The Northmen's Log, May 2020, Vol. 55, Issue 4

TNL The Northmen’s Log Kansas City, MO Issue 4, Volume 55 May 2020

Check out pages 6-18 for coverage of COVID-19

Letter from the editor

Hello Oak Park. I’m Ivonee Morales-Mejia and I’m the copy editor for “The Northmen’s Log;” and I’m pleased to show the readers the very first digital edition of “The Northmen’s Log” and the last edition for the 20192020 school year.

On this cover of the magazine, we feature many stories about COVID-19 and how it impacted us as a community.

We decided to feature our current assistant principal Chad Valadez, our current activities director Casey Vokolek, and our current English language arts teacher Jackie Gosney and how they’re climbing up in their job positions.

This issue, we discuss how seniors

Lindsey Dunaway, Editor-in-Chief Ivonee Morales-Meija, Copy Editor Emily Byrum, Photo Editor Kelsey Abunga, Staffer Luka Ashton, Staffer Parker Bensyl, Staffer Adrian Berry, Staffer Hannah Butts, Staffer Haydenn Gallagher, Staffer Nathan Nance, Staffer Kayleonah Trumble, Staffer Christina Geabhart, Adviser

were affected by COVID-19. This article discusses how the class of 2020 reacted to the pandemic.

We also discuss in this issue the reaction of seniors to what graduation plans will be.

The last piece of senior coverage will be seniors best memories of Oak Park High School as they graduate and move onto the next chapter in their lives.

As we’re stuck in quarantine, we talk about how families bond during this time.

Lastly, we discuss how eLearning has impacted the students and whether or not it worked for the better or for the worse.

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please send us a message at christina.geabhart@nkcschools.org. Thank you.

Staff

Publication information “The Northmen’s Log” will publish four times during the school year. “Log” staff strongly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. Freedom of expression and press are fundamental values in a democratic society.

Therefore, “Log” encourages readers to participate in the discussion by submitting Letters to the Editor

in Room E134 or by email to christina.geabhart@ nkcschools.org. Letters cannot exceed 350 words and must be signed. “Log” will not run letters that are libelous, obscene, or that may cause a verifiable disruption to the education process at Oak Park.

Advertisers may contact the adviser at christina.geabhart@nkcschools.org for more information.

Opinions expressed in “Log” do not reflect student, staff, or district endorsements of that opinion, product or service.

“Log” is a member of MIPA, NSPA, and Quill and Scroll. “Log” is affiliated with JEA, MJEA, and JEMKC.

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Table of contents

-cover art “Norman wears a mask too”

by Ivonee Morales-Mejia -all icons in this issue made by Parker Bensyl

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News // Morales-Mejia

Chain reaction of changes How administration will change for the 2020-2021 school year

by copy editor Ivonee Morales-Mejia

After 10 years of working at Oak Park High School, OP alumnus and current activities director Casey Vokolek Ed.D., will say goodbye to OP for a much bigger opportunity as the executive director of Student Activities and Support Services for the North Kansas City School District.

“Activities and athletics provide students with a place to belong, develop friendships, learn from mentors, and cultivate their passions in a safe environment.” said Vokolek.

“Both our students and school cultures are shaped by what takes place in those activities. I am excited to support our students at a district level and continue to find ways to provide them the best learning opportunities available.”

Ending his four-year reign as an assistant principal, Chad Valadez will become the activities director on July 1. According to Valadez, he began his journey as head football coach for the North Kansas City High School Hornets. Later, he took an assistant principal position at New Mark Middle School for four and a half years before taking up the assistant principal position at OP.

“As I leave the assistant principal job, I think one of the most important things that I always try to do with my careers is just building really good relationships with students and staff and parents in the community,” said Valadez. “So

“I knew that this was the opportunity to get my dream job in the building I love,”

- English language arts teacher Jackie Gosney

new assistant principal.

“Servant leadership is always the most important thing to find when choosing somebody to step into that role, we want somebody that will roll up their sleeves and do the little things to make Oak Park a great school,” said Principal Chris Sartain, Ed.D. School administration found their perfect match with English language arts teacher Jackie Gosney. According to Gosney, she applied for the position, then had an interview with the current administration, a teacher, and an administrative assistant. After all of that, she had to meet with assistant superintendent Chad Sutton, Ed.D. “Being an assistant principal was something that I was pursuing as a next step, but I didn’t think there would be an opening at Oak Park,” said Gosney. “When I learned that there was going to be an opening, I knew that this was the opportunity to get my dream job in the building I love.”

we’re just developing that from an athletic director side and putting my influence and activities and athletics, but then certainly wanting to continue to build on some of the things that we were able to do when I was an assistant principal and as Mrs. [Jackie] Gosney takes over, working with her a lot to give her any help that she needs.”

As Valadez changes Freshman Kara Owens stops by Gosney’s classoffices, OP searched for room to talk to ELA teacher Jackie Gosney, (hoto its perfect match for its courtesy of NKCS Communications)

News // Morales-Mejia Casey Vokolek Ed.D. Executive Director of Student Activities and Support Services for the North Kansas City School District

Courtesy of NKCSchools.org

Gosney is certified to teach English grades 9-12, has her master’s degree in reading and a education specialist degree in secondary principalship. She’s also in the process of being admitted into a doctoral program in the fall. She has been teaching for nearly a decade and a half.

“I want teachers, students, families, and the community to feel connected and supported around the Oak Park family. I want to make sure that in whatever tasks I take on or oversee, I am doing my best to honor the work, values and mission of our school,” said Gosney.

The administration team will make sure Gosney receives the proper training before the next school year.

“Ms. Gosney was one of several outstanding candidates. She is committed to our community and will work hard for the Oak Park family,” said Sartain.

Chad Valadez Activities Director for Oak Park High School

Courtesy of NKCSchools.org

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Jackie Gosney Assistant Principal for Oak Park High School

Courtesy of NKCS Communications

Check It Out!

The Axe Interview With Gosney

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fkTLXfF58U

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Feature // Bensyl

Goodbye

SENIOR YEAR

Hello

QUARANTINE

COVID-19 ending senior year early for class of 2020 story by staffer Hannah Butts

Senior year is held close to the hearts of many teenagers, as it’s filled with many firsts, and many more lasts. It’s a year that is looked forward to since entering high school.

For some, the excitement is to leave. For others, it’s to experience all those important life moments homecoming, last sports seasons, final performances, prom and graduation.

Unfortunately for the class of 2020, they may never have some of those final memories.

Due to the rapid outbreak and spread of COVID-19 in recent months, Missouri Gov. Mike Parsons ordered all schools closed for the rest of the school year. For Oak Park, the order covered March 23 to May 22.

“I found out when I was sitting in the living room and I was just scrolling through Twitter. I told my mom and then I let what that really meant settle in,” said senior Skylar

Small. “When all of that settled in, I immediately started balling in front of my family and I felt really embarrassed but they all seemed sad too. They knew what I was feeling they didn’t even know what to say other than that it was for our safety and it would help the spreading stop.”

Because of the closing of schools, North Kansas City School District, along with many other districts have switched to eLearning, school provided online.

“Online for sure. I’m more motivated when I’m physically at school, and I can get more work done faster when I’m in a learning environment and not sitting at home in my pjs all day,” senior Natalie Morrison said.

Senior year wraps up their high school career, but it’s those final special memories people remember forever.

“I feel like I have missed out on my whole end of my senior year, the whole experience of being a senior has been taken away from me.

Things like senior celebration, last prom, senior skip day and so many more are just so unsure and probably won’t happen,” student body president senior Malisa Bartlow said.

“I found out when I was sitting in the living room and I was just scrolling through Twitter. I told my mom and then I let what that really meant settle in,”­ —senior Skylar Small.

Feature // Bensyl

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The cancellation of schools affected students statewide, but it hit hardest for seniors.

“I feel like I am missing out on so much. Those last couple months of our senior year are supposed to be celebratory and we can’t experience any of it,” Small said.

“The banquets that recognize the hard work we’ve put into each of our clubs or

activities are gone. The traditions of wearing my prom dress during my last orchestra concert is gone.

Lock-ins to say goodbye to all of my underclassmen friends and pass on the baton to them is gone.

Prom, senior celebration, honors night, and maybe even graduation is all gone. And it really sucks.”

Even with all the damages of COVID-19, seniors have the first seven months of the school year to remember.

“My favorite part of senior year was homecoming and the football games. Homecoming was so spir-

senior Malisa Bar tlow

senior Skylar Small

senior Natalie Morrison

4 years Student Council 1 year student body president 2 years Leadership- rest of events canceled, banquet 2 years National Honor Societybanquet 4 years girls soccer- canceled season and banquet 4 years Key Club 4 years Young Life 1 year Junior Assembly- last dance canceled

2 years Leadership- events canceled, banquet 4 years Student Council 2 years Cambia yearbook - virtual banquet, awards to be presented by delivery 4 years orchestra - no final concert, festival and pre-festival canceled, banquet canceled 1 year National Honor Societybanquet 4 years class officer 2 years Junior Assembly- last dance canceled

1 year Key Club 4 years Student Council 2 years Leadership- events canceled, banquet 4 years class officer 4 years choir 2 years Oak Street Singersend-of-the year trip canceled, last concert 2 years National Honor Societybanquet 2 years Junior Assembly- last dance canceled

WHAT ARE YOU MISSING?

From a senior

ited and exciting and Friday night football games were my favorite part of the week,” said Bartlow.

“I’ll remember those moments forever; and I’m thankful I got to experience being up for homecoming queen.” *for coverage of homecoming events, read TNL Issue 1 on Issuu.com.

all seniors

senior breakfast senior celebration night graduation prom Mr. and Miss Oak Park

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Feature // Byrum

Power of social media adds pressure Seniors petition for their graduation

by Photo Editor Emily Byrum

Right now, graduation can be a very loaded topic, specifically for the class of 2020 seniors.

The district decided the graduating class of 2020 will have a virtual graduation for each of the four high schools at the end of May. NKC Schools recently sent out information regarding its end of year festivities.

“There is no way any senior would feel “graduated” after watching the video,” said senior Makayla Lawe.

In July, each high school will have a barbeque to celebrate seniors and on a separate day there will be a diploma presentation.

“I appreciate everything the school is trying to do for us. This has not ever been seen before so we are in uncharted waters,” said senior Skyler Dildine.

After the district released all this information about graduation and events leading up to it, there was a change.org petition created

by Seth McGrew, a Staley High School senior.

McGrew said, “I started the petition because I was extremely disappointed that we will not be having a traditional graduation

ceremony and I wanted to change that, I always say if you aren’t part of the solution then you’re part of the problem.

“In less than three days of the petition being created, there were over 2800 signatures. I expected a lot of responses because I know how upsetting this is to a lot of people in our district,” said McGrew. “I recently entered a competition to become a Chubbies influencer; and I realized the power people have especially in an online

“In less than three days of the petition being created, there were over 2800 signatures,” -Staley senior Seth McGrew setting. I got over 2000 likes on an Instagram post to shave my head, so recently I have realized the power of people.”

The district explored all opportunities for properly honoring the class of 2020.

“I’ll start off by saying, we have had about five or six different plans [for graduation] since spring break,” said Supt. Dan Clemens, Ed.D., in an Axe interview.

Students expressed possible ideas for graduation ceremonies.

“There are so many ways to host

an event while practicing social distancing,” said McGrew. “Any sporting stadiums I’m sure would be glad to host a graduation with the proper persuasion, there are just endless possibilities.”

During its research, the district talked to many large capacity venues around the city.

“We looked at HyVee Arena to rent out for social distancing, and maybe keep it for four days, one for each one of the high schools, then we found out that HyVee could be a temporary hospital, so then we started looking at other venues bigger than Municipal,” said Clemens in the Axe interview.

Graduation means something different to everyone, to some it means the end, but also a new beginning many students hoped to share with their loved ones.

“It’s a very special moment and I know that my grandpa with Parkinson’s has been looking forward to it for four years,” said McGrew.

Seniors in the district expressed their feelings on what they hoped the petition would do.

“I sadly do not think the district will change their mind about graduation,” said McGrew.

At the end of the day, many students may have signed the petition despite not knowing what will really come out of this.

“I honestly don’t think it’ll change the district’s opinion, but it’s a good effort to try and open their eyes,” said Lawe.

Feature// Byrum

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OAK PARK

SENIORS C A P A N D G OW N & HO NO R CO RDS PICKUP

Supt. Dan Clemens, Ed.D. talked about the change in plans in a recent Axe show. https://youtu.be/ qBMThn_ML1g

If you did not recieve your graduation package on April 30 , you have another oppurtunity on May 6 from 4-6 p.m. Refer to the map in your email from Dr. Sartain on where your exact pick up location is.

P HO T O S AN D Y A R D S IG N S On May 15, seniors have the opportunity to go to the building to have their picture taken in their cap and gown with OP as the backdrop. After pictures, every senior will receive a yard sign to show off their accomplishments. Last names A-L will have pictures taken between 1:30 and 3 p.m. , and last names M-Z will take pictures between 3 and 4:30 p.m. In addition to pictures, the lights on the football field will be illuminated to honor the Class of 2020 that evening.

V I R TU A L G RAD UA T IO N

Senior Skyler Dildine poses for senior photos in cap and gown. (photo courtesy Skyler Dildine)

At 6:30 p.m. on May 28 at Oak Park, OP will stream its virtual graduation. With this graduation there will be musical performances, student speeches, and recognition of special honors, just as a traditional ceremony would have.

U NT I L W E ME E T AG A I N S E N I O R S EN D O F F On July 20, 30 Oak Park will be having a two-part diploma presentation for the class of 2020. Last names A-L will begin at 4:30 p.m. and M-Z will begin at 7:30 p.m.

During this time seniors will have the opportunity to walk across the stage to receive their diploma, and celebrate with teachers, friends , and family.

SOURCE: WWW.NKCSCHOOLS.ORG

Senior Montana Brelsford tosses her cap celebrating graduation. (photo by Nyla Brelsford)

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Opinion // Gallagher

photos by Nathan Nance

“I’m angry about prom being canceled. A lot of other school districts are having it in July in their gym or on the football field; and I was so excited for prom. Super mad that NKCSD just canceled and didn’t even try to reschedule,” -senior Kylie DeBoard “I have mixed feelings on the gradua-

tion plans. As long as we are able to walk the stage in July, then I’m ok with it, but the whole online graduation and the pictures at Oak Park, I don’t like that,” -senior Jada Dean “I was really disappointed about prom being canceled for this year. I didn’t go last year and I really

wanted to this year,” -senior Bailee Widman “It sucks that I might not get to play my last season of high school baseball. We really had a big shot this year,” -senior John Berislavich “Don’t try to grow up too fast. These four years are going to fly

Student Voices

Opinion // Gallagher

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From our Seniors

by and before you know it you are going to cry realizing that high school is over and you can’t go back,” -senior Makenna Rodger “My favorite memory was this past year of playing football.

We had a great team and we played a lot of great games. It

made a bond for us that made the season more enjoyable,” -senior Jacob Mustard

“Something that I will miss is my friends that are underclassmen, and some teachers.

I got to really know “I was planning on go- some of my teachers ing [to prom] because this year as people I’ve never been to a not just as teachers. I high school dance, will also miss the peobut I guess I won’t ple who hated on me, now,” they are the people -senior Jackson that pushed me to do Winfrey better,” -senior Elizabeth Ore

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Feature // // Bensyl Bensyl Feature

The torch at the end

of the tunnel

Despite COVID-19, there’s good news

story by staffer Kelsey Abunga story by staffer Kelsey Abunga

2020 2020 has has been been aa roller roller coaster coaster of of emotions for many people.

Now, emotions for many people. Now, the the global global pandemic pandemic leaves leaves most most people people stressed stressed and and overwhelmed overwhelmed with families worried about providing basic necessities to their

families.

Along with the chaos and with families worried about proconfusion, people haven’t had viding basic necessities to theirthe time to focus positive thingsand families.

Alongonwith the chaos happening around the world. confusion, people haven’t hadHere the are some instances that will bring time to focus on positive things a smile to your facethe during these happening around world.

Here dark times. are some instances While individuals arebring mainly that will a smile focusing on preventing to your face during thethese spread, lot of posdarka times. itiveWhile thingsindividuals have been happening because of are mainly focusing that.

For example, lack on preventing the of spread, activity and a lot places of posi-to gotive have caused some things have been people to unintentionalhappening because ly of save money. that.

For example, For some people, lack of activity and especially places toteenagers, go have saving money is peoa lot caused some easier said than done. ple to unintentionally Now, say staysavepeople money. ing inside helps them For some people, financially. especially teenagers, “Since saving many moneyplaces is a have closed down, I’ve lot easier said than been spending a lot done.

Now, people less money.

I’ve also say staying inside had the opportunity helps them financialto ly. work more hours,” junior Eli Bartz, “Since manywho places works at KFC, have closed said. down, While some peo- a I’ve been spending plelotcan agree staying less money.

I’ve inside them also prevented had the opporfrom blowing their bank tunity to work more accounts, others can hours,” junior Eli

“Global conflict “Global conflict between the between the U.S. and other U.S. and other countries isn’t countries isn’t happening happening currently. Due currently.

Due to the virus, no toone theisvirus, no trying to one pick is trying to a war,” pick a war,” —junior Jaya ­—junior Jaya Deherrera Deherrera

argue money helps Bartz, how who spending works at KFC, said. them cope during hard times.

While some people can agree “I haveinside beenprevented spending athem lot of staying time shopping.

Everyone is so from blowing their bank accounts, worried, and online shopping others can argue how spending makes happy distracts money me helps themand cope during me from all the crazy stuff happening,” hard times. sophomore Lamis Habilaasaid.

“I have been spending lot of Due to the worldwide chaos, time shopping. Everyone is so businesses been making worried, andhave online shopping pacts help people these makestome happy andthrough distracts me tough times.

For example, amusefrom all the crazy stuff happening,” ment park Worlds Fun “season sophomore Lamis of Habila said. passes” usually only lastchaos, for a Due to the worldwide year.

However, WoF announced businesses have been making that if a person purchases a seapacts to help people through son pass in 2020, it will last for the these tough times. For example, season of 2021 as well.

This twoamusement park Worlds of Fun year passpasses” includes events such as “season only last for WinterFest and Halloween a year. However, they have Haunt. anWith humans staying inside, nounced that if you purchase a wildlife thriving since season has passbeen in 2020, it will last the for quarantine the season started of 2021as aswell. well. This “Since everyone staying home two-year long passisincludes sigand there’s nowhere to go, air polnificant events such as WinterFest lution has decreased and there’s and Halloween Haunt. been lot of improvement of the Witha hmans staying inside, air quality,” Habila said. wildlife has been thriving since the Accordingstarted to usatoday.org quarantine as well. and NASA satellite data, pollution “Since everyone is air staying home has by 30%to in go, the air bigpoland dropped there’s nowhere cities the Northeastand justthere’s over lution of has decreased the past few weeks.

For instance, been a lot of improvement of the cities such as Newsaid.

York City, air quality,” Habila Washington Philadelphia and According D.C., to usatoday.org and Boston have experienced massive NASA satellite data, air pollution improvement in air quality, has dropped by 30% in thesimilar big

Feature // Bensyl to the improvements seen in Italy and China.

Improvement of air quality and water pollution is incredibly good news. However, it’s not the most important thing to be worried about during this pandemic.

Worldwide, people struggle to fight the virus. Currently, countries in the world ignore most conflict and focus on finding a cure.

America is no stranger to having conflicts with other countries.

However, the pandemic is causing the world to ignore differences and come together to fight COVID-19.

“Global conflict between the U.S. and other countries isn’t happening currently. Due to the virus, no one is trying to pick a war,” junior Jaya Deherrera said. “During times of crisis, people come together

a lot more in fear of death.”

Many news anchors have been focusing on the pandemic and a cure. Other news stories are being overlooked in the media and not really talked about as much as they should.

According to globalnews.ca and National Geographic, the lack of tourism, docking cruise ships, and the decrease in water-vehicle pollution, Venice canal waters have been the cleanest they’ve been in a long time.

With events being canceled, many people have been stuck in the house. In desperation to cure their boredom, individuals have been trying new things and taking up different hobbies.

“I have a routine everyday. Half of my days consist of eating and sleeping, and the other half is painting and play-

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ing video games,” junior Hellen Bolivar said.

While some people have taken up hobbies, others have been using this time to focus on spending more time with family.

“I’ve given my sisters makeovers and tried cooking new foods for my family. We’ve played a lot of card games and read books.

That’s all fun, but we’ve also been cleaning a lot,” junior Sabreen Aban said.

Cleaning isn’t just for home.

Summer clearning and construction at the building has begun early. For example, this quarantine has given time to start the installation of a new sidewalk and baseball field. With the lack of students on campus, they started construction early.

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Feature // Dunaway

Further apart yet closer together 6ft apart

Students talk about how they’re bonding with their families

by Editor-in-Chief Lindsey Dunaway

While most of the news focuses on the negative of COVID-19 or the frontline heroics of doctors, nurses, and others, there’s action in the living rooms and kitchen tables that could revolutionize American society - families spending more time together crafting, gaming, and making new recipes. “[A positive of quarantine has been] being with my family more often. This has been amazing because we don’t usually spend a lot of time together because of school and work but now we have a lot of time and we are getting really close as a family,” junior Evan Galloway said.

There are many different ways for families to get closer together, like having family movie nights, game nights and just having deep conversations.

“Yes [spending time with my family has brought us closer together] we’ve been playing a lot of games such as Canasta and Catan together nightly. We start shows together and we watch

them as a family. Everyone is gothis and using that information can ing crazy in our house but we are make for a happier life in the long really the only ones we have right run,” Galloway said. now,” sophomore Izzy Christus Over the last month many peosaid. ple have learned many things Creating close bonds within a about themselves. family can also lead to spending “[I’ve learned] to never take for more family time together in the granted of the experiences I get to future. have every day [and] to accept the “I think that I will for sure [spend freedoms I have,” Christus said. more time with my family in the future] just because we bonded in a way we haven’t usually before,” junior Vaughn Dennis said.

Another positive of quarantine is having time to oneself.

“I’ve been able to get really creative again after being so busy with theatre and homework when I get home.

I’ve been doing a lot of art again and it makes me happy, and it’s been a distraction too,” Christus said.

Having time to oneself can be distracting but also beneficial in the long Sophomore Izzy Christus pushes her brother run. on a swing during quarantine. Many students “You can learn a lot about had to balance school work with watching yourself during times like younger siblings. (photo courtesy Izzy Christus)

Feature // Dunaway

“[I’ve learned] to never take for granted of the experiences I get to have every day [and] to accept the freedoms I have,”

-sophomore Izzy Christus

Sophomore Izzy Christus takes a selfie with her brother. People have been documenting their lives in quarantine with selfies. (photo courtesy Izzy Christus)

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The Christus family does their eLearning work. In many homes, dining room tables became classrooms and parent’s offices across the country. (photo courtesy Izzy Christus)

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Sports // Trumble

Quarantine conditioning for fall sports by writer Kayleonah Trumble

With this school year being cut short due to COVID-19, it affected the spring sports season and conditioning for the upcoming fall season. However, even with quarantine, student athletes choose to condition since they have more time on their hands.

“I condition a lot more. I do two runs every day,” said cross country runner sophomore Gabe Pingleton, “[I] typically [run] a fourmile tempo at 5:40-mile pace in the morning, then a easy six-mile run in the afternoon.”

There are many ways to do conditioning during this time since the coach is not there instructing them on what to do.

“I have been conditioning a little bit. Our coach sends out workouts every Sunday night for the week,

so we can do them on our own.” said cross country runner sophomore Emily Ore. When springtime comes, athletes start to look forward to their fall seasons.

“I’m looking forward to this fall season for the friends, and the experience. And also going to different schools,” said volleyball player sophomore Gracie VanBebber.

Athletes look forward to the sport, in addition to their friends.

“I am looking forward to fall cross country season because track was canceled and I’m ready to race again,” said Pingleton.

There are many things to look forward to like making up for the lost season.

“I’m very excited for next season because I didn’t have a sophomore track season and I’ve always liked cross country better then

track. It’s never too hot or too cold is definitely a good aspect to it I’m my opinion,” said Ore, The fall season could still be different with the virus possibly making a comeback. “[It will be different] because we don’t know when we will be able to come back.” said VanBebber.

The fall season is very much undetermined as of yet.

“We won’t all be in the good shape we will be next year since track season got canceled. So our hard workout days or just normal workouts are altered since we aren’t meeting every day and have meets to push our abilities,” said Ore.

Sports // Trumble

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All spring sports were cancelled after spring break. (photo by Nathan Nance)

On Monday May 4, sophomore Emily Ore did her workouts at the Penguin Park Trail in the rain. “I definitely condition less then I would if we did it as a team. Running and sports conditioning in general is way better when your with your team then alone.� (photo by Kayleonah Trumble)

photo by Nathan Nance

(background photo by Nathan Nance)

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Feature // Ashton

School is closed, but learning doesn’t stop by staffer Luka Ashton

In the middle of a global pandemic, changes are bound to be made. Oak Park families are seeing a new system of all eLearning as a health and safety precaution while still allowing students to continue with the rest of their academic year. However, it begs the question if eLearning loses some of the education that would otherwise be seen in classrooms in the process Principal Chris Sartain Ed.D., said, “Oh yes, being at Oak Park is a huge part of the learning experience and overall education for our students. When we are not at Oak Park together, we are not able to support you in the same way.

With that being said, I feel like our teachers and students have done a phenomenal job engaging in this new way. I am so proud of everyone but I do feel like being in the building makes for a better experience.”

This is something not seen in the lifetimes of students and it is equally as new for the staff as they continue to adapt their curriculum to be suited for eLearning through the rest of the school year.

“I’m still teaching the same concepts, but I’ve had to rethink how to present some of the information. There are many things that students do in class that just don’t translate to online learning,” said Spanish and French modern language teacher Jill Weatherly. eLearning presented itself with many different expectations and

In an Axe interview, Principal Chris Sartain, Ed.D., shared his pride in the eLearning students and teachers had done so far. https://youtu.be/HxdeTrzEVyM

tools for learning. From classrooms to video conferences, from worksheets to video lectures, and the class schedules changing to a four-day week, the way students learn has changed.

Sophomore Mel Bishop said, “no for me personally I haven’t [lost out]. We have Zoom calls that are extremely helpful. It puts back that face-to-face part that I think we lost. Teachers are making videos which are the same as just coming to school and sitting in class.”

Bishop used her free time in between eLearning to pick up various hobbies, displaying some of the brighter things that have come from this period of quarantine.

“I’ve had a lot of time to pick up hobbies that I’ve been putting off.

I’ve been taking a lot of walks and picking up trash around my neighborhood,” said Bishop.

However, others have found eLearning to be more difficult.

“I think the switch to online learning has definitely had a detrimental impact on our education.

Simply because communication with teachers and other students has become so much harder than before,” said sophomore Weston Sinnett.

While the future is unknown, students and staff continue to adapt to the situation and make education as accessible as possible, and make going back to classroom learning as easy as possible.

“I think everyone will be ready to get back to “normal” and it will be our goal to help everyone feel safe, loved, and supported at Oak Park when we return,” said Sartain.

Sophomore Mel Bishop shows one of her hobbies developed over quarantine. “I watched a video on instagram...I took it one step further and added color with embroidery floss,” said Bishop. (photo courtesy Mel Bishop)