2020-12-18

WEST SI DE STO RY IOWA CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOL

2901 MELROSE AVE.

IOWA CITY, IA 52246

WSSPAPER.COM

VOLUME 53 ISSUE 3

DECEMBER 18, 2020

DETACHED WSS examines how the disadvantages students face during online instruction can hinder their ability to learn .

PHOTO FEATURE

CAROLINE BARKER

Dasia Taylor ’21 poses in a matching green and gold tie-dyed shirt and mask from her new, self-made store, Vibe Tribe Apparel.

NEWS

News Briefs

FEATURE

Clues to Cure the Blues Class of COVID

PROFILES

Checking Your Blind Spots

COVER

Detached

SPORTS

The Esports Report

ENTERTAINMENT Hot Takes Winter What-to-Dos The Radish

OPINION

Finding the Balance

04 06 10 12 18 20 24

Hey! I’ve missed you,

After months in time-distorting quarantine, it’s mind-boggling to think it’s almost 2021! Time flies when you’re having fun, or when the whole world goes into isolation, I guess.

As winter approaches and cold weather threatens to keep us inside, I hope you are finding ways to keep busy. Complete the 11 activities on page 22, and send them to WSS before you can officially declare you have “nothing to do.”

COVID-19 isolation coupled with shorter days and a lack of interaction may have made this winter harder than most.

Head to page six for some ways to cope and resources for extra support.

It’s no secret that online learning has been difficult, but for some students, additional barriers have only exacerbated these challenges. Beginning on page 12, our cover story explores the experiences of those who have been hit hardest by the switch to virtual school.

It wouldn’t be a proper letter from the editor in 2020 if I didn’t remind you of the importance of social distancing.

Even with the vaccine on its way, it is crucial—now, more than ever—that we follow safety guidelines. Stay home when possible, wash your hands, and please, for the sake of public health, wear your mask!

Okay, you probably saw this coming: see you next year!

MARTA LEIRA

CONTENTS PRINT STAFF LIST Fareeha Ahmad* Profiles Editor Reporter Ruba Ahmed* Reporter Caroline Barker* Photo Editor Photographer Sara Baroncini Photographer Kiley Butcher Photographer Misha Canin* Managing & Business Editor Reporter Alex Carlon* Online Editor-in-chief Reporter Caroline Chandler* Assistant Sports Editor Reporter Maya Chu Reporter Artist & Designer Tess DeGrazia Photographer Heidi Du Reporter Sila Duran Artist & Designer Bess Frerichs* Managing & Feature Editor Reporter Kailey Gee* News Editor Artist & Designer

Sachiko Goto Camille Gretter Zoey Guo Grace Huang Kevy Huynh Eva Jordan Krisha Kapoor Hanah Kitamoto* Soomin Koh Youjoo Lee* Marta Leira* Amy Liao* Caroline Mascardo* Zoe McLaskey Alice Meng*

Artist & Designer Photographer Artist & Designer Artist & Designer Photographer Designer Reporter Reporter Sports Editor Reporter Reporter Feature Editor Artist & Designer Print Editor-in-chief Reporter Design Editor Artist & Designer Copy Editor Reporter Photographer Copy Editor Reporter

Hayate Mustefa Willow Oleson Nao Oya Audrey Parrish Ella Rosenthal* Katherine Shoppa Alyssa Skala Maddy Smith Amelia Stevens Rachel Swack Rosemary Timmer-Hackert Gwen Watson Sofia Wells-Lu Sara Whittaker Sydney Wildes Isaac Young* Helen Zhang Xiaoyi Zhu

Reporter Photographer Photographer Reporter Entertainment Editor Artist & Designer Reporter Photographer Photographer Reporter Designer Reporter Photographer Photographer Advisor Photographer Opinion Editor Reporter Reporter Artist & Designer

*Editorial Board member

2020 has been a rollercoaster with many unforeseen twists and turns. Here are some important events to keep your eye on as the year draws to a close.

BY RUBA AHMED PHOTOS BY CAROLINE BARKER ART & DESIGN BY SILA DURAN

A TALE OF TWO VACCINES Multiple pharmaceutical companies are competing to gain approval for their COVID-19 vaccines as the pandemic worsens across the country and around the world. Two of the current leading drugmakers in the U.S., Moderna and Pfizer, have both shown promising results during clinical and preclinical trials and are working to gain Food and Drug Administration approval for early, limited use. Problems with transportation and storage, however, play a critical role in vaccine availability to Americans.

Despite the expected production of 70 million doses by the end of December, the initial batch of vaccines will likely be reserved for high risk populations. This population comprises those in the medical field and vulnerable groups including teachers, according to the New York Times.

TRANSITION FROM TRUMP The increasing number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths in Iowa reflects the severity of the pandemic’s toll on the U.S. as a whole. As of Dec. 8, 17.1% of COVID-19 tests in Iowa were positive, making it the state with the third highest positivity rate, according to The New York Times. As the number of cases skyrocket, many hospitals in Des Moines already have intensive care units at maximum capacity. Meanwhile, some rural cities lack these resources and rely on make-shift units instead. A New York Times report found that patients at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics have been turned away not only due to P.P.E. shortages but a low bed supply as well.

04

NEWS DEC. 18, 2020

RISING REGIONAL RATES Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the first mask mandate for all Iowans over two years old with exceptions for those with medical conditions Nov. 16. The mandate was put in order the following day, Nov. 17, and was to stay in effect until Dec. 10. Individuals are required to wear a mask or face covering during public indoor gatherings where social distancing is not possible with non-household members for more than 15 minutes. The announcement also prohibits indoor gatherings exceeding 15 people and outdoor gatherings exceeding 30. In addition, indoor spaces are required to close at 10 p.m. and are prohibited from hosting private gatherings.

Reynold’s proclamation also prohibits all sports and recreational gatherings, regardless of group size.

THE SHIFT TO ONLINE The ICCSD school board voted for hybrid students to transition back to fully online instruction Nov. 10. This change went into effect Nov. 16 and initially lasted for two weeks as Johnson County’s COVID-19 positivity rates continued to exceed 15%.

Shortly after, the 100% off-site learning situation was extended by an additional two weeks, leading up to Dec. 11. Regardless of their chosen learning model, all students now attend synchronous classes on Monday and Wednesday mornings, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and all day Friday. Read more about how this transition has impacted students beginning on page 12.

MASKING UP IOWA With President-elect Joe Biden’s victory announced Nov. 7, the White House has begun the transition of power. Amid Trump’s refusal to concede, the Trump administration officially authorized the Biden transition to begin after weeks of delay, partly due to Trump’s claims of voter fraud. States Pennsylvania, Nevada, Georgia, Michigan and Arizona formally confirmed their election results with no change in the states’ winning candidate, Joe Biden, despite the Trump campaign spending millions in recounting efforts. Alongside Trump’s efforts to showcase the election as illegitimate, Biden was granted access to federal funds containing millions of dollars to initiate his move into presidency.

NEWS DEC. 18, 2020

05

S E U L B E H T CURE CLUES TO

MAINTAIN A ROUTINE

W

SOAK UP SOME SUN

A

s cold and dark as Iowa weather can get, there are still winter days that provide a high enough UV index to soak up the sunshine while bundled up. Exposure to sunlight increases the release of serotonin, a hormone associated with boosting your mood. The National Institute of Health suggests five to 30 minutes of daily sun exposure to receive the proper intake of vitamin D. Put on some layers and get a little fresh air, or open up the curtains to catch the morning sun.

5-30 minutes of sun exposure for a sufficient amount of Vitamin D synthesis

60

hile the two-foot distance from your bed to your Chromebook provides an easy justification for rolling out of bed at 8:45 a.m. and wearing your pajamas during online classes, following a routine similar to a typical school day can be beneficial for staying motivated and focused. According to Dr. Ramon Solhkhah of Hackensack Meridian Health, daily habits can help you feel productive, keeping your mind off of the world’s most pressing problems.

Source: National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements

minutes of exercise recommended for 6 to17-year-olds Source: CDC

GET MOVING

E

xercise is a natural way to release endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel happier. The CDC recommends 60 minutes of exercise for 6 to 17-year-olds. Even getting up for a short walk in between classes can be beneficial for your mental and physical health.

According to Mayo Clinic, exercise is an effective treatment for depression and helps cope with stress.

06

FEATURE DEC. 18, 2020

If these methods are not working for you, you might be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a type of depression that most commonly occurs in the winter months. Symptoms of SAD include tiredness, social withdrawal and hopelessness.

If you want to learn more about SAD or need someone to reach out to, scan this QR code:

Whether it’s the sun setting at 4:30 p.m. or coping with isolation due to COVID-19, there are many reasons students might be feeling extra gloomy during this time of year. Here are some ways to take care of yourself during these dark winter days.

BY KRISHA KAPOOR

RELAX AND REFLECT

I

t’s beneficial to create a safe place in your home where you can be mindful and have time for yourself. The CDC suggests that when coping with disasters like COVID-19, you need to put increased time aside to unwind and do activities you enjoy. While this may be hard with others at home, finding a place where you can think and relax may offer comfort and help alleviate stress.

HOW MUCH SLEEP IS

ENOUGH?

7-7 ¼ 9-9 ½

z

average hours of sleep teenagers get

average hours of sleep teenagers should get Source: Nationwide Children’s

RECOMMENDED APPS MYLIFE: MOOD TRACKER

zz

HEADSPACE: MEDITATION

KEY FACTS ABOUT ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH: Mental health conditions account for 16% of the global burden of disease and injury in people aged 10 to19 years.

HALF of all mental health conditions start by 14 years of age but most cases are undetected and untreated.

THIRD

STAY CONNECTED

A

lthough social distancing is physically isolating, the world is, more than ever, connected through technology. According to Mayo Clinic, socialization not only staves off the feelings of loneliness but increases your sense of happiness and well-being. Call up a friend to get some homework done or rant about your long day of Zoom classes.

Suicide is the leading cause of death in 15 to19-year-olds.

Source: WHO

To read about members of the West High community and their experiences with balancing school, COVID-19 and mental health, scan this QR code: FEATURE ART & DESIGN BY GRACE HUANG

DEC. 18, 2020

07

CLASS OF COVID From changes in standardized testing to canceled college visits, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the college application process for the class of 2021.

BY MAYA CHU & HELEN ZHANG PHOTOS, ART & DESIGN BY EVA JORDAN

T

he college application process is always a new and stressful experience for high school seniors. This year, however, admissions officers are also finding themselves in uncharted territory. With testing cancelations, incomplete transcripts as a result of pass/fail grading and various other effects of COVID-19, college admissions officers and applicants alike have been forced to make adjustments.

Cyrus Nichols is the deputy director of admissions at Washington University in St. Louis. The school went test-optional this year, meaning standardized test scores are no longer required for admission. Nichols says this decision is one of the most significant admissions changes that occurred as a result of the pandemic.

“Some [admissions officers] really look at test scores as a factor of college preparation,” Nichols said.

Without these scores, admissions officers have turned to different metrics for evaluating applicants, including course selection. According to Nichols, the overall rigor of students’ courses has been playing a larger role in demonstrating academic preparation.

EdSurge, an educational technology compa-

08

FEATURE DEC. 18, 2020

ny, reported that at least 1,600 institutions have announced plans to go test-optional this year.

However, this change is not limited to the class of 2021. Some colleges will be conducting multiyear trials without a test requirement, and others have decided to make this a permanent policy.

The University of California school system, for example, is suspending the use of standardized test scores as an admissions requirement for the next four years with hopes to develop a replacement test by 2025.

Even before the pandemic, some had pointed out that standardized testing is not immune to inequity. Despite the benefit of using standardized systems of evaluation, SAT and ACT scores have been proven to correlate with income due to differences in factors such as access to test preparation and tutors, according to CNBC. “A lot of schools were thinking about being test-optional, but [the pandemic] kind of sped that up,” Nichols said.

This year’s decision to go test-optional largely stemmed from the need to accommodate students who had trouble taking the tests as a result of testing center closures or space limitations.

“If [schools] still had that requirement, [they would] force students to put themselves in situations that [are] unsafe,” Nichols said.

As institutions move away from testing re-

quirements, seniors have begun to consider how this will affect their applications.

Gautam Sharda ’21 intends to major in computer science and will apply to around 15 schools in total, including Georgia Tech, the University of Michigan and Stanford University. Sharda believes test-optional policies have been detrimental to his application, as he is more confident in his standardized test scores than his GPA. “For me, a higher test score is a lot easier to get because all you have to do is take a bunch of practice tests,” he said. “I feel like if the standardized tests were more considered, it’d benefit me personally.”

Although not having a test score likely won’t hurt students, submitting a high score could still help.

“You will not be at a disadvantage to apply with or without a test score. But if you have a solid test score, it doesn’t hurt you to submit it,” Nichols said.

Because of this, Benji Zhang ’21 has decided to submit his SAT score only to schools with lower average scores, such as the University of Iowa.

Because many of the schools he plans to apply to are highly selective, Zhang believes the test-optional policies have benefited his application.

“I think having the option to omit test scores is helpful for my situation because with my SAT

scores, I wouldn’t have a very good chance to get into the schools I have on my list,” Zhang said.

Although test scores often represent an important aspect of the application process, they are usually not the defining factor that can determine a student’s acceptance. Rather, most institutions employ a holistic approach to admissions in which applicants are reviewed with all factors considered. Nichols emphasizes that admissions officers evaluate applicants on a case-by-case basis, taking into account each individuals’ environment and opportunities.

“We look at [applicants] in the context and the lens of the school that [they’re] in,” Nichols said. “[Holistic admission] is something that I like because … that allows us the ability to look at students who may not have high academic marks, but there’s still something about them … we think that student can be successful and a positive contributor to our campus community.”

According to Nichols, the holistic admissions process provides a chance for students with lower academic marks to demonstrate their merit through things like extracurricular activities.

For Sharda, pandemic safety precautions have also impacted his extracurricular opportunities, canceling several of the summer programs he planned to attend and causing his debate camp to go virtual. As a member of West’s debate team, Sharda believes this hindered his growth in the activity.

“I went there [in person] last summer … I feel like I learned a lot more and grew a lot as a debater than I did this year,” Sharda said. “I feel like that impacted my performance during the season … I did worse.”

Along with other extracurriculars, sports seasons have been upended as well, resulting in growing uncertainty among student athletes.

Matayia Tellis ’21 hopes to be recruited for a college basketball team, but she has faced challenges due to the changes in this year’s recruiting process. She has applied to Florida A&M University and has an offer from Cleveland State University.

With no clear end to the pandemic in sight and the district’s shift to online learning, a winter sports season is not guaranteed.

“I’ve grown so much more than last year as a basketball player,” Tellis said. “I feel like if I had a season this year, coaches would see more than what I did last year and have a chance to see what I could do this year.”

With many extracurriculars and standardized testing on hold, there may be more emphasis on the way students present themselves through

the various essays they submit, according to EdSource. Sharda sees these as tools through which admissions officers can analyze the personalities and perspectives of applicants.

“I think the essays are more likely to be considered because … a lot of people have the same GPA and [admissions officers] don’t have test scores to differentiate you,” Sharda said. “So,

“

IT ’S ALWAYS I M PO RTANT FO R STU D ENTS TO EXPRESS TH EI R G EN U I N E SELVES I N TH EI R ESSAYS.”

- KELLY B ERGMAN N, GUIDANCE COUNSELOR what are they left with? They’re just left with looking at your personality.”

According to Nichols, essays have always been an important part of the college application.

Along with other non-numerical factors, they provide insight as to what students can contribute to campus.

“We’re looking for not only an academic fit, but we’re looking for a community fit as well,” he said. “In most cases, we know you can do the work, but how [are you] going to fit with the overall community in terms of involvement and leadership and other things like that?”

Guidance counselor Kelly Bergmann agrees with Sharda in her belief that more emphasis is likely to be placed on essays, saying that schools use them to get a sense of each student’s character.

About

1,600

“Colleges are looking for students who are not only strong academically but are also flexible, resilient, and just genuine human beings. It’s always important for students to express their genuine selves in their essays and experiences,” Bergmann said.

Not all changes in this year’s application process are limited to resumes, however. With closed campuses and restrictions on travel, many seniors did not have the chance to tour colleges. For Tellis, this also meant she couldn’t have one-on-one meetings with coaches, making it more difficult for her to decide which school she wants to attend.

“The other ones that I haven’t visited, I’m just like, ‘I don’t know if I should go there,’” Tellis said. “What if the campus … [and] academics aren’t that good, or what if the team isn’t who they say they are?”

To account for the lack of in-person campus visits, many schools have been offering virtual tours for students. However, Sharda feels it’s difficult to get a good understanding of schools in this format.

“A lot of people are like, ‘I went to this place physically. I just enjoyed my surroundings,’” Sharda said. “It’s literally impossible to replicate that on a virtual tour.”

In spite of challenges, Washington University in St. Louis is providing student-guided virtual tours, information sessions and student panels.

Alongside these resources, the university offers workshops to assist seniors in their applications.

“We have supplemental essay workshops that help students identify and understand how to write a good essay,” Nichols said. “So we’ve created a very robust virtual presence in light of our campus [being] closed to visitors this fall.”

Bergmann recommends students reach out to schools they are interested in if they would like to learn more.

“Don’t hesitate to contact the admissions office of a school with any questions you may have,” Bergmann said. “Many times, just talking with someone at the school will put your mind at ease.”

schools have gone test-optional for the 2020-21 admissions cycle.

96%

Students from families earning more than $200,000 a year average an SAT score of 1,714, while students from SOME STATS YAY families earning under $20,000 a year average a 1,326.

Sources: Sources:EdSurge EdSurge&&Washington WashingtonPost Post

FEATURE DEC. 18, 2020

09

CHECKING YOUR

BLIND SPOTS

Juniors Aasiya Ali and Advika Shah share stories from behind the scenes of creating their new podcast, “Blind Spots.”

BY FAREEHA AHMAD & AUDREY PARRISH

T

he best ideas don’t always develop in the shower; they can also unfold in the car.

At least they did for friends Aasiya Ali ’22 and Advika Shah ’22. This past October, the pair launched their new podcast “Blind Spots.” As of press time, three episodes have been released: “The Name Change,” “C For Corona Not China” and “Terrorist ≠ Muslim.” The series covers topics of racial injustices and discrimination, comparing and contrasting past and current racism.

“Back in January, Aasiya and I had this really deep conversation in her car. We were just listening to music, and we started talking about minority history, and we realized how passionate we were about this,” Shah said.

The discussion surfaced after Ali and Shah were disappointed by the offered sessions’ lack of depth at Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an event at West where students engage in conversations surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion.

“The conversations about race that should be happening and that need to happen, especially in the classroom and especially at our age … weren't happening,” Ali said. “The kids in the

10

PROFILES DEC. 18, 2020

“

WE’ R E NOT ON LY TALKI NG ABOUT BLACK AN D WH ITE; IT' S EVE RYTH I NG I N TH E M I DDLE OF BLACK AN D WH ITE: ALL TH E COLORS M IXE D TOG ETH E R ."

- ADVI KA SHAH '22

class and the teachers didn’t really care enough to … have in-depth, meaningful questions or conversations.”

As time went on, the pair began to notice a resurgence of attention surrounding these issues.

The Black Lives Matter movement saw a swell in support. Individuals organized rallies and began spreading information through social media. Ali and Shah felt increasingly empowered to speak out.

“We were quarantined, and we weren’t able to contribute to [the BLM movement] as much,” Shah said. “It was driving us crazy. We were like, ‘Oh my gosh, we have to do something about this,’ but attending protests just wasn’t right for us in the middle of a pandemic.”

After taking some time to brainstorm, Ali and Shah decided to create a podcast. However, it was a while before the idea could develop further, as the pair were busy adjusting to the challenges of online school. After finishing their sophomore year, it was time to get to work. Anne Wu ’22, a friend of the duo, was especially impressed with Ali and Shah’s initiative.

“A podcast is a lot of work, but I thought if anybody in my friend group would actually put in the effort to make a podcast … it would be Aas-

iya and Advika,” Wu said.

Once again, inspiration struck during a car ride—this time during a conversation between Shah and her father about the Washington football team’s former name: the Redskins.

“Break it down: Washington and then Redskins. The word ‘redskins’ has a long history of being used as a term that was used by colonizers when they first came to American to refer to the Native American people,” Shah said. “It is a racial slur whether people want to recognize it or not.”

As the two discussed, Shah’s father suggested that the first episode focus on the name change by examining the parallels of racism throughout history and the present day. Ali and Shah thought this could be used as the premise for episodes moving forward as well.

According to Ali and Shah, creating the podcast was a multistep process. When deciding what to name it, the two hit a roadblock. Ali decided to call her cousin to toss around some ideas, and her cousin suggested “Color Blind.”

Shah played off of that idea, and “Blind Spots” was created. Once the title fell into place, the duo needed a cover design.

“We had 15 different logos that either Advika was like, ‘No’ [to], or I didn't like the color scheme of,” Ali said. “Then finally … we just sat down and busted out one single logo, and we were just like, ‘This is it.’”

The two settled on their current design: a pink square complete with the title highlighted in an array of skin tones.

“We needed to include the skin colors to show different shades of history and to show the depth,” Advika said. “We’re not only talking about black and white; it's everything in the middle of black and white: all the colors mixed together.”

Before uploading, they also had to figure out

the technical logistics. According to Shah, there were several seemingly trivial details they had to work through.

“The moment you start recording you're like, ‘Oh my gosh, we forgot to think of this,’” Shah said. “If you record through Zoom, sometimes it'll give you an echo, it'll lag or there’ll just be empty spaces between both of us talking, and it's really hard to edit out.”

The friends began experimenting to discover what the best recording method was. Their first attempts included working with Skype and Zoom. However, the audio quality from these video chats was not ideal. In the end, they realized that taping their voices separately on their phones and uploading the sound to iMovie was the best way to resolve the audio quality issue.

“There are obviously tutorials and podcast websites,” Shah said, “but there's also that feeling that you want to figure it out by yourself. At the end of the day, it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, we figured out how to use iMovie and edit nanoseconds [for] clips.’ It's just such a good feeling.”

The two also received some advice from Ali’s soccer trainer, Stevo Krickovic, who has his own podcast and was the one who suggested Ali and Shah use iMovie. However, Krickovic believes minor details such as audio do not matter as much as the overall message of the podcast.

“It's a nice authentic thing to hear high school students talking about these big topics; it just gives another perspective that you don't hear all too often,” Krickovic said. “I thought it was easy to follow along … Their flow works really, really well.”

As for the research process, Ali and Shah use the databases EBSCOhost, JSTOR and Google Scholar. Ali’s mother also helped the pair find relevant and credible information. When researching, Shah covers topics of modern racism while Ali looks at deep-rooted oppression

throughout history. They both take detailed notes for their respective subjects on a Google document and ask questions to guide their research.

“Those questions really helped us because …

I think a lot of times if you have a lot of information it's hard because you can lose where you're at and you lose what you're trying to do,” Ali said. “Those questions really helped us find a focal point.”

After receiving 68 listens in the first couple of days, the two hope to continue spreading information to their peers in an easily digestible manner. In the future, they may have guest speakers and cover topics such as women’s rights and the LGTBQ+ community.

“I want listeners to feel like they learned something new,” Ali said. “I want them to feel that this education will help them somehow.”

As of press time, Shah and Ali have three episodes published:

1. The Name Change 2. C for Corona not China 3. Terrorist = Muslim Scan to listen to their podcast on Spotify:

PHOTOS BY MADDY SMITH DESIGN BY ELLA ROSENTHAL

PROFILES DEC. 18, 2020

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D D EE TT A AC C HH EE D D As the ICCSD shifts between learning models, students who lack access to reliable internet and other necessary resources face significant challenges to their learning and well-being.

BY HEIDI DU, HANAH KITAMOTO & SOOMIN KOH

R

econnecting.

In the age of Zoom classes, students are no stranger to this message appearing on their screen as their internet cuts in and out, and they are kicked out of the virtual classroom yet again.

Reconnecting. As the lesson continues, the student scrambles to rejoin the class, fiddling with WiFi settings while hoping they aren’t missing any crucial information. Reconnecting. When they finally rejoin, the audio comes back choppy and robotic, making communication virtually impossible.

BEHIND THE SCREEN All students have had to adapt to virtual learning, but the added challenge of an unstable internet connection prevents some from effectively communicating with their teachers and peers.

Since Canvas, AP classroom and other online applications are used to complete schoolwork, reliable internet and technology are essential for online academic success.

Online school takes place on Zoom, where daily attendance is mandatory. However, features such as screen sharing and breakout sessions can be troublesome to access with a weaker internet connection or a less capable digital device like a Chromebook. For Josh Hurtado ’22, his district-provided Chromebook is not fast enough to support online learning.

“A lot of these Chromebooks that the ICCSD gives us [are] really slow, so if you open a Zoom tab, and if you want to do a Kahoot or something on another one, it will really lag the Zoom meeting,” Hurtado said.

For Pammie Quintero Rodriguez ’23, the dependence on technology during online learning is not ideal.

“ IT’S VE RY CHALLE NG I NG TO G ET TH E G R ADES BECAUSE I HAD TO WOR K HAR DE R THAN WH E N I WAS I N [PE RSON].”

- PAM M I E QU I NTERO RODRIGU EZ ’23

“It’s very challenging to get

the grades because I had to work harder than when I was in [person],” Quintero Rodriguez said. “I’m a more paper-pencil type girl, and so it’s very hard for me to use my Chromebook all the time because ...

I’m not really good at technology.”

Off-site learning has also affected Quintero Rodriguez’s access to the additional support she usually receives through her Individualized Education Plan. She believes the technological difficulties of the online environment have heightened existing obstacles in her learning experience.

“If I write things, I get them in my head easier … but it’s kind of hard with the Chromebook because I can’t type fast,” Quintero Rodriguez said. “I had this trouble when I was born because my hands and eyes were not coordinating very well, so that made it hard for me.”

In addition to the personal struggles students are facing, online learning’s reliance on a steady internet connection proves challenging, especially for those at a lower socioeconomic status.

A Pew Research Center analysis found that 35% of households with school-age children and an annual income below $30,000 lack highspeed internet access compared to 6% of households earning $75,000 or more annually. This internet access gap is especially prevalent in Black and Hispanic families. With online instruction dependent on a steady internet connection, these racial disparities may only exacerbate the education gap.

According to ICCSD academic data, 58.7% of Black students and 62.2% of Hispanic students enrolled in the online learning model were failing at least one class at midterms during the first

ART & DESIGN BY KAILEY GEE

35% 6%

trimester, while white and Asian students’ fail rates were 28% and 12.6%, respectively.

Virtual learning has proved to be problematic for one Black West High student who wishes to remain anonymous. For this student, the recently published data is not surprising.

“In my opinion, this [data] is because of our income level. Some may not have access to the internet and can’t attend class … Some may have jobs to support themselves and may not have enough time to study,” the anonymous source said.

David Bills, a professor of sociology of education at the University of Iowa, echoes these sentiments, saying a family’s socioeconomic status can have a significant impact on a student’s success in the virtual classroom.

“Social class always has something to do with these things,” Bills said. “There are big differences in the ability of families to provide quiet places for their kids to study and have jobs that are flexible enough to accommodate their kids’ learning.”

The anonymous source has experienced similar challenges. Her younger brother, who has a disability, has struggled to adjust to the online environment. Because of this, the source and her family have modified their schedules to take turns helping him during his classes.

“I think it’s hard for him because he can’t really focus and sit in one place,” she said. “He needs to be doing something hands-on to be engaged.”

She finds the scheduling arrangement difficult to juggle with her own schooling.

“It’s hard to keep up with lectures because we have to help with his school work, and he is not able to follow along with his teachers and peers,” she said. “We are all stressed out about that, and we have to create schedules to be there with him to go through the material.”

On top of this, the anonymous source’s internet cuts out periodically, further adding to the challenge.

“I could be in a lecture or in the middle of a presentation, and then suddenly I can’t hear anybody correctly or they can’t hear me, and that makes me worry about my grade,” she said.

Bills feels a strong internet connection and ac-

“TH E R E AR E STU DE NTS EXPE R I E NCI NG ANXI ETY AN D CHALLE NG ES DU E TO TH E ON LI N E SYSTE M THAT TH EY HAVE N ’T EXPE R I E NCE D BE FOR E .”

-STACEY NOBLE, HYBRI D & ON LI N E TEACH ER cess to other necessary resources are imperative for a student’s academic success. “[Unreliable internet has] almost certainly a great effect,” Bills said. “To the extent that Black and Hispanic students and families are dispro-

of households with school-age children and an annual income below $30,000 lack high-speed internet

VS

of households annually earning $75,000 or more lack high-speed internet

Source: Pew Research Center

portionately subject to poverty, they’re going to suffer more in situations like we’re currently experiencing.”

TEACHER ADJUSTMENTS To support students who have difficulty learning online, many teachers have adjusted their teaching methods.

Stacey Noble teaches both online and hybrid AP government. To be more accomodating, she has reduced the overall amount of homework she assigns. She also tries to be flexible with due dates and sends out an overview of each week’s assignments every Sunday so students can plan their time accordingly.

Although Noble has made these adjustments, she is concerned there are still students struggling with the barriers remote learning presents.

“Truthfully, it is always a worry, whether it is a regular year or not,” Noble said. “There are students experiencing anxiety and challenges due to the online system that they haven’t experienced before, and it is a new navigation for them. It is important for all to remember that it is natural to struggle with new situations and that it doesn’t mean a path forward isn’t possible.”

English Language Learners teacher Christy Weitz finds her in-person teaching skills do not easily transfer to an online platform.

“Many ELL students have limited experience with certain computer programs. Combining that with limited English proficiency can make accessing classes feel daunting,” Weitz said. “In the online model, when cameras are off and students are participating in class by chat, it’s impossible to know if they need help with pronunciation and to gauge improvement in their ability to respond and converse in English.”

With fewer one-on-one interactions and everyday exchanges, Matt Harding, who teaches both online and hybrid science classes, feels the lack of sturdy internet during online school has

“ WE KNOW THAT LOTS OF STU DE NTS R E LY ON THOSE M EALS, AN D WE WANTE D TO MAKE SU R E THAT WE WE R E STI LL ABLE TO PROVI DE THOSE FOR ANYBODY THAT WANTE D TH E M .”

-ALISON DEMO RY, N UTRITION DI RECTO R

strained teacher-student relationships. In his experience, poor audio quality and turned-off cameras have contributed to confusion and miscommunication.

“It’s painful on my end because I can’t get a read on them,” Harding said. “That sort of soft teacher skill of being able to look at a student and see if they’re understanding you … not having those tools available is certainly tough.”

ADAPTATIONS IN THE ICCSD The ICCSD provides additional support for families who need internet access, including direct at-home internet service through Mediacom. When Mediacom does not cover the household or the current installment of cable internet service takes too long, the district provides the family with a temporary WiFi hotspot to use. Families can access these resources by filling out the technological support request form on the district’s website or calling 319-6881950.

Typically, the district receives 16,000 to 18,000 support requests throughout an entire school year. According to Director of Technology and Innovation Adam Kurth, this year, the district received 8,000 support requests within the first three weeks of school alone. After these three weeks the district saw fewer technology support requests as the school year continued, and Kurth views this as a promising trend.

“For many of those students, we’ve already provided internet where that would be an issue,” Kurth said. “That’s an indication that most families who need the service already have it, and that’s a good thing, and they’ll keep that service regardless what enrollment mode they’re in.”

Despite the district’s best efforts to provide those in need, Weitz feels there are still students who lack reliable technology.

“The district has worked very hard to provide students with hotspots, but unfortunately, the data sometimes runs out. The internet speed on a hotspot can also be an issue,” Weitz said. “If a student has problems with technology, I work with the family to find a solution, whether that is requesting a new hotspot from the district or making an appointment for Chromebook repair.”

Another service the district has provided is free grab-and-go meals for families. This began following the first school closure due to COVID-19 and subsequent transition to online learning last March. Everyone is eligible for the grab-and-go meals, regardless of their family’s income level.

According to ICCSD Nutrition Director Alison Demory, there were over 495,000 meals served from March 23 to the end of August.

“I was proud of my staff ... we were those essential workers that had to come out and make sure that families and students in this community had access to meals since school wasn’t open,” Demory said. “We know that lots of students rely on those meals, and we wanted to make sure that we were still able to provide those for any-

body that wanted them.”

The grab-and-go meals include breakfast and lunch, and the menu has expanded over time.

Meal options now include items that families can take home and warm up. For Demory, providing this service has been a gratifying experience.

“There’ve been a lot of challenges we’ve had to navigate,” Demory said. “We want to make sure that we keep everybody safe. As stressful as all of those things are, it’s just been very rewarding to feed our families.”

IN THE COMMUNITY In response to the pandemic, organizations in the Iowa City area are adapting the ways they provide essential items to families in need. One of these is Houses into Homes, a non-profit organization that provides furniture for families who lack necessities in their homes. Co-founders Salina McCarty and Lucy Barker started the organization after volunteering at elementary schools and realizing there were some students who did not have stable living situations.

“I started to hear a lot [of] ‘I’m tired,’‘I’m sore,’ and eventually, the kids let me know that they didn’t have beds at home, and I was shocked,” McCarty said. “At that point [I] felt like I was sort of in the know about the needs in our community.”

Despite obstacles posed by the pandemic, Houses into Homes is still working to provide the community with household necessities.

“To learn that there were kids in our district who were sleeping on the floor was something that was so awful, and I couldn’t imagine trying to be a successful student and do my homework and eat dinner … from the floor in my home,” McCarty said. “Even though we’re dealing with a pandemic and a crisis unlike one that we’ve ever encountered in our lives before, we have to keep in mind that public education, for a lot of kids, is their shot at exiting the cycle of poverty.”

Bills agrees schooling is crucial for upward economic mobility and says the increasing cost of higher education can be a substantial obstacle for those of lower socioeconomic status.

“Policymakers have typically looked to education as a way for people to rise out of poverty,” Bills said. “With the escalating costs of higher education, that’s becoming more difficult for many people.”

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 46% of children living in poverty come from a household where their parents did not graduate from high school.

McCarty feels it may be difficult for students who possess basic necessities to understand the barriers of those who don’t.

“If your entire life you’ve had a bed and you’ve had furniture, it’s really difficult to imagine being a student who doesn’t have those things,” McCarty said. “There are homes in our district … that I feel [are] completely inequitable for students to be expected to learn from.”

The combination of an unstable internet and a new learning environment can pose an additional set of challenges for students. To help these students succeed, numerous Neighborhood Nurturing Every Student Together Safely, or NESTS, have been created around the community to provide adequate internet, food and additional technological resources.

Deb Dunkhase, one of the founders of the Open Heartland NESTS, primarily works with Hispanic immigrant families living in Johnson County’s mobile home communities. There, she strives to create a safe and reliable place for students to learn.

“We just wanted a big, big old room [where] we’d put in some desks and provide internet access,” Dunkhase said. “And then some other people in the community, they loved the whole

makes me feel good that I’m helping these kids.”

According to Dunkhase, internet and technological resources provided by the ICCSD are not effective enough for students to use during their online education.

“I think the school district did the best job they could have done, but these hotspots were unstable,” Dunkhase said. “If you got more than one child on it at once, then they were really unstable. And most of these families have three to six kids living in a household. It just wasn’t working for them.”

Missie Forbes, the executive director of Community Coordinated Child Care of Johnson County, or 4Cs, says the NESTS’ main goal is to address the gaps in students’ learning that have worsened as a result of the pandemic.

“The main goal of NESTS is to make sure that

HOW TO GET SUPPORT INTERNET: CALL 319-688-1950

MEAL SERVICE: MEAL PICK-UP IS AVAILABLE TO ALL STUDENTS FROM 11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AT WEST HIGH.

SCAN HERE

FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

SCANNEZ ICI “ WE HAVE TO KE E P I N M I N D THAT PU BLIC E DUCATION , FOR A LOT OF KI DS, I S TH E I R SHOT AT EXITI NG TH E CYCLE OF POVE RTY.”

POUR DES RESSOURCES SUPPLÉMENTAIRES

ESCANEA AQUÍ

PARA RECURSOS ADICIONALES

-SALI NA MCCARTY, CO - FOU N DER OF HOUSES I NTO HOM ES idea … so it all kind of came together, [and] we are part of that whole big NEST initiative.”

Hurtado is a student volunteer working with the Open Heartland NESTS to help younger elementary students. From tutoring students through online assignments to troubleshooting technological issues, Hurtado is striving to create a beneficial learning environment for many.

“Most of the kids there don’t have access to the internet, or they don’t know how to navigate Zoom or Canvas,” Hurtado said. “At least for me, if I were in their place, it would have been awesome to know that there was a safe place where I could go to take my classes and get help. It

the academic gap doesn’t widen … it was already there before, and COVID-19 just made it worse,” Forbes said. “Our intention is to make sure that every child in our school district has equity in education.”

One option McCarty proposes is to give students who face significant challenges while learning virtually the opportunity to attend school in person despite the online waiver.

“My hope … is that [the district] would open the doors to students, first, who have the most barriers to their learning,” McCarty said. “They are capable, wonderful students, and they just need to be in buildings where they can learn.”

OR VISIT TINYURL.COM/WSSRESOURCES Source: ICCSD

16

ADS DEC. 18, 2020

- Wells-Lu Family

- Mike Dreckman

ADS DEC. 18, 2020

17

From their personal experiences to the gaming culture at West High, members of the esports club share about all things gaming.

BY CAROLINE CHANDLER & ROSEMARY TIMMER-HACKERT ART & DESIGN BY XIAOYI ZHU

18

SPORTS DEC. 18, 2020

W W

ith the thrill of securing a win in mind, esports members know a thing or two about laser sharp focus. Only the slightest slip-up could cost their team victory.

The dreams of many West High gamers became a reality in early 2020 when the long anticipated esports club was created. The club allows prospective gamers to play alongside their classmates and compete against others schools while fine-tuning their talents and love for gaming.

Video games have always been a part of junior Miranda Feng’s life. However, upon joining the esports club, her perspective on the validity of spending time gaming has shifted. In the current circumstances, she has found video games to be a comforting way to keep up with her friends in a virtual setting.

“It’s kind of different because usually video games have this reputation of being bad for you and a waste of time,” Feng said. “[But] I think it has really been a way for me to be able to spend time with friends [and] meet new friends … It’s been a way to relax and kind of get away from life for a little bit.”

Feng plays “League of Legends” competitively with the esports club. To play casually with friends, she started a Discord server called West High League. The server has since expanded to include popular games the esports club does not play competitively, such as“Among Us” and “Minecraft.”

In January, former Principal Dr. Gregg Shoultz held a meeting to gauge potential interest in the club. Librarian Jill Hofmockel witnessed the meeting from her office. While students had approached her about starting the club before, this was the first time she saw how much support there was for the club within the student body.

“There was so much excitement in that room, and the kids were so animated,” Hofmockel said. “A few days later, maybe the next morning even, [Shoultz] stopped by the library … I said I would help, and then within a couple of days it became ‘Okay, you’re going to be the sponsor.’”

Hofmockel registered West High with the Iowa High School Esports Association in February.

Although it was too late for the team to join the events for the rest of the school year, they were still able to participate in scrimmages. The team

FALL SEASON

SPRING SEASON

SUPER SMASH BROTHERS: ULTIMATE

LEAGUE OF LEGENDS In this game, there are two teams consisting of five players, and the goal is to destroy your opponent’s base. With over 150 champions to choose from, there’s an option for everybody.

This game is played using crew battle, with the competition judged on best out of three. All crews have five players and compete one-on-one against the opposing crew. The objective is to be the last crew standing.

WINTER SEASON OVERWATCH A variation on the first-person shooter genre, players compete against each other in two teams of six. The match winner is the first team to get three wins.

also held weekly meetings to prepare for the next school year before the pandemic hit.

Once the logistics of operating during COVID-19 were figured out, the club resumed its meetings using Zoom. For Sofia Wells-Lu ’23, the club has been a way to socialize during the absence of in-person school.

“I think that it’s really good to connect with people in your school that you wouldn’t have met before over something that you enjoy,” Wells-Lu said.

While online gaming can be rewarding, in team games, it is not uncommon for some players to be rude to their team or get angry over small mistakes. This kind of behavior is frequently referred to as “toxic” by most players. Wells-Lu has witnessed this behavior firsthand and noticed that it is more common towards girls.

“Sometimes gaming is super toxic, especially when you’re a girl,” Wells-Lu said. “I don’t use voice calls or anything with random people I don’t know, but my username is kind of feminine, so people already know [I’m a girl]. I’ll notice some people either being extra nice to me because I have a feminine username or some people kind of being extra toxic.”

This behavior has been brought to Hofmockel’s attention.

“I’m going to talk about it when I see it. It is something that I have put forward in our meetings and in the conversations that we’ve had, that the expectation is we are a team … You can jab at each other, but it can’t cross the line,” Hofmockel said. “As a teacher, it’s a wonderful opportunity to have a chance to talk to kids about the importance of sportsmanship in this context, or just about kindness in general.”

Hofmockel is also working to create a space that is inclusive and encouraging. “[It’s] a place where kids can have an experience that is supportive and that brings people forward that maybe are not the people who

RAINBOW SIX SIEGE With five players per team, this strategy-based shooter game is played over matches in the best of three format.

ROCKET LEAGUE This game combines soccer with racing. The objective is to score more goals than the opposing team using a rocket-powered car. The best of five rounds is the match winner.

would be the quarterback of the football team,” Hofmockel said. “It’s a chance to be competitive but in a way that is more accessible … I’m going to take whoever wants to come and be a part of this.”

This competitive atmosphere and team-based approach, similar to that of traditional athletics, is what drew Joseph Larimore ’22, the “Overwatch” team captain, into gaming.

“I like the fact that gaming is team-based, where you can work with other people. It’s just like sports, but you have more control of what you’re doing,” Larimore said. “You don’t need to

“

IT’S A CHANCE TO BE COM PETITIVE BUT I N A WAY THAT I S MORE ACCESSI B LE …

I ’ M GOI NG TO TAKE WHOEVE R WANTS TO COM E AN D BE A PART OF TH I S.” - J I LL HOFMOCKEL, CLU B SPONSO R

be athletic to be good at gaming.”

The esports club gives members an opportunity to participate in a wide range of games that utilize different skill sets. “‘Overwatch’ is a first-person shooter game, which involves a lot of strategy,” Larimore said.

“Then you have ‘Rocket League,’ where you drive rocket cars and play soccer. They’re two very different games, and I think there’s a lot for everyone.”

After a long wait, the club finally attended its first Iowa High School Esports Association competition for “Overwatch” Dec. 8. For some club members, this was the first of many competitions they will attend in their prospective gaming careers. In 2019, professional players won over $200 million through various tournaments. Feng sees the field’s growth as promising for competitive players.

“The professional esports industry is growing really fast. There’s a lot more people who are interested, and a lot of money making opportunities are in that field,” Feng said. “I think it’s definitely not something to be ignored by people that are interested.”

Tyler Severt ’23 is one individual taking advantage of these new gaming opportunities.

“I definitely think that I might go for a scholarship in esports,” he said. “There’s a bunch of websites … [where] you can sign up for tournaments [which can] help you get noticed by colleges.”

Severt has previously competed in “Fortnite” tournaments and has considered participating in “Call of Duty” tournaments.

“Playing competitively is something different.

There’s just some feeling I can’t really explain,” Severt said. “It just feels so much more rewarding, getting that win.”

SPORTS DEC. 18, 2020

19

HOT TAKES

Which foods are overrated? Does pineapple belong on pizza? These unanswered questions often leave much up for debate. Here are some students’ controversial opinions.

“Caramel is pronounced ‘care-a-mel.’”

- Adama Katile ’22

“Boba tea is a soup.”

- McKenna Proud ’21

“Dogs are disgusting.”

- Brecken Donelson ’22

“Mayonnaise is just egg butter.”

- Kaisa Whittaker ’21

“Corn belongs on pizza.”

- Peter Adams ’22

“Bacon is disgusting.”

- Lily Zukin ’24

“Salt should never be combined with sweet, especially caramel.”

- Yaya Orszula ’24

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ENTERTAINMENT DEC. 18, 2020

“Some movies, no matter how good they are, should not make sequels and spinoffs.

Movies are a form of art, and you don’t see people going out and making the Mona Lisa 2. My point is that some art should not be tampered with.”

- Zach Anderson ’21

“Water isn’t wet because the term ‘wet’ is used as an adjective to describe when something has water on it. Water already is water, so you can’t say that water has water on it.”

COMPILED BY ALICE MENG DESIGN BY RACHEL SWACK PHOTO BY PAMONI PHOTOGRAPH FROM PEXELS

- Nathan Smithey ’22

“Spotify is better than Apple Music.”

- Sophie Nims ’21

“Water has taste.”

- Eghe Sule ’23

“Raccoons are cute and should be made legal to own as pets.”

“Ladybugs are terrifying, and I hate them, but spiders are cute.”

- Tony Wang ’22

- Carly Norris ’21

“Cinnamon rolls are a dessert, and we have been tricked [into] thinking they are a breakfast food.”

“Boneless wings are just flavored, saucy chicken nuggets.”

- Xander Owens-Holst ’22

- Emily Vogt ’24

“Pineapple belongs on pizza.”

- Peyton Follmer ’22

“Hot Cheetos, pickles, Twizzlers, and cheese are disgusting.… Strawberries are not that good, and we all eat them because others do, and we just don’t wanna say it out loud that [they’re] quite frankly terrible.”

- Stephanie Nuro-Gyina ’23

“‘Family Guy’ is better than ‘The Simpsons.’”

- Han Gao ’21

ENTERTAINMENT DEC. 18, 2020

21

winter WHAT-TO-DOS

If you’ve found yourself especially bored while stuck inside during the cold and dreary weather, WSS has got you covered. Before you can officially be deemed bored, try everything on this list. Send us pictures of you completing the 11 tasks on Instagram (@wsspaper) or email us at westsidestorypaper@ gmail.com, and we’ll deliver you a winter-themed prize.

BY MISHA CANIN & KATHERINE SHOPPA

Try your hand at making a bird feeder. Here’s a fun DIY one made with peanut butter, pine cones and bird seed. The birds will be grateful and excited to see your crafty creation!

Build a pillow fort. Gather all the blankets and pillows you can find and start building your fortress! Add some extra pizazz with lights and more pillows on the inside to make it extra cozy.

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ENTERTAINMENT DEC. 18, 2020

Write a thank you letter. As this year comes to an end, let the people in your life know how grateful you are for them by writing them a nice note. Drop it off at their house (contact free, of course), or mail it to them.

Make some winter snacks or bake something. Need inspiration? Try these snowman pretzels, and get creative with decorating them:

Take care of yourself. It’s always important to practice self-care.

Do a few of your favorite things that help you relax. Whether it’s lighting your favorite wintry candle, organizing your room or putting on your favorite show, don’t forget how important taking time for yourself is!

Create a DIY project using things you already have. Here’s an awesome idea for some simple snow globes, the perfect seasonal decoration:

Jam out. Put together a playlist with all your favorite songs for the winter season, or take the playlist quiz from our last issue. If you make your own, be sure to send WSS a link, we can’t wait to give it a listen.

Hold a virtual streaming party with friends. Cozy up with snacks and a fuzzy blanket to watch some of your favorite winter movies and shows.

Note: WSS is not responsible for any bickering that occurs while choosing which movie to watch.

Get crafty. Make some paper snowflakes to bring yourself back to those elementary school winter break parties we all loved. In case you forgot how to make them, here are some instructions:

Play the popular online game “Among Us.” Invite your friends to do so over Zoom for a great excuse to catch up. Everyone can mute themselves while playing and then unmute when attending the meetings. Make sure to turn your camera on for an added challenge, as it’s harder to lie when you’re all looking at each other.

Make hot chocolate.

Don’t underestimate the power of this classic winter treat and its endless possibilities for delicious combinations. After coming inside from the cold, try making one of these fun recipes. Scan here for the list:

ART & DESIGN BY ZOEY GUO ENTERTAINMENT DEC. 18, 2020

23

This issue’s installment of the WSS satire series.

(Again, this is SATIRE, so please do not write to the editor.)

S

‘

ince the pandemic began, social media activism has increased dramatically among West High students, especially on Instagram. With just a click of a button, a user can repost others’ content on their account for their followers to view. Many have taken to covering topics they are passionate about, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of social distancing. While the posting of this information is hypothetically beneficial to all, reposting with minimal effort can have detrimental consequences.

“Yeah, like, I mean, I read the stuff I post, like, maybe sometimes,” said Emma Chore ’23. “To be honest, I just repost something if it has a nice color palette to it. I’m really going for that chillgirl-who-is-also-an-activist type look right now.

For me, it’s aesthetic first, information second.”

Many Instagram users have emphasized the importance of social distancing on their stories, but their feeds tell a different tale — one of not taking preventative measures seriously.

“Wear your mask luvs, XOXO,” said Hipaa Critt ’21 in a recent story post. “PSA: We are still in the middle of a pandemic. Don’t be the jerk that keeps us from graduating in person.”

W

24

ENTERTAINMENT DEC. 18, 2020

ord broke yesterday that the Secret Service has begun to formulate a plan to forcibly remove Donald Trump from the White House come Jan. 20. A whistleblower released “Operation Field Trip” on Twitter, where it was retweeted over 2 million times, much to Trump’s dismay.

“This plan is an absolute HOAX,” Trump tweeted late last night. “I just spoke with the Head of the Secret Service, a very dear friend of mine, and he confirmed that this is another LIE from the LEFT!!! #TRUMP2020 #4MOREYEARS.” Secret Service officials declined to comment on the report, which came in at around five pages. It contained a detailed plan to evict the president should he refuse to leave on his own accord. Agents would lure him out of the Oval Office with the promise of a McDonald’s Happy Meal and a golf outing. Once they get Trump on a Southwest flight disguised as Air Force One, they would then fly towards Mar-a-Lago where Trump would be escorted to the greens. Next, agents back at the White House would change

BY CAROLINE MASCARDO & ISAAC YOUNG ART & DESIGN BY AMY LIAO

Critt considers themself a strong advocate for change in their community and frequently reposts information about the severity of the virus and how to mitigate its spread. They believe these posts are making a positive impact on their followers.

“I like using my platform to share important messages and encourage people to be good, especially when it comes to COVID-19 stuff,” Critt said.

When examining Critt’s feed, however, the majority of their recent posts consist of them at several large social gatherings. No masks were worn in the photos.

“I only took off my mask to get a good photo,” Critt said. “My friends and I only had them off for what, maybe 15 minutes tops? We just had to get a post-worthy pic.”

The question of performative activism remains: are users reposting content to spread awareness or just to gain social standing? Evidently, the answer is unclear. Meanwhile, national COVID-19 cases have topped 14 million, a number that continues to surge as the weather becomes colder.

all of the locks and toss his belongings in a heap outside the front gate. A detailed list of all of his belongings was part of the report and includes “TRUMP 2020 VICTORY” merchandise that will never see the light of day, a surplus of MAGA hats, a dartboard with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s face taped to it and a copy of “Fascism for Dummies.”

“The list of [Trump’s] personal possessions is very alarming,” Pelosi said.

Democrats were very relieved to see that the Secret Service would stand up to Trump, but even more thrilled were White House staffers.

“I am so grateful that we won’t have to deal with him anymore,” said one anonymous staffer.

“His table manners were horrible, and he treated us like servants. I have a master’s in political science, not ordering McDoubles.”

The country remains on edge about the results of this year’s election, as Trump has still not admitted defeat. As January approaches, only time will tell if Secret Service intervention will prove necessary.

A

s COVID-19 positivity rates surpassed the acceptable 15% threshold, the ICCSD announced all students would transition to the online learning model, effective Monday, Dec. 9. Unfortunately, the district had already paid for school buildings’ heating and electricity costs for the next period, and without students or staff in the building for the next two weeks, thousands of dollars would go to waste.

“We really didn’t expect this to happen,” said Superintendent Matt Degner. “I mean, how could we have known we would have to go online this winter?”

To make the building regulation costs worthwhile, the district decided to offer custodians a complimentary stay in their respective buildings for the two-week period.

“We wanted them to have a bit of fun, you know?” Degner said. “After all, with the pandemic, sanitation standards are higher than they were before. They deserve a fun break from the stress.”

After discussion amongst Degner and his colleagues, custodians were granted full access to all building amenities, so long as they wore a

T T

he warnings of Republicans and centrist Democrats finally came to fruition this past week. Their constant anti-socialist rhetoric was taken seriously by some and a simple political difference by most — until the onset of the apocalypse. Reputable political commentators, such as Ben Shapiro, widely agree that newly implemented leftist policies are to blame for recent catastrophes.

The American public finally took a chance on progressives in the most recent election and immediately lived to regret that decision.

“We were excited to finally have a platform to carry out all of our policies,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Republicans were outraged at a progressive majority and formed an unprecedented coalition with the centrist Democrats to try to prevent leftist policies from taking effect.

“I don’t like working across the aisle, but I’ll do anything to stop communists from ruining America,” said Sen. Joni Ernst.

Despite the best efforts of the GOP, the progressive majority was too strong this election cycle. Upon taking office, democratic socialists made strides to implement universal healthcare, decriminalize drugs and improve social programs alongside higher minimum wage.

Trouble first began with the decriminalization of drugs, which led to a massive spike in recreational use practically the instant that federal legalization went into effect.

“Essentially what we saw is hard-working Americans being corrupted and turned into dirty hippies,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

Things only declined from that point on because of universal healthcare. Since everyone

mask and socially distanced while inside. With the suspension of hybrid classes, many West High custodians are not sure what to do with all of their newfound free time.

“I don’t know what I’ll do first,” said custodian Janet Orr. “Maybe use the secret trampoline room in the gym? I’ve been eyeing it since I started working here.”

While some custodians are using their twoweek vacation to explore West High’s facilities, others are using it to pursue their passions. The five-member theatre troupe “Just Clean It!” is allegedly putting on a production of “The Crucible” the weekend before school resumes, and one custodian will play the piano during intermission.

Overall, Degner and his team view this initiative as beneficial for their custodial staff and hope that it will act as a vacation from pandemic-related stress.

“I wish we had these breaks more often. There is so much fun stuff to do at West,” said custodian Walter White. “Just don’t ask me what I’ll be doing in the chemistry rooms.”

was able to go to the hospital for no charge, citizens flooded in for checkups, lollipops and “Paw Patrol” stickers. The system was overloaded very quickly, and since no revenue was being produced, hospitals all over the nation closed down.

Pharmaceutical companies, who were forced to sell their drugs at market value, went bankrupt and shut their doors.

The final nail in the coffin for the U.S. were social programs and a higher minimum wage.

Many people chose not to work because they could easily and readily collect welfare.

“It was sort of an ‘I-told-you-so moment for us’ because everyone just became a lazy drug addict,” McCarthy said. “We don’t have hospitals anymore either. I had to go to Canada to have my appendix removed.”

With the economy in shambles, it was hard to think things could get worse, but then a new drug hit the streets. It is colloquially referred to as “cannibal cannabis,” a new strain of marijuana that slowly turns anyone who touches it into a mindless, zombified animal. So many people had become recreational drug users that an estimated 70% of the country ingested the new substance.

“If we could have treated those affected I think we would have seriously contained the outbreak, but they just had to have their universal healthcare system,” said McCarthy.

As of now, 32 states have been completely overrun by zombie outbreaks and several countries around the world have begun to have smaller epidemics. Experts recommend people stay indoors when possible and avoid anyone exhibiting violent behavior and those dressed in marijuana paraphernalia.

ENTERTAINMENT DEC. 18, 2020

25

FINDING THE

ART & DESIGN BY SACHIKO GOTO

BA L AN CE

The WSS Editorial Board discusses how high schoolers can balance social life and the importance of public health as winter holidays near and COVID-19 cases surge.

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n end to the COVID-19 pandemic seems distant as case numbers swell to a new high. Early vaccine trials show optimistic results, and doses may be available as early as this month. However, not everyone will have access to the vaccine immediately, as healthcare workers and older individuals are likely to have priority over the general population. Even with the vaccine on the way, everyone must take COVID-19 precautions seriously, now more than ever. For high school students, following these guidelines can be particularly difficult when it comes to maintaining healthy relationships during the pandemic. Balancing social life and public health is difficult, as many high school students’ mental health is suffering due to a lack of social interaction, according to the American Psychological Association. Although recommendations have been made in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus, preventative measures have not been taken seriously enough. Everyone must adhere to COVID-19 guidelines more strictly for the sake of public health, especially as winter case numbers surge.

COVID-19 hospitalizations on both the state and national levels show an alarming spike in the last month, reflecting relaxed attitudes towards mitigating the spread of the virus.

Hospitals throughout the country have been overwhelmed with the massive influx of cases, threatening the well-being of many healthcare workers and other first responders. The U.S. has failed to implement effective COVID-19 measures and restrictions, resulting in significantly more cases and deaths than any other country.

On a local level, Gov. Kim Reynolds has also disregarded the severity of the virus, and preventative measures are far from adequate. In some ru-

ral Iowa counties, COVID-19 positivity rates are over 40 percent. Although the state’s first mask mandate was enacted Nov. 16, its lack of enforcement threatens to continue the spread. As the holiday season approaches, large social gatherings only increase the chances of another spike in COVID-19 cases and subsequent deaths. The pandemic has resulted in millions losing their jobs, homes and general financial security, yet it is still not being taken seriously.

Isolation brought on by the pandemic has strained social interaction, creating or worsenShould public health precautions be taken more seriously in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?

27 0 The editorial board voted “yes.”

ing mental health issues. A recent study by the APA found that teenagers are more susceptible to pandemic stress because statistically, adolescents value freedom and connection higher than those in other age demographics. The study also discovered that conversation through the internet cannot replace the benefits of in-person communication, and in fact, using social media to replace social interaction has been shown to increase symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The pandemic has jeopardized students’ mental health, but is it ethical to interact with friends in person?

Because of the lost lives and other consequenc-

Minimum 6ft

es of the pandemic, it would be selfish and ignorant to carry on with parties and other social events. Although remaining physically separated mitigates the spread of the virus, that is not to say total social isolation is the only answer.

Even though social media can be detrimental to mental health, other virtual means of communication, like video calls, can provide conversation with no risk of exposure. If in-person interaction is necessary, there are several things to keep in mind. It is imperative to consider the medical history of the people you may infect if you contract the virus. If those around you have pre-existing conditions, they are more likely to have serious complications associated with COVID-19.

Regardless of any external factors, if in-person interaction is needed, the safest way to stave off the virus is to meet outside, with masks on and with at least six feet of space between one another.

While public health and social interaction are both of great importance, current behaviors around COVID-19 precautionary guidelines have only resulted in increasing case numbers.

Evidently, a compromise must be made between the two, but where does this balance lie? If lives are to be protected and the pandemic is to end soon, the balance must lie in the direction of prioritizing CDC-established COVID-19 safety guidelines. That means when possible, in-person contact with others should be avoided. Before making plans with others, consider the potential consequences of meeting in person. Everyone in the community must hold themselves accountable and prioritize public health, changing their behaviors and attitudes if applicable, before they expect the virus to dissipate.

THE 3CS TO AVOID: Crowded spaces with many people near you.

Maintain in addition to other safety measures, including mask wearing.

26

EDITORIAL DEC. 18, 2020

Close-contact settings, especially where close-range conversations take place.

Confined and enclosed spaces with no ventilation.

Sources: CDC, WHO

PARAS BASSUK

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