Staley students. It's Mythology time!" She began saying this in 2012.

"I saw that it energized all of us to get excited about Mythology, so I tried it out the next year, and it had the same result," Eickhoff said.

Downey opened up every class by saying, "Bonjour tout le monde." This translated to, "Hello, everyone!"

"I think it's a good practice to open up the class with,” Downey said. "It's a nice moment to connect."

Written by Brianne Tremper Photos by Reagan Schulz

Teachers Share Backstories Of Greetings, Goodbyes

ALONG FOR THE RIDE

At halftime, ELA teacher McKay Lannigan pins the queen crown on senior Caroline Ray’s head. Ray was escorted by her parents and had seniors Lizzie Boehm and Hadley Hodge as banner holders. "I was in shock, and my mind was honestly blank," Ray said. "I felt very blessed and fortunate. It kind of felt like a dream." Photo by Elyse Bredfeldt

On the sidelines, newly retired teacher and Staley Original Scott Anderson waves the spirit stick Oct. 7 before the varsity football game. Anderson returned to crown the homecoming queen when last year’s queen couldn’t make it. "It was super fun to come back to a school I love," Anderson said. "The students welcomed me home with such enthusiasm that brought a tear to my eye. I will always love Staley." Photo by McKenna Dubes

After a touchdown, junior running back Don Daughtry Jr. celebrates with his teammates. Varsity won the homecoming game against Park Hill South High School Oct. 7, 48-33. "That was our homecoming game," Daughtry said. "We can’t lose that."

Photo by McKenna Dubes

During the homecoming game Oct. 7, senior Lizzie Boehm watches the game against Park Hill South High School with the Flock from the stands. At halftime, Boehm was a banner holder for senior Caroline Ray when she was crowned. "Being down on the field with Caroline during halftime when she found out she was queen was just an exciting moment," Boehm said.

Photo by McKenna Dubes

Memories Made At Homecoming

At the homecoming dance, senior Lucas Van Keirsbilck dances in the gym. Van Keirsbilck started a dance battle with senior Heath Martsching. "I really enjoyed the dance battles because it gave me some time to just meet with new people who share my love of dancing and people who I don’t usually get to talk to on a normal basis," Van Keirsbilck said. Photo Izabella Berger

At the homecoming dance Oct. 8, queen candidates seniors Malary Scaggs, Kozmo Guerra-Harris, Emory McClendon, Quinn Golden and queen Caroline Ray laugh. The group attended the parade assembly and halftime together. "It was really surreal," Scaggs said. "It felt like we were all in the spotlight." Photo By Izabella Berger

During the homecoming dance Oct. 8, sophomore Addison Morin joins the conga line. Though Morin said she enjoyed homecoming the previous year more, her favorite part was time spent with friends. "Seeing my friends and being able to just do my thing," Morin said. "No one was judging you because it's homecoming." Photo Izabella Berger

During the homecoming dance Oct. 8, sophomores Audrey Sallman and Ava Wariner dance in a group. Sallman's favorite part of the dance was spending time with her friends. "I was having fun dancing with my friends," Sallman said. Photo by Izabella Berger

During a song, senior Kaden Trickey, freshman Maddie Brewer and sophomore Ellie Marrah dance in a group Oct. 8. The homecoming dance was held in the fieldhouse. “I think it was really good, really fun,” Marrah said. Photo by Izabella Berger

PenToPaper Doodlers Draw Learning Benefits

Sketchingillustrationsinclasscanbebeneficialtostudentlearningandengagement whilemakingclassesandlecturesmoretolerable.Accordingto"TheThinking BenefitsofDoodling,"a2016studybyHarvardUniversity,doodlinggivesabreakto partsofthebrainandimprovesmemory.Fivestudentssharednotebookarttheycreated inclass.Eachartistexpressedthemselvesdifferentlywiththeirsketchesastheydescribed whattheyweredrawingandwhy.

Keeb Castro,11 "IneededtofinishmyInkToberdesign andIhadabitoffreetimeinclass,soI decidedtodrawEeveefromPokemon.”

WrittenbyBeckMarier GraphicsbyAeyikaHatch,Grace Winkler

Sawyer Fannin,11

"I reallylikemythologicalcreatures,so whenI’minclassthat'swhat Iendup drawing."

Michelle Hernandez,11 "I'mactuallydoingamaskprojectinart rightnow,sothat’swhatI’mdesigning."

Joey Taylor,9 "IlikedrawingpeoplethatIthinkIwouldwanttobe like."

"IfocusbetterwhenIamdrawing,soIdrew Wesley Gale, 12