The Little Hawk

the little hawk Iowa City, IA

May 15, 2020

Vol. 80

Issue 5

thelittlehawk.com

Quick NEWS The newspaper that leads

sat The June SAT date has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

ACT The April ACT date was postponed to June 13.

MATILDA ABOVE: City High’s doors remain closed as classes move online amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. PHOTO BY NATALIE GREEN

City High closes its doors All Iowa schools closed in March for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year

I

By Shoshie Hemley

owa Governor Kim Reynolds announced on April 17 that Iowa schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year. It was announced in early March, before spring break, that schools would remain closed till April 13th.

Three weeks after spring break, however, with the rise of COVID-19 cases in Iowa, the state extended the closures. In order to ensure the health and safety of both students and staff, they closed all of Iowa’s 327 public school districts and 179 nonpublic schools.

“It was just really hard at first, but after the first week or so, it just kind of like, ‘okay, this is how it is, and can’t really do anything about it so far but stay home,’” Thomazin Jury ‘21 said.

Many students miss being at school, surrounded by peers and teachers.

“It makes you grateful for the things that you have for sure,” Jury said.

For Principal John Bacon, the situation feels surreal.

“If you told me coming back from winter break that our school year was going to end at spring break, I’d never have believed you,” Bacon said. “The whole world is just really trying to adjust to this unprecedented situation.”

For the first few weeks of school closures, there were optional online enrichment choices for students.

They were able to choose to continue to participate in their learning.

“For what the school has been

@instalittlehawk

doing, they’ve been doing a great for students, such as the spring job of trying to adjust and make musical, prom, and possibly gradeveryone feel safe. And that every- uation. thing’s gonna be okay,” Jury said.

“I think about some amazing Following the announcement things that happen in our high that schools were to remain closed, school down the stretch of a school the district has now changed to an year from, the academic opportunioptional system that allows stu- ties, to our spring musical, or final dents multiple choices between orchestra concert, to track meets, taking a pass, or taking a GPA cred- you name it,” Bacon said. “We just it. Those who have chosen to con- have so many incredible things that tinue with their learning will be en- happen each spring at City High, gaging through online assignments and to have those things not hapand virtual meetings. pen, it is very, very hard. There are “The reality is [that] school is countless stories of kids who have not over. And we are very proud really worked hard for something, of our staff. They’re going where whose very special time was comthey’ve never ing, and now gone before in they don’t get a really short to do that.” timeframe, Due to trying to be the fact that able to deliver seniors are quality online graduating educational City High opportunities without comfor kids,” Bapleting their con said. “All final trimeswe can do is ter at school focus on those in person, the city high principal experiences community being as rich and school are and robust as possible in terms of finding ways to honor the class of the online educational experienc- 2020 through ways such as yard es.” signs and an Instagram account Official online schooling started congratulating seniors on the colfor students on April 27. leges they’ve committed to.

“So far I think there’s just a lot of “I think in terms of some of the confusion. I don’t know if I should other very special ceremonial activbe ahead of schedule. It’s just a lot ities that come with the end of the of planning. So far I think it’s gonna school year, I think we just need to be okay. I’m not too worried about be very creative and patient and try it. I think it’ll be fine. It’s just add- to make sure we’re making the best ing something new,” Jury said. decision possible,” Bacon said.

The closures have resulted in Furthermore, according to Govnumerous cancellations of events ernor Reynold’s website, the Iowa

““If you told me coming back from winter break that our school year was going to end at spring break, I’d never have believed you,” John Bacon

@thelittlehawk

Department of Education will also waive instructional time requirements for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. This will require schools to submit a Return to Learn Plan to the Iowa Department of Education by July 1 outlining ways they will address disruptions to learning as a result of COVID-19.

It will also waive the requirement that schools start no earlier than August 23.

“There’s a lot of emotion connected to this. It’s a hard thing, I think for a lot of people to have just such an abrupt end to being in person,” Bacon said. “For some of the strong connections that exist to be interrupted like that, I think it’s really hard on a lot of kids and staff alike.”

Bacon would also like to plan a way for the school to feel more connected when the pandemic is over.

“I really am committed to some type of get-together once things open back up. I think it would be great if we could design a way to kind of come together, celebrate, let people be together, and get some sense of closure on our school year. I’m also really interested in planning some type of school celebration that can be held,” Bacon said. “ If not, then obviously we just continue to navigate this virtual world that we’re in and make the best of it. [We’ll] keep trying to find creative ways to allow our City High community to feel connected and engaged with each other during this unprecedented time.”

For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Education’s website on COVID-19 information and guidance.

Facebook.com/thelittlehawk

The Drama Department’s production of Matilda the Musical has been postponed to the spring of 2021.

AP TESTS All AP tests have been moved online in order for students to take at home. The exams will be only two questions and will be free response.

MOCK TRIAL Three of City High’s mock trial teams qualified for state earlier in March at the regional competition making City High Mock Trial history.

However, the Iowa State Bar Association cancelled the state competition due to COVID-19.

SPRING SPORTS Due to COVID-19, all spring sports have been cancelled.

Iowa City Community School District The Iowa City Community School District is now providing optional online schooling for students.

LIBRARY The Iowa City Public Library is temporarily closed and not accepting returns. All fines are temporarily suspended.

LH NEWS APP Download the new Student News Source app on Apple or Android devices.

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THE LITTLE HAWK THELITTLEHAWK.COM MAY 15, 2020

2A NEWS

LetterEditors from the

Dear Reader,

It feels great to be able to write to you again! We miss each and every one of you dearly, and we hope that you are all staying safe and healthy. Although this is our last issue of The Little Hawk, we have pulled back to allow the new editors to get some experience for next year. Our energy is mostly being focused on the Senior Salute, which we hope you all have received and enjoyed! The new editors are doing great work, and we are immensely proud of them.

Of course, this issue is not like any other that has been produced in the history of The Little Hawk. We cannot cover many events, because they are not happening outside our homes. We can’t even spend time in our beloved Room 2109. But despite these many challenges, we are hopeful for the future of the paper, because we are leaving it in good hands.

We knew our last issue would be bittersweet, but of course it is even more so now. None of us ever expected that our senior year would end this way, that our careers on the paper we have loved so much, for which we have cried and sacrificed and stayed up late, would end this way. But we know that we will always have the memories we’ve made, and that each of us has left an impact on this paper, on this school, that will remain forever.

For the final time, and with the very greatest love,

Mira Bohannan Kumar

Nina Lavezzo-Stecopoulos

THE LITTLE HAWK THELITTLEHAWK.COM MAY 15, 2020

NEWS 3A

CULINARY CLUB

BAKING TARTS AND CHOCOLATE CAKE THROUGH QUARANTINE

By Haileigh Steffen

W

hat to do?

Oh! What to do!? The coronavirus has created bushels of questions for students. None more pressing (for some) than how to occupy their endless hours social distancing. Ana Laura Leyser ‘22, however, has answered the mystery of time-occupation quite elegantly with a simple flick of flour and a large spoonful of sugar: baking.

Jake Roth ‘22 is the City High Culinary Club joint president with Leyser, a club that hosts around 15-20 students with varying skill levels. Roth, like Leyser, has been keeping busy baking. Unlike Leyser’s range of dessert dishes, Roth has narrowed down on a few cookie recipes he enjoys baking, with the assortment containing such things as chocolate chip cookies, double chocolate cookies, pumpkin bars, and monster cookies.

Monster cookies, Roth reports, are his favorite to make. Roth stresses the importance of baking things that you have fun making, especially during the wake of a pandemic.

“If people like baking, then it is a good way to do something fun,” Roth said.

“And to take a break from whatever you are doing if you’re anxious. And if you’re bored and you can’t get yourself to do something, you can have a lot of fun baking.”

Leyser adds that baking over the quarantine is beneficial not only for your mind, but also for your body. She states that many baked goods have ingredients with unknown effects.

She adds that Culinary Club does not always bake things that are sugar-filled. Rather, Culinary Club covers a wide range of recipes for students.

“I personally really like to demonstrate [how to make] healthy things,” Leyser said. “I feel like just being informed on how to make some of those recipes at home is important for your health. Plus, you don’t have to buy things that you don’t know what goes into it.”

The two presidents have noticed that many students are turning to baking during the pandemic. So much, in fact, that to make their expertise available, Leyser and Roth are planning a possible Instagram live-stream to answer any culinary-related questions and to host a “cooking session.”

ABOVE: Leyser baked a lemon pie with layered cream BELOW: Leyser made a chocolate cake to take up her quarantine time. To serve she sliced nad covered the cake with a whipcream.

PHOTOS BY ANA LAURA LEYSER

ABOVE: Leyser also served her chocolate cake with strawberries and blueberries.

LEFT: To show her Jewish side, Leyser made babka bread, a traditional dessert made from bread and chocolate.

PHOTOS BY ANA LAURA LEYSER

4A NEWS

THE LITTLE HAWK THELITTLEHAWK.COM MAY 15, 2020

Prom put on hold Prom has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic but that does not slow the student body and teachers from planning next year.

ABOVE: AP students can find more information about exam changes on the College Board website. PHOTO BY HAILEIGH STEFFEN

AP exams shift to accommodate COVID-19 challenges The college board has made many changes for tests and test takers due to COVID-19.

By Haileigh Steffen

T

he College Board announced early this month that they will be changing the format of the 2020 AP exams in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The test will be shortened to 45 minutes and students will be able to take them at home either electronically or on a paper copy. Other changes include switching the exam to an

open-book essay.

Students now have the option of opting out of their exams and receiving a full test refund.

Rachel Tornblom ‘22 is taking the AP World History: Modern exam this year and has some concerns about the changes, most notably about not being prepared for the specific format the exams have been changed to. However, Tornblom says that the College Board had no other choice.

“Well, I think there was no other way to do it. And they needed to take the test now,” Tornblom said. “Since it is open book, it's better. I feel better when the tests aren’t open book because I can’t waste time checking answers.”

Tornblom adds that she believes taking the test at home will alleviate test anxiety. She also notes that her teacher has done an excellent job preparing her throughout the year.

“I think the teachers are doing the best they can to prepare us: Zoom meetings and sending out materials,” Tornblom said.

“Already this year they’ve worked hard at preparing us for the exams.

There's always the last-minute DBQ that we didn’t go over a whole lot, but they are definitely trying.”

AP students can find more information about exam changes on the College Board website.

Credit where credit is due Due to school closures the ICCSD has come up with new guidelines for grades and credits for students.

By Paris Fuller

A

fter Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds directed schools to be closed for the remainder of the school year, the Iowa City Community School District is bringing learning opportunities to the houses of students through online classes which began April 27.

“I think online classes are good.

I mean what else are we gonna do during quarantine? It's a good way for students to keep up with they’re learning in an easy way,” Shelby Caldwell ‘21 said.

Students who currently have a passing grade in their class can choose to take a “P,” which means that they pass the class and are done with it for the rest of the school year. If students choose the pass option this will not affect their current GPA, just the grade for that class. Principal John Bacon believes there is no risk to taking as many classes as you can.

“I encourage students to stick with as many classes as they can handle. The worst you can do is

pass the course. If they do well, to students to try and keep the A they can earn a positive letter grade or B by participating in the online that will boost [their] grade-point work,” Peterson said. average. No risk, only the benefit of On April 21, a link was sent increased educational experiences,” out containing a form called “The Bacon said. student intent form” in which stuThis is the same for Advanced dents decided which classes they Placement classes as well. Students will be continuing for the rest of can also continue and earn a grade the school year. Students who do that would go not meet course towards their expectations new GPA. Mary or fail their onPeterson, one line class will of the school’s receive a “W,” guidance counor withdraw, selors shares the and no credit question she for that course. has received the This, however, most from stuwill be waived guidance conselor dents. for seniors if “By far, the it’s a graduation most common credit. All other question I have received is ‘I have students will be allowed to retake a an A or B in my course, can I take course through credit recovery opthe pass and will the A show on tions if they are needed to graduate. my transcript?’ The answer to that “You can switch from earning is no, if you take the pass, on your a grade to a pass at any time betranscript, you will receive credit fore the trimester is over. Students for the course, but the grade will would just need to communicate be listed as a ‘P.’ This will not affect this with their teacher. This is posyour GPA. I am recommending sible in any course. A student could

“The district has been very mindful of the uniqueness of the school closures due to Covid-19.”

Mary Peterson

start taking all of their classes for a grade, but maybe they are working or have family responsibilities and cannot keep up with all their classes. They could choose to take a pass on the classes they are struggling in the most and grades for the others.

The district has been very mindful of the uniqueness of the school closures due to Covid-19 and want[s] to protect this from having negative ramifications on students in the future,” Peterson said.

Teachers are also given guidelines for teaching students online.

Teachers have office hours so that students have time to ask questions to their teachers.

“Teachers are to deliver a lesson, presentation, or reading assignment once per week on a designated day. The work they assign is not to exceed three hours per week.

They are also directed to provide two different office hours opportunities to give students direct feedback during the week,” Bacon said.

Parents or students with questions are encouraged to reach out to their guidance counselor, teacher, or principal.

T

By Paris Fuller

his year, the magic of prom has been put on hold. The theme was supposed to be Casino Royale. The night would have been May 2. Instead of celebrating with friends, students will be staying at home with their families.

“I was really looking forward to this. I had my dress picked out and I knew who I wanted to go with so it’s just frustrating.” Shelby Caldwell ‘21 said.

As of now, there are no plans in the works to make up prom according to Ms.Gibbins.

“There is no plan for an alternative prom. There may be an Instagram effort for students to post photos of what they would have worn,” Gibbins said. “We will lose money not having Prom [because of ticket sales], but of course, the expenses for the venue, DJ, mementos, food, [and] drinks will not be a cost for us. We have a significant cushion of money from past events, so we should be okay. Our major source of revenue does come from dances, so this will affect us over the next year.”

The district, however, is still discussing options for students and planning ahead to graduation.

“We are committed to providing the best graduation ceremony we can, but not sure about prom. Stay tuned for information on this one.”

Bacon said.

This was supposed to be the last prom for the senior class of 2020.

Senior Class President Mira Bohannan Kumar ‘20 was supposed to help organize prom through the student senate.

“I think this impacts the current senior class a great deal. All of us are missing out on the things we might have been looking forward to this year. Additionally, there are many students who no longer have as certain of access to food and other important resources on a daily basis. I’m glad the district has chosen to continue providing meals for this reason. Everyone deserves to live a safe and healthy life with their basic needs met. I’m hoping that each and every member of the senior class is doing that,” Bohannan Kumar said.

With the changes directly affecting this year’s upperclassmen, next year’s prom is also unknown.

“I’m not sure how this will impact next year’s prom. It really depends on what happens between now and then. As of now, I believe that our prom venue reservation is still on for next year,” Bohannan Kumar said.

NEWS 6A

THE LITTLE HAWK THELITTLEHAWK.COM MAY 15, 2020

Iowa U.S. Senate race ART BY EMME PERENCEVICH

Iowans will be able to head to the polls for to vote for the Iowa seat of the U.S. senate along side Joni Ernst.

Healthcare during COVID-19 O

COVID-19 cases are doubling in early May with Iowa not reaching its peak, healthcare workers are still at risk for COVID-19.

I

By Emme Perencevich

n Iowa, the number of COVID-19 cases is roughly doubling every five weeks, with about five hundred cases every day. As of right now, Iowa has yet to reach its predicted peak.

That means that the number of cases will continue to increase until it

does so. “‘Flattening the curve’ is an epidemiological term to describe where we are in an epidemic. As the infection spreads, it reaches a peak,” Eli Perencevich, MD, a professor of Internal Medicine, infectious diseases, and Epidemiology at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, said. “We want that peak to be lower, with fewer cases per day, so that we don’t overwhelm our healthcare system. Flattening the peak is about squashing the curve so it’s shorter over a longer period of time without overwhelming our healthcare system.”

While traveling internationally has slowed since the implementation of travel restrictions and the closing of borders to several foreign countries, there are far fewer constraints on intrastate travel.

“This is one measure to try to decrease the chance of students getting infected while abroad. Travel plans can also get disrupted while abroad because of the epidemic,” Jorge Salinas, MD, a Hospital Epidemiologist, Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, and Infectious Diseases, said. “Patients could get sick also while abroad, where there may not be enough healthcare capacity.”

Both Perencevich and Salinas have given advice on how to do your part to flatten the curve for the benefit of healthcare workers and the at-risk people around you.

“To prevent the spread of the virus, [you should] wash your hands often, [practice] the proper cough etiquette, and social dis-

tance, especially if you are sick,” Salinas said.

“Distance education is feasible and can help decrease the spread of the disease. When to implement such measures and for how long is a difficult decision that needs to be taken in conjunction with state public health officials.”

Health care workers are still at risk even when they aren’t at hospitals. Following the recommendations of experts and CDC guidelines can ensure they remain able to do their jobs.

“If healthcare workers have personal protective equipment like face shields, masks, respirators, gowns and gloves, they’re unlikely to catch the virus in the hospital setting,” said Perencevich. “But they’re equally likely as anyone else to catch it in the community.

So, if they’re commuting to work on a bus or subway, they could catch it there.”

With the partial reopening of Iowa set for early May, healthcare researchers warn of a possible second wave of the virus. A second peak could further overwhelm the healthcare system and undo the effects of the past nine weeks of social distancing across the state.

In an interview with NBC, Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House coronavirus task force and one of the government’s top infectious disease experts, said he was “cautiously optimistic” about reopening.

However, he also gave a warning.

“When you pull back, there will be cases,” Fauci said. “And what we need to do is make sure they have in place the capability of identifying, isolating, and contact-tracing individuals.”

Iowa City, and the rest of Johnson County, will remain closed until May 15 along with 21 other Iowa counties.

“I think Johnson County and Iowa City have been fantastic. They’ve done everything possible to encourage flattening the curve, encourage people to stay home, close in the

appropriate businesses, and send the right messages,” said Perencevich. “I worry that the state of Iowa is opening up too early because a lot of our rural counties don’t have enough testing to know how much COVID-19 disease is there. So, we [shouldn’t] safely open up until we increase our testing capacity.”

The problem that a limited number of tests poses is that, in the 77 counties opened May 1, there could be more people infected who are asymptomatic, untested, or unreported. The number of cases, and deaths, are still on the upward trend of exponential growth according to the NYT and KCII Des Moines. Both sites have corroborating graphs that show that Iowa’s cases-per-day are in the hundreds.

“We don’t have that many people that live in Iowa, we have a small population of only three million people, so 500 cases for us is a lot of cases,” said Perencevich “But I think the key is that we need to see that flatten, so we want to see no more than 500 cases for five or seven days in a row or declining numbers of cases where we’re doing tons of testing but only finding three or 200 cases and in that point, it’s become safer to open up. You shouldn’t open up until several weeks after your peak.”

The consequences of opening up too soon could be devastating on the healthcare system as a whole, including healthcare workers, small hospitals, and patients.

“A lot of small hospitals are going bankrupt because they can’t do elective procedures. They’re caring for COVID patients, but not being able to bill insurance companies. A lot of hospitals, very huge financial stress,” said Perencevich. “I think the sad thing is that insurance companies have all the money for health care but they don’t have to send it to hospitals because hospitals are doing procedures and billing so the system is really broken.”

By Jesse Hausknecht-Brown

n June 2, 2020, Iowans will be able to head to the polls to vote in the primaries of the United States Senate election for the Iowa seat currently held by Joni Ernst (R), who was first elected in 2014.

There are five Democratic candidates running for the seat: Theresa Greenfield, Kimberly Graham, Michael Franken, Eddie Mauro, and Cal Woods. Greenfield is the frontrunner in terms of endorsements, institutional support, and money raised.

Greenfield, formerly the president of a real estate company, and Mauro, a businessman and activist, both ran for Congress in 2018 but didn’t make it past the primary election. Graham is a child’s rights attorney, Franken was a Vice Admiral in the U.S. Navy, and Woods served in the Navy and worked as a journalist for 16 years.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, holding campaign events has become more difficult. However, the candidates are still finding ways to reach out to voters. On Sunday, April 19, an online forum was held with the five candidates and community members. The candidates introduced themselves, described their platforms, and virtually answered questions from the audience.

Greenfield’s campaign has been reaching out to Iowans via social media and has had supporters contribute from all 99 counties in Iowa.

“I’m proud of the work our grassroots team is doing to help get the word out about voting by mail and to help Iowans make their voices heard,” Greenfield said in a press release.

Samantha Boucher, Graham’s campaign manager, is the first openly transgender person to manage a U.S. Senate campaign. Cecilia Sileo ‘21 is a volunteer with Graham’s campaign because she likes Graham’s progressive platform.

“I agree with her policies and that they’re similar to the ones of Bernie, who I also strongly support. I think it’s really important to also have a progressive Senate or at least a Senate that shares my values because that’s how we win,” Sileo said.

According to the Des Moines Register, Ernst’s approval rating has been slipping in that last couple of months. However, 41 percent of Iowans would definitely vote for her if the election was today.

State and local election officials are encouraging voters to vote by mail in order to maintain social distancing and not have crowded polling places on election day. Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate will mail every registered Iowa voter an absentee ballot request form ahead of the June 2 election.

Pate also extended the period in which voters can vote by mail from 29 days to 40 days. Voters were able to mail in their absentee ballot request form beginning April 23.

8A NEWS

THE LITTLE HAWK THELITTLEHAWK.COM MAY 15, 2020

Around the world with

COVID-19 A

By Aala Basheir and Rebecca Michaeli

n outbreak of an unfamiliar disease appeared in China in December 2019. By March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the outbreak as a pandemic. As of May 4, 2020, there have been over 3.5 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus worldwide. According to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center’s World Map, the United States has over one million confirmed cases, the most of any country, followed by Spain with about 200,000 confirmed cases.

People all over the globe are handling the pandemic in different ways.

“I remember hearing about [the coronavirus] on the news, just when it started in China. That was probably three months ago, maybe more. Gradually, day by day, people realized what it was, and then people got sick, people died, and we realized it’s a big deal,” Adis Michaeli from Ramat Gan, Israel said.

SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets. Symptoms can include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. The World Health Organization recommends staying home and contacting your healthcare provider via telephone if you’re experiencing symptoms before going to the ER. “Everybody has healthcare [in Costa Rica], whether you have money or not. If you feel like you [have] symptoms, all you have to do is call. Anybody can call for the Public Health Department to come out and test you and get the results

back in twenty-four hours. It’s very different from what’s going on in the United States,” Joan Hall from Central Valley, Costa Rica said.

Within eleven days of the outbreak, Costa Rica responded by setting up a hospital to exclusively treat coronavirus patients. The World Health Organization has ranked Costa Rica’s public health system within the highest among Latin American countries, and 36th worldwide. The country provides universal healthcare to all citizens and permanent residents, which allows tests and care to be administered to anyone who requires it.

Along with Costa Rica, Denmark has recently changed its testing regulations. Now, anyone that has a symptom of the coronavirus is able to receive a test.

“In the big cities, there are big, white tents, when people see [them], they know that’s where [the coronavirus] tests [are available], and they can go there. They don’t even have to call in advance,” Irit Mandrup from Zealand, Denmark said.

Costa Rica declared a state of National Emergency on March 16, and all borders were closed on March 18. The lockdown has been extended another month. Citizens could lose their residency if they choose to leave the country.

“Costa Rica was really on top of it. We’re happy to be here,” Hall said.

Canada’s borders are not only closed to the United States, but all of its provinces are isolated. If someone crosses a border, a fourteen-day quarantine is required. As of May 4, New Brunswick, Canada has 118 cases and no deaths due to the virus. New Brunswick has begun its recovery plan, including the opening of outdoor spaces and

gatherings of two households.

“They just loosened some restrictions. Now everyone has the option to choose what [they’re] calling a community bubble. You are only allowed to socialize with one other household,” Andrea Flemming, a resident of New Brunswick, said.

The city of San Francisco, Cal-

“Everybody has healthcare [in Costa Rica], whether you have money or not. If you feel like you [have] symptoms, all you have to do is call.”

Joan Hall

resident of costa rica

ifornia had a similar response to Costa Rica. In late February, mayor London Breed declared a state of emergency before the city had a single confirmed case of the coronavirus. Breed has been both criticized and praised for her quick response to the outbreak.

“We’re pretty proud of our mayor here in San Francisco because she saw the signs before most people did. I do have to go to work, but as much as possible, I’m staying inside,” Gil Michaeli of West Marin, California said.

Michaeli works as a nurse and has signed up for the California volunteer Health Corps.

While the state of California is continuing a shelter in place order, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis approves the reopening of various beaches and parks.

“I have mixed feelings about

The pandemic has reached around the world. From Costa Rica to the U.K. to every country The Little Hawk interviewed people from around the world to tell their stories

that, I think the beaches themselves are not a big problem. People who are avid beachgoers tend to keep to themselves, and will swim, surf, fish, or something like that,” Moez Hassan said. “A lot of people might be tempted to let their guards down and go to restaurants and things like that. That’s my worry.”

Hassan is a Miami Dade County resident and is currently working from home while his two kids have transitioned to online schooling.

Their attendance is recorded by logging in and out of the program provided.

“I was pretty impressed, I didn’t realize that it would be so formal.

Most days it takes four hours, but some days it takes them six to seven hours to finish all of the work, especially elementary school. They have everything including PE,” Hassan said.

While school is required in Florida, virtual schooling in other parts of the world is not as accessible. Because many students in Costa Rica do not have access to the internet or technology, it is difficult for public schools to provide students with learning resources. Most Costa Rican private schools, however, have been able to transition to online classes.

“A lot of it depends on what is going on in your school district if you have access to a computer, and if you have access to the internet,” Hall said.

Because New Brunswick is one of the most rural provinces in Canada, online learning is not available to many students who don’t have reliable internet. Premier Blaine Higgs has announced schools will not reopen until September at the earliest.

“The school year has been can-

celed for quite a while. In this province, they took three weeks off. It’s been pretty spotty, there is some online stuff, but there are a lot of people who don’t have good internet,” Flemming said.

Mark Ungar is a professor at the City University of New York. All students were sent home with online sessions beginning on March 19.

“It’s a huge university in New York City, a lot of our students don’t have [access to] a lot of resources. The university has been pretty good at accommodating their needs, helping them with financial aid, and helping them with food insecurity,” Ungar said.

While in London, England, students have been given weekly tasks to complete at home, parents are left to improvise.

“One of the obstacles is homeschooling, you can’t really do anything when you’re helping homeschool at the same time,” Linda Ibrahim explained. “To be honest, a lot of people here are a bit disappointed

COVID-19

BY THE NUMBERS:

STATISTICS BY JOHN HOPKINS ON 5.7.20

INFOGRAPHIC BY SHOSHIE HEMLEY

THE LITTLE HAWK THELITTLEHAWK.COM MAY 15, 2020

NEWS 9A ART BY ERIN LIEBIG

with t h e school system because we don’t have anything online set out for us.”

The United Kingdom’s government has closed schools to all except children of essential workers. Residents that fall under this category are instructed to contact their local authority to designate a school for their children to attend. It is still recommended to stay at home when possible.

With daycares and preschools closed, the transition can be difficult for some children.

Tal Aylon, Washington D.C. resident, has a four-year-old son named Adam.

“There are pros and cons. [Adam] only started Pre-K this year. It was great for him, he’d been thriving in the school environment. Then it kind of abruptly ended and he started remote learning from home, and it’s been a pretty tough transition,” Aylon explained. “The educational side has taken quite a hit, but on the other side, his parents are much more available to him than before.”

Danish schools have become the first in Europe to reopen after shutting down. If schools abide by the government’s rules, grades one through five are permitted to reopen. Desks are placed two meters apart

and a maximum of ten people per room is “The World Bank is an intergovpermitted. Students frequently wash their ernmental organization that is heavily hands and disinfect materials. influenced by the U.S. government,” “Last week, everything was closed. Now, Aylon explained. “We [federal em[the government] has opened up ployees], have job security and sala little bit, but everything is still ary security. Even if we work from under very strict regulation,” home or if people are furloughed, [there are] Mandrup said. all sorts of arrangements with the governGovment. People are pretty ernments safe and secure regarding around the employment status.” globe have imThe United Arab plemented firm Emirates attorney genisolation rules. eral is operating on strict “[The governrules. There are fifteen ment] didn’t go ‘recrestrictions that can reommending.’ There sult in fines from 1,000 are strict rules,” Adis AED up to 50,000.

Michaeli explained.

“A lot of people lost Resident of Israel “They didn’t leave it their jobs because the to the people to deeconomy is down, salcide. The people who disobeyed got fined. If aries and hours are being reduced,” Fatma they were found congregating, they got very Elfaki, Dubai resident explained. “My brothbig fines. There are a lot of police around.” er used to work at the airport but they have In hopes of boosting the United States recently closed, so he is staying at home.” economy, President Donald Trump signed Other countries have different approaches a 2.2 trillion dollar coronavirus relief bill on to stimulating their economies.

March 27. The bill includes one payment to “They call them helping packs,” Mandrup many citizens, strengthened unemployment explained. “For instance, if an employee has insurance, and additional healthcare funding corona, even if it’s just symptoms, they can to businesses. Tal Aylon is a digital publish- report it to the health ministry, and they reing officer at the World Bank in Washington ceive money to cover their salary for the time D.C. and has recently transitioned to work- they are ill.” ing from home.

While Danish citizens are receiving help-

“They bring you cooked meals every day. For Passover, they brought a whole big package of all kinds of food products.”

Adis Michaeli

ing packs, the Israeli government is providing meals for their citizens who are not able to shop for groceries.

“For example, if you’re old you have to stay home, they offer to bring you food.

They bring you cooked meals every day. For Passover, they brought a whole big package of all kinds of food products,” Adis Michaeli explained.

Costa Rica’s government is combining a form of stimulus checks and offering food for residents who need help. Agriculture plays an important role in the country, so there is food available for citizens.

“They’re giving people who are low income, cash, and making sure they have food.

One of the things that is really wonderful about Costa Rica is that there’s so much agriculture here, that it’s unusual for anyone to go hungry, even when they are extremely poor. But the government is making sure that kids will get lunches through school like they do in the United States,” Hall said.

Though no one can predict what the future holds, scientists are doing research and development on potential vaccines. There is evidence that social distancing and self-isolation are effective in limiting the spread of the coronavirus, as seen in the Bay Area.

“After starting the isolation, the number [of cases] is going down slowly and everything is getting a little better. You have to stay home, you have to stay at a distance. It’s the only way,” Mandrup said.

THE LITTLE HAWK THELITTLEHAWK.COM MAY 15, 2020

OPINION 10A

Shielding for society Face shields are an underrated but vital tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19

By Emmelene Perencevich

I

n the middle of a pandemic, the most important thing to do is to prevent the spread of the disease. While that may seem obvious, there are first several problems which need to be addressed: the people outright denying the existence of the disease; the protests against the “slavery” of social distancing or stay-at-home orders; the refusal of people to participate in social distancing or follow safety recommendations; the list goes on. While one item can’t magically solve all of these problems, there is one that protects both you and the people around you. At this point, it is the most effective way to deter transmission of COVID-19.

Now, you may be wondering what this item is and I think I’ve kept you waiting long enough. It’s a face shield. Even though that seems rather anti-climatic, face shields could prove to be both more effective and more comfortable than regular cloth face masks.

Cloth masks range from being uncomfortable to completely ineffective. The inconsistent shapes of people’s faces cause problems with the fit of the mask. If the mask is too short, it doesn’t adequately

ART BY HAILEIGH STEFFEN

cover both the nose and mouth. If the straps to hold them up are too long, the mask slips down. If the straps are too tight, they are uncomfortable.

Don’t get me wrong, masks are better than nothing. However, someone with an ill-fitting mask is much more likely to touch their face because when something is irritating your skin or making it

hard for you to breathe, the natural response is to remove the cause of said irritation. Exhibiting an uncontrollable reflex, while in public in the middle of a pandemic can be dangerous. Touching door handles and other surfaces in public areas and then reaching up to adjust your mask gives the virus a direct path into your body.

Face shields, on the other hand,

are adjustable. Which increases their effectiveness and their comfort. They also don’t rest directly on the face, but instead, curve around it to both prevent the wearer from receiving and transmitting the disease. They also don’t have bands around the ears or head that may be uncomfortable. In addition, to adjust a face shield, you reach to the back of your head, avoiding

your face.

Another problem with normal cloth masks is that they don’t cover your eyes. If you’re wearing a mask, but not walking around with your eyes closed (or wearing a form of eye protection) then the disease is most likely still transmissible. This educated assumption comes from research that showed SARS-CoV-1, the virus responsible for the 2003 SARS outbreak, had an increased risk of transmission through eyes.

Given the similarities between outbreaks, it is probable that the same would go for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Most face shields cover the eyes from ear to ear. They function very similarly to the way goggles do; preventing the transmission of the virus to the eye.

Now, once again, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t wear masks.

They’re still better than nothing.

What I am saying, however, is that I think face shields are more reliable, more comfortable, and ultimately just safer. Now, once again, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t wear masks. They’re still better than nothing. What I am saying, however, is that I think face shields are more reliable, more comfortable, and ultimately just safer.

Analyzing Fox News’ response to COVID-19 Unraveling Fox New’s inaccurate coverage of the coronavirus and its effect on America

By Isaac Bullwinkle

W

hen the coronavirus first struck America, many Americans relied on the news media to give them real, scientific information to protect themselves. Unfortunately for those citizens, inaccurate and unsubstantiated claims were willingly released by huge news corporations, invoking one of the most deadly fake news campaigns in American history.

Over the past couple of months, Fox News anchors have been extremely inaccurate and inconsistent in their analysis of the global pandemic. Only when the pandemic started killing countless Americans did Fox’s anchors seemingly accept the scale of the virus and the amount of damage it would cause to Americans who were told that the common flu was more severe.

Since the 2016 election, American news media has been a controversial way of giving Americans vital information. Unlike conventional news reporting, news on television

is specifically designed to invoke ing to die, all of you, in the next 48 emotions from viewers, prompting hours, and it’s all President Trump’s them to keep watching. So, when fault. Or, at least that’s what the the coronavirus struck the United media mob and the Democratic exStates, Fox News managed to make treme radical socialist party would an entertaining television show out like you to think,” said Hannity on of a global pandemic while con- his talk show on February 27. demning left-leanHow this stateing news sites for ment would help using it as a politthe fears of "THE FACT THAT ANYONE ease ical tool. worried AmerWOULD THINKTHAT MANY icans, I don’t Fox’s anchors candidly downknow. What HanIN A POLITICAL PARTY played the threat said is exactWOULD WANT COUNTLESS nity of the virus, enly what America PEOPLE TO SUFFER FROM needed least, disdangering its viewers by providA PANDEMIC THAT HAD agreement. But ing an inaccurate worse. On ALREADY KILLED HUNDREDS itthegetssame image, blaming show, mass hysteria on OF THOUDSN WORLDWIDE IS Hannity then inthe left. On Febsinuated that the INCREDIBLY INSULTING.” ruary 27, Sean Democratic ParHannity, one of ty welcomed the Fox’s most popcoronavirus into CITY HIGH SOPHOMORE ular show hosts, the United States blatantly lied solely on the baabout the state of sis of blemishing the crisis in the United States.

President Trump.

“Tonight, I can report the sky “Many on the left are now all is absolutely falling, we are all but rooting for Corona to wreak doomed, the end is near, the apoca- havoc in the United States. Why? lypse is imminent, and you’re all go- To score cheap repulsive political

ISAAC BULLWINKLE

points,” said Hannity.

The fact that anyone would think that many in a political party would want countless people to suffer from a pandemic that had already killed hundreds of thousands worldwide is incredibly insulting. What America needs to get through this crisis is solidarity and bipartisanship, not blasphemy, and I would hope that Hannity’s viewers would notice this. I don’t know what Hannity tried to achieve by saying this if not to give confirmation bias to those of his viewers that agreed with him.

Unfortunately, Sean Hannity was not the only Fox News anchor to mislead Americans about the coronavirus. On March 7, Jeanine Pirro, host of the show Justice with Judge Jeanine, had something to say about the severity of COVID-19.

“All the talk about coronavirus being so much more deadly doesn’t reflect reality. Without a vaccine, the flu would be far more deadly,” said Pirro.

Jeanine Pirro’s television show is called Justice with Judge Jeanine.

Ironically, Judge Jeanine didn’t do any Americans justice when

she sarcastically downplayed the virus to the level of the common flu. In fact, on March 6th, the day before, there were more cases of COVID-19 reported in the United States than there ever were of Ebola. Given the fact that Fox News were major contributors to mass hysteria during the Ebola outbreak when Barack Obama was President, one would assume that they would be consistent during the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, if Donald Trump was a Democrat, Fox News would be vigorously attacking him.

Obviously, Fox News has not been the most accurate news source when Americans need actual news more than anything. Downplaying the coronavirus, deeming it the Democrat’s latest political tool, and calling it a hoax, Fox’s anchors weren’t exactly the greatest asset to truth-seeking Americans. But don’t take it from me, take it from Hannity: ““By the way this program has always taken the coronavirus seriously, and we’ve never called the coronavirus a hoax,” said Hannity, a day after President Trump declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

OPINION 11A

THE LITTLE HAWK THELITTLEHAWK.COM MAY 15, 2020

Vote at 16?

Jesse Hausknecht-Brown ‘21 and Adalie Burton ‘23 go head to head about whether the voting age should be lowered.

ART BY HAILEIGH STEFFEN

By Jesse Hausknecht-Brown

to different viewpoints and ideas which may shape the way they think about politics.

CON This presidential election cycle has reminded me why I don’t want other, fellow n the past couple of decades, politicians 16-year-old democrats and progressives to be and activists alike have advocated for able to vote. After Bernie Sanders dropped lowering the voting age to 16 or possi- out and left Joe Biden as the Democratbly younger. Following the 2016 presi- ic presidential nominee, social media and dential election, voices from the left calling classrooms alike were filled with discussion for the voting age to be lowered grew louder. about whether Sanders’ supporters should I, contrary to what many of my progressive or should not vote in November. To be fair, friends believe, do not think that the voting there were multiple conversations about this age should be lowered. going on: to vote or not to vote in the generTo lower the voting age would be to re- al election, whether or not to write Sanders’ work the entire idea of when one becomes name in on the primary a legal adult. Turning ballot and if his name 18 marks adulthood for should be written in on Americans; at 18 one is "THIS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION the ballot in November. allowed to vote, enlist in I was truly appalled that the military, serve on a CYCLE HAS REMINDED ME WHY there were so many projury, and more. It would gressive voters out there I DON’T WANT OTHER, FELLOW who were seriously connot make sense to let 16-year-olds vote when not voting at all 16-YEAR-OLD DEMOCRATS AND sidering they are unable to do in the general election any of the other things PROGRESSIVES TO BE ABLE TO because they hated Biden that make them an adult. so much. Because of this, More importantly, VOTE. " I tried to talk to as many many teenagers gradpeople as I could about uate from high school it. I know that this only around 18 and move out reflects what I have enCITY HIGH JUNIOR of their parents’ house countered, but based on to go to college or join conversations that I had the workforce. Many teenagers’ political be- with peers and from what I’ve seen on social liefs are heavily influenced by their parents’ media, the vast majority of people claiming beliefs. According to a study done in the to be unable to vote for Biden are in between British Journal of Political Science, children the ages of 16 and 22. What’s more is that who grow up in households where political these Sanders supporters are using dangerous issues are discussed often are more likely to rhetoric when talking about the differences adopt different political views when they between Biden and Trump, or in their opinleave home. This is because they are used to ion, the lack thereof. Now, I hate to be the talking about politics and will continue to do one that says that 16-year-olds do not know so which leads them to be exposed to differ- what’s best for them, but maturity increases ent viewpoints and opinions. with age, and naivety decreases.

Teenagers living in a city or state whose One argument is that if the voting age was citizens align themselves on the “edge” of the lowered, there would be a large turnout of political spectrum may be heavily influenced teenage voters in elections. Sadly, only 12.5 by their neighbors’ political beliefs, especially percent of 18-year-olds participated in the if their parents tell them that these beliefs are 2014 midterm election. It is likely that the “correct.” After leaving the city they grew up vast majority of the 16 and 17-year-olds with in, or simply leaving their parents’ house, an the newly gained right to vote would not 18-year-old will make new friends, live with use it. At the end of the day, I believe that new people, and find a new community to 16-year-olds are mature enough to make their engage with. These new people may or may own decisions, but would be too naive and not align themselves with the opposite side easily influenced by their parents to make of the political spectrum than the 18-year-old well thought out political decisions that they does, but either way, they will expose them will not regret.

I

Jesse HAUSKNECHT-BROWN

By Adalie Burton

could have better served the ideals of those who symbolize the future of the country.

PRO Some insist that adulthood should correspond with the right to vote. While this emocracy in America has long makes some sense, it also implies that being since relied upon the votes of citi- an adult is an automatic occurrence at 18. Rezens to determine leadership and alistically, legal adulthood in no way signifies representation. A responsibility one’s inherent maturity. such as this is clearly not the kind of thing to Giving anyone the right to vote is a gamgrant recklessly. However, there comes a time ble, whether they be 16 or 60. No matter how when things must change. During the 2016 well you know someone, you can never be presidential election, generations voted far sure if they’ll make a good decision. To argue more frequently the older they were. When that someone will or will not do the right older generations are disproportionately rep- thing is not only incredibly presumptuous, it resented amongst voter turnouts, those who is also perfectly likely to be incorrect. will be affected by changes in the country the Many argue that 16-year-olds are not mamost are overlooked. This sparked outrage ture enough to make important decisions amongst 16- and 17-year-olds who could not such as these, that they would make rash devote, as they had yet to reach the age of 18. cisions. However, an argument such as this They were incredibly upset to have been let ignores the reality that anyone can make good down by the adults they trusted. and bad decisions. Some people at the age of The results of the election were revealed to 16 are taking care of families, making sure me the morning after, as I had attempted to their siblings get to school on time, carrying stay up late enough to see them myself, but multiple jobs. Some are not. Some adults are failed miserably. At first, I honestly thought disregarding their responsibilities in favor of I was being lied to. It took quite a bit of in- having fun and relaxing. Again, some are not. sistence from my parents and several rounds One’s age does not guarantee their maturity of intensive internet scouring to truly believe or ensure their recklessness. what was happening. As we came to underPeople are worth more than their age; stand the news, a form of disbelief seemed to teenagers may have the same experiences as take root in myself and my peers. This was anyone else might. They worry about their quickly replaced with anger; I was only 11 at future and deserve to have a say in it that’s the time, but a quiet form of rage seemed to worth a little more than the have gotten under my skin. mundane little choices they The night before, I had no "PEOPLE ARE WORTH MORE make every day or how hard trouble falling asleep; I was they try on an exam. Many entirely sure that I’d wake THAN THEIR AGE; TEENAGERS sophomores and juniors are up the next morning and MAY HAVE THE SAME planning their academic nothing would have real- EXPERIENCES AS ANYONE ELSE" pursuits. They’re taking and ly changed. I figured the re-taking the SAT to get a adults would take care of it, score they’re proud of, reand that I could go on with searching degrees and career city high FRESHMAN my rigorous training in the paths, and fantasizing about addition and multiplicawhite-picket fences wrapped tion of fractions. around houses in the suburbs. If they’re lucky, It became clear to me in the months fol- they’ll be able to control one or two of these lowing the election that something needed things. Maybe they’ll get into their top colto change. Here were people who wanted to lege, find the city apartment of their dreams, vote and met every necessary requirement to or land an important internship. Most won’t vote other than their age. They are American be able to control many aspects of their lives citizens who had not been convicted of felo- at this point. There are simply too many outnies and met every other one of their states’ side factors, such as the decisions that those requirements. Had they been able to cast around them make while voting. If the future them, their votes could have turned the elec- of any country lies in the hands of a group of tion on its head. With a broader spectrum of teenagers, I can only hope they get a say in voices being heard, the results of the election what happens to it beforehand.

D

ADALIE BURTON

OPINION 12A

THE LITTLE HAWK THELITTLEHAWK.COM MAY 15, 2020

Democrats: now you have to vote for Joe Biden Why voting for Joe Biden in the general election is essential for democrats to beat Donald Trump

By Jesse Hausknecht-Brown

N

ot long ago, the world watched as 12 Democratic presidential candidates gathered in Westerville, Ohio for the largest ever democratic debate. Now democrats are left with one candidate, the safe choice, the predator: Joe Biden. This is Biden’s third time running for president; the first time was in 1988 when he had to drop out after it was revealed that he plagiarized a speech. Now, he has become the democratic nominee with a sexual assult allegation against him. A quick Google search will lead to many videos of Biden displaying creepy behavior towards young girls and his own female family members. Recently, I have heard many Sanders supporters talking about how they refuse to vote for Biden and plan on writing in Sanders’ name on the ballot.

Now, what people need to understand is the difference between writing Sanders’ name in on a primary ballot, versus the general election ballot. In many states, Sanders’ name will actually be on the primary ballot. Sanders enthusiasts want enough people to vote for him in the primary, so he ends up with the nomination instead of Biden.

This could happen, even though Sanders is not officially in the race.

However, I’ve heard many people saying that they will not vote at all in the general election because they do not want to support Biden.

What’s more, is that if voters stay home on election night, they will not be able to vote in all the other elections on the ballot, which will include progressive candidates running for seats in Congress. This is an extremely dangerous idea.

There are so many things wrong with this decision; first and foremost, those who are choosing not

ART BY REESE HILL to vote are taking their right to vote for granted. If you don’t want to vote for yourself, vote for those who can not: the undocumented immigrants and prisoners living in this country. Of the democratic candidates in the 2020 race, Sanders was the only one to support giving prisoners the right to vote while they were still serving time.

Yes, the people supporting the restoration of voting rights for ex-felons and those currently serving time are the same people who are refusing to vote. The hashtag #RepealThe19th was trending on Twitter back in October of 2016 after a poll showed that if only men voted, Donald Trump would win and if only women voted, he would lose.

This hashtag along with similar sexist statements concerning women’s

right to vote has been resurfacing on social media in the past couple of days, specifically in alt-right groups on Twitter and TikTok. In America, voting is the main way that citizens can contribute to the government and is essential for our democracy to work.

The loudest argument for not voting is that Biden is so terrible that he can not be voted for. Politics will almost always be about the lesser of two evils, no candidate will ever be perfect, but one candidate will always be better. “Vote blue no matter who” is a dangerous idea that keeps the institutional democrats in power, which is what many progressives and Sanders supporters, including myself, are fighting against. However, voting for Biden is not “voting blue no matter who.”

Voting for Biden is simply recognizing that more people will be hurt under a Trump administration than under Biden’s. Not voting or writing in Sanders’ name in the general election is a vote for Trump, which means that you do not recognize that Trump is worse than Biden.

What is most frustrating is hearing how many of the white, cishet, economically privileged men who are choosing not to vote will not listen to others talk about the reasons that they themselves need to vote for Biden. For example, in three years, under Trump’s administration, women may or may not be able to get abortions and transgender people may or may not be able to access healthcare. In the past, Biden has done terrible things that have been harmful to marginal-

ized communities, and as president, he may not make a lot of progress for people in those communities.

Be that as it may, we will not take us backward on some of the issues that I fear Trump will. Will Biden do much to help the LGBTQ+ community? Probably not. Will he ban gay marriage? No. Will Trump?

Who knows. Ask those questions with almost any issue and the outcome will be the same: Biden will not make it much better or much worse, but Trump will make it worse. On a personal level, many of your friends and family probably have reasons why they personally cannot afford to have another four years of Trump. Take a look around City High, many students’ lives or livelihoods depend on how you cast your vote in November.

Surprise! You don’t actually hate reading

By Sophia Wagner

ART BY SOPHIA WAGNER

T

here are three options for why you are reading this.

One, you, like me, are tired of people saying “I don’t like to read” when they have not picked up a book in ages. Two, you haven’t picked up a book in ages and want to see why I am annoyed with you. Of course, there is also the third option, which is that you are simply a die-hard fan of “The Little Hawk” and are analysing the issue. In that case, I’m quite surprised. I was not aware that we had such die-hard fans. You should reach out to us. We could gain a great story from it.

Anyway, for the moment I’m going to be targeting the second reader I mentioned. And to say the least, I’m disappointed. Now, I know what you’re thinking: who allowed this pompous girl holding a paperback to stand on her little box and get angry about a matter which does not impact her in the slightest?

But that’s where you’re wrong. It

does impact me. In the last month, I have had numerous (and by that I mean the number one, as in one person) people tell me how much they hate reading. How it takes too long. How they could just go see the movie.

Allow me to set me set the scene for you: you go to a movie theater; you pay a lot of money for the ticket (but it’s okay because it’s a local nonprofit theater with really comfortable chairs and you’re supporting the community); you snack

on your popcorn (finishing it off during the trailers and then vowing that next time you come you’ll keep it at your feet until the movie actually starts); finally, the opening credits come on. I digress. I am actually quite a fan of local theaters, however, that’s not what this article is about. My point is that you could feasibly hate that movie. It could be the worst thing that you have ever seen. Do you know what you’ll do in response? For the sake of time, let me tell you. You’ll complain to

your friends. Maybe leave a bad review on Rotten Tomatoes or Yelp or something. Is it obvious that I don’t know how either of those sites work? Whatever. However, dear reader, do you know what you won’t do? You will not swear that all movies are awful. You will not say that, hey, you just don’t like movies anymore. That one really ruined it for you. What you will do is wait a bit and then go see another movie. This time it changes your life, and your wardrobe.

All that I’m asking is for you to take just a little bit of this mindset and apply it to literature. You don’t have to love every book that you read. Hey, if you’re reading a book that you can’t get through, why not just stop reading it and move on.

No one is telling you to do otherwise. I read quite a bit. A name tag with the word “bookworm” has been pinned to my chest since preschool. On another note, I would like to petition for a different nickname than “bookworm.” It’s quite unflattering. Anyway, there are books that I hate. I’m not going to say what they are, as I have yet to receive hate mail and I don’t plan on getting any anytime soon. However, when you say that you don’t read because you find books “boring” or “hard to get through,” it’s hard for me to take you seriously.

I know this might surprise you, but some books are “boring” and “hard to get through.” Some books, quite frankly, are awful, but others are indeed wonderful. I’d be happy to lend you this paperback.

THE LITTLE HAWK THELITTLEHAWK.COM MAY 15, 2020

A&E 13A

Hold the Curtain:

Postponing Matilda Matilda has been postponed until the next school year because of COVID-19.

Students, as well as the show’s director, Troy Peters, expressed their feelings on the subject

By Ruth Meehan

O

n March 20 the decision, made by director Troy Peters and principal John Bacon, to postpone Matilda was announced to the cast and crew with heavy hearts. The production had been underway since the beginning of February and had just finished blocking and choreography before school was let out for spring break. Peters says it was the hardest decision he has had to make at City High. Some cast members were prepared for the news of the postponement.

“To be honest, I had no idea that we would not actually be able to perform Matilda this year,” said Thomazin Jury ‘21. “I knew that the virus was getting worse and worse, but I never saw it getting to the extent it is in now. As we were getting further into the pandemic during rehearsals, there was always that voice in the back of my head telling me to prepare for Matilda being postponed, but I didn’t want to think that it could be a real possibility until it actually happened.”

Francesca Brown ‘21, who plays the title character, says

ABOVE: Part of the cast for Matilda rehearsing when school was still in session. PHOTOS BY SHOSHIE HEMLEY

she knew that school would probably be canceled but didn’t want to think about the fate of Matilda.

“I chose not to speculate much on how this might affect Matilda- for my own mental sanity,” says Brown.

For some, there was still hope that the production could happen during the fall,

in replace of the annual fall play, but the music director for Matilda Tyler Hagy said it just wouldn’t be possible.

“With all the events that occur each fall, it would have made it very difficult to try and mount the production at that time. Additionally, it would have thrown off the cycle of play and musical,

as it would not be possible to produce two musicals in a single year. From the music side of things, the fall is an incredibly busy time with show choir, All-State, OPUS, and several concerts.

Adding various sports to that, it would have made it very difficult to produce the show in the fall.”

Peters agreed, saying logistically it would be unfeasible.

The cast members that were interviewed all agreed that the most disappointing part of the show being canceled was the loss of the five seniors in the cast.

“The postponement of Matilda is disappointing in

many ways,” said Brown “My main disappointment is that the seniors won’t be able to perform with us next year.

These are people who have been great friends and role models to me, and I so wish we could have given them a proper send-off.”

Peters is already looking ahead to the spring when a few new faces will be joining the cast.

“There will be five roles that open up, in the spring of 2021, for other actors due to the seniors who will not be able to be involved,” said Peters. “We will have another audition process for those openings. For those current cast members who want to retain their roles, they are guaranteed their spot.”

Jeremiah Brook ‘20 says there are no hard feelings with the show continuing on with this year’s graduating class.

“I have no problem with them postponing it. I think that the people who have larger parts and how much work they have put into it, deserve to perform it,” said Brook.

Matilda, an almost yearlong project is set to perform next year on April 16, 17, and 18.

Art during quarantine

How students have been making art at home during quarantine and their thought process

By Emme Perencevich

O

n an average pre-quarantine day, students would have school for over seven hours, then hours of clubs, sports, and activities. With the typical amount of homework, that schedule leaves for little time to work on art.

“Before the quarantine, I didn’t really have much free time during the week, so I tried to do art on the weekends as a way to unwind,” said Emery Brown ‘22.

Students no longer had daily commitments such as clubs, sports, and school, after they were canceled in mid-April. With social distancing and stay-at-home orders, seeing friends has also been taken off their schedules.

“Without school and social interactions, that leaves a lot of time to work on other things that I can’t always make time for,” said Ana

Koch ‘21.

Because of the lack of regular schedules, for most students, allows for them to find inspiration around their houses.

“I have had time to focus more on the things in my home,” said Zoë Meaney ‘21.

“I did one painting of the window over my kitchen sink.”

However, with the increased amount of free time that came with the closing of schools, students no longer have the stability that often comes with a set schedule.

“I’ve struggled with my sense of productivity,” said Meaney. “Without a routine, it’s hard to get myself to exercise, for example. It ends us starting a kind of cycle for me where I feel the need to get up and do things, but I can’t quite force myself to.”

Some students are using art as a way to, not only “keep their creative juices flowing,” but also as a way to

alleviate some of the uncertainty surrounding the virus.

“Art helps me to feel positive about this situation and that I can use my time to work on certain skills, and it’s also a good way to change up my schedule,” Brown said.

Along with filling up free time and providing a semi-stable routine, students say that being creative during this time is a way for them to be productive and less anxious.

“Not having school has definitely been hard because I’m not seeing people other than my immediate family anymore. I’ve luckily been finding activities to keep me busy though, if not studying then hanging out with my family, practicing music, or doing art,” Koch said. “I think art helps a lot as a stress reliever. Personally, I find it to be a very calming process that not only keeps me busy but also can help with anxiety.”

AN ARTIST AT HOME: Art made by Zoe Meaney ‘21 at home during quarantine ART BY ZOE MEANEY

A&E 14A

THE LITTLE HAWK THELITTLEHAWK.COM MAY 15, 2020

What to watch, read, and listen to according to Little Hawks

By Haileigh Steffen

“Criminal Minds”

“Office Ladies”

Show

Podcast

“For anyone who loves the show The Office, “Excellent story, good performance, well [Office Ladies] takes you behind the scenes shot - just an overall good T.V. show. Howwith inside information from two ladies ever, I watch [Criminal Minds] for Spenwho were on the show. It’s fun to listen to cer Reid only. God bless that sexy hunk of a what they have to say and then rewatch the “A View From A Bridge” man.”

Book episodes.”

Izzy Jurgens ‘22 “As far as autobiographies go, it’s pretty entertaining. Meyer is Phil Lala simultaneously self-deprecating and self-enfranchising and narrates his journey through Hollywood like a comedy skit. Although its intended audience is Star Trek fans, it’s got some really great insight [into] the world of screenwriting, directing, acting, and Hollywood drama. Plus, Meyer went to the University of Iowa and recounts his time in Iowa City here! I highly recommend it.”

Reese Hill ‘20

“Dazed and Confused”

“Beasts of no Nation”

Movie

Documentary

Online music lessons

By Sophia Wagner and Ruth Meehan

C

allista Roberston ‘22 shuts her clarinet case, however, she doesn’t place it in her band locker as she usually does. Instead, she places it on a chair next to her desk. Robertson is the first chair clarinet in City High School’s Symphony Band. Due to the COVID-19 quarantine, Callista has been continuing her musical studies at home. Although difficulties have arisen involving the group aspect of the band, students are working hard to create a process that moves the band along in an unconventional situation.

“It’s definitely hard not to see people and work with everyone like normal. But I think we’re all figuring out what works best for each of us, and hopefully, we’ll be able to pick up where we left off and be even more motivated and inspired once we’re back together,” Robertson said.

Alice Boerner ‘22, another clarinet player at City, expresses concerns relating to the band as a whole.

“It’ll be hard because we’ll have less practice playing as

a band and playing together, but I’m hoping they’ll assign us scales and short pieces to play and we’ll just turn it in online. It will be really different and it will probably be hard to get back to playing as a big group, but we’ll be able to do it if a lot of people practice,” Boerner said.

With each individual at home, practice plays a key component in keeping the band together.

“Things are definitely different when we’re not able to meet in person, and we’re having to figure out the best ways to stay in touch and keep working on our music and everything,” Robertson said.

Not only is practicing vital to keeping members of the music department up to date, but it also goes on to determine the future of the different groups.

“I think that with band being optional for people to participate in because of everyone having school at home there will be [fewer] people who continue practicing while we are at home.

It will affect the band, at least next year because along with the other class everyone will be more behind. I hope that the people who do continue

to take the class we’ll have assignments to practice on at home,” Boerner said.

One of the most important factors in the music department are the consistent lessons provided by teachers and directors. However, due to regulations established by the district, teachers will not be allowed to continue with one-on-one private lessons.

Despite this, many teachers are reaching out to groups of students to continue their musical education. Megan Stuky, an orchestra teacher at City High, is working to keep students involved through the COVID-19 quarantine.

“We have and will continue online learning each week with 3 categories: listening, playing, and community building. There will not be rehearsals due to technology limitations. Students have access through CANVAS to Sight Reading Factory for enrichment activities and we continue to have weekly zoom meetings to go over assignments for the week, check-in with each other and just be together!” Stucky said.

Stucky went on to point out how many students are continuing private lessons outside of the school, on platforms such as Zoom and

ABOVE: Callista Robertson ‘22 plays the piano at her home during quarantine. PHOTOS BY CALLISTA ROBERTSON “It’s definitely harder to Facetime. Callista Rober- virtual learning has caused ston has been playing piano some slight setbacks in the have lessons over [a] video almost her entire life, and usual course of practice. call because of the sound quarantine has not stopped Kent Zdan ‘22 plays viola and and video quality, and delay. her from continuing her pi- violin with the Symphony Technical stuff like that,” Orchestra at City. Kent has Robertson said. ano education.

Despite the problems “My teacher and I have been continuing lessons outbeen doing lessons over side of class and has struggled musicians face, they are all Facetime, but each teacher with online platforms such as hopeful and excited to get back to work after the quarhas made specific arrange- Zoom.

“Connection isn’t always antine. ments with each student and “I’m hoping that we can they’ve been super flexible to great over Zoom, but it’s not make sure everyone is able to much of an issue. It’s just a bit continue moving forward continue their lessons,” Rob- annoying because of latency,” and that this setback won’t Zdan said. have a negative impact on ertson said.

Robertson has faced sim- our progress for next year,” Of course, with music Robertson said. being an auditory subject, ilar issues.

THE LITTLE HAWK THELITTLEHAWK.COM MAY 15, 2020

SPORTS 15A

Spring 2020 sports cancelled

By Rachel Marsh

A

ART BY JOCELYN HARTE

Clubs during Corona Due to COVID-19, club athletes are not able to meet up in person for practices, so coaches are using other methods to run workouts and keep in touch with their athletes

By Julianne Berry-Stoelzle and Jae Dancer

M

usic plays in the background as Rika Yahashiri ‘21 exercises. Like at any regular practice, her coach watches her form and she can hear her teammates talking. However, they are not in the room with her, but at their own houses. Due to the spread of COVID-19, Iowa Flyers’ practices are being held over Zoom. ‘’ I feel like it definitely helps with staying together as a team and getting up and staying moving while you’re in your house,” Yahashiri said. “Usually [the Zoom meetings] are high intensity and they are pretty hard. [Having] everyone there, it’s like everyone is doing it with you so you have that as a motivation.

While she is not able to swim, Yahashiri participates in three 30-minute dryland practices from

IFLY each week, as well as running and YouTube workouts.

“Being alone, you have to find another motivator to get you to work out,” Yahashiri said. “When I go back, I don’t want to be so out of shape that I can’t keep up with everyone. I use that motivation to stay kind of in shape by running and keeping my muscles moving.”

Keeping players motivated to stay fit and continuing training during the pandemic, is also an issue that the Iowa Soccer Club is facing. ISC has been pre-recording skill sessions for specific age groups and using google sheets for players to track progress. Through social media, primarily Instagram and Twitter, coaches have been trying to keep soccer on the brain for players looking to improve their skills.

“It’s hard to stay motivated because you have to do [it] all by yourself. It’s obviously harder when you just have yourself and not a big field,” Stella Foster ‘21, an ISC

athlete, said. “I [personally] like to make a workout plan every Sunday to know what I’m going to do each day.”

Coaches have incorporated a variety of soccer-related skills, yoga, and stretching exercises into independent training. They have also been working with the staff at Midwest Physical Therapy in Coralville to film different core strength exercises for athletes. However, nothing is required for club members.

“We’re just trying to make it optional because we really don’t know when the return to play is going to be,” Jon Cook, the ISC Director of Coaching, said.

While ISC has not been utilizing Zoom for athlete training, they hope to do so in the future.

“I think Zoom is effective for meetings and interacting with staff.

Small group training with kids is just something we haven’t explored, partly because on our end we’ve been responding to so much

on the business end of the club,” Cook said.

Since members are not able to get the same benefits as they normally would, such as in-person practices, ISC has refunded all fees for April and May. “In my opinion, we’re really not providing enough services. This online stuff is okay, but it’s not really what we do,” Cook said. “We felt as an organization that we needed to refund.”

Finance wise, ISC has applied for the Paycheck Protection Program and was approved, enabling coaches to continue receiving pay as long as the club remains closed.

However, club leaders are unsure of their future financial situation if the pandemic drags out.

“It’s a financial challenge we just have to work our way through,” Cook said. “If things aren’t back to normal pretty soon, like this summer, that’ll be that will be a big challenge coming up.”

Lucy Corbin’s XC Workouts: SCAN TO SEE WHAT ATHLETES ARE DOING TO WORK OUT AT HOME

ABOVE: City High Football Coach Dan Sabers running a virtual Zoom meeting on March 30, 2020 PHOTO COURTESY OF DAN SABERS

SCAN FOR FREE WORKOUTS

Easy day: run 2-3 miles.

Saturdays: long runs, 5-8 miles Other days: 4 miles at threshold pace for each mile.

Once a week: 600 m as fast as possible Once a week: 90 sec all out, 60 sec all out 30 sec all out, with break stopping in between.

season cut short.

Unaware it would be the last game or meet. Unable to say goodbye. Possibly, not even the chance to say hello. The cancelation of school, caused by COVID-19 and the cancelation of spring sports has been finalized as of Friday, 17 of April.

“The IHSAA and IGHSAU made the decision to cancel spring sports based on the Governor’s decision to extend school closures for the remainder of the year. Without school, we knew there would be no athletics,” said athletic director Phillip Hansen.

The cancelation of spring sports and school was greatly expected, an assumption prompted by the media and the rapid spread of COVID-19.

Still, many athletes are mourning the loss of their season, and in some cases their last season.

“The thing I hate the most about this abrupt cancellation is that I didn’t get to say goodbye to the people I care about face to face.

Not being able to run has made it hard to be a prospective collegiate athlete and it’s very nerve-racking not being able to show what you’re made of in your senior season, your best season,” said track runner Oisin Leopold ‘20.

The spring sports include track, soccer, golf, and tennis. The tryouts for soccer were supposed to be held over spring break, postponed, initially, along with the other sports.

Track was able to participate in a small portion of its indoor season, but the outdoor season was postponed and then canceled before it started. Golf and tennis practices were set to start after spring break.

“What I am going to miss most about track season is being able to come to practice at the end of a stressful day and get to run with the people that I have gotten close with through running. That group is full of people I can trust [who] also push me to be the best I can be,” said Sydney Wilkes ‘23.

An ADAA online poll found that 14 percent of people use exercise to cope with stress. Now, with COVID-19 being a large stressor in people’s lives, around the world people have been experiencing strange vivid dreams, and in some cases even PTSD. According to Hansen, it is more important than ever to find something to help cope.

“I would encourage athletes to continue to find their escape through their sport. Although it will not be done together or guided by a coach, continue to master your craft, so when the next opportunity arises, you will be ready,” said Hansen.

SPORTS 16A

THE LITTLE HAWK THELITTLEHAWK.COM MAY 15, 2020

STAYING FIT AT HOME Two varsity athletes, Lucy Corbin and Aaron Rutherford, on staying fit and prepared for when they can compete again after quarantine. Corbin 22’ runs track and cross country and Rutherford ‘22 plays soccer

By Rachel Marsh

E

ABOVE: Lucy Corbin ‘22 goes on a run by herself because the rest of the 2020 track season was cancelled. PHOTO BY LUCY CORBIN

very day around 8:40 in the morning, she gets up and goes out on a run.

Sometimes threshold pace, sometimes all out, sometimes a nice easy 2-4 miles.

Afterward, it’s straight to a Chloe Ting core workout, shower, and to schoolwork.

Lucy Corbin ‘22 is a varsity track and cross country athlete finding a way to stay in shape during the cancelation of school and her sport. ‘’When I heard the track was canceled, I was able to understand it better than when I heard it was postponed. Between the time of being suspended and canceled, I had time to understand how quarantine and this virus could affect this year,” Corbin said.

Since the cancelation, high school coaches are not allowed to contact or help athletes with their workouts.

In order to continue training, Corbin has been giving herself workouts including running around her pond as fast as she can and making up threshold distances and paces.

“I have to say there are some struggles in training alone just because I’m used to my teammates being there with me. I do feel upset thinking about this season’s

cancelation, but two of the main things I like about the season are running and the team, and I have both of those still. My teammates still reach out to one another, which makes us stronger as a team,” Corbin said.

Unlike track, soccer is quite difficult to practice with only one person. One way to cope with that is going to City High’s upper grass field, as the turf has been closed. The area has a sign posted that it can be used for individual wellness, which is exactly what Aaron Rutherford ‘22 is doing. Rutherford goes there a few days a week and passes with his teammate Matthew Brown, more than six feet apart. Rutherford has also been going on runs, bike rides, and circuit workouts to stay fit and ready for when he can play again. Every Sunday at 10 in the morning, Rutherford and his soccer team do a workout over zoom as well.

“I would really encourage it! It’s a great way to use all this extra time we have now.

Working out has positively affected me because after you finish a hard workout it makes you feel good about yourself. Also, it has helped me put a little structure into my day because I know I’m going to do this kind of workout on this day and a different workout another day,” Rutherford said.

ABOVE: Aaron Rutherford ‘22 practicing soccer at City High’s upper grass field. PHOTO BY MATTHEW BROWN

General wellness during quarantine

By Paris Fuller

H

arper Denniston ‘21 runs anywhere from two to eight miles a day, six days a week.

She plans her routes based on her mileage, sometimes going to Terry Trueblood to run with her dad or doing a loop by Regina.

“I like to do the long run out and around [Terry Tureblood] which is nice cause it’s really flat but it changes depending on if I’m with my dad, he has certain loops that he likes as well.”

Students can practice wellness in different ways.

Some do cardio or focus more on core exercises.

Some core workouts target abs, legs, or weight loss.

Youtuber Chloe Ting has core workouts that target all of these as well as a schedule for day to day videos depending on what you want. There’s the “two week shred challenge” which targets abs and

weight loss or the “25 day hourglass challenge” which targets waist, abs, and butt.

Her challenges also include videos about healthy eating and fitting in the right portions called “What I eat to get fit.” These workouts also have minimal equipment use. All you need is a yoga mat and some resistance bands.

For those who want to get fit in less time try the “10 Minute Ab workout”

by Alexis Ren which has racked up 27 million views.

Commenters are saying they’ve seen results in as soon as two weeks. This also does not require equipment.

“I think [the workouts] are important cause every kind of workout depends on your core, so it’s important you train it properly,” Denniston said.

Wellness of the mind is also important during this time. Not being able to leave the house or have anything to do can be stressful. Meditation can be a good way to step away

from what’s going on and not have to focus on a million different things. It can also be a good way to step away from your phone or television for some quiet time. This does not require equipment.

Videos like “10 minute medition for anxiety” by Goodful can be helpful for those who are looking for quiet relaxing time or “7 minute meditation to start your day” by Yoga with Adriene. This is for those who prefer an instructor and some sort of movement. Her voice provides a peaceful way to start your day.

“I don’t have the patience [for meditation]. I think that that’s pretty similar to young people’s perception of it though I think it’s something you grow to practice and appreciate as you get older. But I can see how it could help someone with anxiety, I’ve read some articles that are really in favor of it and show some of the benefits,” Denniston said.

HEALTHY SORBET RECIPE: -3 frozen bananas -1 cup of frozen fruit -2 tablespoons of honey -Dash of almond milk (if needed to help blend) Blend ingredients in food processor or blender until smooth.

Keep in shallow dish in the freezer.

HEALTHY CHIP RECIPE: -Use either kale, apples, or sweet potatoes Slice ingredients thinly and toss in a bowl with a little olive oil. Put in the oven at 375 degrees and bake until crisp.

Season with choice of cayenne pepper, salt and pepper, and cinnamon for apples.

For apples, skip the oil and just bake until the right texture.