Back to School Issue 2021

the paw print spring 2021: the back-to-school issue

table of

CONT

NEWS FEATURES A&E

03 teachers back at school 05 library reopening 07 day in the life 11 places to study 13 back to school fashion 19 meal prep

SPORTS

21 superstitions 23 high school sports resume

OP-EDS

25 fomo 31 reflection

TENTS & staff Editors-in-Chief Brooke Johnston Iman Baber Lead Design Editors Timothy Kang Katie Luo Lead Tech + Media Manager Emily Chang Lead Copywriter Jessica Son Copy Writer Reya Mehta News Editors Alyssa Chang Lauren Guss

News Writers Timothy Kang Jessica Son Noor Baber Haley Choe Andrew Kang Stephen Kim Justin Litvak A&E Editors Emily Yoon Gaby Lesmana A&E Writers Isabella Truong Anika Sachdeva Minjun Kim Vanessa McLaughlin Emily Chang Op-Ed Writers Reya Mehta

Op-Ed Editors Ricky Rojas Jaeeun Park Sports Editors Noah Neri Zach Singer Sports Writers Colin Park Features Editors Jasmine Wongphatarakul Ashley Park Features Writers Alice Xie Gillian Bui Sabrina Ho Kimberly Ayson Brooke Johnston Katie Luo

How Teachers are Mov Story by Alyssa Chang and Lauren Guss Photos by Featured West Ranch Staff and Graphics

by Andrew Kang

After over a year of Zoom calls, Google Meets, and staring at computer screens for over four hours a day, the William S. Hart Union High School District has finally reopened its doors to long-missed students. Hybrid learning, a blend between online learning and in-person education, began on March 29.

With new aspects of in-person school including one way walkways and CrisisGo, it can be more than a little stressful for both students and teachers to navigate this new environment— especially teachers. Not only have students been anticipating the return to campus, but teachers have also been longing for the normality of young faces in their empty classrooms.

Danae Towne

“I love the personal interaction with the student.

I am tired of talking to a screen where for the most part I am seeing ceiling fans, walls or foreheads!” expressed Coach Holen. However, although some of these previous “foreheads” will turn into actual students in class with the change, other widespread concerns from teachers arose.

As she considered online and in-person students, Ms. Boyle, an Algebra 1 and Honors Geometry teacher at West Ranch, explained, “I am a little worried about the students at home not getting the same learning experience/attention as the students in the classroom. I am hoping to find a balance working with all students.”

Although there may be some uncertainties with the major change, there are certainly observable benefits with the campus reopening.

Mrs. Towne, an Honors Algebra 2 Trigonometry and Honors Pre-Calculus teacher at West Ranch,

Natalie Boyle

commented, “It’s refr campus again and int if some of my classes exciting to have stude us feel more like a clas students present quest they are, and to also ge Changing environme of time can put loads student’s mind, and t guide them through th “Your teachers are SO Boyle emphasized. “I a myself and students du As an ending note students, “Don’t forg number! Bring your su needs to be borrowed, remember to sanitize o

Jeffrey Holen

ving BACK TO SCHOOL

reshing to walk around teract with humans. Even s are small, it is extremely ents present since it makes ss again. It’s nice to ask the tions in passing to see how et to know who they are.” ents in such a short amount of pressure onto a young teachers are here to help his experimental period.

O happy you are here,” Ms. am going to be patient with uring the transition.” e, Mrs. Towne reminded get your teacher’s room upplies/devices. If anything , we can still find a way, but often.”

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CHAT From Danae Towne to Wildcats: In all honesty, I planned on keeping my instruction similar to how it’s been while remote. Most of my students are still remote so as long as the instruction through zoom, google classroom, and delta math continues to run smoothly, some students can enjoy returning in person and benefit from being in person while the instruction is happening. We can interact live with questions and chat with our neighbors while remaining distanced and having our masks on and using devices to complete assignments. The main difference is that my live students will not need to log in to zoom during class. We can also see each other live!

From Natalie Boyle to Wildcats: I am excited! I am fully vaccinated, and the campus feels safe. I miss having students in my classroom and seeing my co-workers!

From Jeffrey Holen to Wildcats: I have a go with the flow attitude so I do not have blockage/fear/ challenges. Like water on a duck’s back, I just let it roll!

From Natalie Boyle to Wildcats: I plan on keeping my classes as consistent as possible (EdPuzzle videos for homework; practice during class). There has been so much change this past year, and I feel like my students and I are in a “flow”.

From Jeffrey Holen to Wildcats: My number one goal is to try and make PE as fun as possible, especially for the students that are coming back onto campus. For those at home I want to show the students that they can get a good workout at home by using everyday items from around the house as their weight equipment.

I personally got into teaching PE to teach lifelong fitness to my students.

From Danae Towne to Wildcats: We got this, wildcats! Seniors, I hope you take advantage of this too!

There’s so little time left of your senior year. Enjoy!!!

TO: Everyone Type message here ...

...

6

day Story by Sabrina Ho Graphic by Noor Baber

in

the

life

of

Due to the pandemic, most of the school year has been spent on Zoom through distance learning. As COVID-19 cases decreas person school for two days while learning on Zoom for the rest of the week. Because hybrid learning began during the second se basketball player at West Ranch, to see what a typical day looks like for a hybrid student.

8:00 AM Because of the commute, Sean wakes up earlier for hybrid learning in order to arrive at school on time. Sean starts his day by brushing his teeth, washing his face and getting dressed for school. He then heads downstairs and eats the breakfast his mom prepares.

8:20 AM Sean comes to school every Monday and Tuesday and goes straight to class, as there is not much time for interacting with other students.

“Sometimes during Zoom it is sort of uncomfortable asking teachers questions because everyone else is listening during class so it is too much attention on you,” he revealed. “But during class time there is a one-on-one interaction you can have with the teachers and I feel like, since we do not have a chance to go on our phones, we are more focused during class times so we get to absorb more information.”

One of the big changes on campus were the routes created to make a one-way flow of traffic. Sean admits that it takes much longer to get to class, but he realizes it is necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Being on campus has helped Sean to build relationships with his teachers that he was unable to build on Zoom. He shared one of his experiences with The Paw Print.

“With my computer science teacher, Mr. Burrill, I had never talked to him once over Zoom because I never got the chance. But in person I was able to actually talk to him about our similar interests. I was able to relate with him more and have a chance to form stronger relationships with our teachers,” he said.

11:20 AM Once all his classes are done, Sean heads home where he is always greeted by his dog. He grabs a quick snack and goes right into homework as he knows he has a busy day in front of him.

12:45 PM After having some time to tackle homework, Sean drives back to school to pick up his younger brother. When leaving school, his brother picks up lunches that the school provides and takes them home to enjoy.

blended a student

se, West Ranch students have returned to campus through hybrid learning. They have been split into two cohorts, attending inemester, students have had to adapt to their new schedule. The Paw Print had a chance to interview Sean Kim, a junior and varsity

2:00 PM Amidst his busy schedule, Sean finally takes some time to relax and watch YouTube, play games or talk to his friends. He also continues to work on any more homework he has been assigned.

5:00 PM Sean heads back to school for basketball practice where he gets time to play with his friends.

“Practice has stayed pretty much the same,” Sean shared. “The only difference is that we have to get COVID tested twice a week or we can not participate in practice or games that entire week.”

8:00 PM

Following his busy day, Sean goes to sleep to ensure he is ready for the next day.

Sea

12:00 AM

nK im

After a long practice, Sean is always hungry and eats dinner as soon as he gets home. As his day comes to an end, Sean takes a shower and completes any assignments he was not able to finish before. He ends off his night by taking some time to rest.

With the new way of learning, Sean has had to adjust his routine to fit the hybrid schedule. He is happy that he is finally able to come back on campus to interact with his friends and teachers and hopes that the COVID-19 situation will continue to improve.

8

Places to

Study

Socially

Distanced Story and photos by Brooke Johnson and Kimberly Ayson Graphic by Andrew Kang

As testing season rolls around in Santa Clarita, students gather to pack study rooms and pore over review books.

During COVID-19, however, these close-contact study sessions aren’t wise options. The Paw Print has compiled suggestions on where you can study safely this finals season.

to the high volume of customers, some shops have outdoor seating conducive to study sessions. One such coffee shop is Havana Savannah, located on Copper Hill, and is complete with both a covered patio with electrical outlets and heat lamps as well as a spacious uncovered patio.

Libraries

Its unique ambiance and menu options make it a student favorite.

After over a year of closures, the three branches of Santa Clarita public libraries in Canyon Country, Old Town Newhall, and Valencia reopened their doors to the public on April 6 to celebrate National Library Week, according to the SCV Signal. Each facility is currently open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To prevent the spread of the virus, each building is restricted to 75 percent capacity, and everyone must wear a mask and remain physically distanced at all times.

“I love Havana Savannah because it’s a great place to study and meet with friends!” senior Shaira Busnawi told The Paw Print. “The seating area is all outdoors and so cute, and they always take the right measures against COVID. Whenever I get distracted at home, I always turn to Havana Savannah as a place to get my work done!”

Hybrid students also have the privilege of accessing the West Ranch library during open periods and between classes.

West Ranch Teacher Librarian, Mrs. Erickson explained, “We are open for students who choose to be here and our library is open from whenever students are allowed on campus. So if you have a first period class, you can come in here, but if you’re not here till 8:30 a.m., then you can come in during your open period and [we’re open] till 4:00 p.m. So we want students to know this is a safe environment to be in.”

Each table has only one chair to minimize close contact, readily available hand sanitizer stations and requirements that masks must be worn at all times. Its limited capacity makes the library a quiet and relaxing place to study (the calm music is a plus, too). Check out pages 5-6 in this issue to learn more or visit the West Ranch Website.

Coffee Shops Coffee shops have long been regarded as the ultimate study spaces by many students. While indoor seating might not be the safest options right now due

Another option is Honu Coffee in Downtown Newhall. Offering outdoor seating throughout its wraparound patio, Honu Coffee has a variety of options for students wanting to study socially distanced. With a mask mandate for both customers and staff, limited capacity in the coffee shop and hand sanitizer stations around the store, a safe and healthy environment is now one less thing to worry about while studying. Though small, Honu Coffee is a perfect COVID-friendly location for those who don’t like big noisy coffee shops.

open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. With large plots of grassy areas to set down a blanket and the many tables scattered around the park, virtually any place is a perfect sociallydistanced study spot.

Meadows Park is another great local option and an often overlooked park that provides the benefits of picnic tables and large open spaces. Located just next to Meadows Elementary school, the venue is a small, quiet park perfect for a peaceful study session.

As Santa Clarita slowly starts to open more establishments and public areas, studying somewhere other than a bedroom is once again possible. We hope some of these study spaces work for you and give you the focus to to adequately prepare for the last five weeks of school. Remember Cats, stay safe and keep pushing through the end of the year!

Parks If you aren’t comfortable studying in the same vicinity as others, there are plenty of spacious outdoor study options in Santa Clarita! Both hybrid and online students can take advantage of the many parks around Santa Clarita to study.

Parks are a great outdoor study option and are conducive to sitting outside alone or six feet apart from friends to get some work done. Richard H. Rioux Memorial Park is a great park close to West Ranch; it’s

10

Thoughts on return

Story by Jasmine Wongph Graphics by Jasmin

“My favorite thing about hybrid learning is being able to have a personal connection with all of my teachers and being able to focus more.”

“I like that hybrid learning allows me to come in-person twice a week.

I don’t mind learning online, but I feel I understand the material better when I’m in the classroom. I also like being able to interact with my peers and teachers in-person as well.”

-Logan LeGrett, 11th Grade

-Ashley Tonthat, 12th Grade

“I like being able to come on campus, because I find it easier to focus in a classroom. It also eliminates some of my frustrations when websites take a long time to load because my computer is running Zoom.”

-Madelyn Ronia, 11th Grade

“My biggest concern with hybrid learning would definitely be the possible exposure of COVID from teachers, staff, or students.”

-Catherine Ng, 10th Grade

ning back to school

hatarakul and Stephen Kim ne Wongphatarakul

“I like how much more I am able to engage in class. Hybrid is a really nice option because I feel more focused and more productive in class as well as retain information much better when [I’m] in a physical classroom setting. It also just feels great to be present back on campus and to see some familiar faces.”

“My biggest concern about hybrid learning is not having enough class time to really be able to master the subjects.”

-Olivia Mitchell, 10th Grade

-Alex King, 11th Grade

“What I like about hybrid learning is the ability to have social interactions, although limited, with teachers and friends. Hybrid learning also brings you back into an environment that you haven’t been in in a very long time, so it’s a good change of pace.”

-Alexander Vila, 10th Grade

“I like being back in-person and seeing my friends.”

-Natalie Lennon, 9th Grade

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BACK TO SCHOOL FASHION Story by Minjun Kim, Isabella Truong & Anika Sachdeva Photos by Megan Choe

A variety of fashion trends are taking West Ranch by storm as hybrid-learning students return to campus. Specific colors and patterns have left footprints of influence all across campus. Here are a few of the most popular pieces that Wildcats are wearing:

Shoes may be used to match your clothing, for sports or even just to show off your favorite brands. As shoes are offered in countless styles, purposes and sizes, many West Ranch students purchase different types of shoes to compliment their varying outfits.

Students also purchase shoes to follow trends. For example, starting a few years ago, many students suddenly began wearing Air Force 1s. Even if you are not a shoe-lover, these trends are noticeable and are impactful. Now, as students come back to the campus, different shoe styles and trends are also coming back, such as high-tops and all-white shoes.

“I always enjoy when my shoes match the clothes I’m wearing, plus showing them off.”

-Karina Hartounian

S H O E S

14

“I think people can utilize masks as a part of their everyday style now.

By matching with their outfit, people can find a way to personalize masks their own way while still being safe.”

-Clarice Kim

M A A SS KK SS

Throughout the duration of COVID-19, masks have been both helpful and a trendy fashion accessory. This past year, students have worn both medical and cloth masks that vary in color, shape and fabric.

Many stores and online retailers offer personalized masks, giving people a chance to express themselves wherever they go. Popular brands and convenience stores such as JOANN and Target have materials that students can use to create and personalize their own masks as well. Upcycling and refurbishing old clothing items into functional masks for protection has been especially popular over quarantine.

“I like how a mask is normalized and everyone wears one, so nobody has to buy a fancy decorated one and because they are so common, every color goes with every outfit.”

M A A SS KK SS

-Maya O’Grady

“I love how I have the freedom to match my mask to the outfit I’m wearing, and it allows me to go out and show my style through both my clothes and my accessories.”

-Sela Patterson 16

Story by Emily Yoon Graphics by Gaby Lesmana

“Not only is it an extremely catchy and great song but it also provides representation in music.”

ASB President “Up,” Cardi B “Montero,” Lil Nas X “Starships,” Nicki Minaj “Isabelle,” Zach Hood “Dangerous,” Kardinal Offishall “Promiscuous,” Nelly Furtado “Barcelona,” Ed Sheeran “100 Bad Days,” AJR “Beautiful People,” Ed Sheeran “3 Nights,” Dominic Fike

“The Nights,” Avicii “Roxanne,” Arizona Zervas “Mood,” 24KGoldn “BO$$,” Fifth Harmony “Best Friend,” Saweetie “Lie Lie Lie,” Joshua Bassett “IDGAF,” Dua Lipa “Tap in,” Saweetie “Pump it,” Black Eyed Peas “Song for Another Time,” Old Dominion “Tells a story and connects me to my family and childhood because I was raised on country music.”

“I love listening to songs I heard while traveling; I am definitely an auditory learner,” she says. “In some countries I visited, all the taxis and hotels and even restaurants would constantly play the same songs so now whenever I hear certain songs I think of all the fun memories I made in those countries.”

“Blasting music in my car or AirPods makes me feel on top of the world and has the power to make my day. It has the power to make me want to dance and have fun and gives me confidence to lead.”

“Castle on the Hill,” E “I Lived,” OneRepublic “Carry On,” fun.

“Some Nights,” fun.

“Counting Stars,” O “Only The Young Americana,” Taylor “Heroes - 2017 Rema “Welcome To New Y “I Know Places,” Tay “London Boy,” Tayl

Film Club Member

“For me, music enhances film by creating emotion.

Without the right music, movies can feel lifeless.

Almost every song can be cinematic. An intense song can start playing during an intense movie scene and an upbeat song can play during the start of a movie.”

Ed Sheeran c

“Are You Bored Yet?,” Wallows, Clairo “Sunflower,” Post Malone, Swae Lee “Electric Love,” BØRNS “Die For You,” The Weeknd “8TEEN,” Khalid “Watermelon Sugar,” Harry Styles “In one of my “Saturday Nights,” Khalid favorite movies, “Life Goes On,” BTS ‘ Sp i d e r - M a n : “Better,” Khalid Into the Spider“Summertime in Paris,” Jaden, WILLOW Verse.’”

“Dreams,” Fleetwood Mac “Circles,” Post Malone “Go Your Own Way,” Fleetwood Mac “Call Out My Name,” The Weeknd “Alone Again,” The Weeknd “On My Own,” Jaden, Kid Cudi “Daechwita,” Agust D “Icon” Jaden “bad guy,” Billie Eilish “After Hours,” The Weeknd “Save Your Tears,” The Weeknd “Scared To Live,” The Weeknd “Talk,” Khalid, Disclosure “Gets you hyped up, and it is also in the movie ‘Creed II.’”

World Traveller

“I remember when I was . driving into New York on a road trip and took OneRepublic out my headphones Featured in Miss to listen to that song r Swift because master,” David Bowie specifically it was already one of York,” Taylor Swift my favorite songs and Taylor Swift that just made it so lor Swift much more special to me while driving into the city and falling in love with the lights and atmosphere.”

“Getaway Car,” Taylor Swift “Fearless (Taylor’s Version),” Taylor Swift “Best Day Of My Life,” American Authors “I Bet My Life,” Imagine Dragons “New Romantics,” Taylor Swift “Rollercoaster,” Bleachers “Killer Queen,” Queen “Pompeii was one of my “Ride,” Twenty One Pilots favorite places I traveled “Electric Love,” Paravi Das to and when I listen to this “Kings & Queens,” Ava Max song, I look back at how incredible my trip there was, “Pompeii,” Bastille seeing an amazing piece of history and actually walking through the streets of the desecrated city.”

18

Meal prep for busy school days

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By Sabrina Ho, Gaby Lesmana, and Emily Yoon Graphics by Timothy Kang, Minjun Kim, Anika Sachdeva

Whether adjusting to hybrid learning is taking up more of your time or you’re looking for a way to make online learning easier, these convenient meal ideas will keep you fueled and ready to learn without taking up too much

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Almost like having dessert for breakfast, try these delectable overnight oats. This is a quick breakfast that is easy to make in advance and will have you prepped for days. You’ll need a jar or container in which you’ll add 1/4 cup of oats, 1/3 cup of vanilla yogurt, 1/2 a banana, and 1 tablespoon each of peanut butter and honey. Mix it together and add some milk of choice until it reaches desired consistency (remember, the oats will soak up some of the liquid overnight). After it sits at least overnight, it’s ready to eat. This recipe is extremely versatile and customizable, so feel free to switch up the fruit or nut butter, or even use another flavor of yogurt. These can be made up to three days in advance so you can make multiple batches for easy breakfasts throughout the week.

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This easy hummus wrap is one the quickest lunches you can make by taking a wrap or tortilla of c and spreading your desired amo hummus all over. Fill it with a p of choice (we recommend chick as well as lettuce, tomatoes cucumbers if desired. This wrap is customizable as you can switch u spread and filling. Not to mentio really easy to make ahead and br school or have it on hand at hom

x cuisines with a fun protein bowl. When Chipotle of the question, cook up your own colorful bowl with dients of your choice. Leftover rice and fried ham or re a fantastic base for whatever additions you want ake. It’s easy to keep things interesting when there nlimited options. 1) For a Korean take, try kimchi or d radish in place of salsa for a pop of color, garnish dried seaweed and even wrap in a lettuce leaf for thentic Korean dining experience! 2) Breakfast has been easier when you add eggs to the mix. aw Print Pro Tip: Swap out ham or tofu for spam and with fresh spinach and sriracha to taste.

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A perfect snack for any time of the day is chia seed pudding. It is super easy to make and you can prepare it the night before. You will need to add ½ cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of chia seeds in a jar. If you prefer something sweeter, you can add a drizzle of maple syrup, honey or a couple drops of vanilla extract. Mix it all together until the chia seeds are thoroughly mixed with the liquid. Close the jar and place it in the fridge overnight so the chia seeds can absorb the milk. In the morning, you will have a delicious snack you can eat whenever you are craving for something sweet. Chia seed pudding is super versatile so feel free to top it off with whatever you want.

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These creative recipes go way beyond a PB & J and will leave you satisfied and ready for the week. With so many customizable options, it’s almost impossible to get bored.

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Athlete Superstitions Story and Graphics by Noah Neri

Here at West Ranch, our highly competitive athletes and sports teams seek out any advantage they can get in order to secure a victory. The Paw Print interviewed several athletes to find the craziest Wildcat pregame routines and superstitions.

One team with several crazy habits is the West Ranch Girls Volleyball team.

“I am a very superstitious person,” junior Kaitlyn Jizmejian told The Paw Print.

“On my shoe, I have a little gold four leaf clover charm and I have a small green ribbon that I tie to my ponytail. I also warm up and pepper with the same person every game.”

exceptions.”

Just like those on the football team, eating a particular meal seems to be a common gameday superstition held by many players. Jizmejian described yet another gameday routine: “Before every game I eat Chick-Fil-A. I always get the chicken strips, medium fries, and a coffee shake. I didn’t purposely start this tradition, it just kind of happened. In my first three games on varsity, I ate Chick-Fil-A before the game because my parents brought it for me. In those games, I played really well so decided to make it a tradition.” West Ranch basketball players Paxton Pope and Brady Van Bennekumalso have their own special treats; Pope eats Lucky Charms every gameday and Van Bennekum “must eat a drumstick ice cream cone.”

Some other interesting gameday routines described included chewing gum during and before games, as well as a set gameday playlist.

Golf standout Dylan Horowitzdescribed the impact of a good playlist as “getting him in the right headspace” before matches.

From gameday meals to foot-tapping and lucky charms, our Wildcats definitely have a variety of methods to focus and get their head in the game. Many of these athletes told The Paw Print that their habits formed after their first game, or a particularly good performance. These superstitions will play an important role in West Ranch athletes’ gamedays during their ongoing seasons. Best of luck to all West Ranch athletes, and may the crazy traditions continue!

Other players described a very particular team routine.

Senior Erin Eskoff described, “Before every game starts, we go into our huddle, everyone sticks their right foot in the center and our libero touches everyone’s foot while the captain is talking to get the team fired up.” She then explained how this tradition began and has been passed down. “It’s a thing that has been in effect since my first year on varsity, which was my sophomore year. The libero on the team, usually an upperclassmen, always has done it so as the new classes keep coming in, the tradition gets carried on every year.”

Another team with a gameday tradition is West Ranch Football. Senior receiver Nicholas Kohl told us that one day in 2019, “the team decided to go to Chipotle on game day and we kept it going every Friday.” The team seems to take their game day meal routine very seriously, as Kohl emphasized that players “HAVE to park at the top of the parking structure” and that “there are no

22

High School Sports Resume

Story by Noah Neri Graphics by Gaby Lesmana When coming back from winter break, our West Ranch athletes were greeted with a welcome surprise: the return of sports games! Because the county moved down a tier due to decreasing COVID cases, West Ranch athletes were able to get back to their teams and enjoy full practices and games within the Foothill League. This has led to a frenzy of action, with 19 West Ranch teams playing at one time.

Despite sports being back in full swing, there are still many restrictions players and teams must follow. “During training sessions, coaches are required to wear a mask at all times,” Athletic Director Anne Konrad told The Paw Print. “Players are required to wear a mask when not engaged in strenuous activity (i.e. substitute in a game, waiting to be involved in a drill), or to tolerance. Equipment is sanitized after practice sessions and players are encouraged to maintain a 6 feet distance from others during instructional time.”

One of the biggest changes coming to West Ranch sports is the spectator experience. Gone are the packed stands and rowdy student sections of years past. Students are only allowed to have two spectators from their immediate household in attendance at their games and these spectators must be pre-registered, scanned in via Crisis Go,and socially distanced while attending.

However, this does not mean interested students cannot spectate their friends or support West Ranch at games. “West Ranch High School currently offers virtual viewing for games played on the Main Football (Turf) Field and the Main Gym through NFHSnetwork.com” explained Konrad, providing a way for students to keep up with many of West Ranch’s teams.

“we as an Athletic Department are optimistic that school and athletic events will return to a sense of normalcy in the near future.”

Although the current season has brought many changes that everyone must adjust to, restrictions may ease in the future. The rollout of vaccines to everyone 16 and older is a key step in returning to normalcy. Until then, all West Ranch students, coaches, teachers, and parents are looking forward to being able to once again pack the stands or bleachers!

24

Story by Reya Mehta, Jaeeun Park, and Ricky Rojas Graphic by Reya Mehta

How studen Hy

As COVID-19 cases dwindled during the second semester, the William S. Hart School District, like many others, began offering a hybrid school system in which students could return to campus for part of their weekly schedule. Campus isn’t exactly the same as when students left it; one-way signs form a labyrinth around school and every student has to fill out a daily form, reporting any new symptoms, to ensure their and others’ safety. But even with these changes, some students deemed it safer or more practical to remain home, staying online while others went back to campus to learn.

Here’s what a few Wildcats had to say about the change: Jonathan Dolce, Sophomore: Q: Why did you choose to return to on-campus learning?

A: I don’t think there was really any major incentive for me to return to campus. I just at least wanted that door of opportunity to be open so I would have the choice to decide whether I wanted to stay online or not.

Q: Did your friends’ choices to return affect your decision?

A: No, I understood early on that returning to campus, there would be safety measures to mitigate COVID, which meant there would be minimal interaction among me and my friends. And most people I knew either were continuing with online or were in a separate cohort anyway.

Q: Did you feel pressure to choose a certain course of action because of your peers?

A: Initially, I was reluctant to join back because I didn’t see much benefit in terms of socialization so in that sense I did feel pressured to not come back, but actually experiencing it, I’m pleased by how safe everything has been and there is good interaction between myself, teachers and peers.

Tanya Dhanda, Sophomore: Q: Why did you choose to not return A: There are safety precautions tha wouldn’t want to risk that. And also I w schooling. I’ve been doing it the whol it for the last two months.

Q: How do you feel seeing other stu A: I feel like I don’t really have a rea then that’s good for them.

Q: Was your decision to stay home chose?

A: Definitely, it was. Because part of t friends, if none of my other friends a either.

Adam Kajganic, Junior: Q: What made you decide not to ret A: It was a bunch of different things dimensional question: do you want to as a diabetic, the amount of paperwor have to do just to go back to schooljust going to be 2 weeks before we w big spike or something--I just didn’t because that’s its own very long pro like the one or two teachers that I real outweigh the teachers I didn’t want to the education didn’t change much; w

nts have been impacted by ybrid learning

n to on-campus learning? at they are taking, but I just think I still was already just comfortable with online le year; it would be off if I just changed

udents in-person at school? action. I think that if it’s better for them,

e affected by what option your friends

the school day is hanging out with your are doing it, then I don’t think I would

turn to school? s for a lot of people. It’s not a very onego to school or not? For me personally, rk and all these different things I would --at the time I thought it was probably went back online and like there was a want to have to do the hassle of that ocess. On top of that, I just didn’t feel lly want to go back to school for didn’t o go back to school. From what I heard, we were going to be on Zoom anyways.

It felt unnecessary to do something at school that I would rather do in the comfort of my own home. Who doesn’t want to wake up five minutes before class? I think that’s its own luxury right there.

Q: How do you feel like seeing other students at school? Thinking of other students who have returned to school, do you feel like you’re missing out on anything?

A: I mean I do have that for a few classes, like Mr. Burrill’s AP Calculus class.

I definitely feel ‘fomo’ from that. I’m thinking about it right now--should do I want to go back to school just for his class? Because he’s just an amazing teacher and I would go back for his class but other than that not really. I’ve heard stories that it’s not what we remember school being; it’s still very strict and it still doesn’t really feel a lot like school normally is. For me, the convenience really outweighs any emotional sentiment that I get from going to school.

Q: Would you say your decision to stay at home was at all impacted by what your friends chose to do?

A: I think to a certain degree, yeah definitely. Because when it was first announced I remember basically nobody was going to go in person.

Everybody was like ‘oh it’s just going to be the same as Zoom’ and that definitely was a big factor. It’s very uncomfortable being in the classroom with only like five people and those five people not being anyone you know and then multiply that for like five classes three times a day and it’s like why would you want to spend an entire day with people you don’t know when you could spend it on online in the comfort of your own home? So yeah, I would definitely say it was a big factor.

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Story by Jaeeun Park Layout and Graphics by Jaeeun Park As Spring Break passes and the school year comes to a close, many students and teachers feel the pressure of wrapping up their classes and ending the semester successfully.

Distance learning has proven to be a new experience for everyone; there is even more variation now as part of the student body returns to campus for sports and in-person classes. The unconventional hybrid system follows strict guidelines to ensure the health of all who access the school campus.

AP exams are rapidly approaching, as well as finals and standardized tests. Along with the normal pressure of performing well in classes and extracurriculars, students and teachers alike have more to handle.

Wellness Center Coordinator Mrs. Philips understands the struggle. On the subject of this added stress, Mrs. Philips comments, “Most students, 80% or more, access the Wildcat Wellness Center due to stress or anxiety around academics.

There are so many pressures on students to succeed: get good grades, get into a good college, participate in extracurriculars.

There is a bit of a bump in contacts from students toward grading periods, SAT/ACT tests, AP testing, finals, college application time and March when college letters start arriving.”

There’s a lot to keep track of as we wrap up the year. The changing schedules, constant assignments and barrage of exams must be overcome before the arrival of summer. An entire year’s worth of course material needs to be reviewed for all the classes one takes.

A survey from the Princeton Review found that over 50 percent of all high school students felt burden from academic pressure, with another 25 percent of the students specifically finding homework a difficulty.

Students in their junior year are especially feeling the strain as this is widely considered the most pivotal year in their high school career.

West Ranch junior Lauren Lee agrees, “I definitely think that junior year has been the most challenging up to this point. I think that COVID-19 has definitely added to this year being the hardest but I think junior year was bound to be challenging even without quarantine. When you become a junior, you suddenly feel rushed on choosing colleges to apply to, adding more extracurriculars, and you feel more pressured about your grades. Your stress level significantly increases and is at an all-time high. It’s not easy to do even the simplest things with this mood so getting through things one at a time has been important for me.”

Lee encourages fellow students who share her sentiment: “Even though school can be stressful, everything will be ok because time passes, and that one grade isn’t the end of your life. Your mental and physical health is more important and you’re doing great just as you are.”

Throughout all of the chaos, it’s important to take care of

Everything will be ok because time passes.

You’re doing great just as you are. yourself, and take a moment to breathe.

“Planning and being prepared is probably the best way to avoid stress-related to grades and tests,” advises Mrs. Philips.

“Practicing self-care every day is a way to keep yourself grounded and allows you to access those techniques that you are used to when you feel anxious. In the Center, we teach students how focusing on their breath is a way to calm their nerves and regain focus. There is evidence that shows using positive affirmations (or self-talk) can actually program the brain to approach anxiety-provoking events with more focus and openness.”

Cats, make sure to stay healthy while keeping up the hard work!

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Story and Graphics by Alice Xie Photo by Kristan Hinze

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How it Started

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Welcome Back!

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I’ve had friends tell me how great high school is.

How I will learn more than I’ve ever known. How the friends I make will be lifelong. How I’ll grow to be the best I can be. And most importantly, how I will look back on my high school years and smile with the happy memories I’ve made.

But one year in, and I’m unable to confirm anything.

Because the truth is, I truly have no idea what high school is really like. For three quarters of my freshman year, I’ve had to necessitate taking my classes online and participating in school activities from within the confines of my own home.

I’m labeled as a West Ranch Wildcat, but for the longest time, I didn’t even know what West Ranch looked like.

Up until the moment I stepped foot on West Ranch’s campus for the first time, I had only seen the campus in the virtual backgrounds of my teachers. The glitchy backgrounds that didn’t really follow the movements of the box’s inhabitants were mere glimpses of the high school I was attending.

Not only is the Zoom classroom lacking good virtual backgrounds, but it’s also lacking a great deal of interaction. Perhaps the most awkward part of class is the very beginning, when the teacher asks everyone how they’re doing, and a deafening silence is the only response, along with a few ‘goods’ in the chat that contradict the tired faces of the commenters. And I hate to say it, but I don’t think I’ll be finding any lifelong friends in high school if this continues. There’s an unsaid mutual understanding among all students in regards to unmuting microphones, so we all just sit there, quietly staring at each other and the teacher, hoping that we aren’t the unlucky ones that will get called on.

High school also hasn’t been as rigorous due to the pandemic. After years of education, all supposedly preparing me for the large workload of high school, the result was slightly anticlimactic. I’ve been given a lot of slack in my classes, so much so that I could actually complete my homework during the class in which it’s due (not that I do).

The workload, in my opinion, is not as big as I was taught to believe; the only reason I haven’t been completing my work as fast is because of my new best friend: distractions.

If I could describe my high school quarantine experience in one hashtag, it would be #distracted.

My unintentional procrastination, which stems from an abundance of distractions, has increased GREATLY since quarantine began. Lately, my favorite excuse to use has been “I still have enough time!” Then after convincing myself that I have plenty of time left after reading several

chapters of my book, I look out my window and the sky is pitch black. Needless to say, I’ve become nocturnal a number of times during the school year.

I’ve also felt very lost during the pandemic. My sense of time management has completely disappeared, and my daily schedule has dissipated into nothingness.

I often feel as though I’m reliving the same day over and over again: wake up, go to school, do homework, aimlessly stare into the abyss, sleep, and then repeat. At the beginning of quarantine, I thought that a little alone time wouldn’t be able to faze me, but I was proven wrong.

Without a set objective for the day, I’ve found that I’m slowly descending into a vortex of crazed repetition and perhaps even madness.

And after so long in isolation, coming back to campus has been a struggle. The worst of it has been waking up early in the morning. And of course, social interaction has been quite a roller coaster. Over quarantine, I left the house so little that I’ve actually started avoiding going outside. Before the pandemic, if I saw someone, I’d wave and say hi. Now, I’ll pull my hood up and run.

So naturally, being in the presence of many other human beings back on campus has been hard on the hermit I’ve become during self isolation.

Not to mention, the school walkways have been completely altered to follow safety protocols. Of course, I fully understand the necessity of it, but it’s been extremely confusing, especially as someone who’s never been on campus ever before, to navigate the paths. Just the other day, I thought I was making my way to Biology, when I found myself face to face with a metal gate, and a dead end. There’s also the time when I missed my class by three doors, and wasn’t allowed to walk against traffic, so I had to walk all the way back around campus. Oh, and I can’t forget, on my first day, I got lost several times trying to locate the upper entrance, and ended up walking five times around the entire upper campus.

But compared to being in my own room, without anyone to talk to, and no motivation to leave my chair, I’d say that going back in-person has definitely been a nice change of pace. Once I get everything sorted out and my sense of direction fixed, I’m sure I’ll choose going to school in-person over online any day. And while I’m still unsure if my freshman year has been for better or for worse, one thing is for sure: this year will definitely be a memorable one.

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MAKE SURE TO SOCIAL DISTANCE, TOO!