October 2023 by Strath Haven Panther Press

2023-2024 • Issue 2 • October 2023 | Strath Haven High School • 205 South Providence Road • Wallingford, PA 19086 | shpantherpress.com

HOMEWORK

HASSLES Homework stress is giving some students the blues. What role does homework play in the big picture of learning?

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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: RYLIE HALL ‘24

TIME OFF FROM TRADITIONAL LEARNING

PSAT schedule gives seniors time to learn about college, and freshmen, a movie morning. PAGE 3

TRAILERS BEGONE

TALKS ABOUT A TERRIFYING NIGHT

WSSD School Board considers proposed renovations to the high school at three price tiers.

Haven students share their thoughts and plans on Halloween as high schoolers.

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OPINION / HAVEN HAPPENINGS

EDITORIAL: 22-year-old homework policy needs revision

Students, teachers, and parents debate homework constantly. If it’s so debated, why don’t we strive to connect staff and students in a unified vision? Editorial Board

The unsigned editorial represents the opinion of the Editorial Board, which consists of the student editorial staff listed on this page.

omework is a valuable tool, but to do at all. that doesn’t mean it should Despite the many complications and continue to cause as much stress pressures associated with homework, we as it does now. agree that it should be maintained. It How many students, or teachers for gives students a chance to review learning that matter, know that there is an actual outside of class, and teachers a chance school board policy for homework, visible to boost grades and determine what on the school website? students struggle most on. Policies are currently being A lot of teachers understand updated at school board There is not enough the pros and cons of meetings. However, the time to do homework homework, and all of them homework policy hasn’t been have different ways of touched since January 22, because we, as a presenting homework to 2001, the date of its adoption. school, need to do a students. Some teachers post It’s older than all of the better job of listening all of the week’s homework students in the high school— to each other. on Sunday afternoons, by several years. and some even make the For some students who homework optional. Others don’t get home until 10:30 PM, who continue the usual model of homework, laugh in the face of sleep deprivation, and which might be one assignment per day who battle the mountains of papers and paired with a weekly assignment or large due dates every night, homework is the project. bane of their existence. According to psychologist Maurice Elias The policy states that one of the purposes in an Edutopia article published in 2015: of homework is to “encourage parent and “[Reasonable homework strategy] should child interaction.” But far too often, the also reflect a considered school policy opposite is true. and not simply be up to each individual Homework can take away from time teacher to carry out according to his or with family. It’s difficult to do all of your own theory of student learning.” after-school activities, finish all your These clashing opinions create a chaotic work, and play a board game with your mess of homework at the end of the day siblings all in one night. for everyone involved. A load of homework can also depend on Teachers don’t need to individualize what classes you have that semester. If homework for each learner, but if you have an uneven load of homework- students have three tests and a project dense classes, one semester can have you due on the same day, there is a clear lack bleary-eyed every morning and the next of communication somewhere. can leave you wishing you had anything There is not enough time to do

homework because we, as a school, need to do a better job of listening to each other. If the school district wants kids to participate as much as they say they do, they have to take strides towards studentteacher-administration collaboration. We have such a rich offering of clubs, sports, and extracurriculars, but to maintain our memberships with those clubs (which are one of the only ways we can indulge our interests in a school environment), we need to reconsider the homework policy. A Stanford researcher conducted a 2014 study on homework, concluding that more than 2 hours of homework can have more harm than good on students’ wellbeing. An article that summarized the findings of her study states many students struggle to find balance between homework, extracurricular activities and social time. According to the research, many students feel obligated to choose homework over developing other talents or skills. This isn’t to say that students shouldn’t have any responsibility when it comes to time management. We should know our limits—when we’re feeling healthy stress and when we’re far in over our heads. But having a life outside of schoolwork shouldn’t be something that a high school student feels punished for. Community discussions on the topic of homework should lead to constructive (and policy) change.*

PBIS launches at high school

Administration implements system to build positive culture and provide support. Sasha Binder ’24

The Panther Press is the student-run publication of Strath Haven High School in Wallingford, PA. The Panther Press publishes 500 copies bimonthly in print and is distributed to classrooms and students at Strath Haven High School. The publication is also online at www. shpantherpress.com. The Panther Press is first and foremost a reflection of the opinions and interests of the student body. For this reason, we do not publish any anonymous or teacher-written submissions, and we do not discriminate against any ideology or political opinion. While we are bound by school policy (and funding) and we will not render any article neutral, although individual points may be edited for obscene or inflammatory content. Finally, the articles published in The Panther Press do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or advisers.

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All Strath Haven students are welcome to learn the basics of journalism and become contributors to The Panther Press. Our 2023-2024 Google Classroom code is rhupbc. Interested students should join the page to learn about upcoming meetings and training sessions. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Any reader may submit a letter to the editor via email to strathhavenpantherpress@gmail.com. Anonymous letters will not be published. Editors reserve the right to contact letter writers or edit submissions for reasons of space or clarity. Our staff also welcomes feedback in the comments section of The Panther Press online or via our social media. Each comment is subject to review by a student editor with support from the adviser. Online commenters on our website must have a verified email address, and comments are reviewed for defamation, profanity, obscenity, libel, and invasion of privacy. Not all comments are published.

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HAVEN HAPPENINGS

All contributors are listed in the bylines of stories that appear in print and online. Photography, graphics, art, illustrations, and other creative work will be given attribution. Unsigned editorials, when published, feature the byline of the Editorial Board

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Editor-in-Chief

tarting this year, a new system, known positive behaviors or interventions as Positive Behavioral Interventions that would help them learn from their and Supports and referred to as mistakes,” Hilden said. PBIS, has been introduced at the high school PBIS aims to accomplish its goals in a after trials at the middle school. multi-step process, according to Hilden. PBIS is a system that fosters social, The system breaks up the target audience emotional, behavioral, and mental health into three tiers: everyone, some, and few. in students. According to Each tier is more focused the Center on PBIS, the than the one prior and system aims to improve “The idea is to allows those impacted to student success, school teach people receive individual focus. systems, and the practices positive behaviors PBIS starts by providing of educators. The ultimate support to everyone in a goal of PBIS is to eliminate or interventions that school environment, then the need for focused would help them learn focuses on the group that discipline and create from their mistakes.” did not improve during tier school environments one, and finally targets the that advocate for positive Dr. Greg Hilden few that do not respond to student behavior and Principal the first two tiers. promote their outcomes. This way, those who need By introducing PBIS individualized attention to students, districts are receive it. expected to develop strong school cultures The timeline for this addition to Strath and increase positive interactions between Haven is already underway. According to teachers and their students. In other Hilden, the beginning of PBIS at the high words, the system encourages students to school was spring of 2022 when plans get involved in their community and find were made to train staff members over the value or meaning at their school. summer and develop committees to help The goal of PBIS at Strath Haven, according spread PBIS’s message to the student body. to Principal Dr. Greg Hilden, is to show “This year is the first year PBIS was students how to effectively self-regulate their rolled out to students,” Hilden said. “And own learning and development. we’re including a culture committee, like “Rather than creating an environment a neighborhood council, of students to do where every time someone does some of the work in spreading the word. something that is, you know, outside the So basically this year and next year are the ‘rules,’ instead of having just disciplinary beginning phases, getting it implemented consequences, the idea is to teach people and known among students and staff, and

About

then after that it just exists.” One of the visible changes at the high school related to PBIS are the signs around the school that list expected behaviors in different spaces, like hallways, classrooms, and restrooms. The signs are intended to provide instructions on how students should be safe, responsible, and respectful in all situations around the school. Even with these visible additions, some students do not yet recognize significant changes to the school environment related to PBIS. Senior Katie Foca recognizes that PBIS is a system that was carried over from Strath Haven Middle School. “It’s supposed to inform positive behavior in school,” she said. She noted that most school-wide activities have been similar to last year, and that she has not yet seen many changes related to PBIS. The kickoff assembly on Friday of the first week of school was one new activity designed around PBIS themes. “I know that in the beginning of September, they tried to do this,” Foca said. “And they’re like, ‘Oh, we’ll do this every week. And they just haven’t since.’” However, the administration has noted progress in the school and plans continuing the spread of PBIS around the school and throughout the district. “I think I already see a difference. I think people are engaged and care about their environment and that’s all I really want for students,” Hilden said.*

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2023-2024 Editorial Staff Editors-in-Chief Sports Editor Sasha Binder ’24 Evelynn Lin ’25

Jillian Thomas ’24

Managing Editors

Haven Arts Editor Detours Editor

Social Media Editor

Health & Sciences Editor

Haven Happenings Editor

Adviser

Kaitlyn Ho ’26 Matteo Ventresca ’25 Riley Smith ’25

TBD

Kaitlyn Ho ’26

Ms. Kate Plows

Spotlighting Mr. MICHAEL DeANGELO, Math

NEW

New math teacher shares goals and what he is most looking forward to in the Haven community.

HAVEN HAPPENINGS

STAFF

MS. MARKELL REID, Family & Consumer Science From dietician to Global Foods teacher: Ms. Markell Reid uncovers the relationship between health and community.

Evelynn Lin ‘25, Matthew Ramirez ‘26

Advaya Singh ‘27, Matteo Ventresca ‘25

fter discovering an open position in the mathematics department, and longing to be closer connected with relatives, new math teacher Mr. Michael DeAngelo moved to Delaware County from Harrisburg to continue his career in teaching high school mathematics. “I didn’t have too many friends and family there,” he said. “Strath Haven has a very good reputation and had an opening, so it was a perfect fit to come to this area and join Strath Haven.” DeAngelo’s last position was in Mechanicsburg High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he taught high school math and was also a softball coach. Here, DeAngelo currently teaches Honors Geometry and CP Trigonometry and also plans to PHOTO: MATTHEW RAMIREZ ’26 have an Honors Algebra II class next semester. “Next semester, I’m actually teaching algebra two, which I haven’t taught in a few years, so just getting back into a new course provides some sort of excitement actually,” he said. “As far as in the classroom, just being able to teach that again with some great colleagues– I’ll actually be teaching it with the one I share a room with– Mrs. Winkowski– so it’ll be cool to be able to collaborate.” Since the first day at Haven, he has felt welcomed by many of his new colleagues. “I have a great mentor teacher, and the whole math department has lent me all different resources,” he said. “Everybody, whether it’s eating lunch, or at a professional development day, has been more than more than welcoming and very helpful.” While there are differences, DeAngelo notes that the student culture at Haven is similar to his previous school, which has made transitioning easier. “Any differences are all very minor. High school students, regardless of where you are, are often the same, despite small differences that do exist,” he said. DeAngelo looks forward to the rest of the school year teaching math and has some goals as he continues to settle into the community. “I would like to at some point get involved a little more into extracurriculars, activities, athletics, and actually help the school other than just inside the classroom,” he said. “That would be kind of my goal now that I am a little more comfortable and know some people.” “I think most high school students have the majority of their fun and a lot of their memories from, so that’s definitely something that I want to be involved with.”*

ew Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Ms. Markell Reid was a registered dietician at children’s hospitals. Now, she’s pivoted to teaching high schoolers how to appreciate the foods from other cultures. While she worked in the hospital, Reid provided nutrition therapy to kids and also taught children with health issues how to take care of themselves. “If there was a kid who got diagnosed with diabetes, I would do a training or an education on how they can count carbs so that they could properly administer their insulin,” Reid said. Like many new teachers, Reid is adjusting to the change from another professional environment to a high school. PHOTO: EVELYNN LIN ’25 “First of all, the age. I’m teaching a lot of older students,” Reid said. “We were pretty basic with types of food groups when I was working with preschool and elementary kids.” While Reid was preparing to teach, she spent time in classrooms, shadowing other teachers to understand what it is like to teach in a classroom of kids. “When I was in a preschool and elementary school, we would go in and we would learn about all the different food groups. We would learn about cultures and make that food,” she said. From helping students learn the culture of different foods around the world to guiding students while in their kitchens, she has found that she enjoys working with high school students and teaching them material they can use beyond school. “My favorite part about teaching at Strath Haven is making great relationships with students, trying new recipes, and observing them learning how to do new things for the first time,” Reid said. The student energy has also impacted Reid in positive ways. “I like that the kids are always enthusiastic and energized, and how they look forward to being here,” she said. Even though she has not been here long, Reid is already looking for ways to better the school and her curriculum. “I would love to see more nutrition curriculum throughout the entire school… specifically diet,” Reid said. She is excited to watch her students progress in their understanding of food. “As this year goes on, I look forward to my students improving their cooking skills and abilities. I also look forward to them starting to gain an understanding of nutrition education, so anything related to your diet,” she said. *

Editor-in-Chief , Contributor

Contributor , Managing Editor for Print

OPINION

What you need for your ACT/SAT: A Safety Guide

New to the SAT or ACT this year? Here are some tips to ensure your testing day goes smoothly. Bailey Hansen ’24

Reporter

ing, ring, ring. There goes the alarm. It will be loud and annoying, but, unlike some other school days, there will be a reason to get up. The day of the ACT/SAT examination is different. The exam is approximately three hours and thirty minutes, depending on whether the student has extended time. With extended time, the exams are approximately five hours. PREPARATION

Unfortunately, the longest break is only ten minutes— not much time to eat, so remember to have a hearty breakfast. For those of us with ADHD or ADD—remember to take prescribed medicine, or else it will be tough to focus during the exam. I forgot mine before the exam and couldn’t answer all of the questions because I got distracted. So, don’t forget. You will be required to have an acceptable photo ID, up-to-date admissions ticket, number two pencil, and an approved calculator. Make sure to pack all of these items along with a snack the night before, so that there will be more time for breakfast.

Next, go to the testing site. I recommend scheduling your tests at a local high school, which allows more time to get ready and less time in the car. AT THE TEST

Next comes the hard part: the exam. You will be sitting in a room with a few other students. The silence that comes before beginning the exam is deafening. Tick, tick, tick. The clock will sound, or the proctor will announce that it’s time to begin. As the proctor begins talking, students will pick up pencils and fill in the appropriate bubbles for name, address, and other demographic information. Soon, the test will begin. The ACT and SAT are primarily races against time. You will solve problems and fill in bubbles, hoping to fill in every bubble before the time runs out, while still having correct answers. On the current SAT, there are 154 multiple-choice questions to complete in the time period of three hours, assuming there is no extended time. The sections of the SAT are broken up as follows: • Reading: 65 minutes with 52 questions • Writing: 35 minutes with 44 questions

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Math (No Calculator): 25 minutes with 20 questions • Math (Calculator): 55 minutes with 38 questions On the ACT, there are 215 multiple-choice questions to complete in two hours and 55 minutes. The sections of the ACT are broken up as follows: • English: 45 minutes with 75 questions • Math: 60 minutes with 60 questions • Reading: 35 minutes with 40 questions • Science: 35 minutes with 40 questions During the test, the breaks will feel short. Be prepared for a headache. AFTERWARDS

After leaving the testing site, you will feel a sense of relief as you breathe in fresh air outside. However, only when you get home will you realize how tired you are after taking a three-hour long test. I recommend going and taking a long nap because the fatigue will likely last for the rest of the weekend.*

HAVEN HAPPENINGS

THE WALL: How you get there from here

Students walk past the Wall of Honor in the third floor hallway every day. But what is it? And how does it work? Matteo Ventresca ‘25

Managing Editor for Print

he Wall of Honor has been in the third floor hallway since 2001. New plaques honoring alumni have been added each year from 2001-

After a nomination deadline, which is yet to be determined for this year, a committee meets to review the nominations one by one. They hold several meetings, 2021. and at the final meeting, they pick two or three people One question: How does a person receive such honor? that will go on the Wall of Honor. Another question: Why have there been “There are a couple of meetings to kind no new inductees since 2021? of go through [the nominations], filter “It’s a place to honor past graduates of through them, and create a selection both Nether Providence High School process,” Dunning said. “Like, these are Anyone in the [and Swarthmore High School], which the people who are going to advance to school district existed before Strath Haven, and Strath the next round.” can nominate Haven High School,” principal Dr. Greg When the selection process starts, alumni of Strath Hilden said. “It’s meant to highlight some there are certain criteria that the Haven, Nether graduates who have been contributors to committee considers. The committee Providence, or both our local community and society in looks for qualities beyond academics. Swarthmore general.” They carefully consider the nominee’s For alumni to be honored and put on contributions to the community. High Schools for the wall, there is a process. “You’re looking for people who have had Wall of Honor “Anybody in the Wallingfordan impact,” Hilden said. “They’ve had recognition. Swarthmore School District is invited an impact on their local community or to nominate people they believe deserve maybe on the school, maybe nationally recognition, to the level that rises to or internationally. People who are still being on the Wall of Honor,” counselor proud to represent their high school. Not Mrs. Kristin Dunning said. only have you contributed, but you are proud to consider To nominate someone, a person needs to ask for a yourself a graduate.” nomination form at the third floor office. Some people may say, “He works at ESPN,” or “She is Once they complete the nomination form, they can the director of the biggest orchestra in the world,” to bring it straight back to the office and hope their nominee justify why someone got on the Wall of Honor. However, will be put up on the wall. according to school administrators, career success is not “We don’t get a hundred applications,” assistant necessarily a factor in the decision. principal Mrs. Andrea LaPira said. “We might get six, we “The discussion is not like, ‘This person made a million might get five. It’s not like a huge influx of the past.” dollars’,” Dunning said. “It’s whether this person has the

benefit that they have created for the greater good. There are a couple people who are like, ‘This person is famous.’ But the people who’ve made the biggest impressions have been people who have done things for the good of others.” After the nominees are selected, the plaques are installed at a ceremony. In the past, the inductees have spoken to the senior class. “Traditionally, we have brought the seniors down so that they have an audience,” LaPira said. “Seniors tend to be mature, and it’s also a good place in their high school career to hear about future possibilities. The people on the stage who are speaking are talking not only about what they’re accomplishing now, but how they got there.” After the ceremony, families and recipients are invited to a luncheon where they get to know other inductees. “We hold a little lunch reception for families, and they get to sit and talk and meet each other,” LaPira said. “Because sometimes someone graduates in 1997, some people graduate in 2003. They all kind of sit together and have that conversation.” Unfortunately, COVID-19 completely shut this process down in 2021. Hilden hopes to get the committee up and running as soon as possible. “The pandemic put a major hold on that,” he said. “Part of that is we haven’t solicited nominations recently. I’ve only received one nomination since I’ve been here. So we know that is something that I was looking to get back up off the ground this year, to develop a committee to get the nomination form out there so people could nominate.”*

Seniors take seminars, freshmen watch movie

Seniors and freshmen share opinions on the activities that took place during PSATs. Sasha Binder ’24

Editor-in-Chief

n Wednesday, October 11, the school day schedule was different due to PSAT testing for tenth and eleventh grade students. During the time allotted for sophomore and juniors to complete their test, seniors engaged in educational activities related to college and career planning, while freshmen watched the movie “Jumanji” in the auditorium. College and Career Counselor Mrs. Kristin Dunning sent a form to seniors with options for the seminars so they could each receive a customized schedule for the day. Seniors choose their top three from the following options–-College Essay Writing Tips, Job Skills for Success, Finance 101, First Year College Success, Post Secondary Tech/Trade School Preparation and Application, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Military Recruitment and ROTC, and Mindfulness for Stressed Out Seniors. According to students, certain seminars were more beneficial than others. Some found the time useful and appreciated the time to learn about the steps they may need to take while others felt the time

could have been better spent. “I think some of the seminars have been really helpful,” senior Jo Kelly said. “Like the woman that was talking to us about first year college skills was really knowledgeable because she works in admissions. She really knew what she was talking about. And it’s not something I talk a lot about with my parents, so learning about these practical life skills is very helpful.” Other students felt that the seminars did not teach them as much as they expected. “My honest opinion is that I haven’t really learned that much. I’ve learned that she moved to China and that’s about all I know,” senior Jack Whalen, who attended the workshop on First Year College Success, said. Other students agreed with Whalen that they didn’t learn as much as they’d hoped and shared that they would’ve appreciated using the time for other activities. “I think that the Finance 101 seminar was pretty helpful, but at the same time I would have rather spent the time working on college essays and applications. I feel like the other two I took [College Essay Writing Tips and Job Skills for Success]

were kind of pointing out things I already knew,” senior Eliza Cole said. Even with most students agreeing that time to work on college applications would have been a better use of time, some students agreed with Kelly that select seminars taught them valuable information. Senior Andrew Scanlon, who attended Military Recruitment and ROTC, First Year College Success, and Finance 101 enjoyed the topics discussed in the various seminars. “I actually really like it, cause it kind of gives you an intro to your future and that’s awesome,” Scanlon said. As for the freshmen, the movie provided a break in a busy school schedule. “I expected to do a bit with Naviance, and I thought that there would be a worksheet for us to do,” freshman Maya Decamp said. “The movie is probably the best part of the day because I’m just going to sit in class the rest of the day.” “I was really excited to watch ‘Jumanji’ because I love the Rock,” freshman Scott Snyder said.*

CHANGE OF PLANS • Top: Freshmen eagerly take the first half of the day off and watch Jumanji in the auditorium on October 11. Bottom: Strath Haven seniors listen to teacher Ms. Gianna Harris speak about financial aid. PHOTOS: LINDSAY SPINOSA ‘24, JOE LYNCH ‘24

HAVEN HAPPENINGS

Proposed plans for high school renovations unveiled The plans include removing the trailers once and for all. Clark Kerkstra ’27

Reporter

istrict administration and the WSSD School Board are in preliminary discussions on plans to renovate the high school. Proposed renovations range from extra parking to the removal of the trailers, to the addition of new gym and athletic spaces. The architectural firm, Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates, was approved to conduct a utilization study for the high school, according to a presentation at the June 2023 Facilities and Finance Committee meeting. At that June meeting, the firm shared proposed blueprints and initial renderings for renovations. Principal Dr. Greg Hilden explained that the different renovations were included in three separate tiered cost options, each one carrying more renovations– and cost. “There’s tiered options, so each option has a different level of renovations. Some of the options include extras, and some things are the same no matter what the option is,” Hilden said. Three possible cost tiers are option A at $31.7 million, option B at $45.1 million, and option C at $58.7 million. The renovations included increased parking access, the addition of an auxiliary gym, renovations to the library, team locker rooms, special education and life skills rooms, and the removal of the modular classrooms. Hilden highlighted the importance of removing the modular classrooms. “Removing the modular classrooms, which were meant to be a temporary solution and have been there for over 20 years, that’s a part of every option,” he said. At the June 2023 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Wagner Marseille said that the original design of the

high school dates back to 1968, with modifications in 1999, modular classrooms added in 2004, and entrance upgrades in 2021. Marseille stated that there are still things inside the building that date back to that original 1968 design. “Maybe some of those things are good, and we’ve kept and maintained some of those items,” he said to the Facilities and Finance Committee. “But every product does have a shelf life, even after careful use and proper maintenance. With that said, there’s a lot of things that haven’t been properly maintained.” When it comes down to choosing the right cost option, Hilden noted that the decision required collaboration and discussion among administrative members. “I think that decision about what tier to pick needs to be a collaborative conversation with a variety of stakeholders,” he said. “There’s a lot of different people who have lots of different interests invested in this, and I don’t think one person or one group should be the sole decision maker.” There is not yet a clear timeline for the proposed renovations. “These types of projects usually take multiple years, and while these conversations have been going on for a while, nothing is set in stone,” Hilden said.*

Where would you start high school renovations? “I would fix the fields below the gym. Like actually cutting the grass and having an actual field. Not turf, I don’t like turf. But just have an actual field.” Henry Hewitt ’27 “I would renovate the library because if we look at a place like the middle school, you realize how nice it looks... I know it won’t be as big. But I do feel like a renovation is greatly needed for the library.” Nicky Tapino ‘24 “The trailers. Make them part of the actual building, since they were supposed to be temporary, and they’ve kind of been permanent.” Markus Johnson ‘27 “I would take [the cafeteria] and put in a Chick-fil-A, a Wawa, and something healthy.” Zeb Smithey ‘27

Share your perspective at shpantherpress.com

VISUALIZING THE OPTIONS • At the June 2023 Facilities and Finance Committee meeting, the architectural firm Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates shared images of proposed renovations to the high school. The proposed cost tiers come with different. IMAGES: FACILITIES & FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES, WSSD.ORG

Unite For HER raises awareness for breast and ovarian cancer The newly formed club plans to demonstrate a deeper meaning behind the color pink. Luci DiBonaventura ’25

Reporter

ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The “Unite for HER” club was formed in September by juniors Zoe Likely and Emily Reilly and senior Francesca Clark to raise awareness about ovarian and breast cancer in the Haven community. So far, the club has raised over 300 dollars at a bake sale on October 4, and hosted a Unite for HER field hockey game. Likely spoke about the importance of the club and why she wants to bring awareness to ovarian and breast cancer. “One of the main reasons I started this club was because I myself, along with many others, have known someone who has had breast cancer,” she said. “The goal of this club is to fundraise and support people going through treatment by doing

fun events and allowing them to share their stories.” The club aims to do a lot more in the future. They want to have more events to raise awareness and money, especially in October. “So far we’ve done a lot of events to raise money and awareness already, and we still have some fun plans coming up,” Reilly said. “We plan on having a volleyball night and something during one of the football games.” The leaders have major goals to advocate for breast cancer and ovarian cancer awareness for this year. “Our goal this year is to raise between 2,000 and 3,000 dollars,” Clark said. “Hopefully, we will be able to raise more. We are also hoping to have guest speakers at events, so that they can share their stories and raise awareness.”

Many people are already involved in the club and have helped make a big impact. Some of the club’s members have loved ones who have experienced ovarian and breast cancer and want to share their stories. “The reason I joined this club was because my mom had ovarian cancer when she was in high school,” junior Maryella Gill said. “I want to spread the awareness not just about what ovarian and breast cancer is but how to check for it.” Unite for Her plans to continue to make an impact on the school community throughout the year as a club by continuing to build awareness about breast and ovarian cancer and getting people involved.*

INVITING INTEREST • Juniors Zoe Likely, Maryella Gill, and Emily Reilly recruit members at the activities fair. PHOTO: @HAVENUNITESFORHER

FEATURE

The relationship between homework, extracurriculars, and well-being can be precarious for teenagers. Is the school doing enough to help?

Homework I

magine going to school five days a week According to an optional survey of 265 Strath and following this schedule: Haven students at all grade levels, 53.2% of Beginning at 7:35 in the morning, you students expressed that they received too much spend nearly seven hours in school and receive homework for their classes. plenty of work to do from your teachers when you Survey results indicate that 58.1% of students get home. have one to two hours of homework each night, After the end of four 80-minute classes, you go while 36.2% of students report three or more to chorus or band where you spend an hour-long hours of homework each night. fifth block practicing music for another graded “There are some days where the work can be class. slotted into a small time frame and others where Then, after 3 p.m., you head out for two or three I find myself having to stay up late or cancel my hours of sports practice. plans to get the work done,” senior Aiden Gold You come home physically exhausted. But you said. still have several hours of homework ahead— A 2013 Stanford study found that high school assignments and studying that last until you fall students can experience mental and physical asleep. health problems, including elevated stress, lack Then, you get up the next morning to start the of sleep, and lack of social balance when assigned process all over again. too much homework. To many Strath Haven students, this tiring That study cited research indicating that schedule will sound familiar. homework benefits plateau at two hours a night. On one hand, freshman Missy Rich is the sort of student described in the published school Extracurriculars & Balance profile. As a ninth grader, she is “extremely active utside of the academic day, extracurricular in the arts, athletics, clubs, and extracurricular activities and culture are important to many activities.” She is on the cross country team, students. Strath Haven is host to a variety of participates in the Camerata chorus arts, sports, music programs, and clubs. group, and is a member of Haven’s The school’s emphasis on getting marching band. involved leads to complications when On the other hand, she is students end up facing several hours exhausted. of homework. “It’s really hard because I’m never “I think it’s really important for resting,” she said. “As soon as I get of Haven students students to have an outlet outside of report 3+ hours of home from practice and band, I class, and I think it’s really important homework a night. have homework until I’m going to for students to feel like they have a sleep, basically.” community regardless of where that is,” science teacher Mrs. Kathleen Freeman Policy & Practice said. “I worry that when students have too many reated in 2001, the Wallingford-Swarthmore clubs that they can’t build that community… I do School District’s homework policy states in think students are overcommitted, but I think general terms how homework should be assigned that’s the culture and not the student.” and distributed each day, and how homework According to English teacher Mrs. Miriam should affect a student’s personal life and health. Drew, the culture of extracurriculars needs to WSSD’s policy states that homework should: balance with the school’s academic expectations. 1) Provide practice and reinforcement of skills “For some students, extracurriculars are the already presented by the teacher 2) Broaden most meaningful part of their day,” Drew said. areas of interest through enrichment 3) “And it is important to support that. But if Provide opportunities for parents to we reach this sort of threshold where the know what their child is studying extracurriculars make it impossible for and 4) Encourage parent and child you to do your academic work, the interaction. fact remains that the goal of school The policy also states that is the academic work. It seems like homework “should not interfere that should take priority.” of students report 3+ with the proper development of “Everybody has to know what hours of school-related the student’s health, nor should it they can handle, and part of being extracurriculars interfere with the student assuming a teenager is figuring that out,” Drew daily. responsibilities in the home.” said. By contrast, other school districts have Drew is a parent of two children who policies that are more in-depth. are involved in many sports and clubs, so she For instance, the Radnor School District’s experiences the impact of how homework and policies base the amount of high school homework extracurriculars can sometimes be unbalanced. on grade level, class, and intention in student She said that her daughter often works on learning. West Chester School District’s policy homework before and after her athletic practices, identifies specific testing days for each subject and the schedule can be stressful. area, and specifically states that homework “shall “That’s hard, and it stresses her for sure, but not be assigned over Thanksgiving and winter we’ve done a lot of work at home,” Drew said. breaks.” “Maybe we’re lucky because [both parents are]

36.2%

28.7%

Salera ’27 Teachers on Homework • Lavanya Dixit ’27,“IClaire don’t give homework on the weekends, I “I tell you all to spend no more than half an hour [on homework]… I would say 15-20 minutes, a half an hour on the top end. Any more than that, then you need to stop and get some extra help.” PERSPECTIVES ON HOMEWORK • TOP: On the bus to an away soccer game, senior Fritz Navickas tries his best to focus on the loud bus to get some of his homework done. BOTTOM: A student continues working on her homework well after school hours. PHOTOS: JACOB LEE, SOPHIA BONADUCE

Mrs. Whitney Wiltsie / Algebra 1 & 2

think that’s more for family time. I also don’t assign homework over breaks… I do take into account if there is a testing day. For example, for PSATs I did not assign homework the day before or the day of, knowing that the sophomore and junior class were testing all day, and I really didn’t want them to have to worry about doing more work at home.”

Ms. Lea Kerwood / Spanish 1-4

FEATURE

versus

everything else Sasha Binder ‘24, Evelynn Lin ‘25

Editors-in-Chief

educators, and we have such experiences that how college freshmen often face challenges with help us get perspective, help her organizational overscheduling outside of their classes. skills, make decisions, proactively reach out to “Students really want to be involved in things, teachers, and let them know this is going on.” and they’re used to being involved in maybe three Sophomore Vincent Zhu notes that his or four extracurricular activities, and that’s not extracurricular schedule does interfere with his sustainable,” he said. ability to get work done, but that participating in From Griffith’s perspective, the correlation of these activities is important to him. assignments, activities, and health in high school “I think the enjoyment found in these activities relates directly to the transition process into can outweigh the added stress of having less time college and adapting to a new environment. to do homework,” he said. “I think what most students find is that things According to our survey, 60% of Strath Haven that worked for them in high school aren’t students report spending one to two hours necessarily going to work the same way for them participating in a school-related activity or school in college,” he said. “The pace of courses goes a sport each day, while 28.7% spend three or more little faster and the expectations go up.” hours engaged in school-related activities. Griffith provided some tips to manage But many students also participate in activities the struggle to balance homework and outside of school, such as club sports, community extracurriculars. activities, and employment. Nearly a quarter of “I would prioritize academics first,” he said. survey respondents—24.5%—report three or “Here’s my schedule: How much time do I need more hours of outside-of-school activities each in order to be sufficiently prepared for each of my day. classes? My advice to students is to try to do a This all adds up to a tight squeeze for some little bit every day, and that means sitting down students and a major stress factor in their with a calendar.” everyday routines. Even students who stated ‘We should do a study’ in the survey that their workload is manageable shared that having time to hen the majority of students decompress after school is important “I think believe they face too much to them. homework needs homework to support their learning, “Personally, I’m okay with my to be meaningful the high school may need to take workload and am still able to do and when it’s given, additional steps to ensure an equal my activities,” senior Liang He it should have a balance of homework, student wellsaid. “But there are still times I feel purpose.” being, and extracurriculars. overwhelmed at the amount of time Ms. Kathleen Freeman “I think homework needs to be Science Teacher it takes me to do my work and often meaningful, and when it’s given, it do it in class to pass time so I can just should have a purpose,” Freeman said. come home and relax.” “I don’t know if it’s feasible with the culture Counselor behavioral therapist Mrs. Marlena we have right now at Strath Haven to assign O’Kane is a proponent of homework because she homework every night in every class.” believes it helps students to retain information According to Drew, homework should provide a and boost their skill. chance to practice and reflect. However, she also believes that balance is “You don’t just give it to give it,” she said. “Is this important. going to provide practice with this skill? Is this “[If] teachers, counselors, administrators, going to allow a student to reflect? That’s what and even activity coordinators and moderators guides my decisions more than anything else.” understood, in any student’s life, everything Drew aims to keep the homework for her that they had or we all communicated AP Seminar class under 45 minutes a about everything that a particular night. student was responsible for, it might “Everybody “It’s true, if every one of our four open some eyes to say, ‘There are has to know what classes gave 45 minutes worth of only so many hours in a day,’” she they can handle, homework, that’s an awful lot of said. and part of being homework,” she said. “But I don’t a teenager is think every single one of your classes Beyond High School figuring that out.” does that. We should do a study.” Mrs. Miriam Drew or students headed to college, In the meanwhile, students continue English Teacher learning how to balance finding strategies to maintain their homework and extracurriculars can busy schedules. still feel like a balancing act. Students who “I do get homework every single day,” participated in several extracurriculars in high freshman Missy Rich said. “It makes me a school may find it more challenging to juggle lot more tired because I’m losing sleep over extracurricular involvement with challenging homework. You just have to work hard and get classes. it done.” Mr. David Griffith is a first-year adviser at “Sleep on the weekends,” a nearby friend chimed the University of Notre Dame. In his role, he in.* provides support to new students in making the switch from high school to college. He noted

“I try to be flexible. I actually begin every class with a schedule of what’s due throughout the week. I always say to think about your week and what you have going on, too, and just talk to me. I try to be really flexible with deadlines, especially with little things that aren’t a big deal. If they need an extra day, it’s no big deal. I always try to account that students’ lives are not just English class.”

“My goal is to not give homework. Projects that extend over time or things you aren’t getting done in class and might be working on at home are sometimes better when you go back and look at it a couple hours later. Night homework, we don’t have to do. I know y’all are in sports, extracurriculars, and everything else that you do in your life. You don’t need to get home at 8 o’clock and then start three hours of homework.”

Mr. Robert Zakrzewski / English, Gr. 10-11 Mr. Jeff Kahn / World History

High school workload leaves freshmen overwhelmed Lavanya Dixit ’27, Claire Salera ’27 Contributors

rossing the bridge to the high school is a time of change and difficulty, yet it also opens up a space for growth and opportunity. Managing homework, assessments, and extracurriculars, some freshmen are drowning in work. The domino effect carries on, affecting their mental health, social life, and overall well-being. With Strath Haven’s emphasis on a student’s personal life and well-being, are the school’s newcomers able to maintain balance in their lives?

Kaylin Fava ’27

Advaya Singh ’27

Charlie Sharif ’27

“I feel like even “I mean, I do a lot “Right now I think though teachers know of things outside of it’s fine, but the about the football school, like soccer classes I have in schedules and the and karate, and my first semester field hockey schedules, it definitely does aren’t the highest they still give us tests interfere sometimes workload. I see all my and assignments because I have ten friends complaining that are due on that more things to worry about science a lot, day, or when we had about. But I think especially, and I don’t a Thursday football sometimes I’m able have that. I only have game, the Friday to manage it, just math homework.” after. It was all kind sometimes, it can be of hard… we were really overwhelming.” up until 10 because we’re in band. They encourage us to do extracurriculars and then give us zero time to do them.”

Scott Snyder ’27

Joy Yang ’27

“Sometimes the teachers have a bunch of work all on the same day, or tests on all the same days, and so on those days I can’t really go to clubs because I have to go home to study… Sometimes, I’ll just tell my friends that ‘No, I am not going to hang out,’ because I either have a worksheet to do for history or math page I haven’t finished yet.”

Sophia Shao ’27

“Honestly, it’s a lot. It’s a whole lot of pressure, and I feel like it’s too much pressure coming down on me all at once… Extracurriculars are really fun, but I feel like I’m a lot more limited to them because of the workload, and it’s too much at once.”

“I have orchestra fifth block and then I do homework for two hours. Then, after that I usually have something else, like piano lessons or violin lessons. So, it’s a lot to manage… It’s kind of a struggle to find time to drink water and sleep.”

Lorelei Karn ’27

Noah White ’27

“Things definitely “I’d say it’s more interfere. They’re enriching and harder. all big time It’s at least 2-3 hours commitments and of homework every sometimes I just don’t night.” have the time… you have to work out the conflicts and make sure you’re on top of it.”

HAVEN ARTS

Florida trip offers anticipation, challenges

Students and the music director discuss the upcoming Disney band trip and its cost.

Band Beat:

Alex Thornton ’25

Kaitlyn Ho ’26

Managing Editor of Web / Health & Sciences Editor

he band and orchestra travel attend. to one of Orlando, Florida’s “A big problem is that the school is amusement parks every other having it cost too much. But the solution year, and for some, it is considered a is not [to] give funding—the solution highlight of the music class. is make the trip not in Florida and not The trip costs $1775.00 per student, plus flying to Florida,” sophomore Casper travel insurance. Around 210 students are Stockman said. “I’d rather use the money going on the four-day trip to Disney. for something not flying to Florida.” “A lot of people use [the Another reason can be trip] as something to look scheduling conflicts. forward to if they’re able “I talk about [the trip] Sophomore Yuhang Li to go,” Band Director Mr. plans on taking the LSAT as a highlight, but not Nicholas Pignataro said. during the Disney trip, The Disney trip will the only highlight. The and also has a conflict have the band playing emphasis on all of our with a Science Olympiad in a parade at Magic work is on the progress competition. Kingdom and the orchestra and the programming “I mean, I could do [the playing to a Disney movie that we’re doing right trip in] 12th grade,” Yi soundtrack. said. “Why would you now.” “What makes it worth want to go on a trip twice is watching kids get to Mr. Nick Pignataro like that?” be children, it is the Band Director According to Pignataro, coolest, most worthwhile the school does not experience as an educator,” sponsor the trip at all. Pignataro said. “I want the kids to go and However, the Band Boosters play a large be able to relax with their friends if they role in the Disney trip. can.” “The SHHS Band Boosters, which is a The four parks that the students will parent and guardian organization, is the visit when they are not practicing or mechanism and vehicle for funding the performing are the selling point of the trip and are really organizing the trip,” he trip for many students—a chance to bond said. and enjoy time with each other, especially According to Pignataro, the Band the seniors, as the year comes to a close. Boosters play a key role in determining “For some reason, they’re more casual, the costs for the trip. more social, and more comfortable “It charges students what it costs the band with each other,” Pignataro said. “And it boosters to run a trip like this,” Pignataro allows them to play out, string players in said. “Which includes everything from particular, when they’re more comfortable what the travel agent provides us, which is physically and emotionally… It is worth all these features, plus emergency things it in that way. The primary reason is the or resources for emergencies, and also social combination, but we do get musical some limited resources for scholarship.” benefit.” Resources for scholarship have been able There are many reasons why band and to assist students in paying for the trip in orchestra members might not want to the past.

“The boosters does what it can to offer some assistance to make it somewhat possible,” Pignataro said. “It’s not for everybody. But it’s been able to help a few students that can’t go otherwise. Without that, I think it’d be impossible for some of these people.” Pignataro wants to make sure all students feel included during rehearsals, and makes a point to not work on Disney music during school rehearsals. “I talk about it as a highlight, but not the only highlight. The emphasis on all of our work is on the progress and the programming that we’re doing right now,” he said. The band tries to have a larger emphasis on activities that everyone can enjoy. “We do end of year ceremonies and everybody’s involved,” Pignataro said. “Senior Night, everyone is involved, and everyone’s involved with our biggest event of the year, which is the Penncrest festival event.” Pignataro has been on five trips, not including three that were canceled by the pandemic. Making sure the students that want to go on the trip know that assistance is an option is only one facet of his job managing the trip. “I remember lying awake in bed in the hotel room just waiting for my cell phone to buzz because there’s an emergency for four straight days,” Pignataro said. “I am completely in charge of 224 individuals– we’re bringing adults, so 224 individuals– and that’s nerve-wracking. It is a sigh of relief when they all go home on the last day.” “Not that I don’t enjoy the time, but for me, it is no vacation,” he said.* DISCLAIMER: Reporter is an orchestra member going on Disney trip.

Cantata spends weekend in New York City

Choir performed Missa Gaia/Earth Mass in honor of the Feast of St. Francis Day Celebration. Matthew Ramirez ‘26

Contributor

ince 1993, music teacher Mr. John Shankweiler has taken Strath Haven’s Cantata choir to New York City for Paul Winter’s Missa Gaia/Earth Mass for the Feast of St. Francis Day Celebration. In the morning hours on Saturday, September 30, Cantata students loaded into a KRAPF coach for The Cathedral of Saint John Divine in New York City. Upon arrival, students saw the steps to the cathedral’s main entrance for the first time. “I was shocked by the beauty, and I felt honored to be singing in such a gorgeous cathedral,” junior Jeremy Peyton-Jones said. The Cathedral of Saint John Divine began construction in December of 1892 and remains unfinished to this day. The cathedral spans a floor area of 121,000 sq. ft. as well as a length of 601 feet. This makes the cathedral the sixth largest church building in the world. As part of the trip, students took the subway to the Theater District, shopped, and ate lunch. They also watched the Broadway musical, Six the Musical. “The cast was incredible. I was especially inspired by the power of each woman’s voice. I loved the message, too. It was awesome to see an all-female show changing a historical narrative that definitely deserved a rewrite,” senior Jo

Kelly said. The following morning, on Sunday, October 1, students woke after a night’s sleep after being on the streets of New York City on the floor of the cathedral’s hot basement gymnasium. “It was a little bit uncomfortable and was way hotter than expected, but you get used to the temperature, in the end, it was okay,” sophomore Pearl Tweedy said. Breakfast consisted of various options of bagels, cream cheeses, fruit, and beverage choices between coffee or orange juice. After breakfast, the choir prepared for their performance with a quick rehearsal and sound check. Missa Gaia/Earth Mass is a contemporary mass recorded in 1982 that musically discovers the range of the living world. The mass was written and first performed at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Since then, the mass is annually performed at the cathedral on the first Sunday in October for celebration of The Feast of St. Francis. The Feast of St. Francis Assisi is a holiday of the Catholic Church that acknowledges the environment and animals of the world. The mass was opened with “The Beatitudes” from Missa Gaia/Earth Mass. The choir also performed “Canticle of Brother Sun,” “For the Beauty of the Earth,” “Kyrie,” “Missa Gaia,” and other religious pieces such as “Alleluia,” “Ubi

STATELY SPACE • Cantata members admire the view from their seats in St. John the Divine in New York City. See more photos online at shpantherpress.com PHOTO: MATTHEW RAMIREZ

caritas,” “Peace Prayer of St. Francis,” and “Iemanja.” The Cantata trip is an opportunity that Shankweiler opens to students every year. “I know that over the years, students really love the experience,” Shankweiler said. “The uniqueness of the music and the experience makes it enjoyable for

Headlining instrumental music

Contributor

ith the football season in full swing, the Haven Marching Band is working just as hard. Practice starts two weeks before the school year and continues throughout the football season, sometimes all the way to November. They meet three times a week during fifth blocks and every Friday night to support the football team on the field. Despite the hard work, exhaustion, and time spent on a hot summer day or after a long day of school, those involved in the band found it to be worth it. “Every week, I actually genuinely look forward to Friday nights,” Band Director Mr. Nicholas Pignataro said. Many students noted that to them, band is a kind of family. “It’s a wonderful group of people, I love being able to be with friends in the band and put together a show,” junior assistant head field major Colin LeStourgeon said. “It can be a lot of work, but once that shows on the field, you really feel like you’ve accomplished something and that’s a great feeling.” What is next after the marching band is over? The Haven music program has a lot in store. Planning for the spring musical “Mean Girls” has begun. Student musicians have the opportunity to be part of the pit. After the band season, modern band, jazz band, wind ensemble, and symphonic band shift into high gear to prepare for upcoming concerts. In early November, many of Haven’s musically committed students will travel to Rustin High School to participate in PMEA’s District Band, where they will audition for a spot to play among the best student musicians in the area. “I do see the students who this is their lifeline, that everything revolves around the music, and I see students that participate a little bit and get a ton out of it and everything in between,” Pignataro said. “It would be a sad world without music, and I think it’d be a sad school without a music department, so I’m glad it’s here.”* students; singing in a building that’s two football fields with four thousand people in there.” For many, it was the first time traveling with Shankweiler to perform Missa Gaia/Earth Mass. Shankweiler noted that students were hard-faced with the difficulty of such intimidating conditions. “A lot of ninth graders were putting music together in like four rehearsals,” Shankweiler said. “It was catchy and fun music, but it’s really hard to go into a professional situation with professional musicians and other choirs that know it. I think we held our own pretty well.” After years of commitment, providing an experience to students motivates Shankweiler to continually participate in this event. “We educate by giving the students an experience that they would never have in their life if I didn’t do it,” Shankweiler said. “But the real question is: would they do it again next year?”*

HAVEN ARTS / DETOURS

FEATURED ARTIST: Nolan Carey

Junior Nolan Carey shares his passion for animation and filmmaking. Josie Wieland ’26

Contributor

or junior Nolan Carey, using animation and filmmaking as a creative outlet has given him the ability to express himself and his interests in a unique way. Carey’s work is displayed on his YouTube channel called “nUGG3TS SFM” where he has approximately 11,800 subscribers and over 4 million views. Here, he shares videos focusing on the independent video game, “Five Nights at Freddy’s”, and occasionally, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His fascination with making videos blossomed at a young age, and since then, he has dedicated his free time to developing his skills. “Back when I was little, I used to watch funny videos on Youtube, and I always wanted to make stuff like that,” Carey said. At first, a lot of Carey’s creations were made through animation. The early stages of his learning process had a couple hiccups, but they didn’t stop him from continuing to grow his skill set. “When I was in fifth grade, I didn’t have a computer yet, so I got this little animation software on my iPad that was really bad, so I kind of started learning animation there,” he said. “Then, my mom gave me one of her old work computers, so I was able to download this free app on Steam called Source Filmmaker. I learned better animation on there because the program was used to make actual promotional material for the video games that Evolve makes.” Not only is Carey able to make videos for personal enjoyment, he also benefits financially from some of the animations he creates. “I’m mostly animating memes, so if I post that stuff on YouTube, I’ll earn money,” he said. “Whenever I do creative stuff, it’s mostly songs, which don’t make money on YouTube, but whenever I make them, it’s mostly for fun.” Most of Carey’s big inspirations come from the various YouTube channels and movie directors that he admires. “I would say [I like] a lot of Team Fortress Two animation channels like the Winglet or Sino. For actual movie stuff, it would probably be from people like Sam Raimi or James Gunn, those are two directors,” Carey said. Carey receives a lot of support and motivation from his watchers in his filmmaking pursuits. “Specifically when I post on YouTube, I like when people give me positive feedback or just compliments of what they liked about it, so I can either work to improve the things that need to be improved or just even improve upon the stuff that is already really good,” he said. Recently, Carey was given the opportunity to join a film class in Media called Media Arts Council Film Initiative (MACFI). This experience allowed him to connect with

See examples of Nolan Carey’s film and animation work at shpantherpress.com WORK IN PROGRESS • Nolan Carey works on another mini-movie to post on YouTube. PHOTO: JOSIE WIELAND

others who also shared his passion for filmmaking. “It’s kind of like how you would professionally make a film,” Carey said. “You’d get together and come up with an idea, get some people who would be the writers, and some people who would be the cinematographers and editors, then you would meet up at a place to film.” On the first film Carey’s group created, “The Table”, the majority of his work was done as the cinematographer and senior editor. After several weeks of editing, the film eventually premiered to an invitation-only crowd at Villanova University and will make its public premiere at the Media Film Fest this coming spring. Carey hopes to build a career around his passion, and will continue to create videos whenever he can. “I feel like I’m the best at editing and animating,” he said. “So I feel like I would want to go into one of those two things.”*

Top 10: Halloween Movies

This Halloween movie extravaganza list will leave you with chills and thrills! Luci DiBonaventura ’25 Reporter

1. Kenny Ortega’s “Hocus Pocus”

The witches are back! In Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night, three villainous yet comical witches come back to the town in which they were once executed. It’s a great, slightly spooky, nostalgic, and funny movie to watch this season. 2. Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice”

Don’t say this word three times! After a couple died in a car accident and found themselves as ghosts who cannot escape their own home, they come in contact with the obnoxious Beetlejuice from the Netherlands, who scares new incomers in the house. This is a fun and comical movie to watch with some friends, especially if you like a good spooky comedy. 3. Andrew Flemming’s “The Craft”

What’s better than a movie about a bunch of girl bosses? A movie about female witches! A small outcast of girls start to practice witchcraft and cast powerful spells against people who anger them. This movie is a classic scary movie for people who love horror. 4. Barry Sonnenfeld’s “The Addams Family”

Instead of bringing pretty roses to the party, this family brings dead ones. This movie takes on the gothic humor of an abnormal family and their interactions with “outsiders.” This is a great classic to watch, and if you’re not a horror fan, this is a good watch to still get into the spooky spirit. 5. Wes Craven’s “Scream”

Do you like scary movies? Well, you better after watching this movie. This movie takes a spoof on classic slashers and shows what not to do when you’re trying to survive a horror movie. It’s a clever, scary, and comical movie about high school students trying to solve their way through a real life slasher movie. Put on your detective

skills while watching this movie, and sit back with a nice big bowl of stovetop popcorn.

REPORT CARD

6. John Carpenter’s “Halloween”

Is it the boogeyman? No, it’s Micheal Myers! If you love scary movies, then this is a must watch. On Halloween night, in a small suburban town, a killer is on the loose. Even with its low budget production, the movie still manages to put you on the edge of your seat, producing an entire franchise and an epic soundtrack. 7. Wes Craven’s “Nightmare on Elm Street”

Don’t doze off during this movie! Killer Freddy Krueger preys upon teenagers in their sleep. If you want to pull an all-nighter, this is a great, thrilling movie to watch.

9. Michael Dougherty’s “Trick or Treat”

This movie incorporates five different stories into one. It takes place on Halloween night that shows different groups of people experiencing scary tales. This is a great scary watch. 10. Henry Selick’s “Coraline”

Not only does this movie have amazing stop motion and a soundtrack to bop your head to, but it also has a spooky plot. As Coraline moves to a new, boring town, she discovers a small door in her room that leads to a fantasy world. This movie is very well crafted with a lot of easter eggs to look out for while watching.*

- Girls’ bathrooms never have toilet paper!!!

- Paper towel dispensers in 3rd floor boy’s bathroom were stolen. - Cardboard tampons… self explanatory.

discontinues pumpkin spice D- Wawa

+ Christmas flavors available soon!

- EIC (Sasha Binder) did not get to try Wawa pumpkin spice.

8. Griffin Dunne’s “Practical Magic”

This isn’t about your stereotypical witches. Two witch sisters have to find a way to break a curse that forbids them from finding love. If you love romance and want to get into the Halloween feel, this is the right movie to watch.

Lack of products in school bathrooms

- It’s not even November.

C+ Spirit Week dress-up + Yay, Barbeque Dads! - Themes were mid.

- Not enough students went full-out.

B+

Homecoming dance + Outfits slayed.

+ The water bottles had caps!

- DJ didn’t play Family Ties :(

Editors

10 DETOURS

October Book Recommendations

Haven’s fall favorites

Hear five Panthers’ spooky recommendations for the fall season.

Students share what they love most about fall.

Evie Fernandez ’27

Contributor

ctober’s my favorite month for a few reasons— but one of them is certainly all of the fall themed books available. Here’s a few recommendations for what to read this month—spooky or not. Freshman Taylor Moody recommends “The Naturals” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

cool.”

“It’s about this girl whose mom went missing a while before, and eventually they ruled it a murder,” Moody said. “So, she ends up getting recruited by the FBI to join a branch called The Naturals. I really like the writing, the writing’s really good, and there’s a love triangle which is Freshman Maggie Peterson recommends “One of Us is Lying” by Karen M. McManus.

“It’s about these four kids, who are all high school seniors, and they’re all very different,” Peterson said. “One is grungy, one is very sporty, one is very girly, and the last one is really nerdy. So, basically, it starts out with five kids get stuck in detention– but only four come out. One dies. I like how different the characters are from each other, and that there’s a lot of mystery. I also really like the romance– all of the couples are very cute.” Band Director Mr. Pignataro recommends “Come Forth” by James Martin.

“It’s a nonfiction kind of retelling and explanation of the story of Lazarus being raised by Jesus,” Pignataro said. “The author, James Martin, is a Jesuit priest, and I really like his books. I like that it puts Bible passages into historical perspective. It’s also super pertinent right now with all the news of the war between Israeli citizens and the citizens of the Gaza strip, which is just really timely. It just gives me a little more depth, so I understand more when I’m at church.”

Freshman Joy Yang recommends “The Book Thief” by Markus Zuzak.

“It’s a good book. It’s from death’s point of view– it’s about this girl named Liesel, and the time period’s World War II, and she lives in Germany, and it’s just about how she goes through her life,” Yang said. “There’s just a lot of interesting stories that tie back to World War II, just from the point of view of a normal person. I like that the main character Liesel likes to read, and so do I. And the ending is good. All of the characters are flushed out, and you really get attached to them.” Author recommends “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” by Sangu Mandanna.

It’s a good choice for people who like the supernatural elements of October and Halloween, but aren’t into the scarier side of things. It revolves around a main character named Mika, who is a content creator who acts out magic– except she isn’t acting. When someone finds her out, she has to go and meet them in the mysterious and secluded Nowhere House. She immediately gets sucked into the lives of the people there. I love Sangu Mandanna’s writing style, as well as the incredibly well-executed found family trope between Mika and the residents of the Nowhere House. I also really enjoyed all of the cute romance and fun witchy, supernatural moments. I couldn’t find anything wrong with this book—it’s a really fun, lighthearted read for October. Hopefully you’ll enjoy some of these recommendations, and if you do—let us know.*

Vol. 2.1: Halloween Strath Haven Panther Press ~ 12 songs, 57 min 18 sec

Claire Salera ‘27 Contributor

Lavanya Dixit ’27, Claire Salera ’27

Contributors

t’s that ghoulish time of year again, and it’s leaving several students wondering if it’s time to hang up the old Dracula cape for good. Whether it’s trick-or-treating, a night of scary movies, or a Halloween party with friends, Strath Haven students are still ready to celebrate!

holiday ever! Everyone puts out cool, spooky decorations, and you can find cool, spooky decorations for super cheap. I like to buy that kind of stuff for room decor. Also, I can find cool, spooky clothes for super cheap, because you really can’t find that kind of stuff year-round.”

all, the transition between summer and winter, brings the warm months to a close. Popular clothing, baked goods, and events occur in the fall that draw in favor of the season. “I love fall, it’s such a great season. I love that I get to bring out my favorite outfits,” senior Monica Levis said. Levis enjoys the fashions of fall and designs her own clothing. “I have a vintage plaid blazer, and I have another circle skirt I’m working on,” Levis said. “Being able to pull out my knitwear that I’ve been working on all year is really nice. Freshman Gemma Hicks relishes the changes and events that come along with fall. “Football games are always fun, and the weather’s good. I like the trees,” Hicks said. The enjoyable weather seems to be a consensus among many students, including Alberto BoydVera. “Oh, I love fall, it’s my favorite season. You know, it’s really cool and crisp,” BoydVera said. He strongly enjoys the holidays that come along with the fall season, and particularly likes Halloween. “I will keep dressing up for Halloween until the day I die,” BoydVera said. *

THE PANTHER PLAYLIST

Halloween is right around the corner– how are high school students celebrating?

“I love Halloween so *much. It’s the coolest

Social Media Editor

ART: RILEY SMITH

High schoolers on Halloween

SHELBY SEIDMAN ‘27

Riley Smith ‘25

HENRY REACHER ‘24

JAINA LIVINGSTONE ‘24

respectable thing to do because you’re passing on the happiness that you had as a kid trick-or-treating; you’re giving that to other kids. Especially if you dress up inside your house and you give out candy to kids and you scare them as you give out candy, it’s pretty fun, pretty satisfying.”

their friends. If you want to go trick or treating, go trick or treating. I mean, it’s free candy, so go for it. If you want to go to a party, go to a party, just do something fun. It’s a night to take a break from school.”

people should “I think for Halloween, *just“I dothink *giving something fun with out candy is a

HOW ARE YOU CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN? LET US KNOW AT SHPANTHERPRESS.COM

Thriller Michael Jackson

We Fell In Love In October Girl in Red

The Monster Eminem, Rihanna

Superstition

Stevie Wonder

All Too Well(Ten Minute Version)

Taylor Swift

CARTOON • SCOTT SNYDER

Ghostbusters Ray Parker Jr.

Calling All The Monsters China Anne Mclain

Heads Will Roll Yeah Yeah Yeahs

A Nightmare On My Street DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

Disturbia Rihanna

DETOURS

FALL Crossword Luci DiBonaventura ‘25 Reporter

Across

9. Don’t pick up the phone in this scary movie! 10. Most popular Halloween costume for kids 11. What you yell to scare people 12. “Double double toil and trouble!” 13. Despite its “joyful” name, many kids don’t seem to love it 14. “Here’s__!” 15. Leather Face’s real name 17. He’ll find you in your dreams 18. Candy also known as “chicken feed” 19. The name of the cat in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”

Down

1. Top Halloween candy 2. Micheal Jackson’s best-selling album 3. Director of the movie “Halloween” 4. Bobbing for __ 5. The “head” of the headless horseman 6. Playground for Ghosts 7. Synonym of eerie 8. Where a vampire sleeps 12. Rockwell “I Got a Feeling Somebody’s ___ Me” 15. __ the Vampire Slayer 16. Trick or__

ANSWERS AT SHPANTHERPRESS.COM

CHEESE CORNER:

Manchego offers Spanish flavor

The cheesiest column you’ll see in this issue. Matteo Ventresca ‘25

Managing Editor of Print

or this edition of cheese corner, we’ll take a trip to Spain. Manchego cheese is a famous cheese from Spain, specifically from the La Mancha region. It’s made from the milk of a particular type of sheep called Manchega sheep. Making Manchego cheese is an old tradition. First, they milk the Manchega sheep and use a special ingredient to thicken the milk. Then, they cut the thickened milk into pieces and put it into round molds to shape the cheese. After that, they let the cheese sit in cool, damp places for at least two months. During this time, the cheese develops its unique rind and flavor. Young Manchego cheese is milder and a bit nutty, while older versions have a stronger taste with hints of caramel and dried fruits. You can easily recognize Manchego cheese by the crisscross pattern on its outside, which comes from the molds they use. It comes in different types, like “Manchego Curado” which is aged for a few months, and “Manchego Viejo” which is aged for over a year. In my opinion, Manchego

Critter Corner: Lu the Horse

Senior shares her and her horse’s heartwarming bond. Lavanya Dixit ’27

Contributor

tarting this year, the Panther Press has decided to add The Critter Corner, where your pet can be featured! In this feature, Eliza Cole talks about her horse, Lu, and her bond with her. What’s your pet’s name?

“I don’t actually own my horse officially, but I do half-lease one. It’s a girl, her name is Lu. It’s her nickname.” How old is Lu?

“She is five, so she’s still pretty young for horse years. She’s starting to get towards her prime, but she’s still a baby.” How long have you had her? PHOTO PROVIDED BY MATTEO VENTRESCA

cheese is fantastic. It’s incredibly flexible. You can enjoy it in many ways. You can eat it as part of a cheese and meat platter, melt it in dishes, or pair it with fruits and wine. Aged Manchego cheese, in particular, has a rich and complex flavor, showing the skill of the cheese makers. Manchego cheese fits perfectly with other foods, which is why it’s an essential part of Spanish cuisine and a real treat for cheese lovers around the world.*

“I actually just started riding her. I just started half-leasing her a month ago. It’s been really fun. A lot of the other horses in the barn I already had some sort of relationship with, I’d ridden them all multiple times. Whereas, with her, it’s a totally new relationship that I’m establishing which has been really fun to learn her quirks and her ins and outs, how exactly to ride her, what she needs, what pressure and where, what support she needs, and things like that.” How long have you been riding horses?

“I first started taking a few lessons in the summer when I was four. Then, I started taking lessons year-round when I was 7, so about 10 years.” How did you get into riding horses?

“My grandparents live in New Hampshire and I’d spend a lot of time during the summers with them. My grandma knew somebody who owned a farm near their house, and so I would go up there in the summer and take lessons.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ELIZA COLE

Q. What’s something interesting about Lu?

“She does get fed treats a lot, so she’s very pushy, greedy. She can be a little obnoxious sometimes— just working with her on the ground, not riding— but she’s very sweet and not mean in any way. When you’re actually riding, she’s awesome, an absolute angel, so easy to ride. She’s just great. I mean, obviously, like any horse, there are things that you have to work on with her. She can be a little wiggly, off-balance sometimes, but overall she’s just a really, really fun horse.” Finally, what do you love most about Lu?

“In general, you are forming a bond with whatever horse you’re riding. I feel like that connection is so special, because you need so much trust. You’re riding an at least a thousand pound animal and a lot of stuff can go wrong, and it can be really dangerous… but, that’s what makes it all the more special when you do build that trusting relationship between you and your horse. It’s just really great. And, also, fun fact, when you’re riding or in close contact, in general, even on the ground, your heartbeats sync together which I think is really cool!”*

Feature your pet in the next edition of Critter Corner: Stretch a paw to strathhavenpantherpress@gmail.com!

12 SPORTS

Athlete of the Issue: Chloe Browne

Recent D1 commit Chloe Browne speaks on her cross country experience. Jillian Thomas ‘24

Sports Editor

enior Chloe Browne, recent D1 track and cross country commit to Lehigh University, has been running since before she can remember. For years, running has been her life, and it has culminated in a childhood dream of hers: being accepted to run for a Division One school. Browne started running when she moved to Wallingford from Connecticut. “I started running when I was six years old; my parents wanted me to make friends, so I joined the CYO [Catholic Youth Organization] cross country team,” she said. Joining CYO sparked a lifelong interest in running. Browne notes that from a young age, she realized she was “pretty good” at running and decided to continue with the sport, though more competitively. “I’ve always had fun running; it started off as a social thing, but then I worked at it and realized I was good,” she said. Years after joining CYO, Browne got to experience the highlight of her career, and her favorite memory: winning districts with the Haven girls’ cross country team. “It was the first time in school history we

had ever won districts as a team, and it was really fun to do it as a team,” Browne said. “It’s fun to win on your own, but to win as a team is really fun.” For Browne, running is more than a sport, or something to be the best at. It’s an outlet for her during times of stress. “It’s my time where I can turn off my brain and just go have fun, and I don’t get nervous. I just go and run,” she said. As she comes to the end of her running career at Strath Haven, Browne reminisces on what she is going to miss most. “I’m gonna miss the people… I love my teammates, and we have become really close. I love all of them, and I am definitely going to miss my coaches: Coren is an icon, and I love Coach Ronnie,” she said. Evidently, teamwork and being part of something bigger than yourself is important to Browne, something she is looking forward to when she leaves for Lehigh next fall. Smiling, she expressesd her extreme joy towards going off to college. “It’s been my dream since I was really young to run Division 1, but it’s not even

about that; I’m just really excited to go to a great academic school and run at a high level,” Browne said. “I chose Lehigh because I won’t be the best runner, so there will be people similar to me. I’m not looking to be the star somewhere, I’m just looking to become a better runner.” However, Browne has learned a lot from her time at Strath Haven. “[The most important thing I learned] is definitely mental toughness, and to believe in yourself and never give up. It’s really easy to doubt yourself, but you just have to believe in yourself, because running is a mental sport,” she said. The lessons she learned in running have made their way into other parts of her life, like her work ethic, belief in academics, friendships, and more–helping her grow as an athlete. She has advice for the next generation of runners. “My advice would be to work hard and enjoy every run. It’s a privilege to be able to run, so enjoy every workout, because it goes by really fast,” she said.*

Dignazio commits to Brown University

Junior shares her story on her commitment to Brown University. Matteo Ventresca ‘25

Managing Editor of Print

unior Annie Dignazio has already committed to an Ivy League school, Brown University. Dignazio hopes to get a good education while winning a championship playing lacrosse. “My goal is to win an Ivy League championship, and hopefully an NCAA championship,” Dignazio said. “My goal college wise? I don’t know. I just wanted to get a great education.” Dignazio picked Brown University because it has everything she was looking for: her educational and lacrosse desires. “I kind of wanted to go to a big 10 school until I visited Brown, and it was everything I was looking for,” she said. “I have always wanted to go somewhere north [from here], but just not like for main academics and comparable athletics. Just the second I got on that campus, I was like, ‘I want to go here.’” Brown University was not her initial choice. Dignazio looked at other campuses, mainly wanting to go to Penn State or University of Connecticut. “September 1, which is when you call, just start contacting you. I was kind of looking more at, like, Penn State, Rutgers, like the big 10,” Dignazio said. “Then, I don’t know, literally the second we left [Brown’s] campus, I was like, ‘I want to go there.’ There was no question in my mind, I kind of fell in love with it. Everyone told me, ‘When you go on the campus, you’ll know.’” Dignazio believes that Strath Haven High School has a higher value when it comes to colleges seeing a student’s application. “I do have all A’s, but also like, all A’s that a Strath Haven student has is different from all A’s at another school,” she said. “There’s weight there, definitely. Strath Haven helped boost my grades.” She is also relieved that she doesn’t have to work on her college applications and essays to prepare for the big step of going to college. “I’m so happy that all my college stuff is done,” she said. “Seeing the seniors go through Common App, I don’t have to do any of that, and I’m like, ‘Thank the Lord’, as it barely matters.”

DETERMINATION • Senior Chloe Brown pushes for the finish line at the Delco Cross Country Championships at Rose Tree Park on Oct. 7. She finished third in the race—and first for Strath Haven—with a time of 18:48.87. PHOTO: K. PLOWS

Referee shortage presents concern to student-athletes

Game cancellations have affected sports teams this season, prompting student questions. Advaya Singh ’27

Contributor

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: ANNIE DIGNAZIO

Mrs. Pigeon Graham, the girls’ lacrosse coach at Strath Haven High School, is excited for Dignazio to embark on this journey. “I’m thrilled for Annie that she’s going to Brown,” Graham said. “I think that she’s worked really, really hard academically and athletically. She’s such a good athlete in every sport, and I’m so excited that she’s chosen to play lacrosse at the next level.” Graham believes that Brown is a good school for Dignazio to attend because of its academic and athletic programs. “I think that it has a high level of academics which she can certainly handle, and I also think that the fact that it’s a Division One program that will offer a team and coaching that Annie will fit in,” she said. Graham also believes that Dignazio is a great leader and is excited to have her for two more seasons. “She always gives 110%,” Graham said. “She is a very positive vocal leader on our team and she also leads by example. She’s a kid that has a lot of things, pulling her in a lot of different directions. With all the sports that she plays, and she still manages to show up for everything that we need her for.”*

his fall, some freshmen and junior varsity games have been canceled or deemed “unofficial” due to referees canceling or not signing up for games. According to reporting by WGAL-8 in Lancaster, there were more than 17,000 registered PIAA officials in the 2018-19 season, but the number of registered officials has shrunk to just over 14,000. Junior varsity and freshmen teams are affected the most. This could damage the school’s athletics as it may discourage freshmen or sophomores from continuing their high school athletic journey. Student-athletes like freshman Andrew Shronk, who plays JV soccer, have been affected by the ref shortages. His own team had 4 games canceled on September 21 against Haverford, the 23rd against Avon Grove, the 26th against Harriton, and the 28th against Garnet Valley. Luckily, two of those games got rescheduled. “I mean, ever since this has happened, we’ve been on a nonwinning streak,” Shronk said. “It also affects my chemistry with other players since we haven’t really played as much.” John O’Rourke, a varsity soccer player, was also impacted by the cancellation of his game against Haverford on September 21. “Yeah, everyone was pretty mad because then it got rescheduled, which meant we had to play 3 games in a row later in the season,” O’Rourke said. They ended up defeating Haverford 1-0. However, O’Rourke feels the team could’ve done better.

“I think if we played at the original date, we would’ve won by more because we would have been less tired.” he said. Athletic Director Mrs. Lynelle Mosley believes the main cause of the shortages is that younger people are not training to be referees. “I think that there are not enough younger refs coming into wanting to be a ref,” Mosley said. “And if they are young, I think they’re getting pulled up really fast to go into the college level.” Many referees are older, and some have to retire after a while since the job is physically demanding. According to WGAL’s reporting, officials say that another reason many referees are leaving is due to confrontations with fans, coaches, and players. However, solutions are emerging. “We’re hoping to at some point, maybe start a junior ref academy where we can get some of our high school students involved,” Mosley said. PIAA has launched a junior officials program, through which 16 and 17-year-olds can officiate ninth-grade and below contests. Junior officials are required to participate in PIAA training activities and meetings and are paid at the standard rates for the contests they officiate, according to the PIAA website. Mosley suggests the establishment of a junior referee academy at Strath Haven that would enable high school students to officiate alongside experienced referees in middle school or freshmen games. *