Oct. 31, 2023
The
DART
Issue 2
St. Teresa’s Academy Kansas City, MO Volume 88
AI @ STA Since the public launch of Chat GPT at the end of 2022, the worldwide popularity and presence of AI has grown exponentially. Its unprecedented abilities and accessibility spark poignant questions for educators and students alike regarding what it means to learn in the 21st century. to read more on 12-15.
The DART | October 31, 2023
In This Issue 4-5 Photo Essay: Autumn in Weston 16 Feature: New Devices 17 Humans of STA: JZ and Sage 6 News: Writers/Actors Strike 18: Columns: Annie McShane and 7 News: Battle of the Bubble Wynnie Sprague 8-9 Star Spotlight: Alice Coates 20 Sports: Football 10 Feature: Trick or Treat? 21 Community: All Saints’ Day and Día de Los Muertos 11 Review: Haunted Houses 22-23 Last Look: Computer 12-14 Cover Story: AI at STA Accessories
On the DNO
Tbd?
Growing Old Column by Katelyn Buckley
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Dance Team at Rockhurst Gallery by Sarah Schwaller
New Places, New Views Column by Maya Tule
2023 Door Decorating Contest Gallery by Jasmine Cervantes
Boo!
The DART | Letter from the Editors | designed by Anna Massman
Did we scare you? Happy Halloween, Stars! In this issue, The Dart focuses on events of fall and new technology at STA. On pages four and five, Rebecca McGannon shares photos from her trip to Weston to celebrate the annual Apple Fest. Next, Sarah Schwaller covers the switch from paper to online standardized testing, and Lina Kilgore details how AI played a role in the writer’s strike. To learn more about STA’s makerspace, read Alice Coates’s interview with Jo Marshall on pages 8 and 9. Read about all things Halloween on pages 10 and 11. Stella Baska tackles the Trick-or-Treating dilemma, and Cassie Hallier reviews local haunted houses. For this cycle’s cover story, Olivia Cooper, Isa Glover and Anna Massman focus on AI and its role at STA. On pages 12-14, they detail how AI has the
potential to become a valuable resource for students. On page 15, The Dart staff takes a stance on how AI could affect students’ daily lives. On page 16, you will find Lauren Rando’s story about the new computers that are coming to STA next year. On page 17, see Ellie McManamy’s interviews with Jeff Zimmerman and Sage Garretson, our Help Desk heroes. Read about Annie McShane’s musical debut and Wynnie Sprague’s love for adrenaline on pages 18-19. On page 20, Tierney Flavin and Molly Sonnenberg talk with some of STA’s biggest football fans. Catch Chloe Denk’s coverage of All Saints’ Day and Day of the Dead on page 21. Finally, check out Annie McShane’s last look all about tech. We’re so proud of this issue and we hope you love it! Happy reading and happy Halloween!
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The DART | Photo Essay | October 31, 2023
Apple Fest
Every fall the town of Weston the beginning Photos by Rebecca
A monarch butterfly perches on a pink flower in the sun.
Handmade guitars hang on the wall of a street seller’s tent.
Many people gather to pick out a pumpkin at the Red Barn Farm in Weston.
A white and a brown goat peek their heads out of a wooden fence.
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The remnants of a summer garden sway in the fall breeze.
The DART | Photo Essay | designed by Rebecca McGannon
in the West
throws an Apple Fest to celebrate of the new season. McGannon | Staff Writer
An American flag hangs next to a welcoming Weston sign.
An old truck filled with flowers and pumpkins sits next to a food stand.
A rustic barn filled with animals stands is set off by a bright blue sky.
An assortment of all kinds of pumpkins and gourds are displayed on wooden steps.
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The DART | News | October 31, 2023
B
ttle of the
B ubbl E
The rollout of the online PSAT brings mixed reviews from test administrators and students.
Story by Sarah Schwaller | Opinions Editor n the past year, students and schools across the nation have been Saturday, everyone’s getting paid for coming in. So essentially ACT and switching to online standardized testing, instead of paper, and the College Board are trying to get schools to do their work for free, still results vary. In some circumstances, students have been negatively charging the same amount, of course, and obviously raising their fees impacted by the flaws in this new system, while others have benefitted every year.” from the ease of testing and technological advancements. These new When asked about the future of online tests, Hudson remarked that testing formats have just been implemented at STA; most recently with this mishap on Oct. 11 is not good for the immediate future of online the rollout of the online PSAT. testing, but the desire for advancements will not necessarily stop. College counselor Debi Hudson has been monitoring the results “I think AP is slowly going more and more online; that actually of this new format, and has carefully considered the pros and cons scares me more because at least with the PSAT, it’s practice,” Hudson of having online testing at STA. This fall, the PSAT was distributed to said. “Unless it’s national merit and you’re talking 99th percentile; for juniors across the nation, solely in an online format; STA was obligated everyone else it is pure practice, whereas with AP you can spend the to try the program. It ultimately crashed, and students were left waiting entire year preparing. If the internet goes down or something happens 20 minutes at STA, and up to an hour and 20 minutes on the East Coast. with your device, that really, really matters.” As an administrator, Hudson found that the process to introduce While the PSAT is, at its core, a practice exam, there are some this testing was exhausting. She began training on the introduction to additional issues that come with it, especially in regards to preparation the online PSAT in March of 2022, and has since attended many hours and fair scoring. of virtual meetings for education on this testing. She found that this “There’s two different things, so there’s online testing, but there’s process was entirely frustrating, as there were no benefits from giving also online adaptive, which is the PSAT,” Hudson said. “Some students hundreds of hours of her time for it to crash down at the end. said ‘Oh, that was easy!’ But with adaptive testing, you don’t know She also noted the scheduling of the test. what questions come next, because it’s based on how you answer the “If it is a school day, [faculty] are obviously here anyway, so [the previous one. And because of that, it’s definitely going to be harder to College Board] is not paying us or anything like that. Whereas if it’s a prepare.”
I
Taking
a d n T S
Story by Lina Kilgore | Sports and News Editor
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t s n i a g a ai 6.
As the use of AI increases, industries such as the Writer’s Guild strike to preserve their jobs.
n May 2, 2023, the Writers Guild of America officially went on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television producers over multiple labor disputes ranging from low pay to rumors of replacement by Artificial Intelligence (AI). In resistance to these conditions, multiple writers and well-known actors joined together to make a stand by refusing to work and even promote any movies, ultimately making their voices heard. This strike officially ended on Sept. 27 after 148 days as a result of a tentative agreement between the Writers Guild of America and The Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers. This stand against multiple big film production companies resulted in delays of various movies and shows, but despite this, senior Grace Shanahan believes that this strike was long overdue. “I knew that the industry was poor, especially to writers and people who aren’t the top,” Shanahan said. “When I initially heard about it, I wasn’t surprised; if anything, I was more supportive. I think it’s good that people are advocating for better working conditions, especially for that trade.” Shanahan expressed how this lack of surprise was a direct result of the poor conditions and pay she found writers were experiencing. “Anyone who isn’t a producer or under a list is striking right now because they’re not getting paid an equal amount for the work that they’re doing,” Shanahan said.
The DART | designed by Tierney Flavin Junior Lillian Ralph took this online PSAT on Oct. 11 along with 131 other juniors but she found that it was a much better testing experience than paper tests are. She loved the adaptive format and felt that this aspect made it more enjoyable. “I liked the test better online, because it was totally customized to you, and there was also a timer, which I thought was helpful,” Ralph said. This assesment was the very first of tests that was taken by juniors online, and Ralph had some concerns about it that were ultimately resolved. “I wasn’t necessarily looking forward to taking it online, but once I did, I really liked it; I have found that everyone I have talked to seems to have liked it too,” Ralph said. This PSAT was also shorter than the typical PSAT, at 2 hours and 14 minutes, instead of the almost 3 hours and 15 minutes. Ralph noted that she would love to take more online standardized tests if she could have another opportunity in the future, even the AP tests. “If I had the option, I would have rather taken the AP World History test online,” Ralph said. “I thought that it was also easier to focus, and I wasn’t overwhelmed by the amount of questions since only one is displayed at a time.” Rockhurst High School junior Henry Bosco feels a bit differently about the online testing situation. On Oct. 10, Rockhurst released a statement saying that the online PSAT would be postponed due to issues with their Apple iPad software. This postponement was unexpected, and left some students feeling let down. “I definitely prepared for it to be last week and was a little disappointed to hear that my preparations were not going to pay off then,” Bosco said. This iOS issue was not the first one that the College Board had faced:
Multiple people gather to support The Writers Guild of America strike June 21. photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons: ufcw770
Theater teacher Shana Prentiss elaborated on the reason behind these strikes as pertaining to the possibility of writers being replaced by AI. “Companies are now starting to implement AI to start doing jobs that should be going into writers,” Prentiss said. “So storyboarding jobs are very scarce to find right now because AI is doing it or script writing is very scarce to find because AI is doing it and writers are saying this is unfair.” Shanahan is also concerned about the possibility of AI taking over writing jobs that have been provided for people throughout multiple decades. “Writers are important,” Shanahan said. “Without writers, you can’t convey the proper messaging and AI [is] just currently not capable of doing what a human can do. It’s just taking away this whole trade that’s been cultivated for hundreds of years.”
in May of 2020, students could not finish their AP exams due to an uploading issue stemming from software on Apple devices, as well as Androids. “I could see more problems arising from the College Board technology side of things,” Bosco said. “If they let this iOS slip-up happen, it could happen again. Especially with moving from a paper version of a test already proven to work well to a new online version, many more issues could arise.” The future of online testing is still in its infancy, but with student, teacher, and counselor feedback, advancements can be made to help programs become more reliable and benefit students greatly. B
“I thought that it was also easier to focus, and I wasn’t overwhelmed by the amount of questions since only one is displayed at a time.” Junior Lillian Ralph
Prentiss additionally feels that if AI would take over these writing jobs, a valuable part of the writing process would be lost. “Performance is all about humanity,” Prentiss said. “If you’re taking the human aspect out of that, then you’re removing the key aspect.” Prentiss further believes that not only parts of the writing process would be overpowered by AI, but also parts of the entertainment experience as a whole. “What we can take from film and theater and performance is empathy, and understanding of the human will,” Prentiss said. “When you remove that by using AI, you’re removing the heart of all of it.” Now in consideration of the strike ending on September 23, Prentiss feels this strike was necessary to make sure “the heart” of film stays intact. “I’m never a fan of striking but there are times where that’s what it takes and in this case it really did work and it will improve the industry because all of these people were willing to stand up for themselves and be strong,” Prentiss said. As a result of the strike, the Writers Guild of America reached a deal with The Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers in which AI is not allowed to be used for writing and in turn, studios cannot force writers to use it. However this deal does state that writers can use AI for writing aid after consent from their studio. In addition, the deal also increases pay for writers and adds staffing requirements based on episode count. Overall Shanahan feels this strike reached a level of importance that extends beyond just TV Writer’s but applies to multiple jobs as AI becomes more and more prevalent in the current workforce. “Each different occupation people work, and people put their heart and their sweat and their blood and their tears into their work,” Shanahan said. “And regardless of what role they play in something, they are equally as important.” B
7.
The DART | Star Spotlight | October 31, 2023
STAR SPOTLIGHT
8.
STA senior Alice Coates spends lots of time in Goppert, whether she is teaching in the makerspace, editing a short film or working a shift at the help desk. The Dart asked all about Coates’s involvement, duties and favorite parts of interning at both. Story by Jo Marshall | Staff Writer
The DART | designed by Jo Marshall
Can you tell me a bit about yourself? “My name is Alice Coates. My birthday is March 28th, 2006. My favorite color is probably green. [For my] favorite food, I really like chicken pot pie.”
What are some extracurriculars or things you do outside of the school day that you’re passionate about? “Being a makerspace intern is an activity in itself, so I spend extra time outside of school on that. I’m also a student ambassador for STA, so I get to help out with fundraisers and the open house. As far as hobbies outside of school, I really like listening to music and rollerskating. For colleges I’m looking to apply to a film school, so in my free time I’ve been doing lots of short films or personal films that I need for my portfolios.”
What are you involved in at STA? “I got involved in the makerspace in the beginning of my sophomore year. They sent out an email that said ‘hey we’re looking for makerspace interns,’ so I applied. I didn’t know what the makerspace was, but I knew I enjoyed crafts. I interviewed, and was given the internship with Dr. Sonnenberg. I spent my sophomore year learning how to use the machines in that space with Mr. Lewis. Last year, I was honing in on my skills and starting to bring more people into the space. This year, I’ve spent my time training the future generation of interns how to use the space. When I’m not in the makerspace, I help out at the help desk. I took computer diagnostics last year, and for that class you work a shift there. I really enjoyed it, so I kept coming back. JZ and Sage have definitely become mentors to me.”
What’s something you love about STA? “I love the community. It’s such an easy thing to say, but I love the people. They care about you and your success, and they’re so genuine. There are always good vibes, all around and all the time. I love where I am here. STA has provided me with such a nurturing environment. I love more than anything to give back to that, like using my time to work at the help desk, volunteer at STA events and be helpful to teachers. I’m just forever grateful STA for all it’s done for me.”
Are there any lessons that you think you’ve learned through your involvement with the help desk or makerspace? “I’ve definitely learned a lot about teaching in the makerspace. I feel like obviously we all learn at our own pace, and even when things make sense to me in my head, I might need to break it down in different ways for some people. It helps them understand me, but it also helps me understand the concept even deeper. The people at the help desk have taught me to ‘know your worth, the value of your time and the respect you deserve.’ I feel like sometimes we as students get overlooked just because we’re kids, but we do know things, and we’re smart and capable. That’s definitely something that I’m still learning to this day.”
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The DART | Feature | October 31, 2023
To Trick-or-Treat or Not to High school students Trick-or-Treat? often question whether
or not to Trick-or-Treat; here is what STA students think.
Story by Stella Baska | Staff Writer
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rick-or-treat!” This phrase echoes in many students’ heads as a memory of a fun Halloween activity. However, as they grow older, this echo dulls into the sound of party music. St. Teresa’s students, especially freshmen, must decide whether they want to trickor-treat this year or if it is behind them. Freshman Ava Smith contemplates the “aging-out” idea just in time to decide her Halloween plans. “I feel like I might be getting too old to trick-or-treat,” Smith said. “It’s kind of sad, but it has to be over sometime.” Though many freshmen believe that going from door to door for treats is in the past, sophomore Wynn Generally happily went last year. “I had to take my little brother, and my friends and I wanted free treats, so I went,” Generally said. Many people go trick-or-treating because of their siblings or family responsibilities, despite their age. “I don’t think there is any age to stop trick-or-treating,” Generally said. “People still do it, but it is mostly to walk their little siblings around.” Some students, however, decide not to trick-or-treat no matter what circumstances. “I went to my friend’s party last year,” sophomore Georgia LinebachDehart said. According to popular opinion, age 14-15 is when people stop trick-ortreating. “I feel like the most common age people stop is eighth grade,” Generally said. Linebach-Dehart had many reasons not to trick-or-treat, but the spread of COVID-19 mainly ended her desire to trick-or-treat. “I remember my school tried to do this thing where they had candy on a table or something,” Linebach-Dehart said. “It was lame, and no one trick-or-treated after that.” Sickness is not the only safety concern regarding trick-or-treating. Walking up to random people for candy can on occasion lead to kidnappings or laced treats. “It’s not safe to be out as young women, even though I would have friends around me,” Smith said. “I don’t really like knocking on people’s doors and asking for stuff.” Despite the potential dangers of this Halloween activity, many people still trick-or-treat. According to the U.S government census, 73.1 million estimated children trick-or-treated in 2020. Generally is not surprised by this.
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“I like seeing all the fun costumes and getting free delicious candy,” Generally said. In addition to treats, Halloween also presents some creative opportunities. According to Linebach-Dehart, costumes are a big way to express yourself and can be a deciding factor in whether to trick-or-treat or not. “I think wearing something comfy or warm-ish is best if you are trickor-treating,” Linebach-Dehart said. “Some people really care about costumes for parties, as long as it is good it does not have to be a cute little costume.” Group costumes have become more and more popular, especially with age. Spending time with those friends is crucial to both partiers and trick-ortreaters. “Going trick-or-treating with your friends is so fun,” Generally said. “It’s a great bonding experience to get closer.” Linebach-Dehart believes Halloween is the best holiday because of this idea. “Halloween is my favorite holiday,” Linebach-Dehart said. “So staying in with a few of my friends would be the most fun.” Smith agrees with this testament. “I might just have a couple close friends over and have a little Halloween party,” Smith said. Though Smith plans to get together with close friends to hang out, for freshmen, it can be scary to make plans, especially when you could get made fun of. “I have not made fun of people for trick-or-treating, but I’ve heard other people [do so],” Linebach-Dehart said. “Those are just lame people, though.” In the end, the best plan for Halloween is what you feel comfortable with. “Do what you want. It’s fun and you get free candy,” Generally said. “But also, just have fun with your friends. Watch scary movies or something.” b
Georgia Linebach-Dehart and Drew Kasyjanski pose on Halloween last year. Photo courtesy of Linebach-Dehart.
The DART | Review | designed by Stella Baska
How to Have a Haunted Halloween!
I went to one of Kansas City’s best haunted houses; here’s what I thought. Story by Cassie Hallier | Staff Writer
A
shiver ran through my body, and I The glasses make the dots flow all around still can’t decide if it was due to the the room. The walls feel like they are closing in cold temperature or my nerves. I on you. There is also a part of the neon room was waiting in line to experience the Kansas where you walk across a bridge, and the walls City classic, Edge of Hell. feel like they are spinning around you. The Having never been to a haunted house adrenaline rush that came with this room was before, I figured an iconic, well-loved one extreme. I enjoyed it quite a bit. was a great place to start. Lines form quickly If you decided to spend an evening at this at Edge of Hell and its partner The Beast, spooky site, or any haunted house, I definitely so my friend and I made sure to arrive early. recommend going in a group. I only went This just built up the anticipation. with one other person, so I was worried there While you are waiting in line actors walk would be no hiding in the middle of the pack. around outside and get you hype. The one It takes a brave person to go first or last; and I that stood out most to me was a woman didn’t want it to be me. Luckily, we met some dressed as a corpse bride. She carried a girls our age in line and went through the pet rat, and at one point put the rat in her whole house together! mouth, which was severely alarming to me. Overall, Edge of Hell was a fantastic Once we got into the haunted house, we experience. The scares feel authentic, and I traversed five floors filled with walls that often had to remind myself that everything caved in, bridges suspended over water, and was fake. Yet, a ticket to the house starts spinning floors. People jumped out from the at $38, which is too much for a 30-minute floor and the walls to scare us, and the pitch experience. I’ll try anything once, though! You black kept us from seeing anything. The should too! Have a haunted Halloween! b fright was exhilarating. My favorite room was one near the end of the house. Before you walk in, they hand you a pair of 3D glasses. The room you enter has white walls with neon dots.
Photos of Edge of Hell courtesy of Yelp
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AI @ STA The DART | Centerspread | October 31, 2023
Since the public launch of Chat GPT at the end of 2022, the worldwide popularity and presence of AI has grown exponentially. Its unprecedented abilities and accessibility spark poignant questions for educators and students alike regarding what it means to learn in the 21st century. Story by Anna Massman | Features Editor, Isa Glover | Associate Sports Editor and Olivia Cooper | Web and Lifestyles Editor Photos by Jasmine Certvantes | Photo Editor and Maya Tule | Associate Photo Editor Graphics by Annie McShane | Editor-in-Chief
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The DART | designed by Anna Stout
and how is that affecting the psyche of my students,” Baker said. “That’s probably my biggest concern, or being able to manipulate the speech of somebody, so if you get accused of saying something on social media, I’m not going to be able to know, is that AI or is that real.” Alternatively, Turley warns peers of the academic consequences associated with unethical use of AI, especially when students lack a complete understanding of the technology. “Sometimes there is a danger in trying to cheat using AI because it has ‘hallucinations,’ which means that AI basically makes up
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AI is your future and it is not going to go away. If anything, it will only grow in usability and integration into your day-to-day lives. Jeff Zimmerman
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he global phenomenon of artificial intelligence is rapidly shifting the way educators and students view learning. The growing presence of AI can be felt on the STA campus this fall, as administration and teachers have adapted to the new technology. STA has begun familiarizing students with AI through the creation of a Nearpod assignment geared towards teaching the basics of ChatGPT. STA Network and Systems Administrator Jeff Zimmerman, who crafted the assignment, believes instructing students on the basics of AI is part of STA’s role in preparing and empowering young women for their life beyond high school. “AI is your future and it is not going to go away,” Zimmerman said. “If anything, it will only grow in usability and integration into your day-to-day lives. And quickly. We feel that teaching STA students how to both understand and use it responsibly is better than pretending it doesn’t exist.” The Nearpod includes videos and prompts to guide students through a brief history of AI, its limitations, and the correct way to use it. Principal of Student Affairs Liz Baker took the Nearpod to educate herself on this emerging technology, and highly recommends it to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of AI. “Mr. Zimmerman has done a great job in his research and presentation and talking about the history and about how it works and also speaking about prompting,” Baker said. “I think that if somebody takes that and studies it very well, they’ll do well with it.” Senior Megan Turley helped teach an AI-centered course over the summer and she is familiar with the applications. She recommends that students educate themselves before using AI. “Students should try to learn about it [AI] from people who regularly use it or have helped develop it,” Turley said. “There’s not a lot of technical knowledge needed to use AI. It’s more of being very aware of what you’re doing.” The introduction of AI has left many on campus worried that it will take away from the students’ learning experience. Baker considers the social implications of AI to be the most pressing aspect of adapting to the new technology. “My greatest concern, as a disciplinarian, is on social media, what’s real and what isn’t,
information that it might not actually know,” Turley said. “Students need to be careful and need to know exactly what they’re looking for.” The greatest concern for most when hearing that AI will be installed on student devices is the temptation to cheat on schoolwork. While AI is encouraged to be used as a writing aid, English teacher Sarah Taber notes that it is not ethical to use AI applications to write essays in place of students doing the work. She stresses that this can be viewed as plagiarism and takes away from the student’s learning experience. “That makes me sad because I feel like it’s [AI] taking away from a
student’s capability to sort of fulfill her full potential,” Taber said. Zimmerman believes the key to managing this new tool is providing students with the skills and cognizance necessary to use it beneficially. “I don’t think it is any different than other resources that have been available to students,” Zimmerman said. “Like most tools, there are both good and bad ways to use them. Knowing how to use the tool is the key to mastering and understanding it.” Computer and Engineering Science teacher Lillia Nelson also believes the new technology is manageable, as teachers can typically identify ChatGPT usage based on their knowledge of students’ previous abilities. According to Nelson, gaining the skills necessary to use AI are essential to avoid academic dishonesty. “We understand what the average student is capable of,” Nelson said. “If it seems a little complex of an analysis, we can easily assume that you probably got some help and honestly, that’s OK. But teaching students how to properly use AI to come up with prompts to help in your idea development process, and then you take it from there and you do further research. That is good, you know, good digital citizenship.” Teachers are helping to combat students’ misuse of AI through incorporating it into their classes. As a teacher in the English department, Taber expressed how AI has changed some aspects of teaching. “I think it can be an incredibly important tool that we can utilize and regulate,” Taber said. “I feel like we need to start seeing how it can improve our writing or improve our content without letting it replace what we’re doing.”
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The DART | Centerspead | October 31, 2023 Baker emphasized the importance of collaboration to not be afraid of it, but rather educate themselves between teachers and students, especially as the about what it is and how it can be used in their everyday technology and our understanding of it evolves. lives in a helpful and useful way. Rather than living in “I think we’re all on the same fear, Taber encourages remaining page in the sense that it’s curious and learning about “AI has the potential to make us brand new,” Baker said. “We’re the different ways AI can be all working on [AI] together implemented into students’ lives. better humans. It’s here, and so as students and teachers and “AI has the potential to make us instead of ignoring it and letting it just that’s a good thing. I think it better humans,” Taber said. “It’s be used for nefarious purposes, I’d could really help teaching and here, and so instead of ignoring rather face it, use it and try to make us learning, if somebody is really it and letting it just be used for better.” involved in it and can really nefarious purposes, I’d rather Sarah Taber embrace and learn about it. face it, use it and try to make us So that from the teacher’s side better.” and the students’ side, working Seeing students educate together in collaboration to create something that is a themselves on and debate the issues surrounding AI really good product.” gives Nelson hope for the future. Turley has seen the benefits of AI through her own “Just seeing and hearing students’ passion in regards classroom experiences. to these issues, it definitely shakes my fear of the future “AI will help students study more,” Turley said. “I have away,” Nelson said. “These kids can be president. used it to make study guides and also used it to help Listening to them arguing and debating with evidence write outlines for my essays.” and passion is wonderful. We actually have students that Teachers ultimately agree that the use of AI is a put thought into their futures, their careers and how complex and ever-changing process. They urge students technology impacts that in the lives of others around them.”B
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ers in h c a ny te s plan on a m How ted State hout the ni ug the U g AI thro r? ea in t utiliz school y ton Mifflin Harcour h itor
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22 out out of of 55 teachers teachers answered yes
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Right on Target The DART | designed by Anna Stout
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Editorial by Dianne Haake | Web and Lifestyles Editor
ny new technological advancements are bound to be met with curiosity, questions and concerns, and AI is certainly not an exception to this. Its ability to learn from its environment and problem solve within seconds make it an especially relevant issue at places like STA, where students are taught to think critically for themselves. While AI offers many ways to help people improve their efficiency, there are fears it contradicts the selfmotivation and individuality that comes with human creativity. This begs the question: “Does AI have a place in humans’ day-to-day lives?” The Dart staff discussed their thoughts on the matter, including what the future of AI could look like as well as where it’s already been implemented, before concluding unanimously “No.” Staff members believe AI gives humans too much freedom to use for malicious purposes and diminishes human creativity and self-sufficiency for things that could’ve been done ourselves.
Some staffers believe AI teaches people not to challenge ideas. Placing AI in schools only makes it more tempting for students to use it insincerely. Staffers also fear AI could take away the independence and passion that man-made works have and serve as a default for human creativity. Additionally, the use of AI in the workforce also poses concerns. One staff member noted that if people genuinely love their jobs, they wouldn’t have any interest in using AI to do the work for them. AI has been used to replace humans for “boring” and “arduous” tasks, such as training employees and jobs that require human interaction. To company and business leaders, AI will be seen as a quick, low-cost tool to rely less on employees and further collect more profit, which puts thousands of jobs at risk. The Dart staff does see some positive ways AI can be used in ways that don’t blunt creativity. There are hopes particularly in the medical and science
industries where AI can be used to fight diseases and make new discoveries. In school settings, it could be used to organize information, as well as assist with studying. It is ultimately up to the individuals who decide how AI will be used, with one staff member noting, “You can’t give humans unlimited access to intelligence and expect them not to use it in a harmful way.”B
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The DART | Feature | October 31, 2023
IN WITH THE NEW
OUT WITH THE OLD
This school year STA will be trading in their current school computers for new and updated ones. Those involved in the distribution give insight on what to expect. Story by Lauren Rando | Staff Writer
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hat is an exciting event that happens every four years? No, it’s not the Olympics or Leap Year. It’s the rollout of new STA computers! Every four years, all STA students trade in their old laptops for new, upgraded versions. Lucky for current students, the 2023/2024 school year marks the time for these upgrades. “We cycle devices every four years to keep up with needs and the newer technologies,” Network and Systems Administrator Jeff Zimmerman said. “Over the four years of a device cycle, our needs for technology evolve, an example being the growth of both video creation and editing. These demands require devices better equipped with resources to accommodate our needs.” Currently, students use the Dell Latitude 1400 Laptop but it is time to bid farewell to these older devices and welcome the newest laptop member to STA: the Microsoft Laptop Studio. “The Microsoft Laptop Studio is the latest addition to the Microsoft Studio line,” Zimmerman said. “It is the predecessor of the Laptop Book.” The Microsoft Laptops are new, but many of its systems and functions are similar to the current Dell laptops. This way, students should not have much trouble operating and adjusting to these devices.
“Ultimately the Microsoft Laptops will have the same basic functionality you are used to,” Zimmerman said. “This includes digital inking, tablet and laptop modes, and touch screens. You will also have the tools you are used to, only newer and more updated: OneNote, Teams, Adobe applications.” These aspects of the new computers will stay the same, but there are many updated features for students to be excited about.
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“The Microsoft Laptop Studio uses a 2-in-1 style called the pullforward,” Zimmerman said. “It does not have to be picked up or pulled apart to switch between the laptop and tablet modes. It also has a larger screen and the pen will also charge while its connected to the device; this means no more pen batteries!” During the previous school year, a few students were selected to test the new computers to make sure they were the right fit for STA and its students. One of these selected few was junior Layla Cranston. She was able to use the Microsoft Laptop Studio throughout the school day and shared her thoughts on it. “ I love the new computer,” Cranston said. “I haven’t had any problems with loading times or pen connectivity and I always have, no lie, about 100 tabs open...This laptop is super consistent” Overall, Cranston really loved the Microsoft Laptop Studio. There were some aspects that really stuck out to her though. “My favorite part is the lack of IT problems I’ve had,” Cranston said. “I have not had to visit The Help Desk since I got it. There are also all kinds of spots where you can hide stickers. I like to put stickers on the bottom and in the fold-out space.” Now the real question is, when will students be receiving these new and improved computers? “Traditionally, new devices are distributed during the second semester,” Zimmerman said. “The exact timing is still being determined, but all students will get it by the end of the year.” According to Zimmerman, the distribution of the computers can be pretty stressful for all of those involved, but STA’s tech team is working hard to make sure all students and faculty have a smooth transition. “I always get anxious when we get ready for any new technology rollouts,” Zimmerman said. “There are so many things to go wrong. My team and volunteers (thank you all!) will do our best to make this as successful as possible. I love when it all comes together and students get to experience what we’ve been working hard to make happen. STA stars are worth it!”
The DART | designed by Lauren Rando
HELP DESK HEROES FIX! TECH!
Having helped students every day for three and 13 years respectively, Help Desk Heroes Sage Garretson and Jeff Zimmerman aim to continue creating a welcoming, supportive environment for anyone needing technological assistance at STA. Story by Ellie McManamy | Social Media Editor
SAGE SAYS:
JZ SAYS:
What do you find to be the most fulfilling aspect of your job? “The most fulfilling aspect would be when I explain something, to anyone, and am able to witness the ‘light bulb’ light up. The moment that person understands ‘it’ has always been the most fulfilling aspect of my job.”
“Helping people of all ages get to the point where they feel comfortable not only using technology but helping someone solve a technological problem. The process to help everyone feel like they can walk away from our talk and help even just one other person, that brings me the most joy and satisfaction.”
What do you hope to help students with most while working at the Help Desk? “My personal hope is to address technical issues as promptly and efficiently as possible. In doing so I want to do my best to provide patience and empathy with any and all issues. I want the Help Desk to be a welcoming place for anyone of any technical understanding.”
Photos courtesy of Ellie McManamy
“Encouraging students that while we know how to fix most things at the Help Desk, we do not know everything. Showing someone how to find the answer to their question from searching online, that skill will help students forever in life. The proverb, ‘Give a person a fish, and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime,’ comes to mind here. Teaching students and the future, that the ability to find your answer and build it, is of greater benefit to one than a one-off handout.”B
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the DART | Column | October 31, 2023
Rolling Out the Red Carpet Following in the footsteps of Troy Bolton, I left my basketball career behind and joined the STA musical this year. Story by Annie McShane | Editor-in-Chief
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’m a big believer in trying new things. As a naturally curious person, I’m always eager to find something fun and new to do. Whether that’s eating new foods, picking up a new hobby or partaking in a new experience, trying something new always makes me feel more accomplished. When I decided that I wasn’t going to play basketball this year, I knew that I needed something new to fill my after-school time slot. So, following in the footsteps of everyone’s favorite basketball star, “High School Musical’s” Troy Bolton, I decided to try something completely out of my comfort zone: the STA Musical. As you can probably guess, I have absolutely zero experience with musicals. I have no singing or acting background, and the closest I’ve ever come to theater was my eighth-grade play, which was canceled due to COVID. But, despite my lack of experience, I had very little stress about the process. I just wanted to be in the ensemble, so I wasn’t worried about if I didn’t sound amazing or if I messed up the steps in my dance. My ease of mind was quickly crushed, however, when I found out that the directors do in fact make… cuts. With this newfound knowledge hanging over my head, I was driven to practice for hours in preparation for my audition. My heart was set on being in this musical and I feared that my inexperience would cost me. But, I knew immediately after walking into auditions that I was
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going to be ok. Everyone else was feeling the same nervous energy that I was, and we were able to talk through our anxieties together and reassure each other. With every sport I’ve ever played, I felt super worried about messing up or letting my teammates down. I thought for sure that since I was a newbie, I would have those same fears about the musical, but it has been exactly the opposite. From that very first day at auditions, the supportive energy from everyone in the cast has been so evident in everything we do. Just like Troy Bolton and the Wildcats said--or rather, sang: “We’re all in this together.” Even if I stumble while dancing or sing a wrong note, my castmates are there to help me back on the right track. So, I guess the moral of this story is to try new things. It might be scary to go outside of your comfort zone, but you never know what awesome new experience is out there waiting for you. Now, let me shamelessly put in a quick plug here: come see “Bright Star” tomorrow through Saturday at STA! B
Buy Your Tickets for “Bright Star" Nov. 1-4
the DART | designed by Katelyn Buckley
My Love for
A D R E N AL I N E I have always loved the feeling of an adrenaline rush. Here, I will share some of the reasons why Story by Wynnie Sprague | Staff Writer
T
he score is 14-14 in the third set. We just won the point and it is my turn to serve. If we can get these two points, we get to go to nationals. Most would dread being the person who serves, but I love it. I love the pressure being on my back, and knowing that I can do my best to control it. Ever since I was little, I have jumped at any opportunity to be in a situation where I can feel adrenaline pumping through my veins: the feeling of being so nervous, but excited at the same time. My first memory of feeling this way was when I was three years old and I was learning to ride my pink bike with princesses all over it, with no training wheels. My brothers tried to teach me all day and I could not get the hang of it. I was so terrified that I was going to fall off, but also so excited that if I could finally figure this out that I would be able to ride my own bike. After that long day, my parents dragged me inside and made me get ready for bed. As I was about to go to bed, I decided to go try one more time, this time with no clothes, shoes, or a helmet on. And sure enough, I rode my bike down my driveway without my parents knowing. It was the best feeling of accomplishment, even as a three-year-old. As I have grown up, I still search for that same feeling I had when first riding my bike. I will go on almost any roller coaster, I love skiing, I love when there is turbulence on planes and I love the haunted houses. The thing I am looking forward to the most is skydiving. I have planned to go skydiving on my
18th birthday since I was little. I can imagine all the nervous emotions of anticipation on the plane ride up to the sky and the extreme adrenaline rush before the big jump out of the plane. I want to experience the feeling of relief after I land on the ground and I can just imagine the feeling of pride I will have afterwards. B
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the DART | Feature | October 31, 2023
schools never get to have.” ouchdownnnn!!! Kansaaaasss When senior Neisha Tolliver saw her Cityyyy!” Chiefs announcer Mitch older brothers playing football Holthus yells into the microphone through high school, she as Patrick Mahomes scores his realized that she wanted second touchdown of the to be involved in the game. The GEHA stadium sport as well. Her immediately bursts into parents got her a frenzy of shouts and enrolled in screams in response. competitive As the summer flag football, air turns crisp, and she has Kansas Citians can played ever be seen sporting since. their Kansas City Tolliver Chiefs gear almost mentioned that every Red Friday and the number of NFL Sunday. For most, players on her team Chiefs games are a staple is emblematic of the Sunday activity. Junior Logan number of girls who likely Lewellen has been attending wouldn’t otherwise have the these games with her family opportunity to play football. for 13 years. The team has won two Super Bowl trophies and For many Kansas Citians, fall means football, but for students “The team that I’m under has so many people on it,” Tolliver three AFC West championship at an all-girls school, the field looks a little different. said. “Especially girls because games in that time, led by Story by Tierney Flavin | Editor-in-Chief and Molly all we can do is play flag [football].” quarterback Mahomes. Due to her lengthy Sonnenberg | Staff Writer While it does differ from traditional high tenure with the Chiefs, though, Lewellen school football, Tolliver says she loves recalls a team long before Mahomes. certain typical high school experiences due playing and wishes other students knew how “My earliest memory is with the to this division. fun the sport is. quarterback Alex Smith,” Lewellen said. “Sometimes I wish we could have the “I like the environment,” Tolliver said. “He would always throw the footballs to the same experiences as being a cheerleader on “For one, it can be all-girls or it’s co-ed, and fans.” the sidelines and that kind of stuff,” Kuechler everyone’s just playing at the same speed As she has gotten older, Lewellen has said. “I think sometimes the Rockhurst boys either way.” gained a real grasp on football, and her are like ‘get out of [the student section]’ to On Oct. 10, Kogge sent out an all-school fondest memories are the more recent STA girls…so it’s hard.” email notifying students of a new intramural games, like the AFC Championship against However, health and P.E. teacher Caitlyn flag football program which started Oct. 24 the Cincinnati Bengals. with seven teams in the league. Tolliver and Aside from Sunday, Monday and Thursday senior Catherine Gyllenborg brought the NFL games or weekend college football, concept to Kogge’s attention and she loved STA’s “Friday Night Lights” look different the idea because of the empowerment that from many other high schoolers’ in the KC flag football brings to women. area. The Rockhurst High School stadium “I think that allowing women to occupy lights shine on crowds of blue sweatshirts, spaces typically reserved for men is always Rockhurst students in their designated empowering,” Kogge said. “Flag Football is section and STA students sitting in the an example of a sport that people love but parents’ section. Ahead of freshman year, women and girls are not always members many students look forward to attending in the conversation about where it should high school football games, even if they be played and who should be included. aren’t for their own school. Now that this variation of American STA students are invited to attend Seniors Neisha Toliver and Eliana Zamora laugh football is growing and women and girls are Rockhurst games, and many do. Freshman during their first scrimmage of the year against leaders in that movement, I think it is very Charlotte Kuechler has gone to a few games the juniors. empowering.” this year. Kogge believes that not having a football Tolliver hopes that the addition of flag “I only really watch the important games, team has a positive impact on STA’s student football to STA’s intramural docket will because they can be fun and exciting athletes. increase interest in the sport. whenever everyone’s actually watching “I wouldn’t say that STA students have “I hope that it gets more people to play it,” Kuechler said. “For the most part I just missed out on anything with the absence competitively,” Tolliver said. “If we get go there to hang out because that’s where of football on campus specifically,” Kogge more people like that, then [the sport] will everybody is on Fridays, where all your guy said. “Many students choose to spend their definitely expand throughout the years. I friends are at least.” weekends at games to watch friends and know right now a lot of colleges are adding Because Rockhurst and STA are separate siblings play. Conversely, I think that all flag football to their teams. So I feel like if schools, STA students can struggle to feel of our sports get a better chance to shine included at the games. Some more people get involved, it’ll improve the without being overshadowed by a sport like students, including Kuechler, sport as a whole.” B football. Our high school experience at STA even feel that they miss out on has so many wonderful things that other
The Future of Football
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the DART | Feature | designed by Chloe Denk
When the Saints Come Marching In
In the early days of November, the holidays of Dia de los Muertos and All Saints’ Day are celebrated all over the world.
Story by Chloe Denk | Design Editor s the festivities of Halloween draw the yellow flowers with the candles,” Adams to a close on the 31st of October, said. “We just put everybody we know, like November dawns bright with other family and friends, and we put their pictures celebrations: Dia de los Muertos and All there.” Saints’ Day. While Halloween can be viewed The holiday is accompanied by other as a spooky holiday, the days of November elements, including handmade calavera first and second are intended to honor the skulls. Generally made from sugar or clay, dead. the skulls boast bright colors and intricate The tradition of Dia de los Muertos, or the designs. Papel picado, colored paper Day of the Dead, is believed to have begun banners with cut-out designs, are often about 3000 years ago, but the present-day created for the occasion as well. celebrations are still an important part of Arguably the most famous calavera is Hispanic culture. During November 1st and La Calavera Catrina, a female skeleton 2nd, spirits are believed to come back to visit generally portrayed with a hat. Originally their living relatives. created by José Guadalupe Posada, the To greet them, many cities hold parades skeleton is said to be a modern version of that showcase calavera painted faces: the Aztec goddess of death, Mictecacihuatl, skulls drawn with a smile. In contrast with who was believed to preside over funerals Halloween skulls, calaveras represent the and safeguard remains. joyful memories of loved ones, and the While in common use today, La Catrina celebration of both life and death. was originally a political statement. The The parades are often concurrent with picnics in cemeteries and the cleaning of loved ones’ gravestones. STA junior Sandra Adams celebrates Dia de los Muertos within her family and parish, but learned about new aspects of it through STA. “I learned how different places in Mexico celebrate [Dia de los Muertos], because I didn’t know certain places actually do parades and stuff; I didn’t know that was a thing,” Adams said. To prepare for spirits, families ready multilayered ofrendas for the deceased to encourage the dead to join the celebrations. On top of the ofrenda, photos and personal items rest atop an oilcloth, while the lower portion of the ofrenda contains offerings such as food and marigolds, which guide the spirits through color and scent. The flowers are known as Flor de Muerto, or Flower of the Dead, and are said to symbolize the fragility and beauty of life. Adams’ family partakes in the creation of the altars, and she often has an ofrenda in her home for the holiday. “In my house I have a statue of Mary and we put the typical decorations [out], like
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skeleton’s fancy garb represented the aspirations of some Mexicans to appear wealthy, aristocratic and similar to Europeans. Posada’s satirical portrayal of the calavera conveyed the message that “death is democratic”, and that everyone would be dead regardless of how they appeared. La Catrina was intended as a condemnation of the vanity and greed of the wealthy privileged classes during the Mexican revolution. Today, the skeleton is featured in many celebrations, but families have personal traditions associated with the holiday as well. For Adams, that includes honoring those who have passed with a meal. “Something my family does is that we have certain days where we eat a family member or friend’s favorite food for dinner.” In the Catholic Church, November 1st also honors the dead through the celebration of All Saints’ day. The Holy Day of Obligation, begun by Pope Boniface IV in 609 AD, focuses on those recognized by the Catholic Church in the canon of saints, but is intended to honor all those who have reached Heaven. Similar to Dia de los Muertos, it features the placement of candles or flowers on graves, and is celebrated in different ways across the globe. Adams celebrates this holiday as well, although she focuses on it more in terms of her parish than familial celebrations. Whatever the specific holiday, the early days of November are a time for many to honor those who have passed and gain new cultural awareness. “It gives everybody an opportunity to learn about different cultures. I feel like that’s important because STA is starting to be a lot more inclusive and diversity is now really prominent, so I feel like students would be interested in learning about [the holiday] and maybe even celebrating it.”B This story contains information from the following sources: United Language Group, Dayofthe dead.holiday, National Geographic, Catholic.org, and Whatcom Museum.
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Trendy Tech the DART | Last Look | October 31, 2023
As students bid adieu to their old computers, The Dart explored some of the most beloved technology and accessories. Graphics and photos by Annie McShane | Editor-in-Chief
30% said headphones
How do you
Headphone? The Dart surveyed STA students to find out what type of headphones they use the most. *poll out of 37 people
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22% said earbuds
48% said AirPods
the DART | designed by Annie McShane
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2022-23
the DART | October 31, 2023
DART STAFF Advisor
Opinion Editors
Dianne Hirner
Katelyn Buckley Sarah Schwaller
Editors-In-Chief
Web/Lifestyle Editors Dianne Haake Olivia Cooper
Social Media Editor
Annie McShane Tierney Flavin
Photography Editor Jasmine Cervantes
Ellie McManamy
Features Editors
Associate Photo Editor
Anna Massman
Staff Writers
Maya Tule
Design Editors Anna Stout Chloe Denk
Cassie Hallier Jo Marshall Sports/News Editor Lauren Rando Lina Kilgore Molly Sonnenberg Rebecca McGannon Associate Sports Editor Stella Baska Isa Glover Winnie Sprague
COVER DESIGN BY Jasmine Cervantes | Photo Editor Maya Tule | Associate Photo Editor
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