The Lariat - The New Normal - August 2020 by The Lariat

THE NEW NORMAL

Issue I, August 2020

Meet the staff of The Lariat! 2020-2021

Fallan Patterson Adviser

Arielle Kraus

Emma Huerta

Kayla Gates

Sasheen Joseph

Chris Gomes

Ryan Merard

Elena Ashburn

Print Editor-in-Chief Online Editor-in-Chief

Jaelyn Yeampierre Camila Fernandez General Editor

Alyssa Khan

Sofia Mendez

Nicole Nadler

Nina Ramirez

Addison Roberts

Kamdyn Roher

Karen Suros

Anabella Garcia

Sofie Kahlig

Mia Tunon

Staff Writer

Photographer

General Editor

Head Editor

Staff Writer

General Editor

Managing Editor

Staff Writer

Illustrator

Staff Writer

Illustrator

TABLE of CONTENTS 4

MEET our STAFF Print Editor-in-Chief Arielle Kraus Online Editor-in-Chief Emma Huerta Managing Editor Kayla Gates Head Editors Sasheen Joseph Jaelyn Yeampierre General Editors Camila Fernandez Chris Gomes Ryan Merard

Staff Writers Elena Ashburn Alyssa Khan Sofia Mendez Nicole Nadler Nina Ramirez Addison Roberts Kamdyn Roher Karen Suros Photographers Anabella Garcia Illustrators Sofie Kahlig Mia Tunon Adviser Fallan Patterson

LETTER from the EDITORS Dear reader, Welcome to the first issue of the 2020-2021 school year. From a global pandemic to distance learning to the Black Lives Matter movement, it is safe to say that 2020 will be an unforgettable year. As a publication, we strive to cover the interests of our student body. This issue was designed to recognize how students are adapating to or taking advantage of this “new normal.” Whether it was hosting their own step-up day or participating in protests, the CCHS student body continued to perservere during these unprecented times. We would like to thank our readers for supporting our publication and student journalism. Although we may not be able to be at CCHS yet, we look forward to when we can all return to campus safely. Sincerely, Arielle Kraus, Emma Huerta and Kayla Gates

ON the COVER

This issue of The Lariat is themed to cover the “new normal.” As the 20202021 school year commences, many changes are occuring at CCHS. There is no doubt that this year will be like no other, with everything from virtual learning to a new principal. The Lariat would like to wish all CCHS students the best as they navigate their way through this “new normal.” Illustration by Mia Tunon

table of contents 3

CCHS WELCOMES PRINCIPAL PERKOVIC

As summer break comes and community are in good hands.” presented various challenges to a close, students and staff will be Various members of the that required decisive action returning to a somewhat unfamiliar community took to social media prior to the school’s reopening. version of the Cooper City High to virtually congratulate Principal The ongoing crisis School they once knew. Among Perkovic on her promotion. Many demands continuous evaluation structural alterations to the school students and parents communicated as the year progresses. With the day in response to the coronavirus their satisfaction with the district’s many obstacles in mind, Principal pandemic, a new principal is just selection via platforms such as Perkovic plans to ease the one of the many changes for Twitter and Facebook. Faculty community’s adjustment to this new the 2020-2021 academic year. and staff members were quick to normal as effectively as possible, The 2019-2020 given the current circumstances. “MRS. PERKOVIC ALWAYS school year marked the Principal Perkovic did just end of an era. After over 20 MADE SURE TO KNOW ALL HER that as she welcomed teachers back years at Cooper City High STUDENTS AND [CREATE] A SAFE to work virtually on August 12. School, Principal Wendy Doll Despite the inability to return to announced her retirement, ENVIRONMENT AS WELL AS A what most would consider normal, which went into effect at the CCHS faculty and staff were conclusion of the academic FUN ONE. SHE WILL DEFINITELY encouraged to remain optimistic calendar. In response to the CHANGE THE SCHOOL FOR THE as the school year commenced. position’s sudden vacancy, “One mark of a great BETTER.” the search for a replacement educator is the ability to lead was readily underway as -EMILY AARONstudents out to new places where summer break came to a start. even the educator has never SGA PRESIDENTbeen,” Principal Perkovic said. After a nearly month-long virtual selection “Welcome back, Team Cooper.” process, in which candidates reiterate their enthusiasm to be With the new school received input from members working alongside their colleague. year eagerly underway, Principal of the community, Cooper City “I think having Mrs. Perkovic is already working to High School’s Interim Principal Perkovic will be an asset to make her mark on the student Vera Perkovic was recommended Cooper, as she is a kind-hearted body. Her leadership proves to be to succeed Doll. Superintendent and hardworking woman,” Student a major change for all members Robert Runcie presented her Government Association (SGA) of the community, including name before the School Board on President Emily Aaron said. “Ms. staff, students and parents. June 23. The district’s approval Perkovic always made sure to Following the guidance of allowed the appointment to know all her students and [create] her mentor, former Principal Doll, become effective as of July 1. a safe environment as well as Principal Perkovic hopes to uphold “Congratulations to my a fun one. She will definitely the legacy of Cooper City High colleague, Vera Perkovic, for being change the school for the better.” School in the many years to come. named the next principal of Cooper Despite its recent City High School,” former Principal commencement, Principal BY KAYLA GATES Doll said. “Wishing you all the best Perkovic’s inaugural year has Photos by The Lariat as I pass the torch and move into already proved rather demanding. retirement. I know the student, staff The coronavirus pandemic has Photography

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Virtual elections? Schools around the world have been affected by COVID-19. The road to figuring out how to get back to some sort of normalcy for the 20202021 school year has been rough, but alternate options are being explored to ensure that education can continue. In addition to learning, extracurriculars are also a very important part of school and, at CCHS, clubs play a large role in the involvement of students. As schools are beginning this year virtually, clubs have to figure out ways to function virtually. Graduating seniors who held presidential positions in clubs this past year had to figure out different ways of choosing the incoming presidents for the 2020-2021 school year. Multicultural Club decided to have potential officers send in videos where they answered different questions specific to the role they applied for. Prospective applicants had to answer some problem-solving questions, instead of participating in the interview that is usually held during normal circumstances. The former presidents of the club– Amanda Arocha and Jessica Cheung– came up with this idea to elect just the right people to carry on the club. “This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult to pick officers for the 2020-2021 school year. After discussing and hearing from Principal Doll, Jessica and I decided that we would still have a written officer application. Instead

CCHS clubs are navigating how to deal with the punches from COVID-19

of an interview, we would have incoming applicants send in a short video as to why they would like to be an officer,” Arocha said. “This process worked out well for us and we were able to decide the officer board with help from our incoming president. While interviews would have been ideal, this was the best case scenario that we chose.” Incoming senior Lauren Dupoux was elected as the new president of Multicultural Club. “Becoming a president virtually was definitely a different process, but I think it was good that the past presidents were able to find a way around the predicament we are in,” Dupoux said. “With this situation and becoming a club president, I now also have to deal with the problem of planning our events for the year around social distancing guidelines, along with even switching some activities to fully virtual.” Best Buddies also had to figure out the best way to hold elections for their club. F o r m e r president Danel Le R o u x

selected incoming senior Natalie Smith as the new president before school ended. Smith is now deciding how to elect people to be a part of her officer board and continue her club next year. “Luckily, I was elected president before we left school in March, so we were able to do in-person interviews. However, we are still facing some challenges such as making our summer events online, electing officers virtually and planning for our club events this year,” Smith said. “Given that these safety guidelines are new to all of us, we are prepared to work together to continue meeting virtually as a club and hopefully in person soon.” A few clubs, such as Interact Club, Environmental Club and Blessings in a Backpack, held their elections before school ended. Other clubs are still evaluating t h e situation to make the best decision for the club to succeed in the upcoming school year.

E T O V

BY ALYSSA KHAN

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ALL FINAL EXAMS HOW CALLING OFF STATEWIDE

Photo by The Lariat Photography

BROWARD CANCELED ASSESSMENTS AFFECTS COUNTY SCHOOLS

COVID-19 completely shifted the EOC grade was replaced by the the course of the second semester of higher of the third or fourth quarter the 2019-2020 school year. Along with grades, and final exam grades were the cancellation of student activities, replaced by the fourth quarter grade. on March 17, Governor Ron DeSantis “The intent of the system decided to cancel the administration outlined above is to benefit students of all statewide that remain “I BELIEVE STATEWIDE standardized testing. engaged “Requirements STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS throughout for graduation and the fourth ARE IMPORTANT. HOWEVER, q u a r t e r,” promotion and final course grades will be DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, THESE B C P S evaluated as though C h i e f those assessments did ASSESSMENTS NEEDED TO BE Academic not exist,” DeSantis said. Officer CANCELED.” Following Daniel -RICHARD BAUMGohl said. DeSantis’s orders, the Florida Department BCPS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT of Education (FDOE) Students ASSESSMENTenrolled in cancelled all end-ofcourse (EOC) exams. classes that Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) required a final exam do not have to take also made the decision to cancel all the tests at a future date because that final exams, including the Florida requirement has been waived. However, Standards Assessment (FSA), at all exams that are required for graduation schools except for Broward Virtual. (Algebra 1 EOC, Grade 10 ELA FSA) still BCPS decided to use an have to be taken in the upcoming school alternative method for the final year. Students have the option of taking exam grade for EOC courses in the these tests in future administrations, 2019-2020 school year. For schools which will be offered throughout the on a block schedule, like CCHS, year, or earn a concordant score of 420

Illustration by Sofie Kahlig

on the SAT math or 16 on the ACT math. Standardized tests being canceled not only affects the students, but the county as a whole. The scores from students on final exams are used to determine the official grade that schools will hold for the following year. Without enough data being present, no school grades will be given out for the next school year. Florida has a school recognition plan that provides funds to “A” schools and schools that have increased a letter grade. This funding may not be available this school year. Governor DeSantis recently vetoed $135 million for schools that were doing well or made progress on the grading scale because there are no grades to base the achievements off of. Teachers in Florida are usually assigned grades based on how their students perform on these standardized tests and are able to earn bonuses in salary if they have a great passing rate. With these tests being called off, teachers may miss this opportunity, after attempting to prepare their students for these tests throughout the year. “I believe statewide standardized assessments are important. They provide vital yearend achievement data to students, parents, teachers and school and district administrators. However, due to the pandemic, these assessments needed to be canceled,” BCPS Director of Student Assessment Richard Baum said. Cancelling statewide assessments may give students a slight relief, but with no student data to show how well teachers may have done with their students, both schools and teachers will miss out on some opportunities in the upcoming school year.

BY RYAN READ MORE AT: thelariatonline.com MERARD

MOVING ON UP

CCHS rising seniors have their own version of step-up day Step-up day is an important high school tradition held at CCHS. Juniors create crowns to celebrate the completion of their junior year and transition into senior year. Although students in the Class of 2021 were attending school virtually during the time that step-up day would have occurred, this did not stop some rising seniors from creating their own crowns and celebrating the beginning of their final year at CCHS. “I made a crown to celebrate my junior year coming to an end and the fact that I am going to be a senior. I made them with my close friends. [The class officers] have talked about [having a step-up day in August] quite a bit. We are planning to have one next year depending on how our school will carry on the new ‘normal’ school year.” “I made a crown because I still wanted to have the full senior experience. I’ve always been super excited about step-up day and making my own crown, so when school was canceled I was really upset about it. Then I realized we don’t have to go to school to make the crown, so I just did it anyway. My friends and I decided to all get a bunch of crowns and safely meet up at a park to work on them together. We brought our own supplies and worked on them for over six hours.” MYA WALDRON SENIOR

VICTORIA PERA CLASS OF 2021 PRESIDENT

“I decided to make a crown because I [knew] we were going to miss making them and wearing them to school, so I just decided to make it and post a picture on Instagram. I knew we were going to miss out, but I didn’t want to miss out on the tradition that our school has done for years.”

“I made [a crown] with my close friends because I wanted to keep the spirit alive during these dark times. We just bought crowns from Burger King and we had some paint in our house and we just used what we had.” KATARINA ESQUIVEL

CLASS OF 2021 VICE PRESIDENT

MAKINZI BURGS SENIOR

“I made a crown because I was looking forward to our first senior tradition and I didn’t want to let quarantine stop me from making one. It was also something new and fun to do while stuck at home. I bought two crowns, spray painted them, glued them together, and then decorated them.” SAMANTHA SIGAL SENIOR

“I made a crown because I knew that due to our current circumstance, the traditional step-up day could not happen. I think it’s important to hold onto the traditions that have been set, especially now, so we don’t lose sight of hope. My close friends and I were able to get together to paint our crowns and take pictures to post on our social media.” JAYLEN KNIGHT SENIOR

Creating crowns for step-up day marks the beginning of senior year for the Class of 2021. The class officers have discussed planning a step-up day when students return to school. In the meantime, some rising seniors were able to enjoy this milestone alongside friends and family.

Reporting by Arielle Kraus

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A movement movement,, not a moment CCHS students take action and attend local Black Lives Matter protests It’s no exaggeration to say that the year 2020 has been turbulent. On both national and global scales, people have experienced unique occurrences firsthand, ranging from an entire health pandemic to massive protests against racial injustices. In particular, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has recently fueled a social upheaval among citizens. The death of George Floyd was met with demonstrations throughout the country and even the world, all representing discontent after the death of yet

another Black man at the hands of law enforcement, as well as the need for a genuinely fair criminal justice system. The outrage caused by this incident of police brutality– supplemented by multitudes of other incidents occurring both before and after– has reached Cooper City residents of all ages. Many CCHS students took it upon themselves to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and be socially active in dire times by attending local protests, including one at the Cooper City Optimist on June 13. Here’s what they had to say about their experiences:

“I went to the Justice for George Floyd protest in Cooper City. [The] turnout was higher than I expected for the area and lots of people I knew were there. The experience was great, with inspirational speakers, chanting, socializing and, at the end, nine minutes of silence for George Floyd. I really think these protests and this movement are the Civil Rights Movement of our generation. People are fed up with 400 years of systemic racism against Black Americans and police that are not just racist, but overfunded and not held accountable. No one should have to live in fear or in poverty because of the color of their skin.”

KAELA GOLDSTEIN SENIOR

ANDER DIEZ SENIOR

“I have been a part of the protests, from Parkland to Fort Lauderdale to Miami. I have been all over South Florida because I feel it is important to make a presence everywhere. The experience is powerful, considering I am a Black woman. I have become closer to my identity and care immensely about the problems of racial injustice and police brutality within our country and in the world. In simple words, I protest in the hope that change will come, there will be reform within the system and that all people will be treated equal[ly].”

“Because of COVID-19, it has been hard to convince my parents to let me go out to any protests, [so] that one [in Cooper City] has been my first and only one. Everyone was practicing social distancing and wearing masks, and there was [a] medic tent and people handing out water. My mom wanted me home, so unfortunately I had to miss the moment of silence that happened at 5:52. My friend… called me during [the moment of silence] so I could sit in my room silent for eight minutes along with the protesters, sending my love to all the victims of police brutality and their families. I honestly wish I could NICOLE GANGA SENIOR be out there in the front lines supporting the Black Lives [Matter movement].”

MAX NOVAK JUNIOR

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“I went to the Cooper City protest [in June]. It was incredibly wellorganized and the atmosphere showed how much people care about the Black Lives Matter movement. Protests such as these mean a lot because saying something online about BLM can take two seconds, but to protest and continue to contribute can make much more of a difference.”

Reporting by Emma Huerta

Photo courtesy of Kaela Goldstein

WHEN A THOUSAND WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH

Protests are not a cute photo op

The Black Lives Matter movement is nothing new; it has been around since 2013, when George Zimmerman was acquitted for the murder of Trayvon Martin. However, the movement was given new life this year, after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers angered people worldwide. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in some cases, the saying rings true. The pictures of countless Black lives lost to police brutality say many things about the racism still prevalent in America today. An individual may post a picture of themselves and their friends at a protest thinking they are showing solidarity with the Black community, but in reality it comes off as though they care more about maintaining their feed than they do about fighting for justice. Since the death of George Floyd, protests have taken place worldwide. Attendees typically support the movement passionately,

BLACK LIVES MATTER All photos comply with fair use standards.

organizing and attending protests in the hopes that their pleas for justice will be heard by authorities. Unfortunately, some individuals use the protests as opportunities to post “aesthetically pleasing” pictures on social media platforms rather than to speak out for the greater good. Posing for a photo in the midst of protesting reduces the movement and the victims associated to a mere backdrop. It is so much more than that. After centuries of oppression, the movement is representation for a minority group to make their voices heard and demand change that has been denied to them countless times before. It is necessary to note that in some cities, protests have turned violent, sparking riots and damage to communities. Using riots as an opportunity to take pictures may glorify this destruction and cause the movement to lose credibility. Black Lives Matter is a peaceful cause, and protests are always organized with good intentions; the actions of a few individuals should not discredit its goals. Of course, posting about a protest is an acceptable way to spread awareness and solidify one’s participation in these historical events. Times like this are seldom times to keep quiet; it is essential to speak out against injustice. However, it is

more helpful to spread information about the origin of the movement and its goals than it is to spread skewed images of protests. This way, one might recruit more supporters, strengthen the cause and educate those who might not fully grasp the root of the cause of it. Treating protests as photo ops is not demonstrative activism, but performative activism. This is the term used to describe activism done out of the desire for increased social standing rather than passion for the cause at hand. Silence is violence, but performative activism is not much better. It is more useful to utilize resources to educate oneself on the issue first, and then to share these discoveries with the world in a way that does not insult the movement. “Although we should not have to, it is our job, as humans in this world, to stand up for what is right and demand change in all aspects including police reform, racial justice, and so much m o r e ,” C C H S senior Kaela Goldstein said.

ICE T S JU GS N I BR CE PEA

BY KAREN SUROS

opinion 9

THE DEBATE

Doxing is a necessary outlet for justice Doxing is categorically defined as the act of publicly identify[ing] or publish[ing] private information about (someone), especially as a form of punishment or revenge, according to Merriam Webster Dictionary. Doxing has quickly emerged as a social media phenomenon, namely during the spike of the current Black Lives Matter movement. It is evident that many people seek retaliation when in necessary circumstances, so therefore doxing has become a way for people to fulfill their urges and create an effect to get what they want: justice. The cases of doxing peaked after the murder of George Floyd. The main police officer involved in the murder, Derek Chauvin, as well as the other officers, have all experienced forms of doxing. For instance, one of Chauvin’s addresses was released, which led to vandalism and other indiscretions at his home. However, after this happened, it led to real change and effect, and caused the police officers to be indicted for their crimes against Floyd, which has not happened

in other police brutality cases. “... I respect the idea that those who did it [doxed Derek Chavin’s address] did it because there was no judicial progress being made and it was used to make a statement, which had an actual effect,” CCHS junior Maya Metsch said. In desperate attempts to effect change, doxing comes down to one of the only ways people will listen. If jurisdiction refuses to answer to peaceful protesting, using social media and the power of technology will oftentimes come in handy in situations like the murder of George Floyd. Having causal justification is what adjudicates doxing and allows it to be morally acceptable. “People technically have the right to show their anger towards these police officers,” CCHS sophomore Matthew Fierstein said. “...and a positive may be that it gives the police officer [in the case of Derek Chauvin] a taste of his own medicine.” It is important for people to have a way of retaliation, whether it is deemed as productive or not. Thus, being able to dox people has its benefits. Doxing comes with benefits which have paramount importance to people that have had personal or otherwise impactful losses at the hands of other people. Having this sense of closure in the cases of injustices provides people with comfort, which is the closest thing to equalizing problems.

BY NICOLE NADLER Illustration by Sofie Kahlig

s comp

All photo

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ndards.

ir use sta ly with fa

OVER DOXING The downsides of doxing... a sinister social media trend Amidst a global pandemic and rising social tensions, many people are utilizing the internet to advocate for change. Social mediacentered activism is becoming increasingly more prevalent, and as more social movements take place digitally, doxing, or leaking someone’s personal information online, is becoming more common. Despite its growing popularity, doxing is an unsafe and unethical practice that does more harm than good. It can have dangerous and even life-threatening effects. Giving out a person’s private information can lead to trespassing on their property, threats of violence or worse. For example, during the Gamergate controversy several years back, female gamers, journalists and video game developers were doxxed by men online. These women received death and rape threats, and many of them were forced to flee their home in search of safety. More recently, St. Louis mayor Lyda Krewson released the full names and addresses of protesters who wanted to defund the police on a Facebook livestream. This resulted in an uproar from people all over the country, including CCHS students. “Personally, I think the mayor should be taken out of office. She’s taking advantage of her power as an official and using it to take away citizen’s voices,” CCHS junior Marley Meaney said. “We have the right to protest and it’s completely inappropriate that she’s still sitting in a position of power after that incident.” Thousands of people were disgusted with Krewson’s actions because it endangered the lives of those protesters, who were her constituents. In other cases, doxing is often done by amatuer internet sleuths, and that can lead to many mistakes along the way. Innocent people are often subject to doxing, and the effects are irreversible. When Peter Weinberg from Maryland was

mistaken for an abusive cyclist this June, his address was leaked onto the internet. Police had to patrol around his house to ensure he was not harmed. Weinberg is still working to clear his reputation. Although both he and the police released statements denying his involvement in the incident, he cannot undo the harm caused by the doxxers and trolls that threatened him and released his information. Many of these internet sleuths dox as a form of justice. Revealing private information about someone can lead to their humiliation, unemployment or arrest, and it gives the doxxer a sense that justice was served. But doxxing is not justice; it is vengeance. When people dox someone’s address online, they know that it is not going to be used to drop off freshlybaked bread. It is going to be used for something far more sinister. Justice can not be served with a side of bias and malintent; it must be delivered fairly. These same people claim that doxing is a form of activism, used to create social change. But is it ethical to use vengeance as a tool for positive change? “I do not believe that doxing is an ethical form of activism,” CCHS senior Ander Diez said. “Revealing someone’s personal information can put their safety and privacy at risk… There are ethical lines that we should not cross in activism, and I believe doxing is one of them.” Activism can be done in many other ethical ways; instead of posting someone’s address online, one could contact their employers or the authorities. One can petition to have them removed from positions of authority, protest in front of their place of work or even sue them. Activism is about working to make the world a better place. But if we are using vengeance and malice means to move our cause forward, we are just as bad as the hate, corruption and injustice we are fighting against.

BY ELENA ASHBURN

opinion 11

EMBRACING THE

“NEW NORMAL” Broward leaders plan the complicated details of reopening schools virtually

Florida’s constantly changing COVID-19 situation is putting it on a course to become one of the worst of all 50 U.S. states, with the number of new cases breaking records every day. This unfortunate track record, coupled up with the beginning of the school year, has most of the country– and the world– with their eyes on Florida’s government and district school boards, awaiting their decision on the return to the classroom during the pandemic. Broward County, in particular, is one of the counties with the most cases in Florida, second only to MiamiDade County. It is with this context that the superintendents of both districts reached a decision in a virtual workshop on July 22 to start the 2020-2021 school year with 100% online instruction. Superintendent Robert Runcie believes that it is not safe for students or staff to physically return to the classrooms. He entails that remote learning eliminates the exposure resulting from the crowded environment of schools. Broward has the second largest student population in Florida, and with the widespread reach of the virus, opening schools would most likely lead to them having to close back again quickly, similar to what has happened in cases of re-opening schools in Georgia and Indiana. As for the dynamic of online instruction,

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Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) proposed four and a half to five hours of live interaction daily between teachers and students. This is a stark contrast to the spring semester, with the upcoming months comprising of more consistent face-to-face lessons relying heavily on Microsoft Teams. CCHS will follow an A/B block schedule (four classes a day), with the school day starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 3:10 p.m. Instructional support from teachers will also be available to high school students in the evening. Runcie stated that training has been offered for teachers throughout July and August to facilitate the transition to this new teaching endeavor. He also adds that BCPS has spent the summer tackling the outage and glitch issues surrounding new online instruction software. Broward students and staff should not get too comfortable with the remote learning protocols because Runcie has stated that it is not permanent, and schools may open up before the first

quarter ends. Depending on the situation of the virus every two weeks, BCPS will start to branch out and offer their students more choices on their preferred method of learning. “We’ve got a major checkpoint that we’ve targeted that is Oct. 1,” Superintendent Runcie said in an interview with Local 10 News. “That would give us about three weeks or so that we can pivot to move to our hybrid model, which would provide opportunities to students who want to stay home and continue e-learning, also for the hybrid where they could come part-time to school and even actually be able to have students coming full-time who would desire to do so in most cases.” The complexity that surrounds the return to classrooms is one that concerns not only staff, students and parents, but the community as a whole. One thing is certain, and that is that the “normal” that we once knew is no more, and we will need to adapt under these trying circumstances.

BY CAMILA FERNANDEZ Photo by The Lariat Photography

NOT Gen Z is overly criticized TOO as the world evolves YOUNG

Photo by The Lariat Photography

The end of the millennial reign is quickly approaching and they will soon be a part of history because it is now Generation Z’s time. Those who make up Generation Z are born between 1994 and 2010, a time period aligned with the rise and development of technology. As expected, there are plenty of labels and descriptions assigned to those born in the middle of the digital age, as it makes this group seem like the true digital natives of the world. Generation Z individuals, affectionately known as Gen Z, have been continuously criticized for their tendency to communicate mostly through messages rather than phone calls. This is because many young adults often feel pressure and are overwhelmed when talking to a young person through phone calls. “Teens are connected 24/7,” Dean of University of Southern California’s (USC) School of Communication Willow

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Bay said. “The social and academic development is closely connected to the use of smartphones and it is a generation that is growing at the same rate as technology. Families have had to adapt their lifestyle to integrate with electronic devices.” On the other hand, regarding technology, Gen Z also demonstrates greater social activism or lends themselves to more volunteering activities with all the chaos in the world through this medium. According to research by ITA Group Inc., 77% of high school students (Gen Z) are extremely interested in volunteering to gain work experience, compared to 63% of college students (mostly millennials). Gen Z takes part in designing solutions to the problems that are faced in everyday life. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that more than a quarter of 16- to 19-yearolds are volunteering in their daily lives, and 60% of Gen Z individuals want jobs that have a social impact as compared to

the 31% of millennials. However, there are many worries that the world has for Gen Z. This generation exhibits more anxiety and mental health disorders than their predecessors. As the world is currently undergoing a life changing pandemic, anxiety has been evermore present. Gen Z has grown up with mass shootings and recessions, alongside an unexpected pandemic, which makes them handle things differently compared to millennials. “Secondary students and even younger kids are increasingly anxious about problems like climate change,” University of British Columbia psychologist Jiaying Zhao said. “Although, the issue is so grand, that they feel helpless[…] the public doesn’t know much about COVID-19, which leads to anxiety.” Supplying Gen Z with the correct information and teaching them what is and is not credible can be very beneficial. Something to remember is that spreading awareness about COVID-19 for younger people isn’t similar to millennials, as these two groups may use and experience social media differently. In fact, many Gen

Z individuals have resorted to platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share and post information about significant current events. With the many modern resources the 21st century has, Gen Z is on track to be the best educated generation yet. When looking at the older members of Gen Z, statistics show that they are in a different educational trajectory than the generations that came before. They are less likely to drop out of high school and more likely to be enrolled in college. Among 18- to 21-year-olds that are no longer in high school as of 2018, 57% were enrolled in a two-year or four-year colleges. This compares with 52% of millennials in 2003 and 43% of Generation X in 1987, according to Pew Research Center. While there are challenges that Generation Z will face, people must accept that every generation comes with its own traits and customs. In spite of the fact that Gen Z may have some critical feedback, such as their increased attachment to technology, this age group offers a grand advancement for the future.

BY SOFIA MENDEZ

Illustration by Sofie Kahlig

THE UNCONVENTIONAL CLASSROOM How distance learning puts students’ disabilities and mental health at risk

READ MORE AT: thelariatonline.com Photo by The Lariat Photography

16 opinion

When Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new approach to learning had to be implemented. Students and teachers at CCHS have had to adjust quickly to the new style and expectations of distance learning. These rapid changes have carried consequences for students’ mental health, especially students with disabilities. Ellen Roberts, a program specialist for behavior for Broward Schools voiced concern over the effects of distance learning on Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students. “A lot of these kids don’t have the ability to socialize normally,” Roberts said. “The parents have to be with them all throughout their online sessions.” Many of these students are involved in year-round instructional programs, such as ESE, which have always been face-to-face. However, due to the pandemic, a lot of added responsibility has been placed on parents. They have to help their child get online and complete their tasks while also providing for their specific needs, not to mention working their own jobs. Students with disabilities suffer even more from social isolation, so without in-person assistance,

they can fall behind. This makes things extra challenging for teachers who have to rapidly adapt to fit the needs of their students. At home, one-onone attention, assistance with general education and special needs assistance simply cannot be expected from working parents, especially those in lowincome households. P r o g r a m s designed for distance learning are challenging to use. Students that are non-verbal, deaf or with severe auditory or speechrelated impairments cannot communicate adequately through a Zoom call. Blind or visuallyimpaired students that require braille documents or someone to read the material to them are at a disadvantage as these things are incredibly difficult to provide within an online setting. Students with autism or other cognitive disabilities rely on schedules and routines to function daily, which makes distance learning challenging. A lack of social structure and isolation from friends can be damaging. Without a traditional in-class instruction system, it’s easy for otherwise high-achieving students to fall behind. Isolation carries a lot of other negative effects on the student body. With school campuses closed, students have very limited access to counseling and peer consultation that are normally readily available.

Stress is already a constant problem for students. Challenge Success, a research organization with Stanford University, surveyed 43,000 American students last year and found that 75% of high schoolers and 50% of middle schoolers are often or always feeling stressed by schoolwork. Extra stress can also be placed heavily on students who have responsibilities at home, such as caring for a younger sibling or working a job for the family’s income. These obligations are impediments to keeping up with the increased workload involved with distance learning. Superintendent Robert Runcie announced that schools will be virtual for all students at the beginning of the school year. However, a “pilot effort” to later begin limited in-person instruction for students with disabilities was mentioned. If these programs can be implemented safely and effectively, they will help to relieve the daily burden on parents during the remainder of distance learning. With COVID-19 cases increasing in Florida, opening schools fully for inperson instruction seems unlikely. However, while distance learning continues, measures need to be taken to safeguard the mental health of students and provide a proper method of instruction for students with disabilities.

Disclaimer: Ellen Roberts is a relative of the reporter.

BY ADDISON ROBERTS

A YEAR OF CHAOS It’s a well-known fact that journalists have the important job of informing society about the reality of the world. Unfortunately, they have had to face multiple difficulties doing their job throughout the years. Journalists in 2020 have faced physical attacks, false imprisonments and demeaning comments from the public and government officials in what could be seen as one of the worst years for the First Amendment in American history. With the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak occurring in the U.S., 2020 has further unmasked declining global viewpoints about journalists. “Over the decades for which such data has been available, we have seen that people tend to think of journalism in a more favorable light than, say, the White House or Congress, but as less trustworthy than medicine, education, the military, organized religion or major c o r p o r a t i o n s ,” C o l u m b i a Journalism Review writer Michael Schudson said. T h e challenge journalists face in 2020 is the danger t h a t comes with the job

The hardships 2020 has caused for journalists

nowadays. While some photographers in Las Vegas. asking legitimate questions civilians think that journalists “Reporters by and about the pandemic. have a simple job of just large said they wanted the With Trump being writing a story, the reality attention to be focused on the the president of the U.S., he is that this is not true at all. communities they cover, not has a certain influence over Additionally, some reporters on their own safety concerns” people’s opinions, along have even been physically CNN reporter Brian Stelter with having power over the and verbally attacked along said. “Still, the incidents country. So, many people, with being wrongfully provoked concern from a mostly his supporters, are imprisoned just for likely listening to his multiple doing their job while“REPORTERS ARE ESSENTIAL negative messages regarding covering the Black Lives TO HOW WE GET OUR the press and believing in his Matter (BLM) protests. views. Whenever there comes “In my opinion, INFORMATION AND FOR news that he doesn’t like, I think that these attacks he tends to use the phrase THEM TO GET THEIR are uncalled for as “fake news” to influence reporters are just trying STORIES, THEY SHOULDN’T people that the reporters to do their job of bringing are making false claims. HAVE TO FEAR BEING the news to the public,” When reporter Peter The Round Up Copy and Alexander asked Trump in ATTACKED.” Content Manager Sarah a CNN interview on March -SARAH MARKS 20 what the president would Marks said. “Reporters are essential to how we THE ROUND UP COPY AND say to Americans who are get our information and afraid during the pandemic, CONTENT MANAGER Trump responded that he for them to get their stories, they shouldn’t is a “terrible reporter” and have to fear being attacked.” range of advocacy groups.” that the question was “nasty.” On a Friday in May, J o u r n a l i s t s A d d i t i o n a l l y , CNN reported half a dozen consistently put themselves financial troubles seem to instances of attacks in harm’s way whenever they be following journalists as against journalists, cover a story. Reporters don’t the pandemic and protests including the know what is going to happen are leading them to being arrest of a when they “go live” for a story on forced furloughs. CNN crew in or knock on a stranger’s door From going Minneapolis for a quote. This is a reality to a crime scene to get and two news journalists face daily for information they need for even the most basic story. their article or having to Along with being go to a possibly dangerous physically attacked by event during a pandemic to strangers during protests, it make their report, journalists seems that politicians have are known to take risks for no mercy when it comes the sake of what they need to verbally abusing them. to publish for the public. President Donald Trump BY NINA RAMIREZ constantly attacks the press in tweets READ MORE AT: and in interviews. thelariatonline.com Trump has verbally Photo by The Lariat attacked reporters for feature 17 Photography

unmask masking ing the How CCHS staff and students feel about reopening school

truth

Summer is ending lunch, recess or other daily to ensure and the school year is activities. However, for these the safety creeping upon us after schools specifically, it has yet of the majority months of quarantine and to be determined if the student since social distancing social distancing. Returning has infected anyone else. is still a requirement to campus is the new debate Masks have been to combat the threat across the nation, with the proven to be a considerable of catching COVID-19. decision impacting millions factor in stopping the spread “Social distancing of families. Some individuals of the virus. However, between students and faculty want to return to school needs to be enforced as “PERSONALLY, NO, I like we have every year well as disinfecting the WOULDN’T WANT TO before, while others see classrooms throughout the situation too dire RETURN TO CAMPUS SOON. the day,” sophomore to cause such potential Jheineken Deliarte said. c o n s e q u e n c e s . THE NUMBERS ARE STILL “Limited movement around W h i l e AT A VERY CONCERNING campus, hand sanitizer Broward County Public dispensers that are easily HEIGHT.” Schools (BCPS) has accessible around school deemed it necessary and more time spent outside -DYLAN TAMAROFF to continue online would also be preferable.” SENIOR These learning for the time practices being, schools across would make for an admirable the nation have begun individuals are still hesitant approach to stopping the reopening and situations to wear them so it is likely threat of the illness while have already arisen. for this inclination to still being able to return to Near Atlanta, flow into the classroom. school normally. However, Georgia, elementary schools “Knowing the kids it is hard to imagine this began the return to campus at our school, some would as a sound procedure that on August 3. By August 4, a and some wouldn’t [follow the school can follow, second grader had already new rules],” junior Hannah considering the time, money tested positive for the virus, Toft said. “Plus, I know I don’t and effort that it would take. causing their entire class to want to wear a mask all day.” Nevertheless, keeping the return to online learning Asking the over school in a much cleaner for another two weeks after 2,000 students that attend state, in conjunction with returning for just one day. CCHS to wear a mask all an overall higher sense This is a concern day would be a challenge, of hygiene, is a practical many individuals have considering the fact that every pursuit that students since the student almost day security has to remind and staff are expecting. certainly interacted with people to wear their IDs “I think I would their peers outside of their despite it being a requirement feel most safe when this was classroom. This could occur when on campus. no longer a threat,” English in environments such as at Even if every teacher Wendy Schauben individual on campus wore said. “Perhaps when there 18 feature a mask, it is still not enough is a vaccine available that

people can take so that they are no longer at risk.” According to Schauben, this situation is seemingly difficult and she clearly has her health and those around her as one of her top priorities. From a teacher’s standpoint, adhering to these new rules and procedures is a lot to ask of students, especially younger ones. “Personally, no, I wouldn’t want to return to campus soon,” senior Dylan Tamaroff said. “The numbers are still at a very concerning height. I would like to wait for them to drop a very significant amount so the positivity rate of the virus is very low.” Although online learning will come with its challenges, the possible repercussions that might come with the return to school in person may negatively affect the CCHS community.

BY KAMDYN ROHER Illustration by Kamdyn Roher READ MORE AT: thelariatonline.com

WHAT BLACK STUDENTS WANT THEIR PEERS TO KNOW

With the most recent deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the Black Lives Matter movement has become as prevalent as the coronavirus pandemic. While the pandemic has made it very difficult to support this movement physically, many have taken to social media to make their voices heard. Because Cooper City is a predominantly white community, there are many things that its Black members would like to shed light on as we move forward. One of the many things that is inevitably challenged as a Black individual in a predominantly white community is one’s identity. For some, it has made them relate to their race even more, yet it has made it that much harder for others. “Growing up in a predominately white school has definitely affected how I identif[ied] myself in the beginning years of school. I always had to adapt the way I acted every time I was at school,” CCHS senior Dustin Symonette said. “Due to going to a school where I didn’t see many people that looked like me, I embraced and discovered my Black culture later on than other students had.” It’s difficult to understand who you are

and be comfortable in your own skin when there are very few that have the same skin as you. Those that didn’t seem “Black enough” would often be regarded as “white-washed” or an “Oreo” to even their own families. This struggle to relate to one’s own race can be attributed to the influence of white culture, or rather, the lack of Black culture. The most commonly criticized aspect of Black students is their hair. Since Caucasian hair is all a Black student is often exposed to in a predominantly white community, Black individuals will either struggle to make their hair look more “normal” or face ridicule when they embrace their natural hair. Along with their identity being challenged, Black students also face adversity w i t h t h e i r beliefs w h e n it comes to racial

injustices. When attending a predominantly white school, it is common to find that a significant amount of their friends are not only not Black, but most likely white. When topics of racial injustices come forth, there are different roles a Black student and friend must assume. One could either try to educate their peers and have these uncomfortable conversations, or one can remain unbiased and indifferent in order to maintain friendships that don’t involve politics. With both options, there are a set of consequences. So, Black students must often have to find balance within themselves to do both. “If someone were to bring [the topic of racial issues] up to me, I would hear them out while giving my opinion. But I don’t see myself trying to educate others even after what happened because it goes against my personality and who I am,” CCHS junior Bengaly Kone said. “Although these topics need to be discussed, I don’t think to bring these up because it often creates an environment where one can’t joke and smile. I don’t go out of my way to spread m y opi n i ons .” Bringing up these t o p i c s along with

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preserving a non-hostile environment is a whole other challenge in itself. This is even more reason to engage in these conversations with Black students so that the student body as a collective can move past the fear of being uncomfortable. “In order to properly move forward as a society, we have to come to an understanding of basic realities. One of the basic realities is that this country, with all of the great things it stands for, has a foundation of racism,” history teacher and Multicultural Club sponsor Kevin Fair said. “If we understand that concept, we are better able to see it when it exists, address it when we see it and then move forward together. So just like resolving in any issue in any relationship, if the Cooper community is willing to have these conversations, the change will come naturally.” Inevitably, no matter which path a Black student will take, being a part of a predominantly white community comes with challenges. However, these challenges are not impossible to resolve. So, this is what Black students want their peers to know: Learn, help and create discussions with people of color. Then listen, engage and get on board. Whatever platform you have, big or small, speak up. Silence is violence.

BY SASHEEN JOSEPH

Illustration by Mia Tunon