The Clipper May 2020

VOLUME 29 • ISSUE 7 • MAY 2020 • PLATTE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

THE CLIPPER

A LOOK INSIDE ON THE COVER Covid-19 is an infectious disease first discovered in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The virus hit the United States Jan. 21, 2020 and spread by close contact. The most effective way to prevent the spread of Covid-19 is by "social distancing." On Friday, March 13, students left to start spring break, not realizing they would not be back in the building for the rest of the school year.

Graphic by Audrey McCoy

STAFF Editor-in-Chief Charisma Root Page Editors Audrey McCoy Kiersten Robbins Tatianna Tafolla

Staff Writers Grace Roggy Sophia Zimmerman Photographers Jessenia Orellana Adviser Kari Johnson

WHO WE ARE The Pirate Clipper is a student-run newspaper dedicated to informing students on current local, national and worldwide issues without bias.

Opinions and editorials do not reflect the views or opinions of the Platte County staff, school, administration or adviser. For questions or concerns, contact adviser Kari Johnson at: johnsonk@platteco.k12.mo.us.

PAGE 3 SOCIAL DISTANCING Students find ways to keep busy during quarantine

Curated and designed by Jessenia OrellanaÂ

PAGE 4 MOVING FORWARD School district comes up with ways to move forward during lock down Written by Sophia Zimmerman

PAGE 5 THE BINGE LIST Movies, shows perfect to try while in quarantine Written by Tatianna Tafolla

PAGE 6 SILVER LININGS Ways to stay positive during self-isolation

Written by Charisma Root

PAGE 7 DANGERS BEYOND THE VIRUS COVID-19 fears stir racism against Asian-Americans Written by Audrey McCoy

PAGE 8 QUARANTINE CARDIO Get creative with at-home exercises to stay in shape Written by Grace Roggy

PAGE 9 SPORTS REPORTS High school, major sports cancelled, delayed due to COVID-19 Written by Kiersten Robbins

03, FEATURE

SOCIAL DISTANCING STUDENTS FIND WAYS TO KEEP BUSY DURING QUARANTINE

1-3 Hours

4-6 Hours

7-9 Hours

10-12 Hours

13+ Hours 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

Screen time (per day) for the most-used app (Snapchat) Hulu 0.8%

Other 6.5%

Twitter 1.6%

Other Hulu 5.5% 1.4%

Instagram 20.4%

Netflix 17.7%

Netflix 24.2%

Out of 168 responses

Snapchat 33%

Twitter 3.4%

Out of 168 responses

TikTok 24.4%

TikTok 27.3%

Other 19.3%

The #1 most used app

Hulu 4.3%

Instagram 25.4%

Out of 168 responses

Twitter 0.7%

Netflix 12.7% Snapchat 19.1% TikTok 17%

The #3 most used app

Snapchat 27.2%

The #2 most used app

MAY 2020, 04

MOVING FORWARD

SCHOOL DISTRICT COMES UP WITH WAYS TO MOVE FORWARD DURING LOCKDOWN

Graphic made with Canva

Graphic made by Sophia Zimmerman

Written by Sophia Zimmerman

The last few months of the school year traditionally consist of finals, sports competitions, graduation, Prom, and team/activity tryouts. We have all witnessed the fourth quarter dramatically change from the traditional schedule as activities and ceremonies are canceled and postponed. The school district is working to ensure student and staff safety during this pandemic while also handling the unfinished business at the school such as Chromebook check-ins and allowing students and staff to access the building. “Central office is working with the Platte County Health Department, our director of operations and building administrations district-wide to set up some rules on how to get students and staff in to retrieve their belongings,” principal Chad Sayre said. “We will be able to announce what that kind of looks like here in the next two weeks. We will have a plan.” All the lockdowns happened rather unexpectedly, therefore many students didn’t take home all of the personal possessions they may have stored in their lockers at school. Staff members also have rooms and offices full of personal belongings they couldn’t take home before school shut down during spring break. “We know it’s urgent,” Sayre said. “We know we have some kids’ parents who are wanting to do that, but it’s a super complicated process. If it’s not life or death, we don’t want to rush this.”Students and staff may have to wait a little while before they are able to pick up their belongings from the school, and seniors may have to wait to turn in their Chromebooks. Other events people have questions about are Prom and graduation. “As of right now, the plan is to have Prom on July 24 and graduation on July 30,” Sayre said.

“We have secured those venues and vendors; I’ve worked with PTSA; I’ve worked with the director of operations; all sorts of people.

However, there is always a caveat to that. Given the current circumstances, we might have to make some adjustments closer to that time. We have them booked, and we want to have those events, but if we are still expected to be social distancing I don’t know how you do Prom when you have to dance 6 feet apart.”As plans for events are being made, so are plans for sporting events in the upcoming season. Many of the coaches and directors have decided to continue to have tryouts virtually, which not only prevents the spread of COVID-19, but also gives candidates or athletes a goal and structure during the quarantine. Teams and groups participating in tryouts or other forms of recruitment are varsity cheer, JV cheer, Treasures dance team, color guard, Concert Choir, Sound Express, Freshman Honor Choir, Jazz Band, Pride Band, Traditions Drumline, Pirate Mentors, Pirate Performers and Character Council. All of the information about these groups’ tryouts and recruitments, including the coach’s emails, have been posted on the school website for students and parents to access. “I think online tryouts will somewhat change the dynamic of the team,” dance doach Samantha Squires said. “There is a lot of uncertainty going into this season, but I think that the team will be able to come together and be a strong group.”Many of the sports and clubs conducting tryouts right now are having candidates send in videos of them auditioning. For example, candidates trying out for the dance team have to send in a total of five videos. Then on May 15, the new team will be announced.

05, OPINION

THE BINGE LIST MOVIES, SHOWS PERFECT TO TRY WHILE IN QUARANTINE

Written by Tatianna Tafolla

Graphic by Tatianna Tafolla

Right now we are facing times of uncertainty and boredom, and one of the largest providers of entertainment seems to be popular movies and TV shows on different entertainment platforms. For the movie and TV show watchers though, finding something of interest that hasn’t already been watched yet may be a challenge. Here are some recommendations for people who may have already seen ‘almost’ everything Netflix and Hulu have to offer.

TV SHOWS Locke and Key (Netflix) “Locke and Key” is a crime drama with one 10-episode season and a second season currently underway.

The show revolves around a family moving after a tragedy into their new home called Keyhouse. The children discover an abundance of mysterious magical keys and uncover their father’s secretive past. *People who liked this also like: “A Series of Unfortunate Events” and “You.” Scream Queens (Hulu) This show's main focus centers around a sorority that is put in danger when a serial killer reemerges and begins to target the sorority members and those associated with them. The comedic slasher show has two seasons and a total of 23 episodes. *People Who liked this also like: “American Horror Story” and “Glee.”

The Umbrella Academy (Netflix) This action-packed dark comedy is based around a comic book series created and written

by Gerard Way. There is currently one season with 10 episodes available and another season in the works. The Umbrella Academy consists of seven children with special powers. As the people of the academy grow into adulthood, their relationships become estranged until the fate of the future brings them together again. *People who liked this also like: “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Stranger Things.”

Catfish (Hulu) “Catfish” documents the outcomes of online relationships of those who have never met in person. There has been 144 different episodes in eight seasons. Each episode has different dramas, surprises and conclusions for the many featured online relationships. *People who liked this also like: “Big Brother” and “The Circle.”

Adventure Time (Hulu)If you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia, “Adventure Time” may be the show for you. There are 283 episodes in the show's 10 seasons to indulge in. “Adventure Time” follows the adventures of the main protagonists, Finn the human and his best friend Jake the dog. *People who liked this also like: “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “Gravity Falls.”

MOVIES The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Netflix) “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a coming-of-age movie based on the book by Stephen Chbosky. It follows the life of socially awkward teen Charlie discovering the joys of music, love, friendship and all while struggling through a battle of his own. *People who liked this also like: “The Edge of Seventeen” and “20th Century Women.”

Inception (Netflix)“Inception” is a sci-fi action-packed film following the story of a man named Dom Cobb with the unique ability to enter and design other people’s dreams. Cobb gathers a team together for a mission where time is there enemy. *People who liked this also like: “The Matrix” and “Dunkirk.”

MAY 2020, 06

SILVER LININGS WAYS TO STAY POSITIVE DURING SELF-ISOLATION

Graphic by Jessenia Orellana Written by Charisma Root

The world is in the midst of a pandemic right now. It’s unlike anything we have ever experienced before.

However, while it is natural to be upset and mourning during all of the loss, fear and anxiety that the coronavirus is causing, there are also bright sides and silver linings to these recent events. Quarantine may not propose as much excitement as a day out in public or surrounded by friends, but it does have a way of reminding us to value the important things in life. With a stay-athome order in place and a minimum of six feet apart recommendation for all social interactions, the coronavirus has almost everyone missing somebody. This is by no means a pleasant feeling. However, it has led to more heartfelt phone conversations and Facetimes with distant friends and family than typically occur during the hectic routine of normal life.

While these certainly aren’t the circumstances anyone would have wished for, it has gifted us with a precious and nonrenewable resource we should all take advantage of: time. This self-isolation period is the perfect opportunity to try new things or brush up on old interests that may have faded amidst the responsibilities of life. There has never been a better time, physically or mentally, to tap into one's creative side and experiment. Try painting, drawing, writing, baking, sewing, exercising or any other at-home activity that could provide a sense of relaxation and accomplishment.

On the other hand, this time can also be seen as a break from “doing” and “making.” For those who aren’t feeling particularly creative or motivated right now, the brilliant part about spare time is that there is no to-do list to be completed. If you feel like doing absolutely nothing, now is the perfect time for that as well.

Reality can be draining, and quarantine is a more than worthy time to hibernate from the stress of responsibility. Take a bubble bath, nap, meditate, watch tv and movies, or simply rest and soak up this surreal time of complete stillness.

Similarly to time, there is another resource humans have always “had” in spirit but rarely have taken a break to appreciate: nature. We may be distancing at the moment for the safety and health of ourselves and one another, but there is still plenty of nature out there to explore alone. Four walls, a roof and the same familiar furniture can get boring quickly without a change in scenery. So, sit outside to watch the sunset or sunrise. Maybe take walks and bike rides on nice days to get fresh air and see new sites or lay out in your backyard on the warmer days and sunbathe.

There are plenty of downsides and darkness to notice during COVID-19’s spread. Yet, if we decide to look at this quarantine as less of a robbery of our experiences and more of an opportunity to experience different things, it is very possible to find contentment in small moments and actions. Then, in a while, when this all ends, we as a society can come out of this period as better versions of ourselves with a new appreciation for things that may have previously been taken for granted. Everyone copes with difficult situations in different ways, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Some people may find that acknowledging their sadness and giving themselves the freedom to express their negative feelings is the best or only way to handle them. For others though, seeing that there is positivity all around, may be crucial to maintaining good mental health without socialization or routine. Do what makes you feel best, whatever that may be.

07, OPINION

“Viruses know no borders and they don’t care about your ethnicity, the color of your skin or how much money you have in the bank. So it’s really important we be careful in the language we use lest it lead to the profiling of individuals associated with the virus,” the executive director of the World Health Organization’s emergencies program, Dr. Mike Ryan said.

Graphic by Audrey McCoy

DANGERS BEYOND THE VIRUS COVID-19 FEARS STIR RACISM AGAINST ASIAN-AMERICANS

Written by Audrey McCoy

As the deadly COVID-19 virus spreads and affects many lives, it has also negatively impacted certain groups of people. Asian groups have been targeted with racism and xenophobia due to the spread of the coronavirus. The occurrences began with an avoidance of Chinese takeout restaurants, then it was online harassment, and now more commonly assault and threats.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been clear and explained why the official name for Coronavirus is COVID-19.

They want to avoid the stigmatization that has occurred in the past with diseases originating from certain geographic regions or ethnicities.

Though the virus may have first derived from Wuhan, China, it has become a global pandemic. As WHO and many other organizations have noted, referring to the virus by its point of origin engages in racist methods of blaming a certain group.

When government officials and citizens insist on calling it by a derogatory name, they are deliberately blaming one country and its people. This backhanded racism is negatively affecting Chinese Americans and Asian Americans by default.

Due to people associating the COVID-19 virus with Chinese people, anti-Chinese and anti-Asian harassment globally has been on the rise. An example of rising hostility towards China is the use of Twitter hashtags, which were used nearly 130,000 times in the day after President Donald Trump used it in a tweet. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo repeatedly called the coronavirus the “Wuhan virus” while President Trump has regularly used the term “Chinese virus.”

Both have received backlash, with many saying elected officials are fueling the anti-Asian American viewpoint. The Washington Post said Trump has since stopped using the phrase on social media and during news briefings, but the negative effects remain set by his example.

Since then, things have escalated. Many Asian-Americans are now facing acts of violence against them. In the U.S, incidents of antiAsian racism have resulted in harassment. Due to this, a special hotline was created by Attorney General Letitia James victims to report their harassment to. “Individuals who have experienced hate crimes and bia-based incidents are encouraged to call the ongoing hotline at 1-800-771-7755”.

The Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (APPPC) provides a variety of forms available to any Asian-Americans facing hate.

They have already reported over 2,000 incidents targeting AsianAmericans in at least 36 states since launching on March 16.

These incidents have included yelling, spitting and coughing, as well as violent acts such as assault, all in the name of “preventing the spread of Coronavirus.”

The issues Asian groups are facing due to COVID-19 are connected to a larger and longer history of racism, and the first step in prevention is being educated about the history of racism in the U.S. Learning how to talk about issues of race and racism is important and speaking out is necessary. The New York Times said that correcting people who are calling COVID-19 as anything but its name is an easy and extremely beneficial way for anyone to help prevent the rise of xenophobia and racism.

MAY 2020, 08

Graphic by Audrey McCoy

QUARANTINE CARDIO GET CREATIVE WITH AT-HOME EXERCISES TO STAY IN SHAPE Written by Grace Roggy

Staying active during quarantine can be difficult since gyms and all other “non-essential” services are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Because of this, students have to be creative with their exercise regimens and use make-shift items from around the house to stay in shape.

“I've been doing a lot of work with resistance bands and trying to find ways to be creative with making weights,” senior Parker Schmitz said. “Rocks in duffel bags do the trick pretty well.”

With school transferred online for the remainder of the year, spring sports are unable to practice or compete. These athletes instead have taken the responsibility of making their own workouts.“ Not only do I do track, but I also play football, and it is essential to keep active so I am not struggling or behind at football practice,” junior Colby Rollins said. “I have a weekly plan of different types of exercises that work my entire body.”

The outdoors are an easy resource to utilize during this time.

Some students, such as senior Hailey Morgan, have chosen to

exercise during quarantine by walking on trails or going for runs.

“I take my dog on a walk every morning and play catch with him in the backyard,” Morgan said. “Not only am I getting exercise, so is my dog.”

As for staying active indoors, the internet is full of exercise videos.

There are all kinds of virtual workouts out there varying in difficulty and free for anyone to use.

“I watch ‘Yoga with Adrienne’ on YouTube,” senior Karoline Kilkenny said. “I do it once a week, and I like how it makes me focus on how I'm feeling and put myself first for a little while. I am also terribly inflexible so it’s good for me to do the stretches that yoga has me do.”

Exercise apps are another great way to keep in shape.

“I use the app Seven-Minute workout, this app is great because it tracks your progress and only takes seven minutes of intense exercises," senior Kinadee Shoemaker said. "There are also so many different apps that are specific for just abs or legs so there's an app for everyone.”

03, SPORTS

Continuing to work out from home during quarantine , senior Addison Long exercises to keep in shape as she prepares for her freshman track and field season with Northwest Missouri State University.

Photo contributed by Addison Long

SPORTS REPORTS HIGH SCHOOL, MAJOR SPORTS CANCELED, DELAYED DUE TO COVID-19

S O p

D E N TPO

Written by Kiersten Robbins

One of the early questions during the initial rise of the coronavirus outbreak, specifically from athletes, is what would happen to the spring sports season. Recently, this question received its answer.

All of the remaining sports, including baseball, boys tennis, boys golf, track and field, bass fishing, archery and girls soccer, are cancelled for the remainder of the 2020 school year.

“Once the season was actually canceled for good I felt really bad for our players,” boys golf coach Kevin Janssen said. “We had a few seniors who were poised to have a really good season; a few juniors who have been working hard and improving and were going to be strong varsity players this year; and some underclassmen who could have really made an impact on the team.”

Though school has cancelled spring sports, major sporting events such as the Master’s golf tournament and the Boston Marathon have been rescheduled for later this year in September and November. The NBA, NHL, MLS and MLB seasons have all also been postponed, whereas the NCAA sports seasons have been canceled altogether.

The problem for high school student-athletes who have had their season cancelled, especially for juniors looking to continue their athletic career in college, is the recruitment process. The NCAA has declared a “mandatory recruitment dead period” until May 31. Only phone calls and digital communications are available for coaches and athletes to talk with one another during the recruitment process.

“My seniors have mostly already decided where they are going and if they are playing or not,” girl’s soccer coach Ashlyn Brantley said. “The recruiting process starts early, so thankfully for the ones who do want to play, they are already signed. I'm sure there are athletes in this predicament though, and it can be tough. I know college coaches are still using the technology they have to recruit players by emailing or looking at videos, talking to coaches, etc.”

It is understandable that the cancellation of high school spring sports is a disappointment to some student-athletes, especially for seniors such as Addison Long who has an athletic scholarship for javelin from Northwest Missouri State University.

“I am very upset about not having a senior track season,” Long said.

“While in quarantine, I focus on working out at home and do workouts to stay in shape. As of right now, I am doing my own workouts, but soon I will have to be doing workouts given to me through the Northwest track program.”

The majority of the spring sports players and coaches plan to meet up sometime after the quarantine in order to celebrate their senior athletes and give a proper goodbye.

“After quarantine, I think the track team is planning on getting together to see each other even though we won’t be able to compete together anymore,” Long said. “Platte County track team is a huge family, so we will all definitely see each other after quarantine.”