Volume 32 Issue 4 by The Sidekick

VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 4

C O P P E L L H I G H S C H O O L 1 8 5 W. PA R K W AY B LV D . C O P P E L L , T X 7 5 0 1 9

COPPELLSTUDENTMEDIA.COM

FEBRUARY 2021

Past in the Keeping up with the times as history unfolds pages 12-13

Story by Akhila Gunturu Photos by Samantha Freeman and Sally Parampottil

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

REVIVING A DYING DREAM

PG. 9

O P I N I O N S Editor-in-chief Sally Parampottil argues the American Dream still exists

CODING THE FUTURE

PG. 15

S T U D E N T L I F E Coppell High School Artificial Intelligence Club establishes foundations of coding for students

FEBRUARY 2021

Letter from the Editor Some movie moments are so powerful they send chills down my spine. A feathery-haired Luke Skywalker standing on the planet Tatooine, gazing up at two suns setting in the distance, is one of them. Paired with the iconic notes of “Binary Sunset” by composer John Williams, it’s a poignant scene of looking out at the horizon - literally and metaphorically. The 1977 movie, originally titled Star Wars, would eventually be renamed Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. Hope is the very thing I feared bringing into the new year. After nine months of hope resulting in nearly nothing, I didn’t want to be crushed with disappointment again. In multiple conversations with my friends, I expressed how I was afraid to get my hopes up at any point because it seemed like I was filling my own head with delusions. The year began, and by the sixth day, the U.S. Capitol had been stormed by rioters and the words “Murder the Media” were engraved on one of its doors. Not the best thing to witness for a history-enthused student journalist. Somehow, it didn’t crush me. My disappointment helped fuel the other emotions coursing through my veins and I spent the week energized and productive. When we talked about the First Amendment and the role of the press in Sidekick, I had a fiery speech about the importance of journalism and how integral it was to a functioning democracy. In my frenzy, I saw a future where things were better. I felt hope that it would happen through the people who were on that Zoom call with me, listening to my rambles. Even if that ideal future was so far off in the horizon that I could barely see it, it was there. It turns out that while it’s easy to lose hope for something, it’s difficult to have no hope at all. The idea of hope is fed to us through the stories we hear. It’s in our history books, like when 13 colonies took on the strongest empire in the world. It’s in our TV shows, like when a group of element-wielding kids and the Avatar defeated an imperial nation. It’s in our movies, like when a ratag team of rebels and a Jedi overthrew the fascist government. I suppose the plots all sound relatively similar when I put it that way, but the tales of underdogs rising up are why hope permeates life. In a time where we are all looking for change, hope can seem to set us up for disappointment. However, going into this year with high expectations won’t jinx anything. There will always be a part of the human spirit that pictures a more ideal situation and thinks, “it just might happen.” So, I will embrace it. As I sit in my room or at my desk, staring out the windows as the sky is painted with pinks, purples and deep, dark blues, my mind lingers on dreams - not delusions - for the future, for life beyond what I’ve been limited to within the confines of my house for nearly a year. Luke Skywalker began his great adventure, his journey into the rest of the world, when he was 19. I’m holding out hope that by the time September hits, mine will have already started. EDITOR- IN-CHIEF

Amir Khan A Sidekick series in which executive news editor Shivi Sharma profiles a Coppell business owner to bring awareness to community-based establishments. ince Coppell Music Academy owner Amir Khan began playing the cornet in his sixth grade brass band in Karachi, Pakistan, his love for music followed him throughout his career. After moving to the United States in the late 1990s, he took an online course in music production from Berklee College. However, Khan realized how much he missed teaching music and established a piano program at the Coppell Recreation Center in 2009. That program expanded to contracts in nearby cities until Coppell Music Academy opened its doors in 2017.

What was it like establishing your business? It was a scary point when you have to sign a commercial lease, which means going into a commercial location and spending a lot of money, not knowing whether you’re going to be successful or not. For business, the most important thing is, do you have the ability to get clients and retain clients? If you cannot do those things, it doesn’t matter.

What do you love most about teaching? Teaching gives you great satisfaction. A lot of students that I had started when they were young, and they’re in high school now. It’s like a journey. I’m very proud that I’m now able to sit with some of my students and talk about music. We can have a discussion about bands, styles of music, genres and where the music was in the ‘60s.

Coppell Music Academy owner Amir Khan plays the piano at Coppell Music Academy on Feb. 3. Khan established Coppell Music Academy in 2017 after years of running a piano program at the Coppell Recreation Center. Photos by Josh Campbell On the cover (left to right): Rylie Robben (Mockingbird Elementary first grade), Mallory Cooper (CMS East sixth grade), Granger Hassman (CHS 11th grade)

GEMS SHINING THROUGHOUT DISTRICT P. 4

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS UNDERWAY P. 4

LEADING IN STUDENT COUNCIL P. 5

Board evaluates $7 million deficit

A myriad of new state legislation, COVID-19 expenses and budget changes has made an impact on the Coppell ISD 2020-21 proposed budget in the form of a $7 million projected budget deficit. The Board of Trustees has proposed solutions to combat this deficit. Graphic by Neha Desaraju

Ne h a D e s a r a j u

board and said, ‘We want to start the budget process earlier. We need to evaluate some things maybe we ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR haven’t in a year; maybe there’s some things that @neha.des have just slowly crept in.” The district plans out the budget without a The budget approval process for the Board of clear idea of how much funding or recapture Trustees typically starts in spring of the preceding might be. Every two years, when the state school year with a series of budget workshops. legislature meets, it can change the formula, and This cycle, however, the board decided to hold its districts do not have much warning. The school first workshop in November, after it became clear district cannot project funding amounts for even it would need much more time to prepare for what five years. was to come, namely: a $7 million projected deficit Bentley explains the state process like this: Once in the general budget. legislators pass a bill, the Texas Education Agency Historically, CISD has usually had projected (TEA) steps in to interpret how the law needs to be deficits of around $2 million. However, according carried out. House Bill 3 (HB3) was passed very late to Caviness, the board and various operating in the legislative session; committees did not form departments are conservative in their budget until around October. This meant the TEA did not predictions. Because employment is usually never have time to give school districts instructions on at 100% of what the district allotts, the district how and where to implement budget changes. The never negatively spends. This year, though, it CISD board was required to pass the 2019 budget is likely that the district will have to subtract before it had the funding formula. expenditures or add revenue to make up for the These funding changes under HB3, coupled large gap. with other expenditures, both predicted and When the board adopted this deficit last summer, from past years, created a gap between projected it knew it had extra funds to cover it. It also knew revenue and projected expenditures. The board reallocating funds would not be an easy task. budgeted for a large COVID-19 expense, such as “We did know [that] when the school year more substitute teachers and personal protective started and we passed this budget, [this is] what the equipment, totalling to around $1.5 million, situation was,” CISD Board of Trustees President according to Caviness. Nichole Bentley said. “We talked to staff and the Although building Canyon Ranch Elementary and converting Coppell Middle School West into CHS9 two years ago was financed by bonds, staffing and operating is covered under the general budget. The district also incurred a significant expense after it ended its relationship with Dallas County Bus Services three years ago. In addition, the district has not historically cut the budget when it incurs New Tech High @ Coppell seniors Sydney Kutz and Emily Reynolds new costs. protest against closing the school on Jan. 25 outside of the Vonita White The board has Administration Building. The Board of Trustees declared closing NTH @ had a number of Coppell and cutting the International Baccalaureate program at Coppell conversations about High School would be their last resort choices to offset the deficit. Photo programs in which it by Blanche Harris can eliminate excess

“A misconception is that we’ve been in the red in our spending and really we’re not.” D AV I D C AV I N E S S CISD TRUSTEE capacity. Students and parents have responded to many of these conversations. At the Jan. 25 budget workshop, the board stated that cutting New Tech @ Coppell and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Coppell High School were last on its list after hearing concerns from the community. “Nothing has been cut yet. No decisions have been made in regards to any programs,” CISD Chief Financial Officer Diana Sircar said. “More information will come out in every budget workshop about those things.” In addition, the board emphasizes that students’ and parents’ concerns are being heard, and it strives to stay committed to providing legally obligated services as well as the high quality of education CISD is used to. “It would be really easy to quickly do a bunch of things to get us where we need to be, but I don’t want us to be hasty,” Bentley said. Although another legislative session has begun in Austin, there is not much about funding the district itself can change. “We’re basically told, ‘Here’s all of the walls and here’s the few things that you can control,’ and [we are expected to] make a school district operate with [it],” Bentley said. It is important to note that the $7 million projected deficit is just that—a projected deficit. “[The deficit] doesn’t mean we are obviously in the red,” Caviness said. “A misconception is that we’ve been in the red in our spending and really we’re not. Deficit and debt are two different things.” NEHA ‘21 can be reached at nsd4173@g.coppellisd.com

FEBRUARY SCHOLASTIC JOURNALISM WEEK // FEB. 21-27

SAT FOR JUNIORS // MARCH 3

District SROs, nurses receive first doses of COVID-19 Moderna vaccine

Coppell High School nurse Beth Dorn received her second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Feb. 3 at Kroger on Sandy Lake Road. According to the CDC nurses, providers and healthcare workers get first access to the vaccine. Photo by Nandini Muresh

Shivi Sharma

EXECUTIVE NEWS EDITOR @_shivisharma_ Coppell High School nurse Beth Dorn was among Coppell ISD’s first group to receive a dose of the Moderna

coronavirus vaccine. Dorn received her first dose on Jan. 6 at the Kroger on Sandy Lake Road and her second dose 28 days later, on Feb. 3. “It was an easy experience; all I had to do was show my credentials,” Dorn said. “I was a little scared at first. But, I feel good about it, and I am looking

forward to getting the second dose and having 95% immunity. We need to do this to get coronavirus under control.” All CISD nurses and Student Resource Officers have been given at least one dose of the Moderna vaccine. The first shipment of coronavirus vaccines arrived in Texas and Dallas County on Dec. 14. Exactly a month later, Texas became the first state to administer one million doses. As of Jan. 28, one out of 13 Texans have received one dose of the vaccine, for a total of over two million administered doses. “We’re pretty excited about it,” Coppell High School Principal Laura Springer said. “I’m shocked that teachers have not been higher up on the list. We’re hoping we are close to that because that would help tremendously. We are seeing so many of our teachers having to be out.” To avoid misinformation about vaccine efficacy, side effects and distribution, it is recommended to rely on trustworthy sources, such as health department websites and individuals who have received the vaccine. “Trust healthcare professionals,” CHS senior and pharmacy tech student Saniya Agarwal said. “Don’t believe everything you see on the internet. Before you decide not to get [vaccinated], please do your research.” SHIVI ‘21 can be reached at sxs1578@g.coppellisd.com.

VACCINE HUBS IN DALLAS COUNTY

Scan to register for the COVID-19 vaccine through the Dallas County Health and Human Services.

Pfizer

Baylor University Medical Center

Moderna

Dallas County Health and Human Services

Moderna

Garland Health Department

Parkland Hospital

Pfizer

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Moderna

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

CISD honoring 12 district GEMS Manasa Mohan STAFF WRITER @CHSCampusNews

Coppell ISD has numerous traditions set in place in order to acknowledge their employee’s hard work and dedication to the job, including Super Teacher and Teacher of the Year. Recently, the district announced the 12 deserving staff members who received Great Employees Matter (GEM) awards for fall 2020. This internal employee r e c og n i t i o n program recognizes staff members who exemplify CISD core values. GEM awards are given twice every school year by the district to recognize employees who exceed expectations. “[When I found out I won this award], honestly, I was shocked and thankful,” Victory Place @ Coppell instructional aide Coppell Gabriel Lopez

said. “Being an instructional aide, you don’t expect to win an award this big. I come to work everyday just wanting to impact those around me with what I have been given, so it honestly just took me by surprise to know that I got selected as a winner of the GEM award.” The face of teaching and education has changed drastically since this pandemic began with teachers now having to balance in-person students and virtual students. The district is recognizing the employees who are exceeding expectations during this difficult year. “We have teachers in this buildC H S P R I N C I PA L ing who go over and beyond,” Coppell High School Principal Laura Springer said. “We need to recognize those people. They’re difference makers in our building; they’re difference makers in our kids’ lives.”

“They’re difference makers in our kids’ lives.”

LAURA SPRINGER

MANASA ‘23 can be reached at mxm8830@g.coppellisd.com.

Coppell kindergarten teacher Annmarie Vincenzo holds her Great Employees Matter plaque in Canyon Ranch Elementary on Jan. 20. Vincenzo was nominated for this award by her colleagues for going above and beyond with her teaching. Photo by Angelina Liu

EARLY RELEASE // MARCH 12

BASIC FIRST AID AT LIFE SAFETY PARK // 1-3 P.M. // MARCH 16

THE BEAT FROM CHS9

Chancellor shaping freshman views Tr i s h a A t l u r i

BUSINESS MANAGER @trishatluri Being split between home and the school campus while governing a student body comes with its challenges, but CHS9 Student Council vice president Stella Chancellor is set on making this year one to remember for her fellow freshmen. Why did you run for vice president? President was the big spot, so I wanted to start with something a little lower but still important, so that’s why I chose to run [for vice president]. Have you held other leadership positions in the past? The only time I’ve been part of anything [was] in fifth grade student council [as the historian] at Pinkerton Elementary. That experience kickstarted me being a leader through my middle school years [at Coppell Middle School East and Coppell Middle School West]. Even though I wasn’t part of any leadership positions in middle school, it’s helped me [with] organization. Now, I’m responsible for planning fundraisers and keeping track of who is paying dues in student council. CHS9 Student Council vice president Stella Chancellor leads her class for 2020-21. Chancellor’s responsibilities are organizing fundraisers and managing member fees. Photo by Tanvee Patil

What is your goal for student council this year? Obviously, we don’t get to do all the events we usually do, but we just

want to let the students have as much fun as they can and make sure they’re trying to have as good a year as they can.

How do you manage student council with other school responsibilities? In student council, there’s a lot of virtual kids who are not officers. Most of the officers are in person so that helps us a lot. School has been going well for me. During virtual learning, I did not do my work very well, but once I switched to in-person after the first nine weeks, it got a lot better for me. In person helped me focus more and I got my work done on time. In virtual learning, I felt I could blow it off and I didn’t need to do it. Being in the actual school building makes me feel like I need to do [work]. What has been your most rewarding experience in high school? Probably when I found out I was a [student council] officer because it was really exciting. In school in general, making the [9B] volleyball team because I was nervous about that at the beginning of the year and that relieved a lot of stress. TRISHA ‘22 can be reached at tra2735@g.coppellisd.com.

DECA chapter dominates district

CHS9 DECA advisor Kim Porter, freshmen Shreya Rastogi, Tanya Nikam, Roma Jani, Srihith Thotapalle, Anushree De and CHS9 DECA advisor William Harrington are sponsored by Bailey Orthodonticsthis school year. Due to COVID-19, DECA students are navigating a new chapter and preparing for online competitions while operating between remote and in-person school. Photo by Tanvee Patil

Akhila Gunturu CHS9 EDITOR @akhila_gunturu

December marked the beginning of competition season for members of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). But for many this year, changes to the competition in terms of virtual participation brought new challenges and excitements.

Among these is one for CHS9, which starting from this year, has its own DECA chapter. Prior to this year, the DECA chapter at CHS9 had been part of the chapter at Coppell High School. However, a decision was made to create a separate CHS9 chapter. “The primary reason was so that we could have full officers and really start to develop those leaders as freshmen,”

CHS9 DECA adviser Kim Porter said. Given those leadership opportunities, CHS9 DECA committed to excelling. Thirty out of 44 freshmen, including all members of the chapter leadership team, advanced to state from the competitions in December. “I’ll push back any kind of spotlight onto my officers,” Porter said. “They have been phenomenal.” In May, members who advanced to

the state level will compete in another round of virtual competitions. “This school year has been hard,” vice president of career development Anushree De said. “But I definitely feel like we’ve had fun in DECA. [Freshmen] should take up clubs. You create such a bond with everyone.” AKHILA ‘22 can be reached at axg0588@g.coppellisd.com.

FEBRUARY 2021

2020-2021

STAFF EDITORIAL

Staff Inclusivity is inevitable

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

CHASE WOFFORD Staff Adviser SALLY PARAMPOTTIL Editor-in-Chief* SHIVI SHARMA News Editor* SAMANTHA FREEMAN Design Editor* SHREYA BELDONA Enterprise Editor CAMILA VILLARREAL Editorial Page Editor* EDITORIAL LEADERSHIP AVANI KASHYAP Daily News Editor* AKHILA GUNTURU CHS9 Editor* VICTORIA HERTEL Student Life Editor NEHA DESARAJU Entertainment Editor ANJALI KRISHNA Co-Sports Editor MEER MAHFUZ Co-Sports Editor LILLY GORMAN Visual Media Editor TRACY TRAN Photo Assignment Editor COMMUNICATIONS AND BUSINESS TEAM TRISHA ATLURI Advertising/Circulation Manager* BLANCHE HARRIS Social Media Manager SREEJA MUDUMBY Communications Manager WRITERS ANETTE VARGHESE ANGELINA LIU ANJALI VISHWANATH DRISHTI GUPTA EVA WHEELER INIYA NATHAN JACOB MUNIZ JOANNE KIM MANASA MOHAN MEL VENEGAS

NANDHITHA NAGAVISHNU PRECIOUS ONALAJA SAPNA AMIN SARAH HABIB SHRIKA VURIMI SREEHITHA MORAVANENI TORIE PECK VARSHITHA KORRAPOLU* YASEMIN RAGLAND

PHOTOGRAPHERS ALIYA ZAKIR AVA GILLIS CAMILA FLORES JADEN MOORE KYAH JONES NANDINI MURESH NANDINI PAIDESETTY

NEVEAH JONES NICK LARRY OLIVIA COOPER PRANATI KANDI SANNIDHI ARIMANDA SNEHA SASH TANVEE PATIL

DESIGNERS ALEX JIMENEZ ENERO AYANE KOBAYASHI* DIVYA JOSHI

JOSH CAMPBELL SRIHARI YECHANGUNJA*

*Indicates Volume 32 issue No. 4 page designer

THE SIDEKICK is the official student newspaper for Coppell High School. Its purpose is to inform, entertain and provide an educational resource for its readers. This newspaper is a public forum for student expression with staff members (with assistance from their adviser) making content decisions. The editorials and columns in this paper reflect the view of their writers. The Sidekick is a member of Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) and Southern Interscholastic Press Association (SIPA). The Sidekick welcomes all letters to the editor, but letters must be signed before consideration for publication. Send letters to cwofford@coppellisd.com of bring them by D115. Advertisements are sold as full, 1/2 page, 1/4 page, 1/8 page sizes in black and white or color.

“Get back in the closet.” Regret. “Go back to your country.” Shame. It’s 2021, a year where we are still dealing with a global pandemic, a year with a new president, a year where people are fighting for their rights. Times are changing. Why, then, are our views still stuck in the previous century? As society comes into a progressive era, different minority groups start to become more accepted (though there is a long way to go). The hostile whispers as someone in the LGBTQ+ community walks down the hallways become more faint. Slurs are being condemned and inclusivity is being enabled. The journey of that has led us to this point has been long and hard, but progress is finally being seen. It is safe to say Coppell High School is a diverse school. The plethora of races, genders and sexual orientations at CHS is what makes us unique. Students are allowed, if not encouraged, to celebrate their diversity and unique qualities through their appearance, social groups and words. While the majority of the students are aware and support being inclusive, there will always be that group of people who are not. Cultural acceptance is prevalent in CHS, such as heritage nights and kaleidoscopes, CHS promotes racial acceptance. Implementing LGBT+ friendly staff training can go a long way and can make students with different lifestyles feel less alienated. An existing form of inclusivity in CHS is the the Gay-Straight Alliance Club, a student CHS club that is really only inclusivity is coming from the student level. We aren’t getting the district-level support with LGBTQ rights as we do with racial equality through district-sponsored events such as kaleidoscope and heritage night. But here’s the thing: whether one chooses to be inclusive or not, society will continue to progress. Different groups of

people will still be present, thriving and gaining support. Everyone can take part in supporting basic human rights and equality, while respecting others solely for being human. Disagreeing with someone is valid; disagreeing with someone’s identity and existence is not. Since inclusivity is inevitable, how can we embrace it? Let’s start accepting people for who they are, because regardless of personal opinions, they won’t change. We all deserve love just for existing on this planet, especially if our identities are harmless to everyone. Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community won’t affect anyone negatively, being Black won’t harm others. Respecting each other’s identity and bringing people up is how society can continue to move forward with light. Having a more accepting and diverse community can only be a good thing for Coppell. As citizens of the city, we should strive to achieve a more inclusive community everyday.

Virtual platform provides school, life balance Tr i s h a A t l u r i

ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION MANAGER @trishatluri ZOOM RECORDING

When you’re faced with four assignments daily on top of several projects and tests to study for, it’s hard to stay motivated and get yourself to start any of your work. For many students, the stress of schoolwork and deadlines is immobilizing. When school resumed for Coppell ISD students after an extended spring break, virtual learning was mandatory for everyone. Class schedules were flexible, with assignments due at the end of the week and no required Zoom classes. Currently, students have the option to attend school in-person or take classes virtually. Coppell High School Principal Laura

45%

of Coppell students think online school is mostly effective Poll via @thesidekickcoppell

Springer spoke on the importance of equity when classes are split into two groups. “We should treat both online learners and in-person students as one class,” Springer said. “Just because you’re somewhere different doesn’t mean you can’t be working together and getting to know each other.” Online classes consist of daily Zoom sessions and mandatory attendance check-ins on Schoology. We have more freedom in the way we learn, and we are able to construct schedules that prioritize urgent tasks. “Virtual education has helped me with

my anxiety, because now I know what I have to do and when I have to get it done,” CHS junior Dawson Marold said. “I can do my work on a workload basis rather than follow a schedule where I have to go to a certain class for an hour and a half.” The new structure has allowed us to be more responsible with the way we manage our work, which is beneficial in the long run. “If you want to use school hours to work on something other than schoolwork, that’s an option,” CHS junior Devika Kohli said. “It helps us figure out how to allocate our time and prioritize the most important things.” While students’ mental states are declining as a result of isolation, the increase in anxiety is more closely linked to pandemic concerns, such as physical health of loved ones, increased uncertainty and sudden school closures. In fact, the increased flexibility with the new structure has had a positive impact on mental health. With more time in the day to be productive, we also have more time for breaks and self-paced learning. We have the resources to succeed as long as we can keep ourselves motivated. Months of virtual learning have been a period of growth for most students, where we have learned more about ourselves and the way we learn than ever before. With this knowledge, we can be more successful in our education. TRISHA ‘22 can be reached at tra2735@g.coppellisd.com.

Graphic by Samantha Freeman

Online learning necessary, but not as effective Manasa Mohan STAFF WRITER @CHSCampusNews

A high school virtual learner faced new and unknown circumstances, including a school environment in a bedroom and the only outlet of social interaction being a Zoom call with teachers and peers. Overwhelmed by new changes, online students are confronted with unique difficulties, many of which are tough for students to tackle on their own. These changes can impact their academic performance because students are having a hard time finding solutions to their problems, and on top of that, students have the responsibility to perform well in school and participate in any extracurricular activities. One of the biggest hindrances to online learning is the lack of social interaction between students, peers and teachers, which has negatively affected students’ academic performance. “Normally, when you can talk to people [in person], you can help each other understand [topics],” Coppell High School junior Khushi Gupta said. “In Zoom calls, whenever [teachers] put us in breakout rooms, a lot of people don’t talk immediately and it is hard to interact with people when you can’t converse as easily.” According to New York University, social relationships have a direct impact on a student’s academic performance and these relationships have been proven to boost students’ academic motivation, engagement and achievement. The failure rates for the previous nine weeks occurred when some students were online and participating in distance learning for three weeks. Families had the choice of whether they wanted to return or not, which produced significantly higher failure rates than those from previous years. According to Coppell ISD’s director of communications Amanda Simpson, 66 CHS learners were notified [on Nov. 17] that they were in danger of not passing one of their academic core classes but, considering the second nine

weeks, had an opportunity for credit recovery. Since most students are not in person and cannot ask questions immediately after learning a topic, they are finding it more difficult to check their understanding of topics. Although email does provide a solution to this problem, students find it challenging to phrase their questions adequately. “When you’re in person, the teacher is there, so if you have questions, you have more access to your teacher, and they can answer anything,” CHS sophomore Hiranya Akarapu said. “But, say you were to run into a problem online, how are you supposed to tell your teacher? And although email does solve this issue, it may be hard for a student to articulate their words clearly. “Over Zoom…people are hesitant to ask questions which makes it difficult to figure out if you have actually mastered the content being taught.”

55%

of Coppell students think online school is mostly ineffective Poll via @thesidekickcoppell

Despite the fact that teachers and students alike have adapted to the situation incredibly well, it does not change the fact that online learning is simply not as effective. The lack of social interaction impacts students’ academic performance, and students no longer truly have the ability to ask a question and immediately receive a response from a teacher. With the safety online learning provides, the everyday obstacles seem to trump the benefits and oftentimes make online learning pale in comparison to in person learning. MANASA ‘23 can be reached at mxm8830@g.coppellisd.com.

FEBRUARY 2021

End the era of Instagram infographics How to be anti-racist. What’s happening in China. As soon as I open Instagram, I am bombarded with the same taglines, captured in bubbly colors and fonts, attempting to draw attention to social justice issues. These infographics reached their peak after June, when young people turned to social media with the rise of racial justice movements last summer. This kind of social media “activism” needs to stop.For one, it paves the way for the commodification of social movements, which lose their effectiveness when they are used as an aesthetic decision. While to some extent these posts do raise awareness, it is outweighed by their tendency to make these movements, ones meant to disrupt the status quo, palatable. Protesting and other forms of agitation are supposed to leave you uncomfortable. While social media has had some positive effects on social justice, most of the time, a repost is unproductive. In short, it’s simply another way to consume and create content. It blends into our Instagram feeds and allows us to avoid the critical analysis and, more vitally, the community building, these moments necessitate. I will admit: I’ve done my fair share of Instagram “activism,” and I have learned a lot from activists I follow on social

Ne h a D e s a r a j u

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR @nehadesaraju

media. Instagram taught me a lot about gender, race and class and offered me a stepping stone into real community organizing. Infographics without the tangible next step, as they do most of the time, leave us complacent. Social media cannot enact the change that the people call for. Even movements that grew positively from social media, from the Ferguson protests to Occupy Wall Street, went beyond social media and were an act of solidarity that transformed the streets. Leave the Canva templates over-explaining concepts and keep the heart searching for a better, more just world. Channel your anger into conversations with friends and family. Support your neighbor on a labor strike, or unionize your own workplace. There are so many tangible ways to urge people to take action on issues that matter to you, online and offline. When poet Gil Scott-Heron said, “The revolution will not be televised,” he meant that the revolution will not turn into an aesthetic commodity, something to be consumed. In other words, he also meant that the revolution will not be infographic’d. NEHA ‘21 can be reached at nsd4173@g.coppellisd.com

Blurring gender norms is the future Camila Villarreal

EXECUTIVE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR @fliipthewriter

Ah, gender norms. The deeply-rooted cog of the normal society clock. Men like blue, women like pink and the most radicalized anyone wants to get beyond that is seeing a woman in basketball shorts and a man in a romper. When people decide to experiment with their self-expression in a way that diverts from the norm, it creates so much fuss. Take, for example, men wearing makeup. On women, it’s almost expected. But if a man does the same thing, it inspires a reaction similar to being slapped in the face. Why do we care so much about what other people are doing? If you can’t find an answer right away, it’s probably because there isn’t a good one. Men have been wearing makeup for all sorts of reasons since 4000 BCE. Roman men back in 700 BCE wore togas, a variation of a dress. Heck, even Jesus wore something similar. Just because something isn’t common doesn’t mean it’s bad. That’s the kind of mindset that limits society from advancing its ideologies. “A lot of people have grown up in conservative homes and most of their lives have been dictated by what gender they are,” CHS senior Xander Davila said. “People need to realize that we are in a new age and with a new age comes new ideas.” Gender norms are a useless component of our everyday lives. We gain nothing from adhering to them, so if men want to put on ball gowns, if women want

to shave their heads and if nonbinary people want to - well, exist - who cares? Actually, there is one person who really seemed to care back in November. Conservative commentator Candance Owens criticized musician Harry Styles for appearing on the cover of Vogue in a dress, connecting the “feminization of men” to Marxism and claiming it as an outright attack. It sparked controversy between those who care about what other people are doing with their lives and those who do not. I often hear people talk about how

ing is just clothing, makeup is just makeup and being different should not come with its own set of normalities. In your life, you’ll meet hundreds of people who look, think and act nothing like you, and

there’s quite literally nothing you can do about it. So deal with it. CAMILA ‘21 can be reached at cxv8266@g.coppellisd.com

“Just because something isn’t common doesn’t mean it’s bad.” feminine men are weak men. According to these people, what makes a man weak is femininity, and, following the same line of reasoning they so adamantly defend, if “normal women” are feminine, then women are weak. I’ll say it again. This is the kind of mindset that limits society from advancing. It proves that we have so much work to do in regards to equality amongst genders. It’s about time we come to Coppell High School senior Xander Davila wears makeup in protest of restricterms with the fact that cloth- tive gender norms. Photo by Camila Villarreal

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Rise of an intangible poison Unwholesome atmosphere resulting from social media polluting teenagers’ minds Va r s h i t h a K o r r a p o l u STAFF WRITER @varshitha1128

Constantly scrolling through your feed. Comparing yourself to subjectively beautiful, flawless people who have spent countless hours editing their photos. Congestion forming in your chest as feelings of anxiety and negativity rush through your body. A revolutionized poison has entered our lives, but not in the form of a substance. Internet culture

manipulates teenage minds, accompanying the chaos and confusion during the difficult years of growing up. Although the arrival of social media occurred about two decades ago, it is omnipresent in the current lifestyles of adolescents and taking advantage of them. An urge to fit in with the people

As young people continue to become excessively active on the internet, the environment created has begun to take a harsh mental toll on teenagers. The Sidekick staff writer Varshitha Korrapolu discusses the perilous effects of social media and the internet. Graphic by Sneha Sash

Sally Parampottil EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @SParampottil

In a sociology class the summer after my sophomore year, I learned the American Dream was dead. Not explicitly, but through a series of statistics and case studies of individuals who worked hard only to find themselves in the near same financial situation as when they started, it was clear the evidence pointed towards the idea that the American Dream wasn’t all it was made out to be. In a discussion board, we were asked if we believed the American Dream is attainable and if it were true that anyone could find success if they worked hard enough. The majority answer: yes. The American Dream we came up with in that class saw opportunity beyond finance. It saw a blaze of American spirit that transcended the harsh realities of being a minority and broke through the common superficiality that has seeped into this consumer nation. Family, love, friendship and purpose swirled into the wisps of our collective dream cloud. The United States was built on values and morals too: freedom, equality, justice. With

around them inspired the use of social media to do just that. “Because everything is online, everything can be misconstrued,” Coppell High School junior Arpita Rana said. “It’s good to spread awareness, but that same platform can turn against you. Because it can turn against you, people can become a little obsessed with what other people have to say about them. ”

This constant battle of comparison and questioning whether someone is good enough has led to an increasing amount of youth experiencing mental illnesses. Since saying harmful things has virtually no consequence, hate culture runs rampant. Those that have basic decency are victimized by this hate culture and can become vulnerable to insecurities or anxiety from having any internet presence at all. They enter the dark and tragic world of depression or antisocial disorder among others. “It’s so easy to stay seated in your spot and type away instead of looking at someone’s face and say how you feel to their face,” CHS senior Mia Sims said. “It opens up that easy line of

communication, that easy access to harshness and critique.” Youths constantly see demeaning comments and people looking their best when they do not know how those people really feel inside. An increased amount of time spent on the internet and social media translates into a decreased amount of time spent with loved ones around you. In person, human-to-human interaction is irreplaceable; the memories fostered and the bonds created cannot be replicated by relationships made through online platforms. Parents, such as CHS health science teacher Martha Eitelman, are worried about their teenagers growing up in the digital age and have started to monitor their children’s social media accounts to ensure the safety of their children. “Technology isn’t going anywhere,” Eitelman said. “Social media isn’t going anywhere. How do we make it safe? I don’t have an answer for how to do it, but I wish it could be done. I am scared to death to let my 12-year-old on social media.” If people set limits for themselves and not succumb to the digital monstrosity humans created, the toxicity of internet culture may start to diminish. Not all poisons may be physical substances that people can stay away from. Please do not try to fit in to the manipulative, lethal culture the internet have created. VARSHITHA ‘22 can be reached at vsk5901@g.coppellisd.com.

all those supposedly established within a supposedly fair democratic republic, this country is supposedly a beacon of hope, a ray of light to shine for the world to see. You would suppose incorrectly. Violence mars the vivid meaning behind the stars and stripes. The red of valor turns to blood, staining the purity and innocence of white while a corrupt blue of justice turns a blind eye. In thought, word and deed, history paints a graveyard in the name of the land of the free. The nation has just woken from a four-year nightmare. Some of the worst of us were shown and the ugliest colors revealed, and while those blemishes on our nation remain a part of who we are, they are not who we only are and not only who we will ever be. As President Joe Biden said in his inaugural address:

“Don’t tell me things can’t change.”

I’ve only just become an adult. I’m still being told my dreams are too big. Perhaps my youth blinds me, but my vision for the future feels anything but clouded. A better America exists. It’s attainable, and given the waves of activism spearheaded by people my age, it’s well on its way. we wish. My American Dream can very well come true, but it won’t be easy. We have to wake up

New Tech High @ Coppell senior Rocio Arguello mimicks “The Great Gatsby” movie cover. The Sidekick executive editor-in-chief Sally Parampottil argues the American Dream still exists in the form of equality, freedom and justice, instead of solely financial success. Photo illustration by Lilly Gorman and Samantha Freeman each day and work. And we sleep and wake and work, this time with just a bit more love. We sleep, wake and work - resilient. Sleep, wake, work - persistent. And one fine morning--we wake up and

the American Dream is a dream no longer. We wake up and know it is our reality. SALLY ‘21 can be reached at scp7918@g.coppellisd.com

FEBRUARY 2021

Duo donating soccer cleats to less fortunate A n e t t e Va r g h e s e STAFF WRITER @AnetteVarghese

t was during his sophomore year while playing on the varsity soccer team that now 2017 Coppell High School graduate Bishesh Manandhar realized how fortunate he was to play with cleats on his feet and on clean turf. So he decided to give back. Nepal is a developing South Asian country that does not have access to the same resources that are easily accessible in America; for example, cleats may not be as accessible in countries like Nepal. Therefore most recreational soccer is played barefoot, heightening the chances of injuries as a result of the combination of playing without proper footwear and trash-littered playing grounds. This situation inspired Bishesh and his younger sister CHS senior and varsity soccer player Binivaa Manandhar to create Soccer for Nepal in 2015, a non-profit organization donating cleats and other equipment to the less fortunate clubs and communities in Nepal. “Even though the difference we’re making is small, I believe we can really affect and enhance their lives,” Bishesh said. “Hopefully we’re able to give cleats to one kid who feels lost, and they find enjoyment in soccer.” Binivaa became director in 2017 when Bishesh graduated from CHS and moved on to the University of Texas at Dallas. Binivaa recognized a major gender gap in Nepal. Girls were discouraged from taking part in sports. Motivated to change this trend, she decided to direct her donations to supply girls teams in Nepal to encourage girls to explore soccer. “As a brown girl who is usually the only brown person on the field, I know [what] it’s like to be discriminated against because of my [skin] color. Similarly, in Nepal, girls are discriminated against simply because they’re a girl,” Binivaa said. “Giving other [girls] the resources they need to follow their passion is my passion in life and that’s all I want in donating.” They have currently donated more than 500 cleats to all age groups, genders and areas all around Nepal. In the summer, Bishesh took up a new challenge to spread awareness and educate the public about mental health. In April, he announced his new brand of Augmented Reality apparel called ShareHealth shirts. What began as a simple scannable QR code that shared positive news stories and mental health information in AR branched into a customizable service. Consumers can upload their own augmented reality

Coppell High School senior Binivaa Manandhar and 2017 CHS graduate and co-founder Bishesh Manandhar organize cleats and soccer balls outside of their home on Jan. 16. Soccer For Nepal was established in 2016 after the Manandhar siblings realized the dangers the lack of cleats can cause as children play barefoot in Nepal. Photo by Kyah Jones

content and have it printed onto shirts al content, personal artwork, music will be able to see a specific augand sweatshirts. videos, favorite songs and cultural con- mented reality message. “As a college student studying tech- tent. Once scanned, consumers will be “I liked the idea that I could nology, I wanted to create so easily lift someone’s something that was new and mood or give them someCurrently donated more than different, something that thing to look at while has never been done before still being very discrete,” and has potential,” Bishesh said prior customer Maasaid. “I focus on the mental ha Sakhia, a student at health side, where [10%] of UTD. “I really liked the each sale goes to supporting interactions after scanthe American Foundation ning someone’s shirt, for Suicide Prevention and where you talk with them NoKidHungry, who delivers about it and get the opfree meals to kids.” portunity to meet someConsumers can have one new.” to all age groups, genders and areas all around Nepal. their clothing scanned to show a slideshow of photos and vid- redirected to a website with a built in eos showcasing memories, promotional camera. By scanning the shirt again ANETTE ‘22 can be reached at videos, funny, inspirational, education- through the redirected browser, users atv3765@g.coppellisd.com.

500 cleats

TEACHER OF THE ISSUE P. 14

DAVIS WORKING AS MECHANIC P. 14

MINN EMBODIES ‘ALOHA SPIRIT’ P. 15

Integrating investments, community service CIC. This gave the club the authority to collect donations, tax-exempt status and potential to invest more capital to donate to causes. CHS CTE teacher Brian Simpson unofficially advises the club with his experience in business and marketing. “Because of the way [the club] was set up, it needed to be an off-campus club,” Simpson said. “That didn’t derail them at all. It’s amazing they’ve accomplished all that they did.” The club had three teams, fundraising, marketing and analyst teams, with different roles.

Nanditha Nagavishnu STAFF WRITER @nanditha__n

At 4:30 p.m. on Jan 17, new members of the Charitable Investments Club checked into a Zoom meeting and were introduced to the club’s history and procedures. Club officers presented the topics in a slideshow, followed with Zoom thumbs up icons as reactions. “Teamwork is really vital,” CHS junior club member Faheem Tippu said. “When I joined the club, I had the opThere is a fundraising phase where portunity to [learn teamwork].” the club focuses on accumulating capThe Charitable Investments Club ital and a cumulative investing phase (CIC) started in January 2020 as a where markets are analyzed and invested small group founded by CHS junior in to generate profits that are donated to Kavin Sampath with the intent of the community. teaching fundamentals in investing. The CIC is not a Coppell ISD affiliLast summer, juniors Sampath, Aksh ated club but is focused on staying local Tyagi, Prabhav Kumbum, Jai Konnuwith recruitments and donations. ru, Rohan Nalla and Rohan Pritmani “Our main purpose is to use dipped into the practicals of investing the profit that we get for charby putting money into a shared acity,” Sampath said. “Teaching count, making an 11% realized gain in the members investments is a a few months, used in donations to the beginning step to get to our North Texas Food Bank. “A common stereotype about the goal. Yet, we love that we’re stock market is that people who invest teaching students finance are in it for themselves,” Sampath said. which is important in life.” At the end of last year, “We’re trying to go against [the stereothe initial six members and type] because you can also be helping the club’s board of officers obthe community. It doesn’t have to be a tained nonprofit status for the selfish thing.” Confident in their club’s goal, the CIC planned to expand. They In January 2020, the Charitable Investments structured the club by planning Club was founded by CHS juniors Prabhav phases for prospective members. Kumbum, Nikshith Konnuru, Aksh Tyagi, Kavin In an initial training phase, stuSampath, Rohan Pritman and Rohan Nalla. The dents build understanding of the club’s purpose is to learn more about investing mechanics of the stock market and the stock market. Photo by Sannidhi Arimanda and investing.

Recently, the marketing team has been promoting CIC through posters and videos posted to their Instagram and Twitter accounts (@coppell_CIC). “Applicants are questioned about their interest in the club,” CHS junior member Anshul Shah said. “That keeps the club focused and creates an environment of trust with people. I talk to other club members and learn a lot from them.”

They plan to continue the club in college and work toward expanding it to more schools in the DFW area. “We are just beginning,” Sampath said. “As of right now, things are going smoothly, we’re getting to know each other and everybody is working together really well. We are all really proud of the club and are looking forward to seeing where it goes in the future.” NANDITHA ‘23 can be reached at nxn8271@g.coppellisd.com.

Math plus music equals effective learning Sapna Amin STAFF WRITER @sapnaamin7

Coppell High School senior and creator of Melodies for Math Swetha Tandri was a late talker, so at a young age, she used singing as a means of communication. “Math is all around us and there is so much potential, but because school makes it answer oriented, many people feel turned off by it,” Tandri said. “During this project, I started thinking of math as a huge creative energy. My goal is to inspire others to find their own creative energies by using math as a tool to accomplish anything” Tandri started Melodies for Math at the cusp of the COVID-19 pandemic, with hopes of helping classmates overcome the block that many have against math by presenting the subject in an entertaining way. “Math relates to music more than people think,” CHS choir director Bona Coogle said. “We count and subdivide depending on the time signature and how many beats there are per measure. Counting gives the students an indication of how many beats per measure and the rhythm.” According to Tandri, much of this process has to do with the way ears per-

Coppell High School senior Swetha Tandri composes a new song at Andy Brown Park East on Jan. 23. Tandri has been using music as a tool to teach math to kids. Photo illustration by Nick Larry and Srihari Yechangunja

ceive sound. Tandri explains how she and many other people subconsciously tend to be drawn to patterns through music and the symmetry embedded into the chords. “Some people might not have the same experiences or interest in math, which can make math seem foreign and therefore create a block,” AP statis-

tics teacher Lowell Johnson said. “People are easily drawn to a story. Music tells [a] story they can connect with and hook them to learn more.” When Tandri composes, she creates conflict among the notes to keep listeners on the edge of their seats until there is a harmonious resolution. Another technique she uses is progression

and the build up of tempo until the pattern is completed and the music reaches its pinnacle. “The fact that she’s incorporating music, which she is not only good at but also passionate about, and finding different ways to help others is inspiring,” Coogle said. “It’s not everyday that you have a student who wants to genuinely help others.” With every song comes a different process. However, each time, Tandri first thinks about the emotions she wants to evoke in the listener. This feeling is the core of the song and sets the tone. After that, in no particular order, she chooses the key signature, lyrics based on the lesson, instrumental parts and melody. Finally, she records and puts it all together to complete the track. “Because of my experience with Melodies for Math, I’ve learned the importance of embracing vulnerability to make the difference you want to make,” Tandri said. “Melodies for Math has allowed me to step into the public eye because of promotions, takeovers and spreading the word about my project to test centers. Being an introvert, this was a huge step for me.” SAPNA ‘21 can be reached at saa6871@g.coppellisd.com.

MORE THAN HISTORY BOOKS

Teaching the past to prepare students for their futures Story by Akhila Gunturu

“‘It’s today in history!’” This is Wilson Elementary fifth grade teacher Beth Brandenburg’s first year of teaching history after 19 years of teaching, 15 of those spent at Wilson. “This year, it’s been really exciting,” Brandenburg said. “So many things that happen in history are events that are [pertinent to] today, and the kids need to know about that. To me as a teacher, to give two sides to the story is really important because the learner needs to develop real opinions and know the facts behind how things are happening.” Elementary school lays the foundations for higher-level U.S. history education. According to the Grade 5 Social Studies Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), learners are expected to explore a survey of U.S. history from 1565 to present, with a focus on introducing historical content, geography, economics, government, culture and social studies skills, such as differentiating between valid primary and secondary sources and mapping geographic information. “Fifth grade is a great year to start getting your feet wet into social studies,” Coppell Middle School West eighth grade U.S. history teacher Margaret Anne Tucker said. “It gives them a very good introductory perspective; they get a cursory exploration of what we cover more in eighth grade. I like that we stair-step in that way.” But how exactly is this curriculum determined? The State Board of Education (SBOE) determines

policies and standards for Texas public schools, which includes establishing social studies curriculum standards, adopting instructional material and determining graduation requirements. The SBOE consists of 15 members who are elected by the public to represent their districts. Representing Dallas (District 13) is Aicha Davis, who also serves on the Committee on Instruction. The SBOE is split into three primary committees, with the occasional Ad Hoc committee created to address specific issues. The Committee on Instruction’s main responsibilities include establishing curriculum and graduation requirements, instructional materials, library standards, curriculum implementa-

place since the last revision. When a curriculum is streamlined, the content required is reduced to fit instructional years. Streamlining does not involve the addition of new materials; instead, it condenses curriculum to what is essential for the time allotted to the course. “When [the revision] process begins, I encourage both educators and learners to take part,” Coppell ISD director of social studies Maria McCoy said. “Whether it is serving on a TEKS Committee, writing letters to your SBOE member or testifying in front of the SBOE, it is important to let your voice be heard.” The SBOE derives its authority from Article 7, Section 8 of

“At the heart of social studies is teaching our students how to be human, how to coexist with the world around them.” Coppell Middle School West U.S. history teacher Margaret Anne Tucker tion and more. The SBOE periodically reviews and revises TEKs for each subject area by creating work groups to make recommendations, holding public hearings on recommended changes and later voting on them. Work groups consist of educators, parents, business and industry representatives and employers. “It’s a well-vetted process that is organic,” Coppell High School U.S. history teacher Diane de Waal said. “In Austin, when I served [on a work group], there were parents, teachers, professors, all parts of life.” The last revision to the current social studies curriculum was in 2010. The curriculum was then streamlined in 2018, and is set to be revised again in 2023 to incorporate events that have taken

the Texas Constitution. The board is required to meet at least quarterly; the upcoming meeting is from April 14 -16 and will be livestreamed. “Back in the day, [history education] was very black and white,” Brandenburg said. “I think certain things were kind of covered up when I was growing up, whereas things now are out in the open. It’s more real. I want to teach more [history], so the kiddos know [what is happening].” As children progress from elementary to middle school, they dive deeper into the metaphorical swimming pool of history. The eighth grade U.S. history curriculum provides more depth to the knowledge established in fifth grade, with TEKS focusing on historical content from the early colonial period through Reconstruction, gaining a better understanding of economics, government and culture, applying critical thinking skills and analysis. “[Elementary school students] have a couple of years to learn more about a global perspective and focus on Texas,” Tucker said. “We’re always circling back because it gives them a chance to compare. [In middle school], we see a lot of ‘Oh, I learned that in fifth grade,’ so it bookends nicely wherWe they’re really learning how to do social studies.” Coppell students typically begin a topic in eighth grade U.S. history with an introductory activity, such as talking through notes or watching a video. The year is characterized by a development of writing skills and deeper understanding, with students focusing on primary and secondary source analysis rather than identification. Book studies are incorporated as well to balance between project-based learning and direct instruction. “I would like to think that we are moving away from wholesale lectures and taking notes,” Tucker said. “We’re focusing more on turning it over to the students and providing them with good primary and secondary sources and letting them really construct their own interpretation. We do try to do a lot of

TEKS Review and Revision Process

vertical alignment with the high school teachers, so we’ve tried to incorporate more writing and analysis.” At the high school level, individual research, analysis 1. TEA conduct educator survey and critical thinking skills are heavily emphasized parts of history education. These are 2. State Board of Education cornerstones of Advanced identifies content advisers Placement courses and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at CHS. Though each history class may contain differences in teaching style and to an 3. Collects regional feedback on TEKS extent, content, there is one similarity connecting them all: the necessity of incorporating current events into ev4. TEA posts review of the proposed eryday learning. timeline for the public “We need to look more at current events,” CHS Principal Laura Springer said. “All the time frames you’re trying to cover 5. SBOE approves applicants to serve on a work group with U.S. history are changing by the moment. We need to talk about everything, we need to 6. TEA names Work Group A members, who weigh it, we need to research it.” meet with content advisers and SBOE On Jan. 6, the United States Capitol was stormed as a part of several protests in representatives to review recommendations reaction to the results of the 2020 presidential election. A sea of people. Five deaths. Riots. Vandalism. Shootings. 7. TEA posts work products on its “We always have groups waiting for somebody to let them hate,” Springer said. website and collect regional feedback “What you have to make sure of is that we hold those people accountable. You do that by teaching in schools what happened and 8. TEA confirm that written standards may be assessed showing them if you allow a person to legislate with hate, we’re in trouble. Democracy is at risk.” 9. SBOE Public Hearing is conducted, For educators, the event posed followed by SBOE discussion different problems; how do they teach current events to students? “Part of the difficulty is our students are being exposed to hard things at a much younger 10. Content advisers review recommendations age than ever before because and make necessary changes of social media,” Tucker said. “It’s our job as educators, not to prevent that from happening, but to come alongside them 11. First reading of the TEKS and SBOE public and help understand and process it on hearing 2; 30-day public comment period begins their own.” For schools nationwide, the debate on what to teach in U.S. history classes is never-ending. 12. Content advisers review comments “If you’re teaching [a historical event] in sixth grade, and make recommendations to SBOE it’s going to look very different than how you teach it in 11th grade,” Tucker said. “First and foremost 13. Final amendments of the TEKS is understanding where the students are at and what they can handle, because at the heart of social studies is teaching our students 14. SBOE final adoption of the TEKS and how to be human, how to coexist with the world around them implementation date - and it’s a hard line to walk.”

Pictured (top to bottom): Se’Mara Young (CMS East eighth grade), Justin Sturm (CMS East seventh grade), Rylie Robben (Mockingbird Elementary first grade)

Photos by Samantha Freeman and Tracy Tran

FEBRUARY AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIP SESSIONS WITH CISD PERSONNEL // FEB. 27

LAST DAY TO RECEIVE FULL REFUND ON AP EXAMS // MARCH 3

A drive for redeveloping cars Drishti Gupta STAFF WRITER @drishti_gupta_

With parts strewn across the garage and the engine out of place, he did not know where to start. Eventually, he managed to push the negative thoughts out of his mind and acquired a new drive to do what he really loves: fixing cars. For the past three years, Coppell High School senior Matthew Davis has engaged in mechanical jobs, involving vehicles in which he swapped tires and replaced engines and he took on personal projects at home. “I’ve always been a tinkerer,” Davis said. “I’d just take stuff apart and put it back together. It wasn’t until I turned 15 when I started working two jobs to afford a car [that he can then reconstruct].” Inspired by The Fast and the Furious along with NASCAR races, Davis wanted to be able to race against other people as well, so he created a small, fast car in order to compete with other people who had nicer cars that he, at the time, could not afford. “[I bought] a Chrysler back in March,

[and] I was planning to make that a race His experience workcar to take to ing with cars has also the [racing] helped him develop track,” Davis Current project: Kawasaki a work ethic and ZZR600 motorcycle said. “I taught him several Past projects: had all life lessons. - Fixed 2002 Chr ysler Concorde kinds “When stuff doesn’t - Helped friend swap engines of plans work out your way, you’re in 2002 Mazda Protege to put going to have to find turbos another way around it,” in it, boost it with nitro- Davis said. “[Also], If something gen oxide and just totally rebuild that car breaks down before you exand put a new engine in it too. I took out pect it to, you’ve got to fix the engine, rebuilt it in my garage, sold that one part. [You canthe engine and I was hoping to buy an not] be frustrated and LS7 engine to put in it.” give up on yourself Unfortunately, Davis had to sell because one thing the car to a junkyard because he was keeps getting in not able to purchase an engine a n d the way.” move the car from the street. However, the Chrysler project remains his favorite because of the dedication and hard work put into the repairs.

Currently, Davis is working on repairing a motorcycle which he bought in pieces back in October when selling his Chrysler. He is planning to turbo the motorcycle and turn it into a stunt bike and take it to a few stunt competitions. DRISHTI ‘23 can be reached at dxg1823@g.coppellisd.com

Coppell High School senior Matthew Davis works on a Kawasaki ZZR600 motorcycle in his backyard on Jan. 28. Davis has had a zeal for mechanics ever since he was 8, from bicycles to motorcycles. Photo by Sreehitha Moravaneni

Teacher of Long incorporating former the Issue: coaching skills into teaching Na n d i n i Pa i d e s e t t y STAFF WRITER @n_paidesetty

Coppell High School algebra II and statistics teacher Dr. Roxanne Long was selected by The Sidekick staff as its Teacher of the Issue. Her genuine devotion toward teaching is admired by her students, and her enthusiasm for teaching brightens up the classroom. Her past experience with coaching basketball in two high schools (Diamond Hill High School and Keller Central High) and two colleges (Texas Lutheran and Rogers State) rubbed on to her current teaching techniques. Hows does having a background in coaching basketball impacted your way of teaching algebra II? It took me a while to kind of figure this out, but teaching math and coaching are very, very similar. [They Coppell High School algebra II and statistics teacher Roxanne Long teaches her second period algebra II class on Jan. 29. Long was selected by The Sidekick staff for teacher of the issue. Photo by Blanche Harris

require] all the same skills; it’s skill building. When you’re teaching basketball you’re building skill. Can everyone shoot a layup? Can everybody shoot a free throw? Can everybody dribble? All [of] the math skills are the same way, so I think that yes, everything I did in coaching, I also applied to math. Why did you choose to teach math? Math actually chose me, because early in my teaching career, which was a very long time ago, I was asked by a principal if I would teach math instead of social studies. I said sure, I’d be happy to teach math, but then after I started teaching math, I absolutely fell in love with it. I’ve been teaching that ever since. But I did not set out to teach math, I set out to teach social studies and just happened to fall into math along the way. NANDINI ‘23 can be reached at nxp2861@g.coppellisd.com

THIRD GRADING PERIOD ENDS //MARCH 12

COPPELL ISD SPRING BREAK // MARCH 15-19

AI Club introducing students to world of machine learning Tr i s h a A t l u r i

BUSINESS MANAGER @trishatluri

Percent of articifical intelligence jobs on popular job positing sites

Fingers fly across the keyboard as lines of code appear on the screen in Python, a programming language incomprehensible to most of the population. Yet, it is perfectly understandable to the Coppell High School Artificial Intelligence Club. The AI Club was founded in 2018 by 2020 CHS graduate and former Sidekick staff writer Akif Abidi to encourage discussion about artificial intelligence and machine learning. CHS senior co-presidents Zach Vazhekatt

and Aarian Ahsan joined the club at its inception. “When I was first introduced to the club, I thought AI was a super complex and hard to reach topic that [was] too much to grasp,” Vazhekatt said. “Once you get into AI, you realize how simple and elegant it is, especially if you’re interested in technology.” Every Monday at 4:45 p.m., the AI Club meets via Zoom. At the beginning of each meeting cycle, lecturers teach the club about the basics of AI. These instructional meetings lay the foundation for the projects that follow. “We’ve talked about the subcategories of artificial intelligence, including machine learning and deep learning,” CHS junior lecturer Hari Srikanth said.

“We also delve into machine learning libraries, such as TensorFlow and scikit-learn.” A change that has marked the evolution of the club was the shift in focus from theory-based discussions to coding lessons where members dive into the practical applications of AI. “The first year, we mainly went over theory,” Vazhekatt said. “The classic question we discussed was, ‘is AI going to take over the world?’ This year, due to the online format and because we really wanted to get into projects, we went into coding straightaway.” In addition, the AI Club hosts speaking events with experts in the field. Past guest speakers include University of Texas at

Dallas professor Gordon Arnold and data scientist Shouvik Pradhan. The speaking events are open to all CHS students. Students can join the club by emailing the co-presidents at zlv0694@g.coppellisd. com and ata8045@g.coppellisd.com. “AI is already a pretty big facet of our lives,” Srikanth said. “AI is going to play a big role in our future, and understanding how it works can be useful.” TRISHA ‘22 can be reached at tra2735@g.coppellisd.com

Jobs involving artifical intelligence have been appearing more frequently on job posting sites in recent years.

Graph by Neha Desaraju Source: Burning Glass via Stanford HAI Created with Datawrapper

Coppell High School junior Hari Srikanth is a member of the Artificial Intelligence Club and is a lecturer at their weekly meetings. The AI Club has been making strides in the past year to introduce more people to coding through coding workshops, open discussions, and guest speakers. Photo by Olivia Cooper

Minn finds aloha Anjali Vishwanath STAFF WRITER @viola_swan

“Aloha is more than just a word or greeting,” Victory Place @ Coppell Principal Jeff Minn said. “It means mutual support and love, with no obligation in return. That’s the spirit that we have here [at Victory Place].” Minn grew up in Hawaii, where he was familiarized with the concept of the ‘aloha spirit.’ Aloha directly translates to both ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’; however, it means much more culturally. Minn noticed the trademark aspects of this philosophy at work in Victory Place. Victory Place is a small,

spirit at Victory Place

specialized school. It hosts a limited Teachers and administrators know number of students who participate in every student in school, and they one of two programs. The Compass pro- all support the students and gram is for students with behavioral is- their goals. sues, and the Turning Point program is To Minn, this is the for students wishing to graduate early. most important part of Minn and his team at Victory Place the work done at Victoincorporate social-emotional learning ry Place. (SEL) and relationship building into “What I love is that I’m their students’ lessons. Their goal is able to get to know every not only to prepare students for the learner’s story,” Minn said. world academically, but also to prepare “I get to know their names, them for problems and setbacks life what their goals are, what may present them. their dreams are. And then “We are continually looking at how we build a program around we can not just help them academically, how to support them for both but help them to become a well rounded Compass and Turning Point.” graduate,” Minn said. “Just like we build in time for [core classes], we feel that is ANJALI ‘22 can be reached at important to build in time to build social axv0529@g.coppellisd.com emotional skills.” This is the alo- Jeff Minn has been the principal of Victory Place @ Coppell for four years. Originally ha spirit at work. from Hawaii, Minn currently works with students in both The Compass and Turning Point programs. Photo by Angelina Liu

FEBRUARY 2021

Kumar finding voice through cosplay it, Kumar found herself in a Matt Engarde cosplay costume from the video COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER game “Ace Attorney,” not knowing how @sreejamudumby far it would really take her. “I remember watching some videos he hat slips. from this one cosplayer; her name is She pulls it up and tugs it Mishkali, and she did these cosplays firmly over her head. A perfect from my favorite anime, Fullmetal Alfit. A blue lock of hair brushes chemist, and I was like, ‘Wow, that’s so against her dark, hard eyes. cool, I want to try it,’” Kumar said. “I All gazes turn her way. got the cosplay of my favorite character Coppell High School senior Sne- at the time, Edward Elric, and I just ha Kumar’s love for cosplay and voice started from there.” acting sparked through a passion Slowly but steadily, Kumar started project in the seventh grade [at Cop- to involve hwwerself into the world of pell Middle School West]. Ironically, anime. Whether it was watching anone of her weaknesses helped her imes, practicing voices of her favorite find her strength. characters or going to conventions, Ku“We had to choose whatever we mar was a sponge, taking every chance thought we would be passionate about, she got to present her skills and meet new people. “Sneha’s not afraid to just go for it,” CHS head theatre director Karen Ruth said. “Even if it’s something out of her comfort zone or different, she’s not afraid to do it. She goes after what she wants and she gives 100% every time. She is not scared to get up there and be vulnerable and put herself out there, and I admire her immensely.” After a year of practicing and training, C H S S E N I O R A N D C O S P L A Y A C T O R Kumar started to take and I originally wanted to do ani- her voice into the anime industry mation, but sixth grade art kind of to start voicing some characters, crushed my dreams,” Kumar said. “I her first being Priestess Hikari in was like, ‘what’s another part of anime “Project Amaranthine.” that’s cool? Voice acting, I’m going to Kumar is currently playing a variety do a project on that.’ And I actually of characters, including The Princess ended up really enjoying it.” of the Ithbar from “Little Ruby What started out as an effort to get Roo”, forensic detective an A on a project then progressed to an Ema Skye from online tutorial, and before she knew “ T h e

Sreeja Mudumby

“[Cosplay and voice acting] makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever been.”

SNEHA KUMAR

Shield of Justice” and Trucy Wright from “The Shield of Justice: The Christmas Spirit Unleashed.” Kumar loves the world of voice acting and cosplay as it is an escape from everyday life. “I’m getting to be someone that I’m not,” Kumar said. “I’ll never get to be [Engarde,] a refreshing spring breeze actor with an evil side, I’ll never get to be some adventurer or a spirit medium or a phantom thief or anything like that; [so cosplay and voice acting]

makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever been.” Kumar, along with reaping the benefits of her growth, inspires others to step out of their comfort zone. “I admire how passionate she is about what she cares about,” CHS senior Xander Davila said. “For as long as I’ve known her since middle school, she has been really into anime and cosplay and voice acting. I’ve always really admired that because I am into those same things, but I’ve never been so open about it. Because she is so open about it, she has been able to thrive as a voice actor, and it inspired me to get more into voice acting too because that is something I also want to do.” Kumar recognizes her interests are unorthodox. But instead of hiding it, she celebrates the unique tal-

ents she possesses. “I don’t think I’ve ever really been scared of getting judged,” Kumar said. “I have gotten judged before, but ‘I know what makes me happy, and I know what I want to do, and I’m not going to let you stop me’ is kind of my attitude towards the people who say that cosplay is weird or something like that.” Kumar thinks anyone who is interested in cosplay should seize the day and not let anything get in the way. “Just do it,” Kumar said. “Just go out there. Get your voice out there. Buy a cosplay, start singing. All you really need is the mic from your earbuds. Just go into a closet and start recording. Just get yourself out there.” SREEJA ‘22 can be reached at sxm4577@g.coppellisd.com

Coppell High School senior Sneha Kumar dresses as Kaito from Vocaloid, a singing voice synthesizer software product at her home on Jan. 20. Kumar has been cosplaying and voice acting since seventh grade. Photo by Olivia Cooper.

THE NEW ALT P. 18

SONG THROUGH TIME P. 18

VALENTINE’S BITE P. 19

Liang spreading chamber music, violin appreciation Drishti Gupta STAFF WRITER @drishti_gupta_

Serendipity: Accidental discoveries which have beneficial outcomes. This is the word to describe Coppell High School junior Jessica Liang’s unexpected encounter with the violin - an instrument now providing her an outlet for creativity, art and expression. Spending the summer in China in seventh grade, Liang’s mother brought a flyer of several hobbies and extracurriculars so that Liang could pursue a hobby. “I couldn’t read Chinese [so] I couldn’t read any of the words on the

flyer, and there’s a picture of a girl playing the violin so my 7 year old self was like, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna do it,’” Liang said. “I started and just haven’t stopped, so it kind of started as an accident.” Part of the reason Liang found the violin more appealing than other instruments is due to its unique, distinctive sound. “I just love the sound,” Liang said. “It’s so beautiful. [The violin] is really important in symphonies, and I play in an orchestra, so I love the parts we get to play.” In order to spread her passion for the violin in the community, Liang joined the Chamber Music International Youth Ambassadors (CMIYA), a local music organization which has been around for almost 40 years. In the organization, Liang is part of a string quartet and is part of the blog team. “She’s very enthusiastic and passionate about

what we do, and that’s really unique because one of the aspects of our program is that we are not just looking for the best players but we also want musical advocates who want to get out in our communities,” said Chloe Yang, the volunteer and event coordinator for the organization. Liang’s private lesson teacher encouraged her to join a chamber group or a string quartet in CMIYA so she could improve upon her skills. “I love playing with them,” Liang said. “It’s just really cool being in a string quartet because you learn all these new things [such as] learning your part very well because no one else is playing the same thing and keeping the beat and tempo. I’ve kind of learned all these things that help my musicianship.” Highland Park High School sophomore Justine Choi, another musician a part of the string quartet, appreciates Liang’s efforts and involvement. “She’s really dedicated and hardworking,” Choi said. “She definitely puts all of her effort into what she’s doing. She makes sure that if we are lacking in something, she really tries to compensate for that and make up where there are weak spots.” DRISHTI ‘23 can be reached at dxg1823@g.coppellisd.com.

Coppell High School junior Jessica Liang practices the violin at Cimarron Park on Jan. 25. Liang is a part of the string quartet of the Chamber Music International Youth Ambassadors Organization. Photo by Nandini Paidesetty

Fine arts award winners All-state band qualifiers

Every year, the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) holds All-State band. Starting with district, the process features multiple levels of auditions to reach All-State, one of the highest distinctions for Texas high school musicians.

national thespian festival winners

The Texas Thespians also held the State Thespian Festival last year, where actors, designers, and directors compete to place and advance to the next round. Nine Coppell High School Theatre students received superior ratings at the competition and qualified for the International Thespian Festival in June.

5 spots secured in TMEA All-State choir Na n d i t h a Na g a v i s h n u STAFF WRITER @nanditha__n

For more than 20 years, Coppell ISD high school choirs have taken part in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State choir. As one of the highest distinctions for Texas high school singers with roughly 3% of auditionees getting selected, advancing to the choir is noteworthy. This year, CHS9 student Roma Jani and Coppell High School junior Joseph Mathew, seniors Rishab Pulugurta, Swetha Tandri and New Tech High @Coppell junior Natalie Bennett made the coveted spots. “When they announced the names of who made it into All-State last year, we were all yelling, and in my mind, it was like, ‘we actually made it, that’s crazy,’” Pulugurta said. “Though it was and will be different this year, I’m so excited to be able to relive this experience and grateful that I have the opportunity to be in All-State again [after making it in junior year], improving

myself and making even more memories.” Usually, each round would take place in a local building with the singer performing their piece on the spot through blind auditions. This year, singers were given three days to record their auditions and submit it online, with an option for retakes in their submission. “I found [the audition process] a lot more convenient than last year,” Mathew said. “When recording the piece, you’d still feel a little bit of nervousness and stress, but I was more relaxed because auditions were online and you had unlimited attempts to do it.” Singers who make it into All-State attend a TMEA clinic in the middle of February in San Antonio where they spend three days learning and rehearsing music with acclaimed conductors. The clinic/convention will be virtual this year, and there will be no final performance. Selected students value the relationships and learning opportunities offered throughout this unique experience. “Each year, the process is a culmi-

Coppell High School freshman Roma Jani, junior Natalie Bennett, senior Swetha Tandri, junior Joseph Mathew and senior Rishab Pulugurta made AllState for the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) and will perform in various choirs. Photo by Nick Larry nation of my own personal growth in choir and I get to analyze my progress and strengths and weaknesses,” Pulugurta said. “It’s a fun experience and is also something we singers undergo as a group. We are people from

completely unique backgrounds, but we can come together and share our passion for music.” NANDITHA‘22 can be reached at nxn8271@g.coppellisd.com

FEBRUARY DAVE WASHBURN JAZZ BAND @ COPPELL ARTS CENTER // FEB. 27

MAGIC IN MUSIC COPPELL COMMUNITY CHORALE IN THE GROVE// 11 AM // MARCH 6

Alt kids have taken over TikTok

Social media accessorizing pandemic to fabricate new wave of fashion trends Lilly Gorman

VISUAL MEDIA EDITOR @LilGormet

Think Coppell High School but add a bit of color customizer, beanies and Yerba Mate. This is what this past year has brought to the table for our suburban adolescent community. It is no secret that CHS students have been switching up their looks since the pandemic began, and alternative styles have found new popularity. Alt and vintage fashion has been around for decades, and society recycles fashion trends frequently as years go by. “Fashion will always be current and will always be timeless,” CHS AP English teacher Benjamin Stroud said. “It’s funny when people say this is new fashion because, no, that’s a 1960s mod.” Stroud went through multiple fashion phases in high school, one being grunge. He used fashion as a tool to explore himself as he went through adolescence living in the small, southern town of Paradise, Texas. Fashion means a lot of things to a lot of different people. For 2019 CHS graduate Peyton Wallace, fashion is “combining functionality Coppell High School senior Elena Hewitt, sophomore David Christopher and sophowith personal more Jia Rosenbaum participate in wearing alternative fashion trends at CHS on Jan. aesthetic.” Wal29. Students at CHS went from wearing supporter shirts and Lululemon to mom jeans lace has always and Doc Martens since the pandemic. Photo by Samantha Freeman been into emo fashion and culture. For CHS

sophomore Sebastian Perini, “it is just a style, everyone has a different style.” Perini altered his look from Nike shorts to plaid pants. CHS senior London Hurt has “always loved dressing in a way that makes [her] feel happy.” Hurt has always had a unique style, including head scarves and midi skirts. What is the reason for the sudden love of alternative fashion, which would typically be considered unorthodox but is now considered almost mainstream? Coppell parent Maggie Lucas believes is the pandemic. “I consider fashion as a hobby,” Lucas said. “My guess is that the trend is trying something new. It is just like people who are trying new things just to keep the monotony from getting to them.” Staying at home has allowed for growth and self reflection in a lot of people. “People have been able to learn more about themselves and learn more about what they actually like,” Hurt said. Social media and online communities have a lot of influence on students’ fashion choices as well. TikTok has brought new online communities to social media, almost making TikTok the new Tumblr. With thrift hauls and color customization to make us look nice and saturated, TikTok has become the center for all teenagers, indie kids especially. We can see popularity change what is acceptable to wear. “High schoolers and teenagers are going to hate on anything that is not in their realm,” Wallace said. “They will see an outsider and be like, ‘no,’ but that outsider might have found popularity [through] a community online, and then they are all like ‘Oh, OK, that is cool.’” Alternative culture and fashion have always had some appeal to it, no matter the era. It is different, experimental. While it is not a new trend per se, CHS students have embraced the concept. LILLY‘21 can be reached at lfg7953@g.coppellisd.com

Hartzell’s artistic direction shining in choir I n i y a Na t h a n STAFF WRITER @iniyza_v

In the empty choir room at Coppell Middle School West, save for a few students, choir director Allison Hartzell teaches her classes to sing via Zoom. She started singing when she was around 4. Hartzell’s first choir experience was in third grade for third grade honor choir at Armstrong Elementary. Enjoying the unity and harmony of a choir, she continued choir through college at the University of North Texas. “I was inspired [to be a choir director] by my high school and middle school choir director,” Hartzell said. “I fell in love and found a passion for this. I went right into college, I was lucky I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I love what I do, and I want to do it until I die.” Hartzell joined CMSW as choir director in 2008. When she joined, the CMSW choir program had around 70 students; that number has now in-

creased to around 160. Her teaching has allowed her students to be successful at University Interscholastic League Solo and Ensemble, All-Region choir auditions and state festivals. “[Hartzell] is really esteemed,” said Coppell High School sophomore Vrishti Jain, a former student of Hartzell. “Everyone knew to respect her. She always gave off the vibe [that] we’re here to work and we’re here to learn. That was really cool because of the improvement people had at the end. A lot of my classmates improve so much in quality and tone and in general. She gets a lot of credit for that. She was just so motivated to get started, she never once looked like she didn’t want to be there. She always made sure that the learning experience was fun.” Hartzell is also the artistic director for the Coppell Community Chorale, which is volunteer-based, non-profit adult choir based in Coppell and the surrounding areas for adults who used to be in choir when they were

Coppell Middle School West artistic and choir director Allison Hartzell leads vocal warm ups with her class on Friday at CMSW. Hartzell has always loved to sing and became inspired by her high school choir director, which led her to work in music education. Photo by Kyah Jones younger and miss the experience or simply for adults who want to be part of a choir now. “I love promoting the arts,” Hartzell said. “[Chorale] was a chance for

me to work with adults and have me grow my craft.” INIYA‘23 can be reached at ixn3618@g.coppellisd.com

DALLAS BLACK DANCE THEATRE @ COPPELL ARTS CENTER // MARCH 6

THE SELKIE GIRLS @ COPPELL ARTS CENTER // MAR. 13

Bite into Valentine’s Day with edible cookie dough Tr i s h a A t l u r i

ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION MANAGER @trishatluri

Whether you are making food for a friend, family or significant other, sweets are the perfect way to someone’s heart. This Valentine’s Day, celebrate love by whipping up personalized heart-shaped cookie dough bites for your favorite people.

For the cookie dough: • 1 cup flour • 8 tablespoons softened unsalted butter • 1 cup light brown sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 2 tablespoons heavy cream • 1/2 tablespoon salt • 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips For the chocolate coating: • 3/4 cup chocolate melting wafers • 3/4 cup heavy cream • Assorted sprinkles and other toppings (optional)

Cookie dough bites are edible cookie dough hearts coated in chocolate. These heart-shaped treats are the perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day. These heart-shaped treats are the perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day. Photos by Lilly Gorman

1. Heat-treat flour by microwaving in a bowl for 1 minute and 15 seconds, stirring at 15 second intervals. This kills the bacteria in the flour, making the dough edible. 2. Mix butter and sugar together in a large bowl until creamy. Mix in vanilla, heavy cream and salt. 3. Fold in the heat-treated flour until it forms a dough. Add chocolate chips. 4. Mold the dough into hearts and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 5. Microwave heavy cream for 30 seconds and pour over chocolate melting wafers. 6. Let the chocolate sit for two minutes before stirring until smooth. 7. Using a fork, dunk the hearts in the chocolate mixture, making sure to evenly coat the dough. 8. Decorate with sprinkles and toppings before the chocolate hardens. 9. Refrigerate for 15 minutes and serve.

Dentistry for Infants, Children & Teens Dr. Rozas is committed to giving each child and family excellent and comprehensive care, and she is passionate about prevention and overall body wellness. She believes that every child deserves a happy and healthy smile!

972-393-9779

632 E. Sandy Lake Rd. Coppell, TX

www.RozasDDS.com Board Certified Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

FEBRUARY 2021

Camila Villarreal

teammates is something special to me,” Patel said. “I know there are people who have my back when I play. If I’m having a ot many people can imagine play- bad day, I can always count on ing sports as if it were a full-time sports to clear my head.” But the life of an athlete is not job, but for Coppell sophomore Saiya Patel, that imagination is lived all alone. Patel’s parents, Bindi and Amish Patel, are supher everyday reality. In addition to being on the Coppell varsi- portive of their daughter’s ty soccer and basketball teams, Patel is also lifestyle, attending committed to playing left and right winger her matches and on the D’Feeters Soccer Club, which she has driving her to where she needs been a part of for more than five years. With 90-minute practices during school to be. “[Our schedfor soccer and basketball, strength and conditioning before school, matches and games ules] are mainly for both sports after school and 90-minute based on where club practices twice a week, as well as games Saiya needs to be on the weekends, Patel’s schedule is nothing at what time,” Mrs. Patel said. “We were hesitant to allow Saiya to take two sports at short of packed. “I’d say I dedicate 30 hours or so to sports once, but she does a very good job of manevery week,” Patel said. “I feel overwhelmed aging her school workload along with her sports. She is not pretty often, but I the kind of girl try to take it stepwe need to worry by-step and plan too much over.” out what I’m going Strength and to do that day.” persistence are The constant exvaluable qualiercise may tire othties one would ers, but Patel has expect an athbeen playing sports lete to have, but for more than a Patel goes bedecade. The expeyond that. Her rience has rewardcharacter shines ed her with comjust as bright mendable spots on as her talent on the Coppell varsity the field. teams, as well as a A good teamrole as team capmate and a tain in 2019 for the S O P H O M O R E D U A L S P O R T AT H L E T E good person all D’feeters. With around, her dedthe determination her coaches and parents know ication to being the best version of herself her to possess, Patel led her team to does not go unnoticed by those around her. D’Feeters coach Adam Flynn notes her victory on state, regional and national growth throughout the many years he has levels that year. Juggling an athletically-inclined known her. “Initially, [Patel] was a quiet, reserved schedule as well as rigorous academics is a challenge not unknown to girl,” Flynn said. “As time went on, she mamany high school students such tured so much. She’s quick, she’s sharp, and as Patel. Aside from sports, Patel she’s the type of kid that - if she puts her enjoys volunteering in her spare mind to it - she can do anything. Saiya is time with her family. Regard- a genuine person who holds people accountless of her busy life, she finds a able, and as a coach, that’s our dream.” way to fit all elements of it in CAMILA ‘21 can be reached at squarely and enjoy it too. cxv8266@g.coppellisd.com. “Getting to play with my EXECUTIVE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR @fliipthewriter

“If I’m having a bad day, I can always count on sports to clear my head.” S A I YA PAT E L

paying off in-game

Playing the best of

both worlds

Patel’s duality Coppell sophomore Saiya Patel plays both basketball and soccer for Coppell High School, as well as soccer for club team D’Feeters. Despite the two sports and schoolwork, Patel’s hard work comes easy as she enjoys what she does. Photos by Lilly Gorman

THE BROTHERHOOD P. 22

AT YOUR SERVICE P. 23

FOUR YEAR FAMILY P. 23

Gast returning to school team after recovery Shreya Beldona

EXECUTIVE ENTERPRISE EDITOR @BeldonaShreya On the morning of March 6, 2019, Tannya Gast received a call from Coppell coach James Balcom in which she learned her son, Coppell senior forward Brandon Gast - then a sophomore - had been in an accident during practice. As she arrived to see her son lying on a stretcher, the trainers informed her they suspected a right ACL tear, but Mrs. Gast hoped it was a sprain or a pull. Three days later, the trainers’ suspicions were confirmed. “Within 10 seconds, [orthopedic surgeon Dr. Daniel Cooper] had told me

July 2017

Scored winning goal at Youth Soccer National Championships with Solar Soccer Club U-16/17

August 2018

Joined the Coppell varsity soccer team during his sophomore year

March 6, 2019

Tore his right ACL during morning practice at Buddy Echols Field

August 2020

Returned to playing school soccer on the Coppell varsity team

I had torn my ACL just from doing certain movements with my knee,” Brandon said. “My mom and I were just sitting there, emotional, and I just looked forward and I said, ‘In nine months from now, I’ll be able to play again.’” Determined to come back as quickly as possible, Brandon fought against the recovery time frame, challenging the nine month process. But as he saw his leg after coming out of surgery and the difficulty of just walking, Brandon realized the mental six-month timeframe he had set for himself was not realistic. “I was in so much pain after surgery” Brandon said. “I was super emotional. [My leg] looked like a chicken leg [after surgery]; it was so skinny. [All my muscles] were gone; it was erased.” After passing the final test clearing him for returning to soccer, Brandon returned to his Solar team, hoping to fast track regaining his skills. “The competitiveness [of club soccer] is a little higher [than school soccer],” Brandon said. “Unfortunately, I came back not the player I was before my injury, and it set me back. I came back [to

school soccer] this year because I actually quit club, because it wasn’t the best thing for me. I wanted to have my last soccer season with the kids I grew up with.” Within four months of playing for club soccer after his injury, competing at club level was not as feasible as Brandon had thought. With a call to Balcom, Brandon returned to the Cowboys. Now, Brandon serves as a role model.

“We adopted the philosophy that you lead by example,” Coppell senior center defender Collin MacDonald said. “[Brandon] showed up and worked hard, especially during a grueling, long off-season. I haven’t seen this fire from him before and it’s great to see again that he’s itching to play.”

day and heads over to the Coppell High School. She returns to the pool for mandatory practice in fourth and eighth periods. Finally, she spends a couple of hours on homework and gets a well-rested night’s sleep to do it all over the next morning. “Whether it’s swimming or school, I’m completely dedicated and do everything in my control to excel,” Malick said. “Going to those extra practices helps me compete against myself and my old times.” With a firm and consistent schedule such as Malick’s, it may be difficult to see the variance and beauty every

new day brings. However, according to Coppell senior swimmer Shreya Kumara, Malick comes to the pool every morning with a smile on her face and a joke to make her teammates laugh. “Even in the mornings, she has that intrinsic motivation that keeps her constantly improving each week,” Kumara said. “I’ve seen her improve drastically over a short period of time, and now she is one of the fastest swimmers on the team.” Malick is proud of is the drastic 13 seconds she shaved off her personal re-

cord for the 200-yard individual medley, setting her new personal best at 2:22. Malick’s academic course load consists of AP classes. Though, with her time management skills and positive attitude, she is able to keep her priorities in order. “She is one of the smartest people I know,” Kumara said. “She is on top of her academics and swimming. She never complains and is good at time management in general.” Time may not stop for anyone, but when Malick steps in the water, it might as well.

Coppell senior forward Brandon Gast fights against Frisco Rock Hill sophomore defender Nicolas Arango on Jan. 9 at Buddy Echols Field. Gast suffered an ACL injury his sophomore year and is now back on varsity this school year. Photo by Angelina Liu

SHREYA ‘21 can be reached at sxb4151@g.coppellisd.com.

Malick swimming the extra lap Sapna Amin STAFF WRITER @sapnaamin6

Time. For Coppell junior swimmer Bella Malick, life is all about time. Ten years of swimming. Two hours of practice per day. Two minutes and 22 seconds to swim the 200-yard individual medley. Five days a week. The moment Malick wakes up at 6:30 a.m. to her alarm of cheerful chirping birds, her mind immediately goes to the pool. By 7 a.m., she is at the Coppell YMCA for an optional school practice. After 8:15 a.m., she prepares for her school

SAPNA ‘21 can be reached at saa6871@g.coppellisd.com.

Coppell junior swimmer Bella Malick practices a butterfly stroke at the Coppell YMCA on Jan. 26. Malick’s self drive about her goals motivates her to attend optional practices every school day. Photo by Precious Onalaja

FEBRUARY BOYS SOCCER SENIOR NIGHT // 7:30 P.M. // FEB. 16

COPPELL TENNIS SUPER BOWL TOURNAMENT // 8 A.M. // FEB. 26

new home, same family Transfer thriving in familiar environment Meer Mahfuz

CO-SPORTS EDITOR @meer_mahfuz

Coppell junior point guard Naz Brown plays during various games in the CHS arena. Brown joins 3d Hoops Academy teammates junior guards Anthony Black and Ryan Agarwal at Coppell after transferring from Hurst L.D. Bell. Photos by Samantha Freeman and Tracy Tran

For those fixated upon the Coppell basketball team this season, there will be some new faces that they will not recognize. Out of the four transfers, Coppell junior guard Naz Brown, who comes to CHS from Hurst L.D. Bell, stands out because of his concurrent relationship with Coppell junior guards Ryan Agarwal and Anthony Black. This relationship developed over years of time spent together both on and off of the basketball court. Brown is excited about the opportunity at his new school. Having Black and Agarwal on the basketball team, in addition to other friends and the amicable living environment, appeals to Brown. It is a match made in heaven. Following seventh grade at Hurst Junior High, Brown met Agarwal, his future Coppell teammate and close friend while playing against Agarwal at the Advantage Sports Complex in Carrollton, and they soon formed a close bond. Agarwal would later join Brown’s club team in eighth grade, 3d Hoops Academy’s 3d EMPIRE NATIONAL 2022, forming a dynamic relationship on and off the court between him, Brown and Black – whom Brown met while playing Mid-Cities Basketball in third grades. “When you have teammates and y’all

are on the same club and school team, you’re pretty much with each other a lot of the time. We’ve had other times where we hang out and it’s not basketball related, we just come over and play video games. We are pretty tight.” Competitively, they challenged each other. Pushing each other to be their greatest. Becoming brothers in the process. The transition from L.D. Bell to Coppell for Brown has had its own challenges, but his playmaking ability and teammates drive him through any adversity. “It’s been a little bit different; at Bell it was ‘go ahead and score’,” Brown said. “Here at Coppell, it’s a lot more professional, and I like [Coppell’s system]. [My teammates] have always been really welcoming. Since the first day I came, I consider them my close friends, my brothers.” While Coppell coach Clint Schnell incorporates a more detail-focused, defensive approach into the Cowboys’ game plan compared to L.D. Bell, Brown’s integration has been relatively smooth due to his strong partnership with Black and Agarwal. “[Brown’s chemistry with Black and Agarwal] makes [his] transition a lot easier,” Schnell said. “The reputation that [Black] and [Agarwal] both have on the team lets them vouch for [Brown] and convince the other guys to buy into what he brings to the table, too.” Coppell gains a valuable competitor in Brown that not only assimilates into Schnell’s game plan but is also relentless in the team’s pursuit of success. “He’s a dynamic player; he can shoot from the outside. He can go and attack the rim; he can find the open teammate. He has the potential to be a really good defender with his athleticism and his mindset. The sky’s the limit for a player like him.” MEER ‘22 can be reached at mmm0332@g.coppellisd.com.

Team captain wrestling with air pollution Anjali Vishwanath STAFF WRITER @viola_swan

As the boys wrestling team captain and member of the Technological Student Association (TSA), Coppell senior Jo’el Hernandez is no stranger to big commitments and hard work. “I just take [my responsibilities] one step at a time,” Hernandez said. “And solve problems as I go. When there’s a lot of stuff going on, I keep a list or a planner.” Hernandez represents the school on the varsity wrestling team. When he began wrestling four years ago, he did the unthinkable: made the varsity team as a freshman. “He’s been a varsity wrestler for four years; that’s pretty rare,” Coppell wrestling coach Chip Lowery said. “He earned a varsity letter as a freshman.” After three years on the varsity team, it came as no surprise to his peers when he was named captain of the team for the 2020-21 school year.

“Jo’el has always been on varsity and always been good,” Coppell senior girls wrestling captain Dorian Villalba said. “So for him, it’s kind of like he was fit for that role [as captain].” However, it was not just his experience and talent that earned him the captaincy. “I picked the captain,” Lowery said. “And I pick somebody who is already exhibiting some of those traits. You have to be a leader, you have to be somebody that can encourage others and be supportive of others, and Jo’el has had those traits.” When not in wrestling practice, Hernandez takes part in engineering competitions as a member of the TSA. A major component of engineering is problem solving, and that is the perspective from which Hernandez manages his busy schedule. It is not Hernandez’s favorite aspect of engineering, though. What attracts him to the field is how essential it is to society. “[What amazes me is] just how necessary it is for everything around us,” Hernandez said. “Everything in your house

Coppell senior Jo’el Hernandez practices sparring with sophomore Dominic Godinez on Jan. 29 in the CHS Field House. Hernandez is the captain of the wrestling team and is also a member of the Technology Student Association, an organization dedicated to business education and STEM. Photo by Pranati Kandi isn’t the first draft of what they’re making, it’s been engineered to work perfectly, and that’s the most intriguing part to me.” Hernandez plans to attend college through ROTC and pursue engineering as a career. Be-

fore then, he will complete his final wrestling season, which is set to begin in March. ANJALI ‘22 can be reached at axv0529@g.coppellisd.com

COPPELL RELAYS // 8 A.M. // FEB. 27

DISTRICT GOLF DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP // MARCH 22-23

Chow guiding boys golf in good faith Anjali Krishna CO-SPORTS EDITOR @anjalikrishna_

Among the thousands of shots Coppell senior golfer Andrew Chow has taken in his life with a notable amount of power in his swing, a very small few have been hit into the water. But in those few times it does, Chow takes what would typically annoy a player in stride, sending a smile back to his teammates along with a self-deprecating joke. With the next shot, he comes back with a vengeance. “I’ve seen a lot of good things from him out on the golf course,” Coppell coach Jason Spoor said. “He’s hit some great shots. But some of the moments that stand out to me are just how he reacts. He can shake off adversity really well, and that’s kind of one of the things I always remember when I think about [Chow]. He always kind of takes a situation that would frustrate a lot of other kids and puts it in perspective.” That resilience comes in part from his years involved in the Young Life and the Young

Men’s Service League. With Young Life, Chow found a group that influences him to live and act positively. “I’ve learned a lot through it as far as leadership skills go and how to be a good influence and it made me think about the sort of impression I want to leave on the younger kids on the team,” Chow said. “It’s been a big influence as far as staying safe and the people I hang around with, who are a good crowd.” With the Young Men’s Service League, Chow mainly volunteers at RISE Adaptive Watersports, in which he helps children with special needs participate in and enjoy sports. The program also introduced him

to soup kitchens at which he volunteered I never quit and put forward the best and donations centers at which he put score I can.” together bikes for the less fortunate. As captain and one of the team’s top “Through that volunteering, he got a ser- golfers, one of Chow’s duties is to comvant mindset, which is putting others first,” municate with the coach as a spokesperSpoor said. “Sometimes the game of golf is son for the team. From speaking with tough. It’s probably the hardest sport there him on team matters, Spoor thinks is, especially mentally, it can beat you up Chow’s involvement in community serwhen things aren’t going good. He does a vice and Young Life have added to his great job of just encouraging guys leadership capabilities. and helping them get the “Over the last two mind back focused on years, he’s really what they’re supposed grown as a leadto be doing.” er,” Spoor said. Chow also ac“He’s a hard credits his leaderworker and ship ability and he puts a dedication to lot of time golf to his faminto workily’s mentality. ing on his “My dad game and [Francis the team. Chow] and He’s paid my grandfahis dues to ther [Herb Waroffer his input ner] are both hard on the team and workers, and when earned that right COPPELL GOLF COACH they put their mind because he really to something, they always wants what’s best for the get it done, so I look up to them team and he acts on it.” in that aspect,” Chow said. “They taught me to always be a good comANJALI ‘22 can be reached at petitor. Even when my game is off, axk8800@g.coppellisd.com

“He can shake off adversity really well, and that’s one of the things I always remember when I think about [Chow].” JASON SPOOR

Coppell senior golfer Andrew Chow practices on Jan. 31 at Hackberry Creek Country Club in Irving. Chow’s involvement in Young Life and the Young Men’s Service League helped him gain the leadership skills to be captain of the golf team. Photo by Pranati Kandi

Sisters in everything but name Sally Parampottil

EXECUTIVE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @SParampottil According to Coppell tennis coach Rich Foster, one of the great things about his team is that the players get along with one another. “But sometimes,” Foster said. “You can see that there’s a bond between two people.” Coppell junior Nandini Thallapareddy and sophomore Lakshana “Lucky” Parasuraman met four years ago. Thallapareddy was in seventh grade, Parasuraman in sixth - both at Coppell Middle School East and practicing at Wagon Wheel Tennis Center. “We were doing a drill with one coach, and she was the only girl there; they were all other guys,” Parasuraman said. “I remember bonding with her girl to girl, and we just started talking ever since.” The bond evolved, developing from a shy beginning into a relationship close enough to where even their parents view the two girls as family. Friends on and off the court, the two contrast in personality. Parasuraman’s more outgoing demeanor complements Thallapareddy’s more timid disposition. Despite the balance, said timid disposition has hindered Thallapareddy in the past. In what she describes as the hardest moment of

her tennis career thus far, a necessary change in mentality was brought to her attention. “A couple months ago, my coaches came up to me, and they were talking to me a lot about confidence and how I need to be more aggressive and dominant instead of being a shy and meek person on the tennis court if I wanted to win,” Thallapareddy said. “That was kind of hard for me, emotionally and mentally, because I didn’t want to change my entire personality on the court.” Thallapareddy worked on adjusting in the months following. Though still on the quiet side off the court, a more confident player emerges during matches. Similar to their opposite personalities, Thallapareddy and Parasuraman have had inverted struggles. While Thallapareddy’s mental state influenced her physical game, Parasuraman found her uphill battle through injury, and that physical barrier influenced the internal. Tendonitis on her right leg caused intense pain, and while she has recovered now, the lingering effects have stuck around. “It’s been a little rough coming back to how I used to play,” Parasuraman said. “Also, it’s a lot of pressure because

college recruits are going to start looking at us next year. There’s so much pressure going around us that it might be a little hard right now. You kind of stumble a little bit, there’s this hard rock you hit sometimes. That’s where I am right now. I’m just trying to get my way around it.” Even with individual struggles and setbacks, Parasuraman and Thallapareddy’s

partnership is noticed when they play together. “We’re practically sisters,” Thallapareddy said. “We’ve been with each other a while, and we know each other a lot and know our games and how our minds work.” SALLY ‘21 can be reached at scp7918@g.coppellisd.com.

BY THE NUMBERS

4 years 30+ hours

each playing at Wagon Wheel Tennis Center

combined weekly practice

Coppell sophomore Lakshana Parasuraman and junior Nandini Thallapareddy have been friends since Parasuraman was in sixth grade. The Coppell tennis doubles partners have developed a tight knit sisterlike bond ever since. Photo by Angelina Liu

FEBRUARY 2021