The Express - April Issue

THE SPACE BETWEEN SCHOOL-SPONSORED EVENTS, LIKE GRADUATION, WERE POSTPONED DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK. THE NORTHWEST COMMUNITY TOOK ACTION TO LESSEN THE IMPACT OF THE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER.

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VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 7 • BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST

Issue 7 | 4.30.20

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THE EXPRESS STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF - ETHAN KNAUTH

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BVNW ALUMNA CAMPAIGNS FOR KANSAS HOUSE

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Above: Seniors Danya Radhi and Luke Blau pose with masks in their prom wear. “People, like our parents, look back at their senior proms and high school graduations and my class will never look back at it the way everyone does,” Radhi said. “It makes me sad, angry, confused and numb thinking about it, but I understand it’s out of anyone’s control.” (Photo by Mitri Krishna) Cover: Senior Rachel Lyle displays what could be the new normal graduation attire. “I missed out on all the fun things that bring seniors together,” Lyle said. “I’m also sad I don’t get to say goodbye to all my favorite teachers who have made my time at Northwest amazing.” (Photo by Mitri Krishna)

UNSUNG HEROES PAGE 16

CURB SIDE ZOOM CAFE THERAPY PAGE 18

PAGE 20

THE SILVER LINING PAGE 26

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GUEST OPINION

KEEP THE CLASSICS AWAY

BY ELLA HUTNICK

L

ord of the Flies, The Great Gatsby, Brave New World, Catcher in the Rye. You have probably read at least one of these titles sometime in the past couple years. I am a junior at Northwest. 22 years ago, so were my parents, and they’ve read all of these books over their four years of attendance.

These books were all published in the early to mid 1900s. They’re old, and they’re in good company. If you’ve sat through a high school English class, you know that this is the rule for the kind of books we read, not the exception.

And unfortunately, with age come restrictions. The books we read at this school are old, and earlier its publication date, the narrower its content in scope. Specifically, the more likely its content is to feature a middle class, white, male protagonist.

So when students ask why the books we read seem to have so little diversity, they are often met with this answer: it was much harder for marginalized communities to successfully publish literature all those years ago, and that’s why the novels we read are so stagnant in the types of characters they feature. It makes sense.

But it’s not acceptable, nor sustainable.

Just knowing the history of our country and the lack of diversity in classic literature it has caused is not a valid justification for the exclusion of novels that do feature characters who are queer, people of

color, or even simply female, just to observation of author’s purpose and name a few of those marginalized symbolism squeezed out of its pages communities. reflected throughout classrooms If books are windows through throughout America, simply as proof which we can look upon and seek to that it should be taught even more, is understand human experiences other ridiculous. It’s time to stop beating the than our own, the dying horse. ‘Lord argument that of the Flies’ may JUST KNOWING THE HISTORY much older novels spit symbolism OF OUR COUNTRY AND THE are a window into directly into your LACK OF DIVERSITY IN CLASSIC the past, the one face, but it’s not LITERATURE IT HAS CAUSED place impossible as if every book to visit, is a valid written within the IS NOT A VALID JUSTIFICATION one. However, last twenty years FOR THE EXCLUSION OF NOVELS equally as valid THAT DO FEATURE CHARACTERS is devoid of it. is the argument Reteaching WHO ARE QUEER, PEOPLE that we should be the same books OF COLOR, OR EVEN SIMPLY using books taught over and over FEMALE. in class to study also implies that human afflictions novels written of the modern day. today have no And for many students, these more educational value. If the goal of high contemporary novels would not only school English is to make students into act as a window, but a mirror. free, critical thinkers, why only select Yes, these more recent books teaching material from a list so rigid are available to us at any time Big Brother might as well be in charge in the school library, and of its cultivation? some English classes have Because once we leave Northwest even instituted free reading (and for a lot of us, this has already time to encourage their come to pass), we’re going to have to consumption. think for ourselves. And we should It’s not enough. Modern want the knowledge from which we literature that prominently make our decisions to come not just feature gender diversity, and from a book that we’ve had to evaluate ethnic and clutural minorities critically, but whose characters and can’t just be relegated to plot reflect that actual state of the seasonal library display cases world we live in today. It’s time to pivot while we read three books by away from the classics and into a new dead white guys in a single era of inclusivity. school year. They are worthy of our time and attention. So, why the fear of change?

Well, there is a classic defense for the classics; They are tried and true, with themes and lessons that transcend time period and societal standing.

This line of reasoning is also faulty.

The assertion that a novel must be taught for decades, every possible

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STAFF EDITORIAL

GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT

I

t’s been six weeks since Gov. Laura Kelly contact with your teacher for resources and help as announced that all schools would be closing for the you prepare. remainder of the school year, and now the student Psychology professor Harris Cooper of Duke body has become accustomed with the new reality University said without academic stimulation, students of online lectures and assignments. Though a more can lose up to a month of learning after summer break, relaxed schedule may indicate to some that summer and even more progress may be lost by next August break has started early, it’s important to know that after nearly five months away. Without involvement virtual learning is designed to help you and is still vital in anything educational, you risk losing math and for student growth. It has more value than you may reading skills you’ve spent so much time refining in think, even in the final weeks of the year. the previous six months to schools closing.

Since the school days now start at 9 a.m. at the Though students are learning much of the content earliest instead of 7:45 a.m. and only a maximum of 7 independently, teachers still host Zoom meetings to hours of of learning time on Zoom per week, students go over any questions and content for the rest of the now have much more free time to do things they don’t school year. The stay-at-home order gives you no always get to do, like trying out some new recipes, excuse to skip these classes, and putting effort in now beating a video game or even will minimize the effects of the long spending a few more hours on their break. Blue Valley has designed online BLUE VALLEY HAS DESIGNED social media feed. Now is a great learning to help you, and using your ONLINE LEARNING TO HELP time to try something new, but time to mindlessly scroll through students have not always prioritized YOU, AND USING YOUR TIME TO TikTok or sleep all day is hurting MINDLESSLY SCROLL THROUGH school like they should, and instead your development as a student and TIKTOK OR SLEEP ALL DAY IS abuse the new policies in place. ultimately put you behind your peers HURTING YOUR DEVELOPMENT We want to remind you that even next year.

AS A STUDENT AND ULTIMATELY if it doesn’t feel like it, school is in If you have spent the last five PUT YOU BEHIND YOUR PEERS session until May 15 for seniors and weeks of virtual classes avoiding your NEXT YEAR. May 22 for everyone else and even assignments and blowing off anything an attempt at staying productive in school-related, now is a good time to school will help you in the long run. regain focus and do some academic Yes, all third quarter grades are frozen for the enrichment before summer break. Begin with semester, but there are still assignments to finish attending a ten minute Zoom class with your teachers. and interaction opportunities readily available to you.

Do a few assignments from your favorite class. Any Even just a conversation with your teacher is helpful attempt at learning or practicing your skills will help during this stressful and uncertain time, so use this you; just because you technically don’t HAVE to do time to stay on top of your schoolwork, get consistent anything this last quarter, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. sleep and prepare for the academic rigor coming next year. If you are planning to take any AP tests, stay in

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OPINION

A LETTER TO THE

UNDERCLASSMEN

BY MADDIE BEISCHEL

D

ear BVNW students,

“Highschool goes by in a blink of an eye.” When I heard that phrase my freshman year, I rolled my eyes, thinking “these idiots, four years sounds like an eternity.” But trust me, I feel like just yesterday I was walking through the BVNW doors for the first time with bulky braces and eyes wide as I looked up to the upperclassmen, oblivious to how my time here would end.

As you all know, the senior class of 2020 was cut abruptly short. Everyone reminisces back to their senior year of highschool. They’ll say “Oh yeah, senior year was the best;Class picnic, prom and graduation were just a few highlights of our year.” We were not able to experience this. I’m not trying to make this a pity party, but instead a hype letter for the rest of you.

I want you to enjoy those early mornings, where you are at school before the sun rises. I want you to enjoy those late night study sessions with your friends as you try to teach yourself a full unit and cram as much information into your head as you can the night before a test. Go to the dances! Go to the football games! Be present! I am telling you, these four years of your life surely won’t be everything, but they will be memorable, so I encourage you to make the most of it.

What I never realized is what I did in my first years of highschool ultimately made me the student I am today. For instance, my Sophomore year I decided to try out for Student Government! I lost. The next year I demanded it was my year-- I lost. Again. I didn’t care that it was a funny joke that I lost, not once, but twice. I just wanted to be involved in that club so badly that I preserved

and eventually got a position as class rep, might’ve been out of sympathy but who cares! You will change, and people will come in and out of your life, but your experience will benefit you in the long run. It’s all a matter of getting involved.

My high school experience went by in a blink of an eye. Just like that, those four years were cut even shorter from coronavirus. For you underclassmen, do us seniors a favor: make the most of your remaining years of highschool.

Take advantage of the opportunities you have now. Spend more time with your friends. Join the many different clubs we have to offer-- or make your own! Be a part of the BVNW community.

SINCERELY,

A VERY JEALOUS SENIOR

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OPINION

A RENAISSANCE IS COMING

BY ETHAN KNAUTH

A

renaissance is coming. No seriously, it is. I promise.

Although currently slumming it through quarantine, better days are ahead. Sort of like karma. First the bad, then follows the good. How do I know it is coming? An educated guess.

A renaissance doesn’t always have to be related to art, despite the popular connotation. A renaissance is most simply a revival, a renewal of some sort. It could be a renewed, fortified interest in saving our climate. Or, a revival in basic human decency across the board.

When our world was first graced by the original renaissance, it had just been savaged by the Bubonic plague.

Commonly known as “the Black plague,” its reign of terror consisted of three years, from 1348-1350, and wiped out nearly a third of Europe.

But, out from the dark isolation, the renaissance came. An explosion in the arts, in thought, in technology like no one had ever seen before. Come 1351, the world and its people were ready to rewrite everything. And rewrite they did.

Initially God-fearing people, the Bubonic plague was a wake up call for some. No divine power was to come down and save them from the plague, so they adjusted their priorities. What came about, according to Barbara

been blessed Tuchman, author of “A Distant Mirror,” with, why don’t became known as the social contract. we focus on No more were people dependent upon changing that? (insert otherworldly power), and have Treat whoever since looked out for their own wellyou’re currently being. quarantined Another benefit of the renaissance with respect is what the populous most generally and show your associates it with: art. Da Vinci had appreciation. his heyday and Michelangelo was Maybe once in his prime. Other non-art related we’re able to traverse freely again, advances were being made as well. The practice will make perfect. printing press was Also, use this time to invented in order to focus on you. Luckily, accommodate the WE SHOULD USE through this outbreak, different vernaculars THIS GIFT OF TIME we have been given around the world, thanks Johannes WISELY AND IMPROVE the opportunity to devote a little bit more Gutenburg. Yes the OUR SOCIAL LIVES, time to come to terms industrial revolution PERSONAL WELL BEING with what’s important got us on our way to us: others and our to where we are AND THE WORLD world. We should use today, but if you ask WHILE WE STILL CAN. this gift of time wisely me, the renaissance and improve our social truly kicked off the lives, personal well movement. being and the world while we still can.

Above all, the single most important Others have been using this time impact the original renaissance had to improve their body (i.e. workout was people began valuing each other regimens), focus on themselves, et again. According to Patricia Netzley, author of “During the renaissance,” this cetera. They’ve used this time to focus on their passions and rekindle old was due to the prolonged suffering the hobbies. A renaissance is coming. My society had to endure. We should hope only question is: are you willing to put for a similar reaction. in the work to maximize its height and Sometimes we get so bogged down reach? that we don’t realize we are not showing the necessary appreciation for everyone around us. With the ample amount of free time we have

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ON TO THE NEXT BVNW surveyed 172 seniors to learn more about their life after high school.

BYU Idaho Wisconsin Iowa State BYU

Colorado State Colorado

Sacramento State

Iowa

Creighton Nebraska

Purd B

Studio School LA San Diego State Oklahoma State Oklahoma

UCSB USC UCSD

Grand Canyon

Hendrix

Rh

Arizona State Arizona TCU

K-State Fort Hays

Arkansas

KS Polytechnic Washburn Emporia State

Benedictine UT Austin KU, JCCC Ottawa

Witchita Pitt State

SMU

Texas A&M

Rockhu UMK

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T CHAPTER Design by Bella Rinne

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL?

Cornell Michigan

Loyola Case Western Penn State DePaul Cedarville due American Butler Ohio GWU

Lafayette

hodes

Missouri

urst KC

Jacksonville Florida Westminster

South Florida WashU Lindenwood Missouri S&T

Central Missouri

Junior, 34%

Sophomore, 18%

Naval Academy

Lees-McRae

Vanderbilt

Senior, 44%

Brown

HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO PULL AN ALL NIGHTER?

No, 55%

Yes, 45%

OTHER PATHS Marine Corps Army Verto Study Abroad program Gap Year

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10

Nathan Harris (Right) substitutes for another player who had a broken hand. “I was friends with two members of the team at the time so they reached out without practicing with them at all. I drove to play with them in Tulsa,” Harris said. (Photos courtesy of Harris)

A senior made the decision to play “League of Legends” at a competitive level, after playing video games for the majority of his childhood.

BY JACK NITZ

A

fter years of progressing through the Esports community and meeting new people, senior Nathan Harris began playing “League of Legends” competitively in an effort to improve his abilities in the game he loves.

At the age of five, Harris began playing video games with his brothers on their Nintendo GameCube. Some of the first games he played were “Lego Star Wars” and “Mario Party.”

Harris started playing “League of Legends,” a multiplayer online battle arena game in seventh grade. “League of Legends” is a team-based game,

Design by Ben Hobbs with the goal being to guard your Legends’] and I had gotten pretty base from the opposing team while good so I decided I wanted to play simultaneously competitively,” attacking the Harris said. “I’m a “PLAYING COMPETITIVELY other team’s pretty competitive base. After person so I did some HAS BROUGHT ME MANY putting a lot local tournaments OPPORTUNITIES THAT I of time into and that started the game and everything.”

WOULDN’T HAVE HAD IF I having fun, Teams consist of HAD CONTINUED TO PLAY Harris said five players, plus one it was time or two coaches if the JUST FOR FUN” to make the team is part of an -NATHAN HARRIS organization. While transition into the competitive playing for a team, side of the game.

Harris said he usually “I was really enjoying [‘League of has practices three or four times a

4.30.20 | Issue 7 week and they last three hours each.

On top of that, Harris said he plays for an hour and a half on his own most days of the week. Harris said many people in the “League of Legends” community practice this often, creating a larger focus on winning or losing and playing more seriously.

“I’ve progressed to the point where the people I am playing against aren’t playing for fun as much as they are playing for the competitive aspect,” Harris said. “Everyone is focused on winning and losing, so we have to practice to become better and progress in the game.”

After joining a team, Harris practices with them for a while before going to play at a tournament.

Tournaments usually occur at conventions and pop culture events, taking place over the course of two to three days and are played in a bracket format. Harris said he’s traveled all over the country to attend tournaments.

Harris said his favorite part about playing competitively is working hard to progress and become better at the game. Harris said he has met a lot of people playing for different teams and going to tournaments.

“Playing competitively has brought me many opportunities that I wouldn’t have had if I had continued to play just for fun,” Harris said. “The friendships and connections that I’ve made are the main reason that I continue to play.”

John Gligoroski, a former teammate of Harris from Garfield, NJ, has gotten to know Harris very well, playing in tournaments together in the past.

While the two currently aren’t on the same team, Gligoroski said they still play together from time to time.

Gligoroski said that when he and Harris became teammates they were both fairly new to the competitive scene, so they worked together to progress and improve in the game.

Gligoroski said Harris became a lot more vocal and team oriented as they played together more. “[Harris’] goal was to just get better, so we talked over a lot of things and watched our gameplay to improve together,” Gligoroski said.

“He is always open to new ideas, new strategies and new characters, which I feel like makes him good at the game.”

11 When beginning his competitive career, Harris said he found it difficult to manage his time. During his sophomore year, Harris struggled to balance gaming with soccer, marching band, boy scouts and school so he said he had to reevaluate his future. He decided to stop playing soccer as he realized he was better at gaming and enjoyed it more than soccer.

“During my sophomore year I was involved in a lot of different things and I became very stressed,” Harris said.

“I wasn’t doing as well as I wanted in school and other areas of life, so I decided to let soccer go so I could focus more on gaming.”

Despite Harris’ time management struggles, his father, David Harris, said he trusted Harris to properly manage his time between academics and video games.

“I know there have been times that are very stressful for him, but he’s always been good at managing his obligations,” David said. “I never worried about any consequences for Nathan other than the strong demands he put on himself.”

David said that Harris seemed to be having a lot of fun at the beginning of his competitive career, playing in local tournaments. David mentioned seeing his son having fun and enjoying what he was doing gave himself a positive outlook on Harris’ passion.

“Gaming has allowed Nathan to

improve as a person as he’s developed the ability to assess where he is and where his improvement opportunities are,” David said. “As a parent, I’m very happy because it has caused him to work hard and given him structure. I hope that will apply to anything else he does as well.

The time in quarantine has been very beneficial for Harris as he said he has been able to manage his time between school and video games a lot easier and is able to play twice the amount he was able to during the school year.

“Quarantine has been a nice way for me to manage school and play a lot more than I did in third quarter,” Harris said. “I’m not loving being stuck at home, but the extra balance between my hobby and school has been a silver lining.”

Harris said he wanted his video game hobby to be a part of his future.

He said he looked into each college he was considering for its “League of Legends” program. The collegiate scene of “League of Legends” is very serious as the creators of the game, Riot Games, sponsor college teams.

“I want to continue playing [‘League of Legends’] in the future and I feel like playing at a college with a good program is the next step,” Harris said.

“I’m going to Arizona State, which has a very good [Esports] program.”

Harris plays an elimination bracket game with teammate Nate Mosby.

12

Issue 7 | 4.30.20

THE SPACE

As a result of the coronavir Prom and Graduation were community responded in o of the qu

4.30.20 | Issue 7

13

E BETWEEN

rus outbreak, events such as e postponed. The Blue Valley order to combat the effects uarantine.

Photo by Mitri Krishna

14

Issue 7 | 4.30.20

HISTORY IN

GLO BA L

Design by Courtney Krebs

D

TH TOLL A E

+

17th CENTURY GREAT PLAGUES 3M

BLACK DEATH

SWINE FLU

SPANISH FLU

200K

40-50M

HIV/AIDS 25-35M

75-200M

SMALLPOX 56M

11.3K

CORONAVIRUS 166.5K++

KNOW THE BASICS YEAR PANDEMIC IDENTIFIED

EBOLA

+

ORIGIN

FIRST HOST

FATALITY RATE

CURRENT CASES

BLACK DEATH

1347

CHINA

RATS

3%

1-17

SMALLPOX

1520

EGYPT

HUMANS

30%

ERADICATED IN 1980+

SPANISH FLU

1918

UNKNOWN

PIGS

2.5%

39-56M*

HIV/AIDS

1981

AFRICA

CHIMPANZEES

0.02%

37.9M

CORONAVIRUS

2019

CHINA

BATS**

5.11%

2.4M++

+According to CDC, WHO, Johns Hopkins University, National Geographic, PBS, and BBC **The official origin of coronavirus is still under study ++As of April 20, according to Johns Hopkins University *The Influenza virus still remains today, just in evolved strains

4.30.20 | Issue 7

THE MAKING

15

It took over 200 years for Europe’s population to recover from the Plague+ The practice of quarantine began during the 14th century in effort to protect coastal cities from plague epidemics+

The Orlando Disney parks have only closed seven times before now; six times due to hurricanes, and once on 9/11* Online disposable glove sales have increased 670% from March 2019 to March 2020, while online luggage sales have decreased 77%+ The first ever vaccine was created in effort to ward off smallpox+ Oil prices fell below $0 per barrel for the first time in history; West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices plunged 305% to -$36.73 a barrel++ The CEO of Marriott said the coronavirus outbreak has been worse for business than 9/11 and the 2008 financial crisis combined+

?

+Visual Capitalist, ++FOX Business, *Cox Media

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME...

DISNEYLAND CLOSED?

9/11 TERRORIST ATTACKS, 2001

*

THE U.S. PASSED A STIMULUS BILL?

ECONOMIC STIMULUS ACT, FEBRUARY 2008

**

THE U.S. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE REACHED 20%?

1934

+

THE AVERAGE PRICE OF REGULAR GAS IN THE U.S. WAS UNDER $2?

2003 ($1.95)

++

THE U.S. MAINATINED A “GOOD” AIR QUALITY INDEX RATING FOR THIS LONG? MARCH 1995

+++

*Cox Media, **CNN, +Fortune Magazine, ++AAA , +++NASA

Issue 7 | 4.30.20

16

UNSUNG HEROES

Members of the BVNW community continue to work as first responders in health care, police and fire departments during the Coronavirus pandemic.

BY JENNA WEYFORTH

A

fter a shift at the hospital, BVNW parent and medical imaging expert Terry Lee changes his clothes twice before even entering his home to prevent any chance of spreading Coronavirus to his family.

While many parents have switched to working from home because of the virus, Terry works in the same building as numerous confirmed coronavirus patients.

While he doesn’t work directly with

Design by Erin Reece Coronavirus patients, he said there is still a risk for him or his wife, who is also a medical professional, to bring it home to their two daughters who are students at BVNW. One of his daughters, senior Lauren Lee, said she hasn’t been very worried about contracting the Coronavirus because both of her parents have been extremely cautious. However, after hearing that one of her friends got it from a parent who also worked at a hospital, Lauren

Firefighter and paramedic Ryan Trader, husband of teacher Meghan Trader, demonstrates for his daughters how a fire hose works. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Trader)

said the risk became more real for her.

“That was kind of the first time I realized I could actually probably get it. It just seemed like something that was in another world,” Lauren said.

With both parents working in hospitals, Lauren said she has had a greater understanding of the importance of recognizing the work of all the health professionals working at this time.

“It’s important to be grateful that people are willing to [risk their lives],” Lauren said. “It’s hard when you know that they have a family to go back to and putting them at risk, but they’re doing it to help the greater good.”

After working with one patient who was later confirmed positive for the Coronavirus, Terry said he was initially concerned that he might have been exposed.

“Based on the timing and everything, I’m pretty certain she wasn’t affected at [the] time. So, they just notified us just to be cautious,” Terry said. “We have several patients in the hospital obviously that are positive, but they’re all isolated.”

Working with hospital patients, Terry said he makes sure to be cautious about changing his clothes multiple times before he even enters his house and making sure his scrubs are cleaned separately.

“It does concern me, mainly for

4.30.20 | Issue 7

17

the welfare of my family and not getting them sick makes you a little bit anxious about going to work to take care of these patients,” Lee said.

Along with health care workers, public safety professions, such as police, are essential during the Coronavirus pandemic. Parkway Division Commander for the Overland Park Police Department, Jeff Burvee is the father of BVNW sophomore Hank Burvee.

Even though Jeff is not out in the field on a regular basis, he works from the police station, monitoring calls for service. As an administrator, he said one of the department’s biggest priorities is keeping the other officers and their families safe because they are going into unknown situations.

“They have to be in close contact with people,” Jeff said. “They try to do as much as they can over the phone, but in disturbances and situations with residents, the biggest dangers Terry Lee continues to work as a medical imaging expert during the Coronavirus are to first responders.” outbreak. Doctor Lee takes extreme procautions before entering his home to eliminate Hank said it can be stressful possible exposure to his family. (Photo courtesy of Terry Lee) to know his dad is out working, because even though Jeff has been on the police force for years, this is a wanting them to be separated from “With my family being able to be different type of danger they haven’t their dad due to the risks of his job. home, I don’t have any great concern seen before.

“Typically, I try not to think about for anything “I would what he’s being exposed to because I happening to them,” prefer it if he was “THAT WAS KIND OF THE think I would just be in a constant state Ryan said. “We can home,” Hank said. of fear or worry with just what he sees limit their exposure “This is a terrible FIRST TIME I REALIZED I on a given day, outside of a pandemic,” to anything, but thing that’s going COULD ACTUALLY PROBABLY Meghan said. “But obviously this just since everybody’s on, and I’m trying GET IT. IT JUST SEEMED LIKE adds a whole other element.” been taking the to kind of distract stay-at-home order myself from it...so SOMETHING THAT WAS IN pretty seriously, it does get a little ANOTHER WORLD.” going into nerve wracking, -LAUREN LEE work but it really shows hasn’t he is a strong been person.” overly stressful.”

As of April 20, there weren’t any With three young confirmed cases of the Coronavirus kids in their house, in his precinct, but Jeff said he was Meghan said it has continuing to take serious precautions been difficult to find to prevent the possibility of passing on a balance between the virus to his wife and two kids. protecting their Ryan Trader, husband of BVNW kids and not teacher Meghan Trader, is a firefighter and paramedic for the Olathe Fire department. Working in emergency situations every day, Ryan said that he is used to adjusting to being in extreme situations, so the Coronavirus pandemic hasn’t been a source of stress for him.

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CURB SIDE CAFE A worker serves breakfast and lunch to each student in a car. “We have served about 750 [families] per day...they do not have to be a student in Blue Valley [to receive meals],” Deputy Superintendent Tonya Merrigan said. (Photo by Rachel Sarff)

To ensure students are still getting two meals, five days a week, the district has set up a new food distribution system that will go through the end of the school year.

I

Design by Courtney Krebs

BY TESSA REGAN n response to the closing of all Kansas schools due to the coronavirus outbreak, one of the school district’s main focuses was quickly figuring out how to continue to get meals to students who struggle with getting food from home, deputy superintendent Tonya Merrigan said. On March 19, two days after Kansas governor Laura Kelly ordered the closure of in-person schools through the end of the year, a new system, known as Grab-and-Go, was created by the district for students to get two meals a day, which went into effect on March 24 and is scheduled to go until May 21.

In order to get this new system up and running, Merrigan said the district first had to apply for a waiver from

the U.S. Department of Education to serve food when school was not in session. Once the waiver was passed, Merrigan said, sites had to be selected for where the food would be distributed to students and four locations were selected within the district boundaries at various schools. Those sites are: Blue Valley Academy, Overland Trail Middle School, Oxford Middle School and Indian Valley Elementary School.

“We wanted to put into consideration the places where we think they would be utilized the most, and I would say that the four locations that we have, have been very much used,” Merrigan said.

Junior Declan Franey and his sister started using the Oxford distribution site as soon as the location opened as a way to reduce expenses in his family.

However, Franey said he was not under a free or reduced meal program with the district.

“The meals have been a good thing to have. It wasn’t extremely necessary for us, but it was definitely something that helped a lot,” Franey said. “Normally we would be able to spend less when we had school, but now being at home every day increases what we have to buy so much of.”

The locations are open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. serving lunch and a cold breakfast for the following morning. The meals are for all children ages one to 18 and they do not have to be a student at a Blue Valley school, Merrigan said.

The service, being open to all children, regardless of whether or

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not they are Blue Valley students, was staff has handled the situation and unemployment in the country. not a District decision, but a federal believes they do a good job getting “We’ve had a lot of parents that have requirement of funding, Director hundreds of students fed in an effective come through very, very grateful for of Food Nutrition Services Charles way, she said. having this as an option,” Rathbun said.

Rathbun said. “[The staff] has done an incredible “Some families have lost their jobs, and To keep the food distribution as job to make it very efficient and userthis kind of helps with that so it’s been a simple as possible, Merrigan said, they friendly for our families,” Merrigan good experience for our staff to be able had to take into said. “We have served to do something to help others.” consideration about 750 students each In addition to the help Grab and Go what type of day.” has provided for students and families food would be During this hard who have always relied on these served. The menu time, Merrigan said, meals, science teacher Taylor Hogan changes weekly, the easy access to food, said she was relieved when she heard based on what courtesy of the Grabthese meals were open to all students inventory each and-Go program, has regardless of history with free and site has. The helped several families reduced meals. menu for each get through this time of “It is just harder to provide when [the week is posted uncertainty. loss of a job] is so sudden so I think it’s on the Blue Valley “We’ve heard really a really good idea and that they opened District website great feedback,” it up to everyone because I don’t know -MICHAELYN PODANY Merrigan said. “People what everyone’s situation is,” Hogan each week as well as the directions who need it are able said. to each site. If to access it and it has In the district, Rathbun said, there the student is pre-registered with the been one less thing for some families to are more than 1,600 students who food services department for dietary worry about.” qualify for the free or reduced meal accommodations, the individual student Science teacher Michaelyn Podany plans during the school year. Ratbun was contacted by a food service staff is one of the many teachers that said it is the district’s responsibility member with special instructions on acknowledges the help that Grabto reach as many families in need, how the student would continue to and-Go has provided for several of her regardless of their situation. receive meals. students while schools are closed.

“If families don’t have services like To get all necessary food to the four “It is important if we want our this, they may go without food and sites, Rathbun said the district collected students to keep learning, they have that’s really what our role is,” Rathbun food from all 36 schools in the district’s to have that continued source of said. “If we can accomplish that, then inventory as well as shipped in certain nutrition,” Podany said. we’ve done what we can do.” foods from vendors.

After seeing the effect Grab and At each location there are four food Go has had on the community, service staff members working to Rathbun said he has noticed all the prepare and distribute meals at the help it has provided for families who kitchen dock entrance. To keep staff have been affected by the increased and all children who visit the sites safe from any risk of spreading the virus, Merrigan said they are taking extra precautions to assure they are following all the health recommendations provided by the CDC. “When you see [the] workers, they are not clumped together. They are six feet away. They are wearing all of the protective gear such as a mask and gloves,” Merrigan said.

In addition to the protective gear, all sites are set up to where the child never gets out of the car and has minimal contact with any staff members or other families, Merrigan said. The child must be present in the car that will drive up to one of the locations where a staff A food distribution center at Oxford Middle School is set up as a drive-thru to member will then bring out two sack minimize contact between workers and families. “[The workers] have done an meals for every child, a breakfast and a incredible job to make it very efficient and user-friendly for our families,” Deputy lunch for that day.

Superintendent Tonya Merrigan said. (Photo by Rachel Sarff) Merrigan feels confident in how the

“IT IS IMPORTANT IF WE WANT OUR STUDENTS TO KEEP LEARNING, THEY HAVE TO HAVE THAT CONTINUED SOURCE OF NUTRITION.”

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THERAPY

BY NATALIE POLICKY

Design by Alyssa Peterson

In spite of coronavirus putting a halt to in-person schooling, counseling services are still being made available virtually to students until May 30.

A

lthough in-person classes may be discontinued for the end of the semester, it does not limit the resources the school is offering students. While students partake in virtual classes, counselors Joe Geiger, Beth Ricke, Nancy Hadley, Stephanie Keller and Kim Goldsmith have set up office hours and have kept emails open for any student who feels necessary to contact them.

Goldsmith, speaking on the behalf of all counselors, said they understand how unsettling isolation can be, so in order to help students, they will ultimately follow the needs of what the student feels is necessary for him/ her. Whether the student wants to talk about grades, friends, college information or more he/she can maintain student connections through email and Zoom.

“The word help can mean different things and we do our best to help the student and or family with our many resources we have during this time,” Goldsmith said.

Sophomore Luke Sherard has taken advantage of the counselors’ services, seeking them out to help improve

his mental health. Sherard felt it was necessary for him to reach out to his counselor after the death of athletic director Kevin Gerke earlier in April because Sherard said he would go to Gerke if he needed someone to talk to.

Sherard said he acknowledges how difficult of a time it can be for students right now as they battle feelings of anxiety and depression. “ I just know that there are people out there that really can’t handle stuff like this,” Sherard said.

“Sometimes it just gets to the point where you just snap and you can’t take it anymore.”

Sherard also said he understands if someone needs somebody to talk to during isolation, as it can be a saddening time for students that struggle with mental health.

“It’s just a hard time and it’s pretty depressing for people,” Sherard said.

“Sometimes you need someone to talk to, someone to listen to.”

Sherard recommends that students continue to keep in contact with friends over Zoom or FaceTime, as he believes it is important to maintain relationships through quarantine.

As a member of the Mental Health Club leadership board, senior Julia Boepple said the use of counselors is a helpful resource to reach out to.

Boepple said the counselors would be a good option to utilize because it is more difficult to notice warning signs of depression and anxiety in students since nobody is allowed to be around each other.

“If you’re struggling, you should reach out to someone. That being a

“KEEPING A HEALTHY PERSPECTIVE AND GRATITUDE FOR THE LITTLE AND BIG THINGS HELPS ALL OF US MAINTAIN A POSITIVE OUTLOOK.” -KIM GOLDSMITH

WAYS TO COPE WITH STRESS AND UNCERTAINTY

:

EXERCISE

SLEEP/HYGIENE

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trusted adult or anyone that you feel comfortable with, so your parents, a teacher or coach and definitely a school counselor,” Boepple said.

Coming out of quarantine, Boepple said she hopes to have more gratitude over little things, following the counselors’ advice. This could include just seeing and being around people in a busy public area, Boepple said.

“I think that [I have] notic[ed] so much I’ve taken for granted, like going outside with all my friends and hanging out or being able to do things with more people and going to crowded events,” Boepple said.

In addition to talking to a school counselor, it is also an option to communicate with people closest to them, Goldsmith said. Because parents and guardians are much more accessible in quarantine, the counselor said students are able to figure out how to reconnect with their parents or guardians and ultimately strengthen their relationship.

Furthermore, Boepple said students can partake in many different activities that don’t involve other people, such as exercising and starting a new hobby as a way to combat mental unease.

Goldsmith also said that consistent research shows the benefits of exercise, sleep hygiene, nutrition, daily routines and connecting are practices that can be beneficial during times of stress and uncertainty.

As for the summer, Goldsmith said that the counselors continue to work eight days after the last teacher’s day of school, and return for work 9 days before the first day of school. This means that during their six weeks off, staff are not directed to work, but should a school-related issue from a student that can’t wait until August come up, the counselors can usually

NUTRITION

help. However, Goldsmith said that if a student is having mental health issues or needs someone to talk to over the summer, some resources to reach out to are found on the back of student ID cards, like the Crisis text line or 911.

“We are adjusting, making the best

of a short-term situation and will be thankful to see our students and friends whenever BVNW is opened,” Goldsmith said. “Keeping a healthy perspective and gratitude for the little and big things helps all of us maintain a positive outlook.”

COUNSELOR CONTACT INFORMATION JOE GEIGER (A-DA):

JWGEIGER@BLUEVALLEYK12.ORG OFFICE HOURS: 2-3 P.M.

BETH RICKE (DB-HP):

EARICKE@BLUEVALLEYK12.ORG OFFICE HOURS: 9-10 A.M.

NANCY HADLEY (HQ-MI):

NHADLEY@BLUEVALLEYK12.ORG OFFICE HOURS: 10-11 A.M.

STEPHANIE KELLER (MJ-SE): SSKELLER@BLUEVALLEYK12.ORG OFFICE HOURS: 10-11 A.M.

KIM GOLDSMITH (SF-Z):

KGOLDSMITH@BLUEVALLEYK12.ORG OFFICE HOURS: 9-10 A.M.

SUICIDE HOTLINE NUMBER: 1-800-273-8255

DAILY ROUTINES

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E M O S R O F D E D N E P S U S S R K E R L O O W O H C S HIGH With businesses facing external crises, high schoolers are faced with being out of work for months to come.

BY JACK BENSING

D

ue to gatherings larger than 10 people being suspended on March 16, businesses have had to close the insides of their stores. As a result, businesses have seen a major decrease in sales, leaving it necessary for stores to limit the hours high school students are able to work.

At Culver’s, located close to 135th and Antioch, franchisee Paul Clause said they have taken a number of steps in the midst of the Coronavirus. With the inside of the store shut down, Clause said store sales have gone down 20 to 30 percent. Consequently, Clause, who employs Northwest students, said Culver’s will not work high school students until potentially the end of the summer.

“We anticipated we wouldn’t need as many people, nor could we afford as many people,” Clause said on April 2. “We furloughed our high school kids and basically said ‘we’re not going to need you for a few weeks.’ We tried to take care of our adult full timers that need to make a check to pay their bills.”

Contrary to Clause’s comments, junior Raymond Marongedza has only been able to work a limited amount of hours. Usually spending money when out with friends and not currently being able to at the moment, Marongedza said the limited hours has not bothered him, but sees the need for adults to support their families.

Design by Emma Gau “[The lack of spending money] does not have that much of an effect on me because usually I spend my money when I’m going out with my friends,” Marongedza said.

Instead, he says the bigger issue that comes with less hours is the boredom that comes with it, reinforcing a problem a lot of high school students are currently facing during the coronavirus outbreak.

“I have nothing to do outside work,

besides school,” Marongedza said.

The type of situation that Culver’s faces is elevated to another level with restaurants who do not have a drivethru. At Which Wich, which is located on 119th Street, the store has completely shut down.

In an effort to minimize loss in sales, Which Wich opted not to do carry out because it would cost more to run carry out than the amount of sales they would end up getting after a day. Franchisee

Which Wich closed due to the Coronavirus outbreak. “I just feel like people won’t want to be in large crowds and it probably will be encouraged for people not to congregate large crowds for a while [after the stay at home order is lifted],” Franchisee Lexie Pappas said. (Photo by Grace Davis)

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A masked employee hands a customer their food while in the drive-thru line at Culver’s. Franchisee Paul Clause said precautions have been taken to ensure the six foot distancing rule is being followed. “We’ve instructed our runners that bring bags out to cars to stay a good distance away from the car,” Clause said. (Photo by Grace Davis) Lexie Pappas, mother to Ally Pappas, a 2018 BVNW graduate, explained the thinking on deciding not to carry out.

“Even though we do delivery and we’ve always done delivery, at that time, every restaurant in town was going to the delivery business,” Pappas said. “There’s just not enough delivery business there.”

Not every restaurant establishment has changed the way it operates in the pandemic. Sophomore Eliana Klathis, who works at her family-owned Pita Blu restaurant on 119th Street, said it has not changed its operations. Not offering seating prior to the pandemic, Pita Blu did not have to deal with the problems

other restaurants have faced.

“Pita Blu hasn’t changed the way it operates on a daily basis. We offer call ahead, drive thru, and delivery to all our customers,” Klathis said.

Make no mistake, the restaurant business has been hit hard by the Coronavirus, but some other businesses around the area have seen more neutral effects.

Sophomore Olivia Ryan, who works at her family-owned gaming business called Monte Cook Games, said people are glad that the store is still open.

“People are really happy that we’re open because they have nothing better to do,” Ryan said.

Finding it difficult to pay bills, Pappas said that her store would completely close if this crisis is not resolved in a timely manner, highlighting the importance of the country opening up sooner rather than later. “[The government stepping in] would allow me to pay my employees and pay my rent and my utilities for two months,” Pappas said. “I could probably last maybe another four to five months without opening at all. After that, we would probably have to close up for good.”

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PITCHING P IN I C As the supply of face masks dwindles, senior Hayden Feather and his family took it upon themselves to help sew and make masks for those in need.

BY KATHRYN CASE

L

ooking for a way to do their part in the world during this time of chaos, senior Hayden Feather and his mother Ginger Feather started a program where they make surgical masks for those in need.

“Hospitals are running so low on face masks that they have got to the point where they were reusing nonreusable masks, which is a health concern,” Hayden said. “We have been making masks that can be washed and reused that can be used in hospitals and nursing homes.”

Design by Erin Reece Inspired by one of her friends in Maryland who was making masks, Ginger said she was eager to join in.

However, not knowing how to sew herself, Ginger said she organized ways to get in touch with people who could, along with getting help from her family.

“I wouldn’t have started this without Hayden. He has all the technical expertise that I don’t have,” Ginger said. “I have a lot of organizing and people skills… so we combined what skills and talents we have to try and do some good in the world.”

Senior Hayden Feather and his family work together assembling face masks for those in need. (Photo courtesy of Hayden Feather)

Along with Hayden, his sister junior Avery Feather said her job has been helping with sewing, ironing and running errands when needed for her family.

What started as a family and local project, Ginger said it turned into something much greater as there are people who have started helping them make masks from all over the country.

They have been donating the masks to several hospitals and organizations, such as St. Luke’s, Children’s Mercy, Lenexa Meals on Wheels, COR Backpack volunteers and many more.

“We started expanding it to more people and other people were starting to get involved. As things started to evolve and hospitals in the U.S. were running out of supplies, more people have gotten involved,” Ginger said.

“There’s a group now in Rhode Island and another group started in Florida.

We’re just sort of expanding the model to other states.”

In order to keep in touch with everyone who is helping make the masks, Ginger said she created a group email and uses Facebook to post updates and information. She said the people who help don’t have to know how to make the whole product, but whatever they can contribute is appreciated, whether that is donating supplies or cutting fabric.

Ginger said she uses online resources to try and find the best mask model to make, however the model is continuing to evolve in order to meet CDC regulations.

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Medical staff pose for a picture wearing masks made by Hayden Feather and his family. (Photo courtesy of Ginger Feather) “What we’re making is a base model that doctors can put on and then they can put either a filter from a vacuum cleaner or they can put a screen made out of a makeshift page divider in order to give them additional protection,” Ginger said.

Making these masks has allowed Hayden to occupy his time while also allowing him to help the people around him, he said.

“I’m just trying to do good and it feels good to help other people, especially in a situation of worldwide crisis,” Hayden said.

While the current situation is far from ideal, Avery said it is important to continue to help provide for the community and the people around her.

“During these difficult times, contributing to a project that serves the greater good is essential,” Avery said. “All community service projects devised during the coronavirus oubreak are creating stronger communities and helping to build a happier society for everyone.”

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MASKS AT HOME

1 2 3

GATHER 2 PIECES OF FABRIC MEASURED TO FIT YOUR FACE

SEW THE FABRIC TOGETHER, AND HEM THE SIDES RUN ELASTIC, HAIR TIES, OR STRING THROUGH THE HEMS *For more detailed instructions, visit the CDC website.

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Junior Delaney Granholm walks her dog, Charlie. "Coronavirus has definitely made me more active. I have more time to plan and do more now than ever before," Granholm said. (Photos by Maddie Clark)

BY RAABIA QURESHI

THE

Design by Sophie Dellett

SILVER SILVER LINING LINING

While living life on the inside, the BVNW community experiences the positive impacts that have come as a result of the stay-at-home order.

E

ver since eighth grade, senior Maclain Michael said he has been responsible for paying for many of his own necessities, whether it be for a car or a way through college, by working multiple jobs in and out of the school year.

Michael had just applied for one more job prior to the pandemic, until the stay-home at home put his employment plans on hold. Although making money has become more difficult, there is a silver lining, he said.

“People are realizing they aren’t wage-slaves for corporations and they can live their life with free time,” Michael said.

Corporate America demands a lot out of workers, Michael said. Many people, he said, struggle with a 40hour work week. Although rising unemployment rates and unpaid leave are one of coronavirus’s many negative effects, Michael said he’s glad workers are enjoying life away from eight-hour workdays.

“My coworkers would never have time to, you know, show up to their kid’s games, and I don't know, enjoy their lives, pretty much, because they're worked to death working multiple jobs,” he said. “It’s kind of sad.”

Not only has the lockdown granted people with more free time, it has also lessened the damage human activity has on the environment as well.

Science teacher Linda Strieby said with fewer vehicles and fewer people

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hindering ecosystem growth, nature “I don't normally do yoga and it was at home social distancing. Video is taking its own course. The world is really hard. It was a challenge, but like, games serve as his only “real” social seeing lower rates of water, air, and I’m trying to do it every day, just to interaction with others outside of his noise pollution, she said. Wildlife is improve my flexibility and just give me family, Westerhaus said. However, from thriving; in Africa, lions are roaming something to do,” Backer said. going on more runs outside to cleaning freely and peacefully while in Venice, In light of the lockdown order, his basement and learning how to play ducks are swimming through clearBacker said she’s also become closer to the ukulele, the lockdown has brought water canals, Strieby said. her family. Due to the virus, her older Westerhaus many unprecedented “It sounds like nature is saying, ‘Hey, brother returned from college, opening positives as well, he said. stop and think up an opportunity “I found a ukulele while cleaning about what you’ve to further bond as a my basement and learned how to play “IT SOUNDS LIKE NATURE done and take a family. for no reason other than that I kind of break.’ Hopefully, “I don't really get wanted to. I was like ‘cool, I’ll play it,’ IS SAYING, ‘HEY, STOP humans will to see him during the and I did,” Westerhaus said.

AND THINK ABOUT WHAT recognize that that year that much, only For the number of people who are YOU’VE DONE AND TAKE is the case,” she for like a couple swim struggling with social-distancing, said.

Westerhaus said he advises them to A BREAK.’ HOPEFULLY, meets and holidays.

Looking at the seek out enjoyable, yet productive And then this summer HUMANS WILL RECOGNIZE number of people activities to engage themselves with. he was supposed to THAT THAT IS THE CASE.” advocating for People have had time to explore work all summer, so coronavirusdifferent pastimes all along, he said, -LINDA STRIEBY we weren't going to related issues, but have failed to actually do them see him until probably such as social without making excuses.

August,” Backer said. distancing or “I think it’s really cool how we take With both siblings spending their health-care worker relief, Strieby the circumstances we can’t change days at home together and hang out on said people must also keep up with and find ways to keep ourselves a regular basis, they’ve become closer the climate-crisis. When the polls fill entertained,” Westerhaus said. “How friends, she said. As families are being in November, she said, the hope is we use [this time] to keep our lifestyles separated and health care workers people return with a more educated going is what’s going to define us when are unable to go home due to safety perspective; It's important to have able this is over.” concerns, Backer said she’s become and trustworthy leaders. far more appreciative of her family and “Hopefully it's a wake-up call to the being able to stay together. issue that we have to elect people who Junior David Westerhaus is also are actually willing to listen to experts facing the effects of Coronavirus. and scientists, particularly in the For weeks now, Westerhaus has been climate crisis,” Strieby said.

Everything is connected, she said.

The pandemic stemmed from climate change, overpopulation and the pressure humans have put on nature.

Hopefully, people leave the pandemic with changed lifestyles and the realization of not needing everything they used to.

“Stop for a minute,” Strieby said.

“Think about what you're doing instead of just racing through life, like we all have a tendency to do.”

On a lighter note, others have used their ample amount of time to learn new hobbies. Junior Elizabeth Backer has busied herself with doing yoga.

Not only does it engage her throughout the day, Backer said, but it has also improved her mental health. Typically, she said playing soccer during the spring and studying for AP tests would generate stress and a busy schedule During the Coronavirus, the environment has been thriving, Strieby said. "While less during the school year. Backer said this air pollution and less water pollution is great for the environment, it is doubtful that much-needed break has helped put her things will continue that way...hopefully we learn something," Strieby said. mind at ease.

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HUSKY HIGHLIGHTS Sophomore Drew Ranallo moved down to the Lake of the Ozarks for quarantine. His family captured this moment of him water skiing while in quarantine. “The days that it rains I stay inside and get my school work done, but any day that the sun is out my brother and I go out on the lake,” Ranallo said.

(Photo courtesy of Drew Ranallo) Junior Emily Moser and her family held up signs in support of first responders. “It was really rewarding to see the smiles it brought to nurses and doctors coming to and leaving work. It was really cool how something so simple made such a big impact on the workers,” Moser said. (Photo courtesy of Emily Moser)

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Senior Julia Masterson sits with her friends in a parking lot while distancing themselves in their cars, April 15. They frequently hold car circles to stay connected and hang out while still staying six feet apart.

“My favorite part is just being with the people I miss and laughing over things that don’t matter. It beats FaceTime any day,” Masterson said. (Photo by Rachel Sarff) Senior Maddie Beischel and her sister Lauren celebrate walking a marathon for charity, April 21. “We were looking back on old yearbooks and noticed pictures from walk-a-thons, we decided it would be a fun way to raise money for charity. I was expecting to raise a couple hundred dollars, turns out $2,000 was donated (to Harvesters). I’m really happy with the outcome because our community came together to support families in need during this difficult time,” Beischel said. (Photo courtesy of Maddie Beischel)

Issue 7 | 4.30.20

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STAY AT HOME AND COOK As everyone is stuck in their houses, it can be difficult to not get bored of the same old plain PB&J sandwiches and potato chips every day. Try out these delicious and easy recipes to change up your meal routines at home.

BY IZZE LENTFER

W

hether you’re looking for a new hobby to take up over quarantine, trying to improve your life skills, bored, or you’re just really hungry, cooking is a great thing to do. Try out these recipes for yourself or invite your family to help you out, either way you are certainly going to impress your mom with these dishes.

Design by Izze Lentfer Make sure you wash your hands and sanitize your kitchen thoroughly before and after you cook.

If you make any of these recipes share it on your Instagram story and tag @bvnwnews to get reposted.

Be sure to check the BVNWnews Instagram and www.bvnwnews.com for more details on these meals.

BREAKFAST MONKEY BREAD 4. Cut up each biscuit dough into fourths.

5. Dunk the biscuit pieces into the butter. Next cover all sides of it in cinnamon sugar and place it in the buttered bundt pan.

Ingredients & Supplies: Bundt pan Extra butter or non-stick spray One tube of Grand biscuits ¾ butter stick Cinnamon sugar (1 cup sugar, 4 tablespoons sugar) 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Butter or use non-stick spray to cover the bundt pan.

3. Melt butter and keep it in a shallow bowl, put cinnamon sugar in another shallow bowl.

6. Repeat step five with all the biscuit pieces. Make sure to place the pieces evenly throughout the pan to ensure they will all bake evenly.

7. Bake for 45 minutes, use a fork to test to see if the dough is fully baked before taking it out of the oven.

8. Plate the Monkey bread or dish it out of the pan.

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LUNCH

31

UPGRADED GRILLED CHEESE

Ingredients & Supplies: Sourdough bread Garlic Butter Rosemary Havarti cheese Ham Arugula

1. In a little bowl, mix a tablespoon of butter and one pressed garlic clove.

Clean the rosemary and rip it into about ¼ inch pieces and combine into the butter spread.

2. Spread this mixture on the outsides of two pieces of sourdough and the inside of one of those pieces.

3. Slice the Havarti cheese into ¼ inch thick pieces and place on the one piece of bread.

4. Place the ham on top of the cheese and then the other piece of bread on top.

5. On a medium-high temperature, place the sandwich in the frying pan with the cheese side of the sandwich closer to the pan. Put the lid of the pan on to help melt the cheese.

6. Once the bread seems to be a little golden and crispy, use a spatula and carefully flip the sandwich to the other side. Press the sandwich down with the spatula. Lower the stove’s heat to be careful to not burn the bread.

7. Flip the sandwich again and continue this step until the bread is as crispy as desired, in addition to the cheese being melted.

8. If you wish, pull the sandwich apart and add arugula, fresh cracked pepper and sea salt. Then put the sandwich back together.

DINNER ASIAN STIR-FRY Ingredients & Supplies: Jasmine rice or linguini noodles Eggs (1 or 2) Sesame Oil Carrots Broccoli Kikkoman Soy Sauce Hoisin Sauce Green onion (also known as a scallion) 1. Cook the rice or noodles according to their packaging first. (If you’re only making it for yourself, only make a single serving of rice or noodles).

2.Chop broccoli and carrots into bite size pieces, try to chop them evenly.

3. Add the broccoli and carrots into a frying pan or wok, with sesame oil.

Put the lid on the pan to steam the vegetables.

4. Once the rice or noodles are al dente, firm to the bite, and the vegetables have been semicooked through, add the rice or noodles to the pan with the vegetables and add a little bit more sesame oil.

5. With a spatula clear a space in the pan to add eggs. Crack the egg and put it where the space was created in the pan.

6. Let the egg cook for a little bit and once it coagulates a little, mix all the contents in the pan together.

7. Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and mix.

8. Continue mixing the contents of the pan until it all is a little bit crispy Add one tablespoon of soy sauce into the pan and mix.

9. Dish out the contents of the pan and drizzle hoisin sauce, then garnish with green onions.

ABOUT THE EXPRESS CONTACT INFORMATION

Mailing address: 13260 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213 Phone: 913-239-3544 Website: BVNWnews.com

RESPONDING TO THE PUBLICATION Letters to the editor may be submitted electronically on our website at BVNWnews.com under the “Contact Us” tab. Letters may be published either on BVNWnews.com or in our print edition. Letters may be edited.

ABOUT US

The Express is the official high school news publication of Blue Valley Northwest High School, an open forum distributed to all students seven times a year. This is the April Issue of Volume 27. Subscription rates are $10. The Express is printed by The Sedalia Democrat, 700 South Massachusetts, Sedalia Mo. 65301.

DISCLAIMER

This is a student publication and may contain controversial matter. Blue Valley Unified School District No. 229 and its board members, officers and employees disclaim any responsibility for the content of this student publication; it is not an expression of School District Policy. Students and editors are solely responsible for the content of this student publication.

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