Corona Vs. The People
By Brandon Roberts
May 1, 2020
Have you been wondering why the doctors still haven’t found a way to make a vaccine to cure the sickness from corona? Well trust me you aren’t alone.
People all over the world are losing their lives and I think it’s completely unfair how the only advice they are giving us is to just sit in the house and stay away from the virus, which don’t get me wrong makes sense but the fact that we have to stop working, socializing and basically living our lives is completely not okay.
It’s been almost six weeks of a home lock down and nothing has changed whatsoever, I’m not the type to blame but I fully blame the government for the actions of the spread. Instead of locking everything down early they waited until it got everywhere and now they have no clue how to take control and keep the people calm which is causing more stress and disobedience that’s leading to stuff to get worse.
Our lives will never be the same after this outbreak. We have no way to stop it and if it does go away what’s gonna stop it from coming back? That's a question I have constantly asked myself, I am so scared to have kids and have them go through all of this and panic the same why everyone else did because we still won’t know how to stop it.
Doctors are putting their lives at risk 24/7 for hope that they can figure out how to put a pause on the disease, it’s sad that it had to get to the point where they’re scared to step foot in their homes because they don’t want to bring it home to their families and continue the chain reaction.
May 1, 2020
Have you been wondering why the doctors still haven’t found a way to make a vaccine to cure the sickness from corona? Well trust me you aren’t alone.
People all over the world are losing their lives and I think it’s completely unfair how the only advice they are giving us is to just sit in the house and stay away from the virus, which don’t get me wrong makes sense but the fact that we have to stop working, socializing and basically living our lives is completely not okay.
It’s been almost six weeks of a home lock down and nothing has changed whatsoever, I’m not the type to blame but I fully blame the government for the actions of the spread. Instead of locking everything down early they waited until it got everywhere and now they have no clue how to take control and keep the people calm which is causing more stress and disobedience that’s leading to stuff to get worse.
Our lives will never be the same after this outbreak. We have no way to stop it and if it does go away what’s gonna stop it from coming back? That's a question I have constantly asked myself, I am so scared to have kids and have them go through all of this and panic the same why everyone else did because we still won’t know how to stop it.
Doctors are putting their lives at risk 24/7 for hope that they can figure out how to put a pause on the disease, it’s sad that it had to get to the point where they’re scared to step foot in their homes because they don’t want to bring it home to their families and continue the chain reaction.
Keeping the World on Lock down Could do More Harm Than Good
By Emily Saul
April 24, 2020
By now almost the entire world has experienced some sort of change in their life due to the coronavirus, and all of the United States has been on different kinds of restrictions throughout the different situations in each state.
Most people can agree self-quarantining and social distancing is crucial to protect those around us from the coronavirus, but this can only go on for so long before the economy crashes, and the precautions to prevent the spread of the virus causes more harm than good.
Obviously protecting people from this virus is important right now, and it will continue to be important until the virus somehow isn’t a problem anymore or there is a vaccine for it, but in the long run, more lives could be destroyed by prolonging the restrictions placed on businesses.
The shutting down of all unessential jobs was something that was very necessary, but it can’t go on for much longer, otherwise history is likely to repeat itself, and another depression will occur, which could leave more people dead than if the restrictions are lifted.
A depression would leave a lot of people with little money, which could result in deaths from starvation, suicide and death from illnesses left untreated. Also, during the Great Depression in the 1930s, there was an increase in violent crimes, which could happen again, but it would be likely to be worse, considering violent crimes are more common today than they were back then.
According to an article written by author Christopher Klein at history.com, “The suicide rate in the United States increased from 17.0 per 100,000 people in 1929 to 21.3 in 1932 during the worst of the financial calamity,” and according to history.stackexchange.com, around 7 million people died of starvation during the Great Depression.
Keeping people safe from the coronavirus is very critical at this time, but considering the amount of people who have died from the virus so far is only a fraction of the amount of people who died just due to starvation during the Great Depression, the restrictions on businesses need to be lifted cautiously very soon.
April 24, 2020
By now almost the entire world has experienced some sort of change in their life due to the coronavirus, and all of the United States has been on different kinds of restrictions throughout the different situations in each state.
Most people can agree self-quarantining and social distancing is crucial to protect those around us from the coronavirus, but this can only go on for so long before the economy crashes, and the precautions to prevent the spread of the virus causes more harm than good.
Obviously protecting people from this virus is important right now, and it will continue to be important until the virus somehow isn’t a problem anymore or there is a vaccine for it, but in the long run, more lives could be destroyed by prolonging the restrictions placed on businesses.
The shutting down of all unessential jobs was something that was very necessary, but it can’t go on for much longer, otherwise history is likely to repeat itself, and another depression will occur, which could leave more people dead than if the restrictions are lifted.
A depression would leave a lot of people with little money, which could result in deaths from starvation, suicide and death from illnesses left untreated. Also, during the Great Depression in the 1930s, there was an increase in violent crimes, which could happen again, but it would be likely to be worse, considering violent crimes are more common today than they were back then.
According to an article written by author Christopher Klein at history.com, “The suicide rate in the United States increased from 17.0 per 100,000 people in 1929 to 21.3 in 1932 during the worst of the financial calamity,” and according to history.stackexchange.com, around 7 million people died of starvation during the Great Depression.
Keeping people safe from the coronavirus is very critical at this time, but considering the amount of people who have died from the virus so far is only a fraction of the amount of people who died just due to starvation during the Great Depression, the restrictions on businesses need to be lifted cautiously very soon.
Should the U.S. Start Opening Back up to the Public?
By Tara Boettcher
April 22, 2020
It is no secret that the world has changed dramatically in such a short amount of time. Just less than a month ago, it was declared that COVID-19 had caused a pandemic. This virus has changed the way millions of people live their daily lives.
Things will only go back to normal if people continue to follow the guidelines that the Center for Disease Control suggests. This is not happening in some parts of the country. Florida is starting to open up their beaches. For example, Jacksonville opened up their beaches this past Friday. People began to flock there, not practicing the guideline to stay six feet apart. This is worrisome because there are still a lot of coronavirus cases in the U.S., and there are still a lot of people dying for the virus.
Governors of many states feel pressured to open their states back up because there are people protesting and demanding to reduce the restrictions set by them. People are angry because they do not have jobs right now, and they do not have the freedom to go where they want to. It is understandable that being unemployed and having one’s freedom be infringed upon is upsetting, but the health and safety of the American people is a much greater concern at this time.
If everything gets opened back up now, and if people start getting together again, the cases and deaths caused by the virus may worsen. Since the cases of COVID-19 have not leveled off yet, opening states back up could be detrimental to citizens’ health. The country has come this far, and it would be a bad decision to go back to normal now.
Of course, most people want things to go back to the way they were before. It is apparent that people are tired of staying home and being socially distant. However, speeding this process up by opening up businesses and public places before they should is not the way to go about people’s struggles. Instead, everyone should fight this together to protect the safety of others and to go back to normal the right way.
April 22, 2020
It is no secret that the world has changed dramatically in such a short amount of time. Just less than a month ago, it was declared that COVID-19 had caused a pandemic. This virus has changed the way millions of people live their daily lives.
Things will only go back to normal if people continue to follow the guidelines that the Center for Disease Control suggests. This is not happening in some parts of the country. Florida is starting to open up their beaches. For example, Jacksonville opened up their beaches this past Friday. People began to flock there, not practicing the guideline to stay six feet apart. This is worrisome because there are still a lot of coronavirus cases in the U.S., and there are still a lot of people dying for the virus.
Governors of many states feel pressured to open their states back up because there are people protesting and demanding to reduce the restrictions set by them. People are angry because they do not have jobs right now, and they do not have the freedom to go where they want to. It is understandable that being unemployed and having one’s freedom be infringed upon is upsetting, but the health and safety of the American people is a much greater concern at this time.
If everything gets opened back up now, and if people start getting together again, the cases and deaths caused by the virus may worsen. Since the cases of COVID-19 have not leveled off yet, opening states back up could be detrimental to citizens’ health. The country has come this far, and it would be a bad decision to go back to normal now.
Of course, most people want things to go back to the way they were before. It is apparent that people are tired of staying home and being socially distant. However, speeding this process up by opening up businesses and public places before they should is not the way to go about people’s struggles. Instead, everyone should fight this together to protect the safety of others and to go back to normal the right way.
Why you Shouldn't be on the Keto Diet
By Destiny Lortos
March 5, 2020
The keto diet sounds like the ultimate plan to lose weight quickly, but is that really true?
The issue with the keto diet is it’s one big misconception. The keto diet, in short, is a low-carb, high fat diet that contains meat, eggs, certain fruits and vegetables. Essentially, when people go on the keto diet, their goal is to reach a state of ketosis (a metabolic process) when the body doesn't have enough glucose for energy, it burns stored fats instead.
This sounds like a good idea and actually can be helpful if used correctly. However, deciding to take on such an extreme diet can do more harm than good.
Clinical dietitian Rachel Kleinman says, “The keto diet could cause an increased risk of heart disease. Strict diets like keto could also cause social isolation or disordered eating.” The high consumption of red meats and the restriction of carbohydrates and sugar lead to these risks.
According to nutritionist at Houston Methodist Medical center Kristen Kizer, “Most people will regain a lot of the weight they lost as soon as they go back on carbs.” This is because people go back to their regular diet without any permanent changes. It’s a pretty common issue among diets, says Kizer.
A diet is just a diet or short-term weight loss. To lose and keep the weight off you actually need to have a change in lifestyle. Doing the keto diet only benefits after these lifestyle changes have occured.
Would you risk your health for the keto diet?
March 5, 2020
The keto diet sounds like the ultimate plan to lose weight quickly, but is that really true?
The issue with the keto diet is it’s one big misconception. The keto diet, in short, is a low-carb, high fat diet that contains meat, eggs, certain fruits and vegetables. Essentially, when people go on the keto diet, their goal is to reach a state of ketosis (a metabolic process) when the body doesn't have enough glucose for energy, it burns stored fats instead.
This sounds like a good idea and actually can be helpful if used correctly. However, deciding to take on such an extreme diet can do more harm than good.
Clinical dietitian Rachel Kleinman says, “The keto diet could cause an increased risk of heart disease. Strict diets like keto could also cause social isolation or disordered eating.” The high consumption of red meats and the restriction of carbohydrates and sugar lead to these risks.
According to nutritionist at Houston Methodist Medical center Kristen Kizer, “Most people will regain a lot of the weight they lost as soon as they go back on carbs.” This is because people go back to their regular diet without any permanent changes. It’s a pretty common issue among diets, says Kizer.
A diet is just a diet or short-term weight loss. To lose and keep the weight off you actually need to have a change in lifestyle. Doing the keto diet only benefits after these lifestyle changes have occured.
Would you risk your health for the keto diet?
Coronavirus Fears or Flu Season Tears
Braeden Eynon Long
March 4, 2020
Amidst all the news headlines depicting the widespread Coronavirus, there is something even more deadly: the flu. The news outlets seem on the edge of their seats to capture the latest story on the Coronavirus, but don't seem to cover the flu.
The Coronavirus is the talk of the town, but why are people so worried about the Coronavirus instead of the flu?
Sophomore Stevie Buening has her point of view on being afraid of the Coronavirus. “To a certain extent; not yet. I feel like the media over exaggerates the severity… I think we're good at this point,” says Buening.
The flu has been around since 1918 according to the Center for Disease Control website. The flu has an estimated 32 million illnesses compared to the approximate 85,000 total cases of the coronavirus. The flu has a much higher infection rate than the Coronavirus, yet the fears are centered around it.
The Coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, China and continues to spread throughout the world. The amount of people killed by the Coronavirus is more than 2,900 people according to Eric Cheung of CNN. This is much more than the 125 flu deaths reported for this season. The Coronavirus is a novel virus, meaning it has never been seen before, which means we don't have a vaccine or much information on it.
Though the flu has been around for much longer than the Coronavirus, more time means scientists have been able to collect information and figure out a vaccine. With a new virus like the Coronavirus, there hasn’t been enough time yet to flesh out the details of the virus and make any sort of vaccine or treatment, making it the more deadly virus at the moment.
The flu may be deadly, but there are treatments and vaccines for it. The same cannot be said for the Coronavirus, making it more dangerous. So even if it's not here now, there is no harm in taking extra precautions.
March 4, 2020
Amidst all the news headlines depicting the widespread Coronavirus, there is something even more deadly: the flu. The news outlets seem on the edge of their seats to capture the latest story on the Coronavirus, but don't seem to cover the flu.
The Coronavirus is the talk of the town, but why are people so worried about the Coronavirus instead of the flu?
Sophomore Stevie Buening has her point of view on being afraid of the Coronavirus. “To a certain extent; not yet. I feel like the media over exaggerates the severity… I think we're good at this point,” says Buening.
The flu has been around since 1918 according to the Center for Disease Control website. The flu has an estimated 32 million illnesses compared to the approximate 85,000 total cases of the coronavirus. The flu has a much higher infection rate than the Coronavirus, yet the fears are centered around it.
The Coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, China and continues to spread throughout the world. The amount of people killed by the Coronavirus is more than 2,900 people according to Eric Cheung of CNN. This is much more than the 125 flu deaths reported for this season. The Coronavirus is a novel virus, meaning it has never been seen before, which means we don't have a vaccine or much information on it.
Though the flu has been around for much longer than the Coronavirus, more time means scientists have been able to collect information and figure out a vaccine. With a new virus like the Coronavirus, there hasn’t been enough time yet to flesh out the details of the virus and make any sort of vaccine or treatment, making it the more deadly virus at the moment.
The flu may be deadly, but there are treatments and vaccines for it. The same cannot be said for the Coronavirus, making it more dangerous. So even if it's not here now, there is no harm in taking extra precautions.
Are the ACT and SAT Discriminatory?
By Tara Boettcher
February 10, 2020
Recently, the SAT and ACT tests have been getting backlash because of discrimination claims. California has even filed lawsuits, claiming the tests are unfair for underrepresented minority students, students with disabilities, multilingual students and students in poverty or who are borderline-impoverished. Critics say the tests are biased against lower-income students who do not have the same access to test prep and knowledge as high-income students do.
A spokesperson for the College Board, which administers the SAT, said, “The notion that the SAT is discriminatory is false,” but is he just trying to protect College Board’s reputation? Administers for the ACT have argued similarly. Joseph Soares, a professor of sociology at Wake Forest University, has researched the test scores of students nationwide and has found minority and low-income students are at a significant disadvantage. He also claims “high school GPAs have no correlation to family income.”
More and more colleges are starting to throw out SAT and ACT requirements because of the feedback from critics, and the amount of critics has grown tremendously because more studies are being conducted. The SAT and ACT are not indicators of IQ. They are simply tests that determine what you have learned in an unorthodox way, and they sometimes wrongly determine what kids do or do not know. For example, females typically have higher grades in math classes in high school, but on the ACT, males score higher in the math section than females do. However, I do believe that poverty has more to do with it than race or other factors.
The ACT, SAT and other standardized tests that are required to get into most colleges are unfair to most students who are in poverty. Many of those students deserve to go to some of the best colleges, but they may not get that opportunity because of standardized tests. Instead, colleges should focus on students’ GPAs and extracurricular activities instead of unjust tests that can cost a lot of money after having to take them multiple times, which most people have to.
Grades are better indicators of what students are capable of, and if colleges made this change, then lower class students could attend the college of their dreams.
February 10, 2020
Recently, the SAT and ACT tests have been getting backlash because of discrimination claims. California has even filed lawsuits, claiming the tests are unfair for underrepresented minority students, students with disabilities, multilingual students and students in poverty or who are borderline-impoverished. Critics say the tests are biased against lower-income students who do not have the same access to test prep and knowledge as high-income students do.
A spokesperson for the College Board, which administers the SAT, said, “The notion that the SAT is discriminatory is false,” but is he just trying to protect College Board’s reputation? Administers for the ACT have argued similarly. Joseph Soares, a professor of sociology at Wake Forest University, has researched the test scores of students nationwide and has found minority and low-income students are at a significant disadvantage. He also claims “high school GPAs have no correlation to family income.”
More and more colleges are starting to throw out SAT and ACT requirements because of the feedback from critics, and the amount of critics has grown tremendously because more studies are being conducted. The SAT and ACT are not indicators of IQ. They are simply tests that determine what you have learned in an unorthodox way, and they sometimes wrongly determine what kids do or do not know. For example, females typically have higher grades in math classes in high school, but on the ACT, males score higher in the math section than females do. However, I do believe that poverty has more to do with it than race or other factors.
The ACT, SAT and other standardized tests that are required to get into most colleges are unfair to most students who are in poverty. Many of those students deserve to go to some of the best colleges, but they may not get that opportunity because of standardized tests. Instead, colleges should focus on students’ GPAs and extracurricular activities instead of unjust tests that can cost a lot of money after having to take them multiple times, which most people have to.
Grades are better indicators of what students are capable of, and if colleges made this change, then lower class students could attend the college of their dreams.
Should Plastic Straws be Banned?
By Destiny Lortos
February 6, 2020
Consuming that morning iced coffee everyday seems like no harm, but each day those plastic straws add up.
The issue of plastic straws continues to create dangerous environments for marine and land animals.
Plastic pollution is the buildup of plastic waste that's been collected over many years. The accumulated plastic finds its way into lakes, rivers and oceans, which harms aquatic life by consuming plastic. Some wildlife, like sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals, can even get trapped in the plastic waste.
It’s understandable for the use of plastic items: it’s light, easily shaped, strong and inexpensive; it also saves companies a lot of money. However, by the year 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish says TRVST. Plastic surrounds us. Our telephones, our carpets and even the fleece we’re wearing all may contain plastic. We store our food in it, drink water from it and even brush our teeth with it. The problem is we’re just now finding out and realizing the harmful toll it has on the world.
According to Sea Turtle Conservancy, “Over 1 million marine animals (including mammals, fish, sharks, turtles and birds) are killed each year due to plastic debris in the ocean.” The pollution is increasing each day.
The banning of plastic straws would definitely help. But it's not only plastic straws that are the issue; the usage of unnecessary plastic such as cups, plasticware and cans are just as harmful. This can be a much easier fix than most realize, such as when using plastic, be sure to recycle, it takes no more time than to throw it away.
Another way to help this hazardous issue is to replace plastic items with paper and glass. Using metal/glass cups, using reusable bags or even paper bags. Dishes can be a pain; however taking a few minutes to wash dishes can be a lot of help and save animals' lives. Taking action to make these changes not only helps marine life but also yourself and others around you.
Because of the high consumption of plastic animals eat, when we consume them we ingest the plastic. TRVST says,"50 percent of people’s food has microplastics."
Next time you go in for that morning cup of joe, remember to bring a reusable cup and straw.
February 6, 2020
Consuming that morning iced coffee everyday seems like no harm, but each day those plastic straws add up.
The issue of plastic straws continues to create dangerous environments for marine and land animals.
Plastic pollution is the buildup of plastic waste that's been collected over many years. The accumulated plastic finds its way into lakes, rivers and oceans, which harms aquatic life by consuming plastic. Some wildlife, like sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals, can even get trapped in the plastic waste.
It’s understandable for the use of plastic items: it’s light, easily shaped, strong and inexpensive; it also saves companies a lot of money. However, by the year 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish says TRVST. Plastic surrounds us. Our telephones, our carpets and even the fleece we’re wearing all may contain plastic. We store our food in it, drink water from it and even brush our teeth with it. The problem is we’re just now finding out and realizing the harmful toll it has on the world.
According to Sea Turtle Conservancy, “Over 1 million marine animals (including mammals, fish, sharks, turtles and birds) are killed each year due to plastic debris in the ocean.” The pollution is increasing each day.
The banning of plastic straws would definitely help. But it's not only plastic straws that are the issue; the usage of unnecessary plastic such as cups, plasticware and cans are just as harmful. This can be a much easier fix than most realize, such as when using plastic, be sure to recycle, it takes no more time than to throw it away.
Another way to help this hazardous issue is to replace plastic items with paper and glass. Using metal/glass cups, using reusable bags or even paper bags. Dishes can be a pain; however taking a few minutes to wash dishes can be a lot of help and save animals' lives. Taking action to make these changes not only helps marine life but also yourself and others around you.
Because of the high consumption of plastic animals eat, when we consume them we ingest the plastic. TRVST says,"50 percent of people’s food has microplastics."
Next time you go in for that morning cup of joe, remember to bring a reusable cup and straw.
We Asked, You Answered
What would you like to recieve for Valentines Day?
February 4, 2020
"My boyfriend and I are going to a seafood place and then to the movies but i'm hoping for some chocolate and a big teddy bear"
- Junior Trinity Smith
- Junior Trinity Smith
"I better get some money or gift cards or something expensive."
- Junior Tia Winbush
- Junior Tia Winbush
"I want a date or candy just something nice."
- Junior Paris Pfeffier
- Junior Paris Pfeffier
An Open Letter to the Unknown
By Grace Mersch
February 4, 2020
It starts in kindergarten: What do you want to be when you grow up? Years later, after you’re thrown into the world of career fairs, ACT boot camps and college applications, what happens to the kids who never had an answer?
I was always one of those kids. College was never something I questioned -- I knew I would be going, but I never thought about it much. I always thought I had time.
But my time is running out. With only a year and a half before college, I have no real plan on what to major in, which college to go to and what kind of job to work towards. After a while of debating and late-night meltdowns, I finally came to a conclusion. I am deciding to be undecided.
Many people say going into college undecided is a mistake, and I was made to believe the same. What’s the point of spending a year in college without working towards a specific degree? I don’t want to have to ultimately spend more time in college or work extra hard just to catch up when I finally declare a major.
Going to college undecided, according to others, can be beneficial for eventually choosing a career. GearUP advisor Kaitlin Lott says, “I wouldn’t encourage going in completely undecided but taking an exploratory track. If you go into college in an exploratory [major], you have the opportunity to learn about a plethora of careers.”
Over the course of this year, I’ve realized going to college undecided may not be as scary as people think, nor is it uncommon.
According to writer Lexi Leiberman at Study Breaks Magazine, “20 to 50 percent of students enter college as undecided, and an estimated 75 percent of students change their major at least once before graduation.”
Everyone is different, and giving yourself time to decide what you want to do is beneficial for college success. Deciding what to do with your time at college is a big decision, especially when thousands of dollars are being spent to allow you to be there.
No matter if you are an undecided major or if you change your major halfway through, it’s important to know you are not alone. College is a journey many people go through together. There is a time when everyone has to go into the unknown -- just don’t let it scare you.
February 4, 2020
It starts in kindergarten: What do you want to be when you grow up? Years later, after you’re thrown into the world of career fairs, ACT boot camps and college applications, what happens to the kids who never had an answer?
I was always one of those kids. College was never something I questioned -- I knew I would be going, but I never thought about it much. I always thought I had time.
But my time is running out. With only a year and a half before college, I have no real plan on what to major in, which college to go to and what kind of job to work towards. After a while of debating and late-night meltdowns, I finally came to a conclusion. I am deciding to be undecided.
Many people say going into college undecided is a mistake, and I was made to believe the same. What’s the point of spending a year in college without working towards a specific degree? I don’t want to have to ultimately spend more time in college or work extra hard just to catch up when I finally declare a major.
Going to college undecided, according to others, can be beneficial for eventually choosing a career. GearUP advisor Kaitlin Lott says, “I wouldn’t encourage going in completely undecided but taking an exploratory track. If you go into college in an exploratory [major], you have the opportunity to learn about a plethora of careers.”
Over the course of this year, I’ve realized going to college undecided may not be as scary as people think, nor is it uncommon.
According to writer Lexi Leiberman at Study Breaks Magazine, “20 to 50 percent of students enter college as undecided, and an estimated 75 percent of students change their major at least once before graduation.”
Everyone is different, and giving yourself time to decide what you want to do is beneficial for college success. Deciding what to do with your time at college is a big decision, especially when thousands of dollars are being spent to allow you to be there.
No matter if you are an undecided major or if you change your major halfway through, it’s important to know you are not alone. College is a journey many people go through together. There is a time when everyone has to go into the unknown -- just don’t let it scare you.
We asked you answered
What are your weekend plans?
February 3, 2020
Should students be allowed out of school for lunch?
By Raegan Lewis
January 28, 2020
During your high school years, you do a lot at school. You’re taking a test, going to football games or pep rallies, studying, stressing over the ACT or SAT and constantly worrying about your grades.
What if the students were allowed just a smidge more freedom from their school, maybe at lunch?
What if students were granted the freedom to go out for lunch, but be back inside in time for the remainder of the school day?
If this were to happen, there would have to be a set number of rules and restrictions, including not going anywhere beyond a specific distance from school or certain restaurants.
Administrators could reward for attendance or honor roll, or a privilege for upperclassmen, or something along those lines.
Some may ask, “Well, what's wrong with the cafeteria now?” In all honesty, the food doesn't look that appetizing in the first place, and some kids may just not want it. Also, there could be a kid who’s uncomfortable with the cafeteria type of setting and would prefer to do their own thing.
Some teachers agree with the idea of letting students outside for lunch. English teacher Robin Brewer said, “Yes, but as a reward for things like good grades or perfect attendance, or a privilege for the upperclassmen, such as juniors and seniors. Here in Norwood, kids used to be allowed out for lunch but the administration put a stop to it because they stopped coming back. I think you guys should be allowed out because there are high schools that let kids out.”
There are pros to this idea, such as the opportunity for exercise, learning real-life skills and management skills; but there are cons as well, such as concerns about nutrition, students skipping or being tardy, expensive and safety concerns, among other things.
There could be a way to compromise with this idea as well, such as having certain days of the week where students get to go outside such as Monday and Friday, and the rest of the week the kids are inside eating cafeteria food.
Students who meet the standards and work hard in school should be allowed out and should be granted the privilege to choose where to eat.
January 28, 2020
During your high school years, you do a lot at school. You’re taking a test, going to football games or pep rallies, studying, stressing over the ACT or SAT and constantly worrying about your grades.
What if the students were allowed just a smidge more freedom from their school, maybe at lunch?
What if students were granted the freedom to go out for lunch, but be back inside in time for the remainder of the school day?
If this were to happen, there would have to be a set number of rules and restrictions, including not going anywhere beyond a specific distance from school or certain restaurants.
Administrators could reward for attendance or honor roll, or a privilege for upperclassmen, or something along those lines.
Some may ask, “Well, what's wrong with the cafeteria now?” In all honesty, the food doesn't look that appetizing in the first place, and some kids may just not want it. Also, there could be a kid who’s uncomfortable with the cafeteria type of setting and would prefer to do their own thing.
Some teachers agree with the idea of letting students outside for lunch. English teacher Robin Brewer said, “Yes, but as a reward for things like good grades or perfect attendance, or a privilege for the upperclassmen, such as juniors and seniors. Here in Norwood, kids used to be allowed out for lunch but the administration put a stop to it because they stopped coming back. I think you guys should be allowed out because there are high schools that let kids out.”
There are pros to this idea, such as the opportunity for exercise, learning real-life skills and management skills; but there are cons as well, such as concerns about nutrition, students skipping or being tardy, expensive and safety concerns, among other things.
There could be a way to compromise with this idea as well, such as having certain days of the week where students get to go outside such as Monday and Friday, and the rest of the week the kids are inside eating cafeteria food.
Students who meet the standards and work hard in school should be allowed out and should be granted the privilege to choose where to eat.
We Asked You Answered
What is an important life goal for you?
January 28, 2020
"Be in nature as much as possible."
- Sophomore Ian Davis
- Sophomore Ian Davis
"I want to live in the desert."
- Senior Soren Spitzig
- Senior Soren Spitzig
"I want to make it through freshman year."
- Freshman Sophia Lampe
- Freshman Sophia Lampe
We Asked You Answered
What's your favorite social media app and why?
January 24, 2020
“Snapchat because all my friends are on there."
- Sophomore Anna Geisz
- Sophomore Anna Geisz
“TikTok because it's funny and makes me laugh."
- Junior Daymeir Rogers
- Junior Daymeir Rogers
“TikTok because there is interesting and funny videos on there."
- Sophomore Jasmine Armstrong
- Sophomore Jasmine Armstrong
We Asked You Answered
What are your plans for Valentines Day?
“Probably staying home and watch Netflix unless someone ask me out."
- Junior Lindsay Evans
- Junior Lindsay Evans
"Waiting for my boyfriend to ask me out on a date and do someone sweet for me. "
-Junior Gabby Singleton
-Junior Gabby Singleton
"Going out on multiple dates with my boyfriend Tyler, we’re going to the aquarium and to a nice/fancy restaurant."
-Senior Madison Nichols
-Senior Madison Nichols
College Board: A "For-Profit" Organization
By Emily Saul
January 20, 2020
By the time you’ve hit junior year, you have surely become familiar with College Board and all of its “perks”. Whether it’s from taking the PSAT or an AP class, it’s difficult to stay away from College Board.
College Board likes to call themselves a “not-for-profit" organization. However, according to public record, their revenue is currently $1.07 billion and growing, and they make their money in many ways.
One of these ways is the many programs they control, like the SAT, PSAT, AP and more. Depending on how much a school helps financially, participating in any of these can get very pricey. For example, the SAT alone currently costs $47.50 ($64.50 with the Essay portion), and it’s almost vital that college bound students take either the SAT or the ACT.
Signing up for an AP class may seem like a smart choice because you can get college credit while still in high school; however, receiving these credits is not a guarantee. Colleges don't always accept them. For instance, some colleges may only take the credit if you get a five on the exam, and it also depends on your major. The cost for an AP exam for the 2019-20 school year is $94, which could just end up being money down the drain if a student has a bad test day.
Lastly, one of the worst parts about College Board is the Student Search Service they offer. When signing up for any of its tests, there is an option to sign up for the Student Search Service, which, in the words of the College Board is “a free, voluntary program that connects students with information about educational and financial aid opportunities from nearly 1,900 eligible colleges and universities, and scholarship and other educational programs.” This sounds like a good idea because it will lead to scholarships and different opportunities. But, in reality, your Email and mailbox become flooded with information from different colleges you will probably never even look into. This is yet another way College Board makes money. They claim they don’t sell students’ information, but they actually do. The company subversively sells "licenses" to colleges so they can access the information.
For a “not-for-profit” organization, College Board surely seems very interested in making money.
January 20, 2020
By the time you’ve hit junior year, you have surely become familiar with College Board and all of its “perks”. Whether it’s from taking the PSAT or an AP class, it’s difficult to stay away from College Board.
College Board likes to call themselves a “not-for-profit" organization. However, according to public record, their revenue is currently $1.07 billion and growing, and they make their money in many ways.
One of these ways is the many programs they control, like the SAT, PSAT, AP and more. Depending on how much a school helps financially, participating in any of these can get very pricey. For example, the SAT alone currently costs $47.50 ($64.50 with the Essay portion), and it’s almost vital that college bound students take either the SAT or the ACT.
Signing up for an AP class may seem like a smart choice because you can get college credit while still in high school; however, receiving these credits is not a guarantee. Colleges don't always accept them. For instance, some colleges may only take the credit if you get a five on the exam, and it also depends on your major. The cost for an AP exam for the 2019-20 school year is $94, which could just end up being money down the drain if a student has a bad test day.
Lastly, one of the worst parts about College Board is the Student Search Service they offer. When signing up for any of its tests, there is an option to sign up for the Student Search Service, which, in the words of the College Board is “a free, voluntary program that connects students with information about educational and financial aid opportunities from nearly 1,900 eligible colleges and universities, and scholarship and other educational programs.” This sounds like a good idea because it will lead to scholarships and different opportunities. But, in reality, your Email and mailbox become flooded with information from different colleges you will probably never even look into. This is yet another way College Board makes money. They claim they don’t sell students’ information, but they actually do. The company subversively sells "licenses" to colleges so they can access the information.
For a “not-for-profit” organization, College Board surely seems very interested in making money.
Prom vs. Hoco
By Nallisa Segrist-Bellamah
January 16, 2020
Dances are a big part of high school. A lot of people look at dances in a general view rather than looking at them with a deeper meaning. I personally believe that being able to go to dances have a special, exciting meaning. The dances that are at Norwood are homecoming and prom, and, in my opinion, prom is the better dance to go to.
If you were to pick which dance to go to because of cost reasons etc. and you are an upperclassman I would definitely advise you to pick prom. Prom has a better vibe, and it's more fun because you’re with upperclassmen so you're with more of your friends. Also, prom is in a different facility rather than in the cafeteria. Renting out a different facility also means more exciting decorations. Also, prom is at the end of the school year which is even more exciting because summer break is just around the corner!
As cheesy as this may sound to some people, prom is truly a milestone in many people's lives. It’s a point between childhood and adulthood and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To be able to experience this fun, exciting time with your classmates is truly a gift more people should cherish.
Going to prom means you would be with juniors and seniors, most of which are your friends. Being with upperclassmen means having more in common. Everyone will have the opportunity to be an upperclassman and be able to go to prom with their class. But when it's finally your turn, there's more of a thrill and stirring feeling.
At the end of the day, whichever dance you decide to go to, make it a memorable one and don’t hold back. Make it one of the best nights of your high school career and don't let some petty drama or negative people get in your way. Dance the night away and don't have any regrets!
January 16, 2020
Dances are a big part of high school. A lot of people look at dances in a general view rather than looking at them with a deeper meaning. I personally believe that being able to go to dances have a special, exciting meaning. The dances that are at Norwood are homecoming and prom, and, in my opinion, prom is the better dance to go to.
If you were to pick which dance to go to because of cost reasons etc. and you are an upperclassman I would definitely advise you to pick prom. Prom has a better vibe, and it's more fun because you’re with upperclassmen so you're with more of your friends. Also, prom is in a different facility rather than in the cafeteria. Renting out a different facility also means more exciting decorations. Also, prom is at the end of the school year which is even more exciting because summer break is just around the corner!
As cheesy as this may sound to some people, prom is truly a milestone in many people's lives. It’s a point between childhood and adulthood and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To be able to experience this fun, exciting time with your classmates is truly a gift more people should cherish.
Going to prom means you would be with juniors and seniors, most of which are your friends. Being with upperclassmen means having more in common. Everyone will have the opportunity to be an upperclassman and be able to go to prom with their class. But when it's finally your turn, there's more of a thrill and stirring feeling.
At the end of the day, whichever dance you decide to go to, make it a memorable one and don’t hold back. Make it one of the best nights of your high school career and don't let some petty drama or negative people get in your way. Dance the night away and don't have any regrets!
Should We Have More Pep Rallies?
By Emily Betts
January 15, 2020
Students sometimes debate if we need more pep rallies. Students could be in the relay races, tug of war, dodgeball. The seniors as well get very involved with activities against the teachers and more.
Junior Brayden Manning says, “I love pep rallies. I think having more... would make upcoming events so much more fun.”
Pep rallies seem to bring fun into school, and there should be more for special events such as prom, the first basketball game and holidays. These could bring a better attitude for breaks from school and make students more excited to come to school. Student Council, who plans them, agree there should be more for certain events.
According to junior and Student Council Secretary Nallisa Segrist-Bellamah, “There should be more pep rallies, for sure. Planning them is fun, and I enjoy them. I like pep rallies, and we should keep doing them but not a spirit week before a pep rally.”
Pep rallies are a chance for all students to get involved and have fun. With more pep rallies there could be more excitement and involvement in the school with students and teachers. It is a great way to bring more people into the spirit of things, especially students who aren't very involved.
January 15, 2020
Students sometimes debate if we need more pep rallies. Students could be in the relay races, tug of war, dodgeball. The seniors as well get very involved with activities against the teachers and more.
Junior Brayden Manning says, “I love pep rallies. I think having more... would make upcoming events so much more fun.”
Pep rallies seem to bring fun into school, and there should be more for special events such as prom, the first basketball game and holidays. These could bring a better attitude for breaks from school and make students more excited to come to school. Student Council, who plans them, agree there should be more for certain events.
According to junior and Student Council Secretary Nallisa Segrist-Bellamah, “There should be more pep rallies, for sure. Planning them is fun, and I enjoy them. I like pep rallies, and we should keep doing them but not a spirit week before a pep rally.”
Pep rallies are a chance for all students to get involved and have fun. With more pep rallies there could be more excitement and involvement in the school with students and teachers. It is a great way to bring more people into the spirit of things, especially students who aren't very involved.
Should Seniors be Able to Skip Senior Year?
By Destiny Lortos
January 8, 2020
Sitting in classes taking subjects and other courses that are repetitive can be frustrating and exhausting.
Shouldn’t students be able to choose what’s best and most productive for them?
Year after year in many public high schools, seniors in their second semester subconsciously take four months off, becoming increasingly bored, restless and unproductive.
According to Edutopia by Lori Desautels “Research reports that during this period, the U.S. has the highest dropout rate of any country -- almost 40 percent.”
It’s understandable how some seniors find this year to be special, as the occasion for memories pile up: the senior prom, the senior picnic, the friendships and the wonder of being the big kids of the school. However, the cancellation of senior year would grant students the opportunity to pursue their careers earlier instead of spending a 13th year in school. Students could begin their freshman year of college with legitimate college credits that attest to their dedication to their future majors.
The cancellation of senior year would give seniors and their loved ones enough time to say a proper goodbye. With a whole year off, there would be ample time for a final family vacation and other bonding experiences to ease the exciting, but terrifying prospect of finally living away from one’s parents.
Senior year mostly has been a waiting game full of busy work and sitting impatiently to pass time. There is something we can do to change the trajectory of this unproductive and stressful period that many students wait through in their lives. An alternatives to senior year could be the beginning college earlier, working in order to save money, and participating in volunteering and/or apprenticeship depending on the field of work one chooses to do or experience.
Would you want to skip senior year?
January 8, 2020
Sitting in classes taking subjects and other courses that are repetitive can be frustrating and exhausting.
Shouldn’t students be able to choose what’s best and most productive for them?
Year after year in many public high schools, seniors in their second semester subconsciously take four months off, becoming increasingly bored, restless and unproductive.
According to Edutopia by Lori Desautels “Research reports that during this period, the U.S. has the highest dropout rate of any country -- almost 40 percent.”
It’s understandable how some seniors find this year to be special, as the occasion for memories pile up: the senior prom, the senior picnic, the friendships and the wonder of being the big kids of the school. However, the cancellation of senior year would grant students the opportunity to pursue their careers earlier instead of spending a 13th year in school. Students could begin their freshman year of college with legitimate college credits that attest to their dedication to their future majors.
The cancellation of senior year would give seniors and their loved ones enough time to say a proper goodbye. With a whole year off, there would be ample time for a final family vacation and other bonding experiences to ease the exciting, but terrifying prospect of finally living away from one’s parents.
Senior year mostly has been a waiting game full of busy work and sitting impatiently to pass time. There is something we can do to change the trajectory of this unproductive and stressful period that many students wait through in their lives. An alternatives to senior year could be the beginning college earlier, working in order to save money, and participating in volunteering and/or apprenticeship depending on the field of work one chooses to do or experience.
Would you want to skip senior year?
Does More School Mean a Better Education?
By Emily Saul
January 6, 2020
On Jan. 2, Norwood students arrived at school at 7:45 a.m., all of whom were tired and frustrated they came back on a Thursday, the day after New Year’s Day.
Not only was it hard to come back after winter break, but what made it even more difficult was how most surrounding schools were not going back to school until Jan. 6, and some even later, and those students could enjoy a couple more days of sleeping in.
Not only was it aggravating to come back to school sooner than most, but this is a recurring problem for Norwood students because they have longer school days than most do, and they also are unable to enjoy certain perks other schools get like leaving early during midterm exams.
The average school day lasts about 6 hours and 30 minutes, and the normal school year being 180 days, which adds up to the average hours spent in school per school year being 1,170. Norwood High School students, however, spend 7 hours and 15 minutes in school for normally about 180 days, which adds up to us being in school for somewhere close to 1,305 hours per year, amounting to approximately 18 extra days.
Having such a long school day restricts time we can spend for our personal lives like sports, work and time spent with family and friends, which all are vital, not only to be well-rounded, but also for mental health.
Junior Olivia Peace says, “Being in school longer, and depending on how much homework you have, could cause a lack of sleep, which could make you unable to pay attention during the school day.”
According to Niche, Norwood High School tends to have a lower average score for state tests (67 percent of students proficient in reading, and 47 percent proficient in math), while other public schools like Wyoming High School, where their days only last 6 hours and 45 minutes, score significantly higher than Norwood (92 percent scoring proficient in reading, and 87 percent in math). The lesson here is more time in school doesn't necessarily lead to better academic performance.
It’s clear Norwood needs improvements in scores. However, being here so much is definitely not the solution.
January 6, 2020
On Jan. 2, Norwood students arrived at school at 7:45 a.m., all of whom were tired and frustrated they came back on a Thursday, the day after New Year’s Day.
Not only was it hard to come back after winter break, but what made it even more difficult was how most surrounding schools were not going back to school until Jan. 6, and some even later, and those students could enjoy a couple more days of sleeping in.
Not only was it aggravating to come back to school sooner than most, but this is a recurring problem for Norwood students because they have longer school days than most do, and they also are unable to enjoy certain perks other schools get like leaving early during midterm exams.
The average school day lasts about 6 hours and 30 minutes, and the normal school year being 180 days, which adds up to the average hours spent in school per school year being 1,170. Norwood High School students, however, spend 7 hours and 15 minutes in school for normally about 180 days, which adds up to us being in school for somewhere close to 1,305 hours per year, amounting to approximately 18 extra days.
Having such a long school day restricts time we can spend for our personal lives like sports, work and time spent with family and friends, which all are vital, not only to be well-rounded, but also for mental health.
Junior Olivia Peace says, “Being in school longer, and depending on how much homework you have, could cause a lack of sleep, which could make you unable to pay attention during the school day.”
According to Niche, Norwood High School tends to have a lower average score for state tests (67 percent of students proficient in reading, and 47 percent proficient in math), while other public schools like Wyoming High School, where their days only last 6 hours and 45 minutes, score significantly higher than Norwood (92 percent scoring proficient in reading, and 87 percent in math). The lesson here is more time in school doesn't necessarily lead to better academic performance.
It’s clear Norwood needs improvements in scores. However, being here so much is definitely not the solution.
What Happens When You Teach to a Test?
By Grace Mersch
December 10, 2019
Oostburg, a Wisconsin school district, has done something every school fears: teach to a test. For five years, the school district has has ranked in the bottom quarter for ACT composite scores; and seven years ago, they changed their curriculum to match that of the ACT.
Since they changed their curriculum, Oostburg has seen increased participation in AP classes and students better prepared for their future, whether it be college, a trade, or a career right out of high school. Even more, the small school district ranked seventh out of nearly 400 schools for highest ACT composite score.
There are several similarities between this school district and our own, which leaves one thinking what would happen if we decided to do the same -- and it may actually help our school’s performance.
In 2017, Norwood had a graduation rate of 81.8 percent of students earning a diploma in four years, and 81.3 percent of students earning a diploma in five years. This is the lowest graduation rate in years -- and it made our annual report card, given out by the Ohio Department of Education, a D overall.
Besides those statistics, the size of the two school districts are smaller, which would make our school a perfect sample size for such a big risk.
Junior Arielle Gladish says, “I feel as if it helped students in other school districts similar to our own, then it may also benefit Norwood.”
And Oostburg doesn’t just teach to a test. Their altered curriculum has a basis in allowing teachers decide what they want to teach. Giving teachers flexibility in what they want to teach has proven to be beneficial for the performance of their school district.
Along with this, Oostburg high schoolers are required to meet with school counselors regularly to discuss their own plans for the future. Even if they don’t want to go to college, changing the curriculum for this school district has helped students be better prepared for what they have planned in the future.
Changing the way an entire school teaches may seem like a big risk, and it certainly is; but the bottom line is it could change hundreds of students’ lives. After all, isn’t that the goal of teaching?
December 10, 2019
Oostburg, a Wisconsin school district, has done something every school fears: teach to a test. For five years, the school district has has ranked in the bottom quarter for ACT composite scores; and seven years ago, they changed their curriculum to match that of the ACT.
Since they changed their curriculum, Oostburg has seen increased participation in AP classes and students better prepared for their future, whether it be college, a trade, or a career right out of high school. Even more, the small school district ranked seventh out of nearly 400 schools for highest ACT composite score.
There are several similarities between this school district and our own, which leaves one thinking what would happen if we decided to do the same -- and it may actually help our school’s performance.
In 2017, Norwood had a graduation rate of 81.8 percent of students earning a diploma in four years, and 81.3 percent of students earning a diploma in five years. This is the lowest graduation rate in years -- and it made our annual report card, given out by the Ohio Department of Education, a D overall.
Besides those statistics, the size of the two school districts are smaller, which would make our school a perfect sample size for such a big risk.
Junior Arielle Gladish says, “I feel as if it helped students in other school districts similar to our own, then it may also benefit Norwood.”
And Oostburg doesn’t just teach to a test. Their altered curriculum has a basis in allowing teachers decide what they want to teach. Giving teachers flexibility in what they want to teach has proven to be beneficial for the performance of their school district.
Along with this, Oostburg high schoolers are required to meet with school counselors regularly to discuss their own plans for the future. Even if they don’t want to go to college, changing the curriculum for this school district has helped students be better prepared for what they have planned in the future.
Changing the way an entire school teaches may seem like a big risk, and it certainly is; but the bottom line is it could change hundreds of students’ lives. After all, isn’t that the goal of teaching?
We Asked, You Answered
What are You Thankful for?
November 26, 2019
We Asked, You Answered
What's Your Favorite Thanksgiving Dish and Dessert? Why?
November 14, 2019
“Turkey is the best part of the meal duh… its Thanksgiving what would be Thanksgiving without the turkey. After the turkey I like to eat ice cream for dessert, it's the best dessert to have with any meal."
- Freshman Nevan Segrist-Bellamah
- Freshman Nevan Segrist-Bellamah
"Yams with marshmallows melted on top of the platter because my mom makes it special and glazes brown sugar on top of it. For dessert Pumpkin Pie because it puts me in the thanksgiving moos."
- Freshman Neia Segrist-Bellamah
- Freshman Neia Segrist-Bellamah
“I love chicken and dumplings because my mom makes them the absolute best. I like the brownies on Thanksgiving because I can dip them into caramel.”
- Senior Dawson Raines
We Asked, You Answered
Should Going Outside During Lunch be Limited to Seniors? Why?
October 30, 2019
"No, because what if we need some fresh air? What if we suffocate?"
-Freshman Isaiah King
-Freshman Isaiah King
"Yeah, because it's better than being in lunch. What would you do outside? Sit on the ground and talk to my friends; maybe we could play too"
- Senior Uxmall Becerril
- Senior Uxmall Becerril
"I mean, I don’t know what to say to that, I don’t really care. I don’t see why not everyone can go outside."
- Senior Destiny Lortos
- Senior Destiny Lortos
"No, it’s not fair, just because its their last year of high school they shouldn’t have everything" What would you do outside? "Eat lunch and talk to my friends."
- Sophomore Kristen Venner
- Sophomore Kristen Venner
No, it’s unfair, because it depends on grades. What would you do outside? Just stand there and talk to people but it gives us a chance to have fun were not inside all day.
- Sophomore Emma Wright
- Sophomore Emma Wright
College Football Playoff Expansion
By Elijah Partin
October 30, 2019
For football fans, the new year is not just about fresh starts, cold weather and glitter confetti swirling as the ball drops. It’s about loud cheering, junk food bingeing and celebrating a victory as your team scores a touchdown at the playoff game.
That is, if your a football fan at a team like Alabama, Georgia or Clemson. Most teams, however, never get that chance at glory.
Only four teams are allowed in college playoffs. Some people want to keep it that way, but others want to expand it to either eight or 11.
Luke Brietzke from the Bleacher Report says those who don’t support the change think an expansion would make the regular season meaningless. Brietzke points to the idea that a playoff should be special and the fact that the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) usually got their predictions right.
On the other hand, those who support the change have a point: it will give more opportunity for the underdogs. This way, there is more competition and will increase the views on television. The playoffs get broadcasted nationally. The more views it gets the more money the raise for better commercials and more activities post and pre-game. The college teams compete all year to just get ranked top four to make it into the playoffs. The four teams that were in it last year were the Oklahoma Sooners, Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, and Clemson Tigers. Clemson won it all last year.
I think the playoffs should be bigger for multiple reasons. The first reason is because it gives underdog teams a shot. Some underdog teams that come to mind is Florida, Notre Dame, Auburn, and LSU. If you give these teams a shot, it will give more players a national stage and a shot to shine. When these players have more time to shine, that’s more time for the NFL scouts to see what they’ve really got.
This is why the college playoffs should be extended to eight or more teams.
October 30, 2019
For football fans, the new year is not just about fresh starts, cold weather and glitter confetti swirling as the ball drops. It’s about loud cheering, junk food bingeing and celebrating a victory as your team scores a touchdown at the playoff game.
That is, if your a football fan at a team like Alabama, Georgia or Clemson. Most teams, however, never get that chance at glory.
Only four teams are allowed in college playoffs. Some people want to keep it that way, but others want to expand it to either eight or 11.
Luke Brietzke from the Bleacher Report says those who don’t support the change think an expansion would make the regular season meaningless. Brietzke points to the idea that a playoff should be special and the fact that the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) usually got their predictions right.
On the other hand, those who support the change have a point: it will give more opportunity for the underdogs. This way, there is more competition and will increase the views on television. The playoffs get broadcasted nationally. The more views it gets the more money the raise for better commercials and more activities post and pre-game. The college teams compete all year to just get ranked top four to make it into the playoffs. The four teams that were in it last year were the Oklahoma Sooners, Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, and Clemson Tigers. Clemson won it all last year.
I think the playoffs should be bigger for multiple reasons. The first reason is because it gives underdog teams a shot. Some underdog teams that come to mind is Florida, Notre Dame, Auburn, and LSU. If you give these teams a shot, it will give more players a national stage and a shot to shine. When these players have more time to shine, that’s more time for the NFL scouts to see what they’ve really got.
This is why the college playoffs should be extended to eight or more teams.
We Asked, You Answered:
Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished?
October 30, 2019
“Yes, because it is cruel to kill prisoners, especially in private for-profit prisons. Everyone deserves a chance to get better.”
- Junior Lily Harlow
- Junior Lily Harlow
“It depends on the crime. If they’re a danger to society or the prison, then the death penalty applies to them.”
- Junior Sophie Williams
- Junior Sophie Williams
“I think the death penalty should be abolished because it doesn’t really make them learn from their crime, and they have to sit in jail with nothing to do. It is more of a punishment than dying.”
- Junior Brianna Ranshaw
- Junior Brianna Ranshaw
Teen Pregnancy
By Brandon Roberts
October 22, 2019
Did you know that the United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate? Well it is most definitely something you should consider thinking about and how you could prevent this.
Teen pregnancy is a worldwide issue. The main cause of this is the amount of exposure teens get on a day to day basis. Looking from their point of view, it is a huge struggle to juggle between being a mom and student which causes the lack of education these young women get.
Not only are the teens being affected, but the kids they will have have a higher risk of being more damaged than the parent. According to the CDC, children of teen mothers have a higher risk of health problems along with lower school achievement and a much larger chance of dropping out.
Pregnancy is a huge factor in the world’s drop-out percentages, only about 50 percent of teen moms actually graduate from high school with a high school diploma.
As parents you should try to be more involved and have talks with your kids based on health and decisions they make on a day-to-day basis because it is so good to have the feeling someone is interested and cares. Don’t be scared to bring it up -- nine times out of 10, the kids have the same exact feeling bringing it up to you.
Be more involved, solve the issue and don’t let your kids blow their nose without a tissue.
October 22, 2019
Did you know that the United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate? Well it is most definitely something you should consider thinking about and how you could prevent this.
Teen pregnancy is a worldwide issue. The main cause of this is the amount of exposure teens get on a day to day basis. Looking from their point of view, it is a huge struggle to juggle between being a mom and student which causes the lack of education these young women get.
Not only are the teens being affected, but the kids they will have have a higher risk of being more damaged than the parent. According to the CDC, children of teen mothers have a higher risk of health problems along with lower school achievement and a much larger chance of dropping out.
Pregnancy is a huge factor in the world’s drop-out percentages, only about 50 percent of teen moms actually graduate from high school with a high school diploma.
As parents you should try to be more involved and have talks with your kids based on health and decisions they make on a day-to-day basis because it is so good to have the feeling someone is interested and cares. Don’t be scared to bring it up -- nine times out of 10, the kids have the same exact feeling bringing it up to you.
Be more involved, solve the issue and don’t let your kids blow their nose without a tissue.
Controlling Parents
By Nallisa Segrist-Bellamah
October 22, 2019
Do parents smother their kids too much? For decades parents have been known as “helicopter parents”, and it's because they are overprotective when it comes to their children's freedom.
People have different opinions on how much freedom parents should give their children. If kids show that they are trustworthy and aren't sneaky, then I feel parents should give them more freedom.
Kids achieving things on there own is more meaningful, “It's when you realized you could do something by yourself. Those are childhood's magic words: ‘I did it myself!’ Not, "’Mommy helped me do it!’”
Teenagers also want to be able to go out and feel grown. Many teenagers don't want their parents hovering over their every move. Teenagers should be able to go out with friends and make mistakes so they can learn and grow from them. Having your kids be social and out in the world ends up building so much character and will be helpful in the future.
“Relax and give them some space. Children learn a lot from failure” This quote is very true and says a lot. When children fail, it builds them and in that moment it might not feel like it, but it really helps them because they can learn from their failures.
Being a controlling parent can cause your kids to be exhausted; your kids will always be worried about what you think or whether or not they will be able to go out and have a fun time. Also, this amount of stress can cause your kids to get anxiety because they see you being so stressed about everything they're doing.
In the end, it'll be better for you because they will end up feeling comfortable to come to you about their problems and express how teenagers are feeling.
Letting go sometimes and allowing your child their freedom to play, get messy and learn new things on their own isn't only good for them, but also for the parent. It'll help the parent raise an independent, strong child who is ready to face whatever the world throws at them.
October 22, 2019
Do parents smother their kids too much? For decades parents have been known as “helicopter parents”, and it's because they are overprotective when it comes to their children's freedom.
People have different opinions on how much freedom parents should give their children. If kids show that they are trustworthy and aren't sneaky, then I feel parents should give them more freedom.
Kids achieving things on there own is more meaningful, “It's when you realized you could do something by yourself. Those are childhood's magic words: ‘I did it myself!’ Not, "’Mommy helped me do it!’”
Teenagers also want to be able to go out and feel grown. Many teenagers don't want their parents hovering over their every move. Teenagers should be able to go out with friends and make mistakes so they can learn and grow from them. Having your kids be social and out in the world ends up building so much character and will be helpful in the future.
“Relax and give them some space. Children learn a lot from failure” This quote is very true and says a lot. When children fail, it builds them and in that moment it might not feel like it, but it really helps them because they can learn from their failures.
Being a controlling parent can cause your kids to be exhausted; your kids will always be worried about what you think or whether or not they will be able to go out and have a fun time. Also, this amount of stress can cause your kids to get anxiety because they see you being so stressed about everything they're doing.
In the end, it'll be better for you because they will end up feeling comfortable to come to you about their problems and express how teenagers are feeling.
Letting go sometimes and allowing your child their freedom to play, get messy and learn new things on their own isn't only good for them, but also for the parent. It'll help the parent raise an independent, strong child who is ready to face whatever the world throws at them.
What are Some Solutions to America's Gun Violence?
By Grace Mersch
October 22, 2019
10 hours and 56 minutes.
There were 10 hours and 56 minutes between the times the first gunshots were heard from a Walmart in El Paso, Tex., and the entrance of a bar in Dayton, Ohio.
In August 2019, 53 people were killed in mass shootings alone. Eight of those people died on Interstate 20 in Midland-Odessa, Tex., at a traffic stop where a man shot aimlessly at cars. Has it been a deadly summer or a deadly year? Will it ever end?
Gun violence is an issue that will never have a simple answer. Guns are rooted in American history -- what was once seen as an iconic symbol of westward expansion in the 19th century is now found in a shoebox inside the closet, hidden in a glovebox, or even carried in a waistband.
While guns remain prevalent in our culture, the danger associated with them grows increasingly every day. Nearly 100 people a day die from gun violence, while eight children are unintentionally shot daily from playing with guns in homes across the country in a phenomenon called “family fire”.
The issue divides our country. Gun control advocates believe the answer is more oversight -- more intense background checks, mental health screenings, and a ban on assault weapons in the United States. On the other side of the debate, gun rights advocates view gun ownership as a fundamental right protected by the Second Amendment.
The Second Amendment is one of the central issues in the gun violence debate. How can we change what our founding fathers guaranteed us?
The truth is: no one needs to own an assault rifle. No one needs to own a weapon that’s meant only to take someone’s life. Using weapons that have the ability to kill 15 people in three seconds is not “self defense”; it’s murder.
When the first school shooting occurred at Columbine High School in Colorado on April 20, 1999, it was the first time regular people understood that it was possible for weapons owned by the police to be helpless against an automatic rifle and a teenage boy. The police remained outside of the school for two hours after the first shots were fired. 13 people were killed.
If average Americans were not allowed to own automatic weapons, over 25 percent of mass killings wouldn’t have occurred. For the same reason that we aren’t allowed to own nuclear weapons or tanks, they just aren’t necessary.
So yes, the Second Amendment protects our right to bear arms, but it is essential as a country to distinguish between weapons that we should and shouldn’t be allowed to own, for the sake of our country and the human race. The longer we wait to make a decision, the more people die on the streets. The time is ticking, and we must consider: do we want to communicate in violence forever?
October 22, 2019
10 hours and 56 minutes.
There were 10 hours and 56 minutes between the times the first gunshots were heard from a Walmart in El Paso, Tex., and the entrance of a bar in Dayton, Ohio.
In August 2019, 53 people were killed in mass shootings alone. Eight of those people died on Interstate 20 in Midland-Odessa, Tex., at a traffic stop where a man shot aimlessly at cars. Has it been a deadly summer or a deadly year? Will it ever end?
Gun violence is an issue that will never have a simple answer. Guns are rooted in American history -- what was once seen as an iconic symbol of westward expansion in the 19th century is now found in a shoebox inside the closet, hidden in a glovebox, or even carried in a waistband.
While guns remain prevalent in our culture, the danger associated with them grows increasingly every day. Nearly 100 people a day die from gun violence, while eight children are unintentionally shot daily from playing with guns in homes across the country in a phenomenon called “family fire”.
The issue divides our country. Gun control advocates believe the answer is more oversight -- more intense background checks, mental health screenings, and a ban on assault weapons in the United States. On the other side of the debate, gun rights advocates view gun ownership as a fundamental right protected by the Second Amendment.
The Second Amendment is one of the central issues in the gun violence debate. How can we change what our founding fathers guaranteed us?
The truth is: no one needs to own an assault rifle. No one needs to own a weapon that’s meant only to take someone’s life. Using weapons that have the ability to kill 15 people in three seconds is not “self defense”; it’s murder.
When the first school shooting occurred at Columbine High School in Colorado on April 20, 1999, it was the first time regular people understood that it was possible for weapons owned by the police to be helpless against an automatic rifle and a teenage boy. The police remained outside of the school for two hours after the first shots were fired. 13 people were killed.
If average Americans were not allowed to own automatic weapons, over 25 percent of mass killings wouldn’t have occurred. For the same reason that we aren’t allowed to own nuclear weapons or tanks, they just aren’t necessary.
So yes, the Second Amendment protects our right to bear arms, but it is essential as a country to distinguish between weapons that we should and shouldn’t be allowed to own, for the sake of our country and the human race. The longer we wait to make a decision, the more people die on the streets. The time is ticking, and we must consider: do we want to communicate in violence forever?
Cheerleading: Sport or Not?
By Raegan Lewis
October 22, 2019
Is cheerleading a sport? That's been a very common question when cheer is brought up regarding if it was a sport or not. Some agree it is a sport, while others agree it's not.
To answer the question so many people are dying to know, yes, it is a sport. According to https://www.theodysseyonline.com/cheerleading-considered-sport-care, it's considered more than a sport. Cheerleading meets all the requirements to be a sport.
You may be wondering “What makes cheerleading a sport?” Well, let's start with the definition of sport. Dictionary.com has defined sport as, “an athletic activity that requires physical prowess or skill and often a competitive nature”. Have you ever tried to throw a person over 100 lbs in the air and catch them? It's a little harder than you might think.
Imagine a time when you fell, now put yourself in the air with people below you supporting you, then boom, they drop you. Imagine how much pain you'd be in if you were dropped 5 feet in the air.
As stated by https://www.sportscasting.com/deadliest-dangerous-professional-sport-isnt-think/, cheerleading is the 14 most deadliest sports in the world, many individuals seem to think that cheerleading isn't as dangerous because its 14 right? Think about how many sports are in the world, there are hundreds.
The competitiveness to try to be better than everyone else around you is just like every other sport. Think about football or basketball; you’d want to be better than the other team, right?. If you think gymnastics is a sport (which it is), then why don’t you think cheerleading is? They flip and jump just like gymnasts.
Cheerleading isn’t commonly considered a sport because of its lack of competitiveness, people believe they are to stand on the court or field entertaining the crowd and look pretty. Since cheerleaders are not being challenging nor going against other cheerleaders, they consider it not a sport.
What those people are forgetting is they flip, jump, tumble, and that is what helps make it a sport.
Part of the reason why everyone has a negative opinion to cheer being a sport is because of the reputation it has. When people think of cheerleaders, they usually think of blond, not smart, short-skirt-wearing, shaking-their-pom-pom girls. It's not like that at all. They are hard-working, jumping, cheering, smiling young ladies that love cheering for their team.
In conclusion, cheerleading is a sport whether you like it or not. Depending on the website you look at, you’ll get a variety of yes and no. Just because someone is not out on a field throwing a ball or hitting one doesn’t mean they’re not athletes. They work just as hard and sometimes even harder than most people who play sports.
October 22, 2019
Is cheerleading a sport? That's been a very common question when cheer is brought up regarding if it was a sport or not. Some agree it is a sport, while others agree it's not.
To answer the question so many people are dying to know, yes, it is a sport. According to https://www.theodysseyonline.com/cheerleading-considered-sport-care, it's considered more than a sport. Cheerleading meets all the requirements to be a sport.
You may be wondering “What makes cheerleading a sport?” Well, let's start with the definition of sport. Dictionary.com has defined sport as, “an athletic activity that requires physical prowess or skill and often a competitive nature”. Have you ever tried to throw a person over 100 lbs in the air and catch them? It's a little harder than you might think.
Imagine a time when you fell, now put yourself in the air with people below you supporting you, then boom, they drop you. Imagine how much pain you'd be in if you were dropped 5 feet in the air.
As stated by https://www.sportscasting.com/deadliest-dangerous-professional-sport-isnt-think/, cheerleading is the 14 most deadliest sports in the world, many individuals seem to think that cheerleading isn't as dangerous because its 14 right? Think about how many sports are in the world, there are hundreds.
The competitiveness to try to be better than everyone else around you is just like every other sport. Think about football or basketball; you’d want to be better than the other team, right?. If you think gymnastics is a sport (which it is), then why don’t you think cheerleading is? They flip and jump just like gymnasts.
Cheerleading isn’t commonly considered a sport because of its lack of competitiveness, people believe they are to stand on the court or field entertaining the crowd and look pretty. Since cheerleaders are not being challenging nor going against other cheerleaders, they consider it not a sport.
What those people are forgetting is they flip, jump, tumble, and that is what helps make it a sport.
Part of the reason why everyone has a negative opinion to cheer being a sport is because of the reputation it has. When people think of cheerleaders, they usually think of blond, not smart, short-skirt-wearing, shaking-their-pom-pom girls. It's not like that at all. They are hard-working, jumping, cheering, smiling young ladies that love cheering for their team.
In conclusion, cheerleading is a sport whether you like it or not. Depending on the website you look at, you’ll get a variety of yes and no. Just because someone is not out on a field throwing a ball or hitting one doesn’t mean they’re not athletes. They work just as hard and sometimes even harder than most people who play sports.
Let Your Voice Be Heard
By Daliah Khalil
October 22, 2019
Summers are getting hotter while winters are not getting any colder. Climate change is affecting the Earth at an extremely rapid pace. Youth, teenagers and adults from around the world come together to help make a difference. A well-known activist among the youth today is Greta Thunberg. Teens from all over the world use their voices to be heard by national leaders.
Teens’ voices are making a difference in the climate change debate. They have all made an impact on how climate change can be solved.
A great example of a teen getting involved in the climate change debate is Thunberg. She is by far the most engaged about global warming than any adults or youth around the world. She has participated in many events such as the United Nations Climate Action Summit, Skolstrejk Fӧr Klimatet (School Strike for Climate), Global #ClimateStrike and so much more. At this year’s United Nations Climate Action Summit, Thunberg gives a speech that teens from around the world will not forget. Thunberg calls out official leaders for conversing and caring more about money and eternal economic growth rather than the climate change that is occurring rapidly (Los Angeles Times).
According to the Washington Post, Thunberg consistently misses school to go make a difference in the environment. She had made petitioner ranging from 8-17 years old come to support the strike. Thunberg believes as a group, youth of the world will be able to help make a change in the environment. There were petitioners from all over the world such as Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, India and many more nations.
Teens are, in fact, helping make a difference in today's society with climate change. They have helped impacted the way each government addresses global warming and how to make changes within their nation. Teenagers today are more motivated and more involved in politics than ever before, which is great because this shows the youth want to get involved with politics. Youth and teenagers could do many different things to help prevent climate change; they can recycle, compost, save electricity, and carpool as much as possible.
How will you help change the world? Will you help make a difference in the environment?
October 22, 2019
Summers are getting hotter while winters are not getting any colder. Climate change is affecting the Earth at an extremely rapid pace. Youth, teenagers and adults from around the world come together to help make a difference. A well-known activist among the youth today is Greta Thunberg. Teens from all over the world use their voices to be heard by national leaders.
Teens’ voices are making a difference in the climate change debate. They have all made an impact on how climate change can be solved.
A great example of a teen getting involved in the climate change debate is Thunberg. She is by far the most engaged about global warming than any adults or youth around the world. She has participated in many events such as the United Nations Climate Action Summit, Skolstrejk Fӧr Klimatet (School Strike for Climate), Global #ClimateStrike and so much more. At this year’s United Nations Climate Action Summit, Thunberg gives a speech that teens from around the world will not forget. Thunberg calls out official leaders for conversing and caring more about money and eternal economic growth rather than the climate change that is occurring rapidly (Los Angeles Times).
According to the Washington Post, Thunberg consistently misses school to go make a difference in the environment. She had made petitioner ranging from 8-17 years old come to support the strike. Thunberg believes as a group, youth of the world will be able to help make a change in the environment. There were petitioners from all over the world such as Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, India and many more nations.
Teens are, in fact, helping make a difference in today's society with climate change. They have helped impacted the way each government addresses global warming and how to make changes within their nation. Teenagers today are more motivated and more involved in politics than ever before, which is great because this shows the youth want to get involved with politics. Youth and teenagers could do many different things to help prevent climate change; they can recycle, compost, save electricity, and carpool as much as possible.
How will you help change the world? Will you help make a difference in the environment?
Should Schools Teach Children to Cook?
By Braeden Eynon Long
October 22, 2019
The question is: Should schools teach children to cook? The answer is yes, absolutely.
All children should know how to cook, bake or do any form of food prep. Knowing how to prepare a nutritious meal is crucial to eating well in adult life. This lack of knowledge is causing a health and obesity crisis in the United States.
The lack of education on how to cook is causing students to go through their academic career not knowing how to cook and relying on their parents for food. When they reach adulthood without knowing how to cook, they will not cook nutritious meals at home and will rely on processed foods.
In an article from The New York Times, “Cooking is a way to talk about healthy ingredients.” Teaching children at the school age could help to reinforce healthy eating later in life. Learning how to cook with healthy ingredients, especially at a young age, will benefit children later. Where do children spend the most time? School. School would be the best place to teach children to cook as they are there for a significant portion of the day, but the cost of the resources, classroom and teachers could be an issue. The cost of finding teachers to staff all the classes around the US could be too great to support these kinds of classes.
The value of cooking is greater than the costs of getting these classes up and running for a lot of schools. In a school setting, having a class for students to learn how to cook is crucial to not only helping to keep a nutritious diet later in life, but to fight back against what The New York Times calls “our current obesity epidemic”. The solution is to at least put a plan in place to start to get cooking classes set up around schools in the United States.
If the local school district won’t start a cooking class, parents and caregivers can work to teach their children to cook and also help to reinforce health habits for later in life. Should schools teach children to cook? Yes; yes they should.
October 22, 2019
The question is: Should schools teach children to cook? The answer is yes, absolutely.
All children should know how to cook, bake or do any form of food prep. Knowing how to prepare a nutritious meal is crucial to eating well in adult life. This lack of knowledge is causing a health and obesity crisis in the United States.
The lack of education on how to cook is causing students to go through their academic career not knowing how to cook and relying on their parents for food. When they reach adulthood without knowing how to cook, they will not cook nutritious meals at home and will rely on processed foods.
In an article from The New York Times, “Cooking is a way to talk about healthy ingredients.” Teaching children at the school age could help to reinforce healthy eating later in life. Learning how to cook with healthy ingredients, especially at a young age, will benefit children later. Where do children spend the most time? School. School would be the best place to teach children to cook as they are there for a significant portion of the day, but the cost of the resources, classroom and teachers could be an issue. The cost of finding teachers to staff all the classes around the US could be too great to support these kinds of classes.
The value of cooking is greater than the costs of getting these classes up and running for a lot of schools. In a school setting, having a class for students to learn how to cook is crucial to not only helping to keep a nutritious diet later in life, but to fight back against what The New York Times calls “our current obesity epidemic”. The solution is to at least put a plan in place to start to get cooking classes set up around schools in the United States.
If the local school district won’t start a cooking class, parents and caregivers can work to teach their children to cook and also help to reinforce health habits for later in life. Should schools teach children to cook? Yes; yes they should.
When Does Discipline Become Child Abuse?
By Tara Boettcher
October 21, 2019
One thing people may not realize is that the word “discipline” actually means self-control, along with the practice of training people to obey rules using punishment to correct obedience. It is most commonly known as the system of teaching a child what is and is not appropriate behavior.
Everyone’s parenting style--the ways parents interact with their child-- is different. While styles may vary widely from parent to parent, there is a clear line when discipline crosses to abuse.
Too many parents abuse their children under the guise of discipline, and it should be stopped. Parents must learn the difference between discipline and abuse.
Opinions on what constitutes as child abuse are ample. There are some people who think spanking or any type of physical contact is child abuse, and there are some people who believe that physical contact is alright as long as no long-term injuries occur. However, the general law for physical contact used as punishment is “Any intentional physical contact that causes bodily injury or extreme physical pain to a child can be prosecuted as a criminal act.” In other words, if injuries need medical treatment or a mark is left, you will be arrested and/or prosecuted. This is abuse, not discipline.
If injury is caused or anger drives the form of punishment instead of the need to teach the child, then the discipline and abuse line has been crossed. The best way to avoid crossing the line out of anger and frustration is to take time to cool down before punishing a child. The punishment does not always have to be physical. Experts point to strategies like these to decrease the amount of intentional or accidental mental, physical, and emotional abuse towards a child.
Just to be safe, an option to choose from is to only punish kids with non-physical discipline. There are many ways to make sure kids behave appropriately from that point on, such as making a child sit in time-outs, taking away privileges, teaching new skills, allowing for natural consequences, rewarding good behavior, and praising good behavior. The best kind of discipline for children is one that is stern but also sensitive and responsive. Children and teens do not want to feel as if they have no freedom.
In short, there should be a connection between kids and their parents. Kids need discipline, but physical harm towards a child for punishment should never be acceptable.
October 21, 2019
One thing people may not realize is that the word “discipline” actually means self-control, along with the practice of training people to obey rules using punishment to correct obedience. It is most commonly known as the system of teaching a child what is and is not appropriate behavior.
Everyone’s parenting style--the ways parents interact with their child-- is different. While styles may vary widely from parent to parent, there is a clear line when discipline crosses to abuse.
Too many parents abuse their children under the guise of discipline, and it should be stopped. Parents must learn the difference between discipline and abuse.
Opinions on what constitutes as child abuse are ample. There are some people who think spanking or any type of physical contact is child abuse, and there are some people who believe that physical contact is alright as long as no long-term injuries occur. However, the general law for physical contact used as punishment is “Any intentional physical contact that causes bodily injury or extreme physical pain to a child can be prosecuted as a criminal act.” In other words, if injuries need medical treatment or a mark is left, you will be arrested and/or prosecuted. This is abuse, not discipline.
If injury is caused or anger drives the form of punishment instead of the need to teach the child, then the discipline and abuse line has been crossed. The best way to avoid crossing the line out of anger and frustration is to take time to cool down before punishing a child. The punishment does not always have to be physical. Experts point to strategies like these to decrease the amount of intentional or accidental mental, physical, and emotional abuse towards a child.
Just to be safe, an option to choose from is to only punish kids with non-physical discipline. There are many ways to make sure kids behave appropriately from that point on, such as making a child sit in time-outs, taking away privileges, teaching new skills, allowing for natural consequences, rewarding good behavior, and praising good behavior. The best kind of discipline for children is one that is stern but also sensitive and responsive. Children and teens do not want to feel as if they have no freedom.
In short, there should be a connection between kids and their parents. Kids need discipline, but physical harm towards a child for punishment should never be acceptable.
Can Money Buy Happiness?
By Emily Betts
October 18 2019
Can money buy you happiness? There are always many different opinions when it comes to this topic, so is it true? While money can buy you fancy cars, homes or even luxury things. Does it really make you happy?
Well, depending on your lifestyle and your outlook on life, it all depends. Some people love the luxury life and having everything fancy, which is great.
But on the other end, some people like living their life with what they’ve got. Not everyone wants to have everything nice. Money can't buy you love, which is the main cause of happiness. So does that mean it can't?
Well, lots of people think being happy is more important than having money, yet people tend to stay in jobs they don't like and live their lives unhappy. So they would think money can buy you happiness, while some believe having love is all that matters. Having both is nice. Money and love is great -- you get to be with the love of your life while able to have anything you both desire.
Let's admit, living without money is hard. We all need money to get through life because how would you survive without money? You need money to buy food, drinks and even somewhere to live. So money can buy you lots of things and looking at it this way, you do need food to be happy, so yes, it can buy you happiness.
So to answer the question -- can money really buy happiness? It just all depends on you, it is what you believe and the lifestyle you want to live. So ask yourself, can money really buy happiness?
October 18 2019
Can money buy you happiness? There are always many different opinions when it comes to this topic, so is it true? While money can buy you fancy cars, homes or even luxury things. Does it really make you happy?
Well, depending on your lifestyle and your outlook on life, it all depends. Some people love the luxury life and having everything fancy, which is great.
But on the other end, some people like living their life with what they’ve got. Not everyone wants to have everything nice. Money can't buy you love, which is the main cause of happiness. So does that mean it can't?
Well, lots of people think being happy is more important than having money, yet people tend to stay in jobs they don't like and live their lives unhappy. So they would think money can buy you happiness, while some believe having love is all that matters. Having both is nice. Money and love is great -- you get to be with the love of your life while able to have anything you both desire.
Let's admit, living without money is hard. We all need money to get through life because how would you survive without money? You need money to buy food, drinks and even somewhere to live. So money can buy you lots of things and looking at it this way, you do need food to be happy, so yes, it can buy you happiness.
So to answer the question -- can money really buy happiness? It just all depends on you, it is what you believe and the lifestyle you want to live. So ask yourself, can money really buy happiness?
Should School Change The Curriculum?
By Destiny Lortos
October 18, 2019
Every high school senior is familiar with the pressure of deciding a major. What if that pressure could be at ease with more opportunities to help students pick a major, or at least have a better idea?
Students go into college and the real world unprepared.
According to Study Breaks, “an estimated 20 to 50 percent of students enter college as undecided, and an estimated 75 percent of students change their major at least once before graduation.”
Schools don’t allow students to actually experience some of the work out there. Therefore, when junior and senior year hits, students are left panicking about what career or major they would like to go in because often they have no idea what they want to do because they lack the experience and opportunities. If students were given more opportunities to see the world, maybe more students would feel confident entering college and have a better understanding of what they would like to do.
According to Business Insider, “Only 16 percent of students are required to take a personal finance course to graduate highschool.” There’s 1.45 trillion student debt. Because of this, 70 percent of students are worried about saving for retirement. If students have a better financial understanding, it could help change these numbers and lower them.
Schools are not providing enough opportunities for students to learn real life things such as budgeting and finance. Schools do a great job at preparing students in every other way academically for college, but forgot an important aspect in life. Because of this students stress out and go into debt.
According to NPR, “Some states, such as Indiana and Pennsylvania, require some coursework in FCS in middle or high school. But it's often offered as an elective.” NPR also says how there’s a 38 percent decrease and it continues to “fade away”. These classes help students learn to take care of themselves and do basic skills.
It may be argued how these basic skills should be taught at home. However, most students don’t have to do these basic needs and are done for them. Students also might not have the role models or resources needed to learn these life skills. Therefore, it is important that schools teach them.
What do you think: should schools change the curriculum and allow students to explore and learn about the real world?
October 18, 2019
Every high school senior is familiar with the pressure of deciding a major. What if that pressure could be at ease with more opportunities to help students pick a major, or at least have a better idea?
Students go into college and the real world unprepared.
According to Study Breaks, “an estimated 20 to 50 percent of students enter college as undecided, and an estimated 75 percent of students change their major at least once before graduation.”
Schools don’t allow students to actually experience some of the work out there. Therefore, when junior and senior year hits, students are left panicking about what career or major they would like to go in because often they have no idea what they want to do because they lack the experience and opportunities. If students were given more opportunities to see the world, maybe more students would feel confident entering college and have a better understanding of what they would like to do.
According to Business Insider, “Only 16 percent of students are required to take a personal finance course to graduate highschool.” There’s 1.45 trillion student debt. Because of this, 70 percent of students are worried about saving for retirement. If students have a better financial understanding, it could help change these numbers and lower them.
Schools are not providing enough opportunities for students to learn real life things such as budgeting and finance. Schools do a great job at preparing students in every other way academically for college, but forgot an important aspect in life. Because of this students stress out and go into debt.
According to NPR, “Some states, such as Indiana and Pennsylvania, require some coursework in FCS in middle or high school. But it's often offered as an elective.” NPR also says how there’s a 38 percent decrease and it continues to “fade away”. These classes help students learn to take care of themselves and do basic skills.
It may be argued how these basic skills should be taught at home. However, most students don’t have to do these basic needs and are done for them. Students also might not have the role models or resources needed to learn these life skills. Therefore, it is important that schools teach them.
What do you think: should schools change the curriculum and allow students to explore and learn about the real world?
Are School Dances Worth it?
By Emily Saul
October 18, 2019
When the season of homecoming or prom arrives, excitement fills schools as students highly anticipate one of the best parts about being a high school student.
Or is it?
While these popular school dances can be fun, together they can cost an outrageous amount of money. Prom alone can cost up to $1000; sometimes even more. With that number plus the slightly cheaper cost of homecoming for however many years you may go to both, you could pay for a couple years worth of college textbooks.
Not only can these dances destroy your bank account, but they can also destroy your composure. The idea of planning an entire night filled with dinner, pictures and the dance itself can cause an overwhelming amount of stress. You have to start planning weeks ahead when you’re going to buy your outfit and shoes, when to get your hair, nails and makeup done, who you’re going to go with and how and when to ask them, etc. The day of just getting ready can end up being rushed and just make it, altogether, not fun. Just the feeling of being at the dance and having to make sure your fitting in with everyone else is stressful, too.
Of course not everyone deals with these kinds of problems. Some people may just not get stressed out or feel they have too much to do in too little time on Homecoming/Prom Day. If you are one of these people who only pictures the fun dancing when thinking of homecoming or prom, then there’s nothing to make these times not worth it. However, if they cause you insurmountable stress and devastation to your wallet, then it’s really not worth dragging yourself there just because it’s a popular event and you feel obligated to go.
Homecoming and prom are both an important part of the high school experience, so you should try to go at least once, if possible, to see how you feel about it. If you remember the day as a joyful time with friends, then they are for you, but if you look back reliving the stress and empty pockets, it’s really not worth it to go again.
October 18, 2019
When the season of homecoming or prom arrives, excitement fills schools as students highly anticipate one of the best parts about being a high school student.
Or is it?
While these popular school dances can be fun, together they can cost an outrageous amount of money. Prom alone can cost up to $1000; sometimes even more. With that number plus the slightly cheaper cost of homecoming for however many years you may go to both, you could pay for a couple years worth of college textbooks.
Not only can these dances destroy your bank account, but they can also destroy your composure. The idea of planning an entire night filled with dinner, pictures and the dance itself can cause an overwhelming amount of stress. You have to start planning weeks ahead when you’re going to buy your outfit and shoes, when to get your hair, nails and makeup done, who you’re going to go with and how and when to ask them, etc. The day of just getting ready can end up being rushed and just make it, altogether, not fun. Just the feeling of being at the dance and having to make sure your fitting in with everyone else is stressful, too.
Of course not everyone deals with these kinds of problems. Some people may just not get stressed out or feel they have too much to do in too little time on Homecoming/Prom Day. If you are one of these people who only pictures the fun dancing when thinking of homecoming or prom, then there’s nothing to make these times not worth it. However, if they cause you insurmountable stress and devastation to your wallet, then it’s really not worth dragging yourself there just because it’s a popular event and you feel obligated to go.
Homecoming and prom are both an important part of the high school experience, so you should try to go at least once, if possible, to see how you feel about it. If you remember the day as a joyful time with friends, then they are for you, but if you look back reliving the stress and empty pockets, it’s really not worth it to go again.
We Asked, You Answered:
What are Your Plans for Halloween this Year?
October 4, 2019
“My girlfriend and I are going to dress up and pass out candy and might walk around for a bit. I am very excited!”
- Junior Brayden Manning
- Junior Brayden Manning
“Well, since 16 year olds and up are no longer allowed to trick or treat, I’m going to drive and steal all of the little kids' candy.
- Junior Brendon Nies
- Junior Brendon Nies
“I’m probably just walking around, hanging out with my friends and family. I’m excited for Halloween.”
- Junior Noah Moyers
- Junior Noah Moyers
We Asked, You Answered:
What is Your Opinion on the Elimination of the Ninth Grade ELA State Test?
October 4, 2019
“I think that freshmen should take the English state test because it has been a requirement for the last few years and it will help improve the ability of writing and reading comprehension for students.”
- Junior Aaron Barr
- Junior Aaron Barr
“We didn’t really find out until the bill passed and teacher placements had already been made. It would have been nice to know in advance, but otherwise I think it is good because I don’t think that test was geared towards ninth graders.”
- Biology teacher Leslie Hadaway
- Biology teacher Leslie Hadaway
“That is unfair for us. Why would they do that? English is a main course. I get why they would eliminate math but not english.”
- Junior Miguel Martinez Gomez
- Junior Miguel Martinez Gomez
We Asked, You Answered:
Do You Think Schools Should Allow Teachers to be Armed?
September 18, 2019
“Yes, but not all teachers. Only teachers that have the skill and those who are qualified.”
- P.E. teacher Brian Pitzer
- P.E. teacher Brian Pitzer
“Yes because it could potentially save lives.”
- Secretary Anjanette Raines
- Secretary Anjanette Raines
“No because you need to be more than just being certified; you need to have quite a lot of training.”
- Secretary Melissa Thomas
- Secretary Melissa Thomas
We Asked, You Answered:
Do You Think Standing for the National Anthem and Saying the Pledge of Allegiance be Mandatory in Schools?
September 17, 2019
"I don’t think it should be mandatory, but it should still be played. I think it should be a choice. I would stand for the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance but it should be a choice."
- GEAR UP advisor Savannah Dayberry
- GEAR UP advisor Savannah Dayberry
“I think it should be mandatory because you’re standing for the pledge and for our country. We are supporting our country and standing for our freedom.”
- Freshman Layla Iglesias
- Freshman Layla Iglesias
One, constitutionally, it is not mandatory, but I do believe we should play both, and I do believe they should be quiet and respectful during that time, and we can ask them to stand. I think we always need to remember what both of them stand for. I have no problem saying it at the end of the day.”
- Social studies teacher Rick Robisch
- Social studies teacher Rick Robisch
We Asked, You Answered:
What's Your View on the Brooke Skylar Richardson Case?
September 16, 2019
"She deserves jail time, definitely, but there was really no way the court could find proof."
- Junior Reagan Campbell
- Junior Reagan Campbell
"I don’t know much about it, but I think she should have gotten some type of jail time. I think it was wrong for her to bury her baby and keep it a secret."
- Senior Paige Illing
- Senior Paige Illing
"I think it’s an awful situation, and I think she should definitely serve jail time. Also, even if the baby came out dead, why wouldn’t she tell anybody? She obviously had bad intentions if she was keeping the whole baby situation a secret in general. Who told her it was okay to take matters into her own hands?"
- Junior Brendon Nies
- Junior Brendon Nies
We Asked, You Answered:
What's Your Go-To Fall Outfit?
September 16, 2019
“My go-to outfit would be a flannel, ripped jeans, human races, and white nike socks.”
- Janitor Isaiah Freeman
“My go-to fall outfit is leggings, boots, and a sweater.”
- Librarian Katie Long
“My go-to fall outfit would be jeans, boots, and a Norwood hoodie. If it’s hot it would be shorts and a T-shirt."
- Secretary Anjanette Raines
2018-19 School Year
Should End of Course Tests Be Able To Determine Our Future?
By Emily Saul
April 25, 2019
The end of the school year comes with great satisfaction, as we are all about to get a three-month-long break, which is rightly deserved after nine months of waking up at 6 a.m. Unfortunately, it also means the dreaded state testing.
State tests are long, boring, and really a drag, dampening the excitement of summer break. For seniors, this isn’t something most of them have to worry about anymore, but for everyone else, we have to deal with the annoyance of sitting in a classroom, looking at a computer screen for four hours for each test we are required to take.
We take these tests to show we’re on the right track for graduation and to show we’ve learned the core requirements for the year. Most people think they shouldn’t exist. I think these tests are necessary to a certain extent, but over the years they have come to be taken too seriously and determine more than they should. I also think they may not always be entirely accurate in showing what we know.
We often hear about how the countries who don't give their students state tests are the ones who are ranked highest for their education system. For example, a YouTube video made by the channel Visions of Helsinki, Finland has the best education system because they give their students nothing like a state test, and they claim they prepare them for life.
However, these countries also don’t take the SAT or the ACT, and the end of course tests can really help us prepare for those, because, by the end of high school, we’ve really become comfortable with sitting through long tests and maintaining our focus.
According to the Ohio Department of Education, “These tests help guide and strengthen future teaching so we can be sure that we are preparing our students for long-term success in school, college, careers and life.”
If the tests exist for teachers showing how they taught rather than students showing how well they maintained information over an entire year, then why should the results be able to determine our future?
The tests should not be able to determine whether or not we can finish high school. We are given these tests towards the end of the year, during exam time and also when we have almost no motivation left, so naturally students will zone out while taking them and may not show what they actually know.
I believe state tests are necessary, but shouldn’t determine if we graduate. There's way too much pressure on students to get the points we need before we’re seniors. We probably hear the sentence, “You need 18 points in order to graduate,” at least once a week. After a while, it starts to feel like we come to school to beat a game, rather than to get an actual education.
April 25, 2019
The end of the school year comes with great satisfaction, as we are all about to get a three-month-long break, which is rightly deserved after nine months of waking up at 6 a.m. Unfortunately, it also means the dreaded state testing.
State tests are long, boring, and really a drag, dampening the excitement of summer break. For seniors, this isn’t something most of them have to worry about anymore, but for everyone else, we have to deal with the annoyance of sitting in a classroom, looking at a computer screen for four hours for each test we are required to take.
We take these tests to show we’re on the right track for graduation and to show we’ve learned the core requirements for the year. Most people think they shouldn’t exist. I think these tests are necessary to a certain extent, but over the years they have come to be taken too seriously and determine more than they should. I also think they may not always be entirely accurate in showing what we know.
We often hear about how the countries who don't give their students state tests are the ones who are ranked highest for their education system. For example, a YouTube video made by the channel Visions of Helsinki, Finland has the best education system because they give their students nothing like a state test, and they claim they prepare them for life.
However, these countries also don’t take the SAT or the ACT, and the end of course tests can really help us prepare for those, because, by the end of high school, we’ve really become comfortable with sitting through long tests and maintaining our focus.
According to the Ohio Department of Education, “These tests help guide and strengthen future teaching so we can be sure that we are preparing our students for long-term success in school, college, careers and life.”
If the tests exist for teachers showing how they taught rather than students showing how well they maintained information over an entire year, then why should the results be able to determine our future?
The tests should not be able to determine whether or not we can finish high school. We are given these tests towards the end of the year, during exam time and also when we have almost no motivation left, so naturally students will zone out while taking them and may not show what they actually know.
I believe state tests are necessary, but shouldn’t determine if we graduate. There's way too much pressure on students to get the points we need before we’re seniors. We probably hear the sentence, “You need 18 points in order to graduate,” at least once a week. After a while, it starts to feel like we come to school to beat a game, rather than to get an actual education.
The Heartbeat Bill Heartache
By Sophie Isaacs
April 23, 2019
An 11-year-old girl gets raped. Filled with shame and confusion, she doesn't have the courage to tell anyone. She has just become another of the one in five women who will get raped at some point in their life. Time will tell if she’ll be a part of the 81 percent of women who suffer from PTSD after sexual assault, but for now, she’s carrying her rapist's baby in her 11-year-old womb.
Not even having been to her first dance, she doesn't know the signs of a pregnancy. Even if she did, she might not have noticed them. Ever since the trauma she’s been suffering in silent misery. However, it makes itself known. She doesn’t find out until she's 7 weeks along. The baby already has a heartbeat. She has to carry to term.
Who’s making her keep this baby? Ohio Governor Mike Dewine and Ohio’s General Assembly. This little girl was unwillingly impregnated, and now she's being forced to give birth to her rapist’s baby. This is a real situation that could happen in Ohio. Why are we okay with this?
This new law summed up by NPR, “Now known as the 'Human Rights Protection Act,' SB 23 outlaws abortions as early as five or six weeks into a pregnancy, before many women know they're pregnant. It is one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country.”
So what will become of her baby after her long and painful labor? Considering the circumstances of her unwanted pregnancy, it's likely that she doesn't want to keep it because it's a devastating and constant reminder of trauma and her non-existent autonomy in her own life. Maybe what was once a ball of fertilized cells with no consciousness will now be one of the 2.5 million homeless children in the U.S. Or, if it's lucky, it could be a part of the 443,000 that are in foster care on any given day.
A woman, or little girl, should have the right to choose whether they want to go through the emotional and physical toll of having a nine month pregnancy. There's a reason for the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade. There's a reason that 71 percent of Americans support this decision. There’s a reason for women marching in the streets in protest. Our country seems to be taking steps backward every day.
People are upset, divided, and too entertained with President Trump swearing in his latest presidential address or his delirious set of tweets that came out at 3 a.m. the previous night. Stand up for what you believe in and for the people who can't stand up for themselves. If you’re “pro-life” consider the well-being of lives that already exist around you, instead of being anti-choice.
Want to at least attempt to make a difference? Want to feel like you have freedom and choice? Want to feel like we live in a democracy? Contact Governor Mike Dewine and let him know your thoughts on the law. https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/contact
April 23, 2019
An 11-year-old girl gets raped. Filled with shame and confusion, she doesn't have the courage to tell anyone. She has just become another of the one in five women who will get raped at some point in their life. Time will tell if she’ll be a part of the 81 percent of women who suffer from PTSD after sexual assault, but for now, she’s carrying her rapist's baby in her 11-year-old womb.
Not even having been to her first dance, she doesn't know the signs of a pregnancy. Even if she did, she might not have noticed them. Ever since the trauma she’s been suffering in silent misery. However, it makes itself known. She doesn’t find out until she's 7 weeks along. The baby already has a heartbeat. She has to carry to term.
Who’s making her keep this baby? Ohio Governor Mike Dewine and Ohio’s General Assembly. This little girl was unwillingly impregnated, and now she's being forced to give birth to her rapist’s baby. This is a real situation that could happen in Ohio. Why are we okay with this?
This new law summed up by NPR, “Now known as the 'Human Rights Protection Act,' SB 23 outlaws abortions as early as five or six weeks into a pregnancy, before many women know they're pregnant. It is one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country.”
So what will become of her baby after her long and painful labor? Considering the circumstances of her unwanted pregnancy, it's likely that she doesn't want to keep it because it's a devastating and constant reminder of trauma and her non-existent autonomy in her own life. Maybe what was once a ball of fertilized cells with no consciousness will now be one of the 2.5 million homeless children in the U.S. Or, if it's lucky, it could be a part of the 443,000 that are in foster care on any given day.
A woman, or little girl, should have the right to choose whether they want to go through the emotional and physical toll of having a nine month pregnancy. There's a reason for the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade. There's a reason that 71 percent of Americans support this decision. There’s a reason for women marching in the streets in protest. Our country seems to be taking steps backward every day.
People are upset, divided, and too entertained with President Trump swearing in his latest presidential address or his delirious set of tweets that came out at 3 a.m. the previous night. Stand up for what you believe in and for the people who can't stand up for themselves. If you’re “pro-life” consider the well-being of lives that already exist around you, instead of being anti-choice.
Want to at least attempt to make a difference? Want to feel like you have freedom and choice? Want to feel like we live in a democracy? Contact Governor Mike Dewine and let him know your thoughts on the law. https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/contact
Summer
By Moe Daabes
April 22, 2019
Whether you are an adult or a kid, everyone loves summer. If you're a kid you don't have to wake up for school, and honestly I can just stop after that because there's nothing better than not having to wake up for school. Now for adults, it just depends on what your profession is, but you're most likely going to go on a vacation, and that's exciting (except for the fact that you have to pay for it). On the bright side, you don't have to wake up at the crack of dawn to get your kids to school.
It's the time of year when you and your friends can go hang out at the pool after a hot long football or soccer practice, and when the day is over you can just go stay the night with your friend.
As junior Haylie Schuler says, “I can not wait for summer. I get to sleep in, go to the pool with my friends and I’ll finally be tan again!”
It's not all fun though, because unless you don't want to have money to do anything, you're going to have to get a job. That's going to cause you to miss a couple of nice days when your friends are all together playing basketball without you, but it's okay because sometimes money calls. *shrug*
Forget all that! I know the number one thing I'm most excited for is leaving the house with less than 20 pieces of clothes on. Walking outside without immediate dry air smacking your lips faster than white shoes getting dirty.
Even though I love summer, I'm not going to sugarcoat all of it, because that heat gets out of hand. In the winter you can put on a lot of clothes and make yourself warm, but you can take off however many layers you want it's not getting any colder. Trust me we don't want to see people in some of the clothes they think it's appropriate to wear because “it's hot.”
Enjoy the summer. Not too much though because those tan lines are something serious.
April 22, 2019
Whether you are an adult or a kid, everyone loves summer. If you're a kid you don't have to wake up for school, and honestly I can just stop after that because there's nothing better than not having to wake up for school. Now for adults, it just depends on what your profession is, but you're most likely going to go on a vacation, and that's exciting (except for the fact that you have to pay for it). On the bright side, you don't have to wake up at the crack of dawn to get your kids to school.
It's the time of year when you and your friends can go hang out at the pool after a hot long football or soccer practice, and when the day is over you can just go stay the night with your friend.
As junior Haylie Schuler says, “I can not wait for summer. I get to sleep in, go to the pool with my friends and I’ll finally be tan again!”
It's not all fun though, because unless you don't want to have money to do anything, you're going to have to get a job. That's going to cause you to miss a couple of nice days when your friends are all together playing basketball without you, but it's okay because sometimes money calls. *shrug*
Forget all that! I know the number one thing I'm most excited for is leaving the house with less than 20 pieces of clothes on. Walking outside without immediate dry air smacking your lips faster than white shoes getting dirty.
Even though I love summer, I'm not going to sugarcoat all of it, because that heat gets out of hand. In the winter you can put on a lot of clothes and make yourself warm, but you can take off however many layers you want it's not getting any colder. Trust me we don't want to see people in some of the clothes they think it's appropriate to wear because “it's hot.”
Enjoy the summer. Not too much though because those tan lines are something serious.
Should Teachers Carry Guns in School?
By Haylie Schuler
April 8, 2019
Do you think teachers should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon? As you may know, there are many arguments about whether or not teachers should have guns in schools for protection. There are many different reasons as to why they should or should not, and there are often times when these reasons may level out.
I believe that guns should not be allowed in schools. One of my reasons why is guns are a lot to handle, and you don’t want such a powerful weapon in the wrong hands.
As English teacher Ashley Martin said, “I would quit my job if they told me I had to carry a gun. Teaching and pulling a trigger are two totally different professions and I refuse to do so.”
Not all teachers, however, draw the line quite so clearly.
For example math teacher Thomas Haas says, “I don't believe that the law should be passed, however if it was me, I would have no problem carrying one. My concern is people react differently to stressful situations, leading to them to handle them in an inappropriate manner.”
I don’t think teachers should carry guns because the gun could be in the hands of a teacher who may think they know how to use it properly, but then panic once they get into a situation where it’s time to use it, which could lead to something terrible.
The teacher could also get in an incident where they don't secure the weapon properly and a student could grab ahold of it and begin to hurt other peers. A teacher themselves could hurt someone if they really wanted to. We should not trust just anybody with such a dangerous weapon.
There are so many other ways you could go about protecting the school. You could get a security guard to protect the staff and students, and although some teachers may know how to use a gun properly, I certainly would trust a security guard with a gun over my teachers anyday!
Another thing many people fail to realize is that you never know what is going on in someone else's head. There is always a risk that a student in the building could be wanting to hurt others. There have been far too many accidents over the years for teachers to just be allowed to carry guns in school. Obviously, there are many teachers who can say they will keep it where it belongs, but what if it falls, or what if a student gets ahold of it? There are so many “what ifs…,” it’s not worth the risk of students or faculty getting hurt.
These are just a few reasons as to why I believe a teacher should not be allowed to carry a gun in or even on school grounds. There are far too many safer options schools can choose rather than risking your life or someone else's.
April 8, 2019
Do you think teachers should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon? As you may know, there are many arguments about whether or not teachers should have guns in schools for protection. There are many different reasons as to why they should or should not, and there are often times when these reasons may level out.
I believe that guns should not be allowed in schools. One of my reasons why is guns are a lot to handle, and you don’t want such a powerful weapon in the wrong hands.
As English teacher Ashley Martin said, “I would quit my job if they told me I had to carry a gun. Teaching and pulling a trigger are two totally different professions and I refuse to do so.”
Not all teachers, however, draw the line quite so clearly.
For example math teacher Thomas Haas says, “I don't believe that the law should be passed, however if it was me, I would have no problem carrying one. My concern is people react differently to stressful situations, leading to them to handle them in an inappropriate manner.”
I don’t think teachers should carry guns because the gun could be in the hands of a teacher who may think they know how to use it properly, but then panic once they get into a situation where it’s time to use it, which could lead to something terrible.
The teacher could also get in an incident where they don't secure the weapon properly and a student could grab ahold of it and begin to hurt other peers. A teacher themselves could hurt someone if they really wanted to. We should not trust just anybody with such a dangerous weapon.
There are so many other ways you could go about protecting the school. You could get a security guard to protect the staff and students, and although some teachers may know how to use a gun properly, I certainly would trust a security guard with a gun over my teachers anyday!
Another thing many people fail to realize is that you never know what is going on in someone else's head. There is always a risk that a student in the building could be wanting to hurt others. There have been far too many accidents over the years for teachers to just be allowed to carry guns in school. Obviously, there are many teachers who can say they will keep it where it belongs, but what if it falls, or what if a student gets ahold of it? There are so many “what ifs…,” it’s not worth the risk of students or faculty getting hurt.
These are just a few reasons as to why I believe a teacher should not be allowed to carry a gun in or even on school grounds. There are far too many safer options schools can choose rather than risking your life or someone else's.
The Misunderstood Planned Parenthood
By Destiny Carter
April 2, 2019
When you hear of Planned Parenthood, what’s the first thing you think about? For most people their answer would be abortion, but that’s not the only thing this organization deals with.
All of the horror stories you hear surrounding Planned Parenthood, it’s hard to actually see the good in it.
So, what exactly is Planned Parenthood? Basically to sum it up for you, it's a nonprofit organization that helps men and women with contraception, family planning, reproductive problems, cancer screenings and many other things. They not only do abortions, like most people think.
Junior Starr Brock says, “When I hear “Planned Parenthood” I really do think about abortion, but not just that, the controversy around the company and how no one considers all of the other things Planned Parenthood has to offer.”
According to plannedparenthood.org, “Planned Parenthood is proud to provide young people with honest, factual health and relationship information — in classrooms, community centers, and online — to help protect their health and reduce our nation’s alarmingly high rates of unintended teen pregnancies and STDs.”
Planned Parenthood spreads awareness like no other organization, and many women choose to go here rather than seeing their regular family doctor. One in five women choose to come to Planned Parenthood for help sometime in their lifetime.
With many third world countries not having the access they need to be educated on reproductive and sexual health care, Planned Parenthood works with these countries (like Africa and many others) to help them be properly educated.
According to plannedparenthood.org, their organization helps more than 1.2 million people every year.
Planned Parenthood helps people pay for the services they need, with or without insurance.
So, why all of the hate towards Planned Parenthood? It’s the pro-life and the pro-choice argument that has been around for years. Most people think the only thing Planned Parenthood has to offer is abortions, but it’s way more than that. The only thing you see when you pull up to a Planned Parenthood health center is people protesting to stop abortion and how it’s so horrible, but you never see people supporting all the other things Planned Parenthood offers.
Not only does this organization provide affordable birth control, they also offer low priced, sometimes even free, STD testing, infertility services, hormone therapy and basically anything you need to know about general women/men’s health services.
Recently, some Planned Parenthood locations have added Lyft services for people with appointments that have trouble with transportation, they take you to and from your appointment all for free.
The doctors/health physicians at each Planned Parenthood health center locations are there to help you, they don’t judge the decisions you make with your own body. If you don’t want to have to face the protestors at the health centers, the Planned Parenthood website has most of the information you would need.
April 2, 2019
When you hear of Planned Parenthood, what’s the first thing you think about? For most people their answer would be abortion, but that’s not the only thing this organization deals with.
All of the horror stories you hear surrounding Planned Parenthood, it’s hard to actually see the good in it.
So, what exactly is Planned Parenthood? Basically to sum it up for you, it's a nonprofit organization that helps men and women with contraception, family planning, reproductive problems, cancer screenings and many other things. They not only do abortions, like most people think.
Junior Starr Brock says, “When I hear “Planned Parenthood” I really do think about abortion, but not just that, the controversy around the company and how no one considers all of the other things Planned Parenthood has to offer.”
According to plannedparenthood.org, “Planned Parenthood is proud to provide young people with honest, factual health and relationship information — in classrooms, community centers, and online — to help protect their health and reduce our nation’s alarmingly high rates of unintended teen pregnancies and STDs.”
Planned Parenthood spreads awareness like no other organization, and many women choose to go here rather than seeing their regular family doctor. One in five women choose to come to Planned Parenthood for help sometime in their lifetime.
With many third world countries not having the access they need to be educated on reproductive and sexual health care, Planned Parenthood works with these countries (like Africa and many others) to help them be properly educated.
According to plannedparenthood.org, their organization helps more than 1.2 million people every year.
Planned Parenthood helps people pay for the services they need, with or without insurance.
So, why all of the hate towards Planned Parenthood? It’s the pro-life and the pro-choice argument that has been around for years. Most people think the only thing Planned Parenthood has to offer is abortions, but it’s way more than that. The only thing you see when you pull up to a Planned Parenthood health center is people protesting to stop abortion and how it’s so horrible, but you never see people supporting all the other things Planned Parenthood offers.
Not only does this organization provide affordable birth control, they also offer low priced, sometimes even free, STD testing, infertility services, hormone therapy and basically anything you need to know about general women/men’s health services.
Recently, some Planned Parenthood locations have added Lyft services for people with appointments that have trouble with transportation, they take you to and from your appointment all for free.
The doctors/health physicians at each Planned Parenthood health center locations are there to help you, they don’t judge the decisions you make with your own body. If you don’t want to have to face the protestors at the health centers, the Planned Parenthood website has most of the information you would need.
Leaf Print Paper Behind?
By Lilith Rose
March 20, 2019
This school year, The Norwood Mirror team created a website through education.weebly.com, creating an easy access link from the Chromebooks and rearranging their production schedule to make room for everyday content. Currently, they are still using the printing press, but should The Mirror move to an all-online presence?
The team of The Mirror has had fun juggling the challenging new rolling deadlines and formating the website in creative and attractive ways.
Along with updating the online paper, the team formats print papers bimonthly using stories that are also uploaded online. As many enthusiastic participants remember, The Mirror also hosts school trivia quizzes weekly and plans school wide scavenger hunts around the holidays.
With all these activities the team pulls together, the print paper has slowly lost its revealence, and the team behind The Mirror is questioning pooling efforts completely towards a stronger web presence.
While some believe the printed paper has become outdated, senior Rhyan Arthur says, “I do not think we should get rid of the paper because there are still people who enjoy reading it, including my grandmother.”
A printed paper can give others access they might not always have to read the paper at home, but nostalgia seems to be the most important part of the printed paper. If printing The Mirror is just to have a keepsake, how does that impact its importance?
Though few papers are even printed a month, it costs time and money to make them, as the stories must be selected for each month to be featured, as well as the paper needed. If that money and time was saved, then upgrades to the website could be made that would make it even more functional and enjoyable to read, without the possibility of up to 100 wasted papers each month.
Still, there may be a compromise that could elevate both the online paper and the print, by updating the online and keeping the notalgia: special release printed papers.
Instead of a bi-monthly production schedule for printed papers that have a mix of different topics, including those that don’t directly tie to specific students, the printed paper would come out after a large school event and feature stories about just that. An example would be a paper devoted to an overview of the sports season, featuring stories already written on the topic, but collected for those students, and their families, to keep their memories together.
As with many new changes this year, the team will come together to do what’s best for the paper, and The Mirror will continue to thrive whether its printed or not.
March 20, 2019
This school year, The Norwood Mirror team created a website through education.weebly.com, creating an easy access link from the Chromebooks and rearranging their production schedule to make room for everyday content. Currently, they are still using the printing press, but should The Mirror move to an all-online presence?
The team of The Mirror has had fun juggling the challenging new rolling deadlines and formating the website in creative and attractive ways.
Along with updating the online paper, the team formats print papers bimonthly using stories that are also uploaded online. As many enthusiastic participants remember, The Mirror also hosts school trivia quizzes weekly and plans school wide scavenger hunts around the holidays.
With all these activities the team pulls together, the print paper has slowly lost its revealence, and the team behind The Mirror is questioning pooling efforts completely towards a stronger web presence.
While some believe the printed paper has become outdated, senior Rhyan Arthur says, “I do not think we should get rid of the paper because there are still people who enjoy reading it, including my grandmother.”
A printed paper can give others access they might not always have to read the paper at home, but nostalgia seems to be the most important part of the printed paper. If printing The Mirror is just to have a keepsake, how does that impact its importance?
Though few papers are even printed a month, it costs time and money to make them, as the stories must be selected for each month to be featured, as well as the paper needed. If that money and time was saved, then upgrades to the website could be made that would make it even more functional and enjoyable to read, without the possibility of up to 100 wasted papers each month.
Still, there may be a compromise that could elevate both the online paper and the print, by updating the online and keeping the notalgia: special release printed papers.
Instead of a bi-monthly production schedule for printed papers that have a mix of different topics, including those that don’t directly tie to specific students, the printed paper would come out after a large school event and feature stories about just that. An example would be a paper devoted to an overview of the sports season, featuring stories already written on the topic, but collected for those students, and their families, to keep their memories together.
As with many new changes this year, the team will come together to do what’s best for the paper, and The Mirror will continue to thrive whether its printed or not.
Can Kindness be Cool?
By Christopher Marple
March 19, 2019
Ever since I got to middle school and all the way through high school, the “cool kids” were stereotyped as the mean ones, but do you have to be mean to be cool?
Can kindness also make you cool?
Have you ever noticed that in movies and T.V. shows the cool kids are the mean ones? They are the ones who judge people on what they wear and what they listen to, making fun and bullying them, taking their lunch money. For some reason Hollywood makes cool kids ill-mannered brats. They show an aggressive dominance, and so they are at the top of the food chain. The popular kids are the jocks and the rich kids: the ones who are ahead, if that makes sense.
But why do you have to be mean to be cool?
You don’t. Coming from a senior, I have been on both sides of this. It’s not fun to be mean. If someone is being mean to you it’s only because they feel bad about themselves. Be nice. If you see someone struggling, try and help. Ask someone whos having a hard time if they want to talk. People think nobody wants to open up, but I bet you’ve just never asked them what’s wrong. Being selfless isn’t a bad thing. If you think you’re too cool to be kind, then let me give you a reality check.
According to Marie Claire magazine writer Samantha Leal, actress Sandra Bullock made a $1 million donation to Red Cross to help with hurricane Harvey victims. The Duke Of Cambridge Prince William visited a child who had stage 3 brain cancer just to check up on how she was doing. Singer Katy Perry sends a birthday card every year to a little girl who met her through Make-A-Wish.
I’m not saying you have to give $1 million to a charity or go visit a child with cancer to be cool. I’m saying these three people who acted them out will forever be cool just because they did those kind acts. Not only should you be nice to be “cool”, but it also feels really good. Being kind will always be cooler than playing a sport, being famous, being popular or being rich. Kindness will always be supreme to everything else. All we need is a little more love in this world.
March 19, 2019
Ever since I got to middle school and all the way through high school, the “cool kids” were stereotyped as the mean ones, but do you have to be mean to be cool?
Can kindness also make you cool?
Have you ever noticed that in movies and T.V. shows the cool kids are the mean ones? They are the ones who judge people on what they wear and what they listen to, making fun and bullying them, taking their lunch money. For some reason Hollywood makes cool kids ill-mannered brats. They show an aggressive dominance, and so they are at the top of the food chain. The popular kids are the jocks and the rich kids: the ones who are ahead, if that makes sense.
But why do you have to be mean to be cool?
You don’t. Coming from a senior, I have been on both sides of this. It’s not fun to be mean. If someone is being mean to you it’s only because they feel bad about themselves. Be nice. If you see someone struggling, try and help. Ask someone whos having a hard time if they want to talk. People think nobody wants to open up, but I bet you’ve just never asked them what’s wrong. Being selfless isn’t a bad thing. If you think you’re too cool to be kind, then let me give you a reality check.
According to Marie Claire magazine writer Samantha Leal, actress Sandra Bullock made a $1 million donation to Red Cross to help with hurricane Harvey victims. The Duke Of Cambridge Prince William visited a child who had stage 3 brain cancer just to check up on how she was doing. Singer Katy Perry sends a birthday card every year to a little girl who met her through Make-A-Wish.
I’m not saying you have to give $1 million to a charity or go visit a child with cancer to be cool. I’m saying these three people who acted them out will forever be cool just because they did those kind acts. Not only should you be nice to be “cool”, but it also feels really good. Being kind will always be cooler than playing a sport, being famous, being popular or being rich. Kindness will always be supreme to everything else. All we need is a little more love in this world.
The Loneliness of Technology
By Hannah Robinson
March 15, 2019
Technology was created to bring people together. Communication purposes, safety regulations and just catching up with what’s going on in the world all fall under the umbrella of technological purposes. Social media has a big impact on our society, but not all of the impact is positive. Can something generated to make people less lonely be the reason they are even more alone?
Technology can either help or hurt individuals. How it affects you is contingent on how often you use it and what you use it for. If you’re completely dependent on social media to talk to others, you may be heading down a bad road. Doing this can decrease your social skills off of the screen, and it may be harder to hold actual conversations with people than it is to text them.
I often find myself surrounded by people staring at their phones, and I am even guilty of doing it. If one person is staring at their phone, everyone else tends to do it. Whether it is a self conscious action or just in order to avoid awkward silence, it’s almost as if their smartphone is a comfort blanket.
Whether or not technology affects your social life in a good or bad way is different for everyone. While some people may prefer face-to-face interaction, others, especially introverts, may prefer to beat loneliness by interacting online. We are all unique individuals, and it simply isn’t fair to blame technology for some people feeling isolated. In fact, technology can be a part of the solution.
Apps like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat have been created to help people stay connected to their family and friends. Common Sense Media says 52 percent of teens say social media has helped relationships with friends.
You can contact anyone you want with the press of a button, which is also very useful in stressful situations. It also helps people find jobs and communicate with people outside of the country without the cost.
Teens can avoid isolation by limiting the time they use their smartphones for. Some solutions to be a more productive teen to develop the skills needed in order to approach the real world are to: find ways to interact with other people and siblings, spend time outside, have interesting and effective talks with new people, be friendly and open-minded and be up to listening to what others have to say.
March 15, 2019
Technology was created to bring people together. Communication purposes, safety regulations and just catching up with what’s going on in the world all fall under the umbrella of technological purposes. Social media has a big impact on our society, but not all of the impact is positive. Can something generated to make people less lonely be the reason they are even more alone?
Technology can either help or hurt individuals. How it affects you is contingent on how often you use it and what you use it for. If you’re completely dependent on social media to talk to others, you may be heading down a bad road. Doing this can decrease your social skills off of the screen, and it may be harder to hold actual conversations with people than it is to text them.
I often find myself surrounded by people staring at their phones, and I am even guilty of doing it. If one person is staring at their phone, everyone else tends to do it. Whether it is a self conscious action or just in order to avoid awkward silence, it’s almost as if their smartphone is a comfort blanket.
Whether or not technology affects your social life in a good or bad way is different for everyone. While some people may prefer face-to-face interaction, others, especially introverts, may prefer to beat loneliness by interacting online. We are all unique individuals, and it simply isn’t fair to blame technology for some people feeling isolated. In fact, technology can be a part of the solution.
Apps like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat have been created to help people stay connected to their family and friends. Common Sense Media says 52 percent of teens say social media has helped relationships with friends.
You can contact anyone you want with the press of a button, which is also very useful in stressful situations. It also helps people find jobs and communicate with people outside of the country without the cost.
Teens can avoid isolation by limiting the time they use their smartphones for. Some solutions to be a more productive teen to develop the skills needed in order to approach the real world are to: find ways to interact with other people and siblings, spend time outside, have interesting and effective talks with new people, be friendly and open-minded and be up to listening to what others have to say.
Why America isn't the Greatest Country
By Dakota Walters
March 11, 2019
For the past several years, the United States has been going through a rough time and seems to be a leadership problem, though I believe that it has to do with the people in the country as well.
I love America and all of the freedom that comes with it. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, but that doesn’t mean that we’re the greatest just because we have freedom. According to Freedom House there are about 88 countries that are completely free and that is about 45 percent of the entire world. Many will argue we have more freedom than these other countries, which may be true for some but not overall.
Military has been a key point of power and safety for countries, and the United States has the best military in the entire world according to Business Insider, but countries like China and Russia aren’t that far behind. We do have a really great economy, but once again other countries have great economies also.
However, as a nation we have the most debt in the entire world, with a heaving $16 trillion, according to en.wikipedia.org. That number is almost twice the amount of debt than the country behind it.
I think what stands out in a country the most is the people, because without them there is no country. According to Oscar Williams-Gruta journalist for www.independent.co.uk, America doesn’t even break into the top ten of the best educational systems that the world has to offer.
The “Greatest Country in the World” is not us, and it won’t be until we fix the problem, but to fix a problem we have to realize there is one first.
The leadership in America could have done a lot better in the past years. Everyone is pointing at Trump for our leadership being so bad, but really it’s not all of his fault. Many presidents have failed this country before Trump was even prominent in this world that we have.
Our nation is going through a lot of things, and it doesn’t look like it’s getting better or that we even have control over it. That’s the problem; our country is so chaotic that we don’t really have control of anything. I would hope that one day our kids will do the things that we should have done right, because this world is entirely in their hands now.
March 11, 2019
For the past several years, the United States has been going through a rough time and seems to be a leadership problem, though I believe that it has to do with the people in the country as well.
I love America and all of the freedom that comes with it. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, but that doesn’t mean that we’re the greatest just because we have freedom. According to Freedom House there are about 88 countries that are completely free and that is about 45 percent of the entire world. Many will argue we have more freedom than these other countries, which may be true for some but not overall.
Military has been a key point of power and safety for countries, and the United States has the best military in the entire world according to Business Insider, but countries like China and Russia aren’t that far behind. We do have a really great economy, but once again other countries have great economies also.
However, as a nation we have the most debt in the entire world, with a heaving $16 trillion, according to en.wikipedia.org. That number is almost twice the amount of debt than the country behind it.
I think what stands out in a country the most is the people, because without them there is no country. According to Oscar Williams-Gruta journalist for www.independent.co.uk, America doesn’t even break into the top ten of the best educational systems that the world has to offer.
The “Greatest Country in the World” is not us, and it won’t be until we fix the problem, but to fix a problem we have to realize there is one first.
The leadership in America could have done a lot better in the past years. Everyone is pointing at Trump for our leadership being so bad, but really it’s not all of his fault. Many presidents have failed this country before Trump was even prominent in this world that we have.
Our nation is going through a lot of things, and it doesn’t look like it’s getting better or that we even have control over it. That’s the problem; our country is so chaotic that we don’t really have control of anything. I would hope that one day our kids will do the things that we should have done right, because this world is entirely in their hands now.
Pro If You Had The Chance To Go?
Source: Slamonline.com
By Moe Daabes
March 1, 2019
LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and Tracy McGrady all should sound very familiar if you know anything about basketball. Some of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA. They all also have one thing in common: they didn’t even go to college.
They are just some of the few players that got the privilege to go from high school straight into the NBA and make millions. Unfortunately, the NBA created the one-and-done rule following the 2005 draft that changed the age limit for entering the NBA from 18 to 19. This meant high school stars couldn’t go straight to the pros if they had the talent. Players are forced to go play for a college, the G-league, or over seas for at least one year to enter the NBA.
Duke University's Star, and projected one overall pick, Zion Williamson, recently injured his knee by blowing through his shoes in one of the biggest stages in college hoops, Duke vs The University of North Carolina game, which happens to be one of the most intense and electrifying games in any sport, so much that some tickets sold for $5,400. Instantly social media blew up, bashing and making fun of the brand Nike for what happened to their product.
Is going to college without pay for a year worth the risk of having an injury that could end everything and end the possibility of getting paid?
Stars from around the league gave their opinion on social media and interviews about the topic.
Golden State star DeMarcus Cousins says, “knowing what I know now, college basketball is bull [crap]”
Other stars like Denver Nuggets point guard Isaiah Thomas thinks Zion should sit out for the rest of the season and not risk making the injury worse which could end his career permanently or damage his draft projection.
After social media went crazy, the NBA released a statement that they have proposed to change the age limit back from 19 to 18. They said if it is accepted the rule change could take affect by the 2020 draft.
Do you think high school stars should be able to go straight to the pros if they can?
March 1, 2019
LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and Tracy McGrady all should sound very familiar if you know anything about basketball. Some of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA. They all also have one thing in common: they didn’t even go to college.
They are just some of the few players that got the privilege to go from high school straight into the NBA and make millions. Unfortunately, the NBA created the one-and-done rule following the 2005 draft that changed the age limit for entering the NBA from 18 to 19. This meant high school stars couldn’t go straight to the pros if they had the talent. Players are forced to go play for a college, the G-league, or over seas for at least one year to enter the NBA.
Duke University's Star, and projected one overall pick, Zion Williamson, recently injured his knee by blowing through his shoes in one of the biggest stages in college hoops, Duke vs The University of North Carolina game, which happens to be one of the most intense and electrifying games in any sport, so much that some tickets sold for $5,400. Instantly social media blew up, bashing and making fun of the brand Nike for what happened to their product.
Is going to college without pay for a year worth the risk of having an injury that could end everything and end the possibility of getting paid?
Stars from around the league gave their opinion on social media and interviews about the topic.
Golden State star DeMarcus Cousins says, “knowing what I know now, college basketball is bull [crap]”
Other stars like Denver Nuggets point guard Isaiah Thomas thinks Zion should sit out for the rest of the season and not risk making the injury worse which could end his career permanently or damage his draft projection.
After social media went crazy, the NBA released a statement that they have proposed to change the age limit back from 19 to 18. They said if it is accepted the rule change could take affect by the 2020 draft.
Do you think high school stars should be able to go straight to the pros if they can?
Do People Complain Too Much?
By Nevaeh Downs
February 22, 2019
We’ve all heard it and we all hate it. Others going on and on about how much they hate this or that. Society will never be a complaint free world, but it might be nice to try and minimize the complaining.
My biggest complaint is that I really dislike people who complain. It’s kind of a love-hate relationship. I am not the most bubbly person around all the time. I do not like surrounding myself with negative people. In my eyes, if you complain constantly, you are negative.
According to writer Travis Bradberry, “Repeated complaining rewires your brain to make future complaining more likely. Over time, you find it’s easier to be negative than to be positive.”
Being the person who puts a constant strain on conversations is a problem. You don’t want to be that friend that no one wants to be around because of your negativity. If a complaint comes to mind, you should shift your attention to something that you appreciate. You can try thinking about an important family member or friend. It could even be a time when you just felt happy.
According to research conducted at the University of California, most people complain once a minute during every conversation.
On the other hand, complaining to others serves as a bonding experience. If you and another person can connect over something that you both dislike, then a conversation can be sparked. It’s not the only way to start a conversation though. It can begin on a positive note as well.
Instead of complaining about your issue, try confronting it head on. If it’s with a person, talk to them about it and express your feelings. On the other hand, some topics are easy to complain about and it gives you a chance to stick up for what you side with. If complaints aren’t made then things wouldn’t change.
Sophomore Nevaeh Maxberry says, “I am the biggest complainer in the world. If there is something to complain about, I’d be the one to complain about it.”
If you are one of the people that complain all the time, try to look on the brighter side of things. There is always an optimistic view to every situation. Looking at things in a half glass empty perspective isn’t fun for anyone.
February 22, 2019
We’ve all heard it and we all hate it. Others going on and on about how much they hate this or that. Society will never be a complaint free world, but it might be nice to try and minimize the complaining.
My biggest complaint is that I really dislike people who complain. It’s kind of a love-hate relationship. I am not the most bubbly person around all the time. I do not like surrounding myself with negative people. In my eyes, if you complain constantly, you are negative.
According to writer Travis Bradberry, “Repeated complaining rewires your brain to make future complaining more likely. Over time, you find it’s easier to be negative than to be positive.”
Being the person who puts a constant strain on conversations is a problem. You don’t want to be that friend that no one wants to be around because of your negativity. If a complaint comes to mind, you should shift your attention to something that you appreciate. You can try thinking about an important family member or friend. It could even be a time when you just felt happy.
According to research conducted at the University of California, most people complain once a minute during every conversation.
On the other hand, complaining to others serves as a bonding experience. If you and another person can connect over something that you both dislike, then a conversation can be sparked. It’s not the only way to start a conversation though. It can begin on a positive note as well.
Instead of complaining about your issue, try confronting it head on. If it’s with a person, talk to them about it and express your feelings. On the other hand, some topics are easy to complain about and it gives you a chance to stick up for what you side with. If complaints aren’t made then things wouldn’t change.
Sophomore Nevaeh Maxberry says, “I am the biggest complainer in the world. If there is something to complain about, I’d be the one to complain about it.”
If you are one of the people that complain all the time, try to look on the brighter side of things. There is always an optimistic view to every situation. Looking at things in a half glass empty perspective isn’t fun for anyone.
Why I Believe in Second Chances
By Starr Brock
February 21, 2019
Second chances present themselves in a variety of forms. Some people call it deja vu, coincidence or even destiny- whatever you want to call it, it’s there. And it’s there for a reason.
Second chances have a good side and then there’s a bad side. The good side is that you could be presented with a second chance to make things better. Sometimes, a second chance is a miracle in disguise. The bad side usually has to do with giving someone who hurt you in the past, another chance. Maybe it’ll turn out good, but it could also turn out bad, again. This usually creates fear in people because let's face it, getting hurt all over again will always suck. Especially when you had hope that things would turn out different.
Everyone messes up, everyone makes mistakes, and nobody is really an exception to this. A lot of times, people don’t believe in second chances until they’re the ones in the wrong, until they made the wrong decision.
Life is a series of trial and error. Everyday, people and things in our lives change. I know what you’re thinking: people don’t change. But that’s not true. Eventually, people do change. Whether it’s a drastic change or a small one, it happens.
When it comes to forgiving someone who has hurt you and giving them a second chance, the final factor has to do with what exactly it is they’ve done wrong to you. I’m here to tell you not to focus on that. Don’t remember someone based off of their mistakes and the way they’ve wronged you. It seems that we put all of the good memories and all of the good things someone has done for us in the back of our minds after a mistake was made. This creates a lot of resentment, and it isn’t really worth carrying a mistake you didn’t make, with you forever.
People tend to make a lot of mistakes out of being selfish. So it seems weird that I’m telling you to be selfish now, but you have to do it for yourself. Give them a second chance, because one day, we will be asking for a second chance. Only then will we realize why we should give them to others.
February 21, 2019
Second chances present themselves in a variety of forms. Some people call it deja vu, coincidence or even destiny- whatever you want to call it, it’s there. And it’s there for a reason.
Second chances have a good side and then there’s a bad side. The good side is that you could be presented with a second chance to make things better. Sometimes, a second chance is a miracle in disguise. The bad side usually has to do with giving someone who hurt you in the past, another chance. Maybe it’ll turn out good, but it could also turn out bad, again. This usually creates fear in people because let's face it, getting hurt all over again will always suck. Especially when you had hope that things would turn out different.
Everyone messes up, everyone makes mistakes, and nobody is really an exception to this. A lot of times, people don’t believe in second chances until they’re the ones in the wrong, until they made the wrong decision.
Life is a series of trial and error. Everyday, people and things in our lives change. I know what you’re thinking: people don’t change. But that’s not true. Eventually, people do change. Whether it’s a drastic change or a small one, it happens.
When it comes to forgiving someone who has hurt you and giving them a second chance, the final factor has to do with what exactly it is they’ve done wrong to you. I’m here to tell you not to focus on that. Don’t remember someone based off of their mistakes and the way they’ve wronged you. It seems that we put all of the good memories and all of the good things someone has done for us in the back of our minds after a mistake was made. This creates a lot of resentment, and it isn’t really worth carrying a mistake you didn’t make, with you forever.
People tend to make a lot of mistakes out of being selfish. So it seems weird that I’m telling you to be selfish now, but you have to do it for yourself. Give them a second chance, because one day, we will be asking for a second chance. Only then will we realize why we should give them to others.
How Necessary is School Technology?
By Emily Saul
February 21, 2019
As technology is on the rise, pencils and paper are being used less and less in school. There are many advantages to this, as it’s better for the environment and easier for teachers. But is it really as effective as people make it out to be?
Computers do seem necessary for things like writing and research, but looking at a computer screen all day can cause harm to your education by enabling distractions, and the screens can hurt your eyes if you are using them for too long.
State testing has never been a pleasant experience for any student, but it became even worse when they switched from paper to the online tests. Three hours of doing nothing but looking at a bright computer screen and answering questions can feel like torture to most students.
Most students can learn better when they are taught by a teacher who shows them what they need to work on and explain things to them, rather than give them everything on a computer. When assignments are given on a computer, your grade will tell you how well you know what you’re doing, but there is a big difference between being told what you did right or wrong, and a teacher’s explanation to make sure you understand what you’re supposed to be learning.
There’s also the issue of students getting distracted with the millions of websites that exist. Administrators do all they can to block websites that aren't productive, but there’s only so much they can do when there are a lot of websites that students need in order to do their work.
Of course some technology in the classroom is necessary because there is just as much, if not more, use of technology in the real world. But when we are given every single one of our assignments online, it's overkill. For a lot of people it’s a lot easier to remember and complete homework if it is given on paper. Also, some students don’t have access to a computer at home, leaving them with bad grades for something they can’t help.
Technology is a thing to be grateful for, and it’s a nice opportunity for students to have computers in the classroom for research and writing, but school is a lot more enjoyable if the work isn’t the same format everyday. Education without technology worked before, and students can still learn just as well without it.
February 21, 2019
As technology is on the rise, pencils and paper are being used less and less in school. There are many advantages to this, as it’s better for the environment and easier for teachers. But is it really as effective as people make it out to be?
Computers do seem necessary for things like writing and research, but looking at a computer screen all day can cause harm to your education by enabling distractions, and the screens can hurt your eyes if you are using them for too long.
State testing has never been a pleasant experience for any student, but it became even worse when they switched from paper to the online tests. Three hours of doing nothing but looking at a bright computer screen and answering questions can feel like torture to most students.
Most students can learn better when they are taught by a teacher who shows them what they need to work on and explain things to them, rather than give them everything on a computer. When assignments are given on a computer, your grade will tell you how well you know what you’re doing, but there is a big difference between being told what you did right or wrong, and a teacher’s explanation to make sure you understand what you’re supposed to be learning.
There’s also the issue of students getting distracted with the millions of websites that exist. Administrators do all they can to block websites that aren't productive, but there’s only so much they can do when there are a lot of websites that students need in order to do their work.
Of course some technology in the classroom is necessary because there is just as much, if not more, use of technology in the real world. But when we are given every single one of our assignments online, it's overkill. For a lot of people it’s a lot easier to remember and complete homework if it is given on paper. Also, some students don’t have access to a computer at home, leaving them with bad grades for something they can’t help.
Technology is a thing to be grateful for, and it’s a nice opportunity for students to have computers in the classroom for research and writing, but school is a lot more enjoyable if the work isn’t the same format everyday. Education without technology worked before, and students can still learn just as well without it.
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National Emergency?
By Sophie Isaacs
February 20, 2019
War, terror, chaos and anarchy are some things that might pop into someone's mind when they hear ‘national emergency’. A tweet from the President saying the country is doing well, is most likely not one of those things. So is this emergency really an emergency? The common consensus is no; here’s why.
What is the cause of the “national emergency”? It all stems from President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan to build a wall along the U.S. and Mexico Border, a project costing upwards of $5 billion, which Trump initially said Mexico would pay for. That claim, among many others, was false.
Since then, Trump has been doing everything in his power to hold onto his wall. In December of 2018, he resorted to a 35 day government shutdown, refusing to reopen until he got money for his wall. Ultimately, this plan failed, and he's now onto his next proposal, which is already being challenged in courts.
The wall dividing the two countries has also consequently divided the two parties. Republicans and Democrats are suffering through major disagreements and no one can seem to come to a consensus. While some people are signing petitions to impeach Trump, others are taking money out of their own pocket to support the millionaire’s dream wall. Citizen Brian Kolfage started a Go Fund Me page for the border wall, already raising $20,788,925 of a $1.0B goal.
The New York Times journalist Nate Cohn says, ”The wall has consistently been unpopular, with voters opposed by around a 20-point margin over months of national surveys. That makes it even less popular than the president himself.”
Norwood is not immune to the divide. Those that know me, won’t be surprised to learn that I do not support Trump. I think this wall is a waste of money and our government should be trying to promote peace rather than fear. I also don't believe we’re actually in a national emergency. In my opinion, this is just a temper tantrum from a little baby man that can't stand it when people say no to him.
Senior Cadence Wallace disagrees saying,” I agree with Trump declaring national emergency because we need the wall, people need to come here legally and not illegally. It's a national emergency because illegal immigrants coming here are undocumented and they can get away with more stuff.”
Outside of the student body, many people heavily disagree with the state of national emergency we are supposedly in. In fact, 16 states are currently challenging Trump in court.
According to The New York Times, “The lawsuit is part of a constitutional confrontation that Mr. Trump set off on Friday when he declared that he would spend billions of dollars more on border barriers than Congress had granted him. The clash raises questions over congressional control of spending, the scope of emergency powers granted to the president, and how far the courts are willing to go to settle such a dispute.”
So do I personally think we’re in national emergency? No. Do I personally think that the president is mentally unfit and this wall battle is a huge waste of time and money? Yes.
February 20, 2019
War, terror, chaos and anarchy are some things that might pop into someone's mind when they hear ‘national emergency’. A tweet from the President saying the country is doing well, is most likely not one of those things. So is this emergency really an emergency? The common consensus is no; here’s why.
What is the cause of the “national emergency”? It all stems from President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan to build a wall along the U.S. and Mexico Border, a project costing upwards of $5 billion, which Trump initially said Mexico would pay for. That claim, among many others, was false.
Since then, Trump has been doing everything in his power to hold onto his wall. In December of 2018, he resorted to a 35 day government shutdown, refusing to reopen until he got money for his wall. Ultimately, this plan failed, and he's now onto his next proposal, which is already being challenged in courts.
The wall dividing the two countries has also consequently divided the two parties. Republicans and Democrats are suffering through major disagreements and no one can seem to come to a consensus. While some people are signing petitions to impeach Trump, others are taking money out of their own pocket to support the millionaire’s dream wall. Citizen Brian Kolfage started a Go Fund Me page for the border wall, already raising $20,788,925 of a $1.0B goal.
The New York Times journalist Nate Cohn says, ”The wall has consistently been unpopular, with voters opposed by around a 20-point margin over months of national surveys. That makes it even less popular than the president himself.”
Norwood is not immune to the divide. Those that know me, won’t be surprised to learn that I do not support Trump. I think this wall is a waste of money and our government should be trying to promote peace rather than fear. I also don't believe we’re actually in a national emergency. In my opinion, this is just a temper tantrum from a little baby man that can't stand it when people say no to him.
Senior Cadence Wallace disagrees saying,” I agree with Trump declaring national emergency because we need the wall, people need to come here legally and not illegally. It's a national emergency because illegal immigrants coming here are undocumented and they can get away with more stuff.”
Outside of the student body, many people heavily disagree with the state of national emergency we are supposedly in. In fact, 16 states are currently challenging Trump in court.
According to The New York Times, “The lawsuit is part of a constitutional confrontation that Mr. Trump set off on Friday when he declared that he would spend billions of dollars more on border barriers than Congress had granted him. The clash raises questions over congressional control of spending, the scope of emergency powers granted to the president, and how far the courts are willing to go to settle such a dispute.”
So do I personally think we’re in national emergency? No. Do I personally think that the president is mentally unfit and this wall battle is a huge waste of time and money? Yes.
Do you think transgenders should be allowed to serve in the U.S. military?
By Christopher Marple
February 20, 2019
Should you be allowed to serve in the military as a different sex than you were born with? The Trump administration has tried to pass a bill banning transgender people from serving in the military, answering that question by saying all should serve with the gender they were at birth. This reverses the Obama bill that protects the LGBTQ and trans community in the military.
Does President Donald Trump have the right to do that?
Those who agree with the Trump administration believe that if transgender people can’t make up their mind on what gender they are, they can’t possibly make up their mind on which side to fight for. Those opposing the bill say, if someone wants to fight for our country we should let them, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or religion. Some of those supporting the bill believe being transgender is a mental disorder, while those opposing believe it is a choice of life to be transgender.
Coming from someone who will be serving in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman, I believe it does not matter what gender you identify with. As long as you truly believe the United States is the greatest country in the world and you will do everything you can to protect her and her interest by having your fellow soldiers’ and Marines’ backs and follow every order, you should be able to fight for your country. That dedication should be all that matters.
Navy Seal Commander Jocko Willink says, “as long as they shoot straight and will protect me and make sure I get home to my family, then I could not possibly care less if they classify as a man or a woman or a toaster.”
It doesn't matter what political party you are with. It’s not about Democrats or Republicans. It’s about serving your country and wanting to take that step to step up and do the duty of every American.
If you are so closed minded that you wouldn’t allow someone to fight for your freedom, which you aren’t even volunteering to fight for, you should be grateful. If it wasn’t for the brave men and women and the generations before them, we would not have the country we have.
February 20, 2019
Should you be allowed to serve in the military as a different sex than you were born with? The Trump administration has tried to pass a bill banning transgender people from serving in the military, answering that question by saying all should serve with the gender they were at birth. This reverses the Obama bill that protects the LGBTQ and trans community in the military.
Does President Donald Trump have the right to do that?
Those who agree with the Trump administration believe that if transgender people can’t make up their mind on what gender they are, they can’t possibly make up their mind on which side to fight for. Those opposing the bill say, if someone wants to fight for our country we should let them, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or religion. Some of those supporting the bill believe being transgender is a mental disorder, while those opposing believe it is a choice of life to be transgender.
Coming from someone who will be serving in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman, I believe it does not matter what gender you identify with. As long as you truly believe the United States is the greatest country in the world and you will do everything you can to protect her and her interest by having your fellow soldiers’ and Marines’ backs and follow every order, you should be able to fight for your country. That dedication should be all that matters.
Navy Seal Commander Jocko Willink says, “as long as they shoot straight and will protect me and make sure I get home to my family, then I could not possibly care less if they classify as a man or a woman or a toaster.”
It doesn't matter what political party you are with. It’s not about Democrats or Republicans. It’s about serving your country and wanting to take that step to step up and do the duty of every American.
If you are so closed minded that you wouldn’t allow someone to fight for your freedom, which you aren’t even volunteering to fight for, you should be grateful. If it wasn’t for the brave men and women and the generations before them, we would not have the country we have.
What really is the true meaning of Valentine's Day?
By Haylie Schuler
February 13, 2019
As many of you know, or at least think, Valentine's Day is all about love. Most people spend February 14 with their significant other, showering them with multiple gifts and tons of love, but is it really all about the gifts?
This day started many years back when a Roman ruler ended all couples and marriage, but a Christian priest came forward and stood up for love. This is how this day came to life, and now we celebrate Valentine's Day every year by spending over $136 per person. The most popular items bought and received on this day are jewelry, candy, teddy bears, greeting cards, high class meals, etc. but there is so much more to this holiday than all of these gifts.
Not only is this holiday really about being in a relationships and spending an enormous amount of money on materialistic items. This day is truly about love, commitment, loyalty and sacrifice. You don't have to be in a relationship to celebrate. This is a day to show anyone you love how much you truly love and appreciate them.
February 13, 2019
As many of you know, or at least think, Valentine's Day is all about love. Most people spend February 14 with their significant other, showering them with multiple gifts and tons of love, but is it really all about the gifts?
This day started many years back when a Roman ruler ended all couples and marriage, but a Christian priest came forward and stood up for love. This is how this day came to life, and now we celebrate Valentine's Day every year by spending over $136 per person. The most popular items bought and received on this day are jewelry, candy, teddy bears, greeting cards, high class meals, etc. but there is so much more to this holiday than all of these gifts.
Not only is this holiday really about being in a relationships and spending an enormous amount of money on materialistic items. This day is truly about love, commitment, loyalty and sacrifice. You don't have to be in a relationship to celebrate. This is a day to show anyone you love how much you truly love and appreciate them.
What Happens After?
By Dakota Walters
February 7, 2019
When people experience death, a handful people think either that we die and go to Heaven or Hell and or just die and nothing happens. There are a lot of theories of what happens when people die, but I’m here to tell you there is one theory that stands out to me the most.
Reincarnation, almost everyone knows what it is but to the ones who don’t reincarnation is when people die and get another chance at life being reborn. Yes, I know that seems incredibly insane to even think that it can be actually true but let me explain why I think this.
If you’re Christian you believe that Heaven and Hell and Jesus Christ and the Devil is real. If you’re an atheist that means you don’t believe in a God. I believe in a God but I don’t believe that there is a Heaven or Hell. I believe when you die you experience your life over again.
How is that possible? You don’t wake up as a baby and relive your life but I do genuinely believe you experience everything that happens in your life again but just reshuffled into the same category. For example there is video on youtube called Sum. This video explains that we experience everything that has happened again in our life.
This video shares that after death we experience a full 2 years of only boredom and that we take a 300 day shower and I think the most amazing part of this whole entire video is when he states we only get to endure around 14 minutes of pure joy.
Of course some lifes might have more than others, but this is just an average person's life. I think that it is a unique way to think this will happen after we die; exprenicing life all over again, but shuffled into the same events.
So I do believe in this afterlife because it makes sense to me. Like I said there’s more to life than we think and I don’t believe that after we die our souls do too I don’t believe that there is a Heaven or Hell. I believe that our lives mean something after we die, But I do respect everyone's own personal beliefs this is just mine.
February 7, 2019
When people experience death, a handful people think either that we die and go to Heaven or Hell and or just die and nothing happens. There are a lot of theories of what happens when people die, but I’m here to tell you there is one theory that stands out to me the most.
Reincarnation, almost everyone knows what it is but to the ones who don’t reincarnation is when people die and get another chance at life being reborn. Yes, I know that seems incredibly insane to even think that it can be actually true but let me explain why I think this.
If you’re Christian you believe that Heaven and Hell and Jesus Christ and the Devil is real. If you’re an atheist that means you don’t believe in a God. I believe in a God but I don’t believe that there is a Heaven or Hell. I believe when you die you experience your life over again.
How is that possible? You don’t wake up as a baby and relive your life but I do genuinely believe you experience everything that happens in your life again but just reshuffled into the same category. For example there is video on youtube called Sum. This video explains that we experience everything that has happened again in our life.
This video shares that after death we experience a full 2 years of only boredom and that we take a 300 day shower and I think the most amazing part of this whole entire video is when he states we only get to endure around 14 minutes of pure joy.
Of course some lifes might have more than others, but this is just an average person's life. I think that it is a unique way to think this will happen after we die; exprenicing life all over again, but shuffled into the same events.
So I do believe in this afterlife because it makes sense to me. Like I said there’s more to life than we think and I don’t believe that after we die our souls do too I don’t believe that there is a Heaven or Hell. I believe that our lives mean something after we die, But I do respect everyone's own personal beliefs this is just mine.
Is Love at First Sight real?
By Dakota Walters
February 6, 2019
This has been a popular question for years. Researchers and experts who have been trying to figure out this question all state that it is real. My opinion is very different from theirs.
To start off, there are a couple different types of love. People have decided to put the phrase “love at first sight” in the category of romantic love, which is absolutely stupid in my opinion. Not that I have valid evidence for this assumption, but a lot of people don’t know what love is. Not just the experience, but the real meaning of the word ‘love’.
According to expert Deborah Anapol the word love is a “force of nature.”
People these days go on saying “I love you” in most of their relationships with no clue of the meaning. Just because you’re with someone for a long time doesn’t mean anything. You could be with them for multiple reasons, such as loneliness, self-hype, or anything else. Love at first sight is beyond absurd because you don’t have that feeling towards someone when you first look at them, period.
In my opinion, the meaning of love is sacrifice. In my eyes, you would give everything for it. Emotionally it can’t be beat and it’s unexpected when it happens.
Love is the strongest word in the English language. Because when you love someone, you would do anything in your power to protect and care for them. Happiness and love do collaborate in some ways. But in all, you can be happy without love and you can love without being happy. Love is not a chemical or a word. I think love is in a vocabulary list by itself because it’s uncomparable.
This is why I think love at first sight is a joke. Why would you give everything up for someone you don’t know? I’ll tell you. You won’t tell them all your deep secrets and your feelings because you don’t know them. You can get to know them and fall in love, but all in all you’re not in love. You might love what you see on the outside, but you don’t know the inside.
February 6, 2019
This has been a popular question for years. Researchers and experts who have been trying to figure out this question all state that it is real. My opinion is very different from theirs.
To start off, there are a couple different types of love. People have decided to put the phrase “love at first sight” in the category of romantic love, which is absolutely stupid in my opinion. Not that I have valid evidence for this assumption, but a lot of people don’t know what love is. Not just the experience, but the real meaning of the word ‘love’.
According to expert Deborah Anapol the word love is a “force of nature.”
People these days go on saying “I love you” in most of their relationships with no clue of the meaning. Just because you’re with someone for a long time doesn’t mean anything. You could be with them for multiple reasons, such as loneliness, self-hype, or anything else. Love at first sight is beyond absurd because you don’t have that feeling towards someone when you first look at them, period.
In my opinion, the meaning of love is sacrifice. In my eyes, you would give everything for it. Emotionally it can’t be beat and it’s unexpected when it happens.
Love is the strongest word in the English language. Because when you love someone, you would do anything in your power to protect and care for them. Happiness and love do collaborate in some ways. But in all, you can be happy without love and you can love without being happy. Love is not a chemical or a word. I think love is in a vocabulary list by itself because it’s uncomparable.
This is why I think love at first sight is a joke. Why would you give everything up for someone you don’t know? I’ll tell you. You won’t tell them all your deep secrets and your feelings because you don’t know them. You can get to know them and fall in love, but all in all you’re not in love. You might love what you see on the outside, but you don’t know the inside.
Gaming Evolved
By Abigail Privett
February 6, 2019
Living a life with a disability is already hard enough, but it’s even worse when you can’t do what you love. Some people face this reality every day and they dread getting out of bed in the morning.
One of the things people can do is form a hobby, and that’s exactly what some gamers have done. Not all kids can play Xbox or PlayStation as efficiently as others, simply because they don’t have the proper equipment.
So individuals can only imagine what it’s like to live a life where the thing you love to do isn’t possible. That’s why Microsoft engineers have created a controller that allows people with disabilities, whatever it may be, to play video games. This is helping kids all over feel more evenly matched with their peers and finally play as they wish to.
The Xbox adaptive controller can help kids and even adults by allowing them to enjoy their hobby. The normal Xbox controller has a build that may be difficult for some people to hold, so with the adaptive controller, you can place it on a flat surface and use it there. It has two sensitive pads that act as analog sticks along with some original controls such as a directional pad and home button.
According to reporters Chelsea Stark and Samit Sarkar of Polygon.com, “In an Xbox One software update, the company tweaked the console’s existing features for vision-impaired users, Narrator and Magnifier, and debuted a novel controller setup called Copilot.”
Xbox is definitely aware of the things they can do to help make the gaming community a little bit easier for those who struggle, and they are taking full advantage of that knowledge.
Seeing the commercial for this controller on platforms like YouTube and during the Super Bowl just puts the awareness out there. Nobody has to give up their hobby. The world is constantly evolving, and people can do what they love.
February 6, 2019
Living a life with a disability is already hard enough, but it’s even worse when you can’t do what you love. Some people face this reality every day and they dread getting out of bed in the morning.
One of the things people can do is form a hobby, and that’s exactly what some gamers have done. Not all kids can play Xbox or PlayStation as efficiently as others, simply because they don’t have the proper equipment.
So individuals can only imagine what it’s like to live a life where the thing you love to do isn’t possible. That’s why Microsoft engineers have created a controller that allows people with disabilities, whatever it may be, to play video games. This is helping kids all over feel more evenly matched with their peers and finally play as they wish to.
The Xbox adaptive controller can help kids and even adults by allowing them to enjoy their hobby. The normal Xbox controller has a build that may be difficult for some people to hold, so with the adaptive controller, you can place it on a flat surface and use it there. It has two sensitive pads that act as analog sticks along with some original controls such as a directional pad and home button.
According to reporters Chelsea Stark and Samit Sarkar of Polygon.com, “In an Xbox One software update, the company tweaked the console’s existing features for vision-impaired users, Narrator and Magnifier, and debuted a novel controller setup called Copilot.”
Xbox is definitely aware of the things they can do to help make the gaming community a little bit easier for those who struggle, and they are taking full advantage of that knowledge.
Seeing the commercial for this controller on platforms like YouTube and during the Super Bowl just puts the awareness out there. Nobody has to give up their hobby. The world is constantly evolving, and people can do what they love.
Be There or Be Square
Photo by Miguel Henriques
By Holly Borgemenke
January 28, 2019
With the hope of snow days and the realization that there are only a handful of months left before summer comes, it seems nobody wants to come to school. But how much does attendance really factor into success in school?
Waking up every morning at 7 a.m. can take a lot out of a person, especially when school days last around seven hours. A study conducted by National Center for Education Statistics has shown that students who come to school regularly have shown higher achievement levels than students who do not have regular attendance. Dragging yourself out of bed each morning to learn will give you a better chance at achieving in school.
Being at school helps your grades in multiple ways that sometimes aren’t obvious. One of the worst consequences of not coming to school regularly is having to go to court for truancy because of your absences. The best thing to do is come to school as often as you can so you can avoid falling behind even more by having to go to court.
Not only can you catch a court case, your grades can begin to slip more quickly than you think. Missing just one day of school can cause a passing grade to fall to a failing grade, so it is best to avoid this possibility. Although makeup work can raise your grade once again, the stress of seeing bad grades can be solved by simply coming to school when possible.
Senior Clinton Iorfida says, “my poor attendance greatly affected my relationships with my friends and my credibility with my teachers.”
According to ACPS.K12, regular school attendance helps young adults learn valuable social skills by interacting with their peers. Not only can bad attendance affect relationships with your peers, but it can sometimes negatively affect the relationships with teachers.
If there is a real reason for your absences, most teachers will gladly give you all of your work to make up. But there are some cases where students get lazy and don’t want to come to school, which can result in a teacher getting tired of having to track a student down. It is better to form a good relationship with your teacher so that on days you really are sick, they will understand.
Good school attendance positively affects grades, helps build responsibility and accountability skills needed later in life and helps students stay on top of things. Good attendance during the year is one of the best ways to avoid having to waste your summer in school.
January 28, 2019
With the hope of snow days and the realization that there are only a handful of months left before summer comes, it seems nobody wants to come to school. But how much does attendance really factor into success in school?
Waking up every morning at 7 a.m. can take a lot out of a person, especially when school days last around seven hours. A study conducted by National Center for Education Statistics has shown that students who come to school regularly have shown higher achievement levels than students who do not have regular attendance. Dragging yourself out of bed each morning to learn will give you a better chance at achieving in school.
Being at school helps your grades in multiple ways that sometimes aren’t obvious. One of the worst consequences of not coming to school regularly is having to go to court for truancy because of your absences. The best thing to do is come to school as often as you can so you can avoid falling behind even more by having to go to court.
Not only can you catch a court case, your grades can begin to slip more quickly than you think. Missing just one day of school can cause a passing grade to fall to a failing grade, so it is best to avoid this possibility. Although makeup work can raise your grade once again, the stress of seeing bad grades can be solved by simply coming to school when possible.
Senior Clinton Iorfida says, “my poor attendance greatly affected my relationships with my friends and my credibility with my teachers.”
According to ACPS.K12, regular school attendance helps young adults learn valuable social skills by interacting with their peers. Not only can bad attendance affect relationships with your peers, but it can sometimes negatively affect the relationships with teachers.
If there is a real reason for your absences, most teachers will gladly give you all of your work to make up. But there are some cases where students get lazy and don’t want to come to school, which can result in a teacher getting tired of having to track a student down. It is better to form a good relationship with your teacher so that on days you really are sick, they will understand.
Good school attendance positively affects grades, helps build responsibility and accountability skills needed later in life and helps students stay on top of things. Good attendance during the year is one of the best ways to avoid having to waste your summer in school.
Are we living in a false reality?
By Sophie Isaacs
January 1, 2019
“Trump Tweets Support for Prearranged Marriages”, that's not true, but if it came from some official looking website on a Facebook article, would you believe it?
Fake news has been a big topic in our country the past year. The subject has gotten most of its attention from, and has really been brought into the limelight by, President Trump himself. Although the term fake news seems self-explanatory, it goes much deeper than just publishing false information.
Untrue articles, stories, or headlines can often be for the simple reasons of lazy fact-checking or comedy, but many have an ulterior political motive. Lots of people are guilty of seeing a headline and immediately accepting it at as the truth. Now though, the public is becoming more aware of the deceit that's happening in the media.
According to Statista, in March of 2018, 52% of respondents believed that online news websites were reporting fake news regularly. In addition, 66% of respondents believed that the reality of outside groups planting false information in the media was a serious problem.
Senior Yatzari Rodriguez says, ¨I always have to fact check everything I read. I also fact check everything people tell me because you can't believe what they say. Am I right?¨
Although Trump plays the victim as if he's battling against the epidemic of false facts, some might say he is actually the biggest contributor. According to CNN and The Washington Post, Trump hit the 5000 mark for untrue statements on his 601st day of his presidential term, which means he averages out at more than eight false statements a day. It's not a surprise to many though, as during the first presidential debate former First Lady Hillary Clinton and her team set up a fact checking website for viewers to use while listening to Trump’s arguments.
So next time you see that Musician Kanye West has become the new Vice President or Bernie Sanders says the Holocaust wasn't real, research it before blindly believing it. Check other websites and check the credibility of the source. Many say fake news is a threat to our democracy, but it's a threat to the individual as well. Don't let your opinions and beliefs be swayed by media, be informed and think for yourself.
January 1, 2019
“Trump Tweets Support for Prearranged Marriages”, that's not true, but if it came from some official looking website on a Facebook article, would you believe it?
Fake news has been a big topic in our country the past year. The subject has gotten most of its attention from, and has really been brought into the limelight by, President Trump himself. Although the term fake news seems self-explanatory, it goes much deeper than just publishing false information.
Untrue articles, stories, or headlines can often be for the simple reasons of lazy fact-checking or comedy, but many have an ulterior political motive. Lots of people are guilty of seeing a headline and immediately accepting it at as the truth. Now though, the public is becoming more aware of the deceit that's happening in the media.
According to Statista, in March of 2018, 52% of respondents believed that online news websites were reporting fake news regularly. In addition, 66% of respondents believed that the reality of outside groups planting false information in the media was a serious problem.
Senior Yatzari Rodriguez says, ¨I always have to fact check everything I read. I also fact check everything people tell me because you can't believe what they say. Am I right?¨
Although Trump plays the victim as if he's battling against the epidemic of false facts, some might say he is actually the biggest contributor. According to CNN and The Washington Post, Trump hit the 5000 mark for untrue statements on his 601st day of his presidential term, which means he averages out at more than eight false statements a day. It's not a surprise to many though, as during the first presidential debate former First Lady Hillary Clinton and her team set up a fact checking website for viewers to use while listening to Trump’s arguments.
So next time you see that Musician Kanye West has become the new Vice President or Bernie Sanders says the Holocaust wasn't real, research it before blindly believing it. Check other websites and check the credibility of the source. Many say fake news is a threat to our democracy, but it's a threat to the individual as well. Don't let your opinions and beliefs be swayed by media, be informed and think for yourself.
Why Should you do Spring Sports?
By Maliyah Mabry
January 11, 2019
What do you plan on doing in your free time this coming spring? In spring the weather gets warmer, so more outdoor activities will be open to participate in. A great opportunity in spring is playing a sport. There are many options like: soccer, baseball, golf, softball, tennis, and track.
There are many benefits when participating in a sport overall. It is said that you will gain a higher level of self esteem and a more positive outlook on life when joining sports. One who is very bored with life and sees really no purpose of it is more than likely to have a different outlook.
It also teaches you teamwork, goal-setting, and the pursuit of excellence. Learning how to work with others when be very helpful later in life with a job where you may always be surrounded by different people. Also, making goals each day is a huge part of short-term and long-term success.
Nothing is better than a winner after working hard to earn it. Winning is great but you don't always win or get what you want in life. So, when losing a game, it when teach you that lesson in life early. You have to be programmed to deal with both.
Friendships are major people in your life that will help make life a little more enjoyable. When participating in a sport you automatically are surrounded by you team a lot of time. This is a easy way to create bonds and make memories.
During high school most do not work or are dedicated to a gym or something like that. Being on a team will keep you busy and healthy. You most likely will have practice and games multiple days of the week so you do not really have time to sit around and be lazy. It also keeps you out of trouble.
Not only will you have a blast playing but it will look great on a college resume. Colleges look for well-rounded students. It shows that you are disciplined, confident, and work well with others. It always helps you have an advantage in a workplace. You’ll already be prepared for hard-work and dedication.
Overall, playing a sport will create a happy and healthier you. You get to understand the sport all while having fun. There are many options to participate in. You will never get bored. Participate in a sport this coming spring.
2018 graduate Ryan Tanner pitching the ball by photographer Matt Reno.